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>>28276026

Woo!

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Recent Events Summary:

You have found all of your shards, and, in a lucky turn of events, met with and allied yourself with the Black Lady. She seeks peace and reconciliation with the rest of the world, and, after extensive discussion, you were able to gain Auriel's support on the matter.

It turns out that she is in fact the same Melody that took the Staff of Winds from Xile. Aside from you, only Auriel knows the full truth of her origins and personal history with Yi Fang, leader of Archon.

While mysteries still await you at Erebus's residence out in the Void, you decided that you had to go after Adavan, Obis, and Freja. With the prophecy hanging over Obis's head, you have to stick by him on a mission as risky as a trip to Aurora, the ancient isle of Leviathan and his followers.

You arrived at Aurora, and managed to slip out of the jaws of a trap. You met with Adavan, who told you that despite attaining the key he sought, Obis had gone back into the depths of the island to rescue Freja from the resident demon.

You managed to retrieve Freja and Obis from the ruins under Aurora, but a new and great power tried to stop you leaving. After stunning the giant Ice Titan, you tracked its power to its source - a strange crystalline tresure that appears to be half a huge gemstone. After pocketing it, its power was cut off, leaving the titan defenseless.

And then you went back to Haven and everyone had fried fish.

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Ability Tree

GREEN abilities have been unlocked and learned.

BLUE abilties are unlocked, but are not yet purchased.

RED abilities are revealed, but locked due to prerequisites.

UNDERLINED abilities are active-use, as opposed to passive. Not all active abilities require mana.

All Revealed Ability Descriptions:

http://pastebin.com/Py9YnSQ2

Books the Main Character has read:

http://pastebin.com/dAXR00gP

Character Sheet including learned abilities and other important information:

http://pastebin.com/neYXYtGB

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Current Statistics:

HP: 81/81
Mana: 58/58
EXP: 2

Shards of Order and Chaos:

(Retribution) - Strong
(Maker) - Broken
(Silence) - Normal
(Peace) - Empowered
(Breeze) - Strong
(Hammer) - Strong
(Ardor) - Normal
{Resolve} - Normal
{Humanity} - Resonant

--Summoned--

Wisp - 1 mana to order

--Automatons--

Earthen Construct (currently in Haven)

--Equipment--

Utility belt with purse

--Inventory--

Sun-Moon Key (pocket)
Lightning Key (pocket)
Fire Key (pocket)
Aurora Water Gem (pocket)

--Teleport Anchor--

Haven - Inner Fortress

--Current Location--

Haven

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

Known Mana Pools:

Jacob's Field - entrance to Hecate's tomb - Spirit
Palthair Mines - Magnock's Lair - Spirit
Archon - Spirit District - Spirit
Archon - Shadow District - Shadow
Archon - Earth District - Earth
Archon - Water Distric - Water
Haven - Shadow
Abbotsford - Shadow
Aurora - Water

>>28276026
ZEE CAPTAIN HAS RETURNED!
And as always...

IT'S SHADOW TIME!

"Actually, I love fish," Tyrael says. He rubs his hands together. "You know, us angels have a lot of time on our hands. I came up with a way of using magic to dry fish meat - I can't be out fishing all the time, you know. Mind if I get my hands dirty?"

<Please do so.>

"Great!" Tyrael, with an odd spring in his step, marches off toward the giant fish. Flint just rubs his forehead and walks off to drop the stone down with the rest of the treasure.

It isn't long before the scent of cooked fish is drifting through the camp. Tyrael gains a huge crowd as he works his magic - quite literally. Short beams of light flash up and down the fish's carcass as he de-bones it. You observe the proceedings with relish. Once they here of this, no fish will ever challenge you again. Never again...

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

With your fallen foe fully consumed by your allies, you have bigger fish to fry...

But what task do you prioritize?

>You should work with your friends to make Haven a fortress that won't be easily taken. (Shadow Totem)
>The Black Lady is expecting your communication soon. You need to talk with both Fang and Abigail about setting up a meeting.
>City 002 has been on your mind for some time. Steward hasn't ever made a return...what exactly is happening with the robots?
>The Island in the Void holds answers you've long sought and the power you'll need to restore balance to the world.
>The final key to Hecate's prison and the Summit are both waiting in Arland. You'll have to move soon.
>some other strategy

>>28276101
>You should work with your friends to make Haven a fortress that won't be easily taken. (Shadow Totem)
What kind of time would this take?
If anything more than a day,
>City 002 has been on your mind for some time. Steward hasn't ever made a return...what exactly is happening with the robots?

>>28276101
>Flint just rubs his forehead and walks off to drop the stone down with the rest of the treasure.
Why is the magic not-keystone thing n the treasure pile instead of our pocket? Put it in our pocket.

>>28276101
>The Black Lady is expecting your communication soon. You need to talk with both Fang and Abigail about setting up a meeting.

This seems like it'll be the easiest to resolve?

>>28276101
>>City 002 has been on your mind for some time. Steward hasn't ever made a return...what exactly is happening with the robots?

I feel we should get this out of the way before the summit and we might have another ally for said summit.

>>28276101
>You should work with your friends to make Haven a fortress that won't be easily taken. (Shadow Totem)

>>28276101
>City 002 has been on your mind for some time. Steward hasn't ever made a return...what exactly is happening with the robots?
Secretly hoping we can eat them all and buy Gravity Sphere

>>28276138

It's in your pocket. I said that last time.

Check your inventory post.

>>28276101
>City 002 has been on your mind for some time. Steward hasn't ever made a return...what exactly is happening with the robots?
Yaay! After fifty four threads we get back to the robots!

City 002 has been on your mind for some time. Steward hasn't ever made a return...what exactly is happening with the robots?

>>28276101
>>The Black Lady is expecting your communication soon. You need to talk with both Fang and Abigail about setting up a meeting.

Didn't we talk about setting up a pre-meet for just Fang and the Black Lady beforehand, a couple of threads ago?

>>28276189

That would be why I included it as a major option.

>>28276132

Two or three days, if you really want the place absolutely bristling with shadow totems.

>>28276101
>>The Black Lady is expecting your communication soon. You need to talk with both Fang and Abigail about setting up a meeting.
>>City 002 has been on your mind for some time. Steward hasn't ever made a return...what exactly is happening with the robots?
In that order. We need to tell them that we're going to deal with the robots before the summit. Can't have the fuckers tunneling in on us.

>>28276189
And I sperged about it as well, but I also think that the robo situation is something we should resolve soon, because we've ignored it for so long, and they've made pretty antagonistic choices.

>>28276232
True but it seems like the City 002 situation could take a REALLY long time, so if there's anything we can get done easily, it might be a good idea.

>>28276101
>You should work with your friends to make Haven a fortress that won't be easily taken. (Shadow Totem)
>City 002 has been on your mind for some time. Steward hasn't ever made a return...what exactly is happening with the robots?

>>28276101
>You should work with your friends to make Haven a fortress that won't be easily taken. (Shadow Totem)
>The Black Lady is expecting your communication soon. You need to talk with both Fang and Abigail about setting up a meeting.

>>28276101
>You should work with your friends to make Haven a fortress that won't be easily taken. (Shadow Totem)

>>28276101
>Haven fortifications
>Set up the Black Lady meet
>City 002
In that order

>>28276101
>City 002 has been on your mind for some time. Steward hasn't ever made a return...what exactly is happening with the robots?
>The Black Lady is expecting your communication soon. You need to talk with both Fang and Abigail about setting up a meeting.

