>>719324
Preserve not the mutant, filthy heretic. Die by my fire!

>>719158
A servant takes Gungir away from you. Your headache immediately disappears.

You call across the gap between you. "Would it not be better for us to be seated across from each other? It grows tiresome to shout across this gap." The Praetor seems to think for a moment. Finally, he says "Very well. Meet me in my command tent." With that, he turns around and disappears into the army around him.
----------
You are flanked by Bradford and Thexus as you walk through their camp. Everywhere, all you can see is giants: Some setting up defenses using the rotating cones they used earlier, others in smithy's aprons are forging weapons, others still are standing guard. Yet there's one thing you see none of the giants doing: resting. On the contrary: all of them seem on edge, as if there always being watched. Eventually, the giants who's hand was cut off from earlier comes up to you, seemingly whole now. It takes you a little while to realize that this is a different cyclops. The armor has specks of blood on it. The giant says, "The Praetor will see you now." You soon come to the largest tent, towering even over the giants. Inside, the Praetor is discussing with the giant chieftain. The newly promoted giant steps forward and takes off his helmet. It is now apparent to you that he is not a true giant: he is some kind of sub-species, with only one eye. "I have brought the visitors Praetor." The Praetor waves him off. "You are dismissed." The sub-giant walks off but the Praetor calls him again before he leaves the tent. "Oh and Centurion?" The sub-giant nearly goes stiff. "Your new armor is bloody. That's sloppy. Don't let it happen again, unless you want to meet the same fate as your predecessor." Simultaneously, all the other sub-giants in the room--noticeably none of the true giants--looked up at the newly promoted one. They seem almost...hungry. The promoted one looks scared. "Y-y-yes sir. My utmost apologies." With that, the Centurion almost runs away from the tent. Now, the Praetor turns to you. "Ah, welcome Nathaniel. I expect you have questions. What is you would like to ask?"
>Location
>Purpose
>Name

Hrrrm.
Alright. This guy is very strict and to the point.
Although he did hand a dude earlier for saying we're just here for blackwater, that was also because dude spoke out of turn.
These guys are majorly disciplined, at least when fully trained.
That said...Purpose, or at least a name. While Location in theory would be nice, we can 1-pay attention to what direction they leave from and consider their initial attack direction from the battle, and 2-we have fliers, I don't think these guys do, and thus we probably could theoretically track them...But I'd not want to risk the cones overmuch, myself.

Mr.C!!Z5AwqwMwxj 2016/04/28(Thu)12:22 No. 719661 ID: 0eaeaf
File 146187133371.jpg - (55.50KB , 550x344 , Praetor Zhàn Lì Helmetless.jpg )

>>719408
After a moment of consulting with Thexus and Bradford, you finally ask, "What is your purpose here?"
The Praetor stands up and walks around the table. "Our purpose? Our purpose is to annihilate the ones who dared to wipe out our species. We were a small village, only 200 people. One day, the Blackwater scum swept through and killed nearly all of us. All that was left was our chieftress, my son, and my brother." You ask, "What about you? Didn't you survive?" He doesn't answer, instead just lifting his helmet. There is nothing below it.

Sorry for the repost. Typos with a side of typos with a typo shake.
>>719661
He puts his helmet back on. "One lord took interest in me. He turned me into an Agnei, a restless spirit. He trapped me in a suit of tin armor, and made me the guardian of his treasures. One day, my brother came to rescue me. Apparently, the chieftress had dominated a tribe of oculi, giant savages who roamed the Hellborn Wastes. When the chieftress saw what had become of me, she made up her mind. That is when we began our crusade. That is when the Hellborn legion was born."

... I think we can come to terms.

Offer to assist the Praetor in his crusade against Blackwater and their battle, and to deliver the souls of the Blackwater nobles responsible for this so they may be tortured personally, but in exchange you will obtain HALF of the Praetor's armies when this is over, your pick.

Said half includes his family, so if he tries to screw you over by sending most of his army into the meat grinder, you WILL take his son as compensation, but if half of his current army is available by the end then you swear that you will not break apart his family.

>>719661
>>719665
Well, I cannot fault your motives.

My people have also suffered at the hands of the Blackwater, though not so cruelly as your own. You came to our aid in our time of need, and I would offer friendship and an ally against a common enemy.

