Eclipsed Moon Quest Episode 19Sheets and Info: pastebin.com/u/phantomcrossingTwitter Account: https://twitter.com/Artemis_QMArchive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Eclipsed+moon1/?Interlude: Shrinking InfinityHer weak voice finally reaches the nurses station, poor thing. Room 47, she must be too weak to press her call button. They only brought her in a day ago, it might be best if they moved her a room closer to the nurses station, or set up a regular check in on her.She just kept getting weaker, and they had no idea what was happening. Her blood work had come back negative, and her admitting MRI found nothing out of the ordinary. Brushing your hands off on your scrubs, you head into room 47, Azusa. The girl had been falling in and out of sleep, and the first thing you notice is her eyes squinting in the light of the room.“Oh, let me draw your curtains,” he say and pull them halfway to closed when she finds her voice again.“No...my hands,” she gasps, “get them off, they're heavy,”
>>312879582/?You turn around, and are struck by the oddity. Someone put boxing gloves on the girl, and she was too weak to lift them. Who the hell does something like that. You quickly unstrap them and set them aside.“Thank you,” she pulls her tray close and begins to pick at her lunch.You knew this girl. Your little sister was a classmate of her's at Mugen Gakusei. Shame to see someone go from so vibrant to being barely able to lift their head. Then again, working as a nurse and orderly here its always a shame. For everyone who you get to watch get better, there is always someone who suffers.“Can I have another plum juice,” she asks quietly.“Sure. I'll go get it,”“And...do you know when Moe-chan will be visiting again?”“Not for a few more hours. School day isn't out yet,” you try to smile.“Thank you, Ueda-san,” she grips the costumed stuffed bear that sits at her bedside and drifts back to sleep.Poor girl...and a strange day.You'll have to report this, and whomever pulled this boxing glove stunt will have to explain themselves. Weird, the writing on it is in an unfamiliar alphabet. Slavic maybe?End Interlude
>>312879873/3You are Mikage Chiba, second year High School Student age 15, and formerly the Champion of Love and Justice known as Sailor Moon. Presently you are marching home and into the mouth of danger. Today you are going to take a nap and have an intentional dream moot with your estranged time traveling alternate reality doppelganger older sister self. Someone got under your skin and into your dreams last night, and if they can get to you they can probably get to her.This is a professional courtesy. This has nothing to do with the fact that she grew up with you, helped raised you, and was generally a loving and kind big sister until you found out the truth. She was protective of you until you shut her out, and shunned her. You hated her, hated yourself. Stupid, it was so stupid to think he was-No, that isn't important now. Keep that shit to the back of your mind and be ready for whatever comes your way. There it is, after a few quick minutes walking you've made it home. Entering and taking off your shoes, you set your bag down and->>Remember to look at the option after &>see if Mom's around and give her a heads up that you'll be sleeping dangerously. What other details do you let her know?>check on Luna and the Kitten and give her the cliff notes about what might be about to go down.>see if Dad is around and give him the heads up that you'll be sleeping dangerously. What other details do you let him know?>head upstairs to get some more restless sleep.>Write In&>Is there anything else you would like to do before hunkering down to sleep in the next 20 minutes or so. Set a hold out alarm? Shoot an email off? Layout your other outfit to get changed afterward?
>>31288019>>check on Luna and the Kitten and give her the cliff notes about what might be about to go down.>>see if Dad is around and give him the heads up that you'll be sleeping dangerously. What other details do you let him know?We told Mom earlier, but let her know we're home now.>Is there anything else you would like to do before hunkering down to sleep in the next 20 minutes or so.Pow-wow with our Four Heavenly Generals about the situation and Elysium while we take down dreamcatchers.Layout outfit.
>>31288019>See if Mom is around and give her a heads up that you'll be sleeping dangerously. If mom's not around;>See if Dad is around, and give him a heads up that you'll be sleeping dangerously. If nobody is around, lay out our new outfit and get some (restless) sleep
>>31288019>check on Luna and the Kitten and give her the cliff notes about what might be about to go down.We should find out what the kid's name is. She has a lot in common with us, after all. Heck, if she's asleep right now, she might even end up in there with us.>see if Dad is around and give him the heads up that you'll be sleeping dangerously. What other details do you let him know?I guess we might as well tell him about the dream sharing. We told him that we've been running around in a cape, so we may as well tell him this.>Is there anything else you would like to do before hunkering down to sleep in the next 20 minutes or so. Set a hold out alarm? Shoot an email off? Layout your other outfit to get changed afterward?Let's have everything we're going to need ready to go for when we get up. We're staying down as long as we have to, and we might have to bolt out of here in a hurry.
