>>5495138

Acerbity lingers. It sticks long after the source has been passed, to be rolled over and tasted again, and again. Such a taste distracts from other concerns slipping from one’s jaws. Though the acridity will hinder the cordiality that two opposing strategists tenuously developed, to ensure that the exchange of consciousness between Alys and Izurin remains shrouded is integral to keeping an upper hand over the Sanctuary. With Enais so preoccupied with the taste of your presence, let her chew on a bitter departure. Let her attribute the taste to dissatisfaction and ignore the long chewed over morsel falling from her teeth. In the end, her nose will lead mouth again… hopefully.

You’re quick to place a hand on Alys’ stomach and lead her behind you. “Remiss in tact?” Your own harsh eyes draw the piercing blue pair of the Fleshepherd. “You introduced yourself to her by way of ghoulishly imitating the death of her kin, and now you attempt to put it aside as some common faux paus? Absurd.”

Enais’ ever-present smile tightens nearly imperceptibly as she lightly places a hand on her chest. “I only meant to put such offenses behind us in interest of cementing our mutually beneficial deal.”

“The deal was carried out under your looming threat, and now it’s been seen to its forced end. We’re done here.” You brashly nod toward the group of cultists embracing the brain of Thera-Yuugoth to transfer it upon the netting. “See to the butchering of your flock and be mindful that you don’t follow too closely in their footsteps as you salivate over their chops.”

The Fleshepherd’s eyes close softly as you and Alys prepare to return to the Maturation pit. She says nothing but bows gracefully as you depart the mouth of the primeval cave. The Reunification will soon be complete, with Izurin enmeshed within the very fibers of the flesh god’s core.

A part of her, and her a part of it.

~

>>5495143

~
The height of the wound leading to the Maturation Pit strains the extent of a single evocation of your wind. However, while the descent was made effortless paired with rough landing, the dwindling strength of the gale lent to a comparatively less painful return.

Crossing the precipice of the chasm brings you back to a much more visceral reality. The damp warmth of the roaring cave is quickly replaced with the choking heat and silence of the prison. Crimson on the strewn innards has already coagulated into a semi-solid maroon paste, and no longer steams with vital warmth. The polluted light of the sun cannot penetrate such an ensconced pit of suffering, and only the flickering torches reveal the violence that has taken place here.

“Ow!…” Alys groans as she rubs the backside of her new body.

You don’t believe the landing itself warranted such a strong reaction, but it’s unlikely she’s experienced much in the way of physical pain this past decade. Yet, a decade or not, she must not express such pain when acting as Izurin.

Once you’ve stabilized, you help the young Elin to her feet and pull her ear close to your face and whisper. “Until we leave Impel, do your best to mimic Izurin’s cadence and stay well away from the larger human male. He developed a peculiar attachment toward Izurin and will not take your exchange lightly.”

Alys is visibly taken aback by your words. “Then, s-shouldn’t we tell him?”

You pull Alys’ hand within your own. “Now is not the time nor place, so until the threat of this accursed place is well behind us, soften that expression and don’t even think about saying such things as ‘ow.’” You tap a finger to the furrowed brow, much out of place on Izurin’s face.

Her expression softens, but still betrays pain. “…I’ll try, but, but this body really hurts all over. The hands and feet especially, and my side really stings like someone punched it.”

The sound of approaching figures behind you indicate that your words to her are short on time.

“It was a kick. Now, flat expression, stay silent and close to me.” You once again push her behind you and turn to face the rest of your companions.

It is Nilo, Mian, and Mishenne who are there when you turn. The two Elin now cloaked to their upper thigh in square pieces of filth and blood stained cloth, cut to accommodate heads and hands. The limping young human you’ve never seen so withered now that the adrenaline of battle has left his injured body.

>>5495146

The palpable somberness suggests that they all kept largely silent in your absence, alone with their thoughts. You take charge first by providing an audible briefing for all your companions related to the impending arrival of your rescue and the other ships.

Upon hearing your recanting of the ships from Velika, Seo rises to stand, strands of loose hair fall messily over face as clutches her stomach in the process. Once the pain subsides, she moves toward you as you finish speaking. “No description of the exact insignia on the warships?”

You shake your head as you examine her fingers dig deeply into her own abdomen. “None. Only that they originate from the capital.”

She winces and turns to Mishenne. “Any excursion from the naval fleet would bring far more than three ships. Is it the city guard?”

Mishenne parts his cracked lips and takes several deep breaths before speaking. “T-they wouldn’t have the statutory authority… nor anything worth calling a warship. I don’t know of anyone else… but if they can get us out of here, maybe we should go with them…”

Seo rubs the space between her eyes with her free hand and sighs. “If we can’t identify their allegiance, I’ll have to agree with her and assume for now that they aren’t to be trusted.”

Mishenne sighs wearily and nods while closing his eyes, nearly causing him to stumble backward. Seo manages to catch him and holds him steady until he corrects himself.

>>5495148

Seo stares toward the chasm with deep concentration, before turning back to you with fatigue and exasperation carved equally in her face. “I'll spare no energy trying to ascertain what you discussed with her down there for so long...We’ve collected the spare weapons and readied ourselves to depart. Now, if you have any orders that’s not directed toward leaving this madness, we will have no part in it any longer.” She turns to walk away while supporting Mishenne.

The cold, hunger, and inhumanity have pushed the three humans to the precipice of breaking. The thought of escape is at the forefront of their minds, and you should be very careful of what you ask of them.

As you watch the two young humans return to their brooding friend, who gazes occasionally in the direction of Alys, you feel a tug at your sleeve.

Mian meekly stands at your side and catches your gaze before lowering her eyes, and then repeating the pattern once more. “We got most of that silver poison out of her.” The young Elin motions toward the center pit. “But, uhh… we were still afraid to move her out of there cause of what you said.”

Nilo steps closer while directing herself toward the center pit. “Her breathing was pretty bad, and I’ve never seen anyone in such rough shape before. The sewers have drained, but it's not going to be easy getting those other two out of here, and her…”

You feel her eyes lingering on yours, so you turn toward Nilo and she locks eyes with you for a moment before turning them down to the thin sword she carries in her hand.

“If you think she can make it, I still want to try, but I’m telling you right now, the last thing I’ll ever do is leave her behind to die slowly.” The implication of her words strains her body, and she fiercely clutches the handle of her sword. “Even if that mean I have to use this…”

You look past the young Elin toward the loathsome torture pit where the last, heavily injured Elin remains unsaved. Nilo is correct that transporting her will put a heavy strain on your companions, especially in the face of their low morale and any threats from any Sanctuary members that may resist your departure. She'll need extensive healing to even stand a chance of surviving transport. Yet you're the only one that has the capability to give her chance of survival, and you're here with her now.

The time to depart the Maturation Pit has finally come, but who will you bring with you?

>>5495166
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

There are currently 5 Elin in the Maturation Pit that can be rescued, not including Alys. Nilo and Mian can walk on their own, and provide differing levels of combat efficiency with Nilo being far more proficient. Haruei and another Elin rest on the makeshift sled you constructed earlier, and take up its entire space. To rescue the last Elin would require someone among your main set of companions to carry her. (Misha is currently too injured to be chosen)

[Full stamina regen not possible for Luca, Seo, and Misha given worsening physical conditions related to hunger and lack of rest.]

Elewyn
HP: 11
LP: 15
Stamina: 13
MP: 24

Luca
HP: 9
LP: 8
Stamina: 20
MP: 0

Seo
HP: 18
LP: 6
Stamina: 21
MP: 0

Misha
HP: 3
LP: 4
Stamina: 10
MP: 0

>Make the choice if you will risk bringing the last heavily injured Elin with your group, or have Elewyn provide her a merciful death.

>Write in. (Short preparations possible.)

>>5495170
>“If you think she can make it, I still want to try, but I’m telling you right now, the last thing I’ll ever do is leave her behind to die slowly.” The implication of her words strains her body, and she fiercely clutches the handle of her sword. “Even if that mean I have to use this…”
>"On that we agree, and it is something I have had to do more than I wanted recently. I am in no rush to repeat these events. She can be saved if I put in the effort for that last stretch. I bought us, and her, enough time going down there."

If the "main set" includes Elewyn, then it makes sense she carries this out herself. Otherwise, Luca is more injured than Seo, and having him focus on the injured Elin will make avoiding Alys revealing herself easier.

I suppose it is worth asking if either Haruei or the unnamed Elin could be healed to free up a space on the sled? Haruei probably cannot due to horsey-related injuries, but maybe the other...?

>>5495170
Looks like we're regrouping at the ship for food and unloading noncombatants before we can consider coming back for Izurin.

>Dump your MP on Misha and the less injured Elin, and have them carry the sled.
>Make sure to use those warming potions

>>5495190
>I suppose it is worth asking if either Haruei or the unnamed Elin could be healed to free up a space on the sled?
Hmm, as you alluded to I would agree that the unnamed Elin would be a viable candidate for healing to free up space. However, given the more long term affects of the quicksilver poisoning, she would be noticeably slower than Mian/Nilo if you went down this path, but still able to walk on her own.

>>5495207
Anon, we aren't coming back right after we reach the ship. Not with the ships. Izurin will need time to prep the bodies anyway. This is going to take time, it's why we instructed her to keep TY near Impel.

>>5495222
That sounds good to me, freeing up Elewyn/Luca is worth it. And our speed would be dictated by the sled anyway. This isn't going to be the speediest of getaways, for sure.

>>5495222
Oh, Mian and the unnamed Elin. That's fine I guess.

>>5495236
ohh, a full retreat. I mean, It'd be nice to come back with multiple spellcasters after refining this offensive healing tech.

>>5495170
Support >>5495190
After all this, we're not leaving another behind, especially after we lost one of them to the spikes.

>>5495244
We'll be back. Someday. I can think of at least one fledgling blood mage who'll be interested in some payback. Although I don't think Luca and his band will be up for round 2, especially after what happened to Izurin comes out eventually. Fingers crossed we at least make it to the ship before then, although I get the feeling the Archon will be forewarned and waiting, much as we can hope for the opposite.

>>5495489
Seo might get into hunting this kind of thing down on her own, now that the illusion of a functioning bureaucracy/nation is broken for her, and drag Luca in. Or Luca might be convinced to come along to get Izurin back out, at some point. But that'll be years down the road, I feel like.

Heyo everyone, finally back home from a holiday work party and ready to see what we have our set of tactics as we ready ourselves to leave the Maturation Pit following our rescue.

>>5495190
>>5495489
We'll respond in accordance with Nilo's feeling for the remaining Elin to be helped. Therefore, we will have to expend at least one delicate and more extensive application(more mana applied) of Healing Light in order for this Elin still in the pit to be in a more stable condition for transport and future surgery; and another Healing Light in order the Elin currently occupying the sled to be able to walk on her own.

>Total MP Cost: 8 for the Elin in the pit +6 for the unconscious Elin on the sled = 14

This Elin you're extracting from the pit will be in a fragile condition, and very vulnerable to external attacks. Cold is also another factor harming everyone's well being as >>5495207 considered. I'll once again hold off for the moment on application of the warming potions, but please keep in mind their potential use.

>Writing! Update to be posted some time late tomorrow night.

>>5496304

Following the threads left behind by your slain kin was a risk, venturing to this frozen land was a risk, relying on the strength of young humans was a risk, and every abomination that you’ve contended with was even more.

Fraught with risk as it may have been, the path that led you to this suffering Elin’s side only exists exactly because of what you’ve chosen to face. It may end within the unforgiving snow despite your best efforts, but it may also continue out of this frigid hellscape and lead to wherever she sees fit. You have this chance, the other Elin have this chance, you will afford her the same opportunity. You’ll take that risk.

You push on Nilo’s hand and lower the tensed sword. “On that, we’re agreed, but save your energy for getting her and the others out of this prison.” You place your staff in the space where her sword hung. “After all, we’ll both need to put in significant effort to remove her from this place, and if the time for mercy comes to ensure she is not left behind…” You hold up the palm of your hand toward the young Elin. “I won’t let you stain your hands.”

You let Nilo cast your hand aside. “Then we won’t let it come to that. I didn’t even think I was going to get out of that damned hole, so let’s see how far we can all go, Elewyn.”

Mian at her side nods energetically in agreement. “I can help too. I was a wilderness guide before this, you know!”

Nilo’s eyes brighten as she smirks at Mian. “Yeah, but it never snowed where we were, Mian-Mian.” Her tone light as she teases her friend. “Hope you’re ready for that.”

In spite of the suffering they endured, they’re resilient enough to have hope. That hope is a comforting reminder of what your efforts can bring them, what it can bring others of your kin.

A faint smile forms on your face. “Then, let’s see to it.” Before descending into the pit to administer your healing, you turn to Alys. “For now, stay close to Nilo and Mian, and remember what I told you.”

The shadow of concern forms on her face before she clenches her eyes shut and opens them with a placid expression. “Y-yeah…”

Satisfied with her façade, you nod to the three Elin before turning away and moving toward the umbral pit. “We’re bringing her as well. After she’s secured, we’ll immediately depart through the sewers and head for the coast.”

Your words to the others are firm, unyielding to objection. The shoreline may be the target you all share, but you will now lead a significantly larger group than you did before. Contention may arise if allow it.

>>5497694

As you stop at the edge of the carved pit, your feet press on some of the remnants of the Elin that was brutally smashed on the spike trap that still drips occasionally with her crimson fluid. The blood splashes weakly on your leg, and an echo of her demise fills your mind.

Wordlessly, you drop into the pit where the flickering light of the torch doesn’t quite reach. The pool of thick filth sloshes upon your landing, ever accommodating of another Elin within its luridly warm embrace. The new smell of iron is suffocating, and heavy solid remnants float on the surface, clinging to your legs.

If you allowed it, you could easily drown in this shortcoming of yours. You have to keep moving.

Your sigh comes with a shudder as you move quickly to find the body of remaining Elin within the darkness. Chunks of offal adorning her skin greet your hand, and you pluck the remains of her former companion the best you can to ensure full contact with her body.

The mana channeled from your staff flows from your hand into her chest. From there, you set it toward the difficult task of sealing off her wounds from the gangrenous tissue without enveloping the rot.

The flow of mana perturbs the stillness of the brownish-red filth, and in your illumination, you watch as severed fingers, organs, and even the partial remnant of a face drift on the surface. They coalesce to the source of the mana, they coalesce to you.

You stop your flow of mana to avoid any incidental transfer to the destroyed tissue, and are forced to gather the loose remains and push them against the rough edge of the pit to stick there.

The fetid air filing your lungs slowly compounds the feeling of suffocation, and in a growing daze you finish healing the remaining Elin.

Suddenly, you lose your footing as you step back and your entire body fall from underneath you and into the warm basin of death. The silent viscosity embraces your form, as you struggle to regain your footing against the slippery stone.

Ahh… It’s almost as if there’s something etched into this pit that desires you to stay. But you can’t join… Not yet.

You brace your staff against the stone and use it to propel yourself from the viscid pool, and back on your feet.

Once you’ve cleared the entrails off your body, you call out to your companions. “Come assist me in moving her, but don’t bring the torches close to the pit…”

`

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>>5497696

`
Your human companions saw to the task wordlessly, their minds clearly on the events to come and ready to be rid of this pit. As they were carefully handling the last Elin’s body, you pulled yourself from the torture pit and saw to healing the other nameless Elin that you rescued prior.

Her wounds are not nearly as extensive, but paired with the effects of quicksilver poisoning they prevented her from fully regaining consciousness.

Following your spell, you gently prop her into a sitting position. The Elin slowly begins to regain awareness of her surroundings, and flinches away from you after she finally realizes your presence.

Her quickly touches her neck as she keeps a close eye on you, and quietly gasps after shakily probing the raw skin. “Where…” She peels her gaze to quickly survey the prison before settling her eyes back on your body. “Oh, still here…”

Beyond the matted short hair, she has a suspicious gaze about her otherwise homely features. Her animal ears twitch rapidly as she jumps at the noises your companions make as they transfer the other nameless Elin.

“Not for much longer.” You pull the tattered cloth away from your animal ears. “I’m Elewyn and I intend to help you get out of here.”

She’s quite on guard, so you keep your words to the point.

She sniffs and turns her gaze away from your body. “Quon. But I’m only telling you since you got me out of that hole, I guess…” The short-haired Elin notices the resting figure still on the sled next to her and sighs in disgust. “You had to go and get her out of there too.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” You carefully watch as she pulls herself way from Haruei. “Something I should know?”

Haruei’s panicked demeanor before she sustained her injury could have something to do with this Elin’s aversion to her.

>>5497701

“Tch…” Quon makes the small noise in annoyance at your question. “Don't want to talk about it, so long as she’s asleep so it doesn’t even matter.” She eyes the rest of your companions in the prison. “You all escaping as one group? Even the humans?”

“That’s the plan. Two of the humans are capable fighters, as is Nilo with the sword there…” You motion to the other Elin. “And I’ve been in a battle or two myself.”

You explain the basics of your plan of escape to Quon.

“Tch. Too many of you to make it out without getting seen. No offense, but I’m not going to make the mistake of getting caught again. I'll head out solo after all you guys take off.” She eyes your tattered and heavily stained clothing. “Given how rough you look, I don't suppose you got any clothes to spare? Maybe a weapon instead?"

You have both, but more pressing at the moment is her reluctance in joining in your group. Capable or not, it's a far way in brutal weather until you're free of Impel. That alone would lead her chances of survival to be slim, but there's no shortage of other hazards lurking in the snow. Her concerns are tied to your number, and seem linked to her original capture, so how might you alleviate them and how much time do you have to spare to do so?

>Point out the factors she would have working against her by heading off alone, and how they outweigh the risk of joining with you.

>Lean into her earlier sense of gratitude, and quickly tell her to fully pay you back she needs to accompany you to the ship.

>Take the time to probe her unspoken concerns regarding Haruei, and see if you can't make an argument from the root of her reluctance.

>Write in.

>>5497702
>Give her a warming potion, and her choice of weapon
Hey, if she wants to exert her agency, I'm all for it.

>Direct her to the ship and heavily advise doing something foolish like leaving Impel on foot.
Although if she can keep herself going like Elewyn, that might be useful in its own way. Even the Sanctuary will pause with so many different directions to account for.

>Probe if she has some serious spells on hand, and if they'd be particularly effective on the creatures here.

>>5497711
I suspect her disgust might be related to what happened to Ruby during the incident. The same sex thing used on her or something close.

>>5495236
>>5497702
>Point out the factors she would have working against her by heading off alone, and how they outweigh the risk of joining with you.

"That doesn't seem wise. It's freezing cold out there, the only way out is by the sea, and it's about to be blockaded. This place is several days out from Velika on foot, and that was before the way all but froze over. Furthermore, this place is about to crawl with cultists, and the villagers aren't going to last long. I can't ultimately stop you, but your chances alone are non-existent. Why not come with us to the docks at least? If things go south, we make for a good distraction while you secure a means of escape. If not, there's a spot for you on the ship, and you can choose where you go from there once we're clear from this place."

This all sounds markedly unsafe. I'm of the opinion she isn't thinking straight due to current circumstances, and while I'd like to prod about Haruei and what happened between them, it can wait until we're on the ship.

In her position, I'm not sure how I'd even escape from Impel.

And yes, let her have her pick from what's been scavenged.

>>5497702
>Point out the factors she would have working against her by heading off alone, and how they outweigh the risk of joining with you.

Trust us, we've considered other routes, and we're not getting out overland in a blizzard. And you really don't want to be stuck here, or get frozen on the way out when your warming potion wears off.

>>5497702
>>Take the time to probe her unspoken concerns regarding Haruei, and see if you can't make an argument from the root of her reluctance.
The stuff about how many people is probably a pretense...she just really dislikes Haruei. Maybe Haruei got the two of them caught in the first place, thus she wants to go alone.

>>5497748
>>5498050

We will logically point out the factors that are working against Quon's survival so that she's aware of what she's risking by going off on her own. Regardless of her choice, we can give her a set of supplies. Future prodding about the root of the issue in the future, if such an option remains possible.

>Writing! Update to be posted some time late tomorrow night!

Came home last night feeling nauseated, chilled, and fatigued so I went to bed thinking I'd start writing after a few hour nap. It's now morning, and while I don't feel much better, I'd like to finish up my update and post it.

So, update coming shortly. Thanks for your patience

>>5500222
Stay healthy, ma dude

>>5500233
Much appreciated! I'll be getting some more rest after the update has been posted.

>>5498695

The clandestine circumstances of her transport to Impel would not allow for her to fully understand the brutality that this land embodies. It was in the Sanctuary’s interest to convey her to this pit out of reach of exposure of both kinds, but that unique hospitality was only valid for a one-way trip. Now, even a well-supplied and well-oriented traveler may be consumed by the area's hazards literally or figuratively.

