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Recent Events Summary:

Fang - having picked up on a few tells - deduced that the Black Lady was in fact Melody. Both of them revealed their true feelings, good and bad. Ultimately, they reconciled, and rediscovered something they had believed lost.

Later, you met with Auriel. Hecate agreed to take her to see Donovan within his dream, though things between them aren't particularly peachy. While they were gone, you had a strange conversation with Adavan, in which he implied that Hecate's goals might not align with your own. You also learned that Hecate can hear any nearby telepathic speech, reguardless of if it was directed only at particular persons or not.

Auriel informed you that while Charmeine is stuck in her position as a moderate influence within the Ring City, the more enigmatic Raphael wants to speak with you the following morning. In the meantime, you're going to see Fang and cook up some airship-related trouble for Kan-Abar's forces.

Duke Vellik was also meeting with Fang; he apparently wanted to retrieve a few undisclosed items from a secret cashe outside Evinbrook. You broke into and pocketed the Bolt, one of Kelvere's airships, which created quite a distraction. After leaving an illusory army behind to fool the demon lord, you're gliding back to rondevouz with the duke on the other side of the river.

The duke revealed that he'd saved three empty dynamo shells. By working with Steward, you were able to charge up three dynamos with the Shadow element using the Shadow mana pool at Haven, along with a chunk of your own life force. In exchange for charging them, you kept one of them for yourself.

You're now on the walk around the Dobshire training grounds, watching Joey and Raphael practice.

ITS TIME

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Ability Tree

GREEN abilities have been unlocked and learned.

BLUE abilties are unlocked, but are not yet purchased.

RED abilities are revealed, but locked due to prerequisites.

UNDERLINED abilities are active-use, as opposed to passive. Not all active abilities require mana.

All Revealed Ability Descriptions:

http://pastebin.com/9QRZs8RG

Books the Main Character has read:

http://pastebin.com/dAXR00gP

Character Sheet including learned abilities and other important information:

http://pastebin.com/64VcuCVk

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Current Statistics:

HP: 81/81
Mana: 76/76
EXP: 14

Shards of Order and Chaos:

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

--Summoned--

Wisp - 1 mana to order

--Automatons--

Vita (Shade)

--Equipment--

Utility belt with purse

--Inventory--

Aurora Water Gem (pocket)
Shade (pocket)
Shadow Dynamo (pocket)

--Teleport Anchor--

Evinbrook Basin - on the highlands just west of the Tairns

--Current Location--

Arland - Dobshire

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

Known Mana Pools:

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

SM, just wanted to wish you a late congratulations on getting into Pharmacy School.
you're beautiful
stay beautiful

Rolled 87

>>31353093
Rolling to consume Joey.

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You decide to hold onto the core for now. You can always consume it later, and it might prove very useful in a pinch.

You head through the castle until you reach the door to the upper wood walkway that boarders the training grounds. You step out onto the planks, running a hand down the rail as you go. The training grounds are almost empty - Arland is mobilizing. Most of the knights already returned home and are marching to Vischon with their gathered forces.

But there is a young boy there, hacking at a training dummy. And an angel.

Raphael is a tall man, and obviously muscular. The feathers of his wings are a slight gold, and are tucked firmly behind his back. His hair is a bright blonde.

"It's a slice, boy, not a swing! A slice!" Raphael has his own sword in hand, a thin edge of steel about three feet long. He waves Joey off with a hand and steps in front of the dummy. "Don't cut -into- your enemy, per se. Cut across him. Slice at him. Slide the blade along the surface to be cut." Raphael pivots on a foot, sliding his blade along the wood in an exaggerate curving motion. "The proper slice extends the length upon which you cut. A sword cuts best in a smooth, straight motion. It's not an axe, it's not for chopping. Do it slowly. Perfect the motion. Speed comes later."

"Yes sir."

"Alright. Now show me."

Joey takes his time, and his motion improves dramatically. He's obviously been practicing. He just doesn't have it all quite down, yet.

Ahead of you, leaning on the railing, is a woman - a young girl. Her skin is dark, heavily tanned, in a appearance, though tinged with an odd blue hue. You can almost smell an ocean on her, and her spirit is a strong orb of Water. The prince's cousin, Uluad Deva.

You're curious about her, but you came here to talk to Raphael. You hop over the railing and land in the dusty training yard.

>con't

Rolled 767

>>31353156

Rolling to consume you.

Joey is focused on his practice, and doesn't notice you come up. Raphael turns his head. You meet his eyes. There's a long silence.

Joey's sword thumps into the wood. "Damn." He puts a foot on the dummy and tugs it free. The action sends him stumbling backwards. You catch him before he falls over.

"Whoa. Thank you, si - oh, Sh - John!"

"Hey Joey. How's the swordwork coming?"

"It's coming, I guess," Joey says. "Practice makes perfect."

You look back at Raphael. "Auriel had said you wished to speak to me."

"Mmm." He gestures toward a lonely corner of the training yard. "Keep it up, boy."

"Yes sir." Joey goes back to work.

Raphael leads you to a patch of tramped grass. His soul is Light - pure light, no other elements. He folds his arms. "Auriel wouldn't tell me who you are, exactly. But she seems to trust you. I never thought I would live to see the day when Auriel Carpenter considered someone of your element a close friend."

"First time for everything."

"Yeah," he says. "There is. But I was there, with Charmeine, when we found her. Half-starved. Broken." He turns to face you. "Imagine that, Nyx. Captain Auriel Lightchosen, a shattered mess of a human. You'd never think it."

"...I wouldn't. She's strong."

