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Hints of your closing destination began to show a few hours after breaking camp. Isolated hamlets, mostly farming estates similar to the inn you stayed at yesterday and other smaller communities, took refuge in the plains and growing hills of southern Muribel, away from the main road. Houses close to the road had Mamonos carefully watch your group without instigating anything, a sharp contrast to the loneliness of the plains, and the comfortable atmosphere of being alone with the girls. With growing civilization came the end of your comfortable days.

Proximity also increased Klesiah ethereal presence, each meter you left behind slowly strengthened your mystical ties. You became... aware, intimately so, of your knight general existence; you could tell she was ''close'' instead of the muddled ''far'' that still described the other three and sometimes ripple of emotions would burst gently into the surface of your consciousness like bubbles; all fluster, tensions and wound-up stress that'd mingle with exotic sweetness. She was undeniably dreading your arrival while feeling happy about it.

You'll be able to easily find her inside by following this trail, like retracting the steps of an old memory... wherever she was, it came to you instinctively. But to focus on it too much wouldn't be wise now that you're stepping into the next stage of that infernal fluff game.

''Do I look... adequate?'' Shereen whispering question brought you out of your contemplation and the noise of a rare caravan traveling the forked road forced your group to stand by the wayside.

Enough communities had sprung around the roads near Myrtidal for many little villages with their inner commerce going-on with plenty of farms stretching across the horizon, meaning that you traveled a surprisingly busy main road. Mamonos looked at your group warily, scaled and furred races being the vast majority of people you came across and often you'd see women lingering around bars with alcohol in this early day; the general noises felt lethargic, almost contagious, with what you assumed to be guards enjoying generous shares of early alcohol being the loudest.

Each of them monstrous ladies wearing stifling heavy armor, a good motivation to start drinking early in this damnable heat.

''Yes, perhaps avoid looked people in the eyes if you believe someone could recognize your features.'' Hildegarde responded quietly. ''I doubt that anybody could identify you from the onset.''

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Before reaching the city proper, your group went through all your belongings in closer details to find something that could mask yours and Shereen identity and before long, settled on adopting the same fashion as Hildegarde with shawls on your head and in Shereen case, a small cloth over her nose to protect against dust, coupled with cloaks it made an effective disguise, though... it didn't help against the heat. That loremaster had been right in calling Muribel southern sun particularly harsh; thankfully hiding your manliness was impossible because of your naturally tall and broad physique so the only girl who insisted on you putting on some layers was Zhu and she was thankfully easy to shoot down.

Once a pair of caravans full of hays cleared the way, you led the girls through the main road, people actively avoided sharing a meter of space with your group... and soon enough the confusing roads melting into a single one that after a few dozen minutes of walking, continued up a small hill that revealed Myrtidal properly. It... wasn't exactly an impressive city.

Buildings spread almost haphazardly everywhere throughout a large, large plain with a gorgeous backdrop of tall mountains. Myrtidal itself looked to be a city in disuse with three obvious districts built around a plaza, all the buildings were made of stones and so closely packed together that this city -despite being no more than half the size of Marleon- was likely housing hundreds of thousands. The lack of walls around it was inviting, but having to navigate this hell of small streets made you long for the capital now.

''Oh, there's a map.'' Shereen said, pointing out a small sculpture of marble a few feet away from the road propping up a map carved into the stone.

''Definitely outdated the craftsmanship is nice.'' Hildegarde commented after a glance. ''City is much bigger than what's being displayed but... at least we've got an idea about things.''

You were on the road toward Pilgrim's Way and now that you had a good look at your surrounded, the relatively isolated manor on the map had been surrounded by a few more luxurious buildings (only place protected by walls) but otherwise, this was fairly accurate outside the increased volume of buildings and a few more farms dotted the horizon around Myrtidal.

''Mh, gonna be a nice playground.'' Zhu murmured.

''Least we can prepare our trip before entering.'' You said, eager to distract Zhu mounting bloodlust. She's kept this particular intense urge in check marvelously well in the last two days but you could tell she was itching for a fight. ''Way's looking clear.''

Whilst the outlying communities around Myrtidal were a beehive of activity the city itself looked... lethargic. From this perch view, you weren't seeing many people on the streets or haggling in the plaza. A worrying amount of armored monsters were coming and going, perhaps a sign of troubles from the bandits? Armin did mention that a band had been recently defeated.

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''W-what should we do? Can you... sense your friend?'' Shereen snuck next to you, Hildegarde stood beside her and Zhu settled for your remaining flank.

''Perhaps we should try finding some lodging first, putting our bags down will make it easier to move around.'' Hildegarde said, fiddling with the restraint of her backpack. She had the biggest load by far and hadn't complained once during the trip, the endurance of this woman is surreal.

Klesiah is near. You could feel it into the marrows of your bones, she was in this city... toward the southern end maybe, her exact position still unknown yet almost within reach; like a lapse in judgment, or forgetting a word in a conversation that's on the tip of your lips.

''Blueberry, blueberry...'' You heard Zhu say, her singular rainbow eye looking at you.

''Finding her won't be difficult.'' You commented and as a test, you decided to give Ama aspect a try, giving her authority over your soul was such a disgusting thing to do, especially in the middle of her new playground but...

You felt something, a cold ethereal wind that didn't belong in this world, a manifestation of her existence tickled your skin with disgust somewhere in the large district of Pilgrim Way.

Gods damn her, at least she's direct.

Walking around without an objective doesn't seem wise, how to proceed now...

>Try to find the witch resonance; perhaps she's baiting you but Ama has at least been consistent so far and has a little obsession with playing ''fair.'' If she's beckoning you somewhere then you should go and see what's happening before committing to anything else.

>Take Hildegarde's suggestion to heart and go find an inn to stay at, moving around with all of your supplies make your group rather conspicuous.

>You came here for a reason. Follow your instincts; find Klesiah. You've made her wait for too long.

>Free

>You came here for a reason. Follow your instincts; find Klesiah. You've made her wait for too long.

Might be a wee bit unfair to proceed with a single vote, I'll give this one a few more minutes of waiting.

>>4260459
Follow Hilde's advice.

>Try to find the witch

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Goddammit, I missed the thread starting.
But oh well, my body is ready. Let's fucking do this.

>>4260459
>Take Hildegarde's suggestion to heart and go find an inn to stay at, moving around with all of your supplies make your group rather conspicuous.

Alright, finding an inn it is. Time to get a feel for the city.

>>4260537
Ok, a few questions. Can blood magic be used to set a detection trap (i.e. can we rig it such that once we leave our room we can tell if somebody else entered it)? We set a mundane one as well (e.g. a small piece of paper wedged between the door and the wall as you close it, it'll drop to the floor if someone opens it), y'know, to gauge competence or see which one they're more worried about. Can Shereen still purify food with blood magic so we all don't have to worry about getting poisoned or tranquilized?

Also, please tell me we're wearing some chain mail under our clothes like a certain adorable priestess. Does Shereen have any armor? We need to fix that if she doesn't. Even a plate consisting of a few book wedged between two planks of cheap wood is better than nothing.

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>>4260570
> Can blood magic be used to set a detection trap (i.e. can we rig it such that once we leave our room we can tell if somebody else entered it)?

Possible but Shereen doesn't have the competence to make it, unfortunately.

>Can Shereen still purify food with blood magic so we all don't have to worry about getting poisoned or tranquilized?

Yup.

>Also, please tell me we're wearing some chain mail under our clothes like a certain adorable priestess.
I completely forgot to mention that but yeah, you've got a layer of chainmail with padding to avoid chaffing. Its the only real armor you have and it's why Arawn keeps inwardly bitching about the heat.

>Does Shereen have any armor?

Nope. Her clothes remain light despite the disguise.

>>4260583
Damnit, a natural born blood mage and she can't do anything useful for us. Can't even rig a blood spot that'll disappear once the door opens or if someone moves our bags (e.g. gets exposed to too much light)? Like a magic version of the paper trick I mentioned? It doesn't gotta be complex, it just has to be effective.

We *really* need to get that girl a trainer.

>>4260600
> Can't even rig a blood spot that'll disappear once the door opens or if someone moves our bags (e.g. gets exposed to too much light)? Like a magic version of the paper trick I mentioned? It doesn't gotta be complex, it just has to be effective.

Arawn doesn't know her capabilities in blood magic but those subtle tricks, unfortunately, are beyond her.

>>4260608
We need to find out what they are ASAP then. We're gonna have to use everything we have if we wanna get everyone out of here alive and in possession of all their limbs/exotic bits.

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''I agree with Hildegarde's suggestion.'' You stated after giving your options some thoughts: Ama resonance wasn't going to disappear soon (hopefully) and finding a place to stay would make it easier for Klesiah to reach you...

Bubbles of foreign emotions burst gently on the surface of your conscious mind. Trepidation, happiness, dread, fear... Thinking about your blue paladin made it that much easier for the soul link to increase its intensity and distract you. You couldn't afford that at the moment.

Shereen and Zhu didn't argue this impromptu turn of events and soon enough the group set out in a makeshift diamond formation with you at the head and the princess in the middle, you set out down the hill and finally reached your destination.

--

Finding an inn had proved frustratingly difficult. These establishments weren't common in the district of Pilgrim Way but walking the length of the long common road revealed at least three establishments in various state of disuse and your group was always greeted by some apathetic Mamono that promptly turned you away with excuses saying they were full or ''only took natives'', giving you, Hildegarde and Zhu barely concealed looks of disgust. Being treated like a blatant leper honestly left you stunned; Zhu had more than enough frustration for the entire group, and had you not reacted swiftly, she'd have punched the third innkeeper in the face.

Thankfully things did look up somewhat because a guard gave you some directions for palce that'd be willing to take your group in, an inn called the Twisted Dance in the plaza.

''Gonna give them bitches good reason to hate us.'' You heard Zhu fiddle with her sword, she was also wearing a dust cloak to conceal the weapon, making you the only visibly armed person of the group.

''Not so loud.'' Hildegarde sharply warned your companion and she dutifully settled for fuming silence.

The mood of the city was... strange. Tense yet lethargic, walking the length of one of the three main roads and reaching its center -the beating heart- revealed plenty of natives with independent stalls but also guards after guards milling about, every single one of them armored in visible plates despite the heat and sporting weapons like halberds, swords, maces, and crossbows. The armament on display here was impressive, if not outright oppressive and the attitude of these guards was a strange mixture of apathy and joviality; many milled about lazily, sitting, drinking and eating without acknowledging anyone but their friends whilst other went around the city and stall with predatory intent, haggling with shopkeepers in a way that was -not- equal footing. People lingered on the roof, native looked brokenhearted in the alleys, far too few moved about with purpose. Your group also gathered many stares, prompting everyone to avoid wasting time.

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The inn itself wasn't hard to find thankfully as it leads directly into the market, facing the single grand church that was undeniably beautiful to look at. Gothic architecture mingled with patterns to represent the sun to create a grand circle entrance and lamias statues sculpted to give Zerase her godly disposition granted some amount of decorum, Mamonos came and went attending to their business with a stark lack of guards imposing themselves in there. Part of you wondered if this establishment was even more luxurious than the secluded manor you spied on the hill.

The inn itself was spacious, the usual two-story high building with rooms on the second floor and one big common area filled with a surprising amount of natives of all colors and shapes mingling with armored guards. The woman behind the counter was a tall dark-haired, bronze-skinned Minotaurus, who acknowledged your group arrival with a grunt.

Booking rooms wasn't difficult, although she insisted on not having anything big enough to fit four people, so you had to settle with two different rooms.

''One more thing.'' The bull-woman grave voice trampled the buzzing noise of early activities. ''Don't go outside with your weapons, duchess only allow those who keep the peace to be armed so keep your stuff up there.'' She pointed to a flight of stairs.

You swallowed the urge to reply ''or what?''. Marleon had a similar policy and only Shereen authority allowed you to keep your shield and mace. Thankfully, Zhu weapon was somewhat hidden and Hildegarde didn't need anything...

And thus, your group filtered into a single room that wasn't at all fitting for two, let alone four. A single small window -far too small to squeeze through- gave a prisoner view of a back alley.

''If we leave our stuff here we're gonna get robbed.'' Zhu stated, snarling. ''Getting some bad vibes out of them clicking bitches, most of em got this piss stain color to 'em.''

''The price to stay was also exorbitant.'' You added. Fifteen godsdamned gold piece for two rooms fit for dogs, you spent twenty at that inn with Armin but that had been money well spent for good services.

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Your total now was 700 pieces. More than enough to start a new life, but you'll need to be careful showing your wealth.

''Perhaps camping somewhere outside the city is the better idea.'' Hildegarde said, her doll-like features showing a rare frown. ''I'm almost regretful to have insisted on an inn now, this city... isn't a good place.''

''I-I don't understand how this... I never read that Myrtidal was a bad place... Why do people seem to hate you all?'' Shereen ears had completely flattened to accompany her dispirited tone. ''I... I can watch over our things maybe? You guys are strong, you can find that paladin lady right? So I gotta try and make myself useful.''

''I think it'd be better if you come along and witness how your people here are faring.'' You replied gently, hoping this roundabout refusal wouldn't hurt her feelings. Shereen isn't a combatant... If some thugs come around to steal your stuff, they might add kidnapping on the list too, especially if she let her identity leak. ''You don't know much about Myrtidal right?''

''That's true...'' Lips pinched together and furred fists balling in frustration, Shereen clearly understood your underlying message and could only endure in frustration.

At least now you've got a quiet spot to plan your next move.

>Go find the source of Ama resonance. It's somewhere inside Pilgrim Way so you'll have to double back, you can't afford to ignore anything filled with her influence.

>Klesiah is... she's not far. Somewhere to the southwest, perhaps in Old Myrtidal or some of the outlying farms?

And another choice.

>Leave someone behind to guard your belongings (Who?) Will you also leave with your mace and shield?
>Screw this inn, gather everything you own and start on your purpose, you'll find somewhere to rest afterward.

>Klesiah is... she's not far. Somewhere to the southwest, perhaps in Old Myrtidal or some of the outlying farms?

I want her back with is ASAP. Ama can wait.

Is it possible to play the shield as "not a weapon", I wonder?

>>4260772
>Is it possible to play the shield as "not a weapon", I wonder?
You can try.

>>4260731
>Klesiah is... she's not far. Somewhere to the southwest, perhaps in Old Myrtidal or some of the outlying farms?
and
>Leave someone behind to guard your belongings (Who?) Will you also leave with your mace and shield?
Go alone, We can shift into and out of the Red to get around most easily if we are alone.
and we might be able to use the red to get Klesiah, and anyone else she wants to come with her out more easily.

>>4260731
Damnit, we fucked up. Though by the sounds of things had we done anything else we'd have gotten jumped by thieves or something. No good choices when everyone around sees you as a filthy fucking outlander who should hurry up and either leave or die. Preferably after being robbed of all your valuables.

How much time did we lose? Does the shield count as a weapon and can we conceal our mace? Does anyone know about our gauntlet and what it does? Any hiding places for our shit in here? What all are we carrying anyway? Can we keep the money on us tied *very* securely to our persons? Didn't we also have gems?

>>4260778
I'm going to have to vote against going alone dude. Everyone hates our group, if any of us end up alone that person will get mugged at best and flat out murdered by a gang of thugs or even the guards at worst.

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Huh, it seems like we'll get a majority choice for the blueberry.

>>4260778
Going alone is a bold move I'll give you that.

>>4260786
>How much time did we lose?
Roughly 40 minutes, city is fairly big (couldn't get the autogen to do anything I liked so the map isn't 100% accurate depiction of Myrtidal)
>Does the shield count as a weapon and can we conceal our mace?
You can try arguing that your shield isn't a weapon if a guard take offense, your mace is too big to be hidden, unfortunately.
>Does anyone know about our gauntlet and what it does?
So far nobody made a comment.
>Any hiding places for our shit in here?
Small room without furniture, literally nothing, especially with bags like yours.
>What all are we carrying anyway?
Camping supplies and provisions dispersed in three bags, also some potions, bandages and the like. Plenty of change in clothes too, hence your disguises.
>Can we keep the money on us tied *very* securely to our persons?
Already done.
>Didn't we also have gems?
I'm counting them in your general wealth. 700 is a whole lot of money in Muribel economy.

Giving this choice... around 30 minutes, then I'll start rolling if we get an impasse.

>>4260798
40 minutes ain't too bad. And no furniture? Not even a bed? Damn, these people *really* hate outsiders.

Can we embrace the aspect to see if there's anything here as well? We got a receipt so if we do come back here we won't have to pay again right? Say we left our changes of clothing, would that give away our identities and how much would that shrink our bags? Could we put our mace in a bag to conceal it? Do we have a piece of paper to do the trick I mentioned earlier so that we'll know if we've been robbed or the rooms entered upon our return? How hungry are we and how much food and water do we have?

I think I am in favor of carrying our weapons with us. If anyone complains, we either run away or confront them. We can always lie and claim we did not know.

I am not in favor of splitting the party, though.

