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You left the desert town of Purple Sands to go to First Wood, the elf capital city. Your plan was to meet up with Paladin Julian Graves, an old friend of your father's, who was garrisoned there.

As you passed along the mountain you were ambushed by elvish separatists. They were led by an elf named Donovan, one of the leaders of the terrorist movement against the Grand Citadel.

It turned out that Donovan and Persephone knew each other, and had a very complicated history. To escape the ambush, you had Mage transmute nearly the entire west face of the mountain into mud. You tobogganed down the mudslide, but Donovan escaped upon a Nightmare.

You landed safely in the lake below the mountain. After a long night of rowing, and taking an impromptu confessional, you ended up upon the shore of First Wood, where you were greeted by an assortment of crossbows pointed at you by the militant branch of the holy Occuli order. Thankfully, 'Uncle' Julian was there, and welcomed you to the camp

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It turned out that Julian had been fighting Donovan's guerrilla war for a while. Now, with Peri's help, he obtained the likely location of his central camp. He's sent a scout to see if Peri's information was any good.

Despite it being dawn when you arrived, you're exhausted from last night. The five/six of you all collapse onto some provided cots, and sleep the dreamless sleep of the exhausted.

You manage to rouse yourself around mid-day, and after a yawn, splashing water on your face, and a stretch. (An activity that takes you much much longer than anyone else.) You are back up, and ready to face whatever will be thrown at you next.

It looks like your companions have already gotten up as well, as they aren't in their own cots.

Previous Threads

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23602868

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23647709

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23665674

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23687442

As mentioned, we should probably try to come up with a better name for our group.

>>23701311
Yes, right now thanks to a man named 'Isen the Audacious' (The less said about him the better) your party is known as the 'Beautiful Nightmares.'

>>23701289
Let's go find everyone. Maybe talk to Julian about anything we can do to help.

Though we might need to also talk with Peri if we're going to go up against Donovan again, considering that she mentioned that she still had feelings there. I believe she mentioned that she was going to go looking for Rogers.

>>23701340
The first people you see coming out from the tent are Mage and Tricia. They've dragged the wagon/toboggan/canoe up from the mud and are fixing it back up.

Tricia sees you and gives you a wave. "Hey. Sleep well?"

>>23701373
Well enough. Though I would have thought the wagon would be beyond saving considering what it's been through.

>>23701425
"Well enough. Though I would have thought the wagon would be beyond saving considering what it's been through."

"Yeah," Tricia says. "But turns out the thing's still holding together. Just needs some new wheels, and a little upkeep. I mean, I know we could scrap it, but I think anything this ugly that can survive that much pretty much HAS to be part of our crowd."

"I'm not painting it red or green." Mage snaps.

Tricia ignores him. "Plus, it's the one vehicle we can all ride in comfortably."

"Too bad we lost the mules." Mage says. "Hope they're okay back up there."

>>23701515
"I hope so too."
And then, changing the subject:
"Either of you know where everyone else has gone off to?"

>>23701515
Lets help fix up the wagon.

>>23701603
"I hope so too." You say. "Either of you know where everyone else has gone off to?"

"Lea's meditating over there." Tricia points. You see the bandaged girl sitting cross-legged on a rock overlooking the lake. "Said she wanted a word, but there was no rush."

"Peri/Mari went into town." Mage said.

"What?" Tricia asks. "I thought she was asleep."

"No, she got up when you went to get some more nails." Mage says. "She went into town with one of the Occuli."

"And you didn't stop her?" Tricia asks.

Mage blinks. "Mari said that she'd keep Peri under control."

"You believed her?" Tricia snaps.

>>23701682
Guess we'd better go make sure she isn't getting into any trouble.

>>23701682
If it makes you feel better, I'LL go into town and look for her.

>>23701682
"She'll be fine, but I can go look for her after I talk to Lea."

>>23701739
"If it makes you feel better, I'LL go into town and look for her." You say.

"Thanks." Tricia says. She shoots Mage a nasty look and then gets back to work on the wagon.

The Occuli soldier who escorts you into the town is trying to be 'professional.' That is he is very much Not-Looking at your tail, or your eyes, or you at all. He's Not-Looking very intently.

First Wood looks a lot like all the other Citadel cities, but while White Tree had this 'wholesome farm village' look, and Purple Sands had 'Desert Trade Town' style, there's a distinct 'Elvish' flavor to it.

The Illuminated Cathedral''s built out of a giant tree. There's a few houses in the trees. The architecture is all tree branches and ivy patterns.

However, there's still the recognizable Guildhouse signs, some of the bigger trading company stores, and a Traveller's Tavern.

You find Peri/Mari at the last one. Sitting on the steps.

Mari looks up at you. "She came here, and sat down." She does a little hiccup and holds up a bottle. "She's teaching me about wine."

>>23701844
Slink up and sit behind her.
"You alright?"

>>23701844
I cannot help but to feel as if Peri is not the bet influence on Mari.
Take the wine bottle, as to speak to Peri

>>23701977
best*
Ask*

>>23701928
You slink up and sit behind her.
"You alright?"

"I'm fine." Mari says. "A little tipsy." She leans her head on your shoulder. "There's this guy inside. He's a sad looking guy in the corner. Peri wants to talk to him, but when I let her in the driving seat, she just sits here and..." She shakes the bottle.

"She isn't as sad as she was on the lake, or as angry like on the mountain." Mari says. She rolls her head back and rubs a hand on your tail. "You know...I don't think I wanna go back to me." She hiccups again. "I was an ugly little fat girl, I didn't even look cute in glasses. Now...now I'm a very sexy quarter-elf assassin." She giggles and hugs you. "And I'm with the world's most unique Paladin."

Peri's back and she lets go of you. "Oh, God. The kid is such a lightweight." She looks at the bottle. "This stuff isn't really much more than grape juice." She hands you the bottle, you take a sniff and a quick sip. Yeah, calling it wine is a stretch, longer than one of yours even.

