Does that empty blue swirl mean he's about to jump there? Instead of shooting at where he is, shoot at where he is going to be!

Hrrm, this guy's plenty good at dodging, but he hasn't attacked yet.
Seems to me he's the type to use friendly fire to his advantage, but he ALSO seems to be have light as a part of his spells... First off, shoot him with a laser. If that fails, set up a lens and reflect attacks into him with it to throw him off, timing-wise. Also, maybe stick to standard lasers since we have that punch Mage swinging about-no friendly fire!

Darkness on Chattery isn't a bad idea, really. It might stifle his corona of light, and whatever effect it offers. It could strengthen or add to the tentacles if they're 'made' of darkness. And it's generally a bad idea to teleport to where you can't see.

>>617450
Yell at him to put some pants on.

Darkness could work in this situation if we were alone, but this is a team battle. It would wind up blinding our allies too!

If he keeps swapping with our allies there's a chance for friendly fire to happen. I say put up a Refraction Shield, that'll help with the friendly fire problem.

Council 2015/02/19(Thu)10:22 No. 625635 ID: 186341
File 142437013233.png - (57.49KB , 960x560 , 57.png )

Darkness was absolutely the right call. A little localied blob of it makes Chattery's corona of light flicker and blink out, leaving him helpless in the air. Samael's tentacles wrench their way around his arms and slam him to the ground.

He goes "Waark" as the air is knocked out of him.

>>625635
threaten to let the tentacles do what tentacles do best

Suggest to Chattery that he surrender.

If he doesn't, the punch mage can knock him out before he can try anything else. If he does try something before she can, just blast him.

Either he surrenders or we can shove him through the door to somewhere he won't be getting back from any time soon.

Stop. Hammer time.

Council 2015/02/19(Thu)12:59 No. 625654 ID: 186341
File 142437955451.png - (18.84KB , 960x560 , 58.png )

"Quibuj! Punch!" Imogen yells.

"Quibuj punch," says Quibuj, and casts fist.

Chattery is soundly unconscious. Since Quibuj is a punch mage and not just a puncher period, she can keep him under for as long as she has to and resuscitate him whenever she pleases.

Council 2015/02/19(Thu)12:59 No. 625655 ID: 186341
File 142437956442.png - (10.78KB , 960x560 , 59.png )

There is a low, percussive rumbling crash from far off, and then another.
It's footsteps.

"Here he comes!" Samael cries. "We have lured him out!"

A shadow falls across the mages.

"At last!" Samael cries.

Imogen looks up.
Way way way up.

Council 2015/02/19(Thu)12:59 No. 625656 ID: 186341
File 142437959588.png - (14.78KB , 960x560 , 60.png )

"DESTRUCTIVE DUKE!" Samael cries. "We come face-to-face at last!"

"Samael, you doot," Imogen says.

The destructive duke it turns out is an ARCHON. The only other one Imogen has ever seen is her Lord, the Great Master of Magic. He is the embodiment of all Magic.
This guy is most likely the embodiment of all Destruction.
The Great Master would probably be a pretty good match for this guy.
Imogen would be more like an ant under an elephant.

Hello
says the duke.
Who are you again?

"I am SAMAEL!" says Samael. "Your NEMESIS! Son of Sachiel! I have come to defeat you and free my mother!"

Oh. Right. You're Annabell's kid.
Who are your friends?

"Um Imogen," says Imogen. "This is Quibuj."
"They are my comrades!" Samael cries. "Imogen is a great wizard! Together we shall DEFEAT YOU!"

Oh.
Well, here I am. Is that Chattery?

"Your MINION!" cries Samael.

Is he all right?

"He's unconscious," Imogen says. "He'll be OK."

Good,
says the duke.
Well, you got my attention, kids.
Here I am.

>>625656
when Samael said his door can lead to any door, d-did that mean he could maybe open it to that thing's eye? that's a shortcut to its brain, you see. radiation does weird things to brains. to proteins in general, really.

>>625656
Be polite. Ask after Samael's mother. We are absolutely not fighting this guy, and I doubt he would even notice our attempts if we did.

If Samael looks like he's about to attack without you call him a fucking idiot, this guy is obviously an Archon and way above even your combined power.

Tell him that the kid is worried about his mom and you know how teenagers are. All going on quests and shouting all the time about revenge and honor and such.

I have a feeling the story is more complicated than it looks so find out what happened before going any farther.

>This guy is most likely the embodiment of all Destruction.
So wait, does that mean if you kill him, you destroy the concept of destruction? That seems like a paradox. We might have a problem here.

Nevermind the fact we're hopelessly outgunned.

>what do
If the Duke doesn't mind, could he tell us why he took Samuel's mom, Annabell that is, is the first place?

We need to arrange some kind of non-combat challenge. Riddles. A puzzle. A board game. The oldest game. Something without destruction. It's the only way we can complete the mission and give Samuel any kind of victory.

Absolutely do not attack the duke, do not challenge him to combat, and prevent Samuel if he tries either.

>>625663
Yep. Mr. Destruction is talking nicely instead of just... you know... destroying us (or even being actively menacing for that matter), so we should at least hear what his side of the story is.

