Tirio showed up after you were scrubbed , dressed and prepared and led you away for some quick tests to see how your skills were coming along. When it was clear you were out of it, Tirio ordered Agithel into the room and gave her a verbal dressing down before offering you something to shake off the effects of what she did. You retorted that you were simply faking being affected by it, and then accused him, rightfully, of being unable and unwilling to protect you before dismissing him and stating that he was no family of yours. Agithel ran off at that point to go and announce to the world that you, as head of the family, had cut ties with Tirio.

Tirio was, perhaps understandably, not impressed. He told you that if he killed you then the family title would be his in full, and tried to engage you in combat. You kicked his ass by absorbing his ice spell and then setting him on fire, and then breaking his arm with your sword. Millie turned up and Tirio ordered her to kill you, and you helped Millie resist the command. It probably had something to do with the rings you found. You walked with her to the main entrance and found some knights barging into the house. One of them offered you a carriage ride to the ball, or anywhere else you might want to go, and you told him you'd rather walk and that you're not going to the ball.

Character Sheet:
http://pastebin.com/R4Yb8E2U

Thread twitter:
@BecomeQM

Previous adventures at:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Become%20The%20Dragon%20Quest

The rules:
Best of three rolls, critical threat on a 20, confirmed if another roll is 20-modifier or higher. Modifier is Stat being rolled+Relevant skill. You can decide which skill to apply. If no one applies one, no skill will be added on. If you don't have a logical reason to apply a skill, don't do it.
Critical fails are at least two 1s on a roll. May expand this later to increase shenanigans.
Success is on a sliding scale and is situational. Some things are easier than others. Use your head.

Check out the side story Millie's Day Off:
http://pastebin.com/9dmr6XWx

He nods slightly.

“Very well. I'll be sure that the hosts of the ball are informed. The carriage will still take you somewhere if you want a lift though.”

You walk towards the door with Millie, the knight following behind you, and you step out onto the street. The carriage is right there in front of you, the driver reclining with the reins in one hand, and the knight walks around you to go talk to him. The people passing by on the street are all turning to see what the commotion is, and many are looking at you and gossiping to themselves. Agithel works fast it seems. The knight walks back over to you.

“The driver will wait here for you if you change your mind. I don't know where you plan to go from here, but if you do go to the ball I'll try to get extra security there for you. I'm sorry about what happened today. I know that isn't much in the way of consolation, but it's true. Anyway...”

He turns and walks back into the house, leaving you to decide where to go, and how to get there.

>Write-in

>>42546481
Take Millie and just...get out of the city, if possible. I'd say find the order of Flame, but I don't know how to even start on that. I'd also say 'try to find our friends', but same deal.

>>42546481

Go to the church of the sun and moon.

Contact Fiona through them.

>>42546481
Go to a tavern, pick up on rumors and what the comman man thinks.

Need info to knock over the house that attacked us.

Any other votes or suggestions? Or shall I roll?

>>42547151
Out of the city, I guess. What the first guy said.

I've got no idea where to go, other than the ball, but I don't want to be *that guy* that keeps trying to force something that lost.

>>42547172
>>42547151
I'd change my vote >>42546909
For the ball

Nah. Let's get the hell out. First things first, we need to figure out how to link up with our friends.

Alright, and do you plan on walking, asking Millie or taking the carriage?

>>42547569
I feel like walking is the most dramatic.
Part of me wants to ask Millie.
The carriage seems the most practical.

Jesus, I'm as lost as Kotijah must feel.

>>42547569
Change into something less showy the walk it.

Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>42547569
1 - Walking
2 - Millie
3 - Carriage

>>42547763
Well, dice don't lie... What say you? Sound good?

>>42547781
sure whatever.

File: 1398283685646.jpg (59 KB, 803x600)

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You decide to get in the carriage and get out of town. There's nothing here for you in this city, not right now, and the sooner you leave the sooner you can figure out what comes next. As you get inside the knight closes the door, only for it to be stopped by a gloved hand at the last second.

“Room for one more? I'm trying to get to the ball but I'm having a devil of a time navigating these roads. It's been a while.”

You can't see the stranger's face, but you can barely see the knight's through the crack.

“She isn't heading to the ball, sir. I'm afraid you'll have to pick a different one if you want to get there on time.”

There's a soft laugh.

“Of course, of course. An odd choice for one so well dressed. But one should be fashionably late to these sorts of things, especially after a few years away. And even more so when one's name has been dragged through the mud. I'm sure if the lady wouldn't mind my company for a little while, the driver would certainly like the extra coin.”

The knight sighs a bit and opens the door fully, revealing an old man with a well-groomed beard and a bald head. He wears glasses and a top hat, and a rather expensive suit.

“Countess Imidarius, Duke Lamiring would like to know if you'd be willing to share a carriage with him for a little while?”

The Duke simply smiles pleasantly at you.

“I promise to keep my hands to myself. I'm a gentleman, I'll have you know.”

He winks, before laughing merrily.

>Nope nope nope nope
>He doesn't seem to know who we are, we could try to get information
>Nope nope nope nope x2
>Other (write-in)

-

And to think, you almost missed him

>>42548024
>He doesn't seem to know who we are, we could try to get information

>>42548024
>Nope nope nope nope x2

>>42547781
M'kay. Guess we can talk to Millie either way.

>>42548062
Second.

Why not.

>>42548024
>>He doesn't seem to know who we are, we could try to get information

>>42548024
>Nope nope nope nope x2
Can't think of any information he would give away that we don't already have.

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You nod slightly and the Duke climbs inside. The knight smiles softly and closes the door, and the carriage starts to move.

"So, how are you? I wasn't aware that the Imidarius family had such a beautiful heiress as head of the house. It's lovely to meet you. I'm Duke Astonoro Lamiring. Might I ask you your name?"

>Lie
>Tell the truth
>Other (write-in)

>>42548382
>Kill him

>>42548382
>"Kotijah. And if this is some scheme, I'll have you know in the past two days I have fended off as many assassination attempts, beating my attackers myself. I'm already in a sore mood after the business with my uncle."

>>42548382
>Lie
I wouldn't be surprised if he knows at least the first name of his accuser.

>>42548382
>>Lie
This guy ABSOLUTELY knows who we are and wants to waste us.

>>42548382
>Tell the truth

>>42548382
>>Tell the truth
Man, if he tries something in the carriage, he's gonna get tore up.

>>42548382
>Lie
Stop being stupid on purpose.

>>42548382
>Lie

>>42548382
>Lie.

This won't end well. We need to get the hell out of this carriage asap.

Lying it is! Schmooze roll

Rolled 17 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42548576

Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42548576
+persuade

>>42548572
It's our carriage anon.

Rolled 7 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42548576

Also please note, Persuade is not Deceive. You don't have any skill at deception per se, you haven't learned to cover your tells.

>>42548597
Would Self-control be applicable?

>>42548634
You tell me. Is it? Make your case. You can make a case for Persuade as well, if we you like. Think about how your skills would impact the roll. Applying Persuade means that you're not so much lying as persuading him to believe the lie if he doubts you, which might actually make things harder.

