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File: KitS OP.png (895 KB, 850x600)
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>Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Kingdoms%20in%20the%20Stars
>Twitter: https://twitter.com/bookerman32
>Combat Rules: https://pastebin.com/efKVVsFb
>Quest Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJgzvAYgb4Q

The day humanity took to the stars was a day of hope. The Earth had become inhospitable, and it was time to find a new planet to reside. We rallied behind a man who had opened up the universe to us, a new Emperor to lead humanity into the vast expanse of space. All possibilities were opened that day. The stars didn't look any bigger, but instead looked so much brighter. With countless fleets at our side, and a desire in our heart, we held hands and took that first step together into the great unknown. All of humanities petty squabbles had come to an end. Now, we were one force with one common goal. Home. The day that will live on in every history book.

Centuries have passed, and that peace lives only in history. The last Emperor is gone, and the search for a fully habitable planet continues. The Unity of humanity is broken, torn apart by anger and differences in philosophy. Three main fleets served as the new banners, the new Kingdoms in the Stars.

Camelot, the regal and militaristic, rallied behind their Queen Julia Porter.

Athens, the diplomatic and innovative, rallied behind their President Apollo.

Shinto, the traditional and battle-hungry, rallied behind their Chieftain Sun Boros.

Unaffiliated ships are known as the Han. Most who choose to fly in the dangers of open space with no alliance to a fleet do so in control of the criminal underbelly of humanity, operating outside of man's law.

This is the future we have afforded ourselves. The stars appear larger than they did that day, but with time they have dulled.

>Previously on KitS
You defeated Bao Tao, and Marco approached you for one last confrontation with Shaman Tao.
>>
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>A brief history on Shaman Tao

Jue Tao was a man who always felt himself attuned to the world around him. Though he and his brothers grew up in poverty aboard a lower-class ship in Camelot, many of his peers described him as incredibly serene, even from his youth. It was inconceivable to the people aboard the Yellow Turban ship that an orphaned urchin, forced to raise his younger brothers from the age of twelve, aboard a ship were the people were bitter, cruel and violent, could put up with that responsibility, the lashings of angry drunks venting their frustrations on their lot on life, and to carry on with a serene smile on his face. Many believed that the boy must have been broken, had an illness of the mind, yet he seemed sound of judgment and common sense. He was simply... hopeful, in a galaxy where such a thing was considered unnatural.

Nothing is known of what happened to the parents of the brother's Tao. What is known is all they left behind for their sons. A hardback textbook on the old world philosophical principle of 'karma'. Those who knew him say the young Jue must have read that book well over a thousand times, back to back. His fascination with the concept of Karma ran deep, and it wasn't long before he took to sermoning the people of the ship. While his brothers had left in an attempt to claim fame and riches and other material things elsewhere... Jue stayed aboard the ship were he struggled to raise two boys not much younger than himself. A ship were he struggled to even find food and would often fast for a week just so that his brothers could eat... and some weeks they had no choice but to fast to. Jue believed he could turn the ship on the right path, and he began to speak on the streets.

Though his first few attempts left him beaten half to death, soon his gospel began to grow a following. His theory on the Way of Peace saw many following his words and believing in them. Jue became a Shaman to the common people, and soon earned the label of The Great Teacher among those on this ship who had begun to acclimate to his teachings and redeem themselves in order to follow the Way of Peace and to balance out the harmony within their haunted souls. Before long, the entire population of the Yellow Turban believed in Jue, and he was granted a new title... the General of Heaven. Before long, Tao was placing his hands above the heads of men who had laid their hands on him, physically and abusively since he was a child, and forgiving them of their past actions while they dedicated their lives to his peaceful teachings. He knew that these men were not evil in their hearts, but they were turned on a path of anger and bitterness by those of a higher status. Corruption, greed and violence throughout the galaxy, and it was the common folk who suffered the most.
>>
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Jue Tao spent many years as a Shaman and leader to the people aboard the ship. When his brothers returned to him disparate and creditless, he welcomed them in with open arms, like a kindly shepherd. Bao and Liang Tao, forever grateful for their brother's kindness, joined him in preaching the ways of peace. Soon, Bao was labelled the General of the Land and Liang labelled the General of the People. Years passed, and the Tao's following only grew.

Then, on the night of his thirtieth birthday, The Great Teacher was visited by a most peculiar dream. In his dream, he was visited by an old man with a youthful countenance, carrying a fat-hen walking stick. The man beckoned Jue, and presented him with a book in three volumes which he claimed came from the heavens. The book was titled The Essential Art of Great Peace, and it foretold of a deadly future for the galaxy. Death, war, destruction, poverty, famine... the future of humanity was bleak. Humanity would surely fall to it's own devices without Jue's interference. The old man told Jue that he must act now. He must study this book and all the predictions within, and he must prevent the future before him. Jue awoke, not thinking much of the odd dream, but for every night since, he would have the same dream time and time again, the book within his dreams memorised front to back.

And so, Jue took to the streets, a new mission at hand. To simply preach and to speak was not enough... no, in order to prevent the future that lay before him and the people, Shaman Tao would need to act.

>Present Day

“What the hell do you mean?” you yell at Marco. “How can your biochip just... not work? You mean it rejected you?”

Marco shakes his head. “No, my body did not reject the biochip. It accepted it fully into me... but you see, it never did a thing.”

“How? What's it supposed to do?”

