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Your mind is racing, this is bad. "Zoey! Can you breath in there?!"

She shakes her head and keeps pounding, how long can she hold out? The Mannequin turns to face you, it towers over you at what looks like ten feet. It looks like someone took a marble model and just bisected it. "James be careful!" Ms.Brown yells over.

From what you remember about the other copy there is only so much you can say to help her, "This is a test, for you to acknowledge what you hate about yourself and master it. Like Martin feeling like he's always pushed around!"

Martin looks over at you with a confused look before turning back to The Mannequin. Zoey continues to shake her head as she tries to force her way out of the water, refusing to listen you guess. As you turn your head to say something, you feel the wind knocked out of you and barely manage to stay upright.

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

Griping your stomach you look back at the Mannequin and notice... something is dragging through the water. You can't see it, but you can make out a faint shape from how the water moves. With air back in your lungs you shout to the others, "The Mannequin's other half is still there!"

Without sure if The Mannequin is safe to attack the others try to get closer to you on the roots. Ms. Brown doesn't have too much trouble, even having Sacagawea grant her a red glow that makes her emanate power. Martin is slower getting over even though he was closer to you. As he gets close he summons High John, "Help us High John!"

You feel the familiar glow as your reflexes speed up, time for action,

James HP: 76% SP: 75%
Martin HP: 90% SP: 90%
Brown HP: 90% SP: 95%
Turns until Zoey Drowns: ??

>Have Atticus attack The Mannequin
>Try popping the water
>Swap to another Persona to attack(Alp | Valkyrie)
>Guard yourself to keep an eye out for that invisible attack
>Use a support skill of your own
>Write-In

>>1641136
>>Try popping the water

>>1641136
>>Try popping the water
Helping Zoey is the priority here, defeating Shadow Zoey is something she has to do

>>1641143
>>1641147
[My bad, I knew something felt off as I hit post. Don't forget to select skills or say how you are doing something.]

>>1641143
>>1641150

Hunting knife. don't wanna be shooting guns towards our friends.

>>1641157
Supporting

>>1641147
Suporting but, try to pop it with a melee attack rather than having your persona attempt to musket rush the barrier away.

[Run up and stab it. Writing]

[Oh and you know, dice please. Sorry about that.]

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1641178

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1641178

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1641178

>>1641180
>>1641183
OHHHHHHH!!!...
>>1641184
Ruh roh

Rolled 8 (1d10)

[This is for something you don't need to worry about.]

File: MaskedBattered.jpg (215 KB, 754x1059)

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Making sure Zoey is your number one priority and you can't risk using a gun. After a quick nod to the others you drop down and break into a sprint.

Without being able to see the attacks and The Mannequin's visible half unmoving you just have to guess. Turns out you have good instincts though, as your random jumps and sidesteps are right before large splashes of swamp water are where you were the second before.

As you get closer you yell out to Zoey, "Look out!"

The second you get within arm's reach you thrust with the knife into the water sphere. As the knife makes contact it feels like you are stabbing a something solid and your momentum carries you forward. With a loud CRACK you bare into the aquatic prison with your shoulder.

"Oh fu-!" Zoey cries as she comes crashing back into the swamp.

Quickly you bite down on the knife and throw both arms out, catching her and falling to your knees. You can't see her face as she quickly gets out of your arms and you pick yourself back up. It seems like your moment of rest came from Martin and Ms. Brown attacking The Mannequin.

Martin looks to have boosted Ms. Brown's speed too. Ms. Brown is standing on a root close to the enemy, Sacagawea having just ripped into it. In response she is hit in the side by the invisible attack like you were before, but holds her ground.

James HP: 76% SP: 75%
Martin HP: 90% SP: 70%
Brown HP: 65% SP: 85%
Zoey HP: 100%

Zoey herself doesn't seem sure of what to do, she has a one hand covering the side of her face and another on her hatchet.

>Try to get Zoey to talk it down
>Have Atticus take action (Skill Select)
>Swap Persona (Choose Persona and Skill)
>Stay back and guard yourself
>Write-In

>>1641244
>>Have Atticus take action (Skill Select)
Kouha. We gotta beat it up before we can talk it down

>>1641253
Changing mine to this.

>>1641244
>>1641253
this

>>1641253
supporting

>>1641253
Uh.. I think we forgot to choose one so...
>Kouha on the water thing.

[Well with the unanimous vote, roll.]

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1641294

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1641294

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1641294

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1641294

[Writing]

Rolled 2 (1d3)

File: MartinBoomstick.jpg (157 KB, 1100x531)

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If Zoey can't talk to it yet then you just need to weaken it some, "Atticus, blast it!"

"I was worried you forgot about me for a minute there." Your Persona says as he fades in behind you.

Atticus reads off a verse from his book, causing the ball of light to fall onto the Mannequin. The Mannequin actually turns to you when you hear the loud bang of a gun. Martin is standing on the root with a faint smoke trail coming from his shotgun's barrel, "Get out of the water!"

You and Zoey quickly climb on a root as he summons High John, "Fry that thing!"

The treelike Persona's smile widens as it lowers the jeweled rod. The lightning jumps from the rod to the Mannequin and disperses into the water, but that isn't all. As the shadow is recovering from the shock you make out shocks flying off from mid air and you can see the general shape of the no longer invisible half.

It looks fairly normal expect for the arm, which stretches like a strange whip. The end looks rounded, like a club more than a hand. Ms. Brown takes her chance, "Sacagawea, rip it apart!"

In a flash the mishmashed Persona uses the stone claws on it's hands and feet to take advantage of the temporary stun to slash at The Mannequin. But with the attack it acts again and begins to spin.

You manage to raise your arms up to block the attack just in the nick of time, only Zoey managing to dodge the large whip-like limb spinning around. Things aren't looking too good here, but now you know what kind of enemy this is. Zoey still seems out of it, staring at the ground behind a root.

James HP: 61% SP: 70%
Martin HP: 75% SP: 70%
Brown HP: 45% SP: 80%
Zoey HP: 100%

>Just run up and hit the thing (Or shoot)
>Time to stick things out with Atticus (Skill and Target)
>Swap out to something better suited here (Persona and as above)
>Protect yourself for now, take your time
>Try to convince Zoey to take a stand now
>Write-In

>>1641354
>>Just run up and hit the thing
Caveman style

>>1641354
>Just run up and hit the thing
JAMES SMASH BIG THING

>>1641354
>>Just run up and hit the thing (Or shoot)
Time to get down and dirty.

[Roll for me]

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>1641384
>>1641384

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1641384

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1641384

[Hmm, writing. Also this update may be delayed slightly due to having dinner in the oven.]

File: ZStare.jpg (169 KB, 750x723)

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"High John, again!" Martin yells.

The jeweled rod arcs lighting to The Mannequin again, it seems like that really hurts this thing in the water. With another chance you and Ms. Brown both close in on The Mannequin. A quick stab and slash from Sacagawea actually cause a crack to form in the otherwise spotless body of The Mannequin.

Only after your stab do you realize how hard it is to dodge at point blank. The two of you right next to it are knocked back as the whip arm slams into you before you have a chance to back up. The attack doesn't stop there as you hear a crash above, a large limb nearly crushing Martin.

