A thread for RP in the world of Harahel, a world of fantasy, magic, and adventure. Drawing on tropes from RPGs both east and west, fantasy literature, and anime, the setting is constantly in flux, decided in large part by the players themselves.To join, download the CYOA through the link and create a character. When making a build, try to include some information about your character if you plan to RP besides just the build. Optional of course, but it encourages others to ask questions and talk with you. The only expansion pack we use is the Imouto Expansion.>Current Version of CYOAhttps://arkavite.com/harahel/>Places of Interest (FullRes)https://imgchest.com/p/o24akgke7lj————>link to dedicated IRChttps://rizon.net/chat/||channel:#HarahelBusStation==RULES==>Do not attempt to force others into a scene.>It's okay to say no if a scene becomes uncomfortable.>PVP should be mutually agreed upon beforehand.>Kender have PVP on at all times.>Keep posts within the bound of good taste, eschewing excessive gore and the like.>Extreme or lewd content should be binned. Pedophilia is strictly forbidden.>Other CYOAs may be used for inspiration or to provide structure. See the irc for more details.If something is unclear, refer to IRC.>TQWhat's the worst your character has been outwitted?>Themehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mffUBKIzVNc==Bulletin Board==>GuildhallThe home base; a jumping off point for adventure or a place to return to, whether that be to celebrate victories or nurse your wounds.>Othrysian Reclamation (Hiatus?)A soldier from Othrysia calls for aid to reclaim the city from a dark sorcerer!>Fermata (Hiatus)Beyond the Riftgate, a destination in veiled sands has connected once more with the world: Fermata...>New BloodsRumors of an arena spectacle being hosted are abound...
>>85635829Free For All Anchor Post>Overview of the starthttps://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/85015208/#85015301>Edenhttps://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/85015208/#85088361>Tesshttps://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/84672873/#84930591>Jackhttps://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/84672873/#84788711>Amugharhttps://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/84672873/#q84870772>Angelhttps://desuarchive.org/trash/thread/84672873/#q84911441
>>85635829>What's the worst your character has been outwitted?Have you ever seen a vampire in a kitchen?
>>85636729Ah, we totally forgot to change that out, lmao
>>85636729I usually see it from a fair distance away because of the healthy orange glow
Thinking of other events to do
[Halloween Event Prologue]>Autumn’s chill rolls from the inland hills down to meld with the hint of salt from the coastal spray of seas growing in their tumult as currents below shift. The first leaves bleed their green out for pale yellow, the hint of their persian reds and rusted, furling edges before they fall in legions with each passing wind. The fields are reduced now from their brilliant hues of green from the pale stalks of maize and wheats to the sprawling squashes and beans to now the straw-pale harvested grain and the leaves overtaken by the oranges and yellows and reds of their fruits reaching maturity. Few are without work, whether in the fields or orchards or the kitchens and canneries to fill the larders to bursting ‘fore the frost settles in. The evening hue and the stretched shadows emerge earlier and linger longer, carrying the scent of warmed cider and ale perfumed by the warming and numbing spices that stave off the cold that first nips at fingers and noses and the throat. >The small settlement, once a scant few buildings about the isolated guildhall, is at last a town proper. Preparations move from house to house, the village square where the town hall looks over the deep well laid upon the cobblestone, pumpkins and candles of wax and the scent of the bakeries blooming with warm breads and spiced rolls and decadent cakes in preparation for the celebrations to come. The residents walk along the stoneways flanked by peaked roofs with shale-black shingles and waddle-and-daub overhanging levels above the stone-walled primary floors with windows framed by dark wood allowing peeks into the shoppes busy even as linens are exchanged for wools, fabrics cut and buttons made and hats steamed from felts and masks formed of porcelain fired on the outskirts in their massive kilns—for comes the Samhain.[continued]
>>85639691>The Guildhall, too, is abuzz with festivities. No small number of members are out in the fields, bringing back decorative squashes and candles from the apiaries with their excess dark wax, the mild scent of honey and spice filling the guildhall with the doors kept open. Shipments of no small amounts flowed from the docks to the Guild-associated warehouses, to the spacious larders and reserves of the Guildhall, and of course to the market quarters of the city. >Commerce is more than ships alone, however. A courier delivers through the Rift gate a batch-lot of magical items, random baubles of student projects with no shortage of errors and failures, but occasionally with a useful item or two. It’s taken to the Guildhall, the large chest moved to the small storage room Domitian possesses on the premises, and left. A sphere, akin to a pearl the size of a small child, sits prominently atop.>Night falls, and the tavern in the Guildhall grows lively, not just of the members, but the townsfolk as well. Bats flutter harmlessly about the building, swooping down to devour the pests before they can bother the residents. Candles light and the cool night draws the spirits into the moonlight, the moons arranged in their pentagonal procession to narrow the boundaries of the planes.>At midnight, the Kionefenish-Sauin, the week preceding Samhain begins. The sphere hums softly, the opaline surface thin enough to see the silhouette of a witch biting into an apple...
>One of Eden's heads chases after a body as it runs away wearing a jack-o-lantern on its shoulders.>Its snoodles pull the giggling thing along as it attempts to gain its hands back from this little prank they're playing on themselves.
>>85635829I got fleeced on this stupid chalice. I was hoping there were enchantments on it that I could double up on or alter given enough time but it just makes everything taste like...>>85636729>>85637437Screw you, I'll make some cupcakes right now! I cook just fine! Nothing goes wrong! Everyone that matters enjoys it! I'LL MAKE THE FREAKING ICING IN THIS CHALICE JUST TO SPITE YOU!
>>85641568"Isn't that your favorite flavor, though?""Wait, do you think that she hasn't had her wife cum in the cup for her yet?">What appears to Selene's [Pride] filled eyes to be a shrubbery and a fern turn to stare at her, then look back at each other."Surely...""Has she even taken the time to wonder who's cum the cup tastes like?">They turn back to her, tilting their leaves curiously."Have you tried just asking your wife to help you alter the enchantment?""Oh OH, AND double it up while you're at it.""How would that even double?""Doesn't that cow leak nutritious blood fractions from too?""Why the fuck did you say milk like that?""What? Have you met a vampire that wouldn't want to taste something as stupid as triple blood?">The bickering house plants lean in close.""Well.... have we?""
>Amid the shipments coming into the guild, an odd one gets brought to the hall instead of the storehouses. A large crate with an accompanying letter that reads-"To the esteemed adventurers of Morning Dew:I know we've already paid for your help with that dreadful bit of nastiness, but some of us still wanted to express our gratitude in a different way. So in the custom of our people, we have built you a bear as a gift. We named her Anna. Stuffed with slime wool from the finest sheep slimes and enchanted with waterproofing and self-repair magic, she is built to last. May her presence brighten your hall or the home of whoever claims her.(There was a minor mistake in the self-repair magic. Her missing eye cannot be restored, and the enchantment rejects any attempts to do so. It was agreed that the flaw added to her charm, so we left it that way.)Signed: *****">The signature is unintelligible, done poorly in a cursive-like style different from the rest of the text. Other than the letter, there is little indication of where it came from or who the sender is. From the sound of things it contained a stuffed bear. Who would be shipping the guild one of those?
>>85639737>>85641783Selene stared. Blinking repeatedly did nothing to shake this illusion. The foliage spoke. She was no stranger to voices in her head but these ones were...not too new. The blonde took a moment to examine the blood vial she had been idly sipping, the notes of licorice secrets and a hint of some strange salt that tasted bitter on the tongue and wondered if it had been laced with something somehow. More importantly the plants. Was it Eden? That was Eden, right? >["Can we afford to take that chance?" Hecate whispered.]>[“I think they’re looking at us.” Metis murmured. Selene could mentally picture her flinching as petals and leaves tilted towards her, like maidens gossiping with each other back home.]>"Doesn't that cow leak nutritious blood fractions from too?">"Why the fuck did you say milk like that?">"What? Have you met a vampire that wouldn't want to taste something as stupid as triple blood?"[“That’s actually not a bad idea.” Astrape cut in. “Let’s make a note to see if we can’t capitalize on that. Be a dear and thank them, crazy plant lady.”]Selene instead opted to walk to the window, close it, and resolve to lie down later. She was almost certain she had seen them get up on little root legs and start chasing one another. Of course, she was alone when this nonsense happened…! Where were those idiots? Hauling something ELSE in?>>85644471Turning back to business at hand, red eyes scanned the letter and the box, and the letter again. Had this been a reward given for some job she had absentmindedly signed off on? Whatever. Whoever did the job would come and collect.>[“I wonder if it’s a Marionette! Like Emily!”]>[“Doubtful. A bomb? I don’t think we angered any alchemists but the misspellings and handwriting makes me think of some angry bog witch.”]“I’ll observe,” Selene said to herself, dispelling the thoughts of Pandia and Hecate. “A little curious as to who will come and claim it.”
>>85645945>>85644471>A muffled chorus is a bit of a distraction from outside the window."What can we say accept, You're Welcome?">The plants, being Eden's Banana Phones in disguise, literally cannot follow that question up by saying it. If they did, they would genuinely be expressing joy at having spread the wonders of triple milk to the world.>Refusing to enter without an invitation, the plants press their leaves against the glass to watch Selene work."What's in the box?">They focus their little senketseyes on the text through the letter."Oh, how funny would a teddy bomb be?""Knowing this world, what kind of bombshell are we betting on?""Be it babe or literal bomb or maybe even both;~""Won't it be brighter, all the more lighter, to have another to love and to loath?"""What was that saying; the more the merrier?"">The little snakemind guided "Bananas" return to their "natural" form perfectly resembling, but not to be confused with, a pair of bananas.>It is imperative that you do not consume the Banana. It has a durability rating of five to six, and is full of corrosives and various enzymes that polymerize blood before combusting.>Do not eat the Banana.>The friendly Bananas peel a flap to wave at Selene, then another to fly away like humming birds, leaving her to ponder the two short, glorious years that they spent in the afterlife.>Two, gloriously quiet years.
>>85647243>acceptExcept*And we forgor the picture.
>>85648459What does she know?What does the dragon know?
