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File: 1363819342933.jpg-(109 KB, 800x688, Ssen.jpg)
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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.

You are 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/ex-guerllia fighter (She goes by Peri), and Mary, a 13-year old prodigy scholar/now sniper, who has her mind and soul trapped within Peri's body; and Lea, a deeply religious musician/martial artist, trained by her father, a famous trainer for arena 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.

Your journey continues...

( Opening theme song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvZgKRAacFc )
>>
SWEET CRUCIFIED COCK OF CHRIST IT'S LAMIA QUEST.

Fuck, I have been looking forward to this all day after I finally finished catching up with the archived threads this morning.

Also, Echo, you are a fantastic storyteller and likely a God-tier DM.
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>>23791388
seconded. Love you Echo
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Bro I haven't seen in ages is coming over with pizza and beer. We're gonna shoo the shit and Lamia Quest just started.
Aw ye.
>mfw
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>>23791319

Booyah, it's SNAKE TIEM.
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So, am I the only one who noticed that the author is Irish, and the main character is named Ssen Patrick (Saint Patrick) and happens to be a crusading snake?
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>>23791543
you fucker
>>
>>23791543

No you're not, but I didn't want to jinx the character, now that we've learned about Citadel.
>>
Can't fucking wait for Lamia Quest. Where can I find the archive for the previous ones?
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>>23791563

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Lamia%20Quest

Number 10 is unmarked.
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>>23791570
hopefully Lord Licorice will fix it, emailed him about it yesterday
>>
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You finished your business in Stone Hall and, upon receiving an invitation to a ball thrown in honor of the victory, head to the great city of Grand Citadel.

Along the way you were waylaid by an attempted horse theft by Robin Goodfellow, another elf terrorist working for the Fey Court. Thankfully, Robin was a practical person who valued his own life, and the lives of his men, above that of the Fey Court cause. He retreated when you gained the upper hand, but has made it clear that he was contracted to get the Nightmare back for the Fey Court, and he is a man of his word.

You finally have seen Grand Citadel, and you can't deny the sense of wonder you had when you looked upon it. It's beauty, culture, and majesty make it seem like the closest anyone can get to making the Heaven on Earth.

But at the same time, you can see the signs that point to something nasty, that Granny wasn't lying when she said Citadel was something foul. There's Barney Pits, a huckster of new inventions who gets heckled in the street and chased away. Gregory Garish, a tailor who can't get business because he refuses to pretend to be flamingly gay. Finally, the statues commemorating your Father, and his order, the Caligo Clarus, are locked away in a dusty attic for no one to see.

The Claigo Clarus was apparently an order dedicated to helping people through times of difficult change and progress, as the Teachings of Light, which pre-date the Citadel, say that change is inevitable and good...but also painful and terrifying. The Caligo Clarus were supposed to serve as the Guiding Light, helping others through change, and keep them from falling into Darkness.
>>
So the ball is coming up, and if we don't waltz with Lea, I'ma suffer a next-level butthurt maneuver.
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>>23791655
While paying respects to your Father and his order's history, you overheard Paladin Bobbi Odette speaking to a Conclave Overseer. She is determined to prevent you from becoming a Paladin and thus, disproving the 'fact' that monsters can ever be more than beasts. She claims that stopping you is a sacred duty, 'given' to her by His Light.

You made your report to the Occuli Internal Affairs about what happened at Stone Hall. The questions were brief, and you answered honestly. Although, they did seem to not want to ask anything about the actual signing of the contract.

That night you walked around the beautiful Grand Citadel Markets, taking in the sights and shows. You were approached by an artist who asked you a question, he had been commissioned to make a painting of you at your moment of victory at Stone Hall for the Grand Citadel museum. There were two options, one that showed the truth, warts and all; and the other that turned your people into caricatures, pictures designed to make people think of you less as people or heroes and more as sex objects.

You remembered Granny's warning, though. This was Citadel's test. Be what it thought you should be, or let it know you hated it...and you, and your loved ones, would suffer. You grit your teeth and let him use the second one, but you bought the first one yourself, and you had the artist promise to send profits from resales of copies to Stone Hall.
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>>23791543
What? It took you guys THAT long to figure out the Liam Patrick gag?
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>>23791693
I am not a clever man
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>>23791666
You wait in the dining room area of the Traveller's Tavern that you stayed in last night. You're waiting for Gregory Garish to arrive with your dresses for the ball this evening.

You're also waiting inside, because you don't think you can stand being outside in Grand Citadel much more. Especially now that it's decided to be 'friends.'

"I know Stone Hall needs the money." Mage says as he looks at a copy of the picture that now hangs in the Conclave museum. "But is it too much trouble for people to know that I'm NOT a woman?"

Lea sighs. "Ssen thought that this was best, and I suppose dignity is something that heals easiest when wounded." She shoots you a glare. "Although the Teachings have much to say about the value of Truth as well."
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>>23791693
I can't brain today, I have the Polock.
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>>23791770
"Just.....trust me on this one. Please."
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>>23791770
It hurts me just as much as it does you all. Everyone, you may think me mad sometimes, but please know simply that I have my reasons for what I do.
>>
>>23791770

>>23791788
plus
"I will tell you why some day, but please dont ask me why until I am ready to tell you."
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>>23791655
I finally understood why there are so few of the Night in the Darkness paladins.

They only appear when a great change is needed.
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>>23791693
What, sorry anon. My brain is dead after a whole day of work. Please explain it to me.
>>
I think we need to know that there is a line for what we will compromise to the Citadel for safety.

There has to be a point when we will say, screw that, nope Citadel, I am going to the Phoenix empire to escape your grasp.
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>>23791929
And I have feeling that line is going to show up at the ball really fucking fast.
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>>23791788
"Just.....trust me on this one. Please." You say.

There's murmurs of agreement. No one's denying that Stone Hall needs as much help it could get, especially having seen it first hand.

The door opens and Gregory Garish and his little sister Sophia are there. They're carrying multiple packages. He waves at you all and walks over. "I made a few adjustments, and I went to an old friend of mine to look up a few things on the Claigo Clarus. I got a little inspiration from them, and I made a few little changes. Please, go try them on and tell me if you like them and if they fit right."

You head back to your room, and you try it on. It's the same sheer white dress with the white on off-white Claigo Clarus emblem stitched into it...but now there's a beautiful grey gossamer-like hem around it, small little beads of glass in it that glitter in the light as you walk. Also, he included some fingerless elbow length gloves, with an amazing scale pattern in white on it. Finally there's a choker, a white ribbon that goes around your neck, and dangling from the center is a small, intricate, facsimile of a strange looking lantern.

It's astounding.

Everyone else looks great too, white on off-white, Caligo Clarus subtly woven in, and now that translucent grey with beads added to it, along with a piece of jewelry in one for or another that shows that lantern.

"So?" Gregory asks. "You like them?"
>>
Now, this should be excruciatingly clear already, but it bears clarification that the harem route is beyond fucking off-limits to us. It's as delusional, fetishy and degrading as the painting was and, similarly, is also a part of what citadel likely wants, considering how jovially the audience of that public play received it.
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>>23791951
"It's...amazing. I don't think I've EVER looked this good."
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>>23791951
"It's beautiful, thank you."
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>>23791951
S-Ssen's a g-girl?
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>>23791896
Saint Patrick, supposedly drove all the snakes out of ireland.

Irish are known for having red hair, and on St Patricks day you are supposed to wear some green.

our hair is red, and our scales are green,and we are half snake. now say our full name out loud.

>>23791987
this, or speechless
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>>23791951
>elbow length gloves
>Lantern

This is the all that I can hope for, and more. I was right when I first met you. You are talented beyond measures.

We need to encourage this man. He does good work and is wasting away because he cannot sell as well. Perhaps we can find him an advertisement master?
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>>23792026
Ah. All the missed clues. Now I feel ashamed.

Thanks Archivist!
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>>23791985
Well yeah, I actually picked harem route in the first place back before we learned all this citadel stuff. But since EchoGarrote has now apparently decided that we made the wrong choice and must be punished, we should probably ditch it and fix on one.
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>>23791946
That is usually how it goes.

We need our dragon allies soon.
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>>23791951
"'Like' them? I love them. The rest of this city's tailors should be emulating -you- not the other way 'round."
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>>23791985
We can't have children with any of our team mates anyways. Why don't we just keep it friendly for now. It will be a life time before we have to consider breeding.
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>>23791987
Your'e almost speechless. The rest of the group certainly is.

"It's...amazing. I don't think I've EVER looked this good."

Gregory nods. "Okay, great. Getting the First Lantern right was a bitch and a half, and I still don't think I did it right. Only so much a guy can do with wires and tweezers. So, I'll take the other half of my payment (Which you have.) and unless there's something else you'd like...enjoy the ball, and please look me up if you're ever back in GC with clothing needs!"

>>23792026
Best thing is that it's the original Lamia Child story's OP that told me her name was Ssen. Oh and Liam comes from the first name that naturally popped into my head when 'badass father' entered it.
>>
Ask about how he feels about everyday wear? Something fairly rugged as we do get into battles quite a bit.
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>>23792061
I didn't say you made the wrong choice. I said I had a harem SCENE, and that I encouraged you guys to pick a single MATE. If you guys WANT a full harem ALL the time, hey Citadel is HAPPY to oblige...it just will have to shift a few people's minds around a bit. You don't mind that, do you?
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>>23792113
Sure. How about weaving armor into cloth?
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This thread has a lot of good ideas. Would you guys ever sell out for later editions if someone wanted to buy it from you?
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>>23792144
oops wrong thread...
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>>23792086
"Oh we will definitely be back, We will be the envy of the Ball with these outfits, and will make sure they know who made them."

based of Neeson i would bet.

>>23792119
*shakes fist in air* CITADEL!
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>>23792144
I... what?
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>>23792086
Ask about everyday wear and armor smithing.
Also we should take in account that Granny recommended scale armor.
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>>23792122
"Sure. How about weaving armor into cloth?" You ask.

He nods. "Not the hardest thing to do, but you'll need to find a good smith, not to mention that the materials will need to be different. I wont be able to do this kind of stitching...but I think you don't care if the people you're trying to kill think you look nice." He laughs. "Okay, yeah. Not like I'll say no to more paying work...you can pay, right?"

THAT might be a little tough...you're pretty meager on funds at the precise moment. Still, reward ball coming up, and that usually means boons and money handed out by royalty.
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>>23792184
That is for later. On to story!
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>>23792184
"I'll come back when I have the funds, thank you again!"
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>>23792184
"We will for now, but you can expect to see us some time in the future."
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>>23792119
Nope, fuck this city and its mind fuckery.
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>>23792119

Sometimes I regret not making an all-monster party.
>>
Citadel is like a spoiled child. The way, in fact, to deal with a spoiled child is not to either confront him or comply with him. It is to offer him two choices, both of which are good for you. It gives the child a sense of autonomy while controlling what it does.

What if, anons, what if we change our position? Instead of reacting to the Citadel, why don't we give it two choices?

I, though, have no clue how we can do it.
>>
>Want to be a paladin.
>Have not yet sought guidance from the His Light.
>>
>>23792202

"We're a little skint for now, but you can expect to see us some time in the future." You say.

Gregory looks very touched. "Thanks, oh..." He ands you address. "This is the guy I went to to look up that extra Claigo Clarus stuff. He wanted me to let you know that he'd love to talk with you. Not too many people in GC who like history."

Sophie gives you a wave as she and her brother leave.

- - Ambrose Trapp: Historian & Used Books - - Along with an address. Oddly...it kind of looks like the same card Barney Pits gave, you...you dig out the card Gregory gave you when you left his shop. Same lettering, same card stock, same nice border design.

That's weird...how'd they do that? Wood prints aren't THAT exact.
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>>23792423
Oh shit. That inventor knows his stuff.

Even that too? Can we print the Light's teachings for the common people? So they too will know about the change theology?
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>>23792308
>Citadel doesn't compromise. The second picture has to be sold AND be put in the museum. Citadel wants to make you 'fit.' If you do, Citadel thinks you're okay and will move on. Otherwise...you, and those who love you, will have consequences.
>I'm not going to stop you guys if you insist on flipping Citadel the bird...but just know what you're getting into.

That's echos post about Citadel.
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>>23792423
Note to self, investigate this the morning after the ball, and go in ready for war because this could be bad news. It's possible that Citadel thinks naming its trap, "Trapp" is subtle and witty, but we can't afford to leave this stone unturned, no matter how fishy it is.
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>>23792423
We have to explore this mystery then. We are going to visit him anyways to learn of our father's order.
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>>23792423
oh shit, printing press
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>>23792450
Martin Luther go away.
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>>23792423
So you can brave Citadel again to see the 'sights' or check out Trapp's place, or you can see what this 'Inventor's Guild' is about..or you can just hide under the covers at Travellers and wait for the ball.
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>>23792423
seems like another outcast, we should investigate after the ball, along with the inventor, something has to have made those cards so precisely.
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>>23792531
No, it is Gutenberg you buffoon.
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>>23792534
Free time for all.

We have to go see the inventor first. While we are still on Citadel's good side.

Or the historian. I do not mind either way. Just don't bring our crew with us and doom them.
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>>23792534
Go to Trapp's. I think we need to learn more than just a motto about the Claigo Clarus.
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>>23792534
Can we burn Citadel down to the ground?
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>>23792570
This, check out the inventor.
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>>23792574
Give it time...remember this place is as big as two tokyos, and you want to make SURE it sticks.
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Lets head to the inventor. SOmeone who has a printing press already would be good to know.
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>>23792593
So, I see Three for Barney Pitt and Two for Ambrose Trapp. So, the 'Inventor's Guild' then?
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>>23792612
Make that four, inventor's it is!
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>>23792626
Turns out that Barney Pits isn't just the premier member, and guild master of the Guild of Inventors. He's also a tinker. He repairs pots, pans, and other simple metal tools. 'WE ALSO DO CUSTOM FORKS!' Is proudly displayed in the front of his store.

Like Garish Garments, it's not as...attractive as the other stores. The lettering has faded, the glass is a little dingy, and someone's thrown some kind of fruit at his 'INVENTOR'S GUILD' sign that hangs below his Tinker's Shingle.

There's a small button next to his door that says 'PUSH ME FOR SERVICE!'
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>>23792704
push the button
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>>23792704
Doorbells? Oh this mofo's going places.

Push the button cautiously.
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>>23792715
You push the button and you hear a cheery little assortment of bells.

"One moment!" You hear a voice from behind say.

Then the door is flung open and there's the great Guild Master himself. He's wearing that red jacket you saw from yesterday...you think you recognize Gregory's work actually. "Hello, and welcome to Tin Pits' Tin, when you think of all your tin needs, remember, the prices don't get any lower than the Pits!" He says with a flourish and a bow. "Can I interest you in our custom dinnerware sets? Reasonable rates and you get to pick the...you!" He says, staring at you. "You...you actually came?!" He pauses. "I mean, you're not here cause you need a new soup ladle...right?"
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>>23792806
That too, but I want to see this steam machine. And what you used to make this card.

How did you do that? The door... bell?
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>>23792806
We keep our words.
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>>23792844
beat me to it, this
>>
Greet him. Tell him we're always interested in the new. Especially things that are useful, like hot water.

... I'm starting to think bolstering another land spirit on the idea of the Light and change for the better might be our only option to fight citadel.
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>>23792844
This.
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>>23792806
Believe it or not, bit I keep my word and i am actually interested in what you're trying to do.
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>>23792450
Remember, anon, though, that the printing press emerged at a perfect time in our world. We need the right intellectual, educational, and economical backdrop to make it work.
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>>23792870
>New land spirit

I rather not bring the army of the Phoenix Empire into the war, though.

We can't use the elves' one either. None of the land spirits will be any different in the long run.
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>>23792844
"That too, but we keep our word, I want to see this steam machine. And what you used to make this card." You say. "Also, how did you do that? The door... bell?"

"Hmm? Oh that...come in, come in!" He motions for you all to enter. His place is an explosion of scrap iron, bronze, and tin. Lots of forks and spoons. "If you will look here..." He point to beside his door. "When you pushed that button, it unwound this spring here..." He's rewinding a cog with a key. "That caused these wheels to turn these little metal rods, which hit these little bells in order." The thing's about as big as a loaf of bread and needs its won table to sit upon. "It's a nice curiosity, the original inventor wanted to make it smaller, but he's now working on a fishing boat." Barney sighs. "Now, as for my special 'cascade' machine...uhhh...you may have to wait. There was a slight mishap, and a chunk of it slightly...melted. I'll need to contact the original maker of it, or see if I can put together his plans. But, you're interested in the cards? Okay...hold on...I'll dig that thing out from here..." He opens a bunch of closets filled with small models and a lot of rolled up papers. "It's very useful, but people get touchy when I make a lot of them, say I'm a nuisance and littering..." He pushes stuff out of the way. "I think something bad happened to the guy I bought it from, actually...but I've got about six other people who come by for these things, so I keep it around." He pulls out something that looks like a horizontal vice, and then takes out small little boxes one after another after another. "Takes a lot to set it up too...so, you're interested in making your own calling cards? Not that I'm saying anything bad about the woodprints...nope, nothing bad at all." He says cautiously, you get the feeling that he's been in hot water for things like this before.
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>>23793024
So he gathers the plans of geniuses of the age, who were oppressed by Citadel.

