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>>???

You come too in a landscape of perpetual white.

The smell of open earth and hyacinth flowers fills your nose, and the moist soil underneath your feet shifts with the slightest movement of your body. Blinking away the cobwebs in your mind and eyes, you find that you cannot stare more than two feet in front of you-

…oh great. Just absolutely fan-fucking-tastic.

Not this shit again. And just when you promised Fitz that you weren’t going to sleep in the car…

“I’ve already had one demon trying to feel me up this afternoon,” You exhale. Putting your hands over your eyes, you try to discern any other details other than soil and fog, with minimal success. The disappointment bleeds out into your exasperated sigh. “I mean, come on. I get the fact that it’s a pattern and everything, but can’t you all just take a number and get in line so I can deal with you when it’s convenient-”

“Cease your rambling. The patience I have so graciously extended wavers with every word that continues to come out of your mouth.”

The mist parts, receding at the approach of a formless being. Trails of fog and wind race along the approaching specter, giving it -or rather her- a definite shape and form. Her form is definitely more visible than the last time you had met, one of an incredibly nubile woman in the prime of her youth. You allow yourself to take a moment to appreciate the view. Because if your hunch is correct…

The void that serves as her mouth curves in some mix of a grimace and a smile. “I see that our last encounter has left your industry unimpeded. Truly commendable.”

Your fingers trace the path along your neck, where those cold, inhuman fingers had tried to squeeze the life out of you. It’s amazing how you manage to keep a calm and level tone of voice. “And it’s equally nice to see that your temper’s cooled off. I wasn’t looking forward to fighting you either…Mother.”

The figure visibly bristles, before settling down in what you assume to be a stance of poise and tranquility. “Your knowledge shows. And failing that, the withered prune and snot-nosed chit doubtless informed you of our little arrangement.”

(cont.)

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“They did.” You have respective words for the other two goddesses, some of which are kinder than others. “But I was sure to do my homework after the Crone sprayed ‘eau de grave’ in my mouth.”

The Mother sneers. “How typical of her. That old raisin never knew how to keep her temper in check. Even now, the scent of grave soil clings to you like an-”

She pauses mid-sentence. The ground underneath her feet churns with every step she takes towards you. Out of instinct, your hand goes right to your hip where your gun would normally be. When all you grab is air, you shift your feet, bringing your fists up into a fighting stance. If she wants to lay on hands, then she’s got to catch your own hands first.

That gets her to stop, as well as a derisive laugh. “Do not worry. I have no desire to fight you. I learned my lesson from our last meeting. I merely wanted to confirm something…” The breath that she takes is audible, laborious and heavy. “…you seem to have a way with female demons, mortal. To have the putrid odor of the fey slathered all over your groin. Though given how particularly nubile their queen is, it should come as no surprise to find the warm breeze of summer and cold air of winter on your body…

"Do you not find demon women to be superior lovers to mortal females?" Her voice is equally sardonic as much as it is a salacious purr. "Because if that is your disposition, then it baffles me that you initially resisted my advances upon our first meeting..."

>"Make your damn offer..." [Aggressive]
>“Stop wasting my time…” [Blunt]
>“That wasn’t my fault…” [Riposte]
>Custom option.

>>1488675
>>“Stop wasting my time…” [Blunt]
Get outta here, you pregnant bitch.

>>1488675
>>“Stop wasting my time…” [Blunt]

>>1488675
>>“Stop wasting my time…” [Blunt]
If your senses are half as good as you say you know nothing happened.

>>1488675
>>I have standards. That you don't meet. (Sass)

>>1488675
>>“Stop wasting my time…” [Blunt]

>>1488675
I can't remember the last time we encountered them...

We liked the youngest one right?

>>1488726
She was the most cordial due to what seems like innocence/naivety.

Still don't trust her though personally.

Mother is a slutty bitch and Crone is a super bitch.

>>1488726
yeah but she was the first we met and we didn't know the score. Buts she's been least confrontational so far.

>>1488746
>>1488747
Yeah I've just got to be kept on a short least I love sluts/teasing/etc. I'm super weak to that type of attitude.

>>1488754
You like disloyal harlots?

>>1488764
I like anyone who flirts with me. It's a serious problem. Always done great at work/school whatever. But I've got a lizard brain that can't see past sexual advances or flirting in general.

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>>1488767
So gif related is you?

>>1488783
That's not inaccurate. Although I can safely say I look a hell of a lot better than.. whatever that thing is.

>>1488788
He's wearing a Majora's Mask moon mask.

>>1488790
Why?

>>1488788
That mask is one the enemies in Nier Automata.

>>1488794
because he feels like it?

Dude made a battle robot have a meme-worthy figure and ass, wear heels, a blindfold for some reason, and have an attire that makes her almost look like a maid.

>>1488675
>>“Stop wasting my time…” [Blunt]

>>1488794
It's a mask of Emil, a character from one of the game's he directed. If I remember correctly he wears it because he dislikes being photographed.

>>1488799>>1488809


Well then he has good taste in women and weird taste in personal fashion.

>>1488818
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CofDy_LYAdM

This is one of the deuterogamists fighting basically copies of the other one

>>1488652
>>Fitz: 156
Best bro tier already. Half way there to the goal, boys.

>>1488683
>>1488685
>>1488699
>>1488715
>>1488718
>>1488805
“Stop wasting my time,” You snarl. “Honestly, I was half-expecting you to fly into some rage over how I thrashed your ass nine ways to Sunday when you tried to strangle me. But if you want to continue the small talk until I get pulled back into the real world, then that’s fine with me. And as for your earlier inquiry: I have standards. That you don’t happen to meet.”

The air stills, before it becomes charged with power. But as quick as the pressure appears, it vanishes an instant later, as if the Mother’s temper had never flared to begin with.

When she speaks, her voice takes on a wry edge. “…admittedly, I would be perfectly fine with having my derriere, as you put it, ravaged ‘nine ways to Sunday’. What better way than to spit in the eye of [qwnSw%DTmQEYsRoKoe].”

There it is. The glitch in reality that occurs whenever they speak their names. Although…something doesn’t feel right. Somehow, and you can’t explain why, you know for a fact, that the person who she’s mocking is neither the Maiden nor the Crone. There’s something different about the way reality distorts, something that has even more power than these forgotten goddesses.

Comparing the two of them…if the goddesses’ wrinkles are sighs on the wind, then this particular distortion is as abrupt and violent as a thunderclap.

If the Mother notices your adverse reaction, she makes no note of it. “So, you wish for me not to waste your time? You are bold to suggest such an action in the presence of a goddess.”

“A forgotten goddess,” You point out, “One that has to piggyback off of a neo-pagan cult symbol just so she can stay alive and share rent space with two other beings.”

“…the circumstances are less than ideal,” She admits, with no small amount of acid in her voice. “Yet you are one of the most discourteous humans I have ever had the displeasure to deal with. Where is your sense of reciprocation? The bond between host and guest, maintained even when your ancestors crawled out of the pitiful mud of evolution.”

Her voice is seriously starting to grate on your nerves. But then again…she brings up a good point.

The three of them are residents of this White Forest, a limbo between reality and oblivion. Yet it seems that you seem to be able to have some power of your own. You were able to beat her back the last time before, with what was seemingly the will of humanity. The Crone worked too fast for you to retaliate, and the Maiden has, at worst, the temperament of a child.

If she is the guest…and you are the master...

You close your eyes, doing your best to drown out her voice and concentrate, trying to draw on that power that gave your fists strength beyond mortal ken….there! In your mind’s eye, you seize hold of it, demanding that this amorphous blob take the shape of…

>A seat, to entreat with her.
>A sword, to slay her with.
>Custom option.

>>1488848
Can... we do like a revolving door to change her out with the one we like? I know it sounds stupid but this is magical dreamscape stuff.

Alternatively.
>A seat, to entreat with her.

or... you know.
A bed to Plow her.

>>1488848
>seat to entreat her with
Lets not fight her yet.

>>1488848
>A seat, to entreat with her.
Not really keen on jumping straight to conflict when we don't really know the possible consequences.

>>1488848
>A table to listen to them with.

You know 4 seats ,3 normal ones and then a slightly bigger plusher one for us.

>>1488848
>>A seat, to entreat with her.

>Where is your sense of reciprocation?
"you forfeit it when you tried to strangle me."

>>1488869
She won't stay dead if we try to kill her and she's a goddess so she'll put up a devesating fight.

>>1488848
>>A seat, to entreat with her.
As much as I dislike her, making an enemy out of her this early in the game is bad. At least be level 90 with a bullshit party to do that.

>>1488874
No you should say.
>Then you want to be strangle as you did to me?

>>1488874
>>1488848
I like this line.

>>1488848
>Custom option.
>A jetpack, cause you always wanted one since you were a kid.

>>1488910
Second.

