File: relay race.jpg (178 KB, 800x600)

178 KB JPG

"Kallyat and Ilda will breach the doors first. Kallyat will carry high the Noble Scepter. With it in hand, the spirits Pestia and Leprosa will be driven back long enough for them to reach Nerdry and his contraption."

File: guarded words.jpg (153 KB, 800x600)

153 KB JPG

"Once there, guarded by Kallyat and the scepter, Ilda will confess her true feelings for Nerdry. Hearing her words, the alchemist will pause his terrible distillation, and allot us the precious few moments we will need."

File: ballroom blitz.jpg (184 KB, 800x600)

184 KB JPG

"Seeing their desire interrupted, the spirits will surely attack Kallyat. Before they may strike, I will battle them, with Marden and Gwyn."

File: his job sucks.jpg (142 KB, 800x600)

142 KB JPG

"While the spirits are distracted, Hobby will use the Eternal Lamp to entrap one of the spirits-"

"Hobby!"

File: all for one.jpg (195 KB, 800x600)

195 KB JPG

"-and the other will act as Nerdry's dark muse no longer!"

File: pallor tricks.jpg (152 KB, 800x600)

152 KB JPG

Auralie smiled and looked about the faces of the others, lit by the glow of Kallyat's candle.

"Then," said the Unicorn Knight with confidence, "once she has been defeated, we can free Dalton from the creature in the charnel house and see about restoring both he and Nerdy to-"

File: raise and hold on.jpg (143 KB, 800x600)

143 KB JPG

Her enthusiasm, however, was met with an unexpected reaction.

"Whatever is the matter with all of you?" Auralie asked. "You look as if you have seen a-"

File: goop troop.jpg (227 KB, 800x600)

227 KB JPG

The Unicorn Knight turned her helm, and found herself suddenly trapped by the guardian left by Pestia and Leprosa, and saw that Marden had not truly defeated it, but only caused it to lie dormant while it congealed itself.

The form it took now was somehow more hideous than before, for the ichorous thing, driven by the rising fumes billowing from beneath the great doors, had swelled in size. A tidal wave of acrid sludge thrust up around them.

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whatever Auralie does, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 2 (1d12)

>>4285684

Hack and slash!!!

Rolled 2 (1d12)

>>4285684
Attack attack!

File: offensive words.jpg (124 KB, 800x600)

124 KB JPG

"No more will you menace this place, monster!" cried the Unicorn Knight, and drew back her sword to strike at its towering neck.

File: jellyneck.jpg (152 KB, 800x600)

152 KB JPG

The strike was well-aimed, yet as Auralie's blade passed through the caustic sludge, the ooze began to glow even more brightly, and the swing was dragged to a halt.

File: blade bummer.jpg (122 KB, 800x600)

122 KB JPG

The blade in her hand was suddenly lighter, yet the dread that filled her stomach was more than enough to match the weight, for Auralie saw that in striking the creature her blade had been corroded to the hilt!

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

File: equipment checklist.jpg (635 KB, 1200x3606)

635 KB JPG

FORGOT TO POST THE EQUIPMENT SCREEN

Rolled 3 (1d12)

>>4285764

stab him with your knife. In the eyes. There has to be a weak spot somewhere?

>>4285782

Shit. Someone get a better roll.

Not even going to try adding dice rolls to me own quest tonight.

Rolled 5 (1d12)

>>4285764
Hey, Hobby, got any swords in that basket you'd be willing to part with?

File: bringing a knife to an oo(...).jpg (182 KB, 800x600)

182 KB JPG

Auralie cast her corroded hilt to the floor, and drew her silver knife...

File: it has a sloppy fighting (...).jpg (225 KB, 800x600)

225 KB JPG

...yet the monstrous, mucousy sludge towered ever-higher, spurred on by the noxious fumes of the alchemist's device beyond the doors.

"Auralie!" croaked the lumpish creature as it danced excitedly behind the geyserlike wards.

File: pep squad.jpg (149 KB, 800x600)

149 KB JPG

"We need to do something!" hissed Kallyat. "She's going to be dissolved by that thing!"

"Aye," Marden agreed, backing closer. "What's your plan?"

File: sword plea.jpg (137 KB, 800x600)

137 KB JPG

"Marden, you idiot!" shouted Gwyn as the pair collided, for even the witch was driven back by the encroaching sludge. "Give Auralie one of your swords!"

"My... my swords?" Marden stammered. "I don't think she needs-"

"MARDEN!" Gwyn shouted.

"I... I guess I could spare just one-"

File: what's the scoop.jpg (102 KB, 800x600)

102 KB JPG

"Hobby!" croaked the misshapen creature, and swung one apelike arm over its shoulder into the basket it carried.

File: equipment checkoff.jpg (70 KB, 800x600)

70 KB JPG

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whichever weapon you select, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 10 (1d12)

Going for ice blade

File: wading fool.jpg (197 KB, 800x600)

197 KB JPG

"Hobby!" croaked the misshapen creature as he drew forth a crystalline blade that shimmered in the light of the sludge.

"Hobby!" he croaked again, and to the surprise of all, simply waded out into the acrid ooze.

"HOBBY!" cried the others helplessly, but even though the creature was rough in form, his maker had been a craftsman of the highest order, and he emerged unscathed, shedding the sludge as a man might shed rain from his boots.

File: exchange berate.jpg (147 KB, 800x600)

147 KB JPG

"Hobby!" Auralie gasped in surprise, for she had thought that the last moment before she reached the land beyond would be spent alone.

"Sword!" croaked Hobby. "Auralie!"

"Hobby, you should not be h-" began the Unicorn Knight, when suddenly...

File: reflex check.jpg (170 KB, 800x600)

170 KB JPG

...a thick column of sludge lurched toward them both, too quickly for Hobby to escape.

Without thought, Auralie thrust the strange blade toward it, heedless of the ruin which her former attempt had caused her own sword...

File: cold comfort.jpg (158 KB, 800x600)

158 KB JPG

...but as the blade sliced the column, the sludge began to harden, freezing motionless to a gleaming clarity that rivaled the blade in her hand.

"Ice!" croaked the misshapen creature.

File: tower of glower.jpg (177 KB, 800x600)

177 KB JPG

The ichorous monster roared and roiled, and raised itself up in fierce stalagmites of sludge to loom above the pair. The dungeon air burned with the vapors of the spreading pool of sludge.

"Hobby!" croaked the malformed thing.

File: team-up effort.jpg (148 KB, 800x600)

148 KB JPG

"Hobby, you must flee!" cried the Unicorn Knight, but the creature merely danced about.

"Hobby fight!" he croaked.

>Send Hobby away
>Welcome Hobby's aid

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 10 (1d12)

>>4286011
Let's see how well Hobby can fight!