Maybe he is immune as Iren is?
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>>23793098
I think ALL of these ones that do not follow the citadels ways are immune or highly resistant to its influence, but it can still see and punish them in other ways.
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>>23793024
Ever make anything else with it? Books maybe?
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>>23793129
I am for this.
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>>23793129
"Ever make anything else with it? Books maybe?"

Barney's hand slips and the press slams on his fingers. "GAH!" He pulls his fingers free and shakes his head. "Heh, I'd like to, but the last time I tried making something that big...it didn't go well." He gestures to his smashes fingers. "I think it's got something to do with the restraints and the size, it always breaks. I think it just can't exist at that level...but I can at least make these little cards."

"Is there anything here that you yourself, made?" Mage asks, looking at all the little models.

"That." He points at the wall. "It's my pride and joy. I haven't got the wheels right yet, wood wont work and wagon wheels aren't qquite right...and the chain keeps snapping or the gears clog...but I know it'll work."

Barney Pits has made a bicycle.
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>>23793127
May be we can learn from them how they do it.

Maybe we are placed in this situation at just the right time for change. After all, the Light only ordains a paladin of change when the time is right.
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>>23793222
"So!" He has all the little letter boxes set up and the tray all prepared. "Who's name am I putting on here?"
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>>23793222
Can we get him to go to First Woods? Can the wood spirit protect him there?

Also, I vote for an army of Light riding on bicycles charging into the enemy! Or bicycles with armor plating.
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>>23793249
Try it for...

Isen. Tara and Isen.

Make sure Tara goes first.

Tara has the designation of the hero, and Isen as the sidekick.
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>>23793232
Well, it seems like Citadel fucks them over. We could do it to, for instance if we'd told the painter to go with the realistic painting, but Citadel would make us pay.
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>>23793262
Maybe we could like, bless his stuff in the name of the light, or something.
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>>23793222
>bicycle
>snake lady
Completely miss the point of what this contraption does.
"And... what does it do?"
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>>23793289
"Isen the Audacious?" Barney asks. "What? He wants more?" He laughs.
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>>23793296
If it was that simple, I think the Light could've slapped down Citadel a long time ago.

We need to be more subtle.
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>>23793314
He got some already?

Is this man ahead of us in figuring it all out?
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>>23793262
From proto-steam engines comes full fledged steam engines, and from those comes comes the internal combustion engine. From the co-existence of the internal combustion engine and bicycles, comes bicycle mechanics dicking around with combustion engines in their spare time and, from that, come flight.

"Have you considered maybe a change of scenery? Move out to the country with your workshop? Fewer nay-sayers to bother you out there, more peace and quiet, more natural light."
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>>23793322
Unless the Light needs to work through someone.

It can protect confessions from being heard, thats all we know. I think we should try it.
>>
>>23793314
Darn, I was hoping to give it to him to troll him.
>>
>>23793343
Isen has been waging a secret war against the citadel this entire time. It's the reason he made contact with us in the bar originally, being a non-human bearing group, we were likely to be less under citadel control
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>>23793349
The army of Light, where man flies with harpy navigators. Dropping magically enhanced fire bombs. Burning Citadel to ashes.
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>>23793372
>burning citadel
>not converting, splitting, and re-distributing it
Citadel, as an institution, could be dismembered into numerous towns and villages and distributed. This would most likely break the nationmind.
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>>23793309
"And... what does it do?" You ask.

"Oh...uhh...well, you kinda need feet for it." Barney says. He points at the pedals and moves it on the wall, everyone can see the chain, gears, and wheels move. "Think about it, getting around Citadel lightning quick, with no horses or horse shit! They could come in colors too." He sighs. "But, until I get the damn thing to WORK, there it stays...along with everything else.

"So Isen has some already?" You ask.

Barney nods. "Oh yeah, guy walks in, and looks at all my stuff, asks if I have anything that would lengthen his..." He clears his throat. "Sword, and then he sees my cards, and goes nuts for this. Orders a bunch with his name of it. This was, what...three, four years to go?" He shrugs.
>>
>>23793357
And also why he has Tara with him.

I was fooled all along! We need a secret conference with him in Elven territory.
>>
>>23793396
I like it. Spilt it into two powerful city states, one in the east, one in the west. Give them both weapons of mass destruction. Then watch peace happen.
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>>23793400
>Lengthen his "sword"

ISEEEEN!
CREEEED!

Watch Isen perfect surgery just to lengthen his sword.
>>
that guy deserves every prank we pull on him
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>>23793400
Ask him something like this
>>23793349
Has he worked outside of the citadel? Did he get any business out there? How much fork-fixing work does he get here?
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>>23793400
The others are actually all fascinated, looking at the other models and blueprints. Barney is happy to explain all of them. He claims that they work, but that he 'just doesn't have the money' or 'minor fault when building it' or 'I screwed up' or 'just not workable at actual size.'

Everyone lines up to get about ten of Barney's calling cards, each. He even puts all of your titles on them. Also, the press seems to snap shut again, as he finishing yours, and crushes his fingers again.

He waves it off though, and is generally touched that someone likes his collection.
>>
>>23793497
Wait, our crew is with us?

Hold hold hold. We need to consider Citadel's eyes here.
>>
>>23793497
"Have you thought about putting a handle on that thing, so it doesn't snap your fingers so much?"
>>
... we need to get this guy outta Citadel.
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>>23793521
I think in this case it's Barney who's being punished, not us.
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>>23793497
"Have you ever thought of leaving Citadel?" You ask. "Traveling out, I mean, how many custom forks do you get?"

He shrugs. "Enough to eek by, I guess. I tried to pack up and leave for White Tree once...I didn't even get out of the fields before I got jumped and mugged. When I thought Stone Hall would be a nice change of scenery, I broke my leg in a cart crash." He shrugs. "I like it here, anyway, Citadel's beautiful, and it's my home."
>>
>>23793556
>implying it will be easy to get him out of citadel
>>23793566
>broken legs
>muggings
He has a fucking random encounter table FULL of shit for the trip.
>>
>>23793566
What do you think about travelling with us to the Elven home? See if a whole new world would make a difference?

Even better, we sic Isen onto guard the Inventor duty.
>>
>>23793566
I get the feeling Citadel's wants him here where the loci can keep at least one eye on him. I want to bring him to Stone Hall, with the dorfs and lizard people, so SCIENCE! can happen.
>>
>>23793645
Well, since we are going to the Dorven home town, why not bring him along?
>>
>>23793603
"What do you think about travelling with us to the Elven home? See if a whole new world would make a difference?" He says.

"Uhhh, wow...that's...that's an offer." He says, blinking. "Why...why don't you give me some time to think about it. Gee, you know I have a big order for the Vallan family, and I need to be working on it. Thanks for coming around, though. I'll make tea next time." He goes to open the door.
>>
>>23793566
Citadel may be a petulant child, but it knows enough to keep its (self-made) enemies close...

Maybe citadel would let him leave if it was under a seemingly hopeless pretense, like he was leaving not to invent in peace, but because he's just not welcome around Citadel. If he leaves so that Citadel's fantasy will be nearer to perfection, then maybe it will allow him to go.
>>
>>23793645
I want to bring him to stone hall because there are numerous BROKEN THINGS and DAMAGED AREAS that could use a FINE CRAFTSMAN like himself.

Not for inventions, no, that would be silly. SILLY.
>>
>>23793566
so not only is citadel hampering the inventions, its also preventing him from leaving.

>>23793645
yes!, dwarves + inventions!
>>
>>23793668
I like you anon. I am behind this.

Can we somehow rise up a mob against him in secret (without our followers knowing, or get Isen to do it), so we can chase him out?

This could be too manipulative, though.
>>
>>23793725
You really want to see what Citadel will DO to Barney if it looks like there's a mob out for him?
>>
>>23793669
This is probably better. What if we get him to come to repair the city?

We ask him with the authority of Stone Deep, knowing full well that Granny will support us.
>>
>>23793725
not a good idea, we gather a mob against him and they are likely to lynch him, then the Citadel is done with him forever
>>
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>>23793725
>pushing inventor over the line into mad scientist
>using an angry mob to do it
>the angry mob that called him "fool" for attempting to create such machines
>simultaneously putting him outside of the dampening field keeping his machines from working
not exactly paladin material
>>
So, we learned a while back that Explosive Runes exist here, but that you can't put them on mere paper.

Could we use this thing to mass-produce grenades?
>>
>>23793669
Basically this.
>>23793725
Too dickish
Am I the only one worried that the citidel might later our followers to match that carving?
>>
>>23793742
Opps. That was a lapse in my common sense there.
>>
>>23793752
I think EchoGarrote said before that our followers are (mostly) immune to Citadel's influence thanks to us. Which is why we have to keep them in line with its expectations rather than it just influencing them.
>>
>>23793752
Barney also doesn't WANT to leave Citadel, this is his home. Fuck if he's going to let a little bad luck chase HIM out. Same with Gregory, Citadel is his home, so what if his business is very slow and usually demeaning pet clothes.

This is THEIR home and THEIR lives.

They're willing to fight for it.

BRB dinner
>>
Still betting blessing his machines in the name of the Light might protect them from Citadel.
>>
>>23793744
This, definitely. We're already raising money to repair Stone Hall; we need someone with ideas for how to improve it. We can very subtly hint that there might be opportunities for his skill when reconstructing much of a city from the ground up, without ever saying that we want him to keep working on his other inventions. (In fact, he should leave them behind so Citadel thinks he'll be back. Make the purpose of the trip clearly temporary, then talk to him later in Stone Hall about staying permanently and inventing.)
>>
>>23793751
Sometimes /tg/ surprises me.
>>
>>23793788
Uhmmm. Perhaps we are thinking about it wrong. Maybe we can do it in Citadel's sphere of influence. I am for respecting this man's wishes, no matter how hard it makes our job.
>>
>>23793799
>>23793788
Citadel may be his home, but there is an entirely valid reason for him to go to stonehall if he chooses.

I don't know where the elven land offer came from.
>>
>>23793821
>Elven home

Initially, we thought Elven home was the only safe area as the land spirit is still alive. However, another anon suggested Dwarven home or Stone Deep and we all agreed that it is a better choice.
>>
He said that he'll think about it. We can put if off for now, I say we head to the historian to give it a look real fast. More info is better.
>>
>>23793799
I am for this.

Sometimes I wonder if /tg/ was in charge of the world we would have a solution for all the problems in the world.
>>
>>23793791
Worth a shot.
>>
>>23793848
yeah. he'll think about it. but he's thinking of elves because of our poor decisions. Tell him that we're also going to stonehall.

>>23793855
absolutely not, what color DRESSES would we all wear
>>
>>23793855
>>23793885
er, absolutely not to the spoiler'd part. I agree with suggesting stonehall, but don't push him, since that would be weird and suspicious.
>>
>>23793885
this, stone hall is a far better choice, and could give an out citadel could accept.
>>
/tg/ has come to a consensus.
>>
>>23793901
Aye, was thinking it in the first place, and if Paladin Avery is still in charge there, he could probably add dwarven engineering to help a lot of the blueprints.
>>
Just make sure we don't try to push this tonight.
>>
>>23793953
MENTION, don't push. If we even have time to mention.
>>
>>23793966
Mention it over tea next time, we don't want him getting the idea that we are trying to make him move.
>>
now that we've come to consensus about stonehall:

LET'S DESIGN A LAMIA CAPABLE BICYCLE
>>
>>23794000
Itd have to be more like a treadmill then anything else.
>>
>>23794000

So we can lead the charge of light bicycles brigade?
>>
>>23794032
No no, I'm sure that she could work a CRANK with her tail.
>>23794043
yes.
>>
>>23794000
Are we gonna reenact the Japanese invasion of Malaya?
>>
>>23794000
"Well, we were also thinking about Stone Hall, there's a lot of things that need fixing there." You say. "And I really do wish that I could ride that thing." You look at the bicycle longingly.

Barney seems to move out away from 'freaked out at sudden offer to help move' to looking at you and then back at his bike. "Hmm...well, anyway. That'll be five gold for all of your cards, thank you...have a wonderful day. And remember, when you're looking for low prices..." He smiles and points at you.
>>
>>23794032
Depends on what you want to go for. A skateboard-like platform optimized for tail-pushing (just eases movement effort by allowing momentum on wheels), or something actually designed to provide mechanical advantage (e.g. pedal-equivalents)?

If you want the latter, you really want something powered by squeezing and releasing. A platform designed to support a Lamia, with a propulsion mechanism near the back designed to wrap a tail around and squeeze to produce forward motion. Some type of ratchet, perhaps, and gearing that takes advantage of the huge amount of muscle force available.
>>
>>23794089
So basically it is going to be big and bulky and better off being armored.
Lamia Tank anyone?
>>
>>23794111
Tail operated Lamia tank. With mage as guns.
>>
>>23794075
>5 gold
>50 cards
hot damn, those are FAIR prices!

"Keep up the work on those machines, they're quite curious!"
>>
>>23794060
I am amazed that the army rode bicycles. I am laughing too hard at the image.
>>
>>23794111
Not really; picture a modified recumbent bicycle, but with the propulsion at the back instead of the front (since people sit and put their legs forward, while Lamias "sit" with their tail backward).

Actually, that raises an interesting question: can a Lamia comfortably sit with their tail extending forward rather than backward? Not necessarily optimal for most purposes, but in some settings it would help.
>>
>>23794089
>>23794111
>>23794120
so a squeezing-ratchet powered vehicle, heavily armored, with crossbows and mages and junk on it?

That we can also make more of, to be powered by either lamia comrades, naga comrades, or at worse, pet nagas?

I like it!
>>
>>23794121
60 actually Mari got her own too. But Barney's deal is that the first ten are always free!
>>
>>23794121
this
>>
>>23794138
This has to be added to our long term goal list.
>>
>>23794171
Tis a bit silly to be honest.
We still have to lay low and look for that dragon anyway.
>>
>>23794186
Dragon fire fueled tanks!
>>
>>23794121
"Keep up the work on those machines, they're quite curious!" You say.

Barney shakes his head. "No no no! When you think of low prices, remember that you can't get any lower than the Pits!" He gives you a big showman's grin as you all leave the 'Inventor's Guild.'

"Well," Tricia says. "That was something. Not sure what, but certainly something."

"Wonder why the Conclave hasn't scooped up all that stuff?" Mari says.

"Probably cause they don't want to get killed." Peri says. "Half of those things looked like death traps, especially that wheeled thing."

"Looked kinda fun." Mage says.

"He certainly has the enthusiasm His Light encourages those to embrace knowledge." Lea says. "A shame he seems to be only able to use that to make novelties and custom spoons."

"So, what crazy place are we going next, Ssen?" Tricia asks.
>>
Rolled 15, 52 = 67

>>23794206
History buff's place to find out about the Calico Cats.
>>
>>23794206
Historian.
>>
>>23794206
How much time do we have before the ball?

Let's visit the Trapp.
>>
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>>23791485
Lumpy ur a fagit
>>
>>23794206
I'm down with history
>>
>>23794220
Ambrose Trapp's place looks like it's trapped. A small rectangular building, which like Gregory and Barney's, lacks Citadel's luster. The two buildings on either side look like they're...leaning on Trapp's. A candy store on one side, and a beautician's on the other. They look like they're trying to pop the place like a zit.

You bang the knocker on the door and it opens to show a man dressed in Purple Sand style clothing. He has a tissue to his face and his eyes are red and watery.

"Hello, sniff." He says. "Welcome to, cough, Trapp's Second Hand Books. I'm sorry but, sniff cough, I'm not buying anything at the moment. If you're here to ah...ah...ahcoo! Sell." He says, blowing his nose.

You can see as you replace his handkerchief with a fresh one, it looks like he's having one of the worst cases of hay fever or allergies that you've ever seen that wasn't something that required medical attention.
>>
>>23794317
"Are you okay?"

Followed by

"We actually came by for history on the paladins. Old history."
>>
>>23794317
"Actually, I came here because I heard you were an expert on a subject I'm interested in, the Caligo Clarus, and I was hoping I could ask you about it."
>>
>>23794317
"Are you alright?"

"We actually came to inquire about this *show medallion*, Gregory said you helped him out with the designs for our clothing and we wished to know more about the order."
>>
>>23794356
"Are you okay?" You ask.

He nods. "Thank you for your, sniff, concern, young lady. I'm fine, had allergies, cough, all my life. Comes with dealing with old books. Cough."

"We actually came by for history on the paladins. Old history." You say.

He finally notices what you are and his eyebrows come up. "Oh! You must be who Gregory was talking about, please, come in, come in. I was just taking lunch, would you join me?" He asks.
>>
>>23794405
"Thank you, and sure."
>>
>>23794405
"That would be lovely, thank you."
>>
>>23794405
>>23794427
I suppose we could join him, but there's like five, maybe six of us. I can never decide which. Are we imposing?
>>
>>23794427
"Thank you, and sure."