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>>1488868
>>1488869
>>1488873
>>1488874
>>1488886
>>1488897
>>1488910
>>1488925

The goddess visibly starts when out of nowhere, a wooden table seemingly manifests into existence. It’s admittedly not high class furniture. The image that came to your mind was the shitty low table your quad had in premed. It was a battered and borderline rickety piece of junk one fat chick or risqué rendezvous from turning it into splinters. Still, it had its uses, and survived more than one drunken game of ERS and graduation night.

“My sense of reciprocation?” The soil underneath your jeans shifts as you park your ass down on the ground. You do a good job to ignore the moisture that’s slowly seeping into your pants. Because, hey, it’s limbo, and you don’t need to do laundry in limbo. “You forfeited it when you tried to strangle me. And the only way I see us getting even is if you let me put my hands on that pretty little neck of yours, toots.”

She does not respond at first. The Mother raises an intangible foot, prodding and probing at the faded varnish. Seemingly equal parts perturbed and curious, she takes her own seat across from your position.

“…it seems that you’ve more talent than I expected,” the Mother states with a surprised tone. “To be able to give form to a tangible object, here in the White Forest…but to go back to your previous statement…”

The sultry air in her voice returns in full swing, and you stiffen as a cold foot gently rubs along your thigh. “What little I remember of myself, I can recall that my follower would indulge in that sort of play, intermingling pleasure and death. I have little experience, so you would have to educate me…”

And just like that, you immediately bring your guard right back up…all the while trying to keep something else down. “You know, I was half a second away from wishing for a jetpack?” You bluntly declare, knocking her foot aside with your shin. “I’ve always wanted one as a kid.”

You can hear the frown in her voice. “A jetpack?”

“Irrelevant.” You wave her inquiry off. “But since I want to make this a productive discussion…”

>Pick two points of discussion:
>“Is it in your nature to be this much of a cock-hungry slut?”
>“Tell me about the others. What do you think they want?”
>“Tell me about yourself. What do you want from me?”
>“What do you know about the fourth being in my head?”
>Custom option.

>>1488968
>>“Tell me about the others. What do you think they want?”
>>“Tell me about yourself. What do you want from me?”

>>1488968
>>“Tell me about the others. What do you think they want?”
>“Is it in your nature to be this much of a cock-hungry slut?”
I can't not ask.

>>1488968
>“Tell me about the others. What do you think they want?”
>“Tell me about yourself. What do you want from me?”

>>1488968
>>“Tell me about the others. What do you think they want?”
>>“Tell me about yourself. What do you want from me?”

Poor Mother, our heart will always belong to Louisa.

>>1488968
>>“Tell me about yourself. What do you want from me?”
>“Is it in your nature to be this much of a cock-hungry slut?”

>>1488968
>>“Tell me about the others. What do you think they want?”
>>“Tell me about yourself. What do you want from me?”

>>1488968
>>“What do you know about the fourth being in my head?”
>“Tell me about yourself. What do you want from me?”

“Tell me about the others.” The Maiden is a pleasant enough companion, but her childish behavior, while gap-cute, detracts from a good discussion. The Crone is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad bitch. And while the Mother is trying to goad you into boning her, she seems to be the one best suited for conversation. “What do you think they want from me?”

The Mother shifts in her seat. “What makes you think that I will tell the truth?”
“Nothing,” You admit. “But you’re already on thin ice as it is, ranked higher than the Crone on my personal shit list. And any lies that you say could just as easily be dispelled by your counterparts.”

A heavy silence reigns between the two of you, and the Mother absolutely stills herself. For a moment, you think to speak, but she beats you to it. “…the prune told you herself, did she not? The three of us are trapped here, left to languish and suffer a slow and ignoble death as oblivion claims us, piece by piece. You are the only human capable of entering and exiting without being claimed by the Forest.”

That makes you wonder. The Crone and Mother desire an exit from the woods, piggybacking off of your apparent and inexplicable lifeline. But what was it that the Maiden said when you first talked to her, so many months ago in the hospital?

Revive me…

…was there something different in the way they parsed it? Is reviving the same as escaping the hellhole? You make a note to ask the Maiden the next time you meet her.

“But if you want to get into the specifics of why we wish to return, that is a closely-guarded secret for each of us. We all have our own reasons to desire returning to the tangible realm.”

“Secrets?” You frown. “Aren’t you a Triple Goddess? A gestalt entity composed of three separate components? Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s a role that you don’t want but-”

The Mother brings her hand down to slam on the table. It teeters perilously, wobbling uncertainly above your legs before settling down to some semblance of calm.

“Do not make the mistake of grouping me with those inferior deities,” she growls. “Sacrifices were made, but I do not nearly like to be reminded of how I was forced to degrade myself into a neo-pagan Trinity. And even then, our minds are separate from each other just as much as any other demon’s.”

So it seems that the Triple Goddess is schizophrenic. You’re not sure whether that’s a good or bad thing. Regardless, you continue. “So you truly don’t know what they desire?”

Her laughter is everything but pretty. “The brat wants to return to the mortal realm, and that’s all that really matters for her. And the grape…her motives are harder to parse out. Even if we run into each other during bouts of wandering, we keep to ourselves. As we should, because we cannot stand one another.”

(cont.)

>>1489128
These are Celtic goddesses glommed together aren't they? Betting on Flidais or Rhiannon being Matron.

>>1489128
“But if you were to have a general idea…”

She shrugs. “Probably something to do with the dead. Gods know that she practically revels in the stench of purification and rotting flesh. A death god, she is, and I’ll bet money on it.” ”
Not worrisome at all…

“And you? Tell me about yourself. The Crone is some sort of death goddess…” You mutter. “But the Maiden could be anything. But what about you?”

Her mouth pulls back to reveal a white sneer. “I thought you had done your research.”

“I always like primary sources over third-party collaborations,” You dryly note. “And neo-pagans aren’t the most resourceful when it comes to combining data and common points across cultures.”

The Mother reclines on a nearby patch of soil, bunching it up underneath her back. “I would think it obvious given the role I was chosen to play. Obviously, I am a goddess associated with motherhood and childbirth, perhaps even desire and lust as well?”

Too broad of a demographic. You have no idea where to even begin searching. “And what makes me want to pick you over all the rest of them?”

“What would make you choose me?” She sits up, bringing a hand to trail playfully along the table. “The answer is simpler than you think…in exchange for a way out of the White Forest, I would bestow several boons upon you, wishes, and whatever you would so desire…riches, women…a place by my side.”

Earthly riches. Yet you can’t help but recall similar tactics used by a Nigerian Prince of indeterminate monetary standing. Not to mention the fact that for a goddess, she is surprisingly petty.

“Uh-huh.” You cross your arms and stare long and hard at her. And even as you feel that familiar tug pulling at the back of your neck, you still have to ask. “And what should make me trust you? Why should you be the one to go free over all the others?”

“A good question,” The Mother answers, lounging as your vision begins to tunnel. “One that only you can only find out for yourself, mortal…”

>Sunday, July 5th, 2015
>Old Bethel Cemetery
>2:13 AM

“You sleep like a log, Sawbones,” Fitz mutters as she kills the engine. “On the way back, you’re the one driving.”

You accept the keys from her with a chagrinned expression on your face. “Sorry about that. And I’ll be more than happy to play chauffer…milady.”

The policewoman snorts at that. “You don’t have the body or the fedora to pull that off.”

You laugh it off, clambering out of the car and suiting up for this impromptu mission.The face of the demon who gave you the quest flashes in your head. A simple enough task, she said. But even the best of missions have a bad chance of going awry...

>How will you enter the cemetery?
>Guns blazing. (Aggressive)
>Metal Gear. (Stealth)
>Winchester. (Tactical)

>Which demons will you be using?
>High Pixie
>Gryphon
>Angel
>Pyro Jack

Not happy with snip. Gonna sleep and resume tomorrow.

>>1489248
Venus?

>>1489248
>Winchester. (Tactical)
>High Pixie
>Angel

>>1489248
>Winchester. (Tactical)
Fitting since we are going in a graveyard
>High Pixie
>Angel

>>1489248
>Winchester. (Tactical)
>High Pixie
>Angel

>>1489248
>Winchester. (Tactical)
>High Pixie
>Angel


>>1489257
Nah. No love in there. Which is a part of her. Honestly sounds almost like Ishtar. Which means she may be a war god too.

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>>1489332
>>1489257
?

>>1489248
>Metal Gear. (Stealth)
>High Pixie
>Angel

>>1489341
Eh. We'll see. She seems awfully humanoid right now.

>>1489332
>>1489341
Could be Isis. She said her partner intermingled with pleasure and death.

>>1489248
>Flowers.(Flowers)

>Angel
>Pyro Jack

Kaz had his heart stolen.

>>1491953
By
>Week entirely dedicated to questing
Kaz really meant
>Weeklong P5 Marathon.

>>1491953
>>1491966
Got carried away. Futaba at the beach was a real qt 3.14.

Writing now...

>>1492094
Just taking the piss out of you kaz.

