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"We have to get to camp, Shadows will be after us," you say as Zoey helps you get out.

Martin and Ms. Brown help Zoey and you climb over rubble, the building collapsing entirely right after you get out. Martin speaks up as Zoey gets your arm off her shoulder, "Are you good to walk?"

Before you can say anything, Atticus appears behind you. He opens his book and you are bathed in a green light. Your sides are still sore, but there is a surge of energy in your body. You look up from the ground to Martin, "No, but I can run."

Ms. Brown starts to run down an alley between huts, "We should hurry then, stay together."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ0xBCwkg3E

As you reach the edge of village a few Shadows start to give chase. Zoey, who has taken the lead, turns back to everyone, "Do we have a plan for this?"

Ms. Brown points to a tree next to her as she runs, "Sacagawea, burn it away!"

Her Persona appears with a stone hand engulfed in flame. Sacagawea runs her claws across the trunk, the entire tree lighting up in flames. The fire quickly spreads to others trees as you continue to camp. You hear a loud crash behind you as burning trees begin to fall. Once the Shadows are finally out of view Martin raises his voice, "Weren't we suppose to discuss plans?"

"There wasn't enough time. Now keep moving," Ms. Brown replies as she smacks down a large branch with her walking stick.

Martin is the first to run out of breath from the sustained running, but with Shadows no longer chasing you are able to slow down. With a chance to think your mind drifts back to the catching of the ball attack. If you were just a little too slow things would have gone much worse, you held out. Your GRIT has grown from Bystander to Rugged.

Eventually you reach the camp, smoke rising high into the sky behind you. Everyone is exhausted from the run, but you managed to take out the Chief Shadow.

>Time to go back and regroup tomorrow
>Inspect the jeweled dagger more
>Ask Martin what is on the map
>Thank Zoey for the save there
>Ms.Brown did good with the forest fire
>Write-In

>>1683363
>>Ask Martin what is on the map
>Ms.Brown did good with the forest fire

>>1683363
"Did good"? Was it really ok to set fire to the magic forest? I like Ms Brown and all but she's a loose cannon

>>1683429
[A valid thought.]

[Writing for the map]

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Today has been a long one, so you take a seat. Looking over at Martin you ask, "What else can you make out from the map?"

Martin is practically pressing his nose against his phone screen, "Well if I compare the picture of this map with my map I notice a few things in common. The rock was where we fought the Fire Giver and the north figure was in the village. Also that snake is about where the stone door is. No clue about the South since we haven't gone there though."

"If the figure was the Shadow Chief, that might mean there is another village in the swamp," Ms. Brown says as she sits down too.

Zoey rolls her eyes, "That's great and all, but how does any of this help close the big cut in space time or whatever?"

"It isn't like we have any leads. If we find that robed person we need to try talking with them more," Martin says, finally looking up from his phone.

The smoke in the distance is slightly worrying, but you are sure it won't have any negative effects. As the group relaxes Ms. Brown starts to pace around camp, "If there really are renovations happening in the auditorium our access will be limited, but I will make sure can get in."

"Oh come on, we can just slip in by lying about being in drama or something," Zoey says nonchalantly.

>Was starting a forest fire really a good idea?
>Tomorrow you should head to the Swamp again
>You all should head back for the day
>Anyone have ideas how the dagger made a Shadow bleed?
>Write-In

>>1683566
>These "renovations" are a little too conveniently timed. We should be careful around the faculty.
>We should check out the south as soon as we get the chance.

[Writing]

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Zoey and Ms. Brown get you thinking, "These "renovations" are a little too conveniently timed. We should be careful around the faculty."

"Do you think they all might have been changing into Shadows too?" Ms. Browns stops her pacing to ask.

"Some of them for sure. Teachers were in the auditorium too," you point out.

Ms. Brown sighs, "Well that makes my job a little harder, but I'll keep an eye out for any strange teachers."

You look to the general South, something has to be there, "Also we should check out the South as soon as we get the chance."

Martin groans, "Can I get some boots first? Getting water in my shoes was the worst last time."

Ms. Brown looks over at Martin, "We can't delay too much. In only a little over a week the whole school may get changed."

"I know, I know. I just don't want to walk around with water in my shoes," he says holding up his hands.

"Well everyone make sure your equipment is put back and I'll return it to the main camp before our next journey here. Good day," Ms. Brown says before stepping through back to the school.

Soon enough everyone is ready and heads back too. You see Ms. Brown step out to the hall was you get up on the stage, "I don't get why she is so up tight about this stuff, but then the first to leave," Zoey says as you and Martin pack away your gear.

Martin shrugs, "Teachers have to do grading. She probably teaches stuff besides study hall."

>Should you all talk to her about being a loose cannon?
>She is a busy person with her own life
>You should get going, you are beat
>Do either of them want to hang out sometime?
>Write-In

>>1683762
>>Should you all talk to her about being a loose cannon?
>Do either of them want to hang out sometime?
One then the other

>>1683762
>>Should you all talk to her about being a loose cannon?
>Do either of them want to hang out sometime?

>>1683762
>>Should you all talk to her about being a loose cannon?

You're off the case, Brown! Turn in your badge and gun, you're suspended!

[Writing]

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You cough to get the other's attention, "So is Ms. Brown a loose cannon to anyone else?"

"Are we talking about her starting a fire in a forest or her leaping over a pit of lava or something else farther back?" Martin asks

"That fight with the Chief had you doing some weird stuff too," Zoey points out.

Martin steps to your defense, "The dagger was what it used to stab people so getting it was important. The ball thing was kinda weird though."

"I guess. Ms. Brown does do that kind of stuff more though," Zoey admits.

"I'm thinking we should bring it up. Not just for our sake, but hers too," you say as you pack the gas mask away.

