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>>41959569

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Offscreen, Simia personally saw to it that the leader of the "True Vautou," Clovis, who Mitchell had captured, was killed for his efforts in betraying the rest of the bandits. The True Vautou still exist out there in Heim's vast deserts, but for the moment they are disorganized, and likely not going to be a threat in the immediate future. As thanks for their efforts, Simia even told the party that they could get to Aum Dungeon-and thus to those captured there-from a courtyard in Gravern, the capital of Dain. She thinks there is another exit/entrance to the place, but she never saw it herself.

The fact that Clovis quite literally killed Drasma, the king of Neir, is far from insignificant, however.

For the moment, Yvette has stepped up to lead the Neir forces in the desert, for now suggesting that they just get back to Elza Oasis and figure shit out from there.

All these names thrown around, but we still don't know the star of the next few hours!

Who are you?

>A. Garrus, the weak-willed but heroic and compassionate crown(?) prince of Neir
>B. Monica, a Falcoknight and protector of princess Salia, thought to be a real ice queen
>C. Natalie, a cleric from Orsin Village, quiet and unexpressive but empathetic
>D. Someone else with Garrus' party (write-in)

>>41959746
>B. Monica, a Falcoknight and protector of princess Salia, thought to be a real ice queen

>>41959746
>D. Someone else with Garrus' party (write-in)
Zoe!

>>41959746
>C. Natalie, a cleric from Orsin Village, quiet and unexpressive but empathetic

>>41959761
>B. Monica, a Falcoknight and protector of princess Salia, thought to be a real ice queen
to prevent votelock.

>>41959770
DOUBLE DOWN!

>>41959885
>>41959910
And votelock restored.

>>41959931
I try my best here.

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>>41959938

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>41959761
>>41959885
>>41959770
>>41959910
And which of the Pegasus sisters will we focus on today?

>>41960130
You are now a very recent, very close friend of Ellen's. You've been attempting to sort out some personal thoughts of yours in the past few days, make some resolutions, but it's safe to say that the sudden death of your king has... distracted a lot of people from a lot of things.

Your eldest sister, Monica, has reasonably insisted she and you watch over princess Salia more than ever before, especially since Yvette has taken to conferring with her and Garrus. This is your job, after all.

To begin with, where are you and the princess?

>A. The Tower of Longevity
>B. Out in town in Elza Oasis
>C. Still on the way back from the Southern temple
>D. Write-in?

>>41960245
>A. The Tower of Longevity

>>41960245
>A. The Tower of Longevity

>>41960281
>>41960297
Salia hasn't left her room in the magical tower since you got back. Naturally, this means you've barely left as well.

That garou girl, Dama, has been in and out to check on her friend throughout, at one point having brought Stefyn with her. This is not said point, but Dama is present with lunch.

"I think that... Monica-er, Lady Monica would say that there's too much meat, not enough everything else there." You're not that good at being your sister. You wonder how she does it.

"It's... fine, Dama. I appreciate it."

Dama is briefly able to make her friend seem less down whenever she shows up, but... It doesn't last. Monica says that this needs time more than anything, and she would know. She was right around this age when your parents died.

Maria, that bishop girl, enters the room via warp pad. "Er, Lady Dama... Someone named 'Ahua' wishes to speak to you."

"What's Ahua doing all the way out here?" Dama asks.

"She... just said that it was important that you go."

>A. Just let Dama go
>B. Invite yourself and Salia
>C. Try to stop her from leaving.
>D. Write-in

>>41960606
>C. Try to stop her from leaving.
>Isn't it suspicious that she'd be all the way out here?

>>41960663
>C. Try to stop her from leaving.

>>41960663
Second

>>41960663
Also if she persists in going to meet her tell her that Ellen went with only a few people and were taken, So this might be a trap and that we can't rule anything out.

>>41960663
>>41960698
>>41960705
As Dama is about to leave with Maria, you call out, "wait!"

The exiting girls turn and face you. "What do you want?"

Stammering out, TRYING to sound authoritative, you say, "like you just said, it's... suspicious that she would be all the way out here. This could be a trap, or something of the sort!"

"Er, Zoe... Why would Dama's sister even have a reason to do something like that?" Salia asks, sounding less than amused.

"Er... Well, it could be that... I guess you're right." It's not like Ahua would have any fearsome forces to be aligned with.

"She's... Just in that meeting room you were all in before. Prince Garrus, Lady Yvette, and Lady Monica are there already, but Ahua said she wanted to wait for you to be there before mentioning this, that you 'deserved to know.'"

"Sounds important..." Dama turns towards you two, "if you're so worried, there's probably no trouble in you bringing Salia up... Or down... Or wherever anything in these towers is."

>A. We'll just stay here
>B. Accompany her
>C. Let Salia decide
>D. Write-in

>>41961018
>B. Accompany her

>>41961018
>B. Accompany her
Is this a question?

>>41961018
>C. Let Salia decide

>>41961018
>B. Accompany her
Not even a question.

>>41961044
>>41961058
>>41961097
"Alright, we'll be right up! Princess Salia can't exactly go to some possibly-important meeting in a nightgown." Plus, it'll be good to get her out of her room... in general.

"You're finally starting to sound like your sister," Salia says in a weak attempt at humor.