James HP: 41% SP: 70%
Martin HP: 60% SP: 75%
Brown HP: 20% SP: 80%
Zoey HP: 100%

Ms. Brown is barely standing, her walking stick now acting as support as she struggles to keep her knees above swamp water. You aren't much better yourself, drenched and bruised. The rush of that skill High John has is also wearing off now. Martin stands up, at least he wasn't crushed, "Ms. Brown get away!"

"Not until the rest of you are at a safe distance!" she yells back.

Zoey finally is standing up straight again, staring ahead at the Mannequin and still unharmed. The Mannequin isn't giving her any mind though as it continues to spin in place.

>Call out to Zoey to try and talk to this thing
>You need Atticus now (Skill + Target)
>Something new might change the ride (Persona + Above)
>Go on the defensive for now
>Write-In

>>1641442
>You need Atticus now (Skill + Target)
Heal Mrs Brown, please

>>1641442
>Call out to Zoey to try and talk to this thing.
Ms. Browns's almost dead. Nomore time to play around.

>>1641442
Heal brown

>>1641442
>Go on the defensive for now
>Call out to Zoey to try and talk to this thing

>>1641456
Which is why we should focus on keeping Ms Brown in the fight

[Healing and Calling it is. Give me dice. And don't worry, you won't waste a 10 on offense.]

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1641500

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1641500

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1641500

[Writing]

File: Faintofheart.png (224 KB, 676x378)

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This is getting bad too fast, something needs to be done before Ms. Brown is seriously hurt or even worse. Martin seems to have the same idea though, "Dazzle them, High John!"

A shower of lights flash in front of The Mannequin, You don't see any eyes, but the turning is more spastic now. Seeing her chance, Ms. Brown backs off and fires off a shot with her gun.

You point over to Ms. Brown as she leans against a large root, "Atticus, help her!"

Atticus appears to your side and waves a hand in her direction. Green light envelops her, she is looking better from where you are. With that done you turn your attention to Zoey, "You have to talk to this thing! We can't j-"

A blast of darkness blindsides you, everything goes black as you try to talk. Your heart feels weak and you drop to yours knees. Faintly you hear a voice calling to you, "James..."

James HP: ??% SP: 60%
Martin HP: 60% SP: 70%
Brown HP: 35% SP: 80%
Zoey HP: 100%
-----
Damn, damn, damn, he looks out of it. This is so fucked up. That first fight didn't get anywhere near this bad, is it really all because of that.. thing? How did it even know about him anyways? What the fuck is going on here?

"Cease your worry about the others, they are not of our concern.

What the fuck was that voice? Why was it so deep and calming?

"Let your heart be still, explore the mystery of your heart.

Just shut up! You are trying to think and don't need whatever this is back talking you. James said you had to talk to this thing, but how?

"That is but what remains of the shadow your heart cast. All of the grim thoughts that no mortal should ponder for long reside in it.

So what does that mean? Whatever that thing is needs to be less wordy and more to the point.

"It is just a fragment of your being to accept. Break your solitude now. Take part in the enlightening the others have had to see who they really are. Or hmm, allow me to help you in beating your darkness into submission.

>Fine, just shut up already
>Not like you have a choice. Time to fuck this thing up

>>1641575
>Not like you have a choice. Time to fuck this thing up

>>1641575
>>Not like you have a choice. Time to fuck this thing up

[Writing]

File: Spoiler Image (39 KB, 253x330)

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Well you aren't giving me much choice. Fine, time to kick this fake's ass.

Good, good, now just call upon me by my name when you require my aid.

-----
James HP: 21% SP: 60%
Martin HP: 60% SP: 70%
Brown HP: 35% SP: 80%
Zoey HP: 100%

You shake your head clear and stand, that must have been a hit on Atticus' weakness. Ms. Brown is standing in front of you and Martin is off to your side, but where is Zoey?

Looking around you see her as she starts to walk up to the Mannequin, "You're my shadow right? Well it is time to get back in line."

"Zoey stay back!" Ms. Brown yells, taking a step forward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8fRLhkaozM

The Mannequin turns to her, you can see branches parting as it rears back the whip arm. Zoey has that bored look on her face again, "I'm over him, so we are moving on. Got it?"

"NO, WE CAN NEVER MOVE ON" the Mannequin screeches, the lower face ripping apart to form a mouth.

"Be that way, but I know how I feel. Let's do this.." She mutters the last part.

From where you all are you see two glowing spots on the back of her hand grow. The two dots merge together, then break apart. A broken heart with stitches holding it together. Behind Zoey a visage takes shape. A massive bird made of dark, cracked stone. The cracks all glow with the same purple color coming from a purple, pulsating stone exposed in the chest. The pulsating stone is full of knives and even an axe head buried in it. The glowing eyes leave trails as the head cranes down to The Mannequin.

Zoey points to her copy with her hatchet holding hand, "Nevermore! Make it shut up!"

There is a loud caw from the Persona, claws raking the Mannequin to rubble in one blow. "Well I guess they beat it up..." Zoey grumbles loudly.

"It is finally over." Martin says, dropping to his knees on dry land.

>Great job everyone!
>That was way too close
>How is Zoey feeling?
>You all should rush back to camp
>Have Atticus heal everyone up before anything else
>Write-In

>>1641662
>>That was way too close
>How is Zoey feeling?
>Have Atticus heal everyone up before anything else

>>1641662
>Great job everyone!
>Have Atticus heal everyone up before anything else

>>1641690
Supporty support.

[Writing]

File: mymap.png (172 KB, 980x1125)

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You stand up straight with a wince, "Great job everyone! Let's all take a breather to get fixed up."

"You mean that healing thing your gh- Persona did? I think mine can do it too," Zoey says, walking over and more soaked than you.

Ms. Brown has already has a small fire going from the branch that almost crushed Martin, "I don't know if we can get sick here, but we should try to dry off some."

Atticus and Nevermore exchange a look as they repeatedly use their healing skills on everyone. The only person not soaked is Martin whom is currently on his phone, "You all could have stayed on the roots too."

James HP: 96% SP: 20%
Martin HP: 90% SP: 70%
Brown HP: 95% SP: 80%
Zoey HP: 100% SP: 20%

Zoey takes her jacket off to dry and dry it faster, "So is it always like this in here?"

"Well Martin hasn't faced a second copy yet, so it is safe to assume things won't get like that again." Ms. Brown explains.

"Good. If I had to keep facing my personal problems in front of you all I would probably quit this," Zoey replies as she crosses her arms over her chest leans back.

Martin looks up from his phone, "Well according to the map we only went a few hexes deeper into the swamp, but are you all feeling up for continuing?"

>We should probably head back for the day, avoid any fights.
>Pressing on is fine (Choose a direction)
>How are the others feeling? Go by the majority
>Go back, but keep an eye out for more Shadows to battle
>Write-In

>>1641821
>>How are the others feeling? Go by the majority
We're not the leader
yet

>>1641821
>>Go back, but keep an eye out for more Shadows to battle

>>1641828
Supporting

>>1641859
>>1641859
Woot another support let's see if we can get deeper or maybe to the bottom of this or at least a clue!

[Writing]

File: Spoiler Image (23 KB, 800x533)

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You are feeling kinda drained, but the others might all want to explore more, "How is everyone feeling? Are we good to go for more exploring?"

"I could really go for a shower and a change of dry clothes," Zoey groans.

Ms. Brown turns away to speak and pulls her mask off, "While I am prepared to keep going, with both of our members able to heal are so drained I do not think it would be wise."

