So... shadow footsie under the table?

Based SM

Vonnegut's office is as you remember it - blue carpet, and big leather chair behind a large oak desk dominating the room. The bloodstains from his injury have vanished. He gestures to a small seating area set off to the side, a long table flanked by leather couches. "If you'd like to sit, feel free."

"I'll stand, thanks," Freja says. You remain silent.

The water mage positions himself behind the desk. Vonnegut reaches into a desk drawer and pulls out a glass, and a bottle of alcohol. You're amazed the man wants to drink one of those things, now, of all times, but he doesn't hesitate to poor himself a glass and sip it straight and plain. "Would either of you like some?"

"No," Freja snaps.

Vonnegut lets the tension from her comment die out before speaking. "Shadow. I can count on one hand the number of men that have taken that attack you just survived and lived. I don't know more powerful ice magic than that. However, I have not shown you everything I have up my sleeve. The ocean is a big place." He swirls the amber liquid in his glass. "I have no doubt you're stronger than you've let on, as well, because you're walking and talking as if nothing happened. But I thrive, you see, not because I'm as powerful as Sandalphon, or because I have the reasources of Yi Fang or the cleverness of Duke Vellik. I thrive because I avoid unnessecary conflict."

"Let's cut to the chase," Freja says. "Obis. His cape. All the people you abducted." She glances at you. "And your hat, apparently."

Vonnegut fixes his hat upon his head. "Shadow is more observant than you. It carries a powerful enchantment." He looks at you. "You're a powerful Shadow mage. Have you heard of the Moonsong?"

>con't

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"I have."

"Indeed. Then you might be interested in this." Vonnegut reaches down. There's a brief flash of magic. The desk clicks, clacks, and glows in several places. A hidden drawer pops out from its underside. Vonnegut lifts up a small steel case, which he then unlocks using a key from his coat pocket. When the case is opened, you can feel the distinctive aura of Moonsong. Shards of the blade lay within its velvet casing. "So," Vonnegut says. He reaches into the desk once again, and produces Obis's cape, which he lays on the desk. "You get this." He pushes the case at you. "And this." He places a hand on the folded cape. "You can leave in peace with the might-be king, his prized possession, Miss Blackwater, and the slaves. I give you the shards on top of that as a token of good faith. And then, you leave."

"...and that hat of yours?" Freja asks.

"I keep the hat," he says. He looks back to you. "Besides. It's not your style."

"Why give me the shards?"

"As I said, as a sign of good faith," Vonnegut says. He shrugs. "It was something I found a decade ago. I've no real use for it, and I never bothered wasting time chasing centuries-old legends. But I kept it safe, because I figured it might come in handy as a bargaining chip for a party more interested in its unique history. I believe you are such a one...if you're who I think you are."

"And who is that?"

"Why, the man that single-handedly flipped the Ring City upside down," Vonnegut says. "A man with enemies like that would naturally be seeking powerful weapons - and nothing would counter the angels like an artifact that was legend even during the Elementomachy. So. What do you say?"

>accept the deal
>negotiate other terms (write-in)
>no deal (attack him)
>some other strategy

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Oops almost forgot the tree update

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>>26045023

>>26045008
>accept the deal

>>26045008
I really want to say yes, but at the same time I want this fucker dead, very badly...

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>>26045023
got bored

>>26045008
Saying yes, just so SM can have his recurring villain. SM works his ass off entertaining us, let him have his villain

>>26045113
agreed

>>26045157
I swear to god, if this comes back to bite us in the ass in a disproportionate amount to any 'fun' it would be to let him live, I will bitch and moan and sperg harder than you've ever though possible.

You hear that, SM? I'll fucking haunt you if you fuck us for trying to be nice.

>>26045133

I loled.

>>26045157

Don't make the choice based on that. If you're going against your better judgement, you're not doing this right. I write this with the expectation that it flies off the rails any second.

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>>26045190

>>26045008
If we say yes, suggest that if he doesn't want to be bothered by us again, he should avoid the slave trade.

Really leaving him alive to give ourselves a re-occuring villian is both meta and stupid.

>>26045008
I say we buy Terror and then Mind Crush and hit him with full power spirit magic.

Let's see how well his fancy hat handles that.

>>26045217

Can do.

>>26045224

I agree. What's important is the following:

1) What did you come to accomplish
2) Are you in a position to acquire what you set out to get
3) If you want more, do you think you can overcome what lies in your path

>>26045008
I agree with the deal. Accept it.

>>26045256
>1) What did you come to accomplish
Get Obis
>2) Are you in a position to acquire what you set out to get
Very much so
>3) If you want more, do you think you can overcome what lies in your path
Probably. The odds favor us winning against Vonnegut, but will our friends become unintended casualties? Maybe, maybe not.

>>26045008
>negotiate other terms (write-in)

<You stop dealing with innocent people as slaves. Pirates, bandits, and other law breakers you are free to traffic. Blackwater is also no longer a threat and all the people once connected to him no longer matter. If you follow these agreements then I may, may one day be available to aid you become an honest man.>

He may be a jerk but hes smart and we can use a man like him later. Heck the pimp might get along with him if we open trade for it. Not saying have the penguin trade with haven directly though, or even know haven exist.