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>>1492094
>2-hour commute

>>1492172
My Film major concentration is in production and post-production. And as it turns out, the best place for me to work at and slap on my resume is all the way up in Maryland. As well as open to interns. D.C.'s production companies are choked to the brim without me trying to break into the field. Not to mention the fact that this sound design company is based in Hollywood as well.

The other perk is that the friend who Fitz is based off of is only twenty minutes away.

Writing...

>>1492229
>The other perk is that the friend who Fitz is based off of is only twenty minutes away.


I see very many good things about that.

>>1492229
All in all, could be worse.

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>>1489273
>>1489292
>>1489322
>>1489332
“…your demon didn’t mention a house, did she?” Fitz grouses, squinting off into the distance. “It looks too big to be an undertaker’s shack.”

You shake your head. “No, she didn’t. Damn. This…might complicate things.”

“Eh…might not. It doesn’t look like anyone’s been home for a while. See these tire tracks?” She kicks at an errant bit of the dirt road with her boot. “These are easily days, if not an entire week old. That aside, it’s still private property, and given how far out west we are…”

“Good point.” Stereotypes about trigger-happy rural folk aside, you can’t help but understand why some people would be adverse to people sneaking around a cemetery in the dead of night. “I wasn’t planning on going in with guns blazing anyway…say, you ever watch ‘Supernatural’?”

She snorts. “My roommate in the academy was goddamn obsessed with the show, so I did catch some bits and pieces. And I don’t really watch that much TV anyway, but I’ll watch a cop show if it’s on. That aside…”

Her voice trails off as she squints at the bag on your shoulder. “Don’t tell me you actually brought salt and lightin’ fluid…”

“…I will neither confirm nor deny that…”

“Oh my fuckin’ God…” She cuffs you on the shoulder, shaking her head in wry amusement. “You are such a dweeb, you know that, Sawbones?”

You don’t dignify that with a response. “Alright, let’s head up. Can you grab point? I bring up the rear.”

“Yeah, yeah...that ain’t gonna be a problem…Sammy…”

Oh Christ. “…it’s better to be safe than to be sorry…” You protest. “And I'll have you know that in many parts of the world, salt is considered to be a purification medium-”

“Sure, sure…” Fitz smirks, flicking the safety off her shotgun. “And ‘Castle’ is one-hundred fuckin’ percent for how a police department works…”

...you get the distinct feeling that she’s going to dangle over your head for a very, very long time.

(cont.)

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>Later

The two of you manage to stay low and out of sight. Human sight, at the very least. You can’t say for certain as to whether or not the demons can see past trees and wooden fences, but that’s a moot point. As far as the two of you and your demons are concerned, if there’s anything there, it hasn’t noticed your presence.

…or it’s simply bidding its time before you enter the cemetery proper. How comforting.

The fence is little more than four feet, but neither of you fancy climbing over rusted metal. The gate itself is broken, just barely hanging onto rusted hinges. Both of you enter, careful not to make any noise as you step into the cemetery proper.

It’s a small plot of land, barely a couple of square acres at the most before it separates into the residential area and a small patch of woods. In the dim lighting, you figure you can make out a couple dozen headstones underneath the moonlight.

Fitz whistles, low and impressed at the work you’ve got ahead of you. “So are we lookin’ for anythin’ in particular…”

“The demon said ‘Petrenko’ was the grave we should be looking for. Let’s hope that time’s been kind to the headstones…”

You think that you hear her mutter something about a “snipe hunt”, but that could’ve easily been the wind.

Well, no time like the present. Time to get searching…

>1d100 + 15 Perception (+15 Heightened Senses)
>Best of three

Rolled 66 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>1492536
Kinda glad we got Heightened Senses now

Rolled 56 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>1492536

Rolled 17 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>1492536

Rolled 79 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>1492536
Damnit Sammy! I have watched SN in a long long time.

Rolled 10 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>1492536
Fitz would make a good Dean.

>>1492560
She'd have to sleep around a whole fucking lot though.

>>1492557
Real talk? It's such a shame that everything went to shit after season four.

>81, 71, 32
Pretty good rolls, all in all.

Writing...

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>>1492569
Rule 63 dean examples actually look a bit like Fitz as well.

>>1492574
Season 5 is when it should have ended. There was finality to taking down Lucy, Sam dying, and Dean getting a family.

But nope! Gotta keep pumping them out for the hell of it.

That said though, the cast and directors really enjoy making that show so all power to them. Gotta enjoy your work.

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>>1492575
Fitz takes cues from Aya Brea, protagonist of "Parasite Eve", and Starbuck from nuBSG. Both have art that's incredibly hard to find, on account of Aya having longer hair and nuBSG being a western thing with little to no (good) fanart.

Two franchises that have regrettably gone to shit in their final hours, DESU.

>>1492601
Oh good Christ. I hate Starbuck. Hopefully Fitz won't ever turn into that much of a horrible bitch.

>>1492601
>Starbuck from nuBSG
That show was bad and you should feel bad.

>>1492612
It started off pretty good. It just.. got stupid. Then weird. Or weird then stupid. I forget which.

>>1492629
weird then stupid

>>1492612
I feel bad because I legitimately enjoyed how it started. The Miniseries/Pilot Episode was absolutely fantastic. Best space combat that I've seen within the bounds of realism. And the character infighting was great, if not contrived at some points. The Galactica is literally dysfunction junction and I love it.

>>1492629
Both at the same time. I was tepid throughout the ride, but then the ending just made me pissed as hell.


>Hur dur, technolughy is teh enemi of men
>Let's get rid of all of teh technolughy

I'm at least grateful that "Blood and Chrome" made for a better watch than that train wreck.

>>1492542
>>1492550
>>1492554

>81, 71, 32

It takes the better part of twenty minutes, squinting at half-faded and worn names before you finally strike pay dirt. Half of the headstone is completely gone. What parts of it aren’t eroded suffered manmade damage, via obscene graffiti and an attempted smashing. But there’s still enough of it left for you to make out “ENKO”, and the names underneath it are Eastern-European enough…you think.

You whistle, just low enough to be mistaken for a birdcall. A few meters away, Fitz turns, cocking her head in silent inquiry. Once she sees you pantomiming for her to come, her demons take after their mistress as she sprints towards you.

You squat, and your demons follow suit, joining you as you inspect the headstone. It’s a family grave, about as average as one made in the 19th century. Underneath the symbol of their faith (an obvious crucifix) comes the family name, then the father, mother and respective offspring. From the dates, it seems like they all died at the same time…poor bastards.

Could one of these children be the Moh Shovu that gave you the quest? One of these daughters...Masha, Valentina...

…you’ll ask her when you get back, you suppose.

“That didn’t take too long,” Fitz mutters once you’ve filled her in. “Alright. What’s the next step?”

Without taking your eyes off of her, you unzip your bag, and toss her one of two E-Tools packed away. “We get digging. I don’t know what exactly it is we’re looking for, but she said that we’ll know what it is when we find it…whatever that means.”

She views the tool, then at the plot of grave before shrugging. “Fine-”

Somewhere to your left, a twig cracks. Everyone starts, bringing weapons, claws or magic to bear at the source of noise. In the distant tree line and underneath the moonlight…nothing. Absolutely nothing.

That being said, you aren’t about to wait three times until you can confirm enemy action.

>Both of you take watch while your demons dig.
>Fitz takes watch while you dig up the grave.
>Investigate the noise before you start digging.
>You take watch while Fitz digs up the grave.
>Custom option.

>>1492728
>>Investigate the noise before you start digging.

>>1492728
>Fitz takes watch while you dig up the grave.
Have Lham Dearg help us dig. Pixie and Angel can be overwatch.

>>1492728
>Investigate the noise before you start digging.

>>1492728
>>Investigate the noise before you start digging.
I'm thinking demons should be summoned here.

I have to take a break. ISIS is kind of ruining everyone's day in Flipland, and I have to check in with my family to make sure everyone's alright. I'll post in a few hours after that.

>>1492887
Shit. What did they do this time?

>>1492887
hope your family isn't in Marawi. They're torching catholic churches and shit.
>>1492891
Ya'll don't watch the news? They've taken over an entire city.

The country is under martial law.

>>1492898
Nah man. I am not in murica and i rarely watch the news. God darn religious extremist.

>>1492094
>Futaba
>not the Doc

You have embarrassed Arsene

>>1492911
It's.. not in Merica. It's in the Philippines.

Go to Google maps and put in

Marawi City, Lanao del Sur

https://www.reddit.com/live/yz9htbjsixiy (I know it's reddit I know, but they're keeping a live thread of what's going on)

>>1492891
100 fighters attacked the city of Marawi on Mindanao island. Lemme grab the list of what's happened...

