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164105 No. 164105 ID: 908674

Hello? Hello? Is this thing on?

*Clink... Tink Tink...*

I'm starting to wonder if it works at all... and after all the trouble I went through to steal it too.

That's the last time I steal anything from the Goblin Markets... well... for now anyway.

[spoiler]Originally thought of using photographs for this but decided against it.[/spoilers]
Expand all images
>>
No. 164109 ID: 34470e

>>164105
It really isn't nice to steal things. You should feel horrible. You're a bad person. Oh, and the owner of this has been contacted. They're current;y traveling to your current position right at this moment.
>>
No. 164123 ID: 7524b0

>>164109
Now now, it's not wise to scare away our new owner so quickly, before we find out who they are!

What's your name, thief? Your gender?
>>
No. 164127 ID: 908674

>>164109
Me? A bad person? That's not a very nice thing to say at all! Honestly, I'm... I'm... well... flattered.

Of course it's bad to steal. But, I don't much care about the rules. Just living up to my title as Fae Lord of Jinx.

Besides, you can hardly say that the Goblins at the market were treating you very well. I mean, look at you! You're chipped... well... everywhere.

>>164123
Oh, how very rude of me!

My name is Filbert Flinglesmith Fubar Pifflepaddleolopous III and IV + LXXIX. Well, that is to say, it is for now. I can't honestly remember my real name. It could well be Edward Wong Hau Trivurusky III. But that's not important. I am the Fae Lord of Jinx.

You know how it is, you get old... you forget things...

Oh, and I'm hardly your new owner. I'm just the delivery boy.
>>
No. 164130 ID: 7524b0

>>164127
I must ask you, what is our current appearance? It has been so long since we last spoke, we can't remember very much.
>>
No. 164134 ID: 34470e

>>164127
Damnit, you were supposed to panic! And then I was supposed to laugh!
>>
No. 164136 ID: 908674

>>164130
Hmmm... Your current appearance... Let's see... You're about yay big... Uh... Wait... you can't see my claws can you? Hang on a tic, it's a bit hard to juggle you AND the measuring tape while still flying...

*Clink... Thunk.... Wooosh~!*

Whoa there!

*Clink. Cli-cli-click...*

Okay, okay... hm... You're about... one inch top to bottom. Might I say that is a lovely teardrop cut you're in, by the way. Very stylish.

Bluish crystal, but that's to be expected. And practically COVERED in scratches and chips.

Don't worry about the appearance side of things. I'll make sure you're nice and pretty for the lady I'm passing you on to.

>>164134
Oh. Right.

*Hemhem* Aaaaugh. I am being talked to by a crystal. Help me. Help me.

Does that help?
>>
No. 164140 ID: 908674

More seriously though, you'll love the lady I'm sending you to. She is totally not expecting you.

Which is why I'm giving you to her, of course. Hee. I love my job.
>>
No. 164143 ID: 7524b0

>>164140
Oh? Why are you giving a talking gemstone to someone without them expecting it?
>>
No. 164144 ID: 34470e

>>164140
Oh, can you please hurry? I'm beginning to really hate you.
>>
No. 164149 ID: 908674

>>164143
Because you'll do a good job ruining her wedding.

At least, I think you will.

>>164144
I'm flying as fast as I can.

*Thunk*

Ow. Ow. @*&#*$ glass windows...

*Click*

Ah, here we are.

*Shhhhh-thunk! Clink... clink...*

There we go! I've put you in a rather fetching necklace. Hope you like your new look! Have fun now~! Don't forget to write~!

*Shhhhh-thunk!*
>>
No. 164152 ID: 7524b0

>>164149
Well. Now what?
>>
No. 164154 ID: 908674

Ugh. Is it morning already?! Well, best get a move on with the hair and the jewellery and the make up and stuff. I guess...

*Sigh*

Lazy to make every single sound effect, so from now on, I'll just write a rough descriptor.

*LOUD CRACKING NOISES. Drawer opening noise.*

Nice of the future in-laws to send this necklace and earring set, though.
>>
No. 164155 ID: 7524b0

>>164154
Lady, you have no idea.
>>
No. 164157 ID: 732129

Hey lady, what's the weather like?
>>
No. 164160 ID: 908674

W-who said that?!

*Chair shifting noises. Rattling noise.*
>>
No. 164161 ID: 7524b0

>>164160
The necklace. We're the gem in the necklace.
>>
No. 164166 ID: 908674

>>164157
>>164161
The weather? It's nice... Sunny and warm...

Wait. Why am I even talking to you?!

Ugh. No more jokes. Come out from where you're hiding... please? If you give yourself up, I won't hurt you.

*More rattling noises*

See? I'm putting the sword down. So just... just come out where I can see you. You shouldn't be up here, you know.
>>
No. 164168 ID: 7524b0

>>164166
I don't think a sword is going to do you much good when we're RIGHT BEHIND YOU
>>
No. 164176 ID: 908674

>>164168

Ooookay, calm down Rachel... you've had a bad night. You're going to get married today and you're tired and hallucinating noises in your "bedroom".

Ugh. Marriage.

Best get that necklace on anyway. If I'm going to get a ghost of a chance in getting out of here, I'll have to play along.

*Shff... click*

And the quest writer discovers quotation marks. And there was much rejoicing!(Hooray)
>>
No. 164179 ID: 34470e

>>164176
Quick question: do you know anybody by the name of Filbert Flinglesmith Fubar Pifflepaddleolopous III and IV + LXXIX?
>>
No. 164184 ID: 908674

>>164179

What is that I don't even...

No. No, I don't know such a person. Why do they have so many numbers after their name anyway?

More importantly, are you really a talking necklace? Like in the books?
>>
No. 164185 ID: 732129

Rachel hm? Alright, what are you so jumpy about then? It's a nice day out and you're getting married. And you've got this swell necklace now. Where are you trying to get going to?
>>
No. 164186 ID: 732129

>>164184

Well, I'm really a talking gemstone. The necklace is just so that I'm a little harder to accidently lose.
>>
No. 164187 ID: 34470e

>>164185
Oh, no you don't. We're not going to do what Fubar wants us to do.
>>
No. 164189 ID: 732129

>>164187
Look, knowing what she wants to do can't hurt, can it?
>>
No. 164190 ID: 7524b0

>>164184
Do you WANT to get married?
>>
No. 164195 ID: 732129

Something borrowed, something blue, something old and something new... are we to be the blue thing then?
>>
No. 164198 ID: 908674

>>164185
It's just this tower... it makes me nervous. I mean, this room in general makes me nervous. Sorry, I'll try to be calmer.

>>164186
>>164187
You don't seem to agree with yourself very much. Are there a lot of you in there?

Who's Fubar?

>>164190
N-no... I want to, but I don't have much of a choice. Ever since they brought me here, they've posted guards outside the doors. I'll only get caught again.

*Snfffff...* Oh gods. I don't want to get married. I don't want to even be here! I just... They won't let me out of the tower. They said that if I refused to they'd... they'd burn me Mum...

*Snnnfffff*

*Banging noises*

>"Miss Puzzle? Are you crying in there? Is everything all right? Do you need any help with your hair?"

>*Snfffff...* "Sorry, sorry... I just need a moment..."

>"Awww... she's probably just a little nervous. I was at me own weddin'"
>>
No. 164199 ID: 34470e

>>164198
...

Oh, fuck you, Fubar! I just realized she's trying to save you. Or he is. I don't know what hir gender is.
>>
No. 164203 ID: 732129

>>164198

We are a collection of minds, each as faceted and worn as the crystal we talk to you through. Sorry if we seem schizophrenic, it's just a part of our nature. Usually we can come to some form of consensus when we try to provide advice.

Fubar is the name of the Fae Lord of Jinx. He arranged for us to come into your possession. You know how the Fae are; I suspect he thinks that we'll be able to help you somehow and in the process create an entertaining story for him to enjoy later.

Calm yourself for now, Rachel. We've only the power of rationality to fix your problems, but rational thinkers have toppled kingdoms, created cities, and governed empires.

If you don't want to be married, then we'll need to figure out a way to rescue their hostage, your mother.
>>
No. 164209 ID: 908674

>>164203
*Snffffff* Okay... deep breaths...

*Moments later...*

Rationality, huh? I can... I can get behind that. Me Mum's a scientist - not a witch, no matter what everyone else says.

So, how do you work? I'm not very familiar with magical objects, but I've read about a few. Can you see anything? Hear anything? I'm guessing that you can read my mind, somehow.

I'm not sure I can trust you, what with that Fae Lord backing you up, but I'll take whatever help I can get and advice can be very useful.
>>
No. 164214 ID: 732129

>>164209

We're a diaspora of minds from another where and when who connect to a nexus that further connects to this crystal. How the crystal itself works is unknown. We can hear what is going on in the room, and we can sense thoughts you direct to us. That's the extent of our sensory abilities, as far as I can tell. You'll need to be our eyes.

So, tell us what you see, and tell us what you have that we could use to start shaping a plan to escape. Do not discount anything, do not leave anything out; your own training and abilities will figure in to how we plan your escape.

Do not assume we know the basics: your general size, layout, even something as basic as the number of limbs you have are all unknown to us.

We're completely ignorant of the current political situation, and of your culture's social mores.

We know little of the Fae Lord, save that he delighted in stealing this crystal from a goblin market, and that he managed to reactivate it from a period of dormancy.
>>
No. 164296 ID: 7524b0

We might be able to diffuse the situation by disrupting the wedding itself, rather than refusing to get married or escaping.

Make a big travesty out of it and they'll have to reschedule, which gives us more time to save your mom. OR, whoever you're getting married to could decide to just call it off due to embarrassment or because they don't actually want to get married to you anymore.
>>
No. 164301 ID: 39867d

>>164214
Sure. I can tell you about what I can see. If you don't mind me doing my makeup while I talk to you, that is.

So, about the room. The room I'm in is circular. It's rather spacious and has polished stone walls - leave it to the Royals to have something as posh as this. It's at the top of one of the castle towers, but I'm not sure which one. They blindfolded me when they took me here.

I'm sitting at a vanity table that's about the size of the large desks we used to have at the library where I worked. That's where I found you - in the vanity table drawer. Well, more specifically, you're part of a matching earring and necklace set that I was ordered to wear for the wedding. There's jewellery in the desk drawers and there's make up on top of it. Top brand stuff.

There's a four poster bed here with drapes. It's got a lot of silk on it - sheets, blankets... I was told that even the comforter was made of silk. The wedding gown is made of silk too, I think. It's... really colourful and has like a million layers. They made me put it on, once. Oh, I forgot to mention the dresser. It's against one of the walls and I think it was specially made for this room because it's curved like the wall. It's got four drawers in it filled with really ostentatious clothing. Oh, and a piece of rope, but it isn't long enough to reach the ground. Believe me, I tried. It taunts me. >_<

They left me a sword, but it's really more of a foil and it's rather useless against the castle guards, since they're wearing full-plate armour. I suspect they left it in here to mock me. I was a fencing champion back in school. Speaking of which, the guards outside my room change 'bout every once every two and a half hours, give or take a few minutes.

There are a couple of windows up along the walls for ventilation. They're pretty high up. I suppose to prevent me from escaping. Basically, if you think ornate and rather tacky, you've got this room. The door isn't very thick, but as I said, they have two guards posted on it and I wouldn't be surprised if there were more further down.

Oh, I forgot to mention the ensuite toilet. It has all the latest in modern conveniences! It's even got hot and cold running water! Magic is so interesting when it's applied to science.

I haven't been outside for a while. They usually send a maid to bring food for me when I'm hungry. I just have to ring a bell.
>>
No. 164308 ID: 39867d

About me? I'm about 5'2". I've got all my arms and legs. Which is about 2 each. Also, I have 1 head and there are five digits on the end of each of my limbs... Uh... Well, uhm... Actually, describing me would take ages! Especially if I get into the nitty gritty of things. Do you know what a human is? I'm one of those.

I've mentioned before I was a fencing champion. I used to be a librarian before this all happened, so I can read and I've got a bit of book smarts. I'm pretty strong and agile for my size. I've been training a bit, but I think I may have lost some muscle mass since being cooped up in here.

I was really on my way to go adventuring to get some material for a book I was writing, but uh... well, obviously my plans have changed a bit. Blech.

Oh, yeah, and I'm very good with the courtly behaviour by now. They've been tutoring me every day. How to stand, how to sit, how to walk, how to speak... Everything. Even down to the kind of smile I should have and the responses I have to things when I'm surprised. It's really... intensive.

>>164296
That's a great idea? How do you propose (no pun intended there) I do that?
>>
No. 164327 ID: 7524b0

>>164308
Heh. You've been taught courtly behavior, right?

Well, it seems that the wedding will be quite high-class. So be rude. Crude. Perverted. Disregard all your lessons and do whatever you want.
>>
No. 164339 ID: 732129

If you want to escape right away, you could make a rope from all the silk in your room. Silk is strong, and if you braid the strips you should have a very strong rope. How much time do we have before you'll be disturbed?
>>
No. 164352 ID: 39867d

>>164339
I probably have about 15 minutes before the maid comes in with breakfast and a rope long enough to reach the bottom of the tower will probably take a few days for me to make.

I wish I'd have thought of that sooner, though. I guess all these etiquette lessons on sitting around and being pathetic have been rubbing off on me.

>>164327
Rude and crude. Got it. I think I can do that.
>>
No. 164359 ID: 7524b0

>>164352
How friendly is the maid? Do you think you could get her to help you out?
>>
No. 164361 ID: 39867d

>>164359
The maids have always been very cordial to me. Polite. I think I might have made friends with one or two...

>*Knocking*
>(Muffled) "Princess Nadia? It's me, Meredith. Breakfast is ready. Can I bring it in?"

Princess Nadia? What on earth is she talking about?! Should I let her in?
>>
No. 164363 ID: 7524b0

>>164361
Uhh... sure.
>>
No. 164370 ID: 39867d

>>164363
Meredith and I get along quite all right, so I guess it won't hurt.

>"Errr... Yes... Please do come in. I'm quite hungry as it is."
>"As you wish, Princess."
>"I'm not the princess."
>"Whatever you say, Princess."
>*Door creaking noises*

She sounds like she's just humouring me, but she also sounds like she's reciting something.

>"I can't be the princess! Princess Nadia can't talk!"
>"But you can talk, Princess Nadia."
>"What are you playing at?!"
>"Your Highness must be overtired from excitement. Your Highness is getting married to Lord Blackheath today."
>*Clinking noises*
>"LORD BLACKHEATH?! The BARBARIAN KING?"
>"Yes, your Highness. Although, Barbarian isn't what you should call them. I believe the correct term for that region is The Outer Realms."

What. The. Hell.

Breakfast looks delicious, though. Eggs, sausages... wait what on earth am I thinking?!

Okay, look, necklace or gem, or whatever you are. I swear to you up and down that I am NOT the Princess Nadia. For one thing, she's unable to talk and I can talk. For another thing, she's a princess and I don't ever remember being a princess.
>>
No. 164372 ID: 1ac39d

oh, i see. i think the princess died and they already promised her marriage to another kingdoms prince. not having a princess to give them they took the best looking girl that was the right age.
>>
No. 164377 ID: 7524b0

>>164372
Were you ever told who you were getting married to? Or why?
>>
No. 164386 ID: 39867d

Erh, I thought I was here to get married to Prince Adrian. Crown Prince, I think? When they took me, they implied as such...

(Bacon... crispy bacon... and cheese... mmmn...)

I didn't really pay much attention to who I was getting married to. Anyone who threatens your mother with a painful death to get you to marry him can't possibly make a good life partner.

(Toast, baked beans... tomatoes...)

Man. This is a nightmare. I mean, Prince Adrian is at least young and healthy and doesn't have a reputation for horrifically maiming his multiple wives. Not that I think he has any wives at the moment. The prince, I mean, not Lord Blackheath.

Meridith is staring at me weirdly. I guess I'd better make some conversation. What should I say, though?
>>
No. 164529 ID: 732129

>>164386

Alright, if you're going to disrupt this wedding through bad behavior you're going to have to move out of your comfort zone. The barbarian won't care if you're rude and crude. You'll need to do something drastic.

Kiss her.
>>
No. 164530 ID: 1ac39d

actually, you could severely hurt yourself and claim you wouldn't be a good wife for him due to breaking really easy. if he does maim his wives then he wouldn't want one that wouldn't be able to take a hit.
>>
No. 164533 ID: 732129

>>164530

Behavior that's outright self destructive won't help in the long run. Don't hurt yourself, we've got a longer-term goal in mind besides preventing your rape and murder at the hands of the Barbarian King. We need you to be healthy enough to be able to rescue your mother.
>>
No. 164537 ID: 519e3e

(That breakfast smells goooood...)

*Growling noises (Stomach)*

>>164530
>>164533
I'd rather not hurt myself. I mean, I'm hoping to avoid pain and injury, if at all possible. >_<

>>164529
I'm kind of uncomfortable with that. >_< Besides, Lord Blackheath has multiple wives. I'm almost sure he'd find it a turn on.

>"Uhm... Your Highness? Is everything all right? You seem to be in pain."

Oh gods... The mental images. The mental images! I close my eyes and I can still see it!
>>
No. 164538 ID: 1ac39d

oh, tell her the excitement is getting to you, and a walk around the garden would help settle your nerves.
>>
No. 164541 ID: 519e3e

>"Oh, the excitement is getting to me. Could I possibly have a walk around the palace gardens to calm my nerves?"
>"Your Highness looks hungry. Perhaps Your Highness would prefer to eat her breakfast before going to the palace grounds? If it pleases Your Highness to go to the gardens after breakfast, I can ask the palace guards to accompany you."

They're letting me go out? GREAT! Man, you must be some kinda lucky charm!

I am pretty hungry though. Maybe I should eat. Meredith is still standing there and staring at me, though. It's actually kind of unnerving.
>>
No. 164551 ID: 732129

>>164541
You're waiting on permission from us to eat?

Perhaps you subconsciously believe the food is drugged.

Also, your maid seems genuine in her belief that you're actually the princess. Magic may have been worked on you through the make-up or by way of some other vector.

Loathe though I am to say it, it's possible the necklace carries an enchantment to make you look different, or that it holds one to affect your mind and make you misremember things. Remember, we don't know how it actually works. To us, it's the end of a very long chain of communication devices.
>>
No. 164552 ID: 1ac39d

or the maid is the one who has been magiced and has had her mind altered.
>>
No. 164553 ID: 732129

>>164552
The maid doesn't have an artifact that was tampered with by the Fae Lord himself.
>>
No. 164554 ID: 519e3e

>>164551
Hey, you're the magic necklace. I thought maybe you'd be able to tell me if the food was off or something. Besides, it's unnerving to eat while Meredith is staring holes in my head. Not literally, of course. Otherwise I'd be screaming bloody murder by now.

Ah what the heck, I'll eat even with her staring at me. It's just unnerving is all. The food doesn't seem to be drugged.

*Munch, gulp, chomp, clink...*

>(Slightly muffled by food) "Erm, Meredith? Could you stop staring at me?"
>"Yes, Your Highness. I apologise for my insolence."
>"Uh, right-o. Carry on then."

She's... still staring! Geeze, what is wrong with this girl?!

>>164552
>>164553

I actually don't know what Princess Nadia looks like. She's never really made a public appearance before due to her fragile condition. She's blind and dumb, you know.

Oh yeah, that reminds me, you wanted an idea of the political situation, right? I'm no expert but I know that both the King Gifford and Queen Adriana passed away ages ago (before I was born, I think). They were succeeded by their two children Princess Nadia and Prince Adrian. The kingdom is currently being ruled by High Prince Jonathan, until Prince Adrian is old enough to take the throne.

Come to think of it, how old is Prince Adrian anyway? Eh, I digress. There's a lot of other politics around the castle, I think, but being shut up here, I don't know much.
>>
No. 164555 ID: 732129

>>164554

I've been up front with you about our limits. We can hear noises, we can hear the directed thoughts of the person holding us, and I've noticed now that sometimes monologue thoughts slip through (such as when you were cataloging what was on your breakfast plate).

Say, here's an idea. Let the maid try us on. We'll be silent, but we may pick up a thought or two from her. Act in a way that would make her question your true identity. When you get us back from her, we'll report to you.

Sound good?
>>
No. 164556 ID: 519e3e

>>164555
Right. Sorry for making assumptions. It's just that magical necklaces and gems in books seem to be able to do a lot of stuff. Maybe it's just hype.

I'm loathe to give you up, but if you think it can help...

>"Meredith, could you come here, please?"
>"Yes, Your Highness."

*Clinking noises*

>"Could you try on this necklace?"
>"But Your Highness, it is a royal necklace! I couldn't possibly."
>"Oh do stop simpering... I just want to see how it looks."
>"But you have a mirror..."
>"JUST WEAR IT! SHEESH!"
>"Yes, Your Highness! I'm sorry Your Highness!"

*More clinking noises.*

...oyal necklace! I could get my head cut off for this. Well, as long as nobody knows, I suppose it can't do any harm.

(...st be really upset... I know I would be if I were going to marry Lord Blackheath...)

It's very pretty.

(Poor Miss Puzzle)
>>
No. 164560 ID: 1ac39d

[maintain silence, intercept anyone that tries to mess it up by saying something]
>>
No. 164561 ID: 732129

Meredith, you know that this is all wrong. You know it, and you're playing along with it anyway. The castle job's a good gig; they treated you well, mostly. But what they're doing to poor Miss Puzzle there is wrong.

The alternatives aren't any more pleasant, but they've got the distinct advantage of not making you a party to it. Because, Meredith? Right now you've got a hand directly in damning poor Miss Puzzle there to being brutalized, raped, and eventually murdered by that barbarian. You're going to burn in the afterlife for that. You're going to suffer for it as long as you live, the weight of it pressing on you; your conscience won't let you ever forget the part you played.

The worst part of all of this is that you like her. In slightly different circumstances you'd probably be close friends. Even during the time she was held prisoner here, you got to know each other a little, got to become friends a little. You're selling your friend up the river, to a future filled with torture and death. And you know it.

So Meredith, are you going to keep doing the easy thing? The wrong thing? Or are you going to help your friend?
>>
No. 164562 ID: 1ac39d

>>164561
[intercept this.

dude, aren't you reading it right? she is thinking BOTH those things at the same time, her true self is being suppressed and this... whatever is using her body, geez.]
>>
No. 164569 ID: 732129
Audio 60_-_The_Bomb.mp3 - (222.30KB , 60 - The Bomb.mp3 )
164569

Think about it Meredith.
[Play the attached music on loop in her brain]
>>
No. 164570 ID: 1ac39d

[spoken words are in "quotes". thoughts are regular, and the true thoughts are in (parentheses) why would she be thinking that the necklace is pretty at the same time as poor miss puzzle?]
>>
No. 164571 ID: 1ac39d

>>164569
[AKA, i submit that YOU are wrong]
>>
No. 164572 ID: 732129

>>164562
Thought-control magic is delicate. We may be able to snap her out of it with this. It's worth the risk.
>>
No. 164573 ID: 519e3e

Huh? What? Ugh, this music won't stop playing in my head.
>>
No. 164575 ID: 519e3e

>>164572
Who are you? I'm not being thought controlled. At least, I don't think I am. What is this music?!

>"Meredith are you all right?"
>"Sorry, Your Highness, I just have this tune stuck in my head."
>"Oh. Well, uhm. Have you tried humming a different tune to stop it?"
>"I will try that, Your Highness."

It's so irritating... @_@

>>164561
I know it is, but what can I do? An order is an order, especially when it comes from the mouth of a royal!
>>
No. 164576 ID: 732129

>>164573

He will kill her, Meredith. And if he finds out she's not really the princess, he'll do it in a slow and terrible way.
>>
No. 164578 ID: 732129

>>164575

There's a little part of your conscience that knows it's all wrong. The same part that knows royals aren't infallible. The pure part of your soul, the perpetual innocent, always weeping over the bad things you've done. You may lie to yourself, tell yourself that you're being forced into going along with orders, either by mind control or by royal fiat. But you always have had a choice.

None of the little bad things you've done before compare with being a party to this. You know it, Meredith. Your conscience is practically screaming it at you right now.

Do the right thing, and help Miss Puzzle. You know how smart she is. You know she'll think of something to do to escape her fate. When that time comes, you help her. Promise yourself that, or resign yourself to being party to a far worse evil than you ever thought yourself capable of being part of.
>>
No. 164582 ID: 519e3e
 

Do not open embedded video if you cannot handle irritation. Just so you know. You were warned.

>>164576
>>164578
HMM HMM HMM HMM... I CAN'T HEAR YOU!

(muffled) *Clinking noises, munching noises.*

>"Your Highness, I should take my leave, I'm feeling a little ill..."
>"No, please do stay Meredith, I insist. I will be needing company on the grounds later."

Uguu...

>"...But Miss Pu... I mean..."
>"AH HAH!"

Dammit. >_<
>>
No. 164583 ID: 732129

>>164582

Choose. Will you help her, or will you let her die? Choose. Promise to yourself to either keep following orders that are evil, or to help your friend.

[As soon as she picks, we cut the music.]
>>
No. 164585 ID: 519e3e

Keep my head down and follow orders, that's what I've always been told.

>"I knew there was something going on!"
>"But Your Highness..."
>"Don't you Your Highness me. What is going on, Meredith?"
>"Nothing, Your Highness!"

Will this infernal music never stop?!

>>164583
That... that's not fair! I can't just choose between Miss Puzzle and Princess Nadia! I'm just a maid! I can't help anyone! Look, I have to keep my head down and follow orders, that's what I do!

My head hurts...

>"My head hurts, Princess Nadia... I... I need some rest."

*Thud*

>"Meredith?! Meredith?! Hey!"
>>
No. 164588 ID: 732129

>>164585
You have more power than you think you do. And you know Miss Puzzle is very smart. She can figure out things you can't. Disobeying a direct order is bad. Lying to your friend and condemning her to certain death is worse.