Jesus christ, just consume the fucker.

>>26045256
>1) What did you come to accomplish
We came for Obis, and have modified it to include everyone else this arsehole captured
>2) Are you in a position to acquire what you set out to get
Yes.
>3) If you want more, do you think you can overcome what lies in your path
Yes, we've injured him before and a surprise attack will probably work to do so again.

Personally I want to blink into his shadow, use Gaping Maw and kill him before he can raise any defence.

>>26045294
>use Gaping Maw and kill him before he can raise any defence.
>You can feel the water in the air, still flowing with magic, ready to crystallize into ice.

Oh and Channel Hunger to do it too.

>>26045274
>I agree with the deal. Accept it.

Not blindly. I'm typing up some WORDS.

>>26045317
so we'd need to pierce more ice eh?

>>26045331

Go ahead. I've sort of been procrastinating so people have a chance to gather back in.

>>26045008
Might as well ask this.

<What's in it for you? Not only do you let us go, but you give us some extremely powerful weapons for us not bothering you. I doubt a man like you would want to make enemies of the Ring City for such a minor reason.>

>>26045008
I think we're at this point obligated to offer a counter deal (no more slaves, leave Blackwood). Because eating him wouldn't be Justice.

>>26045358
That kinda implies we'd go and tell them for no reason, putting ourselves in a ton risk just to fuck over the Penguin by siccing angels on him instead of doing it ourselves.

They won't know he gave us the shards unless we tell them, and he knows we arenn't retarded enough to try doing that.

>>26045008
we kill off most of his mages and crew
steal his cargo/future profit as well as his prize captive Obis

and he just throws in random artifact for free because clearly we're besties

honestly doubt he's being legit here, even if he's being written as lawful evil pragmatic as fuck antagonist

writing a bit extra based on responses, then we'll have a vote

"I have issue with your business. Your cruelty towards those in your cargo holds, enslaving others. You are not making this an easy decision. "

>However, I have not shown you everything I have up my sleeve. The ocean is a big place

Stall. Deep focus. PRETEND its on the moonsong shards, but scan the surrounding ocean.

"I don't like you. However, you're sharp. I came here for my friends. They still have their life. Despite the inconvenience, I.... believe that is worth yours. "

>>26045394
Um, how so? Since we look like a Shadow Mage, going to the Ring City would likely be the worst thing ever for us to do. And that was before the fact that we wrecked the place in our escape.

>>26045494
I like this.

Especially the deep focus part.

>Mind if I take a closer look at the shards?
>Pick them up
>Deep focus

>>26045432
I don't think Obis or the crew of one ship means much to him in the grand scheme of things.

>>26045522
But that's what I'm saying.

Your first post you wanted to ask him why he'd make enemies of Ring City by giving us the shards.

I answered that there's no way they'd find out he gave us the shards without us telling them. And he knows we aren't going to tell them.

I kinda wanna see how
>Terror - Spend 4 to 14 mana. Unleash the true horror of darkness unknowable. Stun or disrupt target enemy, and other enemies around you in a large radius. Weaker enemies may flee.
affects bargaining,

>>26045008
I say we just accept and leave while there are no "complications".

Also, i'm not sure if what others will think about it but I say we ask if there is a way to contact him. While yes, it would no doubt be the last thing we do you never know when we might need something from him.

>>26045580
Well, I wasn't implying that we'd just go out and tell them. I was thinking that they would find out what happened eventually, though, and that they would have a lot of issues with the person who helped us restore a light slaying super sword. As well as a major asskicking, at least...

>>26045535

Ooooooh! do this too

<...and what's in it for you?>

"I'm left in peace, for one."

<It doesn't make sense, Vonnegut,> you say. <You associate yourself with someone you suspect is currently the most wanted man in the empire, hand over an artifact like this, and cost yourself an entire ship's worth of profit? Why?>

"A ship's worth of profit?" he says, tossing his hands in the air. "Do you have any idea how much this ship cost? The adamantium frame alone would be worth twenty loads of full cargo followed by twenty perfect days at the market. I'd much prefer it not sink to the bottom of the ocean because things got out of hand."

<...you're not making my choice easy,> you say. <You're asking me to turn a blind eye to a slaver.>

Vonnegut's expression turns sour. "Are you quite serious? There are dozens of slave ships that travel the breadth of Venia. I admit the source of my slaves is less than legitimate, but singling me out for that crime is like persecuting a grain of sand for being on a beach."

<Fair enough,> you say. <Would you mind if I confirmed the veracity of the shards?>

"I'd be surprised if you didn't," Vonnegut says. He pushes the steel case your way. You step up to the desk.

Roll 1d100 for Deep Focus

Rolled 17

>>26045676

Rolled 57

>>26045676

Rolled 22

>>26045676

Come on baby, now! Come on baaaaby!

Rolled 22

>>26045676

>The ocean is a big place.
All along and throughout the depths, it's not only water down there, you know. The ocean is the world's largest reservoir of shadows.