"She earned it," he says. "A lot of people are born lucky. Some have talent, or they come from noble stock. Maybe they're good at manipulating other people, better in their studies, or physically stronger. They coast to the top, like Lucifer, like Sandalphon. Like Yi Fang and Duke Vellik. But Auriel and I aren't like that. Myself, maybe less so. I am the 4th Highest for my blood, sweat, and tears. Good old fashioned hard work.

"I don't really have time to get to know you," Raphael adds, "but I'm curious. You appeared from nowhere. What type are you? A manipulator, like Lucifer? Or just someone with power, like the Most High?"

>I'm just someone with power.
>I worked hard for what I have.
>I might have power, but I was born unlucky.
>some other strategy

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reminder

>>31353134

Well thanks!

>>31353195
>>some other strategy
gimmie some time
i'm gonna look at my shadow dialogue notes

>>31353195
>I worked hard for what I have.
"Most people seem to have trouble trusting a shadow mages though that is understandable."

>>31353195
"I'm someone who makes friends."

>>31353195
"All of those."

>>31353195
"I was born with potential. What I have become is through my own doing. You may place me in whichever camp you please."

>>31353195

"Some things come more easily than others. My strength came quickly - but learning where to use it has been much more difficult to me. I pray that keeping my friends safe is enough."

>answering his question without really answering his question

>>31353260
>that is understandable
no.

also that dialog is terrible all around.

>>31353275
We aren't a manipulator

>>31353195
Aren't we kinda all of those? I mean, we've had some pretty rotten luck before, had to work past it as much as anyone else would, and we're definitely someone who has power but didn't really start with a whole lot of it.

>>31353290
>>31353294
These

>>31353301
You must new here.

>>31353290
I like this one.

>>31353294
I'm sure the angel that appreciates straightforwardness is going to appreciate us circling his question without an answer, anon.
That's sarcasm, btw.

>>31353290
Seconding this.

>>31353195
"I have had to do a lot of things as the situation called for them. The most optimal route, you understand?"

>>31353195
"what if I am none of those things, why can I just be a someone capeable with a very agreable point of view. Do you think it impossible to believe I could convince someone like her to not vaporise me on sight without tricks or magics?"

>>31353290
This

>>31353307
>we're a manipulator too
>we manipulated Flint by saving villagers at peril that would be deadly for humans but that we can survive fine
all according to keikaku

>>31353360
I don't think that would go over well with him

>>31353384
Remember in Archon, when we manipulated that family.

>>31353384
not realy, at the time we may very well have died if we were alone

>>31353384
Anon that isn't manipulation

odds of Raphael having truthtelling magic just like the old guy?

>>31353432
Very small.

>>31353195
>Fourth Highest
Not anymore, buddy. Congrats on making Second.

>>31353451
Yeah

>>31353195
>Auriel Carpenter
>Carpenter
This is the first time we heard her real name, isn't it. Neato.

>>31353424
yes we manipulated them into going through with the coupe they had already planned to go through with and saved most of them from the disapearing family trick fang would have done. how evil of us

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>>31353426
>>31353429
yes... hence it was sarcastically greentexting the person who said we were all of those?

>>31353424
he said a manipulator like Lucifer, which sounds like the one who manipulates his allies, not his enemies on an explicit stealth mission.

>>31353476
I feel like this has serious significance that I am missing.

>>31353511

No, we know her last name was Carpenter - she's told us before. Not common knowledge, but we know it.

k, got my shadow dialogue notes, i got this guys let me handle everything

>>31353195
"I'M TRIPPLE SHADOW RATED SUPER-SPEED-DEMON CONSUMER OF THE WICKED WHILE I'MA BLINGAN IN MUH 'SPERIANCE SHOWIN FLYING RATS THEY AIN' GOT NO REAL JUSTICE WHILE I'MA SAVIN' MAH FRIENDS FROM THA DARK SIDE OF 'THER DESIRES TO AID THE WEAK O' WILL THE WEAK O' MIND TO IN TIME FIND THE TRUE JUSTICE OF MAH KIND ALL IN TIME TO ORDER THE DISORDER OR BRAKE THE WORLD FO' REAL -I'MA FIGHTAN THE OPPRESS'N OF YA SOUL IN DA HOOD OF VENIA YA DIG'N ME CAT?

>>31353476
Nah. She told Donovan a while back. Can't remember when, exactly...

>>31353451
why, jesus?

>>31353511
Jesus was a carpenter or something.
>Auriel dying for our sins

"I was born with potential," you say. "What I've become is my own doing. You can label me however you'd like."

"That's it?" Raphael asks.

"That's it. I'm friends with Auriel because I have an agreeable viewpoint, and I showed her I was worth trusting. She wouldn't have listened to me unless she'd already had those concerns herself."

"What would those be?"

"That Sandalphon, in arrogance born either of time or power, has lost the original good purpose of the angels, and the Ring City."

"She said as much. In more words than you, but more or less the same thing. Even Charmeine is upset with him. But she can't leave. Her leaving would split the city."

"Do you disagree with what Auriel did?"

"There are forums for voicing disagreement," Raphael says. "Channels through which to speak. She is the 5th Highest, and she went and stole the Noiralev."

"Do you really think Sandalphon would have listened?" you ask him. "Holding Shadow mages as slaves? Turning the empire into a dicatorship? Do you think he would have shrugged and said 'yes, you're right'? Because I don't."

"Since you've got it all figured out," he says, "or, at least, you've convinced half the world that you've got it figured out - after the war, what are you going to do?"

>I'll stand at the Lady Fang's side in Archon.
>I'm going to try to fix the damage on the core of the world.
>I'm going to bring about an age of peace.
>some other strategy

>>31353476
no it isn't.