Right now the entire kingdom is being held hostage by the barbarian king. Do you think Miss Puzzle doesn't realize that? She has to have figured out what's going on. And she's smart enough that she can probably find a way to succeed where the others can't.

But she'll need help.

It's still your choice. It always has been. But the part of you that loves the beauty, and purity, and awesome aspects of the Truth knows what the right thing to do is.

You need to pick. Promise to yourself, either you help your friend, or you follow bad orders. Keeping your head down won't help you forget what you did, if you choose to do the easy thing. But helping your friend just might help the entire kingdom, if you choose to do the right thing. She's that smart, and you know it.
>>
No. 164589 ID: 1ac39d

if everyone in the world held up their head and tells an unjust king 'no' then he has no power, for what is a king without subjects?
>>
No. 164590 ID: 519e3e

*White noise*

>(Distant) "Meredith, Meredith?! Hey wake up!"

*Slapping noises*
>>
No. 164591 ID: 732129

[Cut the music, we've overloaded her.]
>>
No. 164592 ID: 519e3e

*Clinking noises, snapping noise.*

>"Ugh... You're as heavy as you look."

*Shuffling noises. Dragging noises.*

*Click.*

What did you do?! She's knocked out cold! I've put her on my bed and I've propped her legs up on the chair. That should wake her soon...
>>
No. 164593 ID: 732129

>>164592

Sorry Rachel. We weighed her heart against a feather, and it proved to be too much for the poor girl. She just doesn't have your strength of mind.
>>
No. 164594 ID: 732129

>>164592

I know this will sound opportunistic and mercenary, but is she near your size? Could we, you know, borrow her uniform and get out that way?
>>
No. 164595 ID: 1ac39d

we gave her an ultimatum, help you or your blood is on her hands. she kinda snapped.
>>
No. 164596 ID: 732129

>>164595

Yes, that's what the Weighing of the Heart allusion implied.

Worry not Rachel, it was posed as an internal struggle, the last shreds of her innate sense of truth, order, and justice fighting against her desire to do the easy thing.
>>
No. 164598 ID: 519e3e

>>164593
>>164595
>>164596
Hearts generally weigh quite a bit more than feathers do... Oh, right. That would make sense.

(Strong of mind, I like the sound of that. <3)

I'm sure not everyone is cut out for having more than one voice in their head. I'm nothing special.

Meredith isn't moving, but she's breathing. So, I suppose that's okay.

>>164594
Well, Meredith is quite a bit larger than I am. I have a bit of a wiry build - comes with the fencing and the training, I suppose. I could wear her clothes easily, but I'm not sure I could pass off as her. Then again, I read somewhere that servants are pretty invisible to castle people... Hm...

*Rustling*

Hmm... I suppose it won't hurt to at least try on her clothing.

*More rustling. Thud!*

>"Oooh, Francis... stop... oooh, not there... <3"

Nnngh... Oooookaaaay... This is a bit awkward.
>>
No. 164599 ID: 732129

>>164598
You are something special, though. You're doing marvelously in a very difficult situation.

Please bear with the awkwardness. I know it's hard undressing someone else, I've done it enough times. Prop her up with a pillow, and pretend she's a giant doll. Once you have her undressed, cover her with your bedcovers.

Use pillows and clothes from your wardrobe to pad out her uniform so it fits you properly. Wrap your foil up in some laundry, and put the laundry on the empty food platter. Wipe all the makeup off your face, hide the earrings and keep this necklace well out of sight.

You should gather as much jewelry as you can and hide it on your person. You'll need the money.

Do you think you can use the makeup to disguise yourself? Can you make your face look more like hers?
>>
No. 164602 ID: 732129

>>164598

Since you're the daughter of a scientist, and have had training as a librarian, I'll share the story behind the Weighing of the Heart Ceremony. It's a bit more involved than what you could infer based on what those two talked about.

There was once a powerful civilization that ruled without real magic. They had superstition, and clever engineers, and a compelling state religion that spoke to the internal struggle all men live with from day to day. They were called Egyptians. One of the most important books for all Egyptians was the Book of the Dead, a manual to conducting funerals, and to the afterlife.

One of the most important rituals for a dead soul was the aforementioned ceremony. Understand that the Egyptians believed that the heart was the organ of reason, of intellect and memory. It was the seat of the mind, as far as they could tell.

The Egyptians had fascinating funeral practices, which included the ritual removal of internal organs and the preservation of the body so that it would be useful in the afterlife. They always left the heart alone though, since it was the one organ a dead man couldn't get to the afterlife without.

You see, the Weighing of the Heart Ceremony had the dead soul stand before a god of wisdom. The god would remove the heart from the dead man, and place it on a set of scales balanced against a feather, the Egyptian's symbol for the goddess of truth, order and justice. Should the heart be weighed down with past misdeeds, the dead man would fail the ceremonial test and be stricken from existence entirely. Should the heart be light, and be balanced with the feather, the dead man would get his heart back and be allowed to go on to the afterlife.

This has no bearing at all on your situation, but it's interesting isn't it?
>>
No. 164606 ID: 732129

>>164599
She said it's warm out. She'll cook if you bundle her up with too much extra padding.
>>
No. 164607 ID: 519e3e

>>164599
>>164602
Nnngh... Uh... Errrgh... Gaw she's heavy

*Rustling noises. Thudding noises.*

Haha, you're flattering me. ^_^

(A civilization without magic? That is very interesting. How did they get by?)

I guess I can use some of the makeup, I'm not very good at make up, though, but at the very least, I can wash off what I've got on in the bathroom.

(What was it like, making technological advances... Wait, I don't really have time to be thinking about this...)

I'm not sure I can take a lot of jewellery with me, but if I fold the clothes up properly, I might be able to hide some in the fabric.

*Even more rustling noises... Followed by a loud FLUMPH noise.*

(Still, it's interesting though...)

>"Uguu... Uhn... what..."

I've got most of Meredith's clothes off and I've put her in the bed, but she looks like she's coming to...

*Banging noises*

>"Your Highness, is everything all right in there?!"

Crap! It's the guards! What should I do?!
>>
No. 164609 ID: 732129

>>164607
You can sort of tell the truth this time. Tell them that Meredeth is helping you change your outfit, and that they're not to enter while you're in a state of undress.

We can talk more about magicless societies, high technology, and tools we can tell you how to make later. The tools are one of the reasons we'll need money though. It takes skill and raw materials to make them, and it's easier to buy those things than to steal them or blackmail them out of people.
>>
No. 164610 ID: 519e3e
File 127133888699.jpg - (12.39KB , 336x262 , Fubar.jpg )
164610

GM needs sleep. Have a nice picture of Filbert Flinglesmith Fubar Pifflepaddleolopous III and IV + LXXIX while you wait.

Feel free to spam with suggestions while I rest. ^_^
>>
No. 164611 ID: 732129

>>164607

Rachel, we don't want to be crude, but keep in mind that money for bribes and gear is going to be very important, so please don't be offended by what I'm going to say.

If you need to swallow rings and gems to bring more along, you should do it. If you need to hide necklaces inside your girl-pocket, you should do it. If you need to hide them in your butt, you should do it. Gold does not lose any value simply because it has been up your butt.

But do flatten out any pointy bits on the jewelry before you swallow it or stick it anywhere.
>>
No. 164612 ID: 1ac39d

yes, and if we get out of this we will teach you how to make a rifle. a weapon that can fell the strongest of warriors with but a twitch of your finger and no magic.

for now tell the guards that everything is fine and that you are in a state of undress and you doubt the groom would like it if another man saw your body, that should shut them up. then whisper to meredeth that she can now help you but keeping her head down, pretend she was overpowered and you escaped on your own, not that she let you.
>>
No. 164613 ID: 732129

This might be mean, but since it looks like you're committing to escaping by posing as Meredith, you should use some scarfs to tie her to the bedposts, and you should gag her. That way if she wakes before you're done getting ready to go, she won't give you away.
>>
No. 164616 ID: 732129

>>164612
A rifle's a pretty advanced piece of kit. A smoothbore's easier to get right with a blacksmith's help. Anyway that's all beside the point right now, it'll take a few days at a minimum to make something like that, if this place has no history of gunsmithing or black powder. And if it does, we've got other inventions that can level the playing field in our heroine's favor.
>>
No. 164776 ID: 3a11df

>>164609
>>164612
Okay, here goes...

>(Haughty Tone) "Yes, all is in order here. Meredith is assisting me with my wedding gown. You are not to enter while I am still preparing."
>"Er.... yes... er... Your Highness."
>"Doubtless, Lord Blackheath would be extremely displeased if you should see his bride in a state of undress. Go do something else while you wait."
>"Er... We will continue guarding your door against invaders, Your Highness."

Drat.

>>164611
I'm sure I can hide most of this stuff in a laundry bundle, the fold of my clothes or in the pillows. Besides which, I don't have Pika - I treasure my stomach lining. Also, it's pretty hard to take the sharp pointy parts off diamonds.

Next to Octarine, they're the hardest crystal in the known Universe. Although, I think that Octarine cheats.

>>164613
*RIIIIIP! Rustling noises. Drawer opening noise. More rustling noises.*

>"Guh..."
>"Don't worry Meredith, all you have to do is say I took you by force and knocked you out or something, which I did anyway."
>"Guhh... ugghrrrm..."
>"Remain calm and breathe slowly and I don't think you'll choke on that. I hope. Look, I'm very sorry, I just... I don't want to marry Lord Blackheath, okay?"
>"Uguu..."

Okay. Done and done. I've tied her up with the rope in my dresser and stuffed her mouth with some sheeting. I feel bad leaving Meredith here, though... I guess... uh... maybe if I find a way, I can help her too... ;_; I
hope she doesn't choke on those sheets, though.

*A few moments later, after some running water noises, more rustling, a little bit of clinking and clanking...*

Uh... Okay, I've padded myself out as best I can. I look a bit like a green marshmallow, though.
>>
No. 164805 ID: 3a11df

>>164616
A rifle? A smoothbore? What are these things?

(Heroine... I like the sound of that too... <3)

Well, any help I can get with this whole escaping and saving me Mum business would be highly appreciated.
>>
No. 164846 ID: 3a11df

>>164776
*Twooooiiiinnnggg...*

The ends of the foil aren't really doing a good job of fitting inside this huge pile of clothing, by the way. You have any other suggestions as to how I can hide it?
>>
No. 164882 ID: 3a11df

>>164861
*Clank!*

Okay. I'm leaving the sword behind. I've hidden like... a whole bunch of jewellery in the pillows and cushions under my clothes, but not in my body, because that's gross. I've also put you under my clothes as well, just underneath this pillow I have on my chest. Hopefully, the laundry pile I've created will help hide it.

Okay, I can do this...

*Deep breath*

Here goes.

*Creeeeak*

Wow, this place is really a tower! There's a spiral staircase here and it's pretty empty. I guess the guards are further down the stairs, though. My footsteps are echoing pretty loudly here.

I'm nervous and this pile of clothes is pretty heavy. Who knew silk could weigh so much?

Okay, I can see the guards up ahead... There are two of them. One on each side of the corridor, just beyond the bend. They have metal armour and are holding spears.
>>
No. 164883 ID: 701a19

>>164882
Step into the room, work up some tears, shout "GET OUT OF HERE, YOU STUPID GIT!", then close the door as you leave and quickly walk past the guards. Sob while doing so and shrug them off with a "Nngh!" if they try to comfort you.
>>
No. 164891 ID: 1ac39d

no, say nothing, keep your head down and walk by.
>>
No. 164912 ID: 3a11df

>>164883
>>164891
>>164893
Keeping my head down here seems to be a good idea.

>>164894
No. Just no. Eurgh. >_< Besides, this smuggling thing is just a one-off.

Approaching the guards. They don't seem to be looking at me.

*THWAP! Floomph.*

What the?! I think he smacked me... Can't feel it very well, since I put a cushion on my butt... @_@
>>
No. 164913 ID: 701a19

>>164912
Just keep walking.
>>
No. 164922 ID: 3a11df

>>164913
Okay

>"Puttin' on weight there, Merry. See you in the kitchens later..."

Ugh.
>>
No. 164968 ID: 486ba7

>>164931
I'm still halfway up. This tower is pretty high. There are archer slits in the walls. Okay, there's a wooden door up ahead to the left and another one further down that I can see. Well, to be honest, the left seems to be the core part of the tower. I'm several floors up above the ground floor - I'd hazard I'd be two or three floors above from where I'm standing...

*Floomph*

One of the pillows just dropped. I think I might be shedding feathers. @_@
>>
No. 164969 ID: 486ba7

I'll drop the laundry here. There's a lot of silk dresses I can slip into in the pile. I'm out of eyeshot of the guards anyway.
>>
No. 164982 ID: 1ac39d

if you think you can change all the way without anyone coming by then do it.
>>
No. 165033 ID: 486ba7

>>164982
I can hear voices on the other side of the door here I don't think I can change here without being caught. But I have to do something about the deflating pillow.

>>165005
I think I could pass as a lady in waiting. I can certainly act like one... I hope.
>>
No. 165077 ID: 732129

>>165033

You have actual underwear on, right?
>>
No. 165083 ID: 486ba7

>>165077
Of course I do! >_<
>>
No. 165090 ID: 1ac39d

okay, take your butt pillow out and put it on top of the laundry pile, make sure to purposefully make feathers come out while walking, anyone who sees you will automatically find the fact that the pillow is leaking more interesting the how flat your butt looks, if they look at you at all.
>>
No. 165092 ID: 486ba7

Sorry, sorry, I shouldn't be so grumpy about what you're saying. You've given me nothing but useful advice. Well, except the time you told me to kiss Meredith, which I suppose would have worked as a handy and terrible scandal if I wasn't marrying Lord Blackheath.

(...and the putting jewels in various orifices stuff. That's just gross.)

I'm wearing underthings, of course. I just arranged the pillows and cushions underneath by tying some ripped up clothes to them. ^_^ It was very cathartic. I still look a bit like a green marshmallow, but at least I think I'm bulging in the right places... well, except for the deflated pillow on my butt.
>>
No. 165094 ID: 486ba7

>>165090
Okay.

*Rustling noises*

nnhg...

*RIIIIIIP~! Floomph!*

Ah, better.

Okay, I guess I'll just keep walking then...

*Moments and many many footsteps later...*

Okay, I've reached the bottom of the tower. There's a door here, which I don't think is locked. From its position on the right of me, I'm guessing it leads outside. There's also a trapdoor on the floor, which is a bit odd.

I haven't come across anyone else so far. This really seems like my lucky day...
>>
No. 165095 ID: 34470e

>>165094
Do you realize you just ruined your chances of escaping without encountering somebody?
>>
No. 165096 ID: 486ba7

>>165095
But you just asked me to... @_@
>>
No. 165097 ID: 1ac39d

no, saying 'this sure is lucky' is asking for bad things to happen.
>>
No. 165099 ID: 486ba7

>>165097
Hey, hey... I didn't say it... I just thought it.

So it doesn't count, right?

...does it?

Anyway, the trapdoor or the regular door?

I don't think I'm actually on the ground floor, most castle towers are part of a larger castle, so I'm probably still a ways above the actual ground.

I wonder how high up I am...
>>
No. 165100 ID: 1ac39d

due to a past experience i would say the trap door.
>>
No. 165136 ID: 486ba7

>>165100
Trapdoor it is.

*Clank*

Nnngh...

*Creeeeeaaaak...*

Huh. There's some stairs leading down. The trapdoor is pretty big, so I'm climbing down them with the laundry.

*Creeeeeaaaak... thoom... Footsteps.*

I just shut it behind me. The steps down here lead to a pretty long hallway. It's a bit claustrophobic. The air down here is pretty fresh and there are a lot of smells. Soap... and... bacon...?
>>
No. 165138 ID: 7524b0

>>165136
Servants quarters. They do laundry here, and cook.
>>
No. 165139 ID: 486ba7

>>165138
I read about those in books.

*Floomph, Rustlerustle*

Uh... I guess now is as good a time as any to change my clothes. I mean, any servants down here would be sure to notice or remember Meredith...
>>
No. 165145 ID: 732129

>>165139

If you don't mind passing up the opportunity to gather intelligence, you will likely be able to find a scullery maid's exit that will take you to a low-traffic part of the exterior of the castle.

You may want to find the laundry room and steal some clothes that are neither silk nor someone's uniform. The more unremarkable you look once you've left, the better.

Do you know where they are keeping your mother? If not, we'll need to find out. In any case we're going to have to find out what sort of security her prison has.
>>
No. 165146 ID: 732129

>>165092

Look lady, gross or not, it's one of the best ways to hide things. Count the smuggling advice as "possibly useful if I'm ever that desperate" and we'll call it even, deal?
>>
No. 165155 ID: 486ba7

*Rustle rustle...*

I've put on one of the more demure silk dresses. It's still gaudy, but I guess I can pretend that I'm lost or something.

>>165145
I don't really know where they're keeping my mother. I guess it would be in the dungeon. What I wouldn't give for a map of the castle...

The laundry room sounds like a good plan though, I'll sneak in and see if I can't find a maid's outfit.

*Footsteps. Creaking.*

There's piles of clothes in here and one of the washerwomen is in here. I don't think she's seen me...

>"Lost yer way, 'ave yew?"
>"Pardon me..."I was looking for the laundry room..."
>"Issat so? Yer ladyship shouldn't be wanderin' belowstairs... It's dangerous it is."
>>
No. 165294 ID: 65e7ad

>>165274
>"Oh. Is it dangerous? I confess I knew nothing of it."
>"S'nt safe, Mi'lady. No wit' th' 'igh Prince 'anging about 'eres of late. Yer Ladyship would do 'erself a favour to leave, some of these tunnels 'aven't been used fer years n' there's monsters innit. What are ye doin' belowstairs anyways?"
>"I was bored. I thought that exploring belowstairs would be interesting."
>"Well, now ye've seen it. Yer Ladyship should leave."

Hm. She seems pretty irritated and scared of me too.

>"Excuse me, Mi'lady."

Oh, there's a maid behind me.

>"Oh, pardon me."

I step aside to let her pass. I don't recognize her, which is a blessing. Both the maid and the washerwoman are looking at me awkwardly. I get the feeling that I'm interrupting something.
>>
No. 165313 ID: 7524b0

>>165294
I think it would be better if we didn't run away. You're Nadia's replacement.

We need to fuck up the wedding, not avoid it.
>>
No. 165318 ID: 65e7ad

>>165313
Why yes, there is a division of females in the army. I believe they are called the Valkyrie's Wings. Personally, I think they're just a way for the kingdom to get better PR.

They come around the villages every year to recruit new members. Mum has often encouraged me to join, but... I'd rather stay a librarian than go to war. Besides, they'd make me cut my hair and I'm rather proud of it. It's pretty long and luxurious...

>"Is there anything else we can help you with, Mi'lady?"

Erm...
>>
No. 165337 ID: 65e7ad

>>165318
>>165324
Yeah, screw them. They've been nothing but awful to me since I arrived. As far as I'm concerned, I only want to get myself and my Mum out of this whole mess...

...And Meredith, if I can, because I feel sorry for her. I mean, she's probably just as much in over her head as I am.

(I do feel sorry for Princess Nadia, though. Nobody deserves marriage to that horrid monster... Maybe I can save her too...?)

>(Haughty) "I would like to return to Court. I have tarried here too long."
>"Of course, Mi'lady. This way please, Mi'lady."

It seems that the maid will be taking me back to court.

(She's rolled her eyes at the washerwoman.)

Oh, the palace guard? Right, sorry. I misheard you. There should be a few female palace guards.

(Princesses have been guarded by female guards ever since the incident with Crown Princess Joy during the reign of King Kenneth III. Her brother, King Kenneth IV, ascended the throne in 1205 and considered chastity belts and male guards to unreliable for obvious reasons. They tried to get eunuchs for a while, but there were no volunteers.)

I'll try to make my way to the armoury.

(Anyway, the making of Eunuchs is totally barbaric and only practiced in far off and wicked countries like Cathaie.)
>>
No. 165376 ID: 65e7ad

Since I'm following this maid, I guess we have some time to chat. She doesn't seem very chatty anyway. I didn't really get much time to introduce myself to you earlier, did I? Come to think of it, I didn't get your name... or names... either. I reckon if we're going to be spending a lot of time together, we may as well get to know each other.

You already know my name, I'm Rachel Puzzle, a certified librarian. I was born on the 12th day of Winte, 18 years ago. In my spare time, I help Mum out with alchemy, practice fencing and play the piano. I also love reading and collecting obscure knowledge. I'm the proud holder of a Baronial fencing champion (under 18s division). I have long blonde hair (which I'm very proud of) and blue eyes. I used to wear spectacles, but the Royal Mage cast some sort of spell on my eyes, so I don't need them anymore.

Geez. I sound like a singles advertisement.

So, uh... what about you? You're... a collection of rational minds, right? What do you do in your erh... in your erm... spare time when you're not uh... doing what you do...

What DO you do anyway? And what should I call you? I mean, I know there are multiple minds in there, but I just feel iffy talking to someone with no name.
>>
No. 165378 ID: 732129

>>165337

The more goals you add, the more likely it is that you'll fail at all of them. Our first priority should be getting your mother out of here alive and safe.

Let me impress upon you just how important it is that you move quickly on this first goal: As soon as they discover that you're missing, they're going to use your mother as bait to catch you. Then you'll have to make some really hard choices. Like, "Do I let them kill her, or do I surrender myself to them in exchange?" Because once they know you're missing, they'll place so many guards around your mother that it will be impossible for you to rescue her by yourself.

So, let's move quickly and avoid that.

After the Barbarian King is stood up at the wedding your mother should be safe. With you missing, and the Barbarian King raging over being denied a princess, your mother likely won't rate as being worth the trouble of tracking down for an act of petty retribution. At that point you'll be free to check up on Meredith, if you really think you need to.

It's good that you feel compassion for Princess Nadia, but she's a political pawn. Right now you don't have the power base to play that game. Remember, the crown prince wouldn't consent to even a sham-marriage between Princess Nadia and the Barbarian King unless the Barbarian King could just take her (and the rest of the kingdom) by force.

The result of you disappearing will be that the Barbarian King will marshal his armies and return as a conqueror. That will take him some time, especially if the crown prince decides to put up a genuine fight. But he has to know his army and his allies armies can't stand against the Barbarian King. Otherwise he would have told him to go pound sand.

To ultimately save Princess Nadia, you're going to need to raise and arm an army of your own.

That's not impossible. Just hard. It'll take time. With the new weapons we're going to teach you to make, your army will be able to fight conventional armies many times its size.
>>
No. 165383 ID: 65e7ad

>>165378
Wow. You guys have this all planned out, huh? I... I'm not sure I'll do a good job of raising an army, let alone take over the kingdom...

@_@

It sounds like... well... it sounds a bit much, really.

But you're right, I should focus on getting Mum and me outta this mess first.
>>
No. 165409 ID: 65e7ad

>>165384
I feel uncomfortable calling you by a demon's name. Say a loaded name like that too many times and you can end up possessed, y'know?

How about I call you Gion, instead? Or Gem?

Hm... odd.. I've been following this maid for about fifteen minutes now and I don't think we're even anywhere near an exit yet...
>>
No. 165411 ID: 7524b0

>>165409
Ask where she's going.
>>
No. 165433 ID: 65e7ad

>>165411
>"Where are you-"
>"We're here."
>"But this isn't...
*THUMP!*
>"Ooomph~!"

What the...?! She punched me!

>"What was that for?!"
>"Distraction."

Huh?
>>
No. 165436 ID: 701a19

>>165433
RUN.
>>
No. 165446 ID: 65e7ad

SHIT. This is a dead end.

>>165436
Don't have to tell me twice!

I spin around on my heel and start to run.

*Complex plethora of footstep sounds: Two steps running. A number more running at a slightly more rapid speed.*

>"Mmph~!"
>"Sorry, I lied. I just wanted you to turn around."

I can't breathe! It smells like medicine... I can't...
>>
No. 165448 ID: 1ac39d

[full adrenaline dump]

break her arm and keep running!
>>
No. 165449 ID: 1ac39d

>>165448
[oh, and if that fails then attempt to override motor control and keep her moving even though her brain is off.]
>>
No. 165455 ID: 701a19

>>165446
So don't breathe! Kick for the balls, then grab their LEFT arm and shove it to the LEFT.
>>
No. 165457 ID: 701a19

>>165455
Wait, no. Hold your breath, struggle a bit, then go limp. Once she takes the cloth away grab her throat and choke her.
>>
No. 165462 ID: 65e7ad

>>165448
>>165455
I grab her arm and try to push her away. She knees me in the back.

>"Mph~!"
>"OW!"

I can't... my body is getting pretty heavy.

>>165457
I'm tryin...g... @_@

It's... hard... to... hear... -_-

So tired...
>>
No. 165465 ID: 1ac39d

swing your head back and break her nose.
>>
No. 165469 ID: 65e7ad

>>165465
Ok....

*White noise*
>>
No. 165475 ID: 65e7ad
File 127147461317.jpg - (22.24KB , 536x393 , Puzzle1end.jpg )
165475

>"Very good job with that blow dart, sister."
>"I'm a perfect shot, if I do say so myself."
>"You got her arms?"
>"Yes. Do you think we should tie her up?"
>"Good idea."

*Rustling*

>"I hope we didn't overdose her."
>"Nah, I don't think so. See? She's still breathing."
>"I just don't want to damage her."
>"Oh, stop worrying."
>"Fine then."
>"Okay... One... two... three... LIFT!"

*More rustling*

[Okay folks, that's chapter 1 ended. While Rachel is passed out, you have the chance to rifle through her subconcious, but only the obscure knowledge of it. Which means that now you may ask the GM any questions pertaining to the world in which Rachel lives. Rachel will answer to the best of her ability, but she doesn't know everything. You have 24 hours. Spam away.]
>>
No. 165747 ID: f77c70
File 127154299434.jpg - (21.17KB , 640x480 , Puzzle2.jpg )
165747

Uguu... Are you there, Gion?

