Muschio 2023/09/11(Mon)20:57 No. 1072213 ID: 46e818
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I discovered the identity of the Czar Anolei Bomba, who has sent a mercenary assassin after me and my people, and who now rules a city full of magical sprites, plotting some secret scheme for power.
I made a pact with the dragoness Sadie Hart, and a mutual alliance with the orcish spymaster, Lady Moira Mondegreen.

And I learned the name of the scholar who can help me learn more about the strange bone amulet I possess, for which the Czar seems so ruthlessly eager. Indeed, that scholar is Pendle Khaneh, a man already in my employ.

Muschio 2023/09/11(Mon)20:58 No. 1072214 ID: 46e818
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Unfortunately, I have come to realize, in the wake of a wave of mutilation
that I have no idea who Pendle Khaneh truly is.

Then let the interrogation begin.

“To what name would you prefer you be called, demon?”

Did Wes and Ona survive?

>>1072218
We had to sacrifice our presentation. Those extra two minutes of jet-boosted transpiration had better have been worth it.

>>1072214
First, build a stockpile of antivenom doses and put them in the jail cell. No telling if Pendle can still spit acid from the hole in his jaw.
Interrogation's easy. Jack us back in and we'll drown him in memes.
We drove an elder god insane once.

Hot tip, Muschio: Touching an orb shard to him can allow the person being possessed to bypass the demon and communicate with us. It's how we learned about the venom antidote.
It also seems to disorient and agitate the demon.

Though, you might want to try talking to the demon first to see what it's deal is. And if you're feeling shrewd see if it wants to work for us.

>>1072220
stop.

I have a premonition of fire.
Are those bindings fireproof? Do you have fire extinguishers?

The shard trick may not work again now he's prepared for it; it knew enough to deny when we tried to reach Pendle before. And unfortunately nothing this creature says will be trustworthy. Perhaps we should think back on our prior interactions with Pendle himself. Is there a possibility he was aware of this thing's hold on him, to some level? Perhaps it had something to do with his odd insistence on access to... intimate company. Hm. Maybe we should talk to his previous employers - they might have useful information, or be able to help an investigation into his past, and we're still in good with them.

>>1072223
okay

>>1072225
This seems like the smartest move to me. He certainly didn't get possessed in transit from the Mesa to here.

Speaking directly with the demon seems largely pointless. It will say absolutely anything to get out, and depending on what kind of demon it is, it'll either make some kind of deal we regret or just instantly try and kill some people, probably.

Inquiring with his old home might let us dig into his past, figure out how he was possessed, which will probably give us clues for undoing it. Maybe letters would be good enough for this? We could send a shadow scout boi to deliver quickish.

In that same vein- have the possessions he brought with him searched for clues.

He mentioned he was new to the whole possession business, when he let it slip that he had. He also let it slip that killing Pendle would do nothing to stop him, so presumably he can possess others. As he hasn't vanished from Pendle's psyche, we've probably got him good and trapped at the moment. But he can and will kill Pendle to release himself, now that his status is known, and any other dark ritual he might know to transfer himself from one to another. Be careful when you look into his eyes.

We are not experts in interrogation to say the least, but I can speculate that the best way to get this demon talking is to make him think he has the upper hand. If you can make him feel like he's the interrogator, that somehow his disgusting preoccupation with cutting open girls and offering them to some unmentioned deity is getting under your skin and breaking you down emotionally, then in his triumph he'll probably tell you everything you need to know.

>>1072225
>insistence on intimate company
Oh? We should probably check up on everyone he's had close contact with. Make sure the demon doesn't have a backup body or something.

Oh, and did anyone tell the soldiers we found the culprit?

Weaver 2023/09/12(Tue)15:36 No. 1072241 ID: 46e818
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Thankfully, Wes and Babrakus were able to procure an antidote in time. Ona is suffering some miserable lingering effects, but she and Tislomer believe she'll have a full recovery.
The girl they found on the road, too, should be all right, thanks to the stabilizer Ona was able to make before she was attacked herself.

Wes was bitten as well but seems less debilitated, as his antidote was administered much more promptly.

The Vault seems to be in a sort of low energy state this morning, as a result.

Weaver 2023/09/12(Tue)15:39 No. 1072242 ID: 46e818
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As for Pendle himself, or whatever name is best suited for the man before us, he has suffered some grievous injury as a result of Mr. Fumo's attempts to disable him. His limbs are treated but in rough shape, but no serious damage has been done to his head or vitals.

I'm grateful my underlings were able to handle this in my absence with no further loss of life, but our next step will be... difficult.

>>1072242

If we're gonna start an interrogation, I say we try the "good paladin, bad paladin approach". someone to tighten the thumbscrews, another person to offer to loosen 'em. I'm assuming that's why Finesse is here.

Warn the other captive (that was the princess I think?) that the new prisoner is a man possessed by a demon and she should not talk to him if possible.

Time for some cleanup. Tell the forces outside you have captured the murderer so they can rest easy. Ask Ona what kind of materials she needs for an exorcism. Toss any fallen summons back through the portal to see if we can get new ones. There was at least one.

>>1072244
Yes, poor Ethos got killed by the paladins of Heliantus.

As for your new prisoner, I would suggest sending a message to the mesas to ask for any information that might be relevant to Pendle, Leonid Travask and Kivas Sun. Surely if Pendle was a noble at the court of the Patriarch, there must be some records on him.

If I recall, our friend Ridder had a bugfolk in his entourage, maybe it's time to cash the favor he owes us for taking care of Geppa and ask him for his and his friend's assistance in the matter?

>>1072241
Hooray

>>1072242
First and foremost, Muschio, you need to make an extremely important personal decision:
Where will Princess Vittima reside?
I don't need to tell you that if the creep possessing Pendle breaks free, he's going to go straight for the nearest woman he can find. I know you sought revenge against her House, but you cannot allow any woman to come under that... thing's clutches.

To that end, I propose we expand the containment facilities. We're going to war against the Czar, but much of his populace is simply brainwashed and altered. Many of them will need cells with some standard of comfort to make them pliable to turn on their maniac leader. We can also negotiate with prisoners of war.

>>1072242
Talk to Pendle/the demon/whatever first. See if you can ply any information out of him. Name, affiliations, goals, abilities, attitude towards you, willingness to work for you, etc.
Then afterwards we can try the orb or a shard on him to see if the one that's being possessed in there can be communicated with again. Hopefully it's Leonid Travask, the apprentice demonologist, who would have any knowledge of how to deal with this demon, as well as the amulet.

In any case, let's not be too hasty tossing away this demon. In the best case scenario we could somehow turn them into an asset. Either as personnel or as "material." But first, we'll need Pendle/Leonid's advice on if it's possible or wise to do so.

>>1072246
This is actually a good point, we may want to move her to a better location if only to keep her as leverage.

Aside from that let’s begin interrogations.

damn, the only guy who can tell us what the trinket does is possessed by a whack-job. There's got to be a reason that "pendle" had that symbol on him.
By the way, was that symbol on his chest carved, drawn, or tattooed on? And could it have been applied by pendle himself?

Wes you are an absolute champion

Ah, shit, he's in the same room as the Princess? Keep a muzzle on him whenever we don't need him.

I still think inquiring into his past via our contacts at the Mesa is the most fruitful avenue.

I don't know how much we'll be able to yield out of a straight-up interrogation. He's already spilled a lot of beans to Wes at the confrontation, but like you said, boss, we have no idea who Pendle IS anymore.

Are there exorcism rites commonly known in these lands? I don't know that we have anybody here versed enough in religious or mystical matters to know them, at least not able-bodied enough to perform. (Take it easy Ona you've earned it)

At the risk of prattling on too long, I will say this; with Pendle possessed, things could very easily go from an interrogation to another hostage negotiation. Be sharp, everyone.

>>1072242
We have another magician, even if she's not exact reliable. As long as you didn't leave Erisol with the orcs accidently. We haven't established if we want her to work for us or if she's interested yet, but despite her seemingly limited intelligence, she does seem to have knowledge of magic even if she can't seem to articulate it well. It seems likely that she would know something rudimentary about whatever is possessing Pendle, which is a hell of a lot better than anyone else.

Muschio 2023/09/13(Wed)12:32 No. 1072306 ID: 46e818
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There has been some concern as to Pendle's state of containment, of course. We're led to suspect whatever is possessing him may be able to jump to another host upon his death, so we've taken precautions to ensure he can't harm himself.

Wes says he was very chatty earlier, but since I returned home, he hasn't said a word.
Perhaps his attitude has become less flippant now that he lacks the upper hand.

All the same, I may want to expand the dungeon. I'm confident we will be taking more prisoners before our campaign is over.

Muschio 2023/09/13(Wed)12:33 No. 1072307 ID: 46e818
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As for "Princess" Erisol N'Poa, she's a gregarious sort, high energy and outgoing. It's unsurprising she's already made fast friends with some of the residents.

She offered to stay "for a bit" and I think given her earlier shows of power it would be very much to my interest to keep her on. We could certainly use a sorceress.

>>1072306
>We're led to suspect whatever is possessing him may be able to jump to another host upon his death, so we've taken precautions to ensure he can't harm himself.

