>>44222752
....maybe you ARE a madman

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>>44222752
"Business. Got some news to transmit," you say simply. "...Please, sit. Let me -"

"Don't," Aria asks softly, her voice almost...pleading. "Don't get up on my account. Not after what happened out there, not after Grandfather, not...you're fine."

You nod in understanding and fold your arms atop the cane so you can lean on it. "So, the practical news first. We've persuaded the Black Hammer Company to leave. We've also slain an oni and taken out one of Lisa's officers, a demoness by the name of Kelly."

"Please tell me she suffered," Aria says with a certain edge of savage joy.

"She died in honorable combat, and that's all you need to know," you return, coolly. "We also know that they're after the spear."

Aria stiffens in an instant panic. "What spear? There's thousands of -"

"The one that killed a god, Aria," you say with a sigh. "I figured you know. We guard a piece?"

"...A shard of the tip."

> "Keep it here. It's safer now, and we're gonna keep it that way."
> "It needs to be relocated somewhere safer."
> "We need to appoint someone to carry it around with them."
> "...Can we smash it?"

>>44222827
>Yes, it's that bad, so let's agree to not bite each other's throats off, kay?
>What do you think of using it as bait?
>Do you know anything about the Death Choir? Anything that gives them power? Freedom?

>>44222837
On the one hand, they did have a bit over a month of glossed-over downtime, as well as bonds forged in the heat of battle and the trust needed to rely on one another.

On the other hand, yes, things have moved a little fast. But not, I think, unreasonably fast? Amy says she's in love, sure, but Nathan's expressed a deep respect and interest in seeing if that friendship can be romance. And things can be a bit different, for people who expect to die young and violently.

But overall yeah I know I've maybe accelerated things a bit. I still appreciate the feedback!

>>44222827
> "Do we know anywhere safer to keep it now we can move it, or is this the best place we have?" Respectfully though. Not in a 'I'm pissing on your shrine because it's a shitty place to keep this' sort of way.

>>44222868
>> "Do we know anywhere safer to keep it now we can move it, or is this the best place we have?" Respectfully though. Not in a 'I'm pissing on your shrine because it's a shitty place to keep this' sort of way.
>>44222827

>>44222827
>"...Can we smash it?"
Because the best way to stop Lisa from reaching her goal is to eliminate the spear completely.

If not (and the only one I think can positively confirm this is Lora), we should probably:
>"We need to appoint someone to carry it around with them."

And then we lodge the damn thing in Sir Fetch's rib-cage, so he can be a Trojan horse.

>>44222876
I imagine that if it could be smashed more than it has been in a way that MATTERS the gods would have, y'know. Done that. Also sticking it in Fetch is a terrible idea because he's coming around with us and actively fighting against the people who want to take it.

>>44222876
What if it makes him more powerful? Can we feed our chicken knight a piece of divine power and have it fuse to him, so they'd need to kill Fetch to succeed at their plot?

Alright folks. The thread has been archived, and I need, need so badly, to go to bed. I was honestly just holding out long enough to get this posted so I can continue the run in the morning without having to make a new thread first thing when I wake up.

Votes and discussion will remain open until I wake up, which will be whenever it happens. I've gotta go pay rent etc tomorrow so there will be Real Life Interruptions.

As always, questions, comments, feedback, and/or discussion is welcome and appreciated. In other news, I've been toying with the idea of writing a short of a la Croix healer just trying to do his damn job with a patient that's refusing to be treated. Would anon be interested in seeing such a thing?

Thank you all again for reading and participating! I'll catch ya on the flip side.

>>44222895
you WANT to turn Fetch part god-killer? That's basically putting a "Kill Me" sign bigger than Fetch himself on him.

He's fast, not immortal.

>>44222914

Hrm. But maybe we can make him immortal, too. Bind him to something important, feed him the spear that kills gods. Create an all-powerful chicken paladin to fell zombie armies the world over! NOTHING WILL BE ABLE TO STOP US! MWAHAHAHAHAHA

>>44222914
Also containing it might possibly be... Tricky. Vox would have to confirm but I get the feeling a godslaying weapon could perhaps be more than he could survive.

>>44222933
I think you're higher than Vox, go to bed.

>>44222940
yep, this is sounding far more Bad Road necromancy than I'm willing to risk.

>>44222955
Yeah, Bad Road plus possibly blowing up the chicken with a connection to our soul with a godkilling artifact (and thereby possibly blowing up our soul) is a Bad Idea.

>>44222940
> "Alright sir, we're ready to plug the sun into our power grid."
> "Fire away, doctor."
> Sureisfuckingdarkinhere.
> "You wanna tell me what happened there, doctor?"
> "It appears our power grid wasn't rated to contain the energy output of the entire sun. Who knew, right?"

Yes, this is a terrible idea unless you're looking to blow up the bird.

>>44222970
Popcorn chicken?

Yeah, looking back I realize that it wasn't the brightest idea I've ever had. Still, if worse comes to worst and the family compound is seized, we don't want Lisa getting her grubby mitts on the spear shard.

>>44222827
>>44222868
Supporting. Throw in the bit about someone carrying it around as one of our possible alternatives.

>>44222874
>"Do we know anywhere safer to keep it now we can move it, or is this the best place we have?" Respectfully though. Not in a 'I'm pissing on your shrine because it's a shitty place to keep this' sort of way.
>>44222827
It's probably safest right where it's at, though.

>>44222912

I'd be interested in the healer story. You gonna pastebin it?

>>44222827
>>44222868
>seconding this
I think taking it with us is too dangerous.

>>44222912
All writing from you is appreciated! Roll out the family side stories!

>>44222827
> "Keep it here. It's safer now, and we're gonna keep it that way."

if they knew it was here the place would have already been burned to the ground and the fragment seized.

>>44224978
>> "Keep it here. It's safer now, and we're gonna keep it that way."
>if they knew it was here the place would have already been burned to the ground and the fragment seized.

Seconded.

> "Keep it here. It's safer now, and we're gonna keep it that way."

...yeah, keep it here. They'd have already made a run at this place if they knew it was here.

>>44222868
> "Do we know anywhere safer to keep it now we can move it, or is this the best place we have?" Respectfully though. Not in a 'I'm pissing on your shrine because it's a shitty place to keep this' sort of way.
This is a good plan. No harm in asking, after all..

>>44222827
Well, we could go for the fake transport, but if they have something to detect the shard it won't work.

I arise, in the fury and terror of my wrath.

Votes called. Coffee, food, writing.

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>>44226194

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>>44226194
It's the greatest time of the day!

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>>44222827
"Okay. Can we take it as a given that I'm tossing out ideas for the sake of completeness and professionalism and not, for instance, implying that you can't handle your sacred duties?"

"Certainly," Aria grants. She sniffs, curiously. "...Rose hip tea?"

"Want a cup?"

"Gods, yes."

Teacups are passed around while you continue. "Do we know a potentially safer place to keep it?"

"...Not...exactly," Aria admits, trying to walk herself through the explanation. "There's lots of shards; when the spear was broken, it was broken up quite small. And they're all over the Lichyard. Every now and again someone digging a grave for a new burial finds one, you know? So we can take it somewhere else, but Lisa's forces will just keep looking for it, and in the meantime they'll attack the shrine anyway, just in case."

"What a bitch," you grumble into your tea. "...Alright. I'm pretty sure I have a plan. You with me, or not?"

Aria leans against the door and swirls her cup. She can't quite make eye contact. "Why are you doing this?"

You sigh, and set down your cup, and cross the room to stand next to her. She stiffens, expecting an attack, but you take her wrist and press her hand flat over your heart.

"You feel that?" you ask in a low tone. "There a pulse there?"

"Yes."

"I'm doing this because I'm a fucking human being, Aria. With feelings, and beliefs, and empathy. Because people are in trouble, and I can help. Because Lisa's insane and going to kill a shitload of people. But mostly because I'm a la Croix, like you, and I've got a job in front of me. Do you need another reason?"