Ugh...That... that could definitely have gone better. Never again. >_<

I seem to be sitting down with a bag over my head. >_< My wrists are tied together in front of me and I think my ankles are tied together.

I can hear dripping... >_<

I just... feel so stupid right now. >_>
>>
No. 165754 ID: 1ac39d

naw, no way you could have known that was coming.

anyway, bite a hole through the bag so you can get to the rope on your wrists.
>>
No. 165775 ID: f77c70

>>165754
Thanks... I still feel pretty dumb though...

The bag smells bad... ;_; Maybe I should just use my teeth...

*RIIIIIP!*

Blech, pleagh... Gross...

Well, I now have a hole in the bag and I am never doing that again. >_<

Okay, I'm lifting my wrists up to bite on them...

*Rustling*

...
...

Whoever tied this... did a pretty dumb job of it. It's... tied in a big bow. I've just pulled on it and it fell apart.
>>
No. 165778 ID: f77c70
File 127154851371.jpg - (20.94KB , 640x480 , Prison.jpg )
165778

>>165775

I'll just pull this bag off my head then. It seems like I'm in some sort of dungeon cell. It's circular and dank. The walls are made of stone... and...

MUM! MUM'S HERE!

>"Rachel, is that you?"
>"Mum? I was so worried about you!"
>"Don't worry about me, I'm fine. Tied up, but fine. They bring me three meals a day. The service is pretty good."

*Rustling noises*
I've untied my legs.

>"Still have your sense of humour, I see. Here I'll untie you."
>"Nah, it's good. If your hands are tied up, they send guards in to feed you. And if you're lucky, they're the really cute ones."
>"Maaaaahhhmmm..."
>"What? They're CUTE."
>>
No. 165781 ID: 34470e

>>165778
Ask her if the rats are cute.
>>
No. 165791 ID: 1ac39d

if you are sure it's your mom and not a imposter ,sorry, paranoia due to the maid, then tell her you have to escape today or you are going to be married to the barbarian dude.
>>
No. 165821 ID: f77c70

>>165781
>"Cute like the rats?"
>"Ha ha, very funny kiddo. No, the rats are friendly. They mostly don't bite. Mostly."

>>165791
You have a point. But this is definitely my Mum. She's got all the spots in the right places, but you're right I should make sure.

>"Mum, what is the formula for the Potion of Vitality?"
>"Ea5Ai3Wa2Fi2"

Yeap, that's Mum orright. She always gets that formula wrong. For some strange reason, she can never get the scientific notation correct.

>"Mum, we have to bust outta here by today. Me weddin's today and it's to Lord Blackheath."
*Snapping noises*
>"WHAT?!"

Wow, dungeon living hasn't atrophied Mum's muscles at all.
>>
No. 165825 ID: 1ac39d

okay, tell her what happened, like how you have been in the tower for the time and stuff. if you want to tell her about us then okay, make sure you emphasize that we have been helpful so she wont think exploding us is good idea.

best way to do this is wait by the door so if they look through the eye-slit it looks like you are gone, and when they come in to investigate you clock them. if a chamber pot is in the room then use that as a weapon.
>>
No. 165850 ID: f77c70
File 127155753675.jpg - (21.91KB , 640x480 , Prison2.jpg )
165850

>>165825
*Several minutes of exposition later mainly about the last couple of months...*

>"Remind me to pay them once this whole thing blows over. It's about time you got some table manners in you. Goodness knows all that faffin' about with swords and books and adventurin' is only going to end up in tears."
>"I don't think it's going to blow over anytime soon, Mum. Anyway, you like books. You're a scientist."
>"Well... yes, but that doesn't change my mind about that whole adventurer phase thing you're going through."
>"It's not a phase, Mum. Adventuring is what I want to do with my life. Besides, I already just had an adventure. I escaped and came to rescue you."
>"Well, this isn't much of a rescue. You got thrown in here by ninja maids."
>"Well, I'm rescuing you starting now. So stop complaining."

*...More exposition later, regarding Gion.*

>"Well, that's just rude. I don't explode things. Not on a regular basis, at least."
>"Well Gion's my friend, so I don't want you slicing it, lasering it, or dissecting it either."
>"Awwww... you take the fun out of life."
>"Okay, Gion says that they have a plan for getting us out of here. If both of us stand by the doors, we can hit them with the chamber pot and escape."

*Splash*
Gods, that stinks.

>"Oh, actually, there's a food tray. Much more hygenic. It's underneath the rats, though.
>"Why didn't you tell me before I emptied the chamber pot all over the floor?"
>"It needed emptying. Here, let me move the cheese."

*FRANTIC SQUEAKING! Clatter, clang!*

Okay, so... here goes...
>>
No. 165865 ID: f77c70
File 127155867277.jpg - (23.14KB , 640x480 , Prisonbreakout.jpg )
165865

>"So... met any handsome men lately?"
>"Maaaahhhm..."
>"Not that I'm close minded or anything, I mean... I wouldn't be upset if you decided to run off with a castle guard..."
>"Mum..."
>"...settled down somewhere... got married..."
>"MUM..."
>"...had a few kids..."
>"MUM!"
>"What?"
>"I didn't meet anyone nice while I was in the tower."
>"Oh. Really?"
>"Really."
>"Are you sure you're not gay?"
>"MUM!"
>"Just kidding, just kidding. I know you're not."
>"No, I'm not. >_<"
>"Not that there's anything wrong with that..."
>"MUM!"
>"I'm just being open minded."
>"*Siiiiigh*"

*Foosteps*

>"Shh, here they come..."

*Peephole sliding sound.*

>"It seems that they've already escaped."
>"Impossible! I tied them both up!"
>"Well, the dungeon is empty. I warned you that Miss Puzzle was very resourceful."
>"Which one?"
>"Both of them."

*Clinking noises. Creaking noises...*

>"Well, hello Miss Puzzle! What are you doing with that..."

*CLAAAAAAAAAAAANNNGGGGGG~! Thud!*

Okay. It seems that we've knocked out a ninja maid and some redheaded guy. The rats are checking out the maid for some reason.
>>
No. 165871 ID: 1ac39d

can't argue with rats. check her out too, she could just have is a pocket full of cheese for some strange reason. or something really neat. also search both for weaponry or anything.
>>
No. 165875 ID: 34470e

>>165865
Well, ninja maids are p cheesy.
>>
No. 165877 ID: 701a19

>>165871
Strip them both naked and take their clothes. Use the ropes to properly tie them up, but do it so it looks like they were having sex. Since somebody will have to find them in order for them to get free that means they won't be able to keep their humiliation secret.

Once you're done there, lock them in and start looking for a way out.
>>
No. 165895 ID: f77c70

>>165871
>>165875
>>165877
Okay.

*Rustling noises.*

I've searched their bodies. The Redhead boy is wearing pretty nice silk clothing for a castle guard. He's got a rapier, which I've taken... As for the maid...

Wait...strip them down?! Uh... that's a bit much, right? I guess I could do it but there isn't really that much rope to work with.

(Mum kinda... snapped hers into little itty bitty pieces.)

>"Mum, could you help me move them?"
>"Ah?"
>"Please?"
>"Okay."

*Rustling noises... Thud!*

>"Who are you?!"

There's a girl standing at the door! She was so quiet I didn't notice her. She... looks exactly... like me! Why does she look like me?! She's got my hair and my face and everything!

She's waving her arms around for some reason.
>>
No. 165897 ID: f77c70
File 127156164578.jpg - (24.72KB , 640x480 , Prisonbreakout2.jpg )
165897

[Oops, forgot the room thing.]
>>
No. 165898 ID: 1ac39d

oh... dang.. capture and interrogate.
>>
No. 165900 ID: 701a19

>>165895
Oh, hey, it's the princess.
Forget the spies pretending to be a maid and a guard, you're going to be taking PRINCESS NADIA with you for a stroll.
...and by that I mean kidnapping her, which is OK since it's in her best interests anyway.

Walk over and put her hands on your face, then say "I'm the one your brother kidnapped so you wouldn't be married-off to Lord Blackheath."
>>
No. 165913 ID: f77c70
File 127156421111.jpg - (25.06KB , 640x480 , Prisonbreakout3.jpg )
165913

>"Mum could you tie these two up? I'll deal with this girl."
>"No problem~! <3"
>"Search them while you're at it. If necessary, remove all their clothing."
>"Sure. <3 <3 <3"
>"And don't spend too much time perving."
>"Okaaaaay... <3 <3 <3"

>>165898
*Rustling noises. Creeeeeak...*

I nab her. She hasn't made a sound. She just stumbles into the room.

I've closed the door to keep prying eyes off us. It's still open a smidge, though. I don't know where the keys are, and I don't want to get locked in.

>"Who are you? What are you here for?"

She's gesturing a lot towards the Ninja Maid and that Redhead Boy.

>>165900
Oh, right. Haha. Duh. I'd never seen her before so I didn't know. She's feeling my face. It's weird.

>"I'm the one your brother kidnapped so you wouldn't be married-off to Lord Blackheath."

She's shaking her head.

>"I am going to kidnap you."

She nods vigorously. She's gesturing to Mum and the body pile now.

>"I found the keys! And this young lady does have a lot of things on her. Look at this lovely throwing star. Sharp too."
>>
No. 165916 ID: 1ac39d

okay, if you think you have everything then go, we may need to have nadia lead us out, unless your mom knows the way.
>>
No. 165917 ID: 1ac39d

oh, and give a good tug on every torch stand you see, one could have a secret passage..
>>
No. 165921 ID: 732129

>>165913

You should hand us off to Princess Nadia. She'll know the castle better than you or Madam Puzzle. We'll get a map from her and then ask to be handed back to you. I doubt that Princess Nadia is half the fighter you are.
>>
No. 165929 ID: 1ac39d

>>165921
and actually being able to communicate with something may make her ridiculously happy. we should teach her sign language which is a special method of communicating with your hands for deaf or mute people. basically, hand shapes make words or letters.
>>
No. 165935 ID: f77c70
File 127157146224.jpg - (24.51KB , 640x480 , Switcheroo.jpg )
165935

>>165916
>>165917
*Clink clink clink*

Well, Mum's still tying them up. But I'll look into pulling torches. I think she's stripped the guy down completely. I'm afraid to look.

>>165921
I guess I could pass you over to the Princess. I don't think she can talk, though. >_>

*As Rachel pulls the necklace off, there's a feeling of "muffledness" and "dimness". If that makes any sense. At this stage, the Teardrop of Infinite Psyche cannot get maps from anyone other than Rachel Puzzle.*
>>
No. 165938 ID: f77c70

*Click*

...not need gifts! I want you to listen to what I am saying! Look at my hands!
>>
No. 165939 ID: 1ac39d

we are not a 'gift', we are only being lent to you. now do you know how to get out of the castle without the guards seeing or not?
>>
No. 165945 ID: 701a19

>>165938
First: We are a powerful magical artifact, not a 'gift'.
Second: They don't know sign language, so your hand gestures are meaningless to them.
Third: To recap, you look exactly like this girl, so your father kidnapped her and her mother and was trying to force her to marry Lord Blackheath under threat of her mother dying.
We are escaping and kidnapping you in the process, and want to know if there's anything you can do to help us escape.
>>
No. 165951 ID: f77c70

>>165945
>>165939
I will address your points in order.

The first: I am pleased to meet an enchantment that allows my voice to be heard. I am the Princess Nadia.

The second: Why do they not understand the language of their own Princess?

The third: I thought as much when I felt her face. I did not wish to be married to Lord Blackheath, but I had no choice in the matter, nor did I wish to put another in danger in my place. I did not know of Miss Puzzle until this morning. Though, I have my suspicions as to the one responsible for Miss Puzzle's presence in the castle.

The Fourth: A way out of this place without showing the guards? I know not, only my brother knows. Unfortunately, he was attacked earlier today.
>>
No. 165952 ID: 1ac39d

>>165951
the reason they don't understand is that you have never made a public appearance, so no one outside the castle knows you can communicate at all. if you think you have made appearances, then they were shams taking advantage of the fact that you could not see.
>>
No. 165954 ID: 701a19

>>165951
Nobody knows how to communicate with you because that has been kept secret; somebody wishes to keep you isolated from the world.

However, we can use that to our advantage. If we can get Rachel into a guard outfit, then the close appearance will make it so she can claim to be your body-double and bodyguard. Then she can claim assassins have infiltrated the castle, which is true, and that she's escorting you to a safe location, which is also true.

So, what do you need to tell them? We can serve as a messenger.

[Attempt to pull an understanding of sign language from her mind.]
>>
No. 165960 ID: f77c70

[Very rudimentary understanding of Princess Nadia's sign language acquired. More contact required before more is learned.]

[Currently, Teardrop of Infinite Psyche has the following aspects...]

[Minimaps - Activated when worn by Rachel Puzzle]
[Rudimentary Understanding of Princess Nadia's Sign Language - Acquired from Princess Nadia's Subconcious.]
>>
No. 165967 ID: f77c70

(...not that I don't have my suspicions as to who attacked my brother...)

>>165952
>>165954
The castle is rife with secrets and political battles and I would not be surprised if I had been tricked because of my afflictions. I am almost certain that my engagement to Lord Blackheath is part of some scheme to put me out of the way.

Your plan is sound. Would that I could assist you in some way, but sadly, I know not the way to the Royal Armoury. I have been forbidden from entering it. Perhaps Miss Puzzle could pretend to be both my lady-in-waiting and body double? I can take her to my room in the castle without arousing much suspicion.

I have a single message for Miss Puzzle should you wish to return to her. My brother would make a fine ally in her escape. He entered this room before I did and was attacked.

(I don't want to point fingers... but...)
>>
No. 165970 ID: 701a19

>>165967
No, your brother entered the room and you heard the sounds of an attack.
Go ahead and point fingers. It's not like we're going to be all that trusting anyway.
>>
No. 165974 ID: f77c70

>>165970
Your speech is wise and true. I could easily have been mistaken.

Perhaps my brother took a walk or something. 'Tis a cruel joke to play on his own sister.

(Like heck he did... I'm blind, but I'm not stupid... >_>)

I return you to your master now.

*Click*
>>
No. 165977 ID: 1ac39d

>>165970
[dude, red head guy is her brother. duh.]
>>
No. 165979 ID: f77c70
File 127157898647.jpg - (25.02KB , 640x480 , Switcheroo2.jpg )
165979

*Click*

*Radio tuning sounds.*

So, did she say anything? Will she help us?

*Ripping, shredding and rustling sounds.*

>"How naked do you want me to make these people?"
>"However naked you like, Mum."
>"Just what I like to hear. <3"
>>
No. 165982 ID: 1ac39d

ummmmm.... turns out the red head is her brother, or thinks he is her brother. ether way she wants him to come and says he would know any secret passages. if your mom can carry him that would be good.

oh and brace for a head ache
[upload sign language knowledge to Rachel]
>>
No. 165983 ID: 701a19

>>165979
[Push the understanding of Sign Language into Rachel's mind]

Yea, she'll try to help. Ask her if she knows who the ninja maid is.
>>
No. 166001 ID: f77c70
File 127158089319.jpg - (26.51KB , 640x480 , Switcheroo3.jpg )
166001

>>165982
>>165983
A headache... GAH!

[Teardrop of Infinite Psyche: Rudimentary Knowledge of Sign Language Lost!]
[Rachel: Rudimentary Knowledge of Sign Language Gained!]

Ow ow ow ow ow... @_@ What was that for? That hurt!

*More ripping noises*

That red-headed freckleface is the PRINCE?! He looks a lot better in his pictures. Oh man, oh man are we in trouble.

>"Mum?"
>"Yes?"
>"I think we have to stop ripping up the clothes."
>"Whyever for?"
>"Uh... I think that redhead is the prince. According to Princess Nadia and Gion, he's here to help."
>"Oh. Er... I'll see what I can do about his clothes... I'm afraid there's very... little remaining."
>"Thanks Mum."

*Rustling noises*

>"Oh, and Mum?"
>"Yes?"
>"I'm glad you're okay."
>"I'm glad you're safe too."

*Happy WARM feelings.*
*More rustling*

>"Do you know who the maid is?
>"*Maid*"
>"How about her name?"
>"*Something that begins with N*"
>"Can N be trusted?"
>"*Yes*. *And her name is N(Indecipherable)*."
>"I see. I'm sorry about your brother. We'll get him dressed and out the door in no time."
>"*Is he (indecipherable)*?"

I think that last one was a question.
>>
No. 166003 ID: 1ac39d

it could be anything, from 'hurt' to 'still fit for marriage'. tell her you couldn't understand that last bit, but he is just knocked out, nothing else.
>>
No. 166010 ID: f77c70

>>166003
>"I didn't quite understand your last statement, but he's just knocked out. We haven't harmed him at all."
>"*Okay*"

Well, looks like Mum's about done with the Prince. He's wearing a skirt though. Looks like Mum ripped his pants off first... >_<
>>
No. 166013 ID: 732129

I have another experiment for you to try. Hold Princess Nadia's hand with us in your palm. We're the scratched-up chipped-up blue looking crystal on the necklace, about an inch big, teardrop cut, if the Fae Lord wasn't lying. Make sure that both you and she have us in contact.

We may be able to hear you both at once, and talk to you both too. That'll speed things up a bit.
>>
No. 166024 ID: f77c70

>>166013
Good idea, maybe you can help link minds.

*Click, tinkle.*

(Muffled) Okay. Her fingers are... really delicate and soft. Mine are pretty hard in comparison.

(Muffled) ... n't... ...ve ... ... b...

(Muffled) Is it working?

(Muffled) ...e ...g....... n....

(Muffled) I don't think it is at all.

*Tinkle, click.*

[When the teardrop is placed in two people's hands, the person with the strongest rapport with the teardrop comes in the clearest. A bit like conflicting radio waves.]
>>
No. 166025 ID: 34470e

>>166024
Do you have a piece of paper and a pencil or something to write on and something to write with on your person?
>>
No. 166026 ID: 1ac39d

hmmm. we could hear you fine but not her. it seems we can only be on one channel at a time until we find a splitter, and i mean a metaphorical one not a literal one. or a 'BOX'.
>>
No. 166032 ID: f77c70

>>166025
No, I left all the paper and writing implements I had back in my room. Sorry.

>>166026
A box? We might be able to find one in the castle somewhere.

In any case, if you don't think there's anything else, we'll have to start moving. Though, I'm going to have to think of some sort of cover story for the Prince and his uh... skirtedness.
>>
No. 166034 ID: 1ac39d

>>166032
he had too much alcohol and went nuts, then passed out. perfect cover.
>>
No. 166043 ID: f77c70
File 127158624192.jpg - (19.32KB , 640x480 , prisonbreak.jpg )
166043

>>166034
Sounds good to me.

>"Okay, here's how we're going to play it. Mum, you're the maid. You're helping us carry Prince Adrian to his room. He was drinking during lunch and got disgustingly drunk. Princess Nadia, I am your body guard in disguise as you. Prince Adrian, just... flop about and stuff. Everyone got their parts?"
>"No problem."
>"*Okay*"
>"Right then, let's go."

*Creeeeak*

>"By the way, did anyone remember to gag the maid?"
>"Of course, I'm always a step ahead."
>"Thanks Mum."

*Slam, click! Footsteps.*

Okay, the door to the prison is locked. We're in some sort of prison tunnel. Nadia is holding my hand and touching the wall. I guess she knows her way ahead. The passageway is lit by torches. I've been pulling on each of them as you said, but nothing's happened so far.
>>
No. 166044 ID: 1ac39d

okay then, make sure you keep pulling unless other people are around, cause the laws of the universe dictate that when you decide to stop pulling them the very next one will actually open a passage.

take a quick peek into the other cells.if you and your mom were unjustly imprisoned that someone else could be as well, good chance that even if they aren't they would be willing to work together to escape.
>>
No. 166052 ID: f77c70
File 127158754823.jpg - (33.45KB , 640x480 , dungeon.jpg )
166052

>>166044
I've just taken a look. But I'm wary of adding anyone to this group at the moment. More would look suspicious.

Starting from the cells on my left with the one across from ours and going around the room...

*Sliding sound*
>"Mmmhnmmm... who's there? <3"
>"Uh. Nobody."
>"You sound and smell so sweet, little Nobody, want to come and play... <3 <3 <3"
>"Erm... no... No thanks."

*SLAM!*

I don't think I'll talk to the rest... @_@

*More sliding and shutting sounds*

This one has an old man...
Odd, this one has a pile of palace guards in it...
I can't see what's in this one, but it looks pretty rat infested...
This one is empty, but I think I saw a skeleton in the back there... >_>
>>
No. 166221 ID: c60ef6

There are a lot more cells in this place. It would take me an age to get through them all. Judging from the presence of Killer Jack and me Mum, though, I think they reserve this dungeon for the more dangerous criminals of the realm, and maybe for people they want to keep hidden or something. I can't really draw any conclusions for those passed out guards, though. Maybe they got into trouble or something?

>"Unggguh... My he...head..."
>"Shush now."

It seems that Prince Adrian is waking up...
>>
No. 166223 ID: 1ac39d

okay, let him see that his sister is there and that you are 'kidnapping' the both of them. if he could show us a way out that doesn't involve a thousand guards then we can get to a secret place where the barbarian dude can't find them. if he doesn't seem to understand by being dense or something then give it to him straight, you, your mom, him, and his sister are going to escape so the barbarian dude can't marry any of you but it will be disguised as a kidnapping so he can't get pissed off at the kingdom. he may get pissed off at the kingdom anyway, but if he does then it would be doubtful the marriage would have kept him from attacking.
>>
No. 166243 ID: c60ef6
File 127162836733.jpg - (33.38KB , 640x480 , dungeon1.jpg )
166243

>>166223
Okay, but I'd better move to a less echoy place. I don't want the other prisoners hearing and alerting the guards.

>"Are you awake?"
>"Uguu..."
>"Good. Okay Prince Adrian, here's the deal."

I push Nadia in front of me.

>"We are kidnapping both of you. We already have your sister and you are in a pretty compromising situation. Princess Nadia has already let me know that you are here to help and that you know about the secret passages in this castle. I want you to show us how to get out of here without alerting the guards. Once we're out, we'll get the Princess to a safe place where Lord Blackheath cannot find us. That way, he won't blame the kingdom for his missing bride. Can you do this?"
>"I..."

*Clonk!*
>"Ow!"
>"Mum! What did you do that for?!"
>"He was waking up. He had this glint in his eye..."
>"I'm still awake, you know."
>"Then my fists aren't as hard as they used to be. TAKE THIS!"
*CLONK!*
>"Ow!"
>"Mum!"
>"Madam, your fists are indeed very hard. I'd appreciate if you refrained from hitting me again."
>"Sorry."
>"ANYWAY, I will help you, though I thought you more resourceful than this. With all the help I've been giving you, I'm surprised it took you this long to escape and kidnap my sister."
>>
No. 166246 ID: 1ac39d

haha, he got you.

seriously though, before we showed up did you ever TRY to escape? if you didn't then it seems you are very bad at taking the initiative.
>>
No. 166248 ID: 701a19

>>166243
"I was biding my time. You'll understand later.
Who's the assassin in maids clothing?"
>>
No. 166371 ID: 7803cf

>>166246
Of course I tried escaping before you came! >_< The only reason I was so panicky and upset was because all my attempts so far had failed.

Actually, I'm curious about the help he apparently offered. I mean, how could I not have noticed it?

>"What do you mean by help?"
>"Well, I left a rope and a sword in your quarters."
>"Neither of which were particularly useful. The rope was far too short. It made me a target for the archers and the sword was useless against the guard's plate armour."
>"I also increased the number of times the guards changed, which would have facilitated your escape."
>"What, when there are four guards outside my cell instead of two?"
>"Erh... Yes? Isn't there a long ceremony with trumpets during which you can escape?"
>"Not really, mostly they just greet each other and switch places. You're not very good at this helping people escape thing, are you?"
>"Perhaps you're not good at escaping. I ALSO Ninja Maid with orders to assist you in your escape if you asked her to."
>"Well, that was... wait... what? Which maid?"
>"Daniella."
>"Erh. Right. Her. Haha."

>_< I never did ask the maids for help.

>>166248
>"ANYWAY, I was biding my time, waiting for the right moment to strike. Who is the Assassin in Maid's clothing that came with you?"
>"She is Nina, one of my sister's elite guards. I brought her with me to ensure our protection."
>"I see. Mum tied her up in the cell there with a piece of cheese."
>"Indeed. I have every confidence that Nina would have escaped by now. She is most skilled."

Oh, that doesn't sound good?
>>
No. 166373 ID: 1ac39d

well, if she is lyal to the prince then she would help you.... i think. let's just go.
>>
No. 166375 ID: 701a19

>>166371
Glance over towards the cell. If it's still closed, say "Well, she hasn't yet. Should we go wake her up and take her with us?"
>>
No. 166378 ID: 7803cf
File 127164031050.jpg - (34.55KB , 640x480 , dungeon2.jpg )
166378

>"Nina, show yourself, please."
>"Yes, Your Highness."

*Rustling*

(Where did she get clothes from?!)

Huh. Y'know, I'm starting to get less and less surprised as time goes on. She's somehow managed to anchor herself on the ceiling and she's also fully dressed.
>>
No. 166379 ID: 701a19

>>166371
Ask Nina is she can retrieve Daniella and meet you... well, wherever it is you should be meeting up.
>>
No. 166400 ID: 7803cf
File 127164122690.jpg - (34.37KB , 640x480 , dungeon3.jpg )
166400

>>166373
>"Is Nina loyal to you?"
>"No. The Ninja Maids are loyal to my sister, really and only a very small number of them. Nina and her family only, really"
>"Will she take orders from me?"
>"Yes."

