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>>2001847
You wait, politely, outside of the personal space of the group; nothing you want to say or do requires you to separate these people from a soothing voice. Eventually Cherry notices you (the flash of hostility in her eyes is tempered by something else that you don't quite place); at her subtle gesture behind the person she's helping, Dash and Crash approach and start leading people aside to speak to them in low tones.

Cherry approaches you, her tail bristling but her expression carefully neutral. "Thank you, for not interrupting," the Sage Escort says, with a touch of formality. "What do you want?"

"I don't want to be enemies, Cherry."

The fox woman snorts. "That might be a strong word for it, Warlock Knight."

"We're sisters in arms," you begin, only to get cut off by Cherry's raised hand.

"No we're not," the Sage Escort says. Her tone has an odd quality, like...like...you've heard this before - "Summer has the idea of faith and brotherhood, and more power to them, but Spring has never been that Court. Nor should we be. We don't field ranks, we gather into cliques."

"I'm trying to make amends."

"And now I'm trying to teach you a lesson. You don't just get to come up and apologize to me as if that makes things better between us, and yes, I realize you have not actually apologized. To be frank, I don't want you too. You shamed me in front of the people I was trying to help, and whether that was malice or incompetence, there's owed and owing on that, Eriksdotter."

Your hand strays towards Bifrost, but you set your palm on the hilt in a formal rest rather than grasping it. "That's unbelievably petty."

"You joined the wrong Court for grand gestures of emotional maturity. You have a strong Mantle. I can smell it on you, see the scatter of petals, hear the fresh Spring rains, but that doesn't make you a real Spring Courtier. You don't understand us and you haven't tried to, and now you come to me in the height of Summer, offering a Summer peace to a Spring conflict? No. I refuse."

> Fuck you then
> Walk away
> Then what does a Spring peace look like?
> Write-in?

>>2001869
> Then what does a Spring peace look like?

I think I might know already though. It looks like a party.

>>2001869
> Then what does a Spring peace look like?

>>2001869
>> Then what does a Spring peace look like?
>> Write-in?
> "I may not have tried to learn much, yet, but that's not because I don't /want/ to learn. Teach me. What does a Spring peace look like?"

>>2001869
Supporting.
>"I may not have tried to learn much, yet, but that's not because I don't /want/ to learn. Teach me. What does a Spring peace look like?"

>>2001869
>> Then what does a Spring peace look like?
with shades of

> "I may not have tried to learn much, yet, but that's not because I don't /want/ to learn. Teach me. What does a Spring peace look like?"

> Fuck you then.

Why are you guys supplicating this bitch? She can use this grovelling against us, make us lose face and support. Our star is on the rise and you're voting to get on our knees and beg her to teach us the ways of Spring? Ask Natalia or Ramona, they won't try to humiliate us.

>>2001869
> Then what does a Spring peace look like?
Happy those images work so well

>>2001918
"Ugh, you don't already know? Pathetic, you should have stayed in Summer, Warlock."

And then later, talking to others, she can truthfully tell them about how we grovelled before her after she figuratively spat in our face on the day of conclusion of our greatest triumph.

"Is that sort of weak, cowardly person you want handling intrigue? Is someone who'd roll over like that someone you'd want to have lead?"

Ask her guidance? Like this? She'll have the balls of our reputation in her hand.

I gotta hit work; I'm closing the store tonight. I'll update when I get home, or else tomorrow morning/evening.

In the meantime I'm available via phone for Q&A.

>>2002415
Sure. What happens to Lost who are seen as people who won't stand up for themselves?

>>2002427
Depends, honestly. Depends on a lot of things. Changeling society can be violent and unforgiving but it is still founded on principles of mutual cooperation and respect. There's a lot of cases of people who join Courts to learn how to stand up for themselves or because they desire what the Court has - strength, power, joy, safety.

Since I suspect you're asking in the context of Cherry, it should be noted that Spring is fractious and cliquish, with essentially no formal power structure and few positions of official responsibility. In a lot of ways, Colors is simply on her own here, except insofar as she can persuade others to stand with her.

>>2002486
So it really depends on what kind of friends we'd want. If we were to appear socially fragile, we'd get picked up by the mothers, but daughters wouldn't trust us to be strong enough to protect them.

And Colors wants to be respected and a protector...

>>2002197
> supplicating
> grovelling
> make us lose face and support
> get on our knees and beg
>>2002211
> grovelled
> spat in our face
> she'll have the balls of our reputation in her hand

First off, calm the balls down, this is literally her job. Getting people to think and act in a more spring-ish way has been her entire role as Sage Escort. Your insistence on agonizing over everything you perceive as a slight and your need to feel tough is exactly the sort of thing that isn't going to serve Colors well in the spring court. You know, the court of trying to live your life without agonizing over the past. Avoiding feelings of powerlessness by getting mad and lashing out is exactly the summer attitude that Cherry is talking about. You are proving her right.

Second, what reputation? We're both the Warlock Knight and already her rival. Rival status already means that people aligned with Cherry don't respect us, which is why the diplo penalty extends to them too. The people who would listen to her about us already don't like us.

I really don't know what to do with this obnoxious, furry pain in the ass.

