>>3218112
As camp is set up, you find yourself tapping your foot slightly at it all. Prince had brought a surprising number of supplies and non-combatants for logistical reasons; frankly you were impressed he had such a mind for it, but that might just be necessity. Regardless, he’s got all your usual setup; cooks readying the evening meal, nervous though they may be. A couple of merchantmen, one being that massive ratfellow you and Izumi saw, hotly discussing business in hushed tones. A pair of strategists, pouring over maps and diagrams in silence. Oh, and the ritualists, those are setting up as well, although for what for you have no clue. The Prince himself seems preoccupied, talking to one of his generals; you can overhear snippets of the discussion mention ‘rabbitfolk’ and a name: ‘Felgrund’.

You could approach any of these at the moment, if you really wanted to. Izumi’s off somewhere; you think she’s helping with securing the perimeter. So, it’s just you at the moment.

>Talk to the cooks. Why not? Maybe you could give them some tips.
>Approach the merchants and see what they’ve got planned.
>See what the strategists are cooking up. It might apply to you.
>The ritualists...you at least want to know if they’re going to be distracting.
>The Prince seems concerned enough that you might want to listen in.
>Eh, you don’t really need to worry about anything right now. You’ll keep to yourself.
>Other

>>3218116
>The ritualists...you at least want to know if they’re going to be distracting.
>The Prince seems concerned enough that you might want to listen in.
whynotboth
If we can only do one then of course, the prince is the linchpin at the moment. But whatever the mages can cook up with our help will be a sight.

>>3218116
>>The ritualists...you at least want to know if they’re going to be distracting.

>>3218116
>The ritualists...you at least want to know if they’re going to be distracting.
Wanting to learn? What are you talking about I don't want to learn. What's that part for?

>>3218116
>The ritualists...you at least want to know if they’re going to be distracting.
Since we skipped going to library, gotta ask these practitioners how does their magic works.

>>3218116
>The ritualists...you at least want to know if they’re going to be distracting.

Ritual stuff it is. Whatever it is.

Writing!

>>3218116
>The ritualists...you at least want to know if they’re going to be distracting.

>>3218180
>>3216984
I know Q&A time is over but can you answer this? I'm genuinely curious.

>>3218116
>>3218147
>>3218152
>>3218154
>>3218159
>>3218172
>>3218209
Well, the rest you can probably ask about later and get all the details; the ritual stuff seems like it’d be best to see now.

It’s not bearkin, either, it’s humans. All robed up and everything, they’re setting up a circle; a couple of them placing small lines of metal in a roughly circular formation, while the last three are sketching patterns and sigils in the dirt. To their credit, they don’t jump or anything at your coming, although two of them do seem surprised and curious.

“Ah, er, Miss Yvrace, was it?” You nod; he DOES seem to be a bit anxious, now that you look at him. Thin, a bit tanned, actually, and a small soul patch of hair. “Terribly terribly sorry, we’re currently in the middle of setting up our Ritual of Purification, you see.” He motions to their current work.

Hm. Curious. “Yeah, I figured. Was just wondering what you were doing. Ritual of Purification, then? What’s that?”

“Ah?” He cocks an eyebrow. “You don’t- well, no, I suppose you wouldn’t need such a spell. Ah, the Ritual of Purification is what makes certain that we do not succumb to illness due to badly cooked or poison foodstuffs. It cleanses the body of toxins and rebalances the bodies harmonies. It is taxing, but necessary work when needed. Ideally, our services will not be required this night.” Huh. Well, that’s nice of them.

> “Mind if I watch, then?” Considering what little you know of sigils, maybe you could remember them- even jot them down for later…
> “That’s all I wanted to know. I’ll leave you to it.” Go approach someone else (Pick One from prior list.)
> Other


>>3218211
They don't 'fight'. There's no need for them to. They 'adjust the situation'.

>>3218244
> “Mind if I watch, then?” Considering what little you know of sigils, maybe you could remember them- even jot them down for later…

>>3218244
>> “Mind if I watch, then?” Considering what little you know of sigils, maybe you could remember them- even jot them down for later…

>>3218244
>> “Mind if I watch, then?” Considering what little you know of sigils, maybe you could remember them- even jot them down for later…

>>3218244
>“Mind if I watch, then?” Considering what little you know of sigils, maybe you could remember them- even jot them down for later…

That's what I thought. I could totally see them doing contests though. The more petty ones at least. "Who can make the more successful business in 500 years." Things along those lines.

>>3218244
> “Mind if I watch, then?” Considering what little you know of sigils, maybe you could remember them- even jot them down for later…

Nothing scary about a scary otherworld being in the form of a girl staring what you are doing. Just hope we don't make then to nervous so they end up messing up.

Staaaaare.

Writing!

>>3218244
> “Mind if I watch, then?” Considering what little you know of sigils, maybe you could remember them- even jot them down for later…
Wonder if this could work on the Blight in Artificer...

Couldn’t we record this with the FutureSight?

>>3218319
Jiiii~

>>3218244
>>3218253
>>3218255
>>3218262
>>3218267
>>3218340
“Mind if I watch, then?” That gets the attention of a couple of others. “I’ll be quiet. Just curiosity, is all.”

They look at each other in silent debate, but then the speaker shrugs his shoulders. “I suppose, so long as you take care to not disturb our work.”

“Won’t even get near it,” you promise. You won’t need to, if you’re cautious enough. Incidentally…

You reach into your bag, and pull out your FutureSight. Interesting- seems to take the form of a strange tablet-like stone etching with a thin glass ‘screen’, here. Something that looks almost out of place. You tap where the power button is usually, to find a small holographic output. Ah, that’d explain it.

As you watch silently, you notice yourself getting the occasional glance- that’s probably due to looking like you’re some sort of demon. You’d more or less forgone the cloak now, if only to get people used to it. Pulling that kind of reveal in the middle of a fight with allies would just get people hurt or killed.

They don’t really...feel much of anything, but you can’t help but twitch them a bit as you mess around a bit on the FutureSight, recording the engraving process. Surprisingly, you can actually vaguely recognize at least one of the sigils- if those swoopy lines just so happen to mean 'air' and the other 'nature', that is. Interesting...wonder if it's a variation on standard healing...

Once that’s finished, however, instead of doing any kind of chant or the sort, they just...walk off. “Wait, that’s it?” you ask to one passing you as you store your tablet back.

“Quite. We have no reason to begin anything until needed, after all. For now, we’re getting lunch.” As you look back to the main camp, you notice that indeed, most others are already in line, with the Prince standing off to the side. Huh. Well, that’s a thing.

>Might as well get some food, whatever it is. Maybe you could find some decent eating company.
>Izumi and the patrollers still aren’t back yet. Wonder where they’ve gotten off to?
>You can wait. Keep the Prince company until the rest are finished.
>Other

>>3218478
>Might as well get some food, whatever it is. Maybe you could find some decent eating company.

Maybe we can find some people we could play five finger filet with!

>>3218478
>You can wait. Keep the Prince company until the rest are finished.
Some more info on Lizardmen and their lands would be nice.

>>3218478
>>Might as well get some food, whatever it is. Maybe you could find some decent eating company.

Rolled 10 (1d10)

Fud. Eating.

Writing!

>>3218551
Uh-oh...hopefully that is good for us?

>>3218478
>You can wait. Keep the Prince company until the rest are finished.

>>3218551
Hopefully that means they’ve got mushrooms we could bring home for Mewla.

Oh, yeah, that's pretty neat.

>>3218576
They have Swedish Meatballs, also known as Narn Breen and Centauri Roopo Balls?

>>3218576
It's nothing but mushrooms?

>>3218478
>You can wait. Keep the Prince company until the rest are finished.

>>3218478
>>3218494
>>3218543
Well, food is food. Might as well get in line. As you check what’s on tap, you’re unsurprised to find that it’s some sort of vegetable stew, it seems. That, some bread, and a small portion of some type of meat. Likely the equivalent of whatever pork is here. The soldiers are surprised when you wordlessly get in line, and even the cooks look at you oddly- though you notice they fill your bowl up a bit more than others. No one complains.