>>166379
Okay, here goes.

>"Nina, you are to get Daniella and bring her to our rendevous point at..."
>"...the Western Passage."
>"...the Western Passage."
>"Yes, Miss Puzzle."

*Rustling*

She's disappeared. Somehow. Something fell from the ceiling as she left. Looks like a bundle of clothes. I hand them off to Adrian.

>"Thank you Miss Puzzle. Before we go, I will use your old cell to change my clothes. These new accouterments are most embarrassing."
>>
No. 166402 ID: 1ac39d

okay then. that is some pretty serious ninja power. when he comes back ask why he couldn't just have the maids spirit her away. good reason would be he needed someone to place the blame on that couldn't be linked back to the kingdom.
>>
No. 166409 ID: 7803cf
File 127164294589.jpg - (26.62KB , 640x480 , secretpassage.jpg )
166409

>>166402
>"S..."

No, no. If the maid can vanish from a locked cell, I wouldn't be surprised if he could too.

>"No, I am not letting you out of my sight."
>"But it's unseemly for a young woman to lay eyes on a man's body if they are not wed."
>"Can it. Mum's already seen you naked. You change here or you don't change at all until we're out of harm's way."
>"Very well, I must ask you not to look."
>"Keep a firm grip on him, Mum."
>"I'll do better, I'll keep an eye on him."
>"Please don't look... -_-;;"

I've turned away.

*Rustling noises*

(Nice butt.)

>"You may turn back now, Miss Puzzle, I am dressed."
>"Good. Let's get moving."
>"You didn't look, did you?"
(He's surprisingly... No, don't think it...)
>"Stop acting like a girl. You're supposed to be the Prince."
>"As long as you didn't look. This way please. Madam Puzzle, I believe you have the keys?"
>"O' course."

*Clinking, creaking*

>"Ingenious! So this is just a matte painting. Impressive detail on the skeleton."
>"I thought that might impress you, Madam Puzzle. Now, I push the clavicle..."

*Click, snick, hiss.*

>"...let us be off."

There's a passage behind this. There are stairs leading up.
>>
No. 166412 ID: 1ac39d

gah, the skeleton hid the secret passage, why didn't i think of that! i knew a secret passage was around here though. dungeons always have secrets.
>>
No. 166430 ID: 7803cf
File 127164554187.jpg - (11.22KB , 640x480 , passage.jpg )
166430

>>166412
Sorry, that was my fault. I was nervous about looking in those dungeon cells.

*Footsteps, dripping sounds*

The passage is pretty narrow and the walls are covered in some sort of slime. There's only space for us to walk in single file, so I've traded Nadia for Adrian. We're keeping the royals between us so they can't escape.

>"Nina seems to be incredibly skilled. Why didn't you just have her help Princess Nadia escape?"
>"It is a long story and very complicated."
>"Tell me, I have time. This passage is stupidly long."
>"It crosses the whole castle and is deep underneath the servant's tunnels."
>>
No. 166456 ID: 1ac39d

if he doesn't tell you start singing the song that never ends.
>>
No. 166469 ID: 7803cf

>"Oh? That's interesting. How is it that we can breathe down here, then?"
>"When my ancestors laid down these tunnels, they imbued the very bricks and mortar with the elements of air and fire."
>"Oh, that's fascinating, but also unstable?"
>"Fortunately, no. Not unstable. Unfortunately, the method used to imbue the bricks has since been lost. My ancestors were not big on writing."
>"Huh, interesting. So we'll be safe in here?"
>"None know of the tunnels below the castle. It is a secret known only to the King and Crown Princes. My father, may he rest his soul, let me know of it when he was on his deathbed."

>>166430
Tell me what?
>>
No. 166473 ID: 701a19

>>166469
It won't be a secret for long if they let convicts see them walk in and out of it.
Besides that, it's not THAT hard to keep a deep tunnel survivable; if you have a vent at one end that connects to a chimney then the hot air will draw the stale air up with it and bring fresh air down whatever other vents it has.
>>
No. 166629 ID: 7803cf

>>166473
Well, no... But I won't let him know it. I mean, what if he decides to stop helping?

>"How much further is this passage."
>"I would say another league or two."
>"Wow, that's huge."
>"Well, it is the royal palace."
>"You seem pretty blase about Princess Nadia being kidnapped."
>"It's for her own good. Besides, you're leaving me behind, right?"
>>
No. 166634 ID: 701a19

>>166629
"What reason do you have to stay behind?"
Also, hand us off to your mom for now.
>>
No. 166693 ID: 7803cf

>>166634
You want to talk to Mum? Okay... I guess you can... Uh... Hm, I don't want to throw you, though.

*Click*

>"Mum, Gion wants to talk to you."
>"Oh, right."

*Tinkle*
>>
No. 166695 ID: 7803cf

>"HEL-LO. GI-ON. HOW. ARE. YOU. TO-DAY.?"
>>
No. 166717 ID: 701a19

>>166695
Not bad! Really busy, though.
Tell me, was Rachel a twin or something? Perfect matches like that just don't happen; it's almost unheard of for even identical twins to be that similar.
Oh, by the way, how many explosives do you know of with a high expansion ratio and a decent expansion speed?
Consider what would happen if you took a steel tube that was sealed at one end, packed in some explosives, set a projectile in the tube, and then set the explosives off?
It works quite well, and we can explain how to refine the concept to the point where you'll be able to put a hole all the way through a plate armored soldier at a quarter mile away, and do so many times before you need to reload the weapon.
>>
No. 166801 ID: 7524b0

>>166695
No need to shout. We can hear just fine, thanks. Sometimes we can hear whoever wears us even when they're not talking.
>>
No. 166889 ID: eb6d46
 

>>166695

YOU CAN SHOUT IF YOU WANT THOUGH, I LIKE IT LOUD.

Anyway I hear you're a scientist. Take a look at the movie I'm going to show you.

Pretty cool huh!?
>>
No. 166975 ID: 7803cf

>>166801
>"Oh, you can hear me normally?"

Can you hear me like this? Most fascinating.

>>166717
No, she's definitely not a twin. I would know. She's the baker's daughter. I decanted her myself, used some of my own blood to make the potion too... >_>

I know a few things which can explode. What you're looking for is an infusion of Fire and Air. It can be done, but it's tricky. What you suggest is a bit off, though, wouldn't the tube explode along with it? I understand the principle that you're going for, but...

>>166889
Movie? What movie?
>>
No. 166979 ID: 701a19

>>166975
No, you just need to balance out the weight of the projectile with the amount of explosives with the strength of the tube. It would only explode if you completely screwed it up.
Do you know how to create rolled steel? That would help quite a lot.

... wait, decanted? Would you please explain this reproductive process? We were under the impression that in-vivo reproduction was how things around here worked...
>>
No. 166990 ID: 7803cf

>>166979
Rolled steel? Uhm... no. I'm sure a blacksmith might be of more help in this case, but I'm loathe to let Rae send you off to one of those - they'd prolly steal you as much as look at you.

Decanted. In Vivo reproduction is all well and good but when infertility is an issue, then well, there are other alternatives. My method isn't patented yet, but the wizards council decries it as witchcraft, which is utter nonsense since I can't USE magic.
>>
No. 166996 ID: 701a19

>>166990
Ah, so your metalworking skills aren't up to it? Well, you'll need to work on that.
These aren't theoretical, by the way, but objects we have used in the past.

So, you mixed a bit of the baker with a bit of yourself to create Rachel? Interesting. What gender is the baker?
>>
No. 167010 ID: eaf1cc

>>166996
I don't have any metalworking skills, but happy to learn if it lets me keep my girlish figure!

*Giggle*

Usually, if I needed a metal pipe for adding earth elements to anything, I'd just order it from the smithy.

The Bakers, actually, plural. Man and wife. I mixed... uhm... "life essence" from the man and the wife, then added a bit of my own blood through a secret process. Basically, I used my blood to replace the missing Life Element from Mrs Baker's infertile uh... liquids.
>>
No. 167016 ID: 701a19

>>167010
I see.
So, biologically Rachel is more the Baker's child than your own? Strange.
>>
No. 167018 ID: eaf1cc

>>167016
Yes, more or less, but Rachel knows she's adopted and exactly where she comes from.

The circumstances surrounding her adoption were... a little embarrassing, to be honest.
>>
No. 167135 ID: 701a19

>>167018
Well, she certainly seems to have your intelligence.
You don't need to talk about it if you don't feel like it.
So, do you have any skills that might be useful for this escape?
>>
No. 167212 ID: eaf1cc

>>167135
Thank you, flattery will get you everywhere, you know?

Me? Skills useful for the escape? I think the Prince fellow is doing a fairly bang up job, don't you? Besides, without access to my materials, I can hardly build anything, can I?

Well, I can punch things fairly hard, I suppose. ^_^
>>
No. 167214 ID: 701a19

>>167212
I suppose you can't disassemble things too well either, seeing as there's a distinct lack of tools.

Alright, could you hand us back to Rachel? It was nice talking to you.
>>
No. 167235 ID: eaf1cc

>>167214
Disassemble well? Or just disassemble? I can do just disassemble without any tools. And it's cathartic and fun!

Hey... don't go... I still want to talk to you. Find out what makes you tick!
>>
No. 167256 ID: 701a19

>>167235
There's are differences between 'disassemble' and 'destroy'. The largest being that only one of them leaves the components in working order.

Currently we can only explain our method of operation as "magic", but that explanation isn't satisfactory for us either.
>>
No. 167273 ID: eaf1cc

>>167256
You have a point, but the things I destroy are usually left in mostly working order.

So... just magic? In that case, I shouldn't be able to use you. Hm... I'm curious...
>>
No. 167281 ID: 701a19

>>167273
Are you immune to magic, or just unable to use it yourself?
We're sentient beings, after all, so if you're not immune then it might just be that we are working on you.
>>
No. 167286 ID: 1ac39d

you are not using us, we use ourselves. only magic we needed was to be turned on, after that we work on whatever.
>>
No. 167305 ID: 673966

>>167281
Never been able to use it. I'm not immune, spells do have an effect. But you'd be the first magical item that has worked on me.

Hm... I'd dissect you, but Rae's told me not to touch. >_< So sad... ;_;

Well, I can hand you back to Rae now if that's what you'd like. Nice to meet you, though. Nice to see that Rae is making some nice friends, even if they are all in her head.
>>
No. 167410 ID: 673966

>"Here you go, honey..."
>"Thanks."

*Clink, click*

Hi Gion. How was Mum? I hope she was pretty civil. She can be a bit of a pill sometimes.

I gleaned some info off Prince Adrian for a while, so here's what I've learned...

Prince Adrian wants to stay behind in the castle because he wants to be a voice of opposition to High Prince Jonathan. High Prince Jonathan has been slowly moving more power to himself - Prince Adrian's afraid that if he leaves, there'll be a power vacuum that the High Prince will be all to happy to fill. He says that Princess Nadia's engagement was arranged by the High Prince in order to get her out of the way - as acting King of the realm, he gets to choose who the Princess marries. >_> And she has come of age now.

It is all very politically complex.

But I think we're reaching the end of this passage now. Also, Adrian's sulking about something. Don't know what.
>>
No. 167459 ID: 701a19

Your mother was fine. We had a rather interesting conversation

Ask him what's wrong.
Chances are it's because the High Prince needs to die in order for things to turn out OK.
>>
No. 167461 ID: 1ac39d

it could also simply be he wishes it didn't have to be like this. or maybe is thinking about how he isn't going to see his sister for a long time.
>>
No. 167463 ID: 701a19

>>167461
Hit on the prince. All the best adventurers have a royal lover pining for their return, and while it's usually a male hero and a princess I see nothing wrong with a female hero and a prince.
>>
No. 167753 ID: bcf25c

>>167410

Imagine the prince with flowing clothing that compliments his skin nicely, unbuttoned and open around the chest area and exposing the muscular flesh to your eyes.
>>
No. 167801 ID: 732129

>>167463
>>167753

Rachel, don't listen to them. You look just like his sister. Unless he's a pervert he'll have a very hard time getting over that. For now, survival is enough.

Prince Adrian is likely sulking that he was little help in actually helping you out, that he has to stay behind and deal with his politically-minded brother, and that you and Nadia get to go off and ditch this place.

He could also be jealous that everyone's gotten to talk to the crazy crystal except him. Time to fix that, pass us to him and we'll learn what we can about his troubles.
>>
No. 167909 ID: f1f6f3
File 127184739092.jpg - (23.21KB , 640x480 , Passageend.jpg )
167909

The passage has opened up to a bigger space now. Looks like there's a spiral staircase at the end of it...

>>167459
>>167461
Oh, good. She can be troublesome.

>"What's wrong?"
>"Nothing... It's nothing..."

Yeah right.

>"Look, it can't be nothing, it has to be something."
>"I just wish... that things weren't so complicated for us. I wish that I could just... I don't know... be a better protector for Nadia, but... I couldn't challenge Lord Blackwell or the High Prince and now Nadia's suffering for it."
>"Hm..."

>>167463
>>167753
Ugh. Thanks for that image. I need to go cleanse my brain now.

>>167801
Pass you onto the Prince? I'm not so sure...
>>
No. 167924 ID: 732129

>>167909

He already knows something about what we are, given how we were passed between your mum and you when he was awake. We just want to ask a couple of questions, and maybe set up some dead-drops so we can communicate later on. We need to figure out what sort of stenography techniques he could get access to without arousing suspicions- look, if you don't know anything about cryptography (and I bet you don't) this is going to get complicated quickly. Since the prince has managed to survive court intrigues this long he must have some training in cryptography and he must have access to some expertise on the matter. If we can arrange this, we'll be able to arrange for support from him and his servants without the High Prince learning of it beforehand.
>>
No. 168112 ID: 154d56

>>167924
If you're so sure about it... You do have a point, though, I'm a librarian and not a cryptographer. Plus, I only know one or two codes - both of which are disgustingly simple.

>"Here, hold this."
>"Hold what?"
>"This."
>"My mother's necklace?"
>"Sure, why not?"
>"Okay. I thought that you were going to take it with you."
>"Well, it talks and it wants to talk to you."
>"... ... Oooookaaaaay... >_>"

...backing away from the crazy girl now...
>>
No. 168115 ID: 154d56

...Damn, she has a tight grip.
>>
No. 168116 ID: 7524b0

>>168112
OOGABOOGA!
>>
No. 168119 ID: d6fef9

>>168112
Well you're the one with the voices in the head now, don't be so quick to call anyone crazy.
>>
No. 168121 ID: 701a19

>>168112
You know, browsing through your thoughts I notice that you have a rather unwholesome attraction to Rachel Puzzle.
You know that's creepy, right?
>>
No. 168330 ID: 154d56

>>168116
>"AUGH!"
>"What ever is the matter?"
>"N...nothing... just something startled me."


>>168119
>"Oh, that's probably just Gion."
>"Gion?"
>"The head voices. I've called them Gion. They live in the gemstone of that necklace somehow."
>"Oh."
>"If they ask you questions, then just answer them in your head. You don't need to talk aloud."
>"I was wondering why your mother suddenly yelled out like that."
>"Well, now you know."

>>168121
I have no attraction to Miss Puzzle, but I respect her resourcefulness.
>>
No. 168381 ID: 732129

>>168330

Mm. Sorry about that. Some of us have some weird neurosis that compels them to try to meddle with people's personal lives more than is required.

I wanted to talk to you to establish a code you can use to get in contact with Rachel and Princess Nadia, while we're all out in the field keeping safe.

How's your cryptography training? Most nobles in the society we're from had some crypto training; for a long time it was the sort of skill only spies, military men, and nobles learned. Luckily for you, we've got access to cheap computing power and lots of algorithms for encrypting stuff.

I also bet you've had training in using stenography techniques (the art of hiding a message in plain sight). Share with us, quickly, what you have access to (ribbon rods, grids, invisible inks, et all) and I'll work with you to pick a good key, good steno method, and good algorithm that's not beyond your ability to use.

I also want to arrange dead-drop locations for getting messages to you. We need to agree on those before we part ways.
>>
No. 168383 ID: 1ac39d

indeed. too bad you don't have an Enigma Machine. those codes are tough as hell. if we had more time we could explain how to build one.
>>
No. 168387 ID: 732129

>>168383

They may have magical methods for dealing with computations. We'll need to know what the state-of-the-art is in crypto here. Hence, we ask!
>>
No. 168426 ID: 154d56

>>168381
>>168387
I see. I would appreciate you did not meddle with mine, as I have much to deal with as it is.

I was never formally trained in cryptography, but staying in the castle has made knowing a code or two necessary. That being said, the High Prince has many spies at his disposal and I do not know how well my secrets are kept.

As for cryptography technology, I do have a few spells that when cast on a parchment, boggle the mind and confuse the reader, only by saying the correct counterspell can the words make any sense to any reader. I think. Again, the High Prince has much more at his disposal.

>>168383
What is an enigma machine? Does it create puzzles that boggle the mind?

>"Are you trying to drown us, Prince? What is this wall of water?!"

Hang on a tic...

>"We are at the bottom of a well at the Western Courtyard. This wall of water, as you so call it, helps to conceal the passage. I will part it now, but we still have a ways to climb."
>"Part it then."
>"Very well."

*Chanting*
>>
No. 168440 ID: 701a19

>>168426
No, it's a device that turns normal text into what appears to be random letters, but can also take those apparently random letters and turn them back into normal text.
No magic is involved at all, which means you can't simply dispel or overpower a generic counter-spell to break it.

Sadly, it's unlikely that we'll be able to build a set of them at all, let alone in a reasonable amount of time. Certainly not before we need to part ways, at the very least.
>>
No. 168446 ID: 154d56

>"...Altra est kiitog!"

*Splashing and dripping sounds*

>"After you, Miss Puzzle."
>"NO. I insist you go before us. I will keep Nadia here with us as we walk through. No funny business, now."

>>168440
I have spells that do the same thing. Or perhaps we can use an elemental ink? Nadia and I agreed to send Nina between us wherever she is. Nina is most trustworthy and she is skilled enough to sneak into and out of the castle many times.
>>
No. 168457 ID: 1ac39d

>>168446
but thing thing with magic is it can be removed with magic. this machine would make a message that has no magic and so any and all spells used to figure out it's meaning would fail to work.

pretty much it needs to be a code that has no magic in it. a simple one is to use shapes instead of letters. without knowledge of the key it would be very hard to figure out.
>>
No. 168468 ID: 732129

>>168457

Statistical analysis can break that kind of code.

Prince, I have no doubt that Nina is highly trained and capable, but she isn't infallible. If she's captured it would be better for her to have a message that doesn't even look like a magically baffled message.

I have an easy technique for you to use. Take a rod of an exact diameter (it doesn't matter what the diameter is, as long as you know it and we, or Princess Nadia, or Rachel knows it and can make a duplicate) and wrap a ribbon around the rod such that the ribbon lies flat on the rod. The ribbon should be thin so that you can write lengthy messages on it. Don't write lengthwise down the ribbon, write lengthwise down the rod, on the ribbon. When unwound from the rod the message on the ribbon won't make any sense at all.

If your elemental ink does what I am guessing (goes invisible until it is treated somehow) then that, with either a baffle-enchantment or a good code, would be ideal. Messages could be transported as spools of ordinary-looking ribbon.

What regions do you currently have spies in? You don't need to be too specific about what you have them watching, just a city name will do. We can arrange for dead-drops in each of the zones you currently have spies watching. It would be as simple having them watch for, or leave, a chalk mark on the local well to tell the spies (or for the spies to tell us) that there is a message waiting in the dead drop (I'd be inclined to use bird houses or natural features of the land as the actual drop).

Finally, by using multiple dead drops you can send a message to us even if you don't know where we are. Send the message, in code, to all the dead drops, and if there are enough dead drops we're likely to see one of them.

Neat, huh?
>>
No. 168601 ID: a9e57a

>>168468
You do have a point about Nina, it is possible she can get caught. Your ribbon rod technique is pretty good. I'll speak to Nadia about it before we leave. Doing all the four steps you outlined will make a good cover for any message sent across. You speak wisdom.

As for regions I have spies in... I... uh.. don't have any. It's hard to find people who are wholly loyal to me. But, I could ask Nadia to post out Ninja Maids to several towns? She really has a better network than I.

Nadia may seem completely oblivious, but I assure you, when it comes to a spy network, she's got a pretty good one - she's been around the castle longer than I have.
>>
No. 168868 ID: a9e57a

Oh great and powerful gem, how may I assist you? My brother says that you have need of my network.
>>
No. 168871 ID: 1ac39d

indeed, we have already devised a way to code the messages with adrian, we now need drop points that the messages can be sent from. such as the hollow of an old oak, or under a particular rock. once in a while one of your ninja-maids will check them and if they find a message to bring it to adrian. and then bring a return message to the same point. we need several of them so we cannot be linked to any one area. do not worry about us forgetting them.
>>
No. 168873 ID: 701a19

>>168868
Man, that's just balls-out sarcasm! I approve!
No, seriously, the mocking helps keep us voices from getting too self-important, and it's a strange kind of bonding thing.
>>
No. 168898 ID: afb860

>>168871
You need not worry about drop points. I have one in almost every capital city, and in cities along the river.

>>168873
[Your rapport with Nadia increases by 1!]

Is that so? I shall make a note of it.
>>
No. 168900 ID: 1ac39d

oh? does nina know of all of them? if so then good. if not then please list any and all unknown to her. if it's too many to list then just think about the drop points to bring them to the front of your mind and we can absorb the knowledge whole.


in fact let's just do that. think about drop points.
[absorb drop point location info]

if we do this then you don't have to list them all just have to tell us where it is whenever it would be relevant, such as entering a city that has one.
>>
No. 168902 ID: 701a19

>>168898
We need to start thinking about a cover-story for you.
The simplest and easiest is playing up the fact that you and Rachel look exactly the same and claiming you're twins, so we would suggest starting there.

Unfortunately, that's the pleasant part. The unpleasant part is that you need to fit in with commoners, which means that you need to treat your blindness like commoners do. Nina can train you in how to play the part, but it's going to be a highly unpleasant act.

You have my sympathies; I really do feel bad that you're going to have to put up with it, but I haven't been able to find any alternatives.
>>
No. 168908 ID: afb860

>>168900
[Drop point information absorbed!]

>>168902
I did consider the implications of living as a peasant, but if Miss Puzzle and I kept moving, we could survive for quite some time. Due to my obvious impairments, I am fairly helpless, so it will help if I followed my "twin sister" around while she helped me with simple things until I can fend for myself, that is. It will be difficult, blindness and muteness are very rare impairments.

You are correct. Nina can probably help me with learning to act like a peasant. I am certain that with training, I can do it correctly.
>>
No. 168909 ID: 732129

>>168908

Tell your brother to get his act together and set up his own spy network. Independent verification and redundancy is worth the trouble.

We were planning on helping Rachel accomplish whatever she wanted to. To her credit, she wanted to rescue you anyway. I was worried that you would be as helpless as we were led to believe; luckily, you're at least as resourceful as Rachel is, and you've got a political base we can use as a lever.

Once you're away and safe, what's your goal? Openly depose High Prince Jonathan and seat Prince Adrian? Secretly depose Jonathan? Assassinate Jonathan? Since you're going to be with Rachel for an indefinite period of time, you're going to be working with us too. And we do like a good caper.

I assume the deal to marry you off to the Barbarian King was a way of keeping him from invading in addition to a way for Johnathan to gain an ally tied to him and not the kingdom. If it was just a political power-brokering deal then we don't have to worry about him, probably. If it was a bride-bribe, then we'll need to plan to depose Johnathan quickly and get your armies armed with something a sight better than pikes and wands of fireball.
>>
No. 169061 ID: afb860

>>168909
I apologise for my brother's shortcomings, but he has had difficulty in most things - as heir apparent, High Prince Jonathan has had his eye on him since his birth.

In life, it is good to have many goals, but my foremost goal is to restablish the rule of my family. My brother will survive for as long as he is useful, but I have no doubt that my Uncle will not hesitate to cut my brother's throat once he has outlived his usefulness.

I have no wish to openly challenge the High Prince, unless it becomes absolutely necessary that I openly challenge him. In the meantime, it will do to gain support from other kingdoms.

If I were to hazard a guess as to a motive for the marriage to Lord Blackheath, I would say that my Uncle intended put me out of his way to the throne. If I ran, I would be disgraced. If I had accepted, I would doubtlessly be killed. There is more to it than that, but none that I would go into detail with at this time.

Arranging for Miss Puzzle to kidnap me has been the best idea that my brother has had for a long time, though he was not sufficient in following it through.

We are almost at the top of this well. Is there anything further you wish to speak to me about?
>>
No. 169132 ID: 732129

>>169061

I have a couple of personal questions, and a general question. What exactly is wrong with your eyes? Can you describe the trouble? Have you been blind since birth?

The general question is about healing magic in your kingdom. Rachel mentioned she had her vision corrected by a court mage (so that she would not need glasses). What are the limits of healing spells? Can they bring a dead man back if most of the parts are present? Can they regrow a gouged eye or a knocked-out tooth? Re-attach a severed limb? Cure diseases? Repair damage from a heart attack?
>>
No. 169184 ID: afb860

>>169132
Since my birth, my eyes do not see, nor do my lips speak. It does not hurt. It just is. Normally, blindness at birth is easily cured by magic, as is muteness. Unfortunately, my condition cannot be cured. It is likely that the mage that cursed my mother's womb is still alive.

Magic isn't so sophisticated as to bring men back from the dead - at least not in the quality in which they lived. Most ailments can be cured by magic - a dropped tooth or a severed limb can be reattached by magic, provided the tooth or limb are in good condition, as is the condition of the wound. Damage to a heart attack can be less severe with the application of healing magic, but not necessarily completely cured.

I have a little of the gift, myself, but my skills are very limited because of my impairment.

