Calmly, you take your seat on the deck of Jormungandr again, sipping at your tea, while Marigold translates everything Ser Franklin had said to you, and what you'd said in return.
"So, they're at this mine." Aeriel said, after Mar's translation was finished.
"Yes." Marigold said. "It's dug into the foot of a small mountain range, surrounded by forest."
"I'll have to scry a bit." He said. "And the knight said something about a ward, so we'll probably have to come in through the outside of the entrance, to be safe..."

Raziel picked up the charred bone, examining it for a few moments.
"... Do you want me to carve this for you?" She asked, quietly. "He would be a useful spectre, and he's willing."

>>20838245
"Would that deny him access to wherever people go after they die, or only make him more easily accessible for us?"

>>20838245
"You might as well. But I won't use it unless I have to, he's done enough."

>>20838245
"I'm.. I'm not sure. What would you do?" Hug Raz.

>>20838245
"I think he would want you to. The man's nothing if not dedicated. Was, rather, I suppose."

>>20838245
"Yes. I think... I think he'd like that."

"Would that deny him access to wherever people go after they die, or only make him more easily accessible for us?"
"It will make it easier to call him, but he won't be sealed within it." She said.
"Yes, I think... I think he'd like that. I think he would want you to." You say. "But I won't use it unless I have to. He's done enough."
"He has." She said, and examined the bone for a moment. "... I know what to do with him." She said, and took out a stone knife, slowly carving more lines in the bone.

"It's right north from Rowan Duchy, east from a bay to the western sea." Marigold was explaining, while Aeriel writes what she's saying. You suddenly feel rather guilty that you never paid much attention to the maps of your old world.

Suddenly remembering the way he looked so... gaunt, and hungry, and old, you screw your eyes tightly, setting down your tea, and you feel a kalak talon set itself on your shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly.
"It's late." Zeke said. "And you're tired. I'm not telling you what to do, but I think you should get some sleep."

>>20838414
"You're probably right."

I wonder if Kal will succeed in visiting our dreams.

>>20838414
"It would be the smartest thing to do, you're right. Thanks, Zeke." I think sleeping on Grayson is necessary to calm Ishelda.

>>20838414
"You're probably right."

>>20838414
"I guess you're right, but right now I feel like if I sleep I'd be wasting time preparing to save them. But it'd be even more stupid of me to make a mistake from fatigue."

"You're... probably right." You say. "But right now, I feel like if I sleep, I'd be wasting time preparing to save them. But it'd be even more stupid of me to make a mistake, from fatigue.
"Don't worry." He said. "We all have rings, and we can wake you up if something's wrong, and Gehenna's likely still awake. We can do the rest of the preparations without you. Your sorcery... is the most important tool we have, and if you don't sleep..."
"I guess you're right." You say. "Thanks, Zeke."

He nods, and reluctantly, you make your way down the tower and eye Grayson, laying down in the small patch of flowers that made up Marigold's garden.
You crawl down on top of him, and give him a hug. The bear huffs, and quietly, you start tearing up again, still so full of emotions you aren't sure how to identify. You feel a second heartbeat, far to the north. Kaliel doesn't say anything, but you feel her presence there, with you, almost as comforting as Grayson's presence.
You close your eyes, giving Grayson a tighter hug, and eventually, dreamless sleep takes you.

Rubbing your eyes, you sit up, dawn's light shining at you. Halfway across the castle's courtyard, orc knights were standing straight, weapons at the ready, Redglare speaking to them. The runners stand nearby, Glaives in hand, and you see Jeanne standing there as well, bladed cestus on her hands.
Grayson harrumphed something to you, and pressed his nose against your forehead.

>>20838596
"Good morning, Grayson."

>>20838596
Wake up.
Get Rikar and armor.
It's time to save our kingdom.

Rolled 70

>>20838596
lets see if we can get Gehenna and his brother to do that spell on the ship to make it bigger on the inside so we can grab every one and gtfo in one try

>>20838661
You're going to take a flying ship down a mine. Of course.

>>20838672
I thought we were going to fly our ship through the portal, and being able to carry more soldiers would help.

>>20838687
Well, we can probably open the portal directly outside the mine, then just footslog everyone out.

>>20838687
>Open portal at mine entrance
>Get everyone walking through
>The ship flies around and shoots demons with magic cannons to protect the refugees

Rolled 81

>>20838672
and smaller on the outside

We *might* need the Jormugandr if we open the portal too far away from the mine. It's worth upgrading if possible.

>>20838710
Which doesn't require making it bigger on the inside. If we can do it, then fine. But I don't think we should worry about it too much.

>>20838725
Not if it takes a load of energy away from the guy who's doing the portal spell so we can't even get there in the first place.

>>20838710
We still need to get the portal somewhere that we can fly the Jormugandr through. And a mine entrance probably isn't one of them.

Then again, we have no idea where the portal on the other side will be, unless we roll really well or spend a fate point.

>>20838725
And burn a ton magic power in doing so, right. Just get the damn portal next/close to the mine and get people to leg it.

>>20838672
We have to portal outside of the mine anyways, remember?

>>20838661
Seconding this, and introducing a motion that we A) check on the status of its armaments, and B) talk to Zeke about upgrading the cannons at the very least with Astral Fire.

>>20838745
True. Let's just ask them.

"Good morning, Grayson." You say, and he harrumphs. You kiss his forehead, and get up.
You roll your neck to each side, making your way up to your room. And there, mostly unused since you returned from the west, lay your armor, mostly steel plate, with orichalum cord lying throughout the entire frame. You slip it on, piece by piece, adjusting it- the metal is thin, but angular, and warded with magic. You finally slip on your strange, magically-created helmet, and strap Rikar to one hip, Merlin's spellbook to the other, and clasping Kaliel's dragon gem to your neck. Next, you make your way to Gehenna and Aeriel, who's currently speaking with Scribe.
"And please see if her Venerable Majesty can send us one who can find metals and ores." Gehenna said.
"I'll do so." Scribe said. "I'll draft up the letter right now."
Aeriel looked rather bored, and then waved as he saw you.

>>20838745
One more day is worth it if it means we have to make less trips and we're more prepared for the inevitable fight.

Rolled 67

>>20838777
>Kaliel's dragon gem
Is it charged?
Kal's dragons don't breathe fire. This is wrong. Modify it so we can breathe Astral Fire all over the demons.

>>20838777
"Morning Aeriel, is there anything needed that would delay my trip to rescue Arcturus?"

>>20838777
One of the hardest parts of this operation is going to be getting people from inside the mine to New Arcturus. We happen to have someone, Belethor, who can go through walls extremely fast. I say we talk to him and see how much he has developed his Talent.

You examine the gem more closely, feeling for it's magic- the gem is completely charged... and then you close your eyes, bringing forth your sorcery, laying an enchantment of dragonfire upon the gem, wedding your own sorcery with the transformation magic. It drains hardly any of your energy, surprisingly, but you know, intuitively, that it will drain the duration of the transformation magic, the more you use your dragonfire.

Aeriel makes his way over to you.
"Morning, Aeriel. Is there anything needed that would delay my trip to rescue Arcturus?"
"Well, we still need a plan." He said. "I can open a portal rather close to the entrance to the mine, but not close enough. Anybody just outside of the portal will be vulnerable to attack. I can hold it up with enough time, though, but it's best if I'm near Jormungandr." He said. "Raz gave me something she called a soulbind with that dragon skull, so when I'm near it, I'll be bustling with power."

