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How long had Artemis snaked its members through La'Fiel? How far had their machinations gotten already, and what could actually be done to stop them at this point? You were hundreds of years too late to step onto this stage. Rinnier had held tight to the reigns and pleaded sense back into you to dissuade you from marching an indignant and impotent warpath against them when you'd first returned from Dryad's Atelier; Forced you to acknowledge that you didn't have the power, resources or standing presence to make a difference. It wasn't something you were happy with by any means, but you swallowed the bitterness and accepted it.

You turned your attention back to Carona, back to your newly gained role as its overseer in absence of the man who'd tried to run a rebellion against your family. In retrospect, his rebellion was a cat's paw for Artemis' own plans to destabilize the nation under the guise of a burgeoning civil war; An effort you had unwittingly foiled, which landed you now in the unenviable position of trying to secure the loyalty and prosperity of a town full of people who seemed inclined to dislike and quibble with you more than anything else. If you could have burned the place down yourself you very well would have, but like it or not, you needed these people to accept you as their leader if you were going to start taking steps to influence the coming war.

So when those self-same people proved to be stubbornly ornery about working with you, sewed discontent over your efforts, and preferred to stab themself in the hand than help you rebuild their own livelihood, you were more than a little frustrated. When all of those things turned out to be done at the helpful behest of Artemis despite their prior plan having been undone, you weren't sure how to feel. Surprised, maybe. You shouldn't have been; Why wouldn't they have back up plans? Furious, probably. That the problems you were having were being deliberately engineered just to be a thorn in your side was definitely something worth grinding your teeth over.

You are Irue Valen, blood heir to House Valen, nascent leader and fae pacifier. Of all the things you expected to feel now that you'd gotten a good night's rest and set in motion your plans to lure out the remnants of Artemis in Carona, eagerness wasn't one of them. A pulse of excitement that quickened your veins, tastingly suspiciously like bloodlust. With the cooperation of your knights and Testament, you were going to rip the estranged Luna-favored organization out by the roots once and for all, and that brutal motion embodied vengeance for every inane obstacle they'd put in your path these past months.

They weren't across the country now. They weren't hiding behind borders, and obfusicating loyalties. There was nothing Rinnier could do to dissuade you from this course of action now that the people you wanted to tear down the most had slipped their hand and shown up literally on your door step.
>>
An operation carried out under the cover of night with the hopes of excluding as much of Carona's population as possible, your knights were organized and split up with a list of names identifying every suspected collaborator. They were to execute a simultaneous raid on each of them to sweep the rug clean out from under them all at once, allowing no one time to catch wind and go to ground.
>Did you choose to involve Miska in the raids?

In the meantime, you had reluctantly agreed to share 'Hearts in Harmony' with Rinnier to confront Marcus Krell, the ring leader of Artemis' presence in Carona after luring him out. Efficient use of the Diary of Reflections and the artificial communications Relic acquired off the brigands had made sure he was none the wiser - And would remain so until it was too late.
>Assign Spider/Web roles!

Ari was involved by her own volition on standby, without a proper role assigned to her. It went without saying that the addition of the Dryad Aspiration she instructed was a powerful boon, but considering the affiliation of your prey, you couldn't guarantee it wouldn't go berserk as it had before... Which made its direct inclusion risky. Best case scenario it silently killed or detained only who you wanted it to. Worst case... The Shrine was about to have a rude awakening to Dryad's wrath.
>Is Ari to support you, your knights, or block off the village perimeter?

Kara should have been in position by now as well, as the only demihuman you elected to bring onboard to this plan. It was a token of your faith that you trusted her to be involved, even knowing what you did - But that was the rub. She should have been in position, but you had no idea where she was.
>What responsibility did you entrust to Kara in all this?
>>
Previous Threads:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Valen+Quest

Where things are said: https://twitter.com/Riz_QM
Where things are asked: http://ask.fm/RizQM

Assorted Supplemental:
Irue Things (up to 74) - https://pastebin.com/PchcdWpw
A List of Forgotten Things (up to 74) - http://pastebin.com/kPEscJ3h
Irue's Memoirs (Scares the QM to update) - http://pastebin.com/sWnicrK7

Write-ups:
Kara's Day Out - http://pastebin.com/8ZbiSKLs
Adventures with Asche - http://pastebin.com/RNviCBJu
The Reclaimed Doll - http://pastebin.com/n6miP1qT
In Your Shadow - http://pastebin.com/EfeeHFAE
Friends Forever - http://pastebin.com/Yn0QaTVB
The Woman Beneath Steel - http://pastebin.com/pMGgiHC3
Paper Flowers - https://pastebin.com/Pk0W7rEm
Merciless Compass - https://pastebin.com/8Hy0krxv
Better Strangers - https://pastebin.com/mvShXpCt

Misc notes:I said the next thread would be in the next few days on the 9th and it is now the 10th!

Memo:
1. Work through dying before it causes issues with the Shade scar.
2. Return and investigate the Dryad Shrine
3. Bring Miska and the other "People skilled with arms, with a taste for conflict" with us to the main house.
>>
Unfortunately I have to wake up early, but I wanted to get the thread up first. Votes will close after campaign concludes later tonight.

I can try to answer questions before then, though!
>>
What the fuck is this thread?
>>
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>>3962222
It... It's a quest?
>>
I was just kidding, but where is everyone?

>>3962217
>>Did you choose to involve Miska in the raids?
Yes, but not as Secret Agent Man. It's one thing to dash her dreams, another to coddle and destroy her self worth.

Or do you mean using her as bait? If we do that I'd put Ari or Kara as her shadow.

>Assign Spider/Web roles!
Irue as the web, Rinnier as spider. Irue control of the addiction is key, so that they don't overextend neither in time or coverage

>Is Ari to support you, your knights, or block off the village perimeter?
Perimeter, we don't need the bad publicity from it going berserk in town. If it picks off fleeing insurgents it won't look as bad.

>What responsibility did you entrust to Kara in all this?
Either as Irue's bodyguard or buddy cop with Mishka. I, personally, trust Kara.

Did we decide what to do with the demi pack when it all goes down? A plan for if they side with Artemis? I can't remember
>>
>>3962217
I missed you Riz
>Did you choose to involve Miska in the raids?
Yes
>Assign Spider/Web roles!
Irue - web, Rinnier - spider
>Is Ari to support you, your knights, or block off the village perimeter?
Support us, we can keep an eye on her and her aspiration.
>What responsibility did you entrust to Kara in all this?
Stay outside the walls and make sure no runaways make it out. We can't let Kara work for us in public, the townsfolk HATE demihumans.
>>
>>3962418
>Stay outside the walls and make sure no runaways make it out. We can't let Kara work for us in public, the townsfolk HATE demihumans.

Yeah that is better... She's fast and strong and the abominations in the forest won't be able to kill her easily.

I just read Better Strangers and wow, that asshole got a bug up his butt alright! We hit every single button there is to create our very own nemesis, yikes. I'd say something about always making things worse but that's really just beating a dead mana by now
>>
>>3962428
Didn't even notice there's a new write-up. Nice
>>
>>3962217
Don't have much to add to what's been said but
>Did you choose to involve Miska in the raids?
She is a knight, and therefore must be do the work of one. Maybe she'll prove herself.
>Assign Spider/Web roles!
I can't recall exactly which is which, but Irue should be the one going into sensory ascension. Rinnier is just far more useful with her own senses and physique and skill than we are unaugmented.
My vision is augmented.
>Is Ari to support you, your knights, or block off the village perimeter?
Perimeter. It's probably best to keep the golem on its own, though at some point she should probably be more socialized to be less...obsessive.
>What responsibility did you entrust to Kara in all this?
This is actually something I think is to be handled more carefully than first glance. Since we know of most demihumans' tendency towards treachery and have heard of them actively conspiring, they need to be kept on a tight leash while this is going on, so we absolutely need Kara to keep close to her pack and keep them from getting up to trouble. Even with them being a bunch of pathological emos it's best to not take risks with stronger, faster, more brutal specimens of people when we really don't want this being messed up. Ari and her friend being forest bogeymen should be enough to track down what gets away.
>Other?
Much as the Shrine refuses to get political, frankly, Marchovic has already willingly screwed around with an East Heaven Artemis agent, so if we could ask him on another date tonight it wouldn't hurt to have an antipaladin share a bit more company.

>>3962398
>Did we decide what to do with the demi pack when it all goes down? A plan for if they side with Artemis? I can't remember
I don't recall a specific plan, but if Kara can't reign them in as Alpha, then there's really nothing to do for it besides exile them, and if they're caught screwing around after that, finishing them off. Otherwise they're innocuous enough. So long as they're being kept fed and paid they don't seem to have a problem doing basic labor such as route patrol.

>>3962219
>I can try to answer questions before then, though!
What is your blood type?
>>
>>3962217
>Did you choose to involve Miska in the raids?
Yes, but not as bait. Give her a role where she can feel important but still have the safety in numbers.

>Assign Spider/Web roles!
Irue - web, Rinnier - spider, why not.

>Is Ari to support you, your knights, or block off the village perimeter?
Block the perimeter.

>What responsibility did you entrust to Kara in all this?
Be ready to track Marcus by scent.
>>
>>3962218
Wow, the Paladin is really butt-mad, and we haven't even done anything bad to him at that point.
>>
>>3962217
>Did you choose to involve Miska in the raids?
No real reason not to. She'll as vulnerable as anyone else during the raid.

>Assign Spider/Web roles!
Whatever lets Rue keep the majority of her mental facilities.

>Is Ari to support you, your knights, or block off the village perimeter?
Perimeter duty. Too much coordination needed to pull this off, and a wildcard like AspRue going nuts is too much of a risk.

>What responsibility did you entrust to Kara in all this?
Also on the perimeter maybe. If the townsfolk see a demihuman wrecking the town there are going to be problems later.
>>
>>3962579
>stronger, faster, more brutal specimens of people
Just want to remind you that that is only Kara, demihumans are only furry sociopaths.

And by going down I meant in the immediate sense- do we send them off, round them up, assign them somewhere they won't be in the way or just act normal to not tip them off something is happening? They fucking will notice that we're moving of that I have little doubt. What they know, what they figure out and what they will do, I have no idea.
>>
>>3962940
All demihumans are naturally stronger, faster, and possess sharper senses in general than a human of equal build and disposition. Kara, however, is a freak even among demihumans and empirically competes with Wisp adepts in pure strength.

>>3962579
>blood type
I... Don't know. B, maybe? It's been a long time since this was relevant.

Campaign has not concluded yet, but it seems like most of you are on the same page! I didn't expect so many people to prefer Rinnier as the spider after last thread, though.
>>
>>3963263
>Spoiler
The fact that it's been 3 months since last bread probably has influenced this somehow
>>
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>>3963313
holy kek
>>
>>3963263
>Spoiler
You mean because we took issue with Irue acting like a flaccid worm whenever Rinnier entered the scene? I don't know about anyone else but I haven't changed my mind about that, I see this as a practical decision.

>>3963313
fukkin lol
>>
>>3962398
>>3962418
>>3962579
>>3962590
>>3962642
Miska Yes!

---
>>3962398
>>3962418
>>3962579
>>3962590
Webrue!

>>3962642
Spiderue!

---
>>3962398
>>3962579
>>3962590
>>3962642
Parimeter!

>>3962418
Ari's with us!

---
>>3962398
Kara supporting Irue!

>>3962398
Kara supporting Miska?

>>3962418
>>3962642
Karameter...?

>>3962579
Kara watching the pack!

>>3962590
Tracking Marcus!

Lots of ideas about Kara it seems, but supporting Ari at the parameter seems to have won!

>>3963271
I forgot October existed.

>>3963313
I feel like this is a meme but I don't understand it. Saved anyway!
>>
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Parameter... Perimeter.... Meter....
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>>3963844
having some trouble there?
>>
>>3963854
The confusion is within acceptable parameters
>>
>>3963839
I thought that meme was the diary of reflections in action
>>
Finding Ari situated at the edge of Carona was the easy part. With the size and overall presence of the Dryad Aspiration cradling her in its bows, she stood out like a beacon to the otherwise utilitarian perspective of 'A Spider's Web' - The only safe place you were willing to place the fleshen thing with the danger of it going wild so readily on the table. Between its reach and Kara's own speed, you had hoped that stationing the demihuman at the outskirts of town would keep your prey contained... And in the worst case scenario, give you a headstart on tracking Marcus should he attempt to bolt.

Outwitting a Luna adept was a fool's errand in the best of circumstances, but you didn't think it was impossible to defeat them. Difficult, almost impossible to surprise, and always several steps ahead of you, yes... But there was such a thing as knowing all your options were sealed and being unable to change that. Some might called it overkill, but anything less risked him slipping through your fingers; Tonight wasn't about restraint, it was about results.

...Or it should have been, because one of your Testament was missing from her post.

"Focus, Irue. Do you have a read on Marcus yet?"

"No.... Yes. He's leaving now, in route to us along the southern streetline."

"Keep me updated, we won't have a second chance at this."

You offer a mental grunt in return, having ceded the role of Spider in this relationship to the flame tressed Testament. It wasn't something you were comfortable with, but you had more experience dealing with the web's unique addictive properties... And it was a practical fact that the larger the web was woven across Carona, the better off you would be. You didn't want to take a chance on Rinnier getting lost for hours at a time when seconds could make the difference.

Although the fact she had so readily expanded its domain to cover all of Carona wasn't something you terribly pleased over. The amount of space you were combing through to simultaneously keep track of everyone's movements would leave you exhausted before the night was over. Convenient, absolutely, but a far harsher performance out of the web than you'd ever demanded from it.... You weren't about to complain about being the one to shoulder that burden though, as it did allow you observe the status of your knights.

"Kara isn't here."

"She shouldn't be here, I thought you posted her outside of town?" Rinnier laid the metal pole against her collarbone, fingers restless against its shaft.

"I did. She isn't there." You paused, feeling your mind bend as you did a cursory once over of the web's diameter. A task that was taking less and less time as you slowly abandoned little fragments of human misconception. "She isn't in Carona."
>>
"What about the rest of her pack?"

"...No?"

"No?"

"No. It's harder to identify individuals than you'd think, I double checked." Your doppleganger's memories reminded you of a time when you could barely identify Kara right beside you. The task wasn't made any easier now. "What if-"

"If she's not here then we're fine." Rinnier interceded firmly. "Stay alert for demihumans entering town, watch the knights, keep an eye on Marcus."

"But what is she doing?"

"Not ruining our plans. Where is Marcus now?"

You turn back to observing the Artemis agent's winding path through town, fully aware you weren't going to find sympathy for your demihuman-born frustrations in Rinnier. It took you a moment to re-identify him, a feat made significantly simpler with so few other people meandering the streets of Carona this late at night. "...He's stopped, three blocks over."

"..."

"..."

Silence stretched out in the night as you gently nudged Rinnier's awareness towards the man in question. She stood in silence. You stood in silence. Krell stood in silence, trying and failing to light a torch.

It had been a gamble to leave the role of Spider to Rinnier. You'd admit with some reluctance that she was absolutely your physical superior, and if it came down to a fight then she was the stronger of the two. It was a fact she'd reminded you of already, and large part of the reason you had ultimately allowed her to take control of the union... But it wasn't without its risks. Salamander's stigma all but ensured she would be fighting in the dark if it came to that, and on the chance that Krell recognized the lack of lights as her presence...

That was the biggest risk in all of this, and what compelled you to move the meeting location into the ruined Tier estate and away from the streets of Carona proper. It was isolated, further from your knights if something went wrong, but it wasn't unusual for it to be unlit in the middle of the night.

"He figured it out." Rinnier clicked her tongue bitterly, rising to her feet as you tracked Krell moving back into town.

In an ideal circumstance he would have dismissed it as a coincidence, or perhaps trusted his prior communication with the Paladin enough to overlook the possibility of Rinnier's stigma. This was not an ideal circumstance... But you hadn't planned to capture Krell under ideal circumstances, anyway. You had studied the Mana too much to naively think you could just lure a Luna adept into a trap.

Tonight wasn't about elegance. There was nowhere in Carona he could hide, little hope of escaping past the Dryad Aspiration and Ari, and his allies were either dead at your hand or being detained under your orders.

"He's turned right. I think he's trying to wind back to a safe house."

"Knights?" Rinnier breathed back shortly, soles of her shoes pounding against cobble streets as the night chill kissed her skin.

"A few."
>>
It was only a matter of time before Rinnier ran Krell down, but Kara's absence still bothered you. Your attention wandered across the web, unable to do more than keep tabs on the proceedings and relay information to Rinnier as needed.

The raids on Artemis' collaborators were well under way and most locations seemed like they were being handled without resistance - A side effect of otherwise innocent people being surprised when they were resting. However... Some places were causing more trouble than you'd expected. This was your knight's task, so you had to trust they could take care of it.

Perhaps more worryingly, Ari had started to move. Had someone already tried to escape? No one should have been able to get out that quickly. Someone trying to come in, then?

>You'll be swapping perspectives through out this thread at certain intervals. Each time you swap to a new character, you will influence them through a segment of time while the others proceed of their own volition! Don't be surprised if this unexpectedly drops you into a bad situation. No one said ripping Artemis out by the roots was going to be easy...

>You will swap three times in total, which means one or more of your options will be left entirely to their own devices. Choose carefully, and don't regret it later.

>Swap 0/3
>You are Rinnier!
>You are Ari!
>You are Dullem!
>You are Kara!
>>
>>3964142
>You are Kara!
>>
>>3964142
>>You are Dullem!
Probably best to get a handle on the trouble asap
>>
>>3964142
>You are Ari!
>>
How about we discuss our choices. I don't like the fact that Kara is gone. Something is wrong, so I think it's priority to swap to her to find out what's what
>>
>>3964142
>You are Dullem!
I concur with >>3964173 - Kara "not being trouble" is good enough and Ari doesn't need any guidance really. At this time in events the knights are the most vulnerable to a shift in fortunes messing up the trap.

>>3964311
It's not a good thing, but at the very least, not being a factor, in my opinion, means that it's not immediately pressing.
>>
>>3964311
I disagree- I believe that whatever she is doing, we can have more of an effect by taking control at a later stage
>>
>>3964147
Kara!

>>3964173
>>3964314
Dullem!

>>3964211
Ari!

Worrying about our knights!
>>
"Runners out the back!"

Being elected nominal captain of Irue Valen's knights had been a position of convenience. You were already the elected representative of the dispossessed citizens who had come seeking a change from House Valen, so keeping you in that position was a very easy to understand decision. It wasn't something you had wanted, or felt yourself cut out for; In truth some of your now-subordinates seemed much more fit for this than you were. It was something you struggled with often, trying to figure out how to live up to what was expected of you... And figure out what was expected of you in the first place. An easier task said than done when it came to Ser Valen.

Right now you did not feel particularly fit, and for once it had nothing to do with anxiety over your responsibilities and everything to do with this teenage kid gesturingly rudely at you from on top of a roof. How they had clambered up there so quickly was absolutely beyond you, and how you were expected to follow was a mystery for the ages.

Air burned through your lungs as you worked to coordinate your peers in one of the first actual knightly activities you'd been assigned. "Spread out and surround the building! Leave no openings!"

"Why don't you come up here and get me yourself?"

You craned your neck back to the taunting figure with a frown. "Kid, come on down and turn yourself in. I don't want this to get dangerous for anyone involved."

"And get spirited away by the Valens? Yeah, no."

"No spiriting away is gonna happen. We're just detaining people who might be slowing down Carona's recovery."

"By raiding us at night and dragging innocent people out of bed?"

"Yes. N- I mean..." You scratch at your scalp awkwardly. "Look what are you expectin' to get at hiding on the roof like that? Y'got nowhere to go anyway."

"This! We've been waiting for the day you'd show your true colors!" The young man triumphantly fished out a small tube from his pocket. You stared at it blankly, squinting through the night to see what the tiny thing might be. Further explanation was not forthcoming however, as he pointed it skyward and ripped a concealed string away.

A light like a fire built within the tube, spawning a shrill, weezing whine that scraped through your ears! It grew louder, fiercer, and seemed as if it was primed to explode...! Only to rapidly and unceremoniously peter out moments later.

"...So you coming down now, or-"

"YOU'RE UNDER ARREST."

You watched the boy get spear tackled off the roof as Miska arrived.
>>
"Was that really necessary?" You looked over the self-satisfied knight as she finished tying up the struggling teen.

"I had to get him on the ground or I'd have no back up!" She asserted matter-of-factly, and it wasn't a statement you could argue. "Besides, how were we gonna get him down after tying his hands?"

"Th' both of you could've been hurt falling like that though. If you keep being this reckless I'll have'ta report it back to Ser Valen." It was a narrow miracle that the Valen heir had seen fit to allow her to participate at all after finding out she was one of the kidnapping targets. Between the tantrum she'd thrown in Miss Lamandra's office and her disposition, you thought for sure she'd be left tucked away somewhere tonight.

"Yeah, yeah." She scowled, whipping out a small sheet of paper and concentrating as she made a mark on it. "Hehe, that's four so far!"

"You're keeping track?" You glance over the paper with, as expected, 4 little marks tallied down. "We've caught more than four."

"This isn't us, this is me." She folded the paper up and slipped it down her tunic. "Fen's been teaching me numbers, and I'm gonna show Ser Valen how many I caught tonight! I just need to catch like..." She ticked off her fingers slowly, "A whole lot more first. Four's not super impressive, y'know?"

You don't think Irue was going to care how many she individually caught, but was it worth it to try and convince her...? As long as the operation went off successfully, it was fine. Probably.

"Captain Dullem! We've secured everyone else at this location!" Another knight caught flagged you down, torchlight illuminating the small gathering as you fished out the map miss Lamandra had copied and distributed. A small nub of charcoal served to scratch out your current location; Not as elegant as the ink Fen and the Testament used from day to day, but you weren't all that great at writing... and soot stained fingertips were a small price to pay to keep track of where you've been.

"Then the next place will be..." You trail off with a wince when a sharp whistle assails your ears, followed immediately by starlight searing down from just overhead as a mass of light streaked through the air some ways off. "I don't like that."
>>
It was a sight to behold, and one which drew most of your subordinate's gazes skyward along with it - But your eyes followed the trail of smoke it left, anxiously consulting the map. It wasn't your next location, but someone should have been over there around now... And in the time it took you to realize that, similar whistling stars were rising into the sky around Carona.

"I don't like that at all... Hey!" A little desperation leaks through your tone as you bark at the rest of the knights. "Clear this place out, we gotta go!"

When you looked back Miska was already gone. You muttered something unflattering under your breath.

>Interrogate the boy to try and find out more. They'd been prepared for this?
>Break off to the next location as fast as possible, you'll leave slower knights behind to clean up here.
>Keep calm, make sure everyone moves as a group. If they start resisting you don't want a riot while separated.
>Go after Miska before she gets herself in trouble.
>>
>>3965557
I suppose to go through the options
>Interrogate the boy to try and find out more. They'd been prepared for this?
Dullem probably hasn't thought about the mechanics of Luna hacks, but frankly, since every other hideout is being alerted, we don't have the time for twenty questions.
>Break off to the next location as fast as possible, you'll leave slower knights behind to clean up here.
To me, this seems a necessity considering that it appears those star flare things have alerted everybody proper to the fact that shit is going down. They can't be allowed any time to get ready. Though, considering that, to be frank, the "knights" have been encountering success due to the element of surprise rather than martial superiority...
>Keep calm, make sure everyone moves as a group. If they start resisting you don't want a riot while separated.
We have a tree outside. It's there for a reason. The less risk the knights are put under, the greater chance this resolves cleanly if not smoothly.
>Go after Miska before she gets herself in trouble.
Miska will be fine imo. That and we've got more knights to worry about than just one, IC, anyways.

Therefore, my pick is:
>Keep calm, make sure everyone moves as a group. If they start resisting you don't want a riot while separated.
If these guys see a strong and organized core, they'll be more tempted to flee than to fight- while rushing might catch some with their pants down, from the looks of multiple signals going into the air, the jig is up.
>>
>>3965557
>Keep calm, make sure everyone moves as a group. If they start resisting you don't want a riot while separated.
>Grab the boy and interrogate him on the move. We have enough SWOLE to do this.
>>
>>3965557
>Keep calm, make sure everyone moves as a group. If they start resisting you don't want a riot while separated.
>>
>>3965557
>>Keep calm, make sure everyone moves as a group. If they start resisting you don't want a riot while separated.

Shit hit the fan and we can't put out all the fires- keep working as efficiently as possible.
>>
>>3965557
>>Break off to the next location as fast as possible, you'll leave slower knights behind to clean up here.
It's pretty obvious those are some sort of signal. And the fact that they have them means they were prepared for something like this.
...We're not going to be pulling any roots up today. They're going to have plenty of time to ground or get out of dodge and sneak back in later, and we'll be right back where we started.
>>
I'll be closing the window in a bit! Seems like the direction is mostly decided, though.
>>
>>3965574
>>3965588
>>3965609
>>3965572
Keeping calm!

>>3965574
Swoleterrogations!

>>3966641
Double time!

Writing!
>>
Didn't take a genius to figure things weren't goin' according to plan now, but you weren't so confident at making snap judgements either. End of the day, keeping the knights together and in one piece was more important to you than rushing these arrests. Much as you'd like to go after Miska, the girl's got to make her won decisions.

"Captain we're done here, everyone's been taken in. What next?"

"We form up and move to the next place on the list." You tuck said list away as you rumble instructions out over the confused din. "Stick together and stay calm. We're on official business, nothing to be worried about." you hoped. "Hey kid, what are those lights for?"

He looked away stubbornly, suddenly out of words now that he was off the roof. You ran a hand over your face tiredly, feeling the workday's grit scrape sweat off your brow. The nobles you worked for probably could have convinced this brat to talk, but your tongue'd sooner find itself in a knot for trying.... "Ah, screw me. Kid, I need you to fess up to what all you've been preparing for."

"Or what?" He angled his chin to glare up at you from the ground.

"Or-" Come on knight captain, think of something. What would Ser Valen do if an uppity little shit started mouthing off? "...I'll feed you to a tree?" Ah yeah, that'll work.

"A tree?"

You nod back seriously.

"Bullshi- Hey, what're you doing!?"

"Got a lot to do t'night kid, can't wait on you forever." You grunt, hoisting him over your shoulders like a sack of flour. He weighed about the same too, now that you thought about it. "You got till we get to the tree to start talkin."

"Dullem, are you actually going to give him to that monster?" One of the knights hesitated at your side, leaving you to shrug awkwardly.

"You guys aren't fooling me, there's no such thing as tree monsters."

"...Aight." You sigh, "Start talkin' whenever you want, let's get going."
>>
Irue's knight corps weren't well trained and they weren't well armed. You weren't even that numerous, so it wasn't as if you were a marvel of organized military might. You'd voiced these concerns when Ser Valen was discussing plans to split up the fledgeling group to try and cover more ground, but there was a certain sense to it. Splitting up into groups gave you smaller numbers to work with, but it also meant the people you were confronting were in smaller groups; Ten to twenty knights showing up at someone's door in the middle of the night was a big difference than fifty of you facing down an angry mob.

With these shrieking lights going off, that changed some things... But breaking up into even smaller groups wasn't gonna do you any favors. If these people were anything like you, they'd be panicked and confused - Gnome knows you'd been that way more often than not while Ser Valen's 'rite' thing was settling.

"Kinda feels like we're really knights now?"

"Secret police, maybe?"

Moving as a group had other perks to it as well though. Felt more official, and that was probably important somehow. you'd be lying if you said moving through these streets at the head of your friends didn't feel kinda cool. All dangerous like and stuff.

"I didn't think our first assignment would be night raids on the town, though."

"...What did you think knights did?"

"I dunno, the ones at Ser Valen's cousin's seemed to just stand around all day."

"Oh yeah..."

You cleared your throat as their idle conversation started wandering off course. "Alright, same plan as all the others. We surround the place before entering. Anyone running's gonna cause more problems than we want tonight."

Most of the town was still sharing sleeping quarters spread out around town. Large, sprawling tents pitched through the slowly cleaned streets that took advantage of the region's moderate temperatures and relatively warm nights. Penny mentioned some of her coworkers at the Shrine were helping that somehow, but you didn't claim to really understand how. That made these operations a little more delicate, since taking a few people into custody often meant waking up a dozen or so otherwise uninvolved people... And if you didn't keep them calm, the situation just got all sorts of upset.

So when you pulled aside the tarp and ducked into the sleeping quarters only to find the entire place already awake and confused, it wasn't a happy sight. "Good evenin'. I'd like t'ask all of you to take a seat, we're here on official business."

"Jeremy?" You stretched your jaw, trying to pick out which of the occupants started talking as your shoulder-captive began to squirm. "Boy, what in Wisp's good graces have you done this time?"

"I ain't done nothing, they barged in and arrested everyone!" The now-named Jeremy... Didn't exactly lie. "And this big guy threatened to feed me to a tree! Help me ou- phhg"
>>
Your shrug bounced the brat on your shoulder, knocking the air out of him while you sighed. "We've got reason to believe some of your neighbours have been deliberately trying to slow down rebuilding efforts. Got a list of names we're going through to investigate, so if you'd all cooperate I'd appreciate it."

"You saying Jeremy's trying to sabotage Carona...? That doesn't make sense, it's his home - it's all of our homes!"

"All I'm sayin is that his name was on the list, so we're investigating."

"Why're you carrying him like that, then?!" An angrier voice from the back broke in. "You're treating him like he's luggage!"

"You all heard the noises, right?" You looked around, catching faint nods as you continued. "Jeremy had and tried to use one of the devices that made it. He's been refusing to answer our questions, so I've brought him with."

"What about the tree monster?!" The kid struggled, both on your shoulder and in trying to get some support. "He threatened t'feed me to a tree monster if I didn't cooperate!"

An older woman with sun-faded brown hair scoffed. "Oh shush, tree monsters don't exist. How old are you to still be believin in that mess?"

"Well there's the Oakenbears." Another disagreed.

"We haven't seen one of those since the Shade Representative got permission to chop em all up from the new Valen kid." The woman turned a scowl back towards your shoulder-rider. "And you! What kind of game are you playing at to be waking everyone up and worrying the town like that!"

"I'm tellin' ya, it's not my fault! These guys're arresting people who don't like their snotty master!"

You opened your mouth only to be immediately spoken over as another round of fussing erupted. Kid on your shoulder was yelling and startin' to cry, people in front of you were getting upset, and damn if you could get a word in edgewise. This was the kind of thing you'd wanted to avoid. You raised a fist to your mouth and coughed pointedly, letting the deep rumbling in your chest do its work. "t'Explain a bit. We are detaining some of you who dislike the new mayor, yes. However-" You raise your voice hastily as you realized that was a terrible thing to say. "-It's uh... Not what it sounds like!"
>>
Yeah now you had their attention. You'd be scratching furrows in your neck if you had a hand free for it right now. "Like I told ya, these people have been workin' with some others to slow down our rebuilding efforts t'try and blame it on Ser Valen. An' I mean..." Shit, shit, bull's steaming load. Where were you going with this?

>It didn't matter, make your arrests and move on. Ser Valen and the others could explain it later better than you could.
>Try and explain the whole deal, far as you knew it. You don't know it that well.
>Gnome bless, you'd been working in this town for months. Just ask for some trust.
>Change the subject and send them to Shrine as a whole. S'long as everyone stayed together you could pick out the bad ones in the morning.
>>
>>3967461
>Gnome bless, you'd been working in this town for months. Just ask for some trust.
Tell them Ser Valen will explain everything later
>>
>>3967461
>Gnome bless, you'd been working in this town for months. Just ask for some trust.
>"We realized someone is playing shenanigans with the rebuilding efforts, and we poked around and it turned out these kids really have some sort of plan and organization to do Mana knows what for Mana knows what reasons"
Basically the aim is to put the blame for waking people up on the insurgents.
>>
>>3967461
this
>>3967465
Faeliege is much better with words than us. And kinda scary. She'll smooth things over.
>>
>>3965557
>Well Irue was clearly right to be concerned seeing as how they shot off a dozen flares. There's clearly something going on here and we need to find out what.
>>
>>3967461
>>3967939
oops, quoted the wrong post
>>
>>3967461
>Gnome bless, you'd been working in this town for months. Just ask for some trust.

Appeal to their good nature, or whatever. Ser Valen's knights have been here for ages haulin' and buildin' and fixin'. Do they honestly believe that they are kidnapping children in broad daylight now? Or that they'd follow an order like that, if they received it?

Tell em we know that rebels from outta town have been sneaking in and lying to good townsfolk to make them do their bidding, but ser Valen found out and is trying to grab the weasels what makes others do their dirty work without even knowing about it. Carona's citizens won't get in trouble for falling for a bunch of convincing lies
>>
>>3967461
It's true that Dullem isn't good at wordy talkies, let alone negotiation with a volatile group. I really doubt that anything would be accomplished by trying to explain it ourselves, nor do I think that "being here for a few months," despite all our goodwill, will do too much with these people trying to get stirred up at the new administration. For these people who've lived here their whole lives, whose ancestors've lived here their whole lives, the most established of our whole group is Irue as a Valen, while everybody else is more or less new. Except Kara, sort of.

As >>3967939 noted, it's not like it'd be hard to prove this little shit biscuit was up to something. *Somebody* must have been looking and saw the showers of star lights everywhere, if not here, then just around and about. What's harder to justify is that *he* wasn't justified in doing so as a "response," since it's not like these people know anything about this being a first strike against infiltration by foreign agents who employ fat chested cousin seducing hussies.

I wouldn't want to send them to the Shrine, either- that might alarm them. So despite my earlier stated doubts, I'll go along the same groove as >>3967522 and say-
>Gnome bless, you'd been working in this town for months. Just ask for some trust.
...Although, I sort of want to *ask* if they'd *like* to go to the Shrine, as that's been around far longer than any of us and they're sure to be trusted.
>>
I'll be closing the voting window in a bit!
>>
>>3968179
Is Maran fat-chested? I always pictured her rather slim.
>>
>>3968879
Compared to Irue yes.
Which is not saying much.
>>
>>3967465
>>3967522
>>3968053
>>3968179
Trust me!

>>3967522
>>3967939
Also blame the people more!

Writing!
---
>>3968879
I've never considered Maran especially chesty. You could easily describe her as average.

But she is a cousin seducing hussie and no one will tell Irue otherwise.
>>
"Ah... Look." Smooth ideas about explaining it yourself went right out the window. "I think we can all agree it shouldn't have taken this long to get Carona back up and running. We've been working out there for a while now, some of y'all I remember working with during that time. I hope you can vouch for me when I say it's not been taking this long because we're dragging our feet out there."

"I know a lot of y'all are upset it's still not done, and I get you. I heard you while you're workin, I know what it's like to be out of a home. Ser Valen gave us one, and we've been hard at work trying to get yours back, believe me... Uh." You trailed off. "Just uh... I guess I'm askin you to put a little trust in us for now. I promise our little liege will give a better explanation in the morning than I can right now."

You fell silent, breath held nervously as you waited for the other shoe to fall. Times like this you really wished someone else had your position as knight captain, because you sure wasn't cut out for this kinda thing.

"You're abducting our friends and family in the middle of the night and you have the balls to come in here and ask us to trust you?"

"Yes. Yes I am." You stared the man dead in the eye and distantly felt all higher thought abandon you in shame. Now your dumbass was out here praying. The seconds of ensuing, baffled silence which filled the tent was mortifying.

"No. I'm not standing for this-" One of the younger men in the back stood angrily, "And none of you should either! This is the first step they're taking to put us under their thumb, and it won't be the last! We stand up here now, or we-"

"Sit down, Taggart." A much larger man rumbled from nearer the front. You'd worked with him before, carrying loads of rubble. He took his time to stand, but when he did his broadened shoulders were a back to rally at for another - and then another after that. Some of them you had spoken to before, but many you didn't personally recognize; All of them cut from a worker's cloth. "I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt."

"You're selling out your own people! For what?!"

"Because I wanna know where so many of us got those loud light things from." the large man turned dourly towards Taggart. "Ain't nothing I seen before, and gotta wonder why everyone who had 'em were so certain these knights would be coming for them."

"What are you trying to say, then? You really taking their side in all this?" Taggart levelled an accusing finger at you as he sneered back at the man, leaving you feeling justifiably as an outsider in all this. A good opportunity to shut up and watch instead of put your foot in your mouth again. "They come in out of nowhere with a bunch of demis, they steal our property, they make excuses for why things aren't fixed yet, and I bet you anything they're the ones who caused all this in the first place!"
>>
A noncomittal grunt issued out of the larger man, crossing his arms as Taggart's speech continued. You felt for the man, seeing his confidence flag as more of the divided citizens began murmuring. He'd taken a stand and put his neck out to try and help.

...And damn if that wasn't something you respected.

"If I could get your attention." Your earthen voice easily bowled over the lesser murmurs, dredged up with a resigned determination to back up the man who'd stood for you. "I got this list here of people we're looking for. Folks at the Shrine helped put it together, but I couldn't tell ya what criteria went into it." You fished out said list from your pocket, unfolding the paper for everyone to see before holding it out to one of the men who'd stood earlier. "Y'can read it yourself, if it helps."

"...Uh." The man holding the list it over carefully, squinting in the torchlight... And frowned embarrassedly. "Anyone here good with letters? I- Oh, here Thomas." He passed it off to an older man, who took the parchment in calloused hand with solemn word of thanks.

"Look, it shouldn't matter what's on that paper." Taggart continued heatedly, "We have no way of knowing if they're just lying about working with the Shrine either. We-"

"Jess." The older man's voice interjected firmly as his eyes scanned the document. "Lived on third street. Daughter of our smithy. Harn, carpenter, old customer of mine. Holly and Julie Marthi... And their father, a family of traders if I remember..." One by one, the older man spoke names - Many of them with a shade of familiarity that would have been impossible for you or the knights. The kind of long suffering disappointment and familial fondness that came from having known more than just a face to word.

You shuffled your feet awkwardly as the role call continued, unsure quite what to say. You kind of hoped he'd give that paper back, because you needed it after this was over.

"...And Taggart." Thomas concluded finally, "You're not on this list."

"Why in Shade's name would I be?" The younger lad spat back, "And what did any of that even mean? You expect us to believe all those people are traitors?"

"I expect you to cooperate." Thomas returned tiredly.

"Really? After everything they took from you just moving on in, you're siding with them over the town?"

"...Boy." The old man sighed matter-of-factly. "I've lived here longer than you've been alive, and I'll bet my left foot my great grandfather was tilling fields here before yours even put down roots. When I saw the state this town was in, I volunteered what I had to help, they didn't take a coin." Thomas held his head high, conviction woven under steady baritone. "If you're not cooperating with the people trying to help us, then you're the reason we're still out here."

"But-"

"Sit down." The larger man's rumbled warning decisively put an end to the debate.
>>
Taking a deep breath under the night air some minutes later, you tried to steady your nerves after all that. Standing up in front of a bunch of people and trying to win them over was maybe the second or third scariest thing you'd ever done. How Ser Valen danced around in those situations went way beyond your understanding.

Even after all that, it'd been a waste of time. When the flares went off the people you'd come to detain had bolted in a panic without so much as a word; Most not even take their stuff. This location was a bust, and you scratched a little charcoal streak across it while looking over your next location. The sinking feeling in your chest explained exactly what you expected to find there, given the results here and how long it'd taken to resolve everything...

"Dullem!" A bassy voice comparable to yours tolled heavily as you made to gather the knights. It was the same man who'd stood in your defense, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the tents as he and a handful of others followed him out. "We're coming with you."

"I'm sorry?" Your brow furrowed.

"Jacob, we've met a couple times." The man introduced himself, "And we're keen to come with if'n that's fine with you?"

"I..." This was supposed to be a secret operation, what with the night raids and the.... Aw Shade take it, those lights ruined everything already. "I'd be happy to have you, but I don't know what you can really do for us."

"I don't either." Jacob admitted, "But Thomas is up in arms over it, and he figures we can help smooth things out with the rest of Carona if that happens again."

You scratched at the back of your neck awkwardly. Too late at night to try for fancy words. "Thanks, that'll be a real help."

"I dunno that I trust our new mayor." Jacob admitted bluntly, "But you and yours have been out there working as hard as the rest of us ever since y'got here." He offered a hand.

...And you took it, firmly gripping down as you shook. This was more familiar ground.

"Captain! The south group sent a runner, there's resistance in the main square!"

Just like that your moment was over. "Didn't think they'd actually mobilize on us..." You grumbled, "Alright, I'll-"

>Swap 1/3
>You are Rinnier!
>You are Ari!
>You are Dullem! (What do you do?)
>You are Kara!
>>
>>3969152
>You are Kara!
Dullem now has even more swole guys with him, he will be OK
>>
>>3969152
>You are Ari!
Proving to the citizens we so do really have a man-eating tree.
>>
>>3969152
>>You are Kara!

Now about these options...

Rinnier, and we might be able to grab Marcus before a force has rallied around him (who am I kidding, main square...) but I trust her strategic thinking to soldier on without our help(who am I kidding, when did we ever help anything).

Ari and we'd be eating escapees I suppose. I feel like she can do that without our input.

Dullem should be going to deescalate whatever is happening in the square and he's got community leaders and whatnot on his side now, so I think we can leave it to them.

We still have no idea where Kara is or what she is doing. In any case I will assume that this is the planning phase, or at least the moment before she takes action and is where we can best maneuver her.
>>
>>3969152
>>You are Kara!
>>
>>3969152
While things are solidly in the doghouse, I would go for-
>You are Rinnier!
Since even though Rinier is capable enough, it doesn't hurt to be safe- and this [i]is[/i] at least a capable operative she's to hunt down. It can be assumed, IMO, that Krell won't just bend over and pull down his trousers, and thus I'd be ready for tricks worse than a few pretty lights up his sleeve.
>>
>>3969152
>You are Ari!
>>
Closing window shortly!
>>
>>3971214
Testing QM powers
>>
>>3969188
>>3969290
>>3969334
Kara!

>>3969281
>>3970210
Ari!

>>3970134
Rinnier!

Writing!
>>
You didn't understand. This wasn't a new feeling, but usually it didn't matter. You spent a lot of time not understanding, and making sure that not understanding wouldn't be dangerous. This was dangerous. The phial in your hand was warm to the touch, the liquid within pungent, and the choices Maro offered you weren't changing.

