>>3431273

It’s not much longer when you (now with a neat scarf to wrap around your head) begin hearing the shouting of men in combat- the bowmen did what they could, and now it’s up to the others. You, on the other hand, are at least going to peek and see how things are. You ARE technically clean-up, after all.

Sheer numbers seem to be winning the day here- that and surprise, obviously. A few of the human soldiers seem to be trying to surrender, while the Blackweb is nowhere to be seen- concerning in itself- and the Shaded elves have well fallen onto pikes already, the madness clearly overriding their sense of self-preservation. However, that aside, it seems to be a sea of bodies. The Prince is quick to note your arrival, standing behind the fighting as he is. “We’ve got them nearly dead, but the Blackweb Huntress retreated quickly and none of ours were able to hit her. Very worrying, and I’ve sent a couple to track her down.”

No kidding, wasn’t she supposed to be big?

>Told ‘em. Offer your tracking services for the next day or so.
>Well, they didn’t see you. Stay back and keep guard as planned.
>Other.

>>3431276
>Told ‘em. Offer your tracking services for the next day or so.
“Has she dropped or fired off anything? I have a way to track her by scent.”

Hey! Welcome back, boss! Doing alright?

>>3431276
>Told ‘em. Offer your tracking services for the next day or so.

>>3431316
WAS doing okay. Then my landlady told me she wasn't allowing me to extend my lease.

I'm in a bit of a pickle, so posting will be sporadic for a couple hours. I wanted to get something up, though, and will try to run late.

>>3431276
>Told ‘em. Offer your tracking services for the next day or so.
Maybe Gartoum could help us out

>>3431343
Jesus. Sorry to hear about that, boss...

>>3431276
>Told ‘em. Offer your tracking services for the next day or so.

>>3431343
Wow, sorry to hear that. Looking for a new place to live is always a pain. Do you at least have time before you have to leave?

>>3431629
Couplea weeks.

Also writing.

>>3431276
>>3431316
>>3431328
>>3431357
>>3431629
Tried to tell them. Now look what happened. A slight sigh is all you let out, though. Don’t want them thinking you’re getting too fed up or anything. “Well, if you want help tracking her down- and all things considered you probably should- then I can help. I have ways to track her if she’s anything even remotely special.” And technically even if not, but that’s not something he needs to bother with knowing the hows.

Fortunately, he seems to think about it this time, mulling to himself for a few moments before nodding. “Very well. I suppose it was my folly that allowed her to have the opportunity to escape, so I won’t make that mistake again. If you can find her, please do. She may have some distance on us already. She was last seen heading that direction.” He points out towards cardinal west; deeper into the...well, ‘woods’ isn’t exactly an apt term- more like dead and dying tree forest.

“On it,” is all you say before leaping off the path into the massively uneven terrain. You’re still coming off a mountain, so there’s plenty of crevasses and rocky outcroppings and hills for anyone being pursued to hide around or under. You’re going to have to be very careful for how you approach this…

A quick sniff here and there...hmmm. Nothing particular. Might just be other scouts or rangers...but there’s something at least. A couple somethings.

>Roll 1d20, best of 3.

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>3431923
Here goes.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>3431923

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3431923

...
meh.

Writing!

>>3431923
>>3431930
>>3431934
>>3431952
About an hour later, you have to resist groaning to yourself. Whatever those ‘somethings’ were, they never got stronger, or anything else that would make you think that they’re anything remotely Blackweb. One of the scents you followed was another scout, as you’d thought it might be. They quickly informed you that they’d seen nothing in there area, which at least narrowed things down, but…

Damnit. Did they get away? You might just be on a goose chase at this point. You doubt they’re faster than you outright, but with the headstart they’d gotten, plus this terrain...it’s harder than you’d like. There must be some way to try and get a better overview of the surrounding area…
Well, you could take to the air, but that’d give you away to the escapee most likely, and it still wouldn’t be a guarantee of anything.

Gartoum might be able to do something as well, but...it’s Gartoum. You might be able to keep him under heel to an extent, but you’re still not entirely certain about him. He might have a bit of ‘fun’ before he tells you where she is- IF he finds them in the first place.

>Gah, might as well call it off. The delay in marching will get too much if you keep on like this. You’re going to have to be extra careful in the coming days.
>Well, taking to the air might let you spot them, true. Anyone else within a certain distance as well, if you’re unlucky.
>Gartoum probably, SADLY, is your best bet at this point. You’re just going to have to be sure to be direct with him.
>Ngh...you can spare a bit more time searching. There’s no possible way she’s gotten far enough to evade you entirely, and there are still scents on the wind.
>Other

>>3432062
>Gartoum probably, SADLY, is your best bet at this point. You’re just going to have to be sure to be direct with him.

>>3432062
>Gartoum probably, SADLY, is your best bet at this point. You’re just going to have to be sure to be direct with him.

>>3432062
>>Gartoum probably, SADLY, is your best bet at this point. You’re just going to have to be sure to be direct with him.

>>3432062
>>Gartoum probably, SADLY, is your best bet at this point. You’re just going to have to be sure to be direct with him.

>>3432062
>Gah, might as well call it off. The delay in marching will get too much if you keep on like this. You’re going to have to be extra careful in the coming days.

psst, twitter?

>>3432062
>>Ngh...you can spare a bit more time searching. There’s no possible way she’s gotten far enough to evade you entirely, and there are still scents on the wind.

And once more we turn to the shadows.

Writing.

>>3432201
psst, this thread hasn't been tweeted. I only found this one because I was browsing the catalog.

>>3432062
>>3432067
>>3432073
>>3432100
>>3432113
Well. Hate to admit it, but the shadowthing is probably your best bet at this point. You’re not sure what he’s going to angle for, but whatever it is, you can at least hopefully talk him out of getting too ridiculous.

A sentence and a few seconds of smoke later, he’s in front of you, billowing and jiggling as though a fat djinn this time. Ugh. Really starting to remind you a bit much of Sal. “Oh my! And what does my owner want with me this time, hm? I get to play with more spiders or something a bit different?”

“Got it in one,” you say bluntly. “Just tracking down a Weaver that escaped an ambush. Big one, kinda like before but I don’t think they’re a leader. Has a big bow on them, and in light armor. Don’t know more about their looks than that. They went in this direction-” you wave your arm in the general direction you speak of. “-but it’s tricky getting a bead on them. Want you to do what you can to track them down.”

“Ahh. Shall I be bringing them back for a nice little talk, or must I get a bit more...hands on?” Ah. Huh. You didn’t think he’d actually be that considerate, honestly.

> “I think your presence might be convincing. Haul her back in one piece.”
> “They’ve already caused us enough trouble. Deal with them, but don’t cause too much of a ruckus.”
> Other

>>3432386
> “I think your presence might be convincing. Haul her back in one piece.”
"See how well she does in evading you and/or how good she is in fighting you off."

I'm still gunning for a spidergirl hire.

>>3432386
> “I think your presence might be convincing. Haul her back in one piece.”
>"Notify me if she's got company. If she's doing a ritual - disrupt it."

>>3432386
>> “I think your presence might be convincing. Haul her back in one piece.”

>>3432405
I'd love one, but I dunno if a Blackweb is what we'd want. And we are kinda at our employee cap iirc.

>>3432405
I'd love to, but don't think we'll find someone competent enough to survive the intersection.
>>3432386
> “I think your presence might be convincing. Haul her back in one piece.”

Will resume in the AM. Seeing if we can't keep our gravy train rolling, so to speak.

>>3432386
> “I think your presence might be convincing. Haul her back in one piece.”

>>3432386
>> “I think your presence might be convincing. Haul her back in one piece.”
"And thank you, for the consideration."

>>3432386
>> “They’ve already caused us enough trouble. Deal with them, but don’t cause too much of a ruckus.”

>>3432386
> “They’ve already caused us enough trouble. Deal with them, but don’t cause too much of a ruckus.”

>>3432386
>> “They’ve already caused us enough trouble. Deal with them, but don’t cause too much of a ruckus.”

>>3432386
> “I think your presence might be convincing. Haul her back in one piece.”

>>3432386
>>3432405
>>3432408
>>3432427
>>3432457
>>3432634
>>3432763
>>3433660
Well, in for a penny and all that. “I think your presence might be convincing. Haul her back to the camp in one piece.” You’re not sure you could convince her to flip sides, but if nothing else it’d be good to know what she knows. Dodging any more ‘incidents’ like this would be nice, for sure. Oh, although that reminds you… “Oh, and make sure she’s still coherent and can talk.”

“Naturally! What do you take me for, some crazed emotional manipulator?” It’s the way he grins as he says it that makes you wonder. “Well then, tootles!” And he melts into the ground, his notably thick shadowself quickly slithering along the ground into the distance. Sighing lightly to yourself, you begin the trek back to the campgrounds…

Only for him to tap you on the shoulder five minutes later. “Fooound her!” Turning around, there’s...something massively bulging inside his form.

“Seriously?” Were you that close…?

“She’s not in the best of shape, turns out!” To show, he removes himself from her, the inky darkness sloughing away from her to reveal her curled up on herself, holding her more humanoid torso. “Something might’ve hit the mark after all; she was hiding out in an alcove, all bunched up! Still managed to ding me with a couple arrows, though...oof.” His face actually morphs into something resembling a frown. "Lemme tell ya, that bow and arrow of hers smarts..."

Hm. As you look over her, you’re impressed. Even on her…knees? She’s as tall as you are; still taller, actually, when with a groan she looks up, a grimace on her face. Doesn’t take long to see why: she’s cradling an injury for certain. Dried blood is spread from her side and sticks on her hands, and she’s panting lightly. As she raises her head with difficulty, her eyes (all of them) widen when she takes your face in; you can see her sweating, from exertion, pain, or nervousness you’re not sure. Maybe all three. “Is...this it, then?” She grinds out. “My...eternal punishment...for my failure?”

> Keep it professional. “No. You’re just going to answer some of my questions.” She’s going to die regardless, but you don’t need to tell her that.
> “Well, ‘failure’ depends on who you talk to. And I can introduce you to someone that can turn your failure into success.” You might be able to swing her around after all.
> “Well, your punishment won’t be up to me. That’s up to my boss.” Take her to the Prince and wash your hands of the whole thing further.
> Other

>>3434256
>“Well, ‘failure’ depends on who you talk to. And I can introduce you to someone that can turn your failure into success.” You might be able to swing her around after all.