"Alright, I'll tell her to give it a minute when I get up there," Dama promises before taking the warp pad with Maria.

You turn to the princess. She tells you, "I know, I know, let me just... find my stuff."

>A. Silently let her do so
>B. Talk to her throughout (write-in)
>C. Be pushy, make her hurry up. It's what Monica would do

This next update could take slightly longer. I have to run and do something and while I SHOULD be back around the end of voting time, I could potentially be a bit late to the punch.

It just came up.

>>41961253
>Help her get ready
Uhg i feel like you're trying to kill Dama off constantly and that if we don't hurry it will be to late.

>>41961253
We're not our sister.
But we are concerned for her.
>B. Talk to her throughout (write-in)
"Sorry about before, it's just... I have a bad feeling about this- I'm not sure why, I just do."

>>41961371
Second

>>41961371
>>41961425
For the first little while as Salia gets dressed, there is only silence. Breaking it, you eventually speak up.

"Sorry about making a scene there, Sa-er, Princess Salia. I'm not sure why, but I... have a bad feeling about this. I just sort of... gut instinct."

"It's... I understand what you mean. It... can't be anything good, whatever Ahua has to say. Thanks for speaking up for me there, though. I feel like I couldn't have had the motivation to say I wanted in on this otherwise."

"No problem."

In a moment's time, she's dressed in the closest thing to finery you'll see the princess willingly in and you're following her through the warp pad.

As you enter the meeting room, everyone mentioned is there, sitting at a table that has appeared since your last visit. Dama waves at her friend.

Ahua speaks up first, saying, "alright, can we start now?"

>A. Stay quiet
>B. Say something (write-in)
>C. Excuse yourself (specify a good reason if you do)

>>41961764
>A. Stay quiet

>>41961764
>A. Stay quiet

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>>41961772
>>41961782
You quietly take a seat nearby your sister as Ahua begins.

"Dama, your brother has done something... awful."

"Wait, I thought that this was going to be something important. That's not even news."

"I'm not joking, Dama. He's gone way out of line with this one."

"Alright, then, stop beating around the bush and tell us what he did!"

"He's... He's the one who conspired with the people who commanded those Deadlords. He was working with the support of the Tarvosian Chief, and... and he tried to kill mom-er, Lady Loba-again after she woke up."

Assorted shocked reactions exit the mouths of Maria, Garrus, Dama, Yvette, and Salia as Ahua goes into detail.

Apparently, Vaga had even gone so far as attacking her, and for awhile that "harem" of his was chasing her, but she thinks she lost them near the Dain border.

"That's... I can't believe that. I mean, I always knew he was a backstabbing lech, but he would never do something like that to our mother!"

"Where has your brother gone?" Yvette asks.

"Lost track of him the same place his girlfriends lost track of me," Ahua responds. "I figured, if you were still in the desert, I would let you know."

>A. Remain silent
>B. Say something (specify)

>>41962092
>I hate to speak out of place but that really doesn't sound like something Vaga would do, I mean he was a bit of an ass, No offense, But he'd never go that far.

>>41962092
>Sorry, but don't you think the traitor would be someone... I dunno, less obvious?

>>41962128
>>41962153
These.

>>41962092

Why would he be conspiring with a Tarvosian Chief, and what would be his motive in doing so?

>>41962128
>>41962153
>>41962260
All of these please.

>>41962128
>>41962153
>>41962299
"Pardon me for speaking out of turn here, but... It doesn't make much sense. I didn't know this guy very well, but he seemed... Like what Dama claims. Plus, if he evaded suspicion so well the first time, wouldn't he... be better about his second try? And why would he work with Tarvosians? What would they have to gain from this?"

All eyes are on you for a moment, judgmentally in most cases, agreeing in the eyes of Dama, Garrus, and Salia.

"For the last question, you yourself must have witnessed how deep-seated hostility between our tribes is. As for the other, you overestimate my younger brother's competence because he can fake a cool demeanor sometimes. Regardless, we've found our answer now, and you were sent to represent us in this exact investigation, Dama. It's time you head back home."

"Wait, what? That... can't just be the end of it!"

"It is, sadly. Now, we have a lot more to discuss when we return to the Garou Mountains."

"Dama..!" Salia calls.

"Thinking about it," Yvette says, "there is too much to be done for us back east as well. Before Ahua appeared, I had already decided that we should be returning home for our own next plan tomorrow night."

Garrus finally speaks up, "b-but what about Quidel, Ellen, Lady Katina? We know where they could be now! If we don't hurry-"

"We are simply a personal guard and our morale is hurt from losing our KING. We're not equipped to invade Dain as we are now, Prince Garrus. Mage General Corneria will handle this and call upon us back home if she requires it." Monica huffs, staring intensely at you, intimidatingly, as though trying to prevent you from asking other silly questions.

>A. The intimidation is successful
>B. Say something anyway! (specify)
>C. Write-in action?

>>41962450
>A. The intimidation is successful
she kinda has a point

>>41962450
>I....Can't leave a friend alone and possibly rotting somewhere without doing anything....I'm sorry but even if i have to go myself i will, I'm resigning.

>>41962513
Second

>>41962450
>>A. The intimidation is successful

>>41962513
> >I....Can't leave a friend alone and possibly rotting somewhere without doing anything....I'm sorry but even if i have to go myself i will, I'm resigning.

