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With the stone stairs leading to who knows where and already nearly dying once today, stopping for now sounds nice. "Good idea, let's take on whatever is up there fresh."

"One moment please," Trish says as she pulls out the game camera.

You relax with the others for a minute while she sets up the camera. It doesn't take long though, and soon you are on the long walk back to camp. As you walk by the dam wall you see Martin take a few pictures of it out of the corner of your eye. The way back is clear of Shadows, which you are thankful for. Trish rushes to the door back once you get to camp, "We can text for communication, but I have to go now. Sorry."

"Guess she is in a rush," Martin says with a shrug before stepping through as well. By the time you get back on stage Trish or Ms. Brown or whatever you are suppose to call her in the school is gone. When you look at your phone you understand why, it's almost 8 P.M. "Oh shit, I gotta run! See you two tomorrow!" Martin says, running out.

"Do you have anything you have to run off to?" Zoey asks as the two of you walk from backstage.

"I don't have anything I need to rush to," You say truthfully.

"Well how would you feel about grabbing a bite to eat? I know a quiet place we can get something," she suggest as you get outside.

You look over at your bike, but she seems ready for that, "You can just throw that in the back seat, my car can handle it."

>Sounds like a date, not that it is a date though.
>It is getting pretty late, maybe some other time
>Great, you're starving.
>Write-In

>>1740569
>>Great, you're starving.

That quality bait option is nice

James ain't no spaghetti spiller, though.

>>1740569
>>Sounds like a date, not that it is a date though.
Spill ALL the spaghetti

>>1740569
>Great, you're starving.
>Sounds like a date

[Writing]

>>1740569
>>Great, you're starving.

File: SunnyinBirchland.jpg (337 KB, 1600x815)

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"Sounds like a date, I'm starving," You say as you run over to grab your bike.

Zoey sighs, "If the others didn't run off I would have invited them too, but they lose out"

After loading your bike in the back of her convertible you buckle up. Zoey peels out of the school parking lot, the smell of rubber filling your nose. "Let's go!"

The wind is rushing through your hair as she drives downtown. "This place has great Italian, but nobody every goes there. It's a real shame," she practically yells to be heard with the wind.

You nod along, the wind meaning you'd have to almost yell to be heard. As the quiet street gives way to downtown traffic. Zoey rolls up the top of the car as you get stuck in the stop and go traffic. Instead of talking Zoey just turns on a pop music station, letting the radio fill the silence.

Eventually she pulls into a small restaurant you aren't even sure is open. "Come on, let's get in."

Following her in you see the name of the plain looking restaurant, "Italian Kitchen." Inside the place has low lighting and looks your typical Italian place out of a movie. Zoey walks past the front counter to a table, prompting you to follow. "This place here is seat yourself, a server will be here in a minute."

>How is she holding up with The Rift?
>Does she come here often?
>This place doesn't seem that great.
>Just wait for your food silently
>Write-In

>>1740740
>How is she holding up with The Rift?
>Does she come here often?

>>1740740
>>Does she come here often?
>How is she holding up with The Rift?

>>1740740
>Does she come here often?
Not a line, just curious.

>>1740740
>>Does she come here often?

[Writing]

File: ZoeyExtra.png (239 KB, 367x752)

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You rest your chin in a hand as you wait for a server, "So do you come here often?"

"I come here every once in awhile, the food is good and the place is quiet. And don't worry, I'm buying." Zoey replies, motioning around at the otherwise empty restaurant.

She's right, the place is empty. "So how are you holding up with The Rift?"

Zoey just shrugs as a server walks over to your table. The man places a menu in front of each of you, "Sorry for the wait. You two just say when you know what you want."

"I'll just have the usual Tony, Fettuccine Alfredo with a water." Zoey says as she hands back her menu already.

He doesn't have a name tag, Zoey must really come here often. "Right, and you sir? There is no rush."

