Brom 2013/03/19(Tue)01:06 No. 501033 ID: 20ac80
File 136368038010.png - (134.81KB , 800x600 , 2.png )

And one enters, and the swirling portal seeps away in tendrils off the gleaming surface of his helmet.

"I've come here to kill you," says Epraim.

Brom 2013/03/19(Tue)01:06 No. 501034 ID: 20ac80
File 136368038979.png - (299.01KB , 800x600 , 3.png )

"Really, little mage?

How do you intend on doing that?"

>>501034
Turn his chair into a prison which then crushes him into goo.

>((Epraim is the most dangerous elementalist alive. There are no rules of combat that can constrain him. Almost anything you can think of with any element (his favorite being stone) he can do))

it is literally surrounded by earth and air.
easy mode: >>501035

awesome mode: use wind to blow down and keep him in place and raise two sharp edges from the earth and split him in half all scissors like.

To begin with, lift a massive rock out of the ground (or dump off and pull over an island if your platform is not large enough to supply one) to prepare for for an obvious attack, and then impale him from multiple directions with spikes from his throne.
We may or may not need it, but I feel like listing all the contingency plans I can think of. If he lacks vital organs you should encase and crush him. If he (against appearances) is the dodging or teleporting type you should saturate everywhere but your location with flying shards. If he surrounds himself with a shield, attack him using the air inside the shield. If he surrounds himself with an anti-magic zone (if that is even a thing here), throw islands at him an let momentum work for you. If he is impervious to kinetic harm you should encase him, drown him in magma, then cool the magma as much and as quickly as possible.

Cover self in diamond/adamantium armor
Shoot self like diamond/adamantium bullet

>>501065
This, except jump down his throat and shoot spikes of the stuff outward from you in all directions. Also, draw all those little spires of rock towards you and see if you can entomb Getlx like that. Then bust out of his chest, like a chest burster.

Remove the air from his lungs, remove the water from his blood, remove all the stone from below him and trap him in an airless tomb.

Damn tgchan you're cruel. I like it.

>>501035
This is probably the most reliable method.

do dat face

lets go overboard with spikes. Every platform as well as his throne should just explode with hard stone spike, impaling everyone. With the prince, impale his arms and legs with them up their entire length, and grow spike off the spikes inside him for extra pain/restraint.

Then when it's just him and he's trapped by being impaled, suck the air from his lungs and make the air around him super super dense. That should crush him (I think).

We don't actually know what it takes to kill Getlx, so we need to be as thorough as possible. Spikes won't do it. We need to crush him.

And we need to do it quickly, too. He probably beats us in terms of brute strength, so there's a good chance he can block most direct attacks unless we truly overwhelm him.

Brom 2013/03/19(Tue)20:01 No. 501217 ID: 553ad9
File 136374851215.png - (356.94KB , 800x600 , 4.png )

A tendon in Epraim's neck twitches.

Getlx's throne crashes into violent motion and binds him in place.

Brom 2013/03/19(Tue)20:02 No. 501218 ID: 553ad9
File 136374853987.png - (190.00KB , 800x600 , 5.png )

Epraim stomps and coats himself in stone.
With a hissing exhalation he flash-blasts it into diamond and blasts into the air toward the suddenly trapped Getlx.

Spits of earth rise into the air to intercept him, covered in howling, keening devils.

Oh hey, more stone. How about we just plain add that to our body, impale the demons riding on them with spikes, and stand as a giant stone (or diamond?) golem covered in dying demons to do battle with the giant demon.

Operation Katamari is Go

Brom 2013/03/19(Tue)21:21 No. 501228 ID: 553ad9
File 136375328723.png - (76.53KB , 800x600 , 6.png )

Epraim catches the flying boulders as they careen toward him and knits them into a huge, haphazard exoskeleton that sheds rock and panicking demons as it flies.

One clambers onto an arm and aims a crossbow at Epraim. With a roll of his shoulder he vaporizes every liquid in its body, popping it like a balloon.

Getlx snaps an arm out from its stone prison, the shackles crumbling before his bulbous, milky flesh. "No. Nononono, little one. LOOK AT ME."

>>501228
Do not look at the madness-demon, lest he get into your head. Slam those floating islands into his eyes, spiky bottoms first. Then bring them to meet the stone behind it, or it to them, like an iron maiden.

This is the part where I suggest regular applications of lava. Sweet, delicious lava.

Brom 2013/03/20(Wed)00:38 No. 501241 ID: 553ad9
File 136376513252.png - (151.58KB , 800x600 , 7.png )

>>501229
The madness prince's beady, red-ringed eyes bore into Epraim's crystal-hard mind.

Epraim is not afraid.
He does not flinch.
He looks right back, and allows the prince a glimpse.

He lets him figure out just what he is looking at.

"What are you?" whispers the Gibberlord, Getlx, Prince of Scintillation and Duke Of Dementia.

Brom 2013/03/20(Wed)00:40 No. 501242 ID: 553ad9
File 136376521262.png - (452.02KB , 800x600 , 8.png )

"WHAT ARE YOU"

Epraim springs neatly from the crumbling remains of his construct as Getlx lurches upright, pulling the stone throne in half up and off the floor of his palace.

>>501242
Jeez, we still have yet to actually hit this guy. I say we start tossing projectiles at him, of various elemental types. See what works best.

Meanwhile, play keep-away. Grab a rock and surf on it, or just use the wind to toss yourself around.

>>501242
ok, enough playing around. lets kill him before the others see us. his eyes are made of liquid and are inside his skull. flow them up into his brain and freeze them there.

>>501256
haha yes freeze his precious maddening eyes!

All you have to do is think and he'll die. Just make the water in his body sublimate. Make him bleed red steam.

Earth is our favorite element, and we're surrounded by it. Raise up the floor, envelop him, and crush. Repeat until finished.

>>501242
"I'm your prom date, you ugly sack of shit!"
Sorry

Brom 2013/03/20(Wed)22:34 No. 501483 ID: 553ad9
File 136384405678.png - (319.14KB , 800x600 , 9.png )

>>501256
>>501257
The demon prince has no pores. To get through Getlx's blubber and craggy skin, and into his fluids, Epraim would need to get a lot closer.

He can do that.

With a violent, snapping blast of wind he propels himself toward Getlx. The prince raises a hand to protect himself which Epraim punches clean through.

A split second later he hits Getlx's right eye, which gives way.

Brom 2013/03/20(Wed)22:34 No. 501484 ID: 553ad9
File 136384406384.png - (114.76KB , 800x600 , 10.png )

"No but my eyes my visorb squelch what did you dooooo" the prince moans.

Epraim furrows his brow and feels the liquid and viscera around him crackle and harden.
"Rip you smash you what did you do what did you what are you" howls Getlx, as his eyes begin to freeze in his skull.

"I told you, boy," Epraim says, his voice low and calm. "I'm the one who's come here to kill you."

Brom 2013/03/20(Wed)22:34 No. 501485 ID: 553ad9
File 136384406885.png - (111.36KB , 800x600 , 11.png )

With a sickening crunch, two lances of brittle frozen gore slam through Getlx's brain and out the back of his skull, killing him instantly.

>>501485
Got 'em. Get out of his head and back to the exit.

Now, we gotta extract the other mages from the portal maze. What was the plan for that? Also, should you be disguising how this guy was killed? Make it less obvious that someone truly awesome did it? Or do we just leave him sitting here with holes in his head?

>>501485
don't forget to kill the witnesses

Brom 2013/03/23(Sat)18:31 No. 502034 ID: 98cd65
File 136408869099.png - (63.84KB , 800x600 , 12.png )

Epraim lands neatly near the portal out as Getlx's corpse wavers and crashes to the ground.

Epraim doesn't reckon anyone survived that little golem stunt he pulled. It was flashy, but everyone needs an outlet.

Most of the demons either fell to their death or were crushed.

Brom 2013/03/23(Sat)18:31 No. 502035 ID: 98cd65
File 136408869860.png - (92.68KB , 800x600 , 13.png )

Still, he reflects, as he walks into the portal, it can't hurt to make doubly sure.

Brom 2013/03/23(Sat)18:31 No. 502036 ID: 98cd65
File 136408870915.png - (45.09KB , 800x600 , 14.png )

Diometricus Phrale Eregiorum plants a foot on the demon's head and yanks. His Wisiazek-pattern dagger (one of the brace Dahlia gave him) exits its skull with a nearly comical pop.

Euch, it's covered in monster brain.

He's wiping it off on his glove when Epraim phases in through the portal.
"Epraim! Hey!" says Dio. "Where'd you go? Wendat was looking for you."
"Well." Epraim shrugs. "Here I am."
"You missed a hell of a fight out here," says Dio.
"Reckon I did, but Getlx is dead." Epraim starts walking toward the portal on the opposite side of the room. There's a low rumble under their feet. "Skip to, Dio. This place is gonna collapse soon."

>>502036
Alrighty. Ask him while the fight went while hurrying to the portal. He did it by himself? That's impressive!

Also ask how we're gonna get out- all these portals seem to transport us randomly.

don't skip to, skip past. let's get the fuck out.

are we done here? i think we're done here.
can we go back to dio?

Brom 2013/03/24(Sun)01:58 No. 502114 ID: 98cd65
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To say Dio jumps to would be an understatement.

"Uh but Epraim how exactly do we get out of here if the portals take us to a random destination?" he says, as he catches up to the easy stride of the Elementalist.
"Just keep going through till we get outside," Epraim replies evenly.

As worrying as this cavalier attitude toward bodily wholeness is, it proves fruitful when the next teleporter deposits them neatly onto a floating boulder on the outskirts of the castle.

As Epraim pointed out, it is collapsing. Great plumes of dust rise from the Prince of Excess' bizarre keep as it shakes itself to pieces.

"Bloody hell," says Wendat.
"Oh, my," says Eulinda.
"FUCKING FUCK YEAH," says Random.
"Damn," says Dio.
"Hmm," says Orpheo.
"THAT WAS FUCKING WICKED," says Random.
Epraim does not say anything.

"Well, with that I would call our business here tidily concluded," says Orpheo. "Unless anyone else has anything they wish to accomplish on the divine plane it's high time we returned to the gate back home."
"Sounds like a plan," says Wendat. "I'm sweating like a pig at a luau out here."
"Hold your horses, Blinky," says Random. "I wanna go rub it in the infernal court's faces that I took down a demon prince. That's worth hella cred."
"You took down a demon prince?" says Wendat, incredulous. "So we just bow out and tell that bony bastard wossname back at his palace this was all you."
"That's what we'll say. Well." Random sniffs. "I mean maybe if you guys wanted credit you could be my vassals or something. The court of the Abyss is a touchy thing for a newbie to navigate."

What the hell, Random? Since when were you a POSER? Exaggeration is one thing, but making up shit is another.

I dunno, maybe we should be nice and let Random keep most of the credit. after all he's a lot more involved with the infernal than anyone else, i.e. actually has a whole lot more to gain from the boost in notoriety than anyone else.

but he owes us. leverage is a bitch.

>>502114
Let him take the (official) credit. Unlike the rest of the group, he actually gets something out of it.

>>502174
why are we here? if it's just to get rid of the demon and keep the mages' strength in the shadows no one can take the credit and we're going to need to destroy the ones who know it was us.
if it's to send a message about going against the mages then the mages as a whole needs to take the credit.
if we don't care about whether or not people know of who did it, the random should get the credit because he's the only one of the group that can use it. of course the group should lord it over him forever if he gets the credit.