She sighs. "So...yeah...he's in there. I just...I ruined his life. He had everything. He was going to be the Swords Guild forgemaster, had a fiancee, and was happy...then wham...he's a killer, and now he spends his days here." She sighs. "No good deed, and all that shit. I figured that if I had a bottle of really cheap crap I'd get just enough courage to talk to him, without making me too stupid." She holds out her hand for the bottle.

>>23702083
"I can come with you, would that help?"

>>23702131
"I can come with you, would that help?"

Peri shakes her head. "No, well, yeah, but then everyone will turn and look at us when you go in. Then we'll have to deal with that crap." She uses your shoulder to stand up. "Just...just stay here, and make sure I don't just turn back around again." She stands and looks at the door. "What do I say?"

>>23702201
I have no idea.

Anyone got something?

We could just say idunno but thats lame.

>>23702330
Fuck it
"I can't tell you what you have to say, this needs to come from your heart, Peri."

>>23702330
I don't know what to say either. This whole situation is really rough.

I guess she sounds like she's really sorry for what she ended up dragging him into, so maybe she could start there?

>>23702362
"I can't tell you what you have to say, this needs to come from your heart, Peri." You say. Those words feel so very inadequate though. Peri looks at you and you can tell she's thinking the same thing. "Maybe, I'm sorry?" You say meekly.

She shakes her head. "Guess you aren't a perfect Paladin." She smiles ruefully. "Okay, okay..." She takes a deep breath and walks inside the tavern.

>>23702425
"There you are." A voice says behind you. It's Lea.

"Tricia told me you were here." She looks through the window. "Who's Peri talking to?"

>>23702453
"Someone she needs to."

>>23702453
Old friend.

>>23702453
"Somone she feels she needs to."

>>23702453
"Rodgers, she asked me what to say, but I couldn't think of anything."

>>23702486
To be fair, what to say is really something that needed to be from her anyways. Giving her a script wouldn't have done her any favors.

>>23702519
She's got Mari with her also, they should be able to brainstorm with eachother.

>>23702473
"Somone she feels she needs to." You say.

Lea nods. "When you become a Paladin, you'll be asked to do it again and again." She looks at you. "That's what the clear gem represents. If you want to just fight, then join your uncle and make that red." She points at your Medallion. "People will want you to make it better. Peri's willing to put in the work for it, but most people just will shoulder things onto you, and walk away, and you'll have to take it. Do you think you can do that?" Lea asks.

>>23702545
Mari's DRUNK. And a preteen. I dunno if tha's such a good idea.

>>23702576
She's smart, and I'm sure Peri can speak drunkanese.

>>23702574
"I think it would be better to show them how they can do it themselves, whether they decide to try is up to them."
Mr. Rogers all up in this.

>>23702574
Do I think I can do that? Well, I never thought I would fight ghouls, and mad druids, and elf guerrillas. Never thought I'd save a town or meet two souls in one body.

Maybe what I think I can do isn't as important as what I try to do.

>>23702574
"My shoulders will shift to the tip of my tail under all that weight, but I think that I can."

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>>23702574
>>23702612
>>23702621
>>23702630

>>23702612
"I think it would be better to show them how they can do it themselves, whether they decide to try is up to them." You say. "As to if I think I can do that? Well, I never thought I would fight ghouls, and mad druids, and elf guerrillas. Never thought I'd save a town or meet two souls in one body. My shoulders may shift to the tip of my tail under all that weight, but I think that I can."

Lea nods. "What would you say to a man who killed a family and took their child as his own?" She asks quietly.

>>23702679
For years I called him dad.

>>23702679
"Hi, Dad."

>>23702707
"For years I called him dad."

"You know what I mean."

>>23702679
flinch a little, thats a sore spot still, but give her a little smirk.

"You ask the Lamia raised by a paladin?"

"I still dont know, and may never know what I would have said to Father had he lived..."

>>23702714
This

>>23702714
>>23702722
We should probably then proceed to elaborate.

"Everyone has a reason for everything. There are good reasons, not-so-good reasons, bad reasons, reasons that made sense at the time. There are very few actions that can be judged - or should be judged - without knowing the context. And some actions shouldn't be judged at all, except the the one taking them."

>>23702715
Depends. What was the family like? What is the man like? How did he raise the child? Mage didn't seem that upset when I killed his uncle.

It really depends. Being inflexible makes you more likely to break.

>>23702790
*except BY the one taking them.

Two little letters, very important.

>>23702720
"I still dont know, and may never know what I would have said to Father had he lived..." You say.

Lea blinks in surprise. "You mean, he didn't tell you until his death bed?" She sighs. "We stumble and flounder in the Darkness, trying to find our way to the Light. May He forgive us our faults, and fears." She looks at you. "It's going to be harder for you than anyone else." She stares at the door. "I think everyone in the group is a little in love with you."

We harem now.

>>23702720
It depends entirely on the situation. In my father's case, ignorance is no excuse, but how he made up for it is what counts.
>>23702819
We really can only shrug at that.

>>23702836
Everything is going better than expected...

>>23702819
"Yeah, I can see it, nobodies being very subtle."

>>23702819
Just look a little awkward at that last statement.

I'm assuming Ssen probably already figured as much, since she doesn't suffer from anime protagonist retardism, but it would be a bit smug to act as if she knew already.

>>23702819
I always liked "Light forgive them, they know not what they do."

>>23702841
You shrug.

"Just so you know...if you Fall, you'll take us with you." Lea says.

The door opens and Peri walks out. She nods at you and Lea. "Done." She exhales. "I don't know if things are okay now, or will ever be okay, but we can both stop sitting here at least."

>>23702877
Well, we know Trish and Mage have feelings for us. But yeah, we should blush or get nervous because we have gone from outcast monstergirl to the center of romantic attention and have no way to cope with that yet.

>>23702899
I kinda want to see the sights, if that's alright with you.

>>23702819
Certainly beats everyone being afraid of me.

>>23702934
>I kinda want to see the sights, if that's alright with you.

(She's not talking about you and Lea.)

>>23702899
"More than just us, if that happens what chance will the Lamias ever have."

