Hello Smiley
>Slip out and look around
Don't wake the rabbits. They are cutter sleeping

>>871227
>>Slip out and look around

>>871227
>>Slip out and look around

>writing

You turn your head to look at both bunnies. Looks like they're sound asleep, and they're not hanging on too tightly... so you should just be able to slip out.

Lifting their arms off your chest, you sit up and quietly step out. Looking back to see if that disturbed them, you see the two of them shifting closer to each other, closing the gap that you left.

With a smile. You head over to the pile where you left your clothes and stuff. Sifting through it, you find your new timekeeper. You pull it out, and see that it's now 3 in the morning.

...

Funny. In that weird dream it was 4 in the morning...

You shake off your head, and start to step away from the pile to see if you can find what's been bugging you. But before you go, something catches your eye, as the dim light in the room glints off your mageblade.

...

You probably won't need it.

>Take it anyway

>Leave it

>Other

>>871416
>Take it anyway

>>871416
>>Take it anyway
Never leave home without a gun kids
Ever

>>871416

>Take it anyway
Premonition dream. DEATH premonition dream

>>871416
>>Take it anyway

>>871416
>>Take it anyway
T-there a lots of 4 in the mornings, surely it isn't going to be this morning.
SURELY!

>writing

Rolled 15 (1d100)

You step back and pick it up, keeping it in your right hand as you make your way through the room.

Nothing seems to be wrong in here, so you head over and check on the little ones.

Munchkin and Vivi are still in their crib, with Munchkin laying across the centre, and Vivi curled up on top of her. Nothing wrong there either, so you leave and head for the Devil's room.

The door to Lily and Daisy's room is shut, which you find strange. You don't remember closing it.

Maybe one of them got up to go to the bathroom and shut it behind them...

Your right hand grips your mageblade, as your left hand reaches for the door knob. You swing open the door, and your eyes lock on the bed.

They aren't there. The three of them are huddled in the corner. Daisy and Gabriella are crying. Lily is hurt.

There is someone standing between you and them.

You activate your mageblade.

>Roll 1d100 with focus

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>871546

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>871546

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>871546

>>871546

>>871555
>>871559
>>871562
God have mercy.

File: 1479949630683.jpg (106 KB, 604x604)

106 KB JPG

>>871555
>>871559
>>871562

>>871570
His roll was 15 so we technically have a better roll.

>>871580
That was the Focus roll.

>>871580
I don't think so.
The gimmick is that we always want to roll high, and that if one of our rolls is close to his we get a bonus.

Ergo we weren't close and rolled low. Really low.

>>871580
That's the focus.

Oh god I like Daisy and Lily. We need to save them. I hope this roll is to us getting hurt and not them.

>writing

>>871580
...No that is not how that works, that is not a challenge roll, that is a focus roll.

If we get within 5+- of the focus we get a focus success, but we also have a hidden difficulty to pass.

So in this case we likely failed the basic check and failed the focus check definitely.

File: no worries.jpg (38 KB, 480x480)

38 KB JPG

>>871555
>>871559
>>871562

File: SometimesUnlucky.png (30 KB, 1702x783)

30 KB PNG

This is the equivalent of rolling a 2 or less on a single 1d100

Rolled 73 (1d100)

You roar and lunge forward, but the stranger notices you just in time to step out of the way. He keeps himself between you and them, before reaching out and grabbing Lily by the arm.

He pulls a dagger made of what looks like bone, out of a fleshy looking sheath, and brings it up to her throat.

Shit...

He says nothing, staring at you with his red eyes, silently telling you to back off.

You grit your teeth and try to think of a way out of this. You don't think you're fast enough to close this gap before something bad happens, and you can't lengthen your blade well enough to make up the difference.

You also don't hear movement from the other room, which is strange. You're certain that you shouted when you first attacked...

Come to think of it, you don't hear anything. Not the girls crying, not the usual hum of your blade, nothing. The only sound is the rushing of your own blood.

The demon presses the knife into Lily's throat. You have to act.

>Roll 1d100 with focus

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>871724

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>871724

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>871724

>>871738
BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE

>>871738
THANK GOD

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>871738
Too damn close.

>>871738
Not in focus range by 1. We need to train that when we can to get more focus.

>>871746
He says, as his roll hits the focus range kek

>>871746
nicely done Porbo

As you're busy thinking of what to do, something on the ground catches your eye. A little dark spot on the ground...

The spot slowly grows up and out of the ground, becoming a tendril that lashes out and grabs the demon's knife-arm, wrenching it away from Lily's throat.

As he tries to get his arm back, you move in. You grab him by the throat and throw him like a ragdoll into the opposite wall, as far away from the girls as you can get him.

Then you run at him, in the hopes of making sure he doesn't get back up. But he bounces off the wall and lands on his feet, and with a disappointed look he leaps out the open window.

You swing your blade at him as he goes, just managing to slice his leg. But he gets away.

As soon as he's gone, sound returns. You can hear the girls crying, and the hum of your blade...

>Go after him

>Make sure the girls are alright

>Wake the others

>Other

>>871857
>Wake the others
shout at the top of our lungs then
>Make sure the girls are alright

>>871864
Seconding this

>>871857
>>Go after him
Pretty sure that's Fran, she can deal with the kids and the others, we can't let him escape.

>>871857
>>Make sure the girls are alright
Top priority

>>871857
>Make sure the girls are alright
Priorities. We need to defend them. Is not the time to leave them alone.

>>871857
>>Make sure the girls are alright

>>871857
>>871864
Can get behind this

>writing

You turn away from the window and run back to Lily.

"Are you alright?" You ask her.
Lily nods, and you can see that she's terrified, so you pull her in and hug her tightly.

"Hey, it's alright now" You say. "You're okay"

You pick her up as she starts crying, and bring her over to the others.

"H-he came in through the window" Lily says. "He was gonna hurt Daisy, so I burned him, and we all hid in the corner. I tried my best, but I couldn't shoot fire anymore..."
"You did good" You say.

