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18.000 posts passed
Our heroes have reached the Underkingdom.
Cassit, the necromancer who agreed to aid them in overthrowing the Underking, fiddles with his fingers.
"If there is anything you wish to ask from me, now is the time. I fear the deeper we go, the more we will need to focus on survival rather than pleasant chatter."
Our heroes have reached the Underkingdom.
Cassit, the necromancer who agreed to aid them in overthrowing the Underking, fiddles with his fingers.
"If there is anything you wish to ask from me, now is the time. I fear the deeper we go, the more we will need to focus on survival rather than pleasant chatter."
>>255338
"I have no particular desire to. The living are insolent. Weak. Poor workers. But I will not go out to seek them out from among the dead. If you wish to do so, I will permit you."
>>255339
"His powers are notable. Incredible even. For one, I know he shares his mind to all those who die here. He sees as they see. He hears as they hear. And he knows as they know."
Valeriana listens intently
"…I know this power."
>>255340
Cassit shrugs
"If you so wish. Leave the dead and dying to me. I will need them."
>>255342
"I would suggest we hurry to the king.
As said, he sees and knows all here. If we are discovered, it becomes only a question of time until he sends all too many to swarm us.
My magic can keep his eye averted, but it will not last forever, and cannot be cast without sacrifice."
"I have no particular desire to. The living are insolent. Weak. Poor workers. But I will not go out to seek them out from among the dead. If you wish to do so, I will permit you."
>>255339
"His powers are notable. Incredible even. For one, I know he shares his mind to all those who die here. He sees as they see. He hears as they hear. And he knows as they know."
Valeriana listens intently
"…I know this power."
>>255340
Cassit shrugs
"If you so wish. Leave the dead and dying to me. I will need them."
>>255342
"I would suggest we hurry to the king.
As said, he sees and knows all here. If we are discovered, it becomes only a question of time until he sends all too many to swarm us.
My magic can keep his eye averted, but it will not last forever, and cannot be cast without sacrifice."
>>255346
"Tch. You risk us being discovered the more we disturb. This is an infiltration. What are we going to do if they find evidence of us being here when they find the freed ponies? What if they are killed for breaking out? And if we take them with us, I ask you, how much are we risking?"
>>255347
"A.. hive mind? If we are discovered, would we gain anything from exorcising his undead minions?"
"Tch. You risk us being discovered the more we disturb. This is an infiltration. What are we going to do if they find evidence of us being here when they find the freed ponies? What if they are killed for breaking out? And if we take them with us, I ask you, how much are we risking?"
>>255347
"A.. hive mind? If we are discovered, would we gain anything from exorcising his undead minions?"
>>255349
"I gain nothing from tricking you. I wish the crown upon my brow, and the dead at my command. I have no use for the living, other than to make them dead as well."
>>255348
Her eyes flicker momentarily with magic
"I believe the Underking uses much the same powers as I. Though his minions, unlike mine, are not born from him but are simply others he has raised and imposed his will and possession upon."
>>255350
Cassit takes a look at his scythe and runs a finger across it
"A little. For each undead we break, he loses a pair of eyes and ears. Shattering the magic that binds them to him would even be enough.
And… as risky as it is… I could attempt to force my will upon them as well, and challenge the king's rule from within."
"I gain nothing from tricking you. I wish the crown upon my brow, and the dead at my command. I have no use for the living, other than to make them dead as well."
>>255348
Her eyes flicker momentarily with magic
"I believe the Underking uses much the same powers as I. Though his minions, unlike mine, are not born from him but are simply others he has raised and imposed his will and possession upon."
>>255350
Cassit takes a look at his scythe and runs a finger across it
"A little. For each undead we break, he loses a pair of eyes and ears. Shattering the magic that binds them to him would even be enough.
And… as risky as it is… I could attempt to force my will upon them as well, and challenge the king's rule from within."
>>255359
He grips the scythe, cradling it a little
"I tore it from his icy grasp at the day of my banishment.
Forgive me if I did not tell you the full truth when we first met. But I did not dare truly say who, and what, I was back then."
>>255358
>>255360
>>255361
The mare points outside
"Some of the still living have broken loose of their bindings. We know the king does not see all. His eyes wander. And in those short moments of blindness, many learned to slip away.
A group of them is said to be barricaded inside another collapsed area like this. They are not many in number. A dozen maybe. But their leader is a strong pony who has kept them alive this far. I hoped to one day join them. When I got a chance.
That hope is what kept he alive this long."
Cassit sighs
"We ill have time for rescue missions.
Once we reach the throne, I can get rid of the king with relative ease.
The problem is, I cannot impose my will over his elite. Those are the ones he will refuse to relinquish. Almost any other, I can at least try."
He grips the scythe, cradling it a little
"I tore it from his icy grasp at the day of my banishment.
Forgive me if I did not tell you the full truth when we first met. But I did not dare truly say who, and what, I was back then."
>>255358
>>255360
>>255361
The mare points outside
"Some of the still living have broken loose of their bindings. We know the king does not see all. His eyes wander. And in those short moments of blindness, many learned to slip away.
A group of them is said to be barricaded inside another collapsed area like this. They are not many in number. A dozen maybe. But their leader is a strong pony who has kept them alive this far. I hoped to one day join them. When I got a chance.
That hope is what kept he alive this long."
Cassit sighs
"We ill have time for rescue missions.
Once we reach the throne, I can get rid of the king with relative ease.
The problem is, I cannot impose my will over his elite. Those are the ones he will refuse to relinquish. Almost any other, I can at least try."
>>255363
To the mare.
"So you are saying that those who have escaped know how to navigate these tunnels undetected? If you have any idea where they are, we can locate them and enlist their assistance."
And to Cassit
"You may as well tell us the short version. You might be in a position know something more useful."
To the mare.
"So you are saying that those who have escaped know how to navigate these tunnels undetected? If you have any idea where they are, we can locate them and enlist their assistance."
And to Cassit
"You may as well tell us the short version. You might be in a position know something more useful."
>>255364
>>255366
"I was not so much his viceroy, as his heir of sorts. Not a son, more of a prized student. But we grew distant. We did not see eye to eye, and over time came to the verge of blows over our differences.
Then… I made a mistake… no. Not a mistake. A decision. That was too much for him to take."
He turns to look at Twofingers for a moment
"…and with that, he cast me out. Saying I was not worthy of the time he spent on me.
Enraged, I tore his scythe from his hold paw and wounded him, before fleeing, the elite at my heels.
And then I found you. And a chance at revenge."
>>255365
Cassit looks up
"The Deathguard are the Underking's personal protectors. They share their wills with him, and are bound to him in life and beyond.
As far as I know, they cannot be killed. Only broken."
>>255367
>>255365
>>255366
The mare nods
"Some of them are big. Strong too.
But they are also cold, hungry and afraid. Without arms or armour, their hopes of fighting their way out are next to none. But they know the ways here. And they would be willing to give everything to see the Underking laid to rest."
>>255366
"I was not so much his viceroy, as his heir of sorts. Not a son, more of a prized student. But we grew distant. We did not see eye to eye, and over time came to the verge of blows over our differences.
Then… I made a mistake… no. Not a mistake. A decision. That was too much for him to take."
He turns to look at Twofingers for a moment
"…and with that, he cast me out. Saying I was not worthy of the time he spent on me.
Enraged, I tore his scythe from his hold paw and wounded him, before fleeing, the elite at my heels.
And then I found you. And a chance at revenge."
>>255365
Cassit looks up
"The Deathguard are the Underking's personal protectors. They share their wills with him, and are bound to him in life and beyond.
As far as I know, they cannot be killed. Only broken."
>>255367
>>255365
>>255366
The mare nods
"Some of them are big. Strong too.
But they are also cold, hungry and afraid. Without arms or armour, their hopes of fighting their way out are next to none. But they know the ways here. And they would be willing to give everything to see the Underking laid to rest."
>>255374
Cassit lets out a hollow laugh
"If only they were.
If only they were…"
>>255377
"I care little for the lives of the dying. Call me cold and cruel if you wish, but it simply is how it is. Take them if your sentimentality so demands. If nothing else, their bodies will serve to soften the blows of those who will assail us."
>>255371
>>255372
The mare nods
"I would be at much greater peace knowing you at least gave them a chance. Though I have not met him in person, I have heard stories of the deeds Raging Storm has done for those trapped here."
Cassit lets out a hollow laugh
"If only they were.
If only they were…"
>>255377
"I care little for the lives of the dying. Call me cold and cruel if you wish, but it simply is how it is. Take them if your sentimentality so demands. If nothing else, their bodies will serve to soften the blows of those who will assail us."
>>255371
>>255372
The mare nods
"I would be at much greater peace knowing you at least gave them a chance. Though I have not met him in person, I have heard stories of the deeds Raging Storm has done for those trapped here."
>>255388
>>255390
>>255393
Unyielding almost tosses the mare off his back when he jump up
"THERE ARE NO MORE QUESTIONS ON THIS. WE ARE GOING TO GET HIM."
>>255389
"The absolute products of centuries of necromantic research. Not living, but not undead either. Their bodies are as cold as the dead, but their minds as sharp as the living. And through their connecting to the Underking, they may re-knit their forms when broken and slain."
Valeriana's eyes sharpen
"…yes. Exactly."
>>255397
Unyielding shows no signs of calming down
"MY MENTOR! MY FATHER'S CLOSEST FRIEND!"
>>255390
>>255393
Unyielding almost tosses the mare off his back when he jump up
"THERE ARE NO MORE QUESTIONS ON THIS. WE ARE GOING TO GET HIM."
>>255389
"The absolute products of centuries of necromantic research. Not living, but not undead either. Their bodies are as cold as the dead, but their minds as sharp as the living. And through their connecting to the Underking, they may re-knit their forms when broken and slain."
Valeriana's eyes sharpen
"…yes. Exactly."
>>255397
Unyielding shows no signs of calming down
"MY MENTOR! MY FATHER'S CLOSEST FRIEND!"
>>255407
"DON'T TELL ME TO FOCUS, BOY.
I AM FOCUSED!"
>>255408
Cassit grins
"A little this. A little that.
Though at birth, I think they were all dogs.
And I would not say stitched. Stitches are for skin and flesh. I doubt the Deathguard have any of either left."
>>255409
>>255410
"WE NEED TO STOP YAPPING AND MOVE!"
"DON'T TELL ME TO FOCUS, BOY.
I AM FOCUSED!"
>>255408
Cassit grins
"A little this. A little that.
Though at birth, I think they were all dogs.
And I would not say stitched. Stitches are for skin and flesh. I doubt the Deathguard have any of either left."
>>255409
>>255410
"WE NEED TO STOP YAPPING AND MOVE!"
>>255424
>>255425
>>255426
>>255427
Cassit and Twofingers push out of the entry hole and into the corridor
Unyielding follows, with the mare shouting directions
"The story I was told is the living are hiding among the trees. I never figured out what it meant exactly."
Cassit snaps his fingers, to the visible annoyance of Twofingers.
"Brilliant. No wonder the king never found you. They must be below the old forest. Those roots were an endless problem to the mineshafts there! We gave up on the whole place after weekly cave ins cost us too much time and resources! Hurry!"
>>255425
>>255426
>>255427
Cassit and Twofingers push out of the entry hole and into the corridor
Unyielding follows, with the mare shouting directions
"The story I was told is the living are hiding among the trees. I never figured out what it meant exactly."
Cassit snaps his fingers, to the visible annoyance of Twofingers.
"Brilliant. No wonder the king never found you. They must be below the old forest. Those roots were an endless problem to the mineshafts there! We gave up on the whole place after weekly cave ins cost us too much time and resources! Hurry!"
>>255429
>>255430
>>255431
>>255432
Unyielding takes the front alongside Cassit
"Where is it!?"
The dog points a finger down the tunnel
"First we must exit this branch of the tunnels, to reach one of the main roads. A short way down it is a crossroads that leads to several places. Among those, is the branch that lead to beneath the old forest. If we can make it that far, the patrol will no longer be a problem. but the main road is heavily used.
…there are two other options as well. Possibly three.
We may immediately cross and leave the main road, and use the winding side branches to reach our destination. This will take more time, but we will meet less patrols.
Or, we may return outside, kill the guards at another entrance and return down here closer to our goal.
Or we may resurface, go to the old wood, and attempt to dig down to them."
>>255430
>>255431
>>255432
Unyielding takes the front alongside Cassit
"Where is it!?"
The dog points a finger down the tunnel
"First we must exit this branch of the tunnels, to reach one of the main roads. A short way down it is a crossroads that leads to several places. Among those, is the branch that lead to beneath the old forest. If we can make it that far, the patrol will no longer be a problem. but the main road is heavily used.
…there are two other options as well. Possibly three.
We may immediately cross and leave the main road, and use the winding side branches to reach our destination. This will take more time, but we will meet less patrols.
Or, we may return outside, kill the guards at another entrance and return down here closer to our goal.
Or we may resurface, go to the old wood, and attempt to dig down to them."
>>255439
"At worst, he will have sent guards to protect the miners. He does not know who we are. He simply knows we are here. If we can get the guards separated from the main road, and fight somewhere out of sight, I can blind the king to our identities. He will see nothing more than a flittering chaos in his eyes before it all goes dark.
…but even blind, they are still strong."
"At worst, he will have sent guards to protect the miners. He does not know who we are. He simply knows we are here. If we can get the guards separated from the main road, and fight somewhere out of sight, I can blind the king to our identities. He will see nothing more than a flittering chaos in his eyes before it all goes dark.
…but even blind, they are still strong."
>>255445
"If he can see my face and heart, know that you need not await reaching his throne to see the Deathguard.
This scythe is why he can not reach his fullest power against us. He is reduced to using an inferior catalyst to guide his power. He is angry. I can sense it. Because this thing yearns to return to him as much as he wishes it returned."
>>255444
"Perfect. We shall make our way to the main road, and scout out any possible hiding places. If I remember things correctly, there is a branch wide enough to engage them in not far from this one."
>>255446
"Then let us take them out swiftly and make our way to these living."
You emerge from the side tunnel into a raised area. Before you is a winding slope leading to a wide underground road. Dozens of blind undead march down in to both direction, many pulling heavy carts of gems and crystals. In the distance, you can see a patrol of armed diamond dogs. Cassit was right. The Underking has sent out hunters.
"If he can see my face and heart, know that you need not await reaching his throne to see the Deathguard.
This scythe is why he can not reach his fullest power against us. He is reduced to using an inferior catalyst to guide his power. He is angry. I can sense it. Because this thing yearns to return to him as much as he wishes it returned."
>>255444
"Perfect. We shall make our way to the main road, and scout out any possible hiding places. If I remember things correctly, there is a branch wide enough to engage them in not far from this one."
>>255446
"Then let us take them out swiftly and make our way to these living."
You emerge from the side tunnel into a raised area. Before you is a winding slope leading to a wide underground road. Dozens of blind undead march down in to both direction, many pulling heavy carts of gems and crystals. In the distance, you can see a patrol of armed diamond dogs. Cassit was right. The Underking has sent out hunters.
>>255449
Cassit grasps it firmly and brings it closer to his body, shielding it from you
"Try it, and you join the ranks of my diggers."
>>255448
You find a good hiding point among the support structures, allowing you to move unseen.
>>255452
Cassit motions everyone else to follow, dashing down the slope and rushing past some undead workers.
A few of them turn to look as they hear him, but most just stare blankly.
He soon darts up another slope, jamming the scythe between the doors at the top and pushing it open.
"In here!"
Cassit grasps it firmly and brings it closer to his body, shielding it from you
"Try it, and you join the ranks of my diggers."
>>255448
You find a good hiding point among the support structures, allowing you to move unseen.
>>255452
Cassit motions everyone else to follow, dashing down the slope and rushing past some undead workers.
A few of them turn to look as they hear him, but most just stare blankly.
He soon darts up another slope, jamming the scythe between the doors at the top and pushing it open.
"In here!"
>>255456
"I would not expect you to understand. But there is a deep spiritual connection between it and me. It has drank my blood and I have been touched by its power.
It is more than a tool or a weapon. It is the key to everything I have held important in life. Well, half of it anyway.
It is the key to my destiny."
>>255460
Cassit scrapes a rough rune on the floor of the tunnel with his scythe, then motions to Twofingers.
She steps back, looking unwilling, but a low growl from Cassit convinces her to place her paw on the rune.
"Now stay still. You know I need to do this."
"I know I know… I still don't like being a blood bucket to you. We used to have more between us you know."
"I know. But as you may recall, going back to those times is a little hard for me."
>>255457
It seems he is almost set.
There are three guards and what looks like some kind of officer.
They are clad in crystal armour, and wear skulls as helmets.
"I would not expect you to understand. But there is a deep spiritual connection between it and me. It has drank my blood and I have been touched by its power.
It is more than a tool or a weapon. It is the key to everything I have held important in life. Well, half of it anyway.
It is the key to my destiny."
>>255460
Cassit scrapes a rough rune on the floor of the tunnel with his scythe, then motions to Twofingers.
She steps back, looking unwilling, but a low growl from Cassit convinces her to place her paw on the rune.
"Now stay still. You know I need to do this."
"I know I know… I still don't like being a blood bucket to you. We used to have more between us you know."
"I know. But as you may recall, going back to those times is a little hard for me."
>>255457
It seems he is almost set.
There are three guards and what looks like some kind of officer.
They are clad in crystal armour, and wear skulls as helmets.
>>255478
>>255484
"I will surpass death itself."
With a blank expression he slams his scythe through Twofingers' hand, allowing the blood to seep into the rune
She suppresses a scream of pain as the rune glows brightly. After he removes the blade, she retracts her paw, and wraps it up in bandages.
"It is done."
>>255474
>>255475
You fall down upon the officer, slamming all your four blades into him, bleeding their divine energies into his body, which cracks and bleeds, smouldering and weeping fire and bile as you slash through him.
In a blast of energy, his body splits apart, showering you in gore.
The other guards turn to you.
Backstab does not work with Dual Wielding. Just a reminder. Dual Wielding is a skill in itself, not a passive.
>>255484
"I will surpass death itself."
With a blank expression he slams his scythe through Twofingers' hand, allowing the blood to seep into the rune
She suppresses a scream of pain as the rune glows brightly. After he removes the blade, she retracts her paw, and wraps it up in bandages.
"It is done."
>>255474
>>255475
You fall down upon the officer, slamming all your four blades into him, bleeding their divine energies into his body, which cracks and bleeds, smouldering and weeping fire and bile as you slash through him.
In a blast of energy, his body splits apart, showering you in gore.
The other guards turn to you.
Backstab does not work with Dual Wielding. Just a reminder. Dual Wielding is a skill in itself, not a passive.
>>255501
In some distant realm beyond reality, gods above all watch and laugh. Pride is the first step on the path to destruction.
You throw chunks of blood at the eyes of the guards. However, they do not need eyes to see. They are guided by the eternal will of the Underking.
Surprised by this setback, you take a step back, slip on some guts and fall. Before you can get up, a crushing blow from the maul of a guard smashes you in the face, leaving you helpless and unconscious, as well as cracking the lenses on your mask in some cruel twist of irony.
>>255502
Verne and Peaches do manage to put on an impressive rallying call, giving the part +2 to their rolls.
Save for Pumpkin, who was out cold and did not hear it.
>>255506
He is out in the main road.
You may rush out there to put the bubble on him if you wish, but the plan was to draw the battle to you, not to take it to them.
Your call.
>>255509
Same as Venia. You CAN rush out there, but you risk getting more attention drawn to you.
In some distant realm beyond reality, gods above all watch and laugh. Pride is the first step on the path to destruction.
You throw chunks of blood at the eyes of the guards. However, they do not need eyes to see. They are guided by the eternal will of the Underking.
Surprised by this setback, you take a step back, slip on some guts and fall. Before you can get up, a crushing blow from the maul of a guard smashes you in the face, leaving you helpless and unconscious, as well as cracking the lenses on your mask in some cruel twist of irony.
>>255502
Verne and Peaches do manage to put on an impressive rallying call, giving the part +2 to their rolls.
Save for Pumpkin, who was out cold and did not hear it.
>>255506
He is out in the main road.
You may rush out there to put the bubble on him if you wish, but the plan was to draw the battle to you, not to take it to them.
Your call.
>>255509
Same as Venia. You CAN rush out there, but you risk getting more attention drawn to you.