>>20838930
"That makes things complicated, I was thinking about bringing the ship."

>>20838907
We can't really use him as a messenger, though, because A) he's not a blood relative and therefore could be a demonic illusion, and B) he doesn't know the layout of the mine.

>>20838930
Okay, we need to consult with some people on a few things. Marigold especially as she knows the area, first where is the best chokepoint in the vicinity of the mine? We want somewhere we can hold against their superior numbers. Second what is the estimated time to evacuate everyone taking into account population, and the size and complexity of the mines.

>>20838930
"Could you open two portals? We could send through a team to guard the entrance, then I could walk inside and get my father to lower the ward so that you can open a portal there and they won't be vulnerable."

>"Rolled #"
>Not "rolled # = #"
When did that happen?

Rolled 29 + 100

>>20838989
>When did that happen?
A fine question.

Rolled 5 + 2

>>20838989
Must have been today. Let me test someting.

I'm rolling a d5+2

"That makes things complicated." You say. "I was thinking about bringing the ship."
"Then bring me too." He said, shrugging. "I don't need this body, after all, so we can leave it here while we put me and the cage on Jormungandr.. I can make the portal big enough for Jormungandr... and if I'm lucky, enough to bring most of our ground forces."
"Could you open two portals?" You ask. "We could send through a team to guard the entrance, and then I could walk inside and get my father to lower the ward."
"I can't, sorry." He said. "The borders between the worlds are thick, recently, and one portal is the best I can do."

Rolled 3, 3, 4 + 2 = 12

>>20839015
>>20839020
Well what's the point of being able to add a modifier if it doesn't tell you the total and you have to add them manually anyway? Silly moot. I don't suppose he's made any useful changes like multiple dice types.

>>20839022
Okay we're going to have to set up a landing zone for the civilians, we're trying to shove 1000 people through the portal as fast as possible and we need to make sure that no traffic jams occur.

Also we should probably find some way to contact our father before we do this, once we appear we're going to be on the clock before demons appear and having to spend time to convince him we're not a demonic trick will get in the way.

>>20839066
Huh.

>>20839022
"I thought that would be the case, oh well. Can you move the portal?"

>>20839066
So it does total them if you roll multiple dice. But not with just a modifier. And still no rolling multiple types.

>>20839022
"Don't worry about it, it's far more than anybody else could have done."

"Don't worry about it." You say. "It's far more than anybody else could have done."
"It is my specialty, after all." He said.

"Again, thank you for having this meeting with me." Gehenna said, and bowed to Scribe. Scribe responded, and went on his way.
"Hey, 'Hen." Aeriel said. "I need you to help me run a few things. I have a general idea of where this mine is, but I don't have it exact."
"Sure thing." Gehenna said, taking the thick sheaves of notes.
Aeriel grinned to you. "This sort of thing is how we were able to steal the Fell from another world, before those halflings threw it into some volcano. Gehenna uses the math, I use the intuition. Anyway, you might want to talk with Zeke. He's working with Ell on strapping charms to Jormungandr."

>>20839210
Okay, I will... and what's a halfing?"

>>20839210
"Will do. I believe in you two, drop the portal in as defensible location right outside the mine as possible. I'd like any routes the demons can take to us to be chokepoints."

"Will do." You say. "I believe in you two. Drop the portal in the most defensible location, right outside the mine as possible. I'd like any routes the demons can take to us to be chokepoints."
"Of course." Aeriel said.

You make your way up to Jormungandr, where there was a large slab of stone, slowly being drawn on by Ell and Zeke, while Cassiel was mumbling to himself, flipping through pages in his book, the ankh displayed freely on his neck. Marigold was sitting on the shoulder of Ell's suit near the rear of the ship, talking with Kiyara on the other shoulder.

>>20839303
"In case you didn't know we're going to be taking Jormungandr across the portal, I have a feeling that broadsides could be helpful in this endeavor.

Zeke, would it be possible to have the cannon fire Astral Fire, demons very much dislike that.

Ell, what charms are you strapping to Jormungandr?"

>>20839303
I think we should speak with Mar and Kiyara first, everyboyd else seems to be working.

"Hey, doing anything I might help you with?"

"Hey, doing anything I might help you with?" You ask.
"I'm just explaining my idea." Marigold said. "I'm not sure exactly how it will work, but we'll be in a forest, right? I can try to... bring the brambles more life. It should make it more difficult for the demons to come through."
"It's been decided that I'm supposed to be piloting Jormungandr, while Zeke and Ell set up a temporary charm to turn the cannons into astral fire." Kiyara said.

>>20839423
"You don't sound too happy about that, Kiyara."

"You don't sound too happy about that, Kiyara."
"I was burned." She said. "Last time we faced demons, I was burned badly, and turned barren. Even healing magic wouldn't work."
She eyed Ell.
"He intends to go down there, in this armor, if anyone gets into trouble."

>>20839468
"I know Kiyara, I'm asking more of you, of all of you, than I have any right to ask. But I can't do this alone, I need everyone with me if I want a chance to save my people.

Kiyara, I swear that I'll do everything in my power to keep Ell safe, to make sure he makes it back to you with nothing more than some scratches and tales of valor."

>>20839468
"Well have to make sure every injured person will return to New Arcturus as quickly as possible. If they make it here alive, Fellwind or Mar can help them. If that's not enough, we can still ask Kal for help."

"I know, Kiyara." You say. "I'm asking more of you, all of you, than I have any right to ask. But I can't do this alone. I need everyone with me if I want a chance to save my people."
"... If... If he gets hurt- at all- because of helping you, I'll... I don't know what I'll do." She said. "But the blame will be yours, and yours alone." She said.
"Kiyara, I swear that I'll do everything in my power to keep Ell safe, to make sure he makes it back to you with nothing more than some scratches and tales of valor." You say.
"... That's all I ask." She said.

>>20839591
And then Ell was killed by demons.
And then the stress made her miscarriage Ell's baby which she had finally conceived.
And then the demons used Bubbles to go back in time and find the refugees before we reached them.

>>20839591
"I'll my best. I promise." Have we ever hugged Kiyara?

>>20839591
"Thank you Kiyara. I'm trusting you with the Jormungandr, I want the demons to know fear when they hear the sound of our cannon. You can do this, I believe in you."

"I'll do my best, I promise." You say. "I want the demons to know fear when they hear the sound of our cannon. You can do this, I believe in you."
"Of course." She said, giving you a smile as she slid off of the suit's shoulder. "I'm Kiyara, daughter of Kyvann, and the only thing I'm better at than making airships is flying them."
Ell pulled away from the glyphs, and appraised everything with his eyes, gleaming with magic, and then he nodded.
"Looks like it worked." He said, and Kiyara suddenly wrapped her arms around him, from behind, and kissed him on the back of his neck.

Zeke caught your eye. "It sounds like Aeriel can bring the ship with us, and the cannons will fire Astral Fire now, until the next sunrise. If we end up waiting an extra day, we can do the charm again, so that's no issue. Leon is preparing his knights for making their trek back to Cerulean- it seems we won't have them for the battle, but the orcish knights are trained, and some of them came with us when we went past the Wall."

>>20839817
"Sadly we don't really have the time to recruit all of our allies. We'll take whatever soldiers we can from within New Arcturus.

