hmmm, do nothing.

Brom 2010/11/06(Sat)14:07 No. 253207 ID: 4f6e37
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This is Wendat, the crossbow-wielding Arker.

Brom 2010/11/06(Sat)14:07 No. 253208 ID: 4f6e37
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This is Random, loudmouth Thaumaturge.

Brom 2010/11/06(Sat)14:07 No. 253209 ID: 4f6e37
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This is Eulinda, the Arcanist Stalwart.

Brom 2010/11/06(Sat)14:07 No. 253210 ID: 4f6e37
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This is Diometricus, the youngish, moderately nerdy Illusionist.

Brom 2010/11/06(Sat)14:07 No. 253211 ID: 4f6e37
File 128907766389.png - (153.93KB , 800x600 , 59.png )

This is Epraim, the big, quiet Elementalist.

Whose head are we in?

>>253211
Epraim. /quest/ doesn't have enough protagonists whose response to all situations is to say "..." and look vaguely intimidating.

Epraim.

Dio, cause he is the protagonist.

Epraim

Random, always wanted to know whats in that guy's head.

Dio, because Illusion magic is the best damn magic

Dio

Random is the most important character on the show, pick him.

>>253211
Epraim of course. Why talk when you have enough conversations going on inside your skull?

Are you kidding me? Epraim might be cool and all, but Dio is fucking Dio.

>>253207
Nobody wants to vote for Wendat?

Eh... well, I'm up for seeing what an Elementalist is like. Epraim.

The thing is although it would be interesting to see the mechanics of an elementalist, Dio really is the protagonist, and Dream magic is cool. I would have gone with Random but it looks like no one's voting for him.

Wendat.
Or if he loses which he will Dio.

Ephraim

Dio

Epraim seems like quite a bro.

Ephraim. I love Dio and he IS the main character, so let's see things from a different perspective for a while

Brom 2010/11/06(Sat)17:06 No. 253359 ID: 4f6e37
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Cold out here, on the Barbed Plains. Strange, seeing as it's most right on the brink between the divine and the infernal. You'd think hell'd be hotter. But it's cold, and a cold wind winds its way across the land's spines, like breath scraping its way cross your ribs. Epraim don't like it.

Brom 2010/11/06(Sat)17:06 No. 253360 ID: 4f6e37
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"The fuck's Orpheo," says Sterro. "He said he'd meet us here, didn't he? Was I imagining that? I wasn't."
"He'll be further up," says Eregiorium. "He's probably invisible. He likes being invisible."
"Spooky bastard," says Sterro. "If he jumps out at us I will not be responsible for my actions, I tell you that right now."

Epraim is walking with his brothers along the trail, winding through the land's bones and part listening to Random's babbling. He gauges the elements he's got to work with as they go. Lots of earth round here. Earth's always a good one. This earth don't feel right at all but he reckons he can shape it just fine. Air's dry, fire's good to get at. Probably even better as they go further down, what with their destination. Ain't no water at all around besides the pittance in the atmosphere. Wind there's a lot of, but Epraim don't like wind, if he's going to be honest.

You're new, and even though Epraim don't like sharing a lot about himself, it wouldn't be neighborly of him not to at least get you on your feet. He don't got much else to do, besides wait for Diraiphe and listen to Sterro talk. Anything you need elucidated?

>>253360
Not sure really. You just seem like an intersting person. If nothing else for the fact that you seem so very non interesting. Just stands there, being silent and big. Guess it would be fun to see if there's anything else beneath the surface. That and it would always be fun to hear what you think about the others.

>>253360
How do you see out of that mask? What do you think of the Ark, anyway? Seems like quite a suspicious bunch.

exactly how much and how fast can you make the elements go?

>>253360
Why are you so awesome, Epraim?

Also, are you referring to everyone by their last names, or what? Also, 'brothers'? In a metaphorical sense, I take it?

Brom 2010/11/06(Sat)17:54 No. 253376 ID: 4f6e37
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>>253365
Yeah. Metaphorical. He don't know why he refers to folks by their last names. Likes the sound of some of them, mayhap.

>>253364
Epraim can make a lot of elements go fast. He's got himself a tidy repertoire of spells, if that's what you meant. Specializes in Earth, which is a combination of area of effect tremor type things and punishing physical attacks. Likes to shake folks up, knock them off their feet, toss the floor at them. Formations. He's good at tackling formations.

He sees out of the mask with his eye.

He trusts the Ark about as far as he can throw them. Wait, scratch that, he can throw them pretty good. He don't trust the Ark much. no one does. But Wendat he knows. Wendat's a good man. Idealistic, but good. Probably.
Sterro is a hell of a fighter, and a friend, but he treats most everything like a game. Epraim don't know about that. The boy gets a bit too much of a lift out of hurting people, plain and simple, but then he's a duke of Hell. Makes a bit of sense.
Eulinda is a kind person. Too damn kind for what she can do to you given the chance and the motivation. A bit shy, but she has her convictions. Gives you an earful if you don't do what's right. She'll be good to have on the mission, for her soul as much as her combat prowess.
Diometricus Epraim don't know from much but reputation and conversations with Orpheo. Did a lot on his pilgrimage, apparently. Seems a good person, if a little wet behind the ears.

Speaking of Orpheo, the man still ain't showing up. And now the earth's talking to Epraim, tells him, "There's a crowd hereabouts."
"Crowd of what?" Epraim says. Or don't say, rather, but sometimes he feel like he talks to the earth and it listens.
"Trouble, pilgrim," earth says. "Couple miles distant. There's a malignity infects these hills."

>>253376
Well then, better inform your companions about them. Make it as short as you can.

"trouble, distant, be wary"

>>253376
Well, that sounds ominous. Like something that needs to be communicated to the others.

Tap their shoulders and indicate that they should stop walking, then commune silently with the earth for a moment, asking it more about this trouble. Presumably by the time you're done they will have asked you what's up, at which point you can respond with a suitably brief summary of what you've learned. I recommend staring in the appropriate direction and merely saying "Trouble." In a suitably reserved and awesome voice, like you doubtless always do.

And by warn, we mean to look to trouble's direction ominously while you question the Earth more about the trouble.

Remember the serious gaze. I know they wont be able to really see it, but it still should work.

Brom 2010/11/06(Sat)18:56 No. 253413 ID: 4f6e37
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I put my hand on Random's shoulder, stopping him. "What-" he says.
"Shhhh," I say. "Wait."
"What's going on, Epraim?" says Eulinda.
"Guys, I think Epraim is coming on to me," says Random.
"Shut your damn fool mouth," I say. That shuts everyone up. I listen. Earth says about two score things coming this way, dragging and leaping all over themselves.
"Trouble," I say, looking out at the horizon.

Brom 2010/11/06(Sat)18:56 No. 253414 ID: 4f6e37
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"What kind of trouble?" Orpheo says, stepping out of the cutting wind, reaching into his cloak for his blade. Sudden entrance. Most of us jump.
"fuck," says Random, hopping a couple feet up in the air. "I knew you were going to do that. I told you he was going to do that," he says to us.
"Mile or two," I say. "Crowd of things, gait like monkeys."
"Balls," says Dio. "I guess that's our welcoming party."

"Most likely foliots," says Orpheo, rustling up a picture of them. "There are a few warbands in the area. Revealing ourselves to the more unsavory elements of the gradient will let them know we are here, but perhaps if we engage we can send a proper message that we are not to be trifled with. Epraim, you already know this area better than anyone else. What now?"

Two score of pitiful things like that we can handle no problem, given good terrain. "Hillock nearby, pilgrim," says earth. "High ground for holding. Or there's a canyon you can reach, if you hustle. Narrow enough to channel their numbers. Or you could hide. There are places I can show you."

>>253414
The Hillock sounds pretty nice. Should give you alot of material to work with. Just remember to leave one or two alive so that they can spread the tale.

>>253414
Try the Canyon, we can hide or hold them there.

>>253414
>Earth's always a good one.
>Epraim don't like wind, if he's going to be honest.

>Hillock or canyon

The choice here is obvious. Canyon means that there's even more earth to work with, completely surrounding the enemy in addition to forming a chokepoint. If we can't get our favorite element to utterly whomp a couple dozen wretched monkey-things when completely surrounded by it, we don't deserve to be called a combat elementalist.

Sending a message seems the best plan for now. The whole reason you're here is to show these dudes who's boss.

Go for the hillock.

>>253414
The hillock is closer. We can get there with time to spare, maybe. If so, we can pull up some embankments and shape the battlefield to our liking. Getting proper walls up is probably beyond what we could do in the time, but we could at least make it tougher for them to come at us from all different directions.

dio: mention that monkey things were what you fought on the arcane plane, so you don't think under-estimating them is a good idea.

Yeah take the high ground. Being in a canyon is no good if the monkeys manage to get up above you somehow.

Brom 2010/11/12(Fri)18:41 No. 255742 ID: 4f6e37
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Epraim leads them to the hillock. About ten feet up. Not bad ground. Not bad at all. Epraim kneels down and listens to earth's murmurings. The East, that's where they'll come. More from the North. That's good. There's a steep patch East. They'll see the mages, flank, maybe, but that's the brunt coming from the East with a scratching sound like bugs.
"Three minutes," says Epraim. He shakes his head. "Two."
"Does anyone else think Epraim's, like, part earthworm or something?" says Random.
"I will observe this battle and step in if necessary," says Orpheo. "Random, focus on Area of Effect. Wendat is our sharpshooter. Eulinda specializes in close range combat and Diometricus can support. It would be prudent to choose a commander. I suggest Epraim."
"Sounds like a plan," says Dio.
"Sure," says Eulinda.
"Right," says Wendat.
"Whatever," says Random.

One minute, now. That's time to raise the hillock up a few more feet. Steepen it. Or bring walls up from the ground, choke off the coming flood. Or meditate, gain extra elemental power in one element. Earth, fire, water, wind. Not wind. No need. The wind's a razor up here, cutting to the quick. Your choice.

Steepen the hill. Gives you better lines of sight. Hopefully they don't have a lot of ranged weapons.

yeah raise/steepen hill, BUT have dio illusion up some walls, the enemy will go around them until they realize they are fake. try to capture one alive for interrogation.

>>255742
Instead of raising the hillock, why not simply lower its sides to steepen them? It would require moving less earth, so the overall effect would probably be more impressive. Regardless of the method, try to make the difference between the hill and ground as significant as possible. Leave one obvious relatively easy path up, so that they will have a target to attack instead of assaulting uniformly along the hill- that will make them inclined to bunch up, make them more vulnerable to area attacks and more easily warded off by a single close range specialist.