>>3434256
> “Well, ‘failure’ depends on who you talk to. And I can introduce you to someone that can turn your failure into success.” You might be able to swing her around after all.

>>3434256
>> “Well, your punishment won’t be up to me. That’s up to my boss.” Take her to the Prince and wash your hands of the whole thing further.

>>3434256
>> “Well, ‘failure’ depends on who you talk to. And I can introduce you to someone that can turn your failure into success.” You might be able to swing her around after all.
“It all depends on how well you can deal with a brand new belief system, and a willingness to work with other races. If you’re intrigued and willing, say yes. If not, we’ll make it quick.”

>>3434256
> “Well, ‘failure’ depends on who you talk to. And I can introduce you to someone that can turn your failure into success.” You might be able to swing her around after all.

Perhaps, perhaps not.

Writing.

>>3434256
>> Keep it professional. “No. You’re just going to answer some of my questions.” She’s going to die regardless, but you don’t need to tell her that.

>>3434256
>>3434267
>>3434285
>>3434326
>>3434343
You shrug, to her vague surprise, judging by her squinting eyes. “Well, ‘failure’ depends on who you talk to. From a certain point of view, you failed, sure.” She grimaces, but she doesn’t get a chance to speak as you continue. “But from another, you’re getting an opportunity to succeed. And I can introduce you to someone that can turn your failure into success.”

“...what?” She seems utterly baffled, her high, reedy voice as she breathes deeply. Oh yeah, that thing.

“Look, you’re bleeding, so I’ll make this quick. It all depends on how well you can deal with a brand new belief system, and a willingness to work with other races. If you’re intrigued and willing, say yes and you live another day, and come out of the whole situation ahead. If not, we’ll make it quick instead of you bleeding to death out in the middle of nowhere.” You shrug. “Either way we’re doing you a favor.”

“You…” she’s breathing deeply, now, and you can tell that, oddly enough, she’s giving this some serious thought. Whoever she’s under...she clearly feels loyalty to them. “You would ask me to betray my clan. My Mistress.”

“Aren’t the Blackweb all about getting ahead, no matter the cost?” You point out. “Something about finding where they feel best in the Great Web? I mean, if you’re satisfied dying here, that’s fine.” A quick stab should handle it; the halberd’s got enough spike to it. Just need to-

“No!” Her gasp is reedy, desperate, but there. “F-fine. I will...I will accede to this. To fade now would be...be most shameful. My...my life is yours…”

Wait, shit, she’s fading fast. Need to get on that.

>Current Mana: 11,750/12,500
>Roll 1d20, best of 3.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3434398

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3434398

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3434398

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3434398
plz no die

>>3434407
>>3434410
>>3434412
>>3434413

...okay, hold on a minute.

Someone different roll one more. If you get a 1 or a 7 I'll do something for ya.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>3434417

>>3434421
You already rolled.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3434398

>>3434424
ah

File: second rodeo.jpg (77 KB, 540x574)

77 KB JPG

>>3434407
>>3434410
>>3434412
>>3434413
>7,1,7,1

>>3434428
Close but no cigar.

If you'd managed a full house that would've been neat. Ah well. Writing.

File: 1553729007632.gif (1.37 MB, 320x194)

1.37 MB GIF

>>3434410
>>3434412

>>3434441
Eh lost the spider to bad. Guess the dice gods don't want anymore redeemed spiders.

>>3434398
>>3434407
>>3434410
>>3434412
When you bring her back (under binding, of course), it seems like they’ve gotten used to your prisoner taking, as no one really bats an eye. The Prince, for his part, simply nods and proceeds over. “Think she might know anything interesting, then?”

“I’m fairly certain her bow is enchanted,” you mention. If it hurt Gartoum enough for him to complain, at least, then it’s likely… “so I figured either she’s high up or at least knows someone who is.”

“Understandable,” he agrees, before fixing her with a stare. “We’ll be questioning you shortly. But for the basics, name and rank, then?”

She nods, although you can see her lips purse- clearly she’s not as keen on the whole ‘betrayal’ thing as she was she was on the verge of death. Then again, that can make anyone think twice. “Lipsa. I am a Huntress.”

There’s a brief silence as the two of you wait for her to continue. When she doesn’t, the Prince just sighs. “Alright. What were you doing here, then?”

“Escorting a detachment of reserves to Macul’s Gate.” Again, short, sweet, and to the point.

He frowns. “That’s all? Under who’s orders?”

“Oh, give it a rest. She doesn’t know anything of importance.” The all too familiar voice of your Blackweb ‘friend’ comes forth, and your captive’s face when turning to her is something resembling both surprise and...rage. “I can’t say I recall your name, but your face and size strikes a thread in me…”

“Lady Zatzil...you- you’re a captive!?” Huh. So she knows her? “We believed you dead! Eliminated by the humans! How?”

Zatzil’s oily smile doesn’t flinch for a moment. “Let’s say I’m rather good at making deals under pressure, hm? Ah, but now I think I remember you. Lipsa, yes? Aren’t you the massive under Lady Tilin’s thumb? Ohoho! How IS she doing, hm? Still wasting away as she pretends she’s anywhere close to important?”

“Who’s that?” the Prince interjects quickly.

“No one,” Zatzil says breezily. “A minor Lady with dreams of grandeur and not much ability to realize them.”

“She has grown in influence!” Lipsa says heatedly. “And she will continue to once this war has ended! Farrah has fallen, and my lady will soon grow into her position! And what of you? I notice your ease of movement now...have you bartered your life for turning your back on the entire Blackweb clan!?”

“Certainly not!” Zatzil says quickly. “However, I see opportunity on the horizon. I simply intend to use whatever is available to me to grasp it. If it is this Alliance? So be it. And as for you?”

“I’ll never…!” And then she freezes, looking towards you, eyes widening. Ah. Seems like she remembered what she promised earlier. “You...I…!” You can hear the grinding of her teeth as she seems to fight herself for a moment, before sighing deeply. “You...I...swore my life as yours.”

(cont.)

>>3434551
Really, Zatzil has bartered for the continued existence of the Blackweb clan.

Although if it turns out that she's more an exception to the rule, we can tell the Prince in front of Lipsa that we're open to a brief extension at the end of our contract to help . . sew up loose threads.

That should give Lipsa some perspective on why Zatzil switched sides.

Maybe point out that the Fatespinners have also had to radically change their policies regarding interaction with the other races.

>>3434551
That she did. “Then you better get used to your new boss over there. Don’t worry, she’ll treat you fine.” Well, you don’t know that, but you also don’t care. “As long as you play nice, so will she, and so will I.”

“And she plays rather roughly otherwise, I’ll have you know,” Zatzil chides. “The Sabereye is not one to grant leniency without threat of retribution if betrayed.”

“She’ll be arranged and kept with the rest,” the Prince declares. “Then, we continue on.”

Finally. The rest of the trip hopefully will be less eventful…

---------------

...and it is, mostly. Barring a nasty moment where there seemed to be a fire going on in the distant east, your walking on day three is largely uneventful. It’s near midday, too...now, you just- oh. Finally. Your stone’s going off.

“Mission accomplished,” Izumi comes through. “No problems at all.”

Well, that’s good to know, although… “Good to know. What took you?”

“Well, the target was determined to be one Lady Chira. Thusly, I had to undermine her influence and thus convince her followers of her...incompetence.”

She sounds pleased, actually, which makes you wonder. “So, did you?”

“I currently have three Blackweb formerly under her employ with me that have agreed to defect.” Damn. “The town taken has also been liberated, with effort.”

...Is she trying to outdo you? Probably not, but it feels like you’ve kinda been one-upped. “Good job. Get back to us ASAP. We’re nearing Lashton...” And you can see a thick, shadowy cloud in the far distance, extending down towards the outline of a town on the horizon. “...and Prince might need the help this time.”

You barely have time to see the newcomers (who are at least far less disgruntled than Lipsa at first glance) before Izumi catches up, seeing what you do in the distance. “My...that’s quite disturbing.”

“It’s new,” Braun says, lumbering up. “So we’re not sure how to dispel it. The Prince’s power may be able to, but...”

“It is a risk,” Za-Leil interjecs solemnly. “And we are unsure if the power will remain with him should he use it so.”

“Can’t help but feel like that’s the point,” Thorumin points out. “Feels like an timesink. Whirlwind like that…”

“Normally, it’d be destroying everything in its path,” Braun confirms. “But it just...sits there. Very unusual.”

“There has to be SOME way to deal with it…” Prince mutters to himself. "We're running low on supplies, and if there's anything in there..."

> There has to be a source. Like with the ritual artillery, or that Scouring thing. You two can find it, smash it, and there you go.
> Something like that, you don’t think is leaving anything worthwhile behind. You could just wipe the town, scavenge what’s left hopefully.
> Other

>>3434584
> There has to be a source. Like with the ritual artillery, or that Scouring thing. You two can find it, smash it, and there you go.

>...Is she trying to outdo you?
>how to get randa to be moral 101: make it a competition.


>>3434551
>“Let’s say I’m rather good at making deals under pressure, hm?
As if the only reason we let her live wasn't on a whim, and we thoroughly humiliated her in the process.

>Farrah has fallen,
It might ease things along for her to know who killed her, and how she ended.

>“You...I...swore my life as yours.”
Well, she's willing to keep her word, so that's a good start.

>>3434584
> There has to be a source. Like with the ritual artillery, or that Scouring thing. You two can find it, smash it, and there you go.
> “So how’d you convince them to give up?”
> “Any chance one or two of them are interested in opening up a restaurant? That’s how I convinced the ones under Ferrah.”

>>3434584
>Something like that, you don’t think is leaving anything worthwhile behind. You could just wipe the town, scavenge what’s left hopefully.
Hey, now is the perfect chance to use Nebula Buster.

>>3434584
>There has to be a source. Like with the ritual artillery, or that Scouring thing. You two can find it, smash it, and there you go.

