You've gone into the decaying city of Grand Citadel in order to rescue Her Illuminated Self. The high holiest figure of the Church of His Light.

Your first stop was in the neighborhood of Feather Hill. The place has been turned into a barricaded fortress, guarded by the Shadow Company. Once a group of bridge engineers, road maintenance, and toll collectors; now transformed into a small militia defense force, working out of a Shadow Puppet theater.

The leader, Janos Jesspy, informed you on what was going on within the city. The Paladins and Occuli were at war with each other, a schism happening after the dissolution of the Purple Occuli. One side taking over the Occuli HQ, and the other commandeering the Marketplace.

Unfortunately, its only gotten worse as the two sides are far from being cohesive. They continue to fracture within themselves into small groups as personal agendas take over, and leadership changes frequently, and very often with blood.

The 'Messenger Of Light' and the 'High Lord Paladin, Speaker of the Messenger,' who you know to be Peace and Trevor, don't seem to be that concerned about stopping the conflict. They pick and choose who they 'cleanse' and currently have Her Illuminated Self in a 'Spiritual Seclusion' which, from the information that Janos gave you, is something you need to rescue her from. Promptly.

>>25265704
Mage was able to extrapolate where the next 'Place of Meditation' will be. A temple in the Ocean District. Unfortunately, there's two other districts between Feather Hill and there, and neither of them are as pleasant as the military lockdown that Feather Hill is in.

Rioting and armed conflict during the day, and...things...stalking the streets during the night. Still, a little thing like the possibility of horrific death never slowed down the Dawnchasers.

With the use of a little costuming, hair color changing, and a pet naga double, you've all disguised yourself as you go through the city. First Ruby Steppes, then South Savvy, and then you'll reach the Ocean District. All of it dangerous, and worst of all...you know that Citadel itself is watching your every move.

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Welcome back once again, Echo. Good to have the quest two days in a row.

Also, I'm really not looking forward to whatever citadel has up its sleeve.

>>25265720
proceed on our path to the Ocean District.

i have a feeling this will be bad.

Time to head further into the beast

>>25265857
Don't worry, nothing could go wrong!

We couldn't possibly fail at a stealth mission!

Citadel is probably just noting how fancy a naga that lady has.

Time for ADVENTURE!

You know what I'm glad about?

Nobody's paid any attention to us.

This would be MUCH more embarrassing if somebody paid attention to our horrible horrible disguise.

Ruby Steppes seems to based around the stone carving business. You see sculptors, statue galleries, and shops offering the best stoneware in Citadel. It also looks like there's been a bit of a...tiff...between some of the shops that sell similarly themed items. Smashed windows, graffiti, and you can see signs that offer deals with one hand, and backwards insults with another.

"Guess when Citadel started to dry up, shops started to lose customers." Peri says.

"Only so many people want to buy an amusingly shaped chamber pot." Lea says.

"You know, there's supposedly this thing in the Idea Market that Barney says could be the next big thing." Mari says. "As far as chamber pots and crap goes."

"Oh?" Mage asks.

"Yeah, something to do with water." Mari says. "Barney rambles a lot. Of course, the guy selling it has a little difficulty."

"Why?" Tricia asks.

"His name's Franklin Plopp." Mari says smiling.

Lea chuckles. "Oh, that is an unfortunate name to have associated with that kind of business."

"Or a good one." Tricia says.

You can hear shouting coming from the center of the Steppes. You pass by it. It's a large circular area, that's dominated by a huge, very ornate, fountain...only now it's not a fountain. Now it's been converted into a gallows...and there's a man being prepared for it.

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The Dramatae, in Bronze Peak.

>>25266001
stop saying hilarious things you guys, you'll make us laugh and blow our cover

>>25266001
Have they read gallowman's crimes yet? He could be a straight up murderer.

How worth it would it be to drop our cover and speak out for the guy, in the case of mistrial?

>>25266043
"Remember," Tricia says, gently holding up the borrowed leash. "You aren't a Paladin, and we aren't Occuli now."

"With everyone there, we can get through here pretty quickly." Mari says.

Lea shakes her head. "It kills me to say this, but those two aren't wrong."

"Let it be known!" A voice says. "That we hang this man today, under the skies of Citadel, and by the right of fair trial. We of the True Paladin Order of His Light, Keepers of the Law, Followers of the Full Spectrum, do hereby indict this man Agustine Greene, known as Aggy, on the crimes of larceny, high treason, assault, and rape. These crimes were committed with full knowledge of their heinous nature, and, should he be found guilty, will be sentenced to hang by the neck, until dead."

There's five people standing on top of the fountain. Someone's constructed a wooden platform at the top above it all. You see two men in chain holding a struggling man. A woman in chain-plate is reading off a scroll and the last man is holding a rope noose. All of them, save the struggling man, have purple cloth sashes across their waists.

Rolled 9

>>25266302
Considering who has power at this point, justice is a joke.

Downside being Citadel is watching, and doesn't like the status quo (new or old) disturbed.

>>25266302
>>25266302
I think Citadel is possibly poking us.

>>25266348
Seems legit.

Seems.

>>25266348
Oh man they haven't even had the trial yet, this will take hours!

We'll determine whether or not these guys are nutters and stop them as need be after we keep the HIS from becoming citadel2: electric boogaloo.

Tighten your fists, grit your teeth, and keep going. That's my advice.

(How the heck do you get both high treason AND rape charges? Must have been some wild night)

>>25266348
We can't really do anything. We don't even know that he isn't a rapist. Just keep slithering on.

>>25266348
check the list of good people for his name, he might be one of the trusted ones for us.

>>25266470
Man that thing is like 600 people long

>>25266348
Just keep going. The way things are in Citadel right now, it's impossible to tell who's in the right or wrong. It's the freaking Wild West in here.

>>25266470
Check the name. We only help if they are on the short list.

>>25266498
why is it that we can knock out a hostage situation and 2 bandit clans in an afternoon, but a rape case or exhoneration of a prisoner takes like a week?

