[a / b / c / d / e / f / g / gif / h / hr / k / m / o / p / r / s / t / u / v / vg / w / wg] [i / ic] [r9k] [cm / hm / y] [3 / adv / an / cgl / ck / co / diy / fa / fit / hc / int / jp / lit / mlp / mu / n / po / pol / sci / soc / sp / tg / toy / trv / tv / vp / x] [rs] [status / ? / @] [Settings] [Home]
Board:  
Settings   Home
4chan
/tg/ - Traditional Games


File: 1363300699086.jpg-(109 KB, 800x688, Ssen.jpg)
109 KB
109 KB JPG
You are Ssen, a Lamia raised by a human Paladin who adopted you after killing the ones who birthed you. You are grown now, and Father has passed on. You have decided to see the world, and possibly become a Paladin like your Father. Accompanied by your best friend from childhood, the insect druid Tricia; Mage, a magic user who ran away from his family of cannibal raiders known as the Ghouls (Yes, his name is Mage. It was his idea); Persephone, a 22-year old thief, and Mary, a 13-year old prodigy scholar, who have both their minds trapped within Peri's body; and Lea, a musician/martial artist, trained by her father, the premiere trainer of Pit fighters, she's covered from her mouth down in bandages to hide the horrific state her body has become thanks to the 'cures' that saved her from cancer.

The journey has been...interesting.
>>
File: 1363300751329.jpg-(79 KB, 541x900, Tricia.jpg)
79 KB
79 KB JPG
Most recently, you six have saved the desert city of Purple Sands by killing another Insect Druid. She had planned to unleash a massive horde of corpse eating hornets upon the city, but you stopped her.

Now, thanks to the PR of Isen the Audacious, a fellow adventurer (And a sleazy, over-sexed, egomaniac, pain-in-the-ass.) all of Purple Sands are singing your praises. They're calling you the 'Savior of the Sands' and your group of people are now known as the 'Beautiful Nightmares.'

You remember when you were young, Father would tell you about his adventures. Once he saved a city from an actual dragon, one of the last ones, and the people threw him and his friends a parade. Father said that he had hated every moment of it, that he wanted nothing for but for another dragon to show up to rescue him from it. You laughed, and thought he was joking.

He wasn't joking. This is agony given loud, noisy, confetti filled, form. You can barely move, everyone is throwing things in your face, and you can't stop waving and smiling. The others look like their in pain too.

On the other side, Isen the Audacious and Tara, the arena fighting Minotaur girl are loving every moment of this. Somehow that makes it even worse.
>>
>>23687460
The capper is that you see some little girls wrapping their legs together in green streamers, or green string. Are they trying to look like you? You glance up to the sky. You just know that Father is watching, and is laughing his head off...bastard.

Finally, the parade mercifully ends, and you are taken to the Mayor's manor for a feast. Mage tucks into the vegetables with a savagery that hints at his upbringing. Tricia goes straight for the sweets and never looks black. Peri/Mari argue with themselves over the pork or the beef. You help yourself to a nice rare steak, a little pork, some of the lamb shank, and half a chicken. It's been a while since you ate so well, and had such options.

People are asking lots of questions, but that ego maniac, Isen is answering all of them. He's taking the credit for finding you all, that he taught you all his secrets of battle, and he gushes on and on about your group's devotion to His Light, or your 'exotic beauty,' or some other virtue you're not quite sure that you have. Always he brings it back to himself, to make him look good. He occasionally complements Tara too.

Still, if the high-ups talk to Isen, that leaves you free to eat. That's fine with you. If he says anything too stupid, you'll just crush one of his limbs with your tail. Just one though, the guy did do you a solid.
>>
>>23687472
You're taken to your rooms in the Manor. You stare at the very luxurious bed, you've never seen opulence like this. The feeling of the silky sheets against your scales is heavenly though. You seriously might consider stealing these.

There's a knock on your door.

"Ssen?" A voice asks. It's Tara, the minotaur girl. "Are you in there? Can we talk?"

The last time you two 'talked,' she almost broke your jaw with one punch. Though, she was drunk at the time, and now she sounds sober.
>>
>>23687480
May as well give her a chance, hopefully it won't end in a brawl this time.
>>
>>23687480
Might as well see what she wants.
>>
>>23687648
You open the door. She's standing there. She's sober. Also she's not dressed in that ridiculous leather bikini she wore for her pit fights. It's clothes over a light chain armor that looks actually useful. You can see the surgical scars on her face clearly now that you know what they are. There's no question, she had someone hack and rearrange her face rather extensively in order to look more attractive, more human. You can see where her skin is stretched tight. There's no way that can't hurt.

"May I come in?" She asks. "I wanted to, you know, like, you know, apologize."
>>
>>23687729
"Come on in then.", swing open the door and allow her in.
>>
>>23687813
"Come on in then." You say, swinging open the door and allow her in.

"Thanks." She exhales. "So...I'm sorry." She says. She sort of stands there for a moment look at you. "You know...for hitting you." She fidgets a little. "Look, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now. Isen said I had to, umm, do this before we took off...so, is that like...it?" She asks. "Or am I supposed to, like, let you hit me now? Is that how it works?"
>>
>>23687859
"Yes, we get one free hit."
>>
>>23687859
"I'm not going to hit you, but let me ask you, are you really sorry, or are you here because Isen told you to come?"
>>
>>23687859
"I won't hit you, I can tell you're really sorry thats enough for me. and beside you were dead drunk at the time. so where will you go next?"
>>
>>23687859
>>23687924
this, but before ask if she is really sorry, and if so just give her a little pat on the cheek.
>>
>>23687924
>>23687941
>>23687944
"Yes, we get one free hit." You say. Tara nods, and takes a deep breath. You swing your fist at her face, Tara finches as you stop just centimeters away. You chuckle a little. "I'm not going to hit you, but let me ask you, are you really sorry, or are you here because Isen told you to come?" You ask.

Tara shrugs. "I dunno, maybe both. Isen fired the sellswords he was, um, with, and wants me to hang with him. Says that helping fix Purple Sands'll be, like, boring, and he wants to go have fun...with me. No one's really asked me to come along with them, not unless it was like just for sex or stuff. Isen said that I didn't have to, um, sleep with him unless I wanted to. But I had to, like, do this first." She sighs. "But also, you're...you're like the coolest person I ever met. You're a monster like me, but you're pretty, smart, and...just awesome. You're the Savior of the Sands now, with a kickass team name too. So, I don't want you to think I'm just a dumb drunk cow. Does that make sense?"
>>
>>23688072
Yes it does Tara. So you are forgiven and if you'd like I wouldn't mnd calling you a friend as well.
>>
>>23688072
"Maybe our first meeting wasn't the best, but I don't think of you like that. Apology accepted."

Hold out a hand for a handshake.
>>
>>23688072
"That makes perfect sense to me. I would not want everyone thinking I was some pet to be toyed with, as people seem to do with Nagas around here."

"You are forgiven, and I think we could be friends."
>>
>>23688072
"I understand, though I'm really not that awesome. Why don't we just put all this behind us?" Hold out hand to shake.
>>
>>23688103
"Yes it does Tara. So you are forgiven and if you'd like I wouldn't mnd calling you a friend as well." You say, extending your hand.

Tara responds by hugging you, very VERY tightly. You can almost hear your ribs crack.

"Thanks, cause my head was really all confused and stuff." She says stepping back. She's still holding your hands. "I'd like to be friends too."

"So, where are you and Isen going next?" You ask, if for no other reason than to make sure that you are NOT going there.

"I dunno...Grand Citadel maybe? Isen said he has family there...I'd like to see Stone Hall though. See the ocean. They say it's REALLY blue." Tara says. She gives you another hug. It's not as tight as the first, and she seems to let it linger for a moment. You have the sneaking suspicion that you're her first friend that wasn't based around fighting or sex.

"Okay, I gotta go!" Tara says. "Next time though, you and me are wrestling for real and I'm gonna whip your long scaly ass, you hear me?"
>>
>>23688228
"We'll see, good luck Tara."
>>
>>23688228
Ill look forward to it.
>>
>>23688228
"You got it! Just dont bet on winning that match."
>>
>>23688228
"Good luck with that, I crush people to death in fights"
>>
>>23688252
"We'll see, good luck Tara. I'll look forward to it, but don't bet on winning that match." You warn.

Tara leaves, and you collapse into silken sheet heaven.

You dream.

"What. Happened?" The robed person wearing a mask of Comedy asks.

"The scenario resolved itself earlier than intended." The robed person with the mask of a person in Rage says. "I stated that this was a possibility."

"A REMOTE possibility." The one wearing the mask of Tragedy says. "It was Our Fifth, wasn't it?"

Rage says nothing.

"Wasn't it?" Comedy asks.

"Yes." Rage says. "He has...I do not know what they are. They are...new." He almost whispers the last word.

"This is disruptive." Comedy says. "There is no uniting incident. The pieces are still disparate. This is what HAS happened before, this should be what IS."

"But it is not." Rage says.

The fourth member is wearing the mask of a person who is at Peace. They are watching a campfire from a distance. There is the boy, there is the girl, there is the muscle man, the smart woman, and the traitor-to-be. They are fighting with each other. They shut down, walk away, or come to blows. That is fine. This IS how it IS. Only, now there is no place to gain unity, no threat to find and quash. A small challenge that will prepare them for later.

Of course, there is a simple solution.

"Create a new scenario." Peace says.

"That will take time." Rage says. "Purple Sands was designed to have the minimum of casualties, and be easily contained. Give me a month and I'll be able to cre-"

"No. Do it sooner. Use the Ghouls, there." He points at the lights of a far away city.

"What? How?" Rage asks.

"Use ALL of them." Peace says.

"Oh, that sounds amazing." Comedy says.

"Inspired. That will be a perfect solution." Tragedy says.

(More coming)
>>
>>23688608
"But...but...but the casualties! The chaos! What happens should the scenario become unstable to control?" Rage protests.

Peace turns to look at Rage. Peace says nothing.

Rage hangs their head. "All of them...yes, it will be done."

Peace turns back to watching the group. "This is what IS. The Lightbringers will be made...properly." Peace says.

A shift.

"I give up." A voice says. It's the man in a mask of a person with a neutral expression and a color pattern, every time you look away or blink it changes. "I think all I must do is show you A way...and you go the other." He laughs. He gently wraps the necklace that Tara was wearing in a piece of royal blue velvet before he slips it into a pocket of his robe. "Beautiful Nightmares...the Fool indeed...treasure Your Nightmare."

A shift.

The smell of leather, and wood polish that you know. A hug that you return with a squeeze that you perfected.

"Amazing, girl. But this isn't the hard part, yet."

A shift. Sleep of wild dreams, of legs, scales, and wings all jumbled up, of forests and cities together, of running and hunting, of touches and caresses.