Weakness in this plan: If whatever's coming has flight/serious jumping abilities, it's pointless. Difficult to make that call before seeing them, though.

Create some real cover, behind the illusory wall. No sense taking chances.

Raise the hillock a bit and turn its edges and surroundings sandy so if they try to climb they'll have no grip and they'll be easy to shake off.

A minimum of real walls together with more illusionary walls would probably work. Especially if you can make the ground just behind the fake walls sharp and spiky so they cut their feet if they step through the illusion.

When the battle starts just keep using earth to mess up the battlefield, maybe some wind to push the enemy back or deflect projectiles. Focus on commanding the others though, don't get tunnel vision. You need to constantly assess the overall threat and direct the others.

Ask Dio if he can make some kind of lure to group up the enemy so Random can get a good first blow in.

or make the walls a just couple feet high and illusion them VERY high.

In the East, chest high spikes scattered everywhere. Illusion cloak half of them. Create another batch of spikes made of illusions.

Your job is to stall the fuck out of the East push. Rock trips, wind push, blowing sand into eyes. Let the North through. Your allies will deal with them while East is delayed. After North is dealt with stop stalling and start attacking.

Brom 2011/07/21(Thu)23:25 No. 329373 ID: 523c4c
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Epraim sets foot against the dust and the dirt and feels with each tread the swirling ready dust-power rising from beneath. He sets himself with it, pushes the great low rock-magic from below up into himself and he pushes himself down into the dirt. He brings it up, feeling the crack and pop of rock grinding on rock and the good smell of wet dirt from the dark places.

Well, now. That's a bulwark, right enough.

Brom 2011/07/21(Thu)23:25 No. 329374 ID: 523c4c
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Wet-eared brother Diometricus brings walls from the ground for the lower end of the east push, and wispy half-earth up over some of Epraim's spikes. It's light and insubstantial, but it looks real enough. It'll fool hell-beasts, blind as they are.

Orpheo is speaking. "Excellent, Diometricus, Epraim." Comfortable lecturing, is Oprheo. Didactic, Epraim thinks. Good fella besides. "We can expect the main push to dilute itself nicely against the defenses. Remember: our greatest weapon is not our magic but the lucidity required to use our magic."

"Yeah. Well. A good fireball never goes to waste either," mutters Wendat to Epraim, walking up beside him and looking out East. "Speaking of..."

Brom 2011/07/21(Thu)23:26 No. 329376 ID: 523c4c
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"How many?" Orpheo asks him, and even though Epraim knows the answer, knew it for some time, he will let Wendat say it. No need to be haughty, in Epraim's estimation.
"Three groups, varying distance." Wendat's voice has the soulless edge of a professional soldier: "Twelve one klick. Fourteen one point five klicks. Third group... too far to judge, I think."

"If anyone has any long-range spells to sling, I suggest we start slinging them," offers Random, and now he's gathering hellfire around his wrists.

Epraim can pull earth up beneath them, slow them down for the others, or he can fling rocks out like a catapult with a trenchcoat.

>>329376
Start flinging rocks for now. My understanding is that a catapult is not terribly accurate so you'll want to do that while there's a big group to aim at. Slow them down once there's some damage done to bunch them up some more, then resume bombardment. Optimal damage application.

Oh wow, I'm really excited to see this quest again!

>>329380
Do that and have Dio conjure up images of more boulders flying through the air that land as near-misses. It'll help demoralize the enemy.

Grab them with the earth. Maybe it'll help them realize they've lost without having to kill them all.

>>329376
Can you open up holes in the earth, then slam them shut? The ground eating some of them would scare them more than flying boulders, and they'll stumble avoiding them.

Brom 2011/07/22(Fri)11:28 No. 329527 ID: 650284
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Epraim claps boot against ground, lets the wave of force carry his will into the Earth. She obliges the pilgrim, and carries up, and out. He's still got it. Ain't that a sure sight.

Brom 2011/07/22(Fri)11:29 No. 329528 ID: 650284
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The magi around him take his cue to start casting. Sterro whoops and spins, coming back round with a ball of hellflame he hurls out at the coming varmints. Wendat primes his crossbow and fires a bolt he catches in midair, bursts into kinetic energy with a loud clack, and bounces lethally across the foliot ranks. Dio can't do much but Ape Epraim, tossing fade-boulders that look twice as impressive for none of the effect. Eulinda ain't exactly the ranged type, so she sits back. Orpheo watches.

The foliot are a rabble now, watered down dregs still flowin across the dust toward the hillock. But more are coming in, sure as the scars rent in the ground from the weaponized will Epraim's been slinging.

Do they focus fire the first group to the ground, take a whole wave out before it gets in spitting distance, or move on to the second and soften them up as well? They only got time for one or the other.

Soften second group, later cut through 'em like sweet butter and get all euphoric from how easy you can cut into 'em. MMmmmmmmm Just like Granny's home battle-cookin'

make sure neither group engages you at full force- soften them up before they reach you.

Some of your number are wasting their talents at this distance, may as well let them deal with a closer group and thin out the second batch.

you might want to could focus on slowing the second grope down so it won't arrive until the first wave is delt with.

Move your focus to the second bunch. Let your close-in guys deal with the remainder of the first group.

make ripples in the ground in front of the second group to stall them long enough for your close rangers to finish them

Brom 2011/07/22(Fri)22:11 No. 329909 ID: 523c4c
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Epraim shifts his focus to slowing the group in front. The long range folks switch to the second group, and Epraim feels the side of his helmet heat up as Brother Sterro cloaks himself in abyssal energy and hurls a pyre's worth of hellfire out across the horizon, cackling like a madman.

But the remnant of the first group are getting close now, very close. "Danger," say the hopping motes of dirt at Epraim's feet. "You can't stop them all without stains upon your cloaks, pilgrim."

"They're too close. It's getting hard to control the midflight. Right, bleeders." Wendat slides down the slope to level his shot at the nearest group of foliots, and bursts em neatly in a snapping violet curve that keeps in your eye when you blink. "Multikill.
"Range qualifies at CQC," he calls up the slope as he scrambles back. Epraim feels the rough scrabble of his fingertips against the hillock. Dangerous to us is Wendat the Arker, thinks Epraim. Friendly and very dangerous.

Brom 2011/07/22(Fri)22:12 No. 329911 ID: 523c4c
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"Enough artillery," says Sterro, starting down the hillock, and Epraim can hear the crack of killing joy running through his voice. A duke of Hell, in home waters. "I want to kill them faster."

"Hold," Epraim says, and although he don't make any other move, Random's leashed.

"He might be right, Epraim," Eulinda edges a little closer, makes sure not to singe her self on Pyro-Sterro. "The first and second waves are depleted fairly badly, and if we keep focusing to soften up wave three it could put us at risk for counterattack."
"And I want to explode them," Sterro's voice is as full of the inferno as the air around him.
"That too," says Eulinda.

If Epraim keeps shelling the far-offs, or doesn't have everyone commit to close combat, the stragglers could indeed cause damage. But if they all engage now and take too long, wave three will hit them too hard. It bears some thought.

>>329911
Unleash them while slowing wave three, then.

Also... these guys are dumb, right? Why don't you raise up a maze or something?

>>329916
too complicated and would need a LOT of time to move that much dirt to a high enough lvl that they can't just climb over.
anyway, try to shift the wave action into a full wave with a tube effect. if that can't work then pop up a line of spikes in front of where wave three would be coming from and engage all the ones left here.

>>329916
The amount of effort involved in raising up a maze is not favorable when compared to the expected effect on the enemy.

Epraim and Wendat seem the most effective at range. They can focus on the far-off enemies while the others slaughter those who come close. Between Sterro's fire, Dio's confusing the hell out of them, and Eulinda doing whatever kind of killing she does, they should be quite well equipped to handle the incoming forces at close range with minimal if any danger.

Brom 2011/07/22(Fri)23:49 No. 329967 ID: 523c4c
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>>329941
Enough to win. But not enough to crush, and if they don't crush the fellas on the hillock someone could be hurt. This ain't the first time Epraim's been in charge and ain't no one gets hurt.

Epraim raises great funneling stone walls in the distance, try to funnel the remaining waves into one group. Well, least he could do.

Choose Wingman Brom 2011/07/22(Fri)23:49 No. 329968 ID: 523c4c
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Then he nods toward his brothers and Orpheo who flows into verbal action. "Close combat has begun, and if I may remind my greener recruits this is the time for efficiency and not for experimentation. Battle groups of two."
"There's five of us," protests Dio.
"Sterro, I think, works better alone," says Orpheo, sneaking a look toward the snarling thaumaturge. "Epraim takes center."
Epraim nods acknowledgement, turns and slides down the hillock toward the approaching gnashing fight.
"To kill." The foliot in front with the toothpick speaks with a voice like a book being burned. "To puncture destroy debase and twist in the wound."

"Who's coming down there with you?" Orpheo calls out above him.

Take Dio.

>>329968
Eulinda. Her abilities should compliment ours quite well, and Wendat and Dio are another pair quite capable of both keeping each other safe and eliminating foes effectively. Should work out for everyone.

Eulinda.

Brom 2011/07/23(Sat)18:23 No. 330300 ID: 523c4c
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"Eulinda," he calls back up, and with a clatter of armor the Stalwart comes sliding down the hill to join him.

Epraim says jump, and earth don't bother asking how high. A foliot is took some ways up.

Brom 2011/07/23(Sat)18:23 No. 330302 ID: 523c4c
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The boulder takes most of the foliot flying out with it. There's plenty more coming.

Eulinda halts with a mighty stomp of mailed boot. She pushes her other foot far out to the side and plants that, too. Epraim feels the corona of power in his gut. Not many seen a Stalwart at war, and even fewer get the chance to remember.

Does Epraim have her go wild, or keep her back as a defense? As far as what you're fixing for him to cast is concerned, as long as you can do it with rocks and a sleeveful of elemental power, Epraim can more or less make it happen. He ain't a student no more. Epraim is a warmage.

>>330302
Hollow the ground out beneath your enemies and cover the new sinkhole's floor with spikes. Then crumble the ground so they fall onto the spikes and die.

this is our first fight. I want to know what Eulinda's abilities are like. make her do things.

There's a guy hiding behind the wall. Make spikes shoot through his back. In fact, make spikes everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Little ones on the ground, to make it painful for your enemy to approach.

Staying on the defense will give the baddies more time to mass. Have her go on the attack.

