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File 127658283245.png - (7.20KB , 640x480 , Bop2.png )
193934 No. 193934 ID: e31d52

((Previous thread can be found here: http://www.tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/185579.html

Discussion of the game and the world is here: http://www.tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/324049))

The sun rises on a new day for Mordecai, and truly, a new life. With his guitar repaired, new friends made, goals cemented, he wakes to assault the day with a newfound purpose, Ready and willing to take on the wor-

Oh fer pete's sake.
Expand all images
>>
No. 193936 ID: e31d52
File 127658287019.png - (3.79KB , 640x480 , ZZZZ.png )
193936

Loud snoring echoes through the room as you settle back into the most comfortable mind in this world.
>>
No. 193938 ID: a594b9

>>193936
Hey. Hey buddy. Wake up.
>>
No. 193944 ID: 0b2a05

>>193938
Gonna have to go with this one.

Wakie wakie~
>>
No. 193979 ID: e31d52
File 127659723573.png - (3.83KB , 640x480 , ZZZZ.png )
193979

>>193944
>>193938
Oh. Good morning, Legion. How was your night?

I slept alright.

Thanks, by the way, for that. It was a long day.
>>
No. 193987 ID: 0b2a05

Well it'd be pretty mean to yell in your mind. Ready to get up? We found out something pretty bad.
>>
No. 194067 ID: aeade0

while you were out we talked to the rest of the party... and someone else, Thh, a silent.
>>
No. 194078 ID: a594b9

>>193979
You're welcome. Seemed like you got a little freaked out for a second there though.

Hey, we found a Silent captured by the Shadow Cult and hopefully gave him enough help so that he managed to escape. Strong light hurts them, though... I hope during the effect of Vigor he was able to deal with the pain, or extinguish the light.
>>
No. 194278 ID: e31d52
File 127664790798.png - (6.80KB , 640x480 , preparingfortheday.png )
194278

>>194067
>>194078
You guys can communicate with the Silent? Huh. I'll keep that in mind.

Anything else that's new? Who should I talk to first?
>>
No. 194280 ID: 6a5a08

Farah. She was confronted by some sort of evil, power-offering entity earlier. I don't think she took the offer, but we never saw what happened after we left, and I'm concerned.
>>
No. 194281 ID: a594b9

>>194278
Oh, a strange... being came to Farah last night and offered some kind of power that would prevent us from entering her mind. I'm of the opinion that we can trust it but enough of us dissented that Farah decided to decline the offer. It remains to be seen if this was a mistake or not.

Um... I guess you should go get your guitar first.
>>
No. 194328 ID: e31d52
File 127665577627.png - (4.85KB , 640x480 , oops.png )
194328

>>194281
>>194280
Yeah, I guess I sh-

Oh.

"H-hi there."
"I believe you have some explaining to do. I'm sure Legion can help with that."
EH?!
"Whatever do you mean, Farah?"
"I mean you have a gods-damned Herald of the End, Mordecai!" she says in a harsh whisper.

WHAT
>>
No. 194331 ID: a594b9

>>194328
I don't really like using terms like that. We are pretty fate-sensitive though. Chances are we're here at a time that lets us prevent the world's destruction.
>>
No. 194332 ID: 6a5a08

Yeah, WHAT

I'm totally not a Herald of the End. End is no fun. It's boring. Also, it doesn't pay very well.

Then again, I do enjoy a good Time Paradox, which could lead to the collapse of the universe.

Also, tell Farah that Legion says "Hi!" and "Good morning!"
>>
No. 194333 ID: 0b2a05

Oh shoot...

Seems our nature automatically classifies us as something on entering this world. Ehehe...
>>
No. 194334 ID: 6a5a08

Waitwaitwaitwait, brain blast! By releasing the captured Silent, we have set in motion a series of events that will cause the Silencing of the Song of Life or whatever.

I don't want poor Thh to be the doombringer... little guy is way to meek for that.
>>
No. 194335 ID: a594b9

>>194334
No, a Herald is not someone who brings the end, it's just like a sign of the end coming and stuff.

The Silent are definitely not going to be behind all this; and certainly not Thh!
>>
No. 194339 ID: e31d52
File 12766564602.png - (8.22KB , 640x480 , humho.png )
194339

>>194331
"Legion says it's not so much a herald as it is a preventative measure, Farah."
"Even so! It means the days are ticking, and guess who's it?"
"?"
"US! We, that is, you, me, Freddy, and Zang, have to save the whole Songs-damned planet!"
"Zang?"
"My other friend. Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"
"... Honestly? I didn't know at the time."
She pauses in thought.
"Alright. I guess you're right. Still... I suppose I should see this as a chance." she smiles, catlike, as Frederix leans in.
"It's done, Mordecai my boy."
>>
No. 194341 ID: a594b9

>>194339
Oh hey, there's the item in question. Give it a whirl.

It looks weird though...
>>
No. 194342 ID: 6a5a08

Where are the guitar strings?
>>
No. 194353 ID: aeade0

one more party member then those, Thh, the silent. well, maybe not in the group but he is involved.
>>
No. 194359 ID: 6a5a08

>>194353
I don't think Thh would enjoy the noisy company of a Bard. Also, he hasn't had the best treatment by humans so far.

Poor little Thh, all alone escaping the cold, dark, damp dungeons... Oh, wait, he probably likes that climate.

Still. Mordecai, tell the other party members that if they try and harm Thh, I'll personally Stomp their faces in. And I usually always keep my word sometimes.
>>
No. 194364 ID: aeade0

also, get ready to play harder then you ever have before. play with no worry, no regret.
>>
No. 194366 ID: e31d52
File 127665804582.png - (8.42KB , 640x480 , Keepinmindthisisn\'tactuallysupposedtolooklik.png )
194366

>>194342
"That's the funky thing." Frederix says as he hands it to me. "Something fumbled in the repair process, and it's... not quite fixed in the universe, as it were."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not sure."
I take the guitar, and the strings simply appear.
"It's not magically indowed, if you're wondering. It's just... magical." Freddy goes on.

This is really strange...
>>
No. 194367 ID: d6cb21

>>194339
Why dont give our restored instrement a whirl then?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55nAwmVLQSk
>>
No. 194371 ID: 701a19
 

>>194366
Try a new song. One of these.

>>193843
>>
No. 194372 ID: aeade0

oh cool, if they only show when you hold it then it cannot be used by anyone else, it is more yours then ever!
>>
No. 194375 ID: 6a5a08
 

This is epic. Play it. With soul.
>>
No. 194377 ID: 620bfb

Magical? The important question is, is it amplified and can you crank up the distortion?
>>
No. 194378 ID: a594b9
 

>>194371
Mood's not right for that...

I've got something good.
>>
No. 194381 ID: a594b9

>>194380
It's right below the File upload field. Use your eyeballs!
>>
No. 194385 ID: 701a19
 

Also an acoustic cover: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVB6O9-IUrY
>>
No. 194391 ID: e31d52
File 127665989499.png - (12.73KB , 640x480 , MinorInspirationHrya.png )
194391

Keep in mind that even if embedded songs are for inspiration, Mordecai has only himself and his acoustic guitar. If he can't do something justice, he won't try.

Experimentally, I begin to play, and the thoughts and creativity flow through my fingers, at first shakily, then with confidence.

Minor Inspiration: Hrya's Tears

My hands flow with the gentle tempo I set, as I let my soul decide on the volume. I feel power, deep within me, flow out from within the guitar's hollow center and into the world.

Aura of Repose learned!
>>
No. 194394 ID: a594b9

>>194391
Sweet. So what's it do?
>>
No. 194405 ID: 620bfb

>>194394
It reposes.
>>
No. 194406 ID: e31d52
File 127666146653.png - (29.55KB , 640x480 , Mapscreen.png )
194406

>>194394
The Aura of Hrya, or the Aura of Repose, speeds physical and mental healing in individuals nearby. Should there be any dead nearby, they will be preserved for a number of months equal to the level of the aura.

Whoo. That tired me...

You may only grant minor inspirations once every 3 hours.

"Told you so." says Frederix. "Now, what about Blacksword?"
"That's the thing, I don't know where she is..."
We move outside.
"Wow, where'd everyone go?"
"Dwarves run on a slightly different schedule than humans. They're a little more nocturnal." Farah explains.
Hurm...
>>
No. 194409 ID: a594b9

>>194406
Where have we not been yet? I mean, I know we haven't gone to the stairs, but what about the other place that isn't the potion shop?
>>
No. 194568 ID: 6a5a08

Go find Zang, we need a meatshield/damage dealer to complete this party. We're all support units right now.
>>
No. 194571 ID: a594b9

>>194568
Freddie is a pretty damn good fighter, actually.
>>
No. 194578 ID: e31d52
File 127669613662.png - (7.97KB , 640x480 , ZangBlackblade.png )
194578

>>194571
[actually, he's not: the bar was surprised and incompetent.]

We gotta find this Zang person... Appaerently a fighter... Hey, the blacksmith is open.

"And I'm telling you, it's not worth nearly that much."
"Tree hunnerd gol', or no deal."
"Two fifty."
The fighter and the dwarf stare intently at one another.

Er... the atmosphere here is quite intense.
>>
No. 194583 ID: aeade0

all three of you move to join in his stare. he and the dwarf are even, you backing him up could only help.
>>
No. 194584 ID: a594b9

Hmm. Play a quick chord on your guitar and say "Here now fellows, what seems to be the problem?"
>>
No. 194610 ID: 0b2a05

Just go stand around waiting for them to finish, it won't be as obvious and he'll want to make the deal so he can move customers.
>>
No. 195245 ID: e31d52
File 127684902652.png - (7.94KB , 640x480 , MeetingwithZang.png )
195245

>>194610
We wait, but after a while, it's clear he's not going to flinch. Zang catches Farah's eye and we all leave the store, me and Zang talking as we make our way outside.

"So you're Zang?"
"That I am." she replies, her voice tinny inside the helmet but recognizable. "And you're the new kid. Nice to meet you."
"Mordecai. My name's Mardecai."
"I'll try not to forget it." she says, honesty ringing in her voice. "Thanks for trying to help. But he wasn't going to budge."
"Ah, well, what can you do?"
"Indeed. Well-met, bard."
Hurm. She doesn't even lift the faceplate of that helmet. Odd...
>>
No. 195271 ID: a594b9

>>195245
"Well met, warrior."

