Muschio 2024/02/03(Sat)12:20 No. 1082381 ID: 46e818
File 170699161619.png - (19.89KB , 800x600 , 1992.png )

We've arrived at last at the sacred glade where the supernatural guardian of this forest dwells. I was almost expecting more trouble finding Him, but it appears He's come right out to meet us.
For a godlike creature, I was also not expecting... this kind of presence.

>"It's been a while since I've had guests! Please, feel welcome in my domain! Tislomer, can I get anything to offer you and your friends? Perhaps a drink?"

Muschio 2024/02/03(Sat)12:20 No. 1082382 ID: 46e818
File 170699164040.png - (14.69KB , 800x600 , 1993.png )

"...is anyone else fighting the sudden urge to strip completely nude?"
>"Oh good, so it's not just me, then."

Um, is this like a custom or normal for being in the presence of the seer? As long as it goes no further than casual nudity, any further than that and we might have problems.

>>1082382
Tislomer seems to be unaffected. Curious.

Actually, can you send us over to Tislomer? I think it's better we provide our suggestions to her directly, since she seems to be in the Seer's good graces.

Ok, three theories for why Tislomer seems unaffected. First theory, it's because she encountered Mr. Lollipop first when she was young, and she can still process his aura in a childlike way, rather than how an adult would. Like, there's some sort of love energy that has to earth itself somehow? You could try reminiscing on whatever childhood experiences of love and wonder you have and see if that helps channel the effect differently. Second theory, it's because Tislomer is the only one here who is in a romantic relationship, so she's more in tune with this aura and it doesn't affect her as strongly. Third theory is it's just... innocence, maybe? Not quite the right word, but like... we've seen how the kobolds have a different mindset about things compared to, say, the goblins, and we've seen how they have a different relationship with this person. They're kind of more... open? Unburdened?

Anyway yes we should probably let Tislomer take charge here if we can. Aside from that... well, following the rules of hospitality is generally a good idea with these sorts of beings. And do what you can to 'feel welcome'! I doubt he expects nudity, since he's got something on himself, so maybe you'd be all right just getting down to underwear.

Tislomer! Tell him a drink would be very nice thank you, you've all been doing a lot of walking!! Tell him it's great to see him again! How is he doing??

>>1082389
There's also the possibility that since we were just in a dark uninviting murky swamp before Tislomer introduced us that this aura/glamour/whatever is purposely aimed at people that are unknown or perceived to be potentially hostile to Mr. L here.

Either way, uh... introduce yourselves kindly and continuing resisting???

>>1082382
The weird part is the see himself isn't completely nude. The urge to strip to full nudity would make more sense this way.

Maybe stripping only to smallclothes and close undergarments would be sufficient?

>>1082389
Fourth theory, Tislomer was getting boned by a goblin a few minutes ago so isn't feeling as horny.

So, a drink? To accept seems risky, but then, to refuse even more so...

I'm not wearing any pants, but I'm buried in cloth. Does that count?

>Why is Tislomer not affected
Maybe Ms. Bojack got a restraining order from the other Divines for using aphrodisiacs on minors.

Salutations and stuff, but we just want to ask one question before you spend the rest of the day talking to Tislomer:
Why are you not godding with the tribes?

We're good, thanks.
Maybe he would be pleased to know that the nearby village is already doing that. I feel as if we shouldn't dawdle.

>>1082382
Probably best to keep little muschio safely holstered for the moment. You could pull off that look for sure, A monarch carries themselves with dignity at all times. Buuut it would be impolite To disrobe without invitation

Why has the guardian gone missing? He's right here! Why was it so dark and awful before?

Oh right, before we forget, give him the candy.
Personally from you, if possible.

>>1082382
Quick, offer the candy!
Also, state your name and intent, in royalty names carry power. We need to let him know that we have inside us blood of kings, yeah.

♪I have no rival, no man can be my equal
Take me to the future of you all♫

Offer the candy first! If you want to avoid a potentially strange drink then use His offering of a drink to segue into giving Him the candy. Ask about the nudity feeling. You should totally disrobe if it's the tradition here. At least a little. What kind of royal cannot play by another's rules while still holding oneself proudly? His loincloth might be a formality that comes off in more casual atmospheres. Casual atmospheres make for great diplomatic meetings! Probably.

Muschio 2024/02/04(Sun)14:58 No. 1082480 ID: 46e818
File 170708748059.png - (15.78KB , 800x600 , 1994.png )

>"And you brought your friends!
>Well, I know you! Finesse seng Barr! You lived in these woods for a while. I hope you've been well since you left!"

Muschio 2024/02/04(Sun)14:58 No. 1082481 ID: 46e818
File 170708751182.png - (11.38KB , 800x600 , 1995.png )

>"Hey, don't worry. Your secret's safe with me."

Say... how long to goblins live?
Because-
>Previously a hermit
>Lived near a graveyard
>Old enough to have seen Muschio's great grandfather
I think Finesse might be a necromancer

Girl, it's barely a secret.

Finesse, spill.
We need drama to satisfy this sitcom quest.

Don't worry tall fella, Finesse let that one out of the bag in the old 'near fatal poisoning' incident.

Okay, hypothesis: Seer can read thoughts or is at least aware of thoughts if they are connected to romance somehow.

Finesse: deny, disaffirm, distract.

Muschio 2024/02/04(Sun)17:27 No. 1082498 ID: 46e818
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>"Now you, I don't know! But you are very beautiful!
>What an impressive bust you have! Good for you! Would you like to take your top off and show me?"

>"Uh. No. I'm not doing that."
>"Very good! That's fine!"

Muschio 2024/02/04(Sun)17:37 No. 1082502 ID: 46e818
File 170709707348.png - (16.51KB , 800x600 , 1997.png )

"Pardon me, great Seer, but I have brought you mint candy as an offering, on behalf of the goblins of Ihnesh-Nayevh. I understand--"
>"Well! Look at this! If it isn't Big M! How have you been?"

>>1082502

Big M? Is he talking to the mints? Do the mints have an opinion about the current circumstances?

"Not great, a bunch of people have been trying to kill me recently and a demon tried possessing me the other day. But enough about my troubles, how have you been? The tribes of your forest tell worrying tales of your disappearance. We thought you might be in trouble."

Well now, are there any previous circumstances in which you've been called 'Big M'? I think you can let him know that you honestly haven't been that great recently, though you hope the worst is behind you and you're happy to have found a warm welcome here.

Well if you wish to skip the formalities, we shall. However before we discuss myself, we have to discuss yourself.

>>1082502
Big M? Could he mean Senor Muschio?

>>1082502
Told you, Big "M", Muschio is the blood of kings, it carries weight and gravitas. Also flew in a dragon the other day and that was cool.

>>1082502
Now, just cause he's familiar with you probably means he's been tokd stories.

You made a big impact on his favoured forest folk after all.
No reason to assume he's READING YOUR MIND!!!
Quickly! Dont think about imposing, huge dragon ladies looking down their strikingly beautiful, ample noses at you!

Aw, i'm just messing with you. Big M.

Maybe glance at finesse, raise a perfectly groomed eyebrow and whisper "secrets?" Questioningly.
How she reacts will tell you if its one to worry about or something amusingly embarrasing

>>1082502
Have we met?

This guy gives me the heeby jeebies, some serious bad vibes. He seems harmless enough but he makes me feel gross.

>>1082536
Hey. You know what? Yeah.
Something's not right; the initial dark bog, the tribes saying the seer abandoned them yet here he is, the weird manipulative aura and that EYE. He's giving me the same vibes as the demon we purged.
But, it's not like we could meaningfully do anything about it if he was hostile. He's a godamn reality warper with control over time.

Just don't make any deals with him in case he is some kind of demon.

Depression!

>>1082382
You know what, It really was a good decision NOT to bring Dom and Geps this time around.

I'm starting to get the feeling we're not going to like the Seer's idea of "having guests".
He'll probably resist, but cut to the chase and ask the questions we came here to ask. I'd like us to get off of his home turf as soon as possible.

>>1082502
Oh, so he's heard of you? Offer him one of the candies as a gift.
Ask him how about the situation with his seemingly-abandoned followers. If he's ever cagey, offer some candy. That doesn't work, say you'll take a piece of clothing off. It's a game of "strip for information", I suspect.

Also holy shit I can't believe DiveQuest is alive again. One of the few quests on go on hiatus then actually return! I didn't get to participate in it originally - I was too late to the Questden community.

Offer the candies again, but yeah keep your suspicion up.

>>1082541
That makes sense.
Explains behaviours and would match as a reaction to any currently known causation.

Probably too early in the meeting to approach that angle but worth being alert for other corroborating actions and traits.
Random thought.
He is a seer.
Perhaps hes seen something bad coming that hes powerless to avert.