"Yeah. We need to make sure this is taken care of before something really bad happens," Martin agrees.

Zoey nods along, "So long as she doesn't freak out again like last time."

"Also would either of you wanna hang out sometime? We can't do this everyday," you ask the others as you head in the headway to the parking lot.

"Yeah man, I managed to convince my Mom to not call me up suddenly anymore," Martin says with a thumbs up.

"For lunch or something? Sure. But if we are going to the movies I choose," Zoey says as you get outside.

The others head to their cars and drive off as you get on your bike. Today was the most painful day in The Rift for sure, so you head straight home. At least you made it to the weekend, no more school for a few days. When you pull up home Carson isn't home which isn't too unusual, but he didn't text you or leave a note from a quick look.

>Call him to make sure everything is alright
>Just make an easy dinner and watch TV
>Practice that chicken recipe Carson taught you
>Grab a quick meal and pass out, you want to start early tomorrow
>Write-In

>>1683940
>>Call him to make sure everything is alright

>>1683940
>Call him to make sure everything is alright

>>1683940
>Call him to make sure everything is alright

>>1683940
>chicken

I feel like chicken tonight, like chicken tonight, chicken tonight!

>>1683940
Call him to make sure everything is alright.

[Writing]

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Normally your great uncle at least gives information as to what he is doing. You take out your phone and call him, but he doesn't answer. Worry takes hold and you call again, but when the call is answered it isn't Carson.

The voice is a man and there is a lot of noise in the background, "Hello? Is this Carson's nephew? Hey Carson it's that kid!"

The line is silent for a few seconds before the voice comes back, "Listen. Carson is busy with a community meeting. I'll let him know you called though."

Before you can ask anything the line hangs up, why does everyone seem to not give you the chance to talk back or ask questions? Well at least nothing bad happened to Carson, kinda weird how everyone calls him that.

You turn the TV on and head to the kitchen for dinner. From what you hear protesters for animal rights are starting to shame people going to pet stores or restaurants with large meat menus.

>Try cooking something yourself, what is the worst that could happen?
>Chat with someone as you watch TV (Who?)
>Make something easy and head to bed
>Go to the Velvet Room after dinner
>Write-In

>>1684088
>why does everyone seem to not give you the chance to talk back or ask questions?

Because we're supposed to be a silent protagonist. It's not their fault we keep trying to talk.

>>1684088
>Try cooking something yourself, what is the worst that could happen?
>Go to the Velvet Room after dinner

>>1684088
>Try cooking something yourself, what is the worst that could happen?
>Go to the Velvet Room after dinner

Need to upgrade.

>>1684088
>>Try cooking something yourself, what is the worst that could happen?

>>1684088
>Chat with someone as you watch TV (Who?)
>See who is open.
Gotta upgrade dem social linkkssss

[Writing]

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How hard can it be to make your own chicken? You just have to make that breading, cut the chicken, then put it in the oven. Then you realize you don't remember what exactly went into that breading.

You look into the spice cabinet and do your best guessing on what he mixed with the breading. Thankfully you know how to handle a knife, so you don't come close to cutting yourself. After you pop it in the oven and wait it out, you have a plate of breaded chicken bites.

The taste isn't what you could call good, but it is a learning experience. Your TECHNIQUE has certainly improved. After washing the taste away with some fruit juice you take a cup of water and walk into the backyard.

From what you remember all you needed was a pool of water with the sky in it's reflection, so this should work. You pour out the water, but nothing happens. You focus harder on the puddle, thinking of the Velvet room.

Then you notice a blue butterfly fly out of the puddle. As you think about how strange that is everything shifts. Suddenly you are back on the bench with Igor and Abigail sitting across the room from you. "Welcome back James," Igor says in that unnerving voice of his.

Igor motions around to the Velvet Room as you stand up, "Whatever it is you need we shall help. Abigail can help you fuse or retrieve any Persona from your archive. I'm here for whatever questions I can answer."

>You would like to check out your old Personas
>Fusion sounds good, you need to get stronger
>You just want to talk (With who?)
>Where is Atticus?
>Write-In

>>1684297
>Fusion sounds good, you need to get stronger

>>1684297
>Where is Atticus?

>>1684297
>>Fusion sounds good, you need to get stronger
>Where is Atticus?

[Writing]

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"I'm here to fuse Personas, but where is Atticus?" you ask as you look around the blue tinted observatory.

Your bird like Persona fades beside you, "I wasn't sure if you wished to discuss anything or not. Have no fear, I can't abandon you."

You sigh in relief before looking back to Abigail. The girl is still absorbed in her book, but Igor snaps her out of it by snapping in front of her face, "Fusion, right! Over here please."

She holds the book tight to her chest and leads you back over to the printing press. "May I see what Persona you have recruited please?"

The book appears in your hand with the slightest focus and you open it for her. Abigail hums as she reads it, "Only two more I see. Well those two may be fused to create Lycaon of Arcadia. Lycaon is of the Emperor Arcana with a focus on speed and physical power."

"Aah Lycaon. Original werewolf, killer of kin, and the maker of the Panathenaic Games," Atticus chimes in.

As you think it over you hear Abigail grumble, "At this rate I'll never get to have all the books to choose from again..."

>Fuse Lycaon
>You will stick with Alp and Valkyrie
>Does she have any suggestions for filling her request?
>What does Abigail think of Igor?
>Write-In

>>1684419
>What does Abigail think of Igor?
>Fuse lyacon

>>1684419
>>Does she have any suggestions for filling her request?
>Fuse Lycaon

>>1684447
>Supporting

[Roll me some d4s]

Rolled 1 (1d4)

>>1684494
I have a bad feeling about this

Rolled 1 (1d4)

>>1684501
It's probably just what skill gets randomly inherited.