Then you shift your body, and feel the sun on your face coming in from the window.
>>
>>23688727
There's a knock on the door. "Hey, Sleepy Snake!" It's Tricia. "Wake up, we're off to see the wizards, plus Lea says we have to help fix the place up. She says if we don't she'll kick us in the head."
>>
>>23688756
(Done)
>>
right get up, get dressed, and lets get the day started. First the wizards then I have no objections to helping these people repair the damages done.
>>
>>23688756
You hug that girl this instant. You've been through a lot these past few days
>>
>>23688756
Well then, get up, get dressed and such, then go see the wizards, and come back to help repair the damages afterwards.
>>
>>23688797
"Fine, fine." You mumble as you get up and get dressed and wash your face.

Tricia hands you a piece of fruit and beckons you to follow. You notice that she's kept the amber hand sickle that she took off the Wasp Witch-Queen. Also, she's changed her dress a bit. It's the same clothing style she usually wears, but there's a new chain shirt under it. The clothes are newer, and you're not sure but the shade of red and green are different.

Mage, Peri/Mari, and Lea are waiting for you. They've also had wardrobe upgrades. Lea still has her leather combat gar under her bandages, but the robes and shorts she wears are now white, and have little red and green stitching along the hems.

Peri/Mari's dark leathers have changed from charcoal blacks and greys to a very very dark, near brown, red, and a very dark, near black, green. She's also sporting a small one-handed crossbow at her hip.

Mage is wearing green robes with a red trim. He looks non-plussed.

"Gifts from the city." Tricia says. "Well, more like they gave us money, and Lea and I went shopping with it early morning. Here," She hands you a new set of armor. It's better than the one you have on. Also is has some leather work inlays along the edges, a simple pattern of swirls. Then it hits you.

The red and green all slightly match the red of your hair and the green of your scales.

"I look like a solstice celebration tree." Mage mutters.

"You like it?" Lea asks.
>>
>>23688966
"Like it? I Love it!"
>>
>>23688966

It's well-crafted, no question about that... but I'd still like to keep father's armor around.
>>
You guys sure about this? Its one thing to journey together. Its another to form a group like we are doing.

Also the colour scheme is a tad... I dunno, Isenish? Self-centered?
>>
>>23689017
"Like it? I Love it!" You say smiling. You look at the armor and frown. "It's well-crafted, no question about that... but I'd still like to keep father's armor around."

Tricia nods. "Yeah, but it needs a repair job. You wear this today, and I'll send your original stuff to the place where I got this done. They'll fix it up, and add in the little extra touches." She huffs. "You know, at a certain point it needs to become YOUR armor, you know."
>>
>>23688966
"It looks great."
>>
>>23689031
of course we keep fathers armor, but now we dont have to risk it being damaged in a battle

>>23689054
we are already a group, this just makes it a bit more official
>>
>>23689054
"You guys sure about this? Its one thing to journey together. Its another to form a group like we are doing." You say. "Also the colour scheme is a tad...I dunno, Isenish? Self-centered?"

"A little late for us to bail, don't you think?" Peri says.

"Also, there are multiple advantages to appearing as a united whole. Larger forces have surrendered to smaller ones due to reputation and the appearance of cohesion by way of uniform dress." Mari says.

"I got outvoted!" Mage says.
>>
>>23689067
"I... I suppose it does. That doesn't make it any easier to think if it that way though."
>>
>>23689096

I think we're pretty recognizable without the whole color scheme going on. Except maybe you, Peri and Mari. But I guess it wouldn't hurt. Certainly beats getting glared at and having every single disaster being blamed on us.
>>
>>23689100
You look at the new armor in one hand, and then you take father's armor out of your pack. You sigh and put on the new armor and hand Tricia the armor you made with Father. "I... I suppose you're right. That doesn't make it any easier to think if it that way though."

"I know," Tricia says. "But trust me, you'll appreciate not being cut up so often."

"Can we please just go to the mages now?" Mage says, shaking the chain that has him shackled to his staff.

"Aww, I wanted to show Ssen!" Mari says.

Mage groans and motions for the pair to proceed.

"Alright, I was trying to teach the brat how to swordfight last night. She's hopeless." Peri says.

"Hey!" Mari says.

"You are. Anyway, she got a hand on my old collapsable crossbow. I normally don't use it."

"Because she can't hit the broadside of a barn."

"Hey!"

"You can't...but..." Mari takes the crossbow and aims at a flower pot across the manor's plaza. She fires.

She doesn't hit the vase.

She places a bolt dead center into one of the roses, cleanly taking it off the stem and pinning it to the wall. That's a great shot...you can't make that shot.

"Kid's a deadeye." Peri says. "She needs some combat practice, but now she isn't dead weight."

"Is that okay Ssen? I know you're usually the one shooting arrows, is it okay that I help?"
>>
>>23689185
Of course thats fine. In fact it looks like I could use some more training.
>>
>>23689185
"That's some impressive shooting, Mari, I'm not going to turn down extra help."
>>
(speaking of training is there a level-up or skill increase system in place? Or are we are always going to be stuck with 15+ on the dice rolls?)
>>
>>23689226
(Basics are now: +13 for attack, +11 for Mage's spells, +15 for Peri's second slice. Enemies hit at +16, Five hits before down.)
>>
>>23689281
(all good to know ty)
>>
>>23689185
'It's good to have multiple people with similar skills. That way if for some reason one can't do it, someone else can."
>>
>>23689213
"That's some impressive shooting, Mari, I'm not going to turn down extra help." You say.

Mari looks like you just told her she was going to get a pony for her birthday.

"Okay, NOW we can go?" Mage asks.

"Fine." Tricia says as you all head out. "You know you really are crabby, Mage."

"I'm just anxious to get this thing off." Mage says. "Aren't you two eager to not be sharing anymore?"

Peri/Mari shrug. "The kid isn't too bad, plus...when she goes to 'sleep' my legs don't work as good as they do."

"Also, my body's back in White Tree in a Conclave ice box." Mari says. "We talked about this, and we figure to take it slow until we're sure we can get back to normal, without hurting the other."

"That's mature of you." Lea says. "I'm glad you're a good influence on Peri, she needs to be more of an adult."

"Hey!" Peri says. "I'm plenty adult!"

"I had Mari return that money you pickpocketed off of the mayor." Lea says.

"That was my money!" Peri says.

"No it wasn't."

"Well, when you gave it BACK it was!"

This bickering goes on for a while as you walk through town to the tall building with the ornate carvings all around it. The head of the Staves Guild. The First Circle. The Prime Library. You knock on the door.

"One moment..." The door speaks back to you. "We of the Staves Guild are thankful for the cessation of the incident, but now we are currently undoing our protective wards and spells that shield us from the outside world. We appreciate your patience. Please wait, one of our acolytes will be with you shortly."

"Well, that explains why they didn't fight." Tricia says. "They were covering their own asses and hiding."
>>
>>23689424
A few minutes later the door opens. A young man in a sky blue robe is there. He looks about Mage's age.

"H-hello. Welcome t-to the St-taves Guild. What b-brings you b-before us...oh wait no...shit...I m-mean Who b-be-est th-thou?"
>>
>>23689457
I am SSen, along with Mage and Tricia, and a few more companions, Peri/Mari and Lea who joined us recently."

"You should have received word that we would be coming from Overseer Trivalon."
>>
>>23689625
(I just realized that I'm a dumbass who forgot to post the earlier threads

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23602868

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23647709

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23665674

Okay.)
>>
>>23689704
(np, only took a minute or so to find the overseers name.)
>>
>>23689625
"I am Ssen, along with Mage and Tricia, and a few more companions, Peri/Mari, and Lea who joined us recently." You say. "You should have received word that we would be coming from Overseer Trivalon." You hold out the letter of introduction from the White Tree Conclave.

"Holy shit, you're t-the B-beautiful Night-tm-mares!" He goggles at you all. "T-t-they said you were all hot, but d-damn." He remembers himself and grabs the letter and shuts the door.

Lea's blushing bright red and looking away. You can tell she's reacting to someone suggesting that she's pretty.

The door opens again. "Fuck, I keep screwing t-this up. Old b-bastards know I've never d-done t-this." He clears his through. "What b-brings you b-before us? We t-the k-keepers of m-magic? What t-tri...okat screw t-this and screw t-them. Come in." He opens the door. "T-the old m-men are all t-trapped upst-tairs. Idiots can't undo the d-defenseive spell y-yet. You saved the city t-too fast." He chuckles.
>>
>>23689791
There's a bunch of young men, and a few boys, all in sky blue robes just standing around what you assume is supposed to be an impressive hall filled with alcoves holding glowing crystals, and mirrors with swirling colors in them. The look of confusion on everyone's face and the two kids holding a ladder while another one tries to chisel a hole in the ceiling make it lose some of the grandeur.
>>
>>23689823
ah, wizard hijinks. I love 'em.

Anyway, so I guess we have to wait for the skilled wizards to get out of there for any kind of real consultation. Can we schmooze around without peri stealing priceless magic?
>>
>>23689823
Mage do you think you could give these guys a hand? Try not to bring the entire roof down though.
>>
>>23689823
"I think I'm making progress!" The guy with the chisel says.

"My arms are getting tired!" One of the boys says. "Can't we make the girls do this?"

"If YOU want to try and get them out of the kitchen, away from their coffee, and stop gossiping, you're WELCOME to it." The other one holding the ladder snaps.

"Okay, okay." He mutters.

"You can s-see, we're k-kind of short-t-handed at t-the m-moment." The doorman says.
>>
>>23689873
"Mage do you think you could give these guys a hand? Try not to bring the entire roof down though."

The doorman shakes his head. "Whole p-place is warded ag-gainst m-magic on struct-tual p-parts. D-don't want p-place falling d-down on us after a m-mistake."
>>
>>23689908
Not to be rude but... are we making you nervous, or is you stutter normal?
>>
>>23689908
"Let me guess," Peri says, talking to another apprentice. "They took all the fun toys upstairs with them when they left you to rot, didn't they?"

The apprentice nods.

"Perfect...which was was that coffee again?" Peri asks.

The apprentice points down a flight of stairs.

"Thank you." Mari says. "The rest of you want a cup too?"
>>
>>23689938
"Sure I will take a cup, we might as well, as I doubt the ward will be down anytime soon."
>>
>>23689937
He looks away ashamed. It's normal.

"So, how long until the magic wears down from upstairs?" Tricia asks.

"Maybe two, three days? Since they don't have to continuously renew it, if we were in a siege, then it'll come down sooner...but unless we can break though the wall...yeah two or three days."
>>
>>23689963
"Sure I will take a cup, we might as well." You and the group leave the boys and head downstairs.

There's about six girls sitting around a table. They're dressed in sky blue, but their robes are...differently cut. They're chatting with each other quietly. There's a large pot of coffee on a stove.

One of the girls looks up at you, then back down, and then snaps back up. "A lamia!" She gasps.

The others all turn to look, their faces go from panic, to recognition, to awe.

