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/tg/ - Traditional Games


File: Persona_2129_OP.jpg (344 KB, 1280x720)
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Your name is Takashi Wakui. You are a sixteen-year old, Japanese high school student living in a world where half of humanity possesses Personas—manifestations of inner souls as demons, spirits or deities. In the past, you had been one of the unlucky ordinaries lacking a Persona. Then a game called AETHER was forcibly installed on your smartphone. Initially it appeared to be little more than a piece of nasty spyware, extremely persistant and impossible to remove.

Then it sucked you into to a realm called the Blackened Void, where you fought Shadows and gained your first Persona--Ippon-Datara of the Fool Arcana, the degraded blacksmith demon god. Now you are the Wild Card of the 22nd Century, capable of wielding Personas of each Major Arcana. Turns out AETHER is more than a simple, reality-immersive game; it is an accursed phenomenon superimposing itself over an otherworldly realm, consisting of vicious monsters, decrepit ruins and glamorous treasures. And to make matters worse, you and several others have been condemned as its chosen Players.

For what purpose does the game exist, what mysteries lie within and how will you Players achieve victory?

Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Persona%202129%20Quest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwilightThorn
Mechanics: http://pastebin.com/UqzmF3tv

Character Sheet: http://pastebin.com/a7NpUNnY
Persona List: http://pastebin.com/tDFHYrAA
Spell/Skill List: http://pastebin.com/7K1f7ma5
Takashi's Stats: http://pastebin.com/mAVK5Anh
>>
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[12:35 pm, 20-Apr-2129 (WEDNESDAY)]

Six houses, divided within the academy of Akumachi-Kirijo. The domineering lion, the stalwart stallion, the crafty fox, the mighty bear, the intelligent owl and last but not least the sharp-eyed hawk. Their silken flags--gold, chestnut, persimmon, grey, emerald and navy--are displayed in the lovingly-designed entrance hallway of the academy. Together, they engage in friendly competition over the four seasons, clashing against each other athletics, chess, Persona dueling and all manner of wonderful games. The amicable rivalry between the six is entrenched deep and each of the house captains are well determined to guide their house towards victory.

No matter how anxious they become in the process.

You are a member of house FALCO, the last house in both position and results. You confirmed this in a conversation with Akikazu at the school gates.

He shook his head. “The curse is real.” He said.

“Say what?”

“FALCO is infamous for being the worst out of the six houses. I mean, ten years without reaching the top three? What else do you call it?”

“It can’t be that bad, right?”

“Results don’t lie.”

“Then life has once again given me the short end of the shock baton.” You stated, voice flat as a smooth concrete driveway. “Is there any area where we don’t completely suck?”

“Swimming.” He replied. “That’s the only area where FALCO doesn’t lick its balls. And maybe chess, but ALPHA always comes on top for that.”

Back in the present, your house called a meeting at lunch. As you stand in line to the house office, you open up the browser and scan through the past ten years’ results. To say they were underwhelming would be something of an understatement. 5th place in basketball, last place in hockey, tied with CALIBAN for fourth in soccer…according to this, FALCO’s highest placement was fourth place overall in the end of year results, and that had been all the way back in 2120!
>>
>>42631991
Forgot quest name TT.
>>
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You were had only begun attending elementary school, for comparison.

“Whereas BOXER and CALIBAN have been doing steadily well…” You grumble. Then a certain name catches your eye. It is found deep within a list of past captains and vice-captains.

>RUMI WAKUI: Vice-captain of FALCO house, 2106.

“Wonder why kaa-san never mentioned this too me…then again, it isn’t really in her nature.” You lament. “If I asked her, she’d be all like ‘you never asked’…”

“Sorry, what was that?”

You jerk your head upwards and see the twin crimson eyes of Yoshino Sagisawa drilling into you. She has a tablet clutched in one hand and a plastic stylus in another. Behind her, a miniature projector displays the contents on the tablet’s screen in real-time. It is a spreadsheet detailing FALCO’s participants in the Inter-House Spring Sports Competition. There are three sports and three tiers of teams for each…

“N-nothing, sempai.” You stutter out. “Um, spring sports. Right?”

“Yes, I did call all our members in our house for a reason.” Yoshino replies. She sounds exhausted, her long red hair resembling a bird nest recently assaulted by a strong gale. It is the look of a woman who collapsed on the bed the moment she got out of the shower. There’s a cup of half-eaten pork ramen on the desk.

“So…what’s available?” You ask.

“Table tennis, swimming and basketball. Wakui…Wakui…we don’t know much about your level of physical fitness. So you’ll be placed in the C teams.” Yoshino says.

“Those are the weakest teams, right? Just my luck…”

“…I really would appreciate it if you chose a sport, Wakui-san.” Yoshino says, her eyes dull and her tone half scolding. “Our house need all the help we can get.”

“Well…”

“Choose only one, please. There’s no need for you to double up.”

>I’ve always had a fondness for basketball.
>Table tennis looks fun.
>Swimming sounds nice.
>How about I help you wish miscellaneous tasks instead?
>Custom option.
>>
>>42632144
>Table tennis looks fun.
If it anything like Practice Skull-cracker with Ippon Datara, I' won't totally suck.
>>
>>42632144

Are there any we'd actually be good at?
>>
>>42632144
>>Table tennis looks fun.
>>
>>42632219
Martial arts has been helping our reflexes and smacking shadows with a hammer is fairly close to tale tennis.
>>
>>42632144
>How about I help you wish miscellaneous tasks instead?
>>
>>42632144
>Table tennis looks fun.
>>
>>42632271
Technically we never hit anything with a hammer.
>>
>>42632144
>Table tennis looks fun.
Can't guarantee I'll be any good, but I'll try.
>>
>Table tennis looks fun.
>>
>>42632313
Aaaaaand I forgot to actually link the post. Bleh.
>>
>>42632144
>>Swimming sounds nice.
>>
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>>42632205
>>42632225
>>42632297
>>42632310
>>42632313
Not wanting to hang out with girls in swimsuits.
>>
>>42632144
>Swimming sounds nice.
>>
>>42632144
>Swimming sounds nice.
>>
>>42632416
>implying there are any girls participating
>implying they'd be anything but hammbeasts
>Implying if there are enough of them we won't be segregated

we're the shitty house remember?
>>
>>42632144
>>Swimming sounds nice.
>>
Put quest in the title next time, asshole
>>
>>42632416
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QickU67A8j4

This is what'll happen.
>>
>>42632487
>hammbeasts
>In a club for total body physical fitness
Pick one.
>>
>>42632144
>Swimming sounds nice
Gotta be king of the speedo
>>
>>42632144
>Table tennis looks fun.
>>
>no one voting basketball

Guess nobody here loves them balls.
>>
>>42632144
>>Swimming sounds nice.
>>
>>42632416
Arent anime girls sports uniforms fairly close anyway?
>>
>>42632499
>>42632038
I have committed a shameful display. To prevent further dishonor to my family, I will now commit sudoku on the stop. Persona 2129 Quest has thus ended, with Takashi Wakui forever locked into deciding whether to choose swimming or table tennis.

Seriously though, if I could create a new thread and start from scratch I would. Looks like it's a bit too late for that, though.
>>
>>42632144
Sign up for both swimming and tennis maybe? We can dabble in both as needed.
If no, voting for swimming.
>>
>>42632144
>Swimming sounds nice.
>>
>>42632144
>Swimming sounds nice
>>
>>42632144
>>Swimming sounds nice.
Because fuck table tennis.
>>
>>42632144
>Table tennis looks fun.
>>
>>42632654
It may seem lame, but watch Olympic table tennis players, they're absolutely insane. These guys leap like three feet in the air and hurl themselves at high speeds to get shots.
>>
Writing now...
>>
>>42632556
But with this skill we can transfer to the beach and see girls in bikinis.

Don't you want to see bikini girls, anon?
>>
>>42632144
>Swimming sounds nice.
>>
>>42632654
Bitch pingpong was better than free
>>
>>42632718
What stops us just going to the beach anyway?
>>
>>42632654
Ping pong is the shit. I can understand liking swimming for the swimsuits but disliking ping pong is a heinous offense.
>>
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>>42632733
Preach brother.
>>
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>>42632654
You take that back.
>>
>>42632144
>Swimming sounds nice.
funny how nobody wants basketball
>>
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>>42632812
Ping pon can go fuck itself. How the fuck did anyone fucking think that should even be a thing? Who ever thought it up should have been beaten to death and the idea never spoken of again because the people who heard it committed suicide to make sure nobody heard it when they scream the idea in their nightmares.
>>
>>42633004
It's probably because we're not adopted.
>>
Please put quest in the title so you're not filter dodging.