Aria lets out a long breath. "No, cousin."

You walk back to your chair and sit.

"Brianna, I wanted to -"

"Save it," you say, waving her off. "It takes two to dance, and I could have been less aggressive and mean. Call it a wash?"

Aria actually smiles. "I'll call it a wash."

"I need..."

>>44226852
> More information on that town
> Directions to a demoninc altar so we can finish killing a demon
> Some time to rest up.

And

> Ask Aria to task her forces with supporting Miranda
> Ask Aria to task her forces with the town
> Ask Aria how she'd dispose of her forces

>>44226852
>> Some time to rest up.
>> Ask Aria how she'd dispose of her forces

>>44226870
>>44226870
>Directions to a demoninc altar so we can finish killing a demon
>And
>> Ask Aria how she'd dispose of her forces
>We just crippled their digging team, the town is reinforcing, and we're going to call some demonic favors: We're going to outnumber them. Since there are so many pieces anyway, where can we strike their gathering units?

>>44226852
>Definitely need some time to rest up.
After that, maybe we can talk with George or awesome Grandpa about that town.

Supporting this as well: >>44226945

Alright folks, time for that paying-the-rent interruption.

I'll be back.

>>44226870
>Directions to a demoninc altar so we can finish killing a demon

and
> Ask Aria how she'd dispose of her forces
Because we're trying to mend bridges, not burn them.

>>44226852
> Directions to a demoninc altar so we can finish killing a demon
> Ask Aria how she'd dispose of her forces

>>44226852
> Directions to a demonic altar so we can finish killing a demon
Rest after we finish macroing.

> Ask Aria how she'd dispose of her forces
She knows the lichyard, her forces, and the enemy better than we do. And frankly, it'd probably help diplomatic efforts if we showed some confidence in her abilities.

So, are we going to fight Lisa without Bri actually being there, AGAIN?

>>44227167
We're a necromancer, a person defined by their use of minions. Of course we're not going to put ourselves into melee with the midbosses.

> More information on that town

>Ask Aria how she would dispose of her forces

> Directions to a demoninc altar so we can finish killing a demon
> Ask Aria how she'd dispose of her forces

irections to a demoninc altar so we can finish killing a demon
> Ask Aria how she'd dispose of her forces

We can rest between getting directions and going to the altar, but we do need the info.

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Homelessness successfully prevented.

Votes called, writing.

Now featuring: fan art!

>>44228155
needs more REGRET and COFFEE ADDICTION

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>>44228155
Did you only work for two hours? What kind of weird job are you rocking?

>>44228288
pornstar?

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>>44228288
he's clearly a prostitute.

>>44228288

He has two days off.

That was him paying his rent.

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>>44226870
"I need directions to a demonic altar," You look up at Aria's expression and add, "so we can finish killing a demon."

"Did you not kill it all the way the first time?" Aria asks incredulously. Her eyes go to Amy when the half-harpy shakes the rusty shackles and collar.

"He's bound," she explains patiently. "...And don't talk shit about him."

Surprisingly, Aria actually looks sympathetic. "Bindings are cruel things. Not even demons deserve that. You are sending him back to Hell?"

"That's about the long and short of it, yes," you agree. "He was forced to work with our enemies against his will. To stay in this world, we would need to bind him to us, lest their spells snare him again. So he asked to go back home."

Aria rubs her chin. "....East, at the top of a hill, is a circle of stones. If you press a drop of blood into the mouth of the old man there, he will open a passage to a demonic shrine. We discovered it ages ago, but the Lichyard's protections shielded it. It seems the mistress of this place sees fit to uphold it."

"Thanks. So...I suppose the question is, how would you dispose of your forces?"

Aria takes a long sip of her tea. "Lisa's got the town - Split - in her grip but she's not really grinding it down so much as holding on to it. It's being used to garrison her forces and sate her need for petty sadism. They'll probably get out fine. I figure we'll reach out to Miranda and help drive out the rest of the diggers from this region, and see where we go from there."

"...I'm not okay with writing those people off, Aria."

"Neither am I, cousin," the Rose cultist says softly. "But that's war."

> Bullshit
> Yeah, you're right
> Then I'll take care of it, right after the demon. And maybe a night's rest, I dunno.

>>44228437
> Bullshit

So long as people yet live in that town, there is definitely still a way.

>>44228288
>>44228328
>>44228332
Guys, I was literally paying my rent. Pick up check, pay rent, get groceries, come home to update.

>>44228437
> Bullshit
That's not right. That's not right at all...
That pic makes me think of JoJo....

>>44228155
We need one of Bri riding/taming/summoning a coffee elemental, you know to round out her little army of minions

>>44228437
>We'll just have to take care of the town then, after the demon...and a night's rest. Maybe hold off on making your move till then?

Lisa doesn't seem like she's going to burn the town down...at least not yet. We've still got to get our forces together. Maybe we can work something out with the demons

>Question. Do you know where Lisa is right now?

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>>44228494
And prostituting yourself, yes, we covered this. It's okay, Vox, we accept your /d/eviance.

>>44228437
> Bullshit

They're not dead till they're dead.

>>44228504
>coffee elemental
Good lord, with something like that under Briannas' control nothing would be safe or uncaffinated.

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>>44228511
Anon, my eyes are up here.

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>>44228437
>> Then I'll take care of it, right after the demon. And maybe a night's rest, I dunno.

There's a certain amount of realism we'll just have to face.

But we can face it head on.

>>44228437
>Then I'll take care of it, right after the demon. And maybe a night's rest, I dunno.

>>44228437
Sometimes, in war, you have to make hard decisions. Other times, you have to take one look at the hard decisions, and say "fuck you, we're doing this my way."

> Then I'll take care of it, right after the demon. And maybe a night's rest, I dunno.

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>>44228561
But I'm not interested in your eyes, Vox

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>>44228437
> Then I'll take care of it, right after the demon. And maybe a night's rest, I dunno.

Also, the 'physically going to pay rent' thing makes a lot more sense than a two hour shift thing, yeah. I just remember when I worked at Wal-mart they tried to get me to come in for two hour shifts before, and I was hoping you weren't in that kind of situation.

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>>44228559
Preferred drink of mad necromancers everywhere.

You can sleep when you're dead.

Except Bri, who will just use lichdom to literally wear her fingers to the bone and then get new fingers.

>>44228621
FUCK YEAH! Seconding!
> Then I'll take care of it, right after the demon. And maybe a night's rest, I dunno.

> Then I'll take care of it, right after the demon. And maybe a night's rest, I dunno.

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Votes called, writing.

>>44228437
Does Lisa have any of the shards? Because if she could use them to fuel a town-wise necromancy spell, she could try to raise an undead army out of the village people.

That'd kinda suck.

Ask Aria, I guess.

>>44228437
>Then I'll take care of it, right after the demon. And maybe a night's rest, I dunno.

>>44228437
>> Then I'll take care of it, right after the demon. And maybe a night's rest, I dunno.

there not being actively massacred, so we can afford to confront the forces holding the town when we're not too tired to fight effectively.

>>44228818

...this pleases me.

>>44228828
Well based on>>44222970
I think she'd have a bit of trouble using them, to be honest I'm curious how she plans to use the shards once she gets them.

>>44228896
She seems to value money over most else, so she's probably looking to sell it to someone else. She may already have a buyer in mind, even.

>>44228920
According to the angel, she was going to basically hold the world for ransom. "Pay me or else."

>>44228896
>>44228920

Lora mentioned that Lisa wants to gather the shards and use them to threaten/extort money out of people (rich people, like lords and kings).

>>44228964
... a part of me wants to see her try the 'or else', but that'd be, I dunno. Irresponsible?

