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File 152949791679.png - (275.29KB , 1212x826 , Title Card.png )
889486 No. 889486 ID: 8a947d

Wiki: https://tgchan.org/wiki/D3:_Slight_Return
Disthread: https://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/111978.html
Expand all images
>>
No. 889487 ID: 8a947d
File 152949793993.png - (210.48KB , 1212x826 , Morning Workout.png )
889487

You're name is Roland Gallows Conroy, and you've realized you're a bit scrawny...

You looked in the mirror this morning and realized that despite the fact that you're now going to be coming face to face with dangerous demons to study them you've honestly got almost no muscle and it's a little embarrassing. Luckily your dad had a few weights laying around so you've decided to start a little exercise regime. This morning after breakfast you did a few laps around the house for a half hour, some push ups, sit ups, and now a little weight lifting. You feel like you've done enough for now since you're getting a little tired. Now with that out of the way you need to decide what to do next. You have a lot you could do right now.

VOL: Can't we just stay in today? We need to chill for like a second before we almost die again.
>>
No. 889491 ID: 91ee5f

>>889487
>you've honestly got almost no muscle and it's a little embarrassing.
What’s even more embarrassing is how your hips scream "feminine curves", which you most likely inherited from your mother.

In fact, you feel like if you put on a dress, for some strange reason, everyone would believe you were a woman!

That’s right, I’m bringing back the “feminine curves” joke I made in the first thread of the original quest! Let’s see how Roland reacts to that joke this time around! XD

>You have a lot you could do right now.
Do you think anyone would buy your Broken Scrap Shotgun from you? I’m sure someone could use it for spare parts or something.

You should also go buy some more bandages, since the ones you’re wearing are the last ones you own. There’s probably a reason your dad wanted you to keep your tattoos covered up, so you should at least try to keep them covered up.

>Can't we just stay in today? We need to chill for like a second before we almost die again.
Vol’s right, you know. You should take a break before you run off on another job that’ll end up with you unintentionally finding demons you aren’t looking for.

Although, staying home doesn’t sound fun.

How about this? You and Vol spend a little time practicing playing the violin at home, then both of you hop on the Skipper, head into town, and try to earn some money by playing music instead of doing jobs on the job board.

And it’s doubtful that Troy will want to come with you, since he’s trying to keep a low profile, so ask him if he wants you to try and find some paint to buy in town for his truck and what color of paint he wants.
>>
No. 889492 ID: ff0134

Yeah sure, probably a good idea to relax a bit after that last brush with death. Maybe we can find some things to do around the house? Maybe get started on the flamethrower? If we do leave then it’s only to visit town.
>>
No. 889493 ID: 575ec0

Still gotta take that hide to the tanner but if you want an easy day that's fine.

I need to work with the captured displacer anyway.
>>
No. 889502 ID: eeb7d9

>In fact, you feel like if you put on a dress, for some strange reason, everyone would believe you were a woman!
Oh you are on!

Let's do something here, like the flametrhower. And maybe look for some stuff your father hide somewere.
Say, Gallows, remind me, did you ever tell us something about your mum?
Do you know anything about her, maybe something your dad told you about her?
>>
No. 889504 ID: dbf422

There's a few non-lethal chores you could do to satisfy Vol's request. Getting the hide tanned, crafting your flamethrower, and upgrading your skipper (I forget if that's been done but I don't think so) to start.
>>
No. 889511 ID: 5fa661

Tanning actually takes several days, so we should get that started as soon as possible.
>>
No. 889521 ID: 91ee5f

>>889504
Yeah, he installed the Skipper parts. It was the last thing Roland did before he showered and went to bed.
>>
No. 889550 ID: 8a947d
File 152954217895.png - (212.99KB , 1212x826 , Building.png )
889550

>What’s even more embarrassing is how your hips scream "feminine curves"
You have never once in your life thought you had any form of "curves" feminine or otherwise. And you certainly hope nobody else has felt that way about your physique. Despite how scrawny you are you still poses a very manly appearance...at least you hope you do.

>Flamethrower
That's right you bought those parts for the flamethrower! you take a little time to put together the parts around your broken scrap shotgun and try to make it work. You realize a conventional flamethrower might be a bit bulky, so you do your best to make it easy to carry while still being effective. The more you work on it the more you figure how the pieces fit together...
>>
No. 889551 ID: 8a947d
File 152954255780.png - (227.48KB , 1212x826 , Flamethrower.png )
889551

You're worried that due to lacking the proper parts it won't quite have the proper range a real flamethrower would. So you've designed it to be able to blast a small projectile of fire at a longer range as well as a larger stream of fire.

You bought 5 Canisters of Fuel.
>>
No. 889554 ID: eeb7d9

>>889551
Duuude, Kick ass, we are the Fire!
This is even better that i was expecting!

What now?
>>
No. 889555 ID: 91ee5f

>>889550
>And you certainly hope nobody else has felt that way about your physique. Despite how scrawny you are you still poses a very manly appearance...at least you hope you do.
You’ll get your answer if a man starts hitting on you because he mistook you for a woman!

>>889551
You should test fire that thing before you get into combat. It’s better for it to fail in practice than it is for it to fail when you need it the most!
>>
No. 889570 ID: 4a02c0

>>889551
The lack of a propellant tank means that the stream probably won't reach farther than eight feet in length.

What's the rate of fuel consumption? The tank looks like it holds around a pound of fuel, which would burn for around 100 minutes in a standard grill.
>>
No. 889571 ID: 094652

That thing is going to be HARD TO RELOAD. Use it sparingly in close-quarters to scare away maulers.
>>
No. 889581 ID: dbf422

>>889570
We can check it out with a test. A little ways from the house.
>>
No. 889592 ID: 8a947d
File 152958276095.png - (189.95KB , 1212x826 , Flamethrower Test 1.png )
889592

>>889570
The propellant tank is in the stock. The flamethrower can toss out fire for about a minute before you need to reload. Might not make sense in real life, but I hope you understand I can't let you throw flames for over an hour if that's true

You head to the back of your house far enough away as to not damage anything dragging a can and a barrel. There you test the flamethrower. The stream reaches about twenty feet in front of you, you only fire for about half a minute. The gun seems to work just fine.
>>
No. 889593 ID: 8a947d
File 152958342066.png - (488.75KB , 1212x826 , Flamethrower Test 2.png )
889593

You move a bit further from the barrel and test the next setting. You fire a ball of flames from your gun. A few of the parts involved in the gun helps throw the ball of fuel with a bit more force and range, you keep it on a separate setting instead of having it on at all times since that might blow you up if you fired it. A fireball takes up a lot more fuel than a stream though and used up the rest of the canister

The fireball hits the side of the barrel denting it and knocking it over engulfing it in more flames. Vol quickly walks over with a bucket of dirty water to extinguish the fire. Your gun works pretty well. You have four canisters left.

Now that that's out of the way. You can continue to stay home to relax or you can head into town to do something else.
>>
No. 889594 ID: 91ee5f

>>889593
How about you and Vol head into town and try to earn some money by playing your violins? That doesn’t involve almost getting killed by demons, so it should make Vol happy.

And since Troy is trying to keep a low profile, he might not want to come with you, so you and Vol should head into town on your Skipper without Troy.

Even though Troy’s not coming with you, you should at least tell him where you’re going and ask if he wants you to get anything for him. If he wants paint for his truck, ask him what color he wants.
>>
No. 889598 ID: eaeb2c

A MINUTE OF FIRE, most flamethrowers could last only seconds. Damn, that’s some fuel dapacity.
>>
No. 889600 ID: dbf422

>>889598
Considering the hybrid nature of this thing, it working a bit differently isn't too shocking.

We wanna upgrade the skipper?
>>
No. 889601 ID: 4a02c0

>>889592
A grill's flames are a lot weaker than what's required for a flamethrower. I'll do the math later and post the actual duration.

I thought the front tank was a butane torch. What's fueling the igniter?
>>
No. 889603 ID: 575ec0

>>889592
>No sense in real life, would be too OP.

>Gives us a fucking tricked out, Decent Range, Fireball throwin, Fire spittin for almost a minute out of a tiny, cheap, hard to hit canister?

Yes Pls.

Sure, it looks like it only spits fire five or six meters, but that's more than enough. WW2 Military grade ones that fire feakin napalm could only fire a few times that length. For a janky home job this is fantastic.
>>
No. 889606 ID: 91ee5f

>>889600
>We wanna upgrade the skipper?
Roland already installed the parts last night.
>>
No. 889607 ID: dbf422

>>889606
Cool. I had forgotten and was really just hoping to be reminded.

Maybe we could meet the Tanner then.
>>
No. 889611 ID: 91ee5f

>>889607
I know Ada said we’d get a discount if we brought our own hides to the Tanner, but do we even have enough money to afford it?
>>
No. 889612 ID: 91ee5f

>>889611
Because we’ve only got 53C and I’m worried that even with the discount, we won’t be able to afford paying the Tanner.
>>
No. 889615 ID: 7f3fc1

>>889603
im pretty sure that our dude is some kind of genius with every passing moment.
>>
No. 889653 ID: 8a947d
File 152965476524.png - (150.23KB , 1212x826 , Get Dressed.png )
889653

>Flamethrower
You did well building this thing but you do have a few worries. No doubt finding ammo for this will be hard, and you're worried despite how well it works it's durability might not hold up well in the heat of battle. Still you feel pride for making this work so well.

>Town
You decide even if you want a more laid back day you don't really want to just stay home, there's always things to do in town aside from looking at a job board for demon hunting. You get your coat on and think about what you want to do in Dawnsprings. There are a few things you could do while in town aside from just wasting time. Tanning that displacer beast skin would be good, playing at the bar would be a good source of money and pretty fun to, maybe you could go visit a friend like Ada or see what Ichigo's up to. There's plenty of stuff to do but where do you want to go first?
>>
No. 889654 ID: 094652

>>889653
Make sure Ada isn't plant food.
Lunch.
Another dangerous high-paying job.
>>
No. 889658 ID: b1b4f3

>>889653
Deliver skins to the Tanner, check on Ada and the plant, then play some tunes.
>>
No. 889663 ID: eeb7d9

Ok, do this: First we check on Ada and the plant, then we eat something, might as well invite Ada. Then we go to the tanner, so bring the hides with you. And finaly, asuming averything goes well, we play something with the violin with Vol in a bar or an inn.
Nice and easy.
>>
No. 889664 ID: 91ee5f

>>889658
This sounds about right.

>>889663
>then we eat something, might as well invite Ada.
Roland just barely ate breakfast. It’s too early for lunch.
>>
No. 889667 ID: eeb7d9

>>889664
Alrighty then, skip the luch part.
>>
No. 889672 ID: 8a947d
File 152967863356.png - (295.25KB , 1212x826 , Ada 1.png )
889672

You decide to check on Ada first, You want to see how the plant is doing. You ride your newly upgraded Skipper to Dawnsprings, the trip is much faster and smoother thanks to the modifications. You arrive at the Lila Palast to find Ada hanging from the ceiling of the shop as she does normally.

ADA: Guten morgen Roland! How are you today?
YOU: Oh I'm good. I think I'm doing a bit of a relax day after almost dying yesterday and I was wondering how that plant was doing.
ADA: Oh yes, zhe plant...it has made some progress, some very interesting progress...

Ada drops from her web and moves to the back of her shop...
>>
No. 889673 ID: 8a947d
File 152967866162.png - (247.93KB , 1212x826 , Plant.png )
889673

She shows you the plant which has grown MUCH larger than before. The most important thing you've noticed is that the plant is much too big to be contained by the glass container, that and the new eye on the base of the tree that looks at you when you see it.

ADA: It grew much bigger and broke from it's case. Afterwards it vas looking for soil to root in so I got it a pot. it is starting to grow fruit zhough, lots of nice peaches. After some study I had not been able to identify anyzhing odd about the peaches but zhere is somezhink strange about zhem, for example: if zhey are separated from a branch for over half an hour they rot at a fast past, but if eaten before that zhere is no ill effect.
YOU: Did you eat the peaches ?
ADA: ...They vere really good looking peaches in my defense. Also it dripped more sap, speaking of which did you find anyzhing important about zhe sap I gave you before?
>>
No. 889675 ID: 91ee5f

>>889673
“Ok, I am getting very worried about your safety!”

>Ada ate the peaches from the strange plant.
“That also fills me with worry!”

>Also it dripped more sap, speaking of which did you find anyzhing important about zhe sap I gave you before?
“No, I haven’t. I’m not an expert on plants and I don’t know anyone that would know anything.”

“I mean, maybe Doctor Mordecai would know something about plants, since I did a job for him involving getting him a living Mandrake yesterday. Do you think we should go get him and have him look at this thing?”

Can we ask Vol if he’s possibly seen a demon like this in the Aether?
>>
No. 889676 ID: 575ec0

Not yet-
Oh yeah we bought a microscope.
We should check that out today. Or have the guy studying the mandrake look at it.
Or see if it can be bound.
>>
No. 889677 ID: eeb7d9

>Can we ask Vol if he’s possibly seen a demon like this in the Aether?
Is this thing even demonic in nature?
I mean, it most probably is, but it might be a totally different thing altogether, something new and undiscovered.
Are there more types of creatures besides animals and demons?
If there are angels, maybe there are other things as well?
We shlould probably look for a library.
>>
No. 889679 ID: 91ee5f

>>889675
Now that I think about it, we don’t have any jobs to do today, so after we take the Displacer Beast hides to the tanner, why don’t we ask Ada if it would be ok for us to stay here and study the plant with her all day, if Doctor Mordecai is too busy to come over?

Sure, Vol will end up getting bored, but hey, at least we’re doing what he asked and not taking a job that would almost get us killed!

.....then again, the best way to find out more about this plant is to go back to the bunker where we found it. We didn’t finish exploring that place, so there might be more info there. And with our new flamethrower, we might be able to clear out the Lacerfly infestation.
>>
No. 889680 ID: 91ee5f

>>889679
And we might find more scrap and/or cool shit to sell!
>>
No. 889685 ID: dbf422

Sorry, Ada, the plan is to have Dr. Mordecai study it in depth, considering his interest in plants and plant demons, but for now we're just waiting for him to get some free time. Dunno how long his study of the mandrake will take but we'll get this sap looked at after that.
>>
No. 889687 ID: 575ec0

I say we go play some Violin with Vol.
>>
No. 889697 ID: 8a947d
File 152970675324.png - (205.13KB , 1212x826 , Ada 2.png )
889697

YOU: I haven't found anything about this sap yet, but maybe Dr Mordecai can find something out about it. So drinking the weird sap was too much but eating the peaches is just fine?
ADA: It seemed like a perfectly normal peach, if anything it vas much tastier zhan any ozher fruit I have eaten before. I feel better zhan I usually do actually!
YOU: I'm extremely worried about this whole thing... Vol does that thing look demonic?
VOL: I mean...kinda? It ain't like anything I seen before but I'm gettin' some demon vibes off a it.
ADA: Zhe plant was found in a testing facility, it's probably zhe result of scientific tests involving demons? I doubt you vill find much on it if zhat is zhe case.

>Dr Mordecai
It's been a day, whether he's done analyzing the Mandrake or not you should still go check to see what progress he's made.

>Library
Ada says that a small library is in town and gives you directions, there aren't a lot of books in it but there might be somethings you can find useful.
>>
No. 889708 ID: b1b4f3

>>889697
Alright first thing's first we ask the doctor to analyze the sap, then go to the library to look up any possible books on weird demon plants.
This situation could go out of control at any point, we need to find out what we're dealing with here.
>>
No. 889711 ID: 91ee5f

>>889708
I agree with all of this.

The only adjustment I’d make is going to the tanner and dropping off the Displacer Beast hide first, otherwise we’ll end up forgetting about it.
>>
No. 889724 ID: eeb7d9

>>889708
And don't forget to ask him for any information he acquired from the mandrake as well, it is a demonic plant after all.
Also, and very important, since Ada consumed something that is from an aparently demonic origin, it would be good to write down whatever simtoms she starts to feel from now on. Everything we can find could be of use.
>>
No. 889733 ID: 094652

I think Ada should get to a medical center right now. If she develops an illness, you need to have it identified as soon as possible. A day in quarantine, just to be safe. Pay for her examination - she gave you four silver buckshot shells for free, after all.

Sell what's left of the displacer beast while you wait.
>>
No. 889742 ID: 74ce92

>>889697

What did you do with the peach seed Ada? Plant it?
>>
No. 889743 ID: d27a80

We should try to eat a peach, then, there's not really a worst-case scenario there.
>>
No. 889744 ID: b1b4f3

>>889743
What if you get addicted to the peaches, and over time they become less than benign?
>>
No. 889759 ID: d27a80

>>889744
They're... They're peaches.
>>
No. 889767 ID: b1b4f3

>>889759
Peaches from a demon-hybrid plant. It could be capable of anything and we should really be treating it more like an SCP.
>>
No. 889768 ID: 91ee5f

>>889759
From a demonic looking plant!

What >>889744 said are very real concerns! Which is why we need to figure this out so that we can determine if the peaches are harmful or not.
>>
No. 889772 ID: d27a80

>>889768
>>889767
Solid points, still, I will go with eating the peach option. I'm really sure that while this plants look like a demon, it still works like a normal plant and will absolutly try to not kill us, look at it! Cute plant, I will call him Herby II.
>>
No. 889780 ID: dbf422

>>889711
Agreed. Letting that skin just hang around seems gross, anyway.
>>
No. 889781 ID: 8a947d
File 152974133529.png - (276.71KB , 1212x826 , Ada 3.png )
889781

YOU: Ada, I really think you need to go to Dr Mordecai in case anything bad happens because of what you ate.
ADA: I understand you are vorried but I assure you nothing odd has happened since then and I doubt anyzhing bad vill happen later. Besides Mordecai only works on humans, he has no idea how a mutant's anatomy works.
YOU: You're sure that you're going to be fine? Nothing odd happened when you ate it?
ADA: ...My cavity stopped hurting after I ate it...but I doubt zhat is anyzhing. I left zhe peach pit in the back I plan to study furzher. Maybe planting it vill grow anozher tree, zhough I'm not sure if I vant zhat or not. Zhere's still a peach left on zhe tree and zhe plant doesn't seem to mind having zhem removed, I assume it can feel since zhe eye moves from time to time.

The peach does seem normal. A small part of you wants a bite, and another part feels like strange fruit from that plant is too much of a risk to put anywhere near your mouth.
>>
No. 889795 ID: ee2d6e

No one remembers a coward. Eat it!
>>
No. 889800 ID: dbf422

>>889781
Her cavity stopped hurting? Do we have any aches we can test this on, because I want to see if those get healed.
>>
No. 889807 ID: 33cbe7

Eat it. Remember the good old days of food meaning stat boosts!
>>
No. 889808 ID: eeb7d9

Wait, don't eat it yet! We could use the fruit for experimentation. I might probably have some effects in injuries or aches. Since we can't examine the fruit because it goes bad really fast we can see what happens if we eat it while injured.
>>
No. 889819 ID: 91ee5f

>>889781
>Besides Mordecai only works on humans, he has no idea how a mutant's anatomy works.
“Wow, that doesnt sound good. I guess that means you’ve gotta be extra careful to avoid getting sick, huh?”

>>889800
>Do we have any aches we can test this on, because I want to see if those get healed.
Roland has a missing eye.

But we also have a Displacer Beast in a Binding Scroll that’s missing one of its paws when we shot it off.

I think it might be safer if we test the peach on the Displacer Beast first before we try eating one ourself. Plus, since some people want to try taming it, healing up that paw would be a good way to start earning its trust! Although, I am a little worried about what we’re gonna feed it if we keep it, since as far as we know, it’s gonna try to eat Vol!

The only questions I have are: Do Binding Scrolls work like Poké Balls? As in, can we put the Displacer Beast back into the same Binding Scroll or do we have to get a different one to recatch it again?
>>
No. 889822 ID: 575ec0

FUCK IT!
Eat The Fruit.
>>
No. 889823 ID: b1b4f3

>>889781
...healing fruit? Maybe the plant is so grateful that we rescued it that it is giving us helpful things. A bit redundant with Vol around though.
>>
No. 889831 ID: 094652

>>889819
This. The fruit may have different effects on humans than on demons, but the intensity of the effect can help us estimate the concentration of catalysts in each gram of peach.
>>
No. 889840 ID: dbf422

>>889823
Well, making Vol use magic every time we want minor healing would drain him, and it's easier to sell a healing peach than our friend's services.
>>
No. 889844 ID: d27a80

EAT, THE, FRUIT.
>>
No. 889850 ID: 8a947d
File 152979882811.png - (237.06KB , 1212x826 , Peach 1.png )
889850

>Roland has a missing eye
Your eye isn't missing, it's just badly damaged and incredibly hard to look out of.

>How a binding scroll works
After being released the binding scroll is burned and rendered unusable.

>Test on Displacer Beast
YOU: Ada is it fine if I let a docile demon out in your shop?
ADA: Zhere is already one standing next to you so sure I guess.

You let the displacer beast out of the scroll, it sits on the floor looking at it's surroundings for a little before sitting down. Ada's a bit shocked but you assure her the demon is safe, you ask for the peach and put it in front of the beast's mouth. It sniffs at it and eats it carefully to avoid biting your hand. From the stump of its leg the you see the red jelly in place of the beast's muscles reforms and the skin grows back over the paw. The displacer beast licks its regrown paw and walks to you doing that thing where cats rub their heads along people's legs to show affection, except since its so big it ends up rubbing against your whole body. It's kinda cute, you don't have anything to put the displacer beast back into but you have a feeling it won't be a threat to anybody as long as you keep it under control.

This proves the peaches look normal but definitely aren't. They probably aren't dangerous though. This raises some questions about the properties of the sap from the tree too.
>>
No. 889853 ID: 166e1c

How are you gonna take your hellhound back now? You have to either work fast on those new scrolls or get someone to take care of this demon. Ask Ada if she like dogs.
>>
No. 889857 ID: ad51b8

alright, I'm guessing after this test that the town doctor will be MUCH more interested in looking at the sap now so maybe we should do that. Also did you bring any of the other displacer beast's skin, the one that you skinned, with you? Could see the tanner in town and see if you can get some ready so you can make another scroll... or at the very least sell what you have to make some spare cash.
>>
No. 889859 ID: d27a80

We should call him a name, maybe Emmett, like that famous circus clown!
>>
No. 889860 ID: 91ee5f

>>889850
>It’s friendly
Alright, I think that if we’re gonna keep this Displacer Beast, we’re gonna have to give it a name, a collar, and some food to eat. And I don’t think dog and/or cat food at the local grocery store is gonna work, so we’d better think of something before it tries to eat Vol!

>This raises some questions about the properties of the sap from the tree too.
Well, you’ve got a dead plant back home, you could try putting a few drops of the sap on it to see what happens.

But what worries me is how fast this thing is growing. Maybe the research paper we found with the plant said not to expose it to air because it won’t stop growing?

>Now what?
Let’s go to the tanner with the Displacer Beast hide.

Hopefully no one in town will mind your new Displacer Beast with you!
>>
No. 889861 ID: b1b4f3

>>889850
Oh my, that's a STRONG healing peach. You could try eating one to heal your eye, or you could save it for if someone else loses a limb. (which, narratively speaking, is inevitable now) I wonder how quickly the plant bears fruit.

The sap is probably like an energy drink or something. Get it analyzed, and avoid giving it to your new guard dog. Also name him Spot.
>>
No. 889866 ID: 8a947d
File 152980664969.png - (197.33KB , 1212x826 , Brei's Tannery 1.png )
889866

>>889853
You can probably get it from the Tanner, even if you can't the thing can still walk and run. You'll just ride slowly so it can follow you.

You head for the tanner with your displacer beast skin. You realize that the displacer beast probably can't go in so you ask Vol to stay outside and watch it. You still haven't decided on a good name for it.
>>
No. 889869 ID: 8a947d
File 152980690319.png - (215.00KB , 1212x826 , Brei's Tannery 2.png )
889869

The shop is pretty small, you assume most of the work is done in the backyard. behind the front counter you see a small woman running the store.

Brie: Hello! Welcome to Brie's Tannery! Is the anything you'd like today?
>>
No. 889871 ID: ad51b8

>You still haven't decided on a good name for it.
Eclipse?

>Hello! Welcome to Brie's Tannery! Is the anything you'd like today?
ask what you can get for you demon parts... and see how much it would take to get the beast skin tanned but that probably goes without saying.
>>
No. 889873 ID: d27a80

Yeah, she's really small! But it's time to do what we came here to do, get the demon skin tanned!

We also can call the displacer beast of... Peaches!
>>
No. 889875 ID: eeb7d9

>>889873
I am rocking that name. It might be too cute for a demon though.
>>
No. 889877 ID: d27a80

>>889875
He's just like a big grumpy cat with tentacles! I think it totally fits with him.
>>
No. 889888 ID: 91ee5f

>>889866
>You still haven't decided on a good name for it.
How about Echo? Because whenever it displaces itself, it’s leaving behind an echo of itself to fool people.

>>889869
Hand over the hide and ask what the price is to get it tanned. And make sure you let her know that it’s from a demon, so she should probably avoid using silver on it.
>>
No. 889908 ID: eaeb2c

Peaches is perfect, we can confuse people by calling for peaches and bam! Displaced beast.
>>
No. 889914 ID: 8a947d
File 152983740659.png - (241.78KB , 1212x826 , Brei's Tannery 3.png )
889914

>Peaches
The perfect name for your little killer!

>Skins
You hand the skins over to Brie and explain how you got them and how you want them turned into parchment.

BRIE: Right! Normally turning skins into parchments would take weeks, luckily I've developed a method that makes it much faster and easier for all of us! Since you brought me the skin I'll give you half off and it'll cost you 40 Cards!

You hand over what you have and Brie heads into the back to work, you hear a lot of odd sounds but sure enough after what was about a few minutes she comes back out carrying an armful of parchment sheets. 4 good sheets of demonic parchment.
>>
No. 889916 ID: 575ec0

Not just any parchment, demonic parchment!

Also, whatever is in that building must be amazing if it can mechanically and chemically process material so quickly.

Ask if she's a chemist, and what else she can do.
>>
No. 889920 ID: 91ee5f

>>889914
“Damn, you weren’t kidding! That was fast!”

Go ahead and pay Brie.

.....now what? Should we stick around and try to earn some money by playing the violin, should we try to buy some more bandages and hope they’re cheap, or should we head home and test that sap on the dead plant we brought home with us?
>>
No. 889921 ID: eeb7d9

That was quick. Well, we can either play the violin and earn some "coin", or we can go and see if the doc. is done with the mandrake.
>>
No. 889927 ID: eaeb2c

Check the doc, he might also be interested in Peaches.
>>
No. 889928 ID: b1b4f3

>>889914
>a few minutes
Ask how she does it. Is it magic?
>>
No. 889961 ID: 8a947d
File 152988520502.png - (183.92KB , 1212x826 , Mordecai 1.png )
889961

You ask how Brie finished it so fast.

BRIE: I have my methods. It's all a secret of course, I can't give away valuable business methods to just anyone. I also have associates that help me sew the leather and furs I get into cloths and light armor if necessary, I'm no good with metal though.

You collect your parchment and leave to go to Mordecai's Clinic to check on his progress with the mandrake.

MORDECAI: Mr. Conroy! I'm glad you're back I've made good progress studying the mandrake's medical properties. I didn't go in depth with it though...that would've involved an autopsy and I... couldn't bring myself to cut the thing open.

You look over and see the Mandrake sitting on the counter in the back of the shop.

MORDECAI: ...His name is Rooty
>>
No. 889965 ID: 28dce7

>>889961
Introduce Peaches. Ask him if he could help study the Ent.
>>
No. 889966 ID: eeb7d9

I... see. Well, then what did you found out?
If you want to we could go and find another one some other time, we could perform the autopsy ourselves, we are getting the hang of it. Also don't worry about having it as a pet, i did tame a displacer beast myself. It's name is Peach, but it wouldn't be prudent to bring it here, it might try to eat Rooty, they seem to like to eat mandrakes.
Say, i have an interesting sap i would like you to analize. It is from a plant i discovered when i was scavenging a vault. Now it has mutated, grew an eye and it seems to give a healing fruite, but i still don't know what the sap does. Care to take a look?
>>
No. 889972 ID: b1b4f3

There was a half-eaten mandrake corpse back at the facility, we could go get that for him...

Anyway yeah ask him to analyze the sap if he could. It's rather important.
>>
No. 889974 ID: d27a80

Oh well, Rooty looks like a good boy, we should pet them! Would be a good ideia to check where Mandrakes fits in our Panic system too, seem's like they're a common prey of Displacer Beasts.

We also should ask him to check about the plant in Ada's shop, what it seem's, it produces peaches that can cure injuries!
>>
No. 889975 ID: d27a80

>>889972
Sorry if I'm being rude, but that half-eaten mandrake was... Completly eaten by Peaches! This is how we did capture him.
>>
No. 889976 ID: dbf422

>>889966
I like the general gist of this.
>>
No. 889977 ID: 91ee5f

>>889961
Tell him about the strange plant that you found and left in Ada’s shop. Explain that you left it with Ada because you didn’t know anyone in town that would know anything about plants. But since he seems to be interested in plants, you thought that maybe he’d want to go to Ada’s shop and look at the plant himself.

Make sure you tell him everything you and Ada have discovered about the plant and let him know about how fast it’s growing.

And when you tell him about the peaches, tell him how when your Displacer Beast ate one, it regret its front paw.

>>889965
>Introduce Peaches
.....speaking of which, what gender is it? .....don’t tell me that we’re gonna have to look between its legs ourselves!
>>
No. 889979 ID: 28dce7

>>889972
Peaches ate that.
>>
No. 889980 ID: d27a80

>>889977
It's a demon so I think they don't even need to breed to exist, so better just call it up peaches and stay like that, forever.
>>
No. 889982 ID: 91ee5f

>>889980
I don’t really care if we find out or not, I’m just asking to see how Roland would react to the thought of checking a demon for its gender and whether or not he’d be willing to actually take a look! XD
>>
No. 889986 ID: 8a947d
File 152989156206.png - (226.42KB , 1212x826 , Mandrake PANIC.png )
889986

>Mandrake PANIC Rating

In a lot of area's Mandrakes are pretty underwhelming, aside from their deadly screech which they don't seem to be able to do on command they aren't much of a threat. You give them a low PANIC score of 1 star. You make note of the medical properties they could have and where they tend to take root.
>>
No. 889987 ID: 8a947d
File 152989207605.png - (250.76KB , 1212x826 , Mordecai 3.png )
889987

>Peaches Gender
You're pretty sure Peaches is a guy.

YOU: So what have you discovered about mandrakes?
MORDECAI: Well, the leaves on their heads when crushed and boiled in water like tea turn into a soothing agent. Lots of aches and pains of sickness can be aided with this mixture from headaches to burns to rashes! It's not the cure all I was hoping for but painkillers are still important, especially ones that can get rid of pain for so long. Unfortunately there are only so many leaves I can harvest from one Mandrake. Nothing else from their bodies seems to be useful for medicine, but then again I have grown too attached to Rooty to cut him open. I shouldn't have named him the second I got him...

>The Peach Tree
You explain everything you and Ada know about the plant you got from the bunker, the peaches it grew and the effect it had on the paw of the displacer beast you caught. You hand him the vial of sap.

MORDECAI: This is even more interesting!...So you're saying that the peaches off of the tree could possibly regrow human limbs? The sap might possess some of the same qualities, possibly at a weaker effect...
>>
No. 889988 ID: 8a947d
File 152989247068.png - (132.90KB , 1212x826 , Mordecai 4.png )
889988

Mordecai reaches underneath his desk and pulls out a scalpel. He then quickly cuts off the last segment of his left hand pinky finger and sips the sap from the vial. The bleeding from his finger quickly stops but the finger doesn't grow all the way back.

MORDECAI: Still hurts a little, doesn't have the same numbing effects as the mandrake tea but the bleeding did stop.

He drinks a bit more from the vial.

MORDECAI: Drinking more doesn't heal it more either. This is definitely an interesting find Roland, are there any peaches left on the tree still?
>>
No. 889989 ID: 91ee5f

>>889988
>Cut off tip of his pinky
>Drinks sap
>SCIENCE!!!
Well, that’s one way to perform an experiment.

Might as well tell him that the tree produced more sap, if he wants to head over to Ada’s shop to check it out.

>Anymore peaches?
“None left. But with how fast it’s growing, there might be another one in a few minutes or something, I don’t know. The only thing I know about the peaches are that eating them has healing properties. Ada even said that her cavity stopped hurting after she ate it. She said she removed the pit from the one she ate and was considering planting it to see what would happen. Oh, and she also discovered that if the peach has been separated from a branch for over half an hour it rapidly starts to rot.”
>>
No. 889991 ID: 094652

>>889988
DUDE! Calm down!

Someone tells you that they discovered a locally unheard of method of regenerating limbs and you immediately slice off part of your pinky?! Was it itchy or something?! It might be itchy now!

1) You're the first standard human we've tested this on, out of two biological entities to taste this. That's dangerous, and you're the only doctor we know in this town!
2) We don't know the long-term effects of this stuff, you could go mad and then we'd all be @#$%ed!
3) Couldn't you start by cutting yourself instead of an actual mutilation?! Or at least start with your toe / earlobe?!
4) We don't know how long that tree could last. If it dies, you're out a piece of pinky. Or whatever else you decide to slice off.

>Sap instantly heals open wounds
That's useful, though. Sap by its nature is a strong preservative. With enough testing, we could manufacture healing potions and get rich off the process. Might make the area safer as well. But I also expect the sap will require distillation and experimentation to maximize the effect/risk ratio. I'm confident with your... enthusiasm... you would be willing to experiment for months in exchange for a portion of the take. So are we good?
>>
No. 889992 ID: 166e1c

Holy shit dude! I wanted you to find out it was poisonous, not self mutilate and drink it.
You better hope those peaches grow fast, otherwise you will have a short or a long reattached finger. I suppose you could cut the portion from your severed finger that is equivalent to what already regrow...

I want to ask if he knows a way to reproduce mandrakes. I'm scary of what he is gonna do to find out, in case he doesn't, but it's important if we hope to improve the local medical treatment efficiency.
>>
No. 889993 ID: 91ee5f

>>889987
>You're pretty sure Peaches is a guy.
Then why’d you give him such a girly name?!
>>
No. 889994 ID: eeb7d9

Well, it seems that you are not the only crazy bastard in this place that performs careless actions against its own heath. You might actually become friends with the good doctor, become science pals. You two could make a reaserch team!
>>
No. 890001 ID: eaeb2c

>>889993
Cause Peaches m8, you are a tad bit late on the naming of it.
>>
No. 890007 ID: 575ec0

Dude.
Metal.
>>
No. 890008 ID: 91ee5f

>>890001
No I wasn’t. I made a suggestion when asked for a name.
>>
No. 890011 ID: 5fa661

Make a mental note never to go to this guy for medical attention. He'd probably kill you, Vol and somehow Troy with sheer enthusiasm.
>>
No. 890012 ID: d27a80

>>889993
Fight me, I find peaches rather a cute name and fits that he did eat a peach to recover a paw, not the worst name of the world.
>>
No. 890017 ID: b1b4f3

>>889988
Uh, alrighty then. So the sap stops bleeding and heals a little bit, while the peaches heal major wounds. This mystery plant seems quite benign. Maybe the researchers just panicked when it started walking around on its own?

There were no other peaches remaining on the tree but I'm sure it will grow more. Tell him you'll bring him one tomorrow, and you'll tell Ada to take good care of it and store any sap it makes... we can sell the sap to the town as minor healing potions!
>>
No. 890022 ID: 91ee5f

>>890012
>fits that he did eat a peach to recover a paw
Yeah, that’s my problem with the name.

We named him after a thing he ate one time. It’d make more sense if the only thing he ever ate was peaches.
>>
No. 890027 ID: 5fa661

>>890022

He ate a peach and his paw regrew.

His paw is made of peach.

HE IS PART PEACH NOW.
>>
No. 890045 ID: 8a947d
File 152991988419.png - (130.06KB , 1212x826 , Mordecai 2.png )
890045

>>889993
On what planet is Peaches not the name of a cold blooded killing demon?

YOU: That was an insanely dangerous and unnecessary way of testing the effects of that but I'll be damned if a small part of myself isn't impressed. Anyway, Will you be able to go over to Ada's and analyse that tree?
MORDECAI: Of Course!...Well after the work days over, I can't close my clinic in the middle of the day. If you want more help there might be some books at the library that you'd find useful. I need to stress "MIGHT" though, a lot of them are simply story books. Y'know since you brought me this I wonder...

Mordecai rushes to the back of his clinic. He doesn't come back out for a while, you almost get ready to leave until you hear him rushing back.

MORDECAI: This is incredible! I mixed the peach sap with the mandrake medicine and drank it and my pinky finger grew back almost instantly! I'm not sure how well it'll work on illnesses but this is still a great discovery!
YOU: You're just all about this self experimentation aren't you?
MORDECAI: If it means more medical breakthroughs like this than sure! Here, take the rest of this vial. Someone in your line of work must get wounded in the field pretty often.

You take the vial and thank Mordecai for his enthusiasm taking your leave. Mordecai will be heading to Ada's to look at the tree more later today, for now you don't have much else to do. Mordecai mentioned books in the Library, and you can still play at the Bar if you want a little more money.
>>
No. 890046 ID: 094652

>>890045
Okay, now that's just silly. We happened to find two plants in two different areas in the span of two days that combine to make long-lasting regeneration potions?

You're ready to take on the tougher jobs. Find one immediately, all these investments are going to eat into your assets.
>>
No. 890050 ID: ad51b8

let's play at the bar, Vol wanted a lazy day so I get the feeling that he'd enjoy just playing a few songs with you and the extra money wouldn't hurt much either.
>>
No. 890056 ID: 575ec0

I would like to go to the bar and the library. If the library will close soon then that first. If we still got all day then sure, bar first.
>>
No. 890058 ID: eeb7d9

We could ask for a book from the library to read later, and go play the violin now. We are not in a hurry, with how fast we are discovering data about demons and new medicines based on demonic plants, you can take a day off and do something quiet.

>>890046
Wait, didn't we found the mandrakore and the other plant in the same vault?
Maybe the people that where there before were investigating these very same things that we discovered today, new types of medicines to regrow lost limbs. Now that would make a lot of sence.
>>
No. 890061 ID: 91ee5f

>>890045
>On what planet is Peaches not the name of a cold blooded killing demon?
The Aether?

>This is incredible! I mixed the peach sap with the mandrake medicine and drank it and my pinky finger grew back almost instantly! I'm not sure how well it'll work on illnesses but this is still a great discovery!
>Here, take the rest of this vial. Someone in your line of work must get wounded in the field pretty often.
Wow, he gave you something that rapidly heals injuries for free!

Well, the first one’s free, next time, if he manages to make any more, you better make sure you’ve got the money to be able to pay for it!

>Library or Bar?
Vol wanted to relax today, so going to the Bar to play some music sounds like the right choice. Besides, you need the money or else you can’t buy anymore bandages to cover yourself!

.....although, if you happen to run into Ichigo, you could ask him if it would be alright for you and Vol to play some music to go with his stories. After all, a good story needs some background music to set the mood!

>>890058
>Wait, didn't we found the mandrakore and the other plant in the same vault?
Nope.

The rapidly growing plant in Ada’s shop was found in a bunker that was infested with Lacerflies.

The Mandrake was found up in a mountain bunker, where we met Troy and we caught Peaches.
>>
No. 890066 ID: eeb7d9

>>890061
They could still be connected somehow, or it is a really big silly coincidence, like kome stated.
>>
No. 890069 ID: d27a80

Let's go to the bar and get smashed!
>>
No. 890070 ID: b1b4f3

>>890045
Bar!
>>
No. 890095 ID: d3602f

>>890045
Bar, we're running awfully low on money.
>>
No. 890098 ID: 8a947d
File 152996993131.png - (474.39KB , 1212x826 , Lucky Lucc's Bar.png )
890098

>We happened to find two plants in two different areas in the span of two days that combine to make long-lasting regeneration potions?
It is a funny coincidence, you could've easily taken either of the other jobs and not have found the mandrakes at all. You wonder what you would've found on the other jobs. This is good motivation to keep doing what you're doing since with the help of Ada and Dr Mordecai you found something pretty life changing!

>The Bar
You wander over to Lucky Lucc's Bar. You have Peaches wait under the shade until you are done, you trust it not to get into any trouble...
>>
No. 890099 ID: 8a947d
File 152997033955.png - (224.26KB , 1212x826 , Luucc's Bar 1.png )
890099

Inside it looks like business is doing pretty well. The place isn't packed but it's decent. You walk up to the front bar to speak to who you assume to be Lucc.

LUCC: Hey man what do ya want to drink today?

You're not really a fan of alcohol, plus you're not really here to drink. You notice that the bar lacks any sort of music, unfortunate for patrons who want something to listen to other than silence but lucky for you.
>>
No. 890100 ID: 094652

"Wine made from stuffing apple pie into a barrel."

Speaking of which, try making a mini-bottle of wine from the next peach. See if the advanced rotting effect also includes fermentation.

And now that we're done joking, find a job.
>>
No. 890102 ID: eeb7d9

Well, you could order something light and ask permission to play a few songs with Vol for some carts.
>>
No. 890105 ID: ad51b8

ask if you could maybe play here from time from time. Could help bring in a few more customers or at a bare minimum give his regulars something to enjoy giving them more reason to come back or stick around longer.
>>
No. 890112 ID: 91ee5f

>>890099
Ask him if he’ll allow you and Vol to play some music here?

You’ll have to negotiate with him how the Cards will be split between him, because it’s his bar, and you, as payment for your performance and drawing in customers.
>>
No. 890114 ID: d3602f

>>890112
I don't think we have to negotiate a price. Music attracts customers, and will likely keep them drinking here longer. We're going to get money from tips while we're here too, so it isn't like we're taking anything from the owner. He profits, we profit.
>>
No. 890115 ID: 575ec0

I notice it's real quiet in here.
Well we got fiddles and we know how to play.

Don't make us busk now.
>>
No. 890118 ID: 8a947d
File 152998515148.png - (180.38KB , 1212x826 , Lucc's Bar 2.png )
890118

YOU: I noticed there's no music in here.
LUCC: Oh yeah, my damn jukebox broke last week and it had to send it to get fixed. Since then this place has been pretty silent. It ain't great since this was the one place there'd could constantly have records spinning and people could listen to music that isn't spoons or mouth harps.
YOU: Y'know me and my pal here are pretty good at playing fiddle. I was wondering if you wanted some help with the music problem?
LUCC: Well...If you can go and play those fiddles like you know what you're doing then sure I'll pay ya, and any tips ya get you can keep. Course, that's only if you can play at all, last time someone said they could play guitar it was quite frankly some of the worst noise I've heard in years.

You have the okay to play, but what music are you going to play?
>>
No. 890123 ID: d3602f

>>890118
I'm thinking something a bit energetic and lively, something that you might like to dance to. I've always been a fan of Celtic music.

