>>3176457
>You need to know what, other than shadow creatures you’ll be facing from your opponent.

>>3176457
>>You need to know what, other than shadow creatures you’ll be facing from your opponent.
>>What happened to the other alliance members? You’ve seen nothing but humans (and, okay, maybe one or two beastmen) so far.

>>3176457
>You need to know what, other than shadow creatures you’ll be facing from your opponent.

>>3176457
>You need to know what, other than shadow creatures you’ll be facing from your opponent.
Rude.

>>3176457
>You need to know what, other than shadow creatures you’ll be facing from your opponent.
This'll also hopefully tell us if any of the other Civilized Races have defected.

>>3176457
>You need to know what, other than shadow creatures you’ll be facing from your opponent.
>What happened to the other alliance members? You’ve seen nothing but humans (and, okay, maybe one or two beastmen) so far.

>>3176457
>>You need to know what, other than shadow creatures you’ll be facing from your opponent.

previous thread isn't archived yet

>>3176457
>You need to know what, other than shadow creatures you’ll be facing from your opponent.
Didn't our briefing from Sal mention Dark Elves? Are we fighting elves?

Might have an idea, but...what, exactly, are we up against?

Writing.

>>3176457
Woah, hey, from our point of view HE'S the mimic of a human.

>>3176479
>>3176481
>>3176486
>>3176490
>>3176494
>>3176495
>>3176517
>>3176546
Well, you know where you stand with THIS one, at least. Might as well keep it brief-ish. “I know we’re facing shadow creatures, but what else does this lord have to throw at us?”

“Hmph. Strange otherworld beings; you’d think they would know this already.” He sniffs, and looks back out at the field, still being cleared of the fallen. “The man has a number of deranged faithful with him, and beyond that, he’s managed to convince the Weavers of the Blackweb tribe to ally with him. It’s been rumored that the Shaded Elves are also with him, but no one’s gotten confirmation of that yet. Both of their types enjoy the darker places, and are mostly used for nighttime raids and shock troops.”

You raise an eyebrow. "That's all?"

He snorts. "Of course not. The Weavers prefer ambush tactics and are said to have powerful rituals based around self-empowerment. They're the only beings we know that can do certain rituals by themselves- damned multiple arms. They're all crazy, in my opinion. Shaded Elves are hardly any better. Believe a number of crazy things, all revolving around their 'god'. But they're nimble bastards and can have some nasty tricks up their sleeves." As he looks back down at you with a tense stare. “Aside from that, he’s been known to create and control a number of shadow beasts- from the small imps you’ve seen today to monstrous terrors; there’s one size of a castle itself, so they say. Anything else, or are there any more basics you need to learn about?”

> “Just why you’re so confrontational. We’re on the same side.”
> “Blackweb tribe? Are there other tribes of Weavers?”
> “Any particular enemy combatants to know about?”
> Other

>>3176722
>“Any particular enemy combatants to know about?”
>“Just why you’re so confrontational. We’re on the same side.”

>>3176722
> “Blackweb tribe? Are there other tribes of Weavers?”
> “Any particular enemy combatants to know about?”
“Less about fodder, more about lieutenants and other named foes.”

>>3176722
>“Any particular enemy combatants to know about?”
> Other
What sort of magic users do you have access to?
If we have to counter ritual magics it could be useful to have some locals helping.
Isn't this a medium mana world? And here we already have ritual magic users and presumably dark/divine.

>>3176722

> “Blackweb tribe? Are there other tribes of Weavers?”
> “Any particular enemy combatants to know about?”
>Other
Can we see the map?


Also what about extra mana from Divine shoes?

>>3176722
>“Blackweb tribe? Are there other tribes of Weavers?”

>>3176722
> “Any particular enemy combatants to know about?”
I don't think we need to ask why he's confrontational, he's upset the prince thinks they need help and we're and intimidating girl. "Humanity Fuck Yea" and all that jazz. He's delusional, but it's a useful delusional, or at least, not a hindrance.

>>3176722
IF you don't mind a couple more questions (I mean you do, but whatever).

Writing!

>>3176816
It's there, I just misremembered how much it adds.

Wait...are we like in a dark elf form? Also good to know about the weavers since we have Goro imprisoned in the ring we can convince then to back away from the darklord clunches.

>>3176958
No, we're some sort of winged humanoid.

Also, interesting idea with the weavers and Gaul...

>>3176964
I mean maybe they will gibe us some rituals to learn. These things have a way to empower others and that seems to be pretty usefull or might inspire us to use it to create the reactive armour or some kind of buff magic.

>>3176958
We need a mirror or a moment to ask Izumi. No one's had a real freak yet so at least we look benign

>>3177080
At least that. Maybe we ginnaly found a way to look intinidating but not one that would make people shit their pants.

>>3176722
>>3176744
>>3176747
>>3176796
>>3176816
>>3176827
>>3176830
“Yes, actually.” You’ve dealt with more annoying fellows than this, and you just ignore his light sigh. “What enemy combatants do you believe I should know of? Major figures in the opposing army, I mean.”

He growls, but begins speaking as he turns away again, clearly focused on something else. “There’s a few I know of, some I’ve only heard bits and pieces of. First guy that comes to mind is Jugen, big guy, near as big as me. He generally runs sustained siege tactics, usually at the forefront of any major siege operation. Carries around a massive hammer. Second is called Zai- she’s a major figure in the Blackweb Weavers. I dunno if she’s the leader, but if she isn’t, she’s close to them. One of the biggest Weavers in the clan, apparently. A ruthless sort, real vicious, loves to mess with her victims. I had the ‘pleasure’ of coming into contact with her once. Lucky to escape with all my limbs and life intact. She seemed to enjoy the effort...”

The way he looks after that- his eyes briefly going into a thousand-yard stare- tells you just what that ‘effort’ was. But soon he resumes his information. “Anyway. There’s the Trio. I don’t know their names. No one does. But they’re a...well, a trio of Shaded Elves. Always seen together, always near sites of battle. They don’t ever seem to actually fight. They just kinda...show up, whenever there’s a big battle. And every time they do, the damn shades win. It’s gotta be some kind of ritual, but…”

“I can guess,” you say. “Anyone else?”

“Canaa, a bitch with an attitude and seems to think she’s some kind of ‘dark scion’.” He growls in annoyance. “Was a prisoner, but got busted out and swore herself to Lord Kolm’s service. She apparently helps him with a lot of his rituals...at least, that’s what she’s been said to boast.” And here, he pauses briefly. He takes a breath, as though remembering something else...very unpleasant. “There’s one more, too. He...he calls himself Khaon. Strong bastard. REALLY strong. I’m not even sure what he wants, but he’s almost his own faction, even though he claims he serves Kolm. As far as I know, he doesn’t even really care too much about capturing and keeping land. He’s just here to fight people. He doesn’t even really fight in battles; he’ll just target anyone standing out and try to fight them.”

Blood knight, huh? Interesting.

(cont.)

>>3177107
“He’s one of the reasons I thought your presence would be beneficial,” a voice says behind you. Parcelus looks up and immediately salutes, while you simply turn and give a nod. “Khaon, when he deigns to show up on the battlefield, is, to be blunt, a nightmare to behold. We needed someone that could match up to him in combat.” Looking up to Parcelus, he nods. “Captain, I can take over things from here. Do watch your ribs, however.” Parcelus is quick to nod, and resumes going along the wall. After he’s out of earshot, he returns to speaking to you. “I appreciate your letting your associate assist us. We’ll have another troop or two ready to move out sooner than we’d hoped, and we’ll need them come our next movement.”

“And what would that be?” you ask.

To this extent, he unveils a small map from under his arm. “We need to free up routes to our allies- many of which are currently desperately fighting for their own lives. I have a choice to make, unfortunately. Further to the east is Dulwark, which is a major trading town and is essentially the gateway to the Bearfolk, Rabbitfolk, and Lizardfolk territories. If we can reclaim Dulwark and begin the restoration of our supply train deeper inland, we may be able to take some of the heat off of them, link up with their main forces, and begin the pushback in earnest.”

“Which one is getting hit the hardest right now?” You ask.

“Likely the Lizards,” is the response. “I’ll be sending the majority of my forces along that path for that reason if the reclamation of Dulwark is successful. Their ferocity and unique rituals will be useful. However...you, by the grace of my father, should know you don’t have to follow. After seeing your prowess in battle, I’ve considered requesting sending you north to the Bearfolk territories; their mountainous homes provide them a natural advantage, and they’ve actually managed to get some word out about their station- you may be able to free them up entirely.”

“And the Rabbitfolk?” You ask.

