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Loud echoes from the city reverberated throughout the immense central hall of the church and the sight from the marketplace made you briefly wonder if you were living a fever dream. The guards had retreated toward the duchess mansion while maintaining a strained cohesion, using the high buildings of Myrtidal various districts entrances to create an effective defensive line but they're enemies had already begun circumventing by using side streets and climbing up nearby buildings.

''Now's the time to finalize this victory.'' Ari'el spoke, voice echoing slightly in the wide hall of the church as he observed his followers struggle. ''It'll be difficult to keep up with that tyrant if she flees by using the tunnels, she still has a sizeable cohort.''

The girls were all wary of Ari'el and Elina almost open hostility wasn't helping matters, lingering a few minutes might be genuinely detrimental. Your angelic friend was a ball of tension born from an intense desire to protect you and Klesiah. Raw hatred at the angelic man also emerged out of her heart like a soft flow of smoldering lava. Controllable, yes, but whether she'd be able to resist this feeling for long was difficult to say; he'll need to prove himself trustworthy in battle and the sooner you leave his presence, the better.

''Right, give me one moment.'' You handed your shield to your blue knight and began a quick survey of the battlefield. The fight between the cultists and the duchess main force had been hard indeed. Scars marred the building all over, from destroyed benches and holes in the ground to every single window being broken, the main altar honoring the Eternal pharaoh had been destroyed instead of desecrated. Corpses had been piled out of the way, separated by factions, and discarded equipment from fallen guards hadn't been displaced so finding a pair of medium shields was easy.

These were quite smaller than your heavy armament despite being of similar shape and material, easier to move and swing around but you'd take a thick slab of iron over comfort any day.

''Shereen, here.'' You walked next to your little sun who stood beside Klesiah and handed her one of the shields. ''There's no knowing how things are going to go in there, if none of us are quick enough to help you against a projectile, at least you'll have something to intercept it.''

''Mh...'' For a moment the princess stared at you in dumbstruck silence. An animated spark kindled inside her green gaze, soon enough erupting in a strong flame of purpose as she directed her eyes at the shield. ''...I'm to protect myself and the little one then?'' She managed to keep a firm grip on the item by keeping each handle in one hand, her tail gently tapped Leena thigh.

The Black Cat looked... courageous, as much as a twelve years old girl could be inside this mess. All the bloody fightings has drained the bravado she'd showed earlier today.

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''Yeah, though only as a last-ditch effort, we'll make sure nothing happens to you and our dear cat, don't look for trouble.'' You looked to Ari'el while speaking and the man returned a nod at the silent question. Loyalties were thin but at least there was a uniting factor between your party and him: his priority was to Leena. If Shereen protects her, he'll have to keep your sun secured if he's in any opportunity to do so.

''You'd like to keep the shield, Arawn?'' Klesiah asked as she weighted your beloved item. It was battered and bruised, those javelins had done some terrible damage but it could still be used if you needed it. ''I'll put it on a wall once we get down there.''

You're starting to like this soul link, there's something special about someone knowing your intention without words.

''It'll be better if I go scout first.'' Hildegarde spoke, taking a step toward the stairs. They lead toward a single closed door into what was described to you as a large, central mausoleum; a first room that didn't have any placers to hide but that wasn't the case for the tunnels below.

You did your best to pretend not being bemused at the maid appearance. Her nakedness was... distracting, an unfortunate side effect of the sheer heat radiating out of her limbs. She had to be isolated from everyone else, akin to a roaring campfire that's been fed too much wood; more than enough to make clothes erupt in flames, yet somehow her pale hair remained intact...

''One moment.'' Ari'el imposed himself, walking in front of the stairs, his halo glowered as he reached inside a pouch and took it a small metal cube. With hands thoroughly covered in blue metal gauntlets, the angelic man opened the small container and extracted a familiar white pearl.

''Is that...?'' Shereen immediately recognized the item. ''That's an astral pearl!''

''Indeed.'' The angel answered with a satisfied smile, holding it between index and finger, showing it off to your party. ''I believe every player had the opportunity to acquire one so we should expect her to hold onto hers. I've had to spend a significant amount of my magic to rejuvenate my followers but I can take the brunt of her assault by replenishing my reserves.'' He proceeded to palm the magical jewel. ''One more fight and this city revenge will be complete.''

Part of you wanted to stop him. You could use that pearl, replenish your reserves and spread the magic around the party... but would Ari'el listen? And while you know giving people magic (instead of outright fueling their spells) is possible, you haven't tried it so accomplishing such a thing could take a little time... Can you spare it?

And Ari'el is a fairweather friend at best, should you reveal more of your capabilities to him?

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>Allowing your party to regain some of their magic will make it much easier to handle the coming battle. There's still roughly sixteen combatants to take into account, all of them dangerous veterans and if the duchess can wield pearls to boot... Ari'el should understand that it'd be wiser for Klesiah and Elina to fight without handicaps. (Will expand on how much rejuvenation you can do if chosen)

>If the duchess is retreating into the tunnels you've got to pursue. Ari'el can take the brunt of the fighting if he's so generous; it's a waste of a pearl but... your options are limited. (Should Hildegarde scout ahead or will you proceed forward as a group?)

>Free.

>>4409413
How much money we wanna bet the snake's got a death pearl instead of an astral one?

I need to think on this but just to make sure I remember correctly we can fuel people we touch with out soul arms right? It only takes a split second of contact to enable if the target is a willing recipient right? Can a person in overcast cast from our reserves without making things worse? Then there's also a fusion option. If we get topped off we can go for a mid-tier fusion and force the duchess to face the power of a pissed off embodiment of protection with quite a few things to protect.

I wouldn't worry all that much about revealing our capabilities, Ama probably filled him in or would if he ever asked.

>>4409439
>I need to think on this but just to make sure I remember correctly we can fuel people we touch with out soul arms right?
Yes. Don't be shy to reread your sheet to remember a few things. You need continuous contact, so you'll have to say, touch a girl back to allow your battery to start working.
>It only takes a split second of contact to enable if the target is a willing recipient right?
Yes, though only if the target has some experience with your spell first. Luckily, Elina and Klesiah do.
>Can a person in overcast cast from our reserves without making things worse?
That is not something I can answer.

>>4409439
Oh, also, in regards to fueling. Can a person "hold" a spell for a second or two after it is cast. Like, could we fuel a spell, then they charge forward for a second or two before unleashing it?

>>4409452
Yes. It has to be unleashed quickly though, but fueling and breaking contact in the same round is possible.

>>4409456
Would it be possible to ask Ari'el how much reserves he thinks he's got left and if he can still enter that "assault mode" we saw him use against us and how long would that take (both to get the info and for him to enter assault mode)?

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>>4409528
Yeah, he's receptive to sharing this information so doing that won't require an update for persuasion. Ari'el would say he's at roughly 20%. He can still alter his body but he might not be able to raise any shields afterward.

Look like I might have only a single vote to start writing tonight but that's alright, I'm really way too late on this new thread.

>>4409536
A single vote? For what option? I'm sadly a little indecisive here.

>>4409547
For whatever option that is decided. I'll start my usual 20 minutes countdown after I get a course of action, that's what I meant.

>>4409413
>Allowing your party to regain some of their magic will make it much easier to handle the coming battle. There's still roughly sixteen combatants to take into account, all of them dangerous veterans and if the duchess can wield pearls to boot... Ari'el should understand that it'd be wiser for Klesiah and Elina to fight without handicaps. (Will expand on how much rejuvenation you can do if chosen)
It's better tactically for this moment. Sometimes, it's best to muddle through, do what's good for now, and deal with the consequences as they come.

>>4409587
Will proceed in twenty minutes, now's the time to vote.

>>4409553
Would a compromise be possible? That is, we offer to become the collective "mana battery" for the party. We're going to be sticking close to Elina and Klesiah to benefit from the psionic synchronicity and we can fuel Ari'el's transformation into assault mode and, once hostilities commence, fuel a heavy air blast. It'd be scarily effective in tight corridors, but we don't want to risk a full cave in unless we can target it right over the Duchess and her forces.

>>4409597
So you mean to use the pearl to completely restore Arawn mana instead? Then fuel everyone spells? Hm... That'd be a free choice and Ari'el could be hard to convince

Alright going with the voted option. Let's see if the angel is receptive...

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''Hold on.'' You speak quickly, almost desperate, as you step close to the angel. If he was to start consuming the pearl there would be no going back, no way to expand your tactical capabilities. ''Don't you think it'll be better to spread the magic around? We'll be outnumbered, it'll be important for all of our combatants to fight as best they can.''

You couldn't fault his dubiousness so you kept talking instead of allowing him to ask an obvious question. ''My nature allows me to spread my magic and rejuvenate our party reserve, wouldn't it be better to have multiple strong combatants instead of putting all the pressure on you?''

''Is that so?'' His brilliant gaze fleetingly directed itself toward Klesiah and Elina. ''You have strong comrades, I can personally attest to that, but will your... gift work on myself?''

Was he implying that he knew about your linked souls? Bah, better to walk a thread of assumptions if that's how he wants to play it. ''I don't know.'' You answer honestly. ''What's important right now is to ensure the protection of the Black Cat and were going somewhere where we'll be -significantly- outnumbered. There's no telling how treacherous that bitch is going to be now that she's fled in desperation. And...'' you add as he palms the pearl. ''I've promised that you'll know the Black Cat story once this game is over. I've yet to break a single one.''

This last remark manages to soften his look. ''A man's only worth is in his word.'' He says. ''I'm not quite certain why you're her favorite... but that's not so important now, isn't it? I don't want any of my people to go to their dooms in this mausoleum. Your comrades shouldn't be sacrificed against that tyrant puppets, either; perhaps finding out the Cat whole story will instill righteous vengeance in everyone here.'' His gaze briefly floats toward the female, lingering on Shereen for a moment. ''So be it. Do your best and don't linger, there's no telling how far she is already...'' His many wings flaps gently.

Seems Ari'el truly isn't completely unreasonable. Although it is certainly difficult to feel sympathy for him -especially with all the violence around, no matter the logic behind it- you still manage to feel sincere gratitude as he hands you his Astral Pearl.

''Thanks.'' You say while removing your leather glove, these things need skin contact to work.

Elina and Klesiah managed to calm down, ever so slightly. Alright, last preparations before hunting a tyrant...

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Since you aren't in battle, it is now possible to transfer pure magical energy toward any willing mage. Such a ritual will take roughly five minutes to create, the more time invested the better the transfer but in this case, you can't go longer than this.

Shereen cannot add her magic to the pool because the ritual to filter blood magic into pure, useable mana will take too long.

The overall pool stands at 115% (Arawn can draw what he's got now and then consume the pearl)

Because of your linked souls, Elina and Klesiah can enjoy flawless transfer of mana. Because Klesiah is human, 1% from you = 1% for her.

Elina, as an angel, needs 3% of your mana for 1% rejuvenation.

This number also stands for Shereen because you do not have a soul link with her. (Creating an artificial one will take too long)

Ari'el stands at roughly 20% reserves and his battle stance consumes that much. Without more reserves, he'll be handicapped in battle, unable to use shields and healing. Transferring mana to him is possible because he's willing but in this case 7% of your mana = 1% of his.

We'll proceed to confront the duchess once you guys decide on who gets what in terms of magical reserves. I suspect getting an agreement will take a little while, so I'll leave this open until tomorrow.

Of course, getting better at this new spell will make the transfer of mana much more efficient but for now, that's what you got.

>>4409737
How much do heavy shields cost an angel? How about light ones meant to trip people up or deflect their blows rather than outright block them? I do want to give Ari'el some juice but 7 to 1 is a *steep* cost.

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>>4409742
Heavy shields cost 1%
Smaller ones are one of the rare things lower than a round number, each one cost roughly 0.3%

However, all these numbers vary based on emotional state. An angry, doubtless, motivated angel will enjoy his entire repertoire of spells having a discount.

>>4409748
I can assume Ari'el is in this state right now. He gets 2-3 percent then. Plus it's a show of good faith. Party cohesion and morale is paramount here.

I'll have to think about the distribution between Elina and Klesiah however. Shereen's got enough to pull something if the opportunity arises. How much would a "blood spike" cost her to create and launch? Blood tentacles from conveniently positioned corpse? Mutating into a "warform" or summoning a shoggoth/eldritch horror?

I assume that some of the transfer to Klesiah will just get eaten to prevent overcast yest? How much does a big lightning attack cost her? I think she had 7-10 before we got done medium rare by Jab.

The final concern is healing. Elina's gonna be the main healer given all this so how much does healing cost?

>>4409754
Oh, and do these numbers hold if we "fuel" spells as well? That's the other final concern as we will be near Klesiah and Elina if we can in any way help it.

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>>4409754
Arawn and Shereen don't know enough about blood magic to give you a good answer here, unfortunately.

>I assume that some of the transfer to Klesiah will just get eaten to prevent overcast yes?

Yeah, she'll need 5% to get out of Overcast.

> How much does a big lightning attack cost her? I think she had 7-10 before we got done medium rare by Jab.

A big spell is 15% for her because of her rather small reserves The spell she unleashed at Jab was beyond heavy, it was around 30% pure mana fueled into lightning. Emotions matter!

>The final concern is healing. Elina's gonna be the main healer given all this so how much does healing cost?

Healing is the most variable spell in existence in terms of cost. In this case, it's honestly impossible to tell for sure as pratically every injuries can't be properly measured. 3-5% would be the average needed for a medium injury.

>>4409758
Actually, your battery spell functions a bit differently. In this case 1% of your mana = 5% for someone else, including an angel. There's no penalty here. It's essentially a reverse of your recently discovered siphon spell.

>>4409767
So my plan for us to be everyone's collective mana battery is the most efficient (though it requires us to have contact and our soul arms only reach 2 meters).

Can Elina "hold" a healing spell? That is, we fuel it, then she zips over and unleashes it upon a target or do we have to "hold her hand" as she does her thing?

Finally, we *do* have full on soul links with Elina and Klesiah. Can't we function as a battery for them at close range without physical contact? Like, say, 5-10 meters?

We should tell Ari'el about the efficiency of our battery as well. After all, teamwork makes the dream work.

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>>4409778
>Can Elina "hold" a healing spell? That is, we fuel it, then she zips over and unleashes it upon a target or do we have to "hold her hand" as she does her thing?
You'll need to hold her hand.
>Finally, we *do* have full on soul links with Elina and Klesiah. Can't we function as a battery for them at close range without physical contact? Like, say, 5-10 meters?
Unfortunately not. Might be possible if you practice such a possibility but for now, it's not going to work.

>>4409784
I assume shields and wind blasts can be held and that we are going to be sticking very, very close to Elina and Klesiah.

I'll sleep on it but for now I say Ari'el gets 2 percent. Klesiah gets 10. We retain the rest, informing our angels that it is far, far more efficient for us to be their battery than to transfer mana directly. This also leaves us with a whopping 91 percent of our reserves that convert 1 to 5 for others using battery and enables us to use a medium fusion if things get really, really bad.

I fear that after a few battery uses they'll figure out who the "mage" is and thus who to geek first. Hopefully too many of them will be too dead to make use of that information.

>>4409792
Oh, also, Hilde. What's the difference between sending her ahead to scout and keeping the party together? I'm all for her and Ari'el taking point but I do wonder if they're well aware of the fact that doors and corners are whey they fuckin' get ya. Last thing we want is our foe dividing us from one another and focusing us all down one by one.

>>4409800
Sending her scouting means putting her in potential danger in exchange of intelligence about what's happening down there, if the coast is clear or not etc.

>>4409806
That means us hanging back and waiting and this little ritual is gonna take 5 whole minutes. We ain't got time.

We forge ahead as one while being mindful that behind every door and around every corner is a potential ambush. We also cast soul arms once we're down there and hold on to Elina, Klesiah, and if the formation allows it Ari'el. Again, it's way cheaper for us to fuel everyone as a battery than to just directly transfer mana to them. We had best leverage that fact. Plus a pair of strong soul arms in tight confines should work wonders in a fight. They're hard to see if you're not actively looking for them aren't they? Like a faint haze that you'll probably only notice if you know specifically what to look for?

>>4409819
>They're hard to see if you're not actively looking for them aren't they? Like a faint haze that you'll probably only notice if you know specifically what to look for?
They'd be hard to see in the dark because they're smoky, almost opaque but in the light, those arms aren't going to blindside anyone.