“I don't know,” Marco replies. “It was an experimental chip, you see. Nobody knew for certain what it would do. Turns out the chip has no power at all.”

You sigh. “So, we're walking up to the leader of this entire rebellion, while I'm packed with some plants and you have nothing?”

Marco nods. “Again, I'm not hoping for a fight. I'm hoping for a peaceful resolution... but cousin, I have a question to ask you.”

“What's that?”

Marco turns his head to you. “You don't seem to have any faith in my plan... yet you're still following me. Why is that?”

>I don't know... I just feel like I should.
>You're family, I guess. Family help eachother.
>I gotta take out Shaman Tao. I'll let you try to talk things out first, but it won't work.
>>
>>3088579
>I gotta take out Shaman Tao. I'll let you try to talk things out first, but it won't work.
>>
>>3088579
>>You're family, I guess. Family help eachother.
>>
>>3088579
>>You're family, I guess. Family help each other.

Whether that's backing you in your attempts or trying to drag you away from a stupid idea depends.
>>
Calling for
>You're family, I guess. Family help each other.

Writing now.
>>
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>You're family, I guess. Family help each other.

Marco looks to you and smiles. "I suppose you're right, Matt... I'll be sure to return the favour for you one day."

With that, you follow close behind Marco as the two of you trawl through the backstreets, moving to the upper levels while avoiding all of the fighting. You look out from your vantage point at the warzone below, as you see absolute pandemonium. You can spot Achilles Evergarden tearing through swathes of rebels, as well as Kingpin Dong's secret weapon LB standing atop a mountain of bodies, covered in blood, simply awaiting for others to approach him. You also see Kilroy taking out large clusters of enemies with his Black Mass ability, leaving no trace of them ever having existed. You have to imagine that those three have the highest kill count in this battle... and yet the numbers of the Yellow Turbans won't let up. There's just so many of them.

"This way," Marco pulls you to the left. "From the information I've received from my scouts, Shaman Tao is holed up over here, where he was making his speech earlier."

The two of you step through a pair of doors as you step into a large conference room aboard the ship. And... there he is. Just sitting there, cross-legged and reading to himself.

"Careful..." you mutter to Marco. "There's probably some hidden-"

"Do not be concerned," Tao interrupts. "I am not guarded."

You and Marco look to each-other, both suspicious. It can't be that simple, right? There's no way this important leader would just stand behind an unlocked door in an easy to access floor with no security... right? Unless he's incredibly confident in himself.

Regardless, Marco looks forward with determination and steps towards the Yellow Turban leader. You follow in turn as Shaman Tao speaks again, reading from his book.

"Now as a man is like this or like that, according as he acts and according as he behaves, so will he be; a man of good acts will become good, a man of bad acts, bad; he becomes pure by pure deeds, bad by bad deeds; And here they say that a person consists of desires,
and as is his desire, so is his will; and as is his will, so is his deed; and whatever deed he does, that he will reap."

What the hell is he talking about?

Tao closes the book as he looks up. "Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, some writings from the old world. I'm sure you're familiar with the basic principles and concepts of Karma, correct? And old world philosophy, but you strike me as an intellectual, Mr. Shao."

"I've read up on it, yes..." Marco replies.

"And what of your friend?" Shaman Tao asks, looking to you. "Are you versed on the spiritual principle of cause and effect?"

>A little... do good things, good things happen. Or something like that, right?
>It's all gibberish to me.
>Yeah, but what the hell does it have to do with anything?
>>
>>3088606
>>A little... do good things, good things happen. Or something like that, right?

I imagine the basic idea of 'reap what you sow' is pretty universal no matter your upbringing.
>>
>A little... do good things, good things happen. Or something like that, right?
>>
>>3088606
>>A little... do good things, good things happen. Or something like that, right?
>>
Calling for
>A little... do good things, good things happen. Or something like that, right?

Writing now.
>>
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>A little... do good things, good things happen. Or something like that, right?

"Yes... something like that," Tao replies. "To hope for a good life, you must too ensure that your actions reflect that. And that is why I didn't lock the door before me."

"Huh?"

Shaman Tao stands up and tosses the book to Marco who catches it. "I am utterly confident in the goodness and the purity of my actions, and therefore I know that the universe sides with me! Marco Shao, I know you to be a good man, but I'm afraid you will not be able to pull me from my path of righteousness. And unfortunately... in the vision of the future I have seen, you are just as complicit as the others in this dark fate... which means you stand in my path. And so... I was faced with a moral dilemma. Should a good man come to harm for the greater good of the people?"

Marco shakes his head. "Listen to me, Jue Tao. I, Marco Shao, live my life in the service of the people. You and I have much in common, and so I know we can talk this out..."

"No, we can't," Tao replies, as he takes a step forward, finding a holorecorder and pressing play on it. "We could use some music in here, bring some levity to the situation. Here's some classic old-world music, my dear departed brother Liang recommended it to me."

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

Shaman Tao continues. "Allow me to be honest. I do not wish to deceive, so I will tell you of my ability right away. My Biochip... DYNAMITE KID."

Name: Shaman Tao
Biochip Class: DYNAMITE KID

Shaman Tao's Biochip allows him to supercharge any object he touches, causing it to explode upon his command.

POWER: A
SPEED: B
DURABILITY: B
PRECISION: B
RANGE: D
POTENTIAL: B

You pause. "I figured it would be something like that... wait, any object you..."

