File: Maka Character Sheet 2.jpg (709 KB, 1469x1300)

709 KB JPG

>Who are we?
Maka, an exiled noble Exalted as a Zenith-caste Solar. Queen of Gem, now ruling the western island of Tianna. You have gathered a vast amount of allies and friends, and defeated every threat to Tianna up to now, though not without difficulty.
You recently discovered that Tianna is actually an artificial island, built around a First Age Titan: an almighty flying fortress. Your forces have crushed the Bodhisattva Anointed by Dark Water, a Deathlord who tried to usurp its power for himself.
And now, on the day of your wedding, the Unconquered Sun Himself appeared to you and crowned you Princess of Creation, asking you to be an example for others in these dark times.
After securing the alliance of the nearby realm of Neck (or Okeanos, as they prefer to be called), you received news from your remote homeland of Gem: Rankar, the man who usurped your throne, holds your father and sister prisoner, and is about to marry her to his own son in an attempt to solidify and legitimize his power over the city.

>Solar? Zenith? I don't know Exalted...
This quest is as newbie-friendly as possible, and I want it to work as a newbie's intro to Exalted. If you have ANY question, ask in thread. For the setting, google "1d4chan exalted".

>Archive?
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Solar%20Quest
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Solar%2C+Quest

>System?
Dicepool-like system. When performing an action, everyone rolls 2d10 when posting. The first X rolls are considered, where X is equal to attribute + ability.

>XP?
Attributes cost [current score x5] xp. Abilities cost [current score x3] xp, except Zenith costing [(current score x3) -1]. Charms cost 10 xp, except for Zenith-based charms (related to charisma and physical/mental fortitude) which cost 8 xp. At the end of every "session" (thread) you will be presented with a list of possible acquisitions.

>Twitter?
@exaltedfag

>Any questions?
http://ask.fm/Exaltedfag

New System Info: http://pastebin.com/pvAZpsJ6
Characters info (player-made): http://pastebin.com/5WnD47jp
Quest in ebook format (player-made): https://www.dropbox.com/s/0wl5obxcwuakgdj/Exalted%20Quest%20-%20Threads%2001-101%20%5Bpdf%5D.rar?dl=0
Meanwhiles: http://pastebin.com/u/Exaltedfag

File: WELCOME BACK.jpg (89 KB, 1013x755)

89 KB JPG

>>932151
>Approach silently, hiding in the bushes. Try and get a good look at the scene before anything. (m+n)
I've been waiting for this! Welcome back, you glorious bastard!

Rolled 5, 6 = 11 (2d10)

>>932161
>>932151
Of course I forgot the dice.

Rolled 6, 4 = 10 (2d10)

>>932151
>Approach silently, hiding in the bushes. Try and get a good look at the scene before anything. (m+n)
Sup EF?

Rolled 2, 6 = 8 (2d10)

>>932151
>>Approach silently, hiding in the bushes. Try and get a good look at the scene before anything. (m+n)


Glad to have you back EF.

>>932168
>Sup EF?

Actually, it doesn't have anything to do with Exalted Quest, but let me engage in a bit of shameless self-promotion.

My recent hiatus was (mostly) because I've been working with my good friend and amazing artist ReiDuran and started a small RPG module publishing gig. We wrote and published on DriveThruRPG a D&D module called "Arsenal of the Warrior Princess", and we're working on more!

Back to your (ir)regularly scheduled quest.

>>932161
That is the best thing I've ever seen in my entire life.

Praise Sol Invictus, it's good you're here EF.

Someonegot a short synopsis of the last... 20 threads?

Rolled 9, 10 = 19 (2d10)

>>932151
>>Focus on making a dramatic entrance that steals the show. (s+z)
Pop two burn for some extra dice just to make it extra cool.

>>932186
That's awesome by the way, congrats on getting published.

Rolled 6, 6 = 12 (2d10)

>>932151
>>Focus on making a dramatic entrance that steals the show. (s+z)
Finally, the moment we've been waiting for!

>>932189

In short: Maka and most of her circle got to Gem to take it back from Rankar, the dude who usurped the throne from her dad and caused her to self-exile to Tianna in the first place (the original reason a southern princess was in a remote western island given in thread... like, 4? don't feel like going back to check)

Rankar is about to marry his own son to Eskarin, Maka and Karas' little sister, in order to give more legitimacy to his claim on the throne of Gem. He's been very generous with money and has bought a lot of soldiers.

Under Rankar, the city seems to be prospering, despite all of his rather extravagant spending. It's not clear if he's using money from the treasury and slowly bankrupting the government, or if he has some kind of secret sponsor.

Maka and friends managed to secure non-interference from most of Gem's noble houses, meaning "if you want to try and kick Rankar out, we won't stand in your way provided that all of our privileges stay untouched and you don't drag us into it". One of the houses, Arbani, even supplied you with weapons, because its chief is an old friend of your dad's.

The only outlier is house Iblan, arguably the richest of them all. You didn't have time to contact them. Mikahil and Lynne went to check, but they've been gone for a while.

Also: something strange is going on in Gem's mines, with miners disappearing and reports of "armored ghosts with three glowing eyes" being sighted.

No one has any idea of what happened to your mother during Rankar's coup. She just vanished.

A peerless swordsman called Rekka, the Flying Blade is working for Rankar. No one knows why, exactly.

The daughter of the head of the Sahlak family, Arras Sahlak, supposedly Exalted. What's sure is that not only she resisted Maka's seduction attempts, but she seduced her back.
In Maka's defense, her rolls were particularly poor in that session.

Rankar seems paranoid and suspicious of something, and it's not you. Something's going ON, and it's terrifying him.

Finally: you best complete this coup d'etat without alerting the realm that there's any Anathemaing going on here. Remember, Gem is not self-sufficient and depends on shipments of food from the coast for survival, and the largest supplier is the Lap, a very loyal Realm satrapy. You do NOT want them to cut trade with Gem.

>>932204
Thanks EF, the last consecutive thread I was visiting was on /tg/, this clears up quiet a bit.

>>932209
Oh, if it matters, yeah, right now everyone is armed with mortal weapons (Maka has a sword and a firewand, for example).

Rolled 5, 6 = 11 (2d10)

Do we need more dice or are we doomed to only two successes?

>>932152
I've never participated in this quest. Was just scrolling through . But holy fuck this girl is hot.


>holy fuck....
>HOLY FUCK
>MAH DEEEK

>first thread in forever starts right before work
Why does life do this to me.

DON'T FUCK IT UP GUYS.

>>932248
But we're maka

Rolled 4, 9 = 13 (2d10)

>Focus on making a dramatic entrance that steals the show. (s+z)
That's the way to do it!

>>932151
>>Focus on making a dramatic entrance that steals the show. (s+z)

I can't believe I came in just as the thread started.

Rolled 1, 1 = 2 (2d10)

>>932256

Hope the dice go in options.

>garbage rolls
What a way to start the day.

Burning two for HCM would give us another two successes if anyone wants it.

Rolled 4, 7 = 11 (2d10)

>>932151
>Approach silently, hiding in the bushes. Try and get a good look at the scene before anything. (m+n)

>>932259
You. Stop rolling.

Rolled 7, 7 = 14 (2d10)

>>932204
>Focus on making a dramatic entrance that steals the show. (s+z)

>>932275
>>932151
Forgot to link to OP

>>932264
at least it's not a botched roll.

File: Rankar V.jpg (52 KB, 600x849)

52 KB JPG

You, Tia and Karas slowly make your way through your mansion's garden, crossing it efficiently and silently, avoiding the few bored guard patrols around. They're mostly minding the outer wall, and pay little attention to the interior of the garden.

Following the noise, you reach the site of the wedding, and hide yourselves in the bushes for a better look.

Well, Rankar certainly didn't go cheap on this. A roof of multicolored, crisscrossing strips of silk cloth hangs overhead, woven between the windows of the palace and the outer wall. Under then, in the green of the garden, by an artificial pond, a grand gathering of all of the richest and most influential people of Gem is partaking of the best wines and finest buffet foods that money can buy, served by a host of maids and butlers in exquisite, impeccable outfits. In the background, a string orchestra is playing a cheerful, upbeat rendition of Through The Roses And The Lilies.