- Women not wearing Hijabs are being taken away.
- AFP has issued the statement that the Military is in the offensive.
- AFP received an intel that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon was with the Maute group.
- At least 1 soldier was hurt in the firefight.
- Some buildings in Dansalan College were burnt to ashes.
- Most affected areas are Basak Malutlut, Sarimanok, Marinaut, Provincial Jail, amai pakpak, Bo. Saber, Sarimanok and most of the key intersections in Marawi.
- Marawi City Jail is on fire.
- All detainees in the City Jail were freed by the group.
- At least 5 gov't troops are now wounded.
- Chapel in Barrio Paypay is on fire.
- AFP has dropped several bombs in selected areas in Marawi City.
- The group took away the firetrucks so that the fire can't be put out.
- Marawi City is experiencing total electricity blackout.
- ISIS flags are raised in several areas in the city including hospitals, government establishments, and police cars.
- The group started to burn houses.
- Gunshots are being heard all over the city again.
- Maute group has left the Amai Pakpak Medical Center.
- Maute recruiting residents to join them.
- Maute is interrogating civilians. If you can't prove you are a Muslim, they will kidnap you and will be "taken cared of"
- Maute used trucks to block all entry/exit including bridges.
- Police captain killed.
- The group is seizing houses looking for men to recruit.
- Civilians are asked to recite the Shahada. If they can't, theyre killed.
- Some of the teachers in Dansalan College are already dead. Their heads are being displayed on the highway.
- AFP: Several members of the Maute group were killed.
- President Duterte just declared Martial Law in the entire Mindanao.
- Duterte cuts short his visit to Russia.

>>1492898
>Duterte promises retribution
>"To my countrymen who have experienced martial law. It would not be any different from what President Marcos did. I’d be harsh."
>Wew

Side note:
Most of the countries in the middle east are disbarred from being a part of Task Force 666, due to being politically volatile and untrustworthy. As much as it pains the administrators, they acknowledge that the situation is bad enough without giving them the power over demons. Regrettable leaving the people to fend for themselves, but it's the preferred alternative.

If significant demonic threats appear in the middle east, a joint team of SOCOM soldiers and Task Force operatives will deploy to deal with the threat and quickly extract.

>>1492914
Doc and Hifumi are neck-and-neck in the running for my P5 waifu.

>>1492920
DO you have family in Mindanao?

>>1492920
I do not like that man but if anyone deserves to be on the wrong end of him it's fucking ISIS.

>>1492918
>>1492920

Shit. That's my neighbor country and i got friends there. Philippines is christian majority so why the fuck there is Isis. Didnt know the islamic extremist make their move this early.
Fukin Hell.

Also Not kawakami. SHit waifu taste

>>1492928
Extended family and some family friends. Sending messages and waiting for them to respond is nerve-wracking...

>>1492931
DESU, I like Kawakami as a character better than I do as a romance option.

>>1492931
Given that they hit other Christian majority nations like France, Germany and most of western Europe, it's not early. Frankly given the fractious nature of the islands and easy draw and immigration of Muslim majority nations it's not a surprise this happened.

>>1492932
Here's hoping they are ok. Any in the city proper or just on the island?

>>1492931
Mindanao is where the majority of the Muslims are.

It's not too strange they've had similar issues in the past and not all of their neighboring countries have their shit together.

>>1492944
Both. I'm hoping DutDut brings the hammer of the law and the Davao Death Squads down on them.

>>1492952
Here's hoping they are ok, and I too hope that this is put down fast. The longer it lasts the worse it'll get.

>>1492944
>>1492947
Hope there wont be war in SEA or it will be shit livin there.
>>1492952
Knowing Duterte, there will be blood

>>1492931
Mindanao has a lot of muslims, and has a rather "estranged" relationship with the rest of the philippines, to put i lightly. With Duterte, someone from mindanao, now president, it's not terribly unusual that ISIS is trying to get a foothold there before bridges can be built.

>>1492952
I'm worried this will give him credibility as well. Bots are posting all over in support of martial law.

And a few people I know are ranting about how this is obviously yellows starting trouble.

>>1492952
Hope everyone turns out fine and they got away.

Sad to say it, and I know this isn't /pol/, but whatever. If they wanted a target on themselves, perfect thing to do is try this shit.

There's no way the UN would let this fly, and I'm almost certain squads are gonna be sent in a dozen different ways for a while. Honestly hope they just make it quick when the squads get a hold of one, no need to drag it out when cleaning up.

>>1493289
The UN has let hundreds of thousands of the fuckers into Europe already. The UN can't do shit.

>>1492728
>>You take watch while Fitz digs up the grave.

>>1492728
>>Investigate the noise before you start digging.

>>1492728
>>>Investigate the noise before you start digging.

deder than ded

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Come on, Kaz.

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>>1492736
>>1492740
>>1492745
>>1492812
>>1494073
>>1494111
>>1494183
The two of you hold a glance for good two seconds before you drop your E-Tools and pull out your guns. Smart minds think alike, and there’s no goddamn way in hell you’re gonna start digging before you ensure that the area is clear. A perimeter and guard can only do so much when the other combatant is three feet in the ground trying to strike pay dirt.

Fitz peers around a gravestone, squinting into the forest. “I got nothin’. You?”

“Same,” You mutter. “Can’t see jack shit. The trees are too thick. How about you guys?”
Both of your assembled demons shake their heads or otherwise offer a silent affirmation that they can’t make out anything. Hmmm…wait.

“Can’t believe I didn’t think of this earlier…” You flip open your COMP, and the scanner quickly whirs to life within seconds of activation. “I’m a goddamn idiot…”

The scanner does a better job than your demons. The magnitite signature incredibly faint, barely picking up on the highest sensitivity, but it’s there. Something was here a long time ago, and the device pegs the half-life at about one to two years since its first drop. Arranged at best in what seem to be multiple footsteps around the outer perimeter of the fence, varying from beast to humanoid, it suddenly becomes obvious that there’s not one demon, but a veritable horde of them on the prowl.

“…so what’d you find?” Fitz asks.

Your response comes back as an incredibly terse question. “…how much ammunition do you have?”

She picks up the worried look in your eyes, and her body immediately tenses up. “…ah…fuck…how bad?”

You blow up the screen, gesturing at various points along the interface. “…if the scan is anything to go by, there’s been demonic activity. Weak signatures overall, but it looks like a pack of them.”

“Well, shit,” She declares bluntly. “…think your demon was wrong? Maybe it’s a buncha pushovers pretendin’ to be something big…”

That is a possibility…but something tells you that it isn’t the case at all. “I dunno. Either way, we can’t exactly ask her, can we? She’s about…God, I don’t even know how many miles away the fairies are-”

Without any warning, lighting breaks across the sky, cutting off whatever banal triviality you were unable to say. Both of you jump at the sound of rumbling thunder, just as the air suddenly becomes charged with demonic power.

"...never a dull moment with you, huh, Sawbones?" Fitz quips as you duck behind cover. "Seems the universe is pretty keen on shittin' on our operations..."

(cont.)

>>1495792
Welcome back. Hope everything is alright.

>>1495792
wb Kaz, glad the family is okay.

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>>1495792
You don’t have the time to respond. At the edge of the perimeter, right at the foot of the forest, reality breaks before your very eyes. Disembodied hands extend from seemingly nothing, wicked claws grasping at the breach in the air. With a violent tear, it breaks through the gap, creating some kind of…portal.

It hurts to stare at it, what lies beyond those hands and the wound in reality. It is an endless abyss, rippling and roiling independent of the coming storm. If you squint, you can almost make out…something, no, many things that lie underneath an oily surface. Monstrous forms, slavering mouths, crimson eyes, ghastly wails no human could ever possibly produce…

>WARNING: CATEGORY 3 PORTAL TO THE EXPANSE DETECTED.
>THREAT LEVEL: YELLOW.
>ADVISE: SEAL IMMEDIATELY.

The thunder peals once more, but this time, it receives an answer. The ground quakes as out from the portal, cloaked riders atop phantom steeds charge out from the wound in reality, as if leaping out of a bottomless pool. Brandishing lamps of blue light and wielding swords of obsidian black, these warriors charge into the cemetery, chanting and screaming in guttural tongues:

“WEIALALA LEIA! WEALALA LEIA!”

>DANGER: WILD HUNT IDENTIFIED.
>THREAT LEVEL HAS BEEN UPGRADED: ORANGE.
>ADVISE: REPEL AT ALL COSTS.

…suddenly, four thousand, five hundred macca and a magic ring seems to be too cheap of a payment for the bullshit you are about to endure.

>Attempt to begin negotiations.
>Shoot first, ask questions later.
>Custom option.

>>1495806
>>1495824
Thanks. Friends and family managed to get out just in time. Huge weight off my chest.

>>1495876
>>Shoot first, ask questions later.
BANG! BANG!

>>1495876
>Shoot first, ask questions later.
Fucking ghost thing. Hama the shit out of it.

>>1495876
>Shoot first, ask questions later.

So... the Fae queen sent us somewhere.. and the wild hunt showed up? Is this some sort of elaborate plot for sawbones booty?

>>1495890
This is a request/optional quest given to you by a Moh Shuvuu squatting in the fairy realm.

>>1495902
Ah my bad. I still blame Titania.

>>1495876
>>Shoot first, ask questions later.
I kinda want to talk, but my common sense is getting the better of me.

>>1495876
>Attempt to begin negotiations.