Rolled 1 (1d4)

>>1684494

[Writing]

Well in that case we ingerited those skills pretty hard

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You look down at the pages of your book and nod, "I'll fuse Lycaon."

Abigail smiles, holding out a hand. It takes you a second to rip out the pages and hand them over. Abigail quickly inserts the pages and cranks the machine, pressing the pages together. A singular page comes out the end, with a paw print on it.

When you take up the page a figure appears before you. It is large gray wolf with a blood stained muzzle. The wolf has disconnected manacles on each of it's paws with golden knife sticking out of it's back. "Grrr..."

The page neatly slips back into the book. Abigail wipes some sweat off her forehead from cranking, but before she gets back to her book you ask her a question, "Do you have any suggestions for fulfilling your request?"

"I don't know exactly how things go out there, just get more Personas and fuse them together. It can't be that hard," she says with an annoyed look.

"Alright. I'll keep working on it," you assure her.

Both of you walk over to the main desk, Abigail returning to her reading. Igor sets down his cup, "Is that all for this visit, James?"

>Can he explain what that blue butterfly was?
>You would like to withdraw archive Personas
>What does he know about Shadows?
>Yes. You are ready to pass out now.
>Write-In

>>1684580
>>Write-In
So babe, you come here often?


>Yeah, that's about it.
OUR GRIT IS LEVELED UP I HAD TO TEST IT SOMEHOW

>>1684580
>Can he explain what that blue butterfly was?
>What does he know about Shadows?

[Writing]

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"Can you explain what that blue butterfly?" you ask, remembering it shining faintly.

Igor chuckles before replying, "Oh that is just an observer, nothing more."

That doesn't answer your question, not like you expected a straight answer."Well what do you know about Shadows?"

"They are what you aren't, to put it simply. Everyone has a Shadow, but only ones who enter "The Rift" or are pulled in are effected by their Shadows," He explains before taking another sip from his cup.

You rest an arm on the desk and look into Igor's eyes, "So, come here often?"

The old man smiles at you, "Perhaps you were the Fool all along."

"Okay I'm ready to go back," You say as you stand up straight. Something about his eyes made you choke back some.

"We await your next visit," Igor says with a wave.

Everything goes black, then slowly fades back in. You are in the backyard still, when you go in Carson still isn't home. According to the clock only a few... seconds passed. Strange, but you need to sleep.

As you get ready for bed you notice something in the mirror, the sore spot has a small bruise on it. The way injuries carry over seems inconsistent, or you just aren't noticing something. Your dreams are mostly peaceful, but you swear something is always in the corner of your eye.

>9/16 > 9/17
7 Days until Mass Assemblies

When you wake up the next day you smell something cooking in the kitchen. Saturday means you have the whole day to do what you want, but what is that?

>Have a relaxing breakfast with your Great Uncle
>Go out early for a jog
>Try to do some morning shopping
>Contact the group to head to The Rift today
>Write-In
[Final vote for tonight. Sorry for the shorter run, but I'm fading fast.]

>>1684829
>>Have a relaxing breakfast with your Great Uncle

>>1684829
>>Have a relaxing breakfast with your Great Uncle
>>Go out early for a jog
Eat then jog

>>1684829
>>Have a relaxing breakfast with your Great Uncle
>Contact the group to head to The Rift today

>>1684829
>Contact the group to head to The Rift today

>>1684840
We can't go every day to the rift..Lets just relax

[Thanks for playing folks. Thread continues Friday at 6pm EST.]

>>1684945
We got 7 days until the deadline and only one of the two gem daggers to open the stone door. I think a bit of haste is in order.

Rolled 700, 504, 61, 535, 539, 911, 879, 101, 626, 397 = 5253 (10d1000)

Rollin Testin

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As you climb out of bed you shoot the others a text about going into The Rift today. But that isn't what you are focusing on, the delicious smell from the kitchen is. After rushing through your morning routine you walk to the kitchen where your Great Uncle is fixing some pancakes. He flips another cake before noticing you walking in, "Ah, morning James. Just fixing up some breakfast."

"Yeah I could smell it from my room. Smells great," you say as you set the table.

Carson stacks a pair of pancakes on each plate while you grab the syrup and something to drink. "So where are you running off to this morning?" he asks as you sit across from him.

"Nowhere. I just want to have a nice breakfast with you," you reply with a smile.

Your Great Uncle chuckles before starting to eat. The syrup is in an unmarked bottle, probably another gift from someone. When you look up from your pancakes Carson is speaking again, "I'm sorry about coming home so late last night. There was an incident on the road that I had to help with."

Possibilities fill your head, but you calm yourself. Carson looks just fine, "An incident on the road?"

"Some young woman had hit a deer. Normally the deer will just runoff, but this one was in bad shape. I'll spare you the details, but there wasn't any saving it. While the girl waited for a tow truck I dragged the poor creature back into the woods and took care of it," Carson says with a dim expression.

>Took care of it?
>That must have been hard on him.
>You would have done the same thing.
>So what happened to the woman?
>Man these pancakes are really good.
>Write-In

>>1689642
>That must have been hard on him.
>You would have done the same thing.

[Writing]

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"That must have been hard to do," you can only imagine how painful it would be to drag a dying deer to the side of the road at night.

Carson waves it off, "The woman obviously needed help, so I did what I could. With the deer taken care of she was able to calm down while she waited."

"I would have done the same thing if I was in your shoes," You say after finishing the last bite of pancake.

"Not to be rude, but I felt like you would say that. We have a few things in common like that I suppose," your Great Uncle says with a smile.

The two of you get to washing dishes after clearing the table. When you are done Carson hums, "You are welcome to come with me to service again tomorrow."

You look down at your watch and see everyone should be good during the afternoon. Ms. Brown even suggest going to a jeweler to cash in the gem from the Fire Giver.