As you look over the menu you hear the two of them whisper about something. When you are ready to order Zoey has an annoyed look on he face,

>You'll just have what she is having
>Get something nice, she said it was her treat
>Something not too expensive, but filling
>Just get a small dish for now
>Ask Zoey whats up when the waiter is gone
>Write-In

>>1740925
>You'll just have what she is having

>>1740925
>Something not too expensive, but filling
Pasketti and ballmeats

Wait

>>1740925
>Something not too expensive, but filling

>>1740925
>>Something not too expensive, but filling
>Ask Zoey whats up when the waiter is gone

[Writing]

File: ZoeyBored.png (106 KB, 316x278)

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"I'll just have spaghetti and meatballs with a water," you say as you hand the menu back over.

"Right, your drinks will be out shortly," Tony says before going off.

Zoey takes her phone out, starting to mess with it instead of talking more. With a huff she blows some hair out of her face. Tony brings both of your waters over, but Zoey ignores the nervous looking man.

You sip your water and end up waiting only a few minutes for your meal. Tony serves both of the plates and rushes off again. The spaghetti is good, but you are caught off guard by Zoey.

"The nerve some people have, jackasses," she grumbles as between eating.

"Hmm?" You ask, mouth full of food.

"Forget it. Let's just eat so we can get out of here," Zoey says with a tired expression.

>Seriously, who is a jackass?
>What did that waiter say to get her mad?
>Just let it go and keep eating
>She can vent to you if she wants.
>Write-In

>>1741062
>She can vent to you if she wants.

>>1741062
>>She can vent to you if she wants.
Friends listen to friends, after all

Also, James doesn't want to think he's really THAT bad of a conversationalist

>>1741062
>>She can vent to you if she wants.

[Writing]

File: P2Lovers.png (11 KB, 160x240)

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"You can vent to me if you want," You say before taking a sip of water.

Zoey rolls her eyes, "It isn't a big deal, Tony just said something stupid."

"Alright then. You were right though, this food is pretty good," You say to change the topic.

"Their spaghetti is alright, this is the real good stuff though," Zoey says before taking the final bite of her food.

"Guess I'll try it next time we come over here."

As you finish the last few bites of your meal Tony returns with the check which Zoey pays, not giving you a chance to cover part of it. Tony gives a wave as the two of you leave. Once back in the car you smile at Zoey, "Thanks for the meal."

Zoey waves a hand dismissively before pulling back onto the main road. "It's nothing, so you lived where again?"

You give her directions the church, she raises an eyebrow at that, but you tell her you can walk from there. With the moon high in the sky you finally get home. While you get your bike out Zoey whistles for your attention, "Thanks for coming James."

"No problem," you say before heading back to house.

On the way back you texted Carson, and he is already asleep for service tomorrow. Thinking back on the night while getting ready for bed you feel closer to Zoey.
Social Link Rank-Up!
Zoey gains the follow-up ability

>9/17 > 9/18
6 Days until Mass Assemblies

In the morning you find your Great Uncle is already gone to church. Tomorrow you have school again, but for now you have a full day to take advantage of. The question is what to do with it.

>You still have time to sit in on Carson's service
>Get on your bike and go shopping [Medical, Equipment, Books, Job Offers]
>Do some reading while you wake up
>Text the others to head to The Rift asap
>Write-In

>>1741222
>>You still have time to sit in on Carson's service

>>1741229
Second

>>1741222
>>You still have time to sit in on Carson's service

[Writing]

File: Frontyard.gif (233 KB, 1024x933)

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Throwing on your best button-up shirt you head to the church. There should be enough time left for you to catch your Great Uncle's service before it starts.

You manage to get a seat in one of the back pews as others are walking in. A girl around your age with blonde hair is standing by the donation dish. Carson doesn't seem to notice you as he starts the service.

A few people give you looks at being on your own as he starts, but soon all turn their attention to the front. Carson delivers a service about the importance of trust between people and how without trust people would never reach anything.

By the end you feel your SOUL has grown some. You know how important trust is, but your Great Uncle really knows how to make something simple a fundamental.

People mingle and chat after the service finishes, leaving you wondering what to do. You do notice Carson is talking to a young boy and what looks like his mother away from the crowd.

