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How many times have I fought in these past two weeks alone…? From Gwynedd to Zipangu, the Swamp and the crusade and now a second match amidst my old people in the south of the island that might as well be to the death. It barely feels like I’ve got my own fate in hands anymore; yet I can’t say I’m not enjoying it.

I’ve always had a bit of a disdain with these arena fights that always looked like cages matches, but right now after surviving a literal inferno and with the trampling echoes of cheering from the crowd, I felt a rare tickle of pride traveling the length of my back in this lull in the fight. She unleashed hell and I survived thank to magic and some grit (I’ll never have to say I was scared, right?), now our duel was about to enter its second phase after this match of will- both of us too out of breath to continue, we ended up staring at each other’s- and I could clearly see some enjoyment written on the salamander face as she let go of her helmet; it landed on the sand with a dull thud while her grip on handle of the obsidian sword strengthened - I could only hope the wound on her shoulder would be a handicap of some sort- yet wishful thinking will only ever be just that and this fight for the honor of the southern lands isn’t going to end quite yet; with the sparks of flames extinguished her armor was back to being a simple, regular weapon and I still had my faithful magic tempered armor (it took some effort to reshape).

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Our pause was only that – a lull- and closing a distance of three meters is much, much faster without the constant impediment of a flame wall; I expected her charge and was ready to react with shield and sword as I pulled my second scimitar, the sword felt nice and heavy in my hand and the tempered iron glistened under the harsh southern sun and, once my tanned foe of red scales whipped her flaming tail sideway, she charged again while disregarding her wounded side, and I was forced to react swiftly for her speed was quite phenomenal in a straight line. Thankfully we did fight before, so I had an idea of her swiftness.
She knew the length of her blade well; I barely saw the dark metal coming my way toward my unprotected side in a quick diagonal chop- from a two hander carrying the weight and speed of a two meters tall overtly trained salamander, standing your ground isn’t easy. I had to turn and offer nearly my full weight on my enchanted shield to avoid getting knocked to the ground once I felt the chop clang on my shield; I felt the pain travel all the way to my shoulder, I gritted my teeth and retaliated- from there an exchange of blows in extreme close quarter was over and done with in all of ten seconds as our equipment clanged loudly in the echoing, completely silent arena.
The steel of my shield became bruised and battered and I immediately reinforced it with ice, repairing the damage and keeping this vital tool nice and round; when I countered her chop, the champion stepped back while carving a like on my shield and attempted to lunge her blade after sliding it onto the surface of my protection but I was faster and stepped inside her vulnerable space to slash directly at her leg- she retaliated by simply pushing my with weight and muscle superior to my own, even so my weapon slid on her weapon in a metallic scratch, she then attempt to run me through with her sword as her face contorted in pain, and again the faithful metal-ice protection saved my life

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Ten seconds increased into full minutes of unending clashes of steels and grunts of efforts; its echoes almost became a rhythm. She’d need some distance to wind up a proper swing so I closed the distance trying my best to get through her armor, especially the heavily damaged side but in the end, it was inconclusive. We fought, pushed, slashed, stabbed, punched and kept close enough to outright kill one another and the sound of struggled reflected that; for a moment, the champion took to half-sword her blade despite the pain and nearly broke my defence as she strongly stabbed the side of my shield, at another I managed to land a quick succession of three strikes on her breastplate, side armor and back but I couldn’t quite get past the armor – my own, also, saved me from quite a few slashes as obsidian blade rarely found the sweet spot in my shield and immediately stabbed toward my body without enough force to break the reinforced ice (I ought to call this Iron Ice!).

I don’t think I have ever been on such a thoroughly equal footing in a bout. The blows were fast, the fight changed to brief wrestling, armors stopped the blade yet hold and submission were much too risky, my shield and insistence on keeping close denied her full strength in swing and in turn she displayed enough guts and agility to avoid the worst of my blows – our equipment was the only thing wearing down, as endurance was the second thing we had in abundance- I could see blood flow out softly from her side wound but the pain seemed to be easily ignorable for the salamander.

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Leveling the sword to her shoulder, the champion let out a snarl as she slammed down the hilt on my shield again- I retaliated by a quick stroke on the arm but had to back off from the sheer pressure of her strike, her flaming down crashed directly onto my side and it was only solid legs that kept my center of balance, however I still took the chance to make some distance and the champion didn’t follow, preferring to keep her ground as I heard her loudly breath in and out; just like me.

From morning to dusk the sun was high in the sky and merciless in its heat in the south creating yet another step of exhaustion in this feverish duel. The champion was faring just about as well as I was, which is why another lull was finally created during which we breathed deep and strongly, trying our best to ignore this damnable heat and the sweat inside my armor; trying to keep the ice armor cool would only be a useless expenditure of magic.

This also allowed time to think – even with her magical protection gone and wounded at the shoulder, this Salamander wasn’t using it as a crutch and for a moment, our eyes crossed and she smiled broadly, her lisps moved in words I couldn’t hear as she whispered to herself but her following grin as she peered my way made it obvious she was enjoying herself- and despite the whole political balance hanging on this bet- I couldn’t discount my own enjoyment.

>Here is a stat sheet for the champion made from Athena point of view, so don’t take it as absolute truth http://pastebin.com/CmhGLgPu

>Current distance is MID-FAR [3 meters]
>You are currently SLIGHTLY TIRED but otherwise in perfect health, minus the bruise from the recent close quarter
>Your magic veins have changed with a slight tint of purple, discoloring the bright blue with a new hue.

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>>36650377
I think we should go for an all-out attack.

>>36650377
Anything we can do with the ice? Put some mean spikes on our shield so she has to worry about a good bash? Maybe encase our sword and increase its length by an inch or two to catch her off guard? Form Ice Crossbow with Aurore and fire a bolt of ice at her face to distract her long enough for us to land a solid hit? It's obvious that just straight up trading blows with her isn't going to go anywhere, we need to get more cunning.

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>>36650573
Is it wise?
That Majikoi really does look like Mylen

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>>36650644
>Put some mean spikes on our shield so she has to worry about a good bash?

Your shield is already a mixture of ice and steel, so yes, that's possible.

>Maybe encase our sword and increase its length by an inch or two to catch her off guard?

You've got a scimitar tough, doing so would break the balance of your sword.

>Form Ice Crossbow with Aurore

An actual contraptions is much more complicated than an simple throwing javelin/axe/dagger. You'll have to make the item out of your own body and actually concentrate heavily on it, too. The exercise will be like the time Siegfried made those harpy eggs to fool Ahriman.

>>36650752
What about a type of flail projected from our fist? Our sword can't seem to break that armor but that's what maces and flails were meant for. Could we also use the ice to increase the sharpness of our blade? Aurore was able to punch through last time if I remember right.

>>36650893
As long as it connect to your body, you can transform your slime arm into a weapon or simply make one to hold onto.

>>36650962
Hmmm...In that case, if it won't throw the balance of our strikes off too much form a triangular blade above her "wrist" like a certain alchemist was fond of doing. Big enough to count, not so big that it slows us down or imbalances us significantly. That'll enable us to go for things like hilt strikes and punches with an added edge of lethality. Spike the shield too, we need to get this girl guessing.

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>>36651068
Very well. This little magic trick is about all you can do for this turn.

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I feared the clarity and concentration of Focus would dull with time but, as our duel progressed into this lull and the champion moved slowly and I responded in kind I quickly found there was nothing to fear – our entire bout had taken well over an hour now and I gained greatly from it, her speed, her strength, the length of her blade… I felt it in battle and I remembered it clearly, to a much better point than what could be described as mere «impressions».

The vital shield clasped to my arm was infused with magic – as always, I felt the traveling of power in my body akin to directing a fluid inside my veins- and it exited to affect the round steel to modify it to my will; adding spikes to what was already a mixture of ice and steel wasn’t complicated, as was the addition of something of a ‘’wrist blade’’ extending from the blue sword arm- the weapon would prevent some flexibility with my wrist but the gain was much better, after all, Aurore pierced that damnable bronze colored armor whereas this scimitar hasn’t.

Of course the phenomenon hasn’t escape the fire lizard notice and her previously smiling face tensed in a combination of stress and concentration as she hefted the obsidian sword up to her shoulder… then took off running in my direction at full sprint in a concert of clicking metal.

>Distance is MID [A little less than 3 meters]
>You have added some offensive spikes to your defensive shield and an armor piercing blade to your wrist.
>Your enemy is sprinting straight toward you but doesn’t look out of control; her scaled, naked feet adhere well to the sand.

>>36651798
Wait for her to get real close, roll out of the way then shield bash.

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>>36651946
Roll 1d20 for that one. No positive or negative modifier.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>36651960

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>>36651985
HOT DAMN!!!!

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>>36651985
Ha

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Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>36651985
Go away 20, go away

>>36652088
Don't you worry INH, the dice will give you your chance eventually.

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>>36652088
It didn't work. Hm, I'll have to think about this one.

>>36652134
The answer is simple. Someone's about to get rekt.

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>>36652149
Being equal opportunist with crits has backfired on me more than once.

>>36652253
In what way? I suspect it's because you want to hurt us but the dice have denied you more than once.

So was your roll for our Salamander friend? Please say yes.

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>>36652375
Yes, usually when you guys crits I'll roll for the opposition to see how hard they get hurt.

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>>36652430
So in that vein, if we roll a 1 do you roll to see how badly we get recked?

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>>36652512
Yes.

>>36652563
I'll never understand what the hell is up with that damn cat in those pictures. Is it a pet, a nekomata, an eldritch abomination sent to usher in the end of all things decent and modest?