>>4286011
Just came past this thread.
Hobby = based

Rolled 2 (1d12)

>>4286011

File: permit to carry on.jpg (159 KB, 800x600)

159 KB JPG

"If that is your will, then I welcome you to my side!" exclaimed the Unicorn Knight, for Hobby had always been a stalwart companion since first they met so many long hours ago.

"Hobby fight!" croaked the misshapen creature again, and turned his head owl-like to peer into the basket, while his apelike arm groped disjointedly from around his shoulder.

File: surge of confidence.jpg (166 KB, 800x600)

166 KB JPG

The guardian seemed to recognize that Auralie had become distracted by the creature's antics, for it vomited forth a thick batch of sludge...

File: cold affront.jpg (195 KB, 800x600)

195 KB JPG

...yet the magic of the blade she held was great, and in an instant the steaming mass crystalized and grew motionless as a winter morning.

File: weapon check it out.jpg (138 KB, 800x600)

138 KB JPG

"Axe!" croaked the lumpen thing as it drew at last an immense iron bar topped with an ornately-anchored axe-head. In his hand was a weapon that none of the others present could hope to wield, yet Hobby danced about with no concern.

File: chillax.jpg (191 KB, 800x600)

191 KB JPG

"Hobby fight!" he croaked, and with his swing the column of ice was shattered. From across the steaming puddle, the creature's head roared at its amputation.

File: percolation relocation.jpg (180 KB, 800x600)

180 KB JPG

The combined damage of Auralie's enchanted blade and Hobby's unfaltering blows severed more and more of the guardian from itself, and soon the cage that it had formed around the others began to melt away.

"Look!" hissed Kallyat.

"It's drawing back-" growled Marden.

"We are free!" exclaimed Ilda.

"Not yet," warned Gwyn.

File: split decision.jpg (136 KB, 800x600)

136 KB JPG

"-but we have angered it!"

Roll 2d12 and link to this post for whatever Auralie and Hobby do, please!

And someone else roll 4d12 for whatever Kallyat, Marden, Ilda and Gwyn do!

To roll, put dice+2d12 (or dice+4d12) in the Options field!

Rolled 11, 1, 10, 6 = 28 (4d12)

>>4286724

the gang of four should distract while auralie and hobby go for the kill

Rolled 7, 3 = 10 (2d12)

>>4286724
Auralie and Hobby finish it off while the others follow this post >>4286733

File: easy as jello.jpg (199 KB, 800x600)

199 KB JPG

"Draw its attention to us!" hissed Kallyat, and slashed at the towers of acrid sludge. "Lead it away from them so they can strike from behind!"

File: intrusive element.jpg (146 KB, 800x600)

146 KB JPG

The monster, enraged by the Nejka's attack, formed a protrusion like the tail of a giant scorpion, and flung it outward at the easy prey of Ilda.

File: music break.jpg (126 KB, 800x600)

126 KB JPG

Without pause, the chansonnier spun her balalaika to place and strummed a single note, perfectly pitched to shatter the monster's attack into globules.

File: only the top 10 percent i(...).jpg (130 KB, 800x600)

130 KB JPG

"I am trying to draw its attention!" Gwyn flapped angrily, as the tip of an acrid protrusion began to freeze.

File: change of guard.jpg (140 KB, 800x600)

140 KB JPG

"Save some for me, ladies!" laughed Marden as he charged toward the monster, swords ready.

File: change of plan.jpg (164 KB, 800x600)

164 KB JPG

Yet his bravado quickly faded, for in his zeal Marden had failed to notice another extrusion of sludge hurled toward him.

"Aaaaugh!" he shouted, as his longsword tumbled through the air.

File: change of acetone.jpg (115 KB, 800x600)

115 KB JPG

Marden's face contorted in pain, for in place of his fist was a smoking, bubbling mass that glowed with a rotten shade of green.

"My hand!" growled the red-scaled man. His grip upon the sword in his remaining hand did not falter.

File: blast processing.jpg (154 KB, 800x600)

154 KB JPG

"Marden!" gasped Auralie. Pinned down as she was by the relentless attack of the guardian, the Unicorn Knight could only watch as Marden struggled in the aftermath of his gruesome amputation.

"Hobby," she cried, "We must find a way to-"

File: distraction tactic.jpg (141 KB, 800x600)

141 KB JPG

But Hobby had seemingly forgotten the battle that raged around him, and Auralie found him peering intently at the glass bell which held the kindle-beetle.

"Beetle!" croaked the malformed creature.

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 12 (1d12)

>>4287472

Dice are shit today in whichever thread I post in.

F to Marden's hand.

>>4287473

AAAAaaaAAAAAaaaaAAAAHHHHH!!!! YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!!!

>>4287474
The dice gods have a cruel sense of humor.

Still holding on a roll that isn't just a meta joke

Rolled 10 (1d12)

>>4287472
Release the beetle and fire at the goo guy for a distraction and thermal shock.

>>4289470

K then I support what this post does. Realized that I forgot to put an action there.

Whoops.

>>4289961

I meant I support what this post does with my roll. >>4289492

File: gooey batter.jpg (178 KB, 800x600)

178 KB JPG

"Hobby, help the others!" pleaded Auralie, as the gelatinous knight rained blows against her shield. "You can still escape!"

File: his goal is transparent.jpg (167 KB, 800x600)

167 KB JPG

But Hobby instead danced about, and wrenched the glass bell from its base.

"Hobby," Auralie cried, "what are you d-"

File: flame thrower.jpg (134 KB, 800x600)

134 KB JPG

"Beetle!" croaked the lumpen thing again, and tossed the tiny beast upward, for in the instant that it had been exposed to the air it sparked a tiny flame that quickly flared.

File: lighter then mare.jpg (151 KB, 800x600)

151 KB JPG

Angered at being jostled and tossed about, the kindle-beetle reacted in the only way its nature allowed, and began blindly spraying its flame out before it in an ever-widening fan as it tumbled through the air.

File: target demon graphic.jpg (115 KB, 800x600)

115 KB JPG

The ichorous monster roared, for it seemed to understand the ramification of the flare of starlight that pitched toward its steaming mass.

File: blow-up doll.jpg (137 KB, 800x600)

137 KB JPG

"Look out!" cried the Unicorn Knight, and the world around her turned to flame.

File: you passed your sanitize check.jpg (124 KB, 800x600)

124 KB JPG

Its rage expended, the kindle-beetle's flame began to gutter, and soon was nothing more than the glow of a torch. It struggled like any beetle to surmount the charry and snapping mass of blackened and burned sludge, and after a time gave up and turned about.

Of the guardian, there was nothing left but the ancient armor and helm that once rode upon it.

File: going all out on a limb.jpg (118 KB, 800x600)

118 KB JPG

Kallyat placed one hand upon Marden's shoulder and held her candle high.