Writing
>>312886441/2You quickly fly up stairs to see if your father is around, neither in the master bedroom or in his study, you do spy your mother tending her garden from the window. She knows what you'd be up to, so you see no point in bothering her now. What does call to action is to find Luna, she certainly needs a quick bit of informing about your oncoming activities.And while you at it, it wouldn't hurt to get the name of the kitten either. You're curious if she's going to be Diana or if Luna and Artemis had another name in mind. Slipping back downstairs, you find her in a plush fleece mat bed in the kitchen, curled around the still sleeping ball of fluff. Its eyes probably haven't even opened yet.~So, how's motherhood treating you?~ you lean over Luna.“Well enough,” she yawns, “though soon she'll be a rambunctious ball of energy I might not have the strength to keep up with. Shouldn't you be out with the others?”~Yeah, I'm actually going to take care of some personal business between myself and ChibiUsa~“Ah, the dream business you were talking with your mother about earlier. Would you like me to check up on your in a bit?” She stretches and moves her daughter by the scruff of her neck into a raised corner of the mat bed.~Sure, though whatever happens I need to see it through. So don't try to wake me early,~“I'll worry. The two of you facing this alone,” she pads over to you and nuzzles your outstretched hand, “Mother hood does agree with me, Mikage. I've been a mother several times. I've acted as a mother to Usagi, Usa, Diana, you, Koyomi, and now my own Diana,”~Ah, so you're sticking with that name?~“My future self had a reason for choosing it, and its my reason as well,” she smiles, “Good luck,”~Not about luck. Its about skill and preparedness,~ you rise and stretch, ~And I'm going into this well prepared,~
>>312893282/2Leaving Luna and Diana, you ascend to your bedroom. You unpack your other outfit and set it on the chair, happy that you get to try out your other new jacket today. Clearing the wards that are still strewn across your bed, you pitch back and uncoil your blanket. Taking a deep breath you conjure the four heavenly kings to your presence.Each is kneeling before you.<My Princess,> intones Kunzite.>What do you want to talk to the Shintennou about before going under?>Write in
>>31289348>What do you want to talk to the Shintennou about before going under?How the hell do you war council when you're essentially going in blind? Heck, we're not 100% sure that there'll be an enemy to fight at all. I suppose they've got more experience in this sort of shit than we do. Let's see what they have to say.
>>31289348>>31289348>>What do you want to talk to the Shintennou about before going under?So, Elysium. What am I dealing with there? And besides getting kinky with.. well you know by know.. just who is Helios?
>>31289348"Alright, any suggestions here? Elysium is your- our -kingdom, what's story with this dream version? Any advice on reaching it without help from HER or.. him?"
Your Generals.Your Counsel.The greatest warriors of the fallen Kingdom and your Father's personal retainers at your call for the looming fight....if there is a fight. You aren't entirely certain what you'll find on the other side.~I don't know if they'll even target her,~ you admit, ~This could be a big fight or just a quiet chat with her. What can you tell me about Elysion. What am I dealing with there? And besides getting kinky with.. well you know by know.. just who is Helios?~<You are not percisely going to the true Elysion, Princess.> Jadeite explains, <Rather, the dream realm that Lord Helios inhabits is a fragmented phantom of the kingdom sealed away in the event of an emergency.>~Okay. Besides Helios himself, what's so important that it needs to be sealed away there?~<The memory of Elysion would last for the sum total of human existence moving forward,> Nephrite continues, <Dreams of a lost kingdom and of the age of myth become immortal in memory, and even if all trace is lost from the physical world there is a cultural shared point for all who dream of it. Our culture and capital preserved in the shared memory of all humanity...and the safeguarding of the Golden Crystal.>~The Golden Crystal?~<As the Sylver Imperium Crystal is the Starseed of the Moon itself, long ago born from the earth, the Golden Crystal is the Starseed of the Earth itself. Wielded by one of worthy heart in much the same way that the Silver Crystal was,>
>>31289807<Though the people of the moon thought the humans of Earth were not yet ready for the power of the Golden Crystal, and an ancient accord was reached between the royal families. For an age, the crystal would be entrusted to youth of pure heart, who would serve as Earth's guardian and the keeper of the crystal. Those of the moon would observe the earth and its kingdoms until such a time they deemed a ruler worthy of having the crystal,> Zoicite admonishes.<It is from here that over the generations that tensions between the two worlds grew. The common man saw the authority of the 'Moon Gods' as invasive and restrictive. This unrest allowed Beryl to rise to power. Helios, unwilling to raise a hand in violence, fled with the secure dream fragment of the Kingdom before her control over the land was total> Kunzite concludes.~Any advice on reaching it without help from HER or... him?~<As its heir, the way should be open to you. Merely will it when you are aware in your dreams and you should be able to find your way,> Zoicite laughs, <Though we can lend our hand to help you find your way if you get lost,>~hmmm~>Bed Time>One More Thing. What is the thing?>Write in
>>31289827>Bed Time
>>31289827>One More Thing. What is the thing?This feels like a last chance saving throw before we forget something really important.I'm thinking we should text Usa to let her know we're ready.
>>31289827I think we should try sleeping with the our Crest active and Eclipse outfit on, not sure how well that translates, but it can't hurt.>>31289914Good point here too.Anything else we haven't thought of?
Was just looking over the sheet and question something, I thought you could cast with Controlled Rage since it didn't have the restrictions on intelligence stuff?