>>255514
>>255515
As Pumpkin hops up to face down the guards, he is unexpectedly blindsides by Radiant, who screaming in rage cleaves a wide swath across the undead, missing all of them save for Pumpkin, sending him flying into Peaches, who crashes down on Radiant, resulting in all three ending up helpless.
>>255527
Your words help keep everyone calm, and give one more +1 as the Heroism effect ends.
>>255520
You may heal one of them. Pick.
>>255515
As Pumpkin hops up to face down the guards, he is unexpectedly blindsides by Radiant, who screaming in rage cleaves a wide swath across the undead, missing all of them save for Pumpkin, sending him flying into Peaches, who crashes down on Radiant, resulting in all three ending up helpless.
>>255527
Your words help keep everyone calm, and give one more +1 as the Heroism effect ends.
>>255520
You may heal one of them. Pick.
>>255531
I'm not sure what part of "helpless" you failed the understand.
Regardless, you stagger up, while Peaches is still out of breath.
>>255536
I'm also fairly sure Escape Artist has a cooldown.
>>255532
>>255534
A bit of partnership goes a long way.
Radiant gets up and is back to full hits.
>>255538
She nods.
You keep the +1 bonus active.
I'm not sure what part of "helpless" you failed the understand.
Regardless, you stagger up, while Peaches is still out of breath.
>>255536
I'm also fairly sure Escape Artist has a cooldown.
>>255532
>>255534
A bit of partnership goes a long way.
Radiant gets up and is back to full hits.
>>255538
She nods.
You keep the +1 bonus active.
>>255545
You draw upon your inner fire, casting aside pain, fear and doubt. You are an unbreakable bulwark. A beacon of light in this realm of death.
You are Radiant Dawn. And death itself will one day remember your name.
>>255548
You vanish behind a guard, but the undead react faster than you expect, one of the guards smashing you with the haft of their hammer, leaving you with a bloodied face.
It is much better than Peaches though, who screams as a heavy hammer smashes over her ribs with a loud squish and crack.
>>255550
You rush in to protect your friends, bringing your hammer down on the foes, tapping into your nearly forgotten paladin side. The divine blast strikes the guards aside, leaving the one you struck helpless, and wounding the others.
>>255553
Your words fill the hearts of the others with hope.
Victory can be yours!
+1 to all rolls
Cassit seems to be panicking
"GET BACK HERE! GET BACK! HE CAN SEE YOU!"
You draw upon your inner fire, casting aside pain, fear and doubt. You are an unbreakable bulwark. A beacon of light in this realm of death.
You are Radiant Dawn. And death itself will one day remember your name.
>>255548
You vanish behind a guard, but the undead react faster than you expect, one of the guards smashing you with the haft of their hammer, leaving you with a bloodied face.
It is much better than Peaches though, who screams as a heavy hammer smashes over her ribs with a loud squish and crack.
>>255550
You rush in to protect your friends, bringing your hammer down on the foes, tapping into your nearly forgotten paladin side. The divine blast strikes the guards aside, leaving the one you struck helpless, and wounding the others.
>>255553
Your words fill the hearts of the others with hope.
Victory can be yours!
+1 to all rolls
Cassit seems to be panicking
"GET BACK HERE! GET BACK! HE CAN SEE YOU!"
>>255570
>>255576
She gets up, spitting out some blood.
>>255575
Stop trying to use two skills in a single turn.
A guard slams you across the head with his hammer, but you stand firm. Were it not for your firm faith, that blow would have left you a wrecked husk on the floor.
>>255578
You crush the head of the undead dog, sundering the spell that connected it to the Underking.
>>255580
Onwards, one and all.
To war and victory!
+1 to rolls
Two guards remain.
What are you, little intruders?
'1d10'
"Avert your eyes, king Perce. There is nothing here for you to see…"
'r2 1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2 / Roll #2 7 = 7
>>255576
She gets up, spitting out some blood.
>>255575
Stop trying to use two skills in a single turn.
A guard slams you across the head with his hammer, but you stand firm. Were it not for your firm faith, that blow would have left you a wrecked husk on the floor.
>>255578
You crush the head of the undead dog, sundering the spell that connected it to the Underking.
>>255580
Onwards, one and all.
To war and victory!
+1 to rolls
Two guards remain.
What are you, little intruders?
'1d10'
"Avert your eyes, king Perce. There is nothing here for you to see…"
'r2 1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2 / Roll #2 7 = 7
>>255599
Well look at me not knowing my own game. So it is.
You then proceed to smash the two remaining guards back with your hammer, its blessing cracking their undead bodies.
>>255600
You dash behind one of the guards as they reel from Radiant's crushing blow, catching them in the back with your blessed blade.
The divine energies course into the undead, weakening his bindings and causing him to fall over helplessly
>>255606
You heal the wounds on Peaches, reaching into her with your magic and setting her broken bones back in place.
Well look at me not knowing my own game. So it is.
You then proceed to smash the two remaining guards back with your hammer, its blessing cracking their undead bodies.
>>255600
You dash behind one of the guards as they reel from Radiant's crushing blow, catching them in the back with your blessed blade.
The divine energies course into the undead, weakening his bindings and causing him to fall over helplessly
>>255606
You heal the wounds on Peaches, reaching into her with your magic and setting her broken bones back in place.
>>255610
>>255611
Your combined assault leaves the remaining guards helpless and ready to be finished off.
>>255612
Cassit is breathing heavily.
"This was nearly a disaster…
The king is strong, and blinding him is hard, at least alone.
…you are a necromancer too, child. Tell me, do you believe you could help me with the spell next time?"
>>255611
Your combined assault leaves the remaining guards helpless and ready to be finished off.
>>255612
Cassit is breathing heavily.
"This was nearly a disaster…
The king is strong, and blinding him is hard, at least alone.
…you are a necromancer too, child. Tell me, do you believe you could help me with the spell next time?"
>>255629
You kill the guards with Pumpkin, but can see one of their eyes roll to look at you with a vile glow.
What manner of being are you?
'1d10'
>>255630
The lenses of the mask are cracked and useless.
>>255634
However, after some healing, the young blade is fine.
>>255631
Cassit twitches his ears, grabs Twofingers and plants her back on the rune, slashing her with the scythe to make her bleed a little into it
"QUICKLY CHILD, HELP ME POWER THE RUNE OF BLINDING! THE UNDERKING IS REACHING OUT TO US AGAIN!"
'r2 1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8 / Roll #2 10 = 10
You kill the guards with Pumpkin, but can see one of their eyes roll to look at you with a vile glow.
What manner of being are you?
'1d10'
>>255630
The lenses of the mask are cracked and useless.
>>255634
However, after some healing, the young blade is fine.
>>255631
Cassit twitches his ears, grabs Twofingers and plants her back on the rune, slashing her with the scythe to make her bleed a little into it
"QUICKLY CHILD, HELP ME POWER THE RUNE OF BLINDING! THE UNDERKING IS REACHING OUT TO US AGAIN!"
'r2 1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8 / Roll #2 10 = 10
>>255662
"I'm pretty sure a lot is. But it's on its way to healing."
You return to the safety of the support structures
>>255663
She sighs
"It is the debt I owe him. I won't try running from it."
Peaches shakes her head
"I'll manage."
Cassit runs his finger along the rune, then looks out back into the main tunnel
"I managed to blind the king this far. We should have a good chance of making it without any more trouble."
"I'm pretty sure a lot is. But it's on its way to healing."
You return to the safety of the support structures
>>255663
She sighs
"It is the debt I owe him. I won't try running from it."
Peaches shakes her head
"I'll manage."
Cassit runs his finger along the rune, then looks out back into the main tunnel
"I managed to blind the king this far. We should have a good chance of making it without any more trouble."
>>255676
You can break the lenses off entirely if you want unencumbered vision without tossing the mask.
>>255677
She displays her hands
"The Underking has his own thoughts on punishing those who fail him.
And well… for me it cost my hands. For Cassit… it cost much more. And in many ways, it was all my fault. So now I serve him, hoping he can one day forgive me."
>>255673
>>255675
Cassit motions you all to follow
"Do not touch the patrols. Even fi you see living among them, do not stop. Do not attack. Do not speak. He knows we still live. He is curious now.
Let us hope he remains curious rather than furious. Or worse yet, afraid.
Our next checkpoint is the side branch that leads to the tunnel beneath the woods."
You can break the lenses off entirely if you want unencumbered vision without tossing the mask.
>>255677
She displays her hands
"The Underking has his own thoughts on punishing those who fail him.
And well… for me it cost my hands. For Cassit… it cost much more. And in many ways, it was all my fault. So now I serve him, hoping he can one day forgive me."
>>255673
>>255675
Cassit motions you all to follow
"Do not touch the patrols. Even fi you see living among them, do not stop. Do not attack. Do not speak. He knows we still live. He is curious now.
Let us hope he remains curious rather than furious. Or worse yet, afraid.
Our next checkpoint is the side branch that leads to the tunnel beneath the woods."
>>255692
He looks at you with eyes as empty as the void beyond death
"Pray I never permit you to find out"
>>255685
You can hear some noise coming from the side corridor with some roots poking out of it.
It must be your destination.
Valeriana silently moves along.
>>255688
"I was not certain. I knew he had gone to find this place, but that was all. I had no idea he was here."
She then hops along the wall up to the rafter to join pumpkin.
He looks at you with eyes as empty as the void beyond death
"Pray I never permit you to find out"
>>255685
You can hear some noise coming from the side corridor with some roots poking out of it.
It must be your destination.
Valeriana silently moves along.
>>255688
"I was not certain. I knew he had gone to find this place, but that was all. I had no idea he was here."
She then hops along the wall up to the rafter to join pumpkin.
>>255710
"Child, if any amount of study could rebuild a torn body and soul, I would long since have studied it."
Twofingers whispers to you
"He's a little sensitive about it… maybe we can talk when things are less heated."
>>255718
It holds for now.
However, it will probably not last forever, while the undead so no sign of slowing down.
"Child, if any amount of study could rebuild a torn body and soul, I would long since have studied it."
Twofingers whispers to you
"He's a little sensitive about it… maybe we can talk when things are less heated."
>>255718
It holds for now.
However, it will probably not last forever, while the undead so no sign of slowing down.
>>255791
"It is of the Deathguard. It may as well be the damned king himself. If I go anywhere near it, he will sense me. Find me. See me. And come for me."
he hugs the scythe tightly
>>255792
>>255796
"Very well. Perhaps with enough runes, I can mask myself for long enough, though know this.
If you engage it, the king will know you are here. There will be no more element of surprise. He will be waiting.
The Deathguard are constructs of bone and magic. They will pull themselves together if broken, and share their minds and senses with eachother and the king.
I was cast out before learning how he makes them, but I am smart enough to make an educated guess. They are likely built around inscribed cores bound with necromantic magic.
I have never seen one die, but if I were to make a guess… I'd say your best chances are holy weapons, spellbreaking and trying to wrestle control from the king.
If you can weaken his link to the king, he can no longer regenerate."
"It is of the Deathguard. It may as well be the damned king himself. If I go anywhere near it, he will sense me. Find me. See me. And come for me."
he hugs the scythe tightly
>>255792
>>255796
"Very well. Perhaps with enough runes, I can mask myself for long enough, though know this.
If you engage it, the king will know you are here. There will be no more element of surprise. He will be waiting.
The Deathguard are constructs of bone and magic. They will pull themselves together if broken, and share their minds and senses with eachother and the king.
I was cast out before learning how he makes them, but I am smart enough to make an educated guess. They are likely built around inscribed cores bound with necromantic magic.
I have never seen one die, but if I were to make a guess… I'd say your best chances are holy weapons, spellbreaking and trying to wrestle control from the king.
If you can weaken his link to the king, he can no longer regenerate."
>>255817
"Unless he has closed off the route, a few miles down the main road and then down into the throne room."
>>255820
"Perhaps. Then you'd be trapped in there with them. What of it?
You do realize there is hundreds of meters of ice and rock between us and the surface, right?"
>>255823
They are
>>255821
"Huh? I always thought the underking developed these things… how could your old homeland have access to them?"
"Unless he has closed off the route, a few miles down the main road and then down into the throne room."
>>255820
"Perhaps. Then you'd be trapped in there with them. What of it?
You do realize there is hundreds of meters of ice and rock between us and the surface, right?"
>>255823
They are
>>255821
"Huh? I always thought the underking developed these things… how could your old homeland have access to them?"
>>255822
"They were having a sickly green glow to them. Most of them were concentrated around the joints of their limbs, spine, and head."
>>255826
Try to recall the memories the Touch of Death resurfaced.
"It was… I think a pony called Reanimator. He and his abomination of an assistant were making flesh golems and resurrecting these bone creatures."
"They were having a sickly green glow to them. Most of them were concentrated around the joints of their limbs, spine, and head."
>>255826
Try to recall the memories the Touch of Death resurfaced.
"It was… I think a pony called Reanimator. He and his abomination of an assistant were making flesh golems and resurrecting these bone creatures."
>>255878
You leap down from the roots above the undead, slashing with your blades.
The Deathguard twists one of its three heads around to look at you. Your knives sing into the rune at the base of its leftmost neck, cracking it and causing it to dim, making the neck slow down visibly and almost stop moving.
It then reaches up with two of its four arms, grasping you and crushing the life out of you. Its grip is incredibly powerful, and even through you fight to hold yourself together, you feel your mind go fuzzy before a wave of pain washes over you as it slams you against the ground and stomps on your prone form.
INTRUDERS! KIIIIIILLLLL!
The two guards stop hacking at the barricade and turn to face you.
You are helpless and outnumbered. The undead slaves are still breaking through.
Cassit hears the roar and finished drawing the final runes on the floor.
He then motions Twofingers to come closer. She hesitates, looking at the number and size of the runes…
You leap down from the roots above the undead, slashing with your blades.
The Deathguard twists one of its three heads around to look at you. Your knives sing into the rune at the base of its leftmost neck, cracking it and causing it to dim, making the neck slow down visibly and almost stop moving.
It then reaches up with two of its four arms, grasping you and crushing the life out of you. Its grip is incredibly powerful, and even through you fight to hold yourself together, you feel your mind go fuzzy before a wave of pain washes over you as it slams you against the ground and stomps on your prone form.
INTRUDERS! KIIIIIILLLLL!
The two guards stop hacking at the barricade and turn to face you.
You are helpless and outnumbered. The undead slaves are still breaking through.
Cassit hears the roar and finished drawing the final runes on the floor.
He then motions Twofingers to come closer. She hesitates, looking at the number and size of the runes…
>>255895
>>255896
Your haphazard attacking at entirely random parts of the enemy leads to little more than a series of near misses from your foes. The heroic words of Peaches must have much to do with this.
You do finally manage to land a slash on the cracked neck rune, causing it to bleed out more magic. It seems the shell was protecting the bound spell within, and it is now open to breaking.
>>255897
Your advice is well received, granting everyone a massive +2 boost for the next tu- oh wait no. +1 because of Kilana.
>>255901
You smash into the two guards, forcing both of them back with a mighty blow from your hammer
>>255909
You focus your counterspell on the broken rune, making it shut down and shatter. The light in the eyes of the third head dies out, and the neck crumbles.
>>255913
You are useless here too. In case you forgot, Cassit suggested trying to wrestle command of the lesser undead while the kings focus is elsewhere.
Or you could raise one of the dead guards from back there.
In any case, -1 to you for being a pessimist.
Ten runes remain on the Deathguard.
It reaches out to the side and grabs two battle axes that were by the wall.
Two guards join it.
Five undead are breaking the barrier.
Rolling for damage to the barrier /100
'5d10'
Cassit slams Twofingers down on the runes against her will
"You owe me much more than your blood. Now stay! This will hurt."
He begins cutting into her to get blood into the runes.
Roll #1 2, 1, 8, 4, 3 = 18
>>255896
Your haphazard attacking at entirely random parts of the enemy leads to little more than a series of near misses from your foes. The heroic words of Peaches must have much to do with this.
You do finally manage to land a slash on the cracked neck rune, causing it to bleed out more magic. It seems the shell was protecting the bound spell within, and it is now open to breaking.
>>255897
Your advice is well received, granting everyone a massive +2 boost for the next tu- oh wait no. +1 because of Kilana.
>>255901
You smash into the two guards, forcing both of them back with a mighty blow from your hammer
>>255909
You focus your counterspell on the broken rune, making it shut down and shatter. The light in the eyes of the third head dies out, and the neck crumbles.
>>255913
You are useless here too. In case you forgot, Cassit suggested trying to wrestle command of the lesser undead while the kings focus is elsewhere.
Or you could raise one of the dead guards from back there.
In any case, -1 to you for being a pessimist.
Ten runes remain on the Deathguard.
It reaches out to the side and grabs two battle axes that were by the wall.
Two guards join it.
Five undead are breaking the barrier.
Rolling for damage to the barrier /100
'5d10'
Cassit slams Twofingers down on the runes against her will
"You owe me much more than your blood. Now stay! This will hurt."
He begins cutting into her to get blood into the runes.
Roll #1 2, 1, 8, 4, 3 = 18
>>255935
Your blow sends him flying, the massive wave of energy sending him in a arch into the back wall of the tunnel.
He staggers up weakly.
>>255939
>>255945
Inspired as you may be, diving headfirst at the Deathguard is not a good plan.
The immense construct grabs your hoof, crushing its marshmallowy flesh in its deathly grip, breaking the hidden blade you wore.
It then heaves you over its head, slamming you into the rocks hard enough to break the floor a little, before delivering a massive overhead strike with its axe.
You are not entirely certain you want to inspect what part of you exactly made that sound, but it reminded you of what it might sound like if someone dropped a deep fried watermelon from a castle tower onto a jagged rock. Crunchy, wet and devastating.
Regardless, you are helpless.
>>255968
Though not particularly ancient, you raise a dead dragon.
Well, a baby anyway. It does not look particularly lethal…
>>255941
You smash the runestone at the base of the tail, causing it to crack ever so slightly. You then dodge under a blow from the construct's axes and prepare for another go.
One guard is almost helpless.
Another still stands
Ten runes remain, one of which is slightly damaged.
Five undead continue breaking the barrier.
Rolling for damage /82
'5d10'
Short pause before I can reply again, taking a shower.
Roll #1 1, 4, 10, 6, 9 = 30
Your blow sends him flying, the massive wave of energy sending him in a arch into the back wall of the tunnel.
He staggers up weakly.
>>255939
>>255945
Inspired as you may be, diving headfirst at the Deathguard is not a good plan.
The immense construct grabs your hoof, crushing its marshmallowy flesh in its deathly grip, breaking the hidden blade you wore.
It then heaves you over its head, slamming you into the rocks hard enough to break the floor a little, before delivering a massive overhead strike with its axe.
You are not entirely certain you want to inspect what part of you exactly made that sound, but it reminded you of what it might sound like if someone dropped a deep fried watermelon from a castle tower onto a jagged rock. Crunchy, wet and devastating.
Regardless, you are helpless.
>>255968
Though not particularly ancient, you raise a dead dragon.
Well, a baby anyway. It does not look particularly lethal…
>>255941
You smash the runestone at the base of the tail, causing it to crack ever so slightly. You then dodge under a blow from the construct's axes and prepare for another go.
One guard is almost helpless.
Another still stands
Ten runes remain, one of which is slightly damaged.
Five undead continue breaking the barrier.
Rolling for damage /82
'5d10'
Short pause before I can reply again, taking a shower.
Roll #1 1, 4, 10, 6, 9 = 30
>>255995
It deflects your blow with its own hammer, leaving you both to stagger a little but suffer no real harm.
>>255993
Your inspiring words give the party another +1 to rolls.
Venus goes to aid Pumpkin With Kilana >>255998
Getting him to safety
>>256006
You may inspect the damage to you at any time by rolling.
Until you do, -1 to all rolls due to general aftershock of pain.
Also Peaches gets a very similar treatment, after the construct realizes where she is hiding.
The wet noise made by her flesh does little to aid the party's morale, and all rolls are at -1
>>255996
Amidst the chaos, pain and terror, within a vein of the frozen heart of death, stands a beacon of hope. Daughter. Lover. Fiance. Adventurer. Paladin. Friend. But above all - a mage.
You step forth, charging your horn with immense power, generating a barely contained, pulsing orb of plasma that screams out for release.
And release is exactly what it shall have.
In a bright flash rivaling the birth of a star, the sphere explodes upon the undead slaves, annihilating flesh, bone and fur, leaving three as nothing more than charred, broken bones, and paralyzing the two others.
Valeriana joins the fray, seeing her son in such bad shape.