>>85645945>>85647243As per her usual way of spending time when time is of no concern, Bene sits at a corner table in the Guildhall, nibbling away at a plate of French fries, while either reading or, more interestingly, to eavesdrop on conversations. Though, due to the season's change, the Cold-Blooded elapid intermittently sips from a tall mug of steaming-hot, spiced hot chocolate. She giggles at the banter and teasing between Selene and Eden, the amusing fact that two beings emblematic of death and life arguing is not lost on her. 'It's fitting,' she thinks to herself with a sort of finality.>>85644471Her attention is captured by the same object as theirs: a crate with a piece of parchment, signifying that its placement is no accident. Bene takes one last sip of her hot cocoa, before slithering over to satisfy her curiosity. Her eyes read the letter in no time, but the signature, after trying to comprehend it for a few seconds, eludes the melusine.>>85645945Bene nudges Selene with a hand wrapped in the fabric of her Senketsu."You're not going to open it? I thought you liked cute things."
>>85657044Please have the trainee report to the head maid for discipline and supplementary training.
10 bump
[Halloween Event: Update]Due to unforeseen circumstances, the opening post may be delayed for up to one day.Furthermore, it is suggested you prepare a picture or description of a costume for the participating character
>>85661163It be like that, don't it?
>>85647243It took the blonde a long moment to tear her gaze from the bananas taking lift off and just...taking wing into the sky. It took her longer still to realize that she could hear them perfectly fine thought the glass. So that WAS Eden? Not that horrific rot monster with the telepathic spores? It SOUNDED like Eden, even talked in verbal puzzles like Eden but Selene was certain she should screech and cleanse herself with a quick spell just in case!>>85654944A nudge sent the vampire startling cat like into the air, landing with claws bared at->["Lizard! Double lizard! TRIPLE LIZARD!" Metis screeched.]>["This fucking snek!" Eos growled.]"Bene!" was what ACTUALLY came out of her mouth, the blonde trying to smooth out her clothes to disguise her fright. "Danger noodle. Pool noodle. What is it? If you're looking for pay, someone should be at the desk to handle that for you!">"You're not going to open it? I thought you liked cute things."Red eyes looked back at the oversized box."I DO but I can't very well just open a box without checking right? Might be booby trapped. Rigged to explode. Someone even tried putting garlic salt on these once, like that was going to do anything to me. Actually~"A slow grin spread across her face."Why don't YOU open it~? I've got plenty of teddies back home~ None of them explosive."
10 it is
10 up it is
10 up
Yeah. I'm here to...Here to...d-do something...Catch the thread or some shit...Goddamn...
>>85667077Bene mulls over Selene's suggestion, arms crossed, while tapping one of her four scaled forearms in thought."Mm... sorry for scaring you, Selene, but you gave me even less of a reason to open the crate, you know? Besides, sending teddy bears is supposed to be a romantic gesture. Given it was sent *here*, it should be for either you or Talia. You should open it to find out what yours or Talia's secret admirer decided to give as a gift~"The Lamia's expression, which is inherently smug, appears even more so with the deliberate teasing, further aided by the fact that she naturally looks down at the Vampire, due to their slight height difference.
[Halloween Opening]>It was in the small hours of the morning, when only those nocturnal sorts were walking about, few and far between with the lights low with naught but a few candles for those strange few not blessed with the vision for the darkness despite where they dwelled, that the orb seemed to appear set squarely on the front desk, swaddled in velvet and softly glowing. The pearlescent surface swirled, a message appearing on the surface in black opaline lines, as if scratched from within:Here Be a Gate of SinKnow the Monsters WithinThreads of Web and BloodCorpses Claw’d from MudUnnatural TemptationDemon’s Foul CreationVictims Rended by MetalEye of Newt on the KettleTentacles Shrive the SkinBeneath the Witch’s Grin>A note was beside it: “Assistance required. 500 Shekels on Return.”>The strange luminescence fades as the light rises, but nonetheless, the strange orb sits there repeating the message endlessly. People of weaker wills instinctively keep away from it, a shiver traveling down their spine if they walk within a few paces. It seems that the most obvious way to interact is to touch the surface.[continued]
>>85682249>Upon touching the surface, the sphere seems to evert, bringing darkness over the one that touches it. It’s akin to traveling a storm wall, the tension and movement of the air, even if fictitious, is enough to rend the clothes of one crossing; and as the world goes black, so too does it return. You find yourself standing in a plaza by a fountain amongst the others that touched the sphere in the past day, a full moon above but infinitely closer than it ought to be. Gamboge gas lamps at every corner reflect off the running water flowing from a large bronze pumpkin’s three carved mouths as it trickles with a constant burbling; whistling winds sweep piles of orange-red leaves in banks against the gates that line the plaza, scattering across the black bricks in a shuffle; the flutters of bat wings and high pitched squeaks as they fly just above report, dragging the view again to the oversized moon, pure white save for a grand carving, trenches miles deep and wide that form a seven-pointed star. Looking level with the ground once more, you see seven gates, one on every side of the septagonal space, each with a different construction and a symbol, which seem to offer the only paths forward. >However, the removal of their clothes did not spawn you here naked. Instead, it seems you’ve been provided a replacement, something more suitable to the particular spooky (yet almost festive) nature of this place: a costume, either in some emulation of something that is in the person’s mind or something novel that existed in their psyche.[continued]
>>85682353>Once your bearings are gathered, you can look more closely at the gates and their sigils:>A tarnished silver gate with a thrice-speared heart in the center leading to what looks like a high-end brothel.>A wrought iron gate with spikes replaced with grasping hands with clasped hands in the center leading to a large, forested estate.>An ancient gate of ruined wooden slats and iron with nothing but a broken circle in the center leading to dark cliffs and caves.>A grand gate of iron in a Victorian fashion with a scalpel and syringe in the center leading to what looks like a University.>A rough gate of blood-stained bones with a broken knife and one-tined fork in the center leading to tight-knit alleys.>A thorny gate made of living briars with a massive poison toadstool in the center leading to a swamp with a single light deep within.>A fleshy gate made of stark-white tentacles cradling three spheres in the center leading to a town of wood-sided buildings and gallows plain.>As you look through, however, you would all find the night filled with laughter, high pitched cackling. A head appears above the fountain, red hair and a youthful face, large demonic horns on her head poking through her witch hat. She seems terribly smug as she looks down at you all.“Foolish mortals! You have entered the domain of I, the Witch Queen! Should you have any hope of escaping, you must defeat my Seven Great Witches before meeting me to receive a Wish! Now go forth-”>You hear a scuffle, the noise suddenly muffled as her head dips partially out of frame.“No one else could- No, no! It’s obvious! I do NOT have to tell- P-put the sword down, it’s a TRUCE, A TRUCE!”[continued]
>>85682377>She coughs, as if clearing their throat, before returning to the frame, looking a little less smug now.“I-In addition, once you choose a gate, you cannot leave the demesne until its Great Witch is defeated! Even if you can escape, you’ll find yourself unable to defeat them while the other demesne’s witch is unconquered! Including here. Please do not come to the moon until all seven have been defeated, or you’ll be trapped here with me and- No, this is MY spell. You can get out of- FINE. My GUEST would like me to tell you that if you’re defeated, you maaaay become a witch under my control. Okay? Great! Bye.”[META]To progress, choose a gate to enter. You can leave and enter another gate, but you cannot harm the second Great Witch until the first Great Witch’s demesne has been cleared. This is per-individual; seven people can go to each gate and be able to conquer the Great Witch, but if they turn back and go to the next demesne to their right, they’ll be unable to defeat the Great Witch until they themselves go defeat the Great Witch of the first demesne they entered. Reply to this post with the [Meta] tag for further questions, or inspect the fountain or gates further for more information in character.
up again
>>85682249>Halloween. A time for the thing the local maid disliked most.>Cosplayers. Though, admittedly, she only disliked cosplayers pretending to be proper maids.>But that wasn't important. Instead, the strange orb. That was important.>Emily instinctively wanted to avoid it. But seeing that none of the other guild maids had the courage or curiosity to check it out themselves, she decided to make herself the first to do so.>First seeing the note next to it, then the message on the surface. One was obvious, the other not quite so much. Though, with just the first line of the message, the maid had a solid idea of what this was and who was responsible for it.>Wasn't the first time, wouldn't be the last. So, she let intrigue get the better of her and touched it.>And, the first thing she observed was how everything changed. Seemed like the orb itself was the portal. How... Well, normal.>And to suit the festivities, her own outfit changed. The (faux) wings on her back were the most striking change was that her usual uniform was gone, replaced by something that was, at least in her view, relatively iconic. Albeit more reminiscent of plain leather straps or a harness than anything. And a blindfold that she lifted to expose one eye, letting her see>Well, if you know, you know. Such is life.>Regardless, especially seeing that she was apparently the first one to investigate, Emily made a point not to go through any of the gates, but instead to merely inspect them. To get her bearings. Explore the 'safe' parts a bit.>She was dead certain she'd have company soon, but until then, why rush?>The floating head with the explanations was saved for last here. And, listening quietly to that, she did ask a question of the explanation, not really expecting an answer."Can your guest not speak for theirself? Unfortunate. I shall choose a gate later.">True to her words, the maid continued ignoring the gates for now, checking out the fountain and surrounding areas instead.
>>85682249>>85682477>>85680973>>85667077>>85644471>Pumpkin head bursts through the door without opening it, snapping the latch in the process.>Eden's head, the local direct connection to their distant Demon Cores, distracts itself with swiftly replacing it, mending the blunder their snakes have incurred while auto piloting the prancing pumpkin.>The snakes of Eden trust their Senketsu fibers a bit too much for sensory guidance, and end up tripping over a crate they forgot about. The pumpkin hits the orb first as it flies off their shoulders, but their heels aren't far behind it.>The dryad finishes fixing the door and looks around, confused."Wha happun?">Meanwhile, Emily finds herself face to rind with a jack-o-lantern on a pile of vines.
>>85667077>>85680973>>85693007>The question of who would open the crate was decided for them by the wacky antics of a bumbling plant. The impact knocks the box over and sends the top flying.>Out slides a teddy bear of significant size. It is covered in soft, lavender colored fur and looks to be filled with an almost doughy material if its ragdoll physics are any indication. It is obviously meant to be female. Her single glass eye is framed with feminine lashes, the other eye socket containing nothing but an X of stitches. A bit of blush on her cheeks adds to the image. Her white tummy has a clothes button for a navel. Her design is almost completely chaste. Almost normal, but not. In true Harahel fashion, someone had to be a perv. One of her creators must have put a lot of effort into lovingly crafting her shapely thighs and rear end, which uncharacteristically has more detail than an average teddy bear would. Individual cheeks instead of flat fabric, sizeable ones at that. There's even another small X of stitching cartoonishly representing a butt hole if one were to spread them to go looking for it. Speaking of stitching, her body is oddly segmented by it. Instead of being a single piece, each body part seems to have been created separately and then sewn together. Her neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees each have their own circle of thread connecting them.>The toy lies unmoving where it falls, but being thrown about like that triggered another one of her magical functions. A prerecorded line plays from somewhere within the toy in a cutesy and bubbly voice."Anna loves you!"
