“Oh shit” Kevin says. “Shit shit shit shit shit! Giles, what do we do?”

“Shut up, I’m thinking” You say.
“What do we do? What do we do? What do we do?” He asks again and again and again.
“Please shut up” You say.

This is much, MUCH earlier than you expected. Still within your margin of error, but nonetheless it’s far too soon. You were hoping to have the civilians out and the defenses bolstered at least before the fireballs started getting hurled.

And the fireballs. You weren’t expecting those…

Come to think of it, you’ve never really had to deal with actual warfare. It’s part of the reason why you were happy to leave the defense preparation to Father and the commander.

But you’re in the thick of it now, so it’s time to plan.

Short term, your goal is making sure that these people, along with yourself, make it off the mainland. Long term… you’re not sure. Again, you really have no idea how to foil a siege.

So short term goals it is. The civilians are gathered in a boardwalk ‘plaza’. There are five streets leading in, each of which could be blocked with a Night Shell, or made difficult to traverse with a Dark Fog. Though the number of pathways in could change depending on how the fireballs fall.

You aren’t quite certain how to deal with those. Theoretically, hitting one with a Night Shell will suspend it in the air if it’s small enough.

Unfortunately you only have 5 Night Shells, if you had a chance to focus you might be able to get one or two more.

There are men from the garrison here, though you aren’t quite sure how many. If you had to leave one of the streets unblocked, you could have some of them help cover it while the rest handle the evacuation.

The only question now is…

>How many of the streets do you block?

Also

>Try to enchant more daggers with Night Shell? [Y/N]

>>40767829
5
Y
maximum protection

File: enhanced-buzz-24882-12750(...).jpg (44 KB, 417x647)

44 KB JPG

Every time I see the image for this thread

>>40767819
>How many of the streets do you block?
All but 1.
>Try to enchant more daggers with Night Shell? [Y/N]
Y, try to keep 3 on us

>>40767829
>>40768274
What this guy said

>writing

“Keep these people moving, I want them all off the mainland” You say.
“Alright, but what are y-“ Kevin says. You don’t wait to hear the end of that sentence.

You set your feet and jolt into action. From your cloak you draw, evoke, and throw your Night Shell daggers.

The crystal knives fly true, straight into the streets leading into the ‘plaza’. One by one they expand into black shells blocking 4 of the five ways into the plaza.

With that out of the way, you pull out a fifth dagger and try to replenish your supply of Shells.

The enchantment goes on quick, but you only end up having time for one. From the street you left unblocked you hear some commotion, and some of the guardsmen are approaching you.

“Who the hell are you?” One of them asks.
“Not important. What is important is that I outrank you” You say. You probably outrank him. A spymaster outranks a guard, right? “I want you and as many men as you can spare from the evacuation to cover that entrance”

The guardsman looks like he’s about to argue, but then a fireball comes flying towards the plaza. You quickly evoke and throw the dagger you just enchanted, trapping it within a shell in midair, where it will hang until you see fit to release it.

“Am I clear?” You ask.

The guardsman nods and salutes, rallying the other guardsmen to defend the entrance.

Now then…

>[ ] Aid the defense

>[ ] Aid the evacuation

>[ ] Try and signal Kuma

>[ ] Other

>>40768730
>[ ] Aid the evacuation
Gotta keep the people calm
>[ ] Try and signal Kuma
And then SHE can help with the defense.

>>40768730
>>40768781
this works

>writing

>>40768730
>The guardsman looks like he’s about to argue, but then a fireball comes flying towards the plaza. You quickly evoke and throw the dagger you just enchanted, trapping it within a shell in midair, where it will hang until you see fit to release it.
>“Am I clear?” You ask.

Did Giles just pull a goddamn Captain America?

“I’ll leave this in your capable hands” You say, tipping your hat to the guardsman and heading back to the crowd.

Well, hopefully their hands are capable…

Nevertheless, the sooner the people are on the boats the sooner you can stop worrying so much about the fireballs; though they will probably remain a problem for the foreseeable future.

You kind of wish you had worked out some way to call Kuma. Had you known this would happen you probably would have. As it is, you draw a dagger enchanted with Ember Spree, evoke it, and throw it as far up and away towards the island as you can.

