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127072 No. 127072 ID: 6faa8c

((First thread found in ARCHIVE
Second thread on its way there
Discussion and answers in #rubyquest on irc
Also, the OP image for thread 1 is a useful reference, so please, keep it in a tab or window or what have you while reading. Thank you!))
________________________
It's bright.

Too bright.

I... I can't see. All I can feel is someone holding my hand, pulling me... I follow her, into a cave, or something. Darkness. The dark doesn't hurt. The dark is welcoming. And now I can see the girl, floating before me. Lines and runes siphon off her and into the land and air around her, Earth and Air seemingly forming the land as I look... or maintaining it. I can't tell.

She is looking at me. Expectant. Silent.
Expand all images
>>
No. 127077 ID: 632862

Ask who she is.
>>
No. 127083 ID: 6faa8c

"Who are you?" I ask. I really am curious. She is strange, mute...

She holds up her hand, then smiles, placing it against my chest, against where my heart beats. Small runes of Life, Man, Body, Spirit and the like float away and into me.
>>
No. 127088 ID: a64482

Ask her if she is the manifestation of Runes.
>>
No. 127092 ID: 6faa8c

>>127088
She thinks for a moment, placing a finger against her lips as she looks up, contemplating.

She shrugs, then places her hand on my head and against my heart, in that order. And then she places her hand over her own heart.
>>
No. 127095 ID: 632862

>>127083
She's using the Life rune. She can't possibly be mortal. I guess she could be a god, but aren't they supposed to not be able to come here?

Also I think you died. She's resurrecting you.
>>
No. 127102 ID: a64482

Ask if you created her. Ask if she's the manifestation of something within you.
>>
No. 127106 ID: 6faa8c

>>127095
I don't know. I don't feel...
Well, how would I know? Maybe I am?

"Am I dead?" I ask.
She smiles, shaking her head.

"Are you a god?"
She holds up a finger.

Her fingerprint is in the shape of the Gods Rune. She opens her hands, revealing six fingers on each hand, all her fingers oddly etched with the twelve letter runes. She parts her hair to reveal a single, sublime line, an inch long, on her forehead. Along her arms, I note, are the twenty-four least runes, twelve to an arm.

She smiles quietly, innocently placing a finger against her lips, turning slightly away.
>>
No. 127110 ID: 632862

>>127106
She IS a god. Nothing else could possibly know TRUTH.

Hm, you've seen Truth, the Lesser runes, and the Least runes. Where are the Greater runes?
>>
No. 127113 ID: 6faa8c

>>127110
I don't see them anywhere. I do know that the Greater runes are always displayed in a circle, so that a six-point star could be drawn with them as the points. Even if the least are in a list, and the lesser are in a line, the greater will always be written as a circle.

A god? But... why can't she talk, then?
>>
No. 127115 ID: 632862

>>127113
Well if you're not dead, then I guess you are asleep. Perhaps some weird dream logic is preventing her from speaking.

Ask her if she can help you defeat Achilles.
>>
No. 127117 ID: a64482

Ask her why she is silent.
>>
No. 127126 ID: 6faa8c
File 126552678822.png - (24.59KB , 640x480 , Ahelpfuldiagram.png )
127126

"Why are you silent?"
she smiles and taps my head, grinning.

"Can you help me defeat Achilles?"
She thinks deeply for a moment, closing her eyes and crossing her arms. And then she taps my head, twice, then gestures to the space around her.

"Why not?"

She draws in the air quickly with glowing power trails.
>>
No. 127137 ID: 632862

>>127126
Well that explains things nicely. She can only manifest in your dreams.

Ask if she can help you out with learning new runes at least. If not, ask if there's anything you can do to help *her*.
>>
No. 127370 ID: 6faa8c

>>127137
"Can you help me learn new runes?"
She shakes her head, placing her hand against my chest yet again.

"Well, can I help you?"
She thinks for a moment, then smiles. Her lips move slowly.

You already have.

It's darker. Darker. I can't see her anymore. Darker.
I feel soft lips. My eyelids are heavy.
>>
No. 127371 ID: 632862

>>127370
Mumble incoherently.
>>
No. 127374 ID: 6faa8c

>>127371
That's about all I'm capable of anyway.

My breaths come in short. It feels like my whole body is... off, somehow. Erratic. I place my hand on my heart.

Thump. Thu-thump-ump. Thump thump. Th-thu-thump.

I knew it. My breathing, too. I can't take a full breath. I can't even open my eyes. But I can recognize voices.

"He's awake!" Asala cries out, and I can hear the relief in her voice as she slumps ober me holding me tightly, liftimg my mostly limp body from the sand.
>>
No. 127375 ID: 632862

>>127374
I think that thing you did didn't just cause you to pass out this time around. It stopped your heart. Good thing Asala knows the medical procedure necessary for that king of thing. She was pushing air into your lungs and massaging your heart through your chest.

See if you can recover enough to talk or simply open your eyes, then check on the situation.
>>
No. 127377 ID: 6faa8c

>>127375
"What's the situation?" I mumble.
"Y-you shouldn't talk..." Asala says quietly. "I'm uncertain how stable you are."
"Don't care."
She sighs.
"The woman leading the slime things is dead. She was... she was controlled by some weird creature you ripped out of her. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to survive without it. Without her, the creatures also evaporated, as did their equipment."
"So..."
I can hear Jai scoff.
"Back at square one, only the demon is even more pissed, likely."
"Is everyone okay?"
Jai laughs.
"Really? You were technically dead for a whole minute and you're asking us? Oh, we're peachy!"
>>
No. 127378 ID: a64482

Check your hand. Your palms. See if there's a symbol there now.
>>
No. 127379 ID: 632862

>>127377
A full minute? Yeah, you need rest. After you recover a bit, check yourself for any physical damage.
>>
No. 127380 ID: 6faa8c

>>127378
I can't see anything. My eyes refuse to open.
"Asala. My hands... Are there any markings?"
"N-no. Y-your feet flashed and then there was this loud cracking sound. And... and then..."
"And then you were holding up a huge squirming eyeball, and you crushed it. Like... there was no intervening time." she sighs. Your boots are toast, by the way. And you might have trouble walking for a while with those burns."
>>
No. 127382 ID: a64482

Hey, you know how augment lets you write runes on anything?

Try writing augment on yourself, and then having Asala apply the healing rune to you. Tell her size 2-3, at her discretion.
>>
No. 127383 ID: 6faa8c

>>127382
"No way." Asala states simply.
I agree. There was only one case where human etching was tried. It... didn't end well. They used Augment and lightning, and...

Their body simply became energy. They vanished in less than a second and no one saw them again. Human etching is seriously off-limits!
>>
No. 127384 ID: 632862

>>127383
Well just get some of that bottled Healing water Asala can make then.
>>
No. 127385 ID: 6faa8c

>>127384
"Alright. But I can't give you too much at once. It only speeds up natural processes, after all. If I give you too much, your heart will stop."

Should I transfer you to someone else? If so, who?
>>
No. 127386 ID: 632862

Or... you could try Augment and Healing on your armor!
>>
No. 127387 ID: 6faa8c

>>127386
"Well... Maybe when you're up and moving. For now... we have to be really careful. You're lucky to be alive at all."
>>
No. 127400 ID: 632862

Right okay... I guess you can pass us to Asala, since Jai already got some time with us.
>>
No. 127438 ID: 6faa8c

>>127400

Goodnight.

@#$$%^#$@@#$@#

Oh my god, I can't believe I did it. I mean, yes, Hattori taught me, but... incredible. I... I saved him from the brink.
>>
No. 127441 ID: 34470e

>>127438
Wait, you know Hattori?
>>
No. 127443 ID: 632862

>>127438
Did Hattori treat your injuries?
>>
No. 127444 ID: 6faa8c

>>127441
He was a friend of my father. We met sometimes. He taught me some techniques. It was after his son had left for the Rune Academy, though...
>>
No. 127445 ID: 6faa8c

>>127443
Y-y-yes, he did. I was very lucky, he told me,
>>
No. 127447 ID: 34470e

>>127444
Um, Antares is Hattori's son, you know.
>>
No. 127449 ID: 6faa8c

>>127447
Yes, I know. How could one mistake such bravery and selflessness? He is so kind and gentle... But I am far too brutish and wild for his sort. Not graceful at all...
>>
No. 127464 ID: 632862

>>127449
Oh you. I don't think he cares too much about that sort of thing. Besides, isn't that a little bit of a sexist viewpoint? Why would it be wrong for a woman to be big and strong? Men are simply more easily shaped into that mold.
>>
No. 127467 ID: 6faa8c

>>127464
Well... My mother passed away before she could teach me anything, and my father wasn't much help... So I read. I read a lot of stories. And... when I asked my father... he said I should be the knight and not the princess. But...

I want to be the princess. I... I want to rescued. I don't want to be strong. I want to be graceful and smart and pretty...
>>
No. 127471 ID: 34470e

>>127467
You can start now if you want.
>>
No. 127473 ID: 632862

>>127467
Well you ARE pretty, that's for sure. I can't tell how smart you are from what we've seen though. Just haven't known you long enough for that. Finally, shouldn't you have learned graceful moves from your training, or was it all just power-based stuff? Maybe you can get some lessons in finesse. Jai might have some tips, I dunno.
>>
No. 127521 ID: a64482

Hmmm. Your father, when he taught you swordsmanship, did he teach you techniques, or did he take more of a organic approach to it?

Considering how skilled you are at using a sword, and.. I assume you can dodge too? these things require agility and... grace, believe it or not. I'm sure if you applied yourself, you could soon be dancing with more skill then the poofiest princess... and you'd have some skills that'd actually be worth something too.
>>
No. 127569 ID: 6faa8c

>>127521
My father taught me first to use hafted weapons, like hammers, maces, and axes. While I am more skilled with those, I find swords to be more... elegant. So I taught myself in their use.

>>127473
My father preferred to teach me how to end fights quickly. With hafted weapons, enemy armor is far less of an issue. Even if you don't penetrate, you are likely to deal internal damage.

I... I'll admit that I have a great deal of precision when it comes to my ability as a warrior, but... I cannot dance. At all. It's all too complicated to me!

Right now I'm making a poultice for Antare's feet. The damage he dealt to his own body is incredible. His muscles are severely torn, his feet are badly burned, and his heart, while resusitated, is beating irregularily. I am of the mind that we send him home as soon as we can and as covertly as possible. If he gets into another fight, it's highly likely he will die... or render himself handicapped for life.
>>
No. 127576 ID: a64482

>>127569
How bad is it, really? Will he need to be monitored or can you and Jai leave him be and go fetch some panacea from the Orcs?

Or are you overreacting for whatever reason? He's a tough boy, after all. He's not going home. ... Unless we can get a vorn mount from Vorana to head to the mainland, get him healed up by his dad, and return him posthaste. Ask Vorana about that, and about the approx time involved.
>>
No. 127582 ID: 6faa8c

>>127576
Vorana, who has now settled in, shakes her head.
"We need to rest every couple of miles." she says quietly. "If I could, I'd take him home myself."

And... I'm not worrying unduly. Once he gets enough food and rest, he can walk, run, maybe fight if he's careful, but if he does what he just did again? He'll be lucky to be in a wheelchair.

Me and Jai speaking with the orcs? That sounds like something to do... Are you sure it's a good idea? They are known among the goblins here for... certain proclivities.
>>
No. 127585 ID: a64482

How much is enough? Can he be operational again within a day or two?

You and Jai can take care of yourselves, but I'd rather not put you in a position where you could, say, drown under a pile of Orc corpses, and loathe as I am to say it, even the most capable people can get captured.
>>
No. 127587 ID: 6faa8c

>>127585
At best, he could be up and fighting in a day. At worst, it will take three.

You're right, I could get captured...

But if I get this thing that Antares really really needs... maybe...
>>
No. 127600 ID: a64482

... Maybe?

Maybe what?

Also, ask Vorana if she'd be comfortable with defending him while you two were out, if it comes to that. Don't want to leave him alone, you understand.
>>
No. 127657 ID: 632862

>>127587
Erm, let's not forget that Sal'an is around to help.

From what we've heard it sounds like we'll need to either use stealth or brute force. We should scout out an orc town to see if we can find out where they keep the panacea, and how heavily fortified the town is.
>>
No. 127660 ID: 6faa8c

>>127657
Maybe... Jai can scout it out and I can... ugh... brute force my way in?
>>
No. 127664 ID: 632862

>>127660
Alone? That sounds like a bad idea. They have guns, you know.

What runes do you know aside from Healing?
>>
No. 127665 ID: 6faa8c

>>127664
None...

Well, from what I've heard so far, Orcs would rather capture than kill women. I'm certain I can evade capture.
>>
No. 127667 ID: a64482

>>127665
Rather?

What if they, say... shoot you in the leg?
>>
No. 127675 ID: 6faa8c

>>127667
W-w-well, nothing ever got done by worrying!

