Almost two weeks after your near-exploding incident, you find her frustrated within her workspace, her papers, and notes thrown everywhere and the corpse of the Crimson Cross prisoner with nothing but the skull left.

“I'm sorry Faefnir, I know it must have been risky bringing this on in, especially with how the Crimson's patrols have increased since their loss..” You hear her muttering from the corner of the church Basement..
“It's just not working... I was so happy when you brought this one to me as well... I was overjoyed that I'd be able to work on the brain of an actual mage... I'm sorry, we're going to need to clean it up.”

You remember how it had been when you took this one in... It was difficult, sneaking the thing in through cart covered with sacks of flower, and then with the fact that it had been a Sunday, with people staying with Pastor James even after Mass to have thir souls saved by god...
That demented man had said that his favorite part of the job was confession... To hear what sinful things people had been up to and thought a few words would absolve their souls of... What a laugh, he'd say...
He was the one that helped you check for talismans. With armor removed, the talismans were rooted out from his person and properly burned as to not accidentally trigger the unstable mana infused within.

At least the pastor was useful..
After all that trouble, the corpse is here, and dead... Morgan in the corner, nearly crying over the loss of an ideal specimen... How she must feel right now...

You touch the corpse and feel the cold of it creep through your fingers... its' been dead for some time, likely she failed last night and has been down here since, yet as you try to pull your hand away, the thing grabs you and gasps out a breath,”M-my... Head... Get.... Out....” The thing falls back onto the table, and you look at Morgan.
She doesn't look up at you,” It's a failure, it's no good for infiltration with its head like that, though it is similar enough to a noah that it can command Akuma and cast spells with Dark Energy instead of Mana, like us...” She grips her scalp, nearly pulling her hair out,” Grrr, why, why is this the only solution for extended control?! This is bloody awful! Hideous even!

>Morgan has created her first Skull...

If you'd like to give an action to that, go on ahead... I'll be writing up the portion of evening "activities" within these 2 weeks.

>>25999393
So we gained 230 exp, huh? From mundane kills and from the 3 guys we killed last time?

>>25999431
What about the gambling?

>>25999448
Wait, never mind the last part of that post. I misread what you said.

>>25999448

Indeed, though I should increase it a bit from the mundane kills. You received at least 200 for the Crimsons despite not directly mutilating them.

Based on Faefnir's typical hunting methods, I'll round off the exp to a nice 600 total...

Also to make up for my crass behavior in falling asleep while you're all expecting.

>>25999413
Start by comforting Morgan a bit, wrap an arm around her, and put our other hand on top of the hand gripping her scalp, we don't want her to pull out her hair, try to slowly loosen her grip.

"Morgan darling, I know it is not pretty, but calm yourself. You have accomplished so much here, more than most ever could, you simply don't see it. You do not see what you have because it was not what you intended to create.

You have discovered a way to match the Crimson Cross's mages, a way to create intelligent allies who can command Akuma, an ability that before was restricted to Noah and myself.

Morgan, from what I have gathered the greatest weakness of the Akuma, and by extension our cause, is the Level 1s, they have no creativity, they can be spotted by any who know the signs, they have no thought of planning or hiding themselves, they are weak enough that it does not even take an Exorcist, merely a Crimson Mage, in order to defeat them and stop them from growing. But what we have here is a method of solving this.

A group of fledgling Akuma under the direction of one of these creations would live for so much longer as they would be taught caution and be told what targets to attack and which to avoid, when to attack, how to hide the evidence of their murders. The spellcasters of the Crimsons would be countered by those equal to them and no longer could they rely on them to fight the Akuma. The Akuma can accomplish so much more with the aid of your creations instead of being snuffed out in their childhood. You can create families and warbands now with these creations of yours leading them and helping the Akuma grow.

And if they can cast spells could they not disguise themselves? Yes, there are flaws in your creation, but you can improve on them with time. You have made a wonder Morgan, and you may very well turn everything against the Crimson Order with them.

I suggest the name Harlequins for them and for them to be given masks to disguise themselves."

>>25999544
That last part does not seem very organic.

Why would Faefnir come up with that idea?

That isn't to say I don't support it, but I'd rather it be brought up at a point in the story where it would be relevant.

>>25999413
"put it in a jar, paint the outside with flours so you don't need to look at it.

>>25999580
I'm fine with putting off the naming of them, I just wanted to give them something to be called so we wouldn't constantly have to say "your creation" and people seemed to like the name Harlequin last thread, feel free to put off naming them until a better time.

>>25999544

If there are no other objections, I will go with this, however will take a roll for overall suavenes... primarily Morgan's reaction... Hmm.hmm..

Devil's luck is considered active, as per usual.

Rolled 46

>>25999634

Rolled 45

>>25999634
We get a bonus on suaveness with Morgan, correct? We've got a lot of personality and won her heart at least twice by this point.

Rolled 27

>>25999634

Rolled 70

>>25999634
Rolling for reacting.

Rolled 33

>>25999634
Rolling

Rolled 22

>>25999642
Ech.

>>25999661
I was too late.

Rolled 56

>>25999655
OH YES. This. Does Personality apply here?

>>25999655

Yes, and a definite bonus for that wonderful dialogue.

Also, would you gentlemen be opposed to a free quirk?

I'd like to add "Refined" to Faefnir as his speech has gotten very... gentlemanly.

if you'd like it under another name, let me know.
Can't exactly list it as noble as that would relate to something else, however he's had such good manners, I'd say it's deserving.

>>25999642
so we aren't very suave, but we aren't exactly off putting.

Rolled 96

>>25999692
Maybe change "Art" into "Cultured? Combine refinement with an appreciation for art, like you did for wrath and JUSTICE.

>>25999501
I think we should save until we get 100 more and upgrade Furnace Heart to 5/5, it's the basis of our combat and the cornerstone of our design.

>>25999716


Before anyone says anything, I don't think you want to devil's luck this. . .
Not after last time..

It's on the table though..

Rolled 68

>>25999725
That, or we can get Prestige Smoke Magic now.

I'm curious.

>>25999692
Cultured would work like >>25999716 said.

Refined also works. Other good words would be Urbane, Sophisticated, Civilized.

>>25999740
I thought it was only within the first 5 rolls?