You see Rankar himself, sitting right next to your father on one of the many cushions scattered on the grass, chatting amiably with another man sitting next to him, a fire-haired young man wearing robes of office in perfect Realm fashion... maybe the Realm satrap? You don't know him personally, but he has the markings of a dragon-blooded, and Realm fashion isn't really common in Gem.

Your dad looks silent, but serene, but you know he's just trying to control himself.

In the crowd, along the sidelines, you can recognize Valeriana, infiltrated. You guess the others must be there somewhere, too.

The noise dies down and the music gets quieter as two figures emerge from behind one of your blind spots and walk up on a small wooden dais, hand in hand. One man and one woman, facing the festive crowd. You can only see their backs, but both are wearing white, with a blue cloak thrown on. The color of Venus, and of marriage.

Rankar stands up, and walks to the two of them, then turns about and addresses the guests. The music keeps playing, but quieter, in the background.

"My dear, beloved friends." He addresses them. "I thank you all for being here. As the Despot of Gem, it is my duty, and by honor, to officially sanction the union between my only son, and beautiful Eskarin." He smiles, gesturing at the couple, who bow at the crowd in response. "Under the witness of Venus, Incarna of love and serenity, pray tell me, my dear children. Do you..."

It's time. You stand up and make your way through the bushes.

[social + zenith = 5 6 6 4 2-

"What do you think you're doing here?"

(cont.)

>>932290
>[social + zenith = 5 6 6 4 2-
We did THAT bad.

File: Rekka, the Flying Blade.png (847 KB, 658x934)

847 KB PNG

The feeling of a needle-sharp blade point touching your back freezes you in place.

That's Rekka's voice. Neither you, Karas, nor Tia had detected his approach. Your brother and your husband roll away and draw weapons instantly.

In the background, the wedding goes on!

"...I remember you." The swordsman notes, eyeing you, then Tia, who looks like she's about to take his head off with one swipe. His gaze shifts to Karas. "But not you."

Karas grimaces. "I'd love to be able to meet you under different circumstances, believe me." His words carry the same sense of urgency that you feel pounding in your head.

"I will not let you ruin what should be this couple's happiest day." He replies, rather nonplussed. "Stand down and leave. Let's not make a scene here."

>Make a scene. (p+d)
>Try and talk him out of it. (s+z)
>Ignore him! Move through the bushes and crash the wedding, even if he has you at sword-point.
>(Other?)

>>932297
No we have 12 dice so we got 3 success. Exaltedfag is just building tension by using SURPRISE interrupt.

>>932298
>Ignore him! Move through the bushes and crash the wedding, even if he has you at sword-point.

Rolled 2, 4 = 6 (2d10)

>>932298
>Try and talk him out of it. (s+z)

Rolled 1, 10 = 11 (2d10)

>>932298
>>932300
Should prob just keep the dice on all the time

Rolled 5, 3 = 8 (2d10)

>>932298
>Make a scene. (p+d)
Take 2?

Rolled 4, 8 = 12 (2d10)

>>932298
>>Try and talk him out of it. (s+z)
>I wish to be certain that this really is my sisters happiest day.

>>932299
It's less that, more the fact that you elected to not roll for stealth, so you got busted because Rekka was on patrol and he DID roll to detect intruders, and fairly well. So he got to interrupt your action.

Rolled 10, 5 = 15 (2d10)

>>932298
>>Try and talk him out of it. (s+z)

Rolled 7, 2 = 9 (2d10)

>>932298
>>Try and talk him out of it. (s+z)
ROLLING TO SEDUCE

Rolled 9, 8 = 17 (2d10)

>>932305
Fair enough.
>>932308
6 success is really good. Rekka the flying blade will be in tears before we are done with him.

>>932298
>>Make a scene. (p+d)
We know from our last conversation that Rekka won't back down from his job. That said we only really need a bit of space for Tia and Karas to get him off of us and we continue with our entrance.

Rolled 9, 10 = 19 (2d10)

>>932298
>Try and talk him out of it (s+z)

Rolled 7, 6 = 13 (2d10)

>>932298
>Try and talk him out of it. (s+z)

>>932305
We probably would have gotten caught anyway

[Social + Zenith = 2 4 1 10 5 3 4 8 10 5 7 2 = 6 successes]

"I'm here to stop the wedding, Rekka." You make for turning around, but a light sword-jab to the shoulder informs you that he's not going to let you go that easily.

"Put the sword down, Rekka." Karas raises his own. "You can't take all three of us at the same time."

Tia doesn't add anything. She just snarls.

"This wedding doesn't involve you. It's Rankar and lady Eskarine." You can see him smiling with the corner of your eye. "Or are you going to tell me that somehow, this wedding DOES concern you?"

"It does." You proclaim.

"The only way that that could possibly be true is if you were the previous despot's vanished heirs, but we both know that that's not true. Isn't it, Amata?" He replies, calling you by the fake name you had given him.

Karas is barely minding Rekka. He keeps glancing at the wedding, where the oaths are being exchanged right now.

>Just explain that you are concerned for Eskarin
>Tell him that who you are is none of his business
>Admit that you are princess Maka
>Beg him to let you go
>Talk with him some more, try and see if you can persuade him to let you go
>Sic Tia on him
>Scream at Karas "GO!"
>Crash the wedding yourself
>Turn around and attack Rekka (p+d)

>>932324
No plan survives the first encounter with Maka

>>932325
>Admit that you are princess Maka
>Crash the wedding yourself

>>932325
Give him a wink "I might be. Are you willing to risk that, Rekka?"

Rolled 4, 9 = 13 (2d10)

>>932325
>>932328
The dice

>>932325
>>Admit that you are princess Maka
and while he is processing the information
>>Scream at Karas "GO!"

Rolled 9, 3 = 12 (2d10)

>>932325
>Admit that you are princess Maka
>Crash the wedding yourself
Commit the first level of AoDJ

>>932325
>Admit that you are princess Maka
>Scream at Karas "GO!"

>>932325
>Give him a wink "I might be. Are you willing to risk that, Rekka?"

>>932325
>Amata is certainly not the heir, but he is. (point to Karas)
Sic the two against each other, what matters is that one of siblings crash the wedding.

Rolled 1, 2 = 3 (2d10)

>>932325
>Admit that you are princess Maka
>Crash the wedding yourself
No time, fight guys deal with the fight guy

>>932325
>>Admit that you are princess Maka
>>Would you kindly fight my brother somewhere else? Where you both could give your everything at it?
>>Crash the wedding yourself

>>932325
>Admit that you are princess Maka
>Crash the wedding yourself

Congrats on the module, EF! Looking through the previews, it seemed very well crafted. It's also good to see Rei's work out there more.

>>932325
>>Admit that you are princess Maka
>>Crash the wedding yourself

>>932325
>>Admit that you are princess Maka
>That's my sister up there, and I can tell you that if I don't show up this will not be a happy day for her. She doesn't love Rankar

"...I lied." You admit. "I AM Maka. What about it?" You turn around to face him, and he lets you do so this time. "What next? You call Rankar and sell me out?"

He grins. "Unlike you, I wouldn't be so rude as to interrupt a wedding."

"She's my sister and I don't approve of this wedding." You point out, stomping your feet with urgency. "It's my right to!"

"I understand." He nods, lowering his sword, but still on guard. "And yet, I have a job to do."

"Do your worst." You reply, leaping backwards into the bush.

Several things happen all at once.

First, just a moment before you fall through the hedge, Rekka's blade slashes at you, cutting through leaves and branches and missing your throat by millimeters. There was no in-between motion, no movement you could even see. He didn't raise his sword, get into stance, put strength into it and cause it to cross the space between you and him in a slashing motion. The movement was too fast for you to register.

Then, from his left, Tia crashes against him.

You see her common sword slashed in six segments by Rekka's flashing blade, which then ends its lightning motion by impaling her through the chest, all the way to the hilt.

A spraying geyser of blood explodes from Tia's back.
This does not slow her one bit. The last you see of the two of them, they slam into each other before rolling out of sight.