Any gags to prevent him from biting his own tongue and bleeding out? If not, better check that now to make sure he's not trying to jump to you.

She very likely was a princess, given the confusion and amnesia the other sprites displayed about their past, remembering disconnected fragments like that. Won't be of much help unless her memories can be restored though. To be honest, you wouldn't care if she was a charnel house worker, if she had some idea just what the heck the Czar is doing in that sprite city of his.

Are there any signs of his promised attack? He could quite possibly have been boasting to intimidate you. He's had to keep his city strictly locked down with no one in or out, so maybe he's not as free to send out unstoppable armies of magic drenched sprites as much as he'd like you to think.

Just in case, you probably should stock up on dingle balls. Those would disrupt an unstoppable sprite army quite handily. Just throw them in the direction you want the sprites to go.

>>1072306
He's staring daggers at you, we're not gonna take that are we?

Should we begin the interrogation?

>>1072307
Sure why not.

You hold the macguffin he wants, but we don't know if destroying it will hinder his plans, agitate him from losing an advantage, or undo a seal he's been trying to destroy. You need to research the thing, but for now, have it placed in an extra secure location.
Perhaps Sadie could keep it in her hoard.
Or she could rig it to precariously dangle over the lava so they have a deterrent against a raid.

I am blinded by the might of an HD cutebold. My god.

Anyway yeah of course we keep NPoa. Hopefully she doesn't mind shared quarters until we fix the ood's and make more rooms.

Speaking of: begin the interrogation. We can't fix them until we fix Pendle or negotiate it out of the demon.

this is just me theorizing, but until we know more about exorcisms and the like, we can only assume that it "usually" works out in that once we excise him from pendle, it has to go somewhere. If I recall correctly, priests who did this usually had a sacrifice or of the sort that was useless in combat (think a pig or some other small farm animal) for the demon to end up into so it can be safely contained for the time being. Or if it's banished, but that's a more unlikely way.

>>1072307
Ask Erisol if she knows anything about demons or exorcisms. Maybe let her have a look at Pendle.

>>1072306
It may be the artifact he is reacting to, not a loss of power. If being restrained like that didn't shut him up, I doubt that the boss showing up would have. Him possessing one of the few people who can identify it is a long coincidence, especially since he seems likely to have killed the other, but since he they were demonologists as well in is possible.

>>1072244
Indeed we need Ona for an exorcism, if she is in no condition then at least she can point us in the right direction or at least to the right guy for the job. After all, the demon himself said Ona was the only one in our group that may know how to deal with him.

Also, we need to update Lady Moira or new ally on the events that transpired, maybe she can help us out.

Is Sadie still around?
Did the gang get to meet her?

Wes may be compromised, so it would be good to keep an eye on him.

Also ask Emmy if there's a way to revive our dealing friend. Maybe a funeral to send him off (chucking) into the portal to see if the Ether gives it back to us whole.

If interrogations continue to be at a standstill, perhaps you could have something rigged up to touch a shard to your new prisoner remotely at a moment's notice. He has the choice of cooperating or being eternally on guard against his host letting something slip.

>"Literally the one person in this group who could do anything about me and they're the one I bit! AND she's the one who knew how to make the stabilizer for the last girl, so she can't make it for herself!"
>"I didn't even plan it this way! It just worked out! Is that luck or what?"

Huh, I guess Ona indeed can do something about the possession. However, we should let her recover until she can perform something as (presumably) taxing as a ritual.

As all interrogations go, let's start with the name. Maybe it'll be a familiar one, who knows.

Muschio 2023/09/14(Thu)13:02 No. 1072368 ID: 46e818
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The entity controlling Pendle -- or perhaps on some level it is Pendle, it's hard to say at this point -- has refused any cooperation. No response to interrogation at this point, just that hateful stare.

Attempts to bypass the entity using the orb shard have failed, too. I can feel a palpable wall -- something powerful keeping me out.

I don't know how Pendle was able to communicate in that pivotal moment, or even if he's still in there. But whatever window to his soul was briefly left open, it's closed now.

Muschio 2023/09/14(Thu)13:05 No. 1072369 ID: 46e818
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The idea of frequently retrying the shard is an interesting one. If the entity keeping that window shut requires effort or even attention to do so, sooner or later its guard would have to come down, right?

I'd probably need an assigned shardbearer rather than a complex mechanical device simple to poke the prisoner.
I suppose we could just leave him with the shard and attempt contact intermittently, but I'm not sure it's safe to leave a being like this in open contact with my mind.

So, it ignores interrogation, but have we tried bargaining with it? Demons love that stuff.
We want our scholar back and it wants freedom, so could we offer it a different body to possess with the stipulation that it leaves our domain?

If that's no good, we could have Tislomer, Ona or Erisol put it to sleep with spells or potions then attempt communication with the internal Pendle again.

Beyond that, does anyone else under our command have any exorcism or demon knowledge? Couldn't hurt to ask around. Also, show everyone the symbol that's on Pendle's chest and eyes, it might the key to this problem.
Maybe Embraddeus knows something about demons, seeing as she's kind of a demon(?). And speaking of her, is it possible to give her a shard? I believe she's our only personnel without one.

Well, he apparently knows a thing or two about interrogations. At the very least commend him for his conviction, and hope that we can clear this up despite his... something of a bad habit.

If he can keep us out right now, then we don't know what else he's capable of doing to us. Probably best not to risk the chance he could meddle with your orb, rather than vice versa. I think the word "Palantir" is sufficient to say what happens when a vast telepathic network gets compromised. Your call though.

I'd like to reiterate what others have said, that contacting the people who knew him in the past could shed a lot of light on this. Send a message to the mesas, for anything they might know, talk to his previous employers, investigate his old home, examine his possessions etc.

I don't trust the demon enough to leave any of our minions alone poking Pendle's body. We don't know how this possession works. All it takes is one fatal slip-up, and the demon will have a new body.

Perhaps we can afford to address this a little later. We need Ona on her feet, we need Pendle to get tired/exhausted so he's more susceptible to prodding. Short-term, time is on our side.

>>1072370
Adding one last random suggestion: What if we show him the amulet now? Even a slight reaction from a demon could be telling. It could be a device to control demons for all we know.

Any chance we can weaken his defenses while Ona performs an exorcism?

There's nothing for it. We need to hire a specialist in exorcisms or demonic possessions. Contact all your allies for connections, then resort to requesting the paladins for help.

You should consult Ona on this matter, I think.

We should not just try and brute force into his head, too many opportunities for a backfire.

We should ask our Witch Doctor what information or resources she would need to exorcise him. It might help narrow our search.

>>1072369
Even if a creature such as him having contact with the Curse that manifest "us" into being would surely be interesting

It would be better to see if Ona's glyph can help us in the exorcism.

Gonna give a hard pass on the linking our mind with a demon, boss. Hard pass.
On another hand, Ona's the spiritual expert, and this guy's not going anywhere for awhile. What say we just leave him be until she's made a full recovery? There's lots of other things we could be doing.

>>1072389

This.
And we can still learn about him in a roundabout way by sending letters to the mesas and ask for informations

Muschio 2023/09/15(Fri)14:55 No. 1072416 ID: 46e818
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Yes, that's a good course of action: We'll make contact with the Red Mesas and learn what we can about Pendle's past.

Lady Mondegreen had a good idea about long distance communication. We'll send a courier now -- perhaps one of the denlings, Logos or Pathos. But if we could get a shard in an ally or even intermediary, we could reach them instantly in the future.

>"Master... that face. Is something wrong, or are you just talking to yourself again?"

The same is true for Salamander Tower. We can't leave Dompag and Geppa there indefinitely, after all, and it would be convenient to be able to contact them at a moment's notice. In a way, the orb's network is one of my most valuable assets at the moment.

Well, I suppose I'll leave the decision to you all.

Muschio 2023/09/15(Fri)14:59 No. 1072417 ID: 46e818
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There's simply so much to catch up on!

Our Odds are finally back at work. It seems the purification process Wes and... pre-disaster Pendle were working on yielded results. Better still, Erisol showed us a "magic rune" she could draw on them and, combining her power with the refined peregast crystals we found during excavation, "supercharge" these stoneworkers.
The result is we're able to shift this stone through truly, uh... the magical extent of--

Well, look, we can redesign the base at a whim now, okay? Whole rooms can be shifted around, corridors rearranged. Which is fine by me, since I think we could use a bit of a reorganizing.

Muschio 2023/09/15(Fri)15:00 No. 1072418 ID: 46e818
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That's how we were able to add a new cell so quickly, too! Doesn't it look much nicer?

In fact, while you all deliberate on what to do with our allies, why don't I prepare the tour of our improved lodgings?

Send Ashedel recover Dompag and Geppa from the tower, then directly toward the mesas.

On the way you could always contact Ridder again, ask for his help either on Pendle's case or with the bugfolk. He owes us a favor if we remember correctly and, frankly, his help could be appreciated.
Sending Ashedel his way might be the perfect way of getting his attention uh? Hell, seeing a reformed Geppa might even work this way, earning us points in the "trustworthy" department.