For context, this is the entirety of the conversation we had with Cherry;

> "You," Cherry says. She's spotted you, and her eyes narrow in rage. She crosses the room and gets in your face, her voice a narrow hiss full of fury. "Was oath-breaking not enough? You have to patronize this, this mockery? These girls have been tricked and abused, Warlock Knight. What do you have to say for yourself?"
> "I am not here to patronize this place," you hiss in equally low tones. "I am here on the will and order of the reigning monarch and the royalty of the four Courts."
> The words 'a likely story' almost visibly leap to Cherry's tongue; you can taste the wrath sparking and leaping off of the Beast, whose ears flatten against her head, whose hair bristles like the fur it isn't, but prior experience clashes the Sage Escort's gears and keeps her quiet long enough for you to continue.
> Elementals are, for good reason, not known as consummate liars. And you are not the only person in this conversation rumored to have access to royalty.
> "One person from each Court has been assigned to investigate a rash of missing teens, Cherry. I am not here to take advantage of these girls. They are wholly irrelevant to my mission, unless any of them are the missing mortals. I came down here to try and ply people for information, but you've gone and ruined that."
> "Don't you go accusing me of interfering in Crown business as if you'd gone an announced yourself," Cherry snaps, her voice still soft enough not to carry, yet full of rage. You've seen Fancy do the same thing - she says it's a musician's trick. "I don't know where you get the gall."
> "I didn't mean -"
> "Save it," Cherry interrupts. "Are you going to interfere with my work here?"
> "Not purposefully," you tell her. "Possibly by indirect action or unintentional action. Those we're hunting are lairing here."
> "Fair," the fox-woman concedes. "...How may I assist the Crown?"
> "I don't suppose you know if this place has a basement?"
> "I do, and it does not," Cherry confirms. "The water table is high around here. They couldn't dig without drowning the entire first floor, which I rather imagine would both spoil the effect and make the Walrus And Carpenter display on the second a little redundant.
> "Is this a hotel or a tourist trap?" you ask, blinking.
> "It is an ongoing error of design and business choices sustained in its unholy life by the vicissitudes of fate and a hunger for magic," Cherry says flatly. "Now, if there is nothing else, I need to get back to work and I do not need you here for that."
> You open your mouth to protest that you hadn't meant it like that, and then you close it instead. Now is not the time. There might not be a time for awhile.
> You have gained a RIVAL.

>>2003283
We FREED the Changelings who were being used by Virgo and, by extension, Rainbow John (/How/ we did it might have been wrong, but that's neither here nor there).

>>2002869
What do you not understand about Spring being 'fractious and cliquish?' If it's a bad idea in high school, it's a bad idea here.

You're assuming our reputation is ruined? We just scored four favors off of King Misery, rescued a brothel-full of slaves, went into the Hedge, killed a traitor, captured loot for Autumn that will be shared. We have a rep worth more than just as an oathbreaker now, don't ruin it by handing our Rival gossip ammunition.

>>2004414
And because it's high school, none of that matters - all that matters is that you're an oathbreaker and you're not part of the gang.

>>2004505
Fuck them with a cold iron gauntlet. We have our own clique now; the Big Damn Heroes Club. We even have an adorable mascot.

>>2004414
> don't ruin it by handing our Rival gossip ammunition.
And how exactly is this conversation some massive threat to our reputation? "Cherry will say mean things about us to her friends?" She was already doing that, that's why the diplomacy penalty from rivalry extends to her associates. Walking up to her and having a chat about this grudge to try to put it to rest doesn't "ruin our reputation." At worst, she'll carry on being catty about a dumb misunderstanding that left her butthurt. The situation will remain unchanged. At best, we might actually be able to eventually put this thing to rest.

>>2004678
The ability to be bound to truth makes catty observations more damaging.

Someone who would respect us despite being an oathbreaker might not continue to respect us after we are known to accept this insult on this day.

Put this to rest? Nah, fuck her. She wants to hold her mistake against us?

>>2004840
Man you're being incredibly petty, live and let live man. If we can resolve this without stupidity then I'm all for it, holding stupid grudges is poison.

>>2004840
> after we are known to accept this insult on this day.
Okay, suppose the truth of this conversation comes out. What then? It becomes known that we made an offer to set this aside, and she turned it down. Where is this damaging aside from in your mind?

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>>2004840
Holy shit you're insecure dude.

Manlet? Just unable to turn down your edge?

>>2001918
>>2001869
This shit right here.

>>2004999
Just ignore the troll orangebro
...
And you, this isnt /b, and the QM wouldnt be very happy if this quest devolved into personal attacks over a fictional story. Take it down a notch, please.

>>2002415
Update: gonna be this evening.

>>2001869
supporting >>2001918

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Yo, Vox - if you're still looking for tools to make in-universe memes, give sumopaint a try. It works straight from your browser, or you can download the app. It's free.

Huh, the Cherryfagging carries over from DLQ.

>>2005631
That's just rude

>>2004999
Dude. I'm voting to say >Fuck you too, not voting to throw a horse head into her bed.

>>2005120
>Troll
Someone who disagrees is not necessarily a troll.

>>2004867
I really did just say where I thought the harm was. She will now have the ability to truthfully tell people that we're a pushover, not just an oathbreaker.

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>>2005875
You're certainly entitled to your opinion.

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>>2006010

>>2005954
> She will now have the ability to truthfully tell people that we're a pushover, not just an oathbreaker.
Except there isn't anything here that supports that. You're vastly overstating what is actually being said in this exchange. Not being an antagonistic child is different from being a pushover.

What Court would Brianna be in and why is it Winter?