Ambrose's house doesn't have walls. It has bookshelves that serve as walls. The smell of page dust is thick and there's a hint of glue too. You can see in one room that he also repairs books too.

Mari looks like she's a four year old in the candy store next door. She's buzzing around all of the shelves, gasping about early editions and missing copies.

Ambrose puts up a nice lunch, thick mutton sandwiches, a little tea, and some cucumber sticks.

"Ahh, so..." The man smiles at you, a face of wrinkles and a bright red runny nose. "The Caligo Clarus reborn..." He pats a few books on the lunch table. "I got these books out for Gregory and I'm glad he told me to keep them out." He sips his tea. It's very very strong. At least his allergies seem to be better inside. "Your family name is 'Patrick,' correct?" He asks.
>>
>>23794506
Affirm your family name
"Yes, Ssen patrick, after Liam patrick"
>>
>>23794567
"Yes, Ssen Patrick, after Liam Patrick"

Ambrose nods. "Your family has a very close history to the Caligo Clarus." He opens up a book that is a copy of the member record back in the Cathedral. "There's only been thirteen Paladins of the order, since the First Age of Citadel, but your family has always been a part of it." He points to a name. "Josiah Patrick, third Paladin on record...and in all the rest..." He points to different names, male, female, sometimes two Patricks under the same Paladin. "They served as fellow Lanterns." He sighs. "It's a shame the other Occuli orders don't list non-Paladins...and that there's only so much history available." He breaks into a coughing fit, but waves off any help. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't complain. Stress causes the bad humors to build up, you know. Anyway, before I got side tracked...Lanterns were what those who followed the Caligo Clarus Paladins were called...informally of course. They were still Clear Occuli officially."
>>
>>23794678
13 in seven ages...

Were they all there at the cusp of great changes? I would love to learn of their deeds.
>>
>>23794678
"Now, this..." He sniffs. "This is the good bit." He opens another book. "This is history before, hack wheeze, Citadel. Cough, cough." He blows his nose. "Forgive me. Anyway, sniff, this is a story of the very VERY First, cough cough, Lightbringer." He blows his nose again. It seems the more he talks about old history, especially stuff that doesn't involve Citadel, the worse his allergies get.
>>
>>23794725
Here, why don't you let me read it?
>>
>>23794725
As someone who suffers from hayfever, my loathing for Citadel just intensified tenfold.
>>
>>23794740
One vote for this.
>>
>>23794750
What will the citadel do next? Make legos with nails through them?
>>
>>23794716
"13 in seven ages...were they all there at the cusp of great changes? I would love to learn of their deeds." You ask.

He nods, trying to clear his eyes. "Oh, yes. The Moonrise war, the Dwarven Emersion, the Rise of Purple Sands and the uniting of the Tribes, you can always find a Clarus there when there has to be a new page of...cough cough..." This fit takes a full two minutes. "History. But my favorite is this tale, because I think it's tied to your order as well." He nods. "The Caligo Clarus are as old as the Lightbringers."
>>
>>23794762
no.

it WILL create new, triangular lego sets however.
>>
>>23794787
What can human do then? All is lost! Abandon ship!
>>
>>23794774
>as old
>not older
>also not younger
oh no
>>
>>23794787
D4's with extra sharpened edges and points.
>>
>>23794808
What is even worse is that they always roll 1s.
>>
>>23794740
"Here, why don't you let me read it?" You say.

Ambrose nods and goes to get himself some water and a new handkerchief. He looks very old, puttering around these books, hacking and wheezing. No way HE can escape. Gregory has his sister and her needs, Barney has 'bad luck,' and Ambrose just can't survive.

Barney said he had six customers, counting himself. Gregory, Ambrose, Isen (But he doesn't truly count) meant four, you hope the other two people who have Barney's back aren't as in as much as a living hell as the others are.
>>
>>23794821
Weighted iron d4s with sharpened edges, all sides are ones.
>>
>>23794833
The horror.
>>
>>23794824
Fucking Citadel, we really do need to destroy it.

For now though, let's read the book.
>>
>>23794824
The story of the FIRST Lightbringer that Ambrose has actually is NOT the story of the first Lightbringer that you know of, or that Mari knows of. (That one sounds a lot like something the Humors came up with.)

In the beginning, the world was dark, and man lived together in tribes. They lived in fear, ignorance, and solitude. Those on the mountain hated those in the plains, and those in the plains hated those in the desert. All lived in fear of the Dragon Who Was Of Shadows.
>>
>>23794824
Time to read everybody a story. The one he was about to read us.
>>
>>23794824
When he comes back, take out our holy symbol and show it to him, since he might want to see it.

And, on a hunch, let him hold it for a moment while reading the book Citadel doesn't want him reading. Does it make things any better at all?
>>
>>23794886
This. Read out loud for everyone.
>>
>>23794876
Ambrose has written in the margins that he believes that this isn't a real Dragon, maybe. It was either a warlord who took that title, someone who found a way to control a dragon (Or other big ass lizard), or it's a metaphor for darkness, plague, disease, and all the horrible things that killed people back then.

Dragons were smart as hell, and dangerous as all get out, but they never had designs on domination or subjugation. They're raiders. They swoop in, take what they want, go back to their hordes, and sleep. Maybe they torture or play with people the way a cat tortures or plays with people.
>>
>>23794917
>Dragons

Uhmmm... Maybe we need to re-evaluate our plan to ally a dragon. But they are the enemy of Citadel...
>>
>>23794908
This, it is time for science faith.
>>
>>23794914
(I assume that you are reading it aloud)

The Dragon Who Was Of Shadows ruled over all of the tribes, and forbade them from being anything more than small, afraid, ignorant, and hateful. Any rebellion was squashed, and all obeyed the Dragon, and lived in the Darkness, never questioning, never striving, the Dragon was always Watching, and it liked us as we were.
>>
>>23794968
I wonder if the Dragon Who Was of Shadow was a land spirit too.
>>
>>23794968
>Any rebellion was squashed, and all obeyed the Dragon, and lived in the Darkness, never questioning, never striving, the Dragon was always Watching, and it liked us as we were.

Citadel?
>>
>>23794968
damn, Citadel sounds like the Dragon Who Was Of Shadow reborn.
>>
>>23794968
Then His Light came to the Lightbringer, and with it the Teachings. The Lightbringer then spread the Teachings to his people, and he gained followers they started to fight back.

They were crushed. Badly. To the point where the Lightbringer had to drag himself away from the fray, broken, bruised, bleeding, and hopeless.

Then, at this point in the story, a member of the Mountain tribe comes by the Lightbringer. Now, the Lightbringer was from the Plains. They were mortal enemies. They didn't even speak the same language.

The Mountain Tribe man, picks up the Lightbringer and takes him back to his yurt, and nurses him back to health. The Lightbringer is stunned, and then he truly starts to understand what the Teachings mean.
>>
>>23794954
We were just gonna look for them as a proper means of laying low away from the citadel. Besides, if we do run into one, its like we were planning on raiding its hoard. Which might throw it for a loop.
>>
>>23795038
>People of the mountain

Dwarfs? Or mountain human?
>>
>>23795038
The two slowly learn of each other, and of the Lightbringer's revelation. The Mountain Tribe man finds the Light in his heart, and is moved to help the Lightbringer in freeing man from the Dragon Who Was Shadow.

This was the first Caligo Clarus. Someone who saw clearly, even within the Darkness.
>>
>>23795064
Its not like rather.
>>
>>23795064
True enough.
>>
>>23795075
Saul?
>>
>>23795075
The rest is the story of how the Lightbringer and the Caligo Clarus go to the different tribes and try to spread His Light and the Teachings. They have varied success, and get a better army than before.

The Dragon Who Was Shadow fights them again, and this time it's an actual fight. The Lightbringer duels the Dragon Who Was Shadow, but it's a stalemate.

Then the Claigo Clarus lights something called 'The First Lantern.' That causes the Dragon Who Was Of Shadow to 'be brought down to the level of Man, with no powers or tricks or weapons to hoist him above them' and it 'removed the Darkness of Fear from the eyes of all who were there, but too afraid to stand against it.'

Then the Dragon Who Was Of Shadow is killed, not by the Lightbringer, but by a giant mob of people, rising up against it.
>>
>>23795162
The Lightbringer and the Claigo Clarus then go on to work to spread His Light, they establish some towns, work to keep everyone from killing each other, and then the Lightbringer passes away in his sleep, and the Claigo Clarus vows to continue his duties, and teaches his child about His Light and the Teachings.

Then it goes into who was leading a lot of those tribes, and then who begat who and so on. Then there's a big gap...and the First Age of Citadel begins.
>>
>>23795221
Wait, are pages missing or something?
>>
>>23795221
(Damnit that should be Caligo Clarus...that's what I get for not checking what I copy and paste.)
>>
>>23795221
So we precede even the paladins.

Light the first lantern, that made the dragon of shadow human...
Printed books of knowledge, persuaded people that Citadel is but a city spirit.
>>
>>23795243
Nope. There's just...a gap. It ends the history of all these random tribes and proto-cities skips a couple of decades and then boom, it picks up again in the middle of the First Age Of Citadel.

Citadel has been built, everything's great. Oh crap, a Shaper of Darkness, but wait! Here are the Lightbringers...they sacrifice themselves to save the day. Yay! Things continue to be great.
>>
>>23795281
So there was the original light bringer, who was a warrior missionary for the Light. Then the humors got established during the dark ages, and try to replicate the story?
>>
>>23795281
Of the Original Lightbringer, the Caligo Clarus, and all of that stuff before, nothing.

Oh there is a drawing of what the First Lantern was supposed to look like though. It's the piece of jewelry that Gregory made, he must have used this picture as a model.
>>
>>23795322
Oh man, wearing this is just ASKING to draw Citadel's Ire. We should just say that it's simple jewelry if asked by anyone at the ball, or possibly that Gregory -MADE IT UP- because he thought it would be a cute way to symbolize the group.
>>
>>23795281
Well, that;s something else we need to look for. That break in our history might have something to do with Citadel's dominance. Or it may not, but still it's our history and we should find out.
>>
>>23795387
It hasn't reacted to it so far. I think we're in the clear.
>>
>>23795403
More reason to search out the dragons, in all likelyhood they've been alive since then.
>>
>>23795322
"Fascinating reading, isn't it?" Ambrose is back. It looks like his allergies and aches have calmed down. "Of course, they weren't really called the Caligo Clarus, that's more of a retroactive titling." He smiles. "Same with that 'lantern,' as well." He points at the drawing. "That's a stone/quartz lantern, also known as the ONLY lantern that was made around those early days. Of course it's the 'First Lantern,' probably the second to ninth one as well." He laughs. "But it's pretty, and that's what matters in a legend."
>>
>>23795405
But we should never talk about its significance.

Want to bet the bitchy paladin would take offence?
>>
>>23795434
So it was not necessarily a physical lantern but a metaphorical lantern that won the day?
>>
>>23795433
Agreed. Dragon history lessons.
>>
Ask about how the paladin order started. Give him the medal to hold as a trial.
>>
>>23795454
"So it was not necessarily a physical lantern but a metaphorical lantern that won the day?" You ask.

Ambrose nods. "Most likely, these tales are often half-parable, half-truth. I believe the metaphor is the remove fear part, but it's likely the so-called Dragon had some artifact that gave it great strength or some other mystical power." He sips his tea. "So, once the Clarus nullified that power, he was on equal footing with the people, and there's nothing worse for a bully to hear at that moment than 'We out number him 20 to 1!' Which I think is what the lightbringer probably said. To paraphrase."
>>
>>23795484
This.

>>23795441
>Want to bet the bitchy paladin would take offence?
That's a sucker's bet. Of *course* she's going to make trouble about us having anything remotely resembling the trappings of a Paladin. She's no better than the town full of anti-snakites that wanted us to put away the holy symbol.
>>
>>23795573
Well, we could say we're wearing it to honour our father. The bitch will have a harder time attacking it as she'll be attacking the name of a Lord Paladin.
>>
>>23795507
"What about this *hand him the medallion*, when did the Clarus become a part of the Occuli? Did they merge at some point in the past or where the Occuli a splinter of the Caligo Clarus?"
>>
>>23795507
>>23795507
Yes!
I've been trying to cath up with this quest since I saw the 3rd thread in the archives and have been reading it furiously in my spare time over the last few days, only just finished thread 10, I will catch up on this one and join in, EC, you're doing a great job and i've been really enjoying it. Good work!
>>
>>23795484
You hand him your medallion. "So, how did the Paladin order get started?"

Ambrose holds the medallion, he smiles, and puts down his handkerchief. "Well, the Lightbringer and Caligo Clarus knew they couldn't be everywhere, but His Light needed to be, so they gathered to them the wise and the good and sent them out...and then when the still living wise and good managed to escape back to them, the pair realized that they needed to rethink their methods, and thus the wise and the good were taught to be strong. Then they found out that the strong are not always so wise and good. They went around like this for a while. They never despaired, never gave into the idea that humans couldn't ever be better, and in the end, they had people who were wise and good, strong and fearless, just and compassionate, and who had His Light within them. That was what it meant to be a Paladin...once. It was not as much about the title as it was back then...in fact, people who were Paladins were considered to be fools. Who else would be stupid enough to not even go into the Darkness, but to walk up to a tribe that hated your very being, and speak a message of love?" Ambrose shakes his head. "It takes a special kind of man to look at something that he has been told since birth that he's supposed to hate, to even kill, and to have those people DO try to kill him. That person has to look at them, and to be able to still give them the way to His Light." He returns your Medallion. "Your father demonstrated that better than most these days."

You notice that he hasn't coughed once.
>>
>>23795795
My music shuffle was playing 'Deadman's Gun' while I wrote that.
>>
>>23795795
Do we need a bigger sample size or can we conclude that it works?
>>
>>23795795
The paladins we truly love. The ones who truly carry the Light with them, no matter how weary, no matter how impossible.

It is such a shame that others tries to ruin it for them.
>>
>>23795795
>successful first trial
Holy shit, LEGITIMATE DIVINE INTERFERANCE.

Now we just have to replicate the results, secretively, at another time. To be sure.
>>
>>23795840
Oh, and you don't need Ambrose to tell you this, the Occuli don't show up until the First Age of Citadel, once there's just the Caligo Clarus, and then the gap, and suddenly there's all the different Stone Sects.
>>
>>23795857
I think we can consider this a successful test, although we might want to try it again if we have a chance elsewhere.

Good to know that The Light can hold off Citadel's influence. Although whether the medallion could stave off a more concerted effort rather than just background citadel assholery is another matter entirely.
>>
>>23795857
>>23795795
It worked, I wonder if we could get more of those medallions or if the other variations would work.

"What is it you know of Dragons?"
>>
>>23795925
I get the feeling that the Humours/Citadel invented the other orders and their medallions.

So it's unlikely that they'll do anything.
>>
>>23795925
"What is it you know of Dragons?"

Ambrose coughs and blows his nose. He's back to his allergies, damn.

"Big, destructive, smart as hell, prefer to sleep, when they wake they hunt, kill, and take." He blows his nose. "If you give me some time, I could look up some books for you."

Tricia looks at the clock that Ambrose has on his counter. (You also remember that Gregory had one, and of course Barney had several.) "Oh, uhhh, we actually have to get back and get dressed if we're gonna make the ball."

"Aww." Mari says. "But everything's so amazing here!"

You see Ambrose crack a huge smile at the thought of such a pretty lady as Peri thinks his place is amazing.

"We'll come again later." Lea says.

"I would very much like that." Ambrose says.
>>
>>23796001
To the ball!

Be wary but still enjoy yourself.
>>
Welp, that squares it. We're dealing with the Darkness Dragon again. Damnit. And it seems like theres no real way to slay it. It came back after all. Changed yes but it came back.
>>
>>23796066
We can't be sure until we can uncover that missing period of history. Which should now be one of our main goals. Once we find out what went wrong, we can make sure it doesn't happen this time around.
>>
>>23796001
- - Elsewhere - -
Comedy and Tragedy watched the Lightbringers sleeping in the bed. They've just finished...copulating...(The idea of Lightbringers having sex is stomach turning to them. It sullies the purity of what they do.) and soon they will be back on the trail of the Glass Assassins. All is well.

"It isn't...the most familiar scenario." Tragedy says.

"It has been done before. I was there, your predecessor had doubts. It all worked. Continuity was completed." Comedy says. "Peace is never wrong."

"He was wrong about using the Ghouls." Tragedy says.

"That was Rage's mistake. We never should have allowed him. He was not born inside Her, he questioned us." Comedy says.

"We asked him to join, because he questioned us." Tragedy says. "To make sure that mistakes don't happen. Now, there is this," Tragedy gestures to the pair. "And She is Upset."

"This is fixed. I will stay and ensure it." Comedy says. "As for what has upset Her...Peace is dealing with it."

"In person?"

"Peace sees it as penance."

"Peace is never wrong." Tragedy says with a sigh. "What...what happened to my predecessor after that scenario that you mentioned happened before?"

"He had doubts."

"And?"

