>>31183749
accept it and move on to the next topic of conversation, whatever it is.
Hopefully Monica gets mad and pisses off Mike

>>31183749
Be completely unsurprised, accept his predictable answer and move on.

Start recommending additional bodyguards and trainers for him to look up while we're gone

>>31183749
>I would be the only one to enjoy such a night.
"The whole point of it, really. W kind of want you to have something rather than crush yourself again for others."

Honor his decision.

God I feel bad for Monica. She really would be a better Queen. But Lord knows how much awkwardness that would create.

WHY ARE PEOPLE COMPLICATED BEINGS WITH MULTIPLE MOTIVATIONS.

>>31183875
Monica would be a horrible Queen. She'd be very good at court, once. Then everyone would kind of avoid talking to her because she's a bit of a sociaopath, eliminating her one use

>>31183802
>>31183847
these. It's not like we were expecting anything else, this conversation is yet another futile attempt to bury the hatchet with Monica

>>31183875
Um, except for that part of wanting to exile, kill or otherwise relegate to second class citizenship every Critter in the kingdom. Those polices aren't exactly helpful for keeping on good terms with Michael's neighbors...

Rolled 87

>>31183749
Stab Monica in the back, tell Micheal the Seducer was possessing her again. We saw it with our Eye

>>31183968
too soon... but we are going to a dangerous country with her, so...

>>31183749
accept his decision, but say something like "we were both ready to go this far just for you..."

>>31183968
nah, wait til we're in the other country. Accidents happen, after all

"I understand." you say, deflating a little. Relief surges through you, and you turn to Monica.

"Okay then." she writes, rubbing her forehead. "Let's" she rewrites, "Let us see Ja'al. It is high time I walked again."

"Wait, really? But he didn't..."

"It wasn't any sort of deal. It was a schedule." she replies, looking quite nervous. "please understand I am not used to this at all" she hastily writes, "but if Micheal and you can manage, who am I to look down on him?"

You lead her back to Ja'al, who is happily talking with Gina, and Monica taps her blackboard for attention. She writes something you can't see, then erases it hastily, then tries again. And again.

This is the first time you've seen her socially flounder like this - totally losing her charm and cool.

>Help her.
>Leave her to talk to (someone).
>Go get a bite to eat and hurry back. This gon' be good.
>Writein

>>31184132
>Leave her to talk to (someone).
Talk to Gina, who will talk to Ja'al. We're now going full embassy.

>>31184132
>Help her
Make peace before we're stuck with her for a month...

>>31184132
>Leave her to talk to (someone).
Gina
ask her how she came back, i guess
honestly, if we had a chance to go bi with her...

>>31184132
>Leave her to talk to (someone).
Gina. The one woman other than Raev we would sleep with

>>31184132
>Help her.
We are going to be traveling with her for a while.

Also, what's that nonsense about us not liking Monica. We do want to be her friend, with the exception of one loudmouth.

>>31184132
Hey, is that mind reading ambassador that previously acted as Monica's voice present? He seems like someone the King's obligated to invite and who could solve Monica's communication issues for the evenning.

>>31183802
>>31183847
>well now that that nonsense is over with, time to get you STRONK
God, I love how unrepentingly straight Annelin is.

>>31184132
>Help her.
Because honestly, I really don't think we need to encourage the divide between us.

>>31184258
....AG is going to have so much fun with penalize today...

You are aware that we outright turned Gina down already?

>>31184132
>>Help her.
She needs the practice, though, seeing as we are about to head off to catboy territory.

>>31184272
we tried to be her friend. She betrayed us. We tried again. Same thing happened. Now we learned that she planned to embarrass us in front of our friends because she thought it would make Mike like her a little more. I was willing to be nice to her but she's taken advantage of that too many times. I'm not quite at the 'arrange an accident' level of pissed off as some people here are, but I'm getting there, and I'm absolutely done trying to be her friend

>>31184360
Wait, what? She only betrayed us once and then warned us of a future betrayal.

Or are you enough of a shithead to count her asking Michael out to the Opera as a betrayal?

>>31184132
>Help her.
Because what the shit you guys.

Stop sucking.

>>31184132
go talk to Gina

>>31184397
Not the guy your responding to, but are you seriously trying to tell me that Monica doesn't give off a sociopathic vibe?

>>31184434
I feel like its the same guy as last time trying to stir shit up again.

>>31184132
>Leave her to talk to (Gina).

>>31184434
what if she didn't want our help?

>>31184132
>>Help her.
>>31184181
>>31184258
>>31184446
Either we have some serious samefag issues, or a lot of people don't realize we already rejected Gina's advances.

>>31184452
Yes?

She has tunnel vision and is raised with a very conservative mindset, but she's not a monster.

The only reason you'd think such a thing is because it gives you a convenient excuse to just ignore her while acting like the better person.

>>31184477
Then we'll find out and talk to someone else.