Rolled 59

>>26045676
Scanning for BS

>>26045133
I want void engagement asap, to split with all the waifus for the meagre cost of mana

>>26045333
And his hat bullshit, which could no-sell our blink and hanging out in his shadow.

Rolled 69

>>26045676
Glance at Obis and Freja while the focus goes.

"Do either of you have anything to add?"

Oh dear god all those 100s from last thread are going to smack us with the tail end of that wave.

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>>26045699
>>26045707
>THOSE DOUBLES
Why are those rolls not in Ogre Civ Quest?

Rolled 59

>>26045676
100?

>>26045699
>>26045707
>>26045733
>>26045764
22 22 59 59
u wot dice?

>>26045690
>>26045698
>>26045699
Hah wow. I kiiiind of want to pull our own shards out to see if they fit together. You know, just to be sure.

And for the look on his face.

Rolled 39

>>26045023

Do you think you could update the Resistances?
Instead of an X, could you do 2/6/10 next to em and cross off the ones as we buy it? Or perhaps change the color instead?

It would make keeping track of it a lot easier

Btw, what was moonsong?

You use Deep Focus.

The veracity of the shards is already plain to you. The shadow within them echos back to you.

You move your attention to the ship, and the surrounding water. There's something about the ship itself...you can't quite place it, but you'd bet more than anything that it isn't simply mundane. The ocean itself feels devoid of any treachery.

"Well?"

<It's either real, or a perfect forgery.>

He nods at you. "Then...do we have a deal?"

You look at Freja, but she's waiting on your word, bird perched on her shoulder, silent, but watchful. You can feel Obis back at the deck's stairwell, sitting cautiously.

What do you do?

-----------------
-----------------

Vote 1:
>accept the deal

Vote 2:
>"No deal." Then attack him (mode of attack will be decided afterward)

Vote 3:
>accept the deal, secure the goods, then attack him anyway

>>26045753
>Ogre Civ Quest?

What's that?

Get him to tell us where he found it. May have another hidden surprise inside the cavern, probably another elemental or another ability unlock

>>26045799
1

>>26045799
1

>>26045799
1

>>26045799
>1

>>26045799
3

>>26045799
1

>>26045799
1

>>26045799
1

>>26045798
super sword that kills everything everywhere forever. Dave/legion used to have it.

>>26045799
3

>>26045799
3

>>26045799
I think we should also find out if there is a way to contact him in the future. You never know when we might need something from him.

>>26045819
Sup adjy

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>>26045804
>mfw

>>26045799
3

>>26045799
1

>>26045799
1

>>26045799
1

>>26045799

"On my way here, I was guessing how much of the city I would have to tear up to find obis. This turned out better than expected."

Say it in such a way that leaves him wondering if we meant literally, with our fingers.

Vote 1: Accept the deal.

use Analyze on the ship. That's what we bought it for. To spot things we missed.

seriously guys? You're letting him go?

>>26045799
<If you wish to avoid unnecessary conflict, you should also leave the blackwater family alone. The less we have any reason to be at odds, the better.>

>>26045809
>Get him to tell us where he found it. May have another hidden surprise inside the cavern, probably another elemental or another ability unlock

Actually.... That's a very valid point.

Slip it in there.

>>26045799
>not getting the hat
>I shiggidy diggidy

>>26045804
It's a Civ quest with Ogres obviously.

Though it is knows for it's crazy antics.

>>26045799
1

>>26045797
>Do you think you could update the Resistances?

ehhhhhhhhh

i suppose

>>26045798

It was David's sword. He was the leader of the Black Hand during the Elementomachy, an organization of shadow mages that was, in very brief terms, chaotic evil. They basically went around causing a ruckus with the intention to gain Erebus's favorable attention. Erebus, being the stoic master of darkness, didn't give a jack shit.

Now, 700 years later, David calls himself Legion, associates closely with demons, and has shown up on three separate occasions to ruin your day.

Supposedly, Erebus himself made the Moonsong, which he gave to David, his "chosen arbiter". How much of that is David's arrogant bullshit and how much is true is unknown.

>>26045842
not him, but I was used to his way of voting

>>26045809
This this this.

>>26045799

cutting off votes

>>26045894
Make sure to ask him where he found the shards.

>>26045856
>seriously guys? You're letting him go?

He makes a good point.

We've got obis, another part of the prophecy, and continuing the fight puts both of them in danger.

>>26045854
use Analyze on his hat. Its strange how we never got around to doing that after fighting him this long.

deal: 10

fuck him over: 4

Well, that was pretty clear.

>>26045809

k

>>26045863

k

>>26045918
support / seconding

>>26045856
He's offering good terms, dude. It's obvious that he's trying to buy time/favour to undermine and take advantage of we who are a rising power in the world. But there's already at least two dudes doing that so I'm not particularly worried about this one.

It's also not like we can't mess with him later.

>>26045920
Also do >>26045918

>>26045870

To give a better idea of the shenanigans, last thing that I recalled was that we suplexed a train made from nightmares and non-elucidian engineering, after we told our head mage to buttfuck the space-time continuum.

