File: Natanael 1.jpg (111 KB, 1280x720)

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>>516241
The South American front is run out of a military base just outside Mexico City. It's… well, it's not New York. The base is surrounded by a cheap chainlink fence, the roads might as well be made out of mud and the offices are worn-out tarps. The guy in charge looks damn classy though.

"Sarah, it's been so long!" Natanael, the Smoking Mirror drags your Commander into a bearhug and laughs. "Heard you cleaned up your neck of the woods. I was hoping you'd share a little bit of your success."

"My team decided it'd be best to clear out the continent first," your Commander says. "I hope you have a plan for me?"

Natanael looks the rest of you over and nods. "Yeah, I've got something," he says. "It's not ideal though. The best I can do is order an attack on Vucub-Caquix's known forces and then use my Relic to track down the boss while everything's going to hell. I have done it in the past, but Vucub-Caquix relocates quickly. You'll have to get the drop on him and catch him before he escapes."

"You can leave that to me," Francis says. "I just need a location and I'll deliver you guys right to it."

"That's your call," Natanael says. "We still need some time to get everyone into position, but we'll contact you when it's time. My boys will show you to your accommodations."

"Thanks, Natanael," the Commander says. "I'll help you oversee the operation."

"Having the Tower of Babel around would be a great help, but I think you'd be better off in one of the FOBs."

A private brings you away while the brass finalizes the plan.

Your accommodations are another tarp, and the coffee is shit. The tequila's pretty decent though, not that you would know.

"What should we do while we wait?" Orianne asks.

"Your Relics should have gotten stronger," you say. "We need to figure out how much stronger before we get into this fight."

Who do you want to start with?

- Examine Orianne's Relic.
- Examine Selene's Relic.
- Examine Natsumi's Relic.

>>516248
>- Examine Selene's Relic.

>>516248
>- Examine Selene's Relic.
This and Natsumi's most likely will be the stars of this boss fight.

>>516248
Have you ever said what Tower of Babel does?

>>516276
Not yet.

>>516248
>- Examine Selene's Relic.

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>>516248
"Selene, would you like to start?"

From what you know of her, she'll appreciate going first.

"Naturally!" She smiles and flicks her hair back. "It's only natural for my divine self to pave the way for others."

And your assumptions are correct.

Selene calls forth her Silver Bow and prepares an arrow. "So how does this work?"

"It's just a stress test, really," you answer. Natsumi and Orianne both step away to give you room. "And the stress is on you."

With a flick of your hand, you send Gleipnir at Selene. You don't use any of its abilities, just raw divine power.

Selene's eyes widen and she dodges back and around the attacks. You manipulate your Relic relentlessly, barely giving her any time to react. You give her a brief moment of relief and, in her rush, she nocks a Silver Arrow and lets it loose against you.

Before you can even see the arrow fly, its tip is a mere hair's breadth from your eye; only Gleipnir's immediate reaction saves you. Your Relic wraps around the arrow and snaps it in two.

An attack like this, which can only be blocked with divine power, isn't too useful against a creature like Vucub-Caquix, but it will be devastating against lesser creatures.

The Silver Bow can now launch attacks that must be defended against with DIV rather than END or SPD.

"That was a very impressive attack," Natsumi says. "I could feel its power from here."

"I'm sure it'll be extremely useful," you say.

"Of course it will," Selene says. "After all, it's my Silver Bow's power."

- Examine Orianne's Relic.
- Examine Natsumi's Relic.

>>516361
>- Examine Natsumi's Relic.

>>516361
Seems like her main role will be to take care of the mobs.

>>516361
>- Examine Natsumi's Relic.

File: Natsumi 4.jpg (185 KB, 741x1014)

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>>516361
"Natsumi, can you go next?"

The young woman draws Ame-no-Ohabari and approaches you cautiously. You know her sword's first ability is a defense against fire, but unfortunately, you don't have any fire-based Relics with you at the moment, so you have to settle for another stress test.

This duel is more even, since Natsumi is capable of balancing her offense and defense, unlike the Silver Bow. With every attack and counterattack, a thin mist emerges from Ame-no-Ohabari and slowly condenses into a clear stream of water.

"Okay, that's enough." You hold up your hand to halt the duel. "It seems like your Relic can condense a blade of water."

"Do you know what it does?"

"It's probably a standard power to increase an attack's damage," you explain. "Since it's a Relic's direct ability, however, it will be resisted by divine power, like Selene's new attack. It should be useful against Vucub-Caquix's solar aspect though."

Ame-no-Ohabari now deals two points of damage to fire-based creatures.

