>>46792454

Rowan and Harvey take the lead. Everyone carries suspiciously bulging duffel bags. Yours is especially heavy, but it gives you little trouble. Ocean spray fills the air from the crashing waves below the pier.

A pair of police officers in ponchos get in your way. One holds out a hand to stop you. “Island’s closed today folks, we received a tipoff of a potential terrorist threat.”

Rowan hoists up her back and gives them an exasperated look. “That’s why we’re here,” she says, gesturing to herself, you, and your vaguely paramilitary looking comrades.

The cops look dubiously at your group, even as rain continues to drench everything in sight. “Nobody goes out, nobody comes back,” he says. “No exceptions.”

Harvey doesn’t hold out hope of getting through. “I’ll call Dad,” he says, going for his phone.

“That won’t be necessary,” says Wolfgang, materializing as if out of thin air and stepping up beside Harv. He wears a dull-grey coat with the hood thrown up, and carries his staff.

He quickly corrals everyone away from the dock and the cops and leads you down to a set of stairs onto the rocky shore. Waves seek vainly to splash up the steep incline.

Wolf gestures everyone to gather round while he angles his staff toward the island.

“Nice save,” you say, hugging him tightly about the waist.

He winks at you. “You could have waited five minutes for me,” he says.

Ranthix lays a huge hand on your shoulder. “ENOUGH BANTER, TO THE ISLAND.”

Everyone else huddles in around you and Wolf. One sucking second later, the temperature drops further to a bitter cold. The scents of wet wood and asphalt are replaced with cleaner sea air, mingled a little bit with fresh mud. Ambient sounds of passing cars cease as well. In their stead the stormy sea fills the air.

>>46792463

If the wind on the shore was fierce, here it’s almost unbearable.

You pull away from Wolf and look around. A stark lighthouse towers before you. Next to it is a hollowed out frame of a building – through its skeletal windows you can see out the other side to the watery expanse beyond.

Turning around, you find the prison complex standing behind you, well-weathered from long years spent in open ocean air.

The plateau on which everything stands is surrounded by steep rocky slopes.

“There’s someone here,” Xathix reports, pointing down the front of the island down at the flattened parade ground below.

You have a look. Indeed, a lone figure sits at a corner of the desolate stone of the parade ground, seated on a stool. He reads a book to pass the time.

>Somebody go get him out of here.
>Ignore him, we’ve got hours before the action starts.
>I’ll take care of it.
>Other (?)

>>46792509
>I’ll take care of it.

>>46792509
>Surround him
>I’ll take care of it.

No way he's here legitimately just hanging around.

>>46792509
>I’ll take care of it.
Drop the bag though.

>>46792509
>>I’ll take care of it.

>>46792509
>>I’ll take care of it.

File: the horns.jpg (334 KB, 3644x1672)

334 KB JPG

>>46792509
So, did Cass ever get us a new rooty tooty point and shooty?

>>46792968
We should have some sort of anti tank weapon for emergencies.

Like a Barrett with Anti tank rounds for when shit gets real.

“I’ll take care of it,” you say, shoving your bag into Xathix. “Keep watch. There’s no way he’s here legitimately.”

Xath sets the duffels both down, zips one open, and pulls out a scoped assault rifle. He snaps in a magazine and gives you a thumbs up.

Xanissil and Harvey join him in arming herself, while Orias looks on with a calculating expression.

“I’ll swoop in if things go south,” says Rowan, stretching out her wings but otherwise keeping out of sight from the stranger.

You nod, and skip the trail leading down to the parade ground in favor of just running down the steep slope.

Ranthix shadows your movements several paces behind, carrying a belt-fed machine gun at the ready.

HP: 35/35
Stress: 40/103
Fury: 2
Sanity: 92/100

LW: 14/15
PP: 47/47

You come out on the slick concrete parade ground. Chunks of broken rock litter the lifeless expanse. You forge on until you come within a stone’s throw of the stranger. Even with the storm, you notice he’s perfectly dry. Streaks of rain coming down at the figure bend out of the way while they’re still a few feet off, their path curving so they miss him completely.

The stranger snaps his book shut and deposits it in the folds of his dark robes. He stands and turns to face you. The figure is draped in flowing black robes, intricately in-weaved with gold. He wears an ornate steel mask traced in curling patterns, with eyes, nose, and mouth all represented in detail. The face is angular and set in an uncompromisingly stern expression.

The look of him jogs dim memories from times you do not well remember.

He speaks smoothly, his voice unexpectedly melodious and pleasant. “My emissary conveyed your wishes for meeting face-to-face before his death,” the figure explains. He bows slightly. “I am at your service.”

>Say stuff (?)
>Do stuff (?)
>Other (?)

File: Sulkrasph.jpg (73 KB, 500x684)

73 KB JPG

>>46793236

Mask.

>>46793236
>The look of him jogs dim memories from times you do not well remember.
!!!!

>>46793236
>Say stuff (?)
"Who, what, and why?"

>>46793236
>Say stuff (?)
"Skulkrasp? Well, this day just keeps getting better and better. Hmmm... I don't suppose you could tell me exactly why your here, besides the meet and greet? Not doubt you know what's going on, with Anatu and the Yellow King in town and all.

>>46793236
>Say stuff (?)
If I were to ask why your emissary tried to have me killed, would you give me a straight answer?

>>46793236
>Say stuff (?)

>“I am at your service.”

Excuse my skepticism, but our life experience so far has been to assume new faces are potential enemies until demonstrated otherwise.

>>46793236
I'll support.

>>46793376

>>46793278
He killed mommy

>>46793413
Or he was merely there when she died. Remember, according to Ranthix, she had to allow herself to die for it to happen.

>>46793236
"So this is the part where you give Deletrius and your master abandons his designs on my fief."

>>46793439

Speaking of whom, we should ask him to confirm this.

What's his PP?

>>46793236
Man I hate Skulrasp the least out of any of them.

I could see us defeating him and bending him to our control, seems like we could use somebody who understands the current state of Halth the way only a lord can.

Booyah rumble down in Prison Town. Tickets available now! Glad I made it Languid.

Sulkrasph. The Archduke of Mardusia.

He knew your mother. He was a member of her conclave, before she died. His emissary, Lucifer, tried to have you killed multiple times.

You are skeptical of his offer of friendship, and you remain on your guard. The last demon lord you confronted almost killed you, but Ranthix’s presence not too far at your back gives you some reassurance.

Sulkrasph offers no easy measure of his power or physical might. (Sulkrasph: 10/10 HP; ??/?? PP) Whether he shrouds them from you or not, you are unable to easily tell. The spectral scope on the rifle slung over your back could hold an answer, but aiming a rifle at him could be taken the wrong way.

He spreads his hands at your suspicious silence. The motion parts his robes slightly, giving you a view of the segmented platemail he wears beneath. “Well? Here I am, child,” he says delicately. “Speak your mind.”

“You tried to kill me,” you manage.

He inclines his head, and clasps his hands behind his back. “A test you passed,” he says. You notice a flash of his fingers – he wears finely articulated armored gloves. “If you were so easily dispatched, as an ally you would have been more liability than asset, hardly worth my especial attention. You are not. Take it for what you will.”

You don’t know if you’ll ever get used to hellish politics. “Why’re you here?” you ask. “You knew I’d be here, you know what’s going on with Anatu and the Yellow King.”

