Hi!

surprises always appear. such over-confidence in your plan will assure it's failure.

Go panty-raid the banshees.

DO IT.

Goddamn lookit dat floor. It's filthy what with its draped with blood and all.

>>202975
You're kidding, right? This place is a total dump. Why would you want to run a place that needs so much work?
Just look at those cracks! There's so much damage that the support structure has to be in dire straits.
And the blood! Look at that! Nobody is cleaning up after themselves! This entire place is a disaster!

Lets just go get ice cream.

>>202987
Perhaps that's what he really wants. This is what he's leaving behind. Perhaps risking death is worth it.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/04(Sun)00:23 No. 202990 ID: e31d52
File 127822819214.png - (141.07KB , 500x500 , 01.png )

>>202981

Ha! You have no IDEA how long I've been planning this! Ever since I heard of the Book of Prices, ten years ago, I've planned and sought it out! I probably know more about magic than the doddy old men who 'teach' it here! I know all about every school of magic, I know how the Flows work, I know the way to the chamber of Artifacts by heart and every trap and pitfall on the way!

Never underestimate one who locks himself in his room all day and night and spends his whole life dedicated to but one goal! Very few things could go wrong, and I have plans for most of them.

>>202983

I assure you that Banshees are not regular students here, nor would I ever seek to raid their undergarments... if they wore any. Women are a distraction. A distraction I have long learned to ignore. Similar to hygeine and proper meals.

>>202984
>>202987


Not every part of the School is well-maintained. In fact, most of it is simply abandoned, crumbling, or overtaken and reclaimed by nature. The underbelly of the school is even more terrifying, overtaken by foul beasts and monsters, and neither school can lay claim to it for an extended period of time.
This is part of why I seek my goal! Ravelor is a fool who cares for nothing but the consumption of knowledge, he will happily watch as these building fall apart and rebuild them again with the same old, shoddy spells.
Idiots and fools, the lot of them. I shall remake this place into a shining bastion of power and true learning!

If the old lich is in control, this may be quite the task.

>>202990
Oh, great, a crazy person. At least take a shower; you're a disgrace if you can't keep yourself less smelly than the average hobo.

what if the lich once thought just as you did? and over the years he simply lost interest, he is simply going through the motions now and one day, years in the future you will get bored as well and the school will once more begin to crumble. supreme dedication always comes with a price that is often too steep to pay.

P.S. if you are marcus then who are we?

>>202990
Have you atleast learnt how to fight to make up for your lack of magic?

Oh and what is this Book of Price that you're searching for? It shounds like something that gives you power if you pay the price, those things usually demands a much steeper price than most people are willing to pay. You seem a bit different on that though.

So, when are you going after it?

Shot!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/04(Sun)08:34 No. 203052 ID: e31d52
File 127825764137.png - (106.77KB , 500x500 , 03.png )

>>202991
Of course it is! I am not unprepared though. I've made certain that any strange sort of movements can be attributed to others. I've rented out random books between my relevant ones. I've even divided my own mind, partitioning it into a thousand peices if not more, so that I can see any problem from any angle at any time! HA-HA-HA!

>>202994
I am hygenic. I merely do not shower twice a day every day. More like once every two days. It's annoying, but some distractions are neccessary in my plot. After all, I cannot seem too driven!

>>202995
Who can really say what goes on in Old Ravelor's head?! All I know is that he started this school to magically expanding, and now the outer wings are populated with creatures, and the basements are worse.
Maybe a third of the school is 'tame', the rest overrun by any number of nasty things. GAC isn't much better, even if it is across the Great Sea.

>>203028
I am very good at running. If there is any skill besides my intellect that I have absolute faith in, it's my ability to sprint and maintain speed... aside from that, I am an incredible well of information!

>The Book of Prices

Ah...

A little explanation on the rules of magic in this world is needed. You see, many people are born with a thing called a Flow. The Flow is an organ that rests beside the heart, and it absorbs magic from the world and the blood, storing it as marks along the body. The user can then utilize this accumulated power and channel it into spells, using many different methods, styles, and tools. There are, however, nine schools of magic every spell can be placed into.

But that's for another time.

The book of prices acts as a sort of substitute Flow for the owner, only instead of stealing magic and storing it, it steals luck from the world around it and channels it into power for spells. There's a few rules for its use.

>1) Only spells written in the Book of Prices may be cast using it.
>2) Spells eat an amount of luck equal to the level of the spell x3.
>3) When casting a spell, first reduce your Luck by the given amount for the spell, then roll 1d100. If you roll below Luck, you cast the spell.
>4) Should you roll above, subtract the amount of Luck you have from your roll. This determines the severity of failure. Failure is never directly deadly, but can produce bad situations.
>5) Maximum luck is 100. You regain luck when you sleep.

My goal is to obtain the Book, and use it near Ravelor to power a Wish spell, purposely channeling his own luck away from him to kill him!

>>203052
Sounds like it consumes your own luck. That's probably going to turn out rather poorly.

>>203052
So you're planning to use it to gain magic through the wish spell and at the same time kill Revelor and take over the school? Because damn, if that is your plan then it's really quite an ambitious one.

So, how close are you to setting the plan into motion?

pff gain magic. More like he's going to use the wish to be Headmaster!

>>203112
Well if he uses it to gain great magical powers at the same time as killing off the previous headmaster I think he got a pretty damn good shot at getting the spot.

I think you may have a penis, but I'm not sure. Never can be, these days.
Well, if you do, you should probably get rid of it. For science.

What level is Wish and what's your current luck?

If it's level 34 or your current luck is too low, this may not be an ideal plan.

GET ON WITH IT!

Where's our next destination? Let's disarm some traps and shit.

Oh man, luck-powered spells? Better lucky than good, I support this.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/06(Tue)00:50 No. 203999 ID: e31d52
File 127840265797.png - (78.44KB , 500x500 , 04.png )

>>203053
As a side effect. It drains entropy from the world around it, causing some things to happen more often and other things to happen less often. It's not going to randomly stop my heart, or anything, of that I am certain!

>>203060
I am very very close. My minions are in waiting in many of the wings of the school, like-minded individuals who wish for the school to enter a new age. I have studied liches a great deal as well as the Book, and know many of the capabilities of Ravelor. In case something were to go wrong, I know some of the Underschool that lies directly beneath the room in which the Book is cloistered, in case the trap is triggered inadverdently.

>>203207
Wish is a ninth circle spell, and I have full luck. However, that will be grand finish of my plans, and at that point, everything else will be much simpler.

>>203262
Our destination is the Grand Exhibitory Hall of Exemplary Work Among Artisans. It's a room full of artifacts like the Book, though only one may be removed a year, or the other treasures will turn to slag and the floor will give out.

Here we are!

you are certain no one else has removed an item this year? if so then grab it and let's kick some bony ass.

>>203999
Lets get on with it then. You have magic to gain, a lich to kill and a school to take over.

>>203999
Well that's definitely not foreshadowing at all. Get on with it.

The Grand Exhibitory Hall of Exemplary Work Among Artisans, and all they have is a bunch of piles of gold? MADNESS!

Remove the book. If the other treasures turn to slag, they're just gold after all. You can smelt them later into a huge solid gold statue of YOU! And if the floor gives out, you were headed to the Underschool anyway.

>>203999
All OTHER items? So, you could grab the book, a sackful of other worthwhile items of power and utility, and let the rest of the chaff melt away? If that doesn't screw up the rest of your plans it might be worthwhile.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/07(Wed)00:40 No. 204468 ID: e31d52
File 127848842343.png - (126.83KB , 500x500 , 05.png )

>>204266
No, the trap activates automatically. It'd be pointless unless I could remove a hundred things at the exact same time.

>>204255
I'd... Rather not. A part of me would be very sad over the destruction of such items of beauty and power.

>>204189
>>204073
>>204004
Right! Let's get this show on the road! I take the book from the stand and chuckle. Finally! FINALLY!

"Hey, do you know what this is?"
?!

[cutscene]

... god dammit

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/07(Wed)00:42 No. 204470 ID: e31d52
File 12784885517.png - (134.75KB , 500x500 , 06.png )

"Woman, can you not see I am busy here?! I don't have time... to... where did you get that?"

"From the bust over there. Why?"

"Do you know anything about this room, at all?"

"No... I found it."

"You do realize you've triggered a trap and we're now going to fall into the underschool, don't you?"

"I... er."

"I hate you. So much."

[cutscene]

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/07(Wed)00:44 No. 204471 ID: e31d52
File 127848868725.png - (94.25KB , 500x500 , 07.png )

"This is all your fault!" I scream, as the floor begins to give. "It's up to you to escort me back topside!"

"Maybe if we hurry out?!"

"It's too late for that, you insipid wench!"

"I'm sorry?"

"THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR APOLO-"

We fall.

[cutscene]

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/07(Wed)00:46 No. 204472 ID: e31d52
File 127848878299.png - (2.06KB , 500x500 , 08.png )

Ow.

