[Burichan] [Futaba] [Nice] [Pony]  -  [WT]  [Home] [Manage]
[Catalog View] :: [Graveyard] :: [Rules] :: [Quests] :: [Discussions] :: [Wiki]

[Return] [Entire Thread] [Last 50 posts] [Last 100 posts]
Posting mode: Reply
Name (optional)
Email (optional, will be displayed)
Subject    (optional, usually best left blank)
Message
File []
Password  (for deleting posts, automatically generated)
  • How to format text
  • Supported file types are: GIF, JPG, PNG, SWF
  • Maximum file size allowed is 10000 KB.
  • Images greater than 250x250 pixels will be thumbnailed.

File 132331702932.jpg - (129.20KB , 872x768 , 4deb81fa.jpg )
370536 No. 370536 ID: a9ba96

"...Those Beyond, Those Beyond, I grant my mind unto you, so you may speak and unto me your many tongues be heard."
Expand all images
>>
No. 370537 ID: a9ba96
File 132331706713.jpg - (78.44KB , 895x768 , 5e83c3f0.jpg )
370537

"Those Beyond, Those Beyond, I grant my mind unto you, so you may speak and unto me your many tongues be heard.
Those Beyond, Those Beyond, I grant my mind unto you, so you may speak and unto me your many tongues be heard.
Those Beyond, Those Beyond, I grant my mind unto you, so you may speak and unto me your many tongues be heard."
>>
No. 370539 ID: a9ba96
File 132331710390.jpg - (101.59KB , 895x765 , 9ca6ffde.jpg )
370539

>"Hey, Varn, I have the stuff you asked for! How goes the summoning?"
"Neena, I'm in the middle of a very delicate ritual. Leave the ingredients at the door. I only have a short timeframe to attract the attention of Those Beyond - should I fail here, we'll have to start again from square one."
>"Looks like you're making progress, I don't remember it glowing like that before."
"Glowing? We're not far enough along for it to be -- Oh! OH! Those Beyond, Those Beyond, I grant my mind unto you, so you may speak and unto me your many tongues be heard! Those Beyond, Those Beyond, I grant my mind unto you, so you may speak and unto me your many tongues be heard!
>>
No. 370540 ID: b6edd6

Ehh, what's up, Doc?
>>
No. 370541 ID: 1854db

>>370539
For better or worse, you have our attention.

Who's that, your wife?
>>
No. 370542 ID: 453e62

the glowing means you connected, dude, you can stop. your lovely assistant showing up actually helped a little.
>>
No. 370543 ID: cfa804

FOOL, YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT EVIL YOU HAVE UNLEASHED, AND FOREVER NOW MUST BE FORCED TO DEAL WITH... aww fuck it I can't keep this act up. What's goin' on, four-eyes and one-eye?
>>
No. 370562 ID: a9ba96

Well that didn't turn out right at all

Hold on a sec folks, lemme just fix this
>>
No. 370698 ID: a9ba96
File 132338223303.jpg - (55.62KB , 772x763 , 625f5ffb.jpg )
370698

By the Gods, I did it! I finally did it! Forty years and I'm the one who finally summons Those Beyond!

I am Varnavictus, apprentice of Archmage Harkven, and our cyclopean assistant here is Neena. Right now your presence is within my personal study on floor fifty-three of the Spire of Eternity, where the greatest mages in this realm reside.

I have been working... No, we, many of us, have been working for many years to call upon your powers, Those Beyond. We believe you hold the key to unlocking long lost knowledge that will aid our Guild immensely in coming days!
>>
No. 370703 ID: b6edd6

What lost knowledge do you have in mind? We likely don't have it with us at the moment, though we do know some things, like this amusing mind trick involving a fake hand and a box. We also know a fairly large amount about mechanical weaponry, but it is generally against Outsider etiquette to divulge too much about those.
>>
No. 370706 ID: 453e62

gonna need to see an example of this lost knowledge, before we can tell you much. how this works.
>>
No. 370734 ID: a9ba96
File 132339122235.jpg - (104.05KB , 896x765 , 2ca1a856.jpg )
370734

Hmm... No, it is unlikely that you have the information I seek right now. At least, this part of you does not. But the whole, the full entity that is Those Beyond, does.

Eons ago, there lived a man named Samon the Barbarian. In the years prior to the Grand Crisis of Ution, or the "Drow-Elf War," as it's more commonly called, Samon made a name for himself going on a myriad of adventures, and upon those adventures he learned secrets that are now long since lost to this realm. We have reason to believe that Samon stumbled upon some very important knowledge in the years before he fell the Drow, and we believe that we have a way of recovering this knowledge.

While we don't know what Samon stumbled upon during these adventures, we do know that he called upon part of you, Those Beyond, to aid him. You are part of the whole, so somewhere deep within you lies the information that I seek, even if it is as but a faint memory. I have momentarily called you away from whoever you currently occupy, be it through an arcane artifact built to contain you or a man foolish enough to grant you access to their mind, in hopes of extracting this information from Those Beyond.

Without the exact part of Those Beyond used by Samon, the process is tricky. Through your presence and an object carried by Samon during each of these adventures, I believe I can tap into your buried memory of the knowledge and perform a ritual that will artificially re-create the events where this knowledge was gained. The ritual will rebuild the knowledge by physically casting Neena into the part of your presence where the memories of these events rest, and as you recall them you will guide her as she relives the event beside Samon. Should all go well, you will regain your knowledge.

Then, you will bring it to me.
>>
No. 370735 ID: a9ba96
File 132339129126.jpg - (99.10KB , 895x768 , 84bc0048.jpg )
370735

>"Can I touch it?"
"Wh-- What? Are you mad? I've trained since birth to be able to hear Those Beyond without an artifact but even with a mind strong enough to hear It's many tongues touching the summoning orb would risk exposing me to its entire body! I've explained this before, Neena!"
>"Yeah, I know, but you've been talking about this thing ever since you brought me here, and now that it's here you're just... Sitting there, thinking back and forth with it. I want to hear them too."
"In due time! Take all the ingredients that you've brought, and assemble them as I've shown you. We need to move this part of Those Beyond to something so that you may hear them."
>"Alright! Alright! Give me a second, kay?"
>>
No. 370737 ID: a9ba96
File 132339146296.jpg - (77.14KB , 896x768 , 266c8389.jpg )
370737

Now, where was I? Oh!

If I cast Neena into your collective cognizance unprotected it's likely that she'll be driven mad instantaneously. A part of you must be properly bound to an object first, and you will speak to her through that. Now, typically, those who worshipped you in the old days would connect bits of you to ancient gemstones and crystals and other artifacts from long ago, and wear it as a necklace.

The thing is, It's very unlikely that I will be able to transition any equipment beyond a potion or a few arrows for Neena to use into your memories besides the object you will be communicating with her through. A necklace is classy, but Samon's adventures were always very dangerous...

I'll cut the the chase. If I were to say that you could be a Sword, a Shield, or a Bow, which would you pick?
>>
No. 370738 ID: f70e5e

that sounds insanely dangerous for Neena. we could just walk you through an industrial revolution if you'd prefer. magic is nice, but its rarely mass producible on a large scale, and i'm willing to bet the locals of your world would be better at dealing with powerful magic than with an army using semiautomatic riffles.
>>
No. 370739 ID: bdb886

>>370737
I want to say a Sword. Because it just fits.

Because penis hurhurhur
>>
No. 370743 ID: 453e62

i'd say sword.
wait, what year is this? has Erick Samwell been be traveling for a time?
>>
No. 370744 ID: cfa804

I like swords. That's a personal weapon.

Also some of us may 'remember' more than others. Such as the fact that Neena may have had a part to play in the death of one or more members of your circle of mages. Food for thought~
>>
No. 370751 ID: b6edd6

A shield would probably be the best form. Nice swords are a lot easier to come by than magic shields. And if she knows any magic, a shield is definitely the best, as personal protection is where most mages are weakest.

So... how are you keeping the addition of a person from changing the scenario to the point where different things are discovered or the particular knowledge is not found at all?

By the way, the bit about the necklaces reminds me: how prepared are you for an event like... say... an undead invasion of one of the nearby kingdoms?
>>
No. 370783 ID: 00e2ea

Sword sounds good to this guy.
>>
No. 370830 ID: a9ba96
File 132340793986.jpg - (75.17KB , 894x768 , b583e3f0.jpg )
370830

Almost unanimously in favor for the sword it would seem. That works for me.

To address any concerns about Neena's safety here, she has a very long history of adventuring in the Outlands, and we have gone to great lengths to train her for this task. You need not worry about her presence having a negative effect on the memory, either - the addition of a new person will obviously lead to a memory that is not entirely accurate, but you should still have a good deal of freedom in how you handle things as long as you stick to the specific goal of the event. As long as you make sure that whatever Samon set out to do in the memory is accomplished, the knowledge should still be attainable.

And I assure you, we have reason to believe that this knowledge is more than some ancient spells. This knowledge may have far more potential than any old spell could ever have, and certainly far more potential than the factories, trains, and gunpowder that the Dwarves and the people of Egias seem so fascinated with over the past few decades.

To answer your other questions, it has been over a year since the Prince of Farway set off into the Outlands, but if I recall the story is that he angered a tribe of goblins and was hung from a tree. As for Neena's past mistakes, and armies of the undead...
>>
No. 370831 ID: a9ba96
File 132340799548.jpg - (89.37KB , 895x768 , 2ec03164.jpg )
370831

Well, the former I'm aware of, but there are much more important matters right now. If you are interested in that story, feel free to ask her once we get started. Anshould latter... should be much less of a threat if all goes well here today. At least, that's what the Archmages say. I've been told small details about it, but only as much as they believe I need to know - eyeball pendants, ancient legions, a warlord named Warpath... But I have also been told the Guild of Mages is, as always, one step ahead. They wouldn't be where they were today if that wasn't the case. Even if we fail here, they have a plan, so we have little reason to worry.

I'm... curious as to where you learned of the last two, but for now that can wait.

When Samon grew old in age, he had a scholar help record his memoirs. There is a curious passage which states that Samon had not only "killed beasts that the gods had likely never intended mortal man to kill", but had "learned secrets that man wasn't likely meant to know." He went on to say that his experiences at Deadtooth's Den, the Deep Well, and the Murderpits tought him information that he would later use to help him defeat the Drow, but this information he also never shared, out of fear that it would fall into the wrong hands.
>>
No. 370832 ID: a9ba96
File 132340805642.jpg - (33.10KB , 523x500 , 59b8e6e0.jpg )
370832

To help jog your memory of each event, the Guild has gone to great lengths to recover these trinkets, each bearing a connection to one of these three important moments in Samon's life.

The Draconic Eye is a large pendant, consisting of a large diamond carved to resemble the eye of a dragon, frames by several other gems and rubies. Samon plucked this from the treasure room of the Dragon Dygoragaiús, also known as "Dreadtooth." Long ago, Dygoragaiús and his cult controlled the Outlands and tormented its people, until Samon and a group of Paladins raided his lair and killed him in a grand battle. Your goal here would be to travel through Dreadtooth Den and aid Samon in slaying Dreadtooth.

The Heart of Torment used to be the phylactery of the mad lich known only as Torment, who brought havoc to the Elven nation of Thernt long ago. When Samon and a group of warriors from Thernt traveled into The Deep Well, the lair of Torment, he recovered the Heart of Torment from deep with its bowels and destroyed its gemstone, allowing him to permanently kill the Lich in the battle that followed. Your goal here would be to find the Heart of Torment within the Deep Well, destroy its stone, and slay Torment the lich.

Doggo's Tooth is a necklace made from the tooth of Doggo, champion of the Murderpits. Samon was captured and shipped to Turgeth during the war sparked by the arrival of the Orcs in Ution, where he was sentenced to fight in the Murderpits. As the story goes, Samon eventually defeated the Murderpits' greatest fighter Doggo, and then proceeded to provoke an uprising amongst the other captive fighters, destroy the arena, and sail back to Ution on stolen boats. Your goal here would be to survive in the Murderpits until Samon frees the prisoners, and escape alongside him.

I'll leave the decision up to you. Which tale do you wish to start with; Samon in Dreadtooth's Den, Samon in the Deep Well, or Samon in the Murderpits?
>>
No. 370833 ID: 1854db

>>370832
Holy shit you talk a lot.

LET'S FUCK UP A LICH
>>
No. 370834 ID: 453e62

the deep well. feel we owe killing a lich.
>>
No. 370841 ID: 79586b

>>370834
What do you mean we o-... oh wait, yeah... >_> overgrown kobold girl. Not like she could have taken it anyhow.

Okay, Lich it is then, we gotta bone to pick.
>>
No. 370951 ID: cfa804

While I enjoy working with Paladins, I think of most benefit to us would be if we went on the 'memory' relating to Turgeth, as that is the homeland of the orcs and where Warpath has set up his base of operations since the end of the Giant Wars, or Fall of the Giants, or whatever it's called. So yeah, Doggo's Tooth would be my choice, for Samon and the Murderpits (now in local bookstores in YOUR area!)
>>
No. 371157 ID: a9ba96
File 132355806734.jpg - (97.44KB , 897x768 , 58deb12a.jpg )
371157

Mmmm... it looks like we'll be staring with Samon in the Deep Well. Don't worry though, we'll get around to all three over time and there is important knowledge to be found in each one.

But first...

"Si majak sia ricin ekess relgr-
Nomenes Putole
eckess nomeno cayosin!"

>>
No. 371158 ID: a9ba96
File 132355810793.jpg - (109.01KB , 897x768 , e4a945b0.jpg )
371158

"Haaaaaah!"
>>
No. 371164 ID: a9ba96
File 132355844026.jpg - (120.90KB , 898x766 , b8a211ab.jpg )
371164

"Ha ha... (Huff)... I... It is done.... (Huff)"

Enchantments are very delicate rituals - very physically taxing, very tiring, leaves the Mage feeling exhausted and drained, and even then most ore only temporary. To create a permanent enchantment, a Mage must effectively... give up part of himself in the process. One who tries it too often or with insufficiently trained risks giving up himself entirely, and going mad.

>"Varn? Are you alright?"
"Have you gotten everything in place?"
>"Yeah, but are you-"
"Neena... I need you to take this sword... And think very, very hard at it."
>>
No. 371165 ID: a9ba96
File 132355849776.jpg - (66.25KB , 925x768 , 32949688.jpg )
371165

Um...

Testing... testing...

I... hello? Are you there?
>>
No. 371166 ID: 4bdd79

>>371165
[total silence]
>>
No. 371167 ID: e4a136

>>371165

[Crickets]
>>
No. 371168 ID: 453e62

hello
>>
No. 371169 ID: 79586b

>>371165
*taps mike*
>>
No. 371171 ID: bdb886

>>371165
Hallo Hallo
>>
No. 371172 ID: a9ba96
File 132355966020.jpg - (64.51KB , 926x768 , dd95364a.jpg )
371172

>>371166
>>371167

"Hey... I don't think it's working."
>"One moment, it may require a bit of time to establish its initial link."

Alright then. Uh... Hello?

Helloooo-
>>
No. 371173 ID: a9ba96
File 132355986343.jpg - (77.51KB , 926x768 , 4d69bd43.jpg )
371173

>>371168
>>371169
>>371171

WHOAH!

Alright, so uh, my name's Neena! The guild needs to fix your memories so they can save the world, and I'm the one they picked to help you do it!

So uh, Hi! How's it going?
>>
No. 371174 ID: cfa804

HEY ONE-EYE THE MAGE IS TIRED AND DRAINED, MAYBE YOU CAN KILL HIM LIKE THAT OTHER MAGE YOU AND MARK KILLED.

WE KNOW ALL YOUR SECRETS.
>>
No. 371178 ID: cc32ed

>>371173
We are a sword. Polish us. Rub our length.
>>
No. 371179 ID: e4a136

>>371173

We're also a little crazy. But we can do some world-saving, sure.

Although sometimes it's not really clear the difference between that and destroying the world.
>>
No. 371180 ID: b6edd6

And the first bit of knowledge you get is that you shouldn't listen to everything magical voices tell you.
>>
No. 371189 ID: 1854db

>>371173
You hear us now, for better or ill.
>>
No. 371193 ID: 4bdd79

>>371178
Yes, please do.

>>371174
There was no murder. I do not know what you are talking about.
Not funny.
>>
No. 371197 ID: a9ba96
File 132356717044.jpg - (77.03KB , 962x768 , 75ada7a2.jpg )
371197

>HEY ONE-EYE THE MAGE IS TIRED AND DRAINED, MAYBE YOU CAN KILL HIM LIKE THAT OTHER MAGE YOU AND MARK KILLED.

>WE KNOW ALL YOUR SECRETS.
Whaaa? How do- but I didn't--!

"Varn! I think this thing like, knows things about me and I don't know why!"
>>
No. 371199 ID: a9ba96
File 132356727061.jpg - (28.92KB , 541x593 , 8ac64f5e.jpg )
371199

>"I found it curious as well, but Those Beyond is a mysterious force. It holdsntousands of years of knowledge within it, seen through the eyes of those who had called upon it in the old days and those who have used the artifacts they've crated since. I'm sure they'll tell you where they learned of you if you ask, but in the meantime, please focus on the knowledge it gained while traveling with Samon."
"Okay, okay, but... You've explained all of this stuff to me about sending me inside Those Beyond and helping it like, relive these adventures they had with Samon, but I still don't understand what I'm supposed to be looking for
>"That I'm unclear on. All I know is that for this first memory, the knowledge will come after you kill a Lich."
>>
No. 371204 ID: a9ba96
File 132356764444.jpg - (69.29KB , 1024x768 , f0e3499f.jpg )
371204

"Kill a what!?"
>"Don't worry! Since Samon killed this Lich when he originally fought him, he should be able to do it again when Those Beyond relives the fight. Samon can handle the Lich, all you have to do is make it through the Lich's lair safely."
"That still seems really dangerous! I mean, I knew I would be fighting stuff, but Liches are really really dangerous!"
>"Those Beyond will guide you. You'll have to trust in the voices to keep you safe."
>>
No. 371205 ID: a9ba96
File 132356768561.jpg - (67.24KB , 1024x768 , cd2745ba.jpg )
371205

>We are a sword. Polish us.

>Rub our length.
>>
No. 371206 ID: a9ba96
File 132356771667.jpg - (68.79KB , 1024x768 , e0210469.jpg )
371206

"I don't think I wanna do this anymore!"
>>
No. 371207 ID: 7c31d2

I'm just glad none of us suggested you take up sword swallowing as a hobby.
>>
No. 371209 ID: 453e62

ahahah, MOST of us are okay. some just get way way bored. as long as you keep your wits about you, you will be fine. also most jokers just act like that when nothing important is happening. when it is time to fight, they will get serious.
>>
No. 371210 ID: cfa804

Well if this is already bothering you, I shouldn't mention what part of us you're holding RIGHT NOW~

Don't stop.
>>
No. 371211 ID: b6edd6

Sorry, that was extremely rude of us (no matter how funny the look on your face was...)
>>
No. 371216 ID: 3947e9

So sorry about that. Some of the voices are perverted... Not all of us are though.
And honestly they are really only saying that stuff in order to mess with your head.
>>
No. 371229 ID: bdb886

oh for gods sake we're a buncha voices crammed into a WHATEVER you think we won't perv out every now and again? Seriously, you have any idea what it's like to only be able to live vicariously through other people, who, by the way, don't even thank us properly by letting us watch? A good half of us have never SEEN a naked woman!
>>
No. 371318 ID: a9ba96
File 132358661821.jpg - (82.90KB , 731x579 , f0c66206.jpg )
371318

Well... Okay then. If you're just joking around, fine.... just promise not to do that kinda stuff when I'm actually in danger, kay?

>"If Those Beyond is speaking to you and you've put everything in place, I'm afraid that it's too late to back down."
"Huh?"
>"The ritual is too far along to stop now that the voices have spoken to you."
"Well is there anything else I should know before I go?"
>"You will be returned here when Those Beyond recognizes the memory as completed. While Those Beyond is reconstructing its memory, it will alter events to the best of its abilities to accommodate your presence while remaining true to the events that happened. For example, the people present within the memory will notice you and interact with you based on how Those Beyond remembered them. However, the basis of this memory is an adventure of Samon's, so if Samon were to fall before the objective were complete, I'm not sure if Those Beyond would be able to complete the memory - nor am I sure what would happen to you as a result."
"Well, Samon did just fine the first time around, right?"
>"True, but I figured it was important to warn you either way. Your presence could greatly alter the way this memory plays out. Just make sure the main objective is completed."
"Got it!"
>Also, don't die. I don't know what would happen if you died during this, so it's best avoided altogether."
>>
No. 371319 ID: a9ba96
File 132358669904.jpg - (53.77KB , 731x579 , fed43764.jpg )
371319

"Wh-"
The room is engulfed in a bright light, instantly consuming Neena

>"Good luck."
>>
No. 371320 ID: a9ba96
File 132358677842.jpg - (17.02KB , 900x671 , 65a3483b.jpg )
371320

...
>>
No. 371321 ID: a9ba96
File 132358689245.jpg - (238.13KB , 1024x768 , ccbca099.jpg )
371321

Neena awakens in some bushes, deep within a forest.