You look to Marco, the book still in his hand. "MARCO, THE BOOK!"

Click.

Marco throws the book aside, but not far enough for the both of you to be caught in the blast. You both fly back, your skin charred, but as you look to Marco you see that the both of you manage to survive. That first explosion may have simply been a warning.

"I hope you understand the gravity of the situation," Shaman Tao explains. "This gives me no pleasure. It truly doesn't. But to see a peaceful future, your death must be guaranteed. The Shao family line must die."

>Then you should be coming after me... I'm a Shao too.
>Take out your blaster and fire at Tao
>But why? How could Marco possibly cause a dark future?
>>
>>3088653
>>Take out your blaster and fire at Tao
KILLER QUEEN
>>
>>3088653
>>Take out your blaster and fire at Tao
DAMN YOU FOR TRYING TO KILL US TO THE SOOTHING SOUNDS OF SUCH A BOP
>>
>>3088653
>>Take out your blaster and fire at Tao
Negotiations are over, time to blast him.
>>
>>3088653
>Take out your blaster and fire at Tao

>>3088655
DAI ICHI NO BAKUDAN
>>
>>3088653
>Take out your blaster and fire at Tao
Just remember guys, we can't let him use bites za dusto.
>>
Calling for
>Take out your blaster and fire at Tao

Roll 1d20, Best of 3.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3088673
Hope he inherited some Kaz' sharpshooting genes.
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>3088673
MY GOD HE HAD A BOOK OF SERMONS IN HIS POCKET
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>3088673
>>
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>18 [DEFINITE SUCCESS]

You don't waste time in talking. You quickly whip out your blaster and fire at Shaman Tao. Your firing is panicked and erratic, but you still manage to catch the Yellow Turban leader in the shoulder and the leg, as he falls back behind the podium.

Quickly you move to Marco's side, as you see blood trickling down his head after the earlier explosion. He may be woozy. "Dammit..." you mutter, as you look to your side and see a roll of bandages in the back of the room. While Tao is down, you can-"

Marco quickly grabs your wrist as you reach out to the bandages, stopping you. "No... think about it. Likely everything in this room is rigged to explode. It's why... he didn't need guards. We... need to get out of here."

You look to the end of the room, where you see Shaman Tao picking himself up off the ground. You have to move quick, as you pick up Marco. You sling his arm around yours, but he assures you he can move on his own strength. The two of you run out the door and into the nearby corridor, as Tao is no doubt ready to give chase.

"Now what?" you ask Marco as the two of you begin to run.

"I don't know..." Marco mutters. "I've never been great at coming up with plans. We... we have to lure him away from any people, at least. I don't want his ability to cause any more bloodshed, least of all when he's aiming for us."

"Yeah, just think of the damage he could do in the middle of battle..." you mutter.

"I think we should make our way to the upper floors of the ship," Marco explains. "The higher we go up, the less people there will be, the less possible casualties. Right now we just have to keep moving until we find a way to trap him. Thoughts?"

>You're right. Let's look for the nearest elevator and start moving up.
>Actually, moving to lower ground might be to our advantage. He might not want to risk hurting his men with his ability.
>>
>>3088693
>>You're right. Let's look for the nearest elevator and start moving up.
Tao has already establsihed himself as the for the greater good type, He would hesistate but im sure he would risk his own men in order to save the future
>>
>>3088693
>>You're right. Let's look for the nearest elevator and start moving up.
For him his grunts are probably necessary sacrifices for peace.
>>
>>3088693
>You're right. Let's look for the nearest elevator and start moving up.
I forgot where we are. On a ship? either way, his explosions might possibly also crash the ceiling
>>
>>3088693
>>You're right. Let's look for the nearest elevator and start moving up.

Like others are saying, Marco's got the right of it so far. Although

>If there's stairs, use those instead.

Elevators can be death traps.
>>
>>3088703
Ooooh nice i'll change to this
>>
Calling for
>You're right. Let's look for the nearest elevator and start moving up.

Writing now.
>>
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>You're right. Let's look for the nearest elevator and start moving up.

Marco nods. "Right, let's get moving. Perhaps it would be safer for us to use the magnet line and-"

You shake your head. "Nope, already trashed that one."

"I'm sorry?"

"Long story, but elevator's are the only way up. Unless they've got a stairway on this ship... which I doubt."

The two of you hop into the nearest elevator, as you see Shaman Tao limping down the corridor after you, giving chase. You fire at him a couple of times as you wait for the door to close, but he's able to dodge your shots. The door to the elevator closes as you and Marco feeling yourselves being pulled up.

"Okay, he'll still be on the chase for us," Marco explains. "He'll like be getting the next elevator up. Right now, we need to come up with a strategy to defeat him."

You sigh. "Being able to make anything he touches explode is ridiculously powerful. Actually finding a counter for that is near impossible. Certainly isn't anything I can do with these plants..."

"You shouldn't rely to strongly on your biochip," Marco explains. "You'll become dependant. Frankly Matt, you're an incredibly intelligent man, even without the gift that you have been given. I'm certain that if we put our heads together, we can-"

Marco is interrupted by the elevator coming to a grinding halt. "What the..."

That grinding halt soon turns into a sharp descent, as you hear the bone-cringing noise of the metal elevator scraping against the walls of the tract as it falls. "That bastard... he must have reached in and touched the pulley," you realise, "And just took the whole thing out. We're in for a nasty landing."