Brom 2013/03/30(Sat)00:30 No. 502788 ID: 0eef61
File 136462864592.png - (36.63KB , 800x600 , 15a.png )

"Since when were you a poser, Random?" says Dio.
"Say wha," says Random.
"You're just gonna waltz in there and make shit up in front of a bunch of spooky demons?" says Dio.
"I'm not making shit up! Hey!" Random is very clearly fuming. "It's called... diplomacy. Creative diplomacy."
"Whatever, dude," says Dio. "You're still gonna owe us big time."
"All of us," says Wendat.
"Epraim?" says Random.
"Yep," says Epraim, stoic as ever.
"Whole new definitions of owing," says Dio.
"Fuck all y'all."
"A chiseled mountain of debt."
"You already sexile me like every day for that Veltkrick biddy. If anything you owe me."
"I can't hear you over the hum of the packed laundry machines in your future, Random. They are packed with my undies, Random."
"And mine," Wendat interjects.
"And Wendat's undies, Random. And Eulinda's. And Epraim's."
"Yep."
"On my dime?"
"How many spin cycles is a demon prince worth, do you think?"
"Fine," hisses Random. "I'll be your semi-bitch for like a week."
"What's all this semi stuff? AND we get private bragging rights"
"One week of bitch, one month of bragging rights."
"Three months."
"Two. Final offer."
"Deal."
"Now let's get off this dusty shitplatter before I change my mind." Random storms off toward the portal.

Brom 2013/03/30(Sat)00:34 No. 502789 ID: 0eef61
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As Dio follows his compatriots to the mainland, he feels a hand on his shoulder. He turns to see Orpheo. His mentor has been even more reserved than usual, he realizes.
"Is something wrong, Orpheo?"
"Not Earth-shatteringly," says Orpheo, quietly, "but there's something I think you need to know."
"You have something you want to tell me?"
"I certainly don't want to tell you anything, but before you return home to Miss Veltkrick, I have to tell you something."
"Is it bad?"
"In certain ways."
Dio feels his throat drying up. "Is it about Dahlia?"
"It's about her and, ehr, ah, some, uh. Some genealogy I may have stumbled upon."

Brom 2013/03/30(Sat)00:37 No. 502790 ID: 0eef61
File 136462904005.png - (134.36KB , 800x600 , 17.png )

Orpheo follows the others and leaves Dio alone for a while to digest the current state of affairs. Dio removes his helmet and gazes at his reflection.
Perhaps it shouldn't be a surprise. They look so similar people sometimes call them the Double Ds.

His cousin.

Dahlia Zur Veltkrick, Diometricus' girlfriend, is his cousin.

Well.

His second cousin.

There's that c-word, though.

Right there.

It's sure there, all right.

What's the cultural incest taboo around here? How many generations apart should you be, removed, etc. for it to be appropriate? I'm mean, is it okay to when it's a 5th cousin? Or a 10th cousin? Hey, Orpeheo might be your 100th cousin 50 times removed for all the hell we know.

You're not twins separated at birth thank god, lord knows that's probably happened more than it should.

>>502790
Time to have a heart-to-heart with the ladyfriend asap.

>>502790
I don't think it's a big deal. Hopefully she doesn't either, but you know you gotta tell her.

yeah ma, even pragmatically speaking it's not that big a deal. but it's still important you talk about it rather then let it be this massive elephant in the room.

ew.

seriously you guys imagine you've been fucking your cousin. that's disgusting.

ew.

you gotta break it off, man.

>>502790
dude, who cares!
biology lesson: having kids with your second cousin is often better, genetically speaking, than with a stranger because the odds of beneficial recessive genes carrying through is higher than the odds of bad ones. people are predisposed to be attracted to their second cousins, it's biology. the taboo stems from closer related family and more importantly, a family connection; it is fucked up to have sex with someone you grew up with and consider family, but you didn't know her at all until a while ago. this changes nothing.

you should obviously still talk this over with her, and ask her what she thinks, but you should definitely not decide against a good relationship over a thing like that. especially not on your own; she has a say in the matter as well.

>>502790
SECOND cousin. She's distantly related enough that it's really not too big a deal.

We are talking about a fairly closed society of mages here. Am guessing everyone is somewhat related. Second cousin is far enough away to not have any problems genetically. Culturally am not sure.

>>502790
You should probably tell her, and then proceed to not give a single fuck.
Seriously. It's second cousins. This is not exactly a big deal, and it's nobody's business but hers and yours.

>>502832
i agree

Brom 2013/04/05(Fri)14:25 No. 504051 ID: 20ac80
File 136519714914.png - (79.88KB , 800x600 , 18.png )

Dio is going to have to tell her, he decides.

He stares at the floor all the way through Random's negotiations with Xephyrious

"And then I shit down the stump and wiped my ass with his fucking banner and tore his whole fucking palace down!"
"Hmm."
"The moral being do not fuck with Sterro."
"And your friends?"
"They were there for applause and footrubs."

which are mercifully short.

Brom 2013/04/05(Fri)14:26 No. 504052 ID: 20ac80
File 136519716095.png - (209.17KB , 800x600 , 19.png )

The Material plane is cool and mercifully humid after the dry, crackling Abyss of Divine. It is morning and the Arcanopolis is bathed in thin amethyst fog. The air hums with magic. Dio takes a deep breath of it.

Despite what he's going to have to do, it's good to be home.

"Well I for one am incredibly hungry," says Wendat. "There is a cheesesteak at Burton's with my name on it. Anyone else?"
"Ooh, yeah." says Eulinda. "I haven't been there in forever."
"Arright," says Epraim.

"Eff all y'all," says Random. "I'm going back to the university, showering and taking a nap. A long one."
"Grandstanding takes a lot out of you, huh?" says Wendat.
"Naw but killing like fifty demons does," says Random. "How many did you get?"
"I'm not psychopathic enough to count."
"I bet you got like 10."
"Twenty-three."

>>504052
You don't want to wait to tell her, and you don't want to do it on a full stomach anyway.

Do it now.

agreed. go Dahliaways.

Brom 2013/04/05(Fri)16:54 No. 504083 ID: 20ac80
File 136520608099.png - (140.05KB , 800x600 , 20.png )

"Yeah, I think I'm heading back too," says Dio. "Have fun at Burton's, guys."
"Be well, Dio," says Epraim.
"Thanks, Epraim." Dio's still mystified by the big, quiet Elementalist, but he seems like a friendly guy.

He checks the practice rooms. Dahlia spends lots of time here turning invisible and knifing people.
He's gonna miss that. Maybe.

He doesn't find her, but he does hear some familiar voices the next room over.
"Aye, well, I figure ye'd spend more money on gas than feed anyway."
"Now you kind of would with the war on and everything, but can you pet a car? Can you looove a car?"
"Oh, and you can pet-slash-love a horse?"
"Of course you can."
"Maybe you can. I dinnae want to get near em."
"Are you worried it'd bite you?"
"Nae, but have you seen one of those things take a shite? Every time I'm near one I want to get out of eyeshot as soon as possible. I'm praying to any spirits that can hear me, oh dear spirits please don't let that thing shite in front of me, it's gonnae scar me for life. And they always do."
"Maybe you're such a relaxing presence they just forget to hold it in"
"I say they just dinnae like me. Ohh, here comes Pyramus, they say. We can't bite him or he'll turn us into glue but did you eat your burritos this morning? Oh aye, let's let him have it. Nope. Soon as I can affort one I'm getting meself a nice cart."
"Whatever. I'll race you or someth- Dio!"

His best friend Jai walks in, followed shortly by his second-best friend Pyramus, lugging a great big Waani scimitar with him. They're both in sparring gear.
"Glad to see you're still in one piece, lad," says Pyramus.
"Diiiio!" says Jai. "How was Hell, dude?"

Dio considers.

"Hot," he says, truthfully.
"I imagine," says Pyramus. "Have fun?"

>>504083
Some, I guess.

Ask if they've seen Dahlia.

>>504083
if she's not arround ask jai for a private talk. there's nothing quite like a best friend for getting your head around a dilemma. you've been there for her, she'll be there for you. unless you feel it's something too private to share with even her - something that no one other than you and dahlia should ever know about, i say cobsult with jai.

NO. We are not telling anyone but Dahlia about this!

put that training to good use, beat up some demons.

>>504092
This is too private to share with anyone else first. What if Dahlia does want anyone else to know?

fine. where's Dahlia?

We should talk to Jai about this, but not when Pyramus is around. Pyramus is a buddy, sure, but this a little too personal for buddies. Ask him if you can steal Jai, and then go talk to her about things.

>>504114
Yeah. Tell Dahlia before anyone else.

Brom 2013/04/07(Sun)13:24 No. 504407 ID: 20ac80
File 136536629357.png - (246.09KB , 800x600 , 21.png )

"It was fun, I guess," says Dio.
"You guess?"
"Yeah, you know. Put the training to use, beat up some demons."
"You alright, Dio?" Jai folds her arms. She sounds a little concerned.

"I'm fine," says Dio, brightly. "Have you seen Dahlia around?"
"Not since like noon," says Pyramus. "She said she'd be studying in her room or the library. I think she had a History of the Hells test coming up?"
"Well we gon' have to put those plans on hold," says Jai. "The prodigal son has returned! C'mon, let's go find her and go grab dinner or drinks or something to celebrate you not getting toasted."

thanks but no thanks we got something we gotta talk to her about

just... something okay it's private business GO AWAY

STOP ASKING ME ALL THESE QUESTIONS

>>504407
Tell her you'll meet her in about an hour, since you have to talk with Dahlia about something.

>>504407
Uhhhh

Say that would be great, but you think you might be busy with some private time with Dahlia first. Just for a bit.

>>504407

Take them up on it. This information isn't going anywhere; she was your cousin beforehand. You just know a little more.

Besides, dumping this on her just before she has to pull into an exam or focus is a really crappy thing to do.

Relax and have fun with your friends.

>>504407
Later tonight. For now I need to take a shower and relax for a couple hours. Thanks for the welcome home guys, but I'll see you later.

Brom 2013/04/07(Sun)14:57 No. 504431 ID: 20ac80
File 136537184907.png - (252.54KB , 800x600 , 22.png )

"Yeah, maybe in an hour or so," says Dio. "I don't want to celebrate anything while I still smell like sulfur."
"I thought that was just Jai," says Pyramus. "Ow," he says, as his girlfriend delivers him a playful punch in the shoulder with maybe a little playful arcane juice playfully amplifying it.
"I still haven't forgiven you for bringing that scimitar in with you," she says.
"It's a falchion, ye sore loser."
"It's bullshit. I'm prepping a crazy throw/force curtain juggle and he just waltzes up and stabs me."
Pyramus puts his arm around Jai's waist. Dio feels a twinge of something he can't identify in his chest.
"Try fighting Wendat. He brings a crossbow."
"I should get a crossbow," says Jai, thoughtfully. "Whatever. Go shower or whatever, Stinkometirucs Phrale... uh... Eregistinkyum."
"Good one," says Dio.
"Text us when you're done, though? I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."

Dio walks back out into the late afternoon. The streetlights around the dorms have flickered into light. Everything has a soft pink glow to it.
He heads toward Zijja Residence Quad, where Dahlia's room is. The library isn't far off, which may explain why Zijja's got its rep as the antiparty quad.

The world is quiet here. Dio kind of likes it.