>>2006176
I actually think she'd be Spring. After all, the first half of the La Croix motto is 'Life is for the Living'. Granted, she definitely wouldn't be as dramatic or flashy as your typical Spring courtier. And she'd almost certainly would be interested in the mystical arts practiced by the Autumn Court. But overall, her desires are to live, to love, to be herself without worrying about what others think of her or her job.

Honestly, I'm starting to see some parallels that can be drawn between Dungeon Life Quest and Cinderella Sanction. Colors, for example, is very much like Nathan in character. Faithful, valorous, sometimes pretty naive or stubborn, and drawn to cute girls like a moth to a candle.

>>2006475
She wouldn't be winter. She's got too many fondling her hope for the future.

Beyond that, despite her issues, I don't think she's mentally damaged enough to really fit into the court system in the first place. The courts are ways of coping with the horrible trauma that the True Fae inflict on people. None of them are particular healthy ways of living, changelings just use them because it's extremely difficult for them to handle life after Arcadia. The courts correspond to stages of grief, but none of them represent acceptance.

>>2006475
But she's also constantly living in the past, and in the name of traditions she loves and honors.

>>2006576
Should be a reply to >>2006176

Called, tallying, writing.

>>2006576
>None of them are particular healthy ways of living
You what ? I do think Winter's Icelaw isnt very workable, but for the other courts I see no problems. Monroe is a dick, but that's just him.

>>2005954
Honestly I thought you were supporting this guy and meant to link his post as well

>>2002211
>>2002197

Personally I think asking for her help as part of the Spring Court is tacitly pointing out that she has an obligation to help us if we're honestly asking for it to grow.

If she goes full SJW and mocks us for not knowing what to do, she'll look bad since that kind of hostility to fostering change is against the whole Spring Court ethos.

And people shouldn't forget, we have the ear of the Queen. It's one thing for people to have a valid if unintentional insult from us to claim offense from, but how long do you think talking shit and undercutting the Queen by targeting us is going to last, especially if she gives US cause to call her out for a duel, without us giving her some valid reason for her antagonizing?

>>2008352
Spring is the court of denial, trying to escape the pain of what happened in Arcadia by throwing oneself at everything the world has to offer. But at the same time, avoiding your problems is a good way to make them grow worse, not better. The more you try to not think about something, the more you think about it and the more power it has over you.

Summer is the court of anger, and while that's certainly understandable given what happened to each changeling, it makes it a lot harder for you to actually get help. Relying on angry to keep going guarantees that you will never let go of the pain, and so you will remain in pain the whole time. And beating on people to keep away the feelings of powerlessness and victimhood requires a steady stream of people to beat on, and in a haze of anger it can be hard to be precise about your targets.

Autumn is the court of bargaining, which has the problem that you can't actually barter with a cold and uncaring world that doesn't give a damn about fair exchange. It doesn't care what you're willing to give up or trade away or how low you're willing to sink, because it doesn't care about anything, it simply is. No amount of bargaining can change the past.

Winter is the court of despair, literally the court of hiding in a closet and waiting for the end to come.

>>2008713
Sounds like you're only giving half of an example there.

>>2008713
Spring

> The members of the Spring Court seek to not only forget their past, but to also add grace and beauty to everything they do. To become a full-fledged member of the court means one must live a literally beautiful life, and members that cannot do so are made to feel outcast. Members are not only allowed to fulfill their own desires, but must help other Spring Court members in their pursuit of desire.

Summer

> The members of the Summer Court are renowned as seekers of strength and power, ready to protect the changelings from any foe, but especially those from Faerie. Summer changelings are just as likely to be politicians or intellectuals as they are warriors, so long as they can beat back a foe in some manner.

Autumn

> The most probable way a changeling can join the Autumn court is to share some lore or power that the court was not aware of before, be it through hazy memory or demonstration of some arcane Contract lore. Those who trick their way in can also earn the court's respect, as it shows the creativity and ingenuity the court prizes.


Winter

> They keep an eye on the enemies of the changelings, and from time to time have been known to kill to keep their secrets or the secrets of another. It is not uncommon for a changeling freshly escaped to turn to the Winter Court for their first shelter. A fair number remain; the rest are gently steered towards other, more appropriate courts.

> The most famous of the Winter Court's rituals is the Winter Market, where a changeling can sell or buy almost anything among other changelings, partially to sell of the Onyx Court's spoils of war, and partially to keep the Goblin Market from receiving business from desperate changelings. The court also sponsors the Winter Formal, an opulent masquerade ball, and Radio Free Fae, a broadcast network that tells changelings the important info without exposing the bearer.

>>2008247
It's like MGNQ all over again.

The Great Courts of the declining seasons are rather more complex than folks give them credit for. I'd recommend checking out a copy of "Lords of Summer," taking the... edgier parts of Autumn with a grain of salt.

>>2009092

Or, y'know, DLQ.

>>2008781
>Winter
>> They keep an eye on the enemies of the changelings, and from time to time have been known to kill to keep their secrets or the secrets of another. It is not uncommon for a changeling freshly escaped to turn to the Winter Court for their first shelter. A fair number remain; the rest are gently steered towards other, more appropriate courts.
>> The most famous of the Winter Court's rituals is the Winter Market, where a changeling can sell or buy almost anything among other changelings, partially to sell of the Onyx Court's spoils of war, and partially to keep the Goblin Market from receiving business from desperate changelings. The court also sponsors the Winter Formal, an opulent masquerade ball, and Radio Free Fae, a broadcast network that tells changelings the important info without exposing the bearer.