You set Lily down next to the other three, and bring them all close to you.

"What's going on?" Derrick asks. You look up to see him standing groggy eyed in the doorway. "I was sound asleep, and all of a sudden Coral was trying to rip my hair out... are they okay?"

>1/2

>>872053
Let's not forget the fact that the dude's knife is still on the floor.

>>872096
Never mind, I read it again, and realized that she only yanked his arm away, not the knife.

"A demon..." Derrick says.
"He got out through the window" You say.

By now the room is starting to stir, as Coral attacks each person in turn until they finally get up.

But something is still giving you a bad feeling...

The bone knife and its flesh sheath. Just like Carthac's spear. Which means that he's a Legion higher up, too.

You sliced his leg before he escaped, so he won't be making good time. With everyone awake, they'll be safe without you. But if that guy gets away, who's to say this won't happen again tomorrow night?

"You going after him?" Derrick asks.

>I'll stay here

>Yeah

>Other

>>872135
>Yeah

>>872135
>>Yeah
Another one for our collection.

>>872135
>>Yeah

>>872135
>>Yeah

>>872135
>Yeah

File: Loader_Bot.png (449 KB, 500x500)

449 KB PNG

Time to get funky

>>872135
>>Yeah

Question, if we steal his knife and tie it to a long stick, can we count it as a new spear for our collection?

>>872135
>>Yeah

>writing

>>872135
>Yeah
The girls are safe now. Time to be a hero

>>872202
You.
I like you.

Rolled 69 (1d100)

"Yeah" You say.
Derrick nods. "If he's Legion, then he's probably not alone" He says.
"You stay here" You say. "Something feels off about all this... I don't think they're done with us yet"
"You gonna be okay out there?" He asks.

"I'll send Coral out to find help if I need it" You say.

"You're leaving?" Lily asks.
You squeeze her tighter and smile. "I have to go make sure that guy doesn't come back" You say. "You three go into the living room. Emi can fix up your wounds, and Hella and Stella will give you all the hugs you can ask for"

The Devils look apprehensive.

"I'm coming back" You say. "Now go on"

You let them go and stand up, patting them on the back as they go into the living room.

"Good hunting" Derrick says as he holds out his fist.
You bump his fist. "Thanks. Keep them safe for me, will you?" You say.
"I will" He says.

You turn away from Derrick to the window. There's another rooftop not too far from here, and judging by the blood it's where he escaped to.

You can make the jump, that much is certain. But the challenge will be finding him before the trail runs cold...

>Roll 1d100 with focus
>Bonus for speed (+2)

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>872429

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>872429

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>872429

Rolled 41 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>872429

>>872434
>>872442
>>872449
Well, we got focus, in any case.

I like when we get focus.

>>872487
Focus is nice, but beating the roll is better, not sure if 68 cuts it.

>writing

>>872502
If we get either we're not going to fail at least. Both is good, but one is enough to avoid a worst case.

"Okay..." You say, as you take a few steps back from the window, and then get a running start and dive through.

You catch the ledge of the opposite roof and pull yourself up, then you survey the rooftop and look to where the blood trail goes.

The blood trail heads forward, down a row of rooftops before disappearing... probably where he either stopped to patch himself, or where he jumped down to the street.

The trail leads forward, but you feel like that's the wrong way... Then it dawns on you. The path goes left.

He must have run forward to leave his trail, and then backtracked. You turn left, and start running.

As you run, you try to imagine just why a Legionnaire would break into Locke just to kill a few little girls... But then you remember that the girls weren't the only victims in your dream. Stella and Hella were gone.

The guild joining with Altea must have them spooked...

You reach the end of the roofs going left, and jump down to the street. Tumbling as you hit the ground, you immediately regain your feet. Just in time to cut off your quarry...

"Lovely night" You say, as you turn your mageblade back on.

The stranger backs away, looking torn between running and fighting.

You rush forward, making the decision for him.

>roll 1d100 with focus
>Bonus for skill (+3)

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>872714
And the focus roll

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>872714

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>872714

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>872714

No focus?

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>872714

>writing

Double focus again. Didn't think I'd see that twice

>>872816
Huh, I didn't know the number of focuses mattered as well. I thought it a binary "You have it or you don't".

>>872845
Still unsure of whether it should do something extra or not. I didn't expect to see it at all, nevermind twice in a row.

>>872885
Also both your focus rolls would qualify as a focus success for the other, as well as 3/4 focus successes. Both calls for a roll also had a 65. Also if you look at solely the last digits of all rolls made, including your own, you get every number 1-9 appearing once, except for 5 that appears twice, out of ten rolls.

He just barely manages to get a dagger out in time to defend himself, but instead of guarding, he chucks it at you and starts running.

You sweep your sword across, hitting the dagger and shattering like glass it before giving chase.

You run full tilt through the street. The rough stone grates on your bare feet, but you manage.

As you come to a corner, the stranger hops up the wall, jumping off so he can throw another flurry of knives and keep running.

You can see underneath his cloak that there's more than just a single flesh-like sheath under there. He has what looks like an entire armory's worth of bone daggers. The way they sit makes them look more like teeth sitting in gummy sheaths... just like Carthac's spear, it's pretty gross.

You turn your attention to the knives coming for you. You count 8. You can't block or dodge them all, so you knock away the ones that may kill you, and let the rest hit without breaking your stride.

Strangely, the stranger turns back and starts trying to fight now... he must think he has some advantage now that he didn't have before...

But his knives only grazed your face, sliced your left arm, and stuck in your thigh. None of the wounds are bleeding badly, and they don't even hurt...

Thinking back to when Emi held the spear, you realize why.

He thinks he's all but won.

He's going to be very disappointed.

>1/2

>>872978
>Thinking back to when Emi held the spear, you realize why.
>He thinks he's all but won.
>He's going to be very disappointed.