With only $76 to your name some extra money would be nice. You have all morning before everyone can even be ready though, so what to do?

>Try to go to the jeweler with Ms. Brown
>Ride your bike around and find a place to jog
>Stay at home and talk with Carson more
>Go to the smaller shopping plaza
>Head downtown to find a store
>Write-In

>>1689742
>Try to go to the jeweler with Ms. Brown

>>1689742
>>Try to go to the jeweler with Ms. Brown

[Writing]

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Going to the jeweler with Ms. Brown sounds like a good idea. You text Ms. Brown where the jeweler is and when to be there, which she responds with almost instantly. Thankfully the internet provides directions so you can bike there on your own.

You head and hop on your bike, if you use the directions from your phone you should get there with a few minutes to spare. The early weekend roads are quiet as you ride off. Even as you ride over the highway it looks less busy that normal. Downtown is still bustling, but you are able to make your way through easy enough. The sun is starting to peak as you finally reach the jeweler, only a few cars parked out front.

As you find a place to set your bike you hear the familiar sound of an engine coming to a stop beside you. The biker takes off their helmet, unsurprisingly turning out to be Ms. Brown. Her outfit is different from normal though, a leather jacket with jeans. "Good morning James, good weather we're having isn't it?"

"Yeah. Looks like they are open, so I'm ready to go in whenever you are M-" before you can finish, Ms. Brown puts a finger to her mouth.

Ms. Brown drops her hand back to her side once you stop, "Just call me Trish, alright? It would be a little weird for you to call me by my last name like that in public."

"Okay, Trish. I'm ready to go in when you are," it feels weird calling a teacher by her first name.

Ms. Brown, Trish, leads the way inside. The interior of the jeweler is very well kept and you can make out all kinds of shining accessories just from the entrance. A sharp dressed man walks over to intercept you two before going any further, "What can I help you two with?"

>Let "Trish" take the lead
>You are just here to look around
>There is a family heirloom you want to sell
>Does this store buy gemstones?
>Write-In

[Sorry for the delay there, had to take care of something.]

>>1689900
>>Let "Trish" take the lead

>>1689900
>Does this store buy gemstones?

>>1689900
>Let "Trish" take the lead

[Writing]

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Coming here was her plan, she knows what she is doing. You look over to Trish, "Why don't you tell the man?"

Trish quiet clears her throat, "You see a friend of mine just gave to this me for my birthday, but I don't think it fits any of my outfits. Can I sell this here?"

The man looks at her, then you, then the jewel, "I'll need you to come with me so I can take a closer look at it."

"Lead the way and thank you sir," she says with a smile.

You both follow the man to a counter where he holds a hand out. After Trish hands over the jewel the man takes out a small glass to inspect it. He hums and mumbles a few things you don't quite catch, a single bead of sweat rolls down the side of your head.

After a few more minutes of silently watching the man he sets the jewel down on the counter, "Well a sapphire of this quality is quite the find. We can take it off your hands and you can leave here with four hundred dollars."

Trish's eyes go wide at the number for such a small gem. You aren't sure about prices for gems, but that sounds good.

>Try to get some more out of this.
>Take the deal and get going.
>Let Trish take care of the dealings again.
>You can find a better deal somewhere else, probably.
>Write-In

>>1690060
>>Take the deal and get going.
Buuuut
>Let Trish take care of the dealings again.
Basically nudge her towards leaving

>>1690060
>>1690071
this

[Writing]

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You nod to Trish and motion with a hand where the man can't see it to get going. The woman looks back to the employee, "Oh that's great. Do we need to take care of anything first or can we just get the money and go?"

A small collection of papers are slid across the counter, "Just sign and read those while I check a few things then the money will be all yours."

Trish takes up the papers while the man takes the sapphire into a back room. "I'll get it on my card then bring an even share today so everyone gets one quarter," she says as she quickly reads it over.

Asking for four hundred bucks in cash probably would look fishy, so you just wait a few minutes. Glancing at the papers just gives you a look at line after line of legal jargon. As Trish finishes signing off the man walks back to the counter and looks them over. "Everything here seems to be in order, now please insert your card," he says motioning to the cash register.

Trish slides a card in and a few seconds later you are walking out, soon to be four hundred dollars richer. "Thanks for coming James. Having someone else around helps keep things relaxing."

"Not a problem. Thanks for taking care of the talking," you say as you hop on your bike.

"The others should be ready in another hour or so, anything you needed to say before we part for now?" she asks as she gets on her own bike.

>Can you keep calling her Trish not during school hours?
>Maybe she should relax about doing stuff on her own
>How is she holding up?
>You're good. Tell her you'll see her at the school later
>Write-In

>>1690222
>How is she holding up?

>>1690222
>How is she holding up?

>>1690222
>>How is she holding up?

>>1690222
>>Can you keep calling her Trish not during school hours?

[Writing]

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She seems to be doing much better than she was when you visited her. Asking can't hurt though, "How are you holding up?"

Ms. Brown puts her helmet on, but flips open the visor, "I'm doing just fine, but thanks for asking."

You adjust your bag so nothing important spills out, "Alright. Just remember I'm around if you need help."

"I won't let my personal life interfere with this again," She says before flipping the visor down.

Ms. Brown drives off on her motorcycle, probably to the bank. What she said before driving off has you slightly worried, but there isn't much you can do right now.

You should be able to swing by one store before heading to the school, there are plenty you can see or remember. There is also the option to just head to school early, but you wouldn't be able to get inside.

>Just get to the school early, don't risk being late
>Check out the sporting goods store
>Go to the Army Surplus & Coats
>Maybe the hardware store has something
>There is a big library and cafe to check out
>Write-In

>>1690410
>>There is a big library and cafe to check out
time to meet the qt shy girl that will be Zoey's direct waifu rival

harem shenanigans engaged

Maybe find a book on knots or some shit, knots are always handy.