Or at least that's what my father says. Besides, I don't think Jai wants to waste her ammo when a perfectly good hammer will do the job just fine.

Oh, that reminds me. I've decided what to reforge my father's hammer into.
>>
No. 127689 ID: 632862

>>127675
Oh, do tell us what it is.
>>
No. 127692 ID: 6faa8c

>>127689
A sheild with his crest on it. More like a buckler, but it'll be so thick and heavy only someone of my ancestry could use it properly. My father always wanted to protect me, after all.

Also... I want to be... with Antares. You know? So I really want to.... to help him.
>>
No. 127693 ID: a64482

We should do a covert scouting mission.

Can you make your armor black or something so you and Jai can sneak in and ascertain the location of/possibly retrieve the panacea under covor of night, possibly using the vorn as a means of communication with Sal'an who will wait outside to burst in and play hero if you need help with extraction?
>>
No. 127695 ID: 6faa8c

>>127693
But that would mean sharing it with Jai...

Plus, while covert is graceful, it is as inelegant as a brute approach.

Oooh, I know. I could have Sal'an come with me! It's not like he wants to be with Antares. Yes, yes, Jai goes and scouts, and finds a weak point in their defenses. Then me and Sal'an will charge in and take it!
>>
No. 127700 ID: a64482

>>127695
Asala...

Are you entirely sure you aren't fantasizing about getting in trouble and having Antares charge in to save you? Because as romantic as that would be, it'd also probably end badly.

Anyway, do you REALLY want to face all those orcs at once? Without a single ranged weapon? Just so you can be the hero?
>>
No. 127711 ID: 6faa8c

>>127700
N-no...

I just... I just don't want to fall behind. Everyone but me... I'm not stupid, you know? Jai and Ysl and even Vorana... But not me. But... I don't know what to do! I... It's like... It's like to him I'm not even a choice.
>>
No. 127716 ID: 632862

>>127711
EH!? Nono, he hasn't done anything with Vorana aside from that one thing, and that wasn't personal. He's interested in Jai, and Ysl seemed nice but we haven't seen much of her... He is interested in you, I know that. There haven't been a lot of opportunities for interaction, really, beyond that one moment in the boat. We've been busy fighting.
>>
No. 127719 ID: a64482

I don't even think he considers Vorana a choice. At least not in that way. He did things with her, but I believe it was made clear that there was no commitment involved.

Actually, if I'm being honest I think it's between you and Jai... and I think you're the frontrunner.
>>
No. 127751 ID: 6faa8c

>>127719
You really think so? I... I don't know, I shouldn't jump t-
!!!

Ysl!

Oh my god, she just stumbled out of the forest. She's reallly badly hurt! Oh no... Oh no... Wait, she's leashed. This is all very confusing...

A tall man in simple armor steps out, grinning wildly and chuckling.
"You Asala?" he asks, looking down at me.

Oh god. Two orcs step out beside him.
>>
No. 127763 ID: 632862

>>127751
RRGH.

"Who are you, what do you want, and what have you done with Ysl?"
>>
No. 127764 ID: a64482

Do you have your sword? Do they have weapons? Battle stance! Call to your allies if they can't see this.

"Who wants to know?"
>>
No. 127779 ID: 6faa8c
File 126560331077.jpg - (22.36KB , 328x328 , Rance_6_-_Rance.jpg )
127779

>>127763
>>127763
The tall man blinks, then throws back his head in wild laughter. The orcs join him.
"Who, me? I'm High fucking warlord!" he chuckles. "And this girl lost to me in equal combat! Fair and square! She's mine now." he chuckles. "But she said that this belonged to Asala, so I decided to humor her and deliver it myself. Ain't that kind of me?" He tosses the buckler out and I catch it.
"Yass, boss!" one of the orcs grunts.
"Now, a little birdie told me some kid managed to kill Alexia."
His eyes... it's like he's looking right at my soul.
"Do you know who did this, young lady? Don't you lie to me, now."

Ysl is looking at the ground in shame.
>>
No. 127784 ID: a64482

"Maybe. Why d'ya wanna know? And will you trade me Ysl if I tell you?"
>>
No. 127786 ID: 632862

>>127779
Assume combat readiness.

"I'll tell you... if you defeat me."
>>
No. 127788 ID: a64482

>>127786
Uhmno

No need to start shit like that with these stakes. Just no.
>>
No. 127791 ID: 6faa8c

>>127784
"I want to know because I have a great deal of interest in the movements of the Great Demon, young lady. And no. I won her. It's not like she'll be treated badly, you know. Good food. Hard work. And, well..." he rolls his eyes up and laughs harder. "Not to mention what a great shame it is to her people to run away from anything. Goblins never try to escape, they just endure. Admirable... and useful. So. You going to tell me, or should we two make a wager?"
>>
No. 127798 ID: 632862

>>127791
Ask what kind of wager. What we want right now: Ysl, and panacea.
>>
No. 127799 ID: a64482

>>127791
"What would you have in mind for this person, if you found out who it is?"
>>
No. 127804 ID: 6faa8c

>>127799
"I wanna shake 'is goddamn hand." he says, crossing his arms. "Bitch 'as been terrorizing my tribe for months. I was a little worried."
"But I thought the orcs worked wi-"
"Not mine!" he roars. I actually have to take a step back, he's so loud. He calms... "Not mine. The Woman-Takers are better than that!"
>>
No. 127810 ID: a64482

"Hmmm. He's wounded. If you promise he won't be harmed then I'll take you. You're on your... *pause and say with a bit of disgust* Honor."

If he promises, then I say introduce him.
>>
No. 127825 ID: 632862

>>127804
Alright, he seems legit. Tell him that Antares nearly destroyed his body in the effort though so he's not going to be much fun to talk to.
>>
No. 127837 ID: 6faa8c

>>127810
He draws his sword, rushing at me.

!?

I bring out my sw-
His is at my neck.

"Listen to me closely, young lady. I ain't an orc. In order for me to lead a band of green, crazy warmongers, I have to keep up a certain reputation. Every single fucking day I have to fight for my life."
I whimper, and he grabs my head, forcing me to my knees.
"So if you would please stop being such a god damn bitch and just show me where your pal is, it would be immensly..."
There's a sound of thunder, a loud clang, and the sword is at my neck, smoking and slighlty dented. "Appreciated. Oh, and if you try and shoot me again, this fine young lady gets her neck opened up wide. Thank you."

He steps away, helping me up and dusting off my trousers. Then he gestures for me to lead.
>>
No. 127842 ID: 632862

>>127837
Like I was SAYING, let's go along with it.
>>
No. 127843 ID: a64482

>>127842
Hey, can't fault me for being careful. I suppose I could've asked our lovely host here to be a bit more respectful, but how was I to know he was epic?

Anyway, do what he says. Obviously.
>>
No. 127846 ID: 6faa8c

>>127842
I lead, and Jai joins me, looking at her gun.
"He blocked it." she mutters.

"Lotta assassins think that anything with a bang is unstoppable." the big man calls out behind me. "I learned a long time ago how to protect myself. Sorry for the scare, there."

We lead him to the hut, Sal'an looking up and walking towards me.
"He's sitting up again. Talkin'." he mutters. "Who's this?"
"Orc warlord." I reply. "He wants to see Antares."
Sal'an sighs.
"Ah suppose."

He pulls aside the cloth, and the big man steps inside.

%^#$^#$$$%^

A big man in heavy armor steps into the hut, grinning with sharp teeth. He sits beside me and chuckles.
"Holy shit, man, what didja do to yerself." he says, looking me over. "Sorry. The name is Rance." he holds out his hand.
>>
No. 127849 ID: 632862

>>127846
If you can move, I would advise shaking his hand. This man is serious business. I would also like to note that he is NOT allied with Achilles. I wouldn't expect much help from him, but maybe you can convince him to part with two doses of panacea.
>>
No. 127852 ID: a64482

This man is extremely dangerous/capable. He's holding Ysl, after having defeated her in combat apparently. He managed to take Asala completely by surprise before she could draw her weapon, and deflect a bullet with his sword without interrupting his line of thought. He does however seem... honorable in his way.

Shake his hand. If he wanted you dead you'd be in 6 pieces right now. He's also apparently not aligned with Achilles.
>>
No. 127855 ID: 6faa8c

>>127849
I shake his hand.

"I'd like to personally thank you for saving my tribe." he says. He reaches into a bag and pulls out a bottle, it glows red. "With my many thanks." he places it on the ground nearby. "I know why you're here, kiddo. You want to save your mom. That's fine. But I want you to know, we could really use your help. This same asshole who killed the oldie, the same who tossed your friends like ragdolls, he destroyed my group when we came out here, three hundred years back."
>>
No. 127860 ID: 632862

Ask him what he was out here for 300 years ago.

Also ask him if there's any way you can convince him to let Ysl free.
>>
No. 127862 ID: a64482

Antares, just between us, Are you willing to risk your own life, and the lives of everyone in your party, to fight this Achilles fucker?
>>
No. 127866 ID: 6faa8c

>>127860
"Well... It was me and ten others. The strongest self-sworn to ever live, sent here to figure out what the godwall was all about. Well, we fond out, all right."
he sighs.
"One by one, our group thinned. They would vanish, or die... only half of them are still alive, I'd wager. And the ones who died are better off. The demon made it so none of us age. I managed to escape before he.... changed me, but the other four weren't so lucky. He ruined them. Took their muscles. Replaced it with some... monster. Alexia was the first to go. She was a strong leader, a great tactitian. You saw what happened to her."
I'm not sure what to say.
"Listen, you want to go home, I don't blame you. But I'll make you a deal. All the ladies of my clan... the ones we've earned, I mean... will be yours, if you help me take out Achilles."
"What about Ysl?"
"Down payment. We got a deal?" he holds out his hand again, sharpened, filed teeth gleaming in the thin lighting.
>>
No. 127875 ID: 34470e

>>127866
Just accept.
>>
No. 127876 ID: 632862

>>127866
Accept.
>>
No. 127881 ID: 6faa8c

>>127876
>>127875
"We have a deal." I shake his hand, and he tugs at the leash.
He hands it to me, smiling.
"I'll send an orc in three days. Then the real fun starts, awright?"
>>
No. 127882 ID: a64482

"Awright, say, how much of this stuff is required for healing? I'm tempted to use some of it myself, but obviously I want there to be enough for my mother."
>>
No. 127894 ID: 6faa8c

>>127882
"For the shit you clearly put yourself through, it's worthless. Unless you start hacking up green blood or some crazy shit, it won't do you any good."
He rises.
"Say, I never caught your name, kiddo."
"I'm Antares. Antares Delarosa."
"I'll be sure to catch the spelling later. I'd hate for your dad to get mad when he finds out your grave was etched imporperly."

And with that, he leaves.
>>
No. 127895 ID: 632862

>>127881
Three days. That should be enough time to attune to one or two more runes.

While you're recovering I wonder if you might experiment a bit more... Try Augment 1, Undeath 1 on your dagger. Or Augment 1, Courage 1 on things other than weapons. Like your gloves, or a ring or charm.
>>
No. 127898 ID: 632862

Oh, he's gone now so I guess we can talk to Ysl a bit. She's quite wounded; how about you give her a little Healing water to speed her recovery along?

Also take off that leash. Keep it around, though... Heheheh.
>>
No. 127902 ID: a64482

>>127898
>>take off the leash
>>keep it around though

I approve of this course of action.

How many jars do we have anyway?
>>
No. 127907 ID: 6faa8c

>>127895
More runes?
I'm not sure if I can. I'm already at the edge of my limit, and etching is somewhat tiring. I'm to rest and relax here until I recover.

Ysl lays beside me.
She begins to cry.
>>
No. 127912 ID: 9bab6d

Awww. Give the poor girl a hug, why don'tcha?
>>
No. 127916 ID: 632862

>>127907
Oh, etching is tiring?

Erm... I hope Rance didn't force Ysl to do anything yet. It sounded like she had only just been taken.

Ask her if she's alright.
>>
No. 127925 ID: a64482

>read note
>hug Ysl
>>
No. 128347 ID: 6faa8c

I hold the girl close, and she presses her face into the area between my shoulder and neck, the tears wet and hot against my skin. I reach up to unhinge the leash, but she stops me.

"Don't. They are... enchanted. To take it off is to kill me."
>>
No. 128380 ID: 632862

>>128347
Well. That's just lovely.

I hope we can find a way to nullify the enchantment, then. I will not be comfortable having her walking around on a leash all the time.

At least she can just hold it herself, I guess. Maybe use it in battle if it's indestructible or something.
>>
No. 128509 ID: 6faa8c

>>128380
I'm uncertain. I've heard some runes can disrupt enchantments, but I'm worried about something that could kill Ysl, especially something so simply cosmetic.
>>
No. 128541 ID: 632862

>>128509
Alright, it stays on then. For a while anyway.

Assure her that you won't treat her like you own her.
>>
No. 128573 ID: 6faa8c

>>128541
"I won't treat you like I own you, or anything."