"So my Relic is more useful than Selene's?" Natsumi asks as she gazes at her weapon.

You rather wish she hadn't put it quite like that. Selene's eye starts to twitch.

- "Different Relics have different purposes."
- "Your powers are both still growing."
- "That is what I'm saying, yes."

>>516477
>- "Different Relics have different purposes."

>>516477
>- "Different Relics have different purposes."
Our artifact is the stronkest.

>>516477
>- "Different Relics have different purposes."

>>516477
- "Different Relics have different purposes."

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>>516477
Best to cut that discussion off before it even starts happening.

"Different Relics have different purposes," you say. "Power is always relative. That's the iron rule of all Relic-wielders. Orianne, you're next."

"There's no need, Eamon," she says. "I think I know what Joyeuse's new power is."

You shrug and let Orianne do her thing. She raises her Relic and rests the flat of its blade against your shoulder. Immediately, you feel a rush of power, while Orianne's own strength seems to drop.

"Useful, no?" She smiles and withdraws her blade. "I don't think there are many support Relics that can transfer divine power."

"It's useful, but it'll have limits," you say. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have access to it so soon."

For one thing, whenever Orianne "lends" someone her divinity, she'll lose access to any stronger powers she develops, while it's unlikely that borrowed power can be used to unlock a Relic's abilities. That doesn't matter much to you because of how Gleipnir works, but it does mean that Selene and Natsumi will just get more brute force out of it.

Joyeuse can decrease Orianne's DIV by one rank to increase someone else's DIV by one rank, to a maximum of rank S.

"Still, it's an extremely useful ability," you say. "I'm sure we can use it against Vucub-Caquix."

You sit around and go over what you know if your enemy. Vucub-Caquix has solar and lunar aspects, and can subvert day and night. No one knows the full implications of its powers, but they do know that it usually flees from battle, leaving its cultists and monsters to fight.

It also likes to use traps. Even if the distraction works and the fodder is cleared out, there's still going to be some risks involve.

Francis and the Commander arrive just as you're finishing up your lunch.

"The operation is starting soon," the Commander says. "Wait on the Vimana, and I'll tell Francis where and when to drop you off."

If you're going to do a rousing speech, now's the time.

- "We've already done this once. We can do this again."
- "Don't get cocky, and don't do anything stupid."
- "It's time to free all of America."

>>516614
>- "We've already done this once. We can do this again."

>>516614
- "Don't get cocky, and don't do anything stupid

>>516614
>- "We've already done this once. We can do this again."
Does that mean if she uses that on us we'd be able to drop another rank of the boss' power?

>>516637
Yep.

>>516614
>- "Don't get cocky, and don't do anything stupid."

>>516632
>>516663
Might as well just throw a water bucket on them

File: Vimana3.jpg (35 KB, 1280x720)

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>>516614
"Don't get cocky, and don't do anything stupid," you say. "We've done this once already, and I know we can do it again, but we still need to take the proper precautions."

There's a round of nods, and Francis calls for the Vimana just above the camp.

"Hop in, everyone," Francis says. "I'll get you to the target safe and sound."

Francis slides into his throne/pilot's seat. He's made a few upgrades since the last time you flew - he has speakers now. They pass the time faster than watching him read Playboy magazines.

"You're sure you know what you're doing?" You ask him. "If the timing is just slightly off, we'll have to start everything over."

"Relax, I've got this," Francis says. "You'll be there as soon as the Commander sends word. We just have to wait for the distraction to really get going."

You do that, but knowing others are dying and killing while you're stuck waiting doesn't make things much easier.

Then Francis' head snaps up.

"Got it, boss. Let's go!"

The Vimana streaks through the sky and starts shaking and buckling.

That's not normal. Someone - probably all of you - starts screaming and you grab on to the closest protrusion you can put your hands on to avoid getting thrown off.

The sky turns pitch-black, except for an immense silver Moon that pulls at every bone in your body.

"Well, I didn't expect that." Francis grits his teeth and holds on to his chair. "But it's not enough to stop me! Hold on!"

You crash somewhere. That's the only thing you know. You hope it didn't take too long, or else this whole thing will have been a waste. You look around and see the girls have been dropped alongside you.

"Where are we?" Orianne sits up and rubs a bump on her head. "Is everyone all right?"

"I do not believe I am injured," Natsumi answers. "Selene?"

"I'm fine," Selene says.

You're in a jungle and it's night out, even though it was daylight when you left. This is definitely Vucub-Caquix's influence.

- [DC9] "Selene, find our target."
- [DC10] "Let's scout ahead."
- [DC10] "We need to hide."

