Say, a question. How often do spells that key off of only growth ability appear, and why? I mean I've seen one in The Fire That Burns, Juggernaut Wave, and now Arcane Slice here.
There is no reason they would not appear, really. Each Affinity can be viable in powering a spell; for growth Affinities, it is just either a bad idea to design it that way (Makers) or grants an additional offensive boost (Story and up). Though I think it is more rare because a Magical Girl's 'regular' Affinities lend themselves better to whatever the spell is doing.
For Heidi in particular... it simply fits the best. Not only does she already have spells with a Defiance- and Interference-Affinity each, but Unblockable and Trans Smasher are both effects she simply would never have if she had not been a Story Maker. Arcane Slash does not interfere, it is not defiant in itself, but it can be a potential game-changer. The making of a story, so to speak.
Maybe Crys or Lost have further insight into the matter.
Edit: Just so we are clear, I am not taking any responsibility for whatever Rukia thought in Fire That Burns. That thing is AU for a reason.
Say, a question. How often do spells that key off of only growth ability appear, and why? I mean I've seen one in The Fire That Burns, Juggernaut Wave, and now Arcane Slice here.
*Insert obligatory disclaimer that TFTB is a mess and not a good data point for non-TFTB things here.*
Beyond that, growth-only spells are rare, but not unheard of, and are basically the closest one can get to a "generic" or "affinity-less" spell. To use JWave as an illustrative example, the spell has absolutely nothing to do with either of the caster's personal affinities, but a spell with no affinity is impossible because affinities are the foundation through which magic is actualized. Thus, the spell has to run off the mostly "flavorless" growth affinity.
I can't speak for why exactly Arcane Slash is growth only, but as I'm not aware of any issues similar to JWave's, it could have simply been for variety.
[] Talk to Orux and Dragul; they will come in with the second wave, but in the end it will be all of you in the field
[] Paoras is nervous, as is Maya. Take the time to calm them both.
[] Elisabeth has been rather subdued the last few days, perhaps you should have a chat?
[] [BONUS] spend an action to route more active magic into Perpetual Caster's echo for an immediate recast, using up one of them in the current turn instead of waiting. [Argent Star] [1/2]
It is difficult to decide; not what to do, but in what order. You want to talk to Paoras and Orux, seeing that both are quite dear to you by this point. If you push Paoras off too long, she may have been tucked into bed; if you decide to look for Orux later, he might have gone off somewhere, as he does from time to time.
So you definitely know your last stop of the day will be Elisabeth. Paoras, and her mother by extension, are probably better visited in the evening; neither of them looked particularly relaxed recently, so maybe you can at least get one of the two to sleep without tension.
Therefore, Orux it is. With your decision made, you quickly zip off toward the training grounds after asking some soldier about where he is.
You find him in the same spot he and Dragul always occupy during their training, somewhat detached from the rest. Not that it matters today, seeing that most are preparing for the following day in other ways than sparring. Most of the other Demons around are part of a group Argus parades around.
You slow down a while before reaching them and watch; it is not a serious spar, but you can see that both sides are having their guard up. Dragul's normally immaculate suit is torn and bloody in places while Orux has some gouges in his thick skin; Blood Lust's swirling red shroud roils around him
An axe has a much easier time actually blocking attacks, though. As you close, you can see another attack.
(Bloodthirst Spear: +1000 Base Damage, +33 dice = 1,033 Total Damage
Block!
Bladed Ax: +220 Base Damage, +6 dice, +150 Blood Lust, +110 Stronger Combatant = 486 Total Damage Reduction
547 Difference, Bloodthirst Spear wins!
Bloodthirst Spear: +547 Intercept Damage, +109 dice = 656 Total Damage Crystalline Skin (50%): 328 Total Damage
Orux: +180 Base Resilience, +23 dice, +30 Rolling With the Blow = 233 Total Damage Reduction
95 Final End Damage
Orux Health: 2,451 - 95 = 2,356
Vampire heals Dragul for 48 points)
It is quite obvious that Dragul is faster and more agile, but Orux is easily the stronger of the two; he almost expertly uses the split-second his block grants him to lean back from the blow. Dragul follows up, but the force of his attack bounced Orux' arms upward; his spear merely scratches tough skin and he is right in Orux' reach with no chance to get out of it on time; the larger Demon brings down his axe with a roar.
(Bladed Ax: +220 Base Damage, +25 dice, +150 Blood Lust, +55 Overhead Swing, x3 Crush = 1,350 Total Damage
Dragul: +375 Base Resilience, +17 dice, +250 Attemped Block = 642 Total Damage Reduction
708 Final End Damage
Dragul Health: 4,293 - 708 = 3,585)
Dragul brings up his spear to block the attack, but does not manage in time due to his position; the weapon is pushed aside but manages to redirect the attack. Now Orux' axe merely rips through the front of Dragul's suit around the chest instead of hitting his head; it only barely stops before slamming into the ground and the vampire's clothes quickly turn crimson around the open wound.
You do not even pause at the casual carnage; it is a matter of course by this point.
"This may have been a little much," Orux admits quietly as you near; both of them step back and dismiss their weapons. "My apologies."
"It is quite alright." Dragul investigates his wound with a weak frown, though his expression shifts when he sees you. "We seem to have company. I doubt she is here for me."
You roll your eyes at him while Orux gives you a toothy smile. "You're right, but having me around is definitely better than getting your ass kicked." Only after that do you grin back at Orux, who snickers. "Anyway, wanted to check up on you two before we get going tomorrow. But, uh, I guess you're doing alright."
Dragul's eyes go down, indicating toward the blood still dripping off his torn clothes. "For a given meaning of 'alright', yes. Althought you may as well just admit you are worried about your, ahem, 'friend'." He even delivers his retort with a fake cough to underline what he thinks of the matter.
"Must you even argue on a day like this?" Orux only mutters it, but you both can hear him clearly.
Dragul puts on his usual arrogant smirk while mockingly bowing in his direction, one arm folded before his chest. "Why, of course. In difference to your own self, I do not find it possible to have a pleasant conversation with the young lady. Not that either of us wants to do so."