So let's see...

>Fuel Ari'el with 14% of your reserve and Klesiah get 10%, leaving you with 91% reserves. You'll concentrate on providing a mana battery to your magical combatants whenever you can.

We'll see if anyone else agree with your numbers tomorrow.

>>4409828
Actually, modify that, we give Ari'el 1 percent as a sign of good faith then fuel his transformation into "assault mode." This will leave him with 21 percent reserves and us with 94. Plus it gives him experience with our battery spell.

Yeah, he is still technically an enemy and all, but it seems he's not the backstabby type. The more reasons we give him to "like" us the less likely he is to just up and kill us all once the duchess is fucked up.

>>4409993
Oh, also, so long as contact is maintained can we function as a battery as we cast spells ourselves? Like, fuel someone else's spell as we use our gauntlet during the same round/action? I'd think we could do this with Elina and Klesiah at least due to the link.

>>4409998
>Oh, also, so long as contact is maintained can we function as a battery as we cast spells ourselves?
Depend on the spell, as long as it's not complicated (like using your gauntlet) you can.

>>4410003
Ok then, then my above modification stands. Though we should ask him if he wants that percent because our battery spell is way more efficient and we'll happily fuel that transformation of his which saves him (and us overall) the mana. 20 percent when heavy shields cost 1 (and that's without the bonus he's probably getting) in full assault mode ought to be enough for one more big fight.

We do need to transfer mana to Klesiah though as being in overcast is a problem that needs solving if we want to ensure maximum combat potential and the smooth operation of our battery spell for her as you won't tell us if she can cast from our reserves in overcast without making it worse we can assume it will so she needs juice badly. As I assume any excess mana will go to waste, if Ari'el won't take the mana/trusts us on this we donate the excess to Klesiah which will leave us with 96 percent in the tank and him with 20.

Gauntlet's still in ice mode yeah? I wonder, magitek mist we control plus Klesiah's lightning. I smell combo attack potential. He main problem with her lightning is it's hard for her to "project" it towards her target without making it a big spell. We provide a "bridge" via the mist and boom, mass AoE lightning attack for cheap! Or rather, instead of that heavy spell she used only being able to hit one enemy it hits a bunch.

>>4410028
>Gauntlet's still in ice mode yeah?
Yeah, there hasn't been any changes there.

Alright, we'll be going with the one option we've got.

>>4410564
Oh, also warn him to not get carried away in regards to draining our batteries. Side effects of our battery spell have been known to include delusions of grandeur and feelings of nigh-mystical omnipotence. Our reserves only *feel* infinite, they most certainly are not in actuality.

Agh, damn rl obligations. And damn time zone too. Voting's not gonna be very active on my part.

>>4410579
We really need to fix that particular weakness to the battery spell, if we don't reach the final perk point by the time we're set to gtfo Myrtidal

>>4410599
Glad to have you anon. This next post might be a long one, so don't feel pressured to stay if you have to sleep!

>>4410599
Provided we all live it'd probably only take a single night of training to add our measurement perk to our battery spell. It's definitely on the "to do" list.

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You have acquired the spell Magical Donor.
Because souls are an inherent part of people's magical spells, you can transform your own into a primordial energy that can refuel a person's spell.

Need a short ritual (5 minutes) and a fully willing recipient to accomplish. The more time you invest in preparations, the better your results will be, people you share a soul link will always enjoy a large bonus of efficiency with this spell.

--

''I have to admit, this is... not what I expected.'' Ari'el commented once the ritual was over.

The entire process had been quick because you had a good idea about what kind of new magical activity you wanted to do and in this case, things went well.

Klesiah absorbed enough of your magic to safely get out of Overcast and become a fully effective combatant once more and you gave the cult leader enough reserves to avoid skittering the edge of that crippling emptiness, which is where the bulk of the time needed for the ritual took place.

Ari'el wasn't used to joining magical flows and you barely got a hint of his magical essence but it was enough to understand that he possesses a deep, richly animated pool of magical energy. If normal people were described as a strong magical river, he felt similar to a whirlpool threatening to swallow you whole.

Thankfully, you've grown used to handling flows but this could have been... dramatic. And that's putting it lightly.

''It'll be far more efficient for me to source everyone big spells, I have the reserves to handle it now.'' You explained while summoning a pair of strong soul arms, both limbs came out of your spine (leaving Ari'el slightly bemused) and reached for a wing of each respective angels. ''You won't have to waste your magic for your... change.'' You continued, looking at the man. ''Just don't get carried away, afterward, maybe you girls could drown our oppositions in magic.'' You turned your attention at your linked friends. ''We'll adapt as things happen.''

''I was resolved to suffering the agony of Overcast... thank you, my lord.'' Sincere gratitude emanated out of Klesiah and she gripped her glaive with renewed energy. Lightning crackled along its length as the bluish-red light projected out of her body had changed into a healthier blue, but far from enough to glower like the midday sky when her reserves were full.

Her bubbling happiness made her reach for the silent dark elf who kept a careful gaze on the main opening of the church. All your talking was slowly reinforcing the geas but, with Klesiah and Ari'el having the only two amulets meant to suppress it, your talking wasn't at risk of making her go berserk.

Though, it'd be safer not to address her directly.

''Let's go handle that tyrant snake.'' This comment, surprisingly, came from Shereen. She held her new shield firmly, Leena looked strangely amused as she stood behind the small princess.

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''Good. I don't think she has too much of an advance...'' Ari'el commented and with a careful look toward Elina, he and your angel became the protective vanguard of the party with you following close behind to allow your battery spell to keep begin when needed.

--

The very first room of the church basement was large and spacious (although barely comparable with the hall). A replica of the mausoleum you snuck into back in Marleon, a large square room provided plenty of space to move around if one didn't mind the four large pillars used more for decorations than proper support for the floor above. Cages full of urns lined the walls and the only exit was directly forward toward a small staircase that led into a corridor of stone opening to the left and right.

''Not running away?''

Despite everyone's expectation, the duchess was here. Her entire posse occupied the room. Ten heavily armored swordswomen stood in an effective line, heavy two-handed blades sticking on the ground with their taller Minotaur commander behind them: all of them had discarded their helmets, presented old, wizened faces with more than a few of them sporting gray stripes in otherwise healthy brown or blond hairs.

Veterans one and all.

Your party carefully moved forward, stopping far enough to make any kind of opportunists enemy strikes impossible.

''I have no intention of satisfying your crazed bloodlust.'' The redheaded snake-lady dressed in sharp red clothes (and a breastplate, you noticed) answered Ari'el sarcastic comment.

Her four surviving lamia guards stood protectively around their liege. These women had kept their helmets and held onto their last remaining javelins.

''I didn't want to believe it but I had to see for myself.'' The lady-snake continued. Her voice was strained, tired, and stressed like an overworked mother. ''The second embodiment of the Eternal, here, in Myrtidal and not only did she not come to see me but she's supporting violent cultists...''

''W-What!?'' Your little sun hadn't expected to be addressed so directly. ''I'm not supporting them... but I don't see how you've left any other choices for -your- people. Did you expect me or my mother to somehow support your blatant oppression? That we'd... that I'd be supporting your wish to murder a child?''

Shereen's emotional voice echoed inside the mausoleum, she stood protectively beside Leena who threw silent glares at the red duchess.

''So, you don't know Myrtidal purpose...'' The lady-snake answer confused you. ''...It is not my wish to harm any children but I was left with no choices, your mother secrets need to remain silent if I am to keep my daughter safe.''

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''You've no right to cling onto delusions!'' Ari'el bellowed, four of his wings flapped aggressively as he pointed his sword at the opposite party. ''You're the only one at fault for bringing your kin into mortal peril. I haven't spend a long time in your domain, tyrant, but these last two months were revealing. Your armored goons ruthlessly tormented people from the city and countryside; it took us two months to reject your influence in the farms and communities outside your poisoned town and tonight is the result of years upon years of your oppression! This is the anger from the people outside your city, can you imagine how the people of Myrtidal will be once they're allowed to heal a little bit and finally realize they don't have to live in your shadow?''

''Yes, you've been quite the thorn.'' The red snake scowled at Ari'el. ''My appeal for Zerase to sends competent agents went on deaf ears so you've been allowed to run amok by her good graces; maybe tonight is something she wanted. Bloodshed is the domain of that accursed family after all.''

You kept a careful gaze on the duchess warriors as she badmouthed the god-queen of Muribel and none of them blinked in protest none of Ashtar words surprised any of them.

She's got a circle of loyalists that wasn't bought with coins.

''And your head will be the only thing that gives catharsis for the myriads of souls you've wounded.'' Ari'el comment got to her, Ashtar grimaced and looked away, shaking her head to reject this obvious truth.

''My lady.'' The tall Minotaurus regarded her reptile liege. ''He's watching and ready to honor your plight.''

''Not yet, don't be so fast.'' Ashtar shook her head.

''Hold on, hold on!'' Shereen interrupted the exchange, shaking her shield. ''Why did you join in that witch crazy game? What is it about Leena that made her so important to find?''

Shereen question was met with silence. The duchess looked at her for a long time, enough for Ari'el thin patience to run out.

''Answer the little lady question. The Black Cat is the lynchpin of tonight events and while all the players had their reason to find her...'' He pointed his sword at the duchess. ''...only one of us nurtured deadly intentions.''

A shame Adam wasn't here. He'd have some choice words for that red snake given his propensity for justice.

''I can open the place where you've imprisoned my parents.'' Leena was the one to speak. Her soft voice echoed slightly in the mausoleum and the redheaded snake frowned, prompting the girl to smile. ''Only tonight. That's what the Great Witch told me, that portal can be opened tonight and that's where I must go... though you're the only player that didn't want that. I think.''

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''Yes, because intruding upon that cursed place would undeniably warn Zerase that I wasn't able to keep it secured and the consequences would fall upon my daughter who has nothing to do with any of this.'' Ashtar hissed. ''That portal just needs to remain closed, if I was to win that woman cursed game, then she'd have gone to war against Zerase: wouldn't that help everybody in the country?''

You've heard plenty of time about liege-lord holding hostages from their vassals but it was something else to see it with your own eyes. you could almost feel some amount of sympathy for that duchess but the sheer misery you've seen in her city reminded you to distill that feeling.

How ruthless was Zerase?

''What is my mother doing here!?'' Shereen asked in genuine desperation.

''Cultivating misery with surgical precision.'' Ashtar answered, laughing in self-derision. ''You truly have no idea... If you let me go, if you don't open that portal, then I'll tell you everything, maybe she'll wrap you inside her sadistic blanket and choke you out too.''

''You think you can simply walk away and live your days out in the hills after everything you've allowed to happen here!?'' Ari'el growled. ''Willing or not, you're the embodiment of people misery and they need catharsis!''

Ari'el grabbed his sword with both hands but didn't step forward, he knew not to break contact with your soul arms to avoid wasting his reserves. A movement of activity spread throughout the heavy lizard swordswomen.

''Grâz is ready to honor your plight, my lady.'' One of them said to the duchess.

''This is such a waste...!'' The red snake complained. ''Surely there is a better way to honor him!''

Reluctantly, the lady reached into her pouch to extract a large, familiar pearl and handed it to the Minotaurus. who had removed one of her gauntlets.

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You are currently sourcing Ari'el and Elina spells as a battery.

You currently stand at 91% magical reserves.
Klesiah is at 10%


>Should you try to ask the duchess more questions? Surely it'd be possible to negotiate something... (Precise what.)

>If a battle is inevitable, then act on it immediately.
A) Attempt a preventive strike by sourcing a spell from Elina to disrupt the enemy and give yourself time for Ari'el battle transfiguration. (Will you tell your angel to unleash a strong wind spell, or perhaps try to go even further beyond?)
B) Focus on the defensive for now. The duchess forces have an astral pearl, they're up to something; let them come to you. This should allow you to easily handle Ari'el battle transformation and react to your enemy and prevent any nasty sneak attacks on Leena.

>There is also a third possibility.
Treachery is not in your blood but if you agree with the duchess to let her walk free, you might avoid this battle. This would mean handling Ari'el of course, at the very least force him to retreat (and potentially contend with Myr).

Elina and Klesiah have little love for the man, they'd likely agree. Hildegarde priority is to princess Anais, she'll likely insist on opening the portal into Myrtidal ''magical place'' no matter what you promise to the duchess.
Shereen might be the only one disappointed in this, but this is a warzone: you've got to do what you can to keep your allies alive.

Of course, this could also be a fantastic show of utter incompetence and motivate the duchess to fight your group. There are fifteen enemy combatants, though only ten of them seems to be your immediate foes.

>>4410899
So Zerase is holding Ashar's daughter hostage? How we know she ain't full of shit? Tyrants will say anything to get people to spare them and we can't let her link up with that incoming army no matter what

I don't want to backstab Ari'el, especially since he's now in assault mode. But other than that I'm still thinking and handling something so I might be awhile. Also, Zerase isn't actually here right?

>>4410988
>So Zerase is holding Ashar's daughter hostage? How we know she ain't full of shit?

Shereen believe that's highly possible but, in the end, there's no way to be entirely certain.

>Also, Zerase isn't actually here right?
Not that you know.

>>4410899
>"Do you know where she's being held? There's always the possibility of saving her, but I can't see this ending peacefully."
>Attempt a preventative strike
Even with her dark task, likely needing people to die horribly, she could have treated the people well until then. She's not a good person.

>>4411026
Would you like Elina to do a strong wind spell or try for something even bigger thank to your battery?

>>4411029
Just strong, I'd rather not risk collapsing the room with a hurricane force windblast.

>>4411040
Alright. I'll begin writing in 20 minutes, let's see if we have more voices.

>>4411026
Does anyone know who/what graz is? Also, we are going to save anais after this and we can transmit via a seance to Sieg who is already in position to do something. Zerase fucked up big, but only we know it.

>>4411063
>Does anyone know who/what graz is?
Nope!
>Also, we are going to save anais after this and we can transmit via a seance to Sieg who is already in position to do something.
You're a bit too far to do anything concerning Anais unless teleportation suddenly become possible. A communicative seance with Shereen help will be possible once things wind downh... at least, if everything goes well.

Preventive strike and fueling Ari'el it is!

>>4411075
Aren't we gonna try a bit of negotiation before the preventive strike? I'd think once we attack it's on like Donkey Kong.

>>4411095
>Aren't we gonna try a bit of negotiation before the preventive strike?
Yeah but... well, let's see what happen.

I'll be posting tomorrow. Got a bit of a relapse healthwise and I need to get back into writing good and proper. I'll try to start earlier too, to better accomodate players and keep my average of three pots/day. See you soon!

>>4411194
Do we have an angle on those pillars such that we can see what's behind them, do they look like critical supports, and are they big enough around for an average size human/humanoid mamono to hide comfortably behind? Those count as corners if they are and you know what I've been saying about those.

Also, how deep underground are we right now? If it ain't too deep risking a cave in with a superheavy wind blast might be a wise play as we could just go above the cave in, dig back down into the tunnels with our party's magic, and continue to where the portal opens provided this exact spot isn't where we need to open it and if it is we cannot risk the cave in.

Finally, on the front of negotiation. We cannot offer to let her go free, but we can promise a fair and just trial in exchange for our help rescuing her daughter (provided she even has one). She must answer for her crimes, all of them, but her sins need not pass on to her family. I'm also assuming the Minotaur already has the pearl in her hand so we can't do a preemptive to knock it away or otherwise prevent her from attaining it. Also, it looked like our and Ari'el's pearl right? If it didn't than it may be a death pearl and we must *not* under ANY circumstance let anyone get an activation of one of those off!

And how bad is the burning of the church above and for the love of God where the hell is the rest of our party? I'm worried all but Mina might be dead now...

>>4411271
Oh, and there weren't any other passageways between the entrance to the mausoleum and where we are now right? As in, no chance in hell someone will be able to ambush us from behind? Please tell me that's the case.

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>>4411271
>Do we have an angle on those pillars such that we can see what's behind them, do they look like critical supports, and are they big enough around for an average size human/humanoid mamono to hide comfortably behind?

