Balthier

If you want to use my map, by all means, do what you like with it. I tried to keep weather patterns and prevailing winds in mind when I made it, for a sense of realism.

I did one, just a few months ago for my friends, though we've yet to start or use it.

I've made a lot of home brew too. Especially Rifts 3-Galaxies. But fantasy too.

The background, in times barely remembered ancient civilizations having had to band together with all the numerous pantheons of gods and dragons, to defeat the cthulu-like old ones. The age of a 1000 magics, then Elf-dwarf war that ruined both civilizations. The milleneum of purification that followed... It has a rice background. Details. Each region has it's own source book, so it they've just been able to add more details to each region. Trade routes. The only other fantasy setting I though came close to the quality was Kingdoms of Kalamar. Rune weapons, that ancient and forgotten art of bio-wizardry. The Wolfen Empire, and it's raising conflict with humanity... the failing Old Kingdom, pending slave revolt in Timiro. A Kingdom of Giants forming. The Land of the Damned, where it's said the very land is cursed from the time of the battle against the Old Ones. There's just so much crammed in there. While the system is older, it has the advantage of being developed over all these years, continuously.

Those were fun! Palladium Fantasy is a gem of a setting.

The GM had to know what they were doing more so than AD&D I thought. The classes weren't balanced, but that was part of the fun. You could run a vagabond next to a dragon hatchling and still have great fun. But it wasn't balanced around combat encounters, it was definitely tailored for playing a character, and a story driven game. And that Palladium Fantasy setting, what a great world to explore!

I've always had a soft spot for Palladium/Rifts. It just felt so open and when I played, it was the first game I felt like it would let me do anything I imagined, especially going to it from AD&D back at the time. The alignments made so much more sense, good, selfish, and evil categories. Experience points for role playing, and planning and resolving problems, self sacrifice, successfully using skills, not just for killing things. The first RPG I remember that felt like story was more important than murdering everything. The big selection of skills, random insanity tables if your character ever broke down from too much trauma, you could play monster races... There was just nothing like it I had played at the time. Combat was more interactive, magic system was more fun. So many good memories, from traditional fantasy to dimension hopping, to a long running Robotech campaign, it did it all, and was so much fun.

I will most likely not be on as much a I used to, during the cold weather, because people get sick and my work is non stop most of the time, around this time. I'll check what I can, don't expect too much from me though.

She didn't at this point, have a good read on Daimond's personality, but could imitate her appearance. She had decided to just cut loose and have fun, and the rigorous chase so far had been enjoyable. Maybe for the first time, she enjoyed playing 'the girl' running from the big bad demon lord. Maybe because deep down she felt safe enough here, to play the part. Or maybe because she felt she had enough gile or power to protect herself now. Either way, she was having fun. She couldn't mimick Daimond's powers, so she compensated using some of her physical strength to make it interesting. She feigned a frightened look over her shoulder as Zorn lept, she even let out a little human scream to make it believable. She made it look good, but the tackle would connect.

Zef took the drink, and threw it back, draining the cup in one go. The saké smooth and refreshing. "Ahhhhh! That's a good bottle!" He enjoyed the view further and it didn't escape Exzel. Though she wasn't often in the mood, or frame of mind to share Elie usually, in this setting and circumstance, with Elie dressed as Allura, her fun loving side was coming back out. And maybe, just maybe Zef deserved something as a reward for rescuing Elie. He had prevented Kaji from emptying his vile seed in her after all. So Exzel as Lotor let him look. Lotor looked for Allura to his companion's hard Oni cock, smiling to himself. He himself was hard for Elie as Allura now to. Lotor took his cup, and sipped the saké, a slight, confident smile still on his lips. A contrast to the hungry, barely retained look on Zef's face. Lotor slowly, but firmly placed a hand on Allura's leg, grabbing her thigh and feeling up towards her hip. "Of course, I'd never want to make you betray your paladins... and yet, I am a prince. Isn't that more important than a mere... paladin?" His finger caressed her smooth leg, until they grabbed her hip, in a possessive preview of what he had in mind.