The fuck is wrong with you?

>>31184497
>>31184434
>>31184337
>>31184307
>>31184272
>>31184158

>>31184181
>>31184258
>>31184446

>>31184149 (Counted on the outside as a tiebreaker, due to intent for the first but voting for the second.)

>>31184498
Symptoms of sociopathy (taken from mayoclinic because I'm not an actual doctor so this is the best I can do for this argument)
>Disregard for right and wrong
>Persistent lying or deceit to exploit others
>Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or for sheer personal pleasure
>Intense egocentrism, sense of superiority and exhibitionism
>Repeatedly violating the rights of others by the use of intimidation, dishonesty and misrepresentation
>Child abuse or neglect
>Hostility, significant irritability, agitation, impulsiveness, aggression or violence
>Lack of empathy for others and lack of remorse about harming others
>Unnecessary risk-taking or dangerous behaviors
>Poor or abusive relationships
>Irresponsible work behavior
>Failure to learn from the negative consequences of behavior

Now, some of these we don't know, like her childhood and her work habits. But Monica does check most of these boxes, especially the first 5

>>31184497
if i remember well, the only girl we had the possibility to try with was monica, the few times gina made advances to us we just had to chose how badly we rejected her
oh well, not that it matters anyway

>>31184498
>because it gives you a convenient excuse to just ignore her while acting like the better person.
That's half true. Without a doubt I do think Annelin's the better person, but that's because she's shown that to be the case. That said, I've never argued for ignoring Monica (you don't turn your back on a pit viper, right?), just not for trying to sleep with her or extending any trust in her beyond the expectation that she will, at the end of the day, act in her best interest. Now, that might mean she makes a noble sacrifice to please Michael through some simple or convoluted logic of hers, or that could mean she tries having us assassinated during this trip (doubtful since truth telling magic is probably a thing).

Tl;dr At the end of the day I expect her character to remain consistent, not for her to do the right thing.

>>31184497
Avalon rejected Gina's advances.

>>31184575
You're just... really retarded.

Especially since her lying isn't persistent, she's not that egocentric, and honestly you're just stirring up shit for no reason.

>>31184618
But the whole point of her character is a racist that grows out of it you stupid fuck.

Your interpretation is garbage and dragging the whole quest down, just like with Annelin.

>>31184575
I tick half of those without sleep and four limbs

>>31184638
different guy, and not going to argue about her lying being a habit. But didn't she admit to us last thread that she's massively egocentric

>>31184619
No, pretty sure we did because it made no sense at the time (or now) and would also basically boil down to us cheating on Michael even though we weren't particularly close at that point. (That second justification still makes no sense to me, by the way, but I'm pretty sure someone made it since I remember it ticking me off)

>>31184638
I'm thinking you should take a step back and actually start rereading Monica's characterization and actions from the beginning. I think you might be a little caught up in the "she sacrificed her leg to save Michael!" bit and ignoring a lot of really negative behavior on her part. Not just the racism and classism, but start watching how she interacts with people. How she gets the things she wants from them.

>>31184742
She's a rich heiress who was groomed by her family in Lawist traditions.

That's normal.

File: 1396297462019.gif-(1.6 MB, 350x197, nevermind_nathan_fillion.gif)

1.6 MB GIF

>>31184768

>>31184768
justifying sociopathic tendencies because of her upbringing doesn't make her less of a sociopath

You tap Monica on the shoulder.
"Need some help?"

She nods.
"Monica wants the leg." you say to Ja'al.

"I-is she certain? After all, I am-"

She doesn't tap, but instead knocks this time on her board.
"I don't much care anymore. If Micheal accepts you, then I do." she writes. "I apologize deeply for my earlier actions. Old habits..." she writes with care, "die hard."

Ja'al seems pensive, then nods.
"Very well." he says, thinking. "Do you want something realistic?"

The two begin to talk, akwardly but actually communicating, and you turn to Gina.
"So how'd you get back so fast?"

"I had help." she says with a smile. "An ogre lead me back."

"Oh."

"So the gifts are coming in later tonight. Right now we're heading into dancing. Anyone on your card?"

>Writein

>>31184600
It was a writein every time. We also had the chance to get all lezzy with Freth or Raev, but we didn't.

>>31184884
"Just Micheal, and any of my friends that wouldn't mind giving me a hand with the steps."

>>31184923
This works.

>>31184923
this

>>31184884
"Well, with any luck the Prince, and I might steal Ja from you for a song, but other than that my card is empty. Probably most of the evening will be spent with me trying to keep quiet while worrying about security. No offense, but it seems like every time we have a moment to ourselves everything goes sideways."

>>31184884
If possible, can we begin with Gina? I don't think we ever received those dancing lessons.

>>31185024
Yeah, pretty much this.

It'd be weird if something terrible DIDN'T happen.