You've got a good line of sight for the two cloest ones but the last pair could hide someone behind them, they're thick pillars despite looking decorative, full of images representing peaceful deads. Do they look fairly critical in supporting the floor above but Arawn doesn't have enough architectural experience to say for sure.
>Also, how deep underground are we right now?
Oh, not that deep. Only a few meters down.
>Also, it looked like our and Ari'el's pearl right?
Yeah, it was an astral pearl. Round and pure white.
>And how bad is the burning of the church above
You went downstairs without getting a good look but according to Hildegarde, it'll likely engulft all of the wooden third floor.
>For the love of God where the hell is the rest of our party?
Hehehe

>>4411276
Yeah, it was a straight shot to the mausoleum. You'd need to literally meld into the wall to not be seen.

>>4411282
Still didn't answer if that Minotaur has the pearl or not. We would see if she did right now. I'm betting she's gonna use it to summon the spirit of an ancient ancestor of hers. I don't think a mamono had to be a mage to be a summoner (though I bet it helps).

Damnit all to hell, you're really enjoying us worrying about the fate of those we left behind aren't you? If anything your gleeful little giggle convinces me that death was a mercy you've cruelly denied them...

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>>4411328
>Still didn't answer if that Minotaur has the pearl or not.
Well, I thought that was obvious enough. Yeah, she's got it.

The people left behind to fight Jab were the biggest fighting force of your party if we discount the angels. Trust in them.

>>4411338
Ok, negotiations leading into a preventive strike if they fail as even if we do that right the F now we won't stop her from using it. We'd need to instantly destroy her brain and I don't think we can do that with our current abilities without a double nat 20. Err, can any of them see the soul arms? The ones with Javelins specifically. That might matter.

It'd be easier to trust if you weren't so hopelessly addicted to suffering.

>>4411431
>Err, can any of them see the soul arms?
Possible. Whether anyone did is anyone's guess.

I've never tried anything cruel.

>>4411451
>that spoiler
I dunno, depends on what one's definition of that term is Us getting literally roasted in an ambush could qualify.

And while you personally may not have, Ama sure as fuck has! Like, for example, offering her aid to Ashtar in exchange for killing a kid. Granted, she took steps to make sure it wouldn't be as easy as it sounds but that was merely because it'd be boring for her otherwise!

Oh, I just thought of a few things. I wonder if Shereen saw a Lamia that looked like our tyrant when she went to see Anais. That would also be the reason why no "agents" were sent at her request. Zerase knew exactly whose bowls of Corn Flakes her daughter was pissing in with that stunt and yeah, you can't spare anyone given that level of shit you're calling down upon yourself.

That said, it would also be a potential negotiation point. Nobody except us and the royalty of the three nations she's royally pissed off knows about it. Kind of hard to focus on the hostage of a vassal when when you've got shit coming from the Demon Lord and her two closest allied nations (none of which are exactly "minor" powers) to worry about.

We could also state that we are an agent of Daiyu as well if that becomes a point that could help in negotiations. It's technically not a lie. If we get a chance we should also ask Leena if this is the room she has to open the portal in. If negotiations fail and this isn't the room she needs we can just back out a bit and have either Ari'el or Elina launch a superheavy wind blast in the hopes of bringing the whole house down upon our enemies. After all, if you have a way to not be crushed by that somehow it's a viable tactic when significantly outnumbered.

Willing to bet Graz is her late husband/consort. Come to think of it, we've yet to see any fathers of mamono nobility about. I fear they may have a "Black Widow" policy of sorts in effect for nobles here. They don't value *human* life all that much after all so turning them into death pearls or something might be a thing.

Really wanted to start earlier but some irl things imposed itself. I'll aim today session toward our usual hours

All of these are pretty good negotiations points, though it's a bit too late to insert them and attempt something serious with the duchess. Alas... Might be possible if you push for it again if you get the oppotunity.

>>4412226
So we're going to half ass our negotiation attempt and go for violence?

>>4412269
More like Arawn convincing himself violence is the only thing that'll work (especially without betraying Ari'el). I've only seen one hard vote for a preemptive strike unless I mistook your post as an actual vote for a serious attempt at negotiating something.

I'm not feeling too good today so I'm not as alert as usual.

>>4412276
On phone, same guy. I think the hard vote was to see if she'd be receptive to negotiation and attack preemptively if she wasn't. Ari'el also said he wanted to capture her so my offer of a fair trial should go over with him.

That is essentially my vote. Try to seriously negotiate but if she absolutely insists on duking it out so be it. Let's hope she's as reasonable as the resident vengeance fanatic. After all, any good parent would gladly die to save their children and taking us up on a good offer with the info, connections, and ability to back it all up has a better chance of working than trying to best us all in a feat of arms.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4412297
I've already got most of the update written up but a vote is a vote and in this case it's my mistake.

Gonna roll between
>>4411026
>>4412297
And modify as needed.

>>4412302
Ok, so the dice favored my option yes? I think it goes without saying that we are watching her and her goons like hawks and if they so much as make an errant twitch suggesting they're gonna pull a preemptive attack of their own we respond in kind (or at least throw up a heavy shield to stop it).

These are loyal veterans however. I doubt they'll panic or lose their nerve without some form of order from their liege. And please tell me someone is watching our back and we've all got our head on a swivel. Pretty sure spirits can phase through walls and this Graz sounds like one. Gotta be ready for anything!

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>>4412350
Mmhm, I'm using your option and making a much longer post than I intended. Oh well, them the break. I'm not at my best today so might as well make my only post a big one!

>And please tell me someone is watching our back and we've all got our head on a swivel.
Will you reward your blueberry once this is over?

>>4412411
She gets as many hugs, hand holds, and head pats as she wants after this. A whole year as Ama and her disciple's plaything is gonna need a whole lot of healing moments to fix.

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''You know where your daughter is being held? The one to save her doesn't have to be you.''

Ashtar looks to you incredulously, as if realizing your presence just now. Her face soon twists into a frustrated grimace.

''The ancestors afforded me a small blessing because she's not in Marleon but there's a college for ''noble souls'' in Hellam, a coastal city... It is nothing more than a collection of hostages of Zerase loyal vassals camouflaging itself as an institute of learning. I'll find her, then get out of this damnable country.''

''I'll tell you something now, duchess.'' You try your best to measure your anger but your voice still comes out far more aggressive then you intend. ''Zerase will need to handle a very big problem inside the heart of her domain very soon, she won't have the opportunity to act on her menaces.''

You weren't keen on sharing Anais situation, for all you know that could only reinforce Zerase's shadowy intimidation. After all, who else would be brazen enough to kidnap the princess of the only human kingdom allied with the Demon Lord?

''My name is Arawn Loukanos, last living prince of the elven civilizations that's been nearly extinguished so long ago and an ally of the Demon Lord Daiyu Jawahir. Who, I can assure you, has been forced to move against your liege whilst the witch enjoys using this country as a playground...'' The stupefaction that spread across the opposing monsters is almost palpable. Of course, you had no idea if Daiyu herself was coming, you only knew about reinforcements coming from Zipangu.

''...and this game is only a means to an end, myself and my friends have more things to do here in Muribel. I have no investment in this city; I didn' even know this place existed last week yet here we stand now, ready for bloodshed, in the middle of a crisis of your own making because of the misery you've allowed your city to sink in. The method of the people is misguided but their desire, at least, is honest.''

Bloods and fires are drowning the streets but no homes are being sacked, Ari'el folks -do- have their priorities.

''Which is why I believe that a fair trial is possible if you'd surrender peace-.''

''You're as crazy as that angel bastard!'' The tall Minotaurus spat out, interrupting you. ''Surrender? You'd want my lady to willingly slither into the grasps of these blood frenzied freaks and expect to be treated fairly!? You've been living in civilized clouds far too much, elf! You have no power, no authority, nothing to ensure milady wouldn't be torn apart!''

''My people will listen to me.'' Ari'el answered firmly, the intensity of his sincere belief in his soldiers made him look genuinely charismatic. A rare thing, truly. ''If Ashtar does surrender to us willingly, then I do swear upon my soul that vengeance will be fair and true.''

''Pfeh! After tonight, you've got a whole lot of grudges on your shoulders, fuck boy.'' The tall warrior retorted.

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''When my daughter was a child, Zerase robbed me of the chance of being her mother. Now that Myriam is a teenager, all I want is to be -there- for her, I don't care about being a duke!'' Ashtar put her hands on the shoulders of different snake guards. ''I'll reject my wealth and title if I can just keep my little girl safe. I know Myrtidal situation is rotten, but I won't let that stop me from... from defying that damnable Pharaoh, from worshipping my ancestors and honoring the plain god instead of that false god queen!''

''To accept one role as a mother is to be in Grâz good grace, milady.'' One of the wizened veterans spoke calmly.

As she spoke, you murmured ''be ready'' at the angels. hopefully, all this talking gave your faraway party time to regroup soon...

Elina didn't need words to understand your intention, making sure Ari'el wouldn't be caught off guard was important: the faster he transforms, the better.

Ashtar priority was her daughter. A commendable thing, as that is every parent's duty, but the leadership you've seen in Myrtidal cannot be forgiven. Even if it had been Zerase -the queen- direct order... Allowing the duchess to walk free is far too unreasonable.

Maybe, if Ari'el wasn't here, you'd allow it to avoid putting your party in dangers but as things stand now, you're stuck. Either face these veterans or anger the angel and his victorious army.

''Do you truly believe yourself blameless?'' Shereen asked, fluffy ears flattened on her head. ''Doing the best you can in a horrible situation is commendable but the way you've continuously treated the people here is unpardonable!''

''There is honor in my lady actions, the people could have suffered much, much worse. Of course, she'll never be blameless but losing her wealth and title to be a mother to her child is more than enough punishment.'' The tall Minotaur answered. She shook her hand at Shereen, head shaking vigorously to send her long ponytail (the only hair on her head) in a sideways dance. ''For you to share the blood of the cursed leader and remain in ignorance of her sins -is- unpardonable!''

Now!
A pandemonium of wind crashed into the enemy line. Heralded by the full deployment of Elina gorgeous red wings, your wills joined together into a coalescence of magic blossoming inside her fluffy appendages. She took what was a morsel of your reserves and expended it into a glorious storm.

''Kyaa!?'' Shereen screamed and stood her ground when a wave of nature wrath suddenly crashed into the enemy line.

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The noise was deafening inside the echoing basement that was the mausoleum, nearby cages were torn right open by the spell and urns fell on the ground, spreading ash like a dusty attic. All the veterans managed to brace against the sudden impact and their bodies covered in metals were enough for them to maintain their formation but the duchess wasn't so lucky. Having been taken thoroughly off-guard by the magical storm and despite her naturally heavy body as a lamia, she crashed painfully on the wall, nearly smashing her head and slumped gracelessly as her bodyguards immediately set to cover her.

Your flow entered Ari'el and images of a gourd being emptied in sands entered your mind as he gulped and gulped from your reserves in a mixture of unashamed and bewildered greed. He took more than enough for his purpose, perhaps a full fourth of your entire rekindled reserves.

''Stop it, angel man!'' You growled, his will easily supplanted yours when it came to allowing moving magical flows but giving him a solid punch on the shoulder mercifully made him realize that he was grown to drown himself with your energy. He broke contact with your soul arm by stepping forward.

Changes already began to manifest throughout his body and it seemed he had some trouble dealing with the sheer expansive capabilities that was your magical nature. His wings flattened, turned metallic, serrated on one side, cleanly sharp on the other. His skin took a silvery shape as he settled the surplus of energy, his face twisted into an increasingly enraged scowl as he looked to his hated enemy, the shape of his golden halo changed slightly, pointed shapes akin to thorns appearing along its length

He might be even more dangerous than when he fought your party in the park.

Elina, thankfully, managed to control her feelings of omnipotence. With Ari'el transformation underway, she had stopped her spell and concentrated a bubble of wind between her palms, magic flowed in there continuously, creating a controlled sphere of whirlwind...? ''Trust me.'' She whispered to you, sadistic satisfaction emanated out of the soul link; Klesiah looked on worriedly. ''Your magic is giving me an idea...''

''Treacherous scums!'' The Minotaurus bellowed, she and her ten comrades had stood they're grounds against the heavy spell but they were in no shape to charge; the lamias bodyguards were too busy dealing with their dazed liege to attempt any throws.

Myr walked beside her fellow apostle whilst Hildegarde managed to avoid accidentally scalding anyone by moving on the left flank.

''Sisters, now is finally time to stand with honor!'' White smoke came out of Anku large closed fist, spreading in a thick mist around her that quickly spread around the line of battle-hardened Mamonos. ''Grâz! Manifest!''

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She grabbed her large sword and something did, indeed, manifest beside her. A huge deer walked out of the steam, nearly big enough for its antlers to scratch the roof. The creature looked almost alive: its brown fur made it seem like it had walked out of a forest but its glowing green eyes coupled with the magical brilliance of its massive antlers made it obvious this was no regular animal. Countless tiny sparks were tied between the woods on its head, illuminating the dark mausoleum in a rainbow of colors.

''W-wait I remember now!'' Shereen spoke, aghast, at the sight of this magical creature. ''Grâz is the masculine god of the tribes inhabiting the plains between Muribel and the Allied Kingdoms! How...!?''

''Grâz!'' Her voice was drowned out by a chorus from the veterans. They spoke in perfect synchrony and soon moved in near-similar tandems. ''We who are about to die, salute you!''

Their armors clicked as one, their swords raised in a wave of steel and the mystical deer disappeared, becoming a hue of brown and green that floated toward each combatant, settling foggy, mystical antlers on their heads, glowing, arcane green soon lit up the women eyes; the blessing of their gods.

''Nice trick.'' Ari'el growled. ''A dying god willing ignore the greater suffering of people around him is fitting for a bunch of hypocrites.''

The line of metal-clad veterans -Minotaur included- now looked much more intimidating with this newfound blessing.

''Arawn.'' Elina demanded your attention with a whisper and an authoritative mood, her intention directed your gaze toward her arms. She held onto her halberd but something swirled around her blue-covered limbs: wind had cocooned them looking almost like moving spider silk, pure grayish energy moved around in a hyper-concentrated fashion that began to spread on her weapon. What in the world is she doing?

''Minotaur or the duchess?'' Sadistic satisfaction followed her question. It seems that, during the time your enemies needed to use the astral pearl, Elina cooked up a murderous trick?

The warrior-woman with newfound magical antlers was undeniably the biggest menace but Ashtar is likely to start running away once she regains her bearing. She's still got five bodyguards, too... There's no time for Elina to explain what she's about to do so you'll have to believe in her.

To whom should Elina do her magic?

>Anku, the minotaur.
>Duchess Ashtar.

Proper tactical options will open in the next post. This is... Elina doing her thing, she's the most ruthless of your party member after all. Arawn isn't the only one showing growth.

>>4412615
>Duchess Ashtar.

>>4412615
Welp, at least my secondary objective was accomplished. Buy time for our allies to hopefully show up in the even they're not friggin' dead.

Damnit Ari'el, we needed those excess reserves for our trump card (i.e. fusion activation). He's essentially in hyper/beast mode right now for that at least? I'll be really mad if our magic was objectively wasted because of his rage induced stupidity and greed!

That said, we gave her bitch ass a chance and she refused. This daemon calling itself a god can get fucked. Time to do to her guards what they tried to do to us. They have a charge to protect yes? Time for them to save or watch her die! Target Ashtar, shred her snake half so we have her torso to present as a trophy to the cultists and her blood for Shereen to weaponize! Have Ari'el tie up the Minotuar, I don't want it getting an attack of opportunity on Elina. Hopefully Ari'el knows to work his way down the threat stack/chain of command.

Speaking of which, this sounds like a thing in a book I recently read. This "god" (read:daemon), we need Shereen to tell us its domains and the powers it was said to have. The guards are his "elect" now and we need to know exactly what that entails.

>>4412773
Oh, our current reserves, what are they? Damned vengeance freak, he did that on purpose I bet...

>>4412773
>He's essentially in hyper/beast mode right now for that at least?
Hard to say but he's looking different for sure. He made the same mistake every first-time users of your battery did!
>we need Shereen to tell us its domains and the powers it was said to have.
She doesn't know much about it because the plains hasn't been a big subject of interest for her but she can try! At least, if she isn't too distracted by the battle.

>>4412778
Since you're in battle now the usual limits apply. Your reserve feel healthy but there's a noticeable hole.

Two votes toward Ashtar huh?