They seem like bro-tier people. Forum's pretty chill too. (no bad pun intended)

>>2009092
>>2009349
My internet service crashed out in the middle of the update, so I saved my shit and went to bed. This is in point of fact a test post to see if I can finish.

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>>2001869
The keen discomfort of knowing you're in a battle where your opponent is not only an expert, but in fact owns the arena and takes a slice from all the bookies, picks at the back of your thoughts while you hold Cherry's gaze and try to decide if she means what she's saying.

But, then, it doesn't really matter, does it? Because she's right - you don't know how to be a Spring Courtier.

"My ignorance isn't from a lack of desire," you murmur. "You know as well as anyone that I haven't had...there hasn't been a lot of opportunity to enjoy the society of my peers. So teach me. What does a Spring peace look like?"

"Wrong question," Cherry replies. "The right question is, what does a Spring war look like? Ramona and Natalia enjoy each other's society and hold each other up as friends and colleagues, and yet every year Natalia chips at Ramona's power base and makes moves towards the throne. Is Natalia your liege's enemy? If she is, why do you tolerate her life?"

"I -" you begin, brow furrowed, only to be cut off by a gentle upraised hand from the Sage Escort.

"I'm being unhelpful," she says, with a touch of realization. "You were taken rather young, weren't you?"

You blink, surprised by the question. "Yes. As a teenager, why?"

"It explains a few things." Cherry visibly mulls something over in her head, then shrugs. "This conflict between us ends one of three ways in the Spring tradition, four if you count one of us dying for unrelated reasons. One, your or I commit some act of reprisal sufficient enough to provoke a duel, which settles the matter. Two, you keep your head down until I forget about you. Or three, you develop the friends and clout needed to silence me."

"My contacts in the Court are basically Ramona and Erin," you protest.

"Good stories have been told with less," the Sage Escort says with a vulpine grin. "Those are my terms. Meet them, or eat shit. And, Colors? My genuine good wishes for your journey into Spring."

The crowd is stirring, forming ranks again. The monarchs have concluded their conversation. You rejoin your Motley, confused but, thankfully, spared from having to think this over now.

Arthur stands from his throne, and the Freehold goes respectfully silent.

"Vickie Reeds, step forward," the King of Summer commands. Vickie squeezes your hand - a swift, nervous gesture, over as quickly as it begins - before she slips forward to stand at attention before her liege.

"As ordered, sir," the Darkling says, hands clasped behind her back.

Arthur sighs, his Mantle rumbling with low and distant thunder as it makes his frustration known. "Vickie, in many ways you have been a model Summer soldier. You are courageous, tenacious, and have a strong sense of duty. Even in your lowest moments, neither I nor anyone else has doubted that you look to shield the weak, undo the wicked, and support your Court. At Carroll House, you acted to liberate the workers held there by uneven Pledges that forced them into bondage."

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>>2009599
"But," he continues, "you have also been reckless, and prone to rash decisions in the field. I understand, as we all do, that King Leo preferred to make use of your services in that capacity, to send you when the opinions of his enemies and subjects were no longer relevant to the Court. But this is not King Leo's Summer, and I expected better from you. Virgo the Courtless should have stood trial before the Freehold, with her crimes revealed from her own lips, and been judged before her peers."

"I understand, sir," Vickie agrees, her eyes downcast. The Darkling's shoulders slump, but she remains at a semblance of attention.

"This is some bullshit!" a voice calls from the crowd of Courtless; you and everyone else take a look and catch sight of the Fairest girl (she can't be older than seventeen) you saw at the bar in Carroll House, her points-of-paint body drifting and pulsing angrily to go with her clenched fists. "She saved us and you're gonna throw her under the bus?"

"Back off," Vickie snaps, lighting crackling off her Mantle (it scorches the floor, leaving a mark that slowly fades), only to be stopped by Arthur pointedly clearing his throat.

"It's true that Deputy Reeds is being formally stripped of her rank," the Ogre rumbles. "This is not intended as a punishment, but Vickie made a judgement on the life of her fellow Freeholder, and that conduct is not befitting of her office. It's too easy to just be wrong, and far too hard to un-kill someone. Deputy, your badge."

Your friend sighs, nods, and reaches into her back pocket. This is the first time you've actually seen a Summer Deputy's badge - they're a relatively new trick for Summer in New Avalon - and the simple wreath-on-shield design in bronze is striking. Arthur accepts it, formally, and places it on the arm of the throne.

"Vickie, I speak now as the Lord of Summer and not the King of New Avalon. You have the potential to be one of my finest soldiers and Courtiers, and I want to see that potential fulfilled. To this end I formally grant you the commission of array, and with it the right and responsibility to muster members of other Courts for war, to train their warriors and see to their combat readiness, to know and keep knowledge relevant to the Court and the Freehold of their tactics and strengths, and to otherwise administrate the information and volunteers which assist in the common defense. New Avalon has long neglected this position. Rejoice in being our first Arrayer of Distant Thunder."

Vickie looks shocked. So does most everyone else. Arthur pins a small golden lightning bolt to the collar of Vickie's coat while Zoe Morris steps forward. The Fairest slips your friend a knowing grin and waits for Arthur to step back before she speaks.

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>>2009651
"The Lords of September formally extend our invitation to you in your new capacity, Arrayer Reeds," Zoe says formally, before she slips into a more casual tone. "To be frank, we could use a bit of the old ultra-violence. Too many of my boys know how to kill, not enough know how to fight. The Rook has graciously agreed to assist you in gathering contact information and in making the introductions."