"Are you the Savior of the Sands?" One of the witches asks.
>>
>>23690039
Ask them why they're sitting around while there's useful things to be done.
>>
I suppose. Really though it was a group effort and without the people defending the walls it would have been for naught.
>>
>>23690039
"...yes?"

remember we arent used to positive attention.
>>
>>23690039
SaviorS. With an S.
>>
>>23690039

My friends and I disposed of the insane insect-druid who was threatening the city, if that's what you mean.
>>
>>23690051
>>23690068
Voting for these.
>>
>>23690053
"I suppose. Really though it was a group effort, and without the people defending the walls it would have been for naught." You say.

"Wow." The witch says. A few of the witches start whispering to each other and pointing at you and at different parts of your body.

"Why are you just sitting around while there's useful things to be done?" You ask.

"You mean, like trying to crack open the roof?" The witch smirks. "That's two feet of solid stone. Also, it's nice to have a few days off from the old men pinching our asses or the old hags giving us nasty glares." She sighs and points at a pile of books on the table. "Plus we were looking up information on dispels all morning. We're just taking a break."

"You mind if we look through these?" Mage asks.

"Knock yourselves out." The witch says. "There's not much there, we've got history, mythology, and some biology. The real spellbooks are sealed upstairs."
>>
I take it Lamia biology is covered in there too.
>>
>>23690158
Good point. Lets take a look.

[spoilers]How the FUCK do we mate, anyway?[/spoilers]
>>
>>23690192
We lay a clutch of eggs, which then hatch into dozens of maggots. The maggots proceed to eat each other until only one remains, and that one turns into a baby lamia.
>>
>>23690158
Father never told you anything, so while the others are digging through the other books you go for the biology and Lamias.

Roll 1d10
>>
Rolled 3

>>23690214
>>
Rolled 3

>>23690207
Damn, really?
Isen must never know.
>>23690214
rollan
>>
Rolled 3

>>23690214
>>
Rolled 5

>>23690214 rollin
>>
Rolled 9

>>23690207
No no no that's how we are BORN.

>>23690214
Chaison de Rollan
>>
File: 1363311708775.jpg-(34 KB, 500x667, 1356076831306.jpg)
34 KB
34 KB JPG
>>23690221
>>23690228
>>23690233
Huh.
>>
>>23690207
this isn't Psion Quest.
>>
File: 1363311789392.png-(193 KB, 640x400, 1361997139649.png)
193 KB
193 KB PNG
Rolled 6

>>23690247
>/tg/ dice seed
>>
welp since that failed we could ask the girls pointing out body parts. I bet they started looking into Lamia's once news of our victory spread.
>>
File: 1363312034510.gif-(Spoiler Image, 2.56 MB, 410x307)
Spoiler Image, 2.56 MB
2.56 MB GIF
>>23690221
>>23690228
>>23690233
We reproduce by holding hands!
>>
File: 1363312092725.gif-(Spoiler Image, 1.39 MB, 478x360)
Spoiler Image, 1.39 MB
1.39 MB GIF
>>23690337
H-how lewd!
>>
>>23690221
Okay, there's some, but not a lot.

It has all the generic stuff.

Lamias like in forests and wetlands. They're carnivorous. They grow longer as they age. Average age is 100-150 years. Longest length on record is 80 feet but average is around 30. Lamias hunt by constriction, and poison fangs. Using their pretty forms to lure prey to them by either appearing helpless or attractive.

There's a brief mention of pheromones also used in hunting.

The maggot thing is also listed, but the guy has serious doubts on the validity of that story. No recent lamia mating habits have been seen sine the third age. That's mostly due to destruction of habitats, and captive lamias commit suicide at the earliest chance.

Turns out that most lamias kill their own young if they feel as if their nests are about to be destroyed by an invader. A quick painless love-bite and venom to put them to sleep is kinder than being slaughtered or eaten.

It's also rather dim about their intelligence. Saying that their speech is nothing but the equivalent of a parrot's.
>>
File: 1363312186600.png-(210 KB, 860x755, Way too lewd.png)
210 KB
210 KB PNG
>>23690337
>>23690350
There will be a day when this joke gets old, and that will be a sad day.
>>
>>23690358
".....This book is crap."
>>
>>23690383
This joke will never get old.

Just like Batman's parents.
>>
>>23690387
yup
>>
>>23690387
"Try this one." Peri hands you a bio-book written by a hunter of monsters, not a biologist.

(I'm being nice, roll 1d10 again, need to eat, will be back)
>>
Rolled 8

>>23690414
>>
Rolled 6

rolling for new info, also thank her
>>
>>23690424
It's not just a monster hunter. It's a book written by a Paladin. Lord Julian Graves.

You flip through the pages...and...and that's you!
>>
>>23690755
wait, what was our fathers name?!?
>>
Our father did a study on us? Neat. What'd he have to say?
>>
>>23690755
Glare angrily at the sky in the area we think heaven should be. Not cool father, ask permission first.
>>
>>23690755
from thread 1
"You vaguely remember a man in armor coming by the house...his name was James...Jeremy...Julian? Something with a J"
>>
>>23690755
ABOVE: Lamia child captured alive by Paladin Lord Liam Patrick (Retired)

A lot of it is the usual information, but apparently Julian kept in touch with Father. He's charted your growth, how quickly you mastered human speech, your ability to not eat the local dogs and cats, and he even makes suppositions on your 'inner morality.'
>>
>>23690807
oh... nicely caught
>>
>>23690817
we're going to have to make them re-publish this book once we become a paladin.
>>
>>23690817
"Wow, creepy. I never knew he was doing all this."
>>
>>23690817
inner morality?

Well thats pointless. I already know about myself.
>>
>>23690817
"The girl, and she is a girl, is akin to the other children. She plays with them, teases them, laughs and cries with them. I can only wonder that if the idea that all who are born 'monsters' are by instinct animalistic, hostile to sapient races, and even 'evil.' The Teachings say that evil is a door, not a disease. It has to be walked though...but I wonder, are we not pushing these beings through that door, by treating them like animals?
>>
>>23690817
"All I'm trying to do, is figure out WHERE my genitalia are... and I'm having no luck!"
>>
>>23690892
I think we know the answer to that, just not how we actually breed.
>>
>>23690887
"This book is adequate."
>>
>>23690887
If this Paladin is still around, he might be a good one to get to vouch for us if we want to become a Paladin later.
>>
>>23690905
When a girl lamia loves another girl lamia very, very much they... *fade to black*
>>
>>23690920
yes, and hes not just a paladin, he is a Paladin Lord.
>>
Rolled 4

>>23690892
I think we know where they are.

And possibly a rough idea what to do, but that's using our human peers as reference. Pretty sure we have no idea what snakes do, and even if we did we have no idea if it would apply to us.
>>
>>23690935
I figured that when someone strokes a Lamia's scaly tail for long enough they get pregnant.
>>
File: 1363314166334.jpg-(150 KB, 436x416, forbidden love.jpg)
150 KB
150 KB JPG
>>23690935
>>
File: 1363314207814.png-(355 KB, 608x343, 1360256556032.png)
355 KB
355 KB PNG
>>23690961
>>
File: 1363314269994.jpg-(328 KB, 600x785, 1330806315557.jpg)
328 KB
328 KB JPG
>>23690892
Pic realated.

We should try to find the author of this book.
>>
Rolled 1

>>23690958
That is childish and probably what we believed when we were 6.
>>
>>23690983
So, wait, we have a vaganus?
>>
>>23691001
it's called a 'cloaca'
>>
>>23691001
It's called a cloaca.
>>
>>23691001
>bitches don't know 'bout my cloaca
>>
>>23691013
>>23691015
cloacamind


...eeeeeewwww
>>
>>23690887
Then Julian goes back into monster killer mode. Where best to strike to break a lamia's spine. (Father made your armor to protect those exact places.) What kinds of snares to make. This goes on for two pages. Apparently, research into you has brought leaps and bounds in the science of lamia killing.

There's a bit more about lamia pheromones. They aren't used for mating or bait for prey. It's how lamias choose their mates and identify them, family too. Julian doesn't say how.

Julian also says the maggot thing is a total myth. Apparently, you'll go into heat at a certain point in your life, around 70 on average, find a male 'copulate' (That's all he says) and carry the eggs in a sac within your body. Then the babies are born, and you expel the kid, and that's that.

Well, that could have been far far worse. Still creepy.
>>
>>23691001
depends on what type we are, are we like the lamia from Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou with human bits, or are we a more snake like one as the picture posted here is.
>>
>>23691059
It appears that we are the more snakey kind.
>>
>>23691035
try not to be too offended; remember all the AMAZING BREAKTHROUGHS there have been in the art of HUMAN killing.

Like smashing the third vertibra
>>
Welp, we learned some things at least.

I'm also glad that 'heat' is so far off.
>>
>>23691035
Wait, we go into heat?

Oh Gods Damn. I guess it's better to know beforehand instead of just wrapping ourselves around Mage out of the blue one day.
>>
>>23691085
>>23691088
let's just try to make sure we have a boyfriend or husband or something by the time we're 70. Rough deadline.
>>
>>23691088
70 is a long way away though, so it's not anything we have to worry about yet.
>>
We must live a long-ass time if 70 is puberty for us...
>>
Unless magic extends a persons lifetime hes gonna be 80-90 years old.
>>
>>23691111
We live to 100 I believe, by which time we will be 30-40 foot long.
>>
>>23691122
>>23691111
150 years on the outside, the book says. A good deal better than humans.
>>
bleh math isn't my strong suit, I mean 50-60 years old (we're 18 I believe.)
>>
>>23691111
I dunno, 70 MIGHT be menopause. You know how ladies get just before then.
>>
>>23691128
We don't know if that's the average due to violence and disease, or old age though.
>>
>>23691128
That would mean we'd be mating relatively near the middle of our life.
>>
>>23691072
sounds more like human bits, else those are going to be some tiny children, seeing as a cloaca is so near to the end of the tail.
>>
>>23691188
we lay eggs
>>
>>23691206
Read again, we do not.
>>
>>23691206
No, the eggs hatch internally. Like a tiger shark.
>>
>>23691172
Maybe 150 is the oldest found. And found means killed.

I guess 150 for a lamia is like 50 for a human, you start to get weaker. And that's wild lamia. If we take care of ourselves, and don't get lynched, we might make it past 200.
>>
>>23691206
no, we livebirth, after the eggs hatch inside
never said we actually lay them, only mention is us carrying them within a sac in our body.
"and carry the eggs in a sac within your body."
"Then the babies are born, and you expel the kid"
>>
Fuck it, OP where is our vagoo located, this is very important.
>>
>>23691059
Oh and, yes, you are QUITE aware as to where your bits and pieces are located on your body, how they open and close, what leads to where, and what comes out of what.

"Anyone know if this author is still around?" You ask.

One witch looks at the book. "Paladin Graves? Yeah, he's trying to put down the Elf Extremists at First Wood. He leads the Occuli order there. The news criers mention him and his 'good fight' every week."