>Try to listen in on your Great Uncle
>Leave a few dollars in the donation and get going[How much?]
>Look for the girl around your age and try to chat
>Text the others about getting in The Rift
>Write-In

>>1741365
>>Look for the girl around your age and try to chat

>>1741365
>>Look for the girl around your age and try to chat
Social links are key.

>>1741365
>>Look for the girl around your age and try to chat

[Writing]

File: NatalieSmile.jpg (40 KB, 225x350)

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The girl by the donation dish must have been the assistant that was gone last week. You look around the main room, but don't see her. As you step out you almost bump into her. "Sorry," You say taking a step back

"Oh it's fine, I'm sorry for that. I was busy thinking about my day. Wait... I haven't seen you around here before. My name is Natalie, nice to meet you," She says putting a hand out.

You shake her hand and introduce yourself, "James Baker. I'm Carson's nephew."

Natalie smiles, "So you covered for me! I'm very sorry about last week, but my father's birthday was then and I didn't want to miss it."

"It was no problem, say do you go to East Ridge too?" You ask while stepping out of the way of the main door.

"Yep, junior year. I'm a little worried about this year though." She says, looking away.

"What do you mean?" Does this mean what you think it means?

Natalie twirls a bang with a finger "Well I'm doing lots of stuff outside of school, but that is normal. The weird thing is how hostile people are. I'm telling you it isn't usually this bad."

Well that confirms it, she must have missed The Rift somehow. "It was nice meeting you James, maybe we can talk more some time, but I need to go for now. Have a wonderful day!" Natalie says before heading back into the church proper.

She seems nice, but you have more important things to take care of. It is 10A.M and you still have things to do.

>See if the others are ready to meetup and go in if they are
>To the Velvet Room for Persona business
>Shopping! [Medical, Equipment, Books, Job Offers]
>Write-In

>>1741546
>>See if the others are ready to meetup and go in if they are

>>1741546
>>See if the others are ready to meetup and go in if they are
No time to waste

[Writing]

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You send a text to the others as you get your bag ready, asking if they are ready for The Rift. There isn't any time to waste with only six days left.

Checking on your phone a few minutes later you see everyone is good to go and set a meeting time. Hopping on your bike you get on the road to school. The others must all be getting ready, because you are the first person there. That isn't a good thing you realize when you see the school, covered in toilet paper.

There are a few cars in the parking lot, from your space on the road you can see a few janitors, the principle, and even a cop or two. You text the others, but they might not see it. This must have been done after you left last night, but now you need a new way of getting inside.

Instead of going to the school directly you pull into the empty pool down the road from it and text the others to join you there to plan. Soon enough the others all show up close to the same time. "Man, they really covered the place," Martin says looking at the school from down the road.

"Nobody at the school has the balls to do that," Zoey says plainly.

Trish shakes her head, "Maybe not normally, but what about those Shadows we saw painting trees?"

Martin sighs, "What really matters is how are we going to get inside? That place is probably crawling with people now."

"The school has many entrances, they can't possibly cover them all," Trish points out.

"What if we just walk in and say we are doing extra curricular stuff if we get caught?" Zoey asks.

"I'm not exactly the most well known teacher and don't actually teach a real class for any of you," Trish says.

>"Let's just calm down and try using another entrance, there has to be one they aren't at."
>You could try going up and asking about the situation and saying you were suppose to help with a charity thing for the Church
>Maybe someone could make a distraction to draw them away while the others sneak in
>If you dress up before going in even if they see a glimpse of you they won't know who you are. Zoey can just have a motorcycle helmet.
>Write-In

>>1741710
>>Maybe someone could make a distraction to draw them away while the others sneak in
I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE

>>1741710
>>Maybe someone could make a distraction to draw them away while the others sneak in

>>1741710
>>"Let's just calm down and try using another entrance, there has to be one they aren't at."

>>1741710
>"Let's just calm down and try using another entrance, there has to be one they aren't at."

[Another 8 minutes before rolling.]

>>1741710
>Maybe someone could make a distraction to draw them away while the others sneak in

>>1741710
>>"Let's just calm down and try using another entrance, there has to be one they aren't at."