"Marden!" she exclaimed.

"It's not as bad as it looks," the red-scaled man said with a grimace.

File: disability claim.jpg (163 KB, 800x600)

163 KB JPG

"Your hand!" exclaimed Auralie as she joined the others, Hobby in tow.

"I'll live," Marden replied through clenched teeth, "but with only one hand, I won't be able to fight two-sword style!"

File: suggestion box.jpg (112 KB, 800x600)

112 KB JPG

Suddenly, Hobby began to dance about. "Essence!" croaked the malformed creature.

"Essence?" Auralie repeated.

File: going down empty-handed o(...).jpg (148 KB, 800x600)

148 KB JPG

Marden looked again at the stump of his arm. "He means the Essence of Immortality which is said to lie somewhere within the dungeons."

"True Essence of Immortality can restore even the most grievous wounds," agreed Gwyn through gritted teeth, for her own face was nearly as pained as that of Marden.

As Hobby danced about, Auralie looked from him, to the others. From there she glanced to the great doors beyond which the alchemist, driven by the dark muses Pestia and Leprosa, had nearly completed his work.

Her gaze leapt next to the darkened doorway which led to the bone-scrounging creature. That same pale creature had wished to bargain for the will of the hapless Dalton, if they would stand with the creature against another that lurked in the deepest part of the dungeon.

And finally, past the simple-minded creation of the wizard, Auralie's gaze drifted to the black stairwell that led down and down.

>Storm the lair of Pestia and Leprosa
>Go talk to the creature in the charnel house
>Search the dungeons for the Essence of Immortality yourself

First choice to receive two votes will be chosen!

File: map quest.png (129 KB, 800x1800)

129 KB PNG

Updated map

File: equipment checklist.jpg (631 KB, 1200x3606)

631 KB JPG

And the equipment screen too

>>4290975
>>Storm the lair of Pestia and Leprosa

>>4290975
>>Search the dungeons for the Essence of Immortality yourself

>>4290975
>>Search the dungeons for the Essence of Immortality yourself

File: worker's comp.jpg (146 KB, 800x600)

146 KB JPG

Again, Auralie looked at the stump of Marden's arm. "It will do us no good to face the spirits if we fall," she said. "We need your swords. Both of them."

File: group decision.jpg (79 KB, 800x600)

79 KB JPG

"There is only one place in these dungeons which we have not yet dared approach," said the Unicorn Knight. "If the Essence of Immortality exists, it may lie in the catacombs below us."

File: cooped down.jpg (104 KB, 800x600)

104 KB JPG

With that, they began their descent.

When Auralie reached the stairwell, she crept cautiously into the room, shield raised high, for it was here that she and Kallyat had been set upon by the bloodthirsty cherubs.

But of the cherubs, there was still no sign.

File: path of lessened resistance.jpg (119 KB, 800x600)

119 KB JPG

Kallyat conducted her own hesitant survey of the chamber as she stepped beyond the threshold to join the Unicorn Knight.

"Do you suppose the fishslaves of the Brain Peeler slew them?" Kallyat murmured.

"It is possible," Auralie whispered in return.

File: warning shot.jpg (125 KB, 800x600)

125 KB JPG

Beyond the vacant roost of the cherubs, they came at last to the blackened doorway.

As they did, Auralie halted, and turned to the others. "Something evil lurks beyond. I have felt it. Keep close to me."

File: remains to be seen.jpg (107 KB, 800x600)

107 KB JPG

Auralie crept along the hall, Kallyat's candle at her back, and saw that beyond were beds of polished black marble, on which were heaped piles of bone.

File: attention-getting image.jpg (72 KB, 800x600)

72 KB JPG

It was not the remains that held her attention, however, for at the far end of the ossuary she saw a gleam of light.

As her eyes traced the profile of its source, Auralie could barely stifle a gasp.

File: beckon call.jpg (81 KB, 800x600)

81 KB JPG

In the darkened recess of the chamber, a nobleman - or a thing that was once a nobleman - held in its grip a flask, and Auralie knew at once that it was the Essence of Immortality.

The creature paused, flask nearly to its lips, then suddenly turned and hissed two names.

"Stazia! Beccia!"

File: nobody has a stake in thi(...).jpg (99 KB, 800x600)

99 KB JPG

A pair of figures swam from the shadows.

"What is it, Vlad?" asked the more buxom of the two, as she stroked his head. The other, dressed less provocatively, looked on from behind.

"I smell something," growled the creature. "It smells like a Unicorn Knight!"

"A Unicorn Knight?" asked the one closest to him.

"Go and see what it is," he snapped.

File: off-putting putting off.jpg (104 KB, 800x600)

104 KB JPG

"Vlad, might we have some of that Essence of Immortality?" ventured the other.

"I might be so inclined if you do as I say!" he growled.

File: necking order.jpg (91 KB, 800x600)

91 KB JPG

The first siren was undeterred, and instead embraced him, and turned her head to look upon the other. "Beccia, go and see what it is," she demanded.

The second siren hesitated.

Stazia threw a fierce look her way. "Now," she commanded.

File: warning siren.jpg (91 KB, 800x600)

91 KB JPG

Cowed by the display, the siren floated off of the stone floor and turned to drift across the chamber.

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 6 (1d12)

>>4292608

Ambush her.

File: red light distract.jpg (131 KB, 800x600)

131 KB JPG

Untethered by earthly bonds, the siren crossed the room in only a moment's time.

Caught surprised, Auralie threw herself against the narrow corner of the hallway, then her eyes flew to Kallyat as she mouthed two words.

Your candle!

File: looking a gift horse in t(...).jpg (141 KB, 800x600)

141 KB JPG

Yet the siren seemed not to notice the candle's glow at all, and as she entered the hall her own gaze fell upon Auralie.

The siren began to utter an exclamation-

"A Unic-"

File: close shave combat.jpg (96 KB, 800x600)

96 KB JPG

Kallyat thrust her blade at the siren, hoping to catch her unaware, but even the Nekja's speed was outmatched. Before either could see, the siren's hands flew upward, and pinned the blade's edge between thumbs and forefingers as a seamstress would hold a thread.

The tip of the blade waved precariously close to Auralie's face.

File: baring witness.jpg (103 KB, 800x600)

103 KB JPG

In the deepest part of the chamber, the other two turned at the sound.

"Go and see what it is," Vlad commanded.

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 4 (1d12)

>>4292712

Freeze the brunette one.

Prepare to also ambush the next one and do the same to her.

File: ice block.jpg (129 KB, 800x600)

129 KB JPG

Unprompted but quick-witted, Gwyn hurled a bolt of frost at the siren, but again the creature's speed was unmatched. Kallyat's blade was wrenched upward to intercept the witch's attack, and Auralie saw that her companion was wrenched off her feet as easily as a rag doll.