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>>36652620
Probably a combination of all of those.

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>>36652620
All of the above

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>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IXDruWnKv0

Now why would she wield her weapon one handed…? She’s already shown she can ignore the pain of her wound, it wouldn’t grow debilitating so fast, and hell even if it did that wouldn’t stop her – no, right now she’s kicking up sands, the movement of her body, her muscles… I suspected she would use her reach and I was right; halfway through her sprint the champion used her momentum after pounding her forward foot on the ground for anchor to thrust forward that obsidian sword, aiming for my shield – the smart thing to do would be dodging toward her wounded side, of course.

So I did the opposite, I even heard Aurore breath out a surprised ‘’what?’’ when my feet reacted to my fast plan; armor or not I had to get out of that strike or else lose momentum by blocking, thus I jumped, full of steel and armor perhaps, yet I closed the distance and landed on the ground directly beside the champion who didn’t even curse under breath, I saw a twinkle in her eyes as she immediately braced for defence when she saw my shield – the Salamander twisted her arm upward and protected her face by presenting her armored side when I connected while our feet kicked up another brief cloud of sands. I heard and felt the connection, the loud «clang» of metal-meet-metal reverberated in a brief echo inside the silent arena; whether I pierced the armor was impossible to tell, the salamander endured and, unable to swing her sword, she twisted her body and revealed why my previous guess was right, and again – why holding back on strike was the right call.

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If I dodged on her wounded she would have undoubtedly gained a precious advantage but now, the champion reached forward and grasped the top of my shield with her armored hand in an awkward hold; our position was one of extreme close quarter and she swing the hilt of her sword directly for my face; our position was one of awkward struggle yet she didn’t hesitate to drive the shield forward. I had enough strength to yank myself free but that’ll mean getting bashed in the face – no, I had something else in mind – never before had my mind raced so much in climatic seconds.

Our difference in height gave me –just- enough momentum.

‘’AAAAGH!’’

People often think that slicing through an armor carries with it an echo or some kind of metal ‘’break’’ but the scimitar simply slashed cleanly through the smaller, flexible metal covering the salamander wrist- going in an one in a smooth motion, unimpeded by blood, tendons, bones…- I felt the hilt connect on my shoulder, completely off balance, then the sword slashed the ice on its way down, landing in a thud while a panicked swipe of her flaming tail bashed my side and I had to stand my ground else lose balance while the champion retreated, holding onto her wound; her sword hand was gone, sliced through, revealing a clean, hemorrhaging wound painting the sandy ground in copious red as she bit her scream, instead letting out an angry snarl as her body trembled all over from the pain and shock- her severed hand was still holding onto that obsidian sword, lying motionless on the ground beside me.

The arena had grown completely silent, and a quick look to my weapon made me realize that, beside the blood, the scimitar was bent.

>Current distance is FAR [5 meters]
>What do you do?

>>36653090
Move in for a second assault, get between her and the obsidian sword. Then go to chop off her other hand.

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>>36653090
PAYBACK IS A BITCH!!!!

A bent sword is next to useless, discard it and form another kind of weapon out of ice. I'm not sure if we should allow her a chance to yield or just finish her right now before she has a chance to deploy a final surprise.

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>>36653353
>>36653344
So no break? Forward charge while making a simple ice replacement?

That means 1d20-1

>>36653452
>Forward charge
No, tactical advance, we try to drive her back so she can't get to her sword. If she tries to go for us, then we respond.

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>>36653487
Oh, alright then. I'll get on it. No rolls needed.

>>36653344
Considering we're on the same side, it's a little stupid to maim her even more on purpose at this point.

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Bloodstained, broken and useless, I let the scimitar meet the ground and immediately imagined a replacement sword; this time a nice, proper long sword extended from the blue slime palm of Aurore and quickly became its own object I had to hold onto; I quickly faced my enemy, shield forward and keeping a medium guard with my new weapon as she stood still, unmoving, bleeding out copious blood into the thirsty sand while grimacing in pain as her tail swished back in forth in constant flaming «whoosh». The fight hadn’t been cut out of her, even with a wounded shoulder and this new…development she was still willing to fight and thus – as long as she wouldn’t yield- this duel will continue.

Now silent seconds stretched on under the harsh sun as I sweated under my armor, few murmurs from the stages were carried down in incomprehensible sounds as neither of us spoke –only stared- and again I saw the lizard smile despite this development and I kept my guard, stepping forward without keeping too much distance with the sword behind me –she could always aim to regain it after all- and from my movement the salamander mirrored, albeit going eastward, actually stepping away from me.

Then she took off in another run, directly to her right, increasing our distances with another feverish sprint, I quickly saw why –exactly- she decided to take off like that. I completely forgot that I left my first scimitar in the sand during our magical fight and now, of course, it was standing unguarded, ready to be picked and used; with the clouds of sands kicked up by the salamander, she’d be reaching it in the next few seconds.

Desperation? No... I think she's enjoying the fight too much to let it go.

>Current distance is FAR [7+ meters]
>Your enemy is bleeding profusely, missing her sword hand and wounded at the shoulder yet isn’t giving up.
>You are in PERFECT HEALTH and only SLIGHTLY WINDED.

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>>36654061
We gave her a chance to surrender like a smart girl but she proves too much of a battle freak to just let it go...

We still have enough juice to form one or two more weapons right? If so, morph the sword into a throwing axe and aim for the vitals, end this.

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>>36654182
You've got plenty of juices left, you spent a huge chunk to survive the inferno but, like I said, Athena saving grace as a mage is her sheer endurance.

Give me 1d20-2 for a throw. Penalty is because she's moving + distance.

>>36654182
Why something large and unweildy like an axe?

Better to make small throwing knives.

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>36654238

>>36654244
Because I need something that'll break through her armor. Also someone else roll, the dice obviously hate me.

Rolled 10 - 2 (1d20 - 2)

>>36654238
I forgot if this was best of three or what

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>>36654317
I go depending on activity. Best of three in most case, like here altough I'm tempted to just go best of two.

>>36654317
Yeah, usually best of 3. Hit or miss it'll take her a few seconds to reclose the distance for a melee attack, we'll have another sword ready by the time she gets back to us.

Rolled 16 - 2 (1d20 - 2)

>>36654238

>>36654361
Clutch roll anon, clutch roll.

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This Salamander is quite the tough one isn't she?

>>36654440
Tough and dumb. She lost her good hand and her weapon while the opponent is basically unscathed. It's obvious who the better warrior is, just yield. No dishonor in losing to the better warrior.

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While morphing and changing the slime arm was almost instantaneous, reshaping an already created object would inevitably need three seconds and that was the time needed for the salamander to reach her goal, her arm shoot for the hilt of the scimitar and she roughly pulled it out in yet another brief geyser of sand; the moment when she actually raised herself upright was the perfect chance to catch off guard and that’s when I calculated my throw, the axe in my hand flew in murderous flips carrying the ominous sound of broken wind, felling meters in seconds yet it was too little too late- I heard the lizard roar and a brisk sound of echoing metal filled the arena as she slapped away the axe with her newfound blade. The pain of her wounds didn’t seem to slow her down, much the opposite- her yellow, brilliant eyes shone with a glint of vitality that… I’ve never seen on anyone else before and her face, albeit increasingly exhausted by the blood loss, still portrayed assurance and amusement.
Perhaps she was filled with a unique battle high; common sense would be to yield after losing a limb, but the Champion is the Champion- yet pride simply isn’t enough to continue on with such ferocity.

Just what is this woman?

‘’Aaah…five minutes. I’ll bleed out in five minute, so let’s finish this before that’’

I think that was the first time I heard her voice- her tone held a middle ground between grave and feminine, her breathing held a constant edge of exhaustion as her open wound flowed continuously and her eyes –brilliant like golden suns- were focused on me. She was obviously gambling her life and, when she charged again to close the distance; part of me felt that she wouldn’t make things simple.

>Current distance is VERY FAR [9 meters]
>You enemy is sprinting and will be at striking range in as little as 5 seconds.

>>36654738
Create another longsword from Aurore's arm.
Do something she wouldn't expect, like a counter-charge leading with our shield when she's a second away.
Force her to react to it, and aim our strike for her remaining swordarm.

>>36654738
Charge back at her, stab her in the leg with a sword, then use that as a pivot point to slide to the side and get behind her.

>>36655065
>>36654958

This might be my last answer for the night, I have a little suprise I want to post tough but before that, let's continue this duel.

So a last minute counter charge with a sword-stab for the champion leg/foot?

1d20. You guys are lucky Athena is so tough.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>36655120
Yes and also the powerslide to get distance between her.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>36655120
Love me dice gods!

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>36655120

>>36655132
>>36655163
>>36655168
Well at least I don't think we'll die or get "severely" injured with a 10.

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I see that nobody is faring good.

>>36655197
See? Dice gods abandon you when you need em' most.

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>>36655264
Oh, nothing bad will happen. It's not like the Salamander is doing well

>>36655450
You say that a lot, and I always have trouble believing you every time you say it.

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I think it'll be best to end it here tonight, I'll still write the continuation but it'll be a slow process and we'll continue tomorrow.

Now, that little suprise I've got concern Siggy and is a return to the previous day, so I think it'd be best to finish the duel before that one in order to avoid completely breaking the scene we've got. Still, I think the fight will end tomorrow, not much left to do.

>>36655584
So keep this bumped for tomorrow? Thanks for running man. And thank you anon what landed the crit. Saved our bacon.