Ugh... that felt, I dunno, weird. Really weird. I guess I'm inside your mind... minds, now? I know Varn explained all of this, but it's still really surreal.

I think I hear something...

>"And you say that this be the well from whence the creatures spawn?"
>"There is do doubt. I watched last night as the skeletal fiends emerged from these very waters. They say that you vanquish evil wherever you roam. They say you are capable of aiding us in clearing the evils within this murky well, Samon."
>"Aye, Verily."

By the Gods, It's really him.

I'm... not sure what to do here. Am I just supposed to walk up to them? What would I even say? "Oh hi, I'm just a friendly cyclops who was passing through the neighborhood and I couldn't help notice that you were about to clear some unspeakable evils out of this well. Could you use some extra help?"
>>
No. 371324 ID: 84b916

>>371321
Nope. Just step out of the bushes, cross your arms, and glare at them. Don't flinch, or move, or say anything. Just stare them down from a distance.
Eventually, the awkwardness will cause them to ask what the hell is up, at which point you improvise.
>>
No. 371328 ID: b6edd6

When they ask why your are there, you can say you were sent by the wizard Varnavictus to help them destroy the local undead.

Heyyy... Samon originally had an instance of us in an item. We should see if we can access the dream-version of his Beyond item.
[Attempt to transfer to dream-Samon's Beyond item]
If we can access the dream version of us (or at least get them to work with us) we can avoid mentioning a wizard their mage might have questions about and just say that you are here on behalf of Those Beyond.
>>
No. 371341 ID: 1854db

>>371321
If we're assisting them, then our memory-copy will vouch for you. Say that you are reinforcements sent by Those Beyond. Or... actually I have no idea what we called ourselves back then. You could just say you were sent by allies of his talking item whatever it is.
>>
No. 371361 ID: 252e1b

>>371341

Legion, 'Gion, "Fuckball", "Asshole voices", Those Beyond, "You Guys", Spirits, Guardians... we've got many names.

Anyway this is our memory of events, we should be able to shift things a little by mis-remembering. Like, I remember that Clyde there (with the bow) thought you might show up to help today. He'll recognize you as a nodding acquaintance who is good at fighting in enclosed spaces (caverns, urban fighting, and so on against goblins).
>>
No. 371365 ID: 453e62

"hello friends, i heard you were going to destroy the undead that plagued these lands and i came to help. one more weapon is always helpful."
>>
No. 371399 ID: cc32ed

>>371321
Emerge from bushes, say you have heard a great evil blights this place, then ask if you can join them on their righteous purging.
Don't forget to mention your GLOWY MAGIC SWORD.
>>
No. 371431 ID: 3947e9

Just walk out there and question THEIR intentions rather then letting them questions yours... "Ho there, what are you four doing here? You should be careful near that well, evil undead crawl out of it."

If they say they are going to cleanse it, "A noble goal, I shall aid you in this endeavor then".

If they ask why you didn't do something before, "I am just one woman, I cannot single handedly defeat an army of undead and whomever is creating them.
>>
No. 371474 ID: 3bad51
File 132365004768.jpg - (217.66KB , 1024x768 , ab898df4.jpg )
371474

The reconstruction of this memory is being done by Those Beyond on a subconscious level - attempts to directly alter with the memory seem to be unsuccessful for now... Attempts to transfer to or communicate with the part of Those Beyond presumably working with Samon yields no result either.

Hmm... You know, I guess this all comes down to playing the role well. I used to be part of a Drow-Elf war reenactment group, so I guess the same general rules apply. Just... With a bit more improvisation... and better costumes.

Alright guys, wish me luck.

Neena takes a deep breath and emerges from the bush. Samon and the elven warriors turn their heads and gaze at her.

"Ho there! What be your business by this well? Do you not know that evil creatures come from within?"

Heh, "what be your business." Old-timey talk is cool.

The warrior with the ax responds
>"We've come to cleanse this well of the very evils you speak of. What be your business?"
"The same as yours, noble elf."
>"I know no cyclopean from my town, nor the towns around it. I know no cyclopean noble enough to stray from the forest to aid in such a cause. Who sends thee?
"Those Beyond."
Samon suddenly smiles widely.
>"Fret not, Arkidus, she is an ally. Of this I am sure. My One-Eyed sister of Those Beyond, I am Samon the Barbarian, warrior of the West, who has come to aid these elves in ridding their nation of a most vile threat. Three elves from a town nearby have called upon me to cleanse the evils which dwell in these waters - they are Arkidus of the Axe, Barthellon Swiftarrow, and Thissarin the Mage of Frost. Shall you join us in our most noble venture?"
"Aye, this I shall!"
>>
No. 371475 ID: 3bad51
File 132365011094.jpg - (212.51KB , 1024x768 , 6ff78739.jpg )
371475

I used to know this guy named Mark, and he talked about Samon all the time. With all the stories he would tell I figured most of them were just exaggerations, but wow, this guy really does seem to live up to all of it.

>"If you wish to aid us, we must make haste! Come forth, for the call of adventure awaits!"

With a shout, Samon leaps into the well. The trio of elves follows close behind.

Well... wish me luck.

Neena runs after them and enters the well...
>>
No. 371476 ID: 3bad51
File 132365016985.jpg - (302.18KB , 1024x768 , 3da19a49.jpg )
371476

...emerging in an unfamiliar place.

Whoa...

Barthellon Swiftarrow grumbles
>"Whoever's behind this... For some reason I get the feeling that he thinks rather highly of himself."
>>
No. 371477 ID: 453e62

don't see any clues yet, just look around for now like you are looking for clues.
>>
No. 371483 ID: b6edd6

Check the ceiling.
>>
No. 371496 ID: 1854db

>>371476
I think we should follow Samon's lead for the most part. If we can stay within the normal events of the memory we shouldn't have any problems completing it. Diversion is the enemy. That said, if we can see something obvious to assist with we should. Stack the odds in favor of survival.

Does the water look deep? Fast current? Monsters in it?
>>
No. 371498 ID: a9ba96
File 132365731279.jpg - (317.15KB , 1024x768 , f9742aba.jpg )
371498

>Check the ceiling
We're outdoors, somewhere deep in a forest. Presumably a forest far away from the one I woke up in.

>Look for clues.
Neena and the others move across the water towards the waterfall, and approach the door beneath the large statue.

Hmm... There's a door here, but I don't see any sort of handle.

As they grow close, a skull appears above the door's frame and shouts loudly.
>YOU SHALL NOT FACE WHAT LIES AHEAD. I OPEN ONLY FOR THE DEAD.

Ghastly cackling fills the air as skeletal warriors begin to rise from the waters. The group turns around, raising their weapons. Samon looks over to Neena and the Elf with the axe and yells to them.
>"Arkidus! Cyclops! Work on getting the door open! I'll help the others hold off these shambling fiends! To arms!"

Shit shit shit shit shit what do I do what do I do

Neena pushes against the door, but the skull atop its frame simply laughs and yells once more;
>"YOU SHALL NOT FACE WHAT LIES AHEAD. I OPEN ONLY FOR THE DEAD.
>>
No. 371499 ID: 453e62

stab us into the skull and let go for a bit, we may be able to control it.
>>
No. 371500 ID: b5a79f

"Then you'll let us is, for what other than dead is one that encounters a linch"
>>
No. 371502 ID: b6edd6

Maybe try knocking using a bone from a re-killed skeleton?
Though first you should see whether these skeletons are endless or not. If there are a finite number it it likely best to finish them off now in case something is waiting to attack from inside the door.
>>
No. 371513 ID: 453e62

>>371500
good chance it is magical and literally detect life energy
>>
No. 371520 ID: 4bdd79

>>371498
Obvious solution is to get a skeleton to come close enough to make the door open. By force, if necessary.
>>
No. 371566 ID: cfa804

Technically you ought to be able to accomplish everything you need to do by doing nothing at all, since without you there Samon successfully completed this dungeon, and thus logically as long as you don't hinder him it should work out. Still... Go with other people's suggestions.
>>
No. 371569 ID: 3947e9

Cut off the arm of one of the dead. Use its arm to open the door.

>>371566
That is a very good point. However if you do nothing at all they will question your motive and loyalty.
>>
No. 371587 ID: 453e62

unless of course, we actually time travels, and we were always here, just wasn't recorded.
>>
No. 371613 ID: a9ba96
File 132367371844.jpg - (329.23KB , 1024x768 , e709f936.jpg )
371613

>Technically you ought to be able to accomplish everything you need to do by doing nothing at all
Technically, yeah. But when you're dungeon crawling, people get really suspicious when someone just stands around and does nothing. I'm gonna try not getting in Samon's way here, but it's in our best interest that we do what we're told here. I can get in-character really well, but I'm not sure if it would be well enough if these guys get the wrong idea and start thinking I'm gonna backstab them and run off with the loot first chance I get.
>Unless we time traveled.
I don't think that's possible. I mean, if it were, the Guild would be the first people to know how to do it... But I hope they would tell me before sending me to rewrite the past.
>You need an arm of one of the skeletons
Yeah, that sounds right.

"Hey, Arkidus, I think we need one of the undead's arms for this door to open."
>"Aye, leave that to me! Thissarin, freeze the waters where those skeletons stand!"

The ice Mage freezes several skeletons in place, and Arkidus leaps upon the frozen waters. One of the immobilized skeletons reaches out for him, and he grabs onto it's arm. Akridus gives a mighty tug...
>>
No. 371614 ID: a9ba96
File 132367376107.jpg - (149.70KB , 1024x768 , 34ded0bf.jpg )
371614

...And slips on the ice as the skeleton's arm becomes detached. As he stumbles, the arm flies from his hand...
>>
No. 371615 ID: a9ba96
File 132367385932.jpg - (334.67KB , 1024x768 , 3aa3ca8a.jpg )
371615

And right through the door, which swings open.
Arkidus lands with a slash in the waters.

Thissarin cries out to the group

>"Arkidus is dazed, but not grievously harmed. I fear that these skeletons continue to spawn!!"
Samon yells back in response
>"The doors are open! Onwards!"
>>
No. 371616 ID: a9ba96
File 132367391404.jpg - (174.21KB , 1024x768 , 9e41af3b.jpg )
371616

Neena rushes down the stairs and emerges in a small underground room, its walls lined with stone.

By the gods... those heads on the table don't look that old. Another group must have come through here before us.

Samon looks at Neena from the doorway
>"Cyclops! They are coming too quickly - I fear that we be at risk of being overwhelmed! The others said they would try to hold off the skeletons for a bit and buy us some more time, but I fear they don't stand a chance against such numbers. I must assist the elves, and I need you to get these doors open while I do so. Understand?"
"Uh..."
>"Don't worry! Those Beyond will no doubt aid you."

...Shit, something tells me that that's not what originally happened here. Okay, I guess I just have to...
>>
No. 371619 ID: a9ba96
File 132367402326.jpg - (167.65KB , 1024x768 , cda76dbc.jpg )
371619

>"HARK! AVAST! MORE COME AT LAST! LOOK TO US, WHOSE TIME HAS PASSED."

holy shit what
>>
No. 371620 ID: 1854db

>>371619
Ask them how to open the door.

Looks like they're separated from their weapons- I wonder if each is directly across from their chosen tool, or if they're mixed up?
>>
No. 371621 ID: 453e62

need to put a weapon on a head or a head on a weapon. ask them what the test is. race is not a good thing to go by for this.
>>
No. 371643 ID: a9ba96
File 132367695437.jpg - (108.04KB , 1024x768 , 9c32b139.jpg )
371643

"Oh, Hi there. You three... Wouldn't happen to know how to open this door, would you?"
>"Aye, we three are adventurers who dared to brave the depths of the Deep Well, but knew not the dangers that were within. And now we are cursed, denied final rest like all who fall within the lair of the devious Lich Torment... denied rest as you soon will be as well."
"That's... all very nice. But that doesn't tell me how to open the door."
>"Each of us fell with our weapons at our side, and the door will open when we are reunited with our weapons once more. Across from us lies three weapons; a Sword, handle gold and embroidered with priceless gems with a blade forged from silver. A Knife, simple in design but effective all the same. A Staff, intricately designed with a ruby red orb at the end. You may ask each of us one of the following questions - "What were you in life?" "Why did you brave the Deep Well?", and "What did you do just before you died?" Each question may yield the facts you seek from one of us, but be of no use if asked to another. Choose wisely.
>You do not necessarily need to ask all three questions. You do not necessarily need to ask the same question thrice. But you may only ask us a single question at a time, and it must be one of those three. We will answer truthfully, and after all three questions have been answered you will place our weapons in front of our heads. If you are wrong, you must ask another three questions and try again. We will not acknowledge your choice unless three questions have been asked first, and with each wrong choice the skeletons outside come closer to forcing your friends inside, where they will crowd this room... And your heads will join ours. Are you ready?"
"I... think."
>>
No. 371651 ID: 453e62

ask the elf what he did just before he died, as a look of regret.
>>
No. 371656 ID: 1854db

>>371643
An interesting puzzle... you only have to get the info for two of them. Once you know the weapon for two adventurers, there is only one left for the last. So, to maximize our chances of getting the questions right the first time, ask two adventurers one question and the last one the other. That gives us a 33% chance to win on the first round (since asking the single-asked question correctly guarantees that we hit one of the other heads with a correct question), and on the second round we are guaranteed to ask the right questions since we'd know the wrong ones from the first round.

I say ask "what were you in life" to the first two heads, and ask the elf what he did just before he died.
>>
No. 371662 ID: 453e62

>>371656
no, we could ask the wrong two heads the wrong question, and then the third head would of been right, but you switched questions, so it's still wrong.
>>
No. 371673 ID: 1854db

>>371662
You misunderstand me.
Let's say ABC is the correct order.
If we ask AAC or BBC then we've hit two heads and the puzzle is solved.
If we ask CCA or CCB then yes we hit zero heads. However from either of those tests we can conclude that C is the last head's proper question, and then ask AAC or BBC next round, and win.
If we ask AAB or BBA then we hit one head. We have found the A or B head. We then replace the two we got wrong with C in order to find the C head next round, and since we found two of them the puzzle is solved.

Perfect logic.
>>
No. 371743 ID: cfa804

>Each question may yield the facts you seek from one of us, but be of no use if asked to another.
This seems to indicate that asking the same question twice in the same round will not yield a positive result
> You do not necessarily need to ask the same question thrice
This indicates, however, that we can do so
>>
No. 371746 ID: 9dc814

>Each question may yield the facts you seek from one of us, but be of no use if asked to another.
>This seems to indicate that asking the same question twice in the same round will not yield a positive result

That's not how I read that. I think it means the heads are paired up with the questions. As in asking the same question all three heads will give you one answer that indicates a weapon from one head and answers that don't indicate a weapon from the other two.
>>
No. 371748 ID: 3947e9

>>371746
which suggests that if we do AAC and BBA and the luck we might "luck out" and miss out on a head.

AAA is guarenteed to give us 2 useless answers and 1 correct answer. At which point we can guess on the other 2 and get a 50/50 chance.

If we fail once our friends will probably not be overwhelmed and we can do BBB which is guarenteed to give us a correct answer for one of the other two. At which point we know for a fact 2 of the 3 which means by elimination we must know all 3...

Thus AAA followed by BBB gives us:
50% chance of success on first try
100% chance of success on second try.

Any other combination provides small chance of getting it on first try and a larger chance of missnig two tries which is too large a risk.

Warn the others that it is a puzzle that you have the solution for, but the fighting will intensify while you work, and that you will try to be quick. Then quickly do AAA followed by BBB.
>>
No. 371751 ID: b6edd6

>>371748
This sounds good, but of course we should change our plan in the case that we do get an answer from one of the first two asked. (So if we are doing CCC, and the second head we ask answers, we should ask the remaining head question A or B.)
The elf and what he did before he died seems like a good place to start.
>>
No. 371759 ID: 1854db

>>371748
Even if we hit 0 heads with my method we can still guess at a 17% chance. Since the other two chances are a 50% guess and a 100% guess, my method's superior on average (55%) on the first round, AND has a 100% chance on the second round.
>>
No. 371763 ID: b6edd6

>>371759
His method gives more than a 50% chance the first time; if one of the first two heads answers she can ask a different question to the other head(s).
>>
No. 371773 ID: 3947e9

>>371759
Yours is similar, the problem is that you forget we actually need the correct ANSWERS not just to match it up the correct QUESTION.

If we ask question A twice and get a useless answer both time, then we know for a fact that the last head will answer correctly on A... at that point you suggest we ask the last head B or C... this is pointless. We need the actual correct answer. It will be better to actually ask the last head A and get the right answer for that. Then in subsequen rounds not ask it AT ALL since we know it is. Simply ask heads 1 and 2 question B.

We will KNOW what the correct questions after 4 questions at most... but We must actually ask that 5th question to know what the correct ANSWERS are.

The absolute worst case scenario:
1. Ask head 1 question A, it is wrong question
2. Ask head 2 question A, it is wrong question. Conclusion: We now know for a fact that head 3 should be asked question A
3. Ask head 3 question A, it is right question. We now have the right answer for head 3. Make a "50% chance to win" bet on what is the correct answer for heads 1 and 2.
4. Ask head 1 question B, it is wrong question. Conclusion: question C must be the right question for head 1, question B for head 2.
5. Ask head 2 question B, it is right question. We now have the right answers for heads 2 and 3, and via elimination head 1 as well. We solved the puzzle. We are not REQUIRED to ask head 3 a question and can finilize that round at this point.

By your method at step three we will use question B on head 3 which we KNOW is the wrong question.

Also by asking AAA we get a baseline, since if the answers are vague enough it might take further puzzling once getting the "correct" answer to figure out who is who.

We can naturally luck out, 1/6 chance of solving the puzzle by asking only two questions (question A to head 1, correct question. Question B to head 2, correct question... elimination means we don't even have to ask head 3, just place the items)
>>
No. 371776 ID: 1854db

You guys are assuming that we can change our chosen questions midway through. My method assumes we can't. If we can do that, then by all means let's do it. Just start asking one question until we get useful information, then change if we get a hit. Then we can avoid ever getting 0 hits, and our odds of getting enough information to solve the puzzle on the first round become far higher. I won't bother calculating it, since the situation for that is more complicated.
>>
No. 371780 ID: 3947e9

>>371776
Of course we can... She has to manually ask them one by one...
and actually such an assumption is not required. It merely allows finding the answer in fewer questions.

Also by asking AAA we get a baseline, since if the answers are vague enough it might take further puzzling once getting the "correct" answer to figure out who is who. This is actually a puzzle that is 3 layers deep.
Layer 1: Match the right questions to the right heads
Layer 2: Figure out which answers are misleading chaff and which one is a "correct" answer.
Layer 3: Solve from the "correct" answer, which head owns which item. Optionally taken as its own unique puzzle without asking any questions. (can be done that way for speed by quickly going through all the options as our allies run inside; not recommended)
>>
No. 371787 ID: a9ba96
File 132372848492.jpg - (108.06KB , 1024x768 , 053ad398.jpg )
371787

Okay so... If I ask all of the heads... twice... about...

Listen, I'm not very good at math. You guys keep track of those calculations and percentages, and I'll start asking questions.

"Elf?"
>"You may ask of me a single question. What do you wish to know?"
"What did you do just before you died?"
>"...Alas, there was no glory in my death. I spent my final moment cowering in a corner as the fiends closed in... I don't know how it happened... I had been so careful... "
The elven head sighs.
>"This is all I can say."

Hmm... not sure if that tells us anything, but I guess it's on to the Catfolk and the Human. What do you want me to ask next?
>>
No. 371791 ID: b6edd6

Now I guess we try asking the catfolk the same question, to see whether a 'wrong question' gives no answer or just a misleading or uninformative answer.
>>
No. 371797 ID: 1854db

>>371791
May as well.
>>
No. 371814 ID: a9ba96
File 132373065083.jpg - (108.77KB , 1024x768 , cf7fa5e5.jpg )
371814

"Catfolk?"
>"You may ask of me one question. What do you want to know?"
"What did you do just before you died?"
>"In spite of grevious wounds, I made one last attempt to attack the mad Lich Tormet in my final breaths. I died fighting to the end! This is all I can say."
>>
No. 371817 ID: 1854db

>>371814
Probably the fighter... ask the last guy what he was in life.
>>
No. 371821 ID: b6edd6

We should ask the human the same question. They said "Each question may yield the facts you seek from one of us, but be of no use if asked to another". That would imply that two of the answers are extremely vague (like the ones we got), while one is actually informative.
>>
No. 371834 ID: a9ba96
File 132373449078.jpg - (108.36KB , 1024x768 , b6979b34.jpg )
371834

Hmmm... Let's try out the "AAB strategy" first...

"Human?"
>"You may ask of me one question. What do you want to know?"
"What were you in life?"
>"A man with a full damn body, that's what I was in life. Beyond that, I was a vagabond. A drifter. I moved from pace to place, and sold my services to those with the proper coin."
The human grumbles.
>"This is all I can say. You have asked three questions, and we have answered - now make your first attempt to reunite us with the weapon we died with."