“We’ve recently come into possession of a few decent weapons that we could easily spare, but as you surmised…” A piece of charred cloth crumbles between your fingers. “The clothing we have to offer would provide rapidly vanishing efficacy once outside in the extreme cold.”

Quon sniffs as she adjusts her arms to cover herself from the approaching humans. “The weapon can solve the problem of bad clothing and maybe even other supplies. There a settlement nearby?”

That sort of unscrupulous resourcefulness is a trait learned most often under bleak circumstances, and always in the presence of other races for your kin. The image of who she was before her imprisonment begins to take shape in your mind.

“There’s a town toward the north, past the forest. It may have the clothing you seek, but famine and a brutal winter has drained it of most everything else.” You rise to standing and signal a request to Mian and Nilo for a makeshift cloak. “The lasting scarcity would make it difficult enough to pilfer supplies, but conflict makes it an unwise risk even for the most capable of thieves…”

You detail the ongoing strife between the townspeople, the Sanctuary cultist, the Devan, and surely soon enough, the soldiers from Velika.

“Tch.” She turns her head away immediately upon hearing your last word and sets herself to standing. Her weakened legs quiver with exertion, and she even allows you to grab her body to assist her. However, once confident in her footing she pushes your hands away. “Then, I’ll head to the next town.”

“A four day’s walk…in the summer.” You lead her away from the sled to allow your human companions to transfer the unnamed Elin, and for her own comfort. “Now, perhaps a week provided you don’t get caught in the mountain pass.”

She looks at you aghast. “What the hell is this place?”

>>5500257

“Somewhere to leave.” You accept the stained cloak from Mian and then offer it toward Quon. “So listen well, I have no intention of holding you captive, nor forcing you to do anything against your will. What we can offer you in supplies will be yours regardless of your choice, so why not come with us as far as the docks at least?”

Without much hesitation she takes the cloak from your hand and slips it over her exposed body. “Not much of a choice.” She tries to pull the limited cloth further over her legs without any success. “Tch. Fine… But I’ll follow at a distance. In case you guys do get caught.”

Stubborn, but not completely unwilling to listen to reason. However, your group’s pace will need to adjust so that her weakened body isn’t lost in the woods.

“Then, we’d provide ample distraction for you to secure a means of escape...” You smirk as you transfer one of the flesh titan’s daggers from Nilo to Quon. “Or since you seem experienced in remaining vigilant, you could watch our rear to help ensure we don’t get ambushed.”

“Tch.” Quon irritably accepts the handle of the dagger.

Mian happily receives the other. “We finally get to go outside again!” She grabs onto the upper part of your sleeve. “Right? It's been forever!”

You nod much to the young Elin’s delight. “Soon. But do your best to stay on guard until this land is far out of sight.”

Quon stands on her toes to observe the damage from the explosion across the prison. “What in the hell…” She shakes her head and moves to distance herself from you and the other Elin. “To get there, I hope you guys can sneak out of here better than you sneaked in.”

`

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I always was a fan of the Barbarian Stealth method. Even if we aren't too suited for it.

>>5500262

With the sudden influx of water from the north ceased, returning to the sewers was less hazardous, which was certainly helpful given the complications of transferring a group of now ten individuals.

But those very complications allowed you to keep Luca occupied with the two incapacitated Elin, although his eyes often strayed to watch Alys, especially as she descended from the Maturation Pit.

Eventually, there is only you and Quon standing in the prison. You’ll begin your descent after you retrieve a sturdy piece of wood broken from the shattered trap. “Clear the way. This will let us break through the mortar that’s blocking the westward tunnel.”

Once the landing has been cleared, you drag the heavy length of wood to the edge of the sewer grate and after the arduous task of pushing it past the precipice, you watch with heavy breath as it falls.

Quon at first watches the broken wood drop, but turns toward your body before it hits the ground. Her ears twitch at the heavy sound of wood against stone. “Why’re you doing this?”

You know the meaning behind her probing question, and it seems that your earlier thorough reasoning for her behalf prompted it.

You sigh and straighten your body. “It will be safer to keep our number well away from the town, and physical egress through the north is uncertain.” You refer to the explosion you heard from town as you spoke with Enais.

“Tch. I meant why go through all this trouble?” She looks over your body. “You don’t look it, but it’s easy to tell that you can take care of yourself. But then you did something dumb like coming here for a rescue, so I don’t know.”

You kneel to check once again that the makeshift cloth rope is fully secure before both of your descents. “Do you think it’s unwise?”

“…I lived most of my life stealing, and the only time I ever got caught was cause I was trying to help someone. And look what it got me.” She holds up both of her hands, with the left shaking steadily. “You don’t have a scar on you, so that either means you’re like me or you have dumb luck. So yeah, I think it’s unwise.”

Given her earlier aversion, it could be that Haruei was this individual she was trying to help… If so, understandably, she would have strong regret for her actions as it led to her imprisonment and her significant quicksilver poisoning.

Yet, Quon is questioning your actions rather than simply dismissing them outright. A long and harrowing path has led to the person that stands before her making these choices. Need you say something regarding that path for her to reflect upon, answer her with thoughts toward the future, or simply leave her to think on it?

>Attempt to relate to her and tell her briefly of an instance in the past that is similar to her own.

>Tell her of your desire to help your kin in order to secure them a place in this new era.

>Indicate that it’s your path to take, and she now has hers again.

>Write in.

>>5500281
Maybe I should put some hay barrels across the map in case the barbarian method doesn't quite work out.

>>5500313
scars. Hahahaha.
>Remind her that you have a talent for healing. You bear no scars, but you've most assuredly bled more blood than she's ever had inside her, doing jobs like this.
>As for reasons, you simply have much longer term rewards in mind. Some consequences last for hundreds of years, and that actually matters when you're an Elin.
>If she wants to know more, then she should earn Elewyn's trust just as she values her own.
I'm not looking to recruit her. Getting her to look at the bigger picture will be plenty advice for keeping herself alive and not in crap like this.

>>5500318
hay bales, flesh bales, what's the difference?

>>5500222
I'll concur, don't push yourself QM.
>>5500313
I suppose I'll give my own answer as to why we got on the warpath again.
>Remind her that you have a talent for healing. You bear no scars, but you've most assuredly bled more blood than she's ever had inside her, doing jobs like this.
>"I have a story much like your own. I tried to help an Elin I had just met, and this...Sanctuary, got to them. I wasn't well off before, content to waste away in retirement. But this woke me up, and I started digging for answers. The more I dug, the deeper the rot went. Sanctuary is not the only entity targeting our kind. As for why I made all this my problem like I once did, well I figured no one else would, and I couldn't just keep my eyes closed anymore. As for longer term goals, stick around and maybe you'll find out. At the rate things are going, I will most certainly have need of a small and nimble assassin in the future. Even with just Sanctuary and those who supported and covered for them, I will have no shortages of targets to make pay for what they have done."

>>5500313
we have three basic approaches in the default options. relating to her brings her to being a peer, someone to talk to. telling her elewyn's long term goals (functionally similar to >>5500337) puts elewyn above her, somewhat, as something to admire, follow, or avoid. and telling her she can make her own way is sort of a 'bugger off' signal, or else as a 'well why do you think? : )' brain teaser to try to get her to think about elewyn more. these are sort of two different, though related questions: trying to shape how she thinks of elewyn and trying to shape how she acts.
the reminder that elewyn has healing is sort of a 'I have unfathomable powers and experience compared to you', similar to the long-term goals. and putting elewyn above her is my preferred approach: she sees elewyn as stupid or naive, someone who can 'take care of herself' but not someone who can take care of others. she's so young and isolated that she can't imagine someone strong enough to take care of others. impressing upon her that elewyn IS that strong, as opposed to being a sisterly relatable presence, is important, because elewyn's goals are not to be comforting, nor nice, nor someone to turn to when her younger kin are sad. her goal is to carve the world into a shape more to her liking, even if her knife is dull and the wood dangerously splintering.
>Remind her that you have a talent for healing. You bear no scars, but you've most assuredly bled more blood than she's ever had inside her, doing jobs like this.
But as far as trying to shape her actions, neither of the things suggested by other anons are very satisfying to me, but I also want to avoid rolling as a decider.
>As for reasons, you simply have much longer term rewards in mind. Some consequences last for hundreds of years, and that actually matters when you're an Elin.
>If she wants to know more, then she should earn Elewyn's trust just as she values her own.
so I prefer this over the other. But I also want to ask her the 'well what do you think : )' brain teaser. she's a sneaky, wary kid, basically, and she's been burned for not minding her own business before, but that means she didn't mind her own business before, and is curious or nosey or helpful by nature.
Elewyn should demonstrate her own superiority - that she has not chosen this out of naivety but because it is correct and she is correct - and also ask Quon to square the circle of an able someone looking out for others. the problem with her trying to help Haruei was her lack of ability or her lack of support or experience, not with the act itself. Elewyn and her network should be a support network for young Elin like this, to get them trained and well positioned and able to survive and help each other

>>5500462
That went quit in depth!
I'll admit I took it as an opportunity to give my own personal answer to what possibly drives Elewyn.
In the prologue, Ii was happy to just focus on her, and the whole Alys business was a real wake-up call.
And I suppose a part of her is still stuck in those more terrifying but simpler times of the Federation, where unity and peace were a goal to reach and where humans and non-humans could work together.
I guess her problem with the situation is less with Elins going extinct, since she appears to have come to terms with fading away as she just let herself go and became a nobody in the prologue, and more with the fact that people won't just leave them alone and just had to make the dusk of their kind more miserable. Honestly, if it hadn't been Alys ten years ago, it would have been something else, like the law Seo's father passed six months before Impel. His name may be on the list for a potential assassin, depending on what happens when we start unraveling the threads in Velika's high society. We need to suss out Seo more. She bloody well might help us get rid of him if we play it right. I wonder if we'll have a political maneuvering arc in the future, since we're kind of pooling Elins near Velika, and have Aloé in place. Elin assassins? Now don't be ridiculous, they're just animals!

[spoilers] Rodents of unusual size under Velika? Nonsense, I say! [/spoilers]

>>5500462
I'll support this.
The only way Elewyn was able to put this little rescue mission together is because she helped someone else out a few decades ago.
A few hundred years down the line, and trying to stick it out alone will lead to being very isolated when you run into trouble. It's always good to have a few debts to call in.

>>5500341
The taste.

>>5500401
>I'll concur, don't push yourself QM.
Definitely. It's a good opportunity not to have to go out and do things, and steady dosage of cold medicine is allowing for a lot of the blissful oblivion of sleep.

The level of analysis and input is very heartening to read through, and there's already a lot to pull from for an answer to young Quon. By that same measure there's much to think about regarding thought processes and potential reactions (both primary and secondary) so I'll keep the vote open for another 3 hours, and in case there are anyother readers that'd like to give their thoughts. Ultimately, I'd like to draft up another update today.

Thanks, and be back in a bit!

So, reading through your replies for this vote, there certainly is an approach that can be synthesized, with the majority voted approach acting as its core.

>>5500337
>>5500401
>>5500462
>>5500495
>>5500538

In order to shape our answer to Quon's question and refute her conviction that are actions are unwise, we will establish a more tangible image of ourselves in her mind for context, elevate that image, and then assist her through a question/asking exercise to fully understand our long term motivations.

As Quon is far younger than Elewyn, she will have less understanding of the far-reaching benefit of this type of benevolence, especially among the Elin. The rewards of such actions takes years if not longer to come to fruition, but are no less important than actions for immediate survival. This context will also be paired with a general historical basis for our actions as well.This then feeds into elevating ourselves by weaving ourselves throughout all of this background and explaining that your insight for all of this came with no shortage of scars, though not visible.

We'll see what she chooses to do with this information, but she will have the benefit of our insight.

>Writing! Update to be posted in hopefully 3-4 hours!

>>5500864

This healthy, if a bit unrefined skepticism has served Quon well in her past life and craft, but recent trauma has transformed it into suspicion aimed toward anything bearing a resemblance to the supposed cause of the trauma. That aim is centered on the benevolent action that led to her capture. Misguided, yet as much as she’s endeavoring to protect herself, these questions are motivated by a concealed concern for you and the others. Noble, but again, misguided. However, given the underlying intent, you’ll take the time such that she at least has a basic understanding of your motivations and capability.

You look toward her and smirk at her honesty. “You don’t mince words, not that I mind. So, why don’t you tell me first what you think my reason for coming here could be?”

Quon sighs in annoyance and crosses her arms. “Tch, I don’t know… Did you want to save someone you knew or maybe the humans did?”

While the result ended this way with Alys, you certainly thought she was long dead before coming here.

The knife securing the makeshift rope has begun to give way in the stone, so you stand to retrieve something to hammer back into place for your later descent. “While the full answer is a more complicated, I can honestly that I ventured here without knowing a soul that resided in the area. I only had strong suspicions that there were captured Elin here after thorough investigation, and the humans were to originally venture here to help confirm that fact.”

“’Thorough investigation?’ …Then, maybe someone is offering you coin for us.” Quon replies with a low tone.

You can’t help but chuckle at her hasty suspicion. “I reside in Velika. If that were my aim, I could’ve found dozens of Elin in the time I’ve been here.” Once you find a suitable piece of rubble for your task, you get Quon’s attention and toss it her way. “Secure that rope.”

She huffs but quickly does as you request. “I’ve never been, so I wouldn’t know…” She roughly smacks the rock against the handle of the thin blade, until she stops and gazes at the rope leading down in silence until she turns to you. “…You’re preparing for something, something to do with all of us.”

Ah, you’re quite pleased that she was able to derive the principle of the answer in time. Perhaps she’d be quicker on the draw had she not just been rescued from extended torture.

>>5501226

You return to her and once again inspect the blade. “In essence.” You nod in satisfaction at her work and then direct your body toward the prison. “This pit, as horrifying and atrocious as it truly is, comprises merely one facet of cruelty against our kind. That cruelty that has infected here, nearby cities, and even across the sea.” You rest your staff across the top of your knees. “It has been hundreds of years since us Elin have faced anything as immediately threatening to our existence. However, the cruelty then was far less discerning and far more powerful. So, it was the obvious choice for Elin and other races to band together to face it. Destructive monsters larger than entire towns, part of murderous armies ranging in the hundreds of thousands, and certain malevolent beings even more terrifying left little other option… In the end, the world outside of this prison is only there because of action we took then.”

“We?” Quon voice is quiet as she looks at you incredulously.

“Yes, I played a part as well, and it has given me insight into the role I must play now.” You look toward her dour dark brown eyes, which quickly turn away from your own. “Rather, the role that we must play. To that end, I aim to fight against this new threat, not only because I have the power and acumen to do so, but so that you younger Elin can help carve a deserved place for all of us in this new world.”

You rise to your feet. “In the far future, that is how I will benefit from coming to rescue you and the others. Despite the extensive time and effort it took to come here, despite the pain and suffering I’ve endured in the task, and despite all the risk, I will still benefit.”

Quon stands in silence for a while, ruminating on your words and turning back to you frequently as if to compare what you said to what she sees before her.

“That’s a lot to accomplish, but… fine, I guess… I guess I believe that you mean it. But that’s all easy to say when you weren’t the one having to deal with being tortured for weeks on end.” She swings her arm as if she’s going to toss the rock aside, but instead merely lets it drop to the ground.

“Not this time.” You sigh and hold out your staff slightly above your head and allow it to emit a weak pulse of healing light. “I healed your wounds with my mana, and naturally that can extend to me as well. If my body could bear scars of my past captures, I assure you, there would be little else to see.” You lower your staff and make for the rope. “But here I am.”

`

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>>5501230

`
Once the blockage that sealed the western sewer tunnel was cleared, your extensive group proceeded through it with the humans at the vanguard carrying the sled, you four Elin in the middle, and Quon trailing not far behind.

Noticeably absent from the tunnel is the visceral waste and fetid brown wastewater that runs plentifully through the main sewer passage. Indeed, only a rare accumulation of filth, likely from the barracks, could be spotted floating through the meltwater. Relatedly, also missing from this tunnel is the sticky warmth that made traversal of the foul sewers arguably preferable to frigid outside.

The icy stream heading toward the sea rises barely to your ankles, but it’s more than enough to sap the warmth that you accumulated within Maturation Pit.

Visibly and audibly shivering, Mian is ostensibly the one most affected of your group, but her demeanor is still bright and eager to put the Maturation Pit far behind her.

Conversely, Alys is doing fairly well to hide the effects of the cold seeping into her body, but suffers greatly in secret given the physical toll her new body has taken in the past few days. Her hand tightly grips yours for stability, and from your animal ears you can occasionally here the grinding noise of her teeth as she suppresses her shivering and pain.

Ahead of you, you catch Luca repeatedly eyeing the two of you over his shoulder. Eventually, he calls Mishenne to take his place propping the makeshift sled out of the water and slows his pace to fall back while still looking forward.

Before he can hear you, you lean in close to Alys’ ear and barely whisper. “Remember, expressionless. She wouldn’t even feel the cold.”

Still facing the tunnel ahead, the young human clears his throat. “Is everything alright with her? Rather, is there anything I could help with?” He sighs as he rubs the back of his neck, and then looks toward Alys. “I know what I said earlier was harsh, and we disagreed about what should’ve happened. But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to stop protecting you…”

>>5501245

He flashes a melancholy smile and then stops to crouch lower to the ground. “You probably don’t even feel it, but this water is freezing. Hop on before you lose a toe.” He focuses on you. “I’ll still manage the sled until we’re out of this tunnel at least.”

Alys steps back from the young human, and turns to you instinctively, unsure of how to proceed. While her taking his offer will certainly provide some relief from the cold, it will bring them in close proximity and threaten her identity. Otherwise, you'll need to find a convincing reason for her to refuse his offer, and a way to ensure that she doesn't succumb to the cold. Either way, it wouldn't be too out of the ordinary to answer in Izurin's stead, but paired with the unavoidable changes in her behavior, it may lead to growing suspicion if you're not careful.

>Allow her to accept, and tell him to remain focused on the mission at hand.

>Inform him that unless he's willing to offer turns for the other rescued Elin, he ought to focus instead on carrying the sled. (Optional: Administer one of Luca's two warming potions to Alys).

>Write in.

>>5501252
>Allow her to accept, and tell him to remain focused on the mission at hand.
I'm not too fussed about this, but cold water bad

>>5501252
>Allow her to accept, and tell him to remain focused on the mission at hand.
We should probably take one of the warming potions ourselves, to promote our own mana regen.

Fingers crossed Luca is distracted enough to not notice or bring up irregularities until safety. At that point, there's gonna be hell to pay.

>>5501264
>>5501419

For Alys' physical health, we'll allow her to be carried by Luca as we proceed to the ship.

Also, usage of the warming potions has been pushed back due to circumstances where we weren't in the coldest of places, sometimes even in a "warm" location. On our current path, this will change and for now ten in our group. There will be an upcoming (side) choice were the allotment of the warming potions will be decided at last, so please consider whom you might want to use the two potions. These potions will have the effect of both making the body more resistant to the cold, and alleviating the unpleasant sensations associated, but it certainly won't make you invulnerable.

>Writing! Update to be posted sometime late tomorrow!

>>5501930

Had she been reborn into less extreme climes, you’re confident that Alys could play a sufficiently deceiving portrayal of Izurin. Izurin had an enduring form of subtle expression, one that could be easily settled into much like one would by the warmth of a hearth. However, the expressiveness of self-preservation, that springs forth in such harsh cold, plays the foil of the original azure-eyed Elin.

Everyone in this ensemble needs to play their part in escaping this closing trap of flesh and cold. As director, there are numerous risks that you need to weigh and often avoid, but most important is that everyone fulfill the role you assigned them. You'll let Alys recover on Luca's back and out of the cold, while she hides right underneath his nose.

You smirk at Alys as you cross your arms. “It may not seem like it, but he’s offering an apology for the earlier argument. You need not forgive him nor even speak to him before you wish, but I’d take offer.” You look down at her feet. “Sensation or not, he’s right about the threat of losing a toe.”

Luca opens his mouth to counter your words, but thinks better of it, and merely stiffly nods in agreement.

Alys, to her credit, placidly nods her understanding of your implication, much as Izurin would, and calmly steps closer to the bulky human.

The Elin’s animal ears flinch strongly as she’s suddenly and easily scooped under her rear and onto his back. The young human doesn’t notice, and hastily returns to the front of the group after a quick nod to you and the other Elin.

Nilo steps “Are those two…?”

“Those two?” You watch Alys as she’s carried with her animal ears perked like daggers. “There’s nothing at all between those two.”

`

>>5503185

`
The progress is slow, grueling, but steady. Without any sort of foot covering, Mian and Nilo do well to take care of each other by offering each other rides when the tingling and sharp pain in their feet is too much to bear. When they both look too tired to continue the cycle, you offer your own back in turns to them, even with your steady healing offering no numbness from the stabbing sensation in your lower extremities.