>>26045969

Sounds like Joker Quest.

How big is our hunk of sword getting?

<...alright,> you say. <It's a deal.>

"Excellent."

<But a fair warning, Vonnegut,> you say. <As long as you traffic in humans, inevitably, we will oppose one another. I cannot abide it.>

"That, I will take into consideration."

<I'm curious as to where you found this,> you ask.

"...it was by chance," Vonnegut says. "One of my caravans was camped on the road between Maven Lake and Vischon. A few of the men went hunting, to try and gather meat. They found a few orcs holed up inside a cave."

<What happened?>

"They caught them sleeping, so they killed them," Vonnegut says. "And orc is strong enough to rip the limbs off a man, you know. Afterward, they searched the cave for valuables, and found this steel case, still sealed, in the back. There was no key - it took another year to create a replacement capable of opening the enchantment that kept it sealed." He sighs. "And that is the story. Well. If you don't mind, I think it's time you be on your way."

<I suppose it is.> As you turn away, your eyes linger on his hat.

Roll 1d100 to Analyze

>>26046012

will be reported soon

>>26045983

Anyway, what WAS the prophecy regarding obis vin?

There were snippets a few threads ago, but I can't find it, and I don't know which original thread to look in.

Something about 'needing shadow's help, and even with it you still might fail?'

Rolled 99

>>26046013

Rolled 83

>>26046025
>>26046013

Rolled 12

>>26046013
HAT

Rolled 50

>>26046013

>>26046013
<By the way, if you want Blackwater off your turf, support Obis. It's the only way you will see him back in Kan Abar minding his own business.>

Rolled 75

>>26046013

>>26046025
That's a wrap,people!

>>26046020

Basically, he asked how to reclaim his throne. He was told that without your help, he WILL die in the attempt. It's only by sticking with us that he has a chance.

>>26046025
>>26046028
Shadow obviously has an eye for a fine hat.

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Hey SM, I was looking though my image folders when I saw that I had an image that I think would suit Auriel.

So here it is.

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>Use servant on Joey
>Get... this

>>26046133
Is that...thing male or female?

>>26046141
I'm not sure. I want to say male because of the jaw/chin and lack of tits. but the tits might just be obscured by feathers.

>>26046133
Why is the katana handle really long, and wooden?

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>Shadow mage

>>26046179
I on the other hand want to say female from some of the subtleties of the facial structure.

>>26046204
>katana
I thought it was just a hunk of metal.

>>26046211
I think that's makeup and lighting.

>>26046133
Tsun Tsun would have used that for his creepy doll file...

>>26046229
Actually, I'm the one that posted it and it was in a different file. It's not a doll, so I don't keep it in there.

>>26046204
>Why is the katana handle really long, and wooden?
>>26046228
>I thought it was just a hunk of metal.

Check the end where the pommel would usually be. That's a hunk of slightly bent rebar pulled out of something.

>>26046247
The point is, that's a really fucking creepy dude/chick/neuter. Thus, it might have been up Tsun Tsun's alley.

>>26046252
Hey, pssssst that was a joke

>>26046293
He's saying he is Tsun Tsun, and he posted it.

>>26046293
I don't think you understand, I've just been posting as anon. It was not in my doll folder.

>>26046090

saved

>>26046210

saved

---------------
---------------

As you watch, Vonnegut fixes his hat upon his head.

Something about it changes. You're not quite sure what. You're sure it's enchanted. Perhaps it has the ability to change what kind of protection is offers? Or it has more than one function?

You're sure you've seen him make that movement before. Perhaps that commands it to switch functions.

You'll need an expert if you want more information. The thing is inscrutable. Perhaps its shadow-repelling properties are blunting your ability to sense more.

You call out Obis, and he finally meets Freja face to face. Their greeting is not what you expected - stilting, awkward. Obis's smooth words are gone. Freja's sharp competence evaporates.

In short order, the former slaves are bundled into lifeboats on the side of the ship. Obis takes the lead, keeping families together. You watch silently.

"So what does Shadow gain from all this?" Vonnegut asks you.

<That is my own business.>

"As you would."

"By the way," Freja calls. "My father's retired. No one connected to us from back then has business with us anymore. You leave him, and us, alone."

"...hmm." Vonnegut says nothing more on the subject, but he doesn't seem particularly beat up about it.

You join your companions, and a mechanical device on the ship lowers them into the water.

"Good sailing, Shadow!" Vonnegut calls. "Look me up, if you need someone...with my kind of connections. You can find me in Vanta and Heavensgate, or somewhere between." You don't respond, but you don't have to. He throws you a broad, nasty grin, and then disappears from the railing.

>con't

>>26046312
Another romance sidequest in store!

"...I'm sure as shit glad we got away from that scorpion," Obis mutters. "I didn't think I was making it out of there." Obis looks at you. "By the way, what the hell was that Ring City stuff about?"