>>31290202~Alright then. I'll see you boys on the other side,~ you breathe deeply and press back into your pillow.You relax your hold on the crest on your brow and let it's light shine in your room. Flipping open your phone, you shoot Usa a text that you're going under. With another deep breath, you close your eyes.Sleep, even when you are wrought with guilt and worry, always comes easy to you. Now, with something important on the line, that remains true and you feel the world around you fall away as you are enveloped in the comforting dark.It isn't clear when you became aware, but you stand in an unfamiliar place. It is a wondrous city of spires and flying vehicles. The sky is blue, the grass is green. Everything is sort of shiny and beautiful. You've come to your senses in a park seated on the edge of a fountain filled with the clearest water you've ever seen. At the center of the fountain is a marble carving of Aunt Ami and another woman with long hair and a beautiful gown. You haven't seen much of her, but you know her to be Sailor Neptune. Together they hold a large marble urn aloft that decants into the pool at the fountain's base.There are slipper sandals beneath your hand as your feet soak in the basin. This is not Elysion, this is somewhere else. A child's laughter catches your attention, and you turn to take in the scene of the park. A small girl with hair like your own runs by, chasing after a floating black sphere with Luna's face drawn on it cartoonishly, and antenna, and cat ears. There is something oddly familiar about her...other than being you when you were 5 or 6 but in a cute little dress gown.>Investigate the child>Wait here for Usa>Explore the park>Try to Will yourself to Elysion>Write in
>>31290459>Wait here for Usa
>>31290459>Investigate the childThis isn't seriously what Usa dreams about, is it? It doesn't seem like it could be our dream if Luna P is involved, but it also doesn't fit with the shadows' MO
>>31289827>Those of the moon would observe the earth and its kingdoms until such a time they deemed a ruler worthy of having the crystal,Note to self, ask who would be a qualifying moon observer today.>>31290459>Investigate the childWithout Helios watching her, she might be in her own dreams for once and not snapped out of it.
>>31290459See if we can think to out shadows, have them watch around us as we investigate.Also, are we in our natural state now? Seems like we should.
>>31290394Most Skill Usage Restrictions are lifted.However when you level I will present choices to help narrow down feat selection.Under the Rage Tree will be a feat from...dammit where did it go?It grants you lucidity while raging, and now I can't find it...FRELL
>>31290459>>Investigate the child
>>31290394Apparently a common misunderstanding. Does reduce the usefulness I though it had.>>31290931Moment of Clarity? I noticed a couple mentions of it while poking around.
>>31291040>Does reduce the usefulness I though it had.Yeah. We're gonna have to keep working on our focus and try to be more serene, I guess.Not anytime soon, we still got some mad in our system.
>>31291001<Fan out, search for anyone coming and keep a sharp eye on us,> you mentally command of the 4, who streak away from you in all directions.Removing your feet from the cool and clear basin, you slide the sandals on. Free from the water, you notice your toenails are painted, which is unusual. Perhaps it is part of Usa's dream. Come to think of it, you haven't had a manicure or a pedicure in forever, and the only time you ever think of painting either set of nails is when you break out into the world as Miki.Oddities aside, something draws you to the playing child. She could be an internal projection of yourself or Usa within her dream. This must be her dream, right? Its Crystal Tokyo as it has previously been described to you, but much more beautiful than you'd ever imagined.Rising, you walk over to the child, and notice you yourself are wearing a long and flowing white gown. Your hair has returned to it's extended and long state, trailing behind you like a train along with the hem of the gown. Way too fancy for your tastes.The child pauses at your approach, snatching the Luna Sphere from the air with both tiny arms before running up to you and smiling broadly.“HI!” she exclaims, “You're pretty like my mommy,”~I probably am, what's your name, kid?~“I am the Small Lady, heir to the Crystal Throne and daughter of Neo Queen Serenity! But I like you, so you can call me Usagi!” the child beams before turning serious and stares at you dubiously,”Unless you're a bad guy, in which case you better watch out. I can be pretty bad myself when I need to be.”There is a certain adorable innocence about this child, this child who is Usa. Usa who can still have innocent dreams. You hate that about her.
>>31291549~Well, I'm Mikage,~ you stand tall and proud, ~And you need to come to your senses so we can have a nice chat with you boyfriend to make sure you're little brain city here is nice and defensible,~“Brain city? Boyfriend? I-”She pauses, and a haze lifts over her eyes. Piercing red stares up into yours and wavers. She begins to cry.“Mikage?” she is on the edge, “Oh, oh sister. I thought I was ready. I'm sorry for what we-”She stops and looks down at herself. Her suddenly adult mannerisms out of synch with the voice and body she was using to express them.“Why am I a child again?”Well, you've found Usa. And your blood isn't boiling and you aren't suppressing the urge to vomit.>Greet your little big sister. What do you say?>Mock your little big sister. What do you say?>Why not both?>Come on, down to business.>Write in
>>31291573>Why not both?
>>31291573>Greet your little big sister. What do you say?There is no subject so urgent that it should be brought up before mentioning the weather.
Where did the others go?I usually like having more than just two posts before I start writing. I have enough to work with but now I'm just a tad curious.
>>31291573>Greet your little big sister. >Come on, down to business.
>>31291573>cryingAh hell.>>31291589>>31291641Look around in answer."Nice weather here, must be how you remember it. Good weather, and still a child."Pat her on the head."How does is feel to be the little sister?"
>>31291868I assume it's because it's late. I'm on PDT, so is no big thing for me, but I think most of the East Coast crew is probably asleep.
>>31291993I admit, I am only functional now because of coffee and ten minute power naps after each update. For I too am an Eastbro
>>31291868I'm here. Just trying to post from phone while gaming at same time. Delays some.
