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Masked and Martin are staring at you. The only sound heard is the waterfall rolling behind you over the cliff side. While thinking of what to say you point out a detail you didn't notice while the Shadows were around.

"Hey look! The stone door has some weird sockets in it!"

Both turn, Masked getting closer to inspect it. Martin takes this as a chance to speak up "So I think we all have stuff we need to share now."

"That is right and I think you should go first given you ran off on your own." Says Masked as she walks back over to you two.

Martin holds up his phone "I've been taking pictures and studying Shadows. I think I even have a rough map of the area inside these walls."

Wow, he really did take tons of pictures of Shadows walking about and is that a beach or something in that picture?

"Very impressive, but you still ran off here without telling either of us. You could have been killed!" Masked nearly yells, barely holding back.

He shrugs and looks over at you "It's fine, right James?"

>Masked is right, tell us next time!
>I guess no harm no foul
>It doesn't matter anymore
>Masked should share some more information
>Explain the book ability
>Write-In

>>1573035
Glad you took the initiative, but given that we can die here, let us know man. Hate for you to end up in a harpy's belly, especially the unfun way.

>>1573035
Seconding >>1573045

>>1573035
>>Masked is right, tell us next time!

>>1573045
Seconding

>>1573045
Supporting.

[Writing]

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You put a hand on Martin's shoulder "Glad you took the initiative, but given that we can die here, let us know man. Hate for you to end up in a harpy's belly, especially the unfun way."

"The unfun way?" Martin raises an eyebrow as he ask.

"Any way is unfun! But it is fine now that you are safe. What has my attention now is these sockets, there are small drawings above each of them." Masked ends with directing your attention back at the stone door

One of the drawings looks like a mountain for sure. The other one looks like a gust of wind or a stream, maybe even snakes?

"That door isn't what matters, look at where we are! Do you both realize how big this is? If we can publish this stuff after leaning more about this place we could become rich and famous. Maybe even get a noble peace prize!" Martin says, clearly excited.

"If the Government doesn't already know about this place or shut us down first." Replies Masked in a cold tone.

Martin glares back at Masked and crosses his arms "Whatever, you said we all have stuff to share so what else did you learn?"

"Well we can't keep doing this during school hours for both of your sake. We should only meet up on the catwalk after school and all go in together." Masked explains

That sounds good, but then the two take a look at you.

"So what was that book dude?" Martin ask.

...

>You don't know, it just kinda happened (lie)
>Is now the best time to explain it? We should get back to camp.
>Explain the basics of the book and Personas, but leave out Igor
>Explain everything you know about the book and the velvet room residents
>Write-In

>>1573093
>puddle drew me into another world where some old dude handed me these and sad go recruiting.

>>1573095
Likin' it. Seconding.

>>1573093
>One of Atticus' power I can make contract with other shadows. Dude is a lawyer after all.(lie)

>>1573093
>>Is now the best time to explain it? We should get back to camp.

>>1573093
>>Is now the best time to explain it? We should get back to camp.

>>1573122
>changing to this to end thd tie

[Writing]

>>1573017
Ye ye ye!
I've been waiting for this!

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"Is now really the best time? We should head back to camp before more Shadows show up." You say before starting back across the bridge

"So why is camp so safe? Is it really just those pieces of paper on the trees?" Martin ask from the back of the group.

Masked turns back, having overtaken you once off the bridge "I'm not sure, the papers were already stacked by the crack when I first went through."

Martin stumbles over a root, before asking a question you were about to yourself "So that means someone else has been here before, right?"

"Maybe, but they are long gone now. Those were the only things here that gave a hint of people besides Shadows, well the papers and the giant walls around this jungle."

The conversation dies down as the three of you reach camp without incident. Once back at camp the others take a moment to catch their breathes, but you notice a puddle by the tent. Through the treeline you can make out the night sky above.

"So James, explanation time. How did you talk to that Shadow and get them to attack the other one?" Masked asks as Martin is busy with his phone.

You almost wish a Shadow had attacked to give you more time, but no such luck.

>Give them a short explanation of the book and Personas
>Tell them all you know about Personas and the velvet room
>One of Atticus' power I can make contract with other shadows. He is a lawyer after all.(lie)
>You really aren't sure, it just happened so fast (bigger lie)
>It can wait for another time, you sure are beat
>Write-In

>>1573170
>One of Atticus' power I can make contract with other shadows. He is a lawyer after all.(lie)

>>1573158
[Is it time for an all out attack?]

>>1573170
>Tell them all you know about Personas and the velvet room
Can we be the first Persona protag to not keep this under our hat? All of this is already pretty weird and out of the norm, I am sure they'll be accepting of it.

>>1573170
>>Tell them all you know about Personas and the velvet room

>>1573178
As if they'll believe us. We're the only ones that can enter the room remember

>>1573178
Might as well tell them something simple so they don't stress over it

>>1573178
Don't see a point in keeping it hidden anyway. Even if they do believe us, it wont really get in the way of whatever Igor's planning.

>>1573170
>>Tell them all you know about Personas and the velvet room

[Writing]

File: Martin.jpg (21 KB, 500x375)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC89g5iP6cA

"It is gonna sound weird, but this all really happened..." You start.

You explain everything you know to Martin and Masked. Personas, the star stuff, Igor and Abigail, recruitment, how Atticus made his own deal. When you are done Masked is stroking her chin and Martin is looking right at you.

"Just to make sure, you aren't sure why they took you there in the first place?" Martin ask, again.

"Yes, yes. I have no idea what Igor is up to besides having me "take my own destiny"."

Martin jumps up from his spot on the ground "This is even bigger than I thought. If some guy is able to grant even more power he might also know about the cracks! You have to ask him next time you talk James."

"I have trouble getting in a word in, but I'll try to ask him." You say, unsure if he will even tell you anything if he does know.

Martin grabs the police baton again and looks over his shoulder at you and Masked. "Come on, we are gonna go awake me a Persona!"

Masked looks up from her thoughts "Excuse me?"

"Yeah, you both got it when you hurt badly right? I'm not gonna be a burden. I want to learn as much as I can and if I have to nearly... you know." Martin pauses to gulp. "I can do this. And you both will be there if it goes bad. I can't just hide in the bushes or in cage while you two do all the fighting."

He really wants to do this. Masked seems too stunned to say anything.

>There has got to be another way, he can't just risk his life like that
>Fine, let's do this
>Will it really work if you and Masked swoop in to save the day?
>No way dude, that isn't gonna happen
>Write-In

>>1573234
>>There has got to be another way, he can't just risk his life like that

>>1573234
>There has got to be another way, he can't just risk his life like that
>"We can't just throw you to the lions and expect a happy ending coming out of it."

>>1573234
Have you watched any show ever? Forcing it early typically either gimps you, hurts you or makes you evil. Not a great idea man. Let's try to find a different way first ok?

>>1573234
>There has got to be another way, he can't just risk his life like that

>>1573234
>>Will it really work if you and Masked swoop in to save the day?
"Nah man, this only happened because our backs were against the wall, with no other options, no cavalry coming. You can help us, but I'm not gonna let you run out there to get nearly killed on purpose."

>>1573234
>No, from what I heard not anyone can awaken a Persona. I won't let you take this risk Martin.