I'm not really picky though.
>>
No. 890124 ID: d27a80

https://youtu.be/NytIbo_MLD8

I don't even know if we can do that song but what isn't better to represent our eternal hatred of lacerflies? Energetic and experimental is always good!
>>
No. 890126 ID: eeb7d9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9uk9IcoQ0w
This was the only thing i found that has fiddles and can be played by two people. Hell you could make it a duel, like in the song.
Chose who you want to be boys!
>>
No. 890128 ID: 91ee5f

>>890118
How about literally anything from the Fairy Tail anime? Because almost all of the music that plays has a violin in it.
>>
No. 890129 ID: 9c2f50

Guys. GUYS, c’mon. Was there ever any other choice? Their first real jam session???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt4cAW9z4Qc
>>
No. 890135 ID: 91ee5f

>>890128
And you should ask if there’s a stage you can perform on? Or at least ask him where you can perform so that you’re not in anybody’s way.
>>
No. 890136 ID: 094652

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XTvUeesQE0&list=PLxAMwvyxAlQEXSy9bJHE-O9ZG1iPbN1Dx&index=4

Only problem is you don't have a guitar, but just do the first half for now.
>>
No. 890239 ID: 8a947d
File 153008137638.png - (317.02KB , 1212x826 , Violin 1.png )
890239

>>890129
You and Vol tune your violins and move over to the side of the counter. Vol puts a can down for donations and without introduction or any real foreword. You think something with high energy would be best for the silent bar. You're honestly a bit nervous playing in front of people no matter how small the crowd is but playing with Vol helps you get it done. The fast pace of the song makes it easier too, you notice the people in the bar certainly enjoy it as well. A few more patrons enter the bar, a man and a woman, you doubt it was because of your music but it's definitely good timing. When they come up and order the man drops a few cards into the can at your feet.
The time passes pretty quickly while you're playing, you take a small break to get a bowl of water out to Peaches who's still waiting in the shade of the parking area near the bar. Luckily he hasn't gotten himself into any trouble, though from the look of the feathers around his mouth and the bird corpses on the ground around him he caught himself some lunch to eat. You go back inside and continue to play for the crowd, which's gotten to a decent size now. After a while you and Vol begin to switch in and out of other songs songs such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XTvUeesQE0&list=PLxAMwvyxAlQEXSy9bJHE-O9ZG1iPbN1Dx&index=4 and https://youtu.be/NytIbo_MLD8 . Until final you bring the performance to a close and finish off for the day. You get a bit of applause and a few whistles for your playing, Lucc's Bar is a bit less empty and now the silence from before is drowned about by chatter and people talking among one another.
>>
No. 890240 ID: 8a947d
File 153008221261.png - (193.91KB , 1212x826 , Violin 2.png )
890240

Vol picks up the can of cards and you speak with Lucc about payment.

LUCC: I gotta admit, that was a lot better than I expected. I ain't never heard violin like that before! and from the look of it the mood in here's increased a bit. I think they like the live performance more than jukebox actually. If you'd like to play here again I'd be glad to have ya!

Lucc hands you a small stack of cards. Including the donations you gain 52 Cards bringing you to 105 Cards.

VOL: Glad we got to do dis! We got money and played some good music! Now wat're we doin'?
>>
No. 890250 ID: 2a13fa

Guess all we have left to do now is find another job that needs doin'.
>>
No. 890251 ID: eeb7d9

Why don't we ask Vol if he has an idea of what to do next?
He was the one who told us to relax today an so far looks like it has been a great idea. We even got some profit out of it.
What time is it?
>>
No. 890252 ID: ad51b8

Well since we're taking the day off to relax I guess head home... maybe pick up some supplies if we're low on anything back and probably need to pick up more food anyways now just so peaches doesn't get to hungry. Hell maybe when you get back home and after you use the tanned hides to make more binding scrolls you can ask Vol more about imps and try and figure out what their panic score would be.
>>
No. 890260 ID: 91ee5f

>>890240
>Glad we got to do dis! We got money and played some good music! Now wat're we doin'?
Let’s go buy some bandages so that Roland can keep himself covered.

After that, I guess we can go home for the rest of the day.
>>
No. 890282 ID: 8a947d
File 153013221879.png - (130.74KB , 1212x826 , What Do.png )
890282

>Why don't we ask Vol if he has an idea of what to do next?
VOL: I thought ya wanted to go to dat library to look for plant books? Actually I think I'd like a book to read too.

>Buy food and bandages
You hop around to a general store and a butchers for some bandages and meat for Peaches, it costs you 45 Cards in all leaving you at 60C.

>Ask Vol more about imps
You're surprised you didn't do that sooner. You can talk to him about while you're walking around.
VOL: What do I know about Imps? Well dat depends what d'ya wanna know?
>>
No. 890283 ID: eaeb2c

GENERAL LIFE IN GENERAL
>>
No. 890284 ID: d27a80

Let's go to the library then!

Also ask if there's another smart demon like imps or if imps had societies, or better, if Vol ever meet a imp after the time he was with big ol' demon hunter dad.
>>
No. 890288 ID: d3602f

>>890284
Do Imps have families? Parents, siblings, etc.
>>
No. 890300 ID: 91ee5f

>>890282
Ask if Imps are the only demons that can cross over from the Aether through the portals created by humans forming close relationships with objects?

Are all Imps capable of speaking intelligently like him?

Do all Imps have the same size and/or shape as him?
>>
No. 890309 ID: eeb7d9

Ok got to the library. On your way there ask Vol about anything that might be useful for the PANIC chart.
>>
No. 890311 ID: ad51b8

ask about imps that he knew in the past and what they were like and what their skills were. Example, Vol is cautious and is skilled at playing the violin and can make a pretty strong barrier and can heal people.
>>
No. 890314 ID: 8a947d
File 153015357449.png - (88.72KB , 1212x826 , Imps!.png )
890314

>General Life?
VOL: Imp's mostly live in little groups. Anywhere from 4 to around 20, possibly more than dat. Our group stayed small though, dere was only 4 of us. Stayin' in one place fer too long was pretty dangerous for imps since bigger demons could come and get us. Some imps did make little cities but only because there were so many of them that could manage to do it. Our little four man group couldn't but we were happy just wandering.

>Other intelligent demons?
VOL: Oh there are plenty of smart demons: Goblins, Gnomes, High Demons. Dem High demons are jackasses, I'm probably smarter than most a dem freaks, but I only got one eye so they think I ain't worth shit. I do not miss 'em.

>Family
VOL: Nah...Well I probably did but I don't remember 'em. Demons are more well off as babies than humans, at least imps are. My mom or pop might have dropped me off, or they coulda died and I didn't know?

>Imps are the only demons that can cross over from the Aether through the portals created by humans forming close relationships with objects?
VOL: Plenty a demons can do dat, like I said it's not common but possible.

>Are all Imps capable of speaking?
VOL: Yeah, Imps and other demons too. Imps do this thing were if they hear somebody talkin' for long enough they just pick up the language. I couldn't speak English til I met Marshall and I couldn't read til I looked at some books for about a month.

>Other Imps, what were they like? Abilities?
VOL: The other's were pretty cautious too. It's risky not to be when it's easy for ya to die. None a' them knew magic and I knew VERY little until I came here. Imps ain't born knowin' magic y'know? Kinda like how Mandrakes have their screech and Displacer Beasts displace themselves, Imps can do dis thing where we turn our blood into solid materials. I can turn my blood into pretty durable objects whenever I want to...I just don't like to do it.
>>
No. 890316 ID: 094652

Ask Vol if he wants to make tiny blood lockpicks and other lightweight materials. You know, just to save a few cards on fine tools. If he doesn't want to then whatever.

Next mission is to look for a lead on the person who created that tree. If it requires special treatment to survive and reproduce, you need to know.
>>
No. 890317 ID: eeb7d9

Well, since we talked about your friends, why don't you tell me about them in detail?
If you don't mind of course.
>>
No. 890319 ID: d3602f

>>890314
>I only got one eye so they think I ain't worth shit
Do demons have some sort of hierarchy based on number of eyes or something?

>I knew VERY little (magic) until I came here
Wait, you didn't know a lot of magic in the aether? How did you learn demonic magic here?

>Solid objects out of blood
You can make solid objects from your blood?... Wait, that violin of yours looks pretty abnormal. If you dislike doing it, couldn't dad just buy you a violin instead of you bleeding one?
>>
No. 890325 ID: 91ee5f

>>890314
>Our group stayed small though, dere was only 4 of us.
Do you miss your friends? Could you not bring them with you when you came through dad’s violin? If your friends managed to leave the Aether, do you think we’ll run into them some day?

>I only got one eye so they think I ain't worth shit.
Well that’s stupid! .....wait, do all Imps only have one eye?

>I couldn't speak English til I met Marshall and I couldn't read til I looked at some books for about a month.
So, did you not have a name before you met my dad? And what language did you know, if it wasn’t English?

>Imps can do dis thing where we turn our blood into solid materials. I can turn my blood into pretty durable objects whenever I want to...I just don't like to do it.
But isn’t your violin made out of your blood? If you don’t like doing that with your blood, then does that mean that you don’t like playing the violin?
>>
No. 890327 ID: 623c7e

Ask him for some stories about things he saw before coming here
>>
No. 890335 ID: dbf422

Little late to this but it's not that surprising that the mandrake leaves and demon plant sap work well together. It's an experiment, right? Almost certainly some attempt to make demon medicine more viable.

Anyway, I'm guessing that it's not easy to find decent, or even working, violins.
>>
No. 890337 ID: 8a947d
File 153016068769.png - (243.01KB , 1212x826 , Hollow Garden 1.png )
890337

>Do demons have some sort of hierarchy based on number of eyes or something?
VOL: Yeah, all of the high demons have lots a' eyes. It doesn't make any real sense though; You haven't seen a Goblin before, but they got no eyes at all not even the sorta "fake" eyes that displacer beasts or mandrakes have. Some imps hold that over 'em but I never really cared.

>Isn’t your violin made out of your blood? If you don’t like doing that with your blood, then does that mean that you don’t like playing the violin?
VOL: If I didn't like playing violin I wouldn't do it Rol. It's not like there's any big reason I don't like to do it, I'm just a little...squeamish is all. If I wanna make anything big enough I have to make a bigger cut and draw more blood, and I normally faint when I do that. But playin' violin's still fun for me!

>So, did you not have a name before you met my dad? And what language did you know, if it wasn’t English?
VOL: Nah my name was always Vol, and I spoke Demonic. That's probably not what i's called but that's what I called it.

>Wait, you didn't know a lot of magic in the aether? How did you learn demonic magic here?
VOL: When I was still in the Aether I still knew how to make barriers and heal, but it was so it weak it wasn't as good as it is now. I could barely heal a small cut and a barrier began to break after a few rocks were thrown at it. When your pops taught me how ta play violin, my magic naturally increased through da use of a violin. I can't say I know exactly how it works but it works.

>Stories about things he saw before coming here
VOL: I got swallowed whole once. I was out swimmin' in a lake and this big ass demon, don't know da name of da thing, came and drank out of it and swallowed me. I was scared as hell and almost drowned, but I managed ta grab hold in it's throat and it coughed me up a ways a way. It was a trek to get back to my group, but after da initial shock they were laughin' their asses off...good times.

You arrive at the library, Peaches seems to understand what to do by now and sits down by front of the building expecting you to go in.
>>
No. 890338 ID: 8a947d
File 153016105614.png - (217.12KB , 1212x826 , Hollow Garden 2.png )
890338

As you enter a bell above the door alerts the owner to your entrance. You hear her voice from the back.

???: Hello! I'll be out in a minute just...enjoy the books while you wait!

There's nobody else in the library, to the right there are some shelves but only about two of them are full of books and the rest don't seem to be that full. There's a little area to sit read if you want to. A lot of the books are a bit tattered, but plenty are legible.
>>
No. 890339 ID: b1b4f3

>>890338
Look around for any books on demons. Hopefully any you find will either have useful but not rendundant information, or involve demon-type stuff you don't get to encounter in person.
Lacking that, look for any books on fruit trees or esoteric flora.
>>
No. 890341 ID: d3602f

>>890338
Any books on magic? Demonic, Angelic, and anything in between
>>
No. 890343 ID: 91ee5f

>>890337
>I'm just a little...squeamish is all.
“Yeah, I noticed that yesterday.”

>>890338
Well, I guess start looking for anything to do with demonic plants or something.

If Vol finds a book he wants, ask him if he needs help reaching the high shelves. And even with your scrawny, almost no muscles physique, you should be able to easily pick Vol up and hold him over your head so he can reach the high shelves. If you can’t do that, then you really need to start working out more! XD
>>
No. 890346 ID: dbf422

>>890335
Huh, bad timing on this, haha.

Oh well, books on magic and anything demonic. Fiction is just as much of a priority, since there's every chance the fiction has a nugget of truth.
>>
No. 890348 ID: 87bee0

>>890338
Look at the book on the table.
>>
No. 890352 ID: 5fa661

Ask Vol how he feels about needles. A syringe might be a better way of drawing blood, and if it doesn't go bad too fast maybe he can use prepared vials to make whatever the situation calls for.
>>
No. 890353 ID: 094652

Read up on horticulture. Taking care of walking plants is not common sense, you will need professional advice on the matter.

Read survival books, of course.

And for light reading, do some research on pre-apocalypse cities and maps. Most of these have been looted, but the real deal is all the secret bases and hideouts that are only implied. Some of these would need centuries of unbroken analysis to develop a full picture of the treasure map - and you have Vol.
>>
No. 890357 ID: 8a947d
File 153017250042.png - (158.72KB , 1212x826 , Books.png )
890357

>Books on magic
You find nothing solely on the topic of magic, demonic or otherwise. Like wise you find nothing on the analysis of demons or angels.

>Plants
You do find a pretty tattered book on the care of plants. Lots of it is still legible.

>Other
You find no books on survival, general survival is an important topic so you doubt a book like that would still be in stock. There aren't any books on old world cities either. A lot of the books here are fictitious or from the look of it self written.

>Look at the book on the table.
It's a fictitious novel about a man that turns his house into a boat and survives a flood that takes out one of the few safe havens in a flooded world, it looks like an interesting read so you decide to take it with you.

Vol grabs an odd book that looks like more pictures than words. The front shows a cartoon child doing an odd pose, the title reads Cool Shock BT.
>>
No. 890359 ID: 8a947d
File 153017299545.png - (220.72KB , 1212x826 , Hollow Garden 3.png )
890359

You walk to the front counter as the librarian comes out from the back, she had to crouch down as she walked through the door. You're a bit, surprised by how large she is.

HAZEL: Oh! You aren't regulars. My name's Hazel, Welcome to Hollow Garden! What are you renting today?
>>
No. 890362 ID: 094652

Vol: "I'm renting you-"
*Roland SMACK*
Vol: "-r graphic novel. Where did you get this from? Yourepretty"
>>
No. 890366 ID: eaeb2c

Get the plant book, it might get us some insight on what to excpect from the peach tree(?).
>>
No. 890368 ID: d3602f

>>890359
...I kind of want us to get with her eventually, but at the same time I feel like that would be betraying Ada. But it isn't like we know her that well in this setting, so it shouldn't be that bad. I'm so conflicted right now.

Show her the books we want to rent, and ask her if she may be able to track down specific books for us. Also ask if she has any advice for writing our own, we'll need our book to look good and official when it's done to help captivate our readers.
>>
No. 890377 ID: 33cbe7

>>890368
A fresh start, a fresh waifu.
"I'm looking for a book on dog tricks." Let's train Peaches to fetch, roll over and play chess.
>>
No. 890390 ID: ad51b8

>>890359
ask were each section of book can be found. I mean you found a lot of fiction but maybe you just weren't looking in the right spot.

>>890362
ok this got me to laugh.
>>
No. 890394 ID: eeb7d9

>>890362

Yee

>>890359

Fffffuck she is cute! Damn it Heretic!
>>
No. 890397 ID: 575ec0

>>890377
Got anything on tiger training?
>>
No. 890399 ID: 91ee5f

>>890359
>What are you renting today?
The plant book and whatever Vol picked up.

>Everyone saying Hazel is cute.
Yeah, I understand what everyone is talking about.

However, if you guys don’t mind, I’m gonna stay on team Ada.

>>890362
I’ll be surprised if Vol actually does say that! XD
>>
No. 890405 ID: 575ec0

You know, I just realized that Hazel is like 7 feet tall.

Still cute tho.
>>
No. 890408 ID: ee2d6e

Dog taming manual
>>
No. 890409 ID: d3602f

>>890405
I think that's a BIG part of her appeal.
>>
No. 890413 ID: 09d241

Nice lizard pajamas.

Ask for a fairy tales book, might be a good reading for kids, Vol and tales to make peaches sleep, our giant demoniac puppy cat.
>>
No. 890416 ID: dbf422

We're definitely going to be regulars from now on. Yeah.

Oh and yeah, these books. And a request. To hold on to books about general survival tips for us when those come back in stock.
>>
No. 890418 ID: eeb7d9

>>890409
This guy gets it.
Tall chicks are hot.
>>
No. 890446 ID: 8a947d
File 153024048458.png - (64.73KB , 803x764 , Vol.png )
890446

>>890362
VOL: Ehhh. I had a thing wit a gal five times my size before. I won't get inta details, but I think it's safe to say I like my gals a bit more ME sized. Them horns are pretty cute though not gonna lie.
>>
No. 890448 ID: 8a947d
File 153024236181.png - (170.02KB , 1212x826 , Hazel 1.png )
890448

>Training Books
You ask Hazel if she has any books on training animals. You're not sure if a displacer beast is necessarily canine or feline, so you ask for a book on animals in general. Hazel points you to a ratty Animal Training 101 book on one of the shelves further back in the store. You take that along with the rest of the books you have.

HAZEL: I'm glad to see some different faces taking some books out. Not many people care about books, or even know how to read. These are some really good choices; All together this'll cost you 30C, but if you return these books within 2 weeks I'll give you 15C back.

You pay Hazel the 30 cards leaving you at 30 cards remaining.

>Track down specific books for us.
HAZEL: A lot of the books I scavenge out of random areas or buy off of others. There's no way I would be able to find the specific book you wanted. I do have other books in better condition, but I do not wish to put them up for sale to anyone...Actually, are you a demon hunter?
YOU: Demonologist, but it's sorta the same thing.
HAZEL: Oh, but you still go out looking for demons right?
YOU: Yeah from time to time if I want to study them. Why?
HAZEL: Well, I just feel like someone like you might come across some books while you're out doing your studying. D'you think if you found any, even if their in poor quality you could bring them back here? I could let you look at some of the better quality from my personal stash.
>>
No. 890451 ID: 09d241

>>890446
Such raw reaction shouldn't be explaned further.
>>890448
We have pop's diary and our book that she can see, but both are extremaly lacking, still, something is better than nothing.

Might ask for tips with writing and saying that you can sell a few books while you scavange for her.
>>
No. 890452 ID: 91ee5f

>>890446
You can’t say shit like that and not expect us to ask for more details! I demand details, you tease! D-:<

>>890448
>if you return these books within 2 weeks I'll give you 15C back.
That sounds like a good deal!

>D'you think if you found any, even if their in poor quality you could bring them back here? I could let you look at some of the better quality from my personal stash.
That also sounds like a good deal!

Reach your hand out for a handshake and say, “You’ve got yourself a deal!”

And with that done, I think we’re officially done doing things in town, so let’s head home!
>>
No. 890453 ID: eeb7d9

>>890446
Vol, you devil you!

>>890448
It's a deal. We'll see to find some books for you.
If don't mind me asking, ehh, like seriously, i don't want to sound rude, but, what exactly are you?
>>
No. 890457 ID: d3602f

>>890446
Just one question: Was it a another demon?

>>890448
That seems like a good deal, we'll see what we can do.

And again, ask her if she can give advice for writing a book.
>>
No. 890459 ID: 623c7e

Sure, we can bring back any books we find. Also her if she has any ricks for writing a book as well. Like with your demon book do you think once you fill it up if you should simply put the book from most dangerous to safest, should we make multiple sections for different types of demons and if so what would she think be the best way to categorize them.
>>
No. 890462 ID: 094652

Can we buy the books by forfeiting our 15C deposit or do we have to eventually return them if we want to rent more books?

Also, if we deposit new books can you put a special sticker on them so we can re-read them in the library at no extra cost? We'd return them faster if we're not forced to speed-read right before we deposit.
>>
No. 890468 ID: 8a947d
File 153025191967.png - (162.46KB , 1212x826 , Hazel 2.png )
890468

>>890462
HAZEL: You can keep the books if you give up the extra 15 Cards, certain books I will not be happy about if you keep but I'm not attached to any of those. I'll make sure you'll be allowed to read the books you turn in here at the library if you wish. They would be books you found after all, wouldn't be fair to make you pay to read them.

>Tips on writing
You show Hazel the journal you're working on and ask if she knows any tips about writing. You explain why you study demons and your plans for the journal.
HAZEL: I only have experience writing fiction books, from the sound of it you shouldn't worry on organization yet. The more important thing you should worry about is the collection of information on different demons as safely as possible. Just get what you can and after you've gotten enough re-work it and make a final draft of it all, this journal is more of a rough draft especially since there's still stuff about these demons you don't know. Bird watching journals will normally record conditions such as locations and weather, maybe doing the same for your journal would be a good idea too.

>What is She?
She seems like a mutant like Ada.
>>
No. 890469 ID: dbf422

>>890468
I mean, she has to make money too, I guess. Still, unless we absolutely need to keep a book, let's make sure to turn them in. Early, if possible.

And there's some good advice there. Making sure to note where we found these demons and their situations would be important. That way we can keep track of whether, say, displacer beasts tend to live in mountains, or if they're migratory, etc.
>>
No. 890470 ID: 91ee5f

>>890468
>record conditions such as locations and weather, maybe doing the same for your journal would be a good idea too.
Solid advice.

Go ahead and jot down those things for the demons you’ve already gotten in your journal.

And like she said, this journal is one giant rough draft. So if you find any new info that contradicts the old info, do some more studying to determine if the new info is reliable or not, and replace the old info if the new info proves to be more reliable.

>She seems like a mutant like Ada.
But what kind of mutant is she?

You know Ada is a Spider Mutant, so what kind of mutant is Hazel?
>>
No. 890477 ID: dbf422

>>890470
That's racist and objectifying. She's big and that's enough. That's everything.
>>
No. 890483 ID: ee2d6e

No no. "Dog" "Taming" manual.
>>
No. 890484 ID: 91ee5f

>>890477
No, this: >>890483 , is racist and objectifying.
>>
No. 890490 ID: 09d241

Ask for a few scavanging locations she know or any demon that she did meet while scavanging for books, it's always good for know better our world and places that we can go.
>>
No. 890508 ID: dbf422

>>890484
Well I was making a joke, I didn't think we'd actually get a real example. I should've known better.
>>
No. 890514 ID: d3602f

>>890468
>Conditions
Now that I think about it, we've only found lacer flies in one place: underground. In the vault, and those flies in the mines. It could just be coincidence, but I think it's a good idea to note that down. Maybe they don't like light or heat?

Apparently mandrakes like high altitudes, if what the doctor told us is true. The doctor might also appreciate it if we brought him more for more medicine. I also want to see if mandrakes need to breed sexually. Could be useful to make a farm of them ourselves.
>>
No. 890564 ID: 8a947d
File 153035768555.png - (227.80KB , 1212x826 , Questions.png )
890564

>>890514
You'd think Lacerflies being underground once would be a coincidence, but twice might be more of a pattern. You write down the information on the demons just in case.

>But what kind of mutant is she?
You've got no idea, you don't think all mutants fall into perfect categories of certain animals or bugs. Some mutants are just...mutants. You don't think it'd be polite to ask.

>>890490
HAZEL: Any demons I've seen I've done my best to avoid. I always see one or two but it's always from a distance and I never stay to look, Sorry.

You thank Hazel for her business and leave the library. You toss Peaches a slice of meat as you walk to the exit of town. On your way you hear a voice call out to your direction from behind you.

???: U-Um! Excuse me!

You turn around to face a young woman, possibly around the same age as you. She looks back and forward between Vol and Peaches.

???: I heard about somebody walking around with a big demon but I wasn't sure if it was true! D-do both of them belong to you?
>>
No. 890565 ID: ad51b8

>D-do both of them belong to you?
well they don't really belong to me. I'm just stumbled across peaches (gesture to peaches) and after that managed to calm him down and vol has been a family friend for a long time and has lived with us almost as long. Why do you ask?
>>
No. 890566 ID: 830fb7

>>890564
Vol is family (might a well be your brother after all you probably grew up with him around) and peaches might as well be your pet at this point after being tamed by the scroll (and becoming like a pet dog). Someone saying that you 'own' Vol is just insulting (and wrong) because even if he is a demon he is still a sapient being.
>>
No. 890569 ID: ff0134

The imp here is vol, i don’t own him, he’s a friend and the canine looking one with the tentacles is peaches. Anyways is there something you wanted?
>>
No. 890571 ID: 166e1c

Yes to Peaches, no to Vol.
>>
No. 890575 ID: 91ee5f

>>890564
How long has Vol been with your family? Because if he’s been around before you were born, then I think it would be safe to say that he’s practically your older brother. Or if you were born before Vol showed up, then he’s practically your younger brother. Either way, when you introduce him, make sure you let her know that Vol is family and reach over and give Vol a noogie.

But, no, you don’t own both of them, you only own 1 of them, which is Peaches the Displacer Beast.
>>
No. 890576 ID: eeb7d9

Now now ma'am, they don't "belong to me", they are my friends!
This little charming fella is Vol, and the one walking on fours is Peaches. Peaches might be considered a "pet", but Vol is like my brother, so i kindly ask of you to treat him with the respect he deserves.
My names is Ronald, by the way. So now that we are done with the introductions, how could we help you?
>>
No. 890581 ID: 575ec0

She has a mark on her neck.
>>
No. 890586 ID: 699278

>>890581
I mean, it could just be a little scuff but nothing wrong with a quick check yeah?
>>
No. 890588 ID: b1b4f3

>>890564
Well you own the Displacer Beast outside, but Vol here is a friend.
>>
No. 890589 ID: 44b1bb

>>890581
That's a wrinkle in the collar of her coat.
>>
No. 890632 ID: 8a947d
File 153041113208.png - (156.57KB , 1212x826 , Questions 2.png )
890632

YOU: The imp is Vol and the big cat dog thing is a displacer beast named Peaches. I don't own Vol, he's been a close friend of my family for years. Peaches is basically a pet though. My name's Roland.
ULA: Sorry I didn't mean to offend you! M-My name's Ula and I was only curious. You didn't seem like the kind of person to keep Demons with you. Are you a-
YOU: I'm a demonologist. I look for demons to study and record what I find out.
ULA: Wow! Really? Have you been doing it for a long time?
YOU: No, I've been doing it for all of two days.
ULA: b-but you still managed to capture a displacer beast? That's impressive! Anyway...A friend of mine runs this uh...business in Crud City. It might interest s-someone like you! Here.

Ula hands you a red envelope.

ULA: Well, please consider visiting! I h-hope I can get to see you there Roland!
>>
No. 890634 ID: 8a947d
File 153041215311.png - (84.16KB , 1212x826 , Questions 3.png )
890634

Ula runs off. You open the envelope, but it's written in a language you don't understand. You show the letter to Vol.

VOL: It's written in demon language. It says ya invited compete to a "Devil's Duel at Dusk", a match up of skill, speed, and wits pitting demons and their "trainers" against one anotha in a battle of sport. Join fer a heart poundin' experience and a challenge like no other, glorious prizes and rewards fer winnin', or simply to strengthen the bond between your human/demon partner ship.
>>
No. 890638 ID: a5cc6c

you should join. you wanna be the very best right? like no one ever was?
>>
No. 890641 ID: 699278

Welp, if we ever decide to join we need to first get some stronger demons. Or at least ‘more’ demons.
>>
No. 890643 ID: d3602f

>>890634
I wouldn't mind checking it out sometime, so long as it doesn't put anyone in danger. We could use it to check out the capabilities of other demons while we're at it. I think it might be a good idea to go home and work on training Peaches right now, assuming no one has any other ideas for what to do in town.

Since our skipper now has an autopilot, we can read on the way there.
>>
No. 890645 ID: 33cbe7

>>890641
It's perfectly normal to attend these events with only two pok-errrr demons! At least if NPCs are anything to go by.

If it's written in demon, then perhaps they have some demons on their staff. Maybe Vol could get a job in the commentators' booth! So how long do we have til the duel? Datewise I mean, we already know the time of day.
>>
No. 890647 ID: b1b4f3

>>890634
This sounds like an excellent opportunity to gather information. I wonder if Peaches understands you well enough to say if she'd like to participate or not?
>>
No. 890649 ID: 44b1bb

>>890634
It should be interesting to visit sometime, but we're well-off enough for long trips. Let's do some other jobs before we check it out.
>>
No. 890650 ID: ad51b8

>>890634
does that sound legal to you?

Either way it could be a good place to learn more about demons even if you don't fight yourself.
>>
No. 890651 ID: 09d241

Yeah, we're totally shit compared to another demons but I bet we should try! It's like rooster fight but our giant dog eats people faces.
>>
No. 890655 ID: 8a947d
File 153042021710.png - (203.84KB , 1212x826 , Questions 4.png )
890655

You aren't quite sure of the legality of the whole thing, but you feel like even if you were to only watch instead of participate you'd be able to gain some useful knowledge on demons and possibly the people that train them. Vol pulls a second paper from the envelope.

VOL: Ya can bring as many demons as you can possibly carry, but can only use one durin' a match. The trainers role will depend on the type a challenge but normally a trainer will be in the action alongside da demon they bring. Da physical prowess and technical skill a da trainer can make or break a match.

VOL: It says da tournament is completely non-lethal and death and injury are avoided durin' any matches, though injuries may still occur. Well I guess I can participate of ya want me to since it says I won't die. We did everythin' in town already, I haven't been in Crud City before. Ya wanna go now? Or stop home before dat?
>>
No. 890657 ID: 09d241

Let's check the jobs board now in case there is anything in the way to the city, otherwise, let's go!
>>
No. 890659 ID: 91ee5f

>>890655
Is there a time and/or date telling us when the tournament is? Ula said she hopes to see us there, but that doesn’t mean she hopes to see us there today.

I’m still questioning how legit this is. The invitation being written in demonic means the only way to read it is if you have an intelligent demon that can speak English to translate the message. That makes me think that this could be an underground thing that people would normally disapprove of. Which means that we might not be allowed to walk around in public because Vol and Peaches aren’t put away.

The message also says, “Bring as many demons as you can possibly carry.” meaning we'd need Binding Scrolls, which we don’t have yet, since we’ve only gotten the parchments and haven’t turned them into Binding Scrolls. Although, maybe they’ll be selling them at the tournament?

>Ya wanna go now? Or stop home before dat?
Let’s go home and drop off the things we don’t need to bring with us. And while we’re home we can turn those 4 demonic parchments into Binding Scrolls.
>>
No. 890660 ID: 91ee5f

>>890659
We’d also need to tell Troy where we’re going to see if he’d want to join or not. It’s doubtful that he will join, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
>>
No. 890665 ID: 094652

We should wait until next year, when we have a full team of demons to murder anyone waiting to ambush the hapless trainers.
>>
No. 890668 ID: dbf422

Er, I mean if you want, Vol, but I don't feel comfortable being called your "trainer". Not sure if I like the implications there. Not to mention that not all intelligent demons are there voluntarily. But hey, goal advancement and money are good motivators for getting over the weirdness. We'll check it out.

Let's stop at home first. See if we can get some Binding scrolls done.
>>
No. 890670 ID: d3602f

>>890655
Go back to make those binding parchments, then check out that tournament. We might not be able to join in though, Peaches has literally zero training.

Another new test, is there a difference if we use human blood or demon blood in the ritual for the binding parchment?

>>890665
Then we shall become the most famous of demon trainers. The one thing they see before they lose: A red neckerchief. We shall be known as red, the demon master. If we work hard, maybe one day we'll even fill our journal with all 151 demons!
>>
No. 890672 ID: 91ee5f

I just realized something. Tournaments usually require an entrance fee from the participants. I doubt we’ll be able to even afford that!

Oh, well. We can still go and just watch. There’s nothing saying that we have to participate in the tournament.
>>
No. 890681 ID: 8a947d
File 153043484283.png - (114.76KB , 1212x826 , Going Home.png )
890681

>Is there a time and/or date telling us when the tournament is?
The note says it will begin at Dusk. The invitation seems to wave any need for an entrance fee.

>Go Home
You mount the skipper and head home, setting the autopilot to go slowly so Peaches can keep up with you. While you ride home you read the fiction book, the one about the flood.

VOL: ...Hey Roland?
YOU: Yeah?
VOL: So, ya know how I have a really hard time usin' my ability? Since I'm too chicken to look at my own blood? D'ya think dat you could help me with dat? I seen imps dat can make lotta good use outta their hemo-sculpting, but I feel like without usin' it myself I'm sorta...I don't know handicapping myself.
YOU: Vol, if you need help in anyway I'll do my best to make sure you get it.
VOL: Thanks Rol.

You finally arrive home. Troy's truck is gone, on your front door there's a note that reads "Out, will bee back soon. Troy". It's a good thing you got those upgrades for the Skipper since the ride to Crud City is a bit longer than the ride to Dawnsprings. You go inside, Peaches lays down and takes a nap. You've got plenty of time until the Devil Duel, what do you want to get done first?
>>
No. 890682 ID: 094652

Check your crops - or lack thereof. Find a way to instruct Peaches to poo in the field holes that you dig, for demon fertilizer.

Double-check your shotgun ammo and tinker with the flamethrower - you need every self-defense mechanism you have if Crud City is a trap.

Finally, help Vol with his haemophobia with exposure therapy - slice your arm, drink some healing potion, repeat until Vol is ready to do it to himself.
>>
No. 890688 ID: 91ee5f

>>890681
>The note says it will begin at Dawn. The invitation seems to wave any need for an entrance fee.
Oh, ok. That still doesn’t mean that we have to enter the tournament, we can just go over there and watch to see how things work. Then we can decide if we want to enter or not.

>Since I'm too chicken to look at my own blood?
But he has to look at his blood when he’s making his violin, right? Because if he’s not looking at what he’s making, then his violin would end up being formed all crooked and not sounding right. Has he been forming his violin without looking at it this whole time?

>It's a good thing you got those upgrades for the Skipper since the ride to Crud City is a bit longer than the ride to Dawnsprings.
It’s going to be even longer if you have to go slowly so that Peaches can keep up with the Skipper.

>You've got plenty of time until the Devil Duel, what do you want to get done first?
Turn those 4 good sheets of demonic parchment into Binding Scrolls before you end up forgetting about them.

Then help Vol with his hemo-sculpting. Start with having him make his violin, which I’m assuming is the biggest thing he’s willing to make before he starts getting squeamish, and then he can slowly work his way up to making bigger things.
>>
No. 890689 ID: 91ee5f

>>890682
>Finally, help Vol with his haemophobia with exposure therapy - slice your arm, drink some healing potion, repeat until Vol is ready to do it to himself.
I don’t think we should be wasting our healing potion like that, we might need it for something else!
>>
No. 890694 ID: e26fa5

I think we should write about imps now we know more about them and all.
>>
No. 890695 ID: 699278

My opinion, in order to get this whole blood thing out we need to start small. Small quantities, then we work on ever larger amounts.
>>
No. 890697 ID: d3602f

>>890681
Again, make those parchments. One with human blood, the other with demon to tell the difference.

>>890682
That's kind of like using a flamethrower for a normal gnat. It's a waste of a healing potion that can regrow limbs. Also, my memory is a little fuzzy, but I think remember him saying that it needs to be his blood.

First, we should have Vol cut just to where he gets squeamish. Repeat until he feels relatively comfortable, then ramp it up a bit and have him create something bigger. Maybe have him make a stick while he's at it, and use it to teach Peaches fetch, assuming he's fine with that. Next time we dissect something, we should also keep him here.

Also, he says that imps make good use out of hemo-sculpting. What is the most impressive use of it that he's seen?

Finally, I just considered this, we need a melee weapon. Not as a main weapon, but something to protect us in case we run out of bullets.
>>
No. 890698 ID: 91ee5f

>>890697
>Finally, I just considered this, we need a melee weapon. Not as a main weapon, but something to protect us in case we run out of bullets.
We still have a Hand Axe with us.
>>
No. 890704 ID: dbf422

>>890698
It's"tier 1", though, prone to breaking. But I do think we should start using it before we try upgrading.

>>890681
Okay, first is the binding scrolls. But then, maybe alternate between helping Vol with his fear, and putting some effort into exercising. Can't slack there.
>>
No. 890727 ID: 8a947d
File 153048589524.png - (207.41KB , 1212x826 , Bloodtraining 1.png )
890727

>But he has to look at his blood when he’s making his violin, right? Because if he’s not looking at what he’s making, then his violin would end up being formed all crooked and not sounding right. Has he been forming his violin without looking at it this whole time?
There must be some misunderstanding regarding Vol's violin. Vol only had to make his Violin once a long time ago, he doesn't form a new one out of blood every time he wants to play. Items created by imps persist for a long time until destroyed.

Vol grabs a knife from a drawer and you grab a jar to help collect the blood. Vol is fine making smaller cuts, he had to prick his skin to give you your mark to use magic right? You just have to help him get closer to making bigger cuts. You have Vol prick his palm to get a little blood out, then he makes another bigger cut across the palm. Next, he tries his best to form something out of his blood. You tell him to make something simple like a stick or a little block something along those lines. It takes him several minutes of starting then stopping and dry heaving and shaking in between, but by the end Vol has manage to make one stick about 10 inches in length. Immediately after Vol gets up and walks into the backyard to throw up. It was a little rough but some progress has been made.

VOL: Ugh...Jeez dat was pathetic. I seen Imps make full length swords in seconds and it takes me half an hour ta make a goddamn stick.
>>
No. 890729 ID: eeb7d9

>>890727
Don't be to hard on yourself, Vol. You don't do this all the time so it is obvius that it will be hard at first. We can start little by little, there is no rush. Before you know it, you will be able to create lots of things in instants.
You want to keep practicing?
>>
No. 890730 ID: 205799

Hey, it's progress Vol. Don't knock it. No one won a marathon without training and preparation.

Also, possible application even if you only master making a small hemo-construct quickly; if you're ever forced into melee you can (assuming your palm is cut before hand) simply grab a vital and/or painful spot on whoever is assaulting you, then quickly project an ice-pick like blood spike from your palm. Piercing objects don't need to be large to be deadly or debilitating.

If you get further along in Hemomancy, consider maybe making a thin but extremely sharp blood whip? Probably wouldn't take as much blood as a sword, while giving you some extra reach and still causing good damage.
>>
No. 890732 ID: 166e1c

I'm sure you will you will get used to see your blood with practice. Don't worry about the time, since those object least you can take as long as you need and it will be equally useful. I wasn't expecting to create weapons in the middle of combat.

Even with Vol's personal difficulties this ability is too convenient. What is the draw back? Are the blood item of inferior quality? Maybe the blood used doesn't replenish. Is there a limit to how many items can be made? Is Vol heath worsened by making too many items?
>>
No. 890733 ID: 91ee5f

>>890727
>Vol’s struggles
Wait, didn’t Vol say Imps can touch silver, but getting cut with it messes with an Imp’s ability? Check the knife he used to cut himself to see if it’s made of silver, that might be a part of the reason he’s struggling.

>Ugh...Jeez dat was pathetic. I seen Imps make full length swords in seconds and it takes me half an hour ta make a goddamn stick.
Hey, progress is progress, I think you did pretty good!

.....soooo, what do we do with this stick of Vol’s blood? I don’t know how much blood that is. Does he put it back into the cut and reabsorb it into his body? Does he eat it to get it back? Keep it in a jar?
>>
No. 890734 ID: 91ee5f

>>890732
I’m pretty sure it works the same way Pagan magic worked in the original D3 Quest. Vol uses up his blood, but he has to make sure he doesn’t use too much or he’ll risk killing himself from loss of blood!
>>
No. 890740 ID: dbf422

>>890734
Yeah, I'm going to agree and say "blood is important to living creatures".

>>890727
Well it's your first try at practicing overcoming your fear. It'll take awhile but that doesn't mean you are lesser for it. You're the one who was brave enough to try to face your fear, and that's really cool. Plus, how many of these sword-wielding demons are also expert violinists?
>>
No. 890743 ID: ff0134

Firstly: we should get vol a cup of water of something.
Secondly: “Baby steps vol, you don’t become a master of something in minutes. Try again and see if you cant do it faster this time. That means less stopping and stopping for less time”.
>>
No. 890744 ID: 575ec0

Hey man, you made a something though.
You'll get better in time. For now, you did great. There's no rush here, you know?
>>
No. 890745 ID: 8a947d
File 153049278744.png - (55.75KB , 1212x642 , Blood is vital to being alive.png )
890745

>Check the knife he used to cut himself to see if it’s made of silver.
Neither you nor Vol are dumb enough to use a silver knife for this. Besides, Vol tells you if it were silver and he was cut it would be very obvious that it was silver. Vol's blood would become thicker, darker, and it would be almost impossible for him to make anything out of his blood for at least a few minutes.

>This ability is too convenient. What is the draw back?
Vol is a very small thing with very little blood in his body compared to a human, blood is important even for demons to live. Along with this blood items melt under intense heat so fire will get rid of them fast.

YOU: Vol, I think you're doing your best right now and that's all that matters. Progress doesn't happen over night, pretty soon you'll get over this if you keep this up.

You hand Vol a cup of water.

VOL: I think I'm done for today. Thanks Roland.
>>
No. 890746 ID: 8a947d
File 153049347449.png - (540.90KB , 1212x826 , Binding Scroll.png )
890746

Next up, you go to make the demon parchment into binding scrolls. You open your journal up to the page with the instructions and practice writing the runs out on scrap paper before you screw up on the parchments then you do the real thing.

After the runes on the first sheet of parchment are laid down a burst of red light sparks off of the parchment. The runes react much differently on demonic parchment than on regular parchment. The binding scroll takes on different properties and instead of becoming a Lesser Binding Scroll becomes a Demonic Binding Scroll.

Demonic Binding Scrolls act the same as a Lesser Binding Scroll but with the benefit of being reusable. Don't forget Peaches isn't friendly just because you caught him but also because you healed and care for him too, demons caught with the binding scroll will not instantly become friendly and will still need to be somewhat trained though the scroll makes it easier. Bigger and more dangerous demons will need to be weakened too before being bound.
>>
No. 890747 ID: ad51b8

sweet, that is something you definitely write down in the journal that when making binding scrolls the materials do matter
>>
No. 890748 ID: 094652

There was an anime episode with ancient artifacts as prototype pokeballs for summoning giant pokemon. And now we have pokecloth. What's next, pokepiercings?
>>
No. 890749 ID: d3602f

>>890746
Great, even better than I actually hoped for. If we have more time, I think we should take it to read that book and try to train Peaches.

And if Vol is still sad about his capabilities, remind him that he can heal, create barriers, and knows the camouflage ritual. He probably can do a lot more than most imps back in the Aether.
>>
No. 890750 ID: e26fa5

>>890748
It's like yu-gi-oh but cooler.

Oh well, time to go to the demon fight city!
>>
No. 890753 ID: 575ec0

Hmm. Where did your dad learn of those runes?
Also, what would happen if you carved them on something more permanent Like Demon Bone?
>>
No. 890754 ID: 91ee5f

>>890745
Vol’s violin is made out of his blood, right? That’s way bigger than the 10 inch stick he just made. So how did he create it the very first time? He must’ve had some kinda motivation to use that much blood, so maybe if he gets that same kinda motivation, it’ll help him now?

>>890746
>Demonic Binding Scrolls act the same as a Lesser Binding Scroll but with the benefit of being reusable.
That’s actually pretty useful! That also means we can get to Crud City faster now that we don’t have to worry about going slow enough for Peaches to keep up with us!

.....wait, how do you know what a Demonic Binding Scroll is? Or even what it does? You just now made it and this is the first time you’ve ever seen it, so how the hell do you already know what it is and what it does?!

>Don't forget Peaches isn't friendly just because you caught him but also because you healed and care for him too
Which is kinda surprising, considering you’re the one that injured Peaches in the first place!

>Now what?
Finish making the scrolls.

Then see if you can teach Peaches a few commands/tricks. See if Vol wants to help, since it’ll help him get his mind off of his problems.
>>
No. 890797 ID: dbf422

>>890754
We already had the lesser scrolls. If dad didn't teach it, then we just copied what we saw. It's no great mystery. Though someone else mentioned wondering where dad learned it, which is curious.

And the scrolls make demons not hostile. It probably reset its aggression entirely, including its anger at being injured.

And Vol seemed terse. Self-esteem takes more than a day too so we should probably leave him alone for now. Let's get exercising.
>>
No. 890804 ID: 8a947d
File 153051707712.png - (152.91KB , 1212x826 , Training.png )
890804

>>890753
You're unsure of where your dad learned them, but the runes seem to only work on parchment. The carved bone of the dead displacer beast shows no other worldly attributes.