Thank you.
>>
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“Hm…”

Basketball has never been a favorite of yours. You don’t particularly fancy running around the sports ground, helping the teachers while everyone else is actually having fun. This narrows down your selections to table tennis and swimming.

You are proficient in neither of these sports. Looks like you will have to choose the lesser of two evils here…

“Swimming? Alright, I’ll put you down for the 100m freestyle and 100m backstroke. Can you handle that?”

“Shouldn’t be a problem.” You reply.

“Okay, got it.” Yoshino scribbles something on the tablet, thus altering the contents of the screen. “We’ll put out a schedule in the following days. Until then, try and get some practice, please?”

“…I’ll think about it.”

Yoshino nods, tired. Apparently, that’s the best she can expect. “Next!” she calls out.

You exit the office and head towards the open courtyard. It’s a cloudy day today. Not that it’s stopping your fellow students from lazing on the grass and enjoying the break period. You walk past scents wafting from lunch boxes and sounds of laughter. There is something more pressing on your mind. That is why you are heading towards the shady spot behind the Classroom Block, a place of peace and solitude.
>>
>>42633085
He wasn't trying to, it was just an accident. He normally does, but he forgot this time and then we started replying and now it's too late. Blame us, his shitty audience, not him.
>>
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>>42633037
You sound like you need a hero anon.
>>
>>42633112
>Can you handle that?”
I can handle that and I am a fucking cripple.
>>
>>42633085
I never understood the point of filters. Just dont click on something you dont like.
>>
The most exciting time of the week finally arrived! Fuck the p5 delay
>>
File: AETHER_title_screen.jpg (252 KB, 1280x720)
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Anything related to AETHER is important, after all.

>[AETHER beta UPDATE #04]
>Added over 100 new items.
>Added item description functionality to the program.
>Heavily redesigned the user interface.
>Fixed several glitches in the Forlorn Abyss.
>Added more enemy variety and adjusted enemy placement in the Forlorn Abyss.
>Fixed a bug where a player could ascend to the highest point on the map and disappear from the game world.
>Added option to disable the tutorial voice and replace it with text logs.
>Tweaked damage reduction to defensive equipment.
>Implemented the side mission system at long last. Please enjoy!

Additionally, there several more notifications have appeared....

>[MINIMAL] The gate to the Forlorn Abyss has opened. Act 1 awaits, Players… (no time limit)

>[LOW] Explore The Forgotten City! (no time limit)
>[LOW] Explore the Hazebound Woodlands! (no time limit)
>[LOW] Explore Pyre Ruin Valley! (no time limit)

>[MEDIUM] Something or someone has appeared in Pyre Ruin Valley. Is it worth checking out? (30 days, 0 hours, 0 minutes and 0 seconds before expiration)
>>
This is the second time we've met her right?
>>
>>42633405
>>[MINIMAL] The gate to the Forlorn Abyss has opened. Act 1 awaits, Players… (no time limit)
>>[LOW] Explore The Forgotten City! (no time limit)
>>[LOW] Explore the Hazebound Woodlands! (no time limit)
>>[LOW] Explore Pyre Ruin Valley! (no time limit)
>>[MEDIUM] Something or someone has appeared in Pyre Ruin Valley. Is it worth checking out? (30 days, 0 hours, 0 minutes and 0 seconds before expiration)
Finally we have sidequests!
>>
>>42633405
>Something or someone has appeared in Pyre Ruin Valley
We must explore!
>>
>>42633405
>Added option to disable the tutorial voice and replace it with text logs.
THIS. So much this. Hit up the options menu immediately.
>>
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“So, what do you think of this?”

Akikazu sits on the bench next to you. He motions towards his own phone, away from the prying eyes of the teachers. “We goin’ today or what?”

“We have a thirty day time limit, Akikazu.”

“Yeah I know. It’s just…”

“What?”

“It’s a damn premonition. That’s what they call it.” He mutters. “I feel like we should return to the valley.”

You stare at him. “You want to go there because you want to beat up Shadows, right?”

“Fucking hell, I’m not all about violence!” Akikazu snaps. “Look man, I didn’t sleep well last night. I dreamed.”

“So…?”

“I can’t remember most of it, but I definitely saw Pyre Ruin Valley there. That place feels important to me. Sounds weird, I know, but it’s been niggling at me for most of the morning.”

“…”

“Okay, fine! I admit, there’s nothing for me to do after school. Plus, the Macca is a nice bonus.” Akikazu growls. “And hey, don’t act like you don’t feel the same. I know you get some kicks out of exploring the Blackened Void.”

Akikazu is looking at you. He seems to think you’ll do the right thing, in his eyes. But you and him both know he can’t explore the valley alone. This is your judgement to make, Wild Card…

>Alright, let’s go after school.
>No, we should wait for a while.
>I’ll think about it.
>We should ask Celeste first.
>Custom option.
>>
>>42633203
I wish I could handle that, when I try to swim laps I veer hard to the right.
>>
>>42633484
>We should ask Celeste first.
>Custom option.
"You don't have to hide your phone, by the way. AETHER has some weird illusion thing going on so that only the players can see it. Everyone else just sees a screensaver."
>>
>>42633484
>>We should ask Celeste first.
Too dangerous for only two of us.
>>
>>42633484
>Alright, let’s go after school.
>>
>>42633484
We should try the other areas first. Let's hold off on the desert of death until we have, I dunno, transportation? Do bicycles work on sand?
>>
Alright, I need to go to bed, but I thought I'd let you all mull over something since I usually can't participate.

The safehouse recently got access to the Shadowrun forums, so we'll probably be developing runner connections at some point in the story. Why wait? We have a mission we can put out, and we even have payment of a sort.

We can hire a team to ivestigate AETHER and report on everything they can find out about it. Where did it originate? Who programmed it? Where are the servers that run the game? They may not be able to find all these answers, but it'll get us some info and help us develop contacts in the shadows.

We can't afford to pay runners in cash, I bet. But we have a unique selling point: our safehouses. They're in an alternate dimension, essentially, making them perfect as a storage facility. Need to keep sensitive materials somewhere safe? Blackmail? How about stuff from a corp run that needs to cool off before selling it? We can guarantee its safety, and no one should even be able to track it.

We can offer the storage of items in the safehouses in exchange for a satisfactory report on AETHER, and if the runners doubt the security of the safehouses, we can always offer to take a single item they can track and put it away, telling them to find it at their leisure.

Hell, spin it as a test for them. We know they won't find it, but if they show due diligence in how they try to track it, we'll assign them the job exclusively.

Anyway, throwing this all up. Go ahead and give it some thought, since it's a fairly serious thing to propose.
>>
>>42633484
>>We should ask Celeste first.
Never go without a full party man.
>>
>>42633405
>>Fixed a bug where a player could ascend to the highest point on the map and disappear from the game world.
That's a scary bug
>>
>>42633484
>We should ask Celeste first.

Never split the party!
>>
>>42633484
>>We should ask Celeste first.
>>
>>42633484
>I'm up for it
>We should ask Celeste first
>>
>>42633544
Interesting idea. I like it. Though I think we should offer use of the Safehouse storage first to get money, and then use that to hire runners normally.
>>
>>42633484
>We should ask Celeste first.
We're going no matter what, but let's see if she wants to come with us.
>>
>we're still in the first month
Thing will be a very long quest. Just the way I like it
>>
>>42633544
I'm... not a fan of this idea. It involves getting into a whole dimension of shadiness that we, as a high-schooler are probably very ill-equipped to deal with. Just AETHER itself and being the Fool is enough double-life to make us clearly paranoid. Plus involving AETHER in services on our part diminishes its potential future usefulness as a secret hideout noone knows about.

In other words, I'm concerned about shadowrunning too hard to shadowrun.
>>
>>42633544
Sounds like a good way to get fucking locked up right quick.
>>
>>42633544
>We can offer the storage of items in the safehouses in exchange for a satisfactory report on AETHER, and if the runners doubt the security of the safehouses, we can always offer to take a single item they can track and put it away, telling them to find it at their leisure.
That sounds like a good idea.