>>1573250
Supporting this too, if I can.

Accidental powers have no downsides ever. Even forcing the exact same power onto another guy through the exact same method, but on purpose this time, makes it half as good and make them petty as all hell.

[Writing]

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"There has go to be another way, you can't just risk your life like that. Besides don't you watch shows? Trying to force powers would always make things harder on the guy or turn them evil" You explain.

"I know that! But I.. I don't wanna be useless man. I get enough of that stuff in our world." Martin clenches his fist, you feel you got through to him somewhat as your SOUL swells.

Masked stands up and looks right at him "Martin Taylor, I don't care what you say, I will not let you get in harms way."

"Yes that's right, just hide like always. Let the important people make the real decisions while you do nothing of value." speaks an eerily familiar voice

"Who said that!?" yells out Martin. You and Masked are looking around equally as frantic as him when you all finally notice it.

Another Martin, his eyes are yellow and his feet seem to have the same gunk Shadows are made of pooling at his feet. He is just standing on the other side of the camp's paper circle with a smug look on his face. "Oh don't worry. I won't fight you. Just stay here and become who you really are. You should really do as the others say like you always do."

"James? You never explained anything like this" Masked said, grabbing her gun.

Nobody said anything like this would happen. Martin isn't looking so well anymore. "Shut up! Just where do you get off looking like me and talking like your know me?" He yells at his shadowy copy.

"Because I am you. Now just let the strong people deal with me while you stay back. The other Martin says, stepping back from the circle.

Masked seems ready to deal with this impostor, but Martin walks up to you and whispers "Let me beat this thing. Trust me dude."

>Try to keep it talking. It may make Martin mad, but you might learn more
>Take this thing out with everyone
>Let Martin face it alone
>Have Martin hang back, you and Masked can handle it
>Write-In

>>1573349
>>Let Martin face it alone

>>1573349
>Let Martin face it alone

>>1573354
>Second
>"Because I am you..."
>If that thing is what I think it is only Martin can handle it Masked.

>>1573349
>>Let Martin face it alone

>>1573349
This is Martin's own inner demons. Let him face it.

[Well this is one sided. Now give me some dice. 1d10, first 3]

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1573394

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1573394

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>1573394

>>1573397
>>1573398
>>1573400
[Interesting, writing]

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You give Martin and nod and look back at Masked "Just let Martin handle it."

Masked gives a crackle of static, but lowers her gun. Martin hefts the police baton in his hand as he marches towards the other him. "Oh you wanna fight? Yeah go ahead, hit me with your best shot and see where it gets you.

The Shadow Martin continues to taunt him. Useless, coward, a follower, you can barely stand it. Martin just keeps walking to him, past one of the trees. Before you and Masked can move to get them in your line of sight you hear a scream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzS6W80gLWI

The two of you rush over to see Martin, the real one, holding one of the papers to his copy's face. The screaming is coming from the fake one as his face crackles and burns. "Shut up damn it! I don't care what you are, if you are gonna vent my problems to other people I don't care!"

"What are you doing! Aaargh! You can't just do this! I'll kill you damn it! I'll kill us both! Shadow Martin yells, the shadows at his feet starting to pulsate.

The two of them seem to be just making the other more mad. You don't like the look of the shadows below them, but that paper seems to be really effective. Whatever you and Masked do it has to be fast.

>Separate them now
>Get more papers on Shadow Martin
>Martin needs to relax, hit him in the back of the head
>Attack the Shadow now while it's weak
>Try to talk Martin down, this is overboard
>Write-In

>>1573444
>>Separate them now

>>1573444
>>Separate them now

>>1573444
>Get more papers on Shadow Martin
I have a feeling if we don't keep this up. Bad shit will happen

>>1573444
Even though what he's doing could probably kill him, that's actually really badass. Resourceful, too.

>Get more papers on Shadow Martin.
I just gotta know.

>>1573444
>Separate them now

>>1573444
>Get more papers on Shadow Martin
>Tell Masked to keep an eye on them in case of danger

>>1573444
More papers! Get our friend his persona!

[Well the tie was broken before drastic measures. Writing]

"More papers! Quick!" You shout, starting to grab the papers from the trees. Masked stares down at the struggle for an additional second before helping you in gathering the papers.

"You idiots! This isn't how its suppose to go! He isn't going to overcome anything li- aaaaagh!" The Shadow cries as you and Masked start to apply more papers to it. Smoke is rising from all over its body as Martin keeps the first pressed down on its face.

"I'll overcome you right now! Just shut up!" Martin yells, his glasses falling off.

You and Masked can only look on, out of papers, as the Shadows become more erratic. The pool seems to be forming something though... spikes! As you reach out to pull Martin away one stabs him in the leg.

He cries out in pain and lets get and his Shadow rises, tags falling off. "I've got you now! Hahaha! Just try something like that aga-"

Yet again Shadow Martin is cut off, but this time by Martin himself. "I'm not gonna be useless anymore!"

---
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhGEGIBGLu8

Your leg really hurts, whatever stabbed you there is gonna need some treatment probably. But fuck this guy! You won't just sit down and let someone decide everything for you, not anymore!

That's right, break free of the chains no matter what. Use every trick you can think of young prince.

Hell yeah! You'll show her, but first you'll show yourself. You are gonna show the world!

Allow me to allow you in finishing off what is left, nothing is left but the bitterness in you now. People like us always rise to the challenge when we are needed

>We can finish this together!
>Do it, blow this abomination away

>>1573574
>Do it, blow this abomination away

>>1573574
>We can finish this together!

>>1573574
>>We can finish this together!

Watching this from mobile, damn go martin!!
>>1573574
.>We can finish this together!
>TEAMWOOOOORRRK!

>>1573574
>We can finish this together

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We can finish this together!

As you wish, allow me. You have done your part plenty

---

Martin and his Shadow howl in pain, almost in synch. But you can see the reason why for Martin, a tattoo is burning itself into his hand. It looks like a pair of hands with the infinity symbol between them.

The Shadow is crumbling to dust now as Martin raises the burned hand. "I summon you, High John the Conqueror!"

Fading above Martin must be a Persona, he did it! The shape is that of a smiling man in rich robes of earthy colors. He holds a bindle in one hand and gem topped rod in the other. From one foot is a ball and chain. It points the bindle at Shadow Martin and a bolt of lighting descends, striking it down.

As the leftover shadow quickly melts away, Martin pants and falls back with a smile on his face "I did it..."

Masked catches him and checks his leg, the bleeding stopping. "Stay with us Martin, come on now."

Martin is barely conscious, but he stays awake as the two of you get him into the tent. He must have really screamed all the air of his lungs back there. You have a moment to sit next to him as Masked puts all the paper tags back up.

He could have died doing that, I think. You made a hood choice with him as you friend kid.

His hand reaches out at the air and you hand him a water which he chugs down. "My head is killing me, did I really do everything I think I did?"

>Yeah man, you rule
>I'm just glad you didn't get too hurt
>Nah, this is all dream. Go back to sleep
>Write-In

>>1573641
>>Yeah man, you rule

>>1573641
>Yeah man, you rule.
>Offer him a fist bump.

>>1573641
>Write-in
>Ya done did good.