100 bucks says your head is on her breasts, it is too funny for fate not to make that happen.

anyway, you okay? is the book okay? also, while you may not like it. i told you about surprises man: "surprises always appear. such over-confidence in your plan will assure it's failure." so you only have yourself to blame.

Do you have a light? Perhaps the Book has a light spell?

>>204478
catch 22, without a light he cannot read the light spell.

On the offchance you didn't land on her boobs, grope about blindly and wildly.

>>204472
Hmm, it looks like the book might have made it out ok. Ask her if she has a light or something so that you can see what you're doing.

And don't worry about it, as long as the book is ok you can still carry out your plan.

See, this is why there should be no adventurers on the grounds at all times. Always ruining things.

>>204524
That's what they're best at. That's also why you want to be able to point them at your enemies.
You've got the book so your time is at far less of a premium, be less driven so people will think you're burning out and not suspect that your plans are coming to fruition.
You need her sabotage powers on your side. Befriend her, possibly even romance her.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/07(Wed)07:12 No. 204538 ID: e31d52
File 127851195084.png - (171.58KB , 500x500 , 09.png )

Right. Right... A light... If my research is correct... then, ah. Good.

What?! What is this?! Damn. It only has ten spells... all first-circle spells too. I had hoped that the volume would be complete, but... Well, let's not panic. Best to work with what I have...

I'll list them by name and (school) and [description].

Mage Armor (Abj)
[A simple consistent outward force layered atop my clothing. It lasts a full day with a single casting, and reduces damage taken from anything physical by a small amount.]

Mage Hand (Arc)
[Allows me to manipulate up to five pounds of weight from a distance of about 30 feet. The speed cannot exceed that of a slow toss.]

Peek (Div)
[Allows me to send out a scrying foci five feet in front of me. Can be used to see through doors, look around corners, etc. It is fooled by illusions I do not see through.]

Magic Weap (Ench)
[Allows me to enchant mundane weapons for a day at a time. Magic weapons are easier to use and strike true against some foes that normal weapons do not.]

Magic Missile (Evoc)
[A simple blast of energy that flies from the tip of my finger to my enemy. Cannot target things that do not bear ill will towards me or my 'allies'.]

Dancing Lights (Illu)
[illusory lights that can distract a foe. I can sculpt the light and the color somewhat, but the image will always glow, and it's restricted to the size of an average male adult human.]

Stop Undead (Necro)
[Stops creatures animated by Death Force. Stronger undead are unaffected.]

Mend (Thaum)
[Repairs objects. Unbends swords, undents armor, removes nicks and repairs chips. Cannot repair things broken into multiple, large peices.]

Phase Door (Weav)
[Randomly teleports me thirty feet in a horizontal direction. Will not send me into living creatures or stone.]

Restore Luck (Luck)
[Causes strange events to occur, restoring balance to areas drained of entropy. Can only be used if current luck is less than 50. Restores 10 luck a use. Automatically succeeds, but rolls on the Effect chart.]

Hm. The book shines light, so I should be okay... The girl is unconcious nearby, unharmed.

>>204528
This plan has some merit. I will take this into consideration.

In case you can't tell, she's behind me.

((To cast spells, name the spell, and roll 1d100. (dice 1d100 in email feild ))

>>204538
Wake her up. Then ask her what she was thinking by grabbing things without checking for traps.

>>204538
So, slight change of plans then. You're gonna have to find out a way to complete the book before you can take over the school. It should still be doable.

So ok, first things first. Wake up the girl and get out of here. Then you need to figure out how to complete the book, it will probably involve a fair bit of travelling. You should probably pick up some fighting tricks and weapons before such a journey.

>>204538
You should be fine as long as you blame this on minion house.

Also, wake her up and find out what the hell she thought she was doing?

>>204539
indeed.

rolled 36 = 36

---

>>204538
One, Magic Missile is AWESOME. You can use that to tell friend from foe. Nobody can trick you into letting down your guard. Depending on how loosely 'ill will' is defined it might even work as a lie detector.

Two, can Mend be used to heal flesh?

Three, can you cast Mage Armor and Enchant Weapon more than once in order for it to last longer or work better?

Four, how long does Dancing Lights last, and can you move it around? Could you use it as a light source instead of having the book open all the time?

Cast Mage Armor.

>>204591
naw, now magic now. may need something later. would be low on luck when we need it.

>>204593
These level 1 spells reduce our Luck by 3 each cast. 3 out of 100. I think that's a low enough price to cast a buff on ourselves to prepare for a dungeon.

>>204596
hmmm, you make a good point. very well then we will armor up.

also, look for that bauble she picked up, since it is the last item left may as well take it as well.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/08(Thu)13:10 No. 205005 ID: e31d52
File 127861982127.png - (95.78KB , 500x500 , 10.png )

>>204539
>>204547
>>204551
Very well. I keep the book open and awaken the woman. She rises, blearily.
"What happened?"

"You landed us in a rather dire situation, miss." I reply. My anger has since ablated. I still have a chance. Nay, this is an excellent opportunity. "What in the world possessed you to take the necklace in the first place?"

"It did." she says bluntly, putting on the necklace. I note the design: A sword, pointing down, atop a shield.

...What?

"What do you mean?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"I asked me to pick it up." she goes on, getting up. I stand beside her. "I... I'm sorry for landing you in this whole mess, though.I'm normally a lot more careful."

"...Either way, it is appearent to me that we have landed in the Disposal Center For Used or Unworkable Artifced Goods."

"What?"

"The garbage under the Artificer Labs." I clarify, and she nods. "We should be careful not to draw too much attention to ourselves, lest we be found by the Werk." I continue my walk along the walls, outlining the room. It is large, as large as the vault. There was four passages out: One in each cardinal direction. Now, the only one unblocked is the northern one.

The southern exit had the stairs, but it is irreparably collapsed, along with two of the others. Fie.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/08(Thu)13:11 No. 205007 ID: e31d52
File 127861986123.png - (160.83KB , 500x500 , 11.png )

>>204591

>Two, can Mend be used to heal flesh?
Nay. It works only on nonliving things. It can repair constructs, however, in a similar manner.

>Three, can you cast Mage Armor and Enchant Weapon more than once in order for it to last longer or work better?
Neither. The spells are self-exclusive.

>Four, how long does Dancing Lights last, and can you move it around? Could you use it as a light source instead of having the book open all the time?
It lasts a few minutes, and indeed, I can move it around and use it as a light source should I desire.

It is time for my first magic spell.

I turn to the page of Mage Armor, and I note the format on the page of the spell: On one side is the description and incantation for the spell, the other, a magic circle. It seems that for spells that create something, it will launch from this circle, and for those that change something the circle must touch them unless stated otherwise. Spells that send me places will project this circle, and I will walk or run or jump through it.

I place my hand on the circle as I finish my muttered incantation, and feel safer, a shimmering film layered over my clothing and flesh.

((Luck: 97))

>>205007
Do you have any information about that necklace? Because I suspect it might be a "living" artifact that has sort of attuned to the girl and they're now sort of one. Atleast for as long as she is wearing it.

Mend probably can't fix those stairs. So lets go with the northern exit and get this show on the road. You can't expect to be able to set your plan in motion if you can't get out of this place.

i think it sounds more like a shard related to us. it talks to her, we talk to you. now everybody has voices in their head, WOOO!

anyway, let's get this show on the road.

>>205007
Hey, what other equipment do you have right now?

Ask the girl what her name is, and if the pendant is still talking to her. Ask her to try asking it questions to find out what it is and what it does.

Keep an eye out for items in the trash that you might be able to Mend and use.

try not to imagine what it would be like to be that orb, kept safe between her breasts.

Ask her if she normally does whatever strange magic amulets request of her.

Go ahead and move north.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/11(Sun)16:44 No. 206475 ID: e31d52
File 127889186480.png - (74.03KB , 500x500 , 12.png )

>>205019
>Hey, what other equipment do you have right now?
Personally, I have a utility dagger about half a foot long. One side is sharp and smooth, the other serrated. It is useful for many things, and the handle has a very small compartment in which I have enough Healing Potion secreted in a syringe to stabilize me in case I fall unconsious. My allies all know this.

As for the girl, I have no idea.

"Does it still speak to you? The necklace."

She nods. "It calls itself the Teacher's Brooch." she says. "It goes on to say that it allows me to learn more about my foes than anyone ever has... and it says that it has some special fighting techniques ingrained already."

"Oh?"

She nods.
"The Stone Sentinel Style turns my flesh into living stone and grants me incredible strength and constitution, at the price of immobility. The Slithering Slime Style allows me to become transparent, as well as use unarmed strikes with far greater ability. Lastly, the Obstinate Ooze style grants me the amorphious body of an ooze and lets me take blows from many weapons without pain. The last two require, er, doffing of my armor..."

"Hm. I shall keep that in mind."

So it seems we both have items of great power.

>>205023

Feh. The trappings of sex and lust do not affect me. My mind is too focused for such barbarism.

