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>>1845189
"If you don't want to answer..."

"No, no, it's cool, I've just never been asked. I guess folks don't like to talk about it. Big fuckin' surprise, right?" Vickie takes a drink and sets her new bottle down on the counter. "I guess the poison tolerance is pretty rad. Like, other people joke about trading their heart for another liver so they can drink more and care less, but..."

"Wait -"

"Not literally."

You let out a sigh of relief. Vickie gives you a knowing look but doesn't comment at the way you rub the back of your hand with your thumb.

"Anyway, um. Y'know, I was never much of a night owl before, but...like I said earlier, the world's different a night. And that part's nice. Lights in the fog, the city sounds. The odd little diners and businesses that stay open. I like that." The Darkling gets a distant, wistful look. "Darkness ain't so bad once you get to know it either. Friendly, like. So many people are scared of the dark, wondering what it's hiding, and they never stop to realize that one of the things it's hiding is them. 's fair, like that, y'know?"

"It could see that," you admit. "And you seem to have fun with some of the other stuff. I have a hard time believing a pastor's daughter was a pickpocket or street magician."

Vickie honest-to-god blushes. "Yeah. That kinda thing. You?"

You shrug. "I like glass, but...of course I like glass, you know? But because of all this I found art as a hobby, which has been really rewarding. But honestly, like...the biggest relief is that I don't have to be like Him. So many folks I talk to, they turn out like their Keepers. Rachael, with her whole Aztec thing, f'rinstance. But the Giant, he's not...this." You gesture around your face. "I don't remember a lot, but I remember His face, His look. The Glass Mountain that He ruled was full of the beautiful things He hoarded and dared others to take from Him."

Vickie is silent for a long while. "I never knew my Keeper," she murmurs. The oven dings, and she hops off the counter to attend to her pies; she gets out a pair of oven mitts, removes the cookie sheet, and checks their internal temperature before nodding to herself. "And the Lord said, let there be pie, and there was pie and He saw that it was good. Got a beef and a chicken apiece, you want a bowl or something?"

"Bowl?"

"I usually dump both of mine into a bigass bowl and fuck 'em up with a fork, then eat it," Vickie admits.

"...Y'know, sure. That sounds new."

You have a ceramic bowl absolutely fucking full of mixed-up pot pies in short order. Vickie sits down at the other side of the table with hers. She slides her cross out of her sleeve and murmurs a grace; you sign the Hammer over yours and murmur thanks to Sif and to Freyr for the bounties of the Earth.

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>>1845227

The pie itself reminds you of the kinda food Dad used to make. Factory food, he called it, hearty and large but not complex on flavor. Vickie eats like she's never going to eat again, not that you have much room to talk in that arena. Potatoes are much in evidence.

"Hey," you speak up, about halfway through your pie. Food in your belly has given you the courage to top off your glass of Jack. "What's the dumbest shit mortals just do?"

"Oh man, the list is so long," Vickie agrees. "Um. Lemme think. They don't check their corners."

"Throwing out moldy cheese instead of scraping the mold off?"

"Fuck yes! Walk around unarmed?"

"Get picky about what specific kind of dead animal they're eating?" you propose.

"There's good eating on rat," the Darkling comments thoughtfully. "Need to check my snares soon, thanks for that. Picked up the taste for it when I first escaped and did a brief stint with Winter."

"Why would Winter -"

"Field assignment. I didn't bring enough food or money."

"That'll do it. Why'd you leave?" you ask, tilting your head.

Vickie shrugs. "It was time, honestly. It's a common story. I stopped being as scared as I was and my heart changed, and Winter gave me a good report to King Leo when I asked to join Summer. You didn't do a spell with 'em?"

You shake your head. "Came out of the Hedge swinging, took down three guys before I realized I was back home. Summer signed me up as fast as they could get me."

"Nice." Vickie scrapes her bowl with her fork, getting the gravy and the remnants of her crusts. "Your turn," she adds, before popping the last survivors of her pie into her mouth.

"I dunno...what're you gonna use your favor on? Misery put pretty specific conditions on it."

Vickie swallows. "Been thinkin' about that," she admits. "And honestly, like...it's almost too big, you know? And Misery scares the hell out of me. Anything I ask him he's gonna remember, and maybe use against me later. But...there is something I want."

"Yeah?" you ask.

"I want my church back. I want those limp-wristed cunts running the place gone, and I wanna own it free and clear. Hell, if I can throw it in I want the assholes squatting in my fucking church to leave in disgrace but I'll take the building." Vickie scowls and downs what's left in her glass. "What about you?"

"I dunno," you hedge.

"C'mon, gimmie somethin' here Fearless Leader."

> I've been thinking of spending it on someone else.
> I was going to ask to know more about how Philly's doing after...all this.
> Money. I need a steady source of money besides the paycheck I get from Ramona.
> I'm interested in learning new Contracts. Misery's got a reputation there.
> Write-in?

AND

> Keep drinking. Lightweight indeed
> You've had enough

>>1845257
>> I was going to ask to know more about how Philly's doing after...all this.
> Keep drinking. Lightweight indeed

>>1845257
> Write-in?

Save it for when I really need it. Or figure out what I want with Fancy.

> You've had enough

>>1845257
> I'm interested in learning new Contracts. Misery's got a reputation there.
I figure you may as well ask Misery for something that you probably can't get from someone else.

> Keep drinking. Lightweight indeed

>>1845257
> Write-in?

Investigative training so we can become Magic Cop

> Keep drinking. Lightweight indeed

>>1845257
> I'm interested in learning new Contracts. Misery's got a reputation there.
Glass is great and all, but its at a real disadvantage when we aren't fighting in the city. We probably would have lost our fight with Rainbow John if he hadn't decided to make his Hollow in a place built of the stuff.