And to ask another question
>What was that thing? Do Masked or I have an evil clone or something too?

>>1573641
>>Yeah man, you rule

>>1573641>>1573652
Seconding this.

>>1573641
>>Yeah man, you rule

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"Yeah man, you rule." You say, offering a fist to him.

Martin bumps it with one of his own and lays back down "When I get home I'm just gonna pass out."

Masked pokes her head in "If you two are all good here, I suggest we go back now. We can't just stay here all day and I doubt Martin has the energy in him to stay here much longer."

You pick yourself off the tent floor and help Martin up. Masked goes first as usual, then Martin, then you. Masked is already gone, but Martin is staring down at his phone. "No way, this can't be happening."

"What's wrong Martin?" You ask, peaking at his phone.

All the stuff from the shadow world is gone. It's like he never did any of it. "I spent so much time in there for this. Fuck!"

"Hey, it's alright. We can just keep trying." You say to try and calm him down.

Martin's head hangs low and sits against the walls of the orchestra pit "You're right, I'm not gonna give up that easy. But hey, mind if we exchange numbers first? Gotta stay in contact when we aren't at school if we are serious about this."

>That's a good idea, exchange numbers
>You'd rather not
>Try and cheer him up more
>Write-In

>>1573737
>>That's a good idea, exchange numbers
no homo
>Try and cheer him up more

>>1573737
>That's a good idea, exchange numbers
>Try and cheer him up more

>>1573745
Second

>>1573737
>>1573745
Thirded!

>>1573745
Same, but full homo

>>1573801
gay

[Writing]

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"That's a good idea." You say, sitting down next to him.

Soon enough you and Martin have traded numbers, but he still looks down. "Hey Martin, you know what?"

"Yeah James?" Martin ask with a confused look

"I bet those guys from the other day would be scared of you if they saw what you did in there."

Martin laughs, you laugh, and a voice echoes in your head...

I am thou, thou art I...
Thou hast forged a new union

Together thou shall open the way
that leads to a better tomorrow

With aid from the Magician Arcana,
support and loyalty shall follow.

"Well James, I'm gonna go home before I get too tired and pass out at the wheel. School was over like 1 minute before we got out." Martin says with a stretch as he stands up

"Later, have a good one." You reply.

For once you aren't feeling too tired, maybe you can do something before going home.

>Go talk to someone at school (Specify who)
>Head home and do something there
>Ride your bike to look around town
>Write-In

>>1573824
>>Go talk to someone at school (Specify who)
See if we can find that girl who was the first to meet us. Say hi.

>>1573824
>Go talk to someone around school
Let's see Ms. Brown (Or Young, can't remember which is Masked)

Ask her if we can talk in private.

>>1573824
>>>Go talk to someone at school (Specify who)
>See if we can find that girl who was the first to meet us. Say hi.

[Writing]

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You stand up and think back to the girl that helped you on the first day, Zoey. You have no clue what her last name was, but you wanna see if you can say hi to her again. And so you start to wander the school halls...

You check the cafeteria, gym and there she is. It looks like she is dressed normally and off to the side while an older woman is talking to girl students in the bleachers about practice and aggression. You walk over and try to break the ice "Hey, hows it going?"

Zoey looks up at you from her seat on the floor with a tired expression"Oh, hey James. What are you doing here?"

"Just came to say hi and thanks again for help the other day." You admit

"Don't mention it, but can go? I'm a little busy right now" She says with a bored tone.

"Quensted! Get yer butt over here! I don't care who your new boyfriend is either!" The woman yells, she must be the coach of some team.

Zoey looks at the coach with a glare that makes you wish you just stayed home "I quit the team! I'm just waiting for Taylor to be done to give her a ride!"

"Like hell you quit the team! And hey you boy, get out of here!" The coach yells at you.

You don't quite have the GUTS to stay in that shouting match and walk out with a final wave to Zoey. However, she comes out soon after.

"Sorry about that, I don't know whats gotten into her lately. So, yeah. Later." She says before heading back in.

All that yelling has given you a slight headache so you decide it for the best to head home for the day. You hop on your bike and quickly arrive home. Your Great Uncle's car was at the church, so you assume he is busy with that. He did leave leftover brisket to warm up in the oven for dinner.

>Focus on some homework, teachers are brutal
>Watch some evening TV
>Really double check that empty room
>Listen to music on your phone
>See if you can copy the designs from those paper tags
>Head to bed early
>Try to find a puddle and talk to Igor
>Write-In

>>1573940
>>See if you can copy the designs from those paper tags

>>1573940
>Really double check that empty room

Fuck, now I'm curious. Let's give it a good look over, then afterwards
>Do homework

>>1573641
oh shit martin is Emperor

>>1573940
>>See if you can copy the designs from those paper tags
>Do homework

>>1573953
Huh? It's already been said that he's magician

[Writing]

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You set out a mess of papers on the kitchen table as you set to work. While you make sure your homework is done, that isn't where your focus is. Your main focus is on trying to recreate the designs from those paper tags that seem to burn Shadows.

Without a picture you have trouble, but you remember the big parts. Lots of lines that form a circle and a line under that circle. It was probably a language that you don't know. To the best of your memory you do the lines and shapes, you feel like your TECHNIQUE improved.

When you finish your best attempt for the night the sun looks to have mostly set. Quickly you grab some of the brisket and warm up, careful to not get any on your papers. Once you finish and do the dishes you hear a car pull up and in comes your Great Uncle "Hey there James, sorry for being so busy these past few days."

"It's no problem" you say as you scoop your papers up.

"Well I'll let you get ready for the night. You look real tired." Carson says as he takes out some leftovers for himself.

Soon enough you get ready for bed, but you hear a commotion out. Carson and you take a look out the living room window and see what looks like something in the lone tree watching the house.

>Go outside and investigate
>Let your Great Uncle go out
>Ignore it, go to sleep
>Write-In

>>1574038
>>Go outside and investigate

>>1574038
>"Hey... What the heck is that?"
>Have both go out to investigate tree

>>1574038
>>"Hey... What the heck is that?"
>>Have both go out to investigate tree

>>1574043
second

>>1574043
>>Go outside and investigate

Thirded. Don't bring the uncle, it might be dangerous.

>>1574038
>Get a flashlight or your phone turn it on
>Go outside and investgate

>>1574038>>1573017

Um, op the uhh invite expired...

File: Who.jpg (10 KB, 166x304)

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"Hey...What the heck is that?" You ask

"I dunno, let me grab a flashlight real quick." Carson replies before going off.

"I'll check it out, you finish your dinner." You say, holding a hand out for the flashlight

"Oh alright, let me know if you need anything out there. Don't git bit by a rabid animal or something." Carson says, going back for his dinner

With the flashlight on you head outside. Shining the light close to the tree, you see an owl. You can make out a mouse squirming in its talons. Looks like you have nothing to worry about.

While you are pretty beat, something about the owl and mouse has your attention grabbed. What if you were that mouse? What if you were the owl? Maybe it is just lack of sleep getting to you, but something inside you ponders this.