Akemi smiled again, signifying her happiness at the Hound's decision. She slid an arm around the Hound's waist and gave her a friendly, quick girly little hug to show support, before she stood up, water dripping down her body. "Well then. Let's go." She paused a second her top half out of the water, glistening as the water ran down her feminine frame. "Have you been in a car?" Akemi wondered, if Hellhound would get sick in the car if she wasn't used to it. Then again, maybe she could just roll the window down. That always worked for her farther's dog they had many years ago. Akemi put her hand to her mouth, slightly laughing to herself at the thought of Hellhound riding in a car with the window down, head sticking out. She turned and climbed out of the warm water, her nipples hardening as the water evaporated from her skin. "Could you generate a low amount of heat? Just enough to mostly dry me off?" She asked, tuning around still fully naked, to ask Hellhound. It was curious how girly her mannerisms were, despite the fact, that under the surface a tough swordswoman with a heart of fire lay. She was completely different than that with most of her friends though, and she seemed to think Hellhound was more comrade than enemy now.

I did miss it. Is she not coming back? Work is always crazy this time of year for me. Usually until March.

I was just sick for week. So sapped of energy still it's not funny. If anyone needs to progress past my current stops, by all means, not sure when I'll be back,and with appropriate energy.

Apologies all, but friends reached out and asked me to GM a game, tabletop IRL. I suspect getting that up and running is going to keep me occupied for some time. Welcome aboard!

Depending on family and friends goings ons, not sure if I'll be able to post more yet through the new year. I might, but I also may not, time will tell. Merry Christmas all!

Akemi looked though trying to figure out how it would work. She was fairly sure she could convince her dad... "Perhaps, you can out Mascot the other shop. Think of it as a challenge. Not a physical fight, but a battle to see who can generate more attention... for their restraunt." Akemi feigned looking concerned, "It might be difficult. The cafés Mascot has been quite popular, it'll take someone special to challenge her. She not magic, as far as I can tell anyways." That part was actually true though. "Often times people will dress as animals, to get attention for their business or sports team. They generate interest and can work up a crowd. They can be seen as good luck also." Akemi gently touched her arm, and petted her there. "If you could face this challenge and win, you could become quite popular. But it's up to you, it may not be your... thing. I just think it would be a good cover to get you in. I understand if it's a bit too... frightening. The Cat Cafés Mascot is good. No one would falt you for not wanting to go head to head, in the street, trying to draw attention." Akemi smiled softly, hoping this was a good idea, but feeling a little unsure. More unsure the more she thought about it. None-the-less her smile looked warm and reassuring. "You could always leave if you needed to, even if you did come with me."

Zef regarded Elie before she left to change, "There is a little sweetness, which can be masked, depending on the brewing, and notes of umami. The complexity depends on the brewer. One may think it like beer, but it seems closer to wine to my mind." Saké was one of Zef's loves. Much like well endowed women. He watched her reaction to Exzel's transformation to Lotor, smiled to himself to see his mistress drive Elie a little wild with want. Lotor-Exzel let Elie up, and he watched her with a look that told her, he wanted her, yet he remained clam and still, putting a hand through his white hair, to show it off. His posture as he sat was relaxed, but his body was perfectly masculine, exuding a feel of power and command. Exzel had something like stage presence in this form, and with Zef a little ways away, their powerful masculine aursa permeated around Elie. Zef and Lotor-Exzel looked at Elie as she entered. Lotor with a fitring, confident slight smirk, Zef's mouth actually dropped a moment, as his eyes took in her Allura cosplay. He had managed to control himself up until now, but as he sat watching her walk in, it might as well have been Allura, he got hard for her. His body betraying his thoughts, and there was no hiding his large Oni cock in it's current state as he sat there in the clear wster and Elie approached to pour the drinks. Lotor spoke, "Simply ravishing, my dear. A perfect Princess Allura!" Lotor observed her walking, still a slight smile on his face. If Exzel had a secret desire, it was probably to fuck either princess Allura or Lotor. Fucking as Lotor would almost be as good. "An astonishing likeness..." "Now princess, pour our guest a drink, and tell me the secrets of Voltron..."