So, how would you use Self-Control to enhance your deception here?

>>42548730
WE don't show our tells, or direct them in a way as to make what we say more believable.

>>42548749
Alright, but Kotijah doesn't know what those tells are, so if you want to apply Self-Control for the +1 then I'll have to have you make a Smarts roll to pick them out so you can suppress them.

I said take what we got.

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"I'm Sena Imidarius."

Astonoro nods.

"I'm happy to finally meet you then, Sena. I must apologize, I've been very much out of the loop lately. Monsters to fight, borders to protect, and now I'm being accused of harboring necromancers. Ghastly business. I'm surprised anyone believes it... After all, from what I've heard the damning evidence came from some wanderer from the south, carried by mercenaries until they were beaten up... I would never hire such shoddy labor, for one. And for two, who sends a secret message via incompetent idiots? This letter, wherever it is, was obviously made to frame me by "accidentally" falling into the hands of the public. The nerve..."

He seems to be growing rather agitated talking about it.

>Change topics
>Push for more details
>Other (write-in)

>>42549018
Er, 'say', not 'said'

>>42549033
"It could easily have been a misunderstanding too, I mean with how politics are, even the most innocuous message can be interpreted as something dark, no?"

>>42549033
>>Push for more details
"How do you hire help of that sort? I was thinking about a change in staffing and wasn't sure how to start."
Keep him talking, we can stroke his ego, perhaps get him to divulge some more details about the south.

>>42549033
>Push for more details
>"You sound rather agitated about this. I suppose I can understand why, but what do you plan to do about it?"

No matter the answer, we need to get Millie and go sooner than later.

>>42549033
>>Change topics

Schmooze roll

Rolled 12 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42549268
Persuade applicable now?

Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42549268

>>42549284
Sure

Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42549268
Welp, here goes.

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"What do you plan to do about it? I mean, it was just a misunderstanding, right? So it should be easy to clear up."

He pauses for a moment.

"If I could find the person who brought that letter here, and talk to them like this, one on one, I'd tell them that I'm no villain. I love the people of this nation dearly. I'd tell them that necromancers are my enemy as well, and that I need capable people to solve the problems of the south, people like them. I'd offer them work, so long as they helped me clear my name. I have nothing to hide, and they could ask me anything at all. Given how your home is destroyed, your family name is in jeopardy and you have no one to protect you right now, Kotijah Imidarius, do you think you could consider my job offer?"

He smiles softly and knowingly, like a grandfather who knew all along who ate all the cookies but isn't really mad after all.

>Work for you? No way.
>I'll think about it.
>I've got nothing better to do.
>Other (write-in)

>>42549536
>>I'll think about it.
How does he know our names Kotijah?

>>42549536

>Nod like 'Yeah, I should've figured that.'

>I'll think about it.

We're not gonna think about it. We're probably gonna waste the necromancers ANYWAY, but we're not gonna clear his name just because. IF we snoop around and find out whoop, he WAS being framed, then yeah, sure, whatever. If not, hah, nah.

>>42549577
He has intel. Probably got a description.

>>42549536
>I'll think about it.
To be fair I just showed the letter I found, they drew their own connections. Regardless I am stuck in the city until the whole "My Uncle tried to kill me" fiasco has been dealt with.


>>42549577
He knew who we were before he got on the cart, obviously.

>>42549577
He lied about being out of the loop. He is, apparently, very much in the loop

>>42549536
>Push him about the other details of the letter

The south isn't safe. I dealt with three encounters of the blight so you are doing a piss poorjob Duke.

>>42549610
Then that fucker better spill the beans on who burned our house down.

File: 1398222625647.jpg (190 KB, 808x1034)

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"I'll consider it. I didn't deliver that letter to spite you, at any rate. I did it because I thought it was the right thing to do. They were the ones drawing conclusions about it. I have to deal with the situation with my uncle before I do anything else, so I'll have to get back to you."

He nods slowly and sighs.

"Well, at least accept my offer of protection. They will tear you apart for no better reason than the sport of it now. Even if you relinquish your title, you've left your mark, and they will never forgive you. Come with me to the ball, I shall be your personal escort. Or you can go out there, into the world, and risk your life until they catch you."

The carriage pulls to a halt by the city gates.

>I'll see you later
>How do I know I can trust you?
>Alright then, I'll bite
>Other (write-in)

>>42549734
>>I'll see you later
We are no ones pawn.

>>42549734
>>Alright then, I'll bite

>>42549734
>>I'll see you later

The letter said two things very explicitly:

1: Don't go to the ball.
2: Trust no one.

Let's find our friggen friends first.

>>42549789
Although, granted, I don't think they expected us to down Uncle. Still, I'm wary.

>>42549804
Why was my first thought "Only magic can defeat magic!"

>>42549820
Because Uncle (and that show) is awesome, that's why.

>>42549734
>"Please. You want me dead because the fact that I levied the accusations against you lends them weight. You were probably the one who sent the elementals against me, for all I know. I think I'll just walk for a while. Maybe slitting the throat of the next bunch of assassins will help calm my nerves."

>>42549845
Let's not antagonist the man any more than he might be.

Also where's Millie?

>>42549845
Harsh. Still, that does put the vote at 3 leave and 2 stay

>>42549859
Right beside you and being very quiet.

Damn, i thought we were trying to be a dragon not a bitch.

Actually, hold on the vote. Can we change to

'How do I know I can trust you?'

We could at least wring that out of him.

>>42549734
>How do I know I can trust you?

>>42549734
>>How do I know I can trust you?

>>42549900
I'm with this guy. He is a prime suspect for sending those elementals after us. We cannot trust him.

>>42549900
But the bitch option is losing...?

>>42549961
The prime suspects for sending those elementals are the ones with connections to the Order of Defense.

>>42549967
Not going to the ball is the bitch option.
Just running away instead of going and tearing the fuckers apart.

If we're not going we could at least find out who attacked us and making an example out of them.

>>42550029
You mean the smart option. You seem to be under the impression that we already have dragonic power.

WE DON'T. We need to be smarter than we have been.

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"...How am I supposed to trust you? Can you prove I can?"

He smiles gently at you as the driver opens the door.

"I'm the only man in this entire city who will tell you not to trust him. I'm the only man who will tell you that he is capable of great and terrible things. Do not trust me, Countess Imidarius. Never trust anyone. Trust yourself alone. I will protect you for my own selfish ends. I will do what is in my own best interest. I will lie and cheat if it serves me. I live outside this city because I am honest about my dishonesty and they can't stand that I still beat them at their games."

He leans back a bit.

"If you go out there, you will die. I can tell you right now by whom, who hired them and what cover story they will use. Or you can stick with me, and make it in my best interest to keep you safe and sound until you manage to out play me. It'll be fun for both of us."

>Leave
>Stay
>Other (write-in)

>>42550093
Well I'm all ears, tell me, then we'll see Duke.

>>42550093
>Stay

>>42550029
Going to the ball is the option we've been pretty explicitly warned against that would, at this point, require us to accept an offer of protection and become a glorified pawn.

In other words, the bitch option.