You offer a snort and point at the vampire with your thumb. "He has a point, you know?" But at least that means they are alright, doing the same things they always do. It is a relief.
Orux just huffs and crosses his muscular arms in front of his chest. "There is a certain irony in the fact I am the most calm member of this group of three."
You feel like quipping about substituting inner beauty for outward appearances, but do not find it in you; with all the time you spent with him, you actually begun to appreciate Orux' build more than you ever expected. Of course one could not call him handsome by any definition, but all the muscle does not appear ugly to you anymore; the crystals lacing his skin are outright pretty if the light hits them in the right way.
...what exactly are you thinking about right now?
You shake off the stray thoughts and turn your attention back to the bickering pair of friends. They are probably tense as well, but hide it well like this. Still, even if they are in the second wave, they will be fighting soon enough; be it you or them, someone of those present may be dead by this time tomorrow. Maybe all of you, even.
Your audible sigh interrupts the two and brings attention back to you. You might as well make the best of it and summon your weapon, which you quickly throw. It spears into the ground a bit in front of Orux, sticking out diagonally.
Both Demons eye you curiously as you raise one leg to step onto the elevated shaft, then pull yourself up on musclepower alone; it allows you to be more or less face to face with Orux, who only blinks when you lean in to kiss him.
Neither of you has much experience and it shows, but it is warm and that is enough for now; he is your boyfriend after all, something which you really should not have taken that long to get used to. His hands are warm around your shoulders when he embraces you, which makes it simply more clear. It makes you feel protected.
When you separate a little later, a somewhat amused Dragul breaks your little bubble: "About time." You blink and step back on your weapon, carefully balancing yourself so you can stand straight. "And a good idea, that." He notes with a glance at your impromptu stool. Orux just chuckles.
You just shake your head and hop down before pulling your weapon out of the ground. "If you can talk smack, you can spar."
He just grins, accepting the invitation. "Let me just freshen up first. You can have some, ah, practice while I do that." Then the vampire walks off with a chuckle of his own, leaving you alone with Orux for a little while.
You will let him off the hook for that just this once. Not that he is getting around sparring with you.
. . .
IDENTIFIED BREAK LINE . . .
That was basically your afternoon; you went over your own strategies with Orux and Dragul both, did some light sparring, laughed at the men as they tried and failed to keep up, then left to visit Maya after another kiss. You could get used to this.
What you find when one of the younger children lets you in however...
"Stop it, my hair is fine!"
Is an exasperated Paoras, with Maya doing her hair. She pleadingly looks your way when you enter, reaching out with both hands. "Heidi! Save me, Mama is fussing!"
You simply snort and drop down on the couch opposite to mother and daughter, the former of which offers you a distraught smile. "Heidi, dear. You remember to eat enough, too. And make sure you keep your hair bound so it doesn't get into your face mid-fight." You consider mentioning that all you have in that regard are your shining hairclips, but decide against it.
Having an argument with Maya about what to do with your hair right now would be a bad idea. "I'll see what I can do. You're not with the offensive force?"
The Succubus shakes her head minutely, eyes never straying from her daughter's blood red hair; it was already bound in a proper style before this point, though. Properly cut bangs that are not long enough to cover her eyes, with two pigtails falling right in front of her pointed ears. What Maya was actually working on so far was the back of Paoras' head.
"I'm with the reserve and busy treating all the lucky ones that make it out with just a few broken bones or lost limbs. You might see me if the fighting takes more than a bit longer than they expect." You can hear the conflict from her tone of voice; on the one hand, her three oldest children are heading out to battle, on the other hand, the rest of her family is here.
So instead of continuing the conversation, you decide to cut to the chase: "Don't worry so much about her. I'll be right there."
What you earn is a chuckle. "You can't just say that and believe it works. My little girl is heading out to war." Maya then lets go of her daughter and smiles your way. "But thank you for trying, sweetie."
"I'm not a little girl," Paoras interjects with a pout, arms crossed over her sizable chest. "I'm a woman... even if I don't grow anymore." You do admit that physically, she is right. Mentally, however... well, no. That will take another five years or so.
Not to mention that even being grown up in mind will not stop Maya from fussing. Which means that all you can give your friend is a shrug. "That's how moms are, don't worry about it. She won't stop that kind of thing anytime soon, or maybe ever."
"Mhm...." Paoras makes understanding noises and sits still so her mother can finish doing her hair up, then reaches back to pat it over curiously. Her eyes wander to you, though. "What's your mama like?"
She might as well have pulled out the couch under your butt. Of course the question comes to mind, but you did not expect anyone to ask about her. It has been so long that all you can do is shrug and greet back the longing you feel every time you think of her. "She died long ago and my father raised me on his own." It has been almost ten years now; you were around six years old then.
"Oh, I'm sorry...."
"It's fine," you reassure your friend, though she does not appear the slightest bit less sad. "I heard she was a good woman, though my papa says I'm twice as fierce as her at my worst." You can not help but smile and note Maya's barely suppressed chuckle. "So cherish Maya while you can, yeah? She might not be there someday."
The very idea of Maya's death makes your friend's eyes widen; she quickly turns around and wraps her mother in a hug that makes the Succubus squeak in surprise. "I'm sorry, Mama. Please don't go away." Great, now you feel bad for throwing reality at her face; at least Maya does not seem angry about it, just understanding.
"It's fine, sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere." She holds her daughter close and is then quickly crowded by her other children, or at least those old enough to understand what all of this is about. You can feel that little spark of envy again, but shake it off without much thought as you wait for them to finish their little moment.
You probably should not mention that your own mother died during World War Three, though. Not with the prospect of war being on everyone's minds right now. She had been among the unlucky garrisons near the border when Germany was invaded.
Perhaps you got your martial inclination from her? She was a career soldier after all.
"Well," Maya speaks up once her children let her go, "if you ever feel the need for an actual mother, I can always adopt you as one of mine. How does a strong big sister sound?" There is general cheer while you begin to grin; Maya grins as well, even when you shake your head. "Figured as much. I could also marry your father in future times. Any man who raised a minx like you on his own has my interest."
This time she got you good, though. You avert your gaze sheepishly while your friend chuckles. "Be sure to introduce me to him then?"