>>25266348
Just throwing this out there, but don't we know Aggy?

Possibly try some covert use off abilities to free him?

>>25266534
I'd be more willing to stay and intervene if we weren't on a very strict timeline.

>>25266559
I think we might possibly know aggy.

I don't remember from where. I think he might share a nickname with that elf who ran the snack shop we took to stone hall. How would he have gotten back here?

>>25266576
it was more of a rhetorical question about how much easier it was to kill some bandits than work with the legal system.

> d>25266589
Vaguely remember a fruit merchant from Citadel with that name. The charges seem a bit grandiose for what's happening.

>>25266454
"The statement is as thus, upon two nights ago, Aggie Green did knowingly and willingly, rape Illsabell Wynde. This came after him passing information concerning the safety of Ruby Steppe to known Traitors of the Paladin Order, those who abolished the rule of law for their own sake, not just that earlier day. Also, he exchanged goods that did not belong to him in exchange for money, to the faithless heathens of Feather Hill. Also, let it be known that when confronted with suspicion of these crimes, he struck one of His Light's most holy servants." The speaker turns to Aggie. "How do you plead to these charges?"

"Bullshit!" He says. "You can't kill me just because I talked to my uncle! He's an Occuli in the market, yeah, but he's just my uncle!" He screams. "We talked about the damn weather!"

"He is a known traitor and a spreader of dissent." The woman says.

"And I sold one of my brother's bowls to the Shadow Company! My family needs to eat!" He snaps.

"Your brother is fighting the good fight for the Purity of the Faith," The woman says. "He would have never consented to sell one of HIS works to the Godless. You had no right, nor charter to act in his stead."

"Bitch!" He snarls.

"And your last charge? The one most heinous?"

Aggie calms his struggles and stares at the woman. "You can kill me for all that other crap you made up, but don't you DARE call me a rapist!" He snarls. "Illsabell's just saying that so her father doesn't beat her again! It was a party, she said it was okay!"

The woman strikes Aggie. "You will NOT lie in this sacred proceeding! The girl was passed out, and YOU took advantage of her!"

"I don't see him on the list." Lea says, as she consults the ally enemy list. "No Greenes on either. And you know Balles wouldn't screw up alphabetical order."

"Ughh, guys..." Tricia pulls on the leash and points. "Trouble."

There's a group of people in armor approaching on horseback, they have purple paint on their right shoulders.

(cont)

>>25266714
>purple around shoulders, not waists
A rival faction?

Have them fight it out!

>>25266714
I think it's time to NOPE the fuck outta here.

>>25266635
>Vaguely remember a fruit merchant from Citadel with that name.

Different guy, similar name...unless I screwed up. Then I need to change the name.

>>25266714

These new soldiers don't look happy. They also have a girl with them. She's gagged with a cloth and has rope tied around her wrist.

They ride into the circle. "By order of His Light and the Paladin Order, we demand that this farce cease and desist! We, the Followers of the Violet Truth, shall not allow this to continue. That man is innocent of all charges. This girl..." He points to the girl that's thrown onto the ground from the horses. "Is guilty of High Treason, Heresy, Theft, Assault, and Slander with Intent to Murder!"

"Illsabell!" Aggie cries out.

"You have no authority here, false Paladin!" The woman shouts. "Begone from this place, and take your tainted Occuli with you!"

>>25266714
Oh great. Gang warfare... and using innocents as well. This sounds like a job for Tricia and Mage. If we can get those two free of their bindings then they can run when it comes to open blows.

>>25266797
Wait for them to be well and true distracted. Have mage cast the sneaking spell on peri during this time.

Once they're fighting it out, peri frees the prisoners and has them run for it.

Feasible plan?

>>25266714
>>25266797
As much as I 'd like to help out, this smells like a bad version of a Citadel play. And since discretion is half of valor, we should focus on our mission guys.

>>25266845
This sounds good.

>>25266845
I was thinking insects eating through the ropes, but Peri and Mage works as a supplement.

>>25266797
...

Is there a way to get these two out of here in the coming chaos while the rival chucklefucks kill each other?

>>25266845
Combine with Tricia helping, and it should work.

>>25266861
insects might be sneakier, but I don't know how fast tricia can feasibly eat ropes.

>>25266797
Guys. Remember what we're here for. We're supposed to be getting to the Ocean District before nightfall or we're going to be all sorts of fucked.

Plus, we don't know who's in the right or wrong here. We have no context for what is going on, so intervening would literally be jumping into the dark.

And you know, burning valuable daylight.

>>25266845
"Mage, do your stalking spell on Peri." You say.

"Once they're fighting it out, Peri, you free the prisoners and have them run for it."

Peri shakes her head. "I can get the girl easy enough, but how can I get to the guy up there?" She nods at Aggie. "They're going to see me."

"Tricia? Can you get your swarm up there?" You ask.

Tricia nods. "Yeah. I can try that."

Mage puts his staff on Peri's shoulder and starts to chant. Tricia's hands slip into her sleeves and she starts to concentrate.

Roll 1d20

Rolled 15

>>25266943

Rolled 13

>>25266943
Rolling

Rolled 16

>>25266943
We are going to roll a 1!

>>25266951
>>25266953
>>25266956
all successes. nice

>>25266951
Welp hopefully that's high enough.

Go, our adventuring party!

Do for us while we are busy being in some kind of terribly embarrassing pet disguise!

>>25266910
yeah, but this will take like, a minute.

No way there's enough unjust hangings to delay us for more than like, an hour. tops.

and that's 60 unjust hangings!

>>25266961
Averaged a bare success. Good, but we'll need to be careful, and make sure Issabel and Aggy can get away, most likely to the shadow company. Give them gold in case they need it.

>>25266956
Mage's spell goes off without a fuss and Tricia's sending a few flying beetles that apparently can eat rope towards the gallows.

The Violet Truth and Full Spectrum are still shouting at each other, arguing about districts, authority, leadership, but they both agree that doing any business with Feather Hill is considered to be a vile act...but it's debatable if it's considered to be theft or heresy.