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>>23702899

>>23702980
It still works as a subject changer. No need to pry into what was said.

>>23703030
She means that they'll pretty much follow us anywhere. We're their anchor, as a group, and if we go down they'll follow us into whatever twisted path we take.

>>23702934
"I kinda want to see the sights, if that's alright with you." You say.

"That sounds nice." Lea says.

Peri sighs. "Not much to see here, not unless you're into artistic topiary."

"Girls! Girls!" Someone's yelling. It's Mage. he's running up with some Occuli. "You need to come back to the camp...you've GOT to see this!"

>>23703095
"What's got you so excited?"

Follow him.

>>23703095
Do you mean that in a good way, or in a bad way?

>>23703095
Oh boy. Is Tricia making giant beetles sumo wrestle again?

>>23703114
>>23703120
"What's got you so excited? Is it good or bad?" You ask.

Mage pants as he stops. "Donovan...sent a message...he wants...to meet...with you, Ssen." He motions with his hand. "Come on, you'll see."

As you all head back to the camp, Peri grabs your arm. "Ssen...please. Don't kill Donovan. I don't...I still...I know he has to be tried and probably hanged for what he's done, but please...I don't want him to be butchered like an animal. Can you talk to Julian?"

>>23703127
I'd watch that.

>>23703184
I can talk to Julian. I'll do what I can.

>>23703127
"That was just the ONE time...and I helped rebuild the barn, didn't I?!"

>>23703184
"I'll do what I can, yes."

>>23703221
Do we even know where he is? Depending on how controlled his reaction is, we might need him along. If we get come to an agreement, there should be a representative of the Occuli present, so that they won't come in later and take their own measures.

>>23703247
"I'll do what I can, yes." You say.

"Thank you." Peri says. Mari nods too.

Back at the camp there's a lot of commotion. It looks like the Occuli are getting ready to march. However, that's not the main attraction. The main attraction is the elf standing in the middle of a circle of armed Occuli. His hands are up in the air. There's a white cloth in one hand, and a rolled up scroll in the other.

Julian sees you and nods at the elf. "He just walked up to camp. Said that Donovan wanted to meet with the lamia."

The elf blinks in surprise. "It's true. Huh, some of us thought you were just a costume or used a lamia symbol." He jerks his head at the message. "This is for you, from Donovan."

>>23703317
Let's read it then.

>>23703317
"Open it Elf."

>>23703317
Well, let's read the message, then.


"Let's see what he has to say, then..."

>>23703368
Or we could not be a dick and just take it and unroll it ourself.

>>23703380
Im just thinking about his past and use of explosive runes. He already ambushed us, and would have killed us(or worse to Peri), and we kind of killed a bunch of his men.

>>23703417
Are Explosive Runes a Thing in this setting? Are they common knowledge even in settings where they are a Thing? Do we, therefore, have reason to suspect explosive runes?

>>23703317
You freak the Elf out by snatching the note out of his hand with your tail.

You unroll the message.

- - I saw your boat trip. Would you take my confession then, Paladin Serpent? - -

There's directions and a time.

- - Come alone. I won't insult you by asking you to be unarmed, but I do just want to talk to you, face to face this time.- -

>>23703417
Have him read it just the same. Call it prudence. Not >>23703368 and not advocating being a dick, but a bit of shrewdness goes a long way.

>>23703475
Remember Peri's story. They just can't be put on paper.

>>23703477
Simple enough, there are enough bugs in the forest for our lovely little witch to keep an eye on us, yes?

>>23703477
This is going to get real tricky real fast.

>>23703486
oh well that changes things, I assumed we where using D&D explosive runes, which you can put on damn near anything.

>>23703477
We should, he's asking for a confession.

>>23703493
"Well, yeah. Dragonflies are great and plentiful. Assassins of the insect world." Tricia pauses. "Wait, you're actually thinking of going? No. No no no no. That's a BAD idea, Snake."

>>23703529
"Of course it is, but if he's serious I can't ignore him. This is a test of character."

>>23703529
Oh, I know it's a bad idea. Stupid terrible bad horrible insane idea.

I'm gonna go get my stuff together and I'll head out.

>>23703477
Ugh, tricky.
But we sort of have to go.

>>23703529
>>23703559

"We will take precautions, Tricia, but I feel this needs to be done."

>>23703529
"I'm not suggesting a pardon for what he has done, thats why I suggest having the forces ready to mobilize if the dragonflies report he does try something. Trust, but verify."

>>23703568
Yes.
Maybe take a bug with us to let free in case something happens to us

>>23703559
>>23703568
>>23703575

"Oh, I know. It's a bad idea. Stupid terrible bad horrible insane idea. Of course it is, but if he's serious I can't ignore him. This is a test of character." You say.

Lea tilts her head from side to side. "Perhaps...but then again, there's traps, there are things that scream trap, and then there's this."

"We'll take precautions, but I feel this needs to be done." You say.

"I actually agree with Ssen." Julian says. "If Donovan is busy with you, then he wont be at his camp when we attack. That's an opportunity I can't waste."

"So, you just want me to send some friends with you, and we just wait and hope he doesn't just shoot you in the head with a crossbow?" Tricia says.

>>23703662
"No, I'm going take your friend with me to set free in case something happens."

>>23703662
"Please don't Julian, this is something that needs to be done in faith."

>>23703662
>>23703529
When we meet him, we should probably point out, just in the interests of full disclosure, that, not being actually ordained, we can't make binding promises on the Church's behalf.

>>23703662
"I wish you hadn't elaborated, Uncle Julian. I really do."

"That's the best plan, probably, Tricia. I wouldn't mind having you nearby, either. Not with me, but nearby."

>>23703681
Aye.

>>23703662
I dislike the idea of being used to distract him from an attack. I know that they've done terrible things but... take them alive, if you can? At least so they can stand trial.

>>23703662
"Have faith Tricia."

"Julian, please wait to attack, this could end this whole mess without any bloodshed if Donovan stands down his forces. so please wait and let me hear what he has to say first."

>>23703662
I will do my best to not get shot in the head with a crossbow.