"I have the feeling this wouldn't end well." Be it either because imagining a Succubus as your stepmother is a little beyond what you expected of life, or because your father might actually pass out from finding out that you consort with Demons these days. Maya thankfully just laughs.
You all relax after that and even the babies show up, carried by the older pair of twins and happily grabbing for you. In the end, you guess all Maya and her remaining family can do is pray for Paoras' safety.
Once you thought that, Lu's explanations return to the forefront of your mind. That makes you curious. "Maya?" The Succubus turns her attention back to her while you watch Helena play with one of the ribbons attached to the back of your top. "Lu told me that Angels get sick and in pain if they break promises, worse if they are important ones. Does something happens to Demons if they pray?"
Your friend mulls that over while everyone else waits curiously. Considering that she is actually taking the time, you guess there is something about it.
"In a way," Maya finally tells you. "I heard about it a while ago; if one of us actually prays, their skin begins to subtly shine and sickness follows. If we continue praying despite that, we might even die. It's a rare occurence, though. Most of us do not see any reason to pray in the first place."
That sounds less dangerous than what happens to Angels, but there are also a lot more Demons and the individual means a lot less in Hell. It kind of makes sense if you think about it like that. Not that you like the idea much, but at least it is not totally one-sided.
You tickle Lilie a little bit and make the baby laugh, then do the same to Helena. "I guess so. Thanks for telling me."
"It's no problem." Maya pauses and considers you carefully. "Have you had lunch yet?"
Her question gives you pause. It also reminds you that you, in fact, forgot to eat again. Hunger is kind of weaker than it normally can be while you are transformed. "Uh... whoops?"
The Succubus just sighs and gets up. "Watch her, children. This young lady is not leaving before we have filled her belly."
A chorus of "Yes, Mama!" can be heard and you slump a little in your seat. At least the twins in your arms seem happy, not understanding what is going on at all.
. . .
IDENTIFIED BREAK LINE . . .
Maya only lets you go after some more chatting, banter, playing, and a filling meal that doubles as dinner. It is not that late yet when you leave, but the sun is sinking already.
Then again, you do not regret having spent most of the day as you did. Now to find Elisabeth.
Thankfully, the bastion commander is in the first place you check, namely her office. She bids you to enter moments after you knock, revealing herself and Argus at the table to the side. They both offer you nods in greeting, which you return carefully. "Do you mind if I join you for a bit?"
"Not at all, please have a seat." Elisabeth motions for the chair next to herself with a warm tone; Argus does not object, though you did not expect him to. His sister makes to offer you a glass of wine as they have in front of themselves as well, but hesitates until you motion for her to hand it over. "I recall you mentioning that you are too young for alcohol?"
You shrug at her. "I'm technically too young to be a soldier or go to war, too." Not that the Akashic Pillar cares much about that one when it is about Magical Girls, but the point stands. "So I might as well." You sip from your glass and taste the fruity flavour, though you can not say for sure which fruits it reminds you of.
Argus remains quiet, but you can tell his attention is on you. He does that more often than not, all things considered. You are still unsure whether he does it on purpose and for what reason.
A somewhat awkward silence develops as each of you waits for someone else to say something. Due to not knowing all that much about Argus, you are not sure what kind of subjects to bring up; it is tempting to ask about their past together, but you doubt they would tell you much. You already have Maya and Orux telling you about everyday life in Hell, a life you would rather not have, so there may not be much for them to tell you.
In the end, it is Argus who breaks the silence; he quietly empties his own glass, however he does it without actually taking off his helmet, and makes to stand. "I am afraid I still have preparations to oversee. If you excuse me, sister, Adelheid."
This, you know, is little more than a phrase to be polite; he could just walk out the door without a word if he wanted to. Still, you play along and give him a little wave while Elisabeth smiles. "I understand, it is fine. Take care, Argus."
He actually pauses for a moment for some reason, but then quickly leaves. You wait until the door closes and you see his aura move down the hallway before speaking up: "What was that?"
"What was what?" Elisabeth turns her attention to you, expression calm as always.
You point toward the door. "I think he was surprised when you told him to take care. Is there any reason for that?"
You expected either a refusal to speak of the matter or maybe an attempt to change the subject. She is not the kind to talk that much about herself. Today however, Elisabeth herself pauses for a moment before emptying her own glass and quickly refilling it. From a bottle that is almost empty already, at that. Then she slumps forward, almost resting her face on the wooden table. "I, I don't think he likes when I worry about him. Argus is the stronger of us, so he has authority over me wherever people can see. But he is my only brother, what else am I about to do? I never know how to talk to him about taking better care of himself and, ugh...."
Now she actually slumps over with a groan, one cheek resting on her folded hands. You take in the new revelation of her worries before leaning toward her. "How much did you drink so far?"
"Three bottles." The response makes you sigh; she does not even sound miserable yet, just drunk. And drunk she is, considering how animatedly she begins to talk after pushing herself back up: "It's just, I'm always thinking he pushes himself too far and that he needs to stop looking out more for others than himself. It is wonderful that he does, b-but what if he ends up getting himself killed? What do I do then? I don't want to lose him, but I can't actually say it because the least Argus needs is a clingy sister."
You try to get a word in, but she ignores you and continues to pour out her heart; how did she manage to hold it all in until Argus left? "And at the same time I don't even know what he thinks about me, he never actually says anything. He just sits there like a rock and talks about everything else, and we do not even see each other that often because he works so much." She pauses to fill her glass again, the task apparently requiring quite a bit of precision from her. You carefully only sip from your own, no longer sure if it is actually as low on alcohol as the wine at home.
Elisabeth does not care, though, she simply downs it all in one go before refilling it again.
"I always try to do my best for him," she tells you wistfully, nursing her glass as if it was a precious jewel. "But I don't even know if he appreciates it, or if he'd rather I do something different."
At this point, you decide to carefully put an arm around her shoulders; she lets you and even sighs under the touch, slumping forward again. Maybe you can get her to put down the drink somehow, but first you need to ask something else of her: "Did you ever try actually asking?"