>>625658
I think he needs a key to the target location.

>>625656
Actually we're here to uh, wossaname, meet with Annabell. It's not very nice to keep her family from visiting even if they are annoying.

Request Annabell, rescue her (and/or any of her kids), and LEAVE.

You do not know what will happen if you do manage to turn this Archon into bacon. Best you get permission from your lord before you destroy he who may be the lynchpin of entropy himself.

Plus, he's being nice. You are supposed to act nice around a polite guy with ten thousand tons of optimized war ordinance. Namely, his fat foot.

If he attacks, warn him twice and then blind him violently (You have organ regeneration spells, right?). Find and kidnap all residents, including Chattery, to negotiate a hostage exchange.

Council 2015/02/20(Fri)00:28 No. 625741 ID: 186341
File 142442089937.png - (6.46KB , 960x560 , 61.png )

"We're just uhh we're just here to meet with Annabell," Imogen says.

"We are here to DESTROY yommmfmm," Samael says before Quibuj covers his mouth with one fist.

"Just for his sake," Imogen says.

You're Imogen. One of the Great Master's?

"Yes, sir. That's right. Have you heard of him?"

Heard of him? He's my boss! Or he is now. Conquered this realm just as he did all the others.
The duke grins.
That was a hell of a fight. Lasted a month and a half give or take. I'm his vassal, little wizard, but I'm not yours. Annabell is busy right now. I don't want to bug her. It's time for you to leave.
"But if the Great Master asked you to you'd let us talk to her?"
Sure would.
"Thank you," Imogen says.

Imogen could probably PRAY to the Great Master for his aid in this matter if she took a turn.

"Duke! One of us must die by the other's hand!" Samael cries. "If not today then in the future!"

The duke laughs.
I'll find a time to pencil it in.
You'll find the way out the way you came through.

Wow, your boss has been BUSY.

Alright, see if you can find a way to contact him. If that doesn't work, you still have authority as one of the boss' vassals, so look for Annabell anyway.

>>625741
Well you should probably PRAY eventually anyway, to grovel a bit and congratulate your boss and also maybe ask for a little guidance. Why not do so with a dual purpose?

we should try and recruit the door mage, for our pitch i'm thinking something like

"bad news, your dukes whats known as an Archon. That means that killing him is going to take very powerful and very specialized magic. The good news is that my Boss is also an Archon, and recently became his Boss, so I can probably ask my boss to get him to let your mom go. If you agree to assist me in the Wizard war I will petition my master to secure your mother release, and assist you in your quest for vengeance once this world is mine."

Ask what Annabel is doing. You know, just so you have an idea of when she'll be less busy. See if you can get any info off Chattery when you wake him up.

Hmm. How does the great master feel about favors, in the first place? With the whole task you were given, I figure the master's more into self reliant minions who proove themselves than helping.

I'm still leaning towards challenging him to some kind of contest. We can't match him in destruction, but we could eck out a victory of some kind, or win a boon.

...might want to prepare for that later though, rather than doing it now. He's given us an out, and discretion may well be the better part of valor, today.

Council 2015/02/20(Fri)13:03 No. 625833 ID: 186341
File 142446622775.png - (7.76KB , 960x560 , 62.png )

>>625742
>>625780
Imogen can petition the Great Master for aid. He's granted it in the past. She always likes to think maybe she's his favorite because she sometimes just asks how he's doing.

>>625762
"Samael," Imogen says. "I can ask the Great Master to fix this up for us. Can I count on your help?"
"You may count on it insofar as I will lead you out," Samael says. "But this is my quest and I have sworn its priority over all others. Perhaps if your 'Great Master' strikes the Duke dead I shall aid you, but not before!"
"Yeah," Imogen says. "We'll see."

They wake Chattery up.
"Fuckgkg," he says. "My head."
"Sorry," Quibuj says.
"I've had worse." Chattery gets to his feet. "Good afternoon, milord."

Afternoon, Chattery.

"What's Annabell doing right now?" Imogen asks.
Gardening.
"What's--
Gardening.
Time to go.

They return Samael to a deeply grateful Aphogas, who gives Imogen 10 mana.
It's kind of a pittance but Imogen thanks him anyway. Not everyone is a powerful wizard and it seems mostly like Aphogas just likes partying.

Turn 4 Council 2015/02/20(Fri)13:04 No. 625834 ID: 186341
File 142446626060.png - (20.50KB , 960x560 , 63.png )

Total mana gain and use last turn:
+25 (Nastar Meditaton)
+10 (Aphogas' gratitude
New total: 245

Imogen returns to the tower. Nastar is doing a weird kind of singing in its room, thrumming harmonically as it meditates. Quibuj says she's making sweet buns.
Maybe all these carbs will help Imogen get some meat on her bones, she suggests.

While she was out it looks like she missed a call from GROCEL. Doki Doki.

She's such a nerd.