>There is a big library and cafe to check out

>>1690423
I like the way you think

>>1690445
Thanks bud

>>1690410
>There is a big library and cafe to check out

>>1690410
>>There is a big library and cafe to check out

[Writing]

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Alice's Bookland was nice, but you could always use more books. The larger bookstore, "Books & More" is much bigger and even has a cafe from what you can see as you ride over. As you walk inside the place is already crawling with people.

There are probably books about any topic here, except maybe The Rift. The books are more expensive, but that is probably because they just have so many. Looking for a specific book will take a few minutes, so you sit in the cafe for now.

The cafe sits slightly raised and off to the side, giving you a view of the rest of the store. Magazines even line one of the walls for more reading material. A few topics stand out to you from what you remember, but as you get up to grab a book you bump into someone.

You look down at the person who is picking up the few books they dropped. When you bend down to help them you recognize the girl, Sam from Alice's.

When she looks at you her face takes a red tint, "O-Oh hey James. I'm just here for school books, yah know? I should just grab these and get going."

Picking up one of the books out of her reach you see a teenage boy and girl on the cover, "A Magical Time". Sam takes the book from you before you can read anything else, "Umm, thanks"

>What kind of school books are those?
>Apologize for bumping into her
>How are things going with her?
>Couldn't she get books from her store?
>Write-In

>>1690620
>>What kind of school books are those?
>How are things going with her?

>>1690620
>Apologize for bumping into her
>How are things going with her?

[Writing]

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The two of you stand up as you hand her the final book, "Sorry about that."

"Oh its my fault. I wasn't watching where I was going," She says as she stuffs the books into a bag.

"What kind of school books are those by the way?" You ask looking down at her bag.

As you look back up at Sam she turns her face away, "They're umm... you got me. I'm just tired of reading the same books over and over again. This place has so many more books that are different"

"Hey its fine, people read the books they want. How are things going on your end?"

"Okay I guess. People have been acting weird at school though," she says turning back to you.

You try to keep your eyes from bugging out, "Do you go to East Ridge High too?"

"Yeah. I think I've seen you from the library a few times, not that I've been watching you, I watch everyone. Can you just forget that actually? Umm, what kind of book are you here for?"

"I've got a few I'm looking at," You say, confused at her rapid topic changing.

Sam nods to herself quickly before turning back to you, "Let me help you with them, as an apology for bumping into you."

$76

>Thanks, but she can go.
>You appreciate the help.
>Maybe chat with her about what books she likes while she helps
---
>$15.101 Knots and How to Tie Them
>$15. That magical adventure novel you saw of hers
>$25. The History of The United States of America
>$10. Killinggrounds-Six

>>1690888
>>Maybe chat with her about what books she likes while she helps
>$15.101 Knots and How to Tie Them
>$15. That magical adventure novel you saw of hers
Social link hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

>>1690888
>>Maybe chat with her about what books she likes while she helps

>$15.101 Knots and How to Tie Them
>$25. The History of The United States of America

[I'll start writing, but votes about books are still welcome.]

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"Alright sure. I was looking at one of the outdoors books for learning knots, just seemed useful," You say with a grin.

"Follow me then," she says with a giggle before leading the way down the cafe steps.

Sam seems to know this place pretty well, zeroing in on the outdoors books like a bloodhound. Or maybe it was the obvious signs, the gesture was nice. "So what kind of books do you like?" You ask as you pick up the book.

Her face lights up, "Oh I like mostly fantasy novels! All the books we have to read for school are so boring and dreary."

The two of you start to walk to the front counter, "Well thanks for the help. Do you have a favorite book?"

A moment passes before Sam answers, "Hmm... I don't think so. There are just so many that I couldn't choose a favorite."

You go through the line first at Sam's insistence, ringing up the book quickly. She takes a minute due to her small pile, but walks over to you at the front door. "Thanks for talking and hanging out and stuff."

$51

"It's no problem," you say with a thumbs up.

Sam sticks a bookmark in your hand before running off and mentioning something about her shift. On the bookmark is a phone number written. As you enter what you are certain is Sam's number a voice echos in your head.

I am thou, thou art I...
Thou hast forged a new union

Together thou shall open the way
that leads to a better tomorrow

With aid from the Sun Arcana,
support and loyalty shall follow.

When you are done you hope on your bike, that look longer than you thought. The roads are getting busy now, but the way across the highway bridge isn't too bad yet. When you finally get to the school in sight you see Zoey and Martin in their cars.

"Hey man! Why are you coming from that way?" Martin asks as you come to a stop.

"Just had something to take care of. So how is everyone feeling?"

Zoey hops out of her car before putting the hood back up, "I'm fine, but are we still going to talk to Ms. Brown?"

>You should forget that for today
>Yes. Just make it clear you are worried about her.
>Let the others tell her what they have on their mind
>Maybe take it easy on her, she is dealing with some hard times
>Write-In

>>1691105
>Let the others tell her what they have on their mind
but
>Maybe take it easy on her, she is dealing with some hard times

>>1691105
>>Let the others tell her what they have on their mind
>Yes. Just make it clear you are worried about her.

[This vote is a little more important, so going to give it an extra few minutes.]

>>1691160
Back this.

[Writing]

File: Ms.Brown.png (278 KB, 371x480)

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"Yeah, but let's make it clear we are worried about her. We can all tell her what is on our minds and that, right?"

"Sounds good to me," Martin says as he gets out of his car too.

Zoey kind of shrugs and nods at the same time, you think that means she agrees. The three start to walk to the door as Ms. Brown pulls up in her motorcycle. She quickly takes her helmet off and walks over, "Before we go in there is something to take care of."