>>504431
Don't drag this out any longer. Waiting won't change anything, and you're just going to get yourself all worked up and worried.
Go on, hurry up.

>>504431
Sounds like you've still got some feelings for Jai. Well. We'll see what happens.

I say try to clear your head and enjoy the walk.

Brom 2013/04/07(Sun)17:46 No. 504466 ID: 20ac80
File 136538200327.png - (175.58KB , 800x600 , 23.png )

There's a knock on Dahlia's door.
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here," she calls. "Currently getting butt kicked by HoH exam."

"Hey," says Dio.

Brom 2013/04/07(Sun)17:46 No. 504467 ID: 20ac80
File 136538201180.png - (113.88KB , 800x600 , 24.png )

Dahlia tackles him.

"Did you miss me?" asks Dio. His hands instinctively go around her hips. She's your cousin, Dio. For spirits' sake.
"How could you tell?" She lies down on his chest.
Well, second cousin.
"The rug burns are a good indication."
"Hi, Dio."
"Hi, Dahl. Let me up?"
"Not until you tell me how many demons you dunked. How was hell?"

>>504467
Hot, disappointing, sad, adrenaline fueled, exciting, happy, more sad, and plenty more emotions.

Hot. Dangerous. Engaging. Fun.

The smell isn't like her though. Hoo boy is Hell stinky.

Also tell her how many demons you killed.

Brom 2013/04/08(Mon)00:16 No. 504532 ID: 20ac80
File 136540539428.png - (217.63KB , 800x600 , 25.png )

"Hot, dangerous, engaging, fun, and smelly," says Dio.
"Like a certain young man I know," says Dahlia, helping him to his feet.

"Are you implying something about my personal hygiene?"
"No, but you're smelly because you didn't take me along." She takes his hands and gently pulls him into her room. "I've never seen the Divine Plane."
"It was, uh, flat."
"Flat?"
"And red. Flat and red."
"Kill any demons?"
"A zillion."
"You're taking me with you next time. I wanna meet a demon."
"The ones we met weren't exactly the friendliest bunch."
"Perfect. I wanna meet and then fight a demon. It would probably be easier than what I'm doing right now."
"What are you doing right now?"
"Getting absolutely dominated by this test prep. I really hope fighting a demon prince was more interesting than reading about them because if I have to memorize one more battle fought by Duke Brathrax the Oily or whatever I'm going to dropkick my textbook."
"Ouch."
"If youuuu have something funner in mind I'm all ears," says Dahlia, playing with his fingers. "There was actually something I kind of wanted to show you."

>>504532
Tell her you hope it won't take too long because there's a post-mission party later. Also you have something dumb to tell her about but it can wait until after the party, maybe.

Ask her how the tourney went. Did they win?

>>504533
wtf? after the party? when did we agree to this?
this needs resolving.

Brom 2013/04/08(Mon)02:56 No. 504548 ID: 20ac80
File 136541500897.png - (157.42KB , 800x600 , 26.png )

"Okay, as long as we make it back in time for my welcome-home party."
"Party?"
"The one you and Jai and Pyramus are organizing."
"Ohhhh," says Dahlia. "That party. Right. Yeah. Don't worry about it. This won't take too long."

"I thought you said it wouldn't take too long," says Dio, as they elbow their way through the markets. They're outside the university now, and helmed, cyclopean mages mingle with regular folks under the rapidly rosing sky.
"It won't if you beat feet a little faster there," says Dahlia.
"I've been slaying demons all day."
"Have I mentioned how incredibly attractive I find that?"
"Ahoy! Pretty lile mage!" A stallkeeper calls to them in a thick Elde twang. "Maybe yourn in the market fer a charm, maken yersel irrrrresistible to the fella yer choosin. Maybe that boy yer draggin along, hey?"
"Sorry! We're in a hurry!" calls Dahlia. "Mmaybe save one for me though!"

"How'd the tournament go?" asks Dio as they head out of the markets into a residential area.
"Not over yet," says Dahlia. "Last day's this weekend. You are of course cheering us on."
"Of course," says Dio.
"All right, now I may have to ask you to break into an old abandoned building's attic with me."
"What?"

Brom 2013/04/08(Mon)02:57 No. 504549 ID: 20ac80
File 136541502793.png - (35.78KB , 800x600 , 27.png )

"Did we just break the law?" asks Dio, pulling off his helmet.
"Who cares? I checked, no one's lived here in ages. But look at this!"


"Holy shit, Dahlia."

Brom 2013/04/08(Mon)02:57 No. 504550 ID: 20ac80
File 136541503571.png - (393.84KB , 800x600 , 28.png )

It's the multiverse.

There's Plane Material, Eivr, with its emerald seas and warring nations. Dio could fit Furlaia's capitol, Dejvi, in the palm of his hand.

Its mirror, Eida, the Plane Arcana, floats suspended and glittering purple. There are the floating mountains Dio did his pilgrimage in. There are the mighty fortress-cities of the Qal. That over there is the Vedre Cable City. He's always wanted to see it.

Above Eivr and Eida, half-visible and gossamer, is Etni, Plane Dream. Half-formed thoughts and words and shapes flit like ghosts through its hazy, labyrinthine webbing.

And in the center, the great Divine gradient of Endo, Plane Divine. The glittering City of Angels above and the jagged Abyss below. Dio sees the black, thorned forts of the Demon Courts through the licking flames.

He is aware his mouth is agape.

"Well, Dio, what do you think?"
"Wow."
Dahlia laughs. Dio's heart breaks just a little bit.
"If I'd found something like this on my Pilgrimage I'd have just called it a day and walked 10 minutes back home. So, Mr. Eregiorium, now that I've set the appropriate mood. Where did you want to sit and tell me whatever it is you're so keen on telling me?"

>>504550
hold her you fool. she is your loved one. hold her, weep, tell her the truth and ask her to stay. you heard me! ask her to stay, no 'waiting to see how she feels about this', she might assume you're breaking up with her over it.
I'll reiterate, you need to ask her how she feels about this while making it perfectly clear that while it's bothering you it's not enough to end the relationship over. tell her you love her, as a lover, and that this revelation doesn't change that.

tell her and hope she feels the same. she might ask for time to think, give it to her. she might need a hug, give it to her.don't be cold and distant, you love that woman.

>>504550
"Orpheo revealed to me that he came across your families geneology, and he traced a strand down to my mother, who died or sold me or something like that. We're second cousins."

clarify that you are only saying it because you feels he deserves to know. the information doesn't actually shock you as much as you think it should. but keeping it secret would really fuck with your head.

>>504556
>>504564
yes, bring this madness of frantic worry to an end. she'll stay, she has to.
oh god she's not going to stay, is she

tell her.

>>504550
It's a small world, isn't it.

You can start off by saying Orpheo found out who your parents are. Then you can talk about who those parents WERE.

We'll let's be fair, what are the chances that two of the brightest up-and-coming mages of this generation weren't of the same blood?

I mean, second cousins, you two probably wouldn't even be sharing a last name. Look on the bright side, maybe your kids would be heir to fantastic magical potency or somesuch.

Let's not freak out and devolve into a blubbering, pleading, mess. We calmly tell her and invite further, mature, discussion between the two of you on the topic.

All it really means is that you share a great grandparent. That's not such a huge deal.

Brom 2013/04/08(Mon)22:25 No. 504757 ID: 4b1b03
File 136548510684.png - (65.53KB , 800x600 , 29.png )

"How did you know I had to tell you something?"
"We're illusionists. Half our job is getting into other people's heads. I can tell you've been wanting to say something ever since you saw me."
They sit in the Arcane plane. The mountains of Dio's pilgrimage float lazily past them.
"So what's the big news?"
"While we were in the Divine Plane we met this demon who had a huge library. And Orpheo, being the guy he is, spent all night reading it. And he found a family tree in one of them. My family tree."
"Really? Was your family some kind of Elde dynasty that got taken into slavery? Do you have family somewhere you didn't know about?"
"Yes. Kind of. Yeah."

Dio takes a deep breath.

"We're related, Dahlia. We're second cousins."

Brom 2013/04/08(Mon)22:25 No. 504758 ID: 4b1b03
File 136548511279.png - (71.30KB , 800x600 , 30.png )

"Oh," says Dahlia.

Brom 2013/04/08(Mon)22:25 No. 504759 ID: 4b1b03
File 136548511779.png - (71.32KB , 800x600 , 31.png )

"And I was wearing cute underwear and everything."

She DOES have nice underwear.

>>504759
Tell her it's up to her if she wants to keep things going. Second cousins is pretty distant, genetically, and you never grew up together. She wants to break it off, that's cool - no hard feelings, no one hurt anybody. But if she wants to continue, that;s fine too.

>>504763
Yeah, basically that.

Brom 2013/04/09(Tue)00:02 No. 504773 ID: 4b1b03
File 136549093222.png - (61.89KB , 800x600 , 32.png )

"So, um." says Dio.

There is a long pause. They gaze into the fires of the Divine Plane.

"If you want to break it off, that's cool," says Dio. "I mean, uh. Your decision."
"No, this is a good thing," says Dahlia. "We have to stop but it's a good thing."
"What?"
"It's a good thing. It's not because I think you're yucky now or anything. You thought you were just an orphan slave but you're not, right? You're a Veltkrik. I'll tell dad. And you'll go rags to riches."
"I mean, second cousins? Does that make me a Veltkrik?"
"Dio, I have like third cousins twice removed who are part of the capitol F Family," says Dahlia. "And they're all rich as fuck and powerful and important Arcanopolitans, over and underground. You won't have to worry about the Ark Fraternity or getting a job as a battlemage or..." Her deep blue eye is misting over.
Dio puts an arm around her. She takes a rattling sigh. "No. It's a good thing."
"Then why are you crying?"
"Because he obviously won't let this keep going. He'd give you a great big hug and a vacation home but wouldn't let us keep going. Maybe like a hundred years ago Houses would intermarry and this would be great but that's not, we don't, we couldn't. And I feel really really greedy saying it but this kind of sucks. You're my cousin, or..."
"Second cousin."
"Yeah, my second cousin, and please don't be freaked out but I almost don't... I mean, I like you."
"Do we... you know, have to tell him?"
"Dio, you were a nobody. Sorry."
"It's okay."
"I didn't mean... You're an awesome illusionist and just an awesome person, and that's going to get you far, but, but you've got noble blood that nobody knew about. We couldn't just not tell anyone and rob you of your birthright, Dio. Do you know how big the Veltkriks are? How big you should be?"
"Big?"
"Really big. Even before you go into the whole crown prince of crime thing. We couldn't hide this. You'd be giving up so much. We just couldn't. We couldn't."
"Could we?"
She looks up at him, weeping, the hell-light dancing in her eye. "Could we?"

We could.

For what reason might we not? Nobility, when you are already successful and reputable on your own merits? Social status, when you already have good, true friends? What of those is more important than your happiness?

>>504773
Illusionists keep secrets. So yes. We could.

P.S. what about if you two got married? Alternatively, if you ever broke up because I don't know, you changed or something and grew apart, you could wait a while before suddenly OH MY GOD WHERE DID THIS BOOK COME FROM

>>504773
dio, we both know the rich scene isn't your thing. you are your own man, gaining power through other people doesn't suit you. if you make it big, it has to be you that makes it big by your own right.
sure, it'll be cool for a while but you'll regret it. you'll never know how far you could have gone. you won't need anything and grow complacent and bored. plus you'll always wonder what could have been with dahlia.
i vote to not tell.