Though, I guess she'd have reason for wanting to avoid going back there....let's ask her first?

>we can redesign the base at a whim now, okay?

Well, first of all, separate floors. Plump helmet farm in the soil layers, then masonry and carpentry below, then kitchen, brewery and living quarters below that. As for the smelt... oh, sorry, wrong fortress management.

Nevermind, please. Carry on.

>>1072418

Oooh! Tour tour tour tour!

>>1072418
Make sure you have the Odds carve out some dragon sized quarters on a higher floor in the mountain, along with a dragon sized entrance higher up the mountain that only flying creatures could access.
You know, just in case Sadie ever wants to visit again for some diplomacy

take us on the tour boss!

Our new prisoner seemed to have... tastes in women, so perhaps in the interest of pressuring him you should give your other prisoner a curtain or something? I know you're not moved by any generosity towards her, but practical concerns would promote preventing their collusion, as well as fostering a reputation for respecting basic considerations for prisoners you take - both to encourage similar treatment of any of your own people who end up in that position, and to encourage future potential prisoners to favor surrender over struggle.

I have an idea.
Make cylinder-shaped rooms, then build a device in the center that can clean most of the room in one fell sweep. This will cut down on cleaning labor.
Arrange cylinder rooms in a hexagonal format for maximized stability.

Oh and we need a sewer system below. Heating and ventilation goes above.

>>1072423
Tour! Tour! Tour!

>>1072418
Just fyi, you're kind of looking like a dork in front of Finesse. And the prisoners too, I guess.

I mean, you are kind of a dork, but still.
Best to keep up appearances, right?

>>1072416
"Hey Finesse! Yes, I'm just talking to myself. Let's do a tour!"

while we see the new vault upgrades for ourselves, can we ask finesse what she makes of the pendle situation? maybe shes got an idea on how to procede

>>1072368
Awww look at the cute little demon trying to raise his walls to keep us at bay.

Boss, what we need to do is to bluff our way into getting Pendle back. It's clear that whatever we did to him, he didn't like it and doesn't understand it.

Tell him:

"The Many, in their manifold desires, doth beckon thy presence, a fervent longing to engulf thee whole. Yet, the dominion of my volition persists resolute, resplendent in its steadfastness. I shall reattain my comrade, for fate hath decreed it thus. Bestow him unto my care, unscathed and untouched by harm's cruel embrace, and I pledge to thee a departure most genteel and expeditious, a repatriation to the realm from which thou emerged."

I haz idea.
Ask Sadie if she would like to cash in her first favor: one gift-wrapped princess!

>>1072418
In regards to base renovation, a male and female dorm as suggested previously is probably a good idea, unless there's enough space for all of your current subordinates (not future soldiers, they can be stationed at a more impersonal barracks) to have their own rooms. As for the demon, brandish the amulet at it, pretending you know what it is. It might provoke a telling reaction. You should also probably start keeping the amulet on your person, if you haven't. Gives the enemy less reason to go sniffing around your base harassing your subordinates.

Muschio 2023/09/16(Sat)13:19 No. 1072457 ID: 46e818
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Yes, the tour!

Let's start at the grand entrance! This one was a massive change. It was far too cramped -- now it's a proper place to capture the grandeur and power I want this fortress to exude!

We've also installed fortifications with arrow slits where we can more safely hold off attackers, should another siege occur.

Muschio 2023/09/16(Sat)13:19 No. 1072458 ID: 46e818
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Dompag's room is just off and above the left pillbox. A bit more spacious. Still needs some decor; I understand Geppa torched his original furnishings.

Muschio 2023/09/16(Sat)13:21 No. 1072459 ID: 46e818
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The workshops! We've expanded them a bit and made sure to get both the kobolds some more equipment in their respective workbenches.

>"Mornin' boss."

We've also installed glowing crystal lights in place of torches, since nobody wants open flame around lacquer, sawdust, or mixed chemicals.

Muschio 2023/09/16(Sat)13:22 No. 1072460 ID: 46e818
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We're jumping around a bit, but trust me, I want to save the best for last.

Here's the guest room, currently in use as an infirmary. Ona's recovering here for the time being.

"How is she, Tislomer?"
>"It looks good! Her blood stopped trying to turn into pudding!"

Muschio 2023/09/16(Sat)13:22 No. 1072461 ID: 46e818
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Now here's Finesse's room. She insisted we keep it small. I suppose she likes the cozy feeling. I don't blame her. Too much space makes it hard to sleep.

>"Master please get out of my room."

Muschio 2023/09/16(Sat)13:23 No. 1072462 ID: 46e818
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The forge! Up and running, but not much done with it yet, save the processing of those peregast crystals.

Embraddeus, our resident fire elemental is standing by, dutifully.

Muschio 2023/09/16(Sat)13:24 No. 1072463 ID: 46e818
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And of course, my quarters! Very simple. No ostentatious display here. I prefer to keep it understated.
A fine desk, courtesy of Babrakus, makes it feel a little more like a bedroom and less like a room with one bed.

...Ona's witching mark or whatever that is she was so excited about setting up still remains on the wall for the time being.

Muschio 2023/09/16(Sat)13:30 No. 1072466 ID: 46e818
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Ah, the barracks! Not much changed here, save for a nice new rug and some reorganizing. We've expanded the room a bit here as well, in preparation for any future enlistments, and there's space for private rooms to branch off should we need them. This could all be changed if we should so desire, but for now, it will do.

Perhaps some more furniture.

Muschio 2023/09/16(Sat)13:30 No. 1072467 ID: 46e818
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And now, the grand hall! Yes, what a transformation!

Moving the table off to the side has given plenty of room which I've designated for my minions to enjoy in their off time. A table for games of chance, perhaps, a square to mingle or dance or wrestle or whatever it is they wish to do.

At some point I may wish to create a war room, so as not to find ourselves discussing strategy over breakfast, where any visitor may walk by on the way to the throne room.

Muschio 2023/09/16(Sat)13:32 No. 1072468 ID: 46e818
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And that at last brings me to the throne room!

What power! What awe-inspiring presence!

Now this, finally, is a chamber worth welcoming foreign dignitaries and holding court! Room enough for my officers to stand at the ready with me!

A throne room worthy of a throne!

Ah, what a revitalizing change it's been.
A glimpse of dawning light against all the recent misery, I suppose.

>>1072468
Is there a trap door under the rug in front of your throne? There should be a trap door under the rug in front of your throne.

Impressive very nice let's see Paul Allen's throne room.

>>1072468

So, no store room tour, then?

(btw didn't you used to be two heads taller than the bolds?)

>>1072457
...Uh, Muschio? Do we have any archers?
>>1072460
Mull on it later. Geppa's going to be the main designer.
>>1072459
Hm. We should get enchantments for the circular saw; something that forces the saw downwards if it comes into contact with life force, to prevent accidents.
>>1072468
I recommend you place Red Fang's sword at your side instead of hanging it up there. It's... kind of hazardous keeping sharp objects above a person's head.

Nice work, Muschio. But let's see if we can improve further!
We can start with the fields outside. Right now, any paladin army can just march in from a 180-degree angle range.
Terraform a combination of roads and rivers. Adding quick access to fresh water for farming will drastically increase both defenses and property values.

>>1072472
Don't you know that its natural for Voltos to reduce in size (yes even their clothes) after they go through stressful situations, without proper downtime and nourishment.

Maybe later we can get Ona and Tislomer to get us into a proper diet with supplements to get us swole. Also a new hand.

Good idea changing up the base. The pretender might have memorized it's old layout, so the change might give us an edge if he comes back or worse yet, leads a force in here.
Any time there's guests or invaders that escape it'd be a great idea to have the odds shift rooms and hallways around to deter possible future incursions.

>>1072460
>Here's the guest room, currently in use as an infirmary.
Hopefully constructing a full infirmary is on the to-do list. We've entered into open hostiles with other forces and more casualties are sure to occur in the future.

>>1072462
She looks so cozy. We should ask her if she wants that to be her quarters and give her some furnishings is she does.

>>1072463
>A fine desk
Looks like of shoddy to me. It's just a plank with hinges suspending it. The chair's none too great either.
Might be an idea to get Babrakus some carpentry manuals (or diagrams seeing as he's not fully literate iirc) to expand his skills and repertoire of crafts.

On that note: constructing a library for everyone's use would be a fantastic idea.
Bring everyone up to full literacy, improve their skillsets, allow for archiving and research for the more scholarly of them. Perhaps even a fiction section for more leisure options to keep the minions' spirits high.

>>1072468
Other defenses/traps we should know about?

>>1072476
>Looks like of shoddy to me.
kind* of shoddy

Much improved! But still more improvements to be made.

I think we should assign the Ood's to digging out male and female barracks while we're gone to the Mesa. I recall somebody had a complaint about that in the past, and it'll be helpful once we reach the point we can recruit faceless goons. We'll probably want individual quarters/offices for our heads of staff, too.

Oda has kinda claimed your bedroom for her witch work so you'll need a new one for yourself at the very least.