Rolled 2 (1d2)

[Well 9 seconds is super close. So writing]

File: NobodyHome.jpg (84 KB, 500x375)

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You are tempted to try and make a distraction, but losing anyone following you would be too hard, "Let's just calm down and try using another entrance, there has to be one they aren't at."

"Just follow me like you do in The Rift, I know a few places that might work," Trish says, starting to walk down the road.

The rest of you follow, thankfully the school is just a few minutes down the road and nobody is driving by this time on Sunday morning. With the people on the opposite side of the school and all grouped around one of the hallway entrances, Trish leads the way to the cafeteria doors from the loop for buses. With the toilet paper covering most of the building there are a few places you can't see, but as far as you can tell the entrance is clear.

Trish carefully moves along the wall, then uses her card on the main door. Before you can get inside she ducks behind a pillar as you notice one of the cops walking into the cafeteria and talking on a radio.

You watch the cop from one of the bushes before the door and watch as they go into the library. Trish quickly opens the door again and you all run inside. The hallway looks clear, so without wasting a second you run down the hall to the backstage door. Zoey peeks her head in the door quickly and gives a thumbs up. You and Martin start to put on your equipment while Trish rushes to the costume closet. Zoey herself climbs up to the catwalk while she waits.

Then you hear the backstage door on the other side of the stage open. You need to hide, fast. Looking around there are a few options to try and go before you are spotted.

>Get behind some of the wooden flats by Martin
>Try and climb up to the Catwalk quickly
>Get behind the curtains and hide your feet
>Dive into the orchestra pit
>Run into the Costume Closet with Trish
>Write-In

>>1741940
Run into the Costume Closet with Trish

>>1741940
>>Dive into the orchestra pit
Shouldn't be any stands or anything while there's no production, is just a pit.

>>1741940
>>Dive into the orchestra pit

>>1741940
>>Dive into the orchestra pit

[Writing]

File: Thewayin.jpg (200 KB, 1500x631)

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Thinking fast, you lower yourself into the Orchestra pit and get against the wall. The others should all be fine, but this is risky. A minute passes, above you can hear a person walking. "Auditorium looks all clear, moving on."

When the other backstage door opens and closes you sigh in reflief and climb the stairs back up. "That was close," Martin says, wiping some sweat away.

"You're telling me. If he just looked up I would have been spotted," Zoey says from above.

Trish walks out of the costume closet and looks around, "Is something going on now?"

Martin starts up the ladder to the catwalk, "A cop walked by, but we didn't get spotted. Let's just get moving."

Soon everyone drops through The Rift into the camp, but something is off. Smoke is rising far in the distance, past the stone door. "Whatever that is it can't be good," Trish says as she hands out everyone's weapons.

"But that isn't why we are here. We just gotta get up those stairs and kick the ass of whatever is up there and fix this mess," Zoey says as she cracks her knuckles.

"Well it's on the way, so we can head there anyways," Martin points out.

With general agreement reached the group heads to the East, keeping a low profile. There are more Shadows than usual, a few of the bird ones flying above the canopy. As you round the dam wall you see it was torn down, but all the water is still flowing the other way thanks to logs being in the way. As you get to the stairs to take a seat and think out your next move, Trish gasp.

"The camera is gone! I put it right here on this tree and now it's vanished," She says as she paces.

>Search the area for that camera, it has to be somewhere.
>Forget the camera for now, get up those stairs.
>You should check out that smoke. The stairs aren't going anywhere.
>Write-In
[Final vote of the night. Tomorrow at 6pm EST is when we get to the meat.]

>>1742077
>>You should check out that smoke. The stairs aren't going anywhere.

>>1742077
>>You should check out that smoke. The stairs aren't going anywhere.

>>1742077
>Search the area for that camera, it has to be somewhere.
>>You should check out that smoke. The stairs aren't going anywhere.

[There will be a slight delay before the first post.]

File: Effigy.jpg (72 KB, 386x535)

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The smoke in the distance is giving you a bad feeling, "We should probably check that smoke out. The stairs aren't going anywhere," You suggest.