<Long story, my friend.>

"...then save it for later," he says. "I'm exhausted." He looks at Freja for a moment, as if he has more to say. She avoids his gaze, hiding her face behind her hair. He settles back and closes his eyes. You do most of the paddle work.

-------------
-------------

You float out along the coast, slowly making your way back to Port Vanta. It's late into the night when the lifeboats approach the dock. Freja has since dismissed her summon, but she keeps a sharp eye out.

"...we should make our discrete exit right about now," she says. "Captain Bradley will have the city on high alert. The people are safe enough, this close."

<A good plan.>

What do you do?

>take the two of them and fly off? specify location
>Haven
>Archon
>somewhere else
>some other strategy

>>26046347
>>take the two of them and fly off? specify location
Haven.

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>>26046312
>Obis's smooth words are gone. Freja's sharp competence evaporates.

I can see where this is heading.

>>26046312
Oh we are going to set up Freya and Obis but good. Is this what new Erebus does on his off days? Matchmaking?

Rolled 1

>>26046347
Should we risk flying far?
Couple threads ago Skysever was finding us more easily.

>>26046360
Flint & Auriel's Spaghetti Feast 2.0

>>26046347
See Freja's dad first. Figure out how exactly we will do the coup in Kan Abar.

>>26046347
TO HAVEN

>>26046347
>take the two of them and fly off? specify location
>somewhere else
>Love Hotel

>>26046347
Haven.

>>26046367
I'm so glad there wasn't a roll.

>>26046377
We don't need him. We need her.

>>26046347
Nothing quite as romantic as a log cabin. Let's take them to Haven. The slaves too.

>>26046347
>>take the two of them and fly off?
Haven

>>26046391
If anyone would know a way and have the means to get into the royal palace completely undetected, it'll probably be him, unless he shares all he knows with his daughter.

>>26046347
Why not ask her where her father is and set course for there?

>>26046347

To HAVEN!!!

we need to plan the assault on Kan-Abar and setting up diplomatic relations and trade agreements with it's future rulers...

>>26046408
Slaves got their own lives, bro. We can't just uproot that from them again after just giving it back.

>>26046377
>See Freja's dad first. Figure out how exactly we will do the coup in Kan Abar.

This has merit. Ask her if her dad would mind some visitors - permission first tho.

>>26046367
Seriously though, Skysever might become a problem sooner than we think.

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>Another Shadow mage

>>26046408
>The slaves too.

Should ask the slaves where they want to go. Take em to haven if their original home is too far away

<I can fly us out of here. We'll go to a safe location. Hold on tight.>

"Are you sure about this?" Freja asks.

<I've done it before.>

"...if you say so."

You take off and gain altitude before moving into supersonic speeds.

-------------
BOOM
-------------

Roll 1d100

>>26046434
>Seriously though, Skysever might become a problem sooner than we think.

We want to deal with that thing SOON. every time we take a trip at flight speeds, it adapts.
Stop putting it off

>>26046435
>inb4 someone uploads pic of yugioh dark magician

>>26046437

They were all from Port Vanta, or the communities just upriver. They're all set.

>>26046347
>somewhere else
Blackfish, Obis was looking for him, and still hasn't found him.

Rolled 42

>>26046446
Fuuckkk

Rolled 2

>>26046446

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I'm sure there's someone in Kan Abar that looks like this.

Rolled 90

>>26046446

don't kill the sky sever until we are ready to UNITE THE WORLD!!!

It prevents mass ariel assaults...

>>26046457
>Blackfish, Obis was looking for him, and still hasn't found him.

Oh! yes! This.

However, we get the feeling he'll want to rest up for a day.

We should Heal him up.

Rolled 20

>>26046446

Rolled 11

>>26046446

>>26046450
It's, like, the only thing preventing armies from moving really fast across the continent. I know it's bad for us but it's also advantageous.

Rolled 51

>>26046446
>>26046478
Thank the dice

Rolled 62

>>26046446
yey

>>26046486
>It's, like, the only thing preventing armies from moving really fast across the continent. I know it's bad for us but it's also advantageous.

I've suggested in the past we try to hijack it. There's little reason to at least check it out

>>26046473
Yes, it does look very demon summoner / fire mage.

WAIT WHAT THE FUCK

SINCE WHEN DID WE UNLOCK THE LIGHT TREE

WE DIDN"T EVEN BUY A MAGIC POWER UPGRADE

SHIT, DID IT UNLOCK BECAUSE OUR HUMANITY WAS FUCKHUGE?

I NEED ANSWERS

>>26046486
Yessss. True.

I think we should leave the skysever so long as we can circumvent it. If we could get dynamos we could get warping airships. THAT would be podracing.

We really need to sit down and figure out dynamos. If we control the dynamos it's basically GG. Everyone would be our bitch. Even Sandals would sit down to out negotiating table for another airship.

>>26046511
It's a joke

>>26046511

top lel

>>26046511
It's fake. Look closely at SM's trip in that post.

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>>26046511

>>26046511
I can't believe I got someone with that.

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>>26046511

>>26046518
So put it a midbottom of the list?