These orcs are trained, many have experience with demons and no one could doubt their courage and discipline in battle."

Is Feegul and his Kobolds back yet?

>>20839817
"If we're lucky, we'll have managed to get everybody back here before any kind of serious battle can start. I really hope so."

"Sadly, we don't really have the time to recruit all of our allies. We'll take whatever soldiers we can from within New Arcturus." You say. "Is Feegul and his kobolds back, yet?"
"Not yet." Zeke said. "But I'm certain that with they could use their song to come here at any time."
"If we're lucky, we'll have managed to get everybody back here before any kind of serious battle can start." You say. "I really hope so."
Zeke made a short, simple series of whistles in response.
"Hope for the best." Zeke said. "Prepare for the worst. It loses something in the kalak tongue, but it's something Azariel always said."

>>20839934
"If the worst happens... just make sure that no demons get through to this world, Aeriel."

>>20839934
"Do you think I should ask Leon and the knights if they want to come with us? I haven't told them where we'll be going, yet."

>>20839934
"Don't worry, I was not planning on being unprepared."

<Feegul, I would like to ask a favor of you.

Would you and your Kobolds we willing to go to war once more, it'll take a day and should we succeed we'll save around a thousand men, women and children.>

"Don't worry." You say. "I was not planning on being unprepared."

You focus on your ring, and you call up Feegul.
<Yes, boss?> He asks, immediately.
<I would like a favor of you.> You say. <Would you and your kobolds be willing to go to war once more? It will take only a day, and should we succeed, we'll save around a thousand men, women, and children.>
<You're our boss for a reason.> He responded. <You saved our young- our entire clan. We come at your call, and our clan shall fight again, now with songs of the minotaurs to sing.>

>>20840049
<How soon can you get here? I need you here as fast as you can arrive.>

Okay, Kobolds are going to be really helpful for filling out our forces. Let's find Belethor and see how his talent has blossomed, the more we know about it the more tactically we can use it.

<How soon can you get here? I need you here as fast as you can arrive.>
<We come.> He said. Almost immediately, from far away, you felt distant, translocation magic.

Aeriel suddenly looked to the sky, his eyes hawkish and predatory.
"Something is happening." He said.

The feeling started to grow, and his eyes started darting from place to place- evidently, it was only he and you that could feel the magic.

>>20840167
"The kobolds are singing your song."

>>20840167
"It's the kobolds."

>>20840167
"I called in the Kobolds, we need more forces and these are some of the bravest souls I know.

They are singing the song of travel and will be here shortly, soon they shall sing their songs of death and hold the line against the demons."

>>20840167
If you're wondering about the few replies, I've been getting sys.4chan errors for the last 40 minutes.

Just in case this one makes it through,...

>>20840222
I've not been getting anything like that. Just a load of failed captchas as usual. And every fail message says 'give me $20!', fucking moot.

"The kobolds are singing your song." You say. "I called them in."

His eyes dart down to, far below, a large, empty area of grass, as the feeling swells... and suddenly, without a flash of light or anything similar...

Over three hundred kobolds appeared, each with a weapon, and each in well crafted, nervghaul-leather armor. In the back were the youngest 'bolds, smaller and scrawnier than the others, but they held slings and daggers.

"... My song." He said. "No wonder the magic was so familiar."

Nahzit and Redglare's eyes darted to the kobolds, and they prepared for combat. Quickly, you sent out a message over the rings, and they calmed down.

>>20840319
Well, time to welcome our new arrivals.

"Feegul, it's good to see you. How are you? How are things in the west?"

>>20840443
this

Quickly, you rush down the tower, making your way out toward the kobolds. Almost immediately, most of them start talking- some asking who you are, some explaining, and some theorizing- it was rather eerie.
"Feegul, it's good to see you." You say, hardly recognizing which one was him, looking for the blue paint on his scales.
"You too, Boss." He said, giving you a smile.
"How are you? How are things in the west?"
"Things in the west are mostly stable, now. The minotaurs have stopped attacking, but they have nowhere to go, so the ogres are thinking of giving them some land. The ogres need to rebuild, boss, but things are progressing. As for me... and the clan... We're the largest we've ever been. The most prosperous."

Rolled 24

>>20840572
fill him in on the situation

>>20840572
"I'm glad to hear things are going well for the clan. And that the ogres are considering making peace with the minotaurs is even better news. Now, let me tell you why I called."
Then fill them in on the situation.

"I'm glad to hear things are going well for the clan." You say. "And that the ogres are considering making peace with the minotaurs is even better news. Now, let me tell you why I called."

"When do we leave?" Feegul asked, mere moments after you finished explaining the situation. Surprisingly, while telling your story, the crowd of kobolds stopped talking amongst one another as they usually did, listening eagerly.

>>20840739
"Less than a day if everything goes according to plan."

Rolled 33

>>20840739
noon so the Jormungandr will be at full power

>>20840739
We leave as soon as preparations are complete.

>>20840739
"Within the next few hours, most likely. I'll just have to make sure everybody's ready. Either to come with us and fight, or to take care of the hungry and possibly sick people we'll bring back from Arcturus."

>>20840739
"Soon. This may very be one of the most glorious tales this clan will ever tell, Feegul."

"Within the next few hours, most likely." You say. "I'll just have to make sure everybody's ready. This may very well be one of the most glorious tales your clan will ever tell, Feegul."
"Then I'll make certain to remember it." He said, grinning. "We will prepare for war, and speak with our clanmates."
He covered his eyes, and looked over the city.
"Come." He said to the fellow kobolds. "This will be our home."

As they walk out of the castle gates, you distinctly hear two of the youngest kobolds exclaiming how beautiful the city is, and you can't help but smile.

You make your way to Belethor, who's currently drinking some tea with Denegrin, the sosarian ambassador, in the ambassador's quarters.
"Your Majesty." The ambassador said.
"Ishelda." The prince added, with a nod. "The castle seems rather busy, of late."

Did we tell Kaliel that we're going to do this right now? If not, we probably should.

>>20840965
"You know how it is, you discover that the world you thought destroyed still had survivors so you just drop everything to open a portal so you can rescue them. I thought my father dead but maybe I'll be able to get him back.

Would you care to come along? It shouldn't take more than a few hours and we're rescuing a bit under 1000 civilians, we should be back home in time for tea, assuming we don't get killed by demons."

>>20840965
"It is. I'm going home, want to come?"

>>20840969
Yeah, we definitely should. The rings probably don't work across worlds and if she just suddenly can't feel our heartbeat any more...

"You know how it is." You say. "You discover that the world you thought destroyed still had survivors, so you just drop everything to open a portal so you can rescue them. I... thought my father dead, but maybe I'll be able to get him back."
"... I don't know how it is, I have to say." Belethor said. "I'll help."
"But milord, it's another world." Denegrin said. "I'm not sure it's a good idea, and it isn't relevant to Sosaria..."
"It isn't." Belethor said. "But it's the family and people of my friends. I'm going to help."

>>20841129
"Thank you Belethor, I can't put into words how much this means to me. Should you need anything of me just ask."

<Belethor, I'm pretty sure your Talent will be of use in this, it's probably time to stop hiding it. Knowing you, you've experimented with it. Could you tell me the capabilities, known limitations, and so on that you've found so far?"