>>36655678
Aye, bumped until tomorrow. I'll try to start earlier. Feel free to talk or ask questions, also I've got that thing.

ask.fm/InsertNameHereQM

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>>36655584
Soul link with Mylen when

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>>36655711
Be there tomorrow once we finish the duel, we'll be getting some news with Siggy.

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>>36655859
>it's actually happening with Mylen
oh my word

>>36655711
I don't think she'd go for one as, given her character, she'd probably like to keep the prospect of dying in Siggy's place risk free.

Our job then is to ensure that never becomes necessary. I like our borderline changeling waifu (seriously, if I ever play that game I'd base a character off of her), would hate to lose her.

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>>36655954
Well, she's hurting emotionally and isn't making a big deal of it.

>>36655960
> I like our borderline changeling waifu (seriously, if I ever play that game I'd base a character off of her)

Borderline changeling? What make you say that?

>>36656053
She was abducted into the realm of the True Fae. If put in nWoD terms she was dragged through the hedge and suffered at the hands of some really sadistic gentry.

She'd almost certainly be of the Summer Court upon her return, her battle lust would demand little else. Anything else would be dependent on what I wanted to focus on in regards to her character (as any character has many facets). But the underlying basis would be...

>They tricked me, abused me beyond anything I truly endured...
>Right when I finally found someone I could love even though I felt myself unworthy of that, and they tore me away...
>That fetch, holding his tender hand....
>NO! That should have been ME, not THAT at his side...

She even said it herself. She will make him hers. I'm also rather drunk at the moment so I'm not at my most articulate but I pray someone gets the picture.

After all, those who spend time in Arcadia never come back fully sane. Still them more or less, but sanity went out the window the instant those thorns tore through your soul.

>>36656053
Sound like a soul link will fix a bunch of her problems.


GOTTA GET THAT PRECOG

>>36656273
But a soul link with either Tsu or Ame may also be just as good.

And we're already giving up on reestablishing the link with Sylphis?

>>36656182
Same guy, pretty sure I got it out of order. She got dragged through before meeting her "love" but it all still holds mostly. Rare is the time you find someone you can truly love, rarer still it is if you are "damaged" goods.

It's hard, to accept a man a lover if your own daddy raped you and treated you like a sex doll. Even if you hide it, you fear the day he discovers the "truth" of your past. Will he still accept you? Will he still love you? Even if he does, did he just say that or does he truly mean that?

This is very deep territory, on the realms of metaphysics and epistemology. I'd like to think I could love such a broken existence, yet we are thankfully without many examples of them.

One should not pray to test themselves against the abyss. For it is one hell of a test, a test we should not ever hope is common...

>>36656335
Dude no

it will mean her and us can fight off nearly any foe

What could be better

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>>36656335
>>36656273

If were talking in term of gains, don't forget that Sylphis, Athena and Siggy - once joined together in battle- are pretty much unstoppable in term of synch.

And now EVERYONE has gained much needed power up.

>>36656386

Mylen is... well. Hard to describe, she live in cosntant extremes. But you are right that she was dragged in the Fey realm before meeting Siggy, she was later saved thankfully, but it left some mark. And she doesn't miss her family, be it her abusive dad, coward mother, or innocent

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>>36656520
>innocent siblings

>>36656424
Precog is of little use if our attacks are too weak to damage the enemy and their attacks too strong for our defense.
Making Tsu, someone on the level of a Demon Lord, able to fight at her best, would be just as good when going up against Orion.

>>36656542
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VR3Av9qfZc

We can carry the two and make it work against that damnable existence. Siggy is willing to let all on the line.

He want's a happy end, he don't much care how he gets it. He aims to misbehave. And I can really get behind such a man.

>>36656710
Your post is pretty much useless garbage at this point. You make no arguments for who the soul link should be made with, just empty platitudes about what result Siegfried wants without contributing anything to the "how" of getting to that result.

>>36656520
>once joined together in battle- are pretty much unstoppable in term of synch.
But without the soul link to Sylphis, isn't that synch gone, or greatly reduced?

>>36656927

The synch is gone without Sylphis. Athena work very, very well with other people (its her main strength), but the triangle need to be whole for its effectiveness to shine.

>>36656971
Then the question becomes whether the three-part combo attack from magic-enhanced Sylphis and Athena are better at getting past Orion's defenses than a two-part combo with Mylen.

Also considering that Athena seems to have figured out how to boost her magic with memories, and could potentially show Sylphis the same, but not Mylen.

>>36659370
Mylen and Siegfried also make a notoriously effective duo, remember how you guys took down a certain Fallen Maiden.

>>36659425
Only reason we took her down was because we landed a crit. Anything less would have had her down an arm or something, but alive as her mistress was inbound hard.

I do like it when the villain actually cares for their subordinates, but it does tend to make them more dangerous. I would hate to face a fresh corruption arm replacement. Aurore already gave me a glimpse of that possibility. Our slime wanted to go Shoggoth mode. Already faced one of those if only in a kind dreamscape. Hope we aren't forced to face one for real.

>>36660783
>Hope we aren't forced to face one for real.
Stay away from the Swamp.

I need to sleep.

>>36660853
I intend to nuke that place with Orion's new toy. Whenever I see world untouched by war, a world of innocence, a world of lush forests and clear rivers...I really just wanna nuke the crap out of it.

8bump

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Thread should be starting in about an hour in a half.

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There’s certainly something intimidating in this image of a bloodied two meters tall warrior still unwilling to back down; the scimitar in her hand felt tiny, almost comical and while she exerted herself in her run, blood kept on dripping from the open wound, falling slowly into the sand. Nine meters feel to seven…five…four… sands kicked up behind her as her big scaled feet threw it behind in brief geyser, the tail behind her combusted from nothing, only fuel by the feverish spirit of this near-berserk oversized lizard while I waited, shield forward and sword brought to a low guard; I didn’t even had time to take a proper breath when my chance finally showed itself as the enemy brought her blade downward; her face contorted in a mixture of anger and surprise as I counter-charge right there, aiming to catch the blade with my shield.

I quickly realized I underestimate her sheer strength, my own momentum may have augmented the sheer force of my shield but I was brought to a rude standstill when she SLAMMED that scimitar right in the spikes, the inside of the shield pushing into my shoulder as the sound of breaking, creaking metal echoed into the arena yet again; this brought the woman a few precious seconds and allowed her to move her foot out of harm way when I slashed in a diagonal upward, whiffing completely and only kicking up more sand- my return strike was countered when she slapped her flaming tail on my back in a loud ‘’thunk’’- the force wasn’t enough to bent the magic steel but I was still brought off balance and she struck again on my shield, her scimitar not bent inward, nearly broken.

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A shoving match of a few seconds ensued; there wasn’t any techniques to her movements, only pure, raw, barbarous savagery, and it was extremely dangerous in its own right as the scimitars carved more lines into the shield, I tried to aim for her arm but again, whiffed and only traced a line of steel into the bronze runes of her armor as she stepped back.

No gain or loss in this exchange aside from her stamina, blood and sweat dripped from her body into the sand and the breathing of the champion grew slightly cavernous heavy; her eyes showed a resolute brilliance that left me momentarily stunned as she tightened her grip around the now broken sword; a hunch, nothing more than that, whispered to me that she’ll try to bring this struggle to an end very soon. Perhaps blood loss is finally starting to sap her strength.

>Distance is CLOSE [2 meters]
>You’ve suffered a few bruises from the odd kicks and tail slap but otherwise staying in good health.

>>36668868
I'm inclined to just keep an appreciable amount of distance between us and let her bleed out.

>>36668868
Circle Around to her Bad side, steadily increasing our distance.
Don't let her get a decisive exchange. Force her to come to us, using up stamina and forcing more blood loss.
Counter her savagery with finesse and intellect.

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>>36669074
>>36669003

So stay away, keep a distance and force her to carry the fight again?

>>36669113
Yes

>>36669113
Yeah, essentially. She'll likely attack as soon as we try to open up the distance, letting us either attack her hand or sidestep her attack.

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Very well, I need a few minutes to take care of something but I'll get right on it

>>36668868
Playing safe and letting her bleed our would be an insult, take her head on.

>>36669423
Agreed. No cowardice here.

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>>36669423
>>36669448

Good thing I haven't started yet. Seem like we've got a split in descision, unless a tie breaker emerge, I'll roll for it.

>>36669423
>>36669448
Not so much cowardice as it is bait. We know she wants to end this, we know she's gonna charge, we want to be in a position to take advantage of that.

Besides, a hint of caution shows respect in a sense. Even in that state, we aren't foolhardy enough to underestimate her.

>>36669592
Alright, I'm for some caution, but not for waiting her our.

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>>36669592
>>36669649
Hm, I'll see how I can spin this.

>>36669423
Taking her head-on when she still holds the advantage in strength isn't being honorable, it's being an idiot.
That's the same as thinking that led to Pickett's Charge.

>>36669908
Or it shows that even with all her strength, Athena is good enough to take her down and will make them respect her more.

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I answered with a cautious fallback only a few steps longs, keeping shield and sword at the ready while staring straight at the champion as I walked toward her wounded side in a slightly unorthodox circle. In response, the monster began to walk while fiddling with the broken weapon, creating a few X in the air, movements creating murderous sharp slashes that almost made it look like her missing hand was no problem but the blood seeping down always tell another story, however this pressure can easily led to something I can’t foresee – people always become very creative under crushing stress.

We maintained a healthy distance in complete silence; nobody in the arena spook a word, the harsh sun shone down on my little world of sand and sweat made the interior of the magical armor uncomfortable while the brown skin of the champion had taken a slight blanche tint due to the unending hemorrhage- our distance neither decrease or increase, the salamander seemed insistent on keeping the status quo but soon, her face broke in a smile, lisps breaking to shows rows of wicked looking white teeth almost glistening in the sun, the worrying shining in her golden eyes never left either, which is why I kept on the defensive.