Our priority needs to be stopping the demon war thing and making sure it all goes smoothly. So we need to do these before we go to Arland. Void island is end-game tier.

>>28276319
Yeah that works.

Let's try and settle things as fast as possible.

We should go through the Aurora manaport and fly to Vampiria and touch one of the mana pools that is sure to be under the palace or in the capital city just like every other major place has.

We need to fill this hole in our mananet. It would greatly help facilitate the pre-summit meeting between Vampiria and Archon.

>>28276319

agreed this seems like a good compromise.

>>28276226
Anyway we could use dream walk or something to contact Abby and Fang while doing that and multi-task a bit?

>>28276398
If we can I'll second that. Though I'm almost 100% sure Yi-Fang has had enchantments against such things for a while now. Maybe Abby will be receptive.

>>28276319
>>28276319
I agree to this.

>>28276101
>>You should work with your friends to make Haven a fortress that won't be easily taken. (Shadow Totem)
then
>City 002 has been on your mind for some time. Steward hasn't ever made a return...what exactly is happening with the robots?

Once Auriel's calmed down from her earlier tirade, you manage to get her aside for a moment. If anyone could help you with the situation, she can. As is usually the case.

<The robots have given us a lot of trouble,> you say, <but earlier, I thought they might be friendly. I'm not sure what to make of it.>

"Me neither, if I'm honest," Auriel says.

<What can you tell me about them?>

"The robots?" Auriel asks. "Well... the dwarves invented them, used them extensively, and were highly secretive about their method of production. Very specialized earth magic. Most schools have a way to create large constructs or golems, but the autonomy and functionality of their brand was unmatched. Way back when, rich lords and nobles used to purchase particular models that had been made to obey their owner."

<Were they sentient?>

Auriel shakes her head. "To my understanding, no. Obviously, I've never been to Va'ad."

<What's that?>

"The dwarven city that Tarun'Gakth used to hold. Obviously...well, it was annihilated." Auriel folds her arms. "As a strategic move, Aeolus made the right decision. he caught Geb off-guard and removed the incredible dwarven industrial capacity from the equation...but genocide..." She sighs. "Well, it was a long time ago."

<It seemed to me that Steward was thinking for himself, acting on his own,> you say. <If we assume all the dwarves really are dead.>

"Oh, they're gone," Auriel says. "Isle Imil exists because Geb was rather...annoyed, about that."

<If we could find the robots, and get them on our side, they could be a powerful ally. We need everyone and everything for this war, and they couldn't want the demons around, either. That...and stopping City 002. Though, for now, it seems we're undetected.>

>con't

>>28276369
We can do that when we go to set up the meet with the black lady.

So basically we do it after we set up the Shadow Totem fortress.

>>28276319
this seems to cover it all

"Well...I agree with your thoughts," she says, "and we know they're probably somewhere under Tarun Gakth...but the Timorian Deep is huge. Even the dwarves didn't explore all of it. And if you go deep enough, the very substance of the world thins..." She shakes her head. "It could take months, years, even, of searching to find them. You'd probably live to tell the tale, but barring a little luck, I'm not sure it's worth the time right now. We have to consolidate the resources we're sure about."

<What if the City 002 robots find Haven?>

"Then we'll evacuate onto the Cirrus as planned and live on it until we can make other arrangements," Auriel said. "Everyone's taken rooms on board anyway. A suite with powered amenities beats the hell out of a log cabin."

<...I suppose so. But I'm still concerned.>

"It's your decision. But unless you have a way to quickly pinpoint them, I wouldn't waste your time. There's a lot else to get done."

What do you do?

Vote 1:
a) totem project
b) Black Lady <--> Yi Fang
c) City 002

Vote 2:
>start hunting for the robots immediately (strategy?)

>>28276481
1

>>28276481
1

>>28276481
A

>>28276481
1

>>28276481
1

>>28276481
1

>>28276481
1

>>28276481
1

>>28276481
1

>>28276523
why abandon our new home at the slightest attack?

>>28276481
1

>>28276523

to be fair the turrets could buy the mages time to evacuate more safety

>>28276523
Imagine it. The angels storm haven, and everyone fucks off to the stealthed Cirrus. It flies away and they don't notice.

They spend days assaulting the fortress and take heavy casualties breaking through, only to find that everyone's been gone since they got there.

>>28276559
our shadow totems aren't THAT good

>>28276539
To save time. We've got a lot of shit to do and world on the verge of ending if we can't do it in time. Everyone has already moved into the ship anyway. I don't feel a severe need to fortify a place that's honestly only been temporary quarters.

Oh, and for tracking down 002. I say we retrace the steps they took to burrow here when they attacked the airship going to Xile.

And now that we've got that consensus sorted let's think about what strategy we'll use when we eventually need to search for the robots.

Fake Dynamo bait?

>writing

>>28276603
would take to long

>>28276586
good idea

>>28276603
Real dynamo bait

>>28276603
Take our construct, spraypaint CITY 01 on the side, and have order it to walk around yelling about how CITY 02 A SHIT

>>28276603
See: >>28276586
We've got a trail to follow from when they burrowed here so that's something worth checking out.

Is this what it looks like when the planners arrive first?

>>28276699
no shitstorms, just clear, concise and good ideas.

feels good

>>28276714
Wait until we get to city 002 and have to make a choice between risky loot, risky XP, and risky.

>>28276728
risky xp all the way.

Now we're not gonna try anything completely audacious like reprogramming the robos, right? That'd just be crazy. Totally crazy.

With Auriel's concerns in mind, you decide to prioritize other goals first before risking time and effort searching for the robots.

Over the next few days, you put a shadow totem on every available protruding surface in Haven. They're on the fortress, around the fortress, on the outer wall, atop the other wall - every watchtower seems a pincushion. You even place them inside buildings, tucked into corners as nasty surprises for any intruders.

As it turns out, the shadow mages, aside from living in the dank sewers and maintenance tunnels underneath the ring city, were responsible for maintaining a lot of that equipment when they weren't occupied with other tasks. They connect your totems to the shadow mana pool with scraps of adamantium from the wrecked Noiralev.

Machina Loqui gives you a strange but odd clarity into the inner workings of the devices you can simply seem to cobble together from rock and scrap metal. You enable them to be controlled and directed by any of the shadow mages in haven. Furthermore, on your command, all the totems in range will target an enemy of your choosing.

Now, you've got an archmage to see.

How do you get to Archon? When you find Fang, what do you say to him?

>fly
>manaport
>write-in things
>some other strategy

>>28276758
>manaport
"You. Black Lady. Talky meety part. Play nice."

>>28276758
>manaport

Mana port

>>28276758
>>manaport

>>28276758
Well, Fang was already interested in discerning the Black Lady's goals and working on some kind of agreement but couldn't due to his treaty with the empire. I say we tell him what we've learned about her motives first, sans being Melody, and work from there. We should probably tell Abby first, though. Having her as back up for that talk would be best.

>>28276758
>manaport

I suppose we just tell Fang what he wanted to do a long time ago. That we're now able to facilitate a meeting between him and the Black Lady, and that she's reliable for negotiating peace between Archon & Vampiria.

Did you guys... uhhh... forget that Archons manapool is guarding and manned most hours of the day by technimages and researchers?
I mean, well, it's not that big of a deal, but maybe... stealth it.