The question pleases him. “Ah. Straight and direct, with precocious insight. You haven’t changed much at all,” says Sulkrasph, tilting his head slightly. “I came to extend an invitation to you. One you have once refused, but given circumstances, you may reconsider.”

>>46794047

You recall the words Lucifer spoke to you from his sickbed, after you’d rescued him. “You want me to be your vanguard,” you say, doubtingly.

“A poor choice of words, perhaps,” Sulkrasph responds. “You are Axaleph, the Imperiate. True tyrant over all chthonia. I would be at your back as you reclaim dominion over the realms of Halth.” As he speaks on, his voice gains a grandness to it. “My legions are near ready to march - our world has been too long mired in ignominy. Together, with your power to command and my base of power, we could revolutionize the thousand hells." He pauses. "Give me your reply, and I will ensure Ushologuissa's ambitions here bear no fruit.”

That’s a concept. It sounds too good to be true, but so did the Hallows when you were first getting to know them. This might be your last and best shot at freeing yourself from the mess you’ve gotten yourself tangled up in. Or it could be a terrible setup for betrayal.

>Say stuff (?)
>Do things (?)
>Other (?)

>>46794092
>>Say stuff (?)
What's the catch, and how did you know that we would be here?

>>46794092
yeah, this guy isn't the Hallows.

tell him you got Usho handled, what with being the motherfuckin' Imperiate and all, but thank him for the offer.

oh, and vaguely be a smartass about it.

>>46794092
Give something along the lines of we accep this support and would have him in our council, but if we are to trully be ruler of the Thousand hells then we will destroy our enemies ourself. We will fuck this usrper up ourselves and make an example of her for all to see.

Ask him why he supports us tho too.

>>46794092
Go with the Ranthix option.

He may serve us but we will Destroy our enemies ourself or we are no true Imperiate. Also tell him that if he ever threatens our life again we will kill him.

>>46794188
Yea it would probably be better to say that if he actually wants our support we'll talk to him after the operation itself. We've got this one ourselves.
When we've been able to discuss pros and cons with the group at large. It would be really helpful to have papa Crowther for that.

>>46794139
>>46794188
>>46794220
Pretty much this. He served our Mother and having a solid base to support us would be welcome. But be cautious and tell him what we will do to him if we discover betrayal.

And of course ask why.

>>46794092
>Say stuff (?)
"... If it will keep the fief safe, then I will accept."

>>46794236
So we give a positively inclined answer but tell him we will speak of this after we deal with this Ursurper? I can back that. Not so much out of doubt but more along the lines that an Imperiate must destroy her enemies if she is to rule.

File: 1430745093766.jpg (825 KB, 900x900)

825 KB JPG

ask him about Nevada

>>46794236
He doesn't want our support, that's the even better/more suspicious part - he's offering HIS support to us. If he's genuine and planning to just get a load of power in the background as opposed to trying to take it outright this could be excellent.

>>46794249
>fief
C'mon man we're going to rule Halth someday. Think big.

Don't make the right decision for the wrong reasons.

>>46794277
welp... I mean... yea we should do that.

>>46794092
We will need powerful council members and a good base to launch our invasion of Halth.

Accept but do the whole demon shit about betrayal and question his motives.

>>46794297
>>46794277
Let's question him about his motives now. Save the personal questions for later.

>>46794288
Ah so if I stop being stupid and actually read it out. he's saying we'll owe him. While he would be a part of the council he is still the one in control. You could even say that the legions being nearly ready is a veiled threat.

Threadly reminder that there are 500+ unclaimed wells on the West Coast. Let's get on that shit, and soon.

>>46794372
I'm all for that as well but you gotta remember about the strain of taking control of them. Every 5-10 we would probably need to take a bit of a break between each Well searching trip.

>>46794092
>Say stuff (?)
Any info on where Deletrius Crowther is being held and if we can recover him alive?

>>46794358
Nah, we can keep him in his place beneath us.

Even though his intent is probably not totally honest as an Imperiate it's our job to keep our underlings under us. Reminder that pretty much all of Moms councilors wanted personal power, It's a sign of a true Imperiate to have Ambitious underlings.

>>46794092
Tell him that we accept his support but make it clear that he serves us, not the other way around. And betrayal is met very harshly.

>>46794372
I don't remember this,do you remember the thread?

>>46794427
Another good point.

>>46794399
5-10 a week would be amazing. And while we won't be able to harness all of their power at first it gives us insane power that will quickly unlock over time. Gives us insane power creep, which we're gonna need if we're ever to be like Mom was.

>>46794441
It was during the Summer Well search I don;t know the exact one but it was during our talk with the Midwest Dragon ?*Ossifera*?

>>46794441
Ossiferssa us that she would help us kill our father in exchange for 500 wells on the west coast. Which means that even if she were being unfair and asking for 50% of the wells that means there are atleast 1000 wells on the West Coast.

>>46794092
He will serve us, Not the other way around.

>>46794092
Agree to work with him.

>>46794092
Whatever we do. Make it clear that we are gonna be the one to fuck this Anatau bitch up.

No one fights our battles for us.

>>46794573
Agreed. She kidnapped our future Father in Law, bitch will pay.

Well if its any good news our shadowflame will be really awesome during the fight simply because there is no sun out due to the storm. At the same time I'm not sure how will that interfere with our shadow jumping if there isn't much actually casting a shadow. Unless everything counts as that since its in the shadow of the clouds. Then its awesome.

>>46794092
I say we work with him

>>46794600
Well, there's supposed to be quite a lot of lightning, isn't it?
That tends to throw large amounts of small, but frequent and unpredictable shadows.

>>46794092
Man I like this guy but make it clear. We serve no one.

>>46794637
We need to get hit by a lightning bolt during this fight. See if we can harness some of it and go sierra-saiyan.

>>46794637
That would actually be a fun use of the disorientation moments that it would cause. Wonder how it would function with the Unobserved status we need. It would be quite nice to flash step to their shoulders and wrap up Anatau in shadow or flame.
Dice willing at least.

File: 1445256884795.gif (914 KB, 276x210)

914 KB GIF

>literally everyone picked the trap option
y'all niggas gon' get raped.

>>46794661
The last time that happened we accidentally killed some people and ended up being chased by police.

>>46794661
There is also the Microgrid that runs throughout the island. We can tap into it why hacking open a conduit and zap zap motherfuckers the analog way.

http://microgridknowledge.com/alcatraz-microgrid-life-rock-easy-even-microgrid/

>>46794705
I voted for discussing it at a later time when we can actually get peoples thoughts and knowledge about this guy.

>>46794732
Damn phone. I meant to say, *by hacking open a conduit

And I don't mean the technical hack. I mean Sierra hack.

>>46794716
We can control it this time.

Plus, we're on Alcatraz, an island. This is the one place in the city we're free to zerk out with no consequences. Sierra can't swim.

>>46794755
>no consequences
We have allies here.

I'm reluctant to accept any alliance since as Imperiate we must be able to stand on our own, but I'd be up to hear any advice he might concerning combating Ushola and her daughter. A sign of good faith.

>>46794755
Holly shit you're right.

If worst come to worst we Zerg on this bitch and there's really no problem. Our allies know enough to back off (not to mention we had enough rage training to focus on enemies while in the zergker state and ignore allies)Then we'll just slaughter every enemy on the island.