Go on, shake that hand. Try not to wince. Ask Farah when we're leaving.
>>
No. 195308 ID: 701a19

>>195245
That's because there's no face behind that plate.
It's so horrible it would take a true master of story and song to describe the tragedy that befell her.

Oh, hey, that's you. Ask her for details~
>>
No. 195451 ID: e31d52
File 127689725527.png - (32.21KB , 640x480 , Mapscreen.png )
195451

>>195308
I'm far too polite to ask that upon having just met her.

It is most intriguing, however. I'll keep an eye out.

>>195271
We shake hands, and she is definitely stronger than she appears. Her sword...
"Is that..."
"Magic Null Steel, yes. You have a good eye."
"My family is known for their work in Blood magic, so I learned a little about the Royal Colors as I grew up."
"I see. Good. So you aren't going to be utterly imcompetent."
I can hear the sly smile in her words as I turn to Farah.
"When we heading out?"
"Very soon now. Are you prepared, bard?"

>Map Screen Updated!
>New color code: Black is Zang, Yellow is Farah, Green is Freddy, and Red is me.
>>
No. 195456 ID: a594b9

>>195451
We're as prepared as we're gonna be. Unless you wanna see what's past the stairwell...
>>
No. 195729 ID: e31d52
File 127693691873.png - (16.26KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
195729

>>195456
"I'm ready now."
"All right then." she replies, and together we exit the mountain, circling to the back. We enter a seemingly innocent cave on the opposite side, leading down.
"Stay on gaurd." Farah says simply. "This place is Oosa's basement."

((Should you need any more elements added to this screen, ask.))
>>
No. 195770 ID: 6a5a08

Search the walls for secret passages!
>>
No. 195779 ID: a594b9

>>195729
Watch out for traps.
>>
No. 196191 ID: 0b2a05

Don't do anything until you look for traps.
>>
No. 196561 ID: e31d52
File 127708538918.png - (16.36KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
196561

>>195779
>>196191
We all search the room for traps, but none are found. Zang opens the door with infinite care, finding a corridor beyond.
>>
No. 196562 ID: a594b9

>>196561
Keep watch for traps as you continue onwards.

Yes, I know it seems like you're just wasting time but you never know what's going to happen.
>>
No. 196580 ID: 0b2a05

More traps. Find them. Is the next door locked?
>>
No. 196778 ID: e31d52
File 127714500065.png - (20.20KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
196778

>>196580
Yes, i-

!

Mr and Farah try to stop the door from slamming shut, but we aren't strong enough. It locks us into the small room.
>>
No. 197010 ID: 34470e

>>196778
"Me and Farah"? Learn to grammar. It's "Farah and I".
>>
No. 197012 ID: b14128

>>197010
Oi, no offense, but we've got more important things to think about. Anyway, you guys need to get outta there fast, in cast something's about to happen. See if the other door is still locked, or if there's any hidden features in the room that you missed. If there arn't, use force to bash open the flimsiest door (Or if they both look about the same, the one you came through).
>>
No. 197014 ID: a594b9

>>196778
Knock should blast one of those doors open.
>>
No. 197037 ID: e31d52
File 127718728088.png - (22.32KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
197037

>>197012
Other door is still locked. There's small holes in the walls... and now some black stuff is coming out of them. There's not enough room for us to start bashing them down.
"Don't use any wands!" Zang calls. "My sword will stop the charge before it does anything."
"Why the hell did you bring magic null?!" Farah groans.
"Well, it doesn't stop enchantments or bardic song!" Zang replies.
Freddy sighs. "Stay calm, everyone. There's surely a way out..."
>>
No. 197040 ID: b14128

>>197037
...Oh shit, it's oil, isn't it?
>>
No. 197043 ID: b14128

>>197037
Ok, ok, uh... Wait, it looks like there's a thin part of the wall, a few steps behind you and to your left. (From our persepctive, the right side of the room.) Try fiddling with that?
>>
No. 197092 ID: e31d52
File 127720278628.png - (30.46KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
197092

>>197040
Wait...
"Zang, this hole." I motion to her. "Could you grip the side of it and yank?"
"Sure..."
She leans down and grunts, then roars, and the wall falls apart.
You hear two yips.
One of them is carrying a torch.
The hall goes up and to the left, ascending sharply at first then going flat near the roof.
>>
No. 197125 ID: 6a5a08

Get out of the oil, that torch is to light you on fire!
>>
No. 197135 ID: a594b9

>>197092
Eliminate the kobolds!
>>
No. 197718 ID: e31d52
File 127732716884.png - (34.00KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
197718

>>197125
oh for all that is good

I pull Farah from the Oil, and as I do, shes limed in light blue light.
"Don't strike me for any reason." she whispers.
"Alright."

Zang walks up to the kobolds, drawing her blade. One of them panics and shoots at her, but it bounces harmlessly off her armor as she walks forth and simply decapitates it.

The other one falls back on its ass and whimpers quietly.
>>
No. 197731 ID: 6a5a08

Interrogate that bold if any of you knows draconic. If not, throw it in the oil and use the torch on the oil. It'll burn off the oil and allow Zang to get traction to bust down the doors, and kill the kobold. Two birds with one stone!
>>
No. 197739 ID: bc50f9

oh wait, we can interrogate anyway. we can translate any language. just hold it down and we'll pump it for information.
[switch to kobold]
>>
No. 197741 ID: a594b9

>>197718
Knock it out.
>>
No. 197742 ID: a594b9

>>197731
Oh god that's horrible. Let's not burn anyone alive, please.
>>
No. 197869 ID: e31d52
File 127734349697.png - (34.05KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
197869

"So what do we do with this last one?" Zang asks, pointing her blade at it.
"Burn it in the oil. The door was wooden, so it'll burn too, and we'll be able to proceed."
"I don't think we should... can anyone here speak draconic?"
The creature is mumbling to itself in a language I don't understand.
"Nope." Farah says bluntly. "We either kill it here, quickly, or burn it. There's no point in keeping a little backstabber like this alive."
>>
No. 197871 ID: a594b9

>>197869
No reason to burn it alive. Just kill it quick and relatively painlessly then toss the torch into the oil.
>>
No. 197873 ID: 5d84fb

i said we can interrogate it. speak the language of the mind, can talk to the silent even, remember? we'll go over and we'll talk to it while you light the oil up. [switch to kobold]
>>
No. 197879 ID: e31d52
File 127734437244.png - (35.87KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
197879

>>197873
The Kobold is not one of those who can alter the Destiny of this world. It cannot be a host.

>>197871
"Just kill it quickly." I say simply. "No reason to be mean."
Zang looks at me a little longer then usual then nods, slicing off its heads.
"I read somewhere that kobolds prefer cremation to burial, worshipful as they are of firebreathing lizards." Frederix states. Farah crosses her arms impatiently.
>>
No. 197885 ID: 6a5a08

Cremate the remains of both the bolds, then onward to victory.
>>
No. 197886 ID: a594b9

>>197879
Toss the bodies in the oil, and light em up!
>>
No. 197889 ID: 5d84fb

burning corpses is fine, burning alive is not.
>>
No. 198085 ID: eb6d46
File 127737415130.png - (35.83KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
198085

We set the oil alight, and Zang stands beside me.
"Color me surprised."
"Hm?"
"Most nobleborn are colder than that, Bard."
Er... How should I respond to that?
>>
No. 198147 ID: a594b9

>>198085
Erm... You could say that's why you don't like your family, eh?
>>
No. 198157 ID: 0b2a05

You just ordered a helpless opponent be decapitated and set on fire. How large frigid bastards are these guys exactly?
>>
No. 198279 ID: c5d2ca

well your mom was a right bitch and you didn't want to be like her. after this quest is over you, Farah, and any of the others will go kill her and take her treasures.
>>
No. 198748 ID: e31d52

>>198157
Look, let me be honest with you. Maybe kobolds you have dealt with before are kind and helpful, but these things are barely smart enough to use traps and tools and any intellect they do have is directed at killing anything that's not a kobold and stealing any of its valuables. We've tried, multiple times under different rulers, to set up trade relations with kobolds. They won't have it. At the very least we are giving them a proper cultural burial.

I turn towards Zang and sigh.
"My mother is not someone I would ever desire to emulate." I say quietly.
"So that is why you do not use your family talents..."
!?!
She knows?!
>>
No. 198749 ID: e31d52

>>198748
((No change, the fire is still burning.))
>>
No. 198754 ID: e4cf19

well probably noticed the signet on your knife and knows what family that belongs to. so you know any spells from it or did sh not teach you any because you were a boy?
>>
No. 198755 ID: 701a19

@Flora: Hey love, how long have we been between worlds? Is everything going alright back home?
>>
No. 198757 ID: a594b9

>>198748
Hey, does this have something to do with the insignia we saw on your dagger? It's the same one we saw on the dagger of one of the dudes Thh killed.
>>
No. 198758 ID: e31d52
File 127748502015.png - (8.48KB , 640x480 , BloodMagic.png )
198758

>>198752
Blood magic.