>>4260792
The problem that i am seeing is that if anyone gets left with our things, they could just be overwhelmed though sheer numbers, so it would be best to give them the best chance at repelling whatever forces get sent against them. (and leaving one person to do all of that and look after Shereen just makes it more likely that at least one of them is going to get taken, or they are going to have to abandon our supplies) which means that we wouldn't be able to make the return trip easily, since we were already planing on making our supplies stretch to take Klesiah (we know that she wants to bring at least one more person with her as well) with us so any loss of supplies is going to complicate our return massively
We can't take Shereen with us if we are planing on using the Red, since she is a blood mage, it would complicate it's usage massively, and leaving our supplies unguarded is a bad idea because if we lose them we can't leave, and asking one person to look after our supplies and Sheeren if something were to happen is asking for a lot of things to go perfectly.

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>>4260825
Oh no, there's a single bed.

>Can we embrace the aspect to see if there's anything here as well?
Yes and the only resonance you feel remains in Pilgrim Way.
>We got a receipt so if we do come back here we won't have to pay again right?
You paid until tomorrow so the Minotaur should at least accept your coming and going.
>Say we left our changes of clothing, would that give away our identities and how much would that shrink our bags?
You'd be able to leave a bag behind, since one them is used for that. As for your identities, it'd be impossible for a thief to deduce anything from clothes alone.
>Could we put our mace in a bag to conceal it?
It'll fit in an empty one for sure.
>Do we have a piece of paper to do the trick I mentioned earlier so that we'll know if we've been robbed or the rooms entered upon our return?
Yup
>How hungry are we and how much food and water do we have?
Had a healthy breakfast so everyone is fine on that front. It's only around 10 am now. As for provisions, you've got enough for a week, water and dried food aplenty.

>>4260827
>>4260792
Two votes for not being alone. One thing I forgot to ask is if you'd like to bring Shereen. By default, she'll tag along because she does want to see the city and its people.

>>4260856
>that pic
Why is the blueberry so hot in pretty much everything? Damnit girl, you're starting to tempt me away from the exotic bits!

She's dead if she's alone, so she's coming with. Can we ask her about her ablities in whispers while we travel or do other things? Any way to mark the clothes so if they are stolen we'd know they're ours? Kind of leaning towards emptying the clothing bag and putting our mace in it so as not give the guards an immediate excuse to arrest us. Also, why can't we put it on us in a place such that our cloak covers it? Like, say, on our back or on our waist more towards our rear than the front?

>>4260897
Oh, also, just thought of this, but potential excuse for shield or weapons. How do they all feel about bodyguards? We could claim the girls hired us to protect them in their travels.

We could also claim that they're our wives and that we are sworn to protect them. Just ideas, nothing of a concrete vote yet.

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>>4260897
Vanilla is eternal.
>Can we ask her about her ablities in whispers while we travel or do other things?
A good enough travel discussion.
>Any way to mark the clothes so if they are stolen we'd know they're ours?
Outside dumping alcohol on them? Nah.
>Also, why can't we put it on us in a place such that our cloak covers it? Like, say, on our back or on our waist more towards our rear than the front?
Because the mace is pretty long, it aint no blackjack. Zhu is able to conceal her sword handle because it goes upward and has no scabbard but there's no way for you to conceal a mace without having it protrude somewhere obvious.

Finding Klesiah is settled, bringing Shereen along also seems to be the general mood. Who do you guys want to tag along? Hildegarde or Zhu?

Weapon wise, are you guys fine with concealing your mace in a bag and keeping your shield?

>>4260930
This song says it all really. And yeah, I'll vote for my plan to conceal the mace in a bag.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6y4XYxhA-o

>concealing your mace in a bag and keeping your shield

This sounds good

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Rolling for who will accompany you alongside Shereen.

1= Zhu.
2= Hildegarde.

Usual thing apply, this is only final after around... 15 minutes.

>>4260948
Hold up do you mean to bring everyone and ditch the inn room?

>>4260977
Whatever we leave will get stolen, whomever we leave will get jumped by thugs whom they will gruesomely murder which will get the guards pissed off at them. Given our current treatment, said guards will just try to kill them which will send things even further south. They don't got soul links or any way to find their way back to us.

We should plan a rendezvous spot in the event we get separated in the future though. Say the thugs got knocked out, would that piss off the guards?

>>4260990
>Say the thugs got knocked out, would that piss off the guards?
Hard to say, you have no feel for the city or the disposition of the guards.

I'll operate like this
You'll bring all the party to find Klesiah alongside your supplies and bags while ditching the surplus clothes to conceal your mace.

Since I've yet to see any votes in favor of splitting up with a single anon wanted to be bold and courageous, I think it's fair for me to assume you guys want to bring everyone along.

>>4261006
I'd like to leave a party member behind, but Klesiah is almost certainly under guard. No real way to sneak her out as it ain't the hour of lullaby for many hours and we don't know how to drag others into the red world from it. Thus, it's gonna be a fight.

Don't forget the paper trick. Small piece wedged near the ground between the door and the hinge side. You can try it for yourself IRL, it works (especially because most people don't know about it or if they do they fuck up and don't replace it in *exactly* the same spot). And put the clothes under the bed.

I approve of bringing the entire party with us.

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''It'll be a small loss if someone comes snooping around.'' Hildegarde, gently lowering the mattress on all the clothes laid on the bed: you won't be finding any better hiding place in this dump. She also ripped a tiny portion of the blanket to use as a marker.

''We'll just drop our bags if we gotta fight.'' Zhu added then gently knocked on your shield. ''Think it's wise to bring that? Doubt that'll escape any clicking thugs.''

''They'll have to accept that I'm a bodyguard... or something. Carrying a shield around shouldn't be unlawful.'' Not exactly a lie, your freed hand went to pet Shereen's head, prompting her to grunt. ''What I really want to do is find Klesiah. That's what matters. If we have to run away afterward... so be it.''

''Right...'' Zhu subdued reactions worried you. There was a dangerous edge to her, that predatory aura of a bird of prey always lingered now. No matter how carefree she acted, she truly did treasure the blue paladin... How long had they been separated now? Three years? Four?

With Hildegarde placing the piece of fiber on a corner of the door, your group set back down into the annoying noises downstairs and exited the place without encountering any problems. Once outside and into the marketplace, your gaze lingered around the church once more and you witnessed a man exiting its premise. Broad-shouldered with a cowl to mask his face despite the sun, his tall and broad frame made him stand out against the backdrop of smaller females, he didn't seem to have any weapons on him. He quickly disappeared up the long main path of Pilgrim Way.

Coincidence?

''Got a clue where she is?'' Zhu forced you out of your confusion.

''Southwest. Maybe old Mirtydal or the outlying farms, I should get a better idea once we get closer.'' Your group was gathering quite a few stares already, especially from the guards... were they surprised you came out of that inn or something?

''Why are... Am I overthinking or do people here seem miserable?'' Shereen comment met no answer. People that weren't in plates walked around with their heads down, shopkeepers barely tried to attract attention.

''Shall we?'' Hildegarde decided to lead the way down one of Myrtidal's three main arteries.

--

Unfortunately, this would be no easy travel.

''Hey hey hey!'' A voice from behind bellowed without warning. ''Harem boy, stop!''

Harem boy?

As ordered, your group stopped in the middle of the busy road and witnessed the arrival of five fully armored and armored guards. Three of them were green-scaled lizards with the last two being canine of some kind, all three lizards had a single sword on their waists whilst the beastwomen held onto sharp halberds.

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People immediately made distance with your group in such a blatant way, it was akin to wolves stepping into a clearing of deers.

''Problem?'' Hildegarde asked the first guard to get close and with this proximity, you noticed green frills behind her neck, something the other two didn't have.

''Yeah yeah.'' Frill-Guard said. ''Kinda breaking the law here with those weapons. Duchess Alita Myrti decreed nobody but guards and soldiers are to be armed cause of nearby bandits and you guys ain't-''

''I don't have any weapons.'' You interrupted, opening your cloak and turning your shield sideways to reveal your arm. The rich blue color of your magitek gauntlet gathered stares of course but for laymen, it was simple protection and these were laymen indeed.

''Yeah sure open those cloaks and don't interrupt me again.'' Frill-Guard growled, pointing to everyone else. Inevitably...

''Ah! So you are-!?''

''It's a broken sword.'' Zhu interrupted, smiling broadly, holding onto her sword handle.

''What the fuck are you doing with a sword handle?'' One of the guards commented. ''Bashing people on the face?''

''Not breaking the law.'' Replied your companion.

''Oh yeah? How about you hand it over so I can take a better look.'' Ah crap this isn't good.

''No.'' Zhu reply was simple and firm.

''No?'' The guard, one of the beastwoman, took a loud step forward in a vain attempt at intimidation.

''Nooo~'' Zhu replied in a sing-song tone, waving her sword around, grinning a broad, estatic grin that gave the squad of Mamono a genuine pause.

''We are travelers, nothing more.'' Hildegarde quickly added to avoid making the guards feeling intimidated and thus, aggressive. ''Our bags only contain our supplies and tents.'' She quickly unwrapped one of the bags to show its content: wood and material for tents.''

''Yeah, still breaking that law though. Sorry lasses but a shield ain't exactly allowed...'' Frill-Guard shrugged.

Gods damn it, you're right in the middle of the road, can't have Zhu activate that sword so early!

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''Buuut it's kinda grey so hey, pay a little toll for helping keeping you safe and we'll call it even.''

''Extortion!? How dare you call-'' Shereen gargled out an ired scream and her protest were thankfully stifled by the maid giving her an impromptu hug.

''Man, you're putting it in such an ugly way. You do know there was a fairly big battle two weeks back? Bandits infest the countryside and our city too, show some appreciation to your betters.'' Frill-Guard cleared her throat. ''Twenty pieces with our dear Eternal face and let's call it good yeah?''

Extortion is putting it gently, this is outright robbery. Right in the middle of one of Mirtydal main roads with so many witnesses you couldn't count them.

>Obey. Better not make a fuss.

>''Fuck off.'' If you give in once they'll come back to squeeze harder. Better show a firm stance now.

>Free

You'll take the attitude you vote upon in case similar events happen in the future. It might be too late for another answer today, we'll see. Gotta get a writing groove starting again.

>>4261181
>Obey. Better not make a fuss.
We can always set their barracks on fire or something, on our way out.

>>4261181
"And what's to stop all the other guards from extorting us out of the rest of our meager funds? Everyone here's overcharging so much it may as well be robbery. We're nearly spent as is thanks to that. Are you squeezing everyone else in the city this hard? It would explain quite a lot."

Sad fact is if we give in now without a way to ensure we won't get squeezed by the next set of guards we'll be broke by the time we get to the gate, be unable to pay the final bribe, and end up in a big fight anyway.

My internet is crapping out something fierce tonight, damn.

>>4261194
A little haggling work. I'll be able to answer this choice quickly tonight if I can actually post; wether it's good or bad remain to be seen.

Haggling could backfire spectaularly, but I kinda want to try it anyways.

>>4261205
Try and make it sound nicer than I put it. Say what's to stop the other guards from "taxing" us out of the rest of our funds and if the "taxes" are just as high for everyone else.

I'd like to be overtly hostile but I don't think that'll go very well for us.

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Alright, time to haggle. Let's see if I can pump out something quick.

If I don't answer within the hour it's because my internet crapped out.

>>4261244
>That pic
Our Blueberry is wearing an outfit like that and dancing for everyone once we're back in throne town. For reasons, sexy sexy reasons.

Damnit man, you gave me a new fetish!

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''What's going to stop the rest of your compatriot from extorting the rest of our meager funds?'' You replied sternly, meeting with five sets of glares. ''Everyone's overcharging and we don't have enough money to feed your entire barrack, what guarantee do we have that your ''tax'' will apply to your compatriots?''

''Listen, pal.'' Frill-Guard allowed the slow noise of her sword coming out of its scabbard to briefly stop her words. ''That's going to be your problem, you'll need to convince a whole lot of people that you aren't breaking the law, after all, we're only five girls.'' She strolled all the way toward you, making lazy movements with her blade and slowly let it rest on your shoulder a few centimeters away from your neck, offering her back to Zhu whose shoulders began to quake as she laughed behind the lizard woman back.

That woman got guts you'll give her that.

''You... are you and your people squeezing Myrtidal folks in such a way?'' Shereen growled, Frill-Guard didn't even look at the small Anubis.

''I'll be needing twenty-five.'' She grinned, annoyingly tapping her sword on your shoulder. 'What happens in Myrtidal doesn't concern travelers right? If you don't wanna convince more people, then get out quick.''

You always kept your gauntlet in your free hand; you'll be able to grab that blade before she slides your neck, focus, and reinforcement will follow and then... Zhu is ready to jump onto the remaining four who, unlike Frill-Guard, were sensing the tension in the air. You couldn't see Hildegarde from your angle but she, too, must be prepared for hostility.

Maybe the fact that none amongst you were genuinely scared was starting to faze them.

''Well?'' You glared into the eyes of Frill-Guard, sweat slowly crawled down her face.

>Accept the new price.

>''No. Go and explain to your superiors why you sliced open the throat of a traveler.'' (Avoid hostility if you can, remain firm and unmoving.)

>She's got a blade on your throat, you've got more than enough excuses to protect your life. Incapacitate the guards as best you can.

>Free.

Continuing tomorrow.

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>>4261256
Hao is actually a good dancer.

>>4261284
If we go with the "no" option and she tries to slash our throat anyway will it get slit? It does look like their self-preservation instincts are starting to kick in after all so maybe one more little push...

>>4261289
Then she will dance in an alluring outfit too. May her radiant purity shine for all to see.

>>4261299
>If we go with the "no" option and she tries to slash our throat anyway will it get slit?
If I ask for a roll... we'll see.

>>4261306
Entering focus is a hostile action right? Isn't it near instantaneous though? Couldn't we say no with the intent that the very instant she even tries to move that blade a millimetre closer to our throat we enter focus and beat her ass?

>>4261284
>''No. Go and explain to your superiors why you sliced open the throat of a traveler.'' (Avoid hostility if you can, remain firm and unmoving.)
Is it time to roll a 1? I think it is, hopefully Shereen has some experience as a healer or something, otherwise i don't see everyone (opposition included) surviving the encounter if blood is drawn.

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>>4261321
>Entering focus is a hostile action right?
Yup. Your veins light up, impossible to hide that.
>Isn't it near instantaneous though?
Yeah, speed of thought.
>Couldn't we say no with the intent that the very instant she even tries to move that blade a millimetre closer to our throat we enter focus and beat her ass?

Yeah, though there's still an element of chance... You'll need to judge if the guard is gonna try to slice you up for resisting.

>>4261331
I'll have to sleep on it but as of right now I'm for stern refusal. Add in that she'll be slashing the throat of an innocent and now impoverished traveler.

An innate blood mage has domain over all blood outside the body right? Like, she could prevent it from leaving our body if we consent (and we sure as hell would given our relationship and trust level with her) and thus give a healing potion time to mend our carotid right? Worst case, would a mid-level fusion halt the bleeding?

>>4261337
>An innate blood mage has domain over all blood outside the body right?
On paper, yeah but things get complicated easily with blood so they might not be able to use everything. Also, innate blood mages aren't similar in capabilities so, coupled with them being extremely rare, there's absolutely no known average with them
> Like, she could prevent it from leaving our body if we consent (and we sure as hell would given our relationship and trust level with her) and thus give a healing potion time to mend our carotid right?
A nice theory you'll need to try to affirm.
>Worst case, would a mid-level fusion halt the bleeding?
Yes.

>>4261348
Then another question before I sleep. Fusions, once performed, don't have a "time limit" beyond exiting focus or willfully dropping them right? That is, if we use a fusion, we can stay in it so long as we remain conscious and in focus right?

>>4261363
> Fusions, once performed, don't have a "time limit" beyond exiting focus or willfully dropping them right? That is, if we use a fusion, we can stay in it so long as we remain conscious and in focus right?

Or you run out of Mana, though you can extend that time for a few minutes.

>>4261371
Forgot to say that you were right.

>''No. Go and explain to your superiors why you sliced open the throat of a traveler.'' (Avoid hostility if you can, remain firm and unmoving.)

>>4261373
About to say, given how you stated during the Porky fight that even if we entered overcast the fusion would go through and the side effects of overcast are established to only happen once you exit focus.

Thus, even if you overcast, you can stay in focus/maintain the fusion state but can't cast anything else without a risk/good chance of dying (if you even can), but ya gotta sleep sometime and the pain, shock, and time spent bed ridden probably only gets worse the longer you try and put it off...

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>>4261387
>About to say, given how you stated during the Porky fight that even if we entered overcast the fusion would go through and the side effects of overcast are established to only happen once you exit focus.

Mmhm, though you wouldn't have been able to continue for long after the fight had you overcasted.

We've got a majority for a hard refusal.

I'll need nothing, no rolls needed. See you guys tomorrow.

>>4261389
>That spoiler
Thank Christ! You really love to make us nervous as hell don't you? Though such unexpected mercy makes me nervous in a different way...

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''Think of a good excuse for your superiors because you'll need to slice open the throat of a traveler in broad daylight to get your tax, lady guard.'' You answered firmly, without hesitation, gazing directly into her brown eyes that briefly widened in surprise.

''Pfeh.'' She scoffed, keeping her grip firm. ''Fuck kind of bullshit you spewing? You'd die for something so petty?'' You didn't answer, instead, you shifted your weight slightly and faced her with your full height, (you had a full head of height on her) prompting a shrill whistling out of her that spread the small frills behind her neck outward.

''This ain't worth the trouble of getting chewed out.'' One of the lizards commented, hand on her longsword.