Leaving will probably only last until Cenere tracks us through the necklace and contacts us so we can regroup.

>>42550093
>>Leave
"As much as I appriciate the offer, your highness, I am going to have to take my chances."

>>42550169
>>42550202
Can we at least here out what he's saying about who's going to jump us and what there story will be?

>>42550093
>>Stay

>>42550070
No thats the cowardly option, running and praying everything goes away. People want us dead and I very much doubt they're gonna stop till we or they are.

The smart option is laying low and striking out at the fuckers who attacked us, starting by going home and securing everything and capturing any stragelers. assuming it hasn't been burned down.

>>42550093
>Kill him
I'm tired of your stupid politics arc, lets just kill every single noble in this city

>>42550237
>Let's get killed horribly because we act like a retard
FTFY

>>42550225
>Implying

This is great. I could eat popcorn to this. And I don't normally like popcorn. I'm more of a caramel corn person.

Also it's an even split between Stay, Hear him out and Leave.

>>42550284
Anons wanting to be retarded vs those playing the long game. For point of reference Cennerre is already with us and he wrote the letter. He's a construct, ergo not perfect and gave us his best advice based on the time. Walking into an assassination is stupid as hell and We can break it off with the duke either after we hear him out or after the ball.

>>42550284
>I'm more of a caramel corn person.
Absolutely Disgusting.

Be happy people are invested enough to argue.

>hear him out

>>42550093
>Leave

>>42550313
I'm super happy about that. Whenever discussion happens it makes me delighted to know people are passionate about this story to some degree.

>>42550256
>Implying an end is worse than the living death of politics with anons

>>42550336
Say, would the attack on our new home have been skipped if we had chosen to rollplay instead of roleplay or would it have just been delayed?

>>42550093
Stay

>>42550384
>Being a shit just because you can't skip through the talking and thinking scenes.

>>42550093
>If I had to guess, they'd be assassins hired by you in case you couldn't persuade me to join you.
>Leave

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"Alright, how will I die? Who's gonna kill me if I go out there?"

The Duke looks out the door for a moment and squints as though looking for something. You can already tell he's just putting on a show for effect. And he knows you know.

"Archers. They have poisoned arrows, and they're going to give you a few grazes rather than outright kill you. The poison will erode your mind and they'll expect you to run back to the city for medical aid or die out in the street somewhere. If you go back you'll have an unfortunate medical accident after going mad, and your uncle will use that to show that dismissing you was an act taken by an unstable mind. He gets his power back, you die, and your uncle owes another favor to the Order of Oak's backers."

>That's bullshit but I believe it.
>Nah, I don't buy it
>Works for me. Get me out of here.

>>42550454
>>That's bullshit but I believe it.

I'm only voting for this because of the Jojo reference. Otherwise, alright.

>>42550454
>That's bullshit but I believe it.

>>42550396
Roll play would have assumed you followed the path blindly. The attack would have still happened, it just would have been later in the day and potentially much worse depending on the rolls and whether or not you passed Sleuth checks to notice odd things about the maids. If you hadn't left to check on your friends, for instance, no maid would have come come to try to halt you.

>>42550454
>>That's bullshit but I believe it.

>>42550454
Yeah, those guys are probably working for him.

>>42550555
NSS. I haaaaate this. Whatever job he's got, we need to turn it to our own ends. I mean, we KNOW that HE knows we're probably gonna turn it to our own ends, but we don't have to say how.

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You smirk a little bit.

"You are so full of shit."

He laughs heartily.

"Yes, probably! But of course, it would be wise for your uncle to have people outside the city watching for you, ready to strike if you tried to flee before his plans at the ball took shape. I'm extrapolating based on what I know. You seem reasonably clever, perhaps you'll learn to do the same on short order."

He looks at the driver for a moment, then at you.

"Shall we get going then? I think the poor man is waiting for you to get out or tell him to shut the door."

>To the ball
>Leave
>Other (write-in)

>>42550663
>>To the ball

"Fine, let's go. Can't deny I'm curious about what job you're talking about anyway."

>>42550663
>Leave

>>42550663
>>To the ball

I'm actually gonna call it here for now and get some sleep. Failing that I'm gonna go back to editing Sir Black and the Red Scale. Night folks, I'll look over your votes in the morning.

>>42550663
>To the ball

Blah. I feel like I'm making the wrong decision. I honestly do. Damnit, this is probably what they were warning against. Smarmy fucker has a silver tounge. Knows just what to say, and he knows we have little choice.

Whatever he's doing, we need to do something else once we're outside city limits.

God I feel like there's no other choice I really hate this.

>>42550663
>>To the ball
What the hell? Might get to show off some more.

>>42550663
Ask our magic amulet if we should go.

>>42550663
>Ask where our friends are.

>>42553084
Adding
>Let me make this clear, my farther got all this for killing stuff and I have no intrest in just passing it on to someone who gets it for being born a man. I am keeping my estate and I am willing to earn that the same way my farther did but if I find out you hire bandits like the pair I punched out we will be having words about the care of the common people, beyond looking after them I'm not sure what the point of nobles is.

>>42550237
Slow down. I know murderhoboing is fun, but dont push it.

>>42550663
>To the ball

>>42550663
>To the ball
Goddamnit...
Alright we'll go to the ball, but after that's over and we're "relatively" safe we'll get the fuck out of this man's way and go after the rose and the sword.

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"...close the door. Let's go to the ball."

Astonoro nods and smiles, turning to the driver.

"Double time, please. I'd like for us to make a suitably grand entrance."

He pulls out a small metal disk with a pin in the center and several slowly rotating arms, like an overly complex watch.

"If we leave now, we'll make it just in time."

The driver nods and shuts the door, running over to the reins. Astonoro smiles softly.

"Now then... As your escort rather than a member of your family, it's customary for you to lock arms with me. You won't be hanging off me like a piece of finery, only there to make me look good. I exist tonight purely to serve as the barrier between you and them. And feel free to break customs, honestly. Be you. Your uncle only wanted you married so he could keep his money. I'd rather see you shake things up as you see fit and then find someone who actually fits you."

You nod a little bit. Being told to go about things the way you want is kind of strange. On the one hand you know that he's probably saying that to suit his own ends, but on the other hand he's also telling you to do whatever you want.

>Kick back and enjoy the ride
>Ask him about the attack
>Ask him what he's going to do at the ball
>Other (write-in)

>>42556303
>Ask him about the attack
>Ask him what he's going to do at the ball
if he's willing to hand out info, milk it for all it's worth. I trust him as far as Sena could throw kot without "vampirism" but info is still useful.

>>42556303
>"On the topic of money, I'd be willing to share a fair portion of it if you help me retrieve it. But this is something to be discussed after the ball, of course. Exact percentages, checks to make sure neither cheats the other, all that."

The best way to ensure he doesn't fuck us is to get him in business with us. So long as he stands to profit in a tangible way from us surviving, he'll do his damndest to help us survive."

>>42556413
That's pretty much exactly what he told you earlier, that he'd protect you for his own selfish ends.

>>42556413
Nigga don't offer him shit for free, He already has plans for us, don't give him more ideas.