Sorry, anon. Blood is thicker than water here. I think Zoe wants to be with her sisters more than... very close friend. Now if it was one of her sisters rotting somewhere, yeah. We gotta bust their asses from said somewhere.

>>41962513
This.

>>41962450
>A. The intimidation is successful

>A great increase in activity suddenly out of no where
Not going to say samefag, But samefag.

>>41962641
Looking at the timing for the write-in option and how much time has passed between it and its first "second," it is certainly possible that someone is double-dipping.

I think I might just preemptively say >A. wins the tiebreaker in this particular case, especially since this write-in is a bit... extreme.

>>41962745
Both sides probably samefagged tbh. Just roll i suggest.

>>41962745
Also why are you trying to split up Ellen and the rest of the party even more? Seems like you're going back on what you said and just making it more difficult for us, Since no rescue would be coming then.

>>41962641
There are six votes, and six people that are not OP.
It's still possible, and if it is, I'm fucking mad, because this shit happens way too often.
Can't people accept that their response isn't winning?
Samefagging or crying wolf breaks games over the collective knee.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>41962781
Alright, then. Roll conventions are the same as ever.
>>41962805
It was never the knights who were going to come for Ellen's group. It was Miles and potentially Vaga's fangirls.

>>41962831
Well it seems Zoe is resigning.

>>41962831
The decision falls to you, Octoling.

>>41962831
>. It was Miles and potentially Vaga's fangirls.
Well that's very disappointing, Thought our friends would care more tbh, But i guess not huh?

>>41962877
Well he did just roll and going by the normal way he does things the writein won since option A would be 1.

>>41962918
I know.
As someone who picked A, I'm accepting that.

>>41962831
You find yourself feeling more gutsy than ever, even going so far as to say, "I... I can't leave a friend alone to rot, not when... Not when time is of the essence like this. I can't not do anything, not for Ellen's sake! If I have to, I... I'll resign from my post and go to Dain myself!"

No sooner than the words have left your mouth, you find yourself recoiling, rubbing your cheek in pain as Monica stands over you.

"Don't... Don't say things like that. You've never seen what they're capable of. You act so... So world-wary, but you say such naive things! If you fly off to some dungeon we barely know the existence of, you will DIE. Is that what you want?!"

Monica sounds enraged (you don't remember the last time she's raised her voice), but from this close you can see tears welling up in her eyes.

>A. Apologize. You won't do that
>B. Apologize, but... you know what you're doing
>C. Refuse to apologize and leave
>D. She's right, and you won't leave, but you won't admit it. Stay silent
>E. Write-in

>>41962988
>B. Apologize, but... you know what you're doing

>>41962988
>A. Apologize. You won't do that

>>41962988
>So i'm to just let one of my best friends die!? To sit on my ass and do nothing while they do unspeakable things to her!?

>>41962988
>B. Apologize, but... you know what you're doing

>>41962988
>B. Apologize, but... you know what you're doing
We've already done this vote, And i'll stick to my decision.

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>>41963036
Where's that anon that's always harping me on about being cheesy? Someone else is as cheesy as me, so here's a big fat

Also, since I'm a cheesy as fuck, this has my vote.

>>41963041
Add that to my vote here >>41963036

>>41963063
Add my vote here to >>41963036
Also.

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>>41963089
Calm yourself.
When you feel the need to back up your style of writing, simply imagine crushing man's skull like sparrow's egg between your thighs, then calmly and clearly re-assure yourself without making scene.

>>41963151
Tell that to that obnoxious anon that's always complaining about how rail-roady this quest is.

>>41963228
My friend, people will always complain about how rail-roady quests are, despite the fact that a story needs to have constraints and consistent characterization to be effective, even if there are multiple 'writers'.
I have come to a partial peace with not being able to please everyone. It's a fight everyone faces, usually for life.
All you can do is your best, and accepting the circumstances and results for what they are.

>>41963036
>>41963041
>>41963063
"So I'm just going to let one of my best friends die?! They could be doing unspeakable things to her in some secretive dungeon, maybe even turning her into something like Simia or the other Deadlords! Sorry, Monica, but... I know what I'm doing!"

"But do you know how serious an offence desertion is, Zoe?! I can't guarantee that you would ever be allowed to set foot in Neir again. Is doing something like that really worth throwing your life away? A choice between being skewered by wyvern squadrons and being a fugitive over someone who might already be dead? You're young, Zoe. No matter how much you're certain Ellen is to you, you have so much more to live for than her!"

Now you and Monica are just yelling back and forth at each other. Everyone else is uncomfortable.

>A. She... she has a point
>B. Continue being defiant
>C. Write-in

>>41963293
>>B. Continue being defiant
Enough beating around the bush. The decision has been made.
>"Wouldn't knowing what happened to her because I didn't act be worse? Even if it's a slight chance, I have to take it, as a friend."

>>41963293
>Start tearing up as well
>Isn't there something, Anything at all we can do to help though!

>>41963353
I personally would like to explore our options a bit more, See if we can also get anybody else to help also, So seconding>>41963356

>>41963293
>>A. She... she has a point

>>41963356
I like this option, so changing this >>41963400 to this one.

>>41963433
to delete a vote click the white square near anonymous then at the bottom right of the page there is a button called delete.

