You float effortlessly in a sea of pitch blackness, feeling somewhat detached from your body. This isn't like the dreams you have been experiencing for the last few nights-- There is no sound, not even the pervasive Green Word, nor are there the mysterious half-formed phantoms circling around you. You see nothing. You hear nothing. For a moment you wonder if you are dead, but the distant feelings of your limbs remind you that you're probably just beat up beyond all recognition. Surely you will feel this in the morning, provided you ever feel anything else ever again.

Sighing inwardly, you take in the silence, something that you have been without for some time. For a time, nothing changes, but a warm feeling soon spreads across your midsection, eventually enveloping your legs and torso. You cannot discern the feeling, but it is comforting, at least, and you soon realize that feeling is returning to your body. The warmth intensifies and a feeling of supreme satisfation envelops your being... Only to be swept away as the warming intensifies still. Soon your body is awash in a sea of ethereal flame, your every muscle straining under incredible pressure The shock of the feeling sends your eyes flying open, a reflex that is greeted by the blinding glare of the sun coming in through your bedroom window. You squint, grimace, and attempt to rub your face, but a familiar pair of hands restrains you. You freeze as Nieve's quiet voice penetrates the miasma of your disorientation.

“You may not want to move, yet. Your injuries have healed but I am sure you are still in a lot of pain... I will finish applying some balm and let you get your rest.”

>What do, holy shit?

>SUDDENLY VIERA QUEST
WHERE IN ALL HOLY FUCK HAVE YOU BEEN?

>>13165202
In a more responsive tone, however, I suggest we do as Nieve says. Because we have no idea what the shit is happening besides healing.

>>13165202

>I've been finishing up my education. My graduation ceremony is Friday. I have nothing else to do other than work and practice my passions.

Happy early Christmas!

>>13165232
Congrats OP.
But seconding the stay still part.

>>13165164
>Arrows without fletchings and abnormally broad head
Seriously, I can tolerate the shit like the energy bowstring and the fucking rabbit ears, but I have to draw the line somewhere.

>I'll give it a few more minutes. You know how it gets when I start writing while people are still responding.

>>13165164
>drinking Ironbeer

You sir are a respectable individual

Ask how bad our injuries are.. Are we going to be in this bed for awhile?

>>13165229
>>13165280

You manage to muster a groan and stare at the ceiling, your eyes still adjusting to the light. Your face feels abnormally scratchy and you feel coarse stubble as you move your head slightly, trying to regain your bearings. You wonder with momentary alarm how long you have been asleep. The rest of the room begins to come into focus; Other than the light streaming in through your blinds, the room is dark, and mostly clean. A bowl of water and a cloth sit on your nightstand, next to a jar of what you assume to be some kind of salve. Your eyes snap back to Nieve, who is sitting on the edge of the bed, silent. She is working some of the stuff in the jar into your arm and side, which tingle and burn in response. You soon realize that you are naked from the waste up, and embarrassment overtakes you for a scant few moments. Nieve seems to sense this and smiles at you.

"Don't worry, this is what I did in the village for people who were injured in the hunts. I'm used to it, I promise. Laya managed to fix your arms for the most part, but... Well..."

You trace her gaze down to your right hand, which feels like a lead weight. A strangely shaped scar snakes up from your knuckles all the way up yo your elbow, jagged and fresh. You wince as you look at it. A million questions rage in your head. How long have you been out? What happened after you blacked out? How is--

Elma. The image of her proud frame engulfed in holy fire flashes through your mind and you almost consider jumping out of bed, but your body doesn't even begin to respond. You level your gaze again at Nieve, who looks at you and smiles faintly.

I quit.
I push back my chair, take my dice and get up walking away from the table.
This is way too anime bullshit for my tastes.

Try to mutter out of water or anything to drink.

>>13165232
I clap at thee

>>13165431
Ask if Elma is alright, firstly.

Then the other questions.

>looking at /tg/, usual shit
>SUDDENLY, IT'S VIERAQUEST V
>my face

You don't know excited this makes me.
Also, seconds on asking how Elma is. We seem to be fine... for the most part.

>>13165477
>This is way too anime bullshit for my tastes.
It's Final Fantasy, what did you expect?

>>13165431
>Working the kinks out. Been drawing for the past three weeks straight so forgive me if I'm a bit slow.