>Just watch the Owl eat the mouse, as nature intended
>Throw a rock or something, that mouse deserves a second chance
>Whatever, it is just an Owl and Mouse. You are tired
>Write-In

[Final vote of the night, will be up for Q&A]

>>1574100
>Throw a rock or something, that mouse deserves a second chance

>>1574100
>Approach for a closer look

>>1574098
https://discord.gg/DsJfCzY
[This link shouldn't expire]

>>1574100
>>Whatever, it is just an Owl and Mouse. You are tired

>>1574100
>>Throw a rock or something, that mouse deserves a second chance

>>1574100
>Just watch the Owl eat the mouse, as nature intended

>>1574100
>Watch the owl eat the mouse

If we spook it off, we're just denying it food. No reason for that.

>>1574129
Second

>>1574100
>Say hello to the owl. Enough weird stuff has happened, why not talking animals?

[Writing the post of the night. Thanks for playing folks.]

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You watch as the owl eats the mouse whole, no reason to deny it food. With your curiosity sated, you head back inside. You aren't sure where Carson got the flashlight from, so you leave it on a sofa arm in hopes he will see it.

Once you are in your room you flop into bed and pass out. Another night of peaceful dreams gives you well deserved rest.

>9/7 > > > 9/8

In the morning you quickly shower and get dressed. Once you make your way to the kitchen for breakfast you are stopped by your Great Uncle "You have something in the mail, slipped my mind last night."

The package is small and according to the address is from the school. You tear the envelope open and find an ID card with a ? in place of a picture. They could have just asked.

After a fast meal of toast and eggs you are off to school for the day. Only as you pull up to the bike rack do you remember there was suppose to big a big pep rally today. In the auditorium...

[Updates continue Friday possibly, or Saturday at the latest. Either way if I run on Saturday it will end early.]

Thanks op for running, fun and interesting hope for more! :P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUZBes8H0is

Thanks for running Crab.

>>1574217
>>1574218
[Dice / Bots / I decided this thread will continue Friday at 6pm EST]

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There is no way someone else has noticed the crack, right? There would be rumors or the school would be closed if something like it was found. The pep rally is for the junior class only during third period, so that gives you a little time to figure something out.

But when you get to history, Martin doesn't seemed worried at all. Before class starts he whispers to you "Hey man, relax. We didn't see it when we first had lunch remember? And I didn't even seen it when I first fell in."

While that helps the issue of everyone in your year seeing the crack, that just raises up how you saw while looking for Martin, but not the first time. That thought stay in the back of your head as classes go by, the teachers not asking you any questions.

Eventually during the middle of science there is an announcement over the speakers "All 11th grade students please report to the auditorium. I repeat, all 11th grade students come to the auditorium."

Your teacher lets everyone go down on there own, saying he has a pile of emails to get to. You and Martin both agree to sit next to each other in the back, managing to have nobody sitting next to you. Martin keeps your mind busy with questions about class.

After a few minutes it seems your whole year has filtered in and is talking among themselves. A few teachers are standing along the side, Ms. Brown included. The curtain opens to display a projector screen and you see the crack hanging up in the air above it. Martin and Ms.Brown are looking at it too, but nothing is happening with it.

Out walks your principle in a suit. He speaks in a heavy bass "Good morning students, I know we have a few new students so let me introduce myself. I'm Mr.Fudge, yes that is my name. But this is to discuss the responsibility you all are gaining during this school year. Many of you will be driving, taking your practice SATs..." he keeps talking, but your eyes go wide as you stare up at the crack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0RG6A0WXv4

From the crack is leaking some sort of green smoke. It is rolling down across the auditorium, but only you, Martin, and Ms.Brown can see it. Martin whispers over "Dude, what do we do there?"

>Just hold try to hold you breath
>Leave the auditorium, say you have to go to the bathroom if anyone ask
>Nobody is coughing or anything, you should be fine
>Run out of there
>Write-In

>>1578589
>>Nobody is coughing or anything, you should be fine
>Just hold try to hold your breath
Hold your breath when it gets close anyways.

>>1578589
>Try to get Ms. Brown's attention
>Leave the auditorium, say you have to go to the bathroom if anyone asks

>>1578626
Second

>>1578589
>Get Ms. Brown's attention if at all possible
>Leave for the bathroom (write-in: retch, say you'll barf and gotta go now)

ALSO
>When out of sight, flip the fire alarm

We gotta get those people outta there, just in case

[Writing]

File: Zoey.png (242 KB, 391x554)

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You have to get out of there, that stuff can't be good. With a nod to the closest doors you and Martin get up and start to walk out as to not draw attention. But a teacher stops you, he looks like he just came from a gym "Just where are you two going?"

Martin doesn't know what to say, but you speak up "We are going to the bathroom here, my friend said he didn't feel well all of a sudden."

The teacher doesn't seem to buy it, but Martin gives a dry heave. "Oh! Alright, head to the nurse after though."

The two of you quickly get out and Ms. Brown walks up from a side hallway. The cafeteria is empty. "I haven't seen anything like that before." Ms. Brown admits

"Whatever it is it can't be good. I mean it came from the crack." says Martin, looking back at the doors.

Something has to be going on with that gas, but what? Your attention is drawn from the gas issue as you hear the sound of a toilet flushing from the cafeteria bathroom. Looking over you see Zoey start to walk over, wait she is in your class! She doesn't seem to notice the three of you though.

>Let her go in, it probably won't do anything and may even be gone by now.
>Stall her with small talk
>Tell her she can't go in the auditorium (Why?)
>Pull the fire alarm
>Write-In

>>1578669
>Stall her with small talk

>>1578669
>Write-in
>Tell Ms. Brown and Martin to find a fire alarm and pull it

>Stall with small talk

>>1578669
>>Stall her with small talk
>Pull the fire alarm
Maybe get her in on it?

"Hey, Zoey, wanna bust the assembly?"

>>1578669
>>1578679
Adding this >>1578687 to my vote

>>1578697
This, but send Ms. Brown away before we do it. It'll look bad if a teacher is in on it.

>>1578687
>>1578697
Thinkin' game-wise with Persona, I think we need more Guts to pull this off.

Can't say for certain, but I believe most actions that vary outside the norm will require these stats.

>>1578708
Agreed.

[Writing]

>>1578715
[Maybe you will get a GUTS boost, who knows?]

>>1578715
That kind of stuff is only used for social link bullshit though, I figure story-wise if we're already running around in the jungle and fighting monsters we shouldn't have problems pulling a fire alarm.

>>1578708
>>1578717
As long as we can still have her reliably cover for us I agree.

>>1578726
Ah, true. I do recall a few dialogue choices that require social stats though, like talking smack to Igor in Persona 5, but regardless, you're right.

File: Spoiler Image (103 KB, 769x565)

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Quickly you form a plan and tell the others about it. Ms. Brown heads back the hallway to keep an eye on things and to not get caught up in it. Martin and you intercept Zoey halfway across the cafeteria "Hey Zoey, hows it going?"

Zoey looks up from her phone and has a confused look on her face "Hey? What are you two doing out here? Shouldn't you be somewhere less public if you are skipping the assembly?"

Martin puts a hand out "We aren't skipping, but nice to really meet you. We never had any classes together, I'm Martin."

She shakes his hand and keeps asking questions "Well if you aren't skipping what are you doing?"

