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You have ended the Ghoul occupation of Stone Hall, and once more are heroes. The title of "Liberator of Stone Hall" can now be added to your growing list of accolades. Mage also has managed to unlock his shackle, though he chooses to keep it, and his chained staff on. Mostly because he's used to the feel...and you think that he thinks it makes him look cool.

You have been staying at Stone Hall to help with the rebuilding and to aid the lizard people in their integration to the surface. Uncle Julian has been called away to Grand Citadel for an 'evaluation of his actions,' and the Paladin Bobbi Odette, the only person more snake-like than you, has gone as well. You also discover that she tried to get you killed during the attack. Of course, that knowledge does you no good. The slimy woman has admitted her attempt to shell you to the other Paladins, passing it off as an honest mistake made in the chaos of war. At the very least, Paladin Avery took your information about the Humors seriously.

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You then went to talk to the old Naga that leads the lizard people. You find 'Granny' talking to the Fifth Humor, and learn about the people who seem to have been behind the attack on Purple Sands, and Stone Hall.

The Humors are a cabal of humans who concieve, create, and guide the incidents that cause the Lightbringer 'sagas' to happen. Granny says that they're not meant as tales to entertain children and inspire adults, but rather a very elaborate form of human sacrifice. The Humors do this to feed, and appease, their master, the Citadel Kingdom itself.

Granny claims that Citadel is a semi-aware being, and one that acts like a petulant child who demands to hear the same bedtime story over and over again. Throwing a massive temper tantrum if even the tiniest detail changes.

As long as it gets it, Citadel thrives, there are no disasters, and little strife. Leaders are kind, wise, and virtuous. The Lightkeeper Priests and the Paladins are moral beacons of purity, and most importantly (To the Humors) the kingdom continues to grow.

When the Lightbringer 'story' changes, Citadel lashes out. Fears and hates start to bubble up, people like Paladin Odette are able to succeed, and Granny implies that worse will come.

Also, that Citadel is now starting to notice you.

>>23768358
"You're going to have to be careful now," Granny says as she moves around her room. "The Humors aren't like the comically overblown villains that you've faced down. If they think someone's a threat to their precious Citadel," She tries to hide it, but you can see the brief glance at the pictures of the people she keeps on the wall. "Then they show no mercy, and a ruthless efficiency. I'm a little shocked that you actually got one to turn traitor, of course the Fifth says that it was more of his own guilt than any action you took." She drums her fingers on her side.
"Do you want some unsolicited advice?"

What happened to doing these at night! It is 10:30AM here and I have to work!

Also, if the advice is unsolicited then it won't matter what we say heh.

>>23768387
"Well, the definition of unsolicited advice is advice that wasn't asked for, so it probably doesn't matter if I say yes or no, does it?"

>>23768432
"It doesn't matter what I say, will it?" You say.

Granny shakes her head.

"Heh, go ahead." You say.

"Back off. For now." Granny says, she starts to slither out of her room and she motions for you to follow. "The Humors' strength doesn't change if you disrupt their 'story' or not, and Citadel can and WILL make your life hell if it manages to sense you as a threat. Right now, you've actually been helpful, solving the Stone Hall problem that the Humors created. I'd let them think that they've got things under control for now. You'll get your shot at them...but you have to time it right, or else you'll end up hurt or your people will." She sighs. "This is the voice of experience talking. So, I'd wait until they're distracted with the job of fixing the royal cock up that the 'Lightbringer saga' has become."

>>23768485
She stops, you're at the big open area of the Undercity, this is where the old reptile had you fight her, and then completely dominated you. "So, that's what I have on the Humors and Citadel, you have any more questions, or do we move onto the next topic of today's discussion?"

Off topic: I'm a perpetual lurker who's absolutely loving the story, but I think I'm missing a part of it. Did part nine get archived? And if this question was answered in part nine, feel free to ignore it.

On topic: "Do you think the paladins will honor that contract, even when it ruins the citidale's bedtime story?"

>>23768507
Ask if she knows anything about the official protagonists of this story. Ester mentioned how she sent them packing easily.

>>23768507

Sorry for not being super engaged, I want to but I can't really be paying attention to this right now.

I think the best time to run this would be at the usual afternoon/evening time. That is when most of your regular players will not be at work or otherwise engaged.

For reference, I usually follow/lurk but don't play. I really enjoy reading this quest!

What happens if the current variations in the tale isn't due to the Humors or others mucking it up, and Citadel has finally grown bored of the same old Lightbringer story?

>>23768696
"Do you think the paladins will honor that contract, even when it ruins the citidale's bedtime story?"

Granny shrugs as she gets two wooden swords out. "I don't know, Citadel can't control people's minds, and the Paladins aren't aware of the Humors. In fact, the faith of the Light and His Teachings predate Citadel. I don't know how much Citadel has changed it, but if you believe in God, in whatever form, he was here first." She tosses you one of the practice swords. "The moral dilemma of course, is that is stopping the Humors equal to the Cups Guild's more radical cures, like they did for your bandaged friend. We live in a Golden Age, and what's a small village and a few people compared to that? When you see Grand Citadel yourself, you'll understand it a bit easier, but if the Lightbringer stories stop, a lot of people are going to suffer and die."

>>23768781
I believe that there is a plan behind all of this.

Also, as I will have to run soon, can someone suggest we visit mage sis after this?

>>23768805
By that I meant the Light has a plan - Even if citadel falls into chaos, even if the world appears to burn, I believe there is a future predestined for us. We just have to venture out believing things will get better.

>>23768781

"I have a few more questions, but they are unrelated to the Humors mess."

"You mentioned falling to our baser nature,the greedy ones, would using my venom or constricting enemies to death cause me to start to... lose my focus and start to become like them?"

As a random aside, this reminds me too much of this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNTfcNSnNBg

>See in the catalog that Lamia Quest has just started
>Open it
>503 Temporarily Unavailable
>Takes almost an hour of refreshing to actually get into the thread
>Now I have to go
Fuck you, Cloudlflare.

>>23768805
>>23768822
>>23768841


"I believe that there is a plan behind all of this.
That the Light has a plan - Even if citadel falls into chaos, even if the world appears to burn, I believe there is a future predestined for us. We just have to venture out believing things will get better."

"Your father's teachings?" She nods. "Always wondered why the Humors and Citadel caused all those other sects of the Occuli to form around the Caligo Clarus so quickly. Maybe that's partially why you've gotten so far."

"I have a few more questions, but they are unrelated to the Humors mess." You ask. "You mentioned falling to our baser nature,the greedy ones, would using my venom or constricting enemies to death cause me to start to... lose my focus and start to become like them?"

She smiles. "Ah, now we come to the next subject, first though..." She gestures with her practice sword, I want to see what the little worm can do with a weapon.

>>23768937
Humour her. Try not to be as much of a buffoon as last time. We know we will lose, but we will still try.

We should also ask about her story - being rescued from the sand, living in the human world, ect. It should be a good lesson for us as we are going through the same journey she did long long ago.

Woohoo! Caught onto Lamia Quest when I am awake!

>>23768979
exactly, and we might learn something while we get our ass handed to us.

>>23768979
You take a deep breath and prepare yourself. This isn't like before, when Granny just wanted to have some fun. This is a spar, and the point of sparring IS to get knocked on your ass. You remember how much you felt betrayed when Father beat you, the first time you did this with him. Then he helped you up, and explained.

You do a regular strike, and Granny moves to block, then you do a little twist and alter the path of your blade. Granny twists the same way and manages to block. You back up and do a collection of quick probing jabs, and then swap into a different style. Granny keep up, deflecting every blow, and then she engages you with a style you've never seen before in your life. You try to keep up, but two out of every five blows get through, and Granny stops when her sword is at your neck.

"Good." She says. "Your form is excellent, my compliments to your father for actually training you properly." She says. "You know how to fight as a human, now...you need to learn how to fight as one of us." Then she demonstrates a sword stance and a kind of practice kata. "This will feel odd, as I'm trying to pop certain parts of your body into alignment. You've been holding yourself as a human for so long, you've not used some of the extra joints that you have."