Very badass. And then you remember that this is a kid who's barely adolescent kek

>>873008
are we young Doomguy? just ripping and tearing our way to victory

He lunges forward, stabbing at your neck with one of his bone knives. You catch his arm and throw him to the ground, before following up with a downward slash from your mageblade.

He rolls out of the way and tries to get up, but you step forward and kick him as hard as you can right in the ribs, and step on his back.

You raise your arm to finish him off, but he turns back and smiles. Then he starts laughing.

"What's so fun-" You stop and jump back, as burst of lightning lances through where you were just standing.

You reflexively guard with your mageblade as another person tries to take your arm off with a cleaver, then you turn and fire a Soul Bolt at a third assailant who seems to think that coming from behind is a good idea.

Okay, so you're a bit outnumbered...

Very outnumbered. It isn't just 4. You see a few more making their way into the street. 5... 6, 7, 8...

8... You are very outnumbered.

>Stand your ground, send Coral for help

>Run to the castle

>Run, look for the guards

>Other

>>873077
>>Stand your ground, send Coral for help

Keep them on us.

>>873077
>>Stand your ground, send Coral for help
RIP AND TEAR THEIR GUTS!!!

>>873077
>>Stand your ground, send Coral for help

>>873077
>>Stand your ground, send Coral for help

>>873077
>send Coral out
>one of them takes a shot at her
Nah dawg, we ain't doing that.

>Run to the castle

>>873077

>Stand your ground, send Coral for help

>>873077
>Send Coral for Help
>Head the Other way

>>873130
Presumably they're decked out for fighting normies so if they use their soul weapons on the sprite she stands a slightly better chance.

Still doesn't remove the chance that one of them just tails her and snatches her out of the air.

>writing

>>873161
Only takes one fucker with throwing knives/rocks/ bow and arrow to shoot her down.

>>873179
Throwing/shooting at a tiny, moving target that is intelligent and capable of dodging. There's a reason why Sprites are used to send messages.

"Coral. Get help" You say to the tiny sprite floating behind you.

Coral lets out a squeak, and you can hear her flying away.

You let out a breath, and turn your attention to the now crowded street.

"8 on 1, huh?" You say. "I don't suppose you guys would be willing to come at me 1 at a time, would you?"

They start advancing.

"Didn't think so..." You say.

You set your feet and prepare yourself. You don't have to take them on forever. Just until help arrives.

>Roll 1d100 with focus
>Bonus for Endurance (+3)

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>873215

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>873215
Oh boy, time to get fucked. Also, no focus.

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>873215
Clutch plz

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>873215

>>873225
>>873231
>>873240
womp womp

Rolled 93 (1d100)

And focus roll...

>writing

File: IWbe61s.gif (1.78 MB, 353x200)

1.78 MB GIF

:(

We're going to get wrecked for realsies and have to face verbal beratement from out friends for being too headstrong, aren't we?

>>873270
Too be fair, one did just have their weapon on one of our friend's neck after beating them while trying to murder the other two. I wouldn't put it past Yu to not be a bit mad with no real plan after that.

So... When se die who are se going to playa as?
Stella in a quest for revenge?
The cute devil twins?

>>873295
>>873292
>>873270
so what's our plan to live through this shit? Channel our inner Doomguy or go full Soul mode?

>>873320
>so what's our plan to live through this shit?
>die
>reload last checkpoint
>don't chase the faggot into a 1v8 scenario this time

You decide to take the initiative and rush the first of them, hoping to bring the ods back in your favour as much as you can.

The one you move on steps back, and two of his buddies attack your flanks, putting you on the back foot.

You barely manage to avoid getting skewered, as you backpedal away from your assailants.

Unfortunately they advance quicker than you can retreat, and you're forced to engage as another of them comes down on top of you.

You bring your blade up to guard, and another of them slams a mallet into your stomach. You reel back, temporarily winded but with no time to catch your breath.

The fight continues, and for every attack you block or dodge, another lands. You begin to feel the pain very quickly, as your movements slow, and your focus drifts off.

They back away after a while, when you're just barely able to stand. You stare them down, as the one you were chasing smiles smugly.

"Don't look so smug..." You say. "8 on 1 is barely a fight..."
"9" A familiar voice calls.
"Wha-"

You don't turn in time, as something slams into the back of your head and knocks you to the ground.

"9 on 1" The voice says again.

You turn your head to see Carthac standing over you.

"2" Another familiar voice calls, as your vision becomes a red blur.

>1/2

>>873342
It was a jail break! and Carthac wants his spear back, like hell he's getting it back.

>>873342
>"2"

Get hyped

Is Lee mad right now?
Cause i want to write a string of insults directed at Carthac.

"9 on 2"

You blink away the after effects of whatever just happened, and see that Carthac is gone.

"Nope, sorry... looks like it's only 6 now. Good show, though. I honestly wasn't expecting that many of you to dodge that"

You lever yourself up with some effort, and you almost don't manage it. But someone offers you a hand up.

"Now, now. This is not the time to be laying about!" You savior says.

You lift your head and see... Terry?

"What are you..."
"Who the hell are you?" Carthac asks.

"Excuse me, do you mind? Private conversation over here" Terry says. "And don't worry about me. I'm just squaring up on an old bargain"
"Are you here to help?" You ask.
"Of course!" He says. "I did say six on 2, didn't I?"

You let out a sigh of relief.

"Maybe I should say 1 and a half... are you alright?" He asks.
"Well enough" You say.

Terry looks you over and shrugs. "You can pretty much leave this to me" He says. "But if you want to help, that's fine too"

>Fight

>Watch

>Other

>>873399
>Fight

>>873399
>>Fight
I can't remember who Terry is.

>>873399
>Fight
>Carthac 1v1
Do you have another spear?

>>873399
>Fight

>>873412
this, use the spears we collect to hold our hat collection

>>873399
>Fight
>Suggest the new guy with the knives tie one of his on a stick for Carthac since he lost his spear.