Brom 2011/07/23(Sat)19:33 No. 330355 ID: 523c4c
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Epraim digs his heels into the dirt and lets it crack and snap like broke glass. Spikes jut out of just about every surface, spearing a couple of foliot too damn fool to get out of the way.

He shatters hisself a pit in the Earth, estimating it to catch a one or two more, but he needn't have bothered. Behind him, Eulinda slams her gauntlets into her thighs, making a huge crash sound and adding a shout to it. "Aiueee, Kawa!" She whacks her forearms together. "Yuwa!" She stomps against the ground and the blinding shockwave of force that emerges from point of impact just about pops Epraim's ears.

Brom 2011/07/23(Sat)19:34 No. 330356 ID: 523c4c
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Eulinda has started the wardance of the Stalwarts. She told Epraim what it meant, once, when he got curious, which ain't a common turn of events. It's in ancient furlaian, apparently.

"Ika nakemona Doya! <I am named for the wrath of Doya>!" she howls as she claps her hand against her arm, and anyone who don't know her very well'd be surprised by how big a sound quiet Eulinda can make. "Doya nakemo aaaugna!" Doya's wrath is unquenchable. She pounds one gauntlet into her chest. "Pura!" Reach. "Nuga!" Thwart. She's more than the dumpy shy girl she reckons she is, when she's like this, thinks Epraim.

By this point, the foliots are scattered more sure than leaves in a tornado. Epraim could make this deathtrap of his even deadlier in the time it takes them to pick themselves up, or he could start pushing back hisself with some well-aimed spells.

Raise a swarm of sharp rocks into the air and rain them down onto the enemy. Use a little wind to help it along, too. Might as well.

Whichever you do, make sure to seal any of your pit traps that Eulinda is heading towards. Wouldn't want to ruin a nice rampage.

You've got a great defensive line now. Go full offense.

>>330362
>>330364
seconding both of these.

Blast them off their feet with wind. Buffet them so it becomes impossible to navigate your traps and hazards without being speared.

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)14:55 No. 330675 ID: 523c4c
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Wind's a nasty, waspish broad. Epraim never did much like asking any favors of her. Well. He never did like killing neither, and he's been doing plenty of that.

The splinters of stone propelled by howling gales finally give the Foliot something to show some prudence about. Not to mention the waves of force comin' out of Eulinda every time she moves. The Foliot eventually stop trying to climb the damn hill in the first place, and pull themselves away from their meal, washin away like dregs out a coffee cup.

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)14:55 No. 330676 ID: 523c4c
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But how did Sterro and his folk do on the north wave? Epraim hears his question answered by a gurgling scream from behind him. They've stuck Eregiorium. "To empty," the stabber says, twisting his spear. "To ruin."

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)14:55 No. 330677 ID: 523c4c
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Epraim's just starting to feel the unfamiliar pinpricks of panic in his gut, his voice starts to push through his closed-off throat, when he remembers who he's lookin at.

And Eregiorium slides one of those daggers his sweetie gave him out the ribcage of the Foliot.
Fake death's a certain trademark of his, but someone better tell him it scares the Sam Hell outta his brothers.

"It's okay. I'm okay," says Eregiorium, the skittish thrill of combat layered over his voice. "The north push got away from us, though. You done over there?"

They can try and move away, though that'd lose them the hillock, or they can fight it out hand-to-hand. Epraim reckons that if he and Eulinda join in they have a good chance of blowing the foliot all to pieces.

>>330677
>Fake death's a certain trademark of his, but someone better tell him it scares the Sam Hell outta his brothers.
Can't the earth tell you where he's really standing, even if he's invisible? I don't think his fakes actually weigh anything, so the earth should know. It'd take a better illusionist than him to fool it, and it would let you keep track of what's really going on if you ask it to help you keep an eye on him.

In any case, press the attack. There's no sense abandoning a defensive position when you've got more than enough firepower to hold it, even if it'll take a little more effort than before.

>>330677
Blow them to hell.

>>330685
Greater Glamors might have a bit of solidity, as reacting realistically to death hopefully includes resisting the weapon like a real body some rather then letting it pass through effortlessly. (I would ask about that part in a QuestDis thread, but as far as I know there isn't one.)

You're warmed up. Check that everyone is ok and start pushing back. You need to make sure the Foliots don't come back for round 2.

With Wind being so strong around here maybe you can efficiently disable foes by choking them with dust?

>>330690

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)19:11 No. 330909 ID: 523c4c
File 131155988229.png - (284.74KB , 800x600 , 82.png )

>>330694
No, the first fella's right. Epraim should have known who was who. He was surprised and let surprise get in the way. That's why he don't like surprises.

"Reckon this is it," he says, and he lifts the old dead skin off the Earth's great back and sends it billowing across the hillock. He loves that smell. "Finish them off, brothers."

In the choking dust and the chaos of the fight, Epraim reckons most everyone has their own unique perspective on the melee. For his part, he raises the exposed spine of the hillock up and lets it get to the point.

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)19:11 No. 330910 ID: 523c4c
File 131155988915.png - (446.40KB , 800x600 , 83.png )

Dio can't believe how easy it is. He's used to fighting mages who know all his tricks, and how to fight back against them. These foliots don't know shit, and they're dying in droves. The first couple kills were a bit of a shock, but he just keeps going. He has never seen anything die so quickly and so easily. They're so damn slow, and so damn stupid. He isn't sure if any of his daggers haven't connected. The real ones, anyway.
He doesn't feel much but awe.

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)19:11 No. 330911 ID: 523c4c
File 131155990388.png - (396.44KB , 800x600 , 84.png )

Eulinda is one with all who have danced with the spirit of Doya. She is back in the flanks of her brothers and sisters, feeling the ground ache with each stomp of fifty feet. Something higher than cognitive thought moves her. The explosions are an afterthought. The wardance is all.
The parts of her brain not devoted to the dance (and they are few) are passively cruising, like she's taking a long drive she's been down many times before. She wonders how Dio is doing, bless his little heart. Something about his small stature and naivete triggers something motherly in him.
More motherly than usual, anyway.

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)19:11 No. 330912 ID: 523c4c
File 131155991042.png - (248.08KB , 800x600 , 85.png )

Drop to one knee, slide foot out. Reload. Brace. Aim, one, two. Fire. Target one shot in midsection, instant KIA. Adjust trajectory. Target two shot in head, instant KIA. Kill Count: 11. Damn good start.
Wendat knows what people think of the Fraternity. He wants to show them what the Ark can and should be. He wants them to be able to trust him. Reload. Scan for more targets.

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)19:12 No. 330913 ID: 523c4c
File 131155992010.png - (35.35KB , 800x600 , 86.png )

But fuck those guys because let's be honest, they're playing second fiddle to Random Sterro, fireball spewing motherfucker. He is the eye of the firestorm. He is a duke of Hell returned and long sojourn'd and these greasy fucks are going to be burned. He sees only killing and smells only the burning flesh of the loathsome, pitiful sprouts that chose to stand in the way of the inevitable burning death of the fire.
Soon the battle will be over and Random will descend from the blazing pillar of murder he is perched upon, and he will readjust and be well and normal. For now, every vein and artery in his body sings. He needs this.

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)19:15 No. 330916 ID: 523c4c
File 131156013111.png - (217.01KB , 800x600 , 87.png )

The dust dissipates.

Epraim, Dio, Wendat, Eulinda, and Random stand on a mass grave. Earth's heavy with bodies and sodden with blood.

Orpheo steps out of the dusky air. "That," he says, "was expertly done."

Epraim looks over at his comrades. He sees Dio, looking down the hill, shaking a little. He speaks: "How you feeling, brother?"

Dio looks up at the hulking elementalist. How does he feel about this?

>>330916
A little dazed, probably. Dio's fought before, but those were smaller engagements, only a handful of opponents at most. That kind of chaotic melee must have been quite the new experience, everything moving so quickly and only giving the opportunity to really appreciate what happened now that it's over.

And looking back on it now, Dio must feel pretty damn awesome. Each of the mages was like a tiny little god of war in their own way, and he was one of them.

>>330916
"Not good. We have to do this, but that doesn't mean we have to enjoy it."

Probably won't really know fully until later.

>>330916
On an adrenaline high, it's hard to say exactly.

Though with that much action all at once, Dio's first big engagement, he's probably feeling really queasy. These things were near-mindless things out for blood. There shouldn't be any guilt in killing them.

Seeing this much DEATH though, all the blood and innards everywhere... yep, Dio's gonna have to puke I think.

>>330916
Puke.

dio's not all that comfortable with killing yet, combined with the adrenalin crash he's probably not feeling so hot right now.

yeah he doesn't LIKE it but it was kill or be killed. if he HAS to he can do it again. but right now yeah, he isn't feeling too good.

He feels that killing these creatures was distressingly easy. He was ready to kill, but he thought it would take more. That it would MEAN more. He scarcely looked at them and they were dead. Taking a life should be harder than that. NOT taking life has certainly been harder than that. The difficulty of an act should match the weight of the act, shouldn't it?

So simple a thing to end another living being. There has to be more to it. There just HAS to. He wants to do something to show respect to those that died here. Those that he killed.

>>330951
I think I agree with this one.

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)20:28 No. 330996 ID: 523c4c
File 131156450368.png - (219.18KB , 800x600 , 88.png )

"I don't know," Dio looks at the dead stuff lying all around him. Something's not right here, but he can;t put his finger on it. "It's okay we did it, but it shouldn't be this easy. It shouldn't be as easy as, as, not killing them."
"Hard not to kill anything so pig-fuckin' ugly, says Sterro. A pebble hits him in the back of the head. "What?" Another one. "Shit. What? Epraim, stoppit."
"The single most difficult fact to accept as a oculoid warmage," Orpheo, ever the didact, is saying, "is the fact that you are, against non-mages, effectively a weapon of mass destruction. The wastes that take up a third of the planet were caused by magic. One small group of Cyclopean mages is easily equal to an army of unpowered men. And if it doesn't destroy others, it will destroy you. Our ancestors were too overconfident, even unto tyranny. Their hubris, more than anything, caused their downfall."
"Well-" says Wendat the Arker.
"Arguably," Orpheo corrects himself. "Regardless. You aren't a weapon, Diometricus, but you are capable of killing a great deal of people very quickly in unpleasant ways. I wish I could take every student on a mission, at least once. It's important..."
"Yeah," interrupts Dio. "I think I'll be okay eventually but right now I think... oh, shitting spirits on a stick." He sprints down the hillock toward the ditch at the bottom, yanking off his helmet as he runs.
"Doing okay down there, hombre?" Random calls down to him.
"Hgorf," Dio responds.
Motherly Eulinda starts clanking down the hillock toward the illusionist. "I'll go help him clean up, poor hon."