"Thank you, Belethor. I can't put into words how much this means to me." You say. "Should you need anything of me, just ask."
"I will." He said.
<Belethor, I'm pretty sure your talent will be of use in this; it's probably time to stop hiding it. Knowing you, you've experimented with it.> You say, over the ring. <Could you tell me what you've found so far?>
<I... can't put it into words, Ishelda.> He said. <I can move faster than belief, I can fly, and I can ignore solid objects, swimming through it like water. It makes me feel like... the wind, I suppose. I can become the wind. But... I'll stop hiding it. I won't tell anybody, but I won't hide it, either.>

>>20841257
<It sounds wonderful.

Can you bring others with you? Should you be wielding a sword or something along those lines can you still fight while moving that fast? Chop someone's head off while moving past them faster that the eye can see? Are your reactions enhanced in accordance to your speed?>

<It sounds wonderful.> You say. <Can you bring others with you?>
<I tried, but I can't take other creatures with me, even small ones. Your pet squirrel was none too happy when he fell through the hand I was holding him with.>
<Are your reactions enhanced in accordance to your speed?>
<They are.> He said.

Denegrin clears his throat, suddenly feeling uncomfortable in the silence.
"Well." Belethor said. "I don't have my rangers with me... but I can lead your archers, and fight, if necessary."
Denegrin started to say something, but a look from the prince cut him off.
"You can just take care of Theo, will you?" Belethor asked, and the ambassador nodded. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
"Of course, milord."

>>20841365
"It will probably be best if you speek with Redglare. He will most likely command the Arcturian army as a whole, while I try to gain entrance to the mines."

>>20841365
"Thank you Belethor.

Denegrin, you have my assurance that I will do everything in my power to ensure your Prince returns safe and sound."

"Thank you, Belethor." You say. "It will probably be best if you speak with Redglare. He will most likely command the Arcturian army as a whole, while I try to gain entrance to the mines."
"I'll do so." He said, and suddenly fell through the ground, leaving smoke.
Denegrin blinked. Twice.
"Denegrin, you have my assurance that I will do everything in my power to ensure your prince returns safe and sound."
"Thank you, your majesty." He says. "Although, out of the three sons of Sosaria... I'd say that Belethor knows what he's doing the best."

You make your way out of the Ambassador's room, still not sure what preparations need to be done. Theoretically, you could find Aeriel and have things start now...

>>20841471
We really need to inform Kaliel before we leave.
And we should definitely speak with Kris and Redglare, as well.

>>20841471
We should tell Kal that we're going on a short jaunt to visit home, fight a horde of demons and rescue our people.

>>20841490
Yeah, we just told him to go speak to Redglare and I'm not sure we've even told Redglare he's leading this operation yet. Oops.

<Hey, Kal.> You say.
<Ishelda. How are you feeling?>
<I'm.. going on a short jaunt to visit home, fight a horde of demons, and rescue my people.> You say.
<... I should have waited a few days before I left.> She said. <I just need to stop by the weave and then I can hurry back. I can be there in two days, if I hurry.>

>>20841521
<I'll be back by dinner, don't worry about it. Things like this just come up all the time and I have to deal with them.>

>>20841521
<I'm sorry Kal, I just learned there are survivors, a day ago, and time is of the essence, as the ward protecting them from the demons is about to fail. We both couldn't know this would happen, don't worry about it. Just make sure you find whatever you're looking for, and make it back safely to me. With a bit of luck, I'll be able to introduce you to my father, next time you're here.>

>>20841521
<You couldn't have know this was going to happen.

Kal, I don't know how much time they have left. I know the barrier my father set up is weakening and it could collapse tomorrow, a week from now, or even longer. But I just don't know.

I'm going later today and I didn't want you to worry about me when you stopped hearing my heart beat. I'll be back in time for dinner and you can meet my father once I rescue him. I think you'll like him.

I love you honey.>

>>20841521
<There's no time left, Kal. I'd wait if I could, but I don't know how much time is left for the people of Arcturus.>

<I'll be back by dinner, don't worry about it.> You say. <Kal, I don't know how much time they have left. I just learned there are survivors, a day ago, and time is of the essence. We both couldn't know this would happen, don't worry about it. Just make sure you find whatever you're looking for, and make it back safely.>
<I... Be safe.> Kaliel said.
<I will.> You say. <I didn't want you to worry about me when you stopped hearing my heartbeat.>
<Thank you.> She said. <I would have panicked. Just... Again, Ishelda, be safe.>
<I love you, honey.> You respond.
<I love you too.>

You open your eyes again, and the connection slowly fades- And Dras'lea is standing there, in front of you.
"The castle is bustling." She said, perfectly emotionless. "Why."

>>20841665
"I'm running a short errand and everybody is just SO excited about it that they felt an urge to make a big fuss about it and all come with.

Would you like a cup of tea?"

>>20841665
"Why does it interest you?"

>>20841665
"Oh, it's you, I am about to invade Arcturus to rescue the survivors. Tell me, why do you copy my form?"

>>20841665
"I'm going to go and rescue the survivors in Arcturus. Want to help?"

>>20841689
Don't be such a dick. She has not been openly hostile to us.

>>20841726
It wasn't meant like that. I would just like to know why she does what she does. Nobody seems to know, even Aeriel.

>>20841739
>Implying she knows either

"Why does it interest you?" You ask. She silently continued standing there, waiting for a proper answer. "I am going to go and rescue the survivors in Arcturus. Want to help?"
"They should be safe in Grimrock mines." She said. "Until the king's barrier falls. If you go there, you will bring magic, and the demons across the world will smell you. This was not planned."

Suddenly, she paused, and gulped.
"Do not die." She said still in a monotone voice. "I do not have anything further to sacrifice. You mustn't die."

>>20841744
I shall make sure that I do not. When I return, is there anything I can help you with? You seem to carry heavy burdens on your shoulders as well.

>>20841744
"Nothing ever goes as planned. That, I've learned."

>>20841744
HELLO POSSESSION

>>20841756
>>"I shall make sure that I do not. When I return, is there anything I can help you with? You seem to carry heavy burdens on your shoulders as well."

>>20841744
"Thank you. Dras'lea." Hug her. Do it.

>>20841772
Seconding HUGTIEM plus >>20841756

>>20841744
"If I stay behind, and only send soldiers who arent capable of magic, would the demons still notice?"

>>20841744
"Until the King's barrier falls. Which won't long. And then they all die. That's why I have to rescue them before then.
I'll try my best not to die. Why are you concerned for me when you don't seem to care about anybody else?"

>>20841784
Doesn't matter. We need to go or they won't trust the soldiers and evacuate. Demons can't imitate family, remember.

"If I stay behind, and only send soldiers who aren't capable of magic, would the demons still notice?"
"Yes."
"I'll try my best not to die. Why are you so concerned for me when you don't seem to care about anybody else?"
"I am not concerned for you." She said. "You musn't die."
"Thank you, Dras'lea." You say, and give her a hug. Other than slim, feeble limbs hiding underneath her cloak- she'd obviously suffered some sort of malnutrition- you feel something strange, tied to her neck- some kind of shard, being hidden from view. Even as you peer up, trying to look at her eyes, the cloak somehow seems to hide them, almost magically.

She doesn't respond- she doesn't even move.

>>20841744
>>20841744
That purple elemental you found would be mighty useful right about now.

>>20841857
"You're supposed to hug me back, silly."

>>20841857
"Dras, you need to take better care of yourself. You're practically skin and bones under that cloak. Don't you have anyone else who cares about you, who makes sure you don't miss meals like you've obviously been doing?