She shakes her head weakly. "No. I could, I guess, but I always get so nervous that I can not bring myself to say anything. I don't even like talking to people at all, I just got good at it because I had to." Now this is new; you throw Elisabeth a surprised look, but she does not seem to notice as she continues: "You're a bit of an exception because you don't judge my every word, or care for the status I have. Your brutal honesty is endearing in its own way... I might even envy you, because you live free from anyone's judgement. You can do what you want without caring what others think of you. That's something I never could."
You have no words for what you just heard. It is strange how someone experienced and strong like her would envy you, but her words also make you feel a little warmer. You never even realised she thought that highly of you.
Still, you should probably not let her go on like this. "It's okay, you are just being yourself. And right now, you're also drunk. Come on, put the glass down and get up, you should get some sleep." Your soft coaxing at least makes her consider the act, though she only does as told after emptying her glass again. You get up and carefully steady her, though she could probably still walk on her own.
Thankfully, her private chambers are just a single door away, right behind the Ashen Maiden's office. You really do not want anyone to see her in this state, so the convenience in design takes care of the problem.
Once you enter however, you are quite surprised by the almost spartan furnishings. The only place that looks in any way extravagant at all is Elisabeth's queen-sized bed, covered by a crimson blanket that does not fit her normal choice of colours at all. There is barely any other furniture aside from a separate desk with some parchment on it, a nightstand, and a blocky wardrobe.
Elisabeth sits down at the edge of her bed and looks down at her hands for a moment, then up at you. Then she falls back and sprawls herself over the mattress, which reveals a little problem; that dress she wears is not something she can stay in. "Come on, you can't sleep like that. How do you normally sleep? Nightgown, pyjamas, naked?" You expect either of them, though there is no actual response. At least she does sit back up and lets you help her undress, though it is mostly you doing the work.
Once Elisabeth is only in her chemise, you put the dress over the only chair in the room. By the time you made it so it can air at least a little and will not fall off, the Demon worked herself under the covers and is lying quietly, apparently asleep. While still wearing that mask of hers.
You shake your head and step over to take it off, careful not to pull or push; it takes a moment until you are holding the accessory. Elisabeth's eyes are closed, as expected.
You should put it down on her nightstand and take your leave, but... you are curious. Curious about this little thing she almost never takes off. She would have tan lines on her pretty face if she actually got out often enough to be anything but pale.
So after some fiddling around, you slip it on; it immediately adjusts its size to your smaller head and sits tightly without being uncomfortable. You barely even feel it, the material much softer on the inside than the metal exteriror.
What is most impressive however, is the fact you can see as if you were not wearing a mask at all. Your field vision is the exact same, though the fact there are streamers of ash-coloured magic right in front of your eyes confirms that this is an enchanted item. A masterpiece at that. You briefly wonder how long it took Elisabeth to craft something like this.
Then a soft sound from the Demon makes you almost jump; you quickly take her mask off and put it on her nightstand, then turn to leave.
With how you are trying to be as quiet as possible, you can hear her murmur without any trouble: "You come back alive, too."
Those words follow you back to your own chambers, and almost into your dreams.
. . .
IDENTIFIED BREAK LINE . . .
Morning comes too early. You wake up when the usual Imp shakes you awake softly, having slept like a log despite the nervousness that began to settle in the back of your mind. Getting ready for the day is the same routine as always, though you can feel the tension in the air.
Or maybe it is the crackling and sizzling and growling of magic all around.
Surprisingly, the first person you see upon leaving your room is Elisabeth; the bastion commander waits right outside of your door, hands clasped behind her back and dressed as immaculately as always. Not a trace of her state from the previous evening, though the words she said are still on your mind.
"Ah, Adelheid." She greets you with a polite smile and an appreciative nod. "I was hoping to catch you early. About yesterday-"
You interrupt her there with a knowing look; it is easy to guess what she wants. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."
Elisabeth visibly relaxes and her smile grows a touch warmer, at least you think it does. This is difficult to tell with her mask in place because you can not see her eyes. "Thank you kindly. How are you feeling today?" The change of subject is basically seamless and you allow it without a second thought.
Still, how are you feeling? Today is the day, you will meet up with your squad and head out to do battle soon. You never even thought about enlisting with the Akashic Pillar back at home, before all of this. But in the end, you do not feel any existential dread or stress, just some nervousness and fear because you are going to war. Which is why you shrug at Elisabeth. "As good as I can be feeling, considering the circumstances. Better than I thought I would."
You have the feeling that it helped to have been around a martial society for a while beforehand, as well as having Lu's extensive training to prepare you.
"That's good to hear. Shall we walk together?" She motions for the outside, a prospect which you find yourself agreeing to. Elisabeth leads the way you both know well by this point. "I am certain that you will do well, Adelheid. Your powers are well-suited for the battlefield, and I believe they will soon grow further."
"Thanks." Though you do not need her praise to be confident in the near future, it is good to hear her say it. Then again, you are not the problem. "But I'm more worried about my team. I know its normal not to care, but I do and I'd rather they make it back, too."
You actually came to like the guys over the last few weeks; they are all rough around the edges, and you are quite sure some of them are actually the kind of psychos one thinks of when talking about Demons, but they behave around you.
Elisabeth offers a thoughtful hum, her measured stride unchanged. "Such is the burden of command. If we care, we hurt. If we do not care, they hurt. My observers tell me that your care for them has been noticed, though. If you can bring them through, they will be loyal just like Argus' personal battalion is." She reaches out to pat your shoulder for a moment, but you are back to walking normally when you leave the Keep and become visible to others. "I have my own duties to attend to now. Good luck."
"Yeah, thanks." You answer without thinking, mind still on what she said before. "See you later."
The walk to where your team waits is not long, but quiet. You mostly ignore the other teams, even if they offer respectful bows whenever you pass them. Demons begin to array slowly, though you know the truly massive numbers will only begin to assemble later. You technically have a week or so to get the gate set up, but you would rather have it done quickly.
What catches your attention are the colourful bodies of Dark Star Summoners swaying in the wind; they are huddled together in groups of their own, dozens of them. They have the same mission as you do, except without any backup or aid; each one will attempt to bypass the battlelines on their own.
With your own team is a new arrival, though. You quickly wave at everyone else, noting that Paoras looks a little sleepy, but then turn your attention to them. A barely visible aura of mana flows around them, accompanied by the sound of boots hitting the ground in marching order.