>>25999740
Nope. No Devil's Luck, not right now.

>>25999773

Indeed.

Still making the point nonetheless. May want to hold off before the thing's breathing down your neck as someone had put it.

>>25999757
Sophisticated is a more....sophisticated word. Let's go with that.

>>25999798
A Gentleman and a Baker.

Also a Family man.

>>25999798

Also improving Baker quirk, and making "Sophisticated/Cultured" (2).

Will properly update once a title is agreed upon. Sophisticated is good, and Cultured.

>>25999827
/tg/'s got the gentleman again.. However he's more of a gentleman mage... Speed mage at that...

>>25999740
Could you give us an hint about the nature of our dark sponsor?
WIld mass guessing ahead

He may be related to the Noah, perhaps a traitor to the family that cannot reincarnate anymore.
He could also be the actual Noah, unsastified with the work of his disciples on Earth.
Last possibility is the devil himself.

>>25999942
In that case, he might be the 14th

>>25999942

That would simply spoil the surprise.. Your speculations however... they are interesting.

You approach Morgan carefully, inching around and away from the horrid thing groaning in pain upon the table.. the hollow, ghastly voice coming from that skull-like head.

Morgan looks up to you in the dimness of the light, her eyes sad. She's really beating herself up over this.

You kneel down beside her, feeling your trousers soak up something... sticky.. Is she curled up in blood?
You'll ignore that for now and change your trousers with haste after this..

You lay a hand upon Morgan's shoulder and let your other take her hair, running your fingers through her dark locks gently. Her eyes gleam amber at you with what seems like their own inner glow.
"Morgan darling, I know this thing is not pretty, but calm yourself. You have accomplished so much here, more than most ever could.. You simply don't see it. You do not see what you have because it was simply not what you intended."

Morgan's eyes avert themselves from yours and she seems to sneer,"It's no good, it won't work. This thing could never pass for human if placed under scrutiny.. They'll root it out as quickly as the level one demons.." She touches the hand you've placed in her hair and holds it to her cheek, staring into your eyes now with the slightest tear running down her cheek."Faefnir, my dear. I'm so sorry I wasted your precious gift.. I know this must have been hard for you to acquire.."

You shake your head slowly," Shh, shh... it's alright. Listen to me now, alright?"
She nods, stilling her tongue.

"You are brilliant. You have discovered a way to assimilate, and even match the Crimson Cross's mages. A way to create intelligent allies that can command akuma. An ability that before was restricted to Noah."

She stares at you, thoughts gleaming in her eyes, yet she allows you to continue.

>>26000007
Then let me ask this, did you actually plan ahead the identity of the dark entity?

>>26000002
Well, according to Wisely, there should only be 13 Noah, which make the 14th a bit of a mystery. Even more so as he is supposed to carry the memory of destruction.

>>26000045
She changes mood more often than I change underpants damn.

>>26000191
Well if you count Bondomu as one Noah instead of two then the count works out to 13.

>>26000191


I don't plan to make it reveal its identity until you're close to being able to bring it out into the world.

I believe that is also a rather fair hint, no? However that is currently a sub-plot, once we catch up, there'll be... events... to deal with.

Noah can tend to be rather moody. Imagine if you had a millenia old memory suddenly implanted into your brain that conflicted with your already established identity.

I can't exactly say I, myself would be sane..

"You know what is the greatest weakness of the Akuma? And by extension, our cause? The level ones. They have no creativity, and little humanity. They can be spotted by any that know the signs. They have no thought or planning or hiding themselves. They are also weak, enough so that it does not even take an Exorcist, merely a Crimson Mage, in order to defeat them and stop them from growing. But what we have here is a method of solving this."

She nods her head," And what would you jave in mind, dear Faefnir? You think these things could truly stand up against scrutiny or perhaps... Directing young Akuma?"

You nod, a chaintooth smile upon your face.
"Indeed Morgan. Imagine the fledgelings all growing under these masterminds. Small families, units, squads.. They'd be able to make it to level 2, perhaps even work together?"

Her eyes go wide and she starts smiling madly," It'll take some time to make enough.. And of course, I'll need... candidates.. Could I ask this of you Faefnir? I only have this one because of you after all.."

>[] I'm afraid that won't be possible..
>[] Certainly dearest Morgan..
>[] Why not have Jacqueline and Lisa obtain them?
>[] (Other)

>>26000322
What is she asking for?

Is she asking us to go on a recruitment drive? We're great at that. And now we have a reason to convert our buxom bakery boss. I mean. Not that we didn't have a reason already. But. This just makes it more important.

>>26000322
we will of course try our best. we do have our eyes on that gypsy camp.

>>26000322
"Of course, but my dear Morgan, I am a busy demon, while I will try by best it would be a good idea to put others on the job as well, as we can't have your progress slowed from... lack of materials. Perhaps ask Jacqueline and Lisa, they preformed well last time."

>>26000371
A joint venture.

We could also bake some bread which they could distribute to grievers.

>>26000280
So basically, if we know what we were dealing with, we probably would stop using its power. Interesting. Whatever it is, its not our ally and probably not the Doctor's ally.

From the looks of it, it can directly affect Akumas.


I don't think any of us is sane dear duke.
>>26000322
>[x] Certainly dearest Morgan..
Lets also ask her about how to identify humans with the potential to become a skull.

>>26000322
>>26000371
>>26000380
These. Share our ability to make humans feel despair with the two sisters. As nuns, they are in a perfect position to distribute the bread.

>>26000322
Give her a smooch.

"I'll do what I can dearest Morgan, I may be busy but I can happily spare time for this. You deserve nothing less. You may wish to task Jacqueline and Lisa work toward this as well.

A few questions darling, if you do not know the answers do research them, I think they are important. What are the requirements to do this to someone? Must they be a mage or possess the gift to be one or will others do? Will it remember its life before the change? Is there a good way to spot a likely candidate without having to go after one of the Crimson Mages? Would one of these creations be able to create another like it allowing them to spread themselves instead of forcing you to make all of them?"

>>26000352

She's indeed asking for more people she can turn into Skulls, rather than Akuma.

So, not grievers... however you do have an inkling that it requires people of a special.. kind to change.. she mentioned the conversion of their inherent mana...