"And then we located you."
>>
>>23796168
(You don't see that, but I felt I had to throw it in.)
>>
>Her
Citadel?

Shit shit shit shit shit.
Ready to fight Peace?
>>
>>23796208
read it again, assuming 'She' is the city then it isnt us she is upset with, its her 'lightbringers' for lewdness.
>>
>>23796189
You all head back to Traveller's, get dressed in your finery as the Dawnchasers, and find a carriage awaiting you as you exit. Apparently it was send by His Majesty, which is fine...you doubt the ratty Wagon and the NIghtmare would have made the best impression.

The ride to the castle that was once a mountain is smooth...if a little bit of a tight squeeze for you all. Tricia mutters about you growing an extra foot every time they do this just so it can be uncomfortable for everyone.

The carriage goes through a tunnel, and everyone marvels at the glowworms on the ceiling and the sparkling stones.

"Those are brilitites." Mari says. "They have minerals inside them that light up when they get hit by lightning bolts."

"Oh! So that's what caused the castle tower in Ruin Forest to light up." Tricia says. "Remember, that place where your Father..." She clears her throat and goes to marvel as you drive through huge geodes.

You remember that light. Before Father, the memories are murky at best, but you remember the rain, and the world filling with a giant light followed by a crash. You would run and hide every time that happened...

Like on the night Father found you.

You're led up the largest stone staircase you've seen in your life, to apparently what is the 'Lower South-West Grande Ball Room." according to the porter.

You start a little when you see the doorman and the butler at the giant double doors. They're wearing Dramatae masks. Comedy and Tragedy to be exact. Though, these are just paper mache.

You present your invitations, and the others, giggling and laughing, also present their cards. The butler takes them with deep seriousness. He looks at you.

"Lady Ssen," He says. "We were informed of your arrival and of your leadership of your group. Do you wish to be announced as a group, or as singles, or together as pairs?"
>>
Hang on, Citadel wants its heroes portrayed in ridiculously fetishistic ways, but the heroes actually having sex somehow sullies the "purity" of it.

Fuck this city.
>>
>>23796344
>96344
>Hang on, Citadel wants its heroes portrayed in ridiculously fetishistic ways, but the heroes actually having sex somehow sullies the "purity" of it.

No, it wants the LIGHTBRINGERS to be pure, YOU are monstergirls and savages.
>>
>>23796341
Look back at the others.
"A group?"
>>
>>23796341
Singles then as a group.

You know, <name>, <name>, <name>, <title>, and together they are the <group name>
>>
>Do you wish to be announced as a group, or as singles, or together as pairs?"
why do I find this line so ominous?

check with the group.
>>
>>23796341
As a group.

But we can troll the nobles so much by announcing each of us one by one, and tell of all of our exploits!
>>
>>23796341

Let's get everyone's (Tricia, Mage, Mari/Peri, Lea) input on this.
>>
>>23796168
So Peace decides to use ALL THE GHOULS, ends up killing 3 out of their 5 lightbringers because of how stupidly tough that is, and they blame Rage for it? When he was the one who said that it was a bad idea and that they shouldn't do it?

You know, these guys aren't exactly sympathetic to begin with, but the fact that they're also a bunch of buck passing fuck ups makes them even more loathsome.
>>
>>23796399
THis sounds best.
>>
Did it take the light bringers a whole day to copulate?

That... is rather lengthy.

Actually, it was a week was it not? they started before we left Stone Deep.
>>
>>23796384
"A group?"
They all shrug.
"I would announce you as 'Lady Ssen, and the Dawnchasers. Saviors of Purple Sands, Champions of First Wood, and Liberators of Stone Hall.' Is that satisfactory?" He says with that stiff politeness that only the upper crust of servants can pull off.
>>
>>23796419
Peace must be like the bitch paladin. How often that dramatiae recited that Peace is always right means that he felt threatened if he does not affirm that aloud for the listener.
>>
>>23796443
that sounds fine.
>>
>>23796440
Presumably it's not all one time.
>>
>>23796482
Yes, you are right, but I just find that image too funny to ignore.
>>
>>23796443
"As a group, but all of our names should be mentioned before our accolades."
>>
>>23796475
"That's fine, but say each of our names though, after mine."

"Uhh, what's my last name?" Mage asks.

"Oh, NOW you ask." Tricia says.
>>
>>23796443
"...add in the Beautiful Nightmares and we're good."
>>
>>23796510
"Smith?"
>>
>>23796512
Nope, no beautiful nightmares.
>>
>>23796502
Well, think about it. They started fucking the night that Stone Hall fell to the ghouls.

Then we heard about it and traveled there. Then we went in, retook the city, and stuck around for another week. Then we took some time traveling to Grand Citadel.

So if that was all one go, they've been fucking for the last two weeks.
>>
>>23796510
Adahn

One, he has no name so he's nameless. Figure that out.
>>
>>23796512
we left that name behind when we became the Dawnchasers/reborn Caligo Clarus
>>
>>23796545
And maybe that is why the dramaticaes are so disgusted.

It seems like Dramaticaes with any doubt of the light bringer story plan will get killed off by Citadel... So no allies on that front then.
>>
>>23796575
I don't think that it's Citadel killing them. They're a fanatical cult, they probably murder any of their own members who show signs of doubt.

Though Rage got killed for FIXING one of their fuck ups, so apparently they kill their own for simply showing some initiative. Which in a way makes sense. Stagnation is their goal, after all.
>>
>>23796525
"Smith?"
Mage frowns. "Fine, not great, but not like I'll use it much."

"Oh!" Tricia says. "Add in the Beautiful Nightmares as well!"

The butler nods and turns to open the doors.

Everyone gives Tricia a dirty look. "What? It is one of our titles!"

"You sound like Isen when you say that." Peri says that.

Tricia looks like she's been slapped.

"ANNOUNCING...LADY SSEN PATRICK, LADY TRICIA GREATS, LADY PERSEPHONE MARIETTA, LORD MAGE SMITH, LADY LEA UGHRUDA, THE DAWNCHASERS, THE BEAUTIFUL NIGHTMARES, THE SAVIORS OF PURPLE SANDS, THE CHAMPIONS OF FIRST WOOD, THE LIBERATORS OF STONE HALL!'

The doors swing open, and there is a polite cascade of applause as you all enter the ballroom.

It's gorgeous, what in Citadel isn't, but this is the icing on the cake. The whole place is lit by countless candles, the ceiling has been made to look like the night shy by embedding it with gems that glitter in the candlelight. Servants wearing all four Dramate masks swoop silently around you, offering trays of drinks, food, and other savories. The people here look like pieces of colored paper, dancing in the breeze, and the music...oh...the maestros of maestros are here, and the food is enough to almost make your entire tongue flop out and drool.

This is Citadel at it's core, giving to those that it likes.

And somehow, you almost don't even mind knowing that right now.
>>
>>23796661
>Already effective Tricia and possibly us.
Oh god we need to get out of this city asap.
>>
>>23796661
>And somehow, you almost don't even mind knowing that right now.
Nope, not becoming its lapdog, fuck Citadel.
>>
>>23796661
Politely turn down all food. Schmooze with the nobles and navigate this minefield of high society, but do so with asceticism and with our integrity unscathed. If shitty things begin to happen that give us chills or simply reek of bad juju, then accept the most humble and simple food/drink in small quantities (and secretly don't enjoy it).
>>
>>23796661
Despite being one of the very reasons that they're having the ball. (There's less than ten other people who were at Stone Hall, not counting you.) It doesn't seem like any of the upper crust want anything to do with you.

The waiters and help do seem to be intent on either ignoring you, or subtly herding you to the side by one of the fountains.

Tricia frowns as she looks around. "You know, this is getting to be a little much." She sighs. "Sorry about the Beautiful Nightmares joke, Ssen. I thought it would be funny. Can we leave and go to Bronze Peak once we're done here?"

Mage sighs. "THANK YOU...I was waiting for someone to say that."

Lea nods. "Mmh. I wouldn't say no."

Peri shrugs. "I'm ready to have ground under my feet again."

Mari nods. "I always wanted to see a Dwarf city."
>>
>>23796795
Refresh my memory, which of our objectives was in bronze peak?
>>
>>23796822
Separate Peri/Mari and maybe find a dragon
>>
>>23796822
The mages who might know how to split Peri/Mari.
And dwarves are cool. And very minor chance of dragons.
>>
>>23796839
Separating them is no longer a goal.
>>
>>23796839
>>23796852
"Why, heading to bronze peak will be a real... BALL"
>>
>>23796839
"Yes, as soon as we finish here we make for Bronze Peak."

and I thought they where just going to look at Peri/Mari and patch up any problems with the merge, since they seem to like being together.
>>
>>23796863
As far as I remembered anyways.
also didnt see that you were OP
>>
>>23796863
>>23796839
yes, but we DO want to talk to wizards about possible mending options, and long term risks.
>>
>>23796839
Could we possibly see if we can talk our inventor into letting us snag copies of some of the inventions that have materials issues rather than design ones? The dwarves might have some ideas and be able to get him in contact with people who are interested.
>>
>>23796868
"Why, heading to bronze peak will be a real... BALL" You say.

Everyone groans and throws their tiny crackers at you.

One of the masked servants clears his throat. "Excuse me, Lady Ssen Patrick?"
>>
>>23796888
Is it the peaceful mask?

Because if it is, check to see if it is a paper machie like the rest of them.
>>
>>23796888
"Yes?"

i hope this isnt another citadel trap like the painter...
>>
>>23796822
Restoring Peri/Mari.

Also, consider that we may want a noble to sponsor us.

Finally, we should figure out if we can submit something to the purple occulti that will help the lizard's case, along with Uncle Julian.
>>
>>23796921
That's metagame, but it's Tragedy.

Actually, you don't see too many Peace masks. Mostly Comedy has drinks, Tragedy has food, Rage are all playing music, and two or three Peace masks walk around and hand people cards on silver trays.
>>
>>23796928
damn we need to visit Julian, or at least find out what happened to him before we leave the city.
>>
>>23796927
"Yes?"

"His highness, King Dorian Solomon Elegante Newgate desires an audience with you." He looks at the others. "Alone. Follow me."
>>
>>23796863
No, but we'd decided to talk to those who could and see if they could do anything to stabilize or improve Peri and Mari's situation.

>>23796795
Anyone here we recognize, at all? How many people are here?

The King invited us; is he in attendance?
>>
>>23796945
Cards?
>>
>>23796966
Well then we follow him alone. You don't fuck with the King. Until we probably kill him a lot later.
>>
>>23796985

I wonder if the king knows about Citadel?
>>
>>23796966
>literally getting to talk to the king
oh man this is both kind of an honor and could end SO VERY BADLY.
>>
>>23796966
follow him, he is the king.
>>
>>23796985
>Anyone here we recognize, at all? How many people are here?

Not a one. The room is crazy big, so you're guessing 70-80 people. The other Liberators are plain soldiers, and they've been herded to the side and look just as uncomfortable as you do.

>The King invited us; is he in attendance?
Yes, along with his two queens, concubine, head concubine, and a good chunk of his sons, daughters, and grandsons/granddaughters. They herd around the King's table, guarded by a swarm of Blue Occuli.
>>
>>23797019
I wonder if the King *is* Citadel, or a major embodiment thereof. Do we know how old the King is supposed to be? A child king for a childish city would make sense.
>>
>>23797041
>Yes, along with his two queens, concubine, head concubine
Sounds like he revels in Citadel, then.
>>
>>23797041
>two queens, concubine, head concubine
oh you had better not Echo!
>>
>>23797044
Fuck fuck fuck. A Joffrey Baratheon-type would make our position as a secret enemy of the state that much more perilous..
>>
>>23797058
Well duh. Citadel wouldn't let somebody be King if they didn't.
>>
>>23797058
Actually, any chance that play we saw earlier was based on reality?
>>
>>23797064
Ah, I see whats going on here.
>>
>>23797064
I am being dense today. Explain it please.
>>
>>23797064
Saying it right now: that's gonna be the line, and screw Citadel if it wants *that*.
>>
>>23797104
You'll see, maybe.
>>
>>23797094

Instead of all of them agreeing to share the protagonist, they should have had some random passerby politely butt-in and mention that polygamy is legal and commonly accepted by their society.
>>
>>23797017
>>23797024

You follow and you are brought before King Dorian Newgate and his brood.

The king is not a handsome man, he's quite fat, in the way that you doubt he can walk on his own. He has crooked buck teeth, greasy blond hair, and piggy eyes. Also he probably had the pox when he was young and got the old cure for it because is face is peppered with old pox pimples.

However, when you get near and he sees you, he smiles at you, and says in the kindest voice you could imagine a person having.

"Lady Ssen, welcome to Grand Citadel. We are delighted that you and your companions came. Citadel owes you a great debt. We know that it must be difficult, for one as you, but let it be known that if any in Our kingdom look down upon thee for what His Light saw fit to make you, We shall not see it stand."
>>
>>23797117
>>23797112
Game of throne reference? Or the play we saw earlier?
>>
One thing everyone has been forgetting is Trapp's findings about the original Lightbringer origins. Rather simply, we hate the citadel.

That's the feral path, folks. Remember what the original order did when travelling. Loving all, even those who wanted to kill their emissaries.

We had a simple choice w/ the painting. Our friends suffer, or we give up our ego. We didn't, and it's dragging us down.

We're better than this. Ssen is a paladin.
>>
>>23797119
That's the one where the girls are aliens.
>>
>>23797124
Hold the fuse. It's not yet time for the POWDER KEG OF JUSTICE to blow.
>>
>>23797131
We are in enemy territory, but we can still love the king as the old Paladins loved their enemies. Let us not be too judgmental of the king yet. We have to see how he really is. For all we know, the law binds him to marry multiple people.
>>
>>23797131
No no, we gave up our ego when we allowed that shitty painting to continue to be distributed.
>>23797124
Bow and say "Thank you, your Majesty."

Thats what you call a king right?
>>
>>23797131
I don't hate it. I simply see it as evil. Its stifling its people. Sure they are content... but its drugging them for lack of a better term.

Anyway tank the kind man. Just because hes self indulgent doens't mean he is evil. Bow as best you can.
>>
>>23797177
Or say nothing, whats the correct thing to do in this situation?
>>
>>23797131
no, we sacrificed our ego to protect our friends, and you are assuming the Citadel-mind is a creature and not some spirit, or even Greater Darkness like the Dragon mentioned in book

>>23797177
this
>>
>>23797177
"Thank you, your Majesty." You say as you bow.

"Please, We have always wanted to know." King Dorian says. "What is the difference between a Naga and a Lamia?"
>>
>>23797218
"Ah, well, Naga grow larger, stronger, and tougher as they age, while Lamia grow longer and perhaps faster."
>>
>>23797218

"I haven't had much time to do much research on it... but I've heard that Naga are generally bigger and more muscular, whereas Lamia tend to be faster and more agile."
>>
>>23797218
Give the simple biological difference that Granny (Wish I remembered her name) said, but if he pries as to whether or not there is a mental difference say it is mostly dependent on upbringing.
>>
>>23797218
Be honest. Cite the most significant physiological and biological differences.
>>
>>23797218
"Lamia grow longer and are more agile, Naga grow thicker and are stronger."
>>
>>23797218
Nagas are stronger, lamias are faster.
>>
>>23797218
WAIT this is a trap. He, as the rest of the kingdom does, assumes Nagas to be mentally simple animals, if we say we are the same plainly, then we say Lamias are simply animals.

Also specify, instead, that, "Nagas possess the same capacity for thought as we Lamias and you humans do."
>>
>>23797258
This; it's a bit more circumspect about things we really have no reason to know tons about (what makes us an expert on Nagas), which avoids suggesting we've had personal experience, and makes the point that just because we're a Lamia doesn't mean we know about other "monsters" without research.
>>
>>23797320
Not this. It'satrap.jpg
>>
>>23797320
Hence why I said >>23797260 if we do it right it might plant a seed of doubt as to whether those so called "pets" aren't having a fate worse than death imposed upon them.
>>
>>23797258
This, stick to what we know from books.
>>
If he does ask, just say that we have not met another Lamia, and that the Naga we have encountered have GENERALLY not been particularly intelligent.

Technically true.
>>
>>23797251
"Ah, well, Naga grow larger, stronger, and tougher as they age, while Lamia grow longer and perhaps faster." You say.

The King nods. His curiosity satisfied. He nods and motions with his hand. He's done with you. Blessed be His Light, if you have to suffer having to be here and let the other princes and princesses look at you with either lust or revulsion for any further...

A Peace is at the King's shoulder, whispering something to him. His eyes light up and a huge smile goes across his face. "He's here really? Then send him in!" He claps his hands and looks like a child on the Solstice Feast.

You are escorted back to the group, and notice how all of the servants are making room for a new entrance, and then a clear channel from the door to the King.

"ANNOUNCING, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCE ITZAK SOLOMON ELEGANTE NEWGATE, RETURNING FROM HIS JOURNEY ACROSS THE LAND,"

"Wonder how slimy this one looks." Mage mutters as he takes a drink from a cup.

"Ssh, be polite!" Lea says.

"I'm gussing 280, no make it a round 300 pounds." Tricia says.

