"Its like the Princess said. Its a cage. A beautful shining cage. Whose owner dotes on its favorites and weeds out those it thinks ugly. Like those who were at that execution. Those who we saved. It is what keeps Citadel prosperous throughout the ages and it is what keeps people happy not matter what. It is the Human Daughter of the Dragon Who Was As Shadow. And it rules Citadel and all this land. The Empire called it a God. I think its a spirit. Evil yes. Powerful yes. But not all knowing, not all powerful. Something that can be fought. Something that can be weakened." You say.

"The problem is that it does not work alone. It has its willing servants who will do anything they can to protect and strengthen it. They wear the masks and the Dramatae and they are our enemies in this endeavor as well. One of the things the Humors do is feed the Citadel. But its not normal food it requires. It requires the sacrifice of the good, of the kind hearted... of the Lightbringers. Every Lightbringer has died in those age-old stories. That's what been feeding the Citadel. And it has grown. And grown. Until it is as it is today. Right now there are Lightbringers out there urged on by the Dramatae to be the next sacrifice and we must stop that story from occuring again." You say.

Isen and Tara stare at you for a moment.

"So, my city's kind of evil, and the people who tried to kill us are feeding it?" He pauses. "Huh, is my Dad in on it?"

>>23868617
"I certainly doubt it. I think the people who are actively knowledgeable about it, besides our group and the dramatae, could probably be counted on one hand.

Though, those reliant on it, now they are innumerable."

>>23868617
"No idea. For all we know he might not even be aware of any of this."

>>23868617
"I seriously doubt he's in on it, but as the one who runs Citadel, he almost certainly hears its voice louder than most. That voice that wants the story to stay the same, that wants the people to prosper but nothing to change. Remember the proclamation that the day of the near-execution never happened? That's pretty blatantly Citadel keeping the status quo. That doesn't mean your father is in on it, knowingly; he just wants happiness for himself, his family, and his people, and Citadel will provide that as long as it gets what it wants."

>>23868617
I believe not. Almost all are ignorant of its true nature. Are KEPT ignorant because how can you fight something i you do not even know that it exists? Even hints of its predecessor is kept discouraged. Mr. Trapp for example had the most horrible cought when he told us that story. Those who know are either its servants or its enemies and I blieve your father is neither at this time.

>>23868651
And
>>23868642

...You know, I'm getting the horrible feeling that the Citadel isn't a singular entity, but rather is something similar to the collective unconciousness of Mage, where humanity's beliefs actively shape reality.

tl;dr everyones an Ork and there's more happy idiots who expect to see stereotypes like those in the stories than educated people, and they're, as a collective, influencing reality to become what they expect it to be. The Dragon was a tyrant because everyone was fearful and full of hate and suspicion for everyone else. It was slain when the Lightbringer started making friends among the other tribes. So if the Citadel is the way it is because everyone is a naive moron, then the sword that slays the Citadel will be standardized education.

>>23868637
"I certainly doubt it. I think the people who are actively knowledgeable about it, besides our group and the dramatae, could probably be counted on one hand." You say.

Isen looks amazingly relieved.

"Though, those reliant on it, now they are innumerable."

He nods. "Oh yeah, there's the water district, not to mention all the trade, the grain shipments, and the ship-loads of fish that we pull in every day after day." He shakes his head. "I won't bore you with the numbers, but...yeah...a lot of people are gonna die, not to mention starve...plus the kingdom could splinter, and the Fey Court's bad enough..." He shakes his head. "A hopeless scenario against an unassailable enemy with countless lives held in the balance, aided by a powerful secret order, and all we have are the remnants of a long forgotten order, and the Rebel Prince?"

He hugs you.

"THANK YOU!" He yells. "Oh! This is amazing! We're going to be IMMORTAL in our legends!"

"So, what's the plan? How do we save all those people and kill the evil people...city...spirit...whatever?" Tara asks.

>>23868688
that is one of the things we hope to invent.

>>23868688
I had a similar suspicion, but often mythological figures can be interpreted as the collective emotion of the people. So in the end, this is a story of an ideological struggle, as all great stories are.

>>23868688
I don't know about the right solution, but your statement of the problem sounds disturbingly plausible.

>>23868694
Laugh. "I knew there was a reason we kept you around, Isen. We could do with a lot more of that enthusiasm."

One way to kill it would be to stop the sacrifice that feeds it. It would starve. But it doing so it would lash out. The death toll would be horrific as you mentioned Isen.

Another way is to attempt to change it. Show it His Light and let it see redemption. I have no idea how we would go about that though.

>>23868694
"Currently the plan is to get as freaking far away from the Citadel's influence as we possible can and try to hammer out a way to defeat it without collapsing the entire kingdom into ruin."

>>23868694
"That is a good question. I'm working on it."

>>23868694
>"So, what's the plan? How do we save all those people and kill the evil people...city...spirit...whatever?" Tara asks.

At this point, we need to tell them about the vision/dream we had with the Fifth, and that it told us about Bronze Peak. That, and finding out more about the Lightbringer boy and girl we need to both stop and save as soon as we can.

>>23868694
"Well, there's many angles we need to work on for that.

The most optimistic plan is to convert the citadel entity to the light, so it stops being so evil. This one will most likely prove impossible for so many reasons I can't list them all.

We're also trying to find people and things that are tremendously old, with history of the time before citadel, how it came to be, and why the sacrifice brings about such good fortune. If we could understand how it was made, we would better know how to destroy, or alter it.

In addition, we need to weaken the collapse, if and when it comes. We'll need new ideas, better ways of feeding people, faster ways of moving goods, and better organization from the top to the bottom of the kingdom.

So basically, we're all over the place with only vague ideas of how to continue. We're following up a lead on dragons in bronze peak, once this caravan business is over."

>>23868694
Some other anon who are more talented at the pen than I should write what we can do to resist Citadel.

However, we should talk about convicting it of the Light. As for the aftermath,

The Light has given us ingenious people in the mechanical art, making machines to stamp name cards or boil water. What if these minds can be turned to make wonders that will help us through these times? What about the bright minds in the academy, or in the cup guild, or in the elves, in the dwarves, and in the monsters who will have a chance to live?