>>23703691
"That's the best plan, probably, Tricia. I wouldn't mind having you nearby, either. Not with me, but nearby." You say.

"Like I wasn't going to anyway." Tricia says.

"I'll use the stalking spell to keep us quiet on approach." Mage says.

"I know how he uses lookouts," Peri says. "I'll keep us covered."

You nod at your friends and turn to your Uncle.

"I wish you hadn't elaborated, Uncle Julian. I really do." You say. "Please wait to attack, this could end this whole mess without any bloodshed if Donovan stands down his forces. so please wait and let me hear what he has to say first."

Julian looks at you. His eyes are cold again. "I cannot give you orders, as you are not a member of the Occuli. Only a Paladin can give another Paladin orders." He shakes his head. "Do as you will, I need to see to my men. Should the terrorists surrender upon our attack, I will consider it." He walks away.

>>23703834
No no no noono no no no we're going in alone.

>>23703834
Sweet, found Lamia Child.

Okay, I need to head out to work but I wanted to say this real quick before I go.

We should not dismiss Donovans anger. He has every reason to be angry, considering what he's lost. They all do. Being angry is fine. But all the bloodshed isn't.

Small speech for when we meet him:

"Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like if father had never come along. But that was never in my power to change. I'm still coming to terms with everything that he did. Killing my parents, taking me in. Raising me as his own. Maybe I never will. But I refuse to get trapped in that poisonous cycle. What happened happened. I can only truly control my own actions, and I've decided to make my parents proud. All of them.

Good luck, fellow questers!

>>23703834
Let's go then.

>>23703886
Well, we could just make sure they're far enough away where they can only respond to an ambush.

>>23703834
Your group watches Julian walk away.

"Your Uncle is a little bit of an asshole." Mari mutters.

"So, we better get walking if you're going to make it." Lea says. "How far do you want us to hang back?"

>>23704044
half mile or so should be ok, its far enough that they arent "there" but close enough they could get there in 5 or so minutes of running.

Honestly, the main reason I wish he hadn't elaborated is that then our conscience would have been clean when they did it. Now we're basically participating in something we don't fully agree with.

>>23704062
Far enough to make sure you're not detected.

>>23704062
"Half a mile or more."

>>23704062
"Yes he is, but he's an honest one. I'm pretty sure."

Close enough to help, far enough away to be "Alone"

>>23704084
It should have been obvious they would launch a strike. That's what they feel they need to do. Our main hope is that we might be able to avert the slaughter that was always inevitable if we act fast enough, and hope that Julian decides to give us some time.

>>23704064
"Half mile or so should be ok." You say.

The others all nod, and you walk to the meeting site. Your friends stop mid-way, but you keep going.

Donovan has picked a small clearing the woods, a clearing mostly made by a tree that was felled by what looks like lighting. There's a charred black stump and a long trunk on the ground. It's covered with moss, and other growth. You just hear the sounds of the forest for a moment.

Then the treeline erupts with the braying of a horse and flame. It's Donovan, and he's on top of his fiery horse. Donovan's Nightmare gallops around you in circles for a moment. Then he stops, and dismounts.

"You truly are a Lamia." He says as he walks towards you, leading his horse. The horse looks you in the eyes and snorts. "Heh, he must like you. Normally he tries to eat people who give him the eye.

"So," He looks around. "You have friends nearby? Your wizard hiding somewhere to try and drop another mountain on me?"

>>23704206
"Not the wizard, no."

>>23704206
"They're far enough for privacy. Before we begin, there is something you should know. I can't for good conscious do this without you knowing, it would feel like I had used you. Julian is going to use this meeting to launch an attack."

>>23704206
"No, dropping a mountain on you would surely bury myself as well, I'm here only to hear your confession, if you will give it."

>>23704239
"Not the wizard, no."

"Oh, tricky language. Clever." Donovan says. "So who is it then? Is it Persephone?" He asks that last part very quietly.

>>23704206
It's you and me for now, but I've naturally taken some precautions. My first choice of course is for us to do this peacefully.

>>23704263
"Enough of them. They are well outside earshot, you have your privacy."

>>23704263
"maybe? regardless they'll leave us alone unless you make an openly aggressive move against me, now let's hear your confession"

>>23704253
As foolish as it is, I agree.

>>23704253
Hold off on that for a second, we need to secure his confession before he darts off again.

>>23704263
We're being watched. Not listened-to, but observed in case you decide to attack.
>>23704253
No, no no no. This is the BEST way to ensure that we fail, as it draws clear attention to the fact that Peri told Julian where they were hiding.

>>23704263
"No, it's not. And my friends are far enough away that she won't overhear you, unless maybe you bellow at the top of your lungs."

>>23704253
"They're far enough for privacy. Before we begin, there is something you should know. I can't for good conscious do this without you knowing, it would feel like I had used you. Julian is going to use this meeting to launch an attack."

Donovan pauses, and then tilts his head. "Why did you tell me that?"

"I'm here only to hear your confession, if you will give it." You say.

Donovan just stares for a moment, and then he smiles. "Okay, but first...you have to look the part. That's what you did for Persephone, after all. You looked very regal in bandages and a hood. I thought I'd do one better."

He takes two things out of a small sack he had with him and tosses them in front of you. It's an old circlet, and a mantle. They have suspicious brown stains on them.

"Trophies from my predecessor that were passed down to me." Donovan says. "Go ahead." He motions. "Put them on...I'm not giving you my confession if you're just a lamia pretending to be human. You have to pretend to be a paladin as well."

>>23704330
Nod, don the garments.

>>23704062
being a paladin doesn't always mean you're a nice guy, mari.

>>23704330
observe them closely to make sure they won't somehow kill us and put them on

>>23704330
Put them on, I guess.
Can't tell if this whole thing is just to mock us or he's just not very good at being polite.

>>23704355
White, not red.

>>23704330
"Very well."
inspect them and mabie use a little water to wash off some of the blood, look for needles etc while doing this(still suspicious of him, especially after the pretend lines)
don the mantle and circlet if nothing seems off about them

>>23704330
"Who says I'm pretending to be human. Am I supposed to let my race dictate how I live my life?"