>>44228980
Maybe I should go to bed, since I'm clearly missing too much pertinent information.

>>44229001

If you missed THAT, then it'd probably be a good idea. The extortion thing was the whore reason we were so pissed at her when we woke up that morning.

>>44229022
Ah. I remember that little outburst now.

Alright, time for sleepy. Kill Lisa, make sure Amy remains a cute, work on getting Amy and Nathan to shag, pet our resident birds. The usual.

>>44228896

well her group apparently has a death angel firmly enough under there control that at least one of them is implied to be (possibly metaphorically) raping her semi frequently, I'd imagine that the plan is to force the angel to put it together for them.

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>>44228437
"Yeah, well. Not this war. I'll take care of it, after the demon."

"As thou wilt," Aria grants, formally. "You'll be setting out soon?"

"Right after food," you promise. "...You do good work here, Aria."

"I try."

She nods to you and sets down her teacup before leaving.

"...She seemed honestly sorry, outside," River says quietly.

"That's good."

>>44229080
After some thinking about the relationship dynamics in this quest, I've come to the conclusion that some adventuring parties operate kinda like a group 'friends with benefits' deal. It's one way of avoiding hurt feelings and jealousy that could damage the group.

Also, if everyone's grabbing each others asses then they're a little more invested in saving said asses when shit goes down.

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>>44229269
I dunno about you, but I'm not interested in grabbing any ass when shit is going down, if you know what I mean.

>>44229269
> Also, if everyone's grabbing each others asses then they're a little more invested in saving said asses when shit goes down.
I'm betting most folks on /tg/ are familiar with the Theban Band?

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>>44229176
The meal is quiet, but the silence is companionable, not uncomfortable. Eventually, Kat slinks back over to you and rests obediently at your feet. When you leave, Fetch chirps questioningly at Amy; she answers the same way, shaking her head at him.

Nathan steals a glance at River and falls in next to you, letting Fetch take the front of the march and River the rear. "...Sorry I've been quiet lately."

"Said you needed some time to yourself. I respect that."

"Wanted to apologize. I...was a bit mad at you. For the wrong reasons."

You give Nathan a curious look. "What reasons?"

"I had disagreements about saving River."

Oh.

"Hit a little home for me," Nathan continues, in that same soft, honest tone. "Reminded me of my mother. Of...well, you know what of. But when she woke back up, I could see it in her eyes. Like she'd been asleep for years and the sun had finally risen."

"Yeah," you agree. "It's part of why I agreed to help. Sometimes...sometimes people just get lost, Nate. And they don't know how to get back out."

"I can get that. She's acting so...childlike...because she's trying to figure out how to live life again. Isn't she?"

"Something like that. Feelings are scary sometimes. She spent a long time drowning hers."

Nathan takes your hand, and you lace your fingers with his. You lean your head on his shoulder and whisper, "If I die in an ambush because I'm holding your hand, I'm gonna haunt you forever."

"Try to haunt me naked."

"Punk."

>>44229269
Combined with the stereotypical habit of sleeping around from town to town, adventuring parties are probably as respected as sailors re: your daughter/vector for STDs.

>>44229360
Not a problem if they have a healer on hand.

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>>44229352
The hill that Aria spoke of is easy enough to find, as is the 'old man', a face cut from one of the stones in intimate detail. You slice the tip of your finger and feed him a drop of blood, and a stairwell opens in the top of the hill, spiraling down into a chamber in its belly.

The rest of you wait at the top while Amy goes down. The altar at the bottom is more like an anvil than a shrine, complete with a ritual maul leaning against it. Amy sets down the restraints and takes in a deep breath. The bird girl kisses her fingers and touches them to the collar.

"I'm gonna miss you," she whispers. "Don't forget to write."

Amy takes up the maul and brings it crashing down. The iron shatters against the altar, splintering into fragments that rapidly fade to dust. Instead of settling, the rusty powder coalesces into the incubus; Miles wraps his arms and wings around Amy and kisses her forehead while he holds her tight.

"My bravest friend," he murmurs. "I'll miss you too."

The incubus fades away, like coals dying out, leaving Amy smiling through her tears. She wipes her face and looks up at you. "It's done. He's home."

"Yep," you agree, smiling back. "You might want to pay attention to the altar, though."

Amy looks down and finds a small imp, dressed sharply in a suit and tie, clearing its throat.

"Amy the Dungeonbreaker and companions?" it inquires.

"Speaking," Amy answers, blinking.

"It is my duty and privilege to thank you for performing a selfless service for one Mister Miles of the Incubi. Hell wishes to extend a gesture of gratitude to you, in thanks and as a token of his friendship. Would you prefer material aid, or manpower?"

"Material aid?" Amy asks.

"The Forge Below never sleeps. Mister Miles is aware that you lost many of your tools, weapons, and armor to the Vintner."

Amy bites her lip and looks up. "What do you think?"

> Material
> Manpower

>>44229489

>Material.

We seem to be collecting manpower at a healthy clip, and material would probably be more generally useful than some sort of demonic companion.

How about

> Can I ask the specifics of the choice before deciding?

>>44229489
>> Manpower
oh yes. oh Hells yes.

>>44229509

I see what you did there.

>>44229508
Manpower would not be a companion, but rather assistance with your immediate goals.

>>44229489
We have manpower now, in the form of the Roses. An equipment upgrade would be nice.

Then again, we could use the manpower to really hit the town since said Roses can't yet fully commit to that.

>Material.

or do you want an army of the damned against an army of the dead?

>>44229489
I'm torn. If Amy had any awesome magical gear or weapons from before, this might replace them. On the other hand, having some devils on hand to battle Lisa's Oni and mages would be an awesome advantage.

Meh. I'll be satisfied either way.

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>>44229489
> Manpower

Minions that (hopefully) just disappear to return to hell when they die can be useful, it means we use them in dangerous situations with only the bare minimum guilt. Also, does Hell still collect souls in this cosmology?

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>>44229489
An imp in a suit, you say?

> Material
Because, frankly, I think it'll help us for longer, and we still have eleven of these guys after Lisa.

>>44229556

Ah. I still say >Material

Useful for longer, methinks. Would still like to ask the imp for more specifics, though I suppose hell isn't known for giving you informed choices.

>>44229556
If it means that we can take back the town, then:
>Manpower

>>44229576
Depends on who you ask. Many major religions seem to think they do. Others believe only the gods handle souls.

Notably, demons themselves consistently deny any desire to own mortal souls, and some of the deepest arguments of dark lore revolve around why they behave the way they do, as well as their curious similarities to the mortal races.

>>44229489
>> Material

>>44229489
>> Material

It's possible that either will return to Hell when Lisa's disposed of, but I dare say making what we've got more deadly is probably a better choice at this point than just adding more bodies.

>>44229489
Material
Hopefully they aren't HORRIBLY CURSED or anything.

>>44229387
But will the local druid heal your daughter's reputation?

>>44229588
Demons seem like bros.

>>44229489
>Material

>>44229360
I doubt STD's are even that big of a thing when you have magic disease curing powers.

Stupid prostitution interrupting my quest.

Votes called. Tallying, writing.

vox did your landlord beat you unconscious?

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>>44230362
I knew it.

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>>44229489
"Well..." you say slowly. "I've seen you produce results /without/ demon-crafted weapons and armor."

"And tools," the imp clarifies, mildly.

"And last I checked demons make some good shit," you continue, smoothly. "Something something forge fire something, yes?"

"Something like that," the imp agrees, grinning fiercely at you. "Let it never be said that our smiths lack for talent."

"Then material aid might be best," you reason. "Manpower would help right now, but tools are the gift that keeps on giving."

"Is this your will, Amy the Dungeonbreaker?" the imp asks politely.

"It is," she agrees.

"The rest of you will want to turn away. There will be nudity and I'm given to understand that mortals -"

"BriandNatecanwatchthankyoupleaseproceed."