>>205043
"Do you normally follow the whims of every magical item you come across?"

"No... it just seemed like such a good idea."

I'd slap her if she wasn't wearing that helmet of hers.

>>205044
Yes, let us. The sooner we leave this foul place... Hm?

A werk. It hasn't spotted us yet... no, wait, there's three... no, four of them. Damn! They must have heard the commotion. At least they don't seem to be after us directly. They're about a fourth of our size.

From my memory, Werks are mostly harmless unless encountered with a Werker, a larger, humanoid animated pile of junk that commands them.

>no, four of them
>Five, derp

if you use mend on them would it make it stronger as it is made of not junk or would it fall apart as it cannot command not junk?

anyway, got anything that would be good or would just punting them be enough? perhaps it would be best to just slip past them. if they don't want a fight then no reason to start one, just shooting randomly would waste your luck and being low against something that needs it would be bad.

>>206475
Silly man. You must indulge in baser desires in order to make your mental state unknowable.

While we're at it, from now on you should avoid mirrors. Refuse to look directly into them, and if you happen to do so by chance then recoil in horror. Destroy them whenever you can.
This will cause people to believe that they are a weakness.

Deception is key. Now lust after your compatriot like a man of less drive!

>>206475
Where do these things come from? Failed magical constructs? At any rate keep in mind Magic Missile won't work on them until they actually attack you... or want to attack you anyway.

I advise stealth. Keeping silent from here on should avoid attracting more attention. Make sure to silently tell the girl you don't know the name of to stay quiet.

>>206475
You know magical iteams can be very good at persuading someone when they feel the need to do so. It might have feelt what you were planning to do and made her nab it so it would survive.

You know that fifth one standing in the back kind of looks like a larger humanoid one. Ask her to deal with the four in the front and hit the one in the back with a magic missile.

Hey, before you two go any further into a potentially dangerous situation together, shouldn't you know each other's names? Introduce yourself, ask her for her name, and then figure out how you will deal with the immediate obstacle

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/12(Mon)23:07 No. 207068 ID: e31d52
File 127900122291.png - (68.48KB , 500x500 , 13.png )

>>206480
I am uncertain... But they are constructs, so it is likely it would only strengthen their capabilities.

Werks are quite weak. Many can be defeated in physical combat even by someone like myself. My primary worry is attracting attention. Being overwhelmed will kill you no matter how weak the opponent.

>>206486
I believe I shall follow this plan. I signal to my comrade to remain silent, and we make our way past as the Werks wander into the next room. Hm.

With the creatures gone, I turn to face her.

"Clearly, we will be working together for an extended period of time, young lady." I begin as I put my hood back up over my face and adjust my glasses. "Therefore, it behooves us to know one another more closely."

"W-whatever do you mean?" she replies, flustered. Ah. My social graces with the fairer sex leave much to be desired, apparently.

"I mean we should know one another. My name is Marcus Hauler. What is yours?"

"Oh. Er, my name is Samantha Bright." she said with a smile I mostly can't see. "I'm gonna be a paladin!"

Er. A paladin? Eugh.

>>206484
She is certainly vapid enough to be deceived easily. Perhaps I shall persue this line of thought later, when we are in a more secured position.

Presently... There is a corner up ahead, with light spilling into the hall from a room beyond.

rolled 81 = 81

---

Peek around the corner.

>>207085
To be clear, I mean cast PEEK.

>>207085
>>207086
sounds like a plan.

>>207086
Sounds good.

>>207068
Well she certainly seems stupid enough to make a good paladin. Make corrupting her a secondary goal, stupid followers have their uses as well, and you could use someone else to take hits until you get better at personal combat.

Keep her in front of you as a buffer to anything that may wish to jump out and attack. Paladins make good meatshields, may as well use them.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/15(Thu)12:25 No. 208544 ID: e31d52
File 127922190981.png - (93.23KB , 500x500 , 14.png )

>> Art derp, my apologies! Please delete posts and resend.

>>207085
>>207086
((Luck = 94))

I turn the book away from me, and a blue orb of force appears and peers around the corner, acting as another eye.
I see a large, well-lit room. In it, a skele- no. Not a skeleton. The frame of a golem. The plates sit to one side, along with the elemental core used to power a golem. It is incomplete.

Are the Werks making it? Building it from the refuse and even themselves? It is certainly possible...

>>207189
>>207196
"Samantha. Please, stay ahead of me. I am not as adept at combat as you seem to be."
"Okay~"

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/15(Thu)12:25 No. 208546 ID: e31d52
File 127922193611.png - (68.31KB , 500x500 , 15.png )

... I sweep the room quietly. Surely... AHA! Yes, just what I need. There are several magical books here on the shelf to one side, though most appear to be simply manuals, there is a single tome.

>Tomes and Manuals:
>Tomes are books of powerful magic that hold at least two spells within them. However, Transcribing a spell perfectly requires destruction of the tome: The process that transfers the spell's being tears apart the fragile binding of the book. This is intentional, to prevent any mages from simply killing one another and stealing all of their spells.
>Manuals are books containing a single spell, but cannot be transcribed. They do, however, allow the same spell to be transcribed without destruction from one tome into another.
>Collectively, these are called "magical books".

how long does it take to transcribe spells? if it's more then a moment then you should just hold on to it for now, will do it when we find a good rest spot.

think you can get the golem operating and under your control? would be nice to have.

>>208546
Grab them and keep going. A monster infested dungeon is not the proper place to sit down and write stuff. And see if you can't salvage something useful from that golem.

Oooh, having a golem would be nice, yes?

What are the odds those were abandoned down there as opposed to being left there on purpose by someone who didn't really care for them to be found?

What does the golem need to be completed?

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/16(Fri)11:22 No. 208845 ID: e31d52
File 127930456753.png - (107.26KB , 500x500 , 16.png )

>>208549

I signal for Samantha to move on in.

"Wow, a tin man!" she says, looking around. I grab the tome (Applications of Elemental force) and the manuals, placing them within the pockets of my coat. With one tome, and three manuals, my four pockets are full. I'll have to see if the manuals match up with anything in the book, though that is incredibly unlikely.
"Samantha, is there anything in that large pile of metal you can use?" I call.
"Ah... well, this bit here might make a passable sheild, even if it's not optimally designed..."
"Take it. We shall rig up some strapping later."
"O-okay."

She responds well to orders and an authoritative tone! Nice!

>>208548
For the first question, Inscription time depends on the circle of the spell. Roughly five minutes times the circle. Thus, first circle spells take five minutes to inscribe.

As to your second one... It seems the elemental spirit has already been slaved to a foci. Foci come in many shapes, sizes, and forms. Amulets, bracelets, rings, peircings, even clothing or tools and weapons. They always have a symbol pertaining to the element of the caged spirit... in this case, lightning.

Short awnser? No. I need the foci, which isn't here...

>>208657
It needs three things:
-The construction on the main body must be completed.
-The Core must be installed in the chest.
-It must receive the command for life.

Until then, it shall remain motionless. Again, only the one with the foci can command it at all.

Three exits! North, east, or west... We came from the south. I haven't mapped much of this area. I was expecting to be able to take the stairs up.

>>208845
Right hand rule. Come from the south, head east.

>>208845
Go east. We will follow the right hand rule, as if this were a labyrinth.

>>208845
I was gonna say keep heading north until you hit a wall. But whatever, east works as well I guess.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/16(Fri)18:53 No. 209142 ID: e31d52
File 127933162682.png - (78.81KB , 500x500 , 17.png )

>>208859
>>208857
>>208856
Very well. East it is.
Until I hear something.

Hey. Hey. Hey. You. Mage. Stop.
The core. Aaaah... yes, elementals have sentience, I'd almost forgotten. Deal? Freedom. Power. Yes?

...

Hm. I've heard of this. You see, the nine schools are traditionally followed in such a way that you specialize in one at the cost of others. Some schools have good compatability, none, or disagree with one another. But along the way, specialists learn things the other schools never do. Specialties. Secrets. Extra power.

By freeing this elemental, I might be able to specialize in Evocations: Lore of Storm. By allowing the elemental to infuse me with a bit of its power...

Then again, other opportunities like this might arise. I also have only heard of Electromancers, and know next to nothing of their capability.

Well, if nothing else, it acts as a light source. The hall's pretty long and windy. Good for thinking...

>>Specializations
>Both Marcus and Samantha can specialize in their own way. Marcus can become a Graduate, granting him access to new powers and cutting the cost of some of his spells at the cost of increasing others, in a single school. Other schools might be affected either way.
>You can specialize only at specific times, during special events. Many of these will be hidden or hard to obtain!
>You may change your specialization twice.

>>209142
While power is always nice, true power is subtle, not overt. Evocation is the wrong school of specialization for a future Headmaster, whose station will demand his constant, unseen hand throughout his domain rather than merely an occasional overwhelming presence.

hmmmm let's just save it for now. no point in rushing into things.

>>209142
"Later, perhaps. Yours is not the best boon for me but you may earn your freedom some way still. Now be quiet unless you have something useful to say."