>>26000437

>You need mages.

That last question is a very appropriate one.

>>26000504
Well if Morgan can work out how to make them self-replicating than instead of Morgan churning them out alone it becomes an exponential process, the more of them there are the more people with potential they can find and convert.

I know that Skulls do make Skulls in the Manga, but we want to push her towards working that out.

>>26000504
Alright then. We can take on this responsibility ourselves.

We were already trying to do it with the gypsies anyway.

And the Crimson already know about the Akuma preying the surrounding villages, so we can attack them now.

Better make sure to ask for assistance from the 2 nuns. More level 2's assisting is always appreciated.

>>26000437

Also, do you really want to give her a kiss?

>>26000557

Indeed, they do know about the Akuma now...

>>26000576
Well I'm all for kissing, but I wrote that in the first place so I'm rather biased.

>>26000576
We can kiss her hand.

Be gentlemen.

>>26000629
yes this

>>26000666
thirding

>>26000629
Fourthing

>>26000576
Dearest Duke, a question that I doubt you will answer, but nonetheless: Have you considered the consequence of a Noah soul powered Akuma? Just a' wondering.

>>26000786
powered by the good deeds it does?

>>26000786
well, technically, all humans are descendants of Noah. and you can't just call a Noah's soul back, because it goes back into its reincarnation cycle

>>26000786
This was actually my first theory about why Faefnir was different from the bunch.

What if Claire wasn't killed for her little baked treasures but because an hobo saw a stygma appear on her forehead and freaked out?

You withdraw from Morgan and place a single chaste kiss upon her hand, creating a smile upon her face," Faefnir you are always the gentleman with me aren't you?"
"I know not what you speak of my lady, it is only the proper thing to do.. And about the candidates... you had spoken of latent mana, yes?"

The Noah nods as she rises from her curled up position, taking a rather regal posture despite the bloodstains upon her skirts."Indeed, I require those that can tamper with mana.. Mages.. Much like those of the crimson.. I find it to be a suitable irony to convert those hounds of God."

The... creature upon the table groans out in pain," Yo...u... dem...on... witch... Go.... Go..."

Morgan grimaces at the creature," A control issue... to be fixed..." Morgan withdraws her hand from your grasp and weaves small, complex arcane symbols upon the air with a chant.. no.. a mantra,
" Eit Siht Eno,
D-nib Ti To Li-Iw.
Erves Em Rof Efil!"

The chant is done and the thing is bound in place by talismans forged of dark magic radiating a purple glow.

Before you have a chance to comment, she answers," In my time bound by them, I found the concept interesting.. It works out, a fantastic medium."

The Thing rises slowly from the table, giving you cause for alarm, yet it bows humbly before Morgan," Madame, your first wish?"

She simply smiles,"Idle, and await further instruction."

The thing rises, and says nothing more.

"Interesting.. So, Morgan... Where were we? Ah, yes.. I will of course assist you.. I've already gotten my eyes upon a particular group of gypsies... and as for the Crimson, they are aware that people are dying.. they have not yet closed in on us, however they are certainly on alert.. This would be the time to take them.."

Morgan gives you a nod, and a sweet smile," You scarcely disappoint Faefnir.. though I would like to be certain they are all culled at once, to be sure that they do not mount a proper retaliation."
"What would you suggest?

>>26000914
Backwards speak. The go to language for magical incantations.

"The Lady Florin's Funeral... It should have nearly every Crimson Mage on guard for the event... they could all be taken..."

>What would you make of this?

>The propogation of these... creatures is still queued as a question.

>>26000933

Beats looking up obscure japanese/chinese/latin

>>26000937
When does the funeral take place?

We've got prep work we gotta do and time is an important factor. And I still wanna convert the bakery boss.

Also, didn't we go to Florin to look for a Noah?

>>26000978

Florin was a place to get away from The Asher, and allow Morgan a place to do her work..

Along with a population center for the family to churn out their kills.

>>26000978
I think we went to hide out somewhere and later as a place to give Morgan a proper fire, but times have changed and it is now a place of experimentation.

>>26000996
Wait, so Florin wasn't one of the places the Duke listed where possible Noah could show up?

>>26000937
>>26000914
If we hit the funeral, yes, we have the element of surprise. Yes, they'll all be together. But that's the problem. They are all together. We will have to go all in for that assault and not take them out one at a time.

But if we already have Skull infiltrators and Akuma amongst the guard, so when the attack happens, the mages will turn to face us and be stabbed in the back.

On the whole, good idea, but needs refinement.

>>26001049
This is true.

We'll need to set up traps.

Which Pastor James can help us with.

>>26000914
Well dearest lady Morgan, we could take out more than the order. We could take out this whole town once we are done with it. If we poison the river's source a bit upstream, the whole region will become a desolate wasteland.

>>26000937
"Risky, but quite rewarding should we manage it. The advantage of getting all of them is matched by there being all of them to oppose us.

Our truest advantage is that we can prepare in this case. I hope that it shall be carried out by our Priest and her body buried within the mausoleum or in this graveyard. That would make it much easier.

How much time do we have until the funeral? Perhaps we'll be able to have more of these creations by that time, we can hide them within coffins and graves until they are needed, and use them against the Mages.

Myself, my Family, and Jacqueline and Lisa can be disguised among the ceremony, perhaps Jacqueline's poison will be of use in weakening them beforehand as part of refreshments, Armbrust is part of the guard and will be amongst them, if it is indoors I can fill it with choking smoke and ash to interfere with them, Schwere can crush them and render them helpless, and the list of things we can do goes on. But we must have this planned out and make sure there aren't any surprises. It would take but one Exorcist to radically alter what we expected to face.

Must the mages be alive for you to transform them? It is far easier to kill them than restrain them."

>>26001199
They HAVE to be alive. Which makes Jacqueline important.

>>26001199
>"Risky, but quite rewarding should we manage it. The advantage of getting all of them is matched by there being all of them to oppose us.
"It is a most rewarding gamble, is it not?"
>Our truest advantage is that we can prepare in this case. I hope that it shall be carried out by our Priest and her body buried within the mausoleum or in this graveyard. That would make it much easier.
"From what I have heard thus far, it is likely that the service will be done by the lakeside.. For sentimental reasons.."