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>516734
>-[DC10] "Let's scout ahead."

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>516734
>- [DC10] "Let's scout ahead."

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>516734
>- [DC9] "Selene, find our target."

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>516751
>>516765
Thank fucking god critfails don't happen here.
>>516734
- [DC9] "Selene, find our target."

Rolled 2 (1d2)

1= Scout ahead
2= Selene

File: Selene7.jpg (60 KB, 850x848)

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>>516734
"Selene, find our target. This should be a good environment for you."

Selene nods and draws her bow. She shoots an arrow high into the sky; it disappears, and is replaced by a shooting star which crashes close enough for you to hear the impact.

Vucub-Caquix is there. You don't know how to actually get there exactly, but you have a clear target.

Of course, the creature knows you can find it, but that can work to your advantage. If it knows it can be tracked, it might bother trying to run away.

It'll just try to kill you directly instead, but you can deal with that. Probably.

"Let's go." You gather the squad together and start moving through the jungle, heading towards the place where the shooting star crashed.

"This place is too dark," Orianne says, "and we have to be careful with our footing so we don't step into a trap. We're wasting too much time."

"We have to -"

The darkness disappears in a flash of blinding light, and your exposed skin turns red from the heat. The jungle around you disappears into ash, and you are surrounded by flame. The sky above is filled with a scorching Sun.

- [DC14] Have Natsumi block the attack
- [DC15] You can endure this heat.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>516844
>-[DC15] You can endure this heat.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>516844
>- [DC14] Have Natsumi block the attack

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>516844
>- [DC14] Have Natsumi block the attack

File: Ame no Ohabari 2.jpg (3 KB, 175x288)

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>>516844
"Natsumi, can you do something about this?"

"I can try." Natsumi grasps her Relic with sweaty palm and raises it above her hand. The blade falls in a smooth arc, carving a thin line through the flames.

Steam leaks out of the crack in the flames. It's hot, but it rapidly cools down and heals the blisters that were forming on your skin. The refreshing mist expands outward, swallowing Vucub-Caquix's flames.

The Sun in the sky disappears, replaced by a glowing Moon. Your defenses have been tested and evaluated. Still, it's better than being dead.

"That was very… tiring." Orianne wipes sweat from her brow. Her clothes are soaked through - along with everyone else's clothes - but sadly, you can't enjoy the view. You have to keep moving.

Besides, you'll remember it later.

The shadows around you shift and coagulate into a maze of obsidian. Vucub-Caquix has readied its next trap.

- [DC14] Rely on Selene to navigate the maze.
- [DC15] Punch your way through the maze.

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>516956
>- [DC14] Rely on Selene to navigate the maze.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>516956
>- [DC14] Rely on Selene to navigate the maze.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>516956
>- [DC14] Rely on Selene to navigate the maze.

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>>516956
"Selene, take charge."

She nods and shoots an arrow into the darkness. The Silver Arrow provides you with precious light, until it turns a corner and disappears.

"The three of you, follow me," Selene says. "I will see to it that we can make our way safely."

It's easier said than done, but it is done. The maze twists and shifts around you, but, for whatever reason, Vucub-Caquix doesn't seal you off completely, and Selene is absolutely certain that there is an exit somewhere, although it does move around.

"This must be a trap," Natsumi says. "Vucub-Caquix should not want us to emerge from this place safely."

"Probably," you admit, "but even if it's a trap, it's the only lead we have. Let's keep moving."

When you do find the exit, it leads you to an ancient stone pyramid. You look around, but see nothing that might threaten you.

"Wait." Orianne taps your shoulder and points up. "Is it just me, or is the Moon getting bigger?"

You follow her gaze.

It's subtle, but the Moon is, in fact, getting bigger. Probably because it's getting closer.

"We need to run," Natsumi says. "Perhaps it will be safe inside the temple."

"No where will be safe if the Moon falls on top of us," Selene says. "We need to stop it somehow."

- [DC15] Run for it.
- [DC14] Stop the Moon's fall with Gleipnir.
- [DC13] Borrow some of Orianne's divinity and stop the Moon's fall with Gleipnir.

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>517077
>- [DC14] Stop the Moon's fall with Gleipnir.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>517077
>- [DC14] Stop the Moon's fall with Gleipnir.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>517077
- [DC13] Borrow some of Orianne's divinity and stop the Moon's fall with Gleipnir.
This boss is annoying. Come and face us you coward

>- [DC13] Borrow some of Orianne's divinity and stop the Moon's fall with Gleipnir.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Ok, tiebreaker again.