Bump>>85635908While we're bumping, hey.Jack, Tenshi, and the random Titan amazon from earlier.Feel free to hop in for the halloween event if you like. Continuity isn't worth much.Time is convoluted in the lands of Harahel.
>>85696006Now that's a pun
Another 10
10 10 10
page 10!
>>85682249>>85682353>>85682377>>85682477Helping to set the guildhall up for the seasonal celebrations, Sol was hanging small lights in the shapes of ghosts and jack-o-lanterns from any surface he could reach; and with his wings, not many places were bare. Absorbed in his work, he didn’t even notice others entering the main hall, but not leaving through any door.It wasn’t until he reached the front desk, pumpkin light in hand, that he extended his hand to the surface and noticed the peculiar orb upon it. It wasn’t there when her stared, was it? Adjusting his glasses, the moth boy leaned forward, watching with curiosity as the orb displayed its words upon its surface. It certainly seemed spooky, but how was it working? Inquisitive nature piqued, Sol reached out and placed a finger upon its opaline surface.Wrenched into the darkness, Sol could only stare in seasonal fright as his robes fell off him in flaking ash. The costume the magic placed upon him before dumping him in the peculiar square a parody of proper armor. Draped in chains with a matching tail, Sol nearly jumped at the sight of the fake, but still darting extra eyes placed upon him. Stumbling forward, the now barely-dressed moth boy darted his eyes around trying to make sense of the surroundings and hearing the witch’s explanation of the predicament that not only he, but his other guildmates have found themselves in. “What in the world?” >>85690318Emily’s appearance drew Sol’s eyes for more than a moment before realizing that anyone here could see him just as clearly. Face reddening deeply, he set eyes upon the nearest gate, the one covered in thorns and briars, and walked to place a hand on it. His act one of embarrassment rather than deep consideration. “Who in the guild set this up do you think? Wonder who they hired as actors? Haha-“
10 warning
Expand the bloodline!
11 warning
>>85693007>Emily stares momentarily at the jack-o-lantern, then turns it to face the iron gate and forest behind>>85703034"I'm sure it's just Domi.">Emily said that without elaborating further or answering the rest of Sol's question>And truthfully, she couldn't be 100% certain of this. But she was as confident as she could be without confirmation, at least.>After all, he'd done stuff like this before. Even if only by accident. But it was very like him to get caught up in something like this and ask for help.>Instead of elaborating, she just stared at Sol and his outfit. It was, in some ways, like hers. Perhaps even more sexual. But only slightly and perhaps, really.>At least it covered up the explicit parts. Just like hers.>So she let herself praise it."Good costume. The vampire that helps run the guild would like it. You should show it to her later, if you don't come across her here."
>>85693588>>85667077"That's... well, it's open now."Bene sighs, rubbing the back of her neck. She looks over at the giant, stuffed teddy bear, finding both its appearance and voice cute. Upon seeing the bear's oddly sensual thighs and posterior, the naga momentarily furrows her brow, before shrugging."I think Anna's adorable. What about you, Selene? Would you want her in your bedroom or would it be too embarrassing for Talia to see? I imagine that Anna is incredibly soft, though, given the description.">>85690318>>85693007>>85703034Seeing the first three touch the orb and promptly teleport to the quest's destination, she feels the urge to touch it, too. Bene opts to wait, however, to see who else decides to go along. Waiting a tad shouldn't do any harm.
>>85680973>"Mm... sorry for scaring you, Selene-"You didn't!">-but you gave me even less of a reason to open the crate, you know-?"Tch! So much for that vaunted 'draconic' strength and courage.">-Besides, sending teddy bears is supposed to be a romantic gesture. Given it was sent *here*, it should be for either you or Talia. You should open it to find out what yours or Talia's secret admirer decided to give as a gift~>["Can't be meat shields, can't protect the more important pieces on the board, what do we keep them around for?" Hecate sighed in her mind. "All these lizards are good for is breaking things they have no business touching. Never should have gotten them out of their caves- Blood and Darkness, your [Pride] is getting to me..."]The vampire rolled her eyes, waving the letter about as she glared back at the smug serpent wiggling before her."It's apparently a gift of gratitude rather than anything romantic. I STILL don't want it. I can only assume a goblin made it from the raccoon hieroglyphics they made of this letter and you know how they get with explosives. You should act like a good little adventurer and crack it open with your teeth or claws or, I dunno, wack it with your tail-!">>85693007The sound of a gourd prevailing over wood drew her attention from the skink LITERALLY looking down on her to the door, the vampire watching slack-jawed as what she was (mostly) certain was Eden, blunder about on sinuous limbs and simply tip the crate over by accident, pratfalling off out of sight.>["It's all of them. ALL of them! HOW?!" Eos screamed.]
>>85712346>>85693588>>85711845Selene took a breath to scream at whoever she could to get that mess cleaned up only to be interrupted by the sight of violet fur. Or was it a particularly dark shade of pink? Lavender? Regardless, the head looked normal enough. Besides the missing eye. Even the chest did somewhat. But the lower body...>"That's... well, it's open now.""Seems so. Kind of looks creepy to you too, right? A little too life-like-?">I think Anna's adorable."Tch! Snakes...!">What about you, Selene? Would you want her in your bedroom or would it be too embarrassing for Talia to see? I imagine that Anna is incredibly soft, though, given the description.Selene looked back at the bear on the floor. Noted the stitching. How oddly anatomically correct it was. Setting aside that, she wouldn't mind setting it in a side room in the guild hall but she certainly wouldn't sleep with it around."W-well...">"Anna loves you!"Hell no. Nope. Not a chance. The constant but muted tinge of paranoia Hecate usually kept quiet revved in tone and pitch in her chest. It's not that it talked. It's not that it looked so lovingly crafted. All of them at once were what caused her immediately to shake her head. She already had a doll that stared at her unblinkingly for hours but that one could be trusted to stare while she slept and could serve tea!"I'll pass! You can have it if you want it." the countess said, turning to leave.She rather hoped she didn't seem too suspicious as she edged away, making sure to keep the bear in her peripheral vision as she went to see what flashed by along with Eden just then. Something round. Hopefully it wasn't expensive...A muted yelp can be heard as she trips over another crate in pursuit of a vegan troublemaker...
>>85682249>>85682353>>85682377>>85682477>Amu yawns as he stumbles into the guild hall. After a long and grueling night of dealing with both ERABE and raiding slaver camps, he is desperate for some relaxation."Gahhhh I've been way too busy these days...it's like its been months since I got the chance to relax here...">He looks at the front desk and around the guildhall, noticing its oddly empty. But there seems to be a sphere just sitting there."Uzza damnit...">He touches the sphere and is yanked into darkness as well, he opens his eyes to multiple gates underneath the full moon. It is then the pieces click together in his head. A most terrible realization..."Oh its Halloween! Can't believe the date got away from me like that. Or its at least the same month. Huh. Also that witch looks...oddly familiar...">He then looks down and realizes he is in a costume. Not overtly sexual like Sol's or Emily's but refined and downright noble...which is why he preens a little."Wow I look pretty good...not too shabby."
>>85715701Do tactical foxgirls have many versatile roles in a squad?
Bump
up it is
>>85682249>>85682353>>85682377>>85682477"So touching that orb was a bad idea I imagine">Alice rubs her head after questioning her sanity for touching an obviously trapped object for a moderate sum"Aaand my subconscious agrees because now I'm dressed like a shoulder devil">looking up at the increasingly less smug witch her head tilts "So, the point is for us to leave here right? Cause you know, you don't 'have' to give us a chance to escape, could have just put a lock on the gates and left""Or cast a big trapping spell or...">She watches the witch vanish and looks around at the others present>>85703034>>85710062>Watching the previous arrivals she laughs a bit"Alright alright, there's other people here, I can stop being the devil's advocate and actually have fun""So, me being here is normal but really I thought both of you had more common sense, however in the spirit of things">She pops up to Emily's shoulder sitting on it"Want some bad ideas for once?"
>>85728745>>85714680(sorrrry missed your post)"Nice costume, looks like you've also got less self preservation than me?"
>>85682249>>85690318>>85693007>>85703034>>85714680>>85728745>Another participant quite literally flops into the plaza. The magic that transported them there may have placed them into a standing position, but the new arrival collapses immediately as though they were an inanimate object. In fact, they'd appear to be so unless one could [Status] them through an Illusion 4 [Aura Veil]. But considering the circumstances, it would be silly to assume that the person sized teddy bear now lying on the ground wasn't alive. Sillier still for the being in question to pretend otherwise as though nothing were out of the ordinary, but that's exactly what they were doing.>Anna's appearance isn't as drastically changed as some of the others. She can't exactly wear most clothes, nor does she desire to. Instead she has been given a few themed accessories. Cute little horns, similarly small and adorable bat wings, and a devil's tail extending from her own rounded bear tail. Completing the assemble is a little black bow tie. For now she quietly and unmovingly observes the others and the situation.
>>85712479Bene shrugs."Fine by me.">>85714680>>85728745She watches Amu get teleported, followed by Alice. Only then does the elapid figure that it's her turn to continue.>>85736388Then she loses sight of the teddy bear. Bene clicks her tongue, disappointed in herself that she let Anna get taken alongside someone without even noticing. 'Whoever did it will surely pay!' she thinks to herself.>>85682477After touching the orb, the teleportation is instantaneous, which startles Bene, but what surprises her further is how she arrived wearing a costume of all things. Curiously, it's her Senketsu that assumed the form and not any sort of apparel, as opposed to what some of the others are wearing. Bene touches her face and feels what she assumes is a mask, as well as some of the frilly accents of her costume."I must look pretty cute..."