If she didn’t see the fireballs and come running, hopefully she’ll take that as an ‘I could use some help’ signal.

The evacuation is proceeding well enough. Still slow, but you don’t think that can be helped. Thankfully the evacuees seem to be doing a good job remaining calm, but that is bound to break down at least a little once the fighting starts at the entrance.

You could probably get this moving a little faster if you loaded the boats a little more, but that comes with its own risks. Overloaded boats have a tendency to tip.

You could also move this further up the boardwalks. Less travel distance= less time per trip= faster evacuation. Though a stray fireball could ruin everything out there…

>[ ] Get more people into the boats

>[ ] Usher the citizens further up the boardwalks towards the island

>[ ] It’s going fine. Why fix what isn't broken?

>>40769243
>[ ] Usher the citizens further up the boardwalks towards the island
try to enchant more night shell

>>40769243
>>[ ] It’s going fine. Why fix what isn't broken?
I dont think it's worth adding more risk in this case. The Night shells will hold, And we'll just have to trust the guard arent completely incompetent

>>40769243
>[ ] It’s going fine. Why fix what isn't broken?

Assuming the guardsmen don't fuck it up, we should be fine.

>>40769243
>>[ ] It’s going fine. Why fix what isn't broken?
Hopefully this doesn't bite us in the ass, but let's have faith in the Garrison.

we should try a stealth op to take out as many enemy command personnel (officers and generals) as we can.

>writing

Never mind all that. It’s just more work and organization on top of suppressing panic and keeping everyone in order. Things are fine right now.

You pull out another dagger and lay Night Shell onto it when you get the chance, keeping one eye on the sky and one on the entrance.

At the very least, the guardsmen know what they’re doing. There are only about… maybe 20 of them here: 15 on the entrance, leaving 5 to help evacuate.

The ones at the entrance have formed ranks to block it: shields in front, spears behind them, bows in the back. It’s efficient, you like it. Hopefully it holds.

>[1/2]

The civilians are mostly away now. You give it one, maaaybe two more boats to finish evacuating. Plus a third for the guardsmen and yourself.

The line at the entrance has held, but the pressure is obviously starting to build. The enemy has clearly identified that spot as the only way in.

There are now 3 fireballs in the sky, suspended in black orbs. You’ve spent your Night Shells, and you don’t see the opportunity to enchant another on the horizon.

Another boat arrives, with a not-quite unexpected but very much welcome passenger.

“I came as quickly as I could” Kuma says, stepping off the boat and kneeling before you.
“I’m glad you came at all” You say.
“You did say to find you when there were new developments” She says. “I count fireballs in the sky as a new development”

Well, she’s not wrong. Now that your support is here, and the evacuation is almost done, it’s time to…

>[ ] Finish the evacuation and get back to the island

>[ ] Attempt to sneak through the lines and see what’s happening outside the city

>>40769866
>[ ] Attempt to sneak through the lines and see what’s happening outside the city

>>40769866
>>[ ] Attempt to sneak through the lines and see what’s happening outside the city
We need to gather information on the enemy and maybe set a few traps.

>>40769866
>>[ ] Attempt to sneak through the lines and see what’s happening outside the city

Goin' rogue

>writing

“Right then” You say. “Kevin”
“Yeah?” Kevin responds.
“You’re in charge now” You say, walking away towards one of the buildings lining the plaza and signalling Kuma to follow.

“Where are you going?” He asks. “What are you doing?”
“My job” You say. “Hold down the fort until I get back”
“Uhh… I… O-okay” Kevin says.