>>23868745
Oh, right, we also need to tell them about the Light predating Citadel, and thus the Paladins (and the Caligo Clarus in particular) being a powerful force against it. Hence our prayer and medallion, and the comment about the Caligo Clarus symbol.

>>23868771
Honestly, at this point, I believe the light is an ancient entity quite similar to the dragon and the citadel.

However, it is passive and beneficial, and thus, is easy to get trampled upon by other, more expansionistic spirits.

>>23868723
You laugh. "I knew there was a reason we kept you around, Isen. We could do with a lot more of that enthusiasm."

"Hey, what can I say. I've lived in Citadel, and it never touched me. Never heard any whispers in MY head. It's cause I'm that awesome."

No, it's because he's been able to fight off the powers of temptation with his own endless ego and narcissism...but he doesn't need to know that.

"One way to kill it would be to stop the sacrifice that feeds it. It would starve. But it doing so it would lash out. The death toll would be horrific as you mentioned Isen."

"And plan B?" Tara asks.

"Another way is to attempt to change it. Show it His Light and let it see redemption. I have no idea how we would go about that though."

"Well, we gotta stop the Dramatayaddayaddas, first, right? Let's start with them." Isen says.

"Well, currently the plan now, is to get as freaking far away from the Citadel's influence as we possible can."

"Well then what are we waiting for?" Isen says. "Let's MOVE OUT!"

"Do you want to say a prayer before we take off?" Lea asks as you rejoin the Dawnchasers.

>>23868745
>>23868771

I am in agreement with these fine anons.

Alright, good anons, please hold the fort and make wise decisions. I need to sleep. I know that you will, though. I can't wait to see all of our speeches in a book.

>>23868778
"Light help us. Light help us all."

>>23868778
Man, what prayer have we been using? I should look it up and see if it needs modification for the situation. Unless anyone remembers better than I.

>>23868817
this seems entirely appropriate after telling Isen.

Light shine on our journey and on our souls. May both be peaceful and no harm come to us while we travel.

>>23868818
The one we used last time was:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23847432/#p23852761

>>23868778
"Let us thank the good people of White Tree for their hospitality; may His Light shine upon this town, that its people may continue to prosper and thrive, and stand against the Darkness. May our travels to Stone Hall be swift and safe.

>>23868817
>Light help us. Light help us all."
And this, definitely.

>>23868817
>>23868778
Simplistic one this time.

"May we travel in peace and arrive in peace. Light help us, Light help us all."

Is an addition at all better, or did I detract from it?

>>23868817
"May we travel in peace and arrive in peace. Light help us. Light help us all." You say to Lea.

"Hmm?"

"I just told Isen about what's going on." You say.

"Oh dear." She sighs. "Well...here's to a swift journey."

It's two weeks to River's Crossing, and then four weeks to Stone Hall.

Week 5: Roll 1d20

Rolled 8

>>23868875

>>23868875
Do our companions know about our long lifespan?

Where they with us when grandma told us?

Rolled 17

>>23868880
A week of calm travel.

Roll 1d20 for Phoenix Tongue.

Also rolling for Mage

>>23868887
No, none of them know; we were speaking (and training) alone with Granny when she told us.

Rolled 6

>>23868891

Rolled 6

>>23868891

Rolling for Phoenix Tongue.

For Mage, we're close enough now that I'd like to suggest we reconsider him trying to learn Haste. Though it'll be hilarious when he learns it right as we get there.

>>23868887
they dont know, it was the cause of the hug for "something else" after she told us in lizardspeak while whooping our butt the first time.

>>23868903
itd be useful no matter what paladins of the Caliga rarely stop in one place for long

>>23868894
And when she first mentioned it she did it in lizard tongue, so no, they don't know.

You make a little progress. Mage makes a nice chunk more. Soon he'll have it...hopefully.

Roll for Week 2: 2d20

Rolled 7, 17 = 24

>>23868909

Rolled 5, 16 = 21

>>23868909

>>23868908
Yeah, but hopefully we're getting Nightmare back in Stone Hall. Heck, at this point with how fast Nightmare travels Robin may have beaten us there.

welp, we're facing something

>>23868915
Something happens.

Roll 1d6

Rolled 5

>>23868925

Rolled 5

>>23868925
Joy

welp

>>23868928
>>23868930
well, a 5 happens.

which is bad.

>>23868928
Damnit, the Quail's wagon's axel has split.

They're fighting again too.

>>23868944
Did anyone bring any spare parts?

If not, ask Barney if he could potentially repair it.

>>23868582
>Mage
Mage, Maoyuu Maou Yuusha.
>Persephone
Self explanitory.
>Lea
Axel.
>Lea
Lee Sin.

>>23868944
Darn, this'll cost us a coupla days if we don't have a spare.

Anyone know an easy way to fix it? Ha.

mediating time. Hopefully we can replace that axel or at least shor it up until the next town \ village

>>23868944
"I wonder if being a paladin allows me to arrange annulments."

>>23868963
itd be a divorce. They've obviously procreated

>>23868944
>axel
axle

Only bothering to mention this because you said you might want to reuse the text later, so you might want the editing.

>>23868963
Okay, you have a few options, you can spend the time to fix the damn thing, but that means you'll have to do another travel roll because of all the time wasted.

Two, you can try to have Mage fix it, which speeds things up, but he'll lose his haste study time.

Three, you can see if anyone else has a replacement part. The only ones who probably do are the Swings though...and that means dealing with their demands.

Four if you can get the Quails to stop fighting for twenty minutes, She can fix the thing herself.

>>23868990
right. time to talk to the Quails

>>23868990
mediate for the Quails

>>23868990
Time to put our 1d12 Brian Blesseds Voice of JUSTICE to use.

>>23868990
I guess it is time to fix a marriage. Light help us.

>>23868990
I assume we can do more than one of these?

Let's start by talking to the Quails. Then we'll have Mage try to fix it. Then we can try for a spare part. Worst case, we spend the time to fix it and chance another travel roll.

>>23869000
Okay, he's screaming at her about how it's her fault that it broke, and she's going on and on about how he blames her for everything. And already they've gone off into other topics that they argue about, fidelity questions, lack of children and whose fault that is, and on and on...this isn't a marriage where they happily bicker and squabble. This is just fighting. It's a miracle neither of them have ever hit each other.