>>85690318>Just as the Witch Queen begins to terminate the broadcast, Emily's question stops her."He can't fit in the spell! I mean, look at this!">She turns, dragging into frame a hand that is plainly bigger than her head. Other than the (oddly familiar) size and pale skin allowing the vasculature to be plainly seen, nothing seems different except for the very tips of each finger. At the end of each, black claws—not quite feline, not quite canine—jut out."It's ridiculous! Who even lets someone get this big?">You can vaguely here another voice, but it's too faint to make much out at the low pitch. Her face immediately flushes crimson at whatever was spoken. >...>Looking around and inside the fountain, Emily would find a heavy pipe in the water, a 90 attached to one end. The impact would be quite severe should something be smashed with it. The gas lamps cast their large shadows in the night, leading the marionette to a plaque reading:Na památku založení Eršahy - 2316>It seems to be an old Hymn language, or a dialect thereof.>>85728745>Still flushed, she tries to change the topic."Because then the binding is a lot more difficult! If there's a way to— Oh, no! You almost had me monologuing!">She vanishes.>>85693007>Eden may still yet feel the connection to her other, whole self, but the connection is spotty, as if through a veil of white noise. Distinctly, it is not severed entirely as if in a self-contained or separate plane. However, she would find attempting to move things from her main body to this one is impeded. Hammerspace is accessible but seemingly on something of a cooldown based on the mass of the object retrieved, increasing logarithmically for every 500 grams, with a minimum of one minute.>>85703034>Sol would see an inscription carved on a small brass plaque next to the gate, reading:<Bažina Čarodějnic>>Depending on his own education, he may recognize this as a language of Hymn.[continued]
>>85739983>>85714680>Amughar's preening leads to him hearing a distant giggle, feminine and echoing. The dissonance that emerged as it faded did not reduce the impact of focused sensuality it contained, desiring to send a shiver down his spine whether it be from arousal or fear...>A glance in the direction reveals it as coming from the Thrice-Speared Heart gate and the Brothel beyond it. Should he look closer, he'd see a plaque with the following inscribed:Crimson Lupanaria>>85736388>The wind lightly blows the accessories, though the odd part is that the stuffed bear was teleported independently. The Witch Queen herself says nothing, but even in her mind something must be awry.>>85737962>Bene can in fact try to use the waters of the fountain as a reflecting pool.[Meta]Everyone who hasn’t is still free to join! Things haven't really kicked off yet, and even then the scenario is plenty flexible.
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>>85635829>What's the worst your character has been outwitted?The first time he accepted the dinner invitation to a kings banquet.He did not manage to leave the kingdom for five years because people kept bringing dead bodies to him, ensuring that his daily Arka reserves were kept drained, while nobles pampered him with worthless trinkets and food to keep him resting at their estates to recuperate his Arka. Now while that doesn't sound so foolish? After about five years of this, the king had such a surplus of population that had been normalized to death, that war became inevitable due to the flame of ambition taking root in the King's heart. (How could he possibly lose after all? The people loved him and he has a messenger of Uzza "on his side")>Historical note: The Angel war as it later came to be known, as it outlasted the king who started it, ended up lasting for several centuries and only ended after the angel managed to successfully flee the capital. After who knows how many failed escape attempts as his gilded cage came to resemble a dungeon more and more with each failed attempt. Leaving behind untold corpses and a civil war once the soldiers realized that there would be no more coming back from the dead once he had fled.>The nobles attempt to hide the Angel's escape hoping that they could recapture him again, sealed their fate by doulbing down and ended up being torn limb from limb by their own soldiers once they discovered the ruse.>All that remains of the kingdom now are the hordes of angry undead wandering the still haunted battlefields, soulless corpses possessed by malevolent spirits of war and death.Coincidentally this is why he avoids dinner invitations from anyone more wealthy than a dirt farming peasant like the plague.(Also sorry for the long hiatus)
>>85682353>Unfortunately for him his psyche was a very dark and twisted place, weaving him a robe of the blackest night fit only for a specter of death. Obscuring his androgynous features underneath soft black fabric, with only his pale thin hands and wings sticking out.>Despite the spooky garb, the thin halo of gold floating above his head would glow with divine light to fight back the darkness and denying it as it tried to fully engulf him. [Light V]>>85682477"What counts as a defeat in this twisted little game of yours Witch? For death is no obstacle to an Angel of Uzza, the Arbiters will not tolerate trickery or foul play in this matter!">His new garbs made the pure vitriol in his raised voice sound twice as intimidating. Which was beneficial for him since he wasn't actually here on any official business, yet he found that invoking the arbiters put even other immortals on their best behavior most of the time. A not-so-subtle reminder that no matter how powerful they may be, higher forces were still watching their antics. >>85690318>Oh he knew alright and was secretly thankful that he hadn't ended up dressed the same, unable to keep himself from staring briefly before turning his head out of courtesy.>>85740043>As the latest arrival he would spend a moment getting a good look at everyone else present, his [Unusual eyes] glowing with divine light underneath his hood yet the darkness of the fabric seemed to keep his face obscured for the moment, unbeknownst to him. (The dramatic shadows cast by the light from his halo likely attributing to this fact as well)
>Meanwhile underneath those spooky robes.
>>85744666>Or I guess the real worst time he was outwitted, was when he thought he could get away with just buying those wings for points, instead of earning them with a world saving adventure in service of Uzza first.
>>85712479>In the guild hall, Eden's severed head slithers around on the snakes still attached to its scalp.>Flopping up onto a table to look around, they're left in confusion."Where did everyone go?">The orb answers their question, snoodles drawing the our demon core's attention to it by physically pointing the dryad's face at the answer."Oh, huh..... are you guys gonna be ok on your own in there?">The snakes out here in the guild hall give Eden exaggerated nods of affirmation, playing up their sock puppet like cuteness as if it were a form of credibility...>>85739983>>85710062>>85736388>>85744666 (nice get for the costume, lol)>>85737962>>85728745>>85714680>Arms, legs, and a spine that thought it would be funny to run off without a head are left silently panicking with a now smiling pumpkin on their shoulders in front of the costumed crowd.>The snakes that back up the dryad's motive autonomy during dismemberment find themselves with little oversight in a situation that they hadn't trained for or planned.>Finding the pumpkin fused to their neck as part of the costume, the snakes run around in circles for a few turns attempting to remove it before having a collective epiphany.>They don't need to follow Eden's compulsion reveal their leaves at all times if Eden isn't paying attention.>The body draws senketsu fibers from its pumpkin vines and makes a comfy fall outfit, seeming much more at ease as it kneels down to let the snakes wearing this costume slither up and out of the jack o lantern's mouth and eyes.>Five little vine snoodles peek out of the pumkin, each wearing a tiny pumpkin leaf on their heads like a hat.
>>85744115(Welcome back) >>85744666>(Angel gets the Satan trips)(Perdition time?)
>>85736388>assemble(Dang it brain, I clearly meant 'ensemble.')
up again it is
Sending it up
up again we go
>>85744666"If you're asking if you need to kill them, I never said that, did I? Little Uzzaites always so quick to think everything is solved with violence. Haven't changed in all this time!">The Witch Queen's voice responds, though faint, as if she's on her way out of wherever the spell is that sends her voice down.
>>85740043Bene slithers over to view her reflection in the fountain and she does, in fact, look considerably cute in her own opinion. A surge of smugness swells up and inflates the Lamia's ego, as she begins to carry herself in a more prim and proper manner.>>85736388Among the arrivals, Bene is surprised to see the teddy bear here of all things and the implications of its presence are ominous. Still, she goes over to Anna and lifts her up, before gingerly placing her down on the melusine's long tail."Selene said I could have you and no one else has offered to take you, so now you belong to me, Anna!"
The balls are touching! Gay!
Up up up
>>85742195Cutie
Le bump
>>85753545"I wasn't talking about you witches, you shall be dealt with in due time.">Not like he expected her to tell them her weaknesses.>>85755382>Only upon seeing Bene admiring herself at the fountain, would he realize that he himself had not arrived in his original clothes. Joining the lamia by the fountain to inspect himself and his ominous looking garb."My old robes? How amusing...">He did in fact not sound particularly amused, yet he kept the hood down rather than reveal his face.>Not like anyone from Harahel would recognize him as the path of pain anyway, not unless they had spent some time in Lahash's afterlife.>Cute?"Elegant, yet imposing are the words I would have used, you look fit to host a banquet.">He was trying his very best to not just come out and say that she looked like a demonic mermaid noble.
up we go
Keeping it going
Need to find more pumpkins...
>>85711845>>85736388>>85714680>>85744666>>85747776>The maid takes notice of the new arrivals. Three of them are pretty uninteresting to her, considering they're well known to her and can be trusted to not do stupid things.>Anna, however, immediately catches her eye. If only because [Status] pinging it as a literal stuffed animal feels highly wrong. But without evidence of what's wrong, Emily remains on guard and cautious about it, more than anything. And keeps her distance.>The actual Angel, on the other hand, caught her attention for being an unknown.>And for being so straightforwardly dutiful that it was almost charming, considering the assembly of weirdos the Morning Dew usually was.>For the time being, she merely met his staring and returned it with her own trademark unblinking gaze. Letting him know that she knew that he knew. But not making direct contact (yet?). After all...>>85728745>Shoulder devil was something she couldn't ignore.>Or, she could, but this one was a bad idea to. It got very obnoxious if you didn't listen."I cannot say I want them. But I suspect there are few good ideas to be had in this place. And I can trust you enough to not get me killed, so you can stick with me if you have no better ideas.">>85739983>Listening to the Witch talk, all Emily could think was "Yeah. Definitely Domi.">Unfortunately, she wasn't enough of an expert on languages to be able to read the plaque.>But she did point it out to her friendly shoulder pixie, asking her to translate it. And then directly asked Alice."Have you seen the gates yet? I am willing to take your input on which to go.">>85712479>From just offscreen, a maid's stare can be felt on the back of Selene's head.
>>85762260Bene puffs out her chest and points her nose upward, grinning."Why, what a kind compliment~ You look rather ominous for a Tenshi, but I do adore your theme~"She hums."So, ah... do you come here often?"
>>85775046Listen to your doctor before doing so.
Drinky drinky.~
bump
>>85739983>>85755382>>85703034>>85714680>>85728745>>85744666>>85747776>>85773576>Anna doesn't stay on Bene 's tail for long. All it takes is for the lamia to slither a little bit and the bear slips off, tumbling to the ground. She lands with a soft thud, which seems to cause her to speak a voice line like she had before. Only this time, something appears to go terribly wrong with her talking functions."Anna wants to-">Whatever she was going to say is interrupted by the sound of a record scratching. The next thing she says is deeper than her usual voice, sounds as though it has been put through a distortion filter, and is composed of jumbled speech that had been cut up and rearranged like an audio recording version of a ransom letter."DEMON'S FOUL CREATION.">If that wasn't creepy enough, one of her arms had coincidentally landed outstretched towards the gate marked by a scalpel and syringe. It was as if she was asking if her deduction concerning which gate contained which witch was correct.