Have Angel ready to hama asap

We're REALLY underleveled to fight a level 53 demon.

>>1495917
This is a small detachment of the Wild Hunt, not the full force. As a result, it is significantly weaker, but it should still pose to be a challenge to fight.

>>1495876
>“WEIALALA LEIA! WEALALA LEIA!”
I got that reference.gif

Glad to hear your family is OK; Rowdy Roddy Duterte is going to hit levels of kebab removal not seen since Vlad the Rad.

>>1495876
>Shoot first, ask questions later.

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>>1495883
>>1495884
>>1495886
>>1495911
>>1495953
In any other circumstance, you might have asked questions before shooting. That being said, the ones at the opposite end of the gun aren’t necessarily the friendliest-looking motherfuckers. Especially since they happen to be one of the most notorious sources of legend to be spread around European campfires.

Still…there are only a handful of riders, no more than seven, and two of their hounds. Given what you’ve read about them, you’d think that they’d have an actual horde numbering in the hundreds, if not thousands. Not that you’re about to complain. Not from the way the COMP is vibrating on your wrist.

You glance at Fitz, equally unnerved at the sudden entrance, and hold up three fingers. She immediately nods, flicking the safety off her shotgun. Likewise, you prepare your automatic, gesturing for your demons to get ready to cast magic.

“On my mark…” You mouth. “Three…two…one…go!”

And the cemetery lights up for its own independence day.

>You Ambushed the enemy!
>Your attacks automatically hit!

>Roll 1d10 + 4
>Best of three.

Rolled 2 + 4 (1d10 + 4)

>>1495986

Rolled 9 + 4 (1d10 + 4)

>>1495986

Rolled 3 + 4 (1d10 + 4)

>>1495986

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>>1495993
>>1495994
>>1496001
Between that opening salvo of bullet spray and buckshot, one of the riders goes down, clutching the mangled ruin of its chest. Huh. Guess they aren’t as spectral as you thought they were…all the better for your chances. Demons aside, the night is long, and you have plenty of ammunition, just enough to keep them out of melee distance. You don’t fancy your tactical knife doing so well against one of those swords…

>The Wild Hunt detachment is lightly wounded!

As the two of you pull back and reload, you give the orders to your demons, eagerly awaiting to enter the battle. You can hear Fitz shouting her orders, commanding Lham Dearg to charge into the melee and for Apsaras to hit them with a hard-hitting Mabufu.

Your demons turn to you, awaiting their orders as you slam another magazine into the receiver.

>High Pixie should cast…
>Zio
>Luster Candy
>Megido

>Angel should cast…
>Bufu
>Dormia
>Zan
>Sukunda

>>1496023
>>Luster Candy
>>HAMA

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>>1496023
>>Luster Candy
>>Sukunda

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>>1496031
Shit. I can't believe I forgot to put Hama.

>>1496023
>Luster Candy
>HAMA

Maybe I'm off but in P5 did the buff skills feel... less useful?

>>1496049
Scratch that. Hama is confirmed.

>Luster Candy
>Hama

>>1496023
>Luster Candy
>Hama

>>1496069
DISREGARD THAT

>Luster Candy

>Hama

>>1496048
I'm playing on hard, so while buffs are an absolute for me, I can kind of see your point. The margin of difference between buffs/debuffs/unbuffed is tiny as it is since I do less damage and enemies hit WAY harder. Case in point where my roommate can waltz through a miniboss without having to buff too much since he plays on normal.

>>1496048
Persona games have never been as buff-heavy as mainline.

>>1496048
Taru- and Raku- skills are still fantastic in P5 along with Debilitate

Suku- skills have less use since you don't get anything out of dodging occasionally (other than the damage mitigation covered by Raku-) unlike in Press Turn where an enemy would lose two turns.

Heat Riser sucks due to only effecting one person per cast. You're better off using Matarukaja and having all those extra turns for damage.

>>1496023
>>>Luster Candy
>>>HAMA

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>>1496031
>>1496048
>>1496057
>>1496060
>>1496083
>>1496191
>Luster Candy
>Hama

Angel’s pillar of light comes down like the hammer of God. It smashes one of the unlucky schmuks into the ground, driving both rider and horse into the dirt with an incredible amount of force. There’s an unpleasant noise as flesh ruptures and…something incredibly wet explodes all over the clearing. Thankfully, it doesn’t last long. The paper seals wrapped around the pillar flare, and all that’s left of the demon is a pile of ashes and a fading scream of pain.

>The Wild Hunt detachment is down to five members!

“Insolent mortals!” The lead rider roars. The lantern in its hands glows a dangerous blue flame as he brings its light upon your cover. “You dare strike at the Wild Hunt, the servants of the great and powerful Woden? Your blood with be the restitution for your arrogance!”

How…cliché.

As one, the riders raise their weapons, chanting in the tongue of demons. From the tips of their swords, rods of energy take shape, a luminescent volley of arrows ready and primed to fire at your location.

That’s not good…

>Analysis of spell: Blast Arrow.
>Analysis of spell: Blast Arrow.

>Your cover lends you a reprieve!

“Hit the deck!” You’re already on the ground when you shout, just an instant before they unleash the first salvo. The projectiles shriek and whine through the air, little different from bullets as they tear up and shred through stone and soil.

Some of the needles penetrate through the thick headstones, and grunts of pain can be heard from your own demons. Thankfully, the damage isn’t too bad, more superficial than anything else thanks to the protection of your cover. That being said…

The headstones and markers were already old when you got here, and now they’re almost a fine powder after that attack. At the best, you MIGHT be able to survive one more salvo without significant injury. But beyond that was anyone’s guess. A sneeze could set the rest of your cover crumbling into gravel.

>Lham Dearg is wounded.

"Lham, get your ass back here!" Fitz shouts. The lumbering demon seems disappointed, in spite of having enough needles to pass off as a human pincushion. "Sawbones, what's our next move?!"

>Attempt to engage in negotiations.
>Break and run to new cover.
>Hunker down and counter attack.
>One of you should try to flank.
>Custom option.

>>1496227
>>Hunker down and counter attack.
don't want to get caught out if they use those arrows again, and we're got guns.

>>1496227
Assuming that Luster Candy always covers the whole party without accidentally hitting the enemy:
>humans run to new cover
>another Luster Candy
>demons encircle the enemy to minimize the number of combatants they can hit and prevent escape
>next turn we megido the shit out of them

>>1496227
>Hunker down and counter attack.

>>1496227
>>Hunker down and counter attack.
Have Fitz's demons Sukunda and Sukukaja. It'll help us move to new cover next turn with us sped up and him slowed down/inaccurate

>>1496260
And of course

Hama/Luster Candy for us. Then we go ham on the asshole next turn.

>>1496240
>>1496256
>>1496260
Our cover is gone, we need to move.

>>1496227
>Break and run
we should prioritize staying alive,rather then taking potshots with no cover, at the demons on horseback.

>>1496265
technically it's still standing, but you're right, we shouldn't rely on it.

>>1496227
changing
>>1496240
to
>Break and run to new cover.

>>1496227
>>Break and run to new cover.

>>1496227
Chaanging
>>1496256
To
>Break and run to new cover.

>>1496227
>>Break and run to new cover.

>>1496274
>>1496293
>>1496297
>>1496301
>>1496314

"Break and run" to new cover seems to be the winning vote. I need to take a quick break, but in the mean time, can I get a dice roll, please?

>Roll 1d100 + 30 to DODGE (+20 Combat, +10 Luster Candy)
>Best of three.

Rolled 33 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>1496315

Rolled 34 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>1496315

Rolled 20 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>1496315
Rollan

Rolled 14 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>1496315

Rolled 72 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>1496315

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>>1496317
>>1496319
>>1496320

...I may be out longer than I thought.

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>>1496317
>>1496319
>>1496320

>>1496324
at least it isn't a 1

Back and writing.

>>1502118
Please Kaz be Gentle

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>>1502118
You know...technically as per your system our demons and us go before the enemy. Meaning we could have fit another Luster Candy + Sukukaja + Sukunda (If Fitz did my plan) giving us a +30 to the roll (or +40 if the Sukunda effected the current roll) making it a 84(94) result and +2 Rakukaja for damage mitigation.

>>1502298
You got the drop on the demons, but don't forget. Weak and low on numbers as they are, the Wild Hunt is a demon way above your weight class in terms of all the stats: power, endurance, and especially agility. Plus, I'm rolling on my desk for the demons. And while they didn't roll a critical, they rolled pretty damn high. A flat 98

Writing...

>A flat 98
I'm so sorry

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In theory, taking off to find better cover is a good idea when one’s current cover is more delicate than glass. From there, you can plan out a counterattack, and possibly outflank your opponent. There’s more than enough intact gravestones left untouched by the attack.

That being said, in your line of work, be it hitting the books for a medical exam or fighting the demonic, something always goes wrong. And as it turns out, whatever force is looking out for you up there seems to be extending its off day.