There’s an air of both tenseness and hope that permeates the area as you sit down on a clear enough patch of grass. The soup isn’t bad, actually. A bit watery, but you suppose that in this situation, beggars can’t be choosers. The bread is essentially hard tack, though.

There’s light conversation around as a fireplace is lit, one of several. To your relief, not long after, Izumi and her march makes it back, unharmed. As she’s standing in line, however, you wonder if you might be able to-

“Er...begging pardon, miss?” Hm? You look up to lock eyes with a younger recruit...he’s got light armor on, something akin to a ranger sort- yeah, that’s a bow on his back. He’s raven haired, and his curious eyes, a rich violet, are locked onto you in a questioning manner. “Mind if I sit with you?”

Strange. You nod in answer, and he sits down carefully. “Pardon my impropriety, I saw you over here, and, well...I was wonderin’, if you don’t mind my askin’. Just..are ya really a forerunner?” You raise an eyebrow in question and he quickly raises a hand in apology. “I mean nothing towards it, miss! I jus’...I’ve heard stories an’ all- we all have. An’ wasn’t anyone but the Forerunners what could use magic without the ritual callin’- the Wild won’t listen otherwise, they said, and the spirits won’t answer without showin’ proper respect, they said.” The more he talks, the more excited he seems to get, but he keeps his voice down. “And Prince said you’re from far away, right!? So you’re a Forerunner, yeah? How come ya kept away for so long? Heck, how’d ya survive?! Is yer magic that strong? Or is it just somethin’ about Forerunners? Are ya connected to the Earth an’ can’t actually die and are all just in the center o’ the earth like folks say?”

…apparently Prince has been dabbling in the art of creative embellishment.

> “...If I said ‘yes’, would you leave me alone?”
> “Whatever your Prince said, it’s the truth.”
> “Go away, please.”
> Other

>>3218677
>"You know, maybe you should introduce yourself first?"
>"So, what, you're some sort of marksman?"

>>3218677
>"You know, maybe you should introduce yourself first?"
>"So, what, you're some sort of marksman?"

>>3218677
>> “Whatever your Prince said, it’s the truth.”

Rude, rude, rude.

Writing!

>>3218677
> “Go away, please.”
> Other
Point him towards Izumi, she seems to be more interested in playing buddies with these soldiers.

>>3218787
Oh well

>>3218677
>>3218713
>>3218737
You hold his bright eyed, smiling stare. Waiting, waiting, waiting...after a solid 30 seconds, he flinches, his eyes looking away. “Who are you?”

“Ah!” That gets a reaction out of him. “Er, I, uh…”

“Perhaps you should start a conversation next time with introducing yourself,” you say flatly.

That’s enough to get an honest look of embarrassment out of him. “Sorry. Name’s Pierre. I’m a bit new to the army, y’see…” He trails off, as though he didn’t really want to mention that.

Whatever. “So, you’re some sort of marksman?” You ask, motioning towards his bow. You don’t reaaally care, but so long as you can divert his attention off your supposed origins, you’ll take whatever.

“Ah, well, sort of?” He shrugs. “It’s more that shooting a bow is what I’m good at than anything. I’m supposed ta kinda be a kinda recon sort, really. Got good eyes, so I head in in advance and see what the situation is, then report back. I don’t actually get to use this much…” He frowns briefly, but soon regains his upbeat attitude. “But, hey! With your help, I’ll probably be seein’ a ton more action, y’know! So, yeah! Anyway, I went and answered your question, so what about mine? Fair trade, don’t you think?”

Kid’s kinda annoying, but you get the feeling he won’t let up easily, even if you were to just brush him off.

>Just tell him what he wants to hear...sort of. Might help you even get a few perks if they think you’re some ancient being.
>Try to play it off as a sort of mystery. Maybe he’ll be a little more polite if he thinks he can work it out bit by bit.
> “If I said no, I’m just a demon that got handed a massive pile of gold, what would you say?” Because really, like it matters.
> Other

>>3218909
>What did the prince told all of you specifically?

>>3218909
>>Try to play it off as a sort of mystery. Maybe he’ll be a little more polite if he thinks he can work it out bit by bit.
"I generally let people who are curious try to guess what the whole deal is about. I'll give you a hint though: You're sticking too close to what you think you know."

>>3218909
>Other
>Send him off to Izumi.
She probably made up some story already while patroling with these soldiers.

File: Styles - Sabereye.jpg (2.46 MB, 3840x2160)

2.46 MB JPG

>>3218909
Supporting >>3218921
>What did the prince told all of you specifically?
They already knew that we were some kind of otherworldly being summoned to help the kingdom in exchange for moolah. We don't need to entertain a new recruit's curiosity.
Slitted eyes oddly suit Miranda.

>>3218921
Supportin

>>3218909
>> Other
“Not a Forerunner. Something...else. My colleague can give you a more in-depth answer.”

Tell me what you were told, please.

Writing!

>>3218909
> Other

Ask him what he can give you in exchange for the answers . . . And that what you take might not be good. Not your choice, just how things are.

Honest, and discouraging of questions.

>>3219166
>>3218909
> might not be gold

Fae intensifies.

>>3219166
What's up with all these late votes today?

>>3219173
Just need to [Update] before voting.

>>3218909
>>3218921
>>3218960
>>3218965
“One more question before I answer.” He frowns, but nods. “I’m curious. What DID the Prince tell all of you about me, specifically?”

“Oh. Weeelll…” he grits his teeth a bit. “Sorry if any of it’s insultin’, but what he said was that he’d sought help in the palace archives, and he found an ancient ritual to summon ‘one of the old warriors’. Somethin’ like that, I don’t remember it all...but he did say that you’re not from ‘ere, that you’re from far away. Not human, but close. And that’s pretty much the Forerunners. Said to have evolved beyond humanity, kinda like what the old elves tried ta do, but better.”

Curious. So that’s the yarn that the Prince spun? “I mean, I know probably there’s some stuff missin’, but yeah, sounds about right, don’tcha think? The Prince tries to be particular about that kinda thing.”

You sigh. “Well, yes, in a way-”

“Oi!” Oh, damnit, now what? “Whatcha tryin’ to do, catch ‘er fancy?” There’s a couple guffaws thrown his way by a trio that seem to be rather raucous, all things considered. A blush erupts on his face as he frowns at them, muttering what you’re pretty sure are curses under his breath. “Come now, she’s prolly looking for a guy what can actually fight! Heard about that before,” he whispers to his friends...even though you can still hear him fine. “Somma them warrior women types up north are real picky ‘bout that sorta thing. Strange, if’n you ask me.” Turning back around all smiles, he gives you a toast. “Ey, we’ll take ‘im off your hands, miss!”

> “Please do.” You don’t need to be bothered with him...you’d much prefer to eat in peace.
> “It’s fine.” You WERE just about to solve the issue anyway. No real worry.
> Pat him on the shoulder. You’re...not fantastic with words, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tell when someone’s getting messed with.
> Other

>>3219201
> “Please do.” You don’t need to be bothered with him...you’d much prefer to eat in peace.
Get 'im outta here

>>3219201
> “It’s fine.” You WERE just about to solve the issue anyway. No real worry.
> Pat him on the shoulder. You’re...not fantastic with words, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tell when someone’s getting messed with.
We might be a jaded cynical bastard, but i'm sure that we were that idiot when we were beginning as a magical girl.

>>3219201
> Other
Just nod.

>>3219201
> Pat him on the shoulder. You’re...not fantastic with words, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tell when someone’s getting messed with.

The most Miranda option.

>>3219201
> “It’s fine.” You WERE just about to solve the issue anyway. No real worry.
> Pat him on the shoulder. You’re...not fantastic with words, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tell when someone’s getting messed with.

>>3219213
>>3219215
Supporting

>>3219201
>> Pat him on the shoulder. You’re...not fantastic with words, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tell when someone’s getting messed with.