Also, it's pretty clearly a he said/she said mess regarding Illsabell and Aggie. It was a party to celebrate a 'victory over the corrupt' and Aggie says that she was awake and gave consent, Illsabell says she was passed out. Witnesses say that they both were drunk, but no one saw what happened for sure. Illsabell's father is a jerk though, and people don't disbelieve that Illsabell might have lied to cover it up...but Aggie's not a sterling guy in the slightest and the crowd also thinks that Aggie is the kind of guy who would engage in congress with a passed out girl.

Also, and this is probably the most important part...you can see other armed people taking positions on the roof or dropping down into the alleys. These ones in full official armor, not the semi-slapdash ones the two gangs are wearing. They also have...what the fuck...they have white sashes and the center of their Nine-Star is clear!

>>25267144
What the fuck?

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>>25267144
Hmm. Wonder what that means.

Get up against the walls. I'm sure peri knows to do the same. The weather might change soon.

>>25267144
Not our business... really not our business. Damnit Citadel arranged this show just for us didn't it?

Lets just continue on with our little prisoner breakout and then continue on. We can't get bogged down here so continue moving out of the square. Peri can catch up to us.

>>25267144
wait and see what happens from a safe observation place.

>>25267247
I -do- want to check in with those paladins later.

After we get HIS to a temporary safehouse so we can figure out how to get her OUT of here.

>>25267144
If the kids are out, they have a chance to make it.

That's all we can give them right now. Let's not stick around. Clear Paladins or no, we have our own work to do.

>>25267144
These guys definitely have to be Trevor's Paladins. Free the prisoners and NOPE the fuck outta here.

>>25267247
Actually we're the head of the order. Paladins with a clear symbol are OUR buisness

>>25267144
Let's just move to the end of the plaza and wait for Peri there. If the clear guys seems legit, we may talk to them. If not, we have a mission to attend to.

>>25267302
we're incognito right now.

>>25267302
Yes, but right now we're in disguise. We can't just blow our cover.

>>25267302
yes, but there's a list of things that are our business. We'll work in a 3-o-clock suicide mission tomorrow, after lunch.

>>25267302
We're the head of our Order because we're the ONLY one of our Order. Who the hell are these guys.

Let's not tempt fate.

>>25267316
>>25267321
>>25267323
>>25267352
Points taken

>>25267298
Definitely this.

>>25267144
These guys are either fake Caligo Clarus set up by Trevor and Peace, or these are Caligo Clarus wannabes. I'm more inclined to think the former, since they're apparently very well equipped, which only the guys in power would be able to afford.

>>25267431
Or accomplished thieves or someone that raided the blacksmith's quarter. Seeing as citadel is a burning rioting mess, I wouldn't imagine any of these would be a stretch

>>25267431
Or the Citadel things are escaped souls thing is true, and they're actual Cargo Clarius.

Peri is untying Illsabell, and you see Aggie start at the feeling of his ropes being untied.

The two sects are still shouting and arguing with each other.

"In the name of Citadel, His Majesty King Newgate, and Her Illuminated Self, we of the Caligo Clarus order all of you to stand down!" One of the new arrivals shouts as he walks into the plaza. The other soldiers all stand up pointing crossbows from the roof. "This is an illegal assembly, and you are all guilty of acting without any official authority or mandate! You are to surrender your weapons and return to your homes. Non-compliance will be met with deadly force!"

"Traitors!" The woman yells.

"Clear bastards!" The man on horseback says. "You people are destroying this city, ALL of you!"

"We're not the ones doing a false trial!" The armored man shouts.

"We're trying to stop it!"

"This is a legal and fair proceedings!"

"This is going to get ugly, fast." Tricia says.

"It already is ugly." Lea says.

Mage shakes his head. "Peri's stuck there. she can't get those two out of this mess without someone seeing them."

>>25267431
>>25267450
>>25267455
Or they could be actual Paladins that have realised that something is Wrong with the city and have decided to emulate us. If they're legit and on the level they could be invaluable help.

>>25267510
Mutter, so as to prevent people from hearing the talking-damn-lamia
"See if you can signal for peri to get out of there. The prisoners can get out on their own once they are untied. They've got to."

>>25267559
yes, it could be a super good thing.

We really will have to check in on this later.

>>25267559
looks legit to me
>>25267510
Get her out and haul ass

>>25267510
Can we get Peri to leave them there? Just untie them and go. Because these guys sound like they're Trevor's guys.

We could always try fighting them at some point.

If their amulets glow when beacon glows... befriend their shit!

>>25267591
>>25267571
Doesn't seem very paladin like to run away like that especially with innocents on the line

>>25267661
the plan was to untie them and go. They're good enough to get out on their own once untied, given this level of distraction.

The problem is now that we've got people WATCHING from above, they might ID peri.

>>25267571
"See if you can signal for Peri to get out of there. The prisoners can get out on their own once they are untied. They've got to." You say.

Tricia nods and concentrates. You see Peri's camouflaged form slink away from Illsabell.

She heads up to you. "Okay, she's untied and I see that he's untied as well. We're making a break for it, I take it?" Peri asks.

You nod.

"Alright, then lets all just calmly walk away. We're just gawkers with their pet lamia going home." Mage says.

You turn to leave. It does seem that these 'Claigo Clarus' are more intent on just getting everyone to go home, as opposed to having a trial. They're being very aggressive about it, granted, but they're more 'drop your weapons and walk away' as opposed to the other two groups who are out for blood, and command over the Steppe.

Still you're able to slip away from the crowded plaza and head back on the path that you were heading before.

Roll 3d20. This isn't a target, this is three different things. Lower is better.

Rolled 20, 12, 20 = 52

>>25267699

Rolled 5, 1, 18 = 24

>>25267699

Rolled 19, 6, 2 = 27

>>25267699

Rolled 2, 2, 1 = 5

>>25267699

Damn it! If only we had more time, but for now we'll just have to settle for having Tricia follow them with some of her insects and see where they go/what they do after this.