> But I've also been considering the team, and how well we've worked together so far. If we are to continue this, or begin including others like Rook's apprentices and associates from Autumn, we'll need a place to call our own.
Either a Hollow or a spot in the mortal world.
Its a considerable investment, and carries its own challenges and responsibilities, but I think it would be worth it in the long run.

AND

> Keep drinking. Lightweight indeed.
She threw down the gauntlet. What kind of Knight would Colors be if she didn't accept Vickie's challenge?

'Kay, so - that thing I'm dealing with, which I'm still dealing with, is done for the day but honestly I'm fucking drained. I'll pop my head in for Q&A but don't expect an update until tomorrow night.

That in mind, this seems like it could use votes anyway.

>>1846030
I'm not sure if I should be mad because I know the pun you're referencing or because this is the second Gaellic pun in this thread.

>>1846440
Do you like Cu's Gay Bulge vox? Does it pierce your heart every time?

>>1846486
You do remember that I bat for both teams, right?

>>1846514
Truly, thou are the most magical and fabulous of skeletons.

I would totally lewd you, but I am neither homosexual nor a necrophiliac.

>>1846514
it's a joke about how gae bulg always pierces the he-

oh forget it

>>1846514
Kind of figured it out with the thinly veiled revenge fanfic start to Christmas in July.

Seriously, that was a little too 90's Punisher bro.

>>1846380
I keep saying we should get a crap ton of cheap glass jewellery to take with us into battle.

>>1846699
Eh, of the many things in my life that I'm angry about that's not one of 'em. My coming out experience, such as it was, was painless. And late in my life, but it is what it is.

We /are/ on the same page as to what that phrase means, right?

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>>1846775
Which phrase? "90s Punisher" as in Pic Related?

Or "Coming Out"?

Mine was super easy as well. But I'm terribly uninterested in sexuality/gender as a characteristic of a person. It makes for niche and cliche writing.

>>1846775
Lucky.

Mine involved broken limbs, but that was ages ago.

>>1847051
That's why Queer Carry is a positive thing. Cops won't save you but you can save yourself.

>>1847070
They don't give gun permits to 14 year olds, anon, and shooting one's father is kind of a no-no.

>>1847074
It's a right of passage. Then you BECOME the Father.

>>1845257
>Keep drinking. Lightweight indeed
>I'm interested in learning new Contracts. Misery's got a reputation there.

I think a little more capability in the arts might be helpful for the sake of survival.

>>1845257
>Keep drinking. Lightweight indeed
>I'm interested in learning new Contracts. Misery's got a reputation there.

>>1847074
Sounds downright UnAmerican there lad. Sure it wasn't your father that was the Limp Wrister? Pretty sure you should have been shooting by 14. A healthy sport for a growing lad no matter where he likes to stick his dick.

>>1845257
>I want the assholes squatting in my fucking church to leave in disgrace
Have Misery frighten them out. He'll even like it.

>>1846981
The 'revenge' part, mainly. Not denying the presence of edge but that's Autumn for ya.

Zoe's got issues and her vigilante hobby expresses a lot of 'em, though I don't think that's a surprise.

As previously noted, updating later tonight. Still available by phone for Q&A, and votes remain open.

>>1847299
While flattering, a) not a lad, and b) he practiced safe-gun storage, and c) you didn't teach girls to shoot at that time in small rural California towns. Girls were for swim teams, secretarial work, and sneaking off to secret raves to score really potent drugs and bottles of Jack.

>>1847087
....sounds very Gothic Horror, really.

>>1847417
And apparently for taking a punch or two. What a strange dichotomy.

>>1847367
Sure, lol, it's ZOE that has issues and expresses them through edginess.

I mean it's NBD. I'm just getting whiplash between this and MSPQ with its statues of Barron Trump and paintings of "The Burning of Berkley" from centuries ago during the troubles.

>>1848018
>MSPQ
i don't want to cast aspersions but that quest sounds like it sucks

>>1848035
It's actually amazing. Mekton system, and the MC punches his way through Mechs.

He has six wives and there's a Mars Caliphate that's one of the good guys.

One of the wives is a pre-op trans woman. That was actually the first Waifu as well. The BBEG (recently defeated) is a lesbian rapist. So much rape. Modeled after a Eroge protagonist IRL.

The MC doesn't let his personal politics dictate the story, but it just pops up in the backgrounds sometimes.

So, maybe don't judge an authors works by their personal values?

>>1848083
>>1848035

So my criticism is that whereas Christmas in July had Zoe taking on the authors personal views and working it into the story as plot, the other author just pokes it into easily ignored background that's very divorced from the current events in the setting.

Everyone is grey and grey morality, with their own fleshed out reasoning and justifications.

And neither side is portrayed as being some sort of idealistic noble figure.

Like.

Maybe Brittany was trans but also super racist, as opposed to still selflessly loving her abuser and trying to justify the torture as something other than abusive revenge in its own right.

>>1848090
> So my criticism is that whereas Christmas in July had Zoe taking on the authors personal views and working it into the story as plot,
Except it didn't? That scene wasn't the actual plot of July at Christmas, July at Christmas is the plot of July at Christmas. That, and Autumn's internal power struggles. It was a character intro for Zoe and her unhealthy obsession with fire (and Autumn's general love of scaring people), the specifics had little significance to the wider plot. Zoe even mentioned she didn't really care about the specifics beyond the fact that the dude was beating his kid.

>>1848108
He worded it incorrectly. Sjould have been "and working it into the story .
But he was right. What author doesnt work their personal views into their story ? And why is it a problem, unless a author has exceptionally disturbing views, like "all man are potential rapists"

And called, writing.