>>28276827
Oh wait, I'm dumb. Don't say that. Only say that we can set up a meeting with her if he is willing.

>>28276804

>max stealth manaport activating

Roll 1d100

Rolled 99

>>28276897

Rolled 69

>>28276897
AH HA!

Rolled 21

>>28276897

Rolled 39

>>28276897

>>28276904
>>28276905
We good.

>>28276758
Fly. It's not a long trip or anything.

Fang has some long-standing border disputes with the Black Lady. While official enemies, I've never gotten the feeling that he harbors any enmity towards Vampiria. Since he's just short of antagonizing Ring City openly, I don't think he'll be adverse to speaking with the Black Lady at all.
Notify him of her attendance at the summit, and tell him that a meeting beforehand in private would be a good time to clear the air. We can't have bad blood or unresolved political squabbles hanging over the meeting.
If he needs insurance, offer to mediate personally.

So doesn't get to know about the plan to free Hectate?
Or do we just give all the keys to Adavan when we get them, keep the plan a secret, and then lump all the responsibility of Hectates rise on him?

>>28277001
should be a >who after that So.

>>28277001
Sperge anon explained a while ago how much of a bad idea it would be to just dump Hecate on everyone in the same way not preparing for the Black Lady would be. She was a hated enemy of the angels for a long time.

>>28277024
So we should probably talk to Adavan on the subject at length?

I forget, is the whole thing being kept between the two of us?

>>28277044

Abigail also knows.

>>28277044
It is. Though I think Abby is eventually going to be in on it and is kind of connecting the dots herself too.

>>28277001

we could just lie and say she is a sentient spirit elemental lel

>>28277044
Consult Adavan about anything concerning Hecate, I'd say.

>>28277044
There's also the Duke, Vellik.
We told him about the keys, and the gate beneath the old forest keep... a long time ago. Hopefully he didn't tell anyone else.

Of course there's no way to get "Dat's Hectate!" from that info, but if he knows the general area of where Hectate rose (in the future from now) then he'll probably clue himself in on who may have been responsible.
He's a smart fellow like that.

>>28277068
Seconded, though he already told us to tell no one about it.

>>28277123
>Seconded, though he already told us to tell no one about it.
Wait a sec, my mind is fuzzy on that. I may have just lied. Did he say that or did he only just say he didn't want Yi Fang to know?
>archive time

>>28277123
Maybe we could compare telling no one about Hecate to having the Black Lady just spontaneously show up in Archon as far as terrible ideas go?

Oh, we should check to see if our keys are still in our Pocket. Adavan was acting kind of weird when we suggested putting him in it. Not sure if he could do anything since apparently the place robs you of your senses, but hey.

>>28277162
Arland, you mean? But yes. We gotta argue Adavan out of his Hectate shell.

>>28277194
Y'know it's funny I don't actually remember any text that says we took Adavan, Obis, or Freya out of our pocket. The boat was there, but no one else.

hey guys weren't we gonna upgrade our construct?
Also should we take him with us?

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>>28277219
>Y'know it's funny I don't actually remember any text that says we took Adavan, Obis, or Freya out of our pocket. The boat was there, but no one else.

You alert your allies to your impending trip, and then teleport to Archon's shadow mana pool.

In an instant, you're there, surrounded by a metallic shielding of wires and plates that makes Haven's look childish. Cloaked in shadows, you slip out from the mana pool, slinking around the feet of the guards and out into a hallway.

Once you're inside the bustling halls of the fortress, staying out of sight is simple. With the sounds and people and shadows of glowing lights, it's easy to hop between them, blinking across open squares and creeping around corners.

Soon enough, you've made it to the top of the fortress and the scholomance. You approach Fang's tower, then climb up the side the of the stairs away from the eyes of the guards.

When you reach the doors, they open for you. Hmm. No hiding anything from Fang.

You're surprised by what you see on the first floor.

The wide bottom of the tower, used by Adavan and Flint to spar when they were bored, is now occupied by hundreds of floating wine glasses, many of them filled with red liquid. Abigail sits silently in the middle of the marble-floored grand hall, legs folded, eyes closed. As you watch, a lone wine bottle floats up and pours itself into one of the glasses, until empty. It then deposits itself in a basket across the room. A fresh bottle from a sizable wrack against one wall uncorks itself with a pop, and it travels through the maze of floating glasses until it can finish filling the glass to the brim.

<Your pattern is ruined,> comes a voice your recognize as the Archmage's. <Hold them still. Enforce your control.>

>con't

>Y'know it's funny I don't actually remember any text that says we took Adavan, Obis, or Freya out of our pocket. The boat was there, but no one else.

It is implied that they were brought to safety. They were off-screen at the time.

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

Abigail's brow furrows. Slowly, all of the glasses arrange themselves into long diagonal rows, creating a glistening display of ruby wine. It seems that they'd drifted somewhat from that conformation while she worked.

<Shadow,> Fang's voice says. <Don't bother her at the moment. I'm in my office.>

You manage to slip by the studious Abigail without ruining her concentration. You take the winding stairs up to his office, and find him seated at his table, pushing papers. He glances up as you enter. <That seems like a waste of wine>, you comment.

"I'm aerating it for a banquet later tonight," Fang says. "She makes an excellent decanter, if I do say so myself. More importantly, it's time for her to mingle with her supporters. She's popular, but at the moment, she's just a pretty face and a good speech. She has to back it up with wit and personality."

<I see.>

Fang sets his papers aside and folds his hands over his desk. "Now. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

>>28277283
Something along the lines of this:
>>28276819

>>28277283

>write-in

>>28277328
Though not the part about tell Abby first, since it probably is a good idea for her to learn finer control.

>>28277332
<I'd like you to meet the Black Lady.>

>oh god I'm so shit at dialog

>>28277332
i shall leave this for more eloquent anons than i

>>28277332
<You wanted to understand more of the Black Lady's intentions? Well, I've got this pre-approved limited time offer that allows you to do that just splendidly...>

>>28277224
any one think its a good idea to bring our robot to the robot city?

>>28277332
<I have gained the favor of the Black Lady.>

>>28277332
<I've secured the Black Lady as an ally. She'd like to meet with you beforehand.>

>>28277332
<I've secured an ally for us, if you're interested. I believe you would know her as the Black Lady?>

<She will be attending the summit. There is no love lost between Vampiria and the surrounding nations, but I've convinced the rest of our allies to give her a chance. I am, however, concerned about Archon's opinion of her. You, more than any other, have reason to oppose such an alliance. I was hoping to set up an advance meeting for you to discuss any pressing territorial issues, if you're interested?>

>>28277332
<Oh Yi, you lich of the ages, thy fierce and bold spirit so preciously aggressive, I've word of a convocation most deliberate to your interests, concerning the beauteous Black Lady and both thy nations of honor, please do me this one service, and I'll repay you later well Yi cupcake, mmWHa!>

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>>28277459

>>28277430
I like this one.

>>28277430
works for me

>>28277459
Kill me

>>28277459
Where were you when we were doing the Monique PoV Princess Guard Quest?

>>28277644
He's only in it to shitpost, he wouldn't talk like that when it was actually in-character. That would count as being helpful.

>>28277644
Man, all this cross-quest sperging and discussion is starting to confuse me which quest is which.

>>28277737
Heh. If only you knew...