Rolled 12, 12, 15 = 39

>>25267699

>>25267713
>>25267699

Oh gods.

>>25267699
I hope those clears can regain order. They seem like they're trying to do something approximating the right thing.

Rolled 17, 1, 2 = 20

>>25267699
Oh man, this will work out great.

Rolled 14, 3, 12 = 29

>>25267699
rolling
>>25267713
FUCK

>>25267729
pity I didn't wait for a minute.

>>25267729
Cry...

>>25267713
>>25267713
CITADEL!!!!!!!!!!!!

>>25267713
by the Light this cannot be good...

pretty sure we're still doing best of 3... oh god I hope we're doing best of 3. Otherwise we'll have peace herself coming down on us.

>>25267713
DON'T BLINK!

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>>25267713
Well fuck any and all kinds of assorted duck.

>>25267756
>>25267754
what, you guys LIKE high rolls

riiiight?

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>>25267713
Why do we even have that 'lower is better' rule? It just messes everything up...

>>25267803
encounter rolls are low rolls.

>>25267803
sometimes it helps!

think of it of this way the higher the roll the bigger the challenge. Therefore if you want a quiet and stress free journey you want low.

>>25267803
"Lower is better" is usually used for random encounters

>>25267803
variety.
if it was always higher we'd still fail just as often, don't worry.

Rolled 10, 11, 20 = 41

>>25267699
Rolling 1s

>>25267803
because it decides the encounter difficulty, not a particular action on our part, higher the number the more difficult an encounter.

also if we needed high rolls it would have been the 2, 2, 1 roll that was first.

>>25267716
>>25267727
If we're going best of three thats 5, 1, 2

Not bad.

>>25267891
you have a good grasp on TG dice mechanics.

>>25267936
doesn't work like that. At minimum 24.

>>25267936
its best set, not individual for multi-dice rolls.

so probably 5, 1, 18 if its best of 3.

So we're gonna argue about dice until Echo finishes writing aren't we?

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>>25267991
It's either that or think up new ideas as to how badly this is going to go

>>25267991
pretty much, i suspect it may be a few minutes slower for an update, seeing as he was probably too busy laughing to write for a while.

>>25268022
DramateWalkInAftenSsenShowsUp.gif

>>25267991
Like every time ever!

I thought that's how you participate in quest threads with dice anyway.

>>25268041
yeah, that generally gets him for a few minutes

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>>25268050
we should perhaps come up with a mark we can leave on walls whenever we do one of these incidents.

>>25267713
You slip out of the plaza just at the moment you hear this:

"YOU BITCH! TELL THEM THE TRUTH!" You hear Aggie yell. "You're just covering for your FAT-!"

TWANG.

"Urk..."

You all spin around to look. Illsabell grabbed one of the Violet Truth's crossbows and now Aggie has a bolt in his chest.

"Against the wall!" You hear Lea shout. "NOW!"

You all flatten yourselves agaist the wall. A NEW force of Occuli come in. These are Reds. There's about twice as many as the others, and they're all well equipped.

They don't even announce themselves. They just draw steel and charge into battle.

"GET THE CIVILIANS OUT OF HERE!" You hear the guy who was leading the Caligo Clarus yell.

The plaza has descended into chaos. You hear people screaming, the sounds of blades and crossbows.

"We need to run." Tricia says.

You all take off down the road following the path given to you. However, you come up short when you're forced to stop.

There's a force of four Red Occuli and a full Paladin standing in the middle of the road. The Paladin is wearing full armor and a visored helm, so you can't see her face.

"Halt!" One of the Occuli says.

"Forgive us!" Lea pants. "We're...we're just trying to get home."

"We live in Ocean District." Mage points.

"All of you do?" The occuli asks.

"Well...this...this is my...my wife." Mage says, pointing to Peri. "And this is my sister and her pet Lamia." He points at Tricia and you.

"Yes, she's a good girl." Tricia says. "Bow to the nice Occuli...Princess."

"Her name is Princess?" One of the other Occuli asks.

"I got her when I was little." Tricia says. "I wasn't too great with names."

"Who're you then?" The main one asks Lea.

"I work with him." Lea says. "We came to Ruby Steppe to buy some stone for our ship." She says. "They wanted my eye."

"And I live with my brother, and thought princess could do with a walk. Isn't that right, dear?" Tricia asks you.

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>>25268093
I make the following nomination.

>>25268135

Echo, didn't you say that critical fails would only delete the best roll?

>>25268135
curtsy, remember the expression Princess had and do your best to mimic it.

oh and don't speak.

>>25268173
pretty sure that is VC Merc quest

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>>25268135
>You all spin around to look. Illsabell grabbed one of the Violet Truth's crossbows and now Aggie has a bolt in his chest.
Welp. Hopefully it missed anything vital.

Other than that Redaeth has the right idea.

>>25268181
Do... Do pets curtsy?

Is that a pet thing to do?

>>25268173
>>25268210
Echo has been changing the system back and froth for awhile now so we're not too sure about that right now. But yes MC does do that in VCMQ.

>>25268223
It was a crit bolt.

He's a cobblestone now

>>25268241
I can imagine a litle girl teaching her pet Lamia to curtsy yes.

How the hell would a pet respond to that?

Coiling and uncoiling our tail a bit? A hiss, perhaps? I've known dogs to bark on command, it wouldn't be too far off.

>>25268210
>>25268249

Well considering I've never read that quest, I can only conclude that Echo did in fact institute this rule.

>>25268135
I say we just hide behind Tricia act the scared pet. You know with all this nose going on and such.

>>25268135
They live in the Ocean District so it makes sense for them to leave en masse for security if the Ocean District being a complete shitheap is true.

Oh and Ssen, don't say a word, dopey Princess face up and look small.

>>25268264
The kid's naga was taught to curtsey

>>25268284
well then, that will work.

Perhaps hide a bit behind tricia after, like another anon says.

>>25268135
A curtsey sounds good.