Zoe leaves the offer to sit there, but Vickie's busy; the Darkling shoots a glare at the Rook, who meets her anger impassively. It takes you a moment to catch up to it, and then you realize - he knew, and he didn't tell her.

She looks over to you, subtly gesturing to Zoe with the smallest of head nods, distant confusion coloring her anger.

> Encourage Vickie; this is the opportunity she needs to learn better
> Shake your head; this isn't what you expected when Arthur asked you about spending time with Autumn earlier
> Write-in?

And now, Gainful Employment. One of these days I'll update on time. One of these days.

Questions, comments, discussion, feedback, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>2009659
>> Encourage Vickie; this is the opportunity she needs to learn better

>>2009659
> Encourage Vickie; this is the opportunity she needs to learn better

>>2009659
>Encourage Vickie; this is the opportunity she needs to learn better

>>2009659
> Write-in?
Encourage Vickie, no holds barred, physical if need be, to not start shit with Rook in a Court Session. This is the best outcome for her, and she best not spoil this moment.

>>2009987
Fucking greentext, I am too drunk for this

>Write in
>Encourage Vickie, no holds barred, physical if need be, to not start shit with Rook in a Court Session. This is the best outcome for her, and she best not spoil this moment.

>>2009987
This is a good point.

It really wasn't his place to tell her.

And her fear of what might happen probably appealed to the Autumn.

>>2009996
>And her fear of what might happen probably appealed to the Autumn.

Wouldn't be suprised if Autumn, and especially Zoe, farmed some Glamour off this Court Session.

>>2009659
>Encourage Vickie; this is the opportunity she needs to learn better.
>Write-in?
>Support her as best you can, Physically if the need arises.

>>2009659
> Encourage Vickie; this is the opportunity she needs to learn better

> Support her as well if she denies the position. Nobody should take on a job they don't wish to.

>>2009659
>> Encourage Vickie; this is the opportunity she needs to learn better
Spring says Bloom, yes? Bloom, darkling.

>>2009659
> Encourage Vickie; this is the opportunity she needs to learn better
> Support her as well if she denies the position. Nobody should take on a job they don't wish to.

I'm alive.

Called, writing.

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>>2009659
You give Vickie a subtle nod. She looks almost relieved for a moment, but she doesn't hold your gaze for long. The Darkling turns back to the woman who would be Queen in Autumn and offers her hand out. "I look forward to it, Lady Morris," Vickie says, flashing a grin for the look of the thing. "Probably get things kicked off in a week or two, after I scare up some assistants. I've got a bit of a brand when it comes to the old ultra-violence and something tells me that not all of your boys are knife fighters."

"You're not wrong," Morris agrees. "Autumn extends its gratitude to Summer for thinking of us in these rough times, and to you and your Motley for services rendered."

Vickie gives a slight, respectful bow, and withdraws. The two of you share a quiet high-five behind your backs.

"Now," Arthur rumbles, "if there are any with business before the Court..."

* * * *

August 12th (Present Day)

Misery Monroe is coming over. Specifically, he'll be here, at your home, in the next thirty minutes or so. You've spent most of the morning scrubbing your house down in a frenzy, brewing coffee, acquiring snacks (you have two boxes of doughnuts; whatever the two of you don't eat won't survive long), and otherwise preparing to entertain royalty that isn't yours.

Your phone tweedles a text from an unknown number: [I let myself in the back]. A stab of fear hits your chest before you catch Monroe's voice from the kitchen.

"Your home is lovely, Dame Eriksdotter," the Lord of December compliments, while he moves into the living room where you are. "Forgive the intrusion but I've found it less suspicious to the neighbors to simply use a key rather than knocking."

"How did you have a key?" you ask, blinking.

"Trade secret," Misery says in reply.

"I have coffee available, Lord Monroe," you offer. "You passed it in the kitchen, along with the doughnuts."

Misery inclines his head, and has a seat at your table while you pour the coffee and get the doughnuts onto a pair of plates. The shadows around the King of Winter settle in to relax, watching you with odd postures.

"I'm certain you have questions," Misery invites.

"...If I said I wanted to know about your name?" you admit; the King of Winter declines sugar, so you put some into your own cup. "It seems so...on the nose, my Lord."

Misery laughs, an honest - if thin - laugh that makes the shadows of his eyes sparkle with stars. "I did not pick it out," he tells you. "You must have never heard some of the stories. My name is Monroe, Colors Eriksdotter. 'Misery' was a nickname given to me early in my service to Winter, and I have been Misery Monroe far longer than I have been King Monroe. If the Freehold prefers that name, I am at peace with it."

You nod and take a sip of your coffee. Misery laces his fingers beneath his chin and watches you with interest.

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>>2013862
"Magic is a source of power," Monroe continues. "It, like all sources of power, is not an end in itself. That is to say, like an army, or a fortune, or even the love and acclaim of one's peers, magic does nothing in and of itself. Instead, it enables you to accomplish deeds and acquire resources. So, before we begin any manner of instruction, I pose the question to you: what is it you want magic for?"

> I intend on being a more active member of the Freehold and want to balance out my skills in battle
> Influence over dreams and prophecies; they've become suddenly relevant to my life
> To become a deadlier warrior
> Honestly? So that I can better understand the Rook and Forum, two people in love with this form of power
> Write-in?