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)20:28 No. 330997 ID: 523c4c
File 131156450874.png - (101.13KB , 800x600 , 89.png )

They travel for the rest of the day, with Random guiding them. Apparently they're headed to the home of a demon he knows. Nobody else quite knows how they feel about that.

Around 11 pm they start bedding down to rest. They don't bother hiding the fire. Why should they, when they're the most dangerous ones out here?

They all gather round the fire for a while before they crawl off to bed. Random is telling ghost stories, telling anyone who tries to say anything shut the fuck up, we're getting to the part with the rusty hook. Dio flips his phone open and is pleasantly surprised when he has one or two bars.
Who, if anyone, does he text back home?

>>330997
No one.

It's nice that he has the option to text people if he wants, but... tonight is a night for his own thoughts.

His sweetie, duh.

>>330997
Dahlia. Tell her how you feel about what happened.
Jai. Ask her how she copes with this. (Do NOT ask the same question to Dahlia!)

Also, ask Orpheo if anybody is working to undo the wastes.

make it short and too the point "killed a ton of beasties, puked."

Tell Jai how weird and conflicted you feel. This is a Jai question and not a Dahlia one.

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)23:50 No. 331084 ID: 523c4c
File 131157664353.png - (261.30KB , 800x600 , 91.png )

Brrzt.
Dahlia edges an arm out, trying not to knock over the rocks on her back and snags her phone.
>Hi honey :D
>Halu dio. Talk, no txt. cant be moving around too much.
Brrrzt part two.
"Moshi moshi," says Dahlia.
"Where are you?" asks Dio.
"Dad's sauna thing. Lyin' on a table with no clothes on and a bunch of rocks on my back," says Dahlia.
"Why the rocks?
"Dahlia? Why the rocks?"
"I heard you, Dio. Still not a hundred percent on that myself. I am prepping for the arena match today."
"By being in a sauna."
"Illusionists gots to focus the mind just as much as hone the body, thank you very much."
"And of course running a marathon or something wouldn't focus the mind enough."
"Har har," says Dahlia. "For your information, Eregiorium, I am the team's only Dream Mage and we're undefeated so far, so stick that in your pipe then stick your pipe up your butt. Enough about boring school things. Tell me about the divine plane! Kill any demons yet?"
"A few," says Dio. "Wellll, a lot."
"That's my man," says Dahlia. "Givin' team tiny dream mage a good name out there."
"Yah ya betcha," says Dio, choosing not to mention the other shit on his mind to Dahlia. "So I've got to go, Random is shooting daggers at me from across the campfire and I think he's going to get violent soon. He's telling the story about the hooks."
"The guy with the hook?"
"No, it's not on a guy, it's everywhere. Just all over hooks."
"Spooky," says Dahlia. "Hey, though. I love you. Call me again when you get the chance, I'll let you know how the fight went.
"Love you too, hon," says Dio. "Bye."

Brom 2011/07/24(Sun)23:50 No. 331085 ID: 523c4c
File 131157664936.png - (327.75KB , 800x600 , 90.png )

Brrrzt.
Jai looks around from beating the fuck out of a punching bag. Pyramus has left the room, so she's been adding a little magical kick to each jab. He fucking hates when she does that. It'll brrreak the cheen, he says, in that stupid sexy Waani accent of his.
Caller ID: 'Tis great warrior Dio, with news from the front where he's pussying out of fighting in the arena matches. Whatever, his girlfriend's a better mage than he is. Don't tell him she said that.

>Hey thar Jai can I talk to u about something real quick
Sure, dio. It's just the day of a bout and you interrupted my training. nbd
>ok. so we fought a bunch of foliots today on this big giant hill.
That was sarcasm, dio. But ok, now I'm interested.
>sry. anyway, we were fighting for like 5 mins and i killed around 8 or 9 of the things just like that. it was like boom, massacre
Are you interrupting just to brag? Izzat what's going on?
>no. the opposite, actually. idk
They were just foliots. You aren't feeling bad about killing them or anything, are you? They're awful.
>No, it's not that. it's just that it shouldn't have been as easy as it was.
Ooh, I c what's going on here. You just found out just how powerful mages are against non mages.
>Sort of, yah.
Ok listen dio: this is what my first leader told me when I was out there. Killing isn't the most important part of your job. All of us can kill, even non warmages. you know how easy it was. I mean, warmages are a lot better at it but even a bookworm can kill a village or 2.
>yeah.
What separates a warmage from a non warmage isn't the magic. It's the force of will to USE the magic. It's all about knowing the difference between being a soldier and a tyrant or a battle and a massacre. Some people just can't do it. I think the reason you got picked by orpheo in the first place was because you can.
>It wasn't because of actual ability, then. gr8.
Shut up, that was part of it. But most of it is that youre a really good kid with a heart in the right place. Thats whats gonna make you a great warmage, more than any sword you can conjure or spell you can sling.
>That is some zen shit.
Mhm. Look I knew this was going to happen. It happens to pretty much everyone. The first time I killed a bunch of people it was 12 warrior Qal. I cried for like an hour. Eventually youll figure out what a Good Fight is. And I dont mean a challenging one, I mean one that's right. Has Orpheo given the youre-not-a-weapon talk?
>Yah.
Good. The difference between you and a loaded xbow is that xbows can't think or empathize, and thats p much all the difference youll need.
Feel better, D?

yeah, that does make it better.

now go inside your head and literally beat the crap out of that inner demon now before it grows up.

Choose your mage for day 2 Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)00:35 No. 331092 ID: 523c4c
File 131157930203.png - (106.32KB , 800x600 , 92.png )

>yeah, i think it does make me feel a bit better. i should sleep, it's midnight here.
Good. Now go sleep and kick ass in the morning, D.
>night jai.
Night Dio.

Dio closes his phone as Random finishes his story. "The scariest part is that the man was you, or a lady if you're Eulinda, and you forgot that this happened."
"Chilling," says Epraim.
"See that I have given speech to the dumb with the edification of my tale," says Random. "And now your messiah sleeps." He clambors into his tent, calls loudly, "Don't come in; I plan to masturbate," and closes the flap.
Dio turns in himself. Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit less rough.

let's hang with wendat.

Now that we've established Dio isn't a living weapon or a crazed psycho murder kill guy, let's hang out with Random instead!

random.we have to find out whats up with the whole duke of hell thing.

Random. He's kind of a psychopath. I kind of like that.

>>331092
Dio. I prefer to stick to the main character. Plus, I really like him.

Random!

Though I suspect we will be bad at portraying his personality.

Yeah, I agree this is something more appropriate to talk to Jai about, rather than Dahlia.

Random.

but only after he's done playing with himself.

Random.

but only while he's playing with himself.

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)15:31 No. 331242 ID: 523c4c
File 131163307639.png - (6.74KB , 800x600 , 93.png )

Duke Random Adro leads his chosen flock across the razor plains of Hell.

Read that again. Doesn't that sound fucking metal?
Random is having the time of his life. You'd be surprised how much stress you relieve, massacring armies of demons. He'd take it over a fishing trip any time. And don't tell anyone else, but he actually tolerates his traveling companions this time. Epraim doesn't talk too much, thank god for that, Wendat is okay as long as you don't get him started on racial purity or something, and Dio is so incompetent it's easy to look good around him. Plus, he brought lots and lots of canned pineapple with him. Orpheo and Eulina, well, they're a bit preachy, but they're relying on him for their survival now, so they can shut the fuck up.

Yes sir, they are rolling Random style now. They've been moving for about an hour now, getting into a steady pace of things. Dio has taken it upon himself to ask if they are there yet every five mintutes because he's the worst person in the world. Wendat is discussing the relative quality of War of The Colossi One vs. its sequel. Random is trying to decide on a route. The demon they're supposed to kill is still a level down. They could take a shortcut down there, but it would be hard going with no stops. Alternatively, they could go through the kingdom of a Knowledge Demon Duke Random knows, but that would take longer and Xephyrious is an asshole.

Let's go through the asshole's kingdom. Should be fun!

>>331242
Well, if you're enjoying massacring hordes of demons, then there's really not a lot of incentive to kill less demons, right? And it's been amply demonstrated that the group we've got here are pretty much unstoppable. So choose whichever route will bring you guys directly through the largest concentrations of things which you'll subsequently have an excuse to slaughter like the badasses you are.

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)16:59 No. 331277 ID: 523c4c
File 131163834630.png - (8.27KB , 800x600 , 94.png )

Random speaks up: "Attention, passengers of Air Random. The temperature is holding at a balmy Hot as Balls°, and there ain't a cloud in the sky, just an assload of invisible treebranches with a bunch of spirits sitting on them. This is your captain speaking. I totally just decided where we're going."
"It took you this long?" asks Wendat.
"That it did," says Random.
"Are we there yet?" asks Dio.
"Lick a chode," says Random. "We'll be going through the kingdom of an old buddy of mine by the name of Xephyrious. He might try and kill us, it's a demon thing."
"Xephyrious the Knowledge Demon?" asks Orpheo.
"Yeah," says Random, genuinely surprised. "You know the guy?"
"I have been in contact with him now and again regarding access to his extensive library," says Orpheo. "It pays to have friends in low places, at times."
"I wouldn't call him much of a friend," says Random. "Dudes a fuck-ugly skeleton-lookin' douche with asperger's and a penchant for temper tantrums.
"He is a singular man at times," says Orpheo.
"To put it lightly," says Random. "Anyway, he'll put on a pretty huge act, but he's terrified of me, and not just because I don't take showers, Dio, before you say anything."
"Do you?" asks Eulinda.
"Moving on," says Random. "Since I'm a duke I have the right to demand shelter from him, so we'll probably be spending the night there, with Orpheo's go-ahead." Orpheo nods. "The problem is that if any of us use magic when we're in his court, that's a big no-no with the Adversary. We don't want that to happen. Well, you might not mind but if He catches wind of anything I'll be the one with my balls slow-boiling. And I like my balls, as small and ill-used as-"
"Group of folks approaching," interrupts Epraim. "Should be seein' em soon."
"What? Bullshit," says Random. "How do you figure?"

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)16:59 No. 331278 ID: 523c4c
File 131163835254.png - (4.63KB , 800x600 , 95.png )

A couple more steps and they see the dark flecks of bodies in motion on the horizon.
"Oh," says Random. "Okay." He'd be impressed if he wasn't a terrible person.