"No bet." Peri says.

"JOURNEYS THAT HAVE TAKEN HIM FROM ALL POINTS OF OUR LAND, WHITE TREE, PURPLE SANDS, BRONZE PEAK, AND FURTHER.

PLACES WHERE HE HAS EARNED THE GREATEST AND MOST GLORIOUS OF TITLES.

DEFENDER OF PURPLE SANDS."

Tricia's face goes pale. "No."

"LIBERATOR OF STONE HALL."

Mage lets his drink drop in shock, and it spills on the ground.

"CHAMPION OF THE LIZARD PEOPLE."

Peri/Mari drop to their knees with held in laughter.

"HEAR HIS GLORIOUS SONG!" The musicians starts to play an off-key melody.

Lea starts to bang her head against a pillar. Hands over her ears.

"GIVE HAIL TO THE PRINCE!"

The doors open, and there in his royal finest...is Prince Itzak Solomon Elegante Newgate...also known as Isen the Audacious.
>>
>>23797391most-ead the king's description, he'd be most-likely a despotic ruler, but is controlled by the citadel. There is no compromise with it.
>>
>>23797441
Callled it.
>>
>>23797441
Echo, you magnificent person.

Isen, you magnificent bastard.
>>
>>23797441
ahaha i knew it!
>>
>>23797441
Fucking Isen.
>>
Rolled 9

>>23797441
Rolling to facepalm the brain out the back of our skull.
>>
> "HEAR HIS GLORIOUS SONG!" The musicians starts to play an off-key melody.

By any chance, the glorious song we "enhanced" for him?
>>
>>23797441
I had predicted many things, but this was not one of them.
>>
>>23797489
Yup!

It's terrible, but everyone there it acting like they love it.
>>
>>23797488
Don't say things like that, you're just *asking* the dice to crit.
>>
>>23797441

Oh god what I did not see that coming.
>>
...I knew it.
>>
>>23797441
Nicely done. I wonder where Tara be.
>>
>>23797496
Awesome. I wonder what Citadel thinks of it?

Here's hoping Tara got an invitation as well.
>>
Oh... OH. I think we just found our way to start getting Citadel to change. Imagine Isen as king. Glorious, stubborn Isen.
>>
>I've been rooting for isen/ssen romance
>Isen is a prince
ISEN/SSEN ROMANCE YOU GUYS

THINKABOUTIT
>>
Rolled 5

>>23797521
I'd imagine so. What him being the guddamn prince, the "plus one" is probably implied on the invite.
>>
>>23797441
Walk up to him, lightly slap him across the face, then hug him. Then slap him across the face again.
>>
File: 1363841620257.jpg-(73 KB, 524x468, barksinternally.jpg)
73 KB
73 KB JPG
>>23797441
>>
>>23797533
Still not into it.

Ssen/Tricia on the other hand...
>>
>>23797545
>walk
>>
>>23797529
Nah, he's awesome but he'd play into Citadel's hands pretty well.

Forget that, though, imagine Tara as queen!
>>
>>23797545
NOPE.
>>
>>23797441
"Hi guys!" A voice says next to you. It's Tara. She's wearing the poofiest, frilliest, pinkest, dress you've ever seen. She looks happier than ever. "Isn't this place amazing!?"

Mage is still standing in shock.

Tricia has started on a drink.

Lea is dashing over to the musicians to fix the mess she made.

Peri/Mari are on the ground, laughing hysterically.
>>
>>23797533
No.
>>
>>23797545
Fuck no. You do not slap the prince at the royal ball.
>>
>>23797558
Darn my human-biased figures of speech!
>>
>>23797533
oh it would be glorious, our somewhat grim storyline would probably utterly collapse under the Isen/Ssen antics that ensue.
>>
>>23797568
Tara gets hugs first.
>>
>>23797571
One does not simply slap Prince Itzak Solomon Elegante Newgate in the face.

I mean, he has five names, FIVE!
>>
>>23797545
No.

>>23797568
Give Tara a hug. Tell her its nice to see her again. And yes the Citadel is quite the place.
>>
>>23797593
Yeah, but leaving aside that we don't really go for Isen, we also wouldn't want to do that to Tara. (And keeping Tara in the picture would just play into Citadel's game.)
>>
>>23797568
"...Isen is a prince?"
>>
>>23797568
Say hi to Tara and give her a hug.
>>
Personally I'm against an Isen\Ssen romance. Tricia \ Harem or bust[\spoiler]
>>
>>23797615
You hug Tara and she returns it. She giggles at Mage's stunned face. "What? You mean you guys didn't know? He, like, told me a long time ago...did I do a good job of keeping it secret?"
>>
>>23797638
>You hug Tara and she returns it. She giggles at Mage's stunned face. "What? You mean you guys didn't know? He, like, told me a long time ago...did I do a good job of keeping it secret?"

Safe to say, yeah. We had no idea. He certainly doesn't act like a prince. Court jester, perhaps.
>>
>>23797638
"I figured he was nobility but.. THIS??"
>>
>>23797638
She did! How was her trip, they have any more adventures?
>>
>>23797638

VERY.
>>
>>23797662
Hmmm. Ask Tara which prince he is; after all, the King has a lot of children and grandchildren. Are we talking "eldest son and heir to the throne" here?
>>
>>23797681

With our luck, he is.
>>
>>23797636
Originally I would have said Ssen/Tricia with the rest of the group as consorts, but not now after what we've seen of Citadel and harems. Ssen/Tricia and friends. (Or, alternatively, perhaps that's yet another reason to bring down Citadel: because it corrupted an awesome thing into something that feels wrong simply because Citadel likes it.)
>>
>>23797638
"Yes. You did." You say a little stunned. "I mean, I figured he was nobility...but THIS?"

Tara giggles. "Yeah. Although don't think about seducing him and then using him to get to be the Queen. I'm doing that...also he's like 11th or 12th in line...further down if and when his sibling have more kids."

Isen...Itzak...the ego-maniac pain in your ass is talking to his father. In typical 'Isen' way it's full of large sweeping arm movements and rude gestures. The King is laughing and eating it up. The other members of the royal family might as well be paintings, they're trying to keep from reacting to the bomb that is Isen/Itzak's presence.

What's also clear is that, Isen/Itzak is the only person who the King actually seems to be fatherly to. The other royals are there, and they're cared for, but you can tell from his laughter, that the King honestly loves Itzak/Isen.
>>
>>23797700
Actually, that *would* be lucky for us. We could certainly use it.

...wait a minute. We could use a noble patron, no? He certainly enjoys telling our tale.
>>
>>23797721

We don't ask him unless he comes to us. Paladins do not take advantage of contacts for personal gain.
>>
>>23797721
True. And Bobbi can't stand being in the same room as him, so that's another plus.
>>
>>23797720
Oh daer. Isen still hasn't told her. Unless hes taking her as a second wife.
>>
>>23797747
Um, that's kind of what sponsors are all about.
That sort of requirement exists to keep out people who aren't connected.
It is designed so that you can't satisfy it unless you have contacts that you can use for personal gain.
>>
>>23797721
Isen is one of the few that is probably protected from Bobbi, seeing as it seems he is the kings favorite

>>23797747
and yes they can, we are Lawful Good, not Lawful Stupid.
>>
>>23797747
We definitely shouldn't approach him about it at the party; that would be tacky, and it would sound opportunistic to do it right after finding out.

However, given that he genuinely seems to enjoy trumpeting our tale, and how incredibly awesome he was with that contract, I think we ought to humbly ask him for his assistance in the near future.

For right now, though, I think we ought to wander over and bow, comically deeply, until he gets either embarassed or full of himself.
>>
>>23797791

This. >>23797747 was my pride speaking.
>>
Wait, why was he so happy about winning a bit of money in the arena if he's the favorite son of the king of the largest and richest country ever?
>>
>>23797791
Wait until hes done talking to his father. Then do so. Use the floweriest language you can.
>>
>>23797810
Because he was WINNING.
Which is always awesome.
>>
>>23797720
You do your best to keep to your corner. Tara trots out to be social to everyone...in her way...may HIs light help her...and her new friends. The others have recovered from the shock, mostly. Tricia is working on her third glass of champaign, and Peri/Mari keeps bursting out into random laughter. Mage is using the fountain to try and clean the spilled drink off of his robes. Lea is groaning and muttering curses at herself, after getting the music back on proper key.

Finally, after fifteen minutes, his Royal Highness walks up to you. "Hey Sexy Scales...may I have this dance?" He grins.
>>
>>23797791
>bow comically deeply

WE'RE A LAMIA

WE CAN OUTBOW EVERY MOTHERFUCKER IN TOWN

HOW COMICAL YOU WANNA GO
>>
>>23797747
It'll happen when we need it to.
>>
>>23797833
So... how exactly do we dance, anyway?
>>
>>23797815

That's not like us at all. Isen likes Ssen, not some stuck-up bitch.

>>23797833

Sure, why not.
>>
>>23797833
>peri and meri laughing randomly
Oh goddamnit, they're coming up with JOKES in there. Secret jokes!
>>
>>23797833
THis is the perfect chance. BOW! I'd be delighted oh prince!
>>
>>23797810
That's an easy one. Something you earn is far more satisfying than something you inherit. Plus, glory.

>>23797815
>Wait until hes done talking to his father. Then do so. Use the floweriest language you can.

This.

>>23797833
> Finally, after fifteen minutes, his Royal Highness walks up to you. "Hey Sexy Scales...may I have this dance?" He grins.

"Of course, your royal audaciousness."
>>
>>23797858
We've always poked fun at him. THis is no different.
>>
>>23797859

Someone needs to draw a laughinggirls.jpeg of Peri and Mari.
>>
>>23797833
It would be rude to refuse.
>>
>>23797810
because he's Isen the Audacious! It's for Glory! and a hell of a good story to attach to his ever lengthening name. I officially love this man, now. Ssen x Tricia are my favorite couple, but Isen and Tara are total life-bros.
>>
>>23797845
>>23797860
bow! bow DEEP! bow LAMIA DEEP!
>>23797868
I like "royal audaciousness"
>>
>>23797833
"I'll try, but I'm afraid my footwork isn't very good."
>>
>>23797858
"Sure, why not." You say.

Prince Itzak takes you out onto the dance floor. He doesn't try anything fancy, you can sway, and he does a simple square step.

"So, first thing...you or your friends tell anyone that my name's Itzak, I'll have all your heads cut off." He says. "I mean it."
>>
>>23797833
What about Tara, Isen? I'm sure she would love the first chance to dance with you.
>>
I'm suddenly picturing the tango move of stepping apart with grasped hands and whipping back together, but with a tail.
>>
>>23797901
This probably isn't the first chance.
>>
>>23797855
Raise ourselves up on our tail as high as we can go.

Best. Bellydancer. Ever.

CITADEL WANTS US TO BE SEXY WE'LL LIGHT DAMNED SHOW IT WHAT SEXY IS.
>>
>>23797877

Oh, okay. If it's sarcastic, then it fits with us.

>>23797898

Use >>23797868! Flowery language is a go!
>>
>>23797898
"Of course, your royal audaciousness." You say.

He laughs. "Oh that's a good one...second. Please don't tell anyone I'm a prince. Cause that would make a lot of things really really lame."
>>
>>23797898
give a sigh of disappointment
"Ok..."

"Isen is pretty clever, first letter of each name and all."
>>
>>23797898
Well you needn't threaten our lives Itzak, I wasn't planning on telling anyone.
>>
>>23797898
"Of course your royal audaciousness."
>>
>>23797912
>unpracticed lamia bellydance
you FOOL, THE FORCES INVOLVED COULD DESTROY US ALL
>>
>>23797932

...I didn't catch that either.
>>
>>23797930
"Well of course not, its far more fun this way."
>>
>>23797930
>>23797898

Uh, not to rain on your parade or anything "Isen", but all of us pretty much recognized you on the spot the moment you came in. You know, after the herald very loudly announced your royal name and numerous titles.
>>
>>23797912
>CITADEL WANTS US TO BE SEXY WE'LL LIGHT DAMNED SHOW IT WHAT SEXY IS.

This. Make Citadel choke on it; it might like sexy now, but how about when the whole room is staring at the prince dancing with a Lamia?

Ask him if he has any more conditions for us, and when he says no, say "OK, so we can tell people about you going to Barney for a little...augmentation?" Then distract him with dancing.
>>
>>23797972
No stripper dancing at the ball!
>>
>>23797972
Tara's here. Let's not overdo it.
>>
>>23797972
hah! Yes.
>>
>>23797972
Would rather not have a looks-conscious minotaur girl punch us in the face.

Again.
>>
>>23797995

Hand Isen off to Tara, really classy-like. And snaky-like.
>>
>>23797855
Rule #1: Do no crush the Prince's feet.
Rule #2: Be awesome and give no fucks.
>>
>>23797998
I tells ya, the room can't handle the GYRATIONS!

Also we probably haven't practiced this and will look silly.
>>
>>23797932
"Well of course not, its far more fun this way."

"Exactly!" He says. "I mean, what's the point of being a Rebel Prince, if you're not a Rebel Prince in disguise, right?"

"Isen is pretty clever, first letter of each name and all."

"Thank you! I thought of it myself." He looks very proud of himself. "Oh, so...are you planning on taking off soon? Cause if so, we should better let you be made a Paladin tomorrow. Sound good?" He smiles.
>>
>>23797995
Tara's seen Isen at his most flirtatious, and pointedly made it clear that she doesn't mind. We're not out to take him from her (definitely not the type to go home with), but we can still put on a show.

>>23797994
Elegant sexy, not stripper sexy.
>>
>>23797994
It seems that everyone wants it, we should at least ask Isen if he wants to make this party more interesting.
>>
>>23798022
"You... You'll be my patron?"
>>
>>23798025

Granny would be so proud if she saw this. Or flat on her back laughing her lungs out.
>>
>>23798022
>"Thank you! I thought of it myself." He looks very proud of himself. "Oh, so...are you planning on taking off soon? Cause if so, we should better let you be made a Paladin tomorrow. Sound good?" He smiles.

"That would be wonderful; what's the point of being a Rebel Prince if you can't abuse your power to help your friends and annoy your enemies, right? Plus, you get to tell the tales again, and you're certainly good at that."
>>
>>23798029
Yes, definitely get him in on the joke.
>>
>>23798046
this followed by
>>23798053 if he says yes
>>
>>23798022
I think he just sideswiped us with that.
>>
>>23798022
"T-tomorrow? I was expecting it to take years to become a paladin."
>>
>>23798079
Yeah, something along these lines.

I was not expecting this shit. Be shocked.
>>
>>23798046
"You... You'll be my patron?"

"Yeah. Thought that was a given, you taking my confession and everything." He smirks. "Oh and don't worry about that bitch..." He jerks his head, you look over his shoulder. Oh. Good. Odette is here. She's smiling and being oh-so-very-pleasant. "The old man loves me, I may not be anywhere near the throne, but I can get him to feel a little younger with my stories. So if she even makes a hint of trouble...well...saying No to Prince Itzak, is saying no to His Highness. I'll clear things up with your Uncle too." He dips you and then sighs. "Oh, great. She's here..." He sighs. "Okay, turn around, slowly..." He does a slow turn with you. "That woman in the dress with the long sleeves and all the feathers, with the white make-up. That's Princess Yumahuma-I-Forget, she's from the Phoenix Empire. That's who I have to marry." he frowns. "You know, I told Tara. When we were visiting River's Crossing, marvelous little town by the by, Father Whats-his-name was really cool. Few Lightkeepers let choirs sing 'Crush the Darkness' so wildly like he does. Anyway, I told her, and then we came here to meet her." He frowns. "I don't really like her."
>>
>>23798050
Heh. At some point, we should introduce Isen to Granny, tell the tale of him whipping out the contract and standing up for her people...and then see if Granny and Isen want to dance.
>>
>>23798139
"So, what would happen if you married Tara instead? Some awful political consequence? Or would Citadel disapprove?"

(Subtle hint here to see if he knows about Citadel, while just sounding like you mean the people of Citadel if he doesn't.)
>>
>>23798140
Granny specifically said to tell noone of her existence.

we can tell her about him, but without her prior consent any kind of meeting is out of the question.
>>
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>>23798139

>arranged marriage

ABORT ABORT ABORT

>inb4 she turns to be a bro
>>
>>23798169
Of course. "At some point", well after we've destroyed Citadel and saved everyone, after getting that contract enforced, and after getting Granny's permission.
>>
>>23798169
Dude, they met already.
>>
>>23798139
"And what does she think of you, and of this arranged marriage?"
>>
>>23798139
Is she the stereotypical princess? Or is there another reason?

>considering smitede
Well we ARE a a paladin. We should be able to Smite Evil
>>
>>23798160
"So, what would happen if you married Tara instead? Some awful political consequence? Or would Citadel disapprove?"