“Gone to ground- quite literally, I think, in order to avoid the Weavers.” He sighs. “It’s a shame, as they’re excellent in the ways of quick, responsive attacks and are very capable messengers and tacticians. Perhaps you could try to seek them out, as well- last I hear, they had been spotted in the Thistledown Woods, to the Southwest of here, actually. Regardless of what is done, I’ve already sent a runner to requisition what men we have left in the capital that aren’t part of the guard to help reinforce our position here as we move out. Hence, we’ll be leaving in the morning, so I suggest you get a good night’s sleep tonight.”

> “We may leave earlier than you, just to be clear. If we can clear the road for you, all the better.”
> “We’ll be ready to move with you on your orders, then. Can’t risk you getting killed.”
> Other

>>3177112
>> “We may leave earlier than you, just to be clear. If we can clear the road for you, all the better.”

>>3177112
>> “We’ll be ready to move with you on your orders, then. Can’t risk you getting killed.”

>>3177112
>“We may leave earlier than you, just to be clear. If we can clear the road for you, all the better.”
He's got an entire army as his bodyguards. I wouldn't worry about his safety.

>>3177112
>> “We may leave earlier than you, just to be clear. If we can clear the road for you, all the better.”

Can't let Izumi indulge for too long, gotta get out and conserve her mana

>>3177112
> “We may leave earlier than you, just to be clear. If we can clear the road for you, all the better.”
I guess we can then discuss our job and plans with Izumi in private.

>>3177112
> “We may leave earlier than you, just to be clear. If we can clear the road for you, all the better.”

>Other:" Do not lose hope we will come with the bearfolk to reinforce you soon."

>>3177112
>Other "So what about the Marsh-walkers? Are they fine?"
> “We may leave earlier than you, just to be clear. If we can clear the road for you, all the better.”

>>3177112
>“We may leave earlier than you, just to be clear. If we can clear the road for you, all the better.”
Handler, do you not want Miranda to offer additional services or contracts while on mission? Is that something that you don't want?

>>3177112
>> “We may leave earlier than you, just to be clear. If we can clear the road for you, all the better.”
We can move much faster without him honestly.

I hope the Blackweb is only one part of the driders, I have a bit of a soft spot for them.

>>3177159
There's always the >Other option
regarding the OP post, I think it was because most people voted to let Izumi do Izumi things.

>>3177159
Where did this come from?

>>3177159
It's because a majority voted against doing it.

We'll move on ahead, then. Hope your army is good at the whole 'bodyguard' thing.

Writing!

>>3177159
There was a lot of discourse about it, but it seemed like it was largely leaning towards 'don't', and more discussion of why not afterwards. Either way, you can ALWAYS put something up for formal vote under >Other.

>>3177112
> Other: If the Prince wants, we can put him in touch with Sal to either get additional help for additional cost (to allow Izumi to do more healing or break through to other allies), or to buy a deliver of healing items. His choice.

>>3177183
Yeah, I saw that argument. What I want to know is if you don't want it, or it would be against Miranda's character, like the people against it were saying.

>>3177188
>>3177184
Just let it go, Christ.

I just hope that the bears don't get offended for the humans sending just two people to help liberate then

>>3177188
Anon, drop it. The vote doesn't always go your way.

>>3177184
You don't know when to stop, do you?

>>3177188
you can cast your vote next time and vote for it then. Stop being annoying about this.

>>3177188
It wouldn't be against Miranda's character to suggest things per se, but I'd imagine there are situations at hand which would have her dismiss the idea for now. That, AND I'm personally not really up for writing such things at the moment.

In short: It's complicated.

As I said, writing.

>>3177214
Thank you for the response.

>>3177193
Once they see us operate it shouldn't be an issue.

>>3177311
What are we a surgeon now?

>>3177311
Oh i know that i'm just expecting the big angry bear leader saying all kind of stuff.

Hopefully the two beastkin we ssaw walking around the keep were the messangers that the bears sent to warn about their status. Because having people to vouch for your skill is always great and i just want to avoid thousabd of post fascing the bearkin warrior while we could be killing the dark lords shadow things.

>>3177322
Oper8tors have to oper8, mate.

File: Styles & Yayoi.jpg (2.63 MB, 3840x2160)

2.63 MB JPG

I love halberds.
This should be close to what they look like for this job, minus the Glowing Headband and Ribbon Wings for Miranda.

>>3177375
Just need some glowy orange giblets to shish-kabob on the spike.
GJ anon

>>3177375
Fuck yeah that's awesome!

>>3177112
Makes sense enough. Freeing the bears sounds like a reasonable enough idea, but you’ll discuss the issue with Izumi later. “Understood. We may leave earlier than you, just to be clear. If we can clear the road for you, all the better.”

“That would be welcome,” he admits. “I’ll let my men know, get you a map of the area, and we’ll be sure to bring as many men as we can spare.”

“Probably a good idea.” He salutes, you nod, and the both of you walk back to the main area of the keep. He takes his leave to have a private meal, and you eat in the barracks; it’s a few minutes before you see Izumi walking in as well, looking quite pleased with herself.

You bite into a piece of roasted animal meat before greeting her. “Had fun?”

“It isn’t ‘fun’ to heal individuals that thought at one point they would not be able to fight for freedom, but it is satisfying.” She gathers some food of her own before sitting down next to you. “Do you have information on what we’re up against?”

“Yeah, a fair bit.” You spend the next few moments to explain the situation to her- attentive as usual, she doesn’t ask questions until after you’re finished.

“So, will we be assisting the Bearfolk after clearing the way to Dulwark?” she asks. “If that’s the case, we’ll have to be careful we don’t draw so much attention as to cause more stress on the bears. A good plan otherwise, however. It explains one of the rather fuzzy individuals I saw on the way over here.”

“Yeah, I saw them, too,” you mention. “That one and the rat guy.”

“Honestly, he was bigger than I’m used to them being,” Izumi mutters. You can’t deny that. Was actually taller than you. “Still, seemed friendly enough. Although I noticed there was no mention of them in your report.”

“So did I, but I figure they might still be in the mix somehow. If they hold to tradition, they’re being as sneaky as possible and are trying to hold out in their own way,” you posit. No way to know for sure, obviously, but you can at least draw on experience. “I figure we’ll leave before sunrise. If the road is trapped or anything, then getting there right before dawn will be the best chance to surprise anyone, or force them into action with short notice.”

“Hopefully. A bit of a forward area for the forces to spread out would be welcome,” Izumi admits.

After a bit of companionable silence, the two of you head to rest, the map delivered to you soon after you mention your retirement for the night. A few hours of sleep is welcome enough, but you soon find Izumi waking up you, a steely look in her eyes.

It’s time to head out. With little word, you mount your horses, and set off. You’ll have to be careful- on your way out, it was mentioned that while the road itself wasn’t heavily guarded, there could be traps, or the occasional ambush.

>Roll 3d20, best of 3.

Rolled 4, 4, 10 = 18 (3d20)

>>3177533

Rolled 12, 13, 10 = 35 (3d20)

>>3177533
>“Honestly, he was bigger than I’m used to them being,” Izumi mutters

L-lewd...

Rolled 18, 4, 15 = 37 (3d20)

>>3177533
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ69svOtmAM

>>3177533
18,13,15
Not bad, not great, but not bad by any means, I hope we get the drop on them! Whoever them is.

Rolled 15, 15, 18 = 48 (3d20)

>>3177533

Fair enough. Writing!

>>3177375
Also holy shit that's cool.

>>3177624
>only noticed it now.

>>3177533
>>3177548
>>3177553
>>3177554
The wooded area you ride into, imaginatively called Highcaller Woods, is rather dense, and still rocky. It’s no major issue in terms of terrain, but the thick canopy makes sure you remain heavily on guard.

“It’s rather picturesque, really,” Izumi noted idly. “If we hadn’t been told such, I wouldn’t think this under control of some shadow lord.”

“Might be he hasn’t gotten full control over the place yet,” you say, eyes shifting to and fro. “Considering they seemed to have moved on the keep quick enough, they might’ve been trying to rush an end to the fight…”

A shape in the darkness that vanishes all too quickly- you make sure you don’t look directly at it, but the way you glare at Izumi makes her understand immediately. She doesn’t show it on her face, however. “Perhaps,” she continues on, as though unaware, “it might mean that a counterattack would be all the more success-” almost immediately she drops the sentence, reaching for her sword and carving it through the air in a smooth motion, a blade of mana streaking out into the canopy above her- it slices through the branches in an instant, and you can hear a screech of pain as something...someONE falls through the branches in front of you, landing in a heap. One of the driders, silverhaired and dressed in silken robes for its upper human half; its arachind half black as pitch, and now sporting a gaping gouge in its chitinous abdomen.