"Seraphim," says Wendat, staring out toward them with that magic mask of his. "Looks like a war chariot. Two-no, three marks. Do we shoot them?"
"Seraphim are allied with magi," protests Eulinda.
"Not necessarily," says Wendat. "And color me a little suspicious of a solitary seraphim chariot out in the middle of Hell with no one else around."

say you wanna hear them out. they'll be so surprised, nobody will object.

If they look suspicious then we should talk to them but have Dio image-displace us so we get the first shot if they try something.

>>331278
Safety first. Have Dio make some illusions so we're sure they can't land a surprise attack.

Let's not just go shooting some dudes because they're suspicious. We should talk to them first.

>>331283
what he said

yes, everyone looks 10 feet to the left of where they really are. also, if he can handle it, then make everyone look bigger. a position of strength makes things easier.

>>331277
>"The problem is that if any of us use magic when we're in his court, that's a big no-no with the Adversary.
That's a hell of a problem! Without using magic, aren't the lot of you basically helpless? What's to stop Xephyrious from just offing the lot of you, if you're not able to use magic to defend yourselves? My understanding was that the whole reason that the mages are able to command such a good position in interplanar politics is because they're so ridiculously powerful no one will dare fuck with you. Take away the power, and what have you got on your side? Just the fact that your friends back home wouldn't like it if you died?

>>331293
That is a good point. Your magic seems more reliable then some demon who you already said kind of sucks. Staying in his court doesn't sound worth it.

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)18:08 No. 331312 ID: 523c4c
File 131164250153.png - (7.37KB , 800x600 , 96.png )

>>331293
It's cool. Random is fucked hard if he tries using any sort of magic in Xephyrious' court, but if Xephyrious lays his finger on a peaceful guest in his home he is fucked even harder. Plus, as Random mentioned, the ole goat's terrified of him. All mages scare demons, but Thaumaturges do in particular. Especially those with a foothold in Abyssal politics (even if Random never uses it).

"No shooting," Random says. "Let's just talk. Hey yo Dio, you know how you're always pranking me by displacing yourself?"
"Not always," says Dio.
"Not getting into this now. Could you do that to me, just in case? Make it Greater, too, just in case they want a handshake."

They do.
Random uses his official title in greeting, as is only proper. The leader introduces itself as Pilosodontus. "We hunt a lesser Chaos Demon under the command of Getlx, servant of the Prince of Masks."
"What a coincidence," says Random. "We're hunting his bosss."
"You would pursue Getlx directly?" asks Pilosodontus. "Hm. The magi of the Arcanopolis are bolder than I had thought."
"And a lot stronger, too, evidently," says Random. "Who's this lesser guy?"
"Shanker Jeb, né Styrix of the Cleaver. One of Getlx's favored generals. He has fled to this area, alone."
"A duke's general in another's fiefdom without their knowledge," Random says, "may be exactly the thing we need to convince Xephyrious to chip in and help us."
"I would not nest in Xephyrious's aerie, Mage," Pilosodontus warns. "He is in a foul mood today."
"Why's that?"
"Because we're intruding on his territory, and as we are on official business he cannot do anything about it," says Pilosodontus. "He always was a turn cowardly. But I would fear pressing his patience too much more. Perhaps he will listen to a duke of Hell... if he does, could you petition on our behalf to be let into his court? We are dangerously low on food, and may have to turn back otherwise."

It's never a good idea to piss off an already pissed-off demon, but Random is a duke of Hell with a bit of history with ole Xephyrious. He's willing to bet he can get his guys a place to stay, but he hesitates before agreeing to ask for the Seraphim. Even with the code of hospitality in place, that might be too much for the duke.

>>331312
Yeah... uh... that's probably not possible. Hey, didn't he just say that we shouldn't go into his court, before asking for them to be let in? It's almost like these guys *want* to piss him off.

Perhaps there would be a way to get these guys to their target faster, instead.

>>331312
You can probably somehow spin this for Xephyrious as an opportunity for him to gain in power. Xephyrious gets to demonstrate that he can kill others' generals who intrude on his territory and gets a small favor owed to him by the Seraphim; you get owed by the Seraphim for convincing Xephyrious to help them and by Xephyrious for arranging for him to come out of this looking good; and the Seraphim get to hunt down the guy they want to hunt down. Everyone wins.

Of course, that assumes that you're clever, manipulative, and have a solid sense of diplomacy. Are you?

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)18:50 No. 331336 ID: 523c4c
File 131164504373.png - (23.65KB , 800x600 , 97.png )

>>331318
Random is a slimy, self-hating shell of a man. Of course he's good at politics. That sounds like a solid plan.

The seraphim go with them toward the hall of Xephyrious' court. Random has them stop well away from it, and the magi move up on their own. Just in case.

"Why were you so not-asshole to those Seraphim?" asks Dio.
"Why should I be?" asks Random. "I didn't know them. I'm only an asshole to my friends."
"Does that mean I'm your friend?" asks Dio.
"I don't know, does it?" says Random.
"Doesn't it?" asks Dio.
"Now you're implying I'm an asshole, which means I don't want to be your friend," says Random. "It's an infinite feedback loop of douchery."
"Does that mean you're going to be not an asshole to me?"
"Don't count on it, shortstack."

They climb through a rocky pass until the keep of Xephyrious is in sight. "Big place," says Dio.
"You know what they say about guys with big towers," says Random.
"I don't know if I want to spend the night there," says Dio.
"Don't fret, roomie. Xeph is even more of a fucking pushover than you are."

Apparently, someone inside saw them up in the rocks. The great stone double doors issue a horned figure, who stands looking up at the magi.

>>331336
Random's got this. He knows the plan and understands how demons think. Execute the plan. Probably starts with introductions and arranging for a quick meet with Xephyrious to start working on him, but that's just a guess.

don't lean on him more than necessary though. he sounds close to the point were he will snap.

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)20:05 No. 331389 ID: 523c4c
File 131164955643.png - (6.37KB , 800x600 , 98.png )

Random heads down on his own toward the horned guardian. It turns out to be a She-Demon. You can tell by the cloven feet and horns that she used to be a War Demon, and a strong one too, but she has no armor or weapons and appears to be clad in a simple, ugly burlap dress. "Hail, War Duke of the Abyssal Irminsule," she says, in a flat voice.
"Hail and well met, daughter of the chained flail," says Random, bowing low.
"I no longer go by that title," says the She-Demon, bitterly.
"I would know by what title to address you, then," says Random.
"Spithia," says the She-Demon. "Or Spit, if so it pleases you. I'm to take you to duke Xephyrious, I presume."
"Such is my will," says Random. "Pray tell him Sterro the Orange-eyed seeks a council."
"Tell him yourself," says Spit. "I've opened the thrice-damned door, but that sack of bones will not make a servile herald of me. Not yet."

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)20:06 No. 331390 ID: 523c4c
File 131164957206.png - (9.95KB , 800x600 , 99.png )

Random gives his group the ok and they proceed into the castellated halls of Keep Xephyrion. Spit sullenly stalks through the dark, echoing hallways, watched on all sides by mailed, polearm wielding demons, and the mages stay in step with her.

They emerge, eventually into Xephyrious' great hall, which he has laid bare in anticipation of receiving them. "Hail, Duke Random Adro Sterro," he calls, and his desiccated voice is carried through the entire chamber.
"Hail, Host-Duke Xephyrious," Random says. Orchestrated. Ceremonial. "I am desirous to lodge in your keep, if you will have my self and my retinue."

"I regret that we are short on rooms at the moment, Duke Sterro," says Xephyrious, a touch of petulant sneer in his voice. "Perhaps you shall find room and board with the interlopers you escort through my lands."

>>331390
He's well informed. Not surprising for a demon of Knowledge, eh? You could go ahead and say so.

But no, we are not escorting them. We just have a common destination. Would you believe they want to stay here? Funny thing, that. Seraphim, staying at a Duke's court. They say if they don't they won't be able to catch their quarry. Doesn't he know about that underling of the Demon we were sent to kill?

you only escort them for you hunt the same quarry, the general of another demon. if he perhaps assisted with the hunt, well then the seraph would owe you a favor, and you would set an example that hiding in your lands unannounced is bad for your health.

>>331390
"Interlopers? How curious that you should call them that. As I understood the matter, you were so vexed by the presence of Styrix of the Cleaver in your lands, violating your territory, that you chose to call in a favor few would have suspected that you possessed and see that the Seraphim dispatch a team of their own to hunt him. I was rather impressed by the boldness of such a move, and the connections it displayed on your part, really.

"But interlopers? Surely I had not heard incorrectly."

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)20:49 No. 331428 ID: 523c4c
File 131165218074.png - (5.66KB , 800x600 , 100.png )

"Interlopers?" says Random. "My dear Xephyrious, how curious of you to say so. I had been convinced they were hirelings of yours."
"And what would I hire stringy Seraphim dregs for, good Sterro?"
"Why, to deal with the Chaos Demon general you allowed into your lands."

"A CHAOS- A chaos General, you say," says Xephyrious, gritting his teeth. Evidently the knowledge demon doesn't know everything. "Er, yes. As you say. But no, dear duke, I have sent men of my own to deal with this insurgence, not perfumed half-men like the seraphim." Random hears the hurried clatter of several guards out of the chamber at the tail end of Xeph's statement.

"Then it appears our, their, and your efforts are all one," says Random. "I am sure you could find it in your bountiful heart to quarter your coconspirators. All of them, including the heavenly ones."
Xeph's grip tightens on his seat. "You ask a great deal of me, Sterro."
"And I deeply respect the exercising of it as dictated by your station, Duke," says Random, bowing low.

"I grant your request," says Xeph, formally. "Okay, Sterro. Ceremony over. Drop the station bullshit. What derangement has driven your carcass into my halls?"
"We're whacking Getlx," says Random. "Don't start anything, Xeph, or I might consider killing two carrion crows with one fireball on the return trip."
"You've got more balls than brains, boy," Xeph snarls and leans forward. "I've broken worse than you. Spit was a proud warlady once. Hah. Look at her now, skulking around my table like a bitch seeking crusts." The she-demon's fists are clenched. "All right, Dukeling. I'll keep you in my house on one condition."

"There are to be no conditions," Random snaps. "The laws of the Abyssal hierarchy clearly state-"
"Oh, the laws," hisses Xeph. "Fine. Quiver behind them like a frightened wormlet all you wish. Consider this my price for aiding you against Getlx, then. If you don't wish to undertake it, I will gladly give you lodging regardless. In the stables. In the manure heap."
"What," grimaces Random, because he knows Xeph can do that, technically, "do you need, Xeph?"
"Kill this general," says Xeph. "Kill him and bring me back proof, and I'll aid you against this Getlx you're hunting. You will take Spit with you; she's an able tracker and a pair of eyes I can use."

deal. maybe a little interrogation first, but yes killing him is a good idea.