>>46794798
But what if we can fly in Berserker state. Wouldn't doubt that the shadow power gets stronger as well.

>>46794770
Wolf, Ro, Harvey, Ranthix, Xan, Xath, Orias.

Ro and Harv can fly
Wolf can teleport people (namely Xan and Xath, or all of them if need be)
Orias is Masterrace hunter and will be fine
And Ranthix could probably kick our ass even in our ragestate.

>>46794828
We can probably glide for somedistance but flying for several miles to the mainland is out of the question.

We would cleanse the island and passout. Rage-Sierra isn't a thinker

>>46794843
I would like to point out that Sierra doesn't have more experience than Ranthix but she almost certainly has more power than him.
When she first fought him she had a chance to kill him because of how badly he got beaten up.
He is a great fighter but he is our teacher first and foremost.

>>46794870
unless she can and is. don't act like you know her.

>>46794092
Questions first. What is the nature of assistance you would lend?

>>46794843
>Ro and Harv can fly
I bet we can jump faster than they could fly and could probably stop them from escaping if they don't have a head start.

Sierra going super saiyan is a good last ditch option but it is purely a last ditch option. If we got allies with us it should never be done, pure and simple.

>>46794897
Also we have projectile fire blasts, so flying can only help so much

I'm wondering what is his plan if we don't accept. Will he gang up on us with Anatu and Hassatur?

>>46794897
Ranthix actually trained us to be able to slighty be able to distinguish friend from foe in that we will focus on enemies first and foremost. Hell we even did that the first time we raged in the gang fight.

>>46794920
Of course.

>>46794944
The guy probably hates them almost as much as we do to be honest

>>46794944
Anatu maybe, hassatur seems bad for anyones business if they think a little bit ahead.

I'd say that we're willing to trust him, but we don't have a reason to beyond momentary convenience.

We'll have solidify it with something more than that in the near future.

Thread theme. Old, but gold.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-Su1YXQYek

>>46795046
I see slayer as more fitting.

What summons do we have currently stored?

This is the perfect time to use the Ashwight.

>>46795219
I'm still upset we didn't get the Bone Horror.

Dam man, Languid set us up for this fight.

>Current Mastery: Knowledge of the tide and direction of waters within your territory comes as second nature. The waters know their master, and are under the sway of your will. (Bodies of water will follow reasonable commands to rise or fall, or quicken or slow in flow.)

>Drown: When an invader to your domain is swimming without feet touching the ground, you may cause them to be pulled underneath the surface by a strong force. You (or one of your summons) must be by some means observing the invader to drown them.

>Enshrouding Mist: When near a large body of water, a dense fog may be summoned to cover an outdoor area for a few minutes. This supernatural mist greatly limits visibility, and actively strives to keep you concealed. Its mystical nature allows it to diffuse 6PP worth of attempted magic from one target into the surrounding air. (Cost: 1 LW charge)

>Steam Serpents: You may summon idle shades from over the waters of Lake Superior to your side. Channeled through your fiery will, the placid spirits become superheated and enraged. Quick and agile, these flying serpents scald foes with their touch. As they deal damage however, they lose heat, until they dissipate altogether. (Summon cost: 5 PP; Limit: 3; Space Requirement: 1; Stats: 15 HP, nonphysical, flying. Damage: 1d5 scalding. Deals that much damage to self.)

>Smoke Mimic: You may summon a formless shade from the mists. The shape will take the shape and abilities of the first creature it encounters, though at degraded capability, and vulnerable to anti-magic effects. (Cost: 2 LW charges)

These could all be quite useful tonight.

Should we use Thirst for Vengeance to get our fury a little higher for the coming fight?

>>46795219
as long as they don't do the same thing as with Orias and have a bunch of lights set up. yes.

>>46795260
Lets use smoke mimic on Sulkrasph. Have him fight by our side tonight regardless what we choose.

Not really. This is probably just a astral projection or something or there is some other reason we can't mimic him. Probably shouldn't in any case.

>>46795264
I'm tempted but this looks like it could be a doozy. We could be close to going over 100 by the end of the night. Might be better not too

>>46795297
100 fury does nothing anymore.

>>46795295
Nah I think this is really him,we were really specific in wanting to speak to him face to face and he knows that if he didn't we'd turn down his offer immediately.

>>46795309
Pretty sure we can still go into rages.

Am i missing something?

>>46795351
Stress causes rage. Fury was blood lust but it changed and now causes nothing bad

>>46795372
Ah i see.

Then yeah as soon as we see this bitch let's use Thirst for Vengence. Not harm in it.

What's our Fury at right now Languid?

>>46795433
We're at 2.

Allying with Sulkrasph will most likely piss off the Lynx and we might lose the power we were given by it.

>>46795351
If we break the stress threshold Sierra will go into a bloodrage still

>>46795476
Yep, but we don't have to worry about blood anymore

Did the Lawn win?

About an hour and a half now.

>>46795518
He's just writing out us sucking some dick

>>46795533
To be fair, he's the only one who's shown any willingness to play ball. Of the two offers, Sulkrasph did the simple thing we asked him to after we passed his dickish little test. Anatu-allatu just made a bunch of demands and when that failed she took a hostage and challenged us to a duel.

>>46795703
Basically he knows how to make friends and she doesn't?

>>46795733
Also hasn't really been too much of a dick. even the "test" shit wasn't bad, pretty tame by Halth standards and he had reasons.

Just gotta let him know that that shit won't stand anymore.

One thing you do know is that Sulkrasph has his own ambitions in all of this. Because strangely, it doesn’t sound to you like he thinks he even really needs your help. He’s perfectly confident in his own ability to conquer. If anything, there’s an unspoken threat to his words. That with you or without you, he will proceed with his designs.

He knows more than he lets on, and you intend to get to the bottom of it. “First thing, how’d you know we’d be here?” you ask.

“Everyone knows you’re here,” he states simply. “The Stygians. The King in Yellow. They have their ways, as do I.”

If you weren’t already rain-soaked, you might be sweating. Anatu knows you’re setting up a trap? You try to stay on the offensive, not willing to show your alarm. “How about you? What’s your way?”

Sulkrasph inclines his head knowingly. “I gather you’ve seen one of these before,” he says. From the depths of his robes, he withdraws a flustirin. The black, smoky sphere of glass almost doesn’t seem to have an outside edge. The archduke slips it back out of sight after a moment. “Little there is save I know it.”

Well, that would explain some things.

“So, what’s the catch?” you ask, trying to analyze the situation from every angle. “Why do you need me if you already have the perfect army revving to go?”

“What fool would knowingly and willingly choose you to be their enemy?” he asks. “The catch, if it helps to call it that, is that I become the first in your conclave. You will need to trust in my advisement for a time.”

Reading between the lines, he means he’d be taking the reins of command. Whether he means to give them back at some point in the future, or you’d have to seize them from him, you can’t be sure. It’s not... totally unreasonable, though.

“I’m not saying no,” you say, hesitantly. “I just... first I need to handle this myself, with Anatu-allatu. I can’t show weakness, not now. Can we talk about this later, when I have everyone back together?”

>>46796221

You don’t think this is something you can decide so easily yourself. Too many risks.

Sulkrasph bows. “As you will.”