>>41963473
Sometimes those deleted votes get counted. So, yeah...

>>41963516
That's why you say you're deleting your old vote and voting for a different option anon, Then you delete your old vote.

>>41963356
>>41963393
>>41963433
"I... I know, but... is there anything at all we can do right now? If there's... if there's anything at all we can do to help..."

Since Monica actually seems too emotionally distraught in the moment to continue, Lady Yvette does in her place. "The most any of us can do is bide our time and not risk adding more bodies to Prince Lars' scheme. In time, we will learn all that we need to know, but... As has been said, a group as small as this is not prepared to go to war on such short notice. I understand how hard this sort of thing is, but your sister is right. Even if you somehow succeeded, rescued Ellen and the rest of them, you wouldn't be able to simply resume being a knight. Just... be patient, let the Mage General handle this. Do you understand?"

>A. Say and do nothing, implying compliance
>B. Yes, ma'am
>C. Say something (specify)
>D. Write-in action

>>41963653
>A. Say and do nothing, implying compliance

>>41963653
>B. Yes, ma'am
Uh i just realized that rushing in might get Zoe Deadlorded, Let's NOT do that.

>>41963653
>B. Yes, ma'am
>>41963675
Oh... Oh crap uh good point, Jeez how the fuck did we miss that?

>>41963653
>A. Say and do nothing, implying compliance
We can choose to comply or not, depending on if circumstances change.
>>41963711
Because emotions sometimes override reason.
Personally, I thought it was interesting, even though I passed on some of the votes because I wasn't sure which side to stand with.

>>41963653
>B. Yes, ma'am

>>41963653
>B. Yes, ma'am
>I think i need some time to think alone right now, Sorry.

>>41963792
>>41963711
>>41963675
"Yes, ma'am." You nod sheepishly, finding it harder to directly disobey Yvette than your sister.

"Er, is the meeting... done?" Garrus asks, rubbing his hand behind his neck and chuckling nervously.

"Yeah, we finished minutes ago," Ahua responds, grabbing Dama's arm. "C'mon, get your things together so we can leave."

"Today?" Dama and Salia ask at the same time.

Ahua just nods. "We're needed back home as quickly as possible. Gather your things and say any goodbyes necessary."

>A. This isn't any of your business
>B. Say something anyway (write-in)

>>41963955
Goddamnit Dam is going to die and there is nothing we can do about it, Worse yet she's going to be turned into a deadlord! Why do you do this to us octo? Alot of us liked Dama and tbh you're basically instant KOing her and there's nothing we can do about it IC.

>>41964027
Ahua doesn't currently have any reason to hurt Dama. She's not onto her like Vaga, doesn't need to be gotten out of the way.

>>41964070
So that's metagame for 'don't worry, Dama isn't going to die'?

>>41964070
Yet and she will soon, And then there won't be anything we could do for her since no one is there to help her, Bam instant death and deadlordification.

>>41964095
Also you're basically killing her off since there is no reason for her to come back to the group, And i highly doubt even if there was that Ahua would let her.

>>41964087
Basically.
>>41964095
Her departure is only temporary since it makes sense for it to happen based on her premise for being with the knights in the first place.

>>41964138
Remember how she and Vaga were introduced? Ahua won't NEED to let her.

>>41964168
Again, No reason for her to come back.

>>41964183
That you know of.

Does anyone want to vote?

>>41963955
>A. This isn't any of your business

>>41964226
I don't know, it seems like no matter what we do, someone's gonna end up pissed off.

>>41964251
It feels like any option we choose we're getting fucked over.

>>41964243
You don't say anything. What could you, anyway?

Salia is the next to speak up, saying to Ahua, "Dama and I were sort of having lunch before this meeting came up. Can we head back to our rooms, finish that up?"

"Sure, sure."

"You want anything, Lady Ahua?"

She flashes a fangy grin. "No, thanks, I ate on the way here."

"Alright, alright. Now, should we finish our lunch, Dama? You can say goodbye to Stefyn after that."

"Alright, sure... All this discussion has made me hungry again."

"Eat more than just meat, princess!" Monica calls out as they approach the warp pad.

>A. Go with them. Keep doing your job
>B. Just let her say goodbye to her friend in peace
>C. Write-in?

>>41964267
I wasn't talking about in-character, though it also applies there as well.
>>41964354
>A. Go with them. Keep doing your job
I think?

>>41964354
>A. Go with them. Keep doing your job
>Apologize to both of them for our outburst

>>41964354
>B. Just let her say goodbye to her friend in peace

>>41964380
Second, Deleting old vote>>41964372

>>41964374
>>41964380
>>41964457
Quick to make up for your earlier threat, you follow the princess, even apologizing for your outburst as you step onto the warp pad with them.

"It's fine, you were really upset. Everyone's been on edge lately, and I know how you feel."

"Thanks..."

"So," Dama plops onto a chair, picking up a half-eaten plate of food, "I know this isn't all you wanted me in here for."

"That obvious, huh?"

"We've known each other how long?"

"Well, not counting the decade-long lull..."

Dama replies playfully, "oh, shut up! And, uh, while you're shutting up, say what you want to say."

"Alright, alright..." Instantly, Salia's casual tone drops, the mood of the room sobering with it. "I don't trust a word your sister is saying. None of it... None of it feels right. It sounds legitimate on its own, but..."