‘’Never been pushed so hard before. I knew there was more to you back then’’

Her tongue then darted out of her month – long and thin in deep red- it licked the air and I heard her take a large breath, the flames in her tails began to crackles, doubling in volume by some unseen reinvigoration… and then she took off not in a run, but a jog, leveling the bent scimitar upward in a cautious stance that looked more appropriate for a mace.

>Distance is CLOSE [2 meters]
>You have about just enough time to counter charge or try to run away, you’ve kept prudence all this while.

>>36670417
Time for a dramatic cross counter?

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>>36670573
Roll for it, that's dangerous but hey, no pain no gain.

1d20

>>36670573
Why cross counter? That implies we get hit too, not good. I'm not against charging her, but to go specifically for that isn't smart.

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>>36670692

She's taking a more cautious approach now, do you guys want me to offer some course of actions?

>>36670573
What? No, that's stupid. Why are you trying to lose this match, you moron?

>>36670762
Sure, I can't shake the feeling she's got one last dirty trick up her sleeve.

>>36670762
Just give some of us a chance to post, rather than going with the idiot that wants to get Athena killed forhe sake of drama.

>>36670417
She's going to use the scimitar like a mace to get through our armor, and she's keeping her speed low enough to respond to any dodges or maneuvers we make.
Our last attempt at a counter-charge failed.

Keep our guard up and keep our distance. Bait her into charging, which we can use against her by moving to the side and striking her sides and arm.

>>36670256
We already had a direct strength to strength comparison in close quarters and she punctured our shield. What you're suggesting is just wishful thinking when compared to what's actually happening.

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>>36670816
>Keep our guard up and keep our distance. Bait her into charging, which we can use against her by moving to the side and striking her sides and arm.

1d20 for that, unless there's another popular choice.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>36670880
i hope athena dies

>>36670960
Not with a 13 she won't. Maybe get another scar, but she won't die.

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>>36670960
My main aim is on someone else.

>>36670993
You wanna kill Mylen? But why? She's been through hell, she deserves to live. All the girls do really, I really don't wanna lose any of em'. They're all great.

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>>36671033
Not just Mylen

>>36671061
Oh right, almost forgot, we're dealing with a suffering addict, you're gunning for everyone you monster. Part of what makes this interesting, it'd be boring if victory was assured.

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>>36671061
Just take Athena and maybe Slyphis and be done with the killings please.

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>>36671182
You'll have a hint after the duel, it's pretty much in its closing stage now.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>36670880
>>36670880
Watch out for the Salamander's tail, because she'll try to use it when we lash out.
Slash the tail too when we catch it on our shield.

Coul we extend the ice longsword into a shortspear?

>>36671245
>Coul we extend the ice longsword into a shortspear?

Yes

>>36671182
Man, wanting to sacrifice the first girls we met, that's cold. And you'd be foolish to think he'd be satisfied with just that.

>>36671245
Good roll, we'll definitely live now. I hope, please.

>>36671182
I keep trying to understand how that weapon work but I can't.

>>36671583
It's a spear.

>>36671607
Not optimal. Large flat thin surfaces difficult to get solid grasp. Unable to purchase solid grip on most of its surfaces. Design not aerodynamic nor balanced for throwing. Inferior, normal spear far more efficient.

>>36671265
Is the change instantaneous, since it's in our right hand?
Can it go from longsword to shortspear and back?
Being able to change threat range on the fly should make it more difficult for the Champion to judge the correct distance.

>>36671827
>Is the change instantaneous, since it's in our right hand?

Not quite instant, it take something like 0.5 seconds.

>Can it go from longsword to shortspear and back?

Yes.

You guys roleld pretty high (again). I don't really think the champ can take it anymore, you'll see.

>>36671687
Yeah, it's almost like certain entertainment mediums like to create things that may not work in the real world but look cool. Surprising right?

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So I answered by backing down, clanging the tip of my iced sword onto the modified shield, clawed feet sliding on the sand, creating an irritating distance that didn’t disturb the concentration of the champion, only her brows furrowed in response and I heard her take another sharp intake of breath as she changed her footsie into a jog, measuring her pace with alarming clarity despite her missing hand. Making the mistake of underestimating her on the edge of victory would be very ill fitting indeed but as an idea struck me and I immediately began to act upon it by reforming the sword in my hand, she began to press harder with caution to distance and defense, this «phase» began as a concert of feints, counters feints, distances and approaches.

The champion surged onward animated by a second wind, leaving herself open and I would then try to thrust with my newly formed shortspear (it may not be my best weapon, but I’ve certainly picked up a few tips thank to Mylen) – the deadly would only dance and scratches the surface of the armor as the champion retreated, oftentimes kicking sand my way or swooshing her tail as barrier without quite connecting, she would still hold her arm in reserve and again – our duel went on without conclusion into a sheer battle of endurance.

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One step, forward thrust, feint, dodge, backward hop with a protective thrust, shield up to intimidate that tail, keep an eye on that scimitar, she’s bleeding nonstop, next thrust graze her armor again, quickly retreat before her armpit close on my spear, manage to nick her throat, going through the protective mail (thank Aurore), her natural armor mitigate the damage to superficial. Shield forward, thrust again, again and again; she’s lacking in defence and reach now, I can hear the sound of my spear breaking through the air and colliding with the metal of her armor, another concert of struggling metal ensue and I’ve barely any time to breathe; sweat nearly could my eyes, my muscles scream from this unending torrent but I keep that 2 meters tall warrior at bay.

Again, thrust. Again, thrust. Again, thrust.

There’s not even a hint of anger on the Salamander- her eyes are wide open, her body slouching forward slightly, the grip on her scimitar bloodied by a few trickles of blood flowing out from her old axe wound- the way she’s looking at me scares me, that’s why I keep to the defensive, I’ve seen that kind of face before.

‘’Raah!’’

Then her tail surge toward my shield and I’m tempted – so very tempted- to cut it off but in the precious seconds leading to the inevitable end of the duel the clarity of Focus finally make me realize what the champion was up to and I take the hit of the flaming, scaled appendage- it slam on my shield like a mace and the sheer force make it tackle the side of my head like a sucker punch and as her war cry resound in the arena, the champion close the distance and heft her broken sword, poised in lethal strike.

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That’s when I countered; I’m more than used to getting punched in the face, I put my own weight into an upward thrust, gripping that ice spear underarm; our combined momentum was more than enough to make our armor an afterthought and… the calculation of Focus proved true- the spear penetrate into her armor, opening the already noticeable damage on her shoulder, piercing right through metal, organic scales, skin and muscle… it land with a very noticeable weight, locking her raised arm in place as her raised knee that knocked on my armor very quickly went back on the ground to keep her balance.

…
Complete total silence, perhaps the sound of sheer disbelief for the entire southern country.
…yet my foe is smiling, even if the fight was finally knocked right out of her.

>Kill her
>Demand she yield.
>Something else?

>>36672259
What does Athena think the Salamander would want her to do? She knows more about them and their culture than we do.

>>36672259
>Demand she yield.
Proper protocol should be observed.

>>36672288
That's your call here folks, this entire duel is pretty much without precedent as it is. Athena is leaning 50/50

I guess it depend on what you think is more honorable.

>>36672259
Have her yield. Killing her would be a waste.

>>36672391
In addition, who else will they be able to spar with in the future that will give them as good a fight?

>>36672259
If she gets some medics she might not die and if someone gave her a guts hand she'd still be able to fight in the coming battle. Demand she yield.

>>36672259
[x] Kill her

>>36672259
Have her yield, if she refuses then kill her.

>>36672259
Have her yield. If she refuses, force her to the ground and rub her belly until she submits.

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‘’Yield’’

I don’t even have the breath to scream the word like some kind of victorious chant, our difference in height force me to stare up and in turn, the red scaled, brown skinned salamander is looking down in breathless silence, face wracked in pain and sweat – our eyes cross and I finally hear her voice.

‘’I aint going to beg.’’

Her hold onto the scimitar isn’t lessening, my spear prevent her from hefting her arm for any kind of strike and the flaming tail has now found itself on the ground, between her wobbly, trembling feet; from the slit of my helmet, I stare back at her clear yellow eyes and shake my head.

‘’Not what I want. Yield.’’

I drive the spear further for emphasis and she snarl in pain before letting out a chuckle, but the hold on her weapon lessen and it thud on the ground in a dull sound, parting the hot sad and shining brightly, reflecting the light of the sun- then I take a prudent step back, give her one last glance, and stop feeding magic into the spear, forcing a fresh flow of blood to exit from the wound on her shoulder yet, even with a newly lost hand and a hole in her body, the champion simply isn’t falling down; her tail is kept between her leg, holding herself upright while her head hang low and so, just like that… she waits…

And silence stretch into the entire arena; I’m sure that, if she had won, it’d be full of echoing celebrations by now.

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…then a voice broke the silence like a knife through a silk blanket.

‘’Cheeeeeeeeeer you miserable lot!’’

A scream of indignant anger emerge from the very first row of seats closest to the battles; Sylphis had literally climbed atop one of the decorative pillar holding the Southern flag, holding onto its base while facing the thousands upon thousands of faces.

‘’Cheer! You’ve got your new champion proven through honorable combat! Now cheer!’’