Tell me what you want to say, and I'll give you a chance to break it up by verbal means...then you're going to have to separate the two.

>>23869027
"Hey, it's OK; these things happen. It's nobody's fault. If this is the worst that happens, we're doing really well. We still have each other, and this time nobody's child is missing. You were so helpful that time, finding the child. I can't believe that you really hate each other over a wagon axle. Is there something else the matter?"

>>23869027
Screw Verbal. Pick one up and slither off. The other can't possibly argue with empty air.

>>23869048
(I'm saying this in the *hopes* that they'll at least pause their arguing momentarily when a Paladin slithers up, for propriety's sake if nothing else. This'll be a lot harder if we have to break in over the top of their arguing.)

damnit we should know better then to butt in to a domestic dispute. They are just as likely to turn on us to protect the other. Alright. First thing to do is get their attention. Clear your throat. Look like the solemn Paladin and kindly ask them to shut the hell up. (not really)

Ask why the husband think its the wifes fault. Ask why the woman thinks she is always being blamed. Hint at their might be an alternative to their fertility problems at Stone Hall and we just need to get there.

>>23869048

"Hey, it's OK; these things happen. It's nobody's fault. If this is the worst that happens, we're doing really well. We still have each other, and this time nobody's child is missing. You were so helpful that time, finding the child. I can't believe that you really hate each other over a wagon axle. Is there something else the matter?"

Roll 1d20

Rolled 15

>>23869049
Haha. That's great. I love the image of that.

>>23869063

Rolled 1

>>23869063

>>23869067
>>23869071
Are we rolling for high, here, or low?

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>>23869071

>>23869077
ive lost track honestly. the only thing Im sure of is that in battles high is good and low is good while travelling.

>>23869077
That's what I want to know.

>>23869067

Mr. Quail shakes his head and sighs. Yeah, it's the fertility issue. They've been trying for a kid for a while, but they haven't been successful, and the longer they tried and the longer they didn't have a kid the 'worse and worse our home got' apparently a lot of little things would break or stop working. Not like Barney's stuff which would hurt them, but doors would jam, shelves would fall, and chairs would wobble.

It got to a point where they actually both 'cheated' on each other. Although in Citadel, it's not that big of a deal, and Mr. Quail went to a place where the whole deal is to have surrogates. Neither worked, and they couldn't get past that fact, even though 'It seemed like such a great idea at the time, and things stopped breaking when we did it.' They didn't want to try again, and they just started to fight, and more things broke...and then you showed up and they thought that a change might be what they needed...but now they have doubts.

>>23869114
Oh hey, and here we are with a way to do in-vitro insemination using bone marrow stem cells. Or at least we've heard of a way.

>>23869114

CITADEEEEEEEL

>>23869114
"You see, all those little problems are just that; insignificant. Don't let minor inconveniences and day-to-day bothers drive you to take your stress out on the person whom you loved enough to wed. You're both stronger than that.

Citadel was a crazy place and living there was as dark a time for you two as it was for many of us. You made mistakes, yes, but we all have made mistakes. The fact that you both regret the infidelity means your souls abhorred it. And that is because you both really do love each other.

>>23869114
.... there is someone in Stone Hall who might be able to help. She hinted to me that it would be possible for two women to have a child and it surely will be easier with a man and a woman. It involved extracting bone marrow from someone and using that as a catalyst with a woman. It is painful for the donor however. If they wish we could enquire for them. There is also adoption. Stone Hall was hard-hit by the ghouls and there will be plenty of orphans looking for a loving home.

>>23869114
sounds like Citadel doesn't want them together.

>>23869114
>both 'cheated' on each other. Although in Citadel, it's not that big of a deal,

Wow.

CITADELLLL!

>>23869153
We really have to get ssen to yell this at one point.

From on top of a building, or hill, or mountain.

>>23869159
Well Citadel can eat a dick.

The problem with being a paladin isn't the constant battle against the darkness or the unceasing self-sacrifice. It's the expectations of everyone around you to 'sort things out.'

And those things included the arguments between Mr. and Mrs. Quail. They expected you to listen to their self-aggrandizing respective halves of the story and obviously decide the issue in 'their' favor. But that was never your job. That was a job for a marriage counselor and a couple of lawyers. Your job is to resist the urge to bang their stupid fat heads together long enough to stop them shouting abuse at each other and get them back onto the road.

Now if Mrs. Quail grabs her gardening shears and repeatedly stabs her husband to death in a blind fury, then it IS your job to sort things out. It would be a tragedy, certainly, but at least it's a tragedy you were trained for.

>>23869114
>It got to a point where they actually both 'cheated' on each other.
...What like that one Pina Coladas song?

>>23869155
Let us not jump to bone marrow treatment.

My guess is that Citadel is preventing them. What they need now is a Cups Guild consult for a fertility expert.

>>23869168
I think it's probably closer to they went out to 'swing'.
I'd totally prefer the pina coladas song though.

>>23869166
>"You see, all those little problems are just that; insignificant. Don't let minor inconveniences and day-to-day bothers drive you to take your stress out on the person whom you loved enough to wed. You're both stronger than that.
>Citadel was a crazy place and living there was as dark a time for you two as it was for many of us. You made mistakes, yes, but we all have made mistakes. The fact that you both regret the infidelity means your souls abhorred it. And that is because you both really do love each other.

You read Night Watch too, huh?

>>23869114
"You're traveling away from Citadel, and you hope to start a new one in Stone Hall. Everything seemed to be against you having a child while you were in Citadel. How much harder would this trip have been if Harriet was pregnant? Is it such a curse to wait until Stone Hall and try again, to begin your new life with a family? And even if you can't have a child of your own, Stone Hall has many in need of adoption, and you have plenty of love to give a child; I saw it, that day when you found the child that had wandered off. But before we can get to that new life, we have to get to Stone Hall. Please, can you set it aside for a bit, and help us fix this?"

>>23869155
No, we don't know that the magical method works for anyone other than a Lamia. But adoption is worth mentioning.

>>23869180
Ack, wrong quote...

>>23869180
Read what now?