>>3434584
>> Something like that, you don’t think is leaving anything worthwhile behind. You could just wipe the town, scavenge what’s left hopefully.

>>3434606
hush now, she has an image to project.

We're gonna find whatever or whoever's causing this and flatten it. Writing.

>>3434584
>>3434606
>>3434613
>>3434623

“That’s got to be some kind of ritual,” you mention. “No two ways around it. But that means there’s gotta be a source.”

“Indeed,” Braun confirms. “You think you might be able to locate it?”

“That’s the idea,” you mention as you look at Izumi. “So long as it’s not ridiculously long range.”

“Most ritual spells require great power to be sent far distances,” Braun mentions. “The more powerful the desired end, the more powerful the ritual needs to be. I would be surprised and concerned if the source of it wasn’t somewhere near the town.” Right. That kind of shadow tornado would be incredibly dangerous to just waltz into, even for you. The terrain is still fairly mountainous; there’s a number of hills, cliffs, and outcroppings nearby. Fortunately, that kind of power output should be far easier to detect than a single meh Blackweb.

“We’ll see if we can’t handle it,” you say as you and Izumi walk forward. The Prince merely nods in approval- you can guess that most everyone there was expecting your answer. Fair enough. Two leaps, and you’re off. “So, tell me.” you turn to Izumi, who looks back in curiosity. “How’d you get your group to give up? Did it have anything to do with running an inn?”

“Not so much, actually,” she says with a wry smile. “I managed to uncover proof that they were to be utilized as sacrificial pawns for their Lady in an upcoming gambit. I convinced them that they would have a better opportunity proving themselves under Zatzil’s leadership than anything else.”

Ah. “Well, so long as they don’t go too far.” Speaking of too far…

>Roll 2d20, best of 3.

Rolled 3, 8 = 11 (2d20)

>>3434725
rollin

Rolled 18, 2 = 20 (2d20)

>>3434725

Rolled 6, 1 = 7 (2d20)

>>3434725

>>3434738
i see today is the 1 day.

BBL, actually. Got a lead on a possible new place to stay, need to go talk to the folks.

But you did do the finding thing well!

>>3434747
Good luck boss!

>>3434747
Best wishes, boss!

>>3434747
>But you did do the finding thing well!


Radio silence on the second roll.

Back. Will resume writing in a bit.

>>3435173
Hooray!

>>3434725
>>3434729
>>3434738
>>3434733
The two of you break apart briefly; you’re pretty sure you’ve got a bead on something to the city’s west, just past the bank of the river and where nature starts to reassert itself. Izumi is going around the other direction, heading towards the north. Whatever it is, it’s pretty torrential, and you both have to take a wide berth to avoid the lashing winds the stationary cyclone is making; you can honestly feel it tearing at you bit by bit, lashing away at not your physical being, but your mana itself...Which, to be frank, concerns you. If anyone else was near this close they’d be near death already, if not worse...

Can’t bode well for the populace. Hopefully their stuff is in order, though.

You’re quick to grasp your murmur stone. “Hylinde, you holding up okay?”

“Just peachy,” she says, and fortunately she doesn’t sound like she’s lying. “Although I don’t think I’d like to drag this out.”

“Same. I’m getting something nasty past the river. Going to check it out. Keep an eye in my direction, okay?” Hopefully, you could be in and out of this quickly, like you both want.

“Roger that. Best of luck.” With that, you lower yourself and spring. There’s a bit of wind resistance, but you’re able to hurl yourself through the air at speed enough that it doesn’t affect your direction too greatly.

It’s not much longer before you see past the river- there’s a small hill, and a natural cavern borne into it. Well, no points for originality… “Found their hideout, I’m pretty sure. Form on me.”

“Coming.” It’s only a few minutes before so. “So, how do we do this? Whatever we’re doing, we need to be quick.”

>Current Mana: 11,600/12,500 (Actively draining)

> “We don’t want to spook them and up the ante. Quiet, thorough.”
> “I agree. Might as well go loud. Take aim and we can just blow them away.”
> “We go in, bat them around, confiscate anything they might have. Fair?”
> Other

Well, living space problem solved. That was blessedly quick and easy. And cheaper, too.

>>3435313
> “I agree. Might as well go loud. Take aim and we can just blow them away.”
You're quick on the go aren't ya. At least this train isn't stopping.

>>3435313
that's great!

>>3435313
>“We don’t want to spook them and up the ante. Quiet, thorough.”

>>3435313
> “I agree. Might as well go loud. Take aim and we can just blow them away.”

>>3435313
> “We don’t want to spook them and up the ante. Quiet, thorough.”

Gotta see if they're expecting us, or if they've got something in their back pocket that'll be used against the army.

>>3435313
>> “We go in, bat them around, confiscate anything they might have. Fair?”
Loot!

>>3435313
>> “I agree. Might as well go loud. Take aim and we can just blow them away.”

Time for boomses.

Last post for the night.

900 mana drained in that storm per post
wew

>>3435430
even more reason to just nuke the place instead of wasting mana by slowly sneaking around.

>>3435436
No worries we found the casters. Hopefully if we kill or disrupt the casting the thing will stop.

There is also the possibility that attacking the tornado would just result in it drainning the mana used to create the attack.

>>3435313
>>3435317
>>3435327
>>3435361
While you won’t deny you’re a bit concerned about possible surprises, you can’t exactly be patient about this, especially when you’re getting drained of mana by the minute. “I agree. Might as well go loud. Take aim and we can just blow them away.” The splash damage should be more than enough to ruin anything they might have up their sleeves, and by all accounts from what you can tell, concentration is needed to make sure a spell effect is consistent.

“Right, then. Anyone in sight?” Hm?

Looking around, you see no one. “Nothing.”

“Good.” And with that, she reaches into her bag and pulls out… “I normally don’t like mixing technology levels, but in this case I think the expediency is worth the risk.”

A remote controlled RPG launcher, though? Well. You were just gonna use a bunch of magiblasts, but…

Gah, nevermind. “Whatever. Let’s go.”

It’s not long before you approach the entrance- you can smell them more clearly now- and whatever they are, they’re down and at an angle when you inspect the entrance. “Entryway is clear. Looks like a straight shot down. On three...two...one…open fire!”

The thunder rolls down the cavern opening as the both of you unload, yourself first with a heavy volley followed by Izumi’s launch. You can feel your mana slipping away from you, but as the ringing of explosions goes off in your ears, you’re hopefully confident that the carnage that ensues is enough to stop the source of it.

A minute or two later, and there’s silence, along with a very dissipated scent. Whatever’s down there...well, it and they are likely in pieces, now. Either in pieces or at least soon to be. You can feel the easing of the shredding of your mana, fortunately...although to your mild alarm there’s still a vague feeling...of what, though, you’re unsure, but it’s like something’s pulling at your mana ever so slightly… “I’m not smelling anything major, but I think there’s still one alive...but you feel that?” you ask Izumi, who’s putting her weapon away.

“I do. Something isn’t finished,” she mutters. Looking back, you both see, to your surprise, a faint wisp of shadow energy, twisting up from the city in the thinnest tendril...but still there. And clearly still a threat.

(cont.)

>>3435470
“Guhaa...yess...it is not…” The both of you turn around; in torn and bloody clothes is a Shaded elf, grinning for all the world like it’s just won. “It will...never be...finished- agk!” He drops to his knees, coughing up gouts of blood.

“What do you mean,” Izumi asks heatedly.

“This land...Kolm’s lands...by his...his dark power...he shall drain it...dry. With...or without us...haaa...remake it...in his image…” More coughing...he’s clearly on his last legs. Well, leg. “All power...will be his…and we will rise anew!” His shrill voice erupts into crazed laughter echoing throughout the cavern, only to stop short as hacking coughs take over, his lifeblood spilling out on the rocks. In mere moment he slumps to the ground, and breathes his last.

You take a deep breath. “...well. Shit.” This is not good.

>Current Mana: 11,200/12,500 (Actively draining)

You get the strong feeling you’re going to have to be careful with your mana usage from now until you kick Kolm’s teeth in.

And that's all for tonight. Figured it was high time to toss a bit of a hazard into things.

May try to do singular posts throughout the week, but you know how I am about that.

Night!

>>3435474
Can we use the condenser to further mitigate the mana drain?

>>3435480
Ayup. I'd be surprised if you didn't, honestly.

Well well this won't be a cakewalk after all. Glad we brought Izumi then.
>>3435477
You ever thought about doing a single post per day? I don't think that will be too draining.

>>3435480
>>3435481
Oh, but I should warn that just because you could replenish your mana via condenser doesn't mean it's a grand idea to still throw stuff out willy nilly.

>>3435490
Kolm and friends are spell-absorbers themselves then?

>>3435481
Was Izumi using her 'drone launcher' or is it a completely different weapon?

>>3435490
Welp, maybe now is the time to use the high tech weapons over spells when possible to preserve mana.

>>3435506
Here's the checklist of our hoard
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z3xqyWOe5upXuYIUsBSV4pWkC1sG0mnYzn_lJyRJZiI

>>3435506
This is exactly the reason we should have 'rainy day' gear. In terms of practical weapons, we've got the mine launcher (empty?), the missile launcher with ~30 missiles(iirc), the manastone guns with a handful of manastones, the magic swords (need mana for powerful actions iirc), and misc knives, pocket guns, and similar concealables. Not a lot to work with, and not a lot of ammo for anything. 30 missiles sounds like a lot until that's your primary weapon.

>>3435506
So, 'Highball' Anti-Vehicle Rocket Launcher, Multi-Missle Launcher from crossover if it has any ammo left, Purse Pistol from Mafia job and Manastone weapons from the Frontier job, although no idea if manadrain would affect them or not. Plus we can borrow guns from Izumi or request something from a quartermaster.

>>3435490
I'm just gonna list it as a new one then.>>3435501

>>3435543
But we are a melee brawler foremost. We don't really need to worry about mana drain if we use the the pool for just magiblasts and the ocasional shield.
>30 missiles sounds like a lot until that's your primary weapon.
Using missiles here is overkill unless we want to bring down a dragon or some walls.