She chuckles.
"Either way is fine for me." she says softly. "This is my problem. Do not worry yourself upon it."
>>
No. 128951 ID: a64482

Ask he what she means. Knowing more about this whole goblin shame/honor deal would be useful, likely.
>>
No. 129043 ID: 6faa8c

>>128951
"What do you mean?"

"When a Goblin has fallen into danger, by their own actions, it is shameful to assist them. After all, it shows how foolish they are to be unable to forsee the trouble they were putting themselves in..."
she sighs heavily.

"I am yours." she says quietly. "At least it is better than the woman-taker."
>>
No. 129044 ID: a64482

"We're not assisting you. In our culture it is shameful to hold someone who is not our enemy in bondage. Thus, as a matter of honor, we must give you to yourself."

(Assuming your morals are similar to ours, Antares)
>>
No. 129045 ID: 6faa8c

"We're not assisting you. In our culture it is shameful to hold someone who is not our enemy in bondage. Thus, as a matter of honor, we must give you to yourself." I say gently.

She mutters a small sound of protest.
"I... I do not trust myself anymore." she says softly. "I... I failed myself. I acted poorly. I allowed emotion to control me."
>>
No. 129048 ID: 34470e

>>129045
"How do you think I ended up like this? I did the same thing as you."
>>
No. 129049 ID: 6faa8c

>>129048
"No. You succeeded. I have failed." she says simply.
"The woman-takers are... strange." she goes on, trying to change the subject.
>>
No. 129054 ID: a64482

Eh, what the hell. We can wait until we've gotten her confidence up, I guess.

Strange how?
>>
No. 129058 ID: 6faa8c

>>129054
"Strange how?"
"I hear stories. Boys will go there to rescue a girl they lost in a fight or something. Only... The girl won't want to leave."
"What."
"Yeah, you know? I heard stories about how the women are treated lavishly, how the men are turned away by women who loved them..." she shrugs. "I thought it was the collars, at first, but it isn't. The collar is only temporary. Rance said it's removed after the first night."
>>
No. 129064 ID: 632862

>>129058
Hah. Sounds like they're good at 'taking' women. To bed. SEX.
>>
No. 129065 ID: a64482

That's disturbing. We'll have to ask Rance about it if we get a chance. Or say we will but never do.

Ask her if she knows any runes.
>>
No. 129076 ID: 6faa8c

>>129064
That, uh. Er.

"You're blushing." she notes happily. "Maybe you're realizing something?"
>>
No. 129082 ID: 632862

>>129076
Antares. The collar is deactivated after SEX.
>>
No. 129089 ID: 6faa8c

>>129082
What.

No. That can't be it. Correlation is not causation!
>>
No. 129091 ID: 34470e

>>129089
It's too bad, though, with the condition you're in right now.
>>
No. 129094 ID: a64482

You should still have Jai come in and check. Since you can't, y'know. And since Asala would be scarred for life.

Or at least think about it.

Really hard.

Anyway, maybe you should give us to Ysl, or at least see what she thinks of that idea.
>>
No. 129095 ID: 6faa8c

>>129091
I... ack... Hish, you! I'm not supposed to exert myself in such a condition.

Ysl is making a weird face at me.
>>
No. 129097 ID: 6faa8c

>>129094
I, uh, what?

No, no! I don't think I want to get shot! At least not until the pain is really excrutiating!
>>
No. 129101 ID: a64482

Ask her what she's thinking.
>>
No. 129103 ID: 6faa8c

>>129101
"Wh-what are you thinking?" I ask quietly.
She giggles.
"Well, at first I thought that... well, that this horrible perverted man would be holding the leash. But now... it's you. And I find myself not so worried anymore."
>>
No. 129105 ID: a64482

We could make her worried, if you want Antares.

We'd be willing to do that for you.

Also, D'aww.
>>
No. 129207 ID: 632862

>>129103
I think you've noticed that we can get rather... intense. Don't worry, we mean no harm by it. You hold the final say in any case.

I wonder if maybe the leash just deactivates after the first night no matter what happens during that night?

Anyway, thank Ysl for her faith in you, even though you could just be hiding your perversion.
>>
No. 129217 ID: a64482

>even though you could be hiding your perversion.

Work this into your response to her.
>>
No. 129352 ID: 6faa8c

>>129207
"Thank you for your faith in me."

"I know you wouldn't be stupid enough to try anything on me anyway." she mutters quietly, laying against my chest.
>>
No. 129440 ID: a64482

Ask her why she believes that? Wouldn't her honor stop her from kicking your ass or something?
>>
No. 129558 ID: 6faa8c

>>129440
"Why is that?"

"I threw you through the sky, and you saw what I am capable of."
Er... She's right.
She smiles, catlike as she kisses my forehead. "Sleep, Antares. You need your rest." she lays beside me.
>>
No. 129610 ID: 632862

Okay, so we've got Jai- clever and kind yet bristly, Asala- strong yet conflicted and needing someone to make her feel feminine, and Ysl- pint-sized powerhouse with a playful, warm heart. I guess there's Vorana too but she doesn't appear to be very interested.

The choice is harder than I thought it would be.
>>
No. 130021 ID: 6faa8c

>>129610
This is true. But... I do not want to hurt any of the girls. They are trusted allies and companions. I'd hate for one of them to be hurt by my actions...
>>
No. 130355 ID: a64482

What time is it, is it nighttime? Day?

If it's day, give us to a girl so we can advise her, if it's night...

actually the same. Ask Ysl how she'd feel about it, it out to be Asala or... Vorana.

Can you give us to Vorana?
>>
No. 130357 ID: 632862

I don't think there's any possible way you can choose one of them and not have one of the others feel rejected.

There's another way of looking at it though. We are in a very dangerous environment. They could die in the very near future. On one hand this means your choice becomes easier if girls are eliminated in this manner. On the other hand this means you cannot take their presence for granted.
>>
No. 130457 ID: 6faa8c

>>130357
>I don't think there's any possible way you can choose one of them and not have one of the others feel rejected.

My father once told me romantic popularity is a curse bestowed generously on the good.

I never believed him until now...

All the girls are up and about save Ysl right now.
>>
No. 130458 ID: 34470e

>>130457
Well, Hattori had 3 to choose from. They were Ella, Shi, and Arryn. Hmm... Maybe even Raven was interested in him. Dunno, tough, we never got to see that much of her.
>>
No. 130460 ID: 632862

>>130458
Yeah, but he already knew Arryn didn't really work out as a permanent thing, and Shi uh... Well, Shi turned out to be a lot of trouble. I don't know how things would've turned out if he had chosen her. It would have definitely been more tragic.

Here, we know that all three are good people.
Jai could have the most parent-related complications if you chose her, and picking Ysl might insult the other two candidates. Not to mention the cultural difficulties. Picking Asala would make the others wonder if you just felt sorry for her.

Also, each candidate has ways in which they need you. Jai needs to open up more, Asala needs a man to make her feel feminine, and Ysl is bound to you.

Yet, there are reasons NOT to pick each girl for reasons that effect them only. Jai wants to remain detached so her heart won't break, Asala needs time to recover from losing her dad before entering into an emotionally demanding situation, and Ysl feels that she must solve her problems without outside assistance.

My opinion? Wait and see what happens. Try to figure out who you simply cannot live without. Then again you were going to do that anyway weren't you?
>>
No. 130486 ID: 6faa8c

>>130460
I'm.... rather stunned.
That's strong advice. Very well. I shall wait, and see. Would yo folks like to assist someone else, or is this all for tonight?
>>
No. 130737 ID: a64482

Give us to Vorana. I think we could do the most good there, and we haven't really gotten to know her yet. And considering that she's in the best position to tell us about the state of affairs on the island (except for possibly Ysl, or Sal'an) I think it's just a good idea. :D
>>
No. 130742 ID: 632862

Yeah, maybe we can help organize the construction of her new lair.
>>
No. 130743 ID: 6faa8c

>>130737
Very well. I signal Vorana inside, and she arrives quickly, robed more modestly than usual, her face looking more human than before.

"Yes, Antares?" she asks gently, quietly, to avoid awakening Ysl.
"Legion wishes to assist you."
"Very well."

@#$%@#$%ahundredvoicesasinglemindatrillionbodies%^#$^%^

I don't believe we have met.
>>
No. 130753 ID: 632862

>>130743
Greetings, we are Legion. Many, yet one, like you. We've not met someone with so much in common... Hmm.

Can we help you with anything?
>>
No. 130765 ID: 6faa8c
File 126610575893.png - (9.71KB , 640x480 , Voranasnest1.png )
130765

>>130753
Well, it's rather more like I am one yet many. We are, in fact, opposites: I am one voice advising thousands, you are a thousand voices advising one.

Still...

I do need some help figuring out exactly how to lay out my new hive...

There's three things a hive needs: a Spawning Pit, a Feeding Area, and a Queen's Chambers. The other areas are roughly the same size as my chambers. There are optional chambers, but right now I am most concerned with these three.
>>
No. 130775 ID: 632862

>>130765
Hm. Well, the functions of each room seem fairly self explanatory, but could you explain them in more detail? For instance, would Vorn be vulnerable while eating or during the spawning process?
>>
No. 130780 ID: a64482
File 12661072959.png - (36.34KB , 1216x688 , pitlayout.png )
130780

>>130765
What goes on in the spawning area? Will you be there alot? Is it a bunch of defenseless eggs/larvae? Are there generally always tough creatures wandering about waiting for orders?

A tentative layout design. Let me know if this presents any problems you can see, I tried to allow room to expand. Is there any way you could block a tunnel off in case of invasion? Ideally I'd like a sort of rally room directly behind a choke point, where we could have an arbitrarily large number of defenders engage a the minimum number of invaders that efficiency allows us to limit it to (and have this be the only way in/out, except for perhaps a private escape tunnel)
>>
No. 130787 ID: 6faa8c

>>130780
The spawning pit is where A) Takers are born, and B) Taken 'mature'. There are Vorn that I create for the specific purpose of breeding Takers, and they spend their life in the spawning pit.

The Feeding pit functions as a rest area and an area to eat. Idling for ready orders takes place in either Gaurd Posts, or in the Feeding area.
>>
No. 130793 ID: 632862

How about you put the vulnerable rooms like the Queen's Chamber and Spawning Room behind a twisted multi-level labyrinth? That would be especially useful if you and your children can sense vibrations with enough accuracy to tell where invaders are at all times.
>>
No. 130798 ID: a64482
File 12661091577.png - (37.05KB , 1216x688 , Pitlayout2.png )
130798

This might be better then. The guard post would of course be a secondary priority when it comes to setting things up. And this leaves plenty of room for expansion, the feeding pit would allow vorn to stream out to defend you, if such a thing is required.

Off the subject, how bad is it if Achilles captures one of your less burly children? In a world we have experience in, creatures which can fly very high and have great eyesight will relay information about enemy positions to commanders like you. Sort of like the thing we did with the spear and the small vorn. Could you make something so we could get an overview of Achilles' main base/troop movements?

Also, how do you feel about placing a container of water or something in the walls of your chamber, or in the guideposts? Like a big stone jar or something one of your minions would have to pierce to get at? Perhaps we could ask Asala if she's be willing to create a healing rune on such a jar, so in emergencies your children (and anyone else in there at the time) could heal their wounded and become combat ready faster?

Also, I'm supremely interested in your response to this man, and would totally not mind completely scrapping my plans if it becomes prudent.

>>130793
>>
No. 130814 ID: 6faa8c

>>130793
That would more likely confuse myself as well. Keep in mind that while I am wholly capable of guiding my children by the thousand, recalling a complicated layout for them may lead to... issues.

((Imagine playing a videogame with four controllers, one for each hand, and one for each foot. Now imagine that you're playing IWBTG with each one.))

>>130798
This is remarkably similar to my old layout. I'll take it.

As for Achilles... his primary abilities are the bending of living minds, dead bodies, and the air itself. He cannot subvert my children while I hold control of them, for he cannot subvert myself. I also doubt he would be able to control someone you were helping, rather, he may recieve painful feedback.

One other thing: Achilles rarely captures. He more often kills. The humans he 'captures' and subverts with small creatures are being punished, made an example out of. I've only seen this done to those he feels directly oppose him.

Lastly, he seems to have a grudge against human beings in particular.
>>
No. 130838 ID: a64482

How hard is it to create a new type of Vorn?

how many Vorn are under our control now, roughly?

What do you know about Achilles's defenses/armies?

These next questions are a bit more personal, if you do not wish to answer, I'll understand.

Why fight Achilles? You're not human. Did he mean to destroy you too?

How do you feel about Antares? How attached are you to your children, does every loss pain you, are you jaded by war, are they just tools? Something else?

What is your daughter's name? Because she is adorable.
>>
No. 130842 ID: 632862

>>130814
Hmm, can't you just... mark the proper path to get around in a way only Vorn can see? Or some other secret code that lets you navigate the maze easily without needing to memorize the layout?
>>
No. 130847 ID: a64482

>>130842
Keep left.