>Put up a 'job' for testing 'the security of the safehouse'
>They can IP track, ask certain questions, all the works, and they get paid if they actually find holes in the system
>If they succeed, pay them to research AETHER
>If they fail, start up the safehouse business, since this might cause a huge fiasco on the board if X team couldn't do it.
>>
Did you all have fun watching Adachi dance all night?
>>
>>42633484
>>We should ask Celeste first.
>>
>>42633367
>Fuck the p5 delay
Better to have a higher quality game later than to have shit now.
>>
>>42633648
>playing P4DAN
>acknowledging how atlus ruined best girl.
>>
>>42633484
>>We should ask Celeste first.
>>
Morgana best P5
>>
>>42633719
What did they do to Reset?
>>
>>42633484
>We should ask Celeste first.
>>
>>42633732
Maybe but that ridiculous red leather cat suit is kinda growing on me.
>>
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>LIFE STONE: A crystal imbued with energy. Devour it to restore vitality over time. Golden Shadows have been discovered to drop alien materials upon destruction. Life Stones were constructed from the more common ones. Cheap, but consuming one can mean the difference between life and death.

Writing now...
>>
>>42633827
Hee-hoo give me a life stone
>>
>>42633827
Oh no... Dark Souls loading screen time... It can't be good...
>>
Hey QM does Aether keep track of the % of map that has been explored?
>>
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You track Celeste down and catch her a few minutes before the start of the sixth period.

“Sure!” She says. “I’m always ready when you are.”

You blink. “What about fencing club?”

“I’ve been a good member so far, so they won’t mind me missing one practice.”

Well, that takes care of that. Guess you won’t be spending time at martial arts club either, then. After apologizing to Takauji, to which he laughs and shrugs it off, you prepare yourself to head to Pyre Ruin Valley after school.

“Told you so.”

…Akikazu says that when the bell rings. You ignore him.

The team arrives at the safehouse, retrieves their weapons and supplies and move towards the Hollow Express. You, of course, enter the Velvet Room when nobody’s looking and allocate your Personas as appropriate.

“Oh, you came here expecting a Persona of the Hermit Arcana?” the boy questions. “Kid, as fragile as your mind is, it isn’t incapable of realizing that you do have other Personas, I hope? Otherwise, humanity is in trouble…”

“Perhaps you should make do with the ones you already possess?” The girl chirps. “Isn’t that you humans often quote? Be thankful for what you already have?”

So, in a realm where time is meaningless and reality is pitch black, you choose your Personas. Which ones are they?

>List: http://pastebin.com/tDFHYrAA
>Personas last used in Pyre Ruin Valley: Pixie, Moh Shuuvu
>Top 5 Personas (excluding Ippon-Datara): Valkyrie, Archangel, Jack Frost, Inugami, Mokoi
>>
>>42634230
Valkyrie, Mokoi, Arcangel
>>
>>42634230
Archangel, Valkyrie, Mokoi
>>
>>42634230
>Valkyrie, Archangel, Mokoi
>>
>>42634230
If we're packing healing
Pixie, Valkyrie, Ippon Datara

If we aren't, and want resistance to instant death
Ippon Datara, Archangel, Jack Frost
>>
>>42634230
>Valkyrie
>Moh Shuuvu
>Mokoi
>Ippon-Datara

We do get four Persona now, right? If not, drop Ippon-Datara.
>>
>>42634353
We can't drop Ippon-Datara, he's our Isanagi
>>
>>42634230
Valk, Archangel, Inugami
>>
>>42634403
Especially he is the only one that has a good chance to improve. And having someone fireproof in PYRE ruin valley is probably a good idea.
>>
This is going to be a headache once we get even more personas, isn't it?
>>
>>42634230
>Valkyrie, Archangel, Jack Frost
>>
>>42634479
Yes, imagine the clusterfuck it would be if it had fusions too.
>>
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>HEALING POWDER: A pungent powder ground from Far Eastern roots and herbs. Apply to wounds to heal. Ever since the Mass Awakening, the lines between reality and imagination have become increasingly blurred. Is the powder's effectiveness a result of its chemical composition, or is it fuelled by humanity's belief in the arcane?

Writing now...
>>
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>>42634502
It was wise of Thorn to eliminate those indeed.
>>
>>42634230
Ippon-Datara, Moh Shuuvu, Archangel, and Valkyrie.
>>
>>42634502
>>42634571
Someone would probably run the numbers and we would get the objectively best one.

I am still gunning for black frost.
>>
I hope FALCO girl is next party member
>>
Someone forgot the subject
Don't forget the subject
>>
>>42634666
People would still start threatening to stab each other over it even if there were an objectively best fusion. There would be absolutely no mercy.
>>
>>42634739
Someone didn't bother to check if that had already been mentioned.>>42634739
>>
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>>Takashi: Pick Valkyrie, Archangel, Mokoi

The train ride is as smooth and natural as a crevice full of the planet’s jaggiest rocks, as usual. Celeste slips on her headphones, closes her eyes and listens away. Akikazu folds his arms and stares out the window. You take out your phone and fiddle around with it. Hmm, yes. That wallpaper of triangles cloaked in an ocean certainly looks nice. You think you’ll give it a shot and replace your old one. Sorry hexagons in fire, you are now old and busted.

“YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT PYRE RUIN VALLEY. THE HOLLOW EXPRESS HOPES T-THAT YOU H-HAAAAAVEEE….”

>>Team: Disembark and head up to the surface.

Those vending machines are empty. What a shame.

The sun remains suspended in the sky, frozen in a picturesque scene of a desert at dusk. Your boots crunch against the hard, dusty ground. Celeste takes a deep breath, drawing in hot, arid air. The bonfire roars to life at Akikazu’s presence. The three of you nod at each other, then set off.

A few minutes later, you all stop.

“I think we’ve found what we’re looking for.” Celeste says.

“No shit.” Akikazu hisses.
>>
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Up ahead, standing in front of a gap between two rock structures, is a figure dressed in knightly garb. It is not the same knight you fought before. In contrast to the previous one’s intimidating, charred appearance, this armor of this person is dull, simple and grey. Numerous scratches and nicks are present on the leggings and chest plate. A longsword is present, hidden in its scabbard. There may have been cobalt cloth and covering attached to the front, long ago in the past. Time has not been kind to it, however, and what remains is nothing more than a few scraps clinging on by rusted chains and strips of rope.

The armor is dinged and worn. The figure does not advance, nor does it speak. It simply stares.

The team immediately tenses up. Your weapons were drawn back at the bonfire, and you are thankful for having done so. Akikazu appears as if he could rush forward and begin smashing away at any moment. You can’t exactly blame him, considering what happened last time.

“What should we do?” Celeste asks. “It doesn’t look hostile, but you never know…”

>(Ask the figure to state name and business.)
>(Attack it.)
>(Call out to the figure.)
>(Wait.)
>Custom option.
>>
>>42635132
>>(Ask the figure to state name and business.)
>>
>>42635132
>>(Ask the figure to state name and business.)
And favorite color.
>>
>>42635132
>>(Ask the figure to state name and business.)
>>
>>42635132
Say hi and be nice
>>
>>42635132
>>(Ask the figure to state name and business.)
>(Call out to the figure.)

Not seeing how these two are any different.
>>
>>42635132
>(Ask the figure to state name and business.)
>>
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>>42635132
>Offer him a chivalrous forearm bump
>>
>>42635132
>(Call out to the figure.)
>>
>>42635132
>Well, what is it?
>>
>>42635132
>(Ask the figure to state name and business.)
>>
>>42635132
>>(Ask the figure to state name and business.)
>>
>>42635132
Do we have any idea if this is one of the wandering monsters the velvet squatters want us to get rid of?
>>
>>42634230
So the squatters screwed up again and decided to blame it on us "not being capable of it". When are they going to take responsibility for their failures?
>>
>>42635213
That's for after he gives us our estus flask
>>
>>42635301
When /tg/ starts making responsible decisions in quests.
>>
>>42635367
I'm just tired of how they keep breaking the rules they established and then acting like it's our fault for not knowing better. Why do we keep talking to them? Will we really miss much if we stop going to the Velvet Room? Every other Persona user gets by just fine without it. Hell, they themselves just said to be thankful for what we have. So let's listen and just stick with our current loadout forever and never see them again.
>>
>>42635132
>(Ask the figure to state name and business.)
>Compare him to a fruit
>>
>>42635445
Because they're a couple of shits that are borrowing taking over Igor's spot. We'll do something to shut them up sooner or later.
>>
>>42635132
>(Ask the figure to state name and business.)
>>
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>>42635445
>stick with our current loadout forever
>No jack frost.
>>
>>42635445
Thats being retarded just for the sake of not getting talked down to a bit.
>>
>>42635489
I wish I could believe that. I really do.

>>42635494
Jack Frost is a shit Persona and you know it.