>>3435564
We're a professional mercenary. Having a weapon preference is one thing, narrowing our options to fit some sort of videogame character-build is another.

>>3435543
>>3435547
We do also have the halberd and other misc weapons from the quartermaster already. But in terms of stuff that could replace even a moderate spell, the launchers are it. The manastone guns aren't much more potent than free magiblasts.

>>3435564
Mana usage is always a point of contention among anons. We don't often need mana, but we usually do end up using it for one flashy thing or another. And when we do need mana, we really need it. It would be easy to back ourselves into a corner magically.
We use mana-based spells only when things get above what we can handle normally. With less mana available, we'll have to be more deliberate about making the decision that we're in over our head, or look at potential alternatives to mana-spells to get us out of a bind. Since we're not restricted from using alternatives, it'd be foolish to not have alternatives available if we need them.


>Using missiles here is overkill unless we want to bring down a dragon or some walls.
AT missiles don't make fiery explosions, they make small, deep holes through tough materials. The dragon would have a bad time, but the wall would be fine.

>>3435564
the point is to have options if they're ever needed, since we can never be sure what solutions can best solve future problems.

Kolm and Zai are into some weird fuckery, so I butchered a number of posts to compile all the stuff that references the Weild (Wild+Veil), Weaves, Elves and Kolm, so we could connect the dots and be on the same page.
pastebin.com/RkJPJN8L

>>3435586
>With less mana available, we'll have to be more deliberate about making the decision that we're in over our head
>Since we're not restricted from using alternatives, it'd be foolish to not have alternatives available if we need them.
The manastone guns should cover our bases quite nicely then. We have plenty of them and they only need trace amounts of mana to work. We also have the condenser (that we should take out now to avoid the drain) and you already said what we need to do: stop using the mana for flashy things. This is a great moment for us to think better strategies that aren't just "blow a hole through the wall and hope for the best".

>>3435623
I know that, its just that the anons worry way too much about what amounts to working on a low mana world. Handler already said that we can regain mana with the condenser, and we still have the mana stones. The only thing we need to do is not be stupid, plan our moves and like you said, use all the other resources that we have at hand.

>>3435649
that should also go on the google doc as well. I don't know if you can make a separate page just for lore bits like in excel, but if its on the bottom it shouldn't matter that much.

>>3435649
Here's my shot in the dark:
There were no corrupted Weaves so far, but that might change soon and the blackwebs will stop playing nice with Kolm.
Assuming that Chucinahil has ascended ahead of his kin and became the 'Standing Shadow', he might be the one who gives Carrang her visions.
My guess is that the Shadows are some interdimensional invaders from beyond the Veil, posessed the elves, then Kolm got corrupted and now is their agent.
Zai wants to become Enlightened through her ritual and be the master of the Weild, so that is why she prioritized the bears and wanted to deal with Veilspeakers before confronting Kolm, since they are both worshipers of Weild and hold important knowledge of it.

>>3435474
Yay, finally a reason for Randa to cast Backblastclear

>>3438010
Cast what?

>>3438087
this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0ehPdDJ-og

>>3438098
Ahhhh.

>>3435474
With that legitimately distressing news, you both make your way back to the Prince and the army, and quickly tell him the sordid news. As expected, however, everyone’s reactions are rightfully horrified, and a council is quickly gathered to determine just what to do about this.

“I don’t like it,” Prince says, his countenance full of dislike. “But I cannot have these people go on empty stomachs and waning materials. We may have to raid the village quickly. Perhaps only a small selection of us to take what can be gathered by hand and move out.”

“Unfortunate, but may be best,” Za-Leil agrees. Villagers are likely dead. No reason to remain here.”

Braun, on the other hand, rumbles with thought. “Mmm...I’m not so certain that things are lost just yet. Have more faith in the Weild.” Perusing the area ahead with a critical eye, he nods ever-so-lightly. “It is not impossible to dispel that creation, I think. If only temporarily. Enough for us to resupply.”

“Oh? Is there a catch, however?” Thorumin asks, not without good reason.

Sighing,” Braun nods again. “It will likely require the noble Prince’s assistance, and it will strain my forces. Though, I have no doubt it is an ordeal they can survive.”

“Ordeal?” Prince asks. Norima frowns, having been invited as well.

“Yes,” he confirms. “Such a feat will need to be sustained. I know of a ritual that can counteract Kolm’s perversion of the Weild, but it is advanced in nature. It will take time to set up. Time we can use to rest, if nothing else.”

“I would not recommend remaining, normally…” Norima starts. “But perhaps, more than merely resupplying, we may be able to gain a better understanding of the situation yet to come. Both through my clan’s efforts and understanding what powers we face first-hand. It is a risk, but I think it is one worthwhile. Forwarned is forarmed, I believe the saying is?”

“Something like that,” Thorumin agrees. “For my part, I’d rather we keep going. My boys and gals all can handle a bit of an extra march with no problems. Can go lighter on rations if need be. But we can’t give ‘em any quarter, or give Kolm a reason to try and turn his twister back on.”

“I understand you two are particularly affected by this,” the Prince says, looking at you both. “What say you to this?”

You quickly glance at Izumi; she gives you a look that says she’s willing to back you either way.

> “Might be worth it. Your folks have already been on a hard march and could use the supplies, and a bit of prep for later. Us too, really. We’ll be fine; just have to regulate ourselves, is all.
> “Considering we’ve been doing a decent bit of heavy lifting, I’m not really keen on feeling bits of myself drain away. We’re not running too low just yet, so as long as we don’t run into too much trouble we should be fine.”
> Other

>>3438870
> “Might be worth it. Your folks have already been on a hard march and could use the supplies, and a bit of prep for later. Us too, really. We’ll be fine; just have to regulate ourselves, is all.
I believe our primary objective is to banish Kolm, yes? I wonder if there's a bonus here to disperse his persistent magic workings such as the Weild drain.

>>3438870
> “Might be worth it. Your folks have already been on a hard march and could use the supplies, and a bit of prep for later. Us too, really. We’ll be fine; just have to regulate ourselves, is all.

It will basicaly end any advantage we have for taking the place so fast...but it will save lifes and will allow us to not get ambushed when we start to get low on food/supplies.

>>3438870
>> “Might be worth it. Your folks have already been on a hard march and could use the supplies, and a bit of prep for later. Us too, really. We’ll be fine; just have to regulate ourselves, is all.

>>3438870
>“Might be worth it. Your folks have already been on a hard march and could use the supplies, and a bit of prep for later. Us too, really. We’ll be fine; just have to regulate ourselves, is all.

>>3438870
> “Might be worth it. Your folks have already been on a hard march and could use the supplies, and a bit of prep for later. Us too, really. We’ll be fine; just have to regulate ourselves, is all.

>>3435672
Do manastone weapons deal elemental or magical damage though? In some settings these two are separate things, even if both are produced by mana.

>>3439005
I think they don't or its fire based damage. Either way i don't think it matters because the enemies die to normal weapons and we won't be using the guns on kolm.
>>3438870
>“Might be worth it. Your folks have already been on a hard march and could use the supplies, and a bit of prep for later. Us too, really. We’ll be fine; just have to regulate ourselves, is all.

>>3438870
> “Might be worth it. Your folks have already been on a hard march and could use the supplies, and a bit of prep for later. Us too, really. We’ll be fine; just have to regulate ourselves, is all.
Plus, dat sweet sweet loot...

>>3439395
We have three different types of manastones, it's not just fire.

>>3440717
but the one that we have in most quantity is the pepper stone. we have 6 of them compared to 2 water stones and 3 shock stones. I don't know how many charges they hold, but its safe to assume that the pepper ones are the ones that we will use the most and that is if we ever use the guns.

Just as the mana condenser is a passive means of recharging, maybe we should consider a kinetic charger and some energy weapons?

>>3440906
Shouldn't we still have that generator we bought for the crossover?

>>3440906
Thats an interesting idea but wouldn't that be too fragile? we would have a similar situation to the one we have with the condenser.

>>3440756
>Pepper Stone: 10 bills. Fire ammo. 50 charges.
>Water Stone: 10 bills. Water ammo. 50 charges.
>Shock Stone: 30 bills. Eletric ammo. 30 charges.

>>3440906
Not sure anyone would sell recharging weapons at reasonable prices sine ammo = motes
>>3440922
Owlia is tinkering with that back at base

>>3440947
Fusion Generator does rechage energy cells, look it up in thread #51
>>3440947
That's Mana Reactor, not Fusion Generator

>>3440947
Nothing for outgoers is reasonably priced. But wasn't part of the point of the generators for exactly that?

Why? It was just a bog standard fueled electrical generator.

>>3440947
>Not sure anyone would sell recharging weapons at reasonable prices sine ammo = motes
The price becomes reasonable once factor the motes you wont use on ammo. Also any merchant worth their salt will want to capitalize on every market they can.and there are things that kinetic guns have that energy guns simply can't. Like stopping power and arcs.

>>3440956
>Why? It was just a bog standard fueled electrical generator.
Wasn't it a mana generator? As in it created mana from whatever fuel it used?

>>3440976
We got a mana reactor from the crossover PC, but before the mission we bought an electric generator from the intersection. We should still have it.

>>3440976
Two different things - Small Fusion Genrrator was bought during prep time from Kowalski in #51, Mana Reactor was bought from Artificer in first crossover thread.

We got the Fusion Generator to recharge Mono's Plasma Carbine, because we expected the mission to last longer than it did.

Are we handing the Generator to Mono so she doesn't have to worry about ammo for her Carbine, or should we be on the lookout to loot energy weapons of our own?

>>3441343
She'll be fine. she shouldn't be an any extended missions yet anyway. An electrical generator is a utility item; we don't have to use it for weapon charging.

What is with anons constantly wanting to give away stuff we don't have an immediate use for?

>>3441343
I thought that since Mono is the only one who uses energy weapons then she's the one who carries the Generator by default.

>>3441343
...no. Its ours and it would come in handy in situations like this. The problem is that i think we might have bought the gun and the reactor for her because she had nothing up to that point.

>>3441370
Yeah, we got her the Plasma Carbine because she had no powerful ranged weapons that could affect the kind of enemy we were told to expect, and because she's surprisingly good with energy weapons.