"It's all right. Elma's fine, she was only down for a few hours. She's really tough. Of course, Laya helped with that, too... She's been so busy lately, I haven't even seen very much of her. Of course, I've been..." Her voice trails off as she stares at the floor, and you are confused until you take another look at your room. Your clothes sit neatly folded on your dresser, and the whole place has an air of cleanliness to it, not suited to someone who's been blacked out for... However long. Nieve grins sheepishly. "It wasn't so bad. It's given me something to do, and you couldn't be here by yourself... It's been about a week, I guess? I almost lost track of time."

You bring your good hand to your forehead in disbelief. You've been out of commission for a whole week? What the heck put you under for that long?!

Oh, right. The fight with Kismet. That'll do it.

Nieve wipes her hands with a spare cloth and corks the jar, the contents of which smell strongly of mint. She rises, tidying up after herself. You notice that she's a bit wobbly... was she sleeping here, too?

"Laya says you should be ready to get up by midday. Elma wants to go to a bar to celebrate, but I'd much rather relax at home for once... I'll leave it up to you to decide. After all, it's thanks to you that we beat that Clan." She smiles at you again and exits the room, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

>>13165564
Voting for staying here.

Drinking got us into this whole mess.

>>13165617
second, plus we should be careful not to **** our arm up further.

>>13165564
OHMYGODVIERAQUESTISBACKIMLIKEAGIDDYSCHOOLGIRL

I suggest that we stay here, a bar is great but if we're still in pain and all that a bar could probably put us out of commission for a while longer.

>>13165617
>>13165655

Some time later, you find yourself knocking at the girls' apartment once again. You had decided after showering and shaving that going out and partying probably wouldn't be a good idea, but you're sure that everyone would like to know you're all right. The door swings open and Elma greets you, full of her usual bravado. She claps you on the back as you walk in to the living room, the other girls casting her a baleful glance as you stagger under the blow. Elma just laughs.

"Finally, the little Tonberry is awake! I was starting to think you'd gone on a vision quest or something. Meet any more Avatars, hm?"

You confess that you mostly just wondered if you were dead or not, and Elma laughs harder. Laya does her best to talk over the racket;

"You were injured somewhat severely, which is surprising considering you came out of that fight the victor. I did my best to remove your scars, but some of them were magically inflicted..." You touch your arm absentmindedly. Fyna nods and jostles Laya good-naturedly.

"Yeah, you were pretty banged up. Luckily Laya here knows her anatomy, or you'd be worse looking than some of my cooking. Trust me, you don't want to see that." She grins at you, a gesture you cannot help but return. It seems like such a long time since you were in this room, carousing with these strange but enchanting women like you've known them for--

>Ffffffffield too long.

VIERAQUEST!!!!!!!!

Anyway lets stay home tonight, but party tomorrow or something

>>13165906


Your thoughts are interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. The girls shoot each other confused glances before Fyna makes for the entranceway. You are all silent until she returns, holding a brightly-colored piece of paper and looking at it with a slightly puzzled expression.

"That was somebody from the front office. Says there's a block party at the pool tonight and that as new residents it would be good for us to attend... Food and drink will be provided of course." She cocks an eyebrow at you before casting her gaze to Elma, who is still recovering from her mirthful episode. The eldest of the women shrugs. "Well, it's not a bar, but I certainly don't feel like cooking. It would be low impact enough for our delicate little blossom over here, at least." She shoots you a challenging glare that lights a familiar fire of indignation in your gut. You have no intention of getting into any scrapes tonight, that's for damn sure. You peek outside, assessing the weather; Summer has not yet uttered its death rattle, and the air is still humid and close. Perhaps a poolside suaree is just what you need. And, you decide, a mischievous grin spreading inwardly, if you play your cards right you might even be able to see the girls in swimsuits!

>>13165931
>bunny girls in two pieces
WHY ARE WE STILL DEBATING THIS
GO MAN, GO

"so girls, you wanna go? could be a fun way to relax and party all at once... I know i could go for a soak in the pool..."

>>13165931
How bad is our arm exactly?

pool party is pretty much a must at this point.

Fuuuuck yea, Waifu Quest. Catching up.

>>13165931
I would say go.
A pool party is a great place to relax and it doesn't kill your liver like a bar does!

Holy SHIT, it's back! Yay!

>>13165931
"This 'delicate little blossom' punched Kismet so hard he probably still hasn't landed. Let's go."

>>13165931
Food? Pool? Why not?

>>13165954
>>13166006
>>13166022
>>13166026
>>13166053
>Pool party baby, It was a cool party. Cool pool party, la la la la.