1= Borrow help
2= Don't borrow help

File: Orianne11.jpg (466 KB, 1280x720)

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>>517077
"Orianne, I'll need your help for this one," you say. "I'm not sure Gleipnir can hold the Moon up alone."

"It's well within my abilities," Gleipnir insists. "I think. Hopefully."

"I do believe that's a sound idea, Eamon," Orianne says. She places her sword on your shoulder and power rushes through your body. "Good luck. Don't mess this up, please."

"Gleipnir!"

Your Relic unwinds itself and reaches into the sky. Its strands fray, forming a net wide enough to encompass the Moon.

The Moon falls into your Relic's grasp, and you unconsciously hold your breath, waiting for the outcome of the struggle between the two Relics. Gleipnir strains - you can feel it in your muscles and bones - but it holds.

Then Gleipnir starts pushing back until the Moon is in its proper place. Hopefully, Vucub-Caquix won't be able to try this again.

With its task done, Gleipnir returns to you.

The pyramid lies ahead, waiting for your arrival.

- Charge in.
- [DC10] Tread carefully.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>517201
>- [DC10] Tread carefully.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>517201
>- [DC10] Tread carefully.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>517201
>- [DC10] Tread carefully.

>>517201
It would've been a global disaster if the moon hit us. RIP tides.

File: Eamon6.gif (1.8 MB, 500x281)

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>>517201
You carefully enter the temple, using Gleipnir to test the way ahead. Two turns in and you've already found a door that leads to a disguised fire pit. There's no end to Vucub-Caquix's traps.

You can't let that stop you though. Natsumi cuts down some firewalls, while Selene helps you decide which door to take whenever you hit a crossroad.

Slowly, you descend into the heart of the pyramid until an ornate obsidian door blocks your path.

"Looks like this is it," you say. "Orianne, help me pry this open."

Orianne stabs Joyeuse into a crack and uses it to pry the door open, while you pull with Gleipnir. The door opens, and you look inside.

Half the room is filled with impenetrable darkness. Half the room is filled with a blinding white light that burns your retina.

In the centre you can barely make out the vague outline of Vucub-Caquix.

- Have Natsumi attack the burning half.
- Have Selene attack the dark half.
- Wait for a moment.

>>517320
>> - Have Natsumi attack the burning half.
> - Have Selene attack the dark half.
Por que no los dos?

>>517320
>- Have Natsumi attack the burning half.

>>517320
>- Have Natsumi attack the burning half.

File: Vucub Caquix.png (251 KB, 479x644)

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>>517320
"Natsumi, please kill the half that's on fire before my eyeballs boil and pop."

The girl raises her sword above her head and brings it down with a warcry. A thin blade of water rushes towards the burning half of Vucub-Caquix.

Then the fire recedes faster than the water can reach it, and the darkness floods into the light. The burning half of Vucub-Caquix disappears completely, leaving only its unified form, hidden by the shadows.

Natsumi's attack reaches nothing.

The demon lets out a piercing cry and flies. The first attack belongs to it.

>>517393
And that's our cliffhanger for today. The fight itself will take place on Sunday September 4th. As always, I'll also be running Beleaguered Prince Quest on Friday September 2nd at 7PM EDT.

Goodnight and thanks for playing.

>>517393
>The first attack belongs to it.
On next sunday

>>517397
Thanks for running. I'm looking forward to next time.

are we sure this is Vucub-Caquix? He's supposed to be a tricky fucker so this might be a body double. I mean It's strong but it hardly strikes me as the kind of strong to hold down an entire front on its own.

assuming the whole "moon fall" thing was a powerful attack with an illusion element, rather than literally dropping the moon on us. Since interfering with planetary bodies would demonstrate a level of power grossly out of step with what we've seen so far since we use attacks other than throwing mountains at things.

>>520029
>assuming the whole "moon fall" thing was a powerful attack with an illusion element
Also because even if we could push it back up I doubt we would have got it back in a stable orbit

>>520038
that to. maybe he drew us into some kinda weird pocket dimension or something?

File: Orianne1.png (4.03 MB, 1920x1080)

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>>517393
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 6/6
END: S
SPD: S
DIV: S

Vucub-Caquix spreads out its wings. Its form is now an empty black void lined with thin strands of silver. A chill runs up your spine as the beast lets out a piercing cry and launches into the sky. The room becomes impossibly tall until Vucub-Caquix reaches its apex and then dives towards you.

"Now would be a good time for suggestions, I think," Orianne says. "Anyone?"

"We need to defend," Natsumi says. "Its attack will not be light."