You do the kata and you do feel something in your elbow and shoulder pop. It's not unpleasant though, just strange.

(more coming)

>>23769193
"As for your question about the venom and constricting enemies, of course not. There's a difference between using what nature, or the Light, gave you, and being base. You wrap up some asshole who's trying to kill you, and crunch him to death? Fine, just the same as a man stabbing him with a sword. You biting someone to take him down? Same example. Now, you you then slowly eat the man afterwards, provided that you aren't starving, just to satisfy your own desires and urges? That's something you should probably not do. Stick with food on your plate."

"So, what's your story then?" You ask as you do the kata again. "Rescued from the sand, living in the human world."

Granny sighs. "It was...it was a life. Lots of joy, lots of sorrow, exciting times, dull ones, love and heartbreak. Much the same as any other, just much much longer. The details...those are a little private. One difference is that the Caligo Clarus as a whole raised me, instead of one person. I was their mascot, at first...then a bit more. I miss them. I miss all of them." She sighs. "Alright, now, try doing this, now that your body's remembering what it should be." She does that sword move she used earlier.

You copy it, not as flawless as she did, but close.

She nods. "Alright, again...any more questions about what we are?"

(damn, got to go, back in a few hours)

>>23769199
Awww, she is just like a mother-figure to us! Teaching us the way of our people, wisdom through the ages... We need to give her a hug at the end of it. I should let other anons ask questions. We could also learn about the Light in the Darkness order from her. And what happened to it.

>>23769199
Granny, is it possible to save our people? To help them the same way we are helped out of our beastial nature?

>>23769199
"Everything."
We know nothing, apparently not even how to stand properly.
Oh, and importantly: "Are there others who resist their natures like us?"

>>23769199

What's the difference between a Naga and a Lamia? I read a book on it, but I'm pretty sure the author was a racist asshole.

What kind of reception should I expect if I meet other Naga or Lamia that weren't raised as I was?

>>23769284
"Granny, is it possible to save our people? To help them the same way we are helped out of our beastial nature?" You say.

"Lower your elbow." She says moving you arm. "Most of them, no. A lot of it is Citadel. If you let yourself be a monster, Citadel rewards you with food, power, base pleasures, and lets you grow or lengthen, and that enhances everything. It's too tempting, and should the be gone...a lot will lash out. Some of them...maybe. We have to let them have a chance though, as it is, it takes a fluke to save them. Nearly every 'monster race' in Citadel kills their children when they are attacked. Citadel doesn't want their Paladins or heroes to have difficult problems, and...yes, like that...and Citadel can't tell what we're thinking." She takes her own stance and motions for you to being a new assault on her. "Which is why you should probably keep your friends in the dark about this as long as you can. If Citadel senses a human that hates it? They'll die." She nods. "That's also experience."

>>23769364
We are fighting a piece of land, the traditions of an age old empire, or the spirit of a kingdom? Fighting for a better future for monsters and humans in the name of a higher power? All of this as an ideological battle rather than a physical battle?

Why is this quest so awesome?

>>23769364
So humans Citadel can read, but not monsters?

>>23769296
>>23769346

"Are there others who resist their natures like us?" You ask as you attack. You do better, but still can't land a hit on the old woman. When she returns fire, you do better, but she still ends up with her sword at your neck.

"You need to flex your waist more. Remember your spine and ribs aren't as stiff as you think they are...your armor should be adjusted a bit for that. Try scale mail instead of chain or leather, if you can stand the jokes." She shows you another kata.

"I've heard stories of other monsters who try." She says. "You're the first lamia, and I've never heard of another Naga. But there are goblins, orcs, the rare creatures known as 'infernals,' ask any you can find stories of them in the Conclave." She nods at your progress. "They end up in a few ways, they give up the struggle and return to their homes, they decide that if the world thinks them a villain, then they become one and give in, or..." At this Granny sneers. "The Humors make them Lightbringers."

"Is there a difference between Nagas and Lamias? I read a book on it, but I'm pretty sure the author was a racist asshole."

"They usually are, no no, down here..." Her firm hands gently manipulate your body. "Bend here...yes...again. Our scales are different, our bodies are better suited for certain temperatures, and you have more cartilage in your body as opposed to me. On the other hand, I can develop my muscle tissue better. I'm strong, you're quick."

"What kind of reception should I expect if I meet other Naga or Lamia that weren't raised as I was?"

"If they're bigger than me, or longer than 24 to 30 feet? Bite them, as fast as you can." She says. "Best sign to tell how sane one of us is, the bigger or longer we are, the further they've given in."

>>23769476
"So humans Citadel can read, but not monsters?"

"Read is a tricky word, remember you can't think of Citadel as a human." She says. "Okay now while you bend I want you to swing your arm...yes like that. Now, again." She nods. "But Citadel understands humans easier. So it can tell if people hate it from actions, words, and so on. Citadel 'thinks' that we're evil monsters, so it assumes that we're evil and moves on. Except in your case...congratulations. That's why I suggest playing along. The Humors are dangerous enough. They've kicked my ass...multiple times."

>>23769428
So we are Moses?

>>23769482
Make them light bringers?

Why then are monsters still treated so poorly? If their heroes are monsters?

>>23769557
Or are you speaking of yourself?

>>23769557
"Make them Lightbringers? Why then are monsters still treated so poorly? If their heroes are monsters?"

She motions for another attack session. Granny's changed her style and is going faster now, so it goes pretty poorly, it's worse when she does this move where she aims her tail at your arm while she swings, You block, but the tail impact knocks the blade out of your hand.

"Let me see your tail whip."

You do the move you and Lea created.

"And you and the monk designed that on your own?" She nods. "Okay, it's not bad, but you're using the wrong muscle." She adjusts your body and has you flex a different part of your tail. "This one will give you better control."

"That's a trick of the Humors. If you look at the Lightbringer stories, you'll never see Orcs or Harpies or anyone else. You'll see HALF-Orcs and HALF-Harpies. Creatures who everyone credits their morality from their human half, who's parents were always cruelly raped by the monster in question. Nuture over nature."

>>23769629
Are there other land spirits for other areas, such as the First Wood, or Stone Deep?

Can the spirit of the land be changed? Through the belief of its people? Or how can we even resist it? Do we have to all pack up and leave to escape its influence?

>>23769664
Quit channeling Moses and the Exodus anon.

>>23769664
I am just asking questions to wait for other anons to join so we have better things to ask.

>>23769664
"Are there other land spirits for other areas, such as the First Wood, or Stone Hall?"

"Keep working that muscle, yeah, try to hit my hand." She holds up her hand and each time you hit it, she moves it. "If they did, Citadel consumed them long ago. Also, if they are still alive, they just aren't the same scope as Citadel. You'll see when you see Grand Citadel. Although, now that you say it, I can't help but think the Fey Court Terrorists are the Elven Spirit's way of fighting back."

"Can the spirit of the land be changed? Through the belief of its people? Or how can we even resist it? Do we have to all pack up and leave to escape its influence?"

"As it is right now? No. Its far far too big. It will never change. As for resisting, that's not too hard. Your father did, your Uncle has his moments, you and your friends have, and that Loudmouth that was here is completely free of it. Though that's less morality and hard work, and more of his own out-of-control ego." She says. "Also, the Fifth has told me that Citadel can die, if it stops getting fed, if we can survive the backlash and not give into its demands, then it'll burn itself out and die."

"Okay, now...she puts her sword in her hand. Like I did."

You try and almost pop the blade out of her hand. "Good. Good." She nods. "You know, I wasn't rescued alone...I had a sister down in that well with me. That's how I found this out, if you have a child, your clock starts counting down."

>>23769775
"We went into heat at the same time. I was in love with a man, she had a lizard man she was fond of. She had a child, I didn't...oh yes, you can't breed with humans. It's lamias, nagas, lizard people only...maybe dragons, but you'd have to find one first."

>>23769801
"The kid grew up, and she grew older. I stayed the same. Don't...don't ask me what happened to her. Ever." She sighs. "But, if you're dead set on being a mother at some point there are plenty of loopholes and ways around it...the kid just wont be a lamia. Also, the period of time between period of heat will get longer too, you pass at 70 your next one comes at 80, then 90, 100 and so on."