Suppose we can put the circlet and mantle on all the same.

>>23704412
Aye, good point

>>23704383
a white paladin could be stern and disciplinary. Entirely possible. Assigning appropriate penances would be little problem for that type.

>>23704330
Put them on, no need to check for poisons, we're resistant anyways.

>>23704444
I'm more worried for bits-of-dead-guy.

It doesn't seem super washed.

>>23704367
You check them over for a moment, there's nothing about them that looks dangerous, no runes or signs of magic or curses. Just old blood stains. You try to put them on...but they don't quite fit. The mantle's too big and droops off your chest, and the circlet's too small and you have to put it on askew.

"Peri told them where we were, didn't she?" Donovan chuckles. "That woman...I think she'd do anything to hurt me. That's not our main camp. Julian will get his little victory, and we'll go to ground and start over. Elves are patient creatures. I'm just surprised she told him so damn fast. Your fault, I think.

"Did I ever have any say?" He asks. "I mean, I'm all for women to be allowed control of their bodies and blah, blah, blah. But I was there. I was taking the responsibility. I was a part of that child's life too. Didn't that mean I got to have a say in it?" He asks.

>>23704444
(resistant, not immune, lamia kill their young with a venom bite if they feel their nest will be destroyed.)

>>23704485
(He really doesn't get it, does he?)

>>23704485
"Confessions are confidential, I can tell you what she should have done, what her reasons should have been, but I won't tell you what she told me."

>>23704485
"That's between you and Peri, Donovan, and it's something you'll have to discuss the next time you meet peacably. This conversation is between you and your conscience. I'm just here to give it form."

>>23704529
He's already started dunkass.

>>23704525
Actually no, this is dumb
seconding >>23704529

>>23704525
>>23704529
We're waiting until he's said his piece. Then we say ours once we know his full story.

That's how a confession works.

>>23704485
>>23704529

"It is not my place to answer that for you."

>>23704566
>>23704537
yeah, thirding just silence until he actually WANTS us to say something.

>>23704529
>mfw I'm actually drawing on a priest I had during middle school.

>>23704525
That's stupid
>>23704529
That's even more stupid
Silence and listen to him.

>>23704581
>>23704566
Well, yes, obviously we don't horn in if he's still talking. We only respond if he appears to be expecting a response.

>>23704566
Wait is he asking us or just talking?
Cause if he's just talking just stay silent.
And if he's asking us then
"Yes, you should have had a say in the matter."

>>23704614
No

>>23704567
"It is not my place to answer that for you." You say.

Donovan shakes his head. "You really are going through with this, aren't you?" He starts to pace. "I'm not apologizing for defending my people's way of life, nor for refusing to kowtow to the Citadel or your precious Light. I can't imagine why you do.

"You know what's the sickest thing about the Citadel? It's how you make people feel so PROUD. Proud to give up 'barbaric' ways, proud to prattle off your 'teachings,' proud to all be 'equal' in exactly the same way." He sneers. "And yet, when you just scrape the surface, you see your Grand Citadel's just...empty, and your Teaching of Light slip through your fingers."

>>23704601
And I know how this is going to end. He says HE was ready to take care of the kid, that HE was going to do his part, that HE wanted a say. Never once, so far at least, has he apparently given a damn about what SHE wanted. It's all about him. Peri was right to be scared and desperate. It would be a very reasonable response. It doesn't excuse what she did, but at least she understands how her actions have affected others and is trying in her own way to find penance.

As for us and Donovan? We cannot offer absolution or penance for a sin he has no intention of stopping. And even if he does give himself up, the only penance that can match the suffering Peri is going to go through over this for the rest of her life is to live a similar life of regret, with the understanding that he was just as responsible for the situation as she was.

>>23704667
"I wouldn't expect you to apologize for doing what you felt is right. If anything it's a quality worthy of praise. Please, do continue though."

>>23704699
Zealotry isn't really a quality worthy of praise.

>>23704667
>>23704699
Don't say anything, just keep listening. Clearly the man feels the need to rant. As we are acting as a confessor, it is not our place to convince him of anything, only to hear what he has to get off his chest.

>>23704742
Doing what you believe in is admirable, its his methods we don't agree with.

>>23704667
AND he has the nerve to lecture us? We've been variously treated as a subhuman monster, a curiosity, and even as a pet snake with fancy clothes.

At least HE had the chance to be accepted as a part of society. At least HE hasn't HAD to fight. He's fighting because he was given the chance to have what we've had to fight to achieve and rejected it out of pride.

Again, we cannot offer any absolution to this man unless it involves his surrender.

>>23704667
"And out of all the beings out there...all the species...a lamia wants to be a Paladin." He shakes his head. "There's a whole city of lizard folk who live in Stone Hall, more like they live under it, they slave day in and day out working the sewers. They shovel all of the shit that Citadel pours out of that place, and they do it with a smile. You want to know why? Because that's what Citadel does. It makes you a hole, and then it grinds you down so you can fit inside it." He looks at you, and your silence seems to make him even angrier. "Fuck you, fuck your tail, fuck the Paladins, and fuck Grand Citadel! You bastards took everything from me, and now you tell me that I should just 'let it go' and 'move with the times' and 'It was her choice' and that I shouldn't be allowed to be angry!" He screams.

>>23704767
shhhh sh sh sh. We're a paladin. Just carry that weight.

And now also carry his weight. Regardless of if he gets absolution or not.

>>23704688
>>23704767
Of course, neither of these are things we can say NOW, if I didn't make that clear. It's more like the internal thought process as we're listening to this creep try to account for himself.

>>23704779
"No-one said you can't be angry, but do you really think this is the right way to resolve your grievances? What will this achieve beyond turning more people against you?"

>>23704779
We haven't told you ANYTHING, yet.

>>23704779
"I haven't told you anything, Donovan. I'm just here to listen to what you need to get off your chest. Anger is a perfectly reasonable response, provided you don't let it consume you."