>>26046518
HE WHO CONTROLS THE DYNAMOS CONTROLS THE UNIVERSE

It's easily noticeable now - the times between the sky-sever coming after you and you touching the ground are growing increasing shorter. It started at a bit more than a minute, and now, it's down somewhat. A few seconds, maybe as many as ten? Hard to tell. You're not sure if it's like that for your normal, non-supersonic flight, either.

In any case, it's taking you a bit longer than usual to get where you need to go. When you stop along the Palorian to let them drink, both Obis and Freja rally to camp for the night. Obis's pack has the gear to make is practical, and they quickly spread blankets and bedrolls against the night chill. Obis builds a fire, and soon, they've driven off the cold.

"Where are we headed, exactly, Shadow?" Obis asks.

"Haven. It's...well, I suppose I'd better explain." You glance at Freja, and back to him.

"You can trust her," he says.

Freja smiles at you. "Shadow...if that's actually your name, and not just some alias...a friend of Obis Vin is a friend of mine. You showed great courage and compassion today. I would not betray you to any force of man, or angels, for that matter."

What do you do?

>tell the story, but leave out the fact you're not actually human
>give Freja the full shebang

Rolled 49

>>26046518
Could be at the bottom of the earth tree.

If I remember correctly. The Skysever was made to basically stop Erebus, correct? Maybe it's adapting to us because of that. We should really research if the phenomena occurs for anyone else.

Rolled 42

>>26046603
shebangs pls

>>26046603
>give Freja the full shebang

Friendship!

>>26046603
>give Freja the full shebang
Shadow has never really been interested in hiding what he is, really.

>>26046603
>give Freja the full shebang
<Well if you trust him...>

>>26046603
>>give Freja the full shebang
Does the shebang include that we actually ate those people and didn't just nether warp them or something?

>>26046610

The Skysever was made to stop the Black Hand from invading Xile, the floating isles of the wind mages loyal to Aeolus, the elemental lord of the winds. It worked too well.

>>26046603
>>give Freja the full shebang

>>26046603
I think Obis is gonna give her the shebang later, if you catch my drift.

No but seriously tell her errything. If she doesn't like it we can just drop her or something.`

>>26046603
>give Freja the full shebang

>>26046640
>it worked too well

It's like one of those bad critical success threads.

>>26046608
I don't know if it's a learned ability though. I don't think it would be, or if it is it'd be a tree completion ability. I think we'd have to do science to find out how to make them, honestly. City 01 was the plothook in that direction iirc.

>>26046603
I want to see the new moonsong, too.

Does the whole story include anything about Archon? I'm asking because beyond Flint know one knows about Abby and her deal to any real extent. Auriel knows she exists but that's about it.

>>26046603
>give Freja the full shebang

>>26046663
SM has stated that with each power we purchase we also regain the memory as to how to use it. Could easily be an unlockable.

>>26046603
>give Freja the full shebang

"I am the nanomachine-prototype multidynamo robot from the past before the first and last Nuclear War. I hibernated to recover my strength but while I was asleep my elemental cores leaked out and created the 8 Elemental Lords. After almost all of them died I started to recover slowly and I finally woke up form my slumber 3 months ago."

>>26046603

<It would be best that you had access to the Ignorance Potions for my story, as the combat you seen earlier is but a footnote...>

tell her everything (With obvious limitations, such as Adavan's duty, Flints condition, ect.) once we have arrived at Haven.
For now, tell them that Haven is a place where no one is judged by their elemental alignment, to the extent that we have Spirit and Shadow mages living with Angels...

>>26046673

No. You'll tell them that you have a working relationship with Yi Fang, but everything about Abigail is private. It's absolutely your character to ask Abigail who to invite into that circle. She'd probably trust your judgement anyway, but that's how it is.

>>26046688
>"I am the nanomachine-prototype multidynamo robot from the past before the first and last Nuclear War. I hibernated to recover my strength but while I was asleep my elemental cores leaked out and created the 8 Elemental Lords. After almost all of them died I started to recover slowly and I finally woke up form my slumber 3 months ago

You forgot to maintion that Steward is our great-great-grandson and that our creator was named Hideo Notjima.

>>26046664
It's kind of weaboo,
but couldn't we get a mage and angels of each element to pour their power into the shards and make it into some sort of superweapon?

>>26046689
This.

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>>26046688
>>26046706

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>>26046723
YOU LAUGH NOW BUT I'M GONNA REVEAL YOUR HIDEOUS PLOTS SM

JUST
YOU
WAIT

>>26046706
Many years ago, I, Shadow, shapeshifting master of darkness...

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>>26046723
We know.

You nod. <Alright.>

So you tell Freja pretty much everything. It takes you nearly an hour to get through the whole story, and then you have to inform both of them what happened at the Ring City. You give them the impression that Sir Flint is working with Fang to solve a certain magical problem, some business of the Flint family, and that you have a working relationship with the Archmage. You leave Abigail out of it, for the most part.

"Damn, Shadow," Obis says. "You have been busy."

<That's putting it lightly.>

"...so...you're alright with Abigail going into the Archonium?" Obis asks. "That's what Fang intends for her, yes?"