Dominance display or mating ritual?
Spooky, scary skeletons send shivers down your spineShrieking skulls will shock your soul, seal your doom tonightSpooky, scary skeletons speak with such a screechYou'll shake and shudder in surprise when you hear these zombies shriekWe're so sorry, skeletons, you're so misunderstoodYou only want to socialize (But I don't think we should)'Cause spooky, scary skeletons shout startling, shrilly screamsThey'll sneak from their sarcophagus and just won't leave you beSpirits, supernatural, are shy, what's all the fuss?But bags of bones seem so unsafe (It's semi-serious)Spooky, scary skeletons are silly all the sameThey'll smile and scrabble slowly by and drive you so insaneSticks and stones will break your bones, they seldom let you snoozeSpooky, scary skeletons will wake you with a "Boo!"
>>85779189Having seen slugs?Might be both.
>>85778231>Before even waiting to see how Alice or anybody else would react, Emily's attention was demanded.>It spoke.>Which, that itself wasn't surprising to the maid. She had a strong suspicion Anna was more than she appeared even without proof.>But this... Was not what she expected just by virtue of how fitting it was.>But it was something that she recognized. And thus approached.>Completely aware that her current outfit, unlike her usual uniform, hid absolutely none of the joints that held her body together.>And stared right at Anna from only a small distance. One that either could close in a moment if they were so inclined."You. What's your goal?">She cared not about the what. Either she was right, in which case why ask, or she was wrong, in which case she didn't actually want to know.>She did care about the why.>Because if she was right about the why...>This thing was a friend. Despite most people surely thinking this would be an odd pairing.>>85779189>>85782478Maids do not mate with each other.However, such behavior is very easy to mistake for the actual maid mating ritual, which looks practically identical. The only difference is that it's performed in front of somebody who isn't a maid, rather than a fellow.
>>85740043"Touching the orb might not have been as bad as an idea I thought." Yukia rolls her shoulders, getting a feel for the biker suit she's wearing. Normally, she would have preferred something with a looser fit, but it's surprisingly comfortable. Kakakbel shrugs as she twirls the keys that came with her costume around her finger. "It was in the way, so it had to be investigated no matter what. Aren't you at least a little curious about what's going on?"Yukia thinks of a reply. but she bites her tongue. Now isn't the time for feedback. "Are you thinking of calling in favors now, or when we get into the thick of it?"Kakabel frowns as she weighs the odds. "With these types of traps and dungeons, it would be better to keep my cards in reserve. My Summoner's Nexus would have to support anyone we bring in, and they might not be suitable for whatever challenge we may be facing. There's something to be said for a bird in the hand being worth two in the bush, but my instinct is patience will win out for now." >>85714680As the two separate to better investigate the area, Yukia waves at Amughar. "Hey, fancy seeing you here too." She points to his outfit with her staff. "I see you've dressed to impress too. Do you mind if I ask what you've been up to lately?"
>>85736388"Didn't know they had teddy bears here, convergent cultural evolution maybe?">>85737962"Bene is that... you? Didn't know you switched species, frills look nice though">>85739983>>85740043"And now I am really wishing I'd brought my translator with me, dang thing cost a small fortune but who expects to hear 'that' dialect out here in the middle of a sphere""At least for once the witches aren't chanting in latin, still not sure how latin ended up on harahel, probably one of the arbiters loves their omninous chanting">>85744666>suddenly rather self conscious about her outfit in the presence of an angel, and keeping to Emily's shoulder for safety a sheepish voice rings up"So eeh, you got an evil detector because unless something really went wrong I should light up as chaotic neutral, not evil, just filled with bad ideas is all">>85747776>A snap of her fingers and the illusion of a candle lights up inside of the pumpkin head"Nice to see you're feeling gourd Eden""Also full of bad ideas it seems? At least I didn't lose my head over it">>85755382"...I didn't know Selene slept with teddy bears whats going on here...">>85778231"oh""Okay, group question, who's good at exorcism? Because we might need one like, really soon">>85785721"And that rules out it's one of your dungeons then">A warm smile greets the pair"Seriously though, imagine this was a trap by someone hostile to the guild, we'd all be stuck in the far lands or so">>85773576"Sure you can trust me to not get you killed? Maybe I've been sent to collect your soul cause your mistress gambled it away or something">At that point she remembers there's an actual angel nearby"Kidding, just kidding""But yeh, I'll stick around, not too sure which witch to go after first, the obvious hospital themed one seems like a particularly bad idea, though on the other hand... you don't actually have biology, and I have it on good authority you don't mind a dissection"
>>85778231>>85782614Bene squints at Anna, before looking to Emily, and back at Anna. She sighs."Fine, whatever! Go have your fun, little adventure with the Maid! After that, though, you're coming home with me!">>85786990"Thank you, Alice~ Your costume is also really cute! I like the latex and the tiny fork!">>85682377([Meta] included.)The krait pompously slithers up to the swamp gate while twirling her umbrella, acting as though she owns the place. She takes a moment to thoughtfully examine it. After doing so, Bene spins around and gazes at everyone present."Is there anyone else that would like to take an outing to the ominous bog first?"
>>85788405You know, I don't think that's actually about food at all.
>>85769343Do NOT the pumpkins.
>Amughar looks closer as he hears a seductive giggle. He shudders a bit before shaking it off and looking closer."Crimson Lupanaria...interesting name for a Brothel. Definitely fitting.">>85785721>Amu does perk up a bit at the familiar face and gives a friendly wave back. He checks out her costume by giving a quick once over before nodding."I say you definitely pull off the outfit you got there too.">At her question he lets out an exhausted sigh."Well I've been busy tearing down slaver operations and adventuring. Plus taking care of the kids. I really should give my Staff another raise...running an orphanage is hard. But tonight, my brother, Polaris, is handling things over there so I'm free.">>85782614>Amu looks...a bit confused at Emily's costume and wonders if Selene put her up to it. He wouldn't put it past her. Although he then remembers that the costume is the result of whoever put that orb in Morning Dew."...Not the most unfitting costume for you but it does look like something Selene would make you wear...">>85789762>>85786990>Amu smiles widely at the appearance of the Pixie, one of his oldest EOH friends, and can't help but tease her."Now you're costume may be the most fitting one here, Alice."Almost didn't recognize you, Benefactum. You look...oddly familiar though. For some reason, I feel like looking for a Butterfly. Or some goggles.">>85762260"An Angel of Uzza? Wait...aren't you...hmm. Never mind. Glad to see a fellow champion of Uzza around here. A bit too on the nose but that's far from a bad thing."
>>85786990>>85789762>>85794062>>85762260>>85682249"Wh...wait.">Ignoring the light, one of the snoodles dips back into the jack-o-lantern to pop out the lid and check behind their little joy ride."Are they really not coming along?""Hate to break it to you, but....""I uh... were one of you planning this when ran off?""Do any of us plan... like... anything?""Hmmmm....">Closing their hatch and standing up, the uh... almost literal skeleton crew looks over at the gates."So, if this haunted house isn't the guild hall, then... are we supposed to pick a gate to get back?""What better way out than through?""Have you heard of around?""Is that what your mom's legs were doing to my head last night?"".... don't call the stump our mom. Why are you like this?">As entertaining as bickering snakes in a bipedal pumpkin is, they appear to be suffering from decision paralysis.
Bump before bed
>>85775130>"So, ah... do you come here often?""Naaaarwh I usually like my swamps and haunted castles filled with more skeletons and ghouls than this.">He exaggerated his voice to make it obvious that he was joking.>>85789762>Ominous bog"Presumably so that we can get waterlogged for the rest of these trials and travails?">He had wings so he was somewhat indifferent to the matter, but it still felt like a bad idea to get soaked before locating a fireplace first.>>85778231>>85786990>who's good at exorcism?"Death usually banishes most spirits and demons and if they come back as an undead? Then you just kill them a second time. Once they (finally) stop twitching its a simple enough matter to retrieve their soul from the afterlife and then shove it back into its old body.">The fact that he so casually recommended killing someone as a cure, suggested that he had either been forced to such drastic measures in the past, or had at least considered them.>>85794062>He took a good long look with [HUD] at Amu as he felt like he'd seen that healthbar somewhere before, or maybe Uzza just made sure to make it extra obvious to his angels eyes."Well now things are starting to get interesting.">He offered a polite bow to Amughar."May we serve the Arbiter well this day.">Spoken with the rehearsed eloquence of ceremony.
>>85789762>Emily's stare turns from Anna to Bene. Though, the only thing to move is her head. In what's probably one of the most uncanny movements she's done in a little while>Eh, probably just influenced by the vibe of the thing in front of her."Quick to judge, quick to anger, and slow to understand, snake. I have no interest in that. An incident like this is not the place to attempt to work with somebody you don't know. But it has caught my attention anyway, before we all resume investigating the main issue here. If it's not willing to explain itself and you know what it is though, I'll ask you to explain.">>85794062"Hm? I'm surprised that you didn't just attempt to immediately flatter me. I was looking forward to telling you there's a time and place for everything.">But apparently even Amu knew the time for that was not now."But, no. This is not the Ojou's doing. If it was, would your own outfit not also be? I merely touched the orb, and wound up here, looking like this. And I can tell that the orb itself was not her doing."
>>85799666 (Are you aiming for these, lol?)>>85789762"Is water bad?">A younger sprout asks before getting embarrassed and slithering back into the ambulatory gourd.>Another smugly asks them, as though they hadn't figured it out just now too."Is it the wet, or the cold?""Wait, do we all have to go in the same door?""Why would we all have to go in the same door?""Well if we can't find anything wrong with ganking the witches one at a time, can we say that achieving multiple goals at the same time simply leaves you with more time to live without a goal?"""""Ohhhhhh..."""">>85800799>>85789762>One of the snakes reaches up to whisper a giggle in Bene's ear."Is she jealous that she's not the only cute doll around here right now?"
>>85802842Forgor pic, lol
>>85789762>For now, the bear doesn't see a reason to respond to Bene. Of course she was going home with her. She smelled like prey.>>85782614>Emily on the other hand does manage to prompt Anna to do something. The toy's body still doesn't move, but her sole eye slowly rotates to stare at the maid turned angel. Her voice is back to normal when she speaks. She doesn't give a straight answer however, instead choosing to convey her intent indirectly through some of her prerecorded lines."Anna wants to play!""Anna is hungry. Got any honey?">What exactly that was meant to imply is up to interpretation. Fun and food might be the simplest explanation, or there might be more to read into hidden in her words. The people here were no strangers to beings that communicated without saying their exact meanings though. Another such being that most of them were familiar with was right there with them after all, acting as a silly pumpkin head.