>>2013873
>> I intend on being a more active member of the Freehold and want to balance out my skills in battle

>>2013873
Mmmmm.
> I intend on being a more active member of the Freehold and want to balance out my skills in battle

What is this actually? Social magic? Crafting? Utility? Sneaking?

Ill vote for...
> To become a deadlier warrior
Gish go!

>>2013873
> Influence over dreams and prophecies; they've become suddenly relevant to my life
It would be cool if we could do more stuff with casting runes and things like that.

Though maybe we can mix this with the first option. Perhaps:
> Influence over dreams and prophecies, I intend on being a more active member of the Freehold and that could be a useful skill
We might be able to find a niche in fortune telling of sorts, if that's actually viable. Add being a spooky mystic with foresight through magic runes to our warrior creds, and maybe we can make some more contacts among the other changelings of the Freehold. Maybe even some mortals too, who knows.

>>2013873
>> Influence over dreams and prophecies; they've become suddenly relevant to my life
I want to see all the plothooks! Things will be less confusing that way and it'll be easier to pick out what I want!

>>2013873
Whatever gets us the contract of reflections

> It occurs to me that we will need in the future police as well as warriors. Investigators, communicators that can work to bring people to justice and not to a grave no matter how well deserved.

> Even in battle, knowing when to strike is as important as where and how. Something directly useful.

> I also wish to become more at peace with the Wyrd and my nature as an elemental. To let it make me stronger, not hurt me. But not something that will make me fall further into my identity as an elemental, that will detach me from humanity. Something that will reconcile the two and bring me close (the fairest!)

> http://whitewolf.wikia.com/wiki/Reflections

Useful at all levels! Glass gives off reflections! We can see behind us from our own glass body! Try to backstabbing us? At higher levels stab people from our own back! Surround them with glass and walk between the reflections! Little glass figurine spy cameras! Little glass bead communicators!

>>2013873
>> I intend on being a more active member of the Freehold and want to balance out my skills in battle
>> Influence over dreams and prophecies; they've become suddenly relevant to my life

>>2013997
Does Monroe even know that to teach?

>>2013873
>>2013997
Abilities

Reflections of the Past - A changeling can use this clause to look into a reflective surface and see what has been reflected there sometime in the last week.

Glimpse of a Distant Mirror - Looking into a reflective surface, a changeling can look out of another reflective surface where his face has been reflected.

Lvl3 - Reflection's Grasp - A changeling can reach through a reflective surface and out another.

Lvl 4 Mirror Walk - A changeling can step into a reflective surface and walk out of another.

Lvl 5 - Stealing the Solid Reflection - Reaching into a reflective surface, a changeling can pull out a reflection as a solid object.

Lvl 1 - investigate the city! Glass is everywhere. Leave glass behind, check it later.

Lvl2 - Glass Big Brother

Lvl 3 - Plane of infinite stabbing

Lvl 4 - The city is mine, and I am everywhere in it

Lvl 5 - Dupe cheat

>>2014005
He either knows, or knows someone who can. That is straight up Winters job. To know.

But I would imagine it to be right up their alley given the spying potential.

>>2013873
>I intend on being a more active member of the Freehold and want to balance out my skills in battle
This basically covers everything.

>>2013873

> I intend on being a more active member of the Freehold and want to balance out my skills in battle

>>2014013
And lets not forget the reflective property of ice.

I'm gonna have to leave this sit before work, but now's a good time to let folks in on Interlude Time.

During interludes some stretches of time are like normal quest play - like the one you just went through - but in many cases days or weeks might get skipped over under the assumption that not much unusual is happening and that Colors can follow her routine. You'll be offered the chance to vote on what you're focusing on, and to seek out specific scenes and interactions. If there's something in particular that interests you as my audience, please, do let me know.

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>>2015825
....there are so many things, so many,

>>2015825
Interaction with our motley individually, The Millers (without ruining their marriage), Fancy (kinda want to know what that other girl's problem is still), But most importantly, trying to become better rooted, and fitting in with Spring.

These are some core points for me at least, if anyone has any interesting ideas I'm all ears.

>>2015825
Colors learning how to Spring, broadly. Specifically, her teaching Spring to someone worse at it than her.

>>2015825
Yeah definitely getting better set up with Spring. Maybe hang out with Natalia or other Spring members and get in touch with them.

Helping Vicky with the Church. Getting some of the kids who went to Wonderland to hopefully go there as a safe space. Like literally we'll shank anyone who tries to hurt them.

Making the crown for Maeve. Did we get any of Johns blades? It would be sweet to have the fake crown be made in part with the blade of a fake saviour.

Dates with Fancy.

Learn Reflection Magic.

>>2015825
Learning how to spring, maybe some kick ass sparring like teaching Forum how to fight gud.

Hanging out with our queen, princess and fancy. That nice human family that adopted colors, etc etc

>>2015825
I wonder how much Colors knows about the city. I think her and someone else/a few others wandering around to get a better feel for New Avalon at large will be interesting. Sort of a mix between being on patrol and going on a tour.

>>2016879
Well, she knows where all the best Philly Cheese-steaks are made.

>>2016447
These are good, but I must protest one single point.
> Getting some of the kids who went to Wonderland to hopefully go there as a safe space. Like literally we'll shank anyone who tries.

Vicious shanking and stabbity-stabbing things is Vickie's forte. Colors speed is more SMITE AND CLEAVE.