"Very well."

>>44230684
It's a Magical Girl transformation sequence, but demonic, isn't it?

>>44230820
Clearly

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>>44230684
River and Fetch turn away politely; Kat on the other hand leans in, stretching her hand down into the shrine to pet the head of Amy's shadow. The bird girl strips down and, at the imp's advice, gets her possessions to a minimum safe distance at the top of the stairs.

You can't resist a whispered, "Now we're even," which makes her cheeks burn around her smile. It's not a bad view...though it hurts your heart to see some of the scars, gifts from old wounds that could have killed her.

"Place your hands upon the anvil," the imp asks, and Amy obeys, spreading her palms flat against it. The creature removes a fountain pen from its breast pocket and inscribes a sigil on one hand, then the other.

"Let the hammer fall," the demon says, formally, and you hear it - the crashing of steel on steel, a massive echoing /clang/ that bends the trees around the hill with the force of its bellow.

And Amy is swallowed by a pillar of flame.

"Perfectly normal!" the imp reassures, as Nathan goes to get up. "Everything is fine, she would be screaming otherwise! Please remain calm!"

When the flames die down, Amy is no longer nude.

Grey chain-and-leather covers her clothed body, the leather of some unearthly hide that you do not recognize. The links give off an impression of heat, of coals still ready to stir into flame, and when she moves to look at herself, they make not a sound. A grey cloak, shot through with dull red streaks like veins, drapes the bird girl's shoulders; when she moves it, you can see three things on her new belt - a sack, a dagger, and a handaxe.

"The sack contains your new tools, and will call them to hand. I do not suggest storing other things in it, as it will get confused," the imp explains. "The dagger's name is Shame; the axe, Blame. The knife is quiet. The axe is loud."

"This feels...comfortable..." Amy admits, running her gloved hands along her sleeve. "I can feel the power too. Wow..."

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>>44231015
"Mister Miles also notes that the sack with your tools contains one more thing, which may be stored safely within it." The imp leans up to murmur in Amy's ear, and she lets out a girlish squeal of delight.

"You have the gratitude of Hell. May the gods be with you on your journey," the tiny demon concludes. It vanishes in a flare of smoke and light, leaving you and Nathan staring down at the harpy.

"Get a good view?" she teases.

"Gods, yes," you and Nathan answer at the same time.

> Rest. There's no need to push yourself until you literally die.
> Press on. You may have already accomplished two objectives today but why wait?

Keeping in mind that all the walking and marching has not been kind on Bri or River.

>>44231015
Swaaag

>>44231082
>> Press on. You may have already accomplished two objectives today but why wait?
This is momentum, we should keep moving.

>>44231082
>> Rest. There's no need to push yourself until you literally die.

Okay, NOW we can rest. For a while. Bri has a very 'no rest for the wicked' mentality, but gods blood she's only human.

>>44231082
>Rest

>>44231082

> Rest. There's no need to push yourself until you literally die.

>>44231082
>Rest. There's no need to push yourself until you literally die.

>>44231143
>This is momentum, we should keep moving.

Hold on there Alexander, lets consult the troops.

>>44231082
>> Rest. There's no need to push yourself until you literally die.
Yeah, we got two heavily drained people in the party.

>>44231234
I don't think we're crossing the river.

We're not going back to Macedonia either, though.

>>44231082
>> Rest. There's no need to push yourself until you literally die

>>44231082
>> Rest. There's no need to push yourself until you literally die.

I'm fine with us being a lich, but no need to rush it.

>>44231082
>Ritually sacrifice yourself to grant power to your allies

No half measures!

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Votes called, writing.

HEALER SHORT: http://pastebin.com/Qa6aKMr2

>>44231655
that was cute, Vox

>>44231655
>HEALER SHORT: http://pastebin.com/Qa6aKMr2
Cute and funny, what prompted this?

>>44231783
Joking with some folks on IRC, anons here theorizing about the family, inspiration, and "Man, I wonder how you even train a la Croix doctor?"

>>44231655
I am entertained.

>>44231655
Noice.

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>>44231082
"Okay. Let's. Let's camp, shall we?"

It's been a long day, and absolutely no one is about to disagree. Camp is made in a tight clearing - no fire, but you don't precisely need one, especially with the witchflame keeping everything lit and visible around you.

Kat curls up sleepily, one hand holding Nathan's shadow's while she 'naps'. Fetch, as always, stands at a faithful watch. River hums to herself, a rhythmic marching tune, while she practices the art of veves and sigils in the dirt in front of her, using her knife to carve.

> Ask Nathan over
> Ask Amy over
> Cuddle pile
> Talk to someone else
> Just go to sleep

>>44232112
> Cuddle pile
Seriously why would we not?

>>44232112
> Just go to sleep

>>44232112
>> Cuddle pile
fuck sleeping, it hasn't made us any happier, talking with the angel

>cuddle pile
this is barely even a question

>>44232112
>Cuddle pile

> Cuddle pile

If you have a choice in life, and one of the possible options is 'cuddle pile', that is automatically the correct option.

Votes called, writing.

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>>44232112
<...Fetch, can you take the watch alone tonight?> you ask.

<Aye, my queen. Be well.>

You feel a gentle swell of gratitude, and then you get Nathan and Amy's attention. When you beckon them over they snuggle in on either side of you, leaning against your tree.

"You people are warm," you say gratefully, leaning your head back and closing your eyes. "...I'm sorry. For how I've been."

"You know we're here to help," Amy says softly. She takes your hat off and runs her fingers through your hair. It feels...nice.

"This hitting a bit close to home for you too?" Nathan asks. You laugh, bitterly, and nod. "...I've had a shadow before. First man I ever killed, that. It was destroyed in a fight with another necromancer. His sister had been murdered by her jealous husband for an affair she wasn't even having."

Nathan takes your hand and squeezes it. "We don't need to talk about the bad shit if you don't want to."

"We don't need to /talk/ at all," Amy points out. "We could just...cuddle. Or. Well. Or other stuff. The River-is-distracted-we-can-keep-quiet-right kind."

You give her a wry look, "That great a kisser, am I?"

"Whosaysit'sjustyouIwannaokayshuttingupnow."

"Or," Nathan proposes, though the look he gives Amy is far from offended, "you could tell a story."

> Try to talk it out. Yeah, you're in the field, but...everything's seemed so grey lately. And that can't be good.
> Just enjoy the cuddles and let them lull you to sleep.
> River /is/ distracted...
> "So having made one of the classic blunders, I ended up in a drinking contest with a dwarven soldier, on the coast..."

>>44232738
> River /is/ distracted...

>>44232738
NO CUDDLE ORGIES.

>Just enjoy the cuddles and let them lull you to sleep.

We need physical rest; mental state hinges often on the fatigue and strain component. We need to be fresh on both fronts for the work ahead of us. Talking and corgies can come some other day.

>>44232738
>> Just enjoy the cuddles and let them lull you to sleep.

So...tired...

>>44232805
>no sleepy cuddle fun allowed.jpg

>>44232738
start with
>Try to talk it out. Yeah, you're in the field, but...everything's seemed so grey lately. And that can't be good.

One less piece of baggage from our history bottled up, one more aired out and dealt with. but leading from that into
> Just enjoy the cuddles and let them lull you to sleep.

We really do need to get some sleep. Actual real sleep, not just catnaps and waking rest.

>>44232738
I kind of want to hear how that story goes, but we need sleep.

> Just enjoy the cuddles and let them lull you to sleep.

>>44232738
>Just enjoy the cuddles and let them lull you to sleep.

> Try to talk it out. Yeah, you're in the field, but...everything's seemed so grey lately. And that can't be good.

Trying to avoid job hazards is generally a good plan.

>>44232738
>>Try to talk it out. Yeah, you're in the field, but...everything's seemed so grey lately. And that can't be good.