Ssen: realize it's actually quite unnatural to try to curtsy as a snake. Naga hat skillz

>>25268135
bow to the paladin, a Naga/Lamia is very capable of a bow considering our anatomy.

>>25268425

ssecond

>>25268436

Clever. Third.

This MAY be our only chance to hiss at a guy, while we're disguised like this.

Maybe not to a law enforcement red paladin, but maybe later.

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>>25268459

Fourthed. Also smile in that dumb, pure way that a dog does.

Incidentally, if this goes to blows, no one will look twice at a pet defending its master, as long as we use no weapons.

>>25268514
no using the spines or poison though. Those are Lamia traits, not Naga.

>>25268514
>>25268538
guys, laws about pets who attack people are very strict. We'd probably have to blow cover if it came to that.

>>25268538

Indeed. I think we can do the following while still maintaining the 'domesticated' illusion:

>wrap
>bite/bite poison
>quick-quick (doesn't look like anything other than an exceptionally fast naga)
>claws

>>25268586
>>25268538
tricia claimed us as her pet "lamia" if you read carefully. Those do exist, if you recall ted's mention of lamia pets way back.

But don't use poison anyway. And barbs are unknown in citadel regions.

>>25268586
Don't use claws, Citadel lamias don't have claws.

>>25268664
no, they totes do.
They have claws and bone poison. The rest is unknown.

>>25268514
You bow and give the best dopey smile you can.

"Also, we thought it was best to travel in numbers," Peri says. "And having Princess with us makes people think twice about bothering us." She points over her shoulder. "We just got caught up in that mess back there, and tried to get away as soon as we could."

The four Occuli look at the Paladin. She walks up to you.

"You should have made a report to us." One of the Occuli says. "High Lord Paladin Trevor passed the decree that says that inter-burrough travel is to be registered and recorded for safety."

"Apologies." Lea says. "We spend a lot of time out fishing. We weren't there when we heard it."

"What's the name of your boat?" One of the Occuli asks.

"The Audacious." Peri says, without pause. "It's been a bit banged up. Bad weather."

The Paladin is staring straight at you. You smell something...something weird.

"What faction of rebels were there at the plaza?" The Red asks. "Did you hear anything?"

"The Full Spectrum, the Violet Truth," Mage says. "And the Caligo Clarus."

"The Caligo Clarus were there," The Paladin asks. "I'm sure that they were."

You wince at the smell when the Paladin talks. Her breath reeks.

>>25268808

>inb4 Odette is baaaaaaaack

cower behind Tricia.

>>25268833
She is back.

Fuck

>>25268808
>>25268833
>zombie odette
It could be worse!

>>25268855
you... motherfucker.

>>25268844
yeah, get behind Tricia.

My GOD I hope she doesn't recognize us.

This is the stupidest plan ever we are bad at this why do people go along with what we say

>>25268844
Yeah, this. Plus kinda look towards that Paladin. Hopefully, that will be enough for Tricia or one our people to catch the hint something isn't right with this one.

>>25268855
It could be raining?
Oh wait, it already HAS been raining in Citadel.

We are truly cursed.

>>25268833
Eh, she's just a shell of her former self.

>>25268808
Anyway, this will probably end in combat, but might as well try to scurry away first.

So, it sounds like we should REALLY get in contact with these caligo clarus. They apparently are doing OK work.

Yup the Caligo Clarus sound alright so far. We'll have to get more information about them later.

>>25269092
I bet they're in the place with all the statues.

that's my 5 gold.

I wish we could give more useful and detailed responses to echo, but we gotta be all simple and docile while under cover. Puts a lot of the work on him for the other party members talking.

if Odette starts to attack knock her helmet off. I doubt the Red Occuli will take a zombie in their midsts lying down.

>>25268808

Echo, are you still alive, buddy?

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DON'T. YOU. DARE DIE ON ME!

>>25269340
IT'S FOUR MINUTES YOU GARGANTUAN ANAL DEVOURER

>>25268870
You shy away and get behind Tricia.

"Uhh, you'll have to excuse her." She says. "Princess is very shy."

"Alright," The Red Occuli who was talking to Mage and Lea says. "Next time, be sure to have travel visas. Also, be sure to let us know if there's further incidents where these Caligo Clarus are."

"Of course. Thank you, sir." Mage says.

"Alright, take it easy. Oh, and remember, there IS no curfew." He says. "High Lord Paladin Trevor has said that there is absolutely no reason for law abiding citizens to fear to walk about Citadel. Anything that you hear otherwise is just fear mongering by these purple gangs or the Caligo Clarus. These are BASELESS rumors, that shouldn't be spread. Understand?"

"Completely, sir." Lea says.

"Good, on your way, then." He gestures.

You all start to walk past the small group. Then the Paladin grabs your arm.

"Ma'am?" The Occuli asks.

"Search them." She says. "That one's carrying a spear." She says pointing at Lea. "They could be hiding more weapons."

"Of course, I have a spear." Lea says. "It's for fishing. And I take it with me because of the gangs and violence. Same reason we take dear Princess around with us."

"That's an order." The Paladin says. "Search them."

The Red Occuli sighs and motions for the group to go against the wall. "This staff, sir?"

"It's my father's." Mage says. "I carry it with me for protection."

"And these blades?" Another red asks Peri.

"Fish gutting knives." Peri says. "Again, these aren't the best neighborhoods these days."

"Do any of you have papers for these weapons?" Another one asks. "Of course you don't." He groans and looks at the helmeted Paladin who nods. "I'm sorry to say this, but as of now, you are all bound by law due to illegal carry of unregistered weapons."

"Please turn over all your weapons, and we'll proceed to the nearest holding cell." The other says.

"Make this easy for everyone, and we'll just hold you for the evening and fine you." The third says.

>>25269348

I know, I've just always wanted to post that,

>>25269366
time tested pet excuse. vomit on the ground

>>25269366

Time to fuck them up. Wrap Odette, break all her bones. Mage get ready to cast spells. Lea and Peri do their things, Tricia had better gotten bugs on these Occuli. Get Beacon from Lea and Clang from Tricia.