She lands a swift shot into the head of the undead guard facing Radiant, killing it where it stands.
Ten runes remain on the construct.
One guard remains.
Two paralyzed undead remain.
No further damage is done to the barrier this turn.
It deflects your blow with its own hammer, leaving you both to stagger a little but suffer no real harm.
>>255993
Your inspiring words give the party another +1 to rolls.
Venus goes to aid Pumpkin With Kilana >>255998
Getting him to safety
>>256006
You may inspect the damage to you at any time by rolling.
Until you do, -1 to all rolls due to general aftershock of pain.
Also Peaches gets a very similar treatment, after the construct realizes where she is hiding.
The wet noise made by her flesh does little to aid the party's morale, and all rolls are at -1
>>255996
Amidst the chaos, pain and terror, within a vein of the frozen heart of death, stands a beacon of hope. Daughter. Lover. Fiance. Adventurer. Paladin. Friend. But above all - a mage.
You step forth, charging your horn with immense power, generating a barely contained, pulsing orb of plasma that screams out for release.
And release is exactly what it shall have.
In a bright flash rivaling the birth of a star, the sphere explodes upon the undead slaves, annihilating flesh, bone and fur, leaving three as nothing more than charred, broken bones, and paralyzing the two others.
Valeriana joins the fray, seeing her son in such bad shape.
She lands a swift shot into the head of the undead guard facing Radiant, killing it where it stands.
Ten runes remain on the construct.
One guard remains.
Two paralyzed undead remain.
No further damage is done to the barrier this turn.
>>256091
"As you wish!"
Three arrows strike into the undead, followed by a glowing one trailing faint smoke trails.
The undead staggers, then kneels
Valeriana lands behind it
"You will belongs to me now. SERVE."
While you stare at this little spectacle, the construct steps on you, crushing you underfoot.
>>256093
You take a look at yourself, realizing your eyesight seem to have taken a beating. However all your limbs still function, even if you now have a blind spot.
Peaches twitches a little. You can see she has a massive wound on her.
>>256105
None of the runes are damaged enough to be breakable!
You barely manage to avoid a devastating hit from the construct.
Unyielding charges in to aid you
"FOR WINTERSGRASP!"
>>256118
You send the small dragon at the construct. It climbs up its arm and starts clawing at the rune on its shoulder.
The two undead continue breaking the barrier
Rolling for damage /53
'2d10'
Ten runes remain.
Valeriana and Unyielding have joined the battle.
Roll #1 2, 3 = 5
"As you wish!"
Three arrows strike into the undead, followed by a glowing one trailing faint smoke trails.
The undead staggers, then kneels
Valeriana lands behind it
"You will belongs to me now. SERVE."
While you stare at this little spectacle, the construct steps on you, crushing you underfoot.
>>256093
You take a look at yourself, realizing your eyesight seem to have taken a beating. However all your limbs still function, even if you now have a blind spot.
Peaches twitches a little. You can see she has a massive wound on her.
>>256105
None of the runes are damaged enough to be breakable!
You barely manage to avoid a devastating hit from the construct.
Unyielding charges in to aid you
"FOR WINTERSGRASP!"
>>256118
You send the small dragon at the construct. It climbs up its arm and starts clawing at the rune on its shoulder.
The two undead continue breaking the barrier
Rolling for damage /53
'2d10'
Ten runes remain.
Valeriana and Unyielding have joined the battle.
Roll #1 2, 3 = 5
>>256131
The construct tries to stomp you again, but you roll out of the way.
Valeriana sends the guard she dominated to break the tail rune, while she herself tries to help you up
'2d10'
>>256132
You join the guard in the attack, cracking the rune's covering.
>>256134
It keeps clawing and punching at the shoulder, causing the rune to fracture slightly
Unyielding charges in to finish up the tail rune
'r2 1d10'
Roll #1 6, 4 = 10 / Roll #2 6 = 6
The construct tries to stomp you again, but you roll out of the way.
Valeriana sends the guard she dominated to break the tail rune, while she herself tries to help you up
'2d10'
>>256132
You join the guard in the attack, cracking the rune's covering.
>>256134
It keeps clawing and punching at the shoulder, causing the rune to fracture slightly
Unyielding charges in to finish up the tail rune
'r2 1d10'
Roll #1 6, 4 = 10 / Roll #2 6 = 6
>>256141
You manage the "getting up" part.
>>256142
>>256143
As Venia charges the spine, she gets a face full of bony dragon as the construct picks it up and throws it at her.
She is beginning to feel really hurt and might fall over soon.
Valeriana focuses her attack on the spine along with that of her minion
'2d10'
Unyielding tries to crack the neck rune by climbing up the tail of the construct.
'r2 1d10+1'
Forgot to roll barrier damage last round
'4d10'
One rune is open to breaking
The neck and spine runes are still holding
Roll #1 7, 6 = 13 / Roll #2 8 + 1 = 9
You manage the "getting up" part.
>>256142
>>256143
As Venia charges the spine, she gets a face full of bony dragon as the construct picks it up and throws it at her.
She is beginning to feel really hurt and might fall over soon.
Valeriana focuses her attack on the spine along with that of her minion
'2d10'
Unyielding tries to crack the neck rune by climbing up the tail of the construct.
'r2 1d10+1'
Forgot to roll barrier damage last round
'4d10'
One rune is open to breaking
The neck and spine runes are still holding
Roll #1 7, 6 = 13 / Roll #2 8 + 1 = 9
>>256162
And what a song it is.
Even here in this desecrated infernal place, you assure them there is hope.
+2 to all rolls.
>>256156
You may have overestimated yourself. A strong punch from the construct floors you as you fail to react fast enough to it turning towards you.
"Dear! NO!"
Unyielding rushes to help you
'1d10'
>>256154
You call upon your inner strength to stand your ground and assault the spine rune. Your damage is enough to crack it open, leaving it vulnerable to a Spellbreaker.
Finally, Valeriana sends the guard to take out the neck rune while she herself focuses fire on the other, intact neck rune
'r2 2d10'
The undead keep hacking at the barrier
/32
'2d10'
The Tail and Spine are open to Spellbreaker.
One neck is damaged
Roll #1 5 = 5 / Roll #2 10, 4 = 14
And what a song it is.
Even here in this desecrated infernal place, you assure them there is hope.
+2 to all rolls.
>>256156
You may have overestimated yourself. A strong punch from the construct floors you as you fail to react fast enough to it turning towards you.
"Dear! NO!"
Unyielding rushes to help you
'1d10'
>>256154
You call upon your inner strength to stand your ground and assault the spine rune. Your damage is enough to crack it open, leaving it vulnerable to a Spellbreaker.
Finally, Valeriana sends the guard to take out the neck rune while she herself focuses fire on the other, intact neck rune
'r2 2d10'
The undead keep hacking at the barrier
/32
'2d10'
The Tail and Spine are open to Spellbreaker.
One neck is damaged
Roll #1 5 = 5 / Roll #2 10, 4 = 14
>>256187
You leap onto the construct's back, smashing the other neck rune, cracking it heavily.
>>256185
As your fiance supports you, you focus your power and break the spell binding the spine rune. In an unearthly scream the spine splits in two, leaving the creature to be only held together by the broken tail rune and the heavily damaged neck runes.
Valeriana rushes to aid Unyielding to get Venia up and standing, while the Guard leaps onto the construct, bashing at the necks
'1d10'
The undead continue shattering the barricade. You can hear screaming from behind it
"WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!"
"GAME OVER! GAME OVER!"
'r2 2d10'
/22
The tail is open to breaking
The necks are both heavily damaged
Roll #1 10 = 10 / Roll #2 8, 3 = 11
You leap onto the construct's back, smashing the other neck rune, cracking it heavily.
>>256185
As your fiance supports you, you focus your power and break the spell binding the spine rune. In an unearthly scream the spine splits in two, leaving the creature to be only held together by the broken tail rune and the heavily damaged neck runes.
Valeriana rushes to aid Unyielding to get Venia up and standing, while the Guard leaps onto the construct, bashing at the necks
'1d10'
The undead continue shattering the barricade. You can hear screaming from behind it
"WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!"
"GAME OVER! GAME OVER!"
'r2 2d10'
/22
The tail is open to breaking
The necks are both heavily damaged
Roll #1 10 = 10 / Roll #2 8, 3 = 11
>>256206
You strike aside the undead, flooring one.
The other still leaps ahead, single mindedly ignoring you and proceeding with breaking the barrier
'1d10'
/11
>>256209
Your dance comes to an abrupt end as the construct smashes you aside with its tail.
You feel like you could not take another hit like that…
>>256214
Your hammer discharges itself upon the necks of the construct, the blast shattering both runes open.
All three runes are now open for breaking.
Valeriana consolidates her position to drag the limp remains of Peaches to safety.
Roll #1 6 = 6
You strike aside the undead, flooring one.
The other still leaps ahead, single mindedly ignoring you and proceeding with breaking the barrier
'1d10'
/11
>>256209
Your dance comes to an abrupt end as the construct smashes you aside with its tail.
You feel like you could not take another hit like that…
>>256214
Your hammer discharges itself upon the necks of the construct, the blast shattering both runes open.
All three runes are now open for breaking.
Valeriana consolidates her position to drag the limp remains of Peaches to safety.
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>256227
You hop up the construct, planting a blessed blade in the shoulder rune your dragon softened up, breaking it open and making the construct drop an axe.
>>256228
>>256221
Plot time!
You nod at eachother and power up your horns like proper friends. Together you blast apart the neck and tail runes, causing the entire construct to split apart.
As the dust settles, all that remains is a broken half of the construct, dragging itself along the floor guided by the last remaining head, barely held on by the last neck rune. It is bleeding magic from both the neck and shoulder, but still raises to strike at the barricade.
'1d10'
/5
>>256244
Meanwhile, Pumpkin pounces the last undead, killing it.
Half of the construct remains. The neck and shoulder are both open to Spellbreaker.
Roll #1 9 = 9
You hop up the construct, planting a blessed blade in the shoulder rune your dragon softened up, breaking it open and making the construct drop an axe.
>>256228
>>256221
Plot time!
You nod at eachother and power up your horns like proper friends. Together you blast apart the neck and tail runes, causing the entire construct to split apart.
As the dust settles, all that remains is a broken half of the construct, dragging itself along the floor guided by the last remaining head, barely held on by the last neck rune. It is bleeding magic from both the neck and shoulder, but still raises to strike at the barricade.
'1d10'
/5
>>256244
Meanwhile, Pumpkin pounces the last undead, killing it.
Half of the construct remains. The neck and shoulder are both open to Spellbreaker.
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>256260
>>256263
>>256268
>>256269
It is over. The Deathguard has fallen.
The remaining runes pulse a little, but the connection to its master is severed. It is no more.
Peaches is barely alive.
Pumpkin is missing an eye.
Radiant is battered.
Venia and Kilana are fairly beat up.
Verne is fine.
Valeriana and Unyielding are not hurt.
You may go get Cassit now, or go inside the safe room.
>>256263
>>256268
>>256269
It is over. The Deathguard has fallen.
The remaining runes pulse a little, but the connection to its master is severed. It is no more.
Peaches is barely alive.
Pumpkin is missing an eye.
Radiant is battered.
Venia and Kilana are fairly beat up.
Verne is fine.
Valeriana and Unyielding are not hurt.
You may go get Cassit now, or go inside the safe room.
>>256321
>>256323
Don't mind me. This is called pausing for dramatic effect. Your heals will take effect after we have our moment here.
>>256326
"…I don't want to die without doing this."
She muscles up a little, blood pouring out of her side. Wincing in pain, she still kisses you.
It tastes of blood, tears and dust.
But you can tell she meant it.
>>256323
Don't mind me. This is called pausing for dramatic effect. Your heals will take effect after we have our moment here.
>>256326
"…I don't want to die without doing this."
She muscles up a little, blood pouring out of her side. Wincing in pain, she still kisses you.
It tastes of blood, tears and dust.
But you can tell she meant it.
>>256342
"…ok…
…was it good for you too?"
As she whispers to you, you can see the would on her side stop bleeding and start closing rapidly. She yelps in pain as the mend spell bites in and sets her broken organs in place, leaving her to pant heavily in your hooves as her body rebuilds itself back into survivable shape.
"…ok…
…was it good for you too?"
As she whispers to you, you can see the would on her side stop bleeding and start closing rapidly. She yelps in pain as the mend spell bites in and sets her broken organs in place, leaving her to pant heavily in your hooves as her body rebuilds itself back into survivable shape.
>>256371
>>256372
>>256373
The old soldier lets out an amazed laugh as he sees you
"Venia!? HA! What are you doing in this hole?
Gah, thanks for the aid too. I know it was dumb of me to take that thing on, but I had to keep the others safe."
…he might sound brave, but years down here have taken their toll. It is a miracle he can walk on those gangrenous legs, let alone breathe. His body is a crisscross of scars, sores and oozing cuts.
>>256374
She presses her head against you
"Why'd you have to get married to someone else…"
>>256372
>>256373
The old soldier lets out an amazed laugh as he sees you
"Venia!? HA! What are you doing in this hole?
Gah, thanks for the aid too. I know it was dumb of me to take that thing on, but I had to keep the others safe."
…he might sound brave, but years down here have taken their toll. It is a miracle he can walk on those gangrenous legs, let alone breathe. His body is a crisscross of scars, sores and oozing cuts.
>>256374
She presses her head against you
"Why'd you have to get married to someone else…"
>>256394
>>256393
That'll hold them together until you get out of here.
But he'll need more than some healing magic to fix that sort of old, festering damage.
"There there Venia. It takes more than a few death mongers to kill me. At least I got to help others down here. And I owe a lot to that one dog… Cassit. He almost got me out of here once.
Say… is Unyielding here?"
>>256399
Cold, hungry and frightened.
>>256393
That'll hold them together until you get out of here.
But he'll need more than some healing magic to fix that sort of old, festering damage.
"There there Venia. It takes more than a few death mongers to kill me. At least I got to help others down here. And I owe a lot to that one dog… Cassit. He almost got me out of here once.
Say… is Unyielding here?"
>>256399
Cold, hungry and frightened.
>>256405
Out of old habit, you try casting with the horn.
This is a very painful mistake…
>>256407
The seeds of undeath are inside him.
In death he would still serve. But for now, life overpowers these seeds.
>>256408
"Oh…
…I kinda always was crushing on you…
…it must sound stupid, I know…"
>>256409
You go patch up the few who have notable wounds from their chains and work.
As Unyielding enters, Raging forces himself to stand, then punches him in the head.
"You!"
Unyielding returns the favor by headbutting his old mentor
"You!"
They both then laugh and bump hooves
"I'm so glad to see you again, lad!"
"Much the same old timer. And don't call me lad. I'm king now."
Out of old habit, you try casting with the horn.
This is a very painful mistake…
>>256407
The seeds of undeath are inside him.
In death he would still serve. But for now, life overpowers these seeds.
>>256408
"Oh…
…I kinda always was crushing on you…
…it must sound stupid, I know…"
>>256409
You go patch up the few who have notable wounds from their chains and work.
As Unyielding enters, Raging forces himself to stand, then punches him in the head.
"You!"
Unyielding returns the favor by headbutting his old mentor
"You!"
They both then laugh and bump hooves
"I'm so glad to see you again, lad!"
"Much the same old timer. And don't call me lad. I'm king now."
>>256428
This one works better.
The horn will be rather numb, but at least it won't hurt.
>>256426
>>256433
You go help Venia spread out some cozy sweaters and scarfs.
Valeriana gives one last look to Pumpkin before dashing off to get Cassit and Twofingers.
>>256437
You join along.
Once there you notice Twofingers has been almost bled dry on the runes.
Cassit's paws are stained deep red from drawing more.
NEXT TIME ON HORSES IN A CAVE
DOGGY BACKSTORIES
FOGGY CLUES
ROCKY RELATIONSHIPS
AND COCKY BASTARDS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgJ1nXYkpfQ
This one works better.
The horn will be rather numb, but at least it won't hurt.
>>256426
>>256433
You go help Venia spread out some cozy sweaters and scarfs.
Valeriana gives one last look to Pumpkin before dashing off to get Cassit and Twofingers.
>>256437
You join along.
Once there you notice Twofingers has been almost bled dry on the runes.
Cassit's paws are stained deep red from drawing more.
NEXT TIME ON HORSES IN A CAVE
DOGGY BACKSTORIES
FOGGY CLUES
ROCKY RELATIONSHIPS
AND COCKY BASTARDS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgJ1nXYkpfQ
>>257438
"Who else is there to sacrifice? Would you have him bleed out one of them, just to save me?"
She tiredly points at the slaves
>>257439
"I am the reason… for his losses. For his banishment. For everything.
I guess I got a little selfish. And though I paid for it, he paid a far greater price."
>>257440
They nod
"Thank you again for stopping those undead. We would have stood no hope against them"
>>257441
Peaches is resting
Valeriana is with Cassit by the broken construct
"Who else is there to sacrifice? Would you have him bleed out one of them, just to save me?"
She tiredly points at the slaves
>>257439
"I am the reason… for his losses. For his banishment. For everything.
I guess I got a little selfish. And though I paid for it, he paid a far greater price."
>>257440
They nod
"Thank you again for stopping those undead. We would have stood no hope against them"
>>257441
Peaches is resting
Valeriana is with Cassit by the broken construct
>>257446
Necrotic energy flares from it as you reach out with your magic. The axes of the Deathguard must be enchanted. Possibly even cursed.
There is nothing that can be done.
>>257446
She eyes you
"…Do you even have enough?"
>>257449
She sighs
"I swore to serve him in all he needs.
There are deeds done between us I can never undo, but if my life is what he needs of me… it would be giving less than I took from him…"
>>257450
They look firm
"At least we will die standing. Better than to die cowering in here."
Necrotic energy flares from it as you reach out with your magic. The axes of the Deathguard must be enchanted. Possibly even cursed.
There is nothing that can be done.
>>257446
She eyes you
"…Do you even have enough?"
>>257449
She sighs
"I swore to serve him in all he needs.
There are deeds done between us I can never undo, but if my life is what he needs of me… it would be giving less than I took from him…"
>>257450
They look firm
"At least we will die standing. Better than to die cowering in here."
>>257455
Her tone is cold and her gaze remains on the dead bones.
It reminds you of the days of old
"What do you need?"
>>257456
She chuckles
"Closing the wound will not bring back the blood. That is why it is such a strong reagent for a necromancer…"
She sighs
"Heh… hehehe. In retrospect it all seems so stupid. Not worth dying at all…"
Her tone is cold and her gaze remains on the dead bones.
It reminds you of the days of old
"What do you need?"
>>257456
She chuckles
"Closing the wound will not bring back the blood. That is why it is such a strong reagent for a necromancer…"
She sighs
"Heh… hehehe. In retrospect it all seems so stupid. Not worth dying at all…"
>>257459
"Hm."
She pulls out a bandage roll and tosses it to you over her shoulder
>>257460
Raging Storm stands up
"I will come with you. I want to see that bastard's head roll"
>>257464
"Oh it is not your life I worry for. It is for your soul, pony. Can you withstand being a sacrifice to death itself?"
>>257462
He holds up one of the runes
"Amazing. Truly amazing. How he came up with this I know not. But it is brilliant.
…I understand so much more now."
"Hm."
She pulls out a bandage roll and tosses it to you over her shoulder
>>257460
Raging Storm stands up
"I will come with you. I want to see that bastard's head roll"
>>257464
"Oh it is not your life I worry for. It is for your soul, pony. Can you withstand being a sacrifice to death itself?"
>>257462
He holds up one of the runes
"Amazing. Truly amazing. How he came up with this I know not. But it is brilliant.
…I understand so much more now."
>>257473
"Observe the runes. There bind the construct together. Forged to convey the will of the Underking, and to conduct the powers of those chosen to give their bones to the construct.
Once the housing is broken, it becomes vulnerable to manipulation.
Spellbreaker will destroy the rune, rendering it useless.
…but I think it could also be possible to override the rune. And to take command of it. One part at a time."
>>257476
"It will leave an eternal scar on your soul. That much I can describe it."
She sighs and looks at Cassit in the distance
"…I just hope he accepts. I don't know if he likes inflicting this pain on me. But I know he things I deserve it. And I agree."
"Observe the runes. There bind the construct together. Forged to convey the will of the Underking, and to conduct the powers of those chosen to give their bones to the construct.
Once the housing is broken, it becomes vulnerable to manipulation.