>>1848108

Then it could have just been about an abused kid. No need to go so heavy on the drama.

Or if you do, then you need to commit and actually work it into the story and explore it honestly.

Just tossing it in for some cheap added emotional reaction is lazy writing, and if you want to get into it mildly exploitative.

>>1848221
It's not wrong to have disturbing views in the plot, but they have to have a PURPOSE. Because "disturbing" is a subjective evaluation. They have to function to move the plot forward, or else they're just extraneous dross.

The question is, WHY did Vox make it about a Trans kid that was being abused?

>>1848263
because trans kids get abused in real life? I mean you don't need to sift through this for subtext when the text text is right there

>>1848339
So do non-trans kids. Why add that part in, especially given the fact that trans people alone make up a minuscule portion of society, let alone openly trans children?

It's too niche, although it might be well represented in Vox's personal life.

>>1848339
I mean. It could have been about a white kid getting abused by a black stepfather. Just as valid. But WHY bring up all the subtext and commentary around it unless you're going to use it?

>>1848368
>>1848370
listen man. trans people exist. there's no subtext or commentary other than "Trans kids shouldn't be abused" which is true of other children. It could have been a white kid abused by a black step father. it could have been an asian kid abused by an asian mother, it could have been a catholic kid abused by a protestant step mother. Abusing children is bad regardless of who is doing the abuse or for what reason!

if you're losing your mind over this maybe changeling the lost isn't for you.

>>1848387
U mad bro? I'm not losing my mind. I LARPed V:TM in the 90s, I guarantee you that you'll have to do more than this to bother me. I'd recommend you don't get hyper-defensive.

Randomly tossing trans issues in and then dropping them is just another type of exploitation, like having "Angry Black Women" be the kind of representation you always see in media.

It's also just outright lazy writing, which IS a valid criticism.

Trying to deflect the discussion into a simple slogan like "trans kids shouldn't be abused" is dishonest of you as well.

Like I said >>1848083, a Trump supporter handled Trans representation better by having them be an actual person instead of a disposable emotional shortcut

Unless - UNLESS

Brittany is the "Wonderland" girl that we ran into at the beginning and "rescued" again at the end of the quest arc.

Because that would be a pretty dope way of tying it together, and my criticism would be the unfortunate result of analyzing a co-operative work in progress instead of a finished piece.

Regardless, don't hide behind virtue signalling as an excuse to not discuss literary value and social issues honestly.

>>1848387
I mean, honestly when I compared it to The Punisher in the 90s I don't know how anyone could have thought I was being "seriously upset". I found it mildly distasteful and sub-standard, not terribly offensive.

What the actual fuck

>>1848445
I choose to assume he's drunk and ranting.

>>1848456

Trans people aren't magical unicorns, they're just people like any other.

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>>1845257
You swirl your glass indecisively, shrug, and down the shit. Vickie cheers you on as the whiskey goes down; you shake it off and refill your glass. "Y'know, honestly, I'm interested in learning new Contracts. And like, Misery isn't...not to be a dick but -"

"My mother?" Vickie says flatly. "Don't dance, fuckin' go for it."

"Yeah, he's not Rachael Reeds. But he does have a certain rep, you know? Always one more grim trick to pull out, one more escape to tap, one more thing up his sleeve. And like, it's not like I'm lacking in skill in battle or the option to train with that. Talented sorcerers are harder to come by."

Vickie shrugs. "I get by on a lot of little tricks, but I get your drift. You after that Jim at all?"

It takes you a couple of seconds to realize she means the booze. "Nah, but I'll swap a Jack for that Jose if you wanna switch it up."

Swapping of bottles is committed, which means you have to finish your glass. Vickie cocks her eyebrow at you. "Lemme wrap up these dishes and make the bed up."

"But -"

"When does Arthur like his reports?"

"...Good point. Mind if I hit your shower?"

"My poor shower didn't do anything to you, but you can use it, yeah." You groan. "No one expects Darkling dad jokes," Vickie crows, before she gets up and goes to make good on her word.

The bathroom is a little bare, but the shower has the usual amenities and it gets the job done, even if you wish you could be more surprised at the limp water pressure. Slightly more concerning is the collection of knives in rack stuck to the wall with suction cups, but you're just gonna let that one go. At least they're all ceramic - they won't rust from the mist.

Vickie is perched on the back of the couch when you come out, back in your clothes and armor, laying out the couch with attentive care. Knees and hips should not flex like that; you're reminded, madly, of old claymation movies. When she stands back up to her full height her joints creak and settle.

"Bed's ready," she comments.

"I can see that," you agree, nodding at the couch.

"...Guest. My house. The bed is ready," the Darkling emphasizes. "Lemme know if you need anything. And, Colors? Thanks. For comin'."

"I'm still not sure what I actually did," you admit.

Vickie shrugs. "It's not everyone who'll walk into a Darkling's home, eat her bread, drink from her cup. So thanks."

* * * *

August 9th (Present Day)

The regathering of the monarchs to hear your reports is less intimidating the second time around. Admittedly, John was an arrogant jackass. Also admittedly, he was the equal in raw power of at least two people here. The other members of your expedition are present, including Forum and Jasmine. They gave their reports yesterday, but maybe they wanted to be here for the big event? Who knows.

>>1848468
That's sort of the point? Trans people aren't unicorns. They exist, people have met them, their 'issues' aren't magical or unique.

The only hang-up here about 'trans issues' is yours.

>>1848468
I wholeheartedly agree! Now sober up and stop ranting.