>"Stay with me, Nadia, I don't want your brother tricking us at the last moment."
>"*Yes*"
>"Your Highness, are you quite all right?"
>"*Yes, Nina. I am perfectly all right. Have all the preparations for my departure been made?*"
>"Yes, Your Highness."
>"What are you two talking about?"
>>
No. 169306 ID: 732129

>>169184

I assume you've been physically examined countless times for these conditions, but please humor me a little longer.

You can see nothing at all, then? Not even light or dark? Have others told you that your eyes appear physically normal?

Are your vocal cords damaged or deformed, or do they simply not work when you try to form sound?
>>
No. 169309 ID: 1ac39d

>>169306
>the mage that cursed my mother's womb is still alive.
this implies that it is a curse that is preventing them from working and that physically they re fine.
>>
No. 169333 ID: afb860

>>169306
I can see nothing at all, unless you count darkness. I do not know how my eyes look to others, only that it is obvious to others that I am blind. My vocal cords are not physically deformed in any way, but no sound leaves my mouth when I try to speak. I can hear well, though many people assume that I cannot.

>>169309
This is correct. If there is any issue with my voice and eyes, it is likely magical in nature. Anything physical would be easily cured by magic.
>>
No. 169337 ID: 1ac39d

new side-quest: kill jerk mage
>>
No. 169347 ID: 732129

>>169333

The curse may have caused neurological damage. Something subtle that your normal healers would have a hard time with, it sounds like.

Are there spells that allow a mage to visualize the insides of a person? Oh, and do healers get formal training in human anatomy, or are they all hedge wizards with spotty training?

>>169337

It was probably done by some wizard under Johnathan's thumb.

Let me guess, princess; you and your brother were both born after your parents had been trying for a long and unsuccessful period to conceive heirs, right?


In any case, once the curse is lifted or the damage reversed, you're still going to have to go through a period of time where your brain learns how see and speak. In our world, blind people who have gained sight for the first time often go through a period lasting months or years where they acclimate to the new sense.
>>
No. 169367 ID: afb860

>"Well, we're here. What now?"
>"I've prepared some horses for you and your family, as well as for my sister. Nina will follow you on foot."
>"What? And we won't get caught?"
>"There should be no guards in this area at the moment. You should be clear through to the Township of Frasal. Lord Blackheath will not be here for three hours. I will try my best to distract him."
>"*We should go. Brother, you and I have much to discuss before I leave...*"

>>169347
I believe that anyone who specialises in healing would be learning about human anatomy.

>>169337
You would be both correct and incorrect about my parent's attempts to have children. I was born after the infant deaths of two others before me. Now, I must wear you, or return you to Miss Puzzle. We are going to leave the castle soon.
>>
No. 169369 ID: 701a19

>>169367
Back to Rachel, then. You're quite good at what you do, so she's more likely to need our help.
>>
No. 169380 ID: 732129

>>169367

There are no quack doctors in this kingdom? I don't believe that for a minute. Talk to you later, princess.
>>
No. 169454 ID: afb860

If that is the case, I shall return you. It seems that we will be riding some horses. This will take every last bit of my concentration.

*Tinkle...*

>"*I return to you your necklace.*"
>>
No. 169469 ID: d1bbf7
File 127210419084.jpg - (30.91KB , 640x480 , WPGarden.jpg )
169469

*Tinkle, click*

Hi Gion. How are you doing? We're getting some fresh air out here at last!

Did you learn anything useful? We came up out of the well. It has a fairly nifty secret passage in it.

Prince Adrian's arranged for horses to speed our escape. We should be well into the towns ahead since we're getting a head start. Nadia's coming with us, of course... but Prince Adrian wants to stay behind. I'm suspicious that this is all a big trap, but so far he's proven himself fairly trustworthy.

*Rustling noises*

>"Your Highness, Daniella and I have come to serve you."

Looks like Nina and Daniella have finally shown their faces. They're sitting in the trees in the avenue here.
>>
No. 169476 ID: 701a19

>>169469
"Nina, Nadia and I will be posing as twins, and so she needs to be taught how to behave as a blind and mute commoner."
>>
No. 169480 ID: 1ac39d

we are sure this is not a trap. for one, you were already locked up, what could setting you free and then trapping you accomplish? for two, we had a talk and we are sure they are trustworthy. we have set up a secret passcode system that is both devilishly simple and impossibly hard to crack so that at a future date we could request some various things without any counter-agents finding us.
>>
No. 169482 ID: 732129

>>169469

It's not a trap, we had a lengthy conversation with both the Prince and Princess, and it's in their best interests for Princess Nadia to escape with you. Right now you and she have a mutual goal: escape from here so that neither of you are married off to the Barbarian King.

The High Prince Johnathan has been a naughty man. Most of the trouble you've experienced has ultimately been thanks to him; Prince Adrian's meddling was meant to protect his sister. His plan all along was for you to escape so that you could take Princess Nadia with you.

The short of it is that High Prince Johnathan is getting ready to make a serious play for the throne. Adrian's not of age to take the throne yet, so Johnathan is the regent. I suspect that if Adrian isn't pliable when he comes of age, there will be an ugly accident arranged by the regent.

Nadia's older, so Johnathan had to get rid of her first. Hence, the scheme to marry her off to the Barbarian King.

The first couple of heirs the king and queen had died as infants. Given the state of magic healing, I suspect they were assassinated one way or another. Nadia's condition is due to a magical curse, too.

Which brings up a question I have for you, since you're so well read and all. How good is the body (pardon the pun) of human anatomy knowledge in academia and in practical practice by physicians and healers? Are most of the functions of the body's organs understood?

I have one other question that doesn't really fit anywhere: are there any countries you know of which are run as democracies? If you're not familiar with the term, it means the country has no monarch, but is instead run by the citizens voting on matters of state, or voting to elect people who run the state for a pre-defined term of office. They tend to be well-run countries if the population is educated.

We talked to Prince Adrian about cryptography and stenography, and arranged for him to use a ribbon rod and elemental ink in his messages to you and Nadia. Did you talk to Prince Adrian about the ribbon rod? You guys should pick a diameter for it.

How much devotion do you feel toward this kingdom anyway? Nadia's long-term plan is to gather support from neighboring kingdoms and use that to keep Johnathan from taking the throne. If you stick with her for long you will get wrapped up in all this.

We can still provide you with support and teach you how to make the weapons we mentioned, but you need to decide if you're a patriot, a revolutionary, or a woman who'd rather live a quiet life somewhere far from all this.
>>
No. 169662 ID: d1bbf7

>>169476
That's a great idea!

>"Nina..."
>"Mi'lady Puzzle? How may I serve you?"
>"About Princess Nadia and I..."
>"Yes, Mi'lady Puzzle. Princess Nadia has informed me that you are to pose as her sister. I will be training her in the ways of behaving as a peasant. The Princess is a fast learner, so you need not worry. I have asked Danielle to procure some peasant clothing for the both of you."

Wow. They're prepared.

>>169480
>>169482
I see. I had no idea that the palace was in such turmoil. I guess that goes to show how little us peasants know, even the learned folk amongst us.

(Heh, the body of anatomical knowledge. Heeehee...)

I would think that most of the body's functions are understood by healers... but your world is so different from mine... so I'm not sure I even have a relevant basis for comparison! In the library where I used to work, there were at least 12 books on anatomical knowledge, which were used regularly by healing apprentices to learn about the body. The drawings were detailed and a little icky, to be honest.

I've read about it democracies in books. It's a fascinating theoretical system, but it really is too short sighted. There's a lot of theory I can go into about it, but suffice to say it doesn't really work.

Prince Adrian and I came to an agreement about the ribbon rod diameter - 10.04 cm. Turns out we have the same birthday. Who knew?

At this point, you'll probably understand if I don't feel the greatest amount of patriotism at the moment. However, a country suffers without the proper ruler, so I'm more than willing to help out if it means protecting others. Besides, after all that's happened, I doubt I can have a quiet life, even if I wanted to.
>>
No. 169667 ID: d1bbf7
File 127215022143.jpg - (34.55KB , 640x480 , stable.jpg )
169667

*Rustling noises*

>"Miss Puzzle, please accept these clothes."
>"Oh thanks, Danielle. Too kind of you, really."
>"It was prepared for your disguise."
>"If it's all right with you, I would like to say my goodbyes to my sister."
>"Of course, I'll go change while you say goodbye."

*Whispered*
>"Mum, could you watch the stall for me?"
>"Not a problem, honey."
>>
No. 169669 ID: 1ac39d

a quote
'democracy is the worst political system, other then the ones already tried'
it does work but it needs a massive infrastructure to maintain properly. that means newspapers created on reusable type printing presses.
>>
No. 169785 ID: 1ac39d

brown. we want to be as least conspicuous as possible. add a bit of dirt to it and you will look just like a peasant.
>>
No. 169791 ID: 54995f

[Somehow, the post got deleted by mistake. I blame my 2 year old nephew.]

REPOST:

>>169669
It's so fascinating how your world works. I must hear about it in more detail when we have more time.

*More rustling noises*

Ugh, hoop skirts...

>"Is the hoop skirt absolutely necessary? I know it's fashionable and all but it'll make riding stupidly difficult..."
>"Well, we do also have other clothes here..."
>"Let me see them..."

The selection is pretty varied, actually. I'm partial to the blue one - it matches my eyes, but there's a brown dress here that might help me blend in a bit more. >_>
>>
No. 169805 ID: 54995f

*Rustling noises*

>"Okay, I'm ready to go. I suggest that Princess Nadia wear something similar and get covered in a bit of dirt as well."
>"Dirty the Princess?"
>"If she's to pretend to be a peasant, you can't expect her to go around all clean, do you? Here, just throw some on her hands and feet, and maybe a smear or two on the face and clothing."
>"But... but..."
>"No buts, you want us to get away or not?"
>"Very well..."

Looks like Nadia's next in the changing chamber. Heh. The maids have hung a curtain around it now. Pity they weren't so efficient when I was changing...

>"There's a few last things I need to go through with you while my sister changes."
>"Yes, Your Highness?"
>"Firstly, there is the matter of how you will manage on the outside world."
>"I seem to manage just fine."
>"Nevertheless, I think it's prudent that I send you some payment for being so kind as to take care of my sister. Nina will bring to you an allowance of 1000 dinars a month. Will that suffice?"

1000 dinars a month?! That's... a lot of money! I could buy a mansion within a year with that sort of money... And stock it with maids and butlers!
>>
No. 169814 ID: 1ac39d

>>169805
if he is SURE he can get that much out without the royal Treasury noticing then take it. doubtful we are going to let you get a mansion but stuff that is more practical. like the guns. or dynamite. or maybe even C4. the most powerful thing we have is way out of your ability to get as i doubt anyone alive even knows it exists or know what it is or where to find it.
>>
No. 169816 ID: 701a19

>>169805
"That would be more than enough. We need to blend in, and spending large amounts of money would not help that goal.

We'll try to keep a constant amount of money on hand."
>>
No. 169855 ID: 732129

>>169805

Make sure he understands that you, and Nadia too, will be working odd-jobs as you move around anyway. You need to conform to your cover story, and peasants who can eat are seldom out of work. I'm sure you'll do fine mending laundry and such a couple of days out of the week.

Oh, does your kingdom have books for the blind?
>>
No. 169914 ID: 54995f

>>169814
>>169816
I wasn't actually planning to buy a mansion, that would be insane! In any case, you do have a point I do not trust Prince Adrian to be very good at stealing money from the treasury without being found.

>"Your Highness, I believe that if you gave us the 1000 dinars to start with, it would last us longer than a year. I have no wish to draw attention to ourselves through overspending."
>"Overspending? 1000 dinars is just enough to survive on!"
>"I doubt it would be too much. My new 'sister' and I will be doing many odd jobs to support ourselves. Besides which, are you confident that you can remove that much money from the Royal Treasury without getting caught?"

The kingdom does not have many books for the blind, unfortunately. As you expect, we do not have a lot of literate blind people.

>"A constant stream of money on hand will be useful but spending a large amount of money will not help us blend in."
>"I'm confident that I can remove that much without being caught by the guards. I do have the right to the treasury!"
>"So long that it does not become a burden on your people, Your Highness."

Incidentally, what is C4? Is it another of those things that you've invented in your world?

*Rustling noises*
>>
No. 169922 ID: 1ac39d

only thing left for him is a cover story for IF he gets caught. what will he blame needing that much money on?

and yes, C4 is something we made. it is an explosive. and explosive is something you light on fire and it makes a huge boom. kinda like a alchemical version of the wizard's fireball. we measure power of explosion based on one of the early ones 'dynamite' like 'it was as powerful and 20 sticks of dynamite'
>>
No. 169931 ID: 732129

>>169922

If you're going to tell her about stuff like that, be specific. C4's name stands for "composition 4," it's one of a long line of what are known as plastic explosives. It's notable for being a very stable, relatively cheap, high explosive. It's used by demolition teams, sappers, commandos, and terrorists as-is. C4 and other types of high explosives, are also used in warheads (high explosive warheads are effective against infantry and lightly armored vehicles) and for providing the explosive force required to shape jets of molten metal into efficient anti-armor weapons.

All types of high explosives detonate quite quickly, and so can place most of their force in a single point efficiently. They're great for defeating fortifications, destroying bridges, cutting holes in mountains, and for explosively propelling shrapnel into a crowd.

High explosives are not used for propelling artillery rounds or smaller bullets. If you have a cannon/musket/rifle (as the case may be) then you can produce a more accurate weapon by using slower-exploding (really, fast-burning) chemicals like black powder or smokeless powder.

Once you can make high explosives, you have the technology you need to make the superior smokeless powder.

We still have only a rough sketch of what your world is like. I'm going to show you a form of short-hand for quickly classifying the general technology level of your world.

The tables below outline the effects of TL on four sample fields. Many other such fields exist: architecture, communications, materials, etc.

Transportation

TL0 – Skis; dogsleds; dugout canoes.
TL1 – Bare horseback; the wheel (and chariots); shipbuilding; sails.
TL2 – Saddle; roads; triremes.
TL3 – Stirrups; oceangoing sailing ships (longships, roundships, etc.).
TL4 – Stagecoach; three-masted sailing ships; precise navigation.
TL5 – Steam locomotives; steamboats; early submersibles; balloons and early airships.
TL6 – Automobiles; continental railways; ocean liners; submarines; aircraft.
TL7 – Nuclear submarines; jet aircraft; helicopters; manned space flight.
TL8 – Satellite navigation; SSTO (“single stage to orbit”) spacecraft.
TL9 – Robot cars; space elevators; manned interplanetary space flight.
TL10 – Fast interplanetary space flight.
TL11 – Manned interstellar space flight.
TL12 – Fast interstellar space flight.
Superscience! Reactionless thrust; contragravity; faster-than light (FTL) travel; matter transmission; parachronic technology; time machines.


Weapons and Armor

TL0 – Wooden and stone weapons; primitive shields; hides for armor.
TL1 – Bronze weapons and armor.
TL2 – Iron weapons; iron armor (including mail); siege
engines.
TL3 – Steel weapons; early firearms; plate armor; castles.
TL4 – Muskets and pikes; horse artillery; naval broadsides.
TL5 – Early repeating small arms; rifled cannon; ironclads.
TL6 – Smokeless powder; automatic weapons; tanks; combat aircraft.
TL7 – Ballistic body armor; guided munitions; combat jets; nuclear weapons.
TL8 – Smartguns; blinding lasers; unmanned combat vehicles.
TL9 – Electrolasers; heavy laser weapons; battlesuits; combat robots; designer viruses.
TL10 – Compact laser and heavy particle-beam weapons; Gauss guns; nanotech armor; nanoviruses;
antimatter bombs.
TL11 – Compact particle-beam weapons; disassemblers (“gray goo”); defensive nanites.
TL12 – Gamma-ray lasers; “living metal” armor; blackhole bombs.
Superscience! Monomolecular blades; force-field technology; gravitic weapons; nuclear dampers; disintegrators.


Power

TL0 – Human muscle power; dogs.
TL1 – Donkeys; oxen; ponies.
TL2 – Horses; water wheels.
TL3 – Heavy horses and horse-collars; windmills.
TL4 – Improved windmills; belt drives; clockwork.
TL5 – Steam engines; stirring engines; direct current; batteries.
TL6 – Steam turbines; internal combustion; alternating current; hydroelectricity.
TL7 – Gas turbines; fission; solar power.
TL8 – Fuel cells; advanced batteries.
TL9 – Micro fuel cells; deuterium-hydrogen fusion; high-temperature superconductors.
TL10 – Helium-3 fusion; antimatter.
TL11 – Portable fusion power.
TL12 – Portable antimatter power.
Superscience! Broadcast power; cold fusion; zeropoint energy; total conversion; cosmic power.


Biotechnology/Medicine

TL0 – First aid; herbal remedies; primitive agriculture.
TL1 – Surgery; animal husbandry; fermentation.
TL2 – Bleeding the sick; chemical remedies.
TL3 – Crude prosthetics; anatomical science.
TL4 – Optical microscope makes cells visible.
TL5 – Germ theory of disease; safe anesthetics; vaccines.
TL6 – Antibiotics; blood typing and safe transfusions; heredity; biochemistry.
TL7 – Discovery of DNA; organ transplants; pacemaker.
TL8 – Genetically modified organisms; gene therapy; cloning.
TL9 – Human genetic engineering; tissue engineering; artificial wombs; cybernetic implants.
TL10 – Brain transplants; uploading; bioroids; uplifted animals.
TL11 – Living machines; cellular rejuvenation.
TL12 – Full metamorphosis; regeneration.
Superscience! Fast-growth clone tanks; psi drugs; regeneration ray.
>>
No. 169970 ID: 54995f
File 127223145598.jpg - (7.25KB , 336x262 , puzzle2end.jpg )
169970

*Clinking sounds, sounds of horse breathing, sounds of stone movement on stone.*

>"Miss Puzzle, I expect we'll meet again, please take good care of my sister."
>"Do not worry, I will take care of her as best I can."
>"Gallop from here clear through to Frasal, don't stop. I'll sound the alarm an hour after you leave."
>"I don't think we'll stop at Frasal. That's the first place they'll look."
>"Then, go to wherever you need to go and send Nina back."
>"Yes, Your Highness."

*Sounds of galloping*
>>
No. 169975 ID: 54995f
File 127223224156.jpg - (12.09KB , 336x262 , chapterbreak.jpg )
169975

[That's that for the chapter, folks! While Rachel rides, she will try to answer your questions about her world as best she can.]

>>169931
Since I'm not sure what you're talking about past certain "TL's", I'm going to just give you the number of the last thing that I understood...

Transportation: TL4. Mages who are really powerful can teleport, though.
Weapons and Armour: TL4, though we have magic too, so I don't know how that factors in your technology tree thing. I'm also not sure what a Musket is, but we have pikes and horse archery.
Power: TL4. I understand that some other kingdoms are heavily dependent on clockwork. Here, though, we sometimes use elemental alchemy to power things.
Medicine:
Biotechnology/Medicine: TL3, then I don't understand what you're talking about for a while, then... TL6? We can do blood transfers for the really weak, but only the rich can afford it. It's a barbaric practice. Then TL7, there are mage-methods of moving an organ from one body to another. Again, it's a barbaric practice only afforded by the rich. I've only read about the theory of it.

I guess our worlds are pretty alien. I'm more than happy to teach you about our world if you'd like... Feel free to ask questions. I'm not a bad rider.
>>
No. 169978 ID: 732129

>>169975

It's interesting that you consider blood transfusions barbaric. Here we have elaborate systems for collecting blood from willing donors with proven clean health histories; the blood is then stored and either used as whole blood for transfusions to injured and sick people or is processed for the parts of the blood that are useful for certain procedures (usually for treating specific sorts of injuries, such as bad burns).

We perform organ transplants as well, but usually only using donors who have suffered an accident that renders their brains damaged irreparably, and only then with either the consent of their family or their consent through a last will. Some organ transplants can be performed without affecting the quality of life for the donor, such as a kidney transplant (people are born with two after all, and can get by with just one if they're careful). Such living-donor transplants are usually done between family members or close friends. In most societies in our world the donor, and his family, have no motivation to donate the organs beyond simply helping someone else. There are never enough organs available for people who need them, since organs only come from consenting donors. A successful transplant can allow a sick person to live a full and normal life.

The germ theory of disease is the single most important revolution in medical technology for a society. Here it is in a nutshell: microscopic organisms live everywhere and can cause illness if they grow where they should not grow in a person. Have you ever seen a limb go gangrenous? Met a person with leprosy? Had the chicken pox? All of those conditions, and many more, were caused by microbes. If you can keep your wounds clean, if you can keep your hands clean, if you can avoid eating or drinking anything with too many harmful microbes in it, then you are much more likely to stay healthy. Microbes are responsible for food rotting, for sugar water turning to wine or beer, and for wine turning to vinegar. They are why shit stinks, and why some people get ulcers. They exist everywhere, from floating free in the air to in the soil of the deepest mines and caverns.

All living things have some sort of defense against microbes. The human immune system is complex, and can protect you from most microbes quite well. It's when your body is stressed from injury, malnutrition, old age, and overwork that you're most vulnerable to infection.

Teleportation magic sounds nice. Is it economical to perform on a large scale? What's the limiting factor, if there is one?

Does your world have cannon? How do ships at sea fight? Ramming, boarding, and catapults?
>>
No. 169980 ID: 701a19

>>169975
Ah, there's some differences.
We don't have magic, so we obviously can't use it to do any of this.

Blood is not stolen from people. Rather, people who choose to do so donate some of it a so it can be stored. When somebody - even a homeless pauper - has suffered severe blood loss, that blood is used to replace what they lost to help them survive. The extraction process is nearly painless.

Organs work similarly. People may choose to leave behind instructions that allow organs to be taken from them when they die and given to the needy. Additionally, people sometimes choose to donate one of their kidneys, part of their liver, bone marrow, or other organs that can be taken in part and still function for the sake of saving a person's life - often a blood relative.
>>
No. 170035 ID: 54995f

>>169978
>>169980
In our world, blood transfusions and organ transplants are considered cruel form of Necromantic magic. While it's illegal, there are some nobles who can afford that sort of life-lengthening magic. From what I understand of the process, the transplant is excruciatingly painful for all parties and fatal for the extractee.

What is a "microscopic" organism? As far as I've come to understand, disease is usually caused by an imbalance in the elements within a person.

Teleporting is usually only done by very high-level mages in song and story. I'm not sure if anyone exists who can do it right now, but if anyone could, it would be someone of the level of Archmagus or higher. I've heard that there's a tribe somewhere of people who move only by teleportation because they live in the blink between the worlds.

Ships at sea... uh... I'm actually not sure how they fight! Sorry... ^_^;; I know that the our kingdom has an alliance with the merpeople, so I guess that would give us an advantage in naval battles...?
>>
No. 170044 ID: 732129

>>170035

A microscopic organism is an organism that is too small to be seen with the eye alone. You need tools to focus and condense enough light to see them; lenses arranged in a useful manner to magnify things greatly. We call such an arrangement a microscope, micro to indicate the scale of what is being view (objects micrometers in length) and scope to indicate that it is a sensing device.

When we get into a town with the equipment you'll need for the job, we'll give you instructions on how to build a simple microscope of your own. You'll need a glass blower, some sand paper, and patience. Once you've made the device you'll be able to see for yourself some of the microbes we're talking about.

Since teleportation magic is hard and rare, you're in a good position to develop a steam engine (or a stirring engine if the metallurgy of your kingdom isn't up to the task of making a safe steam engine) and then design a locomotive based on it. We can help with all of that too; we can even crib designs from our own history and gift them to you. Patents are handy for that, and our patent office is one of the best.

Oh, and for reference's sake, our world is TL:8, with some TL:9 weapons. I'm familiar with at the very least a description of everything in that list. Ask about any of it and I'll answer.
>>
No. 170179 ID: 54995f
File 127225516092.jpg - (26.17KB , 640x480 , Worstmapever.jpg )
170179

[Sorry for ugly map. I cannot draw. I fail at drawing with Paint. Tried using a mapmaking software but gave up around the time they were asking me for average rainfall and temperature of each 10km block.]

The level of technology in your world may be greater than ours, but I'm not sure I want to dabble in things that man was not meant to know. You'll really be wanting to talk to my mother about that later.

I think that at this point, you'd be better getting a good idea of what my world is like. I mean, I hardly understand what you are talking about half the time and I bet you hardly understand what I'm talking about.

There are 31 known countries that my kingdom has discovered so far, but we're still in the process of determining how big this world really is. Each country worships its own deity and as far as I can tell, most countries were formed through the direct intervention of said deity. We're in the Kingdom of Kai, which was created (or so history says) by the goddess Ranna Kai, also known as "The Writer". As such, Kai has the most literate population and a lot of legends, songs and stories are started here.

When Kai was founded, The Writer chose a family and gave them the divine right to rule. In exchange, the family made an oath to The Writer, to uphold the tenets that The Writer holds dearly during their reign.

There have been dynasties since. When a family fails to uphold their side of the bargain, they lose the right to rule. Ranna Kai writes a prophecy, which will allow her to choose an individual, or group of individuals to be the new ruling family.

That's how it works here. I'm not too good at Geography, but here's a rough idea of the Kingdoms surrounding Kai.
>>
No. 170192 ID: 732129

>>170179

Germ theory isn't a thing man was not meant to know, the evidence for it is right there to see if you have the tools. Fundamentally, looking for the evidence is no different than using glasses to correct your vision, it's the same principle turned to a different end.

Anyway you won't be able to do everything by yourself. Bootstrapping is a process that requires lots of help. We'll talk that out later.

Which of the countries was founded by a forge god?

How does Ranna Kai deliver her prophecy? What are the current tenets?