The girls all seem a bit excited to mingle with complete strangers, and the feeling is infectious. You test your arm, noting that it is still stiff and clumsy but not totally useless. It seems you're suffering more from inactivity than injury, which is a relief. The girls busy themselves with getting ready, leaving you to sit in the common room, staring at your fists. It seems like only moments ago they were massive talons, pulverizing that smug bastard Kismet into the sand of the Arena... You shiver for a moment as you remember the heat of your wyrm-fists searing your arms.

That's right, your weapons! You don't remember seeing them in your room, hopefully nothing's happened to them. You manage to catch Laya in the living room for a moment and pull her aside, asking about your familiar armaments. Laya looks disappointed.

"It seems that I was not able to craft reliable weapons with the materials available to me here... The items you used in the battle with Exguard took a heavy toll after you used that technique on the Ace..." Slowly, she produces a bundle, which you open, revealing the shattered remains of Mercury and Bolt. The ash wyrm fangs themselves are cracked almost completely in half, and the metal guards are twisted and warped. A surge of emotion wells up inside you, and you thank Laya, who nods solemnly and resumes her preparations. You sigh as you re-wrap the bundle. They were good weapons, and they're in a better place now, hopefully being used to punch angels.

Soon, the girls have gathered at the front door, decked out in colorful sundresses and carrying various bags and bundles. Elma snaps on a pair of wraparound sunglasses, grinning wildly at you. Nieve looks a little embarrassed, though what about you don't know.

"Well, shall we go? We're burnin' sunlight, here!"

Um... yes?

>>13166143
I was going to ask about this. Rest in peace, weapons, you made for a bitchin' crossup.
Besides, maybe that whole ash wyrm spirit came with us when they shattered.
>waitle Emotinal

rolled 13 = 13

>>13166196
I truly hope so as those attacks were insanely useful.

YOU HAVE RETURNED TO US
WE THOUGHT YOU HAD DIED!

>>13166143
Not participating, but Fuck Yeah The Aquabats!

>>13166171
>Gee, not really much of a choice there, huh?

Soon the five of you arrive at the pool, situated in the center of the apartment complex. The sun has begun its lazy descent towards the horizon, and the temperature is enough to make the pool look like heaven. The girls have done their hair up into tight buns and ponytails, save Fyna, who sports a broad-brimmed hat. The pool is already crowded with people you assume to be your fellow residents; most of them are around your age, including the staff, who flit between the office and the pool with trays of uncooked hamburgers and massive coolers. You open the gate, holding it for the girls to enter. Fyna pats you on the head teasingly, and you shoot her a sardonic look.

In almost no time at all the party is in full swing, and light music filters through the crowd quite pleasantly. The aroma of sizzling meat is enough to draw you away from the edge of the pool, and you spend some time staring at the patties on the grill. A voice from behind you snaps you out of your reverie; Elma is shouting for your attention. You turn, half-expecting her to hurl a water balloon at you or something. Instead, you feel as though a wire in your brain has come loose-- you stare for almost a few minutes at the girls, who are practically lined up in front of the pool in a colorful array of surprisingly modern swimsuits. You don't know what you were expecting, but it certainly wasn't THIS.

>>13166281
"Hey, looking good! Where'd you get those things anyway?"

>>13166281
Try not to stare, but I want to gauge their reactions. Five gets you ten Nieve is blushing and embarrassed and hnnnnnngh.

We wouldn't happen to own a silk bath robe would we?

"Is this my reward for winning the fight?"

And this makrs the day when I see triple quest in the frontpage

keep on truckin

>>13166281
>Oh God fanservice what am I doing

Elma, of course, is the most brazen of the girls, sporting a bright blue string bikini and looking rather pleased with herself. Fyna and Laya are somewhat more conservative, though you're not sure if Fyna understands that this is not a competition. Nieve is practically quaking with embarrassment, though after several deep breaths she seems to have herself under control. Her 'suit had to have been picked out by Elma on some sort of dare, though you can't imagine why any sensible individual would allow such a thing to happen; you never thought you'd see a monokini again after the end of the last decade. Regaining your composure, you smile and wave. Elma laughs and leaps effortlessly into the water, cutting through the surface like a blade. Fyna and Laya sit at the edge, watching Elma frolic with morbid fascination. Nieve makes a beeline for a reclining deck chair, hastily pulling a button-up shirt around her shoulders. You consider making peace with a plate of food; it would give Nieve an excuse not to join Elma in terrorizing the other bathers, at least. The guy manning the grill is fixated on the television, which is displaying the news. Something about what's on the screen is vaguely disquieting, though you're not sure what.