Where had you gone wrong? If you hadn't followed him down here... No, it had to be further back. If you hadn't let Raid out of your sight? Or even further-

"We don't have all night, cripple. I didn't think the options were that complicated?"

You couldn't save him any other way, you didn't even know where they were keeping him!If they hadn't captured him coming back to town, if you'd gone out to meet him, dammit. Dammit.

Cooperate or Raid dies. You couldn't let your brother die. You absolutely refused to let that happen. The drug in your hand would rouse the Behemoth, and all you had to do after that was step aside and watch until morning. That was all you had to do to save your little brother.

...Would 'Rue be okay with that? Rue'd understand, right? You'd apologize, and you'd be forgiven, and... And it'd be fine. Like the last time with the little maid.

But what if you weren't. You were only the Alpha now because of the position Rue offered the pack. What if you weren't forgiven? What if you lost that? You'd lose the pack again. Did you even want the pack? You wanted them to live, but they were doing that... Mostly fine now. Did it matter if you lost the pack? If Rue didn't forgive you for saving Raid, and you lost the pack, that was fine? Right? Maybe?

"I don't understand." Your throat was tight as you repeated those words for the third or fourth time tonight. "We have it good. We get food, we don't have to hide, we're not having to steal what we need. Why are we doing this?"

"Most people become Alpha because they're skilled, or smart." Maro growled impatiently. "You have none of those things. You're a noble's pet bitch, and playing the lapdog made you a convenient representative - Of course you don't understand what's going on. I doubt you even bothered to think about what was going on at all."

"I don't get it! Just tell me why!?" Gentle. Gentle. Don't shatter the phial, it would take a moment's distraction to crumple it. This phial was your brother's life.

"...Fine, if I humor you will you make your decision?" You nod decisively, displaying far more confidence than you actually felt. If this got you normal, easy to understand answers then you'd say whatever he wanted to hear. Whether Maro believed you or not was another story... You'd never been able to lie to him successfully. "I'll hold you to that then, because if you don't then I'll make it for you."
>>
"The simplest version is that the noble you play lapdog too is the wrong horse. The people we're working with now were already in the process of tearing down more than one human family, and they're willing to extend a working relationship to us in exchange for our cooperation."

Rue was a very small horse...

"So..." You struggled to form a coherent thought out of your emotions. "Once I do this... They'll take care of us?"

"That's the agreement."

"But Rue already takes care of us..." You circle back to not understanding weakly.

"How? It took months for us to live out of the woods, we're the ones hunting for food to feed other people rather than being fed, and you can't tell me you don't see and hear the way the people in town feel about us. Aren't we already being shuffled out of sight? You call that being taken care of?" Maro paced the darkened room, torchlight spilling shadows across the decaying corpse of the former mayor. It was a miracle the torch remained lit at all under the occasional moist gales from the sleeping behemoth's breath. "You're being used for convenience cripple, and you'd see that if you weren't what you are. We're tolerated at best, held with our neck on the chopping block at worst."

"'Rue wouldn't anything like that!"

"Maybe not to you. Maybe. If you become more trouble than you're worth I woudln't rule it out, but what about the rest of us? Do you think the comfy spot at that noble's heels extends to the rest of the pack? If you're Alpha, you should already know that their well being comes first."

"That..." The coppery taste of blood brushed against your tongue when your own fangs pierced your lip anxiously. The pain was sharp, fleeting, negligible, and above all it didn't get you any closer to the words you wanted.

As Alpha, the pack came first. You had to do what was in their best interest, that was the entire purpose of the role. That was your responsibility. You thought you were doing that, but were you? Were there better options?

"Of course, if you knew that then it's a wonder you'd even tolerate following the noble at all."

Your brows furrowed. "I... Don't understand?"

Maro's pitying tone continued. "No, you don't. Because you've been used this entire time by someone much better at being a demihuman than you are." He paused; Waiting. Observing. After a moment, he tilted his head in concern. "Oh you poor cripple. Why do you think you're the Alpha now?"

"Because... Someone had to keep the pack together." You answer unsteadily, feeling the words across your tongue like you weren't sure of your own memories. "Everyone broke but me... I had to fix you."

"It wasn't at the behest of someone else?"
>>
"I don't know." You bit back, trying to fight back the discomfort his prodding left you with. "I- I don't remember? Maybe?" Yes.

"So someone easy to lead around by their nose was installed as our leader, and that leader ordered us around without ever thinking to look beyond their leash." Maro continued slowly, "And the person responsible for nudging you in that direction - Was the one responsible for putting us in that situation in the first place."

The anxiously twitching tip of your tail stilled. It felt like icy water had spilled across your skin as your thoughts screeched to a halt - Emphasis on screeching.

"'Rue wouldn't- Rue couldn't do that." You babbled off your lips awkwardly. "It was that monster, Rue had nothing to do with it!"

"And what if I told you your precious noble was the one that called it in the first place? To do. Exactly. What. It. Did." Each word clipped clearly from the last, driving a pole through your thoughts with each hammer stroke. "Everyone who died, and everything that came after, including you thinking you were qualified to be Alpha, were all done according to plan."

No, no that... That wasn't- 'Rue trusted you. They were supporting you, this was your idea... Wasn't it?

"Why-" Your limbs felt leaden and heavy, but too weak. Almost too weak to move as your eyes burned in the dark. "Why now?" The question wrenched a cracking hiccup from your throat. "Why are you telling me all this now? Why not before? If you knew all this, why didn't anyone tell me?!"

"Because, cripple." Maro snorted, "It didn't benefit me until now. So, will you make your choice, or will I make it for you?"

>Wake the behemoth. Save your brother.
>?
>>
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>The typos which plague your update that you don't see until they're posted.
>>
>>3971509
>Wake the behemoth. Save your brother.
fuck. So it has come to this. I have always advocated killing the behemoth
>>
>>3971527
???
Waking the behemoth does not kill it. It wakes it.

>>3971509
>?
Kill Maro, find Rue. Rue can fix this.
>>
>>3971512
Uhhh. Do I have time to catch up a bit?
>>
>>3971531
You have like a day to cast your vote
>>
>>3971509
>?
Cripple Maro, find Rue. Rue can fix this.

Maro will do anything to save his own life.

Kara can't outthink him, but she can beat him.
>>
>>3971533
NVM.

I been considering Kara vs Maro for a while. Kara is dumb, but she knows enough about Maro to know that he wants to live and can do anything to survive.

Kara also knows she's dumb. So it comes down to trust. Kara believes she can trust Rue. She knows she can't trust Maro.

So all she has to do to win against Maro is to ignore what he says. He's smarter than her, and he's good at lying, and he doesn't keep his promises. He'll probably kill her brother anyways if she does what he says, or even if not he'll never let her brother go anyways and will use him to make Kara hurt people.

Kara knows all this because she's seen Maro do this before.

Ears off until she hears Maro begging for his life.
>>
>>3971530
You misunderstood me anon. I'm saying is I advocated killing the behemoth earlier, before it blew up in our face in a situation like this
I don't see a way out now
>>
>>3971540
>>3971541
Maro won't actually crush the vial anyways, because if Kara does attack that's the only thing that'll save Maro's life.

And his life is the most important thing to Maro.

Afterwards, I think Kara should kill Maro anyways. Show him that even the "cripple" can do what's needed, even if it means going back on a promise.

Growing up is tough. But trying to kill Raid is Kara's bottom line.

Of course if Kara was smarter she would take him to Rue to interrogate. But she's not.
>>
>>3971555
How do you seem so certain that Kara will just kill Marro? Raid has been hidden somewhere. They will find out Kara did not cooperate, and they will kill him.
>You couldn't let your brother die. You absolutely refused to let that happen.
>>
>>3971541
Oh I see. Well it hasn't blown up in our face yet, all you have to do is come up with a plausible reason why Kara wouldn't push the big red button.

>>3971540
Yeah I pretty much agree with this, just wanna add though-
>>3971506
>Because you've been used this entire time by someone much better at being a demihuman than you are.

Surely even Kara can see that he was basically describing himself in this line, right? As long as Maro is around Raid will never be safe.

>>3971555
>Maro won't actually crush the vial anyways
Kara has the phial, although isn't it kind of weird how Maro has to blackmail Kara into administering it? It's an extra opportunity for his plans to go off track so there must be a reason for it. I bet it's going to try to instagib whoever wakes it up.
>>
>>3971567
Certanty is pretty hard to come by in Valen anon. We're working with what we have and we just don't want Irue's entire faction to get killed off in the space of one vote.
>>
>>3971567
> Afterwards, I think Kara should kill Maro anyways. Show him that even the "cripple" can do what's needed, even if it means going back on a promise.

I mean, why would they continue to piss Kara off after Maro is dead and the plan has failed? What benefit would that be, compared to returning Raid and not having Kara kill them next?

Kara is a fucking beatstick.

I guess she wouldn't be so dumb as to kill Maro right away then. I mean. She is pretty much retarded but dragging Maro to Rue to fix things is reasonable.

Oh. Oh, Maro. Rue has been really upset by all the undermining and betrayal. Shit's not going to go well for you at all.

Anyways. My core argument of how Kara should beat Maro stands. He's gonna talk circles around her, and the longer she listens the more of a disadvantage she's at.

So she should just beat him until he does what she wants.
>>
>>3971577
That's some very optimistic thinking. And a lot of assumptions which I don't think hold up
>>
>>3971587
It's a hell of a lot better than trusting Maro, let alone waking the Behemoth.

The important thing is justifying how Kara could come to the conclusion.

And since Kara knows she can't win with words, she'll have to win with strength instead and drag Maro to Rue who CAN win with words.
>>
>>3971599
But she can't win through strength! If she kills Marro and doesn't wake up behemoth, they will kill Raid. And that equals losing, for Kara.
I can only hope you're right cuz I'm thinking we're in for the Behemoth's wild ride
>>
>>3971600
Irue can find him with the web and either tie it off so she can wake up without destroying it or communicate his location through Rinnier. I'm curious why you're voting to wake the behemoth if you don't that to happen? In situations like this it's best to throw shit at the wall and see what Riz lets stick.
>>
>>3971600
Or she could beat Maro mostly to death, and take him to Rue to find out where Raid is.

Rue can use the web, or even pull out a Shade apparition if necessary. Her soul DOES heal after all.

I keep saying, we should get that old Shade apparition at Dryads old temple under our control. It makes a fantastic investigative tool.

Also we should merge the Dryad core with the Behemoth. Dryad controlled the wild animals after all, and that's what the Behemoth is. Dryad being awake now, we might as well. Then we can chain to it and break it away from Dryad the same as we did with the OG Oakenrue that we took into the Fae woods.

Regardless, waking the behemoth ain't gonna happen.

How do we know Raid is even still alive, or isn't actually working with Maro?
>>
>>3971600
Strength is the only way Kara can win. For Kara, even listening to Maro is a loss because he can talk circles around her.

So beating him up and taking him to Rue is the only way to win. Change the game.
>>
>>3971600
Oh sorry I forgot to address your main point.
>If she kills Marro and doesn't wake up behemoth, they will kill Raid.
No one has any way of knowing that Maro is dead, she'll likely have some time before it's too late especially considering that Kara's travel time to and from anywhere at all is pretty much zero. That's the gamble.

This is all assuming that Maro isn't just talking out of his ass, it's possible that he doesn't have Raid at all. Excepting Marchovic Raid was the last person to leave the woods so it doesn't make sense for him to show up first.
>>
I think we killed him.
>>
>>3972260
...Or chrome froze the tab. Nevermind.
>>
>>3971541
I feel you, I've been trying to kill it for ages but even when we agree on it, we don't get the chance to make the decision IC

>>3971509
>>3971540
Agree with this post and reasoning. Even if Rue is a better demihuman than her and using her, so is Maro now and forever. The difference is that Rue have never threatened her or Raid. They even try to get along with him and trust him to go on missions with her!

Maro cares about his own life more than anything, so what Kara should do is the simple, easy thing. Hurt him and hurt him so Bad that he is completely at her mercy. Break his body, cripple him and haul him off by the throat and force him to take her to Raid and then exchange him for his life.

The pack members care about their own lives more than Maro's too, they would never kill Raid if it means that Kara will go after them for it. If they see that he can no longer control her with words they sure as shit won't take the risk. Kara probably don't realize this completely but even she should suspect it.
>>
>>3971509
>>Wake the behemoth. Save your brother.
Kara is dumb, and this is the exact sort of stupid thing she would do. We're wiping the demihumans for this. This is twice now they've betrayed us. Kara included.
Damnit. We just fixed this fucking town.

>>3971527
Same here. But we never had a solid enough plan besides "get Kara to stab it really hard and hope for the best".
>>
>>3972346
Why are you voting for it if you don't want it to happen? Y'all niggas is confusing.
>>
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Just dug up this gem. We're in for another destruction of Carona boys
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>>3972370
Because acting in character is better than making the optimal choice. Even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts.
>>
>>3972370
There are some theories
>Anons recognize failure and accept their fate
>Anons want to annihilate Carona by any means possible
>>
>>3972346
I am 2000% sure my plan of lethal bloodletting would have worked. While the sedative still works, feed it anti coagulant(optional, but reopening wounds cause pain) and cut a few arteries. Eventually the exsanguination would make the sedative superfluous and it would soon die
>>
>>3972370
They take the offered solution because they think Kara is too dumb to use >?

But really, screw you guys if you let that damn thing out. With one vote you negate three irl years of trying to salvage this piece of shit place and ruin any chance for us to have a stable power base and source of manpower. Not to mention the risk of the entire cast dying
>>
>>3972373
Rue is in the Web at the moment. I wonder how that affects that answer.

Speaking of, anyone got any idea how to deal with the Behemoth without our heavy hitter?

>>3972385
Nothing so dramatic. Riz has made it clear we're stuck with this town despite how nonsensical the succession scheme is, so intentionally wrecking it would just cause more pain for us later.

I just think Kara wouldn't be able to work through a logic chain that allowed her to gamble on her brother. She just doesn't have the brainpower or wisdom.

>>3972395
Possibly. Part of the potential issue with that was that the stress could wake it before it died or was even seriously weakened, similar to starving or poisoning it. Not that it's a bad idea, but that was one of the downsides. I was a fan of just stabbing it, as it seemed to have about the same amount of risk, and either worked or didn't on a much shorter timescale.
>>
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>>3972379
Ah, should have guessed it'd be that. Is accepting Maros blackmail the only thing that's in character? You know that if it's not in kosher for Kara to figure this shit out then Riz will let the decision fizzle in the next post and default to waking it up anyway, right?
>>
>>3972439
This anon is correct, for the official record.

You can vote for any course of action you'd like, as you've always been able to. However, as with any other time of the quest if the suggested course of action isn't sufficiently in character then it will be omitted.

I prefer not to do this, so by all means I encourage people putting forth their idea to discuss and justify why they think Kara would be amenable to it. You may have reasons I don't immediately consider, so the better I understand why you suggest it the the better it will be all around.
>>
I really hate these sort of alt pov loyalty votes. As players, why would we ever vote for someone to betray us? Even when it's a reasonable choice from the character's view?
>>
>>3972410
> I just think Kara wouldn't be able to work through a logic chain that allowed her to gamble on her brother. She just doesn't have the brainpower or wisdom.

But that's just it, Kara isn't using her brain to get through this. She can just use her muscle, and then get Rue to solve the problem of her brother being kidnapped.

She just has to stop listening to Maro, because she knows she's not able to think properly about what to do. The more confused she is the easier to flip out.
>>
Pardon me for perhaps sounding like a nut but I'd think the solution could be, to a smoothbrain like Kara-

Wake up Behemoth
Kill Behemoth
Technically you fulfill promises to both parties

That said, I have no clue how strong this thing actually is. If retard strength can't figure out some way to kill it while it's still groggy, then we'd be fucked.
>>
>>3972455
Is it reasonable from Kara's point of view? Irue is the most important person to her other than her brother. Also she's the only person other than her brother to be that important.

Betraying Rue like this goes against Kara's entire history of trusting loyalty.

Remember what it took for her to turn against Maro in the first place? And Kara feels way more connected to Rue than she ever did to Maro.

Kara's brother is the only leverage Maro can use, but Kara knows at least that Maro lies and breaks his promises. Irue doesn't, to anyone as best she can and really to a ridiculous degree.

Kara isn't clever, but she knows who treated her well and who didn't.

And like I said. Kara herself knows she's not smart enough to handle these situations.
>>
>>3972483
Yeah, except retard strength definitely can't kill it.

That's been made real clear in the past.

Are you seriously voting to wake it up just to force trying to kill it? After we finally knuckled down and lost Asche to find the Teranford kids?

Because if that's your OOC motivation for this, then . . . Man.
>>
>>3972483
>The drug in your hand would rouse the Behemoth, and all you had to do after that was step aside and watch until morning.
I don't think thats the case anon. They thought about this loophole
>>
>>3972486
Yea, it's reasonable. Riz's ruling cuts both ways. It wouldn't be an option if it wasn't reasonable.
>>
>>3972487
I haven't voted for anything, thank you. OOC is thinking about what Kara would do that doesn't result in us having to deal with a behemoth while also not getting her brother squished, because frankly, if Carona gets pulverized into dust, we're right back at square one.

>>3972488
>and all you had to do after that was step aside and watch until morning.
Well shit. Not really much choice then is there.

>>3972486
I concur, and additionally, as her actual crippling disability is being able to empathize, could weigh even a life valuable to her against all the others, and against all the lives that would be lost from Behemoth waking up too.

So,
>>3971509
>Ice Maro, find Brother.
Holding one member of the pack hostage means you don't get to be in it anymore.
>>
>>3972523
Kara is a shounen protag. Dense, especially about social things. Starts out with a tsundere brother and no other family/friends. Super strong. Dumbly good natured. Snaps and goes fucking berserk when pushed too far.

Goddamn. Just thinking about how much impact Irue punching out that Gnome Adept for Kara has had on the story.
>>
Closing the window soon!
>>
So, seeing as it looks like Kara isn't going to wake the Behemoth, does anyone have any ideas for getting rid of the thing besides bloodletting it to death or stabbing it really hard?
>>
>>3973164
Maybe we could just use food to bait it out of the town and into the surrounding area?

See if we can get it into the Fae woods, where Dryad is?

Merge a dryad core into it while it's asleep?
>>
>>3973182
>Maybe we could just use food to bait it out of the town and into the surrounding area?
>See if we can get it into the Fae woods, where Dryad is?
That involves waking it up. And there will be lots of tasty bipedal food nearby already...

>Merge a dryad core into it while it's asleep?
I'd Forgotten about that. It's another option. but it assumes a lot and the fail and success states are almost equally... unpleasant. If it doesn't work it will be even stronger than before. If it succeeds, we will have handed the very emotionally unstable and unhappily imprisoned Dryad a Behemoth.
I am very much against attempting it personally. Still, it's an option.
>>
>>3973197
Nah, Dryad loves us, and Dryad can control animals attitudes towards people, and cores themselves aren't sentient.

We'd end up with a heckin big dryad boi.
>>
>>3971509
Supporting >>3971535 'cause Kara knows how Maro operates. If she submits, Raid will be in danger _forever_.
>>
>>3973197
I mean. I suppose we could try to use the bracelet to get into its dreams.


Ooh. Or hearts in harmony + use the bracelet to force our way into its brain soul. Or we could make it smell the Teranford girls while we sleep beside it. Put a buncha their stuff by his nose or something.
>>
>>3973220
Just remember that the Behemot is a Salamandrian entity IIRC.
>>
>>3973232
>I suppose we could try to use the bracelet to get into its dreams.
Unless we find another misuse of the thing, the bracelet doesn't let us invade dreams.

>hearts in harmony
Requires mutual trust and vulnerability. If we snuck into Dullem's bed without him knowing, Hearts wouldn't trigger either. I wonder if it would work on a pet like a dog or something though...
>>
>>3973238
>If we snuck into Dullem's bed without him knowing, Hearts wouldn't trigger either.
Though it appearently would if we coerced him into bed with us while he was delirious.
>>
>>3973242
>>3973238
That's why we trick him into subconsciously thinking we're a Teranford. Might as well try, we gotta sleep sometime, and it's least likely to wake it.

And we can first try to use the bracelet to make a soul connection like we did with the Oakenrue. We never tried that again.
>>
>>3973242
Drugs are a dirty hack for emotions. Slip some joy juice into its sedatives. Instant chemical love.

What do we have to lose trying.
>>
Alright, window closed! Let me go through these posts and see what's up.
>>
>>3971527
>>3972346
Wakey wakey, eggs and rampagey!

>>3971530
>>3971535
>>3972294
>>3972523
>>3973229
Can you risk Raid's life on the gamble that Irue can help? Will anything change if you don't?

It'd suck if that vote was out of character and we were forced to default to waking the Behemoth, huh?

Yeah, that'd suck.

...

Writing!
>>
>>3973374
Well if it is, and we fucked up, I'll at least take comfort in that we tried.

If the disaster isn't MY fault then I can't take the blame!
>>
Was Rue using you? Maybe. Raid had tried to warn you of that before. Your little brother had always had a sort of fascination for Rue's 'compatibility' with demihumans, and you knew well enough that you weren't a great example of your kind. You wouldn't be surprised if Rue really was better at being you than you were...

I don't understand anything that's going on, 'Rue. Everything is confusing. I don't want t'think about any of it, I just... It's not just that I need to be told, I want to be told.

But so what? Your entire pack could do things you couldn't begin to understand, and of all of them Maro had been the Alpha for as long as you could remember. Everyone was a better demihuman than you were. You were fine with that, you'd accepted it a long time ago. It was enough that they kept you around, and you could stay with your little brother. It was enough when some of them pretended to care and fed you little lies to let you believe you were important to them. You didn't hold any of that against them - Those were the memories and moments you loved the most. Those were the people you wanted to save. They were everything you'd ever had... And a year ago, you earnestly believed they were everything you'd ever have.

'Rue dropped into your life unexpectedly. A curious smelling fluke that tickled nostalgic feelings you couldn't make sense of - A quirk you'd come to discover wasn't unique to you. You didn't have a question in your mind that they were using you, too; You didn't hold that against them, either. You enjoyed the fleeting moments of familiarity, the little gifts you could imagine were done without ulterior motives.

I don't want to try and figure all of this out on my own. Nothing makes sense, and everytime I think I figured somethin' out, it just hurts worse when I'm wrong, and I don't want to keep doin' that.

Maro and 'Rue both used you to their heart's content, and you'd never considered that a bad thing really. Maro had only ever done what was for the best of the pack, and if that meant using you to benefit them then you were happy to be of use. 'Rue... Asked you to do things, too. Most of it was to benefit 'Rue somehow, but it kept your pack in good graces so it was basically the same thing as with Maro.
>>
One night in Carona, 'Rue confronted you; Shouted up at you on an empty street in the dead of night. It was an incredibly unintimidating sight, considering how small and physically puny the little blonde noble was.

Do you even know what trust is? Have you trusted anyone in your life?

The words were sharper than you expected though. More merciless. 'Rue wanted answers, and you were too nervous to give them.

I'm strong enough to take care of myself, what do I need to trust anyone else for?

You blurted your raw feelings out indignantly.

They can't do anything to me, and they can't get anything I can't get myself!

You were beyond touching. Too strong, too tough, too fast. In a straight up fight, you could count the things you'd met that scared you on a single hand. You didn't need to trust anyone, because what could they really do to hurt you? If they lied to you, you would be fine. If they betrayed you, you would be fine. Rather than whether you believed someone, what mattered more was how nice they were.

Then what? You just let anyone boss you around and make decisions without caring why?!

To someone as weak as 'Rue it probably didn't make sense. You were used to being lied to, so it wasn't like trust mattered. If that was what you cared about, you'd never have had any peace - You spent so much of your time trying to care less about those things.

It's easier that way! I don't have to worry about who-

But right now you felt just as weak. Just as helpless. Just as worthless. The only redeeming quality you'd ever had - The single value to be found in you - was your monstrous strength. Strength that was currently completely useless to you, as nothing you wrapped your hands around could tell you what to do.

Who you could trust. Who you can trust?
Who you couldn't. Who you can't?!

You would never forgive Maro for using your brother against you like this. You'd kill him, the moment this was over you would break every bone in his body. You would make it hurt.

...But if Maro was telling the truth, if 'Rue really was responsible for what had happened to your pack- What then? Every effort you'd taken to save them would have been 'Rue's fault in the first place. All the ones you couldn't save were a victim, and the little blonde had never so much as bothered to tell you.

I'll think of everything, and make sure nothing happens.

You panicked when it happened, when your brother collapsed in your arms and your pack crumpled.

Everything will be fine, I promise.

...'Rue promised. They promised everything would be fine, and they were the cause of that monster. They not only asked for your trust, they lied to you and hurt everyone you'd had in your life.
>>
You hated Maro right now, but 'Rue was another problem entirely. 'Rue was the exact reason you tried so hard to shut down and not think about things. That you spent so many years trying not to care if someone was lying or not, because the truth always hurt you in the end. You couldn't be betrayed if you just never trusted anyone in the first place.

Trust me, all right?

Dammit...

I trust you.

You hated Maro, but with 'Rue you only had yourself to blame for giving it a chance. Why wouldn't it have been the same as every other time?

You were so tired of this.
>>
Maro's patience waned as you trembled in place, mind stalling. Indecision drowned you, emotions you could barely deal with at the best of times whirled faster than you could hope to process them - The experience exhausted you more than it could move you, as each feeling only lingered long enough to give you glimpse into its confusing depths before shuffling away.

"Well, cripple? What's it going to be, your brother or the noble?"

"If I do this..." Your words shook, painted in some guttural sentiment. "Raid won't be safe."

"What do I have to gain from killing him anyway?" Maro reasoned affably.

"You'll do it again. Th' next time you need something, you'll use him again." Your lips peeled back into a snarl when it started to sink in how cornered you were. "Because there's nothin' else t'protect you."

"I promise, Kara. Do this and I'll let Raid go, and you can carry him around on your shoulder forever for all I care."

"Liar!" The accusation tore itself from your throat.

"Am I? Ask yourself why I'd need to hold Raid captive. He's part of the pack, cripple, or did you forget? I don't need to hold him hostage, because he won't leave... And as long as he's here, you're here." You felt your tail bristle under Maro's smile. "As long as you're here, you'll keep doing what I tell you to, or I'll remove him from the pack, and then all he'll have is you, and he'll know he's alone because of you."

"Shut up."

"He'll blame you."

"Shut up!"

"And then what? Hope you still have a place as a lapdog with the little noble? Hope it's enough to include Raid? Hope your little brother isn't the next permanent victim in their wake?"

Your ears were ringing, too flushed with the beating of your own heart. You couldn't let him keep talking, everything he said to you left you one step closer to the edge, and something so very fragile inside felt like it was just about to break. You couldn't take this anymore... You were happier when you kept yourself ignorant.

Was there no way out?

>Assert yourself as Alpha - What right does he have to try and speak for the pack now?
>Start fixing your mistakes, starting with Maro's life.
>Take the phial and run, gamble on speed. If you could find Raid fast enough...
>Other? (write-in)
Roll for Mind Break.
The more extreme the action taken in the end, the higher the DC will be.
If Raid dies it is guaranteed.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>3973460
>Take the phial and run, gamble on speed. If you could find Raid fast enough...
>>
>>3973475
Of course when I'm rolling over and not under, this happens.
It's great that we're doing best of three h-haha. right?
>>
I'm fucking terrified of rolling

Especially so since I've tried to make Irue talk to Kara about all this for years and now it's all down to a roll of the dice. Shit. I'll post when I get home
>>
Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3973460
>Assert yourself as Alpha - What right does he have to try and speak for the pack now?

>>3973478
I sure hope so.
>>
>>3973577
Man. If Kara flips and fucking wakes the Behemoth because she's actually dumb enough to believe Maro over Rue, when Rue was the only thing keeping the townsfolk from killing all the Pack, let alone just letting them kill themselves, it's gonna be some serious "fuck this shit" time.

Fuck leaving any goddamn demihuman alive. We'll start a motherfucking crusade blaming them for all the shit.
>>
So. If Carona gets wrecked, anyone down for heading to grab that Shade apparition and binding it into something similar to our first and second dryad staff/tree/abominations?

Eventually end up with an army of Aspirations to rule the land with an iron fist?
>>
Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>3973460
>>Start fixing your mistakes, starting with Maro's life.
>>
>>3973648
Might as well hop on this train.

Was asserting ourself going to be beating him until he accepted us as Alpha?
>>
>>3973374
Posting this before reading the update: I have been physically afraid to read it for five hours. But it has to be done.
>>
>>3973455
>Nothing makes sense, and everytime I think I figured somethin' out, it just hurts worse when I'm wrong
That's me playing Valen.

>>3973460
>Raid won't blame Kara because he doesn't NEED the pack like she does. None of the pack needs it in that sense. All they need is accomplices and safety in numbers. Kara already has an alternative to that for her and Raid. Maro knows that and he is lying right now.
>Start fixing your mistakes, starting with Maro's life.
>>
>>3973460
Remember the punch, Kara! Remember when Rue was willing to take on the whole Church for you!

Remember that Rue gave you the Alpha position instead of taking it herself. Maro said she was a better demihuman than you, she could have just ruled them outright. It's been done by others.

Remember that she protected them from the people of Carona. Everyone else wanted to get revenge for their part working with the mayor.

Didn't Rue do what she did to protect HER pack? Wasn't she willing to let the Pack join her afterwards, become her pack too through Kara?

Maro is trying to steal the pack back, otherwise he wouldn't have had to threaten Raid. The fact that he took Raid hostage means that Raid chose Rue! Trust Raid's choice! Trust in your brother, and in your friend!

Rue never held Raid hostage. She even trusted him, which Kara herself knows deep down is a bad idea, because Rue trusted Kara.
>>
>>3973460
>Assert yourself as Alpha - What right does he have to try and speak for the pack now?

It's not fair to say the pack is living rough, when everyone does. The whole town is destroyed, of course it's bad for everyone. 'Rue promised to make things better, that everything will be fine. She promised that to everyone in Carona, too. She is working on that promise every day and no one ever said it would be quick.

'Rue has been nice to Raid. The reason Maro was able to kidnap him because they were on a mission together. She wouldn't do that if she was going to abandon him. She doesn't trust Maro and the others, that is why they have to work where humans can keep an eye on them.

>Break him into pieces until he gives up. If you kill him he can't tell you where Raid is. Let 'Rue deal with him later, she'll know what to do.
>>
Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>3973460
>>Take the phial and run, gamble on speed. If you could find Raid fast enough...
no good options, but can't think of any better ones.

>...But if Maro was telling the truth, if 'Rue really was responsible for what had happened to your pack- What then? Every effort you'd taken to save them would have been 'Rue's fault in the first place. All the ones you couldn't save were a victim, and the little blonde had never so much as bothered to tell you.
Your trust is misplaced. Rue's going to have to deal with this sooner or later. The idea has taken root, and won't let her go until it's answered.
>>
>>3974565
I mean, if Rue could do it once, why wouldn't she do it again? And, the Pack WAS gonna kill Rue.

Why make Kara the alpha, against her wishes, when *Rue* could have just taken over the pack. Even Maro thinks she's more like a Demihuman.

And, why aren't they scared of Rue doing it again if Kara betrays her?

As far as I remember, we only did what we could for them because of Kara.
>>
>>3973577
We gonna see Rue experience mind break if Kara betrays her.

Rue, without Carona to tie her down? With Carona refugees to care for? Knowing that this other town has been fucking with her?

Bandit Sorceress Queen, here we come.

Worst case scenario, we can take everyone to the Fae woods and get Dryad to care for them. See who fucking dares to chase us back there. Ride forth with our abomination Oakenrues, summon a giant fucking Shade Apparition or like I said, go grab that apparition that's almost an Aspiration, and bring madness and regret to that other town I can't remember the name of. The one to the SW.
>>
>>3974714
It also occurs to me that the world is doomed anyways, as Rue is the end of the Valen line that could pacify Dryad when she started to wake.

And now that Dryad IS awake, Rue dying pretty much means the world is shit outta luck.

So why the *fuck* aren't the Mana helping us out at all. Or at least telling their Adepts to.
>>
>>3974707
>do it again
it appears the gifts of shade were permanent, if the pack's actions after were any indication.
>kill
Oh, rue was completely justified in giving them an attack of the feels. It could even be considered a mercy or sorts. We didn't call up something more lethal, after all.
>alpha
iirc, Kara was made alpha for the reason Maro stated: it make the pack easier to control
>>3974714
>mind break
if the town gets wrecked again, maybe. If she wants to maintain any 'official' authority, though, she's got to play by aunt's rules for some nonsensical reason. But if she's willing to abandon her responsibilities I doubt she'd stoop to banditry. She does have that Foundation though...
>>3974764
>doom
Rue is only the head of house. There are plenty of branch members that could take her place as babysitter if the need arose (presumably, though we don't know how that responsibility is passed).
>divine intervention
Because the Mana are not aware of their sibling's aggravation. In fact, we have taken deliberate steps ever since discovering the circumstances around Dryad's current state to avoid letting the other Mana know we know about Dryad. Even if they were aware, they wouldn't help us. We are harboring someone Infected with a memetic virus. The same virus they feared so much the locked one of their own up and threw away the key. We are at very best, to them, neutral. And at worst, we're as bad as what we're fighting against.
>>
>>3974818
>she's got to play by aunt's rules for some nonsensical reason.
And she has chained us to this miserable pile of rubble.
forgot a chunk in the logic.
>>
>>3974818
You're assuming a lot about the branch members being able to replace her. Dryad already brought Rue back to life rather than allow that.

Aunt placed her in Carona to preotect her, since Artemis and the Royals are both doing murky political shit Rue is bad at. Carona is the training wheel town, and since people keep refusing to get help from our Aunt she has no idea how *fucked* things are, like with the Behemoth.

Rue going bandit to feed and care for the Carona survivors of a Behemoth crises, saying "fuck it" after finding out authority < power, seems reasonable.

After all, she's already started down the path of transcending her humanity. Why keep relying on the system that's so clearly not working to the point Carona got destroyed because she couldn't trust anyone, not even her family, to help her with the Behemoth.

Asche isn't around any more to keep Rue from transforming further, pushing her soul beyond its limits to get revenge and to force people to listen to her since apparently giving them what they want doesn't work.

Establish a power base as a Summoner Queen, then use that to claim the Valen name no matter what her Aunt thinks, and then start wrecking the Royalties shit until we reach Artemis and we can wreck their shit too.

Keep Rinnier in charge of logistics, put Ari in charge of our fighters, and make sure that Maro knows the world isn't big enough to run from us.
>>
>>3974871
>branch assumptions
Yes. I stated as much. Rue also just came of age. It's way too early to be messing with political marriage nonsense.
Dryad is attached to our line. We are a prominent part of the line, but only one dot along it. If we slipped away without calling to it, Dryad might not even know we'd moved on. We aren't the first teddy bear to 'abandon' it.
>Aunt
Safe? In a bombed out city, in the middle of nowhere, trying to coral disparate factions and rebuild with no resources? We have asked her, and all we got was 'lol no, fix it yourself'.
>bandit
aint no way we're feed an entire city of folk from raiding caravans, especially as the only ones nearby would be headed our way anyway.
rue is more likely to cut and run than try that anyway.
>Behemoth
That wasn't a trust issue. that was an indecisiveness issue. We kept kicking that can down the road, hoping the bomb under our feet would defuse itself on its own.
>Asche
even if she was here, she would just give us disappointed glances if we did that.
>summoner queen
That's a terrible idea. I don't mind using the bracelet for summoning when expedient/needed, but using it willy-nilly will end up with our soul flayed in short order. Plus, the summons are not controllable, only at best directable, and grow in power over time. That means they make for poor long term servants.
>reclaim the name
Now that I can get behind. Aunt is a pretender to the title, whatever her reasons for refusing to step down. This will likely cause as many issues as it solves, but I'm ok with that. It would be nice to be able to finally be able to see another town. One that we didn't hate.
>division of labor
Ari is not a fighter, nor a commander of troops. She directs AspRue. Give someone with actual combat or command experience that roll.
>>
>>3974871
>Establish a power base as a Summoner Queen
You know what this will do? Bring all the power of the Shrine down on our asses, that's what. Clear and blatant misuse of Mana powers = a hundred paladins guided by a Luna AWACS.
>>
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>>3975027
Fight us inna woods you night-flying fucks.
>>
I'll be closing the window soon-ish! Let me see if I can comment on some stuff in the meantime.

>>3973233
>Behemoth is a Salamandrian entity
It hails from Teranford which was a strongly Salamander aspected land, but the Behemoth itself a beast associated with Wisp more than anything else due to its outrageous physical vitality, strength, and regeneration. The Behemoth is little more than an engine of destruction; It rarely tires, it tramples whole towns underfoot, and there are records of outright brawls with them lasting for days.

>>3973478
>we're doing best of three h-haha.
...Next question!

>>3973656
>Was asserting ourself going to be beating him until he accepted us as Alpha?
Asserting herself as Alpha is rejecting that Maro has a platform to negotiate from at all, much less speak for the pack or what it will or won't do. Kara would decide to excommunicate him, essentially. It's also her placing the needs of the pack above all else and taking the responsibility of her role, so...

A lot of you are voting for her to start fixing her mistakes starting with Maro's life, which implies he's about to get completely destroyed. It's also worth noting however that the vote implies Maro is the start of what she considers her mistakes, and you can probably guess what some of the others might be right now.

>>3974714
>Bandit Sorceress Queen
Dropping Valen to run this quest now, sorry guys.
>>
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>>3975080
>...Next question!
>>
>>3975080
>...Next question!
>>
So odds on her imminent rampage involving waking the behemoth in addition to wrecking house herself?


Speaking of, anyone got any ideas on how to deal with a rampaging Kara without, well, Kara?
She eats Oakenbears for breakfast, AspenRue has no chance. Web spikes take time to setup and are highly localized. The bracelet Apparitions take time to be threatening, and even if it got to that point they would do more damage to the city than she would. Again.
Could we use the diary to turn ourselves into her? Favor and skills don't transfer, but physical attributes do. Even better, I suspect she's always relied on her brute strength to win the day, and so doesn't have much in the way of technique.
On the downside, a lot of people will see two Karas duking it out. Not great for keeping the diary's existence a secret.
>>
Alright, window closed! Let's see what we've got!
>>
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>>3975187
I think we already know what we've got coming to us.
>>
>>3973475
>>3974565
Take it and run! Run!

>>3973620
>>3974103
Who the fuck do you think you are?

>>3973648
>>3973728
Pushed her too far.

I don't think I missed one, which is unfortunate. I may have to roll for this.
>>
>>3975225
there's some ambiguity here. not sure if vote change.
>>3973620
>>3973656

>>3974103
this votes for 'Alpha' but implies a beatdown as well.

Otherwise yeah, it's 2-all.
>>
>>3975225
Well then. I sure hope the way I break it doesn't piss everybody off.
...
>>3973460
>Start fixing your mistakes, starting with Maro's life.
Totally not because of high roll. Though this probably has the highest DC of them all.
>>
>>3975231
Called for murder! And it does, and probably will.
>>
>>3975235
I mean, all Rue has to do is get Kara to ask the people of Carona what they wanted to do with the Demi-Humans. If Kara wants to prioritize doing what's best for the pack, well, that's also what Irue wanted her to do.

So long as Kara doesn't betray Irue, I think she's willing to risk destroying the world for her testaments. In fact, we can bring Kara in on the whole Dryad thing, and what it means that we kept Ari, and tell Kara we're willing to do that for her too.

Can't give more of a show of trust than the chance to destroy us.

Oh, and apologize for not being honest about our role in what happened to her pack. But I mean. They were gonna kill us, and a bunch of other people too, and we did do our best to fix them afterwards even though they still betrayed us.
>>
>>3974871
Jeez this "bandit queen" notion better be a shitpost cause it's terrible.
Can you start formatting your posts properly?
>>
>>3975235
>in b4 Irue is one of the mistakes that needs fixing
>>
>>3975259
No, and no.

Gonna become Robin Rue and her merry band of Abominations.
>>
>>3975267
That's actually stupid, anon. Don't tell me you're the same guy who decided we have to murder our aunt last thread
>>
"Good. You took so long I was starting to doubt whether you cared."

A crack of shattered glass echoed in the underground chamber. Shards in your hand ground against each other, chewing and shredding your hand apart. Blood stung in the cut; Brittle fragments drawing thick streams to pool in your curled fingers. "...This is my fault."

You couldn't hear yourself think beyond your thundering heart. It beat to rip free, leaving you trembling. You couldn't hear yourself anymore, and so there was nothing left to hold your body back.

"What do you think you're doing, cripple?"

You couldn't hear yourself anymore. You couldn't feel yourself anymore. The deluge of feelings that paralyzed you swirled too fast to recognize. Too fast to matter. Your legs were numb, and each shambling step was a trial to lift your leaden limbs. When finally your fist was forced open, all which followed was the wet slopping strings of bloodied glass splattering to the floor past shaking fingertips.

"Fixing my mistakes."

His movements were deft, an unfailing sense of danger that served him well. Maro's body knew when he'd pushed you too far before he did, and every muscle in it evaded your clumsy grasp. He shouted something, but you weren't listening. You'd listened enough. Words were weapons you couldn't win against. Beautiful little things that hurt you in ways you couldn't just shrug off, eating at you for days, weeks, and months afterwards.

All you'd ever wanted was something beautiful to say, but no matter how you kept searching you'd never been able. Locked somewhere up in your broken mind, leaving you defenseless as you made due living in lies. Constantly guessing, trying to ignore how scared it left you.

You fought for them. You bled for them. You worked alone, followed his orders, because it was easier not to think. He knew what you were capable of; He'd made good use of your unthinking hands for years. Maro knew how you hunted, he knew the ways to confuse and mislead you. The way his body should have moved one way, only to go another and leave you grasping air. He knew your overcommitment, and the way you would lunge for your prey.