You feel Ranthix’s presence near you. He approaches with narrowed eyes, weapon half-raised. He regards the archduke contemptuously. “You cannot accept this creature’s allegiance,” he advises you in a low voice. Molten spite and fury bleed from him like nothing you’ve ever felt before. “He may have had hand in Corithis’s death, spawnling.”

From where he stands, Sulkrasph leans forward slightly, peering at the glamoured Infernus. “Rathix of Fosh. I expected I might find you basking in the Imperiate’s presence.”

“Be not deceived,” Ranthix urges you.

The archduke turns his attention back to you. “I did not kill your mother, Sierra,” he avows. “I was never capable of it. Many times I considered it, certainly, but her vision of a new world was unique to her. To deprive Halth of such vision, to rob it of that glorious dawn, would have been blood-treachery incarnate.”

Ranthix gives him a fiery glare.

“Didn’t Waldric Vincain ever tell you?” asks Sulkrasph, sounding suspicious. “No, I don’t see why he would.” He takes a breath. “I was the one who pled for the lives of your mother’s supporters after her death. I was the one who suggested Meckor and the other unforgiven loyalists be banished, not executed. I motioned for the creation of the first Terran fief amidst an uproar.”

>>46796235

You feel the demon’s gaze on you. “If you doubt, speak. I will answer any question you pose.”

Ranthix is not convinced by the offer. “HIS WORDS ARE MINGLED WITH DECEITS,” he shouts. “DISMISS THIS SPECTER BEFORE ITS FLATTERING WAYS BEGUILE YOU INTO SUBMISSION.”

Sulkrasph’s patience wanes. “A true Inferian to the core,” he remarks. “But it is not only the court-rats who deceive, Sierra. Perhaps what your friend truly despises is his own fear of the truth. I could enquire for you what that truth might be, if it would aid in your decision to continue our discussion after Anatu is dealt with.” He makes as if to reach into his robe, as if to draw out the flustirin from within.

A needle of momentary fear pierces through Ranthix’s aura of hate, before being consumed by anger. “EXILE HIM AND HIS PROMISE OF LEGIONS FROM YOUR DOMAIN, SPAWNLING,” he barks.

You don't know what you should do. Ranthix is Ranthix. You trust him with your life. But what's he so afraid of? Why is he so set on you sending Sulkrasph away without another word? And throwing commands in your face - it's not like him.

>Say stuff (?)
>Do things (?)
>Other (?)

>>46796278
Wow Ranthix. Are you being deceitful?

>>46796278
Decline Sulkrasphs offer. We should give Ranthix a chance to explain himself before we bypass him. Alternatively, we can try beting the truth out of him, which he might actually respond better to.

>>46796278
This is stupid. We told Sulkrasph we would speak with him further and we will once we have crushed Anatu. This is not Ranthix's decision to make. He will have time to explain his case if he worries about what Sulkraph will tell us.

>>46796278
Tell sulkrasph that any questions you have will come after dealing with the current situation, and tell Ranthix that you will be talking to him later about this incident.

>>46796278
We will speak after.

Obey your Imperiate.

>>46796278
We just fucking said we would talk later. Tell Ranthix to shut his mouth

>>46796278
Tell these cunts that we made our decision and will speak on this at a later time.

And not to question our decisions or ability to made them. Ranthix needs to fucking trust us already, we're not a baby he needs to protect by sheltering us from the world, we will survive in this world through our own strength. We don't need his coddling.

>>46796278

Aw, fuck, Ranthix killed Corinthis.

"THE IMPERIATE CAN'T DIE UNLESS SHE CHOOSES TO" could very well mean "YOUR MOTHER TOLD ME TO KILL HER".

Presumably in an attempt to keep Sierra and Nevada safe, but still...

>>46796588
>>46796555
>>46796481
>>46796431
Pretty much these.

I love Ran but seriously man ya gotta trust sierra. I imagine we're going to need to have a serious talk to him about trusting us as a leader vs training us as a child in the future.

Imperiates make their own decisions.

File: image.jpg (44 KB, 500x415)

44 KB JPG

>>46796605

>>46796278
YOU DO NOT COMMAND YOUR IMPERIATE!!

Let out a little inferian rage. Seriously, a subordinate questioning his leader in front of a foreign power is not okay.Boundaries need to be set, namely the difference between commanding and advising.

>>46796278
Every young ruler coming into power has a moment where their advisors tell them they're wrong and to stop. That's the moment where they either bend and crumble under the pressure of others or prove that they are indeed the ruler and they're advisors will do what they're told or they can fuck right off.

Seriously it's a really common moment in stories and sierra is having hers right now. We should solve it soon after this battle.

>>46796685
>>46796431
>>46796278
Supportan'.

>>46796628
Yup throwing my lot in with "this is seriously not the time for added drama, shut up and start getting ready"
maybe a little bit of rage thrown in. Can't keep calm all the time and this is some of the heavy stuff.

>>46796278
Yea, end this conversation saying we've made our decision but once Skulrasph is gone take ranthix aside and tell him if he ever questions us in front of foreign powers again we'll rip his head off and shit down his neck.

We boutta have a daenerys targaryen moment.

Bitch I'm the queen and if you question me again you can find a new Imperiate to serve.

Do we have Blood curse inscribed on ourselves? it would be amazingly useful against a trickster demon. Allows you to track them through smell for an entire day.

>>46796278
Ranthix, I will always appreciate your advice, but now is the time for you to shut your mouth.
I've made the decision to speak with Skulkrasph later, and so it shall be.

>>46796918
Other than the fact that we're not a cockhungry 13 year old.

Ranthix, you have ever been our shield but if you treat us like this in front of a potential ally or enemy I will have your skin made into a literal shield.

>>46796973
Ehh by the time she gets an army i think she's like 16 or so.

>>46797073
Don't think she turned 16 before she was well into Mereen

You jab your elbow into his side. “Ranthix, shut up!”

He falls into a begrudging silence, though does not waver in his wariness.

“I speak for myself,” you tell Sulkrasph, “and I already gave you my answer.”

He tilts his head. “So you ave. And you’re certain in your triumph over Anatu-allatu?”

“If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be much of an Imperiate,” you reply.

“No, perhaps not,” says Sulkrasph. “Very well. I will leave you to your task for now. We will speak soon.”

“Right,” you say.

With that, the Archduke turns and walks away. He fades off into nothing before he’s made five steps.

You turn to confront Ranthix as soon as Sulkrasph is gone. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

Ranthix discards his glamours and casts a red claw toward where Sulkrasph vanished, rain sizzling into steam wherever it strikes him. “HIS HANDS ARE DRENCHED IN THE IMPERIATE’S BLOOD, I CAN SMELL IT FROM WHERE I STAND,” he thunders. “HOWEVER MANY POINTS OF VALOR SULKRASPH CLAIMS, HE IS GUILTY OF THE CRIME AND DESERVING OF ALL LOATHING!”

You can’t handle this much crap right now. (Stress: 60)

>What was he talking about, Rax? I felt your fear when he brought out the flustirin. What are you not telling me?
>This is seriously not the time for more drama. Shut up and save it. I have to fight Anatu in a few hours, and you’re not helping with my peace of mind.
>Oh, so that’s the card you’re gonna play? What proof do you even have? Don’t feed me this pure intuition BS. You told me you didn’t know. How do you know now?
>Ranthix, we need help. We need somebody our side for once, all right? We can’t wait for the perfect fucking deal to come along, cause it’s never happening!
>How dare you drag my mother into this. Don’t... don’t manipulate me, Ranthix. Don’t think for a second you can hand me orders.
>Let’s get one thing fucking straight, Ranthix. You’re only here cause I decided you should be. I like you. I really do. But if you ever contradict me like that again in front of somebody like that, you’re done.
>I – I can’t even deal with you right now. Just stay the hell away from me. (Get some distance so you can cool off)
>Other (?)