With either of the young Elin saddled on your body, you occasionally turn back to direct your animal ears to check that Quon is still within her earshot. Free from the burden of carrying others, she’s able to keep her chosen distance, so you focus on the long tunnel ahead.

The flickering orange light ahead of you barely cuts into the profound and still darkness that stretches to the west. As the torch dances elusively in the field of your vision, its shape loses its defined edge as it leans repeatedly into each swaying step. The once clear gradient of red, orange, yellow and blue smear into an amorphous evolution of bubbling color with no established order.

Try as you might, your eyes don’t focus. Profound weariness surges forth. The once moderate weight on your back threatens to crush you to the ground, and each step is like pushing the soles of your feet on the tip of a knife.

...

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>>5503187

”She’s the only one coming back again…”

You walk, numbly putting one foot in front of the other through the base camp to report the subjugation of the Gula forces and its Slave Lord that was targeting merchant caravans and other easy prey from nearby settlements.

”I heard that she’s sacrificing her team using some blood magic.

”Pssh. My coin would be that she’s just a plain fucking coward and hiding from battle.

There were several fold more Gula within the caves than the scouting reports detailed. They allowed you to thin their number slowly, only to draw you and your group in their trap deep within. Your defensive outpost held for many days and your party slayed many, but the Gula’s final offensive proved successful.

”She’s a curse, simply put. Pity the souls that have her assigned as their support. I’ll be calling in some debts to get myself transferred far from here.”

Soon there was nothing left of your group to bury. You recall a rumor you heard that a Gula does not stop eating until its meal is gone, that it can never feel satiated.

You’re here.

”Gods, it’s you… I’ll let the Centurion know you’ve returned. Just stay there.

Eventually, after several days of unceasing, agonizing consumption, stabbing, biting, ripping, and carving, they tire without expecting their meal to silently kill them all in their sleep.

Detached from motion around you, you merely hold out the item of your report.

”Back with the Slave Lords eyes, I see. No wonder the higher ups told me to assign you for the infiltration…Well come on in, but don’t you dare touch anything. Come on, get moving.

You gasp as you when you take that step into the tent long lost to time, you find yourself falling knee first on the hard, wet stone of the present.

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>>5503191

Your body is rattled as pain shoots through the front of your leg.

“Oh gosh, are you okay?” Mian slides off your back and grabs your arm to help you rise your feet.

As you rise, your vision focuses on the indents cut into the stone wall that lead to the metal sewer cover from which water slowly drips forth. Your body is beginning to weaken after the several days spent in this accursed land, but you must not let it show.

You're quick sigh in annoyance and smile at the young Elin who turns away from your gaze. “I’m fine. These shoes are long past their use, but we’re finally here…” You motion toward the metal sheet.

Given the time of westward travel, you’d estimate that your group is approximately halfway between the southern barracks and the Maturation Pit. On a normal day, the sun would be closing on the horizon, but its uncertain what may be hanging in the sky currently.

Luca hands the sled to Mishenne and ascends with torch in hand steps to get a closer look at the grate. “Looks as rusted as the one in town.” He looks back at Seo. “This is our way out.”

“Not a moment too soon.” She offers her side of the sled to Luca as he returns and pulls out her heavy mace and moves for the grate to break the hinges of the covering.

“Wait.” A voice calls out flatly from behind you.

You turn to see Quon appearing from the darkness with her dark brown eyes affixed on the sewer cover.

She unsteadily pushes past you and the other Elin to approach Seo. “Before you go and nosily break anything, I’ll check if there’s anyone around.”

Seo sighs at the perceived delay. “How exactly do you intend to do that?”

“Tch. Just watch.” Quon doesn’t stop at the young human and instead rather deftly climbs the stone indentations despite her body’s condition.

As her animal ears nearly touch the rusted metal sheet carved into the top of the tunnel, she holds out her hand flat and closes her eyes.

Immediately, you sense a weak flow of mana accumulate in the palm of her hand as it takes shape as a small, greyish wisp appearing much like a spherical buildup of smoke or mist. It gathers to the size of a child’s fist before she gently lifts it toward the metal sheet where it floats upward from her momentum and carries through the solid barrier.

>>5503209

Quons lips moves silently as she keeps her eyes tightly shut in focus. After a short while, her brown irises emerge as if she were shocked from sleep. She looks at your body first while holding a single finger to her lips. The young Elin climbs back to the level of the rest of your group and then holds up three fingers while signaling above.

Her magic has allowed her to detect the presence of three unknown individuals beyond the grate. First, you need to ascertain if they’ve already detected your group.

You motion for her to approach you, and intrigued by the sight of a new form of magic, Luca instinctively closes in to listen as well. Once she does, you lean in close to her animal ears. “Do they know we’re here, how close are they, and any weapons?”

She exchanges positions with you to whisper in your ear. "I doubt it. They're close. About ten yards away on a hill, and I can't tell if they have any weapons or not."

You follow up quickly. "How about what they look like?"

The young Elin shakes her head and shrugs. "All men, kinda on the bigger side. The sight isn't as good as it was before."

You nod as you you ponder your next move. There isn't the luxury of time to proceed further along the sewer tunnel to find a different exit, and the cold is rapidly sapping the strength of everyone in your group. Given the space of time you'll be spending out in the true cold, now would be the best opportunity to use Luca's warming potions, but on who in your large group.

Moreover, there's still the question of what precautions, if any, should be taken with this unknown small group? If you can get them to immediately engage in combat with you, your overwhelming numbers will make short work of them, but if they are merely lookouts, they could bring reinforcements to make your escape all the more difficult.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Full stamina regen not possible for Elewyn, Luca, Seo, and Misha given worsening physical conditions related to hunger and lack of rest.]

Elewyn
HP: 11
LP: 15
Stamina: 13
MP: 14

Luca
HP: 11
LP: 8
Stamina: 20
MP: 0

Seo
HP: 19
LP: 6
Stamina: 21
MP: 0

Misha
HP: 3
LP: 4
Stamina: 10
MP: 0

>Write in actions/movements for how you and your group will address the unknown party of three beyond the sewer exit, and determine who will receive the warming potions before proceeding.

>>5503218
Have Elewyn go. Everyone else is tapped out on stress, and they hold all the firepower anyway. If the 3 are hostile, it's just a matter of leading them inside.

If they run away to alert others, we weren't in a condition to hunt them down anyway. A sundowning would be too loud and a chase in the cold at this point could be fatal.

Just popping in to let you know that this thread is currently misarchived on suptg, as it links to heretic cultivatior instead.

>>5503330
That’s quite odd, as I certainly am not the one that put that thread in the archive. It’s also using a description from an earlier thread, but paired with the correct thread title. I’ll try to reach out to the site owner.

Thanks for letting me know!

>>5503218
>Elewyn pops up out of the grate to bait away the spectators, and lead them on a goose chase or gust them around if they start calling in other people
>Warming potions go to Misha, as he's the worst hurt right now and we don't want to kill him with exposure, and Elewyn, as we need our mana regen as much as possible, especially if we need to bounce around in the icy cold on our own.

>>5503218
Not having the best week, so I'll just echo what's been said. Elewyn should go see what's up and take the warming potion, since the extra mana regen directly translates to health with added flexibility. The second one we may have to ration depending on who weakens. Depending on how long the full one lasts, we could maybe cover several people, especially the smaller Elins, for most of the trip at least.

>>5503734
Damn, though there are weeks like that, I hope whatever is causing it to be not so great resolves itself quickly. I sympathize, anon.

>>5503236
>>5503713
>>5503734
Warming potion confirmed to be used only on Elewyn, which coincides well with the established strategy for her alone to head up and determine who these three individuals are and have her prevent their interference in our escape as best as possible.

Otherwise, as there are conflicting votes and it's not strictly necessary, we'll hold off on using the other potion for the time being. I'd advise using it sooner rather than later for maximum coverage, but we can examine how effective it is on Elewyn first.

>Writing! Update to be posted some time late tomorrow night.

>>5504173

My bad for not announcing this earlier, but I'll be pushing the update back a day as a holiday get together kept me out pretty late. Although, I shouldn't be all that more busy this year with between my eventual time off from work and my longstanding desire to write this part of the arc. I hope that the lead up to your holidays has been going well, and thanks as always for your patience!

>>5505508
>my longstanding desire to write this part of the arc
*sweating intensifies*

>>5505508
not surprising, happy holidays

>>5504173

If discovered, the composition and surreptitious sneaking of your own group would easily betray the mission of rescue and escape. These few souls, lingering in the cold far from the town, far from any Sanctuary bastion, and far from discernible purpose bear a peculiarity that makes you wary. Much like your first encounter with the black fungus that bloomed in this frigid and dry area, their sprouting here is an anomaly to their surroundings. Yet even those growths were eventually traced to the steady release of spores from Thera-Yuugoth, and the fertile cradles of the local fauna provided their foothold. You’ll scout ahead to determine the origin and what roots these three individuals.

After slipping your pack from your body, you hand the filth-stained bag to Quon. “Even if there was yet only five of us, a group three cultists leave to great a risk for our escape.” You shake your head. “ They have ulterior purpose. If that purpose is hostile, we’ll betray whatever expectations they carry. I’ll venture ahead alone.”

Quon reluctantly takes the blood-caked pack into her arms. “Tch. Rather than have me be your servant, why don’t you take me along with you?”

You sigh as you do your best to tie your hair within the tattered cloth. “While I came to an understanding with certain incorrigible leader of theirs, others at the head of the Sanctuary will not stand united with her choice. Whatever plan they carry may be contingent on the presence of a certain group of rescued Elin, therefore a certain group of rescued Elin should remain out of sight for the time being.” You pat the top of the cloth to ensure your animal ears are concealed. “Rest assured, it will soon be time to venture into the true cold.”

Quon turns away with a mixture of a scoff and an annoyed sigh.

You turn your attention to your human companions next. “My intention is to mitigate whatever potential harm may be lurking above. I’ll try to make this quick.”

Seo and Luca nod wearily in understanding before the human female turns to her companion. “We can’t have her freezing up there before she’s managed to free us from this nightmare.”

Luca considers Seo’s words before turning to Alys upon his back. “Grab one of the phials from the pocket I packed them in.”

Alys pauses in surprise but does her best to maintain a flat affect. “Which pocket is that?...”

The tension of a seemingly banal exchange hangs in the air for only you, and the young human and Elin. He hesitates, not out of suspicion but seemingly out of confusion of her motives.

Luca’s eyes fill with bewilderment before he resolves to place her back on the ground and retrieve it himself. “You watched me repack my bag… Didn’t you? Nevermind.” He offers you the small glass container with the opaque liquid. “This woman’s alchemy speaks for itself, but I think this weather will be a real stress test.”

>>5506648

You hastily down the cold, viscous contents and find the taste unpleasant but certainly not intolerable. However, immediately after the cold contents enter your body, a tingling warmth begins to radiate from the bottom of your throat and swells into your stomach. It’s as if your body were a simple container filling with hot water that spreads to your limbs and particularly pleasantly to your numbed feet. The radiating heat comes in steady pulses that fight against the pervasive cold.

You breathe deep, feeling the stark contrast between the air filling your lungs and heat growing within. “It’s quite the effective concoction…” With the potion’s effect steadily running through the entirety of your body, you begin to climb toward the sewer cover.

“Well worth the coin, but there’s quite the concoction going on in the proprietor’s head.” Luca hands off Seo’s weighty mace as he looks toward Mishenne for affirmation.

The young human still manages to grimace at the memory, despite his weakened state.

With a few precise strikes, you’re able to break open the rusted hinges sealing the sewer. After handing back the mace, you slide the metal sheet with considerable effort and crawl into the darkened and cold dusk.

You emerge squarely in the cold-stripped forest of spindly and tall trees. The white powder rapidly saps warmth from your hands as you push off the ground to stand, but the potion’s effect heavily reduces the usual lingering discomfort. A heavily polluted light comes through the trees to the east. The sky in that direction hangs as rendered fat, darkly yellow in innumerable mixed shades that blend into the night now hanging over head.

The cloaked three figures wait for you silently holding weak torches. Two stand atop a mound of compacted snow rising to approximately twice their height, and the other waits at its base.

They are adorned in the Sanctuary’s cloaks, and only carry small daggers at their hips. Your eyes and ears scan for any other dark figures starkly present against the endless fields of white.

As carefully you move away from the entrance to the sewer, the closest figure walks steadily to meet you. His large frame hunches slightly as he proceeds but does little to take away from his imposing stature.

“Madam…” A robust voice calls out from beyond the dark cloak, as the owner bows meekly. “We… I wish we not cross paths again.”

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>>5506655

The sound of the voice is immediately familiar, but the strength of it is far cry greater than all you’ve heard from it before.

“Nento?” You peer under the concealing darkness of his hood to confirm his identity.

He pulls off his hood to reveal his scarred and weathered countenance, now partially covered in thick bandages and a crude wooden mask to conceal further wounds. “It me, madam.”

The poorly hidden changes to his face are seemingly only one of many reconstructions his body has underwent since you last spoke. Most notable is the vigor and fluidity with which he now carries his large frame.

It’s plainly obvious to whom he owes the blessing of his reformed body.

You sigh and slowly ready your staff in your hands. “It is and it isn’t you, right?” You lean past him to the two cloaked Devan still waiting upon the mound of snow. “And what of the rest of your kin?”

“It me, madam…” He repeats himself solemnly. “The others is gone like many Devan before. The humans in town, the humans from Sanctuary they kill Devan who no make deal. We had no weapons, too many sick, is easy to kill so many Devan… Now, there thirteen of us even with those from dock too, maybe less now…”

The Devan from the barracks and the docks were never able to reconcile their petty differences and unite. Thus, the Sanctuary was able to use them in their arson and kidnapping ploy to turn the residents of Impel against them. With your attention focused on rescuing your kin from the Maturation Pit, the fallout from the town’s ire was indiscriminate against the Devan and Sanctuary.

Too much ground to cover and too little time to save them all…

“What of Hraska and Lokas?” You press, trying to ascertain their fate in your absence.

“Dead, madam.” The Devan answers with a blank expression. “Sanctuary want Hraska dead for long time, and they get what the wanted. The boy, I no see who did it, but I see what left of him.”

>>5506660
A shame, but the humans needed too much babysitting.

>>5506660


A pang of bitter remorse courses through your chest, but you suppress it quickly to probe the reason the Sanctuary left him and a select few Devan alive. “Well, despite it all, you found a way to do rather well for yourself. Standing high above the others…”

He shakes his head indignantly. “Obeying is only opportunity I have that no lead to death. So, I obey. I show all hiding places that Devan use, I keep number of how many left in the trees, I here looking for them.” He takes a step forward with arms widely outstretched. “If Madam think I can do something different, then tell. What I can do different? What I can do different that no put me on top of pile of dead Devan? What I can do before with my old broken body? What I can do?...”

You focus first on the information he divulged. Between these Devan stationed here on the lookout for their own kin, Enais' planned elimination of her own brethren, and the incoming soldiers, it's becoming increasingly clear that the Sanctuary leadership intends to wipe the slate clean following the Reunification of Thera-Yuugoth's body. This puts even more impetus on your escape.

If Nento's true purpose here is only to hunt down his defenseless kin, then is there anything he can do to impede your escape? If there's any potential risk left for him to divulge then you ought to entertain his question in way that aggravates his emotions. However, he could very well be attempting to stall you as well...

>Move on. Tell him that the Devan's infighting doomed them from the start. (Or write in a different answer to his question) Signal for the rest of your companions to exit the sewers.

>Probe the potential risk he poses further by inciting him to speak further. Chastise his subservience, and question how his usefulness to the Sanctuary will endure after his kin are all gone.

>Write in.

>>5506664
Probably my biggest regret of this arc so far is this outcome. None of her original patients survive now.

But maybe that's results-based reasoning. After all, there was a specific vote, where we could have either helped Nento...or done what we did, which was intercept the quicksilver. And intercepting the quicksilver made the rescue much more successful, alleviating Elin suffering, giving us the location of the maturation pit, and giving us able Elin and fewer completely incapacitated Elin. Maybe we could have gotten Devan help instead but...it's hard to say.

I honestly can't see how he could have done better without more help. he didn't have what dakuryon did.

>Tell him to continue on, finding and clinging to opportunities. He will find more, so long as he does. But he must make himself valuable in other ways from being obedient, long enough not to be disposed of, because anyone can be obedient. He must continue on, to find the ultimate opportunity for Devan elsewhere.

Something like this...I don't want Nento to be an enemy, or to give up entirely, or to die. I do want him to achieve some kind of Devan successes, sometime, somewhere.

>Now, there thirteen of us even with those from dock too, maybe less now…”
Looking up on the wiki, the devan used to be associated with Lok, who seems to be Loki, who's associated with 13 IRL. Coincidence? probably.

>>5506664
They couldn't stand on their own. Betrayed by the weaker among them, and hated by the rest of the town, they had no chance.
>"I've got my own arrangement with Lady Enais and Sanctuary. You've got your task, carry it out and leave us to ours."
>Signal for the rest of your companions to exit the sewers.

If he believes we have our own job for powerful leadership, he's less inclined to interfere.

>>5506664
Personally I think the nail in the coffin was kidnapping a human. We could've spun something by framing them as cattle being slaughtered for food, but once they pointed their blades at fellows, most of that collapsed.

>Uniting the Devan was only the first step. It was necessary to ally with the humans as well to defeat the Sanctuary.
>So long as you use that body, you will be tested to maintain your mind and sanity. Whatever and whoever you fight for, never let them go, if you want to be more than mere living meat to be used as feed. Obedience will only get you so far.

>>5507087
>Looking up on the wiki, the devan used to be associated with Lok
Check you out, following the lore! Indeed, my first reference to the "dark master" that Devan were prominently subjugated under was Lok. These followers of Lok were heavily featured in the southern portion of this continent (in game) so I thought it would be interesting to consider what might be their fate, and that of other Devan in this quest adaptation. But, I'll leave it to you to decide how Loki may or may not eventually fit into all of this.

Heyo everyone! I hope that all your weeks have been going smoothly, and if not, that the holiday weekend may offer some improvement. This will be a relatively uneventful holiday season for me, so I'm hoping to get some daily updates in here and there. Anyway, let's see how we will respond to Nento's justification and how we will proceed with our escape.


>>5507087
>>5507127
>>5507136
Synthesis is definitely possible between these write ins.

We will be clear on where the Devan's shortcomings occurred such that he may learn from them, but overall use a more sympathetic response and encourage him to continue on living as he must with the oppressive circumstances the Sanctuary has dealt him. That will lead to our conclusion that we have our own arrangement with Enais, just as he has his own task. Signal to the others to leave immediately after.

Nice, a very cohesive plan emerged from your ideas!

>Writing and update to hopefully be posted late tonight.

>>5507192

The newfound vigor carried in his words serves only to strengthen their impotent lamentations. His body rebuilt only to freshly suffer the resounding guilt of shortcomings.

The regret is all too familiar, but it is Nento’s dark hour to be shaped, to be scarred such that he may learn from his sins, as you have time and again.

You calmly hold up your hand to halt his surging frustration. “Enough Nento. I feel grief for those of your kin lost, especially those I came to know, but I understand now that you took this path as it was the only one that led forward. I understand that the only way for you to stand apart from the bodies of your kin was unfortunately to stand upon them.” You shake your head in sympathy. “But to your question, the differences you can make are ahead of you, not behind.”

His large, gnarled hand rests above upon his forehead, wearily holding his horn. “I do this to live, but I am like foreman. Hurt Devan so I no be hurt. Send Devan to their death so that I stay safe…” He pulls his hand away from his head and rolls his eyes upward to the darkened sky. “Ahead is difficult to think about, if ahead is more of this.”

He struggles to reconcile his desire to live with the moral outcome of his choice, but there is no worse fate than to squander the opportunities others have sacrificed to afford you…

“The foreman is dead, and if you wish to stand apart from him, I suggest you take the time to learn from his mistakes... and your own.” With your staff you point westward. “For you all did not find yourselves relegated to the squalor of those barracks overnight, and your kind at the dock did not ignore your suffering for only a single day.” You look back at the two Devan who seem ignorant or whole uncaring to the meaning of your words.

He looks toward the west recalling his recent time there and all the days long before you arrived in Impel. “We Devan only did as we were told… Even to other Devan.”

“Yes, Nento, and it was by doing exactly as you were told that you all slowly doled out this fatal outcome to one another.” The snow slowly crunches with each of your approaching steps, punctuating your words.

“But it is those times that you disobeyed that you secured your lives… if only for a little while longer.” You point squarely at this chest. “You were the one that helped me the most during those surgeries, were you not? Because you knew that disobedience then was the only type of help your kin would receive. You were the one to hide Hraska knowing that he did not deserve the end that he would come to receive. You were the one that helped see to the foreman’s disposal, because you knew the harm of his actions.” You jab a finger into his hard chest. “You are not him.”