He knew when to jump. That the narrow walls of this tunnel passage would do nothing to slow the claws which gouged at his back. Of everyone you'd ever met, Maro knew you best. Knew everything about you. The affection you kept searching for, the way you hated trying to search for double meanings in the promises made to you. He knew you as a child, he'd seen you grow, he'd been the one to take in to the pack and raise you. To see potential.

When his arm was captured he didn't hesitate to rip it off. It was a small price to pay to keep going, and he knew that. That there was no time to stumble, and whether he survived its loss wouldn't matter if he stayed behind.
>>
Maro knew it all, and you both knew he couldn't escape. That every effort he made was wasted. Ever greater sacrifices made to buy him smaller splinters of time and inches of ground.

His body knew he'd pushed you too far before he did, his instincts screamed to survive and escape, but he knew better. The moment your claws closed around his neck had been inevitable. You both made mistakes. You were fixing yours... Maro would never have the chance.

All you really wanted was something beautiful to say. To express everything you felt at that moment, his flesh parted like water beneath your fingers. When it was too late to go back, and you'd made your resignation, and the scab of your memories with him felt like it was being ripped from your sternum and left behind as you moved forward.

Every desperate attempt to grab what remained washing the demihuman further away in a tide of thick red mucus that swallowed the tunnel. His body melted under your touch, denying your clumsy, malformed attempts to cradle him. It slipped through your arms, time and time again with each scrambled grope - Contorting, moist wet cracks of splintered bone muffled under meat.

You hated him, you screamed, and maybe they were apologies. Maybe you begged for forgiveness, despite what he'd done.

But in the end, you were alone in this pool of featureless flesh, strewn and twisted. Your throat howled raw, reverberating through your trembling body. You clawed forward - Free from the red tide Maro disappeared within - And stumbled from your knees.

Leaving Maro alive... Was a mistake.

But he wasn't the only mistake you had left to fix.

Raid... Raid...

>Swap 2/3
>You are Rinnier!
>You are Ari!
>You are Dullem!
You can no longer be Kara.
>>
>>3975287
>You are Ari!
>>
>>3975287
>>You are Rinnier!

Need to know what our boy Marcus is up to
>>
>>3975287
>You are Ari!

Ari will save the day!
>>
>>3975335
>>3975287
Actually this makes more sense.
>>
>>3975287
>>You are Dullem!
He doesn't get enough attention.

in case a tiebreaker is needed, I can swap to Rinnier.
>>
...Well it could have gone worse.
>>3975287
>You are Rinnier!
>>
>>3975774
Yeah but for the sake of discussion: Is a local disaster better or worse than teaching Superman that solving your personal issues with murder is good?

Secondly, can Irue really convince Kara not to kill her when her responsibility for what happened can only be argued on a technicality when anything that isn't yes or no gives Kara a headache?
>>
>>3975859
Yeah, since we can get Raid to vouch for Irue not wanting the Demi-Humans dead. Hopefully.
>>
>>3975865
Yeah, until Kara's migraine tells her that's just Irue manipulating her together with Raid!
>>
>>3975859
Also if Kara asks us, we can just be honest with her. We didn't mean to do it, but it happened because of us. We tried to save those we could after, and to find a spot for them in Carona, even at the cost of our own shaky authority.

If she's willing to trust us, one more time, we can do Hearts in Harmony and she can experience our memory of what happened directly and make her decision afterwards.

Personally, I would choose to trust Kara to sleep beside us, even when she's pissed at us. Gotta give trust to get trust.
>>
>>3975859
Frankly, I'm just glad her first action was to shatter the vial. Dealing with Kara is going to suck massively, but dealing with both of them might have been impossible.

You're not wrong though. Even if we could somehow talk her down after going into a rage due to 'too many words', the demihuman pack needs to be wiped. Which she won't take well. They are a constant source of trouble despite our best efforts, and now they shifting into open rebellion. I don't think sparing her brother is viable either, as he's as bad as the rest of them and will be a source of trouble down the road.

Anyone got any ideas for dealing with her other than the diary?
>>
>>3975869
Raid is pretty much the only thing she gives a shit about. So I feel it would work out.
>>
>>3975870
>>3975869
Kara also chose to not wake the Behemoth. So there's that.
>>
>>3975871
I believe that Maro was the main problem. He's gone and likely the main/only contact to Artemis, and we're wiping those fuckfaces out tonight. If the rest of the pack don't realize that they need to fuck off or follow us they're far dumber than they're given credit for.

There are probably some that have the presence of mind and self preservation instinct to actually throw in with us... assuming we succeed with this operation. The rest of them need to go, preferably death but exile works if that's what Kara needs.

Either way, if Kara comes up to Irue and is assertive as pack leader and actually has made a decision for once we should just say yes and accept that. She is pack leader, she is our testament and both are positions of authority given to her by Irue and not something we should or can argue.
>>
>>3975881
I mean. Her being more assertive as Alpha is what we wanted for her.
>>
>>3975881
>Maro
he was likely the main point of contact, but that doesn't mean much. If the demihumans weren't disgruntled and smelled a better opportunity they wouldn't be willing to jump ship.
>Artemis wipe
No such luck, according to Dullem's perspective. They got the warning out, and most of them will be going to ground and coming back later. This root-pulling op is only going to end up with a few trimmed leaves.
>pack future
that's the problem, isn't it? Demihumans have no loyalties. If we let them hang around, what's to stop them turning on us again later?
>assertive leader makes decisions for once
Ehh. The pack serves her, but she serves us or at least with us. And her subordinates participated in a rebellion against us under her nose. Technically she should bear much of the responsibility of their actions, but that feels like a little much in this case. Instead, she should listen to what we tell her to do with them as punishment, whatever that decision is. If she can prove she can lead them (not just as a puppet), then she can start making decisions about their future.
This assumes she and/or the pacl survive the night and subsequent fallout, of course.
>>
>>3975919
She can listen to our suggestions, but it should be her choice.
>>
>>3976061
I'm more of the opinion she shouldn't get a voice here, as they betrayed Rue while under Kara's responsibility. But we'll have to see how things develop. Honestly I don't think there should be a pack in town anymore after this, but the situation is a little volatile at the moment so we'll have to see how it all shakes out.
>>
>>3975919
>>3976061
You guys are being very optimistic. She's going to find Irue and try to fucking kill her mark my words.
>>
>>3976079
Yeah, I'm talking ideal hypotheticals with the 'future of the pack' stuff. If she starts wreck us or any of our group (knights, testaments, trees, etc.) she's getting put down. She's too powerful to attempt a non-lethal takedown. If a non-lethal happens anyway, we're cross that bridge then.
>>
>>3975287
>>You are Ari!
>>
I am trying to learn how to bake sausage cheeseballs tonight! They're basically little biscuit balls with spicy sausage and cheese ground up and mixed into the biscuit dough when it's baked. You can add other stuff to it, but I'm not sure how I'll approach that yet...

Anyway, window closes soon-ish? I hope everyone's satisfied with their choices.
>>
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>>3975287
swapping
>>3975613
to
>Rinnier
as Dullem clearly isn't winning this one.

>>3976567
>I hope everyone's satisfied with their choices.
...You're using that tone of voice again. The one that says the doom that's approaching is of your own making, so take what cold comfort you can in your choices.
>>
>>3976567
The trick, you see, is to scream into the pillow while it's lying on your bed. Otherwise the scream goes right through.
>>
At what point would you say "Shit can't be fixed anymore, might as well drop out", anons?
>>
>>3976725
If the town gets flattened again. We didn't want to be here in the first place, and if after all the pain we're gone through it gets wrecked again, I don't know if we have the resources to even attempt to rebuild again.
>>
>>3976725
>>3976736
Leave? No, no. BANDIT QUEEEEEN bitches.

Adventure around and collect the strongest aspirations and return for vengeance.
>>
>>3976761
Vengeance at whom? Ourselves?
>>
>>3975302
>>3975431
>>3976084
Ari!

>>3975335
>>3975774
>>3976619
Rinnier!

Well. I need a tie break!
>>
>>3976079
>>3976619
We just sent Kara down the Shaderue route. Mark my fucking words it'll be the same thing, the same scenario. We didn't learn the first fucking time and by morning we're gonna be down a testament for good.
>>
>>3976827
Oh right, tiebreaker.

Let's see what Rinnier's up to! Surely it will be a productive and joy-filled romp.
>>
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>>3976845
Called for Rinnier!

You guys are pretty confident in Ari doing her best out there! This tells me something incredible has slipped your minds. Still not used to keeping up with timelines?
>>
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>>3976848
Can we lower the difficulty setting please?
>>
>>3976857
I can start keeping track of multiple ongoing events for you guys, if you'd like! I try to keep notes on that stuff anyway. Although the memo feature was originally to help you guys remember things, so this might be coddling too much...
>>
>>3976860
It's amazing that you still haven't given up on expecting us to Git Gud.
>>
>>3976848
I'm confident in Ari being an amoral,vicious psychopath who is controlling a god damned demon. I bet she can survive against the Paladin if that asshole comes back and won't have much trouble bodying the others.

We'll all find reason to regret it choices in this thread anyway. I mean, why wouldn't we?
>>
Dancing through these ruined streets with this metal shaft in hand was a familiar thrill. The land was new, the night wind much milder, but the weight and movements were old friends, and keen to catch up. You'd spent so long cooped up in buildings lately that you'd almost forgotten the feel of sweat on your skin, the burning ache of your calves straining as you balanced back on the balls of your feet while dashing and weaving. Under any other circumstance it would have been refreshing, but it took everything you had just to keep this stalemate going.

I still can't find Kara...

The street before you opened into a cavernous maw, eluded only by a last second leap as you grunted something miserable under your breath.

"Irue I really need you to focus right now!"

Ari's left the perimeter as well, and there's some kind of riot happening in the main square. What's happening-

Whatever drivel the noble was worrying over this time was lost as your landing approached - And erupted into field of grasping earthen skewers as if they'd predicted you'd dodge exactly as you did. Your shoulders screamed as the metal polearm was driven into the ground as a make-shift vault to carry you desperately over and past onto safer ground.

-I keep feeling like I'm forgetting something too-

You ducked under a brick thrown from a nearby house, chin tucked to roll head first and spring back to your feet; Momentum enough preserved to carry yourself across the closing gap and thrust the metallic length in your hands clean through your target's chest-

"Front, stop her!"

-And catch a wall of earth instead, for the tenth or twentieth time that night. Your fingers numbered briefly as the impact vibrated back to you, a result you'd already expected and one you ignored in favor of throwing yourself to the left before the self-same shield what stopped you predictably exploded into another wave of shrapnel.

"Right!"

More wasted efforts, more earthen walls, and you'd been in melee for too long now. One final attack was feinted to try and create distance again before the mercenary Gnome adept rallied his bearings and properly counter attacked.

"Feinting! She's trying to run!"

An inward facing enclosure of rock teeth bloomed to greet your retreat almost immediately, and if it weren't for 'A Spider's Web' providing you an omniscient awareness of your surroundings, they'd have been your end. As it was, they were just another tally among the almost ends you'd racked up tonight. Several off balance hops and skips kept you elusive under the onslaught, only barely tapping off the aggressive earthen forms with your staff in order to keep yourself from tripping until you had your center of weight back under control. Not an easy feat, especially since someone didn't like you using Relics to help that.
>>
Why did you retreat?

"Because it was dangerous."

It's going to stay dangerous if we don't take one of them out.

"That's why I need you to focus!" You snapped back under your breath. "I'm outnumbered as it is, and both of them are adepts. It's a miracle I'm still alive."

Really? You're making it look really easy.

"It's not!!" You leaped over an upturned slab, landing on it briefly before bouncing again just as it erupted into a ball of cement brambles. "Listen, Irue, I know you're worried about the others, but-" The build up of Gnome mana in that bramble bush was your only warning that it, too, would explode into shrapnel in a moment. You clenched your teeth and threw yourself to the ground just as the tell-tale crack heralded the air filling with perforating shards. "-If you do not start worrying about me-" The earth was fixing to open beneath you already.

Even in the dark of night, Krell's predictive instructions allowed his Gnome adept bodyguard to keep pace with you. The lack of light was probably the only thing keeping you alive in all this. The web unexpectedly gave you precious, if minimal, forewarning of what to expect from the Gnome adept's efforts, but from there it was purely reliant on physical ability, quick reactions and snap judgements as to whether or not you'd be able to do anything about it.

Are you okay?

"Can you do anything to help?" You panted, wiping sweat from your eyes - A luxury you could only afford as it wasn't your eyes you were relying on in the first place.

I can make the web tangible, but then they can start tearing it... And I can't restrain either of them very well, their mana density makes them slippery.

You got the feeling Irue was holding something back as they spoke, but there wasn't time to think on it overlong. Losing space in the web would be deadly for you right now, and if you couldn't outright restrain them due to being adepts that narrowed your options. "Fine, just bind what I weave."

Alri- What? Why are-

"Now, Irue!"

You felt the web tighten as you swerved, slipping through the growths of several unfortunately placed spires in time to meet the Gnome adept's own armored limb reaching out to close the distance between you once again - A close range specialist, and a terrible match for you.

"Directly in fron- Sweeping!"

...Who was handicapped trying to rely on call outs before he could react, and so just slightly slower than he should have been. It didn't prevent your staff from slamming into his debris-formed armor trying to sweep his leg, but the distraction did give you time to slip past his reach and drive the heel of your palm into his nose. Feeling cartilage crunch as your arm was splattered in blood was one of very few little victories you'd managed to snag for yourself.

Why am I binding you?

"Helps me move."
>>
You pushed off the mercenary, dancing back as another rose of grinding spikes shot up around him; An action which shielded him, but left another, more valuable target open. Krell already predicted as much though, and his call for aid bore fruits in time to spare him the brunt of your offenses.

The stalemate continued, each breath bringing another gasp of air burning to your lungs. No time to retreat, and even if you wanted to try and regroup you doubted they'd let you leave. It was just as much in their best interest to kill you here as it was yours to end this game of cat-and-mouse tonight... And as much as you hated it, the odds weren't in your favor.

Irue's knights couldn't help in the dark like this, and even if it was brighter you'd only be sending them to their deaths against this bodyguard. You were reluctant to call what you had the upperhand, as you'd managed to score some blows on the two of them so far with little more than some scrapes and grazes to show for it... But the fact of the matter was that they were playing a game of attrition. Every opportunity you capitalized on wore them down, but your stamina wasn't endless - And it would only take one mistake, one movement too slow, for it all to be for nothing.

At least you had Irue supporting you. This web couldn't effect them directly, but for once the lack of Salamander's favor was working for you... And as far as you could tell, 'A Spider's Web' was something Krell actually had no idea about. That gave you something you could use, but you had to make it count - You didn't doubt the Artemis agent would start accounting for it somehow after it was brandished against him.

Luna Adepts were such bullshit. It wouldn't even have mattered if his bodyguard hadn't joined the chase and turned it into a brawl, but you couldn't focus on Krell without giving the Gnome bodyguard full leave to attack - And you couldn't dispatch the bodyguard without Krell calling out your movements; You'd been forced to alternate between them and saving your own skin for what felt like an hour already.

"Alright... I have a plan."

>?
>>
>>3976928
First, a question to Irue's Mana knowledge: is Krell reading Rinnier's intentions, or predicting her actions? Can he predict something truly random?
>>
>>3976956
He's predicting her actions. Mim talked to you about this in more depth actually, but all Luna adepts have the capacity to run "simulations" which let them play out and piece together things based on what they know. You've encountered it in the form of Mim trying to divine answers to things she has no reason to know, but it's just as applicable applied in real-time to predict the future and then make judgement calls based on which course of actions seem most likely.

So definitively speaking, Krell can likely predict anything you do. He's doing this anyway - However he's only calling out the actions he's expecting you to take based on what seems most plausible to him as a Luna adept.

Rinnier has only just barely managed to brute force through this by taking advantage of the time lag between his predictions, his communications, and his bodyguard's reactions.
>>
>>3976928
Alright if this sounds stupid somebody point it out.

Unfortunately it's not as simple as letting Irue drag Rinnier around since Krell's not actually reading her mind. He just knows.
Also unfortunately the adepts' mana density means Irue can't wrap web around Krell's jaw and shut his fucking mouth so he can't yell warnings either. So to disrupt the gnomeboy's advantage without a mile long drop instantly manifesting beneath him, and since Krell can't warn him besides with his voice, my solution is...

To start screeching like a fucking autist so that the adept can't hear Krell's predictions.

Yes it's retarded. But is it retarded enough to work is the question.
>>
>>3976974
Irue is currently occupied with lifting far too heavy of a weight to do anything like wrap up Krell anyway.
>>
I've class to prepare for and more sausage cheeseballs to make, so I will have to withdraw for now. I'll try and weigh in as soon as I can tomorrow on any questions you guys throw my way!
>>
>>3976978
Irue proceeds to let Rinnier's fat tits flop back out from being bound so they smack the gnome adept in the face. A potential so idiotic that even a Luna adept assumes it's too stupid to actually happen.
>>
Okay, brainstorming time!
I'll just throw out any ideas I can think about:

Break the bodyguard's Mana affinity
-Mana purge him somehow?
-Break the communication between him and Gnome?

Prevent Krell from predicting
-Mana purge him somehow?
-Break the communication between him and Luna?
-Give him too many plausible options to choose between?
-Force him to predict something else?
--About something/someone he cares about a lot?

Prevent Krell from communicating his predictions
-Use the web as a physical gag/earplugs/both?
-Act upon the air's sound-conductive properties?
-Imitate Krell's voice to confuse matters?
-Create a loud sound to jam the communications?
-Accost Krell with dust/smoke/whatever to make it hard to talk?

Help Rinnier to overpower the bodyguard
-Make her faster?
-Make her stronger?
-Make her tougher?
-Give her options that Krell won't consider plausible?
-Give her options that are too complex to communicate quickly?

Separate Krell and the bodyguard?

Attack Krell while the bodyguard is distracted
-Using allies?
-Using environment?

Deprive the bodyguard of Gnome-manipulable matter somehow?

Bring the bodyguard to our side
-Promise him more money than Krell?
-Promise him a rank in the city's government?
-Convince him Krell will betray him?

Bring Krell to our side, as unlikely as it seems?
>>
>>3976991
There's 'reaching second base' and there's 'your entire perceptual existence has been shoved into her tits as a bra'.
>>
>>3976994
>Imitate Krell's voice to confuse matters?
Could we somehow find a way to use the Diary of Reflections in this scenario?
>>
>>3976974
Rinnier probably is breathing as hard as she can right now, she might not be able to produce a screech loud and lengthy enough.

What alternative ways of producing sound do we have? Hitting Rinnier's weapon on something? Causing a cave-in?
>>
>>3976985
What are the limits of the Web's physical ability?
Can we construct a trumpet out of it?
A drum?
A vocal tract?
Can we bring down a wall?
>>
>>3976848
Aw shit. She doesn't have the abomination any more?

Or is it referring to her Yandere love plus dryad powers?
>>
>>3976928
> Start talking to Kell and the gnome adept about Dryad.

> Be sure to tell them that Luna has been killing everyone who knows about it.

Get fucked.
>>
>>3976928
Is it correct to assume that Rinnier does not have the Diary on her person?

>>3976994
If only Hearts in Harmony meant that Rinnier could grab either of them and teleport him into the sky.

Maybe we should just yell at Irue and make her tell us what she's hiding and then we weaponize the web against them in a coup de grace. Marcus' predictions is the only thing keeping him alive and he can't predict such an outlandish and lethal weapon. Cut the merc into ribbons and take Marcus limbs
>>
>>3977163
>>3976928

Wait, is razor web back on the table? Because if so that's my vote.
>>
>>3976860
I think what we need is a list of goals, in order of priority.

Like. Short term goals, long term goals, and plans for working towards both.

That would keep things from getting sidelined, like the Teranford sisters, for too long.
>>
>>3977217
Whole lotta good that will do when almost every time we've had a long term goal, like /talk to Kara/, people vote to do something else and then we're time skipped to the next disaster.
>>
>>3977229
That's why I said having a list would help because we could check it off against that.
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>>3977147
Anon, Krell is a member of Artemis.
He already knows.
>>
>>3977208
I assumed not, because that should have been the first thing to try. If both of them have been idiots and not considered it yet, we absolutely should. We don't even need the full field. Just make a single spike under the Artemis guy and skewer him. The gnome guy should either quit when his paycheck bleeds out, or Rinnier should be able to deal with him without his assist.


By the way, the Artimeis guy actually having Favored powers is a very bad sign. Remember why all of Dryad's followers were killed off?
>>
>Use the Web to hoist ourselves into the air and attack krell from above
The idea is to kill him with an attack he will dismiss as improbable before he understands what's going on. Hopefully we can use the same strategy on the gnome Adept afterwards since it's something he's not well equipped to counter.
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>>3977004
>Can we construct a trumpet out of it?
No.
>A drum?
Probably not, no.
>A vocal tract?
No.
>Can we bring down a wall?
It's possible with some preparation!

The raw tactile strength of the web will vary from person to person and is based primarily on their mental strength. The web is, after all, ultimately the person inside of it. I would say Irue's isn't a push over in that department, but you may disagree. You've cracked a handful of times, but never yet broken.

>>3977138
>Aw shit. She doesn't have the abomination any more?
The oakenrue Aspiration is out there cooperating loyally!

>>3977163
>Is it correct to assume that Rinnier does not have the Diary on her person?
Yes.

>>3977208
It is not. As far as Irue can tell the razor properties were a result of Irue's Shade affinity at the time. And they were! Sorta. As mentioned, the web is ultimately the person inside it. An affinity for mana will alter the Web's properties. Not all Shade affinities will result in razor webs, but Irue was specifically influenced by Regret at the time, which corresponds to the Revenant embodiment of Shade - Which, you may remember, features razor edges and laceration prominently in its toolset.

>>3977217
>List of goals, in order of priority, with plans to accomplish them.
This seems like an extension of the memo function, and it's not really that difficult for me to maintain it. I don't mind keeping track of the list and adding it to the OP, but it will still be your responsibility to decide amongst yourselves how to prioritize your goals on the list and what plans you want up there to be reminded of.

I'll try and put together a little template for that. Offhand I'm considering 4 long term items max, divided into Primary (highest), Secondary, and then two Tertiary (equal priority, less pressing plans). For short term there'd probably only be one reminder for whatever you're doing currently.

If you have a preference in how this is handled, feel free to suggest changes. It's for your benefit so I'd like it to do what you need, but I also don't want to coddle you guys too much. This thread is probably going to hurt, though.
>>
Speaking of Luna adepts I wonder if Mim's thinking about how this is going, if two Luna adepts try and out predict each other would the moon explode?
>>
>>3977524
No it won't, We've had 3 months to resign ourselves to more suffering! Do you really think that you can break us that easily!

haha...


So, we're working with a web. Irue may or may not be strong enough that it will be useful. Our two enemies' mana density makes them slippery... so what do we do? Overwhelm them, like, spin them into cocoons?

If the razor web was aspected by Shade, then shouldn't it now be aspected by Dryad. Perhaps it can be used to overdose them with its love and disrupt the connection to their Mana? Like faedka syringes?
>>
>>3977540
I don't believe Riz is gonna give us an uber ability like remote Mana disconnect.

>>3977524
>It's possible with some preparation!
What exactly amount of preparation?
>>
>>3977524
>Rue_gets_a_facelift.jpg

>It is not. As far as Irue can tell the razor properties were a result of Irue's Shade affinity at the time. And they were! Sorta.
Well, that sucks. If Rue doesn't know about any other properties of the web we can use, there aren't any. IIRC, the abilities given include knowledge of how to use them, which is how we were aware of the spikes in the first place.

>goal lists
I'm ambivalent on it. It would be nice to have, but getting us to agree on what we need to do and how urgent it is seems... ambitious. And without agreement it'll get ignored by anons that don't agree and we'll be right back where we started.


>>3977540
>then shouldn't it now be aspected by Dryad
Na, Rue's not a Dryad adept. That's what Ari is working towards.
>>
So uh..... do we plan a got maybe have?
I think Riz hinted that the key is to have Irue use the web in some way. But what exactly could we do?
>>
usually we've got some vauge idea as to the flavor of doom we've caused, but I have absolutely no idea what Riz is suggesting. Does anyone else know?

We're already aware of the Kara issue, and that can be blamed on the dice as much as anything. Rue's shade scar isn't bad enough to cause an issue yet. What other disasters are brewing?
>>
>>3977524
Bricks and stone seem to be Gnome's domain. Is it possible that if a wall would fall on the bodyguard, Gnome would protect him?
>>
>>3977597
Ari. Or maybe Rinnier becoming a pancake due to our inability to come up with a plan
>>
>>3977597
>that can be blamed on the dice as much as anything
Nah, in this quest if we have to roll we've already failed. The roll is a last chance.
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>>3976994
>-Mana purge him somehow?
Our only mechanism for doing that is Faedka, and more than that, actually getting it into somebody's system, and the gnome adept has thus far avoided being hit, besides in the nose. If it were an arm or leg it would have been a weakened side to focus on, but alas.

>Help Rinnier to overpower the bodyguard
>-Make her faster?
The web can freely act upon Rinnier, and the adept has apparently only been able to react just in time, as vocal communication has its delay and all. A slight speed boost from using a portion of web as a slingshot or whatever might be enough to beat that, but it's a matter of fractions of a second.

>Bring the bodyguard to our side
>-Promise him more money than Krell?
>-Promise him a rank in the city's government?
Krell knows we're broke, and a position in a ruined town isn't all that valuable, especially when he could just pop back over to East Heaven or Ephlesia to spend his cash and favors instead of La'Fiel, where Artemis is trying to provoke a civil war.

>Help Rinnier to overpower the bodyguard
>-Make her faster?
>Make her stronger?
>Make her tougher?
This is a bit of a long shot and I'm unsure if this is how it works, but Hearts in Harmony allows those sharing it to share "privileges." So if Irue were to utilize the Diary to transform into somebody (since even if Rinnier had it she doesn't have time to use it), theoretically, she could transform Rinnier too..? I'm not thinking of turning Rinnier into Krell because, frankly, any human that isn't an imbecile can tell if a voice is coming from in front or behind. However, if we turn her into the Paladin, or Dullem, suddenly that's a whole lot more beef that has to be dealt with. And a lot less udder. Additionally, getting a new body is a stamina recharge as the old one is temporarily dispensed with.

>-Break the communication between him and Luna?
Another long shot, since we're not entirely sure how the Walkie Talkie Jinn Artifact works, but going back and looking, I'm under the impression that a person can't actually refuse to listen to it if they're being talked to. Unless you need another one to listen to it, but it seemed to me it was more a thing that cast your voice to a person instead of needing a connection between two identical things. So that's an avenue of putting voices in somebody's head, at least.
>>
>>3977664

>>3977587
>So uh..... do we plan a got maybe have?
I certainly don't. Nothing that would be decisive instead of a small advantage, or that is a definite. Rinnier doesn't know what Irue's hiding, so she can't demand to succumb to shade and get access to the slap chop web again. My best bet is counting on HiH working how I want it to work instead of how it might actually work in regards to "sharing privileges," even if it means continuing an inefficient tactic of a war of attrition.

So the question would be if we want to bring Krell in alive or not, because my idea to get rid of his influence and also use the web in a decisive way is this-
Rinnier chucks her polearm into the air.
Irue snags it with the web and homes it right into Krell.
Alternatively, depending on the amount of force the web can exert, the polearm goes into the gnome adept's back, not that the angle really matters since he can't see right now anyways.
>>
>>3977668
This of course depends on if Irue can actually exert enough force to throw the spear around. If they can't...well, then that's not our route,
>>
>>3977664
What if we weave armor around Rinnier's body? It's magical spider silk, this is the shit that makes superheroes envious.

And yeah we might be able to weave strands that she can use to slingshot herself
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>>3977664
We don't have the Diary with us.
>>
>>3977668
The Homing Halberd Guidance System. Is this possible Riz?
>>
>>3977664
Do you think we could forcefully link the Web to the Luna adept? Irue's abilities all seem soul related, including the ones gained from the Atelier, so maybe we could give the Luna adept false info somehow?
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>>3977668
If Rue can exert ANY force, we can poke them in the eyes. Go inside their lungs and coat them so they can't breathe. Burst their eardrums.
>>
>>3977664
>but Hearts in Harmony allows those sharing it to share "privileges." So if Irue were to utilize the Diary to transform into somebody (since even if Rinnier had it she doesn't have time to use it), theoretically, she could transform Rinnier too..?
The ability to transform is granted by the diary, an item. I'm reasonably confident it's powers don't transfer. Plus, using the diary takes time. Marks for thinking outside the box though.

>>3977668
>so she can't demand to succumb to shade
Even if she was aware of the shawdowrue thing and it's modification of the web, it wouldn't work. we've tried to succumb to Shade before; it was blocked by presumably Dryad.

>>3977668
>So the question would be if we want to bring Krell in alive or not
non-lethal is more difficult than lethal, and we're having enough trouble on all fronts as it is.
>Irue snags it with the web and homes it right into Krell.
Any sort of interaction with the physical world by the web has needed time to set up. More importantly, that would leave Rinnier completely defenseless for a short window.

>>3977704
Don't think so. I believe that's what Rue was to alluding to with them being 'slippery'
>>
>>3977681
>What if we weave armor around Rinnier's body? It's magical spider silk, this is the shit that makes superheroes envious.
Irue seemed concerned about it being able to be torn, and it's also flexible, which means a point rock would still hurt a lot. That would be less about turning a fatal wound into something less and more the capability to use the armor in an offensive purpose- ie, being able to limit the opponent's options to deal with an attack that is now unable to be turned.

Here doesn't seem to be the best testing ground for armor durability anyways, ideally the proof mark comes from the smith, not the pistol of your enemy. We COULD risk having Rinnier get impaled like Irue likes to do for the chance at getting a good shot in, but I get the feeling Rinnier wants to wait until marriage for that.

>>3977688
>We don't have the Diary with us.
Irue doesn't have the diary? Then where the hell is it? I looked back and I didn't find anything about Irue not having it with them or at least nearby at this moment.

>>3977704
>>3977707
Irue stated that the mana density of the adepts functions as a sort of repellent to the web, making them "slippery." We get one shot to have the web be a surprise, so that seems like an unlikely place to get results from the one roll we get.
>>
>>3977716
>I looked back and I didn't find anything about Irue not having it with them or at least nearby at this moment.
Look here: >>3977524
>>
>>3977716
Okay, what about this: weave a rope between the spear and Rinnier's wrist so that she can throw it like a harpoon.

An experienced fighter knows that you never drop your weapon, and this is more than a close fight. Neither opponent will expect it... I assume that Marcus has seen and discarded the possibility all throughout the battle.

I think that we should at least set up trip wires, regardless of what other plan we come up with.

>>3977725
That question was about Rinnier, not Irue
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>>3977728
Irue is a web right now.
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>>3977730
As far as I know, using the web doesn't actually keep you from using your body. If Irue's mouth can move while a web, there's not much reason the rest of the body can't as well.
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>>3977742
Irue's body is not here or it would be immediately attacked.
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>>3977745
I think you missed a trick somewhere. anon is suggesting rue using the diary while continuing to use the web. That sounds like a terrible idea to me, but that's what's being suggested.
>>
>>3977751
What would it achieve though? If Irue uses the Diary, Irue transforms, not Rinnier.
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>>3977755
He's hoping that through Hearts in Harmony it will allow Rinnier to make use of the diary's powers, or it'll let her copy some aspect the transformation gave Rue.

I don't think that will work, as the diary is an item, not a given power.
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>>3977745
>Irue's body is not here or it would be immediately attacked.
Yes, I'm acutely aware of that. That was sort of the point.

Though, as noted, the Diary is a relic, not a Privilege. So I missed a portion of the rules. My bad.

If everything goes to shit we can dip Rinnier out with Jinn Calls, at least.

>>3977728
That's a fine utility and all, but it still is something that can be adapted to once Krell knows it can be done. Ideally, it's one and done in one shot and the polearm doesn't even have to be returned because the fight's already over.
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>>3977759
Yeah but I'm convinced that we only get one shot at this, we're not getting two or three scenes with more input like in a combat heavy quest. If I've learned one thing from this it is that unless we front-load suggestions we miss the opportunity forever
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>>3977716
> Irue stated that the mana density of the adepts functions as a sort of repellent to the web, making them "slippery."

So, coat the ground in it? You would think Rue could use the bracelet to synch with the adepts mana, no?
>>
>>3977539
>Will the moon explode?
The one more favored will conclude their simulations faster and with more accuracy, potentially bleeding over into "I calculated your calculations and altered my calculations to account for your calculation" territory. It's actually very rare for most Luna adepts to get into outright confrontations with each other because of this! There's a lot of simulating conflict probabilities and then acting according to their outcome with the actual scuffle being skipped.

>>3977617
>Is it possible that if a wall would fall on the bodyguard, Gnome would protect him?
He is as susceptible as anyone else to being crushed if he doesn't react to it. Recall that a large point of the Shrine is teaching communication with your Mana so that their rampant affections don't accidentally kill you or the people around you! Rinnier also alluded to this earlier: One of the first things she ever learned was to hold a cloak of flames around her without being burned.

That said it is understandably a poor idea to try and kill a Gnome adept by avalanche.

>>3977664
>if Irue were to utilize the Diary to transform into somebody (since even if Rinnier had it she doesn't have time to use it), theoretically, she could transform Rinnier too..?
As noted by another anon, transformation is a result of the Relic and not a shareable privilege granted by HiH. Rinnier would need the Diary physically on her person to use, and it still takes time. Irue DOES have the Diary currently, but Irue's body (and the Diary) is currently comatose somewhere safe while Irue acts as the Web.

>>3977668
>>3977670
>>3977698
>>3977728
>Homing Halberd
>Wrist strap polearm
Both of these are plausible! Fine control of the polearm is a bit out of your capability right now simply due to no experience, but ripping it around at injuring speeds is absolutely doable. You can also have it caught and suspended in the air for later, if you'd like.

It does take a little set up time, but all web utilization will. It is factored into the scenario, so don't expect Rinnier to realize belatedly she's defenseless or anything.

>>3977716
>Irue seemed concerned about it being able to be torn
Last time Irue was in a web and it got destroyed they were rendered unconscious until Asche terminated Dopplerue and dragged you back to your body. Physical damage to the web in small amounts aren't a concern, but large scale damage has sensory and mental backlash - Because everything you are IS the web.

>>3977762
> we're not getting two or three scenes with more input like in a combat heavy quest.
This depends on what your plan is! If something has a definitive and overwhelmingly one-sided outcome, then it will resolve quickly will annotating the interim (See: Kara vs Maro. Nothing he could have done would save him, there was no way to survive or even fight back). However if there's more push-and-pull to consider then the scene stretches on (See: Irue vs Carona's guards early in the quest).
>>
>>3977759
>we can dip Rinnier out with Jinn Calls, at least.
...That is an option. She's already tried to cut and run once. Maybe it would be best if she jumped out before taking a serious enough wound to make the fall dangerous.
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>>3977768
>You would think Rue could use the bracelet to synch with the adepts mana, no?
No. That's not how the bracelet works. It allows communication with the Mana themselves, or allows you to tear off a bit of your soul and use it to create an Apparition.

>>3977772
>Wrist strap polearm
That seems like it would have issues of web tearing, as the polearm and rinnier are not directly part of the web.
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>>3977786
It could be cut potentially, but the web isn't inherently fragile unless the person inside it is. For instance, other proposed ideas like using the web to slingshot Rinnier or suspend her somehow are also entirely doable!

Though if you guys doubt Irue's mental strength this much then maybe I'm wrong and the web IS fragile...
>>
Irue's web should have healed to be more resilient and flexible after it was torn the first time anyways.
:^)
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>>3977772
>Physical damage to the web in small amounts aren't a concern, but large scale damage

The web is currently stretching across the whole town, correct? Would the scale of this scuffle count as "large scale damage"? Can it be counteracted by expanding the web? Before, after or during?

>>3977793
I don't doubt the web's strength. Irue is too fucking stubborn to quit. Look at all the absolutely insane stuff she's done and been victim to and she's still fighting mountains. If she was weak mentally we would have cut and run a long time ago.

-

So what is the plan, then. Have Jinn Calls ready to pull her to safety if Rinnier is wounded. Tripwires, Wrist strap, prepare to use the web to remote control the weapon.

Be honest, how the fuck is Marcus going to predict Irue when she's controlling a polearm like an UAV? It's going to be hilariously unpredictable since she is physically, magically unable to wield weapons. Will that voodoo affect her control with the web? What can possibly go wrong?
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>>3977793
>spoiler
To be fair, combat use of the web has been clearly indicated as a bust in the past on more than one occasion. We're not familiar with what's possible or even reasonable.
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>>3977772
Okay, then I'll vote like this:

>Using the Web, bring a wall or ceiling down on Krell, coinciding with an Rinnier's attack on his bodyguard.
Even if he isn't taken out outright, it should distract him enough to give Rinnier an advantage.
It should be a wall that Rinnier herself can't ever bring down though, so that Krell doesn't predict it.
>If this plan doen't work, create loud noise by bringing down other walls and assorted junk to drown out Krell's instructions.
Krell will predict it, but maybe he won't be able to counteract it.
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>>3977820
>If this plan doen't work, create loud noise by bringing down other walls and assorted junk to drown out Krell's instructions.

That gives me an idea. The gnome is throwing bricks and making his walls explode into shrapnel, if homing halberd and harpoon are plausible then we really should be able to start throwing the loose rocks and shrapnel back at them.
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>>3977793
Define "mental strength".

Hyperfocusing is a sign of breaking as much as anything else. We could see a new more ruthless Rue.
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>>3977793
What if Rue meditated on Jinn to infuse the web with that, would that let her make like a wind web to catch stuff and throw it at the Luna adept?
>>
>>3977826
each piece would need a fair bit of 'windup' time, but sounds possible.

but I agree with that anon that mentioned our best bet is to use the web for a single decisive strike.


>>3976928
>?
I'll tentatively back the 'redirected thrown staff' plan. I hope rue can put enough power into the redirect to make it potent enough.
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>>3977819
>combat use of the web has been clearly indicated as a bust in the past on more than one occasion.
Alone it's a niche tool with better application for intelligence and recon. With a partner, it has more direct conflict applications. You're often reluctant to be in a circumstance which allows for partnering, so it has typically been useless to you just due to trying to solo a two-person load. You absolutely aren't used to it in a two person capacity because of that reluctance.

>>3977826
>we really should be able to start throwing the loose rocks and shrapnel back at them.
This is also possible, yes!

>>3977833
Irue does not currently have access to the bracelet. It, and the Diary of Reflections, are safely on Irue's actual body which is currently unoccupied while Irue is performing the role of the Web.

You can withdraw from the web and return to your body at any time! In the current situation however, you would probably regret that.
>>
>>3977839
>>3977847
Can we gather a bunch of dust and throw it in the gnome adepts eyes? A moment of blindness should allow Rinner to stab him good.

Too bad we can't use it to focus light and burn people.
>>
This is an aside as well, just so everyone is on the same page:

Due to Rinnier's Salamander stigma, there are no lights in the area. It is pitch black, which is why the Gnome adept is relying on Krell's simulations and call outs to fight. Krell can't actually see anything either, he's just running simulations based on his other senses and what he knows about Rinnier.

Rinnier can "see" perfectly due to Irue acting as the web, and this includes giving her forewarning when mana density accumulates. That's given her forewarning that something is about to occur, but not what.

The important thing to take away from this is that your opponents are effectively blind, so your plans should be made with this in consideration. Blinding them, for instance, is kind of moot since they can't see in the first place.
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>>3977855
I mean.
He's already blind. It's pitch black at night.
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>>3977861
>>3977862
Ahh.

Can we dig a hole to trip him then?
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>>3977863
>Digging a hole
>With the web
...I have to ask for further explanation from you on how you think this will work.
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>>3977862
Yeah sure, but when was the last time you got gravel and sand in your eyes? You don't just ignore that.

Pocket sand is a legit tactic but probably something that Rinnier should simply do rather than spend time and effort with the web.
>>
I'm inclined to support the harpoon idea. Any better options?
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>>3977876
Sure, but it's not really a game changer- especially if the gnome adept, say, has his eyes closed anyways. And attacking him with his own element seems like its extended effect would be limited. Though it wouldn't hurt I guess, and it doesn't take any effort at all to kick up dust.

>>3977878
I'll support harpooning, and if it's easy enough to do, flinging random detritus isn't bad either. If shit it being chucked from everywhere while Rinnier is also attacking, Krell would need to talk like the Micro Machines man to convey all that's happening.
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>>3977866
Okay, push a bunch of loose gravel and dirt under his feet?

Block off his ears with dirt so he can't hear the Luna adept?
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>>3977892
Why would you guys suggest this...... come one have some sense
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>>3977892
If we try too many little things Irue is just gonna lose concentration, and we're still working with a 'web' with properties we don't understand. It's not telekinesis. We should definitely aim anything we throw at the gnome's ears/head, and marcus mouth
>>
>>3977981
I wonder if liquids are nearby. If so we could hold a ball of liquid around their head.

>>3977965
You've never done a brainstorming before, eh? Looking for different ways to mess with his footing in a blind fight.
>>
>>3977981
We don't have to try them all now

Harpoon seems like a good plan, especially if we can make it change its path during flight.
>>
Alright! I'll be closing the window in a bit to try and parse all of these messages. Now's the time for last minute ideas!
>>
Chop off Rinnier's hair and have the web weave it into binding implements.

No.
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>>3978491
Completely encapsulate the adepts to cut their connection with Mana
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>>3978024
>>3977878
Guys, Krell can predict anything that doesn't involve web.
This means he can predict throwing the halberd. He can't predict it being pulled back with the web, but if we miss the first throw he will predict the web the next time.
How can the web help us to hit with the first throw?
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>>3978560
>he's just running simulations based on his other senses and what he knows about Rinnier.
>and what he knows about Rinnier.
Being aware 'something strange' is going on is not enough knowledge to build a simulation that accounts for it. The more it's used the more info he'll have though, which is why we're hoping for a decisive strike.