Martin shrugs, "It would be nice to see more, but eeeh. Next time we gotta investigate some place more though."

"Sounds like a plan then, back to camp. Let's keep an eye out for Shadows in case we want to practice more," You say with a stretch.

Everyone gathers themselves quickly and get back on the trail. The walk is slower this time around with people drained some, but nothing too bad. In relative silence everyone gets back in the marching order with their eyes peeled. As you draw close to camp the walk back was uneventful, not even a Shadow walking on its own.

Then something catches your eye. Where normally light would be shining through you notice darkness. The others haven't noticed, but you crane your head to look and see... a person?

A real person, no mask or pitch black skin. You see the pale hand of a robed figure get pulled into a glove. The figure stares at you, hood covering their face. The two of you keep staring before they run off into the brush.

>Run after them
>Yell to the others to follow
>Just go back to camp
>Call after them and try to catch up
>Try to take a shot on them
>Write-In

[Sorry to say this is the final vote of the night. Signs point to Saturday going later, but first we still run Friday.]

>>1641934
>>Yell to the others to follow
>Call after them and try to catch up

>>1641934
>Just go back to camp

Not worth it right now. We don't know what to expect. We should at least tell the others though

File: R&R.jpg (72 KB, 740x587)

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[Also I want to say thanks for playing folks.]

>>1641939
Supporting once again

>>1641939
supporting

File: 1463442369671.png (272 KB, 324x400)

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>>1641972
Thanks for having us, man.

File: Line.jpg (6 KB, 275x183)

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You start after the person and call back to the others, "Guys there was a real person this way! We have catch up with them!"

Martin yells after you as the group tries to catch up to the head start, "Wait what?"

"Wait up! We just want to talk!" you yell, pushing brush and branches out of the way.

A glimpse of the robed figure is all you need to keep running. You manage to jump a fallen tree before tripping over it. The figure seems to know the jungle well, not having any trouble even in the baggy clothing. Up ahead the figure finally comes to a stop.

As you get closer you notice why, they somehow crossed a stream without getting wet. In the mud behind them you see a line drawn. The figure is fully covered in a gray robe. They hold out a hand with their back still to you. Following the motion you can see the twin cliffs that have the stone door. All of the others finally catch up, Martin clearly out of breath. Ms. Brown takes the initiative, "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

The figure wags the held out hand's finger back at you all. Zoey walks up beside you, "So what happens if we cross that line?"

"I don't know, they were like this when I caught up with them," you say with a sigh. Why did so much still have to be a mystery?

>Yeah, who are they and why are they here?
>Did they make the camps?
>They are a human, right?
>How long have they been in here?
>What about that line?
>Write-In

>>1646958
>>Yeah, who are they and why are they here?
>>Did they make the camps?

>>1646958
>Yeah, who are they and why are they here?
>Did they make the camps?

>>1646958
>>>Yeah, who are they and why are they here?
>>>Did they make the camps?

[Writing]

File: LostinGreen.jpg (144 KB, 1260x620)

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"She is right. Who are you and why are you here?"

The figure remains still. Maybe another question, "Did you make those camps?"

Zoey cups her hands around her mouth, "Hey listen up and answer the questions!"

They retract one hand and point straight up with their other. The lack of words or even sign language is starting to get on your nerves too. Martin joins the rest of you next to the stream, "How did they get in here if The Rift has only been open for like a week?"

Suddenly you hear a high pitched buzz. The others do too from the discomfort on their faces. As you open your mouth to speak up the sound of a tree crashing cuts you off. Another tree falls across the stream, blocking your view of the figure. "Don't let them get away!" yells Ms. Brown

You all force your way through the fallen tree's upper branches and leaves only for the figure to be gone. Zoey rubs her temples, "What the hell was that?

Ms. Brown walks over to where the figure was. She crouches low and rubs the ground, "Whatever they were they didn't leave a trace. Not even footprints in the mud."

"Do you think they were some kind of Shadow?" Martin ask.

The woman stands and shakes her head, "Perhaps, but this one seemed smarter than the rest of them. What do you think James?"

>You all need to go search for them more
>They are trouble, big trouble
>You don't have enough in you to go for a hunt today
>Something that can do that can't be a normal Shadow
>Write-In

>>1647100
>>They are trouble, big trouble
>>You don't have enough in you to go for a hunt today
time to go back

>>1647106
Supported

[I apologize, writing.]

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

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"They are trouble, big trouble. I also think it is time to go back. I don't think I have enough in me to go on a hunt today."

Zoey nods in agreement, "Yeah. I don't feel hurt at all, but pretty tired since Nevermore fixed everyone up."

Martin types something on his phone and nods silently. "Well let's head back then," Ms. Brown says as she starts back over the tree.

The walk back to camp is short and peaceful. Your shoes probably shouldn't have been in all that mud and shallow water, but it isn't too uncomfortable. Once back in camp Zoey looks around, "So do you think they could be watched us here?"

"I doubt that. Uugh, I hate getting water in my shoes," Martin groans.

Ms. Brown is the first one back as usual. Zoey takes a moment to really believe that was how you all got back, but does it easily enough. After Martin sighs and goes through you follow. Back in the auditorium Martin starts to pack his things away, "So I guess we will meet up tomorrow?"

Zoey slings her backpack on, "I guess. We only have a few more days before the whole school gets hit with that gas, right?

Ms. Brown walks out of the costume closet back in her usual attire, "That is correct. We still aren't sure how exactly to close, The Rift. When we are hopefully things will go back to normal."

Martin looks down at the phone in his hand, "Yeah, back to normal..."

>Sounds like a plan. Time to head home.
>Is Martin doings okay?
>Maybe everyone should take a day off to relax
>How does Zoey feel about things still?
>Write-In

>>1647295
>>Is Martin doing okay?
>How does Zoey feel about things still?

>>1647301
Support but with a focus on martin

>>1647295
>>Is Martin doing okay?
>How does Zoey feel about things still?

[Writing]

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

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"So how are you feeling about this Zoey?" You hope facing that copy didn't bother her too much.

"I'm fine, a little annoyed about the other me, but nothing big. I wonder why you and Ms. Brown didn't go through it."

Thinking back there was one thing you had in common, "I'm pretty sure it was because we both nearly died."

"Makes sense I guess. See y'all later," Zoey says with a wave, heading out.

Ms. Brown has already made herself scarce, so you turn back to Martin. "Are you doing okay man? Sounded kinda down there."

"I mean I will be a little sad we would lose our chance at doing cool stuff, but this is all dangerous. I'm more curious though. What is behind all those doors? Who was that? Will we even be trapped there after we close The Rift? Wh... sorry. We're all probably worrying about that in the back of our heads. I think I'm gonna stay up late tonight and play some video games to take my mind off things. Take it easy James."

Martin goes back to looking down at his phone as he walks out. With everyone else leaving you don't have much else to do at school given the time. Yeesh, Carson might have already had dinner. You shoot him a text that you are on the way and head out to your bike. The others are driving off as you hop on.

You are too tired to go out shopping today, also that gas mask probably needs to be cleaned. Biking past the many suburb entrances your mind wanders. Martin was making some good points in his rambling backstage. Now isn't the time for that though, you are hungry.

After a peaceful ride you set the bike against the house and head in. Your Great Uncle is watching the TV, "Oh good evening James. I wasn't sure when you were coming back so I just had myself a sandwich for dinner. You are free to whip yourself up something."