Peri's head snaps up in attention. Then back down.

"Got it!" Mage says. He has a mythology book. "This is it. This is my staff!" He holds up the book to show a picture of his staff. Of two staves actually.

They are the 'Horns of the Fell Hind.' The Fell Hind is one of the Shapes of Darkness that mothers use to scare their children with. Some of the Ghouls are said to worship it.

The story in a nutshell: A herd of stags ened up on a frozen lake. Suddenly most of the ice around the edge of the lake collapses. The water's too cold, and had predatory fish in it, making it impossible to swim away.

The elk start to panic. A few pray. (This is a semi-anthromorphic legend) Then His Star shines above them, and they receive a message. This is a test, if they remain faithful, support each other, and hold fast for three nights, He will save them, and reward them. But they will receive no food during this time. That is their test.

At the middle of the second day, the oldest Elk, who was sick before they got stranded, dies. They mourn him, and are about to kick the body into the water, when one of the hinds says 'Look, there's food right here, let's eat it and not die.'
The other Elks are tempted. A few say no, it's against His Will. A few say that it's unnatural. A few say that eating a sick elk will make you sick. The arguing goes into the night, and they decide to let the matter rest until morning and huddle for warmth.

(More coming)
>>
MOVING ON

Well that was informative. Let's see what the others have been looking at.
>>
>>23690207
Wrong quest, I think.
>>
>>23691344

But one Elk, not the one who suggested the plan out of desperation, but one who 'long ago in his heart, walked through the door of evil' sneaks out of the group, creeps over to the Elk when the clouds cover the stars, and gobbles up as much of it as he can.

The tale goes on about how the Darkness came to the Hind and made the flesh taste 'sweeter than anything, but ultimately horrid, for it never satiated his hunger.'

The other Elk see what's happening and go nuts. The Hind, turns on the herd, and using an unheard of savagery, exploiting that everyone was weak from hunger, and a 'Miasma granted by the Darkness,' kills the rest of the herd. Then eats them all.

He starts to swim for shore, but the clouds part. The stars see him, and His Wrath is vested upon the creature. The hind's body turns to stone, and his antlers turn to steel. He sinks to the bottom of the lake.

At this point the Fell Hind becomes a Shape of Darkness, spirit of gluttony, the lure of the easy way out. Later, his horns were removed and became implements of evil and temptation, etc.

The guy who wrote this book, thinks that myth might not have been a myth. Rather, a group of tundra settlers. There's records of expeditions going up there. One of them lists as having two mages with them.

They got stuck on an ice flow, and one of the mages went cannibal and then crazy. The other mage used a Death Curse on the guy, causing him to drown in the water.

"Give me that history of magic book." Mage says.

He flips through it. "Early mages, especially travelling ones, would often go in pairs for protection. To ensure their powers would not go wild, as the controls of today were not as refined as blah blah blah...they would chain their wands to themselves. Thus keeping their powers close to them, and within them at all times."

(More coming)
>>
>>23691573
"One mage would make the other's chain, so to ensure that the mage would not accidentally break it with a surge of wild power. Also, should the mage go wild, the other mage could use their power to sunder their power and stop them." He bangs it closed. "We need the other horn!" He laughs. "And I know where it is! It's..." He freezes and his eyes go wide. "Oh no..."
>>
>>23691610

I'm guessing that it's with and/or near that uncle you referenced when we first met?
>>
>>23691610
"It's not going to be easy to get, is it?"
>>
>>23691610
Think really hard. Is it really that bad having your staff chained to you?
>>
>>23691639
No no, we killed his uncle. I think it's with his father.
>>
>>23691655
"It's not going to be easy to get, is it?"

Mage shakes his head. "No...no. There's no way..." He blinks and returns to the present. "Yeah, my father has it. He uses it as a symbol. Claiming to be the 'Fell Hind Reborn.' I have no idea where he is though. They move around and I've was stuck with my Uncle for the past two years."

He shrugs and tosses the book away. "Hey...uhh...Peri/Mari, find anything?"

"There's a story about a vampire that's similar, but she was just crazy." Mari tosses the book away.

"Soul jar, and lich stories are closer." Peri says

One of the witches shakes her head. "That's dangerous information, anything like that is all," She points upwards.

"So, you used to be a Ghoul but escaped?" Another witch asked Mage. "That's so...exciting." She smiles at him and touches his chain. "What's your name?"
>>
>>23691769
"Umm, I...uhh..." Mage swallows nervously. "Ssen, you think that guy Julian Paladin, I mean Paladin Julian would be able to find my Dad's gang?"
>>
Time for mage to fling spaghetti all over the room.
>>23691769
"I, uh, still haven't picked one."
>>
>>23691793
"Possibly, no harm in asking him."

Unless we get killed by his overzealous followers.
>>
>>23691793
Maybe. I don't know much about him.
>>
>>23691820
"Possibly, no harm in asking him." You say. You're also a little cross with him not being there for Father's funeral.

"So, we're headed out to First Wood?" Peri asks. "You don't want to just wait the couple of days for the Mages?"

"For what?" Mari asks. "Them to tell us to wait another week while they 'research' it?"
>>
>>23691851
(wait arent a few of us wounded still? lea took 3 wounds in the fight literally yesterday)
>>
>>23691851
how far is this wood?

also, we can avoid Isen and still get to the citadel this way. He should be long gone after this detour
>>
>>23691851
Lea taps a figer against the side of her coffee. "We could at least ask the Occuli to send word to Grand Citadel about what happened. Get some aid sent, since the Coaches aren't going to be coming back on their own for at least a week. The sooner we get the message out that everything's okay, the better." She says.
>>
>>23691925
(You all got treated during your time at the mayor's manor.)
>>23691930
You'll have to get a carriage and a horse, and drive it yourself. As a plus, you wouldn't be stuck on the King's Road, if you don't mind a bumpy ride through the mountains, and that would chop the travel time.

If you left first thing tomorrow, you'd get there the next day.
>>
>>23691992
or we could wait for the mages, at least to get them to start researching what we need, and THEN we can leave.
>>
>>23691992

We should at least see if we can get a letter or some sort of commendation sent ahead by one of the bigwigs here. Isen's annoying but effective PR campaign helps our group's image, but it never hurts to have some high-ranking bureaucrat pull a few strings.
>>
>>23692066
"Well, there doesn't seem to be a rush. We should send a letter or something to them first. Let him know I'm coming. As much as I hate to say it, Isen's annoying PR campaign helps us here. We let the mages get out, start them on the right path, and then we head out for First Wood."

"And in the mean time we can all help rebuild the wall, and fix locust damage." Lea says.

"Sounds like a plan." Mage says, trying to subtly step away from the witches who are batting their lashes at him.

"I'm in." Tricia says. "Oh, man...I remember this dress! You looked hideous in it, Snake!" Oh good, Tricia's found your book.
>>
>>23692252
"Well I didn't know I was modelling for a book!"
>>
>>23692252
"Did I?" with a frown
>>
>>23692252
just in the dress? I thought i looked hideous ALL the time, from what you told me...
>>
>>23692252

SHUT UP I MADE IT MYSELF BEAUTY IS SUBJECTIVE ANYHOW.
>>
>>23692276
"Oh, I am keeping this." Tricia says. "That okay?"

The witches wave 'whatever.'

"I might even get...Uncle Julian is it? I might even ask him to sign it." She cackles.

"Har, har, fucking, har." You mutter. "Come on, we have letters to write and a wall to fix."

As the Beautiful Nightmares leave the kitchen, Peri/Mari hangs back a bit. She's looking above the door to the kitchen. The rest of the group is out of earshot.

"Hey, uhh...you." She asks a witch. "What are those?" She points to four masks that are hung above the door. A Comedy mask, a Tragedy mask, a mask with gritted teeth and squinted eyes of Rage, and a mask with a closed lip smile and closed eyes showing a face of Peace. "I mean, I know those two, but I've never seen the others."

"Oh, those are the Dramatae. They're also called the Humors, because they represent the different personalities people have based upon their so-called humor balances." She sips her coffee. "The heads of what would become the Conclave wore them. Back before the Lightbringers established the kingdom."

"Huh." Peri/Mari say.

(More coming)
>>
>>23692532
The next three days are busy, but not as exciting. Mostly it's the six of you either building the wall, training, or dealing with your new 'fan club.'

There's a few highlights, though.

Tricia catching Mage eating a locust that had fallen in a fire pit and got charbroiled. He tried to stammer an apology to Tricia, only for Tricia to laugh, explain that she was aware of something called a 'food chain' and that Mage needed some protein anyway.

You no longer ask what Mage keeps in his snack pouch.

Lea trying to teach you how to swing your sword and snap your tail at the same time.

Peri/Mari doing target practice. For a moment they had you hold a flag in your tail and wave it back and forth for Mari to shoot. It had sounded like a good idea at the time. That ended VERY quickly, with a lot of apologies.

Tricia discovering that the Amber Sickle had a moth trapped within it...that Tricia could talk to. With some focus Tricia can cause the sickle to emit a cloud of pollen that's great for stemming bleeding and a mild anesthetic. Which turned out to be very helpful after the incident with Mari's target practice.

Mage hiding under a pile of rubble from some witches looking for him.

You staring as you look at three girls, their legs wrapped together, each of them holding up a wood print of Isen's declaration...and yes, the artists have taken some liberties with the size of all your busts...including Mage's.

Roll 3d20 to see if you learn Lea's tail whip trick.
>>
Rolled 1, 15, 19 = 35

>>23692541
>>
>>23692252
She wants the tail. [/spolier]
>>
>>23692554
Bravo, 35 was the target number. You can now effectively attack with your tail apart from constriction.

Other than the letter and the mages, is there anything else you want to do while you are at Purple Sands?
>>
I don't think so. Lets head out!

Off to the woods!
>>
>>23692601
I feel it might be important to, somewhere along the line, correct the paining's portrayal of mage.

But whatever.
>>
Rolled 15, 1, 20 = 36

>>23692601
Is Isen still in town? I dont think we ever properly thanked him for saving us from the mob, and for showing the town we where heros
>>
>>23692667
No, Isen and Tara took off for Stone Hall about ten minutes after she apologized.

He also bought the last carriage and horses so he and Tara could ride in style.

Which leaves you with a wagon and two mules.
>>
>>23692700
that's all then, set off for the woods
>>
>>23692733
Thankfully, the wagon is actually bigger than the carriage that took you here. So you can get into position and not have to adjust for the others.

"So how were the mages?" Tricia asks as she helps Peri/Mari into the wagon.

"They had me strip, poked me with wands and crystals for a while, wrote things down, and told me to come back in a week." Peri growled.

"They said that since our souls are both inside a human body we can't be technically considered a lich." Mari said. "Though they're going to be in contact with Trivalon to see if they can find anything from Granny's estate in White Tree. They'll talk to the other Overseers to see if her other homes have anything."