>>42556549
He might be planning to kill us in the ball, still. It'd do to give him our own reason for it than take his word that he has a good reason not to betray us.

>>42556303
>Ask him about the attack

>>42556577
If he's going to kill us, the nebulous promise of some gold won't stop him, especially since chances are we'll never find it, or he could find it himself, easier.

Mollie keeps close to us. If she feels uncomfortable, we LEAVE.

>>42556800
Millie. Damn phone.

Oh, also, it's likely that whoever was going to try to kill us will still try to kill us. Be vigilant.

I still don't like this. It's frustrating to deal with.

>>42557001
>Good person
>Politics
Yeah we're in deep anon.

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As the carriage resumes moving, you look out the window for a moment.

"What can you tell me about the attack on my home?"

Astonoro sighs softly.

"The shield around your home, the dozens of constructs guarding you... Only one man in this entire city knows how either of those work, only one man could disable them completely. I believe you've met the professor."

Millie suddenly starts to shake, hands balling up into fists. Astonoro simply keeps going.

"A construct can be readily contained if you know where their core is located within their body. Their body is just a projection of elemental energy shaped around their core, but it takes a lot of effort to do, and variations take time to learn, so most constructs only have one or two body types. Wild elementals, like the ones that your father obtained for his home, have had quite a long time to learn to control their bodies, and can have more than one core by absorbing other elementals of the same type. Containing them is much more difficult. I don't know precisely how it was done, but-"

Millie suddenly turns to look at him, her whole body glowing softly.

"First you badmouth my dad... Now you're gonna insult the professor too?"

Astonoro looks at you for a moment.

"Do you want to deal with the threat to my life or shall I?"

>Try to calm Millie down
>Let Astonoro protect himself
>Other (write-in)

>>42557366
>Try to calm Millie down
Millie, Uncle tried to kill me, because I did not follow his plans. He even said it himself, If I died he inherited everything. As for the professor, I know SOMEONE dropped the shield from the inside and bound My staff against their will. Said someone also used constructs strong enough to kill Cenere in a straight up fight. It's not pretty and I do not trust the duke as far as I could throw him, but his reasoning is sound.

>>42557366
>Try to calm Millie down

>>42557449
Sounds about right. This sucks. We need to figure out how to empathize bit more.

>>42557366
>" she's a girl who just had her entire life depended. Can you really blame her for getting mad?"

We need to support Millie too.

>>42557861
* upended

Alright, and are you gonna attempt to use the rings again or are you just gonna use your words?

>>42558258
Words, We still don't know how we activated the rings.

>>42558258
Words, unless we notice that it's more of the encoded loyal thing speaking for her.

Alright then. Make a Schmooze roll

Rolled 18 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42558385
persuading her to calm down

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>42558385
persuade

Rolled 14 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42558385

>>42557366
>Try to calm Millie down
Goddamn it throw those fucking earings out of the fucking carriage

"Millie."

She turns to look at you, shaking slightly.

"What?"

You choose your next words carefully.

"Think about what he's saying. He's not saying the professor did it, just that his work was used to do the job. Only one man knew how, right? That doesn't mean the professor knew what his work was being used for. Tirio... tried to kill me. He even tried to make you kill me. He's not the man you thought he was. As for the professor... We just don't know yet. He's speculating, Millie. I know it's hard to accept, but... if it's a possibility then the best we can do is try to figure out the truth and clear his name."

Millie quivers a bit.

"B-But... he... I..."

She sniffles, before latching onto your arm once again.

"I just... hate this... I hate feeling like this... I want things to go back to how they were..."

Astonoro reclines casually, keeping his gaze on you.

"I'm sure that there are many of us who wish we could turn back time. But change is inevitable. The best we can do is try to forge the change we want to occur."

>Ask what he plans to do at the ball
>Other (write-in)

>>42558476
???

>>42558524
>Ask what he plans to do at the ball
>Ask if Milie can identify the sorcery on our earrings.

>>42558529
The gifts the professor gave us.

>>42558524
>>42558646
Seconding, it's about time we figured out what they do.

In front of the Duke?

>>42558811
Given that their likely either bugs, or another trap............ We should at least keep it in mind.

You carefully remove your earrings and hand them to Millie.

"So what do you plan to do at the ball?"

As you say that, you project as hard as you can at Millie that you want her to figure out what they do. She takes the earrings from you and just sits there with them. You can't tell if she's concentrating or just feeling depressed. Astonoro shrugs a bit.

"I have a standing appointment to duel someone, and it's a suitable stage for it. I also need to meet with a few people who have wronged me so that I can inform them of that fact in person. It's a lot more effective than simply sending a letter. I must ask though... Those earrings. Are they of sentimental value to you or did you simply need Millie to do something with them?"

>Write-in

>>42559001
>A lady should have a few secrets.

>>42559001
>Write-in
>I have no reason to answer that.

>>42559001
>A lady should have a few secrets.

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You smile a little bit.

"A lady should have her own secrets, shouldn't she? Asking that is like asking a construct what elements she's made from, don't you think?"

Millie shifts a little and looks at you, before turning her attention back to the earrings. Her hands begin to glow softly, and you can feel her gently tapping at your mind as though asking for entry. Astonoro chuckles a bit.

"Very well then... As you wish. We'll be arriving at the ball soon, so I hope that you're ready to go. You might want to put your sword away though."

>Put away your sword
>Let Millie in
>Other (write-in)

>>42559183
>Put away your sword
>Let Millie in

>>42559183
>Put away your sword
>Let Millie in

>>42559183
>Put away your sword
>Let Millie in

File: 1398224742432.jpg (200 KB, 786x1016)

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You grab your sword and conceal it inside your gloves once more, the drain once again taking its toll on you. You won't be able to access your magic like this, but carrying around a bloody broadsword in the middle of a ballroom probably isn't the best plan. Then you relax, and let Millie into your mind. You can feel her gently poking around for a moment, as though confirming her fears, before she starts to speak.

“These earrings are tracking devices... When you wear one, you always know where the other one is... You could slip one into someone's pocket and follow them around, or attach it to something... It's the gemstone itself that reacts, so you could even pop it out of the earring and keep the other one whole to trace it... And I'm sorry for yelling, and... and for a lot of things...”

Images flash through your mind. Millie in your home with Sena, then sneaking off to the basement. Attaching a device to a giant crystal beneath the manor. Trapping the other constructs inside of it. Being ordered by Tirio to do all of those things and never speak a word of it to anyone.

“I'm so sorry... I just thought... I never thought he was a bad man...”

She curls up at your side and gently pushes the earrings back into your hands. The carriage pulls to a halt, and Astonoro stretches a little.

“Well, time for us to make our entrance. I'm afraid that I can't help you sneak her inside, but if you want to say she's your personal attendant then you could probably manage it, if you want to risk having her around.”

The door opens, revealing a long red carpet leading up several flights of stairs, up to a building that looks almost like a palace. He steps out and offers you his hand.

“Shall we, Countess Imidarius?”