>>13166440
HNNNNGH
Bring Nieve a plate of food, try to tune in to the news as you go.

>>13166459
Seconding

>>13166440

SOMEONE CALL THE DRAWFAGS JESUS CHRIST

rolled 91 = 91

>>13166459
I agree with this but add on asking Nieve if she let Elma pick out the bikini.

>>13166440
Casually ask the guy on the grill what the news is about, waltz on over to Nieve with some and talk about what happened during the time you were out a bit.
Thank her for looking after you of course.

>>13166459
>>13166510
Thirding. No need to add more.

>>13166512
Seriously. I'm normally put off by 'lineup' pictures, but the four girls is too damn great to miss.
I say we get Greenmarine in on this, he loves girls and xenos.

>>13166459
>>13166510
>>13166531
>>13166532
>>13166545

You nudge the grill attendant, who hands you two paper plates with burgers on them. You motion towards the TV, and the guy waves his spatula dismissively.

"The Judges are mobilizing again, something about a conflict in the North. I think it's a load of crap. Where do they get off acting like an army? I tell ya, the government in this country has gone to shit after all the...."

You let the guy blather on, but watch the news intently. It seems that there has been some lawlessness in the region to the north, and the combined forces of the Judges are being mobilized to quell the chaos. Images of imposing figures in massive armor flash across the screen, and you recall the hollow-sounding voice that rang out in the Clan Arena.

Shaking your head, you head over to Nieve, who is reclining with her eyes closed, somewhat more at ease. Her ears twitch as you approach, and she opens her eyes, looking a little annoyed. You set the plates of food on a small table next to her and sit, your elbows on your knees.

"I'll never understand her," you take "her" to mean Elma, "Always so confident and proud, like she's always got everything under control. I asked her to help me pick out something, and I let her convince me to wear this.... I guess it's my fault, really."

She makes a sour face and turns to you, somewhat hopeful.

"At least you're back on your feet. I'm glad you didn't end up much worse for wear..."

>>13166639
>I'm glad you didn't end up much worse for wear

I believe the proper response is "Thanks to you."

>>13166670
"Thanks to you. And really, you look fine." Proffer a plate, sit down on the edge of the chair next to her, if there's room.

I liked "thanks to you," just didn't want it to be a suave-ism. Also, in my experience, someone with confidence issues you want to reassure evenly. Definitely don't want to drool and tell her she's hot. Though maybe dryly replying "you're right, you're repulsive" would work.

rolled 63 = 63

>>13166670
I am in agreement with this statement.

>>13166731
The first bit of that post sounds good.

Viera content for your Viera thread. God Bless.

>>13166670
>>13166731
>I should probably note that a monokini and a "topless bikini" are different, though they often go under the same name. Nieve is wearing the former, here.

Nieve blushes and accepts the plate of food, rising into a sitting position. "No, really, it's nothing. Laya did most of the work, I just made sure you didn't roll out of bed and looked after your wounds... And, um, well, applied your salve, to help with that scar. It's what I would have done in the village if I hadn't... Never mind."

You almost pursue the subject before Nieve motions towards the grill you had just come from. You follow her gaze to find a group of people clustered around the television; some of them seem rather upset. Nieve shoots you a worried look as you both make your way over. One of the staff produces a remote and raises the television's volume just as a Moogle anchor resumes her report.

"...Covering the Northern conflict that has been raging for almost ten days. Recent Judicial activity in the area has raised concerns from local activists who call the mobilization 'barbaric' and 'bullying.' A recent statement from the presiding Arch-Judge states, and I quote, that 'Judicial activity will continue until the Law can be upheld in the areas involved, in the best interest of the city-states directly to the south.' We go not to our correspondent in..."

Nieve grips your arm instinctively, and you place a hand on her shoulder. Elma approaches, still dripping from the pool, and wrings her hair out unceremoniously. "What, did somebody die?"

>>13166874
"The Judges are going up North." Gently pat Nieve's shoulder, consciously or otherwise.

>>13166874
Giver her the low down on what's going on in the North

>>13166917
>>13166953
Agreeing with these.

>>13167029
Ditto.

>>13166917
>>13166953
>Okay, this might be a little ambitious of me but bear with me. I promise it's relevant.

Elma scowls as you relate to her what is happening on the news. Laya and Fyna soon join you, and the five of you are soon swept up in the group discussion.

"Those damn Judges want to make everything like clockwork! They're just gonna keep 'upholding the Law' until we're all living in a fucking police state!"