''I'm gonna get my money.'' Frill-Guard replied while taking her blade off your shoulder, pointing at you with a scaled finger. ''Calling thirty now, we'll see you soon harem boy.'' She backed off, thankfully, and rejoined her compatriots with heavy, fuming steps that soon enough motivated their group to go back the way they came, leaving you alone... and honestly a little stunned by what happened.

In Marleon people tried to kidnap you, now in Myrtidal, a group of guards attempted to shake down your entire group for money. Not exactly a good place, Muribel.

''Unbelievable...'' Shereen was the first one to break the silence, followed closely by the distinctive clicking of Zhu sword returning in its holder. ''...This money was collected by Banu dutifully over many years I... I won't accept losing it for something so disgustingly petty. These thugs aren't even trying to keep face, that poor excuse of a ruler they call duchess is alloying this misery...!''

''We're not here to confront the Myrti family.'' Hildegarde statement was dry and firm, forcing your little sun into barely compliant silence. ''To reach for more than we can handle is to suffer a rude awakening; do you still have the trail Arawn?''

''Yeah.'' Klesiah emotions were a tightly woven ball of stress and happiness stuck in a constant flux further south... perhaps she was inside a farm. ''Let's go.'' You expected difficulties after coming here but the general state of Myrtidal was still surprising you. Nevermind the shakedown, there was an... aura, a miserable mood floating around that made it seem like it'd settle in your heart any seconds, leaving you dry and feeble like the natives.

For the next thirty minutes, your group proceeded down the main road connecting the districts of Old Myrtidal and Craftsman Way in a careful gait and soon enough exited the city center altogether, managing to avoid any further confrontations with guards not for lack of wanting on their parts but simply because of the numbers of your group, all the guards you came across were either duo or trios and that seemingly was enough to dissuade further ''taxes''.

At least for now.

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The stuffy stone buildings slowly gave way to a natural landscape of farms stretching across the entire southern horizon with a gorgeous backdrop of mountains continuing further than you could see like high-tide waves stuck in time. Large houses -almost mansions- dotted the lands with communities similar to villages built as focal points for the farmers, several caravans could be seen transporting goods for storage or trade with the road leading into Myrtidal proper mostly deserted. Your group had to make way for a squad of ten plate wearing guards walking into the city and, thankfully, there wasn't any cause for trouble even when your shield gathered many disapproving glances, the women looked too disinterested to care.

''So many people with heavy armor, there must be some serious money in this place.'' Hildegarde commented.

Then, inexplicably, you felt something strange. A sensation welled up inside your guts, similar to a raise of nausea, you almost felt like throwing up until a strange noise settled down your body: the gentle chime of a bell ringing once, twice, thrice and a final fourth time.

''My dear players.'' Ama was stimulating the link she held onto you, letting her voice flow into your ears, temporarily robbing your sense since you couldn't hear Shereen concerns despite her moving mouth. ''Now is the time for our game to begin. Find the Black Cat to open the way; drown the Black Cat to keep your secret; listen for the Black Cat emotions; help the Black Cat to give her the chance she deserves. Do be quick, I don't know if she can endure another day, but I sincerely hope so.''

''A-I-I mean... hey, can you hear me? Hear us?'' Shereen was trying very hard to avoid saying your name, Hildegarde was supporting your back and Zhu looked at you with her open single eye.

''Fluffed bitch ain't it?'' She asked and you nodded.

You immediately embraced the aspect of the witch and perused your surrounding, trying to senses menaces and manifestations, only to find nothing. This wasn't the usual muddled feeling that came from long distance, even on the other side of the city, you'd be able to get a vague impression about Ama's influence in Pilgrim Way but now... Absolutely nothing. Whatever held her influence in the entire city was gone?

''I'm fine.'' You said firmly, there weren't any malaises to worry about now. You proceeded with quickly informing the girls of what just happened, leaving them suitably confused.

''Do not deviate from our original purpose.'' Hildegarde stoicism made it seem like she didn't care. ''We find the paladin, then we worry about this... conundrum. Playing her game come later, if we even worry about it.''

''Yeah, maybe Klesiah got an idea about this.'' Zhu added.

''A black cat... people believe them as portents of bad lucks but I know that, in the sultanate that preceded my mother ascension, one of their gods was in the shape of one but that's... unrelated, maybe?'' Shereen spoke in worry.

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''Maybe, I'd rather talk about something else for now.'' You cleared your throat and looked down at your little sun, making her straighten her back. She was likely feeling diminutive. ''About your capabilities, what you know about your magical gift. We've been avoiding the subject and I don't think we can afford that now.''

The roads were looking calm and deserted, outside the last two days, there might be no better chance to talk about blood magic without running the risk of being overheard.

The information about Shereen magical talent will come after choices to make it more clear and concise

--

Thankfully, if Hildegarde held strong opinions about Blood magic and its practitioners (likely inevitable as a denizen of the Allied Kingdoms), she kept herself silent and didn't change her friendly attitude with Shereen.

You wanted to believe it was because she grew to genuinely like your little sun.

The land farming lands around Myrtidal had more energy than the city, though folks were still wary of travelers and farmers would watch you with careful eyes and caravans rudely imposed themselves on the road, it was much easier to breathe in this calculated sea of wheat and vegetables, undeniably because armored guards were few and far between and you began to see folks with weapons of their own -mostly swords or cudgels- but it made for a different atmosphere...whether that was good or not remained to be seen.

With the sun almost reaching its zenith and casting down its harshest heat, you found a roadblock to your destination. Your soul link led you all the way toward a secluded mansion of an outlying farming community -nothing more than a small village of a hundred at best- closed by a pair of heavy gates with, of course, a rusted wall going far enough to block any obvious accesses.

The mansion was deserving of its name; three stories high, windows aplenty, dead tree upfront with a long road leading to its delipidated entrance, small towers protruded outward for absent sentries and vegetations had grown wild. The entire place looked completely abandoned but...

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''Blueberry is in there?''

''Yeah'' You answered Zhu firmly. ''Still don't know where. It's like I'm following a glowing line in the dark while looking at my feet but she's in there... somewhere.''

''Not gonna bitch about that, your link's been mighty useful already.'' Click. Her sword was back in her hand.

''Hold.'' Hildegarde promptly said, giving the gate a firm shake and gazing around. This house was on top of a hill (something that was becoming fairly common as you got closer to the mountains) without a soul in sight but you -did- gather a few stares as you got up there. ''Would it be wise to gather information about this house? It looks abandoned but it must still belong to someone fairly powerful.''

''Klesiah is in there.'' Zhu replied, also grabbing the gate and giving it a shake. ''Anyone that get mad can fuck off.''

The stalwart maid didn't have any retort.

''I... think we should be quick. What that witch said... we probably can't waste time if we want to handle that Black Cat.'' It was Shereen who voiced her opinion: a rare thing, but certainly welcomed.

>Get in there promptly, you haven't hidden your presence so... might as well do things quickly.

>Perhaps a subtler approach is better. You know where Klesiah is at least, so trying to get some information about the place isn't a bad idea. Who knows what kind of hornet nest you'll disturb?

>Free

What Shereen said about her Blood Magic capabilities.

Shereen was instructed by her mother during her youth to use the pyramid of the palace for healing and modification rituals. She practiced for a long time how to remove people's ailment, rejuvenate them with blood, and reinforce people's bodies permanently. She hasn't been allowed to try subtler rituals and has also been forbidden from using her natural talent, though Shereen did try to practice her gift somewhat... She can use projectiles, manipulate the blood inside her body like a makeshift weapon but trying something more extreme has always scared her, especially since she seems to have an affinity for shapeshifting possibly because that is Corruption natural use for Mamonos.

She tried things like summoning, esoteric rituals, changing her bodies but always stopped once she got close to a breakthrough in fear of her mother finding out so her skills are lacking and that's putting it gently.

I'll be unavailable for around thirty minutes.

>>4262625
>Get in there promptly, you haven't hidden your presence so... might as well do things quickly.
Honestly, I think it's time to raise some hell. Trying to pull information out of the outsider-hating locals will take too much time.

Will wait 15 minutes before starting on this vote

>>4262625
So Shereen can turn corpses into health kits and use blood blades. Permanent reinforcement sounds interesting, but we don't got time for it, it'd probably screw with Gardy, and it probably marks you somehow and ho boy, people really don't like those who bear such marks.

As for the choice, we go in now. The locals won't tell us shit as we're filthy fucking outlanders. Do the towers look to be manned and can we or anyone else see anyone in the windows? I don't wanna get sniped as we make our entrance.

Full paranoia mode, assume the place is booby trapped to all hell and act accordingly. What's the link telling us about Klesiah's emotions? We're so close, could we try to communicate with her through it? Does Hilde know a thing or two about home invasions or dungeon crawling with traps potentially all about? Any weird shit coming across Zhu's unique vision?

>>4262713
Oh, also, watch out for apostles. Betting there's at least one in there waiting in ambush.

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>>4262713
>Do the towers look to be manned
Nope.
>can we or anyone else see anyone in the windows?
You're too far to see anything from where yo uare, you'll need to get in for that.

>What's the link telling us about Klesiah's emotions?
Ungodly intense anticipations and fear somehow kept together with pure resolution.
>We're so close, could we try to communicate with her through it?
That'd be a full choice since Arawn is not used to interacting with his link.
>Does Hilde know a thing or two about home invasions or dungeon crawling with traps potentially all about?
Yes
>Any weird shit coming across Zhu's unique vision?
She hasn't seen anything suspicious, you can trust her to say something.

Time for the game to begin... Unsure how long I'll need for this next one, I'll try to be quick.

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''If we want to do something about the vixen game, we can't waste time speaking to walls, doubt it's worth it to speak with anyone here.'' Hildegarde agreed with a nod even if she wanted to be prudent, avoiding discord in the group by voicing disagreements was much more important. ''Can you try to keep ti quiet?'' You asked Zhu.

''Yeah, nice and smooth don't worry. I ain't gonna need any help to get in the mood.'' Her blade came alight with golden luminescence that barely had any time to coalescence because Zhu swung toward the handle of the rusty gate, cut it, and promptly held onto the destroyed part to avoid letting it falls and deactivated the blade whilst Hildegarde grabbed the gate to avoid making rusty noises. ''Got a mighty need...'' Zhu growled a low, low plaint, holding her sword tightly enough to whiten her knuckles.

A true lion in a cage.

''She'll be fine.'' You gently tapped your companion shoulder.

''I'll take point, I've had to handle ruins and other hazardous places often.'' Hildegarde imposed herself, already fully opening the gate. A soundless entry was unfortunately impossible and the corner let out a subdued creak as she made an opening wide enough for you to sneak through.

The way toward the manor was clear aside from wild grass peeking through broken pieces of stones worn by time and, perhaps, violence. Healthy trees lined this single path and garden overflowing with wildflowers spilled on the side into a terrain of grass long enough to reach your knees. Hildegarde proceeded at a surprisingly quick pace despite her claims of cautions, it took no more than two minutes to reach the empty mansion entrance.

All this while you screamed inwardly ''I'm here! I'm here!'' hoping to somehow create an echo into your link; feelings returned, intense, so very intense... fear yet also aggression? Was Klesiah in danger?

Entering the mansion proved effortless because of a total lack of doors. the main hall was undeniably the biggest area acting as the main branches for all possible wings and the second story whose stairs were still looking sturdy. rubbles blocked access toward what you assumed to be a dining area because of the large caved in the table you could see and to the left was a closed set of double doors whilst two flight of stairs seemed to lead downward, another closed cage-like door also led into what looked to be a courtyard.

''----!!''

A scream muffled by walls filtered into the living room, coming from the courtyard. Zhu took off like an arrow before anyone else could react and kicked open the locked door with such a force that the entire area she struck was indented and the door nearly broke its hinges, slamming open in a cavernous boom.

Strong bodily reinforcement activated.

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You took out your mace and discarded your bag, Hildegarde and Shereen did the same as they closed the march. ''Wait up Zhu!'' You yelled but she had already jumped down the elevation that led into the courtyard before you even emerged out of the mansion.

What a sight it was, this had definitely been a rich man retreat. it was a sea of long grass with long discarded building and attractions being little more than convenient ruins for birds and small mammals, you could easily imagine some rich duke holding balls in this grand space... Where a group of ten Mamonos surrounded a peculiar duo not too far from an open set of doors leading into some kind of courtyard basement.

You knew before seeing the faded bluish plate and the sharp sky blue eye of your beloved paladin that she was one of the two surrounded persons, the other... was a distinctive dark elf, one of Ama apostles beyond the shadow of a doubt. Blindfolded with hands tied behind her back, the elf was on her knees with Klesiah protectively looming over, glaive in hand, veins pulsing with magical energy.

How!?

''Hild, keep Shereen safe!'' You yelled as the duo emerged last, Zhu had already taken off running with blurring speed. The overwhelming care she felt for her friend mingled with rage and excitement to produce a murderous cocktail that made stopping her impossible, each of her steps gobbled half a meter: so absolute was her speed that four aggressors peeled off to contain her arrival as what you assumed to be the leader of the group bellowed ''traitor!''

This peculiar monstrous lady was a warrior race or at least close to one. Clopped feets continued into an animalistic pattern of white and black fur up to her legs that also dotted her arms, revealing her to be a mixture of human and cow and she held onto a pair of magical tonfas that you keenly remember; those were the elf dangerous, explosive weapons glowing with magical runes.

Everyone else was armed with mixtures of swords, spears, and axes... And they pounced on your paladin, seeing your arrival as a way to open hostility. Six combatants descending on Klesiah all at once...!

>Get close, get into melee as quick as you can to alleviate pressure on your blueberry! (Take an entire turn to charge forward and reach the enemies.)

>At this distance you can still use your gauntlet! Fire away! (Only a strong magical projectile will have any effect but it should hopefully help your paladin if you strike, or even distract, someone!) Your gauntlet is attuned to fire. You will also make half the distance needed to get into melee.

>Free

You've crashed a party, how will you get your blueberry out of this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDPJuAxZaOo&t=4s

>>4262920
I thought it was attuned to lightning. We switched at the dock and I don't think we took the time to switch the element back because a big fat fireball or other elemental display would attract the attention of any harpy in the area.

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>>4262930
I wanted to say that Arawn switched to fire during the traveling to make it more convenient with making campfire but then I forgot that Hilde can just clap her hands to create sparks.

Yeah, it's lightning. You can still use this opportunity to change the element anyway.

>>4262920
>>At this distance you can still use your gauntlet! Fire away! (Only a strong magical projectile will have any effect but it should hopefully help your paladin if you strike, or even distract, someone!)
>>4262940
I'm not sure if we should keep lightning or jump to ice...

>>4262940
So we've got a cowgirl with Dark Tonfa Bitch's enchanted tonfas, said bitch tied up like a damned hostage/prisoner, and 9 more mamonos? What races are we talking here? Since Klesiah's a lightning mage would she be able to avoid getting shocked by a lightning blast if she saw it coming (and she would thanks to the link)? Conversely, would it be possible to send her a massive charge of mana through our link so that she can just thunder blast them all instead?

>>4262920
>At this distance you can still use your gauntlet! Fire away!
Zhu's already getting into melee and she honestly shouldn't take too long with that blade of hers.

>>4262952
>What races are we talking here?
Beastwomen and lizards, regular soldiers races.
>Since Klesiah's a lightning mage would she be able to avoid getting shocked by a lightning blast if she saw it coming (and she would thanks to the link)?
It would have a lesser impact but she's still be affected since the gauntlet isn't your body, thus its magic remain neutral despite your fuel.
>Conversely, would it be possible to send her a massive charge of mana through our link so that she can just thunder blast them all instead?
No, Arawn has no real pratice with making soul links work.

Also, you guys can try to overload your gauntlet with mana for a big kaboom at the risk of malfunction, of course.

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>4262959
>>4262948
Two vote for a strong zapper. Give me 1d20. We can use the result if you guys want to go overload.

>>4262920
>At this distance you can still use your gauntlet! Fire away! (Only a strong magical projectile will have any effect but it should hopefully help your paladin if you strike, or even distract, someone!) Your gauntlet is attuned to fire. You will also make half the distance needed to get into melee.

Sticking with lighting is ok for now, we should consider changing to Ice before we get into close ranged combat.

We should focus on trying to split their focus so someone has to deal with us which should alleviate the pressure on the others by proving to them that a mage left alone at range is a bad idea.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4262967
It's about time someone rolled a 1

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4262967
Have a roll before I head off to sleep.

Good luck Anons

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>4262967
C'mon...

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Rolled 2, 17, 14, 12, 4 = 49 (5d20)

Not bad, not good... some damage will be done, no mana wasted thanks to godly measurement roll at least.

Vanilla, sweet, sweet vanilla..

>>4262978
Welp, 2 people are getting fucked. Hope it's not blueberry and the dark elf.

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You felt your trusted weapon pulse with energy, heard the dangerous crackle of murderous storms sizzle with your murderous intent and as you ran, you pointed your mace at the biggest congregation of foes, Klesiah understanding your intent without knowing the means: a tendril of purplish-blue thunder extended like a murderous tentacle toward the enemies, reaching for the back of someone trying to strike Klesiah on the flank... only for a lady to interpose herself, screaming something that was completely trampled by the rousing clap of lightning. She struck at your projectile with an axe, the power of your magic broke it apart completely but the projectile ended its travel and proceeded to shock the woman body who, unfortunately, had enough constitution to remain standing albeit suitably shocked and weakened.