File: tug vote.jpg (134 KB, 800x600)

134 KB JPG

Before any of them could muster a counter, the siren suddenly flew backward into the chamber, dragging the hapless Nekja in tow.

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

File: map quest.png (135 KB, 800x1800)

135 KB PNG

Updated correct map

Rolled 3 (1d12)

>>4292773
Grab her leg and pull her back!

Rolled 6 (1d12)

>>4292797

+1

>>4292797

Rolled 4 (1d12)

>>4292935

Rolled 7 (1d12)

>>4292773
supporting >>4292797

File: threshold grab hold.jpg (115 KB, 800x600)

115 KB JPG

As Kallyat was pulled through the doorway, Auralie pinned her blade against her shield-arm and lunged for the Nekja.

"Kallyat!" she cried.

File: grab and gulp.jpg (135 KB, 800x600)

135 KB JPG

Yet such was the strength of the siren that the Unicorn Knight was herself pulled into the chamber as well.

File: flier crier.jpg (102 KB, 800x600)

102 KB JPG

Mere paces from the doorway, Gwyn flapped her wings and darted through the air toward the others-

File: bird caged.jpg (119 KB, 800x600)

119 KB JPG

-when in front of her a heavy iron gate suddenly slipped from the shadows above.

"What-?" exclaimed the red-skinned woman, and flung herself back to stop her flight.

File: alarm block.jpg (119 KB, 800x600)

119 KB JPG

Inside the chamber, Auralie turned at the boom of the heavy gate against the stone floor.

File: breaking point.jpg (120 KB, 800x600)

120 KB JPG

Marden raced toward the door. "I'll tear through it!" he growled, and raised the Sword of Glory.

"Never mind that!" hissed Gwyn. "I will melt it!"

File: breaking concentration.jpg (111 KB, 800x600)

111 KB JPG

A startled gasp from Ilda halted their argument.

File: rising infliction.jpg (101 KB, 800x600)

101 KB JPG

As the pair turned, they saw the first siren rise from the shadows beneath them, and as they beheld her the three began to feel as though they were weighted down with water.

"Get her!" hissed Gwyn, yet Marden was slow to lift his blade.

File: 01.jpg (99 KB, 800x600)

99 KB JPG

"You will not harm me," Stazia said to Marden, then looked to the other two. "None of you will harm me."

File: emotional roll or ghost her.jpg (87 KB, 800x600)

87 KB JPG

A heady rush swept over the three, and Stazia's lips parted in a smile, for none of them had yet moved against her. Indeed, with each passing second the thought of disobeying her seemed more and more distant.

"You will obey me," demanded the siren's honeyed voice. "You will please me, and worship at my feet!"


Roll 3d12 and link to this post for whatever Marden, Gwyn and Ilda do, please! To roll, put dice+3d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 8, 3, 9 = 20 (3d12)

>>4294630

Resist her power, and then beat the snot out of her.

Let's hope this doesn't end in more amputated body parts...

Rolled 10, 2, 7 = 19 (3d12)

>>4294630
Obey and worship her feet

File: dramatic speech.jpg (121 KB, 800x600)

121 KB JPG

"I've got a will of iron," growled Marden, and when he raised his blade the grip upon it was firm as ever.

Even Ilda seemed less demure, and stood defiantly against the siren. "You cannot charm a charmer," the chansonnier lilted in a voice tinged with mockery.

File: drama queen.jpg (85 KB, 800x600)

85 KB JPG

"Perhaps not," conceded the siren.

File: conniving under the influence.jpg (113 KB, 800x600)

113 KB JPG

"But what of her?"

Marden and Ilda spun about, and saw that Gwyn had a strange look upon her face, and without pause the red-skinned woman set loose her arcane might, not at the siren Stazia, but instead at her own companions.

Roll 2d12 and link to this post for whatever Marden and Ilda do, please! To roll, put dice+2d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 12, 6 = 18 (2d12)

>>4294727

Both will expertly dodge away, and continue to attempt to beat up Stazia.

Rolled 10, 7 = 17 (2d12)

>>4294727

Dodge like heck and give her a good bonk on the head!

>>4294739

Also support beating up Stazia

Rolled 11, 12 = 23 (2d12)

>>4294727
>>4294739 and >>4294741 got the right idea.

>>4294739
>>4294741
>>4294933

Looks like Stazia is going to have a bad time.

File: martial profiling.jpg (115 KB, 800x600)

115 KB JPG

Marden raised the Sword of Glory to shield himself, as the siren laughed.

"Gwyn!" shouted Marden. "Watch where you're-"

File: spell checked.jpg (114 KB, 800x600)

114 KB JPG

"She's enchanted you!" he growled, and Stazia's laugh was cut short, for instead of a dodge or retreat, he threw himself forward, and twisted her arm with his own. "If this siren means to see your magic..."

File: aim of the dame.jpg (125 KB, 800x600)

125 KB JPG

"...then we'll give her an eyefull!"

File: lightning round.jpg (101 KB, 800x600)

101 KB JPG

"NO!" Stazia shrieked, as the bolts of Gwyn's spell hurtled toward her.

File: underground club.jpg (121 KB, 800x600)

121 KB JPG

Knocked prone and reeling from the blast, Stazia could only look upward at the three and shield her face.

"No...No! No, please-!"

File: switch hitters.jpg (121 KB, 800x600)

121 KB JPG

Meanwhile, Auralie and Kallyat found themselves locked inside the chamber.

"Kallyat!" said Auralie. "Are you injured?"

File: candle a bro.jpg (129 KB, 800x600)

129 KB JPG

"Not at the moment," hissed the Nekja.

Just beyond the circle of the candle-glow, the pair of figures stared unblinking at the newcomers.

File: floating pointed terror.jpg (105 KB, 800x600)

105 KB JPG

"Beccia!" roared Vlad as he reclined in midair, the Essence of Immortality still clutched carelessly in one hand. "Take care of that Nekja!"

File: second in command.jpg (83 KB, 800x600)

83 KB JPG

"Yes, Vlad," Beccia agreed at once.

"And make sure that Unicorn Knight doesn't lose too much blood!" he roared.

Beccia nodded. "Yes, Vlad," she said, as her fingertips began to drift upward.

File: leg work.jpg (151 KB, 800x600)

151 KB JPG

A rustling sound like dried leaves in wind began to spread from the crevices in the chamber walls. All too soon, Kallyat's candle illuminated the source.

Spiders, black as pitch and grown to the size of rats, dragged themselves across the stone on legs bristling with spines.

Roll 2d12 for whatever you and Kallyat do, please! To roll, put dice+2d12 in the Options field!

>>4295876
Auralie and Kallyat start kicking spiders at Vlad.