"I suspected as much." Orianne sighs and raises her sword protectively.

You look at the incoming beats and clench your fists. This isn't going to be pleasant.

- [DC15]Dodge.
- [DC15]Block.
- [DC14] Organize a coordinated team defense.
- Give up your defense. You can take one hit.

>>534935
>[DC14] Organize a coordinated team defense.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>534935
>- [DC14] Organize a coordinated team defense.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>534935
>- [DC15]Block.
We stronk

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>534943
And I forgot my dice. Whoops.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>534935
>[DC14] Organize a coordinated team defense.

File: Ame no Ohabari.png (117 KB, 307x473)

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>>534935
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 6/6
END: S
SPD: S
DIV: S

Okay, it's time for you to take charge.

"Selene, fire off arrows to track its movements. Natsumi, you have the best reflexes, so I'll need you to attack Vucub-Caquix as soon as it gets in range to halt its attack. Orianne, prepare to support Natsumi with a more solid parry."

Meanwhile, you unravel Gleipnir and spread its strands around to limit Vucub-Caquix's movements. It's not going to do much - or anything, probably - but you'll take every little bit you can.

Vucub-Caquix dives and sways, marked only by its silvery outline and Selene's own Silver Arrows. Even so, you need to struggle to keep up with its movements with your eyes.

Natsumi doesn't care. She stands calm, sword raised above her head, and waits for the enemy to get too close.

Then she strikes.

Ame-no-Ohabari comes down against Vucub-Caquix's wing, and the beast cries out and tries to retreat. Orianne presses Joyeuse against it to force the enemy back.

A stream of silver flows out of Vucub-Caquix's wound, but it quickly slows down and disappears entirely. The wound wasn't deep enough to leave a lasting injury, but at least you succeeded in protecting yourselves.

Now, you can counterattack. You command Gleipnir to return to you.

- [DC17] Strangle Vucub-Caquix, reducing its END to D.
- [DC15] Strangle Vucub-Caquix, reducing its END to B.
- [DC17] Bind Vucub-Caquix, reducing its SPD to D.
- [DC15] Bind Vucub-Caquix, reducing its SPD to B.
- [DC16] Reduce Vucub-Caquix's END and SPD to B.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>535013
>- [DC16] Reduce Vucub-Caquix's END and SPD to B.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>535013
>- [DC17] Bind Vucub-Caquix, reducing its SPD to D.
In this case I think it's better to remove his SPD since this boss is known for hit-and-run attacks.

>>535013
>- [DC17] Bind Vucub-Caquix, reducing its SPD to D.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>535030
>>535013

>Bind Vucub-Caquix, reducing its SPD to D.

Sounds good to me.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>535013
>[DC17] Bind Vucub-Caquix, reducing its SPD to D.

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>>535013
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 6/6
END: S
SPD: D
DIV: S

Gleipnir weaves through the darkness of Vucub-Caquix, tying its joints and tendons to choke away the creature's movements. Vucub-Caquix screams and thrashes and flaps its wings, but it is caught now, and it won't be able to escape.

"Now we're getting somewhere," you say. "Just stay on the defense for a little longer, and we'll counterattack."

"We'll follow your lead, Eamon," Orianne says. "Same as always."

The two silver pinpricks of Vucub-Caquix's eyes burn with hate, and one of its talons reaches out for you.

- [DC11] Get out of the way.
- [DC15] Get ready to grapple.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>535103
>- [DC11] Get out of the way.
2slow

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>535103
>[DC15] Get ready to grapple.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>535103
>- [DC15] Get ready to grapple.

>>535103
>[DC15] Get ready to grapple.

Go big or go home.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>535125
Forgot roll again dammit.

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>>535103
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 6/6
END: S
SPD: D
DIV: S

Having just limited Vucub-Caquix's movements, you reply to its attack by grabbing its talons and dragging yourself into a wrestling match.

Surprisingly, this actually works. Vucub-Caquix flaps its wings to escape from your grasp, but you have it firmly in hand. You're not going to get a better opportunity than this to launch your attack.

- [DC11] Crush Vucub-Caquix with your bare hands.
- [DC10] Let Selene take a shot at it.
- [DC9] All-out attack!

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>535164
>- [DC11] Crush Vucub-Caquix with your bare hands.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>535164
>- [DC11] Crush Vucub-Caquix with your bare hands.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>535164
>- [DC9] All-out attack!

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>535164
>[DC11] Crush Vucub-Caquix with your bare hands.

We STRONK

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>535164
>[DC11] Crush Vucub-Caquix with your bare hands.