>>3978491
Not so much an idea as a note. If we go for the 'staff redirect', Rinnier will not only be without the staff after throwing it, it's not going to boomerang back. She'll need to follow up and grab it if it hits, or more importantly misses. If it misses it will end up far away from her, with a combatant between her and it.
Also, if things go pear shaped, she can hit her emergency recall.
>>
>>3978569
> 'A Spider's Web' was something Krell actually had no idea about. That gave you something you could use, but you had to make it count - You didn't doubt the Artemis agent would start accounting for it somehow after it was brandished against him.
I'd say Riz is giving us a hint here. A hint that we only have one chance with the web.
>>
>>3978577
I read that not as the web is useless after the first move, more that it's usefulness would sharply decline with each use. All the more reason to hope for the one shot kill.


If it doesn't do the trick, though, what else we got?
>>
>>3978592
I think Krell can already account for everything else.
>>
Anyway, I think bringing down a wall in more reliable, because it doesn't require precision.
>>
>>3978602
it's not a bad pick, but it is highly localized and comparatively slow.
>>
>>3978604
It's not like throwing the halberd, missing then using the web to redirect it is particularly fast though.
>>
>>3978602
I think bringing the wall down, on a gnome adept, is a bad idea.

>>3978619
Honestly not stoked about Rinnier throwing her weapon. What if it doesn't work?

Too bad we can't just make it faster or hit harder.
>>
>>3978706
>I think bringing the wall down, on a gnome adept, is a bad idea.
That's why we bring the wall down on Krell.
>>
>>3978712
Now that I can get over.
>>
>>3978592
Well we could try this

>>3977483
>>
8 full hours after I said I was doing this, I have now actually done something! Let's see what we've got...

>>3976974
Monkey screeching!

>>3976991
Valen changes genre into a fanservice comedy!

>>3977147
Bring up Dryad to the Artemis agent!(...?)

>>3977483
>>3978871
Death from above!

>>3977617
>>3977820
Collapsing a wall! On to the bodyguard? Krell?

>>3977664
Slingshotting Rinnier. Why aim for finesse when raw, overwhelming speed can do the trick?

>>3977668
>>3977839
Guiding the polearm to your target! The bodyguard? Krell?

>>3977681
full body skin tight web suit....?

>>3977728
>>3977818
>>3977878
>>3977890
wrist-strapped harpooning!

>>3977775
>>3977818
Flee!

I probably missed a couple here or there. Also I'm not entirely sure whether the votes are attributed correctly between wrist-strap harpooning and guided polearm silliness, but they are similar enough in concept and your interest that it probably doesn't matter. Making a side note that if things start to go too badly she should abandon the operation and save her own life with Jinn Calls.

A few of your ideas mesh well together without being too intricate or complicated, but I probably won't get an update out tonight as I need to think over how to handle this. Going to call the vote here though!
>>
>>3978922
....I read "wrist-strap harpooning" as "wrist straponing" altogether too many times.
>>
>>3978922
Collapsing wall on Krell.
>>
>>3978922
>Guiding the polearm to your target! The bodyguard? Krell?
If pressed to choose rather than "whichever one is more open" I'd say Krell.
>>
>>3978922
>Guiding the polearm to your target! The bodyguard? Krell?

I'm of a similar mind as this anon
>>3979251
but the key will be who we can catch off guard. Krell can react much quicker, so if he's the target he needs to be distracted or unable to move or something.
>>
You took every brief break gratefully, savoring the opportunity to catch your breath through the fight. Clashes came hard and fast, and more often than not your only choice was to push the offensive in whatever hole you could manage. Trying to break for space would only give them room to redouble their efforts, and you were frustratingly well aware that this battle of endurance was one only you were engaging in. Compared to the raw effort and acrobatics required to evade the Gnome bodyguard's onslaught, he wasn't even winded... And Krell had, for most intents and purposes, been catching his breath since this fight started.

Maybe this was what you deserved for listening to Krell talk after you'd caught him. You knew nothing good would come of it, but you'd be lying if you said you hadn't hesitated. The large majority of your nation's exodus were led northwestern through the volcanic region by your older brothers, and with La'Fiel's borders closed it was little wonder where they ended up... Having a member of Artemis willing to cooperate with you would have made learning how their pilgrimage went childsplay.

Despite yourself, for a moment you had seriously considered it. Even now you weren't sure turning him down was the best option. If what Irue learned was true, Artemis had been the ones to orchestrate most of the unrest around the continent; They would have been the ones directly responsible for the fall of your nation in the first place. The fact that they are now one of the most potent hands to take if you were searching for a way to help what remained was a bitter irony that wasn't lost on you.

Still... You were long past the point of letting your pride contest your goals. A position better suited for someone of your skills and aptitude, beyond a failing town and a naive noble, with readily open channels to Ephlesia and Artemis' full backing in gathering and securing the fragments of your people who had drifted into La'Fiel over the border. The offer had been tempting. Tempting enough that you lingered on your reply long enough for anxiety to start leaking across the queer link with Irue you'd acquired.

It really didn't matter what the maid thought, Irue was the high maintenance one if they were still worried you would just accept whatever offer came along and change sides that easily... But this link was two way. You imagine no small amount of hesitation and desire had spurred those feelings on, so you couldn't place the blame entirely on the fretful scion.

Whatever the case, you made your decision. And if you had made it sooner, or better yet not listened in the first place, you wouldn't be in this situation.

You weren't going to dwell on it though; More important things to do.
>>
"She's getting tired, she'll make a mistake soon." Krell's voice was annoyingly clear over the destruction in the street. Even if you wanted to retort, you couldn't spare the breath on it if you wanted to keep moving - And staying on the move was the only thing buying you time right now. "Retreating left, keep up the pressure!"

He was right though, but probably not for the reasons he thought he was. You were getting tired, and the odds of you making a mistake were rising significantly with your attention split trying to weave preparations around the combat zone. It was dangerous not to give your full focus to your surroundings when the ground and buildings around you may as well have been your enemies as well, but your older brother had always warned that whoever was on top would be doing most of the work.

Fortunately for you, the Gnome adept's assault had given you plenty of material to work with... Not the least of which was the mounting destabilization of Carona's already skeletal buildings. The scaffolding Dullem and his subordinates had worked tirelessly these past months to construct were an easy thing to find; Places of tidied up rubble still in the process of being cleaned, some of which had served for most of the night as ammunition against you - And the frequency with which the Gnome adept carelessly manipulated those things left the otherwise stable structures worse for wear.

A problem for Dullem, but an opportunity for you-

I found a place we might be able to topple?

-One you tasked Irue to find while you finished weaving a connection to your staff.

I don't think dropping this on them will work. The Gnome adept will probably stop the worst of it.

"That's fine, trust-" You slid to a halt as the ground around you opened into gaping chasms, likely no deeper than you were tall, only to slam back together and send you stumbling for better footing as you gasped. The small island of safety you'd so barely stayed within to avoid having your leg snapped between two earthen jaw, grinding stone against stone until it fractured with a jolt you felt reverberate through to your bones.

You didn't so much as leap but tumble desperately from its prior safety as jumbled pieces of the street spired into the air, finding yourself beset immediately by a rising tongue of assorted rubble primed to meet your descent before you could land.

I've got you!

You weren't ready yet, the web wasn't woven properly. You could still salvage this - leverage yourself just enough to take the brunt of the blow without being trapped... It would hurt, but if you took Irue's help now you risked losing a full surprise.

You....
>>
You thrust the metal polearm into the oncoming tongue, every muscle in your shoulders and arms burning as it fails to so much as slow the encroaching wall of earth. It bought you a single precious second to remain airborne, saving you from being swept under and buried... And long enough for your feet to find the lone thread suspended through the air as you were carried back. You fell back on it, entrusting yourself entirely to its tension before your legs unwound and sent you springing off the mid-air vantage as avalanching street roared past beneath you.

Irue probably would have taken it to the face to preserve the surprise, but that was dumb, and you weren't in the habit of getting impaled to make an opening. You needed to buy more time to finish weaving threads around the scaffolding, and if you've gone this far you may as well go for broke!

Shifting rubble crunches underfoot when you hit the ground, debris clinging to your hair after having tumbled your momentum off and surged to your feet with polearm in hand and brandished airward. You had a brief moment of freedom in their confusion, and no better opportunity to pick a target and let it fly!

"Take it!" You loosed a snarl, slinging the polearm from your hand as your body twisted from ankle to hip to send it soaring. No sooner had it left your hand did the thread woven around its opposite end snap it from the air towards its intended target more like an iron ballista bolt than a staff.

>You aimed for the bodyguard. With enough force it could pierce his rock armor and land the first major injury on him all night! He wouldn't see it coming.
>You aimed for Krell. If it lands it'd almost certainly put him down, but you can't be sure he wouldn't react in time somehow.
>You aimed for the base of the scaffolding to try and reduce how much weaving you need to pull it down. It might buy you an extra couple seconds of confusion as well, but no immediate advantage.
>>
>>3980557
>You aimed for Krell. If it lands it'd almost certainly put him down, but you can't be sure he wouldn't react in time somehow.
>>
Well, surprise ballista bolts are quite fast. I'd he really going to be able to dodge? Asshole

Will it actually piece that guy's armour? What if we only give him a bruise?

If we go for the scaffolding Marcus ought to figure that we're going to use the environment

>>3980556
>You aimed for Krell. If it lands it'd almost certainly put him down, but you can't be sure he wouldn't react in time somehow.
>>
>>3980557
>You aimed for Krell. If it lands it'd almost certainly put him down, but you can't be sure he wouldn't react in time somehow.
Even if he dodges hopefully it'd be hard for him to simulate the threats to himself in addition to the threats to the bodyguard.
>>
>>3980557
>You aimed for Krell. If it lands it'd almost certainly put him down, but you can't be sure he wouldn't react in time somehow.

I mean, the first attack has the best chance of succeeding
>>
>>3980557
> Irue probably would have taken it to the face to preserve the surprise, but that was dumb, and you weren't in the habit of getting impaled to make an opening.

I feel like this is offensive in how correct it is.
>>
>>3980557
>>You aimed for Krell. If it lands it'd almost certainly put him down, but you can't be sure he wouldn't react in time somehow.
It's already in motion. Precognition won't help here.

>Irue probably would have taken it to the face to preserve the surprise, but that was dumb, and you weren't in the habit of getting impaled to make an opening.
Rue is also an incompetent fighter. She has to make those sort of crazy moves to have a sliver of a chance in a fight.
>>
>>3981341
If only we had like, a bunch of needles we could do this with. All we need is the pointy bit after all.
>>
closing window soon! Though the answer looks really obvious, obligatory last second warning!
>>
>>3982108
Be ready to steer the Halberd if Kell tries to dodge?
>>
Alright window belatedly closed! Not going to bother tallying this one. Writing!
>>
inb4 he will luna bullshit himself out of this
I feel an unexplainable dread
>>
>>3982303
Nah. We speedy stabby. He ded.
>>
>>3982307
b-but muh celestial luna
>>
Real quick,we have to ask Krell these;
How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?
Why do kids love the taste of cinnamon toast crunch?
and finally
Is your refrigerator running?
>>
>>3982318
Ask him what can change the nature of a man.
>>
>>3982435
I also forgot the classic, "Do these clothes make me look fat?"
>>
>>3982445
>Krell! Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?
>>
Krell's predictions were already in motion as you took aim, the Artemis agent preternaturally coming to the conclusion that you would be going after him in the wake of the earthen wave - A realization which meant precisely nothing as he had barely begun his evasive maneuvers and tried to warn his bodyguard before the brashly ripped polearm found its way home.

It was oddly satisfying to see him raise his arms to fend you off, as it provided a short lived juxtaposition of a blind man preparing to fist fight an approaching javelin.

...And much to your consternation, he did just that. Far past what should have been reasonable, his intuition corrected itself as he desperately attempted to strike through your polearm's trajectory, twisting his shoulders to one side in tandem with a wild and sweeping forearm motion. It was almost awe inspiring to see him successfully sense the timing of his movement and crack his arm against the hollow metal staff, redirecting its momentum even when his fate was sealed.

His arm broke on impact, sacrificed to dislodge an almost certain fatal wound in favor of taking the blunted polearm just under - and in no small part through - his left collarbone. A brutal and wince-inducing snap muffled by the wet tearing of flesh from bone as the rod spun out of control on impact and pried muscle and skin alike awry before clattering free. Krell himself was in no stance to take such a blow, rocking back in a half-spiral when the rest of his body was forced to follow suit and send him crashing face first into the street behind him.

It was completely unfair, and you would have been stunned responseless if you hadn't already girded yourself for something like this when you'd thrown it. Of course that happened, why wouldn't it. You used the time to angrily continue weaving your initial plans into place to the consolation of Krell's agonized groans in the background.

His bodyguard however was in no such pain and made to move immediately towards his charge's voice. "Marcus!"

"Nnngh..!" Krell fought through the pain, gnashing his teeth as tried to speak without it devolving under the stress. "No, not me- Stop her! We can't let her go!" The bodyguard slowed, hesitation written clean across his body even through the web. "She's running, stop her!"

"You're hur-"

"I can be replaced!" Krell's voice cracked under the strain, "The Lamandran can't! Kill her!"

They really hate you.

"No..." You felt a chill run through you. Krell and his bodyguard weren't part of Artemis as an occupation, there was fervent belief in their purpose. He wasn't trying to kill you out of spite, he was just determined to rip the throat out of the resistance Artemis had experienced in Carona on his way out.

This wasn't hate, this was much worse.

This was martyrdom.
>>
For the first time since this fight started, you seriously reconsidered your escape option. You remembered the single minded obsession that madmen possessed of meaning greater than themselves could wreak, you'd looked those men and women in the eye more times than you cared to remember in the last days of Teranford's civil war.

Salamander's Throne acknowledges only one heir!

Surrender, retreat... They were never options. The only acceptable failure condition for these two had been to drag you down with them. The riot gathering in the city square, the recruitment of people inside Carona itself - Artemis hadn't seeded this town just to incite rebellion, they had done everything in their power since arrival to nurture a powder keg beneath your noses, armed and ready to ignite.

It's up to us to preserve our Crown's purity! The separatists would tear this nation down to see the foreigners given your land! Your food, and your wine!

Your jaw tightened.

Hey? Are you alright?

Help me save our country.

You had no way of knowing how deep their ideology had rooted in the people, if you took half measures then months from now they'd sprout again. Rebellion would escalate, acts of violence made grander and more indiscriminate as their backs were pushed further against a wall, until the line between allies and enemies blurred and they were willing to sacrifice their own family and friends.

Forget your blood! Look around you and think for yourself - Where do you stand? Are you one of us? Do you love this nation!?

Your eyes wrenched shut, doing nothing to block out the world around you. You couldn't go down that road, not here, not now.

Move!

Fear jolted through your veins at long last, a foreign substance dripping into your psyche that took you a second to identify as not being your own. It sent you jerking to the side as recollection of the activity in the web caught up with you all at once, barely avoiding the ripple of earth which upended the street from one end of the way to the other. Broken cobble chunks litered the loosened ground leaving you uneasy over keeping your footing when the time came to save yourself again.

However, it was the trembling earth and coalescing mana on all sides which sent danger signals down your spine. The ground was erupting; Heavy, malformed sheets of stone which were liable to have not seen sunlight for centuries breaching the surface to transform your battleground to a ruined cage.

Krell's bodyguard stood over him, armored and ready even as the world around you snapped and deformed at his will. The mana accumulation wasn't ceasing, and Krell wasn't dead yet... Crippled, but a Wisp adept could still fix him. You had no idea if he could hold out until finding one.

Either way, this cage was shrinking. You weren't being given a choice but to get closer and fight on the bodyguard's terms now.
>>
Your weave was complete, but if you brought it down now you'd probably be caught in the rubble... Assuming the Gnome adept allowed it to fall in the first place. It might be just enough of a threat to force his attention elsewhere - An opportunity, maybe?

Even if you managed that, his armor made traditional melee infeasible. If you still had Salamander's favor you could have just cooked him inside his own shell, but your options were limited. If you withdrew now you still rank the risk of them getting away at worst, and regrouping regardless... But staying here much longer would make avoiding the bodyguard's assaults almost impossible; Especially with the two of them between you and your discarded polearm.

The earth roared, heralding a deadly conclusion to whatever the Gnome adept was planning.

>?
>>
>>3982435
Constant reincarnation, maybe,
>>
>>3982599
> Especially with the two of them between you and your discarded polearm.

Backstab the Gnome adept with the Weave pulling on the Polearm.

Alternatively, make a web "hut" to cover Rinnier.

Third, make weave "steps" for Rinnier to climb up and out on.

She ain't getting infected by Artemis here, is she?

Anyways, those are my three ideas.

These guys aren't the target, the Lamandaran is.
>>
>>3982595
Also, huh, sounds like Salamander may have felt that Rinnier and her family turned on it first.
>>
if we don't have a solid plan lets consider retreating
>>
>>3982599
Balls. I really thought he wouldn't be able to react in time. It didn't even hit him in the mouth. So we've shot our load and the situation didn't really change.

We need our fancy stick back if we're going to do any sort of damage. We know it, and they know it.
Our one advantage is mobility. With Krell immobile, he can't dodge us, and the bodyguard is limited in his movements.

>?
Don't jump out. Not yet. It is functionally instant to use, so save it for dodging a serious hit.
They really, really want us dead, but Krell can't really move or defend himself. Abuse that. Alternate between 'running away'/'running for the stick' and hit and run on whoever is more accessible when the chase pulls him out of position. Use these movements to get closer to the stick and snag it when the opportunity comes up.


>>3982695
>She ain't getting infected by Artemis here, is she?
Infection vector uncertain.
>>
>>3983258
Anon, we're being caged in by a literal wall of earth. Kiting is infeasible.

>>3982599
Our goal is to neutralize Krell. The bodyguard is inconsequential.
>Use the web to skewer/clobber Krell with the polearm until he's dead, then teleport out.
>If the web isn't strong enough, use it to pull the polearm to Rinnier then throw it again.
>>
>>3983335
Maybe I misunderstood the size of the cage.
It can't be a perfect cage, potentially the buildings along the street could be used to get out. But there doesn't have to be a way out, he just has to think we've found one. If we act like we're running, he'll have to act if he wants to catch us.


>Our goal is to neutralize Krell. The bodyguard is inconsequential.
>Krell and his bodyguard weren't part of Artemis as an occupation, there was fervent belief in their purpose.
Don't be so sure. If he's been hanging around Artemis enough, it's likely he's been infected himself. I hope once Krell bites it he'll walk away, but it's far from certain.
>>
>>3983335
I support finishing the job as quickly as possible then using Jinn Calls. This Gnome Adept is of little consequence, as useful to Artemis by himself as Rinnier's stick is without anybody holding it. Krell's in the dirt and unable to dodge, and no adept's faster than two single syllable words.
>>
>>3982599
>Keep a hair trigger to pull Rinnier out if she is about to take a bad hit.

If our weave is complete then we should collapse the buildings carefully to aim at Krell and meanwhile leave gaps for Rinnier to move and to help her rearm, and/or remote control the polearm to hack at the adept.

Since his powers will allow him to save Krell he's got two options. Commit to the attack to kill Rinnier or direct his attention away to save him. If Marcus is crushed by rubble Rinnier can be extracted as soon as it's confirmed, if he focuses on saving then Rinnier will get an opening she can capitalize on, either to slip in to waste Krell or to attack rockboy.

Killing the adept would be great but it isn't our objective.

-

If he is attempting to use his power on the material we have already placed in our web shouldn't we be able to counteract his attempts somewhat?
>>
>>3983438
> If he is attempting to use his power on the material we have already placed in our web shouldn't we be able to counteract his attempts somewhat?

Good point! Slipperiness should go b0th ways.
>>
>>3983438
>If he is attempting to use his power on the material we have already placed in our web shouldn't we be able to counteract his attempts somewhat?
mana accumulates inside of something, granting it the property of becoming slippery to the web. Conversely, the web can only latch onto or wrap around things.

You could probably argue that most Adepts would find interacting with the web via mana slippery, as web users find interacting with mana charged material to be slippery, but the web is typically a metaphysical existence until made material. Even once that's occurred, it tends to reject mana which its user (or Web role user specifically) isn't attuned with.

>>3983258
>So we've shot our load and the situation didn't really change.
Yes and no. Injured as he is, Krell's ability to focus is diminished and it takes longer for him to convey the information through the pain. At the least you should assume the timelag between his predictions and communications has grown, while you can assume that the accuracy of said predictions may also be suffering. The first is all but guaranteed, the latter is a possibility, and perhaps hopeful thinking.

>>3982695
>She ain't getting infected by Artemis here, is she?
If you're referring to the spoilers, they're lines of dialogue from her memories. I really should officially codify the formatting.

If the message is fully in italics: It's typically a form of telepathy or internal/thought related.
If the message is fully spoilered: It's typically meant to refer to memories. Either as dialogue, or a recollection of the event that I have almost always taken word for word from previous threads.
If̴ tḩe ̡méssa̵ge̵ ̴i̸̢s a ̷̀̕l̷̶itţ͞l͠͞e ̵s̷̢͡t͢r̢͡͠aņg̀͡e̛:͟ ̷͜p͢a͟͝y̢͞͡͠͠ ̶͜i̸̢͟t̴̶̨ ̴̧͘n̵̵̨̢͝ó̵͘̕͞ ̶͜m̶̨͟͞i̧͞ńd̨͜͢͝,̷͢ ͟͞i̶͜͜t̶̢̕͝ ͟͞í̡́͡͡s̨̕ ̵̀͡c̨̡͘͡o̢͡m̴̢̢͝p̛̛͜l̶͘͜͡e̷t̵̶̕ȩ͢͠l̛̛͝y̶̢͢͞ ̵ņ̸̀͠o̕͝r̀̕͢͠ḿ̶̨͜a̸̸͝l̵͜.̸̡

As a rule I try to adhere to this, but if any formatting confuses you, I can absolutely clarify. I think I had to use spoilers for things I use italics for now back on /tg/ due to local board formatting rules, so there may be some discrepancies.
>>
>>3983688
So we're double tapping Kell with the Staff using the web and then pulling out?

Just saying, a Luna adept providing them strategy is a bad thing.
>>
>>3983688
Oh and thanks for clarifying formatting.

Sounds like Salamander picked a different heir than the court, and the court killed them resulting in Rinniers situation.
>>
>>3983854
Working with the web takes time, and the complex motions needed to pick up and align staff will more complex than simply giving it an extra push. We might be able to do that given enough time, but we're going to have to buy ourselves that time while weaponless.
>>
Window closing soon! I think there's a consensus, but warning anyway!
>>
>>3982695
>>3983258
>>3983335
>>3983436
>>3983438
>>3983854
Alright, writing! There's a strong sentiment towards finishing the job here, and prioritizing krell's elimination. The Gnome adept's death does not seem high on your to-do list!
>>
...When it came down to it, the bodyguard wasn't worth your time. If you could deal with Krell without going through him then that would solve all your problems here... A fanciful, if naive hope. He wouldn't be much of a bodyguard if you could circumvent him that easily, and with Krell somehow still clinging to this fight you still couldn't move freely. What's worse, the longer you drug the encounter out now, the more apt he was to start predicting 'A Spider's Web'. To that end, both you and Krell's bodyguard were in agreement: This fight had to end.

Strands of translucent thread coiled around your fingers, spooled losely yet tightening with every breath as your preparations finished. Coiled tightly along key intersections of the unsteady scaffolding looming over this makeshift arena, you pass a grim and unseen smile over the ease with which the Gnome adept's renovations had made finishing this.

Wooden beams made to bear the weight of craftsmen and material alike groaned ominously from above, the first signs of their balance shifting. Unsettled earth loosened the bonds which kept them standing making it near child's play to bring the entire structure toppling to its knees - A piece of work you'd spent the last several minutes studiously putting together for just this moment.

Krell's voice, strained as it was from coping with his wound, was triumphant over the chaotic din which filled the air. "It's over!"

"When that scaffolding falls, it'll crush all of us. You're not getting out of this." Several splintering cracks echoed off the enclosed arena walls, spitting out wooden daggers larger than your arm.

"If you had put... Even half the amount of time into planning this as I have, you'd know how wrong you were." The Artemis agent taunted through his pain, struggling to get his legs beneath him as he grasped at his bloodstained shoulder. "You caught me off guard, but this is as far as you can go, princess."

You knew the scaffolding would fall. You could feel its descent, its every curving unravelment as gravity took hold and its own weight brought it crashing down over top... But you couldn't react to it fast enough for that to matter. You would die if you stayed here, but more than that... You knew that where you stood would likely be among the last places the debris would fall.

"If you're so sure I'll die here, then why don't you die first?"

Krell laughed, which was about as much as you expected from your offer. "I'm willing to die to see you taken out of the picture, but that doesn't mean we're throwing our lives away. Or do you think this much is enough to bother an adept of Gnome?" True to form his bodyguard's attention had already diverted from the arena and begun to call up great earthen arms - Thick enough tendrils of solid rock that you'd no doubt they'd serve as solid shelter from the coming rain.
>>
His bodyguard had an answer for everything. If you had assistants even half that capable back in Teranford who knows what you could have accomplished. If Priat hadn't...

No, you shook your head and braced yourself against the earth while the last and simplest weave fell into place. It lacked the precision of your scaffolding wires, and in truth was just a second loop coiled around the opposite end of your staff from the first.

Something as flashy and large as the scaffolding, for all the preparation it took, had never been your objective. It was a distraction, and it was done to drive them into this specific moment - mere moments before the ground quaked as the sky rained down thick cut log and stone masonry alike, your fingers tightened around that twined thread and ripped. The familiar weight of your polearm skipped from the ground with a metallic clatter, only to arrest itself violently against Krell's back longwise.

The surprised grunt he coughed up was the only indication that you'd done what you wanted, having succeeded in dragging the man several feet free of his safety. Sensing the upper half of his body transmutate from a human's torso into fleshy pulp and bone fragments through the grace of the web was as far as you stuck around for before muttering the words necessary to whisk you away in the wind's embrace.
>>
Did we do it?

The night sky stretched out before you from this altitude, providing you a peerless overview of Carona and its surroundings. One you had experienced before, and which would have been breathtaking if you weren't currently viewing the world through the entirely superior medium of 'A Spider's Web'. You were right to have preconstructed a cradle to catch you.

"Probably." You wouldn't say for sure until you saw his body, but the web wasn't apt to lie. His bodyguard would probably survive, but Krell himself was dead. "We'll still need to figure out how to deal with the Gnome adept, though. If he's still coming after us, I don't think we're going to be able to fight him."

The Shrine might deal with him if he causes too much trouble.

You weren't as hopeful of that outcome as Irue seemed to be, choosing instead to scan the contents of the web and try to catch up on what you missed in the fight.

...So, are fights supposed to go like that?

"What?" You blink owlishly as the question catches you off guard.

There wasn't a lot of talking, and it felt like it ended... Abruptly?

"...Irue I'm lucky to be alive right now. Were you looking for closure?"

I mean, every fight I've gotten into had a lot more arguing in it. I thought that was normal.

"...Who have you been picking fights with?"

You. Some town guards. Demihumans? Mana, lots of Mana... I got into a fist fight with the previous mayor, too.

"And you're just running your mouth the entire time?" A revelation that would have infuriated you if you didn't remember Irue doing exactly that every time you'd gotten into it. You felt, more than heard, the noble get defensive over this.

I'm not 'running my mouth', but there's a lot to address! I just thought it was weird you went so long there and no one was really saying anything.

"We finished talking before trying to kill each other, Irue." You gently massaged your temple as the cradle descended back to street level. "What kind of idiot are you?"

Fine, whatever. Shouldn't have asked.

Laughter bubbled up from your aching body, likely born more from exasperation than proper humour. It lasted all of a couple seconds before turning into an undignified yelp as Irue unraveled the thread cradle and dropped you the rest of the way down.
>>
You are Irue Valen.
>Remain within the web, Rinnier's awareness was still too crucial for cleaning up tonight's events.
>Unravel the web and return to your body to regroup in person.

Tonight's not gone as planned, but at least one thing has gone your way. What's the most pressing task on your mind?
>The riot in the town square. How are Dullem and your knights handling it?
>Carona's perimeter. Who tried to escape to cause Ari to wander beyond the web's reach?
>Still no sign of Kara.
>Am I forgetting something...? (write-in)
>Other? (write-in)
>>
>>3984447
>Remain within the web, Rinnier's awareness was still too crucial for cleaning up tonight's events.
Rinnier's tired and probably can't handle another fight tonight. The queen piece has been taken off the board (as far as we know) so I'm of the opinion that Rinnier's most active part in this is over, but the sensory of the web and the ability to combine that with Rinnier directly communicating sensed changes is very valuable.

>Carona's perimeter. Who tried to escape to cause Ari to wander beyond the web's reach?
Anything still inside the town can be handled. What's left it or might have tried to get out is another thing.
Alternatively, if anything tried to get in.
>Am I forgetting something...? (write-in)
I have the darndest feeling that somebody IS getting set to come in, and I have the feeling it's related to whatever's being forgotten. Unless it's concerning Kara. Who Irue is blissfully ignorant of the danger/s of now.
>>
>>3984447
>Remain within the web, Rinnier's awareness was still too crucial for cleaning up tonight's events.

>Still no sign of Kara.
>Am I forgetting something...?
The second rebel leader, the woman. Where is she now?
Also the paladin is returning.
I also can't help but think of the emissary the paladin was supposed to be escorting. Where is that guy? And whose emissary are they?
And is the Miska capture plan stil in effect?
>>
>>3984447
>Remain within the web, Rinnier's awareness was still too crucial for cleaning up tonight's events.
>The riot in the town square. How are Dullem and your knights handling it?
>>
>>3984447
>Am I forgetting something...? (write-in)

The paladin is alive, fleeing and being pursued by every nightmare dryad can bring to bear. If he has purged himself of the faedka he could be in tip top shape and made it back to Carona.

>Kara
She's been entirely absent the whole time and you have no idea where or why. She is likely not in physical danger but there are so many other ways to stop her and our enemies have to know that. Fucking Luna

There are so many people involved in the town square SOMEONE has to be able to fucking handle it. They need to earn their stripes already.

As for Ari, I trust the Oakenrue. It's a weapon of mass destruction and it already ate and was spending its own life to keep her safe in an environment where it couldn't restore itself. Even if Ari is in danger that creature will at least be able to keep her alive.
>>
Eh. We already killed a gnome adept this quest, no?

Besides. So much easier to kill people without a Luna adept cockblocking.
>>
>>3984447
>>Unravel the web and return to your body to regroup in person.
>The riot in the town square. How are Dullem and your knights handling it?
No idea on the Forgetting. Too much has happened recently. Too much has gone wrong.
>>
>>3984447
Happy Hannukah y'all! Best of luck!
>>
>>3984453
Seconding this
>>
>>3984447
>Remain within the web,
>The riot in the town square
>>
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Alright! Bit late tonight, but I'm going to give you guys about an hour to throw in any last tidbits before officially closing the window.

Christmas is coming up so I imagine a lot of you are busy, and apparently one of you can't post on the thread sent me a vote over twitter? Which I completely missed, but I think may have accidentally accounted for in the update anyway. I hope you're doing okay, twitteranon!

Seeing as it is the holidays however, if you guys want to pause the thread to give you all time to work on the Forgetting a bit more that's fine with me. I know schedules get hectic this time of year. If you're confident in your answers this really doesn't matter, but it doesn't seem like many of you have taken a stab at it so I'm edging towards either not caring or being busy, and I can help with exactly one of those things! The other forces me to apologize.
>>
>>3986083
>if you guys want to pause the thread to give you all time to work on the Forgetting a bit more that's fine with me.
We haven't gotten it guys.

I usually try to take a stab at the Forgettings, but we've got too many plates spinning/broken-on-the-floor to know where to focus. You made vaguely worrying noises a ways back, but that's not much of a lead.

No, wait, I've got it. Rinnier left her staff behind. Or has Oakenrue made it back to town yet? Or even better How did Maro know the Behemoth was down there? Where did he get a vial a drugs with the right punch to wake a Behemoth? Did we just lose our supplier for the drugs keeping it asleep?

Speaking of, if we were to pursue the 'stab it really hard' solution for the Behemoth, we'd need a custom spear, right? What would be involved in getting it and any other gear? If Kara isn't available due to this mess of an evening, would anyone else even have a chance of pulling it off?
>>
>>3986098
if you guys want to pause the thread
I'll still be around to some degree. My week is packed, but my nights are mostly free. Doesn't mean I'll be useful in the Forgetting though.
>>
>>3986098
>we'd need a custom spear, right?
One wouldn't hurt. Behemoths are notoriously durable, but you don't need mistletoe to hurt them or anything. A sufficiently honed blade can cut the skin, so what you're probably looking for is something big enough to make that cut matter. In that regard, all you would really need is the raw resources (and someone willing to help) craft you an oversized blade or bolt.

Alternatively, someone like Alouette or Kara to whom such pedantic requirements don't apply.

>would anyone else even have a chance of pulling it off?
I can think of two or three ways off the top of my head you could accomplish it without even needing an oversized bleeding tool. Behemoth is a creature most strongly associated with Wisp, which grants it outrageous stamina, hardiness, and physical strength. You should understand what this means, and what that means to you and your assets.
>>
>>3986108
You should understand what this means
Either feed it Faedka or sic a Shade apparition on it or both.
>>
Belatedly it occurs to me that almost no one would be around to weigh in on pausing the thread at 5am.

I am going to administratively give everyone another day to try their hand at the Forgetting on account of assuming the holidays has everyone busy! Please don't correct me if I'm wrong, I want to have a happy holiday...
>>
>>3986136
Happy holidays Riz!
>>
>>3986136
you're not wrong... I still gotta go buy gifts for my cousins today. Happy christmuss
>>
>>3986136
You have a happy holiday, just leave all the suffering to Irue & co as usual. No need to take it upon yourself like we do!
>>
>>3986083
>it doesn't seem like many of you have taken a stab at it

I dunno where to start though, this one doesn't have any discernible context.
>You are Irue Valen
>Are you forgetting something
It's a nightmare forgetting scenario, am I missing something?
>>
>>3986241
I think this is related to
>This tells me something incredible has slipped your minds
in >>3976848
>>
>>3986250
this anon is correct. As a brief recap for you all...

After concluding your business at Dryad's Atelier, you chose to teleport back to town immediately. You spent the first day there recovering, then that night you activated Hearts In Harmony with Rinnier.

The following day you spent practicing with the web, and votes were made which prioritized rushing this operation in fear of allowing Artemis more time to prepare and realize it was a trap.So following that, this is either the following night, or the night of the next day.

Day 1: Returned to Carona, rested, HiH.
Day 2: Practiced with 'A Spider's Web', potentially initiated this operation that night.
Day 3: Potentially initiated this operation that night.

I've previously made an attempt to be lenient with timeline reminders since you weren't yet used to keeping track of them, but the more your activities broaden the more events occur parallel to each other.

Hopefully this provides >>3986241 some context for the Forgetting. I've probably overstepped my bounds with this much as it is.
>>
>>3986272
Well crap, not only can the paladin have returned already, his followers shouldn't be far behind if he chose to call them in.

Also Marchovic, Gehr and Raid should be returning soon.
>>
>>3986272
Oh I didn't so much time had passed, I thought this was like 12 hours max after HIH. I guess the forgetting is that hearts will run out soon?
>>
>>3986283
HiH will persist until either you or Rinnier sleep next. Whichever comes first, presuming you don't renew it.
>>
>>3986290
Oh, I coulda sworn it was a 24 hours thing. In that case I don't have any more ideas that other anons haven't voiced already.
>>
>>3986272
Sorry, I just have too much family stuff to archive trawl for the forgetting right now.

Is it related to our cousin joining Artemis, or The Bitch who seduced him?

Is it that we've basically revealed Dryad by letting Ari out?

Is it the second Oakenrue we got that's in staff form?
>>
>>3986499
Oh yeah, the new oakenrue, it was in Irue form though. It's plausible, but I can't think of why Ari would abandon her post because of it. Maybe it's hostile to our abomination like the other oakenrues?
>>
>>3986752
>Maybe it's hostile to our abomination like the other oakenrues?
It shouldn't be; they're both creatures of Dryad, and Oakenrue was specifically given to us by Dryad itself. It is possible Aspenrue as mutated enough that it would be hostile, I guess. I really want Rue to watch their first meeting though.
>>
Going to close the window in a few hours! For real, this time!
>>
>>3987105
Shit, aren't there like a bunch more Oakenbears around now with Dryads revival? And Dryad lured Ari in to the forest the first time, could it be happening again?
>>
>>3987179
>And Dryad lured Ari in to the forest the first time, could it be happening again?
If Ari is gone yet again, can we just leave her this time? We've spend a significant portion of this quest trying to find her, and I have no desire to go through that a-fucking-gain.
>>
>>3984453
>>3984459
>>3984463
>>3985512
Staying in the web!

>>3985246
Out of the web, you need your own hands for this.

>>3984453
What's Ari up to?

>>3984459
>>3984466
Where has Kara been all night?

>>3984463
>>3985246
>>3985512
This riot is worrying!

Called for staying in the web and turning your attention to the riot! Surely Ari and Kara are doing just fine!
>>
"So now what?" Rinnier dusted herself off, catching her breath at her leisure for the first time in the last hour or more. "Should I expect to meet you somewhere?"

No. I can contribute more like this than with my body, and we still need to deal with Krell's followers. They've banded together in the town square.

"Dullem and the knights should already be on that." The former princess had already picked up the pace, "What's their status?"

You can't tell?

A small amount of frustration colored her admission. "It's hard for me to be aware in two places at once."

It helps if you stop associating your body with yourself. The area around where you are is like... A small portion of what you should be seeing, if you stop limiting yourself to physical perception.

"..." Rinnier's pace slowed to a jog, and then a full stop as she made a face. "We need to have a talk about how much time you spend in this web."

What?

"You were reluctant to let me work with this power because I might get addicted, but you're talking like you're already used to treating your body like a puppet and wandering off?" She prodded at your web-borne presence pointedly. "Have some self awareness, Irue. It's obviously done something to you."

You fell quiet, biting your metaphysical tongue before you could get defensive. Of course you knew prolonged interaction with 'A Spider's Web' would have lingering effects, it was why you'd been so worried about letting someone else immerse themself in it, but you hadn't considered what those effects on you actually constituted. Maybe she had a point? Was it actually a bad thing to be so unattached to your body?

The longer you dwelled on that, the further down a dangerous rabbit hole you felt you'd fall. It was only a short hop and a skip from wondering about the value of your body to questioning why you couldn't just change whose body you were using in the first place... And the realization that at some point you had started to consider such malleability of form as a given was a little unsettling.

Alright, but not tonight.

"No," She readily agreed, "It'll have to wait until things calm down. Now, what's happening at the square?"
>>
People will only fight for what they believe in.

You had planned this operation at night to catch your targets off guard, as well as to try and minimize how many unrelated people would get swept up in your business. In some respects this had worked splendidly, as you could rest assured no one was drawn into the tumult of Rinnier and your fight against Krell and his bodyguard - An already tense confrontation that could have been so, so much worse. In other respects, you'd wager most of Carona had been pulled from their tents in one way or another for this spectacle. Compared to the overwhelming attendance of locals, your knights were a disheartening minority set in the backdrop of a much larger stage... And from the hesitant way many of them were hanging back, you figured they were well aware of that themselves.

If they feel disgruntled, betrayed, ignored or slighted by their lord - If they see a better future under another's flag...

Any hope you had of pulling this off without causing a scene was well and truly dashed with this, and due to Salamander's stigma, Rinnier could only approach it so far before casting the gathering into the dark... Which would probably only make things worse in the ensuing panic.

They will act to tear you down.

The one curious silver lining to it all was that what you were looking at wasn't a rebellion. Not a unified one at least. Your knights stood at ease, for as much as they could in their circumstances, surrounded by men and women dragged from their beddings in the middle of the night to look on at their defensively arrayed neighbours. Many among them were confused, indignant at being woken and dragged into this event, and their disgruntled murmurs demanded an explanation for it all... But some who stood with your knights wore their resolution plainly. What they demanded wasn't an explanation, but accountability.

Civil wars are, more than any other, fought by the people.

That was the situation which unfolded as Rinnier wove a darkened path through Carona's ruined streets, but the time to influence it had already passed. It was a delicate balance, teetering on the brink of chaos as friends and family found themselves pushed into a corner by their own - Forced to appeal for support of their cause, the good intentions and reasonings for their actions brooking only tempered reception among an audience whose values differed.

And whether they fight for, or against, you is a matter they'll decide for themselves.

"We won't stand for this occupation any longer!" Their voices washed over the crowd. Defiant, resolute, and righteous in their cause. "The Valens crossed a line, and tonight we're driving them out for good!"
>>
Identifying people in the web was hard enough when you were familiar with them, but in a crowd like this it was a nightmare. Not everyone among the defiant Artemis collaborators seemed to be there by choice, though... A handful of them looked like they were bound?

Rinnier, I think they have hostages.

"Tonight, we take our home back! And if they won't leave willingly..."

...
..
.

You were too far away to interject. Too far to stop what you were seeing. The night sky over Carona ripped open with screams - Surprise, fury and shock drowning together in a wail that echoed far beyond the town's limits.

What in Shade's name...?

"What's happening!" Rinnier skidded to a halt at the head of a line of snuffed torches.

Dullem attacked!

Carona descended into chaos.

>?
>>
>>3987649
How clear is the night?
How localized is the fighting?
Will they be able to fight if Rinnier snuffs out all sources of light?
>>
You know that feeling when you step outside in loose trousers in -40 degree weather and the icy arms of winter come up and fondle your balls?
This isn't quite that but those frosty digits are getting to an uncomfortable place.

>>3987649
First order of business is getting a picture of the chaos. Irue doesn't see this in the same way they'd be used to, so direct analysis is difficult. So we have to do this the hard way- through deduction.

The biggest trouble with a crowd like this is we don't know who is on who's side. Rinnier's passive means she can cripple groups of combatants, but to minimize damage that needs to be surgical, if utilized at all. From what I can parse, the actual rebellious group is relatively small, as instead of attempting to overwhelm the knights, they've taken hostages.

Since Dullem attacked, and judging from the reactions just before that, the nervous and imbalanced rebellion did the worst thing possible in a hostage situation, and decided to do what some call the Robespierre Rodeo, and now the hostages are missing a few heads, or have had their necks stretched out with thick rope, whichever one they decided would get them more attention. On the bright side, Fen is now an eligible bachelor.