Zoey stares at you, but breaks off the stare to look over in the direction the smoke was. "Maybe whatever is doing that has the camera," Trish half mutters to herself.

"Things never are simple in here, are they?" Martin asks as you all start to walk again.

Walking through the jungle even further East is new, but it isn't too difficult. The smoke pillar reminds you of the village from the mountain, but you can't shake a feeling of unease. Trish brings the group to a stop a few times as Shadows head in the direction you are going. "I've got a bad feeling about this," Martin whispers.

As the smoke in the sky gets closer you start to hear screams and yells. Through the trees ahead you can see a bright light and the yells are getting louder. Finally as you get close enough you see it, a large burning person made of wood.

Shadows all around it are fighting and yelling, throwing the defeated onto the pyre. They still wear their mask, but just the sight of it is strange. Shadows come from the jungle and join in the brawl. "What the fuck?" Zoey asks in disbelief.

>Get in there and take care of the Shadows while they are weak, it should be easy even if there are more of them.
>Time to go back to the stairs.
>Look around and see if something is in charge of this.
>Intercept a Shadow on the way to try and get information and try not to get noticed too much.
>Write-In

>>1744017
>>Look around and see if something is in charge of this.

>>1744017
>>Look around and see if something is in charge of this.

>>1744017
>>Look around and see if something is in charge of this.
>Intercept a Shadow on the way to try and get information and try not to get noticed too much.

[Writing]

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It seems the Shadows are too distracted with the fiery brawl to notice you easily, this may be your chance. "Let's try and find some Shadow in charge of this," You whisper to the others.

"Let's all stick together," Martin whispers as you all start to sneak around the clearing.

But as you look through the crowd of Shadows you don't see any distinctive one. Every Shadow has another one that looks just like it. They all are just fighting and throwing losers onto the fire. "This is messed up," Trish says after you make a full circle.

Something you noticed is that the large wooden person isn't falling apart, like it isn't actually damaged by the fire. "What is causing this?" Martin asks everyone in a whisper.

"Maybe this is what they do without their leader?" Zoey suggests, not really sure either from her tone.

She might be right, but that wouldn't explain the Shadows wandering around before fully. Or maybe it would? Something is still rubbing you wrong about this, but that might just be the carnage and yells from the clearing getting to you.

>Forget this. Go back to the stairs and let the Shadows do this.
>What if you attacked the effigy?
>Could you take a weakened Shadow and easily interrogate them?
>Write-In

>>1744140
>>What if you attacked the effigy?
>Could you take a weakened Shadow and easily interrogate them?

>>1744140
>>Could you take a weakened Shadow and easily interrogate them?

>>1744140
>>What if you attacked the effigy?

[Gonna give it another 5 minutes for a tiebreaker]

Rolled 2 (1d2)

[Writing]

>>1744180
Retracting my vote to break the tie

>>1744140
>>Could you take a weakened Shadow and easily interrogate them?

File: Harpy.jpg (737 KB, 1820x2576)

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You remember the times you got information from Shadows before, it should work now. "Let's try grabbing a Shadow that is already weak and I can get info from them."

Zoey grins, "Sounds good to me."

Trish peaks her head out to the clearing, "Let's be careful we only grab one Shadow."

After a minute you find one Shadow away from the chaos, trying to not be seen. Zoey creeps up and grabs the Shadow while you pull it's mask off. Trish and Martin both hold it at gunpoint to stop it from doing anything risky. The Shadow's true form is that of a Harpy, great.

The birdlike Shadow looks at the group and shakes her head. "Die! Let me go to the fire!"

"Keep it down," Zoey says as she throws the Shadow to the ground.

"You! You talk! What want?", the Harpy spits at you. This personality is different from the last one.

>What is the deal with this Effigy?
>Why are they all fighting and burning each other?
>Who is in charge here?
>Write-In

>>1744286
>>What is the deal with this Effigy?
>>Why are they all fighting and burning each other?

>>1744286

>What is the deal with this Effigy?
>Why are they all fighting and burning each other?