>>31184923
>>31184958
>>31184983

"Micheal, and any friends of his willing to help out. I'm just really concerned with security. Feels like every time I turn my back, something bad happens."

"Well, considering that any demon that appears now is in for a bashing from..." she counts, "At least ten combatants of some modicum of skill..."

"Still." you sigh, as the music rises.

"There. It's on." Ja'al states. The new leg, what you see of it, is considerable ornate, with gold, silver, and a red metal you can't identify. "I hope you l-like it." Monica smiles, wobbling on her feet.

>Race her to Micheal!
>Let her have this dance.
>>Dance instead with Karl.
>>Dance instead with Rikard.
>>Dance instead with Ja'al.
>>Eat something.

>>31185127
>Dance with Gina
if Ja'al's ok with it, at least

voting against eating anything this entire party-probably going to give demons a hold on anybody who does because DRAMA

>>31185127
>>31185127
Help her walk to Micheal, then Rock Paper Scissors for the first dance.

>>31185127
>>Dance instead with Rikard.
Discuss the Law messenger

>>31185165
THIS

>>31185127
>>Let her have this dance.
>>Dance instead with Gina

she gets first dance, we get LAST dance

>>31185165
Sounds like fun.

If we lose, dance with either Rikard or Ja'al.

>>31185127
>Dance with Rikard
Discuss any churches or way shrines in Tou or on the way we might stop by. Also see if there are any pilgrimages of Raev, because we should know that.

>>31185127
Dance with Gina
girls always dance with their girlfriends, even we know that

>>31185237
We really should have worn pants.

>>31185161
>>31185190
>>31185237
Your Ginaboner is getting more and more obvious with every vote, dude. Just stop.

>>31185287
First vote only, and I picked Gina because she's the least likely to trigger some random bullshit 'dramatic' outburst based on our dancing with her, followed by Ja'al

>>31185287
It's not worth it. Let him screw up another friendship and hope AG will be nice enough to start introducing more male characters so we don't have to deal with this ridiculousness.

>>31185445
>start
Final Destination vote:

1. Rock Paper Scissors for Micheal
2. Gina
3. Ja'al

Vote only with a qoute to this post and the number, alone, on the next line. Additions or subtractions from the post will result in a no-count. Voting ends in five minutes from the NEXT POST.

THE NEXT POST.

>>31185503
Ready? Vote now, quoting the previous post.

>>31185503
1

>>31185503
1

>>31185503
2

>>31185503
3

>>31185503
2

>>31185503
1

>>31185503
1

>>31185503
2

>>31185545
>>31185550

>>31185582
>>31185617

NEXT VOTE TIEBREAKER

>>31185643

Writing.

>>31185652
You gently help Monica to Micheal.
"Okay, to see who dances first, we'll play rock-paper-scissors. On three."

Monica nods.

>What do you throw?

Rolled 3

>>31185758
1 rock
2 paper
3 scissors

>>31185758
Rock. Always bet on rock.

Scissor Monica

>>31185758
Rock.

But this is stupid. We should help her adjust to using her new leg before she makes a fool of herself dancing with Michael and losing her balance.

Rolled 1

>>31185796
>>31185888

>>31185818
>>31185930

Diebreaker.

>>31185948
Man I hope Monica throws Rock...

File: 1396301187619.jpg-(57 KB, 393x391, 1395651435368.jpg)

57 KB JPG

>Take the guy you supposedly like to your rival and propose a rock paper scissors game.
Shit is gold.

>>31185948
So, are you going to roll for Monica or decide for her behind the screen?

>>31186024
We have to prove to Michael that we aren't /that/ into him.

>>31185930
Maybe we should do the first dance with her, so she gets the kinks out with Michael?

>>31186059
Too late. I regret leaving to make dinner. Oh well, the disaster ought to be amusing. I wonder if she'll write nasty things about Ja'al's leg when she falls...

>>31185948
Monica thrusts out her fist, showing rock to your Scissors. You sigh and shrug, as he gently takes her hands and leads her onto the floor.

You relax. You don't know why, but you were really nervous about that.
"Ah, you look incredible, Annelin." Rikard says. Seeing him closer, you note his black robes are rather extravagant today - lace on cloth, with silver thread lining. "May I have this dance?"

>I would rather dance with another, but thank you.
>Certainly!
>...Can you teach me?

>>31186130
>...Can you teach me?

>>31186130
>Certainly
I want me some NTR. I don't care who delivers it.

>>31186130
>Certainly!
Ask about churches, way shrines, pilgrimages and Law's messenger.

>>31186130
>...Can you teach me?

And sure, he's pretty good as far as spiritual advisers go.

Though we might still be a little irked about the whole impostor Michael thing, even if we're understanding as well.

>>31186130
>...Can you teach me?
"And Law sent some messenger towards the prince"

>>31186130
Are you implying that a veteran entertainer doesn't know how to dance?