TURN 3 ::: MANA 245

FREE ACTIONS:
+Cast a spell, have a conversation with a disciple or over your Screen

ACTIONS AVAILABLE:
+Meditate! Gather 100 mana!
+Seek for adventure in the world for reward or renown! An adventure is guaranteed. Wizards lead exciting lives. You might gain mana, artifacts, or allies!
+Go to the spellgrounds and formulate a new spell, or commit to memory a spell you've already tried! (Cost: 50 mana. One new spell per turn)
+Mingle with the Mortals! Curry favor, purchase things with mana, or find new allies!
+Attack any of your rival mages!
+Go to the Mesa of Meeting and pray to the incoming Master for support!

ACTIONS YOUR DISCIPLES CAN TAKE:
+Meditate on your behalf! Each mage gathers different amounts of mana!
+Seek for adventure on their own (they'll be okay. probably.)
+Accompany you on an adventure!
+Accompany you to the spellgrounds to work on a tandem spell!

Imogen's Spellbook is here: http://pastebin.com/F5jaV4A3

>>625834
Call Grocel back!

Council 2015/02/20(Fri)13:49 No. 625849 ID: 186341
File 142446896747.png - (13.82KB , 960x560 , 64.png )

Imogen calls Grocel back.

He picks up quickly.

"Imogen! Darling."
Ughhh he's playing the violin.
Imogen wants to bite his chest.

"Grocel," she says. "You called me?"

"I did." Grocel gives the violin some staccato picks. "How goes the world-conquering business?"
"Oh. You know." Imogen shrugs. "Booming."
"Yes!" Grocel laughs. "Launched any nukes yet?"
"Would I tell you if I had?"
"I suppose not." Grocel plays an awkward chord and curses. "Shit. G major. There. So, Imogen. We haven't tried to kill one another yet, I can't help but notice."
"True."
"You ghosted away at the mesa."
"I didn't want to expend useless energy."
"What an admirable sentiment," Grocel says. "One I called in the spirit of, actually."
"Oh?"
"One of us and only one of us will rule the world," Grocel says. "My greatest desire is that it be me, but my second greatest is that it damn well better not be Dulcette."
"Dulcette is singular."
"Dulcette is a monster," Grocel sniffs. "If she wins, we'll all die if we're lucky and she's in a good mood, and then she will fracture the rules of existence into a million tentacle-encrusted pieces. I believe it is imperative she goes first."
"And you've called me up to suggest an alliance?"
"Alliance is a strong word," Grocel says. "I am going to kill Dulcette. If you would care to join me I'd be delighted. If not I've simply the request that we not embroil ourselves in energy expending combat until she is out of the way."
"Have you asked anyone else?" Imogen asks.
"You were the first one I called, darling," Grocel says. "After you didn't pick up I brought up the notion to our friend Weirwood and he seemed in favor."
"What about Ferrafina."
"Ah." Grocel clears his throat. "Ferrafina."
The way he says her name makes Imogen want to puke.
"I haven't quite gotten around to springing the question on her," Grocel says. "If we present a united front, I think, she'll certainly agree. Don't you?"

>>625849
Perhaps. She's awfully chilly though.

Tell him you would be thrilled to join him in battle regardless.

Wait bite his chest? What kind of thought is that?

And is that a picture of you in the background?

What sort of history do you two have exactly?

Did he always have your picture there? That strikes me as possibly a pretty transparent attempt at flattery.

>"Launched any nukes yet?"
Wouldn't he know if you had? Nukes ain't exactly subtle. Unless you fired them at different planes of existence or something.

>gang up on Dulcette
First thought is this could be a trap of some kind. Even if it goes down exactly as he says, you've been drawn out of your defenses, into the company of several very powerful rivals.

Second thought is even if it works, this sets a very dangerous precedent. What happens the next time he puts out a call to off one of the wizards? People will likely listen again- taking out their competition at apparently lowered risk to themselves. This lets him choose the first several people to get knocked out, and he could very well turn the group on you.

>internal question
Who are Dulcette's allies? I mean, Wormwood might back at a plan to murder you this way, for example. Is there anyone who would object to offing Dulcette this way, and might betray the group?

>answer
I'm strongly tempted to say no. It doesn't hurt us if the others off each other, and getting involved in a very possible trap and/or playing into someone else's plan has all kinds of risks.

Maybe stall, though. When is it scheduled?

>>625849
You know arguably the best thing to do is to join this alliance, warn Dulcette, then screw over everyone so they'll blow all their mana and get injured.

Now that I've thought of it I'm sure one of the others has too.

We don't HAVE to be vulnerable. we could settle for setting up a double-nuke attack-1 to draw Dulcette out into the ambush set by Grocel &Weirdwood, and a second to wipe that freak out, all without leaving the tower. This is the plan to outline to Grocel, I think, though we should set up a signal of some sort so we don't end up wiping them all out.

And...This part of the plan is admittedly not a great one, but here's a thought-we hide at the base at the other polar ice cap when we think the others might come for us. Yes, sucky to go without light but we have two bases, not one. We can play the whack-a-mole better than the other wizards actually.

>>625849
Just proclaim an official truce, but prepare some anti-fire magics. Your main goal is to defeat the others, not play their games.

Alright, request aid from your master. If possible, spend mana to leave a message about the duke so that you can recruit Samael early.

I don't think we want to commit resources to a confrontation at the moment, but I would certainly be willing to have a nonagression agreement while Dulcette is still around.