She was screaming with all the power her small lungs could give her and the once-champion chuckled slightly while breathing audibly, keeping a slow, methodic pace while blood kept on flowing and, slowly, I heard a sound from the seats; a loud, yet slow rumbling from the primarily Oni populated side, rows upon rows of colored, tall women stood, loudly smacking their fist in hand while facing the side of the lizards; upon which quite a numbers had already vacated.
The sound of this strange clapping increase likes an ever powerful march; then, I heard the champion speak.

‘’Hey’’

Her voice was hoarse; while still able to stand, I doubt she’d be able to continue for much longer.

‘’Where was this ferocity during our first bout?’’

>What do you do?

>>36673102
I'm not sure if we should mention the poison or not.
Maybe we should just talk about finding determination within ourselves or something?

>>36673102
Many thing happened since then.


So many things.

>>36673102
"I was poisoned, remember? What, you thought that accusation was just to get a rematch?"

>>36673161
We publicly declared that we were poisoned right before our first duel, AND we had a good half of the Southern Council root through our memories to validate what happened.

Our poisoning is now known.

>>36673161
If she lives/yields, she'll hear about it (if she hasn't already). She might as well hear it from us first. Besides, this just proved the rumors true.

>>36673248
I know but saying it now would feel like a cop out to me, can't really explain why though.

>>36673102
It's things like this that remind me why I like Sylphis so much.

>>36673297
>cop out
The poison was the exact reason why Athena couldn't fight at her best.
Your reasoning doesn't make sense.

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Hm, I think I know how to proceed. Hold on to your butts, this aint over yet.

>>36673338
Saying the only reason you didn't beat me last time was because I had a handicapshe already knows about as the lizard is dying just feels off.
Besides Athena has grown since then, so just blaming it on the poison feels like weak reasoning.

>>36673427
The handicap WAS the only reason Athena lost the last time. If she didn't have poison dulling her concentration and reflexes, the fight would have been much closer, and she likely would have won.

Character growth is nice, but it doesn't necessarily translate to becoming a better fighter.

Even more than her character growth, Athena's new magic and Aurore's arm were far more integral to winning this time around.

>>36673427
We could mention that it wasn't just the poison, something like:

"It wasn't just because I was poisoned then. A few days ago, I stopped hating myself as a person and for what I did in the past."

I suck at dialogue though, so someone else can probably put this better.

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‘’I’ve got two answer to give you’’

Sylphis kept on jeering the crowd, even pointing at a few lizards to acknowledge my victory; the strange clapping of the Onis was echoing loudly in the arena and it was certainly something to be proud of, but the way Sylphis kept on going with this strange mixture of excited anger was the real reason why I felt a swell to my ego.

I didn’t disappoint my little sister.

‘’First is the poison’’

The champion responded with a slight laugh and shook her head while wincing; a few medics were already out and about now, ready to help her.

‘’…the main reason tough, is that I’ll become a wife after this war and if I want to stand beside my husband without shame I’d have to be proud of who I am, too. Hard to do that with an entire region jeering at you the moment you step inside, right? Besides, I also had a little bit of help’’

My (probably) ruined shield knocked on the slime arm who grunted a fatigued ‘’oi’’ in response; then the salamander let out a pained laugh, but there was also some satisfaction on her face.

‘’Name’s Kayan, let’s spar again someday’’

She finally lost consciousness when the priestess caught up to her… and now, I could stare up at the seats of the arena; perhaps bask in glory, but I just felt nervous and glad I was still encased in armor- I’ve never been welcomed in the South but maybe… just maybe, I could bring Siegfried here on our honeymoon.
I’d like to bring Ame, Tsu, Hadraniel, Mylen, and Bletsia… ah hell, the whole gang should come.

That’d be so nice.

--

--
>-Late evening of the previous day.-

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Her long golden locks spread like a sheet of their own, with smoothness as silky as blankets; each strands was sturdy and beautiful, sliding out of my palm and motivating me to grasp again as it landed upon white, motionless feathers. Grand wings spread to cover the entirety of the bed, just as grandiose as I’ve ever seen, even if the angel was sleeping like a doll; the light of the glowing halo had dimmed as it half-disappeared inside the pillow whilst her hands had been respectfully crossed together to rest upon her stomach. Hadraniel was beautiful, whether awake, sleeping, battling or simply standing and now wasn’t any different. Her breathing was long, stable and constant yet her eyelids didn’t move when I gently slide my hand on her wing, nor did she react and awake upon feeling my palm on her cheek; a warrior like her sleep always softly, yet now she kept her those eyelids closed and pursued this unending slumber, denied me vision of those ocean circles – a porcelain doll shining by her lonesome, that’s how beautiful this angel truly is.

I wasn’t the one who removed her stained clothes and put a new comfortable gown for her (that would be Mylen). The reality had spread and once my own health wasn’t a subject of worry anymore, I was able to review today’s event and could only wallow in self-pity. Athena came and went like thunder picking up my own slacks, the trainings for the novices became a hands-on action to save my life under my mother supervision, and even Ame couldn’t concentrate upon learning my own state, as for Tsukiyomi… Most likely busy, the Demon Lord and her daughter were also nowhere in sight.

Beyond the door of this room were Emeth and Mylen simply dutifully staying as guards while the Yukionna made me promise to seek them out at my leisure, unfortunately each time I heard a loud intake of breath from the angel I’d anticipate something –anything- but of course she kept on dreaming.

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Directly after suffering from a horrible, horrible hemorrhagic fever that should have been mine, Hadraniel had been declared comatose by Mother Earth after a quick magical inspection and she was the only other person in the room with me now, silent, so silent – not a spoken word between us for well over an hour – Mana stood far from the bed and me, deep in thought arms crossed and traits hardened as she frowned in an uninviting expression.

I would have likely stayed like this for the remainder of the night were it not for her – and inevitable interruption, for the world and war waits for no tragedy.

Mana walked off from her lonely spot to come beside me, resting a hand on my shoulder as her expression shifted toward something awkward and distant while running a hand inside her long, colored hair and I was tempted to do the same were it not for a strangely foreign sharp, painful jolt in my body, as if I had swallowed a loaf of bread and it got stuck in my throat. For a moment I immediately suspected the entity responsible for this mess and was sjut about ready to renew hostility.

‘’Siegfried?’’

I heard mother speak, this time worried and gentle as she tightened her grip on my shoulder and I started to feel… different- the crushing sentiment of pure loneliness that had come to me after saving Athena life was gone. A precious –something- that had disappeared was reignited, like an ember of a fire camp regaining its flames after placing new woods, something lost came back, just like that, as if willed back to existence.

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It was the Links. Daiyu Jawahir seemed resolved but something akin to surprised cascaded through the rope, Emeth was just beyond the door and I heard a brief clang coming from the hallway as her interest came to examine this reformed knot and Athena – separated by distance- seemed to be right next to me; her warmth, excitement and…love was like the hand of my mother grasped my other shoulder. There was two absence, two things that should be yet couldn’t be pinched or roused; Sylphis and Hadraniel couldn’t be found, the instinctual certainty of their live wasn’t even present but I felt too…surprised, I guess to feel robbed quite yet.

‘’Please tell me if something wrong’’

Mother’s voice was a plea and I had nothing to hide.

‘’The links are back, three of them at least…’’

However a loud two timed knocks interrupted right as I was able to continue and whoever was behind the door didn’t wait for approval, the doorknob twisted and turned, revealed a man I hadn’t seen in some time. Kyorn the Marauder broad winged frame had some difficulty fitting through the door due to these black wings of his and he was very quickly followed by Emeth as she took the opportunity to sneak inside; I also saw some blonde hair before the door closed, it’d seem Mylen had quit her little vigil – I immediately thought something was wrong but the man presence was obviously more pressing.

Kyorn sharp green eyes immediately fell toward Hadraniel peaceful form and his entire body stiffened in something akin to anger when he crossed eyes with Mother Earth; it wasn’t quite anger, the winged man simply look overwhelmed by surprise as a glint of acknowledgement made him finally breath out his held back air as his fist tightened around an odd knapsack in his right hand.

‘’So it’s true…’’

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He said, breaking the silence in the room as he winced in pained and gazed back toward Hadraniel for a few seconds.

‘’…I’ve come here to you, Siegfried because I’m not sure if I should that to Tsu or Ame; I think I can guess why, exactly, you went to the church back then now, sorry for getting pissed’’

Then he straightened himself and his wings flapped as his gaze returned to my mother who looked quite relaxed and distant, but still graced him with a smile when their eyes crossed.

‘’I’ve got one question before I leave’’

He felt surprisingly awkward but it was also undeniable he knew my mother –whether it was Mana Shieffer or the goddess Mother Earth- I didn’t know.

‘’Fifty years ago, were you the one who guided me and my two buddies toward that spirit dwelling?’’

Mana answered soundlessly, her eyes closed and she nodded, which made the man react with a flap of wings and I spotted some brief trembling – this was some old history being cleared and I could only stand witness. ‘’Alright’’ he whispered as he fiddled with that leather sack, turning toward Emeth.

‘’Kyorn, would you please come back here with your ladies and ask Leila to do the same? I’ll need all of you tonight’’

He simply answered with a dazed ‘’right’’ while Emeth took his sack, he was swiftly out the door while the golem dutifully brought the item to me.

‘’Siggy’’

She started, cocking head sideway with a brief hint of smile as she tapped her heart with her free hand, the intention came through the link crystal clear – «what should have never dimmed has renewed» and I smiled, feeling tears in my eyes as I gently grabbed the item.

‘’Siggy…’’

This time she sounded serious and her big red eyes caught all my attention.