>>31291573>>Come on, down to business.we will be professional about this, the hurt we've nursed will not get in the way of protecting family. That said, we do this out of familial obligation, nothing more.
>>31292079~So, this place has some really nice weather. Does it always feel like warm spring or is this just your preferred memory?~ she looks like she's going to say something again, maybe even cry the way her face is scrunched up, ~but we've got more important matters to tend to. How does it feel to be the little sister now, anyway?~You grin. You feel empowered in mocking the shrunken paradoxical spore.“Damn it, Mikage!” she stamps her feet, “I'm trying to apologize and you're making jokes. I hurt you, we hurt you and I can never take it back. I thought I'd gotten it out of my system...but I just felt so small and terrible when I went to sleep,”~Not going to lie,~ you turn to survey the wondrous city that's waiting for her on the other side of the Cherry Road, ~I hate your guts. I spent years thinking I wanted to make you suffer for...for everything. Got a glimpse of what that might be like last night, and I didn't like it.~She stares at you, shocked. If there's one thing you've spent the past few years being, it was blunt and direct with any interaction between yourself and her just to get her out of you hair quicker.~So do me a favor and don't beat yourself up over that crap,~There is a moment of silence between you. You aren't looking at her, but you can feel her little fist balling up. Resolve, frustration, or anger; you cannot sense which.~Anyway, lets head out to Elysion and see if we can't get some answers from your boy toy or draw out whoever attacked me with myself~ you turn to face her and are surprised to see her cheeks puffed in anger and her shoulders set ramrod straight.“You warned me that I'd get attacked with my own negative emotions,” she begins with an angry edge.
>>31292518As much as you hate to admit it, the two of you are shockingly similar. She levels and accusatory finger at you.“I thank you for bringing this matter to my attention, but where do you get off warning me that I'll be attacked with my own negative emotions, set them off with your little revelation, and then act evasive or like a bitch toward me when I'm trying to apologize to you!” by the end she's screaming and red faced.Its kind of adorable.>Try to resolve this. What are you feeling & how do you express it to Usa?>HAHA, oh its on! What are you feeling & how do you express it to Usa?>Evade this. What are you feeling and how do you hide it from Usa?>Write In>Scream back in her face. What do you scream about?
>>31292561>>HAHA, oh its on! What are you feeling & how do you express it to Usa?ALL OF IT. TAKE THIS, MY HATE MY ANGER AND ALL OF MY SORROW.
>>31292561>Evade this. What are you feeling and how do you hide it from Usa?Hard to take her seriously in this form. And we already did a bitch slapping today, so let's evade for now.
>>31292561Oh goodness. These open-ended prompts certainly are difficult to get into the right frame for.The thing I want to say right at this moment is not right for Mikage. Actually, I don't think it's right for anyone.
>>31292671Maybe be calm about it. Calmly explain this, but yeah, Hate, Anger and Sorrow.
>>31292671Thirding this option, we have SO MUCH HATE, and we need to vent it, lest it consume us/ get turned against us. A simple "sorry" doesn't excuse the years of mental trauma we endured due to the small laddie's selfishness.
>>31292561>As much as you hate to admit it, the two of you are shockingly similar.>>HAHA, oh its on! What are you feeling & how do you express it to Usa?Well, being like us in some ways, we might have to headbutt pretty hard to clear this out. Better to get it out of system before we might run into shadow stuff."Look, I'm not trying to be evasive. I thought a few jabs might take your mind off your small problem, but I guess there are some areas where we are still alike. Hard time letting shit go."
>>31292561>HAHA, oh its on! What are you feeling & how do you express it to Usa?Come to think of it, we've never really fought, have we? I've been mad at you for years, but I mostly just shut you out. It's so much easier to understand when I'm in a fight than when I'm talking to people. I just get mad and do what comes naturally. It makes me feel peachy. You're starting to smell like peaches. Dammit, and this isn't the time or place for it at all. We should have it out for real when you're back in town sometime.
>>31292921Oooh. Peaches. Everything is peaches!
>>31292955Last time we went to sleep, we woke up a vampire. It's been kind of on the sidelines for the last few episodes, but I think this is a good time for it to make itself known again.
>>31292561> its on.You know what the WORST thing about meeting yourself is? All the shit you dont like about HER is the stuff you don't like about yourself. So come on, lets hear it. What have i done to you thats so aweful you think you need to throw a hissy fit about it? Want to compare? Because from where im standing your life looks... yeah sky blue and rosy.
>>31292810"Look, I've hated you, you'd been good to me, I adored you.. then I found out about all the lies.Those hurt me, and worse confused me. Didn't know who I was, got me throwing myself into the Sailor Moon gig, trying to prove myself to a mother that seemed to give more care to a different version of me.. making me the 'wrong' version...Still though, learning about Helios, that my dreams weren't my own, that other things weren't meant for me.. that hurt. A lot. ..More than I normally like to admit."
Short delay
>>31293137https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hmDZz5pDOQ
>>31293123Look around us again."I think this is the first time I've been in a real dream as myself. Still not my dream.. but a nice change.I'll bet you haven't dealt with your own dreams for a long time either, judging from your runty status at the moment."Honestly, your Helios should have had more idea about that mess than you should have, he's the dream expert."