>>873399
>Other.
"CARTHAC!"
"YOU LISTEN HERE YOU COWARDLY, BOOT LICKING, PEANUT BRAINED, TO DUMB TO QUIT, SHIT SPEWING, NO-TESTICLES, CUNT!"
I AM GOING TO SHOVE YOUR SPEAR SO FAR UP YOUR ASS FOR WHAT YOU DID TO THE CHILDREN YOU WILL BIRTH IT'S BABIES!"
I AM GOING TO CRUSH THE LEGION JUST SO I CAN WATCH CRY LIKE THE PATHETIC SPOILED CHILD EVERYONE KNOWS YOU ARE!"
I AM GOING TO CAUSE SUCH SUFFERING TO YOU THAT THE GODS IN HEAVEN WILL LOOK IN HORROR AT WHAT IS LEFT OF YOUR SOUL!"
I WILL TEAR ASUNDER YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS UNTIL ALL THAT IS LEFT IN YOUR MIND IS THE FEAR OF ME!"

>writing

>>873399
>>Fight
>>873404
I guy who might, or might not, be the first villain.

Also, he set the the prison on a 10 minute timer when the Yuu Crew ran into him.

>>873438
That's actually hilarious.

>>873474
Ah, him. I'd forgotten what his name was.

>>873461
Addition.
Turn to the knife guy and say.
"But you, you i break first."

Rolled 39 (1d100)

"I want Carthac" You say.

"Suit yourself" Terry says, as he pats you on the back. You feel a surge of energy, and he gives you a wink. "Hear that? That means that for the rest of you, it's playtime!"

Terry licks his lips, and becomes a blur.

"You know, I'm sure if you asked that knife guy nicely he'd be willing to tie one his teeth-knives to a stick to make a makeshift weapon for you" You say to Carthac.

"I assume Cheska told you the truth of the Black God's boon" Carthac says. "Don't worry, once we're through with you and your friend, she's next"

Your eyes narrow. "You're assuming a lot there" You say. "Your knifey friend tried to murder my little sisters, and you have been a pain in the ass from day one"

"You think you can beat me?" He asks, as he brandishes his spear.

"It's one on one now Carthac" You say. "No backup. No nothing. This time, I'm taking you down"

"We'll see"

>Roll 1d100 with focus
>Bonus for skill (+3)

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>873583
round 3 motherfucker

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>873583
>No angry Lee.
Ok :(

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>873583

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>873583

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>873583
>you think you can beat me
Yes, like the other two times we did.

>>873592
Well, 70 ain't bad; it's a decent pass.

>>873599
God fucking dammit.

>>873612
:3

>writing

>>873583
Honestly I'm not too sure why we are mad at Carthac. He's just kind of been the funny recurring villain and I honestly kind of feel sorry for him. Just think of all those reports he has to make back home about how badly he screwed up. Knife guy sure, I understand that.

>>873684
Well, he's tried to kill Yuu a few times, and has tried to raze cities and use giant monsters.

Plus, he's a higher up in the Legion, which makes his grudge against Yuu very personal.

>>873684
Also hes just generally a dick

>>873716
>>873733
>>873716
Yeah, but most of it wasn't personal and was just happening in some magic land we had no connection to. And the way he tried to kill Yuu by stabbing him in the heart was honestly kind of funny. Frankly speaking, a marked portion of our reputation until we blew up the prison, and a not insignificant portion after, came from us whacking him around as well. I expect we avoided a lot of anti-demon hate because before that we were the guy who busted up Carthac.

Meanwhile, Carthac has probably been going home repeatedly to Dark Lord Can't-Remember-His-Name and telling him that some random guy no one knows beat him up - twice - and took his magic spear given to him by the even greater and less merciful dark lord. Also one of his subordinates is our captive.

Carthac has done more for us and lost more for us than anyone else.

Rolled 69 (1d100)

You're feeling pretty beaten after that last fight, but you have the strength for this.

You and Carthac circle each other, waiting for the other to strike.

"I am going to enjoy killing you" He says.
"Funny. I'm going to enjoy not being dead" You say. "I feel like my way is better"

Carthac scowls. "Do you ever stop trying to be funny?" He asks.
"Against real opponents, yeah" You say. "I get serious when I have to"

He roars and charges in. Cheska is right, he does get mad too easily. Which is fine by you. His anger makes him stupid, which gives you the advantage.

You easily sidestep his charge, and dance away from the tendrils of shadow that try to grab you and hold you down. Then you return fire, launching a quick pair of Soul bolts at him.

He blocks one with his spear, and the other strikes him in the shoulder.

He retaliates with a ball of darkness that moves slowly in comparison to the shots you were used to blocking against Lulu. So you fire a soul wave to deflect it, and move in behind it.

The ball stops and bursts into smaller balls, which form into spikes.

...

Well that's creative, but it puts you in a bad spot...

>roll 1d100 with focus
>bonus for speed

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>873776
Lewd bonus.

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>873776

>>873783
LEWD WINS.

Hang on, what's Carthac using as a weapon?

>>873792
Disregard; he's usin' a spear.

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>873776

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>873776

>>873805
Woot, bonus as well. Get fucked, Carthac.

>>873769
>>873776
>>873783
>>873805
See, this is why I feel sorry for Carthac. Rolling terribly, Carthac shows up, success/focus success.

File: Breathing.jpg (30 KB, 500x418)

30 KB JPG

>>873783
>>873805
ROLL+FOCUS

>>873783
>>873805
Carthac BTFO once again

Dont we... Have two mageblades now?
From the birthday party and all?

>>873864
If we do we only choose to bring one

File: QqFa9Rw.gif (143 KB, 267x199)

143 KB GIF

A net 95 /w Focus.

No matter how cold of a night we have on the dice it seems there's always enough life left in em to fuck Carthac.

>writing

You hold stil for a moment, waiting for the spikes to launch. They all converge at once, and you jump back and away from them, causing them to collide.