>How much time do we have until the funeral? Perhaps we'll be able to have more of these creations by that time, we can hide them within coffins and graves until they are needed, and use them against the Mages.

"We will have around a week from now to prepare.. I will only be able to make as many as qualifying humans you can bring me.. not just anyone will do after all..
>Myself, my Family, and Jacqueline and Lisa can be disguised among the ceremony, perhaps Jacqueline's poison will be of use in weakening them beforehand as part of refreshments, Armbrust is part of the guard and will be amongst them, if it is indoors I can fill it with choking smoke and ash to interfere with them, Schwere can crush them and render them helpless, and the list of things we can do goes on. But we must have this planned out and make sure there aren't any surprises. It would take but one Exorcist to radically alter what we expected to face.
"Indeed, we will be able to find out more in the days to come, however we should not let such an opportunity pass.. If there is indeed an exorcist, I have mastered my power well enough that I should be able to counter them myself.. I may be able to request the aid of the fourth Noah.."

>Must the mages be alive for you to transform them? It is far easier to kill them than restrain them."
A curt nod from the woman," Indeed, mana drains from the body rapidly upon death.. And nothing can truly bring the dead back from life.. this just converts how they... 'live."

>>26001352
The Pity?

Cool.

>>26001244
I wonder... what color is Jacqueline's paralyzer?

>>26001352
Will the Lady Morgan be joining us for this event? Her assistance would definitely be a great boon.

>>26001386
Whatever color it is, it can probably be hidden in cheap red wine, soups or even pudding.

A nice baked poisonous pudding.

>>26001362
Hmm. Ask if there are any good ways for us to know if someone not in the order is transformable without bringing them to her. Otherwise we get a ran dome sampling which won't net her much.

>>26001461

Aside from being a mage, she knows not of any other identifier.

Crimson Crosses mark those of the Crimson order that can use magic.

>>26001396

Yes.

This event is now done... Proceeding to the evening activities...

>Bonding with Schwere.
>Bonding with Gypsis
>Stealing away Gypsies...

Hehe.. You'll have time to plan properly for the Funeral, you need not worry..

There... WILL be complications...

>>26001479
How convenient.

>>26001431
I suggest we try to spike the wine, the "blood of christ", hopefully it takes a while to take effect.

>>26001479
Then we could bring her the gypsie tribe for research purposes.

In the manga, most skulls were simply researchers and scholars.

Over the weeks, you'd taken a real shine to Schwere, much to Madeleine's chagrin when the two of you return to The Lady's Rest together. You had gone out of your way to set up a private gambling table in which you gambled funds back and forth between yourself and Schwere, giving her pointers, and tips here and there.
She seemed to really appreciate the constructive criticism, however when it came to the guilty look that she has on her face when asked about her cards..
“What.. are you talking about, my face?” He brows are a bit furrowed..
You take a card and roll your hand in the air, grasping for words,” It's just... Okay.. Try this.”
You lean over the table in the tavern you've picked for the evening,” Hey Schwere, Have you... got any good cards? A pair? Three of a kind?”
Her brow furrows at that and her face flushes,” N-no. I don't have anything quite like that.”
“Well, that's good, I'll raise you then.”
Her mouth frowns a little bit at that,' R-really? You're raising? You must have a good hand then, right?”
Your face is a mask,” Nope. Not at all.”
Schwere furrows her brow again, staring at you intently,” Lying, you're lying.”
“You can see through a bluff. But you suck at making one. Will you see me or fold?” You give her a disarming smile, yet she scrutinizes you regardless,” I'm going to lose again, aren't I?”
“I wouldn't be raising unless I was.” You give her a chuckle, and she folds.
“Alright, what cards did you have? Let me see...” Schwere waits upon you, and you reveal a hand with no matching cards.
With her mouth slightly agape, she reveals three kings that would've stomped your shitty hand. “You said I could see through a bluff..”
With a shrug and a coy smile,”That, my dear Schwere... Was a bluff.”
Her eyes gleam with this understanding,” I see.. I see.. Teach me more!”
With a shuffle of the cards, you deal,” You have a lot to learn...”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
You had decided to keep from taking Schwere to the gypsy camp, she'd be costing you your paycheck with how much Fonso and Boiko cheat.
Bo though.. not so much.

You had noted that from prior encounters with these young men, that Fonso seemed to like you the least. Bo was always the first to run up to you, likely at the smell of your money or for the fact that you were a stranger willing to part with it.. And Boiko seemed primarily watching Bo, with Fonso watching the two of them.

You note that Fonso seems to keep a red cloth around his hand, even while playing cards.. quite well wrapped at that, giving nod to the fact that it's done regularly.
“Say, Fonso, right?” Hearing Rickton Asher's voice coming from your mouth will never stop being unsettling to you..
The eldest of the three doesn't look at you as he focuses on his cards,” What is it, stranger? You ready to fold?”
You chuckle at that, the hell you are. Four of a kind aces! Then again, this deck seems to have at least seven of them...” Why do you tie your hand? I've seen it tied since we've met.. Hurt or something?”

Fonso tenses, and the other two look at him, obviously hiding something,” I raise you by ten copper.”
Nonchalantly,” I raise by twenty.”
“Met, you must have confidence in your hand.”
“Not so much as you seem to have in yours.”

Roll 1d100...

Anything you'd like to say to the man?

>>26001497
Of course.

>>26001511

It is now that you realize that neither Lisa, nor Jacqueline have showed you their actual Akuma forms...

Rolled 34

>>26001531
Rollin'.

>>26001497
lets make sure we hide small pots of out highly flammable blood/oil all around the battle sight hell bury some large ones to make huge fire pits to herd the people into better kill zones.

>>26001531
With Personality, the number to beat is....35, right?

Rolled 54

>>26001497
do we have to roll?
>>26001531
yes we do now

Rolled 23

>>26001531
"You know for being such good poker players you don't have the best poker faces. By acting like that you're just making me curious as to what's on his hand."

Rolled 41

>>26001531
lets hope win the hand

>>26001550
I'm sure we will see at the funeral.

>>26001570

The roll is more for whether he's gt a better hand than you, or if you'd like to try to cheat...