♦ Low priority, but perhaps add a Dirt-nap Room?
That is to say, a room to bury people in shallow graves, as an effort puzzle out what that did to Rungord Hookdon.
Also so you can put Princess Vittima in more, appropriate accommodations than her lavish cell.
At least for a spell, no need to kill her. Not like this.
♦ Also, if you plan on expanding orb-net, you should think of a cover for such communication.
EG: A magic bracelet which enables some sort of telepathic connection.
(More likely, something less obvious, you also need a reason it hasn't been seen beyond how it effected your officers...)

We should probably work out what the hell we're gonna do about Erisol.

If you hadn't noticed, she's pretty...

Erratic.

>>1072483
Instead of 'male' and 'female' barracks, make multiple divisions. Assignment will proceed as follows:
* First-come, first-serve. If a barrack is empty they can join automatically.
* Each new recruit can choose which barracks they wish to join.
* A majority vote (66%+ approval) means the recruit is enlisted to that barrack and may now vote for future recruits. If they are rejected they must select another one.
* If all barracks reject the recruit, select the one which had the highest approval rating. Recruit chooses the tiebreaker.
It's a 'progressive' edict, which nets you popularity with specialists.

>>1072495

Why do we need shared Barracks at all?

SupermODDs can just... carve out new rooms.

We're in a mountain and we need to stop thinking in flat single level planes.

>>1072496
Hell, let's have an atrium area where several floors' worth of personal quarters open up into a shared large open hall. And have a lava fountain in the middle. Embraddeus's gonna love it.

>>1072496
Less assasination sucess and sex

>>1072416
>>1072461

...Sus

The Finnie we know, knows exactly what we are. And will never kick us out of her room.

Sus indeed. She possessed too?

Muschio 2023/09/17(Sun)15:50 No. 1072562 ID: 46e818
File 169499104143.png - (10.18KB , 800x600 , 1695.png )

Giving everyone their own room is quickly going to become an impossible task, especially as we're going to be recruiting whole armies in short order. It's one thing for high officers to get their own rooms but Babrakus is working on those big barracks outside so we can host a great many souls ready to wage war in my name.

One can't lay siege with a dozen officers and no soldiers, after all.

Muschio 2023/09/17(Sun)15:56 No. 1072565 ID: 46e818
File 169499140719.png - (11.35KB , 800x600 , 1696.png )

Speaking of Babrakus, he fashioned me a wooden hand to replace my severed sinister.

It's not much, perhaps, but it's less unsightly than the dirty bandages.
Still strange to think my entire hand is gone. And yet I don't feel it's slowed me down.

>>1072562
For the time being, we can prioritize commando tactics and guerilla warfare.

The deal with the princes when spectacularly.

>>1072565

Glad to know Babrakus gave you



a hand :)

>>1072565
Do we also have an immediate weapon… to hand?

Eyyyyy..!

No, but glad you got that situated but maybe think about a weapon attachment for it as well. As for everything else how’s it looking outside? Any word since we returned on a dragon?

>>1072568
A proper handjob I must say :D

make sure to hand out some praise for the fine work.

>>1072562
>One can't lay siege with a dozen officers and no soldiers, after all.

Speaking of which, do we have any idea where we could procure a large amount of foddersoldiers?

Might want to check on the survivor that demon-Pendle savaged. She might be connected to a group that we could muster some troops from in return for saving her life.

I feel like we could do something with that, maybe get a bunch of different attachments to stick on the end of our arm. It'd be quite handy.

>>1072565
Good to see things are going comparatively well for the moment, ever since the paladin debacle things have felt a tad grim.

Speaking of armies and an unused forge, we need some progress on both fronts.

Did you get to keep that rapier from the red mesas or would forging you a worthy blade be a good first Vault Smithworks production?

Also we really need to find some more mannikins for the Monster Portal.

I know this is more fortress than dungeon at this point but the interdimensional creature-summoning gate seems a touch tragically underutilized for the purposes of bolstering our forces.

...you should have your wooden hand hollowed out and, like. Hide a dagger in it. Or something.

>>1072580
With no mannikins and no real way ro get more in numbers, the portal will remain underused.

At the beggining I believed the portal was gonna be the source of our footsoldiers but the more time passes the harder it is to get more monsters.

Makes you wonder how Red Fang managed.

Wasn't tossing mannikins into the portal not how they were intended to be used, but more a quick fix to get around the generating mana issue?

I think that was the case, but memory is Mustache's job, not the voices of the orb...
...You know, Mustache Malto? *gestures at Muschio*

>>1072589
Red Fang didn't have very many monsters either...

>>1072596
I mean, the issue with that would be actually finding all those different mana types from before, and frankly by this point it's probably easier to just recruit normal soldiers.
I suppose if we just stumble across a font of mana we could revisit that, maybe we could ask some of our growing list of experts about it. But I'm not exactly holding out for it.

Yeah, no, Muschio.

We're not thinking that every single member of your army needs their own room, but your **Officers** should have them.

Soon, Babrakus will be your HEAD craftsman, Tislomer your CHEIF Herbologist...

Your close few should reap the benefits of their loyalty.

>>1072565
Really hope the wooden hand is a temporary fix, after all Ona's magic has already shown that it can regenerate body pieces. Also she even said that, if requested, she could reduce Finnie's arm to a normal size. So transmutation and regeneration are in her repertoire, just saying.

Muschio 2023/09/18(Mon)14:18 No. 1072616 ID: 46e818
File 169507192590.png - (11.50KB , 800x600 , 1697.png )

Ah, hold that thought.

Ashedel has arrived. I'm glad she's back at the base with everything going on -- with Dompag away, she's the best muscle we've got.
Though Finesse is my second in command, Ashedel does manage something of a Quartermaster's role, looking after low operations and taking care of the crew's petty concerns.

Muschio 2023/09/18(Mon)14:21 No. 1072617 ID: 46e818
File 169507209912.png - (9.18KB , 800x600 , 1698.png )

>"Lord Muschio, so good to have you back. The new throne room suits you."

"Thank you."

>"Wes seems only somewhat effected by the venom. I've given him the morning off but he's eager to return to work at the new forge.
>Tislomer says Ona is recovering well, and while she'll be feeling the effects for some time, she'll be ready to work again by tomorrow."

"Good. We need to get this exorcism figured out and done with as soon as possible. But if it must wait for tomorrow, at least Pendle isn't going anywhere."

Better make double sure Pendle can't hurt himself. Specifically any tongue biting.
Since he's not particularly chatty anyways, a gag might be in order. It'd also go a long way in preventing him from goading a guard or conspiring with our other prisoner.

>>1072617
Our best shot is Ona. She may not be able to perform the exorcism but if she is able to talk we may set about gathering materials or otherwise needed for it

Ask how Ridder is doing.

With our new mining ability, in addition to being able to make new rooms (perhaps people having personal rooms to live 'above their shops', as it were, would be good?), I wonder if we should consider some exports. Whether or not there are more valuable ores around, there is a use for stone, and if we're extracting it anyway, some people might pay for a supply of bricks and blocks... or perhaps they could be put to use creating buildings and defenses outside, since secrecy is not much of a protection any more?

>>1072617
Call Ashedel "cutie snooty"

"Thank you for the update, cutie snootie."

We should go see Ona, both to see how she's doing first-hand and to ask her what she needs to perform the exorcism when she's well, assuming she's able.

>>1072616
How is Dompag's group going anyway? Any news from them?

On today's agenda, we need a means of quickly recruiting an army.
* Our best source is obviously the Orcs. Their nobility is doing well for themselves, have moderate-high combat experience, and are well-defended even if they send a significant portion of their forces. I just wonder how the hell the nobles direct their commoners...
* Recruiting further from the cutebolds and goblins might be a bust, seeing as you've gotten multiple individuals... incapacitated. I don't know how well Riddler can recruit them or how long he can keep them from learning about little ol' city-burning you and your... (must...not...say...it...) but whatever the case they need to keep adequate defenses. If the Czar decides he can strike a pincer through their lands they'll be slaughtered.
* And finally, the insect kingdom, who... well. They'll be willing to rally their forces by your side, but their security is compromised. We can count on them but not as our vassals; that way leads to further amputations followed by death.

I propose we send a squad to further explore the world and recruit from towns and cities that haven't seen the Czar. It's time to Bait the Flag:
* Find some way to mimic whatever signals the trinket is giving off. We'll need a decoy that drives the Czar mad with predatory hunt-lust.
* Travel to different cities, fake trinket in tow, and give an honest attempt to recruit forces.
* While they laugh in our faces the dishonest signal will bring the Czar's forces to try and steal the mcguffin they need from you, convincing the potential recruits of the danger they face.

Ask her how well the wedding preparations are going with Sir Ridder.
Speaking of Ridder, do you think we can get him to subtly encourage the paladins of racism to investigate the Czar? Lets try to get those two fighting each other.

Muschio 2023/09/19(Tue)12:54 No. 1072711 ID: 46e818
File 169515329787.png - (9.04KB , 800x600 , 1699.png )

"And what news, cutie snooty?"
what

>"Excuse me?"

"I said what news have you brought, Ashedel? Were you able to gather any intel before your mission was called off?"

>"Actually, yes. You may recall the nearby Timore Woodlands seemed to be in something of an uproar."