>>31186253
You make a good point, but I'm not sure about ballroom dancing specifically?

>>31186395
Seems silly, since we're in a medieval setts you'd think most social calendars would run around the seasonal balls and major social functions.

>>31186395
Also, why would you expect the dancing to be ballroom? We're in a steak, little red dress. Totally inappropriate attire for that kind of affair.

>>31186498
True, but I'm not sure if Arena fighters were considered high class enough to go to such high class functions?

But eh, I'll change vote to

>Certainly!

Since you make a plausible argument.

>be back shortly.

>>31186611
Ciao. Grab some dinner.

>>31186130
>Certainly!
>...Can you teach me?

>>31186585
>>31186179
>>31186162
"Certainly!" you say happily, taking his hand. You aren't trained, but you are at ease with Rikard. He's a friend, a safe place in the whorl of emotions that is... practically anyone else, really. You move with grace over the floor, a safe distance from Rikard. He's wearing black robes with lace over them, silver thread weaved in so it glimmers lightly. It's a good feeling, warm and happy, as you move with him.

"Have you ever heard the story of the Bird And The Earth?" Rikard asks gently, smoothly. "I'd like to tell it to you."

>I'm not in the mood for stories...
>I'd like that.
>Why now?
>Writein

>>31187178
>He's a friend, a safe place in the whorl of emotions that is... practically anyone else, really.
really only Mike and Monica at this point. I think we're pretty chill with everyone else

>>31187178
>I'd like that.

>>31187178
>I'd like that.

>>31187178
"I didn't think I'd made any errors worthy of a parable, but alright."

>>31187178
"So long as the tale is suitable for mixed company." Make sure we don't somehow, inexplicably, lead him on.

>>31187200
Problem is we don't know anyone else.

>>31187178
>Sure
>Why now?

>>31187255
We know Gina and Ja'al.

And Michael's teacher.

>>31187341
And Karl and Freth, even though they're not here

>>31187341
Michael's teacher who likes to tease us an poke at bad memories?

Ja'al and Gina are fine, unless Ja'al loses it and starts casting offenses spells all over the place, or Gina gets called off on duty.

>>31187255
>>31187222
>>31187211
"I don't think I've done anything wrong worthy of parable... but so long as it's fine for mixed company."

He chuckles.
"This be no sermon, merely a tale." he says. "Once, there was a great black bird. The first of the birds, with massive black wings, bright green eyes, and a slender beak. Its feathers were soft and warm, and it could fly forever. But it had no legs with which to land. But this did not concern the bird, for it could see whatever it wished simply by flying to some other place." he says, as you step in a steady circle. "The bird was happy, soaring without landing, resting by gliding, flying over endless expanses. But then it met another bird."

You move into a more active song, swinging around and around, and he continues. "This bird had no wings, and feathers of brilliant white. It walked on strong, powerful legs. The two spoke as the black bird circled, but the black bird could not stay - it had to fly. And so it vowed to come again."

He smiles as you draw close. "They met again and again. The white bird spoke of grand tunnels and caves. The black one, of great, yawning vistas of mist and mountain. Every day, at dusk, and at dawn, they spoke until the sun or moon reared itself. And every day, they parted, knowing one may never see the other."

"They grew close, of course. The big black bird wanted to walk with the small white one. The small white one wanted to soar with the black one. And so the black one petitioned her father for assistance."

>Continued...

>>31187404
>"so the black one petitioned her father for assistance."

You now have my undivided attention.

>>31187404
"Her father was enraged." he says, as you spin. "He forbade the birds from meeting ever again, and warned if they met again, he would rain punishment and curse upon her. But of course, she was young, and foolish, and went on doing so." you pull close, suddenly, making you gasp at the nearness of his features. Looking over his shoulder, you see Monica stumble, falling against Micheal, who helps her up to start again.

Rikard turns your gaze away and speaks further. "So in time they grew to love one another. While they met every dusk and dawn, when her father wasn't looking, they never touched, they only spoke. Then... One dawn, she could not find him. High and low, she searched. In the forest, in the caves. Her wings were battered, her feathers bent, but she looked and looked. She found him then, fast asleep in his nest - but the sun was high."

You spin apart. "'How dare you ignore my commands!' her father howled. 'If you wish to be with him, then so be it. But in the day, your wings and voice will wither, and legs you shall gain. In the night, you shall forever be apart, and you will be deaf to his pleas!'"

"Though she screamed, it grew quiet, and her wings shrank and shriveled. She could not speak to her love, but he understood her nonetheless. And in the night, he could see her soar, and smile at her magnificent wings. And they lived happily ever after." he says, as the song concludes.

>Writein

>>31187531
"It's easier to follow your heart when you don't have a nation riding on your back." Look at Michael, then back to Rikard "No regret?"

>>31187609
sounds good

>>31187531
...Alright I'm not getting where he's going with this.