So what to do? Well...

I can't recall if the Diary messes with how Mana like you. IE, if Rinnier would stop being hated by Salamander if she transformed.

The Diary is back with Irue, which means, I think, that Rinnier would have some running to do if we wanted to get it to her. Alternatively, the web gets wound up, posthaste, and Irue sets out on their own.

Unlike the misadventure with the Paladin, there is now no longer anybody to spoil the story on this.

Transform into Krell and order everybody to stand down.
>>
>>3987671
This can really bite us in the ass once Krell's body is found.
On one hand, we might be able to frame his Gnome bodyguard for this and say his so-conspirators offed him for being too moderate.
On the other hand, we've left Rinnier's halberd there, and if it can be linked back to Rinnier we'll face severe repercussions.
>>
>>3987669
>How clear is the night?
Very. The Jinn Dominion has been keeping the weather clear and favorable for a while as a sort of self-atonement for the Banshee, which they felt was partially their own fault due being a Jinn apparition.

>How localized is the fighting?
Most of Carona is in the town square, and the fighting is rapidly expanding to fill everyone attending. Dullem cast the first stone, but reactions drove reactions, and it is swiftly devolving into three sides: Those supporting your knights, the Artemis collaborators and their sympathetics, and those trapped in the melee who are confused and scared trying to protect themselves.

>Will they be able to fight if Rinnier snuffs out all sources of light?
In all likelihood, this will result in an all out chaotic melee with no sides, as darkness makes it difficult to tell who is fighting who.

>I can't recall if the Diary messes with how Mana like you.
It explicitly does not. Altering your identity does not grant you anyone else's affinity, nor does it discard your own.
>>
>>3987677
Then Rinnier can't be Krell. However...
>>3987674
>This can really bite us in the ass once Krell's body is found.
Good point. Hopefully our friendly gnot a gnoblin but a gnome friend decided not to get sentimental and fled- in which case Rinnier can fuck off away from the riot and ask any children around if they want to see a dead body. The corpse may be ferreted away for later use in pranks and halloween decoration.

Mostly this is because turning into Krell will do a fat lot of good if nobody can SEE it's Krell.

I would definitely advise Rinnier being none too cautious if this is done, though, in case anybody hung back. At the very least out of everybody she is most advantaged by night.
>>
>>3987677
The last few threads felt like being methodically beaten down by a brick.

Can we use the web to restrain the combatants? How many can we restrain at the same time? How though is the web?
Can Irue switch with Rinnier without having to regrow the web?
>>
>>3987684
> If nobody can SEE Krell

But what if they can hear him? We can just disguise our voice as his.
>>
>>3987697
If the combatants don't have mana to repulse the web we should be able to choke them out. Up the nose and into the throat so they can't try and chew free.
>>
>>3987697
>Can we use the web to restrain the combatants?
It can be made physical enough to interact with people. So long as they lack a potent association with a Mana, the physical web shouldn't have much issue.

>How many can we restrain at the same time?
As many as you'd like to try to. The web technically spans all of Carona.

>How though is the web?
You don't know the limits of its strength, but you know it managed to support Rinnier, and pulled down the scaffolding.

>Can Irue switch with Rinnier without having to regrow the web?
No.

>The last few threads felt like being methodically beaten down by a brick.
The coup de grace is yet to arrive.
>>
>>3987699
Well yes, commanding the dissidents to stop would require his voice. The deal would be if his associates know about Rinnier's extinguisher passive and thusly that blowing her cover on top of the darkness messing with the effect of boom he's there. Which is why I think Irue should do it, so long as it's actually feasible to wind up the web, grab the diary, and hurry over. Rinnier coming all the way back and going there again will take about twice as long after all, even though Irue's as athletics as a popsicle stick and about as well rounded.
>>
>>3987707
Do you get off on our suffering?
>>
>>3987649
Ok, my proposition is
>Restrain the fighters using the web while Rinnier hurries to the square.
>If we can't tell the sides from each other restrain everyone then release the largest one (who will be Dullem)
>Once Rinnier arrives we'll have to leave the web and personally appear. We need to demonstrate we're in control and not hiding somewhere.
>>
>>3987714
It actually hurts a lot to write some of these things. It'd be easier if I wrote these things at a distance with the expectation to throw them away, but if I want you all to be invested in what I've created then I have to be just as invested in it myself - And willing to let it all go, the plans and scenarios and possible futures as well as the past you've created.

I'm here with you, anon. For every decision, every avenue untold, and every story cut off too early. The hours spent writing and rewriting dialogue to be earnest enough to meet your expectations and the efforts you've all put in, and what it means when it's all for nothing and that time is lost.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlIwHFGCrNY
>>
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>>3987718
>>
>>3987718
> and what it means when it's all for nothing and that time is lost.

I mean. It wouldn't hurt so much if we didn't care so much. But here we are.
>>
>>3987718
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UmJ5Tf6G0FQ
>>
Maybe it's time for this quest to die. Maybe we've fucked ourselves up into a dead end.
>>
>>3987718
Sometimes I dread the next update but I'm too invested to ever look away
>>
>>3987716
This seems worth a try.. though it seems like a risk to try restraining so many people
>>
>>3987734
>Maybe it's time for this quest to die.
Anon.
Hush.
It might sound funny at present but Irue's been in worse before. Cool your jets.

>>3987739
There's the untested nature of it, and the fact that solving the problem by using magical might to dominate the entire square into submission regardless of allegiance...sort of proves the point of those who are concerned, even if it does work. Using the massive blunt object brute force approach has rarely worked out for the better here.
>>
>>3987743
>Irue's been in worse before
Wait until Ari buys it and Kara comes trying to kill us.
>>
>>3987734
Fuck that.

If you all leave I will quit my job and vote this quest into Bandit Queen, Lord of the Apparitions, Leader of the Aspirations, the Daughter of Dryad, Irue "Ragnorak" Valen the World Ender Comes Hither.
>>
>>3987716
>>3987647
These all sound like good ideas. Restrain all the Artemis members and get the hostages out of there, while yelling in the dark with Kells voice to let the hostages go. That should dtun them long enough for the web to wrap them tight.

We should also see if Marchovic and Raid are nearby, they're assets we haven't used yet in the raid, no? Also what is the shrine up to?

And once we find them, we can give Rinnier instructions while we return to our body. We have to trust Dullem as our Knight to be handling the attack after we pin the Artemis guys.

We gotta go get Ari. Again. C'est la Vie. Maybe Kara can help us go get our testament.
>>
>visiting relatives for christmas
>suddenly realize their dog is litetally called Luna
Wew moment
>>
>>3987649
>?
First, we need to get a better handle on the situation. If we can't pick out individuals causing trouble, maybe we can at least separate the sides. Try and put a wall or a ravine or something between them. I seriously doubt Rue can pick out the individual fighters and restrain all of them.
This will buy us time. It will also show the web working to a whole bunch of people, but we lack any other tools to work with.

Not a fan of turing into Krell either. It will take quite a bit of time to get to the square, and we lack enough info about him to 'be' him.


Sidenote, when we do cut the web, can we do the anchoring thing? We're much more likely to actually reuse this web for once.

>>3987718
>but if I want you all to be invested in what I've created then I have to be just as invested in it myself
Well, you've done an almost too good of a job. I have to keep myself at arms length sometimes to keep from... overinvesting. Out of the hundreds of books and dozens of quests I've read, you are hands down the best writer I've read, hands down.
>>
>>3987707
Indeed, Clara hasn't died on screen yet and we still have to murder Caylen. It was not enough that Irue's family died, no, Caylen had to destroy his side of it too and he will have the fucking balls to justify himself. Won't that be fun? Maran is going to die in tiny bits and pieces for setting him on this road.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJlJMmUVfyM

>>3987649
>?
If Rinnier can snuff out the lights in the square, say, by rapidly going in circles, then we can apprehend everyone by tying them with the web. Once done, Rinnier can help us identify our knights who in turn can identify hostages, allies and the uninvolved and release them.

We have to end this as fast as inhumanely possible and then I believe that Irue needs to unravel and go to the scene in person. Bringing the diary, just in case.

I'm conflicted on whether it's more to our advantage to keep it hidden or to save the citizens and knights but I don't think this is the time for realpolitik and pragmatism, it calls for an emotional response. If the web idea indeed works then we will be able to catch all of
Artemis (minus the gnoblin) who have/will see the web and those can be dealt with easily.

>>3987873
I'm with you, on the condition that we go to Terandria and enslave a Trogdor that we can use to burninate the countryside.
>>
>>3988067
>In all likelihood, this will result in an all out chaotic melee with no sides, as darkness makes it difficult to tell who is fighting who.
Putting the lights out will escalate things to a full in melee, which is the opposite of what we want. It will take a ton of work to restrain that many struggling people, especially as this is our first time trying to do so.

> but I don't think this is the time for realpolitik and pragmatism, it calls for an emotional response.
Rue has precious few tools. Unawareness of those tools is what allows us to make best use of them, as none of them are much good in direct application. If someone picked up on Jinn Calls, it would be trivially easy to put spikes on that roof, for instance. Learning that Rue or someone in her service can invisibly restrain an entire crowd of people will lead to all sort of trouble.
>>
Riz, is the web actually a physical, tangible and visible construct unless we wish it to be?

And damn it, I didn't check in today because we do christmas on the 24th here, I thought we had until the 26th.

>>3988073
Yes but are you seriously suggesting that we bring down a wall into a crowd? If that's your alternative I will have to insist that my way is better.

If Rinnier put the lights out then the web is no more than a physical sensation to these people. If we pull on their shoulders and feet or whatever to knock them on their asses then for all they know it was someone behind them.

Perhaps we can disarm anyone who isn't identified as our knights.
>>
Im so drunk
>>
>>3988097
>but are you seriously suggesting that we bring down a wall into a crowd?
What? No! I'm suggesting we put a wall up between the fighting groups, either as a literal wall or as a hole in the ground.

Rue can't see the trees for the forest currently, which is why I'm suggesting broad actions to control the crowd instead of trying to do things to every individual within the crowd.
>>
>>3987649
>Use the web to rescue the hostages

Maybe weave around their torso so we don't break them before pulling them back to Dullam's ranks. Move them through the air so they don't get killed in transit if possible.
>>
>>3988118
How are you going to accomplish this? And making it in time?
>>
>>3988191
Just pin everyone not a Knight, sort them out later.
>>
>>3988264
Artemis was trying to undermine us by painting us as a tyrant, if we vindicate them by publicly arresting literally everyone in the city then their goal will be accomplished whether we suppress the riot or not.

>>3987649
>>3988191
Gonna add to my vote
>Attempt to discern the ringleader(s?) and use the web to hinder their ability to lead without drawing suspicion

I think if we can figure out who's leading these people and break their leg or something it would give Dullam the advantage he needs without being obvious outside interference. There's undoubtedly going to be injuries on both sides here so it might not even be questioned after the fact since the situation is so chaotic.
>>
>>3988097
>is the web actually a physical, tangible and visible construct unless we wish it to be?
Nope! It is intangible and arguably metaphysical by default. It's the responsibility and burden of the one fully immersed within it to actualize that into something that can impose on the world.

Also, merry christmas! And christmas eve! Not necessarily in that order?
>>
>>3987879
>We should also see if Marchovic and Raid are nearby, they're assets we haven't used yet in the raid, no?

Marchovic and Raid were left out in the wild when Irue Jinn Calls'd. Irue would know that even if they didn't know Raid is preparing to be drowned like an inconvenient puppy.

Also Mim and Gehr are out there. Having been told to return before them.
>>
>>3988283
>I think if we can figure out who's leading these people

Also I figure a refresher on who this would be is a good thing to have looked up again. Erika Lishp, who has some relation to Luke Lishp, representative of the local carpenters.
>>
>>3988211
Same way we assisted with Rinnier's fight. It's certainly less difficult than trying to restrain an entire crowd. plus this
>Artemis was trying to undermine us by painting us as a tyrant, if we vindicate them by publicly arresting literally everyone in the city then their goal will be accomplished whether we suppress the riot or not.
>>
Closing the window soon!
>>
>>3987649
If Rinnier will make it worse by snuffing out lights, I recommend that we send her to the shrine and kick those asses into gear. There's a full blown conflict in the town, they LIVE here. Are they really going to sit on their asses whining about politics and neutrality when their friends and neighbors might be killing each other?

Haven't heard a damn peep about the priests and adepts since this hullabaloo began.
>>
>>3988424
Alternatively, Rinnier can take command of the situation by shouting orders. She have training and experience. Not all solutions are magical.

What do you guys think?
>>
>>3988424
They're already straining their neutrality as it is. It's easy to demand they take action when it would help us. From the revolutionists side, the shrine should obviously help them due to 'abuses of power' or some such.
>>3988435
I dunno if she'd be heard over the noise of the fighting. And that would require her to get close, which would put the lights out anyway.
>>
Why can't we just slaughter and terrify them all into submission with the web? If they kill a few hostages then the knight's sorrow would make them unlikely to feel sympathy to the tortured. They didn't listen to reason so now use fear to make them submit. It worked for Stalin.
>>
Riz did you know that one of the possible triggers that causes people to turn into serial killers is a sufficiently traumatic event? Also what would it take for us to turn Irue into a doublethinker? If it's even possible.
>>
>>3987671
Withdraw from the web, become Krell, then rush out to the town square and try to tell everyone to stand down!

>>3987716
>>3987879
>>3987955
>>3988067
Make use of the web to tie everyone down in a show of force!

>>3988191
Try to identify and rescue the hostages!

>>3988283
Use the web as a precision tool to hinder the leaders of the rebellion!

>>3988424
Send Rinnier to the Shrine to get back up while all of this is ongoing!

>>3987734
Your christmas present is the end of Valen!

Alright, seems decisive that you want to make use of the web, with a difficult split between using it as a wide spread crowd control tool or trying to select your targets carefully.
---

>>3988570
>turn Irue into a doublethinker?
I will need more explanation on this. As well as what the serial killer trivia is in regards to.
>>
>>3988574
Doublethink is described as a form of self hypnosis which allows one to tell lies while genuinely believing in them and being aware they're lies. Serial killer trivia is in regards to Kara, already she's treating the former alpha's life as mistake and murdering kin, maybe her conscience has been flayed and her moral compass throughly uncalibrated.
>>
>>3988617
>Doublethink
Developing this quirk in Irue would probably take less than effort than you'd expect. It's been noted before that Irue is preternaturally adept at ignoring trifling matters like human mentalities and hang ups on laymen's problems. It's one of the reasons Irue has adjusted so easily to disregarding their body as a source of anchoring identity, and eased into the omniscience of the web. And whether this is related, or has an affect, on your developing Foundation is something you can consider for yourself.

So if this is something you want to do and can garner support for, it's not beyond you.
>>
>>3988622
Great! Although I was thinking more along the lines of a coping mechanism for her developed through some event written by you.
>>
>>3988626
why
>>
>>3988658
Likely it's that anon's fetish.
>>
>>3988626
Anon if you want Irue to turn into a mass murderer all you need to do is shave half pf Irue's head. Only half because then Irue is forced to even out the other side themselves.
>>
>>3988676
. . . oh my.

That would not end well.
>>
"I can't approach this without making it worse." Rinnier grit out frustratedly. "What about the Shrine? There's no way they're not aware of what's going on at this point!"

It doesn't matter. Their role is spiritual guidance, this is... Politics. It has nothing to do with them.

"They live here! They probably know most of those people by name!" Rinnier gestured angrily towards the gathering as indiscernable shouting filled the night. "How can it have nothing to do with them!?"

I know! I know that, but they're not going to help! They can't, because this is exactly what they can't be involved in! We just- We'll have to handle it ourselves.

Which was easier said than done since you had a full on riot on your hands now. The longer it went on the worse it was going to get, which means you had to shut it down now. Your tools to do so however were... Wanting. Your immediate responses to subduing crowds had been Kara, the Dryad aspiration supporting Ari, and speeches - In order, you had no idea where Kara was, the aspiration couldn't be leveled against Carona if you wanted to keep it hidden, and even assuming a speech would get through to them it would take you far too long to return to your body and rush to the scene.

How did you handle this in Teranford?

"Suppression, mostly." The former princess sighed. "You can't let people come together to stand against you, they'll lose all sense of reason in a mob. Even if what drove them to do that could be addressed, the atmosphere goes to their head - They become unreasonable." She paced as she spoke, drawing closer to the place she felt she needed to be only to pause and retreat. "We have to break them apart and put down the rebellion before anything else can happen!"

Okay, but how?! The knights are outnumbered, we can't just force them to stand down like this!

"I know! And I can't get any damn closer without making it worse!" Her cadence rose with each word, spinning in place to lash out at an extinguished lamp post with a sharp kick. "...Dammit. Why is this happening again?"
>>
When her voice cracked you felt incredibly small; Miles away from being able to help, no matter how close you were. You had nothing to say, no answer to give. It wasn't as if this wasn't your problem as well, but it hadn't been you who had worked to hold this town together and stop the past from repeating itself. You weren't the one facing the same failures again, with different faces in different places. It frustrated you, infuriated you, but having gotten used to relying on Rinnier, seeing her shaking - Trying and failing - To contain herself was something else entirely.

You've spent so much of yourself worrying for the people around you.

The urge to volunteer tumbled through your mind like a foreign echo, but you'd felt this before.

I'll do it.

"...Do what?"

Ì̸̧̕t̷̶͢ ̴̵̡͘m̨̡̕̕į̴̵͝ǵ͜h̸͢t̸̛̕͢ ̕͡mak̡͞e̵͢͜͢͡ ͟͡í̶̧̛͜ţ̴́ ̶a̶̡̕̕ ̕͘͠͡b̸͝í̵ţ̕ ̛͟ę́̀͞͠a̸͜s̴̨̀i̷̡e̶̵͜r̷͠ ̛o͘n̶̸̡͢͝ ̴̸̨̀͜h̷͡e̷̛r͢͢͟͞ ̢͜i̕͟f͢ ͞s̵͞ó̡͘͝m̡̛͘͡é̷̕͘͞o̴ǹ̨̡̕͝ȩ̕͢ ̧e͟l̨̛͡ş̸͘͡͞é̴͞ ̴́͜͜͠t͟o̸̡̧̨͘o̴̶͝ḱ̛̛͝ ̵̧͘͝ç̶a̸̧͡͠r̀ȩ̶̢͢ ̶̡̨o̴f̸͞͠ ̧͜li̸t̶̢t̀͡l̛̀́͟ȩ ̨̀͠t͘h́͠in̨͢ģ́s̴̨͜.̧̧͟͝

This wasn't the worst you'd been through, and it wasn't hopeless. You had options, all you needed was the resolve to use them.

This is why I can't give up. Why I have to keep moving forward.

You'd fought tooth and nail to reclaim just that.

You care more than you let on. Why else would you have kept trying for so long?

I'll fix this. I'm going to help my knights and put an end to this.

The Lamandran straightened, shoulders tense as she breathed. She struggled with her reactions, oscilating swiftly over the ways she could have responded - Hearts in Harmony told you just how little she expected from your declaration. It had made her angrier for reasons you weren't too proud to admit you didn't understand. Angrier, desperate, and you were well prepared to weather her doubt as you had before.

"How?"

Because it was faint, and quashed beneath the rest; Guarded, nervous and vulnerable. Her heart beat with yours, and while you didn't understand how or why you'd pissed her off this time, it fostered flickering hope. Despite herself, you'd done enough to create that.

If I fail, these people are the ones to take the fall.

I need you to weave more thickly in the square. I'm going to capture everyone at once.

"Wha- Irue no, you can't do that!" Her fingers curled into her palm frustratedly.

We won't know until I try! Look, you told me to rely on you more, I need your help-

"No, I mean you can't take everyone!" She interrupted forcefully, "Artemis was trying to sell you as a tyrant. If you show your hand like this and restrain everyone then they'll have been right! Everything we did tonight will have been pointless anyway!"
>>
Then what do you suggest!? If that's what I have to do to end this, fine!

"..." Rinnier fell silent, a troubled frown casting a shadow across her features. Time was running out for an answer if you were going to act, and your impatience mingled like oil in a fire with her anxiety. "We'll... We'll do it again." She finally began, coming to a conclusion even she seemed to abhor the idea of. "Like last time."

...Last time?

"We've done this before." Rinnier ran a hand over her face in fleeting embarassment. "Traveling to your cousin's, when Ari was kidnapped. It's the same situation, we're out numbered and there's only the two of us."

I don't think...

Was it the same? Similar?

What about the Nightgaunts?

"They never showed up again, right?" She pressed, not waiting for an answer. "It's been almost a year since then, we never figured out what their deal was or why they were there at all - It shouldn't matter now! Listen, I can repulse the fires same as last time, and with the web I can keep moving in the dark."

If you can help me identify the leaders, I can try to put a stop to them specifically?

"I'll do what I can." Rinnier agreed breathlessly, turning to sprint towards the rising din.

I thought you said this plan was stupid back then?

"It was stupid, and it should have gotten us both captured or killed."

And we're doing it again?

The echo of Rinnier's footsteps filled the empty streets in a stretched silence. When she finally replied, you didn't need Hearts in Harmony to feel the shrug in her voice. "It worked the first time."

So maybe it wasn't stupid?

"No, it was, and is still, stupid. And you're an idiot for coming up with it." She disagreed flatly, "...But I'm trusting you to make this work a second time."
>>
There was nothing left to say, and no time left to say it as the two of you burst into the crowded square and into the roar of the crowd as the lights extinguished and brought the dark of night to herald your arrival.

You left Rinnier to focus on her side of the plan as you did what you could to locate the targets she'd need to weave around. Moving through a crowd this thick and volatile would be a nightmare without directions, even with 'A Spider's Web' to help guide her. The sooner you could direct her weaving, the better.

...But this place really was a mess. You could make out each individual body and their exact position, easily, but there were too many people clustered in far too small of a place to take a guess at who was who - Not without much more time. And a more effectively woven thread. You had the luxury of neither.

But the all too brief panic which spread through the crowd when the lights went out wouldn't last forever. You had to act now and hope for the best.

>Focus on hostages. You had no idea how many there were or what happened to them, but their safety was paramount.
>Focus on the rebellion leaders. Anyone calling shouts or hanging back. Without a driving force, maybe this riot could be cut short.
>Focus on your knights. You could identify them moderately easier than the others, and removing them from the fight gave you time to regroup.
>Focus on the... Burn victims?
>>
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I may not have an update later tonight since it's Christmas and i imagine a lot of you will be busy! I'll still try and answer questions and clarifications when I get time, though.

Merry Christmas everyone! This is the only christmas picture i could find on short notice.
>>
What the fuck? Burn victims?
>>
>>3988699
>Focus on hostages. You had no idea how many there were or what happened to them, but their safety was paramount.
>>
>>3988699
kek, my posts got swallowed up by Rinnier again. Not gonna hold it against you since it dealt with the disagreement between anons pretty well but I'll admit to being somewhat mystified. Are you profiling me Riz?
>Focus on the rebellion leaders. Anyone calling shouts or hanging back. Without a driving force, maybe this riot could be cut short.
and then-
>Focus on hostages. You had no idea how many there were or what happened to them, but their safety was paramount.

Do it in that order, once the leaders are fucked move immediately to rescue the hostages. Or maybe we could split our attention? Let Rinnier deal with the leaders while Irue deals with the hostages, is that possible?
can you elaborate on the burn victims?
>>
>>3988699
>Focus on the rebellion leaders.
Afterwards
>Focus on the hostages
While doing these things let's do some scary theatrics for the rioters like manifesting physically and appearing like something terrifying and inhuman. The locals already have wild stories about us being something supernatural, why not confirm them and use that to make them surrender and discourage them from further riots?
>>
>>3988699
>Focus on hostages. You had no idea how many there were or what happened to them, but their safety was paramount.
>>
>>3988712
>>3988706
>Burn victims?
Starting from slightly within the Artemis collaborators, there's a startling number of people you can identify primarily as having been on fire until recently. The radius of it spread, and you imagine they'd still be on fire now had Rinnier not involved herself to douse the lights as she had. Many of them are still moving, though a fair few of them fallen under the rioter's feet.

Later tonight I can try to doodle a horribly drawn image to help illustrate this for you, if you'd like.

>posts got swallowed up by Rinnier again.
I will make you happy one day, anon.

>>3988740
>manifesting physically and appearing like something terrifying and inhuman.
Irue cannot do this as an extension of the web, unless you want to try and convince Rinnier to weave giant crochet gloves and a mask. Even then, it is likely too dark for them to see it easily.
>>
>>3988848
Go ahead and doodle it Riz
>>
>>3988852
I will do so when I get home later tonight, as I am leaving the house in the next few minutes for christmas dinner! Lunch? Breakfast? Food. Christmas Food.
>>
>>3988695
> Ì̸̧̕t̷̶͢ ̴̵̡͘m̨̡̕̕į̴̵͝ǵ͜h̸͢t̸̛̕͢ ̕͡mak̡͞e̵͢͜͢͡ ͟͡í̶̧̛͜ţ̴́ ̶a̶̡̕̕ ̕͘͠͡b̸͝í̵ţ̕ ̛͟ę́̀͞͠a̸͜s̴̨̀i̷̡e̶̵͜r̷͠ ̛o͘n̶̸̡͢͝ ̴̸̨̀͜h̷͡e̷̛r͢͢͟͞ ̢͜i̕͟f͢ ͞s̵͞ó̡͘͝m̡̛͘͡é̷̕͘͞o̴ǹ̨̡̕͝ȩ̕͢ ̧e͟l̨̛͡ş̸͘͡͞é̴͞ ̴́͜͜͠t͟o̸̡̧̨͘o̴̶͝ḱ̛̛͝ ̵̧͘͝ç̶a̸̧͡͠r̀ȩ̶̢͢ ̶̡̨o̴f̸͞͠ ̧͜li̸t̶̢t̀͡l̛̀́͟ȩ ̨̀͠t͘h́͠in̨͢ģ́s̴̨͜.̧̧͟͝

I WAS TOLD TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS FONT.

Is it Dryad corruption? Artemis influence? Irues steps further away from humanity?

Anyways

> >Focus on your knights. You could identify them moderately easier than the others, and removing them from the fight gave you time to regroup.

When in doubt, look to your loyal people first.
>>
>>3988697
> What about the Nightgaunts?

Huh. Yeah. What about them? Weren't they like, attacking people at one point?
>>
>>3988855
You were told not to mind. It is perfectly normal.
>>
>>3988699
>as the two of you burst into the crowded square and into the roar of the crowd as the lights extinguished and brought the dark of night to herald your arrival.
why
that was exactly what we didn't want to do
what is she even trying to do
>>
>>3988855
It's used in several places. It's rarely good a good sign.

>>3988699
So what happened here? We decided on an action, Rinnier decided it was stupid and did her own thing?
>>
>>3988848
Well since we can't manifest stuff I suggest instead that after we do the web thing we give the rioters an ultimatum? Basically saying something along the lines of " If you surrender you shall be spared and if you resist we'll impale you" in a very menacing manner and have them roll a morale check or something.
>>
>>3989025
That will cause them to double down and/or create massive problems in the future. Ruling through fear is unsustainable.
>>
>>3988699
>>Focus on your knights. You could identify them moderately easier than the others, and removing them from the fight gave you time to regroup.
After all the nonsense we've gone through, we're not losing our knights to townsfolk of all things.
>>
Hey nerds.
Quest ebooked in pdf form up to thread 75. Should make looking back through things easier. So long as you're not looking for particular votes or discussions, it's all plot.

Arc I- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DMjxLjSbvr-xcxqX9M_ysKaBV1zkUmu5/view?usp=sharing
Arc II- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cXL1fIYb22IqQ51wWUp3-IMZa2nV5TY8/view?usp=sharing

Really I'd say anybody catching up should read threads instead of this because of what goes on in them, so this is more for looking back I'd say.
>>
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>>3988852
So the blue is the crowd. Your knights are a minority among them, spread roughly evenly through out it. The green are Artemis collaborators, while the orange is an indication of where traces of fire and burn victims can be found.

Obviously they aren't so cleanly divided, as there's a fair degree of mingling along the borders where conflict has broken out in the riot, but I hope this helps.

>>3988880
>>3988885
>Why?
>What happened here?
After I made the list of votes up in >>3988574 I identified using the web as the primary course of action with people split on whether to brute force it or try finesse. So following that, I was opening each of the "use web" votes to see what each of them were suggesting to do, and >>3988067 included Rinnier rushing in in conjunction with the web efforts.

If it bothers you, I don't mind rewriting the update to exclude her and calling the last one a wash. There was discussion (but not actual votes) which implied keeping her from pushing in was preferable, and the one vote >>3988424 (by the same person, even!) which wanted her not to enter the scene wasn't something that could happen anyway.

That's why it got wrote the way it did, but maybe I screwed up and got my thinking crossed in the process, so I don't really mind taking responsibility on this one and retconning something more in line with the previous vote's summation.
>>
>>3989265
How the turns have tabled. I think there's been five or six attempts to actually ebook this, so I honestly never expected to see one finish.

The cover art on arc 2 is really neat, too! The texturing and lines on Irue's hair caught my eye immediately, though I'm curious about your decision to cast the far shore in red with what I'm assuming is an Oakenrue looking back. The palette gives it a very horror genre feel, but I'm not sure if Valen really qualifies as that.

Very impressive work overall. Seeing something like 1.7k pages worth of quest all compiled is a little humbling.
>>
>>3989340
>The texturing and lines on Irue's hair caught my eye immediately, though I'm curious about your decision to cast the far shore in red with what I'm assuming is an Oakenrue looking back. The palette gives it a very horror genre feel, but I'm not sure if Valen really qualifies as that.
Initially it was going to be full color but it wasn't working out, so I chose to do the hack fraud stylistic approach and do monochrome plus a singular color, with the color representing the Fae Forest's alien nature. Something cooler, perhaps a green,maybe blue or purple, would be more appropriate for the Fae Forest, but I ended up going with red because black, white, grey and red coincidentally matches with the Valen household colors.

I agree that the atmosphere isn't horror, but more one of exploration, mystery, and understanding. I digress. In any case thread 76 will have to be inserted into it afterwards anyways so it's not like the picture is static.

>>3989340
>Very impressive work overall. Seeing something like 1.7k pages worth of quest all compiled is a little humbling.
Know what's much more impressive than compiling it?
Writing it.
Keep it up!
>>
>>3989336
Well I am biased and the fact we might have traded death by fire with 3rd degree burns sounds very good. Adepts can heal that if they don't die of shock first.

How long did it take between Dullard attacking and Rinnier arriving?
>>
>>3989336
>If it bothers you, I don't mind rewriting the update to exclude her and calling the last one a wash.
We can write it off as Rinnier being bullheaded again. I was just baffled as only one anon wanted her to rush in and we knew that that would devolve the fighting into chaos.
>>
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>>3987716
>>3987739 (tentative?)
>>3987879
>>3988067
Rinnier enters the square.

>>3988073 (tentative?)
>>3988424
Rinnier staying out of this.

>>3987716
>>3987739 (tentative?)
>>3987879
>>3988067
Use the web to restrain the square using brute force.

>>3987879
>>3987955
>>3988191
>>3988283
Note to use the web, but try to do so with precision.
And yes, anchoring is possible rather than fully unraveling it.

I went back to look over discussion and categorize the votes more uniformly (think I missed one entirely the first time). This is the tally I got for the last update, assuming I've not missed something twice now. Majority opinion seemed to support Rinnier entering the scene, while there was roughly equal split between precision web use and brute force. If we subtract the posts marked tentative due to not being explicit (you) votes, the end result is: Rinnier is included, precision web use.

If there's an uniform desire to retcon her involvement still, I'll keep my previous offer on the table in the spirit of christmas - Otherwise the votes actually do seem to support the outcome written.
>>
>>3989381
>as only one anon wanted her to rush in

>>3989382
>3987716
>3987739 (tentative?)
>3987879
>3988067
Rinnier enters the square.

Or not. I apparently didn't read those votes closely enough, sorry.
>>
>>3989386
You're fine anon, I completely missed one of those votes the first time too. We're all tired from the holidays.
>>
Going to leave the vote hanging until tomorrow, as christmas has me wiped out. I hope everyone ate well today, and that you all get some much needed sleep!
>>
>>3989265
Well ain't that quite the christmas gift.
>>
>>3987879
Is me. Personally I felt like ending on "stick them all down" was best, but here me out -

How about we use the web to suffocate all the Artemis supporters by blocking their airways and then blame it on a strange mana disease that infects people that we've learned about.

Technically the truth, that a disease exists, that we learned about it, that Artemis is infected with it, and that they died because of that disease (making us kill them, but we don't have to share that part).

For most people, a mysterious mass death should be pretty freaky enough to sell the truth - that knowing about it makes one vulnerable to it.

We're in the shit now, might as well start taking some big risks to get everyone on our side and against Artemis.

We can place the blame for all the incitement on them as part of the disease warping their minds.

Clearly something strange is going on with Mana, after all, we have the loss of Salamanders blessing in Tellanford where Rinnier came from as evidence, too.

It's like, Artemis learned about Dryad being put to sleep and they figured out some way to use that to mess with other Mana and put them to sleep so that none of them can have an independent will to destroy the world again. That's my theory on the big conspiracy.

After all, if you knew they had reset everything multiple times before, wouldn't you want to put them to sleep so they can't pull an Elder God "Stars Are Right" and wipe the slate clean again?
>>
>>3989382
>>3989507
I've figured it out. San loss, strange existences with alien thought patterns, mystery investigations, feuding cultist factions, the looming unstoppable end of the world either by declining fertility or an angry god awakening from deathless slumber. We're playing Call of Cthulu fantasy version, aren't we.
>>
>>3989217
Ruling through fear is only a temporary solution. I'm thinking more about emulating Cesare Borgia and how he dealt with Cesena.
>>
>>3989265
Anon, you're a treasure. May your line never break and your enemies never be unafraid.
>>
Closing the window in the next couple hours!
>>
>>3990398
I'm confident in my vote to suffocate all of Artemis and blame it on a mana plague related to what befell Rinniers home.
>>
>>3988710
>>3988712
>>3988740
>>3988748
Hostages! Safety is paramount as a ruler and leader, so they are your foremost priority!

>>3988712
>>3988740
The rebellion leaders! Putting down anyone who would collaborate against you is the first thing on your mind, and once you've crushed them you have time to see to others at your leisure.

>>3988855
>>3989255
Knights! The people who put their faith in you deserve your first concern!

There was a plan/discussion to send threads inside people's nose and throats. This is a bit finicky to do in the current situation, but it is something that's possible and doable provided the target doesn't hold a strong affinity with any Mana. You might consider it detail work, due to the amount of movement the target in question may be doing and the relatively small passages the web would be woven through. You can do with this knowledge whatever you'd like.
>>
>>3990594
I expect only bad things to happen.
>>
>>3990594
>There was a plan/discussion to send threads inside people's nose and throats.
Unless I've missed my mark again, there's only one anon talking about it, and I don't think he was entirely serious.

Seeing as it sounds even more complicated and bound to cause a massive panic, let's not.
>>
>>3990594
Is it possible to use Web to project Irue's voice?
>>
>>3990599
No.

>>3990598
>Seeing as it sounds even more complicated and bound to cause a massive panic, let's not.
It's not really applicable in the current situation anyway, but it was an interesting application of it I hadn't considered prior and under more controlled circumstances it is something you could do. Probably not so much on a crowd, however.
>>
>>3990599
>>Can we construct a trumpet out of it?
>No.
>>A drum?
>Probably not, no.
>>A vocal tract?
>No.


>>3990604
I'm surprised its possible at all. it seems way too finicky and delicate for the Web.
>>
>>3990605
You have previously used the web explicitly to probe very narrow passages in the rubble around the Tier estate searching for bodies. Specifically speaking this isn't too much of a difference in application, it will just take significantly more effort and care since the passages are that much smaller.

Is there a limit to how fine a thread you can weave? Yes, probably. I probably won't define it specifically though. If someone tries to suggest something cheesy it will just be veto'd, and you guys have a history of trying to err away from things like that anyway.
>>
Rolled 41 (1d100)

This roll is irrelevant, pay no mind to it.
>>
>>3990659
>>
>>3990604
You should read Worm
>>
You don't know how the fire started, or how far it would have spread had you been any longer getting here, but it was something you'd have to find out later. For now the sudden shroud of darkness was all the opportunity you had to secure the hostages. This, at least, was an easier task for you than trying to discern who belonged to which side of the ensuing riot as your targets were almost invariably bound and restricted in some manner.

Fresh threads were woven into place while coordinating with Rinnier to direct her attention through the web's expanse, impressing you not for the first time tonight with the adeptness with which she multitasked. Maintaining such demanding physical activity with the detail work that 'A Spider's Web' demanded couldn't have been an easy task, yet threads were woven deftly around each of the individuals you'd scouted with very little error. While it weaving a lasso of thread around someone's already bound body wasn't exactly the pinnacle of delicate work, you had an appreciation for the speed with which she'd picked it up with less than a day's worth of hours previous experience.

But then again, she had mentioned that manipulating the web seemed familiar to her... It held similarities you couldn't begin to understand to the way an Adept communed with their Mana, and so it was perhaps overcrediting her for something she had a surplus of transferrable experience with.

Whatever the case, in short order she'd seen the deed done; Now it was your turn. Can't fail now, not after all you've done for tonight. The threads actualized at your will, tightening around the bodies of each and every one of the people you'd identified as hostages... And then snapped taut.

Your mind strained, the web itself creaking under the effort of lifting so many at once. This was the only thing you needed to do, the role left to you, to save these people and begin to put an end to tonight's events.

You strained. Felt it stretch, felt them rise and drag, bound and rising under pure force of will. The determination to see this through, to make a difference like you said you would.
>>
You knew what came next, you'd done something similar once tonight already... And you knew you'd done this before. When you'd last occupied this role, when Shade had stained you through and through, leaving a furious, berserking echo of yourself to steep further and further into its own bitterness and grudges.

There was more to your capacity as the web than acting as a sensory device. You had influenced it, twisted and corrupted it - Stained every length of the thread you wrought in Shade's essence, and immersed in that state you had filtered the world through its designs. You lashed out, nearly unable to tell friend from foe, blind and indignant. You'd hurt everyone you touched, rent them limb from limb and felt nothing for it; Empty outrage which couldn't be filled, which refused even the hollow and spiteful satisfaction of hurting the people who had stood against and hurt you in turn.

You'd done it all before. Your doppleganger's memories were there to remind you of every moment. Of the fear a fragment of yourself had felt watching everything else you had become drift away, too insensate to respond. Almost too lost to be recognized. You had been desperate, and angry, and backed into a corner with no one to turn to beyond yourself... And at the time, even "yourself" felt like it had betrayed you. If it hadn't, your Doppleganger wouldn't have been born, it wouldn't have tried to run and leave you in the situation you'd fallen into it.

"We believed in you!"

In the end, your doppleganger had been the one to do what you couldn't. It wasn't the one who had ran from responsibility - You were. It had taken you a while to come to terms with it, but among the complicated tangle of emotions balled up over your late doppleganger's life and death, you had been jealous of what it accomplished. What it had that you lacked.

"You ran away from it all!"

It always felt like things had gone wrong so often when you were involved. That your doppleganger had somehow been so much better than you at navigating your life, and in the wake of its death you had been left to try and pick up the pieces it had so naturally gathered around it. You walked in its shadow, doing what you could to make up to it everything you had forced upon it - While it did the same, doing everything it could to live up to who you had been.

"We believed in you, but you couldn't even believe in yourself!"

It never betrayed you; It was afraid of what you were becoming.

Regardless of whose memories you wore, the insecurity you felt trying to live up to who you thought you were never changed. You had ever been your own shadow, and that shadow had swallowed you whole for as long as you could remember.

You never betrayed yourself. You were afraid of what you were becoming.
>>
Maybe you hadn't been ready for the decisions you made back then. Maybe you hadn't understood how much you had expected of yourself, and maybe you refused to acknowledge your shortcomings until it was too late. Maybe nothing you ever did would have been good enough, because no matter what you did, you felt like you should have done more. Done better.

"It's the truth isn't it?"

Maybe now was a bad time to be thinking about this, when reverie could lose you the scant few seconds Rinnier had bought, but the tension which filled each writhing thread as you pulled the hostages skyward and free from the riot brought with it a flood of old memories... And not all of them were yours. They filled your veins like a drug, tranquilizing your quickened thoughts while nostalgia smoothed out the overthought kinks within your threads.

"If I stopped believing in you, where would I be?"

Shade tinged your web, strengthening its coils as you reached beyond your bounds to pull the hostages free. A cold comfort which lined your nerves; Gentle hands overlaying your own to calm their shaking.

Rinnier, the hostages are safe.

You relayed your work, seeing them deposited outside of the town square as a blissful veil of Shade blossomed and reinforced your will. The riot would only become more chaotic now, but you'd ensured the hostages were well out of the way... And that left what you were going to do next.

As you were now, it didn't seem impossible to use the web to enforce yourself on the crowd. You could bring this riot to an end this instant - But should you? Maybe it wasn't their choices which led them to this point. With Artemis' involvement, you couldn't be sure... and neither could they.

You would prove Artemis right if you did, even if it was for their own good.
You would allow rebellion if you didn't, forfeiting lives you could have saved.

>Rinnier was right. (why?)
>Caylen was right. (why?)
>Am I forgetting something...? (write-in)
>>
Shit dudes what are we forgetting
>>
>>3990768
Something different from last time, at least!
>>
>>3990755
>Am I forgetting something...? (write-in)
Don't know if it's relevant, especially at this point but there was a thing where Irue said that force isn't a solution but instead one must manipulate people into believing they want the same thing as you.
>>
>>3990793
I'm thinking it could be about how we mind raped the demis? We don't need to use physical violence when mental trauma is invisible! Of course saying it this way means that riz will write it in the most sinister way possible. Enjoy
>>
>>3990755
Maybe the Forgetting is related to how we mindbroke the Mayor? About giving people the help they don't know they need and manipulating them for their own good, and how it ended badly?
I don't know what exactly to take away from it though.