Spellbreaker will destroy the rune, rendering it useless.
…but I think it could also be possible to override the rune. And to take command of it. One part at a time."
>>257476
"It will leave an eternal scar on your soul. That much I can describe it."
She sighs and looks at Cassit in the distance
"…I just hope he accepts. I don't know if he likes inflicting this pain on me. But I know he things I deserve it. And I agree."
>>257482
"They are formidable foes, that much I can tell. Are you sure we have to weaken the runes before spellbreaking them? And how does Divine magic work against them?"
>>257484
"Pony up, Pumpkin. You lost an eye. You know that this is a hazardous job, but you won't die. I won't let you die. Understood?"
"They are formidable foes, that much I can tell. Are you sure we have to weaken the runes before spellbreaking them? And how does Divine magic work against them?"
>>257484
"Pony up, Pumpkin. You lost an eye. You know that this is a hazardous job, but you won't die. I won't let you die. Understood?"
>>257483
"None who feel it will come back quite the same.
A weaker soul may not survive."
>>257485
"I do not blame you. Love is a special kind of madness that drives us to unimaginable sacrifices…"
>>257486
"Necromancy inherently is repulsed by divine force. I know not why, but that is how it seems to work. This is why striking the runes with divine force will weaken them a lot more than simply beating on them with steel and stone.
And I am quite sure. Unless the runestone is broken first, it will guard the spell within it."
He slots the runestone back into the Deathguard, then starts pulling the others out and rearranging them.
"None who feel it will come back quite the same.
A weaker soul may not survive."
>>257485
"I do not blame you. Love is a special kind of madness that drives us to unimaginable sacrifices…"
>>257486
"Necromancy inherently is repulsed by divine force. I know not why, but that is how it seems to work. This is why striking the runes with divine force will weaken them a lot more than simply beating on them with steel and stone.
And I am quite sure. Unless the runestone is broken first, it will guard the spell within it."
He slots the runestone back into the Deathguard, then starts pulling the others out and rearranging them.
>>257487
"You should be. You have a family now, Pumpkin. You should be worried about yourself, because it will give you strength to fight. Willpower to push on. To get back to Bearing and hug her again."
>>257488
"And just what do you think you are doing now? You are not planning on piecing it back together, are you?"
"You should be. You have a family now, Pumpkin. You should be worried about yourself, because it will give you strength to fight. Willpower to push on. To get back to Bearing and hug her again."
>>257488
"And just what do you think you are doing now? You are not planning on piecing it back together, are you?"
>>257482
>>257488
"…if you cannot give any more, then… the ponies do not have to know that inconvenient fact. We will minimize blood sacrifices from here on and do our best to preserve you. That is all."
>>257487
"Pumpkin. Remember that you cannot serve any more once you are dead. And… you still need to take care of Bearing, you know."
>>257488
"…if you cannot give any more, then… the ponies do not have to know that inconvenient fact. We will minimize blood sacrifices from here on and do our best to preserve you. That is all."
>>257487
"Pumpkin. Remember that you cannot serve any more once you are dead. And… you still need to take care of Bearing, you know."
>>257489
She is observing Cassit
>>257490
"Perhaps. I will attempt to revive this one under my command. And with the young zebra at my side, we might be able tot urn the tide on the king, fighting his constructs with our own.
And of course, if I can kill the king, his guards will be mine for the taking."
>>257491
"I am. Of course, it will be missing parts, thanks to the broken runes. But I can still make it walk and hold a weapon."
She is observing Cassit
>>257490
"Perhaps. I will attempt to revive this one under my command. And with the young zebra at my side, we might be able tot urn the tide on the king, fighting his constructs with our own.
And of course, if I can kill the king, his guards will be mine for the taking."
>>257491
"I am. Of course, it will be missing parts, thanks to the broken runes. But I can still make it walk and hold a weapon."
>>257492
"Hide the fact from them that they are cursing their own blood? And give them more suffering than they have gone through? I cannot allow that."
>>257493
"And what if he commands it over from you?"
>>257494
"…then we are here. Your friends. Your brothers and sisters in arms. Do not force this emotionlessness on yourself, Pumpkin. It's not healthy for you."
I lean closer and whisper.
"Valeriana wouldn't want you to become that. Like the Equestrians. Like Waymaker."
"Hide the fact from them that they are cursing their own blood? And give them more suffering than they have gone through? I cannot allow that."
>>257493
"And what if he commands it over from you?"
>>257494
"…then we are here. Your friends. Your brothers and sisters in arms. Do not force this emotionlessness on yourself, Pumpkin. It's not healthy for you."
I lean closer and whisper.
"Valeriana wouldn't want you to become that. Like the Equestrians. Like Waymaker."
>>257511
"So you test it out by risking taking a potential enemy with us, even though we'll have our hooves full with his other minions already."
>>257509
"Calm down, take a deep breath. But don't be afraid to be afraid! It's okay to worry about your family and your friends as long as it empowers you and not wrecks you useless."
"So you test it out by risking taking a potential enemy with us, even though we'll have our hooves full with his other minions already."
>>257509
"Calm down, take a deep breath. But don't be afraid to be afraid! It's okay to worry about your family and your friends as long as it empowers you and not wrecks you useless."
>>257502
I frown
"So you suggest we should have let this whole mess just be? Leave these ponies to their fates? Leave Raging Storm to die die on his own? I didn't order you to come down here Valeriana. But I'm not leaving until I've set these wrongs right. I'd rather die than to turn my back on ponies in need."
I frown
"So you suggest we should have let this whole mess just be? Leave these ponies to their fates? Leave Raging Storm to die die on his own? I didn't order you to come down here Valeriana. But I'm not leaving until I've set these wrongs right. I'd rather die than to turn my back on ponies in need."
>>257513
He twitches, almost grabbing you in a moment of anger
"HE WILL NEVER HAVE MY WILL AGAIN! NEVER!"
>>257515
She puts a hoof around you
"Listen to yourself. You sound like some zealot. A paladin on a mission. Willing to throw her life away for some nebulous cause only she truly comprehends.
What happened to you, Venia? You used to be carefree. Yet careful."
>>257514
"If you are so scared-"
he tosses you the slightly cracked rune
"-break this one open. I will place it on the neck, and you can kill the construct with a single spell if it breaks loose.
But so can the king, if given a shot at it."
He twitches, almost grabbing you in a moment of anger
"HE WILL NEVER HAVE MY WILL AGAIN! NEVER!"
>>257515
She puts a hoof around you
"Listen to yourself. You sound like some zealot. A paladin on a mission. Willing to throw her life away for some nebulous cause only she truly comprehends.
What happened to you, Venia? You used to be carefree. Yet careful."
>>257514
"If you are so scared-"
he tosses you the slightly cracked rune
"-break this one open. I will place it on the neck, and you can kill the construct with a single spell if it breaks loose.
But so can the king, if given a shot at it."
>>257518
"N-nebulous cause? Don't you talk about Raging like that! He was close to Mother! This isn't some kind of a holy crusade! This is ponies helping out other ponies in need! Why? Because we can! We're strong enough to! We're able to!"
I grit my teeth
"What have I done the last 20 years of my life? Nothing! I just waddled in luxury and did absolutely nothing to help ponykind! I've been useless for far too long!"
"N-nebulous cause? Don't you talk about Raging like that! He was close to Mother! This isn't some kind of a holy crusade! This is ponies helping out other ponies in need! Why? Because we can! We're strong enough to! We're able to!"
I grit my teeth
"What have I done the last 20 years of my life? Nothing! I just waddled in luxury and did absolutely nothing to help ponykind! I've been useless for far too long!"
>>257522
>>257523
"His scythe is how he cast his spells. His crown is how he rules his minions.
Take the crown and he loses command."
>>257524
"Healing will not bring back much blood. I need to drain the life of the living to empower the rune of blinding.
With luck, I won't need many more…"
>>257525
She is dead serious
"Do you prefer this life? The life of a warrior and a crusader - over that of what you had? The life of a traveler and a noble?"
>>257523
"His scythe is how he cast his spells. His crown is how he rules his minions.
Take the crown and he loses command."
>>257524
"Healing will not bring back much blood. I need to drain the life of the living to empower the rune of blinding.
With luck, I won't need many more…"
>>257525
She is dead serious
"Do you prefer this life? The life of a warrior and a crusader - over that of what you had? The life of a traveler and a noble?"
>>257535
"My greatest weakness is that I CAN HAVE A VERY SHORT TEMPER TOWARDS THE INSOLENT.
…and well.. this."
He pulls open his robes, revealing a gaping, ragged hole in his chest and a lightly pulsing carved crystal where his heart should by all reason be.
>>257537
"To the throne?
The main road connects to the Royal Quarters."
>>257538
"I'm fine. I'm fine. You?"
"My greatest weakness is that I CAN HAVE A VERY SHORT TEMPER TOWARDS THE INSOLENT.
…and well.. this."
He pulls open his robes, revealing a gaping, ragged hole in his chest and a lightly pulsing carved crystal where his heart should by all reason be.
>>257537
"To the throne?
The main road connects to the Royal Quarters."
>>257538
"I'm fine. I'm fine. You?"
>>257530
"Noble? Traveler? Crusader? The life I prefer is one of adventure. Seeing new places, meeting new ponies and helping them out. I haven't left the Northlands since I arrived here with my mother all those years ago. Can you blame me for feeling just a little bit guilty at seeing all these ponies live in this kind of misery? Can you really? Is it zealous to want to help others now? Am I not allowed to take some risks for once to help out the kingdom?"
"Noble? Traveler? Crusader? The life I prefer is one of adventure. Seeing new places, meeting new ponies and helping them out. I haven't left the Northlands since I arrived here with my mother all those years ago. Can you blame me for feeling just a little bit guilty at seeing all these ponies live in this kind of misery? Can you really? Is it zealous to want to help others now? Am I not allowed to take some risks for once to help out the kingdom?"
>>257560
>>257561
>>257563
>>257566
"You know I was the prized student of the Underking. Devoted in my studies. Sharp of wit and capable of paw.
He saw great things in me.
But it was some years ago that I found a distraction. In her.
I do not know if she truly saw something in me, or simply wanted the status from having me, but she was endless in her attempts to seduce me.
Finally I caved in, thinking I had found true love.
The underking disagreed deeply, wanting to cast her out and keep me to continue my studies. But I opposed his will, saying my heart called out to her.
…so he took my heart, and more, casting us both out of his kingdom to wander the wastes forever. My punishment was to be that I would long outlive her, until I lost my mind, and became his slave.
But I lashed out, stole the scythe and wounded him, then fled.
He never expected I'd be back…"
>>257565
"Good. Because I remember a very different Venia. Somewhere behind this high society lady who enjoy shopping and drunken nights out, is that young girl who stared a master assassin in the eye and refused to be afraid."
>>257561
>>257563
>>257566
"You know I was the prized student of the Underking. Devoted in my studies. Sharp of wit and capable of paw.
He saw great things in me.
But it was some years ago that I found a distraction. In her.
I do not know if she truly saw something in me, or simply wanted the status from having me, but she was endless in her attempts to seduce me.
Finally I caved in, thinking I had found true love.
The underking disagreed deeply, wanting to cast her out and keep me to continue my studies. But I opposed his will, saying my heart called out to her.
…so he took my heart, and more, casting us both out of his kingdom to wander the wastes forever. My punishment was to be that I would long outlive her, until I lost my mind, and became his slave.
But I lashed out, stole the scythe and wounded him, then fled.
He never expected I'd be back…"
>>257565
"Good. Because I remember a very different Venia. Somewhere behind this high society lady who enjoy shopping and drunken nights out, is that young girl who stared a master assassin in the eye and refused to be afraid."
>>257579
>>257581
The amulet vibrates a little but no harm is done.
Raging looks bad, but he can deal.
>>257572
"Only if my mind falters. It will not. Not so long as I have the very tool he used to create me."
>>257571
"No. She pays no part in this. What I want any more is to overthrow the king, and replace him."
>>257583
"No, but you sure seemed to like being a pampered noble."
>>257581
The amulet vibrates a little but no harm is done.
Raging looks bad, but he can deal.
>>257572
"Only if my mind falters. It will not. Not so long as I have the very tool he used to create me."
>>257571
"No. She pays no part in this. What I want any more is to overthrow the king, and replace him."
>>257583
"No, but you sure seemed to like being a pampered noble."
>>257607
"Venia you can be honest with me. We both liked it. We aren't that different. I may be a brooding old hag, but you knew what made me happy. It was forgetting the pains of life and just enjoying things."
>>257618
The moon is very very moony.
Sometimes you used to moon mean merchants.
Months are measured based on the phases of the moon.
Moon backwards is nooM.
>>257614
"But of course. That was what we agreed on."
>>257613
"Soon. Make peace with yourselves and those closest to you. For I cannot guarantee we will all return."
"Venia you can be honest with me. We both liked it. We aren't that different. I may be a brooding old hag, but you knew what made me happy. It was forgetting the pains of life and just enjoying things."
>>257618
The moon is very very moony.
Sometimes you used to moon mean merchants.
Months are measured based on the phases of the moon.
Moon backwards is nooM.
>>257614
"But of course. That was what we agreed on."
>>257613
"Soon. Make peace with yourselves and those closest to you. For I cannot guarantee we will all return."
>>257639
"No need to be like that.
Just be straight up with me. For all we know, this may be the last time we can talk.
…unless it is you who dies first."
>>257645
The leg can work again.
The eye is lost.
>>257646
She nudges closer to you
"…Pumpkin?"
>>257650
She pulls you in to lean on her instead
"So. What to you think. Who will die first?"
"No need to be like that.
Just be straight up with me. For all we know, this may be the last time we can talk.
…unless it is you who dies first."
>>257645
The leg can work again.
The eye is lost.
>>257646
She nudges closer to you
"…Pumpkin?"
>>257650
She pulls you in to lean on her instead
"So. What to you think. Who will die first?"
>>257706
She rolls on her back and stares upwards
"Pumpkin, look at us. You lost an eye. I almost died.
And that was one. ONE. The dog said the king has MANY.
…do we really have any hope?"
>>257709
>>257717
She slaps you
"If there is one thing I won't miss about you when I'm gone it's that ridiculous mask of deathly cold you wear when we aren't alone!"
She rolls on her back and stares upwards
"Pumpkin, look at us. You lost an eye. I almost died.
And that was one. ONE. The dog said the king has MANY.
…do we really have any hope?"
>>257709
>>257717
She slaps you
"If there is one thing I won't miss about you when I'm gone it's that ridiculous mask of deathly cold you wear when we aren't alone!"
>>257731
"Do you really think it is a mask? Hah… I don't know anymore. Please excuse me, but it is a necessity in these conditions, where hard decisions have to be made that could threaten us all if we choose poorly."
Lean on her.
"But thank you for that. At least I can count on you to warm me, even if so harshly."
"Do you really think it is a mask? Hah… I don't know anymore. Please excuse me, but it is a necessity in these conditions, where hard decisions have to be made that could threaten us all if we choose poorly."
Lean on her.
"But thank you for that. At least I can count on you to warm me, even if so harshly."
>>257795
You go tend to the slaves.
Small cuts and stress injuries, but nothing you can't handle.
And their smiles and thanks warm you more than anything.
>>257790
"You'd better. And don't you dare die on me."
>>257798
"I have little choice in that now. Back then I hoped to kill you and raise you for a few quick hits against your allies.
…now it just burdens me to know that one day you will walk around after me, an endless reminder of the fact that I failed to keep you safe.
Well, maybe we could still talk. Communing and all that.
But-"
She gives you the arrow
"-I want to be there for you even if I do fall. I want to keep protecting you. And to remind you of the good times."
>>257789
She snuggles up to you
"I'd be scared… but I know that won't help us.
…Pumpkin, is it ok if I get close like this?
I mean… I know you are married. It's just… I may never get to do it again."
You go tend to the slaves.
Small cuts and stress injuries, but nothing you can't handle.
And their smiles and thanks warm you more than anything.
>>257790
"You'd better. And don't you dare die on me."
>>257798
"I have little choice in that now. Back then I hoped to kill you and raise you for a few quick hits against your allies.
…now it just burdens me to know that one day you will walk around after me, an endless reminder of the fact that I failed to keep you safe.
Well, maybe we could still talk. Communing and all that.
But-"
She gives you the arrow
"-I want to be there for you even if I do fall. I want to keep protecting you. And to remind you of the good times."
>>257789
She snuggles up to you
"I'd be scared… but I know that won't help us.
…Pumpkin, is it ok if I get close like this?
I mean… I know you are married. It's just… I may never get to do it again."
>>257857
A few of them rise
"We know these tunnels for we have walked them for years."
At their head, Raging Storm
"And I even longer."
>>257865
"…oh.
…sorry…
I just thought… it would have been nice…
…sorry."
>>257868
She puts the arrow down and returns the hug
"At least I would still be there… and not just some rotten pile in a forgotten grave.
…Lets at least promise we won't die down here, ok?"
A few of them rise
"We know these tunnels for we have walked them for years."
At their head, Raging Storm
"And I even longer."
>>257865
"…oh.
…sorry…
I just thought… it would have been nice…
…sorry."
>>257868
She puts the arrow down and returns the hug
"At least I would still be there… and not just some rotten pile in a forgotten grave.
…Lets at least promise we won't die down here, ok?"
>>257959
"I feared as much.
Perhaps one day I can indeed teach you.
Only, I fear, you may never look at life with quite the same eyes again."
>>257962
"I will try…"
She get ups
"I will. Have faith in me."
>>257964
He stomps the ground with a rotten hoof, not even flinching
"SLAVES OF THE UNDERDOGS, DO YOU WANT TO LIVE FOREVER!?"
"I feared as much.
Perhaps one day I can indeed teach you.
Only, I fear, you may never look at life with quite the same eyes again."
>>257962
"I will try…"
She get ups
"I will. Have faith in me."
>>257964
He stomps the ground with a rotten hoof, not even flinching
"SLAVES OF THE UNDERDOGS, DO YOU WANT TO LIVE FOREVER!?"
>>258013
>>258005
Yes, but do you really need to keep a +2 bonus applied outside combat?
The cheering bolsters your heart every much as it does theirs.
Life finds a way to fight back. It always does.
>>258016
You are entirely hidden. Though the old dog cares little. He is finishing his tinkering on the bone construct.
>>258019
"…even if it means possibly corrupting that paladin side of you?"
>>258005
Yes, but do you really need to keep a +2 bonus applied outside combat?
The cheering bolsters your heart every much as it does theirs.
Life finds a way to fight back. It always does.
>>258016
You are entirely hidden. Though the old dog cares little. He is finishing his tinkering on the bone construct.
>>258019
"…even if it means possibly corrupting that paladin side of you?"
>>258050
"It is simply the strange duality of death and divinity. One rarely can touch the other without one or the other breaking or becoming tainted.
I simply say this to warn you.
And if you don't quite understand… ask Radiant. But be… nice about it."
Cassit places the final rune back in the Deathguard and chuckles softly
"It is time for you to open your eyes… and see only what I tell you to see."
>>258057
You bump into his butt.
"It is simply the strange duality of death and divinity. One rarely can touch the other without one or the other breaking or becoming tainted.
I simply say this to warn you.
And if you don't quite understand… ask Radiant. But be… nice about it."
Cassit places the final rune back in the Deathguard and chuckles softly
"It is time for you to open your eyes… and see only what I tell you to see."
>>258057
You bump into his butt.
>>258078
"You would not necessarily lose those powers. But they may well no longer be the powers you once knew. They will be different. New.
…corrupted, some may say.
And yes. I know the art of resurrection. And I have wielded it. The cost of it is terrible, but if you are willing, I could entrust you with it."
"You would not necessarily lose those powers. But they may well no longer be the powers you once knew. They will be different. New.
…corrupted, some may say.
And yes. I know the art of resurrection. And I have wielded it. The cost of it is terrible, but if you are willing, I could entrust you with it."
>>258104
"Make yourself ready. Soon, we will march out, wearing false shackles. With luck, the king will not see through our ruse soon enough."
>>258109
"To return life, one must give life. To breathe back the spark of hope into a cold corpse, one must forever forsake a piece of their own life."
Cassit slams his scythe into the rune on the bone construct's neck
"Sleep no more. Stand."
Slowly, the bones begin to shudder
"Make yourself ready. Soon, we will march out, wearing false shackles. With luck, the king will not see through our ruse soon enough."
>>258109
"To return life, one must give life. To breathe back the spark of hope into a cold corpse, one must forever forsake a piece of their own life."