Then, you roll into the covered garden where all the guests are. Your entrance, crashing through the bushes with leaves and branches stuck in your hair, is quite dramatic, although not in a way you ever planned.

"...I do!" Is the last thing you hear before the entire garden falls deathly silent, with hundreds of eyes turning to you.

You struggle back to your feet. A second later, Karas also breaks through the hedge, sword in hand.

You try and get your confidence back, place your balled-up fists on your hips, stand tall, and issue your proclamation: "We object!"

"...Sis?" Is the one word you hear before the garden explodes into chaos. "GUARDS!" You hear Rankar screaming as ten soldiers break rank and get between the two of you and the rest of the guests. In the background, you see more of them making their way through the crowd, to reinforce them. You quietly hope that, in the confusion, your infiltrators hidden among the guests are doing... something.

>Fight your way through the guards (p+d)
>Fight the guards to a standstill, buying time for the others. (p+d)
>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Eskarin
>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Rankar
>(Other?)

>>932351
>>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Eskarin
secure hostages first

>>932351
(brief AFK)

>>932351
>>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Eskarin

>>932351
>Wave to little sister. "Hi, I'm alive!"
>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Rankar

>>932351
>>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Eskarin

Rolled 8, 7 = 15 (2d10)

>>932351
>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Rankar
Commit first level of AoDJ

>>932351
>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Eskarin

Dramatic entrance was a missed opportunity for CROWN TIME.

>>932351
>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Rankar
We told dad to take care of Eskarin. We can't let Rankar run away while we fight.

>>932366
I'm not sure we really need to if we aren't rolling dice to fight, but I won't oppose the suggestion. I want to avoid all charm usage, but hopefully the chaos will cover it. We're tanky, but that's a lot of onslaught penalties if we get into it.

>>932371
We're trying to not reveal our exaltation, that'd be counterproductive.

>>932351
>>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Rankar
The more they focus on us the better dad has a chance of getting to Eskarin.

>You see her common sword slashed in six segments by Rekka's flashing blade, which then ends its lightning motion by impaling her through the chest, all the way to the hilt.
Also that's pretty fucking cool Rekka

>>932204
>What's sure is that not only she resisted Maka's seduction attempts, but she seduced her back.
>In Maka's defense, her rolls were particularly poor in that session.
That whole thing put me in a bad mood

>>932351
>>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Rankar

>>932351
>>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Rankar

>Break through the guards, focusing on reaching Eskarin

File: Askar.png (779 KB, 647x792)

779 KB PNG

Fortunately, you have the initiative. The guards are surprised and their ranks aren't quite close enough.

They are also underestimating you.

You charge into the mercenary group, ducking under the first spear swing, rolling, leaping over a second, and weaving between two of them trying to trip you from opposite sides. Before any others can gang up on you, you rush through and dash into the guests, who scream in panic and begin scattering clumsily before you.

The orchestra stops messily, the notes crashing against one another like a thirty-wagon pileup at a busy intersection.

The moment he sees you make it through, your dad stands up, leaving Rankar's side, and runs for Eskarin, like you agreed.

He was unguarded. no one was expecting this. In a flash, Askar reaches the wooden podium and grabs your sister. The groom gets in the way. There's a scuffle, but your attention is drawn elsewhere.

Rankar has drawn his own weapon, a wide-bladed sword, and points it in your direction, barking orders.

Some of the guests also draw weapons. Most run out of the way, letting their bodyguards do the dirty work. In a sudden flash of flame, the Realm satrap stands up, clothes billowing, and brings his hand to the handle of a slashing blade, eyeing you aggressively.

"Who in Malfeas' name are YOU?" Rankar sputters, his eyes widening as you approach him. "...Maka? Karas?" A flash of realization crosses his face. "What is the MEANING of this?"

>Threaten him (s+z)
>Fight to disarm him (p+d)
>Fight to kill him (p+d)
>Fight him to buy time for the others (p+d)
>Other?

>Fight him to buy time for the others (p+d)]

See if we can get a good backhand in there somewhere.

>>932444
>>Fight to disarm him (p+d)

Rolled 10, 8 = 18 (2d10)

>>932444
>>Threaten him (s+z)
True Heir of Gem motherfucker

This is the time to pop a quick dice adder

Rolled 1, 9 = 10 (2d10)

>>932444
>Fight to disarm him (p+d)

>"What is the MEANING of this?"
Inb4 this is all a misunderstanding and dad actually planned it out to not let sis marry Rankar's son.

Rolled 6, 5 = 11 (2d10)

Shit, forgot my dice.

Rolled 10, 9 = 19 (2d10)

>>932454
Dice, my bad.

Rolled 7, 4 = 11 (2d10)

>>932444
Rolling for Maka's Makas

Rolled 4, 5 = 9 (2d10)

>>932444
>>Threaten him (s+z)

>>932444
>"...Maka? Karas?" A flash of realization crosses his face. "What is the MEANING of this?"
What is going on?

He shouldn't be this surprised right?

Rolled 5, 6 = 11 (2d10)

>>932444
>>Threaten him (s+z)

No need to shed his blood, for now at least.

Rolled 3, 2 = 5 (2d10)

>>932444
>Threaten him (s+z)

Rolled 1, 8 = 9 (2d10)

>>932444
>Threaten him (s+z)

>>932455
I want to second it, but we've got an Air(?) Aspect right there. I know personal essence won't show, but they might recognize the effects of Charms regardless.

>>932470
Further down the rabbit hole we go.

>>932239
Welcome to the adventures of the lewd and Sol-approved!

>>932479
>I know personal essence won't show, but they might recognize the effects of Charms regardless.
Maybe if it was some other charm, but dice adders are the most inconspicuous charms ever. I mean what does having more dice look like from the outside.

>>932480
Luck, Skill, Fate. Which is often one and the same.

>>932480
If it comes to a point where we need to convince someone rather than just responding to a surprised question, then I'm for it.

File: Satrap.png (305 KB, 333x795)

305 KB PNG

[Social + Zenith = 10 8 1 9 6 5 10 9 7 4 4 5 = 8 successes]

You draw your sword with a flourish and bring it down, while leveling your flamepiece at his chest.

"I'm here to take the throne back for my father, you usurper."

He scoffs at you. "As if your own lineage hadn't usurped it from the previous Despot."

"Then, I'm USURPING it back."

He glances around, evidently wondering why the guards he summoned aren't at his side yet, and is greeted by the sight of Radiant Starfall dropkicking one on the face through the buffet table.

"...Who?" He narrows his eyes in her direction, as she sommersaults and lands perfectly atop the wrecked table.

"Just a mysterious magical girl of love and justice." She winks back at him.

As the non-combatants pull back, the garden turns into a giant brawl. You see Talon swinging one guard around, holding him by the feet, keeping the others at bay. As he makes way for the others, Zareen and Aexel run up to you and Rankar, kicking and punching the guards out of the way. Even Valeriana, lagging behind in the background, is holding off a mercenary with a chokehold from behind his back.

Karas reaches your side as well, and draws his own sword. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Rankar. Give up now and no one will have to get hurt too badly."

His back against the metaphorical wall, held at swordpoint and gunpoint, Rankar shakes with impotent rage. "...I..." His grip on the sword's handle loosens.

"Are you truly here to reinstate the previous ruler?"

The Realm Satrap approaches, Essence fire blazing around him, keeping the chaos at bay. His sharp eyes are burning, and his hand is on his blade's pommel.

"Y-your benevolence, save me!" Rankar falls to his knees. "I've always been a loyal subject to the Realm! It is your duty!"

"My DUTY is to the Realm's Scarlet Empress and none others." The fire-aspect's stern reply freezes him in place. "And she doesn't wish for her subjects in the satrapies to strife against each other. Stand down."

His hand twitches, He's ready to draw on you.