Then you move back in, handily dodging Carthac's defensive spear thrust and getting under his guard.

You grab the spear's shaft, pulling it back and kicking him in the chest all at once.

"Another one for me" You say with a smile. "So thoughtful"
"You think this is a game?" He asks as he gets back up.

"Of course not" You say. "I'm just adding some levity to the situation to distract myself from the fact that I'm about to put you out of your misery"

Carthac scowls

"Of course, that means that my collection stops at 3... but-" Your smile drops. "-your knifey friend came very close to killing the people I hold dear, and I have no doubts that he was doing it on your orders. I'm done playing games with you, Carthac"

"So TRY ME!" He yells, as he raises a fist and charges.

You casually hold out your blade and lengthen it into his chest.

A few splits, and it's over for him...

>Finish him off

>Capture him

>Other

>>874020
>>Finish him off

>>874020
>Finish him off

Dude's waaaay too dangerous to keep as a prisoner, and I don't think we would be able to get useful info out of him.

>>874020
>>Finish him off
Too awesome a finisher to be anything but.

>>874020
>>Finish him off
I kind of want to capture him, but we have the captive we need and I don't want this to bite us. I can't talk myself into it.

>>874020
>Finish him off

>>874020
>Angry Lee is here.
YAY.
>Finish him off.
Whisper in his ear "The legion is next."

>>874020
>>Finish him off
Later m8. You'll always live on our collection.

>>874020
>Finish him off

>writing

"You of all people should know that this doesn't work" Carthac says, as he walks forward on your blade.

"I know" You say. "But you also know that. If my blade were going anywhere else, you might've blocked or dodged"

He looks confused, but the realization dawns on him as he starts to feel it.

You split the blade off and create an offshoot in his chest, which grows outward into his lung. Then you make another... and another, and another, and another.

You keep adding new blades until you no longer have the focus to sustain them, then you release your mageblade, and Carthac falls.

>New skill learned: Demon Star

You pocket the blade and take a breath.

"Nicely done" Terry says. "I see your studies have come a long way"

You give a weak smile, and fall to your knees.

"You feeling okay?" He asks.
"I'm fine..." You say.

>But my new pajamas are ruined...

>Why are you here?

>Are the others dead?

>Other

>>874122
>Why are you here?
Yuu seems pretty "all business" right now, going with the choice that reflects that.

>>874122
>Are the others dead?

>>874122
>>But my new pajamas are ruined...
>>Why are you here?

>>874122
>>Why are you here?

>>Are the others dead?

>>874122
>>Are the others dead?

>>874122
>Why are you here?
>Are the others dead?

>>874122
>>But my new pajamas are ruined...

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>874122
>>Why are you here?
>>Are the others dead?

>>874122
>>But my new pajamas are ruined...

>writing

"Why are you here?" You ask.
"Like I said. Just squaring on an old bargain" He says.

"With who?" You ask.
"Not important" He says.

You hang your head and sigh. "Why help me?" You ask. "At the prison, you wanted to kill all the hunters, and now you show up and save me?"

Hemakes a sound like a buzzer. "Wrong. I didn't want to kill the hunters" He says. "I wanted you to save them"
"I... what?" You ask.
"It'll make sense eventually" He says. "For now, I should go. You can take the credit for this, if you want. I'd rather not let people find out I was here"

"Why?" You ask.
"Because it gives the wrong impression" He says. "Make no mistake: the next time we meet, it'll be as enemies. I fully expect you to be able to put up a damn good fight by then"

"Wha-"
"But until then... ta ta" He says. His body becomes a blur, and he disappears...

Leaving you, beaten and bruised, in a street littered with bodies...

"Man... these jerks ruined my new pajamas" You say.

>Check the bodies

>Look for the guard

>Head back

>Other

>>874300
>>Check the bodies
loot time bitches

>>874300
>>Check the bodies

>>874300
>Check the bodies

>>874300
>>Check the bodies
Rule #1 Of Adventuring

>>874300
>>Check the bodies

>>874300
>Check the bodies

>writing

You stretch out painfully, and make your way over to the bodies. They're all dead, all 9 of them. You check over the closest ones first, starting with Carthac.

He doesn't have much. Just a few coins, a couple of knives... pocket lint, oh, hang on. A letter of some sort, sealed with wax. You don't have any pockets, so you hold onto it.

The rest are pretty general. Most of them are carrying some kind of money or rations, but nothing really beyond that.

Then you get to knifey. You start by removing his... belt. You feel gross just touching it. The fleshy wrap goes all the way around his waist, and all but one of its "teeth" are missing. Probably thrown in the fight with Terry...

But even still, you can see new ones growing in the empty slots...

Once the "belt" realizes that it can't feed on you, it starts to squirm just like Carthac's spear... so you tie it around the shaft of your latest prize.

Knifey also has a bunch of rope, cloth, a LOT of wire, hooks... and another letter. This one isn't sealed, so you open it and read it.

...

Or you try to. You don't think this is another language... it might just be encoded...

>Head back to Fran's

>Bring the belt to the vault/show the letter to Cheska

>Find the guards

>Other

>>874443
>>Find the guards

>>874443
>>Find the guards
They can get this Al- I mean Mom and we can discuss what happened.

Guys, what if we force feed the spear chaos?

>>874443
>Find the guards
For cleanup duty, then probably need to report to the castle ASAP to report that the demons apparently know a way into the city (and to clean up so we don't look like a mess when we see our friends again).

>>874443
>>Find the guards

>>874443
>Find the guards

>writing

You figure you should find someone to take care of this. So you leave the scene and start looking for the guards.

This place is pretty close to the north gate, and there should be someone on duty there. So with your new spear in one hand, and a few letters and coins in the other, you head north.

It's very quiet out right now. You're honestly surprised that no one came out to see what's going on. But then, anyone who heard the commotion probably felt the demons. And when the battle was over, a demon was the only one left. So you can't blame them or shacking up and pretending no one was home...