You grin, your GUTS are churning, but you totally can do this. "We are gonna bust the assembly by pulling the fire alarm. Want in?"

"I don't know what kind of student you take me for, but I'm not gonna do that. I'm gonna go tell a teacher actually." She says, starting to walk to the hallway on the side Ms.Brown didn't go down.

"Wait hold on! You don't need to do that!" You say raising your voice. This can't be happening

Zoey turns to you with a smile "I'm just kidding, come on."

You and Martin share a sigh of relief and the three of you quickly make your way to the fire alarm. You aren't sure if you could do this normally, but that smoke might be hurting people. So you reach out and pull the alarm.

WOOO! WOOO! WOOO!

After you pull your hand away the three of you rush outside, the halls are filled with blaring and commotion. Students must think this is a drill, but the teachers would know before hand. When outside you see Ms. Brown walking over. Soon the whole school is outside, but teachers are all talking together.

Ms. Brown keeps her distance, not wanting to make things suspicious. Martin starts to get nervous though "I hear they have a powder on the alarms that gets all over your hand, what if they find out you did it?"

You gulp, everything will be fine though. Zoey has her phone out and grimaces looking at it. The fire engines can be heard in the distance.

>Try to get an update from Ms.Brown
>Ask Zoey what is up
>See if you can wipe whatever is on your hand on the still wet grass
>Stay calm and collected, get Martin to calm down too
>Write-In

>>1578759
>Ask Zoey what is up
>Stay calm and collected, get Martin to calm down too
>Nah man that's a myth.

>>1578759
>Stay calm and collected, get Martin to calm down too
>Ask Zoey what is up

>>1578759
>>Ask Zoey what is up
>>Stay calm and collected, get Martin to calm down too

>>1578777
Adding:
>Nah man, that's a myth.
Can't fall for the scare tactics of THE MAN(tm)

>>1578759
>See if you can wipe whatever is on your hand on the still wet grass
>Stay calm and collected, get Martin to calm down too

Tell him to just look at his phone and to try to focus on that instead of anything else if he can't calm down.

>>1578759
Didnt realize there was a quest today! WOOO!!! More stars and stripe!!!
>See if you can wipe whatever is on your hand on the still wet grass.
>If not check if you have gloves or something.

>>1578793
Actually, scratch the grass wiping. Never heard of powder on fire alarms at my high school. Although, that was a cheap, ghetto school.

Instead
>Chat to Zoey

I'm sure Ms. Brown will look into the gym while everything's going on or is over, then get back to us on what's what.

[Writing]

File: SmugBrown.png (270 KB, 360x624)

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"It's fine Martin. I hear that is just a myth. We will be fine so long as we stay calm and don't act up." You explain, trying to calm your nerves too

Martin takes a few deep breaths and gets on his phone to distract himself.

"So hat's up Zoey, something going on?" You ask

Zoey blows a hair out of her face as she types away on her phone "Just people being more stupid than usual. I don't get it. It's like over night all my friends turned into valley girls."

That is another case of people acting strange, not good. "People change I guess, I'm sure it isn't too bad."

She looks up from her phone at you "I'm pretty sure I could buy a car with how much I've seen "like" in my group chats these past few days."

"That does sound pretty bad, maybe it's a fad?"

"Maybe, I dunno. We probably should group up with our classes though." Zoey says, walking starting to look around.

You and Martin should probably try to find the rest of your class too. But as you look around the same gym teacher walks over from before "So how is your friend feeling?"

"Oh he is feeling better now. It was just nerves over a pretest in his class." Cuts in Ms. Brown

"And are you their teacher? It didn't look like it from the where you were in the auditorium." He says, glaring at her.

"Not this period, but I have these boys at the end of the day and was making sure they were alright after they came out of the bathroom. I'll help them find their class now. You can go, Rich."

The man grumbles as he walks away. You give a thanks to Ms. Brown as she helps you get back to your class on the radio, she whispers to you before going away "I smudged your fingerprints. You should be fine."

They were gonna look for fingerprints? You didn't even think of that. She really saved you there, but now you have to wait. Eventually the firemen come out and there is more talking among teachers, but everyone starts to funnel back inside.

Your day from then on continues to be fairly normal, though the other people in your year are talking more in class than normal. When lunch rolls around Martin ask you a question in line. "So about Zoey, do you think she will be okay? I mean she seems to be acting pretty normal compared to everyone else this year. Also what about the crack?"

>The crack can wait. We should try to talk to Zoey more during lunch
>Zoey will be fine, I've seen her mad
>Let's see if that smoke is gone before anything else
>Probably a good idea to check on the crack anyways
>Write-In

>>1578848
>Let's see if that smoke is gone before anything else

>>1578848
"If we're gonna check the crack, let's get Ms. Brown with us after school. Maybe she has a clue about what's going on."

As for now
>Talk to Zoey during Lunch

>>1578861
seconding

>>1578861
Thirding

>>1578848
>>Let's see if that smoke is gone before anything else
>Talk about recruiting Zoey, she's not affected be the change so she might be like Martin and I.

>talk to Zoey
More fitgirl pls

>>1578859
Seconded

[Writing, Zoey it is]

File: ZoeyBored.png (106 KB, 316x278)

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"If we're gonna check the crack, let's get Ms. Brown with us after school. Maybe she has a clue about what's going on." You say before getting your free sandwich.

"Sounds good, so what about Zoey?" Martin ask, getting a soda.

You look out across the cafeteria "Well let's see if she has this lunch and try talking to her."

Martin and you walk out into the cafeteria. It seems mostly as loud and packed as you would normally expect. Zoey mentioned her friends were acting like valley girls, so maybe a table of preppy girls would be where she is.

When you look around you notice a table of girls all on their phones wearing expensive looking clothes, and Zoey. She seems to be sitting away from the others though and as you walk over you notice she has a really good looking salad and is taking pictures of it.

"Hey are these seats taken?" You ask once next to the table.

"Do they look taken?" Zoey retorts, not looking up.

The two of you sit down across from here and once she takes a few more pictures she looks up "What we did earlier today was fun, but that doesn't mean we are besties now."

"We know that, but you don't have to blow us off like that." Says Martin

"If I was blowing you off I would tell you two to fuck off. Don't have such thin skin Martin." She says, setting a napkin in her lap.

Seems like she isn't in a good mood, or maybe this is her normal one. You aren't really sure.

>Tell her that chicken salad looks great
>Ask her about her friends
>What sport did she used to play?
>Does she do stuff like the fire alarm often?
>Write-In

>>1578921
>>What sport did she used to play?
>>Does she do stuff like the fire alarm often?

>>1578921
>What sport did she used to play?
>Does she do stuff like the fire alarm often?
>You ever take a look at behind the stage? Bet they have some weird shit there.

>>1578921
>Look I'll cut right into the chase. When did you start noticing your friends acting like this and how drastic was the change

>>1578937

Jesus, anon, we're not her fuckin' therapist

I know it's the clique thing, but still

>>1578937
Seconding might as well I guess

>>1578940
Part of the reason we're here is investigating the crack. I was just asking to see to what extend her friends changed.

>>1578921
>Ask her about her friends
Pretty much this actually >>1578937 just let her know we want to help her.

>>1578940
It's related to the other world I think it'd be pretty good to know more about it.