I'm not sure how much we can work with from all of that...

The sounds of battle intensify outside.
>>
No. 371836 ID: 453e62

let's try dagger sword staff.
>>
No. 371837 ID: b6edd6

Huh, unless there were very unusual circumstances involved that answer was quite useful.
So I guess:
Elf -> staff
Catfolk -> sword
Human -> dagger
>>
No. 371838 ID: 784dcc

Nah.. an innocent "walking stick" has served drifters many a time, has it not?
>>
No. 371840 ID: a2fa74

>>371836
>>371837
These seem right, although the sword and dagger could be reversed. Remember, some systems allow you to use Dexterity instead of Strength for small bladed weapons, and almost all felinids get significant Dexterity bonuses.
>>
No. 371842 ID: 1854db

>>371837
I agree.
>>
No. 371848 ID: b6edd6

>>371838
I am fairly certain that the human is the dagger user, though I am less sure about the sword/staff.
The sword and staff are both elaborate and bejeweled. If he was able to afford either of those he would be either a rich adventurer (and therefore seeking glory rather than payment) or a member of some organization such as a mercenary company (and therefore not a vagabond).
>>
No. 371872 ID: 784dcc

Oh yes, elaborate/bejeweled means almost certainly not the vagabond.
>>
No. 371925 ID: 3947e9

> Let's try out the "AAB strategy" first...
That was a mistake since both first answers were vague the last person was almost certainly A... Unless all answers are super vague and we got the right answer without realizing it. Which means we needed that answer. Which means we will have to ask 6 questions rather then 5 questions to win

Next round start by asking head 3 Q-A
That is.
Ask the Human: "What did you do just before you died?"

Following by asking the other two "What were you in life?"
>>
No. 372135 ID: a9ba96
File 132383050286.jpg - (104.95KB , 578x768 , 91f2e455.jpg )
372135

Kay... So, knife for the human, sword for the catfolk, and staff for the elf.

Neena places the items on the pedestal and takes a step back.

>"Truth accepted! You've passed this test, but beware the Mad Lich torment! His powers are great, as he conspires with dark forces and seeks to make all in this realm feel the suffering he feels... tread carefully, thy path has opened."
>>
No. 372136 ID: a9ba96
File 132383054853.jpg - (69.57KB , 445x524 , 36ce6347.jpg )
372136

"Guys! The path is open!"

>"Then we've no time to spare! The fiends outside continue to press on!"
>>
No. 372139 ID: a9ba96
File 132383087258.jpg - (172.03KB , 1024x768 , a75734b5.jpg )
372139

...I wonder how many giant statues this guy had built of himself. Guess he must have a lot of free time down here.

Samon inspects the door.
>"Damn... I cannot get this door to budge."

Thissarin looks at the large pool of black water in the center of the room.
>"Interesting... the water here is very deep - it appears to be the same waters of the well through which we entered this lair."
"Do you have any idea where this leads to?"
>"Nay, though it seems likely to lead deeper into the bowels of this accursed place of necromantic arts."

Samon glances at the well, and back at the door.
>"Aye... deeper into this pit the waters may lead... but with the door sealed tightly and the undead closing in behind us, we have few other routes that I can think to take."
"Um... yield, companions! I think I can see something moving under t--"
>>
No. 372141 ID: a9ba96
File 132383110499.jpg - (137.65KB , 840x699 , fa2945ea.jpg )
372141

And then a skeleton popped out!
>>
No. 372142 ID: 1854db

And then we sliced it in half!
>>
No. 372144 ID: 453e62

hit it's arm at the elbow!
>>
No. 372150 ID: 3947e9

slice its sword arm at the elbow
>>
No. 372152 ID: a9ba96
File 132383516986.jpg - (83.33KB , 414x601 , 3f559271.jpg )
372152

Neena swings downward, slicing through the sword arm of the skeleton. It lets out a gasp and falls back into the well, still holding onto Neena's shirt.

Oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit...

The arm holding Neena snaps off, and the skeleton falls back into the well. Neena feels herself stumbling forwards...

Oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit
>>
No. 372153 ID: a9ba96
File 132383533433.jpg - (35.85KB , 301x768 , 1727d963.jpg )
372153

As the skeleton falls backwards through the balckness, it collides with another skeleton rapidly moving up. A handful of bones snap off and both of the undead warriors and scatter through the darkness, and the skeleton traveling up looses his grip on his shield.
>>
No. 372154 ID: a9ba96
File 132383542916.jpg - (32.89KB , 388x764 , c54dcf6b.jpg )
372154

The scattered bones disturb the ascent of several other skeletons, who begin to fall back through the darkness.
>>
No. 372156 ID: a9ba96
File 132383569836.jpg - (92.01KB , 1024x768 , 92143904.jpg )
372156

Tumbling into the black waters, Neena finds herself in freefall down a dark void alongside a group of angry skeletons.

REMIND ME TO TELL VARN THAT THIS WAS ALL A REALLY DUMB IDEA
>>
No. 372158 ID: 1854db

>>372156
Uhhhhhh... I really don't know much about zero-G combat, except that you can't really move around aside from rotating without pushing, pulling, or throwing things. If nothing is within reach then just guard yourself against the skeletons. Grab that shield if you can, it could be useful.

Oh shit, one of them's about to shoot you with an arrow. Blocking that would be good! If you can't reach the shield, swipe it with us so that it smashes into the archer.
>>
No. 372163 ID: 453e62

archer downward and sword to your right.
>>
No. 372183 ID: b6edd6

That is some really magicked up water right there. Normal water is far too thick for bones to fall through with any kind of force.
Unfortunately, this means you probably can't swim in it with any more effect than swimming in air, and that skeleton can actually shoot at you with its bow (which would be impossible in normal water without some kind of magic bow).

Grab the unarmed half-skeleton to your left and throw it at the bow wielding skeleton (which is nearly as difficult as throwing an actual person because bones are pretty lightweight) in front of you. If freefall momentum mechanics still applies here this should propel you away from the other skeletons. If that does not happen, prepare to defend against the half-skeleton with a sword to your right.
>>
No. 372231 ID: 252e1b

Let this be a lesson to you: Don't bother with wearing a shirt!

Wait, no, that ain't right.

When you throw, complete the lob from as near your middle as possible. Otherwise you'll be adding momentum off your center of gravity, and will start spinning around.
>>
No. 372446 ID: a9ba96
File 132392367682.jpg - (53.03KB , 581x681 , 53dab6a9.jpg )
372446

Though the shield is currenly too far out of her reach, Neena manages to turn around and grab onto the arm of the skeleton falling next to her.
>>
No. 372447 ID: a9ba96
File 132392385070.jpg - (42.18KB , 459x768 , f6a622c3.jpg )
372447

She turns agajn and tosses the skeleton down, between her and the archer below. The archer releases his arrow, which sinks into the thrown skeleton's skull.

The toss effectively distances Neena from the archer and the main group of undead...

>>
No. 372448 ID: a9ba96
File 132392397112.jpg - (62.65KB , 602x768 , b5480968.jpg )
372448

...But Neena notices that the distance between her and the one-armed skeleton above her with a sword is closing quickly.

YOU KNOW THIS WOULD BE PRETTY COOL IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE FACT THAT THINGS ARE TRYING TO MURDER ME
>>
No. 372449 ID: 46c430

Raise your sword to block! Your right foot is near its face, kick out!
>>
No. 372452 ID: 252e1b

>>372448

Did you know about the Monty Haul problem?

It's a game show where the contestant is presented with three doors and told to make a choice with no extra information. Once the contestant has chosen a door, the game show host opens one of the doors he knows does not contain a prize. The contestant is then given the option of staying with the door he initially picked, or picking the other door.

The interesting thing is that the contestant can instantly improve his chances of winning if he does switch doors. This is because the odds of picking the right door changed from 33% to 50%. In other words, he had a 66% chance of picking the wrong door first, so by picking the remaining door he instantly improves his odds of having the right door.

Weird, huh?

Oh yeah, parry and then smash it's arm.
>>
No. 372455 ID: a2fa74

>>372448
You know, we probably should have taken those heads with us. They might have been able to warn us about this.

Block, then kick its face.
>>
No. 372460 ID: 79586b

>>372448
Raise blade to block and roll over onto it, from there we should be able to just tear it apart.
>>
No. 372472 ID: e3aff6

>>372452
Actually, not quite. First of all, it is named the Monty Hall problem, and secondly, while switching does help, the odds of winning from staying vs switching are actually (1/3) vs (2/3). This is because after the host opens a door, you know there is nothing behind it, so you are left with two possible doors. The host cannot open your initial choice, and he cannot open the door containing the prize, so if you chose a wrong door initially (a 2/3 chance), the host must open the other wrong door.
As one of the wrong doors was revealed by the host, and there are only two wrong doors, if your initial selection was a wrong door (again, a 2/3 chance) the unopened door that you did not initially select is guaranteed to contain the prize, as the supply of wrong doors has been exhausted.

I do agree with the part about parrying then breaking its sword arm. I am curious as to whether it will stay animate when it is out of limbs.
>>
No. 372540 ID: 1444d5

>>372513
>This is irrelevant to the fact that after he opens a door there is a 1/2 chance for either remaining door to be correct and no way of you knowing.
Nope: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Hall_problem
But I'm not sure why probability theory is suddenly relevant.
>>372448
As long as you keep your sword in front of you, he'll bounce off after his first strike.
>>
No. 372557 ID: 453e62

what the fuck does Monty Hall have to do with neena fighting skeletons? shut up about it before you confuse her and she gets hurt.
>>
No. 372588 ID: 3947e9

>Monty Hall
Take it to questdis... err, is there a questdis for this quest?

>>
No. 372662 ID: a9ba96
File 132399553393.jpg - (82.31KB , 784x624 , bf3e7582.jpg )
372662

THINK WE COULD HOLD OFF THE MATH FOR A BIT HERE? I'M KINDA IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMETHING.

Neena blocks the skeleon's attack and kicks him.
>>
No. 372664 ID: a9ba96
File 132399587046.jpg - (59.70KB , 703x748 , ddeed0bc.jpg )
372664

The Skeleton is distanced a good deal from Neena, but she hears an arrow whizz past her. It misses by quite a bit, but she finds the distance between her and the archer shortening again.

HOW LONG OF A FALL IS THIS, ANYWAY? I HOPE THERE'S MORE MAGIC WATER OR SOMETHING AT THE BOTTOM, OR ELSE WE'RE GONNA HAVE TO START TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO NOT DIE HORRIBLY ON IMPACT

The archer loads another arrow and takes aim.
>>
No. 372670 ID: 453e62

grab the shield and throw it like a big frisbee.
>>
No. 372675 ID: 46c430

The shield! Get to the shield and grab it and block the shot!

And don't frisbee it, that's a terrible idea! It's throwing away the only protection she has against arrows, and I doubt it's going to kill the archer even if it hits.
>>
No. 372677 ID: a2fa74

>>372675
This could be illusory. Get out of immediate danger, then disbelieve you are falling.
>>
No. 372731 ID: a9ba96
File 132400529589.jpg - (75.03KB , 574x699 , e759a80a.jpg )
372731

ITS KIND OF HARD TO "DISBELIEVE" THAT YOU'RE TUMBLING DOWN A BLACK VOID SURROUNDED BY SKELETONS WHEN YOU'RE TUMBLING DOWN A BLACK VOID SURROUNDED BY SKELETONS.

Neena grabs the shield as she falls and blocks the arrow as the archer releases it. Though Neena begins to get within range of the archer, the skeleton falling nearby it has managed to grab a sword amidst all the chaos.

Neena is down to the final two skeletons in the immediate area, though a large number fall below far out of range.

>>
No. 372735 ID: 453e62

shield slam the archer into the sword one.
>>
No. 372738 ID: 1854db

>>372731
The archer is dead meat now. Just hit him or the bow, doesn't matter how. The bigger threat is that sword skeleton. So focus on it more.
>>
No. 372753 ID: 3947e9

the lich seems aware you are here, has been throwing things at you which are part trap part riddles for his amusement. I don't think you are falling to your death, I think this is the next test as the well was the only path to take. Destroy the last skeletons and you should reach the next "stage"
>>
No. 372756 ID: e3aff6

Do you have a scabbard to store us in? If so, you can cut that skeleton's head off then grab its body to take its bow and arrows. That can cut down on your work when you meat the next wave.
>>
No. 373817 ID: a9ba96
File 132443718982.jpg - (133.23KB , 809x766 , 4cb5114a.jpg )
373817

Neena swings and smashes her shield against the archer's head, which snaps clean off. The swordsman takes a swing, but is too far away to connect.
>>
No. 373819 ID: a9ba96
File 132443734031.jpg - (36.69KB , 728x606 , 8317835b.jpg )
373819

Neena finds herself moving farther away from the sword-wielding skeleton. Though she is safely outside of its range, she feels herself rapidly beginning to accelerate, as if pulled by an outside force. She continues to fall farther away, and the skeletons above her disappear from sight.

Though she is still a fair distance away from the swarm of skeletons below, the distance between them begins to close rapidly.


JUST HOW FAR DOWN DO YOU THINK THIS GOES, ANYWAY?
>>
No. 373820 ID: a9ba96
File 132443742648.jpg - (17.26KB , 892x681 , 38b07ef4.jpg )
373820

Suddenly, everything goes dark

...
>>
No. 373822 ID: a9ba96
File 132443751455.jpg - (126.54KB , 951x699 , 0c3ed81b.jpg )
373822

>"...I am the warrior, who slays the vilest of beasts with his might."
>"I am the thief, and your might means nothing against a foe that remains unseen in the dark until he strikes."
>"Aye, but I am the light that clears away the darkness and reveals you for all to see."
>"Then I AM A WIZARD! I'm afraid you lose again."
>"...Supremicus, can we please play this game right? For once?"
>"WIZARD."
>"...Gods be damned."

"Urrgh..."

>"Hey, you hear that? Guys, I think she might still be breathing..."

Heh... That was... actually pretty cool...
>>
No. 373823 ID: 1854db

>>373822
Oh, they're playing The Oldest Game. We're a big fan of that one. I wonder if that's our next challenge? Get yourself up and ask what is up.
>>
No. 373843 ID: a2fa74

>>373822
"I am the end of all things, to which even a wizard must succumb.
Seriously, what's wrong with you? At least let these people have their bodies so they can do things. I can't imagine how torturous it would be to be incapable of doing anything but talk. To you."
>>
No. 373851 ID: 453e62

i do not recommend playing the game until you know the stakes.
>>
No. 373858 ID: e3aff6

Well look at that. Its the guys those talking heads came from.

>>373851
Also this is probably a good idea.
>>
No. 373875 ID: a9ba96
File 132444777288.jpg - (74.50KB , 723x691 , 7bc5985a.jpg )
373875

You know, I think I've seen Varnavictus play a game like this with some of the other apprentices to the archmages a few times.

Neena slowly rises to her feet.

>"Yeah, look! She's getting up! Told you guys she was still alive."
>>
No. 373877 ID: a9ba96
File 132444792577.jpg - (103.23KB , 723x766 , b70ffec9.jpg )
373877

>"That's hard to believe, she hit the ground pretty... oh, hey. It is you, from earlier. I certainly didn't expect to see you among the living again."
"Hey... in that bubble... is that the Heart of Torment?"
>"Indeed it is. This is the vessel which contains the soul of this lair's master, Torment."
"And who is this wizard that guards it?"
>"Oh, you are mistaken. Supremicus is not the guardian of the Heart of Torment. We three spirits maintain the otherworldly shell which contains the mad Lich's phylactery."
"Well in that case... will you open it for me?"
>"What? No. Absolutely not."
>>
No. 373879 ID: 31f32d

why not?
>>
No. 373881 ID: a9ba96
File 132444812832.jpg - (103.28KB , 723x766 , e7c62403.jpg )
373881

"Huh? Why not?"
>"This ethereal bubble does not simply safeguard the Heart of Torment. If that were the case, we would dispel it and allow you a fair chance at defeating our killer. But that is not the case. As his final punishment, Torment sentenced our spirits to be the keepers of his palace - including the shell which both contains his phylactery and imprisons Supremicus the Supreme."
"Well, what's so bad about Supremicus that you won't let me take the phylactery?"
>"Supremicus used to operate under the Guild of Mages. He sought to find ways to defend against dark magic, but believed in order to do so he had to first master the arts of dark magic himself. Though the Guild sanctioned these experiments at first, they grew fearful of his powers and had him exiled to this lair before Torment made it a tomb of necromantic horrors. He agreed, and went into exile willingly... but rumors of his location circulated, and he still taught what he had learned to those who sought him out. Torment and I... in life, we chased rumors to this place, hoping that Supremicus' knowledge could aid in the war against the Orcs. But his teachings proved... too much for my partner. He performed an ancient ritual to obtain lichdom, becoming the first in centuries, set his minions upon me, and imprisoned Supremicus in a sphere of undead energy that would sap the souls of most men, but simply traps Supremicus the Supreme in place."
"But if you keep him trapped here, there's no way of defeating Torment."
>"True, but my old friend is but one Lich, and Supremicus has the knowledge to breed a hundred. I've told him that I would release him if he swore to never teach his magics again, but he refuses. He says he will only agree if he is bested in a duel of wits... but he gets desperate when he nears defeat and cheats. Refuses to admit defeat. So he remains here."
"But-"
>"I'm sorry, cyclops. But we are at an impasse, it seems."
>>
No. 373884 ID: 453e62

we have moved too far forward. need to follow the path back and open the door for the others from the inside. we have found one of the lost knowledges in this memory. but beating him may not give us the other. ask if the pathway will lead back to the exit.
>>
No. 373885 ID: cdb8cb

Ask Supremicus if he has any tips on how to become a lich, as long as we're down here.
>>
No. 373887 ID: f70e5e

it sounds like what we need is an impartial judge. I don't suppose anyone here has the ability to summon one.
>>
No. 373891 ID: e3aff6

We might want to ask him if he ever actually found that defense against dark magic.
>>
No. 373892 ID: 1854db

>>373881
I wasn't aware it was possible to cheat at The Oldest Game via words alone. There are things you can use in response to WIZARD.

Also I find it completely ridiculous that Torment had that name in life as well. Ask if he was given that name at birth or if there's some other reason behind the name.
>>
No. 373893 ID: cdb8cb

>>373892

There are things you can do, but a wizard is still the answer to all of them.
>>
No. 373894 ID: 31f32d

Mmm... Recall that our goal is to find what was learned. Should we not wait for those we need to oberserve?
Although, if we must do it ourselves you can simply challenge him yourself, and say "wizard" right away.
>>
No. 373895 ID: e4a136

Pffft. Challenge him. When he says wizard, respond with "Three spirits and a sphere of undead energy."
>>
No. 373898 ID: 453e62

>>373895
no, start with wizard.
>>
No. 373938 ID: a9ba96
File 132445510220.jpg - (67.30KB , 786x768 , e5938bab.jpg )
373938

"Wait, you mean this guy's name was "Torment" before this whole "Mad Lich" thing?"
>"Well, no. He was a man named Arkeel in life... but Arkeel died when Torment was born."
"Hey, the door at the end of the path... Is that the door we couldn't pass earlier?"
>"Hmm? Oh, yes. I believe it is. But the path ends here - only Supremicus can bring you to torment from this spot."
"There were skeletons closing in on my friends on the other side of that door before I got pulled into the fountain..."
>>
No. 373939 ID: a9ba96
File 132445519156.jpg - (71.28KB , 576x735 , ed6217c3.jpg )
373939

The catfolk specter springs up and snaps her fingers.
>"That so? Let's give em' a bit more room then, if they're still among the living!"
>>
No. 373941 ID: a9ba96
File 132445536398.jpg - (127.99KB , 785x763 , 959b8523.jpg )
373941

The door swings open, and Samon and the Elves pour out. A horde of skeletons follows close behind.
>"Ah! Cyclops! There you be! Good to know that the black waters could claim you not! I had a feeling that you'd pull through for us! It seems you've been doing a fine job getting the path open for us thus far- no need to change that now, I'd say! We'll hold back the skeletons as long as we can!"
>>
No. 373942 ID: a9ba96
File 132445547683.jpg - (102.00KB , 723x766 , 39b7750d.jpg )
373942

The wizard laughs, and then looks to Neena
>"Ahhh... I know not how long your friends will last against that many undead, Cyclops! I can tell that you've come a long way in hopes of defeating my old student. It would be a shame if you were all to perish here. Match me in a game of wits, and I will fulfill Canium's request, and hopefully then he will be reasonable enough to let us all go about our business. Surely you know The Oldest Game."
"Yes, Supremicus."
>"Very good! Canium, you will judge. "
>"Uh... sure. Can we actually have a fair game this time? If she wins, will you admit defeat?"
>"Of course. If she wins."
>>
No. 373945 ID: a9ba96
File 132445555842.jpg - (76.08KB , 575x766 , ef47d403.jpg )
373945

Alright guys, here we go.