>>719666
Noooooo. No. Nope. Let's not do that.

>>719678
He's going to keep killing his minions. The giants need a way out.

>>719692
>Threaten
>Army of giants
>Just saved you
You might want to think that over again kome...And I never said the oculi were innocent either >;-D.

I figure those giants knew well and good what they're getting into.
As for Hellborn relations...
We don't actually need a full count of them, but a...I guess sterotype of what each dude type does could work?
Doesn't need to go into details if he doesn't want to, but just enough we have a basic gist of what he and his can do.
From there, we just co-ordinate-like if he wants to charge blackwater we might assist him/ sneak around and hit supply lines, that kind of thing.
basically, just give us a heads-up before he attacks so he doesn't go alone. All we ask.
I figure an information trade at least of human warjacks/army info for his should suffice. I feel like the elves and Overlords should get to barter their info seperately though.

Mr.C!!Z5AwqwMwxj 2016/04/29(Fri)11:25 No. 719767 ID: 0eaeaf
File 146195432239.jpg - (3.17MB , 2269x3043 , Prince Zhàn Dòu.jpg )

>>719714
Combat portfolio will be up in the discussion soon.
An oculi hands you a portfolio of the legion's capabilities.

>>719678
"We would be able to offer a friend and--" you begin. The Praetor raises a hand to stop you. "No need. My army is enough. If I require assistance, I will call for my brother. No, that is not what we came for. I came here to bring my son. I want for him to train under a leader. As he is, he is rash, impulsive, and prone to excessive violence." He barks at the back of the tent. "Zhàn Dòu, come!" A tall teenager emerges from the tent. They seem remarkably like the elves, though more tanned and muscled. "Yes father? Is it time for you to send me away?" he says with spite. Without saying a word, he raises a heavy hand and slaps the teenager. "Do not talk back. You will stay in this kingdom until you can learn to be mature and not whine like a child. You are 22 now, and yet I can't even trust you wish a scouting contingent."

"He will be safe, and be provided many lessons."
I'm gonna go ahead and guess that this kid's got the typical issue of thinks he knows everything.
So I figure we test his knowledge and see how long he lasts...But I figure once we're out of earshot of the camp, so word doesn't get back to the commander, we can ask his side of the story. Sounds like he's an incompetent leader?

>>719780
"We will keep him safe" you say. "He will learn under us. We promise." The Praetor nods. "Thank you. By the way, my name is Zhàn Lì, and my son is Zhàn Dòu. Watch him: he can go sneaking in the night."

You head away from the camp, flanked by 4 oculi ushering you out. They stop at the gate of the camp, and you begin to enter the castle. When you see Dòu walking alone, you move towards him and attempt to put his hand on your shoulder, but he pushes you off. "Stay away from me until you can challenge me, fool." Turning away, he is caught by Bradford, who picks up the lean teenager easily. "Listen to me," he says dangerously. "You want to act like a whiny little ass? Fine. You want to live like you're the only one who's lost people? Fine. But don't say it in front of the one who had his entire village sacrificed to raise a dark god." Dòu kicked off his chest and drew his sword. "I challenge you, paladin." Bradford grins. "If it's a fight you want, it a fight you'll get." He pulls his mace off his back. Will you intervene?

This punk is gonna get punted sky-high.
And it will be hilarious.
No interference!

>>721140
Kid needs a lesson in multi-elemental defense.

Tell Bradford to hold back, then use your psionic powers to whack the kid unconscious. If he's too stubborn to realize his brains are being scrambled during the skirmish, rub that in his face tomorrow.

Mr.C!!Z5AwqwMwxj 2016/05/11(Wed)17:43 No. 722626 ID: 0eaeaf
File 146301379573.jpg - (173.11KB , 600x400 , DouVBradford.jpg )

rolled 13, 10 = 23

---

Sorry for repost. Forgot image.
>>721164
>>721204
You decide not to stop the duel, but you tap Bradford's soldier. He nods understandingly and moves into combat stance.

The long-ass siege battle has made me rusty for the open input style. Bear with me.