Finally, is there a god named Xon in your pantheon?
>>
No. 170195 ID: 1ac39d

>>170192
meant Xom. anyway, those are good questions.
>>
No. 170196 ID: 732129

>>170195

A typo.
>>
No. 170220 ID: 54995f

A forge god? There are several gods and goddesses of metalworking, but I know of only two who have founded kingdoms. The Queendom of Sundere is founded by the goddess Tsun (The Foundry) and is located across the Western Silver Ocean. It is a desert kingdom. There is also Fellast founded by the god Falst (The Smith), ruled by King George III.

Ranna Kai delivers her prophecies in writing. They sometimes appear on the walls of her temples, usually simultaneously. The last time this miracle occurred was about half a milennia ago, during The Hell Years. I don't know what the current tenets are at the moment... but I remembered one that I particularly liked which was... "bring about the rule of righteousness in the land, so that the strong should not harm the weak." Princess Nadia should know more about that, though.

I have never heard of Xom.
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No. 170221 ID: 1ac39d

okay, the only ones i trust are the simultaneous wall writing ones. cause otherwise a guy could simply claim he found a writing from god and get rid of the current king.
>>
No. 170225 ID: a85626

>>170179

How can you know about what you're not meant to know about? If you knew what man was not meant to know, then you would know it, and therefore it would be too late. So either you already know about it, or you cannot predict you were not meant to know about it.

Also yes, your mom is fun. c:
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No. 170226 ID: 1ac39d

>>170225
in other words, too late, you already know.
>>
No. 170231 ID: 54995f

>>170221
We've had some pretty good kings and queens from the prophecies that appeared in libraries.

>>170225
What? ARGH! >_< I hate twisty logic!

>_<

[When Rachel stops riding, she's going to hand the necklace to someone else because of her massive headache. You guys can pick, but please do it in Questdis.]
>>
No. 170266 ID: 732129
 

>>170220

Good, Xom's a dangerous whatever the hell he is. Make no attempt to contact him. He warps reality itself for fun.

There's no need for you to have a headache, it's not that twisty.

So, tell us your favorite fairy tale.

Listen to this while you tell it!
>>
No. 170453 ID: 99841a

That is a nice song... My favourite fairy tale, huh? Mum didn't tell me very many growing up. She's always been about the science and the alchemy, really.

I like history, though, and history is full of interesting stories. My favourite story is the one of the first Queen of Sundere. It's actually four volumes long. Well, to summarise, the Queen started as a peasant girl who took up the art of the sword and of battle. Her skill with the sword, her intelligent use of battle strategies and her partnership with The Foundry (which had a very interesting dynamic, by the way) paved her way to becoming a conqueror of nations. She was resourceful in choosing a capital for Sundere in the desert and has since carved for herself and her people a large piece of land in the Western continent.

Okay, so it didn't really have fairies in it, but it had a goddess, so that counts, right? I'm not partial to children's fairy stories. They can be so... insipid, especially since most of them seem to be about women getting married and stuff. >_>
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No. 170469 ID: 1ac39d

huh, that's pretty good. so, anything you want to ask us?
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No. 170530 ID: 99841a
File 127231988279.jpg - (13.13KB , 336x262 , chapter3.jpg )
170530

Urgh... Sorry, we've been riding day and night now... I think I might have to hand you off to someone else for now, I need some time to be alone with my own thoughts if you don't mind...

You have anyone in mind that you'd like to talk to for a bit? I just need a nap.
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No. 170535 ID: 732129

Hey, try putting us on the horse! Let's see if we can talk to animals.
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No. 170584 ID: c7ff53

>>170535
Okay... yeah... sure... whatever... @_@ Uguu... I think I'm horse sick... @_@

*Clink*

*White noise*
>>
No. 170585 ID: 701a19

>>170584
HELLO, OUR EQUINE FRIEND!
>>
No. 170595 ID: 732129
 

YEE HAW!
>>
No. 170629 ID: c7ff53

*More White Noise*
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No. 170634 ID: 1ac39d

[fiddles with the 'dial']
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No. 170661 ID: c7ff53

*Even more white noise*
>>
No. 170663 ID: 1ac39d

WHINNY! NEIGH!
>>
No. 170664 ID: c7ff53

*Clink*

>"Ello, whut's this? Fancy that. Must be me lucky day."
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No. 170670 ID: 732129

>>170664

I'll get a reward if I return this to the owner, that pretty young lass. A nice tip, maybe even a kiss.

[Be subtle guys. We don't want more people to know about us than need to, we've got no way of defending ourselves except overloading someone, and that has its own risks.]
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No. 170673 ID: 1ac39d

>>170670
[reinforce suggestion, but make it more like a felt desire then actual words]
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No. 170727 ID: c7ff53

Hm... That gel was rather fetchin'... 'Er and 'er pretty lil' sister too.

*Clink. Rustling.*

>"'Ere ye go, girl. Fer yer bonus ta me."

*Happy whinnying*

>"Yer like that doncha? I'll 'ave ye restin' nicely now, brush yer pretty mane."
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No. 170737 ID: 701a19

>>170673
[Double that]
>>
No. 170747 ID: c7ff53

*Whistling an airy tune*

*Knocking*

>"'Ello, Miss?"
>"...."
>"Ye shy, Miss?"
>"..."

Awww, she's blushin' <3

>"Erh... 'ere... Aye found it inna stables. S'blong ta ye?"
>"...."

*Clink*

Looks like it's 'er's, from th' way she nods... Sommat about 'er stare...

>"Aye. 'Ere izzit then."
>"..."

*Clink*
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No. 170749 ID: c7ff53

...What a strange way of speaking...
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No. 170750 ID: 1ac39d

now go berate Rachel for forgetting us! if this guy was any smarter we would have been lost forever. anyway, give this guy some kind of reward cause we had to kinda promise him one in order for him to bring us here.
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No. 170761 ID: c7ff53

>>170750
>"*Please wait here, good sir.*"
>"'Ere why won't ye say anything?"

*Clink*
I've given him 1 dinar.

>"Ah..."

*Click*

I'm afraid I cannot berate Miss Puzzle at the moment. She is abed. Riding the horse tired her quite a bit and her face seemed rather green from the riding.
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No. 170769 ID: 701a19

>>170761
How could you tell the color of her face?

Also, look into getting a smaller unit of currency than dinars. You just made that stableboy very happy, but he'll probably tell his friends about how he thinks you're a rich traveling merchant.
To compare, he probably doesn't even earn that much money a week.
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No. 170778 ID: 732129
 

>>170769

It's a saying. She could certainly hear it in Rachel's voice. I mean, we could hear it in her thoughts, geeze.

Anyway we tried to have a conversation with the horse, Princess.

They're very boring creatures. I ended up playing music for it instead.

Hey, you want to hear something from our world? just a few minutes of your time!
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No. 170781 ID: c7ff53

[Derp.]

>>170769
Madam Puzzle mentioned the facial greenness. I was more concerned with the avoidance of Miss Puzzle's... various regurgitations.

There are smaller denominations than dinars? I never knew that peasants could be so... poor! I shall be more careful in the future.

That music does sound very strange. Why do their words sound like they are melting?
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No. 170783 ID: 1ac39d

>>170781
a synthesizer, a machine that can record any sound put into it and then send the sound back out anyway you want it to.
>>
No. 170786 ID: 732129

>>170781

Princess, there's a practice I use when I'm comparing the relative wealth of nations. I find the price of a staple food in the nation, and use that as a guideline for what the absolute minimum daily income for a person in that nation could be. It might be the price of a loaf of bread, or a bowl of rice, or a pot of oat mash. You get the picture? The bare minimum it takes to fill a belly.

That's not always reliable, or even wise, since in nations where the currency isn't tied to a metal or real good but instead to a comparative valuation against other currencies and the projected stability of the patron country (what we call fiat currency) the currency can devalue rapidly to insanely low levels when the country is in a state of turmoil (war, famine, recent coup, and so on). One country in our world had to issue billion unit notes to represent even mildly useful amounts of their currency. They had undergone several civil wars and were on the brink of total collapse as a nation.

In nations where the currency is tied to gold or silver though, or where the fiat currency is stable, it's not a terrible rule of thumb for finding the real minimum wage.
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No. 170789 ID: 1ac39d

simply, everyone SEEMS poor because you are rich.
>>
No. 170792 ID: 732129

>>170789

Well, we still don't know the state of the local economy. It could be that everyone is impoverished. I hope not, that will make bootstrapping that much harder.
>>
No. 170795 ID: c7ff53

>>170783
I am not sure if I can think of it as music. It seems... painful to the ears. I suppose if such magics are available so as to capture the voices of the bards, then you would be used to such... disturbing echoes in your music. Does it not frighten you to be haunted by voices of those long passed?

>>170786
>>170789
>>170792
I... see. I shall ask Miss Puzzle about these when she awakens.

As for denominations of dinars, believe that dinars are made of gold. They are small enough to fit in my hand. One dinar is in the shape of a circular disc. A ten dinar coin is in the shape of a turtle and the fifty dinar coin is in the shape of a shell. The hundred dinar is in the shape of a boat. I do not think we have "billion dinar" coins.

I am not even sure that we have enough dinars in the realm to make a billion dinars, but... I can never be sure of that.

What do you mean by bootstrapping? Are you speaking of our shoes? I am able to lace my shoes.
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No. 170800 ID: 1ac39d

bootstrapping in this case would be like cheating. we want to teach you and rachel things that are hundreds of years ahead of what you are supposed to know. to start, i think a good one would be the printing press, a simple machine that let's you make a lot of books very quickly.
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No. 170802 ID: 732129

>>170795

The music is designed to use harmonic vocals, amplified strings, and supporting percussion to create a ballad about the composer's musings on nature of love. Of special note is that he comments "you don't want to hear me, you just want to dance" to the crowd.

Bootstrapping is the term we use for building up something from a starting point using only the resources available in the starting environment. It refers to an old saying, "He hauled himself up by his boot straps." The saying refers to the idea of a man being able to make himself rich through his own efforts alone. It's a myth, since no man is an island, but it's one that many people attempt to emulate (usually to the eventual betterment of our society as a whole).

The bootstrapping I'm speaking of would be designed to improve the local infrastructure, economy, core technologies, and basic sciences.

From our conversations with Rachel I've been able to determine that your local technology level is roughly six hundred to a thousand years behind our own. An extremely focused effort, with the full benefit of our technical libraries at your disposal, could see your kingdom match our home in technology inside twenty years. That's if everything goes exactly right though, and we can spread core technologies fast enough.

Anyway, about the billion unit currency bills, it's not something you need to worry about yet. Your economy is still using hard currency made of actual precious metals. That's actually a sensible way to run an economy until you get better telecommunications. If things go well for your kingdom and your neighbors, you'll be able to safely transition to a fiat currency inside fifty to a hundred years. Fiat currencies only work if your neighbors are willing to agree to it, and if they're stable too. That's one of the big attractions to a fiat currency, it encourages peace between nations because anyone causing trouble will see their currencies crash on the money market.

It's all trivia right now though.

I got a serious question. What are the tenets Ranna Kai set down for your family?
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No. 170807 ID: 732129
 

>>170795

Oh, and about the dead voices question, it's not disconcerting to us because we understand how the records were made. Basically, sounds travel in waveforms which can be recorded directly by allowing a needle to vibrate in a wax disc or cylinder that is turning. The wax cylinder, when you're done recording, can then be used as a master for a copy in a much harder material, which can then be used to vibrate a needle. The vibrations of the needle can be amplified, and the sounds are played back.

The basic principle can be improved, if you take the sounds waves and convert them to electric waves, and then use the electric waves to re-arrange magnetic particles or other more advanced things. I expect that this was mostly gibberish to you, but it won't be by the time we're done educating you and Rachel.

Here's an older song, by a beloved, now-deceased, musician.
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No. 170833 ID: c7ff53

>>170800
This is the domain of The Writer. Books are sacred and important. Ranna Kai gave us the spells to reproduce her treasures. One need only place the quill to paper and say the words.

>>170802
I do not like your music. It is too strange.

That is quite a bit of trivia, which I do not think will help in my current position. However, I believe I can tell you the tenets of Ranna Kai...

The First: To bring about the rule of righteousness, so that the strong may not harm the weak
The Second: To bring about the rule of peace, so that justice and mercy may prevail.
The Third: To bring about the rule of enlightenment, that a man may better himself and his peers through the sweat of his brow.

Those were the tenets as they were given to my family. I have been given to understand that The Writer sometimes changes the tenets with each new succession.
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No. 170841 ID: 732129
 

>>170833

Those are good principles to run a kingdom by. Our own countries usually have similar principles guiding their constitutions, which in some cases are explicit as to how such things should be accomplished.

Here's something about 300 years old, by one of our most famous composers ever. It is probably more to your taste.
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No. 170863 ID: 1ac39d

>>170833
while that is fine and dandy for people who can use magic, what about the people who cannot?
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No. 170869 ID: 111754

>>170863
They get the books from the libraries, or they can buy them.

>>170841
Indeed. Such nice music. However, this has little bearing with the situation at hand, which I am almost sure you will want to know about.

After we left the castle, we rode for one day and a night at gallop, canter then trot. The horses are exhausted, but still alive thanks to my brother's spells. His gift is stronger than mine.

Rather than go to the Township of Frasal, we moved West to the edges of the fortress borders. Nina prepared papers for our passage, allowing us to pass easily.

From there, we moved North to Carta Forest. We have finally stopped from our travels and are now resting. I expect that we will be here for the rest of the day.
>>
No. 170873 ID: 732129

>>170869

Any word yet of how High Prince Johnathan has responded to the 'kidnapping?'

Oh, what's the speed of news anyway? Can information be sent magically? Do you use homing pigeons? Heliograph? Semaphore? Riders?

Do the copying spells ever fail to copy certain books? What I mean is, does Ranna Kai prevent certain works from being copied en masse?

Where are we in relation to Fellast and Ulrich?

How big is your kingdom?
>>
No. 170878 ID: 111754

>>170873
Since our leaving the castle, I have not yet heard any news of my so-called kidnapping. News travels fairly quickly, particularly if it's from the castle. However, we have been travelling non-stop and therefore have not stopped to hear the news.

>"*Nina, go and listen to the streets. Tell me what they say about my disappearance. Return quickly.*"
>"As you wish, Your Highness."
>"*From now on, you are to address me as Nadia, or I am pretending to be a commoner.*"
>"Yes, Your Highness."
*Rustling noises*

Somehow, I do not think I have gotten through to her just yet.

Kingdom news is sent to each township via riders for the closer townships, or by messenger hawk for those that are further from the Palace.

The Writer holds all words sacred. Therefore, all words may be copied by her spells and thus all books. However, The Writer likes her books to be complete. That which is incomplete cannot be made whole.

>"*Daniella, where are we in relation to Fellast and Ulrich?*"
>"We are closer to Ulrich than Fellast, Your Highness. Fellast is 9 days journey from here and Ulrich is 5 days from here."

I believe that Kai is 12 days journey from North to South and 15 days journey from East to West.
>>
No. 170880 ID: 701a19

>>170876
Can you use this magic to reproduce words written elsewhere? Do you have to have a text with you to copy it, or does simply knowing where it is enough?

Could it, by way of example, be used to duplicate a note of unknown contents which has been left at a predetermined location?
>>
No. 170884 ID: 111754

>>170880
I understand what you wish to do. Unfortunately, I believe that one must have read the book as well as have a copy of it before the ritual will work, but once it does, one can make as many copies of the same book as one wishes.

I do not believe that a note in a hidden location can be considered a "complete book".
>>
No. 170885 ID: 1ac39d

darn, that's one plan scrapped. it was a good one. i don't have any more questions, one of the other may though. so why don't you ask us a question.
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No. 170886 ID: 732129

>>170878

These journey-days, they would be on horseback at a pace designed to not kill the mount if the distance is traveled constantly? That would peg a journey-day at about 50 kilometers a day, give or take. An all-night flight like the one we just took could cover 250 kilometers or so, equivalent to five journey-days, if I understand the distances correctly.

An army on a forced march could cover about the same amount as a journey-day in a day, to give another example, though the soldiers would complain. Dedicated runners would be able to cover that distance daily without any trouble.

Am I correct, or are my estimates about the distance a journey-day covers wrong?
>>
No. 170900 ID: 1ac39d

oh wait, thought of a good one. do Golems exist here? if you are not sure what i mean, then servants constructed by wizards made of metal or stone that are imbued with the ability to move through magic.
>>
No. 171087 ID: 111754

>>170886
You are correct. We have put a large distance between ourselves and the palace, travelling in a roughly North by Northwesterly direction. Our horses are still alive, but only because Adrian managed to bespell them. I do not think the enchantment will last much longer, if it has lasted at all.

>>170900
I have heard of golems. A century ago, highly skilled mages kept one or two as servants and as a display of power and skill. The modern mage prefers an elemental or djinn.

My question for you is what you have in mind for our next step. Kai has not been keeping in contact with its old political allies in the last few years. I fear that this breakdown in communications will lead to negative repercussions in the future. High Prince Jonathan has been a responsible ruler in some ways but irresponsible in others.

I will be the first to admit that I was not as prepared for this escape as I should have been.
>>
No. 171334 ID: 732129

>>171087

I assume you've brought proof of your identity, or that you know codephrases that will identify you to your allies, or there are spells you'll allow them to use, or something along those lines.

Let's lay everything out. Who are Kai's traditional political allies? What do they get out of being allied with Kai? Who has Johnathan been using as his political allies? Which nations have been Kai's trading partners? What resources are traded?

If you want to force Johnathan to give up on being a pretender to the throne with a minimum of bloodshed, you will need to remove his external political support, and we will need to take steps to protect Prince Adrian. Before Adrian comes of age to be crowned king, Johnathan will make his move. If he's feeling desperate it will be lethal, if he's feeling secure it will be some plot designed to cast doubt on Adrian's ability to rule so that the political beasts of the court will support crowning Johnathan.

When is the traditional age for kings to be crowned? Adrian seemed to be grown, according to Miss and Madam Puzzle's reactions to him.

I give you a quote from a manual to being a Prince by one of our great political philosophers: "...on seizing a state, the usurper should make haste to inflict what injuries he must, at a stroke, that he may not have to renew them daily, but be enabled by their discontinuance to reassure men’s minds, and afterwards win them over by benefits."

We have this one chance to reduce the amount of injury your usurper can do. If we cannot reduce the amount of injury below what he needs to be able to take the state at all, then we need to reduce it below the threshold he needs to take it at a stroke. I'd prefer he not take it at all, but we need to have fall-back plans.

To that end we can teach Miss Puzzle how to make a device for rapid communication so that you and your allies will enjoy the advantage of being able to pass information faster than Johnathan and his cronies, and thus be able to act quickly to hamstring his efforts. The device I have in mind is the heliograph. It requires the least amount of infrastructure to be useful, and it networks easily.
>>
No. 171444 ID: 111754

>>171334
I brought my signet ring with me. My maids number 20 and I know them all by name. They do not stay in a single station but move throughout the kingdom.

During the time of my father, Kai enjoyed good relations with its neighbours, with the exception of the Barbarian Land to the East. Kai was allied to Leen and Austury. We had cordial and friendly trade relationships with Ulrich, Fellast and Porae. Kai had only just come out from a war with the Barbarian lands when my Uncle took the throne. Trade goods move freely between our countries. My Uncle has recently attempted allying with The Barbarian Lands and I believe is planning to go to war with Ulrich for some reason. He also has numerous allies across the Western Silver Ocean in countries that I have not even heard of.

Traditionally, the age of kingship is eighteen. However, circumstances being as they are, my brother will not be crowned until he is one and twenty years of age. My brother is eighteen and will turn nineteen come the tenth of Winter.

Please, tell me about this heliograph.
>>
No. 171446 ID: 1ac39d

>>171444
well, at it's root it is a modified mirror. you have one guy flashing a signal using it to another guy who then flashes it down the line. a well set up system send news from one side of your kingdom to the other in but one day.
>>
No. 171449 ID: 111754

Ah. I see what you are trying to explain... or would, if I had sight.

Our kingdom being the size it is, it would not be practical. I am sure a messenger hawk will suffice for any urgent messages I should have. It flies faster than the fleetest runner and does not tire when bespelled.
>>
No. 171451 ID: 1ac39d

then the only thing left that could be a step up is the telephone, but you don't have the equipment to make the parts. a well made telephone system would let people communicate across the kingdom in the blink of an eye.
>>
No. 171454 ID: 111754

>>171451
It would be best if you spoke to an alchemist of such things.

At this point, however, I have neither the time, nor the resources to be making kingdom-wide infrastructure. We are still escaping my Uncle's grasp.

As such, I can only see two choices available to us. That we either escape Kai to another country and hope to be sheltered there; or that we remain within the borders of Kai, but in hiding.

Perhaps hearing your advice on such matters will help me come to a better decision? Miss Puzzle has spoken of your wisdom in helping her escape her tower prison.
>>
No. 171455 ID: 1ac39d

hmmm... escaping to another country could be risky, but i think staying in this one would be worse. you will need to hide anything of value when you cross because being too well off will make them question your peasant-ness. buy a few things around here so you have some smaller value coins.
>>
No. 171463 ID: 111754

>>170786
*Rustling noises*

>"I have returned, Your Highness."
>"*Please, report.*"
>"The laypeople are happy that you have not yet been married to Lord Blackheath, but they fear retribution from the Barbarian Lands. High Prince Jonathan claims that the postponement of marriage is due to a sudden illness on your part and that the marriage will take place as planned in the upcoming week."
>"*I have been informed that there are smaller denominations than dinars that are used in the country. What are they?*"
>"Your Highness speaks of centimes. They number a hundred pieces to the single dinar."
>"*How much is the price of a loaf of bread?*"
>"A price of a single loaf is two and twenty centimes, Your Highness."

[Princess Nadia has learned a new word!]

>>171455
>"*Very well. It is unseemly for a peasant woman to carry much in terms of money on her personage. Before we travel, you are to change some dinars into centimes, that we may look like proper humble-folk. These new centimes are to be redistributed to Miss Puzzle, Madam Puzzle and myself.*"
>"And the rest of the dinars, Your Highness?"

Hm. Nina is good at hiding things. But, I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket...
>>
No. 171490 ID: 732129

>>171449

Princess, I believe you have misunderstood the amount of equipment required and the range of a heliograph. A curved mirror a mere 9 centimeters in diameter could reflect sunlight 50 kilometers or more. A basic heliograph is just a parabolic mirror and a high point to use it from (be it a hill, building, or even a tall tree). For a small group of agents who have arranged make contact with each other, such as your 20 secret police members, this is sufficient. Even for an army in the field, a handful of 9 cm heliographs is enough to keep every lieutenant in communication with his general.

Improvements to the basic design include a tripod to keep it steady, a shutter, a secondary reflector and cylindrical shield to limit light leak, a telescope for your spotter to better see the other heliograph, bigger mirrors, and encryption for the code being used to talk. The equipment can fit in a shoebox, with the exception of permanent structures.

The record for distance of heliograph transmission of message by my country's army was 295 kilometers between two mountaintop stations each using 20 centimeter mirrors.

The rate of communication for a heliograph tops out at about 14 words per minute, with experienced operators. Even at half that, you could send a hundred word message in under a quarter-hour. If each relay had two operators, it could transmit the message as it received it. With a setup like that, you could get a reply to your message inside the hour.

It would require 30 trained agents and 15 heliographs, but surely you can see the benefits to having a line of very fast communication like that.

My own nation's military used heliograph networks to communicate over distances of more than 400 kilometers peopled by openly hostile inhabitants. I assure you, a network of heliograph stations is suitable for a nation the size of yours. My nation is 4750 kilometers from coast to coast, following the best roads. We are familiar with some of the problems in administrating large countries.

Keep in mind that if we can talk an ally (or even a non-government actor like a professional courier house) into adopting this system we will be able to piggy-back messages on their system instead of having to build our own.

I admit this doesn't help you escape right now, but being able to provide a prototype demonstration of this system to the ally you pick to work with will go a long way toward making them accept it. If you (or Rachel's mother) claim to have invented the system then you'll be providing tangible proof of your own cleverness (or if you have Madam Puzzle claim to have invented it, of your wisdom for keeping her close to you) and thus your value as an ally irrespective of your political ties to your brother. The more attractive an asset you can appear to your potential allies, the more help you'll be able to get.

>>171463

You tipped the man enough for a very nice meal for him and someone he likes, then, or to feed him for the next couple of days. To feed five women three good meals for a day will likely cost in the order of 4 dinars, provided prices hold true. Your monthly maintenance costs in terms of food for the five of you should be in the range of 120 dinars. Your horses will likely cost twice that. Find out what room and board costs, and we'll be able to finish budgeting. The remainder of your money should be saved for bribes and tools.

As to securing your money, there are ways to secret money and small objects such that only an invasive body cavity search could find them on your person, but it's not comfortable. I'll only tell you more about those smuggling techniques if you specifically ask. Again, it's not comfortable, but we can help you make it safe for whomever chooses to smuggle money in that way.

Gold can be hidden in a number of other ways as well. False bottoms to saddle bags, water flasks, hidden in the lining of your clothes and bags, and so on. Common smuggling techniques like that are one option. Investing the money is another option, one which we will have to exercise later if you're going to get the most out of our advice.

Are there large trading companies that we could secure letters of credit though? It was common practice in my world, before the age of fast telecommunications, for trade houses to accept deposits at one city, write a letter of credit, and issue funds at the destination city to the bearer of the letter.

If you are willing to deal with an alchemist, we can give you instruction on how to dissolve the gold in liquid and later how to retrieve it from the solution. Such a solution would be caustic and dangerous, but could be stored as something that does not obviously look like gold.

How big is a dinar, how much does it weigh, and how pure is the gold in it?