>Fight the Satrap. (p+d)
>Stand down.
>Argue: The realm didn't help Askar when Rankar usurped from him! why now does it help Rankar as Askar regains the throne? (s+z)
>Promise: No strife needed. The sooner Rankar gives up the throne, the faster this will be. Gem will stay a peaceful and loyal Realm satrapy. (s+z)
>Accuse: Rankar has been hiding and abetting Anathema within Gem, lord satrap. Are you sure you want to stand by his side in this? (s+z)
>Threaten: Gem has always been a loyal satrapy, but if the Realm wants to keep it, it should think well and hard about who to back as a Despot. (s+z)
>Bargain: Whatever benefits Rankar has promised the Realm, Askar will be more than capable of upholding or increasing them. (s+z)
>(Other?)

Rolled 5, 3 = 8 (2d10)

>Promise

Rolled 9, 9 = 18 (2d10)

>>932509
>Argue as intro, Accuse as mein point, Promise as finale.
Do the social cluster bomb

Rolled 7, 5 = 12 (2d10)

>>932509
>Promise: No strife needed. The sooner Rankar gives up the throne, the faster this will be. Gem will stay a peaceful and loyal Realm satrapy. (s+z)
Wanted to do Argue, but pointing out hypocrisy to a Dynast is an exercise in futility.

Could even throw in something like, "The great houses of Gem remember my father's good rule. That they are not here to oppose me means that they support his peaceful return to the throne."

Also, NOW might be a good time to commit TGP as we pause a moment to take our most regal pose.

Rolled 1, 6 = 7 (2d10)

>>932509
>Argue: The realm didn't help Askar when Rankar usurped from him! why now does it help Rankar as Askar regains the throne? (s+z)

>>932509
>>Argue: The realm didn't help Askar when Rankar usurped from him! why now does it help Rankar as Askar regains the throne? (s+z)

Also turn on the social charms if we haven't already.

Rolled 5, 4 = 9 (2d10)

>>932509
>Promise: No strife needed. The sooner Rankar gives up the throne, the faster this will be. Gem will stay a peaceful and loyal Realm satrapy. (s+z)
Promise with a splash of Argue, I don't want to antagonize him too much, but it should lend to our argument. Seconding charms.

>>932524
I am completely against accusing anyone of being anathema though. That kind of thing could send a Wyld Hunt down for investigation and that puts unnecessary pressure on us.

Rolled 9, 2 = 11 (2d10)

>>932509
>Promise: No strife needed. The sooner Rankar gives up the throne, the faster this will be. Gem will stay a peaceful and loyal Realm satrapy. (s+z)
>Usurpation is natural to Gem. Nothing will change towards the Realm.

Rolled 9, 10 = 19 (2d10)

>>932509
>>Argue: The realm didn't help Askar when Rankar usurped from him! why now does it help Rankar as Askar regains the throne? (s+z)

Rolled 6, 8 = 14 (2d10)

>>932529

>>932533
Not to mention our lovely head of one of the houses who is an Exalt of some kind and knows that we're a Solar/Anathema.

Just a thought that if we get Rankar talking about what happened (especially mom and the stuff he's afraid of), we should consider Judge's Ear Technique. Not relevant right now, though.

>>932542
My biggest reason for getting the charm.

>>932509
A part of me wants to add some kind of petty dig, like, "Oh yes, the Scarlet Empress. How is she? Enjoying her retirement?"

Rolled 7, 1 = 8 (2d10)

>>932509
>Argue: The realm didn't help Askar when Rankar usurped from him! why now does it help Rankar as Askar regains the throne? (s+z)

>>932509
Another thought. This is our first real interaction with someone from the Realm who is going to send word back to the Blessed Isle. The more reasonable and respectful we appear, the more likely we'll have ambassadors sent our way instead of people like Peleps Deled.

>>932533
>>932539
>>932524
Oh right, let's strike that part

Hm, you know, letting Peleps live might come to bight us backin a while, now that I think about it...

File: Karas.jpg (265 KB, 686x1000)

265 KB JPG

You lower the flamepiece just enough to signal that you're not yet willing to start a war with the Realm by pointing a weapon against one of its official representatives.

"The realm didn't help Askar when Rankar usurped the throne from him." You calmly point out. "Why now does it help Rankar as Askar seeks to regains the throne?"

"We would've intervened were it not for the speed with which Rankar committed the deed. Once the chaos cleared, he was firmly in control, and swore to uphold the satrapy. We saw no reason to object."

"So." You shrug. "It's not a matter of preserving the peace for you. It's enough if our coup d'etat is faster than you can react to?"

A smirk crosses the Satrap's lips. "Perhaps."

The fighting is quieting down already. A few guards have been knocked unconscious, but most have stopped fighting when realizing that Rankar was overtaken.

Like every good mercenary, they want to be paid first and foremost. Your father, sister, and the groom have disappeared, maybe ran or carried off to some other corner of the garden or inside the palace, and, with both them and Rankar out of the picture, the guards are clearly starting to question why they should keep fighting...

The Satrap eyes the sidelines, where the nobles from the houses have gathered, surrounded by bodyguards. With a word, they could have ordered them to join Rankar's forces, not just prolonging the fight, but also signaling their support and allegiance to the ruling Despot.

However, none of them has said anything. Their forces lay uncommitted.

"Well, was that fast enough for you?" You smile.

[HEART-COMPELLING METHOD] (personal)

[social + zenith = 5 3 9 9 7 5 1 6 5 4 9 2 9 10 6 = 7+1=8 successes]

The Satrap relaxes his grip on his sword ever so slightly. "Karen. Cathak Karen."

"Maka. This is Karas. A pleasure."

Karas bows clumsily. "We're forgetting someone."

Rankar has disappeared from under your eyes. He seems to have skittered off during your confrontation, probably dived in the bushes.

"Besides, where is the prospective Despot, lord Askar?"

"Probably sorting things out between bride and groom." You wonder, not sure yourself. Only now the chaos is quieting down. Some of the guests are reaching for the crashed buffet table and helping themselves.

An elderly dignitary wearing distinguished robes of office calmly walks past Talon and his pike of knocked-out guards, picks up a still-sort-of-intact slice of cake from a shattered porcelain plate resting on the grass, and takes a bite out of it.

Just another day in Gem.

The Despot taps his foot. A couple of attendants creep up to him, carrying papers and seals of office. One of them, recognizing some unspoken cue, holds up a hourglass to him.

"You have a hour to get everything sorted out, prince Karas, princess Maka." He eyes the hourglass. "Past which, if the government of Gem is not in order, it will be MADE orderly. I'm sure you understand."

He turns and leaves, followed by his attendants

(cont.)

>>932574
>"You have a hour to get everything sorted out, prince Karas, princess Maka." He eyes the hourglass. "Past which, if the government of Gem is not in order, it will be MADE orderly. I'm sure you understand."
Because you've done such a good job getting your government in order after it's last ruler disappeared.
Just to be clear, don't actually say that.

File: Valeriana Kava.jpg (396 KB, 850x1420)

396 KB JPG

You follow his steps out of the palace's main gate and down a road. It doesn't take a genius to know that he's heading to his own palace. To ready his own troops, just in case.

Realm heavy infantry with dragon-blooded officers.

Valeriana, her robes a bit messed up, walks up to you. She's panting and clearly still excited. A small bruised lump on her forehead. Still, she almost looks like she enjoyed herself. "It's messy. The nobles want to know what's happening, and the mercenaries aren't fighting but aren't disarming, and I'm pretty sure that if we told them to we'd have a far bloodier riot in out hands." She explains.

You know all too well that this is the crucial moment. The vacuum in power is evident, and nature abhors vacuum. If no one steps in to fill it fast enough and with a strong enough claim, some brilliant noble or mercenary captain will figure out he's got a shot at the throne. You can already imagine that runners and messengers are being sent all over the city.

Crisis management:
>Order the gates closed and put the palace on lockdown.
>Promise the mercenaries an extravagant sum of money if they take your side.
>Order everyone to drop their weapons and stand back.
>Ask the nobles to return to their estates.
>Do nothing and let the situation develop naturally.

Your action:
>Go look for Rankar
>Go look for Askar and Eskarin
>Go look for Tia and Rekka
>Stay here and focus on keeping the situation under control.

>>932585
>>Order the gates closed and put the palace on lockdown.
>>Promise the mercenaries an extravagant sum of money if they take your side.