Within the blood of all things is the specific part of the Song that made them, if only a tiny fragment of it. Blood magic imparts power to the fragment and replaces quantities of the user's blood with empowered blood, either by injection or ingestion. Power granted is dependant on race. Were I to use this ability on the kobolds back there, I'd gain an ability to sense traps and even an affinity for disabling and avoiding them. My own mother was renowned for keeping herself healthy and young... by drinking the blood of Elves.
I find it somewhat distasteful, but the effects are somewhat potent and slightly permanent: Every dose of magically enhanced blood changes you forever in some small way.
>>
No. 198760 ID: a594b9

>>198758
Well, we ARE going to be spilling a bit of blood now and then. Why don't you use it?
>>
No. 198762 ID: e4cf19

well, someone that is in or knows your family has been eating silent. most likely an attempt to become immune to magic.
>>
No. 198763 ID: e4cf19

well, only use it on things that would be worth it, don't want to suddenly forget how to play a guitar.
>>
No. 198771 ID: 6a5a08

Blood Magic corrupts, it's best not to use it.
>>
No. 198773 ID: a594b9

>>198771
Or it could just be that most people who use it are corrupt already, since the process of GETTING blood tends to be a violent act.
>>
No. 198775 ID: e31d52
File 127748788021.png - (6.75KB , 640x480 , Bloodmagic2.png )
198775

>>198771
Actually...
No. It doesn't. Power, though, power corrupts. The limits on what blood magic grants you are limited only by your ambition and what races can give up blood. At higher levels, the empowered blood is able to defend it's own as its own entity, hardening and striking back at those who would do harm to the owner. Furthermore, there are very sitinctive marks that appear on a heavy Bloodletter, here, I'll show you.
The exact details of the Mark vary by person and by composition of Gifts, but they generally take this arrangement: Three solid lines on the face, and a sort of river delta on the back of the hand.
>>198773
That's more like it. The founder of the art was actually a holy warrior who infused the blood of his Order with power and drinking it when he found them murdered to a man, then went on a wild quest for revenge on those responsible, using their memories to find the ones who did it. It's all what you do with power, my father always told me. What you do with it, more than what it is and how you get it.
>>
No. 198776 ID: a594b9

>>198775
Cool.

Well, detecting traps is very useful, and currently nobody can really do that. I think you should take a bit of the blood spilled here so that we have someone who can do it.
>>
No. 198795 ID: e31d52
File 127749097959.png - (6.58KB , 640x480 , KoboldTraits.png )
198795

>>198776
"... You know... why not."
"?"
"One moment, guys. I'll be back in a second." I run back and collect all the blood I can. There isn't much, just one usable dose between them. I set it before me, then begin to empower it.

Here we go. I need to select a Trait to focus on... I can see them in my mind, clear as day.

>Clever
>This Trait boosts the wild cleverness of the user, making them more apt with swarm tactics and coordinated attacks.

>Trapcraft
>This Trait enhances the user's mechanical knowhow in ways aligned with resetting and disabling traps, as well as some of the techniques behind their craft.

>Trapfind
>This Trait helps to detect both optimal locations for traps and existing ones.
>>
No. 198797 ID: a594b9

>>198795
Trapfind.
>>
No. 198801 ID: 1d80b3

no point in being able to disarm them if you can't find the buggers. trapfind.
>>
No. 199659 ID: e31d52
File 127761403677.png - (8.09KB , 640x480 , eyescream.png )
199659

>>198801
>>198797
>Lost: 1 Diplomacy
>Gained: Minor trapsense

Agh, agh, my eye good lord, Father said it'd hurt but AAAARGH
>>
No. 199665 ID: 6a5a08

Sorry bud, I don't think we have painkiller powers that won't turn you into a raging, slobbering berserk killing machine.

Also, a question. Isn't Oosa the Song God of all things joyful and :3? Why would 'Oosa's basement' be a bad place?
>>
No. 199672 ID: a594b9

>>199659
Well that's a good reason if any to avoid using it in the future. Granted... this was rather necessary for our continued survival. Unless you LIKE stumbling into traps.
>>
No. 199778 ID: e31d52
File 12776457745.png - (5.57KB , 640x480 , FORESHADOWING.png )
199778

>>199672
One of the Augh main issues with ergh with blood magic or sanguinomancy is that ow ow ow you never can tell what trait you'll give up until you try the race's blood. At OW least it's always the sae trait for all races and with agh agh research you can pick and choose and minimize weakness and maximize AAAAGH strength. Oh god it's over. Aaaagh. Yeah, it's strange, I've never seen it affect someone quite like that.

>Knowledge gained: Blood Magic works best if you are using sterile samples without a time restriction.
>Knowledge gained: Kobold blood saps the part of the mind that favors peaceful discourse, adding a penalty as high a -10 or as low as -0, depending on your natural aptitude for blood magic.
>Power gained: Blood sense: You can vaguely sense blood a number of feet away from you equal to your Doses x 10.

Woah... did you feel that?
>>
No. 199798 ID: a594b9

>>199778
Feel what? There's some kind of green stuff around your head...
>>
No. 199803 ID: 6a5a08

I think you're sensing a trap.
>>
No. 200229 ID: e31d52
File 127772788290.png - (14.74KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
200229

What green stuff? I don't see anything.

>The fire has burnt out.
>>
No. 200233 ID: e31d52
File 127772880322.png - (16.33KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
200233

>>200229
>Derp I should know better than to present a dead update!

As we enter the new room, a little voice whispers into my ear where a trap would be best placed...
>>
No. 200237 ID: c245f1

>>200233
back up a little, that center spot is obviously a pitfall, shimmy around it and use your knife to tap those spots on the walls to trigger the traps if any.
>>
No. 200245 ID: e31d52
File 127772989259.png - (16.35KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
200245

>>200233
I tell everyone about the traps that could be, and lead them around. At one point I pick up a rock and toss it into the center... where it falls through with a soft sound, leaving a round hole. Huh. We make out way to the entrance to the next room, and I don't see anything, just stairs down.
>>
No. 200248 ID: c245f1

of course not. if you could see it, it wouldn't be a good trap. throw a rock through the doorway/archway.
>>
No. 200313 ID: a594b9

>>200245
Stand off to the side, and toss something into the archway. It's probably a rolling boulder trap or a falling ceiling.
>>
No. 201768 ID: e31d52
File 127798651691.png - (16.36KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
201768

>>200248
>>200313
Right. I throw a rock through... and nothing happens. Maybe there's nothing there?
>>
No. 201769 ID: 701a19

>>201768
It's more likely to be a tripwire or pressure plate. These are kobolds, not mages.
>>
No. 201777 ID: 6a5a08

flop a kobold corpse int- oh, wait... cremated, right. Are there bones left?
>>
No. 201810 ID: e31d52
File 127800362876.png - (16.55KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
201810

>>201777
No, actually.

I make my way carefully forward, checking for pressure plates and tripwires with every movement until I reach the stairs. I lean down and think, then gently place the guitar upon the top step.

It sags, along with the rest, and I pull it back up, thinking. So as soon as anyone with sufficient weight steps on the first one... Yeah, the steps are oiled slick. Damn. And it looks like the only way down, too...
>>
No. 201811 ID: 6a5a08

Use the torch to burn off the oil. Again.
>>
No. 201815 ID: b1a1fe

that could work, but what about what else happens? well those kobolds had to get into that side chamber somehow so another way though should be around.
>>
No. 201998 ID: 1e9d01

>>201810
That's the only stairs that you can see. Want to bet there's another way down? Check those other two spots that could be traps. They might be where the real stairs are.
>>
No. 202001 ID: cfab98

>>201998
that's a good point. bolds would need a way up and down.
>>
No. 202021 ID: 6a5a08

>>202001
Pretty sure they just skipped the first step. They would know all the locations of the pressure plates and such for the traps, after all.
>>
No. 202054 ID: 1e9d01

>>202021
All the steps are oiled. Also, kobolds are short, they'd have problems skipping a step.
>>
No. 202082 ID: e31d52
File 127804808337.png - (16.52KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
202082

>>201811
It hisses, but doesn't catch. It's not flammable. It's a different color than the oil in the trap room from before, which was sticky and black. The other trap?

Alright.

"I took a closer look..." Farah says. "It's a big sheet of parchment stretched over a pit."
>>
No. 202087 ID: 1e9d01

>>202082
I mean the spots on the walls you saw earlier, that looked like there should be a trap there. I guess you could also try checking the walls right before the stairwell for secret passages.

I'm also kindof wondering how those kobolds got into that side passage. There could be some hidden stairs there, too...
>>
No. 202105 ID: 1e9d01

...OR there could be stairs in the pit trap.
>>
No. 202108 ID: cfab98

rip off the parchment and look in the pit.
>>
No. 202165 ID: e31d52
File 127807221184.png - (16.12KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
202165

I walk over to the pit and pull it off, frowning. That stairway isn't meant for people. God damn kobolds. Freddy walks up and chuckles.
"Ladies first?" he asks, his catlike grin spreading.
Zang grunts.
"Any ideas, Bard?" she asks.
I frown. An idea comes to me. That stair trap was very well-oiled. I wonder...

>Use the Iceheart on the oiled stairs
>Take the thin stairs in the pit
>>
No. 202172 ID: 701a19

>>202165
The oiled stairs most likely lead into a pitfall or spike trap, but it doesn't hurt to check.

Tie one end of your 50' rope around yourself, form the parchment into a sled, put your 10' pole across the opening, put the rope over your pole, and start down the stairs. The pole will act as a simple pulley to make it easier to move up and down the stairs while also forming a solid anchor. Investigate what the stairs lead to, then come back up.
>>
No. 202370 ID: 0b2a05

Use the iceheart.
>>
No. 202394 ID: 7324e7

>>202172
that is a rather cunning plan.
>>
No. 202604 ID: e31d52
File 12781540422.png - (5.99KB , 640x480 , Reward.png )
202604

>Tie one end of your 50' rope around yourself, form the parchment into a sled, put your 10' pole across the opening, put the rope over your pole, and start down the stairs. The pole will act as a simple pulley to make it easier to move up and down the stairs while also forming a solid anchor. Investigate what the stairs lead to, then come back up.

Zang supplies the materials, including a foldout pole, and I make my way down the oiled stairs... which lead to nothing but a wall of spikes and some dead bodies. With elaborate care, I take the packs from them, and make my way back up. The bodies were mere skeletons, had they been still rotting, I'd have smelled them.

I set the backpacks down on the floor and set out the money and various objects.