>>23869180
>>23869191
Why of course.

>>23869183
> You're traveling away from Citadel, and you hope to start a new one in Stone Hall.
Should have said "a new life".

Rolled 16

>>23869154

"You see, all those little problems are just that; insignificant. Don't let minor inconveniences and day-to-day bothers drive you to take your stress out on the person whom you loved enough to wed. You're both stronger than that." You glare at the pair.

"Citadel was a crazy place and living there was as dark a time for you two as it was for many of us. You made mistakes, yes, but we all have made mistakes. The fact that you both regret the infidelity means your souls abhorred it. And that is because you both really do love each other." You say pointing to the two. "You're traveling away from Citadel, and you hope to start a new one in Stone Hall. Everything seemed to be against you having a child while you were in Citadel. How much harder would this trip have been if Harriet was pregnant? Is it such a curse to wait until Stone Hall and try again, to begin your new life with a family? And even if you can't have a child of your own, Stone Hall has many in need of adoption, and you have plenty of love to give a child; I saw it, that day when you found the child that had wandered off. But before we can get to that new life, we have to get to Stone Hall. Please, can you set it aside for a bit, and help us fix this?"

Mr. Quail tosses his hands up in the air and goes over to Barney's wagon. "Sorry." He says over his shoulder.

Mrs. Quail sighs and gets her tools out to fix the wagon. "I am too." She says.

Well, it's not like you could have fixed their problems for good all at once at the roadside by one speech.

But you at least got them to say sorry, that was something they hadn't done before. So...a small step forward.

The caravan goes on.

Roll 1d20 for Phoenix Tongue. I'll roll for Mage.

Rolled 20

>>23869223
Yay domestic diplomacy!

>>23869234
Oh wow.

Did all the horses turned into nightmares?

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>>23869234

>>23869244
Read the post:
>Roll 1d20 for Phoenix Tongue. I'll roll for Mage.

>>23869252
Opps.

Well, it is even better!

>>23869244
This was for Phoenix Tongue, and I'm not actually sure if we want high or low there. I have the feeling Echo is adding the rolls together until we hit a threshold, so 20 might be awesome. But I like that Echo has mixed it up enough that I'm not actually sure; it adds to the suspense. I know I rolled a critical; I just don't know which kind. *shudder*.

>>23869234
nigga you just went full polyglot.

>>23869234
Congratulations. You're now as fluent as Isen is. Of course, you can keep studying using the Princess' books and go for further fluency.

Mage says that he's got the Haste Spell down pat, and that should chop those last four week to just two.

River's Crossing looks exactly how you left it. Quiet, peaceful, and welcoming to the few travellers, trappers, raftmen, and hunters that go through it. You even see the Bright Tower in the castle of Ruin Forest, where Father found you.

"Well, well, well!" A big booming voice says. It's Wendy! She's in front of Elias' tavern, signing for something. She scoops you and Tricia into a big hug.

"Thought you two big heroes might have forgotten us!" She lets go. "Heh, you know we're all bragging about how we all saw the Paladin Serpent, and the White Wasp Witch grow up here."

"What Wasp Witch?"

"The White Wasp Witch," Wendy says. "It was your father's creation."

"Oh, I am having a word with him." Tricia mutters.

"Oh, you should know, we got a new blacksmith." Wendy says. "The old one and his son were...sort of chased out of town. You can't say nasty things about our pride and joy, after all." She winks.

>>23869315
Laugh. "Poor bastards. I hope they find a nice place filled with other bigots to get along with. Anyway, how've you been going? Its been far too long."

>>23869315
"Wendy! It's good to see you! It feels like it's been ages!

And I don't think you needed to go THAT far with the smith, A man's livelihood is more valuable than my pride."

>>23869315
We're going to spend our free time, maybe an hour before bed and as we eat breakfast, etc. studying further. Full fluency in the tongue will allow us to grasp the finer points of some extremely pivotal texts from a culture which has already undergone the transition from pre- to post-Citadel-esque state.

>>23869315
"Well, that's a shame for them.

"BUT!

"Wendy! It's good to see again! It's good to see home peaceful as ever ..."

Also, return hug if we haven't already.

>>23869315
>Congratulations. You're now as fluent as Isen is.
Awesome!

> Of course, you can keep studying using the Princess' books and go for further fluency.
Would working with Ambrose help when studying those books?

> Mage says that he's got the Haste Spell down pat, and that should chop those last four week to just two.
Double excellent! Is it ghoul magic with some kind of...part...required, or something else?

> "Oh, you should know, we got a new blacksmith." Wendy says. "The old one and his son were...sort of chased out of town. You can't say nasty things about our pride and joy, after all." She winks.

"As a Paladin, I'm really supposed to frown on running people out of town. But I'm new at this, and I just can't bring myself to do it. Just tell me you didn't hurt him."

>>23869344
Hmmm, no.

Lets just not.

>>23869346
this.

Mage should now work on the translation spell. Maybe it will let others understand the Lizards and he can sell it to Stone Hall.

Also continue studying the Pheonix Tongue with the Princess if she allows.

>>23869352
yeah, hopefully we can do it without a fulldespot situation going down like they did.

And without them conquering us during the transition.

>>23869344
You laugh. "Poor bastards. I hope they find a nice place filled with other bigots to get along with. Anyway, how've you been going? Its been far too long."

"Oh fine, business never really stops. People from White Tree need the fish and the grain here, and people here want the nifty things that White Tree makes. Not to mention with no more Ghouls on the roads, thank you for that, things are much easier."

"Hello girls!" A voice says. It's Father Uriah. He beams at you. "A Paladin...my my my...your Father would be proud. Are you here to visit him, or..." He looks at the caravan. "Or just stopping through? If I could I'd love to have you stay and speak at evening mass."

"I'm gonna go say hi to Dad and Mom." Tricia says. "Swing by later!" She takes off.

As far as actions to do here: Join Tricia at her father's reunion. Visit old friends like the priest and visit our house and Father's grave.

>>23869387
>evening mass
>visit father
Oh my god this is amazing of course we'll do both of those great things.

And then maybe cry snake tears of joy and sorrow at the grave if we have time and are in the mood.