You and Kuma go into one of the buildings and start looking for a back exit. You’re glad none of the other guys figured this out…

“Infiltration?” Kuma asks.
“You bet” You say. “I want to know what’s going on over there, and if possible cause a little chaos”
“A little?” She asks.
“A lot” You reply. “Come on, the back door should be this way”

You and Kuma head to the back exit and peer out. There are soldiers everywhere. It wouldn’t be hard to sneak past them, but it would make your lives easier if you could somehow procure one of their uniforms…

>[ ] ‘Procure’ a uniform

>[ ] Simply avoid being seen

>>40770226
>>[ ] ‘Procure’ a uniform
Lets go saboteur on their asses

>>40770226
>>[ ] ‘Procure’ a uniform

>writing

“Think we could snag some uniforms?” You ask.
“Which ones, and what size?” Kuma asks.
“Uhhhh… any will do, so long as they fit” You say.
“Give me a moment” Kuma says. “Wait here”

Kuma looks out the back door, and steps through once there’s a lull in the commotion.

A few minutes later, she comes back with Laustian military uniforms. Both are neatly folded and completely spotless.

“Uniforms, as requested” You say.
“Excellent work” You say, taking the one she hands you. “Though I expected nothing less at this point”
“Your appreciation is…” Kuma searches for a good word to use, but very obviously gives up. “Appreciated” She finishes bluntly.

The two of you head to different places to get changed, and come back fully decked out.

“It doesn’t suit you” Kuma says when she sees you.
“I didn’t think it would” You reply. “You’re not looking half bad though”
“Thank you” She says. “Shall we?”

“Yeah, let’s get this going” You reply.

>>40770664
Forgot the
>[1/2]

You and Kuma keep a good pace back through the advancing troops towards the siege camps.

You manage to weasel the name of the man in charge from the first man that stops you, and you use the excuse that you’re bringing a message back to everyone else that tries.

The commander here is unknown to you, a man by the name of Bernard Hastice. From the sounds of it he’s new, raised up in rank to replace a commander that either defected to Harth or was killed because they thought he might defect to Harth.

You make it back to the main camp without any trouble, and now it’s time to cause some trouble…

>[ ] Look for the man in charge

>[ ] Try to stop the siege weapons

>[ ] Spread some fake orders to cause confusion

>[ ] Other

>>40770804
>[ ] Spread some fake orders to cause confusion

>>40770804
>>[ ] Try to stop the siege weapons
>>[ ] Spread some fake orders to cause confusion

>>40770804
>[ ] Look for the man in charge
while
>[ ] Spreading some fake orders to cause confusion
What's Giles take on murder/killing? or we can incapacitate him with poison or something similar.

>>40770902
He's not a fan of it, but will if he has to.

>>40770920
>>40770920
He prefers it to be a last resort unless the person in question is a horrible excuse for a human being or the situation is just that desperate, to be specific.

>>40770920
Well since you put it that way I think Giles is willing to kill the commander to protect the orphanage and city he was raised in. thoughts?

>>40770983
Well, depends on if this guy is some wide-eyed young chap promoted solely for his patriotism (or faith in fate), or is some corrupt scumsucker.

>writing

You and Kuma keep together, moving around the camp.

Whenever you get the chance, you ‘relay orders’ to whoever looks like they need something to do.

Some of them are told to go dismantle the siege weapons, some of them are told that they’re pulling out of Searise. You even let some of them know that you’ve gotten work of an enemy infiltration.

Naturally, chaos ensues.

The siege weapons cease firing, because the people in charge of loading and enchanting the fireballs now have to contend with the people who believe they are supposed to be dismantling the catapults.

The forces moving into the city are slowed, as they now have to contend with new orders to go pack their stuff and move out.

All the while, fingers are pointed left and right as to who the infiltrators are. Good, let them be suspicious. While they’re hunting semi-imagined foes, you get to do your work un-hindered.

>[ ] Pay their commander a visit

>[ ] See if you can gather info on Laust’s military strategy

>[ ] Commit a few acts of sabotage

>[ ] Head back into town

>>40771313
>[ ] Pay their commander a visit
His intentions and if we can sway him to our side, we're charmers are't we?
>[ ] Commit a few acts of sabotage
Maybe this is Kumas foretay

>>40771313
>>[ ] See if you can gather info on Laust’s military strategy
>>[ ] Commit a few acts of sabotage
Since these are fairly intertwined

THEN

>Visit ze Commander

>>40771313
>[ ] Commit a few acts of sabotage
>[ ] Pay their commander a visit

>writing

“Alright Kuma, you and I have some work to do” You say.
“What do you have in mind?” She asks.