>>29861408

>>31353523
>>31353542
aww shiznig i was too late

>>31353542
>>I'm going to try to fix the damage on the core of the world.
Because otherwise, absolutely everyone will die.

>>31353542
>>I'm going to try to fix the damage on the core of the world.
>>I'm going to bring about an age of peace
Say we'll start with these

>>31353542
>I'm going to fuck off into the void and be done with this.

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>>31353523

>>31353542
Do NOT say the age of peace thing. It's exactly what Sandalbong said he was gonna do.
>I'm going to try to fix the damage on the core of the world.

>>31353542
>after the war,
We should consider what Sandalphon might do, after the demon business is done.

dependent on whether or not his alleged Hyperion summoning ritual works, or works as he intended.

Seriously. "You were expecting some bright Elemental Lord? It's just me! Avatar of Chaos!"

>>31353542

>I'm going to try to fix the damage on the core of the world.

This is our chance to convince him that we have a different end goal than everyone else, and we're playing for all the marbles.

>>31353542
"I havnt thought that far ahead, I'm rather focused on the war itself rather than what I will be doing after. What do you plan on doing?"

>>31353542
>I'm going to try to fix the damage on the core of the world.
But first,
"I want a world that is more accepting than the one I was born into. Since I have half the world on my side, that shouldn't be too hard, right?"

>>31353542
>I'm going to try to fix the damage on the core of the world.

If we say age of peace then he'll ask what our methodology of it will be. And probably compare us to every other person who has said the same. *cough* Sandalphon *cough*

So... why not instead say,
"And if I can fix the damage on the core of the world, I want to try to make this world more accepting of its peoples. Something greater than tolerance, though a complete peace would be stretching it."

>>31353542
I'm going to marry my first love, repair the damage to the core of Venia, and make sure that Auriel and Sir Flint can live happily ever after in a world that does not demand that they fight and die for nothing.

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Do you think Servanting the Black Lady would push her to the top of this chart?

I don't want Sandalphon at the top anymore.

>>31353542
>you've convinced half the world that you've got it figured out
Is that what it seems like from his perspective?

Geeze, half our most trusted allies know from personal experience we've only got a little bit figured out and have been waxing on our ignorance for damnable ages. It's more like a common thread of interest and consistent personal aid to our buddies that's given us most of our support.

>>31353715
The way it says "Generic Demon Lord" bugs me. I have a feeling that all 4 of them are going to come together and roflstomp Sandles, fucking up his plan.

>>31353723
I like this

>>31353542
>some other strategy
"I'm going to make a FORTUNE selling newly crafted dynamos."

>>31353715
Sandalphon isn't at the top. The top is currently occupied by Nemesis, followed by Abigail.

>>31353723
Should... should we say this?

>>31353715
We should servant fang instead since we have a better understanding of him.

>>31353723
Just tell him this.

We aren't claiming to be perfect

>>31353723
I like it.
We've been helping people for their support, trying to find common grounds between them, their interests and ours. We never really did convince anyone that we got it all figured out after all.

>>31353786

We're trying to convince this guy to jump ship and join our Friendship Team.

Coming clean and saying that we don't have any idea what we're doing is probably a bad idea, and anyways, I don't think that it's accurate. We sure as fuck want to prevent Hyperion's return, save Flint, and save Venia but not in that order.

>>31353542
"Well, I have to figure out the whole "being Erebus" thing. Oh, and probably go fuck Abby."

>>31353787
Both

>>31353787

>not Servanting Joey so he has a prayer of surviving the upcoming battle.

>>31353823
I mean, it's not saying we don't know what we're doing, it's just more like trying to make the point that we COULDN'T convince people of a desire which hadn't been there from the overbearing Empire of Light.

>>31353841
>Wasting XP on Joey.
>Not gaining XP from consuming Joey.

"I'm going to try and fix the damage on the core of the world," you say. "And after that, try to make Venia more tolerant than it was when I was born into it. A world in which people are judged by their deeds, not the color of their magic."

"So you're the self-sacrificing type," Raphael says. "Glorious, noble John Nyx, here to save the world. Nothing in it for you? Something worth fighting for?"

"Not something. Someone." You shake your head. "I'm surprised you think I've got it all figured out. Is that what it looks like? My allies have come together because they want to avoid a mutually assured destruction. They've come together under me because, as individuals, I've done them all a few favors. I'm not some kind of savior. I'm just well-traveled."

Raphael nods a bit, and looks back at you. "So who's this person you care about?"

>"It doesn't matter."
>"Councilor Abigail Fang."
>some other strategy

>>31353841
We can just have Adavan put him in a coma and then pocket him.

As a matter of fact, we should pocket everyone who is too important to die.

>>31353805
>>31353786
>>31353760
So an addition like.

"And no one's under the illusion I've figured out everything. I just bring the same perspective anyone not raised with Empire propaganda would."

>>31353872
Sir Flint.

>>31353872
>"Councilor Abigail Fang."

>>31353872
Two someones, SM. Not just one person.

Abigail.

And Donovan. Very much Donovan.

>>31353872

No point in shitting around here. Raphael wants honesty and Abigail herself isn't exactly a pushover nowadays.

"Councilor Abigail Fang."

>>31353872
"Donovan Flint."

>>31353872
>"Well, really it's more of two someones. Abby, the first two good people I met in Venia."
We were doing this before we knew she was a Fang and before she became the Councilor. I find including those titles to be irrelevant.

>>31353872
"I'd rather name them after I've heard what your are intentions."

>>31353872

Flint and Abigail

>>31353872
Donovan.

And... Abigail.

And..... Ila.

And....... Obis.

And........ Auriel.

And...

>>31353952
>Abby, the
Abby and Donovon,*
I can't believe I forgot to type his name...