>>3441359
What's with anons hoarding stuff and begging clients for on-site resources and then not using them? Our potions from the first job went bad, none of the stuff that Lori asked from King was ever used except for smokebombs, same story with Miranda's mafia job luggage for the trip. This looks like some videogamey bad habit.

>>3441392
It in part a videogame bad habit, but on the other hand, since stuff in the intersection is so pricey, its worth it to just hoard stuff from other worlds. Ideally all of us should have some sort of "community" chest where we can leave all the extra stuff and anyone can pick whatever they need, but we have other problems to deal with first.

>>3441405
We do have a community chest system in place, but we don't use it because anything we know we'd need is likely going to be used enough we should have our own copy, and anything rare or unusual we wouldn't know we'd need until we were on mission.

>>3441424
It would work for clothing, as there's never a need for any particular pieces. It is also a good place to put redundant or old gear being replaced. It wouldn't do us much good, but it would help out the newbies until they can afford their own gear.

Do we have any firearms right now?

>>3444169
Izumi has her own armory - pastebin.com/hxr1zvtW
Miranda has a purse pistol and two rocket launchers. There also supposed to be a number of manastone spell-guns, though Handler hasn't confirmed how many - we've bought a rifle and a shotgun at the start of Wild West mission, looted a revolver from some bandits, Lori picked up some guns during train robbery, Miranda nicked some more after pacifying a town and then she borrowed Lori's shotgun for Artificer crossover.
There was also a segmented metal whip with a pepper-manastone socketed in that was found on Red Eagle vigilantes, the way it was described in the post implies that we've looted it, though it was never mentioned again - but we certainly didn't sell it.

>>3444169
>>3444273
There is an unofficial google doc that has a more complete inventory.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z3xqyWOe5upXuYIUsBSV4pWkC1sG0mnYzn_lJyRJZiI/edit

>>3444319
We’re missing two minor gifts for this mission on the list, a bag of mushrooms for Mewla we got from either the Lizards or the Veilspinners, and some freshly made silk from the Veilspinners.

>>3444716
You can add them yourself(preferably with the thread and post number).

>>3438870
>>3438889
>>3438891
>>3438903
>>3438947
>>3439001
>>3439395
>>3440359
Thinking about it, you have to figure that he decided on this route for a reason. “Might be worth it. Your folks have already been on a hard march and could use the supplies, and a bit of prep for later. Us too, really.” You can tell that at least Za-Leil seems surprised. “You’ll still have to be quick about it, but I’m pretty sure that if Braun’s ritual works as planned, it’ll be worth the while.”

“Well, from what you told us, isn’t your life-force sapped particularly strongly?” the Prince asks in concern.

You just wave him off. “We’ll be fine; just have to regulate ourselves, is all.” And it’s true. While you’ve no doubt that any serious usage of mana would cause issues, as things stood you could bear it for now. And at least that ritual should keep things temporarily calm for you. “I’d say start prepping for it now, and get people ready to go in.”

“My thoughts exactly,” the Prince agrees. “So I’ll be quick to inform my men, and I suggest you all relate the plan to your forces as well. We’ll reconvene at the head of things and Braun, you can begin preparations for this ritual.”

“Be ready, Prince,” is all Braun has to say before he lumbers off, the rest of you following shortly.
There’s little to do in the meantime, and in the end you simply wait and keep and eye out for anything untowards to happen as they set up- no less than ten of Braun’s followers, plus himself and the Prince, ultimately end up sitting in a ritual circle that doesn’t seem to have a single sharp or straight edge or line in it. Just outside of it is yourself, and his captain. “You will begin the ritual as I have instructed, and we will sustain it.”

“And you’re sure you all will be fine?” the Prince asks concernedly. “I don’t want to put you all at risk for this…”

“Such channeling taxes the spirit, but we know well our limits,” Braun says. “We have trained well, and can sustain for several hours at a minimum.”

“It’s noticeable, though,” another Bearkin mentions. “We should be quick.”

“Right.” The Prince nods, and turns to the captain. “You heard him. The men are ready, so prepare to march.” He nods to you two as well. “Go with them. They’ll need help in gathering.”

“Right, then,” you allow. “We’re off."

(cont.)

>>3446035
The town isn’t too far away, and you’re only halfway there before you see a massive beam of light suddenly erupt from behind you in the thin, dead treeline, restoring them- and the very ground under you- to vitality in a wave of lush greenery. It almost seems as though it washes away the decay itself as it, along with a thin, green beam of light, stretches to the heavens, equal in measure to the shadow tendril hovering just above the city. In mere moments, however, said smoky, swirling tendril is washed away, slinking back above the cloudline almost like a living thing.

“...Yeah, that’ll be noticeable,” the captain grunts. “Alright, men. Let’s get there quick and get what we can! I’m expecting company later!”

Yeah, that'd be just your luck...

>Roll 5d20, best of five. Poker bonus in effect, but per ‘hand’ only. No combinations. (3 of a kind, two pair, straight, full house, four of a kind. 20 is joker).

Rolled 16, 15, 3, 7, 15 = 56 (5d20)

>>3446037

Rolled 18, 3, 11, 5, 3 = 40 (5d20)

>>3446037
let's see that fate deals.

>>3446044
Well i got a straight.

Rolled 6, 12, 14, 7, 3 = 42 (5d20)

>>3446037

>>3446048
Not exactly. We both got two pair, but that's it.
>A straight is a hand that contains five cards of sequential rank, not all of the same suit, such as 7 6 5 4 3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_poker_hands#Straight

>>3446053
>two pair
single pairs, rather.

Rolled 6, 18, 7, 16, 1 = 48 (5d20)

>>3446037
Drawing from the rather unusual deck.

Rolled 2, 5, 5, 13, 17 = 42 (5d20)

>>3446037

>>3446044
>>3446047
>>3446050
>>3446065
>>3446069
man, we suck at poker.

>>3446072
2 pair isn't terrible, just need to bluff it

Rolled 13, 4, 3, 13, 11 = 44 (5d20)

>>3446037

Rolled 3, 5, 19, 2, 11 = 40 (5d20)

>>3446037

>>3446072
so, 56 on 5d20? That's.... above average at least.
I don't think a pair of 15s give us a whole lot in this context. The poker bonus is just a bonus, and single pair wasn't a listed bonus.

>>3446137
It wasn't said that it was 'best overall', so it's best of individual rolls by default: 18, 18, 14, 16, 17.

Rolled 17, 8, 32, 38, 47 = 142 (5d52)

>>3446137
>18, 18, 14, 16, 17
The rolls themselves are pretty decent. It's just the individual "hands" that suck. But we're not exactly using a standard deck here, so the chances are a little skewed.

>>3446150
>4d, 8c, 6h, qh, 8s
...not that I did any better this time, either.

> You get the strong feeling you’re going to have to be careful with your mana usage from now until you kick Kolm’s teeth in.

Just re-reading this. Doesn't this mean the best plan is to immediately go take out Kolm? Especially if he's accumulating all that mana, he's just going to be harder to deal with the longer we let things go.

What if he's charging up a motherfukkin' spirit bomb or something?

>>3447873
That is one way to interpret it, another is that Kolm is trying to drain our magic so we get poofed out of the world and he doesn't have to deal with us. So the best plan would be to coast on the army's back until we get to Kolm and bust him like a staypuff marshmellow man.

>>3447952
The dying elf told us that this is a terraforming spell. He's changing the terrain to fit his needs, but at the same time(and probably unconsciously) is fucking us up.

>>3446037
>>3446044
>>3446048
You’re ultimately in the place for longer than you expected, but by all accounts it’s a decently good thing. There’s a number of grains, salted meats, tools for repair, and even a spare pair of wagons to help carry it all. Nothing too major in terms of goods; certainly no weapons of any interest, but enough to keep the army fed well enough.

The Weavers seem at home enough, moving swiftly and surely, though the Rabbitkin don’t seem nearly as eager. The Lizardkin are just as stoic as ever, although you can see a couple of them whisper to each other in clearly worried tones. None of them complain or freak out, though, which is good enough for you.

In the distance, the beam of light is steady and solid, and that at least reassures you of things for the time being. As you help lift several boxes of what seem to be leather materials, along with Izumi, you notice that across the street, Lipsa seems to be in deep conversation with Zatzil...or rather, Lipsa seems to be just shy of yelling at Zatzil, who seems to be regarding the whole thing with something equally just shy of boredom. The guards nearby, a mix of human and Bearkin, seem less than enthused, but aren’t interfering yet.

As you set you load on one of the wagons, you have to ponder; how much further will it be to Lord Kolm’s personal lands? You’ve got two individuals dead, it’s just the third and last that remains...hopefully these riches of hers would be worth it.

A few footsteps herald Izumi’s arrival. “Well, things seem to be going well enough so far,” she opines. “I think we’ll be done before long.”

“Yeah. It’s another short break, but they better be making the most of it,” you murmur.

“Thorumin was talking with the Prince earlier. We may be going to try and swing around the bulk of his army. That’ll result in us going through an area called the Jonai Flats. Apparently we’ll make great time because it’s just flatland, with little variation...or cover. We’ll see anyone coming for miles, buuut…” she lets the sentence hang, the implication obvious.

You sigh. You wouldn’t be covered by anything, either. “Right. So, looking forward to it?”

“I’m honestly unsure,” she admits. “I can see the logic, but I detest having no recourse if we find ourselves in a tight spot.”

> “Well, you should probably bring that up to them. They might see things your way if you explain it well enough.”
> “Look, we’ll be fine. Between all the support we have and the defenses you and I can toss up, we can handle any combat that might come our way.”
> “Hm. That does sound risky. Maybe I’ll ask them a few questions about that plan, myself…”
> Other

>>3450067
Damnit, I mistyped my name. But yeah.

>>3450067
>> “Look, we’ll be fine. Between all the support we have and the defenses you and I can toss up, we can handle any combat that might come our way.”

Welcome back.

>>3450067
>“Hm. That does sound risky. Maybe I’ll ask them a few questions about that plan, myself…”
Can't be too careful.