For one, they are tall; a head or two taller than most of the Demons in your team. For two, their body is covered in tough scales aside from the strong legs and arms. Sharp spikes extend from their shoulders, forming what almost appears like armour, and two horns of similar sharpness crown their head. The Demon has no eyes, you notice; just a maw filled with vicious teeth.
Yet the creature bows to you without hesitation, making sure to keep all the pointy bits well away. "Greetings, commander. I am Pazuzu and under your care for this mission. I shall aid you as best I can and set up my gate at your order." His voice is pleasant despite the rough appearance, though you can not tell whether he is just trying to build rapport.
Not that it matters. You nod at the Gate Demon while he rights himself. "That's good to know. Can you give me an overview of your capabilities while we wait?"
His scaly tail lashes over the ground once, unclear whether it is as an affirmative or a reflex. "Naturally. For one, I am stronger and tougher than my fellow Gate Demons. Our personal strength, aside from being able to erect Hellgates, is that we can move fast at high speeds and transfer the same Ability to nearby allies. Moreover, we also become more resilient while running, which makes it difficult for attackers to get at us."
He pauses and bows his head for a moment. "Although I am afraid my Hellgate will require me to stand still, both while setting it up and to maintain it. I will be dependent on your protection at that point, but I can join battles before then."
You do your best to internalise the information and take a few seconds to think it over. "Okay, I think I can work with that. Thank you."
"It is no problem at all, commander."
"Yep, the only problem is that we're going into magical Stalingrad." You only mumble it, more resigned than actually mad. You knew it for a while now and can only hope your team can stay out of the grinder. Nobody questions your words, though you know they were heard at least by some.
"Guesses on how fucked we will be?" one of your men chimes into the ensuing silence, his attempt at humour met with a few shrugs and chuckles at first.
Then you join in, having decided that you might as well: "Eh, so-so. At least the Angels are prettier than you lot, so I wouldn't mind it as much." Your retort earns some more snickers and the others start to joke among each other, though Paoras prefers to nap; your little friend is leaned against Mokutuuk's flank.
"Speaking of, boss," another notes with a large grin as he points behind you. "I think you've got a visitor."
You turn around and almost blush as you connect the dots. Orux is standing nearby, eyes on you and expression unreadable. Your gazes meet for a long moment, his about as calm as your own.
There is no need for words today. All was said and done already. You simply nod at each other and he turns away; the message was mutual after all: 'Don't die, or else.'
You get a sign from Lu not much later; she is far up high with her own detachment and can see that things are progressing. It is almost time.
You know you lack the experience for the job, but you will do what you can. You will do your damn best to see them through. For that matter, you even practiced a short speech. While the gates begin to rise in the distance, towering far above the Demons present, you begin to speak to the soldiers under your command.
"I won't be stupid here and think all of us will make it. Some of us won't and we all know it. But that doesn't matter, because we will succeed in our task, and I will bring as many of you through as I can! Keep to the plan and follow my lead, and we will show them what we're made of!"
You practically shout the last part, eliciting roars in response. Your soldiers raise their weapons as you do yours, your Dark Stars create sparks and the Hell Beasts howl. Those around them soon follow and with the thundering of displaced earth, five Hellgates finally settle. They are only for Demons though, which is why you are going with the Dark Stars who are already opening a portal for your team.
You go first, everyone else following. As you throw yourself into the portal however, you dearly hope that your plan will hold.
-------------
Devise a plan.
[] Write-in
This plan is important and will be important for several chapters. Therefore, votes will be open for at least ten days and no new chapter will be released next week; if you still need more time the week after, the deadline will be extended.
Whatever you end up deciding on was planned and prepared retroactively.
[] EXP-Plan
-[] Write-in what to buy
-[] Save it
=====
+15xp Catching up with Friends
+5xp Met Pazuzu
+150xp Your First Battlefield
Active Effects:
-The Land of Heroes: Unified Light entities do not suffer from fatigue and can not die unless killed in direct combat.
-Absence of Light: All Presence of Light Abilities on the field are sealed.
-Pumped Up: Defiance's strike team can not lose morale even under tremendous losses while Defiance lives; increase damage dealt by 50% for anyone under her command.
Objectives:
-Circumvent the defending castles and open a Hellgate behind enemy lines
=====
Things to keep in mind:
-This is a plan Heidi made on her own; as she is stubborn, voting to ask someone else for a plan is vetoed by default
-If you need additional information, ask; anything Heidi is supposed to know or can get her hands on, I will provide
-You can ask for things, within reason
-other characters will adjust their plans to match whatever you are doing
-Paoras can join another unit's stats; she will default to backing up Heidi unless told otherwise
=====
Additional vote for what Brand Craft Heidi prepared for this day. This vote is by plan, and the players may choose three options.
[] [BC] Improved Armour (+300 Base Resilience for everyone except Heidi and Paoras)
[] [BC] Strength Augment (Doubled Base Damage for all Foot Soldiers)
[] [BC] Grenades (Brandcraft grenades; 1,000 Base Damage, Detonate Ability (affects areas instead of just one target). 2 per person per battle, but can be refilled easily)
[] [BC] Mana Batteries (Every member of the team may max out their modifier roll once per battle; need to be recharged in-between uses)
[] [BC] Write-in
(write-ins are subject to QM-veto; some more elaborate options may require several slots)
=====
(Unlocked Level 5 (Max) Character Sheet: The Ashen Maiden)
(Unlocked generic sheet: Gate Demon)
(Unlocked Pazuzu's sheet)
(Unified Darkness / Thirteenth Hell) Pazuzu
Stats
Health: 20,000
Base Damage: 60
Base Resilience: 600
Magic Modifier: 100
The Run Grant all surrounding allies use of the Sprint-Ability at the same level as your own.
Level N/A
Base Boost: N/A
Magic Modifier: N/A
Affinity: Brimstone
Ability: Boost-All | Sprint
Abilities
Infernal Traveler
Level 20
-While running, Pazuzu receives 2,000 less damage from all sources.
Sprint
Level 4
-Pazuzu may run up to 40mph.