>>31293218"But you know what, shit works out, in it own fucked up way. I'm my own person, free from what fate may have had in mind for me, and choosing my own destiny. So.. I guess I won't worry as much about being compared to you as much any more.I'm still mad- like I said, hard time letting shit go- but.. less mad.I don't want to see you suffer, and stop bawling your eyes out, I've done enough on that today, and I'm likely to start if you keep that up.." Eyes probably watering for awhile.
>>31292128Alright, session is over, full attention on the quest time!
>>31293421*its own*enough of that
If this is going to devolve into social combat we should~Dad likes me better than you~Plus a physical total defense against shin kick versions of "slap"
Rolled 16 + 13I am going to need 3d20 from you guys.Persuasion , intimidate . persuasionI will add the +6 modifiers to each.DC's are 15, the die roll I am making & 10 in that orderBest of three for each roll. 1s & 20s wild.And do you want to spend a surge on roll 1, 2, or 3?
Rolled 13 + 13>>31293814You are a size category larger than Usa, so you gain a +4 circumstance bonus on Intimidate, making your total bonus +10 for the middle roll.
>>31293814>>31293852Forgot to figure in her -4, from being small. So that's 16+9. 25.
Rolled 13, 20, 11 = 44>>31293814I wasn't sure which dice god to use, so I prayed to Wayang.
Rolled 4, 8, 1 = 13>>31293814Surge on the last persuasion.Do you want more words? I'm got more.
Rolled 4, 16, 18 = 38>>31293814Maybe we can be friends?
>>31293910I don't think a surge is gonna help us there. Not now.
Rolled 11, 3, 4 = 18>>31293910I think you've said enough sir. Indeed I do.
>>31293910I think the lesson here is always pray to Wayang.
>>31293925Actually, Surge could help there, that's vs a 10, we can still beat it or mitigate it.
>>31293896>>31293910>>31293915Persuasion: DC 15 vs 19.Intimidate: DC 25 vs 30. 1 degree of SuccessPersuasion DC 10 vs 7 with a call for spending Planet power to surge.Do you spend Planet Power to Surge?
>>31293959I'd say take the surge, we need this to go well with less distressed feelings.
>>31293959>dem drills>dat feel when Katawa Yandere is probably never coming backI should go to bed. My focus is officially shot to hell.
>>31293974Agreed.
>>31293974Also agreed
Rolled 3Spending
I fear we may have lost him.
1/many End of Thread post~Look, I'm not trying to be evasive. I thought a few jabs might take your mind off your small problem, but we both have a hard time letting shit go.~ you grouse in the face of her outburst, ~So fine. Come to think of it, we've never really fought, have we? I've been mad at you for years, but I mostly just shut you out. Do you want to do this now? I'm ready, I like fighting, its so much easier to understand people when they're running on instinct.~“That's not what I meant. I just thought...I didn't know what to think. You shut me out and the only lead I had was that you were upset that we were the same person but for my interference in the time line,” she drops her small head in her hands before snapping back up to you, “I wanted to help, I wanted to know what was wrong. No matter what I'm your big sister and I'm worried about you...and then I was worried about us,”~I've hated you, you'd been good to me, I adored you.. then I found out about all the lies. They left me hurt and confused. Didn't know who I was except stuck in your shadow. So when the time came to be Sailor Moon, I threw myself into it as hard as I could. Took all of Saturn's bullshit training trying to prove myself to her and mom. Saturn telling me she knew I was capable of better, always comparing me to you,~“She was scared. She didn't know if she'd be able to teach you. I told her that if she wanted to protect you...and to protect me, then she shouldn't pull her punches on your training. We are the same person to her, and the thought that if she didn't push you hard enough, that our getting hurt was her fault was almost too much for her.” She looks away from you in a hint of shame with a well of anger building behind it, “And you NEVER needed to prove yourself to mom,”
>>31294752~Yeah yeah, it was all in my head, I got the impression that she cared more about you. You, a different version of me that I could never live up to, whose life I would never lead. I was the 'wrong' version of me, always thinking I didn't measure up. And after I quit, I thought I didn't deserve it,~“So you thought avoiding the problem was the best solution? Oh, that must be working out so well for you, isn't it?”~I broke down. Things happened and I finally talked to people about why I quit. No one actually knows my real problem with you, just the bullshit of my tenure in the tiara. The only thing mom knows about this is that I mentioned we can share dreams and we were going to meet there today to make sure you didn't get attacked like I did,~“So, are you using the attack as an excuse to finally have this out? Because it seems really one sided; and at this point it's your own fault for-”The anger rises inside of you. Here it is, the hurdle you'd been avoiding. The thing you'd TRIED avoiding with her.~I THOUGHT HELIOS WAS MINE!~ you roar at her with fangs bared before becoming quiet, ~And it hurt. It hurt and fucked me up. I was seven. Those dreams, that beautiful place. I thought they were all for me. I didn't understand most of what was going on but I felt so loved and safe...and those weren't even my feelings. They were yours,~She had stepped back in wide eyed terror when you gnashed your teeth at her, but regained her footing as you calmed down. This is the thing neither of you was ready to talk about, the perceived love of Helios that tore the two of you asunder. She's about to cry and it might tip you over the edge.~I don't want to see you suffer. That's why I didn't want to talk about it. Don't start bawling your eyes out, I've done enough on that today, and its going to set me off if you start~ you fall to your knees, shaking, in certain emotional fatigue from the outburst.