>>44232738
>just sleep
We are on the war path, focus on resting.

>>44233028
We're la Croix. We *always* have a job to do. Ignoring bad signs regarding our mental states, just because we have a more immediate objective to worry about, seems like a good way to end up at the head of an army of zombies.

>>> Try to talk it out. Yeah, you're in the field, but...everything's seemed so grey lately. And that can't be good.

Alright folks, vote extended while I hunt down food and caffeine.

>>44233141
And a nice John

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>44232738
rolling for sanity check

>>44233216
Guys... I think we've officially gone off the deep end.

>>44233097

I think that applies to sleep, too. No sleep leads to more mental issues leads to zombies just as surely.

>>44232738
Little bit of both

>> Try to talk it out. Yeah, you're in the field, but...everything's seemed so grey lately. And that can't be good.
>> Just enjoy the cuddles and let them lull you to sleep.

>>44232738
>> Try to talk it out. Yeah, you're in the field, but...everything's seemed so grey lately. And that can't be good.
>> Just enjoy the cuddles and let them lull you to sleep.
who says we need COHERENT storytelling?

>>44233436
which is why I voted for doing both the talking through of issues and the sleeping. sucks for the people whose rescue is being delayed, but really, there isn't a path here that doesn't do a whole lot of sucking for a whole lot of people, and both of these things are absolutely needed in order to avoid us making the world's problems worse, let alone to have us making that situation any better.

>>44233805
Maybe more importantly, one of the hardest things to get people with problems to understand is that it's important to take care of yourself and important, at times, to be selfish.

You have to live with the person in the mirror before you can save the world.

Votes called. Writing.

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>>44232738
"...As tempting as that sounds," you admit, with a little smile, "I. I think maybe I need to talk. I dunno, ever since this started I've felt..."

"Frustrated?" Amy prompts softly.

"Yeah," you agree. "And it's not just that I'm digging up the metaphorical dead, though that's part of it. I got angry at first, and I'm still angry, but...I dunno. It's like the anger burned down and all I've got is coals. And I'm tired, all the time. Just...so tired."

You sigh. "I was on the road for two years, after home...after I left. And I never really stopped moving. And now I have and it's because there's a job to do. And it's like, I got given back all those years of my life that I'd burnt away, and I don't even really get a second chance, because they're going right back on the chopping block. There's a job to do, and I've been picked out to do it, because fuck me I guess? I don't know what's going on, I don't know why this is happening, I don't know why it's my responsibility, and..."

You take in a shuddering breath, trying not to sob, and Amy and Nathan both hug you close.

"You've done a good job Brianna," Amy murmurs into your ear, her quiet voice full of sympathy and affection. "No one could ever say you didn't do a good job. It's okay to cry."

The sob you were holding back bubbles up, and you let it happen. Your companions are warm, and close, and they're not judging your weakness or staring down their noses in disbelief at a /necromancer/ with /feelings/, and you cry, like you haven't cried in years.

Nathan brushes a lock of your hair behind your ear. "You get a vacation after this. No work, no worries. Alright? The Dungeon's been around forever. You can take a few weeks off."

"Can't save anyone if you're plowed flat on your face," Amy adds.

You nod and squeeze their hands.

Eventually, you drift to sleep. Lora's waiting for you, as usual.

"You have a visitor," the chained angel says frankly. "Would you like to see her?"

> Yes
> No

>>44234512
>"Yep."

Five gets you ten it's the moneychanger going max damcon after her missteps.

>>44234512
>Depends, who is it?

>>44234512
>> Yes

>would i want to see her?

>>44234512
>> Yes

Sure, we'll *see* her. We don't have to actually give her the time of day if we don't like who we see.

We can always say, "Nope," ignore the visitor, and just try and get more out of Lora if we prefer.

>>44234512
> Yes

This should be interesting

For better or worse, whomever it is, "no" somehow still works out to being a Bad Idea.

> *sigh* Yes

>>44234512
> Probably not, but send her in anyway.

Votes called. Writing.

>>44234711
This conversation is going to be one of three things, either she tries to buy us off, either with gold, the village, or some other stupid thing. She threatens the innocent lives if we don't turn over the spearhead. Or she attempts to show she has enough of the spear to be powerful already and fear her or she will burn us to the ground. The angel is indifferent because she knows this either wont change anything or will hasten Loras death. It also will likely take the heat off of her and be amusing to watch. Much like the undead chicken murdering a demon.

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>>44234512
"...Yeah, send her in," you say after a long moment to thought.

"For what it's worth, the reason I'm not apologizing for making you cry more is I'm pretty sure these will be happy tears."

Lora strains against the chains, and they grudgingly give her wings slack, one painful inch at a time. You watch her fight for every fraction of an inch, hear the metal strain, but in the end the links hold, and her wings are folded in front of her.

"Am I here?" a familiar, warm, somewhat older voice asks. You furrow your brow. You know that voice...

"You're here," Lora confirms. She lifts her wings, and your heart stops in your chest.

She's still in the clothes she died in, stained red and pierced from fangs, but you'd know that face, that warm, loving expression, anywhere.

"Mom?" you croak.

> How'd you get here?
> How's death going?
> I've missed you.
> Flying hug of daughterly love and excitement.

Pick up to two.

>>44234790

The angel is Lora.

The moneychanger is Lisa.

>>44234817
>> I've missed you.
>> Flying hug of daughterly love and excitement.
WE WERE ALL WRONG AND I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER

>>44234817

> Flying hug of daughterly love and excitement.

>>44234817
This was actually my second guess, but I don't think I get any points since I didn't actually call it.

> I've missed you.

>>44234817
>> I've missed you.
>> Flying hug of daughterly love and excitement.

^_^

omg bri needs this

>> I've missed you.
>> Flying hug of daughterly love and excitement.

>>44234817

Man it's weird for nice things to be happening to Brianna considering her theme. 'no good deed goes unpunished'. All these /nice things/ happening to her, it makes me thing that the foot that comes eventually is going to be bigger than god.

>>44234817
>Why? How?

>>44235025
Consider what she's gone through to get here. The suffering, the insults, the battles, the years off her life, the misery.

The theme's a thing, but it's not a /mechanic/. Good things happen to Bri sometimes like they happen to anyone else. But she's called to do rough work for the good of others, and that's not a cost-free affair.

>>44235075
this

>Flying hug, followed by "Why? How?"

Called, writing.

>Flying hug, followed by "Why? How?"

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>>44234817
Your mother catches your flying hug with a laugh. She pulls you close to herself and squeezes you tightly - admittedly the bloody clothes are a bit gross but /fuck it/ - and lifts you off your feet with her return hug.

"I've missed you," you say softly, happy tears in your eyes.

"I've missed you too," your mother replies, smiling down at you beatifically. "Though it seems like your grandmother did a great job. You're all grown up."

"I, ah. I took on the family business," you admit, shyly. "I know that's not what you wanted for me, but...it feels right. Even if it makes me unhappy sometimes."

"I can understand that. Can we sit?"

You and your mother sit on the bench on the opposite side of the room from Lora, each staring excitedly at the other.

"You look...well, like shit, but you look like you went down fighting."

"I did," your mother says proudly. "I saved three lives with my death. Couldn't ask for a better one. But that's ancient history, what about /you/? How have you been?"

> Focus on the past; the training, the flood, and what happened after.
> Focus on the present; your exile, the Dungeon, and your relationships.
> Avoid the subject

>>44236531
> Focus on the past; the training, the flood, and what happened after.

>>44236531
> Focus on the present; your exile, the Dungeon, and your relationships.
Past is past, can't change that.
But could use some advice about the now.

>>44236531
>> Focus on the present; your exile, the Dungeon, and your relationships.
Mom's... probably already seen the rest of the family.