?
>>
No. 130891 ID: 632862

>>130847
Then invaders will be able to do the same thing. Also if the maze is any good at all, following one wall will take forever to reach the other side.
>>
No. 130895 ID: 34470e

>>130891
Wait, do Vorn use pheromones?
>>
No. 130946 ID: 6faa8c

>>130895
No. Our link is done via a specific subneural electric signal. The Orcs know intuitively how to strike it, and are the only race thus far able to do so. This is why we usually try to find a copper deposit where we nest: Vorn that eat copper are more receptive to commands.

My daughter's name? I've named her Anataire.

>How hard is it to create a new type of Vorn?
It requires finding a race that matches closely to what one desires.

>how many Vorn are under our control now, roughly?
I have roughly 80 Vorn workers and 20 brutes under my control.


>What do you know about Achilles's defenses/armies?
His creatures MUST be struck in the eye. Like us, they recieve commands directly from their leader. Unlike us, these commands are required even for their heat to beat.

>Why fight Achilles? You're not human. Did he mean to destroy you too?
Humans are the best breeding stock available to Vorn. If he manages to reach the populated continent first, he will take them all, and then wipe us out.

>How do you feel about Antares?
He is strong in a way I cannot pin down. Attractive, physically and mentally. I do not actively persue him because I am too busy keeping him safe.

>How attached are you to your children?
My children and myself both know what sacrifices must be made in order to acheive the goals we plan. Further losses indeed shake me.
>>
No. 131486 ID: a64482

>>130946


How old are you, have you been fighting Achilles all your life? Do you remember when he first showed up? Do you know where he spends most of his time?
>>
No. 131497 ID: 632862

>>131486
How old? You don't ask a lady that!

I really do wish we could use that maze idea... but if not, how about you put a guard post vertically above the entrance corridor so that Vorn can jump down upon intruders to ambush them?
>>
No. 131529 ID: a64482

>>131497
She's not even human, she's prolly beyond such petty trivialities. Right Vorana?
>>
No. 131682 ID: 4cedb9

>>131486
I've been fighting him as long as I can remember, since before the kobolds gained their natural armor and strength, and before the dwarves were forced under. I am uncertain of my age, as I do not bother to count the years, but I can estimate at least a thousand if not ten thousand years of age.

The vertical post would work, however...
>>
No. 131776 ID: a64482

So install it then.

What's your goal after Achilles is dead, then?

Are there other hives of Vorn? Can you get them to help?

How good are your children at digging? Could we have them dig a tunnel to get us inside Achilles fortress of evil if need be?
>>
No. 132032 ID: 6faa8c
File
Removed

>So install it then.
Already on it.

>What's your goal after Achilles is dead, then?
I merely wish to live in peace. I also hope to figure out a way to avoid killing the hosts of my people...


>Are there other hives of Vorn? Can you get them to help?
Not anymore...


>How good are your children at digging? Could we have them dig a tunnel to get us inside Achilles fortress of evil if need be?

While my race is very good at digging... Well...
Perhaps it would be best to show you what my advance scout sees.
>>
No. 132047 ID: 6faa8c
File 126626642166.png - (18.60KB , 640x480 , Zazv3.png )
132047

>>132032
>PROPER IMAGE
>>
No. 132060 ID: 632862

>>132047
More ideas for hive security:

Undermine corridors so that you can collapse the floor and trap/ambush invaders.
Make thin walls so that Vorn can bust through for ambushes.
have one round chamber with like 50 tunnels leading to it, so that you can swarm an invading force. Make the entrance collapsible so they can't get away.
>>
No. 132167 ID: a64482

Do you have ants or something similar there?

Could you make tiny carnivorous Vorn which would swarm out of the walls/floor at your command and fuck an invader's shit up?

Small flying insects would be good to. Maybe sparrows if those are too small. Is there a lower or upper size limit? Have you ever heard of leviathans? Could you take one or more of them as a host?

Also, a friend of ours did what had to be ALOT of damage to Achilles' assets. Do you happen to know how much?
>>
No. 132333 ID: 632862

>>132032
Hmm, how exactly do the hosts die? What is the reason?

Also, that is indeed a giant flying fortress. Got any way to produce large fliers so that we can get people up there?
>>
No. 132556 ID: 6faa8c

>>132333
Er... the last one plucked my soldiers from the sky. One by one, Achilles turned them into red biomass lumps.

Which he then used to create flying soldiers.

Which then slowly tore apart my mother.

It is not a particularily good memory. I had to sever her head to prevent Achilles from taking our transmission ability secrets.

As for our hosts... Our young gain their true genetic signature from their hosts, however, when they grow, they inadvertently cause drastic cranial failure.

>>132167
Too small... The smallest I've managed are rabbits. I believe you've seen the size of a Taker, yes?

As for leviathans... we cannot swim. It is... frightening to me. And thus it is frightening to my people.

The recent assault managed to destroy the previous flying fortress and several members of the Crying Legion, notably, the Muse and the Flayer.

There are ten members of this elite group, and Antares has killed one. Erhgal destroyed two with his explosion. This leaves...

The Angel, the Hammer, the Sheild, the Mage, the Berserker, the Lancer, and...

The one we know nothing about. We know he exists, but his title and abilities elude us.

>>132060
I will install the thin walls in the posts. The rest will be installed when I have time.
>>
No. 132611 ID: a64482

Why do they need to be in brain tissue? Is it some special requirement, or is that just a convenient point of entry? Could takers enter through a wound? Or other... orifice?


Moving on swiftly.

You cannot swim. We could probably rig something up with a bottle and Antares' speed abilities. Do you think you'd be okay with that? Do you think you could take over such a large mind if we could find a way?
>>
No. 132656 ID: 6faa8c

>>132611
I am... Uncertain. It would be difficult, to say the least. Not to mention once reaching maturity I may have trouble controlling it due to my fear of water. The way it presses in... the way I can feel it inside my body, ch-ch-choking me... Blocking everything... $%@%.... It... The black, plated hand holding me dow-^%#$^%down...
>>
No. 132661 ID: 34470e

>>132656
Calm down. You don't need to go into the water if you don't want to.
>>
No. 132663 ID: 632862

>>132656
Hey! Stay with us! The Berserker is dead. Antares killed him on his own shortly after your hive was destroyed. Right before meeting Ysl at the beach, in fact.
>>
No. 132664 ID: 6faa8c

>>132661
S-sorry... The memories @%@$$%@hurt. A lot. There is something you should know about Achilles that is very important.

He will let you win until the last moment.

So he can utterly destroy your hope. He may seem to create thousands of creatures, all he can truly do is destroy. Families. Minds. Peoples. I know that... that you are but an entertained group of watchers. But please. I beg of you.

Kill this monster.
>>
No. 132670 ID: a64482

>>132664
...

We shall do our utmost. I apologize for hurting you, I was only looking for a tactical advantage.
>>
No. 132676 ID: 6faa8c

>>132670
I-it is fine. It was never your intention.

Sleep beckons, my good friends. I shall send you to Antares for the night. Sleep well. May the earth be soft and the air be warm.

@##$@#$@#$

Rune Attuned!
Wounds

May be inscribed normally on: Bladed weapons
Effects:

1: Works to stop coagulation of blood, causing excessive bleeding. This works as a small feild around the sword, projecting roughly an inch from it in all directions. Be warned, hand wounds will not heal if you weild a weapon so engraved.
2: Like 1, but also increases the chance for infection incredibly for wounds opened in the feild caused by the rune. The feild also increases in size to six inches in every direction.

3: Like 2, but increases the likelihood of diseases, pathogens, and parasites spawning in the wound and areas in the field. The feild increases to a foot.

4:(only usable on zweihanders or axes due to size restriction) like 3, but increases the power of all effects a great deal. Field increases to 2 feet.

5: (see 4 for limitations) like 3, with more drastic effects. Also adds organ failure to the list, and in this case, the effect is not tied to wounds but merely the field itself. Excercise extreme caution, as the field is 5 feet long now.
>>
No. 132694 ID: 6faa8c

>>132676
The morning comes, and with it, new worries. The good news is, I can stand and walk without much worry.

The bad news is the news I got just now.

"Achilles comes with his enterouge, the whole Crying Legion." the orc stammers, kneeling before me. "They do not carry weapons of war or even of deuling. They are moving directly towards your position."

So, Legion. Any ideas?
>>
No. 132707 ID: 632862

>>132694
He's coming at us on the ground? He's vulnerable.

If only you had your full strength you could just get within running distance, Blessing 5 your shoes and kill him. If Asala and Jai came with you and stayed out of sight they'd be able to carry your comotose body back to base once the deed was done.

Otherwise... well, the Crying Knight enemies are only vulnerable at the eye. Even unarmed they are a serious threat. Still, if we can wound Achilles in any way he will likely retreat. His telekinesis will be near impossible to get through...

Maybe he just wants to talk? He did say you had a week to leave. Hahah.
>>
No. 132713 ID: a64482

How far away are they? ETA? Ask Vorana if she thinks the hive is ready for an assault. Also, where is Anataire?

Try etching a rune of blessing on a digger vorn. Smallest version possible. I want to make sure you're still rune-ready.
>>
No. 132723 ID: 6faa8c

>>132713
I am fully rune prepared. The only thing I can't do at the moment, is fight. With that in mind, I'm wearing minimal armor to reduce weight. Merely a chestpeice of leather for now.

Vorana says she cannot prepare a mass assault, so she lends me two bruisers.
Along with Asala, Jai, and Sal'an, I think I'm prepared.
As for ETA...
"Good morning, Antares." murmurs the soft, yet strange voice. "Good to see you're up and walking. Did you like the date I sent you?"

I count six others with him.
>>
No. 132729 ID: a64482

"Yeah, she knew some great dance moves, a bit strange though. Say, didn't you give me a week? I'm afraid I'm not yet prepared fully, you have me at a disadvantage."
>>
No. 132748 ID: 6faa8c

>>132729
"Did I say that?"
He smiles wide, revealing needle-like teeth.
"I lied. I can't have you going back to where all the other people are and tell them all sorts of nasty rumours!" he chuckles. "Now, I am not uncivilized. I will grant you a choice. This goes for all of you... except the tin man."

He draws a long sword of bone and flesh with an eye on the hilt, and stabs it into the sand. He then has young man with a throbbing... thing in his chest stand beside it. Lastly, he steps forward.
"You have three options." he said simply. "First of all, you may surrender. If you do this, I will grant you a single requiest of your choice, aside from my own death, and if you tell me the names and descriptions of your family, I will avoid harming them to the best of my ability."
"Second, you may resist me." he holds up a writhing creature in his hand made of tentacles and an eye. "...And eventually join my army. Whereupon I will scour your memories and have you kill your family."

He shrugs.

"Lastly, you can simply ignore me. Eventually, I'll run you down with the rest of the planet, but it will be swift and painful, I gaurentee. Upon your decision, I will return to my home, with or without you, and plan accordingly."

He crosses his arms.

"Decide."
>>
No. 132762 ID: 632862

>>132748
Vorana told us something recently: Achilles likes to play with his opponents before dealing the final blow. He'll let us win for a while. So let's resist.
>>
No. 132871 ID: 91ab04

>>132762

I'm going to second this. Vorana would know him the best, as of yet.

Even if you were to surrender, our families wouldn't last long as the sole survivors of their respective races. Ignoring him leads to the same fate, only quicker. At least resisting him, we have a fighting chance.
>>
No. 133013 ID: 6faa8c

>>132762
Very well.

"Jai, please convey my feelings to him in the universal language, would you?"
"Certainly."
The writhing creature in his hand explodes into gore as thunder roars, and Asala steps forth.
"You have killed my father, nearly crippled my..." she pauses, "My friend Antares, and harmed Vorana beyond compare. It is my duty, no... my pleasure to stand against you."
Sal'an smiles.
"I'll be happy to grind that smug grin from your face."
Vorana smiles as well.
"You already know my awnser."
A rock rockets from the forest, and Achilles hoplds out a hand to stop it. The blue energy grips it, but only slows it. The rock slams into his hand, breaking his bones and crushing it against his shoulder, then falls into the sand.
Achilles seems breifly stunned as I see Ysl wave from the woods, then walk to my side to join me.
I've never seen a face so utterly enraged as the one Achilles wears in that moment, his other hand passing over the ruined arm, repairing it instantly.
His smug grin returns. "Very well. And I'm assuming that Rance feels the same. Very well, Antares."
His eyes narrow.
"You will be the last to die." he promises, before turning around. his servants leave with him.

All the tension leaves my body at once, and I slump to the earth, panting.
>>
No. 133015 ID: a64482

>>133013
What? WHAT? Are you okay? Hey, Antares, answer us!
>>
No. 133019 ID: 6faa8c

>>133015
I'll be fine. It was just... the pressure was intense. He could have killed me at any moment. But...

The rock. The fact that he couldn't stop it in time... it proves he's not as invulnerable as he thinks.
The goblins. The Orcs. The Vorn. Jai, Asala, myself. Sal'an.