>>1578944
>>1578948

At least be casual about it, it sounds like we're goddamn police interrogators.

>>1578929
Supporting

Also, Zoey is pretty rough around the edges, and doesn't seem like she'd respond positively to an interrogation.

https://pastebin.com/Rda5aB89
[Social link pastebin by the way]

>>1578921
>Slam her head into the table and demand answers
"WHERE IS SHE?!"

>>1578950
Well sure I agree the wording there was a little intense. We should dial it back a bit, yeah

File: 1497600823687.gif (993 KB, 250x250)

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>>1578965
kek

[Fire alarm, sports, and friends. Cooked at a low simmer. Writing]

File: MartinBW.jpg (7 KB, 189x267)

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"So do you do stuff like the fire alarm this morning often?" You ask, opening the chips Martin gave you.

Zoey looks up and smiles again "Nah, that's what made it so fun. Usually everything is so boring."

You recall yesterday in the gym "What about sports? What did you used to play?"

"I did tennis, but it got too boring. Nobody else on the team was any good and I can't win a twos match on my own." She ends, stabbing a fork into her salad.

"You had a friend on the team though, right? Why else were you there?" She must have brought that metal fork from home.

"HAD. Since the school year started they all have been acting like that and it has only gotten worse today. I can't even talk to them without getting a headache" She says, pointing to the other side of the table.

Reminds you of how Martin described the guys on the first day "That sounds pretty drastic? What were they like before?"

"I mean they were a little preppy, but now look at them. But I guess people change all the time" She says with a sigh

Martin finishes taking a sip soda and speaks up "So why do you still hang out with them?"

"Because making friends usually takes more than a day. Now if you'll excuse me I'm gonna get to my next class early." Zoey says, taking up her empty dish.

Martin and you finish your lunch just in time for the bell. PE goes fine, but you notice Rich is teaching the sophomores in your class and he gives you a few dirty looks during class.

Once you reach Photography. Mr. G stops an explanation to hand out papers "Those of you with a real burning for seeing the world through the lens should sign up for the Photography club! We go off campus and explore the town of Birchland. Though recently getting into places has been hard, I have my ways. Maybe you all could even learn more besides how to take better photos!"

You put the paper in your backpack for later, you aren't sure clubs are a good idea with the way things are going right now. After a lecture on lighting class comes to an end and you make your way to study hall. Martin and you sit next to each other and have all class to discuss matters. Ms. Brown says she will just be across the hall in the teacher workroom today while Ms. Young reads her novel. The usual groups have formed again, some people playing games, girls doing hair and nails, and some people listening to metal.

>Do your homework to free some time up later
>Get the group together to look at the stage
>Listen to music and chat with Martin
>Try to talk to someone else (From which group?)
>Write-In

>>1579047
>>Do your homework to free some time up later
While you
>Listen to music and chat with Martin

>>1579047
>>1579063
This
Muse that Zoey might be like us, given she seems entirely unaffected by the malaise that's turning others into stereotypes.

>>1579063
Study buddies.

>>1579047
>>1579067
Agreed.

>>1579063
Supporting this

>>1579063
>>1579067
Agreed.

Tell him that we should tell Ms. Brown of this too.

>>1579067
Adding this.

>>1579063
Supporting this also, and also adding a bit to it
>Discuss about the crack and what should we name it i guess...

[Well I think this one is clear cut. Writing. Though if any suggestions get support in the next 5 minutes I'll add them too]

File: Martinshorts.jpg (76 KB, 640x1045)

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Since you and Martin have almost every class together you decide it would be a good idea to do homework together. There isn't too much this early in the year, but your math teacher really piles the stuff on. You feel your [/green]SMARTS[/green] grow as Martin points out a few errors in some of your problems.

As you move on to English homework you put in your earbuds and start to listen to some jazz to get in a writing mood. You keep the volume so you can speak to Martin "So what kind of music do you listen to Martin?"

Martin scratches the back of his neck and looks down at his homework "Oh you know, I listen to a lot of genres."

"Okay, but which one is your favorite?" You ask

"Video game soundtracks..." He mumbles

"That isn't too bad, games have all kind of music." Not that you could play any games while at Carson's.

"Phew, thanks man. I was worried you were gonna call me out on it." He says, sighing in relief.

You hold out a fist "Nah man, they way worse things than just liking video game music."

"Yeah there are." Martin says, bumping your fist with his. The two of you chat awhile longer about music.

Your bond with Martin is growing.

"So what about Zoey, think she might be like us?" You ask, changing the subject.

"I doubt she has gone in the Shadow world, but maybe she just didn't go to back to school night? I didn't and I didn't turn into cliche." Martin says, putting his homework away.

The bell rings and students flood out of the door. Martin and you take your time packing up. You look over at Martin as you finish packing "You don't need to rush home today?"

"Nah, mom needs help with stuff sometimes and calls. Not today though." He says as the two of you head into the hall.

You are about to knock on the teacher workroom when you notice a sticky note with a bird face on it. "To our usual spot, take the note with you."

Martin and you exchange a look and head to the stage. Masked is there and there isn't a sign of any more smoke. "Ah, good to see you both. Shall we go in today or just discuss things?"

>Let's go in to talk about the situation and go from there
>Mention how Zoey doesn't seem effected
>Talk about how the smoke made people act
>How didn't all those people see the crack?
>Write-In

>>1579148
>Let's go in to talk about the situation and go from there
>Mention how Zoey doesn't seem effected

>>1579148
>>Let's go in to talk about the situation and go from there
>>Mention how Zoey doesn't seem effected

>>1579148
>>Let's go in to talk about the situation and go from there
>>Mention how Zoey doesn't seem effected

>>1579148
Mention how people didn't see the crack or the green smoke!

[Writing]

File: MaskedFlask.jpg (59 KB, 500x711)

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You look over at the catwalk "Let's go in first. Don't want someone to walk in and hear us."

Martin and Masked agree. Soon enough all of you are back in camp and the weird feeling of entering is getting less bad now. Everyone takes a seat around the center of camp and you start to share what you learned today. "So Zoey, the girl that came out of the bathroom earlier, didn't seem effected. She mentioned her friends were acting really weird."

Masked adjust something as they speak "Perhaps it was the smoke making people act up. But that doesn't explain how people started to in the first place."

Martin holds a hand up "Actually I have an idea, maybe it was during back to school night. I didn't go and you were there when the crack formed. But you didn't stick around did you?"

"No I didn't, good thinking Martin. But I have bad news, on the 23rd there will be a series of assemblies in the auditorium for each grade level." Masked explains standing up.

"That is only 15 days away including today." You say, that isn't good.

"Hold on, what was up with people not seeing it?" Martin ask

Masked holds up a finger "For that I have a hypothesis. Now let me ask you both something. While in the auditorium since your first venture here, have you ever not been looking at the crack?"

"No" Martin and you both admit

"But before you never saw it. Unless you were looking for something, like where your friend went. I believe the crack can only been seen if you are looking for it." She explains

That makes some sense, during that first lunch you weren't exactly trying to find it. "So anyone could see the crack or even the smoke if they looked hard enough for it?" You ask

"I believe so. But now we have a time limit. As for the smoke I don't think it will come out unless there are many people in the auditorium, but that is just wild guess." Masked finishes.