First is a hand-held box, which Fred immediatly recognizes.
"That's a Scroll box." he states simply. "See that rune? Simple ward of waterproofing. There's probably a scroll or two inside."
Next is a small dagger. Probably made of Steel, but it's possible it might be made of Pure Steel, which is even better. Magiced in the forge to remove impurities. There's a few runes on the pommel, which Freddy cannot identify.
"Only thing I can tell you is that it's not cursed. If it were, they'd still be holding it."
Next is a wand, which Freddy and Farah inspect together.
"Hm." Farah says. "It's odd. I've not seen runework like this before."
"Yes." Freddy agrees. "It has elements of Projection and Striking, but beyond that..." he shrugs.
A ring with tiny runes.
"How inventive!" Freddy says with a chuckle. "A rune of Storing, a rune of Force, and a rune of Projection. They forgot a limiter and replaced it with an amplifier instead..."
"What's it do?" I ask.
"It's a pretty standard Ring of the Ram, but the expulsion has no upper limit, and it is heavily amplified. Dangerous, but potent. It stores kinetic energy from the movements of your arm and body, then dispels them in one violent blast. Keep in mind it doesn't store the whole movement, or else you wouldn't be able to move, but a tiny fraction thereof."
"Is there a charge now?"
"No."
"Well." says Farah. "We shall dole out the gold between us evenly, but I think Mordecai has been of excellent help, so he can decide to pick one to take for himself. Agreed?"
They nod.

Hm...
>>
No. 202606 ID: 701a19

>>202604
I'm torn between FALCON PUNCH and the dagger.
>>
No. 202644 ID: 6a5a08

Well, if the Ring of the Ram is ranged, it'd be great for us being an anti-tank Bard. Dangerous though, so we'd have to be careful with it.

I say the ring.
>>
No. 202646 ID: e7740e

Remind me again, you -do- have a hold out weapon you can fall back on, if you need to, right Mordecai? If you do, take the ring. It'll give us a good bit of potential for providing some support damage in a fight if things go south. If you don't, take the chance to get a (Possibly very good) dagger. Having something to fall back on and use in melee is important.
>>
No. 202671 ID: 40cb26

>>202646
Magic weapons come and go, but the ring is a fair bit more unique, and more useful in a pinch. We've just got be sure to be careful with it.
>>
No. 202676 ID: 3bb7c1

anyway, all that is left is to find the secret REAL door. perhaps in the nook the bolds were in?
>>
No. 202680 ID: 16f4a6

>>202604
Definitely the ring.
>>
No. 202682 ID: 3bb7c1

also, charge it up a lot after a wicked lute solo.
>>
No. 202736 ID: 1e9d01

Can anyone else even use the dagger with any skill? Maybe it would be best in Mordecai's hands in that case. If someone else can use it okay, then let's just grab the ring.
>>
No. 202893 ID: e31d52
File 127821643134.png - (3.44KB , 640x480 , Ring.png )
202893

>>202736
"I excel with most blades, especially swords, daggers, stilletos, and the like." Zang says simply. "You should also consider, it might not be a weapon at all, but instead an implement of power."
"She's right." Freddy says. "Some objects can be enchanted to allow mana to flow more freely through a person."
Hrm. However...
"I'll be taking the ring, then, as my personal salvage."
Farah nods, and I slide the ring on.
>knowledge gained: In order to use the Ring of the Ram, simply point it at the target and will it to fire.
>Knowledge gained: Should too much power be gained, the burst of power will become omnidirectional, rather than directed as a fist-sized blast.
>Knowledge Gained: Finally, the range of the blast is determined by the power stored. Normally, a blast will only have a range of roughly ten to fifteen feet.
>>
No. 202905 ID: aa4289

best way to use this is to simply forget we have it on and then some time way in the future, against what we will title 'the last boss' you punch them and use it. releasing ungodly amounts of energy into a single strike.
>>
No. 202914 ID: 6a5a08

Okay, question: Does the blast effect you?

Because if so, the one-hit-KO final boss plan may kill you. And any allies within about a hundred miles.

I mean, we'd probably be talking nuke power after that long.
>>
No. 202938 ID: 40cb26

>>202893
Invoking the power of the ring shall henceforth be referred to as Throwing the Horns
>>
No. 203712 ID: e31d52
File 127835906616.png - (8.26KB , 640x480 , Descending.png )
203712

>>202938
Gotcha.

>>202914
Yeah. Omnidirectional blasts will affect me, striking me in the face and torso.

Hm... I guess that leaves the thin stairway.
Farah sighes. "Everyone rope together." she says. "Zang will go first, followed by myself, then Mordecai, then Freddy. We must be extremely careful. We don't know how long the fall is..."
>>
No. 203730 ID: 5b85ba

maybe with some study of more runes and the ring freddy will be able to make something that keeps it from getting to you.

anyway. be ready to stop the line if you detect a trap. wouldn't put it past the sneaky little runts to trap their own stairway.
>>
No. 203824 ID: 1e9d01

>>203712
How do magical items tend to work in this world? Is it a vocal trigger, a gesture, or an application of will?
>>
No. 204203 ID: e31d52
File 127844257318.png - (14.50KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
204203

>>203824
Depends on the item. My ring, for instance, is activated by a command of will.

>>203730
"Hey, Freddy? Can you fix my ring?"
"Sorry, nope. Runes can only be affixed once. New ones will overload the object and destroy it."
"Ah..."

...

Hrm. We've arrived. This place isn't as well lit...
>>
No. 204207 ID: 08aa7e

got a light?
>>
No. 204323 ID: a594b9

>>204203
We still have that torch, I assume?

Well if not, advance with caution and listen carefully for kobolds.
>>
No. 206345 ID: e31d52
File 12788799121.png - (14.73KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
206345

>>204207
>>204323
I have the torch out now. The room seems pretty big...

What the hell is this?! It's like a spiderweb, only... more... it doesn't look like it's from a spinneret, more like a hocked up ball that was shaped. I don't know how else to put it. It's really sticky, too.
>>
No. 206351 ID: a594b9

>>206345
Avoid touching it. Keep an eye out for giant spiders. Keep exploring the room in a counterclockwise direction.
>>
No. 206464 ID: 08b2da

try setting it on fire. if it doesn't light then stay away from it and look around the room.
>>
No. 206482 ID: e31d52
File 127889226949.png - (18.71KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
206482

>>206464
I touch it with the torch and it...

wow. Well, huh. The whole damn room lights up, as the fire leaps from web to web, crackling loudly and burning slowly.
Zang immediately draws her blade, looking around the room.
>>
No. 206483 ID: 08b2da

okay, proceed with caution through the room.
>>
No. 206493 ID: a594b9

>>206482
Oooh, pretty. You don't see any spots for traps to go? Also, look up. There could be spiders on the pillars or higher on the walls.

You may have to cut through the webbing to get further into the room.
>>
No. 206588 ID: e31d52
File 127890226748.png - (12.41KB , 640x480 , Treyin.png )
206588

>>206483
We wait for the fire to dissipate somewhat before pro-AAAAAAAH oh god!

I have no idea what the hel;l that thing is but it's making a weird noise with its hood and oh god it's huge and it has a sword!

[cont.]
>>
No. 206590 ID: e31d52
File 12789024286.png - (19.94KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
206590

Zang steps between us and the... thing, while it uncurls from the pillar and hisses menacingly. Freddy pulls out a red stone while Farah's hands begin to glow red.

What should I do?
>>
No. 206717 ID: 40cb26

>>206590
How long does it take for your ring to charge up? Can you tell when it does? Because I'm thinking spin your arm around like a maniac, and then throw the horns at the ugly. Knocking it into the flames is a good bet. Attack after Zang and Freddy takes their action, don't want to complicate whatever they are doing.
>>
No. 206719 ID: 16f4a6

>>206590
Don't you have some sort of battle-aura-song-thing we gave you in chapter 1? Use that.
>>
No. 206728 ID: a594b9

rolled 78 + 1 = 79

>>206719
Um... Yeah, that's a decent idea, so long as our buddies don't get caught in it.

Oh wait, I almost forgot we can help too! Beastie: Miss.
>>
No. 206755 ID: 33d299

rolled 77 + 1 = 78

>>206728
no no, that would only work on one attack how about
@beast: FALL
>>
No. 207232 ID: e31d52
File 127904748926.png - (30.11KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
207232

>>206719
Song of Thundering Valor!
I roar out, feeling Farnle's mighty power swell within me!

Everyone stands resolutely against the huge creature, even as Zang is pushed back by it's mighty swing, letting out a grunt. She dips low and leaps up, slamming her helmed head into the creature's, knocking it down and denting its head slightly. Blood flows from the wound.

>Sanguine Knowledge: Treyin are singlular, snakelike hunters of the underground. They are known for their barbaric cunning.

It rises just as fist, hissing and vibrating its hood...

!!!

It's trying to counter my song!


I know there is not enough charge in the ring for it to be of any use yet. It will take some time.
>>
No. 207245 ID: 84ad66

rolled 71 + 1 = 72

hrmm. keep singing, i got something else to try

@Treyin: SILENCE
>>
No. 207276 ID: a594b9

Ahhh, be careful with those Commands, we might run out of Influence. We want to stick with the guy who can sense traps, I think.

influence check
>>
No. 208480 ID: e31d52
File 127920663339.png - (42.01KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
208480

Influence: 15. Command cancelled.

I play even harder as his shrill tones attempt to override my song.

Zang moves in close, the creature thrusting at her leg. It opens a wound, and blood spatters on the ground.

>Sanguine Knowledge: The Blacksteel family is a powerful noble house from across the Darksea. They are known for their near-monopoly on magical metal production.

However, Zang was clearly waiting for that opening, as she turns and slices open the creature's side with ease. It howls in pain...


And another answers, slithering around a corner.

Farah swears, and Freddy touches the back of his hands, closing his eyes.
>>
No. 209278 ID: a594b9
 

Alright, this fight is moving too slow. Get your buddies to move a little faster already!

Try this song on for size.
>>
No. 209282 ID: e31d52
File 127938017650.png - (10.48KB , 640x480 , INSPIRATION-HRYA.png )
209282

>>209278
It's time to Seize the Day!
[cont.]
>>
No. 209283 ID: e31d52
File 127938058516.png - (49.60KB , 640x480 , DungeonScreen.png )
209283

>>209282
Zang swiftly decapitates her foe as the other enemy slithers out of hiding with a screech, rushing at us. With enhanced speed, Farah finishes her spell, the light-blue glow on her body replaced with a flickering orange one, as Freddy's fingernails become long, dangerous looking claws. Zang and Freddy move into position to attack the second one...