Gate to Hell
-After standing still and focussing for six turns, Pazuzu may create a Hellgate in front of himself, and an entrance in a location within three dimensions of his position; Pazuzu is rendered unable to move while sustaining the Hellgate.
Because our foot soldiers are riding on the backs of our hell-beasts I propose the following.
this plan is mainly focused on not getting hit by enemies.
I do not think that this is a good plan, but rather a conversation starter about some maddening things we could do with Brand craft.
[] [BC] plan speed-demons
-[] [BC] Write-in Rockets (Allows units to double their speed for X turns each fight)
-[] [BC] Write-in Goggles (Increase HSC to 1 level for All demons)
-[] [BC] Write-in Headsets (Gives all units a short distance communication medium which members can use to synchronize and coordinate their attacks)
1) Is an anti-Presence Brandcraft array possible? Presence of Light remains one of the more likely ways of inducing mass attrition after all. ALSO, both Lucifer and Adelheid herself have abilities that can provide templates.
2) What is the expected proportion of Valkyries to War Angels? And yes it's still a "what are the odds we come afoul of Presence" question.
3) Can we mix-and-match equipment? For example our Dark Star Sorcerers would benefit from casting their team buffs maximized, but everyone else save perhaps Heidi or Paoras would find this boost mostly useless.
4) Speaking of, are those buffs mutually exclusive? I sure hope not.
5) Does Armor of Light negate Brandcraft Grenades? Do our soldiers come with training to throw them (with unified damage that is)?
6) Can we equip our soldiers with a ranged weapon and train them in volley fire?
IIRC this was the only thing we ever received about numbers under our command.
Some more details would be nice. @Naron do we get the exact numbers of our forces?
You cast a glance at your map and find about exactly what he said; a handful of markers that appear like a tower form a curving line cutting off the UD's staging ground from the mainland. All around is the sea. "The Sixth Legion remains in charge of our beachhead and keeps engaging the Valkyries even as we speak," Argus adds while everyone takes a look at the map. You can see that everything behind those fortresses is marked as thick forest while nary a tree can be seen on Hell's side. Makes sense, considering the charging hordes.
There is a Castle in the way @Naron how does the Terrain look which we have to get past?
Any way to walk or fly around the castles?
Can we make a BC Item that helps to hide?
Time till done: 7 days.
my somewhat tentative plan has three stages:
1) scout out the terrain and look for a place to slip through (preferably wholly unnoticed and a completely undefended place, but we take what we get)
Defiance makes for a pretty decent scout since she can see magic and therefor is very unlikely to miss any threat.
She is also pretty agile and fast which means she can cover ground.
2) actually slip through with the scouted out place
3) lose any pursuers in the forest and setup the gate. If we fail to lose pursuers we gotta bite in the bitter and stall them while the gate setups.
Because our foot soldiers are riding on the backs of our hell-beasts I propose the following.
this plan is mainly focused on not getting hit by enemies.
I do not think that this is a good plan, but rather a conversation starter about some maddening things we could do with Brand craft.
[] [BC] plan speed-demons
-[] [BC] Write-in Rockets (Allows units to double their speed for X turns each fight)
-[] [BC] Write-in Goggles (Increase HSC to 1 level for All demons)
-[] [BC] Write-in Headsets (Gives all units a short distance communication medium which members can use to synchronize and coordinate their attacks)
Ooookay do us a favor and explain how these things are supposed to function through brandcraft?
Edit: actually, expanding that question to everyone with a write-in. Naron's asking me my thoughts on these and my fairly universal reaction is "would she know howtodo that?".
1) Is an anti-Presence Brandcraft array possible? Presence of Light remains one of the more likely ways of inducing mass attrition after all. ALSO, both Lucifer and Adelheid herself have abilities that can provide templates.
2) What is the expected proportion of Valkyries to War Angels? And yes it's still a "what are the odds we come afoul of Presence" question.
3) Can we mix-and-match equipment? For example our Dark Star Sorcerers would benefit from casting their team buffs maximized, but everyone else save perhaps Heidi or Paoras would find this boost mostly useless.
4) Speaking of, are those buffs mutually exclusive? I sure hope not.
5) Does Armor of Light negate Brandcraft Grenades?
6) Can we equip our soldiers with a ranged weapon and train them in volley fire?
1)Too complicated to replicate, and having the innate Ability is not really a template. Lu and Heidi both are blackboxes in that regard; you know what their Abilities work on and what happens, but not the technical details you would need to replicate them.
2) Valhalla is where the Valkyries live, so while War Angels are not unexpected, you will not see more than a handful at once.
3) Not for the sake of this vote. You have to set priorities.
4) No, DS Sorcerers can have both of their buffs active at the same time.
5) No.
6) All Heidi could maybe put together is a staff of fireball or something like that, which would have a number of charges until it needs to be refilled. That would be a double-slot though, and not as effective as it may sound.
Forest. Lots of forest. As in, forest so thick you will likely not see the sky after entering.
The castles do not cover the whole area, just enough so that everyone trying to pass by will get shot at. Most of the area around them has been trampled at this point, so it is mostly open terrain.
Also, please elaborate on how you want the Brand Craft to hide everyone? I can not really tell you if you could if I do not know what you want.
Ooookay do us a favor and explain how these things are supposed to function through brandcraft?
Edit: actually, expanding that question to everyone with a write-in. Naron's asking me my thoughts on these and my fairly universal reaction is "would she know howtodo that?".
That is a fair question, but I can counter it for my Anti-Presence countermeasures.
QM said that "you can ask for things, within reason".
Presence is a known and expected obstacle, the odds of Hell or Dark Star having information on probable solutions are high. So my explanation is - she asked Epsilon Aaron for specific Brandcraft advice. It is not PLAN advice mind you.
Presence is a known and expected obstacle, the odds of Hell or Dark Star having information on probable solutions are high. So my explanation is - she asked Epsilon Aaron for specific Brandcraft advice. It is not PLAN advice mind you.
I... am afraid you overestimate them there. Hell's anti-Presence strategy is to throw harpoons or get the Angel down to the ground some other way, then drown them in bodies until the survivors tore them to pieces via numbers.
Dark Star only just began to face War Angels and lacked the time to create a countermeasure. Not sure if they ever developed one at all.
