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> Prepare for a fight
You shake you head. "No, we have a job to do. We have to clear this place out."
"I knew you were going to say that..." Tahtsu sighs. "Well, let's just get this over with then."
You step over towards some of the webs. "Uh... don't you think we should be avoiding those?" The girl asks you. You ignore her for now, pushing the flame of your torch against the webbing. A normal web wouldn't burn very well, but this stuff is thick and actually manages to catch fire. It doesn't burn particularly quickly, but the fire does spread. Before long, the room is fairly well lit.
"If we're going to be fighting this thing, I'd rather not fight in the dark." You finally say. "Besides, setting fire to the webs might make it come out. Now we keep an eye out."
You join back up with Tahtsu and start scanning your eyes around the room, trying to notice any movement. However, you don't see anything. It's still a bit dim in the back of the room.
Looking up, you just barely notice a dim burst of light. Before you have time to react, you feel a light shockwave hit you. However, you also experience a painful sensation in your head like some sort of headache. You quickly shake it off and look around.
"Urgh..." Tahtsu is holding her head. Seems she also got hit with whatever that was, but like you, she also recovers from it and looks around. "Wh-what was that? Was that some sort of magic? I thought this was supposed to be a feral!"
"Yeah, it was magic." You nod, still looking around. "This might be tougher than we thought. I saw something up there just before we got hit with it." You point up at the ceiling. There's some large openings scattered about up there. "If it decides to stay up there and throw spells at us, then we have a problem. I can't do much unless it comes down here."
"Then we should just leave!" Tahtsu seems slightly panicked. "This isn't what we expected at all, so we should just-" Something catches her eye, and the elf quickly fires a bolt at another opening up above. The bolt hits something, and you hear a pained yell. "I... I think I hit it!"
"Good job, let's keep it up. If you can get some solid hits on it, then we can do this." You nod to her. You'll just have to focus on finding your target for now.
Despite your focus, you don't see where the next spell comes from. Not a shockwave this time, but rather, a focused bolt of purple energy strikes Tahtsu from behind! The girl staggers a moment, though she doesn't appear to be in pain. "Guh... My head..."
"Tahtsu, are you alright?" You check on her quickly.
"Y-yeah... My head feels weird though." She shakes her head, trying to clear it. "I... I think it's using some sort of mind magic. It's a bit hard to focus..."
"Well, that settles it. We're not dealing with a feral. Mind magic is way too complex for them." You look around again. "But why would a mage come here?"
You consider possibilities. You could keep fighting, though you're not sure how much longer Tahtsu will last if she continues to be the focus of the enemy. But now that you know your target isn't feral, you might be able to settle this peacefully. You could still attempt to retreat as well, but you doubt you'll be able to find a much better place to fight. The whole cavern has many openings in the walls and ceiling that this creature can fire spells from.
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Poor Tahtsu. Probably got targeted due to actually landing a really good hit. :V
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Posted by BloodKnight 8 years ago Report
Retreat. its more then you thought and your in a bad position for any peacefully talks.
Posted by Lialketta 8 years ago Report
Attempt to pull back and call for a cease fire now you know it's not feral, also if possible attempt to put out the fire without getting stuck in burning web, burning it's home may have pissed it off a little.
Posted by gunnofspades 8 years ago Report
Press on, give them no quarter. If we retreat then we can get easily ambushed.
Posted by lordamaterasu03 8 years ago Report
I suggest retreating as well. if we're lucky we'll be able to avoid getting attacked any further.
and if it chase after us maybe we can talk and run if we're able to maybe the spider lady stop doing whatever she is doing. (idk)
Posted by DanzoLegend 8 years ago Report
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jFaoLrLzd4
Posted by tyrion13 8 years ago Report
We need to draw it's fire off our companion, and maybe shed some light on her target to make it easier to hit. I say throw a torch at it and start yelling to get it's attention
Posted by KinoTheCat 8 years ago Report
Retreat and see if you can't try to focus enough to block or deflect some projectiles if they're aimed at Tahtsu again.
Posted by DeafeningWhisper 8 years ago Report
A very simple battle formation might work here: Back to back. Have Tahtsu crouch behind us and observe one side of the room while we observe the other. If it launches an attack from our side we try to dodge but make sure it doesn't hit Tahtsu(it should be easy to reach behind us and grab her shoulder while we dodge). If it attacks from her side we tell her to dodge and return fire; having us dodge as well, if possible.
This plan calls for us to take more hits that Tahtsu. That's a sound tactic now, but the major concern is that it will abandon it's strategy and go for close combat. But even with an afflicted mind we should be able to stand our ground as long as we have a crossbow supporting us.
Rayen says Tahtsu landed a really good hit. I would not have us let that opportunity go to waste. If it bleeds it can be beaten. And if we flee, well, most hunters know how to deal with fleeing prey.
I have heard that spiders taste like shrimp, and I know that elf meat is sweat. I would have one of those be tasted before this venture ends.