>>23769831
(That's 80 years later, then 90 years later, 100 years later, etc. To be clearer)

>>23769831
Do you mean adoption or magical means?

>>23769880
"Do you mean adoption or magical means?"

Granny nods as you try to knock her sword out of her hand again. "Yes...getting there...there's always the unwanted ones, and if you insist on them having your blood in you, that will take a woman who loves you and a chunk of your bone marrow...which was painful as hell, but worth it."
She sighs. "Of course, they have clocks, but in ways that makes it better." She nods as you finally get the sword out of her hand. "Good."

"Oh and don't think you can charge into battle. You need to eat and not get your heart cut out just like the rest of us." She says.

You start to fight again, and you use the new moves Granny taught you. She lets you do well for a bit, then she goes at a higher speed, again, sword is at your throat.

"You're not bad Little Worm." She smiles at you. "I have a question for you now. Say it's 200 years for now, and someone asks you to describe that monk, Lea, to them...what would you say?"

"One of the ghouls said that she beat the band of heroes this particular show was set up for. What happens if the Humors can't come up with a lightbringer sacrifice that Citadel will be happy with?"

>>23770003
> "I have a question for you now. Say it's 200 years for now, and someone asks you to describe that monk, Lea, to them...what would you say?"

A woman of great faith who had been though terrible pain and emerged with wisdom beyond her years.

>>23770003
"I would describe her as a kind, wise and honourable woman who did not allow a life of adversity to dampen her spirit."

>>23770062
"One of the ghouls said that she beat the band of heroes this particular show was set up for. What happens if the Humors can't come up with a lightbringer sacrifice that Citadel will be happy with?"

"I have no idea. That's why you have to be much more concerned about the Humors than Citadel right now. Remember, Citadel is a spoiled child. Eventually it'll ask you to do something it wants, you'll probably hate it, but it'll be a small thing. Say yes, and it'll be happy and move on to wail at someone else...probably the Humors. Those bastards however, watch your back." Granny says.

"Now, you haven't answered my question." She says tapping your nose. "200 years from now, Lea's long gone to the Light, how to you describe her to those who ask?"

>>23770089
>>23770092
"A woman of great faith who had been though terrible pain and emerged with wisdom beyond her years. A kind, wise, and honorable woman who did not allow a life of adversity to dampen her spirit."

Granny smiles and nods. "Good. Well, that's all I have to say today, I'm an old woman, and we get tired. Give your friends my best." She slithers away. If there's anything else you want to say or ask her, now's the time.

Bah, I was going to ask since she said "If you can find any dragons." Does that mean that some ARE still around?

>>23770170
(Maaaaybe.)

>>23770114
She was strong in every way. Not many could take what she went through and still be a force of both will and flesh. I know I couldn't. If the world had half her fortitude and focus it would be a different place entirely.

...I still think she has a lot of change in her though, so the point seems a little moot.

>>23770202
damn. late to the punch

>>23770149
I can't think of anything else to ask, so let her go and return back to the others.

>>23770149
Give er a hug.

>>23770229
seconding.

To rephrase the earlier question, what are the humors going to do if they just keep failing? After all, only one of their recent failures was because of me, the other was because of a clever ghoul. Even if I do play along, they still might not be able to salvage this if recent events are any indication. What are they going to do then?

>>23770239
On second thought, question time might be over.
Commence hugs?

>>23770229
You rush over and hug her. She blinks twice and hugs you back. "Be safe, little worm. I have much more to teach you, and I want you to be here to teach mine." She plants a kiss on the top of your head, and then slithers away to her home and memories.

You realize why she's here among the lizard men, now.

>>23770287
She's gonna waste away like her sister? ;_;

>>23770300
She still has quite some time before she goes into heat, then have the kid will take time, then her clock starts and she'll have about 30-50 years...but yeah. Granny's ready, but the old hag aint going anywhere soon.

>>23770287
we're gonna have to learn how to be the best big sister/surrogate mother/aunt/whatever ever

>>23770347
She wants us to guide her children perhaps? It will be an honour if it comes to that. For now we should find everyone else or see how things are going with the integration process.

>>23770427
You head back up and look for the others. You find them in Paladin Avery's HQ, and your temporary residence at the Now-Dead Mayor's villa.

"Hey." Tricia says. "So, we're rich, now!"

"There was a massive bounty on the Fell King, and we got the other one for Donovan as well." Mari says.

"Now all we need to do is to take out the Glass Assassins, and we can spend our days on pillow eating chocolates!" Peri grins.

"I believe that we should donate most of it to Stone Hall." Lea says.

The others all groan.

"Anyway, we got some letters." Mage says. "Guess we're popular now."

Mage hands you four sealed envelopes. One is from Isen and Tara. One is from the Royal Palace. One from the Solar, the HQ of the Paladins. One is from the Purple Sands Mage Guild.

>>23770563
Read the one from the Solar first. Might be from Julian. Or it might be us getting hosed by whats-her-face.

>>23770563
Palace, Solar, Mage Guild, and then Isen. We'll need a laugh after all that heavy

>>23770563
Solar, then palace, then mage guild, then Isen.

>>23770563
Solar, Mage, Palace, then Isen ...

>>23770596
>>23770603
>>23770627
>>23770646

I have an idea, let's be completely unable to agree on something as simple as what order to read some letters in.

>>23770670
Sounds good.

>>23770670
>>23770680
we know Isen is last as it should be. That we can agree on

>>23770596
- - Lady Ssen Patrick,
Please inform us when you are within Grand Citadel. We would like to take your testimony on the actions taken by Paladin Julian Graves and Paladin Bobbi Odette. Both are under review, and we would like to have more information before passing judgement on either of them.

Also, please note that while your actions are immensely laudable, and Paladin Julian Graves has expressed his opinion of your unshakeable honor, we feel that there are some complications. Naturally, your informal familial bond with Paladin Graves is an issue, as we avoid nepotism. Also, your lack of a patron of suitable class is another conflict. We encourage your dreams, and hope that you further your good works in Citadel's name.

Grand Paladin Trevor Saul.
- - -

>>23770702
- - Lady Ssen Patrick,
We think we might have found a possible solution for your companions' interesting 'condition.' At your earliest convience, please come to Bronze Peak, and present this letter to the Mage/Artificers of the Staves Guild.
Arch-Mage Wendell Olson
- -

There's the staves guild seal on the bottom of the letter.

>>23770702
Okay, that's not too bad.
Royal Palace next.

>>23770702
Hmmm... I don't suppose we can convince Avery to vouch for us? After all, we did kind of win Stone Hall back.

Though this is probably the sort of thing he doesn't want to bother with.

>>23770735
Where's Bronze Peak?

>>23770735
We should give this one to Peri/Mari, they mentioned not being in quite as much of a hurry to go back to normal. How soon they want to do this is their call.

>>23770702
Joy of joys, a trial. Where we most likely play as both witness and one being on trial.

>>23770735
Hmm ... where is Bronze Peak, closer to Citadel or no?

>>23770735
- - Lady Ssen Patrick, Savior of Purple Sands, Champion of First Wood, Liberator of Stone Hall.

You are formally invited to a celebration of the great heroes who save our city from the barbaric horde.

His Majesty King Dorian Solomon Elegante Newgate, will be awarding medals.

Invites are enclosed, formal dress required.
- -

And the royal seal is below.

>>23770769
> formal dress required

So... how is that going to work exactly?

>>23770762
Bronze Peak is closer to White Tree actually. It's in the mountains, and is the big 'dwarf city' of Citadel.

>>23770775
good question, we're going to have to pay to have one custom made I guess

So, depending on how quickly Peri/Mari want to be back to normal, Grand Citadel or Bronze Peak will be our next stop.

Also, we could use some of our newfound wealth on scale armor as Granny suggested. And maybe a dress too.

>>23770769
Well that sounds boring, but you don't say no to an invite from the King. When is it?

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189 KB JPG

>>23770775
>>23770798

A dress? Not really. Maybe cut open on the side a little more but not that hard work with, I would think.