Rolled 6, 5 = 11 (2d12)

>>4295879
And of course I forget the roll.

Rolled 6, 12 = 18 (2d12)

>>4295876

Auralie should attempt to convince Beccia to turn on Vlad, while Kallyat do her ninja thing and steal the Essence while Vlad is distracted.

File: balance of terror.jpg (169 KB, 800x600)

169 KB JPG

The gigantic spiders pressed closer, until they snapped at the feet of the Unicorn Knight.

"I fear we've reached the end of our time together!" cried Kallyat, and Auralie saw that the Nekja's usual cool demeanor seemed to have fled entirely. "When next we meet, it'll be in the land beyond!"

File: view from above.jpg (103 KB, 800x600)

103 KB JPG

Spurred perhaps by Kallyat's cries, one of the spiders leaped, and Auralie threw her shield high, and was driven staggering backward by the weight of the thing that scrabbled to climb it.

File: just tuffet out for a few(...).jpg (127 KB, 800x600)

127 KB JPG

The others saw and quickly followed, and the Unicorn Knight was beset by more, and though her armor protected her from their fangs it did nothing to aid against their combined weight.

"Beccia!" Auralie cried, nearly losing her footing as she stumbled back. "Vlad cares nothing for you! He is using you only for his own ends!"

File: candle abra cadabra.jpg (121 KB, 800x600)

121 KB JPG

"Silence!" roared Vlad. "You will speak no more when I drink your... wait, where is the Nekja?"

Vlad and Beccia stared at the candle flickering on the stone floor, and even the spiders seemed to pause in their frantic climb.

File: pop-up story.jpg (117 KB, 800x600)

117 KB JPG

"Here I am," Kallyat hissed, from the far corner of the room.

"That flask-" roared Vlad, for he had seen the glass Kallyat carried in one hand.

File: bottled emotions.jpg (87 KB, 800x600)

87 KB JPG

The creature stared at his empty claws.

"My Essence of Immortality!" Vlad raged. "Thief!"

File: blue clue.jpg (133 KB, 800x600)

133 KB JPG

Vlad's anger seemed palpable, and Auralie saw that both Beccia and the spiders paused at the outburst, and as they did, the candlelight flickered more brightly, and the Unicorn Knight saw beyond the furl of Beccia's cape a glimpse of delicate blue.

File: the wallflower of being a perk.jpg (87 KB, 800x600)

87 KB JPG

The deepflower.

Nerdry, the merchant's alchemist, and Dalton, the man with the insignia of a wolf, had ventured into the dungeons in search of it, but both had been taken by others and none had reached it, for it was as the stories said - only found in the deepest, darkest part of the dungeons.

With it, one skilled in the art could brew from it more of the legendary Essence of Immortality. Just one petal would bring a fortune, but the man who could reach his deathbed without regret for choosing gold over the concoction that could be brewed in its stead was rare.

Kings would send warships to their own ruin for the chance to possess a stalk.

And here was such a thing, in full bloom.

File: pluck it or truck it.jpg (131 KB, 800x600)

131 KB JPG

"I have it!" cried Kallyat. "Let's get out of here!"

>Escape while you can
>Stay and try to retrieve the deepflower
>Surprise appearance by Marden, Gwyn and Ilda
>Something else

Roll a d12 for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 3 (1d12)

>>4296097
>>Stay and try to retrieve the deepflower

Rolled 8 (1d12)

>>4296097

Marden, Gwyn & Ilda smashing into the room with Stazia as a hostage!

Rolled 8 (1d12)

>>4296097
>Surprise appearance by Marden, Gwyn and Ilda

>>4296113

Changing to this!

File: stick around.jpg (156 KB, 800x600)

156 KB JPG

But as the last of the spiders were driven off or slain, Auralie cried, "Wait!"

"What is it?" Kallyat demanded. "Let's get out of here!"

"The deepflower!" Auralie cried. "It blooms before my eyes!"

File: snap decision.jpg (106 KB, 800x600)

106 KB JPG

"What?" roared Vlad, at the mention of the flower. "You make to steal my Essence of Immortality, and my deepflower as well?"

File: change of dental plan.jpg (89 KB, 800x600)

89 KB JPG

"You will both feel the pain of my-"

"Vlad, my love," came a honeyed voice from the chamber doorway, and halted Vlad's tirade.

File: slavish attention.jpg (127 KB, 800x600)

127 KB JPG

"There is no need to worry over those two."

The first siren, Stazia, stepped into the chamber, and at her feet and fingers, Ilda, Marden and Gwyn writhed and prostrated themselves in total supplication.

Stazia's lips parted in a smile. "I have brought their companions to heel."

>>4296302
Jesus Christ that mold line

File: slave state.jpg (103 KB, 800x600)

103 KB JPG

"Now, my pets," the siren beckoned with a wave of her gloved hand. "Seize your friends! Your mistress commands you!"

File: reboot.jpg (109 KB, 800x600)

109 KB JPG

"Yeah, about that," Marden grinned, and in his hand was the Sword of Glory, its blade suddenly pressed against the siren's throat.

"What?" Stazia shrieked. "You-"

"-needed to get past that gate," Gwyn smiled, and raised her own dagger.

File: justice mob.jpg (142 KB, 800x600)

142 KB JPG

Kallyat raised her candle high. "It seems like we have the advantage."

Roll a d12 for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 1 (1d12)

>>4296312
Take the deep flower and go

Rolled 1 (1d12)

>>4296318
Supporting this!

Dice are cursed tonight

Rolled 1 (1d12)

>>4296312
Leave the flower, it's clearly cursed.

File: Really.jpg (10 KB, 218x230)

10 KB JPG

>>4296318
>>4296323
>>4296332

Rolled 11 (1d12)

>>4296336
>>4296332

Oh noes. Our cunning plan ruined by a (rather valuable) flower...

Rolled 6 (1d12)

>>4296312

We take the flower

Rolled 1 (1d12)

>>4296312
We're gettin that flower.

>>4296379
Or not, clearly.

Lets just cut our losses and slowly back away from the weird fella...

Rolled 6 (1d12)

>>4296543

Lets try our luck again.

File: breaking the ice.jpg (94 KB, 800x600)

94 KB JPG

"Appearances may deceive, little Nekja..." Vlad growled, and raised his hand.

File: freezing up.jpg (116 KB, 800x600)

116 KB JPG

Kallyat glanced around the chamber, but saw no new threats. "From where I stand, it looks like we're holding all the cards. Isn't that right, Auralie?"

But the Unicorn Knight did not speak, and only stared at the creature in front of her.

"Auralie?" asked Kallyat, and held the candle to light the Unicorn Knight's face.

File: icebreaker.jpg (128 KB, 800x600)

128 KB JPG

Suddenly, Auralie swung her blade at Kallyat, and the Nekja could barely shield herself with her own blade, so quick was the strike.