[Writing. Might be a slight delay because dinner.]

File: MartinFedup.png (169 KB, 439x290)

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Time to find out what this is about, "What is the deal with this Effigy?"

Harpy almost hisses at you, "Free! Free from here!"

"Free?" Martin asks.

"Free from here! No pain! No feel!" Harpy cries.

"But why are you fighting and going in the fire?" You ask, trying to get another question before it probably melts away.

"Fire is freedom! But only weak can be free! The Shadow says, turning back to the flame.

This isn't getting you too much, "What does free mean?"

"No more, part of the winds again! Harpy cries before melting away.

"What was that all about?" Zoey asks, looking down at the puddle.

"Well whatever it is, the Shadows are returning to some kind of source I'm guessing," Trish says, putting her gun away.

Martin groans, "I wish stuff would stop being so cryptic all the time."

You are sharing Martin's thoughts right now, Igor coming to mind. Whatever their "source" is, it at least is keeping Shadows occupied. The yells are still continuing as Shadow after Shadow goes into the fire.

>Get back to the stairs and start going up.
>Try and blast away the Effigy, you don't like this.
>Take your time to search the way back for the camera.
>Write-In

>>1744410
>Try and blast away the Effigy, you don't like this.

>>1744410
>>Get back to the stairs and start going up.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

[If this is a 1 I'll need some rolls. On a 2, writing.]

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1742077
>>1744498

>>1744503
[d10s please.]

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1744498

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1744506
Yeah sorry sometimes i forget

>>1744512
[No problem. Also yeesh, writing.]

File: Omoikane.jpg (611 KB, 1980x2436)

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Something isn't right here, but you aren't sure exactly what. "I don't like the feeling of this whole burning thing. I say we blast this effigy away."

"I've got the same feeling, but I'm not sure how much I can blast that thing without just burning it more," Martin says.

"I'm in the same position as Martin. I will make sure any Shadows that realize we are here are taken of though," Trish says, taking her gun out again and making sure it is fully loaded.

Zoey puts a hand on your shoulder, "Guess it is just us attacking that thing. Let's take care of this then."

"Atticus!" "Nevermore!"

The two of you summon your Persona, a sphere of light and wave of darkness slamming into the effigy. But from what you can see the attacks didn't do anything. Instead a trio of Shadows turn to you and rip their mask off, "Protect our way out!, one yells.

Martin came up for names for some of these so its easier to know what they are. There is the brain-like Shadow, Omoikane. The demonic looking woman that nearly took you out before, Lilim. The final Shadow is one you know well, Valkyrie.

James: HP: 101% SP: 95%
Trish : HP: 100% SP: 100%
Martin: HP: 100% SP: 100%
Zoey: HP: 100% SP: 95%

Trish and Martin both open fire on the Valkyrie as it rushes towards the group and the other Shadows follow suite.

>Atticus can take out one of them [Skill and Target]
>Try out Lycaon or Genbu [Same as above]
>Just shoot at one of them before they are on top of you.
>Run away, if those three are attacking it is only a matter of time before more do.
>Write-In

>>1744604
>Just shoot at one of them before they are on top of you.

>>1744604
>>Just shoot at one of them before they are on top of you.

>>1744604
>Atticus can take out one of them
Musket Rush, Lilim

>>1744604
>>Atticus can take out one of them [Skill and Target]
Musket Rush, Lilim

Rolled 1 (1d2)

[Give me the d10s while I break this tie.]

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1744666

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1744666
Just for you Satan

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1744666

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1744666

[Writing]

File: Torch Bearer.jpg (111 KB, 600x848)

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You aren't going to let that Shadow take you out in one blow again. Quickly you unsling the bolt-action rifle and take aim. As the Shadows spread out for an attack you fire, nailing the demonic Shadow in the chest. The stunned Shadow is finished off by a shot in the head from Zoey, who has a wide grin.

Before you can give her a thanks, Valkyrie slashes at you with her blades. It's fast, but you dodge most of it and only have a minor scratch to worry about. Omoikane's many eyes glow as a strange colorful swirl hits Martin, but he shrugs off the attack.