Dòu takes the inititave, charging forward with a cleaving blow.
(Roll 3d10 Armor vs my Roll)

rolled 7, 2, 1 = 10

---

>>722626

>>722627
(Bradford 62/75 Health)
>Choose Actions
>Bradford:
>Guard: +1d10 Armor.
>Sweep: Do 1d5 damage, but slam target 1d10 feet away.
>Cleave: Do 2d20 damage.

>King
>Psy-shield: +1d10 armor to you or Bradford.
>Reflection: Any damage caused by next attack is applied to nearest enemy.
>Suffocation: Nearest enemy loses next turn and suffers 2d5 damage.

rolled 2 = 2

---

Sweep and Reflect. See if he's stupid enough to take the bait.

rolled 1 = 1

---

>>722656
For the slam effect of sweep.

Hrrm...
We could gaurd against this, but it seems like either this kid hits like a truck and knocks Bradford on his butt, or he doesn't and is a speedy little pain to deal with.
I'm inclined to think the latter and perfer the option of Cleaving, with King either using Psy-shield to protect Brad or not doing anything for the time being, just sitting back and waiting until interventions are needed to prevent fatalities.

rolled 1 = 1

---

Rolling a die

>1
Cleave + Psy-shield
>2
Sweep + Reflect

rolled 6, 9 = 15

---

>>722674
Roll 2d20 - my roll for damage.
>inb4 Natural 40

>>723152
Same thing for you guys. 2d20 please.
Or else

rolled 9, 14 = 23

---

rolled 18, 18 = 36

---

>>725728
Bradford's mace swings down as he attacks the boy before he can escape. It is clear he is hurt.
(Dòu Health 27/35)

You layer your Psy-Shield over Bradford's physical armor, augmenting his protection. Before either of you can react however, Dòu says a quick chant before making a swift cut along his arm. He lets the blood run down his blade, before charging forth. His blade meanwhile is now covered with an ethereal film, and it takes you a small bit to realize that the blade of his weapon is made out of the same material as his father's armor.
(Dòu Health 25/35, Bleeding)

>>725730
So 56 damage. And no armor save for you because Blackbane ignoring psychic powers and Ghostslash ignoring armor. (Bradford 6/75 Health)

>Choose Actions
>Bradford:
>Guard: +1d10 Armor.
>Sweep: Do 1d5 damage, but slam target 1d10 feet away.
>Cleave: Do 2d20 damage.

>King
>Psy-shield: +1d10 armor to you or Bradford.
>Reflection: Any damage caused by next attack is applied to nearest enemy.
>Suffocation: Nearest enemy loses next turn and suffers 2d5 damage.

...
I'm not sure if this kid is playing for death or knockout.
If he's going for death, then say this:
"Stop or you both die. Or you and me die, your choice."
If he's going for knockout though...
Let's just do Reflection on whoever he's charging at, and when he gets floored we sit on him and have a spear right on his eyeball before he wakes up.
When he comes to, and nearly looses an eye, then we say.
"So that's why your dad doesn't trust you with even a scouting regiment."
This kid's got a big ego because he's a good fighter right? And that trick of his is a great way to win 1v1, or even 1v2-5 maybe.
But the problem is he's a hot-headed idiot who doesn't consider the idea of numbers/tactics I think.
So I figure as a general rule, let's keep his training to war games, and preferably have him explicitly NOT be the commander on either side.
Basically, get his ego out of the equation and hopefully thinking calmly instead of going 'WTF I COULD TOTES BEAT THAT IF I WAS OUT THERE RAEG!!!'.
Unfortunately, this kid hits hard enough that the 'unfair duel' idea might be risky- he's the type you need to shut down with hitting hard yourself, and finding something that can do that AND survive his attacks is easier said than done...

Wait I had a better idea.
King: Suffocate on Dio
Bradford: Cleave.
That SHOULD put the kid on his butt and thus end this fight.
And once we have his attention, we can start giving him wargames to train him.
I think we should probably keep him away from actual battles if we can manage it-this boy's not a bad fighter, but he has no head for tactics whatsoever.

rolled 4, 3 = 7

---

>>728055
Roll damage for both of those. Dòu only gets an armor save for cleave, because how is your armor going to save you from getting strangled by a psychic bubble?

rolled 9, 8 = 17

---

rolling for smacking some sense into the boy!

rolled 1, 2 = 3

---

and now for choking the stupid out of the boy!