>"Cyclops, you may begin."
>>
No. 373946 ID: 453e62

"i am a wizard"
>>
No. 373949 ID: 1854db

>>373945
I am a WIZARD!

Wait no let's phrase it properly.

"I am a wizard, magic wielding, keen of mind."
>>
No. 373954 ID: a9ba96
File 132445789785.jpg - (103.54KB , 741x768 , c3fa3085.jpg )
373954

"I am a wizard, magic using, keen of mind."

>"Yeah, we've tried that before. You've only bought yourself a bit of time."

>"I'm the anti-magic field, ten feet of protection from your magic and spells."
>>
No. 373955 ID: 453e62

"i am a spell sword, what my magic cannot reach my sword can cut"
>>
No. 373956 ID: f70e5e

"I am a warrior, unhindered by a lack of magic"
>>
No. 373967 ID: 46c430

...Think he's close enough to just stab him? If he does cheat. Also, Supremicus the Supreme might be a good option. Not now, but for later.
>>
No. 374014 ID: a2853b

>>373954
"Hey, wait one minute, which ruleset are we using for the Oldest Game? Freeform, Material, Semantic, or Contextual? Are we permitting repeats?"
>Freeform is anything goes, physical or imaginary, as long as the idea of it exists.
>Material means you can only use existing things; ideas and concepts are not permissible.
>Semantic is countering the opponent on any point relevant to their topic: a legalistic game rather than a direct rock-beats-scissors counter.
>Contextual requires that each player can only use topics in relation to their original, unless an opponent finds an opening to force a 'genre shift' to reset the context.
>No repeats is standard gameplay, in which you can't reuse the same topic at any point. Permitting repeats allows for stalling time and stalemating, if you play Freeform rules.
>>
No. 374018 ID: 453e62

>>374014
too late, the game has started. asking now will make us lose.
>>
No. 374022 ID: a9ba96
File 132449225495.jpg - (59.21KB , 465x669 , d09cb4a2.jpg )
374022

>Are we close enough to just stab him?
For some reason the whole "sphere of undead energy that would sap most men's souls in an instant" thing makes me a bit less than willing to try that.

"I am the warrior, and I am not phased by a lack of magic."

>"And I am the warriors' pride, which clouds his better judgement and leads to that fatal mistake on the battlefield."
>>
No. 374023 ID: 453e62

"i am the Master, humility instilling."
>>
No. 374027 ID: a9ba96
File 132449408456.jpg - (64.14KB , 518x763 , 9bb760ff.jpg )
374027

"I am the master, humility instilling."

He points at the bubble above his head and laughs.
>"Then I am the student who will one day surpass you!"
>>
No. 374032 ID: 453e62

i am the cost of power, one day you will regret paying me.
>>
No. 374043 ID: a2fa74

>>374032
Sure, sounds good.
Unless you have a better idea, Neena?
>>
No. 374055 ID: a133a1

I am time, which kills all its pupils.
>>
No. 374059 ID: a133a1

Also; beat that.
>>
No. 374075 ID: cdb8cb

Wait, no, what's he pointing at? Continue playing but take a look with your big fucking eye.
>>
No. 374078 ID: a9ba96
File 132451639049.jpg - (85.42KB , 611x768 , 496bd075.jpg )
374078

>Unless you have a better idea?

Huh, me? I'm basically entirely banking on you guys for this one. I only agreed to this because you guys automatically recognized what the ghost and the wizard were playing.

I said that I saw Varnavictus and some other mages playing something like this once, not that I understood it.

Truth be told, I'm still not sure how this game works. I'm just repeating what sounds good from you guys.

"I am the cost of power, and you will someday come to regret paying me."

>"Oh? But I am apathy, and I regret nothing."
>>
No. 374080 ID: 1854db

How it works is that you have to respond with a thing that counters the opponent's. The game ends when one player takes too long or gives up.

"I am Torment, impossible to ignore."
>>
No. 374081 ID: 1854db

The best thing to do in these sorts of games is to use concepts that the opponent is unfamiliar with, or uncomfortable addressing.
>>
No. 374086 ID: e4a136

I am love, overcoming apathy.
>>
No. 374114 ID: a9ba96
File 132452289439.jpg - (54.07KB , 463x768 , 0dad1207.jpg )
374114

>what was he pointing at?
I think he was making joke about his current situation, considering that he trained Torment and now he's trapped in his soul sphere thing.

"I am love, overcoming apathy."

>"...I am death... Bringing it to an abrupt end."

His voice seems to falter.
>>
No. 374115 ID: bdb886

I am memory, surpassing death.
>>
No. 374116 ID: 1854db

"I am a lich, mocking death and all who have died."
>>
No. 374118 ID: 1854db

>>374114
He lost someone, we need to poke at that subject through the game, he will get distracted or give up.
>>
No. 374120 ID: 4bdd79

>>374115
This.
>>
No. 374124 ID: e4a136

>>374116

This is way better.
>>
No. 374152 ID: a2fa74

>>374116
This.
>>
No. 374190 ID: a9ba96
File 132453823269.jpg - (105.84KB , 535x767 , fde67344.jpg )
374190

Behind you, and arrow shot by one of the skeletons plunges itself into Arkidus' chest. He lets out a pained cry and falls backwards.

You hear Swiftarrow cry out from the bridge.
>"Damn, Arkidus! Could one of you guys consider being briefness? I'm not sure how much longer we can hold out here..."
>>
No. 374193 ID: e3aff6

We have to give the answer before saying anything else. Hesitating too much can loose us the game.
I think the lich answer would probably be best.
>>
No. 374194 ID: a9ba96
File 132453844905.jpg - (53.52KB , 449x768 , fcac78a6.jpg )
374194

Shit, shit, shit... I think they just took out one of the elves... Gotta concentrate here, not really sure how much time we have left...

"I am the Lich. I mock death, and all who have died."

The wizard grimaces.
>"I am the paladin! I carry the light of the gods of protection and justice - the bane of your undead creations!"
>>
No. 374195 ID: 1854db

>>374194
"I am Supremicus the Supreme, blocking the path to the Lich."
>>
No. 374197 ID: f70e5e

>>374195
this. if nothing else to see how he answers.
>>
No. 374260 ID: cf49fc

>>374195
This is a decent plan.
>>
No. 374278 ID: a2fa74

>>374195
HA! Yes!
>>
No. 374314 ID: a9ba96
File 132459149238.jpg - (109.04KB , 754x768 , c2457839.jpg )
374314

"I am Supremicus the Supreme. I block the path for all noble men who wish to slay the Lich."
The wizard seems shocked.
>"Wha... um, then I am the mad Lich, Torment! I have bested Supremicus and trapped him deep within...wait, no..."
>"What's that, Supremicus? Is that hesitation? That's against the rules."
>"He is not greater. I am... I am..."
>"Supremicus, I think you have--"
>>
No. 374317 ID: a9ba96
File 132459158697.jpg - (120.64KB , 1024x768 , 89017273.jpg )
374317

>"I am Supremicus the Supreme! No man, dead or alive is greater than I! I! Am! A! WIZAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD!"

I...

...I think I won?
>>
No. 374319 ID: 453e62

yes, but may need to say "i already used wizard"
>>
No. 374320 ID: f31dfc

This my dear friend is when you say two words.

Prove it.
>>
No. 374362 ID: e4a136

>>374317

And so he refuses to admit defeat. Yeah, we already used wizard AND Supremicus. Or is he saying he can only best himself?

"I am not a man. I am a woman; Cyclops adventurer, quick of wit, and man-confounding."
>>
No. 374380 ID: 3947e9

If he still refuses to agree, why don't you offer a compromise?
He may still teach students but must test their character and refuse to teach the corrupt, swear to assist in taking out any of his students that goes rogue, and outright avoid teaching lichdom (perhaps drop that part in favor of requiring even more stringent tests of character before teaching that bit)

>>374319
no
>>374320
YES!
>>374362
>"I am not a man. I am a woman; Cyclops adventurer, quick of wit, and man-confounding."
Funny but we already won.
>>
No. 374419 ID: 0d7a83
File 132460415948.jpg - (28.87KB , 480x412 , nobro.jpg )
374419

>>374362
>>
No. 374485 ID: a9ba96
File 132462237941.jpg - (80.24KB , 946x615 , ebfb8442.jpg )
374485

"Prove it."

The wizard turns to the elven ghost.
>"Let. Me. Out."
>"Do you swear to seize your teachings of the dark arts?"
>"If you truly desire that my years of studying be lost, yes. I promise you that - and I make it a wizard promise, so I guarantee that it will not be broken!"
>"A...wizard promise?"
>"NO RESPECTABLE WIZARD WOULD DARE BREAK A WIZARD PROMISE."
>"...Very well then."

The ghostly bubble slowly dissipates and sizzles into nothingness
>>
No. 374486 ID: a9ba96
File 132462242482.jpg - (69.75KB , 891x414 , ac29efb3.jpg )
374486

Well that game was pretty cool. Maybe I'll challenge Varnavictus later; I'm pretty sure I'd do well as long as you guys provided you many tongues to help

...Or would that be cheating?

"Lord Supremicus. The elven specter says that you know how to open the path to the Lich ahead..."
>"Aye!"
"Where do we need to go from here?"
>"DOWN! HYAAAAAAAA!"

The wizard raises his fist in the air.

Oh gods what is he doing
>>
No. 374487 ID: a9ba96
File 132462246553.jpg - (134.87KB , 871x608 , e770824b.jpg )
374487

>"Companions, ho! The wizard brings us to the fiendish Lich!"
Samon and the elves rush onto the platform as the wizard swings his fist downwards.

WHAT IS HE DOING

Supremicus punches the ground with a thunderous BANG, and the platfrom rumbles...
>>
No. 374488 ID: a9ba96
File 132462259141.jpg - (138.33KB , 928x559 , a709ce71.jpg )
374488

...and great crack is heard at it breaks free from the bridge and begin to plummet through the black void.

The catfolk ghost calls down to the warriors
>"Good luck! Give 'im hell!"

Supremicus the Supreme's shouts echo through the darkness as the platform falls
>"WIZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD!!!"


HOLY SHIT THIS IS PRETTY MUCH SIMULTANEOUSLY THE COOLEST AND SCARIEST THING EVER
>>
No. 374489 ID: a9ba96
File 132462264063.jpg - (68.12KB , 640x768 , c6e0fb99.jpg )
374489

>"..."
>>
No. 374492 ID: a9ba96
File 132462290534.jpg - (135.47KB , 785x768 , d70e580c.jpg )
374492

KROOOM!
The chamber shakes as the platform lands.
Haha! Gods be praised, we survived that! I don't know what kind of ungodly wizard magic is at work here, but we actually survived that!

>"Ah...Supremics... You have brought more... mortalllllsssss..."
Samon points his blade at the Lich.
>"Undead abomination! Blight upon the Gods' creations! I am Samon the Barbarian, and I lead the crew that shall slay you, and end your wicked reign over the dead!"
>"...Such.... Spirit in you.... Step forth when... you are... ready to diiiiiiieeeeeeee..."

Samon looks at Supremicus.
>"Wizard! Destroy this Lich's phylactery so that I may grant him a final death!"
>"Not yet. I've tought Torment thoroughly in the the arts of necromancy. The Heart of Torment contains his soul, but he no doubt has another phylactery somewhere... If I destroy this one, his soul will be transferred to the next, and I know not where it may lie. You will have a very short timeframe after the destruction of the phylactery to slay Torment."
>"Very well. Can you aid us in the fight?"
>"Nay. That accursed bubble has left me drained. I used the last of my wizard strength to perform the ancient Wizard Punch... It will be some time before I have regenerated enough power to be a threat to Torment, and even so he knows my every move. But I will destroy his phylactery when you give the word."
>"Understood. Thissarin, Swiftarrow, Cyclops, I need you three to devise a distraction so that I may move in and slay the Lich."

Well... this is it. I've fought goblins and ogres in my travels, but I think an undead master of necromancy is a few steps above my league. Fortunately, I think all we need to do here is figure out how to keep him off guard so Samon can cut him down. He's a memory of a dead Lich, which means Samon's beat him once before... so there shouldn't be much to worry about.

...Hey! It's kinda like those Drow-Elf War reenactments that I told you about before. The outcome's predetermined, so as long as we don't screw up too bad we'll be just fine. Or at least that's what I'll keep telling myself. It'll all be much less terrifying that way.
>>
No. 374504 ID: bdb886

>>374492
>We need a distraction!

>Boobs won't work, he's dead.
>Discourse won't work, liches are almost always batshit insane.
>Violence won't work - he's a lich.

I AM STUMPED
>>
No. 374512 ID: de7eea

Its a risky plan, but you could always toss us over to him so we can whisper in his mind how his perceived existence is a lie, little more than an echo that will soon fade into nothingness regardless of the outcome of this confrontation, as his very 'reality' unravels like the fabrication it always was.
Fairly similar to what many real evil artifacts say, except in this case it is entirely accurate (though it may be a bit tough to prove).

Also, you might want to warn Samon to avoid cat-warrior's corpse, as you know how liches are with corpses left lying around.
>>
No. 374513 ID: cdb8cb

>>374504

"OH MY GOD WHAT IS THAT BEHIND YOU???"
>>
No. 374516 ID: 453e62

ask him how his ex is doing.
>>
No. 374551 ID: 3947e9

he looks somewhat bored, engage him in conversation.

So, what are his plans? To kill everyone and raise them as his minions? Wouldn't he grow really really bored having no-one to talk to?
>>
No. 374552 ID: 453e62

he has a statue of himself CRYING, he wants the living to FEEL HIS PAIN, and his name is TORMENT.
do the math. he lost someone.
>>
No. 374563 ID: 3947e9

>>374552
upvoting this EXCELLENT path of conversation
>>
No. 374608 ID: a2fa74

>>374492
Oh, hey! The blood on the catgirl's corpse is fresh!
We could totally fix her if this wasn't just a memory, but since it is I don't think there's much we can do. Besides drawing her into Those Beyond, which is something which would have had happened anyway if it's something Those Beyond can do. Still, we're totally absorbing dream her so our group can make a connection to the real her since that seems like a thing that should work.
[Absorb catgirl into Those Beyond.]

If you want to distract him then there are two obvious approaches. The first is conversation, the second is confusing him.

For conversation you could consider either something like "How does it feel to have all this power but be impotent at getting what you really want?"
Or, if you want to be softer "Who did you lose who would want such horrors committed in their memory?"

For distraction? Grab the catgirl's corpse and start dancing a waltz across the floor.
>>
No. 374636 ID: a2853b

>>374492
"You, the Lord of the Dead whose name is Torment, and whom's effigy is of Despair! I ask you: where has your love gone, that is beyond the grasp of your undeathly reach?"
>>
No. 374713 ID: 1854db

Call him a wuss.
>>
No. 374856 ID: a9ba96
File 132470748587.jpg - (90.88KB , 545x660 , fe63e63f.jpg )
374856

Neena and Samon jump down from the pillar into the chamber. Swiftarrow and Thissarin remain atop the pillar, ready to provide covering fire in case anything goes wrong.

"Alright Samon, we'll keep him off of you. Watch out for the warrior's corpse."
>"Aye. Best of luck cyclops."

>Get us into his possession so we can convince him that his existence is pointless
I think that could work really well to ensure Samon gets as killing blow in, but it's too dangerous right now to just run up to him... we'll have to keep him off guard before we can close our distance.

>He's lost something. Play off of that.
This seems like the easiest thing to start with... Alright now...
>>
No. 374858 ID: a9ba96
File 132470777435.jpg - (151.30KB , 792x768 , 41f185d6.jpg )
374858

Torment sits in his seat. He looks at the two approaching warriors unenthusiastically.
"You, the Lord of the Dead whose name is Torment, and whom's effigy is of Despair! I ask you: where has your love gone, that is beyond the grasp of your undeathly reach?"
>"My... love, mortaaaallll? What would.... provoke a question.... Such as that?"
"The sprits in this place whisper that your goal is to share your pain with the living... surely you have lost something once close to you."
>"Is the same not true... for us aaaaalllll? Who has not lost something.... close to them... at some point of their mortal life? Yes, I'll admit that I sought... to learn of the necromantic arts in hopes of... bringing life to one who I have lossssstt... a bystander made a casualty in this senseless war with the Orcs to the east that nears its hundreth year... Alas, such a task was beyond my hands, even as a master of necromancy... even after the unspeakable ritual had been perforrrrmmeddd..."
"You could not resurrect her."
>"Yes. True resurrection is beyond the grasp of even a lord of the dead... the one barrier that no being in the plane of the living can surpaaaasss... The body can be brought back, but as a mindless automation, the skeletal minions you have slain by the dozens to reach me. They are bodies acting with no souls... and the soul can only be preserved... held in this realm, and denied entry into the neeeext... but not returned to its original shell... And my love's soul had passed on... outside my grasp. Foreveeeer."
"Then what do you wish to accomplish now?"
>"I've lost everything... I was an artist in life, but without her I could not find inspiratiooonn... Worldly desires no longer satisfyyyy... and I've taken to pondering the nature of death... it's finality... how it is destined for us all... no matter how we try we cheat it, death awaits for us in the end... in tiiiimmmee... but I have come to realize that that is it's beauty... our last release from this world... There is no torment in death... living is the tormeeeennnt... and I wish to teach that to all... Yes, I was an artist in life, but now I find no joy in the crafts of mortal hands... my sculptures lack life... But my new art shall be death! And only through teaching the torments of life will people admire it!"

You know... this guy is a lord over the undead and that's still terrifying, but I'm pretty sure that this guy was one of the last Lich's in the last three hundred years, besides the Drow liches created during the great war. You hear all the time about these guys being unstoppable forces of evil, but this guy doesn't seem to have the... I dunno, drive that most other liches had? For a guy called "The Mad Lich" he seems more... melodramatic than sinister.

Well, we've got his attention either way. Now we just have to get him riled up to give Samon an opening to start with... as suicidally dumb "riling up" a Lich would be in pretty much any other scenario.
>>
No. 374865 ID: 453e62

"you know your plan is doomed to failure, you will kill and kill and then one day, you will run out of people and then you will be left all alone lord of the nothing, forever."
>>
No. 374867 ID: 3947e9

>>374865
that IS his plan.
Kill everyone ELSE and THEN commit suicide.
>>
No. 374869 ID: 453e62

>>374867
he's a lich, he's ALREADY DEAD.
>>
No. 374871 ID: b14128

Simple. Call him WEAK for taking this path after losing his love rather than being able to recover like most everyone else.
>>
No. 374875 ID: 1854db

>>374858
He's right that there is no torment in death. Only in the dying part. But life is usually not torment.

Tell him that if people see life as torment because of things he does, then they will seek to slay him rather than see death as an escape. He is accomplishing nothing.
>>
No. 374884 ID: 453e62

>>374871
good idea.
>>
No. 374896 ID: a2fa74

>>374858
"Torment is being denied what you love, correct? Then what of those who love life? Those who have found their true love and not yet lost them?
To do as you say would only hasten the suffering of those who survive, not alleviate it.
And what of the dead for whom the end came too soon? You said that death will always come in time, but can't be undone. If that is so, then why not instead let people die when they no longer love life?

I would say to teach people to understand death instead of fear it, but I do not think you wish for that task. Instead, I think you should consider your own love. Leave your knowledge for those who follow your path, so no others will waste time fighting death for their love instead of embracing it.
She has been waiting for you for so very long, and we both know how that must end.
Go to her."
>>
No. 374932 ID: 4bdd79

>>374871
This.
>>
No. 374953 ID: 3947e9

>>374896
Upvote (and deleted my own variation of that since this is better phrased)
>>
No. 375009 ID: a2853b

>>374858
Uh, i think that Those Beyond could probably bring back his loved one's soul, or at least join it into the collective.

IDEA: Suggest to him that Those Beyond are with you, and even if we cannot truly return her to this world, we could still reunite them within the collective, once he has released his grasp upon this reality.
>>
No. 375010 ID: a2853b

>>374858
As an aside, ask Supremicus if such a task as resurrection is in his capabilities.
>>
No. 375038 ID: a2fa74

>>375010
Mark was afraid his shoulder might have been seriously injured because healing magic has so many limitations. Even if this is the most powerful wizard ever, you're asking for something far beyond his capability.
Also? I'm pretty sure he would have done that already if he could.

>>
No. 375128 ID: f70e5e

>>374896
this. we may well be able to convince him to lie down and die.
>>
No. 375326 ID: de7eea

>>375009
Where did you get the impression that we are the souls of the dead? We are closer to extra-planar Outsiders, complete with some degree of madness and terrible secrets.
>>
No. 376080 ID: a9ba96
File 132521792482.jpg - (131.03KB , 740x767 , a3f95797.jpg )
376080

You're going to need to ask Varn if you want to know more about... you. You might be spirits, but I think absorbing any souls into your collective is far beyond your power. You've never been able to interact directly with the outside world, as far as I'm aware, and this doesn't seem any different. Even if the outside world in this case is actually inside of yourselves.

Man, that must actually be pretty surreal for you, huh?