Akemi was just not used to someone else's body pressed against hers like this. It made heart heart beat, just a little faster, nut the warmth was nice. She looked thoughtful. How would people react? "I'm not sure. I think it would be okay. I can't account for every individual though. I can definitely get you there and to my father's restraunt..." Suddenly an idea came to Akemi, and she raised one arm, make a fist and brought it down into her other hand that was open palm up, in a sort of body language to signify a sudden idea. She bounced on her seat, nudging her hip against the hounds. Her voice, was filled with excitement, "Maybe I could tell people you're our shop's mascot? You know, like an icon, used to attract customers and for good luck. A restraunt across the street from ours opened a while ago, and they use a girl dressed as cat girl to attract customers. It's been cutting into our customers too, maybe you're just what we need! If you wouldn't mind of course... But it could give you a kind of secret cover to be in Yokohama for a time at least." Akemi turned, looking hopefully at Hellhound. It wasn't perfect, but it was an idea. One that might work and get her in the City a bit anyway.

Akemi felt like Hellhound was cozying up to her like a dog seeking affection, though she was humanoid also, so Akemi didn't quite know how she wanted to respond, so didn't withdraw, but didn't cozy up further either. Instead displaying a gentle smile, "It pleases me to hear that. The most important thing is, we must not damage my father's establishment. If you can promise me that, I can definitely let you try his famous beef bowl." Akemi felt a slight nervousness as the Hound leaned against her, causing her to squeeze Hellhound's tail a little more firmly. "I-I'm sure someone will notice you." Akemi wondered what her father would think. He was aware of the Magical girl world, had been since he'd met her mother. But she'd never tried to befriend anyone like the Hound, nor brought them by. He had been nice to her school and magical friends so far, but had no idea how he'd react to a beast girl. Somehow, she found herself hoping for his approval. "I'm pretty banged up though. I heard there's a princess a little north of my home home that can bend fate, and can even heal. I'm wondering if she can heal my scars, I want to find out. Soon, if possible."

"To my taste, their is nothing better to drink. It may be a bit much for someone of... less constitution." Zef glanced at Ellie's body as if he could somehow judge how well she could tolerate drink. She certainly looked... healthy in his eyes. Exzel squeezed Elie against her as she listened to her talk. A devious smile crossing her face, suddenly feeling playful. "Oh, I'd like to see that. Then again, I'm not sure you've fully considered the possibilities of what I'm capable of." With a brief moment of concentration, Exzel changed shape, morphing into the perfect form of Lotor. Now possessing his voice as well, "I could conquer many a princess!" With that, Exzel as Lotor grabbed Ellie and sat her on his lap, handling and feeling up her body, before releasing her. "Perhaps we should see how good your cosplay is? Would it not be fitting for Allura to serve me some deink?" Lotor winked at Elie, sitting with excellent posture, looking very masculine with chest out, and Exzel made a point to give her a smoldering look, that said prince Lotor could get what he wants.

"They can be super tasty made right. I don't know if they'd agree with you though. My father... actually runs a restaurant in Yokohama, a big city not terribly far from here. I was just considering if I could smuggle you into the city some time to try food." Akemi smiled big as she continued to stroke the Hounds tail, unconsciously squeezing more around the end of her tail, "I get the feeling you might like his beef bowl. In fact, it's one of our specialties. Perhaps I could bring you there one day? If you think you could control yourself enough." She wasn't 100% sure it was a great idea, but things were going in the right direction that Hellhound might actually turn into an ally, and Akemi needed more friends that could fight too. It was just at that moment when Akemi's stomach growled. Looking rather embarrassed as she laughed nervously, with a slight blush in her cheeks, "It seems like all the fighting has caused me to work up an appetite. Thinking about that beef bowl is making me hungry too, it would seem." Akemi sat still as the Hound moved closer, trying to hide her surprise when their hips touched under water. "M-maybe, if you promise to be nice, I can show you the city one day." She said trying not to get distracted.