>>3219201
>>3219211
>>3219215
>>3219217
>>3219261
Well...damnit. You’re not really all that great with words, but annoying as the kid is, he’s just asking questions. Don’t exactly need to throw him to the wolves for it, you suppose. Instead, you simply pat him on the shoulder as you look to the interlopers. “It’s fine. We were just talking,” you say, as flat as possible.

To their credit, their grins only drop a bit as they make a show of leaning away. “Oho, gotcha, gotcha! No worries, we’ll be right here if ya need us!” The way they look at you as their little ringleader says that makes you vaguely concerned, but...meh, you’ll deal with it.

As for Pierre, he’s looking at you practically brimming with gratitude. “Thanks a ton. I mean it! Those three are...well, they’re alright, I guess, but they like to shove me around for whatever reason. It’s annoyin’, but I’ll find a way to shut ‘em up eventually.”

Right. “If you say so. As for your question? He’s not wholly incorrect,” you allow, as his face lights up. “But there’s a difference between Forerunners and myself,” you allow.

“Yeah?! What is it?” he asks, enamored.

“You’ll have to figure that out for yourself. Maybe,” you say as you finish your soup. Going back to return the bowl, ignoring Pierre’s awestruck and curious expression, you wonder how to spend the rest of your evening before going to bed…

>No one should mind if you went off a bit to do some private training…
>Discuss future plans with the Prince and his people.
>See where Izumi’s gotten off to. You saw her earlier, and now she vanished.
>Other

I'll cut it off here for now. Run will resume tomorrow, ideally around 5 PST.

>>3219271
>See where Izumi’s gotten off to. You saw her earlier, and now she vanished.

>>3219271
>>See where Izumi’s gotten off to. You saw her earlier, and now she vanished.
>>Other
Grab her for some training, see if she can help with that mana tether thing we came up with.

>>3219271
>See where Izumi’s gotten off to. You saw her earlier, and now she vanished.
I'd love to get some skill XP in, but Izumi comes first. And ask if she wants some training too.

>>3219271
>>No one should mind if you went off a bit to do some private training…

>>3219271
>See where Izumi’s gotten off to. You saw her earlier, and now she vanished.

>>3219271
>See where Izumi’s gotten off to. You saw her earlier, and now she vanished.

>>3219271
Myeh, typical example of why option of training during missions was not voted for so often - something more important or interesting might be missed if we go for that option.

>>3219292
In addition
>Other
>Ask if she could be our training partner

>>3219271
>No one should mind if you went off a bit to do some private training…

Find that trio who do helpfully offered to be there if we need them. We need them, now, at night, for target practice on harmonizing and destabilizing peoples mana.

No bulli? Yeah nah, Bulli bulli!

>>3219405
Most posts are asking her to help us train.

So, tone down the salt yeah?

>>3219415
OK, I'll try.
Were you (a+KMnn4k) in #66 thread?

>>3219444
. . . .is this actual autism?

Baby I'm whomever you want me to be.

>>3219444
Also I checked and actually, no, but still

> IDs on /qst/ were a mistake

Seriously we just had a thread discussing all this stuff, let's just play the game now.

Or else I start posting walls of text about mana knuckles again.

>>3219271
>>No one should mind if you went off a bit to do some private training…
with how little chance there seems to be for training while NOT on a job, I'll take whatever time we can get for growth.

>>3219271
>>No one should mind if you went off a bit to do some private training…

previous thread isn't archived yet

>>3219271
>No one should mind if you went off a bit to do some private training…

>>3219271
>See where Izumi’s gotten off to. You saw her earlier, and now she vanished.

>>3219726
done:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3204875

QUICK OUT OF CHARACTER NOTIFICATION:

I appreciate the effort, swear I do, but please do not advertise in other quests about this quest. I enjoy reading other people's quests, doing crossovers and all that, but I'll approach them myself if my interest extends that far. Otherwise all you get is annoyance and bile where it's not necessary.

The anon in question knows who I'm talking to. The QM in general is a good fella who's quests I highly enjoy, and I'd rather not have my players foul up his thread. If you really really want it, ask me here and I'll try to approach them myself, please. Again, appreciate it a ton, but that one in particular is the almost literally the last guy I'd want to have a fanbase shitstorm with.

>>3219271
>See where Izumi’s gotten off to. You saw her earlier, and now she vanished.

>>3219998
I mean, there are worse things than being loved too much.

But, it can be too much.

>>3220656
Especially when the anon doing it did such a piss poor job, he immediately turned off everyone else.

Did something happen?

>>3221253
Presumably.
I'm curious as to what quest, but maybe best to not ask now.

So, we're playing tomorrow, then?

Aye, terribly sorry, I'm just really not feeling it at the moment. I'm gonna take a lie-down maybe. Eye on Twitter.

>>3221820
No worries, we're in for the long run.

>>3221820
No problem, just glad you told us, boss. Get some shut eye and let us know how you're feeling tomorrow.

File: images(4).jpg (15 KB, 331x152)

15 KB JPG

>>3221820
You and the Necromancer Detective dude.

cuuuuuurse

>>3219271
>>3219275
>>3219276
>>3219279
>>3219292
>>3219299
>>3219900

Where DID Izumi wander off to? It’s been a bit, but looking around, you don’t see her anywhere- at least, not sitting with any of the groupings of soldiers. Did she head somewhere to be by herself? Hmm…

“Looking fer someone?” You turn your head a bit to see the rat-fellow passing by, finished with his food much like yourself. “Your ally from the other day, perchance?”

“I am,” you confirm.

“Ah, she’s finished with her meal. Felt it best to take a bit of a walk- she’s not far gone that way,” he says, pointing in the direction where they’d been marching from. “Likely to make sure everythin’ settles well- that stuff had a kick to it, eh?” He grins, motioning to the empty bowls the servants are busy scrubbing at.

You just nod; it was filling, but you wouldn’t have called it particularly spicy. “I see. Thank you.” A quick farewell, and you’re headed onwards.

Izumi, once you catch up to her, doesn’t seem to be doing anything in particular; her sword is out, but she seems rather idle about it, the blade at rest in her hand.

It’s then that her hand flicks upwards, and suddenly a flurry of leaves are tossed into the air. Almost immediately her sword flips up and starts singing through the air. After a few flashes of her blade, the deed is done, and she sheathes it- the various leaves having been cut into two pieces to a one.

“...You were waiting for me before you did that, weren’t you?” you opine. That was just too…

“Maaaybe?” She replies cheekily, a grin visible despite you being behind her. “I DO always like to keep on top of my skills.”

“Kinda what I was here for, actually.” you admit. “Was wondering if you were up for some training before we turned in.”

“Oh? Interesting,” Izumi admits, turning to face you. “Of what sort?”

“Well, I’ve been theorizing a few techniques,” you admit. “Was hoping you might help me take one or two of them past that point…”

>What technique do you want to practice with Izumi? Experimental/Theoretical Techniques here: https://pastebin.com/d1FAecB1

>>3224257
Mana Tether

>>3224257
Welcome back, boss. Doing okay?

>Mana Tether and Barrier Manipulation.

>>3224257
>Shotgun punch.
Because we are always close and personal

>>3224257
>Harmonized Mana Blasts (Harmony Blasts
>sticky mana to get closer to having a proper sticky trap
Let's just improve the techniques we already have improved a bit more before we go for new ones.

>>3224257
>Mana conductor
Or
>Barrier manipulation
Gets my vote

>>3224272
I'll live.

>>3224301
Conductor requires Tether.

Rolled 41 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

So yeah, seems like Tether is the choice.

The roll is for bonus EXP.

>>3224257
>>3224272
Oh, shit, did we tell her about our fight with Ice King during our previous job?

>>3224257
>sticky mana

So we can eventualy make it into mana sticky strings

>>3224257
“Well,” you start, conjuring up a small glob of sticky mana. “I was wondering just what I could do with this…”

And so you outline your idea- a sticky string of mana that you could control, perhaps like a lasso, grappling hook, or other tool. Harder to simply ‘cut’ than most standard string, and something that you can modify on the fly. Maybe even some sort of conduction in the future, if you’re feeling stylish, like an in-built taser. Izumi certainly seems amenable to the idea, and thus it begins.