Is it love requires sacrifice?

>>31187719
It's a metaphor for Raeve and himself, and possibly that.

>>31187719
i guess, or a "just follow your heart, it'll turn out well in the end"

>>31187724
This. Remember how "not-Raev" was mute?

>>31187531
"That's beautiful... but the father was an asshole"
I don't know what he expects from a country gladiator with this.

>>31187724
Ooooh, now I get it,, but wait I didn't think Raev was actually Law's daughter or anything like that.

>>31187531
I really want to be an ass and ask if the black bird ever got back on speaks terms with her father...but that would probably come off as rude.

>>31187531
"Raev has a father?"

>>31187719
In this analogy, Michael is Raev, we are Rikard and Hile Sr. is Raev's unnamed dad. So if Michael wants us, he probably won't get the kingdom. Plan accordingly.

>>31187829
Ah. Well honestly we'd be fine with that, though it'd be bad news for the kingdom.

>>31187750
"It's a pretty story. But I don't like the father."

"Ah, but did he not allow them to stay together? The first step in Raeve's way is to forgive yourself. The second... One very few manage, is to forgive others, even those high above, for their faults."

You nod. "Stand strong, Annelin. Raeve is proud of you." he slips away, just as Monica concludes her dance. You see them close together for a moment, her resting her head on his chest, then they part. Monica seems... not pleased, but resigned as she approaches you.

"The leg works wonderfully. And to think I was fool enough to trust some blacksmith off the street for this." she wipes and rewrites with a slight smile. "I feel I've been a fool for some time."

>Writein

>>31187812
Probably the proto-god that the current Dra deity is derived from. I'm guessing Raev's dad was/is pure glorious Dragon.

>>31187852

>>31187852
"we all do sometimes"

>>31187852
"We're all fools, one way or another, the first step is accepting it."

>>31187852
"We'll have time to trade stories, it seems"

>>31187852
Give her a hug and introduce her to Rikard. "He might not be of your faith, but he is perhaps the wisest and most patient man I know. And a very good friend when in need or advice or simply a friend."

>>31187852
"Yep. Yep you have"

>>31187963
Nevermind, misread "he slips away" as something to the effect of he softly said.

I wonder why Rikard ran from Monica's presence. I'm thinking we shouldn't take her to Raev's church (slim chance of that happening anyway) in case Rikki and Raev are still bending the rules.

>>31188128
Don't be an ass to the crazy one.

Is there a Lore bin for this setting?

>>31187939
"Well, we all slip up sometimes. Just have to accept it and learn."

She nods.
"The food is quite good, but... I fear to take a bite. Do you not?"

"Yeah, All these attacks lately..." you sigh.

"Would that I could take you for a meal out." she adds, thinking. "Say. Would you like to dance?"

>What
>Well, alright.
>Sure.
>No thanks.
>No.

>>31188221
>What
>No

Captcha: forms uswordee

captcha knows what we should do

>>31188221
>Well, alright.
Ask her if there's something hard to poison, just to be sure.

>>31188221
>Well, alright.
i have a bad feeling about it...

>>31188221
>No. (polite)

>>31188221
>>What
>>Sure.
Nothing wrong with a dance, so long as she doesnt get forward with us.

>>31188304
Ah ha ha ha ha.

>>31188221
Are we wearing that ring of instantly equipping our arms and armor and if so did Ja'al lock it so it will stay with us in case of unexpected teleportation?

>>31188262
I remember when we actually practiced our forms. Seems so long ago...

>>31188221
"Again, I am so heterosexual it actually hurts my chances with Raev. That being said, sure, a dance would be nice."

>>31188440
>>31188304
>>31188286
>>31188267

>>31188350
Yes, and why not.

Writing.

>>31188350
>>31188552
thank god

>>31188440
By chances, I mean standing.

>>31188552
That's a relief.

>>31188603
Not at all what I thought you were saying.

>>31188552
"Y-yeah. Sure."

You take her hand and the two of you move with surprising grace. Your martial capability and her upbringing allow you both to move through the steps with ease you never thought of before - slipping from one set of motions to the next. Before long, space is cleared for you, and you stop worrying about betrayal. You stop worrying about Micheal. You just stop fearing every shadow, and in that moment... You move with such ease that you shock yourself, silver lines along your arms and collarbones shining bright.

You both stop, panting.

She looks at you, then smiles.
>Writein

>>31188695
we're about to die, aren't we?

>>31188695
I'm getting real tired of your shit raev

>>31188695
"I still don't get how that happens. Care to eat something?"

>>31188695
i want to make a "joke" about monica being more into girls than guys, but i can't really find a good one

>>31188708
That's my bet.

>>31188695
Smile back and give her a friendly hug.

>>31188695
"That... I needed that. Thank you."