>post too long, will be continued next post

>>41964703

"I know what you mean. The bit about the Tarvosians feels so tacked-on, too. Even if I could swallow Vaga betraying us. I don't know what she's done to Vaga and his friends, but... I'm going to find out."

"Be careful, more than anything," Salia says, putting her hand on her friend's shoulder. "Don't try to confront her or your mother or anything when you figure it out, either. I... I bet that's what did Vaga in."

"Don't talk like he's dead!" Dama barks.

"Sorry, sorry, but... you get what I mean. Just... sneak out to Rakche like you did before, but this time with less burglary. We should be back home just a couple days after you, at the most."

"Alright, alright..." Dama grimaces, "however this plays out... someone in my family has betrayed our entire people."

A moment of silence passes before Dama continues, "I'm... just going to go say goodbye to Stefyn now. Maybe I could even get out of town on the pretense of visiting him when the time comes..."

"Alright, you do that. We're going to see each other again, alright?"

Dama nods and heads out, scarfing down her food in a manner of seconds beforehand. You and Salia are now alone in her room.

>A. Stay quiet until she says something
>B. Say something (specify)
>C. Write-in

>>41964723
>Wait...They might have taken Ellen and everyone else to the same place they did Vaga right? I suddenly feel bad now for the people who took her captive.
Last parts a joke.

>>41964792
Eh second, Might do some good to break the somber mood right?

Where did everyone go? We had about 7 people voting.

>>41964906
I'm still here, just made a sandwich along with doing some chores beforehand. I'll be here to the end, anon.

>>41964792
>>41964844
"Wait... If Vaga's been captured alive, do you think he's in the same place they brought Ellen and Quidel? If they did, then... Then I suddenly feel bad for whoever took them all captive."

Salia chuckles a bit at that one, "yeah. Maybe she's already broken out of this underground dungeon Simia mentioned and the mage general won't need to lift a finger."

Further mutual laughter. Neither of you has any idea.

"Everything's been happening so fast, though. I mean, is it... Is it bad that I'm laughing and just generally not being miserable so soon after dad's gone?"

>A. It's not a bad thing
>B. It is a bit strange
>C. lmao fuck that guy (to paraphrase)
>D. Write-in

>>41965028
>A. It's not a bad thing

>>41965028
>A. It's not a bad thing
>I don't think he'd like to see you sad after all, So stay cheerful.

>>41965097
Voting for this!

>>41965097
>>41965042
>>41965114
"It's... not a bad thing to be upbeat. Cheryl has always managed to, even in the worst of times... And I don't think he would've wanted you to force yourself to be upset on his behalf. If you feel good, then... let yourself feel good, I guess."

Salia nods. "You're right. I'm... still really upset, of course, but... I can't be defined by it, if that makes much sense."

You nod. "Before I met Ellen, I was... I pretty much forced myself to be miserable about my life's choices. I don't... I don't think she consciously affected that, but just... shortly after meeting her, I'd felt... good again, for the first time in years."

"Like I said, I... understand where you came from with all those things you said. If I could fight at all, especially if I could ride a pegasus like you, I honestly probably would've said exactly the same things about saving Quidel."

"And then I'd have a reason fitting my job description to fly off like an idiot. They'd call me a valorous knight protecting her charge."

Again, you share some laughs about the situation at hand.

>A. Hang out in here awhile longer
>B. Ask if Salia's up to heading somewhere in town
>C. Write-in?

>>41965274
>B. Ask if Salia's up to heading somewhere in town
>might be nice to do something to get our minds off these somber thoughts hm?

>>41965318
GIRLS NIGHT OUT! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO~!

>>41965318
>>41965325
"Do you... feel like doing something in town, though? I mean, we should do something to get our minds off of all this... Everything. Love, loss, betrayal, there's plenty of time for that stuff later. For now, just... I know you don't like to be cooped up in places!"

"Yeah, you're right... Up for a night on the town?"

As you warp back down to the tower's lobby, you pass by Ahua, not doing much particularly ominous. She passingly explains that Dama is taking a VERY long time saying goodbye, and good-naturedly musing that this "runs in the family."

You just sort of leave her be, this topic absolutely being far from your business.

"So, er... What first?"

>A. Invite someone(s) else along (specify name/names)
>B. Just wander awhile
>C. Pega-pony ride for the princess
>D. Find cool shit to buy
>E. Write-in

>>41965543
>>D. Find cool shit to buy

>>41965543
>D. Find cool shit to buy
>A. Invite someone(s) else along (specify name/names)
Cheryl and Nat
if we're going girl's night out we're going all-out

>>41965646
Second deleting odl vote here>>41965598

>>41965600
>>41965646
>>41965696
You decide that this will be the greatest archetypical girls' night out to ever grace Teege, inviting along all the younger women of the party: your more fun sister, and... Nat. Besides Ellen, that's about it, and for obvious reasons she couldn't show up.

Nat was hanging around in Byron's room along with Biff, but wasn't doing much. They were just sort of chilling while Byron writes a letter to his mother ("He's done this every month as long as we've been traveling!"). You actually find Cheryl working out on the roof of the Tower of Longevity, apparently having flown up there on her pegasus.

"So if this is a girls' night out, why aren't we inviting Dama? I think her name might literally mean 'Lady' in some other language!"