Council 2015/02/20(Fri)20:32 No. 625913 ID: 186341
File 142449312401.png - (0B , 960x560 )

>>625854
It's the kind of thought Imogen has every time she sees his pecs through his shirt. He could do some biting too if he wanted.
That's not a picture, unfortunately: it's Grocel's magic screen. He has a few around. It's how they communicate.

>>625857
Dulcette has no allies. Of all the Great Master's pupils, she is the most secluded and alien. None of the other wizards know much about her; she doesn't speak and she's been known to devour sentient creatures. Not a fun dinner companion.

"Aren't you worried someone will warn Dulcette?" Imogen asks.

"She can have all the warning she wants," Grocel says. "My domain is more suited toward combative magic; I've invested far more in it before this all went down than anyone else; In fact I daresay that at this early stage I'm at a natural advantage before you all catch up. It makes sense to leverage it by leading the charge on the threat to all our survivals. If she catches wind it will do nothing but fan the flames from her corpse even higher.

Council 2015/02/20(Fri)20:32 No. 625914 ID: 186341
File 142449314727.png - (53.88KB , 960x560 , 66.png )

"And then whoever told her is next."

Council 2015/02/20(Fri)20:32 No. 625915 ID: 186341
File 142449315021.png - (9.46KB , 960x560 , 67.png )

"Oh, shoot," Grocel says. "I've incinerated my bow."

"I I I suppose a temporary ceasefire would be fine," Imogen says, making a mental note to shore up her defenses against fire. "Nonagression."

"Brilliant," Grocel says. "I'll be in touch again soon for when we talk to Ferrafina. Talk to you soon, Imogen?"

"Right," Imogen says. She hangs up.

That was intimidating and also hot as hell.
What now?

I want to say hi to Big Boss Man. PRAY.

Hmm. Follow up call to Weirwood? He said he talked to him, see what he thought.

And if we're going to consider working with the others, it might be good to have a backup plan with the one dude you can trust more than the others. (Like, making sure the two of you get out, at least).

>bad thought
...we could just nuke them when they're all in one place, couldn't we? Except we're short on mana for that, and if any of them survived / escaped we'd suddenly be target number one on everyone's list.

>what do
Praying seems reasonable.

Although first chance we get, I want to go back and memorize dimensional sense. We want ways to see ambushes coming, especially if the other wizards are getting tricky, now.

Allies can spend the day meditating, or maybe going on an adventure together? (Fist + crystals means their opponents would be between a rock and a hard place?).

>>625999
And conveniently, out of mana. Imogen would've probably been better off chilling and gathering mana for the last few days for multinukes, but it's nice having friends because we all know she spends all her time as a shut-in anyway

Contact Weirwood, chat with him, then PRAY.

Council 2015/02/21(Sat)15:05 No. 626022 ID: ab35a6
File 142455992151.png - (59.84KB , 960x560 , 68.png )

Imogen talks to Weirwood about Grocel's offer.

"He's right," Weirwood says. "Dulcette is the most dangerous wizard about. Also the only one I don't give a rat's ass about offing."
"Do you trust him?"
"He's Grocel," Weirwood says. "All about honor the boy is. If he wasn't so good at blowing schmutz up he'd never make it as a wizard. Too idealistic. That's how we'll need to get him in the end. One of us, anyway."
"I don't like backstabbing."
"Me neither. But also I don't like losing." Weirwood clicks his tongue. "After Dulcette it's got to be either Grocel or Ferrafina I think. The heavy hitters."
"I hit pretty heavy."
"That you do, girlchick," Weirwood says. "I don't suppose you want to drop out?"
"No."
"Just asking."

Council 2015/02/21(Sat)15:06 No. 626023 ID: ab35a6
File 142455998943.png - (8.41KB , 960x560 , 69.png )

After she talks to Weirwood Imogen teleports to the Mesa to pray to the Great Master.
UGH. Ferrafina's here already using it.
It's customary to wait your turn if someone else is praying, and not to fight at the Mesa unless you've come to duel, but uhhh they totally did that like the other day. Imogen's not sure what to do. Ferrafina hasn't noticed her yet.

Imogen doesn't NEED to use the Mesa to talk to the Great Master. She could just put on some Enya at home and do it, but there's a better chance of a successful petition here. Where the spooky magic juices are flowing. The Mesa is maybe the most intensely magical place on the planet from all the residual battles she and her comrades have fought there.

Let's wait politely-even if we finally prove ourself the best wizard, it wouldn't be a good idea to establish a tradition of backstabbing and jerkery being the way to the top. That's the kind of thing that leads to anti-mages and their ilk, and no one wants that!

>>626023
Nuke Ferrafina

Bothering the grand master twice may actually make him less likely to help you. You may just be better off coming back tomorrow since teleport and recall are different things and you can do the latter for free instantly. Maybe meditate for some mana today to shore up for tomorrow's fight.

Plus pissing off Grocel RIGHT BEFORE a fight (which attacking Ferrafina would) isn't such a great idea.

>>626023
If you killed her, Grocel would be yours for the taking. Nobody else is here; you could say she attacked you while YOU were praying.