>>25269366
Do a sweep to knock them all off their feet. Then we run.

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>>25269400
And I've always wanted to post this. But I never really get an excuse to

>>25269366
Try to get the 'Paladins' helmet off.

>>25269405
I don't think that will get us out of this.

Plus all our friends are here and we're already in voyeuristic pet play scenario

>>25269366
no way in hell are we giving up Beacon, especially when we may need to use it in the next section.

have a different party member say

"So gutting knives and fishing spears are now considered weapons? you will have to arrest half the city then."

>>25269428
They've seen us shed. we can deal with vomit.

>>25269366
I guess our disguises are going to accumulate some heat. Make a break for it.
>>25269411
Perhaps trip them first?

>>25269443
also act entirely outraged, as a fishing spear isnt just a tool, its a vital piece for a job, without it we could starve because the markets are in shambles.

>>25269366
No point continuing, it's obvious we've been found out and best case scenario for going with them is we have to jail-break which will involve far more complications and dead paladins than giving up the ruse here.

>>25269495
we don't have to ENTIRELY give up the ruse. We're still unknown perps. We could get away.

Or we could claim to be the paladin serpent, but NO WE'RE NOT TELLING ANYBODY ABOUT THIS so let's not do that.

>>25269366
Have Mage cast Stone to Mud beneath their feet and make a break for it.

>>25269366
Black Venom our claws or go for a paralying bite. Whichvever one is quicker.

>>25269522
Oooh. Clever.

>>25269366
My plan is thus, taken from all the plans.

We let lea and peri be outraged about the weapon confiscations, and we slooowly work our tail around them.

If push comes to shove, we trip all of them when the shoving starts and skedadle with our weapons.

Good?

>>25269366

"Hello, Paladin Odette. How's life treating you?"

>>25269544
that sounds about right, but with mage turning the ground to mud below them too.

if our party can talk our way out of this all the better.

>>25269366
There's only 5 of them, trip them and bolt.

>>25269366
"WHAT IS IT with RED OCCULI and ruining undercover missions? I swear to the Light! The next time this happens I'm going to really need to have a word with someone in charge. This is the second or third time this has happened. Can you incompetents do nothing right?"

"Hello Paladin Odette, how's unlife treating you?"

>>25269602
>>25269553
you, stop that. Not until we're entirely coverblown.

>>25269575
Besides, this is better for when that happens.

>>25269575
Who IS in charge of the red anyway? I bet it's someone annoying.

>>25269544
Lea starts into a rant about the difference between weapons and tools. She asks if they would arrest a carpenter if they walked around with a hammer or a saw.

In the meantime, you slowly work your tail around. The other three Occuli just look as unhappy at this whole scenario as you do. The one Lea's chewing out looks upset at the stupid bitch insulting him for doing his job.

The Paladin is still looking directly at you, and has a good grip on your arm. You stare back. Her eyes...are normal brown and show no trace of rotten milk in the whites.

Your tail is slowly creeping around and into position.

If you wish to do a tail sweep, roll 1d20 +3.

Rolled 5 + 3

>>25269724

>>25269724
Can we like... I don't know bump her helmet off or something. Like we we're trying to rube her face...

Rolled 1

>>25269724
Well, they already "bound us by law". We're not going to talk our way out of this if they're not being lenient already.

I say do it. We'll take the paladin with us by our arm if need be, depending on their grip.

Rolled 17 + 3

>>25269724

>>25269751
>>25269769
noooooo
NOOOOOO

>>25269724

Blink our second pair of eyelids. Only she can see it.

A normal paladin would be wierded out, but pay it no attention. If it IS odette, she'll be looking for a reason to kill us.

>>25269724
wait for it. perhaps hiss at the paladin, as we feel our 'owner' is being threatened.

oh god damnit

>>25269780
This is a good one.

>>25269775
Yesss

Rolled 13 + 3

>>25269724
Rollan for trip.

>>25269724
Try a desperation move before the tail thing. Hiss, blink the second eyelid, knock the helm off... something.

Then make the disastrous tail trip when it fails.

I'm afraid we failed the trip roll. nat 1 cancels out the 17 so we're stuck with the 5.

I believe it is time to curse the Citadel again...

CITADEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>>25269780
>>25269791
You blink your second pair of eyelids and you hiss.

"You're upsetting Princess." Tricia says. "She's a good girl, but if you keep agitating her like that she's going to bite."

"You never got her defanged?" The Red asks.

"It's not mandatory." Lea says. "Also, she's great at keeping rats down."

"She's warning you, and we're warning you." Mage says. "I believe the law's on our side now."

"He's right, your ladyship." One of them says. "You can't blame an animal for biting if its obvious that you antagonized it."

"Whoa!" One of the red's shouts as he almost trips over your tail as you start to move it. "Gah! This thing just gets everywhere." He steps on it. A little harder than he needs to. Ow. "Now, be calm little Princess." He says. "And I'll let go."

The Paladin lets go of your arm.

The sounds of fighting grow louder from the plaza.

"My Lady, we have more important things to deal with than these people." The Red Occuli says.

This is your chance to try and take off the helmet, if you want. Or you can continue the Princess act, or try and throw the Occuli off your tail. Or whatever else you think is appropriate.

>>25269977

Let's throw them off and link up with the Caligo Clarus later.

>>25269977

Continue the Princess act, they are letting us go, lets not look this gifthorse in the mouth.

>>25269977
continue the act, we just got out of this with a hiss and blink, a fail on a helmet grab blow our cover just as effectively as the trip would have.

continue the Princess act and lets skedaddle

>>25269977
Ffffuck it, just throw and bolt.

>>25269977
>nat 1 on trip
>"Woah hey, watch out, you almost knocked me over"
I don't know why I was panicking.

Well, let's get slithering away from those guys. We don't need to knock the helmet off now. Later.

Don't try to THROW the occuli off, but do tug if he's still on it.

Thank god for wacky animal laws

>>25270014
This.