Dont mind me big M!
Just jabbering away.

>>1082534

You did remember to groom your eyebrows this morning, didn't you?

Muschio 2024/02/05(Mon)14:37 No. 1082604 ID: 46e818
File 170717264496.png - (18.13KB , 800x600 , 1998.png )

"It has been difficult, of late. We hope these mint... I'm sorry, Big M-- are you referring to me?"

He leans down, his enormous face close to mine.

>"We've met before, haven't we?"

>>1082604
... No?

Remember, this guy has warped time in front of us once already. It's possible Muschio has met him another time, another place, and just doesn't know it. Maybe he was someone else. Hopefully not a certain demon because that would suck a lot.

I think he's talking to us, Muschio.

Though, of all our adventures, I can't recall meeting "that heroine" or her fabulous magical talking steed in person.

Perhaps He is mistaking you for your father? Try not to think about the stripping nude compulsion and why your dad might be called Big M! Or do. If He did mistake you for your father then maybe His seeing isn't perfect, that's probably important to know. Offer the candy! Don't forget the rule of three! Strip naked!

>>1082604
Think hard, Muschio. Do you remember any time in your childhood where you went exploring in this forest?

Think back - and try to recall; does this entity seem familiar?
d̶o̶ ̶n̶o̶t̶ ̶s̶t̶r̶i̶p̶ ̶n̶a̶k̶e̶d̶
If not recently, then further back?
d̶o̶ ̶n̶t̶ ̶s̶t̶r̶i̶p̶ ̶n̶a̶k̶e̶d̶
Is it possible there's a latent memory or something of the sort where you experienced this entity's presence?
d̶o̶ s̶t̶r̶i̶p̶ ̶n̶a̶k̶e̶d̶

>>1082604
Occams razor says he knows your father.
Well thought of by the forest peoples
Prominant figure regionally
As mentioned by kobolds, has visited the area before.
Mortal species faces must start to blend over the years to such long lived creatures as the seer, especially those with familial resemblance

Politely inquire if perhaps he had met your father.
Do NOT think about the seers propensity for inspiring impromptu nudism and how your father could have earned the nickname "big M".

>>1082604
Oh god, was the orb of psyche his other giant googly eye before someone ripped it out?

He might be thinking of your father? Dad united the villages once, they probably met. That sounds plausible? ... Maybe?

>>1082607
If he's talking to us, then I sure don't remember it. And I'm pretty sure I'd remember someone this fabulous.
Like, girl, who does your hair, because the Boss needs that kind of volume.

>>1082628
Oh God, it makes too much sense, doesn't it. That's why we saw through whatever that time/reality warp was.

touch eye

pet eye

>>1082654

Resist, but say his eye is very mesmerizing.

>>1082604
Ask if he wants to see your dick

>>1082628
That thought inspires other questions such as was it given freely or taken. If the latter, by whom?
The answers could be worrying.

Still, until we see under that beautifully voluminous hair we wont know if hes missing anything.

Big M!
Deliver his minty offering.
Could buy you a moment to observe him and the glade closely.
Oh, and resist the temptation give that big ol' eye a good poke, no matter how proddable it looks.
If you cant hold back though, i totally understand.

>>1082604
Perhaps.
Our path has been an eventful one. "Interesting times" as it's said.

Muschio 2024/02/06(Tue)14:05 No. 1082677 ID: 46e818
File 170725712447.png - (13.85KB , 800x600 , 1999.png )

"No, I don't think so. Are you perhaps thinking of my father?
Where was it you think it we met?"

Okay, you know what? I'm getting real ‘does not understand what boundaries are’ vibes from this guy. He's clearly expecting something to happen and it's clearly not happening.
Just shove a mint candy in his face. Put it in his nostril if you have to.

Then politely but firmly tell him, "Hello, we're here to talk to you about the neighboring villages."

... Er Tislomer is this normal?

Give candy.

Ask Tislomer if he's always been like this.

>>1082679
This. Let’s not be here any longer than we need to.

...What happens if we say yes?

...Oooooor perhaps Muschio was simply too young to know what was going on at all? Was he a baby or a toddler at that stage?

This dubious little creature is no good. Let us purge this adventure from our memory the second he is out of our hair.

I think he's talking to us

>>1082678
Hello Seer, we don't recall meeting you.

We would be happy to be reminded.

We've been aiding this Volto, Muschio in his efforts to help the more oppressed species, such as those that live in and around this forest.

Please help and be kind to him and his. We value them.

>>1082688

...Plausible. A god that includes 'horniness' among their domain WOULD be aware of us, we do have well-known patterns to our behavior!

Ahem! No, we don't remember meeting you. There's a lot of different individuals in this group. Perhaps we are but one group of many that's been subtly suggesting things to people? This particular set of mortals doesn't know about us existing, please don't mess with our gig?

Muschio 2024/02/06(Tue)17:00 No. 1082692 ID: 46e818
File 170726763056.png - (12.38KB , 800x600 , 2001.png )

>"Well! You've all traveled far to see me, and I'm sure you have very important things to discuss.
>But I would be remiss as a host not to serve appropriate entertainment and fanfare for your arrival!"

Muschio 2024/02/06(Tue)17:01 No. 1082693 ID: 46e818
File 170726770938.png - (17.28KB , 800x600 , 2002.png )

The Seer sharply claps his hooved hands twice, and immediately the sound of drums, clapping, and low strumming come from the underbrush.

Muschio 2024/02/06(Tue)17:03 No. 1082694 ID: 46e818
File 170726781449.png - (21.16KB , 800x600 , 2003.png )

Several robed figures in cute masks march energetically from the treeline, playing instruments, beating drums, and singing a simple, catchy, deeply rhythmic chant of la la las.

Wow, he deflected hard there... Okay let's just try to finish this up as fast as we can.

Do not eat anything he offers you, I'm getting really big vibes that say that this is all an illusion and we're seeing the happy versions of some very unhappy things. Please for the love of god if you bite into an apple and it's a human heart I will hold it over your head.

Take refreshment. Only an enemy would refuse refreshment offered in good faith to an acknowledged guest. I don't know why this god has our hackles up so much but it seems like angering them by NOT playing along a little bit is a terrible idea. I have a sneaking suspicion it doesn't want the candies though.

Despite the fears others have,
We are a guest and we should not shame our host.
Staying in their graces is paramount when dealing with someone of their magnanimity.
Enjoy what we can and revel, respectfully.

lean over to tislomer and ask if he's always like this but quietly, STRESS THAT TO HER

Mr. Lollipop, we have OP superpowers. You need to tell us what is wrong, or we're going to waste our window of opportunity for a major win.

You are a god. You don't get to be as cowardly as us.

>>1082688
I think you might be right.
Brrr.
Creepy.

Also, yes, the other voices are correct.
Refusal of hospitality just isn't the done thing and you, Big M, are nothing if not a creature of social grace.
There's a little less clothing on the host than usual, but it's garden party first and foremost.

I am neither for nor against refreshment.
There's nothing physically here, though. He just asked earlier if we wanted something. I mean, I'm sure he could conjure something, if we asked. Does the Boss have a preference?
Can he conjure mint soup?

Just as long as there's no... eugh... dancing.
Do not start dancing.
I absolutely refuse to dance during this very serious meeting with a giant magic pink pony who is also a god.

>>1082710

It'd totally end up in a huge song and dance number where everyone inexplicably knows the words and the moves!

>>1082710
Guessing you've never heard "When in Rome do as the Romans do"? We may be serious but the host is... well... unserious.

If the Seer doesn't want to bring up certain painful memories involving the right side of his face, it's certainly not something we need to press him about. You need to tell him that the goblins are afraid they did something to offend him and trying to earn his forgiveness, and that all the people of the forest are being pressured by outside incursions and struggling to survive. If something's wrong, we need to know it, if we are going to be of any help at all.

Also ask him if he ever heard of a flayed demon known as The Spider.

>>1082692
Boss, It may be a gamble, but if offered refreshments, state that you've been feeling under the weather and ask for something to "restore your constitution". After all, you have been having a rough time with little rest and if we can get a new hand out of this the better.

>>1082694
"The denizens of your forest, goblins and kobolds, fear you may have abandoned them. Is there a reason for this supposed withdrawal?"

>>1082678
His eye feels like it's the only thing that's... real, so to speak. Ask to see the other one?

>>1082694
How is that wind instrument being played? Is there a hole in that mask?

Hold on a minute. He saw us when we came in, but only became friendly when he heard Tislomer. He's blind isn't he? He thinks Muschio is his father, because he SOUNDS like his father.

Love is blind, and seers are often blind as well...

Well, he could see that Ashedel had big boobs so maybe he can see, just not very well. His eyesight failing might be why he stopped answering his worshippers. Depression!

Further evidence: he touched Finesse's face to identify her.