>Go look for Askar and Eskarin
S'why we came here. Also, gotta reinstate Dad as the ruler. We have our own city state to run.

>>932585
>Order the gates closed and put the palace on lockdown.
>Stay here and focus on keeping the situation under control.
>Have Karas go look for Tia and Rekka
>Have Starfall go look for Rankar

>>932585
>>932597
I'll second this

>>932574
>The Despot taps his foot
Sorcery!
>>932585
>Promise the mercenaries an extravagant sum of money if they take your side.
>>Or an orgy?
>Ask the nobles to return to their estates.

>Go look for Rankar (Maka)
>Go look for Askar and Eskarin (Radiant Starfall)
>Go look for Tia and Rekka (Karas and Talon)
Valeriana can handle the mortal soldiers...I hope.

>>932574
>>932608
>The Despot taps his foot

fug. the SATRAP taps his foot. SATRAP. Sorry.

>>932585
>Promise the mercenaries an extravagant sum of money if they take your side.
>>Or an orgy?
>Order the gates closed and put the palace on lockdown
>Go look for Rankar (Maka)
>Go look for Askar and Eskarin (Radiant Starfall)
>Go look for Tia and Rekka (Karas and Talon

>>932585
>>932597
This seems good.

You can only search for ONE character at a time, in case that's not obvious. You cannot multiply yourself.

>>932625
What about assigning people to search for others, like I suggest in >>932608 ?

>>932585
>>932597
This
We're ruling now, time to make that clear

>>932627
You can mention that as an aside but I need to know first and foremost where MAKA goes.

>>932585
>Order the gates closed and put the palace on lockdown.

>Go look for Askar and Eskarin

>>932585

>>932597
Seconding this

>>932585
Man, this is when we need Mika around. I agree that sending out people makes sense, but this has been one of Maka's driving motivations. I want to see it through ourselves.

>Order the gates closed and put the palace on lockdown.
"Please, everyone, we still have plenty of refreshments! Enjoy yourselves a bit longer while we get everything squared away."

>Go look for Rankar
We have questions.

>Suggest Karas stay here and keep things under control.
He's a prince, and more than a match for the mercs.

>Suggest Starfall go look for Askar and Eskarin
She's good at it.

>Suggest Talon and Zareen go look for Tia and Rekka
She's stealthy and he knows Tia

>>932597
You dont want to look for sis and dad?

File: Radiant Starfall (2).jpg (94 KB, 386x550)

94 KB JPG

You take a deep breath.

As much as you'd like to immediately run off and chase for Rankar, you can't just leave this boiling pot unwatched.

"Lock down the gate." You whisper to Valeriana, who quietly nods and walks off in that direction.

Then, you wave your arms and jump up and down a bit to draw the attention of the guests. The background noise of concerned chatter dies down a bit. "My dear and esteemed guests, your attention please!"

So many hostile, wary glares in your direction.

You take a deep bow. "I apologize for the disturbance. Please, everyone, we still have plenty of refreshments. Enjoy yourselves a bit longer while we get everything squared away."

"What is going ON?!" Asks someone in the crowd.
"Where is Rankar?"
"What happened to the wedding?"
"Who do you think you are?!"

"Please, all questions will be answered shortly. We are fixing the situation as we speak. There is no cause for concern."

You spot Old Man Arbani in the crowd as well, doing his best to calm the crowd. And... there's Arras Sahlak, too. The girl casts an alluring gaze in your direction, followed by a knowing now.

Is she amused by what you are doing? In any case, the signal is clear: "tread carefully".

"Is this a kidnapping?" Someone asks, brutally direct. "I want to go home. This party sucks."

You tug at the blouse of a nearby maid passing by in panic, pull her up to yourself, and whisper in her ear: "Bring out all the food. Wine, anything you have in store, right now. Do anything it takes to keep the people here calm, well-fed, drunk, and busy."

"Y-yes, ma'am." She nods, tears in her eyes, before scuttling off.

Karas, who had left your side for a moment to check the situation, walks up to you. "...I'm hearing one hell of a swordfight on the other side of the garden. Tia's going at it. I'm a bit afraid she could be losing it."

You bite your lower lip. You made it quite clear to Tia that no one must know you're Exalted. So, no obvious charms, no shapeshifting, or anything. But Tia is prone to... losing herself in the heat of the moment, and you know that well.

"I know." You mumble. "I'll trust her."

"I trust her too, but I'd still go and check."

"You do that." You don't think Tia went off the rails, but, in case she did, Karas is probably the only one in Gem who can fight her to a standstill.

Karas nods quietly and walks off. You snap your fighters and draw Radiant Starfall's attention. She bounces in your direction. "Yes?"

"Aren't you in high spirits." You note. "Rankar seems to have run off somewhere."

"I saw him scamper back into the palace earlier." She informs you. "Want me to grab him?"

"Please." You nod. "I don't want him to cause some dumb trouble."

And off she goes. You can tell she clearly just eyed the third-floor window, and was about to jump up there, then caught herself at the last minute. Instead, she walks around the corner and enters from the door, like a normal person.

(cont.)

The guests are still noisy, but the servants are bringing out the vintage wine and pretty much anything they had in store, so the situation is under control for now. Several of them, however, are noisily asking to be let go, or to see Rankar or even Askar.

And you have no idea where your dad and your sister went off to.

>Go and search them yourself.
>Send someone to look for them. (Who?)
>Dad can handle this. We need to stay focused here.

(With this vote, I'm pausing the Quest for now. It'll pick back up tomorrow! I'll hang around for any questions or whatever.)

>>932684
Thanks for brightening the day a bit EF, congratultions on your recent publishing.

>>932684
>>Go and search them yourself.

>>932684
>Go and search them yourself.
The guests can stay drunk for a little bit longer.

We'll be here EF, and again congrats on your module.

>>932684
>>Go and search them yourself.
Though, I'd suggest talking with the rest of our group to find out If they've seen where Dad might have dissapeared to.

>>932684
>>Go and search them yourself.

>>932684
>Go and search them yourself.
I feel shit has gone down somewhere, and narrative demands we sort it out. We can tell the guests we're going to let Askar know it's safe to return.

>>932690
>>932693
Are you planning to do modules for any other systems, EF?

>>932717
>Are you planning to do modules for any other systems, EF?

The two popular systems for which i can do modules without having to delve deep into a mess of copyright law are D&D and Traveller, so expect those.

>>932728
This answer heavily goes against the expectance your name provides

>>932684
>>Go and search them yourself.
I wish Mikahil were here to keep everyone calm while we step out.

>>932735
Like he said Copyright restrictions and then the more important part
>3rd edition

>>932735
>EF tries to write a module for EX3 based on Tianna
>It's basically a storylined version of the Book of Swallowed Darkness.

>>932735
There is no OGL for Exalted, last I checked. To sell Exalted modules I'd have to secure a deal with White Wolf. And I don't really want to get into a mess like that.

>>932744
That and after all the problems they had with freelancers in Ex2 I doubt they want anybody who isn't in-house working on the material anymore.

>>932743
>EX3
Is that another name for Exalted 3rd edition?
Because going by what I've heard EF say about third edition, they couldn't pay him enough to write a module for it.

>>932754
Speaking of which, has anyone tried Godbound? I've only recently come across it and heard that it's a far more streamlined system that is kind of tongue-in-cheek about being an alternative for core Exalted rules.

>>932754
Oh, I don't have THAT much artistic integrity. Pay me enough and I'd even write you a module for EX3.

I probably wouldn't enjoy doing it, mind you.


>>932761
I love Godbound and it's absolutely amazing.

>>932740
>like he said
Last time I visited was hen we got the new art on Maka from EFs friend, so I'm not quiet surewhat you're talking about

>>932744
Though this is very understandable. Especially after E2...
Thanks again for being here EF.

>>932479
>Welcome to the adventures of the lewd

Is.... is there any... more of her?
Anything...
Lewder?
*furiously wipes sweat from brow*

(What kind of lewd shenanigans can she possibly get into on a blue board?)
>((I'm not even normally into hentai, but she's triggered something, and I suddenly feel like a teen again))

>>932950
Fade to black only, you'll have to imagine it.