Doooo iiiiiit

Come up with a list of things to say, and use magic to record her or something. Be sure to ask her if you're all in agreement: backstab each other AFTER Dulcette is defeated.

List of questions to ask your boss, in this order:

1. Request that the Duke of Destruction return Annabell (and any of their love-children) to her son Samael the Door-Mage. Also explain that Samael wants the Duke dead but you're not going to request anything about that.

2. So, wizard war. Is the boss SURE that he requested a guy with a stone tablet to tell you all that one would rule the planet, and that they were expected to fight or negotiate for who would stand at the top? Because confirmation of permission to fight and possibly kill each other for world domination under the boss' rule would be REALLY relieving.

3. What was hell like? Can you get a small handout? Request something equivalent to quirky garbage for the boss, like a piece of one of his hell-chains (paperclip) or a broken interdimensional connector (rubber band). You know, take it off his hands when he was going to throw it away or put it in a knick-knack collection and prove that you can do something amazing with it.

4. Ask where he's going next, so that you don't accidentally wander into his path and interfere while he's doing something really important.

5. Can he restore the world once he usurps heaven or is everything that you do going to have a very lasting effect?

Don't interfere with her, in any way. It would be very rude and disrespectful to interrupt or violate a conversation with your master.

Even if you don't care for her much.

Let's call this a wash. Go home, learn dimensional sense. Wake up early tomorrow and be the first to the mesa.

attacking her now would be a terrible idea for a large number of reasons. Not the least of witch is that you've come before your master to ask for aid, observe all formalities lest you offend him.

Set up various mirrors, lenses etc around the area. Gives you an advantage in case Ferrafina decides to kick off once she's done, and serves as a nice bit of bonus defence for you later in case someone else comes along.

Council 2015/02/27(Fri)22:58 No. 626972 ID: 410d29
File 142510669460.png - (10.72KB , 960x560 , 70.png )

Imogen holds her fire and waits for Ferrafina to finish.

Just to be safe she puts some lenses up around the mesa. Just to be safe.

Ferrafina stands up, mutters "Merde," and turns around.
She sees Imogen and tilts her head.

"Bon après-midi, Imogen," she says.

Well, you might as well be polite back, as long as you're sticking to the truce on the mesa. Return her greeting, hope to yourself she just leaves and doesn't keep talking to you.

>>626972
Greet her formally. Ask if she was able to contact the Great Master. Tell her about the possible alliance to take out Dulcette.
then kill her

Hi.

So... Later, I guess.

Council 2015/02/28(Sat)01:13 No. 627007 ID: 410d29
File 142511480131.png - (7.38KB , 960x560 , 71.png )

"Hhhi," Imogen says. "Any luck with the big guy?"

"Non, il ne est pas de me parler," Ferrafina says. "Ce est un téton."

"Sorry," Imogen says.

"Ce n'est pas important," Ferrafina says. "Je vais écraser tous vous de toute façon."

"Uh right," Imogen says. "Later."

"Au revoir."

Ferrafina swans away.
What a frigid bitch.
The mesa's open now. What should Imogen say?

>>627007
Congratulate the Great Master on his coming return. Tell him you are going to do your best to survive the coming trials, to prove your worth to him.

Ask for guidance on the matter of the Lord of Destruction.

Ask him how he's doing! You know he escaped and all, and apparently he found time to beat down some other archons and recruit them? You weren't expecting that, but it sure did help avoid you getting squished.

Admit you're kind of nervous about all this fighting coming to a head between all of you, but you're going to do your best to prove yourself to him. You've already got two minions!

>Ce est un téton
>Is a nipple
I... don't think you're getting that right, google translate.

Does she always talk in french? You two obviously understand each other, does she just do that to be difficult?

Consult with him on the matter of Samael and the Duke of Destruction. I mean, obviously the guy wouldn't actually be satisfied by destroying the Duke, since it's actually about his mother, but without some intervention he'll probably never resolve this thing. Just fruitlessly attacking the Duke forever. Either the Duke will eventually kill him or he'll do something crazy that gets people hurt. Most likely himself, but who knows.

And if you have time I guess maybe ask if he'd prefer you not kill the rest of his disciples in this fighting, because it seems likely someone's going to die.

>>627074
It's supposed to be "He's a tit".

Council 2015/03/02(Mon)12:34 No. 627441 ID: e30e12
File 142532845705.png - (12.31KB , 960x560 , 72.png )

Imogen gets set to pray to the Great Master.
Since she's the humblest and most personable of the wizards, Imogen has a higher chance than the rest to get in contact with the Master. A lot of that is because she doesn't abuse the privilege, but this is important.

She feels her consciousness leap off the mesa and spiral into the interdimensional void!!!
It turns up again, in the massive pompom of the Great Master's massive hat.