"Auralie!" Kallyat hissed, as another heavy blow struck her blade.

"She's possessed!" Marden shouted, though he did not move the Sword of Glory from Stazia's throat.

File: party clashers.jpg (150 KB, 800x600)

150 KB JPG

Kallyat was driven to her knees as blow after blow pounded against her. Auralie fought with abandon, and the Nekja's tricks could not keep her far from the relentless Unicorn Knight.

"Kallyat!" shouted Marden. "Look out!"

Vlad began to laugh. "Now you see the true jest of your plight, little Nekja! Your friends cannot aid you unless they release Stazia!"

File: sword plight.jpg (141 KB, 800x600)

141 KB JPG

Unspeaking, unyielding, the Unicorn Knight struck again, and Kallyat's blade was knocked from her hand.

"Auralie!" cried Kallyat again. "Resist his enchantment!"

File: puppet muster.jpg (135 KB, 800x600)

135 KB JPG

The Unicorn Knight raised her blade once more.

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 10 (1d12)

>>4297330

Cross our fingers and hope the dice don't go stupid again.

Resist the hypnosis and have Kallyat trip up Auralie.

>>4297330
I'm not going to roll in case I fuck everything up again, but can I just put a little add in and suggest throwing the Ice Blade into Vlad's chest?

File: trip goad.jpg (148 KB, 800x600)

148 KB JPG

As the Unicorn Knight readied her aim for the killing blow, Kallyat rolled to the side, and as Auralie stepped to regain her aim, Kallyat thrust out a leg, striking Auralie's knee.

File: launch sequence.jpg (133 KB, 800x600)

133 KB JPG

The heavy armor which protected the possessed Unicorn Knight also served to weigh her down, and Vlad's will could do nothing to stop Auralie's path as she tumbled over Kallyat.

File: decomposure.jpg (79 KB, 800x600)

79 KB JPG

"NO!" Beccia screamed, as her eyes widened and her hands flew to her mouth.

File: pin pal.jpg (109 KB, 800x600)

109 KB JPG

"Huaaaugh-" Vlad growled as he slumped backward onto the stone floor.

Auralie's blade had nearly run him through.

File: gap sequence.jpg (137 KB, 800x600)

137 KB JPG

"Wha-?" Auralie muttered dreamily. "Kallyat? What happened?"

"You weren't yourself for a moment," replied the Nekja, "but I think-"

File: second stage.jpg (99 KB, 800x600)

99 KB JPG

"You! screamed Beccia, as she flew toward Auralie with nails out. "You did this!"

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 12 (1d12)

>>4297407

Dodge away expertly, and do an improv speech to calm Beccia down.

>>4297492

Support.

>>4297492

Getting Beccia to join us would be a nice development I daresay.

Rolled 4 (1d12)

>>4297407
Invite them to join the hare- I mean party.

OK, pictures are taken but I won't be able to post until tomorrow

Thank you to everyone for playing so far!

Rolled 7 (1d12)

>>4298921

No worries! Take your time, and thank YOU for all the games.

File: slice and dice roll.jpg (108 KB, 800x600)

108 KB JPG

Beccia's claws slashed through the air as the Unicorn Knight leapt away.

"You would slay me as readily as you have slain Vlad!" screamed the siren.

Auralie saw that the siren was blinded with rage, and cried, "Beccia, have clemency! We did not come here seeking battle! We came here only to help our friend!"

File: either way, someone's get(...).jpg (134 KB, 800x600)

134 KB JPG

But the siren was implacable. "Vlad is dead, by your hand!" she screamed, and raked her nails across the Unicorn Knight's filigreed shield. "Without him, I am nothing!"

From across her shield Auralie met the siren's gaze. "You are mistaken," the Unicorn Knight replied. "You have your wits, and your knowledge, and your thoughts," Auralie said, "And even if you had none of those-"

File: deceased and desist.jpg (113 KB, 800x600)

113 KB JPG

"You would still be here, with us," Auralie said.

The siren beheld again the corpse, already withered and dessicated, and her hands fell to her sides.

"You and Stazia are welcome to travel with us," continued the Unicorn Knight, and lowered her shield. "We seek to end the threat of Pestia and Leprosa, and would welcome you at our side when we face them."

File: death goals.jpg (112 KB, 800x600)

112 KB JPG

The siren's gaze remained fixed. "I do not care for your company," she spoke to the Unicorn Knight at her back, "but I have heard your words. I am no longer bound to Vlad, and I am free to seek my own way."

File: breathless anticipation.jpg (110 KB, 800x600)

110 KB JPG

Stazia shifted her pose and looked between Gwyn and Marden. "If Vlad is truly slain, I have no interest in any of you," she said.

File: striking out at bat.jpg (92 KB, 800x600)

92 KB JPG

"I extend our offer of alliance to you," Auralie proclaimed to the siren. "Will you stand with us against Pestia and Leprosa?"

"I would rather you leave this place," Stazia said, with a cold glare. "You have taken from me both Vlad and the Essence of Immortality."

File: hand-off handoff.jpg (117 KB, 800x600)

117 KB JPG

"Here, drink up," Kallyat said, as she gave Marden that same flask.

File: chug and pray technology.jpg (91 KB, 800x600)

91 KB JPG

"What's the worst that could happen?" grinned the red-scaled man, and tilted the flask to his lips.

File: regeneration gap.jpg (114 KB, 800x600)

114 KB JPG

Kallyat held her candle high. "Do you feel anything?" she asked.

Beneath the candlelight Marden stared at his truncated limb. "Feels... as though... my hand is still there!"

Gwyn leaned forward, eyes intent on the scene. "I think I see-"

File: finger flood.jpg (99 KB, 800x600)

99 KB JPG

"-my hand!" Marden exclaimed with a grin, for his missing hand was at once restored. "It's as though I never lost it! If only I had one of these when I lost my eye!"

File: stake dinner.jpg (137 KB, 800x600)

137 KB JPG

Auralie reached for the sword embedded in the remains of Vlad, then paused.

"Where is H-"

File: instant messenger.jpg (119 KB, 800x600)

119 KB JPG

"Hobby!" exclaimed Gwyn. "Where have you been?"

"Hobby bring help!" croaked the misshapen creature as he danced across the chamber threshold.

File: learned response.jpg (106 KB, 800x600)

106 KB JPG

Gwyn's expression quickly soured as she saw what Hobby had led to them.

"What do you want?" Marden demanded.

"I do not have any business with you, dragonate," the creature replied, as his minion followed him through the chamber doorway. "Salmigondis never sits well with me."

File: rejection notice.jpg (106 KB, 800x600)

106 KB JPG

The creature spied the first siren, and tipped his parasol.