And a third emerges from hiding!
>>
No. 209299 ID: a594b9

>>209283
Ugh, these guys won't let up.

Keep the haste on, and make sure everyone stays within the area of effect.
>>
No. 210359 ID: a594b9

Y'know what, I'm gonna see what Freddy can do.

[switch to Freddy]
>>
No. 210371 ID: 0b2a05

When we're with Freddy: Hey Freddy, don't let us distract you, but could you give us a general idea of your capabilities?
>>
No. 210376 ID: e31d52
File 127961431632.png - (7.14KB , 640x480 , Powers.png )
210376

>Note: Mental actions, such as conversing with your host, do not take any time should you wish it. This is an effect that you have gained through psionic power creep.

>>210359
>>210371
No worries, no worries! I showed you the Spells I knew before, so what is left is enchantments, I suppose. Enchantments are things I have given myself via magical tattoos, and they can do many things!


(Hand Tattoo) Cat's Claws
This is one you've seen me use... twice now? It's a pretty simple Thaumatic self-defense tat, allowing me to turn my nails into three-inch claws.

(Head Tattoo) Calm of the Monk
This is the crazy spirally tat on my cueball head. It keeps me calm and cool at all times. Yep, it's pretty hard to anger me with this thing, and I'm also immune to sadness and fear with it. Damn handy!

(Back Tattoo) Donkey's Stubbornness
This keeps me from doing things I don't want to do. Mind control and mental commands will freeze me in place until such a time that the influence ends.

(Chest Tattoo) Spider's Awareness
This... this one is interesting. I learned it from a mystic who wore beaded clothing and carried around a large club. His skin was very dark. I'm not sure of the effect it has, yet, but the man assured me that it would keep me safe.

Oh, I also have the wand, here, and the scrolls have been intrusted to me for the time being, though Farah owns them, but those might be a little risky...
>>
No. 210381 ID: a594b9

Hmmm, alright. Sounds like you'd do good against one of the snakes. Why don't you and Farah go up against one? I think Farah activated a spell that lets her reflect (and amplify) damage, so she probably has the intention of letting the snakething hurt her a little.
>>
No. 210913 ID: e31d52
File 12797739472.png - (8.32KB , 640x480 , Theheckisitdoing.png )
210913

>>210381
"Farah."
She nods, preparing a purple spell. I know this one. It's her mindlock technique. If she can get it off before this one cries out, we be able to ambush the last one I think is hiding behind the pillar over there.

...?! What the hell? It's chin suddenly swells up.
>>
No. 210924 ID: 97c117

DODGE! it's about to use some kind of breath attack!
>>
No. 210933 ID: a594b9

I'm betting it's something more like a poison spit.
>>
No. 210936 ID: e31d52
File 127977530233.png - (12.99KB , 640x480 , Gotcha!.png )
210936

>>210924
>>210933
Either way, it leans forward and I dive close, driving my claws deep into its firm flesh. It's a good sensation.

And then the muscles contract, grabbing my claws tightly. Ah. No matter. I'll have these out... in... a... jiff...

Ergh. Lesser men would be annoyed.
>>
No. 210942 ID: a594b9

>>210936
Use your feet as leverage to get one claw out, then dodge the inevitable sword strike incoming.
>>
No. 211213 ID: e31d52
File 127987363895.png - (12.09KB , 640x480 , Youretooslow.png )
211213

>>210942
Righto!

Toh~! Hahaha, I love bards!
But my other claw is still stuck. In fact, I daresay it's bing pulled in...
>>
No. 211214 ID: 0b2a05

Interesting. Use all your limbs to wrap around its thin body and drag your claws horizontally.
>>
No. 211217 ID: a594b9

>>211213
Hmmm... I wonder if you could climb up its body without getting hit by that sword? Aim to slash its neck...?
>>
No. 211218 ID: 501620

grab a hold of it with your feet then try the wand on it's head.
>>
No. 211220 ID: e31d52
File 127987773074.png - (6.86KB , 640x480 , huhuhuhu~1.png )
211220

>>211218
By swinging myself around, I manage to draw the wand and shove it into it's maw. I channel the force of will required into its workings...
>>
No. 211221 ID: e31d52
File 12798777681.png - (8.92KB , 640x480 , huhuhuhu2.png )
211221

>>211220
... It's a summoning wand.

An incredibly powerful summoning wand.
>>
No. 211222 ID: e31d52
File 127987783988.png - (12.57KB , 640x480 , huhuhuhu3.png )
211222

>>211221
"Hashaku Ne sakarau fuu, dera?"

What

"What kind of fights await me in this world, I wonder?"
>>
No. 211223 ID: a594b9

>>211222
What. That isn't him, surely. It looks just like him, though.

Is that you, Harumda? Didn't think to meet you again so soon.
>>
No. 211224 ID: 6b58ae

what the? hahahaha, it's harumda, these snakes are so boned it's not even funny. do NOT try to fight him, he is a demon lord from our world. luckily if he finds out you have us he will be friendly. we really helped him out before.

try saying "harumda, legion says it is good to see you."
>>
No. 211225 ID: e31d52
File 127987878046.png - (7.52KB , 640x480 , Huhu~.png )
211225

>>211223
"Rahi~n! Ufa deru de sasu, gejuju sura! Gogu, sofu do."

What luck! And here I thought you were using my favor, for something as easy as this! Legion, you never cease to surprise me.

"Ukaba de. Soif fosinta, dusu dusu harum!... era."

Too bad, though. I'll be finishing these jokers up but then I have to leave. Way these sort of things work, you know?

Did he just wink at me?

A demon lord?! Impressive.
>>
No. 211226 ID: a594b9

>>211225
Good to have the help. We're only just starting, so our available power is a little low compared to these guys.

Hey, how long has it been since we left? What news do you bring from back home?
>>
No. 211227 ID: 6b58ae

hahaha, yeah. well i suppose since you are here you can give us a few quick answers about a few things while fighting. like exactly how long we have been gone, the inbetween is a kinda hard place to keep track of time. and a quick rundown of how everyone has been.
>>
No. 211228 ID: 0b2a05

Fantastic. Gotta find a way to recharge that wand. Harumda, you magnificent bastard. How's tricks?

Oh, uh, Freddy this is our friend. Yeah, kind of awesome.
>>
No. 211298 ID: e31d52
 

The following imagery is far too graphic for this imageboard. Please enjoy this soothing Relax-o-Vision instead.
>>
No. 211300 ID: e31d52
File 12799183964.png - (4.98KB , 640x480 , ___.png )
211300

Remind me not to anger anyone you call a 'friend'.

Don't worry, I'll dump the info you asked for in the /disc/ thread.
>>
No. 211336 ID: a594b9

>>211300
Corpses got anything good on 'em? Looked like they were naked except for the swords... eh, I guess we should search the room.

And yes, you would be wise to do that. Any of our friends that could reach this world would be very powerful indeed... at least compared to what you can do right now.
>>
No. 211337 ID: 54004f

lol, yeah. but don't worry. what we consider 'best end' would be you could at least stalemate him in a one-on-one fight.
>>
No. 211930 ID: e31d52
File 128001711551.png - (5.29KB , 640x480 , kekekekek.png )
211930

The snakemen didn't have anything we could carry.

But before we can proceed, I can hear soft, steady clapping.

"Well-done, well-done. You don't have any idea how much work went into them, do you? Well, at any rate, I doubt you can provide proper compensation for the loss of time and blood samples. We'll just have to make do, won't we? May I please know your names so we may contact next of kin about your untimely demise?"
>>
No. 211939 ID: a594b9

>>211930
Shadow cultist...

Tell everyone not to give him your names. Ask who he is, while you get into a proper combat formation and advance towards him.
>>
No. 211940 ID: 788388

well shit. he looks ungodly powerful. he is too calm. DO NOT tell him your names. just say 'no' he may have a spell that needs your name to kill you or some shit.
>>
No. 211974 ID: 0b2a05

Have a feeling he's way faster than he looks, and is prepared for immediate attacks. Don't give names, gotta speed up.
>>
No. 212020 ID: e31d52
File 128002956626.png - (4.92KB , 640x480 , kekekekek.png )
212020

>>211974
I begin to play... And find no song surging through me.

"Can't have that happening." the man replies, holding out a strange rod. "Now... You have a few options regarding how this will turn out. You can donate some blood to my experiments, and I will compensate you for them, by letting you continue, whole and alive, and unharmed. This contribution will require less than the average Infusion, mind you. I'll even heal the cut for you!" his expression turns serious. "Or you could waste your effort and try to kill me, in which case I murder you all as efficiently and bloodlessly as possible, and use those wonderful samples to further my research. Except you, boy. Some of my associates would be most... angered if I were to murder you."
>>
No. 212027 ID: 788388

rolled 94 = 94

stall. just start talking and don't stop. when that silent get's near the door blow out the lights and then
[switch to Thh.]
{this plan relies on that actually being Thh, if it is not use this instead}

STOMP on cultist
>>
No. 212067 ID: a594b9

>>212027
First he says he's going to kill everyone, then he says he just wants blood samples? He's bluffing. In fact those blood samples will probably be used only to gather information on our party... So, he's probably a scout. Though, he already knows who you are, Mordecai. I can only assume he works for your mother.

But yes, keep him distracted so we can switch to the one we *think* is THH.
>>
No. 212070 ID: e31d52
File 128004065574.png - (7.43KB , 640x480 , kekekekek.png )
212070

>>212067
"So... how do we know you won't use this blood against us?"

"Because, my boy, I am a scientist. If I can utilize your blood and leave you alive, it is much preferred."
"You changed tunes pretty fast there, then."
"Oh, I wasn't sure at that point. But collecting your names and informing your kin of your demise is one of the kinder things the Clerics of the Blood do. Oh, wait... you refer to us as cultists, don't you."

He pauses.

"Well, put it this way. Mordecai, you know of blood magic, yes? Your father taught you, yes?"

"I know the basics."

"Then let me be simple with you. We wish to make something extraordinary. To do that, we need special blood."

"Special?"