>>728183
>>728184
(Dòu Health 13/35)
Dòu is stuck in a psychic bubble, clawing at his neck for air.

>Choose Actions
>Bradford:
>Guard: +1d10 Armor.
>Sweep: Do 1d5 damage, but slam target 1d10 feet away.
>Cleave: Do 2d20 damage.

>King
>Psy-shield: +1d10 armor to you or Bradford.
>Reflection: Any damage caused by next attack is applied to nearest enemy.
>Suffocation: Nearest enemy loses next turn and suffers 2d5 damage. Already in effect.

rolled 1, 2 = 3

---

>>728306
Maintain bubble until he passes out?

If we're gonna do that, I want to lecture him first.
Simply put, from what we've heard of him from his father/overheard from them arguing, this kid thinks he's tough cookies.
Aaaand given how much damage he did to Brad, he probably IS fairly good in a duelling circle. But he's also a hot-headed moron who charges in thinking he can just cut down all his problems, which is why his dad handed him over to us. He's as much a danger to his troops under his command as the enemy soldiers are with that mindset.
So I'm thinking a few rules regarding this kid:
One, he's prolly gonna get gaurds because diplomatics etc, etc. I figure give them the stipulation to either a. run away if he starts getting rowdy, into/alternatively b. dogpile his butt before he starts cutting people down.

And lastly, no more duels. I only agreed to this one because if he's gonna be that rude he probably wouldn't listen unless we smacked some sense into him, necessitating something along these lines. It's just gonna be wargames, with him dealing with troops that don't know him. no representations of Dio explicitly throughout his training.
and MAYBE, just maybe, as a final 'congrats' he gets a war-game based off that disasterous scouting mission he went on, with him playing the enemy and he gets to gleefully trap and do nasty things to the incoming force. In essence, getting to see how far he's come as a commander.

>>728357
You release the bubble, and wait for him to catch his breath. "That is why we don't rush in, and why your father "dumped"--your choice of words--you here with us while he went on the crusade. You don't even seem to understand the basics of tactics, which is keep your commander in the back and let the troops do the fighting!" You calm down for a moment before continuing. "I have three ground rules while you're here. One - no more duels. It is rude and improper. Two - you get guards, both for your safety and those of others. Three - Your training begins the day after tomorrow, with wargames. Tomorrow is Bradford's birthday banquet."

Is there anything you'd like to do before tomorrow? You can check in on the magineers, visit one of the heroes or leaders, and spend some time with the others. Each action takes an hour, you have 8 hours to the banquet, 3 if you want to get some sleep.
>Choose

>>739779
Gain the Well Rested status by sleeping in early. Tomorrow is going to be a rambunctious birthday party... again.

>>739779
We should probably get some sleep, and it's been long enough I can't remember when we last saw who.

Okay, we saw the magiengineers right before the last battle and the Praetor showing up. They can probably wait.

We might want to check in with our rescued dragon-things? They got a bunch more, uh, parts back from the angelions we just killed, right?

Also probably want to check in with Nyss.

And/or a little time just hanging with our main heros? It's probably been a while since we got the original band back together, and most of them were active in that fight if I remember right.

Mr. C!!L3ZzHlLwt3 2016/08/05(Fri)07:56 No. 740548 ID: 8013df
File 147040901315.jpg - (403.71KB , 1024x768 , earth_dragon_by_cindyaa-d3etmp0.jpg )

>>739798
You head to the Dragon caves. Fafnir readily ansorbs them, and suddenly sprouts wings as well. "Yes, you've found my air and earth aspects and air aspects! Now i can breath fire and use my elemental ability again!"

>>739798
>fly and use my elemental ability again!"
Fixed

>>739798
Nyss is in the castle with Oracle, planning Bradford's birthday. You come up behind her and give her a peck on the neck. She pushes you off playfully. "Oh push off," she says. "I'm almost done, wait for me in the room." You consent and retreat. She doesn't keep you waiting long, and soon she's at your room with 2 platters of food. "You know, I was thinking of a picnic with the others. Come with?" You nod, and the two of you head to the gardens, where the other heroes are waiting. Bradford begins to tell stories and Windvale and Nyss lay out the food. You all laugh at the time you accidentally set Recticulus' house on fire while playing in his workshop, and Windvale spins tales of the War in the Heavens passed down from her great grandparents. Soon the food is ready, and it turns out to be scrumptious. You laugh away the hours, but soon enough you must turn in. Nyss and you slip into bed and soon fall asleep.