"Well, hello there," he said to her. "My name is Rezno, and-"

The siren's face contorted in a scowl. "Do not speak to me again."

File: certified male.jpg (139 KB, 800x600)

139 KB JPG

Rebuffed, the creature moved on to the remains of the other, and stared for a long moment.

"Yes, Vlad is truly finished," Rezno pronounced at last. "Excellent work."

The Unicorn Knight, however, was not yet content. "Now fulfill your promise and release Dalton from your will," she demanded.

"But my dear, sweet, delicious Unicorn Knight," Rezno replied, "That offer only applied if we stood together, and since such a thing failed to occur-"

File: ownership rites.jpg (102 KB, 800x600)

102 KB JPG

At once Kallyat's blade was at his throat.

"-I see no reason why I should not abide by it!" he cried.

File: fly-by shooing.jpg (137 KB, 800x600)

137 KB JPG

"Get in here, you idiots," Rezno called, and the sound of leathery flapping filled the hallway. "I need some new minions for my new lair!"

Through the chamber doorway flew the three monstrous bats with blood-soaked fur and heads of newborn babes, giggling at the sight before them.

Gwyn and Marden hissed and growled as the cherubs flapped about their heads. "Try anything and I'll run you through, you little monsters," growled Marden.

File: cutting remark.jpg (85 KB, 800x600)

85 KB JPG

Kallyat bent low and plucked one of the deepflower stalks, and her eyes gleamed as she marveled at it. "If we live through the night, we'll all be rich!" she exclaimed.

File: drive-through memory lane.jpg (108 KB, 800x600)

108 KB JPG

"Your name is Dalton, is it not?" Auralie asked the newly-freed creature.

He nodded and smiled. "That's me! I owe you my life for saving me like that!"

"Perhaps you can help us right now," Auralie replied. "We seek to free the alchemist Nerdry from the grip of Pestia and Leprosa."

"I can help you with that!" Dalton exclaimed. "I know all about them!"

"What do you know of Nerdry?" questioned the Unicorn Knight.

"Well..." Dalton began, "Nerdry and I went down here because we had heard that there was a deepflower somewhere in the dungeons. A man could get rich if he had a little bit of one, you know!"

The Unicorn Knight nodded and bade him continue.

"We thought that wizard might help us out, and uh... Nerdry was talking to the wizard and I was just looking at his aril and it just sort of slipped out of my hands and, uh... that's when Pestia and Leprosa escaped," Dalton said. "They sort of... changed Nerdry," he continued. "That's when I ran out of the wizard's lair, and uh, when I ran into Rezno."

File: emotional exchange.jpg (105 KB, 800x600)

105 KB JPG

"We mean to confront Pestia and Leprosa now. Will you stand with us against them?" Auralie asked Dalton, and without pause the creature nodded.

"Sure!" he exclaimed. "After all, I owe you for saving me!"

"You sought wealth from the deepflower, and Nerdry meant to brew more Essence of Immortality for the merchant?" questioned Auralie. "Perhaps we could offer him the deepflower to-"

"Well, not exactly..." Dalton said with a sheepish glance at Ilda. "Nerdry was, uh... he was going to give the deepflower to Ilda. You know... as a, uh, a declaration of, uh..." he trailed off, then whispered a single word. "Love."

File: front and centered.jpg (191 KB, 800x600)

191 KB JPG

Their deeds concluded in the catacombs, the seven heroes thus made their way to the great doors, and assembled before them.

"We know what we must do," spoke the Unicorn Knight. "May sunlight, moonlight, and starlight guide us on our path."

File: network break.jpg (13 KB, 800x600)

13 KB JPG

UP NEXT:

THE FINAL BATTLE

WEW LAD THAT WAS A GREAT THREAD!!!

Here's to infinite nat 12s on the next thread!

File: above the behind the scenes.jpg (164 KB, 800x600)

164 KB JPG

Whew, that was a bit of an info dump, but the death of Vlad triggered a few conditions so I just crammed them in all at once

>>4302006
Plenty of image slots left in this thread, and we're only on page 4, so the final battle will take place right here! But probably not until Friday.

Interesting developments all around.

Indeed, may the original nat 12 still apply when the party finally deal with those pesky spirits!

>>4302019
Man a lot happened, but it’s real good so far!

File: review panel.jpg (123 KB, 800x600)

123 KB JPG

"Remember," said Auralie. "You must delay Nerdry's work. We will deal with Pestia and Leprosa once you have reached him."

At this, Ilda blinked away tears. "Oh, poor Nerdry," she cried. "We must save him!"

Kallyat raised her candle high. "I'll get her there," said the Nekja. "You just keep those spirits off our backs once I do."

File: contract sport.jpg (122 KB, 800x600)

122 KB JPG

"If we don't make it out of here-" Kallyat began, when Auralie protested.

"We will defeat the spirits and complete my quest!" the Unicorn Knight insisted. "We must!"

"In case we don't," Kallyat said, "it's been nice working for you, and if the worst happens, I'll make sure we meet again in the land beyond."

File: reading between the plates.jpg (121 KB, 800x600)

121 KB JPG

"Take care of yourself in there," Marden said to Kallyat as she readied herself to breach the great doors.

"You too," she replied.

File: track and feel.jpg (128 KB, 800x600)

128 KB JPG

And with that, Kallyat thrust open one of the great doors, and dashed inside with Ilda at her heels, as the others waited silently for their part in this battle.

File: smoking babes.jpg (188 KB, 800x600)

188 KB JPG

"Well?" demanded Pestia, as she stroked Nerdry's skull and pressed her bosom to him. "Is it finished?"

"N-not yet," Nerdry replied, when the clamor of the door drew the attention of the three.

"What-" shrieked Leprosa, as the three turned to the sound.

File: ward and watch out.jpg (139 KB, 800x600)

139 KB JPG

"Beware, spirits!" cried Kallyat. "I hold the Noble Scepter, and with it your magic cannot defile me!"

File: emerald reprisals.jpg (174 KB, 800x600)

174 KB JPG

"Oh, no, sister!" Leprosa said with a girlish grin. "She holds the Noble Scepter!"

"Our magic cannot touch her, sister!" Pestia smirked.

File: smoking section.jpg (128 KB, 800x600)

128 KB JPG

The spirits Pestia and Leprosa then began to laugh, and as they did the mass of ironwork and brass began to shudder and scrape, and a bulky shape began to unfurl itself from the works, and at the top of the heap a frenzied face wavered within a bottled flame.

File: industrial giant.jpg (168 KB, 800x600)

168 KB JPG

Before Kallyat and Ilda rose a figure of vaguely mannish shape, yet the contraption was huge, twice the size of any human, and its iron limbs were banded with rings of brass. From the armored giant's back a pair of sprouted stacks fumed smoke like demon wings, and it stepped from the bottle-strewn platform of Nerdry's infernal distillery on four legs, and each leg was tipped with a cruel iron barb.