>>31294770“Why shouldn't I? It hurts that we're both so screwed up,”~And you think my long term silent treatment toward you excuses how you threw a hissy fit about something I didn't want to talk about? Okay, want to compare? Because from where I'm standing your life looks... yeah sky blue and rosy~“I've suffered my share, sister,” she meets your gaze with eyes of steel, “Before you were born and after. Everyone else's life always looks more appealing, maybe more so when they're you,”Screw her and her reasoned points. Is she implying she was jealous of the life you lived before the two of you stopped talking? You calm down and stop angrily shaking as you get back up, without batting her away as she helps you. She doesn't question the fangs, its reassuring.~Still though, learning about Helios, that my dreams weren't my own, that other things weren't meant for me.. that hurt. A lot. ..More than I normally like to admit,~This was cathartic. It reminded you of how you unloaded on Luna about THAT night. Usa helps you back to the fountain bench.“And you've every right to feel hurt and betrayed,” she leans a head against your shoulder, “That was never our intentions,”The two of you sit there in silence for a few minutes.~So. Have the two of you started having freaky dream sex since I started actively keeping you out?~She stutters and blushes.“Y-you d-don't want to know anything about that?”~Yeah, I really don't...I just wanted to get you flustered~Episode 19 EndInterlude Vote:>Messenger App of the Gods>Thief in the wind>There's something about Gai>Slipping through the pincers
>>31294781>>Thief in the windIs he still running?
>>31294781>There's something about GaiMainly cause I have this mental image of Keiko and Midori trying to figure out Gai. It ends in someone singing 'Is he gay or European?'
>>31294781That went relatively well.Thanks for the late night run, Art.I had expected her to try bringing up her intention to leave from her interlude, did we talk her down or is she just holding off on that?Had a response ready to go for that.Is Thief in the wind some Jewel Thief?
>>31294781>Thief in the wind
>>31294781>There's something about Gai
I sorta live again.Q&A availae at the speed of...zzzzzz
Okay, next thread will open after the interlude with a short press panel interview with 4 characters at the table answering Questions within a certain scale of reason.The big question is, which four characters do you guys want at the table?
>>31299243My mind immediately goes in every direction.Characters we haven't heard much about, villains, Mikage herself for a strange meta conversation with the character, characters that aren't in the quest so far, or just chat with the girls. Etc.
I'm _really_ bad with names and on my phone but:Billionaire Voiced by Tim Curry, Aliens Guy, PIT Commander Voiced by George Te.. Ta.. Voiced by Sulu, and Beryl (not queen).
>>31299243Saturn.
>>31300470I'm open to other suggestions, but that's what came to me off hand.When I get to a computer I'll have to check names. Like Scientist Working with Shadow Stuff.Or we leave questioning big wigs aside and chat at other people. Like Ami.
>>31299243Is next thread today?
>>31294781>>There's something about Gai
>>31301272No. It will not be.
>>31299243Lessee here... Most of all, I want this to be funny. I think that can best be made to happen with Rin, Venus, Midori, and Gai.
>>31301368Perhaps maybe Tuesday or Wensday?
>>31301624Nope. Maybe Monday, maybe.Otherwise I'll try for a long spot next weekend on Next Monday.Seriously, Monday of Passover I'll give you such a quest.And I should, probably revise my stats for Dark Helios & give some baseline stats to Usa.Chibi Usa is: Level 11, Tier 5. Has access to 5th Level Spells, a comparable MP Pool & a time displaced Silver Crystal from the future,
>>31302439That's....moderately horrifying actually. Like...damn. If she should ever turn against us. SHADOWRUNS INTENSIFY
>>31302609We might actually have to leave that to the adults. But the whole point of this dream quest is to help make sure it doesn't get that far.
>>31302609And that is in a world where most humans are below and cannot rise past 6 hit dice.Dark Helios, however...What Undead or Fey statblock to I re-base him off of. Alt form WInged Nightmare is a given...but what to do, what to do... I'm going to make a quick list of all the things that are likely waiting for you here on the Dreamscape that you guys as players already know about: Dark Helios (Injured), Shadow BEAR, Shadow Azusa Mugen, Assorted Human Shadows of negligible power, and the enthralled Amazon Quartet. It is a certaintly that you'll be beset by a manifestation of Chibi Usa's own darkness much like you were, but there is something to rejoice about. Usagi-mama didn't raise no fools...except maybe Koyomi who is way too much like herself.
>>31302881 Trio. Enthralled Trio.
>>31302943Is that instead of the Asteroid Senshi or in addition to? I ask cause I don't remember seeing them.
>>31305389 it looks like Dark Helios has the Amazon Trio in his thrall. Usa is bringing the Asteroid Senshi to the table..
>>31305843Okay, cool. Though I'm not sure she needs us if she's already called her own posse.
>>31305959I don't think they'd be here, or exist I think.
>>31309650They have been confirmed to exist in an earlier thread, where they are I couldn't say, but considering it never seems to be an issue for people to pop up when plot demands in the SM universe, they may be there in spirit...wow, my thoughts got dirty quick.