>>209142
OK, sure, let's do it. Gotta experiment to find out what kind of things we can get from this.

This seems too blunt. With Marcus' casting being what it is, I think it's probably best to avoid being flashy. Magical duels just aren't going to end well when we're using luck. We should stick to subtler things.

Keep it as a light source. True magic makes people question if you've used any at all. Except for the fact that you've defeated them and are now fabulously wealthy and powerful and they didn't notice. That's real magic.

>>209142
Electricity eh. Go for it. Just because it's evocation doesn't mean it has to be grand and flashy. A jolt of electricity to the heart of someone can kill them and it will just look like a heart attack if done well.

Electric power can shock and paralyze without killing, cause incredible pain, be used to heat things, power electromagnets, and perform the aforementioned heart attack trick. Powerful stuff.

Go for it!

specializing in something means we lose power in other areas, i would rater not miss something useful in another area because we were so quick to take a deal.

>>209401
That's not how it works. Electrical spells get stronger and cheaper, while other spells just get more expensive, not weaker.

Keep the elemental. Specializing in electrical evocation sounds good, but the drawbacks are huge. Perhaps we can put the trapped elemental to some other, better use.

>>209413
since we have no electric spells available or learn-able it seems pointless to up the cost of other things.

Suggestion 2010/07/18(Sun)22:35 No. 210035 ID: e31d52
File 12795177235.png - (113.11KB , 500x500 , 18.png )

>>209159
>>209160
>>209166
>>209179
>>209215
>>209401
>>209448
>>209450
Against

>>209342
>>209263
>>209168
For

"Nay."
Why?! POWER!
"Yours is not what I seek, elemental. Remain silent unless you have advice."
Name. Biri.
"Mm."

"Uhm. Marcus?" Sam says, speaking shakily.
"Yes, what is... oh. Well, well, well. Seems that the Artificers are dabbling in necromancy."
"Evilness! Right beneath the schools!"
I walk past the rows of skeletons to inspect the control console. Broken, ruined beyind any repair.
"Evil? Hah. Magic is only evil when used to such ends. Is a sword evil? Is a bow evil? Nay. And neither is magic. Rather the whole idea of Good and Evil being anything near to subjective is such a falla-"

Vrummmm...

Suggestion 2010/07/18(Sun)22:35 No. 210036 ID: e31d52
File 127951775041.png - (103.86KB , 600x700 , 19.png )

I hear a rattle of bones and a clinking of chains. I see blue lights, the visible artifacts of necromatic power, rising from the eyes of the skeletons.

"...Seems that while they took the power source out, it's still got some latent juice... Sam! Keep between them and me!"

"It is time we see how capable you really are, paladin-aspirant." I say simply. "Keep them off me and I may be able to keep them at bay!"

rolled 23 = 23

---

Let's use good ol' Stop Undead!

>>210036
Yeah stop undead seems like a decent idea right now.

I concur on the Stop Undead. Once it's in effect tell Samantha that you've restricted the undead movements and she should try to get used to fighting with her Teacher's Brooch and to utilizing her Stone Sentinel Style if the enemy becomes overwhelming.

Try to get your hands on one of those clinking chains once the fighting starts. Fold it a few times and hold the ends so you have a makeshift mace that can potentially be enchanted by your magic weapon spell.

Tell her that Necromancy is also a healing art, and allows practitioners to guide trapped souls to rest, for example.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/19(Mon)18:08 No. 210246 ID: e31d52
File 127958810762.png - (115.59KB , 500x500 , 20.png )

>>210038
((Luck:91))

I place the book on the ground and the circle widens until it's ten feet, then fifteen feet wide. The skeletons (plural, I can see at least five with the eldrict light the circle provides) stop at the edges.

Okay. Okay. Good. But I think the circle is slowly shrinking... And the creatures are pressing against the edge of the abjurative feild. They're stressing the spell, it's not meant for this many foes!

And even though Sam slays them, one after another, more rise and stand at the edge. We are surrounded.

Suddenly, the book flashes with white light...

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/19(Mon)18:09 No. 210247 ID: e31d52
File 127958815365.png - (115.71KB , 500x500 , 21.png )

Er.

See-through armor?!
Sam turns to look at me, blinking.
"What?" she asks, thankfully clear of the undead at the moment.

The circle holds, but continues to shrink.

>>Magical miscasts or failures
>If a spell fails dramatically or is stressed beyond its limits, failures will occur randomly. These sorts of failures are never lethal.
>This also occurs if Marcus is harmed while casting or the page the magic circle is on is damaged.

rolled 23 = 23

---

you gotta admit she is pretty hot. :3c

okay let's start shooting them with missiles. these things are very obviously trying to kill you.

>>210247
Hmm, you should probably conduct a fighting retreat and get out of there. See if you can't find a thigh bone to use if the skeletons get too close for comfort.

>>210247
"Keep at them! The circle is overstressed. I will recast it if it fails."

>>210258
retreat where? we are surrounded!

rolled 51 = 51

---

Start casting Magic Missile! We need to get their numbers down before any more distracting failure effects happen. Cast it a bunch.

>>210247
Wait... is her armor invisible, are you divining through it with the light, or did it all just go poof? As long as she isn't distracted or defenseless I guess it doesn't matter, though.

Back her up with a barrage of magic missiles. But take a quick look at her ass first. Mmm.

She's got her linens on under the armor, those aren't see-through right? It's just a weird misfire effect.

How do I shot trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/19(Mon)22:45 No. 210329 ID: e31d52
File 127960472155.png - (115.34KB , 500x500 , 22.png )

((Luck:82))

>>210266
I pick up the book and focus my will into the page, and feel something click.

>>Channeling
>Some spells can be Channeled, meaning more Luck may be pushed into the spell for greater effect. From now on, spells with this ability will have the (Ch) marker.

I let the book eat at the luck of the world and the book glows. Samantha runs behind me, and I stare forward at the second wave of skeletons as they snap their rusted chains and move in. Five of them. I fire off three missles, and they unerringly seek out the creatures, smashing apart their fragile, aged skulls with ease, dropping three of them. Excellent! Samantha slays another two of them in a single motion, then growls, and...

>>210329

How do you increase your luck anyway? You must have some good ways to do it, since you were at full luck just a few minutes ago!

Then again, considering what happened, perhaps full luck isn't so lucky after all...

How do I shot trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/19(Mon)22:47 No. 210331 ID: e31d52
File 127960483042.png - (97.49KB , 500x600 , 23.png )

She turns into stone. Well, not literally, but I can see her body turn grey and more solid, and her feet become immobile... even as the circle shrinks past her, she holds her ground, unfazed by the blades that do no harm and are turned away from her stony flesh. She slams her sheild into several of them, snapping their very spines, or brings her heavy sword down on their skulls. When they are all dropped, she stands there, breathing heavily, but still unswayed.

Two more! They are some distance away in front of me, struggling with their chains.

come on! are you telling me you are not fazed by a hot chick's bare ass wiggling in your face even a little?

anyway, don't see any reason to waste more luck then needed. just grab a femur and smash them.

>>210331
Are they bound or just slowed? If the are bound and you can think of any use of that, make it. Otherwise have you or your friend walk over and smash them up.

And you should know even if you don't appreciate the view, we do. Cutting your mind up didn't make the base elements go away. She's a nice girl with a nice ass, so you be nice to her got it?

How about you help her out? You've got a dagger. Are you any good at fighting? If not, just try to distract one of them, and hide in the circle if you get chased.

>>210340
She's kindof a ditz though.

>>210331
When the battle is over, act like you are distracted by her assets. She'll get offended, at which point you should say something about how they're so nice you couldn't help but stare.

>>210347
no dude, that is stupid and will make him look like a perv. just idly comment that her armor is sorta see through and turn away from her. when she freaks a little say 'and that is why i didn't say anything earlier, getting distracted mid combat is not good'

It might be a good idea to drop in a hint later that you've seen Samantha in the nude. She'll apparently have to strip in order to use her Slithering Slime Style and her Obstinate Ooze Style. Can't have her modesty get in the way if you urgently need her to use one of those styles.

Either way there's no need to risk more magic. We're already at a 18% failure rate. Grab something heavy like a femur or a chain and get ready to engage skeletons. The best thing would be if you could get a long chain for sweeping them off their feet. Also remember that if you roll with their blows then your mage armor will be much more effective as the consistent repulsing force will have more time to lessen the impact.

>>210331
Pick up some rocks or skulls and throw at them.

Compliment her on a job well done after the fight is over. It appears like she's not completly useless after all.

>>210395
I would not depend upon Marcus' melee combat abilities. We have Samantha for that; Marcus should just let her handle this now that spells are no longer urgently needed.

Magic missile one more time, you can do it!