"No!" Marco exclaims. "We are not going to die in this box. Matt, your power is more than simply just summoning plant-life. You have your brains to apply that gift in any way. You know what you can do, now do it!"

Damn, Marco is passionate. No wonder he's such a leader. But he's right, you do know what you have to do to get out of this situation...

>Fill the edges of the elevator with foliage to cushion the landing from inside.
>Send your vines out to become a makeshift pulley, causing an emergency stop.
>>
>>3088769
>>Send your vines out to become a makeshift pulley, causing an emergency stop.
AAAAAAAAA
>>
>>3088769
>>Send your vines out to become a makeshift pulley, causing an emergency stop.

Might be prudent to see what we can do beyond that.
>>
>>3088769
>Send your vines out to become a makeshift pulley, causing an emergency stop.
>>
Despite what I voted for, I'm worried he can just bomb #1 the vines as well. We'll have to move fast once we're stopped.
>>
Calling for
>Send your vines out to become a makeshift pulley, causing an emergency stop.

Roll 1d20, BO3.
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>3088789
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3088789
AAAAAAAAAAA
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3088789
Screeeeeech. Or something.
>>
>>3088811
Fucking hell.
>>
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>14 [MODERATE SUCCESS]

You summon your vines from your arm, and as Marco pries open the door, you spread them through the elevator shaft, looping around and forming a makeshift pulley. The screeching fall of the elevator begins to slow as you pull down, until it comes to a final, eventual stop. You breath a sigh of relief, but continue to strain under the weight of holding up the elevator. Even with the leverage on your side, it's taking a lot out of you.

"This can't hold on forever..." you mutter. "I'll pull us to the next floor up, but then we gotta leap through as fast as possible."

With Marco's assistance, you pull on the vines, raising you up until you find the next opening in the shift. "Okay... on three. One... two... three!"

You and Marco leap through the opening onto the next floor at the same time, landing just as the elevator comes crashing down once more.

"That was close..." Marco mutters. "But I have no doubt that Shaman Tao is keeping track of our location. He runs this ship, he likely has someone in a security room keeping tabs on us and feeding information back."

"Even more likely, he's prepared for us..." you note. "Anything on this floor could be a trap... anything on this ship could be a trap."

Marco nods. "A difficult situation indeed. But what do you propose we do?"

You pause, thinking it over. "You run and get help, I'll hold him off."

"What?"

"You heard me," you reply. "You get to safety, and I'll take care of him. Find Kilroy, he'll be able to help, I'm sure. Or Connery, or Crooks, or any of the generals."

"Matt, don't speak like that!" Marco yells. "I can't leave you behind! You'll be killed!"

"And you'll be able to change that?" you fire back. "With your biochip that doesn't work? Give me a break. If you really want to be honourable, you can get someone who can actually do something."

Marco pauses. "Matt... It's honourable that you're willing to sacrifice yourself to hold Tao off, but I can't allow that. Family helps family, remember? I won't be leaving your side while you're in danger."

>Your help means nothing to me. Run and find some real help.
>Dammit... you really are stubborn, you know? Go ahead and stay, I can't convince you otherwise.
>>
>>3088836
>>Your help would get you killed, and that would destroy everything you've been working for!
>>
>>3088836
>Dammit... you really are stubborn, you know? Go ahead and stay, I can't convince you otherwise.
>>
>>3088836
>Your help means nothing to me. Run and find some real help.
For fuck sake Marco, go and get us some fucking help from someone who can actually beat Tao, we're barely holding on here.
>>
>>3088836
>Being able to get help WOULD be helping! GO!
>>
Rolled 1 (1d4)

>>3088838
>Your help would get you killed, and that would destroy everything you've been working for!

>>3088840
>Dammit... you really are stubborn, you know? Go ahead and stay, I can't convince you otherwise.

>>3088845
>Your help means nothing to me. Run and find some real help.

>>3088857
>Being able to get help WOULD be helping! GO!


Rolling to break the tie.
>>
Calling for
>Your help would get you killed, and that would destroy everything you've been working for!

Slight break to grab something to eat, then will be back to writing, stay tuned.
>>
>>3088836
>Being able to get help WOULD be helping! GO
Is it too late to break the tie?
>>
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>Your help would get you killed, and that would destroy everything you've been working for!

Marco pauses, before shaking his head in dismay. "You're right... I'm completely useless in this situation. Staying here will only get me killed. The only way I can provide assistance is to get back-up. Very well, cousin... I will go. Until then, promise me you'll stay safe."

"Sure, I promise," you reply. But you don't fully believe that. It's incredibly likely that you'll be killed here. You might as well feel like a hero knowing you sent Marco to safety. "Now go."

Marco nods and runs off, looking to find assistance on a lower floor. You take a deep breath as you turn around... only to spot Shaman Tao rounding the corner at the end of another corridor. "I see you would stand between myself and Marco Shao."

You nod. "Well, I guess your predictions didn't warn about me."

"Likely because you're destined to be a non-factor," Tao coldly replies. "I do not want to kill a young man such as yourself."

"Why not?" you taunt him. "I killed your brother Liang, you know."

Tao stares at you, a slight twitch in his eye. That certainly set him off, but it looks like he's able to contain any rage. "I understand that you're attempting to get a rise out of me. But I will not hold a grudge against you for what you had to do in the midst of battle. I am a man of peace and forgiveness. But right now... you stand between myself and Marco Shao, and that cannot be allowed. Step aside, and I promise you will not come to harm."