Christ, calm down son.

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>>535164
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 5/6
END: S
SPD: D
DIV: S

You pull your right arm back for a telegraphed punch - it doesn't really matter if your opponent sees it coming - and smash into Vucub-Caquix's ribcage. Your fist sinks into its bones, and you half wonder if the creature has hollow bones like birds do. Probably not, since it's a creature of magic and divinity rather than flesh and matter.

Vucub-Caquix screams and struggles hard enough to force you to let it go. It lands a short distance from you, its head sinking down in pain.

Then the darkness burns.

Fire bursts out of Vucub-Caquix's shadowy form, forming a new body of light and flames.

"This doesn't look good," Orianne says.

"No, it's very good for us," you say. "So long as it's made of fire, Natsumi's Relic will be more effective."

Natsumi nods and braces herself. "I am ready," she says. "I shall cut this creature down."

"That's the spirit." You grin and crack your knuckles. "Let's get it before it's done transforming.

- [DC9] Launch a coordinated attack.
- [DC11] Punch it again!
- [DC17] Have Natsumi attack with her Relic's power.

Roll 2d20 this time.

Rolled 8, 10 = 18 (2d20)

>>535248
>- [DC17] Have Natsumi attack with her Relic's power.

Rolled 7, 17 = 24 (2d20)

>>535248
>- [DC17] Have Natsumi attack with her Relic's power.
Have Orianne boost her power.

Rolled 3, 2 = 5 (2d20)

>>535248
- [DC17] Have Natsumi attack with her Relic's power.

Rolled 8, 6 = 14 (2d20)

>>535248
- [DC17] Have Natsumi attack with her Relic's power

First roll failed, second passed. Unless we need both to pass.

Rolled 4, 12 = 16 (2d20)

>>535248
>[DC17] Have Natsumi attack with her Relic's power.

Rolled 10, 7 = 17 (2d20)

>>535248
>[DC17] Have Natsumi attack with her Relic's power.

Rolled 6, 18 = 24 (2d20)

>>535248
>- [DC17] Have Natsumi attack with her Relic's power.

File: Natsumi 20.gif (2.34 MB, 1958x1382)

2.34 MB GIF

>>535248
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 5/6
END: S
SPD: D
DIV: S

Natsumi dashes forward and slashes down on Vucub-Caquix. A thin blade of water meets and exploding wall of flame. Ultimately, Natsumi is knocked back. She lands, unsteady on her feet, but still uninjured.

Besides, her attack wasn't wasted; Vucub-Caquix moves away from you and eyes you warily.

It turned into a creature of darkness when you attacked its light aspect. It turned into a creature of light when you limited the movements of its dark aspect.

This is how Vucub-Caquix. Whenever its weakness is exploited, it sheds it and takes on a few form. An irritating opponent, to be sure, but since you have all its weaknesses covered…

You can do this, as long as you don't fuck it up. Not that that's very encouraging.

Vucub-Caquix opens its mouth and unleashes a stream of fire at you.

- [DC15] Get out of the way!
- [DC15] Endure the heat!
- [DC13] Have Natsumi parry the attack.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>535312
>- [DC15] Get out of the way!
Ez

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>535312
>- [DC13] Have Natsumi parry the attack.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>535312
> [DC13] Have Natsumi parry the attack.

>>535410
Just in range for our LUK score.

File: Selene8.jpg (59 KB, 540x304)

59 KB JPG

>>535312
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 5/6
END: S
SPD: D
DIV: S

Before you can react, the flames are all around you. Someone's screaming. You only know it's not you because you've taken your fair share of bad hits, and this isn't enough to make you scream. You just grit your teeth and endure through it.

The flames dissipated and you look around. Orianne and Natsumi's uniforms are burnt and their skin is red, but it doesn't look so bad. Behind you, Selene is in slightly better condition. It's clear that you all felt the hit though.

"Is everyone all right?"

"I can still fight," Natsumi says.

"This was very unpleasant," Orianne says, "but I don't believe I would like to feel that again."

"An attack of this level…" Selene clumsily flicks her hair back "… cannot harm my divine self."

So it's not as bad as it could be, at least.

The enemy is still recovering from its attack, so now is the time to strike. However, you're still being empowered by Joyeuse. It won't weaken the bindings on Vucub-Caquix if Orianne transfers that power to Natsumi, but it will cost you your opportunity to attack.

- Have Orianne transfer her power to Natsumi.
- [DC17] Send Natsumi forward to attack.
- [DC9] Send Orianne forward to lead a group attack.
- [DC11] Charge at Vucub-Caquix yourself.