Come along, we're going to get you some tea and cookies, I insist."

>>20841857
"You should eat more, its not healthy, whatever your doing."
Let's get all motherly over her.

>>20841857
Sigh. "I don't get you, Dras'lea."

>>20841857
"Can you help me at least get Kristoph's anti-magic back?"

>>20841857
>kiss the girl

>>20841857
Y so piss.

>>20841939
Yes.

>>20841939
I don't think kissing is the appropriate reaction at this point.

>>20841950
You peed. Now get out.

>>20841939
No thanks.

Also don't samefag with >>20841957

>>20841970
That wasn't samefag. Hurr durr

Do not kiss, abort! abort!

>>20841939
This is clearly not an appropriate moment, stop trying to ruin mai waifu's route.

You sigh. "I don't get you, Dras'lea."
Suddenly, she looked down at you, empty, pure black eyes staring down at you, somewhere behind the shadow that was her face.
"You should be glad." She said. "Be glad that you do not understand me. Be happy. My plans have likely failed, but I must still try them, for they are all I have left."
"... Can you at least help me get Kristoph's anti-magic back?"
"When the wraith is destroyed, his talent will return. Such thievery is not permenant. I have isolated The Wanderer to Carved Fortress. I will do it."

Mechanically, she grabbed your arms and slowly peeled you off of her, taking a few steps back.

>>20841996
Who are you? Why are you so sad?

>>20841996
"If you want to have something more than your plans, I'll be there for you. I want to be your friend. I could help you with your plans, if you let me. And please, be careful."

Should we offer her one of our rings?

>>20841996
"You should try being happy some time too. It's sad to see somebody in a state like yours."

>>20842019
She has a ring already.

>>20841996
Grab her and pick her up. If she's as frail as she looks, then it should be no trouble for a fit Ishelda such as ourselves. Then drag her off to the kitches for cookies. Say nothing else until we get there. Unless she tells us something important, of course.

>>20841996
"I feel sorry for you Dras. I am sad that you have nothing left but that and if I could help with that I would. It's hard to be happy when someone that you know is as sad as you are.

What happened to you to make you like this? What did you go through to force you to throw everything away? Why don't you take care of yourself?

Would you at least stay for a little while, let me take care of you for a bit. Take the burdens off of your frail shoulders for a moment."

>>20842047
Better yet.. <Aeriel! I need a cookie, stat! It's an emergency.> >place cookie in mouth silencing protests

>>20841996
"Can I at least offer you some cookies before you go away and be brooding mysteriously somewhere?"

>>20842071
"Or perhaps a muffin?"

Hey VQ waifufags,

Have you considered the possibility that Dras'lea isn't Void Queen? That the two are entirely different people?

>>20842087
Everybody who reads the quest has at least considered it, seeing as Aeriel said it.

>>20842087
Fuck, you mean I'm currently romancing the wrong one?

I jest. Whoever's in front of us clearly needs some help. They don't appear to understand how whatever body they're in works, and they seem to be having some sort of existential crisis as well.

If she betrays us after we offer help, then she can get the Eidolon treatment.

>>20842100
Did he? Fuck, I actually missed that somehow.

"I feel sorry for you, Dras. I am sad that you have nothing left, and if I could help with that, I would." You say. "It's hard to be happy when someone that you know is as sad as you are."
"I am not sad." She said.
"What happened to you to make you like this? What did you go through, to force you to throw everything away? Why don't you take care of yourself?"
"... I became a monster. I am a monster." She said, finally, her voice completely inflectionless. "That is what happened. I became the void queen."

>>20842111
Fair enough. I'm all for helping the woman out if we can, but I don't see the logic in romancing her

>>20842126
"No, no you're not. A monster wouldn't have allowed Ragnarok to live around after she had no more use for him. A monster wouldn't be able to hold a decent conversation. And most importantly, I wouldn't have hugged a monster."

>>20842120
http://archive.foolz.us/tg/thread/20811002/#20814434
>Were you serving Dras'lea?
>No, I was serving the Void Queen

>>20842126
"So stop being a monster?"

>>20842126
"If you're a monster, then why is Ragnarok still alive? Why do you care if I live or die if you're a monster? Why do think you are a monster?"

Rolled 71

>>20842126
"NO!"

Pull her into a localised timestop, so she can't get away before we've stopped her from thinking they're a monster.

>>20842133
>love
>logic
Cool story, bro.
People like who they like.

>>20842126
"I was called a monster once, a long time ago. It hurt. But I was told that being a monster isn't about your past, what powers you have. You don't act like a monster, you aren't a monster.

When I look at you I don't see a monster, I see someone who has been hurt, hurt beyond what any person should have to bear and you changed so that you wouldn't break.

I wouldn't have given you a hug if you were a monster.

You don't have to keep hurting yourself, let me take care of you for a bit, even if just for a little while. Get some tea and food in you. You're little more than skin and bones under the cloak that you use to hide from everything. Please."

>>20842185
I don't think that she's popping off quite yet. No need to try something like that, and if she really wants to leave time stop like that won't stop her.

>>20842133
I was joking about that bit. VQ scares the pants off me, but Dres'Lea seems to be halfway towards redemption.

"If you're a monster, then why is Ragnarok still alive?"
"He is useful." She responded.
"Why do you care if I live or die if you're a monster?"
"I do not care." She said. "You are required for my plans."
"Why do you think you are a monster?"
"Because I *chose* to become one." She said, emphasizing the word 'chose'. "But time is dying. I must destroy the wraith."
Suddenly, she looked at you again- it was unnerving, the way you felt like someone was watching you suddenly.
"Soon, the dwarves will assault the Children in war. If you find the chance to kill Tyr, do so. Do not risk your life for it."

>>20842237
"Then let me help you to stop being one. If you're plans have failed, you won't have to be a monster any more."

>>20842237
"Why do you believe your plans to be failed?"

>>20842237
"Why!? Why choose to be a monster? I try my hardest not to, and you take my face and embrace it!"

>>20842237
"We have all the time we need."

see >>20842185

>>20842237
"Why should I kill Tyr?"

>"He is useful." She responded.
You gave him to us because you said you had no use for him any more. And now he's launching this Arcturus mission which you said was against your plans. Stupid VQ.

>>20842237
"I don't think you're a monster. I think that people can change as often as they wish. If you don't like what you have become you can change, I can help you change. Please, stay, just for long enough for me to help you a bit more.

And please, when you have a chance, visit. I enjoy your company and I'd like to see you again."

>>20842287
That sort of thing is going to burn through our magic REAL quick, and we need as much as we can muster for this rather important rescue mission.

>>20842237
"Oh, that isn't ominous at ALL. Perhaps you could explain that one for me?"

"Why do you believe your plans to be failed?" You ask.
"You keep breaking them." She said. "First, the wraith, and now, this errand."
"If your plans have failed, you won't have to be a monster anymore." You say. "Let me help you to stop being one."
"It is too late. There is only one way. Killing Tyr is how you can help."
"Why should I kill Tyr?"
"Because he destroys all wizardry, in a short few months." She responded.

>>20842338
"I will do my best to stop him from doing that, if you visit me regularly, from now on."

>>20842338
"Destroyed? Not sealed? It can't be fixed?"

The Dragon in the care of the childeren == Wizardry?