If you'd like to say anything particular to him... I'll go purely by the content of the dialogue.

Rolled 47

>>26001531
for the good of money

File: 1373778860427.jpg-(8 KB, 375x109, 9_08_10_2011_03_35_48.jpg)

8 KB JPG

>>26001606

Yes... Yes you will..

>>26001579

Not bad...
Especially with Devil's luck bonus..

Rolled 28

>>26001531
So why do you hide your hand behind that cloth. Also subtly cheat while asking about this.

>>26001531
We've found our apostate, haven't we?

>>26001531
"What, is that red cloth there to hide the fact that you're keeping cards under it? Come on, the aces have to come from somewhere."

Rolled 29

>>26001607
Who's up for some buntastic backing puns to anger and destabilize him?

"there is a baker dozen in my hand!"
"The woman of your tribe bake some tasty buns"
"I'd put a bun in her oven"
"Have you heard of the baguette? I could show it to the woman of your tribe."

Rolled 57

>>26001678
this sounds good

He shows his hand and you can't help but smile at him.
He's got a flush of spades..
You reveal your for of a kind," I'm sorry, it seems I've won again." You sweep the coins to your side of the barrel with a slimy smile. THe gypsies seem to be a bit upset by the loss, though nonetheless take it in stride.
Fonso deals.
"Say, is that cloth there to hide cards? I could've sworn that I say an Ace in your flush, and I had four aces of every color, what do you make of that?"
The tanned man stares at you, his headwrap moving about in the cold wind," How about this, if you're really so curious... wager me a gold piece and if you win, I'll show you..

Oh, now he's certain to cheat.. hell, he even dodged the question.

Yet, the two other brothers tug at him at that," Fonso, are you seriously going to show him that? Why would you do that?"
The Eldest brushes them off," We're hurting you know, and a little secret is nothing compared to the two of you have enough money for food."

The two younger ones go quiet. Only you and Fonso take hands this time...

>A gold piece is a lot, two weeks of unspent wage from the bakery... You happen to have one from your previous murders... However if you lost it here...

>Wager it.
>Don't take it. Let the question die.

>>26001847
Wager and cheat better than him. Cheat like a motherfucker. Pull out the cards we had hidden up our mechanical demonic sleeve.

>>26001847
Definitely the apostate.

Let's take the wager, gentlemen? We don't actually need the money. I mean. Not to support ourselves, anyway.

>>26001847
>>Wager it.

Rolled 35

>>26001847
>Wager it.
It's not like we need the money for anything else.

I still insist on using baking puns however. Lets see of what kind of dough he's made of.

You put the coin on the table and the three men's eyes go wide.

Likely, they didn't believe you'd actually do it..

The cards are dealt and...

You've got a shitty hand without any matches... Go figure, it's nothing new, you'll need to improve it..

>[] Rely on your uncanny luck and personality for picking up cards.
>[] Bluff him into folding.
>[]Cheat..
>[] (Other)

>>26001847
i'd say wager it and if we win give it to them anyeay

>>26001954

Also, roll 1d100.

Rolled 22

>>26001954
>Cheat

We can use our AGILITY to help us out.

Rolled 98

>>26001954
>[x] Bluff him into folding.
>[x]Cheat..
Combination of both.

Rolled 11

>>26001964
Rely on our uncanny luck and personality as well as our mass ability to cheat with the Devils Luck

Rolled 79

>>26001964
Cheat, I say. USE OUR AGILITY

Rolled 74

>>26001954
Well we'll hope the cards come to us from our luck, but we can't rely just on that, we need to cheat some as well.

>>26001992
Oh motherbaking crap.

Is devils luck on?

Rolled 61

>>26001992
Huh.

>>26002011
Yes, yes it is.

Honestly I'm curious enough to let the Dark Presence get closer.

>>26001992
curses... I don't want to risk it.

Rolled 39

>>26002011
It is.

LET'S BRING THE DARKNESS CLOSER TO US. That's totally going to be one of the complications, isn't it Duke?

Rolled 1

>>26001954
are we are of a dark feeling every time happens

Rolled 50

>>26002079
aware because if so pray to the darkness for we shall light up all darkness with fire

>>26002031
>>26002021
can we not. please. lets not make a dumb decision.

>>26002031
Complications are like the little sesame seeds on breadroll. Tasty.

Lets partake in the darkness.

Activating devil's luck.. To win a hand in cards...

Yes
or
No?

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>>26002134
no. no. NO

>>26002134
No

Rolled 90

>>26002134
Heh, I was just joking. Nah.

>>26002134
Yes.

DO I have to say more? If I say more there will be baking puns.

Rolled 61

>>26002134
yes

>>26002134
I know it's a terrible idea, but I'm so damn curious, it might get us stuff on the Gypsy mage situation.

>>26002134
yes to curious not to

Rolled 32

>>26002191
It's fine. This is just a card game. Losing it, even with a crit, won't do us much harm at all (compared to losing it normally).

And, from the dialogue of the gypsies, we've got some reason to suspect them of hiding a secret that ISN'T cheating. So we have a reason to investigate him.

>>26002221

As a note, this event IS occurring from a successful roll prior for the "bonding." This means that the outcome will be positive overall.

>>26002240
so yeah, even if we don't win, I bet he'll be like "Ah hell, you seem nice enough. here, let me show you." or something like that

>>26002134
I have an idea! Why not "lose" on purpose? Flip the table so they won't know what hand you really had, toss them the gold, then feed them some bs about how their sob story tugged at your heartstrings.

Perfect for getting them to trust us more.

>>26002240
SO even if we critfail, there will be a positive outcome?

I change my vote from >>26002185
to no.

>>26002256
Be a good sport, yes. Don't act like losing that much money is no big deal for us, since that would make us look snobby.

Our roll for bonding with the gypsies was good, anyway.

>>26002291
yes so let's not invite dark forces to help us win a children's card game.

do you want to go to the shadow realm?

>>26001896
maybe a innocence, and doesnt want to be taken away from his family becase of it

>>26002339
.... oh fuck, you might be right.

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>>26002327
The dark entity is actually...

>>26002365
just as long as we dont flip if we see it, gotta say cool.

>>26002375

To be fair, You ARE in England...