>>31188695
Raev clearly wants us to be closer to Monica.
So carve her heart out and eat it, right now in the middle of the festival

You smile back, stretching.
"Want something to eat?" you ask, and she nods as you both get some food from the little bar-thing that's set up. The two of you eat quickly, and you never realized how famished you were until now.

>Speak to...?
>get some drinks
>Sneak out to do forms
>Writein

>>31188772
I'm all for this one

>>31188695
...so we need to find a job that isn't paying us to be paranoid. This complicates things.

Was that an Unknow Armies moment? We got Raev points by being slightly lesbian?

>>31188914
>Sneak out to do forms

>>31188914
>Speak to
Michael's tutor. Make sure he pushes Michael extra hard.

Also we STILL need to talk to Ja'al about the Warlord and shit.

>>31188914
>get some drinks
i'm really, REALLY tempted to sneak out with michael, but...

>>31188914
>Speak to...?
Michael's instructor. Find out how his training's going and see if there's anything we can do to help push him without breaking him.

>>31188914
>Write in.
Take to time to actually look over the room and see how things are laid out, who's here, who they're talking to or dancing with and what the security looks like. Then make an informed decision about what to do next.

>>31188914
>Speak to...?
Ja'al, tell him there's maybe a demon willing to talk to him

>>31188914
>time skip to the journey out of here

>>31188914
>Sneak out with Micheal

>>31189034
Well, Raev did just tell us to do that... Still, Mike doesn't have the backbone to go for it.

>>31189034
seconding

>>31189034
I could go for one last spar with the kid before we head out. The practice grounds ought to be free this time of night.

>>31188948 here

you know what? fuck it, let's do it!
>>31189034

>>31188933
changing vote to >>31189034

Guys, we're still lacking opening the presents

>>31189105
that's ok, we'll let Michael open us

>>31189105
that just means we'll have to come back in time

>>31189034
Fuck no.

Don't do it.

>>31189034
fuck it. We'll be railroaded into more drama soon enough, might as well at least try for a romantic night before one of us is killed or fucked up beyond repair

>>31188914
>>get some drinks
>>31189034
Voting against this.

>>31188914
>talk to Ja'al

>>31189185
Stop. Stop being retarded you retard.

>>31189034
>Not even dancing
Full retard

>>31188914
On a complete aside, are there any chthonic deities that would more or less match the description of the "white bird" from Rikkard's story? The god of the Appal perhaps?

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Rolled 60

>>31189034
let's do it

>>31189034
We're gonna dance with him.

And he won't be able to sneak out because he's the subject of the party you imbecile.

>>31189034

You look around, then grasp Micheal's hand.

"Annelin?"

"I want to gauge how far you've come." you say. "One last spar before I go." you say.

He looks hesitant, looking past you, then at you.
"...Alright." he says, and you make your way out with care. It's not easy, but it's not terribly difficult either. The two of you stand in the training area, Micheal holding his practice sword and dagger, you with spear in hand.

"So how are we doing this?" he asks.

>No armor. No weapons. Grapple only.
>Practice weapons, no armor. Points for landing blows.
>Armor and weapons.
>Writein

>>31188914
Hell, let's talk to King Hile some.
>>31189226
It's Rikard.

A small white bird bound to the ground.

Rolled 2

>>31189258
>No armor. No weapons. Grapple only.

>>31189258
>Practice weapons, no armor. Points for landing blows.
Let's see how good he's got.

>>31189258
>Practice weapons, no armor. Points for landing blows.
No grappling goddamnit.

>>31189258
>No armor. No weapons. Grapple only.
NO CONTACT. He has to dodge everything.

We enter back dancing.

>>31189258
>Practice weapons, no armor. Points for landing blows.

>>31189261
I'm well aware it's Rikkard, I'm just trying to see if Rikkard is sometimes known by other names.

>>31189258
>No armor. No weapons. Grapple only.
best and only choice

>>31189273
>>31189293
>>31189297

I hate you. You're killing the quest.

>>31189258
>Practice weapons, no aromor. Points for landing blows.

>>31189258
>No armor. No weapons. Grapple only.
>>31189316
do you have a problem with people voting for the option you don't like?

>>31189258
>No armor. No weapons. Grapple only.
let's turn that into groping only

>>31189316
Embrace the hue. Revel in it!

>>31189258
>Practice weapons, no armor. Points for landing blows.
This will be OUR last dance

Rolled 2

>>31189350
>>31189318
>>31189294
>>31189292
>>31189278
1

>>31189338
>>31189329
>>31189297
>>31189293
>>31189273
2

Final destination vote. Quote this post and place the number you are voting for in the immediate next line. More or less will render your vote invalid.

Voting starts with my next post.

Voting starts with my next post.

Voting starts with my next post.


Voting ends after five minutes.

Voting ends after five minutes.

Voting ends after five minutes.

Prepare your votes...

>>31189419
What did he just fucking say you imbecile.