There's a bit of a commotion at the front gate, and you see a familiar centaur.

"Good morning" You say to Marybell.
"It's no- Yuu?" Marybell asks. "Goodness, you're hurt!"
"You should see the other guys" You say. "What happened here?"
"Someone got in through this gate" Marybell says. "Snuck over and killed the guards. We've got Lulu and a few others sniffing out the city"

"Were they demons?" You ask.
"We assume... so..." Marybell says. "You ran into them already"
"I did" You say. "Carthac was there... unfortunately this is the last spear I'll be getting from him"
"Is he dead?" Marybell asks.
"Very dead" You say. "there are 8 other demons too. One of them had this thing-" You hold up the spear, showing her the fleshy belt tied to it. "-on him. Don't touch it. It's like Carthac's spear"

"We'll bring it to the vaults" She says, before eyeing you curiously. "Are you sure you're okay?"
You wobble a little on your feet, as the surge that's been keeping you going runs out. "Not really" You say. "I got a little beat up and I think I could use a healer..."

"We can get you to one, just hold tight okay?" She asks.
"Mind if I sleep for a bit?" You ask.
"That's probably not a good idea. Wait until we can ge- hey, HEY! Don't just pass out on me!"

That's all for tonight!

Next thread will likely be on Monday.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time

>>874595
Great thread, Smiley!

>>874595
Thanks for running!

Emi lets out a sigh. "There, that should be better" She says.
"Thank you" You say.
"How did this happen anyway?" Emi asks. "I thought there was only one"
"He brought friends" You say.

After having her men go clean up your mess and deliver your spear with the flesh belt to the vaults, Marybell helped you get back to Fran's so Emi could patch you up.

Ever since then, she's been talking with Derrick about the current situation.

Meanwhile, the bunnies have taken over a couch. Seems like Gabriella was pretty spooked, since she's still crying. Munchkin is crying too... though you're not quite sure why.

Madelaine is standing by the door with a hand on her sword, looking like she's ready for anything.

The devils are watching Emi heal you, looking worried enough that it's making you feel bad for coming back all beat up like this. And Ilica is doing her best to keep Vivi calm, as the rude awakening and sudden burst of activity doesn't seem to be sitting too well with her.

Emi helps you back to your feet, and you give your limbs a test.

"All better?" She asks.
"Yeah" You say. "Thanks... you're a lifesaver"

Now that you're not likely to pass out anytime soon, you should check up on-

>The cats

>The bunnies

>The devils

>Madelaine

>Derrick and Marybell

>Other

>>884080
>>Derrick and Marybell
See what's going on.

>>884080
>Derrick and Marybell

It feels like this event is going to have serious business stuff happening as a consequence. Consoling people while still bruised and in ruined pajamas is probably not for the best.

>>884080
>>The devils

>>884080
>>The devils

>>884080
>>The devils

>>884080
>>Derrick and Marybell

>writing

"I should go see Derrick and Marybell, find out what's going o-" You say, before you feel a tugging at your shirt.

You look down and see 2 pairs of big yellow and black eyes looking back up at you.

"Are you okay now?" Daisy asks.

You smile and crouch down to their level, giving both their heads a pat.

"I'm fine" You say. "Is your hand better now?"
Lily nods.
"And Daisy... when the knifey guy had Lily. The black tendril that grabbed his hand, was that you?" You ask.
Daisy nods. "H-he was gonna hurt Lily" She says. "I wanted to do something... I didn't get in the way did I?"
You pull them both into you and hug them tightly.

"No. You did good. Both of you did" You say.
"But I couldn't beat him" Lily says, as she starts to sob.
"Hey, he gave me a run for my money" You say. "You did the best you could"

They both start to cry, and you give them a squeeze. As you're wondering what to actually do about this, Emi curls around the three of you.

"It's alright" Emi says, as she hugs them with you. "You're alright now"

>1/2

When the tears start to die down, Emi lets you slip out and leave the girls with her. You make no arguments, as it's a well known fact that Emi gives the best hugs.

Once you're out, you head over to the door where Derrick and Marybell are talking.

"What's going on?" You ask.

They exchange a glance before answering. "Apparently here was one of the many places hit" Marybell says in a quiet tone. "A few saboteurs and assassins made it into the castle itself"

"How bad?" You ask.
"Well they destroyed the armory and made a mess out of some of the rooms, including Jade's library" Marybell says. "But more importantly, 2 of them made it to the commander's bedroom..."

"Is she okay?" You ask.
"Of course" Marybell says. "She's the commander. Those two assassins are now heaps of ash on the ground"
"Good... any other damage?" You ask.
"Just a break in in the dungeons" Derrick says. "The fat demon was found dead in his cell..."

>Were they after the spear?

>Is Cheska alright?

>Show them the notes you picked up

>Other

>>884332
>>Is Cheska alright?

>>884332
>Is Cheska alright?

But others should follow soon after.

>>884332
>>Were they after the spear?

>>Is Cheska alright?

We hand the notes to Mom.

>>884332
>>Is Cheska alright?

>writing

>>884332
>>Were they after the spear?
>>Is Cheska alright?

"What about Cheska, is she okay?" You ask.
"It sounds like she had a scuffle with her would-be assassin" Marybell says. "the assassin was found strangled to death outside her cell, but she was hurt pretty badly"
"Will she live?" You ask.

"You sound awfully concerned for her..." Marybell says.
You shrug. "I have something I want her to look at..." You say, pulling out the note you got off knifey and handing it to Marybell

The centaur takes it and looks it over, with Derrick peering over her shoulder.

"What language is that?" Derrick asks.
"It doesn't look like a language... it looks-"
"Encoded?" You ask.
"Yes" Marybell says, pausing for a moment before continuing. "Think she might know their cipher?"
"There's no harm in asking" You say.
"Think she'll give it up?" Derrick asks.
"Yeah, so long as I have something to trade" You say.
"Do you?" Marybell asks.
"Well... I saved the last slice of cake for her" You say.