You determine to cheat and rely on your overall luck for the pickup.. however it's your greatest misfortune that he seems content with not dropping any cards..
And none of your cheating cards are even a damn match.
You wear what you can of your poker face with that hard-earned money on the line... However it begins to crumble near the end, sweat tracing your brow even as the cold wind chills your brow despite a nearby fire providing warmth.

You finally try your best at bluffing him," Right then, so.. are we ready to reveal? Must say, it's starting to look like I'm going to see what's under that cloth..."
Fonso is unphased, likely because he knows the cards he's dealt you..." No, it seems that we'll be having a gold coin. Really, I'm surprised that you're so curious... Say... Are you with the church?"

>[] Yes.
>[] No.
>[] Maybe.
>[] Why would you ask that?

>You're about to lose, nothing you can do about that..

>>26002425
[X] Yes.

Former Knight kicked out for unscrupulous behavior.

>>26002453
This

>>26002425
no, "well I attend service now and again "

>>26002425
"Personally, no. I know some people in it, but I'm not affiliated with them."

>>26002425
>[x] No.

Well, I used to be before I rebelled against the inhumane way the church treated people, especially its own.

So it's pretty much certain than he's either a mage or he has innocence under that bandage.

>>26002425
>Say... Are you with the church?"
of a sorts yes, but i always work to keep private affairs such as this seperate

>>26002453
I like this lie.

But modify it a little.

Say we were apprenticed under a knight, but we were kicked out for "unscrupulous" behavior. Makes us seem irreverent.

>>26002453
this. so we're kinda bitter with the church. say some blasphemous things

>>26002453
If they want the Church's help though we may want to imply that we might still know a guy or two on the inside.

>>26002569
dude. they are gypsies. they don't want ANYONES help

>>26002425
I think we may have the wielder of Crown clown on our hands. He share some superficial ressemblance to Alan Walker and he hide his hand in a similar way.

>>26002631

For the record, an incarnation of Crown Clown may show up... but no one's guessed what's going on with Fonso yet!

>>26002645
Damn. Not an apostate. Not an innocence wielder. What IS he, damnit.

>>26002645
Possibly an Akuma curse, possibly some sign of magic.

>>26002663
when did ether get ruled out?

>>26002645
Could be a run away. Like. He's got a mark. So maybe a former member of the Crimson? That, or a slave? It has to be related to the church, anyway.

>>26002727
Duke said no one has guessed it so far, which basically translates to people not being close.

>>26002663
He could be infected with some disease.

The church is likely to deal pretty harshly with a diseased individual to prevent contamination.

>>26002727
Not an innocence, not apostate, not a mage.

>>26002746
sorry didn't see that earlier, but at least its not the worse case (so far as we know).

"Well, I was with them for a bit.. Squired under a knight or two.. but they kicked me out for unscrupulous behavior as they would have it. Bleeding sods, I was more than half the knight my master was at that.. Got no love for 'em blokes,otherwise, why would I be wagering a month's earnings with fellows like you? Bah, look at that, got me talk'n..: You scratch your head and ruffle your hair a little bit, breathing out warm breath," Long story short, I've got some friends with them, but really only for an odd hand or two a week. They're really not as colorful as you fellows, God-blowing wankers if you ask me... Hell, call me a heathen. Least I'll die happy, Am I right?"
You wait for a response and Fonso curls his lips into something of a smile, first time you've seen him really do that. "Not often you hear about someone speak ill of the church and their... trappings..."
He chuckles at that,"No need to show me your hand, I know it's shit. I've got another flush. You really shouldn't let a gypsy deal you when the stakes are high."

You smirk at that, yeah, go figure, right?

He snatches up the coin and rolls it between the fingers upon his left hand, the one that does not bear the red cloth.

"You've given this coin to me... I'll pay your curiosity in kind.. I don't know what it means to you... but..." He grips the cloth and unfastens a tightly knotted part of it...

There, you see a pentacle shaped scar with lines that seem to travel all the way up his arm, glowing faintly.

"I've had this for a long time.. I received it when our father died.." The eldest brother speaks with a cold manner in his voice...
The other brothers glare at you.
"If you rat out our brother, we'll stab you while you sleep..." Bo mutters under breath, only to be elbowed by Boiko.
"Don't you get like that Bo..." Boiko looks to you, maintaining eye contact," We've had people of the church want to take him before..

>>26002825
So akuma curse. Odd place for it... I wonder what it does.
Not enough to poke it though.

This is a thank you for the piece... But if you rat him out, we'll find a way to disappear and lay our own curse upon you..

>This is... intriguing... likely Morgan would like to see this... Though they'd be hard pressed to go to the church willingly..

> Bring Morgan here in a few days..
> Proceed with abducting them.
> Leave them be..
> (Other)

>>26002825
We can tell him God's honest truth that we won't sell him out to the church or anyone allied with or working with the church.

>>26002865
>> Proceed with abducting them.

>>26002865
We can leave them be for now.

They've hidden this long, they won't be getting found out any time soon.

However....if they're willing to reveal this to us, we can recommend to them to someone who....specializes in this work....and who isn't a part of the church....I am of course referring to Morgan.

We could say we can bring in this specialist to examine his mark, if he wants to figure out what it is and why the church wants him.

>>26002865
>(Other)

Say, would you be interested in getting rid of this curse? I know a certain individual that has a lot of knowledge in that domain and may be able to help you, for a price of course, but not in gold.

>>26002865
Have them follow us willingly.

"Actually, I know someone who ought to be able to help with that.

She's not part of the church, but she's knowledgeable in such fields. I didn't bring her up earlier because she enjoys her privacy, but I think she can tell you what it is and why the church is after you."

>>26002865
>Abduct

Not right now though. Wait until night fall.

>>26002919
Addendum: By revealing we know an apostate, we can return them the trust they showed us.

And say that we'll bring the apostate if he'll pay us back...half the money he just earned from us.

>>26002948
Why would we do that? Lets ask them to help us kidnap townpeople. The gypsies get a potential test subject into gambling debts, they use said debts to lure him out and we catch him.

>>26002996
What....you're making no sense.

One says to tell them the truth, that you won't sell them out to the church...

3 say abduct... 3 say to get Morgan involved...