How do I shot trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/21(Wed)17:18 No. 210779 ID: e31d52
File 127975790851.png - (66.22KB , 500x500 , 24.png )

>>210334
>>210340
>Dat ass

I do not care. While it is true she is shapely, that is not my primary concern.
I step outside the circle, picking up a long bone as I go.
My main concern is, and will always be, taking this school. I will live, I will learn, I will gain. This is the maxim I have always lived by. I will not surrender to the urges of the flesh unless I am already in power. Even then, I will only do it for more loyal, powerful students to rule once I have passed... if I pass.

I will not allow my plans to be ruined by petty, simplistic desires or needs. She is an asset. That is all she is or will be to me. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The bone slams into the skulls of the skeletons with ease.

I toss the bone aside. Like the Book, like that bone, She is nothing more than a tool. I turn to her and signal for her to follow, and her body returns to normal. The armor also fades back in, with slight flickering.

"I apologize, but I neglected to mention that your armor went transparent when the circle was overstressed."
"You... Er..."
"Indeed. Do not fear, I am not ruled by such petty desires as those of the flesh." we walk back into the Golem room.
"Why... is it..."
"You are not unnatractive, Samantha. I simply do not care."
"Then you're..."
"No, Samantha, I am not homosexual. I am asexual."
"Oh... I see."
"Are you disappointed?"
"No." she says flatly. However, she is still blushing heavily when we get back to the golem room.

[cont.]

How do I shot trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/21(Wed)17:19 No. 210780 ID: e31d52
File 127975796680.png - (42.57KB , 500x500 , 25.png )

I take the opportunity to look through the book. It is a treatise focusing primarily on evocation, though there is some abjurative elements.

Flame Gout (Evo) (Ch)
[A spell that shoots out a short jet of fire, dealing moderate damage. The gout has no force behind it, nor does it push enemies. This spell can be channeled for up to four times its cost, lengthing the gout.]

Static (Evo) (Ch)
[Lets loose a burst of heavy electricity from your body, Harming those touching you. You may turn this into a touch attack by channeling it for double.]

Endure Energy (Abj) (Ch)
[Grants some resistance to an energy type chosen at casting: Lightning, Fire, Cold, Sonic, Force. You may compoundingly double the cost for additional elements, so two would cost 6, 3 would cost 12, 4 would cost 24, and all five would cost 48.]

Circle of Protection: Elementals
[Erects a circle of protection against creatures that are compost of a single element, forcing them to stay outside of the circle and a dome-like zone above it. The zone is stressed by more than three elementals and overwhelmed by ten. Things powered by elementals are slowed in the zone, as if moving through jelly.]

As for the manuals... They are for Thunder Lance, Fireball, and Explosive Runes.

There is quite a lot of evocation here. Artificers tend towards enchantment and weavecraft. Hm.

>>210780
Write down static and thunderlance. Then accept the deal from the elemental for power. Lightning shall char your foes insides and they shall die in agony as their blod boils their brain and organs.

>>210779
You are an idiot.

You need to develop the appearance of things which people consider weaknesses.
Love is a very strong one; if they believe you are in love, they will target her to get to you instead of targeting you directly.

The goal is to lead people who oppose you into attacking weaknesses that don't exist. You have ruined the most effective option.

I have said this several times, and my patience for your incompetence is wearing thin.

You must make your enemies to underestimate you by acting like a flawed person. A coward, a lech, a procrastinator, a lazy slob, etc...

You must show false signs of weakness. Love, fear, a weak stomach, etc...

Hold off on transcribing for now, as there may be more manuals in this area and it would be a shame to waste the book only to find a thus-worthless manual.

>>210783
no dammit! unless we find a insanely high power lightning spell i don't think that is a good idea at all.

endure energy is a good one. explosive runes is very effective against anything that can read. flame gout is nice too.

>>210780
Well if you keep needing to kill things, it'll be good to have. WHY this is happening I don't think we know enough to even conjecture on.

As for you being uncaring of Samanthas delicious curves and apparently her feelings too, my point was that even if you don't care us scattered thoughts that are helping you still do. And that makes us more responsive to her on a number of levels you don't care to observe. Just keep that in mind, be nice as you can and listen when we tell you to treat her a certain way.

a tool that is well kept is more useful then a rusty one. take care of your tools, and they will take care of you.

a sword that is left to rot will dull and lose it's power but if kept sharp it will always strike true.

the bone was a simple tool that could be discarded with ease, but she is a powerful asset and you would do well to make her think you like her so that she will stay with you as long as she can.

>It should be noted that Manuals only contain enough of a spell to preserve a spellbook that said spell is drawn from. Please repost as needed thus. My apologies for being unclear.

Leave the books alone for now until you can actually use the manuals. We've got some great spells in that book, and I want to get at least two out of it, if not three.

>>210817
huh? what are you talking about?

>>210819
>see
>>208546

How do I shot trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/21(Wed)20:44 No. 210867 ID: e31d52
File 127977024181.png - (93.19KB , 500x500 , 26.png )

>>210784
Trust me when I say that I understand your sentiments. I will seek to ingrain myself with her. However, it will not change how I feel at heart. She is useful. I would perhaps sacrifice a great deal to keep her alive and under my power.

But I do not care for her for her body, but instead her power. Simply put, I will not become a drooling idiot merely because you wish me to pretend for those who are not present. Besides, she seemed to be distraught over her being revealed, and I hoped to lessen the blow by making it clear that, while attractive, I gained little from seeing such.

I am trying to ingratiate myself with her. I am not about to appear to be a simpering moron because it will grant me an element of surprise agaisnt someone who I would rather not betray at this or any point.

Are we clear?

>>210791
I will rely on your advice as to her romantic feelings, of course. There is a reason I prepared myself and my mind in this way, after all.

>Spells and whatnot
Hm. I would rather not commit at this point... but all of these take up too much room.
"Samantha!"
"Y-yes!"
"Have you a pouch or similar?"
"Yes, right here..." she turns a pack on her belt around.
"Ah, good. Could you be a dear and carry these manuals for me?"
"Okay."
"Have you found anything of use?" I ask as I place the new book in my inside pocket.
"Actually..." she holds out a pair of bracelets. I take them in my hands, turning them over. They have runes, of Illusion and Abjuration... but I am uncertain.
"Where did you find these?"
"Uhm... On a skeleton, in the other room."
"Ah."
"Not one of the animated ones, though."
Hmmm...
"Anything unusual?"
"Nope! I just know they aren't cursed!"
,,,
"You can tell?"
"Yep! I've always been able to~!"
"Incredible... You can tell that sort of thing just by looking?!"
"Yeah. I don't know why..."

well if they are not cursed then i don't see any reason not to at least test them.

Well, sicne she may be a bit weirded out by the asexual part, take the bracelets, thank her and give her a hug so you don't seem unduly heartless, and try them out! or let her if she seems to want to.

>>210867
Some kind of magical sense perhaps, could she tell they were magic to begin with? Or is she just generally able to tell when things are wrong in some way? If that is the case it might be why she's taking the path of the paladin, being able to feel what is harmful and twisted could drive you to fight it.

Ask her more about things that she gets odd intuitions or feelings about. And more generally what her background is, why she's a paladin, etc. She'll appreciate having an interest taken in her, and you'll possibly discover useful information.

>>210874

What is with you and the hugs?

>>210867

Tell her what you know about the runes on the bracelets and then ask if she wants to experiment with them, or if she would rather if you try them. Since her gift says they're not cursed, they could be useful. Once you guys know what they do, you'll be able to better use them for maximum benefit for both of you.

How do I shot trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/22(Thu)00:27 No. 210998 ID: e31d52
File 127978362865.png - (115.44KB , 500x500 , 27.png )

>>210895
I tell her what I know of the runes.
"Oh, I think I know what they do!"
"?"
"They're Bracers of Illusory Armor!" she says happily. "When wearing them... Well, here."

She straps them to my arms, and I look down at myself. Plate armor flickers into being on my body.

"You see, a big part of armor is a mental thing for the attacker. If you know you aren't going to hit, why bother attacking a certain location? With that in mind, Darius the Swift, a noble Knight from the School of Short Blades, made these bracers with the help of a captured vile illusionist from the evil Ravelor's academy for Mean, er, for Minions."

Hm.

"Most creatures see the armor and try to aim for natural weak points, such as joints. Since you aren't really wearing armor, it makes it much easier to defend against attacks!"

Ah... my mage armor would not stack with this effect. It was cancelled when I put on the gauntlets.

"In fact, I think this would even work with my other forms, though..."

The armor flickers out.

"Once you know about the illusion, you can't see it anymore..." She sounds slightly disappointed, though I cannot fathom why...

>>210998
She was hoping you wouldn't be able to see her naked body if she wore the bracers. Oh well.

Where can we go next?

i suppose it would be best if she kept them, though for now keep them until you regen your luck.

tell her "thank you for explaining, and while it may not prevent me from seeing through it, it will stop any other sentient beings from noticing. perhaps it would be best to learn how to get over that hang up so that you do not need to feel worried about such things, as the only ones who would see you are ether trusted allies who would do well to not look at you in such a way, or enemies who you are about to slay."