>>331428
BLUH, a side trip. State that if we were to go kill the general, he wouldn't need to house the Seraphim at all.

I had thought of this option before as a potential way to get into the court, too. A bit inconvenient though, and isn't this mission time sensitive?

We don't even really need the help against Getlx.

>>331428
Argh. We can kill Getlx just fine without Xephyrious' help, and the Seraphim can kill the General just fine without ours. This demanded side mission is just to assuage his vanity and waste our time.

What's more, we can't take any significant measure of help against Getlx, because the whole point of this is to demonstrate the strength of the Arcanopolis' displeasure, and that means not calling in any other allies to directly back us up. It would weaken the message that we're sending.

I suppose we could demand something other than help against Getlx in exchange for killing the guy. Surely Random has plenty of things an abyssal ruler could give him.

ah, it isn't actually help in the killing. it's help with the FINDING. i am sure he could make himself scare if he knew people were after him.

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)21:18 No. 331443 ID: 523c4c
File 131165391056.png - (33.71KB , 800x600 , 101.png )

"Your help does not mean as much as you seem to think, Xeph."
"If that is your reckoning, the door is open for your departure, Sterro."
"No, no. We'll do it. But I demand something besides merely just your help."
"Fine," hisses Xeph. "Fine. Name it."

Random thinks. What can he take from a demon duke with his own fortress and standing army? That won't make him so pissed off he'll rip Random to pieces, or even worse, force Random to kill him and bring the Adversary's wrath upon him?

Get Spit as your underling?

>>331443
Orpheo apparently thinks that access to Xephyrious' library is worth maintaining a friendship with the guy, so it must be fairly impressive- and all of you are mages. You might have a practical bent, but there's not a mage alive who can't get something useful out of some time in a quality library.

Now, I'm not sure exactly how much Xephyrious would value library time... but considering that it doesn't actually cost him anything to allow you access, I bet you could demand, say, a week of yourself and companions having access to it after you kill the general and Getlx. Or three days, or one day, if I'm underestimating the worth of this. And then you can use that time to learn something which will enable you to go on being more awesome in the future. Maybe copy some nifty rare spells or learn some obscure demons true names or something.

Better access to the library *would* be pretty nice. Orpheo would be pleased, for certain.

>>331454
No wait Random would never want to fuck about in a library what am I thinking

Personal troops under Random's direct command would be awesome. Maybe Spit, depending on if Random liked her at all before she was brought low, and if boneface here would be willing to give her up at all.

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)21:52 No. 331466 ID: 523c4c
File 131165595723.png - (7.06KB , 800x600 , 102.png )

"Library access," says Random. "Full library access. For a week."
"Two days," snarls Xeph. "Except for you, Orpheo, as per our original arrangement. You may spend as long as you wish."
"About that arrangement," says Orpheo. "I must discuss something with you, after everyone else leaves."
"I want Spit as an underling, too," says Random.
"No. One favor is enough and she has a knack for dish washing. Out. All of you," says Xeph. "Spit, get out of my sight and take them with you."
Spit takes them out of the great hall and in a minute or two Orpheo joins them. "Took yourself little time, then," says Spit, scratching herself through the itchy material of her rags.
"Yes," says Orpheo. "Thank you for volunteering to help us, Spithia. Lead on."
"Nothing voluntary about it," mutters spit as they walk through the hallways of Keep Xephyrion. "But you're welcome," she calls back, seemingly as an afterthought. "Do you want to go to your angel folk before we find this general?"

"They could help," says Dio.
"They could, but I bet at least half of them would be killed," says Random. "A demon general is no small fry. Not to rule the option out, or anything..."

They were tasked to kill the general. Wouldn't it be an insult to tell them to get lost?

>>331461
For all that he's wild and crazy, Random did not become a badass without studying how to become a badass. There's no way that he doesn't value books, if only for the fact that they teach him how to kill things better.

And it's not like he can keep an army, long-term. Or even demonic minions, really. What's he going to do with one? Bring them home? Is that even allowed?


>>331466
Well, tell them the arrangement and ask 'em if they want to come. If they want to risk dying horribly that's their own choice, right?

>>331428
This sounds good.
Mostly because, naturally, we'll be recruiting Spithia on a far more permanent basis than dear old Xephy thinks. That'll piss him off, and he can't do a damn thing about it.

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)22:35 No. 331531 ID: 523c4c
File 131165852901.png - (52.46KB , 800x600 , 103.png )

They trek back to the Seraphim, who readily volunteer to come with them, lashing their possessions to their war chariot.

For three hours they track, with Spit leading up front. She converses in low tones with Orpheo about Xeph, and about politics in Hell generally, a topic which bores Random to tears. Orpheo consistently refers to her as Spithia.

When they start seeing the bodies, they know they're on the right track. "Likely the guards Xeph sent," says Orpheo. "It appears Shanker found them before they found him."

They follow the bodies, to their source.

"ѕнαηкєя נєв. ѕнαηкєя נєв. ιη α ¢αвιη ση тнє ℓαкє ωнєяє тнє мα∂ηєѕѕ ωαтєя єввѕ."

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)22:36 No. 331532 ID: 523c4c
File 131165858382.png - (334.55KB , 800x600 , 104.png )

"ѕqυιѕнєяѕ вℓσσ∂ ρα¢кєтѕ ѕηα¢кѕ" Shanker Jeb calls up to the mages with a voice like popping organs. "¢σмє αη∂ ∂αη¢є ωιтн ѕнαηкєя נєв'ѕ ѕℓι¢єя тιℓℓ тнє ƒℓєѕн ѕℓσυgнѕ σƒƒ уσυя вσηєѕ."

Shanker Jeb is a little hard to miss. "Welp, there's the target," says Wendat. He gets down on one knee and braces himself. "I could pop his skull like a ripe watermelon from here, I'd wager."
"He won't go down as easy as that, I think," says Orpheo.

"¢яєєριηg вυg ρєσρℓє ωιтн вℓσσ∂ ℓιкє gяєєη ѕтι¢к ѕуяυρ αη∂ тнє ¢яυѕнιηg ƒℓσω σƒ ℓιƒє ¢яυѕн тняσυgн уσυя νєιηѕ ѕнαηкєя נєвѕ gσηηα ρυη¢н ѕσмє нσℓєѕ ιη уσυя ѕαтєℓℓιтє вαℓℓσση ѕкιη αη∂ ℓєт тнє ρяєѕѕυяє αη∂ тнє gυтѕ συт ¢σмє ∂αη¢є ωιтн ѕнαηкєя נєв" Shanker Jeb calls.

"Sustained fire would cut him down to size, then," says Wendat. "We shellack him from up here, he won't even have time to pull his thumb out his arse.
"Wait, Wendat," commands Random.

"ѕєη∂ α ℓαмв тσ ѕнαηкєя נєв ѕєη∂ α ѕα¢яιƒι¢є σƒ ƒℓєѕн" Shanker Jeb starts dancing around the dead bodies on the battlefield, slimy tendrils pulling him along the ground. "ѕнαηкєя נєв ∂ємαη∂ѕ мαησ α gσ∂∂σ σηє ση σηє ωιтн вℓσσ∂ ƒυℓℓ σƒ вℓσσ∂"

"What's it doing?" asks Dio.
"It's calling for us to send down a general of our own for one-on-one combat," says Random. "Again, it's a demon thing."
"Okay, so we don't do it and we kill him from up here," says Dio.
"Maybe," says Random. "Maybe..." It is actually full within Shanker Jeb's rights do demand a battle like this. But will anyone care if they ignore it besides maybe Spit? All of them working together would kill Jeb in a heartbeat - but aristocrat demons do value honor - and imagine the honor of killing one as fierce as Jeb looks - Random could do it, too, he thinks, his powers are all so much stronger here, more amplified, more potent. Him against Jeb... he could do it. Could he? He's a Duke of Hell. He could. He feels hellfire start to sing in his blood.
"Random? What are you staring at?" says Dio. "Let's grease him already."

>>331532
He's requesting a general. Are you a General, Random? Do we even have a General? If you're gonna follow the rules you'd better follow them right.

If we don't have anyone that truly qualifies for the duel then we should just ice him. Be sure to count the Seraphim in your fact checking of course.

>>331532
Start laughing. "No. I'm a Duke of Hell, you know. That comes with power, and honor, and occasionally the demand that you roll up your sleeves and prove that you can burn some punk to cinders personally. I kill this one alone."

Then make those hellfires sing, Random!

Brom 2011/07/25(Mon)22:49 No. 331560 ID: 523c4c
File 131165939945.png - (8.48KB , 800x600 , 105.png )

>>331541
Oh, yes. Random could do it. He's more than a general, he's a Duke. Shanker Jeb should be so honored. He could. He could do it. He could burn that smug demon into fucking ashes. He is Random Motherfucking Sterro.

"Random. Come in Random. Let's kill the demon, Random." Dio is hard to make out through the buzz in Random's ears and the crackling of the fire in his heart.

just remember you have more then just fire. use lots of fire and when he tries to punch you, put of a super powerful shield and let him shatter his own arm. then laugh at him for underestimating you.

>>331560
Random? Are you sure he is not using some kind of Chaos magic against you to make you stop thinking rationally?

>>331563
This is Random.

It's what he does.

>>331560
Tell them he's challenged you to single combat as is his right, and you are going to turn him into a greasy smear.

Ask Orpheo, he knows about this stuff. You could pull some advantage out of this.

>>331574
But... how quickly he got pumped suggests some kind of artificial berserker rage. You're supposed to have a clear head during a fight, and able to hear what's going around you. Random could barely hear Dio- don't you think it would be dangerous to fight like that?

Very suspicious. At the very least, Random, say what you're going to do before you do it.

>>331583
Pretty sure it happens whenever Random goes into combat. See >>330913 for how Random was thinking during the last battle. Why, exactly, I'm not sure. Too much hellfire flowing through his veins, I guess.

>>331560
Well, you heard him, Random. Go kill dat demon!

Okay. Then I think Random should do it. He should watch out though, overconfidence could be his downfall.

We have no idea what this guy is capable of.

don't let emotions make a choice like this for you. would you gain anything politically if you killed him in single combat? if the answer is no blow him away from where you are. keep in mind he might not be a mage but he has probably been killing thins since before you were born. engaging him in one on one would be very risky.