Imogen! Long time no see.
Sorry, Master. Things have heated up here.
I could tell. Your friend Ferrafina was just trying to talk my ear off.
What was she saying?
C'mon, Immy. If I told you it wouldn't be fair.
I'm sorry. I'm doing my darndest down here to prove myself to you.
You've already proven yourself to me, kid. You all have. You are each my favorite spellcasters on the planet. Now you just have to prove yourselves to each other.
How goes the wizard war?
Pretty good. I already have two minions!
Strong start.
I'm kind of nervous, though. About killing each other.
Well if you're good enough you won't have to.
Do you have compunctions about it?
Wizard Might makes Wizard Right, Imogen. As long as you win, I have no place to pass judgment on how you do it.
How are you doing? How was Hell? I hear you're beating up archons.
Hah. Well. Some dimensions are tougher nuts to crack then others. The Devil was an ornery old son of a bitch. I'm just ornerier.
Is that a word?
Probably. Listen about that: I could use your help. There's this guy Samael and his mom was captured by the Destructive Duke. I've kind of agreed to help him, out, but...
But he's a little too tough for you?
Kind of.
You want me to talk to him?
I'd really appreciate it.
I'll tell you what. I'll give you a choice for my first Boon. The first is the best.

A]] I'll talk to this duke guy and free Samael's mom.
B]] I'll triple your mana output for 3 turns.
C]] I'll seal off my aid from one of your enemies. Unless they do something real fuckin' impressive.
D]] I'll give you my old sword. It's some choice magic.

Good thing you can talk to your boss or this would likely get paranoid fast. He could be a fake, but this call makes your actions official rather than paradoxically tangled.

Option A. A deal's a deal, and Samael will likely pay for himself in terms of the other possible boons.

C is setup to sound tempting, but the problem is we don't know which of our rivals will really be the biggest problem when the iron hits the fire. Also, they're all gunning for each other right now, so it doesn't make sense for you to expend your resources just to give one or more of them an easier fight.

Big lesson to take though is to remember that one of your opponents could call that boon in on you at a later date. Plan accordingly.

Magic swords are always cool, but can Imogen even use a sword? And if it's his, would it be hella huge? Unknown drawbacks.

The magic output triple is the biggest temptation, we could rush power for nukes, and catch people off guard.

...upon reflection though, we should go with a. Keeping our word really solidifies us with our minions (making it harder for any of your opponents to turn any of them). And I really want the door mage on our side- doorways to anywhere plus tactical nukes seems a nice stealthy surprise 'I win' button your enemies won't see coming if we can find a way to acquire the keys we need.

And uh, I know you probably don't want to kill a valuable Duke, but could you try to talk to him in such a way he feels like he got his revenge?

Thanks for the choices but you'll have to go with Option A. Right or wrong, a wizard does what they said they'll do.

First boon has to be D. Then we can ask for A as a second boon. But come on, D looks bitchin'.

Go for that magical sword, we just have to have it. Besides if we don't take it someone else will and that doesn't sound too great.

While the other options are nice I would say go for A.

Having another possible minion in our service that can open a door to most anywhere would be huge. Plus we want to have the best reputation so people know they can trust us.

If you want to get through this without murdering every other wizard you will have to build up a reputation for trustworthiness.

A) We made a deal, and besides that followers are good long term investments.

>>627441
Gotta be A.

swoooooooooooooord

Council 2015/03/19(Thu)22:39 No. 630056 ID: e30e12
File 142682994094.png - (7.31KB , 960x560 , 73.png )

I'm going with A, master. A promise is a promise.
Oh yeah? I guess I'll frame the sword or something.
Can you not use it anymore?
Not for anything but a toothpick. It was my first magic sword. I've kind of grown.
OK, Immy girl. I'll talk to the Duke for you when I get the opportunity. Shouldn't take longer than tomorrow.
Whatcha doing right now?
Taming a warfridge on the elemental plane of ice.
What the heck is a warfridge?
Basically what it sounds like.
YOUR BOON IS GRANTED.
Later, gator.
Thanks, master.
Don't mention it.

Imogen stands up. It was nice to talk to the Master again.

Council 2015/03/19(Thu)22:39 No. 630057 ID: e30e12
File 142682994961.png - (20.66KB , 960x560 , 74.png )

Total mana gain and use last turn:
+30 (Quibuj Meditaton)
+25 (Nastar Meditation)
New total: 300

Imogen goes home. When the Master is done he'll let her know. It doesn't pay to rush immortal existence lords.
Those sweet buns Quibuj made are delicious.


TURN 5 ::: MANA 300

FREE ACTIONS:
+Cast a spell, have a conversation with a disciple or over your Screen

ACTIONS AVAILABLE:
+Meditate! Gather 100 mana!
+Seek for adventure in the world for reward or renown! An adventure is guaranteed. Wizards lead exciting lives. You might gain mana, artifacts, or allies!
+Go to the spellgrounds and formulate a new spell, or commit to memory a spell you've already tried! (Cost: 50 mana. One new spell per turn)
+Mingle with the Mortals! Curry favor, purchase things with mana, or find new allies!
+Attack any of your rival mages!
+Go to the Mesa of Meeting and pray to the incoming Master for support!

ACTIONS YOUR DISCIPLES CAN TAKE:
+Meditate on your behalf! Each mage gathers different amounts of mana!
+Seek for adventure on their own (they'll be okay. probably.)
+Accompany you on an adventure!
+Accompany you to the spellgrounds to work on a tandem spell!

Imogen's Spellbook is here: http://pastebin.com/F5jaV4A3

>>630057
New spell! Let's get Dimensional Sense! I mean, we're fighting a dimensional mage soonish. Might be a good idea.