>>1082732
>>1082734
That's... pretty compelling. And those masks look like they might blind the wearers too. Huh.

Well, no sense bringing up anything that might put a damper on the mood for the moment, follow along and embrace the good cheer, no notthatmuchkeepyourclotheson!

>>1082735
Well, we might want to tell Ashedel, in case she gets suspicious. She's our security, after all. She might also be able to rescue him in case there's a threat he doesn't recognize due to being nearly-blind.

>>1082732
>>1082733
I don't know about her bust but Ashedel did speak before he turned to her.

For a creature with so little clothing on, theres a lot about him hidden.

even if there are unknowns now, Big M's goal is clear.
Resolve the troubles of these forest peoples so they can focus on more significant endevours. Namely his.

The kobolds worry about the mr lollipop in his absence.
The goblins fear they have offended him in some way.
His people miss him.
Convey this.

If he does continue to evade, then its likely he knows anyway and will need to be pressed upon as to the reason for his retreat. Gently so as i suspect the other voices are correct in their speculation regarding his mental state.

Also, if you really do have to poke that eyeball, its understandable. Try to be gentle.

Muschio 2024/02/07(Wed)16:16 No. 1082769 ID: 46e818
File 170735140642.png - (19.94KB , 800x600 , 2004.png )

>"Now! Excuse me, down to what you came here for.
>May I have those mints, please? Before I get distracted again."

I place the bag in his open palm, and he digs a few out to eat.

Muschio 2024/02/07(Wed)16:18 No. 1082770 ID: 46e818
File 170735152744.png - (21.14KB , 800x600 , 2005.png )

The Seer returns to the center of the clearing, clapping again, and a large, bushy hedge of verdant growth springs up, resembling for all the world an enticingly-cushioned bed, upon which he makes himself comfortable.

Suggestion 2024/02/07(Wed)16:19 No. 1082772 ID: 46e818
File 170735159797.png - (35.60KB , 800x600 , 2006.png )

a greasy beast
heaving in a field of sticky black mud

Muschio 2024/02/07(Wed)16:20 No. 1082773 ID: 46e818
File 170735164213.png - (23.36KB , 800x600 , 2007.png )

>"Now then, we have refreshments, we have music. So, at last, to matters at hand! Please, I'm all ears. You have my undivided attention."

aw man we hallucinating
ASK TISLOMER FOR INFO

MISTER. FUCKING. LOLLIPOP.
ENOUGH.
You are hurting, and we are here to help. You do not get a say in this. You became the god of the nations living within the weald, and they are suffering from your dereliction of duty.
Man up, you fucking celebrity, and TELL. ME. WHERE. IT. HURTS.

(oh, and yell at the left side of the rock)

>>1082776
It looks like there might be swords sticking out of him so it could be less dereliction and more "dying slowly and agonizingly a bit too much to attend to duties." Who hurt you Mister Lollipop? Was it the elves, is that why the "impetuous brother" said it's not protected anymore? I bet it was the elves. They already lied and hunted wastefully, and they've hunted in the woods here before. Come on Mister Lollipop, we're here to help! Especially if it's against some racist elves who ruin everything.

well that's not good, especially since this confirms that this was not our observer from earlier.
That single orb is vast and predominantly pupil, a distant cry from the bright pair of dots that greeted us in the dark.

Keep your wits about you, and inform Ashedel to be on guard as you ask what is going on.

>>1082773
Ok. So.
We need to play this cool and be careful what we tell him. This "thing" is very powerful and apparently in distress. Calling attention to that haphazardly could make him hysterically upset and trap us in that dark bog we keep seeing or do all sorts of other unwanted things to us.
We do not need a repeat of that demon fight.

Have Tislomer tell him the tribes of the forest are worried about him since they haven't seen him much lately and ask if there's anything we can do to help.

As an aside, if things start to go south and he starts freaking out with more of this dark bog stuff happening have Tislomer start singing her bathtime song about him.

>>1082773
Tislomer must be given the mint candy she was promised before we can proceed.

>>1082782
Sound solid, lets go with this

I knew this was all fake, though it seems like his trickery is less dangerous and more trying pathetically to keep up appearances. He's hurt bad, and I don't know that we're equipped to aid a god, much less one in denial that they need help.

"Are you okay?"

Hey. Not to put too fine a point here or anything, but I'm getting the vibe that something's really off. Maybe it's him? Maybe it's us. Regardless, Boss? I really need you to stand firm and pay attention here. Walk forward, y'know? Just... Just keep trying to do the thing we're trying to do, okay? Muschio, okay? Can you do that?

My other voices are correct. Boss. Please, please, please, pay attention, okay?

>>1082783
Agreed.

But also it gives an excuse to check she is seeing the flashes of the dark glade too and if so, gauge her reaction to it. Is it something she's seen before?

I dont exactly think were seeing an illusion though.

Its possible both glades could be real.
Mr lollipop and the glade could well be entwined.
Emotional or physical state reflected upon one by the other.
We know he can shape the glade
We know that its not entirely controlled at the moment by the jarring changes.

This means the caution advised by other, wiser voices in how Big M broaches any subject could be very well founded.

I shall put aside my eyeball jokery pokery for now as, in honesty, im a little worried for mister lollipop and by extension tislomer.

>>1082772
"Mushio"
"Suggestion"
"Mushio"

It seems we got a glimpse at the real state of things.

>>1082783
Agree, we must!

>>1082382
Finnie, you're in the court of a "god" of love. You better take advantage of this opportunity, so help me.

>>1082773
This guy's suffering from something. I don't know what to call it, but something is clearly wrong here.

"Mr. Lollipop, your followers - the kobolds and goblins of the forest - fear you have abandoned them. Is there a reason for your apparent withdrawal?"

Check with your allies - except for the kobold - whether they're seeing the dark flashes as well or just the twink.

Eyeball is always covered... singers/musicians in >>1082694 have eyes on robes... >>1082692 Shows a hint of the eye... Feels like his second eye may be crucial.

Are... those ribbons and streamers? Or is that ...barbed wire?

Things are unwell, but confirmation and consent is paramount before taking rash action.
Especially when we are the guest, and our host is... in such dire straits.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh i fukken knew it it was all wrong and horrible and too thin and teeth and rot decay ABOMINATION.

I'm ok. Ok. Ok. Play it cool, the important question here is WHAT could do that to a local deity.

We have to make this right. Forget the world, forget the whole world, something must be done here. What do we do though? You're not a healer. You're not a healer of gods! You're a warrior and a king. Find out what you can from him, then promise you'll bring help. Then make good on that promise. That's all I can think.

Hey, Boss? You know how every time we ask about the orb, you tell us it's a long story for another time?

Out of curiosity... Does that long story happen to involve an eyeball harvested from a wounded swamp god? Y'know, just sounds like the kind of cursed material a swamp hag might use. Food for thought. Not literally. Ew.

…. Ask if he’s ok.

Wow, poor guy. Ok, he's hurting, people don't 'heave' when they're feeling god, and we already suspected he'd been attacked or hurt some other way. But he doesn't want Tislomer to know. Oof, it would hurt her so much. He's being nice. Probably as much as he can, he might not be entirely together mentally. I think he let slip as a result of relaxing too much, a moment of particular weakness as he let himself lie down again, but there is a chance he deliberately let us see that as a quiet little message about his condition. You'd better play along as much as you can with this whole pretense he's got going here, while you ask how he's been and what you can do for him.

>Spider demon lost his left eye in our dream battle https://questden.org/kusaba/questarch/res/1072212.html#1075461
>Says he will claw his way back one day
>Local deity disappears
>Seems to be in great pain in at least one version of reality
>Its dream version never shows its right eye
>The deity says we've met before, even though we have no recollection of the event
>"The Seer Returns"

If we are dealing with the amalgamation of a god and a demon, we're in trouble.
If this is an intentional red herring, I applaud the execution.

>>1082844
The demon's wounded eye is the one the Seer is using. I'd say that's a point *against* him being possessed, if that was even possible.
But yes, I'd say Weaver expected at least some of the suggesters to suspect the demon. If you look at the title image for this chapter, the seer is posed such that he forms half of the demon's sigil.

Oh, another thing I just went back and checked- the eyes in the dark we saw? Two eyes, not one.

Be very careful about the ground you step on. I don't trust this sticky mud one bit.

... >>1082847

... Oh. Oh my word. What if it's a separate demon that got Lollipop? Just because we got one means little. How many more might be out there?

Is it possible to poison a god?
Try one of the candies. Maybe they've been drip-feeding him bad stuff.
Actually, how do we know this is even Uuragg?
The kobold said he had been missing for a while and this would be the first place they'd check.