>>31309922It's okay. If we weren't perverts, none of us would be here.
Loose stats for lots of folks are frustrating.I chose to run a d20 quest, but darn it if I don't need to constantly about starting stuff to get it done.On a related note, Earth Bolt is now World Shaking, & I need to come up with incantation rules for Team Combination Attacks & powers.(Looking at you Sailor Planet Teleport & then at the only listed attacks for the Quartet)
>>31312276Constantly complain about statting stuff*There, correcting my dropped word and the annoying auto correct.
>>31312276And we appreciate your dedication. Here's a picture of a little girl with a stack of delicious pancakes.
>>31312521(Each one needs a special attack focus. I think I've got all their themes down.)
>>31312521Okay, so. here is some thematic info about Usa's team.The Sailor QuartetAlso known as the Asteroid SenshiSailor Vesta: Senshi of Hearth fire & steel.Sailor Juno: Senshi of Curative Energy & CrystalsSailor Ceres: Senshi of Flowering Beauty & HypnosisSailor Pallas: Senshi of Civilization & Craftsmanship
>>31309922Huh, I must have missed something somewhere.
>>31315262The opening of Mikage's dream combat against herself. She overhead Chibiusa talking with them.And during Therapy Cat, Luna mentioned the Sailor Quartet backed up the Second Sailor Moon.
>>31315390Wow. We seriously were the only one stuck going solo, weren't we? Did we draw the fucking short straw or what?
>>31315460We insisted that we could handle thing on our own to prove ourselves.And I'd guess Usa's bodyguards stayed with her- and we never had our own version.>>31315390Huh, misinterpreted that before. I think of the original quartet of protectors first.
>>31315460Well the only one that might have gone with was Hotaru and we didn't enjoy our time with her.
>>31315661Now we just gotta get over our hangups and recruit the future hosts/apprentice Shintennou, and then maybe get/quest for the Golden Crystal once we learn it's lost in pieces.Kairi is an obvious candidate for Nephrite's successor.And on another thought, which mythic path do you guys think Venus will be?
>>31315460I get the feeling the Heavenly Kings were meant to be our court and...I don't know, we goofed up? I just get the feeling we were supposed to have discovered them and found their new bearers earlier, like, before start of quest earlier.
>>31315888That's probably why we were given a chance to back out last thread, now that I think about it. We were extremely confused when we were given that option when our goal seemed straightforward Artemis, confirm/deny?
>>31315969Which Option? Back out of what now? Explain, and I will sleep and tend a response come mornin'
>>31315969To be fair, the shit started dripping then went monsoon pretty quickly story wise, I'd have called what happened less confusing and more "oh god someone apply the breaks, this fucking train" but the ride never ends, etc, etc. Which is partly why I think our main goal at this point is to get our guys their new skin suits, we need our own backup as the enemy is hitting multiple fronts, not just one guy forming retarded traps that we can foil once a week and call it a day.
>>31315888We have already met three of four potential hosts.Also there is the option to directly resurrect them as themselves, or let them fade into death and thence presumably into reincarnation.Also reincarnated beryl might fall under our authority, but that depends on a few things.
>>31316052Beryl has failed to lure the pull of Chaos twice, fuck that noise. Unless there is some kind of ward we can slap on here or basically make her a constant negative emotional snack-toy, she can stay a voice in some girls head.
>>31316125Our generals also fell to evil twice. And it wasn't even a big evil like what got Beryl.Beryl's reincarnation probably isn't destined for a normal life. Plus taking her under our aegis would make her a vassal instead of an usurper. I would rather have her working for us than against us or dead.And we aleady have Gai as a easily provoked snack/toy...Assuming he isn't secretly a military scout for his planets inevitable expansion plans. Fifty two kids? They're gonna need more room -somewhere-!
>>31316197The Generals were corrupted entirely against their will, Berly went willingly into Chaos' arms, there is a big difference there. Now, we are going to have to do something to bolster the Generals defences against Chaos' corruption if they are turned that easily. But someone who walks openly into the hands of evil on two occasions? Maybe third time will be the charm, but shadowruns says don't trust unless you can strap a bomb to it.>"Now Berly, you see this button? You betray me, and this button makes you go boom.">"I wouldn't bother looking for where the bomb is hidden on you either, that will make you go boom too."We'll discuss this later eh?Also, >implying Gai isn't going to end up with Koyomi.Besides, we got ourselves a violent boxer, we're covered
>>31315878Eh, I dunno that much about mythic paths... Cancer Mage?
>>31316459I think that Keiko will be able to handle Beryl just fine, given proper support. We just need to figure out what that sort of support entails, and arrange it for her. Maybe Midori would make a good Jadeite?