>>31353872
Let's not reveal the waifu to the faction that includes Sandalphon, guys.

Do you want a Gwen Stacy? Do you?

>>31353969
And Joey!

>>31353872
"I'm skeptical about naming my loved ones to one of the Highest, but you don't seem like the type to take hostages."
>"Councilor Abigail Fang."

>>31353979
Anon, it's been pretty obvious with how we've acting around each other in FULL VIEW OF OTHER PEOPLE. There's little point in hiding the obvious.

>>31353979
Dude, did you forget that we were her date to the thing? And the double date dinner thing? I gurantee that he already knows.

>>31353872

"It is not just one person. Many people I have come into contact lately have shaped me. Joey, Flint, Auriel, Ila, Abigale."

"If it was just one person, I could easily protect them and let the world rot. But when people of the light like Auriel and Flint accepted me, I changed."

>>31353979
It would be nice to see Sandalphon attempting to abduct Abby and being all "Who the hell is this giant dude in a full suit of jet black magical armor," right before his face is detonated by Abby's artificial fist.

>>31353872
"The first is Abigail. You probably know of her. And the second is the man from which I gained a great deal of my ideals, his name is Donovan."

>>31353979

sm said at the end of last raphael is the kind of guy who likes directness. He seems like a bootstrap-puller type of guy. I don't think deception is in his vocab

>>31353872
Donovan.

>Raphael is Ron Paul: The Angel

"...two people, actually," you say. Sir Donovan Flint. And Abigail Fang. One is my friend. The other..."

"The councilor? The Archmage's niece? Really?"

"...yes," you say. "I love her. And I won't rest until she can live in this world in peace."

Raphael chuckles. "You'll have to pry her from Fang's cold dead fingers. And he's still moving, besides."

"We'll see."

"Well," Raphael says, "I can work with that." He extends his hand.

You look at the hand, then back up at him. "...what?"

"Sandalphon has gone too far," he says. "Especially if all this nonsense with the sigil and the good knight is true." Raphael raises his other hand. "I'm not saying I'm throwing in with you entirely. Just that, if the Most High gets ahead of himself...I won't be backing him up."

>ask him something else
>shake hands
>some other strategy

>>31353979

Honestly, Abigail isn't a damsel in distress any longer. She certainly wouldn't get kidnapped without a struggle like a certain knight did.. Anyways, we're fucking telepathic with our waifu, we'd go instant DEFCON 1 if Abigail was in danger anyways

>>31353872
I'd like to mention to Raphael that Donovan is the one that gave us our "moral compass" so to speak. Or saying at least he put a pretty hefty down payment on its construction and plumbing.

>>31354069

>shake dat nigguh's hand

"Thank you for your support, Highest."

>>31354069
>shake hands

That'll do light-pig, that'll do.

>>31353872
"Lady Councilor Abby-Sabby-Wabby Smooch Smooch Smooch!"

>>31354069

>shake hands

he wouldn't appreciate us fruiting it up with rainbow-style dialogue. The guy seems like a pretty bro dude. unless there's a pressing question let's move on to our next task

>>31354069
>shake hands
Respect

>>31354069

"What was Hyperion like?"

>>31354069
>shake hands
"Who do you fight for, Highest?"

>>31354069
>shake hands

>ask him something else
"What is your opinion on elementals?"

>>31354119
OH SHIT
THIS

>>31354076
I first read that as Raphael and Donatello. Am I the only one that could see Shadow saying 'cowabunga'?

>>31354069
"Then what will YOU do, after the war?"

>>31354119
I like this, but not right now

>>31354119
>>31354126

both of these are good actually

>>31354126
The people of the Ring City, obviously.

>>31354119
seconding this question

>>31354154
and this

>>31354069
"So when do I meet Michelangelo?"

>>31354069
reach for the hand but but it behind his ear and say "Wait, whats this behind oyur ear?" and unpocket everytthing "you should realy wash behind those ears, Highest. Somany filthy ears"

Why are all the cool dudes Light aligned?

>>31354186
We already consumed Michael...

>>31354069
EAT THE HAND

EAT IT I BET IT'S TASTY CAN WE EAT IT
CONSUUUME

Michael was worth more xp than every other angel we've eaten. I wonder why that was.

>>31354217
Because of the satisfaction of stealing a meal away from Dave, obviously.

>>31354119
ask him if he ever saw Erebus and if he was handsom

>>31354060
>implying Ron Paul isn't actually one of god's servants sent down from heaven to protect us from big government and deliver children safely into this world

Hyperion bestowed his blessing on a whole lot of people.

Way more than 10.

What was his limit?

>>31354217
We ate him while he was at full strength.

>>31354217

Power gap/creep. In the last thread normal humans were were nothing more than HP.

We are a big fish now, we don't get as much from consuming the little fish.

>>31354060
It looks like he actually might be.

>>31354242
God's really bad at getting support for independent campaigns, huh?

>>31354217
He was at like full power/health right? That might explain it.

>>31354269

This - he was at full power and we ate him extra fucking slowly.

>>31354269
>>31354254
This.

People seem to forget that beating enemies to the brink of death first reduces the XP we gain from them.

>>31354281
Fear really IS the best seasoning!

>>31354291
I won't believe that until SM confirms it.

>>31354268
Not even god has the power to get the public to support a third party candidate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAT_BuJAI70

>>31354269
>He was at like full power/health right?
we should have only gotten half the XP we actualy got then, did you forget the HIDEOUS CRIPLING SCARS

>>31354069
>ask him something else
>shake hands

>>31354126

>"Who do you fight for, Highest?"