"Oh, piss off! The Judges saved my life, they exist to protect the people! There's no way the government'd let 'em run the place!"

You notice that Nieve looks worried, and place an arm around her shoulders reassuringly. Elma just stares at the television, her eyes taking on that familiar predatory look. Laya is busy attempting to calm some of the more rowdy party-goers, and Fyna has resumed idling by the poolside, occasionally gazing in your direction. You find yourself fixated on the prospect of the Judges as a military force. You had no idea they operated as anything other than mediators in Engagements-- surely this is a serious event.

>~~

Far to the North, the symphony of War sounds. A man clad head to toe in heavy, ornate armor stands, his voice ringing out from within his gnarl-horned helmet:

"The Judge exists to uphold the Law! The Law is my sword and my shield, and the Lawless break against them as the waves on the shore! Forward, Judges! Do not yield!"

You rise, your eyes locked on your Exemplar through the mud that cakes your visor. You are a Judge of the Royal Order, assigned with the Fifth Battalion to what was supposed to be a routine execution. It's all gone wrong. You are currently separated from the rest of your Squad, possessing only your PRIMARY WEAPON and your ARMOR. Your MOUNT is nowhere to be found.

>What do?

>>13167250
Ohhhh snap.
Take stock of self, condition, injuries, and surroundings. Move out per Executor's orders.

clear the mud from our visor and look around for a way to our lines.

Get our law cards ready. Search for a vatange point to look from

oh, nuts, my lack of FFT knowledge is kicking me in the head again.

>Check PRIMARY WEAPON
>Check ARMOR
>Find ENEMY
>Give them the LAW

>>13167279
>>13167311
>Switching to Judgequest folder. Yay!

You attempt to clear your vision with little result; the mud is thick and viscous, clinging to your armor like a mire leech. You raise your visor, calling out to your Exemplar, who does not respond. his cape billows in the wind that rips through this blasted hill, as the mist around you parts to reveal a sight that makes you wish you hadn't gotten up.

Floating out of the fog is a gaggle of at least ten Bombs, all bobbing and weaving angrily through the air like a swarm of giant, explosive bees. You scramble to your Exemplar's side, as he lifts his bladed staff to the heavens. In response, you raise your own weapon, an axe of considerable size, and concentrate. The fog swirls around your superior's weapon as he calls upon the mystic arts known only to the Judges:

"Beings who know neither law nor loyalty, it falls to me to end your pitiful existences. Know that I take no pleasure in this. Ars Magistus Exos!"

At once, your commanding officer is a blur of activity, tracing arcane symbols in the air and invoking his personal link to the Mist. You almost charge, to buy him enough time, but his powerful voice stops you before you even begin.

"I will not have any more losses within my ranks. It would be a disservice to your comrades' memories. Let our fallen brothers tend to the offal. You will accompany me to the objective."

The ground rumbles and the Bombs freeze in the air, their attention turning to the source of the seismic activity. From somewhere behind you, two massive, hulking armors emerge from the fog, each emitting its own cloud of glowing, volatile Mist. Their presence still chills you to the very bone-- Judge Exors, the spirits of fallen Judges bound to massive suits of armor. Your Exemplar dashes from the scene, his armor barely making a sound despite its weight, and you do the same. You consider asking for a briefing, though you do not wish to overstep your bounds.

>>13167494
Assuming we have an option here, ask him what he requires of us as we move.

I guess we go the squire route, watch our commander's flanks and whack anything closing on him

>>13167494
shit just got real.

>>13167524
Seconding.
Also, keep our axe at the ready. I am assuming we are not as qualified with Mist-skills as our Exemplar, thus we always buy him time to make the choice.

freedom of making decisions pertaining on what to do, or relevant to the plot ftw

>>13167524
>>13167532

Rounding an embankment, the Exemplar pauses for a moment, scanning the horizon through the haze. He addresses your question with a cursory glance, pausing only for a moment to even regard your presence. He speaks as though this is a routine procedure.

"The objective is a criminal of moderate renown, a Nu Mou summoner who made a pact with an Avatar of much more considerable power. You saw his toys back there, those damnable Bombs. We may very well be the last Judges in the area. We are to confront the criminal and, after assessing his involvement with the Avatar, judge him accordingly. Exodus knows he will be found guilty."

You nod, closing your visor once again. The Exemplar turns to you, readying his weapon. "Inquisitor intel places the mark just beyond that hill. There's supposedly a cave system that extends back into the mountains, we need to get to the mark before he can escape into those tunnels. Is that clear, soldier?"