>>210998
She probably wanted it to cover up future misshaps with see through spells.

Anyway, probably better that she wears them. Tell her that she did good in finding them and then lets get a move on.

How do I shot trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/23(Fri)00:08 No. 211183 ID: e31d52
File 127986890520.png - (71.57KB , 500x500 , 28.png )

>>211017
>>211001
>>210999
Ah. Modesty.

"Samantha, perhaps it would be best for you to take these." I say, removing them. "I have my own abjurative magiks, and you may need these more than I."
"But... I..."
"It would be best, for our mutual survival, that you attempt to put aside trivialities such as modesty. We need to live, Samantha. We must proceed."
"..."
"I understand this is a hard thing for you." I state simply.
There's a long pause. She removes her helmet, looking it over. "Are... you really not... interested in me?"
"I might be. But it's not something to worry about right now. I have a sense of urgency about this room, about this golem. We need to distance ourselves.
She nods, looking over at me, and puts on the bracers after making room for them by slipping off her gauntlets.

"I... suppose you are correct." she says quietly.
"Good." I get up from my position on the floor as she ties back her hair with a white ribbon.
Where do we go now, though? North or... East?

>>211183
Go North!

i agree, we are right hand ruling so north is the next way.

>>211183
North seems good. Keep her in front of you and tell her to take it slow and don't rush headlong into things if she sees what looks like enemies. There might be some semi-intelligent magical things down here that would be willing to cooperate rather than fight to the death.

>>211183
She doesn't have any clothes under the armor? See if we can find something covering but easily removed to wear under the illusion. A cloak or robe perhaps. I mean I like catching a glance as much as any other head voice, but I wouldn't want to make her parade around like that knowingly if it can be helped.

And were we not just suggesting following the right hand rule? Go east.

>>211250
[that was a typo, we came from the south, the skeleton room was to the east, right now we have north and west exits unexplored.]

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/23(Fri)17:19 No. 211339 ID: e31d52
File 127993079015.png - (134.72KB , 500x500 , 29.png )

>>211250
"Do you not wear clothing under the armor? Linens, and such?"
"Well... the padding in the armor itself is comfy enough, and it's not like I normally take it off..."
"You sleep in it?!"
"Well, yes. I'm so used to it by now that it's like a second skin..."
Mayhaps that is part of her issue with removing it.
"... But that also means I feel so much faster with it off, like a burden I never knew about is removed." she shrugs. "I mean, even just without my helmet, I feel like I can almost look directly behind me! I feel so aware!"
She shrugs. "I dunno."

We walk into the next room, north of the golem room.
"As I thought." I say, looking at the large forge in the room. "This area is re-purposed towards building that golem." I look around the room and kneel down to inspect some of the discarded materials. Hm...

"MARCUS!"
I turn and stand just in time to see a massive hammer strike Samantha aside, her shield bending and warping from the stress as she is flung aside from the blow.

A small but stocky man hefts the huge maul onto one shoulder and looks at me with madness in his eyes, While Samantha struggles to get upright, letting out small sounds of pain. Her armor is dented painfully on her arm.

rolled 19 = 19

---

tell her to get away from him and change forms and you'll slow him down. he has way too much power to defend against, you need to dodge. on the up side armor doesn't give anything in the way for magic protection. hit him with three missiles.

rolled 15 = 15

---

Use Mage Hand to open the forge, so that there's a blast of heat separating the man and Samantha. Or maybe it'll roast him too.

Be sure to warn Samantha to get away from the forge first.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/23(Fri)19:41 No. 211402 ID: e31d52
File 12799393079.png - (62.87KB , 500x413 , 30.png )

>>211344
((Luck: 72))
I hold out the book and three bolts of energy lance forward into his bare chest, slamming into his body...

To little effect. He might be bruised or have taken some interior damage but he's he's tough!
"Sam! Get away! I'll distract him, take on a form!"

She gets up shakily. No time to watch her, I have to focus entirely on staying away from him. He's fast! Fast for someone wielding such a huge hammer!

... speaking of, the damn thing must be magical to be able to stay together with a handle like th-

Woah!

He is very fast!

rolled 81, 25 = 106

---

>>211402
Gah. Enchant Weapon on Samantha's sword. Then, I'm thinking Phase Door to both get some distance from the guy and maybe make Samantha feel less uncomfortable about disrobing.

rolled 23 = 23

---

use dancing lights and have them hover in front of his eyes while you dodge!

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/23(Fri)20:35 No. 211416 ID: e31d52
File 127994250675.png - (98.44KB , 500x500 , 31.png )

>>211404

Hm. Maybe if I... Yes! That should work. Luck be with me...

I open the portal behind me and step out beside Samantha, touching her sword with the book and making it glow with a dim li-

>SPELL FAILURE

-ght. Huh. That was odd I feel something at my navel and the back of my ne-...

*fwumph*

Oh bother. It seems I am not exempt from the... joyous surprises this book brings.

>>211416

Use your huge flopping manhood to batter his hammer away! En-guard!

Seriously though how do you raise your luck? Can you steal his?

rolled 53 = 53

---

no matter, whisper to her to keep going and that combat is no time to get distracted by anything. then let's go with the dancing lights distraction. get them out and have them, float all in his face, make sure he catches a glimpse of you every so often so as to stay focused on you.

>>211416
"Samantha! Focus!" Point at your opponent. You can discuss her reaction to your spellbook's unfortunate mishaps later. You'll probably need to explain that such occurrences will likely become more frequent as you draw more extensively upon the item's power.

>>211416
You know, this is THREE magical items that relate to nudity, the bracers working well with it not incidentally. I'm thinking some rather repressed and perverted artisans have been at work here.

If you see any tentacles around here, run. Or at least make sure they get Sam first.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/23(Fri)23:44 No. 211532 ID: e31d52
File 127995388087.gif - (142.77KB , 400x400 , 32.gif )

>>211451
"Focus!" I hiss, and she snaps out of it, charging at the man.

And then I see just how much that few pounds of steel she left behind matters. The Dwarf swings wide, and she slides under it, then rolls into a spinging leap, blade first. The blade seems to turn in midair without her, on its own, directly into the dwarf's chest, sinking in without issue. It roars in pain, raising a single mighty fist to strike her...

Then falls limp, and she lets out a surprised cry as the thing simply collapses atop her, her legs sticking out comically. I sigh, pushing the thing off of her with a great deal of effort.

She sighs in relief at the end of the encounter, then looks me in the eyes... though not without a little wandering, I note.

"What is up with that crazy book of yours!?" she says, gesticulating.

"It appears that draining too much luck can hamper the normal function of entropy in the nearby area." I reply.

"...Huh?"

"... The more cool stuff I do, the more likely weird things are to happen."

"And all those weird things so far..."

I shrug. "We should be pleased it is something as foolish. After all, there is a tiny chance that your heart will simply cease beating."

"...Oh."

There's a long pause.

"C-c-could you get dressed, please!?" she says, her eyes sliding down then snapping back up, her face a deep, cherry red.


>>211510
... I can see your point.

... I can only hope that we need not cut through the Hall of Weavers on the way back. Summoned creatures can be... Well, let us just say I do not wish to borrow trouble.

[animated]

>>211532
Getting dressed seems reasonable. No need to keep things drafty.

Also, loot the room.

rolled 11 = 11

---

also i suppose we should give this a shot as she can't get the arm armor back on and her shield is unsound. cast mend on them.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/24(Sat)01:13 No. 211585 ID: e31d52
File 127995922113.png - (39.56KB , 500x500 , 33.png )

>>211550
>>211555
((Luck: 63))
I dress myself and repair her armor and shield so she may wear it again. "Thanks, but... I think I'll stick with the breastplate and fauld for now."

"Fauld?"
"The belt." she says, pointing at it.

We rummage through the room, but find little but the massive hammer (which she cannot use despite her beastly strength) And, ah, a key.

"Why would anyone build a golem down here?" Samantha asks.
"Most likely they seek to hold the entirety of the Labs. Dunno who would be smart and sane enough down here to do this, though." we move back into the main golem room...

The golem is missing.

rolled 67 = 67

---

ffff

Okay. Uh. Use Peek around the next corner. The golem could be anywhere.

keys open things. whatever it opens would probably be good. looks like only thing left is the west room. good thing we right hand ruled. would of had to fight whoever was in charge first if we went the other way.

>>211588
what corner? it's a hallway....

>>211585
Well that sounds like it could be problematic. Send in Sam first and tell her to be cautious.

How do I shot trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/25(Sun)00:09 No. 212079 ID: e31d52
File 128004177351.png - (92.22KB , 500x500 , 34.png )

We move quietly into the next hall, which turns North. I cast Peek to check arou-

>SPELL FAILURE!
*clang*

"Damn your book!" I hear her mutter as I turn around. Her fauld and breastplate lay on the ground and she's barely managing to hold up her heavy leggings of leather and chain.