In these seconds a lizard tired to jam her sword in Klesiah back but she slammed the staff of her glaive on the side of her face and the lizard lost her footing, stunned. In this same movement, a crackle of lightning jumped out of her armored arm to zap into another foe on her second flank, interrupting the beastwoman movement as she nearly struck the combattant between the eyes.

A sudden explosion occurred right in front of Klesiah as the cow-like foe slammed one of the tonfa on the ground, creating a shockwave of dirt and grass that destabilized your friend, carrying the drow into the tall grass in a painful, out of control roll. The other two lizard bandits struck as one, holding their longsword with two hands. Klesiah managed to divert a blow by meeting blade for blades with her glaive but the last one found purchase on her flank... and couldn't go through the plate. However, another blow of the tonfa violently collided with your blueberry, one breath too slow for interceptions.

A dangerous portion of her chest piece caved in and she took a few steps back, coughing up a phlegm of blood yet she remained undaunted, retreating near the bound elf who managed to rise on her knees.

''Aaaaagh!?'' You finally heard the screams of people dying. Zhu's opponents were all but done for. One of then had her sword arm completely cut off at the shoulder, another had been cleanly bisected, a third was on the ground, too panicked to fight, trying to stem the blood flow of her maimed companion and the last one had tried to wrestle with Zhu by tackling her but your companion had bitten off the beastwoman nose and just now stabbed her in the belly with that beautiful, clean blade of gold... and effortlessly slid it upward.

You preferred not to look at the resulting carnage.

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''Arawn!'' A scream behind you caught your attention and you glimpsed the sight of Shereen throwing herself on the ground as something fast whizzed past, missing her by a single breath and took off into the sky again.

Harpy!

A short flying girl had just tried to sink her talons into your little sun and now, having failed, conjured magic into a lightning bolt coming out of her body to strike at Shereen position but thankfully the princess had rolled away. Hildegarde was preyed upon by a peculiar Mamono, a tall four-armed woman of noticeable red skin and a pair of horns jutting out of her forehead, each hands holding onto scimitars that blurred with surreal speed, yet each attack was met by the steadfast maid arms and legs, creating incessant ringing each half a second.

Clangclangclangclangclang.

Where the hell did they come from!? No, now's not the time to worry about that; a mansion this big got plenty of places to hide. You could tell Hildegarde wanted to reach Shereen but that demon demanded all of her attention and for good reason: she could only defend herself although she was slowly but surely moving into the mansion where she'd likely have the upper hand in the tighter rooms.

>Scream for Zhu to protect Shereen and Hildegarde; these new foes are clearly above bandits!

>Reach your little sun yourself, Zhu will be able to reach Klesiah now and there's no stopping her. She disabled 4 people in barely 6 seconds! You can trust her to save your paladin.

>Concentrate on easing Klesiah pressure! Shereen... She can keep herself alive, surely!

>Free

(You are halfway there jump into the melee for helping Klesiah. Same strategy as the last post apply with your gauntlet if you want to concentrate on helping your paladin.)

>>4263089
Obvious question, where is everyone in relation to each other? Y'know, how many enemies are near each of our party members and how far are we from them?

>>4263089
>Reach your little sun yourself, Zhu will be able to reach Klesiah now and there's no stopping her. She disabled 4 people in barely 6 seconds! You can trust her to save your paladin.

Swap the gauntlet to fire, and set the Harpy on Fire the next time she comes in.

If we can free up Shereen, she should be able to restore injuries that the other party members take as long as they stay alive.

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>>4263104
Klesiah isn't surrounded anymore, though the five bandits are making a uniform front in front of her as she's near the elf. Zhu is 3 meters away from Klesiah and will be able to fight the bandits by next turn. You're five meters away from the bandits and you're facing them, though the girl you zapped is keeping a close eye on you, obviously intent on intercepting whatever projectile you try to launch. Still, you can reach the bandits by next turn while firing a projectile.

Shereen is also five meters away from you, kneeling in the high grass on the eastern side of the courtyard. You'll be able to reach her with the same rules as Klesiah though you'll also gain a defensive bonus if you concentrate only on helping your princess since defense is what Arawn does best.

Hildegarde is a whopping 10 meters away, slowly climbing the stairs while leading the four-armed goliath in the mansion. Can't reach her in one turn but you can try zapping the red girl.

>>4263114
Such a choice will need 1d20 and also a choice of medium or strong spell since the Harpy is within your full range. Only roll when you guys agree on it.

>>4263121
Hmmm... is that harpy looking like it's coming in for another pass as Shereen? Because I got a nasty idea if she is.

>>4263126
Doesn't look like it, she just tried to zap her and look to be trying again, though she's not staying stationary. She's flying east and west; whether she does a zap or a pass will be seen next turn.

>>4263131
How fast can we switch the element on the gauntlet? If it looked like she was going for another pass would we have time to switch it to ice? Because if she goes for another pass a nice spiky ice wall would gruesomely gib her if timed right and Shereen can't do shit unless we've got an nice pool of fresh blood for her to work with.

>>4263135
>How fast can we switch the element on the gauntlet?
Happen within the same turn. Arawn press a button and the gauntlet immediately begin its operation, allowing you to change element by dispersing surplus mana into a strong spell then settling into your chosen element. You can throw a fireball as your next action that way, albeit only at a Strong level.

>>4263136
I say we go help defend Shereen then. Question, can we also launch ice javelins if we switch to ice?

>>4263141
Oh, also, soul arms are instant cast right? Could we get those out and use or switch the gauntlet on the same turn?

>>4263141
Yes, you can also make the wall you suggested. It'll remain for roughly 3 turn if it's not destroyed by outside forces of course.

>>4263145
>Oh, also, soul arms are instant cast right?
It's a core spell so yes.
>Could we get those out and use or switch the gauntlet on the same turn?
Yep, though they only really help in melee or if you want to fuel somebody spell. They can also be enchanted with dampening, of course.

>>4263149
Best to keep them as a surprise then, a reaction to if someone closes to melee with us. Switch to ice, we aren't looking to spare anyone and we *want* blood on the ground. Fire and lightning don't exactly make people bleed and we want them to so Shereen can start using offensive blood magic. Blood lances and blades, hopefully magically poisoned to boot, should help us out a fair bit.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4263167
>>4263114
Rolling between strong ice or fire spell. You guys can also roll 1d20 after my post and can choose to change the element if you want. If you guys roll well then I'll proceed with another post tonight, otherwise, we can wait for a clutch roll until tomorrow. Gonna roll measurement next

Rolled 6 - 2 (1d6 - 2)

>>4263179
Linked them badly but the roll was in posting order so this landed on ice javelin.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>4263179
I'm ok with the Ice Javelin, i guess.
The reasoning with going for fire is that even with limited contact seting someone on fire is probably going to make doing complex tasks, like flying much more difficult and so make following up much easier. (also feathers are naturally coated in an oil so they remain water repelling, so a harpy would be more likely to remain on fire long enough for any fatty deposits to catch on fire. )

Rolled 1, 7, 6, 7, 15 = 36 (5d20)

>>4263206
hm, might be a little too late to answer today, what's with that good roll. You guys can always try to aim higher...

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>4263216
Holy shit what a bunch of goddamn jobbers. I don't like rolling for Zhu but this is a special case.

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>>4263221
She also had a hidden +20 due to ANGER and LOVE

Maybe it's a blessing that Arawn isn't looking because there's going to be some brutality here.

>>4263226
But aren't we going to have to use the corpses to allow for Shereen to do her thing?

>>4263226
Holy shit, I thought that 1 was her again. Looks like Zhu activated her instant kill and nabbed all the enemies in a single shot. Destroyed!

Awesome, now we'll have a ton of fresh corpses so Shereen can finally go nuts. I bet seeing a blood mage do her thing is going to scare the shit out of them.

>>4263235
That'll be something to try. Shereen is used to work her magic with the pyramid in rituals, not so much use it as you do naturally. It does have a chance to work, you also have a good supply of potions.

>>4263239
I was thinking about offensive capabilities. Blood lances and blades, hopefully poisoned with her magic as well. It worked on Porky, just switch it to target standard organics and we've got some nasty nasty shit to throw at them.

Plus the display of exsanguinating the "meat" to gather the requisite "ammo" is going to freak them the fuck out.

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I'll update tomorrow cause I didn't expect these rolls. At least this luck is just for the beginning, surely...

>>4263238
I've decided to stop rolling for Zhu against opponents she outclasses because it simply breaks character. She's a goddamn menace and everyone, including Arawn, needs to understand that.

>>4263244
Don't forget Shereen mindset though. She's a good girl.

>>4263249
A good girl whose close friends, basically the only thing she has left now, are in danger of getting murdered by very mean strangers and we've established that she rather much hates being "useless" as it were.

If this doesn't set off whatever mean, violent, or sadistic side she has I don't know what will.

Why does that pic make me feel like I'm about to get ruthlessly dominated?

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>>4263257
That and there's also the fact that she could have been your only potential ally of act 2 had you tried to ditch Shereen and Banu. I decided against retroactively nerfing her (especially since she has such a big part in Arawn past). Same logic with Hildegarde really, despite the path to save Anais being closed, I couldn't just undo what happened in the boat so rescuing her was sorta not at all what I (or a certain older sister) had in mind but hey, things happen.

It's how Zhu looks at Arawn when they alone. Is our elf a bottom?

>>4263263
That'll depend on the girl we end up with and what makes them happy. If we are a sub we're a "power" bottom as it were though. We ain't no simp!

>>4263270
Sharing is caring.

>>4263277
Only if the girl we end up with strongly insists on sharing us with others. Still going for the monogamy end dude.

>>4263263
Also, I was talking about Shereen. She's a good girl, but this situation is almost tailor made to set off whatever "dark" side she has. She's gonna try offensive blood magic if it means saving/helping her friends.

>>4263291
We'll see how that goes. You guys are doing pretty well in this fight.

>>4263295
Oh, I just thought of this one. Shereen could, if she has the inclination and the inspiration, try to go for a full on freak out of our enemies by acting like she's going hardcore Lovecraft cultist mode.

Y'know, chanting "Ia! Ia!" about an offering to the dark gods and acting like she's gonna summon an eldritch horror and all that. Make sure blueberry knows it's an act before trying it though as the entity within her won't much tolerate an *actual* attempt at such a thing.

I will sleep now. Hopefully those 5 mamono getting butchered effortlessly by Zhu with a side of impaled harpy freeing up all our compatriots save Hilde will force a morale check to for the rest to avoid breaking. Clearly, while they had us outnumbered, we had them outclassed.

>>4263277
>>4263284
Imagine holding hands with one of the girls, and ALL the others feel it because we have soul links with them.

>>4263658
Sadly, there's a limit to the number of soul links we can have without serious side effects and we're pretty much already at it. Perhaps re-fusing with Gardy will increase it, but as of right now what we have is all we get.

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''Zhu! Klesiah is yours!'' You didn't wait to see her reaction or even if she heard you at all. You could already hear your comrade rushing forward into the noise of desperate battle ringing from your paladin direction, electrical zaps mingled as lightning fired from behind and above you. Sudden screams pierced the skirmish uproars, adding to the cacophony. Zhu had reached her destination, beginning her bloody purpose.

Your gauntlet buzzed with power, siphoning chunk after chunk of magical energy in the few seconds it needed to create its alternate state to recalibrate and redirect the flow of magic into another gem. Yellow light dimmed in the cage, replaced by shining blue. Lightning exploded near you little sun, upheaving dirt and grass, briefly disorientating her as she crawled to a tree for cover. Your run stopped for one precious second, one moment to aim, to look at the moving harpy, anticipate her movement, calculate the force of your projectile...

Creating the javelin barely demanded magical resources. Making it fly like a ballista, however, took an important toll and your missile flew to stop that flying devil with enough force to cause a backward shockwave that shook your entire body and it nearly found its mark. That woman had good eyes, her wings flapped to revert her stride and stabilize her body, she managed to twist her chest away, losing a chunk of flesh on the side of her belly instead of getting pierced right in the middle of her abdomen. The damage looked serious at least, voluminous hemorrhage caused blood to splatter in the sky around her.

''Kyaaak!?'' She screamed in pain, whirling into an out of control circle because of the sheer force of your spell that she, unfortunately, shook off.

''A-Arawn!?'' Shereen yelled in relief.

''Stay behind me, keep some distance!'' You yelled back, hefting your shield without looking away from the flying bird woman whose entire body glowed an ominous shade of purplish-blue. ''Shereen, get down!''

''How daaaaaaare yooooou!?'' The enemy must have been five meters in the sky yet her voice boomed with unearthly power and a sudden explosion of electricity burst right out of her small frame like a deadly bubble, reaching you in a wave far too quick and large to dodge: enduring was your only option, especially with someone behind you.

Holding onto a metal shield did not help but you held firm as the magic tackled you. Angry energy traveled up and around your protection, into and out of your body: equally merciful and cruel, its speed grasped your entire body, clenching your muscles, agitating your nerves in an instant of raw agony that stopped as soon as it began, leaving behind a bitter memory and equally sour smell as part of your hair had come briefly alight.

But that wasn't all. Something glowered near the harpy claws, a bluish-violet orb hovered near her limb, absorbing dangerous magical energy from her body. That wave had only meant to debilitate you!

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Shit, shit you can't go anywhere! Shereen had her back on a large tree that was leaning on a metal wall, everywhere else was tall grass!

''Shereen, you'll be fine!'' You smiled at your scared little sun, let your mace hit the ground, put your second arm above the one strapped onto your shield, and waited.

You could have tried to send another projectile to interrupt that incessantly flying bird but that would risk opening your defense and bring real harm to your little sun. You'd rather take the worst that bird-woman can dish out instead. Much safer for Shereen that way.

The next instant, a battering ram of thunder clapped, resonating with deafening echo throughout the countryside, trampling the harpy mage enraged yell. Magical lighting wasn't faster than sound; nature fury would always remain terrifying.

A single magical bolt slammed into your shield and had you not been braced, you'd likely add a shattered nose or jaw to your story of injuries. Your legs slid on the dirt for a third of the meter separating you from Shereen but you remained firm. This second dose of electricity traveled throughout your body in a few seconds of agony that completely locked your body, making you feel like your teeth were about to shatters, that the bones in your arms would jump out, that your lungs were about to liquify, the acid in your stomach would jump out of your throat and cook you from the inside out... but you remained firm.

''Fff...!'' Much needed air entered your lungs and you risked a glance by lowering your shield to absorb the new development of the battle. The tall, four-armed demonic enemy was had made distance with Hildegarde before stepping into the mansion and was already midway finished with climbing above the wall with the flying foe swooping close, disappearing down the hill. Both of them had decided to retreat...?

One look at the other fight revealed why. Almost the entirety of the six remaining bandits had been ruthlessly cut down by the maddened freak that was your companion who, armed with the deadly blade of the Embodiment of Justice, had simply cut through nearly all attempts at parrying and defenses, severing limbs and body, leaving behind maimed corpses, moans, and tears of the unlucky few that hadn't been slaughtered outright all of them condemned to a quick, agonizing death. Blood coveredZhur body is such an amount that she might as well have jumped into a red lake making it impossible to see any wounds, the only remaining threat was the tonfa wielding cowgirl: the combatant you zapped moments ago had given up all pretense of fighting and fled into the open doors of that basement, leaving her comrades behind.

It would seem magical weapons could block an Embodiment blade because one of the tonfas had successfully parried Zhu bloody progress and now both fighters had made some distance with one another.

''You okay!?'' Hildegarde's tone and her frowning face held rare shows of concern.

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''Yeah...'' Your voice cracked, forcing a clear of the throat. ''Yeah.'' You were feeling dizzy and your hearing wasn't back to its usual sharpness but you'll recover. Bodily reinforcement truly was an amazing thing, no way could you have endured both spells without it.

A healing potion remained mighty tempting.

''Arawn...'' Behind you, a small weak voice spoke low, only possible to be heard because all the uproar of battles had stopped as suddenly as they began. ''...I'm sorry for being useless.''

''Stop, Genine. That's enough, everyone else is dead.'' The new silence made it possible to hear what was happening for the remaining fight now and Klesiah voice, strained, hurt, fatigued yet healthy and alive made it difficult to speak as a surge of emotion constricted your throat. Fresh blood was crawling down her face, a sword must have grazed her forehead.

''You aren't useless.'' You gave Shereen a late response, resisting the urge to apt her head. Your gauntlet was probably uncomfortably hot.

Thank the Mother everyone is okay

''Fuck you, bitch!'' The enemy, Genine, tried to shake off Zhu with a sudden forward punch of the deadly magical tonfa but its short range made it easy for your companion to dodge. ''How long have you been hounding me!? Hounding us!? Always telling us what to do, leave people alone and just take their stuff; you think executing Frederika would go smoothly you delusional cunt!?''

A sudden overhead strike from Zhu was barely blocked and in desperation, the cowgirl struck the ground to cause another explosion, yet Zhu simply endured the resulting shockwave and debris, managing a shoulder tackle in the resulting dusk screen that almost sent the Mamono on the ground but she managed to restore her balance and block what would have separated her head in two like a melon with one of the tonfa.