Yeah you're pumped up, but Random Sterro also doesn't hold back. Go in full force with all the backup available.

You've basically got all the guns and this guy is trying to bullshit you by going "hey knives only plz" or "no rush 15 minutes plz" when he knows he can't win otherwise. You wouldn't take that crap in a ladder match online and you shouldn't take it in real life.

you'll manage on your own. there's more risk, sure, but also more reward. go on, Random Motherfucking Sterro. kill him dead.

>>331563
What an interesting idea. Surely that would violate the code of conduct for issuing such challenges? Why, if Sterro so much as suspected he was being manipulated by such magic, he would be completely justified in wasting Jeb without a duel.

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)18:14 No. 331923 ID: 523c4c
File 131172929087.png - (46.98KB , 800x600 , 106.png )

>>331552
>>331561
>>331574
>>331579
>>331599
>>331605
>>331714
Yes.

>>331643
>>331683
>>331722
[b]Fuck off. The general belongs to Random alone.

"I hear your summons, Shanker Jeb," he calls, sprinting to the cliff edge and launching himself off. "I will bubble your skin off your bones and leave you a grease stain on the ground."

"Random, what the fuck," says Dio.

"Stay there. I'll be back," Random calls up. "Don't interfere. any of you."

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)18:15 No. 331924 ID: 523c4c
File 131172930483.png - (202.74KB , 800x600 , 107.png )

Random coasts on Hellfire to the ground beneath, and rolls, coming up facing Shanker Jeb. "Come at me, bro," he says, through gritted teeth.
"ѕнαηкєя נєв ѕєєѕ уσυ нє нєαяѕ тнє вℓσσ∂ ѕтσям тняσυgн уσυя νєιηѕ нιѕ яαzσя ωιℓℓ ∂αη¢є ωιтн уσυ" The general starts forward, trembling and contorting as it pulls itself across the ground with surprising speed.

The principles of Random's magic and his spellbook are located at http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/329324.html#350521

>>331924
Overall proposed battle plan:
Use Aegis to soak the first attack, and Flyte to avoid the next. Aegis again when Jeb overcomes.

At that point we'll be very positively charged, hopefully up at Tier III. Use Pyre->Veil and then Saber in what will hopefully be an unstoppably devastating attack combo.

>>331924
If we have time for a spell before he reaches us, hit him with a Sacrifice.

If not, Aegis the strike.

start off with a a few shafts, then guard with against his attack with an aegis. this should give you a pretty good positive charge. so get a aggressive and use saber.

>>331935
if that lets random cast saber at (effectively) tire III safely we should do this. if he survives we can either finish him with shaft if we think that'll be enough or block his counter with aegis.

>>331935
Shaft him a few times then block something with Aegis. Counter attack with a full Saber.

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)18:54 No. 331961 ID: 523c4c
File 131173168249.png - (204.31KB , 800x600 , 108.png )

Random starts casting Shaft, but Shanker Jeb is so lightning fast that Random switches to Aegis instead to keep from being filleted. Shanker Jeb's attack is fully absorbed, and the general is pushed back for a moment, while he recovers to attack again. He wouldn't call the demon open, but Random has a chance to act before he's struck at again. He feels the euphoric rush of Positive Energy course into his body. He has enough now to convert into one tier II abyssal spell, if he so chooses. Alternatively he can keep casting Divine spells.

>>331961
Keep on the Divine side. Flyte if you can spare the time, Aegis again if Jeb keeps pressing the attack and you need the defense.

When we switch to the Abyssal end of things, it'll be with Tier III attacks meant to burn this punk to ash.

>>331961
Flyte retreat until you can demonic missile him tier 3.

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)19:11 No. 331979 ID: 523c4c
File 131173267731.png - (217.96KB , 800x600 , 109.png )

Before Shanker Jeb can bring his cleaver back round, Random has pushed off the ground and is hovering above his head. "I said come at me," he cackles. "Get that needle of yours out your ass."

"яєтυяη ℓιттℓє вυg αη∂ тαѕтє ѕнαηкєя נєвѕ ѕιℓνєя ѕкιη σя нє ωιℓℓ ριη уσυ тσ тнє ƒℓσσя ωιтн нιѕ ρυѕнιηg ριη αη∂ ѕιρнση уσυя ιηηαя∂ѕ συт уσυя ησѕтяιℓѕ"

>>331979
Be conservative. Just fly around a moment and needle him with Shaft. Be ready to Aegis if he reveals his magic.

Fly back down closer to the ground and block another attack with Aegis.

>>331979
Pin us to the floor? Perhaps he's got some kind of ranged attack... Shaft, but be ready to switch to Aegis again if he tries something nasty.

Hopefully then we'll be up at Tier III and ready to break out the big guns.

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)19:39 No. 332002 ID: 523c4c
File 131173438879.png - (208.95KB , 800x600 , 110.png )

Random lets fly with a Shaft, but it looks like Jeb's got other ideas. One of its dark tendrils springs up from its body and lances, twitching and twisting, into the air toward his chest. He yelps and darts out of the way, but his shaft flies awry.

The charge is crackling its way up and down his body. His teeth tingle in his head.

swoop in block once again with an aegis then counter with a veil/saber combo!

>>332002
Fly up and back, farther out of range of his tendril- and cast Pyre. With the range increase at Tier III it should still be possible to hit him, and once you Veil up you'll have another immediate Tier III attack ready.

>>332004
Use Vengeance and allow it to hit your shield. Charge him with a Sacrifice then Saber him in the face. Use Pyre if you must.

Smack him with a Pyre while making sure to get down close enough to the ground so you don't break your legs.

>>332012
>>332004
Use Vengeance and allow it to hit your shield. Charge him with a Sacrifice then Saber him in the face. Use veil and saber until we're divinely-charged.

>>332002
Veil then Sacrifice for Tier IV damage which DOESN'T EVEN EXIST.

Then Aegis to prepare for his next attack.

>>332018
We can use Pyre->Veil followed by an Aegis to get us back to Tier III, then use a Saber at Tier III+I as our killshot since it's our deadliest attack. I don't trust Sacrifice as an effective finisher.

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)20:23 No. 332058 ID: 523c4c
File 131173699738.png - (215.71KB , 800x600 , 111.png )

>>332017
Random cuts a swathe of flame in the air that catches the next tendril offguard, sends it flying backward, and sets it aflame. "вυg вυg вυg вυg вυg" Shanker Jeb hisses, lashing it back and forth to try to extinguish the fire.

Random's divine wings wink out and he feels the rush of freefall...

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)20:26 No. 332065 ID: 523c4c
File 131173717326.png - (228.76KB , 800x600 , 112.png )

then the feel of the flames bursting from him as he sends himself screaming through the air like a javelin directly into Shanker Jeb's chest, landing both-feet first and pirouetting off, leaving a trail of hellfire in his wake. "вυg вυg вυg вυg вυg кιℓℓ уσυ вυg ѕнαηкєя נєв ωιℓℓ яιρ уσυя αямѕ αη∂ ℓєgѕ 域 αη∂ ℓєт тнє ℓєƒтσνєя ∂яαιη" Shanker Jeb howls, staggering backward and clearly wounded.

>>332065
He might still swipe at you at this range. Back off and hit him with a Saber if he doesn't immediately counterattack. Veil up for it if you can.

damn dropped us below tie three. hit him one more time with shaft to keep him off balance and then finish him with sabre.

>>332068
Oh, and use Aegis if he *does* counterattack.

>>332065
Use Shaft to pump us back up to Tier III, or Aegis if he recovers and strikes at us.

Then Veil and Sabre. Tier III+I high-damage goodness will bring us this victory in style.

>>332065
Pyre and Saber him. Be ready with Vengeance if that sword comes after you.

>>332076
Yes!

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)20:51 No. 332093 ID: 523c4c
File 131173865879.png - (201.29KB , 800x600 , 113.png )

Random starts an Aegis, but Shanker Jeb recovers significantly quicker than he thought, putting one shoulder down and rushing him as soon as he lands. He just has time to pull up a veil and a saber before Jeb gets within striking distance.

He raises the blade to parry, but Jeb knocks it aside as if it were a twig and takes a monster swing at Random. "уєѕ уєѕ уєѕ ¢σмє вυg єη∂ уσυя נσυяηєу αт тнє мσυтн σƒ тнє яινєя σƒ вℓσσ∂у мιη∂є∂ мα∂ηєѕѕ ѕнαηкєя נєв нαѕ уσυ ησω ℓєт нιм ƒσℓ∂ уσυ ιη нιѕ ѕтєєℓ αямѕ"

Random leaps out of the way just in time, but the edge of the cleaver slices through his sash and leaves a shallow cut in his midsection. One more inch and his entrails would have been steaming on the ground.
It might be inadvisable to take Shanker Jeb on in direct melee.

sacrifice and bounce off of him into the air and fly again. then launch a bunch of shafts down on him.

>>332093
Veil, pyre, then drop both and flyte away. Take your time and needle him with shafts.

>>332093
Argh. With no Aegis first we couldn't get a III+I Sabre, so of course we can't go toe-to-toe with a melee specialist.

We need distance. Vengeance next time he strikes at us, then Flyte to get at range where we can pound him.

Shit. Alright, exit stage right with a Sacrifice then Lay down a Pyre since we've still got Veil up. After that we'll want to drop it and start using Divine some more.

My vote is for getting away using sacrifice. We should stay far away from him as possible, defensive spells or no. I think it will be easier to simply avoid his long range attacks than it will be to defend against his melee onslaught

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)21:33 No. 332128 ID: 523c4c
File 131174120734.png - (198.45KB , 800x600 , 114.png )

Random can't pause to think, because then he'll remember he's charging a Demon General. He grinds one foot into the dirt behind him to stop his stumble, then blasts himself forward into Jeb, who brings its blade up to parry.

Random plants a foot on it and springs off it into the air.

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)21:34 No. 332130 ID: 523c4c
File 131174124026.png - (191.79KB , 800x600 , 115.png )

He catches himself with Flyte, and pulls up hard away from Jeb's seeking blade. "ησ ησ ησ" howls Jeb as it slices the air with its cleaver. Random takes the opportunity to pull a Shaft of divine energy from a hundred layers up Irminsul and send it flying down toward the general, who attempts to parry. But it is feeling its wounds, and it's getting slower, and more labored, and the spell blazes through its guard into its shoulder. "ησ ησ ησ ησ ησ ησ" says Jeb.

use Flyte for distance, then cast veil. openings are going to be few and fare between, we should need to be able to take full advantage of them.