You smirk. "Go to hell. I'm not moving anywhere."

Shaman Tao shakes his head, a look of sheer disappointment on his face. "Very well, I'm left with no choice..."

Tao reaches into his robes and pulls out a pair of weighted metal orbs, charging them up with the tips of his fingers. He's ready to throw them at you and use them as bombs... you've got to think fast to overcome him.

>Create a net with your plants that will launch the orbs back at him.
>Avoid the throw and fire on him with your blaster.
>>
>>3088886
>>Create a net with your plants that will launch the orbs back at him.
THE OLD PLANT BOOMERANG NET TECHNIQUE
>>
>>3088886
>Create a net with your plants that will launch the orbs back at him
What goes around comes around.
>>
>>3088886
>Create a net with your plants that will launch the orbs back at him.
>>
>>3088886
>Create a net with your plants that will launch the orbs back at him.
>>
Calling for
>Create a net with your plants that will launch the orbs back at him.

Roll 1d20, best of 3.
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>3088915
BOOM
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3088915
Let’s hope all those Space Mario Tennis games taught him something.
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3088915
>>
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>14 [MODERATE SUCCESS]

Tao launches the orbs in your direction, as you prepare yourself with your ability. "WONDER OF THE WORLD!" you exclaim as plants spring from you body, spreading out into a net before you. The orbs hit the net and launch back towards Tao as they're ready to explode. Tao leaps out of the way as the orbs combust, exploding as they hit the ground. You breath a sigh of relief that you managed to escape that one... until the floor crumbles and gives way beneath you and Tao as you stand in the hallway. You fall down to a lower floor, cracking your back on impact. You cough up some blood on reflex, as you start to crawl back. Tao fell pretty badly as well, seemingly hurting his ankle.

You pick yourself up and begin to move, but as you do, you notice another figure rounding the corner to help Shaman Tao to his feet... a familiar face indeed.

"Brother!" Bao Tao mutters as he helps the Shaman up. "In the chaos I was able to escape captivity, and I rushed to your side... you!"

Bao points at you with his eyes wide open. "This one is serious trouble, brother."

"He certainly is resourceful..." Jue Tao mutters. "You have earned my respect to have lasted this long. What's your name, boy?"

"Matt," you reply. "Matt Millar."

"Matt..." he pauses. "No, it can't be... it couldn't be. Well, Mr. Millar... I'm afraid this is the end of the line for you. With our abilities combined, there's no hope of escape for you."

Bao nods. "Indeed! My powers of magnetism combined with his explosive ability is an unstoppable combination!"

The Shaman takes another pair of orbs from his robe and charges them. Then... you notice yourself glowing with a red aura, as the orbs glow with green. Dammit... his powers of magnetism! The explosive orbs will be pulled towards you, and you towards them! Dammit! What the hell are you supposed to do now?!

>I need to pull myself out of Bao's range with my vines!
>I need to get between the brothers! They can't allow a blast that will take them out as well!
>>
>>3088955
>I need to pull myself out of Bao's range with my vines!
>>
>>3088955
>I need to get between the brothers! They can't allow a blast that will take them out as well!
>>
>>3088955
>>I need to pull myself out of Bao's range with my vines!
Tao is fucking crazy man I wouldn't put that shit past him
>>
Calling for
>I need to pull myself out of Bao's range with my vines!

Roll 1d20, BO3
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3088987
HOOKSHOT
>>
>>3088987
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>3088987
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>3088987
>>
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>17 [DEFINITE SUCCESS]

You've fought Bao before, you're not going to get caught up in his tricks again, even if his brother helps give his magnetism a more explosive twist. You summon your vines and wrap them around and upper rafter of the collapsed floor above. You pull yourself forward as you drag yourself away from the field of Bao's magnetic force, while the metal orbs still follow you. You eventually pull yourself up and a far enough distance away that the aura around you begins to dissipate, and the same happens for the orbs that were flung in your direction. No longer being attracted to you with magnetic force, the orbs still gain momentum as they fly through the air, whizzing past your ear with incredible speed. Just what you wanted, as now it's time to capitalise. The Tao brothers can't see you from this vantage point, and boy do you have a surprise for them.

Using your vines once more, you catch the orbs in a sling. Leaning your body back, you launch them forward again, like a expert sniper, back at the Tao brothers.

"What happened?" Jue Tao asks. "Did he escape?"

"I... I don't know..." Bao replies. "But it seems that he... BROTHER, LOOK OUT!"

Bao pushes his older brother out of the way, as the orbs come flying by... and they explode directly in Bao's face, taking him out. He... may not be getting up from that one again. Ever.

"Brother?" Shaman Tao mutters in horror, looking on at the destruction he was saved from. "BAO! NO, BAO!"

He's probably dead... you didn't really set out to kill anyone, but it's not like you had a choice. This is pure self-defence. Well, dead or no, you're now back to only one Tao brother to fight... but he's still the most powerful person you've faced, and you don't know how many more tricks you can pull. Not to mention that you've seriously pissed him off.

Shaman Tao stands up straight, somehow managing to keep his composure... but you see tears well up in his ideas. "I understand that casualties can happen in the heat of battle. I am a man of peace and forgiveness... but I am still a man! Matthew Millar, you do not take away a man's family and expect kinship in return!"
>>
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Shaman Tao pulls out another book from his robe as he speaks into a communicator. Likely getting into contact with his man operating the ship's security as you suspected.