It’s because of that the once-silent forest quickly starts buzzing with noise as two more leap out at you- one of them instantly goes for their fallen kin, while the other levels what looks like a crossbow at you.

Izumi is quick to answer the would be shooter- several bolts of mana fly out as the trigger is pressed- but both of you tilt in opposite directions, the projectile flying past harmlessly as Izumi’s own shots strike true enough to separate the shooter from their weapon with authority. Meanwhile, your own efforts towards the runner are to fire at him as well; the lithe body ducks desperately, but the shock is enough to throw it off its course, stumbling over itself and tripping over the rocky path. You haven’t dismounted yet.

>Dismount, try to capture and interrogate the would be recoverer.
>Try to kill the retriever and pursue the shooter.
>Might be a trap, and they know to not pursue you. Keep to the roads.
>Other

>>3177798
>>Dismount, try to capture and interrogate the would be recoverer.
Would be useful, and if things turn sour we can easily kill them instead.

>>3177798
>>Dismount, try to capture and interrogate the would be recoverer.

>>3177798
>>Dismount, try to capture and interrogate the would be recoverer.

>>3177798
>Dismount, try to capture and interrogate the would be recoverer.

More info is always good.

>>3177798
>Dismount, try to capture and interrogate the would be recoverer.
>Other we should direct Izumi to silence the shooter as well, if she isn't going to already.

>>3177829
She is going to. She herself said that we should avoid attracting to much attention so that the enemy wouldn't put more pressure to the bears.

>>3177798
>Dismount, try to capture and interrogate the would be recoverer.

...yup. Get right the hell over here.

Writing!

>>3177861
And just like that, you've given me an idea for a new spell. Thanks boss!

>>3177839
Weren't we told that there are several clans of driders, and only told so far that 1 of them went over to the Dark Lord?

Are we sure we're killing the right spiders?

Man we are so dumb...now that we are alone we could probably use Goro to scout ahead of us, using his shadow magic, so we can ambush the wanna be ambushers.

>>3177894
Considering they were trying to ambush us. Honestly they either work for the dark lord or are drider bandits.

>>3177894
Looking at the mission briefing for the job, there's no mention of any sort of governing body for the Weavers, so we really don't know.

>>World Name: Navarain
>>Navarain is a 4-continent world. Continent titles: Lokum, Garand, Yane, Paralee. Contract takes place on Garand.
>>Magical Level: Moderate (Estimated Recovery at 2500 mana per night's sleep)
>>Technological Level: Swords and Sorcery, Horses/Carriage, Stonemasonry, Magic-Based Long-Distance Communication
>>Common Magic Style: Vocalized Spells, Ritual Magic
>>Races known: Human, Beastkin (Bear, Rat, Rabbit, Lizard), ‘Shaded’ (Dark Elf Variant), ‘Marshwalkers’ (Amphibious Species), ‘Shadow Demons’ (Horned Devils), Weaves (Drider/Spider Centaur Variant)
>>Local Rulership: Elected Monarchy. Leaders: Humans- High King Roland Emeral. ‘Shaded’- Blade Lords Navin, Yurel, Tath. Marshwalkers- Queen Sai. Ratkin- Lord of the Red Mask (Current Identity Unknown). Bearkin- Circle of the Wild Ferras, Motin, Kinn, Laveras, Braun. Rabbitkin- Council Leader Thorumin. Lizardkin- High Judicator Tu-san-ru.
>>Notes: Currently all major parties of Humans, Beastkin, and Marshwalkers on Garand have allied in a defensive pact.

>Ratkin- Lord of the Red Mask (Current Identity Unknown)

Wonder if the rat guys is from the red mask court.

>inb4 the bear guy, the rat and the prince are friends.

>Lizardkin- High Judicator Tu-san-ru.
>Tu-san-ru

Wonder if he is tsundere.

>>3177901
We...did remember to wear the colors of the Alliance, right? Because we only look near-human but still not part of the local ethnicity, and all.

>>3177910
Well yeah, but we do know that the Weavers have a clan that allied with Lord Kolm, which suggests that the Weavers have clans and if he mentioned only 1, then the others might be Neutral.

>>3177798
>>3177812
>>3177813
>>3177821
>>3177826
>>3177829
>>3177853
You quickly leap off your horse as Izumi does the same- you can hear skittering as she pursues her assailant as you approach the clumsy drider. With a growl, it turns itself, and you quickly dodge with a grunt as she expels webbing, the stuff falling to the ground instead.

Kinda don’t want to get hit by that, no. It tries to skitter away, but you manage to grab it by a leg- of which you now realize is bristling and kinda gross- and quickly yank it back before it can readjust its aim- it’s struggling scratches at your clothing as you tackle it and get it in a headlock. You shift your center of gravity until you’re beneath it, but it has no ground purchase at all, practically a rear naked choke. It still struggles a bit, but you quickly wrench against its neck, the threat obvious. In moments, its struggles stop, and there a gurgling hiss comes out of it. “Very well…if it is your will, end my ambition.”

“What I ‘will’ depends entirely on you,” you remark.

Its legs wiggle in a brief struggle again- or perhaps amusement. “Haaa...you think me willing to bargain? Truly?”
“Call it a hunch,” you say. “I’ll give you, say...until my friend gets back from probably killing your friend.”

“She is no ‘friend’,” the drider comments. “Merely a near soul caught in the great web. And for what information would you release me?”

> “How many others are on this road?”
> “What forces are at Dulwark?”
> “What do you know about the other Weaver tribes?”
> Other questions

>>3177935

>...tribes, clan, you know what I meant.

>>3177935
>Other questions
"Which Weaver clan do you belong to, and who else stands with Lord Kolm?"

>>3177935
>>3177940
> "What tribe are you from?"
> (If not from Blackweb Clan) "What do you know of the one known as Zai?"
> “What forces are at Dulwark?”
> “What do you know about the other Weaver tribes?”

>>3177935
> “How many others are on this road?”
> “What do you know about the other Weaver tribes?”

Ever since I played 'pit people' I cannot unsee their version of driders.

>>3177935
> “How many others are on this road?”
> “What do you know about the other Weaver tribes?”

>>3177935
>> “What do you know about the other Weaver tribes?”
Knowing friend from foe is important.

>>3177935
"-you release me?" hahahahahahahahahahahaha
ha
This one, this one is funny.
Well Izumi isn't here, but she can probably tell if we get too persuasive with this one.
> “How many others are on this road?”
and
> “What do you know about the other Weaver tribes?”
The forces at Dulwark hardly matter, because we're going to crush all of them.

Questins!
Also bold of him to presume we were going to let him go. But hey, not my call!
Writing!

>>3177961

>>3177867
Sticky mana lasso ;)

>>3177935
>>3177955
>>3177959
>>3177961
>>3177965
>>3177969
>>3178006
Making sure to keep a tight hold, you glare at her. “Let’s start with the basics, then. What clan are you from?”

“You are blind to color, then? Curious, to have such eyes and be deprived of such wonders of the world.” Another gurgling laugh, but you’re going to just...file that one away for now. “I am of the Blackweb, as is right. As is ordained. The Blackweb was the first, and it shall be the last once darkness eternal falls. All othersss will perish in their delusion...” Some grunting as it tries to clear its throat- you suspect it’s not getting as much air as it’d like. Pity.

“That so? Just what ‘others’ are there? What other clans?” That’s something that’s more interesting, to be frank. If there’s any chance of getting more allies…

Yeah, its legs are wiggling when it laughs. “Ahahah...what other clans, indeed? They are weak. Pitiful. Content in their acts that mean nothing when they perish. Do you wish to seek them out? They will sink into the darkness regardless. The Dawnspinners think themselves forever beautiful. Too beautiful to fight. They will die, huddled in their silken homes, and their so-called beauty will be forgotten by all, but their weakness will remain as their legacy. The Striders thought themselves the superiors of the Blackweb- but they fled when faced with real power. Their height did not equal their ferocity. The Veilspeakers, just as pitiful. They were willing to surrender their all they had gained to avoid bloodshed, they claimed it was ‘as told’- and now they have nothing to give, save their lives. Their speaking does nothing for them now.”

“Such a shame,” you remark, although those descriptions do make you wonder. Are any still out there? If so...could you reach them? Well, if you WERE going to, then first thing’s first… “How many others are still on this road?” You ask.

“Apparently very few,” Izumi’s voice says from the treeline as she steps through again. Seems like she’d been asking a few questions of her own. “This road was considered too narrow and too clumped for a large force, so it seems there’s mostly a few scouts and ambushers. Though from what my captive told me, they aren’t exactly keen on their job duties…”

“We all seek a way to climb the great web. To pull its strings is the goal of all Weavers. Much better than to be enwrapped in it.” The drider’s response is solemn, as though stating a fundamental truth. “And so your questions have been answered. Release me!”