>>1848511
The "hang up" I had was how it was portrayed and used in the plot. I don't have a problem with "trans issues" being present, I have a problem with them being lazily inserted.

>>1848521
My point is that like... 'trans issues' are just people issues.

trans people are just... people.

A trans person's existence doesn't have to be a statement. It SHOULDN'T be required for a trans person's existence to be inherently political. True, that's generally not the world we live in right now, but in fiction? I'm fine with a trans person just being a person who is trans for once.

>>1848521
First you complained that it was the plot of the short and said that pro-Trump stuff is fine if it just pops up in the background, then you complain that if trans stuff just pops up it's too small and just lazily inserted? From the sounds of it you do have a hang up, which is why you're applying a double standard. You're fine when the little things pander to your politics, but when they don't it's suddenly a problem.

>>1848525
Except it wasn't a person who was "just trans" for once, unless you think all trans people are victimized by their families and subject to abuse.

I mean.

A significant majority yeah, but it's also not right to ONLY display them that way, and especially as a the overwrought "Brittany just wants her daddy to love her, so go back and be good and everything will be okay". Like there needs to be more closure on how it's not just that simple. If you bring an issue up, especially something so underrepresented as that, portray it completely.

Otherwise it's just as much exploitation to idealize it as it is to demonize it.

Watch the movie TransAmerica, it has a pretty good depiction of a trans person.

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>>1848475
"I'm told you had quite the adventure," Arthur begins. "Dame Eriksdotter?"

"We were successful," you answer, professionally. You get groans from Ramona, Natalia, Vickie, Zoe, and even Jennie.

"Come the fuck on, give us the goods," Natalia encourages. "We already got the lame professional version from Forum's boring ass."

"No, please, tell me how you really feel," the Troll drawls.

"I mean, your voice is sexy, but there was nothing on this world or any other that was saving that delivery." Natalia says with a casual shrug. Forum rolls his eyes in good humor and shuts up.

You hold your hand out. "Fine, fine. Erin was able to track John through the Hedge, with Thomas the Crow as rearguard..."

The storytelling rhythm comes naturally, one of the few things you remember from before, when you were still just a kid. At certain points you pause to let Erin and the Rook describe what they were busy with. Vickie's replies about her own activities are clipped, but her interjections about yours are amazingly enthusiastic ("She jumped after him! Like an absolute fucking madman, the look on his fuckin' face!").

"I managed to not get shot," Forum comments. "...I may have fed a guy to some gears."

"You did. It was gruesome," the Rook agrees. "With John out of the picture I was able to take his Hollow back towards the mortal world before it crashed. It's awaiting salvage now." He takes a steadying breath, forcing back a cough with a wet, ragged sound. "I am of the opinion that Autumn should lead the salvage, and claim the lion's share."

"Hold up, this was a joint effort," Natalia points out.

"Autumn died for it," you interject, quietly. "And the loss of Thomas the Crow is a serious blow to the Court's strength, and the Freehold's. The Ashen Court has repayment coming for that loss."

"And you'd like to be on the salvage team, at a bet," Zoe pipes up, from her place behind Raven's seat.

"I renounce all claim to the findings at the crash site, refuse all material and magical profit derived from it, and formally reject the opportunity to lead the salvage team." The Rook stares Zoe down. After a moment, dust and leaves begin to swirl off of the two, Mantles rising in preparation or, perhaps in fear.

"Winter backs the Rook's proposal," Misery Monroe interjects mildly. "And extends its condolences to Autumn in this time of grief. Our own Hedge Rangers are available, if assistance is required with Thomas's affairs, or with Jason's."

"Thank you, Lord Monroe," King Raven leans forward on his cane. "What says the King of Wrath?"

"The Rook and Colors have good reasons. I agree."

"Fuckin' whatever, I guess," Natalia mutters, sullenly. She catches a disappointed look from Ramona. "Guess that's that."

"Not precisely," Misery steeples his fingers. "There is the matter of their payment. Favors are owed, and I am not normally an easy man to get in touch with. Now represents a somewhat rare opportunity."

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>>1848570
Uneasy glances are exchanged.

"I have nothing to hide," the Rook rasps. "You have things of mine, Misery Monroe. Things taken from me, shortly before last year's solstice. I wish them returned to me."

"Consider it done," Misery agrees. His gaze flicks to Forum.

"I'll catch up with you in a bit, bossman," the Troll nods his head out the door, and is dismissed with a wave of the Winter King's hand. "Hey, Colors? We should talk sometime. I gotta show you the horrors of the internet and, well, some other shit."

You blink. "I mean. I guess so?"

Forum nods and takes his leave.

"I'd prefer to handle my shit in private," Vickie says softly.

> Ask for the Contract training now
> Meet with Misery Monroe in private

>>1848579
> Ask for the Contract training now
I don't think our request rises to the level of wanting to keep it private. Though it will almost certainly get some raised eyebrows considering Misery's reputation for being a colossal dick.

>>1848579
>> Ask for the Contract training now

>>1848579
> Ask for the Contract training now

We should also hook up with Forum sooner than later. "Some other shit" from him is probably relevant.

>>1848579
>Ask for the Contract training now
He is hard to get a hold of, and it should only be mild torture.

>>1848579
>> Meet with Misery Monroe in private

>>1848579
>> Meet with Misery Monroe in private
I don't think we technically need to hide that (not like that should be illegal), but the more's unknown about what exactly we can do, the more of an edge it could get us.

>>1848579
>> Meet with Misery Monroe in private
Monroe WILL say and do other things in private than with all the monarchs present.
The downside is that he will also be more of a dick in private.