>>332131
well that's what i get for not refreshing before i post. we should still set up veil though.

>>332130
Pelt him with another Shaft. Keep moving.

>>332130
Pound with Shaft spells until we've got a Tier III or he attacks us.

>>332134
No Veil yet. We can't use Veil without turning off Flyte.

Flyte as far away from him as you possibly can, as quick as you can. If he isn't able to close the gap quickly, use shaft. If he can charge you, Flyte again.

Hopefully this will bring us far enough so that we can use III + I Abyssal magic on him

>>332130
How quickly can he turn? Try to pin his legtenaclesthings to the ground and get behind him.

go leftwards and another shaft. then land veil and shoot a sacrifice. have it swerve and dodge his blade so it his his face.

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)21:58 No. 332166 ID: 523c4c
File 131174272791.png - (214.86KB , 800x600 , 116.png )

Random feels a vicious joy in seeing his enemy grow slower. He flits around the air and looses another shaft, as Shanker Jeb swings a tentacle at where he was a second ago. He's toying with it now.

This one is aimed for one of Jeb's ground tendrils, to see if he can pin it to the ground. It doesn't get all the way through, but now Jeb is hobbling. Random feels the positive energy welling up in his stomach and throat once again.

Drop down, Veil up again, and hit him with a Sacrifice that doesn't propel you to him. Boom.

>>332168
have it aim at his stomach and swerve at the last second to hit him in the face.

>>332166
Another Shaft, then prepare to land from casting Pyro III->Veil and then another Pyro III. That much fire should finish off almost anything.

>>332166
Fly towards him and aegis the tendril to slam it away. We're not quite ready yet.

Hit the ground some distance away from Jeb, and use Aegis. That should allow us enough time to block an attack, and pretty much give us Abyssal power to ruin his ass.

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)22:20 No. 332190 ID: 523c4c
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Random tries to ramn the tendril but it snakes out of the way. He ends up facing Jeb as it brings the tendril down toward his head, still chanting "ησ ησ ησ ησ ησ ησ"
Random brings the Aegis up once more and the tendril deflects against it weakly.

The positive energy in his body is triggering tiny spasms and twitches all over him. His hands are trembling with a mixture of exertion and gleeful anticipation.

>>332190
Veil, sacrifice, Saber. Try to saber AS you slam into him.

>>332190
Pyre->Veil, Pyre. Burn him to cinders and don't ever come within melee range; we've learned that lesson.

>>332190
Oh gods stop using Divine, Random, you're gonna burst! Veil+Sacrifice, but don't let it propel you.

Pyre, Veil then Sabre! If that doesnt turn him into dust then nothing will.

>>332190
VEIL+SACRIFICE!
VEIL+SACRIFICE!

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)22:59 No. 332220 ID: 523c4c
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Random drops to the ground, a veil of flame starting to lick warmly against his feet and hands. He siphons positive energy to negative, faster and faster and faster again, and it is different this time, and there is something else behind him, the will of his power-laden kingdom, the ground beneath his feet, the feeling of a Thaumaturge on his own plane. He doesn't know what's about to happen, but that's not going to stop him. It's different this time. It's new. It's different.

He starts to laugh.

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)22:59 No. 332221 ID: 523c4c
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He stands up, the flames coursing and twisting and growing around him, laughing harder, so hard his back and head wrench back and he is nearly screaming as the infernal energy slams through his wiry body, he's never felt like this before, not on the Material Plane ever, pumping itself more and more into the stoking flames. Yes Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yeeeeeeeeeeeee

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)23:00 No. 332222 ID: 523c4c
File 131174640024.png - (101.07KB , 800x600 , 120.png )

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)23:00 No. 332224 ID: 523c4c
File 131174641822.png - (126.96KB , 800x600 , 121.png )

Shanker Lee, Styrix of the Cleaver, bursts apart.

>>332224
Dust yourself off, Random. You are the winner.

Lift yourself back with Flyt. I don't think you wanna use any Abyssal spells for a bit.

just cruse back over and rub in their faces on how boss you are.

>>332224
Awesome.
Now, go tell Spithia she's your minion now since that's the help you're accepting from Xephy. If he doesn't like it then he should have specified what help he would give you.
Have the Seraphim deliver this guy's head for you. Since you did their job we can call that about even.

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)23:19 No. 332236 ID: 523c4c
File 131174755341.png - (45.26KB , 800x600 , 122.png )

>>332228
>>332231
Yes. Let them revel in his glory. Random is a fucking god. He's a Duke of. Of... Hm.
"Random, holy fuck," calls Dio.
Dio pauses for a moment, looking for the right words. "Holy fuck," calls Dio.

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)23:19 No. 332237 ID: 523c4c
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"Yeah, it's cool," Random says. "I'm okay. Thinking I'm going to take a nap, though. This is a good time for a nap."

Brom 2011/07/26(Tue)23:19 No. 332239 ID: 523c4c
File 131174757452.png - (44.94KB , 800x600 , 125.png )

"Okay, who's going to go get him?"

can glamours carry him? summon up a swarm of tiny ant-size dios.

Make Wendat do it. He's least suited.

Whoever has powered flight should do it.

>>332244
lol. This.

>>332248
this, but if no one has flight we should send Epraim. he can probably make it down with the least difficulty. and I don't think caring random will slow him down much.

>>332224
>Shanker Lee
Who?

>>332239
Have Dio summon a parachute and float down to him. Then he can send a grappling hook back up.

Epraim can soften the earth and make stairs to help them get back. Or he can use the wind to fly, but that's not likely.

everybody is. how else are you going to lift his ten-ton balls off the ground?

Epraim, Wendat and Eulinda are probably the best. Especially if Epraim reforms the slope to make it easier.

Can Dio use Mind Parasite to check on Random's condition/give him a mental high-five?

I wonder how much better Dio can use Checkmate Da now than he could at the beginning of chapter 1.

Brom 2011/07/27(Wed)21:08 No. 332695 ID: 523c4c
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The magi return to Xephyrious' castle, their erstwhile leader slung across their back.

Brom 2011/07/27(Wed)21:08 No. 332696 ID: 523c4c
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Pilosodontus reveals the remains of Shanker Jeb (a smashed, burnt, mask) to Xephyrious, who is forced to do something knowledge demons are loath to do. He is forced to honor a deal.

"But we don't have enough rooms for all of you, so someone is going to have to sleep in the stables. Or in Spit's quarters. I couldn't tell you which is worse."

Brom 2011/07/27(Wed)21:08 No. 332697 ID: 523c4c
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Orpheo volunteers to share Spithia's room. "There's probably a cot around somewhere," she mutters, and lopes off to find it.
"Don't let her, like, knife you or anything," says Dio.
"I am sure I will be fine, Diometricus. You need sleep."
"Okay, but she's a maladjusted demon and that's two strikes against her already. I'm just saying."
"Spithia possesses that out-of-fashion notion we know as honor," says Orpheo. "If she wanted to kill me, she would have said so."
"Okay. Feeling a little better about this. 'Night, Orpheo."
"Good night, Diometricus."

Brom 2011/07/27(Wed)21:09 No. 332698 ID: 523c4c
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Spithia returns with a guttering black candle. In the glow Orpheo sees a distressingly small room furnished solely by a bed of hay with an off-white sheet tied onto it. "Behold," says Spithia. "the quarters of a demon general."
"Did you locate the cot?" asks Orpheo.
"No," Spithia says, bitterly. "Xephyrious says' he's using it for something. He told me that's why they invented the ground. And that I'm to give you my bed."
"Unnecessary," says Orpheo. "As I am the guest, I shall take ground. I don't strictly require sleep in the first place."
Spithia cocks her head. "Why are you so nice to me?"
"What do you mean?"
"Rut your what do you mean," she snarls. "You're the first living thing to call me by my full name in half a century, did you know that? Why do you do that?"

because where i come from we have this thing known as kindness. doing something just to be nice. demons, while honorable, would never go out of their way to help someone without thinking they can gain something from it, no offense.

>>332698
"Giving you respect costs me nothing, and you have done nothing to me that I should not."

>>332698
Because to me, you have not lost your honor.

HERF DERF DEMON SEX

Someone had to say it

>>332711
Decent concept, but this is Orpheo! let's jazz it up with some iambic pentameter and general poetic-ness.

To give you honor, the cost to me free.
For honor lost is an unknown to me.
You have shown as General dignity,
More than required;
When welcomed into a damned city.
So let us retire
Choose of your comfort, in bed desired.
In a sanctum of knowledge, all end tired.

Brom 2011/07/27(Wed)21:52 No. 332736 ID: 523c4c
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"It costs me nothing to give you respect, Spithia," says Orpheo. "Not when you have done nothing, in my eye, to lose it."

Spithia smirks as she flops onto the faux-bed. "Few would say such things to a former warrior clad in a potato sack and forced to scrub floors."
"Then perhaps I am one of them," says Orpheo, lying on the stony ground and attempting to be comfortable. "Good evening, Spithia."
"Good night, spellslinger," says Spithia.

Brom 2011/07/27(Wed)21:52 No. 332737 ID: 523c4c
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Orpheo waits until her breathing levels and he knows she is asleep to open his eye and cease meditation.

Now that Xyph's assigned eyes are dreaming, a resourceful mage with the power of invisibility has the full keep to himself. The dreaming time of night is an open book for his study. Speaking of books. The library, perhaps? The barracks? Shall he depart his body and visit the dreams of any creature in the keep? The dreams of the sleeping Demon Duke himself? Orpheo's thoughts flit to how easy it would be, slipping a dagger into Xyph's neck while he sleeps. He shakes the image from his mind. There is a time, and there is a place, for all things. Perhaps simply the library.

>>332737
Don't you have full free access to the library in any case, thanks to your prior deal with the demon?

Perhaps to the dreams of the young mages you are escorting, to see how they're truly holding up.

Yes, just pop by their dreams to see if they're okay. But knock first, you already know these are all crazy teenagers.

or just get some sleep. you have a deal with the daemon giving you access to the library and there's nothing worth risking the headache getting caught snooping around wold cause.

>>332737
Bad idea. Risk of political backlash is too much. You have access to the library already anyways.

>>332741
I think that would be rather rude.

Going into the library at this point would be completely within the terms of the deal we have with the Duke.

Nosing around in the Duke's dreams would be interesting indeed... It might even grant us some useful information on the current political environment down here.

Maybe visiting a Seraphim's dreams could give us some interesting information as well.