We can do this. We can hurt him! We can... we can kill him!
>>
No. 133036 ID: 632862

>>133019
You're right. In fact, if we put big Blessing rune on Jai's gun, that should punch through his defenses too!
>>
No. 133314 ID: 6faa8c

>>133036
I am not certain whether that would work. Unless we catch him by surprise.
"Ysl did well?" she askes with a smile as she helps me up.
>>
No. 133323 ID: 34470e

>>133314
Smile and praise her.
>>
No. 133332 ID: 6faa8c

>>133323
"Yes, you did."
She smiles radiantly.

Asala wanders into the trees, and Jai sighs.
"We will need more than a hut if we're to oppose someone like that..."
>>
No. 133373 ID: 632862

>>133332
Alright, where can we get some building materials? We can't use anything organic, mind you. Stone, metal and glass.
>>
No. 133708 ID: 6faa8c

>>133373
I think for a moment, pacing.
Vorana sighs.
"You may utilize the Hive now. It is prepared."

I can see red eyes glowing in the forest. Watching and waiting. Poised, like stilled movement. There's... a lot. Enough that I can tell the ones in front block the sight of more behind. They shine though lined visors of steel and bone.
>>
No. 133804 ID: 632862

>>133708
The hive? Against that many Crying Knights this is going to be a tough battle. Barely any time to prepare, too. Ugh. We set up the hive with ambushing in mind... I guess if we were to use a choke point it would be at the entrance.

I have an idea, though. Inscribe some bottles with size 3 Undeath. They should be thrown at the enemy.

Also, make sure everyone has Blessing on their armor. Hey, also when they start advancing, inscribe Blessing on everyone's shoes as well. Plus the other related enhancement combinations you've figured out.

Speaking of figuring out runes, are you healthy enough to do some serious experimentation again?
>>
No. 133808 ID: 6faa8c

>>133804

>Speaking of figuring out runes, are you healthy enough to do some serious experimentation again?

Depends. What have you got in mind?
>>
No. 133815 ID: 632862

>>133808
Hmm. How long has it been since you wore an Undeath ring? There could be some spirits around. Maybe Erhgal hasn't moved on yet, and we can talk to him a bit about the enemy.

Hey, try Augmentation and Undeath on a charm.
>>
No. 133825 ID: 6faa8c

>>133815
Hey, good idea.

Inscribing:
Augmentation 1. Undeath 1 on: Charm.

I see my body fall to the ground. There's a long white strand connecting me to my bo-wait what
>>
No. 133828 ID: 632862

>>133825
Well you're not DEAD, at least. I mean, we couldn't talk to you if that were the case.

Look around and see if anything looks different.
>>
No. 133836 ID: 6faa8c

>>133828
Everything does.
There's no trees. There's just rolling plains, dotted by leather walls. Here and there, trails of smoke.

And the sky...
The sky has three moons.
>>
No. 133841 ID: 34470e

>>133836
Um... Call out to see if anyone is there.
>>
No. 133846 ID: 632862

>>133836
Inscribe a ring with Undeath and wear it.
>>
No. 133851 ID: 6faa8c

>>133846
The world flashes. I sheild my eyes from the light, but instead of a thousand I expect, there is only one. A young woman, with hair of fire, weeping. Around her lay the bodies of heavyset, short people, armed with large axes and heavily armored. And then I realize... there is only the armor. There is no bodies within.
I look around, and I see other fantastical creatures, mourning for piles of dead races only discernable by their inorganic armor.

There's only one feeling in the air. Despair. It tastes like blood, like death. Like poison.
>>
No. 133876 ID: 632862

>>133851
This... is the Land of the Dead that corresponds to the continent you're on. The continent that has no faith. Are these dead gods stuck here, unable to bring their champions into the afterlife because the God of Death cannot reach them?

Well, see if you can talk to the one closest to you. Call out and ask who she is.
>>
No. 133880 ID: 6faa8c

>>133876
I walk up to the young woman, and her head snaps up.
"Please." she manages, her face covered in tears. "Believe in me. I'm here. I'm trying! I'm trying!" she stammers, fires jumping from her hands to the bodies. "He took them... they stopped believing..." she looks up at me. "Please!"
Uh... the other ones, nearby, are starting to notice... and her cries are growing more and more desperate.
"They won't move anymore! No matter how much I try to bring them back! They believed in me!"
>>
No. 133888 ID: 632862

>>133880
Start backing away and get ready to run back into your body and erase the runes on the charm.

"It's impossible for my belief to reach you, this land is barren of faith. Tell me who you are and I'll try to help fix things."
>>
No. 133895 ID: 6faa8c

>>133888
"I am... Etena, Goddess of fire, magma, craft and war." she looks at the earth. "You must leave, human. The gods here are... hungry... desperate... for the warmth of a soul."
Her hands twitch, and she holds them against her chest.
"H-hurry..."
>>
No. 133901 ID: 632862

>>133895
Run like fuck! Get back to your body and erase the runes on the charm!
>>
No. 133905 ID: 6faa8c

>>133901
I turn and run.
"No! NO! STOP! MINE!" she screams, and her hand touches my shoulder. The agony is terrible, but I manage to slip away.

I grab my own hand, erasing the runes, and I gasp for air as I get up. I look to where the goddess grabbed me, the leather burned away. In its place is a triangle, with three lines radiating from the tip of one of the points. the burn does not hurt to the touch, but the scar is hot.
>>
No. 133916 ID: 632862

>>133905
You've been marked... That's Etena's symbol. I wonder... will she be able to resurrect you like she did the dwarves? Better not count on it.

By the way you should probably have a Courage amulet, ring and/or charm active at all times from here on out.
>>
No. 133924 ID: 6faa8c

>>133916
Sal'an approaches.
"Yer aight, kiddo? Yer jus..." he pauses. "Yer shoulder." he says simply. "What happened, boyo."

His tone is rather intense.
>>
No. 133926 ID: 632862

>>133924
Go into as much detail as you can while explaining what happened.
>>
No. 133930 ID: 6faa8c

>>133926
He blinks.
"Etena." he mutters. "No one has worshipped 'er since the loss of the Stonehead Clan." he looks to the sky. "Well... I had a symbol to her, once. When I was... normal. It was almost like I could see where the metal had impurities... what shape a charm wanted ta be..."
>>
No. 133971 ID: 632862

>>133930
Take a close look at the charm you have.
>>
No. 133985 ID: 6faa8c

>>133971
Reflexively, I look down at the charm that hangs from my belt, and he shakes his head.
"Ah meant when I made them meself. There's a reason I went above, boyo. We're a people of tradition. When a Clan dies, so does the god that gaurds it, like. So... people didna like me thinkin' about Etena much, eh?"
>>
No. 134210 ID: a64482

I hope our rune goddess didn't just get injured...

I'm considering telling you to inscribe undeath on a tree. I mean, we need something big to help us here, and an entire forest turning into blightland would be helpful.
>>
No. 134239 ID: 6faa8c

>>134210
I will not force undeath on another living thing again.
>>
No. 134404 ID: 632862

>>134239
Hey, Augmentation and Courage made weapons bigger... try it on a rock.
>>
No. 134424 ID: 6faa8c

>>134404
I do so.

?

It seems to-

!!!

The rock shakes.
Uh.
>>
No. 134425 ID: 632862

>>134424
Take cover!
>>
No. 134429 ID: a64482

EVERYONE HIT THE DECK.
>>
No. 134441 ID: 6faa8c

>>134425
I cry out and duck for cover.

Now that I think about it, doing this was half the reason I'm so fit.
The rock's shaking ceases. It... opens in the back. A hatch opens outward.
>>
No. 134444 ID: a64482

>>134441
...

Wat

WHAT

WAIT, HUH? Examine opening!
>>
No. 134447 ID: 6faa8c

>>134444
I look inside.

A full suit of plate armor, a sword, and a sheild sit inside.

Only they're all made of rock.
>>
No. 134448 ID: a64482

>>134447
...

Thisisthebestruneever.jpg
>>
No. 134450 ID: 34470e

>>134447
Um... Pick them up I guess.
>>
No. 134453 ID: 6faa8c

>>134450
The sword alone weighs twice what the Freedom does. It's incredib-
Ysl plucks it from my hand and smiles, hefting it easily.

I hear a commotion in the woods, clashing of blades.
>>
No. 134468 ID: a64482

Ysl, get changed. The rest of us, we have to help whoever's being attacked.

Don't feel like retreat isn't an option though, this is a tactical decision to save probable allies.
>>
No. 134470 ID: 632862

>>134447
Oh I know what's going on. Rance's orcs are attacking the Knights. See if you can get together a force to assist them in breaking through enemy lines. Don't forget to use runes on everybody's stuff. Including gauntlets and footwear.
>>
No. 134552 ID: 6faa8c

>>134470
Ysl quickly arms herself and I watch as Rance and Asala crash through the brush, Rance holding her down by the shoulders. She's disarmed.

"You're thinking too hard!" he says, in a tone that reminds me of my father when he taught me about fencing. "Let your instincts do half the work and you'll go far. You'd do better with a small mace or hatchet. You're fast, but not fast enough for a sword. You need to use that strength, that fire in you."
He leans close to her and whispers inaudibly. She looks away and blushes heavily.
>>
No. 134606 ID: a64482

...

Call out to Rance, see if he'd like to spar. Use runes for massive nonlethal damage.

I really have no other ideas.
>>
No. 134619 ID: 632862

What, we're not going to fuck over Rance and lose the alliance. Besides, Antares can't fight.

I personally think that a little exposure to Rance could do Asala some good. She wants to feel feminine, and Rance can certainly do that!
>>
No. 134621 ID: 6faa8c

>>134619
I... Hm.
But...
Ergh...
I've sort of liked Asala since our practice. I just... ergh.
>>
No. 134624 ID: a64482

>>134619
>.>

I suppose you have a point.
>>
No. 134628 ID: 34470e

>>134621
I kind of like Ysl better.
>>
No. 134638 ID: 6faa8c

>>134628
Yes, well, you are a voice in one of a thousand. I still have my personal preferences. I can understand why you like her so much, though...
>>
No. 134642 ID: a64482

>>134621

Shouldn't we go off who Antares likes instead of who we like?

Still, this is puzzling, I'm not sure how to advise him, and honestly Rance is probably more experience then all of us combined and multiplied 3 times over.

Antares, joining the sparring session is probably your best bet, if you want to win over Asala. I can't think of anything better at least. Don't challenge him or anything, make sure it stays friendly.

Alternately offer to bless her boots to see if it gives them a more even footing?
>>
No. 134667 ID: 6faa8c

>>134642
Very well.

"Rance!" I call. He looks up.
"Ha, walking around already." he says, getting off of her. "What is it?"
Oh shit... here goes.
"I'd like to spar with you."
He pauses. Then laughs. He stops his laughter to breathe, then starts again.
>>
No. 134670 ID: 34470e

>>134642
If Antares spars with Rance, Rance might not hold back, even if he knows that Antares isn't 100%. That could permanently cripple him. BUT if Antares spars with Ysl, she knows Antares is hurt, and will hold back so she doesn't hurt him any more.
>>
No. 134685 ID: 632862

>>134667
Hey. Inscribe Augmentation and Wounds on your armor.
>>
No. 134702 ID: 6faa8c

>>134685
I do so.

Hurm, I don't feel any different. But I don't feel worse either.

"You sure, kiddo?" Rance asks. "I'll hold back, but not by much. You're our ace in the hole, you know?"
>>
No. 134716 ID: 632862

>>134702
Try poking yourself on the finger with your dagger, and see if the wound seals up immediately or something.
>>
No. 134732 ID: 6faa8c

>>134716
I do so.

The wound doesn't heal.

It simply ceases to exist.
>>
No. 134737 ID: 632862

>>134732
You're ready.

Oh, wait. Maybe you should put some Blessing on your gauntlets and boots.

Hey. You called the sword Freedom. How do you know its name? At any rate, use it as a weapon, maybe the fight will reveal another one of its abilities.
>>
No. 134738 ID: a64482

....

That's fucking awesome.
>>
No. 134754 ID: 6faa8c

>>134737
I bless my boots and gauntlets, then smile.
"I'm ready."

"Alright! Let's see what you can do!" He rushes at me, and I lean back away from the first slash, parrying it away. I feel a boot in my gut, and he pushes me down.

As I hit the ground, I grab the leg and throw him behind me, jumping up in time to block the next assault. Each slash is precise and perfect, his smile wide and feirce.
"You're good! You learn fast!" he says, "But you focus too hard!"
He leans in close, and his wrist slams into my jaw, making me stumble. He steps forth again, into the space I occupied, and his elbow slams hard into my gut, sending me back, bouncing on the sand.