>>5507515

A dark and forlorn pensiveness fall upon his face as he listens.

“Look… I could offer more admonishment, more advice, but we both know that there are worst things soon to come besides the cold.” You gaze up at his reconstructed figure that easily towers over you, as he casts his gaze to the side. “Feign obedience and live. Doing so will be crucial for you to find and cling to any opportunity left to you but know that simply doing so will eventually erode your body, mind, and sanity.” You pause to turn back to the sewer entrance and signal for your companions to slowly venture into the cold. “…If you truly wish for you and your kind to be more than mere meat to be sacrificed, you will need to do more. Feign obedience, live, and disobey to secure your future.”

Nento gazes uneasily toward the sound of your companions working together to transport the wounded Elin out of the sewer. The Devan behind him grow agitated and move to better position themselves atop the mound of snow.

“I’ve come to an agreement with Lady Enais, so we both have our tasks to carry out.” You slide a strand of hair from your face and gently smile at the misfortunate Devan. “See to it well, Nento, and to yourself.”

You now hear your group trudging eastward, away from the sewer and from this small group of Devan.

At the same time, there is growing commotion between the two Devan.

“Do it, do it now!”

“No we wait until he say do it.”

“Look how many going! Nento no do it, and Archon kill us if we no do it.” The Devan kneels and begins clearing snow away from the mound. “We tell Archon later that only we do it. He give us reward…”

You hastily carve through the snow around Nento to better examine the other Devans’ actions.

Chunks of snow slide off the sloped surface and you immediately catch glimpses of rope netting holding corpusculant flesh under the white powder.

>>5507517

“These Devan like the foreman. It need be done, madam! Get away!” Nento tries to grab you as he flees from the mound, but you dodge to keep rapidly assessing the unfolding situation.

Given the size of the mound you hurriedly estimate it to hold four, perhaps five of the explosive corpusculants. You recall the significant blast a single of the creature’s body can muster.

Your concerned gaze turns to the opposite direction that Nento flees, toward the rapidly departing group of you Elin and human companions. They’ve had the time to put significant distance between themselves and the mound, but you fear that there is still the risk of shrapnel and shockwave reaching them if you don’t act. Between them and Nento, the simplest way to protect them all would be to invoke a gale to blast the two Devan away from the mound.

However, these Devan are already intent on betraying Nento to advance their own position, but remain unaware of the lethality of igniting the corpusculants. Taking action to prevent them from fulfilling their mission would put Nento’s life at risk later, if they instead turned to escape. You would need to deal with them to prevent this harmful outcome for Nento.

Yet if you turn your gale to instead shield the blast, they will take care of themselves. However, you could only protect one side, and by extension protect yourself, at least partially... You ready your staff as the Devan move to ignite the netting holding the corpusculent corpses.

____________________________________________________________________

The two Devan aim to ignite the pile of corpusculants directly in front of you. To your left, Nento begins to flee, but hasn't made it all that far. To your right, your human and Elin companions have moved a significant distance, but are still at risk of some harm from the blast. You can choose to shield one side from the blast, completely prevent the Devan from igniting the corpusculant pile by directing your gale at them, or devise a different plan.

Elewyn
HP: 11
LP: 15
Stamina: 13
MP: 19

>Shield Nento from the blast. (MP Cost: 2)

>Shield your companions from the blast. (MP Cost: 2)

>Prevent the blast all together by directing your gale at the two Devan. (MP Cost: 2)

>Write in.

My ideas right now are

>separate the corpusculants to mess up the timing of explosions
>Carve out holes to direct the blast in a safe direction
>Gale yourself into the devan to distract them and buy time for the others to run
>Trigger the bombs yourself asap in an attempt to force a less explosive reaction with sundowning

>>5507529
>Prevent the blast all together by directing your gale at the two Devan. (MP Cost: 2)
Preventative measures.
I'd normally be for just trying to shield our companions from the blast, but the rest of Nento's people are just kept in line by him, so if he dies there's nothing encouraging them from raising the alarm. Then again, he seems rather inconsistent in his loyalties, so the moment someone stronger comes along he's probably selling us out.

>>5507529
>Prevent the blast all together by directing your gale at the two Devan. (MP Cost: 2)

As much as Gale-ing them off turns these two into a problem, it might just be the best option. And best case scenario, they go right back on, at which point we can shield Nento and ourselves since everyone will have legged it out of range. I guess it's worth trying to ask them how they think setting the exploding beasties on fire would go for them, but I'm not holding much hope.
>Explain their foolishness with pointed questions.
>If they try it again, shield yourself and Nento, and hope the group is far enough by then.

Also, Merry Christmas QM, hope you're doing well!


>>5507087
I'll admit I don't share that regret too much. Yes, I do regret that we couldn't save the mother and child. But from the moment we came into Impel, we had a clear objective in mind: securing any Elins in town. While we couldn't achieve a Best Possible Outcome on that, or anything else really I'd say we could have done way worse for ourselves. Nento could be an asset, assuming he survives through our conflict with Sanctuary over TY and Izurin/Alys's replacement body, and the "death" of at least TY's main body if we do pull out an extract for her too.

Well, since this is the end of arc wrap up, I suppose Grygas and Cyrenne are up next. Then Luca to end things? I feel for the guy. He'll hate Elewyn for what she's pulled. I would hate her if I was him, yet I understand it was the thing to do. I'd be surprised if her trusted her again, but he may just go down the Crusader path on his own. After all, he is getting angry over what his education and noble friend tell him is a mere animal. We can only hope the cognitive dissonance ends up well for both him and us.

File: chr.png (1.72 MB, 1165x805)

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Heyo everyone, I hope you're all having a great Christmas Eve, or even Christmas by now depending on where you live. Regardless if you're big on the holiday or not, (for a long time I wasn't one, but that's gradually changing) I hope that you're able to take the time to enjoy this time as you all see fit with those that make you happy. Frankly, it's been a hell of a year for me with rather poignant highs and lows, so I'm grateful for the peace of mind that I have now to enjoy Christmas and to write this quest with all of you. Thank you all very much for participating in my quest, and for waiting patiently through the hiatus.

I will quickly tally the votes to see how we'll proceed with this standoff!

>>5507547
>>5507756
Our gale will be directed at the two Devan to prevent them from igniting the corpusculants while our companions and Nento are nearby. (MP Cost: 2)

>Writing! Unsure that I will be able to get an update out late tonight, but it'll be tomorrow at the latest.

Merry Christmas!

>>5508048

Unbeknownst to these misguided Devan, the Archon has set them atop the corpusculant pile merely under guise of serving as lookouts. But he clearly aims to violently deal with multiple loose ends at once.

Nento knows well enough to allow them to carry their mission through and to flee from the blast. But as you told him before, he has his mission, and you have your own. You won’t chance having yourself or your companions caught in the crossfire now that all that remains is to traverse the winter forest.

You deftly level your staff with the tip aimed for the two bulky figures standing close on the corpusculant corpse pile. Before they have the chance to set the torch to the encasing net, a gust of wind howls through the cold stillness. A flurry of white powder is tossed into the air as the spear of wind thrusts through the empty space in less than a blink. The impact tosses both Devan far into the cover of trees and topples the pile of weighty flesh beasts.

You’re quick to dash upon the path carved by your wind to mount the flattened group of corpusculants. The torches that the two Devan carried were easily extinguished by the surge of wind, and between the thick cover of tree the faint light of the east hardly illuminates. But you listen. Your animal ears easily catch their frightened footfalls tramping wildly within the woods on disparate paths.

Your voice echoes over the fallen branches and piled snow. “I suggest you run and hide well. I doubt the Archon would let you live if he knew of your cowardice.”

Without the luxury of time for a lengthy pursuit, their crunching footfalls soon disappear into the barren forest of Impel.

You turn back to find Nento waiting for you at the base of the mound, and your companions having wisely put a considerable buffer between themselves and the corpusculants. In the faint light cast by the tainted sun, you spot a solitary figure slinking out of sewers. Quon makes for a nearby cluster of trees.

Not noticing the Elin, Nento stands with the flickering torch carving hard shadows upon his face, which darkly outline his weathered features. “Those two running be trouble…” He sighs and once again holds his horn in his hand. “But maybe I can…” He suddenly pulls his large hand away from his head and aims it toward the direction the bulk of your group escaped. “Leave now, madam. Fat beasts still need to explode. Then I say other Devan caught dead in explosion, if they run away...”

You step down the slight incline of snow and flesh beasts. “They may very well do so, if their fear of the Archon is great enough.”

“That human has hatred in his bones for Devan.” He sighs as he turns his gaze toward his departed kin. “They know it better if cold take them. Maybe I can find them after.”

You nod solemnly at the Devan. “I will have to leave you to it, Nento. My attention will certainly be needed to ensure that my tasks are seen through to their desired en-.”

>>5508766

You halt your words as your animal ears immediately pick up on rapid crunching from behind you. Something large is approaching Quon from deep within the cluster of trees.

The young Elin picks up the threatening sounds a moment later and you catch her silhouette among the trees. She dashes in their long shadows as fast she can, but the high snow and her lingering torpor slows her escape.

“This way!” You call out to her as you sprint atop the flattened snow to join with her. Soon the cleared and compacted path gives way, and your legs sink into the hampering, cold powder.

For a few heavy steps she seems to ignore your order before realizing the futility of her escape. She pivots toward you and stumbles her way forward from the cluster of trees.

It’s at that moment her pursuer clears the shadows, and its shape is illuminated in the low light of the fetid sun.

~

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>>5508772

~

“Wait! Stop!” You shout wearily as you do your best to navigate the terrible amount of freezing snow that easily finds its way inside your boots. “You’re going to get lost, and I w-was supposed to stay on the ship!”

No matter what you say, he doesn’t listen and continues to sprint easily atop the snow. To make things worse, this place is freezing! Freezing! You thought it was bad waiting aboard, but at least there wasn’t any snow to get through. All the gear makes it harder, but you shouldn’t be without it.

“Where are you even going!? Stop!” You try again desperately.

If you don’t get him back soon, you’re going to be in so much trouble! Not to mention it’s getting darker, and the weird sun, or clouds aren’t helping. What’s wrong with it anyway, it’s kinda scary…

Suddenly, you hear metal hitting metal, like weapons smacking against each other.

You stop to confirm that’s the sound. “Is that what you’re running to?...”

You can’t let him get hurt, and whoever is fighting might also need your help if it's one of your guys…

“Ahh… I’m going to get into so much trouble!” Once you catch your breath, you run in the direction of the battle.

The thick coat your wearing keeps your body warm pretty well, but all the snow pushing past your legs and the wind in your face is awful.

No. You can endure it!

Eventually the light of torches comes clear in all the trees. Your runaway pet notices as well and darts just ahead of you, sometimes waiting for you to catch u

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>>5508776

He’s leading you to something…You push yourself to keep running and then you spot those making the noise.

Two darkly cloaked figures are chasing after a man and a young girl through the woods. They move in to attack him, again and again while he does his best to fend them off with a wood-cutting axe. All the while he focuses on pushing the little human girl ahead of him through the snow. You certainly don't recognize any of them.

You forget about the numbing cold in your legs and withdraw your sword. “S-stop fighting!”

Your commands seem to startle both sides, and as you push closer, Lufan finally turns back and scurries onto your body. He greedily nestles within your coat to keep warm.

“Who the hell do you think you are, little girl?” A woman’s voice from under the dark cloak and points her blade at you. “No wait… It’s one of those fucking Elin.”

“The ones from the Pit?” Her counterpart chimes in.

“Maybe. But we should kill her regardless. Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about you and your kid, old timer.” The cloaked woman laughs cruelly.

“Like hell…” The father steadies the axe in his hands as he positions himself between his daughter and his two attackers.

Having heard enough, you point your blade at the criminals. “I am Aloé, recruit of the Velikan Royal Guard. If you don’t surrender immediately and put down your weapons, I will use force to make you.”

Both cloaked attackers laugh at your words. “Cute, but we got a bunch of your kind tied up in fucking hole. We’ll toss your dead body with them.”

Your eyes lock on your two enemies as your hand tightens around the hilt of your sword. "Last warning. Put down your weapons and surrender!"

"Alright, we're done hearing you yammer." The cloaked woman looks to her partner before they both move in for an attack.

In order to protect these two humans, you'll have to subdue or kill these marauders. If this is why you had to get off the ship, then that's perfectly fine. You'll take the trouble, so long as this father and his daughter don't get hurt!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Aloé's character sheet is now available.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o_UUxh62Gj5_fMjlaRr5cn1BHBB3P8uLpnMy15XcJak/edit?usp=sharing

Aloé faces off with two human foes with bladed weapons. Her priority is to protect, but her enemies seem more concerned with the human father as they underestimate her capability.

Aloé
HP: 18
LP: 9
Stamina: 27
MP: 8


>Write in movement/actions for Aloé as she attempts to defeat the two cloaked attackers.

>>5508800
the little gerbil saved those two's lives.

>Shield Block
>Get in the way of their attacks and let the father swing from over you
We'll be sapping the father's stamina a bit, but we need to shave off their hp before briar makes things happen very, very fast.

>>5508800
I expected the pair. But not for our vampyr friend to pick up Aloé on the way. A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one ! I'll admit it took until she announced herself to understand what was going on. I was thinking of a flashback, Qon hallucinating or this being a twisted POV from the Carrion beast or something. Though I suppose this one is going to be Elewyn and maybe Nento's problem...
Anyway, let's see how Aloé works!
Hmm, 8MP means one cast of Withstand+ one Brier Guard.

To make sure, Aloé's Physical Resistance is +8 from the armor, +4 from the non-boosted shield, so does that first +4 come from innate resistance?
Overall, an interesting new style. Almost berserker like with those passives. The Guard can only come out once but since it switches the values, it's interesting to let her take damage to increase what she dishes out. I'll have to calculate what her maximum damage bonus is with all that. Taking chip damage to max out Ardor is also a valid tactic.
Now I understand even better why she broke down in the slaver's mention in arc 1. The goddess isn't always kind with her gifts, as we know. She has to get beaten into a pulp to be at her most useful, which is hard for her, even beyond the fact her body isn't exactly what one think of when they hear "peak tank performance"...
We should schedule a lot of headpats for her, that's for sure!
I'm already thinking of a silly combo to proc the +2 on the thrust by having Elewyn Gale her prone and towards the target. Not worth it, but I almost want to try just to see you write it, QM!

For now I agree with >>5508806 let's shield block, get two stack of Ardor, for a +4 to damage. If they can even damage us. Because we'll be at 4+8+4*3= 24 bloody PhysRes.

Also, is something missing from Tenacity's description? With current HP...something?

>>5508823

>To make sure, Aloé's Physical Resistance is +8 from the armor, +4 from the non-boosted shield, so does that first +4 come from innate resistance?
The first +4 does indeed come from innate resistance.

>I'm already thinking of a silly combo to proc the +2 on the thrust by having Elewyn Gale her prone and towards the target. Not worth it, but I almost want to try just to see you write it, QM!
It would be very amusing to write, especially if somehow used in a more light-hearted scenario (if such an event will present itself!) It's all up to you guys, but do keep in mind that there would be some level of directional travel by using Gale on her, and it would also devote Elewyn's turn to the set up.

>Also, is something missing from Tenacity's description? With current HP...something?
Edited a little bit for clarity, hopefully it helps.

If there are any other question associated with this vote/Aloé's character sheet, please feel free to let me know!

>>5508830
It's a shame we can't keep healing and stabbing aloe for more tenacity stacks

coughcough I mean, no questions, no.

>>5508831
>It's a shame we can't keep healing and stabbing aloe for more tenacity stacks
If she could get infinite Tenacity and Ardor with steady healing, I think the entire world would very quickly come to fear little Aloé!

>>5508806
I’ll support this.
Jeez Aloe is a little bit of a combat monster when she really starts taking hits.

Contrasts quite amusingly with the ‘oh geez I’m going to be in so much trouble’

>>5508968
She needs more max hp tho. And given her gradual loss of power, her kit is unfortunately going to lose out in the coming years.

She is, however, an EXCELLENT candidate for receiving some thera yuugoth blessing for raw bulk. For the sake of a meta build!

Rolled 8, 3 = 11 (2d10)

>>5508806
>>5508823
>>5508968

Aloé to plant herself in the way and shield block the cultists attacks while Grygas attacks above her.

>Base Stamina Cost: 3 + 3(for each attack taken by Aloé).
Physical Resistance = 4+8+(4*3) = 24

Which leads to a very straightforward round for her and the cultists, as both attacks will be absorbed by her shield.
>Ardor will activate twice regardless of total damage taken, therefore Aloé's Physical Amplification at the start of next round will be: 6 +7+(2*2) = 17
>Total stamina cost: 9

Now rolling 2d10 for Grygas attack on the closer of the two cultists. (CR 6)

>>5509264
His attack with the axe will connect with the Sanctuary cultist.

>Writing outcome! Update to be posted some time late tonight.

>>5509265

The attention of the two attackers is entirely on the man with the axe. Fine then! If you’re going to get in the way of their dead set charge, you’ll need to be quick.

You sprint. Your eyes lock on the rippling dark cloaks as they charge in for an attack. The weird from the sun and the torches they carry is more than enough to light your way.

‘Ensure the stability of your stance, protect yourself such that you can protect others, then strike, mindful and with utter intent.’

Sir Elliot’s voice comes back as if he were here, training you with his terrifying warhammer.

Your thighs tense to stabilize each running step through this awful snow. The air hurts so much to breath quickly, but you endure the pain.

It's so quiet that all you hear is the snow crunching under your feet, both your and theirs. Some flecks of snow they kick up with each wild step splash on you as you now pass the human girl. She gasps as you do, and as if taking shelter from the raining snow, you duck low pulling your shield close to your chest. The light is hidden under your shield, but you already know how many more steps you need.

You’ll be there soon, and if they don’t want to focus on you, then you’ll make them!

Both attackers carry a horrible snarl along with their swords as they lunge recklessly with a duo of overhead strikes. The father eyes them worriedly but keeps a firm stance ready to deal with the pair of attacks. He needs to be brave, but he’s not alone.

You beat them all in your race.

‘Every worthwhile strike begins with your core! If you go in flailing your arms foolishly, you’re asking to lose them. Give me another fifty crunches so that you don’t forget!”

Sir Johan’s grueling conditioning comes flooding into your head like it was carried on all the sweat he made you give.

The light returns straighten your legs, transferring the momentum to your core, all to deflect the first heavy attack with crossing arc of your shield. The cloaked man’s arm is tossed aside with the loud clang of metal hitting metal. You dig your heel back in the snow to stabilize your next block. The horrible snarl of the woman lets you know that you’ve gotten her full attention.

‘A little cleverness goes as far as a large display of force. Yourself, your enemy, and your surroundings are all yours to control if you have the will.’

Sir Klaus’ after-training lessons guide your shield arm to crush the woman’s deadly weapon into the snow, hearing the man behind you push in for an attack, you duck and press your weight on her weapon.

The axe connects and heavily injures her shoulder. Before her partner can move in, you and the father fall back a pace and leave him standing near his bleeding counterpart.

Your breath is quickened as you speak. “L-like I said… I am trained by the Velikan Royal Guard, and you won’t hurt either of them!”

‘Don’t stutter.’ You hear all three of their voices now.

File: IND3.png (3.79 MB, 1806x1105)

3.79 MB PNG

>>5509537

“Wow…” The human girl behind you says.

The man glances briefly to his side at you. “Was going to ask what another one of ya strange little kids doing running around, but I see you’re one of those Elin…” His eyes widen suddenly as he finishes speaking.

“Elin or not, I am with Royal Guard, and I’m here to help.” You quickly comment as you keep your eyes on the recovering enemy.

You’re reminded again that you weren’t supposed to leave the Royal Guard ship… You doubt that even Naylan could cover for you this long.

“I can’t believe I just realized about her…” He shakes his head. “Nevermind. I know better than to underestimate you kids. Name’s Grygas, and I’ll be counting on ya, kiddo.”

“I’m not a kid!” You immediately feel your cheek pout with frustration.

The cloaked woman groans with pain as she tosses a handful of blood onto the snow. “You’re pretty fucking annoying.” With her bloodied hand she reaches toward her back to pouch kept at her hip. “Keep them busy. We got something from the Lady Olessa before she croaked it. One of them is not going to be so pretty after this gets on them...”

"Fine. Hurry it up then." The uninjured human brandishes his sword as he looks between you and Grygas. “Not letting you two fuck up our chances of receiving more blessings.”

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A heavy blow has been dealt to the two cultists as one sustained a brutal injury to the shoulder. They seem to be altering their tactics a bit, and the injured enemy drops back to retrieve something harmful from a pouch kept at her back, while her ally covers her.

Aloé came away with light scratches overall, so she and Grygas are in good shape to continue the fight.

Aloé
HP: 16
LP: 9
Stamina: 18
MP: 8
Ardor: +4 Physical Amplification

>Write in movement/actions for Aloé as her fight with the two cultists continues.