>>46797202
>>This is seriously not the time for more drama. Shut up and save it. I have to fight Anatu in a few hours, and you’re not helping with my peace of mind.

We can beat other info out of him later. More Drama now means more stress we don't need.

>>46797202
>This is seriously not the time for more drama. Shut up and save it. I have to fight Anatu in a few hours, and you’re not helping with my peace of mind.

>>46797202
>This is seriously not the time for more drama. Shut up and save it. I have to fight Anatu in a few hours, and you’re not helping with my peace of mind.

>>46797202
>>This is seriously not the time for more drama. Shut up and save it. I have to fight Anatu in a few hours, and you’re not helping with my peace of mind.
I NEED TO BE MAD NOT STRESSED YOU ASS

>>46797202
>>This is seriously not the time for more drama. Shut up and save it. I have to fight Anatu in a few hours, and you’re not helping with my peace of mind.
We need to get out some time and actually beat him in a fight. 1v1 and win.

>>46797202
>>This is seriously not the time for more drama. Shut up and save it. I have to fight Anatu in a few hours, and you’re not helping with my peace of mind.
We DO need to confront him on this. But we should do so at a time when currently nobody's trying to kill us and/or our loved ones. Also, when we're less stressed out.

>>46797202
Leave him with a "We will speak on this later, until then we have enemies that need killing"

Or something along those lines.

>>46797202
>This is seriously not the time for more drama. Shut up and save it. I have to fight Anatu in a few hours, and you’re not helping with my peace of mind.

>>46797202
>Let’s get one thing fucking straight, Ranthix. You’re only here cause I decided you should be. I like you. I really do. But if you ever contradict me like that again in front of somebody like that, you’re done.
>This is seriously not the time for more drama. Shut up and save it. I have to fight Anatu in a few hours, and you’re not helping with my peace of mind.

Could we ask our fulustirin what's got ranthix spooked? later that is, not now.

>>46797613
I wouldn't see why not.

>>46797202
>>Oh, so that’s the card you’re gonna play? What proof do you even have? Don’t feed me this pure intuition BS. You told me you didn’t know. How do you know now?
You know what?>>46797202
>>This is seriously not the time for more drama. Shut up and save it. I have to fight Anatu in a few hours, and you’re not helping with my peace of mind.

>>46797613
>>46797202
This

“This is seriously not the time for more drama, so shut up and save it,” you order.

“THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED NOW,” Ranthix bellows. (+3 Stress: 63)

“No, it doesn’t!” you shout, shoving him back a step. “I have to fight Anatu in a few hours, and you’re not helping with my peace of mind! So unless you want me to flip out and kill you, shut the hell up and leave me alone!”

You storm off before Ranthix can say anything else to push your buttons. Geeze! What’s wrong with him?

Hiking back up the bluff to the others, your bad mood is quickly perceived.

“What’s going on?” asks Rowan. “What was that down there?”

“A friend, maybe, I don’t know, leave me alone,” you say, barging past. “Go rig some explosives or something.”

Orias takes charge. “You heard your Imperiate,” he says, motioning for Xathix and Xanissil to do their thing. “She has work to do, so do we.”

Harvey comes after you, though. “What’s the plan?” he asks, walking alongside you. “It’s your duel, you want to figure this out.

His presence is almost unbearable right now. (+3 Stress: 66) You can’t just walk out on this, though. He has a point. You need to be sure everything’s set up right if this is going to work.

>You and Ro’ve done this a hundred times before, Harvey. Get it done.
>Orias is a hunter, he knows how to catch prey. Just do what he says.
>Xath and Xan know all about warfare and whatever. Follow their lead.
>I don’t know. I need to just... I need to think for a bit. Figure it out.
>Provide plans and input (?)
>Other (?)

>>46797799
>>Orias is a hunter, he knows how to catch prey. Just do what he says.

We're setting up for an ambush. From what we know of the demon we're up against, she has a lot of raw power and strength. We'll need to play dirty to triumph. A more surgical method of deployment, more along the lines of a hunter ambush method, would suit the situation better.

>>46797799
>>Provide plans and input (?)
Get technical information from Harvey about the island and its infrastructure. Feed this information to Orias along with any other relevant information to Orias and others get most out of your assembled associates.

>>46797799
Nothing fancy, everyone take up your positions and rig explosives as you see fit. I'm going to sit right here and wait to murder the shit outta Anatau.

>>46797846
No, we're dueling Anatu. 1v1.

And we're going to kill her. Our men will be ready to stop interference from her side and hers will do that same.

>>46797799
>Orias is a hunter, he knows how to catch prey. Just do what he says.
>You and Ro’ve done this a hundred times before, Harvey. Get it done.
Jolly collaboration?

>>46797799
>Orias is a hunter, he knows how to catch prey. Just do what he says.
Orias is probably skilled with this stuff. Also he never seems to be biased in much any way and will probably be able make good choices. I kinda like Orias,

Also, maybe we should do some Kethgi and landmastery stuff. Maybe some blood magic?

>>46797799
>>Orias is a hunter, he knows how to catch prey. Just do what he says.

>>46797799
>>46797848
I'll support this.

>>46797799
>You and Ro’ve done this a hundred times before, Harvey. Get it done.
>Orias is a hunter, he knows how to catch prey. Just do what he says.

>>46797799
>>Provide plans and input (?)
Do we have any idea about whats already on the island that we can use? *not so subtle bit to use the electricity system from someone technicals point of view*
>>46797799
>>You and Ro’ve done this a hundred times before, Harvey. Get it done.
Xath and Xan know about warfare as well, get their input as well.

Is there perhaps some way to set up advantageous cover or a way to guarantee some shadows so I can jump to them?

>>46797799
Whatever the plan. We promised to Duel this stygian bitch and we're going to do it. No one is gonna say that their Imperiate can't fight her own battles.

Plus it'll go a long way in showing Ranthix that we aren't his to be coddled.

Okay so I am now actually looking up alcatraz island on google maps. Would it be good to assume that we got teleported near the Agave Trail?

>>46797968

Yes. You teleported right in by the lighthouse.

Guys
Guys
Maybe Ranthix is trying to make us stressed on purpose. So we will go full out rage mode.

>>46798186
That ain't like him

>>46798186
Nah. He either killed mom, or he's outraged that we may end up working with the guy who facilitated her death.

>>46798318
Or he's assuming something that's wrong acting on wrong information.

Or he just believes that we shouldn't associate ourself with "court-rats" and is trying to keep such types of people away from us.

>>46798367
>Become head of state
>Do not interact with politicians

So.. what? Slaughter everyone? Stalinist methodology?

>>46798390
That kind of is Ranthix in a nutshell though.

>>46798186
nope. he's pretty stressed out himself. shit, he's probably scared, even. likely of some truth concerning Cori's death, like Sulkrasph and he himself earlier seemed to be implying.

I mean, we already know she never would've let herself die unless it was out of love, and since we were there and we're still alive, it's something that'll definitely break Sierra to some degree.