>>2016447
> Making the crown for Maeve.
Wait..is this Maggie Rags? I must have forgotten about her in the jumble of events.

We should also consider crafting some tokens for all the members of our motley. Like having a friendship bracelet, but awesome.

>>2016835
We should totally mess with Forum in a completely serious and straight-faced fashion.
> BRO, DO YOU EVEN PRAISE THE SUN? \ [+] /

>>2015945
These, and all of the above really.

>>2016903
Truly, she has her priorities in order.

>>2016835
>like teaching Forum how to fight gud.
He already can. The leader of the Bloody Wing just cheated by dusabling him with some very nasty buckshot

>>2015825
>definitely getting better set up with Spring. Maybe hang out with Natalia or other Spring members and get in touch with them.
>Helping Vicky with the Church.

We dont have time for everything. Especially hanging out with Fancy (which we just did) takes up a very large amount of time and threads.

Colors needs to get laid.

>>2017377
>My name is colors and what is vidya

I almost completely forgot about the bauble we pledged to make for that merchant girl. BIG priority.

>>2018662
Seconded. Let's be trustworthy and fulfill our pledge. First priority, and doesnt need a lot of dialogue.

>>2016300
Every good knight ought to have a squire.

>>2016447
>Did we get any of Johns blades?
The spoils went wholly to Autumn. Better ask Zoe Morris if we ant anything with it before she pawns it off.

>>2015825
Actually...magic police skills sounds pretty good. Getting better at investigation?

>>2019862
I wonder if we can invoice it as materials and costs accrued in the achievement of our goals.

>>2020125
R
EEEEEEEEEE
F
L
EEEEEEEEEE
C
T
I
O
N

>>2021130
Stained Glass isn't reflective.

Plus like, this is a big moment to say who Colors is as a person. We should do that

>>2021597
>Plus like, this is a big moment to say who Colors is as a person. We should do that

Not that I disagree with you, but your comment doesnt seem to make sense. Why a big moment ? Why SHOULD we prioritize this above even a dire pledge ?

Okay, gonna say it now: an update before Wednesday is unlikely. IF it does happen, I'll post the link on my Tumblr as well.

>>2023184
Damn. Real Life (tm) strikes again!

No worries though. We can wait.

>>2021130

Not only is stained glass not reflective enough for Reflections (remember, the thing in a mirror that makes it a mirror is silver), but also, Monroe may not even know Reflections. It's a rare Contract, and Monroe may not even be Fairest. (He's almost certainly either a Darkling or a Shadowsoul Fairest, but that isn't good odds.)

Also, Colours may not even know to ask about Reflections (because again, rare and a Seeming contract), and Reflections doesn't address the actual question being asked here, which is, *what is Colors seeking to change and improve about herself?*

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>>2021597
A couple of problems with your argument.

First of all I don't see anything in her power set saying she only has control over stained glass.

Also pic related

Finally

> Fae Batman

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>>2023760
Reflections is specifically pointed out to work with reflections, and not be Mirror magic.

And what Colours is seeking to improve about herself could easily be reconciling her Elemental nature with something that's more humanizing but also effective.

The Fairest, who have Reflection magic, are also the most artistic of the Fae. One of Colours characteristics that stand as a counter point to her previous life of brutality and fighting.

They're also the most social of the Fae, something Colours is lacking in.

And it gives her a utilitarian ability. She doesn't want to just be a beat stick, she wants to be USEFUL.

>>2013873
Also I might as well vote while this is still up

> I intend on being a more active member of the Freehold and want to balance out my skills in battle


Honestly it seems a little early to be picking specific abilities just yet anyways. Let's get an idea of what fits the themes first.

Reflection sounds good actually, id still go with the DM pick though. This guy is the KING of winter, hes bound to know shit.

>>2026046
Rollplay or role play?

TBF we can actually get fucked by dice in this compared to DLQ.

>>2026046
Bur yeah let's see what we get. Personally I'm not too excited for just another beat stick, it looks like a lot of charms and such are kind of underpowered for our character until at least level 3

I think it'd be cool personally if there was some Aesir deal we could get...

especially if we could sacrifice our eye for wisdom or something, I know it's crippling, but it's also cool as hell

>>2013873
I think it's true that Colors wants

> to better understand the Rook and Forum

but that's not /why/ she wants more magic.

>> I intend on being a more active member of the Freehold and want to balance out my skills in battle

>>2026299
I'd rather kill a Dragon and drink its blood for Wisdom.

Or maybe we can go full Loki and tie our balls to a goats chin hair and have a tug of war.

>>2023760
and Reflections doesn't address the actual question being asked here
It does. Het combat ability and respect within the Freehold. Greater combat ability is a part of that, like Arthur standing up to a fucking Other and winning.

>>2029761
Norse Loki is so much better than feminine movie superhero Loki

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>>2031166
Gaining that kind of power will come, for Colours as an elemental, at the cost of her humanity.

She's also trying to move away from her Summer past and find herself as Spring.

And you want her to be on par with the King of Summer Court for combat? Aiming a little fucking high there boyo.

Pretty much the only way to do so would be at massive cost to her humanity. Something which she, as an Elemental, is already detached from.

It would be John all over again with his over-reliance on his Mantle and then we would eventually get shanked by someone who could think laterally.

We would get separated from our allies. Attacked in our weak spots, like Fancy. Have our home burned out. Be framed for a crime against the Courts. Etc.