“Interesting,” Izumi muses. “My captive took her own life after her information, sadly…you would not do the same?”

“If she deemed her role in the web done, then so be it. I yet have ambition!” he states.

> “Well, your ambition dies here.” Kill him and get moving. No loose ends.
> “Yeah. Good luck with that.” Let him go. He sounds like he might be an indirect help.
> Other

>>3178097
>> “Well, your ambition dies here.” Kill him and get moving. No loose ends.
No loose ends babbling about some super-powered girls.

>>3178097
>Other
>Let Izumi decide

>>3178097
>Other
Summon Goro. Ask him if he can consume this drider's life essence to do stuff for us.

>>3178097
> “Yeah. Good luck with that.” Let him go. He sounds like he might be an indirect help.

I kinda don't want to kill the drider in front of Izumi. Besides the guy/girl/thing could be valuable

>>3178097
> “Well, your ambition dies here.” Kill him and get moving. No loose ends.

>>3178106
Just let him go Izumi gonna feel bad for killing someone like this. And didn't we mostly picked a good guy quest so she would feel better?

>>3178097
“Well, your ambition better involve showing us where Zai is so she can die screaming, then convincing your leader to unite the other clans to fight Lord Kolm, because that’s the cost of your life.”

>>3178120
>>3178105
Oh well. This is probably for the better anyway.

>>3178097
>“Yeah. Good luck with that.” Let him go. He sounds like he might be an indirect help.
For Izumi's conscience, even if Miranda is annoyed by it.

>>3178130
He/She/It will probably be killed for failling his mission anyway.

>>3178097
> “Yeah. Good luck with that.” Let him go. He sounds like he might be an indirect help.
He's gonna tell them we're colorblind, he knows almost nothing else about us. It'll be great, he's so stupid he doesn't even realize black isn't a color. Can't keep their pronoun consistent either.

>>3178097
>> “Well, your ambition dies here.” Kill him and get moving. No loose ends.
Sounds like a zealot.

>>3178139
He isn't a zealot would have killed himself. He did not do that. If anything he would probably be willing to betray the weaver lady if he gets to command his tribe.

>>3178097
>>3178125
For clarification I’m basically voting for
> “Yeah. Good luck with that.” Let him go. He sounds like he might be an indirect help.

>>3178138
What if his eyes sees in light ranges that ours don't? This would have been a nice time to have a technological visor.

Or, >>3178097
>Other: Scan him with the FutureSight quickly to get more in-depth information about the Weavers.

Seems like letting him go is just barely the winner. Writing!

>The Veilspeakers, just as pitiful. They were willing to surrender their all they had gained to avoid bloodshed, they claimed it was ‘as told’- and now they have nothing to give, save their lives. Their speaking does nothing for them now.”

These Veilspeakers seem to be a interesting folk.

I just realized. We have a guy in a ring who’s shaped like a spidertaur who knows shadow magic.

We can convince the driders that we’re messengers from him! We could become demigods in this world! Or at least convince them to turn on Kolm, anyway.

>>3178193
I don't think shapeless shadow-tendrils can pass as spidertaur's lower half.

>>3178204
Goro is a Spider-taur though.The tendrils was just him reforming itself

>>3178193
And we can do that after destroying/killing the big spider lady and unite all the spider clans in one big civilization!!!


Although that might be a bad idea.

>>3178204
That’s just him after spending a long time being cooped up in there. He coalesced into a smoke spider-taur as he was talking.

>>3178214
Gonna have to tell him that they need to support the paying side...

>>3178216
Honestly if they think that getting trapped in the great web. Is bad imagine when they find out we have the soul of a powerfull shadow mage imprisoned in our ring.

>>3178097
>>3178113
>>3178130
>>3178138
>>3178143
Hm. Well. Annoying though he might be, there’s the way he’s phrasing things. He might be a particularly ambitious sort, and if he is...he’ll be a factor that, hopefully, will tie a few things up for the Blackweb clan. Might be worth letting him live for now- especially considering he knows little about you. There’s not a lot of intel he can give. “Yeah, well...” you quickly let go of his throat and back off quickly. “Good luck with that, I guess.”

Izumi looks at you oddly, but the spider grins viciously. “My thanks, little sabereye. I will...consider this moment, should we meet in the future.” Sabereye? Before that really hits you, however, he’s spun a web, and disappeared back into the trees.

“I must admit,” Izumi says curiously. “I don’t think I was expecting you to spare him. You didn’t do it for my sake, did you?”

“Of course not,” you answer. Although it WAS, maybe, possibly, a bit of a factor… “Let’s keep moving.”

“Right.” Shortly, you’re both on your way again, and to your surprise, you don’t run into any further trouble; that is, you DO run into ambushes, but little in the way of further Weavers- rather they are pockets of shadow creatures; from what you can guess, they’ve been ordered to be on watch, and although they dive at you, they’re hardly worth much fuss. To be fair, though, such pockets, as rabid as they are, probably would’ve done a lot of damage to anything that short of well armored units. Still, you manage well enough and continue your way through.

Before much longer, you notice the treeline thinning out...and just above it, you can see a tendril of smoke rising up in the distance...wait. No, that’s not smoke. That’s just...darkness.

An inky, winding, tendril of darkness, terminating somewhere above the cloudline.

Well, if that isn’t obvious. “Betcha that’s the town.”

“Sucker bet,” Izumi replies immediately. “...how much do you think it’s caused by something that has to be destroyed to stop?”

Pft. “Sucker bet.”

In all seriousness, though...you COULD let this go for now and keep on the way to the bears. You know full well that there’s likely a more important contingent of forces sitting there, and you’ll lose your element of surprise in the war effort if you choose to engage. Especially if and when someone notices that shadow pillar disappearing. They'll be ready for you sooner. Of course, if you did, that, it’d free the Prince and his men up to march straight to the Lizards’ territory…they’d be worried about so many sudden changes it may even out.

>Assault and reclaim Dulwark yourself.
>Sneak past it and continue up north to the Bearkin stronghold.
>Other

Ending it for today. I might not run tomorrow (or if I do, it'll be short). Unsure. Eye on Twitter to be safe.

I swear Gartoum's appearance and these guys' whole shadow thing wasn't intentional. It just kinda worked out that way. Blame multiverse RNG.

But I WILL say this is another world in which I particularly enjoyed making the NPCs and I hope you meet a number of them! As thin as information is so far, as well, I hope you're interested just as much.

>>3178289
>Sneak past it and continue up north to the Bearkin stronghold.

We can always come back with the bears once we are done with whatever is holding then. We will come back by this road anyway.

>>3178294
Thanks for the run Handler. It's pretty interesting setting.

>>3178289
>>Sneak past it and continue up north to the Bearkin stronghold.
We could conquer it, but we don't have any way of holding it after we leave.

>>3178289
>Sneak past it and continue up north to the Bearkin stronghold.

>My Lady...the Weild speaks to us. Of recent things.

>Then give it voice, seer.

>It has sipped on human blood...yet it still feels their feet above. The shadow sickness in the west has abaited just a bit, as well.

>Hm? Do you mean to say...?

>The humans have not fallen this day.

>Oh? Then they have rallied? How courageous of them.

>Indeed. As though a boil has been removed from a sickly face. The Weild takes solace in this...temporary abatement.

>Perhaps our alliance was not so made in hasty error. Would I could congratulate them on their spirited defense in these dark times. Could they have found some method of cleansing?

>Not as such, my Lady. However, the Weild speaks of a...curiosity. Two, in truth. The Weild knows them not, but there is power within them. Roaring flames next to the sparks of life. It was these flames which extinguished the shadow there.

>Truly? How fascinating. However, we have no time to sate such curiosity. We have our own troubles.

>Indeed we do. But should these flames spread...

>Inform me. For now, continue to oversee the defense of the Southern Wetlands. If the humans can defend themselves even now, then the Cleargrounds CANNOT fall.

>Of course, my Lady.

>>3178289
>Sneak past it and continue up north to the Bearkin stronghold.

>>3178289
>Assault and reclaim Dulwark yourself.

>>3178289
>Sneak past it and continue up north to the Bearkin stronghold.

So, anons. What would you suggest to do in order to boost morale of our allies or convince some neutrals to join our side?
Most of the beastkin are already fighting for us, all we need to do is not to antagonize them. They are probably going to be extremely cautious and wary as non-humans tend to do when we are on a job. If Izumi asks why are we acting nicer than usual - tell her that we are tired of being called 'the Harbinger' through no fault of ours.
Driders seem like a mixed bunch so maybe we should aproach them once the tide of war has turned.