''Fine.'' Klesiah voice had turned into emotionless ice and a sudden surge of ugly, cold hatred. ''Die a useless death like that band of marauders you called a sisterhood. Let that be the only good thing you ever did in your miserable life.''

And that sealed the fate of the last combatant. Klesiah suddenly took off running, magical energy pulsing aggressively through her body, traveling in a powerful surge into the apex of her glaive that she suddenly let loose in an electrical projectile, forcing the tonfa bandit to step away awkwardly, Zhu following strike to her belly sent the bandit off-balance, another bolt launched out of your paladin glaive met the magical tonfa, causing a sudden conflagration... and the next instant the woman head came off her shoulder as the sudden cloud of dust had her fatally misjudge Zhu following attacks

Blood splurted out of the new hole and Zhu unceremoniously pushed the still standing body on the ground, marking a definitive end to hostility and the deactivation of the magical, runes inscribed weapons.

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''Arawn...'' You noticed a luster of red behind you, Shereen had embraced Focus, adding an ominously inviting red glow to her body. ''...I'd like to help whoever can be saved if I can.''

A quick perusal of the battlefield revealed only a single combat-ready enemy but she wasn't holding any weapon, the girl -a lizard woman- was trying her best to staunch the flow of blood from two maimed bandits. One without an arm, the other with half of her leg cleaned sliced off and also missing an arm. Everyone else looked dead or unconscious.

...The look in Shereen eyes made it obvious she intended to do as she said with or without your blessing but she was still seeking it nonetheless. You'll still insist that Hildegarde accompany her, of course.

>Encourage her to help. The battle is over, these women might be foes, but letting them bleed out like dog is simply inhumane.

>Discourage her to do anything like that. Battlefields are ugly things and helping enemies to fight another day is simply unwise. Far too much risk in your situation.

>Free

Time for a long-awaited reunion.

>>4264408
>Discourage her to do anything like that. Battlefields are ugly things and helping enemies to fight another day is simply unwise. Far too much risk in your situation.

We simply don't have time, we need to move as soon as we can since those that got away are probably going for reinforcements or to attract the attention of the guards. So help is already on the way for them.

If we are planing on getting out of here we need to go grab our stuff and be on our way as soon as we possibly can in order to create as much separation as we can.

>>4264408
Damnit, the fucking thunderbird got away. Should have went with fire. Now we have to worry about getting sniped by thunder in the future. I fucked up, sorry folks.

She's going to do the blood heals no matter what we say right? If so, there's no real use in discouraging her. Advise her to not *fully* heal them. Just heal em' enough so they won't die and will need days to recover. We're also stealing any healing potions they got to ensure it will take them days to recover. By the time they have, we'll be gone and hopefully on the other side of the planet by the time they may seriously seek vengeance.

>>4264437
>She's going to do the blood heals no matter what we say right?
You can try to seriously dissuade her as >>4264434 put it. Whether or not she listens and/or obey remains to be seen, but she wants to do some blood healing yeah.

>>4264408
>free
>"...As you wish, but please be quick about it. We won't have much time at all."

Man, I sure wish we could just make a beeline out of Myrtidal, but Ama's game still needs to be figured out.
I suppose the Black Cat being the dark elf would be too easy, no?

>>4264448
I'm trying a sandbox style with this event, so who knows?

Seem like the mood is to tell her to be quick with the healing but otherwise allow it. Compromise!

>>4264456
Oh, one last little question. We got any empty containers that could hold blood? It'd be a shame to let so much reagent for Shereen go to waste. How long is blood good for blood magic anyway? I'd think at least a day or two if properly stored or perhaps even more if imbued by the blood mage to remain useful for their purposes.

>>4264460
Oh, another issue, can she extract all the blood staining Zhu? Guards tend to notice and ask very inconvenient questions of people drenched in blood.

>>4264460
>We got any empty containers that could hold blood?
Only an empty canteen.
>How long is blood good for blood magic anyway?
Honestly varies, what matters more is if the blood was contaminated badly by outside factors. Blood that's been drunk into the first is very weak while freshly squeezed one coming out of a wound without meeting the ground is potent, especially out of a still-living person. Otherwise, it could make for valid ammo for a few days.

>>4264460
We could probably use any of the flasks that had Healing potions in them after they were emptied / used.

>>4264472
I meant blood drunk into the ground.
I need more stamina to write!

>>4264478
This too, you can expect Arawn and Klesiah to drink two. You've got 15 of them in total, so your supply is healthy

>>4264472
Ok then, after she's done with the healing we gather up as much of the best quality blood that we can. It'll be a free healing spell at least and give Shereen something to work with without having to wait for us to kill/wound people. This ain't going to be our last fight I'm afraid...

>>4264483
You mean they'll each drink one right? Neither of them seem bad off enough to need a double shot.

Also, that decapitated cowgirl is full of blood that hasn't touched the ground yet. She's dead, but hey, should still be powerful enough for our purposes. We can also squeeze the gibs Zhu left behind for more relatively pure reagent. Nasty business, but we're in a desperate situation.

>>4264499
>You mean they'll each drink one right?
Yeah.
>Also, that decapitated cowgirl is full of blood that hasn't touched the ground yet.
There's still plenty of fresh blood to go around, don't worry about that. The entire fight barely took five minutes, everything is nice and fresh outside what's gone into the grass.
Such thought could make Arawn into one grim dude. That's some big pragmatism right there, I like it.

>Encourage her to help. The battle is over, these women might be foes, but letting them bleed out like dog is simply inhumane.

.... alternatively,

>"...As you wish, but please be quick about it. We won't have much time at all."

Is good, too.

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Instead of answering her right away, you grabbed one of the potions secured on your belt and quaffed the content, feeling the warm fruity liquid traveling down your throat already worked to assuage your discomfort. ''Be quick, okay? Guards or townspeople are bound to come soon, we can't afford to linger.''

Her stare of disbelief made it obvious she hadn't thought of that. ''Okay.'' She began walking and Hildegarde wordlessly followed, though you stopped the maid for a second, giving her your empty potion and half-empty canteen.

''Try to gather fresh blood if you can.'' You told her simply and for one dangerous second her red gaze turned into sharp hostility that lessened as quickly as it appeared.

''All available tools, huh?'' She stated, nodded, and grabbed the containers, marching quickly to get next to Shereen.

Tears kept irritating your eyes. You barely managed to keep a straight face in front of the maid, now... Gods, those emotions! Zhu had embraced Klesiah into a hugging fit for a bear, forcing the blueberry on her tiptoes. Physical pain radiated out of the poor paladin but her emotions overthrew any attempts at making herself comfortable. Intensity so extreme it was difficult to even call it happiness; burning, raging emotions flooded out of Klesiah with extreme volume that it nearly absorbed you completely, making it difficult to walk.

''I-I can't... it's been years how did you... is Hecate...?'' You finally got close enough to hear words.

''We'll find her after we're done here.'' Zhu voice had grown heavy, a little hoarse and uneven. ''Aint never settling for the second-best option again you hear me? Never''

''Uu!'' Pain and happiness radiated out of Klesiah as she leaned into Zhu. ''It's been so long!''

Indeed it had been. Unlike you, a man without memory and someone who spent the entire last year in a coma, Klesiah lived through the entire years of separation with her old and new companions.

''Klesiah...'' You managed to speak, having successfully swallowed down tears and a surplus of emotions. You hoped to conserve some kind of elegance. ''...please drink this.'' You had grabbed a second potion and gently handed it to her, finally making her realize the state of her wound. Her chest piece had been rendered useless by the tonfa and the cut on her face, whilst superficial, had let out enough blood to force one of her eyes closed. ''It's good to see you again.''

The poor girl was barely standing on her feet, with Zhu as her anchor, Klesiah shy, quiet smile on seeing you again in the flesh might just be one of the most beautiful things you've seen. She took the medicine and gulped it down, radiating so much warmth...

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''Thank you for coming.'' Embarrassment made you look away, seeing the paladin happy profile made you feel another surge of electricity. A few long minutes passed in silence in this strangely comfortable awkwardness, so you decided to occupy your mind with something else. The dark elf, Ama apostle, was sitting quietly not too far, arms still bound behind her back and blindfold on her face. She must have had plenty of opportunities to free herself, why is she here...?

The only able-bodied survivor of the battle had propped her two recently healed compatriots on a wall with Shereen remaining nearby, guiding a flow of bright carmines into the wounded whose deadly injuries had already been magically closed but it seemed the princess was intent on continuing her healing. You also saw movement, Hildegarde ran out of the mansion with all the bags that had been discarded, making her posture considerably more awkward.

''Townfolks!'' She screamed, shaking everyone. ''Townfolks are coming through the gates to investigate!''

And like that, this happy atmosphere of a long-awaited reunion disappeared.

''Okay!'' Klesiah sniffled, got on her feet whilst grabbing the glaive she'd discarded to hug Zhu. ''We can escape in there, this basement has a tunnel and I know another exit about ten minutes from here.''

''What if we stumble on more enemy? Someone escaped in there.'' You asked as Shereen and Hildegarde arrived together.

''Then we kill them.'' A cold, direct answer from your blueberry. ''Myr, are you okay?'' She asked, running for the dark elf who just nodded in response.

''Arawn...'' Klesiah continued, wrapping an arm around the apostle to guide her up. ''...I know how it sounds but I need you to remain silent until we find a safe place to talk and to stay as far as you can from me and Myr.'' She paused, seeing everyone astonishment. ''Please.''

Klesiah didn't wait for acknowledgment, she immediately walked and descended the stairs into the dark basement.

You could hear people coming, a significant group no doubt. No time like the present!

[You have acquired a potion and canteen of fresh blood]
You have acquired a pair of magical tonfas!

--

This second adventure into dark tunnels was thankfully more pleasant than your experience in Marleon because the corridors had more space and you didn't risk bumping your head on the roof if you were a few inches taller. Having jammed the trap doors with one of the few intact swords, you closed the march with Shereen by your side, keeping your embrace of Focus to keep some form of light with the princess doing the same. Klesiah led the group, also embracing Focus, keeping a small orb of crackling purplish-blue energy alight above her head. You descended the full length of the hill you needed to climb to get inside the mansion and proceeded into a straight dark corridor.

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''These tunnels run all around this side of Myrtidal countryside.'' Klesiah began to explain after making good headway from the basement. ''I've been told they're as old as the age of pretenders, they tend to lead into big houses similar to the one we left from, nobles from the previous sultanate had a fancy for building residences close to them.''

''And the ruler, the duchess here allow their continuous use?'' Hildegarde asked.

''No.'' Klesiah answered neutrally, making a turn at a sudden branch. ''But she hasn't been able to do much, farmers have always protested locking up the tunnels and unrest grew really bad I've been told, when Alita people caved in a few exits. Mamonos seem to see these tunnel as a historical heritage of a sort, a way for their kids to have fun but the arrival of the cult might have changed a few minds...'' Klesiah cleared her throat, and continued, knowing she didn't need to hear the untold question.

''Ari'el created a cult of vengeance and it spread effectively throughout the outlying communities of the city. Now, these tunnels are mostly used by his people to move unseen whilst the duchess and her allies barricade themselves in Myrtidal, waiting for reinforcement. That harpy and four-armed goliath are his lieutenants, native from this place too... precious diamonds in the rough you could say.''

And the ten combatants must have been Klesiah previous... companions, the bandits she was forced to led. That group must have held a particularly nasty grudge.

''Kuh...!'' The prisoner elf sudden let out a plaint.

''Myr!?'' Klesiah stopped moving, everyone else did.

''It's not... it's not working! I... damn it, it's crawling inside me...!'' Her voice was naturally soft and gentle, inevitably squeezing some empathy out of you.

''The fuck!?'' Zhu voice resonated as she proclaimed, too excited to mind her volume. ''What's all this progressing red!?''

Klesiah looked to the sides and, spotting a long-abandoned storage room, pointed to it. ''Let's get in here! You can at least... talk a little right, Myr?''

The group promptly shuffled inside the stuffy, hot, dark room with only magical light to keep things visible. The dark elf descended on her knees, facing everyone with Klesiah keeping a hand on her shoulder. Myr wasn't looking good, her clothes were damp with sweat and she was clearly struggling as if preyed upon by intense, unending pain.

''I-It was a nice try, pally.'' She forced joviality into her tone. ''Geas a little too smart I guess.''

''That damn fox!'' You don't know why you felt suddenly angry at seeing one of your enemies in this position, perhaps you were affected by Klesiah emotions? She clearly held the dark elf in esteemed friendship; a friend in the hell she endured?

Your blueberry feelings are honest, whether that's something to trust remain to be seen.

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''No, no.'' Myr answered after taking some moments to recollect herself. ''The witch stabilized the geas, helped me keep it under control but breaking it isn't something she can, or seem willing to do... I don't know why but she kept me somewhat safe...'' The elf shook her head and faced forward, unable to see where you were, she settled for keeping herself straight. ''This curse fills me with rage the closer you get to me, Arawn. It robs my consciousness, distills my thoughts into instincts; making me want to kill you... Even now I just fucking hate you!'' Myr spat on the ground, shaking her head.

''The witch apostles have what they call a leash to keep her under control, I had one too...'' Klesiah looked away, regretful. ''But the angel took it from me, I doubt it'll be able to hold her back since you're so close.''

''Arawn!'' Myr voice broke and you stepped forward, only to be blocked by Hildegarde arm, who looked to you sternly and shook her head.

Getting close would just make things worst.

''I knew... I knew your father! I was hired, first as a maid, then a companion to you and your little sister before the terrible catastrophe...'' It took every ounce of your will not to overpower the stoic maid and get closer to the dark elf. ''...I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to help.'' For a moment, genuine sadness and regret sneaked out of her lips, a single broken-hearted ''anything'' filled with such nostalgia...

Is this another one of Ama trick!? IS IT!?

''What do you want us to do with her?'' Zhu asked grimly, holding onto her sword. Klesiah mounting fear was a badly needed slap in the face for you to recenter your thoughts.

''Let her go, she'll find her way back to Ari'el...''

''And become an enemy.'' Zhu continued.

''If you've gotten any better in the last three years...'' The kneeling paladin looked into her friend chromatic eye fearlessly. ''...then you'll subdue her.''

Zhu grinned a wide happy smile. ''Finally got your spine.''

''This is... goodness.'' Shereen commented, furred arm tugging your clothing in an attempt to be supportive.

Your mind was a whirlpool of questions and activity, wanting to know so, so much but also weigh your options, how to best keep the girls safe. You've got Myr weapons but even if she doesn't wield them, this elf is a strong warrior who will seek you out, enraged by a berserk geas... Danger, evident danger.

You do have time for one important thing.

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You can ask Myr one short question. You aren't making a contract or tricking a genie, keep that in mind.

>''Was my father a good man?'' (He signed the witch contract...)
>''Who is my little sister?'' (Kin... your blood, somewhere out there.)
>''Who is it that put this geas on you?'' (If not the witch then who? Another unseen enemy?)
>''The Witch Game has started, tell me Myr, who or what is the Black Cat?'' (This is not a game you want to play but you have no choice. You need a lead.)
>Free

And another thing.

Should you let Myr go? If you accept, do you return her weapons so that she can at least keep herself alive out there? After all, former bandits were willing to attack Klesiah and her.

In case of refusal, you'll have to kill the dark elf here and now. Imprisoning her is unfeasible in your current situation because she -will- resist and knocking out a reinforced warrior is very, very difficult. Her body isn't reinforced, suddenly attacking her to end her life is feasible. Though Klesiah will deduce your intention and might try to stop you, so a degree of chance will be needed.

>>4264890
>''Who is my little sister?'' (Kin... your blood, somewhere out there.)

>>4264890
>''Who is it that put this geas on you?'' (If not the witch then who? Another unseen enemy?)

Let her go, return her arms to her, give her some money, and let her know where she should address mail if she wants to contact Klesiah in the future when she finds somewhere safe, away from here.

>>4264890
How good are we or the other girls with tonfas? Do we have any mundane spare weapons or are there any about? I'd rather she not have her weapons of choice next time we have to fight her.

If we leave the room would she calm down? Could we delegate a few questions to one of the girls and have them ask her?

>>4264916
>How good are we or the other girls with tonfas?
Nobody knows how to wield them. Hildegarde is the closest one who could maybe put them to use but that's a bit difficult to say. Klesiah did have some practice with them, but she already got her weapons.
>Do we have any mundane spare weapons or are there any about?
Nope, Arawn forgot to bring anything that wasn't broken and nobody thought the same since everyone wanted to get out quickly. You also don't have any additional weapons in your bags because of how quickly you left Marleon.

>If we leave the room would she calm down? Could we delegate a few questions to one of the girls and have them ask her?

You'll need to try and thus, use up your question.

>>4264925
Arawn could probably try using the tonfas and give up his mace and shield for Myr, as a temporary measure because i don't see us doing much fighting until we return to Muribel.

>>4264925
Ok then, how's the corridor look? Anyone coming down it? If it looks clear I say we leave the room and have the girls ask first about the cat and then about the geis. Any more than that probably won't work as we're not going to get very far away from her/the group.

>>4264940
Oh we're keeping the shield, but we could give her one tonfa back or keep them both and hand her our mace. I don't want her to be fully powered up.

>>4264960
>Ok then, how's the corridor look?
Deserted and dark, built of solid stone for this underground scary tunnel. Only goest east and west since you guys turned at an branch that is impossible to see now.
>Anyone coming down it?
Can't hear anything.
>Oh we're keeping the shield
It's been the mvp of act 2

This is an important choice so I might let it sit all night if we need to. Gotta make sure I get my players wish!