...Oh, yeah. Lich.

"There are those who do not see as you do - who do not view life as torment. Torment is being denied what you love, and there are many out there who love life."
>"They have yet to understand its.... futilityyyyy. They are.... naive, blind to... the truth of this realm... that it's all for nothing.... that in the end it all goes awaaaay."
"You only hasten the suffering of those who live. You say yourself that death comes for all in time... if that is so, then let people meet it when they no longer love life."
>"..."
"I would suggest instead that you teach people to better understand death, but I feel that is not your intentions. There is no need for men to fight death for their love."
>"..."
"Consider your own love. I'm sure she has been waiting for you for a very long time."
>...You... misunderstand me, mortaaaaalllll...."
>>
No. 376081 ID: a9ba96
File 132521797632.jpg - (91.12KB , 540x767 , 94f593cd.jpg )
376081

Torment raises his hand, and another huge statue rises behind the collapsed wall by his throne.

>"I say once more... I was an artist in life... so too am I in deeeeaaathhh... and all good artists convey.... a message... through their traaaaadddeee... I will guarantee to you that my intention... is to help humans better understand death... though my aaarrrttt...."
"I... don't understand."
>"Of course not... These statues... these sculptures... Built as an empty tribute to sorrow after her death... in time I found them to convey no purpose... They are simply rock and stoooooonnneee... But it was the realization that she had been lost forever that inspired me to make death my new art.... It was the realization that it all ends.... It all goes away. It all seizes to exist, and in the end it's forgotten. Washed away by tiiiimmmeee.... No, life is not torment because people suffer in it.... life is torment because time washes it and all of its accomplishments away, and living though it ignorant to that fact is just as much a torment as suffering through it..... Stone is simply stone, no matter how it's carved, but a body, a corpse, carries a simple, poignant, elegant message.... The only message that matteeerrrrsss..... It. All. Ends. "
"You can't really..."
>"And in time, I can perfect my art. I can line the streets with my art. People will resist it at first, just like people have resisted.... all great artistssss... but if I can teach this realm the futility of their lives... I can spare this realm a million more heartbreaks, a billion more goodbyes, a trillion more heartfelt farewells to that which they loveeeeddd... because they will see the only thing of value in life... they will not struggle to save their loves, because they will come... to understand there is only one way they will not lose theeeemmm... they will come to me crying, "O torment! Free me from life's woes! Let me pose as your knife slides across my neck! let me be... yoooorrr... aaaaaarrrrrrtttttttt....."

Dragons of wind and flame, this guy sure is something. I mean, I feel kinda bad for him. It's almost depressing to see someone with this little hope left for anything. But at the same time, the whole "kill everything" thing makes it hard to feel much sympathy for him, and I get the feeling that he writes a lot of really bad poetry about black ravens and darkness in his free time.

We're getting him worked up though. Keep pressing like that, and we should buy Samon enough time to charge the throne without getting obliterated with necromantic magics.

Let's just hope we don't push mister suffering artist here enough that he decides to obliterate me with necromantic magics instead to demonstrate this postmodern death art thing he has going.
>>
No. 376098 ID: f70e5e

just because something ends does not mean it its pointless. you your self must admit this, otherwise you would have no reason to rail against suffering and heartbreak. while you would indeed spare the world much suffering with you art, you would also deny it much joy. who are you to say the suffering you would spare the world is greater than the joy you would deny it?
>>
No. 376117 ID: 79586b

>>376081
'So is it about your art then? Your art, a mere reflecting of 'your' suffering. How can you deny others their art? All those stories all those tales overwritten by the same bland ending, a veil of gray penned by the same dull author. What monotony are you trying to pass off as 'artistic'?'
>>
No. 376152 ID: a2fa74

>>376081
"You, too, will end, and your work forgotten by history.
You can't retrieve a soul of the dead, but can you tell me where it goes? Is there an afterlife? What is its nature?"
>>
No. 376157 ID: cdb8cb

I think this guy sounds totally legit. You should find someone to make an art project out of. Someone who hasn't ended yet. Someone evil and ancient. Someone like... SUPREMICUS no the lich.
>>
No. 376280 ID: 316d2a

Here is something that should confuse him:
"If everything all ends, what of liches? You talk of how time washes away all even as you sit before us as a lich, a mortal who has escaped the reach of ages and death. Doesn't your very existence stand as a testament against your 'message'?"
>>
No. 376675 ID: a2853b

>>376081
Alright. So on one hand he is just another lib-arts bleeding-heart faggot, and on the other he's a goddamned lich. I can deal.

Still, while Entropy IS true, ask him of magic, of that living energy unbound by time that has even freed him from the mortal coil.
Those Beyond know of a world of pure entropy where all is truly meaningless, but not this world! This world IS eternal, if not in this form, than in another! His message is false, and his art is now purposeless.

But, just in case, ask of him if he knows of anything beyond the bounds of your reality that would end all things, some sort of Azathoth or Nyarlethotep-like being.

Magic certainly SEEMS like it breaks all the rules, but does it truely? In fact, ask Supremicus of this, as well. All scientific inquiry needs multiple respectable sources to verify it, and if anyone would know such dark secrets, Supremicus would.

This is important, because our 'angle' is dependent on what truths of reality we can bend to our will.
>>
No. 379982 ID: a9ba96
File 132666669968.jpg - (174.11KB , 743x767 , 86192bc7.jpg )
379982

"You say that your work reflects that all things end, but aren't you, yourself, undying? You manipulate the forces of magic to keep yourself alive, caring not of age or time. You say all things die, but what of magic, which you have used to shake your mortal coil - and what of you, the Lich? If both these have ends, then there is nothing to keep your art, and its message, from dying as well."
>>
No. 379983 ID: a9ba96
File 132666677166.jpg - (160.94KB , 952x768 , ffff5bfe.jpg )
379983

"And if they don't, then is it not hypocritical that the lesson that all must die be taught by one who does not?"

>"Foolish moooorttaaaalll.... The answer... is simple! I am..."
>>
No. 379984 ID: a9ba96
File 132666682226.jpg - (161.69KB , 952x768 , 1b6460e1.jpg )
379984

...

Did... did he really never consider that?

>"I am..."
>>
No. 379985 ID: a9ba96
File 132666699281.jpg - (100.08KB , 658x768 , 642616fd.jpg )
379985

Samon begins to approach the throne.

I hope this works... because I'm not sure if a concentrated Lich or an enraged Lich is a scarier thought...


>"HYAAAAGH!"

Springing from his daze, The Lich lets out an agonized cry and leaps forwards from his throne. Samon readies his blade, but swings around as he notices the corpse of the catfolk warrior begin to rise.
>>
No. 379986 ID: a9ba96
File 132666704306.jpg - (167.33KB , 987x754 , 787e2203.jpg )
379986

The Lich lands in front of Neena.

Oh gods this was a really bad idea

Torment draws his hand back, but stumbles as it is suddenly encased in a large block of ice.
>>
No. 379987 ID: a9ba96
File 132666710452.jpg - (143.61KB , 796x768 , c2662bb1.jpg )
379987

Thissarin shouts down at Neena from above.

>"Cyclops! I've bought you some time, you musGYAA--"

With a wave of the Lich's hand, the Mage of Frost's body bursts open with a violent bang. Supremicus and Swiftarrow duck away from the edge of the platform.

Body shaking, Neena takes advantage of the Lich's brief shift in attention from her to the late mage...

>>
No. 379988 ID: a9ba96
File 132666717093.jpg - (92.35KB , 867x664 , 49f43e4b.jpg )
379988

>"Hnn..."

I... I actually... I...

I think...
>>
No. 379992 ID: a9ba96
File 132666735443.jpg - (58.52KB , 534x535 , 291ae633.jpg )
379992

>"Nghhng..."
>>
No. 379993 ID: a6ab09

RIP AND TEAR! RIP AND TEAR HIS GUTS!
>>
No. 379994 ID: a9ba96
File 132666739937.jpg - (76.52KB , 550x545 , a02b2cd1.jpg )
379994

...
>>
No. 379998 ID: fa9f7e

>> have spell it out

have to spell it out?
>>
No. 379999 ID: ed57e8

spell it
>>
No. 380000 ID: a9ba96
File 132666772961.jpg - (78.12KB , 619x656 , 1dd2b62b.jpg )
380000

...but who was I to think that these uncultured plebeians could ever understand real art?

If... If she was here, she would get it, she always understood the subtlety, the finesse that it takes to make a statement though your art...

But these people

I always have to spell it out for them.

>>
No. 380002 ID: a2fa74

>>380000
Stop that.
You haven't answered her question, and what artist deserves such a title if a plebeian has such insight that you can't respond to their observation?

If you are unable to counter her observation then either you've made a glaring error or her understanding of the subtleties involved is better than yours. Killing her now will not only prove that you are inferior to her, but also deny you the chance to perfect your art through improved understanding.

So I say again: Stop that.
>>
No. 380005 ID: 1b0f2f

Kill her first and then answer her. That's well within your capabiities, no?
>>
No. 380009 ID: 818a6a

>>380000
It is a poor artist who must resort to puns, and poor communicator who must silence the objection they cannot argue.
>>
No. 380015 ID: ed57e8

SHE only said she understood. because otherwise you do shit like this, lash out and silence those that disagree.
>>
No. 380024 ID: 1854db

>>380000
You aren't being subtle. Raising an army of the dead to kill people is not subtly sending the message of "all life is a struggle against despair that you can never win." It's beating them over the head with it, literally if you give your troops maces. Subtle would be making art OUT of dead or undead people, not making art by creating more dead people.
>>
No. 380048 ID: a9ba96
File 132668753856.jpg - (58.71KB , 456x718 , 6ee21885.jpg )
380048

Voices? Ah. An enchanted blade, a petty magic trick which I have grown far beyond. Hopefully silencing you will silence your master as well.

>>380002
>>380009

Hrm... though you've only delayed what inevitably welcomes us all for her, you make a point. As an artist, I must be willing to accept criticism. It would undercut my artistic merit to silence her without first addressing a valid point of hers.
>>
No. 380049 ID: a9ba96
File 132668792619.jpg - (51.33KB , 608x562 , 811ee5a7.jpg )
380049

Thud!

"Mooortalll... Perhaps your words... have validityyy... perhaps my statement is... too broad, and in need of... refinemeeeennntt... You say that clearly all things don't die... and that I am a testament to that... but I say to that -- if the price of escaping death is the price... I have paid... then death is still a preferable escape... to the torments of liviiiinnnggg... What do you say to that?"

>"Haaaahh... Haaaaahhh..."

There. I have refined the message of my work to address her concerns. Life is still pain, and death is still inevitable, but now the message has an extra layer of bleakness - those who try to cheat death only prolong their pain.

She clearly has no retaliation, so I believe it is safe to kill her now.

>>
No. 380051 ID: 1854db

You think being a Lich is worse than death? That's strange. What price did you pay, exactly?
>>
No. 380054 ID: ed57e8

so you are a undead savior who takes on all pain to bring happiness to the world.
>>
No. 380064 ID: e4a136

>>380049

Samon: Decapitate Lich from behind.
>>
No. 380065 ID: a9ba96
File 132669029867.jpg - (55.09KB , 611x620 , 2ab2d9d2.jpg )
380065

>You think being a Lich is worse than death? That's strange. What price did you pay, exactly?

I gave up my humanity in a dark ritual, where I performed acts that I do not wish to recall. And all to attain a power incapable of doing what I sought it for. Becoming a master of the dead did not allow me to return life, only spread more death. The closest I've come are those heads at the entrance, and even they are automations; operating from memories, only capable of responding with predetermined answers to set questions... lacking true sentience, separate from their souls contained deeper in my domain. I've given up everything, and grown no closer to what I had given it up for. I have paid a price which I still suffer for.

But I have found a new message to spread, for a true artist must suffer for his art. I must continue to face my torment, to face the fact that I have lost everything for all eternity, so that I may spread my message to others. So I can make them in time appreciate and understand the value of my art.

I am in a way a... a...


>so you are a undead savior who takes on all pain to bring happiness to the world.

Ah, yes. That works nicely. Once all learn to accept the inevitability of the end, there will be no more reason to suffer. Death will free this world from it's pains.

Allow me to demonstrate.

>>
No. 380066 ID: 46c430

>>380065
I've never heard so much bullshit. You've got to be the biggest dumbass we've ever met, and considering how long we've been around, that's saying something.
>>
No. 380071 ID: ed57e8

except, if no one is left, then there is no happiness. just a blank ball with nothing. your art will be forgotten as no one can remember.
>>
No. 380072 ID: 1854db

>>380065
What would you say if we told you this reality wasn't real? That we are Those Beyond, replaying a pseudomemory in order to track the great deeds of Samson, and this scenario was your downfall? You point at someone who is not truly here. Cease your struggling and submit to your defeat, as fate decreed. Our presence in this simulation has steered the memory away from the actual events. If you die, then we will retrieve the information we need.

If you truly wish to do the world good, then yield, and allow yourself to die in this false reality.

I wish we had been able to complete the memory without telling you this.
>>
No. 380084 ID: e4a136

>>380065

Life goes on. Funny thing, that. Life is painful, sometimes.

But would you have traded your love for anything in the world? Losing it hurts, but having it...

How would things be without it?
>>
No. 380086 ID: 3947e9

Enraged condemnation of his acts? really? this will achieve nothing.

Pointing out a flaw we missed, that will help. He is the artist that shows the world that nothing matters because all eventually faces oblivion as if it never existed, even the memories of things face oblivion.

First argument, you are arguing that you sacrificed your own mortality, your own ending, in order to artistically show the world that everything is destroyed and washed away and that nothing matters. Yet your art is subject to the same rules, even as a lich eventually you and your art will be destroyed and washed away. You say nothing matters, but if nothing matters then it doesn't matter that it doesn't matter.

Second argument, you constantly come back to your memories of your love and your desire to bring her back which show that you lack conviction in your own message. If you truly believed as you claim you would have let go of her memory.

Third argument, genetics and history mean that even the extinct and forgotten would have critically shaped those that exist today. A million years from now no one will remember the people and history of today, but the beings that would exist then would still be shaped by them. Either directly through being blood descendants, or indirectly through having their own ancestors being affected by the now extinct.
>>
No. 380090 ID: f70e5e

that doesn't hold water. "giving up your humanity" means absolutely nothing. sure some of the things that can be described as giving up your humanity are rather important, but people are defined by their thoughts and actions not there physical form. it sounds like the source of your suffering has nothing to do with being a litch, and everything to do with issues your having trouble coping with.
>>
No. 380092 ID: 46c430

>>380086
I don't feel enraged. I don't even feel annoyed. If anything I feel pity for this pathetic idiot. A savior? What arrogance to proclaim such a thing from this hole in the ground as he wallows in his own depression like it's something holy.
>>
No. 380096 ID: a9ba96
File 132669626823.jpg - (51.80KB , 628x639 , 6c0b116f.jpg )
380096

Of course you wouldn't understand. Nobody else ever did. You'll only understand if I show you... If I...

>We are those beyond. You have already lost.

...Wh...

What are you trying to imply here? This is but a memory? A memory of my... defeat? No, that can't... you can't... You think you can trick me into thinking that there's some sort of... pre-determined outcome here? No, that doesn't...

...You can't trick me! I can't lose here... I'm not ready yet! There's still so much time to perfect my art, to spread my message to the uncultured masses! I won't...


>You say nothing matters, but if nothing matters then it doesn't matter that it doesn't matter.
But it's nothing in life that matters! Death still matters! They need to understand that their life doesn't matter in order to accept the only thing that does!

>If you truly believed as you claim you would have let go of her memory.
No, you don't... you don't get it! She...

>the extinct and forgotten would have critically shaped those that exist today.
But... the people who they shaped still die... and then... the people they shape die... and...

Are... you don't really mean that I lose here, right? I can't... not before they...

>>
No. 380100 ID: a9ba96
File 132669646711.jpg - (149.54KB , 1024x768 , a984769d.jpg )
380100

>But would you have traded your love for anything in the world? Losing it hurts, but having it...
>it sounds like the source of your suffering has nothing to do with being a litch, and everything to do with issues your having trouble coping with.
N... NO! You don't GET IT! I NEED to tell this message to the world! They need to know my ART!

She was the only one who UNDERSTOOD my ART! We... she was the only one who GOT me! She understood that we were MEANT for each other!

...well... Maybe she didn't understand that yet... Since I didn't... I was making all those sculptures for her and...

Uh, I was eventually going to get around to...

...I'm almost sure she caught on at some point that they were for her... And after I made the last one, I was going to finally tell her that, but... I mean, I think she...


I-IT WASN'T EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE THIS, SHE WAS IN THE WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME AND IT RUINED EVERYTHING

I NEED TO FIND SOMEONE WHO APPRECIATES MY WORK AGAIN

I NEED TO MAKE SOMEONE GET IT

NOBODY UNDERSTANDS THE EMPTINESS IN MY SOUL

>>
No. 380110 ID: 46c430

What, by sharing it with them? This isn't about art or helping the world to some great realization. It's about dragging everyone else down to your level, making everyone hurt as much as you do.

You think you're unique? The world has existed a long time. You aren't. You're just a selfish bastard weak enough to allow his despair to consume himself, who's gotten more power than most like you.
>>
No. 380112 ID: ed57e8

now i see, fear. you are afraid, so you kept living, because you fear death more then you hate life.
>>
No. 380117 ID: eb672d

Oi, buddy. Read a bloody self help book. You wanted people to understand how you feel? Think about what you are doing. She appreciated your art. Those small things that lasted for a moment. Bet she was a kind hearted person. A very nice lady.

Now YOU ya poor excuse for a bag a bones want to kill everyone just because 'they don't understand my art'. You want to kill innocent people, some of which may be JUST like your lover in her view point. Would she want that? Would she want the one she loved to build a monument of death for her that goes against everything she ever LOVED?

The world understands your pain, it's YOU who does not understand the world! You were brash enough to delve into arts you should not. FOOLISH enough to sacrifice your future just to try to get her back when she would have WANTED you to be happy. But the greatest of your sins... you were SELFISH enough to think this art will please her when she loved your original art.

You have betrayed her Torment. You betrayed her beliefs. You betrayed her memory. You betrayed her very existence. You are no artist. You are just a killer.

You love her so much? Go to her. Leave this stupid shell, leave your art, and leave your mockery of life and join her in death and beg her forgiveness. If death truly saves people, then end your existence and use death to save yourself.
>>
No. 380118 ID: b6edd6

And now, despite your suffering, you cling to this life as desperately as any mortal.
You have your reasons, of course, but the result is the same. You, need your art, you need your love, you need your appreciation. Thing is, all of these need your existence to come about.

What can you hope to communicate about the evils of existence when you are so desperate to continue your own?
>>
No. 380120 ID: f70e5e

that is not art. art is not searching for someone who understands your message as it is, it is perfecting your message until even the blind and foolish can't help bet understand it.
>>
No. 380140 ID: a9ba96
File 132670307636.jpg - (59.07KB , 482x559 , 49493428.jpg )
380140

>>380110
>>380112
>>380117
>>380118
>>380120
NO! ITS NOT FAIR! THEY SAID ALL I HAD TO DO WAS MAKE SURE SUPREMICUS TAUGHT ME THE RITUAL! THEY SAID ALL THE TORMENT WOULD GO AWAY!

>"Wizard! Now!"
>>
No. 380143 ID: a9ba96
File 132670315399.jpg - (106.67KB , 836x502 , f9f1e9f7.jpg )
380143

>"WIZAAAAAAARRRD!!"

"THE INNER CIRCLE HAS LIED TO MEEE!"
>>
No. 380144 ID: a9ba96
File 132670322166.jpg - (16.73KB , 886x672 , 222deff1.jpg )
380144

SLASH!

...
>>
No. 380145 ID: a9ba96
File 132670349433.jpg - (71.79KB , 597x609 , 8b7a4feb.jpg )
380145

...Wait! Before you do anything with her sword. Kick his head across the room. You can never be too sure with Liches.
Yeah, and as you do, say "This Lich's plans were always heading for failure!"
Just because this guy had no respect for the dead doesn't mean you don't have to. Take off his mask and place it on his chest to show your respect.
Are you guys all really forgetting about the cyclops? Stop looking at her sword and help her up, you dolt.
Give her a hand and help her off the ground, then hold her tightly and tell her it'll all be okay. She's been through a lot tonight, and she's probably really shaken.
Yeah, do that and say "Fair Cyclopean, has the Lich's foul magics brought thee harm? Worry not, for the time of his treachery has passed."


Hmm... I sense a familiar energy from the Cyclopean's blade... She says that Those Beyond sent her, might this be her link to it?

Could be. Tap it against your head a few times, see if we get anything.
You'll look like an idiot doing that. Just ask her about the sword's glow after you help her up. You saved her life, she has no reason to be dishonest about it.
Ooh, better idea, after you help her up, kneel down and offer her her blade back. Say "milady, I believe that this belongs to you. I could not have slain the fiend without it."
Then hug her.
Have we seriously not asked the Cyclops her name yet?
Wait, wait, say "When the Lich challenged us, he got in way over his head!"