>>42635504
It's not about being talked down to, it's about them actively trying to sabotage our use of the Velvet Room. If it's not going to be a useful resource, might as well not use it.
>>
Writing now...
>>
>>42635557
But black frost is good.
>>
>>42635557
You are an idiot. A gimped use of the room is a million times better than no use. Stop trying to fuck us over because you are butthurt kids are making fun of us.
>>
>>42635557
'Not going to be useful'? Being able to switch out our Personas in exchange for a bit of condescension from a pair of brats isn't useful?
>>
>>42635445
They are supposed to be assholes. And Velvet Room is far too useful to stop going
>>
>>42635630
And when we go there thinking we'll get a useful tool only to find they've changed the rules and kept us from using it? You're not going to think it's better then. These shits have been lying to us since our very first conversation and I don't see any reason to give them the opportunity to fuck us over more.
>>
>>42635709
Actually, I only made the twins say that because I figured you guys wanted to use the other Personas for a change. Sorry about that.
>>
>>42635701
Not when they keep changing the rules on us so as to deny us the most useful functions of the Velvet Room. "Oh, of course getting a new Persona of this Arcana gimps the old one you had, why didn't you know that?" "Of course you don't get a new Persona for making this Social Link like you have every other time, don't be so presumptuous." Fuck them. I don't want to see what rule they change next.
>>
>>42635709
You're the paranoid guy, aren't you?
>>
>>42635709
>>42635790
Even the basic functions make it worth using you idiot. Any of its functions at all make it worth using. Our personas suck we need to switch them out in order to not get raped.
>>
>>42631991
Please put quest somewhere in the subject or name of the thread, so that people like myself can filter the thread and not have to see the content.

The less of us that see your thread, the less likely we are to start shit.

Thank you, OP.
>>
>>42635883
He normally does, he left it out by accident this time. Cool your dick, man.
>>
>>42635910
And you wonder why people dont like anons in quests.
>>
>>42635883
I instantly perceived the quest just because of the image. No one else has this? Well, that's too bad.
>>
>>42635883
>"the less likely we are to start shit"
...is... is this like some sort of ersatz protection racket? "Myaaaah, that's a nice thread you have there. Better put a title on it, so nothing... eh... happens to it."

He's already had like four people comment on it, it was just an accident. Chillaxxxx.
>>
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>>42635972
>Chillaxxxx
>>
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“Hey you!” You call out, breaking the silence into a million pieces. “State your name and business.”

There is no answer at first. Then you see the figure’s head slowly but surely swivel towards in your direction. The harsh creak of metal grinding against metal is audible. Someone’s armor hasn’t been oiled up or polish in a very long time.

“You…” A raspy, soft voice emits from the helmet. “You…are a human?”

“What?” You say.

“Yes, I can see.” The knight continues. He takes a small step forward. Akikazu snarls, brandishing his hammer. “Flesh, blood, and bone...then, are you the children from before?”

The knight gives a nod. “I observed the trio of you. For youths and the strength of your opponent, you were excellent.”

You keep your guard up, unsure how to take this. The knight continues. “There has not been a trace of humanity in this valley for a very long time. When I saw the blond boy, I almost couldn’t believe it. But my suspicions have been cleared, and I am relieved.”

“Yeah well, you still haven’t told us why you’re here.” Akikazu sneered. “Gonna challenge us to a fight, huh?”

“No. None of the sort.” The knight says.

“Then what?” You ask.

“I only wish to talk. May we?”

>Put your weapon down and we’ll consider it.
>Sure. Let’s go everyone.
>Fine. Everyone, put down your weapons.
>No. You’re going to die here.
>Custom option.
>>
>>42635984
Yeah, I'll admit that was pretty stupid.
>>
>>42635992
>Sure. Let’s go everyone.
>>
>>42635992
>>Put your weapon down and we’ll consider it.
>>
>>42635992
>I'm cool with that.
>Put down our....fists?
>>
>>42635992
>Fine. Everyone, put down your weapons.
>>
>>42635992
>Sure. Let’s go everyone.
Asking him not to be armed seems unfair when we can summon demons at will.
>>
>>42635992
>>Sure. Let’s go everyone.
>>
>>42635992
>Sure. Let’s go everyone.
>>
>>42635992
>>Fine. Everyone, put down your weapons.
>>
>>42635992
>Sure. Let's go everyone.
>>
>>42636041
We've got the knuckledusters, putting those away would be an equivalent act of good faith.
>>
>>42635992
>Put your weapon down and we’ll consider it.
>>
>>42635992
>Sure. Let’s go everyone.
Wait, does this mean that we are leaving? I don't mind talking to him if he keeps his weapon.
>>
>>42635992
>Fine. Everyone, put down your weapons.
>>
>>42635992
>>Fine. Everyone, put down your weapons.
>>
>>42636053
I'm sure he probably has magic of his own. Pyromancy or miracles or some such.
>>
>>42636090
lets go talk.
>>42636102
Pyromancy cant hit you with a hammer.
>>
>>42635992
>Everyone, put down your weapon. You too, Mr. Knight.
>>
Putting down our weapons doesn't really mean much since we can simply summon our Personas if something goes wrong
>>
>>42635992
>Sure. Let’s go everyone.
>>
Writing now...
>>
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“Sure.” You motion to Celeste and Akikazu. “Let’s go, everyone.”

Celeste shrugs and follows. Akikazu seems on the verge of protesting, but instead shakes his head. The team moves towards the knight, stopping when the two parties are close enough to communicate without a gratuitous amount of shouting. You eye the longsword. It would be simple for the knight to whip out his longsword in one quick draw and slice through your flesh. But the knight doesn’t act hostile, true to his word. Instead, he rests himself on a rock and looks up at you.

“My name is Laurence. As you can tell, I am a knight.” He says. “And I am not alone. There are other knights in this valley. Clad in armor of different sorts, but knights nonetheless.”

“Like the black knight.” You say. “They friends of yours?”

“No. They are all mad.” Laurence states. “They march through the dust and heat and attack any intruders. For what purpose? I cannot comprehend.”

“So what does this have to do with us?” Celeste asks.

“Two fiends have stolen my shield. My precious, precious shield. They ambushed me and stole it in the confusion. I might as well be missing an arm and leg.” Laurence says, morosely. He glances down at the ground. “That is why I sought you three. I wish to ask for your assistance.”

“You obviously want us to get your shield back.” You say.

Laurence nods. “I cannot fight alone, not in this state. From the looks of it, you children are explorers of this valley. For what reason, I do not know but it does not matter at present. What if we were to join forces? How about that? If we worked together, we could easily defeat the bandits. Does that appeal to you?”

Celeste thinks. “What do we get out of it?”

“You may have whatever the bandits carry. My only desire is my shield.” Laurence says. “If I don’t retrieve it soon…I cannot fathom such a result.”

“Give us a moment.” The three of you draw into a huddle, some distance away from Laurence. You can feel the knight’s gaze drilling into your back.
>>
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“What should we do?” Celeste whispers.

“I don’t trust him.” Akikazu growls. “This game has pulled enough bullshit on us. I ain’t taking the chance for some NPC to stab us in the back.”

“He doesn’t seem like a bad guy, though.” Celeste says. “He was watching us, remember. If he wanted us dead, he would have attacked us long ago.”

Celeste and Akikazu stare at you.

“Up to you, Takashi.”

"We'll follow your lead."

>Let’s help him out.
>We’ll decline his request.
>Let’s kill him instead.
>(Say nothing)
>Custom option.
>>
>>42637018
>Let’s help him out.
>>
>>42637018
>Let’s help him out.
>Custom option.
"But we'll keep an eye on him. Just in case."
>>
>>42637018
>Let’s help him out.
One good deed begets another.
>>
>>42637018
>Let’s help him out.
Him not having his shield might turn him into a black knight.
>>
>>42637018
>>Let’s help him out.
But maybe we should grind some more before, this quest has 30 days remaining.
>>
>>42637018
>>Let’s help him out.
>>
>>42637018
>>Let’s help him out.
"I think it's good to have somebody in the Blackened Void who doesn't want to kill us right off the bat."
>>
>>42637018
>Let’s help him out.
>Hope that the "two fiends" he was talking about were not actually two Fiends
>>
>>42637018
>Let’s help him out.
>>
>>42637018
>Let’s help him out.
>>
>>42637018
>Let's help him out.
>>
Wait till you get THE WORLD Persona.

Then freeze time.

Proceed to take over the world.
>>
>>42637018
>>Let’s help him out.
>>
>>42637175
That's funny, thinking we're going to max out all our Social Links in time to get the World. You're a funny guy, anon.
>>
>>42637213
If we become an ageless vampire, we can do it.

Muda muda muda?
>>
We probably'll reach rank D- today
>>
“We’ll help him out.” You say. “But we’ll keep an eye on him, just in case.”