Muschio 2024/02/08(Thu)13:02 No. 1082868 ID: 46e818
File 170742616773.png - (12.85KB , 800x600 , 2008.png )

"Oh that's right, Tislomer, we were going to save a candy for you too--"

>"Oh that's okay I'm already eated it"

Muschio 2024/02/08(Thu)13:05 No. 1082870 ID: 46e818
File 170742633477.png - (18.02KB , 800x600 , 2009.png )

"Well, then.
Please forgive me for being so forward, and I do not intend any offense or accusation, but I am here on behalf of your faithful followers. It seems they are in quite some distress at your... perceived absence."

>"Ah, yes! I see many things that happen in this forest. Not everything, but many things.
>And I have seen the plight of my blessed people.
>What a faithful bunch! They really are putting their hearts into it, and then some. I'm so lucky to have them supporting me!"

Muschio 2024/02/08(Thu)13:08 No. 1082871 ID: 46e818
File 170742652454.png - (14.49KB , 800x600 , 2010.png )

>"The truth is... I am not feeling quite myself lately. My power is not what it once was.
>I want to be their trusty guardian, as I love them all, as much as they love me -- more, even!
>I haven't abandoned them, forgotten them, or anything!
>I just... don't have the power to protect them as they should.
>...But you mustn't tell them that! It will be our secret, as new friends, agreed? I'm sure my strength will return soon!"

I mean, if we told them, it'd probably be a cause for concern. They might get desperate or start to lose faith. Probably better that we don't.

That said, there's kindof a situation right now, what with the humans encroaching? We can't just wait for him to get better. There's gotta be something we can do to speed his recovery, right?

>>1082871
Ask him if there's anything you can do to help him.
We're sitting on a literal mountain of magic foci back at the base. Maybe that could help him.
Maybe that amulet we have could do something, or at least the seer might know something about it.

Ask why his powers are waning.
Is it outside action or just age?
Can we help?

Muschio can be very tactful and discreet. He understands how dangerous and humiliating it can be to have your strength taken from you. He does have strength though, if nothing else the strength of his arms and his own two feet. Is there anything he or his forces can do to help? Or at the very least is there anything that must not be done, that would make the problem worse? And has the Seer heard of a flayed demon known as The Spider?

Hey guys? When we fought the demon, we gouged out it's right eye...

... May we check his right eye...?

>>1082871

Is there something we could do to help restore the Seer to their former glory? Surely there must be some way to infuse them with a measure of divine (or eldritch) power.

Why, we've a stockpile of mana back at base and even the odd artifact or two.

who's that hooded guy and where'd he come from?

>>1082871
If you love someone, then you should be able to love them when they are weak. Do not lock yourself away and wallow in the mud.

>>1082882
That's the summoned entertainment. Maybe you missed an update.

I'm starting to get big "beyond saving" vibes. Obviously we should get more info before we write him off but we either may need to find him a successor or figure out a way to break the bad news without crushing everyone's hopes and dreams.

Of course but what is concerning is your power waning while you should have added power from ... shows of devotion ... so we should investigate. We have to tell them that we at least did help without lying.

Of course it will! These things go in cycles. But is there anything we can do to make it easier? Or that others can do? If we had something to show your people as proof we had spoken to you, we could help them rest easy and carry a message for you to guide them. Perhaps we could guide them in alleviating some of your worries and work so that you can rest better.

And, perhaps, is there anything that would help you personally? Some special food or drink or something that would help you relax and recuperate? Some entertainment or trinket to soothe your mind? There are all sorts of wondrous magics and medicines and special things in this world. We have come across a few items ourselves, and recently discovered our own home well supplied with a certain magical resource.

>>1082871
To cut to the chase, unless there is an outside influence for us to stop, this might be beyond our ability to help with. Unless you have something specific you'd like us to do to give you a bit of a boost.

>>1082868
That's our tislomer. Eye on the prize, focused on the goal.

why are u hiding your pain?

>>1082871
Can't wait for him to get better - there are issues that require quick addressing. Does he know of any reasons his power might be waning?

May we enquire as to the cause of this waning?
If it is an awkward topic let me assure younof our discretion. Perhaps in our own wanderings beyond these woods we may have stumbled upon something that could offer some aid.

Say something like that big M. But in your own charming way.
Causation is important we need to know.

Good. Admission of weakness. We're making progress!

You don't want to let your followers down. But sometimes, the worst thing you can do is not show up. They're getting concerned. Desperate. They're breeding like rabbits in your name. The longer you stay away from them, the more crap they're going to make up.

There's no realistic way of presenting yourself as an omnipotent and omniscient master without the strength to back it up... and based on our research, the unrealistic ways always end in tears.

They need to learn that their god is fallible... and that he genuinely cares for them because of that.

>>1082880
Wrong, it was the demon's left eye.

>>1082913
I put up the image of the eye being gouged out in the discussion thread unless I’m missing something it looks like the right side eye.

Maybe there's two mystically linked entities? Hate/Love?

Muschio 2024/02/09(Fri)13:40 No. 1082949 ID: 46e818
File 170751484202.png - (16.37KB , 800x600 , 2011.png )

"Is there any particular symptom? Are you... somehow injured? Have you suffered some ailment?"

>"Oh, no! I'm the very picture of health and virility, thank you for asking!
>It's only my influence, my totemic power, which has waned. The reasons are rather involved, so I'll make it simple."

Muschio 2024/02/09(Fri)13:42 No. 1082950 ID: 46e818
File 170751495594.png - (14.11KB , 800x600 , 2012.png )

>"My current decline began with the death of a powerful acolyte named Red Fang.
>You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

>>1082950
MMMM- Shit.

Okay, the question is now, do we be honest with him or lie? If we tell the truth we might get a peek behind the veil of whatever is happening here but I don't think we should try to seek that if possible.

However I do have one work around solution, us or one of our followers must become the new acolyte for him.

There's a nonzero chance he already knows. He knows Finesse's secret, he almost definitely knows yours. Come clean, because lying is only going to make it worse.

"...You have bad taste in acolytes. The tribes posted a bounty on Red Fang for terrorizing them, and I delivered."

Feels sus. He should have known red fang was hated. Why would a beloved seer put a hated figure as a high-level acolyte? Seriously why not use local shamans? Ones familiar with the seer and pillars of their communities?

>>1082950
...I'm not buying it.
RED FANG, Ravenous Gnollboss of exactly 2 permanent minions, with a den adorned by blood & probably-people-skins, and wanted dead by all his immediate neighbours. That Red Fang is a powerful Acolyte of a love god?

Nah, either he or we are getting messed with on that one.
Not that we really trust everything we were hearing right now, but up till that point I figured his words were at least probably his own and the sentiments somewhat trustworthy, but this casts even that into doubt.

>>1082950
I vote we don't bullshit him.

>>1082950
Erh, what? Red Fang was an acolyte of LOVE?!

Anyway just tell him the truth. I'm guessing that mystery charm is needed to become an acolyte and generate power for The Red One, and the acolyte receives blessings in return. Which would be why it's being sought after.

Why are you obscuring the fact that you know that I killed him? What's your angle here? It was a duel to the death and he lost.

Don't even try to plead or weasel.
Make no move or signal to your crew.
He knows.
And as if it wasn't bad enough to have a potentially quite angry god close enough for him to pulp you with a swing of his arm, his thralls are among you now. None of you are making it out if he doesn't want you to and death might not be the worst thing he can do.
Ask what you can do to undo the damage you've done.

My vote is also for honesty. Explain what we did and why, apologize for the indiscretion, and ask if there’s a way to make it up to him.

Come clean about, but question his taste in acolytes. For a devout follower, Red Fang wasn't very loving. Unless it's lust, he seemed to be lusting for power. Real hard. Offer to find a new acolyte! What does an acolyte need to do, exactly?

>>1082950
If Red Fang was his idea of a good acolyte, then BOY FUCKIN'HOWDY, things are more fucked than we thought.

>>1082950
?????????????
Yeah, >>1082953 >>1082955 >>1082959 all have it right. Red fang was a raider harassing the tribes of the forest. They celebrated his death and slaying him gained us favor with them all.
Either this is a test or Red Fang went rogue... or he's talking about a different Red Fang.
Ask for confirmation on who this Red Fang was; race, location, etc.
If it's the same one we killed then inform Mr. L of Red Fang's trespasses against the peoples of the forest and that you slew him.
Maybe we can offer ourselves or one of our followers to be his new acolyte.

If Red Fang's death was the beginning of this, then we are responsible, and it is up to us to rectify this.
Truth is the only thing that can help mend this.

It was not an error that he was killed, but it was not without reason, when the death was called for by his other followers it seems.

So it falls on us to either become or find a successor for the acolyte of Mr. Lollipop.
To strengthen the people we've united.

>>1082950
Wow, that is a wicked sense of humor.