I'll wait till tomorrow to make a roll

>>4412794
As for what happens next, my combo attack strategy is in play. We have domain over the mist we create so long as we touch it with our gauntlet yes? If so keep it from touching the ground or our allies, envelop as many of our foes as we can, then have Klesiah electrify it with her magic as we source a superheavy spell for her. This should stun them for a second or two which would enable Myr, Ari'el, and Hilde to collect/pulp a few heads for free. Dumb fools discarded their helmets, they're about to regret that.

>>4412804
>As for what happens next, my combo attack strategy is in play. We have domain over the mist we create so long as we touch it with our gauntlet yes?
You can't really ''touch'' the icy mist you make. To keep continued dominion on it, you'd need to keep making it. Meaning it'll be one heavy spell/round.

Whether that combo work or is even possible isn't guaranteed, but I'll always encourage you to try. Proper battle options will open in my next post so don't commit too much to your idea.

>>4412806
Aww, we could do that with the smoke bomb, why not with the mist bomb? I'm not going for the freezing mist we used to deter Ari'el (though that might be a good idea to try and hit the Minotaur with that), just a "conductive" mist that Klesiah can electrify.

Did the wind storm fill the air with a bit of ashes? That has electrolytes/salts in it so that plus water equals a conductive solution. Science!

>>4412809
Cheeky.
You didn't have full control of the smoke back then, only partial thing like clumsily sending it toward a direction worked. What you imply demand serious precision of a hard-to-determine force, so keeping it constantly fueld is what will allow the spell to work out the way you want.

>>4412823
Alright, than if there's a flank where our allies ain't than engulf them and they all get shocked. That shouldn't require as precise a control and since we got ashes in the air to make it conductive we may be able to get away with a medium spell to pull it off as we aren't exactly trying to blind them (if that's even possible now, best assume it ain't with things that ain't flashbangs), rather facilitate a conductive "bridge" for Klesiah's electricity so she can efficiently project it towards distant targets (e.g. have a heavy or super heavy spell hit multiple enemies as hard as if she had targeted one individually for that spell).

And we did have some form of control as Ari'el tried to disperse it with a wind blast only for it to reconverge upon that position once the wind stopped when we decided to run like a little bitch from him and the cultists. Granted, we still had line of sight when he did that but I don't see how we won't here.

Hopefully its artificial nature will prevent Graz's elect from easily controlling it. Sounds like a nature daemon, and this gauntlet is the product of urban magitek mamono/human civilization baby! An idea from the minds of those who are more apt to tell nature to bend over and do as it's told rather than "live in harmony" with it.

>>4412845
>Granted, we still had line of sight when he did that but I don't see how we won't here.
Yeah, but you were still actively projecting smoke forward, thereby keeping a ''leash'' of a sort on the spell to make the manipulation possible. Happened mid-running away though, so it wasn't that obvious.

Also smoke is naturally easier to make than cold steam, your gauntlet is attuned to making solid ice so trying to manipulate ''cold'' differently has some complications here and there.

>>4412864
I think you'd be rolling dice regardless of who we chose to target, the modifiers and who you roll for would probably change though. That said, I hope Ari'el is quick on the uptake. If he sees Elina going for Ashtar I hope he puts two and two together and realizes he really ought to ensure her path is clear so she can do whatever it is she's going to do. For now at least, we are all allies with a now common goal. Murderize everyone here and then open that damned portal with Leena.

Like I said, we gave her a chance. Our conscience is now clear. She has chosen to die like a fool over the rational choice of ensuring the survival and safety of her daughter above all else. I get it, she wants to have her cake and eat it too. I mean, who doesn't?

Sadly, that was never in the cards for her. The extortion didn't need to be so harsh. The suffering only needed to pass a surface inspection. Lives would have still needed to be sacrificed, but she could have done so rationally and with greater purpose. Everyone bides their time, waits for the right chance, then, when that bitch pretending to be a god least expects it...

>>4412980
Oh, also, we're now also acting as a battery for Klesiah correct? Elina's about to break contact and Ari'el already did so we should have reflexively linked her to our reserves.

Err, because it might matter, how far is Ashtar from us and how fast can Elina launch an assault and double back to our position? That might matter quite a bit.

>>4412997
>Oh, also, we're now also acting as a battery for Klesiah correct?
You'll get to decide on that next post.
>Err, because it might matter, how far is Ashtar from us and how fast can Elina launch an assault and double back to our position?

Oh, the snake is a good 15 meters away, the Mausolem is a big place. As for your second question... you'll see.

>>4413003
Well, like you said, Elina's utterly ruthless and is also very, very intent on ensuring we don't almost die again so this risk of hers is very carefully measured. Basically, she's completely confident this will DESTROY/Insta-Kill one of those targets. So hard to pick, so she trusts our judgement instead.

Also, I think a Daisuke Ishiwatari track best fits this current situation. Currently leaning towards "Meet Again" as Ari'el's appearance is resembling Justice if she/it was an angel in this setting.

Plus we're going to go all out here and now to ensure universal survival. Our only important mana point to spend is our last and so long as everyone lives it was all worth it!

Rolled 15 (1d20)

Alright, two votes for Ashtar it is. Let us see what the numbers tell us...

Also, my health isn't really improving. I might have to end our thread prematurely, though I'll do my best to at least provide one update.

>>4413661
Please let that be for one of ours. Please.

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>>4413661
Hm, interesting. Not the best number but still pretty good...

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Sorry for the delay, I'll update tomorrow

>>4414200
Dang, now I gotta stew in suspense over who the roll was for. Oh well, still willing to wait for quality. Hope ya feel better soon.

>>4414222
So do I my friend. I'll take the slow and steady road with the quest if i have to.

>>4409403
OP you should move to Fiction.live. It fits your lengthy writing better than /qst

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Magical energy crawled out of Elina arms and traveled the length of her blue halberd, causing a noticeable swirling phenomenon to settle throughout its length with a soft, nearly translucent green hue. What in the world did she have in mind...?

''That red snake will run.'' You whisper at your friend as the newly blessed veterans hollered in unisons, their blade raised to honor their deer god. ''Can't let that happen.''

Ashtar was still dazed by suffering a painful shove on the wall: no better chance.

Elina didn't say anything, her intention was all the answers you needed. Dangerous satisfaction, cruel enjoyment while reveling in the bloodlust of an incoming murder... This angel has a mean streak to her that might be worse than Zhu.

Her magic wasn't heralded by any manifestation, it just happened to the stupefaction of everyone involved. A rumbling of wind akin to a clap of thunder shook the foundations of the room when Elina let go of her halberd, the polearm fired out of her hand, pushed by so much compressed wind that it transformed the entire thing into an anomalous object, a soon-to-be bloodied artillery strike!

It reached the red duchess in a blur faster than a blink, one of her well-trained bodyguards interposed herself in the weapon path in a manner contrary to all normal instincts of self-preservation. The pointed tip of the halberd penetrated right through her armor and shield, skewering the poor lady-snake chest, yet the woman had managed to angle herself away from Ashtar in a manner that had her land on the wall instead of piercing into her liege with the angelic weapon that came a full inch out of her bloodied back.

Astonished screams from the enemy line followed when the now-dead bodyguard landed on the wall in a distinctive metallic thunk. Her armored body slammed into Ashtar who could only gurgle a confused scream in response and slump back in dazed unconsciousness.

''Y-you!? HOW DA-'' Anku righteous anger was interrupted by a sudden discharge of magical wind coming out of Elina halberd. The cocoon of magic around the weapon exploded in a potent burst that, just like the launch, sounded like a clap of thunder.

The armored lamias that had kept a tight formation around Ashtar were sent crashed on all the nearby walled cages and the duchess, being nearly trampled by the warrior that saved her life, was pushed hard on the wall, making you wonder if she might have a few broken bones.

At least the shock had incapacitated her, the red snake lady slumped downward, eyes opening and closing in confusion. Not quite unconscious.

The enemy veterans and their minotaur leader weren't destabilized by the magic, unfortunately. Likely their god blessing at work.

''Guess that's a miss.'' The red-winged girl commented, weapon rematerializing in her grasp in a shower of blue sparks. ''She's still out of it so they'll be slowed down with running away. It's not easy to carry a lamia.''

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''No pity or mercy for honorless curs, my friends and sisters, our and Grâz anger are one!'' Anku's naturally strong voice echoed strongly throughout the mausoleum. ''Deaths on the interlopers! Nothing is more sacred than a mother redemption; no better cause to die for!''

''Watch and be proud, Grâz!'' The veteran line of heavily armed and armored women screamed their warcry and charged with amazing synchronization. Their magical antlers glowered with renewed vigor, the green in their eyes kindled like flames. They truly did believe themselves on the side of honor... and perhaps they were, at the very least, Ashtar has been good to them.

''I'll handle the center, let them surround me! Myr, take the left!'' Ari'el didn't have trouble to make his voice heard despite the trampling noise of metal. The center was obviously where the thickest fighting will be, but the minotaur could still move somewhere else since she's a few feet behind the soldiers!

Unable to use his wind magic, the man with newfound silvery skin ran to meet his enemies. The dark elf was more conservative; she let him charge forward, aiming to engage anyone that'd try to flank and engage your party.

The noise of clashing steel echoed once more tonight. Two heavy blades came for the angelic apostle's flanks, aiming to carve through his flesh but a pair of small shields raised at the feet of the swordswomen destabilized them, letting two of his weaponize wings endure the blows. Four wings expended upward, nearly melding together in a sheet of metal to endure the terribly heavy downward chop from the minotaur. Her oversized blade nearly carved through his limbs, but thankfully stopped, causing noticeable cracks that healed nearly as soon as they appeared.

''I. AM. VENGEANCE.'' Ari'el yell wasn't that frenzied scream of rage he showed in the park but a proper warcry of his own, filled with belief and confidence. The woman closest to his sword arm (who'd attempted to sneak on his flank) twisted her face away, his blade carved a hole in her cheek. One heartbeat slower and she'd have lost her jaw.

''I. AM. VENGEANCE.'' His voice echoed in the mausoleum and a thick golden wall emerged out of his freed hand to block a synchronized attack from his three opponents. The minotaur greatsword had attempted a horizontal swipe toward his head, another aimed a similar strike at his chest and the last aimed for his groin; all three were blocked by his protection and he turned at the enemy on his flank, swiping three armor-piercing, steel-slashing modified wings toward her...! She blocked with the flat of her greatsword, none of the wings made a dent; their clash resonated with a particularly acute noise and the next instant, his heavy golden shield shattered, forcing him to give a few inches of the ground to handle a new arrival on his other flank. One of the three warriors that had gone to meet Hildegarde in battle peeled off to add more pressure on him.

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Goodness, this is not going to be easy. Those blades are undeniably enchanted, could those would-be-paladins be enjoying some kind of magical dampening benefit from that mystical deer?

''I'm ready, Arawn.''
''Yeah, it'll take me too long for another throw.''

Elina and Klesiah had fully synchronized with your battery spell, taking what they needed for something potent... but how to go about it?

On the right, Hildegarde was handling a pair of enemies around the pillar in a very tense game of cat and mouse. She didn't have any reach and they, in turn, took full advantage of their swords but the bodyguard maid sheer speed and danger with her extremely hot limbs had created a tenuous back and forth.

On the left, Myr was struggling against three veterans pressuring her. The tonfas didn't produce their usual gravitational bubbles when she parried a sword, forcing her to endure each bone-shattering blows with her magical weapons but she was slowly giving ground - no good.

You are sourcing Elina and Klesiah magic. Your reserves feel healthy, though not at their best capacity, you've got plenty of magic to spare.

--

The way this fight will work will be a little different than usual because of the number of combatants involved. Once you guys decided on a course of actions, I'll be rolling 2d100 to simulate a general ''momentum'' in the fighting while taking into account what you decide to do: if you make a good tactical choice you could offset a bad roll or create a stronger advantage for your party, things like that. The rolls shouldn't be taken as absolute but as a potential small advantage or mitigating factor to your effort.

Also, depending on Arawn position, you might not be able to get a good look at the battlefield as I ask for another choice. If you get in the melee then the only way to know how Shereen is doing, for example, would be if you hear her scream. For now, Arawn is in the best post to make some tactical decisions.

>Have the girls make full use of your replenished reserves and the amazing efficiency of your battery spell to unleash a volley of strong, supportive magical spells at the enemies! (Runs the danger of potential friendly fire.)

>Alas, your two companions do not specialize in long-ranged support. You should have them take enough magic from you to enchant their bodies and unleash a potent spell when they get in melee; it'll play to their strength and surely change the momentum of the battle! [Support Ari'el. Support Myr. Support Hildegarde] (Two choices)

>Free

Bonus choice.
No matter what is chosen, should Arawn join the melee or remain behind to continually assess the situation? (Will also keep Shereen and Leena safe).

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>>4414851
I've been tempted to do that but I'm not sure if things will work out by moving an active quest with such a big archive. For now, my players seem comfy here on /qst/ so I won't make any attempt to move for the length of this arc. It should last 2 or 3 more threads I'd say.

We'd already be done if I hadn't been getting sick so often during the summer.

>>4415544
Ok, how many enemies are on each one of our allies and what are their positions relative to us and each other? How are the lamia bodyguards? They out of commission for the time being?

I'm not comfortable with leaving Shereen and Leena alone right now. These guards still want to "win" the witch's game and the victory condition of "kill Leena" still applies. They also hate Shereen's family so they'll kill her too if they get a clean shot. Plus our gauntlet's still in full working order and our reserves aren't nearly shot. We can support from range.

>>4415569
>Ok, how many enemies are on each one of our allies
Myr is struggling against three. Ari'el is handling five (counting minotaur). Hildegarde is keeping two more busy, the last one is with the lamias bodyguard, helping them shake off the explosive projectile.

>what are their positions relative to us and each other?
The room is one big square if you discount the thick pillars so everyone is on the same spot that I described in the post.
Left flank = Myr.
Right flank = Hildegarde
Center = Ari'el.
>How are the lamia bodyguards? They out of commission for the time being?
Yeah, but they'll shake that off in the next round.

>>4415580
Hmmm...Are Ari'el and Hilde essentially immune to fire right now? Is Ari'el getting dog piled? Who are the lamias closest to and will the lamias be able to act next turn or just "get up" and thus become able to act the turn after that?

>>4415639
>Are Ari'el and Hilde essentially immune to fire right now?
Impossible to say right now but the maid does seem resistant, what with's the extreme heat of her limbs.
>Is Ari'el getting dog piled?
He's able to keep that from happening so far.
>Who are the lamias closest to and will the lamias be able to act next turn or just "get up" and thus become able to act the turn after that?

Nobody is close to them, they're protected by the line of vets They'll be able to do something next turn.

>>4415646
Do we have a clear shot at any of the lamias or the duchess? I think I got an idea, but that's another factor I need.

>>4415666
>Do we have a clear shot at any of the lamias or the duchess?
Not anymore. Elina little sneak attack wizened up your enemies on that possibility.

>>4415668
Damn, worth asking. So the lamias being able to act next turn. If Elina gets sent into the melee would she be able to double back and shield us if they go for a mass javelin launch at us? That's probably going to be their play.

Can we switch elements and fire a heavy spell this turn? That's the last part of my idea.

>>4415674
Or, another possibility, can we create Ice sheets at a distance and precisely control where they form? Y'know, a kind of ice flamethrower spell that freezes shit it hits?

>>4415674
> If Elina gets sent into the melee would she be able to double back and shield us if they go for a mass javelin launch at us?
I can't offer any certainty, but she can make good shields. It'll depend on where she is.
>Can we switch elements and fire a heavy spell this turn?
Yes, at the cost of its usual heavy spell. Magitek is mechanical so doing it while sourcing Klesiah and Elina is possible, but you'll have to stop your battery if you want something more sophisticated than a fireball, but you can do it at the moment of release after sourcing the girls.

>Or, another possibility, can we create Ice sheets at a distance and precisely control where they form?
Possible, though you'll only be able to do it within your circle of influence so you'll need to get pretty close to the fighting.

>>4415687
Ok then, we have Klesiah go and help Myr. We have Elina wait for a good opportunity to sucker punch/backstab the Minotaur or any of the other enemies fighting Ari'el like a good little rogue and then double back to us. We switch to fire a fireball at the enemies fighting Hilde.