...

"So no" Marybell says.
"Hey! It's good cake" You say. "And if that's not enough, I'm sure I can find something"
"Let's hope" Marybell says. "If we could crack their code, it would make interrupting their messengers a worthwhile endeavour"

>1/2

"What about the vaults?" You ask.
"Still sealed" Marybell says. "I get the feeling that they were next on the list after Cheska, so we may... owe her one"

Marybell doesn't look pleased at having to admit that.

"Either way, no harm done" You say.
"I'd like to say that, but we still lost some good men. Both in the palace and at the northern gate..." Marybell says.
"It could have been worse" Derrick says, as he puts a hand on Marybell's shoulder.
"That is... not as comforting as you might think" Marybell says. "We got fairly lucky this time. The better part of the infiltration was taken down by Yuu. Had he not been out..."

"Let's not dwell on that right now" Derrick says. "Those are things to worry about in strategy meetings. For now, let's just be grateful that the damage was minimal"

Marybell nods. "I should be going, though" She says. "Unless there's anything you need"

>Should we all go somewhere safer?

>We're good (Talk to Derrick about the fight)

>We're good (Go see the bunnies)

>Other

>>884525
>>We're good (Go see the bunnies)

>>884525
>>We're good (Go see the bunnies)

>>884525
>>We're good (Go see the bunnies)

>>884525
>>Check on Coral. Did she make it back?

Otherwise:
>>We're good (Go see the bunnies)

>>884525
>>884547
May as well.

>writing

"I think we're good" You say. "Well... for now at least"

Marybell nods, as a blue sprite flies up to her with a note. She takes the note, quickly reads it and hands it back, allowing the sprite to fly off.

"What was that?" Derrick asks.
"The huntmaster has been informed of what happened here, as have the other parents" Marybell says. "It didn't say what they were doing, but I imagine they'll be here shortly"
"That's good to hear" Derrick says. "It'll be nice to have some parental support with all the crying children..."

Marybell smiles ."If that's all, then I'll be on my way" She says.
"Yeah" Derrick says. "Thanks Marybell, I really appreciate this one"
"Not a problem" Marybell says, as she 'bows' and heads down the stairs. "I'll be seeing you later"
"Definitely" Derrick says.

You wave goodbye to Marybell, and then head back into Fran's place and shut the door.

"That was an interesting experience" Derrick says.
"What was?" You ask.
"Helping Marybell with her command" Derrick says. "Usually she'd be in the field doing this stuff, but she stuck around here so she could keep me posted and get my advice"
"Hoping to be a leader some day?" You ask.
"Possibly... it seems like a lot of work, but I think I might have a knack for it" He says.
"Then maybe I'll be following you into battle one day" You say with a smile. "That way I'll have your back"
"Maybe one day" He says, bumping fists with you before heading over to where Ilica is sitting.

You figure you'll let him do his thing. You decide to see what the bunnies are up to.

>1/2

You walk over and sit in the open spot next to Stella.

Gabriella is sleeping now, held tight and snug in Hella's arms. But the munchkin is still crying...

"Yo" You say.
"Look Munchkin, it's your Honk!" Stella says. "Do you wanna see your Honk?"

Munchkin sobs. "Yeah..." She says.
"You mind?" Stella asks.
"Of course not" You say, as you reach over and lift up the sad bunny. "Come here you"

You hug the Munchkin and bounce her on your leg, as you turn back to Stella. "So what's got her so down?" You ask.
"Well... she's sensitive" Stella says. "She was trying to comfort Gabby when she was crying, but I guess it was too much for her and she started crying too"
"Aww..." You say, as you ruffle the Munchkin's hair. "Couldn't handle it, huh?"

"In her defense, the mood in the room wasn't the best at the time" Stella says.
"How's Gabby holding up?" You ask.
"She'll probably be sleeping in her parent's bed for the next few weeks, but she's alright" Stella says. "How about you?"
"Me?" You ask. "Well, you know me. Sturdy as a rock"
Stella smiles. "I thought so" She says. "I have a new respect for Lily and Daisy now though. That young and they're already launching fireballs and slinging shadow tendrils..."
"Is that not normal?" You ask.
"Not at that age" Stella says. "I could barely get a flower to bloom when I was their age"

"Devils are naturally gifted at magic" Emi says, as she slithers up next to the couch and settles into her coils with the now sleeping devils. "Fran told me about it. Apparently she was the same way"
"Cheska said something similar, too" You say, as you look back down at the munchkin.

She's done crying from what you can see.

"You good now?" You ask.
She looks up with sleepy eyes. "Can't... need more bears" She says.

>what do?

>>884730
>"No bears, only rabbits." Group hug her with Stella. Eventually it will be so suffocating she will find it sufficient.

>>884730
>Another Shopping Trip?

We need another set of Pajamas as well.

>>884730
She either wants her stuffed bear, or food. Find the bear. If that doesn't work, liberally apply food to tiny mouth

>>884730
>"Awww does somebody need a bedtime snack?"

>writing

"Is she hungry?" You ask.
Stella shrugs. "Are you hungry?" She asks the munchkin.
"No..." She says.

"Hmm... bears" You say. "Where's her stuffed bear?"
"Ah!" Stella says, as she stands up. "It should be in her room"

Stella hops off, and comes back with the stuff bear she bought for the Munchkin earlier today.

"Here you go, is this better?" Stella asks as she hands the little one her bear.
The munchkin takes it without a word and holds it tightly with one arm, while bringing her other hand up to her mouth so she can suck on her thumb.

"I think that counts as a yes" You say.
Stella smiles, and strokes Munchkin's hair.

"You look pretty tired yourself" Ilica says.
"I feel pretty tired myself" You say.

"Get some rest, Yuu. We'll be fine" Stella says.

>I'm good

>That sounds good

>Other

>>884874
>>I'm good

>>884874
>>I'm good

>>884874
>Okay, but can I stay here?