>>4264893
One vote for little sister
>>4264912
One vote for knowing who ensorcelled her + returning her tonfas.
>>4264960
One vote for knowing the dark cat while trying a trick to ask another question + giving her your mace or a single tonfa.

Just tallying up. I'll roll tomorrow if we don't have a tiebreaker.

tonfas are held in a single hand each, right?

Is it possible to fight with a single tonfa?

If so, I kinda want to try to keep one of the tonfas and letting her keep the other one. It hampers her ability to fight without leaving her defenseless, and it also acts as a nonspoken promise to meet up again and gather both tonfas again. Until then, we will keep the other tonfa safe.

>''Who is my little sister?'' (Kin... your blood, somewhere out there.)

>Let her go, return a single one of her tonfas, but keep the other.

This is my vote for now.

>>4265002
>Is it possible to fight with a single tonfa?
Yeah, a bit awkward but definitely viable.

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So, our choice seem to be...

>Ask Myr about your little sister identity and give her a single tonfa to defend herself.

Not gonna make it final, I'll continue tomorrow because I'm not at my best today due to bad sleep.

>>4265034
I will mention that once we get back to throne town after this is all over we can go through with the "soul link" memory recovery option. Our sister's name will most certainly be recalled then.

I fear, though, that she is the "black cat" as Ama is sadistic enough to pull that shit.

>>4264890
>''Who is it that put this geas on you?'' (If not the witch then who? Another unseen enemy?)
What is a geas under for magic type? I ask, because we happen to have a soul mage, and a blood mage. A single bout of unconsciousness for this dark skinned victim could take up all the time needed to peal the compulsion away. Learning who put it there might help us deduce what type it is if geas’ are of different types. We might not have the time now... but next time perhaps? Also let her go and stuff.

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>>4265082
>What is a geas under for magic type?
They are deep, deep level hypnosis who are usually tied with manipulation of souls, though some that actually affect bodies have been known to exist. Geas tend to be highly sophisticated and personalized though, so you can expect mix of magics or outright esoteric stuff when it comes to handling them. However, it is true that the lynchpin of Geas is interaction with the soul.

They don't tend to have a broad ''type''. Making a very strong one demands a long ritual.

Impossible to tell what's affecting Myr at a glance of course.

>>4265099
Hmmm... just thought of a potential twofer. Could we announce that the witches game has begun and then ask about our sister?

>>4265221
Something short like that will work.
Gonna roll tomorrow to break our tie.

>>4265239
Ok then, I'm changing my vote, announce the witches game has begun then immediately transition to our sister. I have to confirm my worst fears about what's going on here.

>>4265264
Alright, that makes it a majority.
giving Myr one of her tonfa while letting her go is also set in stone, I can sleep on my answer now!

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If that geas significantly altered its victim mental state with your mere presence, then you'd need to be careful about your words... perhaps you can't afford more than a single sentence before Myr would degenerate into an uncontrollable rage. Seeing this dark elf on her knees, face twisted into an involuntary snarl with a cloth over her eyes did tug at your heartstring. Especially since she had a connection to your past.

She knew you -and your family- when you were a child, before the catastrophe that befell your entire race.

As a way to counter the hypnotism, a blindfold, and a rope woven around her hands was honestly something you'd have tried. Alas...

''Th-''

''Rrrg!'' The only thing that stopped Myr from jumping to her feet and doing something rash was Klesiah swift reaction. Your paladin allowed her glaive clang on the ground and grabbed the elf by the shoulders, holding onto her firmly and that managed to calm her down somewhat.

''Resist, my friend please. Help my lord, help him like you've told me you want to...'' Anger briefly changed to bitterness on the elf face.

You can't be tricky about this, trying to ask her anything, anything at all will... undeniably make it impossible to try another question. Whispering something to Hildegarde or stepping away won't work, elven hearing is sharp.

Silently, you took one of the magical tonfa out of your bag, handed it to Shereen, and wordlessly nodded. The princess understood your message and carefully walked near Myr to put the item next to her. A wave of gratefulness radiated out of Klesiah as she smiled at your little sun

''Myr, who's my little sister?'' You couldn't stop the rise of emotions swelling in your chest, nor avoid a crack in your voice. Mother Mercy, a little sister... you have a kin, she has to be alive.

''Gods!'' Myr violently shook her head but Klesiah held her firmly, the rage in that previously gentle voice was palpable, a guttural noise that came from deep within her core. After a few breaths of this disgustingly tepid underground air, Myr looked down and found the strength to answer.

''You were both far too young to remember anything...'' Perhaps the sad memory allowed her to find a temporary emotional balance. ''...I wasn't able to do anything for her when the trouble began, a few months before things fells apart, she had been infected by Corruption and... thankfully your father found someone to help protect her, someone much more qualified than I'd ever been when it comes to helping someone.''

''Know that, whatever reason and circumstance led you to disappear, I hold no grudge.'' A shudder of revulsion traveled Myr body as she heard your voice and she leaned on Klesiah shoulder to control the surge of emotion.

Alright... keep your mouth shut, Arawn.

''S-she's... Her name is Gwendolyn. She... your dad somehow convinced one of the rare nine-tailed foxes to watch over her, she has to be alive somewhere. Gwen is... She's a good girl.''

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What? What!? Gwendolyn!? That girl... A gazer of many tendrils and adorable eyes shouldering the birth of a new, growing nation inside your ancestral land? That person... Did she know? Did Tuilelaith know? Oh, surely...

''You need to go.'' Klesiah resolution was a badly needed return to reality. She grabbed the tonfa and pulled the elf on her feet, removing the rope holding her hands. ''I suppose you'll have to get to Ari'el to control yourself... but at least you won't be defenseless against those poor excuses we call allies.''

''Will you be okay in the darkness?'' Shereen asked, concerned.

''I can see just fine!''Myr barked with such anger that Shereen stepped back in fear.

''Go now!'' Klesiah led her out of the door and pushed her away, the last sight you had of the dark elf was her stumbling outside, her voice roared with angry, frustrated energy, screaming an echoing ''Damn iiiiit!'' that nearly masked the noise of her running feet as she desperately made as much distance as possible, soon enough becoming nothing more than a faraway echo in the creepy underground tunnels.

You have lost one of the magical tonfa

''Klesiah...'' Dejection, sadness mixed with constant, radiating happiness inside your paladin. Your own emotions weren't any better, to think you've met your little sister, that she's alive, healthy, and ambitious!

''It was worth a try.'' She responded, grabbing her glaive. ''Let's get some fresh air, we'll need to walk for a while.''

''...Thank you.''

Mother Mercy, at least your sister wasn't in Ama clutches.

--

There were no further incidents for the rest of the way. Klesiah led you confidently throughout an increasingly labyrinthine complex of tunnels as more and more opening led into... places you could only wonder about. She kept her direction firmly in the west. After what you assumed a dozen minutes the ground moved upward in a gentle slope, revealing the entrance of another basement that Klesiah opened gently. You emerged into the middle of nowhere, literally an empty field not too far from the city but a significant distance from the road, you couldn't even see the community the battle had undeniably disturbed.

''Pfeh! Finally some air!'' Shereen exclaimed between coughs.

''Man, talk about emotions.'' Zhu said, laughing, tapping Klesiah shoulder. Your paladin had discarded her chest piece during the traveling, revealing a damp cotton shirt that... demanded you to look away.

''Ah... At least we finally have time for some introduction, though there are still a few things to talk about before that.''

''Indeed.'' Hildegarde spoke now. ''Do you know anything about a Black Cat, milady?''

''Black...Cat?'' Klesiah confusion was answer enough.

''The Witch Game has started and she sent me a message.'' Thankfully, the witch geas of tongues didn't activate when you relayed her message.

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''I have no idea who that could be. That fox loves to shroud herself in an irritating fog of mystery, hells I'm sure she'd give you a riddle when asking what breakfast you want!'' Irritated huff mixed with a wave of explosive emotions radiating out of the link. ''...What I do know is that her angelic apostle has made himself busy today, making a ritual to change his body for exploring the city itself whilst moving the headquarter of his cult somewhere else, probably mitigating what I know about his operations.''

''Forgive me for saying so but why wouldn't he simply kill you if he didn't want you relaying his operation?'' Hildegarde continued; just thinking about this question angered you but it was important.

''Ama didn't allow him. Only when her game started would he be able to do as he wanted, so when I felt Arawn getting closer and closer I had to... I decided to move quickly. Neither he nor I knew when Ama game started, he left this morning to do something in Myrtidal but undeniably had me watched, though how he knew to post his two lieutenants in ambush when I used the tunnel is... surprising. Those ten bandits had been pursuing me when I left with Myr once I felt Arawn getting into the countryside properly. They... held a grudge against me for a long while and always watched my movement in some obvious attempt to ambush me.''

''Got here just in the nick of time.'' Zhu added, grinning broadly. ''Those bitches were nothing.''

''They excelled as bandits, not warriors.'' A happy, sadistic smile settled on Klesiah face, grim satisfaction filtering into you. That's... kinda worrying.

''I'm not sure if we have or should play that witch game. Returning to Marleon and doing what we can for my lady sounds... hasty, perhaps. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to.'' Hildegarde mused.

''Oh, right.'' Klesiah blinked in sudden realization. ''I'm something of a known face amongst the guard because of the skirmish two weeks ago. It'd be a bad idea for me to step into the city. Unless we try to sneak in I suppose... We could lay low in one of the many abandoned mansions. It'd be safer to avoid the farming communities because most of them have already been assimilated into Ari'el cult of vengeance.''

You had conserved some amount of clothing while making a place for your mace but nothing substantial enough to make a disguise: you only kept clothes and bandages for practical purposes.

Rounding the city and walking off would always be possible, there are no walls and it doesn't seem the plated thugs are doing long-range patrols... but then Ama must have something in place to avoid you running away or, maybe she won't care. She's got something brewing, last time you were too late to prevent it and...

A misshapen horror jumped into a surprised teenager, breaking her legs and sinking its deformed jaw in her throat, the poor girl screamed a gurgling noise of agony that ended her fleeting life.

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Your fist tightened feeling intense enough fury and disgust for Klesiah to look at you in worry.

You've successfully gotten Klesiah back but that's only one of many things to be done in the end. Midday was peaceful, you could even hear a few birds chanting from out of the nearby tree. The main artery that led into Myrtidal was a little busier than usual as a squad ten of guards made their way out, none of them bothering to look in your direction. Perhaps groups of people using the tunnels were a common occurrence?

''I... Would you guys like to hear a suggestion about finding the Black Cat?'' Klesiah looked surprisingly timid as she broke the silence.

''Of course.'' You were honestly stumped.

''I think we could temporarily extend Mother Earth web in the city, it won't be permanent of course but it should allow you, Arawn, to gaze at the souls dwelling here and perhaps find this individual or, at the very least, get a better idea about they're identity.''

''That's possible, how!?'' Shereen was the one to asked and she was surprisingly excited.

''The usual method is for a large congregation to bless a chapel chalice for a few days, thereby creating a natural extension of the goddess influence that will be maintained by Clerics of the Path but that's not going to work here. I think I can... make something by myself, I've had quite a few opportunities to practice and it seems that even lone faithful can imitate the goddess miracle, albeit only for a short time. If I can get into the church... I should be able to do something quick and you've already perused the web in Throne Town, right?'' She looked at you, hopeful.

''With help.'' You responded.

''It shouldn't take long.'' Klesiah continued. ''Finding some hints about the Black Cat would help for sure... but it's the only solution I can think of. I doubt we'd be able to find enough faithful of Mother Earth here to create permanency for our goddess web.''

''Yeah... There's only one goddess allowed in Muribel.'' Shereen added sadly.

>Ask Klesiah about the angel cult. You finally have some breathing room to talk.

>Try to puzzle some kind of identity for the Black Cat with the girls. Surely you can accomplish something, you've gotten to know the damn witch despite your wishes and Klesiah must have a better idea about her apostles.

>You can't waste time. It'll take you two hours to return in Myrtidal, you should get moving immediately. Klesiah can put one some kind of disguise by exchanging clothes with the girls, though there's no hiding her glaive... [Move back into the city].

>Free.

>>4266207
>Try to puzzle some kind of identity for the Black Cat with the girls. Surely you can accomplish something, you've gotten to know the damn witch despite your wishes and Klesiah must have a better idea about her apostles.

How close is Elina to arriving?
She might be able to help with getting Klesiah over the wall, and into the city. And depending on how Ari’el is hiding themselves, she might be able to provide some insight on what to look for.

>>4266207
How far away does Haddy feel from us? We will kinda need an angel to counter an angel.

First possibility, the entity she's fused with might know about astral magic and how to utilize pearls of power. If there's a spell in that school that allows one to lock on to a thing that they seek, especially if the description is vague, that's our answer. Hell, just knowing what kinds of shit we can pull with it besides using it as a mana potion would be a major help. We still have that thing on us right?

Secondly, we can talk about that cult after we get any info on the pearl. Y'know what, here's my vote, ask her about the pearl and astral magic. Time for that useless goddess to be useful for once!

>>4266222
Shit I meant Elina, sorry.

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>>4266221
>How close is Elina to arriving?
You can feel that she's still pretty far. She'll be expected to get here by tomorrow, when exactly remains to be seen.
>How far away does Haddy feel from us?
Impossible to know if she's coming or not, only link you have is with Elina.
>We still have that thing on us right?
Yes. You can show it to Klesiah, of course. That'd be a free choice.
>Time for that useless goddess to be useful for once!
S-stop making baseless conjectures!

One vote for puzzling things out, another for talking about the Astral Pearl of Power with Klesiah.

>Gwendolyn is Arawn's sister
HORY SHIET
I don't even have a gif or a pic to describe my feelings about that, goddamn.

>>4266207
>Ask Klesiah about the angel cult. You finally have some breathing room to talk.
Need more info, wanna know exactly what we'd be dealing with.

Too out of it to vote more than this. Today was unexpectedly draining because of somewhat major PC issues.

>>4266233
BY tomorrow? As in anytime between now and midnight? This is a major consideration.

Also, can't puzzling out the Black Cat and asking about the pearl be done at the same time? It is, after all, a potential answer to the question if Klesiah or rather, the useless godess knows something about it I doubt she wouldn't given how big a deal they were in the pretender age.

We'll have to go over everything, and the pearl's part of that. Also, not all that surprised that Gwen's our sister. Looks like girls can get converted into mamono. I am sad about this though. I kinda wanted to waifu her up but yeah, I'm not quite that degenerate. Gazers are one of my favorites, but I can't get jiggy with a blood relative.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>4266221
>>4266222
>>4266242
Thank for being here anon!

Breaking ties, none of the votes will have you immediately commit to anything so I can go with the result. Unless an anon change their vote 5 minutes after my post I'll go with the result.

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>>4266248
>BY tomorrow? As in anytime between now and midnight?
Tomorrow in quest, you walked for two whole days and got in Myrtidal by around 8 am whilst the girls were expecting to make landfall the morning of this day. Elina is ZOOMING, that's as much a you can tell from the link.

>Gazers are one of my favorites, but I can't get jiggy with a blood relative.
Not anymore. the transformation killed any actual blood relation. The joy of Corruption!

I think adding the pearl option with talking about the Black Cat makes sense... I'll see if it fit, might make the next update another long one though, I'll see how it flows.

>>4266260
Perhaps in the genetic sense you may have a valid point, but the soul remains that of our sister. Tui probably isn't telling Gwen or anyone else because of politics, how it might be necessary for us to wed her, and your flimsy excuse to wash the potential moral quandary down. This makes any future romantic prospects with her way, way more complicated now. Damnit, I just wanted to be oogled from all angles by beautiful wonderful eye stalks. Aw shit, we technically hit on our sister way back when. Awkward.

We should probably find a bush or something to hide behind, something to conceal us from being spotted from the road. I have worst case scenarios I won't share to defend against!

>Try to puzzle some kind of identity for the Black Cat with the girls. Surely you can accomplish something, you've gotten to know the damn witch despite your wishes and Klesiah must have a better idea about her apostles.

I think I like this one best.

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''Let's move behind the tree, I'd like to avoid a lucky guard seeing a spot of blue and bothering us.'' There was only a single one within short walking distance, the girls followed closely and Klesiah did her best to hide from the road; the proximity of your group, unfortunately, quieted the chaotic melodies of the birds.

''That cat is the lynchpin of this little game, I think putting our minds together to create a good hypothesis is a good way to start. We should avoid returning to Myrtidal without a plan... though we should always be ready to be wrong.''

''Right...'' Klesiah cleared her throat, a strangely uncharacteristic flow of warmth coming out of her carried with it an adorable intent: she wanted to hug you but was too shy to do it. ''Find the Black Cat to open the way; drown the Black Cat to keep your secret; listen for the Black Cat emotions; help the Black Cat to give her the chance she deserves. That's how she put it?''

''Hm, good memory.'' Hildegarde commented as you nodded. ''If we take the sentence at face value, then there are four players with four different objectives for this cat. I believe the duchess is one of them.'' Hildegarde stopped for the second she needed to cross her arms, the hardened material of her arms clicked gently, her sleeves little more than shreds. Unlike everyone else, she hadn't been distracted by emotions and had given Ama announcement serious pragmatic thoughts.