"Over here, High John!" Martin shouts as he summons his Persona.

The robed Persona zaps the Shadow in front of you, taking it's attention away. Across the small clearing in the trees you can see Zoey and Trish have their Personas lay into the brain Shadow, but it is still standing.

James: HP: 90% SP: 95%
Trish : HP: 95% SP: 100%
Martin: HP: 90% SP: 95%
Zoey: HP: 95% SP: 95%

As you think of what to do, you see a pair Shadows start to run over. Both of them look to be what Martin called, Agni, the torch running Shadows.

>Keep up the attack with Atticus [Skill and Target]
>Changer Persona to Lycaon or Genbu [^]
>Go on the offensive on your own [^^]
>There are more Shadows around the fire than you can count, time to cut losses.
>Write-In

>>1744832
>>Keep up the attack with Atticus [Skill and Target]
Musket rush, omoikane

>>1744832
>>>Keep up the attack with Atticus [Skill and Target]
Musket rush, omoikane

[Roll it lads.]

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1744892

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1744892

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1744892
Hopefully not too late

File: FAT.png (782 KB, 792x616)

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>>1744983
Wait wait no I didn't make it in time don't use it

[Writing]

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Letting your rifle sling back down you point to Omoikane, "Atticus, take it out!"

"My pleasure", your well dressed Persona replies.

With one hand Atticus raises his rifle and fires, the Shadow melting away. Before the other can act you and Martin and engulfed in flame. While you are recovering from the blow you Martin struggling to put the fire out on his coat, "Fuck! Fuck! High John finish that on- fuck!"

High John blast the Valkyrie as Sacagawea follows up right after, burning it down. Martin struggles with his burning jacket and gets singed again.

"Just how many more are there?" Zoey asks as Nevermore stops one of the Agni with a wave of darkness.

As if to answer Zoey's question a pair of Pixies and a Sasquatch start to close in. "How much longer can we fight like this?" Trish asks, getting between Martin and the Shadow that burned him. You manage to finally get to your feet just as the Agni not stunned punches Trish. In response the Shadow gets zapped by High John, Martin burning up more.

Trish and Zoey gang up on the stunned Agni, both having their Persona rip into it. "Martin, just hang in here!" Trish yells.

James: HP: 60% SP: 95%
Trish : HP: 65% SP: 95%
Martin: HP: 70% SP: 85%
Zoey: HP: 90% SP: 90%

The other Shadows are about to be right on you and you remember Pixies had the ability to heal. From the clearing ahead you see even more Shadows are starting to notice you.

>Don't stop the offense, Atticus can do it. [Skill and Target]
>Swap out to either Lycaon or Genbu [Target and Skill]
>Support the others and let them handle the Shadows [As above]
>Focus on putting Martin out before he is burned more
>Cut your losses and get out of there while trying to get Martin out.
>Write-In

>>1745087
>>Focus on putting Martin out before he is burned more

>>1745087
>>Focus on putting Martin out before he is burned more

>>1745087
>>Focus on putting Martin out before he is burned more

[Just keep rolling.]

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1745170

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1745170

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1745170

[Writing]

File: MaskedBattered.jpg (215 KB, 754x1059)

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"I've got you Martin!" You yell as you run over to your burning friend.

Reaching into the flames you pull his jacket off stomp it into the ground, putting it out. There isn't time for him to catch his breath as the stunned Agni is healed by one of the Pixies. The other zaps Zoey with a small jolt while Trish is slammed into by the Sasquatch.

"That's it, Sacagawea!" Trish yells, pointing at one of the Pixies.

The small Shadow never stood a chance as it was ripped apart instantly. Zoey keeps the pressure on the Agni with another wave of darkness and Martin finishes it off with High John while he catches his breath.

James: HP: 60% SP: 95%
Trish : HP: 47% SP: 95%
Martin: HP: 70% SP: 80%
Zoey: HP: 75% SP: 85%

"How.. many... more?" Martin asks between breathes.

You take a look back at the clearing and see... a dozen various Shadows starting to walk towards you. "Maybe a dozen or more," You say after gulping.