>>535424
Nope, missed it by 1. Luck E's bonus is 0 - it doesn't do anything.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>535440
>- [DC11] Charge at Vucub-Caquix yourself.
>>535444
Did you forget to update our loss of hp?

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>535440
>- [DC11] Charge at Vucub-Caquix yourself.

>>535453
I'm tracking it in my notes so there's less clutter.

You're at 3/4.

Guess we'll punch it to death

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>535440
>- [DC9] Send Orianne forward to lead a group attack.

>>535506
Isn't the power of her relic sealed while she empowers someone?

File: Eamon9.jpg (40 KB, 600x337)

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>>535440
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 4/6
END: S
SPD: D
DIV: S

You decided to keep it simple this time and charge Vucub-Caquix like a madman. It tries to get away, but you're too fast for it, and your fist slams into its beak, which cracks and breaks slightly. Vucub-Caquix lets out a howl of pain and brings its burning wing down on you.

- [DC11] Dodge out of the way.
- [DC11] Try to force Vucub-Caquix to overextend itself.
- [DC9] Leave the defense to Natsumi.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>535542
>- [DC11] Try to force Vucub-Caquix to overextend itself.

>>535527
It drops by one rank, so she still has access to her of whatever her current effective rank is.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>535542
>- [DC11] Try to force Vucub-Caquix to overextend itself.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>535542
>- [DC11] Try to force Vucub-Caquix to overextend itself.

File: Vucub Caquix 2.jpg (122 KB, 417x476)

122 KB JPG

>>535542
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 4/6
END: S
SPD: D
DIV: S

This requires finesse and careful timing. You slide back, maintaining a constant distance between you and the attack, until Vucub-Caquix is forced to lean forward in order to follow through. It raises its talons and, in that one instant, its stance is broken.

The creature squawks in outrage and attempts to steady itself, but it can't. Instead, it stumbles around, leaving itself vulnerable to attack.

You're more than happy to oblige.

- [DC16] Try to use Natsumi's special attack again.
- [DC8] Jump onto the damn thing with all four of you.
- [DC10] Continue fisticuffs.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>535609
>- [DC10] Continue fisticuffs.

Rolled 3 (1d8)

>>535609
>- [DC8] Jump onto the damn thing with all four of you.
Fuck this shit

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>535609
>- [DC16] Try to use Natsumi's special attack again.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>535609
>[DC16] Try to use Natsumi's special attack again.

File: Natsumi 8.gif (310 KB, 433x360)

310 KB GIF

>>535609
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 2/6
END: S
SPD: D
DIV: S

"Natsumi, try again!"

With a shout of acknowledgement, the girl kicks herself forward. This time, she goes for a wide horizontal slash at Vucub-Caquix's side.

The creature responds by allowing itself to fall and wrapping its wings around itself protectively.

This time, its defense fails.

Natsumi's blade cuts a long wound right through Vucub-Caquix's body. It bleeds immense amounts of fire, but the flames sputter out and turn cold almost immediately.

Vucub-Caquix screams and writhes and thrashes, suffering more now than it had at any other point in the fight. It's immensely satisfying.

The fires and all the light in the room recede into the wound as Vucub-Caquix turns into darkness once again, unwilling to risk another wound at Natsumi's hand.

You don't plan on just standing there and watching it transform.

- [DC10] Let Selene take a shot.
- [DC9] Let Orianne take charge for a moment.
- [DC11] Punch it again.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>535685
>- [DC11] Punch it again.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>535685
>[DC11] Punch it again.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>535685
>- [DC10] Let Selene take a shot.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>535685
>- [DC10] Let Selene take a shot.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>535690
>>535696
>>535705
>>535729
I'll roll for this one since they're not too different.

1=Cast Fist.
2=Arrow.

>>535685
A reminder to you BeleagueredQM. You saved last Beleagured Prince thread under relic quest. Are you able to correct it?

>>535753
Yeah, I can probably just send Lord Licorice an e-mail. I don't really want to bother him because of my dumb ass and it doesn't affect title searches or anything, so it's not that urgent.

File: Silver Bow.jpg (15 KB, 333x551)

15 KB JPG

>>535685
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 1/6
END: S
SPD: D
DIV: S

Natsumi has done her part by attacking Vucub-Caquix when it was vulnerable to her Relic. Now that the beast has chosen to rely on its speed - for what little speed it has left - it's time to let Selene take over.

"Selene, it's your turn now!"

Natsumi and you both step back to leave the field clear. Wreathed in the darkness, Selene smiles and imperiously raises her Silver Bow.