Pfft, Noble blood, what is it besides a constraint? Binding you with nonsense rules, expectations, protocols, and other such silly bullshit. Sure it's greases a few hinges, opens a few doors, but nothing a truly determined, powerful, and charismatic individual such as yourself can't simply break down to get at what's behind them.

What's the point of power if it can't get you what you want?

power is a MEANS not and END. we have friends, status, and love. what exactly could we get out of this deal that we don't already have?

>>504773
We don't need riches, at all, to be honest. We've been free from slavery for a long time now. Money was something you never needed. You're promising enough. I mean, really, birthrites? Aren't you a bastard? Aren't those supposed to be black sheep shames in royal families or something? You were sold. We got something a bit more than riches now, it's not even like THIS relationship changing isn't the only reason not to say anything, if you DID become a Veltrick like she's saying, well that means that many of friendships might change. Really good friendships. And other things too.

These last months (or years, i have no idea when you started the relationship) were some of the most meaningful in your entire life, you wouldn't trade them for anything. You only got them because you were Dio. And if you weren't just Dio, how much do you gain and how much do you lose?

we could. power is overrated.

>>504773
"I've never met a happy man who chose power over love."

>>504773
Tell her you don't have to keep it a secret forever, just long enough so nobody can do anything about it. Fait accompli.
Besides, you'd rather be the slave boy who worked his way to greatness than the slave boy who discovered he was a lost prince and handed a kingdom on a silver platter.

You can let everybody know the truth later, when you've made names for yourselves in your own right. Say, around the time your second kid is born.

Brom 2013/04/10(Wed)00:12 No. 504937 ID: 6c20b7
File 136557796405.png - (77.82KB , 800x600 , 33.png )

"I don't want power or money or any of that bullshit," says Dio. "Not if I haven't earned it myself. I just want to be Diometricus. I just want my life." He puts his arm around Dahlia's waist and feels a twinge of something he can't identify in his chest. "And my life wouldn't be my life without you."
"I love you, Dio."
"I love you too, Dahlia."
"So what now?"
"Now we make this crazy map thing our desktop and go back home as the Double Ds again, and we don't tell anyone else. Not for years and years, anyway."
"Okay," says Dahlia. "But first I'm going to kiss my boyfriend, which I haven't done in like, forever." She puts her arms around his shoulders and wiggles into his lap. "And then... and then, if it feels at all weird or creepy or anything like that, and you just can't handle that we're... what we are, okay, we say something, like right away, and we... I don't know. We reexamine this. Okay?

Kiss me, Dio."

>>504937
Alright, go for it.

Suggestion 2013/04/10(Wed)00:20 No. 504939 ID: 6d6209
File 136557844119.gif - (445.94KB , 500x235 , tumblr_mdzyhlME9C1rrpsd7-964782330.gif )

Kiss her you fool!

Kiss the girl.

Geeze, can't believe you guys are just letting it go like that. She was clearly bothered by the fact.

I think this should be the end of the double d's. It's obviously bothering Dio too, and now this going to be a "keeping a secret" type relationship which is just gonna get weird.

>>504948
The hell is wrong with you? Of course it bothers them. You know what prospect very obviously bothers them more? Breaking up.

Brom 2013/04/10(Wed)02:38 No. 504951 ID: 6c20b7
File 136558673244.png - (101.50KB , 800x600 , 34.png )

Dio kisses her.

"Does this feel weird yet?" she asks him, after about fifteen seconds of bliss.
"No," he says, as Dahlia's fingers trace down his chest. "It does not feel weird."
Her hand continues its downward trajectory.
"How about this?" she whispers, her custom mischievousness creeping back into her voice.
"Wha. Ooh. Yes. But in a good way."
"Good." She kisses his neck. "Take off your robe."
"Dahl I smell like hell. Literally."
"I don't care."
"We have a party to go to." He shifts a little.
"You ain't getting away that easily." She tightens her embrace. Dio feels the hard, battlemage's muscle beneath her soft frame. "I haven't shown you everything I was going to show you yet."
"Well," says Dio, as she grinds her hips against his, "when you put it like that..."

Brom 2013/04/10(Wed)02:39 No. 504952 ID: 6c20b7
File 136558674534.png - (10.24KB , 800x600 , 35.png )

fwish-thunk

Brom 2013/04/10(Wed)02:39 No. 504953 ID: 6c20b7
File 136558676353.png - (76.97KB , 800x600 , 36.png )

"That is what I'm talkin bout!"
Dahlia pumps her fist triumphantly.
"Hell of a throw, Veltkrik," says Pyramus.
"Bring it on, whatsisface and whatsername!"

"Everett and Farquad," says Jai. "Arcanist and Thaumaturge."
"Dead and deader," says Dahlia. "We're gonna wipe the floor with em."
"Aye," says Pyramus. "I'd say Dahlia's probably first pick for going in today."

It's the last day of the tournament, semifinals. Before the final three-on-three there's one last round of doubles. This is Dahlia, Jai, and Pyramus' one chance at the finals.

"Which is why you're going to pick me as your partner," says Jai. "We got two heavy artilleries out there today and no offense Dahl but illusionists need some Arcane muscle to back them up. Also, uh, Everett's an ex. So good opportunity to let off some steam."
"Nae, you don't want more muscle because you don't want a head-on fight," says Pyramus. "I'm an Elementalist. We're flexible. We can pull some fancy-arse razzle dazzle."
"Razzle Dazzle?" says Jai. "Razzle Dazzle doesn't beat punching them in the face. With magic. C'mon, Dahl, let me tank for you."
"Uhhhh I don't care either way," says Dahlia. "What d'you think, Dio?"
"Yeah, what's your expert outside opinion?" asks Jai. "Keeping in mind that whoever sits this one out is gonna be watching it up in the box with you, and I get hella punchy when I'm excited?"
"Don't intimidate the lad," says Pyramus, and then under his breath, "But she's right, Dio. And I have a sword. So."

Yeah, get Pyramus to back her up. Jai is probably the only person you are gonna talk to about the whole cousin thing, might as well get yourself a private audience by sending Pyramus in there. Make sure you go over the top throwing sarcastic insults at Jai's combat capabilities.

>>504955
1. we're not talking about this to anyone, not even her.
2. don't let your own issues mess with your judgment, your friends are asking about tactical advice here.

dahlia will need defense, unless Pyramus can supply enough of it i vote for jai going

>>504960
i agree, the one person that NEEDED to know knows, no one else needs to know.

Send in Jai, engage bro bonding mode with Pyramus.

>>504979
Oh, and obviously, don't say shit about Dahlia.

refuse to choose. also, you don't tell people about two cousins fucking each other without the express permission of both of them.

I just hope Orpheus doesn't disapprove. Or get involved at all for "own good". He did everything he should've, he shouldn't do anymore.
Hopefully.
I now realize that we might get in serious shit with her Dad if he finds out we've been intentionally hiding it from him. Maybe, I have no idea how he would treat this scandal in the family. I also hope no magic exists where one can read minds.

On the subject of the fight, well... I actually don't think we have any right to figure this out without properly knowing the current strength and weaknesses of the opponents. Then again, Jai should go because two tactical-styled fighters on this team will be making the opponents take it slow throughout the battle to think and be able to counterstrike. Jai's overpowering distraction will draw their focus much more, giving Dahl much more opportunity for attacking their weak spots for massive damage and making a good counter attack would be more difficult.

>>504990
you raise good points. i change my vote, lets spy first, then choose. we're illusionists after all. also, can we get a rundown of jai and Pyramus' abilities?

about orphelo. we should talk with him later. we as in dio and dahlia, not behind her back.

Of course we are going to tell Jai. Dio has known Jai's friend since he was a kid. She went on his damn alienation FFS. Jai is probably the only friend Dio CAN tell.

Dio is going to have trouble with this as is. Telling Jai can only help him deal with it.

>>505017
this is information that can bite him in the ass later. what if she doesn't approve and is disgusted? what if dahlia doesn't approve of him telling it to jai?
and as much as jai is a good friend, friends don't always last forever. and jai is not nearly as resistant to mind-probing as illusionists are. you can't know how it'll affect the future.

If we tell anyone about this it will be after talking it over with Dahlia.

>>504953

Part of the problem with being all fancy is that an arcanist and a thaum are liable to just flood the area with fires or whatever and start hitting people. Or the thaum continually healing the arcanist. You really, really need to put down Thaumaturge before he can rebalance himself and do anything fancy (as we've seen them do so in the past).

I'd go with Jai.

You guys are going to great effort to justify staying away from Jai, obviously trying to avoid Dio's confrontation with the fact he regrets getting freaky with his cousin when Jai was there by his side all along, and the fact that he really is fucked on both fronts at this point.

>>505195
>>505017
Are you trolling?

>>505218
i honestly don't think ad199c is trolling but rather that he has a different opinion than the rest of tgchan. he feels that a relationship between second cousins by blood is fucked up even though they don't consider each other as family and from that assumption he arrives at the conclusion that dio and dahlia must be tormented by that secret and that dio needs emotional support.

I dunno, most quest characters seem to be quite comfortable with the idea of committing wincest.

most.

I just don't like Dahlia. Never have. Hey, lets fuck our mirror image! Ok!

Seriously though, tell Jai.

>>505265
this is 6d6209.
i changed my mind, he's trolling.

It's not just trolling.

Jai has been Dio's friend and confidant since the beginning of the story. They've faced death together, and supported each other at all the points it matters.

Dahlia is another illusionist that Dio met in the arena and got a hard on over. They haven't had any meaningful shared experiences (other than normal conversation), their relationship is centered around physical attraction and sex.

But the real reason that I'm suggesting he tell Jai, without any discussing with Dahlia or other BS, right now, is because it's what Dio would do. Jai is the friend that's been there all along, exactly the kind of person Dio can tell anything and still implicitly trust. This character is the only one Dio even could tell (he's not gonna tell fucking Pyramus).

Just open the can of worms and see what happens.

>>505331
Huh, that's odd because it seems incredibly out of character to me for Dio to suggest keeping it a secret to his girlfriend, convince her that that's the right thing to do, then go and start telling other people without consulting her first. It would be kind of a dick move and I'd really like to think better of Dio than that. Is Jai a great friend and confidant? Of course, but some secrets stay with the people holding them and this is one.

Also, Dio's a mage, they're supposed to be secretive.

The whole Jai vs Dahlia happened awhile back. Its just how life works sometimes you have hard choices. But if we were going to talk to anyone about the situation it would be Jai.

>>505331
Two things. 1) They faced death together on their first 'date'. They killed together and saved eachothers' lives. 2) Since when is mutual physical attraction and sex NOT a valid basis for a relationship?

I firmly oppose telling anyone without discussing the issue with Dahlia.

Dio does as we tell him. that is his character. therefore, whatever gets suggested the most is in line with his character.

>>505374
... it's call consistency, if we make him do wildly different things he would be seen as a nutter.

Brom 2013/04/16(Tue)02:26 No. 506045 ID: f4ca53
File 136610440268.png - (48.39KB , 800x600 , 37.png )

"You want me to like cloak up and go analyze the other guys' strengths and weaknesses?"
"That would be cheating," says Pyramus.
"Well then I say Jai goes in."
"You are a small and wise man," says Jai.
"Shite," says Pyramus.