If we want to resolve this peacefully, however, standing our ground and fighting would allow us to negotiate from a position of strength; which is always the better position to be bargaining from.
Posted by DeafeningWhisper 8 years ago Report
Much to respond to. I will respond to the other commenters here to keep the comment section tidy. If anyone wishes to respond to me they are welcome to.
In regards to retreating, it seems like the scouts would have tried that. It probably has ways to deal with that. And that mind magic it's hitting us with seems even more likely to inhibit our escape then it is to inhibit our combat(what with our need to navigate a series of caverns and mine shafts).
Negotiations seems more reasonable, but many seem to have the wrong idea about what we are negotiating. We should be negotiating a truce; the spider should stop fighting us because it thinks it can't beat us. Befriending it should be done only after it has agreed to stop fighting us.
I have seen a few say we should run because they like the characters. I like these characters too, but it's actions that make characters likable. Standing your ground against a monster, completing a job even when it turns more difficult than expected, and winning a difficult fight are all actions that make a character more likable. Running from a fight, abandoning a job for the sake of ones own skin, and letting a monster that has eaten people escape are all unlikable things for a character to do. I would rather these characters die as heroic mercenaries than live as a pair of wimps.
We don't have a lot of time invested in these characters, so we can afford to base their actions on what makes them the best characters rather than what keeps them alive.
Posted by JiklokEmisaryOfSteel 8 years ago Report
There is no reason to flee just yet, agreed. Tiss only an option and the others can sleak freely as they wish. Ultimately we all only have a part in this venture where as we sometimes have the power to influence fate.
Posted by YesImCanadian 8 years ago Report
Move back to the middle of the other room, we have better lighting there. Tell Tahtsu to go to one knee. She won't have to focus on standing and her aim will (should) be better.
Lower our sword, show it we're trying to be less hostile. If the lights are getting dimmer, light some more.
Posted by Thagrahn 8 years ago Report
Tactical retreat to the small cavern that links to the mine, to much room to for a mage that can climb was like normal people walk.
Posted by paltiel 8 years ago Report
So yeah, had a suspicion that those hidden valuables were actually the Arachne's, because what kind of miners would bring those things down with them? Didn't wanna say it, though.
Tahtsu and Nev are currently breaking and entering, willfully destroying property, and assaulting someone. If this were the State of Texas, the owner would be perfectly in their rights to outright take them out. (For those legally inclined, check out the Texas Castle doctrine.)
So far though, the elves have only been hit with non-lethal, mind-affecting spells. Somebody may be going easy on them...
The right thing to do would be to shout, "Sorry!" then get the h*ll out of Dodge. ^_^
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I have this weird suspicion that the Arachne is actually small and cute. No clue why? The voices in my head aren't giving any hints, either. Must be their day off today! ^ω^
Posted by TotallyRandom 8 years ago Report
Prepare some webs in the elves escape route and continue the attack on the female elf, she is the biggest threat right know. Should she panick, she will probably run in the web and get stuck there. This will leave only the male elf, but he is rather defensless at range. When they are both knocked out, it's nom time.
Posted by YesImCanadian 8 years ago Report
Very interesting strategy.
Posted by paltiel 8 years ago Report
Thirded!
It'd be better to have an Arachne spellcaster in Floria's party than the elves, to be honest. They're just dumb muscle.
(Please forgive this old one's monstergirl/furry fetish. ^^; )
Posted by YesImCanadian 8 years ago Report
Honestly, that would be cool if she could join us (having a proper spell caster would be nice, could teach Floria some things), however there are some things that do come to mind:
1) Is the arachnid a good good person like Floria?
2) How common are arachnid types aboveground?
3) Are they allowed in public places (ties in with #2)?
4) Will this arachnid try to eat us and our companions when we sleep?
Posted by paltiel 8 years ago Report
Yeah.. likely she has to deal with prejudice simply because she's an Arache. v_v Otherwise why would she be holed up so deep inna mountain?
I suspect she's not a bad person, tho, if only because she initially tried to chase away the elves. A more selfish/evil sort would've immediate gone for the kill.
As to #4, that's why Floria needs to make it her life goal to keep Arachne happy with a constant fresh supply of bandits! Just keep traveling north/south on a single stretch of road 'til they appear. Abuse the random encounter mechanic for all it's worth! ^_~
Posted by Rayen 8 years ago Report
No abusing mechanics. :U
I won't allow it. :U
Posted by paltiel 8 years ago Report
Okay... *sniffles*
Posted by JiklokEmisaryOfSteel 8 years ago Report
Word spreads amongst thieves aswell as normal citazens, eventually they will avoid the road altogether and perhaps avoid and parties with a drider in tow if rumers go quickly enough. However there is no garuntee we could turn them anyways. For now I shale continue to offer my undying support whomever we follow.
Posted by YesImCanadian 8 years ago Report
But, but, but, farming...