My spell fizzles. Damn!

well if something was around the corner it heard you so brace for a fight. if nothing shows up in a few seconds then let he redress and keep going. this luck based magic is starting to get annoying. i mean, sure tits are great and all but life and death situation is not a good place for it.

>>212079
That is rather annoying. This book is seeming less worth it all the time. Perhaps we should simply avoid the use of magic except when highly necessary- Peek spells, for example, are a caution we can do without.

>>212079
Huh. That's three failure effects in a row focused on sex or nudity.
Marcus, your libido is obviously trying to work out its frustration via this book. You need to bring that under control before its attempts to get you laid get you killed.

I wonder what would happen if you had a spell failure while you were both naked?

>>212086
that is a good point... if you are both already naked then what could it do?

>>212079
Ok, just look around the corner manually.

[course we still have a greater then 50% chnace of anything we do working. it's just people keep making shit rolls.]

Hey, what happened to Samantha's amulet?

>>212079

I think the book wants you to have sex with her.
perhaps after that it will be more coaperative.

rolled 22 = 22

---

Anyway let's repair the missing straps on her armor. Mend away. If Mend isn't able to replace the missing straps, then lend her a robe or something for now.

[also, new rule. peek is for looking THROUGH DOORS not around corners.]

>>212122
That certainly appears to be the case.
Best get on that, then. Failures are always potentially fatal, but ones in combat are even moreso.

>>212079
Turn your back to her and let her get redressed. She needs that armour anyway if she's going to be an effective meatshield. And you should probably give the book a rest for now. The misscast spells have only been annoying so far, but if something like this happens in the middle of a fight then things can get problematic.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/25(Sun)05:54 No. 212165 ID: e31d52
File 128006248585.png - (58.57KB , 623x488 , 35.png )

>>212082
No, I assure you that I diverged those desires into you.
"Dress yourself." I say simply, turning back around and making my way into the other room with care. As I thought. A room for summoning elementals.

traps.

Yes, this room is designed to trap elementals and other things of a 'pure' nature. Such things are used in powering many, many devices, from golems to airships to advanced wands.

Samantha enters the room now equipped with her breastplate, the amulet back on her neck.

I look around the room. At first I note many exits... but half of them are just exits to garbage dumps upstairs.

Only the west exit seems to lead anywhere.

I wonder... No, it is probably coincidence.

The missing golem still bothers me. It was too large to use any of the arches we've gone through. And I'm certain it wasn't in the room.

hmm... secret passages. a hidden door is somewhere in that room.

>>212167
by that room i mean the golem room.

Let's not burn through our entire supply all at once now. Spells only when needed, fizzle or not. Check manually.

That golem could kill either of them with a blow, it's better to be cautious.

>>212165
See if you can find any other elementals there. Then head west.

How do I shot Trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/26(Mon)21:32 No. 212722 ID: e31d52
File 128020513868.png - (103.31KB , 500x500 , 36.png )

>>212167
>>212168
>>212183
We make our way back, and one look at the floor reveals everything.
"I can't believe we missed this." I say, leaning down to inspect the massive gouges in the floor. "Something was dragged..."

I walk up to the wall where the gouges stop, and knock.

It's hollow here.

hrmmm... look try any bricks that look loose. if that fails then have same bulldoze if over or something.

rolled 10 = 10

---

>>212722

Let's Peek inside.

>>212722
Lets not use anymore magic. The constant wardrobe failures are starting to get irritating. Just get Sam to open the place instead. Probably not going to be much more than the golem dragged into a secret alcove by the dwarf or something before he went to smash you.

>>212722
Keep knocking around and find an entrance. If that doesn't work, have Sam knock around and make an entrance.

Looking into a secret room that probably contains a very dangerous enemy is exactly what Peek is for. I still think we should look first. Besides the golem, there could be other dangers in that hidden room, from traps to failing architecture.

>>212744
Agreed.

>>Just letting you guys know that voting for actions is closing now. I can only tell Larro to start over so many times before I feel bad!

How do I shot Trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/28(Wed)03:30 No. 213139 ID: e31d52
File 128031302989.png - (85.34KB , 500x500 , 37.png )

I place the book against the wall and cast Peek. The spell doesn't generate any light ( the sensor created is intangible, invisible, and incorporeal ) so what I can see is limited. The hallway is mostly dark, and at the far end is the golem, on the floor, with the Boss Werk standing over it. He seems very angry. He stands and begins to walk towards me and Samantha.

>>213139
Prepare an ambush for him.

Do you have any melee weapons you can use yourself?

rolled 6 = 6

---

i am a little scared to risk this but channel MAGIC MISSLE to 3times when it comes out and then have sam sword it really hard!

He's possibly angry because the elemental core is missing. You might be able to use that to your advantage as a distraction or otherwise. How solid is the core? Can you throw it around the room without damaging it?

Quickly tell Samantha that an angry boss werk is coming. Once he emerges hit him hard together using the successful magic missile and a surprise sword to the flank. The obstinate ooze style will probably come in handy to prevent Samantha from getting hurt.

>>213141
We can't cast spells through the damn wall.

I'm tempted to say we ambush the Boss when he comes through the secret passage. Is that a good idea, or is he too tough? If we can take him out with a surprise attack we'll be in good shape.

How do I shot Trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/29(Thu)03:40 No. 213505 ID: e31d52
File 128040001076.png - (264.55KB , 900x500 , 38.png )

>>213141
I prepare Magic Missle.

>Prepping spells
>Almost every spell can be 'prepared'. That is, cast then held onto for an amount of time.
>Only one spell can be prepared at any time: If another spell is prepared or cast during that time, it is lost.

I hold out the book and signal to Samantha to stand at ready. The door opens, and he steps out...

Facing Samantha?

He waves, and there is a burst of
!?!?!!!?!??

AAAAAGH! MY KNIFE?!

It's pushed out of my pocket and forcefully into my waist on my left side!

I feel it finally wrench itself from my side and rocket into a nearby wall, sticking there. Samantha is tossed a few feet, rolling on the ground heavily.

My magic missles fly towards him, each slamming into one shoulder, tearing a hole in his metal hide.

"Give me the Core." he says, holding out one hand to Samantha, who is scrabbling at her armor's neck area, behind him. "Or she dies."

He is cobbled together from any number of things. A banner juts from one shoulder, and the bloodied flag of my school stiffly extends from it, the blood rendered it less than cloth and more like stiff paper.

"You recognize the emblem? I suppose you would. It's just about the only thing you don't throw away."

In less than three seconds he has rendered Samantha helpless, wounded me deeply, and has me defeated.

I have never felt so terrified in my entire life.

say "i'll give it to you, just remember that you should be wary of any OOZES." with luck it will not understand what you were getting at and sam will. then hold out the core. if it tells you to bring it over say "your attack severely wounded me, if i move i fear making it worse."

>>213505
"Accursed son of an OOZE! Was it too difficult for you to simply ask for this glorified glowing rock?!?"

>>213505
Nah you're not defeated yet. Tell Sam to go into Ooze form and she will get out of the armour.

Meanwhile you could keep blasting him with missiles.

rolled 54 = 54

---

He seems to be using some kind of magnetic powers. That knife was well concealed and Samantha only seems to be struggling with her armor. If she goes into her slime or ooze forms then she should be ok. Have you got any other metal equipment on you? dropping it might be good.

Perhaps we can use one of these low level spell failures to undress Samantha for her alternate forms while buying some time...

Put the core on the ground and back away. Cast Restore Luck to force a random event and power up your luck. Then try using Dancing Lights to make lightning crackle around the core in a seemingly uncontrolled manner.

>>213540
restore luck CANNOT be used until our luck is under 50. which it is not.

>>213542
>>Actually, your luck is at 49.

>>However, he only made one roll, he needs to roll both Dancing lights and the result of the Restore luck.

rolled 47 = 47

---

Let's do this thing! Rolling Restore Luck

How do I shot Trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/30(Fri)01:54 No. 213842 ID: e31d52
File 128048009985.png - (87.56KB , 500x500 , 39.png )

>>213564
"Samantha! Ooze, NOW!" I say, holding out the book. The werk holds up a hand to defend himself, and...

Butterflies spew out of the book and the hundreds, no, the thousands of them form and obscuring cloud. I rise, limping to my knife.

Save. Save!

"I know, damnit. I know. Shut up." I reach down and grasp the blade, yanking it from its place in the wall. "Sam!" I call, running past Boss Werk, holding up the book to cast Dancing Lights in the space I once occupied.

"But my armor..."

"LEAVE IT!" I roar, and I feel her prescence behind me. I pull a lever I see behind the secret doors, leaving me and Sam behind them while Boss Werk screams in rage. We don't have much time.

"I can't maintain this for long..." Samantha says quietly...

And I hears a crackling sound through the wall. I recognize that spell.

Ray of Rust. Damnit!

Of all the times to panic. Of all the times to run away.

rolled 18, 15 = 33

---

Charge up another 3 Magic Missiles, then cast Restore Luck again. Also, where can we go from here?