>>23704779
He pauses and looks at you through narrowed eyes. "You want me to say it...you're going to actually make me say it. It wasn't enough that Peri told you what kind of a monster I am? I was within my rights! The Laws, OUR Laws, HER Laws, all say that I was justified. It's YOU that make me into this monster...so, how did she tell it? Did she make up another excuse like before, or just lay it out flat for the shock of it?" Donovan asks.

>>23704779
"You are allowed to be angry. But did you ask her if she wanted to carry the child? Talk with her, and discuss it?"

>>23704837
"None of the above."

>>23704837
Confessions are confidential.

>>23704837
"What is it you think she told us that makes you think of yourself as a monster."

>>23704837
She took responsibility for it and for the way it affected the people she cared about. She's been doing her penance for it ever since it happened. She's regretted it every day of her life.

All you've done is get angry and bitch about how it affected YOU. Did it never even occur to you that she has her own feelings about the whole thing?

>>23704905
Bad paladin, no.

>>23704905
This is starting to seem like you're projecting a bit man. Take a chill pill.

>>23704837
"What, she told me is between herself and her conscience, Donovan. Just like anything you tell me now is between you and yours."

>>23704905
No giving away anything she said in her confession, it's confidential.

>>23704925
I never thought the ability to channel Father Matthew would be useful...

>>23704854
"None of the above." You say.

Donovan stares. He shakes his head. "Oh, that fucking c-..." He closes his fist. "The laws of the Fey are clear. This is what happens to those who do what she did. When I found out what happened, I brewed the draught with her mother, Titania guide her soul, and I hunted her down." He said. "I attacked her, and I could have killed her, but...but she was mine...but I refused to let her crime go unpunished by the ways of Our People. I poured it down her throat, and then I left." He says. He's smiling at the memory. "She killed my child, so I took any future children away from her. Don't ask me to feel sorry about that. That was justice!"

>>23704921
What's bad about confronting the irrational? Likewise, what's good about molly-coddling a man whose only concerns are for himself? Do you want us to ENDORSE his behavior?

>>23704950
And THAT is news to me.

>>23704950
>... Bloody hell, I was not expecting that.

>>23704950
"I am not asking you to feel sorry about anything, Donovan. Right here, right now, my opinion does not come into play. This is about you, your conscience, and what you need to get off your chest."

>>23704950
"Do you really feel that way, Donovan?"

>>23704975
>>23704981
now now, this is no time to be surprised. Elves do elf things. We can read a book about this later.

>>23704950
"You know, throughout this entire confession, you've never once said that you ever cared for her, only that she belonged to you."

>>23704950
"Then why ask for a confession?"

>>23704953
We're under confessional right now. The purpose of confessional is to let him bare his soul and work through issues, like Peri did. Not, admittedly, that he is doing a very good job of it, but that's his problem, not ours.

>>23704953
What's bad is revealing information obtained from a confession. They are meant to be confidential

>>23704983
Actually, I second this.

>>23704950
>>23704983
This has stopped being a confession. A confession is about penance, and admission of your sins.

This man is unrepentant, and this conversation should be over.

>>23704953
we're not endorsing it, but it's important that we LISTEN to it. All of it. As much as he feels is important.

That's what a confession is. If we interrupted him, we wouldn't be doing it right.

>>23705004
No
>>23705022
No
This is a fucking Confession you dipshits, start acting like it.

>>23704983
Seconded.

>>23705022
I agree, this isn't a confession, this is him bitching at us.

>>23705054
AKA, a confession. This is just how some people react to guilt, it is called rationalization.

>>23705008
>>23705020
And THIS isn't a confession. He's bragging about his sins. He's parading them in front of us and refusing to accept that he's done any wrong.

Admittedly it would have been wrong to mention what she told us, but don't pretend this is still a confession.

>>23705046
Dude, I just changed my thing to something that sounded better.
>>23705021
see

>>23705054
that is totally what a confession is sometimes.

File: 1363383788665.png-(239 KB, 2993x2147, are_you_fucking_kidding_m(...).png)

239 KB PNG

>Let's be a Paladin!
>Waah people telling us how they feel and their shames and secrets! Go away!

>>23705077
A confession suggests that he thinks he's done something wrong and wishes to make amends.

He clearly doesn't feel that way at all.

Keep listening.

>>23705070
dude, he wouldn't be telling us about this if he didn't feel bad about it. in fact, he pretty OBVIOUSLY is feeling bad about what he did.

Now let us hear his rationalizations, please, so that when he goes right back to being a terrorist we can stop him in good morals. Or maybe he'll even surrender at the end.

>>23705094
dude, are you blind?

>>23705090
This, change the fucking colour to red and let's go kill things if you guys are such pussies about this

>>23705066
He's unrepentant. The Confession isn't a venue for the wicked to brag about their sins, it's a way for the repentant to seek a way to talk about what they've done and find a means for atonement.

>>23705094
Or he is trying to appear a monster as he wants us to condemn him. Or maybe this is he only way he knows how to talk about it.

Don't take everything at face value, people are more complicated than that.

>>23705094
This guy OBVIOUSLY regrets what he did. Sure as the sun will rise, this nigga feels guilty. This is just how he reacts to guilt. Anger, rationalization, denial, et cetera. Step off your soap box and relax. This is a game.

>>23705070
This is exactly like a confession.
>>23705094
he is rationalizing like hell "The laws of the Fey are clear." he has repeated stuff about the laws being clear four times already

>>23705109
>>23705094
>>23705070
Sometimes people lash out to make themselves feel better, and that sounds like what he's doing. Regardless, whether or not he's taking it seriously, we are.

>>23704983
"I am not asking you to feel sorry about anything, Donovan. Right here, right now, my opinion does not come into play. This is about you, your conscience, and what you need to get off your chest." You say.

Donovan and you do a stare down. He blinks first, and you have the feeling that right now, you've just pushed him over the edge. He hates you more than any other person in all of Citadel, the Kingdom, and the Lands Beyond.

"You are a monster." He hisses. "I don't expect something that grows from maggots and slaughters their own to even remotely understand."