Posted by TotallyRandom 8 years ago Report
This game is buggy as fuck. Looks like some of the voices have switched character, again.
I like the idea with walking up and down on the road to force spwans. It's like killing boar's in the wood, we will be super high lvl in no time. Then we'll only need the sword of a thousand truths to defeat the evil guy.
Posted by JiklokEmisaryOfSteel 8 years ago Report
The forests had never fully recovered from the loss of a species in that ecosystem.
Posted by paltiel 8 years ago Report
Plus, think of all the bacon! Boars drop bacon, right?
Never mind those pigs digging up and eatin' all the truffles inna forest. That's loot the player characters are obviously entitled to, not some bristly-furred half-ton oinker!
... lastly, the party could seriously use the XP. ^^;;;
Posted by davidargall 8 years ago Report
Run!
Well not exactly... but you are in enemy home territory and able to be hit without much chance of hitting. Get out while you can. Do not even stop for treasure.
No, we can't settle this peacefully, except by fleeing. Reports are that several scouts did not come back. If any peaceful solution is wanted by this mage, it would have happened already.
Incidentally, I don't dismiss the idea this is a feral. exceptions do happen, and the missing people fits feral pretty well.
Posted by Shadowlyger 8 years ago Report
Probably time for the better part of valor, retreat and call in some backup. Fighting a caster you can't get to is suicide.
Posted by RumiBelly 8 years ago Report
Stay and fight. Look for a low overhang to corner yourself into, if it drops down to deal with us then it's in melee range
Posted by Demicus 8 years ago Report
Flee, fleeeee~! Doubt it will stop now that its been SHOT.
But dont flee blindly. Need to retreat calmly, lest we make a wrong turn and wind up in a web!
(honestly hoping to get these two as part of our main party, they seem cool~)
Posted by R3X 8 years ago Report
Careful retreat and using diplomacy seems wise, driderbooty might be our end otherwise...
Posted by Xinless 8 years ago Report
Well if we hadn't landed a good hit I would say, let's talk but now all things considered id say https://youtu.be/Zhi2lnXGiTQ
Lol
Posted by JiklokEmisaryOfSteel 8 years ago Report
There is still the possibility that it is a feral, who knows there could be a master and a beast that are what these elven folk are up against. For now speak up loudly and proudly to get your point across and hope for an answer. If we are met with more assault instead of words then we fight on.
May steel line thy path
Posted by YesImCanadian 8 years ago Report
Looking at the map, there's a passage way off to the right. Probably goes deeper into the cave, or leads to another part of the arachnid's lair. Figure I'd point it out, just in case anyone overlooked it.
Posted by MolenarVincaros 8 years ago Report
It's intelligent, it may be reasoned with, something along the lines of "Hey, we don't have to kill each other if you just agree to leave this place, we could even split the reward with ya if it helps." maybe if things aren't too far gone we might have a chance at grabbing an ally from this. Set up shop like the Brothers Grimm and clear out 'monsters' for rewards.
Posted by MolenarVincaros 8 years ago Report
there is no real reason to Not try to talk to it if it's been proven intelligent. and if all else fails, maybe if you get it talking we could have a direction to fire in.
Posted by DeityV 8 years ago Report
Sure, let's try and give talking a shot :)
Posted by Jogoon 8 years ago Report
Random thought/question I have had before and these posts have reminded me of, why do fantasy stories always place giant spiders inside of caves. To my knowledge caves aren't really the optimal place for spiders, as there usually aren't many insects, or really any animals, inside caves. Depending on the size of the spider i would think that most giant spiders would live primarily off of rodents, so with that in mind wouldn't it make more sense for them to live where there prey is. There have been a handful of stories that had explanations that made sense, but the majority seem to do it because that is where fantasy stories put giant spiders.
Posted by JiklokEmisaryOfSteel 8 years ago Report
Rats and bugs, no. Human sized miners, yes. Just how it turned out in this particular instince.
Posted by Rayen 8 years ago Report
There's a reason for this one. Dunno when exactly it'll be revealed though. :V
Posted by Havoc 8 years ago Report
I say it's time to pull a Sir Robin, have a band of minstrels appear and sing about our cowardice as we flee
Posted by The-Lonely-Gamefreak 8 years ago Report
Best to fall back. Those flames won't last long enough for a fight like this, especially when trying to tract our enemy. Do keep up our guard and have each others' backs on our way out.
Posted by Topazert 8 years ago Report
I'd say they should make it so they can't use their weapons instead of getting rid of them with our swordsman sheathing the blade and tying it shut with rope and Tahtsu unstringing her crossbow then announce what we've done to spider woman and that the swordsman will stay though he would like to escort Tahtsu out as she not in a fit condition to go on her own and that after maybe they could discuss things and come to an agreement that won't lead to anymore violence.
Posted by Topazert 8 years ago Report
And swear on his good word that he won't try anything to escape from the caves.