Inside the kitchen you follow suit and start making a sandwich. You still have an hour or two before you will pass out, but what to do?

>Head to bed early after dinner
>Watch TV with Carson
>Call someone and chat (Who?)
>Do some extra studying
>Write-In

>>1647501
>>Head to bed early after dinner

>>1647501
>>Watch TV with Carson
>Study during commercials

>>1647511
Supporting

[Writing]

File: FosterBusy.jpg (171 KB, 1273x712)

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After your finish sandwich you head to your room and grab a textbook. With book in hand you sit next to your Great Uncle on the couch, "Mind if I sit here?"

Carson smiles, "Oh not at all. I'm watching the some game shows to relax some."

The show's goal is for contestants to guess the prices of objects without going over to try, Whoever is closest of the three wins the object. Carson doesn't speak much, but the show has plenty of commercials. With so much time to read your science textbook you feel like you have a greater understanding of the subject. Your BRAINS have grown.

When the shows comes to an end your great uncle stands up with a stretch, "Well thank you for watching with me James. Have a good night's sleep."

You yawn and wave as he walks down the hall, "You too."

With your studying having paid off you decide to head to bed. After turning the TV off you get yourself ready for sleep. Thankfully you get another peaceful night of sleep without and dream meetings.

>9/13 > 9/14
>10 Days until Mass Assemblies

The next morning you get to school in time for class. Martin and you both avoid the attention of your teachers after attendance. But as math comes to an end and you head to lunch your teacher stops you, "Oh James, Miss Foster wanted to see you. Go get your food then head to her office."

While in the line Martin hands you the usual chips, "Good luck man. Foster is real mean one sometimes."

As you head down the hall you think back to your last meeting, she didn't seem that bad. The woman at the counter waves you on to her office and the door is unlocked. Inside Ms. Foster is busy typing away at her computer when you enter, "Afternoon James. Take a seat and eat your lunch while I explain what this is about."

You sit across from her desk and give her a confused look as you eat. "This is about your future James. I'm not entirely sure what you want to do and as your counselor this is worrying."

>You haven't really thought about the future until now
>Getting a job and learning a trade is what you are gonna do
>The plan is to get into a nice college and work for a reliable career
>Maybe she should just contact your old counselor
>Write-In

>>1647717
>>Getting a job and learning a trade is what you are gonna do

>>1647717
>>Getting a job and learning a trade is what you are gonna do

>>1647717
>The plan is to get into a nice college and work for a reliable career

>>1647717
>>The plan is to get into a nice college and work for a reliable career

[A sudden tie. I'll give it a few more minutes for people to change or cast their votes. Then I roll.]

>>1647717
>The plan is to get into a nice college and work for a reliable career

>>1647816
[There it is. Writing.]

File: Foster.png (224 KB, 600x337)

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You set down the bag of chips, "My plan is to get into a college and try to find a nice reliable job. I have a few colleges I've looked at for when I decide."

The woman adjust her glasses, "Oh that is good to hear. If you ever figure out what you want or just need advice come to me for any questions."

"I'll keep that in mind. Do you mind if I go now?" You ask as you pick up your lunch tray.

Miss Foster turns back to her computer, "Go ahead, that was all we needed to talk about."

You manage to get back to the cafeteria and sit with Martin and Zoey just in time for the bell to ring. Zoey laughs as you scarf down the last few bites while Martin has a moment of silence for you with gym coming up. Lucky for you gym is fairly low energy today. In photography Mr. G points out how nobody has talked to him about dates for the project yet. When you reach study hall you and Martin get cracking on homework.

With the final bell ringing Martin looks to you, "Good to go man? We only got 10 more days."

Ms. Brown has sent a text saying the stage is open today. Zoey also sends a message she is ready if everyone else is.

>You are good to go, Rift time
>Actually you want to talk to someone at school first (Who?)
>Today isn't so good for you, you had something to do (What?)
>Write-In

>>1647948
>>You are good to go, Rift time

>>1647948
>>You are good to go, Rift time

The NPCs are going to pester us repeatedly until we get it done.

>>1647948
>>You are good to go, Rift time

>>1647948
>>You are good to go, Rift time

[Writing]

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

242 KB PNG

With a text sent out that you are ready the two of you head backstage. Ms. Brown is already dressed up and sitting on the catwalk, "Don't take too long you two."

As you and Martin get your equipment on Zoey shows up with her usual attire, "Don't expect me to shell out to look like some army brat."

One by one you all enter The Rift, coming out back at camp. Ms. Brown hands out the weapons to people, except Zoey. Martin looks down at his gun then up to Zoey, "Does she need a gun too?"

"Her and I already discussed it, it will be a few days though." Ms. Brown says as she hands you the bolt action.

Zoey sharpens her hatchet on a whet stone, she must have brought that, "Guns are whatever, what is the plan for the day?"

Martin brings his phone out, "Well I don't have anything new on the map besides where we fought. So I guess we just need to explore where we have been more."

"We don't have any leads for the swamp. Those lights in the mountain remain a mystery and we even have the camp there," Ms. brown points out.

>She is right, to the hill camp
>You have a feeling something is in the swamp
>Maybe go to the Wooden Gate again
>The figure was pointing at the stone door place. That might be a lead.
>Write-In

>>1648054
>>She is right, to the hill camp

>>1648054
>>She is right, to the hill camp

>>1648054
Stone place or the wooden gate let's see where we can go.

>>1648054
>>She is right, to the hill camp

[Writing]

File: Masked.jpg (17 KB, 604x478)

17 KB JPG

You look up above the treeline to the mountains looming in the distance, "She is right, we should head North again."

"Sounds like a plan," Martin says with a smile.

Zoey nods along as the group gets falls in line. Ms. Brown does a good job of following the trail you all left behind before, doesn't look like it has been grown over. It seems like to run into any Shadows you will have to go out of your way too, because none are along the way.

"Man this is quiet, too quiet don't you all think?" Martin ask as you all enter the hills.

"Perhaps, but all we can do is press on," Ms. Brown says as she keeps the lead.

As you get closer to the camp you see the burnt out torch is still laying close by. Zoey whistles as everyone enters it, "Wow you have two homes away from home."

Martin sits down on one of the rocks in camp, "Well we made it without running into any Shadows, but now what? Kinda weird we didn't even see any to avoid."

Zoey grins, "This is a big jungle, maybe the Shadows have meetings or villages they stay in."

"Whatever the case is we need to stay alert. We all know something is off." Ms. Brown says as she sits as well.

>Try to find some Shadows, make some noise or something
>Finish exploring the hills to the east
>Check out the mountains now
>You want to try talking to Igor first
>Write-In

>>1648250
>>Check out the mountains now

>>1648250
>>Finish exploring the hills to the east
>>Check out the mountains now

>>1648250
>Check out the mountains now

>>1648250
>>Check out the mountains now

[Writing]

File: MountainTrail.jpg (619 KB, 1920x855)

619 KB JPG

"I think we have seen enough to check out the mountains. Maybe if we are lucky there won't be any Shadows there either."

Ms. Brown stands, "We shouldn't count on it, but I agree on the destination."

"Sounds like we have a plan then, right Zoey?" Martin ask as he tucks away his phone.

The girl looks up from the ground, "Hmm? Yeah sure. Lead the way."