>>1848579
>> Ask for the Contract training now

It's not personal, there's no reason it shouldn't be known, and it's best to get this sort of thing over and done with ASAP.

>>1848691
I just don't see Colours being comfortable with skullduggery given her past.

Or rather, being afraid of being TOO comfortable with it again.

Our favour isn't something personal like Vicky's, so there's no real reason for it to be private.

>>1848579
>> Ask for the Contract training now
It's not like Colors is going to escape attention anyways.

>>1848700
Ok, but if Monroe embarasses Colrs in front of all Monarchs don't blame me.

>"I have nothing to hide," the Rook rasps. "You have things of mine, Misery Monroe. Things taken from me, shortly before last year's solstice. I wish them returned to me."
>"Consider it done," Misery agrees. His gaze flicks to Forum.


Do we know what that's supposed to be from a previous arc?

I are dumb, but I only realized this as a write-in now.

We could maybe clear our name/reptuation as an Oathbreaker with the Favor.

Too late now, I guess.

>>1848579
>Meet with Misery Monroe in private.

Oh yes, personal time with Forum in the near future.

>>1849063
You don't, but the timeframe given is when the Rook had his arm and eye ripped off by Rachael Reeds.

>>1849073
So it could be possible that either Rachael pawned off the bits, or Monroe scavenged them somehow.

I'm thinking the former.

>>1849066
As I understand it, you can't ever really clear your name of such things, only redeem yourself in the eyes of certain people.

Game mechanics.

>>1849087
Well, spend favor on Redemption, then? Specifics aside, that sort of direction would've been a neat writein, i think.

>>1849094
It wouldn't remove the people who think we should return to Philly or die, getting more power helps prepare for a possible retaliatory scenario.

>>1849094
Can you "buy" trust ? Not so easily.

The most you can ask for it to be put on a new mission team with different people so they can learn to trust you like Rook and Vickie did.

>>1848579
> Ask for the Contract training now.

> Ask for the Contract training now.

>>1848579
>Save the favor
Do we even have to go with Contract training or spend the favor now? Why stick with a decision we in-character made while drunk and out-of character made pretty willy-nilly and without knowing it'd be a permanent call

>>1850167
Eh, I've been considering what we might use the favor for since the start of the mission, and the best options (to me, at least) seem to be;

> Build your own Hollow with Misery's assistance/expertise/backing.
There's a lot of resources that the Freehold needs from the Hedge, like Goblin Fruits and new tokens that can give our people an edge in a fight, or having a location we can fall back on in an emergency or during discreet operations (like how we just dealt with the Peacock). We don't even have to expend too much energy or resources if we transform/cannibalize the former cityscape of Rainbow John's lair.

> Learning a new Contract under Misery.
Colors is very good at taking the fight to the enemy in close-quarters, but she doesn't really have any other options at range or with magic. A new Contract could also give us more options when investigating or when interacting with others in social situations. Using the favor to address those will help us later on.

>>1850167
It's not, necessarily. Who knows what might come out in a private meeting?

And write-ins are always a thing.

>>1850305
>Build your own Hollow
See that is some out of the box thinking i could get behind. I'll vote for that, which is probably a vote for
>private meeting
>>1850317
I love a good write-in, but unfortunately just due to the nature of the voting system unless your write-in is one of the first, it doesn't get much traction, and I was late. Also i kind of agree that Colors wouldn't be great with subterfuge and would prefer the straightforward approach

>>1850167
>Why stick with a decision we in-character made while drunk
Because not all people stop thinking logically while drunk. On top of that, Changelings might react different to drink because their bodies are warped.

You just want to force your own choice for the Favor with untruths.

Gonna make my best attempt at updating before I leave for work at 1 PM EST. I can make you no promises. Last night...last night was bad.

>>1852190
Sorry to hear that, hope it improves somewhat!

>>1852190
>Last night...last night was bad.
You alright, mate?

>>1852194
>>1852228
Is what it is, just Retail Problems.

Reading back through the votes reminded me - if you ever need to change your vote, please link the original vote with somethin' like

"Changing >>1852190
to
> I'm definitely not going to be able to update before work. Thank you for your patience."

Makes it somewhat easier to track. I keep forgetting that not everyone here was here for DLQ.

>>1850305
> but she doesn't really have any other options at range or with magic.

A) she does, we can use glamour to summon glass. It's just expensive

B) we could fix that with using either grenades, or bringing glass with us.

What we don't have is a good counter to magic, except we do with our defense that lets us get in close. John was high tier magic and it was even pointed out that he was over reliant on his melty mantle magic.

What we need is something to help Colors get in close where she specializes. Not something supplementary that will just be countered or brushed aside by more magic focused enemies.

Or yeah, something to help her with investigation or social skills. But when you mix magic with that it's usually a two edged sword, either too easy to abuse or else it doesn't work on someone and then they are pissed you tried to mind magic them.

Also Valkery is cracking down on that sort of thing and it could be really bad if we're found to be magically mid raping people with the Glamour equivalent of drugging them.

>>1852368
I get that Valkyrie would be attempting to crack down on Changelings trying to rig the system with magic, and the Courts have their own little unspoken rules about NOT fucking each other over. At least, in New Avalon.

But, when I said investigation or social skills, I meant more like being able to detect lies and truths in a conversation, or being able to sense the presence of a recent thief or killer in an area.

I've been looking at some of the generic Contracts presented on the wiki, and I think I like Smoke (pure stealth), Communion (nifty for scouting an area or investigating a scene, and potentially summoning an ally through the Wyrd), Hearth (has buffs for when we want to bless our team), or maybe even pick up another Elements Contract (maybe Fire or Metal).

There's also the Goblin Contracts, but those look to be situational and double-edged swords.