"Where does the old witch live, anyway?" Mage asks as the mules take off.

"Grand Citadel."

"Has anyone here been there?" Tricia asks after a while. "Grand Citadel. We'll have to go there for Ssen's ceremony."

"Nope." "Sorry." "Never got near." "Uh uh."

Lea takes out a small mandolin and starts to play.

"Now when I was a young girl, I carried my blade, and I lived the free life of a rover.
From the River's Cross to the Grand Citadel, I lived and I waltzed all over..."

And the road passes on...

The sunset in the mountains are pretty. You've all paused for a moment on a wide ledge. Give the mules a break, and lets you all stretch. Peri points at a small cluster of lights down at the bottom of the mountain and across a lake.

"That's First Wood." She says.

"Pretty." Tricia says.

"They said that during the Moonrise War that entire lake was red with the blood of the slain." Lea says.

"Thank you for that pleasant image." Mage says.

Lea shrugs. "It happened last Age."

"Some people keep fighting it though." Peri sighs. "Hey, Ssen...you think it's better to die with a culture, or to live but give up your past?"
>>
>>23692700Tell us about the paths we can take. Towns we'll pass, average distance and speed, that sort of stuff.
>>
>>23693123
man that question is pretty plainly self answering.

I mean, we're a lamia who is doing human customs.
>>
>>23693123
As long as you live and know something about who you are, those people and that culture don't die. That's what dad said anyway.
>>
>>23693123
Well I'd rather be me than be dead.
>>
>>23693123
"I think that kind of answers itself in my case Peri."
>>
>>23693147
Well, you've gotten out of the desert and soon you'll be down off of the mountain. Then it's just around the lake, there's plenty of options. You can get back on the King's Road, it's the longest, but the safest. You can go through Wolf's Bane on the Moonshine Path. It's quicker, but there's a reason the army and the Occuli are making their presence here. Then, if you want to brave the lake shore, and god knows what (maybe even lamia!) that would be the swiftest way.
>>
>>23693249
How do wild lamia react to us? You said we've seen them before.
>>
>>23693208

"I think that kind of answers itself in my case Peri." You say.

Peri chuckles. "Yeah, sorry..." She sighs. "I'm a quarter-elf you know. Half-elf mom." She looks out over the lake. "At least you'll never lose what makes you, you. Mom...she hated seeing the Fair Folk accept Citadel rule. She didn't like seeing what she felt who were her people become..." She shakes her head. "I don't know."
>>
>>23693289
i dont think we have, we heard there where some around, but didnt meet any.
>>
>>23693123
Cultures change. Everything changes. The only things that stay the same are the dead. Trying to keep old traditions that don't work anymore just kill a culture faster.
>>
>>23693301
Well, how much Elf culture do you know? I guarantee, it's more than I know about lamias. Hell, I'm not sure they even have a culture.

...and I still think of lamias as a 'them.' Huh.
>>
>>23693332
"Cultures change. Everything changes. The only things that stay the same are the dead. Trying to keep old traditions that don't work anymore just kill a culture faster." You say.

"Your Father tell you that?" Peri asks.

"Okay, everyone back in the wagon!" Tricia says.

As you all climb and adjust as you get back inside the wagon, Peri/Mari see a few pebbles fall down from the upper cliff of the mountain. She looks up, and realizes what's happening.

"SSEN, FLIP THE WAGON NOW! EVERYONE DOWN!" She screams.
>>
>>23693413
Time to get ambushed!
>>
>>23693413
do it now!
>>
>>23693435
Roll 2d20
>>
Rolled 5, 3 = 8

>>23693502
>>
Rolled 18, 10 = 28

>>23693502
>>
Rolled 1, 8 = 9

>>23693502
>>
>>23693517
You manage to twist and get the wagon onto its side.

Cliff [ you

Everyone crowds behind the wagon, and you clear hear the thuds of arrows into the wood, and you see arrows land into the dirt around you.

"Can we not go ANYWHERE without something horrible happening?!" Tricia asks.

There's a pause. And then you hear a laugh from above you. "So, one of you has a brain. Okay, answer a few questions for me, be ready to hand over your gold, and we might let you all walk down the mountain."

Peri sucks her breath in. Suddenly Mari's there. "Peri? Peri? Where are you?" She asks quietly.

"So, are we talking?" The voice above you says.
>>
>>23693618
can we see the speaker?

but first, stall
"Who are you?"
>>
>>23693618

"Depends on who 'we' is."
>>
>>23693618
I feel like we should tell him to eat ass but I want some consensus before I say it
>>
>>23693638
No, the wagon is in the way. You can stick your head out to try and see, but you get the feeling that might be unwise.

"Who are you?"

"The one asking the questions." The voice says. It's male, and he has a bit of an accent. "Now, where are you from, and where are you going?"
>>
>>23693693
We travel around so where is moot but we came from Purple Sand toward First Wood
>>
>>23693693
We're travelling from Purple Sands to First Wood.
>>
>>23693693
"We where recently in Purple Sands, but are now heading to First Wood."
>>
>>23693693
Peri, we may need you on this one, I'll lift my tail and you can use it for extra cover, you and I will take a shot. Tricia, any bee hives we can use near by?
>>
>>23693730
"We travel around so where is moot but we came from Purple Sands toward First Wood."

"Purple Sands. Huh, heard a strange thing from there." The voice says. "First everyone's running from it scared, saying that it's being attacked by the Black Wolves, themselves. Now I hear that everything's fine."

The way he used Black Wolves would be like how you or the others would say 'Dark Shapers.'

"Well, I suppose that explains the wagon." He says. "Alright, question two...you Soldiers, Occuli, or Conclave?"
>>
>>23693806
None of them. Just travellers.
>>
>>23693806
none of the above
>>
>>23693806
"Option D, none of the above."
>>
>>23693806
"None of those."
>>
>>23693829
I don't think they'd get that reference man. It started with scantrons, and since scantrons don't exist yet...
>>
>>23693781
"Mari, we may need you on this one, I'll lift my tail and you can use it for extra cover, you and I will take a shot. Tricia, any bee hives we can use near by?" You whisper.

"I'll see." Tricia says.

"Okay...I can do this...I can do this...Peri please, say something." Mari whispers as she gets her crossbow out.

Mage is flat against the wagon, staring at the lights of First Wood.

Lea manages to unhook the mules so they're no longer attached to the wagon and pull themselves up.

You hear arrows draw.

"Oi! No shooting cattle, they're innocent and useful." The speaker shouts.
>>
>>23693806
None, now who are you to ambush us, if you are just common bandits then none of this should matter to you."
>>
>>23693806
>>23693829
>>23693828
>>23693825

Nthing "None of the above, just travelers."
>>
>>23693825
"None of them. Just travelers." You say.

"Alright, alright. Unfair question I suppose," He says. "Not like I'd believe you either way, but you don't sound like you're lying or trying to be clever."

"Alright, last question. Any of you wearing those little pieces of tin with the star on them? Medallions you call 'em."
>>
>>23693893
why does that matter?
>>
>>23693893
"Why, so you can shoot the ones that do?"
>>
>>23693893
"Before we answer, tell us who you are and why it matters to common bandits like yourselves!"
>>
>>23693893
"Yes, if only to spite some humans I know."
>>
>>23693922
nixing the common part will be more diplomatic
>>
>>23693921

Seconding.
>>
>>23693893
"Yes. What is up with these questions? 'Your money or your life' too traditional for you?
>>
>>23693934
they already ambushed us, so they either plan to kill us, or they dont based on our last answer, diplomacy is pretty irrelevant at this point.
>>
>>23693912
"Why does that matter?"

He laughs. You suddenly miss Isen's laugh. At least that was a laugh that knew the joke was partially on him. This is something that's considering how best to be cruel.

"I'll take that as a yes, darlin'." The voice says. "Alright. Here's your deal. You step out from back there so we can all see your pretty face. I swear by Titania's Moon you wont be shot. You take of that little piece of tin, throw it on the ground, stamp on it, and I'll let you and yours walk down the mountain, safe and sound."
>>
>>23693976
Oh hey, Elves.
>>
>>23693976
"I don't have feet to stamp with."
>>
>>23693976
"If I even were to consider that, I'd need feet, stupid."
>>
>>23693976
That's impossible for a number of very good reasons. Like not having legs.

Do you have a contingency plan, mister bandit, if the person wearing the symbol has no legs?
>>
>>23693976
check with Tricia, and mage to see if they are ready, theres no way in hell we are complying.
>>
>>23693976
That requires feet and it was my father's. I will not desecrate his memory.
>>
>>23694008
"I don't have feet to stamp with." You shout.

There's a pause. And then the voice replies. "Well, that's a trick. Hate to have hurt a cripple." He sighs. "You come out and show us how your God saw fit to torture you, and we'll let you go. If you're lying though...I don't take kindly to those who abuse charity."
>>
>>23694050

Slither out.

"I resent being called a cripple, by the way."
>>
>>23694064
Rather not, just wave our tail a little our from cover.
"I'm a lamia."
>>
>>23694050
>>23694064
slither proudly, "I am as whole as the day I was born.
>>
>>23694088
Seconded
>>
>>23694088

Remind him he promised not to shoot us.
>>
>>23694050
Tricia nods her head. "I've got a swarm of moths, so we have some cover, but no support."

Mari shakes her head. "Peri, Peri stop...Donovan? Who's Donovan?" She has her crossbow ready.

Mage's lips are moving slightly.

Lea is in a stance that lets her spring up and pivot a 180 if need be.
>>
>>23694050
What kind of crazy bandit are you? I'm not coming out so you can shoot me.
>>
>>23694050
"And I resent being called a cripple, i can move around just fine with this!"
then stick part of our tail over the wagon.
>>
>>23694106
"Are you Donovan?"
>>
>>23694106
"Get them ready to move in front of any archers."
>>
>>23694088
>>23694099
>>23694101

You raise your tail and wag it a little. "I am as whole as the day I was born. I'm a lamia, and I resent being called a cripple."

There's a pause of quiet confusion from the attackers.
>>
>>23694125
"Are you Donovan?" You ask.

There's a sharp intake of breath from above.

The voice goes cold. "I thought you said that you weren't Occuli." He growls. "You think a snake and a name can fool me?"

"No, but any pointed ear whore who'll spread her legs can!" Peri shouts as she springs up and jumps out of cover. "Donavan...why the fuck can't you be dead?!"

"Persephone? But...how...I?" The voice stammers, obviously stunned.
>>
>>23694201
Mage opens his eyes. "I think I know how to get us out of this and down the mountain right now...but you may not like it. Should I go for it, or are we going to try and not get shot?" He asks.
>>
>>23694201
whisper to peri, "you could have saved us a stand off. I almost got up."
loud enough to hear, "How do you two know each other?"
>>
>>23694224

Let's listen to his idea; then decide.
>>
File: 1363326394488.gif-(1.07 MB, 290x189, lol.gif)
1.07 MB
1.07 MB GIF
>>23694201
lol

>>23694224
"Keep it in mind for now, but wait for a while."
>>
>>23694224
That will be plan B if things go south.
>>
>>23694224
"Wait for Peri, it looks like she knows them."
>>
>>23694201
Let them argue.