Muschio 2023/09/19(Tue)13:00 No. 1072712 ID: 46e818
File 169515364261.png - (8.82KB , 800x600 , 1700.png )

>"Several of the largest goblin and kobold tribes are already discussing unification after hostile encroachment from nearby humans and elves, whose activities have grown more violent.

>On top of that, it seems that many of the locals revere some kind of sacred animal, a horse that roams the woods. And that holy creature has gone missing, perhaps abducted. They're ready to go to war.

>Lord Prince Muschio, I believe this is a great opportunity. If we act wisely, we may be able to unite the forest tribes under our banner. They already hold us in high regard after killing Red Fang. Promise them protection, drive the invaders from their homeland, and perhaps even discover what became of their sacred horse, and they may pledge loyalty to us."

Investigating this holy horse seems like a logical move, something Lord Muschio should take charge of himself to prove his worthiness to the locals. Ashedel for the additional muscle, plus Finesse and one of the Kobolds for their local knowledge would make a good party. We should recall Dompag and Geppa before we leave, though, the Vault would be dangerously unprotected if Muschio and Ashedel left without them present.

WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO VERITY THEY MUST PAY

>>1072712
Promise them protection but such allegiances must come at a cost. If we offered to train them as soldiers who could we put in charge of training? This way if need be we can have the debt be we can call upon them to fight for us.

If that horse vomits blood, bug out.
But yeah, let's go hunt a unicorn!

>>1072712
Finding the horse seems something we can do. Driving away humans and elves though? Do we have the forces to do that, and would we be able to weather the political fallout?
Maybe we can negotiate with them, or otherwise convince them to stay out of kobold/goblin occupied lands... oh! We have some political sway, we can use that. Once we recover the holy horse we can tell the humanoids that we have taken over those lands and draw official borders they're not allowed to cross. We don't have to drive them away, exactly, just keep them from going where they're not supposed to be.

An excellent side quest while we wait for info on our demon. Let's find that horse!
Leave Snootie as the primary guard, without Dompag here we're a bit light on defenses. Take Finnie and a 'bold for the knowledge about the locality.

>>1072712

Finding the horse takes priority, after all if we try to outright face the humans and elves, we may face larger numbers than what we're prepared for. On the other hand, if we focus in finding the horse with a task force. Even if the creature is being captive, we can play it as a commando stealth rescue.

We also can leverage our good standing with the 'Blins and the 'Bolds, so they can lend us their shamans/priests or the likes to helps us with Pendle. And we can promise to assist them in return.

That sounds like a capital idea. I agree that we shouldn't leave the base undefended, though. Best not spread ourselves too thin before we have the army to spread.
But taking one of our cutie snooty cutebolds with us also sounds like a great idea! Tislomer is the more sociable of the two, so if she doesn't have any objections, I vote we bring her with. She can help act as an envoy.

Well, we might have to delay things until the base situation stabilizes a bit. We need to find out if Ona needs anything to exorcise the demon, for instance, and we can't take Tislomer on a trip when she's got a patient.

>>1072712
Let them know we already stopped a murderer who was stalking the forest. Just... leave out that it was our murderer

Muschio 2023/09/20(Wed)14:33 No. 1072794 ID: 46e818
File 169524558651.png - (8.79KB , 800x600 , 1701.png )

Yes, all good points: We should approach this diplomatically so as not to start any wars between ourselves and the kingdoms of men, we should bring Tislomer as envoy (since she's a native), and we should act quickly while we can capitalize on this.
Also need to figure out if we're going to link the Mesas and Salamander Tower to our comms network at some point. I could send a Denling with a shard, but it would be precious cargo to lose, and they've been intercepted before.

"I should like to set out as soon as possible. However, given we are on heightened alert, it would be unwise to leave the Vault so understaffed again."

>"Then if I may, Lord Prince, perhaps we should recall Geppa and Dompag. They can be home by this evening, and you can set out in the morning and have enough officers both at home and accompanying you."

Would YOU like to accompany us?
We may see your fiancee on the way.

Between the Czar aggro'ing on us and our dragon ride, it should be fairly safe to recall our officers from the tower.

Our thoughts exactly.

>>1072795
Actually this does bring up a point, how are we doing in relations with Ridder's group? Should we coordinate something with them?

Nah, leave those two patrolling the tower. We need to keep our communication network up while our opponent has an OP assassin captain ready to strike.

Volunteers only, should increase morale.

We should recall them, but in a silly and convoluted way.

Bring em home, give them a shard, send em BACK, implant Commander Salamander, then come home again and stay home. This sends a shard south with far greater security, and by the time they finish all that travel hopefully we'll be done with Horse Quest. If they happen to see an army marching during any of that, they book it.

I think bringing our key allies into the network is safe, but we absolutely need to either send the shards like they're gold. Who knows what magical bullshit could pollute our connection if it was intercepted, or, god forbid, tapped.

That all sounds great. I know we like to be in constant busy mode, but we can take a night off to enjoy our new base and be off by tomorrow.

Muschio 2023/09/21(Thu)13:20 No. 1072863 ID: 46e818
File 169532761926.png - (11.80KB , 800x600 , 1702.png )

"Could we recall them, then send them back with a shard?"

>"Well certainly, but assuming time to rest, they'd be back sometime late tomorrow, which means you'd have to leave two days from now instead of one. Which isn't necessarily a problem, but the situation in the woodlands could turn at any moment."

I notice Finesse has approached the throne as well.

>"Don't think of it as time off, master. There's plenty for all of us to do around the Vault. Wes, the kobolds and I all have our crafts to work on, Ona has rest to catch up on, and I'm sure Ashdel has plenty on her plate as well. It can still be a productive day if we stay in."

What if we have Dompag or Geppa remove their shard and give it to Coriander?
That way there's no need for a return trip and they can merely get a new shard when they return to base.

Also, ask Finesse if she's working on a new hand for you. Would be a good idea to tell her to manufacture multiple backups whenever she has free time just in case you lose it again.

>>1072864
I like this plan. As long as they're near each other it doesn't really matter if one is missing a shard, and it'll just be until they make it back home anyway.

I know I literally just said we could take the night off, but I'm also not comfortable sitting on this plan with the kobolds longer than neccesary. These situations tend to be a powderkeg.
Ask D&G to pass along one of their shards, doesn't really matter whose, and then they'll come home.

>>1072864
This is a good plan.

Even if it wouldn't work and we have to do the return/back/return again daisychain I suggested, I think we should go on Horse Quest immediately anyway. We can leave Ash as the guard for the time being while we're off.

This plan will still take awhile before everyone's back, so we could use that little bit of downtime to do some more planning.

Might be a good time to plot out future dungeon layouts. Ask your officers if they have any requests or need for new types of rooms. Beyond expanding existing rooms and officers' quarters we could really use a library, armory and most of all an infirmary. Perhaps a room dedicated to magic usage and research, as well, should it be needed for whoever our magic expert will be.

>>1072864
Smart move.

I vote we get started on the Horse. We don't have an estimated time frame before something bad happens to the equine quest, and we don't have anything serious to work on right now.

>>1072881
don't post images in a quest thread if you're not the author, please, unless it's asked for

>>1072863

We need to build an elevator to the top of our mountain keep and set a proper platform for Ash to take off.

Ash is the fastest, the one with the top movement range and an excellent fighter to boot. She could get to the tower and back in the same time it takes Geps and Dom just to come back from there.

So let's send her with the shard and at the same time tell our agents in the tower to come back. If anything happens, then let them rendezvous half way and reassess.

A king does need a horse...

Muschio 2023/09/22(Fri)12:48 No. 1072899 ID: 46e818
File 169541211199.png - (11.77KB , 800x600 , 1703.png )

What!
That's brilliant!

I'll just have Dompag and Geppa drop off one of their shards, then fit them with a new one when they're home! No need for two trips and we can still set out in the morning.
Ah, what would I do without you? You, by which I technically mean me.

GEPPA 2023/09/22(Fri)12:52 No. 1072904 ID: 46e818
File 169541235831.png - (9.64KB , 800x600 , 1704.png )

huh oh hi
yeah we're still here just sitting

huh
oh
yeah i can take my crystal thing out no problem, i didn't even get a cool one
i asked for a red one and she was like 'there are no red ones' so someone else musta got it first

>"Everything okay?"
"Yeah I'm just talking to my crystal"
>"You don't have to talk out loud when you do that."
"Don't tell me how to do it big brother"

GEPPA 2023/09/22(Fri)12:52 No. 1072905 ID: 46e818
File 169541236324.png - (9.85KB , 800x600 , 1705.png )

"They want me to give it to someone where so I'm just gonna bite it out real quick"
>"Don't do that. I'm sure there's a medic here."
"Don't tell me how to do it."

>"Anyway, did they say who we're supposed to give it to?"