>Train Peaches
You finish making the binding scrolls. You dig up an old saddle and decide that you should learn how to ride Peaches if necessary. Getting the thing on him is the hardest part, Peaches constantly displaces himself so you can't get near him. You end up having to bait him with with some jerky to get him to hold still and sneak up on him. Afterward he constantly bucks you off and repeatedly smacks you with the back side of his tendrils, but with enough time and Vol tossing Peaches bits of meat and fruit he calms down. There's also a little thing you learn while trying to ride it, If Peaches wraps his tendrils around you while you're on his back he will displace you along with himself. This is probably something they do to carry young with them who can't displace as infants, you make a note in your journal.

You don't plan to constantly ride Peaches, but it's better to know how and not need to than to need to and not know how. It's getting closer to dusk and Crud City is a whiles away.
>>
No. 890807 ID: 91ee5f

>>890804
>riding Peaches
Peaches does not enjoy that at all!

>Roland can be displaced while on Peaches.
That’s useful knowledge!

>It's getting closer to dawn and Crud City is a whiles away.
Wait, you’re telling me that you stayed up all night and didn’t get any sleep?! You’re gonna be fucking tired as hell!

I guess if you really want to go, then you’d better get that saddle off of Peaches, get Peaches into a Demonic Binding Scroll, get Vol onto your back, hop on your Skipper, and head out.

Make sure you leave a note for Troy to let him know where you went.
>>
No. 890808 ID: 8a947d

>>890807
Dusk, I meant dusk this whole time. I'm not a smart man
>>
No. 890810 ID: 91ee5f

>>890808
It’s ok, everyone makes mistakes.
>>
No. 890815 ID: 81d03b

>>890808
It very clearly says dusk and probably always did. How mysterious...
>>
No. 890817 ID: 575ec0

Peaches will get used to it eventually. Best practice this daily so when the need arises he won't be a dick about it.

Leave a note and get going.
>>
No. 890823 ID: dbf422

Yeah. Let's get on the skipper and head out to Crud. Leaving a note seems like a good idea.
>>
No. 890827 ID: b1b4f3

>>890804
Alright, give him a reward for letting you stay on his back.
>>
No. 890934 ID: 8a947d
File 153059204419.png - (506.32KB , 1212x826 , Crud City.png )
890934

You write a note on the front door on the same paper Troy did in case he comes back. You bind Peaches to a scroll and mount your skipper. You head out for Crud City.
>>
No. 890935 ID: 8a947d
File 153059218512.png - (368.97KB , 1212x826 , Crud City 2.png )
890935

In town the fumes from the oil refineries are pretty bad. It's a much bigger city than Dawnsprings and more crowded too. You're not a fan of it. Vol gives you directions from the note and it leads you to what looks like a housing complex with a large red flag over the front of it. You park the skipper and head in.
>>
No. 890936 ID: 8a947d
File 153059236120.png - (174.52KB , 1212x826 , Apartments 1.png )
890936

The building is well put together compared to the rest of the structures around not dedicated to pumping or refining oil. Despite that it doesn't seem like the kind of place battles of between demons would take place, do they run the business in the basement? You're not sure what you expected but you were hoping it was a bit more official. You talk to the front desk attendant.

ATTENDANT: What do ya want?
>>
No. 890943 ID: d3602f

>>890936
Show him the letter we got, and ask him exactly what goes on in these tournaments. We might join, but we want to know what we're getting into.
>>
No. 890947 ID: dbf422
890947

Flash the invite.
>>
No. 890953 ID: 91ee5f

>>890936
>doesn't seem like the kind of place battles of between demons would take place, do they run the business in the basement? You're not sure what you expected but you were hoping it was a bit more official.
The fact that there’s no obvious directions or anything kinda makes this look like this is a secret tournament that takes place away from the public eye. Maybe we should try to be discreet about this?

>What do ya want?
Show him the invitation and ask for directions.

This guy is probably only here to give directions and won’t answer any questions we have about the tournament. So any questions we have should be saved for when we get to the location, since we’ll have a better chance of getting answers there.

Maybe you’ll get lucky and run into Uma Ula and she’ll answer your questions?
>>
No. 890956 ID: 33cbe7

To be the very best, like no one ever was.
>>
No. 890981 ID: 8a947d
File 153060872349.png - (92.91KB , 1212x826 , Apartments 2.png )
890981

You show him the invitation you got, before you can ask anything he makes a motion under the table like he's pressing a button and an elevator across the room opens up, you aren't sure if it was there before.

ATTENDANT: Go through there. Y'outta hear an announcement or somethin' but if ya don't then ya may be too late.

You go through the elevator, there are no buttons on the inside but it closes and begins to go down.
>>
No. 890984 ID: 8a947d
File 153060937445.png - (211.93KB , 1212x826 , The Arena 1.png )
890984

Once it reaches a stop, the doors open to a large hallway. A few other people wander, drinking, chatting, or smoking.

VOL: Looks like Pagan work. Watch yaself Rol, your dad neva trusted em.

You begin to walk down the hallway, looking for a map or a form of direction in anyway. You don't hear an announcement and start to get worried that you may be late after all. You begin to go in what feel like circles for a little bit until somebody gets your attention, a man wearing an odd mask talks to you.

???: Hey kid, you look lost. You here for the Devil's Duel tournament?
YOU: Y-yeah, do you like...work here?
???: Nah, I'm a contestant too. This is my fifth time doing this, here you can follow me I know where to go. I know this place is like a maze, but once you come back more than once you get used to it. Names Naos.
>>
No. 890989 ID: f11dd1

Well, greet yo’self
>>
No. 891001 ID: ad51b8

introduce yourself as gallows. Not sure if I want to give them your full name yet until we know more about this place. I mean if your dad didn't trust them I'm sure their had to be a reason.
>>
No. 891003 ID: 33cbe7

Sounds fine as long as he doesn't lead you down any shadier-than-average corners. So, who's he entering?
>>
No. 891007 ID: eeb7d9

Well, you are Gallows. And this here is Vol. Since you have experience doing this, Naos, can you tell me how things work around here?
>>
No. 891013 ID: 91ee5f

>>890984
You might be here for the tournament, but that doesn’t mean that you’re gonna be participating just yet. For now, you’re just an observer here to see what’s going on.

Besides, you’d be at a major disadvantage if you entered either of your demons, with Peaches being barely trained and Vol being squeamish around blood. But if you do feel like entering, then Peaches would be your best bet.

>Names Naos.
Introduce yourself as Gallows. Your weird family tradition of passing down that name will be useful here.
>>
No. 891015 ID: e26fa5

Ask about the mask, it can't be that rude, can it?
>>
No. 891021 ID: dbf422

"I'm Gallows. Anything I should expect as a first-year?"
>>
No. 891040 ID: 8a947d
File 153067006797.png - (210.88KB , 1212x826 , The Arena 2.png )
891040

YOU: I'm Gallows, this is Vol, but we aren't really sure if we're going compete.

You realize that between how untrained Peaches is and how unsuited for combat Vol is you would have a harder time in the tournament.

NAOS: You're not? that's a shame. I always love facing new people in these things. Very few people compete more than once, it's hard enough getting a demon to listen to you an train it to fight. If I were you I'd enter anyway, you got invited right?

He points to the red envelope you're holding.

NAOS: That means it didn't cost you anything to get here. I don't know what the prize is this month, but it'd be foolish not to at least try for it! I only one once, but I managed to get a nice stack of cards for it!
YOU: ...If I were to enter, what should I expect from it?
NAOS: Ah that's a hard question. It's always something different! They really know how to keep contestants on their toes each time. Sometimes you'll be in the fight with your demon and sometimes they'll be by themselves while you're doing something else. Besides, half the fun of this stuff is not knowing whats next.
YOU: Right...so what's with the mask?
NAOS: Don't know, what's with those bandages?
YOU: Ehh...Never mind, sorry. What demon are you entering?
NAOS: Oh he's waiting in the break room. You'll probably have to wait a little til the rest arrive.
>>
No. 891042 ID: 44b1bb

>>891040
What sort of stuff do the rest of you use to train demons? Is there a standard method for each type, or does everyone have their own style.
>>
No. 891044 ID: d3602f

>>891040
This only happens once a month? Damn, I don't want to wait until next month to join. I suppose it won't hurt to join in, as untrained as Peaches is. We lose nothing if we fail, and we might learn more by dealing first hand with the demons instead of just watching from the crowd.

If we are separated from our partner, I suggest putting Vol in. No way of knowing if Peaches will understand what he has to do without our constant guidance.
>>
No. 891046 ID: 91ee5f

>>891040
Ask if it’s true that the tournament is completely non-lethal and death and injury are avoided? Just because the invitation says those things, that doesn’t mean that accidents don’t happen.

>Once a month
>Can win a nice stack of cards for winning!
I guess there’s no harm in entering Peaches.

Ask Naos if he’s got any advice for training a demon?

Ask why the invitation was written in demonic? You wouldn’t have been able to find this place if Vol didn’t help you translate it! In fact, you might as well ask what’s up with all the secrecy?
>>
No. 891049 ID: 8a947d
File 153067606151.png - (124.33KB , 1212x826 , The Arena 3.png )
891049

YOU: Are there certain methods you or others go through to train there demons?
NAOS: I wouldn't know, there was no real taming when it came to my demon. I'm sure you know Imps don't really need to be trained.
YOU: True, this whole thing is a no-death sorta deal right?
NAOS: Yeah, the games are meant to be fun while still being exciting to watch. You don't have to worry about dying but you might gets some bumps and bruises while you're in it.
YOU: Is there a reason for all of this secrecy?
NAOS: Certain people...shouldn't know about places like this, it's better to be safe than sorry.

You approach a door with an Imp sitting next to it, he looks up at Naos

NAOS: Eto! Sorry I kept you so long! You know I can never find the bathrooms here.
ETO: It's fine...as long as you aren't late for the match we're fine...Who're these two?
NAOS: Oh! They're new competitors! They got lost in the hallways and I gave 'em some direction. This is Gallows and Vol.
ETO: ...Hey.
NAOS: Anyway, this is the waiting room. It's only one group of constants out of the whole thing...
>>
No. 891050 ID: 8a947d
File 153067640890.png - (219.51KB , 1212x826 , Waiting Room 1.png )
891050

Inside the waiting room a few people sit around silently waiting for the games to begin.

NAOS: (whispered) They're a bit shy when it comes to conversation, but if you want to try and get anything out of any of them than go ahead. Try not to make any enemies before the games even start.

In the room there are 6 people counting Naos

>A man spinning a revolver in hand
>A young man cleaning a rifle
>A woman in a red cloak
>A young woman lifting weights
>An old man
>Naos

Maybe gathering intel would be best for research? Or you can speak with Naos since you already know he's friendly, convening with Vol would be a good idea too. You have no idea how long you'll be in here.
>>
No. 891053 ID: e26fa5

>>891050
Let's speak with the old man or the women lifting weight! They sound nice.
>>
No. 891054 ID: d3602f

>>891050
The old man, I have a feeling that he may be a regular, or at least experienced in dealing with demons. Maybe he could give us a bit of history about this place.
>>
No. 891058 ID: 91ee5f

>>891050
I’m seeing a few familiar fanmade characters here! It’s nice to see them again!

I think we should try talking to the old man.

After that, let’s go see what’s on the snack table! And then try throwing some darts at the dartboard that is inconveniently located above the snack table where someone could get hit when they go get a snack!
>>
No. 891064 ID: dbf422

Just because he's old doesn't mean he knows anything useful.

But I was going to say talk to him anyway.
>>
No. 891068 ID: 166e1c

>>891058
Some? The only one who didn't appear at the Disthread is the guy with a scar.
Also Wanderer is left handed now.


If the characters descriptions are still worth anything the old man will be the most helpful, the hooded lady will be the second most helpful, sniper will be bad at communication and masked lady will be unsympathetic.
After doing what the majority of the comments are suggesting, can you inquire about scar man? This one got to be special, Heretic adore his one-eye badass.
>>
No. 891089 ID: 8a947d
File 153069059341.png - (200.65KB , 1212x826 , The Waiting Room 2.png )
891089

You walk up to the older man. He seems ancient, maybe around 80?. You talk to him as he's about to doze off.

YOU: Excuse me sir?
???: Eh? Oh, a new face one. You don't look like any Pagan I seen before.
YOU: Uh, I'm not a Pagan, my names Gallows and I'm here to participate and get a closer look at the demons here.
ARTHUR: Oh! It's rare anyone who isn't a pagan comes here. My name is Arthur, what's yours?
YOU: I uhh...My name's Gallows and-
ARTHUR: Ah! Gallows! You don't look like any Pagan I've seen before, what brings you here?
YOU: I-I'm here to participate in the Devil's Duel and possible get a look at some demons while I'm here. I'm a demonologist and-
ARTHUR: Ah! A demonologist? I met a guy who said he was a demonologist once. A young man dressed to toe in bandages, a real nice young man. Ah, I'm sorry stranger what was your name again?
YOU: ...I really feel like you wouldn't be here if you were senile
ARTHUR: HA! I know I know, that's just so fun to do sometimes. I guess it wouldn't really work here though, if you are trying to get a glimpse at other peoples demons I suggest waiting until the match starts. Nobodies going to up and show you what they can do here and now.
YOU: I assumed so...I can't even get to see your demon.
ARTHUR: Whattya mean? He's standin' right next to me! Hehehehe!
>>
No. 891092 ID: 569af6

I like him, he’s fun.
>>
No. 891093 ID: d3602f

>>891089
Hold your hand out next to him and greet his demon friend. Then to our surprise, we feel something invisible grab our hand

So, what exactly is a Pagan?
>>
No. 891097 ID: 166e1c

You could start by voicing your reservation about participating. Although everyone seem reassuring you would don't want to put your demon in harm ways, so if Arthur is particularly competitive he could think of this as an opportunity to reduce the competition by revealing previously unmentioned risks.

Since secrecy is valued at this stage we are lucky, as a new participant accompany by an imp they should had made many wrong assumptions about our plans. Better than have our opposition lacking information is to feed them false information.

It may be true that Arthur wouldn't want you to know too much about his demon, but about his adversaries? It may be of his interest having what he perceive to be a weak opponent (and we likely are) having some advantage against other veteran players. Can he tell we anything about scar man?
>>
No. 891101 ID: eeb7d9

More information about pagans would be nice.
>>
No. 891102 ID: 91ee5f

>>891089
>Whattya mean? He's standin' right next to me! Hehehehe!
Look down to your right to see if there’s a tiny demon next to the chair he’s sitting on.

If you don’t see anything, tell him, “.....ok, I can’t tell if you’re messing with me or not. Either there’s an invisible demon next to you or there isn’t a demon there at all. Or maybe your demon snuck off when you weren’t looking?”

Ask Arthur if he’s got any demon training advice for you, since you’re pretty new to this.

Actually, should we be asking for demon training advice to everyone here? Because on one hand, we might actually get some good advice, but on the other hand, someone could give us bullshit advice and when we try it with Peaches, it’ll end up hurting Peaches and/or making Peaches really pissed off at us!
>>
No. 891115 ID: e26fa5

Ask for a few tips because you're a starter, your displacer beast is a really recent capture and so might have a few difficulties.!
>>
No. 891122 ID: d3602f

>>891115
If we can, let's not mention that we have a Displacer Beast. If he isn't going to tell us about his demon, we probably shouldn't tell him ours.
>>
No. 891128 ID: 91ee5f

>>891122
I agree.

Let’s just say that it’s a recent capture and not tell what kind of demon Peaches is.
>>
No. 891181 ID: 8a947d
File 153074444749.png - (202.35KB , 1212x826 , The Waiting Room 3.png )
891181

You're confused at his comment about his demon until you feel something flick your nose and giggle mischievously.

>Training tips
ARTHUR: Well demons are all different so I don't exactly know what to tell ya. My demon's smart enough to listen to me I'll tell ya that much, so I never really trained him aside from practicing a little. Anyway, I'm old so I barely do that stuff anyway.

>Other contestants
ARTHUR: Now there are a bunch a people participating besides the people in this room. If you want details I can't really offer any on many people here. That man with the scar? His names Eastwood. He's supposedly a gunslinger, but as far as I know outside weaponry are confiscated once the game starts, so I'm unsure what his plan is.

>Information about Pagans
ARTHUR: Pagans a term for those that worship Athmor. They tend to employ the aid of demons, but rarely go into studying them closer. I can't give you that much information but the pagans are not a single unified group.
>>
No. 891187 ID: 91ee5f

>>891181
I think that’s all we’re gonna get from him.

Thank him for his time and go talk to someone else.
>>
No. 891189 ID: 166e1c

>Athmor
Now that is a topic that deserve some exposition.
>>
No. 891191 ID: 8a947d
File 153074935018.png - (79.11KB , 1212x826 , Athmor.png )
891191

YOU: I know a little about Athmor, but not a lot.
ARTHUR: Not many know of him, The Lunar Church has done everything in their power to keep knowledge of him down. Athmor was an angel under God who defied his mistreatment of humanity. For his arrogance the sky god broke Athmor's halo and made him the first fallen angel to be sent to Hell, from Hell Athmor continued to fight a cold war against God doing everything he could to free humanity. He succeeded of course but at the cost of his life, though from it the demons came to be born.
VOL: Sounds about right.
>>
No. 891192 ID: 8a947d
File 153074947690.png - (219.51KB , 1212x826 , Waiting Room 1.png )
891192

You wish Arthur good luck and leave him alone. That wasted sometime, but the games are still not ready to start. There are still plenty of people to try and talk to, but you aren't sure if any of them are as friendly as Arthur was.
>>
No. 891195 ID: d3602f

>>891192
Vol, I just want to say don't let the fact that you were born from the savior of humanity get to your head. It's big enough already.

Talk to the guy with the rifle. Don't want to make enemies, and he seems the least likely to be antagonistic.
>>
No. 891205 ID: 91ee5f

>>891192
Let’s try talking to the guy with the rifle.
>>
No. 891206 ID: 166e1c

Yeah, rifle guy. Arthur said guns weren't allowed. Will his be an exception? Why?
>>
No. 891209 ID: eeb7d9

If guns are not allowed, what is the rifleman going to do?
Maybe is a dart weapon? Ask away!
>>
No. 891212 ID: 8a947d
File 153075596997.png - (179.80KB , 1212x826 , The Waiting Room 4.png )
891212

You walk over to the young man cleaning a rifle. You can hear him quietly humming to himself, until he see's you approach him.

YOU: Hi.
???: ...H-hey.
YOU: I was just wondering something. I was told that guns from outside of the match are normally confiscated, so how come you brought your rifle?
???: W-well, I like cleaning it when I'm a bit nervous. They're going to take it after it begins but-

The man is cut off by the emergence of a small glob of demonic mass from behind the man.

DEMON: Whats your deal? Huh!? Got a lot a questions you outta just keep to ya self don't ya think!?
???: Otel-
Otel: Nananah! Bower I got this! You trying to psyche my boy out? Think this is my first time round the block hmm!? Big question man's real quiet now! You intimidated or something?
>>
No. 891223 ID: d3602f

>>891212
Your demon friend is so... CUTE!

Most demons we've run into were based on animals or plants, but this type is completely new to us! Not to mention intelligent as well. So, a demon can be both intelligent, and none humanoid? This is definitely worth putting in the journal.

Otel, would you say that your kind is rare in the Aether? You can float, so do your species spend most of their time high in the air? Or do you usually prefer to hover low to the ground? You are definitely the most interesting demon that we've met so far. Well, ignoring Vol, but forgive us for being a bit biased towards family.
>>
No. 891225 ID: 44b1bb

>>891212
Pull your notebook out and start sketching. Interview this guy and ignore all his questions.
>>
No. 891226 ID: b1b4f3

Say this is your first time here, and you're a demonologist so you wanted to take the chance to do research. Ask Otel about himself, is he an imp?
>>
No. 891228 ID: 91ee5f

>>891212
>You intimidated or something?
“Nope! In fact, this is exactly what I wanted!”

Then proceed to pull out your notebook and start sketching him and asking various questions about him.

Also, make sure you introduce yourself to Bower and ask him some questions, like where did he and Otel first meet each other and all that jazz.
>>
No. 891231 ID: dbf422

>>891212
Just the curious sort. More interested in how things work than getting a leg up. If anything, trying to psyche out your friend is more likely to let us learn less and that's the opposite of what we want. We're Gallows, the demonologist, by the way.
>>
No. 891240 ID: 91ee5f

>>891228
Also, I’m thinking that maybe one of our questions to Otel should be, “How often do you win staring contests?”
>>
No. 891241 ID: eeb7d9

Well hello there, and here i thought Vol was the only chatty demon here!
My name is Gallows, and this is Vol and we are new here, so we are probably as nervous as you are.
Say, what kind of demon are you, first time seeing one of you.
I won't ask you what you can do for obvious reasons, it's just that i am a demonologist and i get curious.
>>
No. 891244 ID: ad51b8

>>891212
actually it's my first time here and everyone is trying to tell me that I should compete.I'm mostly just trying to get an idea on what to expect. How about you two, you guys been at this for awhile? If you wouldn't mind could you tell me what some of the past matches were like. From what I've gathered they change every time and that we'd be fighting but I still don't know much else.
>>
No. 891251 ID: 8a947d
File 153076574134.png - (183.80KB , 1212x826 , The Waiting Room 5.png )
891251

Your first instinct now is to take out your notebook and immediately sketch a picture and take notes.

YOU: I haven't seen a demon like you before. What exactly are you?
OTEL: N-none a your business buster!
VOL: He's an Oracle Globule. They've got really good eyesight and can basically zoom their sight in to view far away things. They can see through walls and even let humans use that sight for a little.
BOWER: See I was kinda hoping you'd stay hidden just in case..anyone new here knew what you could do...ah well, I never liked that underhanded part of this whole thing anyway.
YOU: My names Gallows, I'm a demonologist that entered to try and get some more information on demons I haven't seen yet.
BOWER: Oh really, that's pretty interesting.
OTEL: You'll get full view a what we can do when we crush you on the field!
BOWER: This is only our second time doing this...and we lost in the very first round last time...
OTEL: YEAH! BUT WE'RE GONNA DESTROY 'EM THIS TIME! C'MON BOWER YELL IT WITH ME!
BOWER: Please keep your voice down.

>Information on past matches
YOU: What was your last match like?
BOWER: W-we only lasted for barely the first round. I had no idea my gun would be taken, so I had nothing to work with. You can keep a weapon if it's vital to working with your demon or if the ammunition's non-lethal, none of mine was. The first match I was in involved this weird game where you had to keep tear flags off of the other contestants.
YOU: Sounds like a weird game kids would play.
BOWER: Yeah, but the kids have demons fighting with them. These things always end with a one on one fight tournament deal between just demons. I probably won't win this time either, but I wan't to at least try to place...
>>
No. 891253 ID: b1b4f3

>>891251
>can use guns if the ammo is non-lethal
Idea: squirt gun that shoots glue.

Wish him luck!
>>
No. 891254 ID: 166e1c

I'm starting to notice a patter. Do the contestants only use intelligent demons? I was expecting beast trainers but so far it doesn't seem to be the case.

Say Bower, since you are also kind of new... newish... to this event, could you tell me what bring you here? What about those game attracted you? Were you always in contact with the pagan community or were you invited recently?
>>
No. 891255 ID: ad51b8

>>891251
tell him thanks for giving you an idea on how these things work and wish him luck in luck in his matches today. Hell maybe see if you could meet after everything is said and done and ask more about Otel if they're up to it.
>>
No. 891256 ID: 166e1c

And don't forget to introduce Vol. He has been strangely quiet during those conversations. Not to found of talking with strangers?
>>
No. 891259 ID: 8a947d
File 153076989405.png - (178.44KB , 1212x826 , The Waiting Room 6.png )
891259

>Do the contestants only use intelligent demons?
BOWER: There've been a few people using more beastly demons, but I'm pretty sure more intelligent demons are easier to reason with. Training a lower intelligence demon would take time, and when they'd need to go fight alone they'd be harder to direct.

>What drew you to being in this?
BOWER: I got an invite by a friend, he's not here today but after the last time I really wanted to try again.
YOU: Well good luck in the game! Maybe later we can talk some more, I'd love to get more data on you Otel.
OTEL: I'd never give away important information before or during a game! Maybe after we beat you I can explain my tactics.
BOWER: Sure, that sounds good Otel. Good luck to you too Gallows.

Bower picks his gun back up ad continues to clean it while whistling to himself. You hear static from over head, finally an announcement from the people running this thing.

ANNOUNCER: THE DEVIL'S DUEL WILL COMMENCE IN 5 MINUTES, CONTESTANTS BE READY TO EXIT IN 5 MINUTES

Five minutes? That's enough time to talk to one more person if you want to, or you can just wait for the five minutes in silence.
>>
No. 891262 ID: 91ee5f

>>891259
>5 minutes left!
Let’s find a secluded corner in the room so we can quietly talk strategy with Vol.

Specifically, let’s ask Vol if he wants to enter or if we should enter Peaches? Because, let’s be honest, just because the rules say “no deaths” that doesn’t mean there isn’t going to be blood. And considering Vol’s problem with blood, I’m pretty sure that he doesn’t want everyone to see him start hurling in the middle of the match.

So if he thinks he can handle it, then we’ll let him enter, otherwise, we’ll enter Peaches and hope that he’ll listen to us.
>>
No. 891266 ID: b1b4f3

Talk to the red hood.
>>
No. 891271 ID: dbf422

>>891266
Might as well.
>>
No. 891284 ID: eeb7d9

I am not sure about Peaches, we didn't exactly teach them to not go around killing people. Last time we left them alone, they had birds for lunch, but we don't know how they will react to all these new threats.
>>
No. 891287 ID: 83e2d2

>>891284
your right. Peaches has never see action since his capture and it would be a horrid idea putting in the games if it mean't fighting. I wonder if you could choose who to use after finding out what the challenge would be.
>>
No. 891288 ID: 8a947d
File 153080525151.png - (215.82KB , 1212x826 , The Waiting Room 7.png )
891288

From what you've been told the Devil's Duel is split into different parts. Each part allows you to enter a single demon, possibly along side yourself. You could enter Peaches in one game and Vol in another as long as you win and make it to the end. Most trainers probably only take the time to practice with a single demon rather than spread the time out with multiple ones.

>Red Hood
You walk up to the woman in the red hood right as she begins to eat a drumstick...no wait, she just sort of shoves under her cloak. You still hear chewing though... She notices you standing over her.

???: What're you new here?
>>
No. 891290 ID: 91ee5f

>>891288
>You walk up to the woman in the red hood right as she begins to eat a drumstick...no wait, she just sort of shoves under her cloak. You still hear chewing though...
Her demon must be under her cloak.

>What're you new here?
“Yes. Hi, I’m Gallows. Do you have any advice for a new guy like me?”
>>
No. 891291 ID: 166e1c

"What I... hum... Yes, I'm new here. I'm Gallows, this is Vol. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Trying to learn about demons, please share any advices, information or curiosities related. Those questions are practically sales-pitch script at this point.
>>
No. 891292 ID: d3602f

>>891288
Yeah. We're interested in studying demons, and when we heard about this place we figured the matches could give us a wealth of information.

Do you have a particular reason for entering? For fun? Cards? A closer relationship with your demon?
>>
No. 891296 ID: dd1c79

Yeah we’re new. We’re just mostly interested in the various demons that people are bringing. There’s a lot of new ones we hvent seen before. Sorry, I’m Roland Conroy!
>>
No. 891298 ID: b1b4f3

>>891288
>hear her chewing
I bet that's not her chewing, but her demon. It's hiding under her cloak.
>>
No. 891305 ID: eeb7d9

>>891296
This, but Gallows. Something tells me that your last name might be known from your dad, and not in a good way. Might be wrong, but it is more of a hunch.
Speaking of dad, i we should ask someone if they recognise the name, try not to sound like you are related. You won't have time though, so do it later.
>>
No. 891325 ID: 8a947d
File 153083735022.png - (214.40KB , 1212x826 , The Waiting Room 8.png )
891325

YOU: I'm a new contestant, this is my first time entering the Devil's Duel. My name's Gallows, this is Vol. I'm a demonologist trying to gain more information on demons, that's why I entered this thing. While we're waiting I was wondering if there's anything about demons you could tell me?
???: No, I don't pay close attention to them.
YOU: ...Well, since I'm so new. Do you think there's anything about this tournament you could tell me?
???: No.
YOU:...Are you a new contestant too?
???: No, I just don't think telling competition things they need to know benefits me. it's better if you know less.
YOU: That makes sense, Can I ask why you jointed the Devil's Duel?
???: It's good practice.
>>
No. 891331 ID: d3602f

>>891325
Got a dangerous job than? Than again, the world is pretty dangerous these days so I guess it always helps to practice. Me and Vol went into a bunker once, and the place was infested by lacerflies. It was just an annoyance at first, but then we ran into some the size of a man! Had to blow the place up.

Demons... Everyone here must be really experienced in dealing with them. Funny, I've lived with a demon my entire life, but I'm starting to feel like I'm the least experienced when it comes to actually dealing with them. You guys sure are something else. I bet that old man's been doing this for decades. I hope I can manage a year at least. Vol tried to talk me out of it, but a quiet lifestyle just doesn't sit right with me I'm afraid.
>>
No. 891339 ID: 91ee5f

>>891325
.....is your demon shy? Is that why it’s hiding under your cloak?
>>
No. 891340 ID: 8a947d
File 153084418481.png - (156.99KB , 1212x826 , The Waiting Room 9.png )
891340

YOU: So you got a dangerous job? I guess since everywhere's so dangerous it helps to practice.
???: My job involves camping out in the wastelands for long stretches of time, so yeah it helps...My names Gwyn. Gallows right? You seem like you know the least about what's going on out of everyone here.
YOU: Definitely, Seems like everyone else here knows more about demons than me.
GWYN: Maybe, but most of them only know about a few. Mostly just the demon they work with, a lot of them feel like the more wild ones are too dangerous and unpredictable. You might know more than any of us...when it comes to demons anyway. The second the game starts you'll probably be confused, unsure what to do, and overwhelmed by the combination of trainers and demons working together against you...I'll probably go after you first y'know.
YOU:...

The doors at the far back of the room open. A woman holding a clipboard standing in front of a large demon. Her name tag says Julie.

JULIE: Hello everybody, The Devil's Duel is about to begin. Please line up and write down your name and how many demons you've brought with you. Any objects such as lethal weaponry must be handed over to my associate here.

She gestures to the large demon. Everybody lines up to write down their name. Naos stands behind you in line.

NAOS: I just want you to know I don't like being rude to new people I meet, but once the games start I won't be going easy on you because we're buds, Okay?
>>
No. 891341 ID: e26fa5

I never felt such fear or raw character like her ever again, this is the type of character that would say "Then perish" to me when I die in a cold cavern like some wet hound.

I appreciate her, ask for her name.
>>
No. 891342 ID: e26fa5

>>891341
>>891340
Damn me gently with a fucking knife, oh well, just go normally in the line and write down your name and the names of your demons, maybe even insert a wacky nickname there like "Hotel California" just in case. Don't wanna any snitches hearing your name there if you win and they annunciate you.
>>
No. 891344 ID: d3602f

>>891341
She just said her name was Gwyn. I was a bit off put by her at first, but I'm warming up. Even if she is going to go after us. Can't begrudge her for it, really.

>>891340
If anything I'd be pretty damn disappointed if you went easy on us. I'm here for the data, not the prize money, so pull out every trick you can. Show us your full potential.
>>
No. 891345 ID: b1b4f3

>>891340
Go ahead bud.

Hey, new demon back there. Sketch it, see if you can ask about it.
>>
No. 891347 ID: 166e1c

Does our flame thrower have a non-lethal mode? Ask Julie if you can bring it or not.
>>
No. 891348 ID: 91ee5f

>>891340
>Please line up and write down your name and how many demons you've brought with you.
Just write down “Gallows” and you brought 2 demons with you.

>Any objects such as lethal weaponry must be handed over to my associate here.
Hand over all of your lethal weapons to the demon. The rules state that you’ll get your stuff back, so don’t worry too much about.

Oh, wait! Tell Julie that you’ve got silver bullets and you don’t think it would be safe to give them to her demon.

>>891345
>Sketch it, see if you can ask about it.
There’s no time for any of that! We’ll hold up the line if we try asking any questions!

Let’s save all of that for after the tournament.
>>
No. 891349 ID: 91ee5f

>>891347
I’m pretty sure that’s a “No, you can’t bring that.”
>>
No. 891351 ID: d3602f

>>891347
I'm sorry, I can't help but chuckle at this. I'm pretty sure there is no way to torch someone with minimal injury.
>>
No. 891352 ID: e26fa5

>>891344
Yeah, I know her name! My suggestion just went a bit too late!
>>
No. 891355 ID: eeb7d9

>>891340
>I won't be going easy on you because we're her buds, Okay?

Oh i wouldn't have it any other way, so come at me bro! I am fired up!
And good luck!

Hey should we go with Peaches or Vol?
>>
No. 891357 ID: b1b4f3

...wait, do they have any wards or anything to keep badly-trained demons from mauling contestants?
>>
No. 891358 ID: 8a947d
File 153085105377.png - (197.72KB , 1212x826 , Devils Duel.png )
891358

>>891357
There are safe guards in place for things like that.

YOU: I wouldn't have it any other way.

This gets an uproarious laugh out of Naos.

NAOS: You're my kind a guy Gallows, good luck.

You sign the page and hand the guns over to the demon. Vol tells you it's called a Roaming Gluttony, a demon that can store objects inside of it's stomach for years without them being destroyed or damaged. You take notes quickly and write a reminder to do more later.
>>
No. 891359 ID: 8a947d
File 153085134755.png - (262.41KB , 1212x826 , Devils Duel 1.png )
891359

As you exit out the door and emerge at the end of the hallway you are met with a large stadium full of people and demons cheering and clapping as you enter the arena. You're directed to stand on a short stone pedestal along with other contestants each on their own. The lights in the arena dim and a spotlight is centered on the center of the big ring in the middle. From the ground ripples like water form in the concrete of the ground, in a burst of water droplets a woman emerges from the concrete almost like she was swimming in it. Now that she's fully exposed you realize the woman is Ula from Dawnsprings.
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No. 891361 ID: 8a947d
File 153085267992.png - (163.21KB , 1212x826 , Devils Duel 2.png )
891361

ULA: Hello! Ladies, gentlemen, demons and demonesses! Welcome to this months Devil's Duel!

The crowd goes wild, the cheering and clapping is deafening.

ULA: Now we all know how these things work by now, but just in case there are some new faces in the contestants or in the crowds I will go over it especially for you!

Ula takes a small machine from here back pocket and tosses it on the ground, the machine creates a hologram. The same hologram is being transmitted in front of you and the people in the stands.

ULA: There will be three games for our lovely contestants to play! The first two are a mystery to everyone including me and the final one will be a more conventional tournament style battle royale! Now not everybody will be playing the same games. Each game will be host to a small group of duelers who will be fighting one another. Now you will be allowed only ONE demon in the game, however if you pass and make it to the next one you may enter a different demon if you have it. You cannot switch demons out mid game. It should go without saying, that nothing lethal will be allowed! or even possible! There are safeguards in place to keep serious casualties from happening!
ULA: Now let's look at what our contestants will be playing!

You look down at the glowing screen floating in front of you. The symbol shows a pair of flags with the subtitle "Flag Battle". Below the image, rules emerge.
Duelers and their demons will be fitted with flags, on these flags point values are assigned ranging from 5 to 50. Each contestants flag will read 10, but spread around the arena flags of varying values are planted. The Duelers will need to either steal flags from other contestants or collect them from the arena, the Dueler with the highest value in flags win and will move on.

Along with that a window showing you the "Terrain" pops up. You see a picture of a forest full of tall trees, the ground of this forest is covered in thorny vines. Looks like that's where you'll be fighting.

Who will you have fight in this game with you?

>Vol
>Peaches
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No. 891362 ID: 44b1bb

>>891360
Peaches.
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No. 891364 ID: d3602f

>>891361
Peaches seems like he would be good here. Go invisible, surprise foes, run away, a tactic that Displacer Beasts are built for. His tendrils could also take flags while keeping us away. I just hope his lack of training won't come back to bite us too much.
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No. 891365 ID: 91ee5f

>>891361
I’m honestly not expecting us to make it past the first round on our first attempt, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try our best! Let’s give it everything we’ve got!

>Round 1: Flag Battle
>Who’s our partner for this?
Peaches because this looks like it would be perfect for him and his displacing ability!

>>891364
>I just hope his lack of training won't come back to bite us too much.
Me too!
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No. 891366 ID: 4cce9d

Best go with Peaches
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No. 891367 ID: b1b4f3

>>891361
Peaches. All we have to do is displace and grab flags, hoping nobody can see through the displacement.
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No. 891369 ID: dbf422

Peaches. Even if he's not trained enough to steal flags, he'll naturally keep anyone from getting his own and that's good for us.

Not a big fan of Gwyn. Nothing against her tactics but she's too serious to be interesting to hang out with. Maybe she has a really cool job though.
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No. 891372 ID: d3602f

>>891369
We just met her, and she saw us as rivals who might try to take advantage of her. She also seems to have a very stressful and dangerous job. I can see her warming up to us if we spend enough time together. Question is, will we get the chance?
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No. 891381 ID: dbf422

>>891372
Ehhhh... We just met two other people who saw us as rivals but were also cool. I think she just might be stoic.
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No. 891383 ID: 8a947d
File 153086523450.png - (153.90KB , 1212x826 , Flag Battle.png )
891383

You summon Peaches from his scroll. Vol wishes you luck and is escorted to a viewer's box. You are fitted with a flag that has the number 30 on it

I made a mistake in the explanation, contestant's flags read 30 not 10

You wonder exactly how you're going to get to an area like the one shown? How is there a forest that big anywhere in here? The pedestal beneath you begins to glow a bright red, a pillar of light engulfs and blinds you.
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No. 891384 ID: 8a947d
File 153086557207.png - (193.81KB , 1212x826 , Flag Battle 1.png )
891384

When your vision clears the area around you is completely different. You are standing on the stump of a cut tree in the middle of a forest, Ula's voice comes from the sky.

ULA: You will all have a half hour to collect as many flags as possible! Good luck contestants!

The game has abruptly started. You currently have 60 Points like everybody else between you and Peaches. Though there are other flags scattered in the forest you know for a fact the other contestants will all have at least 60 Points on them at the start. You need to think up a plan quick if you want to get to the next round.
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No. 891385 ID: 9ed254

Huh, magic does wonders.
Ah well, may as well get a move on now. We don’t exactly have range but we do have abilities.
Just scout around and look for flags.
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No. 891387 ID: 094652

Use the displacer ability to your advantage by creating a false trail, then teleport to a different spot to keep them off-track.
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No. 891390 ID: 166e1c

Peaches was an excellent choice for this scenario, he provide mobility and disguise.

Bower gives him an advantage, but without a lethal weapon his offensive capacity should be laughable compared to what he can do. He is the kind of adversary that is worth eliminate quickly if you come across, charge you he begin to attack but avoid for as long as you can if there others foes to focus on.

I expect Gwyn to fulfill her promise of going after Gallows first, so he should be prepare to be ambushed. Since Gallows saw her feeding her demon under her cloak he can conclude that she will be caring that thing for the most time.

We forgot to check if Peaches illusion include Gallows. If it does we can move great distances riding Peaches while invisible and sending an illusion in the opposite direction. That would be ideal to locate flags and locate adversaries.
If Peaches illusion can't cover us we should move on foot with Peaches moving at our side with his image somewhere else around us. That way is someone attack Peaches's image they will miss and if the aim for Gallows there is a chance that Peaches's enormous body will get in the way.
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No. 891393 ID: 91ee5f

>>891384
Let’s start scouting around and looking for the flags that are hidden in the arena.

Hopefully, Peaches won't give you any trouble and will let you ride on his back. Although, it’s going to be a rough ride for you, since you’re not going to have a saddle to sit in.

>>891390
>Bower gives him an advantage, but without a lethal weapon his offensive capacity should be laughable compared to what he can do.
What makes you think Otel is Bower’s only demon?

>We forgot to check if Peaches illusion include Gallows.
Read this: >>890804 . Roland says, “There's also a little thing you learn while trying to ride it. If Peaches wraps his tendrils around you while you're on his back he will displace you along with himself.”
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No. 891395 ID: eeb7d9

All right, start looking flags, we can deal with other contestants later. If we happen to find one, follow him as stealthy as you can. If you get spotted, escape. They are going to follow you probably, so you can use this in your advantage. They might not even know what a displacer beast is, but don't count on it.
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No. 891396 ID: 575ec0

MOUNT THINE NOBLE VICIOUS STEED, AND STRIDE THE TREES!
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No. 891409 ID: d3602f

Assuming Bower is using Otel, maybe we could actually team up. He can scout for flags, but he's slow without a mount and we don't know how good he is at fighting without his rifle. He's probably going to lose if he runs up against someone with a more offensive demon. It shouldn't be too hard to convince him to join us if we split the flags equally.

Of course, that's assuming he IS using Otel and not something else.
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No. 891462 ID: 8a947d
File 153092868191.png - (302.55KB , 1212x826 , Flag Battle 2.png )
891462

You get to looking for flags right away. You mount Peaches and he leaps across the tall tree branches. Ula's voice comes down from the sky once again.

ULA: This forest has been filled with actual tree's and plants from multiple environments of earth! Most of them you're better off avoiding! The forest floor is covered in tanglevines! If you fall down there you'll be stuck there for a long while and you'll lose ground real quick! So be careful.

You manage to come across a flag as you jump around, It's only a 5 point flag however.
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No. 891475 ID: 8a947d
File 153092926912.png - (246.77KB , 1212x826 , Flag Battle 3.png )
891475

Peaches seems to thrive in an environment instead of a desert or a mountain. The displacer beast uses it's tendrils to grab onto branches and tree trunks to swing from tree to tree. You manage to snatch another flag from a branch mid swing, it's a 10 pointer this time. You're at 75 points now, but you have no idea what the other contestants are at by now.
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No. 891478 ID: 8a947d
File 153092962163.png - (322.32KB , 1212x826 , Flag Battle 4.png )
891478

After a few more scouting you have trouble finding more flags. You try moving deeper into the forest. You stop at the sight of a giant tree stump in the middle of the forest, in the middle of that stump there is a pole full of flags. It's out in the open and anyone would see you go for it, but if you were caught by someone and they fought you on it the even ground would make the fight a lot easier. Peaches had a hard time maintaining a displacement illusion on the high uneven tree branches, so you might have a chance on the flatter stump to be a little more offensive.
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No. 891481 ID: b1b4f3

>>891478
>offensive
Well, both offensive and defensive really since they won't be able to tell where you really are. But yeah, go for it. No guts no glory.
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No. 891482 ID: e26fa5

Just go there and pick the flags, probally nobody is going to see you going there. There's no traps.
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No. 891483 ID: 094652

You're lagging behind, time to risk it! Besides, your teleport should give you a temporary advantage for those three flags.
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No. 891484 ID: d3602f

>>891478
We'll need to be a bit more offensive if we want to win this.

But first break off a stick and throw it at the flags, this screams booby trap.
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No. 891494 ID: 91ee5f

I can’t help but imagine how terrifying it would be for our opponents if we were riding on a Displacer Beast as big as the one we killed. Maybe Peaches will grow that big one day?

>>891478
>Pole with a bunch of flags on it.
That seems suspicious. Either it was placed there by another contestant or it was already like that when the match started.

Too bad we don’t have any binoculars a telescope to see if we can spot a possible trap. Or to at least look at the point values on the flags to determine if going for them would be worth the risk.

>>891484
>booby trap.
*insert immature giggling and/or commentary at the word “booby” here*
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No. 891501 ID: 8a947d
File 153093508167.png - (204.11KB , 1212x826 , Flag Battle 5.png )
891501

You take a rock and chuck it at the flag just in case, nothing happens.You aren't sure if that's enough to prove it isn't trapped but you can't keep waiting. Peaches displaces the both of you and you leap down onto the stump. The flag pole is driven deep withing the stump, you doubt it was set up by another dueler since there wasn't enough time. You cannot take the whole flagpole, so you pull the flags off of the pole. The first one you takes a 40 pointer.
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No. 891503 ID: 8a947d
File 153093533741.png - (264.27KB , 1212x826 , Flag Battle 6.png )
891503

Before you can take the other two a burst of bright light emerges from in front of you as if somebody tossed a flashbang at your feet! In shock Peaches rears back and throws you off on accident. As your vision clears you see a small demon grab one of the flags and quickly float away from the pole back into the trees.
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No. 891504 ID: 8a947d
File 153093561514.png - (297.70KB , 1212x826 , Flag Battle 7.png )
891504

You can't exactly make out the demon or the person, but you do see a similar odd red hat. Looks like you and Bower found the same flag pole.