Salia summarizes the situation to Cheryl, namely the "Ahua's bringing her back home" bit.

"Ah. Well, we'll have to bring her along next time! Ellen too, of course!"

You decide to partake in the ancient tradition of shopping for fun. What do you look for first?

>A. Weapons and armor
>B. Magical Memorabilia
>C. Mundane clothing and accessories
>D. Write-in

>>41965894
>A. Weapons and armor

>>41965894
>A. Weapons and armor

Dear god the captcha is getting smarter, It said to get pies and one had TG on it, I'm scared, Hold me.

>>41965894
>>D. Write-in
A siege weapons outlet.

>>41965894
>>A. Weapons and armor
What even is Salia's class?

>>41966120
Perhaps a myrmidon, just like her mentor, Stefyn?

>>41966150
> Salia
> Mentoring under Stefyn

Did you miss the part where she's lived with the Tarvosians since she was like six?

>>41965902
>>41965920
You admit that it's a strange choice, but your group ends up looking at an armory first, you and Cheryl aiming to find yourselves some special new spears. Nat just sort of stands near one of you at all times, not particularly feeling this stop but not minding enough to raise an objection.

Salia asks the armorer countless questions about siege engines, grilling him on their history and applications, questioning why they fell out of popular use (lack of mobility and inaccuracy in all known models), and countless other questions.

You and Cheryl both find lances that absolutely speak to you both: one labeled "Brave Lance" and the other "Wing Spear." Of course, there's only one of each in stock, and neither is especially cheap, so you both agree to only get one or the other.

>A. Wing Spear
>B. Brave Lance
>C. On second thought, you don't need one

>>41966193
Ask the merchant about the differences in functionality between the two.

>>41966120
>>41966167
Salia doesn't currently have a class, but I think it's clear what I have planned for if she ever does fight.

She does have basic knowledge of archery if she should ever absolutely NEED to defend herself, though.
>>41966150
You're thinking of Simia, who is a Swordmaster.

>>41966167
Yes. Yes I did.

>>41966193
>A. Wing Spear
FUCK YEAH ANTI ARMOR!

>>41966217
>Salia doesn't currently have a class, but I think it's clear what I have planned for if she ever does fight.
A ballista?

>>41966193
>>41966214
Well, since I looked it up, and given that Zoe is supposed to support Ellen in combat, let's go with the

> Wing Spear

especially since armors/cavaliers/paladins are the ones that can fuck our sword-using Mercenary up the easiest.

File: Wingspear.png (1 KB, 16x16)

1 KB PNG

>>41966232
>>41966277
Ultimately, the effects of the Wing Spear appeal significantly more to you, and Cheryl takes the Brave Lance.

As you cash out, you actually see Nat looking contemplatively at some axes as she thinks no one's paying attention.

Aside from you four, the armorer himself, and a burly-looking helper of his, the only person currently in the store is a woman with red, curled, shoulder-length hair and a somewhat dark complexion, wearing armor a comparable crimson. She too is looking at weapons, rubbing her hands on her chin in contemplation.

>A. Talk to Nat
>B. Talk to the redhead (specification preferred but not necessary)
>C. Let both of them be
>D. Write-in

>>41966373
>A. Talk to Nat

>>41966373
>B. Talk to the redhead
"Looking for something, Miss? I might be able to help."

>>41966373
>A. Talk to Nat
Wonder if she wants to be a battle cleric?

>>41966373
>A. Talk to Nat

"You'd look good in some of the armor here."

>>41966457
Would be cool.

File: Battle_Cleric.jpg (919 KB, 2121x2325)

919 KB JPG

>>41966415
>>41966457
"What're you looking at, Nat?"

She jumps a bit from surprise at being addressed, but turns to face you with that same stone face. Truthfully, she responds, "...King Drasma had said I would make a fine War Cleric if it was what I wanted. I. Never really considered it even then, but he was the one that gave me this Guiding Ring when training me with staves. I mean, I'm. Not exactly physically strong, so it's not something I'm seriously considering becoming, but."

>A. Encourage her to be a War Cleric
>B. Best to stick with magic, then
>C. Whatever you think is best
>D. Write-in

>>41966486
I liked this line, but it didn't fit into this particular update. I'll see about squeezing it into the next one if you want.

>>41966543
>C. Whatever you think is best
>And i wasn't strong in the beginning either you know! None of us were, It takes time and training.

>>41966543
>>A. Encourage her to be a War Cleric
"You can always become stronger. Hell, youcould even start training with Biff and get him to start training with Reece -- he *has* to be strong if he's lugging around all that armor all the time."

>>41966558
Second
>>41966564
Reese anon, not Reece.

>>41966558
>>41966603
"Well, I can't tell you something like that, but... None of us started out strong. It takes time, and training!"

"I. You have a point. I'll give it more thought, though."

As she turns back towards the axes, you say, "you'd look pretty good in a lot of the armor here, too."

"..."

You're not sure what you were going for with blurting that out, but it's true.

Now the redhead is approaching the two of you. She says inquisitively, "did you say you've trained with King Drasma? The... Wyvern Monarch?"

"...yes."

"Whoa. Are you, by any chance, knights?"

>A. Stay silent. She didn't ask you.
>B. Who's asking?
>C. Yep
>D. Write-in

>>41966543
(War Cleric Nat is best Nat.)