"You sent the wraith? I don't understand. If you sent him, then what did he do wrong? What was he meant to do?"

>>20842338
So Dras is from the future?

>>20842338
"How does he do that?"
"By the way, what is the Great Wyrm?"

>>20842338
"That would be bad, yes. If killing him is what it takes to stop that, then I'll do it. But I'm sure you understand that I will always look for a better way."

>>20842338
"Well I certainly don't want that. I happen to like magic, it has so much potential to help people.

A few months is a long time. I believe that I, that we can solve this, and hopefully without violence."

"Destroyed? Not sealed? It can't be fixed?"
"Talents will remain. Sorcery will remain. Your Guardian will die, and the kalak will be powerless." She says.
"That would be bad, yes. If killing him is what it takes to stop that, then I'll do it." You say. "But I'm sure you understand that I will always look for a better way."
"Time is dying." She says, again. "I must destroy Gareth. It will be easy, if he recognizes me. Your knight will know when it is done."
Suddenly, as soon as she had appeared, she vanished.

>>20842484
<Please come visit some time. I'd love to have some tea with you, you just don't take good enough care of yourself.>

Righto, let's visit Redglare and Kris.

>>20842484
Goddamnit. Leaving again.

Call up Kaliel: <Hey Kal, can you stop by the Carved Fortress? Look out for antimagic spectres, and not-me. You can tell by the eyes and the lack of understanding about hugs.>

>>20842484
<Please visit again, soon. Or I'll come looking for you and get myself in trouble, and possibly die.>

<Please come visit some time. I'd love to have some tea with you... You just don't take good enough care of yourself.>
<Magic sustains me.> She responded. <... Yes. I will.>
And then the connection broke off.

Rather ... shaken, for reasons you couldn't explain, you make your way to the orcish knights, where Redglare is examining him.
"Your highness." He said, nodding to you.

>>20842628
"Redglare, what do you think of the task ahead of us?"

>>20842628
"Redglare. As you know we're headed out to fight demons once more, I suppose you have already instructed our knights on the basics of such a task."

>>20842628
"Redglare. Did I tell you about the dangerous operation you'll be leading very soon?"

>>20842628
"Well I'm not getting any more powerful, let's get going."

"Redglare. As you know, we're headed out to fight demons once more. I suppose you have already instructed our knights on the basics of such a task."
"I have." He said, grinning. "They look like they can hold out for a short while. Not hundreds of years, like we hobs, but long enough."
"Well, I'm not getting any more powerful." You say. "Let's get going."
"What, and forget to bring your favorite knight?" Kristoph asked from behind you, flamberge on his shoulder. "Leon and the other knights just left- they wanted me to say farewell for them, but if they didn't leave now they'd have to camp outside at night."

>>20842753
"Oh, Kristoph. Dras'lea said she's going to deal with Gary and your talent should come back when she does."

>>20842753
"I could never forget you, Kristoph. And I have good news, you should have your talent back reasonably soon." Hug the knight.

>>20842753
"I wouldn't dream of leaving without you. As for my favorite knight, that might be Grayson, he's fluffier than you are.

You ought to get your talent back soon enough by the way."

Give him a hug, pat him on the head.

"I wouldn't dream of leaving without you." You say. "As for my favorite knight, that might be Grayson. He's fluffier than you are."
"He may be fluffy, but he isn't near as handsome." Kristoph said.
Grayson harrumphed, behind him, and you notice that the bear was wearing piecemeal steel armor- something Redglare had insisted on making for him, but he grew out of it time and time again.
The bear harrumphed again.
"Fine, fine, you're almost as handsome." Kristoph said, and the bear nodded. "Anyway, I'm here to stick with the orcs. Zeke said that when you're ready, he and the other wizards will be on the ship, and even those kobolds know to go through the portal when it appears. Good luck, my lady."

>>20842849
Take a moment to catch our breath and summon some courage. Then let's do this shit.

>>20842849
"Good luck, my knight. Make sure everybody comes back alive, including you." Give him a kiss on the cheek for good luck.

>>20842849
"Take care my knight, if you die I will not forgive you."

Kiss him on the cheek.

Then it's time to get this show on the road, mount Grayson, get everyone to their places, brief everyone on the situation, the mission and so on.

>>20842849
No mention of returning talent? Okay then.

>>20842914
It's so that when it comes back in the battle he won't realise it's back and won't try to use it and then everybody dies because he didn't save them and that gives Exabyte a nice cliffhanger to end on.

"Good luck, my knight." You say, and kiss him on the cheek. "Make sure everybody comes back alive, including you. By the way, you ought to get your talent back, soon enough."

You climb on top of Grayson, as Kristoph, eyes wide, finally slams shut his visor and gives you a grin. Together, the heavily armored dire bear and you tear up the stairs, skidding to a stop on the ship. The kalak all stand there, Cassiel with his spellbook, Zeke with a new, bright red robe, Raziel with Aeriel's orb in hand, and finally, Gehenna, with a long spear. Kiyara and Ell stand near the front of the ship, Marigold is anxiously pacing, and Fellwind is seated.

Below, the troops start to realize that things are going to start. The orcs are discussing what poem to use, and the kobolds start humming. Belethor is touching each archer on the wrist, saying things, and Nahzit is speaking with Velrid.

>>20842849
Get ready for a rousing speech to boost morale. You know, the "A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day" speech every good ruler has in their sleeve.

>>20842960
"Let's do this and let's do it right. No second chances. Don't get left behind.

Let's save my people from the horrors of the abyss."

>>20842960
"Remember, everyone, this isn't an assault to kill the demons, we're here to rescue people. All I ask is that you help all the civilians you can and no more."

>>20842960
"Men, we fight today not for glory, gold or even our homes. We fight to save the last spark of good in a world beset by evil. We fight to save those who have fought for years without anyone knowing of their struggle. We are the fire that shall drive out the darkness so that the innocent may escape.

Let the demons of Arcturus know fear, let them know the steel of our blades and the fires of our magics, let them know DEATH!"

>>20842960
"Brave soldiers, today we set out to rescue the last remaining souls in Arcturus, my home. We go into battle to save lives, remember that. Each life we lose today will make this mission less successful, less grand. This includes yours as well. What you need to do today, is hold the line, and make sure you and then soldiers fighting by your side survive. Live to tell the tale, that's all I ask of you."

"We fight today, not for glory, for gold, or even our homes." You start saying, speaking rather loudly. "We fight to save the last spark of good in a world beset by evil. We fight to save those who have fought for years without anyone knowing of their struggle. We are the fire that shall drive out the darkness, so that the innocent may escape. We go to battle to save lives, remember that! What you need to do today, brave soldiers, is to hold the line, and make sure you survive. Live to tell the tale, that's all I ask of you."
You clear your throat. "Let's do this, and do it right. No second chances. Don't get left behind. Let's save my people from the horrors of the abyss."
You turn to Raziel, and nod.
She shoves the orb into the dragon skull's eyesocket, and it blazes with light.
<Now then.> Aeriel says. <Let's wage some interplanetary war.>

The ship- no, the world started shaking, and Jormungandr shuddered away from the tower. Not far in the distance, a small, personsized portal opened, and through it, you see nothing but stars. The orb blazes brighter, and the portal shuddered, and widened. And widened.

Below, the kobolds started singing, getting larger, more dire, power entering their bodies, and the orcs started chanting.
Jormungandr tore forward, and you saw a flicker of darkness just in front of you- Dras'lea's cloak, it looks- and the elemental of astral fire is suddenly very there, very alive, burning bright.