>>3178594
Isn't that going a bit beyond the requirements of the job? I thought we were here to just power our way through to the enemy leader and kill him.

>>3178597
Maybe, but being so straightforward could earn us another unsavory title that would hamper our progress and prevent us from getting extra loot and side jobs. Plus we kinda wanted to do a 'good' mission for a change.

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>Sabereye

wut?

>>3178611
We really need a mirror.

>>3178616
Can’t we just take a selfie with the FutureSight and look at that?

>>3178729
true that.

>>3178729
Good idea. Lets take it together with Izumi so it can serve as a commemorative photo of our trip

>>3178883
You know, we could also take more pictures for the kids too. Surely they'll love to see us at work and looking at the world.

>>3178755
>>3178883
>Miranda and Izumi doing duckface at the camera while they hold up Lord Kolm’s severed head

Perfect.

>>3178910
Shit, you’ve just reminded me. We’ve got a gift for everyone we’re mentoring except Mewla.

Weapons are out of the question, but I think I remember that she likes mushrooms...

>>3178594
Bully them into it? Who in particular would we want to join up?
>>3178601
>unsavory title that would hamper our progress
This isn't even a thing. Prospective clients don't get the privilege of inspecting our record before hiring us and having ended civilisations in the past won't stop is from getting work.

>>3179037
What about Miranda accused being reincarnation of some local ancien boogeyman in the middle of the job? That happened a few times.

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I really want to take a look at our face and check our wings again

>>3179189
What is your point with that? We usually dont care about those accusations and in this specific mission they might even be beneficial because we could be the chosen one or whatever.

>>3179249
We kind of do, but only insomuch we don't get shit put on us that we didn't do. That's why we told the Ice King summon from the last job that he's clearly delusional when he called us the Harbinger.

It's about, y'know, professional pride and shit, along with a heaping helping of "Stop being dramatic and let's get this shit over with already".

>>3179189
>What about Miranda accused being reincarnation of some local ancien boogeyman in the middle of the job?
Nothing, pretty much. We do the job or client gave us and they pay us at the end regardless of what titles we may or may not pick up.

Making allies is up to the king and prince and the other faction leaders, not us. That kind of politics isn't our business

>>3179276
We told the ice king to shut up because his delusions might have taken our bond with lysterine into question. We were supposed to be bound to his will, a kid who never summoned anything before. It's obvious who'd be in control if we were to be this "harbinger".

It had nothing to do with pride, it was a situation that could have failed our contract if not dealt with.

Earning nicknames won't prevent us from completing this mission as it could have in the previous job

>>3179276
yeah, but as long as that is irrelevant to getting paid (which in most cases-including the one you say is-) we usually roll with ait and dont give a shit.

>>3179278
I bet politics in the bearkin is that you have to wrestle the political adversary. The one who gets subdued first loses.

This kind of politics i can see randa being pretty good at.

>>3179311
Salmon cooking competition

>>3179311
I figure they'll just be happy for the help, honestly. The good guys here are all hard pressed, and bears seem like they would be pragmatic sorts.
I imagine them as similar to the ones in the Girl Genius webcomic; strong, simple in appearance but cunning underneath.

I'm more interested in the rabbits honestly. Apparently they fucked off because Blackweb thinks they taste good with ketchup? We'll probably have to stomp some spiders to get them back out.

>>3179907
Don't stomp too hard though, or we can repeat the situation with lizard-folk from 'Wild Wild West' mission.

>>3179907
I'm more interested in the Veilspeaker clan of Weavers. They foresaw that they would have to give up everything; did they foresee us? And if they did, did they give up all of their loot to Kolm and the Blackweb knowing that we would be coming for money, and they know where all the loot is stashed, and want to make a deal?

They'll either point us towards Motes and people we're supposed to kill for our contract, or we get to mess with more prophets again.

>>3179925
Fair, I guess. I'm also curious about the Dawnspinners, but that's just because the idea of vain as fuck spiders amuses me.

>>3179948
Anon, be honest. You just want to tap that abdomen.

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>>3179948
I think i have a idea who the Dawnspinners leader is.

Also i bet that their silk must be very valuable and very resistant to make armour/clothes.

>>3180049
The most important quality of spiders is that they eat other more annoying bugs.
Like anime harem MCs.

Run will resume in about an hour, give or take. May be a short one, but tomorrow I'll also be available to run longer.

>>3181385
So long we get to kick ass and help the bears i'm fine with it.

>>3181385
I came here to save bears and argue about extra contracts

AND I'M FUCKING SICK OF THE ARGUING

>>3181485
Same. Now let's go save some care bears.

>>3178289
>>3178300
>>3178304
>>3178321
>>3178517
>>3178568
“I rather want to go in there and free those people…” Izumi states, leaving the sentence hanging.

“...but it wouldn’t work out until we have enough forces to hold it,” you finish. “So best to slip past, for now. We’ll circle around here; cut through the treeline as best we can and start heading up.” She purses her lips, but nods- she knows as well as you do that there’s little practicality in the attempt right now. Best to come back when you have force of numbers.

Although you don’t think anyone heard you, you’re surprised in that there’s little to no resistance as you head up north, one of the mountains of the range looming before you...although you can hear the faint din of a battle battle even down here. “That sounds fierce...we should hurry!” Izumi says heatedly before kicking her steed into high gear. All you can do is sigh as you make to catch up with her.

It’s something of a surprise when, without warning, you see a number of large logs tumbling down the side of the mountain- massive oak-like things, cut with sharp, pointed edges. Some sort of trap set off?

Not a couple of minutes afterwards, a rumbling causes both horses to fret, before what you initially believe is an avalanche of rocks comes smashing down on the path before you, tumbling the rest of the way down in a hurry. The way they were so localized, however, tells you that it might well be more of the same…

“C’mon, let’s double time it! Hiyah!” With a whinny, your steed continue their winding way around the path, this time pushing himself to move a bit faster…

>Roll 1d20, best of 3.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3181526
Could we block avalanches and rolling logs with Great Barrier?

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3181526

>>3181540
logs, yeah. Avalanche...Technically, but it'd just kinda...avalanche around you, then.

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Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3181526

18. Yeah thas pretty good mhm.

Writing.

>>3181540
I think this was more the bears traps rather then the enemy. But i could be wrong the prince did say that the enemy knew their strategy so most likely they figured if help would be comming it would be from this road.

>>3181556
Oh yeah, does the FutureSight allow for selfies, or is it strictly a research tool?

>>3181566
the thing can scan and reference objects. i'm pretty sure it can take a lousy picture.

>>3181526
>>3181540
>>3181547
>>3181553
As you ride up, the ground evens out a bit, and you begin to see signs of civilization- small carved totems, tore robes...and sadly, several of the bears that they were on. Covered in gouges and bites and webbing, many of their thick, furry bodies covered in steel and wood-plated armor; several of these have what are undoubtedly bite marks on and through them, and a black morass, almost like mold, seems to be creeping up on some of the trees here. “Disgusting,” Izumi mutters. “But we’re close.”

“Yeah, we- hold up!” You quickly bring Draugur to a stop as you see a body on the side of the road; but this one clearly alive. He’s dressed in what you can only describe as monk-ish robes, and that’s about it, aside from his headdress and and ornate wooden staff, twisted and weaved with greenery atop it. You and Izumi hop off quickly to inspect him, his eyes wide and panicked as he stumbles down the road.

He almost doesn’t seem to notice you at first, but as you turn him to face you, he lets out a silent scream; brandishing his staff like some sort of defense. “Back, creatures of…!” Before you have to state your intentions, he seems to realize he’s not in immediate danger, as he lowers his weapon slightly. “Wait...you are not of the shadows...are you?”

“Not at all,” Izumi speaks quickly. “We’re here to help you. How bad is it?” It seemed worse that what the Prince had made it sound like...

“I…” He looks surprised and astonished for all of a second, before he swallows his nervousness. “We, we were holding them for some time, but then the Weavers. We did not see them coming! The Blackweb, they trapped us, bound us in with webbing! The Keeper Braun and his daughter managed to break the webbing to free civilians, but by then…then the shadows were upon us! We have been fighting fiercely, and now we only barely keep them at bay. What fighting force do you have with you?”

“Us,” you answer.

“Just you? But...that will do nothing! The Blackweb- they’ll kill you instantly!” Bold claim, that.

“Unlikely!” Izumi yells, shouting a battle cry as she remounts and takes off.

You’re pretty sure she knows what she’s doing, but you can’t help but inwardly sigh.

(cont.)