1) How long is the mission expected to last? Interested because (if we go the mana batteries route) I need to know if we will need to use them more than once, and/or recharge them in the field.
2) Can we have our soldiers carry mana batteries as "spares for Sorcerers, their buffs will be of better use than anything you can do with these"?
3) Can we make healing effects or is that one of "too complicated" options?
4) Can Heidi see/hear War Angels presences before her team gets affected?
5) What are the specifics of whatever the castles will be shooting at us while we're trying to bypass them? I think that Hell Legions ought to know (the stats, the effects, the visuals, rate of fire etc)?
"Hm." Your teacher's eyes flick to the side as she thinks it over. "That really only leaves synchronisation for what actually happened." You are still a little distracted by the blanket of transparent darkness lying over everything in all directions; the Angel herself has an aura of burning white, as in literally burning. You have no idea how it can appear as if the actual colour had caught fire, or why black spots constantly flicker through all of it. The muffled screams emanating from her are not helping, either.
I think this is describing Heidi sensing Lu's Absence of Light. Which makes me think in theory yes. In practice heidi has not experienced a Presence of Light yet and might get caught unaware because of that?
I thought Brand-Craft was draw a circle write in that circle. then the written stuff happens exactly like you told it to.
Don't Brand-Craft weird surfaces unless you want something to explode.
I tried several formulations and only the rockets seem feasible to create.
For the rockets [When activated send generate enough thrust to move object at X meters per hour] the strap object to someone.
For the goggles I was thinking marking some hard surface with [improve perception of wielder] but that is too vague
Headsets seems unfeasible because setting up input-output surfaces will require either small handwriting or a big surface
We are moving through a Forrest.
this is the best camouflage I could think of. but I'm not very good at being subtle.
[] Camouflage shield (grow a local thorny bush on one side of the shield)
"Did those shrubs just move?"
1) How long is the mission expected to last? Interested because (if we go the mana batteries route) I need to know if we will need to use them more than once, and/or recharge them in the field.
2) Can we have our soldiers carry mana batteries as "spares for Sorcerers, their buffs will be of better use than anything you can do with these"?
3) Can we make healing effects or is that one of "too complicated" options?
4) Can Heidi see/hear War Angels presences before her team gets affected?
5) What are the specifics of whatever the castles will be shooting at us while we're trying to bypass them? I think that Hell Legions ought to know (the stats, the effects, the visuals, rate of fire etc)?
1) A week at most, a few hours at best.
2) Yes
3) Heidi is not going to touch healing arrays; far too much can go wrong with that.
4) Likely yes.
5) Lots arrows with a decent number of projectile spells, mixed in with a few AoE's. All elements are in there somewhere. Rate of fire is one spell per ten seconds per person, or two arrows if the Valkyries rather shoot. Hell never really tested the defenses aside from observing what happened, but they usually have trouble keeping a full charge from breaking through at the furthest point between two castles. Except that the Valkyries are much better jungle fighters than the few Demons that make it far enough. [Edit: Those castles still stand in the present time, having withstood millennia of assault and kept most of the UD confined where it is; just as a reminder]
Problem is that Brand Craft acts based on the letter of what you write, not on the intent. A single typo can kill you and one badly worded phrase can invalidate the whole thing.
You see, Brand Craft is not as easy, especially because even small slip-ups can be fatal.
Anyway, I would grant the rockets as a propulsion system
[][BC] Propulsion System (Adds 6 levels of Flight, no steering or HSC; need to be reloaded after two minutes of use)
I'd like to go on record as being the sadistic ass that designed these things.
I'd also like to go on record of mentioning that @Naron has PMed me asking what exactly Valkyr Fortresses are rocking when it comes to defenses... so I'll tell you what I told him in stereo:
Arrows and Spells on the outer most edges of the engagement Envelope. Please note the spells will be strong enough to instantly drop two to three Footsoldiers a pop.
Magical Angelic Landmines.
The walls themselves have a disintegration aura.
If Fairy Mage Squads have been deployed? Expect Meteors. From each fortress.
You who want to charge these things straight on are asking for one quick Bad End. So, as Heidi said, When in Magical Stalingrad, do as those who survived Stalingrad did and don't charge the fortifications head on with the fodder.
That isn't our job. Our job is to get behind the fortifications and call in the Seventh Legion.
Stealth is our go-to here. Hell is made up of mostly Cannon Fodder, and they know it. Meaning they know how to get creative with it. Our one and only job is to get behind those fortresses and out of the blocking zone the Valkyr set up for the rest of Valhalla. So...
-[X] Keep Pazu towards/in the center of the formation at all times as much as we can. Keep his speed boost up on the entire squad, if you can't keep up, don't step up.
-[X] Stick to the ground as much as possible, use the rest of the charge as a smoke screen for our squad: aim for either the portions flooding to the weak points of the defense lines.
-[X] If it looks like our spear will be annihilated before we break though, break off and fall back. Wait for another spear to form up to rush again.
-[X] If above looks likely, but we're closer to breaking through, clench those ass cheeks and haul ass.
-[X] If When we break through, don't slow down. Valkyr commandos will be in the trees hunting for demons that have done exactly what we just did. We want to find somewhere hidden to let Pazuru to set up his gate. The less likely we are of being found, the greater chance of us getting reinforcements before we're found out by Heaven's Elite Combatants.
Arrows and Spells on the outer most edges of the engagement Envelope. Please note the spells will be strong enough to instantly drop two to three Footsoldiers a pop.
1) 2-3 Footsoldiers a pop? Does it mean they are insufficient to break through a Damage Block effect with 4000 total resilience, or do they carry Armor Pierce/Juggernaut enough to kill (probably) a single Footsoldier a hit?
2) About the arrows: What is their base damage, and do they benefit from Valkyries' ability to increase damage without set limit as time passes?
3) What is the range and appearance of Decree of Dark Star Sorcerers?
4) More generally - If Heidi layers Arcane Slash over Reaper's Will, how does this affect her Intercept/Vorpal capabilities?
---a) Can she intercept swift projectiles and spells (because Arcane Slash is a spell), with perfect precision (because Unblockable)?