Izumi knows a bit about shaping mana, but it’s largely more solid constructs- she admits that rope weapons generally aren’t something she creates herself, preferring more solid melee weapons, as they’re easier to retain a shape of in the first place. Still, if you’re not angling for a specific form that isn’t just ‘thin strand’, she surmises, it should be easier to hold together. You’ve got a bit of a start with your sticky mana that aren’t quite good bombs, so that’s one step completed. The hard part is condensing it while still keeping its elasticity and range.

With her help, it’s not long before you get...something, going, actually. She’s got a lot of general tips for you, and while the moon is well in the sky before you call it done…

“Alright...hit it!” She holds up a small tree branch, and you point your index finger at it. The mana near your finger coalesces, and a small, shining rope of the stuff fires out, wobby, loose, but together, the blob of it on the end globbing onto the branch as the rope itself begins to droop to the floor. “Fantastic! Now, let’s see if you can reel it in.”

That...proves to be a bit more issue. Just ‘vacuuming’ it back in is rather hard for you; there’s nothing there that you can really do there. Physically pulling it back seems a bit more plausible, but it seems like you can...proved that the target doesn’t resist too hard, else the rope breaks. At the moment, then, seems like you can at least use it as a small grappling hook, but anything else will have to wait until you can work out the tensile strength a bit more.

“Well, so far, so good. The elasticity needs work, of course, as does the tensile strength, but it’s a good start,” Izumi suggests. You have to agree. “We should at least get to bed, however. Or rather, one of us should. I figure one of us should keep watch, at least.” Smart. Your training has left you a bit tired, and a bit shy of mana, but you might be able to sneak in a bit more work if you stay up...

Current Mana: 11000/12500

> “I’ll do it. You’ve already been scouting.”
> “Mind taking it? This has worn me out a bit.”
> Other

>>3224506
>> Other
"Wanna play Rock Paper Scissors for it?"

>>3224506
> “I’ll do it. You’ve already been scouting.”
First watch's on us. Our girl can take more in more work than this.
OR supporting >>3224524. I feel it's a little too goofy for Miranda IC to say such in this occasion though.
Let's just say it's a battle of agility then.

>>3224506
>Other
Ask her if she knew about discounts, and what she thinks about OG trio mentoring newbies once we upgrade HQ

>>3224536
Yeah, that's a good point. Also, I was doing it for a goof and assumed there would be more votes for one or the other.

Anyway, I'll go with
> “I’ll do it.
to speed things along.

>>3224506
>“I’ll do it. You’ve already been scouting.”

>>3224506
>> “I’ll do it. You’ve already been scouting.”

Righto. We'll handle it. Writing.

>>3224506
>>3224536
>>3224583
>>3224584
>>3224590
“I’ll do it,” you offer. “You’ve already been scouting, and you’ve helped me out with this a lot. You deserve a bit of shut-eye.”

“Hm...alright, then!” She smiles, giving you a small nod. “Best we tell the guard before everyone beds down, right?”

You agree, and you both head back together. Izumi’s quick to drop for the night- the Prince had set up a tent and bedroll explicitly for you two, although she’d insisted that she was fine with the usual situation all soldiers got. Frankly, you wouldn’t have said no. Regardless, he seems pleased when you both inform him that you’re taking up nightly watch alongside the usual rotation.

The night itself seems quiet...you’d say too quiet, but you know full well that a majority of the native creatures have likely been ran of to somewhere. You expect that even with your advanced hearing, it’ll be quiet for a while-

-at least until you hear a rustling in the grass. Slight, extremely so.You don’t make any obvious indication that you have, but you keep your eyes out just in case.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3.

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>3224771

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>3224771

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>3224771
rolling

73...alrighty.

Writing. Last for the night because I need to lie back down.

>>3224795
I noticed, did you get a hangover or sth?

>>3224771
It’s a close thing, but you can barely seem someone behind the trees, nearly invisible in the shadows out of the corner of your eye. They’re wearing some kind of black clothing, as though they might be an assassin of sorts...but if they have any weapons, you can’t tell when they scamper off to a different tree, trying to get a closer look.

And it’s just that- they scamper. Hop, even.

...Yeah, that’s definitely a rabbit. Or rather, a rabbitkin, judging by the abnormal size. The question, though, is what’s it doing there? And how’d it get here so fast? And most importantly...why is it hiding, if they were considered an ally? Shouldn’t they be approaching outright?

>Call out to the creature, see what it does.
>Stay quiet for now, but keep a close eye on it.
>See if you can’t do anything to capture and question it.
>Other

Sorry about the small entry, but yeah.

>>3224802
Just not feeling great is all.

>>3224883
>See if you can’t do anything to capture and question it.
Can't be too careful.
And rest mate, we all have one of those days.

>>3224883
>>Stay quiet for now, but keep a close eye on it.
Pop our magic hearing, and see if she's got friends, or where she'll go.

>>3224883
>>Stay quiet for now, but keep a close eye on it.

>>3224883
>>See if you can’t do anything to capture and question it.
We can hop too.

>>3224883
>Other: Nonchalantly bring out our FutureSight and scan the rabbit with it.

>>3224883
>Other

Alert Izumi through the bead, get her to come follow it while you pretend to fall asleep and see what it does then.

>>3224883
Supporting>>3224896

>>3224895
Change my vote to supporting >>3224896
>>3224920
Izumi's faster than us. But if she's sleeping it will take some time for her to get to position.

>>3224920
We literally just send Izumi to bed. We don't need to wake her up immediately after for a non-emergency,

>>3224883
>Stay quiet for now, but keep a close eye on it.

It's probably gathering info of the allies and trying to send the intel to his boss/tribe.

>>3224883
>Stay quiet for now, but keep a close eye on it.
Call out if they try to leave without making contact.

>>3224997
Honestly i'm kinda hoping for the weapon test very soon. Because either the Bunny is a assassin or it's a courier and after the big pillar of darkness was destroyed it came to check on the forces able to do it and gather info for the bunny council.

>>3224997
Wait, why not block her in with barriers if she tries to leave? Why warn her about us spotting her?

>>3225016
4 barriers min to block someone in ( inc roof): 4000 mana. Not even slightly worth it.

>>3225029
We still have the mana condenser, and our regen is 2,500 a night. That's almost enough to refill us back to full.

Anyway, let's see if she'll try anything first or runs away before we decide if it's worth it or not.

>>3225046
Regen includes the condenser boost iirc.

>>3225106
I flat out don’t believe that. That would mean mana regen is 1,500 per rest instead of the 2,500 stated in the world’s summary. We would need to hook ourselves up to the condenser every night.

>>3225145
First, the amount the condenser boosts regen by is variable, same as normal regen itself. Second, we are always wearing the condenser on mission anyway.

>>3225160
we always carry the condenser, but we seldom use it; Most of the time it stays in the backpack doing nothing. The mana we regen right now is without any modifiers.

>>3225160
I’m still going by what the world summary and condenser discription says. It makes more sense from a bookkeeping perspective. Variable probably refers to unusual situations and times where Miranda’s sleep would be interrupted.

Handler’ll probably tell us what it is tomorrow, anyway.

>>3225185
>Most of the time it stays in the backpack doing nothing.
It /is/ the backpack. It does boost mana capacity, which might be the source of some confusion.


>>3225187
>Variable probably refers to unusual situations
Surely the amount it could regen would be based on the world's base regen more than anything?
>times where Miranda’s sleep would be interrupted.
I've always figured regen overnight was an abstraction of recharge over an entire day, as keeping track time like that would be a pain.

>>3224997
>>3225016
Guys, why just not use some sticky mana?

>>3225249
Could we get enough made and to them fast enough to help? We don't have a delivery method, and doesn't it take several seconds to make any?