BOWER: It's just a 10 point flag, who's that down there?
OTEL: It was that Gallows punk! He's riding a big cat demon thing! He's got more flags on him though!


From what you can see, Bower continues to climb up the trees and leap between the branches with precise skill. It'd only make sense for a sniper to be comfortable up in the high areas of the forest. He pulls something out of his pocket and aims at you. There's still a flag on the pole.
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No. 891507 ID: b1b4f3

>>891504
Tactical retreat. There are other flags to get.
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No. 891508 ID: 094652

Have the displacer beast teleport into close range while you make a mad dash for the last flag!

Actually, set the last flag on fire so nobody gets it.
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No. 891509 ID: e26fa5

Make a barrier so you can pick the last flags, simple and effective.

Try to keep your eyes safe, tho.
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No. 891511 ID: d3602f

>>891504
Hmm, maybe he doesn't need our help that much. I don't think going invisible is going to help us against this, but we're more combat based. Have Peaches chase after Bower to keep his attention while we untie a flag. If it looks like he's about to throw another flashbang, put a bandage over your eye. Hopefully it's thin enough to give us enough light to work while blocking out the worst of the flash.

>>891508
We don't have any matches or lighters. Any method I can think of that would light the flag on fire would probably take longer than just removing the thing.
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No. 891513 ID: eeb7d9

Go aggressive, we can't let him take the long range advantage!
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No. 891516 ID: 91ee5f

>>891504
>He pulls something out of his pocket and aims at you.
There’s no rule saying that we can’t use our magic!

If you can reach Bower with your Caesura, then form it around Bower at the exact moment he’s about to throw it so that he’s trapped inside the barrier with whatever he’s throwing so that it only hits him! While he’s stunned, grab the last flag on the pole and then run away!

But if you can’t reach Bower with your Caesura, then put it up in midair between you and him, so that whatever he throws will bounce off the barrier and fly away from you!
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No. 891521 ID: 166e1c

Time to rush toward Bower. Not in a straight line, arch a little to the right so your illusion can mirror you to the left.
I bet a demon specialized in seeing things probable can detect us somehow, but in case they didn't though about it yet it's worth trying.
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No. 891527 ID: dbf422

He's already aiming, and we're knocked down. Barrier first, figure out what he's got, then rush him. Keep an eye (heh) out for Oter though.
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No. 891607 ID: 575ec0

Abandon that last flag. He can have it.
Have peaches grab you with one feeler and a nearby branch with another.
Get out of here!
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No. 891717 ID: 8a947d
File 153108339985.png - (386.99KB , 1212x826 , Flag Battle 9.png )
891717

Before you can be shot by Bower you put up a Caesura barrier, a small concussive blast smashes against the side of the bubble. You didn't have the time to reach the flag pole but you managed to protect yourself. Peaches displaces himself and rushes toward Bower without you.
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No. 891718 ID: 8a947d
File 153108353150.png - (1.00MB , 1212x1653 , Flag Battle 8.png )
891718

BOWER: This'd be easy if I had my gun.
OTEL: Don't worry 'bout a gun Bower! As long as you got me you can hit anything!

Bower takes aim again and fires at the edge of the stump.
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No. 891720 ID: 8a947d
File 153108373407.png - (240.06KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 10.png )
891720

Smoke envelopes the stumps surface. It isn't a choking smoker nor does it irritate your eye, You can even still see where Bower is shooting from so it seems like a pretty pointless cover. Despite that Peaches is confused by the smoke, not to mention his invisible form still displaces smoke making him easier to see in the smoke screen!
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No. 891721 ID: 8a947d
File 153108421358.png - (172.40KB , 1212x826 , Flag Battle 12.png )
891721

A second shit is fired from Bower's position. It's not an explosive or a flashbang, but the projectile explodes into a sticky foam around Peaches' legs sticking him to the ground unable to move. Bower takes aim at Peaches again. He's unable to move or dodge but he might be able to block it with his tendrils though you have no guarantee, you might have to cover Peaches yourself and free him. You can still rush Bower, but you'll have to find a way to get to his position without peaches or find some way to hit from where you are right now! Whatever you do you need to be fast...
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No. 891728 ID: dbf422

What are the chances that Peaches would be able to whip you upwards with his tentacles?
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No. 891729 ID: 91ee5f

>>891721
>A second shit is fired from Bower's position. It's not an explosive or a flashbang, but the projectile explodes into a sticky foam around Peaches' legs sticking him to the ground unable to move.
Ewww, Bower is shooting poop at you?! That’s disgusting!

>What do?
How far can your Caesura reach? Since nothing can get in or out, you could put a barrier around Bower and when he fires, his projectile will hit the barrier and he’ll end up hitting himself!

Or you can put the barrier around his weapon and hope when he fires, it’ll mess up his weapon and make him unable to use it for the rest of the competition!

You could also take advantage of Bower’s enhanced sight. You’ve still got your flash light, right? If you shine it at him while Otel is connected to him like that, you’ll end up blinding both of them and that’ll make Bower miss his shot!
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No. 891739 ID: dfa6a7

Put a barrier to defend peaches the have him slingshot you, giving bower a flying kick to the face.
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No. 891748 ID: 575ec0

Unsummon peaches and shield. Then Resummon. The goo shouldn't come ith him.
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No. 891750 ID: eeb7d9

>>891748
Can we do that?
Is that even legal?
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No. 891754 ID: 91ee5f

>>891750
I don’t think there’s a rule against it. Which works for us, since Bower is aiming at Peaches instead of Gallows, which will mean Bower’s attack will miss.
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No. 891778 ID: dbf422

>>891748
There we go, that's a good suggestion.
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No. 891809 ID: 8a947d
File 153113157762.png - (668.38KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 13.png )
891809

You run for Peaches and shield him, another explosive blast hits your barrier. You bring up your binding scroll unsummoning and summoning Peaches quickly to free him from the glue on his legs.
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No. 891810 ID: 8a947d
File 153113167594.png - (248.70KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 14.png )
891810

>Have Peaches throw you.
Even though you'd like to close the gap between you and Bower you feel like throwing yourself over the floor or tanglevines and through the tall tree's would be dangerous and ineffective...
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No. 891811 ID: 8a947d
File 153113172020.png - (348.84KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 15.png )
891811

Peaches however does not feel this way.
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No. 891812 ID: 8a947d
File 153113190361.png - (488.91KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 16.png )
891812

You instinctively create a small barrier to protect yourself from hitting a tree or getting shot by Bower, however you end up hitting Bower and Otel sending the two flying from their vantage point and deeper into the forest of trees and out of your sight.
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No. 891814 ID: 8a947d
File 153113269845.png - (184.90KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 17.png )
891814

You grab hold of the branch and notice that Otel's 30 point flag and the 10 point flag from earlier were dropped. You're really not a fan of being used as live ammo, but as long as it works you can't complain. Now that your encounter with Bower is over Peaches comes up to the tree to regroup with you, the flag still on the stump is a 20 pointer, you now have 175 points.
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No. 891819 ID: f69a82

Peaches MVP
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No. 891822 ID: 91ee5f

>>891809
>explosive shot
How is that non-lethal?! Those better be really weak explosives if he’s using them!

>>891812
Wait, I thought you could only form a barrier if you were stationary. Does this mean that you just figured out a new way to use it?

Also, let this be a reminder that you choosing to get a Demon's Mark instead of learning Demonic Music was a good idea because there’s no way you could’ve done that with your violin!

>>891814
Hey, even though you didn’t like it, Peaches’ quick thinking allowed you to end the fight and steal some of Bower’s flags! You should at least praise Peaches by saying, “Good boy!” or “That was a good idea!” or something along those lines, while you’re also giving him head pats! That way he’ll know you’re not mad at him and he’ll be encouraged to keep doing his best!

>What do?
Let’s get going and do what we were doing before: Look around for flags in the environment and try to avoid the other contestants. Only fight them when you need to.
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No. 891825 ID: e26fa5

I want to call this hability of Pinball wizard now, ok?
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No. 891827 ID: eeb7d9

Caesura cannonball? Niiice.

I am very split between reprimanding Peaches or just give him belly rubs. It was both great and dangerous.
Maybe he is smarter that he looks.
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No. 891828 ID: eeb7d9

Hey, i just thought of something.
Could it be that Roland is kind of linked with Peaches?
They both thought of the same idea. If it was coincidience then Peaches does have some rarional thinking, for some extent.
But maybe there is some kind of bond created between a person and the demon they train. Kinda like pokemon?
(hope not because i don't like pokemon. yeah, you can hang me on a pole now)
>>
No. 891829 ID: d3602f

>>891828
I think Peaches just got frustrated, and wanted to get rid of Bower any way he could, not caring if Gallows got hurt.

Luckily, it all worked out pretty well in the end. Let's go and find more flags.
>>
No. 891873 ID: dbf422

Beautiful fastball special. Give Peaches the pet of his life and a few seconds for you both to rest.
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No. 891897 ID: 8a947d
File 153118854944.png - (447.46KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 18.png )
891897

You give Peaches a little pet, but don't praise him that much. You don't want Peaches getting used to the idea of tossing you around whenever he get's frustrated at an enemy, you're not sure that'll work every single time. You mount up and continue to search for flags. You don't find many, but on the ground you start to see a few more protruding arms and legs of fallen contestants all of whom are missing their flags. After a little searching you come across another flag pole with two 20 pointers that bring you to 215 Points. From the branch you take these flags from you look down and see something...
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No. 891898 ID: 8a947d
File 153118888460.png - (527.64KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 19.png )
891898

A person stands on a rock overlooking a freshly defeated contestant caught in the tangle vines. It's the woman in the red mask from the waiting room, she ties a few newly acquired flag to her wrist adding to her large collection that might not even be all she has if her demon's carrying any. You notice she seems to not notice a few flags fall from her person and onto the rock below, if she were to leave and leave them behind you could take them. Of course if she's managed to take all of those from other contestants getting caught could mean trouble for you if you're caught.
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No. 891903 ID: d3602f

>>891898
Yeah, no. That's kind of scary, even for a competition that avoids injuring contestants. At least we're more likely to win, seeing as she's taken out so much of the competition.
>>
No. 891905 ID: 5fa661

Try and pop a shield over her that leaves as much of that arm as possible outside so you can grab the flags. Approach cautiously in displacement.
>>
No. 891906 ID: b1b4f3

Evade. Come back later.
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No. 891908 ID: e26fa5

Wrap a ten or twenty points flag to your shoe and throw it in the vines to distract her and then go for the points. Also try to save that contestant in the vines.
>>
No. 891909 ID: 575ec0

Flags seem to be getting scarce. Competition s dwindling, and she's ahead of you in score. Possibly very ahead.
If you want to win, you need to defeat her.

Dive into the tangle vine behind her while shielded as to not get tangled. Then Displace, leap up, and swat her from the rock.
>>
No. 891910 ID: d3602f

Wait, I've read over the rules again and now I realize there can only be one winner, no second place. I don't think we can beat her with her current score if we let her walk away.

>>891905
This seems like the best idea we have, try to grab it with Peach's tentacle. Don't try to fight, get the flags and get out.

>>891908
I thought this may have been a bad idea at first, but looking closer we could use some help against her and split the flags. But do we have the time to do it?
>>
No. 891913 ID: 91ee5f

>>891898
There is a reason that she’s currently standing out in the open like that: She’s the distraction. Her demon must be hiding somewhere nearby, waiting for anyone dumb enough to take the bait and try to attack her!

>You notice she seems to not notice a few flags fall from her person and onto the rock below
That’s even more bait for the trap! Either that or she knows she can afford to leave a few flags behind with the amount of points she has. Or she’s only keeping the high value flags and she’s throwing away the flags with small amounts on them.

The point is: Look before you leap! Look around to see if you can spot her demon. And make sure you look behind yourself to make sure it’s not sneaking up on you!
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No. 891929 ID: 8a947d
File 153120426024.png - (351.89KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 20.png )
891929

You send Peaches down to the woman to try and grab the dropped flags while you stay in the tree on the look out for the demon she brought with her. He displaces him self and manages to sweep up the flags quietly without her noticing. All together they add up to 50, you doubt she dropped them because she felt she could afford to and maybe she simply dropped them while fighting with the defeated contestant. You keep watch all around you but don't see any sign of a demon anywhere...
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No. 891931 ID: 8a947d
File 153120446565.png - (244.29KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 21.png )
891931

You check behind you quickly and see nothing, you turn back and keep checking the rest of the surroundings. The woman, pulls out what looks like a watch and checks the time. She's checking how much time she has left in the match. Before peaches can regroup with you once again you hear something approaching fast from behind you.
>>
No. 891933 ID: f3ba9e

>>891931
Duck!
>>
No. 891934 ID: d3602f

>>891931
Make a barrier.
>>
No. 891935 ID: 5fa661

SHIELD!
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No. 891942 ID: 91ee5f

>>891931
Make a barrier!

Because of how close it is, I doubt the barrier will prevent it from hitting us. But hopefully, it’ll either be trapped in the barrier with us or it’ll be trapped in the barrier’s walls to prevent it from moving.
>>
No. 891948 ID: 166e1c

>>891933
and
>>891935
>>
No. 891958 ID: dbf422

Drop to a hanging position!
>>
No. 891965 ID: 830fb7

>>891931
Do your Demonic Binding Scrolls work on other peoples demons because you could always capture and release it off an edge.
>>
No. 891976 ID: eeb7d9

Shield yourself!
Then start running, we don't want to fight that woman and whoever this thing on your back is.
>>
No. 892003 ID: 8a947d
File 153125251108.png - (223.09KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 22.png )
892003

>>891948

You duck quickly to avoid the attack while at the same time creating a barrier to catch the punch of the attacking demon.

DELPHI: Hi Gallows! My name's Delphi, Rascal told me a lot about you! She said you were an annoying newbie that couldn't keep his mouth shut but you seem pretty nice to me! Is it true you want to study demons? Have you ever seen a Hobgoblin before? That's what I am! We're sorta like Goblins but we have TWO eyes instead of none! That's basically it, there's no other difference. I guess sometimes Hobgoblins are a bit bigger but-

She keeps going like that for a while. It's odd to hear a demon talk so much...
>>
No. 892005 ID: 8a947d
File 153125329835.png - (398.72KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 23.png )
892005

The woman, who's name apparently is Rascal, hears the commotion and turns around to see her flags floating in mid air. She's quick to deal with Peaches she punches him in the nose and grabs the 30 flag off of his neck, next she grabs hold of his tendril and pulls the rest of them from him. She dodges past Peaches and lands on the side of his ribs knocking him off balancing and winding him, he doesn't fall off of the rock but he is stunned a little. You're down from 265 Points to 185.

Rascal's looks up to see Delphi caught in your shield , she starts heading in your direction.

DELPHI: Oooh! You're in trouble now! You're real lucky we can't seriously hurt people or things'd get REAL bad for you! Rascal's a monster when she's fighting! I remember this one time we-

it looks like Rascal is in the lead, with the amount of flags she has, you aren't sure if you can catch up from scrounging up flags from the forest, you aren't even sure how many people are left. The odd's of you beating her seem low, but if you want to win then you'll probably need to try to take her flags. What's your next course of action?
>>
No. 892010 ID: f69a82

(What equipment, skills, and magic do we have access to? I’m a little confuzzled on what we brought.)
>>
No. 892011 ID: f69a82

Heck, I guess we can pull a tacticool retreat and regroup with Peaches as we leave Delphi in the shield. Although I would be careful of Delphi’s apparent stretchiness.
>>
No. 892012 ID: b1b4f3

Keep Delphi occupied while Peaches deals with Rascal. Remember, we rated Displacer Beasts at a high rating because they have very tough hide and are hard to keep track of. Peaches should be able to handle this. I'm not sure you'd be much use in that fight anyway.

Also Delphi is giving you some great info, which is the reason you came here.
>>
No. 892014 ID: 91ee5f

>>892005
Keep listening to Delphi ramble on about Rascal. She’s so talkative, she might accidentally say something about a weakness that Rascal might have.

>>892011
We can’t leave the shield without dropping it. Vol told us nothing can go in or out while the barrier is up.

>>892012
Yeah, let Peaches handle this.

Rascal only managed to hit him because she could see the flags. Now that he’s not holding anything, he can sneak up on her.
>>
No. 892015 ID: d3602f

>>892003
I find it funny that Rascal finds us annoying for speaking too much, and yet Delphi is a huge chatterbox. I'd love to speak with her some more after the tournament, sounds like she has a lot to say.

So, since she's caught in our shield, how about we fall into that pit taking her with us? She's still outside, so she will get ensnared by the vines quickly. With our protection we should have enough time for Peach's to pull us back to safety.
>>
No. 892017 ID: eeb7d9

Let's use that loose mouth to our advantage. Ask Delphi something about Rascal that could be useful to us.
We can't depend on Peaches right now, they are stunned.
>>
No. 892027 ID: 8a947d
File 153126634432.png - (295.64KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 24.png )
892027

>>892010
You have Peaches and your Caesura ability. You also have a flashlight since it isn't a weapon, but your shotgun, flamethrower, and hatchet have been taken from you

>Have Peaches attack
Peaches is still recovering from the attacks from Rascal, He's unable to do anything at the moment!

>Ask Delphi something about Rascal that could be useful to us.
DELPHI: And then we went to get a drink at a bar, but I didn't get anything because I wasn't thirsty, I got a pretzel but I didn't eat because it was really salty and Rascal got mad because she said I 'wasted cards and food' which I guess was true but-

Delphi has absolutely nothing useful to say and she does not respond to any question you ask too wrapped up in explaining her story.

>>892015
You rock your Caesura barrier over the branch and sending it down into the tangle vines below to try and trap Delphi, Delphi however stretches her right arm up to grab the remaining stump of a branch to avoid falling, leaving you as a dangling target for Rascal.
>>
No. 892028 ID: 8a947d
File 153126697896.png - (549.76KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 25.png )
892028

Rascal leaps toward you crackling with what you recognize as demonic energy, it collects up her body and focuses toward her fist as she rockets toward you. Her punch infused with that magic shatters your barrier freeing Delphi, sending you flying, and allowing Rascal to take three flags from you as she passes: a 40, a 30, and a 10 point flag leaving you now at 105 points.

Luckily Peaches recovers from his pain and grabs you out of the air with his tendril before you fall into the tangle vines. You and Rascal have basically swapped places now, as she reconvenes with Delphi you realize she could probably ignore you and still win while defeating her is probably your best bet now that so many of your flags have been stolen. Another issue you face is your lack of any directly offensive abilities, you could possibly have Peaches throw you in your barrier again, but after Rascal broke your barrier with a single punch you aren't sure that's such a smart idea. There has to be some other way to use your Caesura to be more offensive right? or someway to make it tougher to act better as a shield.

>Find a way to make Caesura more offensive?
>Find a way to make Caesura more defensive?
>>
No. 892030 ID: e26fa5

>>892028
Offensive, the more mobile we get, the closer we can make Caesura the ultimate hamster ball that everyone ever saw.
>>
No. 892032 ID: eeb7d9

More agressive. It will always end up breaking at some point or another, so it would be better to make it moreworth while and have the chance to attack with it, or at least make it movile.
Staying still too long is bad. We can't be a tortois, we have to be an armadillo or an hedgehog.
>>
No. 892039 ID: b1b4f3

>>892028
Sorry what? Did we get sent flying OR did we get flags stolen because both can't happen at the same time.
>>
No. 892042 ID: d3602f

>>892028
Offense, we can't hide behind our shield forever and eventually we're going to have to fight back. Even if she couldn't break our shield, we'd still probably be at a loss of what to do.

>>892039
Our barrier was the only thing keeping us up. She pierced through our barrier and quickly grabbed some flags, leaving us to fall.
>>
No. 892045 ID: dfa6a7

Go for offense we’re gonna pinball this bitch.
>>
No. 892048 ID: 91ee5f

>>892028
>but after Rascal broke your barrier with a single punch
I mean, you could try trapping her where she can’t move her arms.

>Find a way to make Caesura more offensive or defensive?
To keep up the musical theme, I want to say that offensive should be called Caesura Sharp and defensive should be named Caesura Flat because Sharp sounds offensive and Flat sounds defensive.

.....oh, right, uh, I choose find a way to make Caesura more offensive!
>>
No. 892050 ID: f3ba9e

>>892028
Defense would be better in the long run.
>>
No. 892059 ID: d3602f

>>892050
I wouldn't say that. Most of our good weapons have ammo, and using the hatchet puts us in close quarters with our enemy which could be risky. I think of this as getting a weapon that we can use without worrying about ammo, and we won't have to worry about losing our protection.
>>
No. 892060 ID: 8a947d
File 153128101329.png - (349.39KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 26.png )
892060

>Offense, Mobility

You get an idea, You form a Caesura in your hand and toy with it for a little. You manage to shift the size of the Caesura while it's in your hand. You place a small Caesura low to the ground and leap on top of it, then you jump off right as you expand the bubble to the largest size you can as quickly as you can launching you off of the top of it into the air.
>>
No. 892062 ID: 8a947d
File 153128122889.png - (676.71KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 27.png )
892062

You continue to create barriers mid air to leap off of and climb higher into the air quicker. You can only create a single Caesura barrier at a time so you have to quickly get rid of previous ones while still creating new ones in front of you.

Rascal looks over to see you heading straight for her, she readies a punch as you get closer...
>>
No. 892063 ID: dbf422

We're a scholar. We fight because what we research is lethal.

Defensive. I don't mind too much though.
>>
No. 892064 ID: f69a82

>>892063
Too late m8
>>
No. 892065 ID: 8a947d
File 153128139327.png - (434.56KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 28.png )
892065

With your new trick you create a Caesura to redirect yourself lower. Her punch misses and you create a small barrier, aim it towards her, and grow it larger fast to knock her back and off of the branch. Two of her flags fly off, a 40 and a 10 pointer which you grab bringing you back up to 155 Points. Still not a lot but better than before.
>>
No. 892066 ID: 8a947d
File 153128149294.png - (385.40KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 29.png )
892066

Delphi quickly grabs Rascal and hooks a tree behind the two of them sending Rascal flying back at you with another Tectonic Slam readied to hit you.
>>
No. 892067 ID: f69a82

Oh feck, uh, use the Caesura to quickly move out of the way.
>>
No. 892068 ID: f3ba9e

>>892066
Jump and use a barrier to push her down.
>>
No. 892069 ID: e26fa5

She can't change direction mid-hair! Use the caesura to bonk away from the attack, making sure the hobgoblin try nothing bad!
>>
No. 892070 ID: e26fa5

>>892069
Mid-air, damn.
>>
No. 892071 ID: d3602f

>>892066
Still safer than the hatchet, and it should help us flee if we're in trouble. It also kind of makes me think of the musical notes on a staff, which I find amusing.

I bet that slam, while incredibly fast, is not that good in terms of maneuverability. Make a barrier and jump over her, then if you have the time hit her straight down with with another.
>>
No. 892073 ID: ff0134

Yeah, caesura isn’t going to be tough enough to withstand this, dodge behind the tree so that you got several feet of wood between you and her... also bring up the barrier just in case she goes through.
>>
No. 892075 ID: 91ee5f

>>892066
She’s pissed!

>>892071
This.

And watch out for Delphi attempting to grab you!
>>
No. 892076 ID: eeb7d9

>>892071
I was thinking the same thing, dodge and hit, hit and dodge!
You are the ricochet bullet!
>>
No. 892099 ID: dbf422

>>892064
Damn. Way too late considering all the drawings and writing. Teach me for being distracted.

>>892071
Good plan. Aim towards a tree though.
>>
No. 892142 ID: 8a947d
File 153130672219.png - (370.92KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 30.png )
892142

You create a Caesura barrier to leap over Rascal as she flies toward you and prepare yourself to come crashing down on top of her. You can't send yourself down with a second Caesura while you already have one in your hand, So instead you send the Caesura flying down at Rascal fast...
>>
No. 892143 ID: 8a947d
File 153130687704.png - (427.46KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 31.png )
892143

You feel something odd happen to your Caesura but don't have time to pay attention to it, the barrier smashes against Rascal sending her into the tangle vines below and the flags from her body fly into the air. Luckily, before they fall into the underbrush of vines Peaches sweeps them up with his tentacles.
>>
No. 892144 ID: 8a947d
File 153130725565.png - (603.43KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 32.png )
892144

You look down at Rascal caught in the vines, she's violently thrashing and cursing as she fights against them restraining her to the ground. She's not very hurt from your attack, and if the vines weren't there she'd no doubt be ready and raring to retaliate against you. You're very lucky this isn't a real fight.
You meet back up with Peaches and he hands over the flags he caught. When you count them up you realize there are only around 130 Points worth of flags there. You swore she had more! There isn't even a single 50 Pointer among them and you know you saw 50's on her arm in the beginning. All together this gives you 285 Which is good, but there's definitely more somewhere and they aren't on Rascal.
>>
No. 892146 ID: ad51b8

whelp, time to move on then and find some more flags. Be careful of that hobgoblin that still might be lingering around as I wouldn't be surprised if she hounds you to try and sneak away some flags while you're not looking.

Also wonder what Vol's reaction was when he saw what gallows did with his shields? Wonder if he'll try that trick himself?
>>
No. 892147 ID: f69a82

......Delphi..............................
Dinkleberg
>>
No. 892149 ID: 830fb7

>>892144
Where is Delphi they could have the flags as a fall-back plan for if Rascal is defeated.
>>
No. 892151 ID: ee2d6e

Well, get your book out and start interviewing Delphi
>>
No. 892164 ID: eeb7d9

Ok, it seams that your ability is growing, but is not powerfull enough just yet, but is a great progress!
Now, about those flags...
Maybe Delphi has somehow managed to grab some of them, or there is someone else there. We have to move.
>>
No. 892166 ID: 91ee5f

>>892143
>Caesura Sharp
Yay! Heretic used my naming idea!

>>892144
>You look down at Rascal caught in the vines, she's violently thrashing and cursing as she fights against them restraining her to the ground. She's not very hurt from your attack, and if the vines weren't there she'd no doubt be ready and raring to retaliate against you. You're very lucky this isn't a real fight.
She must be very pissed off that the “annoying newbie that couldn't keep his mouth shut” just beat her! Be prepared for her to possibly attack you after the tournament!

>not all the flags
Are you sure Peaches got them all? Maybe Delphi grabbed a few of them?

Speaking of which, you should probably throw her into the vines also. Just in case she could actually free Rascal and/or she shoves you into the vines!
>>
No. 892168 ID: 91ee5f

>>892164
>is someone else there
True.

I can only think of Arthur and his invisible nose flicking demon or it could be Gwyn and her unknown demon under her cloak.
>>
No. 892170 ID: 575ec0

Someone else might have a displacer beast. Any unusual shadows?
>>
No. 892178 ID: d3602f

We need to get Delphi and see if she has any flags.
>>
No. 892203 ID: b1b4f3

>>892144
Hunt smol demon.
>>
No. 892210 ID: dbf422

Delphi grabbed the flags before she Fastball Special'd Rascal! Now where is that rascally Delphi...

Arms like hers she's in the trees. Send peaches around and keep moving yourself.
>>
No. 892216 ID: 8a947d
File 153135150969.png - (492.32KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 33.png )
892216

You prepare to send Peaches out to look for Delphi, but soon find it's unnecessary. You see she's still clinging to the she threw Rascal from. She calls down to you in a mocking tone.

DELPHI: Looking for these? Even with all of the flags you've taken from Rascal I'm sure I still have more than you! Uh oh! How unfortunate~
RASCAL: Delphi! Shut up and run away!
DELPHI: That wouldn't be as fun Rascal, you of all people should know running away is BORING~! A crowd of people is watching us and I want to make this fun for them. Also! from the look of it my new friend Gallows learned something new! Your face may be all wrapped up but I can still tell you were surprised by what you did! Besides, I don't know if I still have time to find flags and I see a nice 200 points right in front of me! Lots and lots a good reasons for me to stay here!

Delphi uses her stretchy arms to sling shot herself around the tree's surrounding you.

DELPHI: Make this fight fun for me Gally Wally~! Rascal's been hogging all of the good brawls to herself.
RASCAL: Goddammit Delphi!
>>
No. 892218 ID: 575ec0

Talk to her. Tell a short story that she can follow up with something. This Demon talks too much and talking takes a attention. Slowly close distance until you can trap part of her in a barrier.
>>
No. 892219 ID: d3602f

>>892216
It's Gally Pally to you!

From what we've seen of her so far, it seems like slingshotting is her main method of attack. She'll probably try to wear us down with constant movement. Let's Displace with Peach's and try to lock her completely in a Caesura with us, then we can sick him on her.

Or, maybe just get the hand holding the flags, and escape with a displacement. Either works.
>>
No. 892224 ID: b1b4f3

Peaches should ambush her, then you can capture her with a shield and take those flags.
>>
No. 892230 ID: 91ee5f

>>892216
If you’re gonna try and trap her with Caesura, then don’t aim for her body, she’ll be too mobile to hit!

Instead, aim for whichever hand/arm she’s currently using to swing from a tree! That’s the one part of her body that’s going to be stationary the entire time she’s in the middle of a swing!
>>
No. 892232 ID: 91ee5f

>>892230
Also, distract Delphi with conversation by asking, “So how pissed off do you think Rascal is, now that a new guy that’s never played before just knocked her into the tanglevines?”
>>
No. 892240 ID: 8a947d
File 153136144056.png - (553.72KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 34.png )
892240

You shout up at Delphi.

YOU: So...D'ya think Rascal's upset she got beat be a loud ass newbie?

This question elicits a loud growl from Rascal still stuck in the vines behind you.

DELPHI: Oh she's definitely pissed! She isn't always this way, but since we're mid competition she's really on edge! But I really hope we can hang out more outside of this because she's really nice any other time and-

Delphi continues to move around but is noticeably slowed down as she talks. You mount Peaches and displace. The illusion attacks Delphi from the front. She punches the illusion and realizes that you've approached her from the side and caught her off guard as Peaches climbs the surrounding trees to reach her...
>>
No. 892241 ID: 8a947d
File 153136149308.png - (439.86KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 35.png )
892241

She swings her outstretched arm around to hit you but you catch her arm in a Caesura barrier. She quickly swings forward and kicks off of Peaches' head to gain distance and then grabs a nearby tree as she flies back...
>>
No. 892242 ID: 8a947d
File 153136150410.png - (298.33KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 36.png )
892242

She quickly slingshots forward and delivers a headbutt square to Peaches' forehead dazing him and causing him to sway back and forward. The jolt from the headbutt breaks your concentration and free's Delphi from your Caesura, she leaps away shakily and Peaches falls down from the tree branches. You manage to catch hold of a tree branch to avoid hitting the vines below but Peaches still falls and get's tangled in the underbrush. He's stuck like Rascal now.

Delphi swings up to a higher tree branch holding her head in pain. Much like Peaches she's dazed but not as badly has he was.

DELPHI: OoOoh... Y-you caught me rambling didn't ya!... Owie...
>>
No. 892248 ID: eeb7d9

"I mean... we are kind of fighting. I'll have to admit tho, that was a nice move there. I bet Rascal taught you that. She is good at fighting right?"
We could try to help Peaches again, using our binding scroll and avoiding the vines with a big Ceasura. Or we could try to go stright to Delphi.
>>
No. 892250 ID: b1b4f3

Gonna have to make a note in the book that Displacer Beasts are not as resistant to impacts as they are to bullets.

Definitely try to use the binding scroll trick to free Peaches. Keep a shield up while doing so, so that Delphi can't ambush you.
Why not try to attack again, but don't displace this time? Or displace just a little bit so that an attack against you will miss.
>>
No. 892256 ID: 91ee5f

>>892241
>>892242
Next time she tries that, release the arm you caught so that her aim gets thrown off. (It’ll look kinda like this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RM6EfhLVz48 )

Or you could just quickly expand the barrier so that the edge of it would be in between you and her.

>Peaches still falls and get's tangled in the underbrush. He's stuck like Rascal now.
No, he’s not. You can get him out by unsummoning and resummoning him.

The question is: Will you get a chance to do it?
>>
No. 892257 ID: b58adc

Since Delphi is moving around too much to trap in a Caesura, create as big a one as we can around her to make sure we trap her and then shrink it down to restrain Delphi before shrinking it enough to incapacitate her.
If Delphi breaks the Caesura try and throw up a slightly larger one as quickly as possible and resume shrinking.

>>892250
Yeah, Displacer Beast's durability seems to be more due to a very tough hide preventing cutting and piercing, but their skin would still transfer blunt force.
>>
No. 892261 ID: 094652

I have an idea for a new skill: charge in with a shield up, then have Peaches teleport you out without dispelling the shield, which bashes whatever direction you were going in.

Or just catch something in a large shield and shrink it while you throw a punch, for extra melee damage.
>>
No. 892262 ID: bddb0f

>caught me rambling

Unashamedly admit to it, and continue to show interest in her while you brawl and try to get her in a position for a capture. Lose or win, at least make a friend.

"Haha, yeah I kinda did, sorry about the head trauma, but that one was kind of on you as well. There are worse flaws than being talkative, though - isn't it something that could be a strength, too? I mean, since you offered, I'd be happy to meet up with you and Rascal after the match, introduce you to my own talking demon buddy, maybe play some violin for ya. I want to be a demon scholar, so getting to talk to you guys is real interesting for me. What kind of music do you like, by the way?"
>>
No. 892264 ID: 91ee5f

>>892261
It’s not a teleport! Peaches can’t teleport!
>>
No. 892265 ID: d3602f

>>892261
Peaches doesn't teleport, he just turns invisible while leaving an illusion. We also can only create one barrier at a time. It would help to hit them dead on, but that's it.

>>892262
You think Vol would get angry if we distracted her by telling her that we have an imp friend who might be interested in a date?
>>
No. 892279 ID: dbf422
892279

Sorry but you're just so interesting! And this fight is probably the most fun I've ever had. Can't help but want to know more. We'll definitely have to hang out later.

Shoot upwards, well past her, and keep out of her field of view.
>>
No. 892282 ID: 91ee5f

>>892265
>You think Vol would get angry if we distracted her by telling her that we have an imp friend who might be interested in a date?
I’d be more afraid of Rascal getting pissed at us!

Because if Delphi believes us, but then finds out it was a lie, Rascal would come beat the shit outta us for getting Delphi’s hopes up and then crushing them!
>>
No. 892305 ID: 8a947d
File 153138241183.png - (491.61KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 37.png )
892305

YOU: Yeah...I sorta did didn't I? Sorry bout that. I'll have to admit tho, that was a nice move there. I bet Rascal taught you that. She is good at fighting right?
DELPHI: Yeah she's the best! Course' that doesn't mean she taught me everything! In fact a lot of her fighting moves I taught her for example-

While Delphi talks again you lower yourself down the brambles to unsummon Peaches. You capture him successfully but as you do Delphi bounces from a nearby tree and snags three flags off of you!

DELPHI: I might be chatty but I'm not an airhead!...Well not all of the time, Anyway! Distracting me won't work twice! Besides, I can wait to talk after the game! Right Rascal?

Rascal is too far away to be heard but you do hear her screaming in anger. Delphi took a 40, a 15, and a 30 flag off of you leaving you at 200 points. She now stands on a tree above you tying the newly caught flags to her arm. By now you're surely running out of time to get the flags back.
>>
No. 892306 ID: f69a82

Peaches out, barrier all around Delphi, (non-existent) ‘guns’ out, use your flashlight for both beating and blinding.
>>
No. 892310 ID: e26fa5

>>892306
Seconding, getting near her and trapping her in a barrier is the priority. Mainly with her arms out.
>>
No. 892315 ID: dbf422

>>892306
Also, have Peaches displace as he gets close, but not move out of the way. Delphi doesn't get tricked twice right? So she'll expect Peaches to try to get around her again while invisible, but he'll attack head-on.
>>
No. 892329 ID: eeb7d9

>>892306
>>892310
>>892315
Deadly combination!
>>
No. 892331 ID: 91ee5f

>>892305
She has to stop moving in order to tie those flags onto her arms!

Now might be the best time to get her!
>>
No. 892344 ID: 91ee5f

>>892331
I just thought of something. If we caught Delphi’s arm again, how effective would it be for us to use her like a paddle ball: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle_ball ?

Her body is the ball, her arm is the rubber band, and our Caesura is the paddle. We can just repeatedly expand and contract the Caesura to bounce Delphi around. If she starts dropping flags, then have Peaches collect them while we keep bouncing Delphi around.

After we’ve gotten all of her flags, we can just bounce her into the vines right next to or on top of Rascal.
>>
No. 892357 ID: 979ef4

>>892344
Hilarious, but first we need to catch.
>>
No. 892376 ID: d3602f

>>892315
This. We could fool her into thinking us far away, but before she can throw a punch she'll be flying straight into a C. Sharp.
>>
No. 892427 ID: 05ff2f

Hm... Would using the binding scroll on Delphi work? After Peaches vacates it, of course. Is she small or weak enough to be caught in it? Even if she could only be held for a bit before escaping that'd be a big tactical advantage. She could be released where she'd be either trapped in a Caesura bubble, dumped into the tanglevines or pinned by Peaches. And even if she could resist being captured, it may distract or disorient her for a vital moment, giving the upper hand to Gallows.

Gallows, if you get the opportunity, use the Demonic Binding Scroll on Delphi.
>>
No. 892433 ID: 91ee5f

>>892427
If you want to try that, then we could use one of the 3 empty ones instead of the one Peaches is in, since we made 4 of them.
>>
No. 892509 ID: dbf422

>>892427
I mean don't? Trying to bind a sapient demon is grey enough without them being someone we've tried to make friends with, and on top of that, during a game. This isn't life or death.
>>
No. 892516 ID: d3602f

>>892509
While I'm not sure how well it will work strategically, it seems pretty morally reasonable to me. The worst it does is temporarily calm down demons so that they won't attack you. Heck, since she's intelligent and doesn't seem particularly aggressive in the emotional sense, I don't think it would do even that.
>>
No. 892525 ID: dbf422

>>892516
Forcing people to calm down against their will with magic is pretty bad. That's messing with their minds. Even if it did nothing, trying to effectively mind control her isn't cool.

But more than that, binding scrolls also, you know, bind demons. So we'd have total control over whether she could be free or not. Even temporarily that's a crazy thing to do to win a game. You don't enslave your friends to win hide and seek. I'm sure there are situations where this might be the best choice, but this is very much not one.
>>
No. 892533 ID: d3602f

>>892525
Saying that is hypnosis is like saying I'm hypnotizing my guests by filling my house with lavender or vanilla to calm them down. It is TEMPORARY, and seems to only effect aggression. She will not be any less chatty, she won't suddenly hate Rascal, she won't prefer us to her. A demon can easily leave after we capture it, and they do not have to listen to us. Peaches listens to us because we fed him, and even then it took some convincing to let us ride on him.

It's akin to injecting her with a calming drug. It certainly isn't polite, but neither is trying to deck her in the face, and I'm pretty sure no one has any moral hangups if we end up doing just that.
>>
No. 892540 ID: dbf422

>>892533
Like, this is an argument about consent. She consented to fight with us she didn't consent to getting "drugged" and captured.
Temporarily or otherwise. We can lose this fight and that's okay. We don't need desperate measures shit right now.

Any plan that you have to convince people that it isn't mind control and enslavement is not as moral as you think it is.

And we can summon and unsummon Peaches at a whim, which means his freedom is determined by us. I dunno how that would effect a sapient demon but you gotta think about these things.
>>
No. 892541 ID: dbf422

>>892540
Anyway sorry for arguing here, I'm stopping.
>>
No. 892563 ID: eb438d

>>892540
We can only summon and unsummon Peaches because we have reusable binding scrolls now.

They’re not like poke balls where they key to a demon once we capture them and work better on that demon. They work the same way on a demon every time, reusable ones just don’t break when they’re let out so it’s more economical to use them.
>>
No. 892608 ID: dbf422

>>892563
Where do they go when unsummoned? Back to Demonland? How is it not keyed to a specific demon if we resummon Peaches every time? Maybe the single use scrolls weren't pokeballs but the new ones seem to act like it. At least while unsummoning and resummoning.

I'll admit that I am most likely to be wrong about this part if any considering that I have no idea how it works, but those points seem valid enough.
>>
No. 892612 ID: d3602f

>>892608
They go into the parchment. Then, after we put them into the parchment we can take them out of the parchment. It is like a bag that can hold demons. It can only fit one at a time, but it doesn't care about what demons have been in it previously. The reason why we can capture Peaches so easily is because he trusts us now, and so far the other options were "stay stuck in a bunch of gunk" and "be buried underneath tons of vines".
>>
No. 892621 ID: dbf422

>>892612
Alright, thanks. I still don't like the implications but that makes it seem better.
>>
No. 892650 ID: 8a947d
File 153152911917.png - (294.03KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 38.png )
892650

>Demonic Scroll on Delphi
Ignoring the moral implications of binding a sapient demon who you're trying to be friendly to. Delphi is currently not weakened enough to be bound and you aren't even sure how well a demon with such high intelligence could be bound since you've only bound beast like demons. Also if it does work you're worried how Rascal would react, it's been established she'd probably kill you in a real fight.

You rush Delphi same as last time, only this time you don't displace yourself.

DELPHI: You wanna try that again huh? Fool me once shame on you~
>>
No. 892653 ID: 8a947d
File 153152926598.png - (265.36KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 39.png )
892653

DELPHI: Fool me twice!

Delphi lashes her arms out to the side of her leaving herself wide open. You bind her in a caesura barrier keeping her in place.

DELPHI: Oh...shame on me.

Peaches grabs the flags off of Delphi's arm. Despite being trapped Delphi doesn't give up.
>>
No. 892654 ID: 8a947d
File 153152935957.png - (182.93KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 40.png )
892654

Delphi throws her arms up into the air intertwining them tighter and tighter.

DELPHI: I'm not smart enough to trick people in every fight, but sometimes I don't need to be!
>>
No. 892655 ID: 8a947d
File 153152948115.png - (497.03KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle 41.png )
892655

She brings her arms down hard over your's and Peaches' heads. Peaches ends up dropping some of the flags he grabbed and ends up swaying and falling off of the branch, you're too dazed to catch either of you with a Caesura.
>>
No. 892657 ID: 8a947d
File 153153006069.png - (246.24KB , 1039x709 , Flag Battle End.png )
892657

Instead of hitting vines you're body drops down on what feels like hard concrete. You hear Ula's voice again.

ULA: And that's time! It looks like we have ourselves a tie folks! Gallow's and Rascal seem to have both collected the same amount of the most flags, that means they'll both be moving on to the next round! Which was a close call, the second highest was 455 points.
RASCAL: We got lucky.
DELPHI: At least we won!
RASCAL: We tied
DELPHI: Would you have rather lost?
RASCAL: I'd rather have won
RASCAL: Oh Rascal! you're so whiny for a bounty hunter! Anyway here are you backup goggles.
ULA: Our players will have a short break to recover until the next round, please move onto your specialized observers boxes until you are called again!

You get back onto your feet, ears still ringing. You're a little confused as to what happened but you guess you won? You didn't hear a lot of what Ula said but you remember Vol's waiting in the observers box.
>>
No. 892658 ID: 10c408

You got anime'd, son.
>>
No. 892659 ID: b1b4f3

>>892657
Go hang with Vol. If your injuries don't heal themselves via some sort of arena magic he can patch the both of you back up.
>>
No. 892661 ID: e26fa5

Did she just one piece punch us? Did she? I'm not beliving my eyes, she did one piece punch us. It's personal now.
>>
No. 892663 ID: d3602f

>>892657
That was close. I say offer Rascal and Delphi a handshake for the good match, give Peaches some good petting, and see Vol up in the observer's box. I bet he saw the abilities of the other competitors, and could give us an idea on who we should look out for. And the guys who lost too. Whether they won or lost, they can still give us data.