‘’Mylen is hurting really bad’’

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Of course she would; the Embodiment of Love managed to sneak into her heart and I couldn’t quite guess how their relationship evolved throughout these feverish days – perhaps I ought to see her tonight – but…

What was inside the knapsack simply blew my worries apart.

First was a wooden coffer and inside was a item I knew very well- a normal looking stiletto covered by a scabbard of leather revealed itself as a blood red blade that immediately churned my stomach in dread while Mana stepped back in prudence, disgusted and afraid by the mere sight of this dreadful knife whose blade felt ready to spread dreadful diseases. Beside it was a note scribbled in bright, girly handwriting.

«A gift in the hope of parlay for morrow night full moon, heralding the day that may finally break this chain bounding us all in an unending echo. Stand in the wilted garden, let us be civilised and true to ourselves; one or two witnesses, I will allow.» A kiss on the side marked the end of this note.

‘’Siegfried’’

Mother hand tightened on my shoulder again while Emeth had crouched beside Hadraniel, peering intensely onto her sleeping face.

‘’Tsukiyomi is about to start her blood ritual, leave this here with me – if you want to stop her, follow the link with the Demon Lord, if you want to do something else then… go, my son. I’ll try to improve Hadraniel condition.’’

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Hmm, maybe I should end here for tonight

>>36673744
>if you want to stop her, follow the link with the Demon Lord, if you want to do something else then
The ability that Tsu will get with the ritual won't be as critical, since we know that Deruella is willing to drop her charade tomorrow.

And the ritual only provides the ability to detect blood magic, nothing else. And the Crusade won't be using it, since they've got something they believe to be better, so it won't be useful against that enemy.

But just because Deruella says she's willing to meet, doesn't mean that the meeting will result in any kind of lasting peace. If Deruella escapes to fight another day, or to try to backstab Tsu and Ame right after Orion dies, then being able to see through her disguises or the disguises of her underlings would be strategically critical.

>>36673878
Are you waiting for player input?

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>>36673920
Yeah, but its getting pretty late so I understand if there isn't much activity.

This is more or less a spot to direct Siegfried for the night. Find Tsu, go to Mylen, stay with Hadraniel, do something I didn't count on.

>>36673969
There's directing Leila to find Ithel to and Baphomet to get that prosthetic arm for Athena completed in time for the battle.
Or will Aurore continue to be Athena's arm for the big battle?

And we have to re-evaluate the strategic importance of the blood ritual that Tsu is going to undergo.
It's using condemned prisoners, and it will provide a means of detecting Deruella's other agents that are likely still hidden.
Concerns about the possibility of an adverse reaction between blood magic and an artificial tenko's nature were dealt with, correct?

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>>36673744
goto based mylen

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>>36673744
What!? She fucking *gave* us the goddamned Shiki knife!?

Oh man, now I'm really, REALLY friggin' scared. To just give away such a powerful and sovereign artifact just to secure peace talks that probably won't go anywhere is...

What the hell does she have planned, and how close is she to pulling it off? She has to be really close, like tasting it close, if she's willing to part with that bad boy.

This also means the blood ritual is now unnecessary, stop Tsu before she does something she'll regret.

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>>36674044
>Concerns about the possibility of an adverse reaction between blood magic and an artificial tenko's nature were dealt with, correct?

Yes, Sieglinde is just about one of the five foremost expert on Blood Magic and also know about Tsu unique state (well, msot of it) thank to her long history with her mother.

What you DON'T want is a Kumiho dabbling in blood magic, but the ritual itself isn't really that big a deal, it doesn't affect the soul and thus, has absolutely no chance of taint.

>>36674078

I knew you'd say that.

>>36674116
>What you DON'T want is a Kumiho dabbling in blood magic
The target is Tsu, not Ame, so I don't see that being a concern.

But the ritual not only allows someone to see an active blood magic disguise (the only thing that can see a blood magic disguise), but also active blood magic.

Did Sieglinde's lecture say if the ritual would allow someone to see a blood ritual before it's active?
As in, would it let Tsu see a blood magic ritual circle as it's being prepared, before it's active?

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Hm I think it'd be best to leave the decision making until tomorrow.

Don't have much unanimity for now.

>>36674228

>Did Sieglinde's lecture say if the ritual would allow someone to see a blood ritual before it's active?

That's not really possible to ''feel'' it, it'd be like trying to hear a gun before you fire. Blood rituals that aren't active are, simply put, a bunch of occult circles and symbols without substance, so they project absolutely nothing until the ritualist begin his spell.

>>36674276
So it's possible that Deruella set up a blood magic ritual circle in the dead garden, and is just waiting for us to walk into it so she can activate it.

Or she got wind of the blood ritual that Tsu is preparing, and wants to give us a reason to stop the ritual, because Tsu becoming aware of blood magic would interfere in the last step of her plan somehow.

Besides Nebuchadnezzar, who else are part of the Great Seal, who is still alive?

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>>36674337
>Nebuchadnezzar
That's a cute error anon, her name is Nebuchednazi.

All of them beside her are presumed dead, but that's because no clear way to undo the seal is known yet.

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>>36673878
It's probably best if you do. Most players are probably asleep or something and we need time to digest this/have them here for our ultimate answer on "what do" in this case.

She just gave us the final solution to our Orion problem and her best insurance policy against our meddling in her plans, and she's more than smart enough to know that. We could take down the Megadeath Class Gear she's working to free easy with that along with any other entity we see as a problem. It doesn't make any sense, why give us what we'd need to avert our current worst case scenario along with others we've yet to see?

We're missing a vital piece of this puzzle, for all things ultimately do make sense once you have full knowledge. If it does not, you are missing something, something very important in some way though you may not know it. I'm terrified because of this development for very good reason. I'd be shaking in my boots if this was real INH, kudos.

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>>36674549
She's quite the fun demon isn't she?

>>36674374
>That's a cute error anon
That's what auto-correct did, since Nebuchadnezzar was a real king.

Anyway, since this seems to have been intended to stop Tsu from going through with the blood ritual, I don't think we should stop her.

The meeting is very likely a trap of some kind, and we need to consider what she could accomplish that our possession of the Knife doesn't endanger.
Either her plan is so close to being complete that us having the knife doesn't matter, or she intends to have us kill Orion with the Knife, and then kill us somehow from a distance.

She could very well be planning on having us kill Orion with the Knife, and then kill us by having one of her subordinates get the Holy Nuke to detonate.
The detonation would kill Siegfried and every Monster on the island. Her forces could then come in and mop up the weakened Crusade forces and any surviving Zipang soldiers.

>>36674628
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miOizLxOD4E

Yes, she is. I do hope you have her live up to my expectations of her. The perfect evil, it seduces you without you even realizing it. It makes sense to just give in, accept, and facilitate her every whim even if you know it is just that, a whim.

Like Tzeentch incarnate, the greater your intellect, the more it works against you, and damn near everyone in our party has a beefy intelligence score. I'm seeing this tune playing during the meeting. I wonder, have you played that game?

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>>36674710
Never played Xenogears, I know I should.

>>36674700

I won't give any hints about her intention, for obvious reason.

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>>36674700
Siggy won't go down from the nuke for the same reason we don't go down from corruption, ol' Beasty feeds on that shit y'know. You can't die from sublimely good food. Now, if she wanted to set up a buffet for him it'd certainly do so, but we'd still be in the way. We've denied him many a meal, we'd surely deny him this one.

Hell, we could deny him entirely. A good slash with the knife would carve a cone of null Holy if we time it right, It basically gives the weilder MEoDP, just cut at what we don't want. It hits, it dies. We could even kill Mommy with that thing. If it kills "gods", it kills anything.

>>36674774
You've said that pic related is your waifu. That's the first game they made. So play it already, if only for your waifu. It's really good, only flaw is they fucked up the second part because of business bullshit. I hope one day they get to really finish it, but I ain't holding my breath.

Oh well, the dead have access to the library of dream. I'll play it as it was meant to be then.

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>>36674870
Yeah, I know about the history. I've been trying my best to emulate Xenosaga but my computer is too terrible for that, I'll see if I can find the time for gear.

>>36674921
That's only a generation or two away from what's on the market. You need at least three to land a reliable virus free emulator. So a good one should come out sometime soon, I hope.

It's a great series, It dropped the ball but III was amazing despite the rushed feel. Whole storyline was orgasmic for a philosophy enraptured mind like my own. I love it when people at least consider the shit I consider routinely in a story.

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>>36674921
So we're the "Shion" in this quest...

Yet again we attempt to defy suffering, I do hope we land Emeth's final form before the final battle. An X-BUSTER would really help. I really want her to land that headgear. Orion needs to be brought down a notch, a good "Hilbert Effect" would really help, especially since we got the knife of induced death.

I may have hated Ahriman, but his sentiment holds. A "human" way out of this, lets prove that he had a legit dream...

And hey, I ain't against her looking like your waifu. KOS-MOS was and is pretty damn hot.

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>>36675376
Emeth isn't exactly KOS-MOS tough, she'S the mainframe for an entire army of golems (who are pretty much spearheading the final assault).

Not quite a walking weapon of mass destruction

>>36675889
She's basically the ultimate weapon of the final war. A true robogirl, granted sentience through her empirical data on what it is to "feel" a given emotion thanks to her past as our long forgotten Yuki-onna waifu.

I expect much of her, as I expect much of all our girls. This is an "all in" gambit, we win or lose it all in the coming battle. I dare say I wouldn't have it any other way, the bigger the risk the bigger the win.

Let's carve out a future of peace and prosperity, no matter how the vicissitudes of fate say otherwise. At least a "god" is with us on this, all that is good wants us to succeed.