It’s not fair, you bemoan. The two of you took off at the same time when you gave the order. Two spells cast simultaneously should’ve had an even chance of hitting either you, Fitz or all of the assembled demons. The odds of both attacks either missing or lightly grazing everyone else except for you are incredibly low.

Not low enough, apparently.

The Kevlar and ballistic plates do their job well enough. They stop the worst of it, arresting needles the size of small branches before they can penetrate completely through your body. That being said, you can’t hold back a scream of pain as more than a handful of projectiles, burning hot and furious, penetrate through exposed flesh and unarmored segments of your body.

Your left side is on fire. You can’t even begin to count how many burning tips are stuck inside of you. Hitting the ground hard causes them to quiver, eliciting another scream from your throat as they widen the holes in your flesh.

>Adrian is Wounded!

“Sawbones!/Master!” Simultaneous cries of distress ring out from across the cemetery. In an instant, Angel and High Pixie are fritting right beside you, stressing and panicking over your injuries. Trembling fingers, lanced with their own needles, reach out to your perforated side. It’s not bleeding terribly, but it’s still a debilitating wound. Until you get your arm fixed, firing your M4 would be an exercise in futility.

That, and you have no desire to bleed to death. Or get tetanus from crawling in a cemetery in some rural backwoods.

>Your demons should focus on…
>Attacking
>Healing
>Supporting

>>1502371
>>Attacking

We brought a life stone or medkit right?

>>1502371
>>Attacking

>>1502378
You do have one life stone and two what's essentially half of a Soma for a single person. So yes, you could use your turn to heal yourself while your demons attack or do whatever you want them to do.

>>1502371
>>Attacking
We can handle it. If we can't use the M4, can we pull a pistol?

>>1502371
>>Attacking

>>1502378
>>1502381
>>1502395
>>1502397

I'm assuming you want Angel to continue to fire off Hama spells. That being said, High Pixie is currently set to casting Luster Candy. If High Pixie is going on the attack, then she should...

>Cast Zio.
>Cast Megido.
>Keep casting Luster Candy.

>>1502420
>>Cast Megido.
Lets fuck everything up already

>>1502420
>>Cast Megido.

Bring down the almighty wrath of Best Girl.

>>1502420
>Cast Megido.

>>1502434
If it was legal I would a pixie.

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>>1502453
Writing...

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>>1502453

>>1502466
>Failure of a human says demon who exists because she was failure as a human
>>1502473
No, I have come for your women.

I'm pretty sure Fitz counts as a demon anyway.

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>>1502453

>>1502506
cute!

>>1502425
>>1502434
>>1502441
It takes a few perilous moments of groping blindly in your bag for the last Life Stone. It quivers before shattering as you crush it into a fine powder. The remnants begin to thrum with magical power, and you’re quick to press it against your wounds. A queasy feeling threatens to overcome you as broken flesh quivers, spitting out the foreign bodies without any sort of gentle measure. More than one projectile scrapes against your bones and nerves as they exit your body.

“I’m alright!” You spit out, gritting your teeth as your skin knits back together. “Hit ‘em with everything you’ve got!”

Shotgun fire answers your request, along with the wild howl of a Scottish demon. Fitz and her deemons seem to likewise be taking your orders to heart. And in spite of the agonizing pain that’s erupted all over your side, you can’t help but grin as the screams of the Wild Hunt fill the air. All that’s left…

“On it, master!” Your demon’s grin is borderline maniac as she readies her spell. The air hums, and the ground itself trembles as the element of quintessence gathers in the fairy’s hands. “Fall off your horse and die!”

Even compared to her species’ queen, High Pixie’s spell manages to create a blinding flash of light and a geyser of soil. Before you had to shield your eyes, you could see the forms of the Wild Hunt, writhing underneath the force of the spell before vanishing entirely.

Damage that penetrates and injures beyond the atomic level.

Almighty spells are scary!

When the dust settles, all that’s left of the Wild Hunt is a series of scorching craters, and more than one pile of ashes. Everything has been destroyed: rider, horse, and phantom dog. Behind them, the portal to the Expanse remains open. Its edges continue to writhe and quiver, but its surface remains placid and calm. There seems to be no signs of any other demonic activity…

…at least, any demonic activity that you can see. Portals to different realms of existence are not exactly your forte.

When you squint for a closer look, you find among the ashes...

>Roll 1d100 for Loot.
>Best of three

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Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>1502540

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>1502540
INB4 Lucifer

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>1502540

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Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>1502540
Wonder if annoyed fitz will give a bonus

>>1502558
That's blonde Revy anon.

>>1502566
Shshh it's Fitz.

>>1502566
No, it's Morrigan

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>>1502558
>Cat ears and human ears
This shouldn't trigger me as much as it should.

Anywho, good rolls!

Writing...

>>1502580
It triggers her too kaz. And when she finds out who put them on her...

>>1502579
Yeah that came back again for a minute last month just for it die again.

>>1502601
guide isn't dead, just working.

>>1502548
>>1502549
>>1502550
Wounded as you are, you have little choice but to order your demons to retrieve anything in the ashes. The search takes little underneath a minute, and almost all the holes in your body are closed when they return.

>200 Macca
>25 Magnetite
>2 Needle Orbs

“Shit.” Turning around, you see Fitz sprinting over to your position, demons in tow. She blanches at the holes in your uniform, but recovers quickly enough to offer you a hand up. “...Jesus…that looked like it fuckin’ hurt. You alright, Sawbones?”

It takes a moment for you to stand up and take her hand. “Bedside manners aside…” You wince as a jolt of pain runs along your ribs. “It’s nothing too bad. The armor the brunt of it, and it honestly looks worse than it is. Some are more superficial than the others.”

High Pixie interjects, hovering by your side as she holds her hands to your wounds. “Superficial or not…hold still, master…”

The cemetery fills with a soft light as the healing magic begins. This time, the feeling is definitely more comfortable than that of the Life Stone. It’s as if someone is pressing a cool towel directly to a swollen area.

As the fairy works her magic, you turn towards Fitz. “Forget about me, are you alright? Lham looked like a pincushion when we all made a bolt for it.”

She stares at you, nonplussed before shaking her head in disbelief. “You know somethin’, Sawbones? For a med student, you’re pretty calm about takin’ what’d been essentially a machine gun volley into your frickin’ rib cage.”

“What can I say?” You offer a lop-sided shrug. “You get used to it after a couple of times…”

That was the wrong thing to say. Something dangerous flashes in her eyes, before it quickly turns to guilt. Belatedly, the unintended meaning of your phrase catches up to you.

Oh fuck. The taste of your foot in your mouth is very unpleasant. “Wait, I didn’t mean it like that,” You hastily offer. “It’s just that compared to Alger’s boot camp and the absolute hell that was the Each Uisage…”

“It’s fine, Sawbones. I get it,” Fitz grunts, reclining against a tombstone. “I get it. No offense taken. That bein’ said, if you did mean to offend…”

You snort at the wry grin and mock fist she offers you. “Point well taken.”

“But goin’ back to your original question…I’m fine,” She answers. “Other than a few scuffs and couple of scrapes on my shin, I’m still in good shape. Took a couple of glancing hits, but they ain’t nearly as serious as yours are.”

(cont.)

File: Erlkonig.jpg (50 KB, 452x591)

50 KB JPG

The glow of magic fades away, and High Pixie wipes a bit of sweat off her brow. At her nod, you test your arm, swinging it around and twisting to make sure everything’s in working order. “Glad to hear it. And thanks, Pixie. I owe you one.”

The fairy preens at your praise.

“More importantly…” Fitz tilts her head in the direction of the portal. The bad weather’s died down, and the wind’s slowed down immensely, but the gateway to the Expanse is still wreaking havoc on the surrounding area. “How the fuck are we supposed to close that thing?”

As if on cue, your COMPS begin to vibrate.

>AREA CLEARED OF DEMONS.
>ADVISE: SEAL PORTAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

“…fair enough.” You squint at the interface. “And how are we supposed-”

>POINT YOUR COMP IN THE DIRECTION OF THE PORTAL.
>THE SEALING PROGRAM WILL EXECUTE AUTOMATICALLY.

“…well, guess that’s that,” Fitz remarks, pushing off from the wall. “So do we just-”

Without any warning, the surface of the portal ripples, swirling into something fierce as the wind begins to pick up once more. Both of your COMPs begin screaming, and you’re almost sure that one of your own demons panics when it steps out of the Expanse.

At first, you thought it to be some kind of tree, with twisting limbs and an appearance no different from the old willows and ash. But the twisting branches form limbs, two arms and two legs, a humanoid shape. Some kind of kilt girdles its waist, and its hand clutches a rod brimming with magical energy. And within the center of a gnarling, twisting mass of wood, a skull peers out from you, leering as it shakes the last bit of itself from out of the gateway.

“Well, well, well…” Its voice is deep, low enough to sent vibrations through your bones. “Here, I was expecting to find nothing short of the Fairy Guard to impede the progress of my horsemen. But here I find two humans, either brave or foolish enough to challenge the Wild Hunt on the night they bring me the souls of the long-dead...”