<I've secured a new member for the alliance.>

Fang nods. "I see. Go on."

<The Black Lady.>

Fang cocks his head at you for a moment. "And how did that happen, exactly?"

<Circumstances conspired to put us together,> you say. <But I spoke with her at length. She's willing to lend a hand to help with the demon problem, but fears that overextending herself may lead to repercussions. She wanted to speak with your personally. Face-to-face.>

"The Black Lady herself wants to make friends with Archon," Fang says. "To be honest, Shadow, I expected to be fighting them sooner, rather than later. This is too good an opportunity to pass up. But it seems I misjudged her. It is an opportunity - but not one for aggression. Rather...friendship."

<As she put it herself,> you agree. <I believe her motivations honest and forthright.>

"That's very nice, Shadow. You are the naive sort, aren't you?"

<...you should speak with her yourself,> you say. <She sees you as a potential ally, not a threat.>

"Do you have a means of contacting her?"

You proffer the cylinder the Lady gave you. <I do.>

"Have you inspected it for traps?"

<...no.>

Yi Fang sighs. "So tell me how sure you are, exactly, that the Lady has not been listening in to your every word and seeing everything you've done since you acquired this little device?"

<Ah...>

"I thought as much. Hand it over."

You give Fang the cylinder.

>con't

He takes it in his fingers and rolls it about. His senses poke and prod at it. He casts a small spell that folds over his eyes like a spider's web. He glares through the magic lines for a long time.

>con't

Satisfied with his inspection, he tosses you the cylinder. "You got lucky. But that's excellent evidence that she meant what she said. I find myself...rather shocked."

<You don't sound it.>

"That would be because I lied. Nothing surprises me anymore." He stands from his seat. "I need to fetch Abigail."

You follow him down the stairs and into the main hall of the tower. Fang quietly gathers his power as Abigail works on her little project. And then, in a blast of wind and sound, he calls her name. "ABIGAIL!!!"

The glasses rattle, and the wind bottle wavers somewhat, but not a drop of wine is spilled. Fang chuckles. "Much better than last time." He glances at you. "I lost 43 wine glasses that night. She'll be replacing them."

Abigail sets all of her glasses down on the floor. She speaks without turning around. "Who are you talking to?"

"A mutual friend."

Abigail stands up from the ground, brushes her skirt with her hands, then turns about. Her eyes take you in for a moment, then she grins and skips across the marble, weaving between the glasses. "Shadow!" She wraps you up in a hug. "I missed you. Was it really only a handful of days?"

<I think so.>

"You're back earlier than I thought. What's the latest?"

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

Back in Fang's office, Abigail puts a hand on her hips. "So..." She looks at Fang. "That would solve some ongoing disputes. And lessen tension at the Wall. They could use a break, if that and the patrols at the Lady's Finger have been going for as long as you said."

"True," he says. "The problem is simple. If the angels get wind of it, Sandalphon will never let us rest in peace again." Fang shrugs. "It's up to you."

"Up to me?" Abigail blinks. "You're the archmage!"

"You're a councilor, and my niece," Fang says. "Make the decision. Lead."

>con't

Abigail licks her lips. She turns back to you. "...what do you think?"

Fang sighs. "You're leaving it to the blob?"

Abigail frowns deeply at him. "Do you have a problem with my choice of adviser? I have to lead, don't I? I have to depend on others as sources of information at some point. There are none I trust more than Shadow."

"Have it your way," Fang says.

Abigail looks back to you. "Can we trust the Black Lady?"

What is your response?

>yes, we can trust her
>let's get her involved...but hedge our best
>no, we can't trust her
>write-in

>>28277834
>yes, we can trust her
"It's more everyone else's reactions that we'll have to worry about. I've secured Auriel's cooperation, so that leaves Arland and the others to convince."

>>28277834
yes, trust

>>28277834
>>yes, we can trust her

We know who she is. That information is not given lightly.

>>28277834
trust

>>28277834
>yes, we can trust her

>>28277834
>let's get her involved...but hedge our best
I want to say this because it keeps our two buddies here cautiously aware, and that's the kind of thinking they need to have when going into the War Council at Arland.

But, hell, we know for a fact that the Black Lady would like a meeting with Archon so I'll second;
>yes, we can trust her

>>28277834
<She's been the focal point for much unwarranted hatred and superstition. She's as wily as Fang, but by necessity rather than choice. So long as we treat her openly and honestly, I believe we can expect the same in return.>

>>28277863
This. We feel we can trust her, that's not the problem here. It's everyone else not trusting her that is.

>>28277863
>>28277898
These please.

>>28277834
>>yes, we can trust her

This string of near-complete consensus all thread has me worried and alert.

>>28277986

We can enjoy it while it lasts, can't we?

>>28277986
We should give the robots, who said that they hate us, with 002 printed on them the dynamo.
What
could
go
wrong

>>28277986
We've had no roll for thread competency, that's what worries me.

>>28278078
What dynamo?

>>28277986
what do you think the consensus be about upgrading and possibly bringing the construct with us to the robot city

Rolled 30

>>28278089
Ah, good reminder!

And, here we go for player competence! For the remainder of the thread?

>>28278108
It's all downhill from here.

>>28278092
THE dynamo

>>28278089
Last time we rolled for thread competency it was really low(like 20) but everything went off without a hitch and sperge anon showed up to help prepare for the future.

So unless competency is a roll under thing it's whatever.

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>>28278108

Rolled 75

>>28278108
It only counts if we roll when the thread starts.

>>28277898
>>28277863
'Dese un's

<She's been the focal point for much unwarranted hatred and superstition. She's cautious, and shrewd - but by necessity, not choice. So long as we treat her openly and honestly, I believe we can expect the same in return. And it's more everyone else's reactions that we'll have to worry about. I've secured Auriel's cooperation, so that leaves Arland and the others to convince.>

Fang's mouth opens slightly. "You managed to cajole Auriel Lightchosen into accepting an alliance with the Black Lady?"

<I did.>

"...how?"

You smile smugly. <I thought you weren't surprised by anything anymore.>

"I lied about that, too, I suppose." Fang stands. "One moment, Shadow." Fang closes his eyes for a moment, in thought, and then opens them. "Activate your device. I will speak with her."

<Not Abigail?>

"I want Abigail," Fang says, looking to his niece, "to watch. This is a bit sensitive. I don't want anything to slip." Abigail huffs loudly. Fang ignores her.

<Alright.> You throw the cylinder onto the floor, activating it with a bit of mana, just as the Black Lady instructed.

A blank projection hovers in the air. It is grey and silent, softly blinking. A slight static sound wafts through the air.

>con't

After a long moment of silence, the Black Lady appears on in the image, hazy, but clear. She takes in the Archmage behind you, as well as Abigail, and then looks to you. "...Shadow. I see the archmage was receptive."

<He was.>

Fang steps forward. He stares at the Black Lady for a moment, then bows his head slightly before meeting her gaze again. "A privilege and an honor to speak with you, Great Lady. I am glad to see you face-to-face."

The Lady is quiet for a moment before answering. "Not quite, Archmage. But my feelings are likewise." She glances to the side. "...your niece, I presume?"

"Indeed."

"I extend my greetings, my child. Shadow spoke very highly of you. I understand that you have made waves in Archon."