I believe we discussed this possibility with her earlier and she stated that she was confident our fire magic wouldn't hurt her if we didn't keep it up for too long. It'd make her naked, but that's about it. She's already naked so it doesn't much matter anymore. Plus this will tell us if our magitek magic is effected by the dampening field they all have. It seems to negate or severely lessen the effect of "normal" magic, even magic from enchanted weapons like Myr's tonfas. Hilde's heat is a mystery so it's apparently not effected. If our gauntlet isn't either than that opens up more fun tricks.

Err, does rapid switching of elements risk breaking the gauntlet? That's going to come up if I'm right about our magitek magic being 100 percent effective against these daemon touched asshats. How long would another spear launch take to charge?

>>4415698
>Err, does rapid switching of elements risk breaking the gauntlet?
It runs the risk of malfunctions if you chain elemental changes, yes.
>How long would another spear launch take to charge?
She needed a full 2 minutes charge by using your own magic. I'll list this ability as a feat of teamwork on your sheet soon enough, for now I'm concentrating on the fight.

So your choice is to...
>Klesiah will go support Myr directly, using the magic she siphoned from you to further enhance her capabilities. Elina will act as mobile reinforcement for Ari'el while keeping a close eye on the snakes to block any potential javelins. Arawn will switch element to fire and help out Hildegarde with a generous bout of fiery aggression, otherwise, he'll remain close to Shereen.

Essentially a more personalized option 2.

I'll give this a whopping 1 hour of wait time to see if anyone else wants to make their own input. Then I'll roll and update if I can.

>>4415712
Ok then, what's the safe "cooldown" period for elemental switching? 2 rounds? 3? A whole minute (i.e. a whopping 10 rounds)?

>>4415719
In this case, rounds are longer because it's a big fight. Elina will need roughly 3 rounds to make another one of those super halberd throws and that'll need her to stay put, collecting magic from you. She can't collect 1/3 of what she need than do something else, it'll have to be a full commitement.

>>4415719
Oh wait I totally misread your question.

The ''safe'' period for an elemental switch is around 20 seconds to give the gauntlet time to settle down, so in the case of this fight, you should switch the round after the next to avoid any problem.

Normally it'd be a 3 turn cooldown.

>>4415736
Oh, also, Leena's hiding behind Shereen who's hiding behind a shield we gave her right? If we didn't give Leena a shield, why didn't we? I mean, maximizing survival odds of our non-combatants should have been at the top of our minds before coming down here.

>>4415795
>Oh, also, Leena's hiding behind Shereen who's hiding behind a shield we gave her right?
Yeah
> If we didn't give Leena a shield, why didn't we? I mean, maximizing survival odds of our non-combatants should have been at the top of our minds before coming down here.
She's genuinely too small to hold one without hurting herself

Rolled 86, 57 = 143 (2d100)

Let's see how this goes, going with
>>4415712

On the safe side, I won't promise an update tonight. Having plenty of ups and down healthwise but at least I'm better than yesterday.

>>4415822
So is the dice roll all for us or does it go us then them?

>>4415825
First roll for enemy, second for party. In this case, the enemy have gained an advantage, but your battle choice might... or might not mitigate that. You'll see tomorrow.

>>4415834
Damnit! I was afraid of that.

>>4415837
It's not a YOU ARE SCREWED thing so don't be too afraid.
I'm gentle.

>>4415840
No, no you're not. Another roll like that and we're gonna lose someone.

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Your trio moved without words, your intent soundlessly traveled in the soul links tying you to your companions. The girls siphoned enough magic out of you to fuel a particularly large spell that, unfortunately, couldn't be unleashed like a piece of artillery because of the melee, they'll need to get in close. Your gauntlet vibrated with energy, it's dull blue aura gained a shade of proper blue as magic pulsed throughout its frame, you exchanged one last look with your paladin and angel and pressed the button.

Familiar rumbles spread throughout your gauntlet. Blue changed to orange, a soft buzzing noise entered your ears as the mechanism activated. Heavy spell used.

You wouldn't be able to pay close attention to their fights but they'll do well. They've yet to let you down.

''Close your eyes if you want Leena.'' The small teenager had already seen people die tonight but you still felt like putting a little heart in the coming battle.

Klesiah body crackled with lightning, tendrils of power traveled the length of her glaive, the pommel of her sword looked ready to burst, a sharp metallic smell emanated out of her as the link projected a little apprehension at the sheer power that had invaded her body.

Elina burst forward with renewed vigor. Using her body as a nexus for wind, she reached Ari'el quickly enough to take everyone by surprise and alleviated pressure on him by conjuring another debilitating shockwave; no better chance than now to reinforce your party!

One look at Hildegarde allowed you to see her precarious position. She had managed to block a greatsword with her shoulder and arm and forced her second opponent to dodge sideways by throwing an urn at her antler sporting face.

A true thunderous noise resonated from the left flank with such strength that Leena clapped her hands on her ears in raw instinct; your gauntlet settled into fire and you unleashed the surplus of energy toward the maid! You didn't have time for subtlety or sophistication, you unleashed a thick fireball with a long tail by imagining shooting stars, for an instant your mind drifted into the memory of that night when Hao became your second knight.

Your spells took all three combatants by surprise. One unfortunate soul was thoroughly engulfed by flame and she immediately jumped away, entire body covered in flame but, instead of panicking, the woman took refuge next to a pillar, waited, and entered a state of concentration that immediately lessened the effect of the flames sticking to her body. The exposed flesh you could see had redeemed painfully but that was it: this wasn't her first time handling fire on her body!

But this blessing, it seemed, truly did increase magical resistance.

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''I. AM. VENGEANCE.'' with Ari'el warcry you caught a glimpse of what was happening in the center. Elina arrival must have given him an opportunity one enemy warrior has been decapitated but what prompted his scream wasn't this victory. The deer god blessing his followers had manifested to charge him, forcing him to let go of his sword to grab the creature like a bull and stop it in its track; two foes blades were blocked by his protective wings and their attempts at a flanking maneuver blocked by golden shields. You saw the minotaur suddenly trip and nearly fall when Elina unleashed another spell, this time a sharp circle of wind crashed on the tall woman face like a solid punch, briefly disorientating her. The angel couldn't take advantage of this because she was forced to raise a golden shield to block the last two javelins of the lady snakes in the back.

Hildegarde and her second foe had entered a tug-of-war when your spell also engulfed them and for a second you saw nothing, fearing that your hellfire might have just cooked them both out of existence but thankfully your help had given Hildegarde the opportunity she needed. Flames stuck firmly onto her enemy armor-clad body and where previously she'd been holding onto the enemy greatsword, this time you saw her fearlessly headbutt the warrior despite the magical antlers hurting her face. Her incredibly hot hand found purchase on the enemy neck and squeezed, cooking sensitive flesh whilst your speel continued to burn the woman body; her pain must be unbelievable yet somehow, in an act of defiance, the swordswoman let go of her sword and grabbed Hildegarde hot plate for an arm.

''Hild watch out!'' Your scream was too late, the last of the enemy combatants -that one woman who'd been helping the lamias- had charged out of her position to slam her blade on your companion in a downward chop filled with such might that it would have gone through a tree, let alone a living body!

She raised her arm to take the blow but the sheer force behind the weapon trampled her resistance and landed on her shoulder, noticeable cracks spread around the area like a damaged vase of porcelain and thick blue-red blood slowly oozed out; she'd managed, by the Mother Mercy, to mitigate the damage with her modified body.

Then the foe who'd taken a moment of pause near the pillar charged out and came at her, blade held in a low guard, the swords carved a damaging line on the luxurious strong ground and came upward in an upward chop that Hildegarde managed to parry with a kick. With her arm still being clutched by the dying combatant, those tow able-bodied ones might just be able to cut her down in the next few moments...!

''Stop! Hild, get out of here, come here!'' Shereen screamed but the maid couldn't because her back was on the damaged cages full of broken urns, the few that'd remained whole, she had used as ammunition.

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Hildegarde is in incredible danger.

Your soul links with the girls allow you to give someone a short, telepathic order in the middle of an action. So if you want Elina or Klesiah to do something in particular while doing something, you can do so.

>Support Hildegarde!
A) Do it at a distance with another heavy supportive spell. She's good enough to keep herself alive... right?
B) Push your gauntlet to the limit and go beyond the safety measure of a mere ''heavy'' spell to drown these bastards in true hellfire. Hildegarde might have trouble handling that heat. A little risk of malfunction is nothing!
>Add your body to a melee!
A) Join the center where your party has an advantage. If you can win the battle outright, it'll make the struggles on the flanks fruitless for your foes.
B) Help out Hildegarde! (Can combine with the above choices)
c) Join the left flank. Relieving pressure there will allow Myr and Klesiah to fight somewhere else.

>Free

>>4417232
>Join Hildegarde as an inferno and flailing mace. She's good, but she's alone. We need to fix that second one.

>>4417328
That's a possible use of your gauntlet magic.Want to use a heavy spell or risk a malfunction by going beyond that?

>>4417345
Just a Heavy this time.

>>4417363
Alright, giving you the same rule as yesterday. I'll roll in an hour if we don't have more voices

>>4417378
Would it be possible to tell Elina to protect/keep anyone from charging Shereen and Leena? If we leave them open they will get attacked and killed. Can't let that happen.

Could she also kick a javelin towards Hilde? She is a throwing weapons expert after all.

>>4417404
>Would it be possible to tell Elina to protect/keep anyone from charging Shereen and Leena?
Yup.
>Could she also kick a javelin towards Hilde? She is a throwing weapons expert after all.
That, unfortunately, can't happen since they fell on the ground in the middle of the melee.

>>4417422
Ok, is Elina tied up in Melee such that she cannot easily disengage and charge towards Hilde? Where is the Minotaur in relations to Ari'el and Elina? How close are those enemies to Hilde and could Elina reach her in time to block a fatal blow? How long do heals take? What is our heavy flamethrower range and how long can we sustain a heavy flamethrower attack without risking damage to the gauntlet? I have an idea but it depends on the answers to those questions.

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>>4417475
Oh, forgot to add the fitting pic. Fireballs don't seem to work. So a constant stream of heavy flame ought to do the trick and overcome this daemon's blessing. We need the heavy flamer for this heresy.

>>4417475
>Ok, is Elina tied up in Melee such that she cannot easily disengage and charge towards Hilde?
No, she's in the air and throwing constant wind spell at the minotaur to keep her constantly destabilized.
>Where is the Minotaur in relations to Ari'el and Elina?
Roughly two meters away from Ari'el who's currently struggling with the mystical deer.
> How close are those enemies to Hilde and could Elina reach her in time to block a fatal blow?
She's at the same distance as Arawn, preventing a fatal blow... Hm, maybe.
>How long do heals take?
Depend on how much Holy is used. For combat heal, you can expect to need a minute.
>What is our heavy flamethrower range and how long can we sustain a heavy flamethrower attack without risking damage to the gauntlet? I have an idea but it depends on the answers to those questions.
If you want a very strong damaging flame, meters. 3 meters would be an ''average'' stregth heavy flame.
As for how long, that's a case of wait and see. Since you aren't planning on going further than heavy, theoretically, you could maintain a flammer for as long as your reserves hold. (In this case it'd be heavy/round)

>>4417494
Ok then, how far away are we from Hilde?

>>4417495
6 meters.

>>4417496
Shit, so if we tell Elina to save Hilde it'll free the Minotaur to kill Ari'el. Shit. Well, how fast can we cover 3-4 meters of distance and do we have a clear flamer shot at all the fuckers who want to kill Hilde? As in, can we roast them all simultaneously if we get within range?

>>4417501
Oh, also, the snakes are out of Javelins right? That's also important.

>>4417501
>Well, how fast can we cover 3-4 meters of distance
Quickly enough to help out Hildegarde, mostly because of the danger she's in.
>do we have a clear flamer shot at all the fuckers who want to kill Hilde?
Yeah, they're all fairly clsoe to one another since Hild is still wrestling with the woman she's holding by the necks and the other two are trying to force their swords in her guts.

Gonna roll soon. Your option is a personalized version of >>4417328 but I'd like to make sure I'm not getting anything wrong.

>>4417503
>Oh, also, the snakes are out of Javelins right? That's also important.
Yes

>>4417505
No mistakes, that's about what I'm going for. Get within heavy flamer range and purge them in holy fire! I assume the other combatants are too tied up with their current targets to notice if we leave Shereen and Leena open to attack and the snakes are still behind all this melee so getting to them means going through the melee as I assume there isn't a gap big enough to charge through. Tell Elina to keep an eye out for that if she can.

Rolled 11, 32 = 43 (2d100)

Alright, let's see how this goes. I'll keep on the side of caution and plan to update tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll start an upward trend with my health soon enough.

>>4417521
So that's two degrees of success our way right?

>>4417529
It's more about swinging the battle in your favor/gaining an advantage. The enemies were doing well on both flank but this new roll might offset that.

Success don't ''bank'' it's round by round.

>>4417543
Ok, but we "won" this roll right? Also, what kind of mamono are the ones trying to kill Hilde? We need a one liner here.

>>4417547
Yeah, you've won pretty nicely.
All the paladins races are lizardwomen.

>>4417554
Aww, I was hoping for bovine types, but you can still grill lizards and snakes. Still: here's some off the top of my head.

>Grill's open girls!
>Now you've got to cook reptiles pretty thoroughly to avoid disease and parasites"
>Someone order reptilian Venison?
>Next dish, snake taters!
>Deer Daemon, It's what's for dinner
>A taste of where you're going
>You're fired
>I think you're burning
>What do we burn apart from witches? MORE WITCHES!

I'm terrible...

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>>4417588
Cute effort!
This fight isn't over though, do be careful...

>>4417588
I prefer a simple, "Need a light?"

>>4417702
Yeah, but I don't think anyone here's a smoker so it loses a bit of it's edge.

Also, it goes without saying that any and all one liners are delivered during or after the attack is launched so as to avoid giving enemies time to react to, in this case, their impending barbecue.

Oh man, just thought of more:
>You girls are too hot for me
>Damn girls, you're on fire tonight!
>They clean up nicely don't ya think?
>Ashes to ashes
>The Crematorium is open for business
>Is it getting hot in here?

>>4417601
I'm not actually condoning this fyi, just tossing ideas around.
>>4417920
Is it hot in here? Or is it just you?
I've heard that women get hot for me, but this is ridiculous.
I heard saunas help you lose weight!
I'm flattered that you hold a flame for me, but I must decline.
Sorry! These are the only tongues you're getting from me!
Man... the arson her!
I can tell you've a burning passion here!

Oh, just thought of this. If we do manage to kill the fuckers who're trying to kill Hilde can she use or chuck those greatswords they have with accuracy and/or can we grab and use them with our soul arms? Can a soul arm wield them one handed? We did cast the strong version after all.

Plus if we win on this flank we'll have an open shot at the Duchess again. Harassing her keeps the other snakes from joining the fighting.

>>4418378
Those things are too heavy to be throw with any amount of efficiency. Also, wielding them with your soul arm won't work either, unfortunately.

>>4418558
Drat, well, once this is over we should grab a few. They probably are enchanted so we could probably use em' as raw material in magitek construction or something. The Minotaur's equipment almost certainly has something up with it. Leaders and commanders always get the best toys after all.

We could probably dual soul arm one, but we lack proficiency and it'd telegraph/reveal their existence quite clearly so that's a no go on that one. It's best they remain a potential surprise if we get caught in melee.

All those one-liners hurt me.

>>4418650
Not sure if the maneuver I'm about to suggest would work on most Mamonos, but it should be a surprise for the *helmetless* human veterans present. Ideally this would be used against and overhead strike:
>Sidestep overhead blow
>Grab the rear leg -the one with less weight on it- by the ankle and yank upwards hard
>Foe falls on their face/stomach
>Employ extreme blunt force trauma to the back of the head

Welp, now that I'm feeling a bit better my internet is being a pain.
I'll post when I can but this might be another 1 post day.
The freaking curse is virulant this month hot damn

>>4418751
It was all just my attempt at a bit of comic relief here. I don't think it would really be in either Arawn's or Gardy's character to fire one off before victory was assured unless it served a tactical purpose.

Then again, as one-liners are a way to add insult to injury perhaps it would fit us. We haven't known her long, but Hilde's our friend now and damn anyone who harms them to the deepest depths of hell!

[b]Testing. Hopefully, I'm not suffering that bug again.[/b]

>>4418871
Curse, guess there won't be any fancy colors for me then. Guess only the opening [red]ID[/red] can.