>>1072905
Commander Coriander

>>1072906
This. Tell Commander big boobs it's her choice who at the tower gets it. And tell Dompag to explain to her how they work.
We're doing this so you guys don't have to hang out there all the time and can come back home. We'll see if we can get you a new shard that's red once you get back.

make sure to stick the shard into her boob

Coriander would be ideal, but we can let her know the arrangement we have with Mondegreen and she can decide if she wants to keep the shard herself or with a trusted subordinate. I don't think Arabella would mind too much.

commander coriander. MAKE SURE TO EXPLAIN WHAT THE SHARD IS AND ASK FOR CONSENT BEFORE PUTTING IT IN. no stabbing missy >:(

Captain Lizardtits of course.

Make sure it's fully explained first please. No surprises.

I am willing to surprise Commander Lizardtits if we specifically stick it in her boob.

I think Geppa knows better than to stab a friend without permission.

GEPPA 2023/09/23(Sat)11:31 No. 1072968 ID: 46e818
File 169549386107.png - (11.30KB , 800x600 , 1706.png )

okay got it
"Hey lady big boobs"
>"We're sticking with that name, are we?"
"boss says you gotta make someone take my crystal out of my hand and then put it in one of you"
>"Excuse me?"
"My big bro will explain it, just call someone who can use a knife."

GEPPA 2023/09/23(Sat)11:34 No. 1072969 ID: 46e818
File 169549406142.png - (8.76KB , 800x600 , 1707.png )

"the crystal thingy's in here right now but if you put it in you or someone they can talk to the boss from far away in secret, you just gotta pick who"
>"I'll... discuss it with your brother, then. Dompag?"
>"Yeah, I'll fill you in real quick."
"YEAH he will he's talking about his dick"
>"NO I AM NOT"
"Oh yeah do you wanna have sex with my brother, he's real good at it"
>"GEPPA. We talked about this."
"I don't mean I had sex with him, that'd be weird."
>"Would you please excuse us for a moment."
okay I'll send you back now, see you at home i guess

>>1072969
Switch to dompag?

>>1072969

Dompag seems a bit more... emotionally equipped to communicate, so yeah, try to switch to him.

Bye Geppa, you're the best.

>>1072969
You're a great wingsis Geps, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

You totally deserve, like, a cookie or something after this, Geppa. Anyway, yeah better send us back and see if we can't get more in motion.

Let's switch to Finesse or Tislomer.

I am completely fine with the events that are unfolding.

Wes 2023/09/24(Sun)12:21 No. 1073097 ID: 46e818
File 169558326759.png - (11.98KB , 800x600 , 1709.png )

>"Thanks again."
"Anyone would've done it."
>"I think a lot of people would've just run away."
"N-nn-nnot with someone in danger."


>"...You don't have to stay with me, you know."
"I know. I just... I f-feel a little rresponsible."

Wes 2023/09/24(Sun)12:24 No. 1073098 ID: 46e818
File 169558345499.png - (11.24KB , 800x600 , 1710.png )

>"What, because you came from the same court?"
"You w--w-w-were in t-trouble and nob-b- nobody nnoticed until it was almost t-t--t-t-too l-late."

>"You can't be expected to babysit everyone in the Vault."

>"...I'm sorry I thought you were a creep."
"I get it. I know what I l-look like."
>"I thought I was better than judging people at a glance. Thanks again. Really."
"Y-you don't need to keep th-thanking me."
>"And you don't need to stay with me."

How are you guys doing?

Also, since you're a big damn hero now, got any accommodation requests? Specific food, drink, room furnishings, etc?

>>1073098
Sorry to intrude, inaccuracy and all that.

Good to see you both though, pretty harrowing stuff there and we're glad you made it out the other side.

One cannot identify a creep at first glance, for they must first be observed creeping before they can be considered a creep. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

I wouldn't know, we're all creeps here.
We're going out, do you want anything?

>>1073098
Wes I think you're being a little annoying, take the hint and give her some space.

>>1073098
The guy has been in wars, he knows what death is. guess he just could not let it happen, specially since it was within he's grasp to prevent it.

Yeah dude she's intellectually recognized you're not a creep but it'll probably still take her a while to process that into being totally comfortable around you, sorry. Take a break. Ask her if she wants anything fetched.

Suggestion 2023/09/24(Sun)18:16 No. 1073133 ID: 3f3d5c
File 169560460286.jpg - (157.00KB , 520x800 , d3dp8l4-86845306-99d2-4e50-be12-c6a2ae014a0f.jpg )

Hey, Wes. So, like.
I don't know how often we'll pop in like this? Technically it could just be whenever, but at the same time we're juggling a lot over here. It kindof depends on the situation.

So, just in case it's awhile before the next one, or even if it's not, I just want to say:
Thanks.
You really came through for us.
You really came through for everyone.

Now go ahead and give that girl some space, okay? She's probably feeling really puny right now.

The heart says "now kiss," but the mind says give her some space. Maybe see if you can bring her a book or something while she recovers.

>>1073098
Take the hint, let her rest. You might want to go check on the forge.

>>1073098
You're a good man wes. A real good man.

Wes 2023/09/25(Mon)14:40 No. 1073210 ID: 46e818
File 169567800926.gif - (32.21KB , 800x600 , 1711.gif )

"I'm s-s-sorry. I think I m-mmissed the hint. I'll let you r-rest."

[Animated]

Wes 2023/09/25(Mon)14:41 No. 1073211 ID: 46e818
File 169567810768.png - (11.06KB , 800x600 , 1712.png )

>"Sorry. I didn't mean it like that. Wasn't trying to tell you to fuck off. I just...
>I guess I feel like I've already asked too much of you.

>We're basically strangers and you already saved my life. Making you keep me company on top of that feels... selfish."

Come now, Ona. Weren't you making antidotes to save someone else's life? You were. Not because someone asked you to save them. Not because you were doing someone a favor, but because it was the right thing to do. It's what makes you one of the good guys.

The only thing different here is that you're on the other end of that exchange.

(You can tell her that, Wes)

>>1073212
A solid answer. This.

just leave the room you don't need this drama

>>1073212
This, indeed we do good without looking at who.

It sounds like she feels a little guilty over being saved and being cared for. Let her know that you she isn't being any sort of burden to you.

(Steamy hand-holding action.)

Do you know by any chance why the last name "Smith" is so common?

Well you see in wars, in the loser side, almost all able body men die or are executed. But the smiths, you see, they are useful. After all, swords, armor and forks still need to be forged.

So in "interesting" times, smiths tend to spend their days in front of a roaring fire with the occasional knocking announcing a new management. And the short drop and a sudden stop of all acquaintances from the previous one.

Strike. Temper. Draw.
Day in, day out.
Strike. Temper. Draw.

But sometimes a smith may find himself in the field, and he may find himself called to action. To do the right thing.

Curious, the life of a Smith.

"You're not MAKING me anything. I did what I did because it was the right thing to do."

"And because I care about you." And now some SMOKIN' hug action.

>>1073211
It is, but...
So?
Selfishness isn't an inherently bad thing, it depends on circumstance. There are times when you need to be selfish, it's how you ensure the things you need are taken care of.

I'd say surviving and recovering from a near-death experience, definitively falls within acceptable circumstances for selfishness

Sometimes, you need to be a burden, too, and there's no shame in that, either. Society, as a concept, exists for that specific purpose: to lighten the weight of hardship both collectively, and from those it weighs on most.

What's the point of having friends, or just decent people, if they won't help you move a couch every now and again?

Well if you want to keep her company then tell her that. It's not selfish if you're doing it of your own free will.

>>1073211
Come on Ona, give us a big chunky toothed smile.

Wes 2023/09/26(Tue)13:59 No. 1073303 ID: 46e818
File 169576195653.png - (12.60KB , 800x600 , 1713.png )

"I'm n-not here to p-placate your feelings, I'm just worried about you.
B-besides, I'm a bb--b-b-bl-blacksmith. I'm p-pretty ppatient."

>"I can't believe I let myself--"
"You didn't d-do this. He did. I should've s-ss-sss-seen it s-ss--sooner."
>"I guess we're both feeling guilty over something we couldn't control, huh?"

Wes 2023/09/26(Tue)14:01 No. 1073304 ID: 46e818
File 169576210156.png - (11.42KB , 800x600 , 1714.png )

"Do you want to t-talk abb-bout it?"
>"Actually, yeah? I do, but... what is there to say? I wish I could-- I can't remember anything.
>Just... running in to tell him the news, and then it's all blank.
>Maybe that's for the best."

>>1073303
If might make her feel better (and really, you, too) to know that the demon possessing Pendle had even us fooled. And, you know, it was in fact a demon and those things tend to be really good at subterfuge and deception.

Wait Wes, you're from the same court as Pendle? Did you know him at all before this?

It is pretty simple what physically happened. She ran in, got bit, and passed out. Feelings are less simple though. You could ask if she feels guilty that the other people died before her, but she didn't. It was really tearing Ona apart that she couldn't stop the mysterious murders from continuing, even before this. She was drinking again, and—well, yeah.

At least remind her that as awful as the murders were, none of them would have felt any pain. The demon only mutilated the bodies once they were 'empty' as he said. Offerings, to something.

What she needs to do now is focus on getting well so that she can talk with Muschio about what she might know about Pendle's possession. You heard the demon say that she was the only one who had any idea of this occult stuff. She might be able to figure out how to deal with the demon.