And then... you went back to Arcturus.
>Field too long!

It was night, dark night, just past dusk, and below, you saw grass. Less than a hundred yards away... there was a large mine. You take a deep breath, and feel that the air almost seems... starved, of magic. Dry, in a way.

"We don't know how long we have, so you'd best hurry, Ishelda." Zeke said.
<I can hold this all day.> Aeriel said, as the portal widened more, stretching down to ground level, and kobolds started pouring through.

>>20843273
Well then, best hurry into the mine and find daddy.

>>20843273
"You shouldn't need to. We'll be quick."

Find the mines.

Rolled 49

>>20843273
Jump down and ride grayson to the mine entrance. Everyone knows their jobs so let's just get it going.

Also, cast that magical vision spell.

Rolled 66

>>20843273
FORWAAAAARD!

>>20843273
Okay, have our people set up a defensive perimeter against any routes the demons could take.

Head to the mine, atop Grayson and knock.

No, fuck magical vision, there's no magic.

>>20843273
"You're right. I'll hurry"
Bring Mar and Grayson, that should be enough. So get moving.

>>20843361
Well there's the giant sorcery ward. But I don't think we need to see that.

"You shouldn't need to." You say. "We'll be quick. Mar?"
She climbs onto Grayson's back.
"I'm ready." She said.

You nod to Grayson, and he huffs, before taking a running leap over the edge of the ship. You quickly fall to the ground, dire magic sparking from Grayson's legs, and you slam into the ground.
<We know our jobs.> Zeke said.
You close your eyes, and cast the wizardry spell- the one to see magic, and the silver lines on your arms spark, once or twice, but little magic is transferred to the spell... and you can See.

Streams of faint magic are pouring through the portal, into the magic-starved world, and there's something... glimmering, from inside the cave. You make your way below, instantly going into the darkness, whispering directions to Grayson as the three of you charge down, into the caverns. Normally, they'd be a maze, but you can sense the barrier- and see it, and. You hear the rush of water.
"There's a river not far east of here." Marigold said, quietly. "Maybe they diverted it."

Eventually, the bear screeched to a stop, and you see the barrier in front of you, glistening with violet light.
And you hear the sound of two bows being drawn.
"Franklin, is that you?" Someone female in the darkness asks, from the inside of the ward. "You're late."

>>20843428
"It is I, grand sorcerer queen of New Arcturus, seeking my father with promises of a new land and rescue."

>>20843428
"It is me, Ishelda, Franklin was killed."

>>20843428
"I'm afraid Sir Franklin was killed. I bought you an army instead."

>>20843428
"Not Franklin, Ishelda. I've returned to evacuate everyone!"

>>20843428
"Ser Jaeden, Dame Glenwell I bear two messages from Franklin. The first is 'neener neener, I was right', the second is that he loved you Dame Glenwell.

Ser Franklin is no longer with us. I am the Queen Ishelda of New Arcturus and I come with an army to bring you to my kingdom.

Now where is my father."

Rolled 76

>>20843428
"No, but I am a friend."

>>20843428
"No it is not Franklin. He told me to tell the dame he loves her, to Ser Jaeden, 'neener neener, I was right'."

>>20843428
Franklin didn't make it. Archdemon got him.

"Ser Jaeden, Dame Glenwell." You say. "I bear two messages from Franklin. The first, Ser Jaeden, is 'Neener neener, I was right'. The second, Dame Glenwell, is that he loved you."
"Ser Franklin is no longer with us. I am the queen Ishelda of New Arcturus, and I come with an army, to bring you to my kingdom.
Nothing else was said for a long minute, and then the woman hissed. "Get the king, and get the citizens ready to go. Bring torches so we can see her face."

"Right away, Dame." Someone else said, and you hear someone tromp down a slant.
"If that is you, your highness... you'll have to wait there. Do not move, or we'll have to kill you. They've tried impersonating us before."

>>20843428
"Ser Franklin, unfortunately, is dead, Dame Glenwell. He did, however, ask me to tell you that he loved you."

>>20843536
"I understand. I know they cannot impersonate blood relatives. Do hurry though."

>>20843536
"I understand. They can impersonate anyone except blood relatives."

>>20843536
"I know, your caution is understandable. But do try to be quick, our arrival will have alerted the demons."

>>20843536
"That is acceptable. Please hurry."

Bring the Astral Fire elemental down here. It will light things up.

>>20843560
>>20843568
Combo of these two.

>>20843536
"Of course. I also brought my cousin Marigold, whatever-title-she-has."

>>20843536
"Of course, I expected as much. Please hurry, it has been far too long since I've seen my father."

>>20843536
Don't move.

"I understand. Please make it quick though, I'd rather not linger here any longer than needed.

If it helps I set tapestries on fire when I was six, once I snuck into the pantry and stole a month's worth of cookies and made tea using a vat larger than myself. And I always loved your hair."

>>20843575
Take the best weapon against the demons away from the demons, instead of just casting a light spell. Sensible.

>>20843575
Wasn't the Astral Fire elemental killed?

>>20843616
>you saw a flicker of darkness just in front of you- Dras'lea's cloak, it looks- and the elemental of astral fire is suddenly very there, very alive, burning bright
Apparently she just stole it. And now she's given it back.

>>20843616
No. The VQ/Dras'lea took it from us, and just now returned it.

>>20843536
"Understandable. Ser Franklin was cautious, too. Though I would appreciate it if you could expedite matters, as the longer we have to hold off the Demons, the more casualties my men risk.

"I understand." You say. "I know they cannot impersonate blood relatives. Do try to be quick. Our arrival will have alerted the demons."
"Of course." She said. "But... they're near, and we can't make more than a peep, or they'll come down here."

<They're here.> Zeke said, and then something exploded, far above.
"... We forgot to mention." Marigold said. "We brought an army."
"Lady Marigold?" The dame asked. "I thought..."
"It's a long story." She said, and something else exploded. You hear the screeching of melting demons, above. "We can explain later."

You hear two footsteps, one healthy and normal, and the other was... strange. Shuffling, and you see a bobbing light in the distance. As it approaches, you see-

You see your father, looking more haggard than he ever had, a golden blade on his hip, limping as he approached, his white hair longer than you remember... but he still has that same, humorous sparkle in his eyes.
As the torch comes closer, the light bathes you. His eyes meet yours- and he recognizes you.

".. My daughter." He says. He turned back. "It's her. Bring the citizens. Salvation has arrived."
He took a few more limping steps closer- and then pulled you into a hug, off of Grayson, spinning as he clung to you.

Rolled 72

>>20843710
"DAD!"

Rolling for healing hugs.

>>20843710
I don't think we need to say anything. Just hug him back.

>>20843710
Hug him back. "Dad, I would love to hug you for hours, but we must make haste. Grayson, could you please bring my father to the surface and back to New Arcturus as quickly as possible?"

>>20843710
Hug and cry.

>>20843732
Let's have Mar try to do that before we use our powers.

>>20843710
"I... I made a sword. And a country."

>>20843710
Hug him back, quickly.

"We'll have the time for a tearful reunion later. For now we need to get out of here quickly and evacuate everyone."

>>20843732
We should probably leave that to Marigold, we need all the mana we have for Demon slaying.