>>5509544
Huh, they really just told us the perfect time to use Briar, huh? I understand that the spikes jut out shield AND sword, so I'm thinking:

>Shield on the cultist, make him think we're busy
>When the harmful object is thrown, use Briar for the extra reach on your sword to mess up the trajectory, and hopefully catch the cultist on your shield.

>>5509544
>Turn back to Grygas and signal for him to go after the injured cultist.
>Press the uninjured cultist to clear the way for Grygas' strike. Priority is to defend, but don't use Shield Block again, and take the opportunity to strike if possible.
Aloé's actions against the cultist will depend on how he reacts. We have to move up on him so he doesn't cut off Grygas, so we need to present some sort of threat, but I don't mind waiting another turn to attack, since Ardor will tick up one more time.

>>5509551
Chances are, it's some type of of container, like the lye from the infirmary, not a blade. She's using a pouch, not a sheath. If we catch it, it might just shatter. And that's assuming we catch it and don't just flail around!

>>5509580
Lye isn't too bad if it shatters early. The distance will make most of it sizzle on the snow, if not the spikes. If it hits Aloe, well she's the most heavily covered unit on the team, and I expect part of her Tenacity training will let her stab even if she's halfblind.

Heyo everyone, I hope you've all been doing well. I've enjoyed my time off quite a lot, and the chances I've had for a few same-day updates. But tomorrow is back to it for me, but for now, let's see what we have for this round of combat between Aloé and the cultists.

>>5509551
>>5509580
So these two strategies can't really be synthesized for a few reasons, including enemy reactions. I was initially going to settle the choice via roll, but as I won't be able to turn around an entire update tonight, I'll leave the vote open for another ~3 hours to see if there's anyone else that'd like to post their thoughts.

Be back soon! (Goodbye Christmas theme with this post.)

>>5509580
I'll support this.
>Go for a Shield Bash on the uninjured cultist, clearing the way for Grygas to try and finish the injured one.

Rolled 8, 1 = 9 (2d10)

>>5509580
>>5510397

Alright, we'll be proceeding with Aloé opening the path with a Shield Bash on the uninjured cultist.
Stamina Cost: 7
Physical Amplification if connected: 6+2(reduced due to using shield as weapon) + 4 = 12
>Rolling 2d10 for chance of hit, (CR 6)

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>5510557
Shield Bash connects! Now it's time to roll for the associated stun chance of 50%

>Rolling 1d2 for stun chance, 1 = stun

Rolled 10, 9 = 19 (2d10)

>>5510558
Nice, the forward cultist is now stunned and the path is fully open for Grygas to move in for an attack on the previously injured cultist.

He'll move in for another heavy strike with his wood axe.
>Rolling 2d10 for the attack, CR 6

Rolled 1, 3 = 4 (2d10)

>>5510559
Damn, Grygas really wants to connect with this strike.

Finally, rolling for this cultist's action with the unknown item from her pouch. However, as she was caught rather quickly by Grygas' pursuit, she'll suffer a pretty steep penalty for her roll.

>Rolling 2d10 for her usage of the unknown harmful item on Grygas. (CR 13 to connect.)

>>5510562
Denied.

>Writing outcome! Update to be posted some time late tomorrow night.

>>5510562
Damn, that probably went a lot better than my plan

>>5510567
Keep it simple and roll big numbers
EZ

>>5510567
>>5510697
Yeah, the very slanted rolls account for a lot, your plan would have gone quite well too with that sort of luck! Also, this plan is playing to Aloé's strengths as a tank. Aggressively bodyblock and let the less armored DPS get hits in on the backline. Fancy tricks are best reserved for Elewyn, Ruby, or really any Elin that doesn't have equipment that gives a malus to Evasion and agility.

I also realize I completely glossed over the Shield Bash out of all things, which is what I wanted her to do.

>>5510563

Blessings? What does that mean?...

No, it doesn’t matter right now. What matters most is that you don’t let up on your attack, and you don’t let that nasty woman use whatever she has on Grygas or his daughter.

“I'll take care of him, you get her!” You warn Grygas as you push your boots through the trampled snow once again.

You’ll break open a path for him!

It’s much easier to pull the cloaked man’s aim as you know he’s frustrated at how you blocked his earlier strike. His hateful eyes are upon you, as move in low to the freezing ground, focusing on keeping your numbed legs moving. His growl echoes through the trees as he charges with sword held in both hands to break through whatever guard you try to put up.

He's angry, but he’s overconfident, and in his battle-heated head, the only thing that he thinks he needs to worry about is the sword you have outstretched.

Soon, the long puffs of mist from both of your lungs mix in the air ahead of you, and he emerges from behind the cloud ready to cleave your head open.

‘All I needed a single shield!’

You recall Sir Johan exclaiming to the training yard as he handily bested you and four other trainees. But what you recall even more are the places he targeted on your body to stop you in your tracks.

As the cloaked attacker emerges, you brace your lower body and thrust your chosen weapon like a spear. His torso brutally crashes into the point of your shield. It stabs all momentum directly into the center of his chest, doubling him over as a breathless screech falls out of his mouth along with saliva and blood.

You’re tossed back from the impact, and slide a few feet through the blood-slick snow.

Immediately following your collision, Grygas stamps through the now empty space in hot pursuit of the woman how hastily tries to unseal the glass container filled with some sort of unknown liquid.

“Fuck. Useless idiot…” Her panicky hands barely manage to open the container by the time that Grygas is within axe’s reach of her. “Wait, wait!”

She protests in a panic as if she had planned to surrender, but she certainly didn’t stop pulling back the container to splash onto the large man.

Grygas easily reads through her trick, and with the force of his great body, he swings his weapon directly into her ribs with resounding impact that would make you terrified even if you weren’t a tree.

The cloaked woman shrieks in pain as she’s tossed aside like a doll and loses control of the container. The contents abruptly spray into the air above her, and while most of it splashes harmlessly onto the snow, her face is doused with it as well.

A pang of sympathy fills your chest, as, however much pain she was in before her screams are way worse now that whatever liquid got on her is burning the skin of her face. She frantically rubs both snow and her long sleeves to get rid of it.

>>5511703

Comparatively, her partner is way more silent. No more harsh snarls come out of him as he has been dropped to the snow along with his weapon, only gasps for air for lungs that are painfully stunned.

You retrieve the nearby attacker’s sword and confiscate it before he recovers, and Grygas follows your lead and does the same with the woman’s weapon. The two of you breath heavily following the abrupt and violent combat, and he nods to you a single time.

You nod stiffly in return and then address the two unknown attackers. “T-this is over! Stop fighting before you get hurt any more!”

Neither respond to your command from their pain. Your strong attacks have stopped them in their tracks.

You’re going to have to bring these two criminals all the way back to the ship if you want to take them into custody. But, why were they attacking in the first place?

“W-what even happened here?” You speak loudly to Grygas as you try to catch your breath.

He raises his voice to speak over the pained whimpers of the heavily injured woman. “Them two are part of a nasty group that’s turned to attacking everyone left in town. Absolute madness back there with them burning everything and the explosions.” He sighs and shakes his head. “These two spotted me as I was trying to get me and Cyrene out of that chaos.” He rubs his eyebrows wearily as he looks between his two attackers. “I didn’t even really know where I was going, but I knew I had to get out of there.”

Attacking the town?! Fire and explosions?

“You were trying to find Elly, I know.” His daughter carefully approaches and then turns toward you. “She said that there was going to be a ship tonight, but she wasn’t able to get back before everything went crazy.”

Wait, this is a lot to take in. Why would they start attacking, and where are the guards? Also, did she say Elly? It can’t be.

“What the hell is going on here, short-stuff?” You hear a familiar voice call out to you from the east.

You turn to find your fellow trainees Naylan and Denos rushing through the snow with their torches in hand. If they are out here looking for you, then it means that you abandoning the ship has been discovered…

“Ahh… J-j-just a second. P-please keep an eye on them…” You tell Grygas as you worriedly approach your companions.

“There you are! Sir Elliot is going to have our hea-” Denos comes to a jogging stop as he looks over the injured attackers and the father and daughter. He rests his hand on the hilt of his sword. "You two dropped in the snow better not move if you know what's good for you."

Naylan approaches as well and grins at you after taking in the scene. “Lil Aloé was busy taking heads of her own. Tried to cover for you, but it’s not like either of us or the support can pretend to be you when you’re three feet tall. Sir Elliot found out and told us to find you and bring you back immediately.”

>>5511706

"He f-found out?" Your worry turns to annoyance as you think about what he called you, then you glare at him for being a jerk. “Anyway, I wasn’t taking anyone’s head and you know that. These two were going attack that man and his daughter. Besides that, something is going on in town and all the people there are coming under attack.” You turn your gaze toward the north and with the weird sun dimming, you can faintly make out the orange glow of fire in the distance.

Naylan becomes a bit more serious after your words. “Well, they did send in all this cavalry for a reason. So maybe those noble kids were in more trouble than we were told.”

“We were told about a Devan uprising.” You point to the two injured humans. “These aren’t Devan.”

“We were also told to stay on the ship…” Denos interjects and sighs. “Look, you’re probably right that there’s more going on here, maybe Devan sympathizers, but we need to get back to the ship before we’re tagged as deserters.”

“You need to let us on that ship as well.” Grygas suddenly speaks up. “There’s no place to go now that everything’s gone to shit in town, and I have a young girl here.”

Naylan rubs the back of his head while Denos crosses his arms.

Right, there’s more important things to focus on right now, like getting Grygas and Cyrene to safety.

“Of course you can come aboard!” You immediately speak up for your group.

“Dang. I guess we don’t really have a choice.” Naylan nods. “But we’ll be in for a lot of fun when the old guys find out.”

“Yeah, fun.” Denos rolls his eyes and sighs. “We’ll take the civilians back.”

“Wait!” Cyrene stops near you and your companions. “We can’t go yet. Elly and the others will be looking for us and they might be trouble like we were.” She turns to you while starting intensely at your animal ears. “They’re just like the ones I saw on her in my dream. Do you know, Elly? She’s skinny and small and has long silver hair. Her eyes are really pretty but it kinda hurts your chest to look at them for too long.”

In her dream? But, that’s Elewyn. That’s definitely Elewyn, and if she’s here, then there’s something bigger than a Devan uprising happening here. But what could it be?

“I know her! Where is she?” You immediately ask the young human.

Oh wait, you should be careful what you say. Knowing Elewyn she’s probably undercover here.

“She said that they would be going to place called the Match- Maturation Pit. Somewhere that way.” The young girl points to the south. “But that was a while ago, so she’s probably left by now.”

There’s a lot of ground to cover to the south, and you haven’t the slightest idea where that pit could be or if Elewyn is still there. As much as you’re worried about her, maybe it’s better to stick with these humans and make sure they get to safety?

>>5511711

“I’m sorry, but I don’t know where she is… But Elly is very good at taking care of herself, even in situations like these!” You grab her hand to reassure her and notice that her fingers are extremely thin and seem to be injured somehow.

The human child pulls her hand away from you in embarrassment. “Yeah, that’s Elly…” She then seems frustrated at not being able to think of a solution to find her before hanging her head in defeat. “I know we have to go, but I wish I could let her know where we’re going, or at least say bye…”

Naylan suddenly breaks off from the group to approach the bloodied snow. He begins to kick around for some reason before you realize that he’s moving it in the shape of small arrow toward your ship. He pants as he finishes his work. “Well, there’s no guarantee that your little friend will come this way, but this will catch her attention, and I got some parchment if you want to leave a note here.”

Cyrene’s downcast expression suddenly brightens at his idea and she nods her head aggressively. She approaches your companion as he fetches his parchment and something write with out of his pouch.

Despite his usual annoying teasing, you can’t help for reason but to feel some warmth in your chest when he has moments like this.

You pull your gaze away from Naylan as Cyrene returns to you excitedly with the parchment and graphite piece. “I’ll tell her that we’re going to my aunt’s place in Velika, and that she should visit!” She starts writing as she speaks. “Dad said that I could study there and be like a doctor, which sounds cool because I could become smart like Elly. But seeing you fight with your sword was really cool, so I want to do that too…” She stops writing to look at you briefly. “I don’t know which one to write down that I’m going to do… Which do you think is better for me?"

Umm, you don't really know which is better for Cyrene, because you hardly have spoken to her. You weren't really all that good at your studies, but she seems like a strong-willed and good kid, but that could help her either way. S-surely she'll forget about your advice by the time she gets to Velika, so maybe to put her at ease in this stressful situation it's alright to take a guess as if you knew her better, right? Right?

>Suggest a future involving combat training similar to yourself.

>Suggest she focus on studying well and using that toward her future as a doctor.

>Write in.

>>5511718
>>Suggest she focus on studying well and using that toward her future as a doctor.
Cyrene can help a lot more people as a doctor than as another swordfighter

>>5511718
>>Suggest she focus on studying well and using that toward her future as a doctor.
A medic friend is always nice to have. A potential researcher as well.
Also, this is getting weird.
Aloé isn't with the vampyr, she's from the ships. But they're here for Luca and co. But the cult is expecting them? There's definitely some weirdness going on. And of course it's all being put on the Devan. No cult here, no sir...
Anyway, we barreled through these two. Also, I guess that was lye, or just acid. I guess the crazy doctor lady had her stash handed out, or we ran into one of her students.

>>5511718
Internet troubles, but the quest goes on!

Doctor is going to absolutely suck in the context of getting involved with Elewyn, but it would definitely be more effective.

I don't suppose she could shoot for some infrastructure or survival work? I could see a lot of motivation to becoming a farmer or ecologist to ensure stable food supply

>>5511950
>I don't suppose she could shoot for some infrastructure or survival work? I could see a lot of motivation to becoming a farmer or ecologist to ensure stable food supply.

This prompt is more open to suggestions, so she could definitely aim for this line of work, and the more personal reasons she’d have, the more potentially persuasive the suggestion.

Also, I hope that your internet troubles resolve themselves soon. They can be quite frustrating from my own experience.

Heyo everyone, finally back home and ready to see what life advice Aloé will put toward young Cyrene as the latter departs from her misfortunate hometown.

>>5511724
>>5511742
>>5511950
Our advice overall heavily is entirely toward an academic path rather than a martial path, suggesting that she focus on potentially being a doctor with perhaps a sprinkling of ecological interests as well.

I must say, very, very, interesting... But who knows what the future holds!

>Writing. Update to be posted sometime late tomorrow night.

>>5512354

Above everything else, Cyrene is a kind girl, looking to help others even when she’s in trouble herself. It’d suit her if she were able to keep doing that in future… Though, both studying hard to become a doctor or learning how to fight to protect people would accomplish that…

As you’re thinking of your answer, Denos and Naylan move to secure the cloaked attackers, and ready them for transport back to the ship.

Because of your own hesitation, the thoughts of your own daily training and missions quickly come to mind.

She’d have to get hurt just to learn how to fight, and she’d also have to get hurt protecting people. You know how bad it can feel, and you really wouldn’t want that for her. Plus, humans don’t have the blessings of the Goddess Elinu, like Elewyn said you did. So, for those of them that are small, it could be really dangerous to fight.

That’s right… The world has dangerous people. People that others need to be protected from. People that can do horrible things that you’d never, ever want to happen to this young girl.

Ah… You don’t want to think about it anymore.

You’re quick to push away those bad thoughts and instead focus on smiling at the young human. At least the freezing cold is still around to distract you, especially after the heat of the battle fades away.

You blow hot air into your quickly numbing hands. “I think studying to be a doctor sounds cool too.” You spot Grygas breathing a sigh of relief at your answer behind her. “You get to know how to fix people when they’re sick or hurt, and you get to be really reliable. I’m sure you’d be able to help out a lot in a time like this.”

Cyrene flinches as you finish speaking, pauses to look at blankly at what she wrote, and then turns back to the north. “Yeah, I would. There’s a lot of people in town that could really use that kind of help.” She brings one of her fingers between her teeth as she looks at the barren trees. “Even before tonight…”

Her father worriedly approaches and wraps a hand on her shoulder to warm her. “Kiddo, you alright?”

The girl’s eyes widen for a short moment before she shakes her head. “Yup, just got lost in thought about what to write.” She smiles cheerfully toward her dad and then back to her letter. “But what you said Aloé makes a lot of sense. You got to help where the problems start. Like where people live, and their environment, especially when it’s as cold as this! I think I want to learn about that as well...”

File: ARC2.png (1.67 MB, 1143x1299)

1.67 MB PNG

>>5513638

You point a finger at yourself. “I-I said that?”

Naylan easily hoists the tied male attacker to his feet while he chuckles to himself. “You made the right choice in career, short-stuff.”

Denos tightly cinches a strip of bandages around the other attacker’s open wounds, and roughly picks up the injured and whimpering woman. “Keep to your talents, right?”

What’s that supposed to mean?!

Cyrene turns back to them with a glare. “Don’t be so rude! Boys…” She shakes her head while she finishes writing the last few words of her letter. “There, all don-“

In that moment, Cyrene’s voice and all the small sounds that the group of humans around you muffle as if the sound could be hampered by the cold.

However, it isn’t exactly silent. Sight and sound muffle as if drowned by the sea that transported you here.

But, clearer than beating of your own heart, a discordant pulse infects your tissue, your bones, your very blood. Clearer than desire to escape the bitter cold, the pervasive urge to fixate your vision on a singular rift in the sky, and allow your eyes to be violated by the ethereal shades of offal that drip like rendered fat from the sky into the hungry sea. Clearer than even your conscience within, the mindless voice of an unknown entity sings with otherworldly tenor and presence a mindless melody that smears your senses across a cold and vacant oblivion.

Your sword has already dropped to the ground by the time Naylan shakes your body in a futile attempt to draw you back to plain reality he inhabits.
In the world you’re removed from, Grygas helplessly tries to rouse his daughter from convulsions rack her small body. Her eyes are wide, unblinking, and fixated upon the same eldritch tear that forms over the singular point within the sea.

Violent coughs soon follow her convulsions, and into the sharp winter air, fine white spores spill forth from her mouth and noise along with forcefully expelled saliva.

On the pure white snow, blood slowly appears, leaking from a singular spot between her legs and pulled fruitlessly towards the sea by the great unseen force.

~

>>5513644

~

“S-should we stop and let her c-catch up?” Misha pants heavily as he tries to keep pace with you and Seo through the high snow.

Doing her best to hold her end of the sled, Seo focuses on the vast forest ahead of her. “She can move faster than us, she doesn’t have two immobile bodies to hoist around, and the torches are quickly dying. Stopping is foolish.” The biting tone in her voice indicates that she has been pushed to the edge of her patience.

“About how much more ground do we have to cover?” The dark-haired Elin named Nilo asks as her and her companion trudge alongside holding a torch and her new sword. “I know better to complain when you guys are doing the rescuing, but I don’t know how much further we can run. This cold is unreal. Even popping that potion of yours, my feet are dead numb.”

Damn, Elewyn was the one that kept track of that sort of thing. If it weren’t for all that time underground, you’d have a better sense of how much further to the sea, but there’s nothing around you but trees, fallen trees, endless damned snow, and a disgusting-colored horizon to guide you eastward.

“Perhaps halfway…” You call out between pained breaths and feel Seo’s piercing gaze already on the back of your head for lying. “Maybe less, sorry...”

As you speak, you catch glimpses of her purplish-red feet, but her companion is in even worse condition. You can hardly afford to carry any more as you’re already heavily burdened with holding the sled aloft, carrying Izurin at your back, and trying not to fall face first into this fucking snow.

Your pace slows greatly as Nilo stops to pull her companion out of the snow after she stumbled.

The Elin’s breaths are ragged after she supports her companion’s arm over her shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up.” She takes scans the surroundings and then sighs. “This place really is rough. Listen... Mian and I will stop for a bit to rest up and maybe try to get some feeling back in our legs. We can catch up with you if you want to keep moving.”

The warming potion brought them and Misha this far, but this cold is far too brutal for a split dosage to be effective for the whole trip.

“I-I need minute to catch my breath too. Between the cold and my injuries, I’m feeling like I might fall over.” Misha announces as he struggles to hold his weakening torch.

>>5513647

You slow to a full stop at hearing Misha’s struggles, and immediately turn your head toward Seo. Her hard stare communicates what you already know. That there is no respite from the cold, and the longer you wait the worse it will get.

Think! How can you make sure that you all keep moving?

All there is left of stock of potions are a few empty containers, and your torches are not nearly strong to put to fire any of these frozen trees, let alone last much longer.

At least not on their own…

You shake your head to free yourself from the hesitation and lead your group to the nearest standing tree. It extends high into the air with a trunk around the same size of your body.

“What are you planning, Luca?” Seo brusquely asks but is forced to put aside her question as you begin to kneel.