Tempting to Scry on someone too. It costs 30 mana but we can do it on the same turn...

Call up Aphogas and tell him that your boss will order the Duke to surrender Aphogas' little sister, and that he should have Samael teleport over after all the hugs and after^after parties.

Also, be sure to disengage your home security to prevent turning Samael into packaged cheese.

Talk to the mortals and charge up your power base. You're close to earning a nuke, but just save it up for later.

Yeah let's get dimensional sense already.

Quibuj and Nastar can go adventuring together.

>>630080
I support this.

Council 2015/03/20(Fri)23:36 No. 630189 ID: e30e12
File 142691980395.png - (21.69KB , 960x560 , 75.png )

Imogen has acquired Dimensional Sense!

She can see through walls, darkness, invisibility, and illusions for about a minute. She can't be ambushed and has a preternatural sense of where everyone is on the battlefield, improving her accuracy. The spell requires 5 mana to cast.

Council 2015/03/20(Fri)23:36 No. 630190 ID: e30e12
File 142691981449.png - (9.15KB , 960x560 , 76.png )

Nastar and Quibuj are off on their grand adventure... somewhere. Imogen is noshing on a sweet bun in her down time when she gets a call on her screen from Samael.

"Wizard of Light!" Samael says. "My mother has returned to me!"

"Hey that's great!" Imogen says. "What happened to her in the Destructive Dimension, anyway?"

"It is unclear," Samael says. "But apparently a lot of gardening, jigsaw puzzles, gossip, and checkers with the Duke. She calls him Dukey. I am mildly unnerved."

"So can you see yourself clear to joining my cause?" Imogen asks.

"I can!" Samael cries. "But although you have my support, I cannot be your minion. I must travel and travail and train! For although my mother is returned, my father must be avenged!! One day I shall have the power to face the Duke and strike him down in my family's name!!"

"That's like never going to happen, Samael."

"Is so!! Until that day, I shall lend you my aid indirectly. If your need is great, you may call upon me and I shall visit door-related fury unto your enemies. And if you acquire a key in search of a lock, I shall lend you the power of my ensorcelled door: to open to the key's corresponding room, no matter the distance or security!"

"Thanks, Samael. That sounds really useful. Good luck on your quest!"

"Perhaps if I had a token from a maiden fair," Samael says. "An emblem and remembrance of your favor?"

"Ummm, yeah I don't have any of those," Imogen says. "Sorry."

"I shall task myself to be deserving of one!" Samael cries. "And perhaps a kiss upon your pale emerald wrist!"

"Yeah, perhaps," Imogen says. "I have another call. Talk to you later, Sam!"

"Farewell, Imogen!!"

Council 2015/03/20(Fri)23:37 No. 630191 ID: e30e12
File 142691982742.png - (42.09KB , 960x560 , 77.png )

What a nerdy dude.

That's not a lie, though: Imogen does have another call. From Grocel. Eeeee.

"Imogen!" Grocel appears on her screen. "How are you?"

"Um pretty good," Imogen says. "I'm eating a bun thing. Pretty good."

"Fabulous," Grocel says. "I've just spoken with Ferrafina."
"O cool. How's she?"
"Superlative news: After hearing you and Weirwood were on board, she has agreed to be the final piece in the puzzle. We are united to move on Dulcette."

"Cool." Imogen chews. "When's that?"

"When will you be ready, Imogen?" Grocel asks. "Ballpark turn estimate."

We've got nearly 300 mana right now. That's enough to summon an army. A couple more turns of preparation and we'd have the nuke ready but I think that might possibly be overkill. Ask Grocel if he thinks you'll need a nuke for this. If not, we can do this right now.

>>630193
We might want to say we have less mana than we really do, and if we need the nuke, say it'll take more than it really does. Doesn't have to be by much, but we probably don't want to spend everything we have in a single attack, and we could probably catch someone off guard if they try attacking us because they thought we did.

We should tell him we need about 2 or 3 days to get fully prepared, what we're planning here is pretty serious. Also we need to keep are resources unknown to the enemy, and the this fellow ,however charming, is still someone to be careful around.

Don't pull out a nuke on this if you don't have to. This is a 4 on 1 conflict being planned, and if it takes your biggest spell just to contribute, then you are not cut out to win. Of course that said, having a nuke in reserve when this goes down would be grand. Must be prepared for doublecrosses and such. Also don't want to give too much of our position away.

I believe Dimension Sense cost us 50 to train, so we now stand at 250. Getting up to over 300 for the army could be done with a day of concentration. We could be ready to bring much of our power to bear by the turn after next. So obviously we pad that estimate by a day or two so as to not tip our hand.

>>630191
idealy i'd want to go in with at least 700 mana for an army and the threat of a nuke should someone turn on you. that would take at least 3 turns if all you do is meditate.

>>630190
So we didn't get an ally to generate mana for us, but we can totally bypass anyone's defenses if we can get ahold of the right key.

>>630191
Important: Do not muse about your current mana levels and how much your spells cost out loud. That is intel your rivals do not need to have!