"So that means we need to find out how to close it! All we have as a lead right now was that door though." Martin says, jumping up.

>We need to open that stone door
>There must be something else we are missing, we should explore more
>Maybe we should try to recruit Zoey?
>Write-In

>>1579229
>>We need to open that stone door
>Maybe we should try to recruit Zoey?

>>1579229
>There must be something else we are missing, we should explore more.
>We also need some better weapons. hunting knives and batons are only gonna cut it for so long.

>>1579229
>There must be something else we are missing, we should explore more
>Maybe we should try to recruit Zoey?

>>1579229
>There must be something else we are missing, we should explore more
>Maybe we should try to recruit Zoey?

>Write-in
>"Where'd you get the plague doctor getup, by the way? Should we be in disguise too?"

And OOC speak for a moment, we should put focus into this as soon as possible. In the games we can get away with faffing about, but I think there will be reprecussions for that here. Let's put all focus into getting rid of the crack first and foremost.

At some point, we should try and show this crack to an authority figure. Obviously from a metagame perspective it won't work, but we should at least try to show it to a teacher or scientist and investigate it properly.

>>1579289
Well, Ms. Brown is a teacher. I think she'll get onto telling other authority figures about it if we ask her.

[Writing]

>>1579295
Since we're about to discuss the subject further, let's have that be one of the dialogue options. "Hey Ms. Bro-- I mean, mysterious plague doctor masked woman, what do you think would happen if we told the teachers about this?"

>>1579263
I agree and also to add it in while this is happening i guess.
>Ask for a opinion on to rely on the weapons or the personas...

>>1579311
>>1579313
[You both aren't too late by the way.]

File: MaskedProfile.jpg (246 KB, 1920x1080)

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"We should try to explore this place more. There must be something we are missing." You say.

"Oh hey! My phone has all the stuff on it again!" Martin yells out

Masked nods at him "That is good, we can keep track of where we have been with that map of yours."

You think back to lunch, Zoey seemed really bored of everything and capable "Also I know it would be risky, but maybe we could try to recruit Zoey."

Martin isn't sure what to say, but Masked shakes her head "No, we don't need to risk another student."

"She isn't effected now, but what if she gets effected later? It seems like we aren't changing and maybe that is because we came here." You explain, she may be rough, but she is still another person

"She wouldn't have a Persona and you have seen what we all have gone through to get them." Masked says back

That is a good point, but have an idea "What if we get better gear? What we have so far is cutting it for now, but who knows how long it will? Maybe it can be the same place you got that outfit from."

"Yeah. The Persona are strong, but with a gun you seemed to do really well. Maybe we could get better weapons and not need to use them." Martin speaks up, having thought things through.

Masked lets out a static crackle "Fine, I will show you both a place I bought these things on the weekend. For now though where are we going to explore if anywhere?"

>Go back and try to talk to Zoey
>The west, you haven't gone that way at all
>The south towards that swampy area
>North to the mountains
>East, really map that direction out
>Try to make it to a wall, you are curious about it (Choose direction)
>Write-In

>>1579378
>>The west, you haven't gone that way at all

>>1579378
>The west, you haven't gone that way at all

>>1579378
>The west, you haven't gone that way at all
>Take out a notebook and start drawing a map of the area as you walk.

>>1579378
>To the West

Ask Martin to continue his mapping if we come across new areas.

>Write-in
Tell Masked and Martin if they get into another fight if I can try using the book again; might get more ways to defend ourselves with another persona to back us up.

[Writing]

File: FriendMaybe.png (1.45 MB, 855x1318)

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You think for a moment before coming to a decision, "Let's go to the west. We haven't gone that way before."

Martin gives a thumbs up and Masked nods. The three of you grab your weapons and start to head out west. The jungle this direction doesn't seem to have many plants moved out of the way.

Masked takes the lead, using the branch from earlier to clear a rough path. Martin keeps the baton in one hand and his phone in the other to update the map. After what feels like walking for you don't know how long, Masked puts a hand up.

Up ahead you can see a clearing in the jungle with three tiki shadows in it. They look like they are discussing something with grunts and hand motions.

Martin taps your shoulder and whispers to you, "Hey, why don't we just go around these ones? We can cover more ground if we don't bother getting in fights with every Shadow we see."

While that is an option, you do still have more slots in your book. The Shadows may also cause trouble for you later. Masked is focused on watching the Shadows.

>Ambush the shadows and go all out
>Take your time with these shadows to learn their weaknesses
>Sneak around them, you are better off avoiding them
>Try talking the Shadows down?
>Write-In

>>1579564
>>Sneak around them, you are better off avoiding them

>>1579564
>Sneak around

>>1579564
>>Take your time with these shadows to learn their weaknesses

We should learn all we can about our enemy like their elemental weaknesses and we should practice fighting so we're prepared for a bigger battle and to get XP

>>1579564
>>Take your time with these shadows to learn their weaknesses

>>1579564
"True, but I don't want to risk getting attacked from behind if they run into us... Best deal with them now, and if there are shadows that are more of a distance away, we leave them be."

>Take your time and study

[Let's get 1d10. First three,]

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1579633
They never see it coming

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1579633
Fingers crossed.

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>1579633

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1579633
Ravage them!

>>1579648
Oh my fuck.

File: reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.gif (1.17 MB, 640x360)

1.17 MB GIF

>>1579648
>rolls 10
>13 seconds late

[Meh, writing]

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You feel your branded hand start to glow, "We should see if these ones have any weaknesses. If they are like the harpies one shot may knock them down."

The others both nod. At once you all launch magic attacks at the shadows! "Atticus!" "Sacagawea!" "High John!"

Mask fly off as the Shadows are revealed to be the small blue imps in pots. The wooden face of High John turns to a frown before turning away, his lightning attack having done hardly anything.

With the element of surprise lost the enemies act before you all have a chance to act again! Martin has to shake himself away as you and Masked are hit by bolts of lightning.

From what you remember gun attacks didn't harm these things much either. "Damn, I'll buff you up James!" calls Martin

Masked seems ready to run in there with the branch again. That just leaves what you will do.

>James HP: 90% SP: 95%
>Masked HP: 87% SP: 95%
>Martin HP: 100 % SP: 95%

[ https://pastebin.com/g8z3egL9 ]
>Musket Rush. It might be resisted. Actually yeah, bad idea.
>Kouha. They don't resist it at least
>Dia. Heal up a party member (Who?)
>Switch to Harpy (Specify what action after)

>>1579719
>>Dia. Heal up a party member (Who?)
Masked. Gotta help Sensei.

>>1579719
>Kouha
I ain't wanna meta game

>>1579736
[I wouldn't call it meta gaming. The whole reason you are fighting them is to find out their weaknesses.]

>>1579719
>Switch to Harpy
>Garu

Might as well try out our new friend's powers yeah? That's totally the only reason I'm suggesting this

>>1579719
>Pot of Greed allows me to draw two cards and add them to my hand!

I mean, no, wait--

>Harpy
>Garu

>>1579757
Alright fine. Supporting
We totally got lucky we chose the right skill.

[Gonna call it here, roll!]