>>1852720
I really like Hearth.
Whatever we choose, dont do Goblin Contracts. That Goblin's Malignance trick we have was never used and would piss off Summer.

>>1852720
Hearth or metal maybe...

Fire is good too, but that's Zoe's schtick

>>1852757
That's because we don't have Summers Good Will or Mantle to use their power.

It's the Foresworn status that caused that, not the oath itself. Because it's not a Goblin Oath, it's a Summers Contract (level 2).

Goblin Oaths do have massive drawbacks, but that's also on top if the cost of acquiring the oath as well. But we're getting help from the King of Winter so I feel this is the BEST time to learn one if we were to do so. Shooter's Bargain would be good for someone crap with guns anyways. Burden of Life would be decent too.


Or we could learn a stroger than normal Contract from the Winter Court without the penalty that we have for using Goblins Malignance from the Summer Court.

Also we could learn a second element, and having one already at 4 (Glass) we could learn up to 4 of another element at half-price.

And at a cost to our "Humanity".

Personally I would like Reflections - it would synergize with Colours "Glass" element so it might be easier to learn despite being a Fairest trait, and will always be easier to use since she can control glass which is reflective. Also think about someone who can surround you with glass they can stab you with using "Reflections Grasp". Or she could leave little glass patches in discrete places for observation. Or give friends glass tokens that she could view them through.

>>1852720
Remember that it's much harder to learn contracts outside your archetype. Even though we have Misery teaching us, we'll still be limited by our own capability there. So Smoke (which kind of goes against Colours Knightly Dyke theme) and Hearth might be more limited in what we can get.

Also I'm not too sure how much Colours would want to pick up yet another element given her rather traumatic past with Glass even though mechanically it's a really powerful and cheap option.

Communion as learning more about Glass seems more like something she would do, I feel.

Anyways I feel we should wait and see what kind of power level we can get out of the different options before trying to pick specifics.

>>1852841
>Fire is good too, but that's Zoe's schtick
We use fire to make Glass. Even if we didnt, Zoe doesnt have a monopoly on Fire.

Has Vox died?

>>1857197
I more suspect retail issues - being a manager sucks.

>>1857234
Is a position as a manager that much worse than regular retail?
Is that even possible?

>>1857263
Imagine doing retail work. Now imagine, in addition to those duties, you have to herd a bunch of incompetent, lazy children and cover for them and keep them focused while doing the same work you used to do. And now imagine it doesn't matter how hard you work or how much extra work you do, you receive the equivalent of a dollar more an hour than they get, but without overtime or any extra money for the extra work you do aside from your scheduled time.

Management is worse than retail by a lot.

>>1857293
...jesus christ.

>>1857293
>in addition to those duties, you have to herd a bunch of incompetent,
If you don't get to do the hiring interviews, I would say FY to a manager job.

>>1857477
Unfortunately, attempting to be king of Shit Mountain means climbing up a whole bunch of shit.

You've my apologies, folks. >>1857234 essentially has the right of it; between work stress & some family issues I've been spending my days off just attempting to vent fury rather than doing anything productive. Today's not looking much better until 9:30 or so depending on if I end up able to feel my own spine at any point or if it's just gonna be wall-to-wall agony.

That in mind, still open for Q&A.

>>1857557
I'm not stalking you, I'm just psychic.

>>1857561
spooky xs, spooky

>>1857557
If you ever come to NY, I have a bottle of Grey Goose and Captain Morgan waiting.

>>1853224
>Personally I would like Reflections - it would synergize with Colours "Glass" element so it might be easier to learn despite being a Fairest trait, and will always be easier to use since she can control glass which is reflective. Also think about someone who can surround you with glass they can stab you with using "Reflections Grasp". Or she could leave little glass patches in discrete places for observation. Or give friends glass tokens that she could view them through.

...This actually sounds great. I was too tired from work to read it properly, but now that I read it again....

>>1859557
I might be a bitchy cunt, but I specialize in lateral force multiplication. Direct damage stuff is usually not worth it, and it's always worth getting the most bang for your buck with abilities that you might not be able to get otherwise that play off each other.

Like. A lot of things other people are looking at would be awesome *at higher levels*.

But I feel Reflection would be fantastic at all levels for Colours PLUS being unexpected by more powerful enemies since it's outside her usual skill set.

Remember - John relied too much on just the strength of his Wyrd and got cut the fuck in half.

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>>1859557
Also we need to wear stuff like pic related. Always have a bunch of glass on us.

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>>1859557
Or this.

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>>1859557
Let's play dress up.

>>1859557
Covered in glass beads we can shoot off us like bullets or the Deus Ex AOE thing. Shrapnel everyone in one direction. There's your goddamn ranged attack.

Mix in some of our blood and a curse so that it turns their flesh to fucking glass, or that each shard starts to cut its way to their heart.

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>>1859557
Covered in glass beads we can shoot off us like bullets or the Deus Ex AOE thing. Shrapnel everyone in one direction. There's your goddamn ranged attack.

Mix in some of our blood and a curse so that it turns their flesh to fucking glass, or that each shard starts to cut its way to their heart.

Yeah.

>>1859943
Wow that's gorgeous. Who makes these (including >>1859947)?

>>1859943
.....that would be an absolute bitch to take off after a dinner date.

>>1860048
>.....that would be an absolute bitch to take off after a dinner date.
I think that the idea of that dress is that someone else takes it off...

>>1860754
That's what I (>>1860048) mean. Helping someone out of that dress looks dangerous.

Alright, I'ma try to get this shit moving at least. My thanks for your patience. Called, tallying, writing, an' I'll be attempting to repeat this process tonight when I get home.