After hastily placing the sled and Izurin upon the ground, you retrieve your dirk and with its honed point you work away the cold-hardened bark. “Come on…” You repeat you struggle to peel away the tough exterior piece by piece.

You remove your glove for a better grip and your fingers are rubbed raw by the rough skin of the tree until finally, you’ve carved a fist-sized wound to the fleshy insides.

It's then that that you turn to stabbing the soft core, and in response you begin to smell the blood of the tree. From the aggressive opening you’ve made, large beads of viscous brown sap flow forth. The sight of it bleeding fills you with a satisfaction that you haven’t had for what feels like forever.

You find yourself turning to Izurin first. “Look! You’d think this stuff would be frozen solid, but it’s coming out.”

To your words she merely gives a stiff nod, eyeing both you and the wounded tree with palpable hesitation that you’ve never seen before.

Once more her unusual actions leave you at a loss.. You’d thought she would have long left the argument long in the past, but…

Damn. Something’s wrong with her, and it might be more than just that fight you had, but most importantly is how you’ll use this newfound fuel.

>Use the sap to quickly refuel the torches, and have your weakened group members rest for that short time.

>Carve out additional trees for more sap for fuel to build a proper fire for you all to warm your bodies and rest.

>Write in.

>>5513652
>>Use the sap to quickly refuel the torches, and have your weakened group members rest for that short time.
Ever read "To Build A Fire" by Jack London? I don't think you're supposed to stop, at all.
But those fist-sized pieces of bark look interesting. Could we perhaps fashion basic snowshoes? It would go a long way in stopping heat bleeding out from their feet, and there's a reason it's used to travel on snow.
Ah, never mind, we only peel the bark off piece by piece. No luck there, let's keep moving, and fast.
We really don't want to be out there, what with the gaping hole in reality currently sitting off the coast. Looking back, I really should have made a lot more jokes about Shadow over Innsmouth!

Also, a Happy New Year to you, QM!

>>5513652
>Use the sap to quickly refuel the torches, and have your weakened group members rest for that short time.
Ya, you stop for a bit and you're still burning a ton of energy just trying to keep yourself warm. Gotta keep moving.

>>5513652
Internet still going poorly.

The shoes thing sounds great. Is the sap itself warm? A lot of stuff that freezes at very low temperatures are also decent as insulation, if you ignore the flammability. At the very least, it'll keep the snow from sticking to their feet.

How about lighting the sled itself on fire? Is there space on the handles to wrap more cloth and sap?

Fallen branches might be useful, but a ram to blunt the winds would take too long. We can add structure to the sled if Alys gets off and runs now that theyre out of water

Heyo everyone, dropping by to check how the vote is going. The tally will be in about 4 hours as I'll be busy for the majority of the night. If any more questions pop up before then, feel free to ask as I'll be around!

>>5513788
>Looking back, I really should have made a lot more jokes about Shadow over Innsmouth!
There certainly are parallels! But not quite as much fish to be seen or caught...

>Also, a Happy New Year to you, QM!
A Happy New year to you as well, anon! I hope for a great 2023 for you and all readers of EVQ!

>>5513887
>The shoes thing sounds great. Is the sap itself warm?
The sap would be a little above room temperature, but with the innards of the tree exposed, the temperature will drop and the sap will eventually harden.

>How about lighting the sled itself on fire? Is there space on the handles to wrap more cloth and sap?
Given that the sled is constructed out of wood refuse and cloth, igniting sap placed upon it would create a rather large heat source. But naturally, that would be hard to manipulate, and that would remove the option of transporting the two unconscious Elin via that sled. Also, there is indeed space for such additions, but cloth is in short supply (only readily available from the makeshift cloaks made for all four Elin.)

Alys could indeed be placed to run now, especially given that she's been spared from the worst of the cold so far by Luca.

>>5514008
Are we stuck coating a branch with sap and having the elin carry it then? A smaller flame source without cloth to sustain it.

>>5514201
>Are we stuck coating a branch with sap and having the elin carry it then?
Not necessarily. In my earlier response to you, I was mainly trying to give a few points of info and dissuade igniting the sled itself (i.e. destruction of the sled.)

Given your other points raised, I should also add that you could use a bit of cloth off the hem of the Elins' makeshift cloaks, in conjunction with the sap, to create a sort of water proof makeshift foot covering. This would take a bit of time to collect the needed sap, but add some protection from the cold.
Keeping the vote open for 2 hours longer because there's less rush than I had anticipated!

>>5513788
>>5513859
We won't linger in the snow to build a fire, and instead use the sap to refuel our torches and keep Luca and the rest of the group moving.

>Writing! Update to be posted late tomorrow night.


Have a safe and Happy New Year everyone!

>>5514510

After such painstakingly navigation, there certainly is an urge to use all that these innumerable trees have to offer for a sizable flame to warm you and your group. But, that time spent stationary here could do more harm than good in the end. After all, there’s much more forest to push through, and the cold certainly isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

You sigh and instead turn toward Seo. “This is good enough fuel to keep us from losing use of our torches. Also it’ll give us a short time to catch our breath.” You nod your head toward Mishenne who already rests his hands upon his knees.

Seo shrugs in assent. “Wouldn’t do us much good meandering through the dark. However, I didn’t know you were such an outdoorsman.”

“Read a book every now and then, and you might pick up some basic skills.” You roll your eyes at her sarcasm as you head toward Mishenne. “Let me get your knife, Misha. Seo and I will take care of gathering the sap, you take a break with the Elin.”

He gratefully nods and retrieves the extra dagger from where it’s fixed to his belt. After handing it off to you, he moves toward a pair of nearby fallen trees on which the two rescued Elin have already begun to clear free the snow. The three of them create a snow-free surface upon which they can sit and rest.

“Don’t get too comfortable, it’ll only take a few minutes at the most.” You instruct those upon the log, and then turn your attention to Izurin. “You should rest up too.”

Her body tenses slightly at your words, but she then nods and marches away silently.

You jaw tightens with each step the small creature takes to move away from you as if you were a stranger. Attempts to work out the tension prove useless, so you curse under your breath and return to your task of collecting sap.

It’s frustrating…

After handing Seo the spare dagger, the two of you begin to carve deeper into the tree you already wounded and collect the necessary sap in one of the empty potion bottles.

The opening you cut earlier was enough to draw a few thick beads, but more bark and tree flesh needs to be sliced away to refuel both torches. As if skinning the tree, you aggressively slide your blade underneath the end of the bark to peel it away and then harshly stab at the newly exposed innards.

Seo similarly works away the tough bark, but in a perpendicular direction. She eyes your hasty stabbing and then sighs loudly. “What is it?” She whispers roughly. “We don’t need you so distracted.”

Your immediate inclination is to deny anything upsetting you, but you don’t have the energy to put up such pretenses, especially with the one person that sees through them so easily.

>>5515964

You slightly tilt your head in the direction of Izurin. “She’s been acting strange since the prison, distant even.” With your finger, you force the cooling beads of sap into the glass container. “I thought it was that she was still upset with me after our argument, but she’s not angry at all. And carrying her this last time, it was obvious that she felt… uncomfortable.”

Seo is quiet for a moment, carving into the tree and considering your words. “Normally I’d point out that we are all under a great deal of stress, but…” She takes a glance back at the Elin. “She’s always been aloof to even the most immediate of threats, so her change of demeanor would warrant a more substantial cause.” Her hand reaches out for the glass container. “Perhaps like a certain someone thoroughly invalidating her usefulness and agency.”

You shove the collection bottle in her hand. “I already apologized for that.”

“If it were me, you’d be lucky if I acknowledged your existence even after a week had passed. Even if I stopped holding anger, there would certainly be reservations toward interaction.” She pushes the sap on her side into the bottle. “But that’s me, someone that’s known you almost your whole life. The relationship that you two have stumbled into these past few days is bizarre, putting it politely. It’s hard to gauge what she might be feeling”

‘Politely’ she says…

She inspects the surface of the tree for remaining sap before returning the bottle. “Yet, if we can resolve one side of this odd equation, perhaps it would assist us in solving for the other…” She cleans her dagger on the fleshy inside of the tree before turning her focused gaze upon you. “Why does it matter so much to you what she thinks of you?”

>>5515969

Seo’s question strikes a sudden feeling of unease in your chest. The rapport that you and Izurin have established has been one of necessity. It arose from a hostile journey in which you had to protect her, and she endeavored to do the same. But what else is there? With Seo and Misha, well you naturally protect them as they are your friends, and once you’re all free of this horrid place, you’ll still have their friendship. What else would there be for you and Izurin once Impel is far behind you?

Seo picks up on your hesitation. “Fine. Let me phrase it a different way. What did you hope to have with her once we’ve escaped? A friendship? Assuming she even wants to relocate to Velika. Otherwise, will she still be your ward? In your grandfather’s home where there’s hardly room for you with all the books?” She sighs. “Luca, listen. I will commend you on how well you’ve protected her, even if it was your responsibility for having brought her here. But, don’t be foolish. She’s the type that requires looking after, and she’s also an Elin at the end of the day. Don’t forget how associating with her will affect your family’s status in the nobility. So, maybe it isn’t so bad that she’s pulling away from you…”

You had been so focused on protecting your friends and following Elewyn’s mission tactics that you never thought too deeply on what could come after the desired retreat. What you’ve discovered in Impel has been both disappointing and deeply disturbing, but most of all, it’s filled you with a desire to ensure none of these abominations come to harm those you care about, by force if necessary. However, where would Izurin fit into all of that? Can the relationship that you have under these circumstances be translated. Should it be modified, or… would it be better for both of you if it ended?


>Write in.

>>5515977
>she can vouch for me to get into the Elin homeland. Elewyn would be better, but I'm none too eager to get roped into another one of these excursions.
This is, of course, just half-assed excuses.
>Her fragility offends me. As if magic as a whole is just waiting to die. Wanting her to function in society is just projecting my own desires for magic through her. But it doesnt have to be me. I was never even suited for it. So long as shes not walking to her death, that SHOULD be enough for me.

>>5515977
>Seo, not everyone makes friendships based on tangible benefits. I get that you're trying to look out for me, but if it's a mistake, let it be mine to make.
Basically telling Seo that she's a bit out of line trying to manage Luca's relationships. It's something we decide, not her.

Is this Luca being defensive? Yes. Is it also kicking the problem of 'Izurin' down the road? Also yes. Does he really need to justify his actions to someone else?

Heyo everyone, I hope that your year is off to a great start! It's back to work for me tomorrow, but I feel quite rested after the holidays.

I'm here for a quick check-in, and to let you guys know that I'll be keeping the vote window open for another ~4 hours, as I did post this last update rather late. Thanks for your posts thus far, and I'll be back in a bit!

>>5516065
>>5516117
The points brought up between these two responses can be synthesized. We'll open by relating Luca's caring for Izurin as a proxy for caring for the limited magic that remains for this world will be the initial response. But expanding on this answer, we'll have Luca further explain that a friendship with the Elin has arose out of that feeling, and Seo is overstepping by trying to manage his relationships.

Much appreciated for taking on the open ended prompt to situate Luca's mindset as the escape from Impel is soon at hand, potentially.

>Writing! Update to be posted some time late tomorrow night!

>>5516848

You abruptly stab into the tree as you cut short that line of thought. “Think about my status in the nobility… I’m constantly forced to think of others' opinion of me, having to count every benefit and detriment of simply associating with someone. Why does every relationship need to be so damned transactional?"

“That is the cost of your privilege, Luca. Like it or not, appearance is tantamount to your freedom to spend the whole day with your nose buried in an old tome, or stumble into accursed journeys at any faint whiff of magic.” She smirks derisively. “You speak as if you desire the freedoms of a poor commoner, but I’ve certainly never heard you extol the virtues of day-long labor for pittance and struggle.”

Your rub your fingers against your forehead. “You cast the threat of poverty as if you had even the slightest iota of an idea as to what it means. Moreover, it’s not an absolute. There lies plenty between nobility and the picture you blindly paint.”

She crosses her arms. “Then enlighten me, Luca. What path will you take absent your grandfather’s wealth? Is it not partially because of your desire to preserve it for yourself that we are here in the first place?”

You quickly pull your hand away from your face and look directly into Seo’s defiant eyes. “Forget the coin, I'll take whatever path I want! How could I possibly go back to simply living my life as if I didn’t witness the horrors that I did here, as if I didn’t witness accursed fucking abominations.” Your arm shoots out toward Izurin. “And how could I disregard her when she’s been through all the same as us? When she’s helped us get through it all, so many times. Just because she needs to be looked after, and her behavior being bizarre to us, I should cast her aside?” You sigh as you catch your breath and turn away from Seo’s brutal gaze. You curse loudly into the chilling evening air before standing silently in thought. “Maybe I am mixing my own desires for magic into this. Maybe I’m not even suited to protect her, but I want to try…and that’s my mistake to make, Seo. Get off my back for once.”

>>5518098

You quickly turn back to her, fully expecting a furious response or at least a harsh scowl, but you don’t find it. You don't find what you expect at all. Instead, she simply looks tired.

Her eyes linger on you for a moment before turning toward the rest of the group behind you. “Let’s refuel the torches and get going.” She walks off as if you weren’t there to retrieve the other torch from Misha.

As you turn back to watch her, you spot the others awkwardly turning their gazes away from you, clearly having overheard everything once the two of you got into the heat of it. Only Izurin, seated stiffly on the pair of logs, looks at you with a shocked expression you’ve never seen on her before. She clutches the front of her blouse, and then opens her mouth as if to speak, but thinks better of it and turns away.

Maybe it’s just the dim light of the torches, or perhaps the weariness weighing heavily on your sight, but despite all that was said, a single thought fills your mind as the heat of your exchange quickly evaporates to nothing in the persistent cold.

Were her eyes always that color?

`

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>>5518100

`
In silence, you spread the hard sap onto the singed and spent ends of the torches to create a much more turbulent, but stronger flame. No longer did Izurin choose to ride on your back, but treks alongside her fellow Elin with her arms held tightly around her body for warmth.

Perhaps it’s a sympathetic response to those around her, but it’s unsettling nonetheless.

Your group plods ahead like this at an agonizing pace, but once you look upon their purple legs, you cannot fault them for their speed.

In fact, the cold is beginning to seep well past the sturdy leather and fabric of your boots and clothing. Clenching your toes unnervingly demonstrates you how much feeling you’ve lost within them without noticing. The numbness seems to spread to the rest of your body, blurring the progress of the journey of one foot placed in front of the other, again and again.

How many trees have you past? How many more do you need to pass? Is the sled still in your stiff hands, are your companions still nearby?

“Someone’s coming.” Nilo sudden voice suddenly cuts through the haze, startling you to stumble and nearly lose balance.

Her weapon is already withdrawn as she scans the dark treeline ahead of you with her animal ears pointed, listening for the target you can’t hear yet.

By the time regain your balance and place the sled upon the ground to withdraw your sword, your ears catch the strange noise. You had expected to hear a crunching of snow, but instead it sounds as if something is dropping through the air and approaching quickly.

By the time you realize the noise is coming from above you, a shadowy figure descends from the evening sky and into the snow, just barely reach of your torch. The edge of the unstable light reaches an unknown object somewhat resembles the shape of an egg, but with a rigid exterior of dark leather steaming with heat.

You ready your sword as the exterior of the mysterious object begins to unfurl into long, heavy bat-like wings. Within the core of the wings emerges an arresting woman of milk-white skin, generous curves, and stark red eyes and horns that seem to glow with their own internal light.

She’s smartly dressed in flowing blouse and long, dark skirt tailored to accentuate her shape much like one of your contemporaries would to impress, but wears it a far more breezy air of confidence.

>>5518105

Even in the bitter cold and hostile land, your eyes delight in taking in the sight of her, but once she smiles and reveals a long, sharp set of fangs primal instinct quickly switches to defensiveness.

She’s doesn’t resemble the usual manner of fleshy abomination you’ve fought against before, but despite her alluring features, she’s certainly not human, and not any type of non-human you’ve seen before. A mixture of wariness and intrigue washes over you, but as vulnerable as your group is, you certainly can't take any chances with someone that can fly like she can.

Her wings stretch out even wider before neatly compressing behind her back. “It’s been an age since I’ve had cause to fly so aggressively!” She gazes back to the trees behind her. “Yet, it seems that I still effortlessly outsped the others. No matter.” Her deep red eyes return to scan your group. “Some time to chat before we get on with the business of the rescue… Oh.” The red in her eyes seem to lose a shade of vibrancy as she comes to realize something. “Separated from your intrepid leader, are you?”

If she speaks of rescue, this could be the contact with the ship Elewyn mentioned, yet you're certainly not going to simply trust this non-human you just met.

You guardedly step forward with Seo and Nilo following close by with weapons drawn. “Who are you? What do you want?”

The abnormal woman places her hands on her hips grabbing her dress. “I suppose I ought not to blame you for your curtness given what you’ve been through.” Despite her surroundings, she performs an impeccable curtsy. “You may call me Sayazade. What I want is far too open ended a question to address here, but I am here with my kin and one of my ships to render aid as I said…” Her eyes settle upon Izurin, to whom she smiles toothily. “You’ve all come a long way, I see…”

You certainly don't like the way she hungrily gazes upon Izurin.

You position yourself between the stranger and the Elin.

The details of her explanation certainly match with what Elewyn told you earlier. With her supposed kin being still absent, the rescue will need to wait. Perhaps for your own safety, it's a chance to ascertain what manner of creature you and the others will be forced to join on a ship, or what reason she has to help you. Yet, even with her inhuman features, she's certainly attractive... you wouldn't be opposed to learning what you can through more casual conversation. Wait, focus!

>Directly question what manner of creature she is.

>Directly question her motivations for coming to Impel and rescuing you and the Elin.

>Avoid aggressive questioning, and attempt to gather what information you can through cordial conversation.

>Write in.

>>5518115
>Avoid aggressive questioning, focus on what her interest is in Izurin.
This can, however, wait until legs are not being frostbitten off.

>>5518115
>Avoid aggressive questioning
>Make sure she's here for us, ask her to name her employer.
Hey, caution is a good trait. And in-character I'm not sure Elewyn's actually told the rest of the party who's picking us up.

Also her being human-sized tallness makes me think that she showed up in the dreamworld as short because of some other reason, or because she's using some sort of illusion to make her seem tall now.
Although that might just be me misremembering that section

>>5518366
>Also her being human-sized tallness makes me think that she showed up in the dreamworld as short because of some other reason, or because she's using some sort of illusion to make her seem tall now.
>Although that might just be me misremembering that section

You aren't misremembering! Sayazade was in a more diminutive form in the fleshscape. Also, Izurin's presence in prior delves into that realm was also reduced to an azure essence, and Luca was much more dramatically reduced to the small fleshy and helpless creature from several threads ago.

>>5518366
Supporting.
Sayazade isn't actually part of the "hundreds of years old loli" crowd. I'm surprised, honestly!

Also, I was hoping Seo wouldn't have brought up that subject, as it would have been very useful for Elewyn to throw in to diffuse the situation once Luca would have realized the switch.
Also, soul switch changes eye colors, or perhaps Alys' gaze is a lot different from Izurin, I wouldn't be surprised.

>>5518538
Eyes are the window to the soul, ya know?

She may not in part of the "Hundred year old loli" club, but it's pretty funny that she's also intimidated by one. And I'm not just saying that because I can guess that a sundowning might reduce her to dust. Holy magic+Undead usually do not mix, flat out

Heyo everyone, I hope you're all doing well, and keeping warm if you're in the northern part of the world. Or at least, warmer than our characters. Speaking of which, let's see how Luca will approach this new inhuman stranger.

>>5518133
>>5518366
>>5518538
We'll lean toward the side of caution rather than aggression with a few questions, and make sure she's aware of how exposed some of the group are to the cold.


>>5518538
>>5518745
Very important to note is that her not being part of that club means that she has far more protection against the traditional stake to the heart.

>Writing! Update to be posted some time late tomorrow night.

Heyo everyone, popping in here to let you guys know that I will be pushing the update back a day due to some personal stuff keeping me busy tonight (helping a friend put together a loan application, fun fun). Thanks as always for your understanding, and have a good night!

My sincere apologies for being a big liar, but after getting sidetracked by a number of personal things, I'm back now with an update incoming!

>>5518897

The cold’s persistent harm to both body and mind goes a long way in tempering your response. Between the damage done, and the journey ahead of you, one thing rings clear. You need help. Yet, it’s precisely because of this vulnerability that you must ensure that she is an ally, rather than another one to your countless enemies.

You wearily bow your head as an appropriate measure of respect. “We indeed came a long way, at great expense to ourselves, and at greater expense to those that would do us harm…” You raise your gaze to meet her crimson eyes. “Understand that I find necessary to exercise caution before we get into discussing anything. Even in spite of this cold…”

She crosses her arms with one hand brought to her chin. “But of course. I have the easier and safer task to identify the group of Humans and Elins that need rescuing rather than the other way around, after all. Ask the questions you find necessary.” She smiles with fangs exposed.