He shrugs. "Probably both, I dunno. Thing is," He sighs. "I met her yesterday. She's this wonderful perfectly lovely, wilting little flower, said she just wanted to be my wife, and serve me in any way." He shakes his head. "You know what I asked her to do? I told her to spin around three times while quacking like a duck, and she did it! Right there! Who does that?" He sighs. "I mean...what's it's going to sound like when they sing my ballads 'Oh and he had a wife who was pretty and nice, and did nothing but stay at home....' He sticks out his tongue. "Plus sex isn't any fun if there's nothing there along with it. But that isn't the worst part." He does another little spin, he doesn't care that everyone is watching you two. The king looks like he's about to bust a gut with his laughter.
>>
>>23798224
Whisper "jump" in his ear, and do a not-too-fast little spin, with him jumping over your tail. Then ask him what the worst part is.
>>
>>23798224

Let me guess. She's a total yandere.
>>
>>23798192
damn, i forgot he was there for our meeting with her. doubt they need introductions then.

>>23798224
"Whats the worst part?"
>>
>>23798267
>damn, i forgot he was there for our meeting with her. doubt they need introductions then.

True, and the "Elder" standing in for her and signing the contract probably already told her about it. Still, it's funny to picture the two of them dancing.
>>
>>23798249
"Jump!" You whisper. He does a very over the top jump and you spin your tail under him. He lands perfectly. There's a little applause.

"Oh, you are just amazing. See, THAT'S why I want to get in your...scales...I guess." he nods at the Phoenix Empire girl. "I told her about Tara, and she says 'Oh that's fine. I don't mind. You can have as many lovers as you want.' (He says that in a bad falsetto) Uugh." He shakes his head. "I hate those plays you know...how everything just 'works out.' That's...that's not what I want." He sighs. "I want, two hundred years from now, when people sing of Isen the Audacious they say he was the greatest man alive, and that everyone that he was with be they friend or lover were of his caliber as well..." He chuckles. "I mean, what's the point of living then? I don't want life to just be HANDED to me." He wins. "So I came up with a clever plan...I'm going to go out again and get 'injured.' When I return in bandages and tears, saying that I can no longer provide future generations with future...Itzaks...then Princess Yoo-Hoo there will get bumped down the line, and I'll be free to go travel with Tara!" He frowns. "Is, is that okay with Him, or do I need to like, give Stone Hall more money or crap?"
>>
>>23798224
I dunno if I should be the one to give you this advice, but maybe a 2 for 1 affair? Marry both of them and just not bother with the Princess?
>>
>>23798362
"Maybe a bit deceptive, but sometimes you must do what you can for love."
>>
>>23798362
>>23798419
Now, the princesses' feelings may come into play here. Does she have some legit love-at-first-sight shit going on? To be rejected due to being too "normal" wouldn't be so hot.
>>
>>23798362
this smacks of Citadel messing with her mind

still trying to think up a reply.
>>
>>23798362
>Is, is that okay with Him, or do I need to like, give Stone Hall more money or crap?

"I cannot believe that His Light would ever frown upon love. Do what makes you and Tara happy. Though if you get 'injured' in a way that means you can't have little Isens running around, I know a certain inventor who might try to help you with your little problem, Itsy."

"As for Stone Hall, you have no need to buy salvation even if you could. You're a good man, Isen."

"And while the rebuilding effort could certaily use the money, I'd say Stone Hall has taken more than enough crap over the years."
>>
>>23798419
"Forgiveness isn't something you can buy Isen, It's something you have to work for, asking for forgiveness is half of it, the other is penance."
>>
>>23798439

In which case sending her away would be good for her. Does Isen know about Citadel?
>>
>>23798419
"Maybe a bit deceptive, but sometimes you must do what you can for love."

He shrugs. "Well, I never really thought of myself as being suitable to be a Dad. I don't think I could be one you know, it's like being a king. You have to worry about grain shipments, trade yields, road costs, and then all the endless people asking for crap...you should SEE Petition Hall...and being a Dad means you gotta be okay with saying 'no' and being stern and know the difference between giving a kid a whuppin, and actually hurting them." He shivers. "Way too much work. No one does songs or laughs at tales about that poor bastard...they should...but that stuff isn't sexy."
>>
>>23798458
"I think you're kids would love you. You'd be a fun dad."
>>
>>23798458
"Oh, and if you try to 'get into my scales', I'd be happy to help you with that injury."
>>
>>23798498
yes.
>>
>>23798487
"I think you're kids would love you. You'd be a fun dad."

"Yeah, but a fun dad isn't always a good dad." He sighs.

"Oh, and if you try to 'get into my scales', I'd be happy to help you with that injury." You say.

Isen laughs again, and then bows ending the dance. "Thanks for that Sexy Scales...I guess I have to go talk to Princess Wa-wa Whatever and dance with her. So, tomorrow, Cathedral, hope you look as good in Silver as you do in white...that's a Garish, right? Classy!" He starts to walk off and then he pauses and spins around. "And at least dance with ONE of your people, Ssen...this supposed to be a party!"
>>
>>23798532
Tricia, dance with Tricia.
>>
>>23798532
Tricia.
>>
>>23798532
Okay, decision time for the romance. But it's not just a vote. You want Tricia? You want Lea? Prove your case to me. Or, give into Citadel, and you'll get everyone. It's always an option.
>>
Tricia.
Then Lea
... Then eMage.
Then Mari,
Then Peri
>>
>>23798532
Dance with all of them. Not at the same time, of course.

>>23798549
I don't want anyone yet. It's just a dance.
>>
>>23798549
Tricia, she's Ssen's oldest friend, and last time she and Ssen kissed there was something. It's the option that already has a little romance done.
>>
>>23798532
So, let's look at our options here. Meri and Peri want to stay together, so a romance with her seems at least half creepy. Mage is the only male here, but he seems very much the friend type; plus, he seems so emotionally fragile. Lea is a wonderful person, but she seems to have the awkwardly-placed-immovable-rod part of being a Paladin rather well covered.

Tricia is a childhood friend, and most importantly the only one you've *sparked* with. The last time she kissed you, you both felt the magic happen.

And Citadel can go screw itself.
>>
>>23798549
I'm rooting for the asexual end. But if I had to pick one I'd go for Tricia.
>>
>>23798549
Tricia, we have known her the longest, and we already have a spark with her.

"She kisses you on the lips. Yeah, remember way back when she kissed you and it was nothing? Not this time."

But yes, as others have suggested, all of our companions should get at least a short dance, just only Tricia gets a long dance/romance
>>
>>23792086
>Oh and Liam comes from the first name that naturally popped into my head when 'badass father' entered it.
Like Liam Neeson, from Taken
>>
>>23798611
>I'm rooting for the asexual end.

We're out to violate stereotypes here, and "chaste Paladin" is a very old stereotype.
>>
>>23798549
Dance with everyone!

Dancer LONGER with your love interest!

Or, if not dancing with everyone due to time constraints, have them all dance amongst themselves while dancing with a few!

I care not who the love interest is. I have none at the moment myself.
>>
>>23798612
Okay, I've got enough.
>>
>>23798612
>But yes, as others have suggested, all of our companions should get at least a short dance, just only Tricia gets a long dance/romance

I would agree, except that seems so easy for Citadel to pervert into something else.

In any case, we don't have to decide everything before we have the first dance. Tricia first; we can decide about others later.
>>
>>23798549
I'm down for Tricia as a romance option, personally, but I'd still like to take a short dance with everybody.
>>
>>23798622
BUT I WANT A LAMIA BOYFRIEND

SO WE CAN MAKE LAMIA CRUSADER BABIES

A WHOLE CRUSADE OF THEM
>>
>>23798652
Yes but Citadel is a spoiled bitch and might force us into the harem shit if we do.
>>
>>23798549
Lea is all kinds of adorable in my opinion, but Tricia and us have oodles of both chemistry and history, so Tricia.
>>
>>23798622
Well we'd violate that stereotype most by going harem route, no?
It's not like we're going to be chaste for ever, we go into heat in a few decades.
>>
>>23798656
So we spend a hundred years finding a sane Lamia male, another hundred years waiting for our second heat, and then 30 years slowly dieing crusading.
>>
>>23798659
If we do that we give into Citadel, guess what nobody wants to do? Give into the evil land spirit.
>>
>>23798659
That's still a bit of an open question, really. If our conversation with Granny was anything to go by, we might have a lot longer than that.

>>23798656
Granny told us all about how to solve that.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23768347/#p23770003
> 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.
>>
>>23798679
Exactly. Doing something just to go against a stereotype is stupid.
>>
>>23798637
You grabs and pull everyone out onto the dance floor, one at a time.

Lea's first, she's very graceful and does a nifty roll over your legs as she kicks her legs up into the air. She's a bit amazed at Isen's offer and does both a 'I told you that you were a Paladin all along' speech mixed with a 'Don't abuse this gift given to you so easily' speech. Still you have fun.

Peri/Mari is a unique experience. Mari knows every dance by heart and what steps need to be made, but she's amazingly shy out on the floor. Peri, despite all her combat grace, can't dace to save her life. So it's a lot of stumbling, tripping, your tail getting in the way and the two girls bickering with each other. Still, it's fun...in a weird disaster kind of way.

Mage is actually a quite good dancer. Mostly because he's tapped into that primal fear gland some men have that allow them to observe other dancers and copy them perfectly. That is until you peck him on the cheek and he completely collapses under the strain. Lea gathers him up and casually takes him away.

Then, there's Tricia. You two don't do as fancy of a dance as you did with the others.

"Hey." She says. She's blushing.
>>
>>23798703
>over your legs

That should be 'over your tail' damn...
>>
>>23798703
"Hey." *blush*

Simultaneous awkwardness!
>>
By the way, what kind of music is playing right now?

Slow-dance with her through the next song, and pull her in close several times. At the end of this next song, kiss her. If she doesn't freak out, keep kissing her.
>>
>>23798719
"Hey."

Tricia sighs. "So..." She sighs. "It's been a wild ride, hasn't it, Snake? His Light above, can you believe that idiot's a prince?"
>>
>>23798703
>>23798719
>akwardness
Oh jeez, right in the romance. I approve.
>>
>>23798741
"You know, as crazy as it is, I really can. He's an audacious lech, but he certainly has the 'noble' part of nobility down."
>>
>>23798740
Oh it's a slow dance of course.

Actually, you can see that Tara has Mage hostage for a dance in her vice grip, and Lea is walking Peri/Mari through the steps on this one. Pretty much you've been left alone as the rest of the nobs have flocked around Prince Itzak and Princess Whats-Her-Name from the Phoenix Empire. The other soldiers who bled for this party have long since gone home.
>>
>>23798741
Does Tricia ever have bug-related antics happen spontaneously based on her emotions? Because between nervousness and romance, I'm kinda hoping for a cloud of butterflies, here.
>>
>>23798768
...not yet, but thanks for the idea.
>>
>>23798768
dont give him id...

too late
>>
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I'm currently squealing like a bitch right now at how cute this situation is.
>>
Can Ssen do a dip, using her tail rather than an arm? Kinda let Tricia fall back a bit, catch her whole body, dip her most of the way to the ground, stand her back up, pull her close, kiss her, and wrap your tail around her back.
>>
>>23798786
How did you know my EMOTIONS
>>
>>23798789
save that for the end

>>23798786
i really wish you had not posted that picture.
>>
>>23798756
"You know, as crazy as it is, I really can. He's an audacious lech, but he certainly has the 'noble' part of nobility down." You say.

"Yeah...weird that. He doesn't seem to be fitting in as well as the rest of his family." You look. Isen looks like he's almost bored to tears as he slow dances with the Princess' head on his shoulder. "Never thought I see Isen with a woman that close, and not try to get into her dress." She sighs.

"Hey...umm...look..." She sighs. "I...I wanna try something again, and if it's weird, then it's weird and we wont talk about it again...and if it isn't..." She groans. "Ugh, I wish you were half-wasp or half-spider...maybe that would make this easier." She shakes her head. "I'm babbling. Let's just do this bef-OH!"

You suddenly let Tricia fall back a bit, only to catch her with your tail, let her do a graceful dip and then push her back up. She's bright red. "Don't you EVER do that to me again." She fumes. "Now I'm not gonna do it."
>>
>>23798741
"He definitely never acted like one, but you know, he's just so ridiculous already that this didn't really change my impression of him."
>>
>>23798786
Paladin Odette, is that you?
>>
>>23798829
She doesn't have to.

KISS THE GIRL, GOD DAMN IT.
>>
>>23798829
>You suddenly let Tricia fall back a bit, only to catch her with your tail, let her do a graceful dip and then push her back up. She's bright red. "Don't you EVER do that to me again." She fumes. "Now I'm not gonna do it."

"Then I will." *kiss* *tail wrap*
>>
>>23798829
"What, you mean this?" and kiss her.
>>
>>23798829
Just smile
"Thanks, for saving my life during the siege by the way."
>>
>>23798842
No tail wrap, bad anon!
>>
>>23798854
Only if she goes for the kiss. Because if she reacts to it like we'd hope, then it's likely to turn into "Light above, don't they need to breathe?" territory.
>>
>>23798854
you realize we can be gentle with the tail right? I bet we could even handle fragile glassware with it easily.
>>
>>23798866
The only thing anyone has seen us do with our tail is crush people to death.

Do not tail wrap her.
>>
>>23798881
This.

>>23798883
So shouldn't we show them it's good for something more?
>>
>>23798842
"Then I will."

And you kiss her. She's shocked at first, and then goes into it. Her arms wrap around your chest tightly, and your tail slides around her. You stay like that for what feel like a long long time.

Fuck Citadel's idea of happy.

This is what a perfect moment is.

When you both come up for air, you slowly untangle yourselves from each other, looking into each others eyes. She has a clock, you don't...but you wont let a single second of her's be wasted without you...and even after her's has gone off, you'll have her with you...and that's something beautiful. Because you both worked for it.

Applause breaks the moment, you turn to see Tara and the others clapping at the two of you.

"Finally." Mage says.

Roll 1d20
>>
Rolled 4

>>23798901
mother fu-
>>
>>23798901
Screw clocks, I bet this world has a way around that. A lifetime is not enough.
>>
Rolled 8

>>23798901
dice gods, i swear...
>>
>>23798910
Son of a bitch.
>>
Rolled 1

>>23798901
don't choke god damn it
>>
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>>23798910
>>23798917
>>23798920

no words just no words
>>
>>23798901
Can we get an Archivist re-roll?
>>
>>23798910
Hoping this is rolling for butterflies, and not for something worse.
>>
>>23798920
SON OF A CUNT FUCK ME RUNNING GOD DAMN IT THE ONE MOTHERDICKING ROLL. SO HELP ME, /TG/ DICEGODS I WILL VIDEOTAPE MYSELF TONGUE-PUNCHING YOUR GRAM-GRAM'S FARTBOX AND PUT IT ON YOUTUBE FOR THIS.
>>
>>23798910
Something...something's wrong. You slide a bit back from Tricia and look around. You can...you can feel it now...how it felt when Barney's inventions would snap, or people scowl at Gregory, or when Ambrose had a coughing fit. You feel it because the shift is so sudden and from one far end to the other that you just can't miss it.

Citadel's pissed.

King's Table, the Royal Family, Doors, West Wing, East Wing, Isen's Crowd.

Pick two.
>>
>>23798963
Grip your holy symbol tightly.

Royal Family, Isen's Crowd.
>>
>>23798963
shit where are our companions?

them, + isen's crowd
>>
>>23798963

Doors doors DOORS. Isen's crowd.
>>
>>23798963
Doors and West Wing
>>
>>23798963
>West Wing
>the Royal Family
What are we even choosing?
>>
>>23798970
>shit where are our companions?
Right next to you, you guys are in the corner by the fountain, everything's fine near you.
>>
>>23798970
I think we'd be better off with our companions not involved.

And whatever's about to happen, *protect Tricia*.
>>
>>23798963
West wing, east wing
>>
>>23798963
Doors!

East wing!

Areas are less dangerous than people!
>>
>>23798991
Where the assassins show up.
>>
>>23799002
Okay, you picked Isen's Crowd and the West Wing. (First to 3 votes for each) Neither give you a bonus.

You didn't spot it.

Roll 1d20 one more time.
>>
>>23798549
>Or, give into Citadel, and you'll get everyone. It's always an option.
Oh, that's low.
>Tool and all around love
>Rebel and single love
>>
Rolled 20

>>23799016
>>
Rolled 2

>>23799016
If ever there was a time for divine intervention, this is it. Fate, don't screw with Tricia and Ssen.
>>
>>23799020
There we go.
>>
Rolled 11

>>23799020
Thank you, sniping instrument of divine intervention.
>>
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>>23799020

Thank you, dice gods.
>>
>>23799020
Thank GOD for the torches. You see the flash of the light off of the pocket crossbow held by the servant in the Peace Mask standing at the other side of the Hall.

They're not pointing it at you.

Isen's the target.
>>
Why is the citadel so immediately pissed at us kissing her? It can't read us and tell we're not going to go harem route, right?
>>
>>23799042
Oh *hell* no. "Isen! Jump!"
>>
>>23799042
"Isen! Duck!"
>>
>>23799042
"ISEN! ASSASSIN!"
>>
>>23799042
RIght, protective wrap around Isen, or tail whip the assassin, whatever is closest.
>>
>>23799042
"Isen! Jump, jump up and get down!"
>>
>>23799042
Are we close enough to block the bolt with our tail?
>>
>>23799047
>>23799056
So, that's your move. You're yelling at Isen to move.