Cassit slams his scythe into the rune on the bone construct's neck
"Sleep no more. Stand."
Slowly, the bones begin to shudder
>>258115
She smiles
"An admirable thought.
…I only fear once you have truly felt it, you will feel differently."
>>258119
Cassit stares down the bones as they slowly rise.
Two of the heads and necks fall off uselessly as it gathers itself. Three of the four arms follow suit.
Finally, as the necromancer hisses commands at it, the broken Deathguard finally gets to its feet.
With only one head and one arm, it is far less imposing than before, but still large, and still armed
"Magnificent… magnificent. Such power!"
She smiles
"An admirable thought.
…I only fear once you have truly felt it, you will feel differently."
>>258119
Cassit stares down the bones as they slowly rise.
Two of the heads and necks fall off uselessly as it gathers itself. Three of the four arms follow suit.
Finally, as the necromancer hisses commands at it, the broken Deathguard finally gets to its feet.
With only one head and one arm, it is far less imposing than before, but still large, and still armed
"Magnificent… magnificent. Such power!"
>>258130
>>258134
"There's no reason to leave him out of this.. We can not allow Cassit to become the underking, you've seen how badly he mistreats life. Cassit is an undead himself, he would become nothing more than a monster for us to fight later. He must never don the undercrown. I would rather wear it myself than see him do it.We simply need to use him to get there and then kill him before he ever has a chance to wear the crown.
>>258134
"There's no reason to leave him out of this.. We can not allow Cassit to become the underking, you've seen how badly he mistreats life. Cassit is an undead himself, he would become nothing more than a monster for us to fight later. He must never don the undercrown. I would rather wear it myself than see him do it.We simply need to use him to get there and then kill him before he ever has a chance to wear the crown.
>>258134
I did it before you both stealthed
>>258144
"I see.. I had the same suspicions. But not now, while he still needs to lead us to the Underking. There will be a vital frame of time between us defeating the underking and him taking the crown. Use that. In the meantime, extract as much information you can out of him. Say that it is in your interest as a necromancer, and you should be able to sue what he tells you, too."
I did it before you both stealthed
>>258144
"I see.. I had the same suspicions. But not now, while he still needs to lead us to the Underking. There will be a vital frame of time between us defeating the underking and him taking the crown. Use that. In the meantime, extract as much information you can out of him. Say that it is in your interest as a necromancer, and you should be able to sue what he tells you, too."
>>258197
"If a few words from me can drive you to speak against me, then how do you even think of considering yourself worthy of being a Northblade!
As for the dog… I knew he was undead. The most remarkable specimen I have ever seen. A raised minion who has broken out of control and regained its own will.
I do not know how exactly. But I do know that scythe has much to do with it…"
"If a few words from me can drive you to speak against me, then how do you even think of considering yourself worthy of being a Northblade!
As for the dog… I knew he was undead. The most remarkable specimen I have ever seen. A raised minion who has broken out of control and regained its own will.
I do not know how exactly. But I do know that scythe has much to do with it…"
>>258205
"Speak against you? When have I ever?
Don't insult me like this! You know I never could. Neither as master nor as… Anything else you might be to me.
I… I would never."
Lost an eye, lost my trust in the partner that should save my life, seriously in danger of not seeing my love and my unborn kid ever again, now accused by my master and mother of adultery and called out on insulting her…
Roll to hold it together.
Roll #0 2 = 2
"Speak against you? When have I ever?
Don't insult me like this! You know I never could. Neither as master nor as… Anything else you might be to me.
I… I would never."
Lost an eye, lost my trust in the partner that should save my life, seriously in danger of not seeing my love and my unborn kid ever again, now accused by my master and mother of adultery and called out on insulting her…
Roll to hold it together.
Roll #0 2 = 2
>>258250
"Good.. Remember to make bearing proud.. if I can't come with you.. I want you to remember that you have to keep on living, you have to make things right for those poor ponies who could die of starvation any day now. That's why you fight, to make the world better. Never forget that." '1d10+2' inspire
>>258257
"She hasn't disowned you, she's just upset that you were unfaithful, and she's going to get over it."
Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5
"Good.. Remember to make bearing proud.. if I can't come with you.. I want you to remember that you have to keep on living, you have to make things right for those poor ponies who could die of starvation any day now. That's why you fight, to make the world better. Never forget that." '1d10+2' inspire
>>258257
"She hasn't disowned you, she's just upset that you were unfaithful, and she's going to get over it."
Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5
>>258265
It was fucking hard to miss considering probably everyone present heard the smack she gave pumpkin.
>>258257
"Pumpkin. Listen to yourself.
Look at yourself!
YOU ARE PUMPKIN SMILES! YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH WORSE THAN ONE LITTLE SLAP! I'VE SEEN YOU! You've taken beatings from bigger kids! Outsmarted angry merchants. Wrestled nests of plague rats. Saved me a few times…
…don't let your heart die. Not here. Not like this.
Please?"
It was fucking hard to miss considering probably everyone present heard the smack she gave pumpkin.
>>258257
"Pumpkin. Listen to yourself.
Look at yourself!
YOU ARE PUMPKIN SMILES! YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH WORSE THAN ONE LITTLE SLAP! I'VE SEEN YOU! You've taken beatings from bigger kids! Outsmarted angry merchants. Wrestled nests of plague rats. Saved me a few times…
…don't let your heart die. Not here. Not like this.
Please?"
>>258295
"Yeah. As good as ever. I'm sure all this will hit me again once we are out of here, but what the hell, I can carry on!"
Spread my wings and tuck out my chest, wear a cocky smile and flash my eyepatch.
I'm fucking back.
'1d10+2' to be Dreamy, Heroic and Inspiring all at once.
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
"Yeah. As good as ever. I'm sure all this will hit me again once we are out of here, but what the hell, I can carry on!"
Spread my wings and tuck out my chest, wear a cocky smile and flash my eyepatch.
I'm fucking back.
'1d10+2' to be Dreamy, Heroic and Inspiring all at once.
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
>>258285
"If he is too blind to see he is walking into a wall, I can't be there to knock the wall down for him."
>>258288
"Cry again and I'm stealing your pants in front of a crowd you big baby. We have a lord of death to kill."
>>258293
"Yes we have. That does not change the fact that I am beginning to doubt if he ever was ready for his title…"
"If he is too blind to see he is walking into a wall, I can't be there to knock the wall down for him."
>>258288
"Cry again and I'm stealing your pants in front of a crowd you big baby. We have a lord of death to kill."
>>258293
"Yes we have. That does not change the fact that I am beginning to doubt if he ever was ready for his title…"
>>258311
>>258313
"He wishes to become a Lordblade.
It is a path of pain. And sacrifice.
Down here in this pit, he will show to me he is capable of walking it without my aid. Then he will have truly earned his blades in my eyes."
>>258317
"Perhaps. But time is short…"
NEXT TIME ON CAVES AND COWS
THE UNDERKING
HIS UNDERLINGS
AND THE UNDERLYING REASON FOR THIS ALL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBOJ5Ghw3rQ
>>258313
"He wishes to become a Lordblade.
It is a path of pain. And sacrifice.
Down here in this pit, he will show to me he is capable of walking it without my aid. Then he will have truly earned his blades in my eyes."
>>258317
"Perhaps. But time is short…"
NEXT TIME ON CAVES AND COWS
THE UNDERKING
HIS UNDERLINGS
AND THE UNDERLYING REASON FOR THIS ALL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBOJ5Ghw3rQ
Unyielding and Raging Storm have rallied the surviving slaves.
Raging has armed himself with the leftover axe of the Deathguard.
Cassit is in control of the Broken Deathguard.
Valeriana is silently staring at it, hoping she knew more of this place she shares all too much with.
Twofingers is laying by a wall, longingly looking at Cassit.
When all is ready, you will march upon the Underking's throne.
Raging has armed himself with the leftover axe of the Deathguard.
Cassit is in control of the Broken Deathguard.
Valeriana is silently staring at it, hoping she knew more of this place she shares all too much with.
Twofingers is laying by a wall, longingly looking at Cassit.
When all is ready, you will march upon the Underking's throne.
>>261365
Unyielding and Raging bump hooves
"Aye!"
"Yes!"
The slaves look brave. Though armoured only with a will to live and armed with nothing but chains, rocks and pickaxes, they will die fighting.
Valeriana sighs
"As much as ever."
Cassit grins
"Soon we will see a new king crowned…"
>>261367
She turns around to look you dead in the eye
"He'd better. Lest I be proven a poor mentor."
>>261371
Cassit raises a paw
"He will likely erect a magic barrier to guard himself. But he is confined to his throne, so once the barrier is broken, he cannot flee.
He will come for me… or, well, the scythe to be accurate, first. What ever you do - do not let him have it. With it and the crown, he can once more establish absolute will over all the dead here.
But if I can get the crown, so can I.
So get me that crown."
Unyielding and Raging bump hooves
"Aye!"
"Yes!"
The slaves look brave. Though armoured only with a will to live and armed with nothing but chains, rocks and pickaxes, they will die fighting.
Valeriana sighs
"As much as ever."
Cassit grins
"Soon we will see a new king crowned…"
>>261367
She turns around to look you dead in the eye
"He'd better. Lest I be proven a poor mentor."
>>261371
Cassit raises a paw
"He will likely erect a magic barrier to guard himself. But he is confined to his throne, so once the barrier is broken, he cannot flee.
He will come for me… or, well, the scythe to be accurate, first. What ever you do - do not let him have it. With it and the crown, he can once more establish absolute will over all the dead here.
But if I can get the crown, so can I.
So get me that crown."
>>261378
"The scythe is the catalyst he uses to build his undead. The crown is enchanted with spells of command, and allows him to see, hear and command them."
>>261379
"I would imagine so. I cannot know however. I have never worn it."
>>261380
"We will talk more of this later. When I'm out of this suit. When I can be… me again.
For down here I am on a mission. And on a mission, I am a blade, not a pony."
>>261381
"I gain nothing from it. I would simply be risking myself needlessly. No harm comes to me from letting you walk down my roads once I am king."
"The scythe is the catalyst he uses to build his undead. The crown is enchanted with spells of command, and allows him to see, hear and command them."
>>261379
"I would imagine so. I cannot know however. I have never worn it."
>>261380
"We will talk more of this later. When I'm out of this suit. When I can be… me again.
For down here I am on a mission. And on a mission, I am a blade, not a pony."
>>261381
"I gain nothing from it. I would simply be risking myself needlessly. No harm comes to me from letting you walk down my roads once I am king."
>>261452
"I simply thought I'd seek a little comfort from it.
After all. This was the song that told me I survived. Where many others did not.
I only hope the many others part will not apply today"
>>261446
"Ha. Look at my legs. I'm long gone and I know it. But I don't go down without a fight."
Cassit looks over you
"Are we ready? If so, put on the shackles and lower your heads. My spell can keep us masked as the dead until we reach the throne."
He hops down and walks to Twofingers, who weakly reaches out for him.
"If I give my life… will you consider my debt… repaid?"
Cassit says nothing.
"I simply thought I'd seek a little comfort from it.
After all. This was the song that told me I survived. Where many others did not.
I only hope the many others part will not apply today"
>>261446
"Ha. Look at my legs. I'm long gone and I know it. But I don't go down without a fight."
Cassit looks over you
"Are we ready? If so, put on the shackles and lower your heads. My spell can keep us masked as the dead until we reach the throne."
He hops down and walks to Twofingers, who weakly reaches out for him.
"If I give my life… will you consider my debt… repaid?"
Cassit says nothing.
>>261464
"Good boy."
She, too, slithers into the shadows among the roots.
>>261463
>>261460
>>261459
Cassit places his scythe upon the chest of Twofingers
"You will serve me in death as you did in life. For every day your greed cost me, you will repay in undying toil."
She sighs
"If that is your will.
…but having you as mine alone… was worth it."
He raises the scythe
"Good boy."
She, too, slithers into the shadows among the roots.
>>261463
>>261460
>>261459
Cassit places his scythe upon the chest of Twofingers
"You will serve me in death as you did in life. For every day your greed cost me, you will repay in undying toil."
She sighs
"If that is your will.
…but having you as mine alone… was worth it."
He raises the scythe
>>261546
"Heh… I did always want a statue…
…can you get me one?"
>>261548
"Mixing the blood is dangerous. I cannot be certain the results will be stable.
But, if you wish to risk it, know we all die if this spell fails."
He scrapes a rune onto the Deathguard
"One life for certain. Or a gamble for all of us.
The call is down to you."
"Heh… I did always want a statue…
…can you get me one?"
>>261548
"Mixing the blood is dangerous. I cannot be certain the results will be stable.
But, if you wish to risk it, know we all die if this spell fails."
He scrapes a rune onto the Deathguard
"One life for certain. Or a gamble for all of us.
The call is down to you."
>>261599
>>261602
>>261608
>>261612
"Hrm. So be it."
He grasps Twofingers and slams her onto the rune, then strikes the scythe through her back and begins pumping at her to make the blow more openly
"Bleed now. Bleed your life's blood. In your sacrifice, know you save many.
And know you come one step closer to repaying what you did to me."
She whines softly as blood fills the rune, making the entire Deathguard shimmer.
After a moment Cassit pulls out the blade, letting Twofinger fall on the floor. He then climbs the bone construct again
"WITH ME! For now, we are invisible to the dead!"
>>261602
>>261608
>>261612
"Hrm. So be it."
He grasps Twofingers and slams her onto the rune, then strikes the scythe through her back and begins pumping at her to make the blow more openly
"Bleed now. Bleed your life's blood. In your sacrifice, know you save many.
And know you come one step closer to repaying what you did to me."
She whines softly as blood fills the rune, making the entire Deathguard shimmer.
After a moment Cassit pulls out the blade, letting Twofinger fall on the floor. He then climbs the bone construct again
"WITH ME! For now, we are invisible to the dead!"
>>261625
>>261626
>>261627
>>261635
The loosely closed shackles on your necks make strained noise as you begin marching down the hall and return to the main road,
flanked by Cassit's Deathguard.
You pass several patrols of undead miners, none of them even turning to look at you as they drag cartloads of gems and crystals down the halls. In the side tunnels you can spot farm fires, and see shapes keeping warm by them. Dogs, large and small. Living ones.
>>261632
Pumpkin and Valeriana follow along in the shadows
>>261626
>>261627
>>261635
The loosely closed shackles on your necks make strained noise as you begin marching down the hall and return to the main road,
flanked by Cassit's Deathguard.
You pass several patrols of undead miners, none of them even turning to look at you as they drag cartloads of gems and crystals down the halls. In the side tunnels you can spot farm fires, and see shapes keeping warm by them. Dogs, large and small. Living ones.
>>261632
Pumpkin and Valeriana follow along in the shadows
>>261656
"Again, the plan. One of us must remove the Crown from him as soon as possible to loosen his control. Also, I suspect the Crown will try to assert mental dominance over the wielding, so be wary."
"All ready, Venus? Once I'm done dealing with followup work, we can ah.. well, it's up to you."
"Again, the plan. One of us must remove the Crown from him as soon as possible to loosen his control. Also, I suspect the Crown will try to assert mental dominance over the wielding, so be wary."
"All ready, Venus? Once I'm done dealing with followup work, we can ah.. well, it's up to you."
>>261657
Peaches and Valeriana silently sit at your side.
Your purpose is sacred. Your hearts are pure.
Your strike is true.
Valeriana hums the last few notes of the Shadow Song, a tear silently rolling down her cheek.
>>261658
Even in this dark place, in this dark hour, the sun never truly leaves you. For you carry it with you. In your heart.
>>261660
She kisses you out of the blue
"Don't die on me down there."
>>261668
Time for glory, little mage.
Time to make them pay.
>>261686
You are about to step into death's heart. What you see and experience soon will never leave you.
Unyielding hefts his axe onto a shoulder and turns to nod at Raging, who does the same.
The slaves who followed you stand ready.
Cassit goads his Deathguard forward. In a massive shove, it forces the throne room's door open.
At the center of the room, carved into a large circular cave, on a raised platform, is a throne of ice, bone and stone.
Upon it, a seemingly ancient Diamond Dog. Withered and white as snow, with a jagged crown upon his brow that covers his eyes.
Whispers echo through the room, and five Deathguard stand near the throne.
So. You have arrived.
"That I have, Perce. I've come for the crown"
Insolent pup… Return my scythe. You do not understand the risks you drive the entire north to!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j9jxTeq79E
Peaches and Valeriana silently sit at your side.
Your purpose is sacred. Your hearts are pure.
Your strike is true.
Valeriana hums the last few notes of the Shadow Song, a tear silently rolling down her cheek.
>>261658
Even in this dark place, in this dark hour, the sun never truly leaves you. For you carry it with you. In your heart.
>>261660
She kisses you out of the blue
"Don't die on me down there."
>>261668
Time for glory, little mage.
Time to make them pay.
>>261686
You are about to step into death's heart. What you see and experience soon will never leave you.
Unyielding hefts his axe onto a shoulder and turns to nod at Raging, who does the same.
The slaves who followed you stand ready.
Cassit goads his Deathguard forward. In a massive shove, it forces the throne room's door open.
At the center of the room, carved into a large circular cave, on a raised platform, is a throne of ice, bone and stone.
Upon it, a seemingly ancient Diamond Dog. Withered and white as snow, with a jagged crown upon his brow that covers his eyes.
Whispers echo through the room, and five Deathguard stand near the throne.
So. You have arrived.
"That I have, Perce. I've come for the crown"
Insolent pup… Return my scythe. You do not understand the risks you drive the entire north to!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j9jxTeq79E
>>261692
Do not seek to frighten me, mortal. Your body is as frail as a flake of snow, your mind as weak as fresh ice upon a pond. For centuries I have worked to safeguard the North from what sits beneath my kingdom. Were you to know of it, you would hold your tongue, bow and help the others mine.
Do not seek to frighten me, mortal. Your body is as frail as a flake of snow, your mind as weak as fresh ice upon a pond. For centuries I have worked to safeguard the North from what sits beneath my kingdom. Were you to know of it, you would hold your tongue, bow and help the others mine.
>>261705
You would have me undo the shackles and locks I have spent centuries building and maintaining so that you could gaze at your doom a moment earlier? Mortals…
>>261709
To preserve these lands I call home. To feed the slumbering doom, so I may keep it asleep. To aid me in subduing that which would turn this land into naught but ash and stone.
You would have me undo the shackles and locks I have spent centuries building and maintaining so that you could gaze at your doom a moment earlier? Mortals…
>>261709
To preserve these lands I call home. To feed the slumbering doom, so I may keep it asleep. To aid me in subduing that which would turn this land into naught but ash and stone.
>>261719
He is as stern as he is honest.
Without him, all is lost. At least, so he sees it.
I ill have time to cater to the endless stupidity of children! Now begone back to the mines! Get back to work! And give me my damn scythe!
>>261720
>>261724
YOUR LIVES ARE CHEAP.
If you in your worthless lives have never bothered to so much as read a book, then why must you waste my time to enlighten you? It nears awakening once more, and I need more gems to sate its hunger!
He is as stern as he is honest.
Without him, all is lost. At least, so he sees it.
I ill have time to cater to the endless stupidity of children! Now begone back to the mines! Get back to work! And give me my damn scythe!
>>261720
>>261724
YOUR LIVES ARE CHEAP.
If you in your worthless lives have never bothered to so much as read a book, then why must you waste my time to enlighten you? It nears awakening once more, and I need more gems to sate its hunger!
>>261730
Unleash? I have bound it down for centuries now. The only one here seeking to unleash anything is you!
>>261738
Why don't you just inure them to physical harm too while you're at it?
Oh and maybe old age.
Yeah.
The party is now protected against the scarring and necrotic properties of Necromancery.
>>261736
The NORTH has little time. Without my scythe, production is slowing down, when I most direly need it to speed up. Soon, the slumbering beast will awaken, and lest I can feed it to soothe it back to sleep, it will break free and destroy us all!
>>261741
Are you truly this stupid? Can you not see nor hear? THINK!
>>261745
Oh? What is this? Actual understanding? From a mortal? I'd be impressed if basic intellect was worth being impressed over.
Yes. A dragon. By now, a mighty one.
>>261744
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Such blind arrogance…
Unleash? I have bound it down for centuries now. The only one here seeking to unleash anything is you!
>>261738
Why don't you just inure them to physical harm too while you're at it?
Oh and maybe old age.
Yeah.