>>3181643
A minute or two more and you’re clearly at the outskirts, where there’s a massive skirmish of bearkin, armed with maces, clubs, and polearms swinging and roaring against spider-people, firing with crossbow, blade, and other things. There’s what sounds like a larger conflict to the north, but you can hear the screeching of...SOMETHING, off to the west of the town. Seems like they seriously got tired of the stalemate…

As you close in, you have to decide…

>Take it from the top- you’ll clear out all the spiders and shadows here, rally the defenders, and march in to make sure they can’t take the area.
>You’re going to want to take our their force multiplier fast. IF you can work it out right, you might even be able to ambush it.
>Whatever that issue is to the north, it might spill out into something uncontrollable if things get nasty. Better reinforce it.
>Other

>>3181566

Yes it can take pictures.

>>3181647
>You’re going to want to take our their force multiplier fast. IF you can work it out right, you might even be able to ambush it.
>Other: Sorry Draugur, but you're not fast enough. Start jumping to get around more quickly.

>>3181647
>>Take it from the top- you’ll clear out all the spiders and shadows here, rally the defenders, and march in to make sure they can’t take the area.
Remember, spiderwebs are weak to flames!

>>3181647
>>3181647
>Take it from the top- you’ll clear out all the spiders and shadows here, rally the defenders, and march in to make sure they can’t take the area.

Izumi went off to do her thing she is probably the reason why the screeching is happening

>>3181647
>Take it from the top- you’ll clear out all the spiders and shadows here, rally the defenders, and march in to make sure they can’t take the area.
How about using our wings and doing a bombing run?

>>3181647
>You’re going to want to take our their force multiplier fast. IF you can work it out right, you might even be able to ambush it.

>>3181658
They are also weak to magic blast. We are also have being using the Halberd so far.

>>3181662
I would be up to test our wings. Even if i doubt they would be able to make us fly like last time.

>>3181647
>You’re going to want to take our their force multiplier fast. IF you can work it out right, you might even be able to ambush it.
Izumi can handle those spidershits, we'll remove the shadow leaders first then come back.

>>3181662
If it gets votes.

>>3181665
The halberd's just a halberd, though. Flaming sword beats regular halberd in terms of showing how OP you are.

H-huh...it's a tie

>>3181647
>You’re going to want to take our their force multiplier fast. IF you can work it out right, you might even be able to ambush it.
Assuming that's what it is, the bears can keep holding for a while longer.
>Other: Sorry Draugur, but you're not fast enough. Start jumping to get around more quickly.

Going after LOUD NOISES squeaks it.

Writing!

>>3181647
>>3181653
>>3181664
>>3181678
>>3181698
“Sorry, Draugur. Stay put!” You leave your horse behind as you dismount- and then immediately hop up, your leaps taking you well above the mud and thatched roofs; you can’t afford getting spotted so soon, however, so you keep them shallower than normal.

Izumi’s already into the thick of it as you head off at an angle, just beyond the town limits- you can see some orange remnants of shadows, and a few fallen spiders that clearly are missing limbs and other features, cut cleanly by a blade. This kind of work is her forte, easily. As for you…

It doesn’t take very long before you can see what’s clearly a massive ichor beast, climbing up towards the main walls of the village and nearly dripping itself everywhere as it sloughs through the mountain brush. A set of six bulbous eyes frame its face, along with long, vicious tusks jutting from its lower lip- not that that really dimishes the other jagged natural knives in its mouth. It hauls itself over rock and crag with the lumbering grace of an elephant, pustules on its legs and back bulging with orange fluid, and it’s only a matter of minutes before it makes it there to no doubt try to decimate the defenders that are currently lined up near the outside, hands outstretched.

Do they really think they can fight it with just-

“TI-RAH!” Before that sentence can even finish, you hear their deep, booming voices as they stomp as one, lifting their paws in respect; with a crackling boom, the area in front of them grows, and a great mass of trees seem to sprout from nothing, blocking the gargantuan creature off.

“LU-RAH!” Another chant, another stomp, and another copse of trees to pen the creature in from either side.

“KA-RAH!” A third chant, and the trees shudder as...something, you’re not sure what, happens to the creature, although you think you can see new branches suddenly sprouted…

And those branches are scattered as, with a howl, the creature suddenly bursts from the instant copse, the massive trees splintered and shattered as the bearkin suddenly have to shield themselves from their own work and scramble to retreat as the thing continues forward, another vicious howl being let loose at its defiance.

Probably a good time to step in now, yeah.

>Action!

>>3181801
Throw some magi blasts at the postules on its back, I wanna see what the orange is.

>>3181801
Box it in barriers, then ignite it with a stream of fire by channeling mana into our sword. Maybe shape barriers like some sort of furnace.

5 minutes until. Any way you want to make an entrance, here you go.

>>3181812
That would cost a fair bit of mana. 4000 minimum.

>>3181801
>Stay right in front of it and summon a magic barrier to block it's advance.


YOU SHALL NOT PASS!

>>3181823
Eh. We stll have boots and condenser.

>>3181827
And then?

>>3181830
Then we kick his ass with the halberd.

Hm. Okay, let's try this:

>Try to trap it with a set of barriers and attack from that. (4000 Mana)
> Block it with one barrier and use that to take advantage briefly. (1000 Mana)
> Get above it and try to pepper it with Magiblasts ASAP
> Other

>>3181839
>Try to trap it with a set of barriers and attack from that. (4000 Mana)

>>3181839
> Block it with one barrier and use that to take advantage briefly. (1000 Mana)

>>3181838
I'm sticking to cooking it in the oven.

>>3181839
> Block it with one barrier and use that to take advantage briefly. (1000 Mana)
Bring out the flame sword and use it to burn and cut it's orange postules. Let it focus on us so that the bearkin can regroup

>>3181851
Sounds like a good way to waste mana. But you do whatever you want to do.

>>3181839
>Get above it and try to pepper it with Magiblasts ASAP
BOMBARDMENT!

Rolled 4 (1d20)

Defense! Deefense!

Writing!

>>3181896
Look, if EDF 4.1 has taught me anything, is that cannon fodder are the most useful kind of people.

Current Mana: 11,500/12,500

You can’t let it get a head of steam; you need to stop it where it is, if only to let the bears have some chance of escape or recovery. The bears have hardly any time to gape or wonder as you make your way in front of them- they’re trying to retreat as quickly as possible, shouting out instructions to the ones beyond the camp.

The creature itself- it doesn’t seem to recognize you as a threat, but it nonetheless seems to pick up a little pace; which is exactly what you want it to do.

The thing’s mouth gapes, and tries to lean forward to swallow you whole; you put out an arm, and a wide Light Barrier springs from your hand, stretching wide and high in either direction! The creature’s maw crashes against the barrier, causing you a bit of strain, but that’s all- it otherwise bounces, and crashes against the ground as its body shakes from the impact- but it’s still up, and will recover soon if you don’t take advantage.

A few magiblasts to its eyes cause a shrieking, but to your surprise they hold together- this one is clearly made of sterner stuff than the mooks you slaughtered earlier…

As you look back, you see the few Bearkin that were nearby scramble back, there’s a few on the walls that you hear screams from, as well as smaller yelping and screeching as fighting starts there as well...damnit, they must have been ambushed somehow!

>Charge up a magiblast, fire down his gullet. You don’t have time for anything fancy- you’ll have to hope that it stays down long enough for you to handle things on the other end of the wall.
>Unfortunate, but you have to make sure this thing is out of commission- make sure to pop everyone of those damn boils on its body.
> Burning it might be risky, but it’ll likely eradicate it entirely. Your Flamebringer should handle that nicely…
>Other

Yeah, will resume tomorrow! 12 PM PST.

>>3181993
>Burning it might be risky, but it’ll likely eradicate it entirely. Your Flamebringer should handle that nicely…

>>3181993
>Charge up a magiblast, fire down his gullet. You don’t have time for anything fancy- you’ll have to hope that it stays down long enough for you to handle things on the other end of the wall.

kinda want a tag team with us and Izumi downing this thing later. A magi blast will cripple it long enough so we can reinforce the other bears. Also if they got ambushed it might be a group of Weavers.

The more bears we save/inspire the better in my opinion. And i don't want to risk some back slash with the flamebringer.

>>3181993
>Charge up a magiblast, fire down his gullet. You don’t have time for anything fancy- you’ll have to hope that it stays down long enough for you to handle things on the other end of the wall.

>>3181993
>Charge up a magiblast, fire down his gullet. You don’t have time for anything fancy- you’ll have to hope that it stays down long enough for you to handle things on the other end of the wall.

>>3181993
>Charge up a magiblast, fire down his gullet. You don’t have time for anything fancy- you’ll have to hope that it stays down long enough for you to handle things on the other end of the wall.
>>3182017
Okay, but wouldn't an orbital barrier be better for that?

>>3182056
Kinda one of the reasons why I wanted to waste mana on caging it. Now is probably too late.