>>85682477(Dang it I just realized I forgot my [META] tag in this post >>85778231 when I was asking for confirmation.)
A 10
>>85739983The flustered witch had Sol pausing before pushing the barbed gate open, even though he could not read the words. But this pause allowed him to view other new arrivals!>>85744666The angel’s arrival immediately grabbed the moth’s attention. The foreboding appearance combined with the declarations of Uzza’s devotion deepened his already flush red face. Was this angel’s faith really so much greater, or was he a fanatic?>>85753545Sol shuffled on his feet, hand still planted on the gate as he tried to peer through it. He certainly wasn’t going to try and draw attention to himself further, but perhaps the accusations levied against the devotees of Uzza were accurate for he also thought combat with the witches would be inevitable.>>85747776>>85736388There were more unfamiliar faces to the blacksmith as well, seemingly both equally as artificial to each other. An oversized teddybear and scarecrow. The contrast between the flopping bear and visibly confused strawdoll had Sol tilting his head in some degree of curiosity.>>85755382It was the arrival of Bene though that finally jolted the moth boy out of his continued nervousness. He wasn’t sure at first, but the voice… and behavior were unmistakable. With a third familiar face, he felt somewhat more at ease. With a wave he greeted her “Uhh, hi Bene!”>>85778231He dropped his hand again, taken off guard by the stuffed bear’s strange vocalizations. His own affinity for magical artifacts having him ponder the nature of the creature, far more curious than cautious. Eyes back to the lamia, he inquired, “Bene, do you know what Anna is?”
>>85782614Emily’s own aggressive approach however, had Sol back down with an awkward laugh. This was certainly becoming an overwhelming situation. He hoped there wouldn’t be a need for any intervention needed between the many parties in attendance.>>85786990Thankfully, Alice was proving her ability to cut through the tension with her quips and, Eden? He looked at the scarecrow quizzically. Truly? That WAS surprising, but in hindsight it did make sense. As for the request for an exorcist, “I haven’t known you to be quite so serious yet Alice, but if needed…” He trailed off, returning his gaze to the curious bear. But at least he wasn’t focusing on his own costume any longer, now suitably distracted.>>85799666The angel’s continued aggression however… “While that DOES work, is it not suitable to first find a way to prevent demons returning after their host being cut down?”>>85789762But things were still moving quickly! As Bene moved past Sol to the same gate, he had just been at in his initial freak out, he considered returning to it. Surely these gates would be more easily conquered as a team. And the moth couldn’t be certain if touching the gate alone locked him into a choice as of yet. “Well, I was considering that path earlier. We could team up!”
Late night bump
Safety bump
>>85816088>>85816556This but at page 11.
>>85817148Those snails are, unironically, sexy.
>>85786990"...Who did you hear that from? And why do you believe I'd allow it, especially from somebody I do not trust?">The maid's tone of voice didn't change.>But that was something she wasn't expecting to hear. from the pixie.>It wasn't like she was involved in the incidents she was referring to, after all.>But, she was right about one thing. If whatever that hospital gate had in store was meant for flesh and blood, throwing a mechanical doll at it would be an interesting twist...>>85803526>Well, now was the time for the maid to decide>Was there actually something to her hunch, or was this somebody else's prank?>And the conclusion the maid came to was that there was something to it. That it was a bit too incomprehensible to be intending to lead somebody on. But she also didn't know how to respond to this, either. Which didn't stop her from doing her best to do so anyways, under the presumption that there was something resembling a brain in that bear."Normally, if you want honey, you'd seek bees. But that's the wrong answer. If you want honey, you seek a beekeeper. And unfortunately, I'm neither bee nor keeper.">Saying just that, Emily stared at the one part of the bear she had actually noticed moving, locking eyes with it.>Normally when she stared, it was to unnerve others. Usually Selene.>But this time, she was actually observing.>Until she spoke one more time, at least."If you can get behind the gates, that's good enough.">That was all she had to say.>She was thinking more would be tasteless right now.
>>85814011>While that DOES work, is it not suitable to first find a way to prevent demons returning after their host being cut down?"That is what the second death is for, with a dead host the demon or spirit has no choice but to reanimate the corpse as an undead puppet to keep moving.">He spoke with an eerie authority on the matter, as if he had given this explanation before."If what comes after is what worries you? Then be not afraid, for I have yet to encounter a demon or spirit who could come back a second time after being banished by the Sword of True Death.">He didn't appear to be carrying any weapons however, so perhaps this was some form of high tier anti-undead Light magic or perhaps even a miracle of the arbiters that he was speaking of? >Only after answering the question and as Sol approached him and Bene at the gate to the "ominous bog", did the Tenshi seem to take notice of just how scantily clad the moth was. Again his [Unusual eyes] lingered for a moment, before turning his head away out of courtesy and sparing Sol the piercing gaze of those glowing eyes.
>>85744666>>85799666>(Double Satan trips from the Angel)
>>85822395>>85803526"Are bee girl queens technically bee keepers?""Is there any other word for a fine catch like that?""What if we filled the gourd with honey...""Don't fill the gourd with honey!""Stop me if you can!"""""No no no noOO!"""">The pumpkin monster vomits some honey into its hands, provoking the cool down on their resources that the game master had mentioned.>A rather irate snake peeks out of an eye hole."Why, though?">Its sibling licking it off from the other eye responds around its own lapping tongues."Thoodent life bee thweeter?"
10 again
>>85826722Cute devil
>>85762260>She gets back on the line with a huff."Incapacitated! It doesn't matter if you cum yourself unconscious or get thrashed! If you don't have the will to go on, you become another one of my darling witches! If you do, you'll wake up... Somewhere. Probably near the fountain.">She mutters something about '"in due time" and "like I haven't already been decapitated today" as the line cuts out again.>>85778231>Near the gate, a plaque reads in letters assembling under a glance: "UNIVERSITY REANIMUS"[Meta]The University Reanimus is indeed Demons' Foul Creation as referenced.>>85786990>Perhaps one of the "locals" could be persuaded to translate, since the Witch Queen, at very least, spoke modern lingua franca.>>85789762>The slight scent of mallow root and still water reaches the lamia from beyond the briar gate...[continued because spam sensor]
>>85830164>>85795281>Stumbling and mumbling around, the herbaceous snakes squawking in squash find themselves close to the wrought gate of grasping hands, clasped hands as if holding something precious. Looking at the plaque, enchanted like the Lupanaria's and the University's, they would read the following:"ESTATE BRACCHIORUM">The thought of the opening poem read across the sphere, a line "Corpses Claw'd from Mud" seems to echo in the back of their minds.>>85814004>Sol would find little wisps of light the longer he stared, the scent of mallow and standing water and moss filling his head as the wisps shifted in color, in distance, as if entreating that he come closer...
>>85823521>For someone that had just said that they wanted honey, the plushy seems disinterested in the freshly conjured sweet stuff. No, her focus was on her selected gate.>>85830164>>85822395>>85789762>>85786990>>85794062>Having seemed to somehow confirm her target, the bear was ready to get a move on."Let's play doctor!">As Anna speaks, a bone saw appears in one of her paws. To most of the people present it would look like it wasn't there one moment and was there the next, but to those approaching the limits of Illusion or Arcane magic it was obvious that she had cast a spell to mask her action. If they so wished to use some magic of their own to see the truth, they would see her reaching into her mouth and retrieving the tool from inside herself while an illusion makes others perceive her as staying still. She then resumes the position she was in previously, bone saw in hand, to complete her little trick.>Then she partially sits up for all to see, and begins moving towards the gate to the University Reanimus. The ways she moves though is unnerving. It does not come across as being done under her own power. No, it looks as though an invisible figure had hoisted her up by her shoulders and was slowly dragging her to her destination. Unlike before, there would be no detectable magic to explain the sight before their eyes. That's because there wasn't any. This was accomplished through a clever use of her internal slime, achieving a slug-like locomotion that left no outward indication of what was happening.>And that is how she would enter the gate in pursuit of her target, so long as no one interrupted her performance.
>>85831184(Minor correction. "Doctor," was supposed to be "doct-rawr.")
>>85789762>With a snap the fork starts floating above her"It's actually kind of a pain in the ass to carry around, not entirely sure what happens if I just decide to leave it behind though">>85794062"It's fitting, right up until some witch decides I make a fantastic familiar and goes after me""Also not entirely the most elaborate, meanwhile you've got a pretty tight outfit">>85795281"Looks like you're in need of a bit of a neutral mediator, not sure if I'm the right choice for that give you know... bad ideas incarnate""Oh, could always do a vote, turn the you into a functional democracy, I think we could find little snek sized ballots here">>85799666"...riiiight, I was thinking something a bit more, you know, friendly? Angels can do that no, put their hands on someone's forehead and flood them with holy light or so?""You know, good kind of holy light, not the kind that vaporizes with divine fire">>85814011>>85822453"Well, good news, looks like the doll isn't haunted per se so no need to go all smitey on it""I do know of some demons that just stick around no matter what though, but I think that one cut his soul into a thousand pieces and inserted it into a whole town">>85822395>there's a prolonged giggle"It came to me in a dream""But really though, I just figured you might be into that and took my shot, and I must say, my aim's pretty good isn't it?">>85822395>>85831184"So uhm, Anna it is? Nice to meet you, and sorry for the exorism suggestion, you'd be surprised just how many possessed objects pass by the guild from time to time, usually in the hands of a vampire">Not one to reveal a magician's tricks of the trade, Alice just quietly observes and wonders who else can see through it"Okay, hospital it is, should make the meido happy""That said eeh, you do kinda look like you're suspended from wires, you sure there's not something haunting you?">>85823521"So does that make it twice-vomited honey?"
up it is again
>>85823521"Well, you tried...">The maid was vaguely curious as to what gate Eden would choose, but didn't intend to follow her.>>85842997>>85831184>She also didn't specifically intend to follow Anna, either.>But in this case, it mostly just so happened that letting Alice choose and not having any better ideas meant that she was following the bear, heading for the scalpel-and-syringe gate, and the apparent University behind it>Before she walked herself though, she watched Anna. She couldn't detect the magic or illusions at use. But she could sure as hell see the bear... Slide? That's what it looked like to the maid, at least."It doesn't make me happy, but I find it acceptable anyway.">Meanwhile, Emily raised her hand and gently poked the pixie on her shoulder, and used [Talk To Me] to send a silent message.>"What's this thing's deal? I know you can tell better than me.">Then just followed by incessant and repeated "Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me" until the pixie responded or broke contact.