>>23694224
"What sort of way?"
>>
>>23694243
"Wait for Peri, it looks like she knows them." You say.

He nods. "Give me the sign, and then everyone needs to push the wagon back upright. Then hang on, try to steer and watch for rocks." He says.

"So," You say. "You two know each other?"

"Aye," Donovan says. "I know Persephone. I knew her too, if you know what I mean." He laughed. "What did you tell them Persephone?"

"Donovan, don't."

"Did you tell them that it was a rape? That we were related?"

"Stop it!"

"Did you say that it threatened your health? No, no you'd never say that. That make you look weak." Donovan continues. "Oh, how about my very FAVORITE one, where you tell them that you just couldn't go through with it and see me twist their life into one based around terrorism."

"DONOVAN! I don't WANT to do this. Not HERE, not NOW. Just let us GO!" Peri yells.

"Oh...you didn't tell them at all." Donovan tsks. "That's cold, even for you."

Mage looks at you. "Did I also mention that it might kill every single one of those bastards up there?"
>>
>>23694364
I don't mind if Peri doesn't. Your choice. Does he deserve it?
>>
>>23694364

"I am now far more interested in your plan considering how much he seems to trouble Peri."

wisper to peri
"Would you be upset if we killed them all?"
>>
>>23694364
"Persephone, would you like him gone?"
>>
>>23694407
"I am now far more interested in your plan considering how much he seems to trouble Peri." You say to Mage.

"Would you be upset if we killed them all?" You say to Peri.

"You know...I was so, so angry when I found out. You know who told me? Do you want to know? Rogers. That drunk knew before I did." There's a pause. "I'm not going to kill you, Persephone. After everything, I still love you. But I'm going to make sure, a murderer like you never leaves this mountain."

"Donovan."

"HE WAS GOING TO BE MY SON!" He yells.

Peri blinks, and it's Mari again. "Peri?" She says in a small voice.
>>
>>23694472
"Do it, Mage."
>>
>>23694472
Grab her with our tail and pull her back behind the wagon.
>>
>>23694495
hold on I think Echo has more
>>
File: 1363327552425.gif-(1.6 MB, 350x197, Well...gif)
1.6 MB
1.6 MB GIF
>>23694472
Well shit.
>>
>>23694472

"Don't kill them. See if you can make them suffer a while."
>>
>>23694472

Did a Lightbringer cleric perform the abortion?
>>
>>23694495
Your tail snatches Peri/Mari back.

"Do it, Mage."

Mage slams the sphere of the Horn of the Fell Elk into the ground. "PUSH!" He yells.

There's a giant CRACK, and then the rumbling begins.

4d20 since you, Lea, and Tricia are pushing.
>>
Rolled 8, 16, 15, 11 = 50

>>23694529
>>
Rolled 12, 5, 7, 11 = 35

>>23694529
>>
Rolled 9, 4, 19, 19 = 51

>>23694529
Welp.
>>
>>23694537
You flip the wagon back upright, pull everyone inside, and hang on really really tight.

(more coming)
>>
File: 1363327769806.jpg-(264 KB, 898x750, 95-d.jpg)
264 KB
264 KB JPG
Welcome, Paladin! To the MORAL MAZE!
>>
>>23694472
damn i think Peri is gona need a long hug and cry after we survive this...
>>
Rolled 12, 7, 17, 5 = 41

>>23694572
or she'll hate us.
>>
>>23694582
or that yea.
>>
>>23694582

Hopefully not to the point where she leaves the party.
>>
>>23694557
Your group, Donovan, and his followers all feel the ground shift in the same direction, at the same time.

The mules are actually just clear.

For the record, it isn't so much of an avalanche as a landslide. A landslide that takes a good section of the entire mountain face down with it. A landslide that shifted into a mudslide amazingly quickly.

You can see the stone around you turn to brown crumbly dirt, and in some cases even mud. The wagon starts to roll down the slope. The first big bump breaks off one wheel, the second causes the rest to fall off, and now you're just sliding on top of the slurry. To your side you see other people dressed in dark green leathers, floundering and struggling. You thing you actually see one of them drown in the mass of liquid earth that you're riding upon.

You hear the scream of a horse. You turn around. There's a blonde elf, in red chain-plate armor, he's riding a horse who's mane and tail is on fire. The horse seems to have no problem with it's footing, you see a few other horses who aren't so lucky being swept away in the massive mudslide.

The elf on the flaming horse rides it to the side, and makes it do a spectacular leap. He lands next to the mules, who haven't moved, and rides down the mountain path.

Now the landslide has left the mountain and is entering the woods that surround the lake. There's no speedometers of course, but if there were you would most certainly be ticketed for going too-damn-fucking-fast.

And unless you all lean and force the wagon-that-is-now-a-sled to the side, you're going to be smashed into a tree.

Pick L or R five times in a row. I'll let you come to a consensus on this one. Choosing wrong doesn't crash, it just causes a check.
>>
>>23694758
RLRLR
>>
Rolled 12, 2, 20, 6 = 40

>>23694758
left
>>
>>23694758
Left.
>>
>>23694758
Left
>>
>>23694758
RLRLR
Slalom go!
>>
>>23694758
Left
>>
>>23694787
>>23694796
stop anon plz.

left
>>
>>23694788
>>23694794
>>23694795
>>23694809
Right.
Hue hue hue
>>
>>23694758
Left.

Tail as rudder?
>>
>>23694796
>RLRLR

Yeah, I want it in that form, not one at a time. So, two votes for that. Is that what you want?
>>
>>23694827
Bad idea.
>>
>>23694834
Looks like it
>>
>>23694834
oh, thought it was we either aim for left or right of the tree.

in that case RLRLR
>>
>>23694834
We have no information to base a choice on, so it doesn't really matter what we go for.
>>
>>23694868
I wrote down RLRLL.

You do fantastically well, swinging back and forth, dodging the trees, and keeping low. Unfortunately, your last slalom has put you in a direct path with a tree. It's the only thing between you and the lake.

You have three obvious options.

1)Mage tries to blast the tree.

2)You use your tail to snag another tree to correct your course.

3) You all jump and hope that you can ride the slide into the lake and recover in the water.

4) Anything you guys come up with.

Please come to a consensus.

And could someone archive this please?
>>
>>23694927
Mage blasts tree.
>>
>>23694927
Mage blasts the tree while we try and correct the course
>>
>>23694927
Mage blast will still leave a stump for us to bump into and possible shower us with sharp splinters. Jumping sounds dangerous. Tails rule.

2)You use your tail to snag another tree to correct your course.
>>
>>23694927

Mage tries to blast a tree.

>Archived.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23687442/
>>
>>23694927
snag a tree with the tail, and have mage blast the tree in case we fail
>>
>>23695024
Both it is.

Roll 2d20 for Mage and Ssen. I'm setting Mage's high, and Ssen's tail low.
>>
Rolled 20, 6 = 26

>>23695075
>>
Rolled 13, 10 = 23

>>23695075
Here goes miss and broken tail
>>
>>23695083

NOBODY ELSE ROLLS.
>>
Rolled 6, 5 = 11

>>23695075
>>
>>23695083
No, actually that's a double success. You were aiming to get a low roll for Ssen.

Mage takes aim at the tree and fires. The shot isn't perfectly center though, the tree has a chunk blasted out of the side, causing splinters and wood chips to fly everywhere.

Worse, that's caused the wagon/sled to spin. Wildly, but it slows you down, just enough. You reach out with your tail, and wrap around the tree you're spinning towards. With a grunt and a twist (Your tail is going to be VERY sore for a while) you alter the course of the wagon/sled and with one more bump, about two seconds of air time, then a huge SPLASH you land in First Wood lake.

The five of you all just pant for a bit as you float there. Tricia turns to look at the damage. She gapes.

"Snake, do you think forcing the Conclave cartographers to change their maps will hurt your chances at becoming a Paladin?" She asks, staring at the long smooth river of mud and silt where a mountain and a forest used to be.
>>
>>23695180
"Not if we get out of here before anyone notices"
And then we start pushing the wagon with our tail.
>>
>>23695180

Can we get Tricia to give us tail rubs?
>>
>>23695180
It's all Mage's fault. Nothing to do with me.
>>
>>23695180
"is everyone else alright?"
>>
>>23695180
"Shhh, we had nothing to do with this. Let's get out of here."
>>
>>23695207
Belay that
>>23695214
This
"Ow ow ow ow, Tricia, need tail rubs plsthx."
>>
>>23695207
"Not if we get out of here before anyone notices" You say, and you stick your tail into the now muddy water and push.

"Are we still going to First Wood?" Lea asks. She's looking at Mari. You're not sure of her total expression because of the bandages, but she doesn't look happy.

Tricia bites her lip and sighs, then she puts a hand on Mari's shoulder.

Mari shakes her head. "She's not coming out." She says quietly.

Mage sags. "Okay, I'm going to need...a lot of potatoes after that." He looks at the girl. "Umm, do I want to understand what any of that was about?" He asks quietly.
>>
>>23695271
You stop pushing and pull your tail back in. Tricia looks at your pain and rubs it a little with her other hand.
>>
>>23695271
"Yes, we need a safe place to rest and recover after that, I think something got pulled in my tail."
>>
>>23695271
Peri will come out when she's ready. Right now, we need to get somewhere to rest after that.
>>
>>23695344
"Yes, we need a safe place to rest and recover after that, I think something got pulled in my tail." You say.

You end up using Mage's staff as your paddle.

It's a big ass lake though, so it takes you about an hour and a half to get half way to First Wood, it's not quite dawn yet, but the sky is getting brighter.

Peri finally comes back. She pushes Tricia's arm off. "No." She says, swallowing. "No, Donovan wasn't lying."

"The reasons he gave?" Lea asks, with a flat voice. "None of them are true?"

Peri shakes her head. She can't look any of you in the eye.

Tricia looks at you as she's massaging your tail. She's got no idea what to say.
>>
File: 1363331350678.jpg-(236 KB, 728x1041, 007_04_08_2012_13_37_10.jpg)
236 KB
236 KB JPG
>>23695290
She's rubbing our tail, you say?
>>
>>23695436
give her a long hug and wisper "its ok" in her ear
>>
>>23695271
Probably not. I suspect I know what the problem was, but it's none of my business.
>>
>>23695442
The decisions you made in the past are not for me to judge.
>>
>>23695436
Don't say anything, just put an arm around her shoulders.
>>
>>23695436
"If you don't want to talk about it, it's okay. We're not allowed to judge."
>>
>>23695436
Whatever his reasons were, they don't change the fact that he was a crazy son of a bitch.
>>
>>23695460
"It's okay." You try to lean over to hug her, but she pushes you away.