The party is now protected against the scarring and necrotic properties of Necromancery.
>>261736
The NORTH has little time. Without my scythe, production is slowing down, when I most direly need it to speed up. Soon, the slumbering beast will awaken, and lest I can feed it to soothe it back to sleep, it will break free and destroy us all!
>>261741
Are you truly this stupid? Can you not see nor hear? THINK!
>>261745
Oh? What is this? Actual understanding? From a mortal? I'd be impressed if basic intellect was worth being impressed over.
Yes. A dragon. By now, a mighty one.
>>261744
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Such blind arrogance…
>>261750
So in your endless misguided arrogance you would watch the world burn to avenge the sacrifices of a few long forgotten mortals? If you seek to right wrongs, turn your weapons on the pup.
>>261758
Tell me then. How great was this dragon you fought? It can take quite a while to kill something big enough to build a palace upon.
>>261763
As it awakens, I feed it. Then, as it settles down in gluttony, I force it back to sleep with my magic. I have done so for centuries. Mined through the entire North to find more to feed it. And it was all going well until THAT INSOLENT FOOL TOOK MY SCYTHE
>>261767
They could charge you on command.
>>261764
Yes. It calls itself Breakup. We called it Deathfang.
>>261772
You stand upon him. He sleeps below this room. And many others.
You are being stared down by several Deathguard. There is nowhere to hide.
So in your endless misguided arrogance you would watch the world burn to avenge the sacrifices of a few long forgotten mortals? If you seek to right wrongs, turn your weapons on the pup.
>>261758
Tell me then. How great was this dragon you fought? It can take quite a while to kill something big enough to build a palace upon.
>>261763
As it awakens, I feed it. Then, as it settles down in gluttony, I force it back to sleep with my magic. I have done so for centuries. Mined through the entire North to find more to feed it. And it was all going well until THAT INSOLENT FOOL TOOK MY SCYTHE
>>261767
They could charge you on command.
>>261764
Yes. It calls itself Breakup. We called it Deathfang.
>>261772
You stand upon him. He sleeps below this room. And many others.
You are being stared down by several Deathguard. There is nowhere to hide.
>>261783
It is beyond my power. As you may have noticed, I am a corpse frozen to a block of ice and stone.
>>261786
I did not need to, long ago. It was small then. But we still feared it. We dug up gems for it to eat. And it was happy and slept in our caves. But as to grew, so did its hunger and anger. Us dogs were not enough. So we raised out own dead to aid us. It was enough for a while, but eventually we needed more. And more. As the mines grew so did his hunger. Even now, I have too few. I would need hundreds more to mine fast enough.
It is beyond my power. As you may have noticed, I am a corpse frozen to a block of ice and stone.
>>261786
I did not need to, long ago. It was small then. But we still feared it. We dug up gems for it to eat. And it was happy and slept in our caves. But as to grew, so did its hunger and anger. Us dogs were not enough. So we raised out own dead to aid us. It was enough for a while, but eventually we needed more. And more. As the mines grew so did his hunger. Even now, I have too few. I would need hundreds more to mine fast enough.
>>261791
"…and what should happen once we have no more gems to mine, as every centimetre of rock has been excavated? Your solution is no solution, assuming you speak the truth. You merely feed the time bomb until it, once it has grown dangerous beyond imagination due to your pacification, explodes."
"Now, if you truly have the intentions you say, tell us everything about this dragon."
"…and what should happen once we have no more gems to mine, as every centimetre of rock has been excavated? Your solution is no solution, assuming you speak the truth. You merely feed the time bomb until it, once it has grown dangerous beyond imagination due to your pacification, explodes."
"Now, if you truly have the intentions you say, tell us everything about this dragon."
>>261793
Perhaps you do not awaken when struck on the head when sleeping. Do you think we have never tried to kill it and end our slavery to its hunger? Do you think us useless?
>>261799
PERHAPS YOU WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO HAVE YOUR ENTIRE RACE WIPED OUT BY A BEING LARGER THAN ALL OF YOU COMBINED. INDEED YOU WOULD DESERVE THAT. YOU ARE A SHINING EXAMPLE OF THE WORTHLESSNESS AND ARROGANCE OF MORTALS!
>>261800
And what? Let them march their armies into my tunnels, fight to their worthless deaths and then kill us all and take these tunnels for their own needs once they knew their locations? We are not even a hundred strong. Your petty kings see us as prey, not as allies.
>>261802
>>261806
It slumbers beneath these tunnels. In the one cave large enough to house it. It cannot walk out, but I fear it could easily break the rock above it and force itself out.
I am old. And without my scythe, dangerously weak. Return it, and I will aid you against Deathfang. Provided you have something that can kill it.
Perhaps you do not awaken when struck on the head when sleeping. Do you think we have never tried to kill it and end our slavery to its hunger? Do you think us useless?
>>261799
PERHAPS YOU WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO HAVE YOUR ENTIRE RACE WIPED OUT BY A BEING LARGER THAN ALL OF YOU COMBINED. INDEED YOU WOULD DESERVE THAT. YOU ARE A SHINING EXAMPLE OF THE WORTHLESSNESS AND ARROGANCE OF MORTALS!
>>261800
And what? Let them march their armies into my tunnels, fight to their worthless deaths and then kill us all and take these tunnels for their own needs once they knew their locations? We are not even a hundred strong. Your petty kings see us as prey, not as allies.
>>261802
>>261806
It slumbers beneath these tunnels. In the one cave large enough to house it. It cannot walk out, but I fear it could easily break the rock above it and force itself out.
I am old. And without my scythe, dangerously weak. Return it, and I will aid you against Deathfang. Provided you have something that can kill it.
>>261814
I will remain here with my kin. With no more need for slaves, I can let them die. In time, the tunnels will collapse, and the earth will renew. Perhaps in time, I, too, will die.
>>261817
The throne room is big enough for a notable group of ponies, but the Deathguard take up a lot of space
>>261820
No. I expect you to go on a tiresome self-righteous tirade about the sanctity of life, then throw yourself at me, die and go mine more gems. Just like the last five dozen who have tried the same thing.
Cassit spits
"Fools! Stop listening to him! Kill him and bring me the crown! He is old and useless! I can at least stand and fight! Even if there is a dragon, surely I am better to face it than he is!"
I will remain here with my kin. With no more need for slaves, I can let them die. In time, the tunnels will collapse, and the earth will renew. Perhaps in time, I, too, will die.
>>261817
The throne room is big enough for a notable group of ponies, but the Deathguard take up a lot of space
>>261820
No. I expect you to go on a tiresome self-righteous tirade about the sanctity of life, then throw yourself at me, die and go mine more gems. Just like the last five dozen who have tried the same thing.
Cassit spits
"Fools! Stop listening to him! Kill him and bring me the crown! He is old and useless! I can at least stand and fight! Even if there is a dragon, surely I am better to face it than he is!"
>>261825
"Kin…?"
And to Cassit.
"The circumstances have changed once more. We now face a terrible threat to us all, and must side with the one more capable. Are you confident of your ability to deal with such a thing that could destroy you even if we made you Underking, Cassit?"
Terrify him with the new reality of the situation and see how he can react.
Roll #0 5 = 5
"Kin…?"
And to Cassit.
"The circumstances have changed once more. We now face a terrible threat to us all, and must side with the one more capable. Are you confident of your ability to deal with such a thing that could destroy you even if we made you Underking, Cassit?"
Terrify him with the new reality of the situation and see how he can react.
Roll #0 5 = 5
>>261835
What do you intend to do? Teleport its brains out? Do you think I have not tried?
>>261832
Raging is standing ready, waiting for a signal to leap on the king
Unyielding seems conflicted.
>>261828
"All I know is that of the necromancers here, I am the one who holds in his paws the one tool that can ensure supremacy. For all your talk of me betraying you, it seems deeply ironic you have now turned on me."
>>261834
"You shut up! Did you now know how to breathe until someone told you there was air?"
What do you intend to do? Teleport its brains out? Do you think I have not tried?
>>261832
Raging is standing ready, waiting for a signal to leap on the king
Unyielding seems conflicted.
>>261828
"All I know is that of the necromancers here, I am the one who holds in his paws the one tool that can ensure supremacy. For all your talk of me betraying you, it seems deeply ironic you have now turned on me."
>>261834
"You shut up! Did you now know how to breathe until someone told you there was air?"
>>261846
"Or a prime opportunity"
>>261843
>>261847
>>261852
"Then get me the crown so we can go kill it!"
>>261853
I expected more of you. I almost liked you, little one. You seemed clever. So know this. The dragon is no fool itself. Its scales appear to contain an innate level of magic, making it resistant to spells. I have not been able to figure out how. But you… you wear runes upon your skin. Clever. Perhaps you can figure out, what I could not.
>>261855
"If I had any doubt in me, do you think I'd be challenging the Underking? Do you?"
The underking shifts his cold, sunken eyes
You were my best. But arrogance seeps into you all the same…
"Or a prime opportunity"
>>261843
>>261847
>>261852
"Then get me the crown so we can go kill it!"
>>261853
I expected more of you. I almost liked you, little one. You seemed clever. So know this. The dragon is no fool itself. Its scales appear to contain an innate level of magic, making it resistant to spells. I have not been able to figure out how. But you… you wear runes upon your skin. Clever. Perhaps you can figure out, what I could not.
>>261855
"If I had any doubt in me, do you think I'd be challenging the Underking? Do you?"
The underking shifts his cold, sunken eyes
You were my best. But arrogance seeps into you all the same…
>>261867
"We go with the one more capable. Honestly, it is hard to tell… Cassit may know things his master does not, as his Master has rotted here in fear. Yet, at the same time, we cannot discount the Master's experience… Assuming them to be of equal skill, siding with the Underking will spare us a fight, but if word gets out of our betrayal, things will be difficult to handle. Have Valeriana assess our chances of winning against the deathguard here.
"We go with the one more capable. Honestly, it is hard to tell… Cassit may know things his master does not, as his Master has rotted here in fear. Yet, at the same time, we cannot discount the Master's experience… Assuming them to be of equal skill, siding with the Underking will spare us a fight, but if word gets out of our betrayal, things will be difficult to handle. Have Valeriana assess our chances of winning against the deathguard here.
>>261885
What use would I have for slaves? I no longer need to mine once it is gone. And you are no invading army. You… I can trust to a degree. Because if you try to turn on your promise, I can still kill you.
>>261897
"If we coordinate well… we may win. At the cost of some lives. It would be easier to take the crown. Easier still to take the scythe."
>>261898
"Look at him. He is a withered carcass frozen to a chair."
What use would I have for slaves? I no longer need to mine once it is gone. And you are no invading army. You… I can trust to a degree. Because if you try to turn on your promise, I can still kill you.
>>261897
"If we coordinate well… we may win. At the cost of some lives. It would be easier to take the crown. Easier still to take the scythe."
>>261898
"Look at him. He is a withered carcass frozen to a chair."
>>261924
I have no particular fear of death. By now we are old friends. Perhaps I will simply allow him to awaken. I am becoming increasingly uncertain why I bothered safeguarding the likes of you. Oh yes. Because I am not evil.
>>261921
You should wash the dragon!
>>261929
I told you. He will get in the way. Without the scythe, I am not able to cast properly. And he has no idea what to do even if i gave him the crown. Which I will not.
I have no particular fear of death. By now we are old friends. Perhaps I will simply allow him to awaken. I am becoming increasingly uncertain why I bothered safeguarding the likes of you. Oh yes. Because I am not evil.
>>261921
You should wash the dragon!
>>261929
I told you. He will get in the way. Without the scythe, I am not able to cast properly. And he has no idea what to do even if i gave him the crown. Which I will not.
>>261933
I facehoof
"Say Cassit gives you the scythe and we manage to kill this dragon by working together… there wouldn't be a reason for you to be Underking anymore right? That is, if you're speaking the truth. You could appoint Cassit as your successor once we've taken care of the dragon. Don't you see this is the safest option for everyone!?"
I facehoof
"Say Cassit gives you the scythe and we manage to kill this dragon by working together… there wouldn't be a reason for you to be Underking anymore right? That is, if you're speaking the truth. You could appoint Cassit as your successor once we've taken care of the dragon. Don't you see this is the safest option for everyone!?"
>>261956
"Perhaps so. I care little for these two, but I have vague respect for the older one. I want to learn some of his ideas…
All we truly need is the Dragon."
>>261957
The dragon's scales probably contain some kind of mutation that makes them act in a catalytic fashion. If those scales were broken…
>>261959
I BELIEVE I WAS VERY CLEAR AS TO WHY THIS WAS THE BEST OPTION I HAD. I WAS NOT ABOUT TO LET MY KIN DIE, AND I STILL WILL NOT. NOT TO DEATHFANG. NOT TO INVADING ARMIES. NOT TO THE MADNESS AND INCOMPETENCE OF THIS FAILED PUP!
>>261963
"MY RACE IS AS DEAD AS I AM! INBRED AND DYING IF NOT DEAD ALREADY!"
And in the pits beneath the underkingdom, a great power stirred.
NEXT TIME ON PLOT TWISTS
KINGS
THINGS
AND WINGS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqkTiq0K8l0
"Perhaps so. I care little for these two, but I have vague respect for the older one. I want to learn some of his ideas…
All we truly need is the Dragon."
>>261957
The dragon's scales probably contain some kind of mutation that makes them act in a catalytic fashion. If those scales were broken…
>>261959
I BELIEVE I WAS VERY CLEAR AS TO WHY THIS WAS THE BEST OPTION I HAD. I WAS NOT ABOUT TO LET MY KIN DIE, AND I STILL WILL NOT. NOT TO DEATHFANG. NOT TO INVADING ARMIES. NOT TO THE MADNESS AND INCOMPETENCE OF THIS FAILED PUP!
>>261963
"MY RACE IS AS DEAD AS I AM! INBRED AND DYING IF NOT DEAD ALREADY!"
And in the pits beneath the underkingdom, a great power stirred.
NEXT TIME ON PLOT TWISTS
KINGS
THINGS
AND WINGS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqkTiq0K8l0
There can only be one underking.
It is time to choose who you stand with.
Cassit, who promises you and end to slave raids and resourced from his mines
or Perce, who offers to end all the undead beneath the North, and settle silently to live with his people in the dark corners of the tunnels if you can kill the dragon Deathfang.
It is time to choose who you stand with.
Cassit, who promises you and end to slave raids and resourced from his mines
or Perce, who offers to end all the undead beneath the North, and settle silently to live with his people in the dark corners of the tunnels if you can kill the dragon Deathfang.
>>262858
On one hand, we should strive to honour our deals as far as reasonably possible. Can that apply here? We can ask for the mines, but we will have to use workers as an opportunity cost, while Cassit mines for us. Then again, Perce's greater knowledge would guarantee our safety even better so that these plans can come to light. Yet…
On one hand, we should strive to honour our deals as far as reasonably possible. Can that apply here? We can ask for the mines, but we will have to use workers as an opportunity cost, while Cassit mines for us. Then again, Perce's greater knowledge would guarantee our safety even better so that these plans can come to light. Yet…
>>262872
The Deathguard take another step at you
So it is him you side with. Then I will ensure not a single one of you walks away alive. You are just like the others. Fools.
>>262875
It runs below my throne room. The door is not far. But I need the scythe.
>>262880
"I cannot believe you. Not a single one of you. And to think you looked upon me in disgust. You are more heartless than even he is! You say NONE of my sacrifices had value! That nothing I did matters!
With or without you, I am taking that crown! Now stand aside or I will kill you all the same!"
The Deathguard take another step at you
So it is him you side with. Then I will ensure not a single one of you walks away alive. You are just like the others. Fools.
>>262875
It runs below my throne room. The door is not far. But I need the scythe.
>>262880
"I cannot believe you. Not a single one of you. And to think you looked upon me in disgust. You are more heartless than even he is! You say NONE of my sacrifices had value! That nothing I did matters!
With or without you, I am taking that crown! Now stand aside or I will kill you all the same!"
>>262889
After it is done, I will destroy the crown. None should have this power. Least of all him.
>>262890
You jump to conclusions born of insecurity and fear. If you are so certain, then come strike me down. Be the pony who doomed the world.
>>262891
Nope.
This place seems too convoluted to probe like that.
>>262895
Hundreds. Treasure hunters. Warlords. Mercenaries. Crusaders. Adventurers. Some to seek the crown. Some the scythe. Some the dragon. They all serve now. As will you, if you fail to listen to me.
After it is done, I will destroy the crown. None should have this power. Least of all him.
>>262890
You jump to conclusions born of insecurity and fear. If you are so certain, then come strike me down. Be the pony who doomed the world.
>>262891
Nope.
This place seems too convoluted to probe like that.
>>262895
Hundreds. Treasure hunters. Warlords. Mercenaries. Crusaders. Adventurers. Some to seek the crown. Some the scythe. Some the dragon. They all serve now. As will you, if you fail to listen to me.
>>262902
What is our primary target now? Avoiding casualties? Searching for more long term gain? If Perce stagnates, we will have no further necromancy developments here, but with Cassit…
And to Pumpkin:
We side with Cassit as planned, I have decided. Relay this to Cassit: I will create a mirror image of his scythe and one of us will carry it to the underking. The moment he lets his guard down, we strike.
What is our primary target now? Avoiding casualties? Searching for more long term gain? If Perce stagnates, we will have no further necromancy developments here, but with Cassit…
And to Pumpkin:
We side with Cassit as planned, I have decided. Relay this to Cassit: I will create a mirror image of his scythe and one of us will carry it to the underking. The moment he lets his guard down, we strike.
>>262911
"That is a loaded question and you know it.
I wish to be king. As we agreed. Even you. We will overthrow the king, I will get the crown, and repay you for your aid in resources from my mines. The fact that some fat dragon sleeps down there too does not change the deal!"
>>262912
"Observe the throne. Look at the shimmer in the air. He has a shield spell. If not several."
"That is a loaded question and you know it.
I wish to be king. As we agreed. Even you. We will overthrow the king, I will get the crown, and repay you for your aid in resources from my mines. The fact that some fat dragon sleeps down there too does not change the deal!"
>>262912
"Observe the throne. Look at the shimmer in the air. He has a shield spell. If not several."
>>262943
I realised, that is why I planned the ruse. It seems we have already decided, however.
>>262935
>>262947
"The situation has, once more, changed. We will go with the most pragmatic option right now. Through a thorough assessment of all our immediate needs, we have decided on our needs. You will benefit, too."
Bluff. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
I realised, that is why I planned the ruse. It seems we have already decided, however.
>>262935
>>262947
"The situation has, once more, changed. We will go with the most pragmatic option right now. Through a thorough assessment of all our immediate needs, we have decided on our needs. You will benefit, too."
Bluff. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>262952
>>262954
>>262959
This is a waste of time. Attack him and take scythe, so I can open the way to Deathfang. Or you leave me no option but to kill you, cast it to slumber once more, and pray some day in the future a true hero will arrive to relieve me of my burden. One who does not bow to a mad dog like Cassit.
>>262954
>>262959
This is a waste of time. Attack him and take scythe, so I can open the way to Deathfang. Or you leave me no option but to kill you, cast it to slumber once more, and pray some day in the future a true hero will arrive to relieve me of my burden. One who does not bow to a mad dog like Cassit.
>>262983
>>262984
>>262988
>>262993
>>262994
"So it comes to this. Betrayed at the doorstep of my victory by mortals, fallen to the tall tales and honeyed lies of the Underking.
I will add you to the ranks of my miners. The deal is off. Go sit on the lap of your king while you can. FOR THERE IS NO TOMORROW FOR YOU!"
BOSS: CASSIT - NECROMANCER CONSTRUCT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7T05Lm9mjw
Unyielding and Raging take a confused step back.
The doors of the throne room slam shut.
Cassit raises his scythe and slams his legs into the bone golem, letting it fuse with him partially.
>>262984
>>262988
>>262993
>>262994
"So it comes to this. Betrayed at the doorstep of my victory by mortals, fallen to the tall tales and honeyed lies of the Underking.
I will add you to the ranks of my miners. The deal is off. Go sit on the lap of your king while you can. FOR THERE IS NO TOMORROW FOR YOU!"
BOSS: CASSIT - NECROMANCER CONSTRUCT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7T05Lm9mjw
Unyielding and Raging take a confused step back.
The doors of the throne room slam shut.
Cassit raises his scythe and slams his legs into the bone golem, letting it fuse with him partially.
>>263016
>>263018
You may explode the miscast dampener if you wish. It will be lost forever if you do.