>>31189419
>>31189432
Delete your posts, or we'll be overtaken by the idiots.

Unless you guys ARE the idiots who are trying to set 1 up for failure.

>>31189396
You know what, it isn't worth it. Consider >>31189278 withdrawn.

>>31189396
so, you gonna put that next post up, or what?

>>31189481
Fuck you, you're not winning like that.

>>31189497
Want me to delete >>31189278 to prove its me? I wanted to be professional, but honestly I'm at my quitting point.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT7mEW3O5gw

Experiencing technical difficulties. Vote now.

>>31189536
2

>>31189396
2

>>31189531
That's no excuse to capitulate.

Also apparently captcha has betrayed the QM.

>>31189536
1

>>31189396
1

>>31189536
1

>>31189551
>>31189554
>>31189575

No. You guys still need to reply to >>31189396
Goddamnit why is this so hard.

>>31189547
Hey, the game and character are basically unrecognizable from when we started. I can take a break for a few threads and come back after things have soured with Michael or /tg/'s gotten Annelin killed.

>>31189396
1

>>31189396
2

>>31189396
1

>>31189396
1

>>31189586
I don't know, the QM seems constantly trying to reaffirm who we should be through Raev.

And now that we're free from Michael for the next five threads or so, that should get most of the obnoxious players to quiet down.

>>31189652
Raev's agenda isn't AG's. So I'm not really seeing your point.

>>31189608
>>31189606
>>31189605
>>31189587
>>31189566

>>31189604
>>31189545

[spoilers] Some votes were lost for not following clear instructions.

And to the samefags: Way to be fucking retarded. [/spoilers]

Writing, the 1s have it.

Thanks to a friend for posting that for me when nothing was working.

>>31189716
I'm pretty sure that means we voted wrong guys.

>>31189652
I don't think that's what the Raev stuff is for. That said, her direct influence is kind of pissing me off. It's basically just her telling us to fuck Monica,which doesn't make sense

>>31189750
I think he's referring to how the grapple side almost won even though only two people voted on it.

>>31189396
1

>>31189761
Not really. She's telling us to not be a bitch to Monica.

And apparently that's too hard for some people.

>>31189761
Sure it does. Raef wants to fuck us, so if she can successfully encourage Annelin to get with other women then her barrier to entry is pretty much nonexistent. She knows /how /to/ votes.

>>31189716
"No Armor. Practice weapons. Points for hits." you say.

He nods, leaning low. You do the same, preparing your shield and spear. You feel aware, smiling as Raeve touches upon your cheeks and neck. Deep breaths in the cool night air, moonlight on the two fighters.

He rushes you, starting the match. So fast!

>Evade it!
>Set against the charge!
>Smack his legs from under him!
>Writein

>>31189859
>Set against the charge!

>>31189859
>Set against the charge!
I guess?

I don't know what we're even doing here.

>>31189906
strike first, because spears have reach?

Take his knees.

>>31189859
keep him at range? we have a goddamn spear, why isn't this an option. First rule of spearfighting when you're alone-use your reach

>>31189859
poke him, since we can do it three or four times before he closes?

>>31189970
Ah, that's a good point.

>>31189859
>Charging someone with a spear
Mike, we need to get you some combat experience

>>31189970
yeah this

>>31189970
thisthisthis

>>31190010
Yeah... I think it's been too long since he's sparred with us.

>>31189970
Yes, actually, this.

>>31190036
>>31190025
>>31189970
d100, please.

Rolled 14

>>31190081

Rolled 95

>>31190081
In case it's legit.

Go Michael!

Rolled 66

>>31190081
May Raev shine on this dance fight.

Rolled 31

>>31190081

Rolled 26

>>31190081
let's do this

>>31190108
Maybe if someone rolls another pair of sixes.

Rolled 16

>>31190096
>>31190108
eh, probably two successes. not too bad, should get us a hit or two and stop him from closing

>>31190096
>>31190108
>>31190112

Three highest of five, no crits, 1-2 successes. Michael probably takes this round.

Rolled 18

>>31190162
nah, we've got a solid 2 successes, we're getting at least +20 to the rolls. Mike, IIRC gets +10 to any rolls and just crits easier. But he really fucked up attacking us like that. He might be fast, but he has to close about 10 feet extra before he can hit us, while we can get him that entire range, and backstep to force him to move further

>>31190218
Eh, I'm pretty confident he can beat us at this point.

>>31190218
This probably fits Mind more than anything, so we've got +30 to it

>>31190236
He really really shouldn't be able to, considering we pretty much taught him everything he knows.

>>31190096
>>31190108
You leap back, swinging your spear in a wide horizontal arc. Micheal ducks under it, and you grin, bringing shield to bear and ducking low. Placing your shield on his chest, you lift with your legs, then your spine, then your arm, in one smooth motion - and toss him backwards.