Otherwise it's a great story anyway

>>932950
I think someone had an Imgur album of the fanart that had been done for the quest, but I don't know what it is. Back in archives somewhere.

>>932950
>>933120
http://imgur.com/gallery/orrHf/new
Here's most of it, it might be missing a couple of pieces

File: 5.png (904 KB, 1600x1600)

904 KB PNG

Now that we've had a whole session, I feel rather good posting this. Redundant, but hey, we're really happy to have you around again, EF.

>>933136
Indeed you are missing quite. For starters, >>932161 and the attached pic, but those are new so you're excused.

http://imgur.com/a/fvlPF should have the missing pics, and also some repeats.

>>933632
Breasts are amazing.

>>933645
As expected of breasts.

>>933136
>>933632
HOOOOLLY FUUUUCK
Hnnnnng.
>This has absolutely made my week
> maybe even my month.

Is Maka a futa? Is this some fans interpretations? Both?

How long is it going to take me to read all 118 archived threads? Estimated I mean.

>>933897
>Is Maka a futa?
Potentially at times. Exalted is fun like that. Female mostly, though.

>>933897
She's not really, it's just random fanart.

The red chick is and our husband is a shapeshifter though.

It's hard to say how long, if you prefer the first 100 threads are up in pdf form.

>>933917
I would prefer a PDF. I actually looked at this thread for the first time because I just started reading about Ex3

>>933957
Crap, now the pdfs need to be updated.

>>932152
>>933957
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0wl5obxcwuakgdj/Exalted%20Quest%20-%20Threads%2001-101%20%5Bpdf%5D.rar?dl=0
It's up in the second post along with links to various things.

To be clear Exalted Quest is set in 2e with details changed to suit EF's needs, also the mechanics are all quest original.

These threads always seem to run when I'm asleep, but they're fun to read even if I can't participate. I still have hundreds of pages of archived sessions to catch up on too. Anyway, welcome back, EF.

This kind of makes me miss playing Exalted, though. Or anything similar, really. Though if I found a game with an accommodating GM, I'd be tempted to play a Maka expy. Is that just me?

>>933979
I'll keep that in mind.

Also, her being a futa, or sometimes futa is cool IMO. Really there's just something about her look that has sizzled something deep in my head. I want to learn more about the red chick and her husbando. "Our, husband"

>>933998
The futa thing is only really potentially recent, since about thread 100 you'll see.

But really all the sex scenes are never explicit so anyone can imagine it as they please, I don't really care for it on Maka's part, but that's just me.

>>934012
I don't care, my loins are a raging inferno.
Reading 100 threads seems like so much though. Oh well, I didn't need to sleep anyway.

>>933991
>Though if I found a game with an accommodating GM, I'd be tempted to play a Maka expy. Is that just me?
It's not just you, Maka is best girl and there is nothing wrong with wanting to be best girl, ,punching, socialing, and "socialing" your way to victory.

>>933991
Could the expy be in a potentially more open forum? Some format which allows for more NSFW potential. I've heard of a thing called anon-kun, but I have no idea what it is really.

>>934173
It's essentially /qst/, but without a bump limit.
You can separate your story into chapters, and give it apendexes and other things of that nature.
Here's an Exalted Quest that I used to follow, and still intend to catch up with one day, to give you an example of how everything works.
http://anonkun.com/stories/dragonblooded-adventures-an-exalted-quest/TxXJYmFRRAeGEq7r5/discovery/XQiL94KQwm3quBonJ

>>934204
>http://anonkun.com/stories/dragonblooded-adventures-an-exalted-quest/TxXJYmFRRAeGEq7r5/discovery/XQiL94KQwm3quBonJ
carp, that was the chapter I stalled at.
Here's a link to the beginning
http://anonkun.com/stories/dragonblooded-adventures-an-exalted-quest/TxXJYmFRRAeGEq7r5/home

>>934173
I was thinking of the character I'd play in a traditional RPG group sort of thing, but I'd follow a more NSFW take on this sort of quest too, I admit.

>>934204
>>934213
Thanks for the link. I've seen that site before, but never remembered to check it out properly.

>>933897
I think it's Tia's default Twin-Faced Hero state.

>>934516
If someone did a NSFW exalted game, I think I would actually die of excitement. (traditional rpg or quest)

Is that kind of quest the sort of thing that ExaltedFag would ever do?

>>935096
Which one is Tia?

>>935244
>Which one is Tia?
The Lunar Husbando. Mantis totem, and she always wears a white wedding dress.

File: Tia Thread 52.jpg (913 KB, 1190x1166)

913 KB JPG

>>935244
>Which one is Tia?
For some reason I don't have her regular picture saved, just her Character Sheet from when we last saw it about 60-70 threads ago.

>>934204
>>935244
Dragonblooded Adventures is excellent and also has NSFW if that's what you're looking for. I'd definitely recommend reading it if you like this quest.

>>935271
Why though is she called husbando and not waifu?

>>935492
Because Maka is Tia's wife. (She really didn't understand the concepts at first and just aped the words)

>>935271
I had forgotten that Tia literally has an extra pool of Essence that she can regain only by protecting Maka. That explains a lot.

File: Talon.jpg (229 KB, 850x906)

229 KB JPG

You groan loudly. If only Mikahil was here, you could entrust him this gaggle of bored, worried, and ambitious nobles to him. He'd know how to handle them better than you do.

...where ARE Mikahil and Lynne? There's no way they could be THIS late. Something HAS to have happened.

Radiant Starfall is looking for Rankar. Karas is probably busy trying to get Tia back in line...

...Aexel is a relatively meek scholar with a weak presence who, while not abrasive or annoying, is definitely not a people person.
...Zareen is technically an assassin who never gave you the indication of knowing anything about how to handle high society.

"Alright, Talon." You slap his back. "You're up."

"...I'm up what?"

"Babysit this situation until i come back." You appoint him, much to his dismay, before running off.

"...Hey? Are you kid- WAIT-"

Dashing through the bushes, you leave the party area. Now, where could your dad, sis and her to-be groom run off to?

>Search on the other side of the garden.
>Search in the palace, in your sister's room.
>Search in the palace, in your father's room.
>Search in the palace, in the living room.
>(Other?)

>>935841
>>Search on the other side of the garden.
Radiant is already inside the palace, so she could unwittingly cover there.

>>935841
>>Search on the other side of the garden.
They won't have gone far.

>>935841
>Search on the other side of the garden.

>>935841
>Search in the palace, in your father's room.
I don't mind checking the garden, but isn't that where Karas and Tia are fighting Rekka?

File: Tia (southern ver.).jpg (133 KB, 850x1275)

133 KB JPG

You make your way around the house and on the other side of the garden. There are several sprays of blood on the wall along your way.

Well, this is ominous.

As you turn the last corner, you come across an area of the garden that's been completely DESTROYED. Earth dug out, wall dented in multiple points, windows shattered and bars bent, trees broken...

And there's Rekka, crumpled up on the ground at the center of a crater, clutching his snapped-in-half blade in one hand and Tia's severed left arm, lopped off just above above the elbow, in the other.

Tia is a few meters away from him, in tatters, wounded to a point that any mortal would've been killed ten times over, still impaled through the chest by the snapped-off portion of Rekka's sword, one-armed and trailing blood. She's trying to hobble over to where the swordsman is lying, with Karas trying to hold her off.

"Maka!" He welcomes your sudden appearance. "Get your husband to calm down!"

You glance at Rekka. He's still breathing, but he doesn't look like he's going to stand back up anytime soon. Maybe ever again.

"He tried to stab Maka!"

"And Maka could've taken it." Karas replies, in a soothing tone. "Don't-"

With her one hand left, Tia grabs Karas by the collar, lifts him and throws him through the palace wall. He flashes past you screaming and explodes in a cloud of debris.

Great, more propriety damage.

>Let Tia kill Rekka
>Get in her way, try and get her to calm down.
>You don't have time for this. Keep looking for your dad.

>>935882
>>Get in her way, try and get her to calm down.