"Yes, crush them both!" Leprosa shrieked.

"Destroy them!" shrieked Pestia.

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 6 (1d12)

>>4304232
Are there any sort of banana or potato-like produce around this dungeon that we could put into the tailpipes of that thing? Maybe a mushroom or rat?

File: eyeing the scenery.jpg (129 KB, 800x600)

129 KB JPG

"We need to clog its stacks," hissed Kallyat, and her throat was already raw from the fumes, despite her veils. "There must be something we can use to-"

A plea from behind drew her away from her frantic surveying.

"Kallyat, help me!" cried Ilda.

File: high note.jpg (179 KB, 800x600)

179 KB JPG

Though the chansonnier's voice was melodic as ever, the scream she produced as the contraption descended upon her was one of pure fright.

"Aiiiiii!" she cried, as the thing grasped with iron fists her balalaika and lifted both instrument and player into the foul air.

Roll a d12 and link to this post for whatever you do, please! To roll, put dice+1d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 10 (1d12)

>>4304355

Kallyat should do her ninja thing and attempt to decapitate the infernal contraption!

Rolled 3 (1d12)

>>4304361

+1

File: musically inclined.jpg (138 KB, 800x600)

138 KB JPG

"Kallyat, where are you?" cried Ilda, as she swung from the balalaika. "I can't hold on much longer!"

File: wedge issue.jpg (227 KB, 800x600)

227 KB JPG

"Just keep it busy for another moment-" hissed the Nekja, who had seemingly scaled the hissing distillery and leapt to the back of the contraption.

With an unceremonious shout, Ilda was tossed to the stone floor, and Kallyat's blade struck against the seam between the glass and iron.

File: pop top.jpg (171 KB, 800x600)

171 KB JPG

The seam was rent, and the glass bell was pried from the contraption, and still Kallyat stood upon the careening stacks.

"Jump down!" cried Ilda.

"Not yet-" hissed the Nekja...

File: point of sail.jpg (127 KB, 800x600)

127 KB JPG

...and with one more slice of her blade, Kallyat sliced the fiery face from its root, and from the stump shot a gout of green flame.

File: tango and crash.jpg (204 KB, 800x600)

204 KB JPG

"Look out!" shouted Kallyat as she leaped from the back of the contraption to alight upon the stone.

"It's still moving!" cried Ilda.

The ironwork, freed from its prompter, began to fling itself about and charged forward.

File: material witnesses.jpg (168 KB, 800x600)

168 KB JPG

"Sister, my fantoccini is out of control!" shrieked Leprosa.

"What do you mean your fantoccini?" shrieked Pestia.

"OUR fantoccini then," raged Leprosa, "and that Nekja must face retribution for her act!"

Pestia narrowed her poisonous gaze. "Slay her, as we had intended when last she stood before us!"

File: running gag.jpg (167 KB, 800x600)

167 KB JPG

No sooner had Pestia spoken than the great doors were again thrust open, and through them charged the Unicorn Knight Auralie, and with her were those who had come to stand against Pestia and Leprosa.

"Pestia! Leprosa!" cried Auralie. "Face us!"

Roll 3d12 and link to this post for whatever Auralie, Marden, and Dalton do, please! To roll, put dice+3d12 in the Options field!

Rolled 11, 7, 2 = 20 (3d12)

>>4304520

Slice and dice.

Rolled 9, 3, 9 = 21 (3d12)

>>4304547

+1 but with style

Rolled 12, 7, 8 = 27 (3d12)

>>4304520
>>4304547

Scourge and Purge!

File: they're incensed but it s(...).jpg (176 KB, 800x600)

176 KB JPG

"More troublesome mortals!" shrieked Leprosa. "And among them is a Unicorn Knight!"

"Slay them, sister!" the other spirit, Pestia, shrieked in return. "We will deal with the Nekja soon enough!"

File: turns out the one who den(...).jpg (172 KB, 800x600)

172 KB JPG

Pestia flew across the smoke-clogged room to Auralie, and the spirit flung a gout of poisonous ether at the Unicorn Knight.

"You cannot hope to challenge us, mortal!" shrieked Pestia, for though the Unicorn Knight's filigreed shield had matched the spirit's charge, she could do little else. "You cannot even reach me with that child's toy!"

File: rebound fling.jpg (151 KB, 800x600)

151 KB JPG

"Perhaps you are right," Auralie said, and before Pestia could react, the Unicorn Knight threw her filigreed shield at the spirit.

Auralie's aim was true, and Pestia was struck with the full force of the throw, and could give only a startled cry as she was driven tumbling through the smoke.

File: old flame.jpg (170 KB, 800x600)

170 KB JPG

Leprosa saw as well, and her rage was doubled at the sight of the Unicorn Knight's attack on the other spirit.

"SISTER!" shrieked Leprosa, and hurled gout after gout of her terrible corrosion.

File: giving her the runaround.jpg (161 KB, 800x600)

161 KB JPG

Dalton spun on his heels to flee, but found himself outmatched by Leprosa's vengeance.

"Aaaah!" he cried, and broke across the chamber as the spirit's green flames licked his cowl.

File: juggling tact.jpg (122 KB, 800x600)

122 KB JPG

"I'm no jongleur," growled Marden, who could only watch as Leprosa passed overhead. "No chance of hitting her from here!"

File: final solution.jpg (144 KB, 800x600)

144 KB JPG

On the far side of the chamber, Nerdry still toiled in his foul work.

"A-almost finished!" he said, as he peered at the roiling contents of the flask in hand. "T-this is the final step! I j-j-just need to p-pour this into the-"

At the moment that the first drop of the terrible brew began to slip from the rim of the flask, a melodious voice cast through the air a single word.

"Nerdry!"

File: secret workplace romance.jpg (157 KB, 800x600)

157 KB JPG

"Wha-?" blurted the alchemist, for the voice was not the shrill hauntings of Pestia or Leprosa, but instead the chansonnier Ilda.

"Oh, Nerdry, I have missed your company so!" Ilda cried, and though the fumes of Nerdry's terrible distillery boiled from every pipe, she still dared approach closer.

"Y-y-you have?" Nerdry stuttered.

"Better tell him quickly!" Kallyat suddenly hissed, as she raised the Noble Scepter.

File: smoke and arrears.jpg (130 KB, 800x600)

130 KB JPG

"What are you doing, Nekja?" shrieked Leprosa, for she had spied Kallyat and Ilda at the feet of the alchemist.

"Do not think that accursed scepter will prevent me from taking your life!" Leprosa raged, and as the spirit flew through the smoke toward Kallyat a jet of green fire sprung from her hand, which coalesced into a huge and pitted blade of ancient working.