Something the Hound said caught her attention. They she was the only one of her kind. Akemi didn't have any siblings, her mother had died too young, and she had felt alone in her youth. Maybe not as alone as the Hound, but she had experienced her own kind of isolation as an only child, her father had never remarried. And now, she had inherited her mother's power, and her father's hope for the future. She at times, felt the weight of continuing her family line. Looking at Hellhound she wondered if she had any similar feelings, but left them unvoiced for now. "Yes, I need to go back eventually. I help my father run his business, and I want to check on my friend..." Akemi listened further before responding, "Hell sounds quite horrid actually. No family at all?" The look on her face was genuine concern as she probed with the question. She was surprised when Hellhound say closer to her. Even more surprised to feel her tail around her waist. It tickled a little at first, and she had to suppress a little laugh. Then when it passed, she reached down under the water and gently began to stroke the Hound's tail with soft, waterlogged fingers, even as it was around her thin waist. "Say, what do you eat? Have you ever had noodles or rice, or do you only eat meat?"

Zef had a thoughtful look on his face, before he looked over at Elie. "Sexiness? I must disagree, the princess has the most appeal by far, though I can see how Lotor and the others would be appealing to you. If I had a princess like that..." He bagan to raise his arms to show how he would grab her, and handle her body, then remembered himself and present company and lowered his arms before he went to far, as Exzel raised an eyebrow, easy to imagine what he would do with such a girl. He regarded Elie further. "Lance is a fun character too." His fun loving, and playful side did appeal to Exzel. "Well you are a little young, I suppose. Don't feel you have to drink with us. I'm sure Lady Exzel won't mind you drinking tea. More saké for me that way anyways." He said that last bit just above a whisper. "You relax tonight, I'll grab the good." Exzel put her hands on the side of the pool and jump out easily. Her lithe, naked form dripping water. Zef tried not to look at her, still struggling with his Oni urges, looked back at the screen. Meanwhile Exzel, walking normally, couldn't help but look like a supermodel on a runway, even relaxed as she was. She grabbed full platters of food and sat them by the side of the spring. Before sliding back next to Elie, like she never left.

Akemi kept to herself, mostly, rubbing her skin until she was a clean as she could get. She noticed Hellhound swimming around, but didn't stare, as was polite. Eventually she herself, feeling like a cool down was needed from the exertion earlier, swam around also. Calm and graceful she swam small circles in the hotpring, breathing deep. Relaxing. "I was expecting a relaxing day. I was coming here to meet my friend... Instead I got into two battles. And to be honest, I wasn't sure I would make it past today." Akemi relaxed further floating on her back. She needed this more than she had known, the hot water doing wonders to leach away the stress of the day. "What a surprise it turned out to be." Moved by the stillness she recited a haiku that she had suddenly recalled. "The west wind whispered, And touched the eyelids of Spring, Her eyes, Primroses." She soaked in the pool for a time, finally sitting near the side. Looking at her scars, she would have to seek magical healing if she wanted her skin back to perfect. She recalled one contact that might be able to help, but would have to pursue that later. Her right arm shoulder felt a little stiff for all the hard sword swinging earlier, she had put all her might into some of those attacks. She rolled her right shoulder to loosen it up. "Where do we go from here?" She looked directly into Hellhounds eyes as she spoke, though her expression was flat, her warm brown eyes betrayed her gentle spirit however. She ran fingers through her hair, as she thought about what to do next.