Also, does this mean Bower's kicked out than? I feel kind of bad about that. We should thank him for the match too, maybe ask Otel a few questions.
>>
No. 892664 ID: dbf422

Stumble in Vol's direction as quickly as you can. If you can manage standing right now. How many fingers is he holding up?
>>
No. 892665 ID: ad51b8

I think we may have made a mortal enemy... or a friend, I don't know it's kinda hard to get a read on those two.

Anyways find Vol, get him to heal you and ask him if he got a good read on any other of the contestants? I mean if he was watching more then just us, or was this match the only match going on right now? It sounds like their are brackets but it also seemed like a lot of people were in this match, unless we're going sudden death with Rascal or something.
>>
No. 892666 ID: 91ee5f

>>892657
Stand up and shakily give them a thumbs up while saying, “Good game, ladies.....hey, were there always 6 of you?”

Head back to Vol and ask if he could patch you and Peaches up.

Then look around to see if there’s a tv or something that’s showing the highlights of your match, so that you can see what demons the other contestants had and start taking notes as Vol lists off what he knows about each demon, if he knows anything at all.
>>
No. 892682 ID: dbf422

>>892665
Well, Rascal is hard to read other than "angry" but Delphi is a pretty open individual. We're probably friends with her.
>>
No. 892707 ID: 8a947d
File 153154044272.png - (83.64KB , 1039x709 , Intermission 1.png )
892707

You stumble over to Rascal and Delphi.

YOU: Hey you two, I just wanted to say that was a good fight.
RASCAL: Yeah, well we're still not done yet. If I'm lucky we'll be in the same match again, and I'll make sure we can get another fight in.

Rascal walks off, Delphi stays to talk to you more.

DELPHI: I know she seems a bit hard to talk to but she's still in her "competitive mode". I swear, buy her a beer and she's the nicest person in the world...sometimes. Anyway, sorry about that blow to your head! I really got you good didn't I?
>>
No. 892710 ID: e26fa5

Throw the trash goblin into the trash can.

Just damn kidding, show her your book and ask for a bit of information about hobgoblins and others, she's a bounty hunter after all, her arms seem's pretty elastic, but her whole body not. Delphi sure kicked our ass very hard.
>>
No. 892711 ID: bb6cfd

Well seeing how I’m still seeing three of you I’d have to agree with that. That was a good hit by the way.

I do have a quick question though if you wouldn’t mind answering. That arm stretching thing you do, can all hobgoblins do that or is that all you?
>>
No. 892712 ID: dbf422

Yeah, if she'd gotten us with that earlier we would have definitely lost. Lucky we don't have any real beef with them. And the idea of grabbing a beer would be nice but it kinda seems like Rascal would turn down the offer at this point. Maybe we'll have to catch her in a good mood sometime.

Anyway, we should get over to Vol before the break is over.
>>
No. 892717 ID: 91ee5f

>>892707
>Anyway, sorry about that blow to your head! I really got you good didn't I?
“Nah, it's fine, uh, were there always 3 of you?”

You can attempt to ask her a few quick questions about Hobgoblins for your notes, but I doubt she’d tell you anything, since there’s a chance you might end up facing her in the next round and she wouldn’t want to give away any of her weaknesses to you.

>>892712
>Anyway, we should get over to Vol before the break is over.
Yeah, that’s a good idea.
>>
No. 892722 ID: 8a947d
File 153154452951.png - (381.69KB , 1039x709 , Hobgoblin Page.png )
892722

YOU: Yeah, you really did, my ears are still ringing from that. So y'know how I'm a demonologist? Well I wanted to ask you some questions about hobgoblins, if you didn't mind?
DELPHI: Well sure! You outta know by now how much I love to talk!

Delphi explains the sketchiness of her body and how it's like rubber, She's about the size of an imp though she's pretty strong and smart enough to fight against you effectively on her own. You write down the information and giver her a Panic Score of 6. She also explains how a Goblin is essentially the same as a Hobgoblin, though they tend to be a bit weaker and a little smarter and have no eyes instead of two. Goblins seem to resent Hobgoblins, and many hobgoblins look down on goblins as well. Though Delphi herself says she doesn't care about eye amounts.

Delphi's quickly called away by Rascal.

DELPHI: Gotta go! Good luck next round!
>>
No. 892724 ID: 8a947d
File 153154477739.png - (164.61KB , 1039x709 , Intermission 2.png )
892724

You head for the observers box where you come across Bower and Otel walking the same way towards the exit. You stop and say hi to the both of them.

BOWER: Oh hey Gallows. Nice job back there.
OTEL: He got lucky! But next month is our month huh Bower?
BOWER: Maybe actually. I managed to get 455 Points, I might have won if I didn't fight Gallows first.
>>
No. 892727 ID: b1b4f3

>>892722
>doesn't care about the eye thing
Gotta introduce her to Vol later.

>>892724
Now that you're not fighting eachother ask about his demon! Gotta fill out that book.
>>
No. 892728 ID: e26fa5

>>892724
Yeah, say sorry-ish for the bowling strike, maybe ask more about the Oracle Globule and ask if he fought against anyone before us, that was a lot of points!
>>
No. 892730 ID: d3602f

>>892724
I must say you're pretty resourceful, if I didn't have binding parchment I would have been out of a partner for a while with that gunk you threw. You mind telling me how you made that?
>>
No. 892732 ID: dbf422

"Hey, yeah, nice job right back at you. Hell, it was pretty lucky. If Peaches hadn't gotten angry and used me as a baseball we'd have had a lot of trouble there. Though, if you hadn't run into me, you might have run into Rascal and she and Delphi are a pair of powerhouses.

Oter, I know you're not big on giving out secrets, but I'm doing this research and I'd really like to learn more about you."
Make sure to show him the journal, including the page about displacer beasts. Maybe that'll help convince him you're legit.
>>
No. 892733 ID: bb6cfd

Tell him he did good. That ambush of his was well executed and his score is nothing to sneeze at either.

Also ask about otel as we don’t even know what kind of demon he is. He doesn’t need to tell us his powers if he doesn’t want to but you’d be grateful if he could at least tell us what his species can usually do as a whole.

Also when you’re done talking make sure peaches is doing ok and see if you can’t find vol to give the two of you a quick patch job.
>>
No. 892737 ID: 91ee5f

>>892724
You might as well ask about Otel and take some notes while you’re talking with them.
>>
No. 892742 ID: 8a947d
File 153155262989.png - (472.94KB , 1039x709 , Oracle Globule Page.png )
892742

YOU: You were close to beating both me and Rascal. Plus even without your rifle you did well, what was that stuff you shot my demon with?
BOWER: Just an adhesive foam I made. A while back I realized relying only on my gun wouldn't always work, so I've been tinkering with gadgets a bit.
OTEL: They're helpful when they work.

You ask Otel about what Oracle Globules are. He's quick to accuse you of "stealing trade secrets", but after Bower explains that we'd already beaten them he'd be losing nothing by talking. A lot of what Otel tells you you've already heard from Vol before. Otel explains how he can enhance Bower's sight by "possessing" him and passing on his ability to him. He also talks about how his amorphous body makes damage a bit easy to shake off and dodge. It makes you wonder if you should start categorizing demons by body type. Vol and Delphi are more humanoid, Peaches is bestial, and Otel is amorphous.

BOWER: If you want to talk more I live a little outside Dawnsprings, a little bit away Northwest. Well' I'd better get going. Seeya.
OTEL: Spill my secrets to anyone and I swear you'll be down and out in seconds!...kay bye buddy!
>>
No. 892744 ID: 8a947d
File 153155323066.png - (181.53KB , 1039x709 , Intermission 3.png )
892744

You walk over to the observers room. Vol's waiting for you at a table.

VOL: Roland! Dat was insane! You were crazy out there! I can't believe wat went down! Dat was crazy how you were just bouncin' around and stuff! How'd you do dat!?
YOU: It was just sorta spur of the moment ya know?
VOL: Spur a' da moment my ass it was amazing! Kinda sucked how ya got rolled out at da end there but aside from dat it was pretty great.
>>
No. 892751 ID: e26fa5

>>892744
Ask if he saw any other contestant that passed the challange, might help knowing other people demons!
>>
No. 892766 ID: ad51b8

>Kinda sucked how ya got rolled out at da end there but aside from dat it was pretty great.

love you too buddy.

But yeah, if you or peaches are still a little sore from that last round have Vol heal the two of you up and I guess you can ask him if he was watching you the whole time or if he noticed anyone else we may have to go up against in the next round.
>>
No. 892769 ID: 91ee5f

>>892742
>If you want to talk more I live a little outside Dawnsprings, a little bit away Northwest.
What a coincidence! You also live a little outside Dawnsprings! Bower and Otel might as well be neighbors!

>>892744
“I was too busy trying to win to see how amazing you think I am. Is there a tv with an instant replay somewhere so I can see what you’re talking about?”

After Vol heals you up, look to see if there is a tv that let’s you watch your match. Try to watch what the other contestants were doing and see if you can spot their demons. If you can, then write down any info on them that Vol knows, if he knows anything about them.

Ask Vol if he’d like to join you for the next match.
>>
No. 892772 ID: dbf422

>>892766
This
>>
No. 892785 ID: 8a947d
File 153158280142.png - (430.17KB , 1039x709 , Roaming Gluttony Page.png )
892785

Vol plays his violin and relieves the pain lingering in your head and Peaches'

>Instant Replays
Vol explains that the lantern on the table projects a screen to watch through, though there's no instant replay feature.

YOU: So, did you notice any demons while you were watching that we can take notes on?
VOL: Only the ones you seen.
YOU: What do you mean?
VOL: Rol, I've only been watching you da whole time. Why would I watch anyone else? But if ya do want to know more I can tell you more about dat big demon dat ate all ya guns at da door.

Vol goes into detail about the demon he calls a "Roaming Gluttony". A lot of his stories seem to involve running or hiding from one of them as he explains how scary the things can be, especially since they mostly come out at night. He explains that if they swallow things whole they can hold them in their stomach, but if they chew them up they dissolve into nothing. Gluttonies have incredible bite strength and a pretty tough outer skin, though the red inner skin is pretty vulnerable. Though you're given a lot of info on the demon you make notes that it may need to be updated later on since you have no in person information on them.

Vol pours you a cup of warm cider. The rooms got a few nice things for contestants, there are even cookies on the back table. This place is real nice for being a demon gladiator arena.

VOL: So how'd ya do dat thing with ya barrier? I saw how ya swung it around like it was a weapon, I could nevah do dat all da time I used it.
>>
No. 892787 ID: ad51b8

>So how'd ya do dat thing with ya barrier? I saw how ya swung it around like it was a weapon, I could nevah do dat all da time I used it.

I mostly did it out of desperation and luck. When I realized she could smash through the shield with a single hit I knew I couldn't really block her so I decided to try something. Basically instead of forming the shield around myself I tried to from it... well somewhere else besides around myself. Everything else after that idea was just me winging it.
>>
No. 892791 ID: e12fdc

Grab and munch on a cookie as you explain.
>>
No. 892792 ID: e12fdc

Wait hold up, I need to ask a very serious question here.
Are they, sugar, plain, chocolate, etc. or are they blasphemous raisin cookies?
>>
No. 892811 ID: e26fa5

You can explain, but of course, it would better show it! You can re-size your barriers, my buddy!
>>
No. 892825 ID: 91ee5f

>>892785
>Rol, I've only been watching you da whole time. Why would I watch anyone else?
Aww, how sweet, he cares about you!

>there are even cookies on the back table.
Sweet! Go grab 2, one for you and one for Vol!

>So how'd ya do dat thing with ya barrier? I saw how ya swung it around like it was a weapon, I could nevah do dat all da time I used it.
Tell the truth: You were desperate and had to think of something to avoid getting knocked out.

Also, you were too busy trying to not get punched by Rascal, but you could’ve swore you saw your barrier change shape from a sphere to something else when you sent Rascal into the tanglevines. Ask Vol if he saw that too or if you just imagined your Caesura change shape? And if he did see it, ask what it looked like if it wasn’t a sphere?
>>
No. 892835 ID: eeb7d9

>Rol, I've only been watching you da whole time. Why would I watch anyone else?
Pshh, shut up dude, you make me blush.

>So how'd ya do dat thing with ya barrier? I saw how ya swung it around like it was a weapon, I could nevah do dat all da time I used it

I have no clue. I just thought of muving out of the way and hit her as hard as i could with my Caesura, but somehow it felt different, and moved along side my hand.
But it still too weak to knock down somebody it seems. I wonder it gets stronger the more i use it or the more fisicaly stronger i get.
What do you think?
>>
No. 892912 ID: dbf422

Could be a human contract maker thing? Maybe we evolve through stress or something. Or maybe it's something you can do too, if the situation was desperate.
>>
No. 893026 ID: 8a947d
File 153168112450.png - (102.42KB , 1039x709 , Intermission 4.png )
893026

You hand Vol a cookie, he bites it but doesn't look happy with the taste. Apparently Vol's not a fan of chocolate but eats anyway.

YOU: I had to get offensive when I was fighting that Rascal chick. She could break my barrier with a punch so I knew just hiding behind it wouldn't be any good. What'd my barrier look like when I hit her the second time?
VOL: Like a big fist! Ya straight up socked her down intah da vines. I don't know how ya did dat but it's definitely gonna come in handy if we're gonna fight more demons.

You hear static from the intercom, Ula's voice catches your attention again.

ULA: 10 Minutes until the next game starts! Contestants get ready!
>>
No. 893027 ID: 8a947d
File 153168219179.png - (236.66KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away.png )
893027

You and Vol exit to get to the arena quickly, you don't want to be late after narrowly winning the last one. Once you reach the front along with all of the others Ula emerges from the stadium to welcome you all once again. Another light projection appears in front of you to show you the game you'll be playing this time...

"Keep Away"
A Ball will be dropped into the terrain with the contestants. Whenever a contestant or demon grabs hold of this ball it will count how long they have held it for. the three contestants with the highest time scores will pass on and continue to the final game!


Another projection shows the terrain. A field of tall grass and flowers with the occasional brick tower in certain areas.

Who will you be taking with you this time?
>>
No. 893031 ID: b1b4f3

>>893027
I think we should take Vol this time. Get the ball, then combine your two barriers and nobody should be able to break through.
>>
No. 893035 ID: 094652

You can also use expanding/compressing barriers to push away opponents while keeping the defensive up.
>>
No. 893036 ID: 91ee5f

>>893027
Normally, I’d say we should bring in Peaches so we can use his speed to keep the ball away. But the problem is, we can’t displace while holding the ball. Also Peaches is probably tired from the previous round, so we should let him rest.

So I say we should bring Vol with us!

Tell Vol you want to team up with him for this round and have him hop on your back.

>>893031
I wouldn’t say nobody.

Remember, Delphi told us that Rascal is holding back during this tournament. So even if we did that, Rascal could still easily break through our combined barriers.
>>
No. 893038 ID: 166e1c

The combination of barrier and healing makes Vol a great help in holding that sphere, but we still need to get it from others. Peaches stealth and speed could be considerable helpful in both offensive and defensive.
I think Peaches would be a better option but I would choose Vol because at this point we can assume many opponents know about Peaches or his specie ability but Vol capacities will be a complete mystery to them.

Arthur will be a challenge during this game...
>>
No. 893039 ID: eeb7d9

Let's go with Vol!
Do you think Vol can do the same thing with Caesura like Roland?
Maybe we can try and help him with that later, if he can actually pull it off.
>>
No. 893040 ID: eeb7d9

>>893036
Weren't Vol's barriers stronger than Roland's because he uses the violin as a catalyst?

Correct me if i am wrong.
>>
No. 893041 ID: e26fa5

Vol, it fits him.
>>
No. 893049 ID: 91ee5f

>>893026
>Like a big fist! Ya straight up socked her down intah da vines. I don't know how ya did dat but it's definitely gonna come in handy if we're gonna fight more demons.
This must be what Vol was talking about when he said, “I do know dat a spell ya learn can evolve into somethin' different though. Human's dat learn demonic magic can have it grows in ways demons ain't never seen before.”

>>893040
No, I don’t think it is stronger.

>>893038
>Arthur will be a challenge during this game...
I don’t think he’s here.

The only person that should be here with us is Rascal because we tied with her. Everyone else got knocked out of the tournament.
>>
No. 893050 ID: 575ec0

Ula's outfit is neat.

Take Vol. You can just grab the ball and have vol turtle shield as you simultaneously attack shield.
>>
No. 893061 ID: dbf422

>>893050
Is that a hoodie shark bite swimsuit

The far future gets extra

Might as well bring Vol
>>
No. 893070 ID: ad51b8

I got a quick question, if we or val made one of our bubble shields, could we use it like a hamster ball and roll away with it as to become a moving target as well as protecting ourselves and the ball once we grab it?
>>
No. 893095 ID: 2a13fa

>>893070
hell yes, I say we try this.
>>
No. 893119 ID: 8a947d
File 153170761504.png - (466.89KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 1.png )
893119

>The only person that should be here with us is Rascal because we tied with her. Everyone else got knocked out of the tournament.
Not everybody from the room you were sitting in was in the flag game with you, a lot of you were split up. The other winning contestants were announced from their games...but you were a bit dizzy to hear about who won and lost each one.

Vol leaps onto your back as you step onto the same stone pedestal and warp into the terrain of the game. The tall grass reaches up to your neck, you're glad you're wearing a long coat and poncho or else you'd be itching from the grass. In the distance you see a stone tower, it's hard to miss since a bright red light is shooting out from the top of it. You feel like you know where to go next.
>>
No. 893121 ID: 91ee5f

>>893119
Head on over there.

Make sure you both watch the tall grass for signs of the other contestants!
>>
No. 893123 ID: b1b4f3

Alright time to practice getting around quickly with Caesura.
>>
No. 893126 ID: eeb7d9

>>893123
Wouldn't this tired Roland too quickly?
Does he even get tired by using Caesura?
>>
No. 893132 ID: 575ec0

>>893126
It could end up tiring Vol out, It's powered off of him.
>>
No. 893138 ID: e26fa5

Bonk yourself to the top of the tower!
>>
No. 893150 ID: dbf422

>>893126
Even if it does, this is a race until we get the ball. If we can get there first we can worry about being tired then.
>>
No. 893169 ID: 10c408

>>893150
I disagree. Sure, if we get the ball first we'll have it and can probably deal with whoever got there second, but then what? Person number three will show up with more energy. Then number four with more energy then the previous combatant and so on.

And sure, they might not all be targeting us if we're lucky and start in-fighting but getting to the ball first by spending huge amounts of energy isn't a good plan. Getting there third/fourth and then stealing it is a better idea.
>>
No. 893173 ID: eeb7d9

Well, we can all agree that abusing Caesura tired either Gallous or Vol. Maybe we could use it in a more conservative way. What about a hamster ball?
We literally use one barrier and all we have to do is push it. We are not that heavy.
>>
No. 893200 ID: 91ee5f

>>893173
>What about a hamster ball? We literally use one barrier and all we have to do is push it. We are not that heavy.
The only problem is going down hill.

We’d pick up too much speed and the next thing you know, we’re spinning out of control and when we stop, we’ll be too dizzy to see straight.
>>
No. 893253 ID: 8a947d
File 153178665451.png - (798.70KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 2.png )
893253

You decide to try and use Caesura to move to the tower faster. Vol creates a barrier around both of you while you push it by expanding Caesuras behind it. It works pretty well...until you hit a steep hill and begin losing control. You hit something on the ground as you bounce by, you hear a small "Hi Gallows!" Before speeding off down the slope once more.
>>
No. 893254 ID: 8a947d
File 153178678820.png - (828.31KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 3.png )
893254

You land face first as the barrier falters, that wasn't a great idea but you are much closer to the tower now, it'd only be a little walk to it now. You should probably start running though, if you hit somebody they're going to know you're over here now.
>>
No. 893255 ID: eeb7d9

Hi Delphi! Ehh race you to the tower?
>>
No. 893256 ID: e26fa5

Yeah, time to run. You've made a hobgoblin squeak like a rubber duck.
>>
No. 893257 ID: 91ee5f

>>893254
I think you ran over Delphi, which means Rascal isn’t far behind!

You’d better get moving before she punches your lights out as pay back for sending her into the tanglevines!
>>
No. 893260 ID: 575ec0

Run!
Keep a barrier behind you.
>>
No. 893270 ID: b1b4f3

>>893254
So Vol how do you feel about really talkative hobgoblins?
>>
No. 893277 ID: d3602f

>>893254
"Hi Delphi, bye Delphi!"

I can't think of anything other than running the rest of the way there.
>>
No. 893295 ID: 62fbaa

He might not have have seen her, but ask Vol what he thinks of Delphi!
>>
No. 893299 ID: d3602f

>>893295
I'm not sure we should be worrying about Vol's love life right now, we can't have him getting distracted. He can ask her on a date after the tournament, but not now.
>>
No. 893301 ID: dbf422

>>893299
I don't think we should ever be concerned about his love life. He's not shy about expressing himself. He will come to us if he wants help.

Shake off the fall and get running. Nothing to it just yet, though once you get to the base you can do the jumping technique with caesura.
>>
No. 893357 ID: 8a947d
File 153182411005.png - (173.08KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 4.png )
893357

You doubt Vol got a good enough look at Delphi to have any opinion. Plus that's the least important thing right now. You grab Vol and run the rest of the way to the tower, after a while you use your caesura barriers to bounce your way up to the top of the tower. As you reach the top you notice the red light has disappeared from the tower.
>>
No. 893358 ID: 8a947d
File 153182488638.png - (129.61KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 5.png )
893358

You enter the hatch at the top of the tower. Inside you see a familiar face holding onto the ball.

GWYN: Oh Gallows. I was surprised to see you win that last match of yours, glad to see we're in the same game this time. I assume you plan to take this from me?

Gwyn turns to you taking what looks like an offensive stance .She doesn't head back to the stairs to try and run away with the ball.
>>
No. 893359 ID: 166e1c

Can you bubble her? If possible I would like to roll her in Rascal direction.
>>
No. 893360 ID: dbf422

I mean, WE don't have to take it from her. We just need someone to. We keep Gwyn from moving long enough, we'll have a much better chance. Especially since we don't know what she can do. That said, she's braced for a fight. If she thinks we're just stalling, she might get bored or even offended, and leave.

So this has to be a purely defensive fight that looks aggressive. Start with the punch thing, by boosting at her with a caesura, and Vol ready to block for you. Gotta start strong.
>>
No. 893366 ID: 575ec0

Charge in like your gonna start ahighstool fist fight.
and then bubble her with only her hands and the ball outside.
>>
No. 893367 ID: 91ee5f

>>893358
If she’s surprised that you passed, then that means she underestimated you. However, now that you’re in the second round, that means she’s not going to make that same mistake.

If you don’t see her demon, then it might still be hiding under her cloak. I think you should put a barrier around the right side of her body, where her demon is probably still hiding.

Or if you want, you can put a barrier behind her and then quickly expand it to shove her and hopefully knock the ball outta her hand.
>>
No. 893369 ID: d3602f

>>893358
Let's surprise her. Vol will make a round barrier around himself, and we will punch him with a C. Sharp. Not enough to break it, but enough to launch him so that he can snatch the ball away from her.
>>
No. 893378 ID: eeb7d9

We COULD go and try to take it, or just wait for more people to arrive. Rascal can't be that far behind. If more people come for the ball, we could acrually take advantage of the chaos. But it will be very risky.
>>
No. 893429 ID: ad51b8

sooo quick question, everyone here has a demon partner right? We never did see hers but make sure you watch your back so you don't get sucker punched by someone.
>>
No. 893434 ID: b1b4f3

I say don't even touch her. Wait for a different contestant to start fighting her. That way, you find out what her ability is, without getting hit by it.
>>
No. 893529 ID: 8a947d
File 153191838175.png - (344.99KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 6.png )
893529

You bind Gwyn with your Caesura keeping her arm holding the ball outside of the barrier.

GWYN: Oh that's surprising. I didn't think you knew demonic magic. I'll be honest when you showed up you seemed like some curious demon hunter who'd be outed in the first round...

Gwyn's body begins to crackle with what looks like red electricity. It begins to grow stronger and stronger to a point where you're sure if you got too close you'd get shocked badly. You begin to feel the electricity run up through wall of your barrier.
>>
No. 893530 ID: 8a947d
File 153191897287.png - (633.81KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 7.png )
893530

The power of her charge reaches it's peak as Gwyn reveals her right arm and a large blast of lightning surges through you caesura finally breaking it in a flash of light. After the brightness dies down you get a good look at her right..."arm". It looks like some sort of demonic centipede like insect attached to where her arm should be. Part of you's incredibly shocked and surprised while another part of you instinctively reached for your notebook.

GWYN: But it's a bit surprising to see you're a bit more capable than I thought. I wonder how skilled you actually are?

Gwyn begins to walk forward with her demon arm exposed, Her body begins to crackle with electricity once more.
>>
No. 893531 ID: dbf422

>>893360
I'm still good with my original plan. I don't think we can take her but I think not fighting will end up way worse. The less opportunities for her to attack, the better for us. Offense is the best defense.
>>
No. 893533 ID: dbf422

>>893531
Oh, and of course, you need to be clear. You're a demonologist dammit, not a demon hunter!
>>
No. 893534 ID: e12fdc

Electricity huh, well my only idea is to find a way to get her arm into the ground (literally) but we’re on a tower.
>>
No. 893536 ID: 575ec0

Use sudden small barriers to trip and impede her. Have Vol work Defense. Don't bother trying to trap her or defend against her attacks so long as she has that arm. We need to draw this fight out until others with more offensive abilities reach this tower. Then we can use the chaos to make our move.
>>
No. 893537 ID: eeb7d9

You know, i am starting to get tired of being wrongly call a demon hunter by everyone. I only did that once, and it was for science, i am a demonologist!
Also, would you mind telling me about your "prostetic" arm later after the competition?

Let's keep gaining time until someone else comes, keep putting barriers in annoying places and moving around, she seems more focused on fighting you than anything else.
>>
No. 893538 ID: 91ee5f

>>893530
“I’m not a hunter, I’m a Demonologist, damnit! And I have so many questions about your arm!”

Remember, the point of this game isn’t to beat up your opponent! You just need to get the ball away from her!

You know how you were quickly expanding your Caesura to propel yourself up here? Do that directly behind the ball to knock it out of her hand and send the ball towards yourself, so you can catch it. Then you and Vol should leap off the tower with the ball and start running from everyone! Make sure you use Caesura to make yourself fall in a zigzag pattern to prevent yourself from being an easy target to anyone with long range abilities!
>>
No. 893545 ID: d3602f

>>893538
I like this plan. I don't think we should wait for others to come, because then everyone will come after us once we get the ball. We need to keep as much distance from us and our opponents as possible.
>>
No. 893569 ID: 2a13fa

>>893538
>Use caesura to knock ball from them
Yes, do this! Might not work but it's worth a shot. We can ask questions about the arm after the match.
>>
No. 893570 ID: ad51b8

can vol make a shield anywhere beside just around himself? Because if he can I say have him make one above red's head and then have gallows make a small barrier under her feet and then rapidly expand it so she goes flying and hopefully hits her head on Vol's shield and drops the ball for us to grab it.
>>
No. 893571 ID: 91ee5f

>>893570
Vol doesn’t have as much range as Gallows does, so his barrier might not reach that far.
>>
No. 893584 ID: d3602f

>>893538
Oh, and Vol should create a barrier on one of her feet so she can't jump and grab it in time!
>>
No. 893740 ID: 8a947d
File 153204576585.png - (319.04KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 8.png )
893740

You summon a small Caesura behind Gwyn's arm where the balls being held and expand it quickly, knocking her of balance and hitting the ball in your direction. You move quickly and catch it before it hits the ground.

YOU: I'm not a demon hunter! I'm a demonologist.
>>
No. 893742 ID: 8a947d
File 153204609721.png - (502.67KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 9.png )
893742

Now that you have the ball you realize that Gwyn has even more reason to be openly offensive. Thinking quickly you use Caesura Sharp to punch through the wall behind you and leap to the ground using more barriers to break your fall. In the distance you see grass moving and multiple shapes forming from lots of angles around you. Looks like not just Rascal and Gwyn are your problem right now, you aren't sure who exactly is after you right now other than Rascal and Gwyn but you do know you need to act fast to avoid getting swarmed by contestants.
>>
No. 893749 ID: b1b4f3

>>893742
You might be able to just throw up a double barrier with Vol's help and sit there, unbreakable.
>>
No. 893751 ID: ad51b8

plan billiard balls.

have vol form a shield around you 2, then do that expanding shield trick and place one of those expanding shields slightly under vol's shield at an angle to launch the two of you into the air and well away from the tower and hopefully give you some breathing room away all the people trying to steal the ball. Just make sure you brace for the landing.
>>
No. 893754 ID: d3602f

>>893742
Wait, lay down and pretend to be injured while hiding the ball under us, then create a round barrier in front of us. The first person who sees it will think we were knocked out of the tower and pick it up, then everyone will go after them thinking that they have the ball. It will disappear once they are out of range, but it should distract everyone from us for a while.
>>
No. 893755 ID: 91ee5f

>>893742
Ula said this ball would keep track of how long you’ve held it. Is that what the white circle on the ball is for?

Also, what’s the time limit on this round? Is it a half hour like the previous round?

>What do?
Keep zigzagging through the air until you’ve gotten past the other contestants, then put a Caesura around yourself and drop into the tall grass, where you remove the barrier and keep running!

Make sure you Caesura Sharp anyone that tries to jump at you while you’re in the air.

>>893749
That’s pretty much begging Rascal to break through the barriers.

Remember, Delphi said that Rascal is holding back for this tournament, meaning she can probably break through a double barrier.

Also, Vol’s Barrier only lasts as long as his song is played. Once he reaches the end of his song, he has to start over at the beginning. And it’s that little window, in between ending the song and starting again, where his barrier drops and we’d only have Gallows’ barrier. That’s when another contestant would attack us!
>>
No. 893757 ID: 575ec0

If you can make a fist and break walls, maybe you can launch yourself through the air to move quickly!
>>
No. 893758 ID: 91ee5f

>>893753
No more hamster balls! We’ll just end up getting dizzy again!
>>
No. 893759 ID: d3602f

>>893755
I don't remember her saying Rascal was holding back. She only said that "you're lucky that we can't seriously hurt people". Considering Ula mentioned there are safe guards that prevent casualties, I think she just meant without the safeguards a punch from her would have maimed us along with shattering our barrier.
>>
No. 893762 ID: 830fb7

>>893742
Use Caesura to fly over everyone, go as high as you can.
>>
No. 893765 ID: b1b4f3

>>893757
Hmm, this gives me an idea. Vol can make a round barrier like the hamster ball, then Gallows can smack it with a Caesura to launch the two of them off somewhere.
>>
No. 893769 ID: e26fa5

HAMSTER BALL IS ALWAYS THE OPTION.
>>
No. 893772 ID: d3602f

As funny as the nickname "rolling Roland" is, you guys aren't worried that people might notice the big demonic sphere?
>>
No. 893773 ID: b1b4f3

>>893772
I don't think we can escape notice right now. We could've tried some sort of deception with Peaches, I guess... but we no longer have that opportunity.
>>
No. 893806 ID: dbf422

We need to clear line of sight before hiding. But it would be easier to break line of sight by running through the tall grass. Unfortunately Gallows isn't as speedy on the ground, but if we do one final caesura jump directly away from the competitors, we'll get a headstart to try stealthing.
>>
No. 893834 ID: 8a947d
File 153210059707.png - (449.54KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 10.png )
893834

Before the other contestants can close in on you, Vol barriers the two of you and you fling yourself into the air once again. As you're flying away you hear a loud bang and something whizzes past your barrier. Someone shot something at you! Though it missed, the only other person you'd suspect of having a gun in this competition is that Eastwood guy you learned about at the beginning.
>>
No. 893835 ID: 8a947d
File 153210185105.png - (357.89KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 11.png )
893835

After keeping yourself propelled for a while you start to lower your barrier into the grass. There are lots of dips and pits in the ground that you go down to try and break line of sight with the contestants. Vol's barrier song ends and you stop on the ground.

VOL: I didn't think anyone'd have a gun here.
YOU: We were in a barrier. I doubt it would've been a problem if it'd hit us, even if it did it couldn't have been lethal.
VOL: Yeah, but if they do got a gun then dat bullet might a had somethin' to do with their demon.

You check the screen on the ball. you've been holding it for 4 minutes. You don't hear anyone near you but still shouldn't stay stationary.
>>
No. 893837 ID: 830fb7

>>893835
Cover the ball in dirt/mud to hide its colour from other contestants, the red ball stands out like a sore thumb.
>>
No. 893839 ID: d3602f

>>893837
Run a radius around the tower rather than directly away, they might expect that. Only plan I can think of, really.
>>
No. 893840 ID: 166e1c

How long will this game last? To guarantee victory we need to hold the ball for a third of the time.
That is, assuming two or more participants can't hold the ball at the same time. If that is the case alliances can put up to three participants ahead if we have less than half the total time.

Since we are ahead on this game our position is very convenient to form an alliance. If such arrangement require taking turns the possibility of backstabbing would be a great risk, less so if the ball can be shared.
Do you think Rascal would cooperate? Her melee with our defense would be a nice combination. If Gallows and Delphi hold the ball neither his barrier ability or her stretch capacity will be less effective compared to Vol's violin or Rascal's fist fight.
>>
No. 893841 ID: d3602f

>>893840
I'd rather we held onto the ball as long as possible, so that if we win the only other person who will go onto the next round will be Gwyn. However, if a third person grabs the ball, I'm all for working with them. It doesn't matter if their accumulated time is ten seconds or ten minutes, if only three people touch the ball we can be sure that we will be safe. Seeing as Gwyn likely has the lowest time, it would be very advantageous to her to help us, because if someone else gets the ball she is going to be the first person to lose the winning position. Even if she does take the ball for whatever reason, it isn't like she can knock us out if her time goes above ours. The only way she could cause us trouble is if she gave the ball to someone else, and that sounds like it would hurt her more than help.
>>
No. 893855 ID: ad51b8

so quick question, those binding scrolls, if you were to use on on Vol while he held the ball would the ball be sucked into the scroll as well? I mean I didn't hear that doing something like that was against the rules and if people don't see you actually holding the ball then they're less likely to attack you on sight.

Regardless I suggest moving away from the tower since everyone seemed to be around there when you jumped away.
>>
No. 893859 ID: 91ee5f

>>893839
Yeah, go around the tower.

Try to also make a fake trail that keeps leading straight, so that it’ll throw off anyone looking for you. They’ll think you kept going straight, but you actually went a different direction.

>>893840
>>893841
How about we just keep the ball as long as possible, instead of trying to make an alliance? That way if the round ends, then we can guarantee that the only 2 people moving on to the next round would be Gallows and Gwyn.

Also, since the next round is the final head to head tournament style battle royale, forming an alliance is basically telling the other person, “You look weak and I’m pretty sure I can beat you in the next round, so let me help you win this round so that I can win the next round.”

>>893855
If that works, then that’s definitely cheating. The point of the game is to steal the ball, so if they can’t steal it, then it’s not fair.

Don’t even try to do this.
>>
No. 893865 ID: e26fa5

Ask Vol to make a fake blood ball, this must be easy enought to trick other people and help a bit woth is fear, aye.
>>
No. 893867 ID: 91ee5f

>>893865
>blood
You do remember that Vol has a hard time doing anything with his blood, right?

He’s probably going to start throwing up and I’m pretty sure Vol doesn’t want to do that in front of an audience that’s watching us!
>>
No. 893868 ID: e26fa5

>>893867
Honestly he can do a few things, but yeah, I forgot that buddy takes a while to do blood objects. It would take a hour or two to get the ball, so fair.
>>
No. 893883 ID: 61f639

>>893859
It doesn't mean we think they are weaker. They can't bump us out. If a fourth person gets the ball, the person with the least time will get bumped out first. If only three people max get the ball, we are sure to win this round.

I definitely feel safer with that than potentially letting someone else steal the ball, escape long enough to bump someone off, and rinse and repeat until we're out of the top three.
>>
No. 893885 ID: 8a947d
File 153214107506.png - (460.38KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 12.png )
893885

You duck down and loop around back to the tower all the while trying your best to hide your tracks and make false paths to throw off anyone trying to track you. The others will suspect you of running as far away as possible so going back to where you got the ball may be a good idea. You and Vol keep an eye out, though you're much more on edge than before since you're in a more "on the run" position. This game lasts for 45 Minutes, a little over the last one. The timer didn't start until the ball was touched so there are about 40 minutes left.

>Binding Scroll Vol while he has the ball
That's probably cheating. You might catch some flak for doing that.

>Form an alliance
That might work actually, but you aren't entirely sure if anyone else will be interested in teaming up. Then again right now the only people on the board are you and Gwyn with you in the lead, maybe you can convince somebody else. Rascal seems a little hot headed to listen to you right now but maybe this situation will convince her otherwise. Do you want to try and make an alliance Rascal and Gwyn? You'd have to find them first though, or maybe they'll find you first.
>>
No. 893889 ID: 61f639

>>893885
Let's offer an alliance to the person who takes it from us. Otherwise keep it away from everyone.
>>
No. 893891 ID: 91ee5f

>>893885
There’s someone behind you! Use Caesura on them!
>>
No. 893893 ID: e26fa5

Duck.
>>
No. 893897 ID: dbf422

Why would anyone in this competition want an alliance? Gwyn seemed to be looking for strong opponents and Rascal doesn't currently like us. Not sure about Eastwood, but it feels like a bad move to actively look for at least the first two.

Oh yeah, duck and roll.
>>
No. 893898 ID: 61f639

>>893897
Because Rascal probably is in this for the cards, and if Gwyn gets to the finals she will get to directly fight us.

I'm also pretty sure most people just want the cards, and I don't see why anyone would dislike us helping them to the next round.
>>
No. 893905 ID: 91ee5f

>>893898
>I don't see why anyone would dislike us helping them to the next round.
Because someone with a lot of pride would be offended at someone offering help and they want to win by their own power.
>>
No. 893913 ID: 575ec0

that Looks like a demon, Maybe a roaming gluttony.
FLEE!
>>
No. 893915 ID: 7a9c7b

>>893905
Would someone who fought and survived against demons be that unpragmatic?
>>
No. 893921 ID: 61f639

>>893905
Than we'll just have to help them without their permission, and hinder our other competitors. Because they are helping us just by keeping the ball in their own possession.
>>
No. 893932 ID: dbf422

>>893915
Yes. Everyone has pride, and things they find important.

>>893921
But why? That still sounds like a last resort solution, not something we should pursue.
>>
No. 893935 ID: 61f639

>>893932
I'm not saying just hand the ball to someone, we need to keep a hold of it as long as possible. It's just easier to have two people defending a ball than one, whether one is consciously helping or not. If a third person steals the ball and holds it for literally the rest of the match, we still get to the next round. There is no stated difference between ending this match in first place or third.
>>
No. 893955 ID: 8a947d
File 153225563004.png - (611.61KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 13.png )
893955

Forming an alliance has its ups and downs and you aren't quite sure if it benefits you. This seems like it might be a last resort sort of deal for now. If you do choose to do this Delphi does like you, maybe that can help if you want to team with Rascal. You have no idea how you'd convince Gwyn, but you'll cross that bridge when you come to it. For know you should focus about keeping this ball in your hands.

>Behind you
You hear the shuffling of grass and low growling behind you. You quickly turn to caesura yourself before a large roaming gluttony slams itself against the barrier. It continues to attack using the spikes on its body and rushing forward with it's round body.
>>
No. 893956 ID: ad51b8

Vol, ball it with your shield. Then Gallows kicks it away so it will roll away from him and maybe hit it will a expanding shield to make sure it rolls really far away. Then GTFO
>>
No. 893957 ID: 575ec0

Vol cant ball it, Vol can put up his own shield around you though, freeing Gallows to ceasura smack this thing away.
DON'T Attack this with any part of your body. You'll just get trapped.

The participant controlling it can't be far away, deal with this quickly and run run run.
>>
No. 893958 ID: 91ee5f

>>893955
Have Vol put his barrier around you, then you use Caesura Sharp and punch this thing away from you!
>>
No. 893960 ID: dbf422

Drop the Caesura, then parry it's attack with an expanding shield. Then use C♯ to knock it backwards horizontally. The less vertical movement the better.
>>
No. 893985 ID: b1b4f3

>>893958
Yeah.
>>
No. 893986 ID: 8baea2

Can you use a Caesura inside of Vol barrier? If yes, after you using the Caesura Sharp famous bitch slap at the roaming gluttony, use double hamster ball to search for their patner around and smack him.
>>
No. 894046 ID: d3602f

>>893955
If that thing eats the ball, getting it out will probably be really difficult. This may actually be one of the best demons for this match.

>>893960
Sounds good, but don't make it absolutely horizontal, otherwise the friction against the ground will stop it. Keep it just above to give the most range.

Also, have Vol keep an eye out. It's partner is almost certain to be here too.
>>
No. 894062 ID: 8a947d
File 153234665776.png - (544.28KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 14.png )
894062

You unbarrier yourself and duck quickly preparing to attack. For a creature that attacks mostly from biting this gluttony seems a bit reluctant to open it's mouth.
>>
No. 894063 ID: 8a947d
File 153234685877.png - (525.67KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 15.png )
894063

Vol expands the shield below the gluttony shooting it into the air. You hear a squeak come from the gluttony, it didn't make the noise but it sounded like it came from inside of it. The trainer of this demon seems to be hiding inside of it's demon.
>>
No. 894064 ID: 8a947d
File 153234758462.png - (708.20KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 16.png )
894064

As the demon comes down you knock it back through the blades of glass, not too high but high enough to get it away from you. It lands on it's back and makes a loud grunting noise as it spits up what appears to be a small jackelope. Jackelopes are small mutant creatures that resemble semi-anthropomorphic rabbits with antlers topping their heads, not a lot of them here but you have seen em before. Both are knocked out from the punch but the noise they made were loud enough.

Now that you stop and listen you think you can hear somebody else moving in on you, that little scuffle drew some attention from someone you didn't want to find you. You stay and listen closer to hear anything else. You think you hear...

>Chattering. like a talkative demon doesn't know how to shut their mouth.
>Chittering and hissing. like some sort of insect.
>A gun. like a spinning barrel.
>Nothing. you hear...absolutely nothing.
>>
No. 894071 ID: eeb7d9

You hear the sound of your oun feet getting the hell out of there, you don't want to stay there long, you already made too much noise.
But if you really heard something, i gess you heard absolutly nothing, wich is even worst.
>>
No. 894075 ID: 91ee5f

>>894063
>The trainer of this demon seems to be hiding inside of it's demon.
That must take a crazy amount of trust from the trainer for the Roaming Gluttony to not just swallow them and never spit them back out!

.....maybe later we can ask what it looks like in there?

>>894064
>Choose who you encounter.
Chattering. Like a talkative demon that doesn't know how to shut their mouth.

Because if that’s who I think it is, then I’d rather deal with them again over the other 3 options! And hopefully with the absence of trees to slingshot off of and Vol here to give us an extra barrier, we’ll have a better chance of dealing with them and avoiding getting smacked in the head again!
>>
No. 894077 ID: f3ba9e

>>894064
>A gun. like a spinning barrel.

Let's fight someone new.
>>
No. 894080 ID: dbf422

>>894077
This.

"You're pretty good."
>>
No. 894082 ID: 91ee5f

>>894080
If that line is spoken, then whoever says it has to do the two handed finger gun point at the other guy ( https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8xVfjkb-xVs ).

Because you just can’t say that line without doing the finger gun point, it wouldn’t look right.
>>
No. 894083 ID: dbf422

>>894082
Well yeah
>>
No. 894084 ID: 575ec0

>A gun. like a spinning barrel.

ENGAGE THE DOUBLE BUBBLE
>>
No. 894085 ID: 166e1c

The bunny had the advantages of speed and small frame in a grass field but choose to stay hidden while a huge demon attacked. He should have done what Gallows did to Gwyn: take the ball from her hands when she wasn't looking.

Our options are:
>Rascal.
>Gwyn.
>Eastwood Guy.
>not sure. Maybe Arthur?