With the mountains so close it shouldn't take too long to get there even with the uneven terrain. Ms. Brown takes a relaxed pace in the lead as the group heads North. As the ground gets harder to walk on due to an incline you all come across a rough path already there. There aren't any obvious tracks and it is going the same way you are, so Ms. Brown heads to the side of it. As the group goes higher on the trail and enter the mountains proper, Zoey speaks up, "I told you so."

In the valley between the current mountain and another is a village. Huts and even smokes from small fires can be seen. It looks like the trees were cleared from the area to make it wide open. Martin stares with his jaw dropped, "That is going on the map."

"We are going down there now, correct?" Ms. Brown ask as she turns to the group.

>Oh yeah, let's go
>Explore this full trail first
>You all should go explore another mountain
>Maybe go back to camp for now
>Write-In

>>1648405
>>Oh yeah, let's go

>>1648405
>>Oh yeah, let's go

America-themed quest with gun-toting strangers approaching a small cluster of native huts. What could go wrong?

>>1648405
>Oh yeah, let's go

>>1648405
>>Oh yeah, let's go

[Writing]

File: Notonwater.jpg (7 KB, 229x220)

7 KB JPG

You are already turning back down the trail, "Oh yeah, let's go."

Martin starts to ramble as the group heads down, "So do you think Shadows built that village or maybe the robed figure is a human that belongs to the people that live there are the camps are where exiles went?"

Zoey puts a finger over mountains mouth, "They love your theories, but we don't need you talking so much."

He grumbles in response, but does stop his rambling. Instead of heading all the way back down the trail Ms. Brown leads the group down a not too steep incline down the side of the mountain. It leads right into the jungle valley again, but should save time. The jungle starts to thin out as you get closer to the village when you notice something. A line through the trees acting like a path. In the back Martin makes some noises and motions to get down.

After Zoey reluctantly gets down in the brush you all see through leaves another torch bearing Shadow run towards the village. Martin gulps as the group stays lower, "Is that a good or a bad thing?"

Everyone picks up the pace, following the path. As the trees space the pace slows down. Eventually the village comes in to view, small huts filling the clearing. From the middle of the village you can see a large pillar of smoke in the air.

Ms. Brown turns to the group, "That smell and the smoke, there is one big fire in there."

>You need to get in there fast!
>Takes things slow and sneak in
>Just keep waiting and watching
>Leave for now, who knows what is in there
>Write-In

>>1648592
>>Takes things slow and sneak in

>>1648592
>>Takes things slow and sneak in

>>1648592
>>Takes things slow and sneak in

>>1648592
>>Takes things slow and sneak in

[Writing]

File: Spoiler Image (48 KB, 500x668)

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"Let's be careful and sneak in. We don't want to stumble on 20 Shadows at once."

Ms. Brown sneaks through the open first, getting up against a hut. She peaks around a corner and motions for everyone else to follow. This pattern continues as you get closer and closer to the smoke pillar. After a few more running between houses Ms. Brown doesn't move ahead to the next one. Up head you can see a massive group of Shadows, maybe fifty all standing together.

They all aren't paying much attention the surroundings, which is good for you. You can see the focus of their attention, a large bonfire behind a platform. On the stone platform there is another, smaller platform. A masked shadow with a very ornate headdress is standing beside the smaller platform. You nearly jump out of your skin as the Shadows begin to chant. "Y-Yo what the fuck is going on?" Martin whispers over.

"Hey let me go!" you hear over the chanting.

You see two tiki Shadows carry a wooden cage up to the platform. Inside is Jake, the kid with acne from your photography class! How did he get here?

The Ornate Shadow speaks, in English, "You shall be freed from thought, become one of the tribe."

Shadows open the cage and throw Jake onto what you now realize is an altar. Ms. Brown is clenching her fist, but shakes her head. With so many Shadows she doesn't want to risk getting caught. Martin can't look, but Zoey has her eyes glued to the scene.

Jake is kept held down as the Ornate Shadow puts a mask on his face, "Now let your worries be torn from you. May the great one in the sky bless this new member of the tribe!"

With that, a knife is plunged into Jake's chest. A red mass of light is torn out from him, instead of blood there is only a black gunk. Jake's skin slowly turns pitch black his clothing morphs to match the other Shadows.

"That wasn't the real him, there would be blood. I'm sure of it." Ms. Brown says to you all.

Martin and Zoey are both staring away in silence, unsure of what to say or lost in thought.

>This is ending right now, those Shadows will be crushed
>It is time to fall back to camp
>How can she be sure of that? James just got turned into a Shadow!
>This is fucked. What the fuck? Forget this, leaving now
>Write-In

[Final vote for the night. Thanks for playing, we start at 1pm EST tomorrow.]

>>1648768
>>This is ending right now, those Shadows will be crushed

>>1648768
>>This is ending right now, those Shadows will be crushed

>>1648768
>>This is ending right now, those Shadows will be crushed
>This is how they are turning everyone into caricatures of themselves.

>>1648768
>This is ending right now, those Shadows will be crushed
>How can she be sure of that? James just got turned into a Shadow!

Now the question is: how're we gonna kill them all? We're troubled fighting just a few Shadows at once, multiples and we'll be butchered.

I vote for taking our time, studying the enemy before making a decision. Being hasty always ruins any kinda plan.

[Just noticed that typo of James instead of Jake. My bad.]

>>1648768
>Is that the real Jake or Jake's Shadow? >I bet that's how people got turned into caricature of themselves

File: RiftCamp.jpg (377 KB, 1600x740)

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You get back behind the building fully with everyone else, "This has got to be how they are making everyone caricatures of themselves. We are ending this now."

Martin shakes his head, "No, that must have been his Shadow. And even if it is the real him what do we do, run out and fight a couple dozen Shadows at once?"

"Martin is right, our best bet is to fall back for now," Ms. Brown says after peaking around the building again.

"We need to crush those Shadows!" you whisper yell, not wanting to get caught.

Ms. Brown places a hand on your shoulder, "Relax James. This hurts me too, but we can't risk losing here."

She is right, you know that. But it isn't right that you can't do anything. Who knows how many more people will be converted before you can fix everything?

Zoey cuts in, "So are we leaving? Now is better than later because we don't know when these Shadows are gonna leave their little stage."

You want to do something, but right now you aren't sure what and the others don't want to stick around. The walk back to camp is silent, everyone probably thinking about what to do. Now that you know where you are going the walk isn't too long either. Everyone takes a seat except for Ms. Brown who stays standing.

"So I don't know about you all, but that Chief Shadow had a gem in the knife they used. Think it might be the one that fits your stone door?" Zoey ask as she fixes her ponytail.

Martin perks up from the dour mood, "Wait really? Good catch Zoey! Now we just have to beat the boss and find out how to get to them."

Ms. Brown nods, "Whatever we do needs to be planned out. If we try to attack and ten Shadows show up to save their leader we are in trouble."

>Use fire against the Shadows and burn down the village
>Wait and watch them for now, see if they have any habits
>Sneak in and try to pick off the leader
>If the Shadows belong to people would wiping them out fix everyone?
>Write-In

>>1650344
>>If the Shadows belong to people would wiping them out fix everyone?
>Wait and watch them for now, see if they have any habits

>>1650344
>>Wait and watch them for now, see if they have any habits

[I'll start writing, but give an extra five minutes for votes.]

>>1650344
>>Wait and watch them for now, see if they have any habits

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

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"We should just wait and watch for now, see if they have any habits. Also I wonder if beating one of the Shadows fixes someone?"