>>31354299
Here we go again. I'd dig through the archives and show it to you, but I'm sure that you'd tell me it doesn't count just like yesterday.

>>31354291

I'm pretty sure SM confirmed that is not the case. We asked if we could pocket someone and let them go catatonic for a full health easy snack. He said it would be worth the same exp no matter what.

I only think we get extra exp from full health people if we roll REALLY well on the consume.

>>31354312
Being disfigured doesn't mean that his power was reduced in any way.

>>31354312
I thought his magic at full power was only just able to hold back the curse. Like Cable. It's been a long time since we ate him and I'm no longer sure.

>>31354312

>we got too much XP from a bad guy almost 80 threads ago

What the fuck?

>>31354320
Nah, I'm serious. Because weakened enemies DON'T give less experience. And I'm correct until SM says otherwise.

>>31354312
>the HIDEOUS CRIPLING SCARS
...that disappeared entirely by the time we CONSUMEd him, because they were literally alive, an incarnation of our ex?

>>31354341
You just want SM to talk to you and make you feel pretty.

>>31354368
I make him talk to me on twitter. I always feel pretty.

"Then I can work with you," you say. You shake hands.

"I think it was Joey that did it," Raphael says. "He wouldn't shut up about you. He got me out of my office after a while, though, so I suppose that's a good thing. Stretch my wings from time to time."

"Auriel told me you are the steward of the city."

"Correct. I'm a numbers man. I was logistics back in the war, and now I'm logistics in this war. And in-between them, too." He shrugs. "A lot of people don't like that job, but it's nice, holding everyone up. And my office chair is exceptionally comfortable."

"So, after the war..."

"I'll just keep doing what I've been doing," Raphael says. "Set things up so that they run smoothly on their own, and read."

"No higher motivations than that? You don't fight for anyone?"

Raphael smiles. "She died a long time ago. She was mortal. It's nothing you need to concern yourself with. We've all gotten over that aspect of our blessing."

>con't

>>31354355
We have an ex? Is it the Avatar?

"....what was Hyperion like?" you ask him.

"Hyperion?" Raphael says. "He was a god. He was immensely strong. He had a sure and true vision of justice. And he loved his people. But..." Raphael frowns. "...perhaps that love bore the fruit of paranoia. It remains a matter of debate if Erebus directed the Black Hand personally, but Hyperion always held him responsible for the damage inflicted upon us, the lives that were taken." He looks at you. "Be careful. When they say love is the strongest force in the world, they're right." He turns and starts walking back toward Joey. "Until later, Nyx."

It's about 8 in the morning. The sun is just peeking over the walls of the castle town. There's not a cloud in the sky.

After today, there are three days until the morning of Fang's attack.

What do you do?

Pre-Battle List

Outstanding:

>meditate all shards to MAXIMUM POWER
>talk to Abigail about Hecate and her worrisome motivations
>attempt to steal enemy airships and feed them to the Nemesis/give them to allies
>check in with Ila and Auriel about Lord Waterford's slave ring

Completed:

>test a shadowy appendage in the Wind mana pool (oh shit, it's Dave)
>speak to Hecate about Leviathan (oh shit, he's a raging faggot)
>ask Auriel if she made any progress with Raphael and Charmeine (oh shit, Raphael wants to talk)
>collect strong rocks for kinetic bombardment (oh shit, Steward's making explosive adamantium charges)
>speak with Raphael in the morning (oh shit, he's an alright dude)
>attempt to reach the Kan-Abar Fire mana pool and disrupt the city's defensive towers (not a priority)

>>31354420
>>attempt to steal enemy airships and feed them to the Nemesis/give them to allies
Go get the ramming airship.

>>31354420
>attempt to steal enemy airships and feed them to the Nemesis/give them to allies

>>31354420
Check in with Illa and Auriel.

Then talk to Abigail. No telepathy.

>>31354420
>check in with Ila and Auriel about Lord Waterford's slave ring
I feel an urge to dispense JUSTICE

>>31354420
>attempt to steal enemy airships and feed them to the Nemesis/give them to allies
Go try for one of the patrolling airships. Don't want to go for the one the demon lord is going to be watching.

>>31354420
>check in with Ila and Auriel about Lord Waterford's slave ring
>talk to Abigail about Hecate and her worrisome motivations

Then

>meditate all shards to MAXIMUM POWER

>>31354420
>meditate all shards to MAXIMUM POWER

Until night time, then go in for more airships.

Also, Hyperion doesn't sound like such an asshole now. It sounds like if he is summoned, he would be IMMENSELY upset at the methods taken to do it.

>>31354420
>check in with Ila and Auriel about Lord Waterford's slave ring

>>31354420
>talk to Abigail about Hecate and her worrisome motivations
Then, tell Allies that Raphael is now Team Shadow.
>meditate all shards to MAXIMUM POWER
Let's wait until night to steal the other airship.

>>31354420
>attempt to steal enemy airships and feed them to the Nemesis/give them to allies


Something that I can't believe wasn't set up before for this --

set a portal anchor in a field somewhere safe and distant from Kan-Abar forces.

Pocket airship.

open portal. reach shadowy appendage through.

unpocket airship. close portal.

repeat.

fewer trips this way.

>>31354420
meditate at mana pool

>>31354400
Dave. Come on anon, try and keep up.

>>31354420
>talk to Abigail about Hecate and her worrisome motivations
>check in with Ila and Auriel about Lord Waterford's slave ring

>>31354460
>>31354470
>>31354480

Remember to meditate at a mana pool!

>>31354487

I don't think we should steal too many ships at a time. We don't want them on too high alert. I think we should go in for 1 more, then reconnaissance only. Maybe sabotage. We could leave shade in an airship and have him deactivate it in the middle of the war.... Hell, we could plant a fuckload of shadow mages to do shit like this. To just sit low in a shadow and pop out at just the right moment.