We are probable fucked with the Eastwood guy. A Heretic character in middle of a bunch of fan characters with one eye missing and themed after a stoic looking person... he should be the badass.

I prefer meeting Rascal. She can fuck with our defensive strategy but we know her deal and I want to try that alliance idea.
>>
No. 894088 ID: 8baea2

>A gun. like a spinning barrel.
Bang bang, honeys.
>>
No. 894090 ID: e12fdc

I think it’s high time you should be listening to your feet bailing out of there.
>>
No. 894118 ID: a62780

>>894064
aw hell that's totally a gun
>>
No. 894136 ID: df23bb

Maybe now would be a good time for a reinforced Caesura duet?
>>
No. 894155 ID: 91ee5f

>>894136
Roland can’t perform a Dark Duo with Vol, since he got Caesura with the Demon’s Mark instead of learning it with Demonic Music.
>>
No. 894156 ID: d3602f

>>894155
I think he might mean just create a double layered barrier. Probably not as good as a single hardened barrier, but it's better than one alone.
>>
No. 894159 ID: 8a947d
File 153240376009.png - (465.26KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 17.png )
894159

The whirring of a metal object spinning through the air stops as you hear a hammer cock back on a gun. Out of instinct you and Vol out both layer your shields on top of each other, something fires from out of the tall grass and glances over the top of your shield.
>>
No. 894161 ID: 8a947d
File 153240426881.png - (411.31KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 18.png )
894161

You see the gunman, the same person you suspect of shooting you as you fled from the tower. The man you've been told is named Eastwood. He pops a gumball into his mouth and blows a bubble as he talks to you.

EASTWOOD: You gonna hide behind that barrier all day? Heh just jokin', I know demonic barriers like that only last what? a few minutes? You'll have to come out eventually.

Eastwood spins his gun around his finger as he waits, he seems confident that if you drop your shield he'll come out on top.
>>
No. 894163 ID: e12fdc

Well I mean, I don’t think anything is stopping us from shuffling backwards as we alternate shields.
>>
No. 894165 ID: d3602f

>>894161
Has he seen the ball? If not, try to hide it.

"Sorry, but that Gluttony over there ate the ball. Unless you know how to get it out, I'm afraid we're both out of luck."

If he changes his focus away from us, maybe we can surprise him with an attack or run away.
>>
No. 894166 ID: 166e1c

>>894163
Here is a new idea: What if we... roll in a hamster ball.
Rolling Roland all the way! They see me rolling... they...
>>
No. 894167 ID: 094652

"That isn't the only thing an expanding ball of bullet-resistant blood can be used for."

Grasp in front of him as if you're casting. Then run while he's distracted.
>>
No. 894168 ID: eeb7d9

Since they haven't confiscated that gun, and the fact that it shot a bloody lazer insted of a bullet, it must be an unconventional type of weapon or he shoots something else. We need one ot those, but like a shotgun.

Let's flee with our Caesura like we did before. We make a ball and we push it with other little barriers.
>>
No. 894170 ID: eeb7d9

>>894166

Oi, that was my idea! >:V

>>893173

Right here, see?
>>
No. 894180 ID: 91ee5f

>>894161
Attempt to run him over while in a Caesura ball.

Just make sure you don’t stay in it for too long! Now that you have the ball, you can’t afford to get dizzy and lay down until the world stops spinning. That’s how you get the ball stolen from you!
>>
No. 894181 ID: 5d0b96

We have two shields right now, drop one and then from an expanding shield under him and launch him away
>>
No. 894183 ID: 166e1c

>>894170
I know. Gallows already rolled twice. It was a facetious "new idea".
>>
No. 894187 ID: d3602f

>>894161
Wait, new idea. How about have Vol put a barrier around his gun, run up to him, then put the barrier down and punch his arm? That might disarm him.
>>
No. 894189 ID: eb8a22

Well, we got two shields, so there's nothing speaking against staying inside them the whole day. But that would be boring.

I don't see his demon, watch out for an attack from a blind spot, like below.
>>
No. 894193 ID: 8baea2

Game of resistence, stay in the double shield dome because we didn't bring a gun to the gun fight.

Notice how your shield change the shoots trajectory tho. That shit? Ay ay, not normal.
>>
No. 894206 ID: dbf422

Say "You're pretty good." And point double finger guns using both your index and middle fingers. Sorry but this is necessary.

Next you need to get close enough to use CQC. Move slowly towards him.
>>
No. 894220 ID: eeb7d9

>>894183
Ah, I see, kind of hard to interpret in a text, at least for me.

>>894187
We can do that, but better. We use Vol's barrier in his hand and Gallows rushes him and punches him, really hard. But this is the thing.
Shwould we let Vol keep the ball or Gallows?
Either way, theball will be at risk from an attack from him or from someone else.
>>
No. 894235 ID: d3602f

>>894220
But if he drops his gun, we could also take it. He'd be out of a weapon, and we might be able to use it ourselves. Maybe. Not sure how well his weapon can recognize a wielder, but it would be a good piece of data to have. We'd definitely give it back by the end of the match though.
>>
No. 894241 ID: 91ee5f

>>894235
What if his demon is inside his gun? If Eastwood can’t use magic, then letting his demon go inside his gun would let him use it to fire lasers instead of bullets.

Which would mean picking up his gun would be dangerous for us, since the demon would come out of the gun and punch us in the face!
>>
No. 894309 ID: 575ec0

Heh. He doesn't know you can move while using your shield.

Have Vol jump your shoulder and rush him.

Make a shield at a sharp angle in front of you so his shots deflect away. If they hit your single layer shield head on they'll probably break it.

If that's to tricksy than a bubble made to the side of you that still large enough to cover your front should accomplish the same thing.
>>
No. 894360 ID: 8a947d
File 153250035390.png - (597.35KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 19.png )
894360

You drop your barrier from outside and use it to propel Vol's toward Eastwood. Eastwood side steps the ball unfazed by your attack, but you continue rolling for a bit to gain some distance...
>>
No. 894361 ID: 8a947d
File 153250052133.png - (362.01KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 20.png )
894361

>Notice how your shield change the shoots trajectory tho. That shit? Ay ay, not normal.
>I don't see his demon, watch out for an attack from a blind spot, like below.

As you're about to turn your barrier around to reengage, Vol get's your attention.

VOL: Ey...Gal do you hear dat?

It sounds like something whistling through the air, flying towards your position...
>>
No. 894362 ID: 8a947d
File 153250077736.png - (478.81KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 21.png )
894362

Something flies through your barrier completely bypassing your defense and hits the ball out from underneath your arm. Whatever Eastwood shot at your barrier from before had come flying back around stolen the ball from you. You see the thing fly back around to Eastwood who takes the ball from it.
>>
No. 894363 ID: b1b4f3

Oh well. Can't guard against that, and we obviously can't hit Eastwood either. May as well give up.
>>
No. 894364 ID: 8baea2

You do have mobilityx follow thr bullet and eastwood, try to steal it back. If impossible, make loud noises to attract people up to help beat eastwood!
>>
No. 894365 ID: 575ec0

Double Back. When Eastwood sidesteps again, trap him partially in a ceasura and have him tumble along with you... Except he doesn't have a protective barrier to protect him from the ground.
>>
No. 894366 ID: 8baea2

Seem's like I can't delete my old posts using the cellphone, whatever.

If possible, shove a small shield throught the barrel of the gun and expand it to destroy that damn thing.
>>
No. 894371 ID: d3602f

>>894362
So, uh, want to talk about that alliance?
>>
No. 894376 ID: ee2d6e

>>894371
Negotiating from a place of weakness is never a good idea.
>>
No. 894380 ID: d3602f

>>894376
Because keeping other people from stealing the ball from him would not be to his advantage?
>>
No. 894391 ID: dbf422

I WAS WRONG. IT WASN'T REVOLVER OCELOT. IT WAS GUIDO MISTA WITH SEX PISTOLS.

Rush Eastwood and keep his escape blocked with a Caesura, aim for a tackle. He's too agile to take on with usual methods we need to lock him in one place before we start hitting him with anything.
>>
No. 894392 ID: 8a947d
File 153252130478.png - (407.15KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 22.png )
894392

>>894363
Right, and you'll give up on filling your journal too huh? Maybe you should start selling meager crops for a few cards and barely scrape by while living safely right? Fat chance. You haven't gotten here just to give up.

>>894371
While Eastwood has the advantage you doubt he'd want to talk negotiations, especially after retaliating hostilities to begin with.

You use caesura to turn yourself around and head back towards Eastwood, you boost yourself forward toward his direction getting another sidestep out of him. You catch his hand holding the gun, you'd aim for the ball but reached for whatever you could get...
>>
No. 894393 ID: 8a947d
File 153252140638.png - (518.89KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 23.png )
894393

You unbarrier yourself and grab his gun hand tackling him to the ground. He drops his gun and you barrier his body so he can no longer move, the ball goes flying from his arm but you don't see where it lands...
>>
No. 894394 ID: 8a947d
File 153252180031.png - (401.73KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 25.png )
894394

You scan your surroundings until Vol alerts you to Eastwood's demons location, Vol calls the demon a Warp Wisp. It hovers away at a pretty slow pace ,compared to when it was shot at you, while holding the ball. You see the demon dip down into the ground, it looks like there's a pit in the field of grass that seems to lead down further. As the Warp Wisp heads down you also notice Gwyn has caught up to you and has seen the demon holding the ball.
>>
No. 894395 ID: 830fb7

>>894394
Use his gun to shoot the wisp with a caesura bullet.
>>
No. 894397 ID: eeb7d9

Smak Eastwood to stun him a little, apologise and chase that demon!
Use your barriers to move faster.
>>
No. 894405 ID: 8baea2

Yeah, save the demon of a ass woopin' by a eletrical bug by liberating Eastwood and bonking him to the fight, might be to see how the two demon works.
>>
No. 894425 ID: dbf422

Nice! That's tactics for you, hit them when they're busy underestimating you. Getting in close when Eastwood expected a defensive fight worked perfectly.

>>894397
Good plan. We have Eastwood cornered so we should press that advantage before entering a new fight. If Gwyn feels like "helping" all the better.

But have Vol circle around to keep the Wisp between him and Gwyn, while we try to stun Eastwood.
>>
No. 894427 ID: 91ee5f

>>894394
>It hovers away at a pretty slow pace, compared to when it was shot at you, while holding the ball.
So it has an extremely slow movement speed when it’s not fired out of a gun. Which means that if Eastwood doesn’t have his gun, then his Warp Wisp can’t move all that fast. So his gun must only have 1 bullet, his demon!

>>894395
That’s not how that works. We’d need to practice before we could do that.

>>894425
Good idea.

I’d like to also suggest throwing Eastwood’s gun as far as possible into the tall grass. That way it’ll take him longer to try and shoot his demon at us again!
>>
No. 894440 ID: d3602f

>>894427
You know, there might still be that Roaming Gluttony around. You think we could feed it his gun? Not have it chew, just kind of throw it into it's maw.
>>
No. 894442 ID: 575ec0

Grab his gun(We've little use for it, but denying him his weapon could prevent this from turning into a clusterfuck.) Then Ceasara pole vault toward that ball!
>>
No. 894462 ID: 8a947d
File 153257227483.png - (0.97MB , 1039x1417 , Keep Away 28.png )
894462

>Knock out Eastwood
You give the back of his head a good bash with a Caesura fist to knock him out and quickly follow down the pit in the ground after Gwyn and the ball.

The drop down's much longer than what you expected and when you reach the end you land in a large field of flowers covering the floor of a cavern. You see Gwyn firing blasts of electricity up at the wisp who is still carrying the ball.
>>
No. 894463 ID: d3602f

>>894462
Stay in hiding. Once she hits the Warp Wisp and it drops the ball, we'll hit her from behind.
>>
No. 894469 ID: 166e1c

I hope knock outs in this universe follow action movie logic and don't cause brain damage.

This is a good oportunity to learn Gwyn's abilities.
>>
No. 894473 ID: 91ee5f

>>894462
Quietly tell Vol that we’re gonna let Gwyn get the ball for us and let her tire herself out, then we’ll go get the ball from her. We’ll also be able to see if she has a limit to how many times she can fire off demonic electricity like that.

If she gets tired and she still hasn’t gotten the ball, then we’ll step in and get the ball ourselves.
>>
No. 894476 ID: 830fb7

>>894462
Use Caesura behind the wisp launching it and the ball at Gwyn then at the last second do it again right in front of Gwyn's face launching only the ball towards you (and hopefully nocking her out or dazing her at the same time). All going well this should remove two opponents with one strike.
>>
No. 894477 ID: d3602f

>>894476
I don't think that would work. For one, I'm not sure we could launch the little guy with enough force to knock her out if we're using a regular Caesura. Secondly, it seems like that demon ignores our barriers, seeing as that's how it managed to steal the ball from us in the first place.
>>
No. 894479 ID: dbf422

Move away from directly under the hole, then Caesura the opening. That'll be a red flag for Rascal, who we'll need if we want to take on Gwyn. At the very least, her getting in the way would allow us to get shot at by lightning less.
>>
No. 894527 ID: 575ec0

Sneak up behind, and when he shoots another electrical blast, double bubble him.
>>
No. 894572 ID: 8a947d
File 153267055002.png - (682.85KB , 1039x1417 , Keep Away 29.png )
894572

>Lie in wait
You stay behind Gwyn without giving your position away waiting until she either knocks the wisp out of the air or she tires herself out. She manages to keep it up for a while, though at the same time it looks like her blasts lose a lot of accuracy at longer ranges. Before she can hit the wisp you hear a large bang coming from the roof of the cavern, the ceiling cracks as Rascal punches her way through the ground and down into the underground landing on top of the wisp in the process.
>>
No. 894574 ID: 8a947d
File 153267091934.png - (217.32KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 30.png )
894574

Rascal takes the ball from the now unconscious wisp. You lay down in the flowers to avoid being spotted by Either Rascal or Delphi.

RASCAL: *sniff* Uggh, I hate flowers...
DELPHI: I think they're pretty I've never seen flowers so red before! Well maybe I did in the Aether but my memory's not great. Hey it's Gwyn! Hi Gwyn remember me? My names Delphi!

Rascal and Gwyn glare at each other, no words are exchanged...well some are from Delphi but no one else. Gwyn seems to have winded herself from shooting her lightning so much, despite her fatigue she approaches Rascal who in turn approaches her as well.
>>
No. 894575 ID: e12fdc

AND NOW IT’S A PARTY.
Well we can’t let her just run off with the ball, move.
>>
No. 894576 ID: e12fdc

But hey, letting them duke it out is neat too, now that I think about it.
>>
No. 894580 ID: 8baea2

Create Caesura near the rocks that Rascal created when she came here and fling them at at Rascal and Gwen!

Gwen eletricity probally can't afect the rocks that much, so it's a plan to knock her up.
>>
No. 894581 ID: d3602f

>>894574
I think we should let them tire themselves out a bit more and wait. I'm a bit unsure of what to do during that time. If we stay here, we could find an opening at the risk of being found. We could also wait at the entrance to surprise whoever comes out. Putting them into a round barrier could send them rolling back into the caverns.

I'm just throwing out ideas though, I'm not sure what would be the best course of action. For a less serious suggestion, trap Rascal in a barrier filled with flowers, or drop an orb's worth of flowers on her. It will be just like the time we knocked her into those vines, that one time. We can remember it like it was yesterday...
>>
No. 894583 ID: 91ee5f

>>894574
You’ve still had the ball longer than these ladys, so even with Rascal holding it, you’re still in first place for now.

>What do?
Keep watching to learn about them and their abilities, so you can figure out weaknesses. Let them tire each other out, waiting for an opportunity to take the ball back from whoever is holding it.

But if it looks like they’re not gonna fight, then they might’ve decided to team up before the match started and you’ll have to think of something to get the ball from both of them!
>>
No. 894586 ID: dbf422

The expression on Delphi's face as she fell onto the Wisp is so utterly neutral, I love it. This insane situation has had to have happened like a dozen times for her.

Okay. I don't think just waiting is what you want to do. You need experience using C Sharp during a melee and besides, you aren't going to try and win this without breaking a sweat, are you?

I say get up, and get equidistant from Rascal and Gwyn.
>>
No. 894653 ID: 8a947d
File 153279421482.png - (1.07MB , 1039x2126 , Keep Away 31.png )
894653

>Keep watching
With your lead on time with the ball you decide to keep watching the two to see if you can pick anything up from their fighting. The brawl ends up being a bit too fast for you to follow, compared to the fight you had with Rascal this one seems much more fast paced...a bit more personal too. Neither of them seem to use their abilities at least not any that you can easily see...
>>
No. 894654 ID: 8a947d
File 153279459209.png - (513.44KB , 1039x1417 , Keep Away 32.png )
894654

The ball passes back and forward between the two for a while you kind of lose track of it a little bit. It doesn't look like anyone's really losing or gaining ground, you'd think with Delphi on her side Rascal would have an easier time beating Gwyn...wait where's Delphi?

DELPHI: Boy those two are really goin' at it huh?
YOU: DELPHI! H-how'd you know-
DELPHI: Oh my big ol' eyes are great at seein' people! I woulda told Rascal but she saw Gwyn and they started fighting. Rascal hates when I get involved when she's fighting Gwyn, those two have been rivals in these tournament things for a while! They haven't spoken a word to one another ever but when they fight you can tell they're givin' it their all!
>>
No. 894655 ID: eeb7d9

Wow, they are rivals? So cool! I want a rival too!
Man, those two are way to powerful. You are going to need to get a lot stronger to fight like that.
Should we wait for a chance to intervene or wait fo a victor and then fight then?
Remember that we still have Delphi right next to us, that is going to be a problem.
>>
No. 894656 ID: dbf422

"But you didn't even try being stealthy! Did you just walk up?"

Well, this fight can't continue like this. We didn't have the ball that long, and if Gwyn and Rascal keep this up we'll fall behind. But with Delphi here we can't just sneak in and take it from them. Maybe we can convince her that even though she's not allowed to get involved, we can get involved for her, and help Rascal out. Maybe it's actually time for a team up. At least with Delphi.
>>
No. 894660 ID: ee2d6e

You should introduce Vol to Delphi
>>
No. 894661 ID: d3602f

>>894656
While I don't think they'd usually be against an alliance in getting a ball, this seems a bit too personal for us to intervene for a particular side. I'd imagine that's a good way to get double teamed by them, and fighting one of them is trouble enough.

But this likely means they are very distracted. If one of them drops the ball, we might be able to get it without them noticing. I bet Delphi won't try to stop us if it means stopping the fight.

With all these red flowers, you think we could make some shields as camouflage and crawl closer?
>>
No. 894662 ID: 166e1c

Since we got time might as well toss the alliance idea to Delphin. She doesn't need to decide now but it's something to think about.

>>894660
Great idea! Vol said he preferred girls his size after all.
>>
No. 894672 ID: 91ee5f

>>894654
>Delphi
Even though she’s a chatterbox, I doubt she’d tell us anything about Rascal. So I guess while she’s here, we can ask if she knows anything about Gwyn’s demon arm?

>>894656
>Well, this fight can't continue like this. We didn't have the ball that long, and if Gwyn and Rascal keep this up we'll fall behind.
That’s actually not a bad thing.

The rules said the 3 contestants with the highest time scores will move on to the final round. So even if we fall behind Rascal and Gwyn, we’d still have the 3rd highest score.

>>894660
>>894662
>Great idea! Vol said he preferred girls his size after all.
Now is not the time for that!
>>
No. 894686 ID: 91ee5f

>>894672
Also, keep an eye out for the ball.

If you can’t see it being passed between Rascal and Gwyn at all, then someone else may have taken it during their fight!
>>
No. 894700 ID: 575ec0

We could play as a hidden boon to these two.
So long as we prevent the others from getting the ball these two can fight all they want!

Tell Delphi that this situation suits you and that you want them to fight privately. Ask her to help spot encroaching opponents for you to take out.
>>
No. 894748 ID: 8baea2

Ask Delphi if she have any snacks, then, go searching for other contestants, someone for sure is going to appear there, one hour or another.
>>
No. 894752 ID: 8a947d
File 153284819529.png - (88.38KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 33.png )
894752

DELPHI: I say rivals, but sometimes it skirts the line between rival and enemies. The two come from different pagan colonies that don't get along very well. You thought Rascal was competitive against strangers? You're lucky she doesn't hate you like she hates Gwyn.

>>894700
You do have the highest time for the ball at the moment, even if both of them pass you as long as nobody else comes down here you should still be in the top 3. Though that's a dangerous game to play. You tell Delphi about your idea to form an alliance over the game.

DELPHI: Well that's probably not going to work right now while she's fighting...Then again she's always been whining about not being able to get to really fight Gwyn in the last match. One or the other get's knocked out before they can fight each other every time. I don't know if Gwyn feels the same way but I have a feeling it's frustrating for her too. Then again the both of them together could knock you outta the game in a second... no offense but you're kinda scrawny.

Right now you do have a few options. From where you are you can probably wait without intervening and still win, but that's not guaranteed. You could also wait for a winner to come out of it then fight them, but from the look of it anyone that comes out a winner might be too much for you to handle. They seem pretty preoccupied with one another right now, maybe if you approached you could steal the ball and make a break for it, but then you'd have to angry insanely strong women chasing after you ready to crack your skull open.
>>
No. 894753 ID: aeb1cf

Pratice with Caesura while you wait to fight with the winner, both of them will be in a weakened state after that fight, it will be easier to steal the ball.
>>
No. 894761 ID: d3602f

>>894752
I'm sticking with wait it out, I don't want to fight both at once. With some rest, our Caesura should be prepared, and our enemy will definitely be tired from the fight, increasing our chances of winning (or getting away).

I kind of hope the winner ends up being Gwyn. If Rascal wins, we'll have to deal with both her and Delphi.
>>
No. 894762 ID: 91ee5f

>>894752
>Then again the both of them together could knock you outta the game in a second...no offense but you're kinda scrawny.
“Eh, none taken. But you probably shouldn’t underestimate me like that. After all, I may be scrawny, but I almost beat you and Rascal last round, so I think I’ll last more than just a single second against both Rascal and Gwyn together.”

Continue watching the fight and try to see if you can notice something about the way they fight that you can use against them.
>>
No. 894763 ID: f3ba9e

>>894752
Snag the ball, but don't run unless they start attacking you. Ask Delphi if she could watch for anyone else.
>>
No. 894764 ID: d3602f

>>894763
I don't think Delphi would just let us hold onto that ball.
>>
No. 894772 ID: 8a947d
File 153285833233.png - (741.73KB , 1039x1417 , Keep Away 34.png )
894772

>>894763
>>894764
When you think out loud about possibly taking the ball while the two fight Delphi chimes in...

DELPHI: Y'know Rascal only said not to interfere with one on one fights with Gwyn. If you got involved I'd have full permission to do something about it. Gallows I like talkin' to ya...but I like fightin' ya more!

You take that as sort of a compliment...kind of, and continue to watch the two fight. Not one of them keeps the ball for very long, Whoever takes the ball is one arm short of fighting and starts to lose ground while the other takes it again and the same happens to them continuing a cycle.

VOL: Look at 'em go... these are da kinda people we're gonna fight if we win? It's insane.

You can't help but agree, as they fight you begin noticing more about how they go at each other. Rascal of course is extremely aggressive as she fights, she's the one doing much of the striking while Gwyn dodges and blocks only making a few attacks at critical moments. No matter how many times Rascal is knocked over she immediately and nimbly returns to her feet and continues fighting. You notice Rascal begin to crackle with demonic energy again like she did when she fought you; it gives her a leg up in the fight but at the same time Gwyn's speed changes to match her.

YOU: I can't believe people like this exist...Delphi what sort of training does Rascal do? Also what does she do for a living?
DELPHI: Well she does the basic stuff: push ups, sit ups, weight lifting, she's a bounty hunter so she's gotta be. She also meditates on a daily basis, says it helps with her spiritual balance. She doesn't know magic, I don't know exactly how it works but that energy stuff she does isn't exactly a demon magic. She told me she learned it from another pagan and she's been training since she was a little girl!
>>
No. 894777 ID: 830fb7

>>894772
Ask DELPHI if you where to steal the ball and just sit here with DELPHI also touching the ball would you have to fight or could we just continue watching because the ball only seems to be getting in the way of the fight. We could also try putting the double shield around them just in case they come at us because of this.
>>
No. 894778 ID: ad51b8

so Delphi, since we're on the topic of crazy strong people right now and you seem to have been in quite of few of these tournaments, any other crazy strong people you know about? Because I'm just curious if I just got the luck of meeting the two strongest people in the tournament back to back, or if I need to start hitting up the gym more when this is all over?
>>
No. 894781 ID: 575ec0

The victor of this bout will be severely weakened at the end of the fight. There are surely others like ourselves, circling this fight like vultures. Seek them out.
>>
No. 894786 ID: 8a947d
File 153287924075.png - (94.88KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 35.png )
894786

>>894777
DELPHI: That's a terrible idea for you. They're caught up in their fight but I know Gwyn's still focused on the ball. Rascal actually might not be but if Gwyn notices then Rascal's gonna notice too.

>>894778
DELPHI: Oh Rascal and Gwyn aren't the strongest in the tournament. I mean Rascal's pretty strong physically, but she can get distracted easily and sometimes forget where she is. Gwyn, I'm not sure about I've never gotten to fight her. Anyway, I do know that the guy in that red mask is something else. Him and the imp he has for a partner.

>>894781
DELPHI:...Hey Gallows, d'you think there are other people here with you?
YOU: What do you mean?
DELPHI: I mean do you think there are others down here with the same idea as you? Other people waiting for two powerhouses to tire each other out and take the ball out from under them? Who knows how many entrances there are to this cavern, and if you were able to hide perfectly fine then what's to stop somebody else?

You hadn't thought about it but now that it's been brought up you've gotten this tinge of paranoia thinking about the other possible contestants waiting just like you. About 7 or 8 minutes have passed, you're not sure about Rascal and Gwyn's scores on the ball. The two have gone on fighting for the whole time, oblivious to you or any other possible spectators to their fight. You could go around to check to see if anybody else is hiding down here spying with you, or you could stay put since you have no real evidence anyone else is down here and it might give away your position.
>>
No. 894787 ID: eeb7d9

>>894778
>or if I need to start hitting up the gym more when this is all over?

Definitely gotta hit the gym after this. Like, heavy tryining. We should ask Troy to help us with that, it is awlays better to do it with someone else. Besides, He looks like he knows a bit about fighting.

Hey Vol, was my Dad this strong?
He always look like a tough guy, even without an arm.
>>
No. 894789 ID: dbf422
894789

What, are we just not going to fight? We're not going to get better, gain respect, or win if we just keep hoping for the bare minimum. We need experience fighting.

Get in there and make sure they know that they're forgetting you're a threat.
>>
No. 894791 ID: aeb1cf

Let's search around, I mean, isn't like Gwyn or Rascal cares about you that much and you have a neat party. See if the Wisp is still knocked out just to be sure.
>>
No. 894793 ID: eeb7d9

>>894787
This came out really late, but still, ask Vol that.

I think we should search around. Delphi should search too, for Rascal's sake.
>>
No. 894794 ID: d3602f

>>894786
Guess we could check around. Would be pretty troublesome if a third party stole the ball from us.
>>
No. 894798 ID: 166e1c

Shouldn't Delphi be the one looking for others? It's her partner that will be target if there is anyone else.
Unless we agree with an alliance we are still better off waiting for someone else to engage before acting.
>>
No. 894799 ID: 91ee5f

>>894786
>Anyway, I do know that the guy in that red mask is something else. Him and the imp he has for a partner.
She’s talking about Naos, isn’t she? I knew he was strong the moment we met him, so I’m not that surprised.

>Other people doing the same thing as us?
Delphi said her big ol' eyes are great at seein' people and she saw Gallows and Vol hiding over here. So if she’s worried about other people doing the same thing we’re doing, then shouldn’t she be able to see these other people that may or may not be hiding around here?

If she points them out to us, we can help her go attack them. Since we’re in the top 3, we don’t have to take the ball from Rascal or Gwyn, we only have to prevent someone else from taking it from them and holding it longer than we did.

>About 7 or 8 minutes have passed
How much time do we have left in this round?

>>894789
I mean, Delphi is right next to us, so as soon as we move towards Rascal and Gwyn, Delphi will attack us in the back.

So if you want to rush in, we should probably do something about Delphi first.
>>
No. 894801 ID: 8a947d
File 153288913521.png - (377.62KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 36.png )
894801

>Hey Vol, was my Dad this strong?
You've seen your dad preform some pretty incredible feats of strength even in his final moments. You still have it firm in your head that your dad could take on an army and win.
VOL: His strength never went dis far, but he was clever enough to make up for it enough a' da time.

>The Warp Wisp
It's still knocked out on the ground for now. It looks like it's still breathing.

>How much time do we have left in this round?
You think you have about half an hour left in the match, plenty of time to lose.

>Delphi said her big ol' eyes are great at seein' people and she saw Gallows and Vol hiding over here. So if she’s worried about other people doing the same thing we’re doing, then shouldn’t she be able to see these other people that may or may not be hiding around here?
DELPHI: Well from what I've learned from fighting your displacer last round, sometimes people can hide themselves pretty well. It's just a feeling so I can't be too sure.

>Check around
You stay low to the ground and move around checking for anybody else around while still keeping an eye on the fight between Gwyn and Rascal. As you move over the flowers you notice a shadow moving around a little ways away over a mound of flowers, creep closer to see who's casting it until you notice that nobodies attached to it. The shadow moves on it's own gliding across the flowers to the site of the fight.
>>
No. 894805 ID: d3602f

>>894801
It's probably something that can swim through ground, so smash the earth.
>>
No. 894808 ID: 91ee5f

>>894801
>a shadow with nobodies attached to it.
Look up to see if there’s someone up there.

If there isn’t, then they’re in the shadow on the ground or they’re in the ground.

>>894805
Yeah, let’s give them a Caesura Sharp!

But if they’re in the shadow and not in the ground and punching it doesn’t do anything, then we might want to try shining our flashlight on the shadow to see if that does anything.
>>
No. 894810 ID: 575ec0

BUBBLE IT
>>
No. 894811 ID: e12fdc

>>894810
No don’t bubble, we don’t know what’s ‘there’
>>
No. 894818 ID: eeb7d9

Whatever we do, we should be careful not to call the attention of those two fighting.
>>
No. 894868 ID: 91ee5f

>>894818
They’re gonna notice no matter what we do.
>>
No. 894950 ID: df23bb

Why are we trying to stop it in the first place? If this person takes the orb than it just spreads the time out wider, more people get less time rather than less people getting more time thus making our lead more substantial. If anything I'd say make a distraction so this person can take the orb easier.
>>
No. 894952 ID: 91ee5f

>>894950
The ball has been passed between Rascal and Gwyn long enough that we’re not in the lead anymore. I’m pretty sure we’ve been dropped to 3rd place by now, which is the minimum we need to progress to the next round.

We’re thinking of preventing that shadow from taking the ball because we don’t want to risk being knocked out of 3rd place.
>>
No. 894953 ID: dbf422

>>894952
And I personally think that we should avoid risking a minimum victory at all. But for now at least, stopping whoever the shadow is from getting involved is worth doing.

We could work with Vol and Delphi to lure out the shadow, use one of them to draw attention or go as far as try attacking it while the other two lie in ambush.
>>
No. 894961 ID: 8a947d
File 153293606165.png - (665.19KB , 1039x1417 , Keep Away 37.png )
894961

You Caesura Sharp the ground trying to slam whatever's there. You see the shadow quickly dodge your punch, as it moves you see the outline of it's real body glimmer a bit. Another demon that can go invisible like a Displacer Beast.

The demon swerves around the fist and past your leg, but not before giving you a deep gash across your thigh. You fall to your knee's and wince from the pain, Vol on instinct patches you up as best as he can. You hear is the sound of his violin playing a healing song...It's the only thing you hear, You can't hear Rascal and Gwyn fighting anymore.
>>
No. 894963 ID: d3602f

>>894950
Because we don't know how long the other two have had it. Last time we checked, we had four minutes, and this fight has been going on for eight minutes. We may very well be in third place right now. And if another person gets more than four minutes, and we are in third place, guess who's going to lose their winning position first?

At least, that's what I first thought. Let's also look at it from a mathematical point of view, just because I like math. This does not necessarily help my argument, this is just to try to give everyone (and myself) an idea of the big picture. If three people have close to 4 minutes with the ball, and everyone else has 0, we can be sure that, even if we are in third place, we have 4 minutes before our position is in jeopardy. If we are still in third place at 4 minutes, but those in second and third have 15 minutes, and all below are still at 0, we still have 4 minutes of safety if a fourth person gets the ball. If we are in first place however, we will need 3 players to hold the ball for 4 minutes (minimum, some may hold onto it for longer before it's stolen), giving a safety period of 12 minutes. (8 for 2nd)

Now let's say that the top people are still at around 4 minutes, but everyone else has 2 minutes. If we are in third place, that gives us 2 minutes. If we're in first place, 6 minutes That halves our time before we're bumped out.

Looking from this perspective, there is actually quite the difference in safety between first and third place. Funny enough, this actually puts us at the mercy of everyone else in the top three. Although they cannot bump us out, if we were in first place, even if we are ahead of second and third place by something as small as 2 seconds each, if they pass us that can effectively HALVE our safety period. But, they will have to run into us first.

With all this in mind, if we head into a more logic centered viewpoint, we can divide our opponents into 3 groups, "us" "winners" "rivals" and "Obstacles". We will assume we're also a winner in this situation. Winners are anyone in the top 3. Rivals are those who are likely to bump out the lowest ranked winner, turning them into a rival, and may become a winner themselves. The obstacles are those who have, let's say less than half the time of the lowest ranked winner, the point is that they will probably lose the ball before they become a problem. The more rivals we have, the more people who can bump us out. If we are in the top 3 and have one rival, we have one person to be truly concerned about if they have the ball. If we have 3 rivals, we have 3 people who can surpass us if any of them holds onto the ball for long enough, and steal the ball before we can get it back. But, if we have 1 rival and 3 obstacles, if someone steals the ball, they are most likely to either be an obstacle or a winner, meaning we are probably safe. At that point, it may actually become advantageous to not go after the ball, but to stall our "rivals", making the ball cycle between those who cannot bump us out. We only need to keep them away, and the few people to focus on the better.

We also have a goal time. 3 winners, 45 minutes. As soon as we reach 15 minutes, victory shall be achieved. Then we can do what we want, whether we help someone who we think we can beat in the third round, or just study more demons.

I hope that makes sense, and doesn't just seem like I'm rambling. I find it funny just how much advantage we can gain just by having an idea on the time everyone has held the ball.
>>
No. 894966 ID: dbf422

>>894961
Wait hold on. Was that the femoral artery? How do you feel? If it was just some paralytic, that's one thing, but I remember murder not being legal (in this competition and in general), and if they aimed for your femoral artery, that's an attempt on your life. They might have plausibly assumed Vol could heal you, and they could easily just call it a mistake, but they've crossed a line.

Maybe. Maybe it's a non-lethal poison.

Or maybe I've misread what's happening and Gwyn and Rascal have literally stopped fighting. Please figure out what's going on. Did the mystery contestant take out the two rivals?
>>
No. 894971 ID: d3602f

>>894961
Oh, an update.

Ask Delphi if she saw the shadow that just attacked us. If it looks like the both of them are going to come after us, I suggest using our barriers to jump out of the hole that Rascal made in the cave.
>>
No. 894974 ID: b1b4f3

>>894961
You're probably in a sound bubble. I think this is a demon that manipulates senses!

How fast can you move your Caesura? Is it possible to make it very big, but weak? Like an expanding bubble that pops once it hits something? You could use that like a sort of radar...
>>
No. 894975 ID: d3602f

>>894974
We can hear Vol's music just fine.
>>
No. 894976 ID: b1b4f3

>>894975
Yes, because he's right next to Gallows.
>>
No. 894985 ID: 8a947d
File 153295413618.png - (309.68KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 38.png )
894985

>Was that the femoral artery?
The femoral's on the inside of the thigh right? You don't think you we're hit there and you feel fine...well fine considering you just got cut across the outside of your thigh.

You look around in search for the demon that attacked you, it seems to have slipped away while you were distracted with your pain. Delphi seems more occupied by the lack of commotion coming from where Rascal and Gwyn are. She realizes the silence must mean the Rascal lost, if she'd won she'd be much louder about it. Delphi rushes over to see what's happened. Both of them are on the floor not knocked out but not up and fighting anymore, the ball's gone. Delphi rushes to Rascal and helps her up, both of them are out of breath.

RASCAL: ...Ugh. What happened... Gallows? I swear to god if you got in the way of my fight...
VOL: Yeah we got in da way a' ya fight and instead a' runnin' we're just gonna stand here and chat.
DELPHI: It looks like somebody else was here and ambushed you two! They made off with the ball too!
GWYN: Somebody used a Stun Shock spell and knocked both of us out...but that's not a spell you can use from a very long range. I don't hear anybody moving around the flowers though, could they be gone already?

Your mind instantly goes to the demon that attacked you from before. You think about how it acted, it could turn itself invisible but it's shadow still showed itself on the ground, but the more you think about it you feel like Delphi would've noticed the shadow when she was moving over towards you. It got easier to see when it dodged your C Sharp and when it dashed to cut you it was very visible.

YOU: Somebodies demon is around here. I don't know if the trainers close but if they are then their the one who got to the drop on you two and stole the ball.
DELPHI: Well, what do we do now?
>>
No. 894986 ID: e12fdc

So apparently if it moves it gets easier to see. So if it’s stationary it’s pretty much invisible. My suggestion is to get a sort of AOE effect/attack going to force it to move.
>>
No. 894987 ID: eeb7d9

Maybe we could use the petals in our advantage. Of the demon is invisible when is still, the petals will give it away, or it will have to run to avoid us. Either way we will be able to see it. But i am not sure it the demon has the ball or it's trainer.

Make the petals fly with a big wave of air.
>>
No. 894994 ID: 91ee5f

>>894985
Explain to them how you think the demon’s invisibility works. Maybe they can think of something?

If they ask why you’re helping them, tell them, “I had the ball the longest before you guys showed up, so right now I’m in 3rd place. I don’t care if you guys get the ball, I’m just trying to not get knocked out of 3rd place by someone else!”

We’ve still got our flashlight, right? If we shine it around, eventually we’ll shine it on the invisible demon and its body will block the light, creating a shadow for us to see.

>>894986
>AOE effect/attack going to force it to move.
>>894987
>Use the flower petals
Yeah, those ideas can also work.
>>
No. 895017 ID: d3602f

>>894987
This sounds good. Smack the earth with C Sharps and Tectonic Slams? Maybe have Delphi swing around in order to try to find signs of the thing?
>>
No. 895047 ID: b1b4f3

>>894985
There's only one exit. Someone guards it, while the others search for the invisible opponent.
>>
No. 895051 ID: d3602f

>>895047
Two, actually. There is that hole Rascal made to get in here.
>>
No. 895053 ID: dbf422

>>895047
There are still a bunch of exits. Nearby there's at least the hole we went through, and the hole Rascal made.

So we need to be quick. Rascal probably has the best move for scattering the flowers but if you and Gwyn handle where she can't, you'll have a decent petal cover for finding the demon.

The problem is convincing them to work together, and with you besides. Start by saying your idea and working at it on your own while working up their competitive spirits by pointing out this other person interrupted their fight.
>>
No. 895240 ID: 8a947d
File 153301427138.png - (665.17KB , 1039x1417 , Keep Away 39-40.png )
895240

YOU: The demon we saw get's more visible the more it moves...right now it's trainer might be using it's invisibility to hide with the ball, If we can't see or hear them it's likely they're moving extremely slow or not at all. If we had a way of doing a large sweeping attack we could possibly flush them out.
RASCAL: What do you mean "we"?
YOU: I mean otherwise none of us get's that ball if the guy leaves. All of us are in the lead and if he gets away with it we'll get knocked out faster. Besides you want to get the guy that interrupted your fight don't you?

You hear crunchy coming from Gwyn, she's feeding her demon arm a few slices of meat while she chugs a bottle of water.

GWYN: Gallows, do that barrier spell from before and cover everybody.

You do as she says. Gwyn kneels down and touches the ground with her demon arm charging up a large amount of electricity in her body before discharging it all around the underground floor and sending bolts of electricity everywhere. You look up and see something floating in the air; it's Arthur from the waiting room, and his demon's hoisted him up to avoid him getting hurt. Though it look like Arthur already got a bit shocked from Gwyn's attack. The demon struggles to move while holding onto it's trainer, even after Gwyn's stopped shocking the ground Arthur's still stunned.
>>
No. 895250 ID: d3602f

>>895240
Ha! I knew his demon could turn invisible! It fit in too well with his joke! Also, seems like Gwyn's demon needs nutrition for attacks.

Make a static Caesura that covers their bodies while leaving their heads out. A good hit from Rascal should be enough to knock them out.
>>
No. 895263 ID: 91ee5f

>>895240
>Arthur and his demon
So that’s the mischievously giggling nose flicking demon!

Also, just because Arthur is old, that doesn’t mean that you should hold back when you attack him. He wouldn’t have entered the tournament if his old bones were frail and easily broken. He can handle whatever attacks you hit him with.

>The demon struggles to move while holding onto it's trainer, even after Gwyn's stopped shocking the ground Arthur's still stunned.
Now while they can’t dodge or counter effectively, someone hit him!

>>895250
>Make a static Caesura that covers their bodies while leaving their heads out. A good hit from Rascal should be enough to knock them out.
That could work.

Another option would be to somehow launch Rascal up there and let her slug him.

Or we could make a Caesura behind them to launch them towards us and let Rascal jump up and slug them on their way down. The momentum of Rascal going up and Arthur coming down would hurt even more than if Arthur was stationary when Rascal attacks.

I don’t know, I’m just throwing out ideas. I still think your idea will also work.
>>
No. 895266 ID: dbf422

>>895250
I say make it no higher than his waist. Don't want to accidentally deflect Rascals attack if it's a little wide.
>>
No. 895270 ID: 91ee5f

>>895266
Can we make sure we at least get his hands too? He’ll probably need them for that Stun Shock spell Gwyn said she and Rascal got hit with.

I want his hands locked down because it would suck if he managed to fire off that spell at the last second and cause Rascal to be unable to attack!
>>
No. 895271 ID: dbf422

>>895270
Fair enough.
>>
No. 895305 ID: eeb7d9

I like the idea of restraining them.
The thing is... what do we do after that?
We will be facing both Rascal and Gwyn.
>>
No. 895307 ID: 8a947d
File 153304815843.png - (812.29KB , 1039x1434 , Keep Away 41.png )
895307

You and Rascal both rush towards his position, you know you should try to get his arms down with him but with his height in the air it makes getting the full barrier on him difficult. You only manage the leg at first to drag him and the demon down. Rascal rushes him with another charge punch, but Arthur's frail appearance hides a tough fighter. He manages to block her punches with little harm coming to him, he's forced to drop the ball. The same crackles of aetherial energy come off of his body much like Rascals. As she fights him you expand the barrier a bit to cover both legs and keep him from moving, Rascal continues to fight him once again too distracted to realize he's dropped the goal of the game. His demon's quick to pick it up to keep the time going on their score, though your barrier keeps it from moving anymore.

Arthur keeps his defenses up too busy blocking Rascals fast attacks to stun her again. His demon keeps the ball tight to it's chest seemingly scared by Rascal's fury, rightfully so.
>>
No. 895308 ID: 91ee5f

>>895307
While Rascal has Arthur busy defending himself and unable to use Stun Shock on her, Delphi and/or Gwyn should get behind Arthur’s demon to attack it and make it drop the ball!

It’s not going to be able to dodge, since you’re holding it in place! And if it does move out of the way, Arthur will end up getting hit in the back!
>>
No. 895321 ID: dbf422
895321

I think it might be Vol's time to shine, with Delphi. We need to focus on keeping Arthur locked down and until Gwyn recovers from that huge attack we only have Vol and Delphi free.