You muster your best "Yes, Sir!!" before resuming your mad dash through the fog. More than once you are met with a stray Bomb or the occasional goblin, but your axe and your superior's magic ensure you are both unharmed. You both soon come upon the entrance to the cave, from which emanates an intense heat. Your Exemplar turns to you; though you had not served with this particular Judge before, his tone is level and even, an admirable quality in a profession laden down with inherited offices and rampant elitism.

"All right, my brother, it's the two of us against a summoner, an Avatar, and whatever else he has cooking in there. As an Armitos, I know you are more familiar with the front lines of battle. What would be your best course of action?"

Fuck going in. We'll be playing on his home ground, and no doubt he knows the terrain far better than we do. We'll get separated, and then we'll get dead.

Personally, I would try to see if I could get my hands on some of those Bombs and smoke him out. But that's just me.

>>13167686
"you create a diversion, since you have a larger repitoire of magic...I will go straight for the summoner. I have enough magic left for a reflectaga spell...after that, my axe will find his head"

>>13167686
Surmise what we can. We've seen the bombs, it's clear he's able to summon aid. It's likely he has a protective bodyguard of summons or adjutants. The best way to guarantee success is to get close before they can see us. If there are any targets of opportunity, like a large group clustered in one place, taking them out will help our odds of success. If we're caught, we may have to either fall back and trap the escape tunnels or suicide charge the Nu Mou to ensure we get him.

>>13167717
And if he sees us coming and casts a spell, just reflect and BAM, he's softened up for a good beating! I second this manuver.

Law Card Summoning
Purge magic
Charge, few things can trump a Judge in direct combat

>>13167717
>>13167748
We're here on business, but we're still Judges. Assuming we do care about the Law, we should be trying to subdue before we kill.
Also, having thought about it, maybe scaring him out of his element would be best. Force him to retreat into an ambush. If we're lucky, he'll leave his guard behind thinking his front is clear.

Whether through Card or magic, put Exemplar on the task of diversion or holding back Bombs and Avatar. We go for Summoner right away. Then when the Nu Mou is at low health or whatever, tell him to surrender and desummon or accept execution on the spot.

>>13167711
>>13167717
>>13167728
>>13167748
>>13167760
>>13167777
>>13167799

You call upon your meager magical abilities and erect a paling around yourself and the Exemplar, rendering you both immune to run-of-the-mill spells for the time being. Steeling your resolve, the two of you slowly advance into the cave, weapons at the ready.

Surprisingly, there is a distinct lack of active Bombs within the hollow, though their blackened shells do occasionally clutter the dark passage; perhaps the summoner feared a cave-in? Undaunted, the two of you press on, aware of the ever-growing heat within the confined space. Eventually, you reach a large chamber, at the middle of which sits the Nu Mou. He is in meditation, clutching a large orange jewel. Around him are the bodies of what you assume to have been his companions; charred and smoldering corpses are all they are now. The smell of burning flesh is still strong, and the Exemplar curses under his breath.

"It's worse than we thought. The summoner is using his connection to the Mist to bring the avatar fully into the physical plane-- He'll melt this mountain from the inside out. Our only recourse is execution. I am hereby designating the immediate are as a final execution zone."

With that, the exemplar produces a card from his belt, one that is seldom seen outside of the darkest corners of Death Row: a Final Judgement, unlocking the full lethality of the Judges and their kin. Still, something doesn't sit right with you. You look again at the Nu Mou and wonder why he hasn't fled; It seems almost as though he were rooted to the spot.

>>13167929
"Wait. He's not moving." Try to analyze the situation first.

>>13167929
Look around the room, specifically the corners and roof.
Then advance slowly and carefully.

Seems like some protection field/creature for the summoning. Try throwing something near him

>>13167929
While we are here to dispense justice Judge Dredd style, keep some distance, and watch your Superior's fireworks. It looks like he has this handled.

>>13167929
We are the sacrifice, or perhaps he's waiting for us to use our trump card.

>>13167929
"Why would he kill his own guardians rather than send them against us?"

>>13168018
Bombs tend to explode unpredictably. That is not something you want if your hide out is a cave.

>>13167929
Take a closer look at the bodies. How are they arrayed? Are there signs that they may have died fighting?

>>13167955
This doesn't seem right. He isnt moving. He isnt sending anything against us. What if.....what if he isn't doing this of his own voilition? It looks to as if he is literally STUCK to the spot, as if something is holding him. I don't think it may be HIM that is doing this, but the Avatar. If we can take out that crystal, we may be able to disrupt whatever is going on. If that doesnt work, we may just have to kill him. A pity, really.