An agreement is reached. The team returns to the knight to give the word. There is nary an expression on the steel helmet, but it is clear the man is relieved.

“Thank you. I am saved.” Laurence says. “Let us keep our wits about us. Our opponents are a treacherous lot. They think nothing of honor.”

“Yeah, we know.” Akikazu says. No doubt he’s recalling how the black knight had the smarts to wait at the designated Player healing spot. You wouldn’t be surprised if the road ahead was littered with traps and pitfalls.

“Then, shall we be off?” Laurence climbs to his feet and waves. Behind him, heat shimmer and hazes.

“Just a moment.” Three phones beep. AETHER has updated something. A previous notification has vanished, and a new one has taken its place.

>[MEDIUM] Help the knight Laurence retrieve his shield. (29 days, 29 hours, 32 minutes and 14 seconds before expiration)

“Huh…” Celeste mumbles.

Laurence leads your party between two cliffs. Of course, the Blackened Void is rarely peaceful. Shadows form out of the ground and drop from the sky. They immediately take shape, twisting into Ravens, Mayas, Knights and other ghastly visions. The mob creeps towards the group, surrounding you from all sides.

“Ah, the Shadows.” Laurence states. “They also a threat in the valley.”

“We figured.” You mutter. “Though, we have experience fighting these things.”

Weapons are drawn. Laurence pulls out his longsword from his scabbard. It is a finely crafted blade, of sleek steel and raw power. A Maya leaps at him, screeching. Before any of you can react, the knight slashes at it and cuts a thin line down the Shadow’s mask. In an instant, the monster is destroyed.

“Let us begin.” He whispers, ominously.

>Roll 3d20 (Status, Macca, Loot)
>Best out of three.
>>
Rolled 10, 6, 12 = 28 (3d20)

>>42637836
>>
Rolled 19, 3, 14 = 36 (3d20)

>>42637836
>>
Rolled 18, 9, 9 = 36 (3d20)

>>42637836
>>
Rolled 18, 5, 3 = 26 (3d20)

>>42637836
DICE GODS
>>
Rolled 1, 1, 20 = 22 (3d20)

>>42637836
>>
>>42637856
>>42637859
>>42637865
19,9,14
S'alright.
>>
>>42637856
>>42637859
>>42637865
>19, 9, 14

Pretty good.
>>
>>42637856
>>42637859
>>42637865
Breeze through it, Not much macca, Meh loot.


>>42637878
Jesus anon
>>
>>42637856
>>42637859
>>42637865
We're still broke.

>>42637878
Thank fuck you're late.
>>
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>>42637878
>>
>>42637878
The dice must be having a laugh at you.
>>
>>42637878
>>
>>42637878
Jesus H. Christ on a pogo stick, man. What the hell did you do to offend the dice?
>>
>>42637894
Yeah, I guess I won't be rolling again tonight. I should have recognized the headache as an omen.
>>
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>>42637878
Good thing you are late
>>
>>42637878
I love how this would have completely invalidated every other roll.
>>
>>42637878
If it wasn't for the statue failure this would be worth it.
>>
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>>42637951
Crit fails and crit successes are shit. News at 11.
>>
>>42638339
Skub fags get out.
>>
>>42638339
>Crit fails and crit successes are shit
I wouldn't expect any less from someone that uses Skub
>>
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>>Everyone: Reach the bonfire before the deserted town.

“Break time.”

You rest in front of the eternally roaring fire and wonder where these bonfires are built from. Yes, the bonfires are game constructed. But gameplay and story should integrate, so there must be a reason for the bonfires’ existence. Is someone going around the sectors and lighting them at random spots? Are they maintained by a hidden underground cult with extremely ugly burn scars? Or do they sprout of the ground like scallions?

…you might be putting too much thought into this. So you shift your attention to the fights leading up to this point. The Shadows had been take care of relatively easily. Valkyrie cleaved their bodies in half, Archangel shot them full of holes and Mokoi devoured their life force. Sati burned them into dust and Ubelluris pounded them into the dirt. The team emerged mostly unscathed, which was nice because Shizuka had asked about a small cut on the side of your cheek before. That had led to a particularly awkward interrogation.

A Raven raked its talon across your arms. You respond by eating a Life Stone. Not to worry, you picked up four more on the way, as well as a single Trafuri Canister.

Admittedly, part of reason why everything went so smoothly was because of Laurence. An extra person to fight alongside was always welcome and the man certainly pulled his weight. He was good. Shadows assaulted him one after another, yet he cut them all down, sustaining little damage in the process. You don’t know if the ranking system back in your world could apply here, but if it did then Laurence definitely had D- ranked strength.
>>
>>42638587
Why don't we ask Lawrence if he knows who makes the bonfires? He lives here, sort of.
>>
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His fighting style looked a bit off, in your opinion. Laurence would charge ahead, slice up Shadows and then suddenly realize something was missing—probably his shield. Then he would quickly sidestep or dodge roll back, only to get hit. It all spoke of a man who was used to deflecting attacks off his shield, waiting for his opponent to stagger and then finishing up with a few quick slashes across the torso. An ingrained tactic, half of which was pinched by bandits and rogues.

“Laurence.” Celeste says, leaning against a bench. “If you’re a knight, then what kingdom do you come from?”

The knight peers up at her. There is silence. “I don’t know.” He whispers.

“Fucking seriously?” Akikazu grumbles.

“You are correct, lass. All knights have a land they must return to.” Laurence continues. “But what mine is, I cannot remember.”

>How convenient.
>Sorry, man.
>What can you remember, then?
>Custom option.
>>
>>42638708
>>What can you remember, then?
>>
>>42638708
>What can you remember, then?
>>
>>42638708
>>Sorry, man.
Hand on the shoulder.
>What can you remember, then?
>>
>>42638708
>What can you remember, then?
>>
>>42638708
>Sorry, man.
>What can you remember, then?
>>
>>42638708
>>Sorry, man.
>>What can you remember, then?
>>
>>42638708
>>What can you remember, then?
>>
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>>42638735
>Hand on the shoulder.
>>
>>42638708
>Sorry, man.
>What can you remember, then?
>>
>>42638708
>What can you remember, then?
>>
>>42638708
>Sorry, man.
>What can you remember, then?
>>
>>42638708
>Sorry, man.
>What can you remember, then?
>>
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“What can you remember, then?” You say.

“Not much. The sunset in the valley is eternal.” Laurence mutters. “Hours, days, weeks and months…those terms are meaningless here. Time blurs together. Eventually, it fractures one’s sense of self.”

“And that’s why the rest of the knights have gone insane?” Celeste questions.

“Indeed.” Laurence confirms. “It is very easy to forget your past in this valley. And without memories, a knight loses himself and becomes nothing more than a wild beast. That is why it is imperative I recover my shield. My memory has degraded, heavily. I can barely recall my kingdom’s appearance. It was a fertile land of the blessed, with a wise king and a beautiful queen. But their names, they are lost to me.”

You wince. “Sorry, man.”

“No need. I am thankful to have found you children.” Laurence states. “It is comforting to see friendly faces after so long.”

“If we get that shield for you, will you get back your memories?” Akikazu asks.

“Sharp.” Laurence commits. “Yes, that is another reason. The shield has my kingdom’s crest engraved on it. I am confident that if I find it, I’ll be able to recall its name.”

“That’s cool, I guess.” Akikazu mumbles.

“There are also a number of things I wish to seek out…”

“Like what?” You ask.

“I…I don’t know specifically.” Laurence admits. “I’m sorry.”

“…”
>>
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The knight tosses a bit of wood into the bonfire. It crumbles into grey ash. He rests his head on his gauntlet. Celeste looks apologetic. Akikazu snorts, but doesn’t say a word.

You stand up. “Let’s get going.”

According to Laurence, the bandits are located past the town. They are resting outside a cave beneath a cliff face. It’s only a short distance, but AETHER simply does not give a shit. More Shadows rise up from the ground and attack. These ones are a fair bit stronger. It seems that the deeper you head into a sector, the more powerful the enemies become.

Obviously, duh. You expected something else? Well, too bad! Have a Agilao to the face, courtesy of a Crow Shadow!