>>3182057
>>3181812
Fcuk, id changed

>>3181993
Let's not use indiscriminate fire in the woods. And instead fire indiscrimiately into the woods!
>Charge up a magiblast, fire down his gullet. You don’t have time for anything fancy- you’ll have to hope that it stays down long enough for you to handle things on the other end of the wall.

>>3181993
What happens if we cast light barrier perpendicular to a charging beast? I mean, how thick is it it? Monomolecular magical knife edge?

Can it be pushed, or thrown if we summon tiny ones?

Razor Hedge, a barrier made of layered light barriers edge on to the target? Touch it and get cut, that way they couldn't do things like jump off it or anything.

>>3181993
Also, I can't believe I'm recommending using this, but what about tossing a bunch of sticky mana bombs down its throat at different points and then detonating them at once?

Or a light barrier inside it, bigger than its jaws? Let it tear itself apart on it.

>>3182124
I don't like the sticky mana technique that much but that is a neat idea.
>Try to get that big guy to open his mouth
>Shoot your sticky gooey mana down it's throat
>and for good measure try to shut it's mouth with sticky mana
>then detonate it as it stuggles

>>3182160
I am a fan of this idea if only because it allows us to "Omae wa mou shinderu" our enemies.
That said I'm not changing my vote, which was for a charged magiblast

>>3182160
It probably won't cause to much damage remember that what keeps it together is the orange things inside it.

Saying that maybe a magic blast down it's mouth will have the explosion damage some of the orange things.

>>3182056
The barrier wouldn't last for long with the thing banging against it. There is also the fact that if the Weavers are here i thing that there is a weaver lieutenant or the big weaver lady is here leading the charge.

>>3182183
I'm sure orbital ring will keep it immobile for longer than shooting it once..

>>3182192
Ah you meant Orbital ring? Sorry i though you were talkin about the bigger barrier, not about the orbital ring.

Anyway the Orbital ring exploded when if someone breaks it right? If the thing manages to move and break near friendlies it could be as dangerous as using the flamebringer near a forest and near totems who are probably sacred or important to the bearkin.

>>3181993
>Other: Send sticky mana down its throat and gum up its jaws. Then detonate it.

>>3181993
I’m all for shooting our goo down it’s throat. Sounds like it could distract it for ten-fifteen minutes.

>>3181993
>Other
>Cut it up with a bunch of magi-waves and go help the bears

>>3182225
Sticky Mana isn't explosive. What you want is the Sticky bombs. And in this case a magic blast would be better because the explosion radius of it is much more potent then a sticky bomb. Which would probably eliminate some of the boils and slow it's regeneration.

>>3182264
Again to much mana and after we are done here we still have the other town to liberate. We need to work to preserve our mana to fight the named enemies that the human captain told us about.

>>3182283
>to much mana
Pastebin doesn't mention mana cost so it's safe to assume it takes as much mana as mana-blasts. Using magi-waves will preserve mana better than spamming sticky bombs (which have a mentioned mana cost of 250 per blob) on the thing.

>>3182295
>250
200*

>>3182295
I agree that it would conserve more mana then using sticky bombs.

But a charged mana blast might hit more of the orabge boils rather then mutiple magic wave, because once the first hots the creature can still melt away from the attack, and even if the first move hits, it might not reach the boils that are in the creatures back.

While a magic blast down the gullet has a higher chance of taking out more of the things with a single fast move before the creature can recover.

>>3182334
I'm voting for magi-waves because when Miranda used the halberd to cut the shadow lieutenants's orange stuff in the earlier fight, the cut off parts just outright disappeared. It seems that the enemies' strength and size depends on how much of that orange stuff they have and if it's cut off from whatever would count as their "brain", the orange part becomes useless and all "shadow" parts of the body that were relying on that specific orange part.
This is just me guessing based on the story posts though so I may be wrong.

>>3181993
>>Charge up a magiblast, fire down his gullet. You don’t have time for anything fancy- you’ll have to hope that it stays down long enough for you to handle things on the other end of the wall.
Fire, while undoubtedly effective, is a bad idea in a forest.

>>3182456
You are not wrong. The orange boils are the things that keep the shadow creatures together. It probably works as a connector that holds more concetrated shadows and so giving it power.

The problem is after the first magi-wave hits the shadow creature could just melt and run away or dodge from the following attacks.

One big magi blast down the gullet will blow it's head were we know the orange eyes are. Which is a weakness and hopefully if the thing has the anotomy of a humanoid creature maybe the blast will run far deep enough inside it so it can explode some of the boils bear it's back.

>>3182283
> Sticky Mana isn't explosive.

Suddenly I'm reminded of grease + flame bolt spell combo.

If we cost stuff with sticky mana, could we "trigger" a reaction with our Fireworks spell?

Maybe throwing out sticky mana + fireworks will let us create a real mana flame thrower.

Anyone down for trying since we didn't practice anything while we were in the intersection?

Another point, its eyes are the only VISIBLE orange nodules.

I'm sure bringing this to the QMs attention won't have any effect on possible outcomes or future fights, but just in case.

>>3182604
I've wanted a flamethrower of some type for a while, and Sticky Mana + fireworks seems like an easy way to get one. It shouldn't even be that expensive mana-wise in theory.

>>3182643
Fireworks was originally supposed to be a sort of flamethrower anyways, no?

I'll support trying it here regardless, but I would be thrilled if we also tried the "perpendicular light shield" against a charge at some point.

I also wonder how Solar Flare would work, since they ARE shadows.

>>3182643
Don’t forget that there’s also the idea of channeling mana through the Flamebringer to launch the flames off of the blade. Could be useful for reducing the mana cost of the spell, but without the benefit of the sticky part.

>>3182604ayne if we cover our self in sticky mana our enemies will be too afraid to hit us!!!
>its eyes are the only VISIBLE orange nodules
>pustules on its legs and back bulging with orange fluid

>>3181993
>>3182017
>>3182031
>>3182039
>>3182056
>>3182082
>>3182467
Damnit, no time for fancy tactics- hopefully you can at the least knock it out of commission for a while. One hand for charging up a magiblast, the other for opening his maw a bit wider…

The shot streaks outwards, straight to the throat- a muffled, but still loud explosion throws up a morass of ichor in a rearward detonation, blowing out upper and back halves of its head, and decimating a few of the orange pustules back there, eyes included. You actually have to shield yourself from a bit of the raining goop, but beyond that, you can only hope that you’ve knocked the thing out at a minimum. To be fair, it does seem to go still...although the fact that it doesn’t start disintegrating is a bad omen. Good enough for now.

You take a leap up and backwards, and you can see a number of freshly fallen bears and their Weaver killers above them with various bladed instruments; several see you careening through the air, but have little time to react before you land, your halberd, slicing into one unfortunate as you do so.

Diving out of the impromptu circle, you’re forced to contend with a pursuing band of Weavers, a magiblast behind you dropping one of the crossbow wielders and forcing the rest to scatter in surprise, spreading out in an attempt to surround you as several leap atop homes and constructs for a height advantage. Great.

>Make it a running battle; try to link back up with Izumi ASAP so you can get the measure of what’s what now.
>Keep them running after you and draw their (and anyone else’s) attention for as long as possible.
>Fine, you’ll have to take them down here and now. Hold them off and kill them as you can.
>Other

>>3182796
>Make it a running battle; try to link back up with Izumi ASAP so you can get the measure of what’s what now.
Let her know the plan in case something else comes up between now and when the big boi starts rampaging again.

Holy shit, didn’t expect to see an update so soon!

>>3182796
>Make it a running battle; try to link back up with Izumi ASAP so you can get the measure of what’s what now.
Let’s bring out our magic rapier and blast a couple of them.

>>3182796
>Make it a running battle; try to link back up with Izumi ASAP so you can get the measure of what’s what now

>>3182796
>Make it a running battle; try to link back up with Izumi ASAP so you can get the measure of what’s what now.

...Wow, doesn't feel like it's been 30 minutes since I posted. Still, clear choice.

Writing.

>>3182796
>Fine, you’ll have to take them down here and now. Hold them off and kill them as you can.

>>3182796
>>3182804
>>3182824
>>3182834
>>3182845
You’re not going to just let them pick away at you- you’ve got places to be, things to kill, all that sort. And considering that there’s a notable absent of still breathing bears right in this area...you quickly leap backwards, rocketing up to the top of a nearby hut, delivering a pair of blasts to two Weavers nearby. They dodge, if barely, but it’s enough for you to gain some distance by leaping away. You can hear the shouts from them as they pursue, and the fight’s on.

You’re not entirely certain where Izumi is at the moment, but you at the least can tell where the major fighting is; that’ll probably be close enough, or if not, then you can find out from there.