>>263017
You shatter the neck rune, causing the head to go limp.
However, Cassit slams his scythe into the rune, empowering himself as the new head of the creature
"FOOLS! IT WILL NOT BE THAT EASY!"
>>263021
>>263023
To drive the point in, he unleashes a bolt of dark energy, which washes over you, pushing you back. Luckily, Nylis inured you against its necrotic effects.
>>263025
Peaches does her best to remind everyone that victory is at hand! …hoof!
As you drop from the ceiling aiming for Cassit, Twofingers intercepts you with a leap of her own, driving her fingers into your empty eye socket, screaming obscenities at you.
I'm trying out a new system for tracking stuff. hits/wounds will now be marked at the end of each round
Pumpkin helpless/5
Nylis ???/5
Venia 3/5
Verne 3/5
Radiant 6/5
>>263018
You may explode the miscast dampener if you wish. It will be lost forever if you do.
>>263017
You shatter the neck rune, causing the head to go limp.
However, Cassit slams his scythe into the rune, empowering himself as the new head of the creature
"FOOLS! IT WILL NOT BE THAT EASY!"
>>263021
>>263023
To drive the point in, he unleashes a bolt of dark energy, which washes over you, pushing you back. Luckily, Nylis inured you against its necrotic effects.
>>263025
Peaches does her best to remind everyone that victory is at hand! …hoof!
As you drop from the ceiling aiming for Cassit, Twofingers intercepts you with a leap of her own, driving her fingers into your empty eye socket, screaming obscenities at you.
I'm trying out a new system for tracking stuff. hits/wounds will now be marked at the end of each round
Pumpkin helpless/5
Nylis ???/5
Venia 3/5
Verne 3/5
Radiant 6/5
>>263064
You leap away from her grasp, blood pouring from your missing eye, and slash at her, bringing her to a knee.
Even Peaches keeps up an inspiring tone.
+1 to all rolls!
>>263066
"Your foolish fear will be yours."
He blocks your swing with his axe, but you manage to overpower him, pushed on by the words of Peaches. In a loud crack, you damage the arm rune.
>>263067
Cassit turns his attention to you and flips a gesture, causing the runes drawn upon you to catch fire.
You are helpless from the sudden shock.
>>263069
A good plan can bring much hope in dark times.
+2 to all rolls next turn!
>>263072
You leap up the arm, bounding off the shoulder and slash off the remnants of the old bone head, as well as landing a hit on Cassit.
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis HELPLESS/5
Venia 3/5
Verne 3/5
Radiant 6/5
+2 to rolls
2 turns of Heroism remain
You leap away from her grasp, blood pouring from your missing eye, and slash at her, bringing her to a knee.
Even Peaches keeps up an inspiring tone.
+1 to all rolls!
>>263066
"Your foolish fear will be yours."
He blocks your swing with his axe, but you manage to overpower him, pushed on by the words of Peaches. In a loud crack, you damage the arm rune.
>>263067
Cassit turns his attention to you and flips a gesture, causing the runes drawn upon you to catch fire.
You are helpless from the sudden shock.
>>263069
A good plan can bring much hope in dark times.
+2 to all rolls next turn!
>>263072
You leap up the arm, bounding off the shoulder and slash off the remnants of the old bone head, as well as landing a hit on Cassit.
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis HELPLESS/5
Venia 3/5
Verne 3/5
Radiant 6/5
+2 to rolls
2 turns of Heroism remain
>>263091
>>263097
Inspire does not boost the user.
You strike your blades through her mangled paws, then leap into the air and kick her in the jaw, ripping both forelimbs in half.
She screams and falls on the floor.
Peaches pushes the bonus to +2 for next turn!
>>263092
You rush around Cassit, smashing the spine rune, causing it to crack heavily.
>>263094
You get up, leaping through the >>263096
flaming image Verne conjured, and plant a strike in Cassit's eye, causing his entire golem body to take a heavy step back.
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 3/5
Verne 3/5
Radiant 6/5
+2 to rolls
last turn of Heroism
>>263097
Inspire does not boost the user.
You strike your blades through her mangled paws, then leap into the air and kick her in the jaw, ripping both forelimbs in half.
She screams and falls on the floor.
Peaches pushes the bonus to +2 for next turn!
>>263092
You rush around Cassit, smashing the spine rune, causing it to crack heavily.
>>263094
You get up, leaping through the >>263096
flaming image Verne conjured, and plant a strike in Cassit's eye, causing his entire golem body to take a heavy step back.
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 3/5
Verne 3/5
Radiant 6/5
+2 to rolls
last turn of Heroism
>>263089
Also Radiant further damaged the spine rune.
>>263105
It splits and splinters, forcing Cassit to bind it down with a spell. One more hit will break it.
>>263110
"The Runes" is six targets.
You proceed to aid Venia, making the Spine Rune explode.
And Peaches adds one more +1
>>263104
As he is distracted for a moment, you toss a muddy clump into his eyes.
Not that he really used them that much. But have a +1 anyway.
>>263114
A massive strike of the axe slams into you. Was it not for your fortitude you have no business owning because you can't even remember the event you earned it from, you'd be badly hurt now.
Cassit leans on his axe for a moment, trying to stabilize the golem body.
The Spine Rune is broken.
The Tail, Arm and both Leg runes remain.
Cassit himself replaced the Neck Rune.
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 3/5
Verne 3/5
Radiant 6(!)/5
+2 to rolls
Also Radiant further damaged the spine rune.
>>263105
It splits and splinters, forcing Cassit to bind it down with a spell. One more hit will break it.
>>263110
"The Runes" is six targets.
You proceed to aid Venia, making the Spine Rune explode.
And Peaches adds one more +1
>>263104
As he is distracted for a moment, you toss a muddy clump into his eyes.
Not that he really used them that much. But have a +1 anyway.
>>263114
A massive strike of the axe slams into you. Was it not for your fortitude you have no business owning because you can't even remember the event you earned it from, you'd be badly hurt now.
Cassit leans on his axe for a moment, trying to stabilize the golem body.
The Spine Rune is broken.
The Tail, Arm and both Leg runes remain.
Cassit himself replaced the Neck Rune.
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 3/5
Verne 3/5
Radiant 6(!)/5
+2 to rolls
>>263120
Bolster is not escape artist. You can't use it while going helpless.
You get stomped on by Cassit while trying to remember what you wanted to have for dinner later.
>>263118
You charge headlong into the arm, and soon find yourself careening through the air, a sharp, gut twisting pain coursing through you. The axe got you good.
>>263119
"Be silent!"
A bolt of dark magic strikes through you.
>>263121
Peaches keeps a solid +1 applied.
You strike the tail rune, cracking the stone protecting it, but not enough to destroy it.
The tail rune is cracked
The arm rune is cracked
The leg runes are intact
Cassit has wiped his eyes and can see again
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia HELPLESS/5
Verne 2/5
Radiant HELPLESS/5
+1 to rolls
Bolster is not escape artist. You can't use it while going helpless.
You get stomped on by Cassit while trying to remember what you wanted to have for dinner later.
>>263118
You charge headlong into the arm, and soon find yourself careening through the air, a sharp, gut twisting pain coursing through you. The axe got you good.
>>263119
"Be silent!"
A bolt of dark magic strikes through you.
>>263121
Peaches keeps a solid +1 applied.
You strike the tail rune, cracking the stone protecting it, but not enough to destroy it.
The tail rune is cracked
The arm rune is cracked
The leg runes are intact
Cassit has wiped his eyes and can see again
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia HELPLESS/5
Verne 2/5
Radiant HELPLESS/5
+1 to rolls
>>263142
You barely roll out of the way of another crashing axe blow
>>263143
You send the mirror image to leap eight into his face, blinding him with bright flames as it explodes.
+2 to attacks next round
>>263144
You skid to the side and leap at the rail rune with fury drawn from training and devotion.
Your blow shatters the casing, leaving it open for a Spellbreaker.
Peaches keeps up an impressive streak of Inspires, boosting the bonus to +3 for attacks on Cassit, +1 to others.
>>263145
You get tossed aside by the same axe hit that barely missed Venia.
Your head is spinning but you know you surely aren't up.
>>263146
Heal is a single target spell. Please specify a target.
Tail rune is vulnerable
Arm rune is cracked
Leg runes are intact
Cassit is blinded
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia HELPLESS/5
Verne 2/5
Radiant HELPLESS/5
+1 to rolls 7 +3 to attacks vs Cassit
You barely roll out of the way of another crashing axe blow
>>263143
You send the mirror image to leap eight into his face, blinding him with bright flames as it explodes.
+2 to attacks next round
>>263144
You skid to the side and leap at the rail rune with fury drawn from training and devotion.
Your blow shatters the casing, leaving it open for a Spellbreaker.
Peaches keeps up an impressive streak of Inspires, boosting the bonus to +3 for attacks on Cassit, +1 to others.
>>263145
You get tossed aside by the same axe hit that barely missed Venia.
Your head is spinning but you know you surely aren't up.
>>263146
Heal is a single target spell. Please specify a target.
Tail rune is vulnerable
Arm rune is cracked
Leg runes are intact
Cassit is blinded
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia HELPLESS/5
Verne 2/5
Radiant HELPLESS/5
+1 to rolls 7 +3 to attacks vs Cassit
>>263151
Your spellbreaker explodes the rune, splitting the back of the construct. Cassit focuses more power to keeping it stable. He is now open to attack.
however, Peaches seems to be out of breath.
>>263152
You do.
No need to shout.
>>263161
You focus your healing on Verne, who feels a lot better for it.
>>263156
>>263154
Venus blocks a hit that was meant for you, and slams the arm rune, opening it up further.
>>263157
You also stagger up, ready for more
Cassit is open to attack.
The Arm Rune is badly cracked
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 5/5
Verne 5/5
Radiant 5/5
Your spellbreaker explodes the rune, splitting the back of the construct. Cassit focuses more power to keeping it stable. He is now open to attack.
however, Peaches seems to be out of breath.
>>263152
You do.
No need to shout.
>>263161
You focus your healing on Verne, who feels a lot better for it.
>>263156
>>263154
Venus blocks a hit that was meant for you, and slams the arm rune, opening it up further.
>>263157
You also stagger up, ready for more
Cassit is open to attack.
The Arm Rune is badly cracked
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 5/5
Verne 5/5
Radiant 5/5
>>263173
Your efforts are rewarded with a crushing axe blow to the torso.
>>263181
Followed by Radiant capitalizing on the opening, breaking open the rune.
>>263174
>>263175
>>263176
As Cassit swings the axe in one more wide arc, lifting Peaches off her legs and sending her crashing into a wall, Verne leaps up the construct's arm, planting his blessed blade in Cassit.
The dog reels and strikes out wits his own paw, only to get struck from the other side by Pumpkin.
Reeling from pain he forgot he could feel, Cassit is taken entirely by surprise as Nylis rips the scythe from the rune socket with her teleport. However, Cassit's unholy attachment to the weapon pulls him along, landing him next to Nylis.
A quick punch later he takes a few skittering leaps away from the unicorn as the Bone Construct collapses.
He rushes to Twofingers, who is cradling her broken hands.
They share one final teary eyed look as Twofingers reveals her chest to him. He quickly jabs the scythe through her, then pulls out out, letting her fall limply to the floor.
Only to rise anew, as an undying minion. Her debt will be repaid this day.
PHASE 2: CASSIT AND TWOFINGERS - UNDYING LOVERS
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 2/5
Verne 5/5
Radiant 5/5
NEXT TIME ON COLD CUTS
DEATH
DRAGONS
AND RESOLUTION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-clO2UE4vgw
Your efforts are rewarded with a crushing axe blow to the torso.
>>263181
Followed by Radiant capitalizing on the opening, breaking open the rune.
>>263174
>>263175
>>263176
As Cassit swings the axe in one more wide arc, lifting Peaches off her legs and sending her crashing into a wall, Verne leaps up the construct's arm, planting his blessed blade in Cassit.
The dog reels and strikes out wits his own paw, only to get struck from the other side by Pumpkin.
Reeling from pain he forgot he could feel, Cassit is taken entirely by surprise as Nylis rips the scythe from the rune socket with her teleport. However, Cassit's unholy attachment to the weapon pulls him along, landing him next to Nylis.
A quick punch later he takes a few skittering leaps away from the unicorn as the Bone Construct collapses.
He rushes to Twofingers, who is cradling her broken hands.
They share one final teary eyed look as Twofingers reveals her chest to him. He quickly jabs the scythe through her, then pulls out out, letting her fall limply to the floor.
Only to rise anew, as an undying minion. Her debt will be repaid this day.
PHASE 2: CASSIT AND TWOFINGERS - UNDYING LOVERS
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 2/5
Verne 5/5
Radiant 5/5
NEXT TIME ON COLD CUTS
DEATH
DRAGONS
AND RESOLUTION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-clO2UE4vgw
>>264146
"It truly did not. Had you simply NOT BETRAYED ME"
Your heroic charge is cut short as his scythe slashes across your chest, sparks flying off your armour. You feel the sheer magic power contained within that thing. No wonder both of these dogs want it so badly.
>>264147
You open your mouth to say a few inspiring words, but are cut short as Twofingers punches you in the jaw, making you bite your tongue
>>264148
>>264150
Nothing says inspiring heroism like the high pitched squeak of a pony getting slashed by a necromantic artifact of immense power.
The blow leaves her on the ground, screaming in terror as dark tendrils extend through her skin from the wound.
You steel your mind however, and plant your blessed blades into Twofingers, knocking her on the ground and getting her attention off Kilana.
>>264152
You do all in your power to distract the party from the terrifying shrieks of Peaches, allowing them to still get +1 to all rolls next turn.
However, the atmosphere of death and defeat still means 2 counts as a crit miss for the next 2 turns.
Pumpkin 5/5
Kilana 3/5
Venia 2/5
Verne 5/5
Radiant 5/5
+1 to all rolls
2 counts as a crit fail for two turns
"It truly did not. Had you simply NOT BETRAYED ME"
Your heroic charge is cut short as his scythe slashes across your chest, sparks flying off your armour. You feel the sheer magic power contained within that thing. No wonder both of these dogs want it so badly.
>>264147
You open your mouth to say a few inspiring words, but are cut short as Twofingers punches you in the jaw, making you bite your tongue
>>264148
>>264150
Nothing says inspiring heroism like the high pitched squeak of a pony getting slashed by a necromantic artifact of immense power.
The blow leaves her on the ground, screaming in terror as dark tendrils extend through her skin from the wound.
You steel your mind however, and plant your blessed blades into Twofingers, knocking her on the ground and getting her attention off Kilana.
>>264152
You do all in your power to distract the party from the terrifying shrieks of Peaches, allowing them to still get +1 to all rolls next turn.
However, the atmosphere of death and defeat still means 2 counts as a crit miss for the next 2 turns.
Pumpkin 5/5
Kilana 3/5
Venia 2/5
Verne 5/5
Radiant 5/5
+1 to all rolls
2 counts as a crit fail for two turns
>>264163
>>264166
You aid Peaches up, and patch the wound on her chest, stopping the spread of the dark tendrils.
She takes a deep breath and steadies herself. She is good to go.
>>264165
Your words are true. He is no more powerful. Only more desperate.
+1 to all rolls
>>264169
You empower your hoof to strike her, but she grabs it, tossing you aside.
You land on your hooves however, and are not hurt.
The remnants of the bone construct resonate to your presence. Perhaps you could try reanimating a part of it.
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 2/5
Verne 5/5
Radiant 5/5
+1 to rolls
2 is still a crit fail for one turn
Cassit slams the scythe against the floor
"COLD GRASP OF DEATH, HOLD DOWN MY FOES!"
Bony hands of dead diamond dogs slam through the stone, grasping at you.
Avoiding them without ending up helpless is MIN6
>>264166
You aid Peaches up, and patch the wound on her chest, stopping the spread of the dark tendrils.
She takes a deep breath and steadies herself. She is good to go.
>>264165
Your words are true. He is no more powerful. Only more desperate.
+1 to all rolls
>>264169
You empower your hoof to strike her, but she grabs it, tossing you aside.
You land on your hooves however, and are not hurt.
The remnants of the bone construct resonate to your presence. Perhaps you could try reanimating a part of it.
Pumpkin 5/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 2/5
Verne 5/5
Radiant 5/5
+1 to rolls
2 is still a crit fail for one turn
Cassit slams the scythe against the floor
"COLD GRASP OF DEATH, HOLD DOWN MY FOES!"
Bony hands of dead diamond dogs slam through the stone, grasping at you.
Avoiding them without ending up helpless is MIN6
>>264185
A few hands? Bah, you've seen worse at pubs.
You jump up, boost off one of them and land your hammer on Cassit with enough force to throw him back considerably, shards of crystal raining from his chest.
>>264186
"Desperation? No. Preparation."
A cold hand grasps you by the throat, pinching your voice silent while another pulls you down by the tail
You are unable to move.
>>264187
You flap open your wings, but two icy hands grab them, pulling you to the floor.
Peaches keeps up her inspiring tone, adding +1 to your rolls next round.
"Twofingers! KILL THE HELPLESS ONES!"
Pumpkin HELPLESS/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 2/5
Verne HELPLESS/5
Radiant 5/5
Kilana 5/5
+1 to all rolls
The Crystal Heart is cracked
A few hands? Bah, you've seen worse at pubs.
You jump up, boost off one of them and land your hammer on Cassit with enough force to throw him back considerably, shards of crystal raining from his chest.
>>264186
"Desperation? No. Preparation."
A cold hand grasps you by the throat, pinching your voice silent while another pulls you down by the tail
You are unable to move.
>>264187
You flap open your wings, but two icy hands grab them, pulling you to the floor.
Peaches keeps up her inspiring tone, adding +1 to your rolls next round.
"Twofingers! KILL THE HELPLESS ONES!"
Pumpkin HELPLESS/5
Nylis 5/5
Venia 2/5
Verne HELPLESS/5
Radiant 5/5
Kilana 5/5
+1 to all rolls
The Crystal Heart is cracked
>>264197
The bony hands release you, give you a thumbs up and stand ready to obey your orders.
>>264194
You kick apart the hands holding you, barely avoiding Pumpkin's mad charge
>>264192
That lands him in the grip of several others that claw and rake at him.
Peaches tries to call for inspiration, but is cut short by a skeletal hand punching her in the gut, leaving her helpless.
>>264199
Finally Venia casts a shield on Pumpkin, just in time to stop the blades of Twofingers.
Pumpkin HELPLESS/5 - protected
Venia 2/5
Verne 5/5
Kilana 5/5 - in command of two dead hands
-1 to all rolls
The bony hands release you, give you a thumbs up and stand ready to obey your orders.
>>264194
You kick apart the hands holding you, barely avoiding Pumpkin's mad charge
>>264192
That lands him in the grip of several others that claw and rake at him.
Peaches tries to call for inspiration, but is cut short by a skeletal hand punching her in the gut, leaving her helpless.
>>264199
Finally Venia casts a shield on Pumpkin, just in time to stop the blades of Twofingers.
Pumpkin HELPLESS/5 - protected
Venia 2/5
Verne 5/5
Kilana 5/5 - in command of two dead hands
-1 to all rolls
>>264201
You both break free of the binding hands, scrambling to your hooves before Twofingers can strike you anew.
>>264203
You leap to blast the distracted Twofingers, you suddenly feel a shock of agony strike through you unlike any you remember.
Looking back, you see Cassit's scythe deep within your side, tied to its user with a chain in dark magic. He begins reeling you in, leaving a trail of blood on the floor
"Come… come to me…."
>>264205
Despite the madness, you manage to boost everyone's hopes a little.
+1 to all rolls.
>>264210
>>264212
"Your power is weak!"
Cassit flicks his paw, and a bolt strikes through your head, clawing at the insides of your mind and soul, leaving you helpless as dark ichor pours from your mouth, nose, ears and tear ducts.
Pumpkin 5/5 - protected
Venia HELPLESS/4
Verne 5/5
Kilana HELPLESS/4 - in command of two dead hands
+1 to all rolls
The heart is cracked.
Twofingers is focusing on Pumpkin.
You both break free of the binding hands, scrambling to your hooves before Twofingers can strike you anew.
>>264203
You leap to blast the distracted Twofingers, you suddenly feel a shock of agony strike through you unlike any you remember.
Looking back, you see Cassit's scythe deep within your side, tied to its user with a chain in dark magic. He begins reeling you in, leaving a trail of blood on the floor
"Come… come to me…."