>Roll 3d20 (Status, Macca, Loot)
>Best out of three.
>>
Rolled 17, 8, 15 = 40 (3d20)

>>42639422
>>
Rolled 6, 14, 17 = 37 (3d20)

>>42639422
>>
Rolled 9, 19, 12 = 40 (3d20)

>>42639422
>>
Rolled 19, 7, 1 = 27 (3d20)

>>42639422
>>
>>42639448
>>42639449
>>42639452
17, 19, 17. Nice set of rolls.
>>
>>42639448
>>42639449
>>42639452
We makin' it rain.
>>
This is clearly Kim Laurence, last Knight of North Korea. He was thrown into a rip in time as the Last Word destroyed the nation.
>>
>>42639683
We must bring him back so he can claim his rightful korean clay
>>
I think we finally found out why there are options to improve living conditions in the safehosue
>>
>>42639740
Oh, that would be nice. We should offer him the safehouse as a place to rest. Though it might be the case that he can't physically leave the Pyre Ruins Valley.
>>
>>42639775
We'll find out once we finish this side quest next thread
>>
Will we rescue le sun knight?
>>
>>42632499
>insult someone while trying to get them to do something for me
A fool proof plan.
>>
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The team pushes through without much fuss. 5000 Macca is gained. Two Healing Powders and a Revival Bead are acquired.

“There they are.” Laurence leads you to a spot overlooking the bandit camp. You observe two figures clad in bucket helmets and dirty grey armor, leaning against the cliff wall. Their capes are torn and numerous arrows are sticking out of the tops of their helmets. A sack, half-opened and with miscellaneous knick-knacks spilling out, is resting nearby. A breeze whistles in the distance.

“Are they…asleep?” Celeste asks.

“No.” Laurence replies. “There is no need for us to sleep. It may be another reason for why most of the knights have gone mad.”

“So much for sneaking in, then…” You grumble.

“Let’s just get in there already!” Akikazu snaps. “We outnumber them, dammit.”

“Be careful.” Laurence chastises. “These bandits may not be as strong as the black knight, but they are not to be underestimated.”

You turn to observe again. “If only we had a Spotter with us…”

There is a single path leading down to the camp. The team has the high ground. The bandits have not noticed you. It’s a long distance from you to them. Your spells might miss and debuffs won’t hit from there…

For reference, these are the skills of the Personas available.
>Ippon-Datara: Agi, Mudo, Skull Cracker, Pulinpa, Disguise Hermit
>Archangel: Hama, Holy Arrow, Cleave, Sukukaja
>Valkyrie: Bufu, Cleave, Counter
>Mokoi: Hysterical Slap, Sukunda, Life Drain
>Sati: Agi, Maragi, Rakukaja, Dia, Fire Boost
>Ubelluris: Tera, Swift Strike, Kill Rush, Regenerate 1

So…how to approach this?

>Apply buffs, then attack.
>Run in, grab the shield, run out.
>Attack from long range.
>Approach cautiously and see what happens.
>Custom option.
>>
>>42639944
>Custom option.
Disguise our self as a hermit and wander in begging for alms. That's what that skill does, right?
>>
>>42639944
>Attack from long range.
Lure them in to a chokepoint along the path, get Laurence and Akikazu to fight them there.
>>
>>42639944
>Apply buffs, then attack.
>>
>>42639944
>Apply buffs, then attack.
>>
>>42639979
This isn't a bad idea, actually. Throw in Ippon-Datara to the mix and we should be good.
>>
>>42639944
>>Apply buffs, then attack.
>>
>>42639944
>>Apply buffs, then attack.
>Attack from long range.
Choke point them
>>
>>42639944
>Apply buffs, then attack
>>
Writing now...
>>
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“I think we should attack them from here.” Celeste speaks up. “Do these guys know any magic? It doesn’t look like they do.”

“What about archery?” You ask.

“What, are they going to take the arrows out of their skulls and hurl them at us?”

“You sure your fireballs aren’t going to fizzle out?”

Celeste simply gives you a wink and flashes a thumbs up. “Trust me, Takashi-kun. I haven’t been practicing my fire skills for nothing!”

“Oy, do you guys have buffs or not?” Akikazu says. “Cast them already. We can cut them off at a chokepoint. I’ll crack their helmets open.”

“It would be remiss if I did not at least give them a small form of payback.” The armor clinks and screeches as Laurence moves towards the slope leading below. “I will accompany you.”

“Tch. Don’t get in my way.”

“I assure you, boy, that I am quite skilled.”

So thus it begins. You summon Archangel and command it to boost the agility and evasion of everybody. Unfortunately, due to your small mana pool, you only manage to apply the buff to everyone only once. Celeste manages a bit better. She closes her eyes, clasps her hands and orders Sati to increase Laurence and Akikazu’s defense twice and hers and yours once. The greyish-blue aura surrounds you and you feel your body hardening.

“Ready?” Celeste asks.
>>
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You nod. Fireballs are summoned in palms, Celeste snapper her fingers as she does so. Together, the two of you toss the flaming orbs down at the bandit knights. Three of them miss, and two of them make their target. The knights awakening, limbs creaking. One of them comically yanks an arrow out of the eye socket before turning to glare at you.

“Uuurggghh…”

A low, rumbling growl emits from a bucket helmet. The bandit knights brandish bastard swords and charge up the slope. Then they falter with at the presence of Laurence and Akikazu—both of which look rather pleased with the chance to bash the bandit knights into tiny iron pieces.

You see a bandit knight pause, acting as if he had just walked into a formal party dressed in a chicken outfit. Then it reaches for its belt and retrieve a horn. A wooden one, with a strip of cloth tied to the end. The bandit knight raises it to his visor and blows.

A dreadful, hollow sound fills the air. It echoes through the valley. Laurence tenses up.

“He’s calling for help!” The knight shouts. “Stop him immediately!”

>Roll 4d20 (You, Celeste, Akikazu, Laurence)
>Best out of three
>>
Rolled 14, 17, 18, 9 = 58 (4d20)

>>42640818
>>
Rolled 1, 2, 16, 7 = 26 (4d20)

>>42640818
Dice Gods grace me!
>>
Rolled 17, 16, 16, 8 = 57 (4d20)

>>42640818
>>
>>42640838
Fuck.
>>
>>42640838
FUCK
>>
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>>42640838
>>
>>42640838
ONE FOR THE ONE THRONE!
>>
>>42640838
Ha! Ha! Time for crows!
>>
>>42640838
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7UnlfyHFRY
>>
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>>42640838
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>>42640838
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To give the group credit, you all tried. Celeste grunts with exertion and scatters her fireballs downwards. They strike the bandit knights, but the one with the horn refuses to budge. Its cape catches on fire. The bastard doesn’t even notice.

“Eat this!” Akikazu smashes the tarot card of the Hanged Man and summons Ubelluris. The earth giant lunges forward and swings its fist. Then the second bandit knight jumps in the way and takes the blow for his friend. He goes flying into a rock wall. But the damage is done; the first bandit knight is still howling through the wooden horn!

You, on the other hand…

You hurl a fireball. It misses completely.

That wouldn’t be so bad, if it didn’t hit Laurence square in the chest! The cloth catches fire and the knight roars. He immediately slams his palms on the chestplate, trying to extinguish the flames.

Celeste gives you a look. If it had words like a book, it would read, ‘I can’t believe you just did that, Takashi-kun’.

“Oops.” You mutter.

The first bandit knight has finished playing and is readying his sword. You hear rustling in the distance. Two figures leap off from the cliff face and land on the solid, rocky ground. They are more bandit knights, both equipped with bastard swords and wearing worn bucket helmets.

The numerical advantage has been lost! What now?

>Retreat!
>Call everyone to back up.
>Try a plunging attack.
>Pelt them with spells.
>Stay where you are.
>Custom option.
>>
>>42641180
>Try a plunging attack.
>>
>>42641180
>Pelt them with spells.
>>
>>42641180
>>Call everyone to back up.
>Pelt them with spells.
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>42641180
>>Retreat!
Let's see how fucked we are without AoE
>>
>>42641180
>Call everyone to back up.
>Try a plunging attack.
Gotta conserve some mana for healing if things go sour.
>>
>>42641180
>Try a plunging attack.

>d20 with overriding crits
this is the future you chose
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42641302
What could possibly go wrong?
>>
>>42641302
especially with 12 rolls per combat round
>>
If there is a crit system I perfer it to be with a d100, or atleast something like Aspring Emporer quest where 1s are only crit fails if your rolls without the overriding 1 would have failed else it is a normal failure.
>>
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“Everyone, get back!” You yell. Flames strike the bodies of the bandit knights as Celeste’s Maragi spells rain down upon them. Akikazu slams a bandit knight with his iron hammer, sweat dripping off his back. He retreats, for even the delinquent of Akumachi-Kirijo understands that he can’t take on four at once.

“Curses…”

Laurence finishes extinguishing himself. Out of the corner of his visor, he notices. He reacts just in time. Steel clashes against steel. Laurence shoves forward and knocks his opponent off balance. A swipe and slash, then he rolls backward and up the slope.