>>
No. 380146 ID: 46c430

>>380145
It is. Hello, Samon. It's... Well. It's complicated. Suffice to say it's been a long time, from our perspective.
>>
No. 380147 ID: eb672d

Hoo boy, looks like we aren't the only cluster of voices around. That explains a lot. Alright, first off; Hello! We are a bunch of voices attached to this sword. When Neena(the cyclops) plunged us into Torment's chest, we sort of kind of made him suffer an existence crisis and got some very important info.

Now, we are new to town so we may need a bit of info, but do you know about a inner circle? Because Mr Lich here said that the stuff he did was because those guys told him to do it.
>>
No. 380148 ID: 1854db

>>380145
Yep, that's us in there alright. Sortof.

Um. Can you just give us back to Neena? We definitely aren't supposed to be doing this.

OH AND HOW ABOUT THAT INNER CIRCLE, HUH. I can't believe none us with you are theorizing about that. Here, I'll quote what the whiny-ass lich told us:
>NO! ITS NOT FAIR! THEY SAID ALL I HAD TO DO WAS MAKE SURE SUPREMICUS TAUGHT ME THE RITUAL! THEY SAID ALL THE TORMENT WOULD GO AWAY!

He was set up. So was Supremicus.
>>
No. 380149 ID: eb672d

Indeed. I don't get along with that voice too often but I agree with him that it seems that someone was planning something. Torment was some sadly some poor kid who went through the wrong channels to try and cure his misery after losing his girlfriend.

Honestly, anything you know about that can really help us on our end. Got to ask though, are you guys the only other group of voices besides us? Hard to tell how many groups of us there are.
>>
No. 380154 ID: f70e5e

is that what we sound like? huh I feel a sudden outpouring of sympathy for our hosts. anyways we are another bunch of voices. some archmage dude sent us back in time too here to find out some information. we don't know exactly what it is but Samon apparently uses it to stop the Drow armies at some point.
>>
No. 380169 ID: 3947e9

>>380148
I do believe this was the secret knowledge we were sent here to find.
>>
No. 380198 ID: b6edd6

>>380147
We already know who Samon's voices are. Those are the other instance of Those Beyond (aka us).

Hello other us! Read any good NOTES lately?
>>
No. 380225 ID: e4a136

>>380145

Gonna have to agree with checking the cyclops thing. Advise against moving her; the lich touched her and started doing... something.

Injured, likely internal.

Good lord, are we this annoying ALL the time? I almost want to punch myself.
>>
No. 380256 ID: ed57e8

>>380225
nono, that was pure negative energy. living things run on positive energy, while undead run on negative. since she didn't die from it she will be fine after some rest to recover.
>>
No. 380270 ID: f70e5e

lets not take any chances with the Cyclopes life. unless the negative energy was applied perfectly evenly across her body it might have caused some of her organs to go necrotic. make sure shes ok before doing anything else.
>>
No. 380329 ID: a9ba96
File 132678381856.jpg - (90.01KB , 504x624 , 6b746a4c.jpg )
380329

Hey! Is that another us? There's supposed to be a lot of us out there, but it's been a while since we've met another part of us.
Did they just call us "annoying?"
It's been a while since we've met another one, how's it going?
Neena eh? Cute name.
She's probably new to our voices, Samon. She's using a channeling item, instead of directly granting her mind unto us.
Hey, they have a point, we need to focus on this "Inner Circle."


Ah! I am Samon. It's always an honor to meet another member of the Cult of Those Beyond. Your voices have aided me well in my adventures since my youth, and I see that you have done a fine job aiding Neena as well. She has certainly found a few creative uses for you, as the fight with that Lich proved. Many thanks for your aid.

My promise to protect to the nearby Elven villages has been completed with the Lich's death, but the lich's final words of a traitorous "Inner Circle" are indeed concerning. Unfortunately, I do not recognize the name - though if they were operating with the Lich, they're likely a magical society, and the wizard probably knows more. But first, I will return you to your master as requested, and see if there is not something I can do to assist her.

They're right. Be gentle with her, she's probably hurt. Whatever that Lich did seemed... nasty.
Man, it has been a while since we've read a good note.

>>
No. 380332 ID: a9ba96
File 132678399317.jpg - (99.26KB , 663x672 , 9a360692.jpg )
380332

"Miss... Neena. You've aided us greatly in the fight. Are you wounded?"
>"I... I'm... no, I'm alright..."
"Do you need assistance getting back on your feet?"
>"No, I'm fine."
"Does it hurt to move?"
>"No just... I... I said I'm fine. Thank you, but I... I just need my sword."
"Are you sure?"
>"Yes, all I need is my sword."
"Aye, verily."

Make sure she's okay. Two good warriors died tonight already. We don't need any more.

I promised my father to rid this realm if it's evils... and I know that I have the strength to do it. I wold not have made that promise if I did not intend to see it though... but between the constant onslaught of the damned Orcs, these foul men who manipulate dark magics, and the beats who prey on the innocent, lurking in the woods... A few more men willing to do what I do would certainty help. Keep her safe, and may we meet again some day.

Farwell, and good luck in whatever future endeavors Neena partakes.
Wait, you need to get down on one knee! You're ruining our one chance to get with a Cyclops!
Wait, no, even better; say "The Lich talked of an Inner Circle- he probably wasn't the head of this operation!"

>>
No. 380337 ID: a9ba96
File 132678477628.jpg - (144.64KB , 851x753 , 5882e185.jpg )
380337

Are... Are you guys there?

Guys, I feel... really cold...

The trio of specters descend into the room. The Elven ghost looks upon the body of the Lich solemnly.
>"So it is done. I knew it would have to come to this, eventually. May you find an end to your torment on the other side, old friend."

Samon turns to the platform and looks up at Supremicus
>"Wizard, the Lich has fallen, but his last words have prevented me from feeling the comfort that this fact should bring. Do you know of an... Inner Circle?"
>"Indeed... but if this is the same Inner Circle that I know... Canium, you and Torment were involved in the Guild of Mages prior to seeking my lair, were you not?"
The Elven ghost pauses for a moment before responding. There is worry in his voice.
>"Yes... In a way... We were both trainees who sought the Guild to improve our magic mere months before seeking you. My master died fighting the Orcs, and directed me to the Spire of Eternity, asking me to ally with the human mages, to find refuge there and study among the Guild. Arkeel... from what he had told me, he lived in seclusion on the outskirts of a city in Egias, studying both magic and the arts, selling both his services as a Mage and his sculptures for whatever money he could get. He lived a quiet life, even if the paladins harassed him from time to time under suspicions that he was studying dark magic... he said it was because they misunderstood his artwork, feared that their dark themes reflected a man with dark intentions but... that wasn't always the case."

>"And then the girl died."

>"Yes. When that girl died, he lost the desire to make art and sought the Guild to perfect his magic instead. We had both joined the Guild in hopes of finding a way to better help fight those Orcs... but we found that they were doing almost nothing to help stop them, in spite of their supposed vast magical knowledge. I was just about ready to leave the Guild behind, but I started hearing rumors of a supreme wizard who had been exiled from the guild years ago... and when Arkeel, who they had assigned to managing the archives at the time, came to me with papers about you and your powers and how you had been exiled... we decided to try finding you ourselves."

>"...So it was Torment who had proposed finding me."
>"Yes, Master Supremicus... but you don't truly believe..."
>"Barbarian. The Inner Circle are the leaders the Guild of Mages. I was once among their ranks, before my exile. They they feared the potential of my studies, but It now seems that they changed their mind on wanting to completely cover up my findings. I believe they took advantage of the young trainee's loss and convinced him to find me in order to retrieve some of my work... specifically, the ritual for lichdom. It would make sense that they would send someone like Arkeel and Canium if that were the case - they knew I would recognize any of the members of the guild that were around at the time of my exile... But they couldn't have guessed what the ritual would do to him..."
The Elven Ghost sighs.
>"I was fool... how could I let this happen?"

Samon ponders to himself for a moment before looking back at the wizard.
>"But if the Inner Circle was so intent on getting rid of your work when they kicked you out, why the sudden change?"
>"I don't know... The Guild of Mages would not play with dark magics without proper cause... they have probably found a threat on the horizons that they believe is worth the risks- perhaps the Orcs, perhaps something worse, and maybe I would have aided them if not for this trickery and its terrible consequences. A proper wizard could never trust them after this. I need... time to consider my next steps. The Guild's actions are unclear, but I fear that they may mean that dark days are ahead of us. I will have to destroy the entrances to my lair to prevent the Guild from following me, both the original entrances and the Deep Well that Torment constructed to help him attack the elves... But should you need to seek me, I will construct a new, secret entrance deep within the Dancer's Glen, far North from here. I shall keep true to my Wizard Promise of never again teaching the dark arts, but I still may be of assistance to you in the future. When your brave deeds tonight spread I have no doubt that any of you will have issues passing though this area."

...G... guys? Please say something...
>>
No. 380339 ID: 7c31d2

something.
>>
No. 380340 ID: 46c430

We're here. Don't worry. We won.
>>
No. 380341 ID: 1854db

>>380337
Hi, we're here. I think we can pull out now, that was the last bit of Lost Knowledge we needed. Though I am suddenly worried that Varnavictus is part of the Inner Circle and is using us to retrieve magical secrets...
>>
No. 380343 ID: b6edd6

We are back.

Hopefully it has been long enough ago that those in charge are now dead or retired; someone who would send an emotionally unbalanced schmuck like Arkeel to test their dangerous power-enhancing procedure is someone who really shouldn't be running a powerful organization.

So... planning ahead... we recently saw the guild rather permanently acquire the services of the adventurers known as the Pack. You might know about them from traveling with Mark; his rude and impulsive sister is their leader. I kind of get the feeling that when we tell Varnavictus about Supremicus's location, they will likely be the ones sent, which might not be the best of ideas.
>>
No. 380345 ID: ed57e8

seems i was right. that was pure negative energy, the power of unlife. a living being is fueled by positive energy. he flooded you with negative in order to try and kill you but since he stopped before finishing it simply greatly lowered how much positive you have. it will come back with rest.
>>
No. 380352 ID: b82230

Good Job kid. Thanks to you, we were able to help Samson kill Torment. We have a LOT of info to tell you, but we should get ready to leave. We have a lot to tell Varn and he might have some stuff to tell us.
>>
No. 380360 ID: ed57e8

>>380352
we also have things to NOT tell him.
>>
No. 380362 ID: e4a136

You may be suffering from internal hypothermia.

Please request a blanket, and find a bath of lukewarm water as soon as possible.
>>
No. 380375 ID: a9ba96
File 132679801413.jpg - (94.69KB , 780x653 , 093a3d54.jpg )
380375

We... won? So... I helped kill a Lich...Mark would be so jealous. He used to brag about kicking goblins into stuff, and I just helped take down a Lich...

I could... really use a blanket...

>"And with Torment gone, his dark magics no longer control this lair. The spell which held your spirits here when you were slain has been lifted - though Torment's taint disturbed your passing and left you disembodied spirits, you three may now find rest."

>"Ah, generations of my Elven brethren await... the spirits of the forest call to me. Farewell, Supremicus. And thank you."
>"Uh, yeah. Find rest. Right."
>"Not sure what waiting on the other side, but it's probably a hell of a lot better than sticking around here. See you on the other side, muscle wizard."

Cadium and the human ghost fade away...
>>
No. 380377 ID: a9ba96
File 132679821110.jpg - (69.93KB , 676x584 , 2ba26ded.jpg )
380377

>"So, wizard."
>"Hmm?"
>"So now that the Lich is dead, I can, Uh..."
>"Pass on, fallen warrior."
>"Yeah. What if I decided to like... not do that?"
>"What? I don't understand, you don't want to find rest?"
>"Well, I mean, I guess my life got cut short, but I don't think this ghost thing is really all that bad. Why waste that too?"
>"Oh no, you can't do that! The only reason why you didn't pass on naturally when you were struck down was due to the dark magics of Torment! Ghosts are created due to a disturbance in the natural cycle of life and death!"
>"Yes, I get that, but as long as I've ended up as an unnatural life and death cycle disturbance thing, I don't see why I shouldn't take advantage of that. I can already name like, ten things I can try out now that I'm dead."
>"So you don't wish to pass on!? you'd rather stay here?"
>"Whoa, who said anything about staying here? The Lich's magic wasn't just what made me a ghost, it's also what kept me stuck here, right? That's broken now, so doesn't that mean I can go pretty much wherever I want?"
>"Well, technically, but I would strongly advise against th--"
>>
No. 380378 ID: a9ba96
File 132679827156.jpg - (73.29KB , 615x493 , 8ecc1062.jpg )
380378

>"Alright, cool! See you around, wizard!"

...

>"...Oh."
Swiftarrow grumbles.
>"See, this is why I just use a bow. You don't accidentally make ghosts when you teach people how to use a bow."
>>
No. 380379 ID: a9ba96
File 132679837994.jpg - (58.34KB , 329x487 , be471a2d.jpg )
380379

So this... You said this is gonna feel better in a bit, right? That's... nice to know.

Wait...Did you just say something about Mary and Mark? I... you guys did mention Mark back when I first got you... and you knew about...

...I almost forgot to ask you guys... how... how do you guys know about...

>"Miss Neena? Is everything okay? Your sword's glow, is it supposed to get tha..."
>>
No. 380380 ID: a9ba96
File 132679839981.jpg - (12.93KB , 728x621 , b2a21e29.jpg )
380380

...
>>
No. 380381 ID: a9ba96
File 132679846844.jpg - (95.08KB , 864x672 , 81b19ac7.jpg )
380381

"Hnngh...nnh..."

>"Ah... Neena! Neena, You're back! Excellent! The ritual... took longer than I thought, and I was beginning to fear that I had made a terrible mistake. I think Archmage Harkven will be here soon, so we need to get this mess in order. You can tell me what you've learned as we clean this room..."

...We're back...

We're back.

We actually made it! I feel cold, and my whole body's shaking, and it hurts to breathe, but Gods be damned we actually made it!
>>
No. 380382 ID: e4a136

>>380381

Tell him a lich touched you inappropriately.
>>
No. 380383 ID: 338c67

>>380381
And you're still clothed! Double-success!
>>
No. 380384 ID: a2fa74

>>380379
We were actually helping Mark flee from assassins after blowing up a train and then fighting some bandits when we were pulled here to help.
Don't worry though, he should have a clear path to the nearest city and he'll be safe there until we can return. It'll only be a slight delay in our quest to stop the impending end of the world.
Your secret is safe; he didn't even tell us!

Oh, and the important information you found out isn't that there's a hidden entrance to Suppy's lair, but that the inner circle was turning people into horrible monsters for the purpose of learning magic too horrible to contemplate.
Soo... Lets just tell him the secret you found is that the Lich was under the command of the Inner Circle.
Also, that you need medical attention.
>>
No. 380390 ID: 46c430

I think you should just take a breather and rest for now. Actually, maybe tell him that Torment used his lich death touch on you, or something. It might be worse than ya think or a curse or something.
>>
No. 380391 ID: 7c31d2

Definitely need to get medical attention, rest for a bit and maybe give us a nice polish.
>>
No. 380418 ID: f70e5e

i'd ask for medical attention first. the Litch did something to you and he seemed to think it would be lethal whether or not the fight went his way.
>>
No. 380421 ID: 1854db

>>380381
Request medical attention.
>>
No. 380422 ID: b82230

Annnnd we are back in the orb. I have got to admit, we need to take stabby weapon mediums more often. I want to see if we can make a elder dragon commit suicide through our bickering.

Anyways Varn. We have some tasty info, but we are going to need a bit of respect and understanding here and likely a few questions answered as well.

Not a matter of trust, but what we saw and what came about due to this brand of ancient power was not pretty and we REALLY want to make sure this stuff is not going to be used in the wrong hands.

So, first question; You told us to retrieve the knowledge but we never got a clear answer of why. Sometimes the stuff that is lost is lost for a reason.
>>
No. 380453 ID: a2853b

>>380422
>>380422
>I want to see if we can make a elder dragon commit suicide through our bickering.
I'm more interested in the fact that we are an unblockable sonic weapon, as soon as we make contact.
Imagine blasting "Sanic" straight into the psyche of a living being!
>>
No. 380476 ID: b6edd6

I think we should tell Varnaticus about the Inner Circle's involvement before the archmage gets here. Varnaticus is considerably less likely to have a vested interest in the matter, and would know if the archmage was around at that time.
>>
No. 380492 ID: a9ba96
File 132685698586.jpg - (49.18KB , 451x606 , d1405c15.jpg )
380492

"Varn, that Lich put his hand on my shoulder back in the memory and did... something. I don't know what Varn, but I feel really, really cold."
>"...Oh, my... Stay there, Neena."

Varnavictus jumps from his chair and helps Neena off the ground.

>"Listen, Neena. I'm no expert on the dark magic of Liches, but contact with the Lich may have filled your system with necromantic dark energy. You don't look like you've suffered any permanent damage to your body on the outside... but I can't be sure if that's the same internally until I get a closer look."
"Hey, listen, that Lich..."
>"Neena, find somewhere to lie down for now. Don't worry yourself with relaying what's transpired within Those Beyond, I'll talk directly with them."
"But Varn, you said you needed help cleaning up for Master Harkven."
>"I... I'll manage that too. I should be able to get both done before he arrives."

Varn's always been a nice guy... I don't know what to think about this Inner Circle stuff, and I've never really understood the Guild too much altogether, but I really think he's someone you can trust.

>We know mark, Your secret's safe
Well, it's not really a secret... Unless he's still trying to keep it secret, but I'll be willing to explain it to you when we have more time. Still... I didn't expect Mark to have anything to do with this.

Next time you see him, make sure he's watching out for himself. Give him my regards.

Tell him times may be changing, but I'm still doing what I think's right.

"For what it's worth, Varn... Besides the Lich thing, that was actually pretty cool."
>"Hah, I knew we picked well for this mission... but I'll take it from here, Neena.
>si dronilnr spical wer vers
>Nomenes Putole
>de wer cayosin, ekess irsa sia ricin tenamalo."


The light fades from the blade...
>>
No. 380493 ID: a9ba96
File 132685707882.jpg - (103.35KB , 876x763 , fdbe961a.jpg )
380493

Varnavictus returns to his seat

>"Varn? Is something bothering you?"
"No, Neena. I'm not sure how much longer we'll be able to hold Those Beyond's presence now that the ritual has been completed. I need to record the lost knowledge quickly. Now... please, lie down. You need rest."

Those Beyond, Those Beyond, I grant my mind unto you, so you may speak and unto me your many tongues be heard...

Speak. Tell me...

Everything.
>>
No. 380494 ID: 00451b

Wait, EVERYTHING? Are you sure? Everything is quite a lot of things to say...
>>
No. 380496 ID: b82230

..Okay. You want everything? Ya get everything.

Started simple enough. Met with Samom, traveled into the well, solved a few puzzles, killed some skeletons in free fall. Normal stuff.

Then we met two people of importance. An elf wizard named Canium who was Torment's friend when he was but a man named Arkeel, and Supremicus Supreme, the person who taught Arkeel the dark arts. Originally, Mr Supreme was learning all about them with the backing of the guild, but when he got too strong, they exiled him.

However, after some time, they contacted Arkeel. He wanted to bring back his girlfriend whom died tragically, and the INNER CIRCLE of the mage's guild told him that if he sought out Mr. Supreme, he would be able to end his torment. Possibly bring back his girlfriend. He became Mr Supreme's apprentice along with Canium and learned the magic... and in doing so was twisted into Torment who believed that true Art, Art that can last forever is Death and that life was suffering. A guy who only wanted to be with his girlfriend and missed her deeply was turned into a threat of great scale because of what the inner circle told him.

Anyways, Neena managed to beat Mr Supreme in the oldest game, got her to torment, stabbed us in his chest in which we then caused him to emotionally break down while Samson, who also had voices finished him off with Supreme.

After that, Surpreme left the well, sealed himself off from the world and vowed to never teach the dark art again. He told us where his haven is... but before that, we want answers. Mainly from you.

Knowing what we just told you, and knowing that these lost arts are some of the darkest possible and the FACT that the inner circle of the mage's guild had a hand in this entire situation, if we told you that location... what would you do. No lies, no half truths, just what would you do?
>>
No. 380505 ID: ed57e8

>>380496
this all sounds good.
>>
No. 380506 ID: 1854db

Alright, I'll give you the exact words. I do not want room for error here.
[relay verbatim the content of these posts: >>373881 >>380337 ]

Now, I don't like this Inner Circle. Those mages are long dead by now, right? We don't have to worry about them being evil and fucking us over, right? RIGHT?
>>
No. 380509 ID: ed57e8

>>380506
[nix the location of SUPREMICUS' hideout]
>>
No. 380593 ID: a2fa74

>>380493
Tell me, how much of this did you already know?
Are you part of the Inner Circle?
Why are you seeking this information?