>>3450067
> “Hm. That does sound risky. Maybe I’ll ask them a few questions about that plan, myself…”
Gonna need more info on their plans.

That doesn't sound grand...

Writing.

>>3450067
>>3450094
>>3450095
You can’t say you disagree, and you get the feeling that if you were to put a bit more thought into it, you could think of more concerns than just that to deal with. “Hm. That does sound risky. Maybe I’ll ask them a few questions about that plan, myself…”

“It’d be appreciated,” Izumi admits. “I was considering discussing things with them as well, honestly, but I felt it would be better to get your opinion on things before I acted.”

Fair enough. “Right, then. No time like the present, in that case. Where were they last?” She points them out, and you quickly make your way over there as Izumi puzzles out how to make everything in her arms fit on the rapidly filling wagon base.

Soon enough, you can see them talking in the distance, near one of the older buildings as a cohort of rabbitkin and a few humans carry out a few barrels of something. “Miss Yvrace. Any trouble so far?”

You shake your head. “No, but Hylinde told me about your most recent travel plans. We’re going to be going across flatlands, she said?”

“Ah.” With that, he turns to you fully, as does Thorumin. “Yes...it’s a bit risky, but Thorumin’s scouts are telling me that the path ahead seems well-travelled; it’s a strong likelyhood we’d run into forces much like before, only even larger in number. However, the Jonai Flats are a rather useless area, one of the borders of his lands, and I’m fairly certain that there’s no reason for anyone to travel around that area. It’ll increase travel time by a couple of days, but the concept, I think, is sound, especially with the supplies we’ve procured thanks to this stop.”

“I brought the idea to his attention,” Thorumin states. “As much as I’ve a desire to end this as soon as possible, I think giving his forces the run-around would be wise so as to keep our chances high and our casualties low. It’ll bring us to the west, up, and around, and end with us marching through the hillside that borders it, and Ravenhold, his most important city. We should end up in prime ambushing territory for it if all goes well.”

> “You don’t think that he might have some way to detect you?”
> “Would it really be reasonable to assault Ravenhold at all?”
> “I suppose that makes sense enough. Sorry to bother you.”
> Other

>>3450193
>“You don’t think that he might have some way to detect you?”

>>3450193
>“You don’t think that he might have some way to detect you?”

>>3450193
> “You don’t think that he might have some way to detect you?”
>What's the worst case scenario if we do follow your plan? How sizeable force could Kolm set up there?

>>3450193
>> “I suppose that makes sense enough. Sorry to bother you.”

>>3450193
>> “You don’t think that he might have some way to detect you?”
>> “Would it really be reasonable to assault Ravenhold at all?”

Hold on there.

Writing.

>>3450193
>>3450203
>>3450207
>>3450209
>>3450211
>>3450234
You find that explanation a bit lacking, to be honest… “You don’t think that he might have some way to detect you? With what we’ve seen from him and his subordinates, there’s no reason why he wouldn’t be able to track you or at least identify you at some point and guess where you’re going.”

He frowns briefly, and shakes his head. “There’s a point to that concern, no doubt, but I have to say that we don’t think that he’d been capable of getting his forces around in time. Also, considering that we haven’t been utterly swarmed, I have a feeling that he doesn’t have a way to know where we are.” Also a fair point.

“Frankly, even if he does, he wouldn’t likely realize it until it’s too late,” Thorumin points out. “We’ll be travelling in the same direction for a day or so; we’d just be taking a right at a certain point and leaving the roads instead of a left. He’d waste his forces’ energy trying to come after us, whether it’s to try to reinforce Ravenholm or take us out directly.”
“I have to say, I do think that the idea haas enough merit,” the Prince says. “Enough that I feel confident enough to enact it. I’ll of course be informing the other leaders and getting their opinions just in case before giving the order, but I don’t think there’ll be a ton of opposing discourse.”

> “Well, mark me down for ‘not convinced’, just to be completely thorough.” This sounds like a bad idea.
> “If you think you’ve got good enough reason to, then I’ll drop the issue.” He sounds like he knows what he’s talking about.
> Other

>>3450568
>> “If you think you’ve got good enough reason to, then I’ll drop the issue.” He sounds like he knows what he’s talking about.

>>3450568
> “If you think you’ve got good enough reason to, then I’ll drop the issue.” He sounds like he knows what he’s talking about.
> Other
Ask the Prince if he still has enough juice for a big one should Kolm send a Shadow army at us.

>>3450568
>> “If you think you’ve got good enough reason to, then I’ll drop the issue.” He sounds like he knows what he’s talking about.

>>3450568
> “Well, mark me down for ‘not convinced’, just to be completely thorough.” This sounds like a bad idea.
Thorumin's scouts were not thorough while searching ratkin city, and Prince did not deliver on his promise that his forces could do the 'no survivors' thing during the ambush earlier. Kolm would be a fool not to take into account constant stream of bullshit that we've been pulling so far.

>>3450629
>Kolm would be a fool not to take into account constant stream of bullshit that we've been pulling so far.
Those are valid points, but he would only know info that made it back to him, which would be on a travel lag, and unless we've got a mole wouldn't include things like our intent to clean sweep than ambush.

>>3450568
>“If you think you’ve got good enough reason to, then I’ll drop the issue.” He sounds like he knows what he’s talking about.

Fine, we'll drop it.

Writing.

>>3450640
I think that by now Kolm should be paranoid enough to try to prepare for everything.

>>3450674
Still depends on how much has made it back to him. And he's only got so much material and manpower. War isn't won solely with generals; logistics are at least half the battle.

>>3450674
That better for us. It forces him to waste resources everywhere, which means that there will be small half-assed armies everywhere instead of a heavily organized one ready to face us.

>>3450695
He used to have his forces everywhere, trying to stomp every member of the Alliance all over the continent, and now he's forced into defensive actions, so I expect higher density of his forces plus it's his home turf.

>>3450713
But you can't recall all your armies in an instant. Doing so basically returns the cities/towns/whatever to the original owners and a tired army can't really fight and is more prone to deserting. The shadow beings might be immune to being tired, but the rest of the people isn't.

>>3450745
I assume that he's summoning these shadow creatures here, so being swarmed here is not out of question IMO.

>>3450755
>>3450713
id switched due to phoneposting

>>3450755
You still have to summon them and probably desummon the ones you have. It also forces you to prioritize: Do you want a bigger army instead of finishing whatever you were doing, or hope that the current soldiers you have will be enough to protect you?

>>3450568
>>3450589
>>3450590
>>3450591
>>3450652
Well...he sounds sold on the issue already, if you’re being honest. No real reason to antagonize him any. “If you think you’ve got good enough reason to, then I’ll drop the issue.”

“Understood. Thank you for bringing up your concerns, however. We’ll try to be careful nonetheless.” With that, you leave the two to their overseeing. When you get back to Izumi, you merely shrug, and she seems to get the picture from that gesture alone, the two of you returning to locating supplies and packing things up. You spot Lipsa again, still under guard near one of the buildings. She seems to be irate, pacing back and forth a bit, but Zatzil is nowhere to be found, now. Might have to have a talk with one or both of them in due time…

In due time, the wagons are loaded, the men and yourselves eat much of what they would otherwise have to leave behind, and by late afternoon you’re set to leave. “I don’t wish for them to strain themselves any longer than necessary,” Prince says, looking at the beam that has, impressively, stayed solid for all this time. “If one of you could go retrieve them after we’ve departed?”

“Allow me,” Izumi says easily. The Prince nods, and you voice no complaint. With that, he turns to the army train, giving the signal to begin moving, and you’re all out, and a decent distance away in half an hour.


The Prince nods once, and she’s off like a shot. It’s all of maybe fifteen minutes before she returns. “They’ll be along as quick as they can.”

“We’ll try to keep a slow pace for now,” he confirms. Just then, however, there’s a great dimming of light as the beam winks out, its task done. Almost immediately that thin tendril of shadow seems to begin reforming itself, and ever so slowly starts stretching down towards the town again. “At least...for as long as is reasonable.”

With that in mind, you begin the slow trek. You don’t think it’ll take them long to catch up, but it’ll be just that much more possible that something happens sooner now that the beam is gone. That thing could be seen for miles; someone had to have noticed…

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3450807

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>3450807

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>3450807
ole

>>3450804
We don't know the local rules of summoning to say that he has to desummon them at all. Also I thought that he summons them in hordes and then redistributes them among his armies later - otherwise there would have seen detachments of summoners in each army.

14.

Someone's coming.

>>3450807
>>3450808
>>3450815
>>3450822
It’s late evening when you all elect to bed down- the bears having caught up not too long before, and you’ve only had a couple of hours of real travel time. Still, you’re far enough away that your employer at least figures that you should be safe for the time being, having found a decently thick tree expanse that wouldn’t leave you TOO open, even if the leaves are withering.

You’re not a fan of this, honestly, and you suspect you’re going to be antsier than ever for the time being. Especially once you get around to the flat lands. Still, you put up with it for now, and tents are thrown up, food is lifted, and patrols are organized. Getting up from your seating position, you figure it won’t hurt to take a walk around. Izumi will be on deeper patrol, no doubt, but- wait.

You try to focus what’s in the corner of your eye as best you can without moving your head; you don’t see anything in the trees at a glance, but you SWEAR you caught movement. Something quick and...camouflaged? A sniff confirms a presence. Several, actually; eight by your count. They’re faint, and aren’t exactly much more than slight trash, maybe an overripe banana. But the scents are getting closer as more start to appear on the edge of your senses; they’re surrounding the area. Whoever they were, they recently moved in.

Another movement, and your instincts start screaming at you as you quickly shout your warning. “We’ve been tracked!”

And that’s when a string of odd colored web darts out of the woods towards your face- you quickly juke to avoid it as the army falls into defensive positions, and you can hear shouts of alarm from others nearby as the projectile splatters into the wood nearby- and begins sizzling as dripping acid begins to eat away at it.

You can’t hear any noise above the din of panic, as well as a singular shriek as someone is hit. “AARGH, IT BURNS! GODS, MY ARM! MY DAMNED...”