"A dozen!?" Zoey asks, her eyes wide.

Trish is facing down the vine covered Shadow, but you can see her breathing is heavy. You aren't sure how much longer you all can keep this up.

>Stand and fight, you can do this. [Skill and Target]
>Lycaon or Genbu should get used, right? [Skill and Target]
>Time to leave, very fast.
>Heal Trish and get ready to take them on.
>Write-In

>>1745266
>>Stand and fight, you can do this. [Skill and Target]
heals for Trish

>>1745266
>Heal Trish and get ready to take them on.

>>1745266
>>Heal Trish and get ready to take them on.

[Roll and hope it is good.]

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1745323

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1745323

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1745323

[Writing.]

File: Alp.jpg (49 KB, 747x752)

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"We can take them on!" You yell to the others as Atticus heals Trish.

Martin gives you a concerned look, but the Shadows are closing in fast. A pair of Alp, an Agathion, another Agni, trio of Wisps, two more Valkyires, a Genbu, and two Harpies all burst through the brush to attack you along with the Sasquatch remaining.

With the Shadows flooding your small clearing you lose track of the others and are faced with three Shadows on your own. Alp, Wisp, and a Valkyrie.. At first you are slowed down by the Alp, then the Valkyrie slashes into you. Before you can recover too much the Wisp pulls something out of you, draining you.

James: HP: 39% SP: 80%

All around you is the sounds of fighting, but you are alone now. You can't make out what is happening to your friends, but you hear them fighting with everything they can. The burning heat from the fire is starting to get you where you are and you think the smoke is getting darker.

"Come on! Is that the best you got?" You hear Zoey yell from somewhere in the crowded space.

You're only one person and the others don't all have healing like you do. This will get messy fast.

>Fight on! [Skill and Target]
>Stay on the defensive, just avoid damage even while slowed.
>Try to find one of the others in the mess [Who?]
>Yell to the others to retreat and meet up at the stairs when they are safe.
>Write-In

>>1745482
>>Stay on the defensive, just avoid damage even while slowed.

>>1745482
>>Yell to the others to retreat and meet up at the stairs when they are safe.

>>1745482
>>Yell to the others to retreat and meet up at the stairs when they are safe.

[Roll me some dice.]

>>1745482
>You need to co-ordinate and group up. Head to one of the voices of your friend

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1745533

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1745533

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1745533

[Writing]

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

156 KB JPG

"Meet back at the stairs! For now just get somewhere safe!" You yell to the others.

"Stay safe James!" Martin yells from the crowd.

With your ability to move lowered you have to put more distance between you and the Shadows. Atticus launches a Kouha at the Alp, stunning it an giving you time to get cover between you and the others. "I'm not letting you get dragged down so easily, James."

You can hear the Shadows chasing after you, so you keep running. Ducking under vines, jumping over small streams, barely avoiding roots. Everything is a rush of green as you keep running. Eventually you take a chance to look behind you and see the Shadows are gone.

The world around you is silent except for your breathing, finally you are safe. The canopy above you is too thick to see above, but you remember running in the same direction... mostly. Ok, you are lost.

James: HP: 39% SP: 75%

How hard can it be to find your way back? All you have to do is find the wall or one of the others before too many Shadows get to you. From what you can tell you are somewhere to the more southern part of The Rift, but besides that you aren't too sure.

>Just go in one direction and keep at it.
>Try climbing a tree to get better barrings.
>Maybe if you go slow and call for the others they might be close by.
>Could you try texting the others?
>Write-In
[Final vote of the night. Thanks for playing folks. Tomorrow's thread will likely be late due to an infrequent meatspace ttrpg group.]

>>1745726
>>Could you try texting the others?
>Try climbing a tree to get better barrings.

>>1745726
>>Try climbing a tree to get better barrings.

[Thread will finish Tuesday at 6pm EST. Sorry for weird timing, but Wednesday we will hopefully be back on track.]

[Sorry folks. Family comes first, so new thread tomorrow.]

>>1757180
>>1757180
New Thread!