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''She's going to die!'' Shereen had to scream to be heard over the battlefield. Her veins glowered in a sharp, yet ominous red that pulsed with vigors and intent yet this energy had nowhere to go, for she didn't know how to channel her magic effectively. ''We...you... can't stand here!''

''I know.'' Each second was a stroke of swords, another moment where Hildegarde wielded a tiny morsel of flesh to enchanted steels. Smoke wafted out of your gauntlet, the mechanism didn't pause as your intent traveled in your blood and magic, it vibrated and whirred with rejuvenated life, bright flame slowly erupting all over its frame. ''Run up the stairs if you have to.''

This was the only warning you could afford to give Shereen and Leena.

Adrenaline pulsed through your veins, your heart raged inside your chest; intent traveled through your links, both girls understood instinctively what you were about to do and the new burden of keeping an eye on Shereen.

Your metal hand grabbed your arm, fiery magic organically left your gauntlet to engulf your limb then began spreading throughout your new metal shield, heating it considerably to the point of hurting your flesh protected by the leather gauntlet but... it was barrable.

While lightning from your gauntlet inevitably hurt you, it seems that you can endure some amount of your fiery magic. Or... your body might have finished adjusted to Magitek.
Heavy spell used.

You heard a scream from behind as Shereen yelled in horror upon seeing what was happening to Hildegarde. In a final show of deadly defiance, the enemy that she was holding by the throat was standing her ground despite the maid grip likely cooking and ruining the internal parts of her flesh was standing her ground and holding your companion in place, allowing a greatsword to slam into her guts.

Faster. Faster. FASTER.

Fire erupted all over your body, wreathing it in painful heat. You don't know how you reached the harried maid, only that it happened and the coalescence of magic erupted out of your shield as you reached forward and put your metal hand on Hildegarde's shoulder, shielding her with your influence to avoid making her suffer the worst of your spell.

Your world became a maelstrom of heat and noise as your shield and body erupted in an explosion of fire. Something loudly crashed on your right -that warrior who'd been holding onto Hildegarde's hand- whilst the sheer force of the flame took the other two aggressors by surprises, their well-honed reflexes made them retreat and survive your blow.

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''Ugh... Kuh!'' Your companion coughed, you could only afford one look at her. A big, ugly gash had been carved on the left side of her body, meat has been carved wide open but, thankfully, the hemorrhage wasn't horrific because her bluish-thick blood didn't flow normally. Blue lines traveled down her naked flesh yet the blood itself remained -mostly- near the wound, forming a protective cocoon? Yet that wound was bad, you could see hints of silvery-white, an exposed rib perhaps?

''Grâz!'' One of your two remaining enemies screamed. With her back on the pillar, the antler-sporting lizardwoman had suffered from your spell. Most of her hair was gone, one side of her face had been particularly hurt by the fire. Spots of flesh had been burnt, smoke wafted out of her body, hinting at further damages. ''Drink of me deep, ravage these honorless curs!''

She turned her greatsword upside down and thrust her pommel forward. A creature came out, the upper half of a brilliant, ghostly deer exited the paladin sword and charged toward you and your friend!

Your body instinctively moved forward to protect Hildegarde, you barely managed to swing your shield forward in time to intercept these horns and, unfortunately, it wasn't big enough to stop them both. Your entire body shook from the divine animal impact, one absorbed by the shield and your shoulder had to endure one horn; pain not of your own making shoo throughout your body but you held on, gladdened by the fact that, despite the thorns all over these stout horns, they only damaged the protective layer of leather on your body.

You felt, then saw, a blur of movement. Hildegarde, undaunted by pain and wounds, ran around you and assailed the enemy summoner, taking her by surprise. Her pale hands grabbed the magical antlers and as the swordswoman jammed her sword handle inside the maid's ugly wound, Hildegarde twisted the paladin head at a deadly angle. Snap.

Yet the damnable woman didn't die right away. With the deer trying to overpower you, you were locked in place for the seconds it took for the lizardwoman to let go of her greatsword, charge Hildegarde and lift her off her feet; both warriors crashed on the ground and with this last act of defiance the paladin stopped moving and the animal trying to trample you dissipated.

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Where's the last warrior!?

That last warrior hadn't beset you or Hildegarde and you realized that she did not retreat toward her comrades because she had taken the opportunity of your intervention to [run toward Shereen and Leena! She had already made half the distance, damn her bodily reinforcement!

Sudden frustration erupted from Elina and Klesiah as the battle, which had taken a positive turn toward your party, was suddenly swung back into uncertainty when the paladins conjured their gods, adding new -temporary- combatants on the enemy side, creatures that wouldn't last more than a few seconds but more than enough to take anyone by surprise!

>Elina can fly, tell her to reach Shereen! Ari'el can handle the center by himself!

>Do what you can do impede the enemy at range, you've no hope of reaching her by foot before she reaches your little sun!

>Scream at Shereen to retreat back upstairs with the Black Cat and run after this honorless cur of a paladin!

>Free

You can't get a good grasp of what's happening on the battlefield until you decide on something to do, this is one of those moments where you gotta make a heartbeat decision.

>>4418880
Damnit all to hell I knew this would happen! Child murdering cunts, if only we had the chance to kill em' slow. Oh well, their liege can suffer that fate as we piss on their ashes!

Ok, the Minotaur, where are we in regards to her and where is she in regards to Ari'el? How quickly can we switch elements again and will that run the risk of malfunction? Is Hilde OK and are those two bitches who tackled her dead? Can she get up and fight still? Do we still have our soul arms? Can't we yell at Shereen to retreat as we do something else? And how the hell did that lizard bitch manage to move after having her neck snapped!? That should have immobilized her!

Also, she said for Graz to drink deep of her. Hopefully this summoning spell costs them somehow and that, if we survive this onslaught, they'll be drained and easy clean up. Problem is surviving this round...

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>>4418895
>Ok, the Minotaur, where are we in regards to her and where is she in regards to Ari'el?
She's still in the center, that's as much info as you can get for now.
>How quickly can we switch elements again and will that run the risk of malfunction?
You can do it for this fast action but it could cause a malfunction, yes. Low chance, but I'll still need to roll for it.
> Is Hilde OK and are those two bitches who tackled her dead?
She's still alive and yeah, the two paladins are dead.
> Can she get up and fight still?
Yes, though she's slowed down by the body above her, nobody else is within reach to finish her off.
>Do we still have our soul arms?
Yes, Arawn used them to wrestle with the deer and they weren't damaged.
>Can't we yell at Shereen to retreat as we do something else?
Yes, the choice there was to confirm doing that or not.

>And how the hell did that lizard bitch manage to move after having her neck snapped!? That should have immobilized her!
She was one though gal...

>>4418902
Toughness ain't got shit to do with it. Snapping the neck severs the spinal chord and thus prevents any and all neural signals from going below it. This is why it's fatal. Not only can you not move, but the brain is then also unable to tell your heart to keep pumping and your lungs to keep drawing in air. Much like a decapitation, you'll get to watch things happen utterly powerless for a few fleeting seconds as you unavoidably die.

Of course, perhaps this daemon's blessing or the nature of corruption allows one final action before death. If so than mamono's are truly OP and only angels it seems have them beat in the BS department. How the hell did the races of man survive the previous Demon Lords attempts to extinct them?

We can give telepathic orders right? It was just a single lizardgirl charging Shereen right? She's smart enough to not turn her back towards the enemy and run and instead withdraw walking/running backwards with the shield up right? Are we within heavy flamer range of the Minotaur and could we sync Elina's withdraw to Shereen to coincide with a fireball or burst of flames upon her? Can we chain a strong fireball (or in this case I'd go for Pyro Spear/Lance) into a flamethrower spell to keep her off balance? Can Elina just ram or tackle the bitch into the nearby wall? She has a spear yes? Can she just run the bitch through and pin her to said wall?

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>>4418915
Oh, of course, if we get into science that displays from the paladin was completely impossible but it's fair to say that you aren't facing normal enemies. A neck snap would kill most normal/non-combative Mamonos (remember that being in battle and the mindset it bring has a tangible effect on bodies here, especially with a trained fighter who know reinforcement)

>How the hell did the races of man survive the previous Demon Lords attempts to extinct them?
Unity of course. Mankind had the perfect excuse to avoid killing one another and when the demon lords started to wane before Damien, well, that mindset unfortunately stopped. There were only two Demon Lords that were highly successful in harming mankind on a large scale. One is, of course, the man responsible for the Great Crusade and the other was a vampire who subverted a large number of kingdoms and might have done as much damage as Damien if the intelligent races of monsters (always able to resist the Demon Lord influence) didn't betray him.

>We can give telepathic orders right?
Nothing complex. It has to be simple like ''Save Shereen!'' Not ''Support the center and go toward Hildegarde.''
>It was just a single lizardgirl charging Shereen right?
Yes.
>She's smart enough to not turn her back towards the enemy and run and instead withdraw walking/running backwards with the shield up right?
Who knows, she's not trained...
>Are we within heavy flamer range of the Minotaur and could we sync Elina's withdraw to Shereen to coincide with a fireball or burst of flames upon her?
You're within range to redo your charging flame spell yes. Or doing an actual flamethrowing with a heavy dose of magic. As for Elina, the timing will be freaking tight, there's no telling if she'll reach Shereen in that time since she's still a good distance away from the princess. We're talking seconds before the paladin reaches your little sun here.
Meaning a roll.
>Can we chain a strong fireball (or in this case I'd go for Pyro Spear/Lance) into a flamethrower spell to keep her off balance?
No, the spell has to remain relatively simple unless you use your body as a nexus as you did right now with the explosive shield charge.
> Can Elina just ram or tackle the bitch into the nearby wall?
Yeah but again, the timing will be tight. Arawn is the closest person Elina is some distance away; I won't tell precisely because there's no time to look.
>She has a spear yes? Can she just run the bitch through and pin her to said wall?
Halberd, but yeah charging with it is effective.

There's no telling how Elina will try and stop the paladin since your telepathy isn't sophisticated enough for direct words.

>>4418940
Seems you're really intent on one of ours dying here.

Ok, so no pyro lance. How about a fireball that explodes upwards more than outwards? How about a flare spiral or impact firecracker spell that's more about emitting force and destabilizing an opponent over immolating them? There is also our final trump card. A fusion activation, how fast would a medium tier activation happen and would that give us the speed necessary to stop this bitch in time? Could we warn Ari'el about incoming Minotaur instead of telling Shereen to retreat? Would a medium firebolt spell be enough to destabilize the charging bitch?

And again, for the love of God where the *fuck* is the rest of our party!? We could REALLY use a big damn heroes moment right about now and it's been over an hour so if they're not dead where are they? I'd assume that if Mina died or was severely damaged Klesiah would feel it and she didn't before we walked in and ain't no way a battle with Jab took a full friggin' hour to resolve. Plus Mina can fly fast as an angel and phase through walls and floors. At the very least she should be able to reach us in time to do *something*.

>>4419035
Oh, also, another obvious question but as Shereen was looking in this direction when it all went down she clearly saw the bitch charging for her coming right? I don't see how she'd fail to.

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>>4419035
I'm not!
>How about a fireball that explodes upwards more than outwards? How about a flare spiral or impact firecracker spell that's more about emitting force and destabilizing an opponent over immolating them?

Both are possible, though you won't be able to do it while running since the spell timing will be very important.

>There is also our final trump card. A fusion activation, how fast would a medium tier activation happen and would that give us the speed necessary to stop this bitch in time?

Going fusion... will allow you to stop that enemy. I won't tell how fast or how, but it'll work. I feel a little bit with withholding info but this -is- a moment where Arawn make a heartbeat decision.

>Could we warn Ari'el about incoming Minotaur instead of telling Shereen to retreat?

Yeah but it'll be useless since he's in the center where she is, he's got a better eye on her than you do.
>Would a medium firebolt spell be enough to destabilize the charging bitch?
With a roll, yes.

>And again, for the love of God where the *fuck* is the rest of our party!? We could REALLY use a big damn heroes moment right about now and it's been over an hour so if they're not dead where are they?
Eeeehehehehehee
>>4419043
Yeah, she's currently experiencing the widespread ''lock-up'' recruits get when thrown in a warzone.

>>4419056
>I feel a little bit
Forgot the word ''bad'' there. I swear, my illness isn't making me cruel!

>>4419056
Ok, say we go with with the destabilization plan, would our soul link with Elina help her use that to her advantage? Can't angels fly incredibly fast? A few extra meters while airborne should be child's play especially if it's a straight line. Could we order Shereen to block as we do it or any other action? That might shake her out of it. Also, couldn't she use her blood magic to mutate her arms for a strength boost like she did against that brat back in town?

>>4419074
>Ok, say we go with with the destabilization plan, would our soul link with Elina help her use that to her advantage? Can't angels fly incredibly fast?
Yes to both.
>Could we order Shereen to block as we do it or any other action?
Best you can do isscream and hope for the best.
>Also, couldn't she use her blood magic to mutate her arms for a strength boost like she did against that brat back in town?
Yeah but her magic is still in an instinctive stage since the only training she's got is in rituals.

>>4419083
Ok then, we tell Elina to save Shereen as we go for destabilization. We also scream for Shereen to block.

I would go for a fusion, but if we trigger the full version instead of the medium that'd be bad as we'd have to drop it after one round and be bone dry on reserves after that. It would open up one other possibility, but that would literally bring the house down and probably kill anyone who isn't an angel (i.e. a mecha fire cannon shot).

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Rolled 97, 57 = 154 (2d100)

>>4419102
>Unleash a destabilizing fireball whilst begging Elina to help Shereen, your little sun is in danger...!
Roll 1d20
Will take best of 2.
Bloody illness came back now that I'm feeling tired so tomorrow it is.

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Rolled 6 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

One more roll for something completely unrelated, yes.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4419121
Let's see here...

>>4419121
>>4419127
>>4419136
Welp, looks like we're all gonna die now...

>>4419143
Though in all honesty, given how late it is, I would have waited until tomorrow afternoon to see if anyone else had a better idea...

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>4419121
lets see how this goes

>>4419168
And like that we've failed to protect our charge and we're all gonna die alone in this basement. Self-righteous evil snake bitch is the winner of the game...

Now we just gotta hope that when we die we don't take the remaining linked girls with us...

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4419155
Shit, that's true I got a bit ahead of myself. I should have said to roll on it if we get agreements.

>>4419136
>>4419168
Nice rolls, nice rolls indeed. Now I don't want to cause bad blood by taking em but such is the dice... This result prompts me to do a little something.

Though if you guys feel cheated, I'll ask for another course of action.

>>4419174
Don't be so glum. Things are moving very quickly for this situation so the battlefield hasn't gotten too bad yet.

Fucking hell everyone is struck by sheer incompetence aside from the general battle momentum. I'll interpret these rolls a little differently to keep the mood.

>>4419184
Yep, we just lost Shereen. That was for her and she failed to block. Her head has been cleanly separated from her shoulders...

>>4419189
That roll was for the paladin. Your and Elina efforts removed her modifier.

>>4419189
Oh, also, as an aside, the more "desperate" things get for us the easier/cheaper a fusion activation gets right?

>>4419192
Yeah

>>4419195
Err, almost afraid to ask but what was that modifier?

Ok then, after that display, I'd say things have just become pretty fucking desperate. I'm probably gonna push for fusion next round. Medium of course, so we can actually maintain it.

That massively boosts our physical capabilities, grants universal melee weapons mastery, maxed out melee skill, and gives us the "artificial" modifier on our internal structure (such that our insides essentially count as metal) right? Would it also give us throwing mastery? Gardy's mind is like an A.I. construct and boy howdy can those throw/shoot good.

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>>4419205
Varies depending on what you were doing. On its own? Whooping +10.
>That massively boosts our physical capabilities, grants universal melee weapons mastery, maxed out melee skill, and gives us the "artificial" modifier on our internal structure (such that our insides essentially count as metal) right?
You are right on every account.
>Would it also give us throwing mastery?
Yes, though Gardy internal weapons or general melee pressure is usually much more effective than throwing.

>>4419226
Ok, say we do do a medium fusion next round. Would we have the strength/option to, say, jump on top of the Minotaur and, using our hands or legs, pop/crush her skull like an overripe watermelon? That ought to be instantly fatal regardless of other rules.