>Take Millie along with you
>Tell Millie to try to find your friends
>Other (write-in)

>>42559820
>Tell Millie to try to find your friends

>>42559820
>>Tell Millie to try to find your friends
Be nice, just a kid doing as she was told.

>>42559820
>Give Millie the necklace, tell her to find your friends.

>>42559820
>>Tell Millie to try to find your friends

>>42559820
>Give her one earring.
>Tell her to find our friends. But leave in a way that makes the Duke not worry too much. Maybe 'ask to be alone'.

You clear your mind and focus on Millie while taking one earring from the offered pair.

“Find my friends. Make sure they're alright. If you do that for me I'll forgive you for everything. Even if you fail, so long as you try.”

You nod a bit at Astonoro and move out of the carriage, gently taking his arm. There's a large crowd around you, all dressed in finery, and all of them turning to look at the newcomers, some of them recognizing the Duke. You hear the carriage creaking behind you as you step out of it, along with the crackle of electricity, and Millie bolts away in an instant. The driver moves next to you both, shouting loudly.

“Introducing Duke Lamiring and Countess Imidarius!”

There's murmuring from the crowd, all eyes on both of you, and Astonoro simply offers you a small smile.

“Hear that? We've made a bit of a splash. Shall we goes cause an even bigger stir in this hornet's nest? Once we get inside, try to mingle a little bit, but keep your guard up. Everyone will want to say hello to you, offer you gifts, try to make alliances even if they're only fake ones. Above all else, make sure that they underestimate you. Strength that no one else knows about is stronger than anything.”

He starts to lead you towards the ballroom.

>Follow him
>Now is the time for running away
>Other (write-in)

I don't know why it isn't uploading the images. /tg/, stop being silly. You've had a few off days, it's time to sort yourself out.

>>42560198
>Mingle

>>42560198
>Follow him

>>42560198
>>Follow him

>>42560198
>Follow him
Well, shit. Might as well go in now then.

>>42560198
> Other
Mingle. See if we can find Black.

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You walk with him up the stairs, all the while drawing the eye of everyone around you. You're not too worried though. At least, not until you reach the large set of doors leading to the main ballroom and a man wearing far too many ruffles glances at you and salutes before announcing you to the crowd.

“Introducing Duke Lamiring and Countess Imidarius!”

The whole room goes silent. Everyone is staring at the pair of you, and there's not a single noise in the room. The music stops, and so do the dancers. After a few tense seconds a man rises to his feet and begins to clap.

“So tell me, Duke Lamiring, did you come all the way back here just so that people could see you lose to me?”

Astonoro releases you and steps forward, removing his top hat and offering it to you.

“Hold this for a moment, please. I have to take care of something. And to think, I had come here to enjoy myself...”

He smiles at you, before reaching into the hat and pulling out a sword, an elegant rapier from the look of things. You take the hat from him and he advances on the other gentleman, a much younger man with a moustache and a similar rapier.

“I'm going to enjoy this. You sit in your house by the City of Coin, only sparing us a thought when it suits you. Now I'm going to teach you a lesson in manners, old man.”

Astonoro looks at you for a moment.

“Watch closely. I'll only show you once.”

He turns back to the other man and shrugs a bit.

“If this is about your sister then you have my deepest apologies. Shall we to first blood? Or death?”

The other man glares and charges.

“Death!”

>Attempt to intervene
>Let it play out
>Other (write-in)

>>42560729
>Let it play out

>>42560729
>Let it play out
>Grab refreshments.

>>42560729
>Let it play out
Don't get involved

>>42560770
Actually, scratch the grabbing refreshments.

Sleuth roll

Rolled 11 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42560827
Sleuth + Perception

Rolled 9 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42560827

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>42560827
Eye spy...

>>42560878
Damnit, forgot my + 3 for perception.

>>42560903
I think it still applies. The way the rules are phrased makes it seem like only one guy needs to get it right.

>>42560967
Pretty much. Accidents happen, people forget to add things in sometimes. So long as at least one person works out the right mod and factors it in (and declares it where everyone can see by breaking it down), then it's fine. If the mods they choose to add in don't make sense, then I'll make them explain their reasoning.

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You watch as closely as you can, observing every movement. The younger man charges, and Astonoro simply stands there waiting. As the younger man thrusts his sword forwards, Astonoro draws his own sword. He holds up his sheath and catches the thrust with it before swinging his sword down hard and cleaving the younger man's blade. He turns and swings his sword up, the blade knocking off every button on the man's jacket, before he smiles, dumping the broken blade out of his sheath and onto the floor.

“You can win this match if you like. I'm here to have fun, not to murder people on the dance floor. Although my dance moves have been said to stir the dead with their grace!”

He laughs heartily while the younger man stumbles back a few paces, the hilt of his sword tumbling from his grasp.

“You... bastard...”

Astonoro's gaze suddenly narrows.

“You've won the duel, haven't you? I have given you the honor of defeating me, and you may take my life with your blade if you desire. Or do you wish to press your luck and cause me to challenge you this time? I will let you pick any weapon you want if that's the case. I will beat you every time.”

The ballroom begins to fill with the whispers of gossip, talk of how badly the Duke has shamed the other man by besting him and then dismissing the duel to the death as though it were nothing. Astonoro turns and walks back over to you, all smiles once more.

“There, did you notice it? I think that with eyes as keen as yours you'd have picked up on it.”

You're about to say that you didn't, until something catches your eye. There's a segment of Astonoro's blade along the edge, an inch long, made of some kind of purple metal. It's what cut clean through the other man's sword and broke it. He sheathes his sword before pressing a finger to his lips and winking.

“Like I said. Strength that no one knows about and all that.”

He turns back to the ballroom.

“Now that that's over with, shall we resume the festivities? I'd like everyone to meet my dear guest and companion for the evening, Countess Kotijah Imidarius. I am her humble escort tonight, so I do hope that the younger gentlemen in the room mind their manners!”

He laughs heartily, and many other people in the room follow suit. He offers you his hand.

“Would you do me the honor of letting me take your first dance of the night? Let's show off a bit more.”

>Dance
>No thanks
>Other (write-in)

>>42561100
>>Dance

>>42561100
>Dance
Is it weird that I'm more nervous about dancing rolls than the rolls during our duel with Tirio?

>>42561100
>Dance
>>42561158
Same here.

Speed roll

One job, you guys. One job.

Rolled 14 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42561274
Speed + Ballroom Dance

Rolled 4 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42561316

Rolled 13 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42561274
I hate my job.

>>42561316
18's good enough.

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You let him lead you out onto the dance floor and he smiles a bit as the music starts to play. The other dancers give you both plenty of room, and he slowly starts to dance with you around the room. For the most part it feels as though he's simply supporting your performance, helping you to show off your talents, and he quickly picks up on what moves you're weak at and which ones to emphasize most. As the song comes to an end he releases you and bows low, and you curtsy in response. There's loud applause for a moment, before you notice the music suddenly turn dramatic. You look over at the musicians to see the conductor remove his wig and toss it aside.

It's Gimbly. How could it not be? He walks towards the dance floor as the music swells and smiles at you.

“Now that the customs are taken care of, shall we settle our score? I believe someone said she was going to show me what she can do.”