''Drowning the Black Cat to keep your secret would imply she knows who it is, right? It doesn't necessary means it's the duchess.'' Zhu retort earned her a nod from the stoic maid.

''Indeed, but I believe this second player has no idea who that cat is, otherwise it wouldn't be a game. That witch is obsessed with fairness right?'' You nodded, Ama imposed some serious handicap on herself. ''The guards are thugs who openly try to shakedown travelers, they're obviously doing the same for the natives. Either the duchess is utterly impotent or she's complicit to they're activity; one can only imagine how much... indulgence these thugs have imposed on the locals. Our cat knows a secret that someone doesn't want anyone else to know... But I'm not sure if that help, everyone in the city look miserable already.''

''Listening for the Black Cat emotions was Ari'el.'' Klesiah said to break the newfound silence. ''That's what he does with his followers. He talks to them, listen for their reason for wanting vengeance against duchess Alita and...'' She briefly glanced at Shereen. ''...The Roshanak family.'' Shereen furred hands balled into fists on hearing that. ''I don't know what he truly wants to do but he's taken a long time to speak to many of his followers face to face, always wanting to know the depth of their desires for revenge.''

''His people are loyal to him?'' You asked and the firm nod of your paladin was beyond question.

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''To the death for the majority of them. Maybe a few of the bandits are just around for loots or violence but they are a minority.''

''And you'd say he control this countryside?'' Hildegarde asked, earning another nod from the blueberry.

''His people aren't in open warfare with the guards yet but that's inevitable. There's far too much tension, he's been keeping calm by saying they'll be able to accomplish the first step of vengeance soon but people areally are getting fed up with all the gaurds abuses.''

''Then our Cat surely isn't here, otherwise, he would have gotten them already.'' Hildegarde stated firmly. ''She or he's somewhere in the city.''

''Someone who knows a terrible secret, someone who might be nursing a great need of vengeance... maybe the Cat hasn't been convinced into doing it yet.'' You continued, borrowing a certain chin-pinching pause from a red-haired princess. ''I believe this secret is of use to our first player, it's something that can ''open the way'' so... it is highly likely that it is someone who saw something they shouldn't.'' Open the way for what? Where?

''They're also worthy of help because you're the last player, Arawn.'' Shereen imposed herself, tightening the circle. ''It's what you do.''

''It's what we do.'' You corrected, giving the fluffy princess head a well-earned head pat.

''Well, kitty might not have much time. Gotta find her today too.'' Zhu added, bringing a long silence on the deliberations.

Not knowing if you were off the mark was irritating. based on what little information you had, you and the girls hypothesis wasn't terrible. A native of the city who witnessed a terrible secret, who must have been the victim of an injustice that'd could ignite into a great need for revenge. The first and last sentences were the ones that didn't help. What could she open? Maybe her soul has a weird color?

''I think... using the web to find such a soul would be possible.'' Klesiah broke the silence. ''Such precision would help immensely.''

That sounded like a good objective but... something in the paladin's eyes bothered you, she looked distant, as if lost in thoughts and the strangely harmonious feeling coming out of the link was pleasant, almost uncanny.

''Mh?'' Zhu frowned, opening her single eye wider.

There's something you've been wondering since you've reconnected with her...

''Klesiah, what do you make of this?'' Protectively secured inside a tiny steel case, you took out the precious astral pearl of power and showed it to your blueberry who gasped in immediate recognition.

''A Stone Soul...'' She shook her head, shaking whatever malaise had suddenly gripped her. ''...That can be useful.''

''You've gained the skills to use Pearls of Powers in that witch custody?'' She didn't answer your question, a guilty smile came to rest on her features instead.

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''I...No. I-I don't know how to explain but... This pearl can help us scour the city souls in a way... much like creating Mother Earth web.''

''Assuming we even have the right person, that'd consume our artifact wouldn't it?'' Hildegarde protested, albeit gently. ''This pearl is an artifact of olden time and undeniably useful, I mean no disrespect but how can we trust your skills.''

''Actions will explain better than any of my words.'' The paladin walked gently toward her tall swordswoman friend and tapped her chest gently, whispering ''...don't worry I'm fine.''

''You're a bluish-purple gal, I don't like that gold.''

Fear, so much paralyzing fear radiated out of Klesiah to fuel illogical hesitation but that wasn't all. As you braced for these emotions, shielded yourself with stoicism and cold pragmatism you felt something... someone radiating motherly comfort and encouragement. It wasn't any particularly sharp perception that allowed you to sense this, no, whoever they were had made themselves known to you through the soul-link.

Gardy... guess you aren't the only person in the world who can be a little anomalous, uh?

Someone, something, was dwelling within Klesiah soul, living with her harmoniously.

''I trust you.'' Out of all people, it was Shereen who spoke. ''If you believe you can do it, then I don't need to know anything else. This Black Cat is someone who deserves our help, right? Then she's worth an old pearl. If we fail, then we'll continue with what we've learned.'' Said the little fluffy princess, crossing her arms on her chest and, for the very first time, managed to project true, adorable, charisma.

It would be... difficult to refuse her.

Should you let Klesiah use your Astral Pearl based on the hypothesis you have for the Black Cat?

>Free

Of course, you can always make a hypothesis of your own about the Black Cat or try to find more information by hitting the road and getting into the city.

>>4266566
Like I said earlier, time for that useless goddess to make themselves useful. We and Shereen can serve as a battery if more than Klesiah's own reserves are required. Indeed, it would help if we asked if our soul or her blood magic would increase the odds of success here before we begin. Perhaps both would enable a scan so thorough it'd also ping the locations of the other players or at least Ari'el. We need to *not* be wherever he is. He will wreck our party without Elina to counter him.

Tell the others to stay alert. If I'm right about this Klesiah will set off a pulse of divinity when she activates the pearl and that might lead Ari'el right to us.

>>4266566
I guess Klesiah should go for it, it's not like we had any other uses for the pearl at the moment.

And we know someone has a stash in the palace so if we absolutely needed more we could set that up as a secondary objective that when we get back to looking for Anais
Also we have some Angels of our own that could help assist in our search, Either by looking for the Black Cat themselves, or them trying to intercept Ari’el during their search.

>>4266582
>useless goddess
Can't help but feel frustrated everytime you say that because there's absolutely no basis for that belief.
>We and Shereen can serve as a battery if more than Klesiah's own reserves are required.
It won't be a costly ritual because the pearl will allow the spell to function by itself, however, adding Shereen and yourself can be helpful, so doing a threeway ritual can work. What's important is to not get distracted.

You've kept your pearl for a long time so I feel like using it is fairly important. I'd like to see where players lean with that.

Hm, two votes in agreement.

I'll try to update tonight, things are getting interesting.

>>4266602
She has failed, utterly and completely, every time she's tried to "help" us. Ergo, useless. She can start redeeming herself right now by succeeding in finding the cat.

Like I said, ask her if she/they think it'll help. If yes we find someplace nice and secluded and do it. Hilde and Zhu should be able to defend us during the ritual so long as that damned angel doesn't come a knocking.

>>4266627
You're assuming much my friend.
Putting it bluntly, she doesn't think it'd help but you're welcomed to be near.

>>4266649
I don't assume, I observe.

Oh, right, tell her we felt Bad Fluffy's influence in the city with the aspect, but that suddenly and abruptly cut off the instant the "game" began. Gotta give her all the info we can.

Hm, this might be another long post. Not sure if I'll finish it tonight, I'll try. Things are getting interesting...

>>4266680
Oh, last thing, she knows it's linked to astral magic right? We should inform her it's linked to astral magic too.

Also, once this is all said and done she's telling us who she's fused with. I think I know who, but you can't put a price on 100 percent, absolute, from the very mouth of God himself certainty. Actually, why hasn't she done that yet?

Computer died on me so update will come in a bit later today.

It just occurred to me to look back on Gwendolyn's offer to give Arawn some land in the old Elven forest. The revelation that Gwen and Arawn are siblings gives a new perspective to the offer - she wanted what remained of her family close!
Assuming that she knew about her family. Personally I believe she knows, considering how she acted when Arawn met Gwen for the first time.

Life after the Moot must have been emotional for
Gwendolynagain, assuming she knows
She meets Arawn after several years of thinking her immediate family is either dead or missing, then shortly after that she loses her brother *again* when Arawn falls into a coma.

Poor Gwendolyn.

>>4267989
I hope you can bring your computer back to life!

>>4268201
Thank you, I'll be going on a quest tomorrow to find a replacement part so there won't be any updates. I'm prepping a pretty long one for today, so we'll only have only one later.

I really dislike writing on a laptop.

>>4268205
I just hope we're making the right calls. We are trying to get someplace secluded to do this pearl ritual right? We failed to kill the thunder harpy (damnit all to hell) so we cannot afford to be exposed to aerial surveillance. Hopefully whatever "disguise" the enemy angel is using keeps him "grounded" for the foreseeable future as well. If he finds us before Elina gets here we're fucked.

Seem like my changed ip make it impossible to use colors or it's my laptop acting up.

[red]Testing[/red]

Piece of crap. Look like my update won't be as pretty as I want.

>>4268409
Eh, you can always fix it later when your other comp is back up.

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There's no way of knowing when or if you'll even find another one of these pearls but time is against you, hitting the pavement and knocking on people's doors asking about some miserable unknown person won't help your situation.

''We don't need to move.'' Klesiah gratefully grasped the pure white sphere and joined her hands together in prayers, lowering herself on her knees to be completely masked by the tree.

''Would it be safe for me and Shereen to join you?'' Your question took both girls aback but it only took a second for your paladin expression to relax. She nodded soundlessly and you grabbed your little sun hand.

''W-what? Me?'' She said, unable to form a sentence, clearly intimidated.

''Maybe blood or soul magic can help.'' You couldn't resist a teasing smile.

Klesiah cracked open an eye whilst Hildegarde and Zhu soundlessly moved to guard your flanks and nodded. You and your little sun proceeded to sit beside Klesiah, putting one hand above her palms, and held each other afterward, making for a cute triangle. Cold steel, violet-blue and gorgeous carmine lit up as everyone embrace their respective magic, steam began to waft out of Klesiah closed hands.

''We will start a ritual of astral projection, think of it as using our souls to journey into the city and find the particular individual we are looking for. The pearl will act as fuel, anchor, and, more importantly, protection for our existences as we will slip into a particular branch of our world tree to witness naked souls...''

''Like the Red World?'' But Klesiah shook her head at your question, her voice firm and gentle. Was it her companion speaking?

''That place is a dangerous cancerous growth with far too much influence for any kind of rituals. Allow yourselves to follow my flow...''

Thankfully, you and Shereen had practiced this activity...

...and quickly found yourselves in a heavenly realm. A beautiful landscape spread around you as you and your little sun allowed yourselves to be pulled into Klesiah personal little plane of existence. A rainbow sun glowered gently, projecting colorful light into healthy grass and a lake only a fair few meters shining with fresh water. In the faraway horizon was a visible chain of mountains reaching up into white clouds, almost touching shiny brilliant stars that somehow mingled perfectly with the crouching lights of this rainbow sun.

''W-whoa...'' Shereen whispered, squeezing your hand. It was a gorgeous sight.

''This is your soul, Klesiah?'' Standing behind you was your paladin and she was adorable. A little wind had just kicked up at the perfect time to make her long blue hair flow and she was far too embarrassed to look at you in the eyes.

''I-I-I... no.'' She said, yet...

Letters inexplicably began to appear in the ether of this world next to her. ''Yes.'' Each letter shone in a mixture of pretty red, blue, and green.

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Something stepped out of Klesiah. A feminine silhouette bathed in a faint mixture of gold and white, shorter and shapelier than your knight moved to stand beside her, having walked out of her body. This... entity looked human, her skin was replaced by a constant faint luminescence of pale gold, she had no mouth or distinctive traits on her face aside from her eyes being a pair of gorgeous rainbow gems. Long, puffy hair cascaded down her body in a shower of vivacious colors, constantly moving like the tide

''D-don't say that!'' As you and Klesiah stared at this spirit gobsmacked, Klesiah grew all the more embarrassed.

The glowing woman finger light in soft green and she wrote right there in the middle of the world. ''Klesiah practiced a long time to make a pretty mindscape.''

''Don't say that!'' Klesiah repeated, waving her hand in the green smoke. The colorful woman tilted her head, eyes thinning in amusement.

''A-are you... Are you Mother Earth? THE Mother Earth?'' Shereen was trembling in excited disbelief, barely managing to fit this sentence together.

Klesiah and her spirit companion regarded one another for a moment and the colorful entity nodded.

''No.'' Your paladin said. ''She's... a fraction of Mother Earth, a tiny piece of the goddess sent to investigate and help whoever she can... and she saw fit to stay with me for an entire year.'' The spirit propped herself up on tiptoes and patted Klesiah head. ''She's starting to weaken though, she has to return into Mother Earth web.'' The paladin gave the fantastical woman a hard stare and she reacted with a mischievous head tilt.

A question burned your lips.

''Was it you who appeared when the witch tricked me? It happened last year...'' Oh, it had been one confusing mess. Gardy being stuck in time and you signed a contract that granted Ama influence over your entire soul yet your memory end in a shower of warm, inviting colors.

The colored spirit tilted her head and looked to Klesiah after you finished your little story.

''No.'' Your paladin shook her head. ''She has no memory of what you're saying. It was likely another one of Mother Earth avatars if Mina doesn't know... then it means that particular incarnation died.''

That... makes a damnable amount of sense, though surely Gardy would have mentioned that? That's not a mystery you can solve right now.

''Not Mother Earth, but still connected to her...'' Shereen summarized and your knight nodded.

''Yes, she needs to return to Mother Earth realm for the goddess to learn everything that happened here, but I suppose we'll have to handle the witch first. When I mentioned creating our temporary web to search for the Cat...'' There came a wave of fear, the same one you felt earlier during her hesitation with revealing this entity. ''...Doing so would consume Mina, I'm very glad that we don't have to do it. That pearl is a real lifesaver.'' Relief flooded into Klesiah and she went to pat the shiny spirit colorful head.

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It was undeniable, Klesiah was firmly attached to this womanly entity. In a way that might just mirror your relationship with Gardy...

''I won't allow something that sad.'' Shereen agreed, pumping her fists. ''Alright, we ARE going to find that cat with this pearl, our magics, and some old ritual known only by a goddess!''

''I am not a goddess.'' Mina wrote, her gorgeous rainbow eyes looking ahead, into the lake, then she gestured for you and your little sun to walk closer and extended her hands whereupon you felt a surge of intent coming from Klesiah magical flow -your joined souls made the feelings of your magics almost natural- so this sensation was undeniably Mina.

''O-Oh... right, permission.'' Shereen felt it too and already trusted the spirit.

A small bubble of red exited Shereen chest and a steel-colored one came out of your own body. These proceeded to hover near Mina sides who gestured skyward whereupon the tiny white pearl descended.

''With body, life, and the world...'' The spirit voice was a soft midsummer breeze. ''...shall we find our ailing soul.'' Three long strands of rainbow hair slowly grew to gently roll around yours, Klesiah's and Shereen's waists. The magic Mina borrowed mingled with the pearl and the world changed, thankfully, without inducing any reactions in your mind or senses, unlike shifting into the Red World.

You found yourself floating atop a dull, inky grayish dark scenery with bursts of colors coming from the ground, out of living people. Soft, gentle candlelight of myriads colors moved about throughout the countryside. A quick search easily revealed your position, Hildegarde soul was a strange but inviting mix of dull stell mixed with porcelain white, it also highlighted her body perfectly instead of being the unidentifiable torch like the Red World. Zhu...

...? Black? Nothing? She...? You couldn't see her yet she was there, undeniably. A silhouette standing next to the tree...? Impossible. A soul cannot be dark!

Worry, concern and a hint of stern confidence flooded from Klesiah, trying to assuage your fear. She hasn't noticed Zhu's utterly bizarre soul, you decided it was better to avoid putting another worry on her shoulders.

''Where are we?'' Shereen spoke excitedly, making you notice that a white aura shone around everyone, highlighting their bodies. Was it... the pearl protection?

''An in-between limbo that leads everywhere and nowhere. Here, souls glow brightly.''

Your eyes were attracted to a faint golden luster shining in the west like a tiny, yet oddly brilliant star. That was Elina beyond the shadow of a doubt. Stay strong, angel.

''What is that on the city?'' Klesiah said and that's when you noticed an utterly bizarre phenomenon.

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Thank to flying high in the sky, you could see the entirety of Myrtidal, an unearthly manifestation had grabbed the entire city. Thick dark lines spread like a spiderweb above and around the building, linking together in innumerable knots, sometimes visibly pulsing with life that'd create a shockwave of activity throughout this huge, dark... artifact? Anomaly? What is this thing? It continued throughout the horizon toward Marleon.

''This isn't Mother Earth web...'' You said out loud, aghast in dread. You remember the clear, well defined, and pretty golden lines that created Mother Earth gorgeous canvas, this was a chaotic mess of lines and knots.

Soundlessly, Mina guided your group forward at a leisurely, levitating pace. Normally this speed would have needed twenty minutes of flight but this alternate realm didn't project distances accurately, unlike the Red World; only a few moments of flying was needed to float above Myrtidal and this eerie, almost living spiderweb.