"No. No it's not." She shakes her head.

"Confession before a Paladin is accepted in His Sight." Lea says, nodding her head at you.

"She's not a fucking Paladin." Peri says.

"Yes, she is." Lea says. "She just hasn't got her mantle on yet."

"Fuck you." Peri snaps.

Lea doesn't say anything.

You float on for a bit more. Then Peri turns to look at you. She's worked herself up a bit. "Okay, so...you wanna be a Paladin? You want my confession about it?" She swallows. "Then glare at me disapprovingly and give me some stupid thing to say, and that's going to make me Shine In His Eyes? That's how it works, doesn't it?"
>>
>>23695506
Second
>>
>>23695576
How would me glaring at you help? Even if that is how it works, it shouldn't be.
>>
>>23695576
>>23695611
We'll listen. Maybe even talk about it, if she feels up to it.
>>
>>23695576
Do you feel like you need to confess? And why would I disapprove? What would that accomplish?

If you're willing to give it, I'll gladly take it. Not as a paladin, as a friend.
>>
>>23695576
"I am not a paladin, as you said, you don't need to confess before me."
"You need to forgive yourself."
>>
>>23695576
Bonk her on her head.
"What would glaring do? And if you want something silly to say, 'two wrongs don't make a left turn.'"
>>
>>23695644
I second this.
>>
>>23695644
seconding but also

>>23695661
expanding on this:
"Nothing you or I say can make the past better. However, any wrong done in the past can be overcome by your actions now and in the future."
>>
>>23695644
"Do you feel like you need to confess? And why would I disapprove? What would that accomplish?" You say. "If you're willing to give it, I'll gladly take it. Not as a paladin, as a friend."

Peri looks at you for a moment. "No, no...I need you to be a Paladin for this."

"How would me glaring at you help? You don't need to confess to me, you need to forgive your-"

"JUST BE A FUCKING PALADIN FOR FIVE MINUTES!" Peri screams.
>>
>>23695693
"Okay"
>>
>>23695576

The point of confession is not to say some stupid phrase. It is to reassure yourself that you can overcome whatever ails you, with the assurance that a paladin and by extension a god is there to help you keep that commitment.

Everybody deserves a chance, Persephone. Everybody has regrets that they wish they could undo. Confessing to those regrets is the first step towards dealing with them.
>>
>>23695693
Perhaps we should try being a paladin for a few minutes.
>>
Rolled 8

>>23695693

rolling to smite
>>
>>23695741
Lol, but no.
>>
>>23695741

Fuck off and die.

Anyways, didn't Mari mention that you needed a bunch of people calling for you to be ordained as one of the options for paladinhood?
>>
>>23695750
metaphorically of course, forgot that part. im a bit tired....
>>
>>23695785
Shut up and be a paladin for a few minutes, Peri doesn't give a fuck if we're ordained or not.
>>
>>23695785
has to be done at Grand Citadel.
>>
>>23695814

I'm talking about later on, dipshit. Right now we be paladin.
>>
>>23695709
"Okay." You say softly.

"Hold on." Lea fidgets and leans over. She cleans your medallion free of mud. She pushes your hair back. Then she unwraps one of the bandages around her hands and wraps it around your forehead. "This is for the circlet they make female Paladins wear during formal service."

Tricia squirms and takes out a small bottle of something that smells kinda like perfume, but not quite. She touches it to your neck. "Your Father's oils aren't here...so this is them."

Mari comes out, and she unhooks the hood from her armor and puts it around your throat. "Your mantle." She says and lets Peri come back.

"Mage?" Lea says.

"Yeah?"

"We don't have a Lantern, can you make a blue light shine?" Lea asks.

"Yeah." Mage fiddles and then there's a small sphere of blue light floating between you and Peri.

Peri blinks and tears drip down her face. "Thank you..." She whispers.

It's almost as if the others don't exist, but you can see Tricia, Lea and Mage all cover their ears and shut their eyes.

Right now, it's just you and Peri, alone on the lake.

You are a Paladin, about to take your first confession.

"I...I don't know where to start." Peri says.
>>
>>23695785
> i can't take a joke so i must lash out

the best response if you don't like something somebody typed is no response.

and yes, i do believe Mari said something like that.
>>
>>23695852

Why not from the beginning?
>>
>>23695867
"Why not from the beginning?"

"Which one? Mine and Donovan's or...or his?"
>>
>>23695880

Whichever you think would explain the backstory to all this better. Take your time, Peri.
>>
>>23695880
... his.
>>
>>23695880
Yours. It's your confession, no-one else's.
>>
>>23695880
Yours
>>
>>23695919
Aye.
>>
>>23695880
"Wherever you think the story starts."
>>
>>23695919
"Yours. It's your confession, no-one else's."

"I grew up here. Well, a little way down the King's Road." She sighed. "Mom was a dyed in the wool Fae, and Dad just hated Citadel. I didn't care. I just wanted to do whatever I wanted.

"I was three when the Moonrise Treaty was signed. Suddenly the elves were no longer a separate nation at war, we were part of Citadel Kingdom. He who held the title of Oberon sat upon the High Council, and Elves were the same as humans and dwarves.

"It might have been better if we had been treated poorly, or if they hated us. However, the Occuli removed anyone who spoke out against the elves, and people went on to find some new race to hate. The elves lived, they thrived even. Trade was great, money came into First Wood, and we saw our culture spread across the entire King's Road.

"Mom hated it. All of it. She saw her people abandon the way she thought we had to live. She flew into a rage when she saw Rogers, the blacksmith, selling his first goods made of iron. She poured that hate into me, Dad was long dead by then, but it didn't stick I just wanted to have fun, and I did.
>>
>>23696106
"Then I met Donovan. I loved him. I still do. He's smart, funny, and so full of fire...and he would let me hold him as he sang the old forgotten elvish songs. I stood behind him when he made speeches to the disaffected, poor, and unhappy. I helped him make rocks with explosive runes. I didn't care that I was helping a terrorist...he said he was a freedom fighter...I loved him, and I wanted to live in that fire we had.

"Then...then I was late. I had the healer check, and it was as I feared. Then it got so much worse. Mom and Donovan...completely supported me.

"Donovan said that he'd stop the fighting, that he'd marry me, and just spend his days with his elvish family. Mom was with me for every moment, paying for everything. I think they wanted to raise the child in classic elvish custom and regrow our culture, but also because they loved me and the baby.

"I want to say I did it because of any of those reason back on the mountain. Or that I didn't want my child to be used to recreate the Fey Court. I can't. I did it because I was scared. I did it because I didn't want to be a mother. I did it because the idea of having to just...devote my life to someone other than myself just repulsed me. I did it because I was greedy."

"I slipped away, and I made my way to Grand Citadel. Well, not there exactly, but one of the slummier villages that have grown around the place. I found the nearest Cups Guildhouse, and I paid a healer to...to perform the abortion. He chewed cinnamon sticks as he did it...I remember that so clearly."
>>
>>23696178

"One of Donovan's followers saw me as I was heading home. I told him I was on recon for a mission, but he guessed. It was no secret that I was pregnant. He screams at me, and grabs me by the hair, calling me a murderer and all but drags me back to the village.

"Rodgers saw it, and stepped in. Smashed the man's head in with his hammer. Sobbing, I told him what happened. He gives me all the money he had on him, and told me to run. I ruined his life too. I heard that he crawled into a bottle after that, guilt from killing that guy...I never even knew his name.

"The rest is what you know. I was a sell sword for a bit, being a trained terrorist gave me lots of skills. Tried to join the Coins Guild, but I saw an old member of Donovan's crew in the guild hall and I took off. So I freelanced for a while, then got hired by Lady Glenn...and now...now I am here."

She pauses. "Paladin, I was wrong and I was cruel. The child was three months along. It is written in the teachings that His is of endless forgiveness, to those who are in the Darkness can always work their way back to the light. I...I am willing to work." She smiles. "I have these crazy friends, I hope they're my friends. One of them wants to be a Paladin, and go around doing good deeds, helping end hate...I pledge to stay with her, and help her...and this little kid I know who's in a jam. If...if I promise to do that...will He forgive me? I think...I think if I do that, I can maybe forgive myself...eventually."
>>
>>23696234
"Of course He will, Peri."
>>
File: 1363335266416.jpg-(183 KB, 800x649, Lamia_Paladin_by_tgHermit.jpg)
183 KB
183 KB JPG
>>23696234
His forgiveness is easy. Forgiving yourself... that'll take time. He did not give us hands to pray to Him to make our problems go away. Make the most of the time and the strength you have. I'm certain she'll see you to the end.
>>
>>23696234

And of course you will, Peri.
>>
EchoGarrote, you are a Damn Fine writer and GM.

>>23696280
this, beat me to posting something similar.
>>
>>23696280
This popped up while I was trying to articulate something similar. So I'll just support it.
>>
>>23696280
This.
>>
File: 1363335523021.png-(211 KB, 394x296, 1363155541799.png)
211 KB
211 KB PNG
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

PALADINS IN MORAL MINEFIELDS AND NOT FALLING

BACKSTORIES
>>
>>23696317
not even a paladin yet
>>
I had something.
But it is not something that could be used at the current context.
I shall save it, for we shall need it.
>>
>>23696327
Paladins are born, not made.
>>
>>23696276
>>23696280

"Of course He will, Peri." You say. "His forgiveness is easy. Forgiving yourself... that'll take time. He did not give us hands to pray to Him to make our problems go away. Make the most of the time and the strength you have. I'm certain she...your friend, will see you to the end."

You notice that your circlet, mantle, and Medallion feel very very heavy.

"Thank you." Peri says.

You all wince, as the sun beaks over the horizon. Dawn has come, and the lake sparkles with light. Mage's little light winks out.

Also, you are once more a lamia with a bandage around your head, insect pheremone on your neck, and a hood on your chest.

Peri hugs you tighter than Tara did. She doesn't say anything.

Slowly the current, and Mage's rowing, puts you at the shore of First Wood.

Slowly you all get out of the wagon/sled/raft and onto solid ground.

You're all looking at the ground, or the lake or the wagon when you all hear the sound of several CLICKS.

The six of you turn around to see about two dozen people, all pointing crossbows at your group. They're wearing Medallions with a red stone set in the center of the star.
>>
>>23696356
please tell me the red stone is just a stylistic difference and doesn't denote another, rival sect. Another, rival, sect we are currently at war with.
>>
>>23696349
Paladins are chosen. But not by any earthly authority.

Heaven sees a guy trying everyday and in every way to do the right thing even when it's the hardest thing.

And as reward they give him work. Heaven fills his fucking inbox with shit that needs doing.

And when he finishes all the work, he looks up and says "Thank you sir may I have another."
>>
>>23696356
we cant go anywhere without being ambushed...
>>
>>23696356
"Oh, um... Hi!"
"We're here to see Paladin Julian."
>>
File: 1363336011001.jpg-(29 KB, 500x375, Birth_Of_A_Warrior.jpg)
29 KB
29 KB JPG
>>23696349
Only once you have seen what you must see can you be a true paladin. Some just get it earlier than others.
>>
>>23696356
Attempt to look non-threatening.