Astonoro backs away a bit and chuckles.

“Your fight this time, not mine. Just remember what I told you. You should be fine.”

The music changes a bit, and Gimbly motions for you to come closer as the other guests at the party slowly become your audience, watching, waiting.

“Let's see which of us is taking the lead, shall we?”

>Out-dance this smug asshole
>Can I get a drink first?
>Other (write-in)

>>42561538
>Out-dance this smug asshole
Why does it feel like every dance choice is heavier than life or death situations??! This is suffering...

>>42561538
>Out-dance this smug asshole

>>42561538
>Out-dance this smug asshole

>>42561538
>>Out-dance this smug asshole

>>42561604
Probably because dancing is a straight skill challenge with only one roll while you can be certain that most fights, unless they're against a mook or you're almost dead, will last more than one round.

Speed roll time

Rolled 13 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42561663
Speed + Ballroom Dance

Rolled 15 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42561641
Speed+dance

Could we use our spell absorbing to break any illusions he might try to use to look better?

>>42561742
Even if an illusion he casts on himself would be an applicable use, which I doubt, we can't exactly take the time to focus on Flowing Magic mid-dance.

>>42561822
That's a shame... Maybe roll spirit without the focus bonus? That is if the QM would allow it.

>>42561849
Flowing Magic requires concentration to use. You use the strength of your spirit and your control over the flow of magic within your own body to divert spells aimed at you or that you're within the area of. You can't do it while your mind is on anything else, including dancing.

Also, we need another Speed roll

Rolled 18 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42561890
Speed + Ballroom Dance

Why do you hate my fingernails.

Rolled 5 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42561641
Speed + dance

>>42561902
Your nail sacrifice clearly pleased the dice gods. It will not be in vain.
>>42561890
Can it be trained later on (trough meditation or something) to improve that and only take up some concentration/no concentration with enough time and hard work?

>>42561975
Probably. You don't know, I don't know, Kotijah doesn't know. The balance and rules of this game have been a work in progress since day one. Having to spend no concentration on it seems a little busted though. Every spell rolling off you like water off a duck's back? Nah.

>>42562081
I only meant that we didn't have to spend concentration to make the roll without a penalty, not an automatic success, that'd be broken.

>>42562081
Maybe have it drain X SP/round and not provide absorption when using that, presumably much higher level, function.

Also somebody make a third roll already for fucks sake.

Rolled 11 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42561890
Speed+dance

>>42562171
We did. It was >>42561902

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As the music starts up again you take Gimbly's hands and look into his eyes. He smiles playfully at you.

“I want you to know right now that I think you look lovely, that I still want to win your trust back, and that I intend to school you as hard as I can. Not to prove a point, but because it's what you asked for.”

You smirk at him a bit and steal the lead from him, tipping him backwards.

“Bring it on.”

The music shifts gradually in tempo as you dance with him, trading the lead back and forth whenever one of you manages to steal it from the other. Bit by bit it gets faster, both of you swirling, turning and spinning across the dance floor. You split apart, both of you spinning to opposite edges of the ballroom, before you come back together, the music swelling and picking up just a little more. You can see the sweat on his brow, and if it weren't for Agithel's meticulous work with your makeup you're sure you'd be feeling the heat as well. Probably some ointment she used to keep your makeup from smearing or something.

You can feel the crescendo coming from the way that the music is changing, and right when Gimbly snatches the lead from you for the finisher, you steal it right back, ending the dance just as you began it, in the lead and with Gimbly tipped back. He pants softly and sighs, smiling and closing his eyes as the cheers from the audience fill the room.

“Typical... I underestimated you and look where it got me...”

You stand him back up and he turns to the crowd, bowing low.

“For besting me, how about I fetch you a drink? Or is there something else you'd like to ask of me now that you've won our duel of dance steps?”

>A drink is fine
>I don't want anything
>Other (write-in)

>>42562259
Oh, I though he wanted a second set of rolls.

>>42561902
You literally beat him by 1 because of that roll. Be proud.

>>42562266
>Other (write-in)
I would like it if you could recommend someone to teach me singing.
And i'm not drinking anything today for... Special reasons.
(you don't have to second the last thing if you want to second singing)

>>42562266
No drinking but accept his offer.

Someone probably spiked it, we should pour it into someone else's.

>>42562266
>No thanks.
>You were every bit the challenge I expected.

Remember, underestimate. When we get to schmoozing, let's not puff ourselves up too much...

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“I'll have to decline the drink for the moment, but I do have one request. I'm looking for a singing coach and I was wondering if you could tell me where I could find one.”

Gimbly straightens up and pauses.

“If it hadn't been for that attack on your manor, I would have been teaching you that afternoon. I understand if you don't want me to teach you on account of my connection to your uncle, but I'll happily point you to someone else if you like. We'll talk about it.”

He smiles and turns away, heading back to the musicians and grabbing his wig, chuckling a bit and starting up the next song. People start to leave their chairs to head to the dance floor, with several men, some teenagers and some quite a bit older, heading your way for a chance to dance with you.

>Form a line, gentlemen, one at a time
>Sorry, all that dancing just now had worn me out. I need a moment. I'll chat with you at my table though.
>Other (write-in)

>>42562679
>Sorry, all that dancing just now had worn me out. I need a moment. I'll chat with you at my table though.
We're not here to dance and there's no real reason to get involved in more scheming stuff. (Also the whole "Don't trust anyone" thing.)

>>42562679
Are you a cruel enough god to have us to make more dancing rolls?

>>42562779
Yes.
He's going to make us do a -5 Schmooze roll on that we don't insult any nobles that wanted to dance with us if we don't.

>>42562810
Nah, no -5. You still have to make the roll though.

>>42562757
>there's no real reason to get involved in more scheming stuff. (Also the whole "Don't trust anyone" thing.)
I'm not sure how dancing is scheming or trusting?

>>42563103
Well, when they have one foot in the doorway it's a lot easier to get in. Also it's probably a lot harder to refuse later without seeming rude.

>>42563150
>when they have one foot in the doorway it's a lot easier to get in
Which dancing isn't really likely to give them. At least, no more likely than talking to them, which the other option has us do.

>it's probably a lot harder to refuse later without seeming rude.
Not really. What's going to be difficult is refusing all dances after saying we just need a moment.

>>42563232
Well, i don't see a better option anyways.

>>42563259
I'd say that dancing might be better in the hopes that they'll just go away afterwards, but the ones that we actually need to worry about won't.

So what's it going to be then?

>>42563372
Well i'm still for dancing and i don't see any other votes.

>>42563391
Wait, i mean not dancing.

>>42563372
Not dancing, because I don't want to force a tie.

Schmooze roll then

Rolled 7 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42563544
Schmooze + Persuade

Rolled 8 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42563544
Schmooze+persuade

Rolled 1 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42563544

Rolled 20 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42563544

>>42563642
Y U Late?

>>42563679
Why were you early?

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You do your best to remember the rules Gimbly taught you about being polite, and you curtsy slightly.