>>1082969
Agreed completely.
Confirm identity, then provide qualified reason for vanquishing him.
Do not dissemble in any way Big M.
It could be a test, and if it is not, he needs to confront the truth of redfangs behaviour.


Something to consider while we wait for that to be answered.
Red fang was a terror.
His absence makes the woods a safer place for the forest peoples.
A safer forest is one that prays less to a guardian over time.
We know he loves his people by his own words but...
Love is a rather vague domain.
It can benign or malignant depending on how it is expressed.
If his love for them is due to the worship without regard to what inspires it
It would be like loving his people the same way a farmer loves his chickens...

Not like that big M,
You have a filthy mind.

Muschio 2024/02/09(Fri)17:08 No. 1082975 ID: 46e818
File 170752730392.png - (14.72KB , 800x600 , 2013.png )

"He--"

>"Why yes, I am just having a little joke.
>Don't worry. I know it was you who ended Red Fang.
>He was a very mean man. I don't blame you for what you did.
>Unfortunately, he was also very devout, and very superstitious."

Muschio 2024/02/09(Fri)17:11 No. 1082977 ID: 46e818
File 170752751105.png - (16.34KB , 800x600 , 2014.png )

>"You see, this is the way the totem turns. Faith, worship. I am a being of belief.
>And I don't know why, but Red Fang was the strongest believer I ever had. I didn't care for him. He was never ordained.
>No, that gnoll was mean and nasty to the children of these woods, and as selfish can be! But he was so fearful, so eager. His belief was powerful."

>>1082975
Oh, you! I, for one, am coming to like this Red One fellow.

Boys, he is DEFINITELY on to us. Remain calm. REMAIN CALM

Doesn't add up. Lots of shows of devotion now. Still his totemic power wanes? WTF is going on here?

So what’s being lost in translation here?

The problem is that his devotees in the goblin camp are acting out of desperation, doing things out of character for them. They do not truly believe in debauchery or free love. Action without belief is pandering, and pandering does not give strength to a god.

The question now is, what did Red Fang love so much? It was not the kobolds or goblins, so... who was it? Was he in love with the assassin that came to claim the charm? Or the ruler who paid the assassin? Or someone else? Did he just love FOOD? It is a good question to ask The Red One.

I wonder if Geppa's love for Dompag would make her a good acolyte? Also a good question to ask-- who could be a new acolyte?

Wait, fearful? What was Red Fang afraid of?

Our communications are being intercepted.

>>1082981
He could have loved the fear and power over others.

>>1082978
I think youre right.

Whether through some kind of surface telepathy or other deific means...
He can probably -hear- us.

>>1082977
Boss
Podemos comunicarnos de otras formas, si eso ayuda a nuestra privacidad.

In matters of faith, there's an Axiom:
"by their fruits you shall know them."

How does Mr. Lollipop has impacted the overall structure and formation of the communities of the forest? The rubric of the ethos, as one would say.

Once we can pinpoint these fundamentals, we can star working into reigniting the faith of the flock and proselytizing beyond the woodlands.

>>1082977
"Is the massive 3-day orgy in your name not a sign of belief from the goblins?"

Ah - as a guest of a metaphysical being,
it makes sense that they would be able to communicate with another incorporeal more directly...
So our discussion is less filtered through M with this deity.
Just like with the other... outsider we encountered.

And so finding another believer, or rather... inspiring another would be ideal perhaps. To help, as an emissary of good will?

>>1082990
>>1082991
I know how we can settle this- the harder you try to suppress laughing at a joke, the funnier that joke is, right? So if we think of one, he has to resist laughing, since only he and big M can hear us!
Quick, someone think of something funny, like, uh...
It sounds like the Seer needs our help. Maybe Muschio could... lend him a hand? (Boss, unscrew your prosthetic hand it'll be funny trust me)

Why did the half blind man fall into a well?
He couldn’t see that well.



A woman is sitting at her recently deceased husband’s funeral. A man leans in to her and asks, “Do you mind if I say a word?”.

“No, go right ahead”, the woman replies.

The man stands, clears his throat, says “Plethora”, and sits back down.

“Thanks”, the woman says, “that means a lot”.



How do you think the unthinkable?

With an itheberg.

So what if he can read us? He seems an unskilled liar if he is lying. Of course if he is impersonating Lollipop his wisest move is to abandon his previous power domains. Only effective way to supplant Lollipop is to be Lollipop. Otherwise his ruse is far too easy to see through. Sure would be an easy solution where everybody wins.

>>1082979
Red Fang was the one that originally had that amulet.

SHOW THE HORSEY THE AMULET
or at least the replica of it and ask him about it and if the real thing could be what's empowering him.

>>1083001
The replica was left at the kobold village with the ceremony master.

Does... does the Seer grow more powerful from fear?

>>1083003
Etch it into the floor with a stick.
Embellish on details as needed.

Maybe try visualising it mentally.
See if he latches on to that.

O, for many years, we have observed, we have given thought. But for the first time, someone is observing us.

Mr. Lollipop, we must see your right eye. Unless, is it closer to us than we think?

I think he can just read minds in general.

>>1083003
If we remember/recall it.
It would be very likely for Mr. Lollipop see it too.

Can we post images of it?

If the power of belief is what you need to restore your power, would getting new followers help? Could we perhaps proselytize for you in a new land where you don't have any acolytes?

>>1082975
yeah, we see each other

>>1082977
I don't buy it Boss, these words seem meant to confound us directly. On the surface the notion makes sense, but it doesn't really add up does it?

If Red Fang's belief was truly so powerful because of fear and superstition, then the desperate powder keg of carnal fervor that was the goblin village should far outweigh it. Unless their devotions are directed to the wrong entity of course.

After all, I think the actual Mr Lollipop's most powerful believer would likely be Tislomer, and I trust her character to not have faith in something actually kinda terrible.

Not sure this will hide my words from the creature's sight but worth a try.

So, with the current information we have I think we are not currently talking with Scfarr-Uuragg, that may well be the Seer's body before us, but this dialogue and illusion are from something else

The eyes in the dark from before, either a servant of, or the actual manifestation of, the one that uses our little mystery bone talisman as it's sigil.
I'm willing to bet Red Fang WAS in fact a believer of that spirit, sent to oppress this region in it's name and weaken the defences of the local deity to some end. Perhaps so that the entity could claim a divine but mortal body or gain a new cult and base of operations, who knows, however us killing Red Fang disrupted that plan, so the entity had to act immediately and made a play for taking control of Mr Lollipop, which seems like it might not have worked outright but has caused the regular blessings, boons and protections to cease as he tries to fend off the invader

Our base is a focusing point due to the mass of magic crystals in it.
(Our new mage was speculating on how powerful an effect the base could be.)

Could the crystal be empowering the worship of Lolipop? Since the devotee was thinking devout idea which in a focusing cave?

If we do that, or host a session there, might it empower Lollipop once more?

>>1083024
Oh.
Thats a good point.
Maybe the location amplified it somehow.
Worth clarifying something though.
Do we know if the arcane has a direct effect on creatures of belief?
Faith and the need for it may be a seperate form of power even if it fuels magical effects.

>>1083001
Seconded

>>1083003
Damnit, well then tell him about the amulet and ask if he has any physical totems of power such as that.

>>1083024
Oh, that's probably it isn't it. That would explain why Red Fang was so powerful an acolyte despite his behavior.

I mean, believer doesn't mean follower, right?
Someone can strongly believe in Death and fear it with all their might.

RedFang might've believed and FEARED the spirit, but their strong fear and belief, the measures to protect themselves, the care not to cross path, AND being ina powerful magic-focused location, could easily feed a totemic god, couldn't it? That wouldn't mean RedFang was -good- or supported this god, just that it FEED it, in a way?

>>1083016
Zeal and faith aren't the same. Neither is knowledge and belief.
Uuragg pointed to his superstition and fear and eagerness.
To Red Fang Uuragg was an all encompassing force present in every moment and detail of life.
In his supersitions he shaped his habits in accordance to what he knew would please or displease God.
His fear was that failure to adhere to his superstitions would anger God.
And his eagerness would have been to observe His will and shape his life around it.
Come belief come faith come belief.
Very circular. But that's sort of what sets the devout apart from everyone else.

Muschio 2024/02/10(Sat)14:15 No. 1083059 ID: 46e818
File 170760335055.png - (16.56KB , 800x600 , 2015.png )

"If Red Fang was so--"

>"I see you're still confused. Let me put it... another way."

Muschio 2024/02/10(Sat)14:17 No. 1083060 ID: 46e818
File 170760346049.png - (12.65KB , 800x600 , 2016.png )

>"Once upon a time, when the woods were colorless and dangerous, the people were scared and alone.
>They felt things in the forest with roots deeper than the trees."