We might want to consider using the elemental to give us power, now.

rolled 32, 36 = 68

---

give her the knife and tell her you will try another thing of magic missiles and then she is to wrap around it and stab it in the face a bunch. if she feels she is about to come out of the form then she is to retreat. if it still isn't down after repeated face stabbing and more missiles, then use even MORE missiles. both channeled to three times of course.

So are you trapped in a room now or can you continue onwards? What has Samantha's Teacher's Brooch got to say? Does it know any enemy weaknesses that we can exploit?

This might be a good point to renegotiate a better deal with the elemental in that core. Can it offer anything other than a specialization for you? Could you convince it to fight for you until you get out of the underschool or to perhaps enchant some object with electrical power? You've certainly got the upper deal as either the elemental helps you or it will be the plaything of that Boss Werk for the rest of its life.

>>213879
This, but do the result 15 Restore Luck FIRST.

>>213842
Give her the dagger and tell her to be wary of it slicing through her. Then prepare some more magic missiles. The fight isn't over yet.

How do I shot Trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/30(Fri)05:09 No. 213924 ID: e31d52
File 128049174576.png - (141.23KB , 500x500 , 40.png )

>>213881
We can continue on. There's nothing blocking the far end of the tunnel, in fact. I'm not sure how long we have before the Boss circles around.

>What has Samantha's Teacher's Brooch got to say?

"It says that he's very very powerful... possibly beyond us. His armor is made of random magical bits and things, and the enchantments have sorta melted together until they've solidified."

"What does that mean?"

"I could hit him with my sword all I like, but unless it's magical, it won't do anything."

So that explains the effect of my magic missles.

"They say we should run." she says quietly. She's solidifying.

"I'm almost certain that if we run, there's a way out past here."

"How are you sure?"

"Well... he had to be collecting all those bits from somewhere. If my mental map is correct, the second area of the Artificer labs, the Arcane Armoury, should be ahead."

I charge a channeled Magic Missle, the power crackling in my fingers.

"Biri. Make me another offer."
Power. Enchantment. Work. Offer.

"The enchantment?"
THUNDER! Noise! Deaf!

"Not good... and your power offer remains?"
Yes!


So the question is... do we run?

Or do we fight?


>>Out of Depth monsters
>Some creatures you encounter will be beyond your abilities in straight combat. Remember, you can always run away!

>>213924
If you were both wellrested and prepared I would say go for it. As it is now, it's probably better to run away. That way you can return one day and curbstomp the fucker when you're more powerfull.

rolled 7 = 7

---

hmmm... pull the lever so the door opens, shoot him and then close it again! then charge, open, shoot, close again. will piss it the fuck off.

>>213924
Run away. Don't open the door again, it might be fast enough to run through, or get right up to the door so that when it opens it can just grab it to keep it open.

>>213924
Blow a small hole in the wall so you can aim at it, then pound away with Magic Missiles until long after it stops moving.

Because, c'mon, golem.

The sword won't do shit unless it's magical. Can we use the little zappy guy to enchant it?

>>213947

Biri wants to be freed, not tied to a sword.

Look, we can cast Magic Weapon on Samantha's weapon when we get it back.

Keep in mind that we just left all her armor and weapon. If we don't get it back quickly, it will likely be turned into a werk or integrated into the Boss Werk.

We may find a replacement in the armory, or we might not. But Samantha's brooch is right: we need to keep running. With the Boss Werk not far behind I think we can't spare the time to retrieve her gear. We'll have to scavenge.

Do we still have the Bracers of Illusory Armor, or were those left behind too?

>>213982
If we keep running, then everything that we do from now on will be on a time limit, because he's clearly capable of following us.

That said, if there is an arcane armory ahead, we might be able to acquire enough additional materials that we'd overcome him. Certainly, facing him now seems unlikely to work. If we do, we'd want to give Sam our knife and enchant it, then support with magic missiles. But that'd be a gamble.

Eh, I've no strong feelings either way.

How do I shot Trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/08/01(Sun)05:46 No. 214550 ID: e31d52
File 128066679879.png - (69.67KB , 500x500 , 41.png )

>>213934
>>213982
>>213925
>>Marcus

>Run away!

"We're running, Sam. We need to get moving."
"B-but my-"
I grab her hand, and look into her eyes as she returns to normal.
"I need you alive."
Her face flushes and she blinks, then nods quietly.

We run.

>>> Level Complete!!!
[cont]

How do I shot Trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/08/01(Sun)06:00 No. 214555 ID: e31d52
File 128066761220.png - (116.66KB , 500x500 , 42.png )

>Marcus has gained Experiance!
>Marcus has gained a level!
>Samantha has gained Experiance!

>>Marcus
>You may loosely specialize in one of the Schools of Magic, but not Luck.
>This specialization will grant a Boon, and Special Casting Costs, as described earlier in this thread.
>Level-up specialization changes are free, and do not count against the two-change limit!
>Max luck increased to 110. (roll d110 when casting)

>in case you forgot, the schools of magic are:

>Abjuration
>Arcana
>Magic that does not fall into any of the categories below.

>Divination
>Allows you to percieve things you normally cannot.

>Enchantment
>Changes how things behave magically. Enchants items, enhances mental attributes, etc. Also used for mind-affecting attacks, like Sleep.

>Evocation
>Channels raw elemental energy in a usually destructive manner.

>Illusion
>Changes how things seem or act.

>Necromancy
>Works with the spirits of the dead or the negative energy associated with death.

>Thaumaturgy
>Changing physical things. Repairing, physical empowerment, and changes to the body or some of the environment.

>Weavecraft
>Workings of time and space. Summoning, teleportation, and similar effects.

>>Vote for your specialisation here! Voting closes in three days, at which time this thread will be reported completed.

>>Go to the discussion thread ((http://quest.lv/kusaba/questdis/res/328400.html)) and vote for the perspective of the next thread! Voting closes in three days!

>>214555
>>Abjuration is magic which protects you from outside forces.

>>214555
Lets go with Evocation. Adventurers always need to do some heavy duty blasting.

As in love with necromancy as I am...

Weavecraft! We have a heavy duty fighter already. The tactical options provided to us by weavecraft are far too delicious to pass up!

Let's go with Necromancy.
Our "heavy" duty fighter showed already how useful she is. That is: not much. One strong enemy and she stopped being useful at all.
She's a meatshield. Nothing more, nothing less. We need to upgun a bit and what is more gun then an instantdeath spell?

I like the idea of Weavecraft if summoning is going to be available.

we can also pick: nothing.
i don't think we should specialize at all.

>>214652
>>I should note that Arcana is the school of gerneralization, as it offers NO PENALTIES to any other school!

>Alright, extending the voting period. Listing boons.

Special costs are listed in this order: Abj Arc Div Enc Evo Ill Nec Tha Wea

>Abjuration
> -25% -15% -15% --- +10% --- +30% +15% -10%
>You are consistently warded against most attacks, gaining a measure of protection against all damage.

>Arcana
>--- -25% -10% --- --- -10% --- --- -10%
>Arcana does not have any penalties to casting from any school.

>Divination
>--- -10% -25% --- +15% +10% --- --- ---
>The range of your divinations doubles, and it can pierce some illusions.

>Enchantment
>-15% +10% --- -25% +15% -10% --- -10% ---
>The chance enemies will resist your mental attacks is much much lower. Also, enchantments are permanent.

>Evocation
>-10% --- +20% +15% -25% +20% +15% -5% ---
>When channeling a spell, instead of using the spell's original cost, you only add the spell's level for each level of channeling. Furthermore, the potency of your damaging spells is doubled.

>Illusion
> --- -20% -10% -10% +25% -25% +15% +10% -15%
>You may add another component to your illusions. (Tactile, visible, etc)

>Necromancy
>+10% --- -15% +10% --- +20% -25% -15% ---
>The number of undead you can command doubles. Also, undead are nuetral to you and your party.


>Thaumaturgy
>-5% --- +10% -10% +10% +15% -15% -25% -5%
>You have magically conditioned your body and have more energy than others, meaning you tire slower. You are also more durable, and have more health.

>Weavecraft
> -15% -10% -10% +10% --- --- +15% +15% -25%
>You may control the destination of spells such as phase door and other teleportation spells. Also, their range doubles, and you cannot be harmed by teleportation. Further, you will never be afflicted by teleportitis, and you may take another person with you when you teleport any distance.

>>214671
Either Enchantment or Weavecraft. The benefits those offer are substantial and the penalties aren't too bad. The bonus from necromancy is pretty great, too, but it wouldn't be my choice.

Thaumaturgy and Weavecraft.

Evocation or Weavecraft.

Double damage for Magic Missile, plus channeling it costs 5 instead of 9? That's REALLY good.

Granted, a group controllable teleport is also very good.

weave-craft then.

>>214671
I'm gonna stick with Evocation. The amoung of asskicking we can deliver with that is rather high.

And then either weavecraft or enchantment for the next one.

I'd say generalize but the votes are completely against that. So, weavecraft.