As soon as he sees me getting back up, he rushes again.
>>
No. 134776 ID: a64482

>>134754
Go for his legs, push them out from under him.
>>
No. 134795 ID: 632862

>>134754
You're focusing too hard? Okay. Devote a bit of yourself to thinking about something else.
>>
No. 134800 ID: 6faa8c

>>134776
U duck under the swing and sweep at his legs with a kick, and he stumbles back,tripping a little. taking advantage of the opportunity, I knock the blade from his hand, pointing it at his neck.

...Did I win?
>>
No. 134801 ID: a64482

>>134795
OH. Think about Asala.

You could be her first you know. Would you like that?
>>
No. 134814 ID: 632862

>>134800
Wait, what? You won? I was honestly not expecting that. I was expecting him to eventually beat you, and go "Oh, nice fight!" and stuff.

Check yourself for wounds and stuff. Also, him.
>>
No. 134819 ID: 34470e

>>134814
Something doesn't seem right, or I'm being too genre-savvy at the moment.
>>
No. 134823 ID: a64482

>>134800
Ask that. Don't get cocky, or he'll turn it on you SO FAST.
>>
No. 134828 ID: 6faa8c

>>134819
He laughs.
"Haha! That glowy shit is better than I thought." he says simply. "I almost had you. Most people don't get up from that."

Asala looks... contemplative. But also very embarrassed.
>>
No. 134835 ID: a64482

>>134828
Help him up, like a gentleman.
>>
No. 134875 ID: 6faa8c

>>134835
I help him up, and he brushes himself off. He then eyes me, and Asala, and Ysl, and Jai, then me again.
"Can I have a word with you?"
>>
No. 134899 ID: 632862

>>134875
Okay.
>>
No. 134901 ID: 6faa8c

>>134899
"Sure."
We walk.
"First of all: Achilles will be gone for a day and a half at least. You look tense. Lighten up. Second... make up your fucking mind."
What.
>>
No. 134919 ID: 632862

>>134901
Heheh. Well, we do have some time without Achilles breathing down our necks. I submit that you should spend all of it figuring this thing out.

In the meantime, tell him you haven't known any of them for long enough to really figure it out.
>>
No. 134942 ID: 6faa8c

>>134919
"Well, I haven't known them long enough t-"
"Then get to know them." he says. His face is serious. "This demon you face may very well kill you. At the very least, before you die, fall in love and die in love." he sighs. "That's the best advice I can give you."
>>
No. 134968 ID: a64482

Serirance is srs.

Looks like you have a decision, boss.
>>
No. 134987 ID: 6faa8c

>>134968
I know. I know!

Who do I choose?

[]Jai
[]Asala
[]Ysl
[]Vorana
>>
No. 134991 ID: 34470e

>>134987
You might not choose Ysl, but I do.
>>
No. 135017 ID: 632862

Okay okay, let's hang out with Ysl first. I want to spend some time with Jai too though.
>>
No. 135042 ID: 6faa8c

>>135017
Right then, Ysl.

I approach Ysl, who is toying with her removed collar. It seems that Rance undid it.
She's smiling peacefully to herself.
>>
No. 135085 ID: 34470e

>>135042
"It must be nice having that collar off."
>>
No. 135088 ID: 6faa8c

>>135085
She looks up.
"Y-yes. It is." he stretches, inhaling deeply. It's rather flattering.
"Walk with me?" she asks, and I nod, taking her hand.

We walk.
>>
No. 135155 ID: 34470e

>>135088
What time is it? Ask her if she thinks it's a nice day out.
>>
No. 135166 ID: 6faa8c

>>135155
"It's a wonderful day, isn't it?"
"I suppose it is." she replies. "The wind is warm, a friend walks beside me, and the sky is..." she pauses, looking up. Then she tackles me aside.

I barely have time to speak before a large arrow and two bolts slam into the earth I once stood upon.

"The liar." she growls.
>>
No. 135172 ID: 632862

>>135166
Damn it fine alright, make sure you've got Augment/Wounds on your armor so you can fight. That's priority one. Priority two is giving Ysl a boost somehow, if she's using anything. Blessing her armor if she's wearing any since we don't know about any possible after-effects of augment/wounds. If no armor, throw something on her weapon.

Final priority is blessing boots. Then gloves I guess if you know it's perfectly safe.

Wait. Can Ysl wear gloves? Oh lord, I want to see what happens when her strength is enhanced and she throws something at an enemy.
>>
No. 135175 ID: 6faa8c
 

>>135172
She's still wearing her stone armor.
We rise and run, as I bless and augment my equipment, giving my armor a 4 wounds. I feel definitely safegaurded. My boots receive a blessing, and Ysl knocks me down again.

"I hope this gets to be a habit, I quip, as I bless her armor and gauntlets. She smiles, and I look up at my foe.

Black wings, four of them, flap at the sky while her feet reload a longbow that they hold from a quiver on her leg, and she loads two wrist crossbows. She says nothing, her face showing no emotion.
>>
No. 135180 ID: 632862

>>135175
Okay, Ysl is our ranged attacker here. She can either throw rocks or toss the arrows back at her.

You... Ah hell, you'd need to bless your gauntlets to get anything done. If you can manage that while dodging arrows, do so.
>>
No. 135190 ID: 6faa8c

>>135180
Too busy hiding!

Arrows and bolts pelt the tree behind me as Ysl hurls huge boulders the size of carts at the monster.

She's frustrated because none of them are connecting, clearly.
"You stupid nnngha! bitch stop flitting about like some gods-damned rrragh! butterfly!"
>>
No. 135193 ID: 632862

>>135190
Maybe Ysl can punch a rock to send shrapnel flying, instead of a single projectile.

What stuff is around you? Apparently there's trees and boulders...
>>
No. 135198 ID: 6faa8c

>>135193
Trees and lots of boulders. Ysl is now experimenting with smaller missiles of greater velocity, with no success, swearing loudly and shaking a fi-

Wait.

I have an idea.
>>
No. 135200 ID: 632862

>>135198
...please tell me you aren't thinking about throwing Ysl or something.
>>
No. 135204 ID: 6faa8c

>>135200
Close.

"Ysl, how accurately could you throw a person?"
"Pretty well, I'd s-" she narrows her eyes. "You cannot be serious."
I draw Freedom and smile.
She sighs. Should I go through with this? Or do you guys have a better id-my goodness that arrow was mighty close.
>>
No. 135214 ID: 632862

>>135204
Better bring along some sort of shield. Cut a chunk off a tree perhaps? Don't forget to Bless it.
>>
No. 135222 ID: 6faa8c

rolled 3 + 2 = 5

>>135214
I find a large log.
"Throw this, then me, at her. I'll grapple in midair and force her down. Then you deal the last blow."
>>
No. 135227 ID: 6faa8c

rolled 7 + 2 = 9

>>135222
"Well, if you insist." she says, throwing the log as she fires, then myself.
>>
No. 135230 ID: 632862

>>135227
...damn. Incoming pain, Antares. Try to fight through it. Stay awake, and get that bird out of the sky.
>>
No. 135232 ID: 6faa8c

rolled 15 + 2 = 17

>>135230
!!!

Argh! It's like someone rammed into my belly headfirst! I split the log before me and reach out to grab onto he-
Er, ah, not there... There, I got her shoulder. I rear back my sword as she readies her bow...
>>
No. 135235 ID: 6faa8c

rolled 15 + 5 = 20

>>135232
The pain is incredible. Intense.
But the pain of losing a friend would be worse! I drive the blade into her wing, holding on tightly as the bones break beneath the swing and flesh gives way. The crossbow fires, taking a bit of my ear. I rear back the sword again.

I won't let you hurt my friends! I won't let you terrorize this continent any longer!
>>
No. 135238 ID: 6faa8c

rolled 16 + 2 = 18

>>135235
As we begin to gain speed, I rise and manage to barely stand atop her, looking deep into the red eye of the creature.
And thus into Achille's.

"When I come for you, it will not be a man, or an army. It will be the weight of the world that hates you, crushing you under its heel."
I leap, and let my blade impact the eye as we both hit the ground.
>>
No. 135239 ID: 632862

>>135238
Good work! Also you're going to pass out again.
>>
No. 135241 ID: 6faa8c

>>135239
Oh, really, that's good to know, the pain was really quite excrutia-
&$^#^&^&^#
ohmygodantaresdidhereallyjustdothatisheokay
>>
No. 135242 ID: 34470e

>>135241
Hi there, Ysl. It's an honor to finally meet you directly.
>>
No. 135243 ID: 632862

>>135241
Hey Ysl, Legion here. Antares will be fine, probably. The effect of the runes he used on his armor delays injuries, and dampens them. So that beating Rance gave him just caught up to him.

It's pretty useful anyway... Get him back to base so he can rest.
>>
No. 135346 ID: 6faa8c

>>135243
Oh... Oh no...

Well, Antares is still breathing, at least. the creature is dead, pinned to the ground by the sword. The sword is stuck to the hilt into the ground, so I have to move the creature out of the way to pull it out.
>>
No. 135350 ID: 632862

>>135346
Right then. Oh, you'd better hold onto that sword yourself, just in case. It's got a magical enchantment that gives tactical information in the case of an ambush or similar thing.
>>
No. 135375 ID: 6faa8c

>>135350
R-right. I carry the body back, running. No. NO! There's more commotion at the beach! I break through the bushes, hiding Antares in the hollow stone and rushing into the combat.

My fist impacts one of the strange creatures in the face, an-
!!?

The round head goes flying attatched by a white, stretching cord. The armored head stops moving back, then zooms at me again, before I can get my guard up. It splits my helmet in half, sending me stumbling.

The world's going dark...
>>
No. 135404 ID: 632862

>>135375
Don't pass out! Can you reach the hive, or find one of Vorana's drones so they can carry you to safety? If not, try to find another ally who can protect you. Asala or Rance, optimally.
>>
No. 135416 ID: 6faa8c

>>135404
I recover, barely. I decapitate the creature with ease, making my way to Jai, Asala, Rance, and the Vorn, gaurding a dark cave.

There's so many of them. We can barely keep them off.

"Shit! I'm out of ammo!" Jai calls out, pulling out a crossbow to snap a creature in the eyeslit of its helmet.
>>
No. 135452 ID: 6faa8c

>>135416
Asala sighs, and sets her feet.
"Antares is unconcious, right?" she asks.
"Yes, why?"
"Good. He won't see this side of me." she says, then simply... grows.
Her body suddenly scales up, ten feet, eleven feet, twelve, fourteen, twenty. Her skin darkens until it is a deep, deep brown, her eyes redden until they are twin orbs of crimson, and her arms grow thicker.

Wh-what?!

"Called it." Jai mutters, stabbing a creature in the face as Asala picks two up and simply crushes them, kicking aside a third.
>>
No. 135455 ID: 632862

>>135452
Well that's handy. Is she not worried about Rance seeing this? Or maybe Rance is off doing something with his orcs.

Give Asala support. Try to keep enemies from attacking her from her blind spots. Maybe throw some boulders around.
>>
No. 135496 ID: 6faa8c
File 126662613512.jpg - (58.97KB , 442x600 , NewCryingLegionMember.jpg )
135496

>>135455
R-right! I'll ask about it later!

As she kicks the foes around like toys, I close with Jai on the ones to her left, and Rance handles the ones on the right. It doesn't take long for the enemies to slow and then stop arriving.

And then the last arrives. A man in heavy armor I've never seen before. Black fire riols from his body, and his step turns the beach to glass.

He points at Asala, and massive, thick, ropy appendages tear from the earth and bind her in place as he crosses his arms, the faceplate covering his face comepletely.

Vorana, behind us, looks shocked, while Asala rages at the restraints. They heal even as I slice at them, and then they begin to pull her away.
Antares is waking.
>>
No. 135547 ID: 632862

>>135496
Hmm. If the sword is called Freedom, maybe it can remove bonds somehow. Give it to Asala perhaps?
>>
No. 135891 ID: 6faa8c

>>135547
I toss the sword up, and out of reflex, she catches it.

There's a flash, and she's gone. The tentacles hang in their positions for a moment, before retracting in confusion. Antares is awake. He sees the armored man and runs into the hive.

The armored man points at the hive, taps his wrist twice, then draws his thumb along his neck.

And then a maw swallows him from under the earth, the sand closing around it after it leaves veiw.
>>
No. 135894 ID: 34470e

>>135891
Ysl, what is your honest opinion of Antares?
>>
No. 135897 ID: 6faa8c

>>135894
Antares?
He's... interesting. I've been interested in men before, but none of them were strong or... couragous enough. Too boring. I won't say I'm in love or infatuated, though.

And this is between us, right~?
>>
No. 135900 ID: 34470e

>>135897
Yes, it's between us.
>>
No. 135992 ID: 6faa8c

>>135900
Good. I'd hate for Antares to get expectant.

#$@!Q%@#

I sigh as I leave the cave with Asala. She's given Freedom back, and I look over the massive amount of dead bodies. None of them, thankfully, are my friends. It appears that this day is ours, for now.
>>
No. 136037 ID: 632862

>>135992
We're gonna have to get rid of the bodies somehow so Achilles can't take the organic matter for his own uses.