>>31354420
>attempt to steal enemy airships and feed them to the Nemesis/give them to allies
>check in with Ila and Auriel about Lord Waterford's slave ring

>>31354420
>check in with Ila and Auriel about Lord Waterford's slave ring
>talk to Abigail about Hecate and her worrisome motivations

>>31354529
Guy, I'm pretty sure that was just fluff description to justify a high roll.

>>31354540
We do need to get rid of the Painted Sword some how.

Hey guys.

Now, this is going to sound fucking crazy. Because it is. But I'm going into this explanation with the idea that the chronomancy is a back up plan.

Melody knows a lot about teleportation, right? So maybe try to get her to create a place where you can't teleport to or out of after a certain spell activation. And have Adavan shield that place, as well.

Then pocket a demon lord and teleport it to the place where the others can't get it via teleport and then fight it one on one after we unpocket it! With our allies help, too! That way there's no risk of the Sigil business!

Best plan ever, right?

I just saw this in the archives
>You dance back lightly on your shadows. Auriel's wings snap taut, ready to propel her across the ground in another charge. Her sword spins a foot away from her hand, controlled by telepathy - and it moves faster than any arm could swing it.

All I can say is "what?"

>>31354540
After what happened to the Bolt, I think it's a safe bet that the Kanian airships are going to be packed full of demons to detect any more intruders.

>>31354420
Could we go to Xile to collect parts?

>>31354540
> don't want them on too high alert.
the alternative is allowing them to be significantly more powerful than they otherwise could be.

stealing as many as possible at once will, in fact, prevent them from going on high alert before the job is already done.

>>31354579

Like I said, I'm fine with taking one more ship. Any more, naw. This next trip is probably already going to have a new challenge to it. We might need to take backup. Like Abby and her bitchen new armor.

>>31354575
It wasn't really a high roll though. Worth a shot regardless.

>>31354589
>Then pocket a demon lord and teleport it
>Then pocket a demon lord
> pocket a demon lord
Lol. They would almost certainly get a resist roll.

>>31354589

Sounds like a nice plan, but I bet we don;t have enough time to set something like that up.

https://archive.foolz.us/tg/thread/24831668/#24832088
>You can have any number of servants.

When/why did this change?

>>31354589
If you want us to attempt to pocket a demon lord, be prepared to roll a 100.

>>31354589
Pocket might be iffy, perhaps use one of those pre-made teleports instead, and a real strong one. Other than that it's not actually a worse plan than the chronomancy one.

>>31354589
That's the dumbest plan we've had yet, and that's saying a hell of a lot.

>>31354657

Did it change? I seem to recall unlimited servants, 5 chosen and 1 arbiter

>>31354657
When we unlocked Arbiter i think

>>31354657
When we unlocked Chosen.

Also can we Servant Fang and Melody?

Just so they can show off later?

>>31354663
That depends on whether the theoretical anti-teleportation spell even exists. Knowing SM, he'd keep it from happening to keep the plot on the rails.

>>31354529
I wanted to meditate at more mana pools ever since that very first meditation at the Spirit Pool way, way back at the beginning, where you suddenly had a vision of 'points of light'.

Never really got follow up on that.

>>31354676
We can only have 10 servants

>>31354657
>>24832088
yeah i was confused by that too.

I knew i remembered SM saying that.

>>31354685

That was the dream world, anon. SM originally intended us to get into contact with Hecate or some other big fish via the world of dreams, but we took the plot in another direction.

>>31354685

I assumed those were other pools.

>>31354676
10 Servants
3 Chosen
1 Arbiter

>>31354589
If we want to fight one of the demon lords 1 on 1 we'd have to have power fighters fighting every other demon lord at the same time, because they can teleport to each other they can use it as offensively as they could defensively.

A lord in trouble? here comes another one! or perhaps it just teleports ITSELF to another demon lord when it's in trouble.

Currently I'm not sure if that's, y'know, possible.

>>31354715
Hence the point of the anti-teleportation spell.

You head down through the castle. You need to talk to Abigail about Hecate - especially about that whole telepathy thing. That has you a bit on edge.

Hecate is more...different...than you realized. Were you like that, before? So...flat?

That, and you want to see if Ila found anything useful about Waterford. The lord is clearly on Sandalphon's side. If you can put him behind bars, that would remove what could be an obstacle later on.

You reach the depths of the castle, and knock on Abigail and Ila's room, once, twice, three times.

No answer.

You knock again. After a moment, you grasp the knob and slowly open the door. The room is as you remember it - covered in hangings and pillows and blankets in a multicolor display of comfort. But this morning, the beds are neatly made, and neither of them are home.

Hmm.

You head upstairs to Auriel's suite. You knock on the door. No answer.

"Auriel! Are you in?" You try to open her door, but it's locked. You don't sense anyone on the inside, anyway.

Where has everyone gone?

>con't

Remember that arrow spell Vellik made when we fight the first demon lord? Think we can somehow combine that with hypersonic and break the speed of light to drive a hole thought.... anything?

A flicker of Earth makes you turn. Valeria Kavanere is walking toward you. She waves cheerily. <Shadow. I'm glad I found you. The girls wanted me to tell you that they'd be training on the Nemesis today. Auriel seems quite bent on preparing herself before the battle. It's out on patrol near the border.>

You slip into telepathy, matching her own greeting. <Oh. Right. What are you up to?>

<I've been trying to make contact with my cousin,> she says. <I don't think they'll be able to offer us support in this battle, but going forward, the elves will have to show their face to the world once more. I feel like Venia seems a bit smaller, of late.>

<Me too.>

<Well, until later.> She steps away and disappears around a corner.