>>36674870
>You can't die from sublimely good food
Of course you can, if you're not the one getting benefit of the food.

An energy infusion of that magnitude would super-charge the Beast and give him more than enough power needed to break free of his chains and completely overtake Siegfried.
Probably even ahead of schedule.

On top of that, since Deruella knows about the past timeloops, but just like Mother Earth, Tsu, and Daiyu were caught by surprise that the Beast had achieved sapience in this most recent loop, Deruella would also be counting on the Beast being a ravening beast that could be outsmarted and put down.
She would be taken completely by surprise when it shows intellect.
This explains why she would give up the Knife.
Siegfried uses the Knife to kill Orion, massively weakening the Crusade forces, if not achieving victory over them.
Deruella's agents go after the remaining Angels to force them to use Orion's nuke. The detonation of the Holy Nuke will kill Nebuchednazi in the south and release the final seal. It will also provide the Beast with the last extra boost it needs to kill and take over Siegfried. Since Deruella expects the Beast to be a cunning but still animalistic creature, she expects it to not be able to use the Knife, or for any remaining member of Siegfried's group to be weakened from the nuke.

This would put the Demon Realm in a prime position to invade Zipang, as most of its population will be dead, the remaining Crusade forces can be encircled, and whoever is still holding the Knife can be surrounded and taken down through sheer numbers.

And by presenting herself at some meeting, she takes away the one biggest reason for Tsu to become 'Sensible' to blood magic, making sure that one of the people most likely to interfere in the last parts of her plan remains unable to detect parts of it.

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>>36676631
This game of cat and mouse is pretty fun.

>>36675971

>I expect much of her, as I expect much of all our girls.

Hadraniel is in a very bad spot right now.

8bump

>>36676721
I just hope she wakes up in time for the big battle. She's basically the only thing we got that can actually tank Orion unless we can free Radiance somehow.

Oh well, we still have a decent shot without her now that we got that Knife. Just lodge that thing in his braincase and boom, flawless victory. Damn thing "kills" spells to so even his Soul Blasts won't stop it. Well, a big one might, but he doesn't even know it's around thanks to Ahriman's peerless shadowrunning, it'll be a real sucker punch, he won't see that one coming.

>>36676631
With the knife we can just "kill" the nuke if it comes down to it. Can kill the Evil Mountain with it too. The nuke won't disable our whole party either, Haddy, Siggy (presuming he isn't overcome by the squatter), Mylen, Leila, and Athena won't be phased, neither will most of Tsu's hero summons, so they'll still be at full capacity if it goes off.

She did just give us an ultimate trump card though, so this theory isn't without significant merit. She's banking on us doing something with it, I just wish I knew what. Hope the meeting gives us a clue or two.

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Page 9 bump.

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Another pg 9 bump

>>36680218
>Can kill the Evil Mountain with it too.

Do remember that the Knife is no difference than a regular weapon in term of penetration/slashes, it won't penetrate armor easily. You'd have to gind an organ for the Mountain and jam the Knife in several time to be able to harm in, let alone kill.

Now, I'm not too sure if I'll be able to continue tonight as I'm not feeling too good. But I'll still try, I'm jsut not sure about our course of action, doesn't seem like you guys want to stop Tsu.

>>36686000
Damn, so it's still a nigh unstoppable murder machine. Does the knife go through magic? Ahriman did "kill" a spell of ours with it.

And if you do choose to continue you should probably hold a vote with some given options, just to be sure about things as this sounds like a big decision.

>>36686415
>Does the knife go through magic?
It's the antithesis of magic and ''fantastic'' life in general, so yes, it does. Armor stop it pretty good tough, but magic can't stop it.

Orion has iron skin

I'll take your suggestion to heart and come up with some choices.

>>36686552
So we'll have to make a hole in a lethal area and *then* stab his sorry ass in the wound he'd be plugging with magic to make it count.

A tall order, but still much easier than taking his head and turning most of his body into a fine powder which seems to be the only other way he's going down, we gouged out his heart and he didn't give a fuck. And that assumes he even has one or that it's located where it "should" be.

>>36686747
A fine fellow to fight, isn't he?

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Here’s a set of choices to help you guys orient yourself after this rather abrupt change of scenery.

1) Do your best to find Tsukiyomi and stop the ritual – she’s accomplishing it with Daiyu and Sieglinde help but, with this new development perhaps it’d be best to stop the Queen-mother rash decision. She shouldn’t stain her hands more anyway – there’s enough sins weighing her down.

2) Emeth mentioned something about Mylen; if there’s one thing you’ve come to understand about this solemn bodyguard of yours it’s that she always live in extreme despite herself. For her to be so blatantly ‘’hurt’’ enough for a golem to witness isn’t something you can just brush off. Maybe it’s simply time to play the lover for tonight.

3) Mother Earth mentioned something about improving Hadraniel state – perhaps staying back would be fruitless and you’ll be nothing more than dead weight- but the angel coma is entirely your fault. It wouldn’T be right to just… go away and do other thing.

4) [CUSTOM]

Sorry for the delay folks, I think it might be best to simply decide on a course of action that I’ll then write upon for the next update.

>>36688469
I already voted to stop Tsu and I ain't changing my mind. Though I wonder if I'm the only guy still here.

>>36688469
Again, there is no strategic weakness created by completing the blood magic ritual, and it can still provide a tactical and strategic advantage.

We need Ithel and Baphomet to be working on Athena's prosthetic arm and for us to go find Mylen.

Tsu having the ability to detect blood magic is an advantage that we should keep.

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>>36688977
>>36688888

So one for Tsu, one for Mylen. I think I'll try to keep the thread alive until we get a little more vote. It's not THAT important a choice, but it'll obviously shape how the next update will be going.

>>36688469
Call an emergency war-council meeting and gather everyone together and show them the note and the knife. Let them know shit is happening.

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>>36689056
That's a very good way to simply scare Deruella and not make her show up.

>>36689056
Did you forget that Deruella is still watching us?

>>36688977
We don't know the full list of side effects though. It could render her truly sterile (Sieglinde never heard of a sensible person giving birth), or it may enable a sympathetic connection with other sensible people. Deruella is almost certainly sensible but she knows what Tsu looks like while Tsu doesn't, giving the succubus the edge if that's true.

I have to ask INH, is sympathetic magic a thing? The portals seem to work based on that (must picture place clearly and have been there before), but can you get really devious with it and say curse or scry from a great distance if you have an appropriate item?

>>36689056
If she thinks we're going to try and screw her she just won't show up. She's smart, she won't walk into a trap.

We get one or two witnesses, and she probably won't show if we bring Tsu. Her subordinates saw the hero summons, she thus knows Tsu is potentially many people if she goes full tilt and would want no part of taking on the heroes that brought down the previous Demon Lord.

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>>36689275
>is sympathetic magic a thing?
I'm not sure I understand what you mean.
>curse or scry from a great distance if you have an appropriate item?

Curses are a subgenre of Blood magic and you NEED something precious and personal from your target to be able to do them (if yo uaim for a personal curse of course, it's entirely possible to also damn an area). Scrying is something else entirely, it's in the proper realm of magic, Rhy for exemple, is so, so useful with her inherent scrying ability that its one of the major reason why she's precious to the war effort.

It's also possible to do it with blood magic, but you can't jump inside someone sensible and see through their eyes, if that's what you meant.

>We get one or two witnesses, and she probably won't show if we bring Tsu.

Can you trust Tsu to keep her cool?

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>>36689407
Sympathetic magic is basically using magic on someone from a great distance using the "sympathy" of something they own or a part of themselves (wedding ring, favorite weapon, something inherited, lock of hair, tuft of fur, a few scales, a vial of their blood, ect). Usually used for scrying, knowing where they are at a given moment and what they're doing.

If you know their face and name all the better. I brought it up because the portals seemed to work on similar principles. You seem to need a degree of "sympathy" with a place to set up a portal there. Or at least someone with you does.

And while I'd like to think Tsu could keep her cool it's obvious that one of the best ways to utterly enrage her is to kill some innocents. She "might" be able to contain it, but one errant comment from the felwhore and in come the heroes along with a wave of righteous fury so great a Space Marine would salute her. Girl knows that, will bail if she sees the fluffy coming.

>>36689141
Why would we want her to show up anyway

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>>36689727
> it's obvious that one of the best ways to utterly enrage her is to kill some innocents.

Why did Tsu kill so many, then?

As for your sympathy, well, yes it's sort of possible but only in the making of curses. Portals work on memories and mind eye/images. Blood magic act on ''life'' itself, so you'd need a precious item of someone imprinted with such a thing to be able to use that ''Sympathy magic'' you described but even then it's not really strong, curses are used as a sort of mass spell more than personal and Blood Magic scrying work very, very differently than regular old observation.

>>36689954
Well she's extending a hand for a dialogue/negotiation.

>>36689978
>Implying you can trust someone like her.

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>>36690092
The same could be said for alot of people we hold dear.

>>36690189
They haven't been plotting against us.

>>36689978
lolno

The only negotiation for her should be a sword through the head.

>>36689954
For one it means the disguise will either be dropped or revealed (she's coming personally). Meaning we wouldn't have to worry about subtle back stabbings anymore.

The other is, well, we don't really know jack about what she's trying to pull. We know part of it involves the Evil Mountain, and we have a vague picture of her endgame sex all day, 'erry day for everyone! but we are in the dark as to the particulars and her short to medium term goals. Meeting with her gives us a chance to potentially gleam some of this vital info. You can't plan against what you have no idea is coming.