>>44236531
>Focus on the present; your exile, the Dungeon, and your relationships.
Mom knows best, get her insight

>>44236531
> Focus on the present; your exile, the Dungeon, and your relationships.
The present is what we most need to vent about, at the moment.

> Focus on the past; the training, the flood, and what happened after.
> Focus on the present; your exile, the Dungeon, and your relationships.

>>44236665
>666
Y u do this satan?

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>>44236531
> Focus on the present; your exile, the Dungeon, and your relationships.

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>>44236702
He missed by one, it's k.

>Focus on the present, that's the more pressing issue, but how much access do the dead have to keep track of the living? If not much, might find time to work in at least a quick summary of the past, to bring mom up to date.

Votes called, writing.

>>44236531
>Focus on the past; the training, the flood, and what happened after.
the flood was pretty bad

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>>44236531
"Well...I sorta got exiled to the Dungeon," you admit, sighing. "Which is the exact kind of thing you yelled at Grandmother about when I was a little girl. I'm sorry..."

Your mother frowns, slightly. "You weren't meant to hear those arguments. You have nothing to be sorry about, Bri. I assume. What'd you do?"

"Drove off some bandits ambushing a group of soldiers, saved their lives, and put a man's head back on."

"Yeah, you're fine."

You tell her everything; about entering the Dungeon, about Captain Marsh and the names in the Oubliette, your death at the hands of the crocodile, your improbable rescue. She pays especial attention to your revival of Nathan and then the rescue of Amy, and what came after.

"You...you turned a man into an undead crocodile?" she asks, in stunned awe.

"Yeah, everyone involved in that was surprised. Especially the crocodile."

She giggles at the creation of Fetch and is sympathetic at the low points, and overall it's nice - nice to feel appreciated, loved, listened to. Not that Nathan and Amy don't make you feel that way, but...

But you never got the chance to do this before. You remember a warm voice, and books in bed, and crying over a novel when you realized she'd never read it to you again.

"Lately...ever since I came to the Lichyard, I've felt. I dunno, out of it. Unhappy. Not just the normal background unhappiness," your mother frowns and hugs you tight, when you say it, "but cold. Numb. And I know some of it is that I hate this feeling of desecration everywhere, but..."

"Dear heart," your mother murmurs. "You've got to take care of yourself too, you know. Your life can't be this duty, not always. Even your grandmother had fun."

"...She did?"

"You know the holiday decorations that would just show up overnight before every festival?"

"Yeah!" you say brightly. "They were always so cheerful and THATWASGRANDMA?"

>>44237374
Oh Bri, sweetie, you are so cute...

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>>44237374
Your mother beams at you. "That was your grandmother. And I'm not saying that finding a hobby or finding love is going to make you feel better always, because that's stupid. Everyone is doomed to sorrow, Brianna. But sometimes it's easy to stare at the dark parts, and forget about the bright ones. It sounds to me like you've got a pair of bright spots in your life. Not to mention that delightful knight of yours."

You look down with a little grin. "Yeah. They've...they've been worried about me."

"Follow your family's advice. Visit the mournstone, after this is over. Say your goodbyes, as long as you need to say them, and remember that you'll be with your family in due time. They say good things about you, you know. Mark especially."

"He's still an asshole."

"No argument here," your mother agrees with a laugh. "I don't know much about the Lichyard and what's going on there. I just heard that you wanted to talk and...well, I came as quickly as I could. Lora was kind enough to help."

You share a grateful look with the angel, and she nods silently.

"I might be able to help you with the one thing, though. I did stay married for nearly six years before I died," the ghost notes. "How do you feel about your young swains?"

> "I...don't know. They're great friends. I couldn't ask for better. But..."
> "Nathan's very...steadying, you know? Calming. I like that." [Favor Nathan]
> "Amy's really grown, since I met her. It's easier to feel like her affection is genuine, and...well..." [Favor Amy]
> "...Don't hit me, but. I kinda. I really like them both." [Express interest; favor neither]

>>44237514
> "...Don't hit me, but. I kinda. I really like them both." [Express interest; favor neither]

>>44237514
> "...Don't hit me, but. I kinda. I really like them both." [Express interest; favor neither]
As friends or lovers or whatevers, I don't think I can choose.

Joke Answer:
Fetch is the only cock for me.

>>44237514
> "...Don't hit me, but. I kinda. I really like them both." [Express interest; favor neither]

> "...Don't hit me, but. I kinda. I really like them both." [Express interest; favor both]

harem route is a go!

>>44237514
>"I can't stop worrying. Worrying that if I reciprocate, I'll forget something, get careless."

>>44237440
Well this is a new sentiment.

>>44237635
Nah, she's always been kinda cute, but the
>"Yeah!" you say brightly. "They were always so cheerful and THATWASGRANDMA?"
pushed it over for me.

>>44237514
>"...Don't hit me, but. I kinda. I really like them both." [Express interest; favor neither]

>>44237514
>"Nathan's very...steadying, you know? Calming. I like that." [Favor Nathan]

Not that there's a chance in hell that 4chan will pick a hetero relationship over both a lesbian option and a harem.

>>44237514
> "...Don't hit me, but. I kinda. I really like them both." [Express interest; favor neither]
MWAHAHAHAHAHHA YES THIS OPTION PLEASES ME

>>44237514
> "Nathan's very...steadying, you know? Calming. I like that." [Favor Nathan]

>>44237514

BISEXUAL HAREM OPTION PLEASE THANK YOU

>>44237514
> "Amy's really grown, since I met her. It's easier to feel like her affection is genuine, and...well..." [Favor Amy]

>>44237514
> "...Don't hit me, but. I kinda. I really like them both." [Express interest; favor neither]

I'M NOT WILLING TO COMMIT

>>44237772
Don't be so sure. Anon's surprised me in the past, and the "both" option can very easily be confusion or failure to commit rather than poly.

>>44237514
>> "Amy's really grown, since I met her. It's easier to feel like her affection is genuine, and...well..." [Favor Amy]

personally I find her a bit more interesting.

> "Amy's really grown, since I met her. It's easier to feel like her affection is genuine, and...well..." [Favor Amy]

>>44237514
"Nathan's very...steadying, you know? Calming. I like that." [Favor Nathan]

>>44237514
> "Amy's really grown, since I met her. It's easier to feel like her affection is genuine, and...well..." [Favor Amy]

Votes called, writing.

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>>44237514
"...Don't hit me, but I kinda. Really like them both," you say meekly. Your mother takes your hat off your head and whaps you with it before putting it back on your hair. "For different reasons, but, like...Amy's sweet. She's attentive, caring. She has her heart on her sleeve, and she's /adorable/. Nate's honest and steady, smart without being an asshole, brave, noble." You grin, dreamily. "Never thought I'd be asked out on a date with a handsome Hero either. There were roses..."

Your mother kisses your hair. "Can't be easy, having feelings for two people at the same time. Even fi they seem calm about it."

"...Yeah," you agree. "I kinda keep waiting for the shoe to drop, for one or the other to ask me to get serious."

"Just treat their hearts with respect," your mother advises. "You're all young people, living dangerous lives, close together. Some of that passion is going to spill over. Don't toy with their feelings on purpose, and...don't assume they're out to hurt you, either, when bad things happen."

"Like if I walked in on them kissing?" you ask, raising an eyebrow.

"...Have you?"

"Nah," you answer with an impish grin. "...Holding hands, though. And I know Amy's attracted to Nate, and Nate back, a bit. Which isn't hard to understand, they're...it'd be a little weird if I was attracted to them both but couldn't comprehend them being attracted to each other."

Your mother laughs. "How very practical, dear one. Love like a la Croix, eh?"

You sputter, while your mother chuckles and ruffles your hair where it sticks out from under your hat.

"You've got to go now," she whispers. "But I'm proud of you. And the family is proud of you. You've always done a good job, Brianna. You've always been one of the best of us."