How does his Caesura work again? Since it's music powered is it too slow to use on reaction? If that's the case, he might need to try using blood shaping to have something to block the other demon's attacks. Because if Vol takes on the demon (specifically from behind Arthur so Vol isn't in Rascals way), Delphi has the reach necessary to get that ball away from the demon.
>>
No. 895331 ID: d3602f

>>895321
He's very used to using his violin, so his reaction time with it is almost instant. There is no way he's going to make anything useful with bloodshaping in this match though, it took him half an hour to make a stick out of it.

I'd say Delphi could probably help her friend out a bit. If she doesn't feel like throwing a few punches of her own, maybe she could hand from the ceiling and get Vol close enough to help with the barrier.
>>
No. 895398 ID: 9068e1

>>895240
>You hear crunchy coming from Gwyn, she's feeding her demon arm a few slices of meat while she chugs a bottle of water.
This is oddly adorable.
>>
No. 895418 ID: 396720

>>895331
Alright just checking. Do barriers, then.
>>
No. 895499 ID: d3602f

>>895305
Rascal and Gwyn will probably go back to fighting each other. Delphi knows that we have been here for a while, so they should know that we aren't going to try to get between them, and we have good reason to keep others from interrupting their fight.

After the fight, we should probably suggest our alliance, with a chance at a rematch between the two in the final round to help convince them. If both agree, that would be great. If one agrees, that's fine. If neither agree, well, the winner should be weak enough for us to have a fair chance at stealing the ball.
>>
No. 895506 ID: 91ee5f

>>895499
I mean, since we’re all working together to get the ball from Arthur, I think technically we’ve already formed an alliance with each other.
>>
No. 895664 ID: 8a947d
File 153317596514.png - (693.25KB , 1039x2126 , Keep Away 42.png )
895664

DELPHI: Hey...Vol was it? Can you do that barrier thing like Gallows?
VOL: Yeah I can- Hey! Watch where ya grabbin'!
DELPHI: Stop being a baby and barrier yourself! Hey you don't get dizzy easy do you?
VOL: K-kinda? Why do you?

Delphi leaps and flips into the air with Vol and his barrier in her hands. She slams Vol down onto the head of Arthur's demon, who drops the ball. Distracted Arthur stops blocking for a second to turn and see what's happened, long enough for you to move your barrier further around his body and keeping his head outside of it. Rascal takes the opportunity and socks him one right in the face. Arthur and his Demon are both knocked out.
>>
No. 895665 ID: 8a947d
File 153317609669.png - (487.97KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 42 - 4.png )
895665

Rascal picks up the ball breathing heavily.

RASCAL: Right...now that's been handled where were we?

Rascal turns to eye Gwyn who seems to be thinking the same thing. Before the two begin beating each other again. Maybe you can get a word in on a plan? It kind of seems like this might happen again if they just go back to trading blows with no plan.
>>
No. 895668 ID: 91ee5f

>>895665
>Maybe you can get a word in on a plan? It kind of seems like this might happen again if they just go back to trading blows with no plan.
“Both of you know there’s still 1 more round after this one, right? I understand that you guys fighting each other is a personal thing and I ain’t gonna interfere if you’re gonna keep going. But if you guys start fighting again, then someone else might interfere again and try to take the ball. So instead of beating each other up right now, you gals save it for the next round when there are fewer people left to interfere. How does that sound?”

“Also, instead of staying here, how about we go somewhere else? Just in case Arthur and his demon wake up.”
>>
No. 895671 ID: f3ba9e

>>895665
Maybe we should hold on to that until you finish. You don't want to be interrupted again, do you?
>>
No. 895688 ID: dbf422

>>895671
We could be referee to the fight? We'll keep the ball while they're both up and toss the ball back to whoever is still standing if one of them gets a decent hit in. We'll also keep anyone from interfering again.
>>
No. 895695 ID: 5905aa

Right now Gallows scored little more than 4 minutes while Rascal and Gwyn divided little more than 8 minutes. This time the third place could had being any one the three, but if we allow those two to keep the ball the next opponent that steal it will solely threaten our position.
If we can't get one of them to agree to share the ball we need to steal it and run.

"Neither of you can defeat the other with disadvantage of having one hand occupy. Rascal, why don't you give Delphi the ball? Gwyn may have her eyes on the goal but she will still need to get pass you to reach it. Delphi and I can share the ball and watch for attacks."
This propose sucks for Gwyn but it's the best way I can think to get a more favorable arrangement without interfering with their rivalry.
>>
No. 895698 ID: b1b4f3

How about this: you hold the ball, then whoever wins gets a free heal from Vol and possession of the ball again. This means its to their benefit to finish the fight quick.
>>
No. 895703 ID: d3602f

>>895695
This would have Gwyn gunning for us next round for sure if she passes. She may not see eye to eye with Rascal, but the two at least try to fight fairly. Really bad if we want to keep an amicable relationship with her.

>>895698
I'm pretty sure neither of them trust us enough for this. At best they'd probably keep an eye on us the whole time, expecting us to try to run off at some point.
>>
No. 895715 ID: aee28a

>>895664
I see a blush on Vol, how adorable.
>>
No. 895750 ID: 8a947d
File 153325480968.png - (224.93KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 43.png )
895750

YOU: W-wait! Hold on the two of you! Don't you think we can hold off on anymore fighting right now?
RASCAL: Why should we?
YOU: Because next round if both of you make it you'll have a better chance of fighting with no interruptions. Keep doing it here and you'll probably lose it to somebody else who comes across you again. Besides it looks like the stalemate will go on for a while.
RASCAL: ...
GWYN: ... He's right.
RASCAL: Fine. I've waited for longer, I'm keeping a hold on this ball though. What do you suggest we do until this games over? Have a tea party? We still need to not get caught.
GWYN: I'm more worried about you keeping the ball.
RASCAL: Well I picked it up last, I'm not going to give it up now. You've got nothing to whine about since all three of us are safe.
GWYN: Yeah but none of us are sure who's on the bottom, and whoever has the lowest score'll get knocked out by the time is up. I don't know if I have to spell it out but I don't want that to be me!
RASCAL: Well why should it be me?
>>
No. 895751 ID: 830fb7

Ask wether it counts if multiple people hold the ball at the same time, becouse if it does you can all just hold it together till the timer runs out and find out then who of us held it the least.
>>
No. 895754 ID: d3602f

>>895750
I guess we could have Rascal hold onto it for two minutes, then two minutes for Gwyn, and one minute for us. After that, we'll go around again, but we'll each hold it for two minutes. That way, they can be pretty sure that neither of them is in last place, but we can still keep our time up.

About what we should do now, we should probably move. It would be annoying if one of our opponents woke up, or realize that everyone who comes in this direction don't seem to come back.

For what to do while we wait, I can think of a few possibilities if no one is especially interested in sitting quietly. We could talk about ourselves. Maybe talk about ourselves, interesting things we've seen. We could play some music to pass the time, but that might make us stand out too much, and unfortunately we didn't bring ours. But, again, that's only if no one is interested in just sitting around quietly. I am perfectly fine if everyone would rather do that.
>>
No. 895757 ID: 91ee5f

>>895750
“Rascal, if you want to fight Gwyn in the next round, you’ve gotta make sure she passes this round.”

“Ok, how about this? The little screen on the ball shows how long each of us has held the ball, right? If all 3 of us put our hands on the ball, we can check our times to see who has what time. But if the ball can only show one score at a time, then we’ll have to take turns holding it to check our time. Whoever has the lowest score gets to hold the ball until they catch up with the other two, then we each take turns holding the ball to ensure that all 3 of us have a high enough score to win. How does that sound?”
>>
No. 895758 ID: eeb7d9

>>895757
We could go for this one.
>>
No. 895761 ID: dbf422

Well it doesn't have to be you, Rascal. You pass it to one of us in a couple of minutes and we'll keep that passing up until the buzzer. If you're not sure about the time sharing, give it to me the least. If you have it more than me and close to equal with each other, you're definitely winning. I'll take the risk.
>>
No. 895762 ID: dbf422

Well it doesn't have to be you, Rascal. You pass it to one of us in a couple of minutes and we'll keep that passing up until the buzzer. If you're not sure about the time sharing, give it to me the least. If you have it more than me and close to equal with each other, you're definitely winning. I'll take the risk.
>>
No. 895792 ID: dbf422

>>895762
I don't know what happened but I'm sorry
>>
No. 895835 ID: 8a947d
File 153330256245.png - (212.05KB , 1039x709 , Keep Away 44.png )
895835

>>895792
That's fine, if it happens again you can always delete the duplicate

YOU: The ball show's how much time we've got on it when we hold it, so we'll just check to see whose lowest. After that we'll take turns holding the ball. Sound good?

The rest of the time you spend in the cavern is full of back and forward arguing despite your best efforts to keep things civil. Eventually all of you reach an uneasy agreement solely on the fact that these women want to tear each other apart in the up coming round. The rest of the match is full of small encounters that end up easily dispatched by the forces of both Rascal and Gwyn. This is the best outcome for you in the end, if these two had decided to team up against you you'd definitely end up flattened...
>>
No. 895837 ID: 8a947d
File 153330299231.png - (204.64KB , 1039x709 , Devil's Duel 1.png )
895837

Soon enough the game comes to an end and you're standing in the arena once again as Ula is announcing your trio as part of the winners.

ULA: Bit of a slow game that one, but hey they can't all be heart racers! Besides the fight's we did get to see were pretty fun! Even if you didn't enjoy that round the next and final one be will sure to keep you folks on the edge of your seats!

Once again you're directed back to the observers box to wait until the last round. Gwyn and Rascal part and leave without a word, Delphi turns back to you and gives you a small wave bye. You head towards your room too...
>>
No. 895839 ID: 8a947d
File 153330350491.png - (159.59KB , 1039x709 , Intermission 5.png )
895839

VOL: Eugh...You're sweatin' like a hog, it wasn't that hot in there ya know?
YOU: Less about heat and more about knowing I might got folded in the last round. I doubt we're going to win.
VOL: Yeah probably not, but we better damn well get somethin outta dis'...Hey Roland, I know you get ta choose who ya have with in the fights me or Peaches but d'ya think I could go with you on da last one? A' course I feel like havin' a partner dat can actually communicate in somethin' otha than growlin' and hissin', right?
>>
No. 895842 ID: eeb7d9

I don't personally mind, you can come with, but it seems that you really want to go, why is that, got fired up?

Also, saw you hanging out with Delphi, how you like those two eyes and those flexible arms of hers?
>>
No. 895844 ID: 91ee5f

>>895839
>Vol wants to enter the final round.
“Of course you can enter with me!“

And while we’re waiting to be called for the next round, let’s get out our journal and ask Vol what he knows about the new demons we saw during the last round.
>>
No. 895847 ID: ad51b8

hey if he want's to be in the last round then let him be in the last round.

Also since you got some free time ask Vol if he knows anything about some of the demons you saw last match to help fill out your book. I mean that is the main reason we decided to do this crazy thing after all. Speaking of which we're going to need to try and find some of the other contestants after all this is over and see who'd be willing to share what they know.
>>
No. 895859 ID: dbf422

"Of course! But you weren't this eager earlier, something change?"

After that, I agree with everyone to get the usual demon update from Vol, while you guys make sure you're all healed up.
>>
No. 895861 ID: d3602f

>>895839
Take Vol with you to the final round, and ask questions for demon research, I'm especially curious about the Warp Wisp. Also, if there is a bottle of water we might want to take it with us in case Gwyn ends up the winner of the fight. We might be able to use her electricity against her.
>>
No. 895884 ID: 91ee5f

>>895861
>bottle of water
>use against Gwyn
That is a dirty move! However, there is nothing in the rules against taking something with you from the break room, so I think that’s a good idea!

Speaking of water, Gallows and Vol should make sure they get some to drink and stay hydrated! And maybe have another cookie or something.
>>
No. 895893 ID: b1b4f3

>>895839
Ask him how he feels about Delphi.
>>
No. 895907 ID: 575ec0

You just wanna hang out with Delphi again, don't you?
>>
No. 895910 ID: 8a947d
File 153333467778.png - (1.30MB , 1039x1417 , Journal.png )
895910

YOU: Sure if you want I can't really say no. You weren't this eager about competing before.
VOL: Yeah well now dat I'm here I feel like it.

>>895893
VOL: She swung me around and used me ta beat anotha demon half ta death...She's okay.

>Demons
Vol explains how Warp Wisps can go through solid objects if they move fast enough, normally they're able to sort of charge up speed and take off but that takes a while. Being fired out of a gun sort of gets around that issue though.
Though Vol hasn't seen a Lurker before you understand how it's ability works well enough to write an entry. It alters between varying degree's of invisibility depending on how much it moves.
>>
No. 895911 ID: 8a947d
File 153333509922.png - (386.25KB , 1039x1417 , Intermission 8.png )
895911

As you walk back to the observers box you feel something hit you in the back of the head, somebody threw a ball at you. You spin around to see a hooded man standing behind you. He eyes you up and down.

???: Didn't dodge, block, or even shield that. Seems like you've got no situational awareness outside of obvious combat. I can tell your not a pagan despite having demons, I don't even sense a shred of atherial aura. The fact that you've made it this far can be chalked up to dumb luck. I doubt you'll make it past the first round of the tournament.
>>
No. 895912 ID: ad51b8

shrug
"eh"

he's either trying to rile you up, or discourage you for the next round. Best not to rise to his taunts. Plus your goal is more to see all the different kinds of demons so winning is more of a perk then a goal.
>>
No. 895913 ID: f3ba9e

>>895911
"That's alright. We're not here to win."
Offer your hand, introduce yourselves.
>>
No. 895914 ID: b1b4f3

>>895911
Tell him this is your first time here anyway, and you've only been adventuring for a couple days. Also your first priority here is to study demons.

Ask what he means about aetherial aura. One of the other contestants had something like that, is that something you can learn?
>>
No. 895916 ID: a62780

>>895910
geez dude, you this charming all the time or just when meeting strangers?
>>
No. 895919 ID: d3602f

>>895911
Hi Flint.

We aren't in this for the cards, we are in it for a much more important goal. We live in a world with demons, and most people want nothing to do with them because they are afraid. And honestly? I can't blame them. Some of these things are incredibly dangerous and could easily rip a person apart.

So we have made it our goal to study them, so that we may easier live with them. We'll admit, maybe we aren't the best equipped for the job, but no one else seems to be willing to do this.
>>
No. 895920 ID: 91ee5f

>>895911
*shrug* “Meh, you’re probably right, but I don’t really mind. I only entered to meet and study new demons. Anyways, I’m Gallows, nice to meet ya!”
>>
No. 895928 ID: eeb7d9

"Well, I don't even expect to survive every time i get out of my house, taking on account my record. Nice to meet you, you, I am Roland and this here is Vol. And you are right tho, I might just be the luckiest guy on Earth, and no I am not a pagan, not looking to be one either, I am just a rooky demonologist trying to learn all I can from this expirience, and have some fun along the way."
>>
No. 895929 ID: 91ee5f

>>895928
>Roland
Shh! No real names! We go by Gallows here!
>>
No. 895933 ID: eeb7d9

>>895929
Oh shit, sorry my bad, totally forgot about it!
>>
No. 895935 ID: 575ec0

You are quite astute.

What's Aetherial Aura?
>>
No. 895960 ID: dbf422

"Eh. I really couldn't care less about your opinion of me. But I am still here, a total rookie who's only really here to observe a few demons. Funny how things work out."
>>
No. 895962 ID: 830fb7

>>895911
Say that your just here for research anyway so it doesn't matter whether you win or loose, if you somehow win the tournament it'll be just a bonus compared the knowledge you have gained.
>>
No. 895986 ID: 8a947d
File 153338486790.png - (167.09KB , 1039x709 , Intermission 9.png )
895986

YOU: Wow you're just delightful to strangers aren't you? No I'm not a pagan and I don't plan to become one. I'm here to study demons. I know I'll probably lose in the end but I've gotten lots of good information so far. Whether I win or lose isn't as important, so you can forget trying to psyche me out.
???: Psyche ya out? Nah I ain't even competing.

He walks past you and picks up his ball.

???: It just makes me cringe watching you clumsily stumble through one of these things, but it's not as bad as knowing how you'll get steamrolled in the end.
YOU:...What did you mean when you said aetherial aura?
???: The aura one generates from channeling the innate aetherial energy within them, jeez you really are a rookie. Listen I don't have time to explain everything to you right now, I came down to confirm that you really are clueless and not just putting on an act to throw the others off. As bad as you are you aren't entirely brainless, seeing how you manage to use your barrier spell well and have a good partnership with the demons you have.
YOU: Thanks...I think?...My names-
FLINT: Roland, You've been using Gallows as a false name just in case. Ula told me about you, Call me Flint. Right so what I'm basically trying to say is I think with a little work you can be a little bit more than lucky. If you're interested meet me behind the building outside once the tournaments over, or don't I'm not twisting your arm here.

Flint walks off into the hall and you're left with Vol again.

VOL: What an asshole.
>>
No. 895989 ID: ad51b8

>>895986
huh, didn't think Ula actually know your name since she never asked for it back when she invited you to this thing. Then again she was hanging around town so maybe she picked it up from someone else?

Either way that sounds like future you's problem. For now I guess get ready for the next match... It's probably going to be a bitch and a half.
>>
No. 895990 ID: b15a21

Vol, you aren't wrong but I'd say we should meet with him after the tournament.
>>
No. 895998 ID: eeb7d9

Hmmm yeah he might be rude, but looks like he knows some interesting stuff that might be worth while to listen to. Besides, it is not good news that people knows who we are. We need to find out what they know, specially about me. If dad didn't trust them, there has to be a reason for that. You think they knew him?
>>
No. 896000 ID: ec79e4

Hey, nice symbol in his back. Do you or Vol ever saw that type of symbol? Would be nice to ask.
>>
No. 896002 ID: 91ee5f

>>895986
>Thanks...I think?...My names-
>Roland, You've been using Gallows as a false name just in case.
You’re gonna have to correct him and tell him that Gallows actually is your middle name and it isn’t a fake name.

>If you're interested meet me behind the building outside once the tournaments over, or don't I'm not twisting your arm here.
Might as well go meet him later. Who knows? You might learn something that’ll help you with your study of demons!

>What an asshole.
“Yep.”

“.....hey, Vol, do you know if my dad ever learned about Aetherial Energy or whatever Flint was talking about? I know you said dad never trusted Pagans, but he might’ve learned something from them if it helped him with his job, right?”

>>895989
>huh, didn't think Ula actually know your name since she never asked for it back when she invited you to this thing.
True, she didn’t ask for his name, but he did tell her his name when he introduced himself here: >>890632 .
>>
No. 896053 ID: dbf422

Yeah he's an asshole. Wait why is Ula just giving our name out to whoever asks? She's been pretty specific about using our nickname for announcements. Think Flint's important or trusted enough to get it, or is Ula just unaware that we were trying to hide our name? The way he's talking he could be a renowned "tough love" trainer or something.

Whatever. You can think about meeting him later. Probably ask Ula and maybe a friendly competitor about him after the match.
>>
No. 896056 ID: d3602f

>>896053
She did say that a friend of hers owned the place. Maybe that friend is Flint? If so, she probably told him about us before we started giving people our middle name.
>>
No. 896101 ID: 8a947d
File 153347107663.png - (74.41KB , 1039x709 , Roster.png )
896101

YOU: You're right Vol...still if he's got things to teach me I'm down to learn. Right now we should get to our room though.

>>896000
You've never seen anything like that symbol before but Vol says it's an overly simplified and stylized demonic rune.

You and Vol return to the observer's box where you eat more shitty cookies. Ula's voice comes down from the ceiling once again.

ULA: The final battle royale has begun! But don't leave your seats just yet contestants! There are still rules to how you will be fighting one another! Can't have all of our best contestants killing each other can we? The rules this time around will be quite simple! There's an arena: Stay inside of the arena and stay conscious or you lose, referees are in place to keep you from killing one another but aside from all that just do your best and put on a show!

The device on the table activates and displays the brackets for the fights. Your fight's first, it's with some random person you don't recognize but after that you'll be facing off against Naos. You haven't seen Naos all game, you have no idea what he's been doing.

ULA: 5 Minutes until showtime!
>>
No. 896103 ID: ad51b8

well from what I remember Delphi saying, Naos is even tougher then either Rascal or Gywn... so probably going to have to be clever in that fight since he probably whoop your ass in a straight up fight.

As for the upcoming fight. Seeing how you're taking Vol as your partner this round you got double shields so to start off have Vol focus on defense while you focus on offense. Beyond that can't really say without knowing more.
>>
No. 896104 ID: 91ee5f

>>896101
>You and Vol return to the observer's box where you eat more shitty cookies.
Both of you better not forget to drink some water! You guys have got to stay hydrated!

>Your fight's first, it's with some random person you don't recognize but after that you'll be facing off against Naos. You haven't seen Naos all game, you have no idea what he's been doing.
Well, shit. If what Delphi said about Naos is true, then him and his Imp partner are gonna be pretty strong!

It sucks that we have to immediately fight him without a chance to see him in action first.

Oh, well, let’s just focus on beating this next guy first, then we’ll worry about facing Naos.
>>
No. 896115 ID: 91ee5f

>>896104
I just now realized that the only way Rascal and Gwyn will be able to fight each other is if they both make it to the finals! Which means that if either of them lose before they get to fight each other, both of them are going to be very angry at us for stopping their fight in the previous round!
>>
No. 896120 ID: eeb7d9

Gee, someone really want's us to have a hard time. Try to rest as much as you can. Or...

I was thinking, since Caesura is demonic in nature, it must emanate some sort of energy, like the one that Flint was talking about. What do you feel when you summon your barrier? Now that you have a little bit of time, try to focus on your hability, maybe you can find something new about it. You already learned that you can make it take the shape of a fist when you want to hit someon with it, that is not static, it can muve and mold on at your will. The more tools we can make out of it, the better.
>>
No. 896125 ID: d3602f

>>896104
Just something to remember, his imp had a bow, so we'll have to deal with some ranged attacks when we face him. I'm hoping for blood arrows, but seeing as that is a very limited resource, I feel that magic is more likely. That will probably be a big problem against our shield.
>>
No. 896154 ID: dbf422

>>896115
Maybe they shouldn't lose, then!

But yeah. It's important to plan for Naos, as much as we can, but it's not going to matter if we lose against our first opponent. Put thoughts of bows and imps aside and get ready to focus.
>>
No. 896201 ID: 8a947d
File 153356520217.png - (95.84KB , 1039x709 , Caesura.png )
896201

>>896120
When you create a Caesura you do get an odd sensation in your hands, that tingling feeling you get when your limbs fall asleep but kind of different. The Caesura you make always feels like it's attached to your body, you feel it's weight and the motion of it's movements too. Whenever it's struck you can feel that as well, when a barrier breaks it hurts you a bit. You try toying with it a little...but it's kind of hard to make it do much else besides different sphere sizes and fist. The fist shape sort of happened out of no where when you realized you couldn't really on a gun to do any real damage; it was a spur of the moment thing maybe with more practice you could do it again but not right now.

The woman from the waiting room ,Julie, comes to your room to tell you it's time to go out and fight.
>>
No. 896203 ID: 8a947d
File 153356639831.png - (737.18KB , 1039x2126 , Battle Royale 1-3.png )
896203

You walk out onto the main stage of the tournament. The viewers cheer as you walk on stage, good to know you have fans...or maybe their just people who can't wait to watch you get beaten. Your opponent steps up too, an odd man in weird clothing and a funny hat, his arms in a sling and his face looks gaunt. Ula introduces the both of you, your opponent is named Indigo and the demon he's brought in with him looks like some sort of walking bovine corpse. Between wanting to get a sketch of it and the cheering of the crowd, you almost miss the count down Ula gives you before the fight starts.

Indigo doesn't move when the count down reaches zero, he barely looks at you. The demon cow he has though breathes heavily as it stands in front of him, you wait for Indigo's move patiently expecting him to do something. Before you notice anything from Indigo you realize that the cow demons thick odorous breath has loomed near you like a thick fog, as it wafts over you arms and legs you quickly see the cloth and skin turn to stone and become numb!...wait no, you can still feel your arm but it's only been covered in a stone like substance! Your left leg begins to petrify too before you use a Caesura to quickly push yourself and Vol away from the fog breath, at this point Indigo begins to advance on you. Vol plays his healing music on reflex but it has not effect on the stone since you're not really injured.

Both your right arm and left leg are petrified.
>>
No. 896204 ID: eeb7d9

>>896201
Good, so it isn't just a mental conection, there is something fisical as well, we'll study that latter.

>>896203
Damn it, that is a nasty ability, we are going to have to rely on a constant barrier to avoid that breath. So as long as we don't touch that thing, is all good, and most probably, if we knock out that cow the effects might disipate. But we still don't know what that guy can do, or how to attack him.
>>
No. 896211 ID: ec79e4

Seem's like objects also turn into stones, maybe let you lantern touch the fog and then throw it at Indigo?

I'm pretty happy that Indigo appeared, can't stop lovin' this park ranger.
>>
No. 896212 ID: 365ea0

The gas seems heavier than air, try to use a sphere to get above it, but careful of long range attacks.
You can always try the hamster ball if you get cornered.
>>
No. 896221 ID: aee28a

Okay so it just *covers* your arm and leg, I suggest smashing your arm into your petrified leg, see if you can at least break one of them free. If that’s a little tough just take a knee and start bashing the floor.

Tell Vol to stop playing for healing it ain’t doing anything so maybe it will be good to just layer.
>>
No. 896224 ID: 575ec0

Have vol shield you for now. Try to see if you can use Ceasura to surround you in a skin-tight manner. if so, maybe you can get it under the stone and expand it to break the stuff apart!
>>
No. 896225 ID: 91ee5f

>>896203
>...wait no, you can still feel your arm but it's only been covered in a stone like substance!
I’ve got a feeling that if it wasn’t for the tournament and its safeguards, you would’ve actually been turned to stone!

Can you put a Caesura around that demon’s head? You might be able to stop it from breathing at you!

>at this point Indigo begins to advance on you.
It looks like all he’s not actually trying to attack you. He’s just trying to do is get you immobilized to the point you can’t fight anymore, which would force you forfeit. Or he could also be trying to make you jump out of the arena and you’d lose by ring out.

.....hang on, his demon is in front of him and is breathing away from him. I think his demon’s breath can also petrify him, so he’s staying away from it! Could you possibly use Caesura Sharp to fan the demon’s breath at Indigo?

>Both your right arm and left leg are petrified.
Try hitting your right arm against your left leg to see if you can break the stone off of your limbs.
>>
No. 896242 ID: ad51b8

put a shield around the demons head so it can't breath anymore.
>>
No. 896263 ID: dbf422

>>896242
This is probably the best first move to make.
>>
No. 896394 ID: 8a947d
File 153371873695.png - (674.70KB , 1039x1417 , Battle Royale 4-5.png )
896394

You bang your petrified arm against your petrified leg until the stone breaks off. You launch your barrier up into the air to avoid the petrifying breath and close the distance between you and the cow demon. As you reach it you barrier it's head and manage to stop the leak of breath from it's mouth.
>>
No. 896395 ID: 8a947d
File 153371901983.png - (527.32KB , 1039x1417 , Battle Royale 6-7.png )
896395

You land on it's back to keep the barrier on, and of course the demon begins to buck around and try to throw you off. Luckily due to holding on with your barrier and the training you got with Peaches you manage to stay on well enough to keep it's head in the barrier. The demon continues to spit it's breath up in the bubble, at this point it's incredibly foggy inside.

While being jostled around you realize there isn't much you can do without letting go of your Caesura, Vol is still clinging to your back and can't play his Violin while being tossed around with you. From the corner of your eye you see Indigo leap from his spot and charge you. Even while being thrown around you're sure he can hit you no problem unless you do something.
>>
No. 896396 ID: d3602f

>>896395
Release the barrier and hit him with a C Sharp. If you can, angle it so that he's pushed toward his demon's face and shield the two together, hopefully he'll take the brunt of the gas.
>>
No. 896400 ID: dbf422

>>896395
Side saddle using those weird nubbin limbs! From there you can hit the guy from below, and Vol could drop off safely if he moves away quickly.
>>
No. 896406 ID: 3674e7

>>896395
You and Vol jump off and put the barrier around yourselves, hopefully the petrifying fog has built up enough to use against the person rushing you (use their own petrification fog against them). Make the other contestant be eliminated by their own demon.
>>
No. 896409 ID: 91ee5f

>>896396
This sounds good.

Although I’d say we should jump up first so that we can get clear of the fog when we release the Caesura around the demon cow’s head. Then we can Caesura Sharp Indigo towards the fog and try to barrier both of them.
>>
No. 896434 ID: b1b4f3

>>896395
Jump away and release the barrier as he gets close, so that he gets a big dose of the fog!
>>
No. 896529 ID: 8a947d
File 153382236981.png - (713.63KB , 1024x1417 , Battle Royale 8-9.png )
896529

Before Indigo can hit you, you pull the demons head over to his direction and release the barrier. A blast of petrifying gas leaves it's mouth while it panics and hits Indigo at full force! His stone body hit's the ground occasionally moving around once in a while, just like your arm and leg was he isn't actually turned to stone just covered in it and unable to move. Next you bubble the demon and stop it from moving. Since neither the demon nor Indigo can continue fighting, you're declared the winner!

Ula emerges from the ground again and raises your arm into the air

ULA: That was a fast one folks! But impressive none the less! Our winner is Gallows! You've been doing great all night! I knew inviting you'd be a good idea!
>>
No. 896531 ID: dbf422

Glad we could get the momentum back up after being a bit tame last round.

That demon's power is pretty scary. If it weren't massive and clumsy, it'd be really dangerous.
>>
No. 896532 ID: ad51b8

behold the power of winging it!

...should we help him? God I'd feel like an ass if he was claustrophobic.
>>
No. 896534 ID: f3ba9e

>>896529
Make sure he's not suffocating.
>>
No. 896538 ID: eeb7d9

That shit is fucking scary, i don't want to do it again. One thing is surviving explosions, another is getting petrified. I got my priorities straight. Let's give him a hand, I don't want him to suffocate or something.

Hey Ula, i remember telling you my middle name, not my frist name.
>>
No. 896539 ID: dbf422

>>896538
Someone else mentioned we introduced ourselves fully back when we met Ula.
>>
No. 896551 ID: 91ee5f

>>896529
>You've been doing great all night! I knew inviting you'd be a good idea!
“Uh, yeah, thanks for inviting me.”

Now we just head back to the waiting room and watch the other matches. Because if we can make it past Naos and Eto, then studying the moves of whoever’s after him will help us out.

Don’t forget to do your usual thing of asking Vol what he knows about demons and writing them down. And if Vol doesn’t know anything, then just write down what you observe.

>>896532
>>896534
The tournament staff guys will help him. He won’t suffocate to death or anything thanks to the safeguards in this place. And it’s because of the safeguards that he’s only encased in stone instead of being turned completely into stone, which is probably what that demon’s breath is supposed to do outside of this place.

>>896538
>Hey Ula, i remember telling you my middle name, not my frist name.
He told her his name right here: >>890632 .
>>
No. 896554 ID: 8a947d
File 153383583550.png - (413.94KB , 1039x709 , Catoplebas Page.png )
896554

Indigo is given help immediately and is carried off along with his demon.

Vol knows next to nothing about the demon, but knows it is called a Catoplebas. A cow like demon with petrifying breath, though it's breath does not completely petrify only covering the target in stone like material. Vol tells you the red dots in it's skull do not count as eyes, an eye is considered to be a red sclera and a black pupil with a possible iris. Being as big as a bull, you assume it to be as strong and as fast as one too and try to write it down as accurately as possible. After writing down what you've learned you return to your observations box to wait and possibly watch the rest of the fights if you can.
>>
No. 896555 ID: 8a947d
File 153383618918.png - (180.40KB , 1039x709 , Intermission 10.png )
896555

You sit down at your table making revisions to previous entries in your journal while Vol eats more cookies.

YOU: I thought you said those cookies sucked?
VOL: Fe ofa uns id. ut fese 'ave cawamel. (The other ones did, but these have caramel)
YOU: Vol swallow, you're going to choke doing that.
VOL: *gulp* Sorry, I just really like caramel. So what ya wanna do while we wait? You can't be revising dat in much in dat book a' your's. We can always watch da up comin' fights if ya want, I think I know how dis candle things works.
>>
No. 896557 ID: 290936

Yeah, check the current fights! And also, don't forget to add a bit about Gwyn arm-bug in the book! We alredy know a bit about that dang eletrical centipede!
>>
No. 896562 ID: 91ee5f

>>896555
Ask Vol if he plans on sharing those cookies with you or if he’s going to hog all of them for himself?

>So what ya wanna do while we wait? You can't be revising dat in much in dat book a' your's. We can always watch da up comin' fights if ya want, I think I know how dis candle things works.
Yeah, let’s watch the other fights.
>>
No. 896566 ID: b1b4f3

>>896555
Watching other fights is a great opportunity to size up the competition AND get notes on demons!
>>
No. 896568 ID: eeb7d9

>>896566
True. This is a great time to take notes.
How is Vol doing? Feeling ready to rumble?
Any tactics he has thought for the future fights?
Something new he wants to try?
>>
No. 896580 ID: dbf422

>>896555
Vol eating a cookie while Gallows writes is everything I wanted.

Yes, watching the fights is a great plan. Having been in the dark for the preliminary rounds was kind of unfortunate but we were busy then. Now that there's time we should take advantage of it.
>>
No. 896585 ID: ad51b8

fights you should pay extra attention to are Rascal's, Gwen's, and the masked guy since they're the people we're most likely going to be fighting. And if not then probably the people that beat them.
>>
No. 896592 ID: 91ee5f

>>896585
>the masked guy
You mean Naos? We actually can’t watch him before we fight him, since according to the tournament brackets: >>896101 , he doesn’t have an opponent for this round.
>>
No. 896594 ID: d3602f

>>896585
There is only one match to watch, and it's two random people. After that, we're going against Naos. Other than knowing that his imp uses a bow and arrow, we're going in blind. We don't even know if he himself uses long range or not. He could be purely long range, or he could be close ranged while Eto harasses us from afar.

We can at least be pretty sure that Eto can't handle us at close range.
>>
No. 896598 ID: 91ee5f

>>896594
>We can at least be pretty sure that Eto can't handle us at close range.
I hope so, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

His bow could also double as a blunt weapon or he could make a close range weapon from his blood. Because unlike Vol, Eto wouldn’t be squeamish around his own blood.
>>
No. 896608 ID: dbf422

>>896594
That's not necessarily true. The tournament organizers might not go left to right on the bracket.
>>
No. 896650 ID: 8a947d
File 153391573395.png - (375.53KB , 1039x1417 , Intermission 11-12.png )
896650

>Planning
There's not much you can do when it comes to planning, you have no idea what he can do. While you're sure Eto's main mode of attack will be his bow you aren't sure if that's all he has hidden in his sleeve.

>Watch matches, take notes
A lot of the demons you see in the final roster are one's you've seen before. You notice Imps seem to be a favorite among them. Rascal and Delphi's fight ends quickly with the two dispatching their opponents with haste; You're not surprised.

VOL: Don't matter how many times I see them fight it freaks me out.
YOU: You think I could learn stuff like that from Flint?
VOL: What dat weird guy in da hallway? Y'know I don't trust weird strangers Roland...but I can't lie he's probably all 'bout this weird shit so maybe.

There's a knock on the door, Julie comes out and tells you you have 5 minutes until you fight Naos and Eto.
>>
No. 896651 ID: eeb7d9

Well, if you don't have anything else to plan or think about, try to relax. Have you ever tried to meditate? Keep your head cool and your body ready. We are going with all we have, make the most of this turnament.
>>
No. 896654 ID: d3602f

>>896651
Yeah, meditate. Not sure if it will help, but there isn't much else we can do.
>>
No. 896655 ID: 290936

I think we should bring Peaches in this fight, considering Naos and Eto will use ranged attacks in general and mess up a bit with Vol shield, we're going to try to throw them out of the arena.
>>
No. 896661 ID: 91ee5f

>>896650
>You notice Imps seem to be a favorite among them.
It must be because they’re intelligent, which allows them to strategize mid combat, instead of just relying on their instincts, like other demons do. Being able to talk to their partners also helps with mid combat strategizing.

>5 minuets left
I guess the only thing you can do is get yourself and Vol psyched up for the fight.

>>896655
But we already told Vol we’d let him come with us to the finals!

Besides, if Naos and Eto are as good as Delphi said they were, then they’ll have a counter to Peaches’ displacement.
>>
No. 896662 ID: dbf422

>>896661
Yeah I think psyching up and getting moving is the better idea. Meditation is for centering and calming yourself and Gallows is both right now.

As for who we're taking, we've got a lot of fights ahead. I think Vol won't mind sitting out one or two of them. Though, there's no guarantee that we'll even get past Naos so that's probably a harder sell than I thought.
Okay I just convinced myself otherwise, Vol needs to stay in unless there's concrete proof Peaches would do substantially better.
>>
No. 896664 ID: 575ec0

Hmm. A ranged opponent.
We could try running up on him in a double bubble and hit him with a C sharp.
>>
No. 896746 ID: 8a947d
File 153399876171.png - (503.05KB , 1039x1417 , Battle Royale 10-2.png )
896746

You're not one for meditation. Part of you feels like writing in your journal is the most relaxing thing for you, besides you don't need to be calm right now. You leave to the arena.

>>896655
Vol already said he wanted to be the one to team up with you in the final round, even if you wanted to switch him out you can't. The rules state each round requires you stick with the demon you've chosen until the end, and even though this round has multiple brackets it's still one round.

Again Ula introduces the two of you to the crowd, but you're already acquainted with the two. Naos shouts at you from across the ring.

NAOS: Hey Gallows! You remember what I told you right?

He strikes a fighting pose.

NAOS: I'm gonna give you all I got!
>>
No. 896748 ID: 8a947d
File 153399903036.png - (121.30KB , 1039x709 , Battle Royale 11.png )
896748

Ula counts down and the match starts.

Naos rushes towards you and Vol as Eto breaks off away from him. Eto pulls his bow from his back and pricks his wrist, he draws a long but blunt arrow out of the wound in his wrist and loads his bow taking aim.
>>
No. 896749 ID: eeb7d9

>>896748
Ah, so he makes arows from his blood. We have to be careful with that, i don't think our barrier can hold back those. The good thing is that he can't make many of those.

I say we dodge their attacks for now, we need to learn what they can do.
>>
No. 896752 ID: 290936

Get near Eto and avoid Naos rush for you now, using Caesura to shield his hand and the arrow together to make his attack more difficult to perform, and then, Caesura slash him out of the place. Dealing with the ranged attacks first is a good ideia in general.
>>
No. 896757 ID: 91ee5f

>>896748
>Naos rushes towards us.
He’s either got a spell that’s not very accurate from a long range or he’s just like Rascal and is going to try and punch your lights out.

You should use Caesura to dodge out of the way and then use Caesura Sharp to attack.

>Eto makes arrows out of his blood.
That means that he’s got a limit to how many arrows he can make. They must be planning to end the fight quickly, since Eto’s method of attack is no good in long drawn out fights.

Have Vol use his own Caesura and, instead of putting it around us, he should put it between us and Eto.
>>
No. 896761 ID: d3602f

>>896748
Think we could have Vol make a barrier, and use it as a projectile by C Sharping it at Eto?
>>
No. 896772 ID: bddb0f

>>896748

Strike a martial-art-ish pose involving at least one raised fist. Hear the roar of the crowd and let your blood boil. It feels this match will be better if you get a little hot-blooded.

"Buddy, so am I!"

Shielding against the arrow might not work, but perhaps attacking it head on with a C Sharp is powerful enough? It's a gambit - one you might want to reserve for an emergency - but if slappin' (punching) arrows works, heck, even slows 'em down enough for you to dodge or receive 'em better, you've got way less of a disadvantage.

You should accept the invitation and close the distance to Naos, whatever you do, as getting into melee may be a weakness of the Eto/Naos combo. He hopefully shouldn't be able to use his arrows as easily when firing after you, and if you can, you can try to tug Naos into Eto's line of fire, maybe get some accidental friendly fire in there.

In short: When in melee, play it defensive, use your barrier to receive blows, grab at his arms and feet to push him around and figure out his style. You're a clever guy who can figure out how demons work, so analyzing your opponent should also be possible, maybe even vital.

Have Vol support you, following in your shadow, so he can't get tagged by Eto. He should keep on the other side of the melee as Eto, out of range of Naos.
>>
No. 896784 ID: 575ec0

Tell Vol to Barrier and drop it just before he strikes.
Ready yourself for a big C-Sharp and Hit him with it right as he thinks he's gonna hit the barrier.
>>
No. 896794 ID: ad51b8

vol puts a barrier around Naos to slow him down, you put an expanding barrier just under Eto to send him flying away from the ring.
>>
No. 896800 ID: dbf422

>>896794
>>896761
>>896757
Sorry if I've got this wrong, but can't Vol only put a barrier around himself or Gallows?

Anyway, I say Vol be on timing Caesuras to protect Gallows from arrows. And as you rush Naos, use Caesura to juke him and get close to Etos instead. Quickly locking Etos down and C Sharping should be a good move.
>>
No. 896801 ID: d3602f

>>896800
Actually, this plan seems pretty good, let's go with that. Keep Vol on our back while we're at it, otherwise he will be a sitting duck while he's protecting us.
>>
No. 896804 ID: 91ee5f

>>896800
It was never explained exactly how far Vol can put his Caesura, it was only mentioned that he doesn’t have as much range as Gallows and he can’t do a Caesura Sharp.

I’d like to think that he’s capable of putting up his Caesura nearby instead of only directly where he’s standing.

>>896801
But Vol can’t play his violin while he’s clinging to Gallows’ back and he needs to use his violin to make his Caesura.
>>
No. 896819 ID: dbf422

>>896801
Vol needs to be on the ground to play his violin, but that's why we're making ourselves a target by rushing forward. That's also why we should should attack Eto first. The quicker we take him out, the less chance Vol will be attacked, since Eto will be unconscious and we can pincer attack Naos. Plus Vol can always shield himself if he needs to.
>>
No. 896824 ID: d3602f

>>896804
Vol can sit on our shoulders.
>>896819
Vol doesn't need to be on the ground while shielding. He's done it while being thrown by Delphi, and rolling around in a ball. If he can play through that, he can do it while riding on our shoulders.

I'm not sure how well a pincer attack would work either, with Vol. His magic is good, but he isn't that strong in a physical attack. I'm also concerned about just leaving him alone to fight a guy that Delphi told us is stronger than Rascal. She can destroy our shields, I'm afraid of what Naos can do.

No, it's better to be evasive here. Maybe jump around a lot with our barriers while Vol is prepared to barrier us against Eto's attacks.
>>
No. 896827 ID: 91ee5f

>>896824
>He's done it while being thrown by Delphi, and rolling around in a ball.
Actually, no he wasn’t playing his violin during those times.

He played his violin before we started rolling and before Delphi threw him.
>>
No. 896831 ID: d3602f

>>896827
When we were choosing between methods of casting, it was stated that when casting with music the song ends or the user stops playing, the spell also stops.
>>
No. 896838 ID: 91ee5f

>>896831
Maybe it works differently when a demon casts the spell?
>>
No. 896908 ID: 8a947d
File 153410499750.png - (1.08MB , 1039x2126 , Battle Royale 12-15.png )
896908

Vol blocks Eto's arrows from getting near you while you break away from Naos' attack. You decide to focus your effort on Eto to get red of the obvious long range damage he can do. Naos seems to be focused on you for the time being.

NAOS: C'mon Gallows! Don't be like that, this won't be as fun if you run.

You feel the air in the arena whirl around faster and faster. Naos seems to be pulling the air around his arm and gathering it up, as you run towards Eto you look back and see a large whirlwind approaching you. If it sweeps you up you'll definitely be blown out of the arena!
>>
No. 896910 ID: 290936

Use Caesura Sharp in Eto to throw him in the whirlwind and try hold in something for now. Naos might stop his attack if it hurts Eto or retires Eto from the fight.
>>
No. 896912 ID: d3602f

>>896908
I'm not sure our shield can defend against magic wind, heck, I'm not sure it could defend against normal wind. We could put a barrier on the ground and it may keep us from being blown away, but we'll probably be knock pretty hard against the shield. If we want to be anchored to the ground without getting tossed around, we should probably put a shield along our waist to the ground.