Fang glances at you out of the corner of his eye, but says nothing. Abigail smiles, and takes a deep curtsey. "Not too many, I hope. Just enough. I am pleased to meet you, as well."

After a brief pause, Fang continues. "I understand from our mutual acquaintance that you may be interested in an arrangement beneficial to our respective nations?"

"As you understand it, so it is," the Lady says. "But I'd prefer to speak in person, if that is agreeable."

"I'm sure that her Ladyship's beauty would present an unfair advantage in person," Fang says.

The Lady chuckles lightly, but she doesn't smile. "Beauty is fleeting, and easily cast aside. But a true conversation is priceless."

Fang considers her words for a moment, then nods. "I have no issue with your presence here...if suitable transport can be arranged?"

"If you prepare a grid of teleportation reception, I would be happy to come directly."

>con't

Without responding, Fang begins to cast a spell. A strange tapestry eaves itself into existence before him - and odd, glistening structure of spirit. The Lady studies this for a moment. Her head turns to look at something not visible from your perspective. She nods, then turns back to Fang. "We have it. Expect me with a few personal attendants."

"There will be places at the table," Fang says, "if you would like to speak over dinner. In fact, it shall be a banquet. This is a cause for celebration. My councilors will be most pleased."

"I'm pleased to hear it." The Lady takes one more pointed glance at you. And you know what she intends to convey - your promise that you stand with her if things go sour. She looks back at Fang. "At what time should I make my arrival?"

"Perhaps...about three hours from now, when the clock strikes seven."

"Then I will do so. Until then. Archmage." She nods her head at Fang, then Abigail. "Councilor."

And then, the image vanishes.

Abigail sighs and drops her shoulders. "Sheesh. That was so tense!"

"Get used to it," Fang says. "You've got a big banquet tonight."

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

>attend the banquet
>don't attend the banquet; leave it to Fang and Abigail
>some other strategy

>>28278366
oh fuuuck

here it comes

>>28278366
>attend the banquet

She told us to be around to vouch for her, even so.

>>28278366
>attend the banquet
Of course we'd attend the fucking banquet! There's not even a possibility of doing anything else

>attend the banquet
Whats a few more hours?

>>28278366
>attend the banquet

You're going to make Shadow try to dance, aren't you SM.

I'll get the spaghetti boiling so we're ready to go.

>>28278366
>attend the banquet
Well duh.

>>28278366

>attend the banquet

We promised Melody we'd support her. Make sure to notify Haven, though.

>>28278366
>attend the banquet
We gots ourselves a promise to keep.

>>28278366
>attend the banquet

>>28278366
attend the banquet
Can we also upgrade our construct while we wait?

>>28278366

Go get Auriel and Flint

>>28278366
>>attend the banquet
got to.

but we leave in the morning

>>28278366
>attend the banquet

>>28278444
This is more between Fang and Melody; Auriel and Flint would just make things complicated.

>>28278366
>attend the banquet

>>28278444
Wait.

Are you sure about that? Auriel & Flint? Auriel the head of the angelic rebels and Flint the fourth son of Arland at a political banquet with the Black Lady and all of Archons councilors?

May be greatest idea ever, or terrible terrible horribad.

Let's ask what Fang thinks about that.

>>28278366
Not even close to what I had anticipated.
>attend the banquet
NPC interaction! We must be present for exposition!

I'll just go toss out that speech

>>28278444
>>28278444

THIS we have the perfect "pre-meeting" being set up might as well invite a few other ticket names to the event

so guys when are we gonna deal with the demon lord problem?

>>28278499
Sometime after dealing with city 002, and during or after scouting Kan-Abar.

>>28278487
>>28278484
Let's consult the benefactor of the banquet first, we also never mentioned that they would be there to the Black Lady, which may concern her greatly.

>>28278499
We are dealing with the demon lord problem. We need an army, the Black Lady would be an amazing advantage, and we need things to work out smoothly or else we'll have everything blow up in our face at the worst possible moment.

>>28278499
We'll leave it until it's too late. It'll be more fun that way.

>>28278499

after we secure a sizable force to re-establish the Duke and put Obis on the throne

>>28278499
We've arranged a summit of leaders to gather and plan out how to deal with the Demon problem.
That's what we're working on.

>>28278499
that means they still have 2 more to create.

they cannot create 2 demon lords in less than 3 months. it will probably take closer to 6 minimum

>writing a lot

>>28278531
>>28278545
it might be too late by then plus I prefer to be safe and keep them at only being 3 around.

>>28278588
So you would propose scouting Kan-Abar and Kelvere before dealing with City 002 with the intention of finding and destroying a Demon Lord solo to prevent them from making too much?

Hmm. I don't know anon, I just don't know.

>>28278572
it was actually guessed to be around the time winter ends if we kept ignoring it.

>>28278588
what you prefer and what is reasonable do not match up. we must do what fits the situitation.

Trust Auriel and Fang to know when the time is right.

>>28278562
that was part of it, but the main part was to stop the angels.

>>28278611
guesses by who? not any npc. we have gone over this.

if they would have a pentarch by spring, then both the ringed city and archon and arland would have all attacked by now. they aren't stupid

>>28278609
>>28278617
I figured that they were waiting on us since this whole army is partially to deal with them.

>>28278640
they still can summon each other faster the more of them there ate so it isn't in reasonable to geusse a month or two will be the date.

>>28278677
Do you really think they wouldn't have said something?

The war is coming up. but they don't plan to start it until spring, which means that they are fairly sure that they will have plenty of time to win the war before they could summon a 5th or maybe even 4th.

>>28278640
And if there was going to be a pentarch within a couple of weeks/months everyone would be rushing to do something right fucking now.

>>28278710
I hate auto correct sometimes.

>>28278710
if that were true then all of our allies would be clamoring over themselves to attack. Addy and Fang are intimately familiar with summoning and power needed and all that jazz. Plus addy has worked with demon lords before. they would be flipping their shit if it was under three months.

>>28278716
Wars takes time, serious time. like months. no one can expect to win a war in less than a month. our allies are not stupid, they have a metric fuck ton of experience fighting wars (and dealing with demons, from boths sides) while we have none. let them handle it.

Don't for get to send Auriel an imppression of her and Melody skipping through a feild with Flint and several vampires tossing flower petals on them.

I recall sperge anon saying something about the nations likely wanting restitution from Kan-Abar for the demon lord wars, Duke Vellik most heavily.

Could we... loan Obis money when he becomes the king to help with that?

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>>28278985

>>28278992
The issue is mostly making sure Obis has a country and army that he can use so he doesn't end up getting fucked over immediately after taking over.

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>>28278985

>>28278992
>Mr. Shadow, the Lord of Shadow and most reliable Venian banker. "<What's this "interest rate" you speak of?>"

>>28278985
But we DID that joke before...
though we didn't do it with Auriel!

>>28278985
It been awhile since that jokes been used.

>>28278992
>The hat
>The nose
>The money lending
I'm not trying to /pol/shit, but...

>>28279096
Ahh yeah, you're right. I actually didn't think of it that way, I was just thinking of Germany's situation after world war I.

>>28279050
><WELCOME TO THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF TREASURECUBE.>

why do I keep hearing Careless Whisper in my head when I think of interaction between Fang and Melody.

>>28279173
It's funny that you mention that because I'm listening to the 10 hour CW sax video right now, as background music to reading /tg/.

Why do I feel like that nat 1 is coming?