We could give false estimates, maybe, but I'm not confident we can make up numbers to control what he thinks, reliably. We're better off staying mum.

As I remember it, we agreed not to a temporary ceasefire, not to join in the assault. We don't need to be at full juice, and the longer we stall, the more time Dulcette has to prepare. (Which... might not be a bad thing if we're planning on just letting our rivals meat grinder each other for us). We only need a nuke if we're planning to drop a nuke on everyone while they're fighting Dulcette. (Which seems out of character for Imogen. At the very least, she wouldn't want to betray Weirwood that way, and he'll be there).

I wouldn't do it today, though, since our allies are out. We should stall at least a day.

>>630191
Nerdy? Sounds perfect for you then. You nerd.

Just saying two days from now would be fine.

we might also want to raise the idea of a an agreement not to use lethal force after Dulcette is delt with. aside from dulcette everyone else is more or less tolerable.

>>630904
This seems good.

We might want to bring it up post-battle but testing the waters is cool I guess.

Council 2015/03/30(Mon)02:43 No. 631721 ID: e30e12
File 142770861719.png - (7.10KB , 960x560 , 78a.png )

"How does two turns sound?" Imogen asks.
"Sounds fantastic," Grocel says. "Mmmm. This is too sweet."
Imogen decides to act tough. "Don't get used to it."
"No it's this bisque." Grocel is sipping from something. "I think it needs more salt."
"Oh."
"Maybe some more stock."
"Gosh, maybe."
"Two turns it is. I look forward to standing by your side on the field of battle!" Grocel says.
"Thanks, you too," Imogen says.
She hangs up.
Thanks, you too? That made no sense, Imogen!!!

Turn 6 Council 2015/03/30(Mon)02:44 No. 631722 ID: e30e12
File 142770869057.png - (20.46KB , 960x560 , 78.png )

Ugh whatever. She's doing him a favor.

Total mana gain and use last turn:
-50 (New spell: Dimensional Sense)
New total: 250

Nastar and Quibuj should be coming back sometime soon with the fruits of their adventuring from last turn. Imogen wonders if she should get like a cheese plate or something to welcome them.
Two turns until the attack on Dulcette.


TURN 6 ::: MANA 250

FREE ACTIONS:
+Cast a spell, have a conversation with a disciple or over your Screen

ACTIONS AVAILABLE:
+Meditate! Gather 100 mana!
+Seek for adventure in the world for reward or renown! An adventure is guaranteed. Wizards lead exciting lives. You might gain mana, artifacts, or allies!
+Go to the spellgrounds and formulate a new spell, or commit to memory a spell you've already tried! (Cost: 50 mana. One new spell per turn)
+Mingle with the Mortals! Curry favor, purchase things with mana, or find new allies!
+Attack any of your rival mages!
+Go to the Mesa of Meeting and pray to the incoming Master for support!

ACTIONS YOUR DISCIPLES CAN TAKE:
+Meditate on your behalf! Each mage gathers different amounts of mana!
+Seek for adventure on their own (they'll be okay. probably.)
+Accompany you on an adventure!
+Accompany you to the spellgrounds to work on a tandem spell!

Imogen's Spellbook is here: http://pastebin.com/3m2xR3tt[/b]

>>631722
+Mingle with the Mortals! Curry favor, purchase things with mana, or find new allies!

Let's see if we can buy anything cool.

>>631730
This, but wait to see your allies when they come back, first. See how things went, make sure they're okay.

Might have to change plans depending on what happens there (especially if they don't come back. We'd have to scry for them, figure out a rescue without walking into a trap).

Meditate. Everyone meditates. You don't need mana just for this battle, you need to be strong enough to fend off any opportunistic attacks after taking down Dulcette.

>>631730
And find allies for the upcoming raid.

>>631748
This. If we do this for the two turns we end up with +310 Mana, at least 10 of which we're presumably going to spend identifying an artifact or two right now.

Gives us a lot of leeway in the battle and the battle's aftermath, especially if we don't end up using a lot of it.

As wizard of dimension, Dulcette seems to me to have a very high chance of having easy escapes. And probably good scrying. If I were you, I'd ask to safely visit/invite to visit your fellow wizards (in case Dulc can spy on the screens), and come up with ideas/spells to counter such things, particularly the escape.

As wizard of dimentia, I also wonder if Dulc might have some sort of death-escaping ability. Like, who eats sentient creatures, if not for their brains? And brain-eating suggests mental powers. Ol' Silent D might be able to transfer to a new host body or some crazy thing.

Given your nonlethal leanings, I would wonder if you should research a spell that's good for imprisoning, but to be frank you seem like the member of the gang least likely to be able to do such a thing, since radiation is all about things escaping. Ferrafina seems most like she could create a wizard prison, and Weir next up, I think. Perhaps you should consider spinning the idea at them? It has the bonus that, if they learn such a spell and then win, they'll use that on the rest of you instead of just killing you, and probably let you out again once they've secured their dominion.

>>631722
I'm pretty sure we said two turns planning to meditate for lots of mana, so we should do that.

...wait, is it "turns" as in "of the planet"? CLEVER.

Just meditate. It wouldn't do to be out of mana when you finish that big fight.