"Those that are close to the song are good. Those that are touched by it, like bards, are better... but best of all are those who have only heard the song of the most powerful one."

... He can't... he can't mean that...


!@$%^&*%$#@

Thh running. Thh hate light. More people. People mean! More noise! People bring noise!
>>
No. 212084 ID: a594b9

>>212070
THH, you're ok! It's us again! You're lucky, you found the rest of our friends! They can help you. We can help you.

You just have to do one thing for us. Can you disable or kill that man with all the squiggly arms? We can give you power again if you need it!

influence check
>>
No. 212097 ID: e31d52
File 128004316187.png - (6.02KB , 640x480 , kekekekek.png )
212097

>>212084
Thh don't know. Thh don't like hurting. Hurting make noise, and Thh hate noise. Also light everywhere. Thh just want home.

50
>>
No. 212099 ID: 788388

rolled 86 = 86

just hang on
STOMP
>>
No. 212100 ID: 701a19
 

>>212020
@Mordecai
Your powers are being hampered. We will grant you the inspiration of legends. We will sing you the song of our people.
>>
No. 212103 ID: 701a19
 

>>212100
Or if you would rather attempt to topple his power instead of breaking its influence...
>>
No. 212104 ID: a594b9

>>212097
Look out, he's about to try to cast something at you! Dodge!
>>
No. 212106 ID: e31d52
File 128004445042.png - (9.70KB , 640x480 , kekekekek.png )
212106

>>212099
>>212097
Fine! Thh help! But Thh not stay!
Thh leave right after! Thh stay away!
WHAMM
>>
No. 212107 ID: e31d52
File 128004463289.png - (3.87KB , 640x480 , kekekekek.png )
212107

>>212106
#$%^&*(&^%M

What.
>>
No. 212109 ID: 788388

Quick, while he is down finish him off!
>>
No. 212118 ID: a594b9

Perhaps you can get a blood sample from him. Who knows what kind of power we could get from someone as... enhanced as he is?

By the way, that was our little Silent friend. He won't be helping us directly though. He doesn't like noise or light...
>>
No. 212129 ID: 0b2a05

Poor guy... Exsanguinate him unless you think that would cause problems, or let you get corrupted from the inside or something.
>>
No. 212130 ID: 788388

i REALLY don't think a bard should drink blood related to the silent. just a little would result in him being unable to play any songs.
>>
No. 212132 ID: e31d52
File 128005122034.png - (5.56KB , 640x480 , TheThing.png )
212132

>Finish him!

Right.

I walk forward, when something steps out of the shadows. It's clearly inhuman. With the billowing robe and wide hat, I can hardly tell if it is humanoid. I find myself unable to step forward as the apparation walks up to the cultist. It waves an... appendage, and the cultist vanishes, without even a sound.

"O, James, you silly fool. Let us send you home."
>>
No. 212137 ID: 788388

he seems to have control of movement. he may have low attack power or something. just hope he leaves.
>>
No. 212141 ID: e31d52
File 128005234167.png - (14.95KB , 640x480 , Sanguine.png )
212141

>>212137
It turns to look at me. the glowing eye seeming moving on its head with a strange squelching sound.

"The boy... hoho. The boy is here. I wonder... if I should send you... somewhere? Either way. The Lady of The Blood will want you alive, but these meddlers have no such protection. However...


If you wish, I will place your lot with theirs. So choose, Mordecai. Then I will release your binds, and theirs, and truly test you.
"

Eyes open all over what I thought was a black robe, and small tendrils of flesh with short claws begin to scabble on the floor and wall near him.
>>
No. 212142 ID: 0b2a05

Think you could play something now?
>>
No. 212267 ID: 660619

is he seriously suggesting to sell out your allies? dear god villains are so stupid.

tell him to cast your lot in with them or however he worded it. and let's get this boss battle started. you probably have a good force punch charged from all that playing so that may be nice. just try playing anything. even if you can't get inspired don't stop playing, in fact play harder. maybe you can overpower his silence by rocking out hard enough?

[switch to freddy]
get those scrolls out and get them to farah. if that wand was so powerful the scrolls would probably be good too. then get out those stones, a mechanical minion may be good, it being non-sentient may help it.

[switch to farah] freddy is going to give you the scrolls, whatever they do should be amazing if it is similar to the wand at all.

[switch to zang]
hello, we work with mordicai, will tell you more later, right now seems like a good time to test out that magic sword.

[switch to mordicai]
>>
No. 212395 ID: e31d52
File 128012172231.png - (13.17KB , 640x480 , SOLO.png )
212395

"You think I'd sell out my comrades? That I'd go and throw it all away?" I laugh, heartily, feeling a song pump into me.

"You aren't scared of fighting me?"

"Oh, I am. Sends shivers down my spine. But if I threw away my friends... well, Farnle would have a devil set aside for me!"

The resistance to the song is less than before, but it still hampers me. Nonetheless, I play, harder than I have before.

And I break through, the wall of sound and power blasting Sanguine. He throws up one massive arm, and a sphere of grey power baloons around him barely in time to intercept. Fred tosses the scroll box to Farah while he and Zang move in... And Fred is bound by his own shadow, unable to move, when Sanguine motions with his other hand.

"No matter how powerful your song, Mordecai, you cannot hope to overcome me."
>>
No. 212396 ID: 40cb26

>>212395
Your song alone, perhaps. But what about... OUR song? ADD A CHORUS, AND LET YOUR ALLIES LEND THEIR STRENGTH BY SINGING ALONG AS THEY FIGHT.

...I don't have a good idea for how to exactly do that. Any ideas?
>>
No. 212397 ID: 8e11a3

rolled 86 = 86

"if i was alone you would be right, but i have help"
keep playing, we'll try to make him drop his guard.

@Sanguine: FAIL
>>
No. 212404 ID: 16f4a6

>>212396
Yes! Everyone knows that the power of this song increases when sung by more people! Sing! Sing, all of you!
>>
No. 212407 ID: 0b2a05

So you think you can stop me a spit in my eye?
So you think you can love me and leave me to die?!
Ohhh baby! Can't do this to me baby!
Just gotta get out, just gotta get right outta here!
>>
No. 212410 ID: 8e11a3
 

[switch to each other character and show them the song. and tell them these words]
everyone, join in and sing, a song sung by many is very powerful.
>>
No. 212576 ID: e31d52
File 128018627848.png - (7.35KB , 640x480 , PoweroftheSong.png )
212576

I continue to play, my feet shuffling towards the creature, and I call out.
"All together now! Maybe my song can't beat you, Sanguine, but ours CAN!"

"So you think you can stop me a spit in my eye?"
"So you think you can love me and leave me to die?!"
"Ohhh baby! Can't do this to me baby!"
"Just gotta get out, just gotta get right outta here!"

"NONSENSE! HOW CAN THEY KNOW?! HOW CAN THE SONG FLOW THROUGH THEM!?" the creature roars, cracks festooning his cage of anti-sound.

[cont.]
>>
No. 212577 ID: e31d52
File 128018642627.png - (9.59KB , 640x480 , Throwing the horns1.png )
212577

>>212576
I'm finally close enough. As the song reaches the crescendo, I stop playing, letting the feeling hang in the air, the tension grow.

"Because, Sanguine. You don't have to know how to play..."
>>
No. 212579 ID: e31d52
File 128018663050.png - (9.37KB , 640x480 , Throwing the horns2.png )
212579

>>212577
"TO THROW THE HORNS!"
>>
No. 212583 ID: 0b2a05

Now destroy it if it isn't dead already! Is it bleeding? Say it's bleeding.
>>
No. 212585 ID: 10251e

finish him el kabong style. smash your guitar over his face. freddy can fix it not problem, and i really wonder how those quantum strings would react to be broken on something.
>>
No. 212612 ID: e31d52
File 12801953198.png - (14.01KB , 640x480 , NO.png )
212612

>>212583
>>212585
"NO"
>>
No. 212616 ID: 0b2a05

Yes. Everyone attack NOW, ALL AT ONCE!
>>
No. 212632 ID: 857037

YES!
>>
No. 212634 ID: 4c7b39

HYES!
>>
No. 212768 ID: e31d52

>>212616
>>212632
>>212634
The blast carries me back, Freddy tries to catch me, but is restrained at the last moment. Another blast destroys the wand he was trying to charge, and things begin to fade as stars cloud my vision...

I'm sorry, Legion. I'm going to take a nap now.
>>
No. 212769 ID: e31d52
File 128021590593.png - (6.21KB , 640x480 , YE-no.png )
212769

>>212768
>>
No. 212770 ID: e31d52
File 128021615975.png - (7.16KB , 640x480 , Choose.png )
212770

>>212769
Choose.
>>
No. 212776 ID: b5d787

Farah.
>>
No. 212834 ID: a594b9

>>212770
Zang!
>>
No. 213125 ID: 0b2a05

Farah. She seems likely more able to withstand the stuff, and besides we haven't been with her in a while.
>>
No. 213134 ID: e31d52
File 128031241580.png - (5.19KB , 640x480 , ohnoohno.png )
213134

Mordecai!? Mordecai, oh Hrya, oh Oosa are you okay?!
>>
No. 213145 ID: 11832a

we can tell our hosts status at time of booting, he was just knocked out. and head wounds always look worse hen they are. just get the wound covered and it should do okay until we can get more serious healing. then open those scrolls and let's see what we got. sanguine is probably really weakened, and like most bosses went into a second form.
>>
No. 213147 ID: e31d52
File 128031659846.png - (9.64KB , 640x480 , Sanguinemad.png )
213147

>>213145
Right, uhm, cover, uhm...

Wait, SanguiEEEEEEEEEE!

"Enough tomfoolery! The boy is now unconscious, so I warn you all again! You may leave now and take him with you, or suffer and die!"