"Point~" you say, then you fish the wooden dagger from your cleavage. "for both of us, I suppose." you grumble, as he grins and rises again, hopping from toe to toe. You circle, slowly...

Even ground. Fair distance. Equally armed and armored... No strange terrain, low lighting. Your heart is racing, and you smile at him as he grins back.

>Let him come at you - maintain distance.
>Sweep low and go for the pin.
>Use your shield more offensively.
>Writein

>>31190162
>>31190218
depends on how Gary Stu Micheal's gotten already. Personally I really think we need to win this. If we lose, we don't really have any advantage over Monica. He won't need a protector any more

>>31190268
Not really, we taught his original foot work and forms, but his grandad and sword instructor took over from us a long time ago.

Shield bash next time he attacks, but only if he goes low. If he stays high, then use that greater range and take him before he gets too close.

>>31190280
>Sweep low and go for the pin.
activate Bloodmind first

>>31190280
>Use your shield more offensively.
that should surprise him

>>31190280
>Write in
Let him pin us. Proceed to softly spoken teasing and dirty talk.

>>31190309
oh yeah, we have that. It's been so long since we fought something that wouldn't one-shot us I forgot

>>31190302
That works.

>>31190309
I like it.

>>31190280
Use Bloodmind. Don't care beyond that

>>31190321
Not really, since we just did that in the last round.

>>31190309
seems legit

>>31190288
He's good at beating people he shouldn't be able to.

Dude's a natural.

>>31190288
He's a noble, they always need meat shields.

>>31190280
>>Sweep low and go for the pin.

>>31190302
>>31190346
>>31190360
>>31190336
>>31190388
>Use Bloodmind to get a truly solid blow y/n

>>31190577
y

>>31190280
Wait, why did he only get one point? He had a lethal attack (which it looks like he landed first) whereas ours was nonlethal and occurred after the fact. I'm not looking for charity in a spar.

>>31190577
y

>>31190577
N
It's first to hit and Bloodmind causes us to get hit, making it useless

>>31190577
Y

>>31190623
>it's first to hit

No, it's points. I spelled that out. Literally. In black and white. It is, in fact, the major point of the vote for this event. How you missed it is beyond even me.

No bloodmind, actually, it involves us getting hit and crits don't count in a points match.

>>31190577
>>31190623
N
Why are we allowing ourselves to get hit when it doesn't thing for us?

>>31190577
y

Though >>31190600
has a good point. What are the rules here? And how'd he do that if we got a 95? Do we now suck at fighting on top of everything else?

>>31190671
With Teel, didn't it let us hit him like 3 times off one roll?

>>31190670
How many points can be awarded per round and what determines their length? The confusion lies in the scoring system, I'm more with watching fencing on the Olympics (generally one point awarded per found) than participating in spars.

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>>31190670
And I thought the points were awarded for hits. Most duels I've seen halt the encounter and reset every time a point scoring hit is dealt, making bloodmind a useless tactic and thus hence my confusion.

Either that or I'm just retarded.

We should have just gone with the mud wrestling option.

>>31190716
Central Empire point sparring is loose and swift, but generally, it's the person who has the most points after a full three minutes. No resets, or anything like that. Apologies for the confusion, you may revote now.

>>31190797
Ok, voting against it then.

Still sweep low.

>>31190797
I guess I don't see how stabbing us in the heart didn't win Michael a lot more than one point.

But whatevs, let's do Bloodmind.

>>31190797
worth it.
use it.

>>31190797
>Sweep low and go for the pin.
y to Bloodmind

>>31190797
Is there a TKO equivalent? Like a "fatal" blow wins the match for example?

>>31190797
Since you're giving bloodmind as a legitimate option, I assume crits give more points. Thus:
Y

>>31190797
Y
I'm really hoping crits mean more hits in this case

>>31190945
>>31190840
>>31190829
>>31190815

[Roll eschewed - auto-crit.]

You grin as you dash back, letting Micheal sprint close - and things slow down as you bite on your tongue, hard. Pain focuses your mind instantly, red thumping taking over as things seem to slow down. The shaft of your weapon sweeps out Micheal's legs from under him, and your good pushes his chest down as you level your spear to his neck.

And then something very strange happens.

The world splits.

In one world, an instant of pain, a moment of fear, and then, peace in black wings.

In this one, silvery energy pushes you forward, the wooden spear digging into the ground at the side of Micheal's neck. A flurry of apologies rises when you hear something sing by, and you feel a tug at your hair as some of it falls to the ground. Your eyes widen as you look to the guardsman who is running forward, holding a crossbow.
"I'm sorry, I just, I saw, It was dark, and, I, oh Law, are you okay?!"

>Writein

>Uh, whoops. That was not my intent. You okay, Michael?

Also, AG, please clarify what you meant by 'the world splits.' And where did the guard come from?

>>31191036
alright, this post confuses the fuck out of me.
What just happened?