Also, I found and interesting tidbit. Kara _knows_ it was us who fucked up her pack. She also knows we did it in self-defence, and we stopped because she asked us.
>>
I need to know if the mc is a boy or a girl because all throughout the first thread I literally have not been able to figure it out
>>
>>3990904
Nobody knows, anon.
There's a strong possibility that Irue is a sexless homunculus.
>>
>>3990904
I personally think of Irue as a girl though.
>>
>>3990910
Or maybe a golem!?
>>
>>3990755
>Shade tinged your web
>as a blissful veil of Shade blossomed and reinforced your will
Uh.
Irue is using Mana powers. Without the assistance of an item or solving privileges. And not Dryad, either.
This is Significant.


I am this close to letting them have this dumpster fire of a city, just calling down another Apparition on it and walking away. We didn't even want this place, but we've been fought against every step of the way on all sides.

I'll bet the Forgetting is related to our history with Shade, but that's all I got for now.

If it wasn't Cayden who we'd be saying is right, I'd go for that. But he's a manifestation of "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions", so pass on that for now.
Rinnier is clearly wrong though; if we rule through fear, we will cross a line. It will permanently change their perception of us, and not in a good way. It will also make trouble more likely to occur when we're not in town.
>>
>>3990952
Wait. Wasn't Rinnier the one who warned us that a forceful solution will set the citizens against us? And Caylen the one who advocated making people's choices for them?
>>
>>3990964
...you know, I don't actually remember. I was running off my memory of Cayden; with him working with Artemis, I'd assumed he'd be 'for the people'.

I was also matching the pattern in the text:
A Artemis
B Rebellion

A Rinnier
B Cayden
>>
>>3990972
Oh Caylen is "for the people", he just doesn't ask them. Reread the bit where we discussed with him what to do with the brigands.
>>
>>3990904
Just consider Rue a girl and save yourself the trouble. Pretty sure that's what most of us do anyway.
>>
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holy BASED
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>>3990598
Sir, I was entirely serious about it.

Artemis has killed hundreds of people, and repeatedly tried to murder us.

All we're doing is self defense.

> Riz says it's possible

> Anon responds with "I don't think we can do it"

Why you gotta try so hard to shit on my ideas, man.
>>
>>3991005
Imagine being provoked into killing off the opposition. What a treat for the enemy propaganda machine!
>>
>>3991005
We've come this far and you haven't learned a thing, it's enough to make one believe in miracles
>>
>>3991006
Imagine seeing a bunch of people fall down and die without an Adept to blame.

Then telling them it's a mana plague that drives people mad and is infectious.

What are we going to do with them? We don't have the forces to defeat them with just our Knights alone.

We don't have the political backing to keep them prisoner, in fact if we do so it could proivide their backers an excuse to attack us especiay if any nobles are slipped in there.

You want to pretend like words are enough, when this quest has shown us time and time again that they aren't.

Kill 'em all. Then we become the dictators of the truth. Is it tyrannical? Absolutely, but we can spin it so that it isn't.

If people are really opposed to killing at this point, we could just suffocate them. But it's more of a problem to leave them alive than anything else.

Remember, we're a Noble, an heir to a significant house at that, and these are our lands. We don't have to win elections.

The velvet glove over the irob gauntlet works, or even just the gauntlet, but only being able to use the glove to make a fist means we'll forever be too weak when it comes down to it.
>>
>>3991005
There are lots of things it's possible for us to do. Possible doesn't mean its easy, nor a good idea.

>>3991048
>Imagine seeing a bunch of people fall down and die without an Adept to blame.
>Then telling them it's a mana plague that drives people mad and is infectious.
You think a riot in a square is bad? That would flip the entire town into full panic mode. And when the Shrine investigates and finds nothing, what then? How did we know what caused the deaths, when they can't find any evidence?
>>
>>3991058
Except that Artemis has been infected by Mana, knowledge of Dryad. So they'll know we're telling the truth, oddly enough.

Nothing I said we should blame it on is a lie.

And is panic mode a bad thing? Lots of uses for panic mode.
>>
>>3991058
Keep in mind these people just survived having their town wiped out by Jinn, the Mayot was involved in a rebellion, and now there's adepts stirring up trouble. How much more panic mode can things get.
>>
>>3991130
>So they'll know we're telling the truth, oddly enough.
There is no known way to determine if someone has the Infection. Either it is truly unable to be determined, or discovering it in another transmits it. Neither result is desirable.
You didn't answer this either: How did we know what caused the deaths?
Why would we know that and they wouldn't?

>And is panic mode a bad thing? Lots of uses for panic mode.
Panic is a very bad thing when trying to maintain control of a situation. It's what we're trying to resolve with this vote. Creating even more panic is counter-productive.

>>3991134
That's not panic, that's determination and stubbornness. A plague is a lingering fear;


A 'plague' with an unknown infection vector and no prior symptoms infected only people that were trying to rebel against the local power, and killed them at the same time. That won't look suspicious at all.
>>
>>3990755
>>Am I forgetting something...? (write-in)
The only thing I can think of is that Doppelrue 2 is waking up. Ashe told us that doppelrue "could happen again" and I think Marchovic told us outright that she'd come back again recently.
>>
>>3991183
And this time we will do right by them, on my honor!
>>
>>3991197
Dopplerue 2 might not be the cinnamon roll we knew.
>>
>>3991183
>>3991201
That's fine, we will properly care for her this time and not let Asche kill her.

I think that had a lot to do with the deterioration of our relationship with her.
>>
>>3991197
Haven't we already failed in that case? The only thing she asked for was that she wouldn't happen again.
>>
>>3991157
> You didn't answer this either: How did we know what caused the deaths?

State secrets. You're right about not calling it a plague though, we should go with a contaminated source.

> Why would we know that and they wouldn't?

Also state secrets. They were exposed to a contaminated source, and revealing said source would put more people at risk of being contaminated. Measures have been taken to find the avenues by which these people have been intentionally spreading contamination, hence the previous secrecy about its existence so that we could trace it back to the source, but now they have started to attack not just us but the people of Carona indiscriminately.

Even . . . Even our own cousin has been contaminated, whereas we by virtue of our isolation at our estate where we lived after the assassination of our parents managed to avoid the notice of these people until recently.

It's entirely possible, given their unprovoked attacks on us once we left our isolation, that they were also behind the deaths of our parents orphaning us at a young age.

But we are no longer that lost and lonely child, stubbornly refusing to leave our empty home. We cannot turn a blind eye to their crimes, to their taint that drives them to divide and destroy the nation that our Ancestors helped build. We are going to do our duty to the nation, to the people, to Carona.

We will not let what happened to Rinniers nation happen here, the people displaced by foreign invaders and sold into slavery in foreign lands.

This is our home, our land, our history where our families lived and were buried. Not just us, Irue, but the people of Carona too.

> But will uneducated peasants eat this up?

Hells to the yes. Agitprop.

Besides, the Shrine is supporting us anyways. Dullem has won that one Adept over. Mim is our friend. Priat was working with us prior. Marchovic seems . . . Alright, and totally down for "shady" practices *wink*.

As for us being tyrannical and against the people, we can have our Knights stand up and tell their story of starting from peasants, to being forced into banditry by actually tyrannical nobles, to becoming Knights after we saved them.
>>
>>3991235
Yeah well . . . Sometimes you don't mean to make a child but it happens anyways.
>>
>>3990755
>Caylen was right. Probably.
These people are replaceable, attract immigrants to replace them or make a deal with Clara and turn this place into a penal colony, whatever works. We'll be called a tyrant, so what? We would be called a tyrant regardless and petty insults shouldn't prevent us from acting, it certainly doesent stop the police. In time the people will forget and carry on, just give them a few festivals for them to not dwell on unfortunate memories. We have rumours of us being fey and supernatural so why not confirm them? Spin stories that big sister is watching you from the shadows and that the walls have ears or whatever, superstitious peasants will lap it all up after seeing the feats. They will grow to like us once they realise that if they dont rebel that feylord will protect them with their might. Rinnier's opinion can be changed with time,arguments, rationalizations or just alcohol to keep her stupid and unthreatning.
>>
>>3990748
>Am I forgetting something...? (write-in)

How to make a razor web and slice some dudes up.

That we should never give up!
>>
>>3991542
>>3990755
Also supporting this.

This guy gets it.
>>
>>3990755
>Am I forgetting something...?
Never give up!

We are doing what we can , we are doing our best. We don't need shade, we don't need to be insecure.

We are the feyliege, most people already believe that our whole family are magical and half fae, not to mention the rumours around Irue herself.
Aren't the good people who believe in us expecting a crazy magical intervention, for the feyliege to help them? Rumours don't make the rounds if no one who hears them find them believable enough on some level to pass them on. We need to prove them right. We are the lord and protecting them is our duty.

I will not advocate for murder at this time as there is a risk of collateral, plus it seems there is a risk of Irue dipping into shade and using it/creating a doppelganger to make razor web... but I'm going to use the web to restrain the rioters, bind the web and then Irue will return to herself and go to the square in person.
>>
>>3990755
>?
Whoever doesn't advocate using force to keep subjects in line.
Because once the line is crossed there's no going back.
Also because we hate this town, and if they want to tear it apart after we put it back together they're welcome to it. Have fun ruling over a pile of rubble and no resources.

>>3991586
>but I'm going to use the web to restrain the rioters, bind the web and then Irue will return to herself and go to the square in person.
Leaving the web will release them. Also, rumors are very different from truth.
>>
>>3990755
>Rinnier was right. (why?)
>Caylen was right. (why?)

Ugh. Rinnier thinks that if we use the web for restraint or violence that we will become a tyrant and hated by everyone and proving Artemis right.

Caylen thinks that people don't know what they need, or whatever, and he the hero will show them what's what. He wants to inspire loyalty with great deeds and to appear worthy of following.

They're both theoretically correct but real life isn't a theoretical exercise and humans are unpredictable. You can't know how any one individual will react to what we do in this situation or how the discussion and peer pressure after will shape the outcome. I'll go on a limb, however, and presume that free will have grounds for complaint if we take an action that's basically non-lethal foam riot suppression where no one dies to these loonies
>>
>>3991598
Uh sorry it's 4am and maybe i used the wrong word but wasn't it said that we can kind of make thread permanent and will last for some time is we leave the web without untangling it? I'm on phone it's a bitch to find something specific if I'm not searching the right word.

-

I think this is worth keeping in mind since we're very close to enacting a scenario that wasn't far from when doppelrue died.

>A scar left behind after Dopplerue's death. The dormant core of a Shade apparition, siphoning from Irue the strength to manifest again. Resolving the issues which surround the Doppleganger's death may see its parasitic nature exchanged for something healthier, granting Irue a physical trait reflecting the doppleganger's memento

Are we really going to resort to lethal violence again because we are fucking angry at Artemis and their dumb fuck actions?

Lashing out in anger is fine but you gotta consider with what. Punching a bitch and getting skewered isn't the same as remote mass murder and three times a pattern. It'll be all too easy to use it again and again if we set this precedent.
>>
Closing the window in a couple hours! If there's any last minute additions or clarifying questions, shoot! I'll see what needs commenting on in a moment.
>>
>>3991619
>but wasn't it said that we can kind of make thread permanent and will last for some time is we leave the web without untangling it?
I believe your thinking of our ability to leave a web without it unraveling, called anchoring. All that does is leave the web intact and reconnectable, though. It shouldn't leave any physical manifestations hanging around, but I'm not certain.
>>
>>3991598
Seconding this I guess.

I really hate these obtusely phrased choices.
>>
>>3991631
>>3991619
>Anchoring
Your understanding of it is mostly correct. It will leave the web intact and reconnectable at the expense of making it no longer malleable. A static and finished existence. This means that if the web is made physical before the anchoring, it will remain so - And if it is not, it will remain intangible. If damage is inflicted on the web once anchored, that damage can't be repaired unless you dismantle the whole thing and start over.

Further, your connection to it wanes while not actively immersed in it. It becomes mostly an alarm system, rather than the absolute territory-esque awareness it currently functions as.

>>3991598
>>3991636
>Obtuse choices
As some of the others noted up around >>3990974 , the choice is mainly referring to a similar circumstance you found yourself in during the early part of the quest. Irue, Caylen and Rinnier clashed on their philosophies, each offering specific perspectives on how to best approach it.

It was exciting to see some of you catch on so quickly, but to maybe help further clarify the actual conversation can be found back in: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/42037370/ (42038588).

Caylen advocated siding with the people to support their freedom. He staunchly believed that nobility is a representative for the people, and that it is better to do what is right even if it means burning down in the process.

Rinnier argued that it's the ruler's responsibility to make the best choice for their subject, regardless of whether the subjects agreed or liked it. The people often don't know the circumstances they find themselves in, and can't be trusted to find the best future on their own.

As >>3990793 immediately pointed out, this spread missed Irue's point of view that the illusion of choice was what mattered most, and manipulating the people into following your decisions was most efficient. This disregards honesty with the subjects, as well their freedom of thought and independence to create convenient outcomes... This omission is deliberate, because Irue lampshades it directly above. You know that Carona may not have liked you, but with Artemis' involvement you don't actually know how much of this rebellion was their earnest desire, and how much was Artemis' own manipulations to make them believe it was what they wanted.

That was Irue's default approach to things, and it characterized a great deal of the early quest's approach to things. Whether you still follow that ideology, or have tempered it in other directions since, is as ever up to you.

One of the reasons I included the (why?) parts to the vote was to better understand why you were siding with one or the other. If you, say, voted for Caylen but the ideology you outlined for why you did so fell more in line with Rinnier, then I would have counted it for Rinnier and vice-versa, so as to try and not screw you over with the aforementioned mildly obtuse voting option.
>>
>>3990793
mentioning that Irue didn't end up following any of those options, and got advice from Alouette instead.
>>
>>3991691
>This means that if the web is made physical before the anchoring, it will remain so

So we could have made webbing to aid construction?
>>
>>3991780
Spending long periods in the web is bad for our mental health.
>>
>>3991780
Yep! Although please remember that in order to physically actualize the web you would have required a second person aiding you, which means it would have required a lot of Hearts In Harmony to accomplish.

You have by all accounts been very reluctant to engage in this, with even the present circumstances being extenuating.
>>
>>3991790
Yeah, but maybe we can put enough web on the Behemoth to trap it for that one dudes murderboner plan for killing it.

Still say we should try merging a Dryad core into it from the new Oakenrue. Doesn't matter if people think we're a tyrant if we have a motherfucking Behemoth boosted by Dryad with us.

Either Dryad herself can calm it and let it open its heart to us so we can love it and have it love us back, or we can hook into the core with the bracelet and through that maybe manipulate it.

Or else everything could go horribly wrong, but since it seems like that's happening anyways I figure it's worth a shot.

>>3991598
I don't understand your resistance to using force on people who just burnt a ton of people to death/agony and death after infection.

Like. If force doesn't work, it's because we aren't using enough of it.

How do you think every other Noble keeps their position in the Kingdom? That all their Knights are for show?

No offense to Rinnier and her "Tyranny is bad" argument, but how is her kingdom doing after losing to a rebellion, hrmmm?
>>
>>3991784
So is having our town overrun and destroyed from within and without

Like, our situation is one without choices that don't have massive down sides.
>>
>>3991559
>>3991691
Just to be clear, this is a vote to reach out to shade. If we have to fail ourselves to save others, then we'll fall on that fucking sword face first and literally bite it to death.

Even if doing so makes our teeth fall out because now they're a weapon.
>>
>>3991790
Hey, if Shade can cut the shit out of people, if we focus on Whisp can we boost our Knights with the web?
>>
>>3991790
>It's like, Artemis learned about Dryad being put to sleep and they figured out some way to use that to mess with other Mana and put them to sleep so that none of them can have an independent will to destroy the world again. That's my theory on the big conspiracy.
>After all, if you knew they had reset everything multiple times before, wouldn't you want to put them to sleep so they can't pull an Elder God "Stars Are Right" and wipe the slate clean again?

Also is any of this close?
>>
>>3990952
I'm not sure what this vote is for, but it explicitly calls out not supporting the two ideologies presented. Seems like this is an instance of begrudgingly admitting Caylen had a point?

>>3991598
>>3991636
This explicitly rules out following Rinnier, and tentatively supports Caylen's ideology in that allowing them the chance to rebel and choose their leader is their right. Or at least none of your business. Retreat from the riot to allow them to settle things themselves!

>Support for Caylen: 3. Begrudgingly.

>>3991542
>>3991561
>>3991586
This is more in line with Rinnier's ideology than Caylen's, so counting it as such. Note that while she was the one to warn you about proving Artemis right, she was also in favor of oppressing them by force and sorting it out later!

>>3991601
I am unsure what this is supporting, but I think the desired outcome is non-lethal riot suppression, so counting it for Rinnier!

>Support for Rinnier: 4.

>>3991559
>>3991808
>>3991801
>>3991242
>>3991130
>>3991048
>>3991005
>Support for using murder to solve your problems: 7

>>3990793
This was close! But not it. You absolutely had the right idea, though. Someone was even closer, but I don't really know how to count their input since it wasn't a vote and also wasn't addressed to me.

Anyway, the outcome seems pretty clear to me so I guess it's writing time!
>>
>>3991851

>>3990952
>>3991598
are both me. the first one wasn't a vote, more of a reaction.

actually, go back and check those IDs. I'm seeing lots of repeats in your count there.
>>
>>3991851
You counted me twice for murder.

You counted me every time for murder.

Like. I want it to come true, but . . . gotta do what's right.

Anyways. Wasn't Artemis supposed to be a secret organization? Why are they coming out of the woodwork now?
>>
>>3991858
Oh, you're right. I need to start including IDs next to the vote to keep track of this...

Alright so that puts the final count at:
>Caylen: 2
>Rinnier: 4
>Murder: 10

Unless I made another mistake somewhere... Nah, looks right.
>>
>>3991851
>Also, I found and interesting tidbit. Kara _knows_ it was us who fucked up her pack. She also knows we did it in self-defence, and we stopped because she asked us.


Izzit this? Is Artemis trying to fuck with our people?

Oh god, goddamnit. Artemis is infectious. Right. So we're gonna have to kill everyone anyways that they've had contact with?

Shit. Are our Knights infected?
>>
>>3991860
>Anyways. Wasn't Artemis supposed to be a secret organization? Why are they coming out of the woodwork now?
They're not coming out as Artemis. They're operating as rabble-rousers. They've been doing this all over the country, it seems. Maybe due to something relating to destabilizing the royalty.
>>
>>3991865
You can count Murder for Caylen.

I guess.
>>
>>3991868
WAIT NO I READ CAYLENS WRONG.

Rinnier is close enough.

To murder.

FEEL THE VIOLENCE INHERENT IN THE SYSTEM!
>>
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>>3991865
pic related

>>3991866
It's not artemis itself that's infectious. Ari is infected due to Dryad.
>>
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>>3991866
Actually forgot to address this, but you had a conversation with Mim specifically related to this. It was on the memolist for a while, even!

>>3991860
>Wasn't Artemis supposed to be a secret organization?
Artemis is a fairly public organization. They used to be a branch of the Shrine's Luna Dominion before breaking off over irreconcilable differences and claiming sovereign authority over Ephlesia, which serves as their base of operations and an autonomous nation. They've been very vocal about disagreeing with the Crown's limitations on education and have an active campaign to try and spread the freedom and availability of knowledge to anyone interested in learning.

What you are probably thinking of is that beneath their public exterior you have reason to believe they've been behind the political machinations and ensuing civil instabilities and wars which have and are tearing this continent apart. This is, as you suspect, because they've become contaminated with the same thing they were entrusted to guard and quarantine after the Dryad operation. That part is not public knowledge.
>>
>>3991871
>This is, as you suspect, because they've become contaminated with the same thing they were entrusted to guard and quarantine after the Dryad operation. That part is not public knowledge.

Possibly.

Or maybe they just found out about the previous eliminations of existence and are fighting it.

The important thing is that, while we're unsure now, if we kill them all we can achieve certainty about their position.

Six feet under.
>>
>>3991877
>you had a conversation with Mim specifically related to this.
Of God, it's layered forgettings now.
>>
>>3991877
>his is, as you suspect, because they've become contaminated with the same thing they were entrusted to guard and quarantine after the Dryad operation.
What surprises me is that there are Artemis Luna Adepts. Luna should have melted their brains out or whatever when they were infected. Luna spearheaded the effort to quarantine Dryad; It knows what is at stake.
>>
>>3991929
Maybe they have a way to block her influence. After all, their abilities of simulation are their own.
>>
>>3991951
>After all, their abilities of simulation are their own.
nooooope. Every use of their powers is granted by their Mana. Had this discussion with Riz several threads back.
>>
>>3991959
Huh. And here I thought it was just a mental skill they trained by thinking like Luna.

Maybe Luna has MPD and is crazy.

Or they made a fake Mana that can replace Luna and Salamander.
>>
>>3991851
Was it
>Am I forgetting something...? (write-in)
Indecision is bad, nobility must take an action and other will follow
>>
>>3991978
Yep. Here's the quote:
>Even setting aside the possibility of each Mana being capable of doing that as a singular entity, you also know as a fact that the consciousness of Mana is naturally multifaceted and divided amongst every apparition, as well as connected to every single one of their Adepts at all times
>For every singular Mana, there are countless smaller fragments operating autonomously. Which is precisely why Simulacra Fragments are terrifying, as they represent a manifestation that some portion of a Mana's conscious has taken direct control of.
>>
>>3991993
This isn't quite it, but I would have accepted it as an answer!

Specifically, the situation being called back to was Irue being faced with different philosophies with how to proceed, but in the end none of those three options were actually relevant to you. The anons continued to search and eventually asked Alouette, gaining a fourth option and perspective, and she is the reason you have knights now. In essence, the Forgetting could have been summed up as "What would Alouette have done here?", opening new possibilities.


But I digress, the vote has since closed.
>>
>>3992038
:(
>>
>>3992004
Maybe they found a way to separate those smaller mana consciousness from the main body.

Or Luna has reconciled with Artemis.

Or Luna has been backing Artemis in secret this whole time and the split was a sham, to use them as a sacrificial pawn like the original mass murderers who put Dryad to sleep.
>>
Get ready to weave more layers across the town square.

"Are you sure about this, Irue?" Rinnier stood at the edge of the crowd as their panic subsided. It wouldn't be long until one push led to a shove, and the bitter fighting resumed in earnest, blind or no... Yet she hesitated. "If you do this..."

Artemis is proven right, I take the look of an oppressive noble and risk the good will everyone worked to create.

Yeah. You knew that.

"Is this really what you want to do?"

Isn't this what you wanted?

"..." The Teranford princess held her peace, uncomfortably trying - and failing - to give voice to her feelings.

You said it yourself, they've lost all sense of reason in this mob. Nothing can be done to sort this mess out if we let it continue like this, and the longer it goes on the more casualties we'll have. I can put a stop to it.

"...You're right." A small admission accompanied the deft creation of more purposeful threads. "I'll try to address the crowd once things are in place."

I shouldn't be long. After everyone is secured I'll anchor the web and handle things in person. There's enough rumours floating around about me that I may as well make some use out of them.

"That would be the better option." She agreed. "Making a personal appearance carries more weight to it than letting me handle it. You have a plan for that, I trust?"

No.
>>
Rinnier's weaving stopped. You could already feel the pointed look she was sending your way, despite your current lack of presence.

I feel like I could kill everyone in this square right now. I'm not mad, but I never wanted to be here and they've fought me tooth and nail for months over every attempt we've made to help them.

"We don't know how much of that was Artemis."

We don't, which is why I'm not going to... But if it weren't for you, I would have walked away and left this town and its people in shambles already. I need a powerbase for what's to come, but people are replaceable. I may need loyalty, but I don't have to get it from these people, nor this town.

"You don't have that many choices. This was the best place to start, and the only one we already had a foothold in to work from." Rinnier's argued back. "...Are you in the right frame of mind to be making decisions, Irue?"

I'm fine. Better than fine. You were right.

Her focus wavered. "What?"

The lower class doesn't understand the position they're in. This is for their own good, and if they hate me for enforcing my will on them now then they'll get over it later once this town is back in working order.

"...What happened to 'No one who removes the agency of another is loved'?"

I don't need their love, I need their loyalty. I'll have it just as soon as these problems are sorted and I can straighten their lives back out.
>>
"Are they going to appreciate what you've done if you push them into it like this?" Rinnier retorted stubbornly, and with that comeback cast the conversation into a stalemate. The violence before you grew with every passing moment, a din of human voices underscored by the cacophonous skirmish taking place.

Finally, that silence is broken when you discard the argument for its heart.

Why are you being difficult over this? We both know we don't have time to bicker right now.

"Because this isn't like you, Irue." She stood her ground candidly, "You would never have done something like this before."

I'm not the same person as before, Rinnier. I've been doing my best, listening to you, and trying to learn how to handle these things. I've grown, I'm taking your advice, and isn't this exactly what you would have done?

"Yes!" A familiar heat bled into her voice as she snapped at you for the first time in months. It was enough for her to catch it herself, biting her tongue agitatedly before she could continue. When you'd braced yourself for a more scathing argument, she chose instead to resume her weaving. "Yes," She continued more quietly. "This is what I would do."

...Do you have a better idea?

Thread after thread fell into place, setting the stage for the final act of tonight's activities. Each one drew out another moment without response, one which left you keenly aware of the feeling of awkwardness creeping through you. "It's done. Ready when you are."

Rinnier-

"No. I don't have a better idea." She cut you off sternly, "There's nothing wrong with this plan, it's going to save lives, and they'll thank you for it later."

Then what's wrong this time?

"I don't know," She lied. "We'll talk about it later, there's still work to do."

You added that to the list of things you would do 'later', and spared a tired thought as to whether it would share the same fate as the rest of the things on that list. Rinnier was right though, about these people, and that you still had work to do. With a thought the tendrils of threads woven across the town square drank Shade's mana from the soothing scar left to you, granting it - and you - the strength you needed.
>>
You had been scared of what you were becoming back then, but less and less these days did you find yourself trapped in your own shadow. You were growing, maturing, and changing. One foot in front of the other, step by step, you were finding your place outside of your family name and role; Defining yourself less by what was expected of you, and more by what you would and would not do when faced with those things.

You would endanger the world to protect someone close to you.
You would sentence over a hundred people to their death for opposing you.
...And you would break this rebellion tonight.

The strings tightened, grasping the whole of Carona in your fist. Knight, rebel, bystander, victim - Anything and everything in between grew still, their heartbeat hammering in your palm, and you brought them all to their knees.

It's done.

You reported flatly, securing the web in place as you receded from its embrace and left the world to close in on Rinnier after you withdrew.

I'm coming.
>>
...
>>
When you emerged from the temporary death that transition brought on, it took a moment for your senses to reassert themselves. A limited understanding of the world around, both in scope and scale, which left you deaf and blind for all your body's weak senses could give you.

That was why you remained prone in bed. Breathing softly: In, and out. To readjust to your body. To come to terms with how calm you felt, after having succeeded in ripping Artemis' presence out of this town by its roots. You savored that victory laying there, the tasteless fruits of these months work and efforts. It was too soon to celebrate, but the finish line was in sight - You'd done it.

...That was why you stayed there, until your eyes adjusted to the darkness and crimson eyes found the ceiling staring blankly back.

You had to get up.

The headquarters was empty and still, most of your knights already on scene and waiting for your arrival. They had been out in force tonight, mustering every one of their number to try and make the difference in tonight's operations... So you said nothing as you rose, letting out a tense breath you didn't know you'd been holding before making to leave. The wooden planks grunted under your feet as you did so, not quite old enough to groan. Too sturdy, too used to their little murmurs being lost in the day to day life of your knights.

But as you stepped out into the streets, what hit you was the night. The way the streets were empty, and the wind cooled against your cheek. The empty, lingering questions of what the Shrine would have to say about all this when it was over, and the scent of blood so thick in your nostrils that having merely opened the door forced you to recoil.

"'Rue."

The demihuman, well over six feet of her, stood towering over you at the threshold as the repulsive iron odor gloamed off her as a miasma. Her clothes were soaked, worn rough as they were, they clung to her skin in the dark and shuffled heavily as her weight shifted. a, steady rhythmic staccato filtered softly into your ears; All but lost in the open air and bereft of so much as an echo besides the tiny splatter where it dripped down upon the drops which fell first, painting black marks along the steps.

"Where's Raid?"

>?
>>
Should we just tell her that Raid is somewhere in the woods? That's where we would think he is, right.
>>
>>3992394
>Raid is on his way back to Carona... I sent him and Gher to go back together and I used my magic to come here instantly. If they haven't returned yet they must still be in the forest, on their way here. They should be fine, with his hearing and sense of smell they can avoid the dangers. Do you think something happened to him?

>What's wrong Kara? Are you alright?

> ... Whose blood is that?
>>
>>3992410
No wait, was it gher plus mim and raid is alone?
>>
>>3992410
Ok it's too late to delete and rewrite this post so I'll just rewrite it

>>3992394
>Raid is on his way back to Carona... I sent him back when we finished our mission and then I used my magic to come here instantly. I can't carry other people with me. If he hasn't returned yet he must still be in the forest, on his way here. He should be fine, with his hearing and sense of smell he can avoid the dangers and one of my fey creatures is heading here too. It knows he is a friend. Do you think something happened to him?

>What's wrong Kara? Are you alright?

>... Whose blood is that?
>>
>>3992394
>Tell her that he should be in the woods, on his way here.
>Don't pry too much, we're busy and can investigate what's her deal later
>>
>>3992414
Is there a need to be such a blabber mouth?
>>
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I'm looking at the map and he should be relatively close to the graveyard. If they kidnapped him then that's the likely location.

>>3992416
Yes? we went to the forest together, we sent him back ahead of us, yet we've been here for more than a day. That makes no sense. When she finds him and asks about it, he'll tell her that Irue sent him back to warn the town about monsters... but Kara knows that Irue arrived first. And didn't really warn anyone about monsters. How is that going to look?

She's worried about him and is fucking drenched in blood so obviously this isn't a social call and is Pretty Fucking Important.

But yeah, let's not show her any concern for either herself or her brother because Maro is completely right about us.

I know there's a few of us who don't give a crap but I like Kara and I've always voted to be good to her and I have no reason IC or OOC to ignore that she's looming in the night drenched in blood asking for her brother. Dismissing her with "oh he's in the forest" is ridiculously obtuse.
>>
>>3992418
I mean, just read your suggested prompt out loud bro. That's too much
>>
>>3992421
Riz will edit it to flow and make it fit with irues speech pattern and personality. I'm only here to make suggestions
>>
>>3992394
Supporting >>3992414
>>
>>3992414
>>3992394
This works.

I'm glad we were just reminded about the discrepancy of Kara being with us when we broke the demihumans before we got to have this talk.
>>
>>3992394
I'm willing to give the Behemoth wakeup drugs to save Kara by saving Raid.

If you're willing to cram a dryad core in it right before we do so while we're connected with said core.

Let me make that clear. I'm willing to fuck Carona up in order to save Raid, as Irue. We can evacuate people ahead of time, and we can always rebuild what gets destroyed if it doesn't work out.
>>
>>3992391
>You would endanger the world to protect someone close to you.
>You would sentence over a hundred people to their death for opposing you.
>...And you would break this rebellion tonight.
I voted against all of those options in their time, and I hate what Rue has become. Willing to doom the world for one person, but unwilling to let others choose their own fate.
Weak.

>We're going to the square in person
I only saw one reference to doing that here
>>3991586
and it's a serious decision. Do we need to be more deliberate in voting against every silly idea that pops up?

>>3992394
>?
Dunno. I'm a little busy at the moment. I'll take a look after I deal with the square full of people I froze.
She's is on a knife's edge, but Rue doesn't know that
>>
>>3992675
What would have you done if not head for the square? just wondering
>>
>>3992680
Stayed in the web and let Rinnier handle it. As I've mentioned before, our precious few tools are at their most effective when the other side is unaware (as shown with Rinnier's last fight). By going to the square in person we are broadcasting ourselves as the one that did this, as opposed to a subordinate or the Shrine or something.

Of course, I was against using the Web here in the first place, so I was hoping to minimise the damage.
>>
>>3992685
I see. Anyway, I would have also voted to go to the square if you think it was all decided by 1 anon, just letting u know
>>
>>3992696
It was decided by one anon. There was only support at the time by one anon, and one oblique reference against it. Potential support doesn't matter here.

>>3992675
>Do we need to be more deliberate in voting against every silly idea that pops up?
Let's start covering our bases...

>>3992410
This is way too wordy. Rue is very distracted, she's not going to be making a mini speech. A reference to him still being on his way is fine, and asking about the blood, but that's all we need.

>>3992476
no to all of this.
>>
>>3992702
It's wordy because I am anticipating Kara's questions. There will be a conversation, not a "mini speech"
>>
>>3992675
>Do we need to be more deliberate in voting against every silly idea that pops up?

For the record I don't really care if we go to the square in person or not but I want you to know I feel you on this point. I've argued with anons for ages because I felt like I needed to mitigate the effect of their bad ideas on Irue. That said I really appreciate Riz taking the time to include as much of the votes and ambient anon chatter as possible so I don't even know if I'd change things if I could.
>>
>>3992824
For the small stuff, it's great that he incorporates our discussions. It adds a lot to see Rue work through the same stuff we are. I know I've added requests for minor things in the past like extra punches for the Shade guy that didn't get official support but were added anyways.

I brought this up because it feels like making an appearance personally will make a large difference in the public's perception of us and this event. Maybe I'm wrong and Riz didn't think it would make a difference which is why he included it, but it feels like it'll have a large effect.
>>
>>3992696
Eh. I'm okay with it. I'm concerned about the amount of time spent in the web.

I want to focus on doing HiH with Kara.
>>
>>3992976
lmao
>>
>>3993000
> I've argued with anons for ages because I felt like I needed to mitigate the effect of their bad ideas on Irue

Lmao.
>>
>>3992976
>hih with kara
why
>>
>>3992976
>I want to focus on doing HiH with Kara.
Right, uh, good luck with that.
>>
I'll be closing the window in a bit!

>>3992675
>voting against every silly idea that pops up
If you really dislike something then it's a good idea in general to be vocal about why you don't like it, if no other reason than it gives me material for Irue to reason through why they did or did not want to do something. I tend to dismiss certain things if they're too impactful or far out there though, reforming it into a vote a little later to formally decide if it is a thing you want to do.

However, in this case...
>I only saw one reference to doing that
There were three people seemingly of the same mind for it!

>>3991542
>We have rumours of us being fey and supernatural so why not confirm them? Spin stories that big sister is watching you from the shadows and that the walls have ears or whatever, superstitious peasants will lap it all up after seeing the feats. They will grow to like us once they realise that if they dont rebel that feylord will protect them with their might.
>>3991561
Supporting the above, and...
>>3991586
>We are the feyliege, most people already believe that our whole family are magical and half fae, not to mention the rumours around Irue herself.
Aren't the good people who believe in us expecting a crazy magical intervention, for the feyliege to help them?

The cumulative desire to play into the rumours here are best accomplished by Irue personally taking responsibility for the web phenomena, which coincides with showing up personally to make that impact. It is a meaningful decision to leave the web and show up, but it wasn't one included on a whim.

Of course if I'm mistaken about their intentions on this that's another story, but it was the path chosen because it seemed to best fit what the winning vote was aiming to achieve, rather than because it was part of aside conversation.

This is actually well illustrated in the point made here >>3992685 about how showing up in person broadcasts Irue as the one responsible, which is a powerful move in order to confirm the rumours surrounding Irue in the first place, where as absence could be played off onto someone or something else. This anon also makes a good point about your tools having been most effective when kept under wraps, but this isn't the first time you've sacrificed one thing to gain another.
>>
>>3993468
>If you really dislike something then it's a good idea in general to be vocal about why you don't like it
I can do that. I'm used to ignoring one-off suggestions in most quests because if I engaged all of them I'd be there all week, and sooner or later it kicks off a shitstorm as someone gets their feelings hurt and it turns into a whole /thing/.

>There were three people seemingly of the same mind for it!
Damn it. And I even went back and double checked this time before opening my mouth.

>This is actually well illustrated in the point made here
Good to know I get some stuff right, once in a blue moon.
>>
>>3993483
>I'm used to ignoring one-off suggestions in most quests
Understandable, I've seen stuff really blow out of proportion in other quests like that. That said, you guys are typically well behaved! Arguments (prolonged ones) do crop up occasionally but they are mostly well deserved and civil, and if nothing else they provide good material for Irue to work through when the result is decided.
>>
>>3993468
If they will not love us, then they shall at least fear us.

And quite frankly, all we need is for the Knights, Merchants, Tradesmen, and Shrine to love us and that will keep the commoners in line if needed.
>>
>>3992414
>>3992448
>>3992475
>>3992415
Raid's on his way back!

>>3992414
>>3992448
>>3992475
Are you alright?
Ask about all that blood!

>>3992675
>>3992415
We're a bit busy! I can look into it after I deal with this stuff.

>>3992476
Sacrifice Carona to save Raid if that's what it takes!

Hmmm... Writing! Thread is probably ending soon since we're on page eight.
>>
>>3993622
it's not gonna fall off for some time still
>>
"He should be on his way back." You glance over her, thoughts of demanding where she'd been haphazardly shoved to the side. "Is any of that blood yours?" A sense of unease crawled up your spine when she shook her head, something specific unsettling you that you couldn't immediately place. "...Listen I'm a little busy right now, did something happen? Are you alright?"

"Dunno."

A monotone flatness carried her response, and you caught yourself scanning your demihuman Testament for something that wasn't there. Wether she realized, or cared, wasn't something you could make out in the solitary figure lingering in your path. You shift your weight, feeling the time tick away the longer you stood here and increasingly uncertain of how to handle her. You knew something was wrong, it was impossible not to, but you had no idea what... And you didn't have the time right now to try and coax it out of her.

"Kara?"

"Maro said Raid was a hostage." She volunteered after an uncomfortably long silence, "Couldn't find 'em. Dunno where they put 'im."

"Raid shouldn't even be in town." You hazard, starting to realize that your demihuman's nervous quirks were conspicuously absent. She hadn't so much as twitched this entire time. "I left ahead of him, he shouldn't be back for another day or two at least. If anyone took him as a hostage, they'd have had to follow us all the way out there, and probably take Marchovic in a fight to do it..."

...You don't actually know if Marchovic would be with Raid. You left the two of them together, but Raid was quite vocal about his distaste for the man, and had made no secret that he could move faster alone. There was a possibility he had tried to rush back to Carona and gotten caught. That would have taken a quick response time though, to realize you had returned and immediately prepare to capture the sandy haired punk without knowing when he'd show up.

If nothing else, it confirmed that her pack had, indeed, been against you from the start. "Alright..." you begin slowly, "After I wrap things up in town I'll help you find him. Finding him comes first... But after that, we need to talk about your pack. Why was Raid a hostage?"

"Maro wanted me t'wake the thing underground."

The implication alone horrified you, because tonight had nearly become a nightmare even without the Behemoth's involvement. You swallowed thickly. "You-" No, the town was still in one piece, of course she hadn't cooperated... Was this why she'd been absent all night? The urge to ask was on the top of your tongue, but... She wasn't injured. Raid should be safe. And you didn't have all night to talk this out. "Maro's dead, isn't he?"
>>
Your Testament offered a shallow nod, and you sighed. You don't know if you would have killed him or not, but that's one less thorn in your side. Praising her for murdering him would be insensitive though, even for you. Kara loved her pack. It was convenient for you, but if she'd killed Maro with her own hands it explained a lot... She was going to need time, and probably help, to work through this. Maybe with him dead, the rest of them would fall in line for good? After all, it had always been the former Alpha who had maintained a grudge against you.

"...We'll find Raid, I promise. I doubt he's even back yet, so Maro may have been lying to you in the first place, but if he wasn't then I'll do everything I can to find him." If he was anywhere in Carona, or around it, 'A Spider's Web' would find him eventually. You may need to wrap things up in the square quicker than you expected and spend the rest of the night weaving... If, and you doubted this, but if Raid had been captured then time was of the essence in getting him back. "We-"

Kara's low voice rolled your words back as if the suggestion was one she hadn't considered. "He was... Lying?"

"Maybe?" You stopped, realizing that the demihuman hadn't averted her eyes once since this discussion began. She'd had you pinned under her gaze, almost unblinkingly. "If the rest of your pack was working with him we can drag it out of them while we're looking."

"No."

"...Kara, I can't keep covering for them if they're going to turn on us like this." You murmured, trying to move past her and make your way to the town square. You could feel Rinnier starting to get antsy through your connection already. "We'll talk about what to do with-"

"S'too late." An iron grip closed around your arm as you passed, halting you in place. "They're dead."
>>
You blinked, feeling confusion wash across your face before draining away like the tide, along with whatever color you had there this late at night. Kara's grip fastened, snapping the bone beneath it soundly before she realized what she'd done and ripped her hand away at your cry. A burning pain spread through your arm, a stinging and emphatic reminder of Kara's strength that you're not sure she even meant to give you, as you hissed in pain through clenched teeth and cradled it against you.

She stood there, staring at her blood soaked hand - The first thing to have torn her attention from you tonight. The bashful apology you'd come to expect from your Testament wasn't coming. Through the pain, you dimly became aware that it had been coated thickly enough on her hand to leave it plastered around your now broken wrist in a nausteaingly thick paste... Which you couldn't be sure was formed from blood alone.

"...They wouldn't tell me." She rasped softly. "They didn't know."

"Kara... What-" You swallowed your words, staggering a half step back despite yourself as you cleared the headquarter stairs.

"I thought they were lyin'." Her body, coiled and tense, held perfectly still while her voice shook. "It's too late, 'Rue."

>?
>>
>>3993760
>Tell her we'll help but she won't find him unless she calms down
>Draw her a map of the image in >>3992418
Fen wrote shit down on his desk so we should have all the necessary stuff there. Tell her that if they did abduct him on the way back they'll have either done it at the graveyard, the mines or somewhere in between. If she can't pick up his trail there then they never had him to begin with but she could still try going over the route he would have used to get back to try to pick up his scent as well as checking Irue's manor since it's the only other abandoned place around that'd be useful for stashing a hostage.
...Can she even pick up his scent through all that blood? Maybe she should wash it off.