>>23869372
Oh, perfect! Mage can test it with us, since we're bilingual (though not perfectly fluent), which should make it much easier. And it'll be *really* useful to smooth things out in Stone Hall.

>>23869387
> "Hello girls!" A voice says. It's Father Uriah. He beams at you. "A Paladin...my my my...your Father would be proud. Are you here to visit him, or..." He looks at the caravan. "Or just stopping through? If I could I'd love to have you stay and speak at evening mass."

"We'd definitely like to stay and rest for a while. I wouldn't miss the opportunity to visit Father, and I'd be honored to speak at evening mass."

> "I'm gonna go say hi to Dad and Mom." Tricia says. "Swing by later!" She takes off.

Definitely do this. After all, doesn't her father need to threaten us somehow about dating his daughter? We wouldn't want to deprive him of the opportunity. :)

>>23869387
"It would be an honor, Father Uriah. We need to stop over and get an axle that broke on the way over here doublechecked anyway, so it won't be a problem at all."

Question: Did the bed in our house here ever get fixed. If recall right Isen broke the damn thing. I mean it's not like Isen could possibly forget, right? Ha.

>>23869429

"It would be an honor, Father Uriah. We need to stop over and get an axle that broke on the way over here doublechecked anyway, so it won't be a problem at all."

"Marvelous, thank you dear." He gives you a brief hug. "The Paladin Serpent...oh, I hope you don't mind, someone bought a picture of you victorious over the ghouls and hung it in the tavern hall, but I had them take it down. Whomever was the artist, clearly never saw you in person. If you'd like to see it and have a laugh, we have it somewhere."

>>23869468
Oh, can we please hang up the good picture in our home town?

"I think, perhaps, I might have a better version of that painting, if you'd like."

>>23869468
This hurts me.

>>23869468
"Sadly I saw that ... thing ..."

Before I say any more ... should we leave the one we bought with the good Father?

>>23869491
Definitely.

>>23869468
Don't we still have the realistic version of that picture?

>>23869491
Sounds good, though... can we get our inventor friend to make a quick... template of it? Sketch? Graphite Rubbing?

>>23869468
Oh, THAT picture. It's not so bad, I asked the artist to donate a portion of the profits to the Stone Hall rebuilding effort.

>>23869468
"I have seen it, hopefully there is a fire nearby we can chuck it into."

"I have a much better version to replace it with if you would like."

>>23869525
A world of this.

OK, this may be a really bad idea, and something we should put off until later, but in the spirit of living life while we have the chance, Tricia said:

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23858749/#p23865882
> I want to be with you until the end

And since I doubt we can do it ourselves, I wonder if Tricia would be interested in asking for Father Uriah's services in formalizing that? This seems like a better place than think we want to do that in Stone Hall, and we won't have another chance for quite a while.

>>23869481
"I think, perhaps, I might have a better version of that painting, if you'd like."

"Oh?" He asks.

You dig the true picture out of your things in the wagon.

"Oh this is wonderful!" Father Uriah says. "We'll be happy to display this."

The priest walks off with the picture.

You have time to go see Father, have dinner with Tricia's father, and then speak at the sermon.

You buried Father at the edge of the woods, a little ways away from home. You can see the Bright Tower from here.

- - Liam Patrick - -
- - Paladin, Hero, Father - -

It's just you and him.

>>23869542
> This seems like a better place than think we want to do that in Stone Hall,

I can write, I promise. "This seems like a better place for that than Stone Hall, "

It is both of our hometowns, after all, and Tricia's family is here.

>>23869542
>this may be a really bad idea
Yep.

>something we should put off until later
Yep.

>>23869542
>>23869561
moving way too fast, we JUST started dating her not long ago.

and we just freaked out Tricia with the children talk

>>23869542
Not now.

>>23869576
We've been in love with Tricia and vice versa since we liberated Stone Hall, and started showing it at the ball, which was (thinking) close to six months or so ago? And she was the one who said it, not us. In any case, I only suggested it because if not, we should wait until the next time we're back in River's Crossing, and since we're headed to Stone Hall, Bronze Peak, and who knows where after that, that'll be a *long* while.

>>23869559
>It's just you and him
Oh god

>>23869559
Curl up beside Father's grave. "Hey, Dad. I miss you..."

Tell him the whole story of our journey. Gush, if anyone would listen, it's him.

>>23869610
It can wait.

>>23869559
How long would Ssen need to be away to visit Bright Tower?

>>23869559
"Hey ... I'm back ... "

And then I come up with a blank. Too much to talk about and say ... Like was it right thing to do warning them about Citadel. Should we be trying to force this change upon the world. Etc etc.

>>23869610
half of that time we where unconscious.

also noone has even proposed yet!

>>23869559
tell him about Tricia.

>>23869630
Yup, absolutely. Just tossing it out there to check what other people thought, and definitely got an answer to that. :)

>>23869642
>:)

Please stop that.

>>23869561
Sit some time in silence.

"It's just like you said, dad. It wasn't the hard part. But... It sure felt like it."

Depending on EMOTIONS LEVELS, tears or laughing may be appropriate here. Or both.

>>23869628
Pray to keep foul ears from hearing before gushing.

>>23869671
fucking voyeuristic ducks.

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>>23869559
Hi Dad.

You probably already know, but I'm a Paladin now. Didn't plan on it, but I guess your parenting stuck!

It's heavier than I thought it would be. But I have Trish and the others, and they all help. Oh yeah, Tricia...

Something else I didn't plan on. We'd been at each others throats growing up. I'm still kinda shocked about it. At least people seem more shocked by ME than by US.

...This is probably going to be the last bright spot I'll see for a while, huh?

>>23869650
Will do; sorry, didn't know it was, er, frowned upon.

>>23869692
This sounds really good.

>>23869692
>...This is probably going to be the last bright spot I'll see for a while, huh?

In a way.

But we'll se it every day until we return here.

Bring this light into the dark places.

>>23869559
Ssen's Father:

Lord over all the other dead paladins that the kid who WASN'T EVEN YOURS, that WASN'T EVEN A HUMAN, who you ADOPTED AT SWORD POINT, is so good that she is already a paladin before she is even 20 years old.

Lord it over them fucking good.