>>264205
Despite the madness, you manage to boost everyone's hopes a little.
+1 to all rolls.
>>264210
>>264212
"Your power is weak!"
Cassit flicks his paw, and a bolt strikes through your head, clawing at the insides of your mind and soul, leaving you helpless as dark ichor pours from your mouth, nose, ears and tear ducts.
Pumpkin 5/5 - protected
Venia HELPLESS/4
Verne 5/5
Kilana HELPLESS/4 - in command of two dead hands
+1 to all rolls
The heart is cracked.
Twofingers is focusing on Pumpkin.
>>264219
You spit out the dark liquid flowing from you and steel yourself against the pain and whispers.
You refuse to fall to powers you yourself command!
>>264220
You kick the blade out of you with a meaty squish and stagger to your hooves.
Cassit withdraws the chain >>264221
slamming it into Pumpkin's back as he leaps in for the kill.
"You will do just as well. Come to die…"
Peaches shuts her eyes to this and keeps shouting inspiring words, keeping the party at a +1 to all rolls.
>>264222
You then turn to Twofingers, kicking a small rock into the air and then into her eye, causing her to recoil as it jams in the socket, blinding her.
+2 to attacks against Twofingers, who now focuses on Verne.
Pumpkin HELPLESS/5
Venia 4/4
Verne 5/5
Kilana 4/4 - in command of two dead hands
+1 to all rolls
+3 to attacks against Twofingers
The heart is cracked.
Twofingers is focusing on Verne.
You spit out the dark liquid flowing from you and steel yourself against the pain and whispers.
You refuse to fall to powers you yourself command!
>>264220
You kick the blade out of you with a meaty squish and stagger to your hooves.
Cassit withdraws the chain >>264221
slamming it into Pumpkin's back as he leaps in for the kill.
"You will do just as well. Come to die…"
Peaches shuts her eyes to this and keeps shouting inspiring words, keeping the party at a +1 to all rolls.
>>264222
You then turn to Twofingers, kicking a small rock into the air and then into her eye, causing her to recoil as it jams in the socket, blinding her.
+2 to attacks against Twofingers, who now focuses on Verne.
Pumpkin HELPLESS/5
Venia 4/4
Verne 5/5
Kilana 4/4 - in command of two dead hands
+1 to all rolls
+3 to attacks against Twofingers
The heart is cracked.
Twofingers is focusing on Verne.
>>264228
>>264233
>>264235
Twofingers dislodges the rock from her eye, only to have her expression fall blank as a veritable wave of lighting bolts smash into her, searing flesh and shocking muscle.
As she wrestles to control her body, bony hands strike her down, grasping and clawing at her helpless body until a knife from Verne splits her neck in two, severing her head.
In her last moments, she silently mouths
"My debt… is paid."
>>264229
You pull the scythe out and shove it ahead of you, slamming it edge first into Cassit's chest, cracking the heart open entirely.
"INSOLENT WORM!"
He tosses you aside, covering up the heart with his robe.
Peaches yells for everyone to focus and fight!
+1 to all rolls
>>264241
"YOUR SUN WILL DIE ALL THE SAME!"
Cassit empowers the scythe with dark magic
"DEATH BLOW!"
You barely manage to dodge the blow before it takes your head off, but it still leaves you wounded.
>>264248
You grasp the the limp body of Twofingers and teleport it away from Cassit's reach
Pumpkin 5/5
Venia 4/4
Verne 5/5
Kilana 4/4 - in command of two dead hands
+1 to all rolls
Radiant 2/6
Nylis 5/5
The heart is broken open.
Twofingers is dead.
>>264233
>>264235
Twofingers dislodges the rock from her eye, only to have her expression fall blank as a veritable wave of lighting bolts smash into her, searing flesh and shocking muscle.
As she wrestles to control her body, bony hands strike her down, grasping and clawing at her helpless body until a knife from Verne splits her neck in two, severing her head.
In her last moments, she silently mouths
"My debt… is paid."
>>264229
You pull the scythe out and shove it ahead of you, slamming it edge first into Cassit's chest, cracking the heart open entirely.
"INSOLENT WORM!"
He tosses you aside, covering up the heart with his robe.
Peaches yells for everyone to focus and fight!
+1 to all rolls
>>264241
"YOUR SUN WILL DIE ALL THE SAME!"
Cassit empowers the scythe with dark magic
"DEATH BLOW!"
You barely manage to dodge the blow before it takes your head off, but it still leaves you wounded.
>>264248
You grasp the the limp body of Twofingers and teleport it away from Cassit's reach
Pumpkin 5/5
Venia 4/4
Verne 5/5
Kilana 4/4 - in command of two dead hands
+1 to all rolls
Radiant 2/6
Nylis 5/5
The heart is broken open.
Twofingers is dead.
>>264253
Her cut flesh knits shut once more
>>264255
"ALL DIES. ONLY DEATH IS ETERNAL!"
He slams is scythe against your hammer, misdirecting your blow before striking anew. Were it not for your immense inner fire, this blow would have left you helpless.
>>264259
Cassit snaps off another dark bolt that slashes through the heart of Peaches. She silently falls over, dark blood pouring from her mouth.
moments later, a blade strikes through his chest
>>264257
Followed by Venia's hammer nearly caving it in entirely.
>>264264
>>264263
Finally Kilana's bone minions distract him long enough for Verne to conjure a small light orb by his face and detonate it to blind him.
+1 to all rolls against him.
"Traitors…"
Pumpkin 5/5
Venia 4/4
Verne 5/5
Kilana 4/4 - in command of two dead hands
Radiant 5(!)/6
Nylis 5/5
The heart can be Spellbroken now.
Twofingers is dead.
Peaches is helpless.
Her cut flesh knits shut once more
>>264255
"ALL DIES. ONLY DEATH IS ETERNAL!"
He slams is scythe against your hammer, misdirecting your blow before striking anew. Were it not for your immense inner fire, this blow would have left you helpless.
>>264259
Cassit snaps off another dark bolt that slashes through the heart of Peaches. She silently falls over, dark blood pouring from her mouth.
moments later, a blade strikes through his chest
>>264257
Followed by Venia's hammer nearly caving it in entirely.
>>264264
>>264263
Finally Kilana's bone minions distract him long enough for Verne to conjure a small light orb by his face and detonate it to blind him.
+1 to all rolls against him.
"Traitors…"
Pumpkin 5/5
Venia 4/4
Verne 5/5
Kilana 4/4 - in command of two dead hands
Radiant 5(!)/6
Nylis 5/5
The heart can be Spellbroken now.
Twofingers is dead.
Peaches is helpless.
>>264288
You are bolstered.
Another massive blow from the scythe strikes into your neck, sending you staggering.
>>264302
Your hands catch the wide of that blow, splintering apart in a shower of fragments
>>264282
"BE SILENT."
>>264299
You manage to dodge his scythe as he aims it for your throat, causing him to lose balance and loosen his hold on the weapon
>>264281
You aid her up, massaging her heart with your magic to help it beat steadily as she spits out quantities of black blood and bile.
>>264279
>>264280
You focus your magic against his heart, unbinding the necromancy that held his body together.
Much like the Deathguard, his body shatters and falls apart. His silent mouth screaming curses as his remains fall over, releasing the scythe.
Cassit is dead.
You are bolstered.
Another massive blow from the scythe strikes into your neck, sending you staggering.
>>264302
Your hands catch the wide of that blow, splintering apart in a shower of fragments
>>264282
"BE SILENT."
>>264299
You manage to dodge his scythe as he aims it for your throat, causing him to lose balance and loosen his hold on the weapon
>>264281
You aid her up, massaging her heart with your magic to help it beat steadily as she spits out quantities of black blood and bile.
>>264279
>>264280
You focus your magic against his heart, unbinding the necromancy that held his body together.
Much like the Deathguard, his body shatters and falls apart. His silent mouth screaming curses as his remains fall over, releasing the scythe.
Cassit is dead.
>>264315
Pumpkin 5/5
Venia 4/4
Verne 5/5
Kilana 4/4
Radiant 5/6
Nylis 5/5
You ensure Peaches is fine. She thanks you among the globs of dark goo, and does her best not to get any on you.
>>264314
She picks it up, recoiling slightly as she feels its power
"Amazing…"
>>264319
Yes. Give me the scythe and I will open the way. Then, once Deathfang is gone, I can end the undead in these tunnels, and return to my people to rest.
Pumpkin 5/5
Venia 4/4
Verne 5/5
Kilana 4/4
Radiant 5/6
Nylis 5/5
You ensure Peaches is fine. She thanks you among the globs of dark goo, and does her best not to get any on you.
>>264314
She picks it up, recoiling slightly as she feels its power
"Amazing…"
>>264319
Yes. Give me the scythe and I will open the way. Then, once Deathfang is gone, I can end the undead in these tunnels, and return to my people to rest.
>>264352
She throws up the last bits of bile
"I'm never fighting a necromancer again…"
>>264356
See, all you needed was a little motivation!
You heal up the remnants of the scythe wounds on both her and Venia.
>>264349
"Aye. But I must say, I am deeply confused by these changes of events"
"As am I, dear. Care to explain it in short?"
>>264358
I would prefer to remain hidden and forgotten. But If you merely wish to use them as trophies… then I think I can ensure they will be perfect for that purpose.
She throws up the last bits of bile
"I'm never fighting a necromancer again…"
>>264356
See, all you needed was a little motivation!
You heal up the remnants of the scythe wounds on both her and Venia.
>>264349
"Aye. But I must say, I am deeply confused by these changes of events"
"As am I, dear. Care to explain it in short?"
>>264358
I would prefer to remain hidden and forgotten. But If you merely wish to use them as trophies… then I think I can ensure they will be perfect for that purpose.
>>264363
"What's there to be confused about? There's a dragon that threatens all of the North somewhere down here that we need to deal with. The Underking is our best shot at dealing with it. Once it's done, the scythe and crown will be destroyed and all these undead can finally get the proper rest and respect they deserve."
I wipe away a tear
"I've seen enough suffering down here already."
"What's there to be confused about? There's a dragon that threatens all of the North somewhere down here that we need to deal with. The Underking is our best shot at dealing with it. Once it's done, the scythe and crown will be destroyed and all these undead can finally get the proper rest and respect they deserve."
I wipe away a tear
"I've seen enough suffering down here already."
>>264397
Had I access to such, I would have long since solved this problem. But all I have is a few dozen dogs and my own magic.
>>264401
She looks at the blood and bile
"…I'd be a bad partner if i did."
>>264393
"I will be there to strike a blow for every one you do."
"Should I stay behind and take the living to safety, or go with you, lass?"
>>264408
Intact. But unusable. I trust you even less than I did that useless corpse.
Had I access to such, I would have long since solved this problem. But all I have is a few dozen dogs and my own magic.
>>264401
She looks at the blood and bile
"…I'd be a bad partner if i did."
>>264393
"I will be there to strike a blow for every one you do."
"Should I stay behind and take the living to safety, or go with you, lass?"
>>264408
Intact. But unusable. I trust you even less than I did that useless corpse.
>>264415
"Why don't you trust us with the power? We would let your people rest and be forgotten, you could fade into the dust. We intend to use this power for the very defense of the north, a place you claimed to be protecting all these years, doesn't it make sense to trust the Natives to use this power to better their chances?"
"Why don't you trust us with the power? We would let your people rest and be forgotten, you could fade into the dust. We intend to use this power for the very defense of the north, a place you claimed to be protecting all these years, doesn't it make sense to trust the Natives to use this power to better their chances?"
>>264438
"Let us both draw strength from that fear my love."
"Ha. I know when I'm not needed as a third wheel. I'll find the living and lead them back to Wintersgrasp."
>>264439
In my youth centuries ago I too thought I could do anything with this power. Now, I see it has only done harm. Had I allowed my kin to die fighting the young dragon, it could never have become the threat it is now.
>>264441
"And stealing it may simply leave me facing his guards."
>>264448
As soon as I no longer need them. Once Deathfang falls.
>>264444
For whatever foolish reason, I assumed you had one. But I can offer this much in advice - as long as whatever generates its anti magic capabilities remains, spells cannot kill it. Destroy that ability, and his body will be open to assault by whatever means you deem suitable.
"Let us both draw strength from that fear my love."
"Ha. I know when I'm not needed as a third wheel. I'll find the living and lead them back to Wintersgrasp."
>>264439
In my youth centuries ago I too thought I could do anything with this power. Now, I see it has only done harm. Had I allowed my kin to die fighting the young dragon, it could never have become the threat it is now.
>>264441
"And stealing it may simply leave me facing his guards."
>>264448
As soon as I no longer need them. Once Deathfang falls.
>>264444
For whatever foolish reason, I assumed you had one. But I can offer this much in advice - as long as whatever generates its anti magic capabilities remains, spells cannot kill it. Destroy that ability, and his body will be open to assault by whatever means you deem suitable.
>>264507
Death only begets more death
>>264499
She remains unshakable
"Never thought I'd get to kill a dragon…"
>>264500
"Don't be a fool. That dragon is too young to be nearly as big as he says. It must have grown from its own greed and become a mindless beast. But… if we can open it up to magic… I can land enough cursed arrows into it to force it to my will."
Death only begets more death
>>264499
She remains unshakable
"Never thought I'd get to kill a dragon…"
>>264500
"Don't be a fool. That dragon is too young to be nearly as big as he says. It must have grown from its own greed and become a mindless beast. But… if we can open it up to magic… I can land enough cursed arrows into it to force it to my will."
>>264513
"The north needs those weapons. Waymarker, the captured lordblade, told us about a most fearsome weapon of the Equestrians. A weapon built upon the bones of dead dragons.
We need the power of the crow and scythe to counter that weapon, disable it when the time will come. Or at least build our own.
The Northblades will not allow those artifacts to be destroyed, as the King ordered we shall see to the North's victory at any cost."
>>264517
"Force your will on the dragon?"
"The north needs those weapons. Waymarker, the captured lordblade, told us about a most fearsome weapon of the Equestrians. A weapon built upon the bones of dead dragons.
We need the power of the crow and scythe to counter that weapon, disable it when the time will come. Or at least build our own.
The Northblades will not allow those artifacts to be destroyed, as the King ordered we shall see to the North's victory at any cost."
>>264517
"Force your will on the dragon?"
>>264538
"No. I trust you as more than my teacher. I trust you as my family.
There was just a bit of admiration in my question, you know?
You were always great at everything after all."
Smile at her.
>>264547
"You remember what you said, when you introduced me to mother the first time? The reason I had to train in the first place?
You said 'we cannot defeat equestria without fighting with everything we have'. This could be a turning stone.
As for the lordblade's words, trust me, he did tell the truth. We have ways to make them talk.
"No. I trust you as more than my teacher. I trust you as my family.
There was just a bit of admiration in my question, you know?
You were always great at everything after all."
Smile at her.
>>264547
"You remember what you said, when you introduced me to mother the first time? The reason I had to train in the first place?
You said 'we cannot defeat equestria without fighting with everything we have'. This could be a turning stone.
As for the lordblade's words, trust me, he did tell the truth. We have ways to make them talk.
>>264597
"Be kind to him. He needs someone he can look up to, not one more he can cast aside and disregard."
>>264596
>>264598
>>264599
>>264604
Valeriana takes the scythe to the Underking, he rips his frozen paw off the cold armrest and grabs it
Reunited at last.
The entire Underkingdom shudders as his powers return to him in full
Now then.
The Deathguard grasp the corners of his throne and lift it off the floor
Let us proceed to the dragon
He points the scythe at the back wall, opening a large hidden door.
"Be kind to him. He needs someone he can look up to, not one more he can cast aside and disregard."
>>264596
>>264598
>>264599
>>264604
Valeriana takes the scythe to the Underking, he rips his frozen paw off the cold armrest and grabs it
Reunited at last.
The entire Underkingdom shudders as his powers return to him in full
Now then.
The Deathguard grasp the corners of his throne and lift it off the floor
Let us proceed to the dragon
He points the scythe at the back wall, opening a large hidden door.
>>264638
>>264636
>>264630
>>264631
>>264634
The Underking leads you down into the darkness below, until you reach a second, mighty gate. The room containing it is filled with gems, crystals, gold and riches.
It slumbers beyond that door. I can keep it asleep for a while longer, to let you prepare. But it will awaken if you attack it.
Two of the Deathguard pull the gate open, revealing the head of a massive pale dragon.
>>264636
>>264630
>>264631
>>264634
The Underking leads you down into the darkness below, until you reach a second, mighty gate. The room containing it is filled with gems, crystals, gold and riches.
It slumbers beyond that door. I can keep it asleep for a while longer, to let you prepare. But it will awaken if you attack it.
Two of the Deathguard pull the gate open, revealing the head of a massive pale dragon.
>>264661
A scale on his forehead is carved with a strange rune. This is clearly not natural mutation…
There must be more than one.
>>264676
His body is vast and strong. But his eyes are bare.
>>264678
You remind everyone that only a few frail mortal bodies stand between the death of everything in the north.
-1 to all rolls.
>>264679
The immense thing looks downright immortal. There is nothing your pathetic weapons could possibly do.
>>264686
"No. He simply no longer sees you as a mother or teacher. He is rebelling. Looking for his own path. Do not be an obstacle to him. Be a road sign. A guide. A helper."
A scale on his forehead is carved with a strange rune. This is clearly not natural mutation…
There must be more than one.
>>264676
His body is vast and strong. But his eyes are bare.
>>264678
You remind everyone that only a few frail mortal bodies stand between the death of everything in the north.
-1 to all rolls.
>>264679
The immense thing looks downright immortal. There is nothing your pathetic weapons could possibly do.
>>264686
"No. He simply no longer sees you as a mother or teacher. He is rebelling. Looking for his own path. Do not be an obstacle to him. Be a road sign. A guide. A helper."
>>264699
>>264700
There are runic scales in a pattern all over his back and tail.
They seem to form a greater rune if you connect them in a certain way.
>>264711
"And would you, too, not have liked to have someone to find direction and solace in?
Don't make him wander the world alone."
>>264713
Much better.
+1 to rolls this time around.
>>264704
They are.
Also you may now forsake Blessing for Empower Weapon.
>>264719
They are.
But attacking it will wake it up.
>>264700
There are runic scales in a pattern all over his back and tail.
They seem to form a greater rune if you connect them in a certain way.
>>264711
"And would you, too, not have liked to have someone to find direction and solace in?
Don't make him wander the world alone."
>>264713
Much better.
+1 to rolls this time around.
>>264704
They are.
Also you may now forsake Blessing for Empower Weapon.
>>264719
They are.
But attacking it will wake it up.
>>264752
"Who else? Me, a traitor twice over who can barely stop herself from hurting those she loves most?
Snowflake, who sees him as an avatar of penance rather than a child?
Unyielding, who is as much a child as he is?
Venia. You are the one who he owes his life to. You know you are the one to best remind him of the rights and wrongs of the world."
>>264753
Oh yes, certainly.
>>264760
>>264759
It seems the runes are based on key points of the dragon's anatomy. At the bases of the wings and tail, along the spine, at the bases of the neck and horns, on the forehead and on the tail.
"Who else? Me, a traitor twice over who can barely stop herself from hurting those she loves most?
Snowflake, who sees him as an avatar of penance rather than a child?
Unyielding, who is as much a child as he is?
Venia. You are the one who he owes his life to. You know you are the one to best remind him of the rights and wrongs of the world."
>>264753
Oh yes, certainly.
>>264760
>>264759
It seems the runes are based on key points of the dragon's anatomy. At the bases of the wings and tail, along the spine, at the bases of the neck and horns, on the forehead and on the tail.
>>264812
Yes.
Take 6.
>>264792
"Then be that way. Know that you always were the stronger moral compass though. Save for maybe Radiant. But I have reasons not to trust her."
AND THEN I GUESS EVERYONE WANTS ME TO GO CHILL A LITTLE.
NEXT TIME ON PITS AND PUPPIES
DEATHWING
SINDRAGOSA
AND A LITTLE BIT OF MALYGOS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2XGp5ix8HE
Yes.
Take 6.
>>264792
"Then be that way. Know that you always were the stronger moral compass though. Save for maybe Radiant. But I have reasons not to trust her."
AND THEN I GUESS EVERYONE WANTS ME TO GO CHILL A LITTLE.
NEXT TIME ON PITS AND PUPPIES
DEATHWING
SINDRAGOSA
AND A LITTLE BIT OF MALYGOS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2XGp5ix8HE