"Oh, I'll tell ye what," he says, up in the nosebleeds. "That thaumaturge gives me the creeps."
"Thaumaturges are most always creepy," says Dio. "Think they'll win?"
"From Team Ophidian, Everett Bosley and Farquad Zer Karmask." The announcer's voice rolls across the audience, vibrating the thick glass separating them from the combatants.
"Course they'll win." Pyramus jauntily crosses his legs and leans back. "They'd win a little faster with me down there, though."
"From Team Relios, Jai Etra Vostra and Dahlia Zu Veltkrik."
"Relios?"
"Big Waani wildcat," says Pyramus. "Near extinct, now, of course, but you could say the same thing about the Waani, couldn't you?" He hops to his feet and whistles loudly as Dahlia and Jai enter the arena. Dio does likewise.

The combatants warily begin to circle one another, waiting for the signal to begin the bout. Pyramus sits back down and sighs happily. "I'll to my grave having never forgiven you for this day, mind you, Dio, but a good view to seeing that arse in a tight suit almost makes up for it." He kicks Dio, lightly. "Almost."
"If it's any consolation Jai ain't bad looking either," says Dio.
Pyramus clicks his tongue. "Now little and curvy has its charms but I've always been a long and lean kind of bloke. Also she's totally going to get more damage in. No offense to illusionists, or anything."

"Jai's got the area denial but Dahl's the real damage."
"Five gilt on that wager, then?"
"Yerron. So you and Jai?"
"She's a hell of a woman," Pyramus says with pride in his voice. "I dinnae know anyone else who can hip check me fifteen feet into a wall like she can, lass or no. And that's, uh, that's not a euphemism. How's Dahlia?"
"You've been with her, I've been in Divine the last few days."
"Aye, but how are, ye know, you and her? How's life, Dio? I always mean to ask but if you're not off in Hell you've shut yourself up in that plush little suite of hers. Which is a euphemism. So."

The announcer says,
"Combatants: Begin."

>>506045
i think we're closer now than we've ever been.

>>506045
We're good, she means a lot to Dio. Best thing to happen in his life so far, I suppose.

>>506045
Keep an eye on Dahlia. See if you can guess what she's doing, through all the illusions. If the two are coordinating, you might be able to reason it out by what Jai is doing. What angle of attack she prefers, where she moves, etc.

As for Dahlia, she's awesome. It feels kinda weird being back with her after having been gone so long. Weird but good.

>>506045
On the topic of people going to their grave without forgiving others, Farquad's parents must have hated him. That's the name you give a whiny fairytale villain with an unwarranted ego.

Obviously, being back with Dahl is awesome. Also, not being covered in demon blood is a huge plus.

I guess things are pretty serious between the two of you, now.

Brom 2013/04/17(Wed)00:23 No. 506242 ID: 1cf442
File 136618339341.png - (27.26KB , 800x600 , 38.png )

"Yeah, I mean, we're pretty darn close now," says Dio. "It feels kind of weird to be with her again, but also really good."
"Aye?"
"Yeah, and not being covered in demon blood is a plus. I don't know. She might just be one of the best things that ever happened to me."

Brom 2013/04/17(Wed)00:23 No. 506243 ID: 1cf442
File 136618340662.png - (35.21KB , 800x600 , 39.png )

"That's good to hear." A black satin-gloved hand lands on Dio's shoulder with the ease of someone who knows you do not mind he is putting his hand on your shoulder, because if you mind, he can kill you. "Long time no see, Diometricus Phrale Eregiorum. You enjoying watching my daughter as much as I am?"

The owner of the hand, the glove, the voice, and the largest criminal syndicate in the Arcanopolis is Euro Zer Veltkrik, Dahlia's father and undisputed cyclopean prince of crime.
Dio's heart does a backflip. Pyramus' throat clicks.

"How you doing, kid?"

>>506243
"Much better now that I'm back from the dark side of the divine plane. I'd rather be out there with her than watching, of course."

>>506243

But first.

"Gnrgrgl."

"...Didn't see you there."

Brom 2013/04/17(Wed)02:07 No. 506258 ID: 1cf442
File 136618963405.png - (47.59KB , 800x600 , 40.png )

"GAI didn't see you there," says Dio, and then hastily, "sir."
"Afternoon, Pyramus," says Euro, taking a seat.
"Hello, Euro, sir," says Pyramus, as a dishearteningly large man sits down behind them as inconspicuously as possible.
"Now boys, there's no need to 'sir' me or anything," says Euro. "Fortunately, I'm a megalomaniac, so you're both okay." He chuckles a little as Dahlia pulls a broadsword nearly as tall as she is out of thin air and then shimmers into invisibility.
"They say you have to have a certain kind of crowd to really appreciate a skilled dream battlemage. Everyone's all about the thaumaturges, the evokers. But we know better, yeah, Dio?"
"Yes, sir."
"No disrespect to yourself, Pyramus."
"Nae, sir."
"My daughter tells me you're quite the bruiser. Almost as much as Miss Etra Vostra down there."
"Thank you, sir."
"That's Giles up there, by the way. Come on, don't be shy, Giles. Say hi."
"Hi," says Giles.
"Hi," says Dio.
"Hello," says Pyramus.
Down in the arena Jai lets loose a storm of arcane energy with the sound of a crate of firecrackers exploding. Euro does not flinch. "So back to my first question: how are you, Dio?"
"Much better now that I'm back from the hot and dry side of the Divine Plane," says Dio. "I wish I could be down there fighting with Dahlia rather than up here watching, of course."
"Of course," says Euro. "Speaking of you and Dahlia, what do you kids call it, the uh, the double d's?"
"Um. Yes, sir. Just our little joke. Is all." Pyramus shifts uncomfortably.
"Yes. That's cute. In point of fact, Dio, I have a little conversation I'd like to have with you after this here match, related to your and my little assassin down there's particular skills at the art of... let's call it misdirection."

>>506258
"Of course, sir."

>>506258
Tell him you're not sure you can be much help to him, but you are totally free to talk.

be cool dio, calm down. he likes you, there's no need to panic every time he shows up.
even if he does show up creepily and threateningly out of nowhere behind your back every time. that's just how he says hello!

>>506258
Dio, I know what this sounds like, and you're right
He wants to offer you a job!

>>506258
hey look, he wants to make you into an assassin! also he called dahlia an assassin, so i guess the question of her maybe being a gangster is answered. hope you're ok with her being a murderess!

uh. okay. sure.

>>506258
Don't remind Giles that his mask looks like the Super Smash Brothers logo. That won't end well.

Brom 2013/04/17(Wed)21:21 No. 506415 ID: 85ceb9
File 136625887729.png - (222.99KB , 800x600 , 41.png )

"Of course, sir," says Dio.
"Good! I ran into Orpheo an hour or so ago and he told me all about the wetwork you did on Divine."
"Really?" Dio's voice does not break. Hooray. "All about it?"
"Yep," says Euro, brightly. Regaled me with how good you are at demonwhacking. But I th- YES BABY THAT'S THE WAY YOU DO IT GUT HIM LIKE A FISH"

Dahlia leaps from a false wall (a trick she learned from Dio, he notes with pride) and brings a hefty greatsword down on Everett's head. Point for Team Relios.

Euro clears his throat and sits back down.
"But I think that while you're more than capable in combat there are better uses for your considerable talents. Something a little more discrete than frontline slagging. Now Orpheo tells me he's going to get you another assignment sometime soon as a contractor for a Qal warband on Plane Arcane, which I'm given to understand you've got some experience in, but if you're interested in ingratiating yourself a little more with the Veltkrik family I have some work you can do a little closer to home. Some cloak and dagger kind of stuff. Of course you might not want to let Orpheo know you're doing it, but I think your pilgrimage proved you're ready to do some good work without that buzzard breathing down your neck all the way. And I'd let you pick your team, bring along anyone you see fit. That includes little miss cutlery down there." He nudges Dio's shoulder.

Ask him what sort of work.

>>506419
We know what sort of work.

>Something a little more discrete than frontline slagging.
>a little closer to home
>Some cloak and dagger kind of stuff
>you might not want to let Orpheo know you're doing it

This might not be spelled out, but it's damned close- we have enough information.

Ask whether he's looking for a one-time job here or something more like continuing employment. Would it be mutually exclusive with Orpheo's job?

In any case, we don't want to commit right now, but certainly can't afford to offend him either. We should be able to deflect by saying that we'd like to discuss our future plans with Dahlia and our other friends before locking anything in. Does he mind if we get back to him with an answer in a few days?

say you are willing to discuss it in a more private setting.

I don't think we want to get involved in anything that involves killing people. At least, not intentionally. Unless they really really deserve it. Um.

>>506442
Yeah, we want details before we commit to anything, and this is the wrong place to discuss details.

remember the difference between a weapon and a battlecaster. an assassin is a weapon, he doesn't choose who he kills. you can't allow yourself to become one, and you should get dahlia to stop being one too. or at least make her own choices.

Brom 2013/04/18(Thu)01:54 No. 506468 ID: 191e02
File 136627526418.png - (45.56KB , 800x600 , 42.png )

"Well, I wouldn't want to... uh. I'd like to discuss this but maybe in a more, uh, private setting, sir."
"Of course," says Euro. "Let's watch my little girl steamroll some mooks first COME ON HONEY DADDY'S BET A GRIP ON YOU not really, of course. That would be terrible."

Dahlia gives the final hit against Everett with a twirling flourish. He backs away from her flickering steel a moment too late and it bounces heavily off his hip, casting pale spiderweb cracks up his arcane shield. He ends up with all three of the diamonds at his back in the red: eliminated.

Jai locks her feet and twists the shimmering field forming around her forearms into a curtain of ear-drum popping percussion. It hits Farquad full in the chest and plucks him bodily off his feet. That's him out too.

"DONE AND DUSTED," howls Euro, leaping to his feet and punching his fist in the air. "That arcanist there, Jai. She's a helluva fighter. You're one lucky kid, Pyramus. Well, depending on how much of that punch she puts in her love taps."
"Thank ye sir."
"Spitting Spirits, that was a helluva match. Damn!" Euro shakes his arm out. "To be young and bloodthirsty again. Say, let me tug you away for a second while your friend here preps for the final, Dio. We can just duck into a hallway or something."

Send Dahlia a message. "Your dad's offering me a job. What do."

>>506468
Go with him. Don't distract her. We'll be back soon enough- whatever we decide we're not leaving on the spot.

>>506468
no decision should be made without consulting dahlia, and we shouldn't let ourselves become assassins.
but we cannot offend him either. go with him but try to make it obvious that the nature of your discussion is detail gathering and not answer giving.
i support sending her a text. also tell her that was an awesome show. see if she wants/can join in.
one final note, you're going to a back alley with a criminal mastermind and his kneecap-busters. this is a situation most people don't survive. not that it's likely to help, but try and keep your guard up. you'll be way safer if dahlia is with you.

He's not going to murder his little girls boyfriend- specially not in the open, very obviously, with a witness that knows he left with us.

Consulting with her now is more about our needs than hers- and it's clingy. Very clingy. Just go with him.
>>506485
She can't come, she has to prep for the final. He JUST said that.

you can tell Dahlia later. let her revel for now. it'S not like you need her permission and you can ask her later if she'll be joining you.

go with il Padrino.