You sure?
>>
>>23799042
I don't suppose there's any chance we stashed any kind of weapon in our dress, did we? Because a fast crossbow snipe would be perfect here.

If not, snap towards Isen as fast as we can, and bodily shield him. We can take a hit.
>>
>>23799073

Shit were, fast as fuck, jump in the way as well.
>>
>>23799074

What if the bolt is poisoned?
>>
>>23799074
>>23799060
my vote lyman ppightk
>>
>>23799073
wait, immune to poisons. block the bolt with our tail if we can
>>
>>23799082
>We are immune to most.
>>
>>23799082
>Lamia
>>
>>23799042
TACKLE HIM AND HIS BRIDE OUT OF THE WAY.

At lamia pace.

However fast that is.
>>
>>23799082
We're Lamia, we're most likely immune
>>
>>23799082
So be it. We're immune to poison, and more importantly we protect others. It's What We Do.
>>
>>23799082
We're poison resistant. And immune to most of them.
>>
>>23799073
yell, and try and block it with a nearby tray

>>23799085
>>23799089

not immune, resistant, we almost died to magic poison.
>>
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>>23799073
I -said- tackle him out of the way!

Or dive in front of him!

Those are the same thing!
>>
>>23799042
Shout "Isen, swing your partner round!"
>>
>>23799101
Grabbing a tray isn't fast enough. We can get there quicker.

>>23799093
If they aimed at *us*, I'd worry about a Lamia-targeted poison. But Isen isn't immune.
>>
>>23799115

Oh, you.
>>
>>23799067
>>23799060
If you make a crazy blind dashing, use your tail as a spring, leap, you MIGHT be able to get to the assassin...or get in the way of the shot.

If you want to try to plow through the mass of people surrounding Isen, (Citadel has of course, influenced the others to give Peace a clear shot.) you can try that too.

These actions can work, but they'll require checks.

And remember...MOST poisons.
>>
>>23799124
And there are plenty of crazy toxic plants, and if alchemy or magic has been involved....all bets are off.
>>
Rolled 13

>>23799124

Rolling to body check.
>>
>>23799124
Yes, we know, most poisons.
Cover Isen.
>>
>>23799124
>>23799136
If it's poison, then it's poison. We can probably deal with it, and even if we can't, it's our job to protect people. Isen believes in us as a Paladin; don't let him down.
>>
Rolled 5

>>23799124
slither straight past Isen, shoving him as we go to move him and disrupt the assassin's shot, slam into the assassin.
>>
tailwhip?
>>
>>23799140
Wait until its called for.
>>
>>23799144

Lawful Good, not Lawful Stupid.
>>
>>23799124
well I guess that means it's poisoned and it can effect us
>>
>>23799140
>>23799151
Don't roll until it's called for.
>>
>>23799124
>>23799136
Run for him while yelling for him to get down. Tackle him if he's not down by the time you are there.

Plan A is he gets down, plan B is we are tackling him and us out of the way, plan C is even if that fails, we are resistant to poisons. That's as good as we're getting in a dangerous situation like this.

Also, if we have enough clarity of mind, nail peace with a pastry or cupcake or shrimp cocktail or something. Something throwable well.
>>
>>23799153
Okay, so I think you've agreed to try and tackle Isen out of the way 'In The Line of Fire' style?
>>
>>23799173
I'm voting for it.

Yell at him to get down as well.
>>
>>23799173
Yeah, ideally it misses both of us, but if not, better it hit someone probably immune than someone definitely not.
>>
I think its the best shot we have. THough we should tailwhip the assassin once Isen is down. old rieorum
>>
>>23799168

Does Isen have a knife on him? If we tackle him, we can take his and throw it at Peace.
>>
OK, stupid notion time: what are the odds that Peace is going to act like she was shooting at *us* for diving at the Prince?

Still, the time for sorting out motivations is *after* nobody's about to die.
>>
>>23799173
I was gonna go for Whitney Houston - Kevin Costner Bodyguard style, but sure that works.
>>
>>23799182
Well of course!

Roll 3d20 to see what happens.
>>
>>23799173
yea, but with the yelling assassin as we slither, in case we dont make it there in time, mabie he can evade.
>>
Rolled 12, 7, 20 = 39

>>23799207
>>
Is it more difficult to dive in *front* of the shot (where there's no chance it looks like we're attacking Isen) rather than tackling Isen?
>>
>>23799207
Oh and you see Odette at the same time you see Peace, FYI.
>>
Rolled 15, 20, 10 = 45

welp
>>
>>23799216
Same place?
>>
>>23799216
Doing what?
>>
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>>23799210
>>23799220
I was saving this for Stalker Civ, but you know what.
>>
Rolled 5, 3, 10 = 18

>>23799207
time to suck at life
>>
Rolled 9, 4, 9 = 22

>>23799210
>>23799220
we both rolled 20s... I wonder if thats a good or a bad sign
>>
>>23799225
dancing with isen, last I checked.
>>
>>23799231
Crits Naga, what'chu gunna do about eet?
>>
>>23799240
No, that was the Princess.
>>
>>23799210
You hurls yourself out of Tricia's arms and charge towards the crowd.

"ISEN! DOWN!" You scream as you point at Peace.

Isen looks, sees Peace, and like the noble idiot he is...puts himself in front of Princess Whatever-Her-Name is.

You shoulder yourself through the crowd, thank GOD for Granny and her lessons, and push yourself off the ground like a guided missile at the Prince.

You slam into him and push him aside as you hear the 'TWING' of the crossbow.

Then almost at the same time, you feel something bury itself into your shoulder.

Isen hits the ground, screaming for guards and he instantly goes to cover the Princess.

You see Peace staring at you, and then...he's gone.

The Blue Occuli are swarming and you hear Tricia and Tara shouting for you and Isen.

And then your world turns to fire.
>>
>>23799279
35 to clear Isen. 45 to clear yourself.
>>
Considering how the dice treat us, thats pretty steep hah.
>>
>>23799279
mmhm, mmhm, about right.

Try to say at least "poison" before passing out.
>>
>>23799279
"Tricia-"
>>
>>23799279
OK, think fast: what can we do while we can still do anything?

>>23799305
This.

And also, "Peace was the Assassin", if we can manage it.
>>
>>23799289
like, for that last check we made? or do you want us to roll again?
>>
>>23799136
So what you're saying is we're not resistant to poison, we're resistant to venom.
>>
Rolled 17

>>23799279
>Willpower roll to 'Fuck You' the poison
>>
>>23799323
hah nice... perhaps it will count
>>
>>23799315
Wait, I take it back:
>>23799314
This.
>>
I swear to god if this is a cliffhanger I will have a heart attack.
>>
>>23799279
You don't dream.

You do see something. It's black and large, made out of a countless million shadows, and even more little sparks and flashes of light.

It's confused. You were part of it, a little bit anyway, and it was happy that you were happy. Soon it would help you be more happy...but now you're in pain.

It's your fault, you're in pain. But it's just confused. Why would anyone choose pain over being happy?

Then there's a flash, your world fills with light, a bight blue terrible light and you know the giant CRASH is going to come soon and that's terrifying...so you hide under the nest, like you always do...

And then there's blood everywhere. You're looking at something that's covered in blood, and Mommies are on the ground not moving.

"This," The figure says moving towards you, it's sword drawn. "Is not the hard part." The silver being raises his sword and...

"GHAAAAA!" You shriek as you writhe and jerk in the bed.

"Ah!" Tricia screams as she's jolted awake from her chair next to you. "OH THANK HIS LIGHT AND HIS MERCY!" She hurls herself at you. "You stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, IDIOT!"
>>
Looking on the bright side: after saving the prince, we might be able to pull off the "fill half the chapel with people" qualification for Paladinhood.

More seriously, thinking back to the poisons that can actually affect a Lamia: another Lamia's venom (can't be that, that would be "painless"), Underside Wasp jelly, glass scorpion venom, dragon bile, or something unnatural.

What do we know about those last three?
>>
Sorry, couldn't let him die when there was something I could do about it.
>>
>>23799372
Just hug her tightly.
>>
>>23799372
just hug her close and sooth her for a good while, assuming we can move.
>>
>>23799372
Kiss her. "No way was I going to slither off this mortal coil so soon after falling in love with you."
>>
>>23799372
>stupid, stupid, stupid IDIOT
"I'm glad to see you, Tricia."
>>
>>23799372
Lawful stupid

"Yup..." *Tight hug with gentle tail wrap*
>>
>>23799414
This.
>>
>>23799393
You hold her tightly. The two of you don't move for a long time. Tricia's crying slows and then stops and then starts again.

"I thought..." She gasps. "I'm so sorry. I tried everything...Glass Scorpion venom...I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry...please don't hate me." She looks at you.
>>
>>23799414
stupid good

In retrospect, we could have tackled him at a low angle, using our lamia physiology, to take him to the ground without exposing either of us.
>>
>>23799427
"How could I ever hate you? I love you."
>>
>>23799427
"For what?"
>>
>>23799427

never.
>>
>>23799427

What happened?
>>
>>23799433
This, also, "What's wrong?
>>
>>23799372
anyone else noticed we probably met Citadel in our mind, and it was happy that we where happy with Tricia?
>>
>>23799433
"How could I ever hate you? I love you."

That causes her to burst out sobbing again as she hugs you. Eventually she lets go and points at a mirror on a vanity.
>>
>>23799427

I don't even know what's going on! Well, past the poison crossbow bolt and you curing me.
>>
Well lets see the damage.
>>
>>23799460
Son of a bitch, we got horribly disfigured didn't we?
>>
>>23799460
Look, and make sure you don't react to whatever you see.
>>
>>23799460
huh, I wonder how bad our new scars are.
>>
>>23799460
Oh, we like Lea now?
>>
>>23799460
Prepare ourself to be underhwelmed. The flesh is not the soul. Every wound and weakness of the flesh sows the seeds of a commensurate strength of the mind.
>>
>>23799451

It seemed like it was the exact opposite of happy when Ssen made her move on Tricia.
>>
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>>23799460
>appearance has changed
>>
>>23799489
It might've been something Isen did.
>>
>>23799496
now now, it could be really bad. Let's assess the damage.

I could be anywhere from devistated to unphased, depending on type and whereabouts
>>
>>23799489

see here:
"You do see something. It's black and large, made out of a countless million shadows, and even more little sparks and flashes of light.

It's confused. You were part of it, a little bit anyway, and it was happy that you were happy. Soon it would help you be more happy...but now you're in pain."

also note :
"As for what has upset Her...Peace is dealing with it"

Citadel was unhappy with Isen, hence the assassination attempt. we got in the way though.
>>
>>23799510
Yup, like we always do.
>>
>>23799451
No, I don't think that's what it meant. It thought you were "part of it" a bit, after the painting, and it wants you to be a happy little actor in its play, but then it was confused because you didn't play along, so it tried to get you to play along so you can be "happy" again.

Starting to wonder if Citadel isn't so much malicious as completely unable to empathize with any concept of "happy" other than its own.
>>
>>23799519
stop INVITING US to places you are going to DO THINGS, citadel

We wouldn't have to see it and stop it if you wouldn't tell us to show up!
>>
>>23799470
>>23799471
>>23799472
>>23799474

You got up to the mirror and look.

To be fair, anyone else than Tricia? You'd be dead.

But your veins down both your entire arms, shoulders, and across the top of your chest, above your breasts, are now black, thick and raised. Your skin feels hard and leathery in those parts too. Your eyes were once this very pretty green with reptilian pupils, now that green is a dull yellow, and finally. your long beautiful red hair, a lot of it has fallen out...not all of it, but enough to be noticed, and it's gone shock white.
>>
>>23799529
ouch, that is pretty bad.
>>
>>23799529
"I think I'll miss the hair most..."
>>
>>23799529
That's not so bad at all. Was expecting extensive necrosis.

*Breathe a sigh of relief that we've lost no utilitarian functionality of our body.*
>>
>>23799545
"I think I'll miss the hair most..."

"I tried to keep it healthy as best I could." Tricia says. "But as the weeks went by...I'm sorry."
>>
>>23799529
> To be fair, anyone else than Tricia? You'd be dead.
Say it to Tricia.
>>
>>23799529
"You- you don't have to be with me if you don't want to Tricia..."
>>
>>23799559
>weeks

Aieee. OK, what's happened while I was out?
>>
weeks? How long have I been out?
>>
>>23799559
>Weeks
>>
>>23799559
shocked
"... weeks? How long was I out?"
>>
>>23799562
No, definitely not this.

"Do you really think, of all people, that I would care about appearances?" Smile.
>>
and anything happen?
>>
>>23799567
"Weeks? How long have I been out?"

Tricia sighs. "Three months."
>>
>>23799576
"You've saved my life again, Tricia."
>>
>>23799559
Close eyes.

Deep breath.

"What doesn't kill me will only make me stronger."

Open eyes.

You're ready to fight.
>>
"I was expecting an arm to be gone honestly. So walk me through it if you can. How did you do it?"
>>
>>23799559
>>23799555
yes, sigh of relief after this. And then confusion.

"Not that I mind, but didn't I get shot in a royal ballroom? Shouldn't there be some kind of crown appointed cup guildman and such? I'm glad you got to help yourself."
>>
>>23799576
"Is the buffoon alright?"
>inb4 he gave up adventuring and we did that for nothing
>>
>>23799576
"Light above. How is everyone? Mage, Peri, Mari, Lea, Isen, Tara?"
>>
>>23799576

Oh, damn. What's happened since then?
>>
>>23799581
"You've saved my life again, Tricia."

She smiles. "Thanks. I'm sorry the others aren't here. I'm sure the moment they find out you're back, they'll be here in a shot."
>>
>>23799576
Wow...
What's happened in that time?
>>
>>23799576
Oh, dear. What have I missed?
>>
>>23799599
"So, what exactly did you... do? Something with crystal scorpion venom?"
>>
>>23799589
She's already feeling awful when she shouldn't.

"If it were anyone other than you, Tricia, I'd be dead. I'm glad I have the best healer in the kingdom."
>>
>>23799599
"Ouch, don't say 'in a shot', please."
>>
>>23799609
yeah, but I'm CONFUSED. I'd at least like to hear the story of what happened. Maybe phrased in a more polite way.
>>
"How's the buffoon?"
>>
>>23799626
True. "So, start at the beginning. I kissed the most beautiful person in the room, someone showed up and shot at Isen, I tackled him and it hit me, and then?"
>>
>>23799634
This.
>>
>>23799615
This
>>23799609
This
>>23799634
And especially this

Woovoting
>>
>>23799599
Tricia: I need you to do me a favor and stop apologizing. We can deal with the consequences of my being poisoned as they arise, but until then, please just let it be.
>>
>>23799592
"Light above. How is everyone? Mage, Peri, Mari, Lea, Isen, Tara?"

"Umm...well...we spent some time looking for the assassin," Tricia says. "Isen got locked up for his protection by the blue Occuli. I haven't seem him in a while." She sighs. "And as the weeks went on...we couldn't find any sign of the bastard, and you wouldn't wake up. So...we sort of, wandered around a bit...I decided to stay by you. But...the others." She looks at a table by the door.

You see a snakeskin bracelet with the Caligo Clarus emblem on it. A burnt medallion. A bronze ring made of smaller bronze balls, and a book of the Teachings, wrapped in bandages.

"It's okay though, they're all still here in Citadel. I seem them from time to time."

"They look really happy."
>>
Well guys, we know a healer thats several thousand years old, if anyone can fix this, it's her.
>>
>>23799634
this sounds good. We should start stretching out. See how bad the damage is as far as movement goes
>>
>>23799664
Oh... oh fuck.
>>
>>23799670
My thoughts exactly.
>>
oh damn you citadel. damn you.
>>
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>mfw Isen has stopped adventuring because of the incident
>>
>>23799664
CITADEL!

OK, time for a rescue mission. Party, then Isen.
>>
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>"They look really happy."
>>
>>23799664
Gather up their stuff and start freeing our friends.
>>
>>23799664
"No. Don't ask me how I know, but they're not really happy, they've gone astray, they're just coping, deluding themselves, and it's not their fault. It's mine. Let's go get the team back together, Trish."
>>
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>>23799664
>"They look really happy."
>>
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>>23799664
>>23799675
>>23799678
>>23799688
CITADEEEEEEEEEEEEL
>>
>>23799664
And I can't think of a better place to end on for tonight, than that. I told you that you'd hate me.
>>
OK, good news: blue Occuli are still Occuli, and not necessarily agents of Citadel (unless Paladin Bigot Odette is involved). So, we ought to be able to get at him reasonably easily; after all, we saved his life. We might not be able to get him *out* right away, though.
>>
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>>23799707
>It's mine. Let's go get the team back together, Trish.
>>
>>23799707

If anyone asks about the hair, it's because we found out that Isen was really a prince.
>>
>>23799714
You jerk.
>>
>>23799714
sonovabitch.

archived.
also 700+ replies.
>>
>>23799714
I DIDN'T HATE YOU UNTIL NOW

CLIFFHANGERRRRRS
>>
>>23799741
Last time I saw numbers like this was back in Mahou Shounen Quest.
>>
>>23799749
this is much better
>>
>>23799714
When's the next thread? I MUST be there.
>>
>>23799734
Well, I was planning on having Isen die, and I had something sweet and sad but you HAD to save his life...so enjoy. Trust me, it's going to get MUCH worse now. I like it even better! Muwahahahah!
>>
>>23799714
I want to call bullshit based on the DC being so inordinately high for what was needed and then hitting . Its your quest but well, I'm out. Its turning into palyer vs DM now.
>>
>>23799707
This.