>>85830200>>85842997>>85848368>They seem to be fine with casting their ballots out loud."Brac.""Chi.""Or.....""Um.....">They look the gate up and down, snake brains glancing at the latch and looking for something easier."""""Ummmm.....""""""Up and over, comrades!">Their arm reaches for the top of the gate, vines abandoning the human facade as they slither up its bars on many verdant tails.
Pump
>>85794062Bene clicks her tongue."Fine Amu, I'll *consider* that a compliment. As for yourself, you do look quite fancy—scholarly, even.">>85799666She smirks."Fair enough, fair enough~">>85800799"Hey, rude! We're all strong and capable individuals who are more than willing to look out for one another in times of need, like this! Though, no, I don't know exactly what it is, but I'm sure everyone has their suspicions.">>85802842"Water's the best!"Bene nods enthusiastically at one of Eden's snakes' tease."She must be, yeah!">>85814004With a whirl of her parasol, the aquatic elapid assumes an overbearing, noblewoman-inspired, haughty pose and waves one of her four hands at Sol, before quickly covering her mouth to try and prevent a composure-breaking laughing fit from beginning.
>>85851316[Cont.]>>85831184>>85848368The naga loudly exhales through her nose at seeing Anna's unabashed display and Emily's typical lack of an emotional response."Pfft... Nothing could possibly go wrong with the 3 of you together, right~? Good luck~">>85842997"I get the feeling that your fork'll just appear at your side or wherever you least expect it, but who knows. Either way, it should be a decent weapon!">>85814011Bene beams."Of course, Sol! I would love to have you accompany me to the dark and dreary swamp! Be bright like your namesake and light up the dark! ...Um, or something. In any case, this swamp smells like the home I never knew I had, so I'm sure it'll be nicer than those other, more boring portals!"
The rise of 10
Another safe bump
>>85842997"Flooding someone with holy light is only going to banish a lesser spirit or demon, but I guess such parlor tricks are what most alms collectors can pull off.">As a side note he's found that suggesting death as a cure first, made most people stop bringing weirdo's to him and claiming that they were possessed.
>>85842524That healer really needs to learn how to relax and enjoy her work to help take the edge off.
>>85858366
>>85682249>>85682353Something round underfoot, strange darkness, and the faintest feeling of pressure that left her bare for the briefest second. These sensations pass Selene by rapidly as she finds her footing, choking off the yelp she let off in the guildhall to find herself...somewhere new. Reminded her of home, honestly. The sheer proximity of the moon and the unfamiliar fountain were new, though. As was the head floating over it...and...and...what the hell was she wearing...? The countess would have made many colorful comments about the appearance, wealth, social standing, and race of anyone who would inform her the outfit had been conjured by her own psyche. A cheer leader’s outfit...?>>85682377>Foolish mortals-!"I'm not though." the blonde mumbled to herself while idly playing with the pom poms in her hands. "Where even is this pl-?">You have entered the domain of I, the Witch Queen-Selene's head snapped back with rapt attention, crimson eyes unblinkingly watching the head and soaking in what was undoubtedly music to her ears. Defeat seven witches, gain a wish. It likely wouldn't be as simple as that, as Hecate was whispering to her, but she HAD been looking to house a little coven at home to handle magical work her maids weren't trained for! And there were more than seven here! Ripe for the plucking!>>85682477The vampiress was practically giddy with excitement, pigtails, pom poms, and disconcertingly short skirt bobbing as she hopped in place with the joy, hidden wings even giving her a bit more lift-!
>>85690318>"Can your guest not speak for theirself? Unfort-">>85703034>“Who in the guild set this up do you t-?“>>85693007>"Wha happun?">>85714680>"Wow I look pretty good...not too-">>85728745>"So touching that orb was a bad i-"Selene stopped her girlish skipping. Back straight. Eyes forward. Lips pressed. Only when she was certain that none of the people chatting around her were paying her any mind did she slowly relax. Some familiar faces SHOULD have been nice but she had a reputation…In short order, she had composed herself, expression taking on the usual look of lazy, smug arrogance that befitted nightbound nobility. First, Selene supposed she’d start with greetings->>85736388The bear from before plops next to her. Somehow out of it’s crate. Somehow peering with it’s beady little eye in perfect silence. Somehow, having followed them in? Did it touch the orb? How did it touch the orb? It was a stuffed animal! Even to the finely tuned senses of vampire, it looked like a teddy bear, if a touch more devilish in appearance.>[“A pursuer,” Hecate hissed in her mind, shared paranoia squeezing at the vampire’s twinned hearts. “A monster to keep us from getting our prize! To force failure or death! We have to move!”]Sneakers came down with made little noise as Selene edged away from the bear, as slowly as she dared, always with it in her peripherals...>>85737962A second creature quickly appears with the first. It seemed startled by it’s own appearance and marveling at what she could only assume was it’s second skin. Was that a mask on it’s face? Regardless, she had no intention of finding out...>"I must look pretty cute..." >[“That one’s just Bene.” Metis sighed.]>>85744666>>85785721And a whole specter of death and cow girl to boot. This was really shaping up to be a night and a half. A steadying breath to collect herself and Selene edged around the devil bear as best she could to get her bearings.
up we go it is
>>85786990Kakabel nods at the fairies’ judgment. “Nothing about how this place was built or run matches the applicable standards. Though I’ll allow there’s considerable leeway in the ‘Strength of Will’ category."She takes a moment to adjust her straw hat. “If someone hostile to the guild had built it as a trap, they’d have done a fine job of it. But the rooms in the Guild that sealed themselves off, allegedly with nothing and no one inside, can't be any worse than this. As far as I can tell, it’s emergent. What’s causing it, I can’t say until we start delving deeper.”>>85794062Yukia bows. “Thank you for noticing!” In truth, she had no idea what kind of mount the outfit was meant for, but if people said it looked good, why worry?“And I’m glad you could make it,” she says. “Anything could be behind the gates, so we’ll need every person we can to send through them.”
Gotta bounce on it
>>85860504>>85786990>>85830200>Eden's snakes park their pumpkin on top of the gate, over the threshold, and turn around while perched upon their discorporated form's various vines.>Strange organs drip and pulse among the vines like fleshy fruit, and the dryad's claws twist down the gate like clinging tendrils>Five cute little plant snakes with pumpkin leaves growing out of their head foliage like cats peak out from behind an illusory flame to greet the vamprire."Who claw'd this corpse from the mud?""Don't be mean to our friend's racist wife!""Why not, doesn't she enjoy half the time?""Wait... do you think her other selves have a sliding sado/maso scale despite them all being bottoms?">The bouquet of intrusive thoughts snaps back into focus for a cheery greeting, all five piping in at once."""""Hi Selene!~"""""
>>85851316"And an immediate theft accusation isn't rude? If you say so">Emily left things at that. After all, she could tell that she had a bit bigger fish to fry.>Specifically...>>85860504>She had to make an immediate choice just before heading through a gate>Tease or disavow, tease or disavow...>And before she finished thinking about it, her feet had carried her behind Selene."Ojou.">The maid's equivalent of just saying 'boo'."Please explain the magic that led to you being dressed like this. If you decline, you'll find your portion of sweets lighter for a while.">And then the scariest (or most outright threatening) thing she could think of on no notice to try to convince the vampire to answer her.>Completely ignoring her own current appearance.
Re-bump
Last one from me for the night
>>85682249>The twins arrived a little late, not by choice but by [Reverse Summoning].Wrapped in comforting wrappings that shifted between imitations of Jiangshi, Mummy and their maid outfits- the latter immediately rending suspicions as to which eoh was responsible for this. The irony of looking like they had been defeated by the last perverse dungeon was not lost on them. Sighing heavily. They wasted little time on the choive they knew they were bane obligated to choose. Didnt stop them from quaking in their boots though."Come on. The sooner we get through this, the sooner we can give the dens treats">They were, naturally, going to bite the bullet and "brave" the silver suspiciously succubi and were-kemono coded gate Crimson Lupinara first. They were still going to sass the others on there way.>>85690318"Which is more annoying to you emily, the bdsm, the blindfold or the wings?">[Meta] they were going into the silver brothel>>85693007"Is this their way of saying you are emptyheaded? Or you just have an unhealthy addiction to pumpkin spice?">>85703034"At least we know whichever pervert did this is an equal opportunist">>85705622Later when cass & iris are in the mood for it.>>85712346"Huhhh??? This WASNT your doing???">>85714680"You looking fashionable? It really IS halloween amu.">>85728745"This just feels like your natural state Alice">>85737962"Only you would end up posh Bene" >>85744666"...Vit?! That you??? Only one man could be so theatrekid with his costume!"
>>85873532>"Is this their way of saying you are emptyheaded? Or you just have an unhealthy addiction to pumpkin spice?">The snakes playfully wobble their pumpkin on its perch as they echo back a question."Would becoming pumpkin spice to sate your addiction to pumpkin spice be an empty headed move, or a five headed move?">The five little plant based snoodles keep licking themselves clean of honey, continuing to blur the distinction.
>>85873532>"Only one man could be so theatrekid with his costume!">It started out as a chuckle and at first he even tried to keep it in, but it quickly built to a hearty chuckle.>Throwing his head back he pulled the hood off dramatically and revealed his pale androgynous features with a warm smile on his lips."I haven't had anyone call me a theatrekid in what feels like Aeons... Thank you for reminding me of a simpler time.">He sighed as the smile shrunk to a resting smirk"Unfortunately I don't believe I have had the pleasure of meeting this Vit?">The halo above his head illuminating the golden strands of his long flowing hair, this along with his change in demeanor practically made him feel like a completely different person. Despite him still wearing the same ragged black robes straight out of Dark souls.
>>85860504"I didn't think you'd become the hot girl in a slasher film...">>85867334"That's the tough (cute) girl in a leather jacket.">>85873532"And the pair that has each other's backs! Thanks for the compliment, Terra, Gaia~ Your costume is, um, very nice, but revealing. Good luck!">>85877307The melusine's eyes widen in surprise at the reveal."Definitely a theatre kid, but I think the twins' guess wasn't bad, if only they remembered how tall Vittorio is compared to you. Unless you are actually him and learned how to disguise yourself proficiently and magically...">>85869904Bene frowns."Selene said I could have Anna and no one else has claimed, so obviously she's mine."She sees Emily move on from the conversation, which causes her to roll her eyes, before turning to more pressing matters, like the gate in front of her.