...
Wait, he's letting us leave?
>>
No. 213149 ID: 0b2a05

What a dick. You'd better leave, it's unfortunate that you'll never get a chance to use this way in again.
>>
No. 213152 ID: 593c69

what? no, we are not leaving. he is most likely bluffing, he has be horrendously weakened by that attack and is just making himself look huge and intimidating and is trying to MAKE you go away. get out those scrolls and hit him with something powerful.
>>
No. 213179 ID: a594b9

>>213147
Pfah. Let's kick his ass. Hey Farah do you think you can charge spells while we're in your head? We won't be much of a distraction would we? You probably wanna get those scrolls ready anyway though...
>>
No. 213430 ID: e31d52
File 128038243160.png - (8.94KB , 640x480 , Mindlock.png )
213430

>>213179
There's two scrolls here: Lightning Bolt and Energy Reflection. He doesn't seem to use any sort of evocative energy source like fire, lightning, or ice, so the second is out. Not to mention I have Redirect active right now, not Mage armor, and I've been working on chanting up Mindlock. I need to buy some time...

"Well?" he asks.

Just a little more time. Five minutes, on the outside...

Did I mention that I can hide these runes that appear if I want to?

I've figured out since speaking to you how to sublimate the part of my mind that actually does the work on these spells. I won't be able to mod them while you're around, but it's better than not casting at all.
>>
No. 213820 ID: 18169f

"what assurances do we have that you wont just blast us while we are going up the stairs? would be pretty easy to hit targets that are all lined up"
>>
No. 213829 ID: a594b9

Hmm, 5 minutes distraction? That's going to be difficult. Maybe we should just switch over to Zang so we can tank him.

Start asking him questions. Like, who is he, what does he want, why Mordecai is so important... Why they're messing with the Silent.
>>
No. 214532 ID: eededc

Does lightning come with thunder?

Because if so...
>>
No. 214966 ID: e31d52
File 128080738170.png - (9.42KB , 640x480 , Zang!.png )
214966

>>213829
>Like, who is he
"Who are you, anyway?"
"Sanguine, The knight of Blood and Body." he replies simply.

>what does he want,
"What do you want with us, Sanguine?"
"I want you to leave, or surrender." he replies again.

>why Mordecai is so important
"Why does so much hinge on Mordecai?"
"I can't awnser that."

>Why they're messing with the Silent.
"Why are you doing things like this with Sorfan's Children?"
"I can't awnser that. Stop stalling."

Damn! He saw through me!

A... tentacle lashes out, mouth wide, but Zang steps in the way, the mouth slamming into and glancing off the armor.

"!"
"A daughter of one of the Singers..."
"You know my father?"
"Who could forget Manowar Blacksteel?"
"Ha! Farnle have mercy on your black soul, Sanguine."
>>
No. 215029 ID: eededc

How much longer on the spell?

We can take this guy down with one more hit methinks. Maybe less if Zang can finish it off. Out of curiosity, how long does it take to use a scroll? A Lightning scroll might do some good.
>>
No. 215122 ID: a594b9

>>214966
Okay, let's help Zang!

[switch to Zang]
>>
No. 215150 ID: e31d52
File 128084478330.png - (12.16KB , 640x480 , BLOOOOOD.png )
215150

>>215122
>Switch to Zang!

Fool. He does not have the right to utter my father's name!
He will pay for that insult.
>>
No. 215154 ID: e03089

careful, looks like the blood is moving. cut it as well.
>>
No. 215187 ID: a594b9

Yeah... watch out for that blood.

Also, ditch the thing you just cut off. Throw it over to like, the other side of the room.
>>
No. 215513 ID: e31d52
File 128093168688.png - (6.67KB , 640x480 , tuttuttut.png )
215513

I toss the limb away, batting aside spikes of blood as they are launched at me. He retracts the now-singular tentacle, forming a massive arm that sprouts from his belly, holding up a mocking finger.

"Why are you so mad, my dear? Could it be your father is something of a touchy subject?"

"Don't you dare talk about him!"

"Huhuuu...."
>>
No. 215514 ID: d9dec9

ignore his insults, be wary of that sphere, i don't know what it is, but all signs point to BAD. think you can throw that magic knife at it? if not then try whacking the ball after he throws it.
>>
No. 215517 ID: eededc

Seriously, wtf is that thing? Try to avoid it and stay focused!
>>
No. 215605 ID: e31d52
File 128095153316.png - (9.82KB , 640x480 , Feh!.png )
215605

>>215514
>>215517
Ha! Easily taken handled. I turn my sword inwards, and a great blast of energy, blood-red, slams into the feild it creates. Is this all the feel is capable of?! Is this all he can do!?
>>
No. 215606 ID: d9dec9

no, it is a mixing chamber, you are being hit with only half of the spell. you better have something else planned cause it is probably about to get a lot stronger.
>>
No. 215611 ID: d9dec9

best bet would be to hit it with something right when it activates, causing a massive magical backlash to him. best bet would be that magic knife you picked up. don't know what it does but throwing more magic into the mix can only lead to good things for you and bad things for him.
>>
No. 215782 ID: e31d52
File 12810274866.png - (12.25KB , 640x480 , Guh!.png )
215782

>>215606
Mixing... GUH!

"Having trouble, dear?"

It's taking all I have to hold my blade! I... I can't move!

"Who trained you, girl? Certainly it was not your father!"

I... Ergh... I won't last... Much longer...
>>
No. 215786 ID: 672901

rolled 90, 82 = 172

we'll try something, hang on.

@sanguine: STOP

STOMP
>>
No. 216090 ID: e31d52
File 128119376312.png - (6.87KB , 640x480 , Gyaaah!.png )
216090

>>215786
You lack the required influence!

aaagh! My shoulder! It's peircing through! I can stand the pain! I just need to hold a little longer!
[cont]
>>
No. 216091 ID: e31d52
File 128119389074.png - (6.73KB , 640x480 , Sanguine\'sTruth.png )
216091

>>216090
A searing bolt of blue strikes the creature in the chest, and its hat flies off, screaming. Wait, what? The body of the creature turns into innumerable scabs and lumps of clotted blood.

"NOOO! NO! NO!"
[cont]
>>
No. 216092 ID: e31d52
File 128119398696.png - (6.02KB , 640x480 , Haha!.png )
216092

>>216091
It lands, and scrabbles away from me towards the wall, whimpering, simpering about mercy and goodwill and information, as if I should care.
>>
No. 216213 ID: eededc

Welp! I'm all for ending it's pathetic existence.

If we can do that.

Can we do that?

I just don't think we can trust it, and the risk isn't worth it.
>>
No. 216260 ID: a594b9

>>216092
I am curious as to what information it thinks is valuable enough to spare its life.
>>
No. 216273 ID: eededc

okay fine, hear it out, and then kill it if (when) it's info sucks.
>>
No. 216274 ID: e9ab30

>>216260
>>216273
Let it have it's say they said...

No, No, NO. Don't let it talk, just shove your sword into it's first available orifice.
>>
No. 216278 ID: eededc

>>216274

Wait. This is a world where music and the spoken word have power. We should kill it, yes.

(post edited)
>>
No. 216552 ID: 07f166

itit has drank the blood of silent so much that it is unable to use any song based powers. hold your sword to it and tell it that the info better be exactly what you want.
>>
No. 216605 ID: e31d52
File 128134731833.png - (7.51KB , 640x480 , Victory.png )
216605

>>216213
>>216274
>>216278
Its begging does not earn it anything.
>>
No. 216681 ID: eededc

Retrieve sword, check on musician.

Or a victory pose, whatever.
>>
No. 216686 ID: 2161ea

see if it has any loot. think this would be a good stopping spot to rest for now.
>>
No. 217324 ID: e31d52
File 128153723232.png - (10.51KB , 640x480 , holyshitafullshotoftheparty.png )
217324

It takes some time, but Mordecai awakens.
"What happened?"
"We got him." Farah says, "Thanks mostly to you... but what the hell is your mother up to?"
"I have no idea!" he says, throwing his arms into the air. "This is all so surreal! My family doesn't have any influence, we just lord over a tiny rich section of a tiny town of a tiny nation! We're as nobody as you can get while having a family crest!"

"Well. With that in mind, we still need to decide whether to move on or call this operation shot."

"...Why are you all looking at me?" asks the bard, looking around. "Farah, shouldn't you decide this?"

Farah thinks for a moment.
"Look, it seems to me something bigger than ourselves is going on here. This isn't about some musty old tome anymore. We need to find out what's going on. The question isn't whether we need to call off the mission, Mordecai."

"It's whether you want to be along for the ride."
>>
No. 217358 ID: b3f237

hell yeah, we going for the ride.

anyway, your mom could of BEEN a simple noblewoman, but what could she have BECOME? she may have be hoarding countless samples of blood somewhere and then chugged them all after you left. just some speculation.

since they were here though, the book may be something you can use on them.
>>
No. 217727 ID: e31d52
File 128164084263.png - (7.27KB , 640x480 , Niceworkingwi-OHSHIT.png )
217727

$#%^&*()^%$

>>217358
"You bet your sweet ass I'm going for the ride!" I say, shaking her hand.
>>
No. 217741 ID: a594b9

>>217727
You have a dagger. Use it.
>>
No. 218036 ID: e31d52
File 12817219407.png - (6.29KB , 640x480 , Mordecaimad.png )
218036

None of this makes any sense. To realize the level of power and blood manipulation Sanguine had, you'd need thousands of infusions of incredible quality. At that point, your sanity would be gone, your mind would be rendered to that of an animal. Something just isn't right about this.

"Should we head topside and rest? Or push on?" Frederick asks.

"I'm not sure." I reply. "I get the feeling things will be a lot worse once we continue forth."
>>
No. 218043 ID: 0713a9

ask if freddy can set up some kind of teleport rune or something. so that with a use of a attuned item it brings you right back here. so that if any traps get reset we don't have to get past all of them again.
>>
No. 218047 ID: e31d52
File 128172340812.png - (10.51KB , 640x480 , Exposition!.png )
218047

>>218043
"Hmmm..." he thinks for a moment. "Keyed teleportation is rather complex. There's many many factors involved, namely that you have to account that reference points are hard to set because of rotational and universal movement and that the area must remain completely sterile, not to mention the difficulties of various random chance..."

"er..."

"Sorry. More to the point, if you flub that sort of thing, which is very easy to do, I would end up teleporting us either into stone, or very very very high up. I just graduated, I'm not really an expert on anything but tattoos."
>>
No. 218087 ID: a594b9

Well, we did get into some nasty fights, but we still have most of our supplies intact. Just play that healing song for a bit to recover, and we can get moving again.