>>23770784
- - Sexy Scales, her hot friends, and the staff guy.
Greeting from Isen the Audacious! I hope you are well, Tara and I are doing fantastic, why just yesterday we...

- - Three pages of ego boosting, purple prose, later - -

And thus we found ourselves in White Tree. Overseer Trivalon gives his warmest regards, and hopes to see you soon. Met this big beautiful woman named Wendy, said to tell you that everything's good at River's Crossing.

I actually visited your hometown, and I told everyone there about your adventures!

Tara's wondering if it was okay that we kinda slept in your house, cause we didn't have any coin on us at the moment for the inn. Don't worry, I locked the door and I will pay you back for the broken bed.

Hope to see you guys at the big party, they serve the best food at Citadel parties, and I'll get to try out my new theme!

Hugs, Kisses, and so much more...

Isen The Audacious & Tara Greengrass (You like that last name? She came up with it herself.)

And the pair have signed it.
- -

>>23770855
Dammit Isen ...

>>23770839
A dress that goes down to about where knees would be if we were at normal height. Then there is a train that goes to slightly beyond the end of our tail with boning and a framework to keep our tail covered. Rediculous hairdo and long gloves a must.

I'm sorry /tg/ that mental image was too good not to share.

Anyone that goes to /fa/ have any good ideas?

>>23770855
shed a single tear for the loss of our bed and pray for him as he ascend to where the spirits of beds go as they die

>>23770855
Every time it seems like he's not that bad, he just has to prove it again.

Show the others Isen's letter, seeing as it was addressed to everyone.

>>23770927
Tricia buries her face in her hands. "Bury him in sand and sic fire ants on him. No, cover him in centipedes! No, the BEES!"

>>23770951
We should share our many finding and invitations with the party and try to decide which to do first.

>>23770951
Well, we should tell Peri/Mari about Bronze Peak and Mage Guilds possible solution there. As >>23770806 depending on how fast those two want to get back to normal, Citadel or Bronze peak will be our next stop.

Are dwarfs in this sitting famous for their craft in armour and weapons? Might be good idea to buy the armor there than else where, if so. Then the dress at Citadel as I can see that place having a ton of shops/stores being the capital kingdom and such.

>>23770951
Peri/Mari laugh. "Oh, by His Light, I love this guy."

Mage just shakes his head in disbelief.

Lea sighs. "At least his heart is in the right place."

Peri/Mari look at the letter from the mages. They close their eyes and you can tell that the pair are chatting to each other. Then they open their eyes.

"It isn't like the mages are gonna move," "My body isn't going anywhere either." "Also, you know...royal invite. Not something to put on the back burner." "But, you know...if you think this is priority one." "We just don't want to screw you guys over."

You get the feeling that there's more to this, and that the pair have other reasons, but they aren't wrong.

Still, the party's not for a while. You can go to Grand Citadel and deal with the whole Paladin issue and still have a week before the party. Or go to Bronze Peak and have time to get back to Grand Citadel for the occasion as well.

>>23771052
We'll say Grand Citadel for now and ask Peri/ Mari when we get a chance alone. Maybe bring up the fact Mari shared( while intoxicated) that she like having a grownup beautiful body. Then make a final decision after that.

>>23771052
"Let's go to Citadel first then."

>>23771105
"Well, we always wanted to see Grand Citadel." You say.

Tricia smiles and claps, Lea nods, and Mage lets out a low whistle.

"I'm gonna go start packing!" Mari says, and everyone takes it as a signal to head off.

You know Paladin Avery is working, he's always working...and if you want a chance to talk to Peri/Mari. This can be a good time.

>>23771134
yes

>>23771134
Talk to Peri/Mari.

>>23771134
Well we should inform Avery that we're leaving I guess. And if we're donating money to the rebuilding effort then that too.

Yeah, we should give at least SOME of the bounty to the rebuilding.

>>23771187
Are you? The group has about 7500 gold between everyone. How much you want to give away?

>>23771187
>>23771260
>>23771187
Longs it's nice to give a way money and all for a good cause. But I really like to hold off on that until we get the armour and stuff then see where the gold stock pile is.

>>23771273
How much is a gold coin worth in this setting? How much would some scale mail and a posh dress cost? How much gold would build a house?

10% towards rebuilding

70% towards supplies (food, armor, dresses whatever)

20% saved just in case.

so in this case. 750g? you could even round it up to 1000g if everyone else feels like pitching in an additional 50g from their savings [I'm considering Mari/Peri as one person]

I dunno, what is the approximate value of our gold? whats considered the middle line between miserly and generous?

>>23771328
An average farmer, selling an average crop would pull in 100 gp. Thanks to the Citadel Blessing, he never misses a month.

>>23771373
That 1200 a year is enough to pay his taxes, keep his family of (on average) six fed three meals a day, clothed, enough money to cover any upkeep or damages, plus about 15-25 gold left over for frivolities or to save.

>>23771273
Lets split it and let everyone do what they want with their own shares.

>>23771428
Agreed.

>>23771428
Are we counting Peri and Mari as two separate shares though?

>>23771413
If we upgraded all of our equipment plus kept enough for the finery the party will require and traveling expenses, what would we be left with?

>>23771373
Is it actually individual gold coins? Are we carrying around a giant sack of money?

>>23771447
I would. They're separate people.

>>23771448
You will be left with 2000 gold for an across the board upgrade.

>>23771484
Upgrade, donate half and split the rest if the party is agreeable?

>>23771428
7500g is 1500g each if we count mari/peri as a single person. 1250 with mari/peri as a whole having 2500g total on their person


if we choose to donate 1000, 6500 leaves us with 1300 each, and if mari/peri are seperate, approximately 1083g each, with mari/peri having 2166g total

just putting out numbers

>>23771494
Sounds good to me.

>>23771484
That includes the finery, unless you want special finery that provides combat protection and concealed weapons. That'll drop it to 1200.

>>23771520
By finery I meant the fancy dress we would need for the party

>>23771494
- 5500g upgrade costs
- 1000g donation

1000/5 for 200g a person, and like, 165-ishg if we choose to seperate mari/peri, with their "person" as a whole having about 330g

can we get a break down costs of the equipment upgrades? does include the dresses?

>>23771536
Yeah, I know. If you want a fancy dress you'll have 2000 left, if you want a fancy dress you can fight in and have equipment, that leaves you with 1200.

>>23771520
Lets go with normal finery, we have our natural armour and weapons to deal with unexpected situations.

>>23771548
maybe we do, what about the rest of the party?

Normal finery, some scale mail from the dwarves, donate about 1000.

>>23771565
What gets added is that everyone will be wearing effective armor, Mari will have her crossbow, Peri will have a blade, Tricia will have her sickle.

>>23771565
A mage, an insectwitch, a professional thief and a martial artist.

Yea, I think they'll be fine.

>>23771591
Lea doesn't need weapons and Mage can't hide or bring his staff.

>>23771610
Though he's kept a few things from his father and Ester. A doll fetish, a bamboo tube, and a small pouch of vials.

>>23771610
> the only male of the party being almost-dead weight

poor mage.

idunno, extra finery armor doesn't seem necessary unless we fear subterfuge from less savory parties.

if we do choose to go that route though, it might be smarter to split the funds 1st and then decide what our donation would be.

HAHA THIS QUEST ISN'T DEAD AT ALL! I WAS WORRIED AFTER YESTERDAY! I'm a bit busy at the present moment, BUT I WILL BE BY LATER.

Okay, you'll be able to upgrade at either city as Grand Citadel has a big big market.

So, upgrade, regular finery, 1000 gold donation, and then split the rest as 200 Mage, 200 Lea, 200 Tricia, 330 Mari/Peri, 70 you?

>>23771656
Sheesh, you take a one day break...

>>23771686
consensus, yes, lets just go take to Peri/Mari!

>>23771686
these quests die so suddenly, I hate to see ones I like go. Maybe warn us about schedule changes so we freak out less?

>>23771686
That sounds acceptable.

>>23771712
Running a quest every day is insane. Missing days here and there isn't cause for alarm.