>>4419320
No, she'd be fighting back. Going fusion won't give free kills, you might have the strength to pulverize her head but accomplishing it isn't easy.

>>4419324
Damnit, even with 2 angels and high-level combatants it seems like we were almost outclassed the instant they got their little summon off.

Ok, so we've confirmed killed 2 out 5 bodyguard snakes and 3 lizards. That leaves about 10 enemy combatants. Did anyone else manage to bag a kill or incapacitation? If we could just get this down to 1v1 combat our people should be able to beat theirs.

Shit like this is why you never split the party. If we had Zhu and Mina here this would be going way better as they could probably take out that damned deer. Is Ari'el still struggling with that thing? Can he even kill it if he gets a clear shot?

>>4419339
>Did anyone else manage to bag a kill or incapacitation?
Not that you can see immediately.
He is having a bit of a struggle for now, yeah If it can be harmed remain to be seen, theoretically, it should be vulnerable to good old steel given the logic of summons.

>>4419356
So it's possible only divine armaments like Zhu's sword or Mina's arrows can actually harm the thing. It would seem the Minotaur is the "anchor" for it though and *she* can be killed the good ol' fashioned way. Is their arrival contingent upon us scoring a major advantage with the momentum dice?

Another question, say we go medium fusion, can we cause a spike/blade/claws to erupt out of our non-gauntlet hand or arm and would it count as an "artificial" weapon?

>>4419388
No.
>Another question, say we go medium fusion, can we cause a spike/blade/claws to erupt out of our non-gauntlet hand or arm, and would it count as an "artificial" weapon?
You wouldn't be able to shapeshift your body, unfortunately. Medium fusion will strengthen everything internal amazingly well in addition to getting supreme battle skill, but actual shapeshifting as you did against Orkus need a full fusion.

>>4419405
That's both good and bad, god do we need them now. Like, right now.

Your mention of Porky jogged my memory. Shereen can enchant her blood to create a mystic poison that does quite the nasty number on red world entities, soul eaters and, I would assume, summons like Graz.

How long does that take to do and is there any way to tell Elina and Shereen to try that? If I'm right all Elina has to do after coating her weapon with that is cut the Deer Ari'el's fighting and boom, bad times for it and, hopefully by extension, the rest of our enemies.

>>4419501
>Your mention of Porky jogged my memory. Shereen can enchant her blood to create a mystic poison that does quite the nasty number on red world entities, soul eaters and, I would assume, summons like Graz.
Aren't you a smart lad.
>How long does that take to do
One round of prep time, you need something to coat it with though.
>is there any way to tell Elina and Shereen to try that?
Not without verbally explaining it. Remember, your telepathy function on emotions and basic intents.

>>4419512
Ok then, if the left flank is clear we can run over and tell her that Graz is like Porky, make with the blood poison, and for Elina to go along as we don't got time to explain the details. She keeps crying about how useless she is, time for her to become supremely useful and potentially save our collective asses!

Something to coat it with? Don't you mean coat with it? Elina's Halberd is an obvious choice. If our mace has flanges so is it. If we could, say, cut off some clothing and get it nice and soggy with enchanted blood we could have Elina squeeze some onto Ari'el's wings or toss it over to Klesiah with the basic instruction "coat your blade in it".

Also, since everyone failed their rolls by hilarious amounts I assume next round starts with that guard off balance and with an angry Elina right next to her (i.e. she's fucked). How long do blood spikes remain solid after formation, can they withstand heat, and can they be coated in her poison? Giving Hilde something like that to throw at the damned deer ought to prove quite effective. I am also curious as to its effects on organic targets, but best stick to what we know will work for now.

>>4419535
Hell, as we approached we could yell out Graz is like Orkus/the demon we defeated with her aid. Do the thing!

That's basically code talk, she'll get it but the enemy won't until it's too late.

Not feeling too well today, I'll likely have to update tomorrow. I'll take as long as we need to finish this fight at least.

>>4420150
Dang, the suspense is killin' me here dude.

A few more questions though. If we source Shereen can she make the poison extra virulent? Like, turn what she coats with it into a "mortal" weapon? Can we launch a fireball at the middle as we move towards Shereen to relieve pressure on the cult leader next round? Can we tell Hilde to give some ground and is there a good position for her between where she is now and Shereen's location? How much ground does everyone have to give before we're cut off from the lord of vengeance and our charges surrounded?

>>4420176
>A few more questions though. If we source Shereen can she make the poison extra virulent?
Impossible to know until you try.
>Can we launch a fireball at the middle as we move towards Shereen to relieve pressure on the cult leader next round?
No, the act of destabilising the paladin with an exploding fireball is locked.
>Can we tell Hilde to give some ground and is there a good position for her between where she is now and Shereen's location?
No time for that right now, you'll have to trust she can keep herself alive without any immediate enemies. And the only good position would be behind one of the pillars on your side of the fight.
>How much ground does everyone have to give before we're cut off from the lord of vengeance and our charges surrounded?
You'd need to go back at the entrance to leave Ari'el and Myr without support. For the time being, Klesiah will remain with the dark elf.

>>4420189
I know that's locked and everyone failed their rolls hard. I was thinking about the round after this.

>>4420214
In that case, yeah. Though it remain to be seen if he handle fire as well as Hildegarde.

Man I really wanted to udpate today but I'll take it slow. Better that way.

>>4420238
We're currently using a looted medium shield right? As angel weapons are extensions of their souls and Shereen's blood poison seems to corrode those we ought to prepare a backup plan if that's the case.

Working plan for the next round. Fire either a hail of firebolts or a full on fireball on the enemies Ari'el is holding off with a holy shield as we run over to Shereen (I assume Elina will flat out kill that paladin given how she probably whiffed a full on "everything she had" power attack and thus will be off balance when Elina reaches her so yeah, easy Deathblow for her I'm hoping).

We have three or more things to coat with that blood poison. Her halberd, our mace, and a shaved off shard of our shield (four plus, if blood spikes from the hopefully recently dead paladin what tried to decapitate her and/or a rag that can be used to coat other weapons can be a thing). Hopefully the poison doesn't corrode her halberd but if it does we got both our mace, the sharp shard of our shield, and mamono blood spikes to work with. We will also source Elina and Shereen during this while charging another heavy fire spell. Hopefully we get to be more inventive with it as we'd have more time. I still want to try hitting that Minotuar with a pyro spear...

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There was no time to think, only act. NOW.

As you saw the armored woman with flames still clinging to her body running toward Shereen who, unfortunately, remained locked in place by indecision, your emotions exploded in a dizzying array of activity. Magic traveled into your gauntlet while you ran, you left behind Hildegarde who was still struggling with the metal-clad body covering her. Light traveled the blue frame of your magitek weapon and a fiery bolt exiting your fingers, still connected by a long fiery trail to your hand.

It reached forward in a great streak of colors at a speed that wouldn't be matched by any physical enchantment. Unfortunately, your aim was off, the bolt veered leftward, missing the running combatant and that's when you clenched your hand in a fist causing the spell to suddenly erupt in an explosion of fire that was, alas, pure flame with too little force behind it. The paladin managed to shield her wounded face with her armored arm and even stumbled when your magic stuck to her body but it wasn't enough to stop her. In that same movement she somehow -by pure damn luck- dodged a familiar streak of gold?

A bubble of wind crashed on the pillar the paladin just ran past an instant later, exploding similarly to your explosive firebolt but despite this interrupted all that did is to make the enemy stumble forward and grip her sword for balance, ignoring the pain of your flame and inertia of Elina magic!

One step, second step, third step...

''RUN SHEREEN!!'' Screaming was the only thing you could do now. Your little sun was standing her ground in a mixture of resolution and fear. Her tail whipped Leena's face and the smaller girl reluctantly ran up the stairs to get away from the enemy reach, the princess tightened her grip on the shield you gave her. The paladin reached your little sun and struck with a greatsword nearly as tall as she was, the blade found purchase right in the middle of her shield.

She had no hope of enduring such a blow, her arms gave out almost right away, the shield painfully tackled her chest, nearly lifting her off her feet. The sheer strength and momentum of the paladin strike slammed your little sun against the caged wall of the mausoleum.

Shereen let out a worrying gurgle and slumped on the ground, barely registering a sudden blue blur crashing against the enemy who'd just regained her balance. Both bodies violently crashed in a concert of tortured metal and a sudden golden rectangle appeared above Elina, imprisoning her with the murderer in a makeshift coffin as she wrapped her hands around the woman's neck and began squeezing, completely unaffected by the violent tackle that just occurred. With Elina advantageous position on the enemy's back and without any space to struggle, her life was going to be choked out or the angel will break that bitch neck.

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Another one of those half-formed mystical deer suddenly materialized on the stairs! It was only the upper half of a deer with two legs and the murderous antlers, head angled low for a charge toward the youngest, most vulnerable girl of your party...!

Only for a second golden line to pierce right through its head and imbed itself inside the stair below Leena. The murderous ghostly animal disappeared without fanfare, leaving behind a dangerously stiff Shereen and two women locked in a deadly wrestle that was quickly being won by your angelic companion.

On the left was the source of those golden streaks. Mina stood a few feets away from you, having grown a few inches shorter, her skin had changed from its previously organic peachy paleness into a mixture of gold, green and red, her mouth thankfully hadn't disappeared but the sheer bizarreness of her appearance left you bemused for a moment.

She nodded to you and promptly flew back toward the fight, another golden arrow materialized in her hand; the notch and loose looked natural despite her quick flying movements.

''Die die!'' A scream from the center briefly caught your attention. The minotaur big, heavy sword bore down on Ari'el who kept his three enemies at bay and trampled through the resistance of his wings to chop into his shoulder, thankfully his modified body endured the blow and without breaking a sweat the angel sword reappeared in his hand and he stabbed upward, sinking half of it in the guts of his enemy. Another sword blindsided him, slicing into his flank and the power behind the blow dragged him out of position toward the left yet even that gruesome display wasn't enough to slow him down. The man got up and charged his four enemies, bellowing his warcry, completely undaunted by the visible slice on his body that didn't show a single hint of blood.

You also saw something peculiar in the enemy backline. The three remaining lamia bodyguards had grabbed their unconscious liege and left the premise by taking the left tunnel, you only caught a brief glimpse of them as they disappeared.

''Leena, are you okay!?'' The Black Cat hadn't moved from her position, she nodded silently, too afeared and worried to speak. A sickening crunch nearly resounded when Elina broke the paladin neck, ending her struggle for good, finally allowing her to dissipate the golden shield overlapping her back.

''Shereen!'' Blood trickled down her nose, her body was worryingly limp, no words or touch prompted any kind of response. She'd been slammed so hard against that wall, damn it blood was coming out the back of her head!

''Is she!?'' Elina stumbled to her feet.

''She's not dead!'' You yelled back, ignoring the fact the princess didn't seem to be breathing. ''Please, Elina!''

Healing mist flowed out of her hand, entering and refreshing Shereen's body from the inside and out. Each moment was agonizingly long.

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A burst of pain from your knight made you look her way. An enemy warrior had managed to get a lucky slice on her back and blood oozed from Myr flank where a portion of her flesh had been noticeably sliced open, causing a worrying hemorrhage that didn't slow the dark elf for now. Mina sudden arrival, thankfully, was giving your party an immediate advantage as she methodically sniped every single spiritual foe one by one, each shot came out of her bow with surgical precision.

The enemy forces were all concentrated on the center and left.

''Is the princess okay?'' Hildegarde strained voice only hinted at the pain she was feeling. Her wounds were nothing short of horrific yet she ran here without slowing down.

''Y-you?'' Elina was taken aback at the maid constitution. ''She's alive.'' She stated and stopped her healing to move toward the maid.

''Really? Why isn't she conscious then!?''

Another flow of white fog came out of the angel palms, directly entering the maid's ruined side. Slowly, her flesh regenerated, the wound receded, the protective scab was returning into the bodyguard body. ''Her body is fine but the shock still needs time to recover, she should wake up in a little while, maybe a few minutes or half an hour.'' As the clash of steel resonated into your little safe corner of the battlefield, you began to feel hate.

''Once I'm done with you I'll be almost dry.'' Elina stated.

''Then stop.'' The maid retorted and tried to move, only for a red wing to nearly smack her face.

''I'll twist your ear and sit your ass down in the corner if I have to, you're not going anywhere with a bloody exposed rib!''

As the battle continued, the early advantages brought by the mystical deers appearances had changed into a dangerous deadlock because of Mina timely arrival, seeing how hard Ari'el was fighting in the center and the wound on your blueberry, coupled with this damn murder attempt on your princess caused a deluge of scorching heat to flow out of your heart in a process you understood as pure, simple ''hate''. It battered the gate of your sanity, magic pulsed throughout your body as your healthy reserves felt alive, burning all over, embracing violence and ready to unleash it.

>Embrace Fusion [weak/medium] and fight in a flank (Left or Center). End this damnable fight once and for all.

>With sheer force of will, you can hold back. Your little sun is alive, Hildegarde is being healed... support the fight as best you can. (Left or Center)
A) Do so at range by using your gauntlet.
B) Join the melee properly, another body in the fray will be the best thing to give your friends some breathing room.

>Free

>>4422040
Mina's a big damn hero! How fast is she compared to the rest of our party?

Damnit, I was hoping for Shereen to make some poison. How many enemies remain? How desperate is the current situation? Does our current emotional state make fusion about as easy and cheap as it's going to get? Can a healing potion save Myr from the wound she received? Is the big deer still fighting Ari'el? How many attacks does Mina get a round?

>>4422067
Oh, also, how many enemies are on each flank and is Hilde still a walking talking thermite grenade?

>>4422067
>How many enemies remain? How desperate is the current situation?
Three paladins are dead, seven are left + Minotaur. There<s about three mystical deers left, all on the left near Myr, Mina and Klesiah.

>How desperate is the current situation?
Still touch and go but your party is getting an advantage because of Mina arrival (Meaning +15 in the coming momentum roll)
>Does our current emotional state make fusion about as easy and cheap as it's going to get?
No, but it make it easier than a ''naked'' fusion.
>Can a healing potion save Myr from the wound she received?
Yes.
> Is the big deer still fighting Ari'el?
It seems to have disappeared. Whether it was conjured out or Mina sniped it, Arawn didn't see.
>How many attacks does Mina get a round?
Two arrow shots + excellent movements, she can support the left or center in the same round.
>Oh, also, how many enemies are on each flank
Four paladins on the left, three paladins in the center + Minotaur.
>is Hilde still a walking talking thermite grenade?
Yes.

>>4422079
Healing potions work on Hilde too don't they? Is her remaining wound negatively impacting her combat potential? Can we tell Mina to headshot the Minotaur? Can a tackle be counted as a movement for her? Can Elina heal and do a wind blast at the same time? Are the remaining deer off to the side of the melee or stuck right in the middle of it?

Also, in regards to fusion, how expensive are they in relation to our current reserves? Weak just grants universal weapon mastery and max melee skill right? Does our emotional state make other magic cheaper?

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>>4422090
>Healing potions work on Hilde too don't they?
Yes, but they'll take too long for her to return into battle.
>Is her remaining wound negatively impacting her combat potential?
Elina is going to completely heal her up. Otherwise, yes, that wound will impact her. Moderately so.
>Can we tell Mina to headshot the Minotaur?
If you scream, sure.
>Can a tackle be counted as a movement for her?
I'm not sure what you mean here. Mina can levitate/fly so her getting tackled means she'll need to be within reach for that.
>Can Elina heal and do a wind blast at the same time?
Absolutely not. Multicast is possible but need some dedicated training.
>Are the remaining deer off to the side of the melee or stuck right in the middle of it?
The last three have realized Mina sudden apperance and are off to the side to dodge her arrows and support their allies.
>Also, in regards to fusion, how expensive are they in relation to our current reserves?
Weak = 1/2
Medium = at least 3/4. Might run dry, or very close to.
>Weak just grants universal weapon mastery and max melee skill right?
Yes, this will allow you to handle greatswords length and melee much, much more efficiently.
>Does our emotional state make other magic cheaper?
Yes.

>>4422102
I meant the possibility of Mina tackling/ramming someone after her shots are fired. Can she?

Do we have a greatsword within reach? How much longer will Hilde's healing take? Can we source Elina's healing while launching a spell from our gauntlet? Can we safely change elements now? How far are each of our enemies from us? Could we fire a spell after/during a fusion activation?