"Fall before me, foul creature!"

… was that a pun on fowl?

Selene looses her arrow and a silver streak pierces the darkness Vucub-Caquix. The demonic bird cries out and takes to the sky, its wings flapping weakly.

Its attack, however, cannot be called weak.

Razor-sharp feathers of black obsidian, almost invisible in the night sky, rain down upon you.

- [DC11] Avoid the attack.
- [DC11] Find cover.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>535796
>- [DC11] Avoid the attack.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>535796
>- [DC11] Avoid the attack.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>535796
>- [DC11] Avoid the attack.
Ez

File: Eamon3.png (163 KB, 300x450)

163 KB PNG

>>535796
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 1/6
END: S
SPD: D
DIV: S

There are hundreds of daggered feathers falling on your head. Unfortunately, you can't risk losing track of Vucub-Caquix, so you're going to have to dodge them.

So you run. You run as fast as you can. Orianne and Natsumi have weapons that allow them to parry the feathers, but you and Selene have nothing to rely on but your legs.

"Goddamn, this thing is annoying," you mutter through clenched teeth. "I hope this is almost over."

Selene says something that sounds like agreement, while Orianne just smirks at your current predicament.

The obsidian turns into a drizzle, then stops. High in the sky, Vucub-Caquix silent gloats about its superiority. You can't reach from this distance, but that doesn't mean it's immune to all your strategies.

- [DC9] Turn command over to Orianne.
- [DC10] It's Selene's turn again.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>535890
>- [DC10] It's Selene's turn again.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>535890
>- [DC9] Turn command over to Orianne.
She is the only one that hasn't done anything yet.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>535890
>- [DC9] Turn command over to Orianne.

File: Selene 1.jpg (114 KB, 1280x720)

114 KB JPG

>>535890
Enemy: Vucub-Caquix
Health: 0/6
END: S
SPD: D
DIV: S

You calmly straighten out your slightly charred uniform and nod to Orianne.

"If you'd like to take over?"

"I think I can manage that." Orianne plants Joyeuse into the ground and turns her gaze. "Selene, I'll need your help for this."

"Obviously." Though visibly tired and weary, Selene maintains her usual poise. "I shall wait for your signal."

The light spreads out, and Vucub-Caquix turns and swerves to avoid it. However, avoiding the light also makes its movements more predictable. Selene follows the creature and readies her bow.

She lets loose.

A Silver Arrow flies into the sky, striking its target in the head.

Vucub-Caquix plummets and crashes into the ground, lacking even the strength to cry in pain.

- [DC14] Destroy it with Gleipnir.
- [DC10] Let Natsumi finish it off.
- [DC10] Let Orianne finish it off.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>535956
>- [DC14] Destroy it with Gleipnir.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>535956
- [DC14] Destroy it with Gleipnir.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>535956
>- [DC14] Destroy it with Gleipnir.

File: Natanael 5.jpg (70 KB, 614x614)

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>>535956
You dramatically raise your hand and clench it into a fist.

Vucub-Caquix is torn apart by Gleipnir. Its remains dissolve into liquid shadows, and disappear into the darkness of the room.

"That's another one down." You quickly check the rest of the squad for wounds. You're all roughed up, but nothing too bad. "Let's get back to Francis and get out of here."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Orianne says. "Do you think the Commander will let us have another vacation?"

"I wouldn't bet on it." You step towards the exit and suddenly, you feel someone pressing in the back of your mind. "Commander? Is something wrong?"

The boss hasn't had to use her Tower of Babel to communicate with your squad yet, so this is a little out of the blue. The rest of the squad looks quite confused at the sudden interruption.

"Natanael just did something to fuck us over. I'm straightening everything out, but you need to -"

The communication cuts out mid-sentence.

"Damn, I was hoping I'd be fast enough." Natanael appears from out of no where in front of you and calmly climbs down the stairs. "Oh, well. I'll just have to deal with it. Sorry, but you all need to die here."

>>536022
And with that sudden but inevitable betrayal, that's the end of tonight's thread. Relic Quest will resume on Sunday September 11th, and I'll be running Beleaguered Prince Quest on Friday September 9th.

Thanks for playing and goodnight.

>>536033
Thanks for running.

File: img-2309472-1-image.png (580 KB, 906x906)

580 KB PNG

>>536022
>>536033
Would the boss have tried to run away if we didn't cut off its SPD?

>>536033
Make sense. The Smoking Mirror relic he's tied two is from Tezcatlipoca. Aka a jackass that betrays and conflicts with the hero.