Well, you could try to track down the Nemesis. If Tyrael or Hamil are around, they might be able to give you a better heading.

Then again, maybe you should just attend to your own business and speak with them in the evening.

What do you do?

>track down the Nemesis
>try to go capture another airship
>some other strategy

>>31354744
>Prepare jimmies for rustling.

>>31354765
>try to go capture another airship
Leave them to their training. That way Abby will actually be good with her new equipment instead of "oops-thisdragonisn'tlisteningtome!" terrible.

>>31354765
>meditate shards near a mana pool

We can talk with Auriel, Ila, and Abby at dinnertime.

>>31354765
seriously don't interrupt we can get them tomorrow.

>try to go capture another airship

>>31354765
>meditate
>go for an airship after

>>31354765
>track down the Nemesis
I find it odd that Shadow himself has a hard time of finding this thing. Seems to point more towards Erebus being the Mr.Smith of Order and not actually some kind of godlike being (relative to Order as a whole)

>>31354765
>try to go capture another airship

>>31354765
>try to go capture another airship

>>31354800
We should at least try this.

>>31354765

>try to go capture another airship

Even if we pull off another Hungry Man-type scenario, I think it would be a success. Demons won't expect a daytime stealth raid.

>>31354811

Stealth seems to be mutually exclusive. We had a hard time trying to find abby when she used her armor. She's was using an artifact we made and is our chosen.

>>31354765
Not for now, but add "talk with Melody about anti-teleportation spells based in Shadow"

after all, if power is a concern- WE'VE GOT A DYNAMO, BABY.

>>31354765
>>try to go capture another airship

>>31354765
Go for an airship. If we are successful, we will be going to the Nemesis anyway for its scheduled feeding.

>>31354856
personally i'm looking forward to seeing how well that dynamo will enhance an eclipse with some channeling

>>31354765
>try to go capture another airship

If we're going to go capture an airship, we should set our anchor at Dobshire beforehand.

>>31354765
Oh, around dinner time, let's check in on Fang/Melody. I'd like to know how that blossoming relationship is going.

This time, we should unpocket our captured airship somewhere secluded and have it thoroughly swept by someone who knows what they're doing.

If the enemy is wise, they will have started planting bugs in their ships. An enchanted item with a scrying spell that has been physically attached to the ship will be transported along with it, unlike crew.

>>31354892
>Enhanced Eclipse
>uses less mana
>lasts longer
>triples power of our shadow magic

>>31354915
But our anchor is how we get close to Kelvere quickly, for where it is now.

>>31354930

Plus we need to talk more strategy about airships and the staff o winds.

>Suicide Squad costs 13 mana
>Creates a couple dozen illusions
>They all explode at Shadow Bomb power (8bp)
Behind the Void Bomb alt2, Suicide Squad is the most efficient spell we know about in terms of damage per mana spent.

>>31354960
imagine it enhanced by the shadow dynamo

>>31354945
Absolutely this.

>>31354951
We can always reset it afterwards. Supersonic, bro.

>>31354960
Only 2 of the bombs have to actually connect for it to be more efficient than pretty much all other spells.

So how are we going to stealth to an airship in broad daylight?

You need to take the enemy navy down another notch. But how do you do it?

>go for an airship near Evinbrook
>try to find an isolated patrolling airship (may take more time)
>go for an airship near Kan-Abar
>some other strategy

>>31354951
we could fit a bunch of airships into one raid of we set a portal anchor somewhere safe and then go on an airship raid in the city itself of Kan-Abar.

they'll be looking to defend Kelvere. they'll never see this coming though.

>>31354994
>try to find an isolated patrolling airship (may take more time)
No demon lords makes extra time worth it

>>31354960
I'm less interested in the powers than in what's cheap and reveals more of the tree faster, in case there IS something cool currently hidden from our view.

Earth's Gift, so cheap.

>>31354994

Lets talk to Arcturis if he knows anything about the enemy locations and airship details. He should have an information network.

>>31354994
>go for an airship near Kan-Abar

>>31354994
>go for an airship near Kan-Abar

first set a portal anchor so we can make a quick escape after pocketing, or a quick dropoff before continuing our pocket spree.

we can also go through the portal, retreat to a manapool, and then reappear at the Kan-Abar Earth pool, letting our trail go cold.

>>31354994
>go for an airship near Kan-Abar

>>31355048
Why not? Also let him know that the Bolt is back in Duke Vellik's hands.

>>31355080
There are Arland troops in the Dukes' camp. Arcturis will know within hours if he already doesn't.

>>31354994

>Evinbrook

It's pretty far away from Kelvere and we may able to disrupt enemy forces on-route.

>the dwarves made their greatest technology out of blood sacrifice

>>31355104
Evinbrook is IN Kelvere.

>>31354994
>go for an airship near Kan-Abar

>>31355111
anon pls
no
the tears

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>>31355104
>London
>pretty far away from England

>>31355111
No advancements can be made without blood and adamantium, anon.

>>31355121
>Evinbrook is IN Kelvere.
Not until SM confirms it. I kid, I kid...

>>31355149
London an England aren't the same country you dummy.

>>31355155
>advancements
>not daily production

>>31355121
>>31355149

I am retard, I meant to write Kan-Abar. I just figure that harassing some outposts might be a good way to draw Demon Lord attention aware from our troop movements.

>>31355188
Or it may give them forewarning to step their game up in Kan-Abar.

Though eating the supplies at that camp in Joeys hometown would be swell to do again.