>>1579772
I legitimately don't remember what they're weak to in-game, we're just trying out elements. I do assume that Crab is deliberately throwing an enemy weak to Harpy at us in order to test us

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1579797

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1579797

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1579797

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1579797

[Good thing you made the right choice, writing]

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1579797
Rolling for what could have been.

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Martin summons High John again, "Support James!"

A green aura surrounds you, making you feel more agile. Masked runs in before you have the chance and slams her branch into the potted enemy hit by Martin before.

You aren't sure how exactly to change Persona, but better to learn now than later. You hold out the branded hand and concentrate. The book fades into view, you're on a roll!

"Hope this one serves you well kid. I could use a break."

"Come forth, Harpy!" you shout, turning the page of the book.

The winged woman appears before you. She looks between you and the enemy, "Kil-Kil?

"Yes, Garu!"

Harpy screeches in delight, flapping her wings at the first potted foe. A green gust of wind knocks them over! You have Harpy knock over the next two before they can act and they are at your mercy.

In a sniveling voice the one that shocked Masked speaks "P-please don't kill me! I can give you anything, I have lots in here! Just please I d-don't wanna diiiiieee!"

"Hold on, this on is talking too," You say to the others. This Shadow has a much different attitude than Harpy.

>Give me information
>Sign in this book
>Give me something from your pot
>Write-In

>>1579870
>>Give me information
>>Sign in this book

>>1579870
>Give me something from your pot

>>1579870
>>1579876
[Sorry I forgot to specify, You may only select 1 thing.]

>>1579870
>you have a choice
>>Give me information
or
>Sign in this book
or
>Give me something from your pot

This seem awful demon summoner'ery

>>1579870
What skills do they have again? Curse?

Handy, but not too important.

>Ask for Information

>>1579870
>Sign this book

>>1579899
[Persona 5 brought it to the Persona series. Which is nice]

>>1579901
[Well so far you have seen them use shoot lightning and try to make people fall asleep]

>>1579898
Information, then.

[Information it is.] You all are banned from /vp/

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You pull your knife out, wiping it on your pants leg. "Give me some information, it better not be something useless."

The Shadow nods up at you, "Umm, the reason there aren't any guards at the gate is because nobody can open it without the key!"

That is new. You lean down to the Shadow with your knife at the ready if it acts up, "Gate? Key?"

"Yes the grand gate in the wall! The key is what you need to open it! Oops! I said too much, bye!" the shadow answers before fading away.

The others walk over once they fade away. Masked speaks up first, "Well you didn't take our your book, what did it say?"

"It said there was a grand gate in the wall with a key," You reply, unsure of what to do with the information.

Martin gives you a skeptical look, "Did a Shadow really say all of that? How can we trust it?"

"It isn't like we have anything to lose by checking out the wall to confirm it," you say with a shrug.

Masked looks out to the west, "In any event I feel stronger after that fight."

"Yeah I feel stronger too," Martin says while dusting himself off

>Atticus level-up!
>Harpy level-up!
>Sacagawea level-up!
>High John level-up!

With that fight taken care of you feel drained somewhat. Not enough to have to turn back, but you aren't sure how much longer you all should stay in here.

>James HP: 93% SP: 83%
>Masked HP: 90% SP: 98%
>Martin HP: 100 % SP: 98%

>Keep going West
>Head a different direction (Which way?)
>Try to find more Shadows
>Head back to camp, you are ready to go back
>Write-In

>>1579987
>>Keep going West

>>1579987
Keep going West, but ask this:

>"None of you heard a thing it was saying? Am I the only one that understood it?"

>>1580003
Or wait, was it because they were out of hearing range? I can't recall if they could understand the Harpy or not.

>>1579987
>>Keep going West

>>1579987
[Martin is at SP 88%]

[Writing, next vote will be the final one for the night]

>>1579987
>>Keep going West

Might as well ask now: If we get our choice of gun later when Ms. Brown shows the store she gets her stuff from, what kind do y'all want to get?

I like the idea of akimbo pistols personally. Probably means less of a chance to hit per bullet though, but more bullets to spare with extra power.

File: TheDoor.jpg (68 KB, 365x544)

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You consider your options and come to a decision, "Let's go West."

"That sounds fine by me, but if either of you get tired just say so," Masked says as she takes point again.

The three of you continue to head West in relative quiet. At one point you ask a question to the others, "So you two can't understand what the Shadows are saying to me?"

From behind Martin answers, "Nope. We can understand you, but the Shadows are speaking in gibberish."

Good to know. After what feels like another hour or two you can see the wall looming above the canopy. The wall looks like it is made of metal and with small designs you can't make out from here.

"I think I found the gate," Masked says after stepping out of the tree line.

Martin and you run up ahead and see a rather small door in the wall. There is a stone outline with a tree growing above it. The "door" itself looks like a wooden sheet that grew over an opening.

"So what should we do about this door?" Martin ask.

Masked walks up to the door and inspects it, "I can't see anything strange about it. Or even where a key would go."

Something about this door puts off an energy of sorts, but you can't tell what it is. Then you notice the pool of black gunk pooling under it, like what the Shadows turn into.

>Tell Masked to step back
>Knock on the door
>Try to destroy it
>Investigate the area around
>Head back to camp and your world
>Write-In

[Thanks for playing folks. I'll be running again at 1pm EST on Saturday. We will start with the result of this vote.]

>>1580078
>>Tell Masked to step back
>Investigate the area around
And maybe if nothing else happens
>Head back to camp and your world

>>1580078
Cool, thanks for the game man.

>Tell Masked to step back
>Write-in: Point out black gunk
>Investigate area around

Afterwards
>Try to destroy door

>>1580078
Why do i feel like atticus will take the place of our "mascot" :P And op you are amazing!!!! Keep it up! :V

>>1580084
Supporting this one, seems the most reasonable

>>1580078
>>1580084
this

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As Masked gets closer to the door you point to the ground in front of her, "Step back, it looks like there is Shadow gunk there."

"Thank you. I was too busy investigating the type of wood," Masked says as she steps back.

Martin looks back to the woods behind the three of you, "What kind of wood? Did you notice anything?"

Masked shakes her head, "Unfortunately no. All I found was the wood to be just wood."

That gives you an idea. You take a few steps away from the door before pitching it to the others, "So if it is just regular wood can we destroy the door?"

"I don't see why not. Stand back and let me get this. Sacagawea, burn it away!" Masked calls out.

Her Persona causes a burst of fire to spawn on the door, but to no effect. Martin and you have all of your Persona attack the door too with no progress made. The shadow ooze doesn't react to any of the attacks, staying pooled under the door. You hear Atticus in your head, "I don't think we are gonna get anywhere like this kid."

"I guess that shadow was right about needing a key for this," says Martin, wiping his brow.

Not leaving even a scorch on the wooden door would mean something is needed to open it. But where are you gonna find a special key to open this up? It isn't like this place had a lost and found.

>Let's head back and explore another day
>Look around this part of the wall more
>Head in another direction
>Try to climb the wall, maybe you can get a good view going up the roots
>Write-In

>>1582272
>Head in another direction

>>1582272
>Try to climb the wall, maybe you can get a good view going up the roots
We should probably scout for buildings or something. If we don't see any,
>Head back to where we came from