Muschio 2024/02/10(Sat)14:20 No. 1083061 ID: 46e818
File 170760360434.png - (12.56KB , 800x600 , 2017.png )

>"They prayed and they pleaded for protection. And they were heard.
>A rain of black petals sustained the oldest, knotted roots."

Muschio 2024/02/10(Sat)14:23 No. 1083063 ID: 46e818
File 170760379147.png - (10.56KB , 800x600 , 2018.png )

>"But one day a man came to the woods, and he brought quiet and protection. The gasping winds grew quieter, and with less to fear, the people forgot the old ways.
>Their worship dwindled, and my powers waned. I was... smaller.

>But for this, I did not cry.
>My people were safe and happy, and I was content to be a small deity, to bring comfort and happiness to a weathered people."

Muschio 2024/02/10(Sat)14:25 No. 1083064 ID: 46e818
File 170760394865.png - (12.79KB , 800x600 , 2019.png )

>"One day, the man and his legacy returned to the mud, as all men do. And my people were alone again.
>In the space left behind, a cruel soul began to terrorize the woods. And once more they prayed to the tarry soil."

So what I'm getting at is when the nature of the prayer affects the deity. Is this correct?

Muschio 2024/02/10(Sat)14:32 No. 1083066 ID: 46e818
File 170760435934.png - (14.59KB , 800x600 , 2020.png )

>"But none prayed as hard as the cruel man.
>He was a terrible soul, bitter and without morals. He did not follow My teachings.

>And yet he and his followers gave power to me and others, with which even the shamans of the woods could not compete. His worship was potent, though from an unloving heart.

>Despite his offerings, he felt our anger with him. He foresaw one of Us would set in motion the wheels of his death.
>And though We saw him returned to the soil, we are weaker without his devotion."

Muschio 2024/02/10(Sat)14:38 No. 1083068 ID: 46e818
File 170760471747.png - (16.44KB , 800x600 , 2021.png )

>"This is the way of the totem. We are sustained by belief.
>My power waned when the King ruled. It changed me. So the totem turns.

>With Red Fang's terror and worship, I breathed the incense with renewed devotion, but with his death I am weakened again. So the totem turns.

>The people have returned to their offerings, and in great number. But it will take time, and for now, I am weak, and I cannot protect them as I once did.
>And if they feel I cannot protect them, I fear they will lose faith in me, and that worship will die.
>And one day I may die with it.

>They need me now, not when I have had more time to gather strength. And I am failing them."

So this is a being created by fear and desperation that only gains power when people suffer. No wonder it's true form looks like a rotting beast wallowing in a black bog. Make no mention of it's real form, I'd imagine that would piss it off.

Ask if it's only prayer and belief that sustain him or if other sources of power could give him strength. Maybe that amulet could empower him.

>>1083068
So his belief has strengthened the totem. Are there physical totems that we can destroy in order to stop the corruption of belief that is polluting your power and influence?

Well if that's the case... We can help. We just have to put on a show. Whether through actual magic or stage magic we show "signs" of your influence. Let them attribute it to your activities. Surely the odds can forage and drop off close by at minimum as a show.

I vote we get Geppa. Ultimately, Red Fang was hollowed out by his brother Yellow Fang, so we may be able to supplant the process with a modified Orange Fang.

>>1083077
It sounds very much like the much less prestigious form that we glimpse every now and then is the ur-Uuragg.

Hmn.

So, close to a farmers love for his flock.
Maybe a little more nuanced, but still one of protection and sustenance.

The totem has turned, probably because of the encroaching elves and men.

It does seem hes under an existential threat then.
A downward faith spiral, cumulatively worstening as prayers become more frequent, desperate and remain unanswered.

A partial solution does present itself Big M.
Little more than a bandage but if hes bleeding faith it may be enough.

Contextualise his absence to his faithful as him facing threats on a spiritual level.
In seclusion to confound and befuddle the encroaching threats and face those things that are beyond the sight of his forest peoples.

Mr lollipop is clearly very aware regarding what happens in his domain.
In a way he and the woods are one creature.
This would provide a massive tactical advantage in the future.
In that sense he would be protecting his people and earning their faith.

Of course, for this to work one would have to speak with his authority.
As the other voices say, he may need to annoint a new acolyte to spread this message.

Moral issues that come to mind...
He strikes me as detatched. Somewhat amoral. A little unempathic. Perhaps thats simply his nature though.
However, we would be helping this relationship to continue and if it became more callus again that would be on us.
Secondly, we would be lying in the short term to many people that trust big M quite a lot.
That feels somewhat wrong.
That said, in terms of pure self interest
If it came to light it could be damaging to Big M's reputation and credibility.
thats quite the sword of damocles to eagerly plonk yourself under.

>>1083068
"We'll do what we can to assist this forest - ensuring its safety while encouraging its denizens to keep worshiping you.
Some sort of display that you are with them would greatly reassure your followers. I'm not expecting a spontaneous slaughter of all elves (even if that is an optimal end result), but just some signs that the tribes would interpret as your support would undoubtedly help in returning your power. I'm sure Tislomer's testimony alongside something simple will be more than enough for the kobolds. Are there any specific activities I should encourage among your followers when I return to them?"

>>1083068
Maybe we can help their problems in his name? Say it is through the will of Mr Lollipop that we have the ability to help them

Well, I think of it like so. We came to the forest seeking wisdom, and allies, and the promotion of peace between people. We are not as great as the last man to try bring quiet and protection, though. We rule our own small domain, not a large one. We cannot claim to be as idealistic. In time, perhaps, we would like to extend our protection to the forest and its people fully, but in the time until then, and likely even if so, we will likely need the forest people to play a greater part in their own protection. Ideally it would not be so, but realistically it will, and our goal is to coordinate in order to minimize hardship. So, they are likely to still face dangers, and fear - and, one hopes, the fellowship and courage that comes against them, which I might hope are just as strengthening to someone like our host if his presence is part of what gives them strength. Ultimately, we're here out of a wish to help the folk of the forest, and be helped in turn. Is Mr. Lollipop not also, enough for this purpose, one of the folk of the forest? Do we not include him in our outstretched hand of alliance? He is certainly part of the lives of the kobolds and goblins. If he shows a little self-interest in his commitment to them, are we in any position to judge him?

So. How do we get him a quick, strong supply of devotion? It seems the powerful faith of a single being can do more than the gentler love of a larger group. That kind of devotion, I feel, only comes from a drive to fill something lacking in oneself, though one likely doesn't admit it. Unfortunately, it can be hard to identify such people, and harder to point them at a target expecting them to latch on. I doubt we could do much pretending - if nothing else, I'm sure the kobolds and goblins are smarter than we give them credit for. I think the top thing we can do is think whether we can find a potential priest. I don't think our own gnoll would do, she's quite happy. Though she can be a little ignorant of social graces sometimes, so perhaps she and Mr. Lollipop would at least, uh, have something in common. Hm. Who else do we know who might like one of the philosophies of the forest and has the soil in their soul for devotion?

I want to add - I think Mr. Lollipop is somewhat extending us an opportunity to shape who he will become next, or at least part of it. All his previous aspects seem to be there in him. I think he's putting forth the perception the kobolds, particularly Tislomer, had of him in 'the foreground', as it were - a fun friend, the welcoming smile, a little mischief, the sort of deity he would have been through the eyes of someone who knew him in a time of peace, through old festivals remembered for the cause of celebration. But he also still has the old unknowable mystery, the deep knowledge of the woods, from before that. The goblins, likely with longer memories, seem to carry more of that in how they tried to worship him - more desperate, primal and carnal, appealing to sex as something that would be seen in the wild fecundity of the forest. There's that sensual aspect to be seen in him. Finally, there's a bit of what Red Fang put in him as well - I think he's trying to suppress it, but there's an edge of violence to him. Not violence in the physical bloodletting sense so much, but in the intrusiveness, the hint of disregard for boundaries, the games he's playing. If we want to help him regain his strength, we'd better think hard about what kind of character we want to colour him with.

There is no perfect answer. This is a creature created by fear and desperation. In time, we should hope to reduce its role just as the king did. Hopefully it will be happy when its people are. We should seek his aid and endorsement, not to empower him.

>>1083066
I feel it is important to mention that one of those totems looks very similar to the wooden cross seen in High Roller Copal's collection a long time ago.
which is a reference to nan quest
now on that note, with all this religious fanaticism, will the cult of the barbed wheel become important somehow?

I feel like what he needs now is borrowed power. A temporary power boost until his own power grows to match it.

>>1083068
It sounds like we just have to tell the kobolds and goblins that the Red One is indeed angry with them for their lax worship, and will withhold his blessings for a time, but if they stay faithful their punishment will soon end. And in the meantime, Muschio can protect them.

To really sell this, it would be best for the Red One to give Muschio the sign of a prophet or something. Some proof of authority so that they will believe this and stay faithful until the Red One's power returns.