"There is no way of knowing who is what Shadow is whom. Besides, if we don't stop that Chief then people will just be changed again," Ms. Brown says, adjusting her mask.

Martin sets his helmet in his lap, "Waiting and watching is a good idea, but how are we going to do that if we can't be here all the time?"

Ms. Brown thinks for a moment before sharing her idea, "I will see about buying some game cameras. Electronics may not transfer information between here and our world, but they work just fine."

"So are we just gonna sit on our asses for now? We should be doing something," Zoey says.

"Duh we aren't, but what can we do right now? Shadows are probably gonna start roaming again soon, but so what?" Martin repliex.

"We could explore another direction to see if there are other villages. We saw Shadows down by the swamp too." Ms. Brown points out.

>To the South, check out that swamp
>Stay around here and watch for Shadows
>Try to find other paths for camera locations
>Go back to the village and try to map it out
>Wait for a torch Shadow and follow it
>Write-In

>>1650404
>>Wait for a torch Shadow and follow it

>>1650404
>Wait for a torch Shadow and follow it

>>1650404
>>Try to find other paths for camera locations

[Writing]

File: TorchCave.jpg (388 KB, 1260x589)

388 KB JPG

Something you saw earlier today sticks out to you, "That torch Shadow was running from somewhere. What if we trying waiting for and following one?"

Zoey looks over at you, "How are we going to know where one is?"

You look down at your phone, "Well if they leave the village on that main path we can wait there. It shouldn't be too hard and we haven't been here too long today."

"It may even lead us to other paths to put the game cameras on." Ms. Brown notes.

"Sounds like a plan then, cheer up Zoey." Martin says with a grin.

The girl sighs as everyone gets ready for another walk. Down the path to the village again, you notice the smoke has died down by now. The group duck behind trees and in bushes and the wait begins.

The wait continues.

And continues.

Zoey is obviously distracted at this point, not even looking at the path anymore. Martin is looking down at his phone half the time you look over. You can't even see Ms. Brown, which might be a good thing. Even you are getting tired of waiting so long. When you gaze down the path to the village all you notice is a Shadow with an unlit torch, same as- wait there it is!

You rustle the bush to get people's attention and get down low, you finally notice Ms. Brown who is already on the ground. The Shadow sprints by, prompting everyone to follow. It is a hard pace to keep up, it doesn't seem like Shadows get tired. After a few minutes of trying to keep up, the Shadow takes the path up the mountain. Following along you go past the point you did before with the valley far below.

Eventually you catch up to the Shadow, just in time for it to walk into a cave. You can feel heat from the cave even from your brush cover.

>Just walk in after it
>Wait outside the cave to ambush it
>Sneak into the cave
>Charge in with weapons drawn
>Write-In

>>1650463
>>Sneak into the cave

>>1650463
>>Sneak into the cave

>>1650463
>Sneeki into the cave

>>1650463
Try and see if you can peak inside into the cave, without being directly into it.

[Writing]

File: SunnCave.png (730 KB, 1245x641)

730 KB PNG

You and others group to decide on what to do."We should head inside to see what is going on in there," you suggest.

Martin looks over at the cave, "Ok, but let's be careful. It is probably gonna be hot in there from what we feel now."

Zoey just stands up and starts to walk over. Ms. Brown sighs, "I'll take the lead."

The first few steps into the cave are down a rough ramp. Up ahead you can still see fine as it seems there are holes in the roof of the cave. Ms. Brown motions for a pause as a geyser of water erupts up ahead. Just walking over it afterwords make your feet feel hot.

Going deeper into the cave takes you further down, the light dying off. Ms. Brown takes out a few glowsticks and passes them back so everyone has one. You frequently are wiping steam off of your gas mask and Martin is with his glasses. As you are about to round a corner Ms. Brown motions to stay back. Zoey steps up to the front, "Just what is it this time?"

Around the corner you can see a Shadow walking with a torch and a new Shadow. This one looks like a very short one with markings carved into their mask and pitch black skin.

Looking around you can see a few crevices that might fit a few of you. There are also some stalagmites that might act as cover. "Let's just ambush them when they round the corner." Martins whispers.

>Good idea, wait for them to move around then jump them
>Charge them around the corner
>Just avoid a fight for now. Hide in the cracks
>Write-In

File: it was made for me.jpg (99 KB, 350x368)

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>>1650520
NO THANKS

>>Good idea, wait for them to move around then jump them

>>1650520
>>Just avoid a fight for now. Hide in the cracks

>>1650520
>>Good idea, wait for them to move around then jump them

[Writing]

>>1650522
Dude that was the most creepiest manga i have ever had the horror to read...Brings back horrbiele memories.
And support.

File: Brain.jpg (611 KB, 1980x2436)

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"Good idea, let's jump them." You say as you get behind a stalagmite.

The others join you, but it is a bit of a tight fit. Soon enough the pair of Shadows round the corner. The Shadows nod to each other and look like they are about to split up, but you can't let them get away. Being so close you can't really use the bolt action, but you thrust out and stab the Torch Shadow right in the mask.

With the mask stabbed the Shadow drops the torch, leaving it on the floor. The others jump out in time for the small Shadow to also take off their mask. The Torch Shadow turns into another multi armed fire spirit, but the smaller one gets weird. It transforms into a brain with tentacles, some of which end in eyes. Martin winces before pointing at the Flame Shadow"High John, blind it!"

The Shadow is dazed by the flash of lights, but your friends aren't done attacking it yet. "Sacagawea!" Ms. Brown calls.

A set of claws rip into the flaming spirit before it can recover. Zoey looks at the Brain Shadow, "Gross, Nevermore!"

The same wave of darkness that hit your yesterday launches from the large bird. You think you see faces in the blackness as the waves rock the brain.

Both Shadows are still recovering from the ambush, giving you the chance to do an attack of your own.

>Have Atticus pour on the hurt
>Switch out to Valkyrie
>Try using Alp out
>Just stay on the defensive
>Write-In
[Please choose a target and skill in your post]

>>1650597
>>Have Atticus pour on the hurt
Kouha

>>1650597
>>Have Atticus pour on the hurt

>>1650597
Lets use musket rush.

>>1650597
>Switch to Valkyrie
>Cleave
Target Omoikane--I mean brain

>>1650597
change>>1650604
to>>1650608

[Valkyrie wins with the turn around. Give me some dice.]

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1650622

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1650622

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1650622
No

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1650622

[Oh my. Writing]

File: oh god why.gif (1012 KB, 350x300)

1012 KB GIF

>>1650624

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1650622

Oh. I was too late. Better hope this isn't a 10 you fucks.

File: Torch Bearer.jpg (111 KB, 600x848)

111 KB JPG

This Fire Shadow looks smaller than the last one up close, this should be easy. "Valkyrie come forth!"

You point at the floating brain for Valkyrie to know her target. Her horse charges, but as the woman brings down her blade, the brain dodges out of the way. In response you are hit with a blast of fire by the Fire Shadow, down here it is so hot the fire stings more than normal.

An eye stalk points at Zoey and zaps her with a bolt of lightning. "Aargh fuck!" She cries as she is forced to a knee.

Not good, this thing can hurt her weakness. Martin runs over to get in front of Zoey, "Damn, High John help us!"