Lamia Quest is quickly becoming my favourite.
>>
>>23696412
at times I feel it's a bit hammy, but at other times I feel like oh man naga girl you be that paladin you be it as hard as you can be
>>
>>23696378
I am betting its a rival sect, and considering Paladin Lord Julian is probably part of it, it may explain why he didnt come to fathers funeral...
>>
File: 1363336182275.gif-(8 KB, 125x125, fuckingfuckfuck.gif)
8 KB
8 KB GIF
>>23696423
>naga
>mfw
>>
>>23696396
>>23696356
yeah, enough side conversation.

We don't want any trouble. We just got over escaping an avalanche.
>>
>>23696396
"Oh, um... Hi!" You wave. "We're here to see Paladin Julian."

"We can't go anywhere without being ambushed." Tricia moans.

"What in His Light and all the Darkness is going on?" A voice yells. An older man, built like an oak tree, with silver hair tied into a short ponytail, his right eye covered with an eyepatch walks to the front of the firing line. His mantle is silver, engraved, and very very real. He's also wearing a red stone Medallion.

He looks at the lot of you, stating there in the mud, dripping and disheveled. You still have your 'circlet' on.

He then tilts his head. "Liam's girl?" He asks.
>>
>>23696447
Heya.
>>
>>23696447
By the Light am I glad to see you. I read your book!
>>
>>23696447
"Hello Uncle Jul."
>>
>>23696453
This. Add in a little wave.
>>
>>23696447
>>23696453
Let's re-affix the medallion in a way that isn't silly, and greet our semi-uncle. I mean, we sort of like the guy, right?
>>
>>23696447
"Yeah. I was hoping to find Paladin Julian. My father passed away, and I think his old friend should know."
>>
>>23696470
He's obviously Julian
>>
>>23696490
now now, he could be julian's quite large manservant who we never noticed before. Or a doppelganger.
>>
>>23696462
"Hello Uncle Jul." You say.

Lord Paladin Julian Graves lets out a shout of happiness. "Ssen Patrick!" He grabs you and spins you around. He's actually strong enough to cause your tail to whip about freely.

"Put those down lads!" He orders. "These are the Saviors of the Sands, the Beautiful Nightmares, and my Goddaughter...wait...oh you must be Alex and Katherine's girl! Make that Goddaughters!"

Everyone just sort of stares, a little confused.

"Put your bows away, go back to work, and someone see that these girls...oh pardon...girls and boy, get out of that wet armor, into some clean clothes, and put some warm food in them!"

There's a pause.

"NOW!"
>>
>>23696519
man, thank god for nepotism or this would all be a lot harder.

Let's try not to ride on that too hard though, since it's not the fairest.
>>
>>23696519
Fifteen minutes later, you're all eating elk stew around a table with Julian.

"I was sorry to hear about Laim's passing." He says. "I was busy here, I couldn't leave. The world is lesser without people of your Father's caliber around. How is River's Crossing? They way you five carry on like Lightbringers, I half expect it to be burnt to the ground."
>>
>>23696554
I can't tell if the end result of this running joke will be anti-climax when everything is fine, or the actual destruction of our home...
I can't wait.
>>
>>23696519
No, River's Crossing is fine last I saw it, but a lot of towns are being attacked recently.
>>
>>23696554
"It was good last we heard."
>>23696564
Well there's that group that MAKES Lightbringers and burn down their homes, I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up burning ours at some point.
>>
>>23696554
"It was fine when we left. Here's hoping it stays that way."
>>
>>23696554
That's what everyone says. Last I heard it was just fine.
>>
>>23696576
>>23696578
>>23696587
I think we should maybe get a history book and check in on this.

See if it actually happens every time.
>>
>>23696572
"No, River's Crossing is fine last I saw it, but a lot of towns are being attacked recently." You say.

"Mmmh," Julian says. "I know. First Wood is no different. There's this elf terrorist that's got himself a little army, or so he claims. Says he'll destroy First Wood, and after what I saw happen to that mountain, I'm now worried."
>>
>>23696554
For HIS SAKE I wish people would stop saying that already.
>>
>>23696606
"Does he happen to be named Donovan?"
>>
>>23696606
... double oops.
>>
>>23696606
"That was us actually, got pinned down by those elves you were talking about, and we needed a quick escape."
>>
>>23696606
"I think he has less army now, if it's any consolation."
>>
>>23696619
"That was us actually, got pinned down by those elves you were talking about, and we needed a quick escape." You say.

"My bad." Mage says.

"This leader, does he happen to be named Donovan?" You ask.

"If he wears red and rides a Nightmare, then you've just met my personal headache." Julian says.
>>
>>23696640
Well, the good news is that he's lost some men. Bad news is he hates us and he knows we're here.
>>
>>23696640
"The bad news is, he made it out of the landslide. The good...kinda good?...news is that I don't think most of his band did."
>>
>>23696640
"Nightmare... horse with its mane and tail on fire? if so then yes that was him."
>>
>>23696640
Well, shit. Let's not mention Peri's involvement with him and his movement, but be sure to give her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder or something similarly subtle.
>>
>>23696662
>"The bad news is, he made it out of the landslide. The good...kinda good?...news is that I don't think most of his band did."
"He made it out of the landslide, though I don't think that many of the group he had did."
>>
>>23696676

Extra subtle, otherwise Julian might catch it.
>>
>>23696640
"I think he has less army now, if it's any consolation." You say.

Julian shakes his head. "Remind me to tell you of the time your two fathers presented an entire lake as evidence, within a Conclave Judgement hall. You have a long way to go to beat them, but by actually moving mountains, is a damn good start, girls."

"Do you know where he's hiding?" Peri asks softly.

Julian gets a map and lays it out. "Somewhere in this genr-"

"Here." Peri points. "Donovan's camp is here."

Julian looks up at her. "And how do you know that?" The cheerful uncle is gone. The Occuli is here now, and he's rather frightening.

Peri looks at you for aid.
>>
>>23696356
>You notice that your circlet, mantle, and Medallion feel very very heavy.
>Circlet
>Very very heavy
Guys, we just went full, proper Paladin for a moment there.
>>
>>23696701
"I trust her, Paladin."
>>
>>23696701

"She is under our protection Uncle Julian, she knows, and leave it at that."
>>
>>23696720
>>23696729
>paladins attempting subterfuge
oh nooooo
>>
File: 1363338188119.jpg-(55 KB, 500x420, You-keep-using-that-word.jpg)
55 KB
55 KB JPG
>>23696744
>subĀ·terĀ·fuge
>Deceit used in order to achieve one's goal
>>
>>23696701
Peri grew up around him.
>>
>>23696744
>subterfuge
>what that is.
>>
>>23696729
"She is under our protection Uncle Julian, she knows, and leave it at that." You say.

"You do?" Julian looks directly at you with his hard, cold, Occuli eyes. You understand a bit as to why his stone is red now, but your father's was always clear.

"I trust her, Paladin." You say, matching his gaze.

He blinks first. "Very well. I'll send a scout, and if this information is good, the Occuli will march and we will end this unpleasantness before the end of the week." He nods at you all. "Enjoy the stew, I'll be back later. If you'd like to walk around the camp, or First Wood, please inform my men and they'll escort you." He leaves.

"I should see Rogers." Peri says. She shakes her head. "Ugh, I'm not thinking straight. Mari take over for a while, I'm taking a break."

"Got it." Mari's there.
>>
>>23696701
That's between her and her confessor.
>>
>>23696767
[spoilers] Okay, I am about to pass out. I'm amazingly glad that Peri's story went over well with you. I know it's a touchy subject. I'm free tomorrow so this will continue. Please archive. That picture of the Lamia Paladin fills me with joy. As always any and all art is welcome. [/spoiler]
>>
>>23696762
>>23696757
Ah never mind, I meant it with inflections I couldn't render in text without more expounding.
>>
>>23696767
This is going to be hard for Peri. Let's not see Rogers right away, but a walk around sounds good.
>>
>>23696790
Archived
>>
>>23696790
I think you did a good job. It is a touchy subject, and neither Peri or Donovan is completely right or wrong. Nobody is really.
>>
>>23696790
Pff, what kind of paladin would we be if we couldn't face the moral gray area and not freak out?
>>
>>23696790
was actually expecting waterworks at the end of her confession, especially after the "will He forgive me?" line.

i love your writing style though, each character actually has some personallity instead of just the main character and you can actually empathize with them.
>>
So is it just me, or are we basically on our way into Tricia's pants? Because I for one welcome this pairing with arms wide.
>>
>>23696988
no, of course not. We're obviously still seeking some nebulous, most likely paladinic, heterosexual relationship. With lots of stern faces and serious discussion.
>>
>>23697030
I'd consider that as a serious response were it not for the fact that I know she's a potential love interest, and that we made enough of a beeline for her that EG had to reign us in to have time to introduce some of the other potentials.

And even if you WERE being serious, it's not like they wouldn't be the most adorably awkward pair available.
>>
>>23696988
>>23697116
Yeah, it's pretty obvious most of /tg/ wants to give her the T.
>>
>>23696988
>>23697030
>>23697116
I for one think that Ssen should come to love and accept all of her companions under His Light.

So, you know, harem route.
>>
>>23697174
>>23697116
>>23697178
Woe is I who enjoys missionary position sex for the purposes of recreation
>>
>>23697203
>Lamia
>Missionary position
I think most of the traditional positions are off the cards, to be honest.
>>
>>23697209
And we STILL haven't figured out where her vagoo is.
>>
>>23697244
behind the knee
>>
Love the quest so far, but I feel I have to say this.

I really don't like the party name. I just don't think it rolls off the tongue particularly well.

Sage to not bump a dead thread.
>>
>>23697954
Well, it WAS picked by Isen The Incredibly Annoying. We could always try to change it.

Also, threads autosage after 300 replies, if you didn't already know.
>>
>>23697954
I would agree it's a bit of a mouthful. We can always decide on a better name later, after all, Beautiful Nightmares is hardly a party name befitting a future paladin.



Delete Post [File Only] Password
Style
[a / b / c / d / e / f / g / gif / h / hr / k / m / o / p / r / s / t / u / v / vg / w / wg] [i / ic] [r9k] [cm / hm / y] [3 / adv / an / cgl / ck / co / diy / fa / fit / hc / int / jp / lit / mlp / mu / n / po / pol / sci / soc / sp / tg / toy / trv / tv / vp / wsg / x] [rs] [status / q / @] [Settings] [Home]
[Disable Mobile View / Use Desktop Site]

[Enable Mobile View / Use Mobile Site]

- futaba + yotsuba -
All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective parties. Images uploaded are the responsibility of the Poster. Comments are owned by the Poster.