>>41966740
>>B. Who's asking?

>>41966740
>B. Who's asking?
>>41966743
Agreeed, We can get swole together with our BFF when we get back if she decides to go BC route!

>>41966740
>B. Who's asking?

File: FlameLance.gif (187 B, 24x24)

187 B GIF

>>41966760
>>41966762
>>41966861
"Depends on who's asking," you say, inserting yourself into the conversation immediately.

The redhead just smiles and says, "sure, sure, no problem. My name's Riga, and I'm a mercenary. Bit of a rising star... minus the... star. But plenty of rising thanks to my wyvern! I just... got a bit ahead of myself hearing King Drasma mentioned, since there... well, there isn't a wyvern rider in the world who isn't aware of Neir's royal mount! In fact, I was going to head out on my way to visit family in Neir. I... figure by your reaction that you are knights, though."

Riga grins as though she's just made the deduction of the century as you nod.

"Excellent choice in lances, by the way. Dare I say you have better taste than your sister."

"Actually, I just let her choose first!"

"See this piece?" Riga points to something strapped to her back, "called a flame lance. Got magic in the blood, see, so it's good to have a way to channel it."

>A. Introduce yourself
>B. Stay silent
>C. Press for more information about Riga (specify)
>D. Leave the store

>>41966965
>>C. Press for more information about Riga (specify)
Past contracts, affiliations, and so on, before we actually decide to introduce ourselves, I guess.

>>41966965
>A. Introduce yourself

>>41966965
>>A. Introduce yourself
She just introduced herself though.

>>41967005
>>41967012
You introduce yourself. Cheryl and Nat follow suit. Salia is the last to introduce herself to the Wyvern Rider.

"Like... PRINCESS Salia?"

Salia just nods, adding quietly, "I would prefer you not make a scene about it."

"Right, right, sorry. How is your dad?"

None of you answer at first, but just as the implications become apparent, Cheryl finally speaks up, "he's had a big last few days, and is resting up before we go back home."

"Whoa, cool... Maybe I'll catch you on the way out and see Khozen in action!"

Salia interrupts this train of thought with a "so, who's your family?"

"Well, my Uncle Armads lives up in the Johan Region. and I swear I haven't seen any of his kids aside from the oldest, it's been so long since we've met. He's a mercenary too, too serious for his own good if you ask me, but his heart just melts around kids."

>A. Nice talking to you, we have other places to be now
>B. Say some more things to Riga (specify)
>C. Let someone else speak
>D. Write-in

>>41967187
Uh where was Orsin village located again?

>>41967221
As in, Ellen's hometown? Tarvos Valley.

>>41967221
>>41967227
Tarvos Valley, which is a large portion of the Johan region of Neir. Rakche, the nation's capital, also rests there.

>>41967187
>>D. Write-in
What's his eldest son's name?

>>41967187
>B. Say some more things to Riga" What's his kids called? We might have met them."
>Mfw Lambert or Ellen....

>>41967187
Deleting old vote here>>41967245
Seconding>>41967278

>>41967278
iirc Ellen's an orphan and Lambert's dad sure as fuck isn't named Armads.

>>41967306
Yes but we don't know how she got orphaned now do we? You get what i mean?

>>41967278
>>41967273
"What're his kids' names. We could've easily seen them around!"

Riga chuckles, "man, I don't even remember the little cousins' names, but the oldest is... Well, it's a bit embarrassing, being related to a celebrity."

"Celebrity? Ooh, who? Who?"

"See? Everyone gets like this. Yeah, the oldest one, he's a mercenary around these parts like me... Way more famous, though. He doesn't really talk about his dad much, but he's a total mama's boy."

>A. Guess! (specify)
>B. You have no idea

>>41967368
A. Guess! Gorman? Mimon?

>>41967368
>>A. Guess! (specify)
"It's totally Biff! Or was it Byron? I always get those two mixed up. Nat here's his girlfriend!"

>>41967374
>>41967381
These

>>41967368
>>41967374
Not this one.

>>41967381
This one's gucci tho.

>>41967411
>Not this one.
That's not how voting works anon.

>>41967381
>>41967374
"Mercenaries... It's gotta be Biff! Or, uh, Byron! They used to be, right? Either way, Nat here is dating him!"

Natalie blinks. Riga actually laughs a bit, "I've... heard of them, I think! Vaguely from one or two people here and there... But no, no relation."

"Is it... Gorman?"

Again with the head-shaking. "I've heard a bit more about him, though. Always tried to head back to Dain but some act of heroism or another pulled him away... Still no, though."

Suddenly, it hits you. It was so obvious! "Mimon?"

Riga nods and claps, "congratulations! You pieced it together! You know if he's still working for the Mage General?"

>A. Why?
>B. Tell her that Mimon and the mage general's daughter were both captured a couple days ago
>C. You don't know
>D. Write-in

>>41967502
>>C. You don't know

>>41967502
>Mimon was captured sadly along with some of our other friends...

>>41967531
Second, We aren't letting any sensitive info go that way, Just that Mimon and some friends were, Not something like a general's daughter was included.

>>41967531
>>41967554
"Well, last we'd heard, Mimon was captured by... somebody. We're not certain who, but Heim's own forces are handling the investigation."