>>884874
>That sounds good

Woke up at 3AM, got the shit kicked out of us, passed out, got healed.

All before breakfast!

>writing

"I think I'm good" You say.
"You sure?" She asks.
"Yeah. If I sleep, I'll wait until after the adults get here" You say.

"Okay" Stella says, as she turns her attention to her sister and starts talking.

You scan the room, trying to follow the multiple conversations currently going on... and failing. You wind up letting out a yawn, as it dawns on you just how tired you are.

...

Ah, screw it. You pull the munchkin in a little closer so you won't accidentally drop her, and shut your eyes.

Sleep comes very easily.

>1/2

You awaken a few hours later to a room with much more people in it than there were when you closed your eyes. Munchkin is still sleeping soundly, hugging her bear and sucking her thumb.

Fran and Lance are both here, along with Richard, Katherine, and Vance (The bunnies' grandfather). You don't see Castor, Teague, or Daniella here.

"Good morning" Fran says when she spots you looking around. "Sleep well?"

You stretch out one of your arms. "Well enough" You say. "When did you guys get here?"
"A little while after you fell asleep" Stella says. She's still sitting next to you. "Here, let me take this one so you can stand"
"Do I have to stand?" You ask.
"If you plan on getting anything done, yeah" Stella says.

>So I don't have to stand...

>Okay

>Other

>>885009
>>So I don't have to stand...

>>885009
>>Okay

>>885009
>>So I don't have to stand...

>>885009
>>So I don't have to stand...

>>885009
>Okay

I think we actually need to progress the plot at some point. I don't know where we're headed, but the two obvious hooks are to stick around and deal with unifying the kingdom to fight some demons or to freelance and see what's going on in the 7 ruins and those two weirdos who seem to be connected to us.

Both of those routes are furthered by us not being a lazybones!

>>885009
>So I don't have to stand...
I think my actions during the night have earned me a token good for delaying everything by at least an hour, and I'm cashing it in.

>>885009
>>Okay

>writing

>>885073
Smiley, have you not noticed your trip/name droppage?

>>885089
I have not. Thanks for pointing it out

>>885092
No worries. Woulda said something sooner, but I figured you'd notice it soon as you were done writing.

"So I don't have to stand" You say as you lay your head back on the couch and shut your eyes. "Good to know"

"Ahem" You hear Ilica say behind you.

You open your eyes to see her paw, poised to flick. "Ow" You say.
"Get up, you dork" She says. "We're getting ready to leave"

You lean back again to look at Ilica. "Where are you going?" You ask, earning you another flick.
"We" She says. "We're going to the castle"

"Can I sleep there" You ask.
"Sure" Ilica says.
"Cool" You say, as you hand Munchkin off to Stella and stand up. "Let's go"

Ilica looks you in the eye, and then looks at what you're wearing. Then she looks back in your eyes, remaining silent.

Right... you're still in your pajamas...

"I'll just... go change" You say.
"Good call" Ilica says.

>1/2

You emerge from the washroom a few minutes later, all dressed and ready to go. Coral flies into your hat when you put it on, and you step out to greet everyone.

"Looking sharp" Ilica says.
"Thanks" You say.

"All set to go? Everybody is already outside" Ilica says.
"Pretty much, yeah" You say.

Ilica waves for you to follow her out, and you both make your way to the stairs.

After going down a few steps, you notice Ilica glancig your way every now and then.

"What's up?" You ask.
"N-nothing" She says.
"That doesn't sound like nothing" You say.
Ilica sighs. "Fine" She says. "We heard the report from the cleanup crew... did you really take out 9 demons alone?"

>Yes

>Can you keep a secret?

>No

>Other

>>885187
>>No

>>885187
>>No

>>885187
>>Can you keep a secret?

Id rather have her trust us, than impress her and have her find out we lied.

>>885187
>No

>>885187
>>No

>>885187
>No
>But I can't tell you more, either.
I don't trust Terry, but I doubt anything nice would come of telling anyone he was there.

>>885187
>>Can you keep a secret?

>>885187
>No. I was going to mention at castle anyway but what happened is...

>writing

You purse your lips, considering what Terry told you before he left. Telling everyone he was here doesn't do you much good, but you don't want to lie...

"Can you keep a secret?" You ask.
"A... secret?" Ilica says. "Uhh sure... I guess. What's up?"

You take a deep breath in, and let it out. "I got my ass kicked" You say. "I chased knifey right into an ambush, and I was on the ground when help showed up..."
"Help?" Ilica asks. "who came?"
"Terry, the guy who destroyed the controls at Mortifas" You say.

"He... helped you?" She asks.
"Yeah" You say. "I took Carthac down, yeah. But the rest was all him"
"Huh..." Ilica says. "And then he just left?"
"I guess so" You say. "He said that the next time I saw him, we'd be enemies..."

After all that's happened, the prospect of actually fighting that man does not appeal to you. In a flash, he killed a third of those demons, and he came out of the fight with the rest of them completely unscathed. Looking back, he wasn't even sweating.

Suddenly, you feel Ilica's arms around you.

"Ilica?" You ask.
"Don't look so nervous" She says. "Next time I'll have your back. We'll take him down together"

You smile. "That doesn't sound so bad..." You say, as you bring a hand up to scratch Ilica behind the ear.

...

"Odd. Usually you've smacked my hand away and gotten mad by this point" You say.
"This... isn't so bad... I can kind of see what Katherine was talking about" She says. "But still, I have an image to maintain. Tell you what. You don't tell anyone about this, and I'll keep your secret"

"Deal" You say.
"Good" Ilica says, as she releases you and steps away. "Come on. Everyone's still waiting"

That's all for tonight!

I have no clue when the next thread will be. Christmas season has begun, and work is now swamped. I'll try to give a fair amount of warning when I plan on running

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time!

>>885319
Aww yeah getting points with Ilica, its been a good night.

>>885319
Thanks for Running Smiley

thanks for running, smiley