>>28279259
Because it's a huuuuge event that's going to shape these nations and our relationships for the remainder of the quest. Considering what shadow master talked about our reaction to the nat 1 being in the QTG, it's truly the perfect, although most predictable, moment of its use.

>>28279279
We prepare for the fallout that may occur.

>>28279279

>implying he won't use the 1 at the precise moment that Flint's parasite is about to be vaporized, causing Dave to enter the Material Realm through Flint's bodily orifices, killing Flint instantly.

>>28279300
Well he did say that he won't outright kill a character with it. So no, it won't happen that way. But a master of shadows knows how to deceive...

>>28279300
>implying he hasn't already used it

An anon can dream...

>>28279311
he will probably give us a saving roll and choice

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You felt extremely odd in the layered clothing they put you in for the banquet. You've never worn anything before - you've simply made it on yourself. So after Fang's tailor leaves the room, you shred it to pieces an replicate it using a mirror. It just felt uncomfortable. They'll never know the difference.

You meet Fang in his own office. He's a bit more decorative than usual, today - his colors are bright Archon orange, draped over armor that is more decorative than functional. You have no doubt that, should the need arise, it would prove more than functional.

<So, what is the sequence of events here, exactly?> you ask him.

"Don't worry about it," Fang says. "You're a close accomplice. I always have men popping out of the woodwork, no one will ask questions. You're Abigail's companion of the banquet - we don't have the time to deal with the subject of finding her a suitor at the moment, so I'm just preemptively fending them off via your presence."

The idea of -suitors- presenting themselves to Abigail bothers you in the extreme, but you keep a straight face. <...how do I explain myself if pressed?>

"You're my liaison with the angels responsible for the schism earlier in the year," he says. "But don't worry. No one will press."

<If you say so.>

Abigail waltzes down the stairs not long after your brief conversation. She's dressed in a way you didn't expect - in a manner that is quite familiar to you. It's almost the exact same style she wore back in the Archonium, you met her in her own imagined palace.

She stops in front of you and leans forward slightly, holding her arms behind her back. "Weeeellll?"

For once, that question doesn't throw you. <You are as beautiful as ever.>

She smiles. "Why, thank you."

Fang nods. "Appropriate. No one will expect you to dance." He leads the way toward the stairs. "Come."

Abigail sighs and follows after. "He's great at killing a mood, isn't he?"

>con't

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<True.> You look at her dress again. <He has a point. You don't have much leg room.>

"Well, I don't know how to dance."

<...me neither, I guess.>

"We'll have to learn." She throws you a little smile. "You have to dance with the girl you like, Shadow."

<I suppose I do.>

The three of you wait in a small room to the side for a time, then, after a muffled announcement, you walk through a set of double doors and into the grand hall of the tower. It's set with round tables, arranged around a section of the marble flooring that has been left open. Nobles and councilors you recognize are seated at the tables. One of them is empty - the table at which you assume you and yours will be seated. Oddly, that leaves most of the seats free. They rise on Fang's entrance, beginning a long applause. It increases in volume when they see Abigail.

Fang stands before the crowd. His speech is brief, mostly thanking them all for coming, telling them to enjoy themselves, the boring pleasantries you'd expect from a sort of state dinner. And then he says something you don't quite expect. "And tonight, we have an especially honored guest with us - a dignitary from another country, in fact. She's quite the charming...Lady."

You exchange a glance with Abigail. She gives you a look. <He enjoys putting on a show,> she says.

<...is he going to teleport the Lady in right here, now?>

<It's all planned out,> Abigail says. <Don't worry.>

<I'm worrying.>

<Well, trust me to take care of it,> Abigail says. <Because that's what I'll do.>

You're surprised. She just sounds...confident. Solid. Rather like her uncle. <I'm sure you will,> you say.

>con't

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Fang begins to cast a spell. The teleportation sigil you saw earlier forms just before him in the cleared section of the room. It unfolds onto the ground, then shines brightly. And in the middle of the room appears the Black Lady - along with three mages. One of Lightning, one of Fire, and one, to your surprise, of Light. The room falls completely silent.

"If I may have the honor," Abigail says, stepping toward the new guests, "of introducing to my most esteemed councilors and our friends...Her Ladyship, Queen of Vampiria." Abigail curtseys before the Lady. "May this be the start of a fast and wonderful new friendship between our countries."

The Lady's eyes flick to you. <...the niece didn't fall far from the tree. This is more public than I expected.>

<Sorry. She's just going with the script. So am I.>

<...Fang.> The words in your mind are said with a deep sigh, but the Black Lady smiles to the room. "Thank you for having me, councilor. I look forward to affirming that very friendship."

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

>con't

While sudden, the entrance went off smoothly. Once formalities ceased, a veritable swarm of nobles and councilors formed around Abigail and the Black Lady.

Fang stands next to you, slowly sipping his wine. "Nothing like Arland 567. That was a good year."

<You're pretty clever, aren't you?>

"My, Shadow. Whatever do you mean?"

<You gave Abigail legitimacy,> you say. <By throwing the Black Lady at them, and having Abigail introduce them, well...it's like they're good friends, and she invited her down for dinner. That aligns perfectly with Abigail's claims that she has connections and friendships just waiting for Archon.>

"Well, that does make sense, doesn't it?"

<And now they can't all wait to meet the Black Lady - of course they can't. They're all competing for power, here. I know that myself. And they all have to go through Abigail to do so.>

"I suppose they'd have to do that, hmm?"

<She's the gatekeeper of foreign power. She's the cornerstone they have to rely on.>

"Maybe so."

<Are you sure she can handle it?>

"Well," Fang said, "it's a good thing she spent four hours a day memorizing names and faces."

And he's right. One after another, Abigail greets every noble like an old friend, happily introducing them to the Lady. For her part, the Lady is courteous and smiling - through you still can't feel her presence at all. Her guards are much more stern; and they create a firm barrier at the Black Lady's back, but that doesn't discourage everyone and everyone from rushing to her front.

<It's like you planned it all along.>

"How do you know I didn't?"

<...I don't.>

Fang's lips peel apart in a slow, evil smile. "And that's exactly the point."

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

>con't

After a time, the bustle dies down, and the nobles either return to their respective tables, or form groups to converse on other things. You notice a rather gloomy corner on one side of the room - councilor Yong Xu, and his allies. You remember that Xu was the man that opposed both Abigail and Fang back when Abigail was to be made councilor. Seeing the policy change ushered in by that very defeat playing out successfully before his very eyes has probably put him in a sour mood.

You end up seated with Abigail at your table, watching the Black Lady still speaking with some of the councilors. She is all smiles and nods, gracious speech - but you notice she rarely gives up anything that has to do with business, keeping her comments limited to easy flattery and simple questions about the everyday policies and positions of her conversation partners.

Eventually, though, she walks toward you. Fang offers his arm to her halfway. She pauses for a long time - overly long. More than one person notices. But eventually, she accepts, and allows him to guide her to her seat at your table.

Dinner would be a tense affair if it wasn't for Abigail. The Black Lady only has to prod her a little to get her to open up. Abigail gushes a bit more than is probably wise, about her training, and the experience of being a new councilor, earning a few stares from Fang - but you're glad to see her happy about the conversation. And you notice that the Black Lady's smiles seems much more genuine.

>con't

>>28279480
Fang you tricksy bastard. You are far to clever to exist in a decent world.