>>3225323
just bumrush the fucker and be done with it. we definitely hace the speed to do so, and it its too fast to catch, we can magiblast it(in maim mode instead of kill)

>>3225249
>>3224920
>>3224883

Plan D - get our Shadow Slave (Gartoum?) to first follow it while we trail slightly further behind. That way if the Gartoum is seen we can see how the rabbit reacts to it, and go from there. We can even have the shadow intentionally reveal itself if the rabbit starts acting sketchy.

>>3225207
>It does boost mana capacity
No. No it does not. That’s the mastercraft shoes.

>>3225816
>*Mastercrafted* Divine Shoes (Humor +2 / Intimidation +1 / Otherworldly +1) (+1500 Mana)
>-’Lorenzo’s Own’ Extreme Mana Condenser (+1000 Mana)

>>3226011
The shoes are what’s increasing our mana. We have 11,000 MP normally, thanks to Izumi in thread 28.

>>3226034
Thread 21, >>1096207
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1095150/
>>’Lorenzo’s Own’ Extreme Mana Condenser- 7 Motes (Large): Lorenzo’s done his best to develop a condenser that can take in even the smallest amounts of mana and compress and store it to reasonable levels. It's only decently fast, can’t store as much as a couple others, but it does something few others do- it can convert mana to a form similar to your own, allowing you to utilize it more naturally. Can store up to 1500 extra mana.

>Can store up to 1500 extra mana.

>>3226050
Fine. That’s correct. Good on you. However, we’re currently wearing the shoes. THAT’S the extra 1,500 mana. It’s not the condenser.

This is our current equipment setup:
>Miranda's Jacket: [Intimidation +1/Plainness -1]:
>Glowing Headband (Otherworldly +1 / Hothead -2)
>*Mastercrafted* Divine Shoes(Humor +2 / Intimidation +1 / Otherworldly +1)
>Ribbon Wings (Otherworldly +2/Humor +1)

>>3226059
So if the condenser isn't adding to our mana pool, and isn't boosting regen, why do we even have the thing? It's gotta be doing something.

>>3226155
the idea is that we use it every night, gain the 1500 mana that it captures through the day and refill our reserves. But surprise surprise, we never use the items we have. No wonder miranda didn't ask for a discount for 80+ years

>>3226155
Its purpose is to condense ambient mana to charge the mana stones Miranda has that she in turn uses as Mana Pots for quick recovery of spent mana.

>>3226165
Pretty sure Handler adds in the condenser mana after each rest, so anons don’t have to say “Remember to use the condenser” after every vote to rest.

>>3226175
I was under the impression that the stones were one use. I do know that we have to use the condenser as we sleep, but that’s about it. In my head, we use it like one of those C-PAP machines to absorb the mana, but that’s just head canon.

there appears to be all sort of confusion. I think we ought to table the shoes/condenser/stones/etc for now until we can get a word from God.

>>3226204
The shoes are rather easy to understand. they give us extra mana and wings(depending on the outfit we choose). The problem is the capacitor and the stones.

>>3226221
Sorry, but it’s the Ribbon Wings that we’re currently that’s giving us wings, not the shoes. The shoes do give us extra mana, though.

>>3226245
>that we’re currently wearing that’s giving us wings
Damnit.

>>3226197
>I was under the impression that the stones were one use.
I'm pretty sure the mana crystals are reusable.

The regen rate is baseline, it doesn't include any clothes or equipment.

The crystals are reusable/rechargable.

The condenser collects ambient Mana in the air, and wearing it when it's full grants you that much extra mana. You can utilize that mana instead of your baseline- think of it like a temporary overcharge.

I don't think I missed anything, does that all explain it?

>>3226876
>You can utilize that mana instead of your baseline- think of it like a temporary overcharge.
I don't think we've ever done that. We should definitely use it more often. We've been always wearing it on-mission since we got it, right?

>>3226914
It's usually in your bag.

>>3226919
Can it condense from in there, or do we need to wear it? Is there any reason to not wear it?

>>3226937
-Not really, you need to wear it or at least set it out.

-Mostly because if it breaks, you need to buy another one, and it takes time to charge.

>>3226947
For comparison's sake, what would it's daily recharge be here?

>>3226956
Probably around 500 a day or so.

>>3226987
Feeling alright, boss? Are we running tonight?

>>3227012
Aye, I'm doing better. Give it an hour or so for me to eat.

>>3227015
Take your time, getting something to eat myself.

>>3226050
>’Hard Times’ Mana Condenser- A stock mana condenser, decently sized in both capacity and physical space, but it’s cheap, and rather slow. Can store 1000 extra mana.
>Buying this grants you the ability to Mana Overcharge. Powerful, but can be dangerous.
>Whoop. Hard Times Condenser is 5 Motes (Large).

Oooh, possible inspirational item. We should check more stores some day, maybe there'd be some stuff that can help us in developing new techniques.

>>3224883
>>3224896
>>3224900
>>3224944
>>3224997
As tempted as you are to confront it somehow, if it doesn’t know you know, then there’s no reason to not see what it’s doing. You don’t make any obvious movements, the occasional light swiveling of your head to ‘sweep’ the area so you can look as though you’re still on the lookout; it ducks behind the trees, but doesn’t move for a few minutes- and then takes out a piece of parchment and a pen, it seems. Making notes, then?

It moves as silently as possible through the trees, pausing as it slips past you. At this point, you can keep a closer eye on it; although it’s starting to get a bit close to the camp, it seems to not be willing to approach too closely, rather preferring to jot down whatever it might be interested in. Likely army details: estimated force count, types of soldiers, all that jazz.

>Warn it off from the camp; that’s a bit close for comfort.
>Those details might get stolen- you need to get them from it.
>Just let it go. You can stop it if it gets uppity, whatever it might be.
>Other

>>3227399
>Those details might get stolen- you need to get them from it.

>>3227399
>Those details might get stolen- you need to get them from it.
I’m assuming this means capturing the rabbit kin?

>>3227399
>>Those details might get stolen- you need to get them from it.
I wonder if we could lure it in somehow...

>>3227399
>Those details might get stolen- you need to get them from it.

>>3227399
>Other
>Use 'murmur stone' to try to contact with Izumi and have her ask prince's advice

>>3227399
>Hold the Rabbit up by Fingergun
"I'm sorry (not sorry) but I'm going to need to know why you're scouting this army."

>>3227424
Basically.

>>3227399
>Those details might get stolen- you need to get them from it.

I'm fairly certain that this is just a courier taking notes so it can bring the information to the rabbit council. But even so he should come into the camp and not be sneaking around.

>>3227431
Maybe use a carrot, or a lettuce.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3227399
>>3227414
>>3227424
>>3227431
>>3227432
>>3227483
Hmm...yeah, no. If nothing else, those documents might get intercepted and stolen. Committing to memory is one thing, but this, not so much. Might as well try to snag the papers from it.

Question being, exactly...well, how. You’re pretty certain that you can outrun it, but you’re going to have to get close to do so. Not to mention it seems to be very careful when it starts moving around...wait, maybe that’s it.

When it’s moving around, sure, but as its writing, it’s preoccupied. You just have to wait for that moment, and then...there! Now you just need to…

>Move fast- two leaps should get you on top of it!
>Put your newest skill to the test- that sticky mana of yours ought to catch it by surprise!
>A light powered warning magiblast should scare it still.
>Other

Small updates, I know.

>>3227526
>>Put your newest skill to the test- that sticky mana of yours ought to catch it by surprise!

>>3227526
>Put your newest skill to the test- that sticky mana of yours ought to catch it by surprise!
Yoink!

>>3227526
>>Put your newest skill to the test- that sticky mana of yours ought to catch it by surprise!
before that make a mad sprint at the rabbit of course, to close distance

>>3227526
>Put your newest skill to the test- that sticky mana of yours ought to catch it by surprise!

>>3227526
>>Move fast- two leaps should get you on top of it!
The lasso is cool, but we specifically noted it as having poor tensile strength.

>>3227526
>Put your newest skill to the test- that sticky mana of yours ought to catch it by surprise!