<Why wouldn't I be? It's something she needs to do. Once she graduates, she'll be beyond simple reproach...that is, if I've understood the politics.>

"Yes, but...well. It is what it is."

There's a brief silence.

"Amazing," Freja says. "I wouldn't believe it...shadow mages and angels, living together? It's like some kind of story. But one of the highest, Auriel Lightchosen...she's one of the only angels that gets any respect at all in Felnoir."

Obis just nods. Freja seems to wait on him for a moment, but then slumps backward.

What do you do?

>patrol the outside of camp while they rest
>meditate
>some other strategy

>>26046782
>patrol the outside of camp while they rest
Maybe we can find something cool. But keep our eyes peeled.

No fucking robot ambushes this time.

>>26046782
>meditate

Meditate on what the hell that mechanical like warning was that we got that one time.

>>26046782
Quickly scan the surroundings and then meditate on isolation.

>>26046817
This.

...Oh god

I think I know why City 02 is so intent on killing us.

THEY KNOW WHAT WE ARE

>>26046817

>>26046837
Woops, meant to actually type something there. Seconding meditating on that shard warning.

>>26046817
...why do I keep forgetting to switch back to my Shadow Quest name? I blame it being like four in the morning.

>>26046802 here

Will support >>26046817 after a quick quick sweep of the area

>>26046782

We should extend to Obis and Freja the same courtesy he extended to Flint and Auriel....

EMBRACE THE ROMANCE!!!!
SHADOW DEMANDS FURTHER INFORMATION ON HUMAN MATING RITUALS!!!

>>26046817
>Meditate on what the hell that mechanical like warning was that we got that one time.

Seconded.

Can we meditate on breaking down those mental walls we have?

You quickly sweep the area. You find nothing out of place, though a small rabbit hole might prove fruitful the following morning. By the time you return, your friends have fallen asleep.

You quietly settle next to them and mediate on what you saw earlier...that strange warning shouted in your mind, not to weaken more than one shard at a time.

Nothing, however, emerges. When you reach within yourself for the source of the voice, you find nothing.

What do you do?

>meditate on a shard
>just rest in silence
>something else

>>26046871
There's probably some whole "but I'm a prince of a war-torn nation and you are the daughter of renowned pirate, our love cannot be" schtick here. I am uncertain if I want to get caught up with that.

>>26046782
>>some other strategy

>"The hero of justice always arrives right on time," she says. Her bird lands on her shoulder as she says the words, adding to the dramatic effect. You feel rather impressed.
><...is that from something?>
>She smirks. "Something Obis said to me, once, when I was younger. I'll tell you the story later. Did you find him?"

Ask freja for a story, and if obis found who we was looking for y

>>26046892

The walls are long since vanished. There's nothing there where you think there should be something.

>>26046905
>>meditate on a shard
Isolation

>>26046914
Can't we create mental walls, then break them down?

>>26046905
>meditate on a shard

>>26046905
>meditate on a shard
Isolation. Hunger afterwards if there is time.

>>26046905
>>meditate on a shard
Are the moonsong shards valid for this?

>>26046936

no

------------
------------

You briefly examine the shards of the Moonsong.

At your touch, they shards turn obsidian black, and rise into the air, arranging themselves into a sword-like shape. There is still a small piece missing from the blade, and no bits of the hilt at all. You release the sword, and the shards settle back into your pouch.

Roll 1d100 for isolation

>>26046909

That is almost as bad as Sandy's forces killing anyone with even the slightest hint of a lesser element... One's past should not dictate one's future. This is another of Shadow's Values.

Rolled 23

>>26046963

WtWtCH

Rolled 84

>>26046963

Rolled 68

>>26046963
roll intensifies

Rolled 93

>>26046963

Rolled 35

>>26046963
rollan

Rolled 71

>>26046963
nat 100 time!

>>26046963
I have to say it's very interesting to see that the blade is almost complete! Just need the hilt now.

>>26046963
When we get back to Haven we can be all "Hey Auriel, remember this thing?"

And then we make it float together.

>>26046963
Will there ever be a time when we could meditate on all the shards at once?

>>26047006
I bet she will love to see another one of shadow's crazy plans.

>>26047011
Probably, when they become one.

You press your power into Isolation.

Its strength intensifies. You feel as though the shard itself is reinforced, like a crystal growing another layer.

>(Isolation) - Strong

You turn your gaze upward, and suddenly, it's past dawn. You companions are up. Obis is getting out a few utensils from his pack, while Freja turns a rabbit over a spit. It seems they beat you to the punch.

She looks at you. "So, does he always do this sort of thing?"

"What? Sit as still as a trap spider?"

"Yeah."

"Yep, he does that. He's basically asleep. Something about meditating to reinforce the shards of his power. Or something."

"Oh. Huh."

"Yep."

The conversation tails off awkwardly. You haven't moved...it seems they haven't realized you're awake.

What do you do?

>chill; see what they say
>pretend to wake up
>some other strategy

>>26047048
>chill; see what they say

>>26047048

Excellent, a chance to observe the fledgling stages of human coupling...