Fangs aside, her lighthearted cordiality makes your drawn weapons feel unnecessary, but you’ve learned well enough from your time here that innocuous appearances can conceal far more horrible things. Then the easiest way to test that which can’t be concealed would be to question what she could only know.

You nod in appreciation. “Presumably, we were both brought here by the same…employer. If you don’t mind identifying that person.”

She closes her eyes in thought. “Employer for you perhaps, but I came to her aid because of common interest, and an interest I have in her specifically…” She reopens her eyes and sighs. “While I think it unmannerly to make the introduction for her, under these circumstances, I suppose I can make that exception. She is Elewyn, also known as Elewyn of the Holy Light, and I’ve heard other titles applied to her name, which one might find unusual for an Elin...”

You lower your sword but keep it drawn. “She is an unusual Elin, with unusual acquaintances…”

Between the fact that Elewyn kept her name guarded while she was here, and that appropriate title, her answer lends merit to her trustworthiness. If only she were human…

She catches you eyeing the one fang that slipped out of her mouth to rest on her lip. “This unusual acquaintance is a Vampyr. Something that I doubt means much to you, but a personal truth I share regardless in the hopes to earn your trust.”

What in the world is a Vampyr? Having spent your whole life in Velika, you’ve encountered or at least heard about all manner of non-human races, but you’ve never heard of her kind before. If they have flight at their command, what other powers might they have? Perhaps they might even have the gift of magic…

>>5523444

Seo withdraws her mace and steps forward as you’re distracted by thought. “Excuse his discourteous lack of reply, but we appreciate you addressing our doubts. I am Seo…” She motions to you first. “This one is Luca, and he is Mishenne.” She finishes with a deep curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to have your company and aid.”

“My…” Sayazade places a hand on her chest. “You must be of quite noble stock to maintain decorum after what you’ve surely been through. Well met.” She turns to the Elin in your company and studies them for a moment before her face grows more serious. “I’d understand if you’d rather get the business of leaving this cold, but I’m interested in hearing your names as well.”

After lowering her sword, Nilo steps forward with Mian still supported in her grasp. “Nilo, and she’s Mian.” The Elin turns to Izurin expectantly.

Izurin shrinks slightly as more eyes fall upon her. “A…Izurin.”

A flash of surprise passes over the Vampyr’s face but only for a split second. “Izurin now, I see… A pleasure to meet you all as well.”

That brief interaction strikes you as far too strange to remain silent.

“Do you know her or something?” You look between the Vampyr and the Elin. “You were also eyeing her earlier as if you do.”

Sayazade shrugs calmly at your questioning. “We’ve only very recently had a brief opportunity to speak before, so I was merely confirming that it was her.”

You turn back to the Elin who puts more distance between herself and you.

Very recently? When? Perhaps that has something to do with Izurin’s strange behavior as of late? At the very least, the Vampyr knows more than she’s choosing to reveal, so perhaps Elewyn does as well… What are they hiding?

>>5523445

At that moment four more figures descend from the evening sky and land behind Sayazade. Eerily they all share the same dark wings, paleness of skin, and red eyes. Yet her skin is still a shade lighter, her eyes more vibrant, and she alone has a pair of horns sticking from her head.

“My… You all certainly took your time. Were you taking in the sights on the way here?” The Vampyr asks confidently.

“With all due respect, matron.” The largest of the other Vampyr rises along with the others and speaks with a deep, reverberating voice. “You excitedly departed before we finished anchoring the ship and our other prep-.”

“Ahem!” Sayazade clears her throat to cut off his unwanted explanation. “Very well, I accept your excuses, Renauld. Now that you’re all here we can get to the matter we sailed to accomplish.” She paces, carefully looking over every single member of your group, including those yet unconscious. “Eight individuals… and one yet to arrive.”

“Two, actually.” Seo interjects. “Both Elin.”

“I see. More than we expected, but fortunate that they don’t take up too much space.” She turns and looks between you and Seo. “Well, shall we get started? Which four of your group shall my servants ferry first? I assure your safety with them, and they easily can carry the Elin and the two young women in flight. This young man I suspect not even Renauld will have the strength to lift in flight, but we’ll still escort you safely to our ship. We dropped anchor directly east...” She quickly turns to her kin for confirmation before motioning in that direction. "Yes, east! I'll remain behind and await our dear Elewyn."

Despite all the questions you wish you could ask, your concerns are swallowed up by the more pressing matter of the rescue. Fine. There will chance enough to get to the bottom of Izurin’s change in character once you’re all safely on the ship.

It’s finally time to leave this nightmare behind you. Between the uncertainty, the frustration, and the fatigue that’s been built up within you, this moment felt as if it would never come.

But it’s finally here.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Your current group comprises of: Luca, Seo, Mishenne, Alys, Nilo, Mian, Haruei, and another unconscious Elin. Elewyn and Quon have yet to arrive. Other than Luca, list which four will be the first to be escorted to the Vampyr's ship.

>Write in your selection of 4 group members.

>>5523442
no worries this is one chonky update

>>5523450
Mishenne, Mian, Haruei, unconscious Elin

That leaves everyone who can fight(if Alys really has to). Misha can give whatever caltrops he still has, seeing how they wouldn't be helpful on a boat anyway.

>>5518897
>Very important to note is that her not being part of that club means that she has far more protection against the traditional stake to the heart.
I'm honestly not sure if it's game lore I'm not familiar with or a joke about her not being flat as a board!

Also, glad to see Luca is still as obsessive as ever with magic. I was afraid we'd broken him there!

Let's have Seo go with the most wounded.
I don't think Nilo and Mian would appreciate being split, so Seo, the unconscious Elin, Haruei and Misha.

And no worries about the delay, I get it, and I know what that's like now that I've adopted a quest of my own. Somedays you just can't write, be it due to outside events or lack of inspiration. You're still usually putting out 1,5-2k words on a two-day basis, it's nothing to scoff at!

>>5523450
>”Izurin”, Mian, Haruei, unconscious Elin
Leave Misha as he’s probably better off right now than Izurin
Apart from that, the rest of the people are fighters.

>>5523462
>no worries this is one chonky update
Thanks! There are definitely times where I wonder if I'm heading into the too chonky direction for my updates, so I'm glad for your feedback.

>>5523476
>I'm honestly not sure if it's game lore I'm not familiar with or a joke about her not being flat as a board!
Not game lore, just a lame allusion to standard vampire lore mixed with a joke about her not being flat as a board!

>And no worries about the delay, I get it, and I know what that's like now that I've adopted a quest of my own. Somedays you just can't write, be it due to outside events or lack of inspiration. You're still usually putting out 1,5-2k words on a two-day basis, it's nothing to scoff at!
The time between really gets away from you quicker than you realize. Glad you've adopted a quest and I wish you the best of luck with writing and avoiding the QM curse known as life!

>>5523462
>>5523476
>>5523522
I really appreciate your understanding of my delay, and quick returned participation!

>>5523450
>>5523462
>Mishenne, Mian, Haruei, unconscious Elin
This grouping seems good to me. Nilo seems the sort to understand Mian is safer being airlifted out, rather than the sort to cling

>>5523462
>>5523476
>>5523522
>>5524089

Thankfully it worked out to have a nice majority for:

Misha, (1)
Mian, (2)
Haruei, (3)
and the other unconscious Elin (4)

to be our majority picks and roll offs weren't necessary to decide. However, speaking of rolls...

If one person could roll a 1d4 for an upcoming event please, I'd appreciate it! (first person to roll will be counted)

Rolled 4 (1d4)

>>5524123
The Roll?

Rolled 4 (1d5)

>>5524124

Thank you very much for your speedy response!

No rest for the weary, unfortunately.

Now, I'll roll a 1d5 to decide if said event hits or misses. 1 = hits the unconscious Elin, 2 = hits the one carrying her, 3, 4, 5 = miss

>Writing outcome! Update to be posted late tomorrow night.

Hate to do it to you guys twice in a row, but I'll be postponing again.

The update is about 75% done, but it's getting late and I have an early morning. I'll get this posted as soon as I can after work instead of the crack of dawn.

>>5525738
kk, been busy myself

>>5524138

You finally having the opportunity to be free of the burden of literally and figuratively shouldering so many of these Elin. It goes without saying that the two unconscious should be among the first removed from this horrid cold before they succumb to it. Then, who else?
Seo has made her desire to put this place behind her abundantly clear, but that glare behind the untidy, dark bangs silently communicates enough of her thoughts to know that she will put voice to objection if picked. But there’s a harsh edge to her eyes that you’ve never seen her direct to you before.

The discomfort causes you wearily turn to the other source of much consternation of late, to the blue-eyed Elin, who, turns herself from the direction of your gaze.

Given all that she’s had to endure, perhaps it’d be better to put her on the ship immediately, but… But the last two times she’s been out of your sight she’s either been attacked or worse, somehow changed… No, not yet. You won't send her yet.

Which only leaves the other two Elin, and your ailing friend.

Countless times you’ve seen him go days without sleeping, seen him covered in filth from his tinkering, and even seen him beat by his duplicitous father until he could no longer see you. Now he stands like a thin tree before a storm, and you suspect if something toppled him, he’d be just as likely to stand back up.

Yet, he’s standing. Beyond that terrible mess of wild, blood-caked hair, beyond the thick pair of cracked glasses that always rounded his face, and even beyond his soft, but battered features there’s a look of hardened determination in his eyes directed to the east that’s materialized from seemingly nothing.

Wait. That’s wrong. It evolved from being him here in the first place, from all the times you weren’t there to protect him, and all that was asked of him because of that… This whole mess has changed him into this...

Goddamn it, it's so frustrating see everyone act like this. With everyone so different, what’s going to happen after all of this is finished?

You tensely rub the space between your eyes before turning back to the lead Vampyr with your answer. “The two unconscious will need to be brought first no matter what, but carefully. They’ve sustained severe injuries during their capture here.”

Sayazade nods solemnly before looking back to her group. “They’ll be handled with utmost of care.”

She affords you a warm cordiality despite your initial distrust. If only she could’ve been here a day sooner.

>>5526790

“Other than them…” You turn to the Elin named Nilo and switch your gaze between her and her companion. “She’s not fairing nearly as well after being out in the cold…”

She takes a half step forward through the tall snow in sheer reaction, but as she practically drags her friend to have her keep pace, she relents. She mouths a curse before turning to her weakened counterpart and giving her a gentle shake. “Hey look, our rescue’s here, and you’re going to get out of here first, Mian-Mian.”

It takes a moment, but the Elin feebly raises her head to look at the group of strange bat-like humanoids who patiently allow her to take in their sight. “They’re very pretty…” She then turns her eyes to her purplish-red legs. “But I don’t think I can walk anymore.”

Your large group immediately understands the grave damage that the cold has done to her limbs at this point, and a solemn silence takes hold until one boldly speaks.

“Then I will gladly carry you.” A dapper male Vampyr marches through the high snow to quickly close the distance. He pushes aside a strand of thin-blonde hair before removing his coat and kneeling into the snow with the clothing presented to her. He’s completely unfazed by dirtying his quite elegant clothing. “With your permission, of course.”

Mian face and ears redden quickly before she eventually nods.

“Lucky you.” Nilo does her best to laugh and gives her companion another shake. "Keep safe until we catch up, alright?"

The two Elin exchange quick goodbyes, and it isn’t long before the Vampyr delicately wraps Mian within the warmth of his dark coat and then easily scoops her up.

Sayazade nods in approval at her servant’s chivalry. “Thank you, Eddrick.” She turns back to you, expectantly. “And the last?”

Your gaze falls back to Misha, and the silence of your thought must clue him into your next words.

Perhaps he wanted to protest you picking him over Izurin or Nilo, and if so, you would’ve argued to his condition compared to those two, but that moment never came to pass.

Nilo startles suddenly and turns eye and ears to the inscrutable forest to north. “Someone’s coming! More than one.”

Soon Izurin’s ears peak, and Nilo’s simple words send a ripple of silence throughout your large group and palpably crystalizes as everyone tries to match what only Elin ears can pick up.

It begins subtly at first, the crunching of rapid footfalls of the approaching unknown, such that you fear reacting to possible imagination. You do your best to steady your breathing while once again, readying your longsword that now weighs heavily in your hands.

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>>5526799

Soon, Sayazade turns away from the northern darkness. “Take them back now!” The lightheartedness vanished completely from her firm orders.

At once, the Vampyr use their wings to move quickly to fulfill her orders. Eddrick takes off ahead of the others with Mian held in his arms. Another female Vampyr carefully retrieves Haruei from the sled, followed by another battle-scarred male Vampyr easily pulling Misha into his arms, despite his feeble resistance. He firmly hands you the torch that Misha carried before turning toward the sea.

Soon, the two Vampyr are airborne, as Renauld rapidly assesses the heavy injuries on the remaining Elin’s body before gingerly enveloping her in his mighty grasp.

His dark wings beat with great force as he turns himself back to the east, and a flurry of snow is left behind in his wake as he takes to the air after the rest of his kin.

With the other three Vampyr having already passed your line of sight beyond the tall trees, the lingering torrent of white powder and the great beat of Renauld’s wings dominates the area. For a moment, it seems a foregone conclusion that his mighty wingstroke will carry him off before long.

Yet at the shrill sound of a screeching shriek his body plummets from its height from above the trees. The Vampyr seized his flight to barely evade the massive, pale white shrapnel that slices through the air over his head.

Whatever projectile that only just missed the large Vampyr with their deadly points now slam into line of trees immediately to the south. In the cracking blast of wood, Renauld manages to catch himself with a heavy beat of his wings and sprints into the eastern trees, forcefully pushing through the snow as if it weren’t there.

You desperately try to find the origin of the barrage from the massive line of imposing trees to the north, and eventually the flickering light of the torches you refueled lap against a slender form skulking within among their trunks. You spot a humanlike creature tortuously pinned to the ground on its four limbs. Bestial in its movements, and once spotted, the arm-length bony protrusions on its back quiver and rattle nosily against each other. As if sensing its exposure, it scurries out of sight of your torch.

As it flees, that's when you full hear another rapid set of tramping steps in the high snow. This one originating from the northwest.

Sayazade presses forward a step ahead of you, and in her hands she wields an unusual curved blade pulsing with life in its crimson form. Impossibly it materialized from the small handle, seemingly from compacted blood.

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>>5526861

"We cannot remain in the open!" She fiercely whispers to you as she tries to track the rapid movement.

"Then do we keep pushing to east?" Seo asks, already scanning in that direction. "There might be more of them coming."

"A possibility, but if the trees prove insufficient cover, we'll suffer for it." Sayazade quickly responds. "I'd much rather attack. If we're careful in our approach, we can quickly kill the creatures directly before they fire... These damned fiends dared to attack my servants in my presence!"

"Those things aren't the only ones in those trees." Nilo brandishes her thin blade at the ready with her animal ears pointed directly upward. "I can hear human footsteps. Maybe three of them. They're all spread out!"

Of course those flesh creatures wouldn't be far away from handlers, and of course they would appear at the cusp of your group's rescue.... At the very least you were able to get most of the non-combatants out of the line of fire, but if you don't free yourselves with these horrid new beasts, the Vampyr won't have a clear path for their return. Ensuring that you no longer come under attack seems the most straightforward of plans, but there's no telling what the Sanctuary may have planned for you if you do. But making a run for it may leave you open for continued attack.

Your eyes drift downward to the abandoned sled. Charging toward them, or making for a retreat, however you choose to handle these beasts, you'll at least be able to block one of their barrages...hopefully. Between that, the hearing capabilities of the Elin, and Sayazade's flight, you hastily devise a plan.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Your group currently consists of Luca, Seo, Sayazade, Nilo, and Alys. All members have a weapon to attack, but Alys is unskilled in dagger use. Your attackers are concentrated in the northern line of trees, and in uncertain quantity with the town further beyond. With them lurking just out of sight, remaining where you stand will only lead to certain death.

(Luca and Seo's stamina is further reduced from the cold and persistent hunger.)

Luca
HP: 15
LP: 8
Stamina: 15
MP: 0

Seo
HP: 19
LP: 6
Stamina: 16
MP: 0

>Pursue and attack the flesh beasts and the cultists in the northern trees to prevent further barrages. (Write in additional strategies.)

>Ignore them and make a retreat to the east using as much cover as you can. (Write in additional strategies.)

>Write in.

>>5526883
Questions

Can Alys manage a flame? Not even an attack, just enough to light something.

Can Saya cut a tree down instantly or something, or can the blood tap the tree? We need vision and depending on the application fire can interfere with their accuracy

>>5526897
>Can Alys manage a flame? Not even an attack, just enough to light something.

This is actually a really good question that took me a bit of time to think about. Mana in the setting of Tera doesn't originate from the corporeal world. It is by proxy relationships to the gods (given that they are direct descendant of the entities that created everything) that the races within Tera have access to mana. However, how it manifests/how it's channeled is tied to the individual, but in Tera that individual is comprised of more than a physical body.

So where does that leave us with Alys/Izurin? Alys in the body of an Elin wouldn't have an issue with tapping into mana. That sounds perfectly fine to me. Alys channeling that mana in her own way, given that she's just inhabited a new body... Hmm. Her essence/soul is there, but it's residing within a body that will have the imprint of Izurin within it, especially right at this time.

So, long story short. She'd possibly be able to manage a flame, especially a simple one to light something. But there could be unforeseen side effects from the imprint of Izurin that remains within the physical body.

Can Saya cut a tree down instantly or something, or can the blood tap the tree?
Given that most of the trees are rather robust in these woods, I'll say that it's not feasible for her to cut them down so quickly. Also, her manipulation of blood would be relegated to humanoid creatures...

>>5526915
I was thinking more like a blood drill, since her sword is rather flexible. But alright, I'll think about this more when I'm back on my comp

>>5526883
>Pursue and attack the flesh beasts and the cultists in the northern trees to prevent further barrages. (Write in additional strategies.)
If there are fallen branches, then bracing them against the sled will be solid against the cultists, but mixed for the ranged barrage.

Saya should just plunge in ASAP, before they have a chance to organize themselves. decapitating their command structure will cripple the flesh beasts.

>>5526883
>Pursue and attack the flesh beasts and the cultists in the northern trees to prevent further barrages.
Saya says she's confident, let her off the chain. Saya acts independently, everyone else stays grouped up to not get picked off on their own or surrounded.

We either fight now or need to run while under pursuit all the way back to the ship

Rolled 5, 2 = 7 (2d10)

Knocked out almost immediately after coming home from work, but that won't put us behind schedule. Let's see what we have for our strategy to deal with the ranged attack from this new type of flesh beast.

>>5527837
>>5527940
The entire group will push into the cover of the trees, while Sayazade independently initiates the attacks. She'll focus on the non-bestial enemies to ruin their command structure, while the rest of the group sticks together as to not be ambushed on their own. We'll take advantage of any fallen trees with the sled for cover.

So, we'll open with a roll for Saya to use her blood weapon to attack a non-bestial enemy within the trees. (Rolling 2d10, CR 6)

>>5528388
Just high enough for a successful attack. But it seems that's there's no attacks in return from the Sanctuary members this round. So,

>Writing outcome! Update to be posted some time tonight.

>>5528388
man that'd be really embarrassing for the vampire leader who hasn't been freezing her butt off against disorganized cultists controlling beasts they don't understand

>>5528398
Everyone jobs sometimes. The trick is jobbing against people who can't actually kill you, and to ensure that there's no one alive to crack the myth of your own invincibility.

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>>5528389

The sheer dread you feel of having your retreat harried by these new nightmares is enough cause to raise your sword once again. However, the first course of action will be getting the hell out of the open in case the flesh beasts before those flesh monsters work up the courage to attack again.

“If we don’t flush these rats out, they’ll be nipping at our heels the whole time...” You quickly eye the sled on the ground and the tree line to the north. “Get your revenge while we get to cover.”

“So be it.” Seo sighs before readying her mace. “There’s a cluster of trees over there that’ll make for the best cover.”

Nilo grips her sword to the side of her body. “Go on then, Miss Sayazade.” She takes quick peeks at the inexplicable blade of fluctuating blood that the Vampyr wields. “I wanna see what that blood sword can do.”

The swirling crimson flares with life in her hand. “Allow me to demonstrate then...” Sayazade’s dark wings kick up a flurry of snow before she finishes speaking and the Vampyr’s lithe form shoots forth with inhuman speed and soon disappears in the darkness.

You’re caught in a gasp of watching her surge into the dark tree line before realizing that the rest of your group has already broke for the trees. Even Izurin left you behind.

You dip to grab the makeshift sled with your free hand before pushing through the high snow in a heavy sprint. Unburdened, your legs easily carve through the frigid powder, and you catch up to your group just as you all enter the tree line.