He pauses and looks at the ground. "But, I said I had a confession for you, didn't I?" He clears his throat, and he tries to put on a smug smile on his face, but you can tell that you've gotten to him. He's still reeling for having admitted what he did out loud. "I had my horse kill one of your mules after the landslide, and the other one broke its leg trying to get away from it, and died. I feel very badly about doing that. I was wrong. To that sin, I confess." He looks at you. "Am I forgiven?"

>>23705137
"You are forgiven. Is there anything else, or may I go?"

>>23705109
He's a terrorist who's smiling about hunting down and sterilizing the woman who he loved.

That hardly sounds like he's "feeling bad".

>>23705137
And now he's trying to recover as he didn't intend to confess to all of that.

>>23705137
"I cannot bring you forgiveness if you have not forgiven yourself."

>>23705137
Of course he's forgiven for that.

Now that he's DONE, we can choose to go off on him or go and get some smitepaladins. You know. Whichever.

>>23705137
In the eyes of the Light you are forgiven. May you someday forgive ourself.

>>23705185
This.

>>23705185
damn this is way better then mine, this

>>23705178
This.

>>23705137
"It's not my forgiveness, Donovan. But yes. In the eyes of the Light you are forgiven. May you someday forgive yourself."

>>23705185
This one.

>>23705137
For that sin, yes. I offer you my forgiveness.

Now are you going to face your other sins, or are we finished here?

>>23705185
Agreed, only with 'yourself'. Typos are bad.

>>23705203
It's also very close to the actual script for the Catholic Rite of Confession, complete with the ritual feel. Hence I cribbed it for >>23705213
and second it.

>>23705232
...That what i meant. Fucking typos

>>23705222
no no, not our forgiveness, that's worthless. Forgiveness of the heavens is what it's all about. I prefer a line like this
>>23705213
And then we should get ready to have to cut his shit, if he doesn't let us leave peacefully. If he does, the paladins will cut his shit.

>>23705185
"In the eyes of the Light you are forgiven. May you someday forgive yourself." You say.

Donovan blinks, and swallows as if you just slapped him.

In a flash he's ripped the mantle off of your neck and the circlet off your head. He chucks them off into the woods with a shout of rage.

He spins around and points a finger at you, tears dripping from his eyes. His mouth flaps open and closed for a bit, as he searches for words.

Then there's a owl hoot.

And Donovan's body relaxes, and a big relaxed smile wraps around his face.

>>23705256
...He's not alone is he.

>>23705256
>>23705185
CRITICAL HOLYNESS STRIKE

1d12 soul damage!

Too bad whatever sinister plan he had is going well.

>>23705278
Of course not, we already knew that.

>>23705256
"If you have a man hiding in the branches about to shoot me, I feel obligated to warn you my death won't go over well. Burning forest, get the children too, et cetera."

>>23705256
Ruh-roh Raggy.

>>23705289
>1d12 soul damage

Yeah, a good, honest priest is like that.

>>23705256
Dodge!

>>23705298
Maybe add in "Everything you claim to care about will die with me."

>>23705292
>>23705278
yeah, we knew this was a trap from the beginning.

still important we did it.

>>23705278
It could be a signal from quite a distance away.
Nothing guarantees its nearby.

>>23705298
What? Fuck you fuck no.

>>23705298
>>23705319
Let's not say things that make us sound evil, please.

>>23705256
"Now, before you say anything, Paladin Serpent." He says, waving a finger at you. "You and I have been alone the whole time. My men haven't been near us at all. They're close though...about half a mile away." He grins. "Tell me Paladin Serpent, do you know anything about the Fey laws?"

>>23705298
>>23705319
Paladins do not say these things.

>>23705346
"No, but I am intrigued."

>>23705346
"Not really."

>>23705346
Any in particular?

>>23705256
"As ye sow, so shall ye reap."

>>23705346
"This is my first contact with fey, I only know some vague talk of courts and such."

Guess he's captured Peri then.

>>23705346
Did he just capture our friends.

>>23705346
Their laws are not my own, so no. I do not.

>>23705391
>>23705389
considering we had them stay a 1/2 mile away i am guessing yes

>>23705401
No, bad.
That sounds like we don't really care about that shit.

>>23705391
If he did, that's it.

We agreed to hear his confession, and he used it as a window of opportunity to act against our friends. Even a nice-guy paladin needs to act at some point.

>>23705437
oh, certainly.

I was hoping we could make it back to camp and rendevous with the red pendants before going on a SMITE EVIL spree. This is much less advantageous.

>>23705346
"You have betrayed the sanctimony of the confession."
Tail snap to the skull, knock his ass out to use as a bargaining chip.

>>23705416
It's true, though. They're not the laws we live by, so we don't know them. Decorum is nice and all, but you're overdoing it.

Especially since it should be clear what he's just done. He's dropping hints, of course.

>>23705370
"No, but I am intrigued." You say.

"I bet you are." He says.

"Any in particular?" You ask.

"Trespassing." He says. "Okay, boys. Bring them out!"

It's the others. They're being marched forward, hands in the air, save for Mage, who's arms are being held behind their back. Around their necks is a rope necklace holding a single stone. It's about as big as a ping-pong ball and it has a glowing red rune on it.

Another elf walks up to Donovan and dumps a pile on the ground. It's everyone's weapons.

"That everything?" Donovan asks.

"Yes. Also, take a look." The Elf says. They've unwrapped Lea.

Donovan's eyebrows go up and then back down. He looks at you. "You're one of those girls that keeps ugly girls around you so you look prettier, don't you?"

>>23705484
I dunno mangbro, this guy is a terrorist leader.

We're gonna have to smack him a COUPLA times.

>>23705484
Ask him once whether he will release them to us... ALL of them.

>>23705490
"You're really very skin deep, aren't you?"

>>23705490
Glare.


Also, told you guys that we should have gone alone.
I told you.

>>23705490
Alright, now he's fucking pissed me off. Can we smite him? Please?

>>23705490
Give him one of those 'seriously?' looks.