>>25269977
Continue the act and mentally tell Tricia to come here and make it look like she's calming you down

>>25270023
>>25269987
Don't throw you fools!

Gently tug. Make it clear they're standing on your tail.

>>25269977
Princess and gtfo

>>25269977
>continue the Princess act
We're trying get out of this without making a scene.

>>25270054
That's not a real power!

>>25270014
>>25270011
>>25270006

Lea sighs and digs into her pockets. She hands over a pouch of gold. "Is this enough to cover the fine?" She asks.

You hear grumbling as the other Dawnchasers do the same and go for their money.

The Red Occuli smile and the Paladin steps back with arms crossed. It's obvious that she's not happy, but there's a riot mounting over there in the plaza, and these are just small fry. At least, that's what her men are acting like.

It's a bit obvious that the rank and file of the Red Occuli have changed. Which makes sense since most of the trained soldiers have gone rebel. These are more city watchmen given medallions. They're used to simple things, and calm 'fees' like this. Paladins and their orders make them nervous.

They collect the gold and one of the Red Occuli tears off a piece of paper. "There's something to keep you out of trouble for the rest of tonight." He says. "But you need to get travel visas and weapon certifications the next time you do this. Got me?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Lea says.

"Hold on." One of the Occuli chuckles. "They say a kiss from a Princess is good luck." He turns his cheek towards you.

>>25270190
Stare blankly at him. Maybe tilt our head.

>>25270190
Just look confused as fuck.

We've stared at Odette's eyes and heard her voice. Did Ssen recognize either?

>>25270190
pervert.

>>25270190
Blank eyes and tilt head

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>>25270190
>Ssen's face when

>>25270190
Obvious answer is to stare dumbly.

Either that, or flick our tongue.

>>25270190
Scoot back to Tricia. Act shy... again.

>>25270190
Wait for Tricia to give the order, then give him a tongue flick.

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>>25270190
Yeah, just go back to Tricia

*slaps forehead* We could have been talking to Mage this entire time with Lizard Tongue.

>>25270276
We're stupid! Or crazy!

What else is news?

>>25270190
<...someone get this moron away from me.>

>>25270276

Was it necessary? and remember that spell HAS been stolen by citadel agents.

>>25270190
Hide behind Tricia again

>>25270276
careful, they know how to make Mage's translation spells.

dont risk the lizard tongue, just tilt our head and look confused, then look at Tricia.

>getting spurned by a pet
This guy is now going to be made fun of by his companions.

>>25270216
>>25270232
>>25270234

You stare blankly and tilt your head.

Tricia gestures a kiss.

You go over and flick the guy's cheek with your tongue.

He sighs and shakes his head. "Heh." He pats you on the head. "Thanks Princess."

The four men take off towards the sound of the mounting riot. The Paladin hangs back. She points at you. "You may have the flesh fooled...but I have been told. I know better."

She takes off her helmet and all of you take a step back.

It's not Odette.

But she's got a piece of wood embedded into her face. It looks like a chunk of Old Citadel. A piece of amber colored wood with silver inlays and a few semi-precious gems studded into it. From the look of her flesh...it looks like she cut open the side of her face, inserted the piece of debris, and then stitched it closed.

This Paladin inserted a part of Citadel into her body.

"You cannot hide from us." She snarls. She looks at you all. It's obvious that she's out numbered. "There will be a reckoning, Serpent." She replaces her helmet and heads off to follow the Red Occuli.

>>25270493

Great, they know we're coming to rescue HIS

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>>25270493

Fuck. We have turncoats. Is this a potential Passion? A Blank? Or a simple Citadel golem?

>>25270493
Well fuck

>>25270493
Wave goodbye. What a nice citadel corrupt lady.

Then turn around to leave and blush SO GODDAMN DEEP. Say something like "Not a word!" after you get 2 or 3 blocks away.
So, we've learned something today. Reds're bad, violets are confused, and caligo are, as always, crazy.

>>25270535

Worse. A True Believer.

>>25270493
Have Mage cast silence spell.

Grab her, drag her out of sight.

Bite.

Hide body.

SILENT ASSASSINATION.

>>25270493
welp. time to skedaddle.

>>25270562
no

>>25270530
>>25270535
They -might- know. And it's not a blank or a potential passion or a golem. It's a citadel-loyal paladin with an UPLINK TO CITADEL HOOKED INTO HER BRAIN.

She's on the network. Wired in. The gargoyles tell her things.

>>25270562
There's at least four reasons logistically alone why that won't work.

>>25270493
leave quickly, we kept our cover, and i suspect the Paladin knew the entire time because Citadel is speaking with her directly.

>>25270562
I think it's too broad daylight for that to work

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>>25270579

Cyborg, then. Citadel is advancing some stuff waaaay too soon.

>>25270493
Well fuck. Doyou think these zealots could have 2 souls like Mari/Peri? The original soul and the Citadel-implanted soul.

>>25270493
Wait until she's gone.
<"Mage. Check the paper she just gave us.">

>>25270493
for the first few blocks, be embarrassed.

Then after that, "Well, it looks like they'll be expecting us when we get there. The disguises are going to stop being useful, then, when the sun sets."

>>25270535
Mage has that exact look on his face. "I will never comment on your, Tricia, Lea, or Peri/Mari's biological quirks." He says.

"We should get going." Lea says. "Quickly."

"How much do those...can we call them People?" Tricia asks. "Whatever they are, how much do they know?"

"They don't know anything." Peri says. "If they did, then she'd be calling her flunkies down upon us or just attack us anyway to stall for time." She nods. "I know that style. She's just trying to get us to break character. They aren't /certain/ yet, and they can't risk tipping their hand if they aren't /certain./ After all, they might also be 'seeing' or hearing that the Paladin Serpent is helping Shadow Company in Feather Hill."

"What's keeping them from attacking us both?" Mage asks.