Or we could invest in something that has a ton of utility at lower levels, and can be outright hax at later ones.

Imagine pulling up a swarm of fist sized shards of glass and surrounding someone with it while we stab them through it from a distance.

Anything reflective. Mirrors. Glass. Still water.

>>2031166
Vox might come up with a unique non-canon power as well though so people shouldn't get over sold on anything.

I personally just have a fetish for utilizing low power spells to maximum effect.

Like casting "Grease" plus "Throwing a torch on the grease". Boom L1 fireball.

>>2031166
Also note that the Gildspinner had pretty much no combat ability, and shut Arthur down in his own court.

And we're in the clique of Mean High School Girls.

> What does a Spring War look like?

Trying to fight it like we're still Summer is counter-productive.

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>>2031169
Norse Loki don't give a fuck.

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>>2031169
So much better.

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>>2031169
But mostly he is a dick.

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>>2031169

I wouldn't really judge movie superhero loki for being too "feminine" though.

This is actual canon in the Norse legends BTW. Not just the whole Sleipner thing, but also Loki getting called out on it when he talked shit about Odin using magic.

>>2031362
>>2031360
>>2031358
>>2031357

Wat.

>>2031353
>And you want her to be on par with the King of Summer Court for combat?
Tell me where I said exactly that. Twisting my wodrs because you want to twist Color's development in "your" direction...I like to believe that isnt the case and you just misunderstood me.

For the record, I was one of the first with a long post supporting Relections.

>>2031460
getting over-defensive, dood.

>>2032046
Yeah.

And I goring the point that >>2031353 made being that power is how you use what you have, not what you actually have.

Like maybe we could have hunted John in the real and not had to fight him in the Hedge if we had been a better / stealthily tracker.

>>2032046
Or we could use our snooping skills to find out dirt on Cherry and breakup her friend group.

Or make her be friends with us.

Or hate fuck us. Let us seduce the Cherry. Eat the Cherry.

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>>2032494
Go full Kismesissitude? Well, it'd be pretty Spring.

>>2032046
>getting over-defensive, dood.
Who's the one who wrote a very long pedantic post against me ? )Your) lies don't win a argument, you know.

>>2033076
That's not even the same person bro.

Just chill off it for a bit so we can move on.

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>>2032918
> What does a Spring Peace look like

>>2032494
>>2032918
I am a okay with eating cherry pie, if she's even into girls

>>2033076
On the up-tick. I'm glad you're supporting my love of reflection magic like you said >>2031460

PhaseReflection-bros unite!

>>2032494
>>2033240
If you guys wanna try to go down that road I'm not gonna stop you.

Update: gonna be posting on Thursday, sometime either right before or right after I prevent homelessness. Thank y'all for your patience.

>>2033660
good luck with life shit boss

>>2032918
>Kismesissitude
Seriously, mate? Homestuck?
Even Homestuck declares that shit ridiculous.

>>2033391
Can we do things like the mirror hall scene of Solomon Kane, bc that shit was pretty terrifying

>>2033933
That was the point of reffing it the way I did. Colors x Cherry is p. ridiculous.

>>2034195
she's my cherry pie
cool drink of water such a sweet surprise
tastes so good make a grown man cry
sweeeeet cherry pieeeeeeeeee, yeah!

>>2034398
I'm down on my knees
I want to take you there
In the midnight hour
I can feel your power
Just like a prayer
You know I'll take you there

>>2034195
Ridiculously hot.

>>2034081
> Lvl3 - Reflection's Grasp - A changeling can reach through a reflective surface and out another.

Yes. Level 1 is +Investigation

Level 2 is + Communication

Level 3 is pretty much haxxor combat skill when combined with Colours ability to control glass. Which we honestly aren't doing enough with anyways.

Like. We could carry a bag of powdered glass and use it to blind people. Glass in your eye sucks. Or use it to detect invisible creatures. Or suffocate people with. We could pack it into the joints of armor to slow or lock their movements.

We could punch shards into people's bodies and then command the shards to burrow through their soft bits.

We could hang clouds of coloured glass over ourselves like a veil to obscure our position from enemies.

We could use it to set traps. Thin glass tubes that break when stepped on.

Eyeglasses that we can Bend to focus at different ranges like binoculars.

>>2034081
Alternatively if we pick a second element it's a crap ton easier to learn. Like half the cost up to our current level.

If we want to go full Combat Monster we could pick fire as an element and bam molten glass everywhere.

Something about making Golems was mentioned earlier too.

There aren't any "bad choices" either. If we want to become more investigaty we can grind those social links. Have problems with the Courts because we're forsworn? Maybe we should reach out to Valkyrie instead. Or the human criminal underground. Or both.

Or make a ton of miniature glass golem that sneak around and self-suicide by shattering if caught. Make them onto mirrors and windows and such to hide them.

Enchant a camera's glass lense to shoot magic spells or something. I don't know how it works, it's magic fatherfuckers.

Called, tallying, writing new thread. Thank you for your patience.

>>2034802
You're welcome.

>>2034802
Eventually we'll get 2 posts in a day again. I just blame all the delays on people wanting to do waifu stuff with fancy anyways.

>>2035380
Hey, I will have you know that my desire to hold hands with the pretty rabbit dancer is purely romantic and absolutely not depraved.

>>2035568
>>2035568
>>2035568
>>2035568

NEW THREAD

>>2035558
> desire to hold hands
> not depraved
Pick one and only one.