>>85831184>>85842997>>85848368>Anna's pushing of the gate makes it slowly creak as the iron hinges scrape against themselves, the pins leaving a high pitched whine for a brief second. It opens to reveal a long laid-brick path, the occasional gas-streetlight overlooking the way with enough distance between to plunge into utter darkness between for a few steps. To each side, far further than one would expect given the central nexus, the grounds spread, grass yellowed slightly with the season and crunchy underfoot wherever the fallen leaves do not veil, trees with naught more than a small fraction of leaves unshaken swaying in silent wind. The scent of formaldehyde and acids sting the nose as they draw closer to the looming university itself, lightning rods atop the spires, stone tracery leading up from one level to the next in double curves before a pair of grand doors, each no less than four meters in breadth and ten in height. >Curiously, as soon as they step through the gate, the other gates become nothing more than walls of brick, the other gates seemingly disappearing entirely, even if they watch others walk into the walls.>>85848660>The pumpkin-headed snake-conglomerate, whilst looking over the fountain plaza, would find behind them the remains of an orchard. Trees made not of wood but arms, hands acting as leaves and flowers and holding fruits that seemed vaguely like the internal reproductive organs of humies, line the muddy path that extends deep to the mansion, the large pillars and white a stark contrast to the journey forward.>They, too, would find the other gates turning into walls for them, even as Anna moved through another gate.>>85873532>Approaching the Thrice-Speared Heart gate, the Fox-Dolls find a mildly sweet yet spicy cinnamon scent drifting from beyond the silver gate, as if attempting to entice them to enter...[If you want a set of tags/subjects for a given gate, please use a META tag to request them. I would spoiler, but I cannot]
>>85682249>Rynn walks out of the guild kitchen, still holding a bowl of cream with a whisk sticking out from it as she had been in the process of making a test batch of Halloween treats. A commotion at the front of the building had caught her attention, with a crashing of something large toppling over followed by several loud voices of guild regulars suddenly cutting off. Including the startled yelps of the vice-guildmaster.>She finds a large empty crate with the top several feet away and a strange orb on the front desk. Everyone remaining seems to be avoiding the area so the curious dragon takes a closer look. Spotting the note asking for assistance and the message in the orb itself she assumes everyone else willingly agreed to helping and tries poking the orb with her tail.>>85682353>The next thing she knows she's been dropped into an entirely new area with the missing guild members all around her. She's a bit confused about the strange outfits everyone is wearing until she notices her own clothing has changed as well. Perhaps because she had just been in the middle of baking she finds herself in a maid outfit tailored for someone who primarily works in a kitchen. With some experimental moving around she finds it isn't too constrictive despite covering far more than her normal clothing, so she shrugs and looks around the area instead.>>85682377>Out of the gates available the ones that catch her eye are the one leading to the cliffs and caves, and the one with the broken knife and fork. She waits to see what the others pick before deciding but does take a closer look at those two as she weighs her options.>>85869904>Looking closer at the group Rynn is shocked by the bondage angel. If the doll joints didn't already make it obvious then her way of talking is a dead giveaway that this is Selene's head maid, someone who Rynn wouldn't expect to wear something so revealing. Was the maid actually a horny pervert? She might have to ask around later.
>>85860504>Speaking of Selene the way she was hopping around so happily was kind of cute, as was the shoddy attempt at hiding it when she noticed she wasn't alone. Since she's dressed as a maid maybe she should follow Selene for today, while her usual maid is pretending to take Rynn's place as a Tenshi? She was so taken aback by the atypical behavior (and with staring at her in that costume, stupid sexy vamps) she forgets to look away when Selene is checking if anyone saw her. She makes eye contact for a split second before averting her eyes instantly. Quickly approaching someone else she recognizes to greet them. She can always come back to Selene if she wants once they start picking gates.>>85785721"Yo, Kakabel, lookin good as always. I like the hat. I mean, I like the whole outfit, especially on you, but the hat suits you." She's starting to wonder why everyone seems hotter than normal today. Which is especially dangerous with how beautiful her fellow Uzza angel already is. Rynn takes a second to collect herself by waving hello to Yukia on the opposite side of the plaza. "You got any idea which gate you're going through? I'm leaning towards those two-" She points to the 'dark cliffs and caves' and the 'tight-knit alleys' gates. "-but haven't decided anything yet.">>85786990>At least the pixie doesn't really do anything for her. Probably because she's the size of a condom. Rynn just greets Alice like normal when she happens to fly close."Yo flying devil dildo. You taking this chance to reveal your true form to everyone?">>85831184>She watches the strange bear's antics from a safe distance as she's talking to Alice."I feel like I should burn whatever that thing is just to be safe.">>85789762"-but I guess Bene wants it? Whatever, it can be her problem then."
>>85703034"Okay, whatever force is picking our costumes must come from Onoskelis. Or maybe Arc since giving this 'armor' to a blacksmith seems like a prank." Or maybe this moth is just as much of a secret pervert as the maid in the bondage gear? She couldn't help but worry that Sol was in more danger of getting his ass ravaged by whatever they were about to face than the busty blonde cheerleader would be. At least he and Emily seem to be going for different gates, the two of them together would just be begging for a bad end.>>85794062>Amughar actually looks like a proper nobleman (or at least what Rynn believes they should look like from her limited experience) right up until he starts considering the brothel gate. Then again, maybe that makes him even more like a certain type of noble.>>85744666>Oh, another servant of Uzza? This group was starting to be primarily Uzza followers. This one seems very serious about his work, even more so than Kakabel.85799666>Or maybe not? He sounds like he's joking around a little so maybe he's just pissed at that Witch Queen. Either way she waves to him in greeting, knowing he can see her Status just as easily as she sees his and should be able to tell that she's also an Uzza Tenshi.>>85848660>Eden seems even more incomprehensible than usual, but Rynn has no chance to try learning why as the plant chooses a gate faster than most of the others including herself. At least that one can take care of herself (itself? themself?) so no need to worry about her going off alone.>>85873532>And now a couple of the guild maids are here. Those two seemed to come from an especially dangerous part of the Great Wilds so they can probably handle things on their own, even if they don't seem very strong to Rynn. They look like they're going to the same gate as Amughar so that group should be fine.
>>85848368>"Oh right, the bear's a pretty darn good illusionist, honestly, could have fooled me if I didn't put up a good truesight given the whole, everything, hold on lemme just">There's a strange tingle in Emily's eyes for a moment as colors suddenly grow vibrant only to settle down into their regular hue, leaving her with the same truesight Alice has>"Now the annoying part here is that this lets you see through MY illusions, well, only if you want to, if I just make a fake fireball, you should still be able to see the flames >As for the bear, they've got a stomach hammerspace>>85848660"Alright the crowd has spoken, onwards to danger, don't ask for too long why the devil is recommending the democratic process""Need any help?">>85851568"It's not even sharp, it's more an annoyance than a weapon, you'd be shocked at how harmless it is">Alice proceeds to jab Bene, which indeed fails to make even the slightest dent, but also zaps her with a good bit of illusory electricity >>85854878"Well, I guess you do have the expertise, my approach to demons is mostly to make the illusion of the cutiest puppy imaginable, in the hopes it melts their hearts""9 out of 10 times they kick it, 10th tried to eat it""At that point I just annoy them enough someone with actual knowledge can do something about it">>85873532"I have good ideas from time to time I'll let you know, not my fault I sometimes forget not everyone can fly through rain and dodge the droplets""On a semi-related note, you knew that there's volcanic thunderbirds that create acid rain?""Any case nice outft">>85860504"For a moment I thought Anna here was yet another cursed object you managed to pick up, somehow. Also reminds me, can you make sure you're around when I loot a chest, I think I can use you as a dowsing rod for cursed items""Just get giddy when you see a goblet, maybe do a little dance or a split or just shake your pompoms and I know drinking from it ages you 500 years"
>>85867334"Lets just hope we don't return and realize we're now in a post-apocalyptic bad future and get greeted with an inexplicably muscled and leather-clad group of stragglers""...well maybe some people actually would look good like that, and 'most' times you end up in a bad future there's some way to go back and undo it""Also what's that about weird rooms at the guild?">>85892580>There's a fake grimace when greeted like that "Careful now, or I'm going to sic the vamp on you, and see if the maid dress can't be made more permanent""aah who am I kidding she'd scream at the idea of having a lizard in her house">She flutters for a moment"I'm glad at least whoever did this didn't try messing with my wings, or trap me in human form or so">>85888694>>85869472>>85869904>>85831184"Hmm, so we can't help the others even if we tried, annoying""Hold on everyone gather up and holds hands for a bit, I just got the idea to 'split the party' which means it's a terrible idea""Trying to set us a recall point here">She starts glowing, though it looks a tad bit more like hellfire than her usual whimsy and the ground below her is being charged with spatial energy, which of course takes the form of a burning pentagram"Not entirely sure this will actually work but if it does, I could impart a bit of spatial energy in you to be triggered at a later moment and either change your position to the current coordinates, or to whichever party member is closest""... and if it fails, at least there's a backup that creates an illusory arrow in front of you pointing to whichever location you failed to teleport towards""Unfortunately either way I can't make any promises that teleporting to the closest party member doesn't end you up in MORE trouble">There's now some ominous chanting in the background, totally not an infernal deal being made
>>85892607>>Eden seems even more incomprehensible than usual, but Rynn has no chance to try learning why as the plant chooses a gate faster than most of the others including herself. At least that one can take care of herself (itself? themself?) so no need to worry about her going off alone.>All the above sits in a pumpkin on top of the gate. Five snakes laughing at what they see over there because they had no sanity to lose."Huh.... well, isn't that handy?""Weren't the rest of us looking for a convenient way to grow those?""....How are we going to get one out with this stomach ache?""Hmmmm, can we use cuttings so we can test if they're even viable as humie donor organs before we move on to humie trials?"""""Ohhhh.... lettuce do that first....""">One of the snoodles peaks back out the top of the jack o lantern to inform everyone about what they're seeing past the gate."Hey hey, is it ok for a pumpkin to wander into the woods where the trees have a right to arms? Oh, hi Rynn.~">The jack o lantern turns on its perch to let the rest of snakes peek back at the crowd for more new comers.