I'd guess Sulky's (that's his new name now, guys.) crime is at worst getting wind of the plan and standing by while it unfolded, whether out of concern for his safety, mistrusting Cori, or because she also knew and ordered her vassals to stand down anyway. the other two dickheads are way likelier suspects. this last paragraph is based on little but my gut feeling, though, so take it with a grain of salt.

“Orias is a hunter, he knows how to catch prey,” you tell your brother. “Just let him know anything he needs to know, and follow his lead. You probably know the layout of this place better than anybody. You and Ro’ve done this a hundred times before, haven’t you?”

“At least one hundred times,” he confirms.

For some reason that’s not very reassuring. “Just... make sure I have plenty of shadows,” you tell him.

Harvey glances up at the dark windows of the prison complex. “We’ll get the lights off inside the buildings. Don’t worry about it.”

He takes his leave to return to the others, and you head inside to get out of the rain, walking through the exterior corner. Inside the prison is dim, lit by the occasional light. Spartan cells and informative placards line the cold, musty halls.

You find yourself a dark place, and try to clear your mind. You’ll need to have a level head when the Stygians get here. You may also want some prepared spells and summons. You may need a lot of them, considering what you’ll be up against.

>Prepare summons (?)
>Prepare Zeshic spells (?)
>Choose gear (?)
>Other (?)

>>46798607
>Prepare summons (?)
Ashwraith is a must.

>>46798418
That's not unlikely. We are really procrastinating on the "have to get real with Ranthix" front for a while now. We need to sit down and have a real chat with the guy. He saved us thrice now and has proven he has our well-being (mostly) at heart. Even if he delivered the killing blow to mom and Nev himself it's still a net positive of one life. He is NOT our Johra Mormont, he is our Grey Worm.

On a related note, we really have been negligent with the fief so we need to catch up with everyone on the trust department, Waldric included.

>>46798607
Ashwight, Monster, Tiger, and hellhounds

We have 4 slots right?

>>46798730
We really need to drain someone of their PP if we are going to summon all those assholes

File: waffensss-officers-cap.jpg (37 KB, 864x695)

37 KB JPG

>>46798607
>>Choose gear (?)

Davids SS officer hat.

Dominate the duel through style alone.

Also:

-FG-42
-Luger
-Izhowak spine spear

and the standard chainmail and protections shebang

>>46798607
2 Red Rush
1 Cardio-Paralysis
1 Convulsing Shock
2 Puppet veins
Can we do all of these?

>>46798772
These are pre-prepared, don't cost PP. (Except for giving Monster 10 of our PP)

summoning more mid fight will cost PP

>>46798730

You have 14 slots. But I guess now that I'm looking at it, you don't really have a way to fill them up because of how your summons work right now. You just have one of everything (except 2 hell hounds). If something dies, you can resummon it during the fight for extra $$. (I mean PP)

Languid what'll happen if we summon a Supercharge Summoned Monster? Will he be Gargoyle sized?

(note this is separate from our Supercharge Spell landwell)

>>46798845
Oh.

Then prepare every summon we have. Even the Zitheater, though we'll only release that if shit gets hairy.

How many Blood magic spells can we reasonably prepare?

>>46798780
>>46798885

Now that I'm looking at it and remembering my intent, you can pretty much prepare all of them. I remember I meant them to be reusable, so as long as you have the inscription, you can cast them.

>>46798963
So can we just do that then?

>>46798607
Smoke grenades. Magic mist is nice, but that costs us pp and landwells or whatever.

Maybe inflatable life vest(pull a cord, vest inflates) in case we end up in water.

>>46798963
Then prepare as many of all of them as possible until the time runs out.

It'll be a good way for Sierra to clear her head. Take her mind off of shit.

>>46799000
We have 15 landwell charges.

So we're not exactly low on ammo there.

>>46798963
But can we cast two at the same time with two inscriptions? Some of those would be good double up on, like red rush

>>46799033
Well yeah, Red Rush is designed to be used to augment other spells. Would be kind of pointless if we couldn't.

But I imagine comboing Cardio-Paralysis/Puppet veins/Convulsing Shock would be a powerful combo.

Though that would take quite a bit out of us.

>>46799033

Red rush can be inscribed for different abilities. Right now, with your skills, casting two spells simultaneously is way too complicated.

>>46798963
Oh and several Blood Curses as well. didn't see that once but it really is quite powerful for Boss fights.

We should probably lead off the fight with that one. Maybe even a Red Rushed version of that one.

>>46799081
Wait, i thought we inscribed Red Rush. Then when we used another spell we just activated Red Rush and it boosted the fuck out of it?

But i guess other combos are off the table for now then.

Do we have to have the spell we are going to Red Rush pre-determined ahead of time?

>>46799148

"Inscribe a spell or ability. You may choose to draw power from your flesh instead of your arcane reserve for this power. This process is painful and injurious to your person. Alternatively, while using an ability with a power requirement, you may pay additional HP in along with the normal PP cost to augment the ability."

You have to inscribe the specific spells you want to boost.

>>46799000
the mist diffuses magic though.

So a rough plan.

>Lead off with a Red Rush Blood Curse, and a Curse of Agony.
>Stain of Sin any weapon she has
>Supercharge Summon Monster
>Put Monster in control of all of our summons (cept Zitheater)
>Start fight with ShadowFlame Whip
>If things get hairy start shadow jumping around for dem Sneak Attacks
>If we start running low on PP cast Cardio-Paralysis and then Shadow-Jump onto her and cast Soul Drinker
ideas?

With obvious improvisation as necessary

>>46799227
Only enemy magic.

>>46799179
My bad
>Alternatively, while using an ability with a power requirement, you may pay additional HP in along with the normal PP cost to augment the ability.
I assumed that this allowed us to augment a spell we were already casting normally.
Then Set up a Red Rush Blood Curse that stronger than normal like described above. Gotta get them Debuffs.

>>46799308
Seems kinda standard. Maybe break out the new stuff, mainly fg42 and Izhowak spine spear to see what they can actually do in combat situation. We haven't used them before, so our opponents are less likely to have planned anything against them.

>>46799179
Alright then.
Set up a Red rush Blood Curse and a Red Rush Soul Drinker (so we can regain PP en masse if we run dry)
Then just like 2 or so of each of our other Zeshic spells.

So if she's a stygian or whatever isn't she just going to send Sierra into rage mode?

>>46799399
Oh yeah i forgot about those. Got a list of them?

We should probably lead with a gun of some sort, then move in with the Izhowak spear.

>>46799447
Check the character sheet under Items of Importance.

>>46799422
How so?

We can always Spell Eater(or Corrupting Hex) her spells(illusions) too.

>>46799464
We should probably start with the P38(the pistol). Doubt we'll have much time for rifle fire in this fight. Plus those tentacles are pretty nice.

So, Should lead off with a Smoke Mimic?

>>46799308
add an Enshrouding Mist to that.

All right, I'm writing the next update now. Just wanted to give you guys some time to deliberate so I could see the general trend of your strategies.

>>46799466
>Lead off with a Red Rush Blood Curse, Curse of Agony, and Enshround Mist.
>Stain of Sin any weapon she has
>Supercharge Summon Monster
>Put Monster in control of all of our summons (cept Zitheater)
>Start fight with Walther P38.
>If the pistol seems ineffective switch to Shadowflame whip
>If things get hairy start shadow jumping around for dem Sneak Attacks
>If we start running low on PP cast Cardio-Paralysis and then Shadow-Jump onto her and cast Soul Drinker

Somebody roll some dice for chilling out, also.