“Well, this confusion is bound to wear off eventually” You say. “I want you to use this time and sabotage as much as you can”
“Anything specific?” She asks.
“No” You say. “But mix it up a little. Make sure there are a few things that will not work as intended once the chaos has run its course, but feel free to set some things on fire to prolong said chaos”

“And you?” She asks.
“I am going to go have a chat with Commander Hastice” You say. “His tent is probably the big one over there. If you see it catch fire, feel free to come running to my aid”
“Understood, master” She says.

Kuma then disappears into a crowd, leaving you to make your own way over to the Commander’s tent.

You do your best impression of ‘a soldier rushing to give a report’, and no one even questions where you’re going, or why.

The Commander is indeed in his tent, sitting behind a desk poring over some papers.

“About damn well time” He says. “What the hell is the commotion out there?”
“Sir, it’s madness! The entire camp has been thrown into chaos!” You say.
“Thrown into… what? By who?” He asks.

>[ ] We aren’t sure yet

>[ ] By me

>>40771737
>>[ ] By me
throw a silence dagger and immobilize him

>>40771737
>>[ ] By me
Make sure we silence, and interrogate his candy ass.

We also have 1 Night Shell that we can trap him in; he can stay there and suffocate if he doesn't co-operate.

>>40771737
>[ ] We aren’t sure yet

Well we wanted someone to infiltrate lausts military...

The only issue with this is that we have to be away from selene. Could we call the assassins to come and take our place?

>writing

>>40771313
time for some crazy shit i am thinking massive psych warfare like killing the commanding officers guards outside his tent and leaving him untouched, slitting the throats of some important staff for sieges like the chefs blacksmiths,quartermasters and so on.

You take a few long, purposeful steps towards the Commander’s desk.

“By me” You say.

All at once you cast Silence over the tent, hop up onto the desk and kick him and his chair over backwards. Before he can get up you sit down on the desk, cross your legs and point your cane at his throat.

“Now, you and I are going to have a lengthy discussion about what Laust’s army is doing here. I want you to think very carefully about your priorities Commander. Loyalty to the wrong people can and will get you killed. Understand?” You say.

The Commander looks at you with fear filled eyes, but says nothing.

“That didn’t sound like an answer” You say, pricking his throat with the pointy end of your cane.

“I understand” He says defiantly.

“Good, then we can begin” You say, smiling devilishly.

You figure you’ve got at least a few minutes before someone overcomes all your distractions to come in here. A few minutes is all you’ll need.

That's all for tonight, I hope you guys still enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing it!

Next thread may end up being tomorrow. Not quite sure yet.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time!

>>40771993
thanks for running

>>40771972
"For what is a king without a castle?"

>>40771993
Felt a bit short, but I always enjoy these threads, regardless!

>>40771993
So you were thinking of running another quest while you think of more story to OaD quest?

>>40772070
Yes. You should expect that to start within the next few weeks, or as soon as I can come up with a suitable title for it...

>>40772060
This was short compared to my usual runtimes. But I'm tired as balls tonight and I have work in the morning.

>>40772136
Can you give a summary on the setting and character? will we see smut?

>>40772147
Setting is modern fantasy. Hidden magic societies, all that good stuff.

Story revolves around a battle royale between mages chosen as champions by the gods who all want the massive amount of energy stored in Earth's moon (original title was 'Blood Moon').

MC is a skilled martial artist with limited control over time (can speed it up or slow it down, but doing so brings him further ahead or behind "regular time". The further ahead of regular time you go, the more difficult it becomes to maintain fast time. Vice versa for slow time). Who also has no idea what is going on.

Maybe smut. If you can keep the romanceable characters from getting killed.

I have a little preview bit written from the perspective of one of the gods, which I'll post at the end of one of these threads sometime before I start this other one.

>>40772314
Why time magic?

>>40771993
I always miss your runtimes! Thanks for writing anyways, even if I can only lurk on the archives.

>>40772528
Time magic has been a part of the MC of this story through just about all of its iterations. Though it took me a while to come up with a version that wasn't completely OP.

There are also some setting reasons, which I won't go into.