Hey, we now know that Freedom can release the wielder from bonds, with a little bit of magical fuel.
>>
No. 136068 ID: 6faa8c

>>136037
I'll get the boies burned immediately. We will then take whatever doesn't burn and feed it to the Vorn. Vorana states she is expanding further underground, and Ysl is going to help her move heavy stones.

Rance is going back to his tribe. We're going to hold out here.

Is there anything I should do?

[Spend time with (Asala/Jai) | Go with Rance | Check on the goblin town | Experiment with runes]
>>
No. 136164 ID: a64482

>>136068
I want to spend time with Jai, personally.

But literally everything on that list is actually important...

Meh, still voting for Jai spending time with. We gotta decide soon, so you can d...

Have someone to fight for. Passion helps with these things.
>>
No. 136186 ID: 632862

Why don't we do two things at once? Go with Jai to the goblin town.
>>
No. 136191 ID: 34470e

>>136186
Good idea
>>
No. 136562 ID: 6faa8c

>>136164
"Hey, Jai. Want to go see how the goblin town is holding up with me?"
"Sure thing, city boy." she says. "Weird... the day's closing already."
"I know. Time passes fast when you're fighting for your life, huh?"
She nods quietly, rolling a cigarette, and seems to check to see if we're in earshot of the others.
"I think... before I lose the chance, there's some things I need to tell you. So you know. And I want you to promise me something."
>>
No. 136563 ID: 632862

>>136562
"Go on."
>>
No. 136569 ID: 6faa8c

>>136563
She sighs, blowing a long stream of smoke.
"Well... We might not win this. And... I'm scared. I've.... I've never been scared. I mean, I know when I'm in danger, but... usually I just get more aware. Here? I'm actually frightened. Worried I might not get home at all."
She hugs herself quietly. "Antares, I... I don't want to sound desperate or anything. I don't want you to think I'm only doing this because you're the only decent guy around."
I note that she actually used my name. "I... I guess... no, I'm certain. Antares, I'm falling for you. You stupid city boy."
>>
No. 136604 ID: 632862

>>136569
I like her, Antares. Do you like her? Tell her your feelings. Also, some form of physical contact would be a good idea, but keep in mind she's smoking... and I don't think a hug is entirely appropriate.
>>
No. 136612 ID: 6faa8c

>>136604
Of all the girls, I met Jai first. Shecold to me, but warmed over time. And while I like Ysl and Asala, it's harder for me to veiw them as life partners. I see them as friends, companions... not as lovers.

I reach out and take the smoke from her lips, kissing them gently as I pull her close. She kisses me back, and for a moment, all is still, until we break the kiss and look at the red stars of the night sky.
>>
No. 136613 ID: 632862

>>136612
THOSE AREN'T STARS. Get inside!
>>
No. 136615 ID: a64482

OH SHI-

Maybe you should put out that cigarette.
>>
No. 136621 ID: 6faa8c

>>136613
"Jai."
"Y-yes?"
"Those aren't stars."
There's a long pause as we both make this realization.
"Where would he get that much mass?" she asks softly. "We would have noticed that..."
No. No no no!
We run to the tow-
There is no town.
No wooden buildings, no bodies, no burned homes, nothing but small bits of metal, and bare, barren dirt.
I fall to my knees.
No. This can't be happening.
I feel Jai's hand on my shoulder as the sky clears, revealing Achilles standing in the center of the barren field. He's smiling.
>>
No. 136624 ID: a64482

Wow, Ysl will be crushed.

What are you so broken up about? You didn't know them.

"Jai... I think we should leave. Now."
>>
No. 136625 ID: 632862

>>136621
Okay, we don't know if the goblins managed to get away or not. Rance's orcs might've helped them out, too.

We can't attack Achilles in your condition. Plus, this smells of an ambush. If you run down there and start trying to slice him up, big rune usage or not, Jai will likely get attacked and hurt seriously if not killed. Let's get out of here.
>>
No. 136628 ID: 6faa8c

>>136624
No, I didn't know them.

But my father didn't know everyone in the Old world, either.

"Jai, you should leave. Now." I say, standing up.

She nods, kissing the side of my neck.

I draw my sword.

"You told me, boy, that you wouldn't face me as an army." Achilles said. "That... the world would bear down on me." he grins wickedly. "Right now, the 'world' consists of you, a goblin, a human who doesn't understand what dying means, a dwarf, and a couple hundred insects, orcs, and women."

He throws back his head and laughs.
"Go on then, world. I dare you to try." he bows, his clawed hands at either side. "Avenge these fallen friends, these hopeless sacks of biomass, who ignored my prescense until it was too late. Try to do what hundreds, thousands have tried, and failed. I would relish the thoughts in your mind as you rape and slay those you called friend and lover. And when you fall, and your friends fa-"

He stumbles back, the knife between his eyes, blood dripping down his face.

"Shut the fuck up."
I step forward, and he points meekly as he tries to wrest the dagger free. I cut away the tentacles as I stride forth. "I don't care about your plans, your ideas, your sick fantasies." I growl, tracing a size 3 rune on Freedom. "I don't give a shit about who you kill anymore, who you enslave."
A creature begins to rise from the earth, I stab its eye and continue forth. "I've had enough of you!"

The air is warmer. I'm halfway to him, and the knife is still stuck.
>>
No. 136630 ID: a64482

...

You stupid mot...

Look out for the fire knight, cut through them and keep on the offense. Maybe we can finish this, or at least weaken him. Nice throw, btw.
>>
No. 136632 ID: 6faa8c

>>136630
The fire knight?

Just before I reach Achilles, the air seems to expand, then throw me back, sending me sprawling through the air. I land, bouncing on the ground, and stumble upright.

What the hell was I thinking?
!?!
My leg!

Achilles chuckles, healing the wound on his head, letting his other hand, tingling with blue power, drop to his side.

He threw it back! Agh!

The black-armored knight steps out into the battlefield as a maw opens wide, swallowing Achilles as he grins again, and dissapears.

Nothing. I've accomplished nothing.

No, I won't let him win over me. I won't let him leave me in despair. I wrench the dagger free, grabbing the still-red glowing sword and press it against the wound, crying out as I seal it shut. The pain is incredible, but I stand.

The knight is watching me.
>>
No. 136638 ID: a64482

blessing 2 on shoes

Augmentation + wounds size 2 on pants

Augmentation + wounds size 2 on shirt

I say we go for a massive blow through the knight's chest. Also, see if there's any useful metal on the ground. You never know.

Shii can override my blessing levels if he feels it prudent.
>>
No. 136639 ID: 632862

Well, if we can inscribe safely on Freedom, let's inscribe a LOT on freedom. Do Augment+Courage+Blessing. Get yerself a big huge sword with that Blessing-powered edge.

Heh, inscribe Undeath on a ring. We can slap him to death if the sword doesn't work.

Inscribe Augment+Blessing+Courage on your armor, see if the Courage makes it 'bigger' like how it works on weapons.

Inscribe Blessing size whatever on your gloves, and size 3 on boots.
>>
No. 136640 ID: 632862

>>136638
I say make the Wounds runes bigger on the clothing.

Antares, if all this rune usage drains you too much, feel free to reduce the sizes on ones you feel aren't as useful.
>>
No. 136645 ID: 6faa8c
 

>>136639
>Well, if we can inscribe safely on Freedom, let's inscribe a LOT on freedom. Do Augment+Courage+Blessing. Get yerself a big huge sword with that Blessing-powered edge.
The sword grows huge, long, and thick, easily a footwide and twelve long.

Hehnowyou'regettingitkiddo

>Inscribe Augment+Blessing+Courage on your armor, see if the Courage makes it 'bigger' like how it works on weapons.
My armor shines, an-
?!!
I'm covered in a transparant suit of platemail, shimmering golden. A helm is included, apparently.

The monster points at the ground beside him, and a huge maul made from a moulded spine and and a dragon skull rises from the ground.

We face one another for a moment.
Any final suggestions?

BOSS FIGHT INITIATED.

Etena is pleased.
Caldia is pleased.

>>
No. 136646 ID: a64482

See if you can disable or wound a leg first, then your goal is to hack through his chest, I'm thinking the shoulder would be best for that, just because you can get more weight behind it.

Use your best judgment though.
>>
No. 136647 ID: 9891a9

>>136645
Final suggestions?

WIN.
>>
No. 136648 ID: 632862

>>136645
Try to keep your distance. You can't let that fire aura torch your shit.
>>
No. 136650 ID: 6faa8c

>>136647
I like your style.

A grin spreads across my face irresistably. The sword is easier to weild than it seems, but it is still slightly unweildy.

We rush at one another and clash, as he knocks away my attacks with practiced ease. However, my assault is so aggressive, he's stumbling with each attack, back towards the trees. I hammer at him, blow after blow, and the grass at his feet blackens then bursts into flame as he's forced back.

He wasn't expecting this surge of power. I lift the sword overhead, and bring it down hard. At first he catches the blow with his maul, but it shatters, and he catches the sword with his hands, barely.

He steps forth, once, twice, pushing me back, then finally throws the sword from my hands and away, leaping towards me with a fist upraised.

I meet it.

Ghost steel and hot iron collide, and his soft iron is found wanting, his own power his weakness as my fist peels away his gauntlet, catching the blow and deflecting the force from his with ease. Still hanging in the air, he swings his whole body around, and aims a kick at my side.

I smile and let it land, wrapping my arm around it, turning with the momentum of the blow, and throwing him into the trees, snapping one in half.
I run towards him, pinning his arms to the ground with my knees, tearing away the softened metal plate. But as I rear back for the final blow, a blast of air knocks me away again.

He stands, shedding molten steel, cracking his neck and knuckles.
His eyes are hollow. The red one in his chest screams a challenge as he rushes at me.

My armor runes die out as we meet, but I don't them anymore. I step inside his swing, place my palm against the creature.

Cold Death!

And the Crying Knight slumps down against me as the rest of my runes give way.
>>
No. 136652 ID: 632862

>>136650
Fantastic! That worked perfectly.

Find out for sure if that's Erhgal's body under the armor. We should bring him back so Asala can give him a proper sendoff. Speaking of which... it seems that Erhgal's mind is somehow inside Freedom. Make sure to grab it before we go back to base. I wish we could somehow get him back into his body but I doubt it could move without Achilles controlling it.

Also... uh, please note that your equipment is probably very hot right now. Try not to start any forest fires or something. Unless you want to.
>>
No. 136786 ID: 6faa8c

>>136652

>Also... uh, please note that your equipment is probably very hot right now.
I didn't notice before, but yes, it is glowing hot. Even... the leather, oddly. Thankfully, my layer of padding is not as hot, just really warm.



>Find out for sure if that's Erhgal's body under the armor.
I'd recognize that face anywhere, though now I wish I didn't. It's Erhgal's. Though large parts of it are missing as if torn away by explosive force. It seemed he tried his hardest to keep Achilles from taking what was left of him.

>We should bring him back so Asala can give him a proper sendoff.
I agree.

"Antares!" Asala calls, running over. "What happened?!"
>>
No. 136790 ID: a64482

Call out to her. "WAIT!"

When she stops. "You may want to... prepare yourself."
>>
No. 136855 ID: 6faa8c

>>136790
"W-what for?"
"Asala..." I walk over to Freedom, now normal sized, and look it over, handing it to her gently. She holds it with care, blinking.

"No... Why..." at first tears touch her eyes, then her grip tightens, her teeth set in a snarl.
"Antares." she says softly. "We must take the fight to Achilles. He needs to die, now, before he can hurt us further. Before he can take more of us."
She looks down at her father's body, and a single tear rolls down her cheek. "Before he breaks me."
>>
No. 136999 ID: 632862

>>136855
Offer a hug?

But yeah, I think it's about time we made an attempt at an offense, instead of just sitting around letting him send shit at us.
>>
No. 137003 ID: 632862

Oh wait, DON'T offer a hug, you've got really fucking hot stuff on you
>>
No. 137036 ID: 6faa8c

>>136999
"Agreed."
Asala nods. Jai stands beside me.
Rance and Vorana arrive, with their people.

Trailing behind Rance's orcs (who number in roughly a couple hundred) are several dozen young women of various races.
Anataire floats by me, laughing as she floats on the updrafts of my heated armor.

"We are ready, then?" Rance asks, his orcs holding spears and rifles, the women armed with longer spears, armor and sheilds.
>>
No. 137038 ID: 632862

>>137036
Where's Ysl?
>>
No. 137048 ID: 6faa8c

>>137038
"Has anyone seen Ysl?" I ask, and all of them respond negatively.
"I thought she was with you." Jai says, worried. "She left ahead of me and Asala."
>>
No. 137054 ID: 632862

>>137048
Um.

Achilles destroyed her village. Think of what you would do if your entire family was killed.

We have to find her.
>>
No. 137368 ID: 6faa8c

>>137054
"She's likely given chase." I say quietly. "We need to hurry and find her, before something terrible happens!"