…and just when it was going so well…

>DANGER: ERLKONG, KING OF THE ELVES, DETECTED.
>THREAT LEVEL HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO RED.
>ADVISE: FLEE AND SEEK IMMEDIATE SUPERIOR.

>Attack.
>Negotiate.
>Run.
>Custom option.

It was never going to be that easy. And I'm getting a bit tired, but I'll fight the sugar crash for as long as I can...

>>1502688
God I hated this guy in my recent SMT4A playthrough since I was gun spec.

What ever we do here guys DO NOT SHOOT IT.

>>1502688
>Negotiate.

Do.. we actually stand a chance of running?

>>1502688
>Negotiate with some cover between it and us.

>>1502688
I remember early on people wanting to go pure gun, saying it'd beat everything and complaining when we started taking sword buffs.
You see this shit right here? This shit is why we're taking more sword buffs.

We need a goddamn magic sword.

Also tis weak to fire, but that should be obvious cause it's a tree.

However we have no fire options in our toolkit.

>>1502688
>>Negotiate.

>>1502688
>>Negotiate.

>>1502704
>Forgetting about Pyro Jack

>>1502704
Aside from fire bullets.
>Lol, Reflect Gun

>>1502709
Oh right we did get him. Well we have an option if we want to fight.

Pyro Jack/High Pixie while Fitz's demons focus on debuffing.

>>1502717
Still think we are outclassed though since there are levels in this quest. Treeman is a near endgame demon.

Negotiating or running is our best bets.

>>1502688
test

>>1502688
>Negotiate.
I want to stall all we can.

And seal that portal, even if it means raku/sukus out the ass and running around.

>>1502688
>Negotiate.
So we can
>Run.

>>1502688
Hey, how fast can a COMP seal a portal and can it be sealed while something is obstructing it. As in can something be halfway in the portal and out of it and still be able to be sealed?

>>1503041
Magic

>>1502892
We should probably find a way to call it in as well.

>>1503041
A COMP takes about 20 seconds to seal a portal, which is about two turns. And in theory, it is possible for you to seal a portal while there's something partially inside of it, halfway or otherwise. I think I know what you're trying for, Quan Chi

Don't forget that a huge part of SMT is demon negotiation. If you choose your words right, it's possible to get out of this, not only with your lives, but with a bonus as well.

>>1505135
>I think I know what you're trying for, Quan Chi
You do. Just an option if things go south.

>>1505135
WE should bring up the souls belong to the diety of their choice, Titania called us fae friend, probably other stuff too.

>>1502692
>>1502695
>>1502706
>>1502708
>>1502892
>>1502916
You catch Fitz staring at you from the corner of your eye. Aside from the slight twitch afflicting her brow, demanding your ass for a plan, she does a good job of hiding her unease. Which is more than her demons and your own can say. All of them look like they’re staring at death right in the face. That doesn’t exactly inspire too much confidence in you.

That being said…never let the enemy know that you know that they’ve got the upper hand. Or at least, don’t show it. Feign confidence and project a confident bluff. God knows that strategy’s saved your ass more than once in school.

“Just follow my lead.” Your mouth barely moves as you whisper the order to Fitz. “And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Her unease shifts to a twinge of annoyance, before she sobers up and lowers her shotgun. The look in her eye practically screams, “I hope you know what you’re doin’.”

Similarly, you lower your own weapon and flick the safety on. But you don’t holster it. That would be a grave mistake. You clear your throat, and look the Erlkong straight in his eyes. “I think this is all just one big understanding…”

“A misunderstanding?” The sound of groaning wood fills the air as his body tilts in a quizzical expression. “From what I see, it seems very clear-cut to me. Seven riders of my esteemed company…dead at the hands of Devil Summoners.

“If you could offer a better explanation…” It’s for a brief instant, but you can see and hear a glimmer of steel enter his eyes and voice. “Then I would be all the more accommodating to listen and be enlightened.”

...

>“Last time I checked, forcibly taking souls isn't very nice.” [Riposte]
>“They attacked first. We were just defending ourselves.” [Bluff]
>“We were sent here on a task to retrieve an artifact.” [Truth]
>Custom option.

>>1506216
>“They attacked first. We were just defending ourselves.” [Bluff]

>>1506216
>>“Last time I checked, forcibly taking souls isn't very nice.” [Riposte]

They were so rude too, we were here first and they show up and decide its their hunting ground? Bastards

>>1506216
>"We ARE representatives of the Fairies. Ambassadors, if you will." [Half-truth]
>“And forcibly taking souls does not exactly go in line with the Queen's objectives.” [Riposte]

>>1506216
>>1506298
Fuck it I'll back this and go to bed. Good luck gents.

>>1506216
>>“Last time I checked, forcibly taking souls isn't very nice.” [Riposte]

>>1506216
>>“Last time I checked, forcibly taking souls isn't very nice.” [Riposte]

>>1506265
>>1506279
>>1506298
>>1506367
>>1506372
>>1506376
“They attacked first, when we were just minding our own business,” You bluntly counter. “Would you not defend yourself if you were in our position? And I’m not the most religious person, but even I’d take exception to stealing souls bound to their respective afterlifes.”

“Minding your own business?” The demon repeats, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. “Were it not for your demons and holy relics, the two of you would make for very reckless lovers. Addled as you are to dare make threats upon the Wild Hunt, it takes a special kind of madness for one to tryst on the bones of dead men.”

Someone in your entourage barely manages to cover a choking noise. It isn’t Fitz. She’s too busy staring a hole into the Erlkoing to be any sorts of embarrassed or unbalanced.

The demon continues, “You presume much to think you could possibly stand against the brunt of the Erlkoing, slight me, and hope to get away unscathed.”

Everyone tenses, but you’ve still got a confident smile on your face. “Likewise, your majesty,” You return with a mocking edge, “It would be nothing short of disastrous for you to attack the Ambassadors of Queen Titania.”

He mentioned the Fairy Guard. That had a possible avenue of information to exploit. He had assumed the Fairy Guard, and by extension, Titania, were the ones who had opposed the Wild Hunt. If it were not some sort of ancient enmity, then perhaps it was some sort of apprehension or cause for concern for him to step out of the portal personally.

Regardless, your bluff plays off. The air suddenly changes. The Erlkoing tenses, as if receiving some sort of internal shock. “Ambassadors of Titania? You lie…”

“No, I’m not.” The best lies, after all, are the ones that contain truths in them. You’re on lease from the Task Force to Her Royal Pain in the Ass, and she even went so far as to confer the title of Friend upon the five of you. Not to mention all the work you did on behalf of her will. “You would be committing a grave error to try to coerce or otherwise harm us.”

Hell, even you believe in your own bluff. In spite of her harassment of both you and MacKay, Titania seems to have a vested interest in keeping an eye on all of you. For good or ill, this is definitely an opportunity to drop her name.

The demon’s eyes narrow, and it raises its arms menacingly, slowly bringing itself up to its full height. But no matter what he does, you maintain your confidence and hold steadfast in your beliefs.

“Does Titania truly think she can lay claim to everything within a hundred miles of her fairy rings?” The Erlkoing demands. “The greed of the Fairy Queen truly knows no bounds…this land is our hunting ground…the souls of the wayward, unclaimed by the heavens or the pits…it is for all of demonkind…”

(cont.)

It brandishes its weapon menacingly at you. “Since when have the souls become a concern for hers? And even then, she has no right to enforce such a claim.”

“It is her will,” You answer, and you let the cold edge of iron seep into your voice. “That we carry out these tasks to better the realm of the fey. You claim that her greed is boundless? I have seen firsthand her wrath in how she deals with traitors. Striking one of her favored subjects may bring about a fiercer wrath, even deeper than the greed you claim for her to possess.

“So, your majesty…" You don't even bother to hide the smirk that comes over your mouth, a crooked, cocky thing that accentuates the mirth in your eyes. "Knowing all of these facts, our actions, your standing and the powers behind us…are you still eager to demand for restitution and blood?”

>Roll 1d100 + 20 (+10 Social, +10 Orator’s Tongue)
>Best of three.

Rolled 17 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>1506399
CHA out the ass

Rolled 74 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>1506399
We're all going to die

Rolled 87 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>1506399
Halp

>>1506469
Nice roll

File: FitzSmile.png (93 KB, 442x539)

93 KB PNG

>>1506402
>>1506408
>>1506469
“I will remember this, mortals…” The Erlkoing snarls. The king of the elves steps away from the ashes, retreating back towards the portal. “The Wild Hunt never forgets a slight. Do give my regards to Her Highness…and remind her that her greed will be the death of her…”

With those final words, he disappears back into the Expanse, leaving nothing behind, save for the smell of carrion and juniper leaves on the dying wind.

>You have gained a quality.
>The Powers that Be: Rider’s Rage.
>The Riders of the Hunt are not quick to forget a face.

>Fitz has gained a quality.
>The Powers that Be: Rider’s Rage.
>The Riders of the Hunt are not quick to forget a face.