Also? Future cooperation would be significantly easier if you assisted the mission you ripped us from.
If you can, for example, see to it that Eline and her friend Mary are assigned to Lin's squad then we could make up for lost time. We are terrible at keeping secrets so you know I must be honest when I say our mission involves preventing a mass-extinction level event, which should be important enough to warrant you granting this minor aid.
>>
No. 380635 ID: 252e1b

>>380493

Oh yeah, the free-fall skeleton killing thing happened because Neena's blouse was loose enough for a skeleton to get a good grip on. How the hell does a skeleton even hold anything? They've got no flesh on their fingers.

Anyway, next time you do this make her wear something fitted to her. Loose and baggy is cute, but it's a liability in a melee.
>>
No. 380811 ID: a9ba96
File 132694355711.jpg - (106.50KB , 983x768 , 1a8f91e0.jpg )
380811

...Interesting.

"Wait a moment, Neena. Im sorry, It's very important that you lie down as soon as this is done, but I actually do need you to do one last thing for me."

I can tell you that I was honestly unaware of the... nature of the the information you uncovered. Given the almost too coincidental relevance to our order, I do... slightly question if my higher ups were as unaware of its contents as I was, but I can guarantee you that I was only informed that the information gained from these lost memories was vital to aiding us in combating the looming threat of invasion.

Though, while I was not expecting information so closely related to the Guild, I can't say I find the contents entirely shocking. The Guild of Mages is a very old order, dating back to the human race's first steps taken in Ution. We've undergone many changes in structure, leadership, strength, and purpose over those years, though our central goal has always been furthering the understanding of magic. That said, I would be lying if I didn't say that certain unorthodox measures haven't been taken by the Guild's leadership in the past.

Of course, the events you've witnessed happened a long time ago. The events of the Drow-Elf war and the life of Samon the Barbarian have been romanticized to the point that, in many cases, you would be led to believe they occurred thousands of years ago. "Generations upon generations since past", as tales pertaining to the events often say. I'll admit to being guilty of it as well, as I believe in my fervor to relay Samon's tales to you, I used the term "eons" earlier... and while it can feel like that sometimes, looking at the changes it brought, sometimes it's easy to forget that the Drow-Elf War, the "Great War," the "War That Shattered the Plane," the "Gods' Great Dance"... it occurred slightly over three hundred years ago. The Greater Dwarven Republic may like telling their people that its been going strong for over one thousand years, bhere are Elves squatting in the forests to the north whose great-grandparents fought in it.

Still, three hundred years is a very long time. Maybe not to you, at least to humans like me.
>>
No. 380812 ID: a9ba96
File 132694362333.jpg - (119.85KB , 1004x768 , 40a68772.jpg )
380812

>"Varn, what are you doing?"
"Si majak sia ricin ekess relgr-
Nomenes Putole
eckess nomeno aulkhor!"


...And a lot changes when you give it over three hundred years to do so; borders, allegiances, motivations... the Guild of Mages at the end of the Hundred Year Seige was under great pressure, both from nobility who expected them to find ways to stop the Orc invasions while their public grew increasingly skeptical of magic, and from a desire to understand match the magical potential of the Elves to the north, who were just as unwilling to allow humans to observe their communities and cultures then as they are now.

The inner circle... at the time, and given the circumstances, I understand why they would turn to dark magics. But things are different. The Inner circle from then are long gone, replaced by the Inner Circle of today. I feel that... should they be given access to something like the dark rituals of lichdom, their judgement can be trusted tin its handling. Do I understand completely how they plan to use this knowledge? No, outside of them believing it can stop the impending threat to Ution. Can I be completely sure they can be trusted not to abuse it? No, I am not among their ranks. But I believe that whatever you find within these memories, the Guild of today can be trusted with it more than the Guild of yesteryear.

Should you inform me of whatever information you are withholding, I will be honest. I feel obliged to report any information I learn during this project to the Archmages. Though I'm not familiar with a "Mary" or a "Lin," I assume they are related in some way with the Guild's affairs, as you brought them up alongside Eline... Now, Eline is outside my control, but if you comply I will see if I can negotiate something with Master Harkven about the other girl, should he know more of what you're referring to.

But... while I value the spreading and understanding of information above all else in this world, that is only under the pretense that the information be put to good use. I truly trust the Inner Circle to do what's best, but your judgement has aided many men in doing many great things, and that is why, as much as it pains me, I will respect your judgement on this...
>>
No. 380814 ID: a9ba96
File 132694381081.jpg - (44.09KB , 538x768 , 8194133e.jpg )
380814

>"Neena. Take this skull. Those Beyond are about to make a vital decision regarding the information they have learned. You need to tell me only what they agree you are to tell me, understand?"

"Uh... alright..."

Oh Uh, hey again. Not sure why you couldn't say it while talking to Varn, but I guess there's something you need me to say? I'm not gonna question you or Varn on this one, you have a much better handle of this stuff than I do.
>>
No. 380815 ID: 1854db

Supremicus swore never to teach anyone the ritual, assuming things went similarly in that revisited memory as they did in reality. I believe now that the Guild is searching for Supremicus either for simply his martial might, or his access to OTHER dark magic and the defenses against it.

Considering we had two other memories to choose from and that they cannot possibly relate to the dark ritual as well, I assume that the guild is looking for sources of great power lost to time, regardless of their nature.

I believe they are not after the dark ritual. I think they're just after Supremicus because he's fucking awesome.

Let's tell Varn where he is.
>>
No. 380817 ID: b82230

..Neena, listen very carefully. We know very important information. Information that can help a lot of people, or damn just as many. You saw what the secrets Torment learned did to him. You saw it corrupt what was a sad man into a murderer, but you also saw Supremicus Supreme. A wizard of such power, no one could stop him.

Before we left, you remember what Supremicus said right? His haven, how to get to it, and his willingness to help? I want you to head there. Not anyone else. Only you should enter and see for yourself. When you are there, I want you to read whatever he has left behind and if his spirit is there, talk to him.

He said he would help, and we need it. However, I want you to be the final call when it comes to it. You've got a good head and heart and only want to help... so if your head and heart tell you that you should destroy the knowledge, use the knowledge, or share the knowledge, then so be it. We may be voices that helped heroes, but you are the ones who make it happen.

In the end, I want you to go find Supremicus' haven and see with your own eye if this is what can help the world.
>>
No. 380821 ID: a9ba96
File 132694528189.jpg - (44.33KB , 476x765 , 6cc2ecbc.jpg )
380821

>>380817

Alone? I...

We're in the Spire of Eternity. We're really far south in Lower Ution right now, and Dancer's glen is deep in Elven territory in Upper Ution.

That's basically a journey from one end of the continent to the other, and then there are certain complications with getting into Elven territory these days, and I also have an obligation of sorts to stay here and help the mages in the Spire.

I'm really sorry, but its not something I'd be able to do.
>>
No. 380828 ID: ed57e8

what about getting mark to do it? we can just add that to the quests he is doing.
>>
No. 380843 ID: 1854db

Maybe we should just collect the other memories we were supposed to look into before making a decision on whether or not to release the information. The nature of the lost knowledge in the other two scenarios should give us a better indication of what the motivation of the current Inner Circle is.
>>
No. 380844 ID: 1854db

...oh, or we could just have you deliver us to the Inner Circle, and we can talk to them directly.
>>
No. 380927 ID: 46c430

I agree that maybe we should get the rest of the secret knowledge before making any decisions. Depending on what it is, and whether there's more suspicious coincidences or not, we might be better able to tell what's going on.

Though, honestly? I am tempted to just say the inner circle should be told. Supremicus swore to never teach dark magic again, so I doubt he's going to be willing to tell anyone, much less the wizards, of the knowledge of the ritual of lichdom. It is possible, however, that he'd be willing to offer aid in dealing with the coming threat as an independent party.
>>
No. 380936 ID: a2fa74

>>380821
Don't worry about people asking you to go places; we often get ahead of ourselves and focus on what's immediately available instead of other resources.
He wants us to decide what he, and by extension his master, will learn of our trip.

Tell him these facts:
Supremicus trained a student in dark arts.
Tragedy urged Supremicus's student into lichdom.
Supremicus swore to never teach dark arts again.
Supremicus sealed himself inside his lair to keep those who would misuse his knowledge away.
There is no known way for the dead who pass on to return.

Don't tell them there's a hidden entrance, let alone where it is. We'll investigate that on our own and get back to you.
>>
No. 381034 ID: a9ba96
File 132702414302.jpg - (42.85KB , 433x768 , 75ae7279.jpg )
381034

Well, if that's what you guys think, and Varn's okay with you not telling him things, I guess it's okay to wait until we know more about the secrets in these memories before they go to the inner circle.

"Those Beyond want me to tell you that in the memory we met a powerful wizard named Supremicus. He was responsible for teaching Torment necromancy, and tragedy provoked that student to peruse lichdom. After that, Supremicus sealed himself away, swearing never to teach the dark arts again."
There is a short silence.
>"...And that is all?"
"Yes."
>"Hah, alright. You've done well today, Neena. Now please, you must lie down. I'll inspect your injuries after Master Harkven leaves."

Well, see you guys soon. I mean, we do still have two of these memories to tackle later. If you could get Mark to check this stuff out, that would actually be pretty cool.

Like I said, send him my regards, Kay?
>>
No. 381037 ID: a9ba96
File 132702436661.jpg - (90.28KB , 755x768 , fefd833b.jpg )
381037

Hmm... so you don't trust the Inner Circle. Or do you not trust me? Understandable either way. I believe you simply need more time to understand us. To build trust. And that's fine. According to the Archmages, we've plenty of time before the situation is truly urgent.

Overall, this project was still a success. I'm very happy with the results. According to Archmage Harkven, the guild has been trying to perform the ritual to summon you and access your memories for forty years. Now that I know that it can be done and how to do it, I very much anticipate working with you again in the future.

Now, I need to clean up the room a bit for Archmage Harkven's arrival. This may be my personal study, but I am his apprentice, and the tidiness of my room reflects upon him as a mentor...
>>
No. 381038 ID: a9ba96
File 132702442665.jpg - (64.01KB , 621x761 , 59a01dbc.jpg )
381038

The creaking of a door can be heard

Agh, too late...

"Master Harkven!"
>>
No. 381039 ID: a9ba96
File 132702457089.jpg - (122.92KB , 819x765 , b3b459b7.jpg )
381039

>"Harkven couldn't make it."
"Ah, Archmage Gwethana, what are you doing here? Where is Master Harkven?"
>"King Victor called an emergency meeting of his advisors, and Harkven had to attend, so he sent me to check on you. Remember when I was telling you about the worker protests down at the capital?"
"What of them?"
>"Apparently, someone just blew up a train a few miles from the city."
"...Oh. Well, how go your negotiations, Madame?"
>"We managed to get the damn elf pardoned and handed over to us, that's all that matters. He sat there smirking the whole damned time, too. He knew it was coming. The bastard, and after two years of exposing my daughter to the dark arts? Testing her potential for some sort of experiment of his? I'd splatter him against a wall if we didn't need to figure out what he knows about the eyes. They didn't give me the chance to talk with him before the trial, but I know the Sons found the eye with them."
"It all pays off in the end, Fayne. This realm will be a lot safer for her once it's over."
>"Yes, I suppose so... What progress have you made? The orb is glowing."
"I'm afraid... I'm afraid that's all the progress I've made. No voices, no memories... nothing beyond a glow."
>>
No. 381041 ID: a9ba96
File 132702467283.jpg - (97.64KB , 818x768 , 7bb627ed.jpg )
381041

>"Well, keep at it. The way things are going in Egias and En'Ler, we may need some failsafes to fall back on. I'll check in with the other apprentices' projects, but then I have to go. I need to be half a continent away within the next ten minutes for the High Knight's conference."

...Oh, what's the point in only giving the Inner Circle part of this lost knowledge, anyway? No reason to start leading them on a wild goose chase in the middle of such an intricate operation for information they only know half of. This might as well wait until I either have all of the information, or I am certain that you have no intention of giving all of it to me.

We have much more work to do in the coming days, and I'm sure they can wait just a bit longer.
>>
No. 381042 ID: a9ba96
File 132702483570.jpg - (21.80KB , 1024x761 , 13ed40d0.jpg )
381042

After all, I told you before;

The Guild of Mages wouldn't be where it is today if it didn't know how to always stay one step ahead.
>>
No. 381047 ID: f70e5e

god you look creepy with your hood up.
>>
No. 381048 ID: 7c31d2

Yyyyup he's evil, or gonna be evil
>>
No. 381049 ID: ed57e8

wizards love their face obscuring hoods.
>>
No. 381081 ID: a9ba96
File 132703408305.jpg - (21.31KB , 995x761 , a591b9d8.jpg )
381081

...
>>
No. 381082 ID: a9ba96
File 132703420147.jpg - (199.02KB , 764x767 , 98897e39.jpg )
381082

Alright, so we've got The High Knight, Commander Landyas of the Holy Spear, Grand Inquisitor Andrés...Archmage Gwethana, I guess Namskul managed to weasel his way into this, and... not sure what Amwaith is doing here...

>"Ah, Lin! There you are! We're just about to get started."
>>
No. 381089 ID: a9ba96
File 132703436782.jpg - (82.08KB , 758x697 , 5a88dc0a.jpg )
381089

I know I wanted to talk to the High Knight, but I was hoping for a private meeting or something. Considering the players at this conference, and the fact that the High Knight decided to hold it in the middle of the woods half a mile away from the camp, I'm starting to get the feeling that I just got myself invited to some sort of really shady political meeting.

The voices picked one hell of a time to stop chatting...
>>
No. 381090 ID: 252e1b

>>381089

Lin! Our favorite! Hello!

We were ~summoned~ on an Adventure with a capital A back in time to fight an Asshole (also capital A) who was doing bad things. Except we didn't really go back in time, we'd already done it, we were just re-remembering.

Anyway, hello!
>>
No. 381093 ID: 1854db

Rejoice, mortal, for THOSE BEYOND have deigned to grant you an audience in your hour of need!

Ask them about what happened when you touched the High Knight's shoulder!
>>
No. 381096 ID: 7c31d2

Hi! So apparently we're some kind of ancient advice spirits that people can actually summon!
We gave a lich an existential crisis, it was fun.
>>
No. 381103 ID: b6edd6

>>381096
Well it was only a memory of a lich.
>>
No. 381106 ID: ed57e8

>>381103
OR WAS IT?!
>>
No. 381164 ID: a2fa74

>>381089
Shady political meeting? Oh boy!
So, what's happened since we were kidnapped? Voicenapped?
>>
No. 381174 ID: f70e5e

we got some relevant info for you. the mage guild are interested in the elf not because of his magical knowledge, but because he knows something about the eye pendants that are being used to scout our your country for invasion.
>>
No. 381293 ID: a9ba96
File 132711634037.jpg - (61.96KB , 576x594 , 352b3174.jpg )
381293

Well, there you are. Right on cue. I guess you've been keeping yourself busy, too.

After we wrapped up the judgement the High Knight gave a speech about faith and justice and I got a notice from one of the Inquisition's men during the festivities afterwards to meet the High Knight for a conference out in the forest.

I was admittedly a bit hesitant to head off into the woods at the Inquisition's request after what happened with the ritual, even if I was technically doing nothing wrong. Not sure if I would have preferred an inquisition ambush squad looking to make an example of me, or whatever this is.

Speaking of the trial, I'll definitely need to try figuring out what happened when I touched the High Knight's shoulder. But for now, we're probably safest learning what the conference is for. These are some really powerful people, so we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves.

Lin takes a seat on a log.
>"So, what's going on out here?"
>>
No. 381299 ID: a9ba96
File 132711663503.jpg - (95.79KB , 552x587 , a9e6cffa.jpg )
381299

I've never liked dealing too much with the people in power. I respect most of them, but I just... don't like dealing with them.

When I deal with people, I don't like having to play it their way, but that's the only safe way to play it. I know that may sound weird coming from someone whose sworn to follow the laws of the paladin, but there's a bit of a difference in dedicating yourself to a moral code and doing whatever you can to play it safe for the higher ups. These aren't bandits or Orcs. You have options when you deal with people on equal footing as you, but authority requires you to act act you're expected to act. If you slip up, if they see though you, If they decide you're a problem...

...If you want to get anywhere in life, you're usually better off kneeling when the captain expects you to kneel. There's plenty of room to better yourself outside that... but you know what they say about "the nail that sticks up," you know?

Grand Inquisitor Andrés clears his throat.
>"Miss Shylton, This conference was called to discuss some very important matters in the Outlands between those closely involved in them. Archmage Gwethana believes that might include you as well."

...I don't like the sound of that. I don't like this at all.
>>
No. 381303 ID: a9ba96
File 132711683102.jpg - (129.95KB , 479x678 , 736f4511.jpg )
381303

>"Lin, was it? You were responsible for bringing my daughter back safely. I couldn't thank you enough for that."
"Well um, Thank you, Milady."
>"Now, when you told me that the necklace you found with Eline would have to be held as contraband - you have that with you, yes?"
"...Yes, Milady. I was going to present it to the High Knight when I got a a chance to meet him in private."
>"Good. Now, when you told me it would have to be held as contraband at the request of the camp demonologist, I thought little of it initially. You were responsible for retrieval of this necklace, but I figured that there was no way you could have known much about it's... significance. I figured that you were just repeating what Docor Namskul had told you... until I got a chance to talk with the doctor, and he informed how he had deduced the dangers of the pendant."
"..."
>"Something about a glowing, talking orb full of voices that you had given him to inspect explaining it to him? Does that sound about right, my dear?"

Oh shit...

>"Before we get this discussion underway, you... and they, for all intents and purposes, probably have a lot of questions. Provided that you do the same for us, we will answer them to the best of our abilities. The eyes, whatever you've been told they do... if you have anything on your mind, ask now."
>>
No. 381306 ID: 1854db

>>381303
Hmm. This is probably a good chance to find out if we can trust the Inner Circle.

"What are you looking for in the memories of Those Beyond?" is a question I would like answered. If she asks how we know, tell her that we decided to start talking to Varn after she left.

Alternatively you could just ask for general information about the Inner Circle and its policies.
>>
No. 381311 ID: 46c430

Ask what information and theories they have on the eyes, make sure we're all on the same page.

>>381306
Not really sure this is wise. What happens when she goes back to ask Varn about it? She might uncover the deception.
>>
No. 381315 ID: ed57e8

>>381311
agreed.

we should ask more about current events. such as why touching the high knight caused lin to syphon off some of his detect lies power.
>>
No. 381340 ID: a2fa74

>>381303
"First, we have our first changeling paladin.
Second, Warpath is building his forces up for an invasion.
Third, Those Beyond ask that you assign Mary and Eline to the command of either myself or Mark - something about negotiations for you calling for their aid."
>>
No. 381364 ID: b6edd6

>>381340
You should not bring up Ath that bluntly. You should instead say there is something on your mind first, ask if the High Knight remembers Ath, and then ask to confirm that he was definitely a paladin. When they ask why you are asking that, say then you should say that he is a changeling who successfully swore the Oath.
>>
No. 381366 ID: 1854db

Hey, I thought we decided not to tell the High Knight about Ath at all?
>>
No. 381659 ID: a2853b

>>381303
Make a reminder first that the demonologist is an absolute quack and a fraud. A piss-poor one, at that. It's understandable to have someone around who can make the grunts feel safer, but beyond that and you are simply asking for slaughter, or worse.
>>
No. 381661 ID: f70e5e

hey if she knows we are here, could you ask her to put her hood down? its a small thing but we find that those who hide there faces are rarely trustworthy.
>>
No. 381668 ID: b6edd6

>>381659
We might not want to start this conversation with unkind statements about the High Knight's friend, who is also part of the conversation.
>>
No. 381755 ID: a9ba96
File 132736738157.jpg - (208.02KB , 765x753 , 08ce502a.jpg )
381755

"Alright... Uh, well, what happened back at the judgement ritual when I touched the High Knight's shoulder?"
>"Oh yeah, sorry about that, babe."
Andrés quickly cuts in.
>"As a paladin, you have a rare blessing, that being your holy aura. Your divine protection from dark magics and disease. Now, the goddess understood, even in the first days of her son's order,always we would always be a proud few that stood against the overwhelmingly vast numbers of scum and degenerates of the realm. To help even these odds, the Goddess made the strength of this aura grow more powerful not only through dedication to her cause, but also by being near the aura of other Paladins. Such ingenious foresight proved invaluable to us today, when our numbers continue to dwindle, but we still stand mighty when we stand by each other."
"yes Grand Inquisitor Andrés sir, but how does that effect what happened at the ritual?"
>"While your aura naturally responds to that of other Paladins, you are still relatively new to our order, and as such your holy aura is not quite as strong as someone whose dedicated their entire life to the cause - and even then, the auras of most veteran paladins never reach the point where they can detect lies, or sense dark intent, or rapidly recover from injuries. For that, you must be truly close to the goddess, like the High Knight is. When you touched his shoulder, your holy aura attempted to grow to match his, and it quite simply wasn't strong enough to do so. Any dizziness or other effects that caused should have subsided by now, yes?"

Well, nobody's glowing blue anymore, so...