>>3227566
'Sticky mana' is a different technique, we can throw it as projectile. They are basicaly 'sticky bombs' that are not detonated yet.

>>3227526

Stick around.

...damn, that was lame.

Writing.

>>3227647
Better then "Stick 'em up, pal!"

>>3227647
Guess Randa caught this bunny right in her web.

>>3227647
One of many reasons Randa doesn't shout attack names.

>>3227726
She's gonna do it sooner or later. You just can't flush out all the chuuni even if you have 300 years to do so.
I bet she unconsciously poses too.

>>3227526
>>3227535
>>3227540
>>3227558
>>3227565
>>3227585
Well, might as well see if you can put your latest skill to proper use. It takes a second to create a glob of mana on the end of your finger- a point, and *fwip* it darts out towards the unsuspecting bunny. Ah, there’s another advantage you didn’t immediately note- it’s silent. Wonder if that extends to everything about it or not…

Regardless, it globs onto the rabbit immediately, with a quick shriek all that it gets off before you quickly pull back to make sure it’s already on its way before it can get its bearings. Fortunately, although it seems to ‘tear’ a bit, the rope lasts long enough to fling your prey into the air towards you before it dissipates. It lands in a sprawling tumble, and in only a step or two you’re quick to seize it by the legs- powerful things on a rabbit, and you’d rather it not have that freedom. “And who might you be?” you ask evenly. “Also, why are you scouting this army if you’re supposed to be allies?”

“Uhh...oh dear. Ohhh dear. I, uh, well!” It’s a male’s voice at least, although he sounds rather frightened. “Well, you see, the Council has had a bit of a, uh...reorganization? And we heard that Dulwark was freed, and... I’m just following my orders, I-I swear! I just need to take notes on your progress and-and your army size and report back! I, uh, well...I mean, I wasn’t supposed to let anyone know, because- because we don’t know what we’re gonna do yet, y’know?”

Hm. Well, he certainly sounds nervous enough to not be lying, but…

>Keep him captive until morning, and present him to the Prince. He’ll decide what to do with this guy.
>Take the documents, and let him go. “You’ll have to trust your memory. And we expect to see you on the battlefield soon. The alliance WILL be making a comeback.”
>You have a couple more questions… (what?)
>Other

>>3227749
She does still shout one, but one one: Nebula Blaster.

>>3227775
>Keep him captive until morning, and present him to the Prince. He’ll decide what to do with this guy.

>>3227775
>Keep him captive until morning, and present him to the Prince. He’ll decide what to do with this guy.
So, what do we do with him until morning? Why not bring him to the prince now?

>>3227787
Nothing, it's just that the Prince is asleep and you can hold him there. It's more being polite than anything else.

>>3227775
>>Keep him captive until morning, and present him to the Prince. He’ll decide what to do with this guy.
Don't need to treat him rough, but the Council reorg is troubling news. The Prince will definitely want to question him more thoroughly.

>>3227775
>Keep him captive until morning, and present him to the Prince. He’ll decide what to do with this guy.
>You have a couple more questions… (what?)
"I presume it involves the name Felgrund, then?"

>>3227775
>Keep him captive until morning, and present him to the Prince. He’ll decide what to do with this guy.

>>3227793
So if (>Keep him) option wins, does it mean we also do the option of (>You have a couple more questions)? Or does this option cancel two others out?

>>3227836
We could ask him more I guess, but the Prince's guys should get everything we need to know out of him anyway

>>3227775
>You have a couple more questions… (what?)

Who else is out here, where was he supposed to meet them, and what any call signs are.

I want to ask this from rather high up in the air if possible.

You don't send just one scout, in case they get captured.

>>3227775
>Keep him captive until morning, and present him to the Prince. He’ll decide what to do with this guy.

>You have a couple more questions… (what?) Ask his name.

Mana string are silent? The perfect murd...i mean capture skill.

>>3227856
I doubt the bunnies expected Randa and Izumi to be helping the human army. They probably though the humans wouldn't notice him.

But even if that is the case we should check if he has other friends around.

>>3227775
>>3227787
Well, since the majority votes for Miranda keeping the bunny, I'll add this to my vote
>You have a couple more questions… (what?)
Investigate his notes
Ask about reorganisation, what are their factions
What are rabbit-folk's current opinion on their alliance

We're keeping you. There are questions to be asked.

Writing.

Of course, we should knock him out too the second he tries something funny. I assume Miranda knows some unlethal means to such.

>>3227937
We can shock him and wrap him up in an Orbital Ring if he tries something.

>>3227963
we have a camp besides us. they surely have ropes and shackles aplenty.

>>3227963
Or just hold onto him, or tie him up with rope. Orbital Ring is expensive, and explodes. Maybe not something for use inside your own camp.

>>3227981
>>3227974
Or we can glue his fuzzy butt to a chair with sticky mana.

>>3228004
Whoever started the sticky mana thing, I salute you. This is like duck tape.
I dream of the day we go full Hisoka.

>>3227981
>Orbital Ring is expensive, and explodes
Is it permanent unless dismissed, or does it have a set amount of time before it dissipates naturally? I don't think we ever considered it as a restraining method designed for hours at a time.

>>3228070
it last about an hour. Its meant as a temporal solution to restrains something big.

File: 1539310645325.png (218 KB, 399x400)

218 KB PNG

>>3228022
Your Welcome. I have being pushing to this thing for a long time since we got the sticky bomb.

But we should thank all the anons that voted to train it. You guys are the best.

>>3228115
As the guy who came up with the sticky bomb, I'm glad to see so many good ideas come up out of it. When I originally thought of it, I was thinking of a combination of a throwable C4 bomb and the plasma grenades of Halo. I'd never would have thought developing the sticky part of it would lead us to Spiderman web slinging and Just Cause grapple tether ideas.

so we're jerking off right now? well, thanks to me, we have the other theoretical spells or whatever.

>>3228151
Hey, we circle-jerked with techniques ideas before. Now that they are officially added to Handler's pastebin, we can shamelessly pat each other's backs.

>>3228176
I'd rather not because then i or someone else can say that all of you are liars and i created both techniques and all the others. believe me, this will end badly for everyone.

>>3227775
>>3227782
>>3227787
>>3227799
>>3227811
>>3227823
>>3227863

“Right. Well, I’m sure the Prince will want to know about that. As well as a number of other things,” you decide. “So you’re going to stay here with us for now.”

“Ah, uh! D-do I have to? My leaders will be rather angry if I’m found out…” You can imagine he’d be sweating if he could. “I mean, I-I was told not to and all, and well, it’d be very very unfortunate if-”

“Sorry, but no,” you decide, already marching him to the campgrounds. There’s bound to be some sort of rope or chain or shackles here somewhere… “We’ve got a few too many questions about that, really. Especially regarding that whole bit with reorganization.”

“O-oh, thaaat?” He laughs, trying to play it off. “Nothing all that big, I swear! Just, y’know, a bit of a shakeup, rabbits go in, rabbits go out, no big dea- ack!” That last bit was you gluing him to a slab of stone. It shouldn’t hurt him any, but it’ll keep him there for a while. Ah, there’s some spare rope. Probably for the barrels or something, but you’ll give it back later. “I mean, all things considered, y’know? Par for the course! Sooo…”

“So you’re a scout? Who’s waiting for you and where?” you ask quickly.

“Uh, I mean, yeah, and no one! I mean, they said I was supposed to do it alone, so yeah!” He shakes his head. “It’s just me here right now...although right now I really really wish it weren’t.”

“That seems a bit reckless,” you admit. “Did you get a reason why?”

Another shake of the head. “Uhhh...no. Buuuut...I guess, y’know, I mean...if you REALLY want a guess- please don’t tell the council- it’s probably because they were hoping I wouldn’t...y’know, make it?”

Strange… “Why not?”