She frowns. "Huh, that's... actually kind of upsetting. I mean, I guess he had a lot of enemies, but... I can't put off seeing the rest of the family to be my cousin's savior, you know? Anyway, it's... gotten late surprisingly fast, so I'm gonna clock out. Maybe I'll see you all again tomorrow? It was really great meeting you all!"

Riga bids you all farewell and you continue your girls' night out until it gets even later. Tomorrow, you learn that Riga has apparently been granted permission to travel with the knights of Neir on their trip back to Rakche.

She seems particularly ecstatic to meet Prince Garrus in person, but that's not exactly a meeting whose details you would be privy to.

>To be continued in the next thread

It's getting too late and I didn't really have a stopping point in mind, so I just sort of put my foot down here.

Thanks for playing. You can follow us on twitter @qmgrandflocto or ask us shit via http://ask.fm/qmgrandflocto

I'll also be around awhile to answer questions in-thread

>>41967648
Thanks for running.

So Riga's uncle Armads is Lars's dad? And Lars's mom is the emperor's daughter so Riga isn't actually royalty by blood?

>>41967718
It depends on your definition of royalty.

She is a descendant of Emperor Elias (and as such niece of Drasma and Alexia), but the knights' party doesn't yet know the truth about Mimon.

>>41967648
So is Ellen the tallest female in the group?
I hope so

>>41967744
...I just realized that the wording of those parentheses is somewhat awkward. Drasma is not a descendant of Elias, only having formerly been related to him by marriage, before the whole... war and betrayal thing.

>>41967768
She might be one of the tallest people in general. I feel like SOMEONE was explicitly mentioned to be taller than her, but I've forgotten who.

>>41967785
Gorman probably, Also you have no idea how happy that makes me!

>>41967744
I was asking if she was related to Emperor Elias by blood or if she's only related to him by her uncle's marriage. I'm just trying to keep the family tree straight in my head.

>>41967794
Drasma (which was a CLEVER ANAGRAM of Armads to begin with) was the one she's only related to by her aunt's marriage. No Neir blood flows through her veins.

>>41967832
So how Swole is Ellen?

>>41967858
Increasingly.

>>41967871
So we talking big muscles swole or shitty only toned kinda swole?

>>41967876
She's going into the former after starting out as the latter, I would say.

>>41967943
Nice, So how many threads do you think it'll take to get back to the main group?

>>41967963
Depends. I actually have an idea bouncing around my head that could leave Ellen choosing between heading back and heading even further West. So... either two/three or many, many more.

File: Ellen Colored.png (238 KB, 600x799)

238 KB PNG

>>41967994
I hope we get back together soon so we can have Ellen be the main focus again.

>>41967994
So have weights been invented for training yet in this world?

>>41968005
I honestly think it's been a very interesting change in pace, seeing things from another characters eyes and the changes in playstyle that they present. Gives characters who have untapped potential a chance to interact onscreen, too.

Admittedly I can see how it could potentially get confusing if it goes on too long.
>>41968039
Most likely, since gymnasiums exist as we know them.

>>41968082
So what's everyone's social link with Ellen?
Was going to ask sooner but my internet died for a few minutes sadly.

>>41968187
Well it's hard to lump support levels together exactly, since a few characters probably care significantly more about Ellen than she does about them, but...
S: ingle and ready to mingle
A: Zoe, Byron
B: Quidel, Biff, Natalie, Yvette, Garrus
C: Cheryl, Vaga, Victoria, Yancy, Reese, Gorman
I think the prisoners are all a little closer just for having come this close to escaping together

>>41968227
Wow Nat is only B rank? I thought we were BFF's!

>>41968255
Ellen and Nat have always known each other, same village and whatnot, but they never really had much reason to get to know each other until everything went to hell in Orsin. IIRC Lambert even found Nat somewhat creepy.

>>41968282
Huh well the more you know, But why is Byron so high? We haven't really interacted with him much.

>>41968319
You have quite a bit, particularly early on. He's fallen out of focus by virtue of being a cavalier during desert chapters, though.

>>41968353
Also surprised that Gorman's only C rank, Since he was our mentor after all.

>>41968362
I actually was on the fence about that one, but figured it was reasonable considering him and Ellen's slightly-strained but still far from poor relationship after his return.

>>41968381
Makes sense i suppose for now.

>>41968385
Ellen also had at least a C-Rank with Lambert, which was alluded to at the start while also discussing Robert and Jay having that.

>>41968415
That i didn't expect, since they were stated sa having been best friends.

>>41968438
Like I said, at least. It was most likely higher, but I don't know the exact rank.

>>41968445
So you thinking on ever creating a map of the world?

File: shitmap.png (66 KB, 1008x630)

66 KB PNG

>>41968456
I have a very poorly-made one that isn't remotely to scale, only really existing as a reference for where things are in relation to other things.

>>41968476
I'm guessing the blue X's are where Ellen is at?

>>41968476
When do we get our berserker?

I will be very disappointed if we never get a berserker akin to Ross-tier Stones horse shit.

>>41968537
Eh the cast is already quite bloated.

>>41968554
> complaining about a large cast
> in a quest based around Fire Emblem

It's like you haven't even played the games.

>>41968571
They get away with it because it's a video game, giant casts in quests are usually quite bad.