If she clearly isn't listening or if she hurts us again then just fuckin leave using home is where the heart is then undo our injury using the diary before whatever was in that phial starts taking effect.
>>
>if she hurts us again then just fuckin leave
Another option is to meditate on shade. Not gonna vote for it but I'll just throw it out there.
>>
What are we supposed to do? Maybe just Jinn Calls Me out of here before she absent-mindedly snaps another one of our wrists...
>>
>>3993760
>Hug Kara
>Don't talk about finding Raid, it's not what's on her mind right now.

Anons, Kara isn't worrying for Raid right now. After realizing Maro was lying, she also realized she has just SLAUGHTERED HER FAMILY FOR NOTHING.
She was trying to fix her mistakes and in the process committed an even more grievous, unfixable one.
Show empathy.
>>
>>3993760
First off-
>Hug
>Tell her it's not too late until you can be sure of it, and either way, you'll find Raid.
Running away won't help either of us. Showing empathy like >>3993797 suggests- that's where we can help her, not fighting or fleeing like a beast.

Also. This is something I noticed we perhaps don't know. With how Raid and Kara are siblings- both of them have something wrong with them, and Raid knows an awful lot about how the mechanics of demihuman breeding works, particularly with half-demis. Then there's this section from Kara's write up-
>You are Kara. You had another name, a long time ago, but it's not important anymore; there’s no one
around who would know what it meant, much less how to pronounce it, so Kara was fine. It was
familiar.
Which brings a question to mind.

Are Kara and Raid both half-demihuman? Raid himself said that once halfies get older they're practically indistinguishable from the pure strain anyways, but it might be a bit a stretch that not only are Kara and Raid siblings, but both of them have something wrong with them. Are they actual siblings? The point of this is, we've never asked either of them about their parents, I don't think. If there's any time to amend that it's...well, certainly soon. There's a big gap in our knowledge here concerning the precise nature of the relationship with the last person in the world she cares about.
>>
>>3993797
Oh.. supporting this then
>>
>>3993797
You're talking to the people who wanted to dismiss her out of hand and brush past cause we've got other things to do. You know, mitigating anon's bad ideas effect on 'Rue.

I want to vote for a hug too. I mean I actually wanted to write it in earlier but Irue isn't a very physical person... it's a big step.

Plus she just crushed our wrist. Doesn't that shit hurt, what's up with that Riz? Are Irue's senses still not fully human yet or is she unconsciously compartmentalizing trivial stuff like that?

>>3993760
supporting >>3993797
>>3993805
>>
>>3993760
>pack is dead
Well, thats one problem gone. Fool me once...
>She broke our arm
And there went what little focused mindset we had. We're not hugging her with one arm after she broke the first one. I doubt we'll want to even touch her for a while. Frankly I'm impressed we're not screeching in agony; snapping a major limb like that hurts like nothing else.
>>
>>3993851
>You're talking to the people who wanted to dismiss her out of hand and brush past cause we've got other things to do. You know, mitigating anon's bad ideas effect on 'Rue.

You could have at least scrolled up to see what I actually voted before just making shit up wholesale anon.
>>
>>3993889
notice how I used plural, you could have at least read what I wrote before taking it personally.
>>
>>3993758
>>3993797
Absolutely this. The issue is that Kara can't tell who is lying and who is telling the truth.

Note, if we do Hearts in Harmony with her, then she can see our past and we can see hers. So we can do that and tell her trust her to not hate us for what she sees, and we want her to trust us to not hate her either. She's our Testament, she might have forgotten what that meant but we haven't. If she can't trust us, if we've somehow damaged that, then we don't deserve to be Irue Valen.

So one more big gamble. It's what we do.
>>
>>3994004
I'm on board with it. Seeing is believing and all that. I've been trying to include and engage with her as much as possible but always meet resistance when it actually comes down to the votes.

We kind of reached a majority around the time of the Dryad atelier to trust, include and delegate more, but that's either been forgotten or ignored
>>
>>3993760
>?
Jinn Calls us away from the lunatic that broke our arm.

As cold as it is, the issue in the square is time sensitive. Kara panicking about the possibility of Raid being kidnapped isn't.

On the plus side, making a public showing is out of the question now. Takes a little bit of the awe out of us showing up if we do so with an untreated broken bone.
>>
>>3994050
Idea i got - maybe us showing up with a broken wrist will give off the implication that we fought personally and make us look fearsome. Might not be a bad thing
>>
>>3994061
I too had this idea.
Maybe we could even cover ourselves in blood a bit.
The important thing is to look like it's nothing to us.
>>
>>3994061
A few shallow cuts and scratches could come across as heroic if we'd actually done any fighting, but even if we can be coherent through the pain it could easily come across as weak.
>>
>>3994066
I don't think so anon! Irue is already very mysterious to the smallfolk, as long as we manage to conceal the pain I think we should be fine. your concerns are understandable though
>>
>>3994066
>>3994072
Hissing and clenching your teeth when you wrist is crushed is some absurd pain tolerance already, if that is all the reaction Irue's gonna have.
>>
>>3994072
>as long as we manage to conceal the pain
That's going to be a serious issue. The damage is fresh, the bone was crushed,
and painkillers aren't a thing. And once it starts swelling we won't be able to move it without it causing agony.

>>3994079
I think it might be shock. Which won't last long.
>>
>>3994079
>>3994086
you know what, I never had a broken wrist so maybe I'm overstepping. Sorry
>>
>>3994086
We only have to tough it out until we get to a Wisp Adept.
>>
>>3994079
You did actually scream when it was crushed!
>Kara's grip fastened, snapping the bone beneath it soundly before she realized what she'd done and ripped her hand away at your cry.
But that said...

>>3993851
>>3993854
>Why aren't we screeching in pain?
There's lots of reasons! You've had worse, you recently experienced much worse at the hands of the Paladin, you've been covered in burns before, pitiful human senses are so incredibly weak they paint the world in a muted and gray palette compared to the vivid portrait of the web...

But don't worry, it won't leave a scar! It never does.

In regards to toughing it out for a public appearance, I'll remind you that Irue's most practiced skill is technically faking it. It is a possibility if you'd like to pursue it, and shouldn't necessarily worry about the injury impairing you should you do so.

I'll be around for probably another ~20-30m before retreating from the skyfire, as a heads up.
>>
>>3994098
If we absolutely don't want to appear with an injury, we could use the Diary to turn into us without an injury.

Actually, Riz, couldn't we use that as a form of permanent healing? Nothing says we have to turn back, right?

In any case, I think appearing with an injury is to our advantage as long as we tough it out.
>>
>>3994103
>couldn't we use that as a form of permanent healing?
Yup! There is no time limit to your change, and you're actually permanently trapped in whatever new identity you assume outside of using the Diary of Reflections a second time! ...Though at that point you must begin to question whether you're actually "turning back" or just exchanging one identity for another, and if you're any less trapped than you were before.
>>
>>3994098
That's great, we should make the public showing then
>>
>>3994107
So we can turn into us but with even longer and more luscious hair?
>>
>>3994112
No. It changes your identity, it does not specifically polymorph you. Ergo, you can become a younger version of yourself, as they are someone distinctly different from who you are now - But you cannot become an older version of yourself, because they do not actually exist. You also need to generally know, or have a picture of, the identity you are becoming. If you don't have that much, then the Diary of Reflections will try to figure out what you're trying to do, then draw its selection from your subconscious.
>>
>>3994098
>You've had worse
Remembered pain only goes so far in mitigating current pain, and we were running on adrenaline at the time. This was out of the blue.
>But don't worry, it won't leave a scar!
Dunno how we're going to get away without scarring or permanent damage from a comminuted fracture, seeing as they require major surgery today, and can't be set using casts or splints. IIRC, Wisp doesn't work very well on us due to our Shade leanings.

>I'll remind you that Irue's most practiced skill is technically faking it.
That's for bullshiting our way through situations when we're in over our head. This is toughing through pain and injury.

This is all strong evidence for Rue not being human.

>>3994103
Sure it's possible, and I'm sure there are no downsides whatsoever.

>>3994119
If Rue read more fiction, would she be able to change into a fictional character?
>>
>>3994131
>Dunno how we're going to get away without scarring or permanent damage from a comminuted fracture, seeing as they require major surgery today, and can't be set using casts or splints. IIRC, Wisp doesn't work very well on us due to our Shade leanings.

We never scar, and we were successfully healed from heavy injuries twice before.
>>
>>3994131
We've been treated by the healer in Carona before
>>
>>3994131
>change into a fictional character?
No. The identity must actually exist, as your change into it will include everything physical about it, regardless of whether you know it is accompanying the change or not. If no identity exists, it pulls from your subconscious as noted earlier.

Now if someone were to be inspired by a fictional character and assume their mantle? Dressing, acting, and otherwise cavorting themselves as that fictional character, then you could arguably assume their identity by trying to become the character, just because it's similar enough... But you'd still be inheriting that person's body, quirks, health, and the like.
>>
>>3994138
Our Shade affinity has been getting stronger; last time we tried to interact with Wisp at the Shrine we had an adverse reaction.
>>
I must retreat now. Someone remind me at the end of the thread to do the thing I'm asking you to remind me to do in this post.
>>
>>3994162
no
>>
>>3993760
Supporting >>3993797
Hug her quietly while caressing her head and ears in a soothing manner. ( pet her like a dog basically ).
>>
Closing the window shortly!

>>3994782
Anon you're really not tall enough for this to work like you think it will...
>>
I support attempting to defuse Kara, because trying to flee this will make it so, SO much worse. Just... Maybe try petting her cheeks. The top of her head may as well be another timezone.
>>
>>3994162
Can we add in to the comforting

> . . . Are they all gone? I remember when you asked me to stop, when the shade was hurting them. Are there none left to save? How did they hurt you so much?

BC I want to slip in that she was there when we summoned Shade.
>>
>>3995176
I don't think this is a good idea. You're making her think again about what she's done.
In the current emotional crisis the mention you want to slip in will be missed anyway.
>>
>>3995176
>>3994150
Actually, I'll explicitly vote against this.
>>
>>3995013
>>3995176
This this this

In case I linked incorrectly.
>>
>>3995182
Well, if she breaks down we can comfort her. Also it's an avenue to HiH so she can see for herself that she was there, and how we see her.

Look. We were willing to destroy the world for Ari. The least we can give Kara is Carona.
>>
>>3995179
Also she only really gave a shit about Raid. She knows the Demi-humans are shit, but because she isn't and because they did give her some measure of safety she wanted to save them.

I don't think she'll be overwhelmed by killing them all.

But maybe I'm wrong.
>>
>>3995176
How about no thank you.
>>
>>3993775
>>3993805
Tell Kara to calmdown, draw her a map, then tell her to fetch!

>>3995176
Prying a little further into what she's done!

>>3993797
>>3993849
>>3993851
>>3994004
>>3994782
Shouldn't mention Raid right now.

Seems in favor of focusing on Kara right now, rather than what she's done or where Raid is.

---
>>3993775
>>3994050
Teleport to escape more damage!

>>3993779
Attempt to kill her preemptively!

Called in favor of murdering her if she hurts you again!

---
>>3993797
>>3993805
>>3993849
>>3993851
>>3994004
>>3994782
Deploy hugs! She crushed your wrist by accident, surely she won't do the same to your spine!

>>3993854
No hugs. She'll snap you in half like the twig you are.

Seems in favor of hugs! History repeats itself?
>>
>>3995194
I mean. I would prefer to refer to my earlier votes as "Collateral Damage" instead of murder.

Hey, on the bright side? Kara as pack leader has been killing it lately. No more demi-human drama!
>>
>>3995226
>No more demi-human drama!
Not quite. She's still got a pack of one, and he's been plenty of trouble before...
>>
She was dangerous. Even if you didn't have your crippled wrist as proof, you'd realized now exactly how far your Testament had been pushed tonight, and the mistakes she'd made to end up there - There wasn't a trace of the go-lucky demihuman you'd gotten accustomed to in front of you. The way Kara was now, you had no idea what she was capable of... And with the strength she possessed, there only needed to be a single lapse in her judgement to add you to her list of victims.

Run.

The 'fight' half of your instinct was utterly absent. You couldn't fight Kara, not even if you wanted to; Nothing in your reach could be done fast enough. The Diary, your bracelet, returning to 'A Spider's Web'...

Escape.

If you wanted to live then the only choice you had was to get out. She didn't know what you could do, and it would only take an instant to spirit yourself away and make some distance between you... Anything else, and you risked far more than the mangled wrist spouting fire through your nerves. Your throat ran dry, a surge of adrenaline quickening as your heart beat. You had to get out, you had to leave, you had to get away, had to-

"Wai- No!"

-Had to curse your own instincts as you stumbled forward to catch your Testament when her knees gave out from under her, sending the demihuman toppling down the front stairs towards you. The act of willingly approaching her in the first place sent the more logical parts of your mind screaming, an option you wholeheartedly joined after remembering too late that despite her lanky frame, Kara was unnaturally heavy.

With two arms, and better footing, maybe you could have actually caught her! Instead you had neither, and your desperate attempt to one-handedly arrest her fall could barely slow the descent, bringing you both to your knees in the process. It was a mistake, an incredibly painful and wet mistake, as your broken wrist was sandwiched against your ribs with the demihuman's gore coated body weighing limply against you. A pained yelp ripped from your throat despite having already braced yourself, sending curiously muted flares of agony through your arm.

"Dammit, Kara..." You hiss back through clenched teeth, feeling your clothes and skin alike become painted in her family's blood as she knelt there. "Ah... Shit. Wisp preserve. Why are you so heavy?"
>>
"M'gonna kill you, 'Rue..."

You slide your remaining good arm under hers with a frown. "No, you're not."

"I am." She insisted bitterly. "It's yer fault..."

"It's going to be okay." You murmur forcefully, unsure at this point whether you were saying it for her sake or yours... Because it didn't seem to be convincing either. Even still, you tightened your grip around the demihuman as your arm began to slip across her thickly painted clothes. She was too heavy to get your feet under you again, not in this position, and not without dropping her. "Shh, come on, it's going to be okay..."

"If y'hadn't hurt everyone back then!" Her throat seized as she growled into your ear.

It hurt to listen to, and the words to defend yourself burbled to your lips almost immediately. That it was self defense, that she had been there, that you hadn't known what effect a Shade apparition would have on them - It was a mistake. You meant to do it, but you didn't realize it would go that far. The reasons rose one after another, justifications dancing at the tip of your tongue, and crashing meaningless against the back of your teeth as you swallowed them back down.

It didn't matter.

"If I had stopped listenin' sooner...!"

Nothing you said was going to reach her anyway, and whether it was a mistake or not, it was your responsibility. One you weren't going to try and shirk back onto her. Not like this.

"If I hadn't trusted him!"

You tucked your chin against the nape of her neck, dipping your face into the life liquid that clung to her skin and flattened her hair. The only mantra you had was that it would be okay, some desperate plea to try and placate the miserable spiral she was going down... You weren't prepared for this. You'd never been good at dealing with other people when they got like this, and it was a blessing she hadn't started crying yet or you'd be gone.

"Hadn't trusted you!"

Perhaps spiteful for having been swallowed earlier, not a single word came to defend yourself now. After everything you'd gone through, being told that hurt more than you thought it would.

Did you deserve it? Maybe. You don't know. It was too hard to think it over while cradling her on the stairs, and the crack in her voice told you more than you wanted to know.

"S'yer fault..." She cried pitifully, "Nothin's gone right since I met you! It jus' keeps gettin' worse! It's your fault!"

It was going to be okay. You swallowed the ache in your throat and held on tight.

"Should've left when I had th'chance..."
>>
The events in the square were a distant, fleeting concern. You were holding on as hard as you could, but you weren't sure why anymore. "Come on, I'm here." You're probably the last person she wanted to hear that from right now, but you were the one she'd come to find. "You're going to be okay, we'll-" A hiccup caught in your throat, tinging wetness to your words. "We'll figure something out."

"Hate you..."

"It's not over yet." The stench wafting off her overwhelmed your nose. All you could smell was blood, but with Kara's senses she could probably put a name to each and every layer caked against her. Familiar names.

"They're all dead!"

"Raid's not." You hoped not, anyway. He was the only thread you were clinging to try and salvage this. "We're going to find him. It's going to be okay!"

"No! No..." Your Testament sobbed through her arguement. "S'not! S'not gonna be okay!"

She made an incredibly valid point, and your mind worked feverishly for a retort. Whatever it churned out, however, was effectively lost in the rising torrent of internal screaming. You had no idea how to deal with this, you didn't think it could be dealt with, how in Shade's name had Asche done this with you? You couldn't remember anything useful!

"I'm sorry!" You blurted out weakly, feeling her heart beat through her chest as you tried to ignore the feeling gradually returning to your shattered wrist. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, it's going to be okay..."

Those apologies, for whatever they were for - Whether it was your own hand in the matter, or just that you hated to see her like this; That you understood to some degree what it was like - drowned away under her worldess and broken moaning howls.

...You don't know how long this would last. You knew it would be too late by the time it ended, though. Kara's distress wasn't on a schedule, and it wasn't something you could postpone until later and hope for the best.

But you are on a schedule, and the time remaining for you to make your appearance in the town square and close the curtains on tonight's events was running out. If you didn't leave now, you'd forfeit the last opportunity you were going to get to cement your reputation to Carona, not to mention an invaluable moment to show your knights who they had devoted themselves to.

>You can't let tonight go to waste. Be the leader Carona needs. Give your knights something to take pride in.
>You can't leave her like this.
>>
>>3995387
hey fuck you
>>
Holy fucking shit
Did you do this just to scare me Riz?
>>
>Reading the archives
>Hope to join soon
>>
>>3995389
>You can't let tonight go to waste. Be the leader Carona needs. Give your knights something to take pride in.
This is the only option.

>>3995392
Godspeed anon
>>
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>>3995390
>>3995391
>>3995392
VALEN ENDS THIS YEAR, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
>>
This is your brain on anime, smooth as silk
>>
>>3995389
This is the choice I was afraid of.
Hey, anon who said we'd destroy Carona to help Kara. Don't give Riz any more ideas please.

Not tending to Kara will bite us in the ass in the future. Rinnier can at least try to take over at the square, but nobody can take care of Kara except us.
Still, I want to try a third way.
>Pour all the alcohol we can find into Kara until she's asleep, then hurry to the square.
>>
My week's break from class is over unfortunately, so I'm going to try and catch a nap before I have to leave. I'll do what I can to address whatever comes up tomorrow when I get the time!

>>3995406
I'll tell you now though that doing this will take you too long to reach the square in time. For various reasons.
>>
I'm trying to come up with something but I keep coming back to the damn middle of the road solution of trying to convince Kara to escort or follow us to the square. Even more people are dying and only we can stop it.

The people who made her pack turn on us all are there, but bringing that up is probably a bad idea. It's not like she'll be able to shift blame and responsibility.

The faster we get there, the faster we can organize a search party for Raid. Get her to focus on that, she needs a thread of hope to crawl out of this spiral she's in.

>>3995406
Remember what happened last time alcohol was involved, how Kara administered it to the pack to stop them from being able to commit suicide. How do you think she'll react?
>>
>>3995417
no anon, I definitely disagree. The townsfolk hate demihumans and if we bring Kara with us it will only be worse.
Lets just leave her, for now
>>
>>3995389
>>You can't let tonight go to waste. Be the leader Carona needs. Give your knights something to take pride in.

>>3995387
shouldn't have deleted it; maybe it'd have scared some sense into anons.
>>
>>3995608
What was in that post?
>>
>>3995665
This replaced the bottom of the 'offical' post.
>Those apologies, for whatever they were for - Whether it was your own hand in the matter, or just that you hated to see her like this; That you understood to some degree what it was like - drowned away under her worldess and broken moaning howls.
>You closed your eyes as her arms finally lifted to wrap around you, desperately reciprocating your stubborn hold on her as she struggled for something to hold close, some source of comfort to console herself. It was going to be okay.
>And then your spine snapped, and the last thing you remember is seeing the night sky as the light bled from your eyes and your upper body dangled backwards like a puppet cut from its strings.
>~ Valen Quest - End ~
>>
>>3995670
Eek.
>>
>>3995670
>oh...OH! HOLY SHIT! IT'S TOBLERONE TIME!
>>
>>3995389
>You can't leave her like this
I feel as though abandoning the furious, emotionally devastated demihuman at the moment, when all we've said so far is "it's gonna be ok, no really." Is a monumentally stupid idea. This isn't fixed. This isn't resolved.
Do. Not. Run. From. This.
>>
>>3995389
I feel the need to change my vote in the light of >>3995410

>You can't leave her like this.
>>
>>3995389
>>You can't let tonight go to waste. Be the leader Carona needs. Give your knights something to take pride in.
We have apricot engagement due to a previous stupid decision. Let's not immeadtily forget we left a square full of people frozen.
>>
>>3995808
You realize he's pointing out that this
>>3995406
won't work, not that we won't make it in time no matter what?
>>
>>3995817
That's why I'm changing my vote. I don't want it to be interpreted as a vote for leaving Kara.
>>
>>3995816
You do realize that Kara will remember this? That we'll lose what influence on her we have? That we'll be faced with a superstrong murder machine that blames us for everything?
>>
>>3995816
A previous engagement, rather. Ducking autocorrect.
>>
>>3995821
And we'll severely damage the faith of our knights and the town if we leave them out to dry. If we weren't going to go to the square we should have told Rinnier to handle things there.
>>
>>3995821
Is Kara worth abandoning our knights, and all that we've struggled to accomplish in Carona?
>>
>>3995830
More like the potential consequences of abandoning her.
She is already blaming us.
If we leave her to stew, what decisions might she come to?
>>
>>3995833
We don't have to up and vanish. We tell her we need to do something first, then we'll come back and deal with this Raid thing.
>>
>>3995833
We're gonna have to let her go eventually. I doubt we will be keeping her as our pet forever... the demihumans have already been a liability for us in multiple ways
Abandon our knights and our Last Chance to cement our reputation in Carona, for her? It can't be done anon!
What are we going to even do, pat her head?
>>
>>3995389
>You can't leave her like this.

We made our Knights into what they are, we won our Testaments, because we can't be everywhere and do everything.

Trust, a running theme. We have to trust Rinnier and our Knights to be able to handle things, trust that they can do this, while we handle what ONLY we can do.

Our Knights, Rinnier, they have their job. We have ours.
>>
>>3995843
The demihumans were a liability, but they are dead now. Kara herself was loyal and very useful. I recall her saving our life.
>>
>>3995844
This is also something I was talking about. We have Rinnier at the square, but no one to replace us here.
>>
>>3995844
>We have to trust Rinnier and our Knights to be able to handle things,
After we told them we would handle it? It's right there in the decision.
> Be the leader Carona needs. Give your knights something to take pride in.
Abandoning our duties to console a single person will cause long term damage to our already poor control of the town and wound the faith of our knights.
>>
>>3995850
We can't prioritize Kara over our knights and our work in Carona. We will be the head of House Valen, not of the demihumans
>>3995854
It's about us, not about how much work regarding Carona we can pile on Rinnier
>>
>>3995830
Yes.

Because this is what our Knights are *for*. This is what it means not to just lead, but to *Rule*.

It's shitty, but if we can't trust our Knights and our Testament to handle things like this now, when can we.

When we're not within reach of them, no phones to call, no internet to contact, how will we micromanage them.

This has been a recurring issue with Irue that she gets bogged down trying to manage EVERYTHING.

Kara is our *Testament*. If we lose her, like this, how much do you think that undercuts our authority? Our very right to our position as Heir is based on our Trial.

Are you willing to give up our position as Heir and Head of House Valen for Carona? While undermining Dullems fragile blossoming of independence and confidence?
>>
>>3995861
We won't be head of House Valen if our Testament turns against us. Think on that. That questions the legitimacy of the trial altogether.

If we have a Testament who sayd we betrayed them? Whooooo fuck. How can anyone trust us after that.
>>
>>3995389
>"Jinn calls me"
>>
>>3995864
We have already succeeded the trial. Clara is already on her deathbed and the house is ours. This is our last chance for Carona.
Kara is not worth it.

>>3995866
She probably isn't even smart enough to do such a thing. And if she does... she is a demihuman.
>>
>>3995864
>Because this is what our Knights are *for*.
Our knights are locked down. By us. They can't do anything. We told Rinnier we were going to handle the square. It's our responsibility.

>This is what it means not to just lead, but to *Rule*.
Ignoring the town and knights because our friend/testament/whatever is very sad is the polar opposite of leadership. If the general's best friend's family dies, is it leadership to abandon the army in the middle of a battle to console him?

>>3995866
>We won't be head of House Valen if our Testament turns against us
Patently false. The trial was passed, what happens with the testaments thereafter has no bearing on the legitimacy of rule.
>>
>>3995871
>>3995873
What do we need Carona for, anons?
>>
>>3995843
We can't "let her go" because she isn't our pet. She's our Testament. She's our representative with full authourity. When she slaughtered the Demi-Humans? That's US taking responsibility.

In fact, we can use that to place the blame on the jews, er, demi-humans. Everyone knows they're manipulative betrayers. Even Kara knows this.

So when she killed them, it's the same as us killing them.

But yeah. Something to consider down the road is that Nobles will jump all over us for losing a Testament.

Rinnier will shit all over us if we leave Kara to go there, too. And that will damage our relationship with another Testament.

Kara *didn't betray us* even if it cost Raids life. You want to leave her now? When she could have awoken the Behemoth?

Send a runner to Rinnier saying Kara has a situation that needs us more. She'll understand and do what needs to be done.

She has explicitly explained our issue with needing to be in control of everything repeatedly.
>>
>>3995873
Don't be ridiculous, they're knights. They are our servants. Soldiers. It's their job to do or die for our cause.

They and Rinnier will just have to cut the threads themselves. We already left the web, what the hell do you think Irue is going to DO when she gets there? Pick up a butter knife and start freeing everyone herself?
>>
>>3995873
> Patently false. The trial was passed, what happens with the testaments thereafter has no bearing on the legitimacy of rule.

Because we aren't in danger of being overthrown already, surely having the Trial called into question by having a Testament turn against us will make the situation better.

Because we have SO much reputation and Authority within our House and at Court. SURELY they'll honor this ancient tradition in a time of turmoil and war.

Because we have SUCH A LARGE military force that would make it difficult to force the issue as an exception.

Your realpolitek is bad.
>>
Ultimately, what my vote was based on is that we can recover from not appearing at the square, but not from Kara losing trust in us.
>>
>>3995398
Thanks, now people are against Kara. See >>3995608

Hey, wanna chime in on the risks of having a Testament turn against someone, or them executing their own Testament?
>>
>>3995882
>But yeah. Something to consider down the road is that Nobles will jump all over us for losing a Testament.
No they won't quit making up stuff to support your argument.

>Don't be ridiculous, they're knights. They are our servants. Soldiers. It's their job to do or die for our cause.
That can't. Do. Anything. Because they're frozen along with everyone else.

>Rinnier will just have to cut the threads themselves
After we told her we'd handle it, and can't get any other word to her? She can't act without undercutting our 'power move' if we're only late for some reason.

>>3995887
Politics in setting are fucked anyways. The whole reason we're stuck here is because aunt wouldn't step down as she was legally obligated to when we came of age.
>>
>>3995878
It's been spelled out by riz. Not just Carona but our knights and all our night's work
>>3995882
I don't agree with your whole reasoning of her importance as testament anon.
>Rinnier will shit all over us if we leave Kara
No, I think she will do the opposite for leaving her and the knights when we promised to come.
>Send a runner
Who??? there is no one anon... "Rinnier I abandoned you to calm down Kara hope ur proud"
>>3995887
I think your reasoning on this is faulty... I believe that abandoning the square will do more harm than leaving Kara, in the end.
>>
And lets not forget the "burn victims."
All the shit going down in the square is not worth staying back here
>>
>>3995891
Who do you think is backing Artemis? Our own cousin and competition for Heir is involved with them.

You think we're in an actual peasant revolution?

Also, our arm is fucking broken. We have a perfectly valid reason for not going that we can show to the people.

Rinnier is also a professional statesperson. She's more than capable of managing PR.

Everyone is pinned by the web. Our Knights are safe.

You want to risk a whole bunch of things to micromanage a situation already under control. Sure, there could be some benefit from being seen on the scene, but we can also come out later as having been injured while the fighting was happening.

And you can bitch about how "politics are fucked" but that's what we have to work with here. Honestly it's pretty standard Feudalism, right down to suppressing literacy among the peasants.

Even the concept of a Testament isn't unusual as due to distance and delays in communication having representatives with full authority was common and necessary for Emperors since they would be unable to respond to situations fast enough.

Politically, Rinnier being there means we are already there. Our authority definitely is. Any decisions she makes are as if we made them ourselves.

Quite frankly it could be better if only she is there, people like her better.
>>
>>3995914
What's Rue gonna do for them, though?
>>
>>3995389
Can we reconnect to the anchored web for a second to contact Rinnier?
>>
>>3995920
Find out what happened and who is part of the victims. It's important to find out
>>3995918
I disagree entirely but I don't got more time to argue about this same topic righte now
P.S format your posts anon

>Easy

>On

>The

>Fuckin

>Space

>Bar
>>
>>3995918
>Rinnier is also a professional statesperson. She's more than capable of managing PR.
She can't act, because us showing up was supposed to be a potent PR move. If she starts unbinding people or speaking, then we show up, it's going to reduce the impact.
Plus she just got a dose of alarm, fear and pain through HiH. There's decent odds she's not even in the square anymore.
I don't want to go to the square; I argued against it previously. But we already committed. People are counting on us. It's some may die due to injuries or suffocation. Some of the captured Artemis may be be able to escape, causing us even more headaches in the future. We have a job to do. Personal connections can come later.


>>3995924
>It will leave the web intact and reconnectable at the expense of making it no longer malleable. A static and finished existence. This means that if the web is made physical before the anchoring, it will remain so - And if it is not, it will remain intangible. If damage is inflicted on the web once anchored, that damage can't be repaired unless you dismantle the whole thing and start over.
I don't think so. Any web usage takes time, and the web is now static. Further, I presume when we anchored it Rinnier also disconnected, and she'd need to reconnect to the anchored web (if that's possible) before we could talk.
>>
>>3995933
It reads really nice on mobile.
>>
>>3995933
I believe you mean the enter key.

>>3995940
We can send a runner to update her on the situation. They'll get there even faster than us because they aren't injured, and we literally have people for that. It'll be safer too because we'll be exposing ourselves to getting attacked on the streets.

I originally supported going ourselves as well, but the situation has changed and the costs now outweigh the benefits.
>>
>>3995940
You know that Kara probably would've just fucking pulped us while we were in the web if we hadn't left it.

>>3995891
>No they won't quit making up stuff to support your argument.
You have no way of knowing that your presumptions are true.
The facts we know are: The Valens are older than the Crown. They have historically been more powerful than the crown for ages. They owned the whole country before they fucking gave half of it away. They are one of the major political factions. The current heir is a literally who that barely scraped by their ancient, legally recognized rite of passage and barely 3 months later her testament turn on her. Do you seriously believe there won't be political slimeballs using this against us?

>That can't. Do. Anything. Because they're frozen along with everyone else.
They. Are. Not. Frozen. They are subdued with voodoo web. Rinnier is NOT, and she can pick them out from a crowd I would hope. Cut them free and go to work. Rinnier isn't one to be paralyzed by indecision when she needs to take action.

>After we told her we'd handle it, and can't get any other word to her? She can't act without undercutting our 'power move' if we're only late for some reason.
It's only a power move if we show up. No one else knows what we planned. She must've gotten feedback from HiH- the pain, the fear and worry. She will understand that something bad just happened.

She's not going to disappear in the night, She'll get Dullem or some other knight(s) free and tell them to get to work while she goes back for Irue, maybe even with backup.

>>3995873
>If the general's best friend's family dies, is it leadership to abandon the army in the middle of a battle to console him?
Hyperbolic false equivalence, not even taking into account that the general's friend is an emotionally unstable titan who can destroy both armies singlehandedly in a tard rage. Plus, a general has strategists, tacticians, commanders and sergeants who can do their job without hand holding.
>>
>>3995890
>Testament risks
The Testament business is ultimately a family tradition, one which house Valen gets away with because of their clout and influence, but not one which is ratified in La'Fiel's legal system or the like. Any house is theoretically allowed to nominate people capable of speaking and acting in their place, but in most cases this is a purely political position - The Valens alone make a symbolic deal out of it.

So with that said, what are the actual risks involved in Testament betrayal, death, or what not? Well, if they've done it subtly and used your name for their own interests and against yours for a while, pretty extensive.

If you're just talking about them trying to resign, abandon you, or finding a reason to kill them then it's primarily an in-family problem. You run the risk of catching flack from anyone who feels like needling your family for screwing up their special snowflake representative tradition - Something that doesn't look good, but is mostly egg on your shirt rather than a serious political blunder of any sort. It is supplemental material against you rather than serious ammunition, if you will.

It can create some unwanted opinions about you within your own house, as the rest of you abide by this same tradition. You can easily imagine, for example, what your initial impressions of someone else with the Valen name might be if you met them and learned they'd driven away their Testament or had them executed. After everything you've poured into yours, you'd immediately question their character.

But most people only have one Testament in the first place, and a demihuman is a queer outlier even then.

>>3995951
>Sending runners
There's no one around to send. Most of Carona is gathered at the the destination, and as previously noted your knights were mobilized to get this done. It was an all-in operation.
>>
I'll just drop one last note - plz anons reconsider. We cannot abandon Dullem, Miska, Rinnier, the burn victims and the hostages and the rebels and all the rest just for Kara.
>>
>>3992476
>>3995389
> Stay witj Kara

She didn't betray Rue. Rue should not betray her.
>>
>>3995389
>You can't let tonight go to waste. Be the leader Carona needs. Give your knights something to take pride in.
>>
>>3995389
>>You can't leave her like this.
>>
>>3995933
Will Rue being present aid the investigation in any way?
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>>3996041
We can't abandon Kara, alone, to go somewhere that already has a bunch of people handling the situation.
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>>3996190
We've been over this. And it's not just an "investigation"
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>>3996193
It's not as simple as that!
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>>3996202
But it is.

It really, truly is.

Don't forget, Ari is still out in the woods somewhere. Rescuing Raid.

This is a shit situation, but quite frankly Irue would be useful on-scene but she isn't necessary there.

Kara needs her, now. This is her lowest point. She's ours, and we're going to goddamn keep her. We're going to be the person we told her we would be when we convinced her to trust us.

Otherwise, we don't deserve to have Carona.
>>
>>3996213
The whole point of the choice is to decide what is more important, the faith of our knights and our ability to hold Carona or Kara. Choosing one means losing the other and no one is going to read our mind, break out of the web we trapped them in and solve the revolt for us.

>Ari is still out in the woods somewhere. Rescuing Raid.
Stop making shit up
>Rinnier
We don't know whether Rinnier will act on our behalf or rush to help us, even if she does what you think she will and it goes great (which it won't) it won't reinforce our knights loyalty to us or inspire respect/fear of us in the insurgents. We need to be there for that.

Incidentally, it occurs to me that Irue and Rinnier aren't the only people capable of acting to address the situation in the square. That gnome adept is still out there somewhere.

I know for a fact that he is on his way to kill all our knights right now! If you don't vote to stop it then we don't deserve to have Kara!
>>
>>3996258
Running to micromanage our Knights doesn't reinforce their faith in themselves.

We have to let them handle shit some time. Our Knights also already have max loyalty, we don't need to reinforce that.

If anything, us going there is counter-productive to our Knights. It gives them two jobs, instead of one, because now they have to choose between protecting the citizens or protecting their lord.

If the situation isn't controlled, we shouldn't go there. If it is, we shouldn't go there.

Have you never been micromanaged before?

> stop making shit up

Why do you think it was spoilered, it was a joke.

The Gnome adept is a concern, but that makes it even more important Irue doesn't go somewhere that she can get ganked.

It's like in Chess, you have to protect the King.
>>
>>3995389
FUck I don't want to make this decision. How the hell can we leave Kara without it messing her up even worse? Irue keeps telling Kara to trust her but then anons don't care about actually keeping the promises we make and stand for what we say.

ONE of these locations has competent people in place. They're doing the job they signed up for.

>You can't leave her like this.

>Attempt to use HiH to impress on Rinnier that Irue is fine and doesn't need help. Deal with the pain and force some emotions that Irue is fine. Think about how she trusts Rinnier and really channel that sympathy for Kara.

-

If it's gonna end in a fucking disaster no matter what we do then I'm going to deal with the people who are closest to us. If we are already letting the world burn for Ari who's worse than a pet dog and has only shown any kind of higher intelligence off-screen (and maliciously self-serving at that) then this fucking town that all players seems to love to hate can deal with ONE thing on its own.
>>
>>3996258
And I'm just going to point this out, but this would be a much easier choice if you had agreed to kill Artemis.
>>
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>>3996290
> How to make the right choice in Valen Quest

Sometimes you can only make the least wrong choice.
>>
>>3996302
>>3996023
Also this is just a joke, don't take it as genuine criticisms.

But it's also sometimes true.
>>
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>>3996302
You just KNOW that Riz is pulling emergencies and catastrophes out of his ass every time it looks like we're pleased with a choice.

We still haven't a clue what Ari is doing and you know full well that whatever is happening off screen is several magnitudes worse than what we can imagine. Like, there's no way this little kerfuffle here is worse or on par with what's going on out there.

Raid is dead or maimed, Ari is kidnapped again, the Oakenrue is on a rampage, Ari/Oakenrue summoned an army of Oakenbears and are laying waste to every living creature outside of the city limits. Asche is getting killed, kidnapped or is getting her head pumped full of Luna juice.
>>
>>3996335
Most of this isn't true!
>>
>>3996335
Or not. The harder the win the better it feels. Remember succeeding our Testament.
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>>3996041
If we abandon the town for Kara, we are no longer fit to be in charge of anyone.
>>
>>3996340
>>3996340
>Fingers crossed for Oakenbears killing Artemis' people outside Carona

It's them, Momma Dryad, they're the ones that hurt us!
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>>3996350
We're already there, via Rinnier. That's like, what a Testament is. A representative with full authority and responsibility.
>>
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>>3996340
Oaken Rinnier
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>>3996335
>You just KNOW that Riz is pulling emergencies and catastrophes out of his ass

Also I feel like he's really good at pointing out how our choices caused them.

It's no surprise that Artemis attacked our weak spots with a Luna adept leading them. That's why we focused on killing him.

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apP-GAfXvjE
>>
>>3996359
You're missing the point, it's about changing the hearts and minds of the people at the square. It's about changing their feelings towards US. You can't just point to to a subsection of the testament ritual and say TECHNICALLY I was there and according to the rules I require you to feel inspired by/afraid of me personally.
>>
>>3996377
Nothing wrong with having Rinnier and our Knights get the PR instead, their loyalty is to us. They're the ones people are used to seeing anyways.
>>
>>3996367
Yeah I would have dropped this years ago if he wasn't so good at convincing me that everything is or own fault.
>>
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>>3996391
> Are you forgetting something?
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>>3996384
In fact, if any spies or collaborators survive (gnome Merc), they'll at worst return with false intelligence that Rinnier has access to some kind of web voodoo. None of our enemies know that it is Irue.

In any event I believe that tomorrow we will meet with all trusted people within the community and shrine to explain just what the goddamn happened, why and who. Then we hold a public speech for the citizens. We cannot let Artemis crawl back and exploit their ignorance again
>>
>>3996407
Will > should*

Of course this hinges on there not being any more emergencies to deal with tomorrow, so who am i kidding.
>>
>>3996384
It's like we're going in circles, the knights are part of the people we need to persuade with our presence and are also incapable of doing anything at all because WE restrained them. We also don't know that Rinnier is going to choose to address the problem instead of trying to save our life and the gnome adept is still out there somewhere on top of that.

Stop acting like we're going to get the rewards of both choices when it's clearly a vote for one or the other.

>>3996407
>, if any spies or collaborators survive (gnome Merc), they'll at worst return with false intelligence that Rinnier has access to some kind of web

No, the worst case scenario is that he finds his way to the square, frees his allies and butchers our knights.
>>
>>3996407
Yeah, luckily we put in the work earlier to have a cooperative relationships with all the heads of the major factions. Workers, Merchants, Shrine, and of course our Knights are all on board with Rinnier and us.

Demi-humans are gone, we can take responsibility for that and mention that our arm was broken while dealing with the Demi-human issue (Kara).

Given how much hate there was for the Demi-humans, that should impress people while also subtly terrifying them.
>>
>>3996410
>the knights are part of the people we need to persuade with our presence

Our Knights are as max loyalty as possible.

> We also don't know that Rinnier is going to choose to address the problem instead of trying to save our life

Rinnier will do the job in front of her like she has trained her entire life to do. She's by far the one we can trust the most in this situation.

> Gnome adept

The only concern, but he's pretty wasted after giving everything in his fight against Rinnier especially that final die together move. I'm skeptical of him as still being a threat, especially without his Luna adept backup.
>>
>>3996410
Look. We clearly aren't willing to change our positions because of uncertain possibilities that we have different beliefs about, so let's just wait and see.
>>
>>3996367
If the Luna adept was countering us, Rinnier linking up with Dullem should disrupt their plans for that front, especially after the web was used.
>>
>>3996335
>pulling emergencies and catastrophes
It's actually relatively rare I do this. Typically when something new blindsides you, it's a plot development that you'll want to address later. The Behemoth for example was introduced early, but not as an immediate threat.

>>3996367
When I made Valen initially, narrative focused quests weren't really a thing. Even now that they're more popular, running them requires the QM walk a really fine line because the outcome of the plot has to make sense in regards to what the anons have chosen, otherwise the events themselves lose meaning - or worse, the players lose the trust in you that you need to QM in the first place.

In that respect, I try to make sure that most things which come up can be directly traced back to decisions you've made and actions you've taken. Both for the good and the bad. Failing that, there's usually something you've been forewarned over, or in-setting lore that gave you reason to be suspicious and/or doubt ahead of time.

>>3996391
This is disheartening, since it feels like the plot and character development aren't engaging you enough to feel worth it.
>>
>>3996434
Lol. Yep. He probably didn't see his death happening, so it's unlikely he planned for it.