Brom 2013/04/19(Fri)02:02 No. 506591 ID: 0a3546
File 136636213215.png - (9.28KB , 800x600 , 43.png )

"Ok, kid," says Euro, steering him into a hallway. "I have a little proposal for you." He folds his arms and leans against the wall. His voice suddenly snaps into Dio's head, as clear as if he was inches from his ear. [You were born Furlaia, right, Dio?]
That's right, thinks Dio.
[What do you think about maybe going back there?]
Why do you ask?
[I won't beat around the bush. I need you to steal something for me from some bad guys. It's called the Scepter of Drif, and it's an enchanted weapon. You know about those?]
Sort of.
[Then you know they are basically the most illegal and dangerous contraband you could possibly produce or procure, and leaving it in the hands of a bunch of Furlesian goons is a very bad thing. Now these guys are dangerous, but hardly as dangerous as a demon horde, which I understand you dealt with pretty handily on the divine plane. They won't give you any trouble.]
Are you sure about that?
[So sure I'm gonna let you take Dahlia, if you want to. And whoever else you want. I'm told the scepter's in a lockbox in a Mob-affiliated bank. Four, five mages should be able to knock it over no problem. You do it right, you probably won't need to kill anyone.]
And then who gets the scepter?
[Obviously me. Don't worry, kid, it wouldn't let me do anything to anyone I couldn't easily do to them myself. Furlesian mobsters, on the other hand. Well. Best to take care of this as soon as possible, don't you think?]
Is that why you don't want me to tell Orpheo?
[Yeah, kid, basically. That and the fact that, although this little sting is fully known and endorsed by several of the Arcane council, it's nnnot exactly legal. Yeah, but nuts to that, right? It's a chance to do some easy good with people you know and trust. Whaddya say?]

>>506591
This sounds like a good job. We'll take it.

>>506591
Huh, so this is actually a political job? I mean, sure, Euro gets it, but sheesh sounds like weird cold war deterrant ops. Is this the type of bullshit that got the Wastes turned into the Wastes? We don't want the other continent to get turned into a wasteland.

Does he have a suggestion for a team? Dahlia's one of them, but I'm unsure who else would be good for a heist. Pyramus and Jai... aren't the subtle type. Everett might be good, or Wendat, or Ephraim. Random's right out.

do it. you want to be on his good side.

>>506591
sounds good and interesting to me.
ask who they guys are, do some research on your own later.

Dio, Dahlia, Wendat and one or two more. not sure who. Jai maybe? we could use muscle.

i'd get confirmation from the arcane council if possible first. its not that i don't trust Veltkrik... well no its that i don't trust Veltkrik. also the odds are very good this is a test to see how far we are willing to go, we say yes the next job he offers us is going to be just a bit more gray.

Brom 2013/04/19(Fri)18:43 No. 506758 ID: 9fa9cb
File 136642221143.png - (9.29KB , 800x600 , 44.png )

I'll do it.
[Excellent.]
Mmmaybe. I'm trying to think of a good team. Jai and Pyramus are a little... unsubtle.
[Unsubtle ain't bad. You may have some use for the unsubtle type. The Scepter of Drif gives its user phenomenal combat expertise. Drif himself used it to become basically undefeatable in a duel. A mage could probably best a nonmagical with the scepter, but a little muscle might not go amiss. Mobsters respect muscle.]
What about Wendat?
Wendat? That Arker? No. You ain't taking any of those red eyed freaks on this mission after they tried to kill my baby girl. And you. No, one of the reasons I'm keeping this under the radar is so the Ark won't find out about it. So come on, Dio. Keep it a secret.]

Brom 2013/04/19(Fri)18:43 No. 506759 ID: 9fa9cb
File 136642221980.png - (88.42KB , 800x600 , 45.png )

[We're illusionists, after all. Keeping secrets is our specialty.]

Brom 2013/04/19(Fri)18:43 No. 506760 ID: 9fa9cb
File 136642223665.png - (54.73KB , 800x600 , 46.png )

[Anyway! Ask around, see who's interested in coming with you, and let me know, arright, kid? I've been wanting to work with you a long time. This could be the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.]

Yes sir. I expect that we will not need to tell them the details of the operation until the job starts?

I think if he's already found out your own secret, well, he's subtly hinting that you keep it forever now.

Poke and prod at Epraim, Pyramus, Jai, Eulind.... nooooo... Everett might be good too as I stated earlier. He was a friend you helped get out of the box, though we should count Py and Jai out in that case.
Damn, who else do we know? Any of the people we do know might know other trustworthy people.

You know even though we are planning to keep the knowledge of being part of the family hidden for now we still should learn more about who our family was. Knowing what relationship our parents had with Euro will be important.

Most importantly need to know if he would be happy with the news or if he was part of how we ended up how we did.

If there was some big crime family squabble that ended up with our parents dead it would be good to know.

>>506764

maybe we shouldn't announce the mission to everyone we are acquainted with- especially the ones we barely know, really.

I say talk only to Dahlia about this first. then we'll see about the others.

who the fuck thought WENDAT was a good idea

>>506824
>>506832
I never said to give out full details. And I'll admit to being the first (wasn't the only one) to possibly suggest wendat but I was just listing off people we know that are smart and capable while not being too upfront in personality. I didn't measure trustworthiness at all then.
I'm still technically just listing off people, mainly because we hardly know anybody. The only one with stone lips for sure is Epraim.

>>506832
i did. other than being an Arker he'd have been perfect.
he is an Arker though, so he's out.

Brom 2013/05/01(Wed)01:01 No. 508302 ID: 400dc8
File 136739529487.png - (27.01KB , 800x600 , 47.png )

"I suppose we won't need to really go into details until after the job starts?" asks Dio.
"If you want." Euro gestures down the hall, and the two mages head back toward the arena. "This op is all yours, baby. I'm just here to give the general direction and maybe some support once you're in Furlaia. Oh, and to pay you, of course."
"You're gonna pay me?"
"Well I can't really give you university credit for this shit, can I? I got other rewards in mind for you. Don't worry, Eregiorium. Stick with the Veltkricks, and you're gonna go far. Now let's go watch my daughter kick ass."

Brom 2013/05/01(Wed)01:01 No. 508303 ID: 400dc8
File 136739530056.png - (66.47KB , 800x600 , 48.png )

"We kicked ass." Dahlia nearly somersaults into the locker room, where Dio awaits the conquering heroes.
"Was there ever any doubt?" Jai pulls her helmet off and stretches the combat out of her spine.
"It was a close-run thing," says Pyramus. "That Epraim, he's a little better than you might think, just looking at him."
"Not better enough," says Dahlia. "Spirits, that was sick. Same team next month?"
"Unless Dio wants in," says Jai. "Then we put yo ass on the bench, girl."
"I wanna do double illusion," says Dahlia, kissing Dio on the cheek. "No one ever does double illusion."
"You know what I want?" says Pyramus. "I want a great big steak. A winnersteak. Maybe we can talk about team cohesion or whatever over one of those."
"Let me just go talk to my dad real quick and then we go somewhere," says Dahlia. "My treat, of course."

>>508303
they fought epraim and WON? poor guy, having to lean back and hide his powerlevel all the time.

okay. let's eat some yummy shit.

Wait I thought you were against Everett and Farquad?
When did Ephraim join?

>>508327
That was last fight. The final bout was a bigger matchup.

Maaaaybe we can ask them now if they want to come on the mission?

Brom 2013/05/29(Wed)20:27 No. 513515 ID: 0eef61
File 136988442959.png - (16.46KB , 800x600 , 49.png )

"I do not fuck around when it comes to mozz sticks," whispers Jai.
"Aand actually make that two orders of mozzarella sticks," says Dio. "Thank you."
The waiter leaves, respectfully drawing the curtain to keep the rest of the restaurant from eyeballing their eyeballs.
It's an arcanopolitan thing.

"Sooo next time," says Dahlia, "I say black uniforms."
"That's thaumaturge," says Pyramus. "None of us are thaumaturges."
"Yeah, but that guy with the beaky helmet had, like, a cape," says Dahlia.
"I want a cape," says Jai.
"So obviously uniform modifications are okay," says Dahlia.
"I want a cape," says Jai.
"And hide that arse from the world?" says Pyramus. "Ye can't censor art like that."
"Plus it could catch on fire," says Dahlia. "As we all saw."
"Damn right we did," chuckles Pyramus.
"I'll settle for a fog machine and some theme music." Jai scooches closer to Pyramus. "Can we smuggle that in?"
"I'll disguise it as a weenie cart or something," says Dio. His phone buzzes. "Oops, I'm blowing up."

He has 2 texts waiting for him.

From: Epraim
To: Me

Sorry, can't. Maybe next time.

From: Random Sterro
To: Me

wut r u odin are u doing an op i want in u cant hide from me bitchh
also have u seen my id anywhere

"So Dio:" says Jai. "Before the sticks show up and my attention is fully in their sway, you had something you wanted to talk to us about?"

looks like Random is in so that's one. Start off by saying something like since I'm dating Dahlia how long until you think he starts asking me to 'work for the family'... well guess what happened to me today.

if you can come up with a more tactful response by all means use it but it is kinda hard to say hey guys I'm do a little snatch and grab for a mob boss who want's in?

>>513520
But we don't want Sterro in on this one. He's a loose cannon. This op requires finesse. We're gonna have to deal with him later.

I don't see why we can't just say, "Welp, Dahlia's pa asked me to do an op for him, and I need a team. Who's in?" Then we give details and ask again.

>>513522
Random could make a good distraction though should we need one. Hell if this is a gang then it likely has a rival gang, We could disguise Random (via dream magic) to look like on of the group's rivals or even look like a large group to try and cover all the damage he will most likely do. I think it would be safe to assume that Dahlia will come with so she could just turn invisible or something and grab the Scepter of Drif then get the hell out of there. of course planing is still a long ways off but just saying he could be useful, and if we don't bring him he is our roommate and I bet he would be hell to put up with if he learned we did this without him.

>>513515
Yeah, say that you're gonna go steal some magic doohickey from some bad people and you could use some backup.

Also Random lost his id, anyone seen it?

But Id and ego is all random ever is, he should be looking for his superego. How did he lose his Id?

Anyone want to tour Furlaia? See some sights? Bust mob skulls or freak them out and take powerful cool artifacts? Maybe get a chance to amplify your powers with it for a small while on the job? We got commissioned to nab one from a mob. One of a kind mission, probably unforgettable. It's a field trip with no chaperones, ladies and gentlemen.

>>513515
we don't want random. he's not one for subtlety.

Eeehhhh, Random is a bit TOO unsubtle for this.

Also, the spin you put on how you lay the job out to your prospective team will likely determine if they decide to go along. Better to have a magical relic in the vault of someone who doesn't need to use it, rather than someone who has the inclination to abuse it. Not to mention the under-the-counter approval from the Council.

>dude with a penchant for fully flooding large rooms with hellfire

>sensitive mission involving stealth and subtlety given to you by the wizard mafia

>nope.jpg

but maybe tell him you're sorry and that you're all filled up on team members but next time he's definitely in.

I think the four people here should be enough. team up one illusionist with one non-illusionist and go in from separate entrances and you've already got a half-decent plan for pretty much most sneaky ops.

also ask everyone (except Euro) who already knows- who the fuck told Random goddammit

I thought Veltrick said unsubtle was fine. The only reason we might not random is that he'll probably go crazy if he toys with the scepter. Veltrick basically gave us pass to let Jai or Pryramus play with it for a little while on the mission, and freak mob people the fuck out probably.

true, he did say that. being sneaky is only my personal preference on this. the reason being that the louder this operation gets, the likelier the arkers will hear of it. which Euro said would be bad.