You hug your mother close and rest your head against her chest. "Tell the family I was thinking of them."

"I will. And they'll be listening, when you go to the mournstone."

"I love you Mom."

"I love you too, Bri. Be well."

>>44228818
... Does the artist know what a chicken looks like? I'm fairly sure that's a duck.

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>>44238711
Lora coughs quietly, to get your attention. "I'm sorry I couldn't give you more time," the chained angel says solemnly. "I hope you enjoyed this."

"I did," you say resolutely. "I...I definitely did."

"Then wake, heritor, and face the living."

You wake gently, for once, feeling warm, and loved, and with a weight off of your chest that you hadn't realized you were carrying around.

Nothing's changed, but between last night, and the conversation you just had, everything seems...not better, but in perspective.

The world hasn't changed, but maybe you have.

Amy and Nathan are still cuddled in to you; each holds one of your hands, and they hold each other's hand, across your lap. Amy's head rests on your shoulder, and she sleepily mutters your name before rubbing you with her hair. Nathan is more fast asleep, but he squeezes your hand, reassuringly, every so often.

You should probably get up. Probably.

> Wake them gently. Job, doing, etc.
> Attempt to wake just one of them and talk (choose one)
> Let them sleep
> Write-in.

>>44238884
>> Wake them gently. Job, doing, etc.
As nice as this was, we can't just rest forever.
boy, what a comfy reprieve from the horrorshow going on in Sibella Quest right now.

>>44238884

wake em up gently

>>44236702
Because we have the favor of Hell. Duh.

>>44237514

Anyway, I like Amy more than Nathan but I have no problem with him and that's got more votes anyway, so:

> "...Don't hit me, but. I kinda. I really like them both." [Express interest; favor neither]

>>44238932
You behind, anon.

>>44238923
Please, my friend, greentext your votes.

>>44238932
Goddamnit I forgot to refresh. I am, apparently, still a dumbass sometimes.

>>44238884
> Let them sleep
And just lie there enjoying their company. We're in a safe spot and we need a short break.

>>44238948
Shush, Vox. I said that myself.

>>44238884
>Wake them gently. Job, doing, etc
I feel like this has become more of a competition in voting for which one of our compatriots we sex up first.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.

> Let them sleep

>>44238949
this is what that auto-update button is for, Anon...

>>44238918
> boy, what a comfy reprieve from the horrorshow going on in Sibella Quest right now.

...Dare I ask? Do I /want/ to know?

>>44238884
>Wake them gently. Job, doing, etc.

>>44239032
our ROLLS
OUR ROLLS
LAST THREAD WE NEARLY KILLED OUR OWN GHOST AFTER DYING
IT'S A NIGHTMARE THAT WON'T END

>>44238884
> Wake them gently. Job, doing, etc.
Good sleep, fun cuddle pile, now let's go be heroes.

>>44239102
Hey now. Being a Hero is Nathan's job. You really want to take his niche away?

>>44238884
>Wake them gently. Job, doing, etc.

On the relationship note: Nate's got that whole Hero shtick, which is probably going to lead to him leaving at some undefined point in the future. So I'm more in favor of Amy as long term relationship prospects, but that's just my view on it. >>44239308

>>44239386
> On the relationship note: Nate's got that whole Hero shtick, which is probably going to lead to him leaving at some undefined point in the future.

Vhat?

Votes called, writing. Sorry about the delay.

I HAD TO GET CAFFEINE

>>44239386
>which is probably going to lead to him leaving at some undefined point in the future.
We're in the Heroing shtick right now too.

>>44239386
Honestly as a life burning necromancer Bri is the worst long term prospect as far as characters go.
On a related note does River being an elf mean she has more life mojo to burn?

>>44239386

That is a pathetic rationalization for just going the yuri route and ignoring other options

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>>44238884
Mmm. Comfy as this is, it's time to get up and get going. People to save, things to do, Lisa to kill.

<Fetch? Where's River?>

<She is communing with her mentor. He is instructing her in the arts of sensing death and inferring knowledge from the sense. Her armor is nearby, my queen.>

<Let her know we're about to break camp and move out.>

<Yes, my queen.>

"Nate," you murmur. The young man's eyes flutter open, and he gives you a sleepy, happy smile that melts your heart.

"Hey," he murmurs back. "You look like you feel better. But. You've been crying?"

"Good tears," you promise softly. "...Have I said lately that I appreciate you guys?"

"No," Amy interjects tiredly next to you, yawning. "But we knew anyway. Not that it isn't nice to hear. Do we have to get up now?"

"I'm afraid so," you confirm.

"But we didn't even make out."

"/Amy/," you and Nathan chide at the same time, and the half-harpy breaks down into a giggling fit. You roll your eyes and ruffle her hair, making her jolt with a surprised chirp of happiness.

> Break camp quickly and head towards the town (advance)
> Enjoy breakfast with your companions
> Let Nathan and Amy break the camp, eat breakfast with River and see if she needs advice on her training so far.

>>44239726
>>44239811
>Vhat?
Just in general trope terms, the Hero either has to abandon his loved ones to go off and fulfill the Quest, or else they get killed off.

It's almost one of the immutable laws of fantasy.
Not saying you're going to do it, but it's what I've been expecting from Nate since you stuck that title on him.

>>44239981
>Let Nathan and Amy break the camp, eat breakfast with River and see if she needs advice on her training so far.

>>44239981
>> Let Nathan and Amy break the camp, eat breakfast with River and see if she needs advice on her training so far.
We should check on our sister.

>>44239892
Not exactly. While the exact details aren't fully known, losses tend to be proportionate to lifespan; this is because any given race is not usually "more alive" or "less alive" than another race. The running theory is that lifespan is a function of the gods that shaped that race and not of life force, but if pressed enough or offered enough alcohol most sages will eventually admit that no one actually fucking knows and whoever can prove their pet theory will be a rich man indeed.

>>44239981
>> Let Nathan and Amy break the camp, eat breakfast with River and see if she needs advice on her training so far.

>>44239981
>Let Nathan and Amy break the camp, eat breakfast with River and see if she needs advice on her training so far.
family doesn't let family go zombie army

>>44239974
No, I actually prefer harem route, since no one's feelings get hurt.

>>44240024
So its less like they have more life, but rather they use it more slowly during regular living?

>>44240046
This is one of the popular running theories, yes. It would certainly explain why it doesn't take any more death magic or stabbing to kill them.

>>44240067
What about things that do need more stabbing to kill. If you taught a tarrasque necromancy could it effectively become a god?

>Let Nathan and Amy break the camp, eat breakfast with River and see if she needs advice on her training so far.

do the ones who use more life force age faster to get to the end of their natural life or die before that without an outside influence? like growing 40 years older in 20 years or dropping dead at the age of 30.

> Let Nathan and Amy break the camp, eat breakfast with River and see if she needs advice on her training so far.

>>44240140
They tend to die beforehand. The symptoms can look remarkably like being poisoned; you reach the end of your years minus however many you managed to burn off (adjusted for healthy living, etc, so forth) and just sorta get dizzy, keel over and then die in screaming, horrific agony while black blood pours out of your eyes.

In related news, most necromancers take strides to remain physically fit and to die of unnatural causes whenever possible.

Votes called, writing.

>>44240310
Holy shit thats a brutal way to go.

>>44240330
You begin to understand how these facts and practices shaped the culture in the la Croix family?

>>44240369
adopt a shit ton of kids and hope one of them survives to pass on the family teachings?

>>44240388
Valuing people's choices in their own lives and deaths. Treating the dead with respect, looking to die doing something useful. Treating their own lives as a currency to be spent and husbanded. Doing what's gotta be done. And being chill, because really, you're gonna die anyway. Other necromancers get into it for the IMMORTALITY, but the la Croix have been there, done that, wrote the book and decided it wasn't worth it. No one lives forever. All you do trying is make yourself miserable and insane before you get killed by some Hero.