---b) Does her Vorpal ability also take into account damage from Arcane Slash when it adds 50% of damage to Intercept Conflict?
---c) If she does win the Intercept Conflict this way, would Arcane Slash and/or its Echoes exceed the normal range of spell to hunt down the unfortunate ranged fighter?
5) Can Heidi aim her Argent Star at the enemy spells (if they aren't moving too fast)? IIRC it should react violently enough to distrupt those spells. Usually.
[X] Crystalwatcher's Demonic Invasion
Stealth is our go-to here. Hell is made up of mostly Cannon Fodder, and they know it. Meaning they know how to get creative with it. Our one and only job is to get behind those fortresses and out of the blocking zone the Valkyr set up for the rest of Valhalla. So...-[X] Keep Pazu towards/in the center of the formation at all times as much as we can. Keep his speed boost up on the entire squad, if you can't keep up, don't step up.-[X] Stick to the ground as much as possible, use the rest of the charge as a smoke screen for our squad: aim for either the portions flooding to the weak points of the defense lines.-[X] If it looks like our spear will be annihilated before we break though, break off and fall back. Wait for another spear to form up to rush again.-[X] If above looks likely, but we're closer to breaking through, clench those ass cheeks and haul ass.-[X] If When we break through, don't slow down. Valkyr commandos will be in the trees hunting for demons that have done exactly what we just did. We want to find somewhere hidden to let Pazuru to set up his gate. The less likely we are of being found, the greater chance of us getting reinforcements before we're found out by Heaven's Elite Combatants.
Using Crystalwatcher's plan as a base, I propose my own additions (options starting with crosses in italics):
[X] Spellboosted Demonic Invasion
-[X]Stealth is our go-to here. Hell is made up of mostly Cannon Fodder, and they know it. Meaning they know how to get creative with it. Our one and only job is to get behind those fortresses and out of the blocking zone the Valkyr set up for the rest of Valhalla. So... --[X] Prior to running the gauntlet, ensure that you've cast as many buffs as possible, so long as it doesn't make you glow like a Christmas tree. Maximized Grand Shroud and Wrathful Strike at a minimum, possibly Maximized Conundrum and Paradox Charge as well.
--[X] Keep Pazu towards/in the center of the formation at all times as much as we can. Keep his speed boost up on the entire squad, if you can't keep up, don't step up.
--[X] Stick to the ground as much as possible, use the rest of the charge as a smoke screen for our squad: aim for either the portions flooding to the weak points of the defense lines.
---[X] If it looks like our spear will be annihilated before we break though, break off and fall back. Wait for another spear to form up to rush again.
---[X] If above looks likely, but we're closer to breaking through, clench those ass cheeks and haul ass.
--[X] If When we break through, don't slow down. Valkyr commandos will be in the trees hunting for demons that have done exactly what we just did. We want to find somewhere hidden to let Pazuru to set up his gate. The less likely we are of being found, the greater chance of us getting reinforcements before we're found out by Heaven's Elite Combatants. ---[X] If at this point (when you and your pursuers are out of direct sight of the Castles) pursuers are on your tail, have your Dark Star Sorcerers bring the immediate pursuers down with Decree on the move and snipe the no-longer-flying Valkyries with Argent Star. And try not to leave a trail of corpses leading straight to your hidden place.
I've switched out Armor Improvements for Mana Batteries, because between "+300 Resilience" to everyone except Heidi and Paoras, and "approximately +1000 Resilience and Damage each, on average" to absolutely everyone including Heidi and Paoras, I know my choice is for bigger boosts for more combatants. Sure, it's not as permanent (this is bad), but it's more likely to keep ours alive longer (this is good).
On the subject of our EXP spendings, I'm choosing to save EXP.
[X] [EXP] Save it~
Because we don't actually have anything groundbreaking to get from those 211 EXP. We can purchase Arcane Slash 9 (210 EXP), Conundrum 12 or Argent Star 12 (also 210 EXP), improve our health to 9 (again 210 EXP), raise one of our weapons to level 10 (contrary to previous examples, 170 EXP), or give another hevel to The Handle (120 EXP)... I'd rather save it for now.
EDIT: On the subject of spell boosts - with both Grand Shroud (+4000 Damage Block) and Wrathful Strike (+3000 Boost-Weapon) maximized, Demon Foot Soldiers are strong enough to fight a War Angel or a Valkyr Warrior 2-on-1, and maybe even win. That's rather good.
1) 2-3 Footsoldiers a pop? Does it mean they are insufficient to break through a Damage Block effect with 4000 total resilience, or do they carry Armor Pierce/Juggernaut enough to kill (probably) a single Footsoldier a hit?
They hit hard enough to instantly mulch the average soldier, and have enough left over to kill any of his buddies if they were standing too close. So a couple thousand in damage at minimum.
3) What is the range and appearance of Decree of Dark Star Sorcerers?
4) More generally - If Heidi layers Arcane Slash over Reaper's Will, how does this affect her Intercept/Vorpal capabilities?
---a) Can she intercept swift projectiles and spells (because Arcane Slash is a spell), with perfect precision (because Unblockable)?
---b) Does her Vorpal ability also take into account damage from Arcane Slash when it adds 50% of damage to Intercept Conflict?
---c) If she does win the Intercept Conflict this way, would Arcane Slash and/or its Echoes exceed the normal range of spell to hunt down the unfortunate ranged fighter?
5) Can Heidi aim her Argent Star at the enemy spells (if they aren't moving too fast)? IIRC it should react violently enough to distrupt those spells. Usually.
Answering what I can:
3) Decree has a decent range in the lower triple digits of metres; it is basically a projectile of shadow crashing into someone and wrapping around them.
4) Reaper's Will can intercept while Arcane Slash is layered over it, and can intercept spells as well. The timing is quite delicate, though; she needs to finish casting while the projectile is within a metre of her weapon and hit it before it hits her. I feel I should add that to her exploits. And with that said, yes to the remaining questions.
5) No, that one is impossible.
Edit: ...I am dumb, really. Figured it was self-evident and then forgot to add it.
At least until you actually enter the forest, you do not need to worry about Presence of Light. Lucifer's Absence of Light covers the entire field.