"Because Citadel still loves its citizenry and doesn't want to hurt it. Much like a Dragon protects their horde." Mari says. "They can't risk attacking us, because we could be innocent, but they can't NOT attack us, because we could be their targets." Mari says. "It's a classic "Intruder paradox" that you see crop up in magical guardian theory. So they try to get us to confirm it one way or the other. As long as we keep up the charade, then we're safe."

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>>25270736

A slip of paper with a strange creature sketched on it. Below is some scrawled text, which reads:

ur a faget - Citadel

>>25270624
Yes. I wonder if mumei is a cyborg yet.

Do we or citadel have claim on inventors-of-the-cyborg?

>>25270805

Barney.

>>25270787
Well, better not say anything then.

>>25270787
well then we have a journey to make.

>>25270787
Lets keep moving before more weird shit happens

>>25270787
Sigh exasperatedly, hold the collar in your hand a bit, and nod. Then lead the way onward to ocean district.

This is the worst disguise we've ever used, next time we disguise as something we pick something that can talk.
This is the worst act ever.

>>25270787
keep moving, we need to get through the next district before nightfall.

>>25270882
Clearly, we need to have Granny come with us, and then we each pretend to be the other.

>>25270787
"Well then we better quickly get to our "home" in Ocean District before it gets dark."

Echo, what time is it in-game. Lets 24 this.

>>25270882
We haven't cracked wise all thread! This is cruelty against Lamiae.

>>25270954
Let's just start THINKING our wise cracks very loudly.

We don't have to say 'em!

>>25270954

Or rather, cruelty against Leviathans.

>>25270915
There's no way for her to match our insanity just like it'll take us another few hundred years to compete with her sarcasm.

>>25270882
It's the only disguise that we've ever used so it's also the best. It's the only disguise that would even work because we have a massive fucking snake tail.

>>25271003
also her advanced trolling dynamics.

Remember HOW LONG we thought we had to eat a guy to get magic powers? All granny.

>>25270976
Yes, this is a good idea. We can't say or do anything but follow the party, so there's plenty of brainpower ready to be put into thinking up puns, jokes and clever comebacks.

>>25270875
You clear the Ruby Steppe and leave it to its endless purple hued factions and infighting.

South Savvy is next to the Ocean District, and thus its all the comforts and pleasures of the water...for the people who want nothing to do with the water. Fish markets, restaurants, and even a Paper Lantern house offering 'Real' Mermaids! (Which you can see from the drawings on the side, are really just humans in costume. None of them look remotely close to Dana or her kin.) Also there's enough nautical junk for sale to convince anyone that you're an armchair admiral.

Everyone seems to be closing up shop though. The sun is starting to set, and you see people packing up things, closing down the markets, and shuttering windows.

A Red Occuli is standing on a crate. "Ladies and Gentlemen. I again, inform you that there IS NO CURFEW!" She shouts through a cone. "We insist that there is no need to shut down Citadel! We are here to protect you, and there is nothing to fear!"

Her words fall on deaf ears as people continue their actions of shutting down and boarding up.

>>25271037
this... this is the place where it gets REALLY BAD at night isn't it?

Speed up. I would pray for that red, but we're not allowed to talk right now.

Get out of here, red, get OUT!

>>25271037
continue on. Maybe step up the pace.

>>25271017
We should've come back and said "Ok, now what?" to see her reaction.

>>25271037
Time to move the fuck on

>>25271037

>NO PLEASE DON'T STOP BEING CITADEL CITIZENS
>SCREW YOU WE'RE SCARED
>DAMMIT THIS PLACE IS PARADISE AND YOU WILL LIKE IT OR ILL SIC MY GOLEMS ON YOU

>>25271037
>"Real" mermaids!
>just costumes

Obviously, we should check this place out in a few years, once all this citadel danger is over. For paladin-reasons. Yes.

>>25271037
Time to scoot on past!

>>25271037
Well, since 'we're going back home' let's ignore the people and leave.

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>>25271132

Yes. Yes we should.

>>25271132
I thought wings were our thing?

>>25271102
>>25271079
>>25271078

You just continue through the streets as quickly. Lea just holds up the paper she got from the Occuli to the Red. She glances at the paper and then gestures for you all to move on.

You continue through Savvy. You see a man in the white sashed armor with a Caligo Clarus medallion help a woman nailing boards to her windows. There's another one on the roof with a Crossbow and you can see a third on the other side of the road as a lookout.

Roll 1d20.

Rolled 3

>>25271194

>>25271194
'ere we go

Rolled 6

>>25271194
Oh, good work caligo clarus. I approve of your general business.

We didn't even train a single dude! They just sort of happened!

Rolled 10

>>25271194

Rolled 10

>>25271211
FUCK

>>25271194
>>25271210

...don't encounters need to roll low?

>>25271210
>>25271219
Hope this is a travel roll! And not a spot roll.

Rolled 17

>>25271194

Rolling

>>25271230
Assuming it is an encounter roll and not a spot check

>>25271258
Praying, but starting off in a scene probably means the latter.

you'd think we'd get bonuses to spot rolls. You know with our new eyes.

>>25271270
not on puppets!

>>25271270
Didn't we get some?

We really need it

>>25271270
Actually what the hell do our eyes let us do?

I can't remember what it was.

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>>25271258
>>25271234

pls pls pls be an encounter roll

>>25271316
originally, they let us see thermals.

Now they let us see thermals, electrics, and magics. Also possibly radiation and ultraviolet.

See magic and extreme detail. Our eyes could always see heat as well.

>>25271341
We can even see why kids love cinnamon toast crunch.

>>25271316
normal, low/no light, thermal, and we can see magic if we concentrate on it.

>>25271317
Would you really want to make a spot check to see one of the citadel abominations that kill whoever looks at them?

>>25271348
I don't think we got any extra detail out of the deal.

Only a few more spectrums. We probably have a bad case of wizard eyes in citadel while using 'em.

>>25271341
We really need to remember to use it...

>>25271384
well, I've been wanting to go on about how we can SEE, TASTE, AND SMELL when you lie to somebody.

But nobody's been dumb enough to lie to us.