>>36689962
The vampire pot was complicated. You only damned yourself if you chose to drink it and I don't think she forced it down anyone's throat. That and doing things you hate results in immense amounts of guilt and self-loathing. She's a trooper, but that episode definitely wasn't good for her mental health or self-esteem.

>>36690092
I don't trust her either, but there are times when sworn enemies have agreed to a little give and take. All ya need is some common ground, something you'd both like to see happen.

>>36690189
Mommy can always be trusted, I think.

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>>36690264
>Mommy can always be trusted, I think.

Teehee

>She's a trooper, but that episode definitely wasn't good for her mental health or self-esteem.

Do you think Tsu believe that the end justify the means?
>>36690258
It's poor form to simply kill someone who wish to speak out!
So it seem like the choice for next update will be between Mylen and Tsu.

>>36690258
Finding her is problem one. You got a plan for that?
She can create perfect disguises, and this:
>Meaning we wouldn't have to worry about subtle back stabbings anymore.
is idiocy of the highest order since Deruella could get another disguise right after the meeting.
She'd just need to do a snatch-and-grab and perform the ritual again.
Either use portals to perform it again in the safety of the Demon Realm, or use a local safehouse.

>>36690575
>It's poor form to simply kill someone who wish to speak out!
No it isn't it's a surprise attack.

>>36690575
Can we tell someone to get Ithel and Baphomet working on Athena's prosthetic?
I see no point for us to be doing that ourselves.

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>>36690756
Well if the popular choice is to prep an ambush, I'll obey your wish.

>>36690797

You can safely chalk that as something of a ''Background project''. Their main focus was and will be the gun before the prosthetic.

>>36690575
Tsu acts like she thinks that way, but she still has a conscience in the end, a moral framework she hates to transgress. Good thing too, anyone who fully accepts that philosophy has actively rejected all notions of reality. That and the words of Aldous Huxley put it best: “The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced.”

>>36690626
Any new disguise would have to be low ranked. The Fallen started at the bottom and worked their way close to their targets over the course of a few months to a year. Suddenly abducting someone close to the top now and disguising as them would be difficult since that everyone's looking for a traitor.

Not saying she couldn't pull it off, but it'd be hard, and one misstep in "character" and the jig is up. That's why they went with fresh identities and worked their way up, there was no "character" to fudge acting like.

It's like spotting any normal shapeshifter. Looks just like the other guy, but it's those little things that could give you away. Not using the usual name someone uses with someone in private, different body language, likes or can tolerate something they hated, doesn't remember something they really ought to, it's really fucking hard impersonating someone when people are actively looking for fuck ups.

>>36690756
She'll smell it from a mile away and won't show. I'd rather get some info.

>>36690819
>Well if the popular choice is to prep an ambush
It's not.
Because since we're under surveillance by the enemy, trying to prep an ambush would be spotted.

And because the time of the meeting is so vague, it gives Deruella ample opportunity to set up counter-surveillance and watch for anyone setting up an ambush.

>>36690846
>Any new disguise would have to be low ranked.
Yes, and?
Are you forgetting that Deruella doesn't need to be in the disguise of anyone important when she can simply Charm people into becoming unwitting sleeper agents simply by catching their eye by passing them in a hallway?

In all likelihood, her current disguise is that of a staff servant or mid-level guard, with her closest associates Charmed to ignore any irregularities.

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>>36690881

>And because the time of the meeting is so vague

Tomorrow evening, the last night before the assault.

>>36690996
That encompasses a stretch of several hours.
Is it 5PM? 6PM?
Any time between 7 and 10?

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>>36691064
It also mentioned the full moon. Its kept vague of course, but you can safely expect it to happen at night.

>>36691157
Happen at night, yes, but we don't know when the meeting will take place, and so any ambushers we bring with us could be in their position for hours, wherein they could be spotted.

>>36691203
Yep. That's the risk.

>>36691229
Okay, but the way that you phrased your answers, they were downplaying the risk of detection.

That may not have been what you meant to do, but that's what your word choice implied.

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>>36691546
Ah, sorry for any misunderstanding. I don't want to say any options is impossible, but pulling a fast on on Deru isn't going to be easy. Not impossible, but its not something that you can win with a roll and I WILL mercilessly lunge on any error of judgements.

>>36688469
Voting to stop the ritual.

>>36691642
Tsu is not going to be controllable once she finds out that Deruella is going to be a certain time and place, is she?
If we tell her to stop the ritual because Deruella is going to meet us, she's unlikely to sit still, given how she reacted to Sieglinde.

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>>36691855
That's a risk you'll have to take. Entirely based on how much you trust your fluffy lover.

>>36691896
We should bring Daiyu.
As per our agreement, we should give her a chance to catastrophically fail in her endeavor, as usual.

Ah, right. We need to talk with the Dwarf about the collapse his civilization and the near-extinction of his people at the hands of Daiyu.
I want to see Sieglinde's rebuttals to his description of how the demons butchered thousands.

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>>36692157

I can tell right now this meeting will be quite the reversal.

>>36692257
What, did the dwarves kill themselves?
Someone introduced the Corruption that caused disease and pestilence to spread unchecked through the dwarven cities.
Or is this more of blaming the victim for allowing a holocaust to happen?

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>>36692310
The truth is not that convenient.

>>36690929
Charms can be detected, that's why we've been wanting Daiyu to scan our upper ranks for some time now.

>>36691896
I think she can control herself so long as she doesn't meet her face to face and hear her dis the dead or blow it off as just business. Tsu's a spymaster, she knows she knows next to nothing about this enemy and she was good enough to get one over on her. The meeting is a chance to garner much needed information.

Also a chance to take her out, but after almost breaking that seal right under her nose she knows that's damn near impossible. She got one over on her, that means it's unlikely she can do likewise. Smart play is go for intel, stop her ultimate goal with it. Tsu's smart, she knows what play to make.

>>36692157
Definitely gonna agree. She's the only one with a chance in hell of talking her down. If she fails, well, then we'll know whose side she's really on.

>>36692438
>Charms can be detected
Detection requires constant active scanning over hundreds of staff and messengers going in an out of the manse every day.
And a person can be just as easily Charmed after they've been scanned and deemed "safe" as before.

The ability to detect Charms can only secure meetings for the duration of said meetings, not secure the entire building and its staff.

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>>36692522
This is accurate. Someone that was already charmed and broke out of it/had it dispelled gain a cumulative resistance tough.

>>36692580
>Someone that was already charmed and broke out of it/had it dispelled gain a cumulative resistance tough.
This is an interesting fact, but it is not relevant to our security case.
We need to consider hundreds of potential sleeper agents, and a chance that Deruella will use quantity over quantity, especially if the agents are low enough to not be considered security threats and so are ignored. This would give them a chance to allow for poisonings or sneak attacks during times when a target's guard is down.

>>36692580
Well well well, looks like we've just got ourselves an out for those we deem critical to our success. Just have Daiyu and Sieglinde repeatedly charm and break it off them a few times. Even we ourselves could gain from that, if we trust our succubi to do what we say that is. Would serve as a good test of loyalty, if it didn't expose us to another avenue of backstabbing.

I'd also do the same for corruption, but that means feeding the Beast. And no way in hell am I giving that fucker anything. Immunity to charms is better anyway.

>>36692895
Resistance =/= Immunity. Also consider how long such an activity would take as well as the exhaustion of a continuous use of magic.

>>36692949
Damn, I wanted to game the system. High resistance is still good though if the target is of high enough value.

>>36692970
Of course.

Also if the thread survive until tomorrow I might make a little announcement, still thinking on it for now.

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>>36693053
I also want to ask, how many cannons did we capture from the Church's assault? I wanna graft them onto our mech and make him like pic related. Dear lord would that hurt some poor unfortunate force badly.

>>36693121
Not a whole lot, about 6 of them. If there one thing the church know how to do well in war, its a proper strategic retreat.

You also don't have ammo for them, or the knoweldge to operate them properly.

>>36693216
Double damn, I wanted to unleash a barrage of cannonfire from our mech that obliterated a given area. Pity we ain't got people who can into gunpowder.

>>36693254
Also, I just thought of something. We're almost certainly gonna have Mylen with Siggy's team for the nuke denial mission/suicide mission because of his promise. We can affix that knife to a good stick of her liking yes? Our Soul Blasts will open the hole that we need to kill the bastard. Can we make it part of her favored armory so that she can complete the job and lodge it in there hard enough to make him die?

He has no idea it's even here, may not even think it's possible for us to possess it. A sudden Black Barrel to the vitals may well be outside of his considerations. If so, we can catch his ass off guard. All that knife needs is one good hit, and Mylen is the best qualified to deliver it given her nature...

>>36693414
>We can affix that knife to a good stick of her liking yes?

No, that stick is going to break. You'd need to reforge the knife into a spear of some kind, else Mylen would just break the unbalanced weapon.

>>36693463
Triple damn! I doubt we can even "reforge" that thing.

Still, now that we have it the goal stands. Make a hole, a vital hole, and sucker punch the fucker with it once the time is right.

We will truly gouge out his heart or brain if we get a good hit. I almost see him laughing, like Iskander did after Gil owned him. He may yet know of the cycle, and maybe, in his end here, understand why he failed more often than not.

In the end, we desired our dreams more than he did. Can't really hate a man like that, he wanted it more. There is a kind of purity in that, a strife that deserves something...

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Well then, after thinking on it and the duel finally over I think it's about time I start acting upon what we've discussed a few months ago and move on to infinity /qu/. I'll also work on all the sheets for our ladies, so its possible the next thread will be a little later than usual

>>36697559
>infinity /qu/
The what now?

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>>36697559
Huh? Moving to the what now?