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"She is as advertised, Shadow," the Black Lady says.

"As advertised, hmm?" Abigail looks at you. "I've been wondering about that. Exactly how was I advertised, my Lady?"

"As a counterpoint to paranoid old liches." Abigail laughs at that, and the Black Lady chuckles as well.

"Surely you don't mean me," Fang says smoothly. "I'm a paranoid lich, to be sure, but old? Hardly."

"I wonder," the Black lady says. "Appearances can be deceiving."

"Mine are not," Fang says simply. "Would you care to test your theory?"

"How do you propose we do so?"

As if on command, music begins to play in the background - violins, matched with a piano. Many nobles gather on the floor with partners to dance. "Why not with a dance?" Fang says. "Then you can judge more accurately."

"...I seldom dance," the Black Lady says.

"Oh, what could it hurt?" Abigail says.

"My feet," the Black Lady quips. "Unlike some, I make no pretension that I'm not old."

"Your beauty and grace is surely sung throughout Vampiria," Fang says, "and I can't even acquire a dance? I think negotiations may be breaking down."

"...ah..." For a moment, you glimpse a flicker of Melody breaking through the Lady's facade. "As flattered as I am, Archmage..."

What do you do?

>cajole her to dance
>get Abigail to cajole her again
>say nothing
>some other strategy

>>28279522
>get Abigail to cajole her again

>>28279522
>get Abigail to cajole her again
girl peer pressure
also it would be silly if we did it directly

>>28279522
>cajole her to dance

We did say that Fang is a changed man.

>>28279522
This is the part where Fang figures out it's Melody by how she dances...

>>28279522
>get Abigail to cajole her again
Would kind of be really suspicious if we did. Also, /tg/ and matchmaking is not a good combo. Best leave it to someone else.

>>28279522
>get Abigail to cajole her again

>>28279522
>some other strategy

Let's dance with her ourselves!

This is a sarcastic suggestion.

Speaking seriously though,
>get Abigail to cajole her again

>>28279522
>"Perhaps you could show us how to dance with this?"

They'll get her away from her body guards into the center of the dance hall and then jump her with magic. Calling it.

>>28279522
>>cajole her to dance
>>get Abigail to cajole her again
Tag team her.

>>28279522
>get Abigail to cajole her again

>getting Abigail to cajole her

>>28279637

Hopefully Shadow is a quick learner, otherwise we may embarrass Abby when it ends up as the Lady will only dance if Abby and Us dance also...

>>28279522
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpqmoBYkQfc

>>28279670
>This is where out natural 1 happens. Abby becomes so horrified by our lack of dance skill that she storms out the room crying. Everyone attempts to maul us for our disgrace to the art, and war breaks out between Archon and Vampiria.

All because shadow has ten left feet.

>>28279670
Oh SHIT. Didn't think of that.

Quick! Scan our memory for dances! We can use a combination of Flint & Obis' fighting styles! We'll call it the Arkanialand Tango!

>>28279597

Prep to Blink to the Black Lady in that case.

<Abigail,> you say quickly. <She just needs a little push!>

<Oh, don't worry, Shadow.> A determined expression forms on Abigail's face. <I got this!>

Hmm.

"My Lady, if it please you," Abigail says.

"Yes?"

"Well...truth be told...I am new to such things," Abigail says. Her eyes go crestfallen almost instantly. "I do not know the dance. I was hoping to...learn some of your grace, through observation, you see."

The Black Lady looks at her a moment, draws in a long breath, sighs, then looks at Fang. "How -do- you survive with that sort of face appealing at you all times of the day and night?"

"With great difficulty," Fang deadpans.

"I suppose...if I am to have a partner, the Archmage may be such a one."

"Then I shall move you as a feather so as to keep your feet unsore," Fang says. He stands, and offers his hand. The Black Lady takes it gingerly, only to find herself pulled off by the lich with a hapless look about her.

Abigail giggles. "I think they could make a good couple."

<I didn't realize you would play matchmaker with your own uncle.>

"You know something, Shadow? Since I've been here...I can't help feeling that he's awfully lonely. He's so...isolated. Constantly working in his tower. When he told us about how Melody left...I felt so bad for him." She smiles. "Maybe I can change that. And get him to change. At least a little."

<...if anyone can...it would be you.>

--------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUC4hmCyxZ0
--------

What do you do during the banquet?

>interact with [character]
>something else

>>28279695
>And they say that when the monster was done, not a single person was left alive that night.

>>28279743
Whatever we do, keep an eye on the Black Lady and Yong Xu and his conspirators.

>>28279743
Whatever we do, steer clear of the Cheungs.

And DON'T consume everything at the food tables.

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>>28279743
>What do you do during the banquet?
I'm pretty content to sit it out. Alert Abigail to the gathering of Yong Xu, see if she can get a familiar on them or something.

>>28279775
Second. Keep ten eyes on Yong Xu, and 20 on Melody and all other mages.

>>28279743
Ask Abigail... a politically relevant question. I can't think of one atm...

>>28279743
It's funny how Abby is going through with Auriels plan. Should probably impression her with it later so she doesn't try anything reckless on her own.

Let's ask Abby about Yong Xu.

>>28279743

regale our adventures under the sea to Abby, highlighting our masterful monster hunting skills...

also mention the colossal ice titan castle...

>>28279850
As >>28279852 suggests, adventure time, I guess.

I'm horrible at small talk.

>>28279850
>>28279743
Actually, let's just ask Abby about all the councilors and how they're doing to get a general sense of Archon at this moment.

And also >>28279852, and tell her about Tyraels fish filet, and most importantly...
let's ask her about Hectate and how much she knows.

>>28279852
Should we tell her we accidentally blew up our castle?

>>28279927
That's one of the best parts.

>>28279743
Convince a guest that we are Sir Joey, of the mighty maiden felling apendage.

>>28279913
>let's ask her about Hectate and how much she knows.
Y'know this is our chance to release that cat to the three people other than Addy most likely to support the idea of freeing Hectate. Though I'd wait for negotiations to finish and consulting Adavan before doing that of course, so we don't piss him off by violating a promise.

>>28279743
>When he told us about how Melody left...I felt so bad for him.

Wait, which thread was this?

>>28279775
Definitely this.

>>28279850
>>28279852
These are good too.

>>28279743
>>something else
Offer to dance at some point during the night.

It's obvious that Abby would be pleased by it, at the very least.

But make sure to do so nearing the end of the night, so as to decrease the odds of a random Archonian bigshot attempting to do the stereotypical fancy ball trying-to-smugly-intercede-in-a-dance-by-borrowing-your-partner move.

>>28279743
Hell, tell her how Flint, Auriel, Obis, and Adavan are doing as well as revealing all the miserly details of our adventures. Why not? No one is listening into our conversation remotely here AT ALL.

>geeze you guys

>>28279986
A while back.
When we reported the missing Staff remember?

>>28280002
Telepathy, fucker.

>>28280022
Oh, right. No probs then.

>>28280018

Nope, not appearing on my mind.

I sort of go off and on for SQ.

>>28280002
...
No one can you idiot, it's Erebus-Brand telepathy. The only way they hear is if we let them.

>>28280037
Yes, noted, for a second time.

>>28280036
It was right after Xile and some other stuff, right before the picnic I think.

>>28280061

Right, time to pay the archive a visit.

Thanks.