The woman takes out a wad of cash, splitting it up and handing each of you a part of it, "That is three hundred split three ways for you all and one hundred for myself. The gem should help us stay prepared in the future."

You and Zoey put the money away while Martin is stunned. As Ms. Brown opens the door for everyone he snaps out of it and puts it away too. The inside of the school is silent, not even any janitors were parked outside. Ms. Brown opens the backstage door, but before she can get to the costume closet you put a hand on her shoulder, "James?" she asks.

"There was something we needed to talk to you about before going in The Rift today," you say, motioning to the others.

"Well was it is? We don't have all day," she says as she crosses her arms.

Martin walks up next to you, "You can't just keep doing these risky things without telling us what they are! What if it gets you seriously hurt? Or someone else hurt?"

Ms. Brown shakes her head, "In combat there isn't enough time to explain sudden plans. Also if I execute them after telling you the enemy may hear us."

"If you think we will slow you down so much then why do you come with us anyways?" Zoey asks.

"I don't think that! And I need to keep you all safe," Ms. Brown nearly yells, her face getting red.

"What if one of your plans blows up in your face? Who is going to save you!?" Martin asks, his voice raising too.

>You are just worried about her getting hurt.
>Everyone just calm down, this doesn't need to be a shouting match
>When she is in there she isn't a teacher, she is one of the group
>Just stop the crazy plans unless you elect someone to be in charge of crazy plans
>Write-In
[Final vote of the night. Continue Saturday at 1pm EST.]

>>1691419
>>You are just worried about her getting hurt.
>When she is in there she isn't a teacher, she is one of the group

>>1691419
>You are just worried about her getting hurt.
>Everyone just calm down, this doesn't need to be a shouting match
>When she is in there she isn't a teacher, she is one of the group

>>1691676
This

[Sorry for the slight delay, something came up. First post will be soon though.]

>>1691419
>>>You are just worried about her getting hurt.
>>When she is in there she isn't a teacher, she is one of the group

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"Everyone just calm down. We don't need a shouting match," you pause to turn to Ms. Brown, "We are worried you getting hurt and us not being in a place to help you."

Ms. Brown sighs and lowers her voice, "I understand that, but as a teacher-"

You cut her off, "When you are in The Rift you aren't a teacher, you're one of the group."

"What he said. We can handle ourselves as well as you can in a fight in there," Zoey adds.

"Okay, I understand. I'll try my best to communicate my plans better. In that case I would prefer if you called me by name in The Rift, it will help me stay out of the teacher mindset," Ms. B- Trish says.

Martin rubs the back of his neck, "Your name? What was it again?"

"Trish, it should be easy to remember," she says before going back to the costume closet.

"Well you two get ready. I know she doesn't take long," Zoey says walking over to the catwalk.

You and Martin get your equipment on and, you guess, Trish comes out soon after. One by one you all drop into The Rift to reach camp. As everyone grabs their weapons Martin looks at his phone, "I'm not really sure where in the swamp that other village might be. My best guess would be to the eastern side of it."

>Then that is where you are going
>You should check out the Stone Door first
>Just head straight down to the swamp for now
>Take your time going there, keep an eye out for some Shadows to fight
>Write-In

>>1693292
>>Then that is where you are going

>>1693292
>>Then that is where you are going
>>You should check out the Stone Door first

>>1693292

>Then that is where you are going
>You should check out the Stone Door first

[Writing]

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"Then we should head there, but I want to check out the stone door first," you say looking down at the jeweled dagger on your belt.

Martin nods and puts his phone away, "Oh right. We can pop out that gem and see if it fits in the door."

"I'll lead the way if nobody minds then?" Ms. Brown asks.

The rest of you nod in agreement and set off for the door. A slight detour from the swamp, but it won't cost too much time. The way is fairly cleared at this point, meaning it doesn't take you much time at all to get there. Surprisingly there aren't any Shadows on the way or guarding the door either. Zoey and Trish are scanning the bushes for an ambush again as you take the dagger out. You swear the small green gem in the pommel has started to glow, but it's too faint to tell.

Zoey takes up a place by the bridge looking over the cliff while Trish is pacing near the bushes on your side of the bridge. Martin and you both look to the door, "So do you need help getting that gem out?"

You haven't actually tried getting the gem out yet. "Let's see if I do," you say raising the dagger up.

Just pushing the gem out doesn't do it, so you smack one side to try and make it come out. The gem actually pops out right into your hand from that. Everyone is watching as you hold the gem up to the socket below the mountain, the two matching up perfectly, the gem clearly starting to glow brighter now. Martin also has his phone out and you think is recording this.

>Put it the gem back for now, Shadows may not bleed without it and you still have another gem to get
>Slide the gem into the stone door's socket
>Pocket the gem for now, keep it extra safe.
>Write-In

>>1693368
>Slide the gem into the stone door's socket
>if it doesent work slide it out, and return to it...we got a job to do..

>>1693368
>>Slide the gem into the stone door's socket

>>1693368
>>Slide the gem into the stone door's socket

[Writing]

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"Here goes nothing," you think to yourself.

As you move the gem closer to the socket it gets brighter. Using one hand to shield your eyes from the light you line the gem up and push it in, the light getting blinding. Once the gem finally slides into a hole the light starts to die down. "Fuck my eyes," Zoey grumbles loudly.

Looking at the door you see the gem staying in place, the door unmoving. "Well I was hoping there would be some opening for us to get in, and of course! Footage doesn't work because of the light," Martin says with a sigh.

Trish walks up to the door and tries to pull the gem out, "Hey what are you doing!?" Martin asks.

"Sorry. I was just making sure a Shadow couldn't come up and steal the gem away," She says, stepping away.