>>23771686
And then we went back to being poor.

>>23771709
Avery is rather stunned by the large donation. Or rather his eyebrows go up a little. What he does is thank you, collect the gold, write down the amount, and give you a receipt.

Peri/Mari were apparently packing up their things when you knock on the door. They smile at you when they open the door. "Hey Ssen, something up?" They ask.

>>23771737
Yeah, I was wondering if the schedule changed to a less daily rotation. He's been making an INCREDIBLE amount of actual material.

But then I started worrying that maybe he got eaten by a cougar.

>>23771753
just wanted to make sure you were ok with this. Your the one most affected by the decision and I would hate to put you out. ...also I was wondering if you two are maybe getting along better. I remember what you said in First Wood, Mari.

Hey guys,
Don't forget to ask Lea for training, OP mentioned it a few threads back, but we never really had down time.

>>23771807
Apologies for the pause, it seems our apartment building is going through a network upgrade. As requested, I am alerting you to a gap in service. I'll be back later today, when this Comcast crap is over, promise.

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>>23771784
this seems about right. Check in.
>>23771807
I'm interested in seeing how compatable it is with naga training. Also, I am interested in how the differences in joint holding affects our posture. More tilted, like those lamia are always doing in picatures?

>>23772241
ah, that's bad news, I hope you have plenty to do to keep you occupied in the meantime. And thanks a bunch for telling us, I would've worried otherwise.

>>23772259
Actually, one last thing before I have to unplug everything and translate tech speak to the +40s, just in case this was unclear.

The guy that handed you the hint from the Fifth Humor, the medic? That was Rage. He betrayed the other Humors to save his hometown, went to the Fifth, got the intel, and passed it to you. He's also now very very dead.

>>23772385
ahh that explains it a bit better, I thought it was the Fifth was the medic that directly handed us the information.

>>23772385
aw man, I thought he was being super sneaky about it. Also, I don't know if we would know that IC?

>>23772385
That's a shame.

>>23772416
The Citadel probably detected him.

>>23772442
And it's acted already. I wonder if the guy just has a heart attack, or is assassinated, or gets killed by a rube-goldbergian system of pots falling on heads landing in beartraps?

>>23772385
>The guy that handed you the hint from the Fifth Humor, the medic? That was Rage. He betrayed the other Humors to save his hometown, went to the Fifth, got the intel, and passed it to you.
I think Granny explicitly said that already. Pretty clear. I'm not sure why giving us that hint which contained no sensitive information after their plan already failed was a betrayal though. The other humors seemed to regret the town's loss as well.

>He's also now very very dead.
Didn't realise that. Seems like a waste. I guess they'll find a replacement Rage?

>>23772385
so basically the other humors thought they could somehow salvage this situation? despite knowing the paladins wouldn't have waited for the light bringers and would have bombed the town?
ouch poor guy at least he did the "logical" thing (helping in retaking the town so it can be used again later under better controlled conditions) well at least the humors are probably going to think we won because of him, not because of our skills.

How would a snake wear plate armour? Segmenting and articulating metal plates isn't an issue with a good enough craftsman. But snakes have very special belly scales and if anything covers them up it makes it hard to get around. Things like straps would drag on the ground.

>>23772497
well he WAS sort of critical. Lizardman support was pivotal, I think.

>>23772522
we'd have to leave it bare, or have plates that are extremely polished on the front and all sides, with a rough wedge on the back. These plates would have to be connected to our segments on a 1/1 control basis, and if not able to be strapped tightly enough to move, might need to be clamped to work.

>>23772522
Doesn't that problem apply to every type of armor, not just plate?

I was assuming we only armored our weak fleshy bit, like >>23768347 and >>23768353.

>>23772522
Spaced plate harness overlaid on a scale mail bodysuit perhaps?
I wonder, if this Citadel construct acts as it does it probably seeks to remove anything that might act as a replacement. Could that be why the dragons are gone/hiding as well?

>>23772584
that's how we're currently rolling.

We also got shot in the scaled part by paralytic arrows.

I say we throw some barding over the top and call it good.

Hey EchoGarrote, do you have a map of the setting?

>>23772834
If he doesn't, I wonder if he'd mind me taking a whack.

I suck at drawing, but I DO know some cartography

>>23772522

Maybe we could go see if we can learn some protective magic to protect the scaly bits, or otherwise get some item that does the same thing? There's got to be some sort of enchantment that could make a magic shield appear over stuff. Either that or find out if there's some way to naturally toughen Ssen's scaly bits without becoming monstrous.

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>>23772589
Adding to that, we really ought to figure out how to weaponize our venom, its really not hard to extract if the snake is willing, a casing an a jar is all that is really needed. Emergency holdout blades coated with the stuff. A bit underhanded, but would be good for emergencies.

>>23773402
The only downside is that then we'd need to worry about people stealing our holdout weapons or vials of the stuff and using it on our friends.

>>23773402
if we're figuring out ways to weaponize our venom, we should take it by an alchemist or wizard. I am entirely certain they could do sssstuff to it.

>>23773470
I'm worried about vials we give to our friends used to betray us. Since people obviously act against their own will in a lightbringer story, and those ALWAYS include betrayal, which means one of our friends might get forced to betray us if we get nominated lightbringer.

Rolled 96

>>23773506
we won't be though. We aren't half human... Tara though. I can see her being led astray.

... oh dear

>>23773506
Well, on the plus side, it can't be used on us. We're immune to specifically our own venom (Ssen is immune to Ssen's venom, but not to other lamias') I AM worried about it being used to kill our friends.

>>23773402
man, lamias are HUGE. it takes like five men worth of armor to armor a single one.

Then again, being HUGE has been our primary combat advantage so far. see: constriction, tail lash, etc.

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>>23773639
Huge but low profile. We can probably be really fucking stealthy when we want to be. Almost Creedlike levels of ambush.
>>23773470
Valid concern. However at the same time we could probably look into a counteragent as well.

>>23773794
How do stealthy, assassin-like paladins work?

>>23773847
Quietly.

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>>23773847
Watch quietly and observe, let people give themselves enough rope to hang themselves then. Surprise Motherfucker.

>>23773847
Like we have been? We've been ambushing people in every battle.

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>>23773847
>>23773863
>>23773900
Speaking of, we probably SHOULD lay low here soon. After dealing with the ball. Let the eye of the citadel turn away from us. Possibly searching for dragons while the humors unfuck themselves.

>>23773944
I'm now imagining the look on every paladins face as we get paladin status because we've now got a dragon in our team. the humors would be probably going "ho come on! how does that make any sense!"

>>23773944
once we sort out the paladins, visit the ball, and split meri/peri, THEN we can go search for dragons.

And it'll be a good time to get meri up to adventuring shape wandering. less combat when you are wandering as opposed to actively seeking out and saving people in danger.

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>>23774001
>Artificier dragon serving as a ranger compliment to the rogue.

>>23774006
if they even want to be split.

>>23774544
I'm not one to tell people how to live, but I am almost certain this will have unpredictable and probably disastrous long term results if they stay together for too long.

>>23774091
I was more thinking of a dragon along the line of GIANT FLYING LIZARD LOOKING INSIDE A CATHEDRAL but that works too

>>23774801
either way, I hope they're ancient. We need more first hand accounts of the rise of citadel, and pre-citadel culture/paladins.

>>23774905
indeed, we need to see if the sacrifices are worth it, I'm personally not against it, I know it's wrong but seems like the leaser of two evil to me

>>23774933
of course they're not worth it. A lack of goodwill and an increase in social pressures/weather disasters is nothing that can't be solved by a bit of logistics and economics.

Honestly? I am against allowing the sacrifices to continue. Omething biult on the blood of heroes when it doesn't need to be is wrong.

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>>23774944
Does citadel have potatoes? If not, we need to discover and introduce them, stat!

>>23774952
that's why we need to know if it was worth it, if it isn't I'll be the first to say f*ck citadel.
either way it doesn't mean I like it

>>23774933
>Lesser of two evils.
Being a paladin is all about saying Fuck that noise to choices like that.