They've been through every shade of hell the world has to offer and then some and they came out of it saying, "If we sweep our own porch, the places we live in will be nice, and the people probably will be too."

Which I don't think is a bad attitude, aye?

wait if the la Croix don't feel the need for immortality why does Bri have an emergency lich thingy?

>>44240513
They don't feel for long term immortality.
She probably just wanted to get to leave some apprentices behind, so the branch doesn't just die out.

>>44238987
>This. and, while we're at it, get some more rest for Bri. Even if she's not actually asleep, she can sit there and meditate or just cuddle. Either way, the pace (in-story pace, making no comments with regard to the posting pace) has been too fast for too long, and while this respite has been quite welcome, I don't feel there's been quite enough of it yet, so lets not be too hasty to call an end to it.

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>>44239981
"You guys mind breaking camp? I'm gonna take River some food and check up on her. I don't wanna leave her with just a ghost to answer her questions. The dead can be a bit...biased."

"About?" Nathan asks, since Amy's too busy nuzzling into your head scritches to answer or possibly engage in sapient thought.

"Well, dying, for one."

"Ah. Yeah, we'll get it covered."

Amy lets out a little 'aww' of disappointment when you stop, only to chirp and melt when Nathan's fingers replace yours. She snuggles against the Hero and lets him hug her. Nathan gives you an almost questioning look, and you tip your hat at him.

It's a beautiful day, and honestly, that was fucking adorable.

You find River putting on the last of her armor - her leather gauntlets - while leaning against a tree for suppost. She looks up when she hears you, ears perking, and then stands up straight when she sees you have food. The ex-mercenary eats like she's used to starving, which, in fairness, might actually be true.

"How're you holding up?" you ask, leaning against a tree of your own. You bite off a bit of jerky and chew; at your feet, Kat ruffles her shadowy ears and folds her arms.

"...Well, I think? I. I don't feel like I'm bottling anything, exactly. I've been having nightmares, but. I always have nightmares. Even with the drink, these days." Her ears flatten against her head. She looks down, at her boots, and seems to be struggling with something.

"Something bothering you?" you ask, soothingly.

The elf digs in her cloak and then throws you something; you catch it, in one hand, and find it to be a hip flask, mostly full.

"...Stole it. From the shrine. The brandy, that is," River admits in a small voice.

> River...
> You knew better.
> How is it you want me to help?

>>44240652
>I'm good, give it to someone who needs it.

these two go together
> River...
> You knew better.

>>44240652
>> River...

> River...

Called, writing.

Slow tonight. I wonder - JESUS FUCK IT'S TWO IN THE MORNING, NO FUCKING WONDER.

only 11PM over here. snowed in the fucking morning though.

>>44240652
>How is it you want me to help?

>>44240806
west coast best coast desu senpai

>>44240806

Oh rub it in will you, asshole. Its been raining for weeks on the east coast. Why can't it just fucking snow, all I want is to be able to go skiing, but no, instead the slopes are giant mud slides instead of skiable surfaces.

To make matters worse the house I was going to stay in burned down.

>>44240652
>Baby steps. Reserections are never clean affairs, no matter the method.

>>44240513
Not wanting to live forever doesn't necessarily mean you don't want to last longer than you expect to. She's got things that need done before she can leave, and there's been some concern she might not get them all finished on schedule. So she took steps to loosen that schedule a bit.

>>44240881
Also no-one said we aren't cool with living forever, it's just... Not our end goal.

>>44240891
Doesn't matter when we are gonna ascend to be the God of Death

>>44240940
i thought that was lora's future job?

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>>44240652
"River..." your voice isn't angry, just...dissappointed.

"I know," the elf says miserably. "I shouldn't have. My mentor's been chiding me for it since I did it. For hiding from my problems in the bottle, and...I mean, he's right. I know he's right. The things I've done in my cups...I wish I could forget."

You slip the flask into your pocket and walk over to your adopted sister. You put a hand on her shoulder and squeeze it, reassuringly. "Look. Coming back from the dead is never a clean affair. Now, I'm not saying you died, but...I think maybe you don't feel like the same person who crawled into that trench to begin with." River nods, hesitantly. "You've already taken a big, scary step towards change. We're here to help you, and...honestly, I'm glad, and touched, that you trusted me enough to tell me about this. So here's the deal. I'm going to let you ask me for this three times, and on the third time, you get it back."

"...What's the catch?"

"That is the catch," you answer, with a sideways smile. "Let's talk some necromancy." You lean on the tree, next to River, and watch her ears twitch and bob in thought. They're so...expressive.

As you expected, River's undead mentor has been great for technical details but a bit light on the philosophical and spiritual end. She has a lot of questions on what it means not just to be a necromancer, but to be a la Croix.

"...You make it sound almost like being a doctor," she admits, during your talk. "Weighing life and death. Triage. I've seen that...that hard, compassionate look you get, on the faces of healers."

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>>44240972
You tip your hat to hide the look on your face; it was meant as a compliment, but it still wouldn't do to be seen smiling at it. "Yeah, it can be," you agree. "But it's also a lot like being a priest. You attend the festivals and the dances, because that's when people are being really alive. You grieve at the funerals, you remind people of the good times in the bad, and prepare for the bad ones when you can. In some places we kinda are the priests, almost? Though we don't like that, mostly because there's actual priests that are supposed to do that job, and also because we have a...particular perspective."

"I can see that," River agrees. "Like. It's nice that our family exists but not everyone should have to be willing to put their hand in the beartrap to save a kitten."

"Pretty much," you agree. "...I'm glad you've taken well to the adoption idea, River."

"I'm glad you've accepted me," the elf says shyly, ducking her head to hide behind her red, red hair. "Think camp's broken up yet?"

"Probably," you muse. "Let's head back, decide how we want to approach this."

> Enter the town openly, though without announcing your intentions. How does it recieve visitors?
> Send one or two people in to scout ahead.
> Send just Fetch to scout ahead.
> Storm the place, kill every zombie you find.

>>44241015
>Enter the town openly, though without announcing your intentions. How does it recieve visitors?

>>44241015
> Send one or two people in to scout ahead.
River and Amy. Best scouts we have.

>>44241015
>Enter the town openly, though without announcing your intentions. How does it recieve visitors?

>>44241041
this

>>44241041
>Seconding this.

Gonna leave this vote open while we get towards 300 posts in this thread and then work on making a new one before I attempt to go to sleep.

As always, feedback, discussion, questions, are all welcome and appreciated.

Thank you for reading and participating!

>>44241015
>Send just Fetch to scout ahead.

>>44241015
>Send Fetch and Amy to scout
Gotta check that sneaky gear

>>44241015
>Enter the town openly, though without announcing your intentions. How does it recieve visitors?

Also, have Fetch find a spot outside town, but near the gate, where he can watch for trouble and stay on standby. If you get near a mile away, he should stay in comms range, but stay alert and inconspicuous. That way, if the situation does go south, any ambush or trap we end up in won't catch everyone, and there'll be someone left to come to the rescue or go for help, whichever the situation calls for.

>>44241138
Given that you can use sacrifices instead of lifeforce with necromancy could you instead sacrifice lifeforce of others to extend your own?

>>44241190
> Undead chicken
> To the rescue

I know this makes sense in the context. I /wrote this/ into making sense in the context.

But I still cannot stop laughing.

I love this fucking quest.

>>44241300
You get really bad diminishing returns on the ritual. Most necromancers inclined to go that route just cut out the middleman and turn themselves into vampires.

i tried to count the votes. then i realized what a clusterfuck it was. thank you for doing this vox

>>44241335
You're welcome, anon. It's been a lot of fun thus far!

Votes called, writing new thread.

>>44241324
How exactly do people go vampire in your setting?

NEW THREAD:

>>44241508
>>44241508
>>44241508
>>44241508