Brom 2013/06/02(Sun)15:01 No. 514129 ID: 0eef61
File 137021049471.png - (118.77KB , 800x600 , 50.png )

From: Me
To: Random Sterro
sorry random, next time
check yesterdays pants pockets

Dio flips his phone closed. "So Dahlia's dad asked me to recover a relic," he says.
"Ooooh," says Jai.
"Oh," says Dahlia.
"It's called the scepter of Drif and it's in the hands of a bunch of Furlesian gangsters right now. He thinks it'll be safer in Arcanopolitan hands."
"Like his?" asks Dahlia.
"Mmmore or less," says Dio. "So anyone want to take a field trip to Furlaia? Break some bones? See some sights?"

"I'm in! I was born in- hold on." Jai's eye widens as the curtain is opened and the appetizers are brought in. "MOZZARELLA"

"Aye, me too," says Pyramus. "The in thing, not the born thing. Scepter of Drif, huh?"
"Just once," sighs Dahlia, resting her chin on her fist, "I'd like to introduce someone to daddy and not have him try to recruit them into the mob. He's always trying to get me to go be a gorilla for him."
"Sorry, Dahl."
"Don't worry about it. I'm in to come along. Only 'cuz it's you."

"Tho- excuthe me." Jai swallows. "When do we go?"

Later tonight or in the morning. Gives everyone a chance to grab what they need and get ready. The longer we wait the greater the chance someone will find out about this or talk us out of it.

>>514129
"If it makes you feel better, Dahl, I should probably tell you I said ok because your dad is worried the Arkers will make a move for it."

>>514129
wait. waitwaitwaitwhat. she isn't an assassin for her dad? we're doing this for her, and she's not even in that world??

>>514224

I dunno about anyone else, but I'm doing this to not get killed by Euro for fucking his daughter.

we should mention to them that restraint is to be shown and hush-hush is to be kept.

>>514248
obviously we're gonna need to have a chat with Daliah about the whole assassin business.

>>514129
This doesn't sound like mob work really. More like, mercenary work. Something out of an archeological adventure serial, the part where action takes place away from ruins and deals with the shady present of humanity as our lowly heroes get a relic from the bad guys, potentially to save the world.

We go... well when is everybody available? What's best for us all?

Brom 2013/06/03(Mon)23:12 No. 514427 ID: 0eef61
File 137032637075.png - (11.01KB , 800x600 , 51.png )

"Maybe tomorrow morning," says Dio. "Does that work for everyone?" The table is all nods. "Cool. And that'll give everyone a chance to get packed and such."
"Phrasing," Dahlia whispers into his ear, putting a hand on his knee.
"Shuddup. And we can meet tomorrow morning at the, uh, hold on."

The curtain reopens and the entrees are carted in by a harried waiter who smiles patiently at Jai's request for maybe another thing of sticks.

About twenty blissful, steak-filled minutes pass before Pyramus goes, "the what?"
"Hmm?" asks Dio, his mouth full of broccoli.
"Where are we going to meet, again?"
"Oh." Dio swallows. "I guess not my suite, because Random is probably going to throw things and also fireballs at me for not bringing him along. How about Jai's?"
"Sounds like a plan, man." Jai sinks a few inches into her seat. "Seven thousand spirits, I am absolutely stuffed. Pyramus, babe, if you poke me one more time I'm gonna throw up on you."
"Sorry."
"Ok, who's picking up the tab for this?" she asks, perking up again.
"Obviously the one who's asking us to go risk our lives for him," says Dahlia.
"Me?" asks Dio.
"No, ya doof." Dahlia opens her purse and flashes a shiny black card. "Euro Zer Veltkrik."

>>514263
After they sort the check out and everyone's getting up to go, Dio asks Dahlia to hold up for a second.
"Sure!" She scoots back into the booth. "I don't think I'm ready to go walking anywhere just yet anyway."
She sighs heavily and falls into Dio's lap. "That was a hearty meal."
"A hefty repast," says Dio.
"A dense din-din."
"A bulky banquet."
"An effusive engagement."
"A fuckhuge feast."
"A big thing." Dahlia yawns and closes her eye. "Jai can really put it away. Friggin tall people. Why do they get to stay so skinny too?"
"Magic."
"Down with the magocracy." She reopens it. "You're getting taller, I think."
"You're imagining things."
"Am not."
"You have a low vantage point."
"Oh noooo."
"You look like a little ant from up here."
"Chitter chitter buzz buzz." She squirms further into his lap. "Ugh. The only thing getting bigger on me is my friggin butt. What did you want to talk about one-on-one?"

>>514427
are you really not your father's assassin? because i kinda accepted the job to get closer to you. well, that and fear. he called you "his little assassin" and everything. in hindsight i probably should have talked to you first, but you were fighting..

>>514427
"Ah, right on to the mood-killing.
While we were talking, your dad used something as a segue to sneaking up behind me and whispering 'keeping secrets is the illusionist specialty' in my ear all creepy and shit.
He was even more intimidating than when he was all 'have fun, but if you knock her up they'll never find your body'.

So my question is, was he in an acting troupe when he was younger? Or is he big on comics and B-movies? He goes so far over the top I'd be laughing if he wasn't so absolutely terrifying."

Use your mind-link to tell her "Pretty sure he was saying he knows my lineage. Either way, I'm never mentioning it out loud ever again."

Brom 2013/06/06(Thu)01:29 No. 514798 ID: 0eef61
File 137050738198.png - (10.43KB , 800x600 , 52.png )

"Are you really not your dad's assassin?" asks Dio.
"Naw. I had a little rebellious phase against the business when I was like, 12." Dahlia props herself up. "And then it just sort of stuck. I think he's okay with it. Why? Was that part of the appeal?" She grins and shakes her tush. "Dahlia Zu Veltkrik, ninja assassin?"
"I already know you're a ninja," says Dio. "Assassin or no. But I will admit I mostly took the job to get closer to you."
"We'll be plenty close," says Dahlia. "Pulling a heist together'll do that."
"That and also because of fear." Dio winces. "I think Euro might have his suspicions about... you know. He was acting really, uh, theatrical. Sneaking up behind me and stuff."
"Oh, that's daddy," says Dahlia. "He loves spooking people like that. Look, Dio, you're cute when you're worried, but don't stress about him. I'll take care of it. You just worry about, like, not getting us killed. Speaking of, if you're worried about Random getting medieval on you, you're welcome to sleep over tonight. Oh! And there's some stuff I want to get for the mission at the supermarket at some point."
"Like what?"
"Chips, snacks, maybe a crossbow," says Dahlia. "C'mon. Let's get going before Jai and Pyramus think we're making out or something. Unnnless you want to make out or something."

while making out does sound tempting, supplies are a good idea.

I don't think there is a correct answer to that question.

>>514798
how is making out prohibiting us from getting supplies? do one then the other, simple.

also, let's try to stay out of the business after this thing. i kinda like the freedom and the fact that you're not cold blooded.

Grab the scruff of her neck and pull her in for a deep kiss, but cut it short and join your friends. Tease her a little bit.

Well... maybe a little making out.

>>514798
Get a little kissing in, but save some for later.

Brom 2013/06/06(Thu)18:33 No. 514885 ID: 0eef61
File 137056882169.png - (5.20KB , 800x600 , 53.png )

Dio doesn't think there's a right answer for that, so instead he pulls her the rest of the way up and leans in for the kiss.

Right as their lips are about to meet, he whispers, "Okay, let's get out of here."
"Fuck yooouuuu." She punches him in the shoulder.
"Laterrrrr," he says, kissing her on the forehead. "Tonight. Come on. Let's go to the store so you can buy me stuff."
"Freeloader," says Dahlia.
"I'll pay you back somehow."
"Gigolo."
"You're into it. Let me up?"
"Eventually."

Brom 2013/06/06(Thu)18:33 No. 514886 ID: 0eef61
File 137056883090.png - (53.66KB , 800x600 , 54.png )

Dio and Dahlia catch up with Pyramus and Jai in time to pay for everything, then Dio creeps cautiously into his room while Random is still in class to collect his things. Dahlia's little daggers, his focus rune necklace, the essentials. He is on Tervis' Too Many Damn Sudoku Puzzles Vol. 16 by now.

In a drawer he finds his old Alienation cloak. This thing has some powerful absorption enchantment built into it, that will give him a measure of protection against conventional weaponry, but for a heist operation like this one it is quite the conspicuous shade of purple.

He has enough money to either go get it refitted into an undershirt, a tricky thing to do without disrupting the innate enchantments woven in, or get one other enchanted item of some sort to help him.
He's had his eyes on a pair of muffling slippers, and Jai's told him there's a pair of trick silk gloves for sale at Erisycthon's Antiquities that lets you turn whatever you hold in them invisible without having to keep a spell up to do it.

All these options go into the range of hundreds of gilt. Dio's been saving up just in case he needed any of them. He supposes he could ask Dahlia to just get him all of them, but he always feels kind of funny asking her for charity like that. The bad kind. He doesn't like reminding people, especially her, that he is one of the poorest mages in the Arcanopolis.

>>514886
leave the gloves. it's tricky, the slippers will help you not get caught but if you do get caught you could use the cloak.
i'm voting slippers.

couldn't you just throw and illusion around the cloak to make it look less conspicuous then?

as for things to get I think the silk gloves sound useful, especially since you're trying to steal something.

get the slippers. and something ninja-ey to wear.

I say go for the refitting yourself and have Dhalia pay for the slippers. That way at least you're coming halfway in the costs. Also she can keep them when you're done with them, if she likes. Hopefully they're, like, super comfy too. The gloves are nice but when you get down to it, you're a goddamn illusionist and can keep the spell up when really needed.

And make a mental note to try and not be so damn poor in the future.

>>514886


What? No, Dio. You don't understand how these things work.

You don't need to ask Dahlia to buy you anything as charity.
You have been hired for a mission, and it is very reasonable to request an advance on your payment to cover mission expenses. Typically people don't even have to ask, but Arcanopolis mages are basically all well-off enough that it doesn't even occur to them that a Cyclops might not have enough ready funds to fully prepare for a mission.

So, Dio, you are going to ask for an advance to cover your mission related expenses, then get all the equipment you think would be important for this mission.

To get your advance you need to ask an agent of your employer who has the means and authority to provide you with an advance from your employer's coffers. That means you are going to ask Dahlia for the advance.

You are not going to say "Hey, can you buy me these things?", because that is not what is happening.
You are going to say "I need to get some things, could your dad give me an advance so cover my expenses?", at which point she will say "I don't even have to ask; you can totally get an advance for expenses. Sending people on missions under-equipped is a thing dumb people do."

Now, you wouldn't want to upset Dahlia's dad by going on a mission under-equipped and putting his daughter at risk, would you?

So yea, go get all that equipment.

I'm way against asking Dahlia for dough, by the way. you gotta have some pride.

>>514993
except she will totaly will say "what? what advance payment? it's on the house" and then she'll be paying for you. or her dad. whatever.

i support this course though, just be adamant and refuse to let them cover it. when you need stuff to lower the risk to you and to your friends (and girlfriend) you buy those things.

>>515013
No, Dahlia is smarter than that. She knows how important it is to Dio to be able to make his own way. She wouldn't say it's on the house, she'd say expenses are included. That turns it from charity into part of the job he was intimidated into.