>>4422117
>I meant the possibility of Mina tackling/ramming someone after her shots are fired. Can she?
Oh, in that case, no. Tackling will need full commitment.
>Do we have a greatsword within reach?
Yeah, the one from the recently killed paladin.
>How much longer will Hilde's healing take?
She and Elina will need to sit out this coming round, both will be good by the one after next.
>Can we source Elina's healing while launching a spell from our gauntlet?
No, healing requires serious commitment.
>Can we safely change elements now?
Yup.
>How far are each of our enemies from us?
Roughly 7 meters. you're back at the entrance of the mausoleum, reaching anyone as you are in melee will need a full round.
>Could we fire a spell after/during a fusion activation?
After is good.

>>4422121
So unless we go with medium fusion we won't be able to help anyone out this round in/with melee?

>>4422124
With a weak fusion, charging into melee will work as a way to support your party. Will, of course, be dangerous, but it's possible.

>>4422125
Ok then. We have a clear shot at the remaining deer and they aren't in melee correct? That means if we at them we don't risk friendly fire. Now that Mina's close her and Klesiah have the same sync effect that we do with her right? I got an idea, but I need that info.

>>4422126
>We have a clear shot at the remaining deer and they aren't in melee correct?
Yeah, all three are behind their summoners.
>Now that Mina's close her and Klesiah have the same sync effect that we do with her right?

Yes.

>>4422130
Ok then, one more question. If we switch to ice how many spikes can we launch? These things are resistant to magic but Ice Spikes deal physical damage and thus they shouldn't be able to just shrug that off.

>>4422133
Entirely dependent on the amount of magic used. Since Heavy is what you guys operate on, that means 4 ''medium''spikes.

Though that also prevents reaching anyone in one round since Arawn need to aim.

>>4422139
Can a medium spike take out a deer?

>>4422144
Try and find out.

>>4422146
Ok then, the deer are all close to each other right? Say we went with 2 spikes, could they overpenetrate?

>>4422151
They aren't lined up close enough to make that work.

>>4422156
Damn, in that case, switch to ice. 3 spikes, 3 targets. Use the energy that would have made a fourth to either enlarge the other 3 or increase projectile velocity. Broadcast this intent to Klesiah. I will trust in Mina's judgement and in her desire to ensure nobody, not even Ari'el, dies here.

Next round, Elina gets to drink deeply of our reserves and obliterate that Minotaur.

>>4422161
That is, if Mina didn't put one right between the eyes. Point is, next round she gets another dynamic entry with the hopes it outright kills an enemy.

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>>4422161
So, to break this down.
>Switch element to ice and support the left flank by aiming at the summoned creatures with murderous magical spikes.

Will need 1d20, best of 2.

I'll only take rolls if we get an agreement from another anon or in an hour to get things going.

Rolled 58, 67 + 15 = 140 (2d100 + 15)

Alright I'll go with that option and answer tomorrow. My health keeps worsening in the evening, so I won't work on updating tonight. Give me 1d20!

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>4422231
Phone posting!

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>>4422263
Hrm, I don't like this number. I suppose you guys will stick to it?

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>>4422270
I knew it, I knew you wanted one or more of ours to die here. Truly, you are the kindred spirit of pic related.

And yes, I think we'll stand with a 16.

>>4422279
Also, where's Leena? She's still alive right?

>>4422285
Leena ran halfway upstairs but came back now that things are safe.
>>4422279
Nobody died so your statement about my intent is nothing more than an hypothesis!

>>4422291
Shereen and Leena would have if the dice gods didn't decide that they hated everyone last round.

>>4422306
You really think I would ahve killed one or even two little girls? One of whom you've been getting to know so very well since the start of act 2?

>>4422310
Yes, and you'd REJOICE while doing so.

Oh, just caught this and need clarification. You said Hilde and Elina will be good to go the round after next. Do you mean after this one?

>>4422430
Yes.

>>4422434
Good, I just hope someone isn't holding onto yet one more trump card and that if they are we can end them before they can deploy it. This Graz Daemon was bad enough...

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Resisting the smoldering anger burning your guts felt almost cruel especially with the battle continuing to rage and seeing your knight in imminent danger.

The paladins besetting her weren't incompetent fools and kept a dangerous pressure despite Mina's arrival. Heavy blades were dodged with such closeness that your heart leaped each time. Klesiah couldn't find good purchase with her glaive so instead, she concentrated on deflecting blows and unleashing lightning out of continuously diminishing reserves, each jolt found their marks to minimum effect but at least the disruption gave her time to breath.

Her companion didn't look so good, the heavy wound on her side was hemorrhaging generously but Myr remained apt and alert, unable to fully commit to an assault because the paladins understood to step back after getting parried to avoid incoming blows from her tonfas. Each blows slowly chipped away at her endurance.

The deers walked the outskirt of the fight like stalking cats, trying to find an opportunity to tackle a combatant while remaining mindful of the floating archer.

In the center, Ari'el was struggling. The sheer weight and mass of the plated minotaur added with the major blessing of her ethereal protector forced the angel to use shields when it came to parrying her blades and his numerous opponents were getting used to his wings, a few lucky strikes snuck past his defense to find his silvery flesh. He and the minotaur were trading words whilst trying to kill one another, the sound of battle coupled with distance made it impossible for you to hear.

Your nose pushed the button of your gauntlet and a heavy dose of magic was automatically sucked out. None of the girls commented as you walked out of the little archway they've been somewhat huddled into, your intent was clear to Elina and it flowed into Klesiah who, in turn, let Mina know of your plan. The shard was about to unleash a volley of golden arrows toward the phantasmal deers but restrained herself. You prepared a simple but effective spell as your weapon settled into its new element; hopefully, the message will be understood.

As the melee continued you took a moment to aim and let your magic fly! Most of your energy went into creating potent velocity into your projectiles, three javelins of ice shot simultaneously out of your magitek gauntlet, taking the phantasmal animals by complete surprise. All three found purchase on each creature to little effect, the animal's half-formed body swirled around your magic like smoky hallucinations but the projectiles still took them by complete surprise, allowing Mina to notch two arrows into two different creatures heads, causing them to immediately dissipate. Then she flew above the small melee and landed beside the third one, prompting it to strike but the shard grabbed the mystical horns in response and dragged the ghostly creature away.

Those ghosts -are- resistant to your magic but a shard of Mother Earth works against them!

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''Guuurk!?'' A bloody scream from the center attracted your attention.

Ari'el had erected a huge, thick golden wall between him and most of his opposition, giving him enough room to fight a paladin one and one he showed himself murderously effective. One-half of his wings had come together to block her greatsword, his seconds half blocked desperate ramming from another one of those spiritual deer. The angel sword had disemboweled the women and with an expert redirection of his weapon, the angel aimed upward and promptly decapitated the antler-sporting lizard woman, causing the ghost to immediately dissipate.

The few seconds his opponents needed to run around his shield had been enough for one of their numbers to die. You knew it back in the park but this angel is extremely dangerous.

''Center!'' Anku suddenly screamed, retreating with two remaining comrades in the center of the now ruined mausoleum. the three paladins on the left flank promptly obeyed, abandoning the melee and retreating in good order as neither Myr nor Klesiah had expected this sudden turn of event, Mina was too busy wrestling -killing- the last deer to take advantage of this.

Ari'el took a few protective steps back. His body scarred and cracked in numerous parts, his wings looked damaged like dropped pieces of porcelain but each second healed a fracture and what damaged that's been carved into his flesh had stopped bleeding on its own. A sudden lull was thrown on the battlefield, enough time for Klesiah to give Myr a healing potion and the paladins to reach into their pouch to drink a similar liquid: everyone was far too winded to launch an immediate assault to stop this refreshment. Still, these healing potions would need a long while to heal wounds but the hemorrhage, at least, would be stopped in short order.

Half the paladins were dead, these women, no matter how much you hated them, were giving one hell of a fight. You decided to get closer, joining up with Klesiah, Myr, and Mina near the silvery angel. Elina and Hildegarde would be joining up shortly... and while you intensely disliked leaving Shereen behind like a corpse, Leena would at least be there if your little sun wakes up.

''Half the faithful gave everything.'' Anku said, voice breaking slightly yet she shouldered her heavy blade. ''Grâz always bless the worthy, even if their strength is left wanting.''

''What's so worthy about trying to murder a child?'' You spat, resisting the urge to make another spell. Your soul arms recoiled slightly, ready to be unleashed in case someone decided to charge. ''Half your numbers are gone and for what? A duchess that's abandoned you?''

''No matter the misery Myrtidal people keep shouldering, the portal should remain closed. Such is my lady wish, such will be our honor.'' Says the lady minotaur. ''Nothing matters more than being true in purpose.''

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''Pathetic, your bodies are nothing more than shields.'' Ari'el couldn't have missed the fact Ashtar was gone but, thankfully, it wasn't enough to make him lose his cool. ''I didn't expect to find such a worthy trial in your band of illuminated fools yet you are the instrument of a cowardly leader and since none of you wish to make amends with the people you've ignored -and hurt so deeply- I'll take your heads and reject your false god for that is what vengeance demand. The pharaoh might be the greater devil, but that doesn't mean I'll ignore the one standing before me now.''

''Devil?'' Anku spat. ''There are only two things here befitting that word but no matter, five gave the ultimate price and so our honorable hunter shall manifest. Grâz!'' Anku yelled, slapping her armored chest with an equally metal covered gauntlet. ''Break the False Mother agents!''

All the corpses still bore antlers and now, you noticed, that addition was gone. With Anku scream came an apparition, a new combatant, a man-beast of greenish-blue energy with dark brown fur all over its body rose from the ground. This creature height matched the minotaur and a pair of big, shiny antlers on its head added with the collections sported by your enemies. With hands big enough to squeeze a man head and an ogre bulk, this weaponless yet intimidating creature was undeniably dangerous, its eyes burned a flame equal to the firepits inside the paladins. Its face showed human traits but everything melded into bestial furs, making it impossible to find distinctive traits.

As each paladin died, their souls reinforced this... parasite? No, this has to be a godly shard, an existence similar to Mina.

''I remember you, servant to the Pretenders of plains monsters. You are a worthy existence, a creature deserving the faith of the harried, battered, and bruised centaurs tribes keeping their struggling culture alive these days.'' Mina's soft voice held no gentleness. She floated in the backline, golden bow in hands, arrow notched and ready to let fly. ''Fighting now brings satisfaction to an unforgivable enemy, yet still, you stand against us.''

''This land drained of faith offer nothing but oblivion to anyone inhabiting it.'' The man-beast spoke, his voice low, guttural yet somehow not altogether unpleasant, it conjured images of a grandpa who still stood tall despite a long, hard life. ''It imploded five years ago and with it was the death of souls leaving it's people as husks going through empty motions of life, their fire has been extinguished, they hunt nothing, provide nothing, family breaks in whimpers. The few are worthier than the many, for they are the only ones who can be saved.'' He growled, greenish fire escaping its animalistic jaw.

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''Is that so?'' Mina asked, golden eyes narrowing into a dangerous gleam, her hair danced in an invisible current, projecting rainbow colors as each strand seemed to flash and dim at odd times. ''Poisoned faith makes for a poisoned avatar, the pharaoh corrupted web has affected you too, I see.''

''Web? What are you talking about?'' Anku asked but Mina ignored her.

That ritual to find Leena might have been much more important than you believed.

''How many years have you been cultivated by these paladins, I wonder?'' The shard of Mother-Earth continued. ''This city is a garden of misery expertly crafted by the false prophet of this land, such was admitted by the duchess herself.'' Klesiah must have allowed her to scour her memories. ''This cursed city has a contagious disease, but not enough to completely rob its people of senses. Grâz! You are the masculine god of the plain, the shield of tribes, protector of hunters, and above all the nurturer of families! You reunite mothers with daughters, you dwell within the respect of a child toward his father, your blessing manifest when vigorous sons and daughters cherish their aged parents yet here you are, ignoring the many broken families surrounding you!'' The shard of Mother Earth was angry and it was terrifying, light shone within her grasp, something golden and cold. ''You've been corrupted by this land and your existence will extinguish tonight for if you return into the fold of your patron, you will poison him too.''

Justice here and now was nothing more than a point of view but the golden arrow that came out of Mina felt like a manifestation of integrity. It pierced through the shard and it bellowed in defiance, a sentiment shared by its remaining faithful, starting the end of tonight's struggle.

Before this, however, in the seconds before the shard vengeful arrow was loosed, intents and emotions coming from Klesiah had allowed you to deduce what was going to happen and so you managed to prepare a strike of your own.

What will you do?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2ZmFyt5n0M

>Quietly established a battery with Klesiah (Elina came a little too late) and together, measured a spell of lightning to debilitate your opponents. [Unleash a super-heavy lightning spell.]

>Aimed to kill some of the paladins with your gauntlet by unleashed a concentrated series of ice spikes. [Aim to kill one enemy as best you can.]

>Communicated your intent with your knight to strike at an enemy together. [Directly bring the fight with the enemy in melee, supporting your stronger party and hopefully allowing them to land lethal blows!]

>Unleashed a hail of projectiles at the enemy party. They've got a tight formation, you're bound to hit and wound someone![Will cost a heavy spell]

>Free.

The battle is in its final stages... How will this go I wonder.

>>4423718
Oh you have got to be kidding me! They have a fully empowered pretender shard now!? Damnit, we need Zhu's sword pronto. Where the hell is she when we need her most?

Where is everyone on this battlefield? Is it our enemies on one side and us on the other? Can we rapidly deploy a conductive mist to envelop the enemy paladins right before/as we help Klesiah cast Indignation? Does Mina being pissed increase her power and about how pissed off is she?

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>>4423742
>Where is everyone on this battlefield? Is it our enemies on one side and us on the other?
Pretty much yeah, one side lined against the other.
>Can we rapidly deploy a conductive mist to envelop the enemy paladins right before/as we help Klesiah cast Indignation?
There's no guarantee such a mist will work but you can do it. However, that means no sourcing spells since you're actively feeding magic into your gauntlet.
>Does Mina being pissed increase her power and about how pissed off is she?
Impossible to know right now but logically, it should. Everyone is pretty much having a boost because of their moods so the playing field is equalized.

As for how pissed off she is, well... she has murder in her voice.

>>4423753
That music you picked out is pretty bangin' boss music. Gonna have to check out more music from that series.

Do Anku and the other realize who/what Mina is? She called us agents of the "false mother". I'm also guessing she sees Leena and Ari'el as Devils.

Damnit, I just realized that if Shereen were actually conscious right now we just got presented with the *ideal* target for her blood poison! I wonder if this daemon sensed the threat she presented and had his lackey try to end it before it became an issue. Can we tell Elina to keep an eye on Shereen or tell Leena to scream when she wakes up? If this bastard can still summon deer apparitions he will kill Leena and Shereen with them the instant he gets a chance. We need to be informed the instant Shereen wakes up because if we can dose the enemy shard with the toxin that'll pretty much end the fight in our favor as I bet once he goes down the enemy's buff goes with it. Plus, y'know, watching your "god" get killed right in front of you can't ever be good for morale.

I think I see why Mina's so pissed. The shard of an ostensibly benevolent deity having fallen so far into darkness that it acts counter to its supposed nature. I was absolutely correct in calling this thing a daemon.

Ok, so a superheavy lightning/Indignation attack. That an AoE and will it hit/affect the entire enemy front line (i.e. the remaining paladins and the Minotaur)? Graz needs divine weapons or blood poison to get damaged it would seem unless, like those deer, it has to pick between being immune to damage and actually being able to move or dish it out. Can Ari'el or Elina damage it with their weapons?

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>>4423923
Rance is a series that deserves to be discovered, it inspired me greatly for this setting even if it's porn.
>Do Anku and the other realize who/what Mina is?
You'll have to be the judge of that, the time for civility is long gone.
>Can we tell Elina to keep an eye on Shereen or tell Leena to scream when she wakes up?
The girls are pretty worried about Shereen so they're keeping her in mind. For Leena, Arawn would need to yell so... I'd have to take it as an action.
>That an AoE and will it hit/affect the entire enemy front line (i.e. the remaining paladins and the Minotaur)?
You can spread a mist throughout the enemy line yes, wether it can conduct Klesiah lightning remain to be seen.
>Can Ari'el or Elina damage it with their weapons?
Yes. Ari'el handled the deers sicked on him successfully.