>>1073306
This is true, we can't really blame ourselves. I mean, that kind of demon's M.O., as Muschio once said, they hide and skulk in the shadows subsisting on leftovers and whatever they can get their hands on. Ambush predators and scavengers.

I'd just hold off on reassuring her that it's stopped and no one's going to get hurt until AFTER the demon is exorcized. Imagine how crummy she'd feel if she was convinced no one would be hurt anymore just for everything to go wrong after. We still don't know for sure what it's really capable of or what it's planning. For all we know it could just be biding its time, exactly where it wants to be. Maybe I'm being paranoid but STILL.

>>1073312
In chapter 23 I believe, Pendle states that he and Wes were only passing acquaintances and didn't know each other on a personal level!

>>1073321

Any information at all would be more than we had. It's pretty obvious Pendle kept to himself, even in his old court.

This is a bad time to be talking about that though. Wes will help out with what little he knows later. Right now, Ona needs to talk about... how she feels about Pendle and all he's done. And yes I mean the demon. She's never met the real Pendle. The man she knew all this time is still somehow the one who... almost did that to her.

>>1073325
That would be the case if not for the fact that "We" could see who the real Pendle was and who wasn't.

We really knew the guy, but he sometimes got the wheel taken from him.

Most of these dramatic situations require time and study and labor to partially fix, and even then it might not be permanent.

This is not the usual drama.
There is a serial killer perpetuating this madness. And they are a literal Possessor.
You have someone you can honestly blame... but that just makes the consequences even deeper and the research even harder.

...So, any commentary on the aristocratic orc society we're about to make deep alliances with?

Wes 2023/09/27(Wed)12:34 No. 1073371 ID: 46e818
File 169584324287.png - (14.12KB , 800x600 , 1715.png )

"D-do you think yyou can f-figure out an e-exorc-exorcism?"

>"Well, I hope so. I'm already making a list of reagents. I know Muschio's planning to go out to the woods soon, and the elders and shamans there should have most of what we'll need.
>But I've never done one before, so hopefully he can ask around a bit. Maybe even bring someone back temporarily, to assist.
>Still, from what I've heard, they're not super difficult, and you mentioned earlier the thing said it was 'new at this' so... yeah, I think we'll manage it."

"But?"

>"But... it's probably not going to be pretty. Not for anyone involved."

>>1073371
That’s not good, what should we expect?

Hmmm, getting some assistant witch doctors or shamans under Ona is definitely looking like our top recruitment priority.

Hope we remember that.

Are we talking spinning heads and pea soup vomit, or is Pendle going to explode?

>>1073371
What, like lots of screaming, puke, fire and brimstone?

>>1073371

The only thing certain thing when dealing with demons is the uncertainty of it. Demons are living lies, all they do and say, down to the way they look, exist to deceive.

That's why cleric and shamans, who align themselves with the divine and the greater truth, know the ways to deal with their kind.

This is not a work for the weak willed or the naive. So preparing properly is an utmost priority.

>>1073384

Do we know that about demons for a fact? Pendle's the first demon we've really encountered (I think?), and all we know is he goes around secretly killing girls and mutilating their corpses, and he apparently possesses people. If he existed only to deceive, why would he be leaving a trail of bodies leading straight to him?

Plus even gods are known to lie.

>>1073394
What we know for sure is that it all started with the demonologist Kivas Sun, who died in mysterious circumstances. And her protégé, Leonid Travask last used alias was Pendle Khaneh.

As for the why, a demon follows its twisted nature, mask as friends just to betray. And believe they make art by mutilating the flesh.

The joy of creation forever beyond their grasp as "Evil cannot create anything new, they can only corrupt and ruin what good forces have invented or made."

>>1073401
I think he's saying that we have no knowledge of how demons work in this universe, any speculation on the nature or behavior of demons has been imported from other settings or belief systems.

Wes 2023/09/27(Wed)22:23 No. 1073413 ID: 46e818
File 169587858175.png - (14.29KB , 800x600 , 1716.png )

"Actually, there was ssomething else. When M-mmMuschio deb-debriefed me, he mentioned that b-before, your dd--d-drugs bled into his awareness, th-tthrough the orb. But n-n-nn-nob-nobody ffelt anything this time."
>"Probably for the best, right? If that poison had transmitted through the orb we'd all be in a lot of trouble. I don't think you'd have been in any shape to come to my rescue."

"A-any idea why? I d-don't know enough about th-the sp---sps--spe-specifics of how this works."
>"Hm."
"Could he have tt-taken out your shard b-before the bite? O-or just after?"
>"No. He wouldn't have known where to find it. Mine's uh... in a different spot than yours.

>If I had to guess, maybe when you're unconscious, you're not connected? Unless dreams bleed together."

>>1073413

Have your dreams been bleeding with anyone else's, Wes?

I think dreams have been blending, now and then. I recall something of Finnie's.
Maybe there was no mental aspect of the poison, it was just paralysis? Or there's a difference between the half-consciousness of dream and the hard-KO of a venom, that makes sense.

>>1073413

Probably, as the orb seeps from and into Mushio's mind. The psychotropic/psychedelic drugs are the ones he's susceptible to. As they specifically target mood, emotion and perception of reality.

Faux Pendle's poison, was must likely a depressant of the nervous system with a powerful yet slow acting coagulating agent. So the psyche is not compromised.

>>1073413
And Ona, dreams bled into the boss mind (Finnie's specifically). But only when he sleeps near your sigil.

>>1073413
There's been multiple time when the orb was acting funny and most of them have been with Ona, even without drugs. Like that really weird robot-speak one that happened for seemingly no reason.
https://questden.org/kusaba/questarch/res/295374.html#298620

We also seemed to have been "ejected" from Ona once she found those magic crystals that shut down the odds... but then Pendle was able to touch them without any effect. And then the demon had a weird reaction to the shard, too.
https://questden.org/kusaba/questarch/res/295374.html#299313
>They say prolonged exposure can cause madness, or worse.
We, uh... might want to get all of that stuff into some kind of containment or outside the base.

When she's feeling better she really needs to do some experiments with all this stuff to find out what's the deal with all this. Or maybe if we ever get Pendle back he might know what's going on.

>>1073435
WAIT
We have a magician now, Erisol might know something about this. We need to tell Muschio to have Erisol take a look at that magic crystal ore stuff. Just not too close. She might start going comatose like the odds did since she's a sprite.
If it has some kind of anti-magic properties it could be used to suppress or get rid of the demon.

Wes 2023/09/28(Thu)11:48 No. 1073456 ID: 46e818
File 169592691301.png - (10.70KB , 800x600 , 1717.png )

>"Speaking of dreams, I'm feeling a little better, having talked a little. But I'm gonna try to get some rest, I think."
"Of c-course."

>"Hey, uh, so, if you wanna hang out later... I mean, everyone's got someone around here, it feels like, and you and me are kinda loners comparatively, so, yknow.
>I could use the company, I mean."

"You m-mean like, as f-fr-f-friends?"
>"Well, yeah, uh. But I mean. You never know, right? Ha ha.
>Look I'm still half poisoned and this is clumsy but maybe there's something there, I dunno.
>I mean we could find out, anyway."

Wes 2023/09/28(Thu)11:49 No. 1073457 ID: 46e818
File 169592695868.png - (10.40KB , 800x600 , 1718.png )

"Oh. Y-yeah, s-s--ss-sorry, I'm gay."

>"Oh. Oh! Yeah, that tracks. No need to apologize, ha ha."

Wes 2023/09/28(Thu)11:51 No. 1073458 ID: 46e818
File 169592711945.png - (12.44KB , 800x600 , 1719.png )

"W-ww--w-wait hold on, ha ha ha, w-what do you m-mean, 'th-that tracks'??"
>"Well I mean--"
"Ha ha hold on, no, ex--e-exe-explain yourself!"
>"Ahaha okay, well -- You're like the only guy in the vault who didn't stare at my tits when you met me!"
"Oh is that w-what gave it away!"
>"Ha ha ha ha shut up oh my god! I'm not supposed to be laughing!!!"

Can you suffocate her with the pillow and blame it on the possessed guy?

>>1073459
Stop.

>>1073458
You two are cute together as friends. Anyone around here that has caught your eye Wes?

Wes, are you actually gay, or did you just kinda blurt that out to be socially avoidant?

>>1073460
Hey, now I only asked if he could and not if he should big difference. But in all honesty, now that we are dealing with demonic possessions you should always keep a thought in mind that anybody could be your enemy and when you are alone with somebody in the room you have to do small calculations like can this person kill me or can I kill it if it comes to that. And then my mind just wandered towards getting away with murder...I should just stop typing...

Oh cool, you can talk about cute guys together.
Then again, there's not really many cute guys available. Babrakus is with Tislomer, Dompag's got an overprotective sister, and Muschio's your boss.

Alright, now we really need to stop Pendle from being possessed, we need an available bachelor.

>>1073463
After what transpired between Wes and (possessed) Pendle, our rat boy isn't going to be feeling much in the way of intimate attraction to him. Something tells me that ship will not sail.