"Put on full air flow on this floor," he explains. Air flow? What the hell could he be...

Suddenly, the floor above and below you is flushed with a heavy current of air... like you're standing in a wind turbine. The settings go this high? Then Tao supercharges the book and tosses it into the direct flow... as the book tears up and breaks into hundreds and thousands of individual pages broken up, as each piece of paper floats around the room and drifts above you. Oh no...

Click.

You can only shield yourself so much by coating yourself in plants and bark as every explodes around you, collapsing into a heap. You fall from your vantage point, and probably a couple floors more. You're not sure. All you're focused on is the fact that you're somehow still alive, but barely. You seem to be buried in rubble as you dig and crawl your way out from beneath it. You cough up blood, as you notice more blood draining down your left arm, and from your forehead. Definitely a cracked skull, definitely some major lacerations. You're lucky you didn't lose any limbs in that blast, let alone die. But as you look up and see Shaman Tao standing before you, you figure you shouldn't be rejoicing. Death is still here.

"Tenacious," Shaman Tao notes. "You have a lot of resilience for your stature. Or perhaps it's sheer power of will that keeps you going. You look to me like a survivor, one of the poor and neglected forced to fend for themselves. You're exactly the kind of person I was fighting for, fighting to grant a good future to a young man like you... and that only serves to make this more painful. Do you have any last words, Matthew Millar?"

>I'm sorry about what happened to your brothers, I really am. It's not too late to talk this out.
>Screw you, you blowhard.
>Is this the peace you wanted? Seems pretty twisted to me.
>... I've got nothing. Just blow me up already.
>>
>>3089056
>>Screw you, you blowhard.
>>Go for a swing with your vines
>>
>>3089056
>"I really hope that book wasn't a rental."
>>
>>3089056
>The kind of person you were fighting for...and you're about to kill me, huh? Guess you're one hell of a joker.
>>
>>3089056
>You start violence, feel the consequences of your actions and then get angry about it. Pathetic
>>
>>3089074
Supporting.

Also fucking rip the only thing he ever got from his parents.
>>
Calling for
>The kind of person you were fighting for...and you're about to kill me, huh? Guess you're one hell of a joker.

Writing now.
>>
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>The kind of person you were fighting for...and you're about to kill me, huh? Guess you're one hell of a joker.

"I understand the irony of the situation," Shaman Tao mutters sadly. "But ultimately you stand in the way of a peaceful future for the people. I never expected I would have such trouble with someone as unassuming as yourself... but if I have to kill you on the path to the Way of Peace... then I'm afraid I have no choice. Please forgive me, Matthew Millar."

You close your eyes as Shaman Tao's hand reaches down. You've got no energy left... this is it. Why did you have to pick a fight with the leader of a rebellion? Why couldn't you just walk away, tell that rich idealistic fool that he should handle it himself? It wasn't any of your business. Just because he's part of a family that dumped you when you were a baby? Some parents you never knew? Dammit... Crooks is probably wondering where you are right now. You hope he's okay... he's about to lose a son. You suppose the bright spot is that if you explode, he won't have to see your dead body. You don't want to put him through that. It begins to set in that you're not going to see him again. Krista either. Or Dot... or Archie. Hell, you're gonna miss that weird cousin of yours. You suppose you could die satisfied knowing you bought him some time to get to safety. That's... something heroes do right? This is a hero's death, good for you. Better than dying out in a ditch... you feel his hand come closer, ready to press down...

"NO!"

You open your eyes, as you see Shaman Tao blasted... with a stream of water? What the?
>>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gjg3Ib-y54

You look to the side and you see Marco standing before you, looking confident. He was the source of the water... but he doesn't have any power, right?

"Marco Shao..." Tao mutters. "You returned."

"Why did you do that?!" you shout. "I told you to go!"

Marco looks ahead with an intense, determined look, cutting right through with an authoritative voice. "Listen now, Matt! This is the lecture I'll be giving you! I did not return simply for your sake! While I care for your safety, a sudden realisation came over me! I refuse to be useless in my quests for true peace in this universe! I must lead those forward, and I must be willing to fight and put my own life on the line to protect the people! And coming to that realisation awakened a whole new side of me!"

"A whole new..." you mutter. "You mean..."

"That's right," Marco replies, a smile of pride forming on his face. He picks up a flower you must have summoned in the chaos out of instinct and admires it as he speaks. "My Biochip."

Name: Marco Shao
Biochip Class: RAINMAKER

Marco Shao's Biochip ability allows him jets and streams of water from his body, as well as bubbles. The water he produces can be further controlled by Marco, including it's heat and other properties.

POWER: C
SPEED: B
DURABILITY: C
PRECISION: B
RANGE: C
POTENTIAL: A

Shaman Tao looks to Marco. "No matter... simple water will not be able to stop me."

Tao throws out a few more supercharged orbs, as Marco simply unleashes some bubbles. "I noticed something about the process of your explosions," Marco states. "They rely on the process of combustion. Therefore, if I coat the fuel for this combustion in a retardant, it helps protect it from the heat... not that I need to."

Shaman Tao takes a step back, worried. "You... you..."

"Matt, I could use your help," Marco notes. "He's still powerful."