I mean, what reason do we have really to go back up?
>>
No. 218243 ID: 0b2a05

What about folding space instead? Portals? Those are like holes in the wall, you could see where you'd come out and everything.
>>
No. 218445 ID: e31d52
File 128183579296.png - (6.32KB , 640x480 , Eeeeeeew.png )
218445

>>218087
That's true. I play the song of Respite, sitting down and letting the song flow through me. It feels good to just play.

>>218243
Farah interjects quietly.
"Weavecraft, the magic of the way the universe handles space and places, is a lost magic." she says softly. "There's too many factors to take into account and no graceful solution for magical traveling like that. Summonings only really work for things that don't natively exist in this world, and thus have to deal with far fewer of those problems... needless to say, unless it happens to be in the book I'm after, we aren't going to be able to pull it off anytime soon."

"Then how did sanguine teleport the guy?"
They stare at me a bit, then look at each other.
"No idea." they reply.
"Either way." Zang states, looking at the creature's arm. "This thing was not crafted by an amatuer. I daresay it's naturally made."
"You know about that sorta thing?" I ask.
"Not formally educated, but..." she turns it over in her hands. "You pick things up. You learn. You slay enough creatures, you start to notice things."
"Like that spit?"
"A common ambush predator aberration mutation." Zang says, moving the fingers. "As for the hoods and that strange humming, it's likely that was a method of communication, not unlike hand signals. This is no normal homunculus."

A homunculus is a being created by blood magic or thaumaturgy or something similar.
>>
No. 218456 ID: 3234dd

>>218445

>> Summonings only really work for things that don't natively exist in this world, and thus have to deal with far fewer of those problems...

Well then, teleportation is as easy as summoning yourself into a neighboring world, then summoning yourself back again. No problem!

...where's my crowbar
>>
No. 218458 ID: a594b9

Oh hey in case you're wondering why Sanguine was able to have so much power? He was manipulating a bunch of other, stronger things via their blood. He just needed to control their minds, not wield their power.
>>
No. 219261 ID: e31d52
File 128209563779.png - (6.27KB , 640x480 , Bloodlabs.png )
219261

I send Zang to look into the next room.

"Lotsa doors." she reports.
>>
No. 219270 ID: 3b77b9

and they are all numbered. let's try door number one.
>>
No. 219280 ID: e31d52
File 128209670222.png - (10.16KB , 640x480 , Thisiswhywedon\'tangerSilent.png )
219280

>>219270
"They're numbered?"
"Yep."
"Let's look in number one."
"About that..."

Mother of Song.
>>
No. 219286 ID: a594b9

>>219280
Oh, this was Thh's cell.

Check the rest in order. See if you can find any more Silent to free.
>>
No. 219288 ID: 3b77b9

should be a dagger with your family insignia somewhere in the gore.

anyway yeah, that is apparently what happens if you infuse a silent with a LOT of anger.
>>
No. 220573 ID: e31d52
File 128242418078.png - (33.07KB , 640x480 , Documentation.png )
220573

>>219286
The rest are empty, some with skeletons of large, monstrous humanoids, like bugbears, or Yuan-ti, or Suhaugin...

"This isn't a prison." Zang states after the third cell, quietly. "It was a farm."

I frown.
"But why would you need so many? I ask quietly.

"I have no idea." Zang states. "But there are four floors of this. Hundreds of cells. Someone must be told."

I take a look at the paper beside cell III.
>>
No. 220600 ID: 66bf15

wow, that is VERY thoroughly researched. is the book still even here?
>>
No. 220603 ID: a594b9

>>220573
Oh fuck no, they're making a goddamn army of blood-infused abominations.

Let's get the book ASAP then leave as fast as possible. We really do need to tell someone about this. Or we could leave now and come back tomorrow for the book.
>>
No. 221251 ID: e31d52
File 128253112252.png - (10.52KB , 640x480 , stockhorrotrope5.png )
221251

>>220603
"We need to get the hell out of here. Get the book and get out."

My companions nod in agreement, then stare behind me, their eyes going wide.
"What?"
>>
No. 221253 ID: ea1cdb

whenever someone looks at you and then suddenly goes wide eyed it means HIT THE DECK!!
>>
No. 221255 ID: a594b9

>>221251
Large thing behind you. Dodge.
>>
No. 221286 ID: bb9377

>>221251
Oh crap, Mordre came to eat your soul.
Game over man GAME OVER!!!

but seriously, you should get out of the way.

(you gotten your inspiration for the day ?)
>>
No. 221821 ID: e31d52
File 128268029487.png - (12.75KB , 640x480 , Big.png )
221821

>>221255
I leap back and turn around to see a bugbear.

Bugbears are the First Children of Farnle, and they are an ancient race. Most ruins are of Bugbear make, but their empire dissolved into civil war soon after it reached its peak. I take a few steps back as it raises a club easily as large as I am with one hand.
>>
No. 221857 ID: 40cb26

>>221821
Err... think we can try diplomacy? Make a small bow and say "Well met, descent of Farnle. My name is Mordecai, me and my companions mean for no harm to you."

And be fucking ready to jump away like a frog on fire when it likely doesn't work.
>>
No. 221883 ID: f3e516

challenge him to rock off? show you are more farnle then him! if hat doesn't work then have zang stab him in the gut.
>>
No. 221908 ID: a594b9

>>221821
Can't tell if he's friend or foe. Take evasive action while telling him you're not with the Blood Cult. They do speak Common, right?
>>
No. 222872 ID: e31d52
File 12829826486.png - (9.20KB , 640x480 , MrBig.png )
222872

>>221857
"Well met, Son of Farnle. I am Mordecai. I do not seek to cause you harm."

The creature sighs and puts down the cudgel, setting it aside. He removes his helmet.

"Shows how far they've taken me." says the... no. This isn't a bugbear. Mother of Hrya. "Name's Art Big." he says. "Mordecai, huh?"
>>
No. 222875 ID: 97cb33

oh, i'm guessing he is the "brute" that paper was talking about. infused with so many bugbear samples he isn't recognizable.
>>
No. 222897 ID: 97cb33

oh, and i guess say sorry and ask what he is doing around here. if he wants to get back at those guys for doing this to him then sweet.
>>
No. 222905 ID: 40cb26

>>222872
At least this guy is sane and not indiscriminately violent. Those notes had me worried we'd get attacked by a flipped out monster. Again.

Make conversation, ask him what his story is and what the hell has been going here.
>>
No. 225273 ID: e31d52
File 128351154358.png - (5.26KB , 640x480 , BigsStory1.png )
225273

>Make conversation, ask him what his story is and what the hell has been going here.

"You aren't gonna believe me. Man, that was..." he shakes his head quietly.

"Try me."

"Alright. Alright. Let's jus' siddown for a minute, I been running through this place like a madman. Seeing people again is nice." We all sit down, and he begins to tell his tale.

"So, it was about a year ago when they first hired me. They said I could make lots of money, that... they'd make me stronger. There was a chance of side effects, but that was, you know, normal. Same as always. I'd done lotsa work for mages. So they take me down here, start giving me injections."

(cutscene)
>>
No. 225274 ID: e31d52
File 128351154739.png - (9.04KB , 640x480 , BigsStory2.png )
225274

"At first everything is pretty nice. I even meet a nice young lady. She talked oddly, though. Broken sentances, like... some parts of her head caught up or fell behind. She'd been there longer than I and was really smart. Anyway, after some time, they give me armor and this here weapon, and stick me in front of the biggest goddamn door I've ever seen, laden with symbols and seals and shit. Creepy as hell. They tell me, you sit right here, Big, you don't let anyone pass."

"So I does whats I'm told, and I sit there."

The big man sighs heavily before continuing.

(cutscene)
>>
No. 225275 ID: e31d52
File 128351155915.png - (7.40KB , 640x480 , BigsStory3.png )
225275

"And then the weird shit starts happing. Little noises from places noise can't be coming from, like inside the walls. Whispers. Giggles. I shit you not, man. Weeping. And when I fell asleep, oh Farnle above. Big, shining smiles fulla teeth, white eyes. Predatory grins. Like... like a damn wolf or something. It doesn't see a meal or a friend, it sees a toy. At that point I just couldn't help it. I ran. Farnle bless me I ran like a little child. And no one stopped me."
(cutscene)
>>
No. 225276 ID: e31d52
File 128351156249.png - (9.50KB , 640x480 , BigsStory4.png )
225276

"Because... because, Farnle help me... everyone was gone. Neatly folded robes, everywhere. Dust. As if it had been abandoned for years. But... I was only gaurding that door for a week, tops. And then I stop, and I realize, I'm in a different facility. None of it makes any sense."
He covers his face with his hand.
"No goddamn sense at all."
>>
No. 225277 ID: 97cb33

tell him that you just ran into someone who seemed to have mastered teleportation so he could of been moved with magic. and that his perception of time could of been altered so that unless something noticeable happened he didn't feel time as much.
>>
No. 225312 ID: a594b9

That is pretty weird. I'd say time dilation or teleportation was involved.

Or maybe every facility links up in some manner to a central hub where that door is...
>>
No. 225352 ID: edc7c7

And I bet that the door is gone.
>>
No. 228862 ID: e31d52
File 128408751837.png - (8.50KB , 640x480 , HA HA HA HA.png )
228862

I try to comfort him.

"No... Get away! Get away!" he roars, shoving us all back.

And then he starts to laugh, and his eyes... Change. His teeth shift and warp... and I swear I see small faces radiating from his head.

"[s]Haha! Ha! Hahaahaha!
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul!
Haha! Ha! Hahahah!
/s]"

He's not... doing anything. Just standing there and laughing with that strange voice.
>>
No. 228867 ID: 97cb33

he seems to be partially insane from whatever they did to him. if we can get into his head we MAY be able to put him back together.
[switch to Art Big]
>>
No. 229062 ID: e31d52
File 128411295890.png - (6.37KB , 640x480 , Endcard.png )
229062


Darkness.

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