>>13167955
>>13167964
>>13167985
>>13167990
>>13168001
>>13168018

You survey the scene yet again, noting scorch marks on the walls and ceiling of the chamber. It couldn't have been an explosion; that would have weakened the structure of the cave to the point of collapse. The Exemplar echoes your concerns: "Why kill his own henchmen? If anything he could have had them buy him some time while he escaped." Stooping quickly, you grab a stone from the ground and hurl it towards the motionless summoner. The rock clatters to a halt just feet from the edge of his robes, and then all is silence once again.

"It appears there are no magic barriers in place, but I suggest caution regardless. Let us judge him swiftly and cleanly and be done with it."

You straighten, hefting your axe up on your shoulder, and slowly advance towards the Nu Mou. Your Exemplar is less than two feet behind you, his staff at the ready. He begins the pre-execution rite.

"Summoner, you have been found guilty of numerous counts of murder, numerous counts of manufacture and distribution of illegal magical items, evasion of the Law, one count of theft, and one count of conspiring to summon a dangerous Totema-class entity. The punishment for these crimes is death by our blades. How do you plead?"

For a few moments, all is silence. Then, without warning, the Nu Mou's eyes snap open, revealing two burning orange orbs in place of eyes. His voice is as from the bottom of a deep well, and full of excruciating pain.

"H...help... me..."

>>13168125

1. Dispel dat shit.

2. If one doesn't work, brace for impact.

3. By which i mean either Protect/Shell, or teleport the hell out of there.

>>13168125
Welp, looks like we got a case of possesion here. Wonder if breaking that crystal will free him? If we cant free him from whatever this is, we will have to give him a merciful death. But still keep on your toes, as we don't know what may happen next.

>>13168125
Oh shit.
Smack him as hard as you can with the flat of the axe. Try to bring him down 1: alive and 2: quickly.

Do we have a spell to force a response out? If he can give us a clue to solving the situation, we should take his experience on it.

>>13168125
Knock the fuck unconscious. We can judge him later. If that doesn't work, go with Questan Plan B: Break Dat Shit, Yo

>>13168154
>>13168155
>>13168162

You grip your axe as the Nu Mou struggles against some unseen force, still rooted to the spot. Your Exemplar levels his staff, bladed end forward, at the summoner's throat.

"Coward, begging for mercy after killing so many... I will find no despair in your death."

Shocked, you start forward, suggesting that perhaps the puppet master has become the puppet, so to speak. The Exemplar does not waver, but turns his visored face towards you. You can tell, even through his armor, that he is wearing a look of utmost disgust.

"You would make excuses for the life of a criminal? I had thought you a better man, soldier. This poor bastard may not be in control of his actions now, but he is still accountable for what he has perpetrated before. And the punishment for those actions. Is. Death."

Before you can react, a blinding flash emanates from the jewel in the summoner's grasp, engulfing the entire chamber in heat and light. When your vision clears, you find yourself face-to-face with a massive beast. Its skin is like roiling lava, and two massive, twisted horns jut from its skull, which sports a fiery, crackling mane. It levels its glowing gaze at you and speaks, its voice like an erupting volcano.

"FOOL. THE 'LAW' IS A CONSTRUCT OF MORTALS, WHICH I AM NO LONGER. LEAVE THE AFFAIRS OF THE GODS BE, LEST I CHAR THE MEAT FROM YOUR FRAGILE BONES."

>>13168266
"And you are among Mortals here, esper."
The time to fuck around is over. Commence to the asskicking.

>>13168266

If we have ice magic, slap that shit down.

If not, acquaint it with the bizniss end of your mighty axe.

>>13168266
Too late. But our thought is not to spare the summoner, but to spare the world of a hardship that a rogue Avatar (or Esper, or Guardian, or whatever) could bring. If we could bring the summoner in chains first, is that not the ideal?

But for now, hack off that Avatar's immaterial hamstring first with our magicked axe blade!

>>13168266
I AM THE LAW

show it how we mortals keep the peace
>Government Gareer
You've got the right idea, Captcha

>>13168286
>>13168302
>>13168338
>>13168349

Very well then, perhaps saving this doomed soul is going to involve more killing than you had hoped. Your axe glows with mystical energies as you call upon your abilities as a Judge Armitos, the class of Judge most apt at close combat. The beast howls, its voice shaking the cave walls and unleashing a wave of heat so intense that you almost falter. The howl is cut short, however, by mystic bolts of water that impact the monstrosity at several points, sending it back to the cave floor. The Exemplar stands at the far end of the cave, staff held high, raining cold fury upon the fiery demon. You take the opportunity and charge, answering the beast's pained howls with your own. As you raise your axe high, you make the final verdict.