But, that will probably open us up to an attack from Eto. We'll need to take him out first if we can.
>>
No. 896913 ID: eeb7d9

Wind? Fan-fucking-tastic.
Is there a way for you to hang on to the ground?
>>
No. 896915 ID: 575ec0

Ceasara but have the shield intersect both your body and the ground!
>>
No. 896919 ID: 91ee5f

>>896912
>we should probably put a shield along our waist to the ground.
But wouldn’t that leave the rest of our body exposed for Eto to shoot us?

Can’t we just anchor ourselves by making the Caesura a dome with us crouching in it? As long as the Caesura isn’t a sphere, the wind shouldn’t make us roll away, right?
>>
No. 896924 ID: 066bfd

>>896919
The problem is we don't know if the wind goes through the shield or not. If it goes through our shield and if Roland isn't being held in place, even if our shield is static, we'll be flung around inside. We might not get thrown out of the ring, but we're going to take some serious blunt force damage.
>>
No. 896932 ID: dbf422

Do the Caesura launcher on Naos! If you put him in the air, his wind will be a detriment to him!
>>
No. 896949 ID: 91ee5f

>>896932
I think we might already be too far from him to do that.

But if we’re close enough to Eto, then that plan could still work!
>>
No. 897036 ID: 8a947d
File 153418772956.png - (1.06MB , 1039x2126 , Battle Royale 18-20.png )
897036

You continue offensively and launch Eto up into the air so he will get swept up by the wind and out of the ring.

ETO: Dammit Naos! Calm it with the fucking wind!

Eto draws his bow and fires, the arrow hit's your leg but instead of piercing your ankle something clamps to your leg. The head of the arrow Eto fired was a shackle tethered back to his arm. You aren't heavy enough to totally weigh him down from the wind, but the combined force of the gusts and his weight dragging you away begins to lift you into the air. Instinctively you use Caesura to grip into the ground and keep yourself from flying away. The larger gusts pass over you and begin to get more aggressive. You look back and notice Naos is now riding the wind to quickly and swiftly close the distance between him and you. He looks like he's going to tackle you. Letting go of your Caesura even for a moment would probably get you swept up in the wind.

Vol is currently hunkered in a barrier on the opposite side of the arena out of harms way, but too far to help you.
>>
No. 897038 ID: 2202fb

u seem kinda fucked...

Caesura Sforzando?
>>
No. 897039 ID: b1b4f3

You're attached to Eto right now. Use that against him. You want to yank on the rope to pull while launching an attack.
>>
No. 897041 ID: 38e17c

>>897036
Can you make a barrier around yourself, cutting of the rope and protecting you from the wind, AND HOPEFULLY from the incoming tackle?
>>
No. 897044 ID: dbf422

Could you just bite through the blood rope? Gross but that's by far the easiest solution.

Otherwise I'd suggest getting on the outside of a barrier that's directly opposite the wind, so you are sandwiched between the wind and the barrier, and preparing to intercept Naos.
>>
No. 897046 ID: 91ee5f

>>897036
>Eto attached to leg.
>Naos charging in to attack.
Try to swing your leg around to throw Eto into Naos to knock him off course!

>>897041
He can only make one barrier at a time and he’s currently using it as a hand to hold himself in place. The instant he let’s go to try and make another barrier, he’ll be blown away!

Also, the barrier doesn’t cut, it only traps things in it.
>>
No. 897049 ID: eeb7d9

This might be a horrible idea, but if we grab Naos with Caesura shard and make him fly way with you, he should dissipate the wind so he doesn't get caught in it with you.
When he stops his ability, you let him go and smack him down sides with CS.
>>
No. 897053 ID: f3ba9e

Is the cuff loose enough to slip off if you remove your boot first?
>>
No. 897111 ID: 575ec0

Wait. He's anchored to you? let go. Make the biggest bubble around yourself that you can. The extra surface area will act like a veritable sail, and flip you all over the goddamn place.
Except your safely in a bubble. The demon anchored to you will be flung around violently.
>>
No. 897136 ID: 8a947d
File 153427047889.png - (590.94KB , 1039x1417 , Battle Royale 21-22.png )
897136

Using your Caesura for leverage you swing yourself around and kick Eto off of your leg and into the charging Naos, both of them hit the ground and the wind around the arena dissipates. It looks like being hit out of no where disrupted Naos' magic.

NAOS: Agh! Watch it runt!
ETO: It's hard to keep control of my placement when I'm being thrown around by wind!

Eto leaps up from the ground and takes aim again, but before he lets his arrow loose Vol leaps from his position and bashes his violin over Eto's head. Though not knocked out Eto is in pain and down for a moment. Naos quickly reacts, turning around and grabbing Vol by the throat. Wind begins to pick up around him again.
>>
No. 897139 ID: 91ee5f

>>897136
>Naos quickly reacts, turning around and grabbing Vol by the throat. Wind begins to pick up around him again.
Seeing as you used Caesura Sharp to grab onto the arena to prevent yourself from being blown away, I think it’s safe to say that you’ve learned you can grab things and not just use it for punching.

So go over there and grab Naos with your Caesura Sharp and then do this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DsUCRcK7QYc !
>>
No. 897142 ID: b1b4f3

>>897136
Slam him with a Sharp!
>>
No. 897148 ID: 888cc3

>>897136
The only sound I hear.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=08EqQPIvHOU
>>
No. 897150 ID: eeb7d9

>>897148
Best sound.

>>897142
This but hit him in the legs, break his balance!
>>
No. 897159 ID: d3602f

>>897136
Yes, that was a beautiful violin bash. I shall call it "lasciare suonare", because his head is surely ringing.

I agree that we should hit him fast. Vol should probably barrier himself so that Naos doesn't throw him out before we can reach him.

Also, if close enough to be convenient, I suggest kicking Eto's bow out of the arena so that he needs to use more blood to make a new one.
>>
No. 897162 ID: 91ee5f

>>897159
>Vol should probably barrier himself
Kinda difficult for him to play his violin while being held up by his neck.
>>
No. 897165 ID: d3602f

>>897162
Well, he can't do anything else right now. Also, it's a violin, not a flute.
>>
No. 897168 ID: dbf422

Like, it's not the best idea, but a flying elbow drop would be really sick.
>>
No. 897181 ID: 91ee5f

>>897165
Again, very difficult to concentrate when you’re busy trying to breathe because someone is choking you!
>>
No. 897189 ID: d3602f

>>897181
It takes time before you lose the ability to do things from lack of oxygen, at least ten seconds, and that still feels like it would be too soon. Just see how long you can hold your breath before it becomes really uncomfortable. I doubt it will take us that long to punch Naos, and I'm more concerned about Vol being thrown out, or getting his own face punched in, both of which can be done before we reach him.

And again, unless that's wasting time he could be doing something else to help, there is no point not to try.
>>
No. 897194 ID: 8a947d
File 153429875106.png - (609.79KB , 1039x1417 , Battle Royale 23-24.png )
897194

Hitting Naos means possibly hitting Vol too. You use Caesura Sharp to grab Naos by his legs. He drops Vol in surprise. You begin to lift him into the air to try and toss him out of the arena but he resists, the air begins to whirl around his body at faster speeds. You can feel the winds becoming razor sharp in the inside of your Caesura as they whirl faster and faster. Eventually the hand breaks open and Naos is freed. Using his wind, Naos rushes towards you and grabs your clothes.

NAOS: I'm not gonna lie Gallows, that's some real sloppy magic my friend. It's almost like you've only had it for about a day. A real shame...but let me show you how it's done...
>>
No. 897195 ID: 8a947d
File 153429895971.png - (948.26KB , 1039x1417 , Battle Royale 25-26.png )
897195

As he speaks a gust of wind picks up beneath the both of you and launches you into the air. You can hear Vol screaming your name. The constant spinning and the rate you ascend at you're too confused to act quickly. At it's peak Naos speaks to you again.

NAOS: I really feel like you could do much better with more time! Right now I'm a little disappointed, but hopefully we'll get to do this again!

Just as quickly as you rose you begin to crash back down to the arena in the same dizzying spiral until your body slams into the ground...
>>
No. 897197 ID: 8a947d
File 153429936564.png - (404.50KB , 1039x709 , Battle Royale 27.png )
897197

You don't feel anything for a little bit, but soon the pain begins to fade in as you start to lose consciousness. You try to move a little, it hurts a lot. You definitely cannot continue fighting at all, looks like you've lost. All you can hear is a ringing in your ears, the crowd cheering and Vol screaming your name...right Vol's still moving around, but you honestly doubt he could fight against the two let alone Naos on his own. At the same time you don't know if Vol would be one to give up so easily without a fight, especially after seeing you be slammed into the ground like that. No doubt Naos and Eto are going to go after him soon. You can't tell him anything right now, but you know for a fact Vol should...

>Give Up
He's not going to be able to take them both on, the idea of him getting hurt as bad as you is too awful to think about.

>Keep Fighting
Even if he's going to lose you think he should give it his all! That's what you'd do.
>>
No. 897198 ID: f3ba9e

>>897197
>Give up
He's clearly outmatched, call him back.
>>
No. 897199 ID: 290936

>Give up
That's your best buddy! You can take a lot of the ass kicking but nobody like him should be surplexed by a tornado like you were!
>>
No. 897200 ID: 575ec0

>Keep Fighting!
Don't go down like this!
Remember, you didn't force Vol to be here. He Want's to be here. It was his choice.

He doesn't need to beat them by himself anyway, just buy you enough time to get on your feet, so you can think of something.
You pulled out a miracle with C-Sharp. Maybe you can do it again.
>>
No. 897201 ID: b1b4f3

Keep fighting!
>>
No. 897204 ID: 91ee5f

>>897197
Keep fighting!

Vol wanted to be here! Even if he’s going to lose, he should try his best!

Also, don’t forget about what your dad told you about keeping your face covered! You might want to try and hide your face while you can still move, before you pass out!

>>897200
>He doesn't need to beat them by himself anyway, just buy you enough time to get on your feet, so you can think of something. You pulled out a miracle with C-Sharp. Maybe you can do it again.
He just now said that he’s about to pass out and that he can’t continue fighting like this. There’s no way he’s going to be able to stand up and rejoin the fight.
>>
No. 897206 ID: d3602f

>>897197
Keep fighting. He's outnumbered, and one of them managed to kick our ass without too much difficulty, but that doesn't mean he should give up. He may think himself a coward, and his powers do not dispel that image, but when the chips are down we know that he's willing to run into danger for our sake. He'd probably leave a stranger, sure, but I don't think he would ever leave a friend.

Also, it looks like our bandages are off. I also have a feeling this may be the best/worst place to have lost them. It's just a guess, but our father's distrust of the Pagans and desire to live in a remote area may both involve our markings.
>>
No. 897212 ID: eeb7d9

Keep fighting!
Come on, you can't go down like that! And Vol is still there, the match is not over until two of you are out. Tell him to swing that motherfucking violin like a club and smash those fools!
And you, get up! Be a pesky motherfucker, get up and keep fighting! Make it hard as much as you can! Who gives a shit if your magic is not strong enough? Give him a head butt! Fuck magic! Fuck him! You can survive a motherfucking explosion and laugh about it!
COME ON, BRING IT ON!
>>
No. 897214 ID: b1b4f3

Is everyone forgetting Vol has healing magic?
>>
No. 897215 ID: eeb7d9

Oh shit, almost forgot, Vol can heal you. Probably won't be able to, but he can still try!
>>
No. 897218 ID: f3ba9e

>>897214
Good luck playing violin while fighting two people alone.
>>
No. 897220 ID: 91ee5f

>>897214
Are you forgetting that he’s got 2 opponents that won’t give him a chance to do that?
>>
No. 897250 ID: dbf422

Keep fighting!
>>
No. 897278 ID: 8a947d
File 153435268810.png - (16.86KB , 1039x709 , Blacked Out.png )
897278

>Keep Fighting
In all honesty you don't think Vol's going to win, but you do think that he wouldn't just give up. Vol's a lot of things, but he isn't a quitter.

You begin to black out...
>>
No. 897284 ID: 8a947d
File 153435754608.png - (136.26KB , 1039x709 , Battle Royale Encore 1.png )
897284

Your name is Vol, and you just saw your best friend get slammed into the ground by some masked freak. Currently it's a little hard to focus while you're filled with anger, worry, and mostly fear. You almost think to yourself "well now we lost, we can just get Roland to the medics and leave," but then you realize since you're still in commission the fight isn't over.

Naos and Eto seem to be arguing over there, those two sure don't get along well for partners. on the upside since they're too busy with each other you have some time to think of a strategy that isn't forfeit. You're sure as hell not going to run, Roland wouldn't run from this and neither will you. You think about healing Roland, but you realize that you've only ever healed cuts and scrapes; Roland was just suplexed into the ground from high in the air! Your healing probably could fix it but the injuries are so severe it would take so long you wouldn't have the time.

What ever you're going to do you need to act fast. Those two won't bicker forever.
>>
No. 897286 ID: 290936

With all my experience of having my ass kicked up as a bard, I must say that the last time someone stronger than me appeared, I made a socialist revolution.

Just play a solo, my men. Charisma is your strong point I guess. Maybe taunt them?
>>
No. 897293 ID: 602601

Extreme stress situations are the perfect time to come up with new abilities!
It worked with Roland, so why not you?
Play a new melody, anything that comes to mind and see what happens. Something aggressive or distracting, maybe you can get them to hit each other, if they're already bickering.
>>
No. 897296 ID: eeb7d9

>Your healing probably could fix it but the injuries are so severe it would take so long you wouldn't have the time.

Well, sounds like that is something that you are going to have to practice more later. Healing is a great ability, but you can't just patch up some scratches, you have to improve it.


But now about your enemies.
You are in a disadvantage here, big time. You can make a barrier, heal, and bash people with your abnormaly sturdy violin. The first one is a nono. The second might help, but we can't relay on that one. Now the third one, that is going to be your triumph card. But that might not be enough. We need to find a way to weaponze your magic. You think that you could make a sound powerful enough to hurt or stun someone? Sound is a great way to reach somebody's brain. Think you can pul something like that up?
>>
No. 897299 ID: b1b4f3

Make something out of your blood. Try doing it without even looking at the blood.

It should be something that you can use to take out one of the remaining foes in a single sneak attack.
>>
No. 897303 ID: 8a947d
File 153436437399.png - (376.41KB , 1039x1417 , Battle Royale Encore 2-3.png )
897303

Your healing is worthless and for the moment so is your barrier. You quickly try to think of something else to play, Roland managed something new under the stress so you can to...right? You frantically play: faster, slower, louder, softer. You try everything you can think of, but to no avail. You look up and notice Naos approaching you slowly. Out of panic you decide to work with your blood forging instead of your music, you dig your fingers into your arm and go over what you did with Roland. Deep breaths, close your eye, you pull out a small leaf shaped blade and fling it at Naos. It hit's his arm and surprises him giving you a little more time to think of something better.

You need to focus. Roland is knocked out and badly hurt and you're in danger of being pummeled into the same state. You take the brief moment you have to think, you need to focus...

>On Roland
You can't stand to see your friend in that state.

>On Naos
This faceless freak needs to be taken down a peg.

>On Yourself
You're weak, you need to fix that.
>>
No. 897306 ID: d3602f

>>897303
On yourself. Vol ain't no wimp!
>>
No. 897309 ID: f3ba9e

>>897303
>Yourself
>>
No. 897310 ID: 91ee5f

>>897303
>You can't stand to see your friend in that state.
Woah, woah, woah! You’ve been with Roland’s family ever since his father was like 20 or something. Hell, you’ve been around since before Roland was born! That pretty much makes you his older brother!

So don’t lie to yourself, Vol! Roland’s not your friend, he’s your family!

>Who to focus on?
Focus on yourself!
>>
No. 897315 ID: eeb7d9

>>897310
I agree, he is family, and you don't fuck with family!

>On Yourself
Roland always tries his best. Is time to do the same and make your brother and yourself proud! It is time to perform beyond your limits!
>>
No. 897316 ID: dbf422

Wow, panicked or not it was really cool seeing Vol throw everything he had into figuring something out. Including a throwing dagger that actually worked.

It'd be really interesting to see any of these for a bunch of reasons but... Focus on yourself.

>>897310
It's important to see your family as friends, too.
>>
No. 897317 ID: 290936

>On Yourself!
JUST DO IT!
>>
No. 897322 ID: 8a947d
File 153437081333.png - (116.22KB , 1039x709 , Battle Royale Encore 4.png )
897322

>Yourself
When you think of yourself all you think of is weakness. You guess that's in your nature of course, Imps are one of the lowest on the food chain of demons and you have been reminded of it all your life. You've ran and hide and cowered away from those bigger and tougher than you for most of your life, and when you reached the material world you were surrounded by people who could do so much more than you. You tried your best to be there for Marshal, but you always felt like he never needed you. Now you look at Roland, somebody so ready to go out and face dangerous creatures while all you want to do is stay safe and alive...Are you really this weak? Have you ever shown a sliver of strength?

You think back on your life. Back when you first met Marshal, the man was crying over a grave clutching his baby in his arms. When you tried to get closer he almost beat you with a stick, but you still followed him around out of curiosity, you weren't scared away.
>>
No. 897323 ID: 8a947d
File 153437082043.png - (134.76KB , 1039x709 , Battle Royale Encore 5.png )
897323

You remember when Roland was only eight years old and came home with Marshal crying, that huge scar covering his eye. You felt anger, but you kept it inside and covered his eye with a bandage; You told him “Look! Now we match. We’re like twins now” That put a smile on his face.
>>
No. 897324 ID: 8a947d
File 153437083773.png - (164.36KB , 1039x709 , Battle Royale Encore 6.png )
897324

You think back to the most recent tragedy. When Marshal died you wanted to cry, you wanted to break down and bawl, but Roland needed someone to tell him it was going to be fine so you held back the tears.

You were never weak. You have done everything in your power for your friends, your family! You’ve been the strongest your entire life. Now you need to show it!
>>
No. 897325 ID: 8a947d
File 153437084722.png - (583.54KB , 2126x1039 , Battle Royale Encore 7.png )
897325

You slam your bow against the strings of your violin! Energy sparks from the impact and light emerges from your violin. A blast launches forward and hits Naos, his body goes flying out of the ring. He's knocked out of bounds. You look down at your violin, three of it's four strings are now broken. Eto stands shocked at what's happened, now it's only you and him in the ring.
>>
No. 897327 ID: 290936

Now beat Eto ass with the damn violin! Simple and normal, right?
>>
No. 897330 ID: 575ec0

Approach slowly. Glare.
Play the single string. A simple ear shattering repetitions of a few notes.
>>
No. 897331 ID: dbf422

Maybe you can manage a reduced CL Cannon, but you need to force Eto closer to the edge before you try it. You need him to fire arrows at you as you advance on him, get him to back up on his own. Let's hope your barrier still works with this.
>>
No. 897340 ID: d3602f

>>897330
Not slow, run at him fast. Eto is a ranged attacker, and our violin is a better melee weapon than his bow.
>>
No. 897341 ID: 91ee5f

>>897325
Damn! You hit Naos so hard, his mask flew off his face!

>You look down at your violin, three of it's four strings are now broken.
Oh, shit. Uh, you can easily fix that after the match, right?

>Eto stands shocked at what's happened, now it's only you and him in the ring.
Luckily for you, he’s got a limited amount of blood for ammo before he’s forced to either get in close or give up!

.....hey, I know you said Imps can use their blood to make things, but does it specifically have to be your blood? If Eto fires more arrows at you, can’t you use them against him by shaping the arrows into something else? Maybe even reshape the arrows to fix the strings on your violin?
>>
No. 897345 ID: eeb7d9

Well, better be sure to make your last shot count!
Now, this is very VERY important. You have to look cool. So when you attack, you have to go and say "Dnace motherfuker, DANCE!"
>>
No. 897361 ID: 91ee5f

>>897345
You only do that if you want to get your ass kicked. Since we don’t want that to happen, we’re not gonna do that.
>>
No. 897375 ID: eeb7d9

>>897361
Pshhh, party pooper.
>>
No. 897380 ID: 8a947d
File 153443247967.png - (190.17KB , 1039x709 , Battle Royale Encore 8.png )
897380

You run towards Eto, you need to close the distance between the two of you as long as he has that bow. As you run he fires three arrows at once toward you, you barrier them but they almost instantly break it. The barrier is much weaker and only barely covers the front of you. Your spells less effective when you have less strings on your violin, and with only one string they're almost as weak as when you first started using magic. You could take the time to restring your violin, but it'll take a while and force you on the defensive until you were done. A Col Legno Cannon with one string should be effective but not nearly as powerful as a 3 string blast, still a well placed one could take Eto out.

ETO: I definitely wasn't expecting that from you! You're gonna make me look bad if you're the only one pulling out the stops like.

Eto rushes around you and draws more arrows into his hand taking aim at you from around your weakened shield.
>>
No. 897388 ID: 54f525

Challenge him to a dance-off, while he's distracted Roland can blindside him.

... it worked in guardians of the galaxy, didn't it?
>>
No. 897389 ID: 290936

Be defensive and try to re-string your violin! Eto can't keep attacking forever and will get eventually dizzy due constant blood loss! When it happen, use the Col Legno Cannon!
>>
No. 897390 ID: eeb7d9

>>897389
But we can't hold the barrier much longer. And dodging the arrows will make it harder for Vol to string the violin. But i do agree that we need to close the gap between Eto and Vol in orther to attack. Remember that we can still attack him with the violin directly, we don't have to depen on the CL cannon to win.
>>
No. 897396 ID: 91ee5f

>>897380
>Restring violin.
You don’t need to restring all of the strings at once. Just getting at least one of them will improve your defenses.

>Eto rushes around you and draws more arrows into his hand taking aim at you from around your weakened shield.
Can you use the blood arrows Eto shot at you? Can you reshape them into a shield or something to protect you?

All you need to do is out last him, since he’ll eventually start slowing down from using up too much blood!
>>
No. 897397 ID: 575ec0

Sprint toward him and use your final Cannon. When he dodges, use the violin like a baseball bat and clock him upside the head.
Don't stop swinging till he's down.
>>
No. 897398 ID: d3602f

>>897396
It seems like we have two options. We either rush him with a weak shield and hope that we reach him before he can break or circumnavigate our shield, or we step run away from him, hopefully making us a more difficult target and make it harder for him to make it past our shield while we work on restringing our violin.

I think we should do the run away option. Our shield is hurting pretty badly, and the closer we get the easier target we become. We can try to fight him with a two string shield.
>>
No. 897399 ID: 38e17c

>>897380
Holy cheese Vol! Eto is going to break the shield regardless of what you try to do, and he probably has blood to spare. I vote that you charge him with whats left of the sheild and close the distance, then bash him with the violin, this way you still have a string to work with and catch him off guard with a CL Cannon.
>>
No. 897402 ID: 91ee5f

>>897398
>I think we should do the run away option. Our shield is hurting pretty badly, and the closer we get the easier target we become. We can try to fight him with a two string shield.
I agree.

Having at least 2 strings will improve our chances of winning.
>>
No. 897407 ID: dbf422

I say we advance on Eto. If we angle the shield so the arrows deflect off it instead of hitting full-on, the shield might take an extra hit before we need to reform it. We can't give Eto time to recover.
>>
No. 897438 ID: 8a947d
File 153446481574.png - (260.47KB , 1039x709 , Battle Royale Encore 9.png )
897438

You keep your shield up and advance toward Eto, you angle the barrier to deflect more arrows than you take so it lasts longer. In the end the shield ends up being broken but you've managed to get closer to Eto. You grab your violin by the neck and swing at Eto but he manages to block and dodge most of your strikes, of course you aren't used to using you violin in close quarters so you sort of expected this to be the result. Eto continues to move back and try to make more distance between the two of you while you advance forward and continue your attack.

ETO: Gotta say I underestimated you. You definitely looked like a support who'd just stay out of the way when something like this happened. I was sure you'd give up once your buddy was out.
>>
No. 897440 ID: 290936

Throw another blood leaf blade to surprise Eto or to make him flinch for a few moments and then try to keep smashing his face with the violin. Keeping close is the main key here.
>>
No. 897443 ID: 575ec0

Keep up the pressure, get his back to the wall!
>>
No. 897453 ID: 10c408

Keep trying to close the distance while you throw more leaf blades at him. He clearly wants to put some space between the two of you so don't let him have it
>>
No. 897463 ID: eeb7d9

Expect retaliation soon. He won't just wait for you to hit him.
>>
No. 897464 ID: d3602f

>>897438
Try to press him into a corner so he'll have nowhere to dodge.
>>
No. 897465 ID: 91ee5f

>>897438
Keep swinging!

Even if you don’t hit him, if he keeps moving backwards in a straight line like that, he’ll eventually move out of the arena and be disqualified because he’s focusing on you instead of watching where he’s going!

>Gotta say I underestimated you. You definitely looked like a support who'd just stay out of the way when something like this happened. I was sure you'd give up once your buddy was out.
“I thought the same thing about you! Because in case you haven’t noticed, both of us are support! The only difference between us is how we support our partners!”
>>
No. 897467 ID: 87a028

Keep his attention with your violin while solidifying some blood in your mouth before spitting it at his eye. Then when he’s distracted, take advantage.
>>
No. 897470 ID: d3602f

>>897465
To be fair, from what we've seen so far it seems a bit more like Nao is at fault here. Naos wasn't really worried about his wind throwing his partner, but Eto hasn't given any friendly fire (the chain was definitely our doing).

Although it's possible that Eto has caused problems in the past. We only have this one match to tell their relationship.
>>
No. 897472 ID: b1b4f3

>>897438
Wait for a moment when he can't dodge, then blast him with your last string.
>>
No. 897511 ID: 5fa661

Use the bow, try and poke him in the eye.
>>
No. 897525 ID: dbf422

You've already decided who you're going to be, Eto isn't going to shake you.

"'Course I'm support! I'm never going to hit as hard or take the damage Gallows can. But what kinda support would just turn tail the second things get tough, right?"

Start throwing in feints. Swing right, but actually swing left. You just need one stumble to use your Cannon.
>>
No. 897526 ID: 62da18

Use the cannon as a feint, then knock Eto out with your violin. He will not see that coming, i promise.
>>
No. 897536 ID: 575ec0

>>897526
Could fire the cannon at Eto's feet, that way, when he dodges, he'll still be showered with heat and debris, which should make the counter battery easier to pull off.
>>
No. 897539 ID: 2202fb

You can be whatever you want to be! You dont have to be shoved into a classification like support or healer!

Reshape the non-hair part of your bow into a blade without compromising its ability to play. Alternatively, turn the tip into a rapier point.

If you are skilled enough, you can probably still play pretty effectively with just one string since you still have a few octaves to work with.
>>
No. 897549 ID: 91ee5f

>>897539
No, there’s no time for that!
>>
No. 897559 ID: 38e17c

>>897438
You can still make that piece of shiled even after it broke right? Try to push Eto off the stage once he gets close to the edge with the shiled.
>>
No. 897560 ID: 8a947d
File 153452874691.png - (169.31KB , 1039x709 , Battle Royale Encore 10.png )
897560

YOU: 'Course I'm support! I ain't nevea gonna hit as hard or take da damage Gallows can. But what kinda support would just turn tail the second things get tough, huh!?

You keep the pressure, at the rat you're going it's almost impossible for him to draw his bow or get a clean shot at you without you acting quickly. You create more knives and throw them in between swinging your violin to mix up your attacks. Feinting swings allows you to get a few good hits in on Eto and force him back more and more until he's almost to the boundary line of the arena. You sweep his legs and he falls down, he manages to roll back onto his knees and draws another arrow from his wrist and aims at you. He's a foot away from being out of bounds.
>>
No. 897562 ID: 888cc3

A foot away from victory.... or defeat.
Do NOT let him turn the tides on you, dodge or block the arrows coming your way and be careful when you approach.
If things get desperate enough, just chuck your violin straight at him.
>>
No. 897566 ID: f3ba9e

>>897560
Blast 'em!
>>
No. 897569 ID: 38e17c

COL LEGNO CANNON!!!!
>>
No. 897572 ID: b1b4f3

CANNON!
>>
No. 897578 ID: eeb7d9

>>897562
This, we can't afford to lose now! This is a critical time, be absolutely sure that you are on top! It doesn't matter how you end it.
>>
No. 897585 ID: 91ee5f

>>897560
Attack with your Col Legno Cannon!

>>897562
>If things get desperate enough, just chuck your violin straight at him.
We are not going to do something as stupid as throwing away our only weapon!

>>897578
>It doesn't matter how you end it.
It actually does matter.
>>
No. 897589 ID: 8a947d
File 153454460430.png - (943.47KB , 1039x2126 , Battle Royale Encore 11-13.png )
897589

You raise your bow and strike your violin to use a one string Col Legno Cannon and blast Eto out of the ring. Before the blast can hit him Eto fires his arrow into the air! instead of coming back down the arrow stays put in the air, a tether drawn from his arm to the arrow pulls him up and out of the way of your Col Legno.

ETO: I gotta say Vol! I'm glad to meet an imp like you! I feel like even if I do win I won't get nearly as much out of this fight as you did.

Eto puts the bow at the end of his foot and draws another arrow, this one crackling with energy. You look back at your violin, all of the strings are broken but you aren't done fighting yet! Even when it feels like you're going to lose you've gotta keep going. You take your bow and strike your violin one more time. The violin cracks as one more Col Legno surges from it, your bow breaks into splinters as the blast fires towards Eto's arrow. As the two missiles meet the arena fills with bright light and you feel heat envelop your body, you can't see a thing...
>>
No. 897590 ID: 8a947d
File 153454474909.png - (16.86KB , 1039x709 , Blacked Out.png )
897590

...

You wake up...At least you think you're awake. Your head hurts like hell after you were slammed into the arena like that...why is everything dark and sticky? You try to move but it feels like your swimming through molasses.
>>
No. 897591 ID: 486e87

Dark and sticky, what the? Either way, try to get up. Even if you lost you did real good out there, it's time to see what happened.
>>
No. 897596 ID: 38e17c

>>897590
No matter what the outcome may be, hold your head high Vol, you just took a level in badass!
>>
No. 897599 ID: b1b4f3

>>897590
Can you hear anything? Try to open your eye.
>>
No. 897601 ID: ad51b8

open eye?
>>
No. 897604 ID: eeb7d9

Wait, who is this? Vol or Roland? Get up, slowly and gently. Open your eye. (good thing both of them have one eye)
>>
No. 897606 ID: 10c408

You appear to have been swallowed by a roaming gluttony. Try to be not-delicious.
>>
No. 897619 ID: 91ee5f

>>897590
Well, the only way to find out what’s going on is to open your eye and take a look.

And here’s a few thoughts to help speed up that process: What do you think happened to your buddy? Is he in a worse condition compared to you? What if something happened to them while you were out?! Quickly get up and check on them!
>>
No. 897621 ID: 066bfd

>>897590
Must be some kind of healing juice for the fighters. Try to look around.
>>
No. 897632 ID: 51d5a1

Hey, you still have a lantern! Maybe try to use it?
>>
No. 897716 ID: 8a947d
File 153459772398.png - (271.94KB , 1039x709 , Awake.png )
897716

After some fighting you will your muscles to move .Your arms flail forward out of the dark liquid and grab onto the sides of what feels like a tub. You pull yourself out of the water, the pain in your limbs and back is gone aside from a headache. You cough up some of the liquid from the tub though you never actually felt like you were drowning in it. You scan the room, you're in a room similar to the observers box you went to in between matches. Vol is sitting at a table next to you flipping through your journal.

VOL: Roland! Ya feelin' better?
>>
No. 897717 ID: 2202fb

Holy fuckshit, did your eye heal!?
>>
No. 897718 ID: a94e23

Well i’m not dead, so there’s that.
>>
No. 897721 ID: eeb7d9

>>897717
Not, but it looks better actually.

Oh hi Vol... Wait, what happened?!
Are you okay? Did we lose? Did somebody saw my runes? I am naked? DID SOMEBODY SAW ME NAKED?!
>>
No. 897722 ID: ad51b8

where am I, what happened, what is this stuff I'm in, Vol are you alright?
>>
No. 897727 ID: 575ec0

Ever consider going around without bandages?
your tats are pretty cool, at least in this company.
>>
No. 897730 ID: 8a947d
File 153460507554.png - (85.13KB , 1039x709 , Yeah We Lost.png )
897730

>>897717
You feel your eye, it's no better or worse than it was before. You can still barely see out of it.

YOU: W-where-
VOL: Med-room. Ya got knocked out bad! Lotta broken bones. If we didn't have dis healing gunk stuff you'd be a quadriplegic...yeah. But you're fine now!
YOU: Did we-
VOL: Win? Nah we lost. I kinda got my ass blasted out a bounds in the end by dat otha imp Eto. Kinda embarrassin'.

Vol pushes over a cart towards your tub, Your washed clothes and some new bandages are on it.

VOL: Anyway we outta get goin'. You slept through the rest a da fights so the tournaments basically over.
>>
No. 897732 ID: ad51b8

>You slept through the rest a da fights so the tournaments basically over.

"Ah well. Didn't come here to win anyways. But I got to ask, who did win and did you see any different demons that you haven't seen in this tournament?

Also you doing alright? Hope I didn't give you to much of a scare when I got my ass handed to me."

Guess the only thing to do now is see if flint is still waiting for us then head on home.
>>
No. 897736 ID: 91ee5f

>>897730
“Wait, what about you?! Are you hurt?! Do you need to get in this tub?! Just let me get out and you can take your turn!”

“.....uhhh, could you.....close your eye and look away so I can get dressed?”

Ask what happened during our match? You want to know what happened after you were knocked out! Then ask if we got any kind of prize for getting to the final round? Even though we lost.

Then I guess go talk to Flint to see what he has to say. He said he’d be behind the building outside, right? .....actually, before you go meet Flint, you should probably go check and see if your Skipper is still parked where you left it. You can go meet Flint after you make sure your Skipper hasn’t been stolen.
>>
No. 897737 ID: eeb7d9

Damn, that was crazy. I can't even be mad, i didn't actually spected to last this long. But now that i've seen so many pwerful people and so many new demons, i can't help but to feel that i got a lot to improve and learn. I wnat to win a tournament! Yeah, that would be cool.
What about you, did you enjoyed yourself? Did you got hurt bad?
We should pay a visit to that guy Flint, see what he has to say.
>>
No. 897748 ID: f3ba9e

>>897730
Who won? Are there replays of the final round?
>>
No. 897754 ID: 066bfd

>>897730
Ask if he's okay, because we care about him. Then ask who won, I want to know if Rascal and Gwyn got that fight. Kind of glad we lost, I'd feel pretty bad if we prevented them from meeting in the final round.

Finally, get some bandages and see Flint.
>>
No. 897757 ID: dbf422

>>897730
"Wait, you got knocked out by Eto? Not Naos? What happened after I got knocked out?"
>>
No. 897762 ID: 8a947d
File 153462188502.png - (167.55KB , 1039x709 , Eto.png )
897762

YOU: And are you hurt?
VOL: Not really, I lost by ring out.
YOU: That's right. You lost to Eto and not Naos? What happened to him?
VOL: Oh I blasted his ass outta da ring! Learned somethin' new in dat fight but I kinda...broke my violin doin' it.

Vol holds up the fragments of his violin and the broken in half bow.

VOL: I'd need to make a whole new one when we get home. Dis is too broken to fix. By da way? Dat demon bug arm chick won da whole thing, She got ta fight Rascal and da whole thing was crazy! Kinda sad you didn't get to see it.

You get dressed and leave the room. On the way out you're given the items that were confiscated back to you and thanked for putting on such a good show. Unfortunately you didn't get far enough to get any real prizes you are given a consolation prize of 300 Cards. It's better than nothing. On the way to the exit you and Vol spot Eto leaving the same way, Vol goes to say hi right away.

ETO: Oh hey Vol, Gallows.
VOL: Hey Eto! You and ya buddy really got put out by Rascal didn't ya?
ETO: Yeah, she was really gunning for the finals this year wasn't she?
YOU: So wheres Naos?
ETO: Don't know don't care. I got paid so I never gotta deal with him again. He puts on this whole nice guy shtick then snaps when he loses a few times, what a jack ass.
>>
No. 897764 ID: b1b4f3

Let's not forget: we need to meet Flint behind the building.

Ask her what she's gonna do now. You're not sure you have a reliable income to keep her on staff but maybe we can get her contact info for tough jobs?
>>
No. 897768 ID: 51d5a1

Ask how Eto and Naos did find each other. They patnership for sure was short.
>>
No. 897769 ID: ad51b8

>Don't know don't care. I got paid so I never gotta deal with him again. He puts on this whole nice guy shtick then snaps when he loses a few times, what a jack ass.

huh, so you guys just teamed up for the tournament? Didn't realize that was a thing. By the way good fight back there, what are you planning on doing now?
>>
No. 897772 ID: 91ee5f

>>897762
>By da way? Dat demon bug arm chick won da whole thing, She got ta fight Rascal and da whole thing was crazy!
“I’m just glad they actually got to fight, otherwise both of them would’ve been really pissed at me for not letting them fight earlier!”

>Kinda sad you didn't get to see it.
“Me too.”

>Don't know don't care. I got paid so I never gotta deal with him again. He puts on this whole nice guy shtick then snaps when he loses a few times, what a jack ass.
“Wait, he hired you? I thought you guys were partners, like me and Vol!”

After parting ways with Eto, let’s go meet with Flint.
>>
No. 897777 ID: 8a947d
File 153462977836.png - (221.22KB , 1039x709 , Flint.png )
897777

YOU: Wait you two aren't partners?
ETO: Nope. I don't know what he told ya but I'm a hire for people who want to enter these things but don't want to go through the hassle of taming or training a demon. I've never seen that asshole 'til a day ago. Now my jobs done and I'm going home.

The three of you leave the building. Before you part ways Eto says he spends most of his time in the Gas Guzzler Bar in Crud City if you want to meet him again and walks off. You head around the back of the building to meet Flint while Vol voices his reluctance to meet an odd hooded man in an alleyway. You find Flint leaning against the wall of the building chewing on a nail.

FLINT: Y'know part of me really thought you'd get beaten on the first round you were in, so I gotta say ya did better than I expected.
>>
No. 897778 ID: b1b4f3

>>897777
Tell him thanks, but you definitely do need training.
>>
No. 897780 ID: ad51b8

>>897777
that's fair, I've only been at this for about 3 days.
>>
No. 897785 ID: 91ee5f

>>897777
“Thanks, but like I said earlier, I didn’t expect to win, I just came here to study demons.”

“So what did you want to talk about?”
>>
No. 897787 ID: eeb7d9

>Nope. I don't know what he told ya but I'm a hire for people who want to enter these things but don't want to go through the hassle of taming or training a demon. I've never seen that asshole 'til a day ago. Now my jobs done and I'm going home.
That would explain why they didn't have a good chemistry while fighting. Well better time next time Eto.

>Y'know part of me really thought you'd get beaten on the first round you were in, so I gotta say ya did better than I expected.
Not bad for a noob eh? Although, i am not going to lie, kinda got scared when Vol told me when i could ended up quadriplegic. I have a lot to improve to avoid future disasters like that. I am guessing that you wanted to talk about that with me, no?
>>
No. 897805 ID: dbf422

>>897777
Lose to the Gorgon cow? New or not, that'd have been sad. Now we didn't come here for insults or backhanded compliments. There are definitely better places to be than this if you don't have anything to say.
>>
No. 897817 ID: 8a947d
File 153463930066.png - (285.16KB , 1039x709 , Flint 3.png )
897817

YOU: Yeah not bad huh?...Still I do need more help. Apparently I would've been a quadriplegic if not for the medical attention of staff. Again though, I'm just here to study demons.
FLINT: Yup that was pretty bad. I thought you died from that, but enough about you almost being permanently disabled. Right now I want to talk about your training. The spell you call "Caesura" has more use to it than you know, humans have that sort of effect on demon magic. Now as somebody that claims to study demons you must know the difference between a human and a demon right?
YOU: Demons come from the Aether instead of from Earth right?
FLINT: Nope not at all. What you said was true of course but not entirely right. The difference lies in the Aetherial Energy. Demons and humans constantly exude aetherial energy from their bodies, though while the energy released by demons is constantly released in large amounts, human aetherial energy stays trapped in their bodies. Experts know how to tap into this energy and use it to enhance their bodies and create aetherial auras.

He removes the nail from his mouth.

FLINT: Now there's plenty of stuff I can teach you that I'm sure you'd be more than happy to know, but I want you to know it won't be easy especially for someone that's barely used to this sort of stuff. If you agree to this we will begin immediately and go to where I plan to train you, you'll have to follow my instruction as closely as possible if you want the full benefit of my teaching. Do you agree?

He holds his hand out awaiting you to shake it.
>>
No. 897818 ID: 51d5a1

A weird dude proposes to train us while we're in a dark, scary and kinda like black alley. Hmmm... Yeah, sure, let's train.

Shake it and take care of any balls he tries to hit you with.
>>
No. 897819 ID: 91ee5f

>>897817
>If you agree to this we will begin immediately and go to where I plan to train you
So does that mean that he’s gonna teleport you there or is he gonna tell you to follow him there?

Because if he’s gonna teleport you at the exact moment you touch his hand, then you’d like to go get your Skipper so that it’s not left behind for someone to steal it!

>Do you agree?
Yes.

>He holds his hand out awaiting you to shake it.
As long as he doesn’t teleport you the instant you touch his hand, go ahead and shake his hand.
>>
No. 897820 ID: a94e23

Uh, what does he get out of teaching us?
Seems like a pretty one sided deal right now even if it is favouring us.
>>
No. 897822 ID: ad51b8

>Experts know how to tap into this energy and use it to enhance their bodies and create aetherial auras
is that what Rascal was doing when we fought?

>He holds his hand out awaiting you to shake it.
Come now, will you shake a poor sinner's hand?
Well he seems like a trust worthy fellow, let's shake... the training is probably going to suck though seeing how Vol can't heal you since his violin is busted at the moment.
>>
No. 897835 ID: eeb7d9

What is the catch?
I have been warned and taught that is dangerous to deal with pagans too much. Besides,we just met, and you are ofering to teach me the arts of pagan magic. What do you want from me, what do you see in me that make you decide that you would like to help an stranger.
I just want to know where I'm standing before I shake Flint's hand. From my point of view, I'm the only one who loses, whether or not i accept your deal
>>
No. 897836 ID: 8a947d
File 153464347809.png - (42.14KB , 1039x709 , Deal.png )
897836

YOU: So...what do you gain from this?
FLINT: I'd say it's one part someone who's going to go out studying demons needs to know more than just a weak spell to survive and another part I want something to do really. If you have a problem you can always not accept it, nobodies twisting your arm here.
YOU: Hmm. Weird hooded man offers me odd secrets in the back alley behind an underground demon fighting tournament. Well I'd have to have common sense and sanity not to accept that!

You shake his hand.

FLINT: Well smart ass hop on whatever ride you took to get here and follow me. We got some work to do.

You follow Flint back to the front of the building and mount your Skipper. The two off you ride out of Crud City.
>>
No. 897837 ID: 8a947d
File 153464373906.png - (16.86KB , 1039x709 , Blacked Out.png )
897837

...

???: Hello?...Yeah I'm just out in Crater... What? No I'm not looking around...Well why would I?...C'mon this is basically a vacation for me! How many heads can you bash in without getting tired?...Okay poor question, you're a psychopath...Look it's not my job to settle some dispute between you and your boyfriend!...Listen...No it's...Fine, Fine! Okay look I'll come back and you can put me on any death squad you want and we can look for him...Yeah okay, bye Channing...

*Click*

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No. 897838 ID: 8a947d
File 153464384249.png - (262.98KB , 1039x709 , Aftermath.png )
897838

NAOS: Ugh...Sometimes I feel like the big brother here...

D3: Slight Return - End Episode 2
>>
No. 897843 ID: 91ee5f

>>897836
>The two off you ride out of Crud City.
Hopefully Troy can watch your house for a little while longer.

And hopefully Ada and Mordecai can handle that plant and nothing bad happens to them!
>>
No. 897882 ID: eeb7d9

The plot thickens!
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