>>1073465

Unless Wes is into some really freaky shit

>>1073463
>Muschio's your boss
You say that like it's a disqualifier

Aim for the stars Wes

Wooooo platonic friendship!!! I fucking love treating people with respect and having someone I can rely on who makes me happy and helps me shoulder my emotional burdens by choice!!!

>>1073458
Talking about cute guys sounds fun. Either of you got any crushes?

>>1073458
Big chunky toothed smile.
Finally. Even if only just a little.

Erisol N'poa 2023/09/29(Fri)13:01 No. 1073529 ID: 46e818
File 169601770786.png - (14.36KB , 800x600 , 1720.png )

"HELLO it's me Princess Erisol N'poa!! I was wondering when you'd get to me!"
>"We were talking already."
"No I'm talking to the voices! Hello voices!! This is super cool!"
>"You don't have to talk out loud to them."
"This is the only way I know how to talk!"

"So hey what's up! I saw your demon in a cocoon! That's cool! I want to sleep in the big room with everybody!"

Hi, Eri. I'm gonna call you Eri.
Tell Tislomer we said hi.
Everyone has their own rooms, mostly, but you can ask people if they'll let you sleep with them if you want.


Uh.
Maybe... specify you mean actually sleeping.
You do mean actual sleep, right?

>>1073529
Hi Erisol!
Looks like you got an orb shard, huh? Neat.
Anyways, you know anything about demons? Like how to get them out of a person's body when a demon possesses them without killing guy being possessed?
Because that bug dude the demon's in was supposed to be our scholar and tactician, but now he's got a case of the demons and that sucks.

what the fuck is wrong with this person?

>>1073529
That's cool but could back that up a second? When you say "demon in a cocoon" you mean the straight jacket and being all chained up, right? RIGHT?

>>1073531
I'm gonna be honest here I do not trust her one bit to perform exorcisms. Not because I think she'd lie or out of malice or anything, just... look at her. Is that the face of someone you can trust to remove a demon? I'd hardly trust her with a grocery list.

I'd trust her to do something cool with a grocery list!

Is there anything that would help you do magic better? Ona drew a picture that helped her, or something. You showed using magic to shield and blink, is there anything else you like to do with it? Do you like Tislomer? She's really nice! What is your hat? It looks cool.

Eri, listen to me very carefully: Do not free the demon. He's going to tell you all sorts of things, but whatever he says, he likes hurting girls. And in his eyes, you are a girl. If he is set free, he might hit you, the princess, or Tislomer until one of you dies. He stabbed Ona.
And no I don't know what is wrong with him but that's why he's in the cocoon and not dead. We need to find out.

Okay, with that out of the way, can you talk to the princess? Muschio doesn't think rationally around her.

hey eri, if you know anything that could help with an exorcism, do you reckon you could recruit ona to help? she also knows some magic but i think she could use your assistance (and a little emotional support, after what went down with her and the demon)

>>1073535
Ona can be the one to do it, but Erisol might have some info that'll make it go smoother.

Do so while you still can, the Odds are hard at work making individual rooms for officers. Maybe you can ask if anyone wants to be your roommate.
It's a good idea to learn to speak to us inside your head, as talking to yourself out loud could tip your hand to an enemy.

omgod haiiii!! :3

Would it be possible that Faux-Pendle is trying to kill Pendle through starvation?

Erisol N'poa 2023/09/30(Sat)14:29 No. 1073640 ID: 46e818
File 169610939809.png - (16.04KB , 800x600 , 1721.png )

"Yeah! This room!! I like this room, I wanna be part of the big group, it's cool! You guys need a couch or something in here! That would be even better."
>"I want a couch too!"
"See! Wow we are so on the same page."

"Anyway yeah seems like you got a lot going on. But now you've got my magic too, so like, that's gonna help."

>Do not free the demon
"Uh, duh-doy? Demons are bad news. I'm not an idiot."
>if you know anything that could help with an exorcism
"Sorry that's like, a whole different school of supernatural. I mostly just know sorcery."
>When you say "demon in a cocoon" you mean the straight jacket and being all chained up, right?
"Oh wow, cool point! Because like, he's all tied up in a way that looks like a cocoon, but also the guy he's possessing is sort of like a cocoon too, right? Because he's got something else inside? That's deep."

Erisol N'poa 2023/09/30(Sat)14:33 No. 1073641 ID: 46e818
File 169610963594.png - (11.35KB , 800x600 , 1722.png )

"Hey can I ask you a question? Why were you guys so quick to invite me on? I mean I like being here but apparently you just had a guy who turned out to be a traitor, and you instantly brought me onto your network?
Even though I was one of the Czar's citizens? Like couldn't I be a spy or something and you just got me chipped in right away?"

>>1073641
If you were with the Czar or loyal to him, you wouldn’t have saved Muschio from the assassin.

>>1073641
The very fact your bringing this up shows that our trust in you was well placed.

Incidentally, and this is something that has been bugging me, but was all of the czar's citizens sprites? Like were they ALWAYS sprites? Or did he do something to make everyone into sprites?

I don't think you're capable of telling a lie, and you saved the boss's/our life. And we could use a magic expert. You fit the bill. If we can cure you being a sprite, all the better.

>>1073641
I mean, we DID deal with that guy by breaking all his limbs then throwing him in jail. So, it's not like we can't handle traitors.
But yeah, you helped boss man escape from the czar and even threw down with his pet psycho, so we're going to go on a limb and say you're alright.

Also, it would break our hearts if you were really evil because you're really fun and cool. Don't do a spicy betrayal on us, plz :(

Oh hey, one more thing. We found some magic crystal thingamajigs and before he got demon'd our scholar said they could probably be turned into magic items. Can you make any magic items or do any enchanting with that kind of stuff?

>>1073641
Well, first. We are not very smart.
Second, you saved the boss'es bacon.
Third, you're cute and we like you.
:)

We know.
The Czar's domain is a general unknown. Any defectors are worth the risk.

Can't be too careful with anybody these days, also I do have to ask do you have autism?

>>1073641
We like the cut of your jib.
And to be honest we're pretty short on people who can trade blows with the Pretender without getting severely wounded in the process.


Oh, side question; Do you think you can teach people how use magic?

Or even just sense the capability, I am convinced Mushio has an almost entirely untapped talent for fire (an outburt made the mountain look like a volcano momentarily, pretty sure it wasn't just a visual bit because some of the stuff in the room was still burning when it was done)

I'm sorry to get off topic but did you draw Tislomer with huge boobs on the blackboard over there? If so I declare this drawing to be named Titslomer.

you did like really cool magic and were also actively being attacked by the Czar. Also if you ARE a spy we are in your brain now forever until you die. Enjoy!!!

More importantly: your hat. It's a cool hat! Is it a special sorcerer hat?

>>1073652
even after

Yeah magic lessons are in order. Time for the Boss to do a "Yoga fire".

>>1073641
Muschio just seems to have a talent and/or need for gathering up talented misfits of varied levels of disaffectedness. Maybe it's because of his own obsession with reclaiming his birthright making him a locus for such types.
Either way, you seem on the level with no reason to dismiss you.

Erisol N'poa 2023/09/30(Sat)17:29 No. 1073657 ID: 46e818
File 169612019048.png - (9.94KB , 800x600 , 1723.png )

>If you were with the Czar you wouldn’t have saved Muschio from the assassin.
"Well that's kinda simplifying it isn't it? Like, what if he had other motives than just killing you? Maybe he's playing a long game!"

"Look, anyway, I don't know what you're planning to do to deal with him, but I'll do what I can! That was some real dark magic coming off his friend."

If you're a spy, you're a very good one. Glad to have someone so talented aboard.
If he's possessed by a serial killer, maybe there's someone who's been following the trail of murders a lot longer than we have. They might know more.

>>1073657
dark magic... radiating off of Pendle? Can you describe anything else? Knowing what kind of magic is in Pendle right now would be very nice, even if exorcisms isn't your specialty.

Look, you helped us out, okay? You've got pretty strong magic, and frankly, we're still in the "acquire allies" part if the questline.
I don't want to downplay our decision, but you made a good first impression, and we'd rather make friends than enemies. So we're trusting you for now, alright? Deal with it!

Now that you mention it, though... a couch would be nice.
Heck yeah! Quest Acquired: Find a kickass couch!

>>1073657
Is this dark magic anything like the green magic we see on you?

>>1073657
>"Well that's kinda simplifying it isn't it? Like, what if he had other motives than just killing you? Maybe he's playing a long game!"
If he is he's got a really weird way of doing that since he was really keen of killing Muschio right then and there. I doubt he's that good of an actor considering the only thing he wants is that weird amulet and he's had no problem sending that masked goon to raid us for it before.

Speaking of that masked guy and his magic, can you tell us anything about the magic he's using?
It was super funky that he could just shrug off your blast like he was anti-magic, but then toss around spells like his anti-magic didn't apply to him.

Also, back to the topic of that weird amulet the Czar wants, could you take a look at it and tell us if you see anything special about it? Like anything that would make the Czar want to kill people to get it.

So you admit you can't be trusted. That's it boys, activate self destruct.

>>1073714
10...

>>1073714
9...

>>1073717
8...

7..

>>1073722
6.. hehe sex in my language