>>23869791
In heaven, our Dad is now Hughes, ala FMA.

>>23869692

"Hi Dad."

"You probably already know, but I'm a Paladin now. Didn't plan on it, but I guess your parenting stuck!" You hold your mantle in your hand for a bit. "It's heavier than I thought it would be. But I have Trish and the others, and they all help. Oh yeah, Tricia..." You shake your head.

"That was something else I didn't plan on. We'd been at each others throats growing up. I'm still kinda shocked about it." You laugh.

"At least people seem more shocked by ME than by US. This is probably going to be the last bright spot I'll see for a while, huh? It's just like you said, dad. It wasn't the hard part. But... It sure felt like it."

The wind through the trees is your only answer.

"Yeah, I love you too Dad."

Dinner at Alexander and Katherine's is fun. Even if Tricia's parent's house always smells like horses. And that you have to put up with Alexander telling that stupid horse riding story for the umpteenth time.

You and Tricia argue with each other over the details as you explain your adventures. The food is simple, but it's heavenly compared to the rations, camp food (no one in the group's that great of a cook), Traveller's fare, or the overly fancy/sweet food that's in Citadel.

"So," Katherine says as you all start into dessert. "You two are sleeping together?"

Tricia drops her fork as she goes shock white.

"I'm not blind dear, and your father can smell the hormones and pheromones coming off of the both of you." She says. "So...is this serious, or is this just a 'warmth on the road' thing?"

"I...uh...buh..."

>>23869835
Tricia tries to stammer something out but all she can do is look at you in blind panic.

>>23869843

Strong drink, very strong drink. Down it now.

>>23869835
Keep it simple and not too elaborate quite yet: "It's serious; I love her with all of my heart."

>>23869835
It was our arguing that gave it away, wasn't it?

>>23869835
Deep breath.

"Absolutely serious. I'm truly and completely in love with Tricia. We're in it for the long haul."

Maintain serious face as we blush horribly

>>23869843
>>23869865
Ha, yes this.

Plus: "I think it's serious or at least hoping it will be."

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>>23869843
Searching for appropriate reactions.

>>23869835
>>23869843
Clear your throat.

Politely and calmly place down your fork and knife, drink a large pull of whatever alcohol they have given you, place it down politely.

Attempt to declare that "Me and Tricia feel serious about our feelings."

fail, and say something more similar to "Um, well, you know, tricia and I... we er." with lots of body language and waving."

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Hey, their girl went and bagged herself a Paladin. I doubt they seriously disapprove.

>Tricias face when

>>23869882
This picture is remarkably appropriate to us quite often

Are we sitting next to Tricia, I hope? Hold her hand to help calm her down while we say whatever we're going to say.

>>23869835
hold Tricia's hand
"I...Its serious."

"Everyone tells me Tricia barely left my side when I was unconscious from this *motion to the veins, eyes and hair*. I was out for 3 months and she was waiting right beside me when I woke up."

>>23869843
"Keep pressing the point. Tricia's at her cutest when she's flustered."

>>23869903
That it is.

>>23869858
>>23869865
>>23869861

"It's serious; I love her with all of my heart." You say, taking her hand.

Tricia goes bright red. "I love her too." She says.

Katherine clucks her tongue and smiles. Alexander chuckles.

"Was it all the arguing?" You ask.

"Well, also how you two never went anywhere without each other," Katherine smiled. "I knew you'd either end up as sisters or lovers." She sighs. "Oh it reminds me of my early days...well, I lived in Citadel back then...things were different." She looks at Alexander and grabs his arm. "Course, now I'm actually happy...and I hope you two will be too."

Alexander shakes his head. "Umm, can I talk to the girls alone, dear?"

She nods. "Of course." She leaves. Alexander sits down. "So...you two have been inside Citadel..." He sighs. "Has it gotten worse? When I found your mother, at least there was some shred of love and compassion in all of that. IS it still like that, or...?"

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>>23869904
>holding hands in front of her parents

>>23869823
This is entirely true and canonical. I have decided.

All that's left is for echo to pick up on it.

>>23869933
Oh thank the Light someone who we don't need to convince we aren't crazy.

Well, the people in our little caravan are mostly survivors of an attempted public execution because Citadel couldn't break them.

>>23869939
To my shame, never had the time to sit down and watch Brotherhood, I've only seen the first FMA. I did get to see the Shambala movie for all it's wretchedness. (Don't get me started) But...well...maybe a little more world weary Hughes but I can see it.

>>23869933
What shred of good was left in Citadel came rolling into town behind us today.

>>23869933
"True love there struggles against the storybook love, like a candle in a gale, but it's there. We can still see it in some of the people we've brought with us to Stone Hall. And the stronger it is, the more it survives."
>>23869918
Tell this story, and say that you think love helps keep you sane there.

>>23869933
"It's a dark place."

(Out of universe response: "It's love, Jim, but not as we know it.")

>>23869933
"It's gotten fairly bad. I don't even think the idea of love could exist in the state Citadel is in now. Well, a true love at least."

>>23869933

It is always darkest before the dawn

>>23869933
"Oh, is it ever. I'm still glad to be on the road and out of there. A good few of the people in my caravan are running too."

>>23869933
"Its bad, three of the people in the caravan would have been executed under false accusations because they didnt 'fit in' to the story it wanted."

"There is still love, but it is actively sabotaging it if they dont follow its narrative."

>>23869963
Hughes can be pretty world weary... except when he's talking about his precious daughter oh my god she's walking today did you know?

And that is what I imagine Ssen's father is like.

>>23869998
Perhaps a bit more conversation with him before we decide he's already in on the world's most dangerous secret? So far he might just be thinking of it as a seedy place, not an oppressive malicious one.

>>23869998
yeah, let's not include this part.

>>23870022
>>23870048
ah guess I misinterpreted what he said, sounded like he knows what Citadel is to me.

>>23869973
"True love there struggles against the storybook love, like a candle in a gale, but it's there. We can still see it in some of the people we've brought with us to Stone Hall. And the stronger it is, the more it survives."

Tricia snorted in disbelief. "What shred of good was left in Citadel came rolling into town behind us today."

You nod. "It's a dark place."