>>26047048
>chill; see what they say

>>26047048
>chill; see what they say

Wait until the most inopportune moment and say "...you know i'm awake right?"

>>26047048
>pretend to wake up
If we're the type not to eavesdrop on Fang of all people when given the opportunity I don't see why we would do it here.

>>26047080
The only reason we didn't spy on Fang is because he would know. He could sense Steward hiding.

>>26047048
>Wait until they aren't looking and then hide. For fun and practice. Also eavesdropping.

>>26047048
SM what timezone are you in currently? you are rarely up at this time.

I can't remember. Does Earthforge get more powerful as we get more levels of Magic Power, or as we buy more stuff from the earth magic tree? Or is it both?

>>26047127
The former, I believe.

>>26047090

Smart anons.

----------
----------

Ok, you'll chill and see what they say.

NEXT TIME

Because I'm quite tired and writing dialogue takes more neurons than I have available for processing

Both this thread and the previous have been archived. I'll post on Twitter when next thread comes up. It won't be during the week, probably on the weekend.

In other news, in my spare-spare time, I've almost completed a full bevy of notes for the plotberg! It will be relatively narrative compared to usual, with the players making critical key choices rather than deciding every little thing. I think it'll be a nice change of pace.

Well, hopefully it doesn't freak everyone out too much.

>>26047123

I'm in Pacific Time at the moment. Visiting family in Vancouver.

>>26047127

It's levels of magic power.

That said, your background "magic strength" increases slightly with every spell you purchase. Food for thought.

Start bubbling and yelling that we're melting, then dissolve into a puddle.

>>26047147
>That said, your background "magic strength" increases slightly with every spell you purchase. Food for thought.
Screencapping for future xp spendy debates

>>26047150

Would be hilarious, but Shadow isn't much of a practical joker.

>>26047147
>That said, your background "magic strength" increases slightly with every spell you purchase. Food for thought.
You can't just say that and leave before we get to argue over exp again.

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>>26047158

>>26047147
On a scale of 1 to the world is ending how big would you say this plotberg is?

Can we fill out the water tree some right now?

>>26047175
Since it seems to involve that thing about five demon lords coming to be I'd say it's at least potentially on "the world is ending" side of things.

>>26047175

It has nothing to do with the demon lords. It's mostly about you.

That is all I will say about that.

I will stay for a bit longer if there's some EXP consensus.

>>26047178
I will second filling out the water tree some more because >>26047147
>your background "magic strength" increases slightly with every spell you purchase.

>>26047202
In that case, from the last thread:

>All we can from the Water Tree
>All we can from the Spirit Tree
>Finish Poison Tree
>Pocket
>Darkness Within
>Save for Tao
>All we can from grey Shadow Tree

My vote is either Water Tree or Pocket.

>>26047202
Buy surge and frostbite. See what comes after surge.

>>26047202
How about we get surge and see what it unlocks.

>>26047202
Surge and Frostbite. If it leads to Magic Power, get that too.

>>26047202
Darkness Within.

Bring it to a vote SM

g-guys
t-the xp bank

g-guys?

>>26047202
I'm feeling frostbite and surge, I wonder what surge unlocks

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>>26047262
HE'S NOT RESISTING! HE'S NOT RESISTING THE URGE!

>>26047202
Our father is going to come to us in a dream and tell us about our destiny and how we need to save not just the entire world, but the very forces of nature that govern it?

>>26047262
Thing about xp bank is when we need exp we'll likely have things to eat to get it as we'll be in battle.

>>26047147
Oh neat you're in Vancouver. Welcome and all that jazz.

>>26047202
I'll support buying surge.

>>26047262

Seems like there's a strong consensus for the water tree spells, but it's a very small one. I don't think we have a quorum. I'll wait until next time, there's no pressing need to spend at the moment.

>>26047270

It's going to be...a lot more interesting than that.

>>26047308

Thanks Vancouverbro. I really like it here, it's a great city. Expensive as fuck, but otherwise awesome.

And with that, I'm out. Maybe Surge for the start of the next thread? Keep it in mind.

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>>26047353
>I'll wait until next time, there's no pressing need to spend at the moment.
FUCK

>>26047353
>no pressing need
There's no pressing need for this quest, either. Yet we enjoy it.

Buy the spells.

>>26047353
>I don't think we have a quorum. I'll wait until next time

Please. I'd hate it if a small fraction of the quest audience had to deal with the latenight crowd showing through xp changes like the texas congress screwing womens rights over

>>26047523
Go damn you're annoying. Every other post you make shows that you barely try to keep up with what's happening in the quest, and now this?

Blergh.

When did we get that mechanical warning that people have mentioned?

>>26049742
Post 25845004 in thread 46, when we tried to fix our really low rolls with the silence shard with another shard weakened.

What if Erebus is really dead and we're one of contingency constructs created to grow to replace him in time. Sort of a contest between constructs.

>>26047353
also sm, sock puppet isnt in the pastebin. will also let you know at the start of the next thread