>>23705490
Don't even justify that last statement with a response if he's going to be childish.

"So what is it you hope to achieve here?"

>>23705490
Well that last but should not be dignified with a response.

>>23705532
oh, we're totally gonna smite him.

it's just a matter of HOW we smite him. he's outnumbering us AND has hostages.

>>23705490
"You're one of those people who assume the worst about people to feel better about themselves, aren't you"

>>23705532
And risk our friends being executed by the superior force that surrounds us?

>>23705535
This.

>>23705544
See, this is why I play a straight tank or mercenary, because I have certain morals that just twig my anger and its not good for being a paladin.

"I had hoped you were better than this. That you had integrity in you. Yes, they came with. If I had told not to, it was likely that they would have followed even closer."

>>23705490
It's what's inside that is of importance to me, first and foremost. Every one among them is brave, honorable, and beautiful. I wouldn't have it any other way.

>>23705559
Lets reword this a bit. maybe go with "You assume the worst in people to feel better about yourself, don't you?"
"Release them, now."

>>23705587
>>23705559
eh, I say just stick with the "release them now". it's more ~dramatic~, and now is the time for that.

>>23705490
Tail wrap his ass, make sure he cant speak, instruct other elves to release our friends.

For crying out loud, we're trying to be a fucking Paladin here.

>>23705650
yeah. the confession is over, we're working on a hostage situation now.

>>23705622
I kind of like a combination of this:
>>23705578
>>23705586
We're better than he is, and he knows it, and it gets to him. We were hit hard by the world he claims to hate for all the things he mentioned, and we rose above it.

>>23705650
>>23705578
This

>>23705650
Quite. Seems that a lot of people here are of the lol smite variety. Which is a pity.

>>23705535
"So what is it you hope to achieve here?" You say as you glare at him.

"Well...I was going to say one thing...now I think I may say another." He laughs. "So, boys...what do you think of the famous Lamia Paladin?"

None of the elves say anything.

He clears his throat. "Right, right...I removed her vestments. Sorry about that."

The guy who dumped the weapons just looks at him coldly.

"What?"

"You really did that, to her?" He asks, nodding at Peri.

Donovan narrows his eyes. "It was in accordance to the Old Law."

The soldiers all shift uncomfortably. The one holding Peri and Lea are women, they don't look pleased.

"Yes...but..." The weapons elf says.

Donovan's eyes flash with anger. "But? But what?"

The elf opens and closes his mouth. "Donovan...you said...don't you think..."

"I want that recipe destroyed!" Lea's captor says. "I'm for keeping our ways, but...not that!" She says.

"Don't you DARE question my actions." Donovan says.

Peri's trying to catch your eye and hint at something.

Roll 1d20

Rolled 12

>>23705696

Rolled 5

>>23705696

Rolled 8

>>23705696

>>23705696
>attempting to communicate innuendo to a paladin
oh no oh no oh nooooo

and also: don't bring folks to your confession you dumb stupid idiot, this is exactly what happens. Don't say this, this isn't dialogue.

Rolled 11

>>23705696
*crosses fingers*

Rolled 10

>>23705696

>>23705578
>>23705586
>>23705670
"Every one among them is brave, honorable, and beautiful, even if you can't see it. They would have followed even closer even had I told them not to."

"I'm a lamia, remember? I've been variously treated like subhuman trash and even as a pet at times. People tend to be surprised I can even talk. But the people I surround myself are better than that, and they've helped me to be a better person. I hoped that maybe if I came here and listened to you, I could help you to be a better person too."

"Please release us without malice."

>>23705727
Yes, confrontations like this (and the avoidance thereof) are pretty much the entire point of Confession.

Rolled 7

>>23705696
Come on Ssen.

>>23705737
>"I'm a lamia, remember? I've been variously treated like subhuman trash and even as a pet at times. People tend to be surprised I can even talk. But the people I surround myself are better than that, and they've helped me to be a better person. I hoped that maybe if I came here and listened to you, I could help you to be a better person too."
No.
Very bad idea.

>>23705706
She's looking at the guy who dropped the weapons, specifically at his belt. Like the other separatists, he's got a lot of old fetishes and small totems tied to it.

There's a small drum.
A thing that looks like a metal dream catcher.
A hollow bamboo tube with feathers painted on it.
And a stone that's been carved to look like an owl.

>>23705737
Kind of running slow there, bro.

>>23705776
I don't
What?

Rolled 4

>>23705776
Try to discern which one she's looking at.

>>23705777
Takes a while to type while you're eating.
>>23705756
I was going to ask why that was such a bad idea, but really it doesn't matter. It's not going to be used anyway.

>>23705776
Mari's there now, she's looking at the guy's belt then down at the stone around her neck, then back at the elf's belt.

Roll 1d20

Rolled 5

>>23705810

Rolled 12

>>23705776
>>23705810
Ah, one of those things is the key for the explosive runes?

Rolled 10

>>23705810
>>23705817
Oh, for fuck's sake.

>>23705817
She's not looking at the owl. You can tell that much. But she's indicating ONE of those things...and then she looks at your tail.

Those things aren't tied on very tight.

>>23705776
FUCK I FAILED THIS CHECK HARD

Just take the belt and do everything! ONE of those magic totems is the right one!

Rolled 7

>>23705841
Grab the whole damn belt.

>>23705850
You can easily grab one, two would be tricky, more or the whole damn belt would be a feat.

>>23705841
Maybe make some conversation to stall? Ask him if companions of a guest are to be considered trespassers, maybe? I dunno what the details should be, just figure out something to eat some time.

>>23705872
And ignore my roll, I forgot to get rid of it.

>>23705850
>Elves are arguing with themselves
>Hey let's light the powder keg and stop their arguing for a common enemy action

>>23705882
Okay, I'll be nice. First, roll 1d20 to try for the whole belt. You need 16 or over.

>>23705888
If we could somehow cause a little more doubt with his soldiers that could provoke another argument between them, maybe enough to give us another spot check?

Rolled 15

>>23705905
Watch as we tie it better on them

Rolled 10

>>23705905