"Yes, sir Grand Inquisitor."

Gwethana looks over to Lin.
>"Of course, I'm sure there are much bigger questions to ask, yes?"
"Yes, milady... but uh, they say they don't trust people who hide their face."
>"Ha! Please understand that the hoods worn by members of the guild of mages are part of our order's traditions. It's representative of our willingness to give up our personal goals and desires in order to become tools though which humanity may better understand, unitize, and perfect the studies of magic, and use the arcane arts to improve mankind's..."
>>
No. 381760 ID: a9ba96
File 132736790535.jpg - (93.61KB , 868x767 , a763ae21.jpg )
381760

>"...Oh, why not? We've nothing to hide here. No secrets between us. If they wish to see my face, I'll gladly grant them that. But surely that's not all they wish to know."
"No, milady. What do you know about... these eyes?"
>"The eye pendant is a scrying tool. It's a semi-organic, self aware, magically constructed eye built to be disguised as a necklace charm or a brooch. It moves on its own, fixates on things it finds to be of interest, and feeds what it sees back to its creator. However, It's built to avoid magical detection, so its range of making this interaction is limited - if it's not within a certain range of a person's head, it stops working. Other charms meant to interact mentally with their user will also disrupt it."
"And... How do you know so much about these things?"
>"We made them. They're used to monitor mages who travel outside the spire for advising, gathering supplies, scouting Elven territories... we've lost a few scouts over the years in Upper Ution, but we've always severed the connection back to the Spire so they couldn't be traced by Elven mages. Someone has apparently dug up a few and altered them to feed information all the way back to Turgeth. According to Eline, that someone may very well be Furor Eternity. Now, you have the eye you found with my daughter, yes?"
"...Yes, milady."
>"Good. While it's likely that your other pendant is keeping it from listening in on us, I'm going to request that you place it on the log next to you, just to be safe. We cannot continue this conversation until that is done."
>>
No. 381761 ID: a9ba96
File 132736794310.jpg - (37.67KB , 469x518 , f74160ac.jpg )
381761

Lin puts the eye down next to her. It glares at Lady Gwethana, and freezes in place, motionless, as Lin lets go.
>"Very good."
"So, you know about the eyes, what about... Warpath?"
>"Of course we're aware of him. Rest assured that he is of no concern to us."
"What?! We're talking about some ancient evil overlord with an undead army? How is that of little concern to you?"
>"Because, dear. He's picked a fight far out of his league."
"What is that even supposed to mean?"
>>
No. 381762 ID: a9ba96
File 132736800611.jpg - (65.65KB , 263x647 , d08898fa.jpg )
381762

Mr Amwaith laughs and raises a pistol in the air.
>"It means we have the stupid fuck outmanned, outmatched, and most importantly, outgunned. By his own admission, this guy apparently hasn't actually led an army in a few thousand years. The guy expects the clashing of steel against armor, arrows in the sky, valiant charges, and he may get that from the Elves. But the second his crew of bones in armored suits try to move some serious muscle in the humans' direction?
>I'll tell you this. I wanna see the look on his face when his entire front line gets mowed down in seconds by two hundred riflemen firing from a hundred yards away. You've heard the stories about how the Elves reacted when the humans started killing each other with muskets instead of bowmen back during the Grey Queen's War, right?"
"I think I heard Faer mention that once before..."
>"Eh, you didn't strike me as much of a history buff. Maybe you don't know much about wars from a hundred years back, I couldn't blame you, but you gotta remember that whole Gryphon Skull thing last year in Egias."
"...Yeah, That I do remember..."
>"Then you've probably heard the rumors about this baby. let me tell you now - all true. This here's a Flintlock, based on Dwarven design. Its's how you spell "crowd control" down in the GDR, and it Singlehandedly turned the tides in good King Victor's favor in the last few months of that mess. Victor's had these things mass produced for military usage over the last year, but a handful of them have ended up in the outlands. You just gotta know the right people. Walking dead or not, when you hit a skull with this, it ain't pretty. So If that dirty son of a bitch with the horn helmet is gonna poke his head out of that hole over in Orc country, he's gonna get the honors of taking part in history's first war against a proper army armed with these babies. Aim. Squeeze. Boom. Dead."
>>
No. 381763 ID: a9ba96
File 132736804775.jpg - (91.39KB , 884x768 , 66ba4b84.jpg )
381763

"But.. if you're really trying to tell me that Warpath isn't a problem... what's this all about?"
Gwethana smiles.
>"It's political, mostly. The governments of Farway and The United Lands of Egias are both very much aware of Warpath's threat, and have been taking the steps to prepare as the Guild of Mages has advised them. Once his forces are taken out by Egias' miliatary, it all becomes a matter of moving in and shutting him down before he can retaliate - However, while we have confidence in our ability to best Warpath in combat, we fear for the integrity of the Outlands in the aftermath of the battles."
"...How does the Outlands factor into this?"
>"We have an... idea of how he plans to invade, and we have a way of limiting his methods of attack. However, since the Outlands lie between Egias and Farway, and the Maiden's Pass at the northernmost tip of the Outlands is one of the most easily accessible and fortifiable routes from lower Ution into Elven territory, it's likely that Egias, Farway, or both will be moving forces into the outlands for defense purposes once the conflict begins. Now, the Outlands have always been a disputed territory between the two, but it's ultimately a sparsely populated mountainous and forested region, so both sides are mostly content on saying that the borders are generally "somewhere in the hills," and leaving it at that. They both have farmers peppered about the area, and while there's undoubtedly some money to be found in owning the territory, neither side needs it enough to spark a war by moving troops into it and demanding taxes from the people in it - which would ultimately include the other nation's handful of farmers."
"Yeah, okay, but what does this have to do with the invasion?!"
>"On top of being a minor source of income for Egias and Farway, the Outlands are also home to countless independent settlements, filled with people who sought to live outside the boundaries of the "great human nations" and leave the troubles they faced there behind. A desire which the Sons of De Justus have sworn to uphold, and a desire which may be lost if one side uses this as an excuse to move in here during Warpath's invasion, and choose not to leave after all is said and done. The observation of the Outlands have always been a point of interest to the Guild, and neither I nor the High Knight wish to see this land consumed by the nations to the west or east. The Guild only has so much pull as advisors for the nobles in Egias and Farway, so we have been working to find a proper political bargaining chip for the Sons of De Justus in case either side ultimately chooses to try encroaching on the Outlands in the aftermath of the war."
"How does Amwaith fit into this?"
>"We've agreed to assist his company in acquiring the late Madame Da'Mounde's resources should he provide whatever assistance his mercenaries can give us."
"And... how does "those beyond" factor into this?"
>"Ahh, and that was what this meeting was all about. Before I explain, however, are you sure there is nothing else you need to ask?"

I... I don't even... Egias, Farway, the Guild, the Sons... they all know about this? But...
>>
No. 381764 ID: f70e5e

ask her if she sure its the exact kind that the guild uses? and ask her to make sure it hasn't been modified please. the guy on the other end seemed way to competent to use a covert method of reconnaissance that the target being scouted knows about.
>>
No. 381765 ID: 7c31d2

I wanna know what they're planning on doing when warpath inevitably gets a gun and starts manufacturing his own
>>
No. 381783 ID: cf49fc

>>381765
DON'T MENTION THIS. These people are all obviously incredibly overconfident. Also, I'm pretty sure they're all evil.

Also, they want to make a landgrab when Warpath attacks. They'll let him shatter the Outlands defenses, then move in "reconstruction" forces, and take over without firing a shot. But don't tell them you know this, they'll totally murder you.
>>
No. 381784 ID: ed57e8

>>381765
indeed. why would none of the eyes he is using inform him of guns? what if his legion has some already?
>>
No. 381791 ID: a2fa74

>>381763
"We have far more experience with both firearms and the undead than you could imagine, and you're ludicrously overconfident.
First you assume that destroying the skull would destroy a unit, but that's not always the case. Depending on the style of the mage who created it the seat of power could be in the spine, in a hand, in a rib, in a unit's weapon, in a different location on each unit, or not tied to the unit at all. Until you send in a scout force to capture a few units for research you're better off trying to destroy the pelvis so each unit is certainly crippled.
Second you forget that firearms are most effective because they cause serious trauma to living tissue. As undead are notably lacking in living tissue this poses a problem.
Third? If that's a smoothbore flintlock it would be generous to give you even odds to hit a living person at 30 paces, and reloading after each shot takes a skilled marksman about 10 seconds. If it's got decent rifling then it might be able to hit a person at 100 paces, but since these aren't people you'd have to hit a moving object the size of a melon. Not happening. A good rifled musket has about five times the effective range, but three hundred marksmen versus a thousand skeletons? Smart money would be on the skeletons. That money gets even smarter when you start accounting for misfires, fouling, and how bulletproof steel armor is against musketballs.

The tortoise is coming, my little hares.
We can help you fix this, but you're going to have to hand Eline and Mary over to us since we're very busy and have other things we need to get done.
Also, Lin recruited a new paladin. He's a changeling."
>>
No. 381792 ID: 1854db

>>381791
Let's not go blabbing on about things that aren't quite confirmed. We don't remember enough about how undead work to say for sure if the magics involved are that flexible. Still, you bring up some valid points to speak on- would these firearms be accurate and effective against undead? And how do we know they don't have guns or know about guns? Do we have any counter-espionage going on?

As for Ath, well... Lin, do you think it's safe to bring up that subject now? Would it cause a schism due to those who are involved here?

>>381783
I think we have a decent idea about the evilness of the people involved here. Remember, the High Knight trusts these people, and he is a BADASS PALADIN/bard who knows when people are lying. And probably can tell if people are evil just by looking at them.

These people aren't evil. We can trust them. Gwethana has oddly sized pupils but I doubt that really has anything to do with anything.
>>
No. 381794 ID: b6edd6

>>381783
What do you mean 'land grab'? The Mages don't seem the type to go for land ownership, and Sons of De Juste are already the main authority in the area.

>>381791
This one makes a lot of assumptions I don't think we should talk about right away.
However, I think we should ask whether they have actually tried rifles against, you know, animated skeletons, which have far fewer organs to puncture than living creatures.
>>
No. 381796 ID: f70e5e

have they tested the effectiveness of guns on the undead? depending on how the local magic works undead might take really specific types of damage to kill, so finding and shooting some before hand as a test might be a good idea.
>>
No. 381812 ID: b6edd6

About with questions like 'have you tested the guns on them', you can probably avoid the chance of annoying the inquisition by relaying that these are our questions rather than yours.
>>
No. 381862 ID: a2fa74

>>381794
What, exactly, have I assumed?
Besides assuming they haven't actually fought and researched Warpath's undead yet - which they've already implied themselves - I've made no assumptions.

Remember how the Lich animated catgirl's headless corpse?
>>
No. 381864 ID: 4bdd79

>>381791
Seven. You're talking too much again.
>>
No. 381910 ID: b6edd6

>>381862
Assumptions like what sort of guns they have (unless they mentioned that somewhere and I forgot).
Also, we should try to limit our smugness, as we don't want it interfering with them listening to us. We should point out the flaws in their plan, but explicitly saying they are foolish makes the situation with them more delicate.
>>
No. 381925 ID: 388f74

Guns are nice, but the reload time is gunna be a real bitch when facing down enemies literally incapable of feeling fear.

Still, I look forward to seeing how that works out.

Preventing a land grab will certainly be a problem, as it would be in their interest for a greater power to militarily protect the locals, but who's? Well, even 3rd party freelancers need payment, and if we end up needed to collect taxes to finance this mess, it starts looking like the Outlands are trying to declare independence and become a nation proper.
>>
No. 381929 ID: a2fa74

>>381910
Err... They literally just said they were using flintlocks, and the basic principles behind how a flintlock works dictate most of the design.
>>
No. 381951 ID: a2853b

>>381763
"Milady Archmage, Warpath is leading an army of the Undead, which are infamous for their lack of fear or pain. Surely not every shot by our forces will be a pre-ordained head-shot, unless you have found some way to enchant the shot itself? In either case, the dead happen to outnumber the living several times over: do you really believe that our stockpile of guns and ammunition will suffice?"

Also, Star Fortresses are perfect for this scenario. We have a few years, and they have a few mages.
>>
No. 382517 ID: a9ba96
File 132764125099.jpg - (179.59KB , 754x633 , 6e200293.jpg )
382517

I feel uneasy.

"...Those Beyond is wondering how effective the use of firearms would be against the undead."
>"Not quite as effective as they would be against a living being, but certainly enough to do the job. Damage to the body forces an undead to burn a large amount of the dark magic it stores to remain animated... and Egias' new armaments are very effective at damaging a body. A reanimated skeleton may lack the right major organs to hit, but the force of a bullet crashing into bone in the right places will still put one down just as well as a well placed arrow or sword swing would, then more so."

What these guys are proposing is hard to imagine. The militaries have been using firearms in small numbers for years now, small groups of musketeers to support their cavalry and infantry... But those guns were expensive, inaccurate, they were good for cover fire so you could move your men in during a siege, provided they didn't explode in your hands, or a bowman didn't put an arrow through your neck in the minute it took to reload ... they're nothing compared to what I've heard about these things.

I've seen battles. Ive seen a lot of them, but the thought of entire hordes being stopped dead in their charge, torn to shreds in a storm of sound and lights... if these things can do half the things they say they can do, they tread a fine line between awe inspiring and horrifying.

I say the first thing that comes to mind, trying to force my thoughts to something else.

"The new recruit who tried to interrupt the judgement today is a changeling."
Probably not the best idea.
>>
No. 382518 ID: a9ba96
File 132764134585.jpg - (151.91KB , 600x669 , 428a23a8.jpg )
382518

The High Knight practically falls backwards off the log, his usual, charming smirk fading into a look of complete shock and confusion."
>"I'm sorry babe, what was that?"
"My run-in with Zebble Creed last night. He was discussing the terms of a contract he had struck with a changeling named Ath before I drove him off. I had found the necklace containing Those Beyond shortly before that, and they had asked me to show mercy to him. They didn't understand when I tried to explain to them that such creatures were beyond mercy in the eyes of the goddess, so I had him try to swear the oath to show them. It worked."
>"...I'm sorry babe, WHAT was that?"

Namskul chuckles nervously
>"Oh, ehm... yes. I knew there was something important I had forgotten to tell you earlier..."

The High Knight and his companions are left speechless, doing nothing more than exchange glances, trying to formulate a proper response. Fayne spends a moment deep in thought before breaking the silence.
>"...Interesting."
>>
No. 382519 ID: a9ba96
File 132764149135.jpg - (160.47KB , 719x768 , 49910373.jpg )
382519

Grand Inquisitor Andrés promptly explodes into a flurry of deep breaths and gasps before choking out a reply.
>"Interesting? Interesting!? Madame Gwethana, need I remind you that we are discussing creatures who enjoy the taste of infants! They eat babies and the goddess sees fit to allow one in our order, after years of keeping the Outlands safe from their kind?"
>"Think of it as a blessing from your goddess. They say the gods still perform miracles from time to time. He is a changeling, yes? Feyblooded. His presence may aid us in some way."
>"That abomination!? Aid us?"
>"Lin? You wish to know how Those Beyond factors into all of this? Very simple. At the end of the Great War, the surviving Drow were driven deep underground - cast into The Silence. The Silence, thousands of miles wide and hundreds of miles deep, is a dungeon spanning beneath the continents; an ancient prison forged by the gnomes tens of thousands of years ago, before the human race had made it's first step. It was a prison for keeping dark, horrific forces trapped underground so life could grow above, and it is where whatever Drow may survive today dwell for eternity."

>"However, driving the Drow underground forced the Elves to open new entrances to The Silence, new pits to cast their foes deep within, and though those pits have long since been covered over by monuments and temples, they have never been truly sealed. There is too big a risk for Warpath in attacking Ution by sea - we believe that Warpath intends to march his armies through The Silence into Ution. We've spent the past few months pinning down the entrances to the Silence created in Ution - while we likely don't have enough time or resources to cut them all off in time, sealing key entrances once Warpath begins to march his legions will allow us to force his invasion into territories that would give us the upper hand."
>>
No. 382520 ID: a9ba96
File 132764161845.jpg - (50.52KB , 430x517 , 013612cb.jpg )
382520

>While a heavy amount of dwarven black powder will allow us to swiftly cut off many of these points... others, due to their location deep in Elven territory, may be a much more delicate matter. To avoid incident with the Elves we can't simply amass troops and send them into the area, so we have been collaborating with Egias to gather small adventuring teams to send to these locations instead. However, we have been holding off sending these teams until we have found some way to channel Those Beyond - the adventuring teams will need to traverse areas occupied by the dangerous Fey of upper Ution... and perhaps even their kings, the Fair Folk. An understanding of Feyspeak would be vital for these traversals, but not even the feyblooded can comprehend their tongue - the only ones capable of hearing the fey is Those Beyond. We have looked into other uses for them as well should we face difficulties, but this is the main reason why we seek their voices.

>You do not need to become involved in our affairs in Upper Ution. You were dragged into this by circumstance, and if you want to stay out of this we will understand. I will not ask if you will help us... But I need to know now, will they?"
>>
No. 382523 ID: 7c31d2

If theres a chance for elf on elf action, I'm in!
>>
No. 382524 ID: f70e5e

sure. keeping bloodthirsty armies away from population centers via application of high explosives is always good clean fun.
>>
No. 382529 ID: 1854db

>>382520
BLOW UP STUFF?! YES PLEASE!

And Lin, Ath repeatedly denied that his kind eats babies. I assumed you saying that was just uneducated superstition or prejudice on your part. What is the Inquisitor doing spewing that sort of talk? Shouldn't he know better? Or has that sort of thing actually been verified as having happened before? More than once?

How much information does the Order actually HAVE on changelings, aside from that when they mix with humans it makes monsters, and the Goddess ordered them killed on sight?
>>
No. 382544 ID: a2fa74

>>382519
The Inquisitor is flailing dangerously close to blasphemy. You need to punt him away from that precipice.
"Inquisitor, I ask that you consider your response to this news very carefully; Ath is a paladin, and has therefore received the blessing of the goddess. Are you sure you wish to claim that the goddess has granted her blessing to a babyeater? Or would you rather trust that the goddess found a good soul somewhere unexpected?

Beyond that, I'm not aware of any verified cases of changelings eating babies. Many times where a child went missing or was slain by an animal and a changeling was assumed, cases ones where we actually found a changeling which was responsible?
We have a commitment to truth, justice, and the will of our goddess. If our goddess has decided that being an abomination is a forgivable sin then do we not have a duty to ensure we spread no harmful myths?"

"Those Beyond feel your stated goal is noble and are willing to help, but don't seem to trust the guild or its methods. They also have expressed concerns about 'sentient rights' and annoyance over being considered a 'thing' to be used.
They insist that if they decide to help you they must have control over who is or is not on their team.
They seem to be willing to help improve your firearms to be more accurate, reliable, and effective."
>>
No. 382600 ID: 4bdd79

>>382544
This, but without the middle part.
>>
No. 382760 ID: a9ba96
File 132772497168.jpg - (52.11KB , 496x536 , f7cb9cd7.jpg )
382760

"They're in."

If anyone knows their place in the Goddess' plan, it's Andrés. Something like this is going to be shocking for him, but I have faith that he can find his own answers, and so can the others...

...You know, I never planned on becoming a paladin, but I like to think it finally helped me find the guidance and the direction in my life that I went to the Outlands to find. It's something very important to me, and... I don't like having to question It. It's why what happened with Ath got me so angry. It's why I don't like dealing with authority; a paladin is expected to uphold the law, and a paladin is expected to be good, and sometimewhat really worry about what would happen if the two came into conflict with each other, if somewhere down the line I was somewhere and got and order that... It took me some time, but found a real, worthy calling in the Goddess' oath. I don't want to have to second guess it now.

But at the end of the day, it's still a code worth living by. It's about being just, honest, faithful protectors. It's about helping people. And being forced to think about the code, and why I live by it, over the past few days... well, I realized what's most important about it to me.
Helping people.

"...They're in, and so am I."
>>
No. 382761 ID: a9ba96
File 132772532104.jpg - (163.34KB , 719x717 , 4527a4ee.jpg )
382761

>"Lin, you're doing a very good thing... and so are they."
"They... want to be sure you're not just using them as a tool. They want a say in who gets sent north."
>"That can be arranged very easily... Can you show me the Orb?"

...I'm still not sure what the hell you are, where you came from, or how you ended up in some goblin's bag of jewels...

But I'm sure glad I picked you up.

>"I'm not sure if you... or even they, fully understand how vital their aid will soon come to be."
>>
No. 382762 ID: a9ba96
File 132772541526.jpg - (17.55KB , 908x683 , 6f4fa07c.jpg )
382762

>"Those Beyond, Those Beyond, I grant my mind unto you, so you may speak and unto me your many tongues be heard..."
>>
No. 382764 ID: a9ba96
File 132772544433.jpg - (68.82KB , 1024x768 , db5730e2.jpg )
382764

[Return] [Entire Thread] [Last 50 posts] [Last 100 posts]

Delete post []
Password