"You have been judged guilty. May Exodus judge you fairly in the next life."

>FINAL JUDGMENT: GUILTY

>>13168519

Your axe comes down almost faster than the eye can see, enhanced by magic and meeting the stone floor with a clarion ring. The beast is cleaved neatly in two, fading back into the ether and leaving the similarly cloven and charred remains of the summoner behind. The large orange gem rolls towards the cave entrance. You stoop to follow it, but the Exemplar's boot beats you to it, and he turns to face you.

"Excellent work, soldier. You hesitated only for a moment, but you performed your duty admirably in the end. I will be sure to report that to the Arch-Judge."

You straighten and salute, and almost start forward, but the bladed staff pointed at your helmet stops you cold. You feel the blood drain from your face as the Exemplar continues, his voice becoming icy as he deposits the gem in his satchel.

"...I will be sure to paint you as a hero, of that you can be certain. The sole survivor of the Fifth squad, noble to the end. It is a shame that you succumbed to the effects of Ifrit's Topaz after completing your duty, and it is with great sadness that I will report that I had to grant you a merciful death. Alas, such things happen in war, but you will surely join the Ur-Judge in the afterlife. Farewell, my brother."

A flash, the feeling of cold steel, and silence. The symphony of War continues.

>>13168525
AH FUCK

>>13168525
Well, fuck.

rolled 44 = 44

>>13168525
Oh sweet sonofabitch If that judge lives through this WE WILL RECRUIT HIM!!!

>>13168525

That motherfucker. Oh well.

http://www.sadtuba.com/

GODDAMNSONOFABITCH
Anyone smelling that napalm in the air?

>>13168525
>>13167494
If he is dead, then we call upon his Judge Exors' entity! And also that Ifriit to combo this corrupt Exemplar together!

Now back to our scheduled Viera Quest...

>>13168557
>>13168564
>>13168571
>... And with that I think it's best we call it. This was an experimental thing for me, a quest-within-a-quest (inception.rar) to establish some backstory and kind of point us in the direction of plot development. A couple things I'd like to include in the next few installments required a bit of setup, which this accomplished. Sorry if it got to be more like story time than CYOA, but I'm getting back into the swing of things, mostly. Seems like most of the other posters saw no Viera and NOPE'd. Ah well, I'll be sure to deliver in the next thread. As usual, vote for the thread on sup/tg/ if you deem it worthy, and thanks for questing. As usual, I'd like to open up for suggestions and comments, as I do use user input to improve my writing.

rolled 70 = 70

>>13168696
If the judge is dead I shall fully agree with your planed course of action. On the off chance that he is alive we should do what I said and recruit him as having a judge with us will help us when it comes time to take down this vile Exemplar.

>>13168744
What kind of schedule are you thinking of running the Quest for?

>>13168744
Hey, I had fun. And I'm damn glad to see this quest back up and running, I missed it.

>>13168744
The thing that gets me with Viera quest is I don't know the FF tactics games so I don't know much of what can be done in combat or much about the setting. I sort of gained some insight during the tournament but then you did this mini quest and I had k no idea what was happening again, so for most of it I just sat passive and hoped the others knew what they were doing.

>>13168809
Pick up a GBA emulator and a rom of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. FF12 has moar Viera. Other than that, I'd plain suggest trying to find the time for the classics, as they're worth playing.

>>13168777
>It's going to be based around my work schedule, so it's probably going to change week to week. I'll probably have a thread once or twice a week, possibly more once the holidays are over. I have a serious problem with boredom and I doubt I could run a sixty plus part quest like GiantQuest to completion. I'll do my best, though. I like writing.

>>13168809
>I understand, and believe it or not I've only played the Advance games to completion. Most of my information comes from wikis and the FFXII strategy guide, or is made up (like the Judge class system) on the spot. I'll do my best not to make it to inaccessible, but with me you can assume that a pipe IS just a pipe, and I do try to explain obscure concepts or techniques at least once in-world.

>>13168869
What he means is that post whatever you think could be possible, or at least wish to attempt, and he'll write results.

Fuck the system. I've never gotten my head wrapped around any of the FF systems, I just played.

>>13168519
DOST THOU DESIRE THE POWER?!!