Remember our experiment with Ambrose and the medallion? We can save them; we just have to find them and get to them.
>>
>>23799761
Next threat ETA, 3-21-13 3-4 pm PST
>>
>>23799771
Thread that should say thread, clear sign I need sleep.
>>
>>23799761
What'd you have planned if we'd made the 45?
>>
>>23799771
Allright. Thanks for the questing echo.

And don't you dare make things much worse, oh my gawd
>>
>>23799766
>"Throwing yourself in front of a crossbow bolt should have a reasonable chance of safety! This is bullshit!"

lolwut

The DC was reasonably high, considering it's an action that is inherently STUPIDLY FUCKING RECKLESS
>>
>>23799786
Blame it on us, of course.
>>
>>23799771
You never did tell us what Bobbi was doing.
>>
>>23799786
you even need to ask? princess takes the bolt and dies, and WAR between Pheonix Kingdom and Citadel
>>
funny thing is we made that 45 on the second roll made. Pity it didn't count hah.
>>
It is clear.
The future has been told to me.
In the end, We shall be remembered as the Paladin that never was Paladin.
>>
>>23799808
That could have worked out reasonably well, actually. Citadel needs to die, Isen wanted out of his arranged marriage, and why in hell would we take Citadel's side in that conflict?
>>
>>23799817
DON'T PREDICT THESE THINGS
>>
>>23799796
Thats fine, I have no problem with a challenge. What I do have a problem with is the fact we did make the 45 on the second roll, AND the fact that absolutely everything has gone to shit due to one failed high roll.
>>
>>23799837
First roll is always taken man.
>>
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I CANNOT DESCRIBE.

I am currently writhing and gnashing. Literally.
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this quest has always been first roll. I think hes only done the second roll twice and that was from frequent poster privelige.
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Cunts.

Cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts cunts.

Cunts cunts cunts.
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>>23799837
actually, the way it looks, that was a QUANTUM SHIT moment.

It we failed it would have been shit, if we got hit it would have been shit, if the lady got hit it would have been shit...
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>>23799864
Yeah, this was planned a long time ago. I'm just glad we saved Isen, and got the girl. And at least *she's* not assimilated.
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>>23799880
I just hope the others aren't too fargone.

And that maybe this poison will get better with time.

also WHAT DID YOU DO TRICIA EVEN I WANT TO KNOW
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>>23799901
She prevented the poison from killing us.
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>>23799844
I know, I've been here since start. Its just a shame that frequent poster doesn't count towards anon.
>>23799864
I know, and I fucking loathe Kobayashi Maru situations. I have no problem with it if we can find the means to reverse it, but knowing how this has went so far, doubtful.
Perhaps I'm just bitter from being sick, but it reeks of railroading to me. I'd rather not have this end up with the GM as ANOTHER citadel.
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>>23799920
yeah. And it somehow made us white haired and all sickly style.

but like... what did she DO? Have swarms of bees suck the poison out? How did I get from the ball to here? Explanations!

Maybe next thread.
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>>23799938
I am hopeful we will regain our friends. If we regain our friends and can continue adventuring, then hope is restored.

Also, I really hope we're not mantling the lightbringer. You know how he writhed and suffered in the darkness? yyyeeeeah...
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>>23799941
She's an bug druid, it's bug poison, she used magic or some shit.
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>>23799964
Fine, if you don't want to investigate so badly.

We'll maybe swing the wounds by the matron later, ask her what the consequences of 'em may be.

First, we break all our friends out of citadel happylock
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Lurker/Dragon search suggester here just chiming in.
This does seem rather heavy handed for what it is. Especially given the fact we are supposed to be poison resistant, and so far all encounters with poison have resulted in horrible times for us. I mean, thinking about it, failing a check by 6 has resulted in 3 months of downtime, possible permanent disfigurement, and our friends blithely getting mind controlled.
Not to mention forcing us into a character route, when some of us don't even want romance in this story.
But now I'm just griping and I'll go back to lurking.
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>>23800019
Oh I'm not saying we shouldn't ask, I was just saying what was going to be the likely answer.
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>>23800038
like I said at the beginning-of-the-darn-quest.

A bit heavy handed, but OH is it pulling on all of my heartstrings. With heavy hands. Ouch.
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>>23800038
Actually thinking about it, how in the fuck are they getting that shit so quickly? I mean, is glass scorpion venom just lying the fuck around?
Why bother mentioning we are poison resistant if the only poisons that show up are ones that ignore our resistance. Fuck.
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>>23800038
>some of us don't even want romance in this story.
More of us did want romance.
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>>23800038
It was our choice to jump in front of the bolt, Isen was supposed to die, we mourn but dont get our paladin appointment, and the quest goes on, but we just HAD to save him.

and we had said we wanted a romance since thread 2, its hardly forcing us into a route, Tricia has been a favorite since the start.
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>>23800110
>don't get our paladin appointment
Actually, I think our chances of getting the appointment went up. I feel like we earned it now.
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>>23800119
now yes, but had the one that was going to sponsor us died like he was supposed to...
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>>23800106
>>23800110
There was no option for not having it is my point.
>Isen was supposed to die, we mourn but dont get our paladin appointment, and the quest goes on, but we just HAD to save him.
I really don't want to say railroad but...
Like I said, I usually just lurk, but I felt I needed to bring this up. I'm not saying "MAKE THE BAD THINGS NOT BE HAPPENING" but it seems like a departure from the good writing I've seen so far and is fairly hamfisted reaction to us messing up the plan.
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>>23800134
Yes there was, you just had to get majority votes, just because it wasn't mentioned, doesn't mean it wasn't an option.
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>>23800152
>>23800134
I personally am against the romances, but I was consumately outvoted, and I'll respect that. I mean crap, I'm on /tg/, they ALWAYS go the romance. Always. Fucking creeeeeps
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>>23800161
I don't get people who don't, characters with no sexuality are boring as fuck.
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>>23800179
'cause I had fancied ssen as looking for a man, up until recently. And mage hardly counts.
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>>23800152
Romance is neither here nor there and I don't care about it enough to be upset over it. What I care about is how every time we go down it is due to poison now. Why would the humors, given their fuckups so far, be smart enough to even BOTHER to choose a poison that, if I remember from the earlier threads, is rare as fuck and something we weren't likely to run into.
It feels like the childish "I have a damage protection shield." "Oh my gun ignores protection shields." level of play. No intrigue, no wrench in the plan, no nothing.
>>23800179
Not him but given the slew of waifufest, the waifufestening, I was more than content to wait.
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>>23800202
We've gone down twice, the first was a paralytic.

I am really pissed about it being the oh so lethal poison though, and you'd think with poison resistance we'd at least get a save.
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>>23800202
see, I think if we got over a 45 it might not have been that type of poison. And if that's true, then it's not a matter of whether they would have been able to, since they obviously can't sometimes, but how OFTEN they would have been able to. Which is an easy area to get wrong as a DM, since it involves both economics and dice rolling theory to balance.

In short: I assume ignorance over malice.
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>>23800134
>Stuff happening to NPCs that arent even in the immediate party
>railroading

we LITERALLY jumped in front of a Major Plot Point bolt. Like there wouldnt be *Consequences* for something like that?

Had we rolled well enough it would have either been a normal poison, hit someone inconsequential, or the princess, all of which would be major plot changes due to isen surviving etc.
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>>23800220
I'm not suggesting malice, I'm suggesting emergency plan now that the original plan got messed up. He had a few poison names on hand and used them. I just feel that a bolt coated with poison for a kind has to be one of the rarest ones in the world aside from the underside wasp jelly and whatnot. and as >>23800218 said. It shouldn't have just dropped us like that.
It just seems sketchy as hell is all.
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>>23800238
The poison should not change type to one of the five most lethal poisons in the world just based on a failure of six, especially to something so rare as to harm us. I'm not blasting the quest, I've enjoyed it up to this point, it just seems that this was rushed. Why would they use that shit on a human?
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>>23800238
Yeah, I can forgive him for it if it's a bit amateurish, since I am on the edge of my friggin' seat.

>>23800239
I don't doubt we messed up his plans, I've not had a DM that I haven't tripped up. It happens sometimes, the best thing we can do is help 'em back on the horse.
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>>23800251
I mean, it would be fine if we were known to hang around him a lot as a bodyguard and whatnot then I could see a rare poison like that used, but in this case... that kind of OH LOOK! THE EXTREMELY RARE THING YOU'RE VULNERABLE TO IS HERE just raises my ire.
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Okay, quick bit. Yes, congrats, you screwed me over. If it helps, I had this as a clear 'if they save him' back-up plan. And actually, I'm liking this plot better than what I had before. Leaving Citadel to go dragon hunting seems a little too much of a change in tone.

Now, everyone can be saved, and yes...if you're dead set on returning Ssen to normal, it's possible. I try my level best to never say 'no you can't do this.' I admit that I probably have screwed that up, more than once, but I try as best I can.

As for the poison, you're totally right. I had decided that it would be deadly glass scorpion poison, cause I would never introduce something I wouldn't use, and the Humors waste NO chances at killing Isen. Also that it would give the scene consequence. (One bit was that you could have a change to save Isen if he got hit by sucking the poison out, not as radical an effect, but there you go.) But when you're right, you're right. I'll try to tone the poison crap down.

As for how the Humors got it, they're the most powerful people in Citadel. They created the Underwasp Witch. They can turn the Fell King into that puppet, you think it's THAT hard for them to get some poison?
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>>23800285
>cops to being caught out of plan
>agrees to tone poison down
>working on continuing plot
I toldjyaguys, mistakes happen, help them back on the horse.

NOW BRACE FOR TRAGEDY BECAUSE EVEN IF WE CAN SAVE OUR FRIENDS IT WILL BE UNPLEASANT AND SAD TO DO AT BEST.
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>>23800248
if its this dangerous to us, think of how dangerous it is to a human. no chance of survival etc, many reasons for that.

we already knew the setting was rather unforgiving, after the fight where the archer nearly killed us. I have no doubt we would have died on the spot had not Tricia gotten good rolls then and healed us

>>23800285
whoops, guess im a bit late, but I will post it anyways.
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>>23800285
I'm not doing this as a personal attack on you, but more out of the fact I like this story and don't want to see it turn into some quests I've seen or some campaigns I've been in. I just feel it does need to be called out when it does happen.
As for the dragon hunting? It is more of a lorefinding mission anyway. I really just wanted an excuse to be away from the fucking citadel and work on proper economics and upheaval without this oppressive eldritch horror over our shoulders. Which to me seems a bit more of a change of pace than an adventurer searching out dragons.
As I said before, its your story, and it is yours to choose what you do with it, I just felt that some of the criticisms I felt over this last event should be voiced.
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>>23800328
yeah, we need to get our friends and get out of freaking citadel.

MAYBE stay long enough to pick up a paladinship.
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>>23800311
Not really, >>23799729
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I'm still worried Isen has gotten CITADEL'd.
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>>23800347
Not so sure he has; he seems rather irrepressible. I'd guess he's just imprisoned for "protection".
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>>23800328
More than fair. Criticism is how we get better. You may invoke Hanako's name for a reroll, once, as a token of my gratitude.

Anyway, I promised you guys a harem scene, a legit Non-Citadel influenced harem scene, and you're gonna get one.

As for the heavy waifu content. Yeah, what of it? You got Isen, Barney's no slouch, neither is Gregory, and you'll be seeing a LOT more of Robin Goodfellow. The story's not over by a mile.

Like Father says, this isn't the hard part.

(And Isen the Audacious, get Citadel'd? You've MET the man right? The man that Citadel told the humors to EXPLICITLY eliminate?)
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>>23800285
>if you're dead set on returning Ssen to normal, it's possible

Might be worth looking into at some point, but it's not anywhere close to a priority, and honestly, unless it has damaged us beyond the superficial, it doesn't seem that problematic.
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>>23800285
I only have one question.

What the fuck was Bobbi up to?
You mentioned that we saw her and the assassin, you didn't say where she was or what she was doing.
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>>23800372
I didn't want to piss too many people off. I figured white hair an a veiny body was enough. Too much and it's Lea v.2, not enough and it's 'so what?'
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>>23800340
I just hope we can get that band back together.
>>23800367
I've been after isen, and recently that elf bandit. I hope that elf bandit becomes more and more extravagant over a 1,000 gold horse rivalry. But I am one of like, three guys going for that. The majority is for the tricia, I believe.
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>>23800374
Save that for the explanation we get from Tricia at the start of the next thread.

>>23800367
>You may invoke Hanako's name for a reroll, once, as a token of my gratitude.
Let's save this for the next time Citadel screws with us.
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>>23800374
Cozying up to the the Phoenix Empire delegates, glad handing and making connections. Just being a political animal so she can stay where she is. She has been having to deal with the shelling incident, apology or no.

Also, you can't just teleport into Citadel Castle. Someone has to let you in.
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>>23800285
Also, please note, its not some sort of vanity that our PC has to be gorgeous, but having the entire party be horribly beaten up or physically damaged lacks a certain... well dynamic to it. It becomes "Oh boy... another disfigured person, here's the sash and the complimentary skin cream. Get in line." it becomes boring.
>>23800367
And thank you. I just feel that it was too over the top. That and the fact I felt we finally had a plan when this had to come and disrupt everything. As for the waifuing? I was trying to have our Ssen be more a Mr. Rogers level, and having waifuing kind of just makes it feel wrong.
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>>23800393
I assume the assassin came in a bread box, or hollowed out cheese wheel, or wine keg, or something like that. Assassins are ALWAYS doing that. Though, most likely with an inside man in the quality assurance kitchen.
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>>23800404
Mr. Rogers had a wife.
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>>23800418
don't tell him that, you are damaging his childhood.
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>>23800418
I know. Doesn't stop it from feeling awkward and uncomfortable.
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>>23800425
I do not understand your feelings. Why are you awkward and uncomfortable?
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>>23800425
you'd fit in well with the humors. They seem to think physical love is awkward and uncomfortable too.
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>>23800432
quick, imagine Mr. Rogers having sex.
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>>23800404
Yeah, well...I volunteered at a vet hospital for a while. You kinda don't lose the sight of how people's bodies can get really easily, and very heavily, messed up.

But I don't want to play the excuses game, with point and counterpoint back and forth to the point where the story suffers. I've seen too many GMs go down that route, I've sent them there myself.

So, I will say thank you for your criticism. You've got good points. I do hope you come for the next thread, please save your comments for after like tonight, and I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
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>>23800438
K, his wife was ugly too.

"~OooooOHH!~ Your the most special person in my life."

My parents are more disturbing, and I saw that shit.
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>>23800438
I would be far more disturbed if he didnt, considering he is married and a normal human.
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>>23800424
Pssh, I'm not going to need brain bleach from that. Everyone has their kinks [, and like I said earlier. I'm mostly ambivalent towards it. I'm just not going to contribute it.
>>23800432
Poor word choice. Its just not what I'm here for so I don't bother with input on it.
>>23800437
I just keep my kinks private. But consensual loving sex is one of them.
>>23800444
I'm far too aware of that myself actually. Not going to get into it, but the body can also recover from such things remarkably well too.
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>>23800447
>>23800453
Now imagine the citadel endorsed harem end.
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>>23800469
Mr Rodgers would be banging Ssen?
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>>23800477
Would we be a puppet?
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also, a point I want to make to you all before bed:

Just because citadel likes a thing doesn't make it wrong, and the citadel hating something doesn't make it right. The citadel would hate world destroying volcanoes as much as us.
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>>23800484
Everything that it's liked so far has been wrong.
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>>23800492
We can tell by its reward mechanisms some of the things it likes that are right.

Little girls with flowers, for instance. Citadel seems to like 'em. It using them may be wrong, but it liking them is something we can agree with.
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>>23800505
To reward us for making the wrong decision.
It doesn't like little girls with flowers, we do.
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>>23800515
You've noticed that all of citadel's rewards are things it likes, right? successful in business, endless stability, harems...

I'm not saying all of this is true. Just that it's my working hypothesis, and seems to fit.
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>>23800505
it doesn't like them, it just uses them. Here is it what it likes: Stability. Stagnation, Lightbringers dying. When it has those it makes the people living in its power happy. It provides them with things to keep them that way.
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>>23800524
Hmm. I'll make this one hypothesis A, wheras mine is hypothesis 1.

Yours is the sinister-beast hypothesis, and mine is the dumb animal hypothesis.

I think either might be correct, and can't wait for more story.



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