Damnit. You think that’s the captain! You-

Three more shots come out of the woods as you quickly sidestep each; they’re seriously trying to melt you down, huh? An arrow punctuates that statement as you juke that as well, the strike embedding itself not far from an unfortunate soldier’s hip as he yells in pain. Another roar comes from Braun; whether it’s pain or anger, you’re not sure, but something’s off.

Another shout, this time from Thorumin, rallying his troops down the line, make you realize...you can’t see or sense any of them getting closer. They’re moving rapidly, though, and it hits you as you prevent one of them from sniping out a nearby lieutenant.

This is a strike force. They’re here for a purpose. But what that purpose is is something you can only guess at.

>Current Mana: 11,200/12,500 (Increased Depletion Rates)

>Action!

(Will be back early tomorrow.)

>>3450999
welp, they're gonna run out of ammo sooner or later. I don't know how much mana gartoun uses, but i think we can use him to end this quickly because everyone is focused on killing us, or track them one by one and then heal ourselves.

thanks for running!

>>3450999
Nice trips, boss.

They're able to see in the dark, shot captain with some nasty stuff and were really selling that we're one of their primary targets.
I'm gonna guess that their purpose is to get rid of Alliance leaders and probably Zatzil too.

>>3451069
Can someone post names of all Alliance leaders? I'm kinda busy atm.

>>3451089
Should've know that yanks went to bed already.
>Prince Fallon Emeral - representative of our client, blessed by the Wild. His safety is top priority. If he goes down then we could use Royal Pardons to lead human army and keep the Alliance going in his stead.
>Keeper Braun - member of the Circle of the Wild, has knowledge useful in negsting Kolm's shadow magic. Could possibly pick up the slack after the Prince in regards putting an end to 'shadow demons' problem.
>Lady Zatzil - Blackweb turncoat, vital for the plan of reforming their clan, otherwise the whole plan would crumble, we won't be able to collect her hoard and have to go with genocide plan to boot. Has enough dirt on other Blackwebs.
>Councilor Thorumin - Prince's advisor, capable military leader. I have an impression that he could help in buttering up new faction leaders in case if anyone in this list goes down.
>Captain Za-Leil - commander of lizardkin forces, who are making up major chunk of Alliance forces. It's been noted that lizards were anxious during the marches the farther they went away from their home, so his loss could result in desertions.
>Watcher Norima - Veilspeaker enforcer. I bet that Sisters would be extremely pissed if she dies, plus we still have to pick up the reward for resurrecting her friend.
>Honorable mention: Carrang - occasionally receives messages from the Veil that contain important information, if somewhat cryptic.

>>3450999
>Option 1
-Since the assasins have darkvision, use Sun's Flare - use their hypersensitive eyes against them. Blinding our troops is irrelevant since they are not their target and Izumi could heal them anyway.
-Summon Gartoum ASAP, order him to deal with the enemy with extreme prejudice
-Use Murmur Stone and get in touch with Izumi. If she's back in the camp - tell her to find Alliance leaders and keep them safe. If she's ambused during her patrol - tell her that she's on the extermination duty and we're looking after the leaders instead.
-Get Braun and Thorumin to safety, then look for Prince, Zatzil and other leaders, maybe put them all in a Greater Barrier, maybe pass Green Potion to Braun since the thing he was hit with could be poisonous.
-Hunt for the assasins once at least half of the Alliance leaders + Zatzil are safe.
Kinda sound plan imo, but it has too many steps so it probably wouldn't hold up.

>Option 2
-Use Double Flux Wave and floor EVERYONE. The range is big enough to reach the enemy - they were close enough to sniff them.
-Summon Gartoum and start hunting for assasins together while everyone is knocked out.
-Get in touch and coordinate with Izumi.
Easy, fast, messy and costly.

>>3450999
>Increased Depletion Rates
That means that technique manacost is increased and no more daily regen, right?

>>3451227
The more I think about it, the more I feel that we hit the jackpot when we snagged Gartoum. Having a formidable summon is so useful.

>>3451227
Personally I want to go with option2 - we have enough storaged mana in our crystals and condensers to cover most of the expenses, and the price tag of half of our mana is worth saving the Alliance leaders.

>>3450999
First step is finding them. Sun's Flare should buy us enough time to locate them. After that take to the air, it'll make us harder to hit.

>>3451257
This isn't the only fight we'll have to do with reduced mana, and we don't know their aims. Let's not hamstring ourselves for later fights.

>>3451257
I'd rather not use the flux wave. Some of our allies are literally melting and on the verge of panic; flooring everyone will make us sitting ducks and will help kill the soldiers that are meltimg, and if there are enemies that werent in range of the wave, well they will have a huge advantage.
I think its better to warn izumi, summon gartoun and raise some weak(yet large) barriers for the soldiers to take cover.

>>3451446
Soldiers' safety is low priority - they are not the target of these assasins.
>you realize...you can’t see or sense any of them getting closer. They’re moving rapidly, though, and it hits you as you prevent one of them from sniping out a nearby lieutenant.
They are here for the leaders.

>>3451348
Miranda is not able to fly properly yet, the Air Shift doesn't sound like it would let us easily juke either, and their darkvision lets them to see us as clear as during the day.

>>3451237
>>3451355
Okay, so what are you voting for then?

>>3451839
My point still stands.

>>3451891
Well, I offered two options>>3451227, so it's not like I'm really commited to >>3451257

>>3451232
Correct.

It seems like in general, the idea is 'Sun's Flare, Summon Gartoum, try to stay on the defensive while he sniffs them out.'

>>3450999
Oh, screw this. A brief shout erupts from you before you illuminate yourself harshly, night turning to day in a split-second. There’s a group of shouts- most from nearby, sadly, but importantly, some from a clear distance away.

“Gartoum, come out!” You call quickly, as you take cover behind one of the wagons. You don’t have time to worry about anyone being shocked or alarmed at your summon- this is a major situation at the moment, and you need all of the tools at your disposal. His billowing appearance is quicker than normal, you notice- maybe he heard the urgency in your voice?

“Yes, yes? You sound harried.” He’s dispensing with the fluff and ponce, too- good. “Oh dear, and maybe you are…”

“We’ve got opposition in the trees. Going for high-priority targets, and they’ve got nightvision, so I need you to hunt them down fast and hard. Heard one in that direction,” you quickly point towards out where you’re pretty sure you detected a shout.

“Oooh, scary!” He says with a grin and a smokey wiggle.

“Then be scarier! Me and Hylinde need to keep on defense.” He gives a salute (mocking or not, you don’t care right now) and quickly slinks off towards the sparse treeline. You quickly fish out your murmur stone as you try to strain your senses and move forward up the army train. “Hylinde?!”

“Already trying to contain the situation.” She speaks crisply. “They’re targeting specific people, myself included.”

“On my way to reinforce…” Ah, crap. Who, is the question. Your light barrier can be extended, but that’ll take a lot of mana, especially with this light, yet annoying sucking feeling constantly eating at you…

>Braun and Norima. He sounded frustrated, and his Wild-linked forces are extremely important. That plus the Veilspeaker’s limited numbers means that any loss would be felt.
>Thorumin and the Prince. His forces and artillery are very useful, and the rabbit himself is capable. And the Prince is the Prince, obviously.
>Za-Leil and the captives. His forces are sizeable, but they need their leader with them. That can’t change. And with Zatzil, Lipsa, and Carrang, you don’t want anything untoward to happen to them now.
>Other

>>3452458
>Za-Leil and the captives. His forces are sizeable, but they need their leader with them. That can’t change. And with Zatzil, Lipsa, and Carrang, you don’t want anything untoward to happen to them now.

>>3452458
>>Thorumin and the Prince. His forces and artillery are very useful, and the rabbit himself is capable. And the Prince is the Prince, obviously.

The Prince is the one that pays right?

>>3452466
Yes.

>>3452466
I have nothing against your vote, but technically it is the King who pays us - the Prince is his representative.

>>3452481
>>3452482
Oh nevermind then.

>>3452482
>>3452484
It's more or less the same thing, really.

10 minutes just to be safe, then I'll flip.

>>3452458
>>Thorumin and the Prince. His forces and artillery are very useful, and the rabbit himself is capable. And the Prince is the Prince, obviously.

We're focusing on protecting the primary. And his friend.

Writing.

>>3452458
>>3452466
>>3452497
>Current Mana: 10,450/12,500

“Thorumin and the Prince.” His forces and artillery are very useful, and the rabbit himself is capable. The others, you’ll have to trust Izumi and the other men to keep them protected.

“Understood. I’ll proceed to the midline near Braun and the others. What about the back?” Good question, and one you don’t have a total answer to.

“Gartoum’s out hunting for them, and that’s where I was initially. Hopefully he can clear out the threats closer there first.” You don’t know how badly they’ll take it, but hopefully them plus the offensive response will keep things from getting too bloody…

Already as you reach the front, passing several yells of pain and fear, you’re quickly approaching Thorumin, who’s quickly still trying to rally his troops; small as they are, they’re also jittery, and several of them are trying to defend the cannon- probably a good idea as the wheels and whatnot on it are partially wooden, so. Rapidfire spits are coming out from the woods seemingly from thin air, even as the rabbits and others are going in, desperate to hunt out whoever’s assaulting you. Thorumin himself is barely missed by a glob of acidic web not long before he sees you.

“Ah, glad you’re here!” Prince, for his part, seems mostly calm, if clearly disturbed. Several of his men are surrounding him as acid web flies. “I’ve got men trying to scare off these damned assassins- could use some help keeping in one piece!”

“That’s what I’m here for!” Alright, now how are you going to play this? You can only hope that Gartoum isn’t too long with his work, but regardless, you’re going to have to spend some mana here. Question is, however- how much?

>Only a bit (less than 3500). You’ll have to play smart, use your new capabilities to the fullest, and hope that Gartoum isn’t slacking and that the attackers are staying still. You’ll be in good shape for later, however.
>A decent amount (greater than 3500, less than 6000). You don’t want them to die more than necessary, and keeping them protected warrants a bit of expenditure. You’ll have to be cautious in the future, however…
>As much as is needed (greater than 6000). You’re not only going to keep them protected, you’re going to make sure that everyone knows where the assailants might be- Zone Scanner will be most useful.
>Other

>>3452543
>>Only a bit (less than 3500). You’ll have to play smart, use your new capabilities to the fullest, and hope that Gartoum isn’t slacking and that the attackers are staying still. You’ll be in good shape for later, however.
Too many future fights.