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>>1848579
You really should have been expecting the Everyone Looks At Colors maneuver but somehow it still blindsides you. You clear your throat (it chimes, faintly, into the quiet of the room) and look to Misery. "You have a reputation in the subtle arts of sorcery, Lord Monroe. I would like to learn them from you...presumably in private, so as not to be crassly bandying your power about where others can see it."

Misery laughs - a genuine, amused laugh with a surprising amount of warmth - and nods. "Consider it done, Dame Eriksdotter. I will be in touch shortly to discuss this with you. Ms. Reeds, if you'd be so kind?" The King of Winter stands and nods his head towards the door; Vickie drifts after him, one hand in her pocket. She flashes you a nervous grin before she leaves.

"Colors, I will be holding court tomorrow at high noon," Arthur rumbles. "I'm certain Vickie would appreciate it if you were present"

"I understand," you agree, after a moment. Arthur nods once, then takes his leave; Inky Jennie follows behind him, taking a PDA from her purse and tapping through a list of what you're going to assume are appointments.

"I guess if you have a moment -" Ramona begins, only to end up interrupted by Raven standing up. The creak and pop of the old Beast's joints echoes through the room like a shot.

"Queen Rabbit, I find the urge to take these old bones for a walk upon me. I can hardly demean my successor by demanding her use as a bodyguard. Might I borrow your oathbreaker?"

Ramona bristles, the fur of her ears standing on end, but she lets out a long and diplomatic breath. "I'm certain Colors can dictate her own life," she says primly.

Raven's dark eyes meet yours, full of amused expectation.

> My queen needs my attention, King Raven.
> I would be happy to help
> Your Majesty, since when does the King of Fear require a bodyguard?
> Write-in?

>>1862223
>> Your Majesty, since when does the King of Fear require a bodyguard?

>>1862234
Your...bodyguard
Does Colors have a death wish, asking that ?

>>1862223
>> Write-in?
> It would be a honor.

>>1862223
>Write in:
>It would be an honor; I am certain my liege would be so kind as to allow it.

This shows we're dedicated to Spring as well as open to being dragged off.

And we might get something juicy to tell Ramona.

>>1862270
Doubt Ramona would take it that way, her remark makes it seem like she would probably be offended if we go with him.

>>1862320
>she would probably be offended if we go with him
Absolutely not. She just wants Colors to giver her own permission. Read her words again.

>>1862223
> I would be happy to help

>>1862223
Something along the lines of
>If my queen would be willing to excuse me for the time, it would be an honour.

Ramona seems to be more pissed at the way Raven inserted himself into the conversation than the request itself. If she wants to be diplomatic, we'd probably do well to do so as well; she probably knows the court notably better than us.
Still, we should (at least formally) defer to her judgement, both because of her authority over us and because a queens requests to her vassals should carry more weight than other royalty.

>>1862813
See, I'd be down for this with the addition of mentioning that we do in fact have something (kinda) important we need to talk to Ramona about, but it also sort of makes me feel like we'd be proving what she just said about us wrong.

>>1862870
My wording's shite, I know. Hence being vague and trying to explain it. But I don't exactly have a better idea.

Altough using "by your leave" and similar as a statement might be an option.
I've neither enough sleep nor coffee to be good at english or etiquette right now.

>>1862813
Technically she gave us permission already. By saying it's our choice.

>>1863661
>>1862813
Also, he's not actually asking us to be his bodyguard, pretty clearly. He's using a paper-thin excuse to try to get a semi-private conversation with us.

>>1862813
They're both Beasts and Monarchs. They understand eah other pretty well and it's not a big deal.
Raven said he is hard to get a hold of. (if youre not WInter) Lets not waste this opportunity.

>>1862223
>>1862270

This. She already gave us tacit approval, and it might be a back-channel communication that they don't want others to know about.

>>1862339

Just what you would want people to think about a secret communication.

>>1862813
>>1864714
>>1863661
>>1862885

I think it's likely that Ramona isn't really involved in this. I'm guessing King Raven mainly wants to have a talk about Rook, how well he is(n't) taking the fact that Zoe is the new queen of Autumn, and all that. Rook was his protege.

Getting wrapped up in permission/approval is not really that important in my opinion. King Raven wants to talk with us, and I don't really see a good reason to refuse him. So lets just say yes and go have a chat with the old bird.

>>1862223
>I would be honored.
Voting from work, the discussion helped a lot.

>>1862223
What I'm pipcking up from this is Ramona, also, has something she wants to talk to us about, but she didn't get to say it before Raven pre-empted her.

>>1862223
>> Write-in?
So... add in something to the effect of 'I'm coming back to you right after this Ramona.'

Called, writing. Primary line of thought seems to be something in the vein of acknowledging/thanking Ramona for her leave, then doing the thing.

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>>1862223
You hold Raven's gaze. "As it seems my liege can spare me, I'd be happy to help," you tell him. "We can finish our conversation after, Lady Rabbit?"

"Mm. I'll be in my office," she agrees. She leaves, and Natalia follows; the Emerald Princess shoots Raven an odd look as she goes.

"This is a thin pretext for a conversation, right?" you ask once it's just you, Raven, and Zoe.

King Raven laughs. "Of course it is. But we are also going for a walk, Warlock Knight. Lady Morris knows her way about the Juniper Building, I daresay. She has things to do today."

"Thanks again for your service," Zoe tells you, before she and her four-eyed raven take their leave.

The elevator ride down is quiet, as is the first couple of blocks. Raven moves faster than you might think for someone who sounds like a bag of popcorn any time he flexes his joints. The old Beast's mantle wafts dust into the morning mist, creating an odd, fuzzy aura around him.