Seo’s target is a tight grouping of trees providing decent coverage on all sides, especially directly to the open snow to south with thick fallen trunks filling in the space between the still standing trees. It would’ve been a pain in the ass to navigate were you still carrying the unconscious Elin, but now you can toss the sled over the snow-covered trunks. After sliding over, you brace the makeshift sled against between one of fallen trees, protecting one of the few openings toward the southwest. Once finished, you roughly pull Izurin into the pocket of cover as she still straddles one of the thick logs.

Then, silence. Other than the quickened breath of those surrounding you and the occasional foot crunching into the snow next to you, the sudden chaos subsided as quickly as it started.

>>5529909

The flickering lights of your torches is caged within your pocket of cover, offering little help in divining where the rest of the Sanctuary members may be lurking in the dark woods. You look to Nilo who listens with her animal ears perked and eyes closed.

She beckons you and Seo to come closer. “A lot of movement that way…” She gestures toward the north. “I think even more of them coming. The rest are working their way around us.” Her pointed finger pivots to the west and then to the southwest.

Reinforcements are what you feared, and worse would be if they manage to trap your group in a surrounding net.

Where the hell did that Vampyr go?

As if on cue, a heavy flux of wind starts from high in the spindly canopy. A shape, darker than the shadows swoops down with terrifying speed. It’s the glowing crimson of her focused eyes that confirms to you that it’s Sayazade. Her blood-fueled blade suddenly illuminates with an intimidating shade to reveal a furtive cultist in stark red light. His attempts to sidle through the thicket of trees are cut short, as is the glowing sword is snuffed in his horror-stricken body.

Had you blinked you might’ve missed the Vampyr skewering her prey with her long blade and nailing him into a thick tree trunk with the force of her momentum. She slowly withdraws her sword from his chest, and you watch as the heavily leaking crimson fluid defies gravity to pull into the shape of a new blade. The desiccated Sanctuary cultist remains lifelessly hanging in the air, pinned by a dripping shard of solidified blood.

As her new blood sword takes form, you witness her glowing eyes hungrily trace the semi-liquid length and her bring it over her face as if she couldn’t resist its magnetic pool. Her tongue extends to catch the thick droplets of dripping blood.

Immediately she makes the clearest noise of disgust you can recall ever hearing and spits on the ground. “Why does it taste so bad?!” The Vampyr whines as she wipes the surface of her tongue on her sleeve.

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>>5529915

You similarly recoil in disgust at the sight of her drinking the cultist’s blood, but aren’t allowed to dwell on it as you feel a hard tug on your own sleeve.

You turn back to see Nilo motioning toward the west. You glance through the limited openings to catch her targets frantically crawling in the direction of the clearing after the attack. The two panicked flesh creatures with the bony spines on their back sprint to put distance between themselves and the deadly Vampyr. It seems her attack has drawn them out to the open, where they can be seen.

"We can go after the closer one and probably take it out between the two of us, or definitely if all three of us attack." Nilo motions to the flesh creature further south. "But the more of us that go, the more of us open to that thing's attack."

You agree with her reasoning, but then there's also Izurin to worry about if you do charge the flesh beast. On the other hand, if you stay in place, Sayazade should be able to eliminate at least one of the flesh creatures before it has the chance to unleash another barrage. Your current cover should protect against the remaining beast, but then there's still the other lurking cultists to worry about if you don't want to chance dealing with the flesh creature's fearsome barrage.

The Vampyr's crimson eyes focus on the closer of the two flesh creatures, so where will you focus your attention?

_____________________________________________________________________________

Sayazade's attack had the effect of drawing out the flesh creatures in a panic and she turned her sight upon them, but with Sanctuary reinforcements coming you have to weigh the risks of either facing one of the deadly barrages to more quickly open the path for her kin to return, or staying put and standing united against the incoming cultists.

(Sayazade has strengthened after having fed upon the cultist's poor tasting blood.)


Luca
HP: 15
LP: 8
Stamina: 14
MP: 0

Seo
HP: 19
LP: 6
Stamina: 15
MP: 0

>Risk joining with Sayazade to quickly eliminate the flesh creatures. (Write in additional strategies.)

>Remain in your defensible position and deal with the cultists as the comes. (Write in additional strategies.)

>Write in.

>>5529938

Also, the large red circles on the battle map indicate the vicinity in which Nilo last heard the other cultists.

>>5529938
>>Risk joining with Sayazade to quickly eliminate the flesh creatures. (Write in additional strategies.)
Alys takes the torch and holds/throws it to keep a flesh creature blind. Can't aim if everything is bright.

>>5529938
Our goal here is retreat. For once, it may yet be achieved without murdering everyone, as nice as it would be. We take out their improvised anti-air, we get to leave. Easy enough. So let's charge the bloody thing. Also, we've learnt many painful lessons about not taking out enemies early. Best not allow them to get overwhelming numbers.
>Risk joining with Sayazade to quickly eliminate the flesh creatures. (Write in additional strategies.)
I am tempted to have Alys rush in, so a flanking cultist doesn't happen upon her. That body already got taken hostage once this week, you know! Think of the warranty!
And having her in might not be so bad. The barrage will hurt anyone it touches, might as well provide it with another target that's got high evasion.

(Sayazade has strengthened after having fed upon the cultist's poor tasting blood.)
Oh gods she's one of those snowballing types, isn't she?

Rolled 7, 3 = 10 (2d10)

Heyo everyone, I hope that your weeks are all wrapping up nicely, and that you're having an auspicious Friday the 13th. The workload for me certainly spiked this week, but you know how it goes after the holidays. Anyway, let's see what we have for our battle tactics in this forest skirmish.

>>5530497
>Oh gods she's one of those snowballing types, isn't she?
With this much snow, who isn't? jk jk. To some extent, it seems to be that way.

>>5529946
>>5530497
We'll be taking a more aggressive approach now that the ranged flesh creatures have been flushed out of the trees, and assisting Sayazade in her attack. In our attempt to take out the creature as quickly as possible, we'll have all three of our main combatants attack with Alys coming along to ensure that a cultist flanking doesn't occur on her.

So, as the southern flesh creature has the benefit of range, it will open with it's serious attack on...Nilo.

>Rolling 2d10 for a bone barrage, (CR 9, reduced from loss of mobility from the cold)

Rolled 7, 2, 6, 1 = 16 (4d10)

>>5531078
Ah.

Nilo will no longer be able to attack this round.

>Will immediately proceed with standard attacks from Luca and Seo, i.e. Focused Slash and Discerning Bash, respectively.
Stamina Cost: 4 & 5, respectively.
Physical Amplification if connected: Both 18
(Luca will have a 10% chance for a bleed on the flesh creature, if connected.)

Rolling 4d10 for Luca and Seo's attack, first two dice for Luca, last two for Seo. (CR 6)

Rolled 6, 2 = 8 (2d10)

>>5531087

Connecting on both attacks obviates the need to roll for a bleed chance.

Finally, wrapping up the round with Sayazade's attack with her blood sword on the other bony flesh creature.

Rolling 2d10 for her attack, CR 5 (reduced from her blood empowerment).

>Writing outcome. Update to be posted some time late tomorrow night.

>>5531091

All that you’ve endured between the countless battles, the unspeakable horrors, and the exhausting snow has been to pull yourself and your friends from this nightmare. You can take some comfort in knowing that you’ve gotten Misha out of this mess, but until the rest of you are safe, you sure as hell can’t remain idle while the Sanctuary aims to snap its jaws shut upon you.

“All of us then…” You voice your decision as you eye the space between you and the skittering flesh beast. The sight of it still living and its grotesque spiny gash crawling through the snow heats your blood. “We attack hard and fast to kill it and then move to retreat until the Vampyr return.”

To have both hands free, you hand off the remaining torch to Izurin who tensely accept it. She gazes closely upon the light of the flame as if there were something to be understood within it. The flickering torch is reflected perfectly in the space of her eyes and gives the impression there's a fire borne from those blue irises.

Both Seo and Nilo nod in agreement with serious expressions. Izurin a few steps to side of you quietly readies the small torch in front of her chest.

Once the glow of her blood sword subsides, Sayazade kicks off the pinned corpse of the cultist into a glide. She slides over the snow to the nearer of the two flesh beasts with terrifying speed. The flurry of white powder left behind her signals your attack and you charge out of the protection of the cluster of trees.

“Now!” You leap over the pair of fallen trunks and aim straight to intercept the path of the abomination.

Your large legs are quick to outpace the flickering of the torch, but at least you can only hear Seo keeping pace well. Nilo is hopefully not too far behind.

The snow has always been a dreadful impedance, and this time is no different. There’s a sour frustration building in the back of your throat as you shorten the striking distance between you and the flesh beast. It will indeed have time to react.

The sudden movement causes the beast to slide to stop and bristle with agitation as it tracks your movement. The bone shards on its back loudly clatter. Their hitting against each other causes you to take a wider arc to avoid a direct attack. Your formation begins to deviate into a diagonal line as the others aim to take advantage of the path you carve. However, this leaves both Nilo and Izurin still in line with the heading of the creature’s body.

To your side, a blur of crimson, pale white, and black in that order pounces on the flesh beast. In the distance and the sound of visceral hacking of flesh and bone echoes over the white terrain.

You snarl as you force the already tensed muscles of your legs to push you faster. A few more paces and maybe you can halt its attack. Just a little faster…

Fearing the impending attack, the flesh beast braces its legs into the cold ground and flexes its bulbous torso low to ready its counterattack.

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>>5534081

There’s no stance to worry about with your attack. It will be pure momentum put into a hard slice. You ready your sword as the disgusting red tissue on its back pulls in the bony shards.

The exchange of attacks happens in an instant. Several bone shards burst from its back with a sticky viscous fluid trailing. You lunge, slamming your sword into the unprotected portion of its torso, cutting deep into its mottled skin and exposing the cluster of inhuman bone that lay underneath.

Immediately after the moment of your slash, you hear the bone shards make impact into flesh three times behind you. The quick succession of blows is followed by a short yelp of pain from a voice too soft to be Seo’s.

You reel too quickly to turn from your attack losing your footing in the process. You tumble violently in the snow as singular brutal impact of brings the whole exchange to a close.

In the sea of frigid snow, you struggle to regain your footing until a hand roughly grabs you by the shoulder and helps pull you to standing. The flesh beasts wheezes its last few dying breaths.

Seo’s hand pointedly lets go of your body even before the snow has had a chance to slough off, but her treatment means nothing as you quickly assess who took the flesh beast’s attack.

It doesn’t take long as in the still present torchlight you spot Izurin standing frozen over the heavily bleeding body of Nilo. The Elin took two of the grievous bone shards directly to her body. One to her thigh and one to her stomach. The vigor for which you’ve come to know from the Elin has been utterly extinguished. Other than crimson steaming on the white ground, only a soft moaning of pain spills out of her body.

A caustic mixture of relief, guilt, and anger bubbles from your stomach as you witness the outcome.

In your flurry of emotions, you rapidly gaze among your group for the one person who could help to finally arrive, but she isn’t the one you find.

Your eyes lock on something much worse.

Past the line of trees, an imposing tower of a man in dark clothing marches intently toward Izurin and Nilo. The corrupted light of the sky paints this man for the terrifying force he truly is. Thick scars decorate every inch of his exposed skin, giving the impression that his body has known battle for far longer than it hasn’t. An absurdly large sword even for you hangs from his waist as he moves through the snow unimpeded. Few adult men would be able to hold it, let alone wield it effectively. Most potent are his eyes, that burn with a cold brutality that looking upon them would make the even this land seem hospitable.

You feel nothing but dark dread gazing at him.

“That’s quite enough.” His deep voice booms even as he speaks normally.

>>5534086

Your breath quickens and Seo turns back to you, but your eyes are locked upon the figure of this fearsome man. It’s only as he steps closer to Izurin that you even remember the sword in your hand.

A blur of crimson advances upon him, and its then that witness the speed unfitting of his stature. He pulls the huge sword in a single movement from its sheathe and deflects Sayazade’s attack with a wide slashing arc. The clang of metal echoes over the field of snow as for the first time, you see the Vampyr pushed back.

Sayazade is roughly sent flying back several feet sliding along the top of the snow, but she is unscathed.

The enormous figure grunts after the exchange and easily holds his sword a well-formed stance after his parry. “You strike well. With intent, but still fueled by emotion. I see…" He relaxes his stance despite Sayazade still glaring hatefully at him. "Try it again and I’ll slice your wings from your body.” His voice still reverberates in the air as he continues his path. “Know that you lot are not the one I’m searching for. After all, you’re only the pawns in her little game. I don’t care if you run off with your tails between your legs. I only need one after all…” His voice smolders with contempt as he eyes both Nilo and Izurin and steps ever closer to them.

Izurin hardly notices him as she kneels over Nilo’s bleeding body. The rapidly flickering light catches the impossible tears falling from her eyes as her face twists into pure sadness. “She stopped to help me up…”

The sight causes you to finally put aside your fear and push forward. “Get back! Get away from Nilo!” You desperately order her as you watch the man approach with the same helplessness you might watch an avalanche.

You rush forward to pull Izurin back at the same time Sayazade advances menacingly, but she’s far more careful in assessing for an opening.

>>5534090

The man comes to a stop, looming over Nilo and Izurin, and points his sword out to halt your advance. Then, he stoops down and lifts Nilo by the throat as if she weighed nothing. The sword falls from her limp hand as he inspects her bleeding body. “One of ours… and still enough life in her.” He turns his attention to you. “I only care for the little interloper named Elly… Tell her the Archon has one of her kind and he's waiting for her. Then run back home, young man." You nods dismissively at Seo. "I’ll permit you to take your friend here, the one that attacked me, and even the Elin you call Izurin. But I’m keeping this one.” He shakes Nilo’s unconscious body and then his steely eyes measure your form and the weapons you carry. “I know you’re both capable soldiers from the reports I’ve received, but don’t die for a cause you know nothing about." He chuckles derisively. "To her, your lives were only a tool to be preserved until your deaths became more useful.” He now directs his harsh gaze between all of you. “You lot won’t receive a better offer, nor this offer a second time. Don’t test my patience. Choose. Run and live, or try to stop and die in this field.”

His words still echo in your bones after he's finished speaking. Here he is, perhaps the man behind all of the atrocities that have occurred in this town and to its people. and he's offering you a chance to retreat, just like that? But you'd have to leave Nilo behind and send Elewyn to him...

Every muscle in your body tensed all the while and make your first movements abundantly stiff. You turn to Seo whose eyes make it clear that she thinks you should continue your retreat, and then to Sayazade whose will to fight has not left her crimson gaze.

Finally, you turn to Izurin who stares at the empty spot where Nilo’s body lied. Or at least, that’s what it appeared like at first. Instead, her tear-filled eyes are transfixed on the now violently flickering flame which somehow has grown substantially in size and activity. Her eyes slowly move from the fire to you and in its vigorous new light you can clearly see her mouth the words "Don't stop me." Then, she turns to Archon who has long since forgotten overlooked her presence.

Is she thinking of attacking him somehow, or maybe she's planning on creating an opening for you and Sayazade? Should you even allow her to dare to risk it when he's giving you a clear offer to leave? Is the knowledge of his sins and the absolute dread you feel leaving this man to his devices enough to risk all of your lives in an attack? What's the best way to make this fucking nightmare end?


>Write in.

______________________________________________________

Luca
HP: 15
LP: 8
Stamina: 10
MP: 0

Seo
HP: 19
LP: 6
Stamina: 10
MP: 0

>>5534099
So we could have kept the elin behind the shelter i suppose.

Luca and Seo are spent. Bleed and Stun are all they'll be able to manage if we fight, and those are not great odds.

>>5534099
>>5534107
therefore,
>Stomp up to him like an idiot, pulling the haughty noble act, and try to bait an offensive Parry.
>Hope that Alys's fire will give Seo a good chance for a head bash.

Running around won't help much anyway, if we can just wait for vamp taxis.

>>5534099
Goddamn it I hate hostage situations. Luca's probably hating it also, considering this is the second time this has happened to his party this trip.
Luca's got enough stamina for a Fan of Knives and then a follow-up attack on a later turn, while Seo can do basically 2 bashes and she's out.

So, we have like 2 turns and then it's all up to Saya to take him out
>Start to circle around him, calling attention to yourself, Seo circles in the other direction.
If we have people coming from multiple angles, he's forced to focus his eyes on one or two, giving the others the chance to get hits in.

>Distract him with commentary about him being the one responsible for all this, and when Seo's in position out of direct line of sight, try and spike him with a Fan of Knives and rush in.
Hopefully that gives Saya enough time to take the opening, or for Alys to do....Something?

I would like to think Luca's on the "I'd rather see them dead than in your hands again" line of thinking.

>>5534519
I don't think knives are gonna be worth it. He's got too much health and they're the worst stamina/damage efficiency.

>>5534528
He's also wearing a lot of armor, so AP damage might just be worth it, especially if we consider him burly enough to put several knives into him.

Overall, pretty shitty situation, yeah. There's Luca's dilemma about trusting Izurin again, especially since, to him, it didn't go very well last time.

>>5534099
>>5534519
I'll support this, and add a bit about knife targeting. First one to the eyes or slightly higher, he'll most likely block with his hand. That's what we want, it'll prevent him from seeing for a few precious moments. I'm not keen on just using one center mass, even with AP, so our best bets would be neck, inner leg or armpit if he exposes it batting away the eye knife. Anything to slow his movement or parry speed, really.
Now to hope he doesn't just use Nilo as a shield. But I do have some hope he wants her alive as bait. And yeah, if we let her go, she's dead if Elewyn fails, no question there.
Speaking of, I was expecting us to circle back to Elewyn. I'm wondering if she's already dealt with the Carrion Beast and is on her way.

Also, a note on a trope. Let's not mercy kill Nilo because she has a gut wound, please? She's alive and not spraying blood everywhere, so thankfully the thigh wound didn't reach the femoral, or at least is keeping pressure on it. I'm only saying that because I've been peeved by this in several books. Just leave those in until Elewyn can come take a look at her.

>>5534528
Perhaps, but my line of thinking was that they're a ranged attack that can distract him while the rest of the party closes the gap

Rolled 7, 1 = 8 (2d10)

Heyo everyone, I hope that you've all been doing well. It appears that we are approaching the bump limit a bit faster than we usually would, so this vote will be the last for this thread in case we get knocked off the board before the next update. That said, I can make this next thread with an almost complete degree of certitude that, come what may, this will be the finale of Sanctuary Arc. I wish I had made it perhaps one more update before the switch but that's certainly on me.

>>5534228
>Running around won't help much anyway, if we can just wait for vamp taxis.
The phrase "vamp taxis" sounds like an interesting quest premise!

>>5534519
>I would like to think Luca's on the "I'd rather see them dead than in your hands again" line of thinking.
Given all that he's witnessed at this point regarding the treatment of Elin by the Sanctuary this makes a lot of sense.

>>5534603
>Speaking of, I was expecting us to circle back to Elewyn. I'm wondering if she's already dealt with the Carrion Beast and is on her way.
A very good question that I promise will be answered in this next update, but know that I plan for everything to come to its climax with Elewyn in the driver seat...


Now for our strategy to deal with the Archon holding Nilo captive.

>>5534228
>>5534519
>>5534603
The offer of full retreat has been unanimously refused! We'll allow Alys to initiate the encounter with what she has planned with her fire magic.

From there Luca to follow up with a Fanned Blades with his aim directed away from Nilo and at any vulnerable openings in the Archon's armor.
Stamina Cost: 3
Rolling 4d10 to see if they connect. (CR 11 for the first blade as he will try to deflect, CR 8 for the other two. CR lowered due to Alys' actions.)

Rolled 3, 10 = 13 (2d10)

>>5535384
Couldn't have closed out the thread without bungling the dice...

Alright, that's no problem at all! All three of Luca's blades will connect for 4 flat damage each.

Now, we move onto Seo who will charge to head bash the Archon with her mace.
Stamina cost: 6
Physical Amplification if Connected: 1.2(18) = 22
Stun Chance of 20% if Connected.

Rolling 2d10 to see if attack connects. (CR 11, raised from skill use.)

Rolled 5 (1d5)

>>5535387
Now we're talking! Seo will connect a Head Crush on the Archon.

Rolling 1d5 for the stun chance. (1 = stun)

Rolled 5, 9 = 14 (2d10)

>>5535394
Not quite with the stun, unfortunately...

Sayazade will follow up to attack the Archon with her blood sword.
Rolling 2d10 to see if attack connects. (CR 8)

Rolled 9, 3 = 12 (2d10)

>>5535399
And we have four for four successful attacks on the Archon.

To close, we'll roll for his counterattack on Sayazade.
>Rolling 2d10 for an attack with his greatsword. (CR 13, increased from blood empowerment)

>Writing outcome! Update to be posted some time late tomorrow night in a new thread. I'll be sure to link it here!

Finale thread is up! Now with a 50% less meaty opening image.

>>5536650
>>5536650