We don't need more destruction, and if we save Rekka we could get some useful information.

>>935882
>>Get in her way, try and get her to calm down.
Hug her and tell her that you're fine and she needs to calm down now.

>>935882
>>Get in her way, try and get her to calm down.

Fights over Tia, we already won.

>>935882
>>Get in her way, try and get her to calm down.
Take a jumping stance.

Tackle-kiss Tia into submission.

>>935882
>Get in her way, try and get her to calm down.
Tia we're fine thanks for saving us, but he was just doing his job so please leave him alone now. Also stop losing your arm so much.

If he really is exalted then he can probably heal himself with a bit of help from Zareen or Val since our real doctor isn't here, but Val can totally at least fix his sword. I really want someone who gave Tia a hard time on our side after this.

"Alright, Tia." You stand between her and Rekka. "It's over. You won."

"I... I won. I know." She takes deep breathes.

"He was just doing his job."

"He pointed a sword at you."

"I'm fine. See?"

She slowly straightens out. "... I'm..."

You hug her, delicately. No sudden movements. "You did good."

You feel her muscles relaxing. Situation defused.

From the rubble, Karas emerges, a bit dirty and battered. "God damn it Tia."

"Sorry." She whimpers.

"Sorry doesn't fix buildings." He climbs down into the crater, and checks on Rekka. "Or people." He starts to carefully pick him up. He's not in good conditions. "I'll go get Valeriana."

"He'll be fine, won't he?" You ask.

"No idea." He replies, walking in direction of the gate. "He's a mortal."

You stare as Tia walks over to her severed arm and presses it against her stump, waiting for her regeneration to kick in for long enough to start to reattach it. "...Really? And he did this to you?"

"If I could've used all of my Essence and my Daiklave, he wouldn't have cut my arm off." Tia replies, offended.

You'd love to ask more about the details of how the battle went, but you don't have time. You still need to find your dad.

...Should Tia come with you? You might need her, but she was... very nervous about meeting your family.

>Come with me.
>Stay with the guests and the others.

>>935902
>Come with me.

Might as well get it over with.

Just clean the blood off her first...

>>935902
>Come with me.
>"He's a mortal."
Dang.

We need to give that man essence

>>935902
>>Come with me.

>>935902
>Come with me.

Also this guy is mortal? What a baller.

>>935902
>>Come with me.

Btw i can't believe Rekka is a mere mortal...
Even without using essence Tia is above the most heroic mortal.

>>935902
Oh can we call over Val or Zareen to get Rekka stabilized and to take him inside somewhere?

"Alright, Tia, clean yourself off a bit, then let's go."

She shakes around like a wet dog, spattering blood everywhere until she's sort-of-clean. "Where?"

"Looking for dad."

She freezes.

"He's not scary."

"B-but what do I say to him?"

You can't help but smile. "Let me do the talking, and don't worry." You enter the palace (from the Karas-shaped hole in the wall) and start your search.

The palace seems to have suffered just a few changes since you had to flee. The decor seems even richer and more expensive, with decorated silk curtains and crystal chandeliers and precious carpets covering every room.

You move through the main hall, and head upstairs, where you hear some noise. Shouting, banging around. It's coming from Eskain's room.

>Stop and listen to the door
>Barge in
>Send Tia ahead
>(Other?)

>>935902
>>Come with me.
I'm not sure this is the best time to introduce her to the family, but sending her back to he nobles in her condition is an even worse idea.

>>935914
>>Barge in
Hi family, we missed you

>>935914
>Barge in
Oh boy

>>935914
>>Barge in

>>935914
>>Barge in

>>935914
>>Barge in
Dynamic entrance!

(brief AFK)

>>935914
>>Barge in
LITTLE SISTER WE MISSED YOU

>>935914
>Barge in
Ah, a bedroom. Our time to shine.

>>935910
Solar Medicine Charms can fix most anything, though she may want to do it in private Or Craft:Genesis. I'm not picky. The flame of Rekka shall not perish!

>>935914
Definitely keep Tia close. And definitely barge in. :D

You barge in. The door slams open, showing a rich but thoroughly trashed bedroom. Chairs and tables upended, books scattered everywhere, three people having a screaming match. Well, mostly two of them.
The third, a young man whom you've never seen before but, judging by his white dress, was supposed to be the groom-to-be, Rankar VI, is mostly sulking in a corner.

"YOU'RE A JERK!"

"You don't get to call ME a jerk, little princess! I'm the one trying to hold this family together!"

"And how good a job did you do?"

The two of them stop as you enter.

Finally, you see Eskarin. She's wearing a beautiful white and pink wedding dress, now slightly messed up and ruined by all the mess that's been going on. Her eyes are red and bloodshot, but she's holding back tears, and your sudden appearance manages to bring back a smile to her.

"...Maka! It IS you!"

"I missed you, Rin."

You invite her as she leaps into your arms, finally breaking down crying. "Makaaa!"

"What." You... suddenly get the creeping feeling that you're going to get dragged into-

You glance up to Askar. Hsi eyes are also bloodshot, but with rage. He's breathing heavily, and his balled-up fists are clenched with full force.

No, no, please, we don't have time for this.

"Dad is a jerk."

He slams his foot on the ground and lets out a scream. "You're NOT marrying this, this... this lowlife, Eskarin. I'm not going to allow this." He points a trembling figure at the man cowering in the corner. Looking at him better, you can see he's holding his head as if in tremendous pain, twitching. A smashed-up guitar lies in pieces on the floor around him.

"I WANT to marry him."

"You're being USED! You're smarter than this, Rin! FIGURE IT OUT!"

"All I can figure out if that all your talk about being able to marry whoever we want out of love was A BIG FAT LIE!"

"NOT THE SON OF RANKAR! RANKAR! THE MAN WHO TOOK MY THRONE, THREW ME IN A CELL, BROKE OUT FAMILY UP, HEAVEN KNOWS WHAT THEY DID TO MOM!"

"...Leave mom out of this." She lets go of you and turns around to face her father.

"I won't." He stomps his foot again. "I'm the head of this house. If you want to marry someone, he has to meet MY APPROVAL."

You hear Tia "eep" silently and hide behind you.

Eskarin runs off to Rankar Junior's side and ried to help him back up.

"Get away from him." Askar demands, imperiously.

"No."

>Side with your father Askar
>Side with your sister Eskarin
>Try and get them both to postpone the argument to a later date
>(Other?)

>>935945
Do you think telling him we married Tia would knock him out cold?

>>935945
>Try and get them both to postpone the argument to a later date
I mean I'm with Imouto on this, it's not like Rankar JR was the one that did bad stuff, but let us make sure with our charms after we actually get the throne back.

I suddenly get the feeling we got our social mojo from mom.

>>935945
>>(Other?)
"If she wants to marry anyone, he or she needs to meet MY approval, not yours. Now isn't the time to be arguing or fighting about this"

>>935945
I just want to congratulate everyone who called this turn of events.

>>Try and get them both to postpone the argument to a later date
You're not getting married TODAY regardless, and if we don't get things organized, the Realm is gonna start "organizing" things themselves.

>>935945
>>Try and get them both to postpone the argument to a later date

>>935945
>Later
Stabilize first, marriage talk after.

>>935945
>>Try and get them both to postpone the argument to a later date

We have more pressing matters to attend, and we need Askar to appear in front of the guest.

>>935945
>Try and get them both to postpone the argument to a later date.
>GET ASKAR BACK IN THE PARTY AND ON THE THRONE RIGHT THIS SECOND.

Honestly, I don't mind if Eskarin and Rankar VI still want to marry if Rankar VI knows full well he ain't getting Gem handed to him over it. Which we need to establish by putting Askar back on the throne.

>>935945
>(TTH) Noone is marrying anyone today eitherway. Stop arguing or the realm will blow us up.

>>935945
>Try and get them both to postpone the argument to a later date

>>935945
>>Try and get them both to postpone the argument to a later date
>>"If she wants to marry anyone, he or she needs to meet MY approval, not yours. Now isn't the time to be arguing or fighting about this"
>>"And you dad are needed on the throne before any of this, also I'm already married and have children on the way."