>>28280087
It's here,
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27557991/#p27558712
That's the post start where we begin that convo and get a little history on him and melody.

>>28279695
>Flint's fighting style
>tripping over our own feet and killing someone

Not a good idea.

>>28280138

He's never living that one down, is he?

Fang is pretty fluffy...

>>28280252
It's a ruse.

>>28279743
AWWWW YEAH
Yi Fang gets the bitches all wet

>>28280338
She's undead, dude.

>>28279743
>>interact with [character]
>>something else

Follow up with the people who tried to kill abigail. The people we convince to about-face and change their attitude regarding the fangs.

See if they're happy with the changes in archon.

If we get a chance, comment on the black lady's stealth-shield. ask her how she does it.

>>28280356
We have it as an upgrade

>>28280354
So is he.

>>28280354
>Implying that matters

>>28280373
DOES THAT MAKE IT RIGHT?!

<So that's how you met her. I guess we got lucky...>

...

<You blew up your own castle!?>

...

<A titan made out of ice?! What happened then?!>

...

<Well, at least everyone's alright.>

...

<...you ate a giant fish? Oh. Everyone -else- ate the giant fish. That's still weird.>

...

<Things here are good so far. The councilors on my side have been very supportive.>

...


<What do you think about Yong Xu?>

Abigail leans around you, peering at the cornering in which Xu is situated. He's currently staring into space, not paying much attention to anything, really.

<Well,> she says, <Fang said he considered assassinating him, but backed off after it turned out he doesn't really have any plans to toss me overboard. He was really just an honest supporter of the way things were. Xu isn't a bad leader, and...most of his anger was probably justified. Fang isn't a very caring ruler, and the whole situation just looked like he'd let me run wild without any consequences at all.>

<I hadn't really thought of it like that.>

<I'm going to try and get him on board,> Abigail says. <Not tonight. I want what he's seeing to sink in. And then, when he's all but stuck in the corner - just like that, actually - I'll give him a hand back up. Then I'll have a better ally - one, for helping him out of a political quagmire, and two, for not holding a grudge for having opposed my appointment.>

<You're thinking like you're uncle.>

<No,> she says, shaking her head. <He thinks win-lose. And that's his problem. I'm going to try and be a win-win ruler.>

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

>con't

The banquet is winding down. Fang and the Black Lady return to your table and continue to make small talk.

And then, when things well and truly wrap up, Fang personally bids most of the guests goodbye, although pointedly ignoring Xu. Abigail happily thanks him for coming, which makes him glance up in surprise, but he merely nods and mumbles something in response before leaving.

And then the Black Lady and Fang finally get down to business. There's a few disputes to settle - apparently there was a skermish near the sea edge of the Lady's Finger last year. Fang pledges to have his patrols take on a new strategic stance. The Black Lady agrees to withdraw back around the finger to Demonclaw, and to pull her front line back to the Wall proper.

"One major point remains," Fang says. "Arland will be skeptical at my involvement - extremely so. If we come together...well...I believe we may be biting off more than we can chew."

The Black Lady nods. "I will have to wait until the time is right. Otherwise my rejection is sure to be swift and sure."

"Indeed." Fang bows to her. "Your pardon...but I believe the best course of action will be to act as if we are not working together, but separate parties coming together for a common cause. Though...what time is the right time, exactly, is the question."

"...that, I will leave to you." She extends her hand, leaving Fang with another black cylinder. "Use as needed."

"I will. Your Ladyship...it was an honor."

The Lady curtseys. "It was good to...meet you."

"It was my honor as well," Abigail says brightly.

"You do Archon a great credit, councilor," the Lady says. "I'm glad that the next generation is so promising."

"You know..." Abigail smiles. "If it pleases you, call me Abigail."

Fang blinks at that, but the Lady smiles. "I'd be happy to, Abigail."

>con't

"...do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"

"Does it have to do with my name, by any chance?"

Abigail nods. "I'm...curious, to be honest. No one seems to know it."

"It's a long dead name," the Lady says. "No use for such a thing, anymore."

Abigail looks disappointing, but she doesn't press the issue. A teleportation sigil forms under the Lady and her bodyguards. "Until such a time as we speak again."

"Until then."

"Goodbye!"

<Until then.>

In a flash, they vanish.

"That went about as well as could be expected," Fang says. "Now then. My work's been piling up." Without further ado, he heads up the stairs and makes for his office.

Abigail sighs. "Work, work, work. He needs a vacation."

<I remember a time when you weren't going to ever forgive him.> You tilt your head. <I remember feeling the same way.>

"...yeah. But...for some reason, I can't stay mad at him."

<It's not him. It's you.>

"Heh. Maybe. But...he wants to be a good person, Shadow. He can be."

<I hope you're right.>

>what do you do?

>>28280384
UNDEAD RIGHTS NOW

FREE MARRIAGE LAWS FOR THE LIEFORCE-CHALLENGED

>>28280419
CONSUME

>>28279743
>>interact with [character]
>>something else

indulge Humanity.

This is.....

this is perhaps our one best chance to just be exposed to overwhelming sociality. Watch, listen, observe, mingle - see who dares approach us.

Shake off those awkward shadow moments, do some growing up - because, after all, that " he really knows how to kill the mood" comment? From our amour? that hurts and burns and sinks in.
So step it up our game, and.... play the role of suitor that yi fang wants us to, while also showing our friends we CAN not be a knucklehead if we want.

>>28280419
Attempt dance

>>28280419
<I have a city of murderous robots to deal with.>

>>28280407
>he merely nods and mumbles something in response before leaving.
If we had enhanced hearing we probably would have heard him say, "Y-you too."

>>28280419
I'm surprised you're not ending it here tonight.
WELL.
The plan was trying to find City 002 by... backtracking their tunnels from the ship excavation, I think.

>>28280453
You're nearly an hour late, chum.

>>28280454
Sure, I'd go for it.

>>28280419
>She throws you a little smile. "You have to dance with the girl you like, Shadow."

><I suppose I do.>
Now that there's no more political pressure to be good at it, at least, offer to dance with the girl for the love of god.

An extra half-hour of indulgence isn't going to throw off the timetable on solving the City 00X situation.

...OR WILL IT?

>>28280419
I'd like to speak to Melody in private later and gauge how she feels about it. Not while we're in Archon, though. Don't want to risk getting seen.

>>28280419
<Now that no one's around to watch us embarrass ourselves, how about that dance?>

>>28280419
Dance with Abby and then go follow those old robo-tunnels.

>>28280494
>>28280454

Yeah, sure. Give abigail some moral support.

>half-banshee empress dancing with erebus 2.12
And not an anti-abigail in sight, amazing.
Let's do it!

>>28280535
Abigail is WORST WAIFU.

lol

>>28280419
Dance, you fool! Dance!

<But anyway...>

"Anyway?"

<Now that no one's around to watch us embarrass ourselves,> you say, <I think I have to ask the girl I like to dance.>

"Well. She's waiting."

<Would you like to dance?>

"I'd love to."

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

And you both trip up several times, but luckily, you've got plenty of extra limbs to catch yourselves before you fall.

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

To be continued with robot-tunnel-following plan?

It will be a major option at the start of the next thread.

I'm actually working out a lot of things at work. A big change I thought was going to happen isn't going to happen. I might end up quitting over, it...so we'll see how my schedule works out for a little while.

I'll post on the twitter. Friday for next thread, probably.