>>1083113
So, he is shaped by the belief of others albeit not uncontrollably so.
That would explain the flash of the tarry grounds earlier. His earliest form.
In the story he mentioned that as the first form of worship and repeated it again.

He needs a new acolyte.
Annointed and as official as it gets.
Strong of faith and pure of belief.
To give him form to latch on to and to set that form in the beliefs of the people.

Big M
How do you feel about being horse Pope?
Im kidding.
Tislomer is the only candidate at hand.
Being the daughter of the kobold religious leader, its almost the family business.

Oh god.
Hes going to end up so -weird- if he goes for this.

>>1083068
Okay, the all the fucking is helping though? Can we just do more of that? That is one of the three things Muschio is good at, aside from grandstanding and hair care.

>>1083146
Oh yeah.
Probably best if that stops.
The only thing the goblins will be praying for by now is protien rich snacks, energy drinks and barrels of lube.

>>1083068

You need a vassal or priest, someone to serve as your proxy and provide ever greater strength through proof of your power.

Someone who has met and known you, and moreover will be trusted and believed by the peoples of these woods.

Someone like Tislomer.

I wonder if belief alone powers him. Or if the forest itself works as the monster portal and the collective unconscientious longing of its inhabitants, is what brought/channeled Mr. Lollipop into being.

>>1083068
well, clearly the solution here is shenanigans.

we put together a convincing costume of mr. lollipop, have him show up while we do our thing of solving problems, and then claim it not as protection, but as brokering new agreements for our new friend here.

That achieves three things: maintains faith in his power as we fix this, maintains a certain level of fear necessary to maintain the worship he needs, and benefits us by still taking some credit for our deeds as befits our political aspirations.

After that it's simply a matter of building up infrastructure for his faith, though hopefully in such a way it won't blossom into something ugly. Larger church organizations tend to get pretty grim for the people subjected to them.

My suggestion would be potlucks and festivals, community cohesion events, with a distinct focus on sharing over sacrifice. Rather than giving up something important for the care of others, it is encouraged to give up small tokens to be kind in a more sustainable way.

This is an important touch, as it will act against shooting for the logical extreme where sacrificing each other for the benefit of the whole results in fascistic rule.

>>1083161
Yes
Some kind of day specifically.
Set aside for the celebration of lov-...
Waaiiitaminnit.
Why does that ring a bell?

<eyes date suspiciously>

Muschio 2024/02/11(Sun)19:44 No. 1083182 ID: 46e818
File 170770945055.png - (17.42KB , 800x600 , 2022.png )

"This is... quite a lot to consider. I have made it my mission to protect and care for the people of this forest, and as a dweller here, that includes you.
I suppose our best course of action would be to restore you to your power, for the good of both yourself and the people you protect."

Muschio 2024/02/11(Sun)19:49 No. 1083184 ID: 46e818
File 170770974327.png - (20.65KB , 800x600 , 2023.png )

"However, in the interest of honesty, I must confess that it is my intent to bring these woods under my royal control and protection. And according to your story, this may diminish your influence, as it did under the rule of my father.
Weakening your grasp is not my intent, but I would not hide the possibility from you."

>"I know what you're about, Big M.
>I am happy to again become a small figure in their belief. I do not mind being a luck charm, a relic of fertility, a symbol of love.
>As long as my people are safe and happy, I am content.
>My waning power only pains me when I cannot protect them."

>>1083184
So let's brainstorm here. A good way to spread faith is through stories, and through stories we gain belief and power. So what is a story we can spin the people of the woods that will strengthen the both of us, bettering our and the seer's influence? And as a keynote, it must be a POSITIVE story, no dark offerings or sacrifices here.

Alright, then we have the foundation for an alliance, now we just have to figure out a plan to cement it. Before we go, ask lollipop to dispel the illusion he’s placed us under so we can know things as they are. Keep Tislomer affected though, we don’t want to traumatise her.

>>1083184
>I am happy to again become a small figure in their belief. I do not mind being a luck charm, a relic of fertility, a symbol of love.
Wait. This implies he's not really a "god of love" and that it was a title forced on him. What aspect is he actually a god of then?

Whatever, it's not important I guess. What matters is our original mission of protecting the people of the forest to gain their allegiance.
So, ask him what threatens his people currently. Maybe we can deal with it ourselves then claim we did it as acolytes of the seer to boost belief and confidence in him amongst the tribes.

Boss, I'm gonna be honest. This doesn't seem like the kind of thing we can just fix as part of a quick side quest. This is, like, a multi-stage ongoing story beats kindof thing. Now, I'm all for that, really, but the point is, it's sounding more and more like we're gonna have to do the heavy lifting with this whole protecting the forest project ourselves.

That said, while I'm sure we can just say we've got his blessing and we're the carrying on the will of Mr Lollipop and all that jazz to boost the village morale, I'm kindof with >>1083094 over here.
There's gotta be something a little more concrete we can offer besides pretty words to get the goblins on board here. Otherwise they're just going to keep fucking each other. And that's fun and all, but it doesn't make for a very effective army.
Which is kindof the reason we're here...?
Surely even with his waning power, he can give us something.

>>1083184
I suppose to an immortal the waxing and waning of power is less concern
If youve got forefer, you can afford patience.

Ahhh, maybe i was judging him a bit too harshly.
Especially if i was right about faith shaping him as much as it sustains.

Help the guy out Big M.
Suggest the new acolyte.
Offer to claim you were summoned to bring aid in a vision sent by mr lollipop. To be his champion of the woods.
You could wear a crown with stag horns.

I still think tislomer, if shes amenable to the idea, would make a good acolyte too.

>>1082380

Yea, it's important to know his original aspect. Most every aspect of a god *should* have something ethical that can empower them, if one is creative enough.

>>1083197

Yes strap the antlers to your head and announce yourself to the goblin village as their new Deer King

hmm, perhaps there can be compromise here
you have the power to protect, but this does not mean you will know when and where to do so
BUT, as a totem who can (presumably, and I assume much) hear prayers, he can, just, tell you
and if praying to him results in you helping, this may inspire belief, which would be a win-win

>>1083184
We need to assess the situation, Boss.
With the resources we have at the moment. What can we do?

And specially with the power he has right now. What can Mr. Lollipop actually do?

Specially for us. 'Cause now that we have declared our alliance, we need synergy.

>>1083205
Maybe he can give us something for our monster portal. So we can get more minions/tools to help the forest folk.

We could turn him into a holiday folklore celebrity, like Santy Claws.
But, uh... that guy's weird and we don't like to talk about him. Likewise, we could end up turning The Red One into The Mad One.

>>1083184
Well, fake it 'til you make it. So what is it you actually are expected to do that you aren't living up to? That's the stuff we can probably actually do something about anyway.

>>1083184
We were already planning to protect them, so let's do that. Considering half of the elves we've spoken to so far don't ACTUALLY consider kobolds to be animals then maybe there's hope for peace between their peoples without much threat of violence. Hell, maybe we can form some kind of agreement to allow elves to hunt in kobold/goblin lands in exchange for not building any more settlements near them. Or some kind of... game sharing thing? The elves wanted specific parts from the deer, maybe whenever they hunt to gather those parts they can give the rest to whoever's land they're on.

>>1083212

Elves et al are going to push back on that.
Peaceful resolution is preferable and i hope we get it.
Still suspect there'll be degree of conflict, but hopefully non direct.
Making the woods more trouble than they're worth kind of thing.
We're probably going to have to teach the kobolds and goblins how to spike trees when the lumber crews start arriving.

Can he at least explain the flashes of that weird shit happening?

>>1083220
Probably his original/true form that was born of fear and desperation. Judging by what he's said his current look was formed from the tribes' perception of him in recent, happier times.
We could ask for clarification on that, but it might not be a good idea. Although, he seems very cognizant and forthcoming of what he used to be and his current status, so maybe he won't freak out if we ask???

It's a good idea to ask.

Give it a shot Big M.
Ask if he's reverting to more rudimentary forms as he weakens.

Muschio 2024/02/12(Mon)10:54 No. 1083235 ID: 46e818
File 170776405472.gif - (12.46KB , 800x600 , 2024.gif )

"I suppose then that their desperate rituals aren't helping."
>"Oh no, they are! The festival you saw is quite potent. Hard not to feel invigorated when all the people are..."
He gestures.

Muschio 2024/02/12(Mon)10:54 No. 1083236 ID: 46e818
File 170776408851.png - (13.16KB , 800x600 , 2025.png )

>"Kissing."

Kissing.

You really gotta talk to him about how the vibe here does not match the aesthetics. Despite the garish whimsy of this place and himself, it somehow feels rotten and tragic.

Right... So what else can we do or what message can we bring them?