Caching money is possibly a good idea, but not here (since we are likely going to flee).
>>
No. 171492 ID: 1ac39d

>>171490
no, i am sure she understood the range of it but how is she supposed to pay 30 people to stand around waiting for messages? they would also need towers or something built in order for the max range to be used otherwise they will be interrupted by the horizon. we do not have the logistics for this while the high prince wants her.
>>
No. 171493 ID: 1ac39d

oh, and another thing, we are going to be constantly moving. by the time we stop the distance needed and the number of stations would be a lot more then that, making it even less likely to be useable. something tells me you aren't thinking this all the way through.
>>
No. 171503 ID: 732129

>>171493

The technology is so simple it will be impossible to prevent its spread once an example is shown. We only need to invest in a couple of heliographs and train a few people how to use them so they can train others.

As I said, this technology is a gift to whatever ally we settle on. It isn't something we can implement all over Kai this week, it's something we should build an example of for our ally. We can then leave it to them to set up their own network, and piggy-back on that as we take action against High Prince Johnathan.

We have three years before Adrian is scheduled to take the throne. That's enough time to build up our allies' capabilities and engage in a great deal of skullduggery against the pretender to the throne.

Before we leave here we should:

1) Have devised a plan for getting over the border unmolested (this will require smuggling the wealth we are carrying).

2) Have chosen a set of technologies we're prepared to gift to our ally, so that even if the worst happens in Kai we will still be taken seriously. Leaving Prince Adrian behind was a dangerous risk, and it will get more dangerous for him as he gets older.

3) Have chosen the country we will flee to. I suggest we flee to Ulrich first (because it is closer), make contact with Leen, and give both of them the heliograph.

Who are Ulrich and Leen allied with?
>>
No. 171647 ID: 6ea790

>>171492
>>171493
I have neither the time, nor the resources for this heliograph. I am concerned with my immediate needs. Such technologies can wait until later, perhaps after my brother has taken the throne

>>171490
>"Nina. You are to distribute the remaining dinars between yourselves and Danielle as well as find good hiding places for them that we may carry them across the border unmolested. Construct false bottoms to saddlebags or our water flasks as you see fit. Sew them into the lining of clothes if necessary."
>(Chorus) "It will be done as you wish, Your Highness."

>>171503
I doubt that the border guards will be searching us too carefully. Then again, I am unsure as to how My Uncle is handling my disappearance, so one can never be too careful.

Ulrich is the Kingdom of The Hunter. Their walls are safe and strong. As I understand it they have few allies. Leen is the Kingdom of The Healer. While they have many allies, they do not have a standing army.

If I am to give a gift, I would rather give something a bit more... substantial than this heliograph. Something that will impress in court. However, there is no use discussing the matter right now. We have a lot of travelling to do. Doubtless some options will present themselves as we go.
>>
No. 171649 ID: 732129

>>171647

That reminds me. Given that your uncle is of the family line, and that your goddess has not taken action to intervene and prevent your uncle from outmaneuvering you and your brother, are you sure your brother is actually suitable for the throne?

Your nation enjoys the patronage of a genuine goddess, I doubt she would let an unsuitable king sit on the throne. This may very well be her will.

And before you present us as proof of her will, I'll have you know we were introduced by a third party solely for Miss Puzzle's benefit.
>>
No. 171653 ID: 6ea790

>>171649
I cannot accept that it is The Writer's will that High Prince Jonathan claim the throne. I am certain that My Uncle has found a way to bypass The Writer's will.
>>
No. 171654 ID: 732129

>>171653

Look, I think you're pretty bright. I know you've got a decent head on your shoulders. But listen to yourself: "bypass the Writer's will."

Really, Princess?

She's not much a goddess if a mere man can completely foil her intentions. So either the goddess is a charlatan, or your brother really isn't suitable.

Why was your uncle able to arrange to have the crowning postponed anyway? That's very unusual isn't it?
>>
No. 171655 ID: 6ea790

>>171654
My brother is suitable for the throne.

My Uncle is resourceful.
>>
No. 171661 ID: 732129

>>171655

I'm not trying to belittle you, but those are not convincing arguments. Asserting something does not make it so, your rhetoric teachers should have made that clear.

Be reasonable and honest about the situation. Filial duty is well and good, but if we are to give useful advice we need to understand the situation. Base your case on logos. We understand that best.
>>
No. 171669 ID: 6ea790

>>171661
The Writer does not often meddle in the affairs of mortals. Historically, she has only done so when the tenets of her law have not been upheld.

I know that My Uncle was not chosen because he has not sworn any oath to The Writer. It is possible for him to cover a prophecy. He has a number of priests and priestesses in his back pocket as well as the ears and hearts of many nobles and council members.
>>
No. 171671 ID: 6ea790

I do not fully understand why The Writer is silent. If I were to hazard a guess, it is either because My Uncle has found a way to bypass her will or because she wishes my brother to prove his worth.
>>
No. 171672 ID: 732129

>>171671

Has the Writer used such tests for past kings?

In our lands when a new leader takes office he takes or reaffirms his oath to the land, the people, and the constitution. Is it not also the same for your crowning ceremony, where vows to uphold the will of the Writer are taken?

A declaration from the Writer may be possible to cover up, but I do not think it would be easy to cover up. She may very well be taking a minimum-intervention approach, and may be willing to allow your uncle to take the throne if he can, provided he does take the oath at some point.

And, how do you know he hasn't taken the oath already? He may have done so privately.
>>
No. 171675 ID: 6ea790

>>171672
Yes, our past kings have all proven their worth through resourcefulness, intelligence and bravery. Their deeds are in song and story.

You are correct. The vows to The Writer are indeed taken at the coronation ceremony. My Uncle is regent and did not make any vows, in public or in secret. If he wishes to keep his neck, I do not think he will make them anytime soon.
>>
No. 171679 ID: 732129

>>171675

Where does your uncle get his money from? What promises and bargains has he made to put so many local religious and political figures under his control?

Has your brother made the oath to the Writer?
>>
No. 171680 ID: 6ea790

>>171679
I do not know where my Uncle gets his money from, nor what bargains he has made with corrupt council members, priests or priestesses. I know some of the people who he has dealings with, but I cannot be sure I have a full list of names.

My brother has not yet taken the oath. However, he has not yet broken it either.
>>
No. 171682 ID: 732129

>>171680

So your uncle has an unknown source of money, has managed to gain the support of a plurality if not outright majority of the local politicians and religious leaders, and has taken steps to make sure that you and your brother are no longer players in the political arena.

Your uncle is the regent, and has been acquiring international allies who are loyal to him instead of to the nation.

You have had years in the castle to determine what promises your uncle has been making, and to discover his allies. Where was your brother during all this? He wasn't in the castle, obviously. How long has Johnathan been regent?

How can someone break an oath they've never taken, anyway?
>>
No. 171698 ID: 6ea790

>>171682
My Uncle has been in charge of the kingdom for 17 years since I was but a child and my brother newly born. Our parents died on the day of his birth. Father suffered a fatal heart attack and Mother died in childbirth.

After the death of our parents, my brother and I were sent away to the country while My Uncle took over affairs of state. I did not return to the palace until I was 16 and when I did, I was kept isolated because of my disabilities. I was not even allowed to contact my brother until he arrived at the palace a few years later.

We did not think ill of our Uncle until he announced my engagement to Lord Blackheath last year.

BUT. Enough of this. I grown angry at your interrogation. I am satisfied in my brother's abilities. The Writer examines the lives of those bonded to the throne. My Brother has led a righteous life. He may be a little inexperienced now, but it is better than letting the land rot under My Uncle's reign... and rot it will without the King's guidance.

I will see to it that he claims his birthright. With or without your help.
>>
No. 171704 ID: 6ea790

*Snap! Thump!*

[Rapport with Nadia has dropped by 1.]
>>
No. 171706 ID: 6ea790

*Stomping.*

*Clink*

>"Your Highness, the necklace..."
>"*I do not want it now. Leave it where it is.*"
>"As you wish, Your Highness."
>>
No. 171710 ID: 732129

What a bratty princess. Well, it's obvious that Adrian did something that brought his suitability for the crown into question and that his uncle capitalized on it.

The question is, was it serious enough to actually merit the postponement of his coronation? And if it was, is his uncle behaving in the best interests of the state by keeping him from being the ruler?
>>
No. 171719 ID: 1ac39d

god dammit. i knew i should have been here. WHY did you say that!?! seriously. that just pissed her off at us and got us nothing. you are one retarded son of a bitch.

now what do we do?
>>
No. 171723 ID: 732129

>>171719

We wait. I'm not going to coddle her, she needs to get used to having people ask her tough questions if she's going to be at all effective in getting her brother made king.

And I'll tell you why I kept pushing. She sucks at lying and dancing around questions. There's some reason why Adrian's not king right now, and I bet she thinks it's actually a good one.

My guess is that she's angling to seat Adrian because she honestly believes he deserves it by birthright alone, and because she'd have a great deal of influence over him. That's no way to run a kingdom, friend.

Look at it from the other point of view. Johnathan has run the kingdom for 17 years without serious trouble. He has won over the local political leaders and the religious leaders. He has negotiated some sort of peace deal with the Barbarian kingdoms, the only serious threat to the kingdom.

He sounds like a good ruler. Nadia and Adrian might run this place into the ground, good intentions or not.
>>
No. 171724 ID: 1ac39d

>>171723
yeah, but if you waited until our rapport lvl with her was higher then she would trust us more and more likely have told us.
>>
No. 171725 ID: 732129

>>171724

That would be trading time for information. I decided to trade a little good will for it instead, since we need the time more right now. You see, we need to be sure we're doing the right thing before we encourage Rachel to get more deeply involved in this mess. I think it was worth pissing off the princess for what we learned.

I say we present this to Rachel and let her decide if she's going to stick around or not. There's a strong case for backing away from this mess right now, if you ask me.
>>
No. 171726 ID: 1ac39d

>>171725
or we have no case, adrian really is supposed to be king, but someone is covering up the information. you are just assuming that he wasn't crowned yet due to a fault of his own. he could have been framed or they are outright lying.
>>
No. 171727 ID: 732129

>>171726

She danced all around the question of why his coronation had been postponed. There's obviously a reason, and it's more than "High Prince Johnathan is resourceful."
>>
No. 171728 ID: 1ac39d

>>171727
and if the reason turns out to be something totally asinine that the princess is making a big deal of? until we have ALL the information it's best to stay with her. plus we still have Johnathan hot on our tail and having Puzzle survive with the princess is a lot easier than without.
>>
No. 171729 ID: 1ac39d

also, figuring out who should be king isn't our job, it's keeping Rachel safe, if putting an incompetent ruler on the throne will do that then let's do that.
>>
No. 171731 ID: 6ea790

[A few hours pass.]

>"Where is it?! Oh. A letter."

*Rustling noises. Scraping noises. Clink. Click.*

Hi Gion. I thought I'd lost you! I went out to check the horse but you weren't where I put you!

(Dear Miss Puzzle...)

Did you manage to talk to the horse? Did you make friends?

(My attendants and I have gone for a walk. Please find enclosed the gem.)

Sorry I had a headache. I'm usually pretty good at riding, but I guess I'm not good at riding and talking to gems in my head at the same time.

(Oh... it has a seal on it. I guess the Princess wrote it... or something. Huh.)
>>
No. 171732 ID: 1ac39d

>>171731
no, the horse was a dumbass, and so are you for leaving us there. stable boy almost took us.
>>
No. 171733 ID: 732129

>>171731

The horse was boring, and we were nearly stolen by a stable boy.

We had a very lengthy conversation with Nadia and I'm afraid I rather upset in the end with my questions. She's not used to people directly questioning her. As you well know, that's how we roll.


Do you still have the jewelry you took? While they're out this is a good time to make arrangements to hide it so that you're not suspicious if we meet guards.
>>
No. 171734 ID: 732129

>>171732

Be fair to her, it was our idea, and she was ill.
>>
No. 171735 ID: 6ea790

>>171732
>>171733
I guess that means that you can't talk to horses, then.

Oh, er yes, the jewels. I only have you, really. >_> The jewels I stole were taken from me when I went to prison.

Actually, you're pretty gaudy. I mean, the necklace you're on. I was thinking that maybe I should do something about that. You are wedding jewellery, after all.
>>
No. 171736 ID: 1ac39d

if you think you can move us without something going wrong then sure.
>>
No. 171737 ID: 732129

>>171735

We can talk to horses. They don't talk back, so I played a song for it instead. I don't know what it thought of the music.

If you'd used that smuggling technique I taught you, you'd probably still have the jewels (and you didn't steal them dear, they were given to you).

Anyway, forcing the gem out of its setting should be easy. Does the gem need to be in contact with your skin, or can you hear us if we're in your pocket? Try putting it in a leather pouch on your belt.
>>
No. 171738 ID: 6ea790

>>171736
What do you mean by "something going wrong"? Is there something I should know about you before I try this?
>>
No. 171739 ID: 1ac39d

by 'something go wrong' i meant shatter us into a million pieces.
>>
No. 171740 ID: 7524b0

>>171738
You already know we're a magical artifact. However, we are most definitely limited to the gem. Removing it from the setting should be easy and safe.
>>
No. 171741 ID: 732129

>>171738

The crystal is very durable, it has survived countless past abuses. They're upset because I upset the princess with my line of questioning, and now they're being overly cautious. You should have no trouble forcing our crystal from its setting.
>>
No. 171746 ID: 6ea790
File 127253988462.jpg - (22.83KB , 357x377 , roomattheinn.jpg )
171746

>>171739
>>171740
I think I can remove you without damaging you too much.

>"Mum?"
>*Sleepy* "Yes, dear?"
>"Can I borrow the toolkit?"
>"Sure, just remember to put the tools back where you found them."
>"Sure thing, Mum."

Prince Adrian gave Mum a really nice toolkit before we left. Let me see if I can find it...

*Crash!*

Okaaaay. Here goes...

*Click, clink...*

>>171741
You made the Princess angry? What happened? Wait, don't tell me right now, I just need to...

*Sound of stressed metal*
>>
No. 171747 ID: 1ac39d

>>171746
argh! don't just force it. try bending the holding parts away first with some pliers.
>>
No. 171748 ID: 732129

>>171746

I wonder if the crystal can be polished up and made into a cloak brooch?
>>
No. 171751 ID: 6ea790

>>171747
I'm trying, I'm trying!

*Twaaaanggggggg... clink*

>"AUGH!"
*Crash!*

Phew... caught you before you hit the ground. Sorry about that.

>>171748
That's a pretty good idea. Considering how dinged up you are, I don't think it'll be difficult to make you look like a cheap trinket. No offence.
>>
No. 171752 ID: 1ac39d

none taken.
>>
No. 171754 ID: 1ac39d

anyway. one of us made the princess angry by repeatedly asking questions she didn't want to answer. i thought it was foolish and would have tried preventing it if i was around when it happened.
>>
No. 171755 ID: 732129

>>171751

None taken.

Now, about the princess.

We talked for a little while about the economy, and I tried to get her to think about budgeting her income for the trip. We talked about possibly presenting the allies she gets with a gift to help secure their help, so that even if the worst happens in Kai, they'll be inclined to continue helping. I suggested a potential device, the heliograph. If you want to hear more about it I'll tell you later, it's not germane to why she's upset.

I then took to questioning her to get an idea of the lay of the political landscape. A pretender to the throne can't pose a credible challenge unless he has a credible amount of political c capital.

According to the princess, High Prince Johnathan became regent 17 years ago, after the King died of a heart attack (the Queen having died in childbirth). For the past 16 years he has, apparently, not done anything to give Nadia or Adrian cause to question the job he's been doing. They began acting when he arranged the political marriage of Nadia to the Barbarian King.

Traditionally the crown prince is crowned king at the age of 18. Adrian should already be king. Somehow High Prince Johnathan brought about the postponement of the coronation ceremony until Adrian is twenty one. Nadia consistently side-stepped the issue of how and why this came to pass.

I pointed out that in a nation with the patronage of a goddess, machinations of this nature should not be possible, unless the goddess is taking a minimal intervention approach to the affairs of the members of her chosen royal family (High Prince Johnathan does, after all, have a legitimate claim to the throne as the brother of the deceased King). She didn't take well to that either, really, and simply proclaimed that Johnathan has somehow circumvented the will of the Writer.

The princess knows who some of Johnathan's local supporters are. She says they are corrupt officials, priests, and priestesses.

I re-stated what was established and asked how long Johnathan has been regent, and at that point in the conversation Nadia decided she'd had enough of me.

How has your country been run these past 17 years? Has it been satisfactory? Is the country in good shape?
>>
No. 171873 ID: 6ea790

>>171754
I uh... I see.

>>171755
Whoa there! That's a bit of information to digest... Okay... uh... Let's see. 17 years is most of my life. So, I don't really have a basis for comparison, but... uh... the grass is pretty green?

More seriously, though... I haven't really been paying attention to politics. Mum and I like to keep our heads down. Especially Mum, really. People think she's an evil witch because of her red hair. Actually, that's one thing I can blame on the High Prince - he declared all redheads to be evil and corrupted.

My hometown Baron isn't too bad. He actually used to serve on the council, but was retired just after I was born. He treats Mum and me just fine. I hear there are other baronies that are horrid, though. Slavery and high taxes and droit du seigneur and all that.
>>
No. 171875 ID: 1ac39d

>>171873
that sounds like he read a prophecy that a redhead would beat him. so he decided to make it so people don't like redheads so no one helps them?
>>
No. 171878 ID: 6ea790

>>171875
Maybe, but I doubt it. There hasn't been a prophecy for years!
>>
No. 171888 ID: 732129

>>171873

Nadia had hoped to be able to unseat High Prince Johnathan without bloodshed. The more I hear, the more I believe that we will need an army, and that we will need to perform at a minimum a guardian coup d'état, and perhaps an all-out war.

Oh, and Rachel, when you next speak with the princess please tell her I've a small present for her. I did a little research and found a fairly novel method that blind people can use to find their way on their own.
>>
No. 171905 ID: 6ea790
File 127257910935.jpg - (20.45KB , 640x480 , innroom.jpg )
171905

Well, if I'm going to make you into a brooch, I should at least get a brooch setting. This small town doesn't seem to mind Mum's presence, but now that I think about it, maybe I should get some hair dye or something.

>"Mum, I'm going out!"
>"Come back soon!"
>"Sure thing, Mum. Watch out for bad people."

>>171888
Sure, I'll tell her if I see her.
>>
No. 171987 ID: 4fc552
File 127259943521.jpg - (37.97KB , 640x480 , Village.jpg )
171987

Okay, I'm just outside of the inn now. Wow. It's really busy out here... Looks like some sort of market.
>>
No. 171989 ID: 732129

>>171987

Does anyone make hair dye?
>>
No. 172003 ID: 4fc552

>>171989
It's crowded. There's tonnes of people here. I guess there'd be a stall selling dyes of some sort. If only I knew enough magics to turn Mum's hair black for permanent! We wouldn't have this much trouble then.

>"Excuse me, sorry... coming through..."

*Rachel's fingers tighten around the gem.*
>>
No. 172007 ID: 732129

>>172003

We know of a couple of chemical processes that can be used to dye hair. It's good for a period of four to six weeks, by which time the hair will have grown out enough that the roots of the hair will be the natural color. And at that point you have to dye the roots again.

You don't have any alchemy or chemistry training right?
>>
No. 172421 ID: c44de6
File 127269971541.jpg - (25.63KB , 640x480 , Market.jpg )
172421

>>172007
Oh, I just need some herbs for the hair dye. Mum is a trained alchemist and she knows how to make dyes and things. Too bad they don't sell dyes outright anymore - it's outlawed. Alterists are too, otherwise I could get Mum's hair changed permanently black... Not that she wants to do it. She already protests pretty badly when I ask her to dye her hair.

It's you I'm more concerned about, really. A bridal necklace like that would surely give me away.

>"Your fortune told, mi'dear... Your palm read?"
>"Ah... well, not right now, but I'll be back."
>"Only a centime, mi'dear. I can tell you who you'll marry... I can tell a future for you."
>"I'll come back."

>"FRESH FISH! WE CATCH 'EM YOU BUY 'EM!"
>"The Writer blesses the learned, perhaps a book?"

Ah, here's what I want.

>"Excuse me, Miss?"
>"Ah... A new customer... How can I help you, mi'dear? You look like you could use some new laces for your bodice..."
>"Ah, I just wanted to ask about brooches. I lost mine traveling..."
>"We have many here..."
>>
No. 172431 ID: c44de6

*Several agonizing minutes of freakishly boring shopping later...*

Okay, so far I've sold the necklace... and got myself a brooch and some herbs. I'm thinking of getting a weapon, probably some sort of sword next.

Is there anything else you think might be useful later? I want to be ready for whatever journeys I have ahead.

[Rachel has lost "Bridal Necklace" and acquired "Chipped brooch" and "Dye herbs (four lots)". Currently she also has a dirty brown dress, a new toolkit for her mother and 25 dinars.]
>>
No. 172443 ID: 732129

>>172431

Is it normal for peasants and young women to carry swords? If it is, sure, get one. If it isn't, you better think of a place you can hide the blade while we move around.

Even if you get a full sized sword, be sure to get a smaller weapon you can hide on yourself too. A stiletto or dagger, or maybe even a truncheon.

Have you been trained in how to use sword-breaker daggers? How about jittes?
>>
No. 172446 ID: 1ac39d

hmmmm. a sack of jerky, long term food is important so you don't have to worry too much about missing a rabbit or something in the woods.
>>
No. 172464 ID: 732129

Hey Rachel, what sorts of forts and castles are used by the military? Just describe how they look, and how big the walls are.
>>
No. 172553 ID: c44de6

>>172446
Good point. I'll pick some up on my way back to the inn.

>>172443
It's not common for a young lady to have a sword, but it's not uncommon either - we're not exactly a backwater country here.

What is a jitte? And yes, I know how to use a dagger. I have a Baronial Champion. You don't get one of those without being at least competent at 5 of the 6 divisions. I prefer a sword and buckler, though it might be a bit clunky for the road.

>"You be lookin' fer pots n' pans, Miss?"
>"No, I'd like to look at your swords please? Let me peek at your finest rapiers and daggers?"
>"Aye, Miss. Trainin' fer th' championships? Ye'll want something with a dull edge then."
>"No, I'm going travelling. I need it for protection."
>"Ye'll have your license, then?"

Errr...
>>
No. 172554 ID: 1ac39d

>>172553
do you have one? would think they would give you one at the castle. if not then just 'drop' a couple coins on the counter.
>>
No. 172557 ID: c44de6
File 127274926366.jpg - (27.46KB , 640x480 , Market3.jpg )
172557

>"Oh! There you are! I've been looking all over for you?"
>"Huh?"

Oh. It's Nina. Looks like she has the Princess and Daniella in tow too.

>"Here, dear. You forgot your license at home again."
>"Oh, right. Thanks Nina. Silly me."
>>
No. 172560 ID: c44de6

[Derp. Undeletable post. >_<]

>"Well then, err... Here's my license."
>"Very well, looks ta be in order. I'll git yer swords mi'lady."

Hm. Nadia looks peeved about something. I guess she's still smarting over the whole whatever thing she had with you.
>>
No. 172562 ID: 1ac39d

the fact that she is still thinking about it means we hit close to home, and she doesn't like it. don't bring it up. let her ask us.
>>
No. 172566 ID: c44de6

>"Let's see here... Hm..."
>"Finest this side of the Barony of Gevit, I assure you, Mi'lady."
>"Is that so?"

>>172562
Should I still tell her about that thing you had that lets her get around better?
>>
No. 172568 ID: 1ac39d

wait until the one that knows it shows up cause i have no clue what it is. he's most likely asleep.
>>
No. 172570 ID: c44de6

*Metal schwinging sounds*

>"The balance on this one isn't that great. Do you have anything a little more..."
>"Aye, I see ye 'ave a good eye."
>"Good eye or not, I want something good. This could shatter any moment."
>"'Ow 'bout this one, Mi'lady?"
>"Excellent and this one. How much?"
>"10 dinars fer th' lot, Mi'lady."
>"Too much. 4 at most."
>"Ye wound me..."

*MORE BARGAINING!*

Got it for 6 dinars! Eee~! <3 They're so pretty and shiny... <3 <3 <3 <3

>"We should head back to the inn, sister."
>"Uh. Yes. Sure. Nina."
>"We have a lot of preparations to do, sister."

>>172568
You sleep?
>>
No. 172572 ID: 1ac39d

i would think so, we are using the stone as a communicator, we are not the stone itself. so yes we do sleep. luckily the stone records what has happened so we don't have to worry about missing something when we do.
>>
No. 172780 ID: c44de6
File 127278042634.jpg - (28.65KB , 640x480 , Market3.jpg )
172780

Okay. I get it.

>"Nina, can you go to the inn first? I need to pick up a few things."
>"*We can do that*"
>"Very well, sister, I shall do that."

Hm. Nina sounds a bit stilted, always calling me sister like that. It's just weird.

*LOUD CLANGING*

Whoa. That sounds like an alarm.

*Screaming*

Maybe I'd better get out of here.
>>
No. 172788 ID: 1ac39d

i would have to agree. until you get enough otherworldly cheats you want to avoid conflict.
>>
No. 172808 ID: 732129

>>172568

Echo location, like what Ben Underwood and other blind people use. If I'm not around when Nadia asks, play all five parts of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLziFMF4DHA for her. She should be able to listen to it and get a good idea about how to start training herself.

>>172553

What about sword breaker daggers, though? A normal dagger is one thing, a sword breaker dagger requires a little extra training to get the full use of the comb.

A jitte is a full-sized weapon designed specifically to break swords. It is a metal rod with L shaped protrusions to catch blades and a traditional hilt. Jittes, with a little training, are very effective police weapons. If you want the option of being merciful it's not a bad choice.

Jittes vary in design. The original jitte had ten L's of various lengths arrayed on the rod. The modern jitte has a single L protrusion of about two-thirds the length of the main rod. If no such thing exists in your world, you'll have a big advantage against people who rely on their swords more than their brains.