Alexander shakes his head. "We tried, a lot, we kept it from infecting the other towns at least...but at the end, we just couldn't bring ourselves to just...stop it. All those lives, you know." He takes a drink. "And I heard about," He gestures to your injuries. "That was the Humors, right?" He shook his head. "We went at them with a host of fifteen...and three of us managed to crawl away, me on your father's back."

"That was the end of the Caligo Clarus, your Father's at least." He sighed. "He was a broken man, the Light had asked him to deliver and he had failed...no one was saying that he didn't try, but sometimes you try and try and try...and the Darkness will simply say No.

"So he turned in his helm and mantle, and wandered as a sell-sword. He came here to get some quick coin, do something easy, and then..." He chuckled. "He said that right before he saw you, his entire world was filled with a bright light. He said it was a sign.

"Course now we know it was just the brilitie ore in the tower lighting up when the lighting hits it...happens all the time." Alexander shrugs. "But now...now there's a new chance...and I think he'd be happy with that. No matter what happens." He raises his glass. "To the Caligo Clarus...for guiding your Father out of his own darkness."

>>23870072
Raise a glass with him.

"It's nice to talk to someone who already knows about Citadel, and to have confirmation that my father and his companions knew about it and fought against it. We intend to stop it, but we want to make a plan that won't destroy the people along with the malice. We can survive without guaranteed prosperity, but not through a full tantrum."

>>23870064
Nah, it sounded like that to me, but I wanted to say something a bit more subtle that we could back out of if it really didn't know. "storybook love" could just have been a metaphor for the kind shown in the seedy plays Citadel has; "it is actively sabotaging it if they dont follow its narrative" was unambiguous. But thank His Light, he actually knows!

>>23870072
Damn, outnumbered by more than three to one and they still won? The more I hear about the Humors the less I like our chances.

>>23870142
Echo mentioned they would be immensely powerful, consider Granny also opposed them directly and lost

>>23870072
"Who was the third survivor?"

>>23870072
Raise your glass.
"My father and us all"
Drink!

"I didn't know, for sure, that my father fought the same battle I do. I'm thankful you told me.

Would it be in bad taste to ask you how you stopped it from spreading to the towns? It might help us again some day."

>>23870142
Think of it this way.

How much twinking could you do to a party of five with an ENTIRE KINGDOM'S INCOME? Because they have more than that.

>>23870142
They could use their magic to resurrect people and that was just the tip of the iceberg. No wonder they won. I think part of it is that Citadel itself lends power to them.

>>23870163
that too.

My thoughts of never confronting the Dramatae directly has been confirmed. We spoil their plans. Make sure theur puppets fail one way or another and cause Citadel itself to grow displeased with tme.

>>23870151
> how you stopped it from spreading to the towns? It might help us again some day.

This, and we'd also like to know how they *would* have stopped it if they could bring themselves to. Not that we'd make any different decision, but right now we're talking about an abstract force of narration; some concrete actions might give us ideas.

>>23870149
>"Who was the third survivor?"

Nice catch!

>>23870149
>"Who was the third survivor?"
Dad.

>>23870217
Father, Alexander, ???

>>23870217
No, we already know about him and Alexander:

>>23870072
>three of us managed to crawl away, me on your father's back."

We don't know the third.

>>23870117
You and Tricia raise a glass with him.

"It's nice to talk to someone who already knows about Citadel, and to have confirmation that my father and his companions knew about it and fought against it. We intend to stop it, but we want to make a plan that won't destroy the people along with the malice. We can survive without guaranteed prosperity, but not through a full tantrum."

"Well," Alexander gets up from his seat and goes to a shelf. He gets something off of there and comes back. It's a coin that's made out of a white metal that shines and glistens like fallen snow. He drops it on the table and it makes a sound that sounds like someone singing a note.

"This is all I, and your father, can offer you in the fight." He says.

"A coin?" Tricia says as she takes it.

"It's what it's made of." Alexander says. "It's a special metal, we never came up with a word for it. They were always just the Lantern Coins to us. We found a chest of them, and we thought that we had won."

"Why?"

"Because, this is what was used to stop the Dragon That Was Made Of Shadows, you hold in your hand a fragment of the First Lantern." He takes a drink. "It wasn't a Lantern, at least I don't think it was, but it was a weapon. During the rise of Citadel, the First Lantern was taken, and melted into these."

"Why?"

"How better to scatter something then to turn it into a coin?" Alexander asks. "It trades hands constantly and someone can forget it in a drawer for ages. Odds are good there's still old tarnished Lantern Coins in circulation. We found a cache of them, and we thought we had the Humors. Your father made a sword out of it...but...it wasn't enough. Either the sword was wrong, or one of the coins wasn't real, or it wasn't supposed to BE a sword...either way, it didn't work." Alexander snarls. "Last I saw of it was Peace picking it up...bastard probably kept it as a trophy." He shrugs. "I know it's not much, but it's what I can offer you in your quest."

>>23870235
Well that explains why we need to get to Bronze Peak.

>>23870257
Indeed.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23815898/#p23817803
> You dream of a giant pile of coins that are white as snow, and sing when they strike the ground.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23815898/#p23818034
>"Where should I go to find the next piece of the puzzle?"
> He gestures to the piles of white coins that make music notes when they hit the ground. "This is what I got. I think it's Bronze Peak too, because it's cold. Other than that, you're seeing what I can get from what I can do that doesn't tip off Citadel."

>>23870149
"Who was the third survivor?"

Alexander finishes his drink and bangs it down. He takes a deep breath. "I dislike speaking about him. Your father and I had many arguments about him. You father trusted him, and I do not. I think he might have betrayed us. His name is Tallow and he lives in Bronze Peak. If he's still alive. I wish to speak no more about him."

>>23870300
Tell him about the conversation with the Fifth, seeing the Lantern coins, and the advice to travel to Bronze Peak.

>>23870300
>>23870309
First ask how many Humors there were, for all we know Tallow MIGHT be the the Fifth. If he says there were four then reply, "Well that's two for three" Then tell him about our dream.

>>23870235
> Either the sword was wrong, or one of the coins wasn't real, or it wasn't supposed to BE a sword...either way, it didn't work.

Sounds like we need to find out what the First Lantern actually *was*, beyond "not a sword".