"Might I ask where we're going?" you inquire, at last.

"I had an item made for me, for my upcoming trip to Tokyo. I need to pick it up," Raven explains. "It requires delicate handling and care, being made of silk and sealed against this mist. Your skills will not go to waste, Dame Eriksdotter." Raven stops at a crosswalk and leans on his cane, finding his breath with a kind of dignified quiet. "Colors, what thought have you given to continuing your association with this motley you were thrust into?"

It's not exactly the question you were expecting. "I haven't given it serious thought, Your Majesty. I've entertained it, but..."

"To be expected. A motley oath is a powerful thing, and not to be undertaken lightly, but the friendships it can help create are also powerful things. I miss my old motley, and I am unashamed to admit it."

"What happened to them?" you ask.

"What happens to everyone? Time took them for his collection, and now all that is left to me is their memories." You and Raven cross the street, and he continues. "You may or may not be aware that I was the Rook's mentor in both sorcery and the Court. I was not surprised that he had political ambitions when Autumn realized I was not meant to be much longer for this world, and despite what he may fear in his weaker moments, I do care for the boy. There are things I feel you should know if you choose to continue on with him."

"Do you want me to continue on with him?" you ask.

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>>1866080
"Warlock, what I want is immaterial. I am leaving." Raven takes a breath and makes a complicated shrugging motion. It takes you a moment to realize you've seen birds do something similar, to shake out their wings. "The Rook has always been a player, not a pawn. Even fresh from the Thorns he yearned to sit at the table and dictate terms rather than serve. I respected his ambition, the more because personal power was not and has never been enough for him. He has vision. He has intelligence. He is not the man who kicks over a tyrant only to fail to arrange for garbage pickups the next day. And yet...he also does not lose graciously. His vengeance upon those who have defeated him is part and parcel of why he is the fearsome figure within my Court that he has become."

"He lost to Rachael Reeds and Zoe," you murmur.

"And that loss eats at him, every day of his life. Do you think this conflict over? It will never be over. The Rook will sit the throne or die trying. If you throw in with him, you will have to support his ambitions. Even if he could some day make peace with Zippo Morris, he will have no happiness in his life until he takes from Rachael Reeds all that she took from him. He will destroy her in detail, and bury her in unhallowed ground."

> And Autumn would just let him?
> What would you do, if you were me?
> He deserves his revenge, if he wants it
> I can't let that happen. There are others involved.
> Write-in?

>>1866087
> I can't let that happen. There are others involved.

Vickie might take issue with Rook killing her mom

>>1866289
>Vickie might take issue with Rook killing her mom
I was getting the kind of vibes from Vick that she would help Rook in that.

>>1866087
>> Write-in?
Thank him for the warning, and ask if Raven sees any way that the Rook may be persuaded to a better path.

>>1866296
like it or not Rachel is the only family Vickie has left, and she clings to the idea that one day the rest of her family will return from the hedge and they'll be able to reassemble their former life. it's why she asked Misery for help getting the church back

>>1866087
> I can't let that happen. There are others involved
I think we've established that simply indulging in the desire to solve complex emotional issues with good old fashioned murder can be really unhelpful.

>>1866087
>> I can't let that happen, well at least in that way. There are others involved.

>>1866087
>WOULD Autumn would just let him?

>>1866087
>> Write-in?
Would Vickie Reeds be ok with me (conspiring to) kill he mother ?

>>1866574
Are you kidding? Even odds she'd beg to be part of it.

>>1866087
>> He deserves his revenge, if he wants it

Rachel is nuts, and possibly dangerous to the stability of the Freehold. Almost certainly dangerous to the /image/ of the Freehold; she's claiming to be a demigod, for Odin's sake.

Vickie might very well object to Rook killing her, but I don't think it would be because she didn't want her dead. It seems pretty clear that it would only be because she wants to be the one to do it.

Sure, she would love to have her family whole and back together again, but she's not so deluded to think that's actually going to happen. Getting the church back isn't some kind of "if I can do this, maybe I can turn back time" sort of thing. It's getting something that's hers by right, more or less, out of the hands of those who took it away.

>>1866600
I think there's also a measure of wanting to undo what she sees as a desecration by the current inhabitants.

>>1866299
This. There's no way Rook can win against the (Zoe/Rachel/Rachel's) cult team, even with his new motley.

>>1866087
> Then he will have to change.

Simple solution. Difficult execution.

>>1867069
>Difficult execution.
Better than assisted suicide by going up against Rachael Reeds. Unless you involve privateers or Rachael's Keeper.

>>1867401
Well, there's ways to do that. You can't stop the river from running; but you can change the course - give him something else to gun for that satisfies his desires /enough/. There are other opportunties for him to do what he wants; than the one that involves going up against lifelong enemies.

>>1867456
If he wants power, maybe he can claim Thomas' the Crow's position. Maybe even become Hedge Ranger commander for both Winter and Autumn.

>>1867675
we could point him towards philly

>>1867688
...I have to know what your logic for this is.

>>1867766
well, there hasn't been much info shared about the state of Philidelphia's fall court, but it seems like summer is in ascendant and the hound tribunal is kind of edging into autumn's "Reign of fear" territory

The rook wants power but this town ain't big enough for three competing people in autumn. Philly could use a revolution

Also called, writing. The sentiment of the write-ins is close enough to the option they tied with for me to combine 'em.

>>1867818
I don't really see the tie? Weren't most responses

> I can't let that happen. There are others involved

>>1867845
I'd grouped >>1866299 >>1866612 >>1867069
together as being essentially the same write-in.

NEW THREAD

>>1867883
>>1867883
>>1867883
>>1867883