>>3452543
>A decent amount (greater than 3500, less than 6000). You don’t want them to die more than necessary, and keeping them protected warrants a bit of expenditure. You’ll have to be cautious in the future, however…

>>3452543
>>A decent amount (greater than 3500, less than 6000). You don’t want them to die more than necessary, and keeping them protected warrants a bit of expenditure. You’ll have to be cautious in the future, however…

>>3452543
>A decent amount (greater than 3500, less than 6000). You don’t want them to die more than necessary, and keeping them protected warrants a bit of expenditure. You’ll have to be cautious in the future, however…
We have the crystals for an emergency pick-me-up.

>>3452543
>>3452556
>>3452564
>>3452572

Alright, going to need a roll as well. 1d10, best of 3.

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>3452599

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>3452599

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>3452599
>>3452609
wow

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>3452599

>>3452617
>>3452618
Hmm. Now I'm curious if someone could roll another 10.

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>3452599

File: anime wonder.jpg (87 KB, 904x528)

87 KB JPG

>>3452617
>>3452618
>>3452652

>>3452617
>>3452618
>>3452652
...huh.

Hmmmmmmm.

>>3452652
>>3452618
>>3452617
>3 sequential 10s
>shock.jpeg
Isn't that about 1 in a thousand or so?

File: 1521673835109-co.jpg (84 KB, 913x1024)

84 KB JPG

>as we get closer to the target, we get shit rolls.

inb4 we unlock some special moves as a bonus

>>3452599
>>3452609
>>3452613
>>3452617
>>3452618
>>3452652

You’re not going to skimp on things here- you don’t want to get surprised by a lucky glob of acid web to end up on anyone, and the result is a quick, wide Light Barrier summoned in front of a sizeable area of the camp, to the surprise of the gathered.

“Well, that’ll help quite a bit, I think!” Thorumin comments; he’s got a crossbow in his hands, as well as several other; smaller than normal, but crossbows nonetheless. “We’ll be the hunters before long!” Yeah, you hope. You can’t see just where they’re coming from, but they can’t be TOO far away...you CAN smell them, at the least, and that gives you enough of a decent idea of where things are...which is when you sense a group of them behind you, you’re quick to swivel the barrier behind them-

-only to instinctively throw out another one once a long string of the stuff comes shooting out from the same direction, the light green wall shimmering into existence a half-second before the web splatters onto it uselessly. You feel more mana leave you in a rush, but it was either that, or a decent platoon of rabbitkin get melted. You don’t like how

For the next twenty minutes, you’re caught in a defending action, trying to keep them off of you and yours as you keep your senses expanded- the myriad of scents emanating from nearby is frustrating to sift through, but you can at least recognize the most distant ones- and when they vanish. One, two, three...whether it’s Gartoum or the soldiers, they’re going away at a decent clip, thankfully. Still, you have to remain focused, deflecting as many as possible.”

You only drop both barriers when the last of them wink out, and there’s several minutes of utter silence- the end result being a myriad of areas in the campground half or wholly melted. One of the newer wagons has had the wheels destroyed, several of the tents melted and useless now, and a number of soldiers injured or dead; the captain, from what you can tell, had the misfortune of having his arm halfway sloughed off. Many others- most notably the lizards, some of the rabbitkin, and a smattering of bearkin near the prisoners- had fallen outright, the acid not quite hitting their mark, but coming close. None of the leaders are injured, fortunately, but your supplies are hit badly, and it seems like in their attempts they managed to hurt a bit of everyone’s forces.

(cont.)

>>3452912
You’re going to have to recover, but it’s not nearly as bad as you’d worried about. “Right, then…”

“Soooo, whatcha think of that, boss?” A voice comes from nowhere, immediately sending the surrounding people on edge. “Frankly, I think I did pretty well, although seeing those adorable bunnies try to stab giant spiders was pretty amusing…” And with a spiraling flourish, Gartoum reveals himself, to the shock and surprise of everyone nearby.

“What on…” the Prince says in shock.

“By the wild…” Thorumin exhales.

Great. You sigh, holding out your hand with the ring on it. “You did fantastic. We’ll talk later, though; a lot of stuff to clean up tonight.”

“Awww, it’s rather a lovely night, if I do say so myself. Buuuuut, alright. I’ll likely see you when I see you! So far, things HAVE been fun! Toodles!” As he demateralizes and spirals back into the ring, you meet the eyes of the collected, looking at you with refreshed worry. “Relax, he’s mostly harmless. Now let’s fix up the camp.”

>Current Mana: 6,450/12,500

------------------

A day later, and a sleepless night for both yourself and Izumi, and you’re traveling back along the trail. It’s not long before you get to a particular crossroads, however…

“This is it,” Prince notes. “From here, we’ll be going right, and before long, we’ll be crossing into the Jonai Flats. Here’s hoping,” he says calmly.

“We’ll have to be even more careful now that some of our supplies have been lost,” Braun notes. “With the injured along with us, we will have to be even more cautious.” Right. Even with Izumi’s healing and your own stuff, some things, apparently, just couldn’t be fixed- particularly anything that was more or less disintegrated.

But, now wasn’t the worry for that. Now was traveling time, and for keeping your eyes peeled.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>3452935

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3452935
let's not botch ourselves on the last stretches.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3452935

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3452935

15. Neat.

Writing!

Yay.

>>3452935
>>3452939
>>3452945
>>3452951
The Jonai Flats are...well...boring, to say the least. Flat land indeed- it’s flat, empty plains with little to no real grassland, and not a lake in sight. You’d almost call it a desert, honestly, were it not for the occasional break up of the horizon with a dead or dying tree. There’s nothing in the distance, there’s nothing in front or behind you, there’s jack squat.

If nothing else, you’re glad for the quiet, you suppose, boring though it might be. Gives you a chance to recover, and in particular, you don’t feel like you’re exactly game for doing anything particularly magically strenuous. “Quite the...expansive expanse,” Thorumin says.

“The Wild is weak here,” Braun notes warily. The Prince just nods.

For the next couple of hours, you travel, and as the sun dips lower in the horizon, you begin looking for a place to camp...which, really, takes all of thirty seconds as everywhere is about the same. No real road, no protruding areas, no cover, no nothing.

Which makes it all the more surprising when you see something, or something walking towards you all. Yourself, the Prince, and the individuals in the front of the army procession ready arms...but the individual doesn’t seem to notice. In fact, as they approach, you can see that they appear to be engrossed in looking at something on a very large sheet of paper. “Now, what could be so curious…?” the Prince mutters to himself.

“I say we find out, eh?” Thorumin says, haughty. “I can’t say I see any particular threat here at the moment.”

True, you didn’t sense any kind of threat from them, scent or otherwise. In fact ‘they’ is more apt than you first thought- as they get closer, you can see that one is actually two. One of them is a rather large, fuzzy, blackish-brown Blackweb Weaver… and you do mean LARGE. This guy could probably put Ferrah to shame, in terms of sheer size. Although it was clear she had had more muscle…

The other is far smaller, just as fuzzy and blackish-brown, and with bright orange eyes that appears to be riding on the big one’s shoulders- which frankly makes sense enough as you estimate she barely would come up to your chest. They’re both with backpacks, and looking on at whatever has their attention so thoroughly. Still, you keep your guard up as you can just start to hear them. “...and they’re probably reaalllly ugly and dangerous, like, even uglier than this, so make sure not to get caught by any tricks! You gotta be smart for once, y’know! I can’t be the genius all the time!” Her voice is small and confident, like a 10-year-old that’s convinced she knows everything.

(cont.)

>>3453139
“Aw, don’t worry! I’m plenty smart! Strong, too!” This big guy doesn’t sound much older, either. “All we gotta do is find ‘em ‘fore they find us, right?”

“Right! We’ll be famous an’ powerful an’ stuff in no time!” She nods to herself, satisfied with her own proclamation.

“Right, then. Attention!” Thorumin calls out, causing the two to jump.

“Huh? Oh, hey, a rabbitguy!” Contrary to what you expected, she seems almost...dismissive of the massive army in front of her. “Hey, have you seen, uh...this thing?” She holds up a picture, and it’s…

...well, you’re not sure what it is. It’s some kind of colored sketch of some strange, glowing, humanoid being. Massive, triple pairs of wings. Wide, leathery skin that seems to stretch everywhere like some kind of mix of dragon and flying squirrel, breathing fire and with massive horns just above large, glowing eyes with wickedly slitted-

Oh.

It’s you.

Sorta. Kinda. Vaguely.

...actually, you’re a touch insulted. That sketch is just horrible.

“And why would you need to know, if I might ask?” Thorumin says with not a small amount of incredulity.

She carries on, though, heedless. “‘Cause I’m huntin’ for it, of course! This is the legendary Destroyer! According to what I was told, it’s a massive beast, fierce and hungry for Weaver flesh! And it’s been eating up a lot of Weavers! That’s not good, y’know!” What. “I mean, it’s gotta be pretty scary to defeat whole cohorts and armies and stuff, y’know! Which is why we’re gonna find it, and we’re gonna trap it, and we’re gonna take it back to Mis-”

“Wait, uh…how’re we gonna trap it, again?” the big guy asks out of nowhere.

“I got rope!” she says proudly. “And bait! And we’ll be able to disguise ourselves! It’ll be perfect!”

“Oh, neat!” the big guy nods approvingly. “That should do it!”

The rest of your procession looks around at this, completely uncertain of what’s going on or how to respond.

> She seems a long way from any action. Is she lost?
> Wait, mind finishing that thought from just before?
> You’re not butting into this one. Let Prince handle it.
> Other

(Aaand I'm off for the night!)

>>3453147
>She seems a long way from any action. Is she lost?
Headpat them.

>>3453147
>You’re not butting into this one. Let Prince handle it.

>>3453147
>> You’re not butting into this one. Let Prince handle it.

>reaalllly ugly
>hungry for Weaver flesh

Nope, I don't feel like getting a headache today.