Mr.C!!Z5AwqwMwxj 2016/08/14(Sun)13:16 No. 742225 ID: 1aa430
File 147120580536.jpg - (20.99KB , 300x300 , Seraphim3.jpg )

>>741547
The next day comes too early. Still, you're better off than Bradford and Recticulus, both of whom were drinking all night. You do not envy their hangovers. Especially since they still have a full day of partying ahead. Trumpets fanfare as Bradford strives through his parade, mounted on the kingdom's finest horse in his new armor, that Oracle helped him put on. It is a proud sight. Afterwards he disappears into the castle, before coming up onto the balcony, where a banquet has been laid out in the garden. Midway through the feast, a blinding light appears. When the flash is gone, there is someone standing on the ledge of the balcony. It takes you a bit of time to realize that the "someone" has 4 wings: a Seraphim. You immediately bow, and the others follow. The Oracle removes his hood and smiles. "Well if it isn't my little friend." The Seraphim smiles and says "You may rise." He turns to you. "You. The chosen king. My master has allowed you one wish. You may use it on anything you wish, a reward for your faithfulness. What will you wish for."

>Open Input

I wish I remembered enough of the long term stuff going on in this quest to make a smart wish

blessed greased +2 gray dragon scale mail

Okay, okay, seriously now.

Assuming there are reasonable restrictions in place and you can't just wish the enemy country into capitulation and defeat:

As a ruler, the unselfish wish would probably be for the health, safety, and prosperity of his people.

...as an individual, you might instead make a similar wish on the behalf of the two as of yet unborn children. Your own, and that of your oldest friend.

WAKE UP

>>742239
Don't worry this is real.

>>742471
GAH! Wrong name. This is me. Sorry, was posting in Discussion.

>>742471
THAT WILL NOT STOP NATHANIEL. THAT WILL JUST MAKE HIM CRAZIER.

BEGIN THE GMOD DANCE! (And make sure Slimtail is still in bed, you do NOT want to kick her baby to death.)

Mr.C!!Z5AwqwMwxj 2016/08/17(Wed)15:08 No. 742947 ID: 0eaeaf
File 147147170284.jpg - (9.02KB , 328x153 , download.jpg )

>>742518

I'm just going to go with >>742235...Sorry.

>>742235
"As a king, I should wish for my people. I should wish for our strength, prosperity, and for our kingdom to last forever. That is my duty. As a lover and a friend forever, I also wish that my own child and the child of my dearest friend to be strong, to grow up to be kind and mighty and smart. That they will be able to pick up where we left off in our own generations." The Seraphim nods. "Such is the King's curse. To wish for the prosperity of thine own bloodline or that of their people. To choose one of the other is to bring unbalance; to either have a weak king or a tyrant."

>Wish for your children's prosperity
>Wish for the kingdom's prosperity

Take care of your kingdom.

rolled 2 = 2

---

>>742949
1. Kids
2. Country

Let fate decide.

>>743052
>>743467
"I wish that my kingdom thrive. I am but one of hopefully a long line of kings, my responsibility is my people not myself." The Seraphim puts both hands to your head and looks to the sky. "Oh Maker who gives us life and protects us in his eternal grace, bless this land. Bless its people with wealth and its soil with fertility. May they have eternal protection and set up sentinels to ward off evil. To you I pray, Boban."

It seems like nothing happens, but when you look for him the Seraphim has disappeared. He reappears next to Oracle. "I have a gift for you as well. Think of it as a reward for your faith." He then puts both hands over Oracle's eyes. When he raises them, Oracle seems amazed. "I...I can see. I can see again. The pain is gone. IT'S GONE!" He rejoices in happiness, actually crying.

Seeing the people gathered around you, you wonder about the hardships you went through over the past 3 years. Then, you look at all the joy has been part of your life. You smile, and look to the heavens, ready for another day on Avalon.

Avalon Quest Thread 1 End