>>23774933
Even if everything always went to plan it would be pretty monstrous, but we have seen how easily they can lose control and fuck up.

>>23774969
we are on the same page, my friend. So many racial tensions can be solved by a better food supply. Or clean running water. Enough for everyone.

>>23775019
>>23775019
>>23775019
So many racial tensions can be eliminated by the removal of competition.

>>23775131
yeah, but we're trying to go a route one-better than what citadel did.

>>23775157
I probably didn't communicate that well, since I am quite drunk. I meant that in the most benign way possible.

>>23775272
ah, not in the stab-monopoly way. gotcha.

>>23775310
I was completely sincere. Seriously. In the non-eugenics sense.

>>23772834
>>23772878
No, I don't have a map drawn, just a general idea. River's Crossing is at a river fork. White Tree is along said river. RC is half the size of WT, Purple Sands is 2x the size of WT and on the edge of a desert, First Wood is on a lake across from a mountain by a big ass wood same size as PS, Stone Hall is on the coast and is 3X the size of WT, Bronze Peak is inside a mountain, Grand Citadel is on the opposite coast and is GIGANTIC (It's the size of 2 Tokyos, it eats up mountains and spills into the sea.) All of it is connected by the King's Road. Jubillee is half the size of RC and is in the middle of nowhere. Across the sea from GC is the Phoenix Kingdom.

Other than that, the place is yours to make.

>>23774969
Yes Citadel has potatoes, there's fields upon fields dedicated to feeding the monster city. Oceans of cattle, countless quarries, and lumber from the great forest is felled daily.

Of course, thanks the Citadel's 'blessing' the fields never go fallow, the cattle don't ruin the ecosystem, and there's always enough stone and wood...and people don't notice.

>>23771784
"I just wanted to make sure you were ok with this. Your the one most affected by the decision and I would hate to put you out. ...also I was wondering if you two are maybe getting along better. I remember what you said in First Wood, Mari." You say.

Mari blushes. "Yeah, it's no problem. Like I said, no rush."

"Me and the kid have been getting along fine." Peri says. "Keeps trying to fix my language, and fails to grasp the idea that we require a more steady inflow of money, but yeah...things are okay between us."

You can read your friends like a book these days. They aren't lying, but that's not the whole truth.

>>23775783
Sounds like what we'd really need to make things work post-Humours and Citadel is a government and administrative system which isn't reliant on Citadel making everything easy for them, which will be a psychological issue as much as anything else.

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>>23775783
>supporting oceans of cattle
I can think of a few things that would help with that. Also welcome back!

Hey ANY additional content that ANYONE wants to make is more than welcome by me. I'm still hoping someone makes a drawing of the other three party members at some point.

>>23775857
gently say:
"I can tell you are both holding something back."

"Its Ok if you dont want to tell me everything, but I am here for you if or when you do, and will help in any way I can."

then give them a hug if they seem like might want/need one.

>>23775857
Cross arms and smile playfully. There's something you're not telling me. What's up?

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I'd suggest a course of action, but I am kind of sort of planning something similar in a game and I know my DM browses this so I'd rather not let the plan be given away.

>>23775948
Still waiting on some fapfiction, eh?

Well, I'm waiting to see what you do with the harem scene before I write anything...

>>23775948
I am currently drawing stuff for another quest but I may try at some point, if I can figure out how to draw boobs

>>23775857
Alright. Whenever you're ready to tell me the rest, I'll be here.

>>23775964
"I can tell you are both holding something back." You say. "Its Ok if you dont want to tell me everything, but I am here for you if or when you do, and will help in any way I can."

Peri/Mari fidget a bit, and then motion for you to come inside.

"We think..." "We think it might be better if, we...you know..." "Didn't split up." They say, sitting on their bed. "We both remember what it was like to be alone in your head. It'd be hard to go back to that."

"Anyway, with us together, it's easier for us to be a good person. We weren't exactly the paragons of morality before."

"You know why with me." Peri says.

"I was a spoiled, pudgy, prodigy, who had a lot of money." Mari sighs. "I wasn't a good person either. I made a lot of other kids' life very unpleasant."

"When we're together though..." Peri shrugs. "We can watch each other, keep each other behaving, and stay worthy of being with you and the others."

"I don't know if it's going to be like that if we split up." Mari said. "Also, you wont want to tote around a fat 13-year old. I probably wont be able to shoot, either."

"It's not selfish, right?" Peri asks. "I mean, it's just us, and its our call."

"Also, there's no one waiting for me, Granny killed mom and dad, so...who cares if my lousy old body lies frozen in a Conclave?"

>>23776180
It didn't exactly work anymore anyways

>>23776180
"Of course it's not selfish, it's your decisions to make, and if that's what you want, then I'll support it all the way."

>>23776180
"Yeah, it's your call. If you want to stay together, that's fine."

>>23776226
"It didn't exactly work anymore anyways."

"Exactly, my body was ruined by poison, and Peri maybe still can't walk without me!" Mari says.

>>23776180
>>23776263
Well, I still suggest seeing the solution the mages have to offer. You two were made like that on accident, there's no doubt numerous patch ups and hem jobs that could be put in place to make it more stable, or work better.

>>23776252
"Of course it's not selfish, it's your decisions to make, and if that's what you want, then I'll support it all the way." You say.

The two look very relieved. "Thanks."

"I still suggest seeing the solution the mages have to offer. You two were made like that on accident, there's no doubt numerous patch ups and hem jobs that could be put in place to make it more stable, or work better." She says.

The two don't hate the idea. They nod.

"Plus, we could do the tourist thing." Mari says. "See the gem caves, look at the artificer workshops, and see if we can find a dragon!"

>>23776342
Alight, you said you wanted to train with Lea. Here's your current move set, this include's Granny's new tricks and training.

Constrict +1
Tail Whip +2
Sword +1/Tail +1 (You can now use them on the same target or two different ones.)
Tail Disarm

You can try to learn a new trick that you come up with, or ad a +1 bonus to one you already have.

>>23776469
Learn to use tail and bow at the same time.

>>23776469
I want to put more points into constrict, but how would training that with lea be? I don't know if it's compatable with her stylings.

>>23776342
laugh
"Now that I would like to see, a real dragon."

I wonder if the mages could do anything about what Donovan did to Peri.

>>23776469
try to come up with a new trick. tail+bow

>>23776524
Okay, tail and bow. You want to have it as an attack, or be able to have your tail pull an arrow out of your quiver while you're firing to let you shoot two shots in a round?

>>23776523
Lea knows how to get out of grapples, so she can teach you how to counter those counters.

>>23776554
An attack, so we can bash and stuff while firing at different targets.

>>23776554
tail action + bow shot this time.

>>23776604
>>23776618
Roll 3d20

Rolled 5, 18, 16 = 39

>>23776629

>>23776634
Congratulations. You can now tail whip and shoot a bow.

Okay, hang on, I'm going to put up everyone's new stats and skills.

>>23776524
Why not put a sling on our tail? We could use it to fling rocks and stuff with huge force. Accuracy would be an issue though.

>>23776765
i dont see how it would even be possible, remember it only has effectively one digit, grasping something is no problem,but i dont see how you could use a sling without a thumb.

mabie an atlatl strapped to the tail though... but then we would have to use a hand to load it instead of drawing a bowstring.

>>23776666
Everyone: 6 wounds, Hit on 13, Magic on 12, Get hit by Mooks: 16, Alphas & Leaders: 15, Bosses: 14

Ssen
Father’s Sword +2
Bow +2
Tail +1/Sword +1
Tail +1/ Bow +1
Constrict on 12, Pull free on 16+
Tail Whip +2
Tail Disarm

Mage
Firebolt/Ice Blast/Lightning Bolt
Stone to Mud
Stalking Spell (Muffles footsteps)
Charge Troll Blood Healing Potion
Shatter (Destroys non-moving, non-living target, target number varies)

Tricia
Sickle
Healing Pollen
Summon Insects (Upkeep roll is required every turn)

Peri
Double Slash (Second blow hits on 14)
Hide in Shadows
Backstab (Must be hidden first)
Swap

Mari
Crossbow (Now can fire every turn)
Analyze (Grants +1 to all if hits target number)
Alchemical Shot (Hits on 14, elemental effect)
Swap

Peri/Mari
Shoot/Slash

Lea
Attack
Stunning Strike
Armor Crack

>>23776765
>Why not put a sling on our tail?
Why not put a monk with stoneskin cast on them on your tail?