>>1083236
Yes, well, the problem with that particular arrangement is, to quote a less-than-admirable captain, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is spongy and bruised."
They're killing themselves to try and win back your favor, and it seems that instead of hearing their pleas, you're out here feeding from their faith with no returns.

>>1083235
Ask if that's the reason he's able to hold such a cheerful demeanor/form right now, because we've seen the "black bog."
Then ask if it would help if the kobolds started doing their own festival, too. Or perhaps the two tribes could alternate to alleviate the problem that >>1083240 brings up.

Ok, we'll uh... we'll encourage that then but we gotta tell them to pace themselves a little. It sounds like this little lull of yours won't be that little so its gotta be a marathon rather than a sprint right? Is there anything else that makes you feel invigorated?... Oh that reminds me. How do you feel about the elves hunting and such? Are you in any danger? Like if we knew some creepy amateur wizards or creepy professional wizards or cultists or demons or such is there any possibility of them coming after you while you're under the weather?

>>1083236
Big M.
How do you resist just hugging that adorable, sweet kobold?
You have a will of iron.

It sounds like the way to help him is to help the people. As long as the goblins and kobolds and stuff are safe then he's happy. All we gotta do is to keep them from worrying about him. Let's tell them we met with him and that because his power is waning he's enlisted us to aid them on his behalf.

if what the goblins are doing helps, we could get the kobolds in on it too, in moderation of course. They seem mostly down, judging by the elf's experiences.

I think there's quite a bit to be gained here when considering the possibility.

A divine backing is not to be scoffed at - and to be able to help one and be helped in kind is no small thing.

Proposal - a way to show the communion with Mr. Lollipop beyond just word to the tribes, and potentially strengthen belief in him as a symbol would be... powerful for all parties.

And since his domain is love, carnal and hunt, perhaps there's further we can do in his name? Something to enhance his strength and our own at the same time?

Pacing the festivities out between the two villages into beyond a single fevor, and instead a longer bacchanal between the two would perhaps be potent... hell, even making it a holiday would be good.

Still want to know what his original aspect was, even if it's dark, there still might be an ethical way to include, even metaphorically, it in some 'once in a while' holiday. It also might be the reason why the jerk provided so much power.

Finesse this is your chance, bang the boss in the name of love

>>1083289
On the one hand theres the moral issue taking advantage of a horny aura and it could lead to awkward situations when you're out of it.
On the other hand, that would be hilarious.

I cant wait till dompag finds out he missed the orgy.

>>1083290 OMG Dompag would be a great acolyte.

>>1083236
"Perhaps it is uncouth to ask, but... what are you providing your followers at the moment? They are most fervently worshiping, desperate for you, yet you do not appear to be doing much."

"And what is this strange black bog I keep seeing flashes of in your presence?"


"But if that is all, I shall be off to reassure your flocks that you may be weakened, but are recovering. Again, showing them some sort of sign would greatly help as well."

Perhaps the weird black bog thing might mean that there's a group of people with a profoundly different view of the deity.

Muschio 2024/02/13(Tue)16:39 No. 1083301 ID: 46e818
File 170787119017.png - (19.41KB , 800x600 , 2026.png )

>"The problem is that my strength is not returning quickly enough for me to fix things in time.
>And if I can't help them, why would they worship me? Would I even deserve it?"

??? 2024/02/13(Tue)16:44 No. 1083304 ID: 46e818
File 170787148461.png - (29.94KB , 800x600 , 2027.png )

behind a veil of silver scars
the pull of an inverted star

Muschio 2024/02/13(Tue)16:51 No. 1083306 ID: 46e818
File 170787190370.png - (17.53KB , 800x600 , 2028.png )

>"Maybe it is time to return to baser actions.
>I have loved this form, but if it does not help me protect those I love, what good is it to me?
>The totem has turned before, it can turn again."

>>1083305
Big M!
Gotta move quickly.
Get tislomer front and center.

"Look at her. Feel her belief. Can you destroy that by becoming something other? Right in front of her?"

You need to stop this guy slipping into something more primal and potentially uncontrollable.

>>1083307
That could either work wonderfully or horribly. But fuck it (not literally)!

Tislomer, we choose you!

Argue that a more complex form is required. Civilization is coming, and anything primal will be a hinderance.
Namely, you'd like his black hole to become your new weapon component for a Legendary.
I like legendaries.

>>1083306
His current form may not be suitable to direct action, but it's great for interacting with his flock. And a lack of interaction with worshipers is the number one way gods lose their faithful.

Ask if these problems can be fixed by mortals hands, perhaps it's time to willfully take on acolytes and delegate out these problems.
If nothing else, a closer relationship to his followers will bolster faith more readily.

>>1083306

Time to make a gamble, the forest is Mr. Lollipop center of power, that's true. But his stationary position makes him ineffectual.

The hand you lost. It's made of wood. Wood from this forest's trees, let him project his power through it, like a lantern for which you're the carrier.

In the brightest day, in the blackest night. No threat shall escape your sight. Let those who aim to do forest's folk harm. Beware your power, Love's hand might.

How well can you regain strength in a form you don't love? Is loving yourself not one of the roots of growth? Besides, if the issue is strength, what makes one form better than another? At the very least, I think in this form you speak clearer to us than in the other. You may not be as forthright as we'd like, but we've learned a lot. Some of the people of this forest call you Seer. Is knowledge not strength, and one that does not strain as much as action? Don't you need to be able to interact with others in the form they can best understand, for them to best receive your wisdom? The black bore is powerful, but it cannot give a light to guide.

... Perhaps we speak from ignorance, though. Perhaps we should see all sides of the matter. Perhaps we should send Tislomer and... Ashedel, I think, to escort her, so that she can start passing on something of what we've already learned, or just say that we will be coming back soon with some messages. She is trusted by the forest people, and getting the chance to speak to them without us around will give her words about us a little more feel truth. Then we can stay here and talk a little more. Perhaps about things that would be too... dull, for Tislomer.

>>1083306
Ah, he is returning to a deity based on fear. Tell everyone to remain calm, especially Ashedel. Do not attack the weakened god no matter how scary he gets.

You are love and it is admirable that you would willingly change for your people but you are in danger of becoming hate or even fear. Though you would undoubtedly be more capable of protecting your people in the short term, such a reckless course may very well doom them in the long term.
I will act to protect your people so such a sacrifice is unnecessary but should I fail, I understand that you will do what you must for them.
Just make sure the love they feel for you is not replaced by fear of you.

Maybe this is a bad idea, but we should have Mr. Lollipop define what love is while he is still being nice to us. I am becoming increasingly concerned that what we will hear will either sound more like fear than love or a definition of love that is more possessive than emotional.

>>1083301

>deity of fear and love

...ah shit we're going to have to introduce kobolds and goblins to S&M aren't we

>>1083355

The whole bdsm thing, ya. And also things that cause wholesome fear, like carnival rides and extreme sports and the like. And encourage a night of spooky stories and haunted mazes and stuff done in the god's name.

What we want to do is take on his burden, and he is fine with the consequences of that. The problem lies in convincing the kobolds and goblins.

Acting as his agent or pope is shortsighted. We will be expected to commune with and answer to him. Eventually, this could cause unrest.

He will inevitable have reduced power, so let's get them used to that. A charm for good luck. He can make the forest safe for us to secure then leave it to us to keep safe.

Muschio 2024/02/14(Wed)09:32 No. 1083376 ID: 46e818
File 170793197556.png - (16.15KB , 800x600 , 2029.png )

>"I have many names. I have had many before.
>Some as old as the woods.
>Once I was The Marrow.
>The Briar Ghost.
>The Heartless One.
>Oilskin.
>The Drowner.
>Light-eater."

Muschio 2024/02/14(Wed)09:33 No. 1083377 ID: 46e818
File 170793200895.png - (21.73KB , 800x600 , 2030.png )

>"All of these I have been.
>And can be again."

It's time! Shove us in his eye hole!

Ask what he wants to be know as, what he wants to be. Not for the sake of the forest, but for his own sake.
He's had all these names and domains assigned to him and talks of "not minding" being what he is, but he's made no mention of what his desires are for himself beyond protecting the people of the forest.

Does he even have personal desires? Or is he just an amalgam of the forest tribes' desires?

>>1083377
But do any of those forms appeal to you as this one does? To return oneself to a status quo that one hates is unacceptable. Should there be another way, we will find it; we will help you protect your people, and we will ensure they continue to pay tribute to you.

>>1083376

"Have you ever chosen what you are? Can you? Wouldn't you wish to?"

Ask him something like that big M.
He may never have had the chance to control which way the totem has turned before.

If he switches roles like this, that's a double-whammy for you. Not only do the forest dwellers lose a god of love, which could diminish their trust and cooperation, but they also gain a protector, making you redundant, which means you lose leverage.