Rance smiles. "No worries. The way into his lands is blocked by the huge mountain range of the Aleveins."
"Aleveins?"
Sal'an arrives.
"Dwarven clan that managed to escape into a mountain range." he says. "I'd really rather not talk with them."
>>
No. 137373 ID: 632862

>>137368
Ask why that is.
>>
No. 137376 ID: 6faa8c

>>137373
"Say yeh wake up inna place yeh nevah seen befoh." he says. "With a strange body. First thing yeh'd do is look fer people, roight? Well, I woke up a little north ah here. They were initially suspicious and then outright murderous."
>>
No. 137389 ID: 632862

>>137376
Let's talk while moving. Ask why they attacked him; was it some kind of taboo or did they just not believe his story?
>>
No. 137421 ID: 6faa8c

>>137389
We head north.
"Leetle bit ah both," he replies. "Roight now, the Clans is in a bit of ah..." he pauses as if seeking the right word. "Disahgreement. So when I said Ah was paht of the Stoneheart clan, and when they saw me body, well..."
"Though I did hear, before I showed meself, that they was 'avin' trouble with demons in the lower areas of der mines."
>>
No. 137473 ID: 632862

>>137421
Trouble with demons? Hmm, helping them with that problem before we attack could get us some allies... if we want to spare the time. We'll have to gauge Achilles' defenses first.
>>
No. 137759 ID: 6faa8c

>>137473
It sounds pausable. Not to mention the power inherent in demonic 'corpses', or soulstones. Just one could allow me to utilize my runes much better, possibly allowing me to learn a new rune simply by virtue of obtaining one.

However, it should be warned that demons can be extremely powerful, and some have been around since the birth of this world.

We're in sight of the large entrance, according to Sal'an.
>>
No. 137896 ID: 632862

>>137759
New runes? Man, that really makes me want to fight that demon. I think we can probably find out how powerful it is by asking the dwarves, see if we can manage to take it out.

Come to think of it, we don't have any way of reaching Achilles' castle do we? We'll probably *need* dwarven expertise to fashion some kind of weapon to ground it or a mode of air transport that's safe from attack.

At any rate, Sal'an might want to stay behind a bit until we make contact and establish an agreement. We should make contact right now, and see if they've met Ysl yet.
>>
No. 137897 ID: 6faa8c

Very well.

I ask everyone to stay back, walking forth. Everything seems safe, until a rock beside the entrance tilts back, a long steel tube protruding menacingly.

"'Alt! State yer name an' business wit' the Aleveins!" booms a voice from under the stone.
>>
No. 137900 ID: 632862

>>137897
State your name, and tell them we seek allies and/or passage through the mountains in order to fight Achilles. Also ask if they've seen a lone goblin girl come around here.
>>
No. 137905 ID: 6faa8c

>>137900
"My name is Antares Delarosa. I seek safe passage through the mountains to fight Achilles."

The gun withdrawes and I hear talking.
"Sorreh, kiddo. Can't let yeh in. A potential ally agains' the Black Death, crushed inna accident due to da Big Rock Guy? Don' think so." there's another pause. "We could offah you a guide through Nema Pass?"
>>
No. 137909 ID: 632862

>>137905
Big rock guy? I bet that's the demon. We should ask if maybe we could kill it for them. Mention that you're a powerful mage, and we have a lot of people with us.
>>
No. 137911 ID: 6faa8c

>>137909
There's some laughter.
"Oh, yer welcome to try, laddie. 'E'll tear yeh in 'alf, most likely. Best yeh jus' let prahfessionals 'andle dis one."

There's whispering.
"Really? A whole floor?"
More whispering.
"Feck."
A whispered demand.
"Fine!"
A figure ascends from below the rock. He's heavily armored, and covered in various sharp implements.
"Name's Sharpfingah Alevein." he says. "Come wit' me an' bring the lasses."
"What about Rance?"
"A finer fellow to gaurd the gate yeh'll nevah find."
>>
No. 137921 ID: 632862

Hmm, if we're going to fight, Jai will need bullets. That looked like a similar weapon that was shoved in your face earlier; perhaps you can inquire about it.
>>
No. 137929 ID: 6faa8c

>>137921
Jai and Asala come with me as we enter the cavern.
"Ammo?" she asks the dwarf, pointing at the gun.
"Precision bored iron spheres with soft-grade powdering."
"Really? In a barrel like that?"
"Yes, in these caverns most everything will be right in front of you. Guns are really only used against creatures with heavy scales."
"What about cartriges?"
"Well, in wide caverns they can be useful, but we rarely produce them. most metal is made into armor and weaponry these days."

Even as we descend to the second floor, I can hear loud crashing.
"Shit, he's already on the second floor. Fuck." he prepares his rifle. "Sorry, miss. No ammo here that would fit that monster."
>>
No. 137939 ID: 632862

>>137929
Blessing causes stuff to be anathema to Demons, right? I think the most important thing we can do is put Blessing on everybody's stuff. Are the corridors big enough to let everyone use big weapons, or should we leave Courage off of them this time around?

Find out if the thing's got regenerative properties. If so we might need Wounds on our side... and if we do that, we're gonna need to put Wounds on our armor as well to prevent the negative effects.

Also I wonder if we could talk to the demon to get it to stop killing everyone, and maybe help us kill Achilles. Or at least distract it, if it's too evil to live.
>>
No. 137942 ID: 6faa8c

>>137939
We reach the level the demon is on. All the torches have been broken, and only two red eyes watch us from the end of the hall.

"Where is it..." something rumbles. "My sword... where is it... Where is my sword..."

I quickly bless my equipment. This could be bad. It continues to mutter, dark crimson smoke drifting past its eyes.

"Where is it..."

Judging by the position of the eyes, he's enourmous, bigger than any of us.

"You woke me, and you stole it. I know you have it..."
>>
No. 137943 ID: 632862

>>137942
"Who woke you?"
>>
No. 137947 ID: 6faa8c

>>137943
"We did." says the dwarf. "Old tomb with a kobold. Th' remains literally got up and turned into this."

"Where is it?"

"And his sword?" I ask.

"No fecking clue."
>>
No. 137976 ID: 632862

>>137947
I'm torn between trying to fight him to claim his soulstone, or trying to convince him that Achilles stole his sword.

I would like to note that it could be that he's flying, not that he's huge. Why else would he destroy the torches? Perhaps he's been using sneaky tactics like this to get past the dwarves.
>>
No. 138029 ID: 6faa8c

>>137976
Don't hear any flapping.

The creature looks at me then cocks its head, blinking. A scar on his chest lights up blue.

"I'm not flying."
>>
No. 138032 ID: 34470e

>>138029
Wait... He can hear us?
>>
No. 138034 ID: db20e0

>>138029
He can hear us? Interesting. Hey over there! What's up?
>>
No. 138038 ID: 6faa8c

>>138032
>>138034
"Yes, honored souls, I can hear you! Where have you been for the last..."
he visibly pauses.
"The last fuckifIknow years?"
>>
No. 138043 ID: 34470e

>>138038
Well, we helped a lich save the world. We're currently helping his son.
>>
No. 138044 ID: 632862

>>138029
Oh, Harumda! It's been... actually we have no idea how long it's been. A long time, at any rate! We're Legion now. What happened since the last time we spoke?

It looks as though you've somehow managed to physically manifest here. That's an interesting accomplishment. We're currently guiding this guy here Antares. We'll see if we can find out where your sword is, alright?
>>
No. 138048 ID: 6faa8c

>>138044
>What happened since the last time we spoke?

"Same bullshit that ejected me from Hell hit you folks too. Yer got banged around der dimensions like a rubbah ball until you jus' plain vanished."

>We're currently guiding this guy here Antares. We'll see if we can find out where your sword is, alright?

"So dat means this feller here," the eyes move, and I can faintly see him point, "Is n't da folk who got it? Fine, fine."

He sighs.
"Yeh, I've managed to physically manifest, but.. well, I ain't the demon ah used to be. Can't even fly anymore."
>>
No. 138053 ID: 34470e

>>138048
Have you ever heard of Achilles? We're trying to save the world again.
>>
No. 138061 ID: 632862

>>138048
Alright, so let's bring you up to speed. This continent we're on is under attack by some nasty creature named Achilles. He's got the power to take any organic matter and reshape it into his own troops. Add to that some serious telekinetic ability, and some form of psychic attack. There's actually a good chance that he's the one that stole your sword, though we really have no evidence supporting that aside from the fact that he's really powerful and a giant asshole. How would you feel about joining forces with us to take him out?

What would your long term goals be in the mortal realm anyway?
>>
No. 138079 ID: 6faa8c

>>138061
>How would you feel about joining forces with us to take him out?

"He sounds like a challenge. I love a challenge!"

I back away as he slams his fists together.


>What would your long term goals be in the mortal realm anyway?

"Getting out."
>>
No. 138087 ID: 632862

>>138079
Alright then. Our goals do not conflict. I'm sure there's someone around who's powerful enough to get you where you wanna go. Helping us kill Achilles will likely get you in the good graces of everyone on the planet, so they'll definitely do it.

Hey, you haven't seen a goblin running around have you?
>>
No. 138123 ID: 6faa8c

>>138087
"Alright! I'll join you!" the demon exclaims. He gets on the elevator, nearly taking up all of the space.

...


What? What did you guys do?!
>>
No. 138126 ID: 34470e

>>138123
We convinced him to help you fight Achilles.
>>
No. 138132 ID: 632862

>>138123
You couldn't hear us?

Oh boy. Well, let's just say we know this guy from our humble beginnings. His name is Harumda, a former high-ranking demon of Hell. Maybe you could say he was once king. He's a reasonable fellow, actually! He's agreed to help us fight Achilles, as he's a challenging opponent and doing so would probably give Harumda the opportunity to get out of the Mortal Realm. What with the gods being indebted to him and all. Let's keep an eye out for his sword, right?
>>
No. 138223 ID: 6faa8c

>>138132
Er.

Ah, I suppose that makes sense.

Harumda takes up most of the elevator as we are quickly escorted up and out of the mines.
"Yer welcome back once we're done rebuildan." Sharpfinger says simply.
>>
No. 138330 ID: 6faa8c
File 126704580185.jpg - (399.91KB , 1107x1321 , Harumda!.jpg )
138330

>>138223
Harumda scratches the side of his head.
"So Legion said yer was lookin' for a little goblin, girlie?" he asks, holding up his arm. There's a huge crater in the thick sleeve of his arm, surrounded by a network of cracks.
"Determined little one. She might have got through to the othah side of the mountain, if I've got any guess."

He shoves his fist into the ground, pulling out a blade of stone.
>>
No. 138331 ID: 632862

>>138330
Well then, we're gonna need swift passage through the mountain.
>>
No. 138332 ID: 34470e

>>138330
Harumda, the goblin is named Ysl. Antares has a crush on her.
>>
No. 138333 ID: 632862

>>138332
That's not entirely true.
>>
No. 138334 ID: 6faa8c

>>138331
"Most likely." Harumda says. "Can't say I can guide yeh all dat well, but I can help with any fightin' yer might need to do."

Rance approaches.
"You're shitting me. You talked a demon to your side?" he asks.
>>
No. 138335 ID: 632862

>>138334
"You can thank Legion for that."
>>
No. 138346 ID: 632862

>>138334
Oh, we should ask the dwarves for a guide so we can get through the pass. We need to keep moving, for multiple reasons.
>>
No. 138349 ID: 6faa8c

>>138346
I stop the walking arsenal... carefully.
"We still need a guide."
The pauses. "Er..."
A feirce glare emerges from under the rocks between the biggest beard and eyebrows I've seen.
"Wh-why, certainly!" he says nervously. "L-let's get going, sh-shall we?"
>>
No. 138352 ID: 632862

>>138349
Righto then.
>>
No. 138357 ID: 632862

Oh, when we've gotten out of earshot, ask who that grumpy dwarf was.
>>
No. 138360 ID: 6faa8c

>>138357
We move out.

"MountainHuge Alevein, the hammerer." he says with a shudder as we walk along the path. "Now, there's two ways through here... the higher path is faster, but prone to collapse and rockfalls, and the lower path is slower but has less environmental hazards."
>>
No. 138361 ID: 632862

>>138360
The optimal solution is for those with enough agility and/or toughness to survive the hazards to take the high path, and everyone else to take the low path. That way we avoid unnecessary risk, and still have a chance for catching up to Ysl.

Does the dwarf need to be there for those who take the low path? Can he just give them directions?
>>
No. 138364 ID: 6faa8c

>>138361
"These lands are treacherous even when I say they are relatively safe. It's one or the other, boyo."
>>
No. 138369 ID: 34470e

>>138364
Take the lower path. It's safer, and therefore less likely for someone to die.
>>
No. 138370 ID: 6faa8c

>>138369
"Alrighty."

I hear a sigh of relief behind me, and we press forward, into the Pass. For a moment, I think I see something out of the corner of my eye, but I reassure myself it is a mere shadow.

End of Thread 3.
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