What'll it be?

>>26003045
Abducting them might cause a fuss, but if they come peacefully of their own volition it's much less suspicious.

>>26003045
Combine telling them the truth and getting Morgan involved as someone who can help them and whose services we'd be willing to bring in to get back some of the money we lost.

>>26003045
get morgan involved

>>26003045
tell them we won't rat them out and will keep an ear out for anyone who can help
bring morgan later

It's with an approving look that you scan over the pentacled hand once more, truly unsure of what it could really mean... though you certainly feel the influence of a demon at work..

"You don't need to worry much about me rattings out to those damn knights. Can't think of why they'd be interested in this whole thing, for certain... Though I'll tell you.. If you're willing to split me back some of that gold coin, I'll bring in a special lady that could tell you more about that little... mark.. of yours.." You smile, a toothy one of a jackass that's just had a couple of drinks and a brilliant idea... Yes.. yes... you channel the Rickton Asher.."

Fonso looks at his brothers, with a scratch of his chin." I'll deal again, we'll discuss over cards..."

You nod," Right. but I'll be dealing this time.."

>End of gypsy event... apologies for being late tonight.. The normal flow of time will resume Tuesday!

>I'll also be doing Timeskips in a much less... choppy fashion in the future... though I rather like that it's giving you little details and semblance of what's happenend within the two weeks...

>Regardless, doesn't feel like a proper timeskip.

>Resuming this Tuesday at 1800! See you gentleman then!

>>26003201
See you then Duke.

>>26003201
>can't wait for our night events so we can experiment with oven

>>26003201
A good time to end this.

>>26003069
this

>>26003201
Have a good one Duke.

Anyone know when the next chapter if D.Gray man will come out?

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/25999393/

Archived, folks.

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>>26003277

It's typically by the month.. Rather depressing if I do say so myself..

Honestly though.. The manga has managed to have some fairly interesting character developments, what with Kanda, and Allen's awakening.. It also strikes me that the Noah seem far more... human as the series progresses.. anyone else get that vibe?

>>26003295
Ah, thank you kindly!

>>26003346
Oh hey, Duke, what happened to your twitter?

>>26003346
>It also strikes me that the Noah seem far more... human as the series progresses
True. Feels like the author is setting them up to be more sympathetic while changing the Church and the Order into something more....sinister.

>>26003346
I believe they are show in a more human way because there is a even bigger threat lurking somewhere. Heck they saved Allen in the recent chapters.

Just look at Apocryphos and the 14th noah.

>>26003346
well to be fair, the Noah are human. they are those left from when God first lost faith in humanity and tried to cleanse to world to start anew. i see them not so much as monsters but those that god created and got rid of, his children that he raised above all else only to grow bored and replace them with new ones

On another note, with monthly mangas being mentioned... I had also thought of doing a Claymore Quest as opposed to this, though I felt that it wouldn't have quite the same penchant for unnecessary violence...

Of course, I would've given the option to create a male claymore, altered the timeline, perhaps even put it after the actual manga as it is...

THen again, those sorts of things are only relevant if you're familiar with the source material..

Hmm.. I wonder if I could've pulled that off as well as I've done here.

>>26003390
Something happened to it?

Hmm, I DID change the username to Akuma Quest.

>>26003413
I've gotten that exact feeling! I had been wondering for quite a long time exactly why it was called D-Grayman when the character seemed to be far more interested in the "White." Only in the manga dies he dip into the "Black" and the truly gray area..
>>26003430
Well said. Apocryphos is a very horrible thing. . .
>>26003456
Indeed, and it's an important note to make.. With their "tragic" backstory that's been interwoven into my own telling, I wonder if they don't truly seem like those in the "right" in this whole war..

>>26003490
Ah, yes, found it.

https://twitter.com/Akuma_Quest

>>26003490
>Claymore Quest
this would be awesome

>>26003490
That would be an awesome idea, Duke,, depending on whether or not we play from the Claymore's side or that of the Awakened.

>>26003522

I'm only running one quest at a time. It would be a pity to divide my attention when you're all so invested in Faefnir's story.

However, for Claymore Quest, I could see it being set with the first batch of warriors, perhaps using a similar sheet for powers, experience gained through difficulties, tracking down enemies... though the enemies would likely be different if I chose an alternate point in the timeline...

Awakened beings of course, would need to be absolutely horrifying to deal with..

And of course, it wouldn't end if you.. JUST happened to awaken...

>>26003490
>I've gotten that exact feeling! I had been wondering for quite a long time
>>26003413
I think its more while the church has presented humanity with the whole We are White, We Are Good while in truth the actions needed to fight the Earl have been very dark and in some cases sinister (2nd exorcists, the experiments to force innocence into people making Fallen ones, creating the illusion of stable government/military while the church is the true control/forces answer to the church without question)
>when you set out to clean a mess, sometimes you can't help but become dirty in the process

>>26003490
Well from all likelihood both the Noah and the exorcists are actually the remnant of two ancient warring civilizations.

For all the bad deeds done by the Noah, the black order isn't any better really. They only got better PR. The order has absolutly no respect for human dignity, like the Noah.

>>26003573
We could start on the side of the Claymore and see were our adventures lead us.

>>26003585
of course, I'd never ask our Duke to divide himself thus. but sometime in the future I would support this quest wholeheartedly.

>>26003490
>Indeed, and it's an important note to make.. With their "tragic" backstory that's been interwoven into my own telling, I wonder if they don't truly seem like those in the "right" in this whole war..
it's just as we first told Lady Morgan, "they know not what they do." they've been bred to see God as the force of good, while forgetting that it was God himself that tried to dispose of humanity in the first place. what truly determines Sin when you've only been given half the story Good Doctor

>>26003585
So hey, Duke, you were saying you were going to increase the amount of exp we got from the timeskip? So from 460 exp, where are we now?

>>26003610

Seems that Yin yang and the principles of the Tao are inherently involved with the setting...

In the presence of one extreme, you are more likely to find it display the opposite..

The noah are just as lilely to kill a man because they're moody, as they are to give a child a piece of candy and tell them to get back to their friends...

The Black Order is just as likely to Kill Akuma for the sanctity of human life and the fight for humanity as they are to breach those ideals and engage in human experimentation...