>>Takashi: Try a plunging attack.

Or rather, order one of your Personas to do so. Valkyrie seems like a prudent choice. Strength, generated from the bonds of your beloved sister, forms in a flash of blue. The blood-red steed whinnies and the blonde warrior draws her broadsword.

Meanwhile, Celeste takes a deep breath. Sati mimics her motions. She is preparing for something…

>Roll 4d20 (You, Celeste, Akikazu, Laurence)
>Best out of three
>>
Rolled 8, 20, 8, 16 = 52 (4d20)

>>42641542
>>
Rolled 11, 2, 18, 20 = 51 (4d20)

>>42641542
>>
Rolled 15, 14, 19, 13 = 61 (4d20)

>>42641542
>>
Rolled 18, 10, 15, 17 = 60 (4d20)

>>42641542
WE CAN DO IT
>>
>15,20,19,20
We truly are the weakest
>>
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>>42641547
>>42641553
>>42641554
>15, 20, 19, 20
>>
>>42641547
>>42641553
>>42641554
15, 20, 19, 20
>>
>>42641547
>>42641553
>>42641554
Man, we are seriously underperforming in this fight.
>>
>>42641547
Whelp it looks like whatever Celeste was preparing for worked out.
>>
>>42641582
She somehow pulls off a maragidyne
>>
>>42641580
being the weakest character really sucks
>>
>>42641462
What are the advantages of d100 over d20?
>>
>>42641650
Less crits.
>>
>>42641650
d20 has a high chance of seeing a crit compare to a d100 where crits are rare but still possible.
>>
>>42641650
When we have this many rolls it's pretty much guaranteed that we'll have either a crit success or critfail for one of them with d20.
>>
>>42641679
d20 has a %27.1 of having a crit when using best of 3.
>>
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“Come on, come on, COME ON!” Celeste screams. She fingers curl into vicious claw like shapes. Her face scrunches up with the concentration. She shuts her eyes. A chance was open to her, and there was no way she was going to pass it up!

In Sati’s palms, a fire grows. This one is different to her usual fare. It is no longer a weak flickering flame; the fire, white and hot, is burning bright and large. You are captivated by it. The immolated fire goddess raises her arm, aiming towards the horde of bandits.

Celeste opens her eyes. A sadistic smirk grows on her face.

“Agilao!”

The flame speeds through the air and slams into the nearest bandit knight. He is sent tumbling to the ground, entire body alight.

“I did it…” Celeste whispers. “Yes, I did it! I finally managed to do it! You haven’t got anything on me, world! Not Celeste Tachibana!”

Down below, Laurence locks himself into a duel with an opponent of his own. He dodges a lunge, ducks below and drives his broadsword straight into the bandit knight’s chest. The poor sod collapses to its knees, groaning.

“Kill Rush!”

Ubelluris crushes the knight out of his misery…

“Cleave!”

Valkyrie finishes her plunging attack and slices through the body of a third bandit knight. He writhes and shakes, before hurling the Persona into a wall. Upon the ridge, a shock ripples through your torso and you cough. That is the disadvantage of summoning a Persona: whatever damage done to them is inflicted on the user. You recall Valkyrie and stand up.

Three bandit knights remaining, one of which is on fire…

>Attempt to cast Maragi with Ippon-Datara.
>Try another plunging attack.
>Have Archangel fire Holy Arrow.
>Join Akikazu and Laurence down below.
>Custom option.
>>
>>42641662
Why would anyone want less crits?
>>
>>42641768
Do you like critfails?
>>
>>42641762
>Have Archangel fire Holy Arrow.
>>
>>42641762
>Have Archangel fire Holy Arrow.
>>
>>42641776
Do you like crit successes?
>>
>>42641762
>Attempt to cast bufu
Let's check if they have weakness
>>
>>42641762
>Have Archangel fire Holy Arrow.
>>
>>42641762
>Have Archangel fire Holy Arrow.
>>
>>42641814
Sure but I also like normal successes that arent overridden by a 1.
>>
>>42641819
Seconding.
>>
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>>Takashi: Have Archangel fire Holy Arrow.

The soldier of the Great Will flies out of Justice and readies his bow…

>Roll 1d20 (You, Celeste, Akikazu, Laurence)
>Custom option.
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42641939
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>42641939
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>42641939
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>42641939
>>
>>42641939
Hahaha oh my god what did I just here
According to this everyone suddenly moved in sync. What a blunder hahahaha

Eh, I'll just make that roll count for Takashi, then.

>>42641662
>>42641679
>>42641737
>>42641757
This is informative. I'll think about it. Maybe I'll use 1d200 when there are more than three people in combat or whatever. We'll see,
>>
Rolled 16, 1, 18, 4 = 39 (4d20)

>>42641939
>>
>>42641954
>>42641965
>>42641977
I think it's time to give up on AETHER...
>>
Rolled 11, 10, 3, 9 = 33 (4d20)

We used all our luck against mooks
>>
>>42641996
Can we have it count for Akikazu, instead?
>>
Rolled 16, 5, 18 = 39 (3d20)

>>42641996
>>
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Archangel draws the string back and lets loose a volley of shots. A dozen arrows, vicious as lightning itself, descend towards the immolated bandit knight. Only a few hit, but it pushes the bastard’s vitality to the point where the flames finish it off.

The remaining two bandit knights suddenly realize that lady luck is most definitely not on their side today. Not that they have room to protest, because Akikazu and Laurence descend on them as one and begin to beat the crap out of them.

“Die, you piece of shit!”

“Villainous cur!”

The bandit knight is stabbed, slashed, pounded on, smashed and ultimately razed against the ground. He collapses into a heap, moaning. Death comes swiftly. Up in the ledge, Celeste tilts her head and frowns.

“Um...who’s the villainous one, here?”

Only one bandit knight remains. Laurence and Akikazu both stare at it. The opponent rushes forward. Ubelluris knocks it aside and pins it against the ground. It struggles against the muscular, stony arms of the giant, but to no avail.

“C’mon, hurry up!” Akikazu shouts. “Let’s end this!”

You and Celeste rush down towards he ground…

>ALL-OUT ATTACK!
>Let the bandit knight go.
>Kill it with spells instead.
>Custom option.
>>
>>42642073
>ALL-OUT ATTACK!
>>
>>42642073
>ALL-OUT ATTACK!
>>
>>42642073
>ALL-OUT ATTACK!
>>
>>42642073
>>ALL-OUT ATTACK!
>>
>>42642073
>>ALL-OUT ATTACK!
inb4 our companion is evil all along
>>
>>42641996
I would use d100 for each character all the time to avoid confusion.
>>
>>42642175
I would support this.
>>
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“Go for it!”

“Hell yes!”

Looking back, you would wonder if this could constitute bullying an innocent man. But now, your vision is filled with the pummels of fists, strikes from twin swords and the heaves of a hammer. The four members of the team assault the remaining bandit knight and utterly annihilate him. You burn his cape, destroy his shoulders, wrench open his knees and pierce his chest. A gurgle bleeds out from his throat, desperate and metallic. Then all is quiet.

It does not taken an intelligent man to understand that the battle is thus over. You gasp and take in the scenery around you. The same dark vapor is trailing off the four bodies. Soon, they too will disappear just like the black knight did.

“It is over.” Laurence announces.

“No shit.” Akikazu shoots back, but it is clear that he too is relieved.

“All that’s left is this.” Celeste gestures towards the cloth sack. Yes, this is what you came here for. The possessions of the fiends. You walk over and tentatively unfurl it.

>Roll 1d20 for sweet loot.
>Best out of three.
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42642309
>>
>>42642309
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>42642309
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>42642309
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>42642309
>>
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>Obtained an Iron Sword!
>Obtained an Iron Key!

And of course, Laurence’s shield is recovered. It’s a heavy object and you need both of your hands to carry it out. The knight rushes over and snatches it out of your hands.

“Oh, praise the heavens! I have found it! My precious, precious shield…” He lovingly strokes the steel body, coated with deep blue paint and carved with the symbol of a golden dragon. It’s a little creepy but the guy sounded truly desperate, so you’ll let him have his moment.

“I cannot thank you children enough. This is a miracle, truly it is.” You watch Laurence hoist the shield on his back. There, now he looks complete. Fresh determination and spirit flows from him. “I will repay you three in the future, I promise.”

“Does that mean you’ve got your memories back now?” Celeste asks.