>>31316622ChampionGuardianTricksterHierophantArch magsMarshal
>>31315878I think we'll try to stick the the hold plan for now, maybe we'll consider doing things, but I think there's leaning against giving up on bringing the old Shitennou to life. If we could pick an apprentice and still have a shot at returning them, folks might relax sooner, though it will be a litle bit before get over things enough to recruit people into the life that we hated for a year and a half.>And on another thought, which mythic path do you guys think Venus will be?I'm leaning toward Marshal, with her talking all the time and knowing stuff, it seems like a thing.Or Hierophant for the feels.Or another Champion since she's all punchy.>>31315888I don't think so, we've had a variety of options with them, including destroying them outright and ignoring, And even if we were actively looking for a crew, we haven't had enough time to fill that roster.Think about this: By the time we go to the launch party, the 36 hours will have passed since we started the quest. We've been amazingly busy in that time, and will likely sleep for a week tonight, even with our nap today.>>31315969>>31316042I'm not followin' what you're sayin' here.>>31316125Beryl was corrupted once by Metallia and that corrupted Queen was reawaken by Metallia in her unsuspecting reincarnation. Much like Queen Beryl seems to have down with the unsuspecting reincarnations of the Shitennou.If the new enemy keeps attacking Keiko, we're going to have to try bringing her under our wing for her own safety (and everyone else's). At least it seems that our Restoration has cleansed some of the old Metallia corruption as well (Earth Power, Fuck Yeah).
>>31313813Man, I read that description of the Asteroid Senshi, an my first thought is 'they could make an awesome sword working together'.One working the fires of the forge, one providing mystic crystals to be worked into it, another working the ascetics and beauty, and the last bringing those elements together with masterful crafting.
>>31319350>I'm not followin' what you're sayin' here.Basically that our main goal for Mikage is to get her knights up and running as quick as we can, make sure they are capable of resisting corruption, and then party hard. Whomever the enemy is, seems to be operating on multiple fronts, assuming the psychics, thief, and the shadow stealers are all operating together. Which means while the new scouts are fighting an enemy on one front, we have to have something in place when they attack elsewhere, and the Shitennou make a good contingency plan.>Beryl was corrupted once by Metallia and that corrupted Queen was reawaken by Metallia in her unsuspecting reincarnation.See, I was under the assumption that Berly's first reincarnation was actually free of the corruption caused by Serenity using the crystal to cause the first round of reincarnation, and her second life just decided to follow the same path as the first to accept Metallia's power.
Your assorted shadowruns, theories, and plans fill me with delight.DELIGHT!What you have right, what you've wrong, and the places you wish to go.Delight.
>>31319683(Steals idea vigorously) (cross references manga for other info) (hello new group induced princess powerup)
>>31319985I'd disagree about that being our main goal, more of a side quest. I suspect we might succumb to it eventually, but we'll ride the Lone Batman train as far as we can.Though with Kairi hanging on as determinedly as it looks like she's planning to, we may have our Robin sooner than we would have guessed before.Being Endymion doesn't seem to be on Mikage's radar yet, she's leading in with the Moonlight Knight gig still. I kinda feel like going full prince(ss) of Earth and actively filling out our own roster is a future arc for us. Like Usagi being a more of a crybaby still when starting out as Sailor Moon, we're still kind of a shut-in at heart.Though only time and character development shall really tell where we go next.>>31320300Yay!
>>31320574I'm glad that my weaponing instincts have gone to good use!I saw 'fire & steel' and my mind was already thinking of forging as I read the rest of them.Is it strange to want a house just so you can have a place to put a small forge?
>>31320769Oh, the character arcs I am looking forward too.
>>31321259Mis entered trip
>>31320833I think you'd have trouble putting a forge in anything smaller or rented, so no.
>>31320833Well, Hearthfire & Steel. The Asteroid Senshi bear the torch of civilization.
>>31323021True.Honestly you mention most metals and I'll start thinking in forge terms.Except for aluminium. Then I think of Top Gear and lightened cars.
>>31319350 In most of the versions of the story, Sailor Venus is the leader of the Princess's Guard
>>31327163Good point. Marshal making even more sense then. Groovy.
>>31316033I meant the option of backing out of going to bed last thread.
>>31328420I merely provide options
>>31329650The options. Sure. also the rope, the booze, and a nice man to put the chair away, I suppose...
>>31329976Yes. You've guys have done a good job of doing the right thing & not running away.
>>31329976I'm really having trouble seeing how backing out of this dream would have helped us at all.I know I wasn't looking forward to explaining to Usa why we went an to idol concert before we helped her.
>>31331115>I'm really having trouble seeing how backing out of this dream would have helped us at all.It leads to a tiger stamp.
>>31331115 Despite the frequency with which I ride trains, I am no conductor, this isn't the Artemis Express, and we aren't on rails. At least I try to make sure we aren't on rails.
>>31331963>>31331115The options are options, for weal or woe.
>>31331963At least until Wild Wild Qwest. Then there is a railroad and an Artemis Express.
>>31332998...perceptive...
>>31331963I don't think that's what is happening here, I just meant to say that I agreed with the decision we made.
>>31334303And we're questioning why I put up an option, even though it was antithetical to what you had been building toward?Because sometimes, people do irrational things, and that option, with the flimsiest of justification, must remain on the table if Ibrealize or remember.
>>31334399Which is as it should be. I'm honestly surprised that anyone needed it spelled out so plainly.Oh, and you forgot your trip.
>>31334742I think they were just shadowrunning deep enough to begin question all things.
>>31334399I get why you gave us the option, it's just that >>31315969 seemed to think that we would have avoided something bad by choosing it. I was hoping he would elaborate on what he thought that was.