>>46799553
I just want to punt her in the cunt, none of this fancy-shmancy magic bullshit.

>>46799511
I think anatu will be way too big to be inconvenienced by the tentacles.

We gotta remember female Stygians are bigger and meaner than the Joes.

>>46799543
before anything a Blood Curse on her is necessary. Its one of the few ways for us to make sure that the one we are hitting is the correct one. Of course this is saying that she actually comes out herself and not as an illusion and she has actually been here watching the entire time.

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>46799589

>>46799583
>>46799553
I like this.

>>46799543
we'll save Smoke Mimic for a clutch move.

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>46799589

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>46799589
No Chill

>>46799599
True, Should probably lead with the Shadowflame Whip then.

That thing could tear chunks out of solid stone. I'm sure it'll be a good lead off to soften her up.

>>46799589
Purely out of curiosity. Could we Red Rush a Summon?

And could we use both the Supercharge Summon and the Supercharge Spell on a summon? or will the spell one not work on summons?

>>46799635
>we'll save Smoke Mimic for a clutch move
The later we use it the less effective it will be, since it'll be mimicking a wounded, drained, and debuffed target.

>>46799714

You could use always try it if you'd like, I guess. The superscharge landwell won't be helpful for summoning.

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>46799589

>>46799670
Pretty chill.

>>46799817
Was just curious.

We're good on summons I think. 1 of each should be fine and if we need more then we can use PP.

Anyone else support using our Supercharge Summon on Monster?

I wanna see how he turns out.

You take the time to ensure your powers are arrayed appropriately, moving through the different aspects of your awareness one by one. You’re able to cast your mind to places far removed from your current situation, places where the sun shines, places where it’s already set and the blanket of night covers your realm. The network of your dominion branches out expanselessly from your solitary cell in Alcatraz.

An uncomfortable knot of worry grips your stomach, and you pull out your switchblade. With care you begin inscribing the words for curses and blood-puppetry into your flesh.

Worries about your family, about the Crowthers, and about those who seek your death. You let the pain focus your mind, narrow you down to the present, to the now. You single yourself onto what you can do. You can fight Anatu-allatu. You can probably kill her. You have the power to protect what’s yours.

You’re not alone. You have friends, family. You have your dad’s weapons. You have the blessing of an underwater cat lizard. You can do this. You can do anything. You were born for this kind of thing.

You lose track of time, focusing instead on dismissing distractions from your awareness. Tonight there will be blood, you will drink of it, and it’ll be freaking great.

Your mouth pulls into a smile, and you open your eyes. Thick darkness greets you, close all around. You stand and stretch, then pick up your bag and gear up. On goes your chainmail, your shield bracelet. You cinch up your satchel pack with the old potion within, sling your FG-42 over your back, and holster your dad’s handgun in your shoulder rig. You are ready.

>>46800277

Stress: 15
Sanity: 92
Fury: 25

When you step outside, the air is more bitterly cold than before. A charge of static of power is in the air, its source omnipresent. Churning black clouds choke the sky, the downpour continues to lash down through the sky. You ignore it, your flames popping and cracking at the impact of rain drops.

Orias across the clearing to meet you. “You’re feeling confident,” he observes. It’s difficult to say what Orias himself is feeling. His emotions are bound tightly.

>I am.
>If you’re afraid, you don’t need to hide it from me.
>Do we know how Isaac’s doing on his end?
>How much time do we got? You spot anything heading our way yet?
>How are things looking? Give me the rundown on how we’re set up.
>Where's everyone else?
>Other (?)

>>46800304
>>I am.

>>46800304
>How much time do we got? You spot anything heading our way yet?
>How are things looking? Give me the rundown on how we’re set up.

>>46800304
>>I am.

>>46800304
>>I am.

>>46800304
>>I am.
We should use thirst for vengeance to bump up our fury

>>46800304
>>I am.
We're in The Zone.

>>46800441
This

>>46800304
>>I am.

We're having crab for dinner.

>>46800304
>I am.
>Do we know how Isaac’s doing on his end?
>>How much time do we got? You spot anything heading our way yet?

“I am,” you say. You answer with the truth. You haven’t been this confident about anything for a long time. Whatever Anatu has up her sleeve, you have double.

“Good,” he replies. “Then the only thing left is to wait. Do you have an idea of how you’ll handle the duel?”

>I’ll hit her with every curse I can up front, soften her up as much as possible.
>Leave it to me, but do what you need to do to keep the riff raff from interfering.
>I’m going to push her into the sea. If I can get her in the water, I can drown her.
>I’ll lure Anatu up into the main prison building. In close quarters I’ll have a leg up on her, especially with the lights out.
>She’s going to be stronger than I am up front. I’ll let her chase me around the island, hit her with whatever we’ve got set up and tire her out.
>Other (?)

>>46800792
>>Leave it to me, but do what you need to do to keep the riff raff from interfering.
Any of these plans sound good, but we don't really know what works the best on this chick.

>>46800792
>>Leave it to me, but do what you need to do to keep the riff raff from interfering.

>>46800792
>>Leave it to me, but do what you need to do to keep the riff raff from interfering.

>>46800829
As a guess, I'm going to assume she knows about our verwelken bullshit and brought a counter.

>>46800792
>>Leave it to me, but do what you need to do to keep the riff raff from interfering.

>>46800792
>>Leave it to me, but do what you need to do to keep the riff raff from interfering.

>>46800792
>>Leave it to me, but do what you need to do to keep the riff raff from interfering.

>>46800857
We'll be at most of an advantage if we can keep the ability to fall back and recoup health, so whatever that hypothetical verwalken counter is, it's high priority.

>>46800966
We have summons and can probably take it out ourself.

We can always Spell Eater or Corrupting Hex if physical means don't work.

>>46800792
>Leave it to me, but do what you need to do to keep the riff raff from interfering.

>>46801087
I would like to work with physical means and powers first above summons. It's kinda weak, but I'd like to think that a duel might be a more formalized affair than simply playing Pokemon. It's also..inelegant. If she summons, that's fine, and I guess it's fine if we're about to die, but the whole duel idea is mano-e-mano, right?

>>46801158
When she shows we'll dictate the terms of the duel.

If we agree summons are allowed then we use them, if not then we won't. We need to assert dominance here.

You snort. “I’ve got a million ideas, but I don’t know what works best on this chick yet,” you say. “Nabuth’s with her though. He’s seen me fight before, so she’s probably got BS Verwelken countermeasures.”

“You won’t have the element of surprise there,” Orias agrees.

“Whatever happens, I’ve got the advantage if I can fall back when things get dicey,” you say. “All the power I need to kill her is in the blood of her and her cronies. But if she brings them into the fight, I need you and the others to do what you need to do to keep her from burying me in bodies.”

“Unless you need their blood,” he points out.

“Play it by ear,” you reply, tapping the side of your head.

You slowly become aware of a pressure against your power. A presence encroaching onto your territory, south and north as far as you’re aware. Something vast, creeping forward in a slow yawn, from the furthest edges of Muir to the southernmost tip of the San Francisco Peninsula.