You speak with Arcturis regarding the location of enemy airships, and inform him of the return of the Bolt to the duke's control. It turns out he was informed of it during is morning briefing, but thanks you for the intelligence anyway.

He tells you that of the seven airships still under enemy control, two of them are above Evinbrook, three last seen near Kan-Abar, and two others on patrol near the Arland-Kelvere border. He also gives you descriptions of the various airships, so you should be able to tell them apart on sight.

That lowers your search area by quite a bit.

What do you do?

Vote 1:
>Evinbrook
>Potential Targets: The Painted Sword, The Inquisitor

Vote 2:
>The Border
>Potential Targets: The Incision, The Burning Fist

Vote 3:
>Kan-Abar
>Potential Targets: The Phoenix Flame, The Vanguard, The Green Oasis

>>31355231
3

>>31355231
2

>>31355231
>2

Arcturis is such a bro. He is totally getting a tour of Xile after the war is over.

>>31355231
2

>>31355231
>3

>>31355231
2

>>31355231
2

>>31355231
2

>>31355231
2

>>31355231
2

>>31355231
2

>>31355253
>>31355264
Vote and number only, people.

>>31355231
I can't wait to see Auriels face when we tell her we've taken three airships away from the enemy.

Yes I'm being cocky.

>>31355292

Not that it matters, most people are voting for 2. But I didn't get the feeling this was one of those strict votes.

>>31355231
3

Right now our pocket is 243m^3

At MPVI, it will be 729m^3

Alrighty.

Roll 1d100 to find your airship on the border.

>>31355231
2

Rolled 39

>>31355333

Rolled 46

>>31355333

>>31355328
That's so bullshit.
I mean, I'm saying that as DM, not as a player. That's SO bullshit! The stuff you could pull with a space that size, sweet jesus...

>>31355333
no vote to change portal anchor first?

Rolled 24

>>31355333
Airship get!

Rolled 78

>>31355333

Rolled 50

>>31355333

>>31355339
>>31355340
>>31355350
Welcome back SQ dice. Good thing Arcturis gave us pretty good estimations.

>>31355328
>729000 liters
Eheheheh.

EHEHEHEHEHEHEEEH.

>>31355347

portal anchor changed to Dobshire because that's obviously the best move as far as immediate goals are concerned

back to writing

>>31355344
MP6 is looking pretty good.

I wonder what a nat1 would get you on a search for this.

>you don't find airship, airship finds YOU

>>31355363

Decent enough rolls I would say, especially with the information Arcturis gave us. We probably wasted half a day looking for one I bet though.

>>31355377
>>31355333
SM, can we pocket a river? Get this,
1. At dinner, someone says something shocking.
2. We take sip of water and then spit it out...
3. for like an hour, becasue we keep unpocketing water into our "mouth".

>>31355441
oh fucking hell

my stomach

>>31355441

I think they would call in some mages to stop whatever the fuck was happening after at most 5 mins. Thinking some water mage was trying to kill us or something,

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>>31355472
that's not how you spell "sides" anon

>>31355441
>>31355478
>THE LEGEND OF NYX GROWS

I can't wait until the Venia Times comes along to try to get an interview with Shadow. That's gonna be fun. And hopefully there aren't too many disingenuous assertions being thrown around.

>>31355518
>i hear he eats angels for breakfast.

You fly to the Arland border and begin a wide sweep.

It's slow going. Even with a small search zone, you can't be too bold. You stay cautious, keeping an altitude low enough to land easily and evade the Skysever. You've been flying a lot the past few days - it's really starting to pick up on your presence faster.

As the hours pass, the lack of results starts to frustrate you. You move a bit deeper into enemy territory, and search along the top of the Evinbrook basin. By the time you spot an airship, the sun has crossed the sky.

Above you is a fat, squat airship. It reminds you of the Bolt, but it's a little larger - much more heavily armored. Rather than bristling with many smaller types of guns, it has a few positioned on its underbelly, and one large, massive cannon that dominates the top of its fuselage. This is te Incision, a long-range gunship powered by a Water dynamo.

How do you approach?

>stealth; try to break in and disable the engine, as before
>assault: fly up and pocket it
>some other strategy

>>31355538
>stealth; try to break in and disable the engine, as before

Be extra careful, in case they figure out how we got in the first time.

>>31355538
>stealth; try to break in and disable the engine, as before
Try to find a window and Blink through it.

>>31355538
>stealth; try to break in and disable the engine, as before
look for a window!

>>31355538

That thing sounds perfect to feed to the Nemesis.

>>31355538
Find a defensive gun turret. Knock on the plating on the window. When the guy opens it to see who's knocking blink inside and GNARF him.

>>31355538
>stealth; try to break in and disable the engine, as before
And CONSUME everyone of course.

>>31355538
>assault: fly up and pocket it
No guns to shoot us with, guys. We can just keep trying to pocket it with relative impunity.

>>31355538
well, simple assault worked on the Ragnarok, right?

so stealth isn't always better. fuck.

>>31355538
>stealth; try to break in and disable the engine, as before

Good, the Nemesis could use more armor.

>>31355607
>No guns to shoot us with, guys.
Read the post again.

>>31355538
Ink into one of the guns and come out on the loading end!

>>31355625
presumably just going on top of the airship would solve that problem entirely.

>>31355632
Aren't these things loaded with magic? If we ink into the gun barrel we'll just go straight to the dynamo powering it, dummy.

>>31355625
Just approach from the top, right next to the big gun. The underbelly guns can't hit the top, and the big gun would have to take time to swivel and hit us.

>>31355666
I thought that maybe we wanted to, yes?

So how many dynamos does the Nemesis have right now?

>Shadow
>Wind
>Lightning
Any more?