Well, if we are particularly worried about having things, but do not want to beg, we could just ask the mage's school itself. The alienation office gave Dio some decent carte blanche to request whatever he wanted after the success of the alienation. Requesting to rent something from something akin to an armory, or get extra runes, or somesuch should be within his asking power. We also have Orpheo, who probably would be fine with letting Dio borrow something.

Brom 2013/06/11(Tue)01:15 No. 516188 ID: 0eef61
File 137093854828.png - (11.43KB , 800x600 , 55.png )

Dio buys the alteration and the slippers from the same place. It's a little corner tailor's Jai recommended, staffed by Pasha, one of the oldest Furlesians he's ever seen and her winsome/apologetic daughter.

"Here are items you purchase," says Pasha, handing over the newly compact cloak and the slippers. "You try on. If no like, cry about it. If you turn invisible and try to steal things, I cut off hand."

"Mother doesn't mean it," says her daughter hastily as she ushers Dio to the changing rooms. "Honestly, we're very glad for your service."

"He is illusionist. Not to trust," chides her mother. "Very sneaky people."
"Mo-therrr," hisses her daughter as she sharply draws the curtain.

The slippers are a little pointy on the end, in the style of Furlaia. The cloak's been turned into a lightweight vest, with a bit of a collared trim.
Dio notices that his arms aren't quite as ropy as they were once. This battlemage thing is starting to pay dividends on his physique.

He has just nearly destroyed his savings, and there's certainly no more money for magic items, but while he's out in town he may as well mop up if he has anything left to buy.

As of right now he's taking along his books, his brace of knives, his camera (of course), a foldable hand crossbow he got from his alienation, his focus necklace, and that's just about it. Furlaia is a humid, tropical country. He doesn't think he needs to pack much winter clothes.

Looking classy Dio, even the straightest of men will be giving you looks AND the curviest of women.

Strut your stuff and watch yourself. You don't need money or names. You got the touch. YOU GOT THE POWER!

Hmm, something to help hide your identity might be a boon. You have sudoku with your books... fake ID? Maybe some quick field medical supplies.

still might want something incase it rains, unless you can just glamour something into a rain coat then never mind you're probably good.

great! also buy an alternate mask so everybody doesn't know it was you.

ps id do you

Brom 2013/09/23(Mon)00:52 No. 541680 ID: 5a2deb
File 137992273971.png - (11.43KB , 800x600 , 56.png )

Dio brings his purchases to Pasha at the front desk, who brusquely takes his money without an offered receipt or bag.
"No refund," she says. "Repairs yourself."
"Motherrrrr."
"I do not like the boy."
"She likes no one. It's fine, mister. Thank you so much for your business."
"You guys did great work," says Dio. "I dig the shoes."
"I do all work." Pasha folds the cash into her robe. "This one sit around, not get married ever. I keep her around, why?"
"To keep you from scaring off all the paying customers," says her daughter. She smiles apologetically, with the steady expression of someone who has to smile apologetically a great deal. "Come again, sir!"

Brom 2013/09/23(Mon)00:52 No. 541681 ID: 5a2deb
File 137992274401.png - (9.33KB , 800x600 , 57.png )

Dio thanks Pasha and her daughter, and opens the curtain to leave the store. He looks outside and a slithery jolt of shock twists around the base of his spine.

Two arkers, all in black, are standing outside Pasha's. Their gaits are relaxed and loose in a you-can't-fuck-with-us-and-we-know it sort of way. They are talking in low tones to one another.

It's probably nothing, and the arcanopolis is, of course, theirs as much as it is his.

But his foot is still frozen on the threshold.

Slip on the shoes and go invisible. Problem solved.

Brom 2013/09/23(Mon)22:19 No. 541831 ID: 5a2deb
File 137999999309.png - (97.86KB , 800x600 , 58.png )

Dio slips silently into his new shoes, then shimmers out of sight as he leaves the store.
"Always to show off," says Pasha, as he leaves.

He pads by the two Arkers, who are moving in the opposite direction toward Quayside.
"That's the issue, isn't it?" asks one. "He's the issue. The wild card."
"Don't let Wendat hear you talking about him," says the other. "It wouldn't do."
"Wendat?"

Wendat. That's the name of his Ark comrade from the attack on Getlx. Dio wheels round and carefully walks after them.

"He'll be there. Him and Aarno, too."
"He's brought Aarno over?"
"He has. You hadn't heard? After Wikus and the others got themselves killed going after the Zu Veltkrik girl."

Dahlia?

"Shut up." The arker looks over his shoulder, straight through Dio. "No talking business until we're inside."

Following them would be a bad idea, of course. Of course it would. Extremely ill-advised.

>>541831
Either Wendat is going to betray you or they're going to do something Wendat won't like. Follow them and find out which it is.

>>541831
An utterly terrible idea. Really, you should have yourself committed to a mental asylum for even considering it.

...You can do that after you're done following them and eavesdropping.

>>541831
Follow and listen but wherever they are going sounds well prepared to deal with spys. Make sure you physically hide if you see another arker. A gaurd might be equipped to see through your invisibility.

Doesn't Dio have a certain someone waiting on him, though? It wouldn't do to be off having adventures and never showing up, right? Besides, wouldn't she be the sort that'd get mad about not being brought along for the snooping?

Brom 2013/09/24(Tue)22:46 No. 541979 ID: 86b8be
File 138008800272.png - (8.50KB , 800x600 , 59.png )

The Arkers walk for about ten more minutes, over toward Quayside.
It's a poorer, dingier part of the Arcanopolis. A lot of old warehouses left standing from the old cargo boom a decade ago, when importation spiked then crashed back.

They arrive at a darkened factory, and the one in front hammers on the door.

It opens on Wendat, sans helmet.
"In," he says. "The others are here, already."

>>541943
Good point.

Let's send her a quick text.

>>541979
I just realized there was no indication these guys were up to no good. This could actually be something innocent.

If you go in there, you won't be able to just walk back out the door. Wait where's Dahlia? Wasn't she in the store with you? Maybe you can send her a message that you're checking something out and you might be delayed a while. Then go in.

>>541983
They're arkers being sneaky. Even if they're not up to no good, something worth knowing about is happening.

You could just show up and see how they react. I mean maybe not take your shoes off, but illusion yourself walking around the corner and wave at Wendat. Watching their reaction would give you some insight into how much this secret meeting has to do with you, or how much personal animosity these guys have, all with reasonably plausible deniablility. And hey, if they try to jump you and murder you in a dark abandoned alley, its just a glamor.

think you could just listen in through a window or something without going inside while remaining invisible. I mean these guys probably have some way to detect people but I bet they wouldn't be as observant with the places perimeter as they would be with it's interior.

I'd like to clarify that when I said send a message I meant more along the lines of an illusion-based magical message. Operating a phone is noisy, so is receiving texts. I guess if you turned your phone to silent mode it could be ok though.

Brom 2013/10/01(Tue)01:50 No. 542705 ID: 5c9e53
File 138061743028.png - (19.41KB , 800x600 , 60.png )

Dahlia: There's something going on quayside with the Ark. I'll be careful.

Dio slips through the door and follows the Arkers inside. They duck through a low hallway and out into a wider factory floor.
There's about a dozen black-clad young members of the fraternity here.
"Diometricus Phrale Eregiorium," says one, and Dio's heart freezes for a split second.
"You were going to tell us about him, brother Wendat," he continues. "Devlin. Avi. You are both late."
"Sorry, Aarno."
"Our apologies, Aarno."
The two arkers shuffle into place and leave Wendat in the center of the ring of mages.

"Diometricus," says Wendat. "Dio."
"That is what they call him, yes," says Aarno. "You went to Hell with him. And?"
"And he didn't strike me as anything particularly special," says Wendat. "Average illusionist combat mage of no astonishing skill. Shy side."
"He could be deceptive. Wikus was-"
"Wikus was careless," says Wendat. "Wikus was stupid. And I see no reason to waste any more time on any notions of vengeance."
"He was your brother, Wendat. If Diometricus is as harmless as you say-"
"It's not about him, anymore, you silly ass."
"You will watch your tongue, Wendat."
"The girl. He took the girl too, dammit. Dahlia Zu Veltkrik. Now she's tied up in all this."
"The Zu Veltkriks are a known variable."
"If you know their variable," says Wendat, "then you know they could kill all of you as easy as breathing."
"All of us, Wendat. Diometricus is not a Veltkrik. Perhaps the daughter likes him, but he remains a valid target. And a tempting message, wouldn't you say?"
"He's just a boy, Aarno."
"He's a murderer. And a confirmation to everyone that you can bloody the Ark and sail away free as long as he's alive."
"And who do you propose kill him, then, if you're so cavalier about it?"
"You, Wendat."

>>542705
Wait, who's this Wikus guy? I don't remember Dio ever actually killing an Arker.

Man, what are they, a petty gang?
Hardly a professional secret society.
Where's even the sacred paddle for new members! And the beer!
It just looks like it's all peer pressure and looking tough.

...just see where this goes and bug out, we can fill people in on what happens here when we get out and can plan accordingly.

>>542709
Probably Dio's first kill. Remember the Arkers that tried kidnap him and Dahlia?

>>542705
Psychic message Wendat.
"The problem is with what you don't know. Orpheo sees him as his adoptive son, and rumor is he got secretly engaged to Dahlia after their pilgrimages. Even if her dad didn't take it personally, she would when she took power. He doesn't even have a beef with us; we could make him an asset, and use that to neutralize the Velkirks. If we're willing to sabotage our efforts out of petty spite then we've clearly lost sight of our purpose.
You asked what I know, and what I know is Dio isn't going to be a problem unless we make him one. Don't make him one."

>>542727
Or just make a note to tell him about the secret engagement later. Should probably let Dahlia know, too.

>>542727
>>542728
I don't wanna reveal our presence or start some false rumor about Dahlia, and I certainly don't want to have Dahlia perpetuate the lie.

Instead, we might be able to get away with sending Wendat a message that he should wait a day. The situation is changing.

>>542736
>Illusionists
>Not wanting to deceive people to achieve their goals.

Lets not call it a lie. Look at it in a practical sense: as far as the Arker's plans are concerned Dio and Dahlia might as well be married. It's not incorrect so much as imprecise. The key here is that "Dio is marrying/has married into the Velkirk family" is two lies.
The first is, of course, that he and Dahlia are not actually that far along in their relationship, but that's mitigated by the second lie.
The second lie is the implication "Dio is not already a member of the Velkirk family". If they killed Dio before he and Dahlia became involved enough for him to count as family then his heritage would be 'discovered', and the Arkers would find themselves in the untenable position of having assassinated a Velkirk 'prince' out of what can charitably be described as petty spite.

The net truth is what matters, and it's the same either way; Dio IS a Velkirk, and it's in everybody's best interest if the Arkers know that. Lets not sweat the details.

And, really, lets be honest here. The only three people who care about the ACTUAL truth are Dio, Dahlia, and her father. A rumor that scuttles an assassination plot without making anybody commit to anything is perfectly acceptable.

>>542740
The problem is starting a rumor *about Dahlia*. If you want to tell Wendat Dio's already in the family, suggest that. Otherwise that secret only matters if Dio is DEAD, and I don't think plans that require the PC to be dead are good plans.

Also stop arguing in the quest thread.

Well I'd say this gives a bit of initiative yeah?

Maybe the one who'll be sending a message tonight is Dio.