Also, "Where did you find the chest of Lantern Coins?"

>>23870309
"Uncle Alex," You say. "Umm, did anyone ever speak to someone they called The Fifth?"

Alexander looks at you, his eyebrows crossed. "Tallow, actually. He led us to the chest of coins, claiming that he had been guided by someone he called the Fifth. I thought he was touched in the head, but your Father believed him. Why do you ask?"

"It's come up in our research." You say, slightly shaking your head at Tricia. "We just wanted to see if there's anything worth looking into."

Alexander nods. "At this point ladies, if you hear of a thread of anything that could help, grab at it, we have very few options that don't end with an ocean of blood on our hands." He chuckles. "It's getting late, I think someone has to impress all of us yokels at church."

>>23870337
"Where did you find the chest of Lantern Coins?"

"In a forgotten vault of a bandit king who was long dead. We took it out from his skeleton hands." He chuckled. "It was inside a cave in a long forgotten grove in the deepest parts of the Fey Woods."

>>23870356
That was invaluable.

Leaving aside the Citadel-inspired ones, does Lea have any experience preaching?

>>23870376
Hmmm. We need to get going now, but I wonder if Alexander knows the name of the bandit king?

>>23870356
"Oh boy, and I haven't even prepared anything.

Well, we'll see how it goes. It's not the end of the world if I don't deliver a momentous sermon."

>>23870390
Stitcher, are you the only one posting now? Cause I think it might be a good idea to end it for the evening if so.

>>23870434
Critique guy still watching, waiting, judging. Figuring out what suggestions to email.

>>23870434
im here, trying to think up a sermon

>>23870434
Nevermind. Still, I think I'm gonna call it an evening, I work all day tomorrow. So that sadly means that there will be NO Lamia Child Quest for Monday. I apologize, but I need a break, and time to figure out what happens next.

Next thread will be on Tuesday, March 26th, starting between 12-2pm. Hope to see you there, glad you're liking the story, and may His Light be with you. I'll take the critiques at your leisure. Please archive this, and go ahead with your crazy theories about what the First Lantern could be.

>>23870434
I am an anonymous poster who stands by until he sees a good time to post some dialogue.

I have not done this since asking tricia's dad how he stopped the spread of the citadel. Sorry for being quiet, I jsut have no input at the moment.

>>23870462
12-2pm PST to be exact.

>>23870462
Ah, no problem echo. Everyone deserves a break, though I'll miss lamia quest dearly tomorrow.

also: THE FIRST LANTERN WAS AN ECONOMIC SYSTEM OR BARTERERS GUILD. IT WAS ALWAYS COINS.

YOU KILL THE CITADEL WITH THE SWORD OF ECONOMICS.

>>23870473
Liam Patrick, Alexander Greats, and the other Caligo Clarus stopped the infection of Citadel to the soul of the other towns by disrupting a second ritual and breaking the MacGuffin that the Humors were using. The sword was effective in smashing an Apparatus that was powered by the Shadows and Sparks, so the Lantern metal works...just not well enough.

That was also when they received the total beatdown from the Humors.

Someone may wish to archive this thread if it is done for the night.

>>23870462
archived

>>23870457
Oh, good. I have a few scattered ideas, but no cohesive outline, mostly because we don't have a particularly specific goal we're aiming to achieve with it.

At the moment, I'm hoping we can get some input from Father Uriah and Lea, just to find out what we're aiming for and what general message we might want to try for. What's going on in River's Crossing so we can relate, what a Paladin's sermon might typically draw from, that kind of thing.

Relevant source material we can draw from:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23701256/#p23709778
> A line in one of the many poems in the Codex.
> "Clear are the eyes, who see us through the times of strife and change."
>
> The Teachings are long and flowery in their prose, but if you want to be like the Lightkeeper Priest who spoke the entire Teachings to the Conclave Student while he stood on one foot it goes as such.
>
> 1) Love, Forgiveness, and Charity are the highest virtues
> 2) Knowledge is never to be feared, Change is inevitable
> 3) Evil is always a conscious choice.
> 4) Treat others as you would yourself
> 5) His Light is the way, grant him your reverence.

We could also take inspiration from the Caligo Clarus motto, which the people of this town other than Alexander may not necessarily know, assuming Father didn't preach it:

"For In The Darkness Is Where His Light Is Needed Most, Thus There In The Darkness I Must Stay."

Hopefully some of that provides some useful inspiration.

>>23870539
Oh man, I am so not up to making a sermon. I hope you guys got that.

I am usually more up to short, sweet lines like "It wants to tell your story, but you should tell your story" and the like.

>>23870235
>"Because, this is what was used to stop the Dragon That Was Made Of Shadows, you hold in your hand a fragment of the First Lantern." He takes a drink. "It wasn't a Lantern, at least I don't think it was, but it was a weapon. During the rise of Citadel, the First Lantern was taken, and melted into these."
It was turned into coins because money changes hands often and is often handled directly.

The first lantern is a powerful anti mind control artifact.

So basically, as the money spread and changed hands more people realized what was going on.

>>23870675
yessss that is exactly what happened.

Also, anyone think this news that our father fought the citadel is a bad thing? It means the dramatae not only know about our order, they also know we most likely intend to rival them, and they are already preparing plans to defeat us.

well if it wasn't a latern how about a bell? I mean a mountain of coins does not sound like a sword or any other weapon you can really wield in my mind.

Oh man this thread is still here when I wake up. That means I can actually discuss lamia quest fer once!

Why do the dramatae allow clarigo clarus paladin cerimonies? It seems to turn out not the best.

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>>23869635
>How long would Ssen need to be away to visit Bright Tower?
This. We should get up there.
It might be possible to restore it and use as a forward base one day. Also I cant shake the idea of a big tower that lights up when struck by lightning = Lighthouse. Thing needs a Lantern. Maybe not the first lantern but something.

>>23877263
You know what? I agree. We should totally get ourselves some kind of tower.

EVEN OUR LIBRARIAN agrees! Also he offered to be our archivist or something earlier. What's that mean?

>>23873506
It might have been a bell. Or a press. Or maybe even a statue.

What if we needed a statue to bind the spirit with?