“Cause, my mom supported Thorumin’s son to take over, and the new guy didn’t like that,” he says with bitterness in his voice. Councilchair Felgrund was always skeptical of the alliance, but after we got pushed back and scattered, he’s taken over an’ banished Thorumin and his supporters. He doesn’t want anything to do with the war, and at FIRST he was like ‘we’ll just wait it out underground, we can survive down here for generations!’ but now he’s like ‘hey let’s see what’s going on above ground it’s probably not that bad anymore’. I mean, my mom’s not a fan of the guy, and honestly, neither am I. But we’re not crazy. Thorumin and his supporters are probably dead to Weavers by now...”

Hm. Well, that’s disheartening, but useful.

(cont.)

>>3228200
Well, I have proofs, so I doubt anyone can stop me from stroking my ego.

>>3228246
The morning arrives with no further trouble- save for the shock of an intruder in the camp that you’ve already taken care of. While the Prince insists that next time, you wake him up immediately, he’s of no poor mood about the whole thing- at least not until the Rabbitkin (who’s name you learned was Frederique) informed him of the change in administration, upon which he curses. “That’s...problematic,” the Prince admits. “Felgrund I’ve only met twice, but I got the distinct feeling he disliked me both times. I worry if this was perhaps taking our measure for later…” He frowns at the thought, but soon dismisses it with a shake of his head. “No matter. We must press on.” He turns to the young rabbit, sitting now with curiosity (and less rope). Frederique, you will remain with us as a temporary envoy under guard; as Prince, I do not formally recognize Council Leader Felgrund’s rule at this time.” As the rabbitboy gawkes at the declaration, he turns on his heel and leaves, ordering his men to finish decamping.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3.

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>3228259

>>3228251
the problem is that it becomes a pointless dick measuring contest. and just makes you seem like a really petty, attention famished and controlling person. its for the best to just attribute all the skills to anonymous and be done with it.

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>3228259

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>3228259

>>3228278
Nice roll.
Good point

89! Thas gud.

Frederique remembers a thing.

Writing.

>>3228246
>Thorumin and his supporters are probably dead to Weavers by now
No izumi, we aren't going to save the political refuge rabbits, we are supposed to be chasing shadows!

>>3228304
They are probably all in the webs of one of the Weavers we need 5o take out to install Zazil as the new Weaver leader.

>>3228259
>>3228278
>>3228279
>>3228282
It’s not long after you’re all on the road again- trying to make haste to the marshlands before they’re overrun entirely. From what the Prince and a few of the men told you, the marshlands can either be utterly harrowing or mildly annoying. For the Lizardkin, who were born and bred in the place, it’s paradise. For humanity and most of the other types, it’s a natural deathpit if you go in the wrong areas. Fortunately, the Lizardfolk’s primary villages and other areas were in the more fecund and less fetid areas, thanks to their diet.

“So, what am I supposed to do?” Frederique asks lightly. He seems to be taking this ‘captive’ thing pretty easily.

“Keep yourself calm, and out of danger,” Izumi says easily. “I don’t think any of us here would want you hurt.”

“Yeah, that’s nice. Honestly, it sucked when I saw Thorumin and his group marched off.” He sighs. “I heard a couple of them talk about something called a ‘Veilspeaker’, but I don’t know what that is. Some sort of magic device, I think.” You and Izumi quickly glance at each other. Thorumin and his group went to find a Veilspeaker, then, maybe? If that was so…

And if you recall correctly, they were to the far east of the Bearkin- and you were heading easterly already. You’d come across the Lizards first, and that absolutely takes priority, but maybe, just maybe you could kill two birds with one stone...

>Run will continue tomorrow. Prepare for combat!

>>3228405
>"So Fred, off topic question, but how do you feel about spider people?"

See you tomorrow, boss!

>>3228405
We really should be wearing the condenser during these long quiet sections so it can build some charge.

> just maybe you could kill two birds with one stone...
Interesting... hope we get the chance to make use of that info.

Thanks for running.

>>3228405
Bunnies talking with spiders?! Well that is a surprise.

>>3228483
Don't be fooled by this one example of the race.

> Watership Down intensifies

>>3228405
The march continues on for some time- about a day and a half. The next night, you’re requested (rather humbly) to assist in scouting. There’s little to see this night, and aside from a bit more practice and Frederique’s rather poor attempt at singing, there’s nothing of note that happens, aside from the air notably getting a bit more pungent.

It’s the second day as morning is just turning to noon that you broach the marshlands proper- and it’s not much further along the path that you can see the results of the lizards’ attempts at holding out. Some of the smaller villages are near burnt to the ground, abandoned, and corpses litter the streets. Some with armor and weapon, some without, and of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

“An ill portent,” the Prince mumbles as you pass through another razed village. “Have you noticed the manner of this destruction?”

“I have, actually,” Izumi replies. You nod in agreement; you had as well. The shadows, from what you saw, weren’t one for burning and this kind of total destruction. The ways of death were often too clean, as well; slit throats, stab wounds, snapped necks. Not crushing blows, or the feral rips and gouges of the shadows that you’d dealt with so far. You’d at first chalk it up to some other force- maybe more Weavers. That might even be the case, but something nags at you… “It’s a bit...too clean,” Izumi voices aloud. “Like it was organized…”

“Do you think they might have another ally?” one of the soldiers wonders aloud.

>Mention nothing; it’s not really worth bothering about at this point.
>Agree that there may be another faction you’re unsure of. Best to be on guard.
>Offer to scout ahead to make certain of things. You’ll be fine.
>Other

>>3231344
>Agree that there may be another faction you’re unsure of. Best to be on guard.
>Offer to scout ahead to make certain of things. You’ll be fine.

>>3231344
>Offer to scout ahead to make certain of things. You’ll be fine.
>Other
>Try examining the wounds with FutureSight to deduce what kind of weapons were used exactly

>>3231344
>>Agree that there may be another faction you’re unsure of. Best to be on guard.
>>Offer to scout ahead to make certain of things. You’ll be fine.

>>3231344
>Agree that there may be another faction you’re unsure of.
>Offer to scout ahead to make certain of things. You’ll be fine.

>>3231344
>>Offer to scout ahead to make certain of things. You’ll be fine.

>>3231344
>>Offer to scout ahead to make certain of things. You’ll be fine.

>>3231344
>Agree that there may be another faction you’re unsure of. Best to be on guard.
>Offer to scout ahead to make certain of things. You’ll be fine.

>>3231354
>>3231357
>>3231363
>>3231364
>>3231365
>>3231385
>>3231417

We'll move ahead.

Roll 5d100, best of 3.

Rolled 92, 23, 8, 72, 75 = 270 (5d100)

>>3231443

Rolled 50, 35, 99, 34, 27 = 245 (5d100)

>>3231443

Rolled 18, 33, 64, 45, 57 = 217 (5d100)

>>3231443

>>3231344
>Offer to scout ahead to make certain of things. You’ll be fine.

Fairly good results. The Lizards are game opposition, it seems.

Writing.

>>3231443
>>3231446
>>3231451
>>3231452
“There might be something like that waiting in the wings,” you admit. “I’ll go scout ahead to see just what’s what.”

“Excellent idea,” the Prince acknowledges. “I would’ve suggested the same myself. Be cautious.”

After a few minutes of making proper pace, you’re a bit dismayed to find that, if you stick to the trail, there’s not a great deal of cover to work with. It’s only in the marshes proper that you have trees and whatnot to find cover behind...and that leaves your footing bad, after a brief test. You’re going to have to be careful, indeed.