“They are returning to me, but I’m afraid it will be some time.” Laurence replies. “I must mull it over. Fear not, I know a number of safe spots in this valley. I shall rest there. But first, let me guide you three back to where you came.”
>>
>finish sidequest in the first day
We are too fast
>>
>>42642473
Cool, new weapon for Celeste.
>>
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>>Team: Return to the train station.

You use a Trafuri Canister for this. The run-down, greyed building is present up ahead. Come to think of it, if Laurence is basically a medieval knight then why isn’t he reacting to the train station? Did the game not program him to? Or is he being polite and not asking questions?

…can he even comprehend such a thing?

“Where will you children go now?” he asks.

“Elsewhere.” Akikazu grunts. “To other places, I guess.”

“I see. Then please, let me give this to you.”

Laurence shoves a pendant into Akikazu’s palm. The color is a dull greyish-brown and the shape is round. It’s the kind of trinket you’d expect to find in a junk store for only 1000 Macca. Akikazu lifts it up to the sunset light and examines it. In classic Osaragi fashion, he says,

“The hell is this?”

“You children have your our journey and I have mine. Yet, our paths intertwined. We are sane men in a land of the mad and the desperate. Could this really be mere chance?” Laurence says. “No, I choose to believe it is fate.”

He glances towards Akikazu, to Celeste and finally to you. “Your magic and equipment are strange, indeed. I have never seen anything like them before. You speak words I do not understand. Nevertheless, I think we proved our worth together. Why not assist each other in the future? I would be quite happy to fight alongside you three again.”

“What are you saying?” You ask.

“That pendant has been with me for as long as I can remember. Its history is unknown, but I now remember its function. Once filled with magic, it acts as a summoning tool. Its power crosses through time and space, even if it is wavering or convoluted. If you children even find yourself in danger, activate it and my spirit shall come to aid you. Then, I shall demonstrate you the true power of the knights of my kingdom. Once I remember it, of course!” Laurence gives a bellowing laugh.
>>
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>>42642655
>Once I remember it, of course!” Laurence gives a bellowing laugh.
>>
>>42642655
So we're gonna call that the Booty Charm right?
>>
>>42642655
Did we just find our own version of Teddie?
>>
>>42642655
I like Laurence.
>>
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>Laurence the Knight has joined the Players as a Companion! You may now summon him for combat! Be warned though, Companion usage in this game is limited…

“I guess this goodbye, then.” You say. “Thanks for the help.”

“It was my pleasure.” Laurence bows. “I wish you three the best of luck.”

“Bye, Laurence!” Celeste waves. “Stay safe!”

“I will. Farewell, until we meet again.”

The three of you descend into the train station and board the Hollow Express. You look at Akikazu. He’s staring at the pendant, narrowing his eyes.

“Yo.” You nudge him in the side.

“What?”

“Was it worth it?”

“You talkin’ about coming to the valley and meeting Laurence?” He tosses the pendant into the air, catches it and pockets. Then he leans back against his seat, in which there are many holes as a block of cheddar cheese. A small grin worms across his rough features.’

“Yeah, it wasn’t so bad.”

>[CLEARED] Help the knight Laurence retrieve his shield.
>Obtained 4 Build EXP! Transmitting 4000 Macca to the accounts of all Players…
>>
>>42642747
>4000 Macca
About how much is that?
>>
>>42642783
Thirty bucks. The conversion was given a while back.
>>
>>42642800
Man buying stuff from crab and monkey is going to be hard.
>>
>>42642814
Haephestus Twins seem to charge less, though. So we can still do some gear upgrades.
>>
>>42642840
But I want to get augged.
>>
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To: SeePlusPlus
From: Dixon
Subject: New Hacker
-So, heard you were in the market for a new hacker/decker. Sorry about what happened to your former team, bruh.

To: Dixon
From: SeePlusPlus
Subject: New Hacker
-Shit happens. It always does in this line of work. I’ve mostly cooled down now. It’s time to move on with my life. So, who are you recommending?

To: SeePlusPlus
From: Dixon
Subject: New Hacker
-Depends on what type of tech junkie you’re looking for. Security, infiltration, drone control, combat or what?

To: Dixon
From: SeePlusPlus
Subject: New Hacker
-Preferably someone who can do all three. The first two are the most important, though. Whoever it is will be coming on sight so he better know how to fire a gun.

To: SeePlusPlus
From: Dixon
Subject: New Hacker
-What about Nightingale, then?

To: Dixon
From: SeePlusPlus
Subject: New Hacker
-Nightingale is a rookie though. Only had a few runs, the first one of which was a simple one.

To: SeePlusPlus
From: Dixon
Subject: New Hacker
-Nightingale isn’t someone to be underestimated. You know what mission down at the Silver Town? The raid in those rich folks’ homes?
>>
>>42642886
Plus I hear she has connections to the thief's guild.
>>
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To: Dixon
From: SeePlusPlus
Subject: New Hacker
-You mean the heist for that mystery paydata? I think they stole a load of precious gems as well. You saying it only pulled off because Nightingale was there?

To: SeePlusPlus
From: Dixon
Subject: New Hacker
-Pretty much. I’d consider hiring, bruh.

To: Dixon
From: SeePlusPlus
Subject: New Hacker
-I dunno, man. Like I said, Nightingale is a rookie. Those tend to bite off more than they can chew. I’d like to feel secure that our new hacker’s got a good set of experience under his belt.

To: SeePlusPlus
From: Dixon
Subject: New Hacker
-You’re pretty tight-lipped about security, right?

To: Dixon
From: SeePlusPlus
Subject: New Hacker
-Yeah. My account password is one of the most secure in all of Nocturne City. Nobody’s going to crack it open, not unless they trace my every move and can somehow pass an entire year in three days. Which of course, isn’t going to happen.

To: SeePlusPlus
From: Dixon
Subject: New Hacker
-Then why does your profile page say, and I quote, “I like big butts and I cannot lie. I also enjoy sticking my big throbbing knife into the moist quivering bodies of pudding stacks. This is obviously a metaphor for the American government. Also, mariseille-chan is my waifu and I want to dress her in a wedding gown and then fuck her baguette-baking, wine-drinking, snail-eating lights out. Signed, your new hacker.”

To: Dixon
From: SeePlusPlus
Subject: New Hacker
-What…?

To: Dixon
From: SeePlusPlus
Subject: New Hacker
-OH SON OF A BITCH!
>>
>>42642918
Its hermit bitch.
>>
>>42642918
I see someone wants to start cooking in the dungeons.
>>
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>>42642918
>Nocturne City.
>>
>>42642918
HAHAHAHAHA

Also, you seem to have left out all gendered pronouns when referring to Nightingale, are you trying something sneaky?

>>42642937
Oh god, that would be awesome.
>>
>>42642966
>would be
I think you mean is.
>>
>>42642937
It's either her, Yoshino, or that cyborg maido. Chekov's Gun and what not.
>>
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>>42642998
>Yoshino
Who?
>>
>>42643009
House representative. We talked to her this thread, man.
>>
>>42642937
Oh wow, I wonder is she's like SZS's Meru, doesn't talk much, but shitposts like crazy.

She might be a Spotter as well.
>>
>>42642918
>>42642937
>>42642966
It's stuff like this that made me suggest hiring runners earlier. I figure the plot will find a way to involve us in their shadowruns eventually, so why not be proactive about things for a change?
>>
>>42643023
I hope so, we need one. All the past Fools had one starting out, we're way behind. Yet another thing making us the Weakest One.
>>
That took a really long time. Apologies for the lack of a title; I'll try and remember next time.

So, the first Companion has been introduced. Laurence, Knight of kingdom ???. That isn't its real name, of course. What sort of kingdom is called 'question mark times three', unless in 'complete bollocks' land? Anyway, I hope you like him. He was a fun character to write.

Oh and I guess you can summon him now? But where? If only there was a place that required more than three people to traverse...

Archived thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/42631991/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwilightThorn
Ask box: ask.fm/TwilightThorn441

I'm afraid there won't be time for a thread next week. See you all on the 4th of October, 10:30 pm UTC as usual!
>>
>>42643038
Aw, no thread next week? Sad. Oh well. See you on the 4th, then. Thanks for running, Thorn.
>>
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>>42643038
>I'm afraid there won't be time for a thread next week
>>
>>42643038
See you, thanks for running TT!
>>
>>42643038
>If only there was a place that required more than three people to traverse...
That is literally everywhere in the Void. We're only going anywhere at all with three people because we don't have a choice yet. So you're saying we should summon him all the time, then?
>>
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>>42643038
>I'm afraid there won't be time for a thread next week. See you all on the 4th of October,
>>
>>42643038
Can't you run on a not Sunday?
>>
>>42643038
It is as though a thousand mouths cried out in pain.



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