>>26003699
Quite true, though it would be far too difficlt to convince so many... what with the kind of monster you are..

>>26003714

600 is your current total. apologies, I had not pressed submit for my alteration.

>Art has become Sophisticated(2)

>Need to update the flavor text.

>>26003573

Would you prefer a blatant "Offense or defense," "What's your unique application of power?" type of chargen....

Or....

Seemingly insignificant questions that would add up into something else entirely? Hmm?

The latter seems for fun.. Perhaps just a basic character, and take them through the torture of the ... surgery..

>>26003810
The latter does seem more fun, but do take into account any clever ideas have for powers along the way.

>>26003757
You know, there is only one thing that annoys me in the manga.

What motivates the Noah exactly? What do they want to do once they destroy the heart?

>>26003757
I had an evil idea, buy pure fluid for our blood oil to make it clear and buy subtlety to give it the symptom of paralysis(or something along those lines), at the funeral we fly above everyone and make our oil "rain" on everyone freezing them in place when our oil infects them

>>26003854

The Noah are led by Adam.

Adam wants to destroy the heart to destroy all innocence..
Innocence is a weapon given by god...

Snakes and apples... Snakes and Apples.

>>26003854
the heart destroys all other innocence, war is won

>>26003849

Ohhh, of course. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Why else would Faefnir have chainsaw teeth?

Hmm.. you could've gotten projectile jaws as well..

>>26003854
>>26003894
To be clear, destroying the heart destroys all the other Innocence.

As for WHY the Earl wages his war.....he uses the phrase "cursed god", doesn't he? And as we saw with Apocryphos and the times where Innocence turned their Accomodators into Fallen Ones because they ran away from a battle...

>>26003894
That doesn't explain what their endgame is.

What will they do if they win the war? They must have a higher goal.

>>26003888
God? What kind of god would sacrifice the world in an effort to save it from the Noah?

I say we upgrade Devil's maw 300 and Backup chains 300, our main weapon has been very neglected. or Gravity for 200 and Leadership for 400

>>26003914
We definitely need to up our Strength, at least once to Level 3.

Then we can rely on our bread to act as steroids.

Which reminds me, Duke. How long can our bread stay fresh?

>>26003946
>what kind of god would care about all the soldiers thrown against the Noah in his name, when we already know he can just replace them

>>26003967
Upgrade Strength and our Chainsaw Maw. Strength is important for us to be able to make the best use of our weapon.

Alternatively, we could get Prestige Smoke Magic. It would be useful for disabling the Crimson (suffocation is always a great method of subduing someone and, combined with Jacqueline's poison, it would be doubly effective).

>>26003967
I'm for waiting for 100 more XP and putting it into Furnace Heart, it's the cornerstone of who we are.

>>26004007
With high enough furnace heart and devil's luck, you know what we'll be able to do.

>>26003967
our bread saved us against the Asher, but our maw got fucked to hell, i can agree to either of these. gravi would help against the armored crimson cross and leadership would make ALL akuma obey us

>>26004007
True. And it'd give our level 1 recipes a +3 bonus. So we could get an effective Strength and Durability level of 5. Which, combined with our level 4 Agility....would make us pretty freaking dangerous.

>>26003201
>we should lure the gypsies to the church with our "delicious" fruitcake.

>>26004099
>agility is lvl 5, str 2 and dura 3
>right now black bread gives strength and baguette give regen

>>26003977

It stays fresh in the oven for a day before it goes stale.

We'll say that the buff lasts for three combat rounds, especially seeing as how combat hasn't particularly lasted beyond three rounds, it seems fair I'd say.

>>26003941
Indeed. Judging from how you look at it... Innocence may be the thing that's holding people back... To the Earl, it seems that the ends justify the means.. Then again, it seems that to him, any human that believes in a higher power is worth killing on the basis that they're followers of what he sees as mankind's scourge...

I believe I've noted before, either out of dialogue, or in... that it's strange that the disciples of Noah became the ancestors of every single human in the world...

If Cthulhu decided to butcher every human, save for 13 in a war that nearly destroyed the world, I'd be surprised for any descendents from those 13 to not hate the ever living hell out of that elder god..

Simply seems odd... There's got to be something..about that... Could the inocence be more than a weapon?

>>26004099
Bread only increases strength.
And yes, you an get so strong that you break yourself without proper durability.

>>26004112
You REALLY hate making that thing though... it'll take willpower to make it again...

>>26004159
>You REALLY hate making that thing though... it'll take willpower to make it again...
true, but it could be a powerful weapon if used the right way....

>>26004143
>>26004159
Oops, made a mistake. I thought we had a recipe that increased Durability.

We CAN get so strong that our body breaks from lack of Durability....but you're not saying our current Durability wouldn't be enough to support level 5 Strength, are you?

>>26004191
It doesn't hypnotize humans. They just think it's delicious.

But 5 Strength and Agility would still be

>>26004159
Well just as the Akuma is more than just a weapon I'm thinking Innocence is more than it looks like as well.

>>26004222
of course it doesn't hypnotize them, never said it did. but in such hard times a stranger offering free bread that tastes better than anything a sorry human has ever had could make a great tool

>>26004266
They're not children.

They're gypsies. Adult gypsies.

>>26004222

>No Comment.

>>26004233
It's interesting that it waited so long to flip all the previously established perspecties that the readers had taken to..

I don't think I've seen series wait so long to make such a reveal.

>>26004284
Indeed. Adult gypsies.

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>>26004159
>win will check and make fruitcake
>Morgan: What is that awful smell Faefnir!?
>offer it to people and tell them if they want more to follow us
>mfw show up to Morgan with a line of people looking for "cake"

>>26004284
hungry gypsies, don't underestimate the power of free food

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>>26004298

> The cake is a lie.

>>26004306
>a delicious evil lie

>>26004298
>>26004306
You two are making me cry.

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>>26004329

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Alas, it is time for the true slumber.. I ended the quest earlier because I felt my consciousness wane.. and now it truly fades.

Good night, gentlemen. Murder those sheep!
They were all lambs once.

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>>26004329
indeed, where others see a failure that needs to be hidden I see a glorious tool of wtf

>>26004374
Farewell Gentle Duke