>>23776865
You load up the wagon, and Lea hitches the Nightmare up to it.

"We should come up with a name for this guy." Tricia says.

"Yeah, cause you're really great at that." Mage says.

"You're just picky!" Tricia snaps back.

It's a week's worth of travel from Stone Hall to Gand Citadel, most of it through fields of cows, or wheat, or corn, or potatoes. Mile after mile. Thankfully the Nightmare is fast. Also, for some reason, very few people both the group of people with a flaming horse, a snake woman, a mage, a girl wrapped in bandages, a girl in black with knives and crossbows, and a girl who's often surrounded by bees.

Lea sings a few songs. Peri has a deck of cards. You rest at Traveller's Taverns when you come up on them, and the miles go on by.

Of course, there are a few times that you have to camp out under the stars.

Roll 1d6

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>>23777034

Rolled 1

>>23777098
wut

>>23776856
It could work like a trebuchet, one end of the sling is tied on, the other is looped. You swing and the loop slips off the hook at the right moment releasing the rock in the sling. It would be almost impossible to aim in retrospect. But with the entire tail behind it you could impart a crazy amount of force into a thrown rock.

>>23777122
One is never good is it?

>>23777122
You have to spend one night out in the cold. You hear the mooing of cows in the distance.
The small fire you have, and the Nightmare keep it from being too dark, plus there's always the stars. It is gorgeous out here.

Roll 1d20.

Rolled 2

>>23777180

Rolled 13

>>23777186
Welp

Rolled 13

>>23777180

>>23777186
You open your eyes to see yourself staring at the business end of a blade.

"Good morning!" A cheerful voice says.

You look down the blade at the person holding it. It's an elf, and he's dressed in Fey Court armor.

"So, this is the Paladin Serpent."

"You know," You hear Tricia groan. "I don't even know why we bother sleeping at all."

You can see that the others are all being held at sword or arrow point by separatists.

"Now, I'm sure you've realized that I could have killed you in your sleep, or at least tried too." He says. "However, I'm not suicidal." He looks over his shoulder. "How's it coming?"

"Slowly," You hear the Nightmare scream. "I don't know how Donovan got this thing to obey him!"

"We just want the horse, and then we'll take off." The elf pointing a blade at you says.

Rolled 17

>>23777341
Tail disarm?

>>23777341
"It appears the horse does not want to cooperate, it is quite fond of us."

>>23777463
I would say no, we dont want to get our companions killed

>>23777341
"You're trying to take -that- against its will? Hah, good luck!"

>>23777341
I can't say that a part of me dose sympathize with your loss. I'm not sure I would have turned to banditry though.

>>23777489
*does not

>>23777489
I think this might be crazy elf law, and not technically banditry. For them.

>>23777341

You're asking the wrong person; a horse has owners. A Nightmare has partners.

>>23777463
Your tail snaps up, just like Granny showed you and you knock the sword out of the elf's hand.

"Oh...crap." He says. "Okay...okay let's not do anything crazy..." He backs away and motions for his men to back off as well. "Can't blame us for trying, can you?"

"We can take them!" The one over Lea says.

"Yeah, no...no we can't." The leader says. "Ease up, or they're going to kill us."

"We should have killed them while they were sleeping!" Another snaps.

"I told you, that wouldn't have worked!" The leader snaps. "Now, unless you want to die, say you're sorry to the nice ladies and walk away!"

>>23777341
"I'm not certain he *has the gender been established?* will allow himself to be taken. You take your life into your own hands."

>>23777559
"You're surprisingly sensible for a group of bandits." (with a giant smirk on your face).

>>23777341
>"I don't even know why we bother sleeping at all."
We could try sleeping in shifts.

Donovan is still alive last I heard if thats of any consolation. Though given the argument at the time of his departure it'd be completely understandable if you never wanted to see his face again.

>>23777559
Guy's terrified of us...

"Why did you even try to do this, if you expected it to go so badly for you?"

I feel bad seeing the elves leave empty-handed. This was a very professional robbing, and they are secret, unknowing allies of our anti-humor agenda. Any ideas?

>>23777559
"No, we're not going to kill you. Please, move along. If you want Nightmare so badly, did you even consider asking him to come with you?"

>>23777559
ok that was pretty funny.

"Why risk your lives for the Nightmare if you knew you where so outclassed?"

Could this perhaps be an opportunity to gain some insight into what the Seperatists' main goal? We know about all of the talk about traditional elven values and such, but there can be a large difference between what the rank-and-file want as opposed to their leaders.

>>23777559
"We certainly *can* blame you for trying, but we're remarkably lenient with people who try to make amends."

See if you can get some useful information from them, like what Donovan is up to, and whether he has motivations other than revenge or blinding hatred at the moment.

>>23777559
>>23777612
Stop them, ask them to to let the nightmare decide. It's only right, if the thing is smart enough to choose us over donovan, it should be smart enough to pick the right owner here.

note: if it leaves, we may have to pull the cart ourselves.

>>23777601
"Why did you even try to do this, if you expected it to go so badly for you?"

"Well the plan was to take the horse while you were sleeping, this was my plan b." The elf says. "The horse is a symbol to the Fey Court. It's the rage of the natural world against the Citadel...or something, look Queen Mab said she pay me a ton of money for it. That's the part I found important."

"You're surprisingly sensible for a group of bandits." You say with a smirk.

"S'how I stay alive, and part of that is NOT picking fights with people who can fight ARMIES of Ghouls!"

"All it takes is one lucky shot or swipe." The guy still pointing his crossbow at Lea says.

Listen. We can sit down and be honest with each other. How about breakfast?Worst case, you get a hot meal.

>>23777643
(Or rather, whether he still has any influence on these folks or if they're just being opportunistic and rather stupid.)

>>23777643
>like what Donovan is up to
Being tortured, I would assume.

>>23777659
The leader slaps his face and swears. "Look, do you mind if I walk over there and deal with the idiot? He's new." He asks.

>>23777659
Your man there has has a point. But how would we be able to move our cart? Surely, you wouldn't be so unkind as to leave us in the lurch.

>>23777677
"Go ahead."

>>23777677
"Go right ahead."

>>23777677
"Nothing funny is all I ask."

>>23777677
Go ahead.

>>23777677
"Go ahead. Did you consider asking Nightmare what he thinks about it?"

>>23777685
Dude no, no convincing the elves they could take us.

>>23777685
"Your man there has has a point. But how would we be able to move our cart? Surely, you wouldn't be so unkind as to leave us in the lurch."

"Well, and I hope you understand, you did kind of capture one of our leaders and cause us to lose our foothold in First Wood. Not really that much concerned about your comfort." He shrugs. He points at the idiot.

You nod. "Go right ahead."

He walks over to the young elf and calmly puts a hand on his shoulder. He waves off the others, who pull back. "If you shoot that bolt, you're going to die."

"I've dedicated my life to the cause, to stopping the tyranny of Citadel." He says. "Now we have the ones who took down one of our greatest leader at our mercy, and you want to just walk away?"

"Yes. Honestly Ryan, where did you get this guy?"

"He's my cousin's kid." Another Fey Court bandit says.

"Of course he is...look, kid, we aren't the front line people. You wanna go on a suicide run against the Newgates? Great! I'll strap the blast stones to you myself."

"But...but..."

The man gently pushes the crossbow away. "We tried, we lost. We walk away, we can try again...nothing personal..." He says looking at you. "Just, you know, a 1000 gold is a 1000 gold."

>>23777809
Dinner, will be back soon.

>>23777809
"If you can convince it it wants to come with you rather than stay with us of its own free will, then you're welcome to bring the Nightmare back to your queen. Otherwise, I guess you're out of luck."