>Right... let's attack him at the same time!
>I've already got it covered. I allowed my vines to sneak up behind him, now it's time to wrap him up!
>>
>>3089121
>>I've already got it covered. I allowed my vines to sneak up behind him, now it's time to wrap him up!
YEEEEEEEEEEE BOIIIIIIIIIIIIII
>>
>>3089121
>I've already got it covered. I allowed my vines to sneak up behind him, now it's time to wrap him up!
You activated my trap card.
>>
>>3089121
>Right... let's attack him at the same time!
>>
>>3089121
>I've already got it covered. I allowed my vines to sneak up behind him, now it's time to wrap him up!
>>
Calling for
>I've already got it covered. I allowed my vines to sneak up behind him, now it's time to wrap him up!

Roll 1d20, BO3.
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>3089153
BIG FINISHER
>>
>>3089121
>I've already got it covered. I allowed my vines to sneak up behind him, now it's time to wrap him up!
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3089153
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3089153
>>
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>14 [MODERATE SUCCESS]

As Shaman Tao takes a step back, he plants his foot right were you want it. You pull on your carefully placed vine trap as it shoots up, wrapping around the Shaman and constricting him tight. Tao falls to his knees in utter defeat, as Marco approaches him. "The battle is over, Jue. You have lost. The Yellow Turban rebellion is at an end."

"It seems that way, doesn't it..." he mutters. "Forgive me... I have failed my people. I had hoped to lead them into a brighter future... but all I did was cause more bloodshed. For nothing. I lost my family..."

Marco lets out a sigh, showing great empathy towards the man. "I understand, Jue. Like you, I want only what is best for the people..." Marco moves towards him hunkering down before Jue Tao. "And I can understand why you would take the actions you did in the hopes of ensuring a greater peace down the line. But I'm afraid the path you walked was not the correct one. I still don't understand why you targeted myself and the others. Why do I particularly need to die? What... what horrors of the future have you seen that I would cause?"

"Probably just some delirious dreams," you point out. "You don't have to give this guy any credit, Marco."

"I wish to hear him out," Marco explains.

Tao shakes his head. "Listen. It is not your actions that set into motion the coming great war... but rather actions done to you."

"What do you mean?" Marco asks.

"The inevitable has only been delayed," he explains. "You are destined to die, Marco Shao. There is nothing you can do about it. You will be killed in the near future. I had hoped that it be by my hand, in order to unite the people against a common enemy. Instead... you will die at the hands of one of them."

Marco raises an eyebrow confused. "I don't understand? Who have you seen kill me?"

"No..." Tao mutters. "It's not too late... I still have to try. I'm sorry, Marco... you truly are a good man, and if I fail, I hope that you will carry on the way of peace. But I have to try... you understand, right?"

"He's supercharging himself!" you shout. "Move!"

You leap forward and pull Marco out of the way, as Shaman Tao uses his own abilities on himself, causing himself to explode. Luckily, you pull Marco out of the range of the blast just in time.

"He... gave his life in one last attempt to see peace," Marco mutters, dusting himself off. "He... truly believed in his words."

>He didn't have anything left. It was one last ditch effort.
>He may have been crazy, but I guess he wasn't a liar. I kinda respect how committed he was.
>Just cause he believed it doesn't mean his kooky visions are true. Ignore them.
>>
>>3089195
>>He truly desired peace, not power, I guess there's something to respect about that.
>>
>>3089195
>He may have been crazy, but I guess he wasn't a liar. Wish he would have figured another way, though.
>>
>>3089195
>He didn't have anything left. It was one last ditch effort
Nothing is scarier than a man who has lost everything.
>>
>>3089195
>He didn't have anything left. It was one last ditch effort.
>>
Calling for
>He didn't have anything left. It was one last ditch effort.

Writing now.
>>
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>He didn't have anything left. It was one last ditch effort.

"Yes..." Marco mutters. "One last desperate act of a man who lost everything. I feel a heavy sorrow in my heart for him."

"I'm not surprised..." you mutter, as you check on the lacerations on your arm. You're definitely losing blood at an alarming rate. "Thanks, Marco. You're a good man."

"Family helps family," Marco smiles, as he throws your arm over his shoulder. "Now come, if I don't get you to a medic soon you could die. I'm sure you don't want to think about it, but the top of your head is a gruesome sight."

Word of Shaman Tao's defeat travels fast across the battlefield, as the Yellow Turbans begin surrendering in droves. Marco drags you towards Dot who is quick to use her White Angel to begin healing you and putting your body back into place before you fully lose consciousness. Everything is dulled, but you can hear a worried Crooks get heated with Marco while Krista dotes over you.

When you come to, you're sitting on a gurney in the aftermath of battle.

"He's awake!" Krista exclaims with delight.

"Good to see you up!" a cheerful Archie smiles. "We were just about to hop back onto Maribelle and get off this thing."

"And I will be returning to the NOAH with my crew," Marco notes, his arm around Dot's shoulder. "I'm grateful for the time I could spend with all of you, but it is about time I returned to my regular duties. Always remember that you are all welcome guests aboard the NOAH, anytime."

You nod. "We'll be sure to visit you and Dot often."

Dot squirms a little. "Well, about that..."

"The next few weeks will be nothing but paperwork for me," Marco explains. "Not just after this battle, but after neglecting two weeks of the stuff while aboard the Maribelle. So I'm in store for many, many late nights spend in a bureaucrats office."