It bothers me that

a) We still don't really know WHY Artemis is attacking us, although we have some theories relating to it.

b) I'm still unclear as to why the Shrine is still staying neutral even though Adepts have gotten involved. Are non-shrine related adepts a normal thing, and if so can we maybe hire some then?

c) Still unclear about how Asche found the Teranford sisters for us. Seems like she lost out a lot on that deal. Just, you know, for the Behemoth.
>>
>>3996453
I think he's saying that it IS worth it, even though it's crazy difficult at times.

I wonder if we could borrow Spiders from the Atelier if there's still a consciousness there, since we're the inheritor. Worth going in and taking a second look around I think.
>>
>>3996459
>>3996453
I wonder . . . if the Atelier would sympathize with us if we asked for it to help protect Carona our/their home while we went out looking for Caylen much the same way the wish for their younger brothers return.

It really is shit that our childhood friend slash cousin got mixed up in all this. We should go get him after this arc and return him home for cult deprogramming. Which may involve pain.
>>
>>3996457
I can answer some of these! Because you canonically know the information anyway.

>We still don't really know WHY Artemis is attacking us
They're not attacking you specifically. The Valen household is a linchpin in La'Fiel's politics and destabilizing their holdings helps weaken their position and toss the nation headlong into the war they're trying to start. You could theorize more reasons they would focus on the Valens by accounting for their royalty inheritance figurehead, but that's on you to guess over.

>I'm still unclear as to why the Shrine is still staying neutral even though Adepts have gotten involved
The Shrine exists to prevent the abuse and exploitation of those with the Mana's favour, but they do not claim arbitrary ownership (or even membership) of every adept in existence. Teranford, for instance, had an entire royal family of Salamander adepts who had no connection at all to the Shrine. They WILL get involved when apparitions, Ateliers, or other Mana related entities/phenomena are involved however, as those things are directly within their purview as direct intermediaries between a local community and the Mana in question.

>But oakenbears are apparitions!
The Shrine does not acknowledge Dryad as a Mana any longer, and it is questionable if anyone still remembers Dryad's existence, so they fall into the same category as nightmares and behemoths - Natural beasts heavily favored or influenced by the Mana, which are not actually manifestations of that Mana.

>Are non-shrine related adepts a normal thing, and if so can we maybe hire some then?
There are not a great number of them, but it isn't too unusual. The healer you went to in Carona initially was an adept of some minor degree, and there are some adepts who make their living as mercenaries or private workers. You've even expressed interest in seeing who in your knights might have potential to be polished and act as Shrine-unaffiliated adepts under your employ... Though this has taken a backseat in your activities.
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>>3996490
Ah, excellent. I gotta make a list of all our plans and goals so we can keep track of them.
>>
>>3996258
>>3996493

Hey, at the end of the thread can you help me with this? Since we seem to disagree a lot, it'll be beneficial to have you chime in on that as well.
>>
>>3996453
>This is disheartening, since it feels like the plot and character development aren't engaging you enough to feel worth it.

It's precisely because of that I'm here. I dunno if you understand what strong emotions you pull out of us with your writing. When I said that I didn't want to make this decision I meant it- is been what, 12 hours since the prompt? I've truly been agonizing about this.

I thought the picture I chose made it clear it was in jest.
>>
I'll be heading home soon, so fair warning that I'll be closing the window in about 2-3 hours! Last chance to vote!
>>
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I am home. I am also exhausted. I can close the vote tonight, but I am a little doubtful I'll get any writing done, or I can leave it open till tomorrow - though it's been discussed to death already, so I don't see anyone's stance changing.

I'll give it an hour or so to see how I feel, and if no one's mentioned a preference by then I'll just flip for it.
>>
>>3996656
just flip for it and let's be done with it. there's a certain cold comfort in the arbitrariness of the dice.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

1. Left open until tomorrow!
2. Closed now!
>>
>>3995395
>>3995608
>>3995816
>>3996138

>>3995801
>>3995808
>>3995844
>>3996164 changed from>>3995870
>>3996076


5 to 4 for staying with Kara by my count.

>>3995406
> Have your cake and eat it too.

I didn't count this either way because the person didn't take a clear stance on staying or leaving.

> Rinnier can at least try to take over at the square, but nobody can take care of Kara except us.
>>
Alright... May as well try to tally votes now then, so you guys have time to see if I missed any.
>>
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>>3995395 cgix
>>3995608 a8Tb
>>3995816 nJzo
>>3996138 llef
Become what you must.

>>3995801 j3oG
>>3995808 0eMw
>>3995844 AcrX
>>3996076 T6ES
>>3996164 ykYD
>>3996290 ml/W
For those you have lost. For those you can yet save.

Alright, that settles the matter! As you have chosen Kara, you will unfortunately never see the blurb of text I wrote in preparation for justifying how your decision to abandon her was completely in character all along. This is more tragic for me than you, I assure you.

In all likelihood this will be the last update for the thread, as it seems a good time to cut, and we approach page 10 at a perilous rate.
>>
As a side note, ykYD is the MVP of this vote, as their swing vote single handedly pulled staying into the lead. This also makes them a traitor to their faction.

Regardless of your stance, their importance in the proceedings cannot be denied.
>>
...Bandit Queen anon? You have my support.
>>
>>3996682
Look at this nerd quoting video games
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>>3996682
Hey Riz, can you do us a favor? Prove this wrong
>>3995889
>>
>>3996765
Why do you want us to be put in a worse situation anon?
>>
>>3996453
While the trouble with Kara was something that was forewarned, you can't deny her appearing in the exact worst moment was because you hate us.
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>>3996682
Oh my god. This will chomp down on our ass and I will come back to haunt each anon that did shit
>>
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>>3996164
any last words
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>>3996687
Remember, failure doesn't mean forsaking everything.

We can fail forward. Sure, it'll suck if we have to retreat from Carona temporarily. But if that happens, we can always return later. With an army of apparitions.

I'm quite interested in trying to do things like force the creation of Adepts, by breaking down peoples identities and forcing mana cores into them.

I'm really quite curious about if our connection with the Oakenrue is only something that works with Dryad apparitions, or if we can connect with others since we seem to be able to do so with Shade.
>>
>>3996685
But I never voted for leaving Kara?
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>>3996941
"Jinn calls me" can very easily be interpreted as a vote to head for the square.
Anyway I hope you guys are having a nice new year's eve
>>
>>3996820
>Remember, failure doesn't mean forsaking everything.
It does in this case. We are no longer suitable for leadership roles. We forfeit any Artemis captured in the square. We left Rienner to fend for herself after we stated we would handle it. We have prevented our knights from doing their job. Anyone with injuries may bleed out. Depending on how tight the web is, everyone bound may suffocate.

And for what? To console one sad girl.
>>
>>3997301
Anon, our presence was never critical for freeing people from the web or taking care of any injured.
>>
>>3997301
You know that we live in a Feudal society, yes? Status and position equal value, it's not an all men are created equal kind of place.

Kara is our Testament. Someone we can trust, in a world with all too few allies as it is. Is it worth it to sacrifice her for the fickle affection of the masses? She also makes up a significant portion of our martial strength, note how she wiped out the Demi-Humans *by herself*.

Also communication and transport, due to her speed and stamina allowing her to rapidly travel about. That's huge in a world without even a Pony Express. The main issue with her is that she isn't secure enough in herself to take independant action, which was one of the reasons we made her take the position of Alpha.

We should be supportive of her decision to finally face that letting them betray her, that not caring about betrayal, was an unacceptable situation. We saved them because she asked us to, they chose to throw that chance away.

But I digress. Kara's abilities, and her position of trust and loyalty, are worth far more to keep than looking good in front of disgruntled, idiot peasants from a town that honestly is fucking asking for a tyrant.

Once again, all the important people are already on our side. The shrine is helping as much as they can, the Craftsmen and Merchant guild representatives are supportive of us and we have a good relationship with them. Especially since really nobody who is a candidate for it wants our job.

The worst outcome we're going to see is people leaving - without Artemis whipping them up and pushing them on, their movement will collapse without a leader who can organize them.

And even then, one notable trait of the Carona residents is that they make up for what they lack in intelligence with sheer dogged endurance. Riz made a point of describing that regarding how they didn't leave when the town was leveled.

So. If they take pride in enduring, then they can endure a little bit of tyranny. Knowing them, and peasants, so long as people actually aren't starving or homeless they'll endure at first, and eventually come to take a perverse pride in their endurance. Sure, we might be somewhat tyrannical, but it's better to have a Lord that's strong and with that strength rebuilt Carona and restored order and stability.

You might think this is just conjecture, but this is actually something that happens constantly IRL. Not just in Feudalistic societies. Trump is literally the President of the USA.

Actually, even more apt of a comparison is Putin. Because Carona citizens are pretty much Russians. "And then, things got worse".

Look how they responded to the Mayor literally bringing in foreign mercenaries to blatantly oppress them.

The only reasons for the uprising now is due to foreign agitation, a recent disaster that created uncertainty, and the fact that we seemed weak enough for them to maybe win.
>>
>>3997301
Our Knights were peasants themselves originally. We attempted to integrate the Demi-Humans instead of killing them or driving them off like any sane person would do and insisted on finding ways to involve them in the construction. We're fucking poor. We have no real prior reptutation.

All that makes us look *weak*, and in our weakness arrogant. Why should they listen to a Noble who relies on peasants just like them. Who is so desperate for support she's willing to work with Demi-Humans. Who is so arrogant that she refuses to accept that their inevitable betrayal will cost more than any help they might be short term. A Noble who has no court, who has no great skill at battle, who seems to only be in her position by using others around her.

Honstly, I wouldn't be surprised if us showing up after Rinnier came - and from their perspective was the one to restrain everyone - if it wouldn't be seen as us stealing the credit after the fact.

Not like we're going to be able to explain the Web and Hearts in Harmony to *illiterate peasants*.

Meanwhile now, with Kara wiping out the Demi-Humans, people will maybe think that we took advantage of the chaos to correct a mistake we made. It also can be spun that if we were willing to act so ruthlessly against the Demi-Humans in contrast to our previous position of reconciliation and rehabilitation that we might also have our people treat rebels the same way.

This allows us to be gracious to the survivors and tell them that we aren't willing to punish them for being tricked by outsiders (Carona is xenophobic, if you look in the Archives that was one issue why they were resentful of us replacing the Mayor despite our noble status).

And we can do that without looking weak. After all, we were willing to even give Demi-Humans a chance to prove themselves with a clean slate, how can we do less for the normal citizens of our City?

But the implication is there that if they still insist on spurning our reconciliation, if they choose to continue working with outsiders whose only interest in Carona is in causing chaos, if they chose to betray not just us but to become traitors who would rather see the suffering of Carona continue or even see it die completely rather than have us remain in charge . . .

Well. Tyrannical we can do. Maybe they can hold their own with sufficient numbers against our half-Knights. But what will they do when we send Kara to hunt them down and murder them personally. They can't outrun her. Only so many people can surround one person, and she's strong and fast enough to be able to break through any such encirclement of men foolish enough to side with traitors, whether they're also Betrayers of Carona or hired Mercenaries or the men of foreign puppet-masters.

They better truly be willing to die in order to oppose us, because after this little outburst if they insist on standing in our way we will make sure they do.
>>
>>3997755
>>3996685
In fact, I want to work this into an speech to address the people after we settle things. The main points are:

- An outside organization, the same one who supplied the previous Mayor with mercenaries, was manipulating the situation.

- Therefore, we are willing to forgive those who were used by them. We understand that things have been hard lately, and that for every home that has been rebuilt there are still many people who have lost a lot and are still enduring.

- But things are getting better, if not as fast as anyone would like. However, is that any surprise when vultures have come to prey on Carona in this time of struggle?

- Fighting against us, is that a better use of their time instead of putting their all towards working together to rebuild? Much like how us retaliating against them would only make things harder for us to continue rebuilding, costing us valuable workers, citizens who aren't truly disloyal but instead are so loyal to their home that they were willing to die protecting it even from the rightful Lord if they were to harm it.

- Truly, if we were to insist on abandoning such loyal subjects, at a time when enemies are at the gates and even within the walls, we would only be proving that self-serving though their words may be that they would be true.

> We will not give them the satisfaction. We will show you that We are honest and committed to our duty to protect and nurture Carona. Any one, any *thing*, that insists on profiting from the suffering of Our City, of Our subjects, will find Us unyielding. Our pride is the least of the things we are willing to put aside to do this.

> For anyone who insists on continuing to sow disorder, to join hands with outsiders to harm Our lands for profit, know that this pardon is not without limits. A error of passion can be forgiven, a calculated betrayal cannot. We have been accused of being Tyrannical, and while We wish that We never have to truly be so towards Our own subjects, if need be we shall show traitors what Tyranny truly is.

Then we can have our Knights, Dullem with his made social skills with peasants and Rinnier with the Guild leaders, spread the news that the Demi-humans were working with Artemis. They can formally be judged posthumously as criminals and traitors by us and the other civic leaders, and publicly buried so that the peasants can see that they all died and didn't just leave.

Pardoning the rioters is consistent with our leniency with the Demi-Humans earlier. Meanwhile, them all being dead will provide an example both of our (or our testaments) willingness to be both ruthless and highly dangerous even without our Knights. Despite all the effort we put into the Demi-Humans, when they acted definitively against us we destroyed them utterly.

Honestly, if we're willing to use it, Kara slaughtering the Demi-Humans could be the key to actually winning the City over to us.

"If you ain't got respect, you ain't got nothing" - Granny Weatherwax.
>>
You needed to go. Rinnier and your knights had toiled for months to set the stage and earn the trust that had been necessary to pull off everything which had happened. Your Testament had gathered the information, managed the town's affairs, and stood as a reliable - more reliable than you - face for the people of Carona to grow to trust and respond to. Your knights had sweat side by side with the displaced, worked themselves to exhaustion each day to try and find something in your absentee orders to devote themselves to. Some form of understanding of who you were, what you wanted from them, anything - Anything they could pride in.

Tonight was the culimation of all those things. The pay off to Rinnier's efforts, the opportunity you needed to impress upon your knights and this town who and what you were. The reputation you stood to gain was immense, and the effect it would have on your activities in the months to come was significant. You may not have liked Carona, but when it came to playing a crowd you understood fundamentally how powerful it was to hold them in your sway. To snatch confusion from under them and impose your control of a situation. It was a situation similar to this which had seen you grasp your knights after all.

Back then you had nothing to your name. With luck, the drive to capitalize on opportunity, and your own skills you had inspired the potential for loyalty among the dispossessed! You had doused the betrayal and disgruntlement which brought them to your cousin's door and in its place kindled hope. Hope that by placing their bets with you, they could find a better life. Seize a better fate. Recover some precious poirtion of what they'd lost and, yes, maybe even rise beyond that! And now, here you stood: Poised to do it again.

This night was all you needed to begin shattering the embittered rejection Artemis had sowed. To start laying the groundwork in earnest for Carona to fully accept you. Those who had stymied that, who had laid obstacles in your path and poisoned them against not only you but your entire family had been ripped from the earth and destroyed over the course half a week... And you had died to do that. You felt as if you'd sacrificed more than your fair share to claw your way back from this deficit of trust into an even reception.

You weren't going to get an opportunity like this again. The things you went through, the events of tonight, this priceless and ephemeral moment of chance to grasp hold of Carona's uncertainty, to reward your knight's loyalty with the image of someone they could hold their head high in service of, dangled in front of you... And the time to take it dwindled with every second you lingered.

Your first major operation. The proving grounds for the leader you were. The sacrifices you made, and the hours- days- weeks- months that your people had poured into this very moment.

...Weren't as important as being there for Kara.
>>
You couldn't leave her like this.

With the whirlwind of emotions you've cycled through in the past few minutes there was no way Rinnier hadn't realized something had happened, and whether that meant she would take charge or be on her way... Wasn't something you knew the answer to. However, she was your Testament; If ever there was a time to entrust things to her in your place, now was going to have to be it. You had no doubt in your mind that she could handle things in the square, and she was already there to take control of things and organize your knights. You, on the other hand? You were the only one here. You were the one Kara had come to find, whether it was to kill you like she insisted or not, after tonight... You were one of the only two people she had left.

And a poor replacement you made. Your first reaction to realizing her family had died wasn't sympathy but relief that someone had done it for you. That you weren't going to have to explain to Kara why her pack was being banished, or executed at your hand. That she had failed so completely at her role as Alpha that this was the last recourse you had to deal with them.

Them being dead was good for you. Convenient. No more waiting to be stabbed in the back, no more fielding complaints over their behaviour, no more fighting tooth and nail to engender trust in a populous that hated them, and seemed to hate you just as much.

This was exactly what you wanted, wasn't it? You had been planning to see it done of your own hand soon anyway. That Kara had done it first was praise worthy.

You should tell her. That if she hadn't done it tonight, you would have. That the pain she was in right now had been inevitable, and you were proud of her for having saved you the trouble of doing what was necessary. That you had tried and failed to integrate them, gradually sweeping them further and further from the public eye, and in truth they hadn't been worth the trouble of keeping them around. Barely even useful for the menial labour you found for them to do. That after tonight, she had unequivocally earned her place as your Testament.

A poor replacement. You weren't suited to be for her what Asche had been for you.
>>
You remember this pain, the gaping void left in its wake, the loneliness and ever clawing dark thoughts that tempted you in the years after your family had died. The irrational, hateful guilt that you hadn't died with them. You never knew if you could have done anything else, and the possibility that you could tormented you almost as much as the resignation that you couldn't.

Kara had done the deed herself, desperate and deliberate, over a mistake. She had willingly sacrificed everything trying to save what she loved, and for as much as you knew, she'd only succeeded in destroying her life with her own hands. The years you struggled to stay afloat after your family's death weren't to be discarded, but you couldn't begin to compare what you went through to what was in your arms. She hurt worse, or maybe differently, or maybe both, you don't know. All you knew was that it wasn't something you knew how to respond to, and the fear that you being here wasn't nearly enough to help her through it. That no matter how horrible it felt to see her like this, how scary it was to realize how out of your depth you were to help her.

And what scared you more - What chilled you to your core under the fading warmth of her pack's blood smeared across your skin - was that all of this could have been your fault. That in your indignancy, in your frustration and ire, you had already begun making plans to try and justify to this broken girl why her pack had to be destroyed. As if she would have accepted it anymore than you would have your own family being ripped from you.
>>
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You would have been the one to do this to her, had she not done it first.

...And now you were the one left to console her, knowing that.

You're a very kind person!

Would you still think that if you knew?

...Elly?
---

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Valen+Quest

And we are archived.

I'll lurk the thread for a bit to try and answer some questions if I can.

Apologies to all anons who participated in Valen Quest but died at their keyboards wondering when QM would finally stop.

To those who did not make it to the end, we will never forget your sacrifice. Happy new years!
>>
I'm so mad.
>>
>>3997886
Aw shit. Are we Elly's Shade, and she's in the bracelet?

I mean. It would explain a lot.

I guess we should also ask Kara before using her dead family as an example to those who doubt us.

Like I said, though, it does give us an out for coming off as a coldly skillful manipulator behind the scenes instead of someone who is just barely hanging in dealing with the constanr bullshit of trying to rebuild a city while under attack with shakey legitimacy and also not to mention Dryad waking.

Like I said in my wall of text though, thinking back on our plan to show up at the riot could also backfire and make people think that we're stealing our subordinates achievement anyways.

It'll be easier for us to let Rinnier take most of the immediate glory, and then when people wonder about what suddenly restrained everyone it can be explained that we gave something to Rinnier for it.

Start building a myth of us being able to support our Testaments magically, and that we lurk in the background plotting for the key moment to strike our enemies.

All according to keikaku.

There's worse roles to have than "Rue will have a plan, we just won't know it until we need it".

Because what's one more unrealistic expectation here.

With Artemis being captured, as well, we can have the news spread that we were absent so much because we were personally investigating them. Marchovich can vouch that we attacked their bandit minions in the woods, preventing them from turning the riot even bloodier and maybe even succeeding and installing a puppet to rule and have Carona be used up until it was wrung dry.

After all, us getting killed by a peasant uprising would mean House Valen would have to respond. With Artemis fanning the flames and providing mercenaries and supplies it could turn into a full blown civil war.

Much like the one Rinniers people suffered. Not really a "good" ending.
>>
>>3997886
Thanks for running!

No thanks for pulling this fucking choice on us.
I can see how both the riot and Kara's rampage are consequences of our choices, but to have these events coincide in this exact moment can't be anything but malicious intent.
>>
>>3997886
>you had already begun making plans to try and justify to this broken girl why her pack had to be destroyed

Was it in one of the votes? I don't remember anything like that.
>>
>>3997886
Sorry about the walls of text. There's just a lot to process.

>>3997900
Anon, I don't know what to tell you. It sucks when you really believe a losing option is better.

But that's part of communal questing. I hope you can stay with us and help us deal with the fallout of our decision.
>>
>>3997907
Nah. That's just how Irue do. Remember how we became friends with Mim? Irue instinctively manipulates things.

Also people were crazy pissed when Maro tried to get Kara to betray us. Okay, I was crazy pissed. But other people seemed upset as well.

Wow. Sorry. Typing a lot. Just this Christmas Snow is like, kinda speedy.
>>
>>3997908
you don't gotta be a dick to me anon.
>>
>>3997910
That's a reasonable thing to be crazy pissed at, I'd argue. I was crazy pissed too. And I undeniably was planning Maro's demise. But I'm not Irue.
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>>3997906
>can't be anything but malicious intent.
A lot of things came to a head in this thread all at once. You aren't yet aware of the worst thing to happen, but look back on this thread in the future and know it happened here.

>>3997907
>Was it in one of the votes?
It's been a recurring and persistent discussion topic among the anons, and had been slotted in as something to be put to vote regarding whether you would exile or execute them for betraying you after this operation concluded. As noted however, Kara got there first and saved you the trouble, so it never became a formal vote.

>>3997900
I am sorry, anon. Both sides argued their points fervently, so it's understandable that there is a lot to be mad over with the result.

If it helps, there was no explicitly right or wrong answer to make: It was purely one of priorities. Just because one lost doesn't mean it was any less valid of a concern than the other.
>>
>>3997918
>Spolier
You know, if you pile up too much on people they might just give up.
>>
>>3997922
You're starting to sound like you want Riz to go easy on us. Wouldn't want that
>>
>>3997923
>>3997922
>Wouldn't want that
There does seem to be some desire for more help and leniency, and I do want to see you all succeed and be happy! I'm not against trying to help in that regard, but I'm a little anxious about how to go about it.

Your decisions have value because I don't hold punches - Your victories are yours, and your losses, demoralizing and crushing as they sometimes are, should be the same. If I respond to people's desires for an easier time, or a little more cushion to their decisions, then it would only take a little for me to misstep and make you feel like it doesn't really matter in the first place.

It's a complicated issue. I'm not unaware how it can feel to be burdened down as things stand, but overcorrecting would make a new problem. This is why I'm typically open to suggestions you guys have as to how I can help you! The memolist was a result of one instance, and keeping track of timelines (or current on going goals?) are likely to be another.

I don't know how I can help without overstepping myself, so if you have ideas I'm happy to consider them!
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>>3997931
>If I respond to people's desires for an easier time, or a little more cushion to their decisions, then it would only take a little for me to misstep and make you feel like it doesn't really matter in the first place.

I'm having trouble putting this into words, so please bear with me.
If the riot at the square would suddenly stop, it certaily would feel like a cop-out.
But if Kara didn't appear at the exact worst moment to put us on the spot, I'd say no one would feel their decisions didn't matter.

From the players' point of view, each vote has not a single logically possible consequence, but a range of them, within which the consequence would feel earned. But within that range you have room to maneuver to set the level of tension appropriate for the needs of pacing.
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>>3997931
What I forgot to say is that as successes can feel unearned, so too can failures.

I can only speak for myself, of course, but I, personally, do not feel that having to choose between the riot and Kara was _our_ failure, even though both of them separately were.
>>
>>3997940
>>3997941
I agree! Though as noted, I don't actually feel this is a failure for you. There wasn't a correct answer here which would have stopped or prevented something, everything which had happened to lead to that decision was locked in place across a period of time prior, with choices made before and during this thread.

You absolutely should not feel choosing between the two was a failure. It was a matter of priorities, which one you felt more pressing to attend to personally and which you thought could be let pass in favor of the other. That kind of decision similarly could not have been made without Kara appearing when she did, but while the choice you made between the two may feel bad, it's not meant to be presented as picking the lesser of two pitfalls and saying "gotcha!"

This was a success for you. Artemis has been routed from the town, the rebels outed and apprehended, and the first major operation of your knights among other things. Choosing to stay with Kara doesn't change that, but it did prevent you from taking full advantage of the opportunity it presented.

Similarly, Kara's emotional instability and what she's going through now isn't changed or magically resolved because Irue chose to stay. However, it could have been significantly worse had you not, and being there for her gave you the chance to keep that from happening.

A choice was made between priorities; What you valued more, or felt more important to you. However, having chosen one does not discredit or unmake the other.
>>
I just got an idea to run the hunger games simulator with valen characters. Just for laughs. Anyone interested?
>>
>>3997943
Maybe failure is the wrong word. But having to choose between two bad options certainly is a "bad thing".

> everything which had happened to lead to that decision was locked in place across a period of time prior, with choices made before and during this thread
That is exactly what I don't feel.
I don't doubt it is true, but it doesn't _feel_ so from my side. It feels arbitrary.

>>3997951
Alouette wins.
>>
>>3997952
I can make a list of them if you'd like! That seems like it would make you feel worse, though.

But it's fine to be upset, and I won't blame or hold it against you. It was made to be a difficult decision, so it's not like I'm not responsible for the bad feeling in my own respect. You've done your best anon, and I can't ask more of you. You deserve to be angry when that doesn't feel like it was enough.
>>
>>3997964
I can see you write what you know.
In any case, I have made my feelings as clear as I could, and that's enough for me.
>>
>>3997943
It more like a matter of dramatic timing. Like it's always at the absolute worst possible time, Kara could've easily showed up later when we were at the square and interrupt the speech or something instead. Right now I'm just glad we left the web because I fucking know that if we had not, Kara would have either killed us or pulled us out of it when we were doing something important.

I've said it in previous threads but the pacing is murder on our nerves. We plan, we discuss and have a laundry list of things we want to do and then when the opportunity to do them is there, we're always on an invisible timer. The time frame of scenes is all over the place. Sometimes we can only do one thing that maybe takes an hour and then we skip to the next day, not being allowed to do any of the other things we could have made time for. Other times we can do a lot in one day but then every option is time sensitive and must happen at exactly the same time slot or it's too late.

>>3997952
We knew ahead of time that this night was when things were gonna go down, there was ample warning. It's just gonna suck so hard when one of these things hits us out of left field at the worst possible moment in the future. And then the next. And the next after that.

>>3997952
Mint would. No contest
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any ideas?
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>>3997970
Including Mint is so patently unfair you could just include a Mana personally.
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>>3997912
I genuinely meant that I think you're better than that, but rereading it I can see how it could come off as smug. It's easy to reconcile when your choice gets picked, I recognize that, and I apologize for not considering the tone it might be implied to have as text is bad at carrying sincerity.

I mean, look on the bright side. If things do go horribly wrong because of this, you don't need to carry the guilt of choosing otherwise.

Ultimately though, we're all doing our best to pick the right choice. Maybe putting it in terms of winning and losing was were I went wrong. We're all part of the process, you know?

>>3997913
Pretty sure Maro was gonna get killed by Irue regardless for purely practical reasons.

Dude was working with our enemies, and even if he wasn't he refused to stop trying to constantly play us and undermine us. I mean, if getting soul slapped by Shade for the first time in your existence isn't able to make someone reconsider their past choices and future options, then the only thing left is to suppress him by force. Force we don't have.

You know. Excluding actually killing him.

Oh, heeeey, we should probably chat with Raid about how dumb Maro was. The Demi-Humans could have settled down, and learned to play the long-con by treating people well so that they build up trust. They really could have used that with, say, Kara when she was doing her thing.

But if she hadn't done it, someone else would have. Probably us. We are pretty fucking close to snapping and no longer trying to convince people instead of forcing them, it seems.

It's like Maro and them forgot that we brought Shade on them, and were going to kill them before Kara begged us not to.

That wasn't a one time event. We've just been holding back so as to not accidentally drive the pack to suicide after all the work we put into keeping them alive. Also, Kara would be sad.

Just something for him to think about. Kara did all this to save Raid, it would really suck if he tried to take advantage of the situation because we aren't going to let Kara have to be the one to kill her only remaining family. I mean, she has us now too, but Raid has a special place in heart and by god if he breaks hers we'll rip his out and keep him inside an Oakenrue with a little Shade apparition for company. Don't worry about feeling bad enough to die, the Oakenrue has the ability to heal and protect, so if it gets to that point we can make sure you can't kill yourself.

Sure, Raid could ask Kara to help him, tell her that the pain is unbearable. But will she trust him?

Wouldn't it be so much nicer to remain friends. We are more than willing to encourage him being less of a shitbag than Maro was.

Maybe we can dig up some books on ethics and having a code of conduct as a Noble. It's not really a good vs ebvil thing, and it might help him feel more productive and positive about himself so that if he runs into another Shade it won't hurt so much.
>>
>>3997765
>>3997943
Hrm. Artemis' key players escaped?

Someone managed to get in to wake the Behemoth?

Our cousin was with them and we missed a chance to pull him out before we becam irrevocable enemies, with him plotting to take over our position if the rebellion suceeded? Maybe even with a slightly embarassed air of spoiling his reclusive and tempermental Cousin who was never really trained to lead despite the successes she's somehow brute forced her way to, relieving her of a job she's not suited for that ties her to a place she openly hated when last he saw us.

Yeah. That sounds like the kind of justification some idiot who let his dick lead him into chasing a "woman" into a fucking cult would make so it doesn't look like he's White Knighting her.

Not like he could have just come and talked to us honestly. Or Artemis could have had the decency to approach us. They don't know us, we did break our engagement to the Royalty and don't really have any political friends or foes OTHER THAN CAYLEN NOW AND HIS SHITTY CULT FRIENDS.

Or not. Maybe they ganked Mim, or Ari.

Which let me tell you will make my normal blusterous bellicose tone seem gentle as an infants sneeze.

Asche isn't here to stop us from tearing our soul up again. I mean, it'll heal. Or maybe we'll patch it up with bits of something else. Maybe someone else. Whatever, we can figure it out after Artemis lies broken and scattered, gone to ground hiding maybe - where they will be easy prey for Kara.

Haha I'm not actually kidding about this like I was with the bandit queen, or halfway was with fusing a dryad core into Behemoth.

Right now Artemis is at the top of my shit list, not my shit to do list.

Speaking of which, we should go visit our Aunt and usurp her authority since she's not well. At the very least we should force her to give us some aid with Carona. We can sell off Caylens books if funds are tight.

Oh yeah, we never figured out what resource we had in our Manor that we could make money with. Fuck it, we can make her send someone who knows about finances with us. Maybe our Uncle even, he handles that stuff already.
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>>3997900
Same here. There's not even any point in reading the last posts.

We've crossed a line. I now fully support getting out of here. We will not keep our
word or responsibilities, so we should dump our existing ones and avoid new ones.

I've always been interested in building our Foundation....
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>>3997952
Regarding the events leading up to this, I can see a couple of things. Clearly, one was us losing the Behemoths handlers. Another was not suppressing the Demi-Humans enough, Maro wouldn't have sold us out if he thought we would win against Artemis. A positive was us winning Kara over on the premise of trust, although the roll fucked us there. I bet us fucking up those bandits working with Artemis probably made things a bit better. Our insistence on integrating the Demi-Humans instead of sticking them out of the way somewhere also alienated us from the people of Carona while also putting them in a position to undermine us by causing conflict with people. Our choice of keeping Mim from simulating about us because of Dryad also probaby made us lose out on valuable intel and warnings about the unrest in town.

Radical notion, we might have to let Mim in on Dryad. For one thing, Dryad is waking up so it'll come out eventually now. For another, it's not just keeping her from helping us but it's also keeping her from really being herself. Discovering knowledge is what she does, and while it ca be painful to learn some things, she's suffered plenty for her knowledge already and still chooses to be true to herself and not turn away from it. I imagine it's like cutting yourself off from sex.
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>>3998066
So . . . Wanna try slamming a Dryad core into the Behemoth now? I mean, worst case scenario it destroys Carona. Which it was gonna do eventually anyways.
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>>3998069
Why the fuck not, honestly
I'm still waiting for name suggestions for my hunger games simulation anons
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>>3998067
>Clearly, one was us losing the Behemoths handlers.
No. Maro would have just chosen something else to try and get her to do.

>Our choice of keeping Mim from simulating about us because of Dryad also probably made us lose out on valuable intel and warnings about the unrest in town.
And if we'd let her, Luna would have melted her brains out of her ears when she discovered the existence of Dryad. There was no choice to be made there.

>Radical notion, we might have to let Mim in on Dryad. For one thing,
We didn't keep her from it only because it's wildly dangerous knowledge. We did it because Luna would potentially kill her to remove that knowledge from her head. And even if it didn't, Mim would be stuck with a world-shattering secret that if she told or even too strongly hinted at could get Rue killed and bring everything crashing down.
If we want to tell anyone at the Shrine, tell it to the Undine adept; the keeping of secrets is one of their cornerstones.
>>
>>3998083
Luna couldnjust take the knowledge from Mim the same way she did to us when we found the ruins of Dryads shrine.

Hell, we just fought a Luna Adept working with Artemis. I think that's decent evidence that Luna has accepted that her adepts will eventually find clues that will lead them to the missing mana. Which in turn leads them to discover Dryad.

We could always try negotiating with Luna directly regarding Mim as well. It would probably go either really well or terrible, after all Adepts are very literally loved by their Mana. We do have a phone that can call Luna.
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>>3998092
>Luna couldnjust take the knowledge from Mim the same way she did to us when we found the ruins of Dryads shrine.
And why not?

>We could always try negotiating with Luna directly regarding Mim as well. It would probably go either really well or terrible, after all Adepts are very literally loved by their Mana. We do have a phone that can call Luna.
...We don't want Luna to know we know about Dryad. At all. Luna spearheaded the coalition to kill all of Dryad's adepts and imprison Dryad itself, despite Luna being the closest to Dryad. Likely because they were so close. You seriously think Luna will be willing to play softball with this?
>>
>>3997971
Notable knights
Anyone from Dryad's prison
That girl we pissed off
Maro
The old Mayor
Shadowrue
Oakenrue
Aspenrue
our sister
>>
>>3998102
I don't think dead people are applicable, anon
Noted on Jill though, that's a good suggestion. Oakenrue works too I think
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>>3997964
Hey.

Hey Riz.

A reminder.

A reminder to do the thing.
That is all.
>>
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Managed to fill out all the slots.
This look good? Is it rdy?
>>
>>3998121
looks good to me.
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>>3998121
Betting on Maran winning
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And here we go
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OH FUCK this is intense
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day 1 victims
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this simulator doesn't have gender neutral pronouns for some reason
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Day 2 start
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Day 2 victims
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Uneventful night
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Day 3
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People can't start fires
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Day 4
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Sad
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.
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What is it with all this handholding?!?! why aren't you killing one another?
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The Feast
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What the fuck
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I see...........
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I can't believe this
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I seriously should have expected this. The anon was right to bet on this outcome
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And here are the stats. That's it
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>>3998197
Hahahaha
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>>3998098
I wonder why you think Luna doesn't already know about Dryad wakening. I mean, it's in her wheelhouse. You know, being close to all knowing.

Maybe Luna is also hoping for a better solution this time, which is why she hasn't already acted like she did when we found the shrine.

We just don't *know*, but if asking for Mim to be able to help us with Artemis means bringing the topic up with Luna, who should already be aware that we know because our role was specifically to enter and calm Dryad down, then I don't think we'll be revealing anything Luna doesn't already know.


>>3998152
> Caylen dies of thirst after failing to catch Alouette

Fucking on the nose.
>>
>>3998110
Oh. Yes, thank you. I'm actually not going to do it because initially I thought it wasn't something you could learn anymore, but I have since reconsidered and realized it can be addressed in character in the next thread.

>>3998198
This the least violent Hunger Games simulation I've seen, and the 4 way suicide pact made me have to stop reading for a second.
---

I don't know who all is left in the thread, but you've reached a bit of a turning point. Carona is, barring some post-operation clean up, handled for the moment! Which means it's time you turn your attentions further abroad (or remain focused on Carona, if that's what you want) and decide what you do next. You've certainly got a lot of things demanding your attention!

Some reminders include:
1. A summons from your aunt
2. Potential Artemis activity in other towns
3. Looking into slavers and the Tiers
4. Pursuing Asche
5. Finally going on an expedition for resources
6. Unfinished business at the ruined Shrine
7. The training of your knights

And probably some more you guys have in mind that I've not heard mentioned enough to list here.
>>
>>3998419
>A summons from your aunt
It's the most time-critical one given that she's supposed to be near death.
>>
>>3998419
>A summons from your aunt
Most important one
>>
>>3998419
>>1. A summons from your aunt
>>
>>3998419
>1. A summons from your aunt

Well, we do have to respond to this and I believe I made mention of pushing her to either support us more or get out of the way now that we have rebuffed Artemis. We need to stabilize our foundations before they can resume their attack.

We should come up with a list which is broken into "Can't do without" requests which if are rejected we'll have to consider usurping her outright if there aren't damned good reasons for it. Next a "Needed but not necessary" list. Finally a "Shoot for the moon" list to start out asking for and then letting her work our way down.

We should have that at least before we leave.

Good thing we still have Kara, because the roads are quite unsafe these days with slavers and bandits and cults running arround.
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>>3998102
They might have sabotaged the Atelier as well.

Either the Ice Aeon one to maybe drive the apparition spiders out in line with their apparent plan of wrecking shit and being able to capitalize on the chaos because they expected it while using other people as cats paws to minimize the damage from failure.

OR they've done something fucky to Dryad while everyone's attention was on the town.

I swear to fucking god though, if Ari was killed offscreen I will burn this setting the godsdamned ground.

Nobody gets to destroy the world, because then we wouldn't have somewhere to keep them in torment.
>>
I propose we also launch a rumor that all the missed people were probably sold into slavery by the conspirators.
It's almost true, after all.
>>
>>3999970
There's evidence left at the Bandit camp, no? We can take credit for destroying them with Raid and Marchovic. Mim can vouch for having found them with us too.
>>
>>3998419
>1. A summons from your aunt
>7. The training of your knights
These two can be done at the same time!

>>3997886
>Am I forgetting something...?

>And what scared you more - What chilled you to your core under the fading warmth of her pack's blood smeared across your skin - was that all of this could have been your fault. That in your indignancy, in your frustration and ire, you had already begun making plans to try and justify to this broken girl why her pack had to be destroyed. As if she would have accepted it anymore than you would have your own family being ripped from you.
>You would have been the one to do this to her, had she not done it first.
>...And now you were the one left to console her, knowing that.

>But friendship between Fae was... Anything but healthy. In their zeal to be loved, the Lords of the Forest saw nothing wrong with purposefully setting in motion events to ruin one's life, machinating the self-same strife and despair that they would be there to support you through. It was good natured earnesty which so often led them to acts of unparalleled malice as they tried to think of ways to 'help' the people they cared for.
>Honest loyalty and concern which permeated their every thought, surpassing common sense and becoming a poison that bled through their actions. In a word, the most prominent trait that could be attributed to Fae was 'Jealousy'.

Thanks for running Riz! See you next year!
>>
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>>4000745
It's already next year!! It's 2020, you can't make that joke!
>>
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>>4000798
I know.
>>
I am being bullied immediately in the new year! This is bullying!
>>
>>4000745
Please. You don't have to be a Fae to be a monster.

We could just easily be a very human monster.
>>
>>4000833
I'm not saying we're fae, I'm saying that Irue is taking on an aspect of Dryad in how she thinks and feels.

>Adepts typically take on the personality characteristics of their given Mana in some form. In truth, it can be said that their personality shifting like this is the result of them learning to better understand the Mana by changing ones view point to match. Because of this, Salamander adepts are often very straight forward and aggressive, while Undine adepts become more disconnected from whimsy and methodical.

>Honest loyalty and concern which permeated their every thought, surpassing common sense and becoming a poison that bled through their actions. In a word, the most prominent trait that could be attributed to Fae was 'Jealousy'.

>Foundation Solidified.

>"Haha..." The face reflected in its pages never changed as you snapped it shut, yet your skin felt uncomfortable all the same. A body that was yours down to the smallest detail which didn't belong to you in the slightest. "You really were something else." You mutter, unable to keep the admiration from tinging your voice.

>Formulation of Aeonic Nature beginning.

>You regretted so much of what happend with your doppleganger. At times almost suffocatingly so. But buried in that morass...

>...Am I jealous of my Doppleganger?

>"I was jealous of you." A silent, embittered and awed admission. "Of everything you did that I didn't. That I couldn't." Your fingers flexed experimentally, chuckling under your breath - a self-depreciating laugh spurred on by how long it had taken you to realize that. How hard it had been to accept.

>G̡̢ơ̶̵̶͡ḑ̵d́͜e̷̸̢͘s̨̀͘ş́͢͟͠ ̷͠À͡u̸̷̴̵̕t̸̸̛h̢̛͡o̢̕͜͡ŗ̸̕͘i͢ţ̀͝ỳ̷̡̢̀ ̶̷̸̡͠Ó͘v̡̡͜͞e̸̡̨͠r̵̵͞ŕ̷̢͘͢i̷̸̧d̷̢͘è̷̡͘͟

>Ś̸̀̕ ̶͡H̶͝͞ ̛A̧̧̛͠͡ ̸̨D̴̕ ̸̡͠È͠͝ ̀͟R̴̡ ́͡͝E̸͢͠ ̵̀͝͡J̸̀ ̡͞E̶͡ ̸̢̡̀C̷̨͘͢͠ ̴̀͟͝T̨͝ ̵̧͜Ȩ͜͢͜ ̡̢̀͞D̷͞
>>
>>4000895
Imagine Irue's Atelier, with all her failures displayed.
It would be the deadliest Atelier ever.



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