Rolled 5

>>23777863
Why exactly are you so into giving up the nightmare?

Gonna go ahead and say fuck that noise.

>>23777882
Eh, I think he's betting the Nightmare will pick Lea over the elves. I'm kinda inclined to agree.

But I don't really risk it.

>>23777904
>But I don't really want to risk it.

>>23777863
>>23777809
This right here. Perhaps adding that a second sneaky attack will cost you something dear

>>23777809
Well, have you a horse or a draft best who could take us to our destination? i have no quarrel with the elves, only with the madman who had more care for his own desires than the cause he claimed to serve.

>>23777949
I don't think we should give them the Nightmare if it doesn't want to go. It seemed pretty panicked about them trying to steal it.

>>23777959
Maybe it's following us because the elven spirit knows what we're going to do to the citadel. It liked both us and lea after all

>>23777994
>Maybe it's following us because the elven spirit knows what we're going to do to the citadel. It liked both us and lea after all
It wants to kill/impregnate the prized horses of the Citadel?
Well the elves should be paying US for helping the fey court carry out that plan.

>>23777809
"That kid does realize that his "great leader" was captured because he wanted to placate his own ego right? During an attack that he was warned about?

>>23778101
"That kid does realize that his "great leader" was captured because he wanted to placate his own ego right? During an attack that he was warned about?"

"Don't you are speak about the great Donovan like that, when he escapes from Citadel, he'll visit a great and terrible vengeance on you, Paladin Serpent! You'll see!"

There's a pause. The leader groans. "Ryan, get him out of her before I kill him."

The elf leads the kid away, despite his protests of rightgeousness and Elf Law and so on. The leader goes to pick up his sword and he sheaths it.

"You could always try to see if the Nightmare will follow you willingly." You say.

He shakes his head. "I don't think anyone cares about his opinion either. So...I guess we call this one for you...nice trick by the by. I'll remember it."

You can see his hand is at his belt, he's got something in his hand, but it looks like he's just waiting to see what move you'll make.

>>23778354
"Well, if you don't want to see if it'll come willingly, then I guess we'll see you at some other robbery attempt. Thanks for keeping it civil, it's nice having some opponents who aren't all about eating your flesh, and who won't run for fear of death from their commanders."

>>23778354
Just stand there and wait for him to leave.

Of course, be ready to take action just in case, you know. You never know what will happen.

>>23778354
"Well then, are we done here? I'm happy to end our encounter peacefully this time..."

>>23778396
"Well, if you don't want to see if it'll come willingly, then I guess we'll see you at some other robbery attempt. Thanks for keeping it civil, it's nice having some opponents who aren't all about eating your flesh, and who won't run for fear of death from their commanders." You say.

"Well, for your next banditry needs, look no further than Robin Goodfellow." He smiles and makes a bow.

"Seriously?" Peri asks.

"Yeah, my parents were small in imagination." Robin says as he rolls his eyes. "Now...if you'll excuse me. I just hate to waste these." He hurls a stone at the ground. There's a flash of light and a burst of smoke. When it clears, Robin and his crew are gone.

"He was kinda cute." Mari says.

"NO." Peri snaps.

>>23778459
methinks peri has sworn off all elven men forever.

>>23778459
"Well that was... strange. Perhaps in future we ought to have a guard rota at night. The next bandits might not be so polite."

>>23778459
Just shrug at that comment ...

"Well, now that everyone is awake we should probably get going. Also, next time we spend the night outside, we set-up a guard rotation."

>>23778459
"Well, maybe a little, in a bandit kind of way."

>>23778512
This. We are pretty lame adventurers if we don't know the importance of watch.

>>23778459
You all get back into the wagon and finish your trip to Grand Citadel without further incident.

At the end of your trek come up over a small hill, and everyone gasps as they look out at the Greatest City of Seven Ages. You cannot see where it ends, it spreads out so far along the coast. Actually, you don't even see a 'coast' the city pours out into the ocean, with buildings on stilts, or built upon ships, or built upon other buildings that sank. Grand Citadel, the only city mighty enough to force the ocean to capitulate.

The streets go everywhere in a massive, chaotic web. Canals merge into roads, and you see roads on top of roads in areas where the city is actually tiered like a layer cake.

You can see the marketplace from here, the colorful tents and streamers. It has to be bigger than River's Crossing on its own.

The rooftops glitter like gold in the early morning sun, and there are flag and banners everywhere, making the sky a sea of color. You can taste the amazing smells of bread, spices, honey, and a thousand other savories in the air.

The grand palace reaches as high as a mountain, mostly because, at one point, it was a mountain, now Grand Citadel surrounds it, and artisans simply chiseled away anything that they didn't want. The Grand Cathedral looks like it's made out of glass the way it shimmers and sparkles, casting His Light over all of the City.

There are spires with golden spheres atop them. There are building with inlays of silver, gold, and gems that dazzle and marvel. There is the sound of a thousand thousand musicians playing and all of them blend together in perfect harmony.

This is the city of Heaven.

Welcome to Grand Citadel.

>>23778608
Tricia is awestruck. The others are also impressed, but you find your jaw hanging open like hers.

"It's beautiful." She says in a whisper.

>>23778633
"Outside really is ... but let's see what the inside has in store for us."

man, this place is enchanted as SHIT. I mean, nobody's pried the gems out of the walls!

>>23778685
"Outside really is ... but let's see what the inside has in store for us." You say.

Tricia sighs, shaking her head to clear her mind. She nods. "Okay, so, market, Solar, Palace, we could go to the Cathedral and see the statue of your Father too, if you want."

>>23778723
"Yes, I would like to do that."

>>23778723
>Statue of Father

THIS IS MOST IMPORTSANT

>>23778723
>>23778744
>>23778802
Grab up your friends, get walking
"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's visit my dad!"

>>23778744
"Yes, I would like to do that." You say.

You stable the Nightmare and start to make your way through the city. People give you a few glances here and there, but most of them pay you no mind. You see a Naga on a leash pass by you as you get near the market. They must think you're one of those. You get a look at the Naga's eyes as you pass her. The only thing you see is this glazed look, and a content dopey smile on her face. Plus, she's got the same kind of surgical scars that Tara had. This isn't a person, not anymore...and her owner really isn't much different. She's had her face altered, and that same smile as her pet. She's simply happy and that's enough for her.

The city seems to get more and more beautiful as you head into it. Tiling covered tunnels and roads. Archways covered with lapis lazuli, and gold paint or inlays everywhere.

Every corner there seems to be a street musician, or a fakir, or a dancer. They're all magnificent and coins pour out of their offering bowls.

All but one. "Ladies and Gentlemen, step right up, step right up, and behold the next wonder of the Seventh Age!" You hear. There's a small stage set up and a man in a red jacket is trying to get people's attention, and failing.

"You there!" He points at you. "Yes, the beautiful...holy..." He's notice what you are. "Uhh, okay, come right up! Let me show you a wonder that rivals even yourself!" He grins.

>>23779001
Pass. Continue on to Fathers statue.

>>23779001
Cursory glance, then proceed on.

>>23778723
Time to speak to dad. Introduce everyone once we get to him.

>>23779001
"Mabie next time."

>>23779001
Continue on. Dismiss him politely. Perhaps take a look later.

>>23779068
You pause for a moment. The guy in red sees that he's only got a few moments.

"What would you say, if I could tell you that you could get, clean, hot water, for all your needs, bathing, cooking, drinking, washing in mere seconds, with a simple touch of a button?" There's a large...thing behind him covered by a patched up and ratty looking cloth.

>>23779103
"Nope." Continue on.

>>23779103
Im curious now, but we can see him on the way back from visiting Father.

"I have somewhere to be right now, perhaps when I return in a few hours."

>>23779103
"This will only take a second ma'am, a second that could change your life!" He says.

"Come on," Tricia says. "We'll come back later."

"Did I forget to mention that every demonstration of Barney Pits' wonder-ments comes with a free gift? Yes that's right! A free gift, just by standing there and letting yourself, be amazed!"

Another passer by scowls at him, and someone chucks a rotten apple at his stage. Mr. Pits is still smiling at you five/six.