“…the fuck was that?” Fitz saunters over to you, an incredulous look on her face as she gives you an up-and-down. “Sawbones…you drove ‘im off.”

That gets a forced laugh out of you. “Uh…yeah. I…uh…guess I did.”

“How the fuck did you do that?”

“…uh…demon negotiations, right? You’ll ask me in a few minutes when I regain control over my legs-”

>ALERT: ERLKOING’S PRESENCE HAS BEEN LOST.
>DANGER LEVEL DIMINISHING TO ACCEPTABLE PARAMATERS.
>ADVISE: BEGING CLOSING THE PORTAL TO THE EXPANSE.

You turn to Fitz. “Well, shall we get to it?”

All in all, it takes less than thirty seconds for the two of you to close the portal. The sealing program immediately got to work once you directed the sensor at the rift. Considering the fact that someone managed to digitize a magical ritual through DOS code, you can’t help but wonder the limits as to what the COMP could do. Mido said that they were still working on portable fusion…

With a final keening wail, the last tear in reality closes shut. The wind instantly dies, leaving branches and blades of glass quivering as the harsh weather begins to pull away. Beyond the parting clouds, the light of the moon shines down to illuminate the graveyard, and all the ruin that came with your misadventure.

Once you’re absolutely certain that the portal’s closed, and there’s no other demons in sight…

“I was this close to shitting myself.” You collapse against a nearby headstone. Your legs are shaking, but not from the cold or physical exertion. “For a moment, I thought he was gonna call my bluff turn us into sushi.”

“…wait, you were bluffin’?” To your surprise, Fitz plops down right next to you. “Huh. Had me goin’. Lemme know when you’re goin’ to Vegas. We’ll make a killer team at the poker tables.”

“Gambling is an addiction,” You counter. Your hands are still shaking. “One that I’d rather not sink any time into. The thrill really does a number on your brain chemistry.”

“No shit, huh?” She pulls a bottle of water from her pack. Popping the cap, she tosses back as hard as she can, chugging for a good five seconds before pulling away. “You know…for a med student, you’ve got quite the mouth on ya.”

(cont.)

In spite of your nerves being shot to hell, you can’t help but snort. Good Christ, that sounds like something someone would say to a hooker. “‘Med Student with a Mouth’, huh? Bit of a mouthful, don’t you think?”

“Yeah. Still, I had a couple of coworkers that couldn’t even come close to keepin’ a cool head.” The reference seems to fly over her head. Shame. “They’d always fly off the goddamn handle. Small town and all where we patrolled. Not a whole lot of shit to do…”

The two of you recline in silence, gathering your thoughts and getting your breath under control. Your demons form their own little circle, surrounding Lham Dearg. They all fuss over him, helping the Scottish demon pull the projectiles out of his skin. His howls of pain echo across the cemetery and through the distant mountains.

“…well, someone’s bound to hear that.” Fitz pulls herself up, wincing as vertebrae crack and pop. “Fuck…well, we found the grave and got all this extra shit to lug back. Best make it snappy before dawn hits.”

She’s right. It’s only a little bit after midnight, but you really don’t want to be longer here than you need to be. Six feet of soil if they did a good job. If they didn’t all the better, but you really don’t want to smell like corpse when you get back. That, and you’d like to put as much distance between the graveyard and you as possible. Even better, with the protection of Queen Titania.

“…those E-tools should still be there…I think.” You scratch your head. “Just left them there when shit hit the fan.”

“…yeah, I see ‘em. Just right over there by that broken headstone…”

You can’t help giving her the eyebrow. “Which one?”

“Oh shut up,” she retorts halfheartedly, trying and failing to hide a smile. “Get your ass over here so we can start diggin’.”

>“I couldn’t have done this without you. Thanks.”
>“That little shit better pay extra for hazard pay.”
>“We’re making a killer team right now, Fitz.”
>Custom option.

\>>1506576
>>“That little shit better pay extra for hazard pay.”
>We should report this little diversion to Titania and Alger. No doubt he'll give us an earful...

>>1506576
>“That little shit better pay extra for hazard pay.”

Lets not tell the fairy queen we may have gotten the wild hunt pissed at her. That's not a talk we want to have.

>>1506771
She's probably going to find out, I wouldn't put it past the Moh Shuvuu to blab.

>>1506576
>“I couldn’t have done this without you. Thanks.”
>“That little shit better pay extra for hazard pay.”

>>1506576
>>“That little shit better pay extra for hazard pay.”

>>1506576
>>“I couldn’t have done this without you. Thanks.”
>>“That little shit better pay extra for hazard pay.”
Remember to thank the bro-fu.

>>1506576
>>“I couldn’t have done this without you. Thanks.”
>>“That little shit better pay extra for hazard pay.”

>>1506590
>>1506771
>>1506874
>>1507228
>>1507244
>>1507381
You grin, hauling yourself up and dusting off your pants. The wound on your side still aches, but it’s not nearly enough to force you back down. It’s stopped bleeding, and a hot shower and a couple of days’ rest should speed up the healing process. And if push comes to shove, maybe that nurse from requisitions could pass a bottle of Vicodin when you get back.

The two of you return to the grave, quickly find your E-Tools and set to digging as your demons keep a watchful eye around the perimeter. The ground is dry, but pliable in the way that earthly soil is. It had not rained for the last few days, leaving the two of you an easier time than if the ground was wet. That being said, it’s still incredibly back-breaking work, and the two of you quickly work up a sweat before you even hit three feet.

“That little shit better pay extra,” You mutter, punctuating your words with a particularly violent stab into the dirt. “For all the goddamn hazard pay we racked up on this job. When she said ‘powerful demon’, I wasn’t exactly expecting the goddamn Erlkoing and the Wild Hunt.”

Fitz grunts an agreement, before cursing as another trail of sweat falls into her eyes. “No kiddin’. Next time a demon asks you for help, grill ‘em harder for info. It’s a bad habit to leave somethin’ like that up to luck, even if you’ve got yourself a silver tongue.”

You murmur an agreement, struggling with your own sweat-soaked uniform before sighing in irritation. With a single motion, you strip off your jacket, flinging the Kevlar and bulletproof vest up towards the surface. It feels like taking off a stifling blanket, and even in the three feet you’ve dug out, you already feel cooler.

“Smart,” Fitz remarks, flashing you a toothy grin. “Can’t take the heat?”

Your retort is dry as you take up your shovel. “I’m not nearly as hard-boiled as you are. Remember? Soft medical student versus tough-as-nails copper. The difference is as plain as night and day.”

“Soft, huh?” In an unexpectedly bold gesture, she raps the lower pectoral and biceps of your good arm with her knuckles as if knocking on wood. “These beg to disagree, Popeye. Both on the sparrin’ pad and throwin’ down against demons.”

It takes a moment for you to find a suitable comeback. “…healthy as iron is for growth and development, I’m not nearly as much of a spinach addict. Unbalanced diet aside…” You smile ruefully. “That’s high praise, especially from your caliber. Thanks.”

She grins. “Think nothin’ of it. Just callin’ it as I see it. You’ve come a long way from the hospital. There ain’t no need for modesty.”

(cont.)

You’re thankful that in the dead of night, no one can see the red that’s seeping into your cheeks. It’s hot all of a sudden, and it has nothing to do with the summer heat. Only now are you aware of the small confines the two of you are in, a hole that’s little more than three feet across and five feet deep.

“…still, I’m not used to compliments,” You eventually answer, before picking up your shovel. “And I really couldn’t have done it without you either. So thanks. You were big help in saving our asses, Fitz.”
At her silence, you continue to dig, and she slowly follows suit. The two of you continue digging, settling into a comfortable silence and rhythm. It doesn’t take too long for you to hit four, then five feet. Pay dirt still seems to be one more foot away. Kudos to the undertakers for following proper grave procedures. A thousand curses unto them for adding another hour to your labor-

“…Sarah.”

“Hmm?” You set your shovel down, and focus your attention on Fitz. She’s reclined against the wall, an unreadable expression on her face. “You say something?”

Rolling her eyes, she replies, “That’s my name, Saw…Adrian,” She corrects herself. “It ain’t ‘Fitz’, much as I like it. That’s just a holdover from my years on the force. The full of it is Sarah Fitzgerald. It’s been a few months since we met, but it feel like the five of us’ve been together longer…and…”

Her voice fades away, and she exhales deeply. “I figured that…coming close to dyin’ and all the shit we went through…I should’ve told y’all a long time ago. Just...didn't feel right, keepin' that when we're all puttin' our lives on the line.”

>"Doesn't matter if you're Sarah or Fitz."
>“It’s nice to meet you, Sarah Fitzgerald.”
>“Why did you need to hide your name?”
>Custom option.

>>1511198
>“It’s nice to meet you, Sarah Fitzgerald.”
>Custom option.
"Which do you prefer?"

>>1511198
>“It’s nice to meet you, Sarah Fitzgerald.”
>Custom option.
"Which do you prefer?"