“I must apologize, gentlemen, but I'll be needing a few moments to recover after that. I'll be taking to the dance floor again in a little while, but for now I-”

A man gently grabs your hand and smiles.

“I do apologize for the rudeness, Countess, but I must at the very least offer you praise for that display You were magnificent.”

Another man moves to your other side, taking your hand with a smile.

“More than magnificent! You were glorious! Where did you learn to dance like that? Don't tell me that you learned that in only a few short days.”

The crowd encircles you, and you find yourself slowly being backed towards a wall. Astonoro is nowhere in sight, and you can't for the life of you remember how to politely dismiss a crowd like this.

>Hope that help comes
>Try to push through the crowd
>Make another attempt to remember what to do
>Other (write-in)

>>42564338
>Make another attempt to remember what to do
>Hope that help comes

>>42564338
>Try to push through the crowd

>>42564338
>>Make another attempt to remember what to do
Don't like this.

Rolled 2 (1d12)

>>42564338
>Make another attempt to remember what to do
>Hope that help comes
Rolling for the number of assassins planning to take advantage of the crowd in some way.

Smarts roll

>>42564338
>Make another attempt to remember what to do
Shit... If this fails we can push trough, but this is really bad...

>>42564338
Start dancing in place! Time to serve these fools.

>>42564506
Can we use focus for this?

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>42564506

Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42564506
focus

>>42564553
If you want to make a second Smarts roll so you can focus under pressure? Sure. Be my guest.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>42564506
Well, i'll just hope that we actually remember our lessons that we did recently then and that the DC isn't too low...

The dice have turned against us.

Dice are not Kotijah's friend

Keep her away from gambling halls.

Though for some reason I can see Sena and Gil as talented swindlers in cards and dice.

File: art-work-with-the-red-dragon.jpg (1.14 MB, 1920x1080)

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Rolled 5, 6 = 11 (2d6)

>>42564683
Sena at the craps table

>>42564709
That's an 11, a "natural". Pass line wins. Sena earns some cash.

Also, make a Strength roll to resist some strong wings. Someone is "helping" you.

You'll see in a moment.

Rolled 16 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42564740

Rolled 20 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42564740
Sena should roll she'd pass every time.

>>42564829
Why hello there Sena!

Rolled 17 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42564740

>>42564960
C-C-C-CRIT CONFIRMED?

>>42564829
>>42564960
crit!

Watch as Kot summon her dragon strength for a moment and throw all these people aside like dolls.

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You fumble desperately for the right answer, back against the wall, compliment after compliment being slung at you. Out of desperation you're almost ready to knock them all aside from it, when you see something out of the corner of your eye. A woman, looking at the crowd and tutting before taking a deep breath.

“Leave the poor girl alone!”

If you hadn't already broken your heels you would have likely fallen over, but you managed to brace yourself while every single well-dressed gentleman in front of you got knocked aside by the force of a hurricane, tumbling into a heap a few dozen feet from you. You dread to imagine what would have happened if you had slipped... The woman walks over and smiles. You can't quite see her face behind the mask she's wearing, and she chuckles a bit.

“Seems the boys can't keep their hands to themselves. Still, that's probably because you've gone out of your way to look that good. Ah, to be young... Well, shall I leave you to it? Or would you like some breathing room?”

She gestures to her table, where a man in a similar mask is sitting there sipping wine. Whereas her mask is themed on a butterfly, his is red and takes inspiration from dragons. Again you can't quite see his face, but he looks pleasant enough. There's something familiar about the pair that you can't quite place though.

>Go with her
>Gonna go with no
>Other (write-in)

>>42565086
>>Go with her
Mom and Dad incognito?

>>42565086
>>Go with her

>>42565086
>Go with her
Better than being swarmed by a crown containing assassins.

>>42565086
Seems the only place to have a reprieve.

>>42565086
>Go with her
Say thankyou.

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You decide to follow the woman back to her table, and she pulls out a chair for you with a smile.

“So, you're the famous Countess Kotijah Imidarius, yes? We've both heard quite a lot about you.”

The man smiles a little bit and sets down his glass.

“Indeed. You've caused quite the stir around here. I'm surprised, honestly. I didn't think that someone with no formal education in dealing with this kind of society could survive for as long as you have. Color me impressed.”

The woman laughs a bit as she sits down.

“She must have a knack for it then. Perhaps she's got some kind of natural gift?”

The man shrugs and smirks at you.

“Surely it's her father then, yes? That legendary hero, Ildareth.”

The woman rolls her eyes.

“I think you'll find that girls take more after their mothers, dear. So clearly her prowess and skill stem from Taloni the Dragon Witch. Which makes sense. After all, those descended from dragons are cunning, strong-”

“Beautiful.”

He turns and cups the woman's chin, gazing into her eyes for a long moment, just long enough for it to be painfully awkward and painfully obvious. You've never once heard your mother speak before so you didn't recognize her voice, but their shenanigans are exactly the same as they were when you were growing up. You clear your throat as they draw near each other, and they both turn away, the man chuckling softly and the woman giggling a bit. She glances your way and smiles.

“Are you planning on staying in the city long? It's a beautiful place, but honestly, it's much too dangerous for someone without proper backing.”

The man nods a little.

“Quite so. It doesn't matter who your mother and father are, or how much money you have. What matters is knowing the right people. People you can rely on.”

He slides you a small slip of paper with a red smudge.

“Don't open it and don't read it until you need a way out. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to have a word with Duke Lamiring.”

He smiles softly.

“My sword, if you please.”

The woman grins.

“Oh, this is just like old times!”

>Give him the sword
>Find your own sword
>Other (write-in)

>>42565418
>Give him the sword
Gotta let the old man relive his younger days.

>>42565418
>>Give him the sword
"You may wish to have a word with Uncle as well. His sense of family values disappeared about the same time he started being a general near as I can tell. He's tried to kill me twice in as many days."

>>42565418
>>Give him the sword

>>42565418
>"You know, I almost had to kill Uncle. If Millie hadn't been there, I might have. Perhaps something more than this 'light touch' nonsense would be advisable."

>>42565418
>Tell him about Lamiring's blade.


> There's a segment of Astonoro's blade along the edge, an inch long, made of some kind of purple metal. It's what cut clean through the other man's sword and broke it.

Anti metal?

>>42565531
Null stone probably.

Wonder what our folk's spirits look with our sight.

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You conjure the sword and hand it to him.

“Be careful. His sword has some sort of purple metal on it. And you might want to talk to your brother about family values.”

He lets out a prolonged sigh.

“Yes, well... I was actually hoping you wouldn't run into him at all. You never actually explained where you were going when you left you know. And I'm aware of some of his surprises. I just hope that I've figured them all out this time...”

He flicks the blade through the air a few times.

“Just like old times... Honey, do you remember that time in the caves, with all the trolls? What was it you said?”

She rises to her feet and moves to his side.

“Do you want the one that'll embarrass our daughter or the one that fits the tone?”

He looks at her for a moment, then turns red.

“No, not the thing you said when we were... Nevermind.”

She giggles a little bit and turns to you.

“Men are all the same, dear. They act tough but very rarely do they like being reminded of certain things in front of their own children, and we lock those sorts of men up.”