>>935945
>Try and get them both to postpone the argument to a later date

>>935959
Yes, this is good logic, I think it's a good approach.

>>935945
>>Try and get them both to postpone the argument to a later date

"Eskarin, even if you love him, I'm not letting you get married at a wedding this... plain. You're getting the best Creation has to offer."

>>935962
I mean I agree that he'll have to meet our approval, but I don't want to set any kind of ultimatums right now.

>>935971
Yeah, it seems like saying a line like that would just invite more pissing matches and set the fire hire, not get everyone focused on not getting killed by the Realm.

Also, I'd just like to say, in the event that everything is going south, plan "take dad, sister, and the circle, and get OUT of here" is very valid. Also a good test of character for Rankar Jr of "hey, wanna come with?" Only problem is if sister wants to stay. :/

File: Eskarin.jpg (273 KB, 850x1096)

273 KB JPG

You get in the middle and yell: "STOOOOP FIGHTING" loud enough to cover all their screaming.

"Maka." Your dad looks downright INSULTED. "Don't tell me that you're taking the side of-"

"Dad." You cough. "I understand that this is very important, but-"

"It's VERY important!" Eskarin says, cradling in her arms the curled-up Rankar VI, still twitching in pain. "I'm not going to let-"

"The Realm satrap is going back to his palace." You inform them both. "He clearly said that we have one hour to get things sorted and tidy, or his troops will step in. And we've got a bunch of cranky, nearly-rioting nobles down in the garden."

Askar takes a DEEP breath. "Fuck." He mumbles to himself, barely audible. He then lifts a threatening finger up to Eskarin. "Discussion's not over, missie."

He turns and storms off, out of the room and down the stairs.

Eskarin sniffs and tries to put up a smile. "...It's nice to see you again, Maka. ...Sorry you had to see this."

"Seeing you and that you're fine is all I really wanted." You reply, gently putting an arm around her shoulders, putting your forehead to hers.

You're back home, in a way.

>Follow Askar downstairs to help him handle the nobles
>Time to do some damage control here, console Eskarin and meet this Rankar VI.
>(Other?)

>>935979
>>Follow Askar downstairs to help him handle the nobles
Give Eskarin a kiss first though

>Time to do some damage control here, console Eskarin and meet this Rankar VI.

Introduce Tia to them!

>>935979
>>Time to do some damage control here, console Eskarin and meet this Rankar VI.
The nobles at the party are dad's job now. We're just gonna steal the show and undermine his new-old authority.

>>935979
>>Time to do some damage control here, console Eskarin and meet this Rankar VI.

>>935982
Heee.... That is a fun plan. "Rankar Jr... This will be in your family, so, if you ever hurt my Eskarin, I have Tia to sic on you."

>>935979
>Time to do some damage control here, console Eskarin and meet this Rankar VI.
JET

>>935979
>Follow Askar downstairs to help him handle the nobles

Step one, state things.

Step two, family matters.

>>935979
>>Time to do some damage control here, console Eskarin and meet this Rankar VI.

can Maka force people to tell the truth?

>>935999
We can know when they're lying with Judge Ear Technique

>>935979
Can we tell Askar to tell Zareen to check up on Mikahil and Lynne, while he goes?

>>935979
>Time to do some damage control here, console Eskarin and meet this Rankar VI.

>>935979
Also imouto is hyper cute

>>935979
>>Time to do some damage control here, console Eskarin and meet this Rankar VI.
Dad can handle stuff downstairs for a few minutes, especially if Karas gets out of his hole to help provide another face of legitimacy.
>>935982
>Introduce Tia to them!
"Here's the fight I"M going to have with dad!"

>>935979
>>Follow Askar downstairs to help him handle the nobles

Can we tell Tia to guard Eskarin and Rankar Jr. while we attend state matters, i don't think leaving the two of them alone would be a good idea.

>>936001
>>935999
then also use Judge Ear on Rankar Jr when we ask him if he loves Eskarin.

>>936017
Could that give us a false negative if it's a deal where "Yeah, I think I'm in love and am genuinely trying, but I'm still a young idiot and it really hasn't matured to that point yet."

Or a false positive where it's "Yes, I definitely want to have sex with her. Have you seen her?"

>>936021
I think it works off of intent.
So things like half-truths would get picked up, but not lies made out of ignorance.

>>936021
I think we have enough social to poke around such answers

>>935979
I'm all up for giving Eskarin a kiss, we've been gone way too long.
>Time to do some damage control here, ask Rankar abour Rankar, subtly inquire about him in the process.

File: Rankar VI.jpg (537 KB, 800x1200)

537 KB JPG

>>936013

[JUDGE'S EAR TECHNIQUE]

"Let me check that lump." You ask the groom-to-be, who raises his bruised head to face you.

What stares back at you is... Yeah he looks pretty scared. Also kinda cute, in that "harmless romantic musician prettyboy" way.

"...What?" He asks, a single question that probably has a million answers right now.

You think about it for a second. "...We're putting my dad back on the throne."

"Oh." He lowers his head. "I, um, am I...?"

"Nah, we're good." You help him back up.

"Of course, make Eskarin cry and I'm going to destroy you." You reply with a calm smile.

Rankar VI cringes.

"Let me introduce you to Tia." You present her. Still spattered in blood, covered in bloody scars, scabs and cuts, she stares back at the groom with a blank face.

Rankar VI cringes some more.

"Um." Eskarin mumbles, and lifts a finger to draw Tia's attention. "You have a, er..." She points at her chest.

Tia looks down, at the broken sword blade still sticking out of her. "Oh." She notices, and pushes it all the way through and out of her back with a finger.

A few seconds of silence ensue. "What?" She asks.

Rankar VI grabs your hand and squeezes it. "I swear that I will treasure your sister above everything else in the world."

"You do that."

Eskarin scratches her head. "I... understand the circumstances dad is going through, but Rankar had nothing to do with all that mess. It's unfair to blame him for what his old man did."

He nods. "My father is a hard man, but he's not a monster." He notes. "I'm sorry for what happened to your family, for what that matters."

"We can worry about all this later." You put that off with a wave of the hand.

>Stay here with Eskarin and Rankar VI until the situation has calmed down.
>Head downstairs and make for the garden.
>Search the palace.
>(Other)

In case you leave, Eskarin and Rankar...
>Come with you
>Stay here

>>936040
>>Head downstairs and make for the garden.
>>Come with you
They're under Maka's protection now.

>>936040
>Ask Rankar where is father might have gone.
>Give Eskarin a kiss.
Goddamn, we have a moments time, let's use it
>Search the palace for Rankar... the older.

>>936014
You can.

>>936021
It could.

>>936031
Neither half-truths nor lies made out of ignorance are picked up.

If Rankar wanted to marry Eskarin partly out of genuine love and partly to get his hands on the throne, he'd test as "telling the truth" in both cases.

Also, the charm does not detect lying by omission.

>>936040
>Head downstairs and make for the garden.
>Stay here
We should either leave Tia here or send someone up, maybe Zareen to stand guard.

>Rankar VI grabs your hand and squeezes it. "I swear that I will treasure your sister above everything else in the world."
No lies so far, good boy. Also we can't keep calling him Rankar, Ran for short will work.

>>936040
>>Head downstairs and make for the garden.
>Come with you
Normally I'd want to keep them out of harms way, but Karas might get grumpy if we delay the reunion any longer.

>>936040
Keep JET on for a while longer, we might still need it when we have our hands on Rankar

>>936051
>maybe Zareen to stand guard.
As the one person here who can use their Charms freely, Zareen needs to stay where a fight is most likely to break out.

>>936040
>Head downstairs and make for the garden.


>Come with you

>>936040
>>Head downstairs and make for the garden.
>>Come with you
>>Ask Rankar Jr. about his father, try to see if he knows what got his father so spooked

>>936061
Furthermore, if things do go south with the satrap, for a reason other than he discovers we're a bunch on Anathema, Zareen should take point in that fight.

>>936040
>Head downstairs and make for the garden.
>Come with you
Having them will help show we're in control.

>>936067
Not a bad idea, either.