You rubs your eyes to get a few spots out of your vision, "Well that is one gem down, one to go. Everyone ready for the swamp?"

Martin grins and points to his feet, "Yep, I got these new boots and everything."

"Make sure you don't sink into the mud," Trish says as heads across the bridge.

"Or get water stuck in them, then it is even worse to get out," Zoey adds.

You give Martin and shrug as you pull your gas mask down. With everyone ready to head South you just need to keep an eye out for Shadows. Odds are if there is a village it will be more populated like the mountains were.

>Head straight to the part of the swamp Martin thinks a village might be
>Try going the long way through the swamp to see what the Shadows are like
>Be careful and sneak to the possible location
>Go check out the clearing in the eastern swamp
>Write-In

>>1693461
>>Head straight to the part of the swamp Martin thinks a village might be
Got to go fest

[Writing]

File: WelcometotheJungle.jpg (156 KB, 894x894)

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You look over at Martin's phone to get a general sense of direction, "We don't have time to waste, let's go straight there."

"Follow me then," Trish says as she starts to clear a path.

Taking a new route through the jungle is a pain, but it needs to be done. As you get further south the ground gets softer and you notice more streams flowing. Even through the canopy you are able to use the walls surrounding everything to keep a sense of direction.

"Hey, do you all hear that?" Zoey raises her voice from a whisper to ask.

Everyone stops, but you don't hear anything. "Hear what?" Martin asks.

Zoey starts to look around, "Exactly, we can't hear water running from streams anymore."

She has a good point. Even when you couldn't see the streams you could hear them, now it is nothing. Trish shakes her head, "We should keep moving to the village, they may even have a primitive dam."

"It might also be our chance to take out strong Shadows," Martin suggests.

>Ms. B- Trish is right. You can't get distracted
>Searching around can't hurt. You haven't run into any Shadows yet.
>Maybe take a break here and just wait a few minutes
>Splitting up might be a good idea, just don't get into fights (Who with who?)
>Write-In

>>1693517
>>Ms. B- Trish is right. You can't get distracted

>>1693517
>>Searching around can't hurt. You haven't run into any Shadows yet.
"Whats the worst that can happen??!??"

[Gonna need a tiebreaker for this one. Giving an extra 8 minutes before just rolling.]

>>1693520
This one

[Writing]

File: TikiShadow.png (1.45 MB, 855x1318)

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"Ms. B- I mean Trish is right. We can't get distracted when we are so close."

"Well I'll say I told you so if we get ambushed," Zoey says.

You roll your eyes and look back to Trish. She nods and starts to clear a path with the rest of you right behind. You still run into no Shadows as you reach the swamp proper. Martin grumbles some as he trudges through the water, but you can't make out what he says.

Trish holds up her walking stick and everyone comes to a stop. You quietly step into some brush with her where you see two Shadows smearing something on trees. It looks like some kind of purple gunk. The Shadows look like normal Tiki Shadows, but you can make out smiles painted on their masks. "We could just go around them," Trish whispers.

Martin and Zoey join the two of you in the reeds as the Shadows continue their work. "What is that stuff?" Martin asks.

"Can't tell from here. If we took them out we could look," Zoey says with a grin.

>Ambush them from the reeds, firing line style.
>Just go all out on them [Auto-Battle]
>Sneak around them to keep moving
>Have Atticus use a skill on one
>Write-In
[Sorry for the delay again.]

>>1693618
>>Ambush them from the reeds, firing line style.

>>1693618
>>Ambush them from the reeds, firing line style.
STAND AND DELIVER

[Give me your opening dice.]

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1693637
Fuck the Dice Gods

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>1693637

>>1693637
Yo thats some cool armor senpai

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1693637
oops...

[Writing]

File: TurtleDragon.jpg (58 KB, 489x762)

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You get your rifle ready and the others take the hint. All at once you fire on the Shadows. Sadly you only see two holes blow into the Shadows' armor, Martin and Zoey having both missed their shots.

Masks fly off as the Shadows change to their true forms. Both have the same shape, or two. A glowing UFO with a long necked turtle coming out of it, but a limbless dragon is wrapped around UFO shell. Zoey acts first, sending the stone raven, Nevermore to cleave into one of them.

"I know these ones! They are a Chinese myth called Genbu, careful of ice attacks!" Martin yells as High John zaps the other one, stunning it.

"It looks like they are weak to lighting too," Trish says before firing her gun into the one Zoey attacked to stay at range.

The one Genbu standing has their dragon head breath a blast at Trish, knocking her back against a tree.

James: HP: 100% SP: 100%
Trish : HP: 76% SP: 100%
Martin: HP: 100% SP: 95%
Zoey: HP: 95% SP: 100%

As you get ready to act the Genbu that was struck by Martin starts to move again, so you need to act fast.

>Have Atticus heal Trish, the others can handle them
>Go on the offensive with Atticus (Skill)
>Use your own gun or knife to attack one of them
>Try Lycaon out on these Shadows (Skill)
>Write-In

>>1693715
>>Have Atticus heal Trish, the others can handle them

>>1693715
>Have Atticus heal Trish, the others can handle them

[Give me the dice]

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1693739
No

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1693739

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1693739

[Writing]

File: Martin.jpg (21 KB, 500x375)

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"Atticus, help us out!" You call out.

He fades in behind you as flips through his book before coming to a stop. Trish is surrounded in a green light as she rights herself. "I got the other one Zoey!" Martin yells over to her.

"Fine, Nevermore! Finish them," she says, pointing to the Shadow that just has started to act again.

The Shadow is cleaved in two, melting away quickly. Before the other Shadow can act Martin summons High John, blasting and stunning the Shadow. Trish and you head over as Martin and Zoey keep the Shadow at gunpoint. "Go ahead and do your things James," Martin says.