As you turn around, you see a crossbow being leveled at you- a quick jink dodges the bolt, and you respond with one of your own that knocks the Weaver off the building and to the ground. You outpace them well enough, but you still have to actually find the core of the fighting, and that gives them time to- aha!

A flash of a familiar face near a larger-than-average hut lets you know you were right on the money! Izumi’s there, her blade and mana cutting through swaths of shadows much like you did in the first battle. You can’t help but notice they’re buffeted by several Weavers, all of them pressing a large group of bears doing their best to hold a massive breach in the village walls as Izumi does her best to stem the tide. It’s clear Izumi’s presence has helped immensely, but there’s a veritable flood of shadows swarming in- fast as Izumi is, numbers are just not on their side, and there’s a lack of an obvious shadow lieutenant. That doesn’t mean there isn’t one or two around, however…

A yell reminds you of your situation, and you turn your halberd to defend against a sword strike from the first Weaver to reach you- it’s turned away, and you twist the polearm to jab them in the gut with the blunt end, following momentum; it tries to recover to strike again, but your force behind the followup swing forces it to reposition its blade to try to stop your incoming strike. All that results is the blade getting shoved aside as your halberd continues on through its neck.

The next two are taken out by magiblasts, while the furthest two, clearly unsettled, look at you with undisguised caution. There’s a brief hesitation on their part…

(cont.)

>>3182922
...Which is filled by you firing off a pair of blasts for them, ending their concern as they splatter on the ground below. A loud bellow by one of the bears briefly catches your attention- a big fellow, scarred in a number of places and wearing a massive plate helm with aged leather armor, he wields a MASSIVE warhammer, swinging it around as he clears scores of shadow himself. Still, you can tell it’s a desperate defense...

>Hit the ground and help them push back the tide so they can get some breathing room.
>Trust Izumi and the big guy to hold things, and go searching for the shadow lieutenants so you can kill them.
>Maybe the Blackweb are running this show- see if you can’t find their commander nearby.
>Other

>>3182925
>Hit the ground and help them push back the tide so they can get some breathing room.

>>3182925
>Hit the ground and help them push back the tide so they can get some breathing room.

>>3182925
>Hit the ground and help them push back the tide so they can get some breathing room.
That’s probably their leader. Need to make sure he stays alive. Goomba stomp a couple of those Blackwebs to help him out!

>>3182925
>Hit the ground and help them push back the tide so they can get some breathing room.

Found the bear boss time to give him and Izumi a hand!

>>3182925
>>Maybe the Blackweb are running this show- see if you can’t find their commander nearby.

>>3182925
>Hit the ground and help them push back the tide so they can get some breathing room.
Rather than just staying at the breach and fighting whoever comes through, we should push through the enemy lines to see if there's anybody interesting in their rear.
So basically a combination of the first two options.

>>3182952
Nah just keep wacking at the flood. It will stop eventually then the bosses will show up.

>>3182962
I'm worried about the big guy waking up before that happens

Getting our hands dirty.

Also I need 2d20 from you guys, best of three.

Rolled 11, 7 = 18 (2d20)

1 1

Rolled 9, 14 = 23 (2d20)

>>3182976
HACK AND SLASH

Rolled 14, 17 = 31 (2d20)

>>3182976

Rolled 14, 9 = 23 (2d20)

>>3182976

>>3182983
Not bad.

14, 17? Neat.

Writing!

>>3183049
Uhull we didn't fucked up!!

>>3182925
>>3182929
>>3182934
>>3182939
>>3182942
>>3182952

Yeah, no time to waste here- even if you find someone, they might have folded by then- no use in having little to nothing left to save!

A magiblast deep in the throng sends shadows flying and dissolving, and you take the temporary surprise to leap into the fray nearest the bears- as surprised as they might be, they hardly spare you a look, considering it’s obvious who’s side you’re on.

Your magiblasts would have a bit too much backlash at this close range; probably why Izumi’s largely sticking to melee, as well. But that just means you have to make like a blender and keep thrashing. The shadow beings are more clumped here than the fields at the keep, which makes things a double-edged sword- there’s little room for them to maneuver, and many can hardly to anything but watch as you cut them down swing by swing. On the other hand, you’re fighting just to hold position as it seems like they’re constantly at your feet. Even magiwaves only get so far before their energy dissipates amongst the massive numbers, though they’re doing a bit better of a job at clearing out the invaders- you can actually start to see pockets forming...

The sounds of further chopping come from your left as you see Izumi holding off a number of shadows by her lonesome- a Weaver manages to close in only to get bisected as her blade passes through them without pause. Izumi’s speed, always having been a tick above yours, lets her hold ground better, but she’s actually able to reposition even in this morass, her blade constantly moving.

The roaring of the scarred bear continues as he tosses clumps of shadow beings, but you can see that he’s taking further injuries; trying to ignore the occasional scratch here or bite there as best he can, but it’ll take its toll on him if it continues further…

He seems to realize that, and begins trying to fight a retreat, to get behind a number of large, oaken shieldbearing grizzlies some ways behind him, while still taking out as many shadows as he can.

That brings to mind an idea, though…you hardly use it, but you wonder if a magi-beam might actually be worth it here. It’ll drain a lot of your mana to keep it persisting at a high enough power, but if it works…

>Try it. Couldn’t hurt at this stage!
>No, you need to conserve. Instead, that bear needs help retreating!
>Push with Izumi wholesale- you need to force them on the defensive!
>Other

>>3183107
>>Try it. Couldn’t hurt at this stage!

>>3183107
>>Try it. Couldn’t hurt at this stage!
Make it quick as we can though. I have a feeling we're going to need some of our pricier attacks at some point.

>>3183107
>Try it. Couldn’t hurt at this stage!

>>3183107
>>Try it. Couldn’t hurt at this stage!

>>3183107
>>Try it. Couldn’t hurt at this stage!
The laser pen is mightier than the sword

Rolled 13, 8 = 21 (2d20)

Lemme just roll this then...

>>3183107
>>3183134
Shit, you just reminded me! Let's use the amplifier rapier to either increase the duration or damage!

>>3183107
>No, you need to conserve. Instead, that bear needs help retreating!

I would rather cover for the bears.

>>3183141

...Oof.

Whether that's a good or bad 'oof' is dependent on your priorities.

>>3183147
I say keep the rapier and the flamebringer for when we fight the blood knight.

>>3183107
...Damnit, worth a shot!

Taking a deep breath, you leap back a few feet- you’re not going to have much time to charge anything, you’ve just got to fire and hope for the best.

Almost immediately the shadows think you’re giving ground, exhausted, and they lunge for you as you stick your hand out, just as they reached for the scarred bear.

Most of them are obliterated by the initial beam of light you outpour- the shock of it causing heads of all sorts to turn as you pour more energy into it to make sure there’s no chance of survival as you sweep the beam left to right, the force causing the act to be slower than you’d like. Scores and scores of shadows are cut in half or vaporized, fading into nothing, a few barely avoid it, only to be cut down by Izumi or smashed to nothing by bears. The smattering of Weavers amongst the crowd are similarly caught, screams echoing as flesh and chitin sizzle, and it’s only a few that escape thanks to quick weblines, although you can clearly see them darting the other way once they’re in the trees…

Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion overtakes you, and you have stop yourself from dropping to a knee, panting briefly. That...is SO inefficient.

>Current Mana: 7,000/12,500

But, as you look up, seeing the mountainside largely clear (if a bit deforested now)...it was rather effective.

“Yvrace?!” Izumi yells out from nearby, the opposing forces on retreat for now. “Are you alright?”

“Fine,” you answer back, breath almost evened out. It took a LOT out of you...but you finally have a bit of breathing room- even though the battle isn’t over with yet.

“Warriors…” A deep, rumbling voice sounds from your right. The bear leader, undoubtedly. “We owe you a great debt. But further talk must wait. We have yet to cast the shadow and the lurkers out entirely!” A multitude of roars cry out as the bearkin raise their weapons. “Stonebreakers, with me! Oakenguard, three of your finest!” Three of the massive shield bearers step up, and most of the aggressive warriors- those with the biggest clubs and maces step to their leader as they proceed to march inwards. “We take back the Circle, here and now!”

Another cheer goes up, and the bears march off to battle. Izumi looks at you questioningly. “Where are you going?”

> “With them to handle this Circle thing.”
> “I got some unfinished business to worry about.”
> “Spider hunting. I want to see who’s calling the shots here.”
>Other

>>3183273
> “Spider hunting. I want to see who’s calling the shots here.”
STOMP STOMP STOMP

>>3183273
>“I got some unfinished business to worry about.”

Breaking for an hour or two. Will resume later tonight.