Orias perceives your distracted state. “What do you feel?”

>On second thought Orias, I need you to keep an eye on the shore.
>Old Yeller.
>The other guy, what’s his face.
>Trouble.
>It’s the damn Yellow King again. What’s it with that guy?
>How long do we have till sundown?
>I think somebody’s getting ready to spring a trap around our trap.
>No way I have reception out here. You have a way I can contact Isaac or Waldric?
>Attempt to discern source of the pressure against your territory.
>Other (?)

>>46801354
>>How long do we have till sundown?
>>I think somebody’s getting ready to spring a trap around our trap.

>>46801354
>>Old Yeller.
>No way I have reception out here. You have a way I can contact Isaac or Waldric?

>>46801354
>I think somebody’s getting ready to spring a trap around our trap.

>>46801354
>>Attempt to discern source of the pressure against your territory
Let's just wait for now.

Have faith in Issac to keep Yeller off of us.

>>46801354
>Trouble.
>No way I have reception out here. You have a way I can contact Isaac or Waldric?
>Attempt to discern source of the pressure against your territory.

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>46801354
>>I think somebody’s getting ready to spring a trap around our trap.
>No way I have reception out here. You have a way I can contact Isaac or Waldric?
>Attempt to discern source of the pressure against your territory.
roll it?

Roll some dice, that 28 counts as one, so I need two more.

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>46801771
Have a 100.

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>46801771

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>46801771
pain

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>46801771

>>46801785
Pretty darn stinkin rootin tootin good right there.

File: GrassCaptcha.png (309 KB, 407x540)

309 KB PNG

>>46801815
I rolled the 11 before as well.
>Grass Captcha....

>>46801881
The chosen one cometh!

“Old Yeller. Think he’s gearing to spring a trap around our trap,” you tell him. “Hold on a second.” You gauge on the pressure between Muir and San Bruno, trying to figure out where its coming from.

You get a general location out in the Pacific somewhere, miles out from the Golden Gate.

Isaac needs to know the position, if he doesn’t already. “You have a way to contact Isaac or Waldric?” you ask Orias, turning to him. There’s no way you have reception out here.

Orias pulls out a hand radio, pulls out the antenna, and hands it to you.

You hold the radio for a second, surprised at the preparedness. “Really?”

“There were a lot of things in those duffel bags,” he replies, wiping a layer of water from his face and flicking it onto the ground. “Rowan set them all to a common channel.”

“Whatever works,” you say, bringing the radio up and clicking the button. You’ve heard Cass enough times on the ham radio in the van to know your proper radio etiquette – or at least a close approximation of it. “This is Sierra Actual, calling Steve Rogers,” you radio. “I’ve got confirmation on the uh. Old Yeller guy’s position. You know. How copy, over?”

A burst of static follows.

And then Isaac’s voice comes on, gunfire and the sputtering drone of an aircraft propeller in the background. “This is Steve Rogers, Sierra Actual, we’re preparing to launch an operation against the target, can you locate Old Yeller guy on a map, over?”

>>46802624

Orias unfolds a laminated map of California from his bag and hands it to you. With what you know about maps and what you know about where Hassatur is, you cradle the radio between your shoulder and your face, and ballpark his location with a claw, and then measure out the distance using the handy little key at the bottom corner.

“Yyyeah he’s like. About 100 miles due west of uh. Of Santa Cruz,” you guess. “I can feel him all up and down the coast.” You pause. Oh. Almost forgot. “Over?”

“Sierra Actual, be advised, move inland away from the shore ASAP,” he radios in reply. You hear another crackle of gunfire. “Keep an eye on Ro and Harvey. Over.”

>Fight crab lady, don’t fight Old Yeller.
>Uh. Is that an airplane? Won’t be much of a place to land, will it?
>What are you shooting at? Or are you being shot at?
>Could you tell the real Roger I owe him one for me?
>Your SOARD pals listening in, Rogers? SOARD's kind of a try-hard acronym, over.
>Roger dodger. Sierra Actual over and out.
>Other (?)

>>46802660
>Could you tell the real Roger I owe him one for me?

>>46802660
>>Fight crab lady, don’t fight Old Yeller.
"You worry bout your boys I'll worry bout mine, Over"

Also
>over and out
TRIGGERED!!11!1!1

>>46802660
>>>Roger dodger. Sierra Actual over and out.
Let's not keep him busy while bullets are being dispensed in his immediate vicinity.

>>46802660
>>Fight crab lady, don’t fight Old Yeller.
We got this.

>>46802660
>>Fight crab lady, don’t fight Old Yeller.

>>46802703
>>46802660
This works.

My inner /k/ agrees with you.

>>46802624
>>46802660
You know as long as she doesn't say that godawful "Over and Out" that's pretty decent Radio etiquette.

Sierra's gettin all tactical on us.

>>46802897
>>46802759
>>46802703

You expect too much from yourself.

>>46802959
Ruler of The Thousand Hells but still a Valley Girl at heart.

>>46803015
I still don't get the "Sierra's a Valley Girl" thing.

Sierra talks like a teenager. An actual goddamn teenager. That's not valley girl.

You make a note to yourself. “Fight crab lady, don’t fight Old Yeller. Flies fine with me. You worry bout your boys I'll worry bout mine, over.”

Isaac takes your reassurance for what it is. “Roger, wilco. Godspeed Sierra Actual, Steve Rogers out.”

You frown at the radio. “Wait. Does that mean we’re done?” you ask, hoping maybe Orias can share of his wisdom.

He does not provide an answer.

You scoff. “Whatever. Where’s the crab? I’m gonna get pneumonia if I’m out here much longer.”

Orias motions for the radio back. “May I?”

You hand it over. He flips a knob on it, carefully keeping an eye on the frequency until he gets to the place where he can pass along out your query.

Harvey’s voice spills out of the speakers as soon as he gets it on the right station. “- of the gift shop by the docks, we’ve got Stygians coming out of the gift shop by the docks. Somebody tell Sierra. There’s... a lot of Stygians coming out of this gift shop, not sure what else to say about it, really. Eagle Raptor out.”

Oh geeze.

Orias drops low and motions you after him as he stalks off down the concrete path.

Heart pumping, you follow after him, spear clutched in hand. So it begins. This is it.

--End Part 148--

>>46803468
Thanks for the thread.

I hope we can actually get a 1v1 duel. She did challenge us after all.

>>46803468
Thanks for running. Sorry to scare you with a grass captcha

>>46803468
Good thread Boss.

Once all this is settled, we should focus on improving our magical efficiency. Moria noted during the road trip (while she thought we were asleep) that we have an absolutely obscene amount of raw power, we slop it all over the place whenever we cast. Refinement should produce stringer gains than chowing down on even more landwells.

>>46803468
Thanks for running Languid, have a good night! If you were still running when I got back from the store and making dinner I would have to believe that you had finally become the grass collective.

Captcha really REALLY likes grass captchas tonight.

>>46804036
Yeah probably, but we should aslo go well hunting again. still tons and tons of unclaimed wells on the west coast.

>>46796973
Cockhungry 18! Or was it 19?

So how bad did you think Ranthix fucked up protecting our mom, and that he thinks his failure counts as betrayal?

I mean I don't see him doing it intentionally, but maybe he had to learn guile the hardest way.

>>46807989
Or maybe he's the ome who did it. Who else are big enough to wield giant scissors?