You pull out your knife and look between the two heads of the Shadow. The two heads speak at the same time, giving it an odd voice, "I'm just following orders! You beat me, so now I'll follow yours."

This Shadow didn't seem too strong, but you remember what Abigail said about trying to recruit more to fulfill her request.

>Ask it for information
>Just finish it off
>Have it hand over whatever it owns
>Get it to sign your book
>Write-In

>>1693779
>Get it to sign your book

Better do them quests

[Writing]

File: SwampVillage.jpg (223 KB, 1064x750)

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With a thought you summon the book and pen in your hand. You open the book to a blank page, "I just need you to sign here. Then you work for me."

The dragon's mouth takes the pen as the turtle head speaks, "Deal. Just say when you need me boss."

Your new Persona fades away as you look at the book, GENBU. Zoey is already having Nevermore treat the rest of Trish's wounds when you dismiss the book. "If you're done with that are you ready to keep going?" Zoey asks.

"I'm good. Now let's find that village," you say confidently.

Martin falls in line quickly after studying the gunk, "Psst. That stuff is just paint."

Strange how the Shadows are painting trees, but nothing to stop for. Everyone quiety trudges through the swamp, trying to stick to land when possible. The sky is hardly giving light as you get into the deepest parts of the swamp, trees and the wall looming above. That is when you notice the lights in the distance.

As you get closer the group gets closer to the ground. Ahead you can make out shacks built into trees and the wall, along with what looks like buildings carved into large mushrooms. Shadows are casually walking through the swamp and carrying around large wooden buckets. The water up ahead also looks a strange color, some dark purple. "Well we were right," Martin whispers.

>Try scouting around the edge of the village
>Climb a tree to get a better count on the Shadows
>Make a distraction to draw a few Shadows over for an ambush
>Attempt to sneak in the village
>Write-In

>>1693867
>>Try scouting around the edge of the village

[Writing]

File: Smile.jpg (70 KB, 368x441)

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"Let's take a look around before doing anything risky," You whisper to the others.

"Sounds good, keep an eye out for their leader," Trish says before starting to creep ahead.

As a group you and the others make your way to one side of the village. To the western side you mostly spot homes and Shadows walking about. When you double back to the East you see a few interesting things.

From one of the large mushroom homes you can see a few students hanging in wooden cages, nobody you know. At the bottom of the mushroom building is also a large amount of the purple gunk you saw earlier. Shadows are gathering the substance in buckets. One Shadow stands out from the ones gathering, instead sitting in the open door of the hut and watching. The Shadow's skin looks to be covered in the purple goo, leaving only a few wood trinkets covering it.

"Drain them and paint the woods with them~! We can't get more until these ones run out, so hurry up!" they shout, then start to giggle.

"What did that thing just say?" Martin asks.

Before you reply you see the colorful Shadow drop down and take out an identical looking dagger to your own. The Shadow catches onto a cage and stabs the student inside, the pink substance draining out of them onto the ground below. "One more! One more! Another one joins us soon!" it chants, the wooden mask with a purple grin painted on.

"That thing is acting like this is a game!" Trish growls behind her mask.

>Try to cause a distraction to get to the prisoners and that Shadow
>Fall back some amount for now to form a plan
>Attempt to sneak into the Village further
>Write-In

>>1693988
>>Fall back some amount for now to form a plan
Slow and steady, now

>>1693988
>Lets sneak in, further but if were going to be caught. Lets be ready to whip out the personas. And start fighting at a moments notice...

[Going to need a tiebreaker]

>>1694023
Roll dice? And sorry op for it being a slow day today.

>>1694025
[I'll roll a die if the tie carries on for too long.]

>>1693988
>Fall back some amount for now to form a plan

[Writing]

File: ZoeyReach.jpg (20 KB, 235x393)

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You watch as the student in the cave slowly is being drained of color, their skin turning black. You can't stomach watching anymore, "We should get out of here for now."

"Yeah. That just looks like torture," Martin whispers.

Trish starts to back out and motions for you to follow, "Okay. I think I remember a clear spot."

"Are we really just backing out of this?" Zoey asks in an annoyed voice.

"Just to make a plan without having to worry about being spotted," you explain as the village and lights get more distant.

After walking for awhile you come to a part of the swamp with more dry land than the rest. Zoey takes a seat on the root while the others stay standing. Martin starts to talk and type away on his phone, "I didn't see anything besides the prisoner mushroom, but it looked like there were less Shadows too."

"So none of you noticed?" Zoey asks the group.

Trish crosses her arms, "Noticed what now?"

"That colorful Shadow saw us and was just watching us," Zoey says, looking you in the eye.

"What do you mean it saw us? Is it following us now?" Martin asks, starting to look over his shoulders.

"I mean what I said, but I don't think it is following. I just saw it look me in the eyes during our little scouting mission," Zoey explains.

"You think? We need to keep moving, now," Trish says, grabbing her walking stick from a tree.

>You trust Zoey on this, relax.
>Let's just go back to camp for now, that is safe.
>If it was following it would just attack already, you need a plan to free the prisoners
>What if you could lure the colorful Shadow out alone?
>Write-In
[Final vote of the thread. Thanks for playing folks.]

>>1694110
>>You trust Zoey on this, relax.
>What if you could lure the colorful Shadow out alone?

>>1694110
>>You trust Zoey on this, relax.
>What if you could lure the colorful Shadow out alone?

>>1694115
>>1694116
second

>>1694110
>>You trust Zoey on this, relax.

[There won't be a thread next Saturday the 29th, but I plan to make the thread up the next day.]

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>>1694913
[People cancel plans. We are moving on with our regularly scheduled quest.]

>>1709203
>>1709203
[New Thread]