You feel the rush that you normally do in these fights as the green glow surrounds you. Ms. Brown is sticking to the Fire Shadow, having Sacagawea cleave into it again. Looking down you notice a burn mark on your army jacket, lucky that didn't catch flame.

James HP: 86% SP: 100%
Martin HP: 100% SP: 85%
Brown HP: 90% SP: 100%
Zoey HP: 75% SP: 95%

>Attack one of them yourself with the knife
>Keep Valkyrie in and try to attack more
>Go for a support skill with Valkyrie
>Change Personas to Atticus or Alp
>Guard yourself from any incoming attacks
>Write-In
[Same as before]

>>1650666
>>Attack one of them yourself with the knife

>>1650676
Supported.

[Let's see some d10s]

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1650687

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1650687

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1650687

[Writing]

File: HOLD UP.png (92 KB, 435x373)

92 KB PNG

That Brain Shadow needs to be taken out before it can hit Zoey again. You run up with knife in hand and stab into it before it can float away. It doesn't seem to weak to it, but you hear a whistle from behind. When you turn Zoey is back up with a wicked grind.

You sidestep out of the way as she throws her hatchet, the head sticking into the Brain Shadow. Before you can move more a spiral of colorful lights fills your vision. A massive migraine is all you can focus on for a second, that must have been the attack the Wisp did before.

Ms. Brown and the Flaming Shadow are duking it out, it punching her with multiple arms while she has Sacagawea claw at it. It looks like she might win the race at her current rate though. "Duck!" yells Martin.

Zoey and you hit the floor as he blast the Brain Shadow with his shotgun point blank, making the blast ring in your ears for once. "Nevermore, help her with that one!" Zoey yells.

Another wave of darkness crawls along the floor as the raven flaps it's wings. When the Shadow is hit, it falls to the ground. The many arms all griping at the heart of it.

James HP: 73% SP: 100%
Martin HP: 100% SP: 85%
Brown HP: 75% SP: 100%
Zoey HP: 75% SP: 90%

"Take it away... James." Ms. Brown says between pants.

>Finish this Shadow off
>Pump if for information about this place
>Ask it to fight for you
>Tell it to hand over whatever it has
>Write-In

>>1650751
>>Pump if for information about this place
Kinda need that

>>1650751
>>Pump if for information about this place

>>1650751
>>Ask it to fight for you

>>1650758
Switch to this

>>1650757
Pump it for information.

>>1650751
>Pump for info

[Information it is. Writing]

File: CaveTunnel.jpg (304 KB, 1224x816)

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You crouch down next to the Shadow, "Tell me about this cave. Why come here?"

The Shadow speaks in a gravely voice, "Fiiiire giiiver. They stay iiiin the deep cave. Fiiiire good to burn iiiiinvaders."

"Why don't you make your own fire, why is this fire special?" You ask with knife at the ready.

"Fiiiire giiiiver makes good fiiire. Burns long tiiiiime. Fiiiire giiiiver shall kiiiill you," The shadow says before fading away.

With them faded and Martin finishing off the brain that means they are all gone. You feel as if you grew stronger from this.

Party level-up

You fill in the others on what the Shadow said before it faded away. Martin rubs his chin, "I'm not sure what good beating this thing would do. They didn't use fire to change Jake."

"What if the smoke signals is how The Chief draws other Shadows back from roaming around. We even saw the lights before so that may be another factor in getting Shadows back," Ms. Brown says with her back to the group.

"Yeah, no reason not too. What are you doing though?" Zoey ask Ms. Brown.

"I'm just... nothing." The woman says as she turns back.

Everyone gathers up dropped weapons and lights before heading further in. It gets harder to see from the steam, making it almost hurt to wear layers too. As the cave goes further and further down the last lights from above die off.

After walking for what feels like twenty minutes almost straight down you all see a red glow through a large cave mouth. "I think that is our Fire giver." Ms. Brown says, getting her gun ready.

>Do some quick healing to top everyone off
>Charge in there to catch it off guard
>Try to sneak in and spy on it
>Speak with whatever it is from a distance
>Write-In

>>1650861
>>Do some quick healing to top everyone off

>>1650865
Support.

>>1650865
Best to be prepared.

[Writing]

>>1650935
>>Try the new skill Atticus learned

File: FireGranter.png (1.03 MB, 800x1067)

1.03 MB PNG

"Hey Zoey. We should make sure everyone is at their best before going in," You say turning back to the group from the tunnel.

"Fine, I'll go first." Zoey says with a sigh as Nevermore fades in behind her.

Atticus and Nevermore both take turns healing the wounds from last fight. It isn't the most efficient at the end, but it is important everyone is fully healed.

James HP: 101% SP: 70%
Martin HP: 100% SP: 85%
Brown HP: 100% SP: 100%
Zoey HP: 100% SP: 60%

With that taken care of you draw closer to the entrance slowly. The heat isn't getting any worse and the steam seems to have gone away, but that makes sneaking in pretty hard. You take a small peak around the corner and see the path ends in a cliff. Across the cliff is a rock face that has magma flowing from it. Martin gulps, "Dude, real magma."

There is no sign of a Shadow in the chamber though. Slowly you all head in, down below is more magma. This must be some kind of volcano or something.

Ms. Brown coughs to get everyone's attention, "I found our Fire Giver."

You all follow her look upwards, there is a face in the stone wall. There looks to be a large person made of stone with magma flowing from their hands. The stone mouth moves as eyes begin to glow, "Your kind are not welcome here. Now.. burn!"

"What the hell do we do against a giant rock thing?" Zoey yells.

"Break it!" you shout back.

Ms. Brown moves to the front of everyone closer to the edge of the cliff. You feel the rush yet again today as Martin has High John speed you up. Zoey simply has Nevermore launch another curse attack, but you aren't sure how effective it was.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmin5WkOuPw

>Try shooting at it's face!
>Have Atticus attack the thing (Skill)
>Try the new skill Atticus learned
>Swap out to Valkyrie or Alp(Choose and Skill)
>Stay on the defensive
>Write-In

>>1650936
[You are fine]

>>1650936
This. Tarunda's a good start

>>1650940
>Try the new skill Atticus learned

>>1650940
>>Try the new skill Atticus learned

[Roll the dice]

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1650965

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1650965

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1650965
AAH MOTHERLAND

[4,1,2. I mean it could be worse. Writing]

File: GiverAttack.jpg (27 KB, 500x375)

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You point up at the magma leaking Shadow, "Atticus! Weaken him!"

"Don't mind if I do,"Atticus says as he fades in in front of you.

Atticus reads out a page from his book, a dark red glow enveloping the enemy. Just as Atticus fades you are knocked off your feet, a burst of flame coming from below you.

As you fly through the air head first you see Ms. Brown is hit from below by a blast of flame as well. Martin watches as you fly by him, "James!"

With a thud you land on your back. Up ahead you see Ms. Brown turn to Martin, having Sacagawea make him glow bright red. Martin summons High John, blasting the Fire Giver with lightning and glowing a small chunk of rock away.

Zoey groups up with the others, having Nevermore rip the axe from it's core with one claw and slicing into the stone with it. In response to their attack both Zoey and Martin are hit by blast of flame from the ground.

James HP: 77% SP: 70%
Martin HP: 84% SP: 85%
Brown HP: 92% SP: 90%
Zoey HP: 79% SP: 60%

You slowly stand up again, getting your bearings. The others seem ready to pour on the attack again and you know speed from Martin will last a little bit longer.