>>20843758
This. Tears and hugs later. Get the fuck outta dodge. Now.

You hug him back, starting to tear up as he spins you. "I... I made a sword." You say. "... and a country."
There was another explosion, far above.
<They're starting to get bigger.> Zeke said. <Hurry up!>
"We'll have the time for a tearful reunion later." You say, and he lets go. "For now, we need to get out of here quickly, and evacuate everyone."
"You're right." He says, and turns back to the woman behind her- one you don't recognize. She nods, and gives her torch to the king.
"Dame Glenwell, bring them up here. All of them. Now, miss Queen of New Arcturus." Your father said. "Let's go see your army, shall we?"

You, your father, and Marigold quickly make your way out of the mine, and you see pandemonium. Dire Kobolds are pouncing on imps, pinning down their wings and slashing them through the hearts, your orcish knights chanting, as they do their best to hold back hellknights as Belethor's archers plink arrows at them. A leg of lizardmen quickly pounce on one of the larger demons- a fourlegged beast, made of claws and teeth- which was quickly knocked over. You eye Kristoph, and he's busy slashing through the leg of a hellknight. Behind you, you see the mine slowly lighting up as more torches get lit, and loud footsteps come from below.
For a moment, you're impressed at the citizens- they were ready to bolt anytime.

<I can't make the portal any bigger.> Aeriel said. <We can't get all of our soldiers through.>

>>20843913
<Keep them there for now then. People are going to be coming through.>

>>20843913
Use the Astral fire elemental to clear more space around the portal. IIRC the demons couldn't even stand near it for any amount of time.

Then let's get into the thick of it personally. I vote we try to take the heart of the next big thing to turn up.

>>20843913
"Will channeling some of my energy through you help? If not, can we begin a staged withdrawl?"

>>20843913
<Talk to your brother, he's the master of logistics. I'm sure he'll have an idea how to organise this efficiently.>

>>20843913
<Keep them as reinforcements, clear the portal so the refugees can come through.>
Join the battle, kill some shit.

>>20843913
<Get what you can through, we're about to have a flood of civilians, have people direct them quickly out of the way so we can have a steady stream.>

Sic the Astral Fire Elemental on them, summon up elementals and golems. Elementals of our HATE of the demons, of our vengeance upon them for taking our world.

Rolled 94

>>20843913
Shoot a pencil thin beam of astral fire from the palm of the hand not weilding rikar. Slice the demons to bits.

>>20843913
Give the king one of the communication rings.

<Get what you can through, we're about to have a flood of civilians.> You say. <Have people direct them quickly out of the way so we can have a steady stream.>
<Understood.> He responds.

You draw your blade, and it glistens with violet power. Your father, for a moment, looks like he's about to protest, and then nods, climbing off of the bear, golden sword in hand.
"Let's hope my... friend doesn't show up." He says.

An enormous beast tore through the brush, shoving aside trees, and roared-
And you raised your empty palm, and shot a beam of astral fire. It burst into flame, and started melting- you hear more sounds of trees cracking. The portal opens wide again, and another group of lizardmen arrive, before shrinking down again to a pin-sized hole in reality.
You hear another explosion, and a plume of astral fire bursts from Jormungandr, and you hear the roar of another enormous beast.
Far in the distance, near where Kristoph is fighting-

You see Kristoph's sister, in the distance. She raises a hand.. and grins, with needle-like teeth.

>>20844074
Shit, BEAR CHARGE.

>>20844074
To the arch-demon! Kill it!
Why the fuck does it want to look like Kristoph's sister to us?

>>20844074
Well, fuck. Try to gain an overview of the battlefield while we move to support Kristoph.

>>20844074
"Grayson, we have demons to kill. Show them our fury."

Move to support Kristoph.

"Grayson, we have demons to kill." You tell Grayson. "Show them our fury."

The bear roars, and charges, Marigold and your father sticking behind. You quickly try to get an overview of the battlefield- Jormungandr is soaring above the portal, trying to thin out the demons before they arrive to the line- the line, which is held by orcish knights and archers, while the lizardmen and kobolds are hunting down anything large enough, or small enough to get through the line.
As you charge, the three knights to either side of Kristoph suddenly burst into hellfire, screaming.
His eyes meets the woman- and she twists, becoming the beast with enormous wings, a blade of hellflame, and an enormous scar down it's dog-like face and snout.

Something burns, within you. Something *angry*.
Rikar starts burning brighter, and you feel it sharpen, as Grayson swells, almost bursting out of his armor.

>Roll 1d100 for Rikar charge.
>Alternatively, roll a 1d100 for sorcery or wizardry.

Rolled 89

>>20844191
Charge, let Rikar taste demon's blood this day

Rolled 8

>>20844191
Astral beam all up in his business.

Rolled 98

>>20844191
Sorcery some Astral fire onto Rikar, then Stab that thing in it's filthy face.

Rolled 47

>>20844191
Wreath Rikar in astral fire and charge!
It killed the last one, it can kill this one too.

Rolled 60

Charge!

>>20844213
That ought to be sufficient.

Rolled 57

>>20844191
do both slash with Rikar and take down the arch-demon!

You shoot another beam of astral fire at the beast, but it simply tilts to the side, the beam shooting freely by- you put too much power into the spell, and you suddenly feel drained, slightly. You look down to Rikar- and with sorcery welling up within you, you wreath the blade in it, and urge Grayson on.

Roaring angrily, Grayson charges, and leaps- and you lean forward, Rikar in hand, and you slam into the enormous demon, bowling it over as your blade slashes into one of it's eyes. It roars, and Grayson starts mauling it-
And it fell through a portal that suddenly opened up beneath it, reappearing another few feet back, black blood oozing from the socket in it's eye.
"Black sheep." It snarled, ash pouring out of it's eye. "I see her in you."
It raised it's hand- and snapped it's fingers. Hellflame suddenly swarmed toward you, leaving dead ash instead of grass in it's wake.

Rolled 47

>>20844284
Shield!

"I am not her."

>>20844284
Grab Kristoph and dodge like a baws!

>>20844308
Using that wizardry one we learned, I should specify.

Rolled 97

>>20844284
Wards up!
Just like Zeke taught us.

"You are the black ones. Begone."

>>20844308
The shield barely worked against Zeke's mini-fireballs. We might throw it up as a desperate measure to provide additional protection, but we shouldn't rely on it.

"I am not her!" You cry, crossing your arms in front of you, as you incant the shield spell. The burst of hellflame swarms through you, passing you harmlessly. He throws another wave, and another, and another. The demon starts chuckling, throwing wave after wave of hellflame at you, as you struggle to hold the abjuration spell, trails of magic drifting up from your arms.

He grins, and takes another step back-

"Of course not. Too weak." He said, and twirled the blade of hellfire in hand.

Behind you, there was a loud crunch as a beast tore through the line, sending hellknights and orcs alike sprawling.
"Not this day!" Redglare *roars*, and brings both axes to bear.

As you look back, another buffet of hellflame slams into your shield, and you feel it start to weaken- even though you'd built it best you could, you just don't have enough energy. You need to do something, and quick.

Rolled 98

>>20844387
Stab it in the other eye. And get the astral fire elemental to help.

Rolled 12

>>20844387
Use earth elementals to dig into the ground, then pop up underneath the archdemon. Then STAB IT IN THE FACE AGAIN.

>>20844406
no one else do fucking anything now.

>>20844406
The answer is always elementals.