He groans a little.

“Let's go to the city, I said. We'll find out daughter and a healer for your throat, I said.”

She kisses his cheek.

“And you've been regretting it ever since~”

He nods slightly and smiles.

“Yep. You can make it up to me later. Now, all together!”

He points his sword across the room at Duke Lamiring while he's speaking to someone rather regal-looking, and her hands become wreathed in flames. They speak in unison.

“When in doubt, burn the wicked ones to the ground!”

You have never been more proud to be related to your parents. They charge across the dance floor, frightened and confused nobles tripping over each other to get out of their way.

>Watch the clash of titans, keep out of their way
>Try to lend some support, they'll need it
>Other (write-in)

>>42566417
>Try to lend some support, they'll need it

>>42566417
>Sing, add your voice to the roar of flames.

>>42566507
No SP bruh

>>42566417
>Watch the clash of titans, keep out of their way
Just watch... And enjoy the flames.

I'm a little worried that trying to support them might result in the Duke using us against them.

So, gonna lend them a hand?

>>42566698
How about we make sure no one else interferes?

>>42566698
I say no.

>>42566698
We have no weapons, even our fiery roaring would be useless (nobles would start panicking and ran away). We could snatch someones rapier, but it is too manly, even for Kot.

>>42566825
>rapier
>manly
U wot

>>42566843
Still manlinier than fingernail or needle.

>>42566825
First of all it's us singing(literally) fire into existence, not roaring. Second a Rapier is not manly, it's a weapon.

>>42566925
Given we could literally tear a mans throat out with our "nails" don't knock em.

So no direct interference then?

>>42566947
What if we sing brutal death songs. So, we technically are roaring and moaning like crazies.
Plus we need to be a little bit discreet. Tearing out intestines and/or heart is fun, but gives us a bad image.
And I do agree, that rapier is not a manly weapon- Real men use axes. BIG AXES. Or fists. Knuckles are good too...

>>42567029
Tie everyone's laces together whilst their distracted!

>>42567029
I think we're agreed on at least no direct interference, yeah.

>>42567029
I suppose so. I hope that we can get into position to throw a few needles discreetly, if needed.

>>42567029
Just keep everyone else from interfering too.

>>42567046
Whether a reputation as a brutal combatant is a bad thing or not in a city of treacherous nobles is up for debate.

>>42567106
They'd try poisoning less direct means more instead.

>>42567106
Reputation is good, but we are a WOMAN. In a medieval time setting.

>>42567169
With dragons. And giant glass cities. And magic.

But we'll keep the sexism for realism because we need some kind of stable terrain under our feet. Right?

>>42567209
I am concerned about untermenschen, who will start plotting more against us. It is a disgrace when a farm girl is more skilled with blade than a soldier.

>>42567133
That still means that one of their avenues of attack is limited due to reputation, letting us focus more on actively defending ourselves from the other. Some of the more spineless ones might be scared off entirely.

>>42567169
It seems pretty far from the medieval ages in a lot of ways, thematically. Gender discrimination is toned down and scientific advancement (albeit magical science) seems to actually be occurring at a decent rate.

I'm not sure what being a woman has to do with what I said anyway.

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The moment of impact almost deafens you, and the crowd is knocked away from your father and Astonoro as their blades meet. You can barely follow their movements as they fight, your mother providing support through her magic, sending blasts of fire at Astonoro that he knocks aside with his bare hand. He's laughing all the while, slowly but surely pushing your father backwards.

“After all this time, all these years, you could never defeat me, Ildareth!”

Your father's retort is to point his sword away from the Duke.

“I've learned a few tricks since the last time we clashed. Now!”

Your mother chants something, something that resonates deep inside you, and your father's sword bursts into flames once more, sending him rocketing forwards. He turns the blade at the last second, slamming it into Astonoro's chest and pinning him to the wall.

“It's over, Astonoro... You've been bested... Your death closes the book on this for good...”

The Duke lets out a soft gasp, before he starts laughing. You can see a small trickle of black fluid make its way down the sword as the flames die and the ruby at the end grows dull.

“Bested... Y-Yes, I have been bested... You have beaten me, Ildareth... For all of three seconds...”

He stabs his sword forwards and pierces him through the chest, grabbing your father by the shoulder as he starts to stab over and over, laughing all the while. Your mother screams, but you can barely hear her voice as your world contracts to a single point. Your father, a simple farmer who loved you dearly, a man who turned out to be a dragon rider, a valiant knight, a hero, a father to be proud of. And an undead horror masquerading as a nobleman is murdering him before your very eyes.

>Write-in

>>42567306
"But Sir, She's dragonblooded, Daughter of a Hero AND a witch, and she eats magic"
"Not the point Wilkins she still shouldn't be able to best a soldier with a blade so easily"
"Sir, she also has girl abs and is stacked."
"........... Dammit now I have to watch her practice."

>>42567381
>Stand up. Calmly walk over to him. Use your voice to draw in the magic, all the magic all around you, and make it your own. You are a dragon, dammit. You won't let this fucker hurt you like this.

>>42567381
Okay, so.

How does uncommitting SP to artifacts work?

When we gave our dad his sword back, did we get that SP back, or are we running at 0/1 right now?

Because it seems like the drain that artifact takes is based off whether we're hiding something with it or not.

>>42567381
>Burn him, burn the fuck out of him, ask for power from your ancestor and do not care about the price for it. This man needs to burn.

>>42567481
The gloves affect your cap, not your current SP, but if your current SP exceeds your cap then the excess is vented. If your cap is 0, you have no SP. Your cap became 1 again, but you're still at 0 SP.

>>42567381
>Swallow the defeat and cry.
>>42567441
Not now. We are clearly too weak for him. We cant even burn the bastard. We need at least have dragon breath and Schmidti sword.

>>42567381
Charge singing to the flame in his blade, it will burn the duke because you demand it. Pick up the blade and remove this undead monster who would harm your family.

So I'm seeing a lot of votes for engage the enemy. Make a Spirit roll.

Rolled 18 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42567631

Rolled 18 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42567631
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cglnkygG_0

Rolled 2 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42567631

>>42567660
Thank you.

>>42567682
I wasn't even sure if it was intended to be a reference, I just saw the line, then remembered the game and the name of the song and was like:

"...Yeah, this is relevant."

You start to walk forward, one step at a time, and you feel something sharp inside your chest, something hot and burning. The world seems to stop around you, turning gray and ashen, and you find yourself unable to move as Allegist appears before you. He smiles softly, his expression almost sympathetic.

“You want to avenge him, don't you. You want to harm the man who has struck down your father. With your mother so close, there's enough power in the air for me to help you do some serious harm to him. You've impressed me enough in combat for another boon as well. So here's what we'll do, daughter. First I shall bless you with a suitable gift. Then we shall make a pact. If you wish for more power, know that from here on out there will be prices to pay for awakening your blood before you have the right tools. You will suffer. You will experience pain time and again. My curse is not merely of the flesh, but of the mind and soul, and of the fate that will be handed to you.”

>Increase a stat
>Gain a wound slot