''Look at the church!'' Shereen pointed at the grand establishment.

Myriad of webs had gathered, crawling around the walls and roof, tightening around statues and coming together in countless upon countless knots that nearly covered the entire church exterior.

''Mansion, too.'' Klesiah pointed at the faraway domain of duchess Alita where the selfsame manifestation afflicted its architecture.

''W-what would have happened if you did your web with this thing blocking the way?'' Shereen asked, the mouthless colorful spirit stared at her gently and shook her head. She didn't know, or perhaps it would have been a complete waste.

''Wait? Look at the people, there's something one on that one and that one too.'' You pointed out a few denizens of the city, their souls a sad, dim and gray with a core of personal colors. Fragment of this web was embedded inside them and it followed flawlessly whether they disappeared inside a random house or traveled the labyrinthine back alleys of Myrtidal.

''What... Is this how your web function too?'' Shereen asked the spirit and she shook her head slowly. No answer, she couldn't find any.

''Oh, young victimized soul avariciously chased by enemies and servants of the witch, show me thine colors, show me thine burdens as you walk with secrets and vengeance...'' It seemed the spirit had no answer to explain this dreadful phenomenon and her small incantation finished by the soft bursting of a familiar white light that removed the barrier around her body then, filled with renewed purpose and vigor, she suddenly flew forward, dragging you and the girls with the hairs she'd attached around your waists.

She flew into a back alley of Old Myrtidal, skillfully dodging the web, using her colorful hair to make everyone else follow her movements; things quickly became a blur of shapes as you were forced to let things happen. You were no angels, flying was not something you could ever get used to!

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By the Mother Mercy, things ended before you could actually succumb to your urge to throw up. Mina had stopped into a cul-de-sac of a back alley where a group of souls had gathered, six in totals. Five of them were regular, healthy folks with their personal colors surrounding a grayish, pale one with soft burning auburn. Was that...?

Mina extended a hand. Soft fume escaped her body like puffs of steams. Out of her glowing palm came the bubbles of magic she'd borrowed and, as if carried by the wind, they floated toward this lonely soul and entered...

An image burned itself in your mind. A young, short girl, of recent teenage years, skin a shade darker than Shereen with wild long white hair and piercing green eyes. A cocky smile rested on her lips as she seemed to be taunting whoever she was looking at.

A gentle bell chime ringed gently in your ears...

...And you awoke where you belonged, inside your body, next to Shereen and Klesiah, the spirit immediately ending the ritual.

''Was that her? Was that our Black Cat?'' Shereen asked, Hildegarde and Zhui immediately walked close.

Good, it doesn't seem like anything happened.

''The only one that matched our description.'' Klesiah answered. ''We know what she looks like...''

''And she's in Old Myrtidal but that probably won't last. It's going to take us two hours to return into the city, too...'' You grumbled. If only that pearl could have whisked you all away, unseen, into that city.

But you've got a face at least and... what the hell was that web anyway? Why is the city covered in it? Why are some parts planted into people?

>Free (Will offer more greentext if you guys are stumped, for now, I want to see what kind of things you guys want to do. There's quite a lot to digest.)

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>>4268474
Thank god, seems we made the *absolutely* correct call to use the pearl here. I wonder if that letter we accidentally burned would have dropped a hint to do so.

Ok, first, make sure there are no harpies (or anyone else for that matter) trailing us as we head for Old Myrtidal. As we travel, have Klesiah fill us in on that cult. Secret handshakes, key words, basic tenets of dogma, symbology, how and where they tend to do their recruitment/induction, etc. We may have to try and pass as one of them or could use that knowledge to set off a local revolt and/or hide if the guards lock onto us.

Second, the glaive may be hard to hide but is there any way to make it look like a walking stick from a distance? Cover the blade in cloth and walk with it blade towards the dirt? Could we perhaps adopt the posture of a hunchback to also conceal the shield under our cloak as well? None of it stands up to closer scrutiny, but at a glance it should pass.

Any way to quickly change Klesiah's hair color as well? Blue kinda sticks out methinks, make it brown, blood red, anything but blue. Y'know, so as to ensure she isn't *immediately* recognized by townsfolk. Same thing if we can make the glaive or shield *look* like they're entirely made of wood. Anything to conceal our previous identities/descriptions so that we may avoid any potential APB at first glance.

As for that web, it's either Ama's, Zerase's, or Ari'el's. 1 and 3 are the most likely. Hope our ritual didn't drop that last one any hints as to her location.

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>>4268553
>Second, the glaive may be hard to hide but is there any way to make it look like a walking stick from a distance? Cover the blade in cloth and walk with it blade towards the dirt? Could we perhaps adopt the posture of a hunchback to also conceal the shield under our cloak as well? None of it stands up to closer scrutiny, but at a glance it should pass.
I'll need a roll to gauge the general effectiveness of your disguise but yeah, you've got enough spare clothes to make an attempt.
>Any way to quickly change Klesiah's hair color as well?
No, she can don Hildegarde shawl and the girl can make her hair into a long ponytail and hide it under her clothes but you don't have any dyes.

>>4268568
>no dye
Maybe we do. Blood magic hair gel/dye? Guessing you don't want any rolls until people agree on the disguise attempt right?

Also, if this little golden sprite boosts Klesiah's combat ability through fusion options or gives her access to holy healing magic then, on top of what just happened, the goddess is starting to redeem herself. At least, her shards are anyway.

One other question, did that four armed demon bitch get a good hard look at Hilde's face? Please say no, that'd be very bad for us. Are you gonna update tomorrow or are ya taking a break to fix the main comp?

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>>4268584
>Blood magic hair gel/dye?
Hm... Shereen isn't confident with pulling that off and it'll take an entire canteen of blood, leaving you only with a potion. Still, if you can trust your little sun, it's not an impossible task. It'll likely she'll need to keep embracing Focus for the dye to keep working, so keep that in mind.
>Guessing you don't want any rolls until people agree on the disguise attempt right?
It'll proceed into a new scene as I write a little infodump about the angel cult so yeah, I'd like more voices.
>did that four-armed demon bitch get a good hard look at Hilde's face?
The maid would say so, yeah. Goliath-lady was relentless and forced her on the defensives.
I'll likely be getting up early and go on a quest in quarantine to find a replacement part, so I'll probably be too tired to make an update tomorrow. I might be able to post the discussion about the angel cult, though no promises.

Hm, maybe I should take into account what players feel about the sprite inhabiting Klesiah soul. For now, Arawn believe it's very much a positive coexistence based on his experience with Gardy, but perhaps that shouldn't be the case.

>>4268612
Oh Arawn's got a positive view of it/them. In his mind they've tried to help him with the Bad Fluffy problem and did technically save his soul from his major fuck up with Ama's contract. Apparently one particular shard sacrificed itself to preserve our general domain over our own soul instead of allowing Ama to become the "majority shareholder" if ya know what I mean.

I'm just a bit bitter from an outsider's perspective. A goddess (even a shard of one), you'd think, would be more powerful and effective against the likes of Ama. Well, unless Ama's essentially a dark "Tenko" and thus practically a dark god herself. I fear that may well be the case sadly. A true witch/god of contracts upon whose domain even Mother Earth has difficulty interfering...

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>>4268637
Klesiah is also a firm devotee of the goddess and that's something to respect... It'd be fun to explore her relationship with Mina if you can!
I'll summarize what I feel to be your vote.

>Have Shereen dye Klesiah hair with her magic by using your recently acquired blood canteen. Proceed to enter Myrtidal in disguises to find The Black Cat. (1d20+5 for disguise effectiveness of your overall group)
>Talk about the cult (Free choice)

Talking about the cult is a free choice, it's also possible to ask questions about Mina or Klesiah time as Mother Earth prisoner, what happened to a certain vampire etc.

Only rolls once we get some agreement.

>>4268665

I'm ok with that happening.
Are we going to be using the same under wall passage we used to get out, to get back into Myrtidal, or using one of the Gates?
Because the Wall's Guards are the most likely to be actively looking for her not the Vigil.


We should also have someone ( probably Zhu ) go find Fortune and let her know that we're back and get caught up on what happened while were away, and let them know what the rest of us are doing.

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>>4268691
None of the tunnels (that Klesiah knows) lead into Myrtidal so you'll be using the main road. There's no gates or walls around the city, only the duchess manor got some, so entering is pretty damn easy.

>We should also have someone ( probably Zhu ) go find Fortune and let her know that we're back and get caught up on what happened while were away, and let them know what the rest of us are doing.

That'll mean sending her away on a two-day trip back into Marleon. You'll need some way to convince her because that suggestion from the onset will be met with a very firm, angry no. You might be mistaking Myrtidal for the capital. See there >>4260454 is the city (you are in the outlying farms right now, in the south)

Since I won't update tomorrow I can leave this choice open for a while longer.

>>4268665
You said that to maintain the dye Shereen will likely have to stay in focus. Isn't that mighty noticeable and an immediate red flag for anyone seeing it?

>>4268717
Yes, but you can pile on some clothes to dim the light and have everyone stand around her. It's also daylight so her inner shine isn't that strong.

Poor girl is gonna sweat though.

>>4268710
I think i'm might getting confused by the place names.

Many of the quest i'm following have places that start with M that sort of sound similar, they are probably blurring together, i also might have scrolled past the map a little to quickly.

Woops.

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>>4268728
That's okay, what's important is to know what's happening and where you are!

>>4268726
Ok then, another question. How much blood is in a potion compared to the canteen and could the blood be "recovered" back into the canteen once it has served its purpose and we're ready to clear the fuck out of dodge or open hostilities? Will the spell place a constant drain on our adorable doggo?

>>4268771
Oh, and on the offensive/healing front, how much blood is needed to use the basics in regards to those and could Shereen use her magic to funnel blood into a container from any fresh bleeding wounds?

I mean, we're set to Ice right now. A nice hollow spike to "tap" a fresh source could be a useful tactic going forward. Also, if it happens, is angel blood especially good as a reagent for blood mages?

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>>4268771
>How much blood is in a potion compared to the canteen
Potion is a simple small quaff while the canteen is a liter and a half. Shereen will need that much volume to make the spell work since she's so inexperienced with it. She could try only using a potion but that'd need a good roll on her part.
>could the blood be "recovered" back into the canteen once it has served its purpose and we're ready to clear the fuck out of dodge or open hostilities?
No
>Will the spell place a constant drain on our adorable doggo?
Yes but the number is insignificant. It'll make for a ''strong'' spell after around 3 hours of continuous use and while her reserve is nowhere near similar to Arawn's, she'll be good for much more.
>>4268781
>Oh, and on the offensive/healing front, how much blood is needed to use the basics in regards to those
Volume is far too variable. She can do a healing spell with less blood and more magic, or do that same healing spell with more blood and less magic. Impossible to put a number on it. More blood reduces the price of her spell.
>Could Shereen use her magic to funnel blood into a container from any fresh bleeding wounds?
Only from a weakened victim with a wavering consciousness. She can't just pull blood away from someone with a light wound, since that means interacting directly with the body however Blood Magic CAN overpower someone will but it needs to be significantly weakened. A willing host is no problem though, as is blood directly collected out of a wound falling or falling on the ground etc.
>Also, if it happens, is angel blood especially good as a reagent for blood mages?
You'll have to find out.

>>4268803
So if we inflict a heavy or "gushing" wound then collection isn't a problem as she'd just gain control of it as it fell to the ground and it'd count as "fresh" blood from a "living" target so long as they still draw breath? Would we have to cast the spell now or would it matter if we waited an hour or so to give Klesiah a dye job? Is said dye job the reason for the +5 if we go for it?

Also, say we wanna "donate" to our little blood bank. Can we be precise about it? Losing a single "pint" (i.e. a third of the canteen abouts) doesn't negatively impact the average human much. Would that be stronger stuff than what we got now? Could blood losses be "healed" through blood magic or healing potions? Like, say we or someone else donates a pint after she casts the spell. If we get in a fight, then use the blood of our fallen enemies or drinking a pot to heal our wounds restore our red blood cell count and lost plasma?

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>>4268847
>So if we inflict a heavy or "gushing" wound then collection isn't a problem as she'd just gain control of it as it fell to the ground and it'd count as "fresh" blood from a "living" target so long as they still draw breath?

Something like that yeah, but it's still no guarantee because sometime a person current emotion/mindset could interfere. Blood Magic remain, above all, a ritual magic and Shereen is hopelessly inexperienced with her magical potential.
>Also, say we wanna "donate" to our little blood bank. Can we be precise about it?
Gonna need to go about it with a knife but she could do her best to extract a small amount.
However this kind of exercise will take some time.
>Would that be stronger stuff than what we got now?
Not when it comes to Shereen handling it.
>Could blood losses be "healed" through blood magic or healing potions?
Yes for both.
>If we get in a fight, then use the blood of our fallen enemies or drinking a pot to heal our wounds restore our red blood cell count and lost plasma?
Yes.

You guys had plenty of opportunities to investigate Shereen magic and make exercise with her in the past so I'll remain fairly vague here. She's not good at manipulating her magic and might need much more blood for minor things unless her emotions are helping her, that's the main thing to understand.

>>4268872
Ok then, given all that I think my plan's a good one. Errr, how long until sundown? We'll pretty much have to drop the dye job once it gets dark as at that point Shereen will literally "glow in the dark" and that's not a good thing. Also, how long to carefully harvest a pint?

>>4268888
> Errr, how long until sundown?
It's noon now, it'll take you two hours to get back into Myrtidal.
>Also, how long to carefully harvest a pint?
15 to 20 minutes.
Yes, Shereen is that slow.

>>4268895
Last bit then, could a donation be made on the way to Myrtidal as we walk without disrupting the dye job? I just want to be as prepared as possible for anything.

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>>4268905
>Last bit then, could a donation be made on the way to Myrtidal as we walk without disrupting the dye job?
Unfortunately not, it'll mean doing two spells since she'll need to keep the dye maintained.

If we get one more agreement for this >>4268665 you guys can be free to roll 1d20+5

>>4268919
You're counting all of this as me voting for my own option bringing current total to 2 right? I get wanting a third though, once the dice start rolling ain't go going back.

>>4268932
Yeah, I assumed you wanted that. Since I won't update tomorrow, doing it this way should save some time. Otherwise, I can always roll

>>4268938
Oh, before I sleep, it's two hours to Myrtidal right? That should be enough time to learn all about the cult and speak about one other thing before we risk townsfolk overhearing us. Could ask about Mina, let Zhu and Klesiah catch up with one another, or something else.

>>4269018
Hm, I'll see about potentially sneaking a discussion like that. I'll need to see how it flow and/or if people are interested in that.

Rolled 17 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4268919
I'm good with that, but also I'm not sure you said we cleaned any blood that got on us, so do that too if we haven't.

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I wonder if I should go lower is better in my next project. Don't think you guys are gonna chance a potentially higher number huh?

I might have to wait until Monday to get a replacement part so I'll do my best to keep it business as usual.
Only had 4 hours of sleep, I just know I'm going to crash this evening so thread will restart proper tomorrow.

>>4269413
Good roll, and yeah, clean that blood off. Blood magic can do that quick and easy right?

>>4269598
>That pic
The blueberry is going to wear a dress like that in the near future if we have anything to say about it. Hot damn!

Now now, the dice gods are ever fickle, you'll get your chance to REJOICE at some point. Be patient. But yeah, a 22. We're damn near Secret Agent who had plastic surgery tier disguised. Plus we look poor as shit so we *probably* won't get shaken down by random guards for no good reason. Old Myrtidal is basically the slums right? We should put a few copper and silver pieces into a "muggers" wallet so that we can hand that off claiming it's all we got if we do get unlucky though.

Also, we saw the color of our target's "soul" right? Relay that info to Zhu. That's gonna be our best bet of narrowing down targets in a crowd. Now that we know about that web and can tell Zhu to look for it will she be able to see it? After all, people miss a lot of things unless specifically prompted to look for them. I am quite worried about her soul though. Void black means either heavily corrupted or something else that simply cannot be good. Can we perform a battery/psuedo-link with non-mages? I'd think a little dose of our mojo might boost her vision's capabilities and possibly give is a hint as to why her soul's a void in the tapestry of the world.

As anyone who's tried to do it knows, any attempt to "juke" the dice gods tends to end badly for the juker. It's like they know!

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>>4269667
You're in the right place for some exotic dresses too. I see that vanilla is starting to becoming appealing.
>We're damn near Secret Agent who had plastic surgery tier disguised.
It was more about a successful dc than an actual show of competence. Complications may... or may not arise inevitably. We'll see.
>Old Myrtidal is basically the slums right?
Pretty much, a slum beaten into submission because of its proximity to the manor.
>Also, we saw the color of our target's "soul" right?
Yeah, pretty, soft auburn.
>Can we perform a battery/psuedo-link with non-mages?
You haven't tried, in theory you wouldn't be able to.

>>4269717
To bad we can't go around buying some without getting shaken down. We never get to have any fun or catch a break!

What was the DC then? Also, theories exist to be tested. One potential spell we haven't learned/remembered yet is "reinforce other/ally". If we can do that to a non-mage we may be just a little experiment or a minor magitek device away from pulling it off. For science!

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>>4269732
>What was the DC then?
DM secret! For now, you guys will concentrate more on discussion, putting a magical practice while keeping a disguise and being alert of your surrounding and remaining inconspicuous is a wee bit too much for me to allow.