Soon, however, you can hear the sound of a fight coming from ahead of you. While it took you only a few minutes to reach them, it’d take the army at least a half hour or so… However, you quickly move forwards to get a measure of the situation at the very least. Hopefully they’re not walking into a massive cluster…

...and luckily, it seems like you’re not. There’s a number of Lizards warring against the shadows- it seems like even though they are supposedly shadow, they can still be affected by natural impediments like swampy ground and whatnot. The Lizards, from the look of them, have wide, webbed feet; they stand tall, at least 6 feet, and are dressed in various feather-lined tunics and other wear. A couple in particular stand out to you- a large, almost dinosaur-like Lizardkin dressed in a bone headdress lined with feathers and various bangles on its arms and legs. You’re unsure of gender at this distance, but it wields a large spear, and very effectively as it cleaves through the shadows- including one of the shadow lieutenants that you fought earlier. Alongside it are two other warriors, one of them nearly as tall but more lithe; they fight with claw and, interestingly, a blade connected to her heels- she moves almost like a ballerina; quick and sharp with her leg movements to cleave through the masses that dare to approach. They’re backed up by a number of injured Lizardkin in various states of armor; even beaten and bloody, these warriors still fight as though they haven’t even been wounded.

You’re quick to fish out your stone and report it in. “Good to know! You’re clear to assist, according to the Prince. We’ll double time it!” Izumi says quickly before she closes the link.

>Get right in the middle of it. You might as well fight them off the big duo.
>They seem to have it mostly handled; you’d be best thinning the numbers from behind and elsewhere.
>Other

>>3231776
>>Get right in the middle of it. You might as well fight them off the big duo.
Light up the Flamebringer and shred some shadows!

>>3231776
>>Get right in the middle of it. You might as well fight them off the big duo.

>>3231776
>Get right in the middle of it. You might as well fight them off the big duo.

>>3231776
>Get right in the middle of it. You might as well fight them off the big duo.

Time to make a epic entrance!!

>>3231776
>Get right in the middle of it. You might as well fight them off the big duo.
>Other.
Test the gauntlets.

>>3231776
>Get right in the middle of it. You might as well fight them off the big duo.

Our footing is iffy? Put down a barrier to run on.

>>3231880
>>3231776
Put down a *slightly elevated* light barrier so that if they run at us they hit their ankles on it.

>>3231880
Need to train barrier manipulation first...

>>3231776
>Get right in the middle of it. You might as well fight them off the big duo
Strap on our gauntlets

>>3231776
>Get right in the middle of it. You might as well fight them off the big duo.

Yeehaw.

Writing!

>>3231776
>>3231791
>>3231797
>>3231799
>>3231825
>>3231837
>>3231880
>>3231973
>>3231980
Well. Nothing for it! You’re just going to have to get a running start…

The leap is good. The shock as you land and punch out one of the encroaching shadows with your new upgraded gauntlets is better. And, deep down in a place you hate to acknowledge, you have a little thrill. Entrances like that really don’t get old.

The Lizards only spare you a brief glance, however, before they return to their combat. You’re quick to slam your fist into a multitude of shadows, smashing through a throng of them quickly before the wave seems to slow down. It’s as you back up, making sure that none of them can take you by surprise, that the big guy finally speaks.

“Well met.” His voice is creaking, but deep. “You show at an opportune time, creature. We will owe much for this due.” You’re not sure what he means, but you’ll worry about that later. “Their numbers thin. We continue the battle.” Yeah, THAT you can get behind.

Two bigger shadows- you’re not quite sure what they are, but not quite lieutenants- literally roll forward, intended to bowl you over. A green fist meets them as you aim low, scooping them up into an uppercut that sends them flying- and flying apart at the seams. The dancer warriors flips over a pair in a graceful arc, slicing them both before they can even recognize they’ve been split apart. The massive Lizardkin simply uses his massive frame and spear to skewer any that get close with impressive speed- at one point he’s practically got a shiskabob before they dissipate.

The battle continues on for some time; although your assistance keeps things well in hand. By the time the main body of the army shows up, the Lizards, though exhausted, have fought off just about the whole of the invading force for the small village. It’s a trivial matter for Izumi and some of the other knights to secure the area. The Prince, approaching you as soon as he’s finished giving the order, is quick to speak. “Excellent work here. We’d have been all the poorer for the loss of these particular individuals.”

“You know them?” you ask, turning to the two in question.

The large one (who you’re pretty sure is a guy by now) shakes his head. “He does not. However, he recognizes our garb, no doubt. And we, his.” Him and his warriors bow as best they are able. “Human leader. We appreciate your assistance in this matter, as befits our alliance.”

“Yvrace, Hylinde,” he motions to the two. “I’d like to formally introduce to you two members of the ‘Ko-Korathi’, the Lizards’ most elite warrior unit.”

cont.

>>3232239
The large one nods. “I am Si-Han, Arbiter of Vengeance.”

The smaller dancer does likewise. “I am Kri-Yan, The Sweet Blade.”

Fancy names. “Right. Good to meet you,” you allow.

The Prince nods in greeting, but his expression is one of impatience. “Forgive my impropriety, but I must ask. What are you doing out here? We come to support you in battle.”

“Excellent,” Si-Han says with clear relief. “A moment of rest, and to tend to our wounded, then. We shall guide you shortly.”

“If you don’t mind…” Izumi says, piping up as she steps forward. Blah, you’re not going to try to spoil it.

>While she’s healing away, anything you want to ask of them?

>>3232248
I think we're good. the prince should be able to get any info he needs.

>>3232248
Try out our gauntlets healing first.

>"Have a group of Rabbitkin come through here? We have reason to believe their leader is looking for the Veilspeaker Weavers."

>>3232248
Ask them what's the deal with all the lizardmen corpses that we saw earlier.

>>3232269
Oh yeah, might as well ask her about those heel blades she was using.

>>3232248
>>3232269
>>3232295
+ "It's fine if I don't use my titles right? I prefer to keep personal introductions under 5 minutes."

>>3232355
Just keep it simple and short. No need to bullshit ourselves titles when there's business to be done.

>>3232248
Well, there’s not a lot you can really think of- the Prince is certainly taking the lead on things. It seems as though their chief city is still protected, although the shadows have been making more headway thanks to a massive encroaching force of both shadows and Shaded Elves. The two had been out here on orders from their High Judicator in an attempt to clear a route to the outer areas in case of evacuation. Unfortunately, they’d been beset upon, and thus you showed up. The corpses, when asked about...apparently the Lizardkin have a strange belief system; many of those wounds were self-inflicted, apparently. They did not want to be ‘lost to the shadow’, but when inquired about further, they were rather indignant.

So you do your best to shift the topic. "Have a group of Rabbitkin come through here?”

The two, surprised at your question, look at you oddly, then at each other before shaking their heads. They turn back to the other lizardkin soldiers before speaking something in a native language. There’s a lot of single word responses...however, one speaks for a bit longer, much to your interest. After a few moments of such, he turns to you. “Palu claims to have seen a traveling force marching to the southeast not long before the shadows came to strike here. They passed by the village, but did not stop. For what reason do you ask this?”

You look to Izumi briefly before turning back. “We have reason to believe their leader is looking for the Veilspeaker Weavers."

That draws a curious reaction from both Si-Han and Kri-Yan; their eyes don’t bug out, but their jaws drop a bit before clasping shut, Si-Han the first to recover. “Truly? An odd choice. We understand the Veilweavers had not chosen a side in this war. Perhaps the bouncing ones seek their aid for whatever reason? This may need to be reported to the Judicator…” he turns to confirm it with his compatriot, who nods. “...and so we will report back with them. I anticipate we will see battle before we return.”

So do you… “You think those blades of yours are up to it?” you ask lightly towards Kri-Yan.

She just smiles gamely. “They have been in my family for many years, and a symbol of my status and skill. I assure you, I will live to see that they stay that way.”

She’s confident, at least.

>Less of a run than I’d hoped, but I’m going to have to call it here for now. Run will resume probably tomorrow.

>>3232536
Night, boss. Thanks again for running.

>>3232536
Hey, Boss, what happened to Carrang? We didn't get to interrogate her or inspect her loot because of the Q&A and the timeskip. Was she put on a bus or something?

>>3232536
>
In the end, it’s only a handful of soldiers that get spared thanks to Izumi’s pleas. As for your own issues, well...you wonder if maybe there’s some books around here:
What did Miranda even do during the timeskip? I guess she didn't manage to find any worthy-looking books.

>>3231896
We've already used this tactic in the fight against the cook, placing barriers in the air to jump around on.