"And we both agreed that me waiting around a big empty home on the Maribelle was terribly boring for the both of us," Dot explains. "We figured it would at the very least save Connery the headache of catering to me if I just... spend the next few weeks travelling with you guys again."

>Right... and what does Crooks have to say about this?
>Well, that's a no-brainer. We can't go very far without our doctor.
>It's gonna be so freakin' crowded on that ship...
>>
>>3089261
>>Well, that's a no-brainer. We can't go very far without our doctor.
>>It's gonna be so freakin' crowded on that ship...
>>
>>3089261
>It's gonna be so freakin' crowded on that ship...
More Archie big spooning Matt in the morning.
>>
>>3089261
>Right... and what does Crooks have to say about this?
>>
Calling for
>It's gonna be so freakin' crowded on that ship...

Writing now.
>>
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>It's gonna be so freakin' crowded on that ship...

"Hey, at least your bed won't have three people stuffed into it!" Dot jokes.

"That's true, I guess-"

"Now you only have to share with Archie."

"... Right."

With some assistance from Archie, you make your way back to the Maribelle in the harbour. Marco bids you all a temporary farewell, as you see Kingpin Dong being escorted by his guards towards his own ship. LB after battle looks... terrifying. Dong smirks as he looks over to Marco. "I'll be sure to collect my gifts in due time!" the pig yells. "You must be eternally grateful! I'll be seeing you, very soon!"

Marco grimaces as he turns to Dot and gives her a farewell kiss, causing Archie to look away in embarrassment. "Geez, get a room..." he playfully mutters with a nervous laugh. You shake your head as you turn to the Maribelle. You're boarding the ship when you see an all too familiar woman in green rushing towards you.

"Hold it!" Metis exclaims, trying to power walk as quickly as she can't, looking a little ridiculous in the process. "Wait right there! I have it on authority to apprehend that man right there! He is a thief of a very important item, and he must be brought to justice!"

Marco and his men block the path of Metis as he waves you onboard, giving Metis a confused stare. "I'm sorry, who are you talking about?"

"You know full well!" Metis notes. "Him! The small one, who uses the plant biochip! Right there, he's getting on the ship."
>>
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"You'll have to be more specific."

"S-stop stalling!" Metis exclaims. "I am Metis, the head tactician of the Athens ship, and-"

"I'm sorry, but there's nobody behind me other than family. You must be very mistaken..."

You and the crew hop aboard the Maribelle as Crooks hurries to the cockpit and punches in the controls, blasting you all out of the harbour.

"Are we on the run from the law again?" Krista asks. "It wasn't something I did this time, was it?"

"Nah, we're out of her jurisdiction," you explain. "So we're really on the run from vigilante justice."

As you travel, Crooks notes a small ship that has been on your tail for a while. "Yeah, that's Metis' personal ship," Archie explains. "Only carries one. I guess you really ticked her off, Matt. She's leaving her station just to follow us."

"I'm not in the mood to piss off the most important people in the galaxy again," Dot points out. "Wouldn't it be more polite to just invite her onboard and talk it out?"

"Yeah, it would," Crooks agrees, as her speeds up.

You chuckle. "Let her follow us for now, this is fun. Besides, we're riding a high right now. We aren't stopping for anyone."

"So... where too next?" Krista asks. "You know, there's this ship that has an artificial pool set-up, we could go for a swim! Doesn't that sound fun Matt-Matt!"

"I've got plenty of jobs lined up for us," Crooks explains. "But we can stop there too. Right now, the Galaxy's the limit."

Crooks is right. The Yellow Turban Rebellion is over. It's time to get back to some more relaxing business without that dark cloud hanging over your head.

After all, if what Tao said was right... this time won't last. Better to savour it for now.

END OF CHAPTER 14
>>
>>3089350
Ayyyy good run book

But dont you dare kill pure boy marco
>>
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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRcPA7Fzebw

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Kingdoms%20in%20the%20Stars

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/BookerMan

Thanks for playing! That concludes the Yellow Turban arc! Follow the Twitter for any updates on the next session!

>Player Question
What were your thoughts on Shaman Tao? And Marco's Biochip? And what comes next for the Maribelle crew?
>>
>>3089365
>>Player Question
Tao is definitely one of my favourite types of villains, the one who truly believes in what they say even to their own downfall, so of course I liked him in this. Marco's biochip was a bit of a deus ex, but it was set up so I can't really complain, as for whats next, probably some mini arcs with metis chasing us while we do small side stuff which eventually leads to the dong arc.
>>
>>3089350
TIME FOR THE BEACH EPISODE!

>>3089365
1. Good intentions, but horrible execution
2. He's a water bender. Good combo with our plants. Use a cactus and soak up all the water.
3. I expect lots of swimsuit mishaps.
>>
>>3089365
>Shaman Tao

Tragic villain. Also a dumbass blinded by his own hype. I don't feel all that sorry for him.

>Biochip
Expected, but cool!

>Crew
Swimsuits! Also hopefully some alone time with Krista...
>>
>>3089365
Marco's gonna fucking die by murder, one thing I've learned from basically every piece of medium ever is that the shitty prophecies always come true, only question is when. Also Shaman Tao quite literally blew up his own book over karma given to him by his parents as a weapon, which was also the only thing he had ever gotten from them. Sure, he's dead now so he won't feel any real regret over it, but if he had survived that woulda been a little sad, along with his dead bros.



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