>All out attack with Atticus (Skill)
>Go for some healing instead (Who?)
>Swap for Alp or Valkyrie for now (Skill)
>Keep an eye out for any attacks
>Write-In

>>1651052
>>Swap for Alp or Valkyrie for now (Skill)
Alp, and Sukunda

>>1651052
>>1651064
this

>>1651052
>Kouha

[More debuff, more rolls please.]

>>1651089
Let's go

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1651092
Dern

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1651089

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>1651089

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1651089

[Writing]

File: FuzzyDevil.jpg (49 KB, 747x752)

49 KB JPG

Atticus being weak to fire is too much trouble right now, "Come to our aid, Alp!"

The fur covered woman appears beside you and looks up at the Fire Giver. "Piece of cake."

With a wave of her hand the red and a new green glow both pulsate on the enemy. With all these debilitating effects it should be easier to handle.

Unfortunately you are still too slow to dodge the gout of flame, both you and Martin hit this time. After recovering from the attack Martin summons High John yet again, "Don't let up!"

Another piece of stone is blasted off of the Fire Giver. As Zoey has Nevermore close in for another attack Ms. Brown summons Sacagawea, "Aid her assault!"

The now glowing Nevermore hacks off one of the fingers, causing a cry of pain from the large Shadow. The cave shakes as the two idle hands of the Fire Giver pull from their body. Both hands slam down onto Ms. Brown as the red glow fades away.

James HP: 61% SP: 60%
Martin HP: 68% SP: 80%
Brown HP: 82% SP: 80%
Zoey HP: 72% SP: 60%

When the hands move away it looks like Sacagawea was covering Ms. Brown, stopping most of the damage. "There has to be some trick to speeding this up!" Martin calls over.

>Pepper it with shots to try and find a weak spot
>Switch back to Atticus and use Tarunda again
>Keep Alp in for now (Skill)
>Swap Persona for an idea (Persona and Skill)
>Write-In

>>1651167
>Pepper it with shots to try and find a weak spot

>>1651167
>>Keep Alp in for now (Skill)
Dia on James. Zoey's on offense, so we might as well go on healing duty

>>1651193
>>1651167
This for now; we can heal whoever else gets hit next turn, or abuse a weakness if it is found out.

Right now, attacking the fingers on the hand is one lead.

>>1651193
Alright, we healer now

[Roll those dice.]

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1651207

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1651207

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1651207

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1651207

[You had such a strong start too. Rolling.]

>>1651226
[Writing. I meant writing. I don't roll for enemies.]

File: MartinisFine.jpg (23 KB, 680x378)

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"Alp, help me out!" You call to your current Persona.

Your aches and pains go away somewhat as a green light covers you. Closer to the edge you see Martin's red glow wear off as him and Zoey blast at the Fire Giver from afar.

Ms. Brown tries shooting with her .45 in a few spots, but the bullets just bounce off. Looks like guns wouldn't work here. As you get back to the group you see the ground under you start to crackle and roll out of the way.

Sadly Zoey wasn't quite fast enough and is hit yet again. You run over to get close to the others, but you are cut off by the hands coming down again. A cloud of dust and dirt is kicked up, making it hard to see who got hit.

When the dust from the hands settle you see Martin is struggling to get up from the ground. You can hear him mutter, "I'm fine..."

James HP: 76% SP: 50%
Martin HP: 43% SP: 80%
Brown HP: 82% SP: 80%
Zoey HP: 52% SP: 55%

Ms. Brown looks back to everyone, "I'll keep him distracted. You all pick yourselves up."

>Sounds like a plan, focus on recovering for now.
>Just have Alp attack to help her out
>Try attacking the hand with a cut finger (How so?)
>Change to Attitcus or Valkyrie (Choose a Skill)
>Write-In

>>1651299
>Sounds like a plan, focus on recovering for now.

>>1651299
>>Change to Attitcus or Valkyrie (Choose a Skill)
Gib heals

>>1651304
[Alp can also heal.]

>>1651303
Second

>>1651308
then do that

[Hit me with those dice.]

File: IMG_6444.jpg (105 KB, 640x640)

105 KB JPG

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1651327
Pic related for good luck

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1651327

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1651327

[Man this just isn't going your way today. Writing]

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1651327
Let's just check to see if we're going to get taunted

File: Distraction.jpg (25 KB, 834x574)

25 KB JPG

You run over to Martin to help him up, even summing Alp to heal him. "Dude your Personas are all girls in weird outfits."

Well at least his sense of humor healed fast. Martin pulls his arm free from over your shoulder, "High John help Zoey!"

Zoey is surrounded by the green glow, it is weird seeing it someone else. "Nevermore, fix me up."

The stone raven wraps it's wings around her and she comes out looking better. Another blast of fire on her and you changes that though, they are so fast. You all start to move as the hands are coming, but they never do. Then you see what Ms. Brown is doing.

She is running right at the Fire Giver with the hands about to fall on her. "Sacagawea, hit me!"

James HP: 56% SP: 40%
Martin HP: 60% SP: 75%
Brown HP: 62% SP: 80%
Zoey HP: 47% SP: 45%

Her Persona appears with no time to waste, punching the woman in the back as she nears the cliff's edge. The rest of you run closer as Ms. Brown lands on the bottom waist of the stone creature. Up close it looks to be triple your height. "Try and hit me over here before I rip you to pieces, Shadow!"

Your mind is racing to what to do here, what was she thinking?

>Just keep healing! (Who)
>Jump after her on the other side
>Have Alp blast away at it
>Take the chance to switch Persona (Who and Skill?)
>Write-In

>>1651388
>Keep attacking it we have to end it fast

>>1651388
>Just keep healing! (Who)
Zoey. Ask her to pitch in with her own Dia as well

>>1651388
>>Just keep healing! (Who)
Zoey

>>1651388
>>Just keep healing! (Who)
Zo

[Roll now. Or may your dice be even more cursed.]

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>1651417
The dice aren't cursed, I MAKE THEM CURSED

HASHISHA!

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1651417

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1651417

File: MaskedInnerMonolgue.png (257 KB, 998x768)

257 KB PNG

Zoey springs into action thanks to the boost from Martin. Nevermore takes chunk out with another hack. Martin joins in, having High John blasting the face of the Fire Giver with lightning.

"Alp, help Zoey!" You yell out as your hand glows.

With a sigh of relief Zoey gives you a thumbs up. Ms. Brown calls Sacagawea to start ripping into the Shadow's chest. Thanks to being on the move you run out of another flame burst, but Martin is caught in it.

Even worse is the sound of stone on stone as The Fire Giver squashes Ms. Brown against them with a hand.

James HP: 56% SP: 30%
Martin HP: 40% SP: 70%
Brown HP: 42% SP: 80%
Zoey HP: 62% SP: 40%

The Fire Giver is covered in cracks with pieces missing, their eyes glowing dimly now. "If you kill me then you will stop the purification as dictated from Great Sky Lord!"

>Finish this fast, have Alp attack
>Swap out Persona to do something (Who and Skill)
>Go for more healing just in case
>Focus on the hand to get Ms. Brown free
>Write-In

>>1651477
>>Finish this fast, have Alp attack

>>1651477
>Finish this fast, have Alp attack

[Roll to finish the fight. Or not.]

>>1651477
>>Finish this fast, have Alp attack

>>1651477
>Finish him

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1651520

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1651520