Speaking of relying on your brain, it sounds like it is time to go.
>>
No. 172835 ID: c44de6
File 12727982196.jpg - (41.04KB , 640x480 , Villageguards.jpg )
172835

>>172788
Don't need to tell me twice!

Holy shit! The city watch is really responsive here. There are guards everywhere. They're all over the market.

Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I think that they might be looking for us.
>>
No. 172838 ID: 701a19

>>172835
If they were after you then there wouldn't have been an alarm. Don't worry, you're find. Walk into the inn like nothing is wrong; calm and confident.
>>
No. 172843 ID: c44de6
File 127279982982.jpg - (19.07KB , 640x480 , innguard.jpg )
172843

>>172838
Okay... but I'm really nervous. My heart is racing!

...

There's a guard standing outside our door. He looks like he means business.

(MUM!)

GODS! Mum... Mum's in that room... and she hasn't dyed her hair... No... no, now's not the time to panic...
>>
No. 172859 ID: 701a19

>>172843
Ask him what's wrong. We can probably talk them down, but it wouldn't hurt to have some ninja maid backup just in case.
My initial plan is to claim that she turned a red-headed witch into the guards, so the witch hexed her to turn her hair red as well.
>>
No. 173085 ID: e36791
File 127287513471.jpg - (20.16KB , 640x480 , innguard1.jpg )
173085

>>172859
Ninja maid backup, got it. Hmmm... Looks like Nina is already on the ceiling. She's very... flexible.

I don't understand the rest of your plan.

*Moaning noises, whimpering*

...Sounds like Mum...

>"Excuse me, sir. What is going on here?"
>"Witch contamination, Miss. We're containing it as we speak."
>"Containing, how? This is my room."
>"Well, you won't be able to use it until the witch is no longer a threat."

My hand's on my sword... I'm gonna... I'm gonna slice his throat...
>>
No. 173088 ID: 732129

>>173085

He wants you to try to fast-talk the guard. "But she's not a witch, she's my mother! She was cursed by a witch with red hair when she turned her in two weeks ago! She's an alchemist and the witch tried to buy hair dye. We had to leave our home and everything and -" and that's a good point to start crying.

Or you could, you know, just stab him. But dealing with dead bodies is always messy.
>>
No. 173096 ID: 701a19

>>173085
Gasp, and say "Wait! You're mistaken! That's no witch, that's me mum! She was hexed with red hair by a witch after turning it into the guard! You have to stop them! That's how the hex spreads!"
>>
No. 173109 ID: e36791

>"That's not a witch! That's me Mum! She was hexed by a witch fer turning it into the guard!"
>"Your Mum was hexed, huh? That's probably how witches spread. She's tainted now."
>"What? You're mistaken! My mother's no witch! She's just an alchemist! She got hexed with a red hair spell! You have to stop the real witches or the hex will spread!"
>"Maybe you want some decontaminating as well? You seem to know too much about hexes. I'd leave if I were you."

RGGGGHHH~! >_<

>"No. I will not leave until you release my mother. Or until I see her. Get. Out. Of. My. Way."
>"You best put that sword away, young lady, if you know what's good for you."
>>
No. 173111 ID: 701a19

>>173109
"I know how it spreads because it took two guards before the Lieutenant realized what was happening. You're hexing those men sure as if you had done it yourself. Stand aside or die, witch-lover."
>>
No. 173118 ID: e36791
File 127288094243.jpg - (21.85KB , 640x480 , Innguard2.jpg )
173118

>>173111
>"Look. I know how it spreads because it took two guards before the Lieutenant realized what was happening. You're hexing those men sure as if you had done it yourself. Stand aside or die, witch-lover."
>"There is no reason to get so aggressive."
>"STAND. ASIDE."
>"Very well."

*Door opening*

>"Oh, George, decided to join in on the... decontamination, did you?"
>"What... the... HELL... ARE YOU DOING TO MY MOTHER?!"

*Moaning. Whimpering.*

How... dare they... HOW DARE THEY!

>"Oh, brought a little bonus then, did you, George?"

*Door closing noise.*

>"Yeah, a treat, isn't she?!"
>"YOU GET OFF HER!"
>>
No. 173122 ID: 701a19

>>173118
"BASTARDS! FOOLS! SHE'S NOT A WITCH, JUST HEXED! YOU'RE TAKING ON THE HEX YOURSELF!"
Then take a moment to collect yourself.
"Ah, at least now your hair will flaunt the filth and corruption that pours from your mind. Assuming, that is, that I can stay my blade long enough to let beasts like you escape with your lives; it would be a shame to stain such a nice room with the blood of dogs like you, after all.
Flee. Now."
Nina's a smart girl. If they don't take the hint, she'll step in before things turn pear shaped.
>>
No. 173129 ID: e36791
File 127288312039.jpg - (22.17KB , 640x480 , Innguard3.jpg )
173129

AUGRRRGH....

>"Filth! Corruption! I do not think that I can stay my blade long enough to let beasts like you escape with your lives. GET. OUT."
>"The captain will hear of this...."

*White noise*
(Recol locs sabl roug)
*White noise*

>"Ah, looks like the colour of your hair reflects the filth inside your hearts."
>"Aaaaaaaaugh~! The hex!"
*Thud. Footsteps running*

>"Mum, are you okay?!"
>"Oh... honey... I'm... I'm fine..."
>"You're bruised all over!"
>"I'm fine... Let's just get out of here."
>>
No. 173130 ID: e36791

*(Muffled) Thud... Thud...*

>"Let's get you into some clothing. Did they... do anything to you...?"
>"No, but I think they'll bring more friends if we're not out of here soon."
>"I should have stayed."
>"Do not worry, Madam Puzzle. They will not be bringing friends. But still, we must leave."
>>
No. 173134 ID: 701a19

>>173129
[Target Rachel's mother]
(Recol locs sabl noir)
[Resume normal behavior]

Yes, we need to get out of here as soon as possible. Gather up everyone and everything; we need to be on the road within the hour.
>>
No. 173139 ID: 732129

>>173134

That was a spell, cast by Nina I believe, to lend credibility to Rachel's bluff. Do remember to thank her, Rachel.

Did you notice that we lost reception briefly when that spell was cast? Well, that's besides the point.

Nina's right, those two red-headed guards won't dare face their fellows if they've half a wit between them. They'll go into hiding. The guard house captain will wonder what happened to them eventually though. I bet they have a period of time they're suppose to check in after catching a witch, so we've some time.

Comfort your mother, gather your things, and then fly.

Hand us off to whoever cast that spell, unless you want our advice on how to best comfort her and pack. We are going to have to find out the limits of the magic available.
>>
No. 173141 ID: 701a19

>>173139
(Does Nina know magic? I suspect WE cast the spell somehow.)
>>
No. 173176 ID: 1ac39d

oh ma, if the high prince knows this is how they handle 'witches' and doesn't care then regardless of how much better off the rest of the country may be with him we need to get rid of him.
>>
No. 173315 ID: 1f16e5
File 127294199591.jpg - (28.50KB , 640x480 , 127288312039.jpg )
173315

>>173134
[When an attempt at spellcasting is made, nothing happens, but nice attempt at trying to crack the code.]

>>173139
>>173141
>>173176
You're right. No time to think. Let's just grab our stuff and go.

*Rustling and shuffling throughout*
>"C'mon, we have to get out of here."
>"Just a second. I just have to wear some clothes..."
>"Are you sure you're okay, Mum?"
>"I'm FINE, honey."
>"Nina, where's the princess?"
>"Daniella has already moved Her Highness to a safe area. I was dispatched to collect her belongings. I have also dispatched those two soldiers."
>"You what?!"
>"I did not kill them."
>"Oh. Good. Oh, that reminds me... thanks for... casting that spell."
>"I cast no spell."
>>
No. 173327 ID: 1ac39d

...... then who did?
>>
No. 173332 ID: 732129

Then may have been us. We can worry about that later.

Now I'm glad I didn't suggest you put in an order for a handgonne. I don't think we could afford to wait the four hours it would take to be made.
>>
No. 173374 ID: 72f172
File 127296120278.jpg - (23.06KB , 640x480 , innguard4.jpg )
173374

>>173327
I don't know, and I don't care. Frankly, I need to put this place behind us.

>"I've got most of our things, let's go."
>"Coming, dear..."
>"We'll head to the stables. Nina, get the Princess and Daniella. We're leaving immediately. Grab whatever you want."

I'm not sure if Mum's okay... but I've taken the toolkit since she seems a bit dazed.

*Running*

Damn, the horses aren't saddled properly.

>"Mum, saddle those two horses. I'll saddle these three."
>"Whatever you say, hon."
>>
No. 173382 ID: 701a19

>>173374
She's in a daze. Check her work once you're done, since she might need help.
Here, you know what you're doing, so hand us off to her. We'll stabilize her until we have time for her to work through this.
>>
No. 173384 ID: 1ac39d

she is in shock. after severe trauma a person's emotional center temporarily shuts down. once you are away from here and you have some time to rest give her a really big hug, rub her back and tell her 'it's okay' and you will start it up again and she will probably start crying her eyes out. this is a good thing, getting all of that out as soon as you can is a LOT better then letting it stay there.
>>
No. 173394 ID: 72f172
File 127296340585.jpg - (23.57KB , 640x480 , innstable.jpg )
173394

>>173382
>>173384
Okay. Got it. I'll check all the saddles before we leave, anyway. I think Nina's gone to get the Princess, so she'll be back soon.

>"Mum, take this."
>"Yes, dear."
>>
No. 173395 ID: 72f172

oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods oh gods
>>
No. 173398 ID: 1ac39d

[mental slap]
snap out of it!
we need to ride, fast. once we get to a stopping place THEN you can have a break down, not before that!
>>
No. 173399 ID: 72f172

>>173398
*Saddletying sounds.*

[Ella seems to be on autopilot, though her actions can be influenced by Gion. Her mind is currently, understandably, quite blank.]
>>
No. 173402 ID: 701a19

>>173399
Saddle the horses properly, and double check your work.
[Poke her consciousness to see how badly it was affected, then check her memories to see if it was really as bad as we think it was.]
>>
No. 173405 ID: 72f172

*Sounds of leather and that sort of thing*

[An initial memory probe reveals a blank state during the period between the guards beating Ella up and when Rachel found Ella. Further probing will note that Ella did not know anyone Biblically prior to her experience with the guards.]
>>
No. 173406 ID: 701a19

>>173405
[Give Ella a mind-hug to comfort her]

(Wait, didn't Ella say she was sterile? How could she know that? o.0)
>>
No. 173407 ID: 72f172

((Ella said that the baker's wife was sterile. Ella used her blood to help create Rachel. And yes, I think you'd know if you'd never had sex before.))
>>
No. 173408 ID: 701a19

>>173406
Oh, and say "Hand Gion to Nina."
>>
No. 173409 ID: 701a19

>>173407
(Ah, my mistake. The second question was 'How does she know she's sterile if she's a virgin?', but that question is obviated now.
Oh, and I intend to give Nina a task before we leave town.)
>>
No. 173410 ID: 1ac39d

[check her 'cycle' so we know what chance an accidental sibling for rachel has of occurring.

luckily, sitting upright and riding a horse helps with this as the bouncing motion would shake some... stuff, out of 'there']
>>
No. 173426 ID: 732129

Ella, it's us, Gion. We're with you. We need you to stay calm and collected. Stay with us, don't withdraw into yourself. There are things that still need to be done, and you have to help them happen. You, and Rachel, and the princess and her maids all need to leave this village.

You'll need to change your hair color before we enter the next town. Rachel has the things for it.

Once that's done, talk to us again and we'll have other advice for you.

If you want to tell us anything, we're good at listening. If you want to ask us anything, we've got advice.

[She's in the acute stage of RTS, a type of PTSD. The best we can do for her right now is to keep an eye on her and keep her from freezing up and going hysterical. We need her mobile since we've got to run. Long-term treatment is going to involve cognitive therapy and perhaps anti-depressants.]

>>173410

[That's an old wives' tale, and very inaccurate. If she needs an abortifacient we'll be able to get one from an herbalist. If we can't there are other ways to safely deal with unwanted pregnancy. Manual Vacuum aspiration is safe for the first 12 weeks, for instance.]
>>
No. 173446 ID: 38ff05

>>173410
[Information on Ella's cycle is not forthcoming.]

>>173426
... [There seems to be no response from Ella if she's heard.]

>>173408
>"Dear? Can you hand Gion to Nina? I don't want it right now."
>"Erh... Sure, Mum... Are you sure you're okay?"
>"I'm fine. Let's just leave this place."
>>
No. 173447 ID: 38ff05

Gion. How is she? Is she okay? Nina's not here yet, but I've saddled the horses on this side and I'm checking Mum's saddling now. They seem to be fine.
>>
No. 173479 ID: 1ac39d

she is really out of it, she is absolutely not fine, but from what we know about the problem she needs super long term therapy or a memory alteration before she can be anywhere near normal again.
>>
No. 173532 ID: 1f16e5

>>173479
Oh... >_< Ugh...

Well... we need to get going, either way. Nina is here.

If you'll excuse me, I have to go and do something.
>>
No. 173550 ID: 701a19

>>173532
Hand us off to Nina. There are a few things we need her to do to cover your escape.
>>
No. 173577 ID: 1f16e5

>"Nina, take this. Keep it safe."
>"Yes, Miss Puzzle."

...eve Gion. Greet Gion. Hello Gion. I am Nina. Although the Princess is still angry with you, she has told us to assist you in your enquiries. I am yours to command for this period of time. Pause for emphasis. How can I assist you?

(...3 steps to the closest wall between stalls the horses are live but tame and will not attack stable not too tall but sturdy beams available in ceiling haystack within reach dirt on the ground available for blinding enemies...)
>>
No. 173588 ID: 701a19

>>173577
Hello, Nina.
We require you to remove any evidence that could lead to the identification of our group.

Further, you are to see to the deaths of the guards who attacked Ella Puzzle. Make it look like the guard with red hair was attacked by the other two, but inflicted fatal wounds on the both of them before dying.

Ella and Rachel are not to know of these assassinations, but you may confirm our instructions with Princess Nadia.

Do you understand the instructions I have given to you?
>>
No. 173620 ID: 1f16e5

>>173588
(...immediate movement towards inn without being seen through back entrance via window following Miss Puzzle's movements. Handsignal Daniella watch Madam Puzzle Daniella affirmative continue following)

Guards from building already removed via targeted blowdarts. Dispatchment via assassination possible but unlikely. Miss Puzzle is already enroute. Your advice conflicts with current situation. Currently following Miss Puzzle.

(Expected ETA with guards in 1 minute. Will take Miss Puzzle 2 minutes to reach guards.)
>>
No. 173639 ID: 1ac39d

observe, if she appears to just want to beat on them then stay hidden, if it looks like she is going to kill them then intervene and reveal our plot of making it look like they killed each other.
>>
No. 173656 ID: 38ff05

Place in rafters secured. Miss Puzzle eta 1 minute. Distance from guards 3 seconds. >>173639 Understood. I will hide immediately. Pull up across rafters to T-section above guards. Holding still. I have a question, Gion, why do you not want Miss Puzzle or Madam Puzzle to know of the assassination? It will clear their doubts. In fact it is my belief that Madam Puzzle should be given the right to dispatch of the wrongdoers. Please answer in your own time. Miss Puzzle has entered the room. Miss Puzzle is moving towards the guards. Miss Puzzle has lifted her sword. Interfering immediately. Drop down from rafters. Excuse for interference.

>"Miss Puzzle, please do not bloody your hands."
>"They need to die!"
>"Not in this way if you are to divert suspicion from us. We still need to have a clean escape."
>>
No. 173665 ID: 1ac39d

>>173656
i dunno, i agree with you, but one of the other guys in here wanted it that way so i was just going along with it. too late for that now, inform her of how the idea is to arrange them so it looks like killed eachother.
>>
No. 173673 ID: 701a19

>>173656
The three guards involved are harmful to the kingdom, and must be removed.
Further, their actions confirmed that they have paid close attention to our group, and as such it would be prudent for them to not be able to report this information.
We have placed this task on you because the first kill of a human being is often traumatic for those who are not properly trained for it, and being an act of vengeance would compound the effect. Ella is not capable of dispatching her attackers, and Rachel needs to keep as clear a head as possible.

Staging it as a 2v1 murder takes some suspicion away from our group. Less ideally you could hide the bodies where they would never be found, but that would require time which is not available.
>>
No. 173674 ID: 1ac39d

>>173673
the question wasn't 'why do you want them killed?', it was 'why can't the Puzzles know about it?'
>>
No. 173676 ID: 701a19

>>173674
Because they can be told, but not un-told.
>>
No. 173677 ID: 38ff05

Understood. I merely wished to know your thoughts. Miss Puzzle has moved her sword once again. I have diverted the blow >>173665 Miss Puzzle is enraged and not in her right mind.

>"Get out of my way!"
>"No. We must make it look innocuous. If you are to kill them, you must use this man's sword to make a blow here, cutting diagonally. And this sword here to make a stab wound here."
*Metal on metal sounds*

Miss Puzzle is not moving. Entering inn room to remove remaining body. Body is still warm. Hair is brown. He was not among the two that attacked Madam Puzzle but is still responsible. Miss Puzzle is not moving to dispatch either guard. Dagger taken from boot, stab wound made. Clamp hand down on mouth. Twist dagger. Keep hand on mouth. Miss Puzzle has turned away. I have assessed her unable to continue.

>"Please leave, Miss Puzzle. If you leave, you can say you saw nothing."
>>
No. 173682 ID: 701a19

>>173677
Hand us back to Miss Puzzle before she leaves. You know your tasks.
>>
No. 173686 ID: 38ff05

Guard one dispatched. Two remaining. >>173682
Understood. Step to Miss Puzzle.

>"Miss Puzzle before you leave..."
>"I am not leaving. I... I have to do this."
>"In your state, you are unable to and time is short."
>"No."
>"They wish to speak to you."
>"I don't want to talk to them."
>"Please."

Put gem into Miss Puzzle's hands. Close fingers over...
>>
No. 173687 ID: 38ff05

...oh gods... his eyes...
>>
No. 173693 ID: 1ac39d

watching someone die is never easy, being the cause of it is even harder. right now you need to take care of your mother and having you cope with the guilt of killing while trying to do that is likely impossible.
>>
No. 173707 ID: 38ff05
File 127306009610.jpg - (23.31KB , 640x480 , 127296120278.jpg )
173707

I... I have to, for Mum...

>>173693
>"Miss Puzzle, you are unaccustomed to killing someone in cold blood. Leave now and forget what you saw."
>"I..."
>"Leave, Miss Puzzle. You cannot see this."

Well, if you think it'll help Mum better.

>"Fine, you deal with it, Nina... I don't... I don't want to see them again."
>"You will never see them again."

*Running*

Ugh... I understand why you said what you said... but I still don't feel good about it. Mum deserves a daughter who can take revenge for her.

Gods, I'm crying. Why the hell am I crying?! Nothing happened to me! Have to get back... Have to get out of here.
>>
No. 173708 ID: 701a19

>>173693
I wanted Nina to do this surreptitiously; you don't have the stomach for things like this, and we need you to have a clear head right now.

That's not an insult or dismissal; you're a kind soul, Rachel, and that is something very much worthy of protection. We didn't want you to even know of our actions, because we knew it would shake you to your core.

Walk away from this, Rachel. Your mother needs you by her side now, and this isn't something you should be party to.
There are monsters in this world, Rachel; those who would do such horrible things to innocents, and those who would do such horrible things to protect innocents. We take the sins of what needs to be done upon ourselves so you can remain pure.

Please, I implore you, return to your mother's side.
>>
No. 173711 ID: 38ff05
File 12730609989.jpg - (25.60KB , 640x480 , 127296340585.jpg )
173711

>>173708
Mum... I know.

*Snffffff*

Okay.

>"Mum, you... look... let me help you onto your horse."
>"I can get on just fine, dear."
>"Just this once, okay? We'll ride out of here first, then we'll dye your hair."
>"I don't need to dye my hair."
>"Please Mum, just get on Edel."
>"Of course."

*Whinnying*
>>
No. 173716 ID: 701a19

>>173711
Alright. Lets go. Nina can catch up.
>>
No. 173997 ID: 1f16e5
File 127311663618.jpg - (51.65KB , 640x480 , 12727982196.jpg )
173997

Okay, I've thrown a cloak and some bandages on Mum so she looks a bit like a plague victim - that should keep the guards off our backs for now. I don't think she's in any condition to steer, so I'm holding her reins.

>>173716
>"Daniella, we are going towards the forest. Can Nina find us in there."
>"Yes."
>"Leave her a message just in case."
>"As you wish."
>"Princess, are you ready to go?"
>"*Nod*"
>>
No. 173999 ID: 1ac39d

we may need a distraction too. tell Daniella to hang back and prepare to create a distraction if any guards try to stop us.
>>
No. 174003 ID: 1f16e5
File 127311820628.jpg - (59.84KB , 640x480 , Daniella\'s diversion.jpg )
174003

>>173999
Good idea.

>"Daniella. Make a diversion for us to escape."
>"Er... Okay... >_>"

We've moved behind the inn... the forest isn't too far from here. Daniella is trailing behind.

>"Excuse me, Mr Guard?"
>"Yes?"
>"Please stand back..."

*Sounds of fire*

Oh. Wow.
>>
No. 174051 ID: 3ad92e
File 12731461293.jpg - (15.07KB , 640x480 , Camp.jpg )
174051

Hey Gion... Sorry we got cut off... I couldn't hold you and steer for both Mum and myself at the same time.

We're somewhere in Carta forest, but I don't know exactly where. We set up camp here and the horses are tied to a few trees.

Daniella managed to hold off the guards for some time with her firesticks. She nearly got surrounded, she said, but Nina came and drove the rest of the guards off. They caught up to us just after we entered the forest.

Mum's sitting on the other side of the tent. She hasn't said anything to anyone since we got here, but I gave her some food. She said she wanted to be left alone.

Nina is sitting against a tree. I think she wants to be left alone too. She's playing with a knife. At least, I think it's playing.

I thought since we stopped, I could take the time to make the brooch setting for you. I don't think that anyone would follow us here.

Nadia says she thinks that the city watch was alerted because of us - or at least Daniella translated that as what she said. I'm... not so sure about that.

I'm tired. I don't know what to do. We're all tired... and I'm scared.
>>
No. 174052 ID: 701a19

>>174051
Don't worry, we'll be fine.
Now that you've created a disturbance we have a few options.
The first is that you continue along a straight line away from the castle until you reach another town, then create a disturbance there before heading off on a wildly divergent course. Hopefully, this would cause the high prince to deploy forces along that route, leaving fewer of his agents elsewhere.
The alternative is to melt away - stay away from towns, sleep only in secluded areas, don't have campfires. Send the maids off to get supplies when you have to pass close to a town, but have them change their hair color and clothing each time so guards couldn't recognize them. Stress the importance of them acting perfunctorily on their outings. Naturally, you would still be deviating from your previous course.

Spend some quality time with Nadia. The more time you invest in bonding with her, the more convincing your sister act will be.

Oh, and hand us to her. We'll snag a bit more understanding of her sign language for her.

[Grab some of Rachel's understanding of the commoner way of life]
>>
No. 174054 ID: 1ac39d

first, give your mom a hug and tell her you love her. i don't care if she already knows, tell her. then you can leave her alone for a little.
>>
No. 174242 ID: 1f16e5
File 127319521574.jpg - (27.69KB , 640x480 , 12731461293.jpg )
174242

*Metal sounds*
Just a moment, let me set you in here...

*Twang*

>>174054
*Shuffling sounds*

>"Mum?"
>"Yes, dear?"
*Rustling*
>"What's all this about?"
>"I love you, Mum. I really do."
>"I love you too, honey."

>>174052
We really should come up with a better name for the Princess. A blonde-haired, blue-eyed lady named Nadia is sure to arouse suspicions.

[Data on commoner living acquired! There seems to be twice as much data acquired than previously.]

I don't know what we should be doing, but I'll think about it. To be honest, I'm not keen on spending the rest of my life in hiding.

>"Your Highness, please take this."
>"No."
>"They insist and have important information for you."
>"*Siiiighs* Very well."
>>
No. 174363 ID: 1f16e5

What do you want?
>>
No. 174372 ID: 1ac39d

first, brace for a headache.
[upload commoner knowledge and download sign language.]
second, if you tell us EXACTLY why your brother has to wait until he is 21 to become king then at least 'I' PROMISE to assist you in getting him there regardless of what it was, even if the others voices think it's a bad idea.
>>
No. 174399 ID: 701a19

>>174363
Sorry about before; some of us are jerks, and even more have no sense of tact.
We do have your best interests at heart, although our methods are often crude or cruel.
>>
No. 174717 ID: e44fad

>>174372
*Rurrrgh* @_@

>"Madam Puzzle, I wish to talk to you about something..."
*Muffled discussion*

>>174399
Apology accepted.

*Siiiiighs* If you must know, my brother did nothing wrong. My uncle merely argued to the council that he needed more experience and guidance before the coronation. I was not at the council meeting - I was...distracted.

>"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! GET AWAY FROM ME!"
>"... but..."
>"GET AWAY!"
>"Please consider my offer."
>>
No. 174738 ID: 1ac39d

>>174717
oh great, what was that about? from how load she yelled i think someone just said something really stupid to her.
>>
No. 174739 ID: 1ac39d

>>174738
addendum: don't check with Ella, check with whoever it was that talked to her. want to know what happened before we approach her.
>>
No. 174767 ID: e44fad

[Sign language uploaded]
>>174739
>>174738
The person who spoke was Nina. I do not think it prudent to approach her now. She has disappeared into the forest.

*Exhalation*
>>
No. 174772 ID: 1ac39d

*sigh*, i guess you have to give us to her, don't like going in blind (no offense) but that sounded important.
>>
No. 174781 ID: e44fad

>>174772
I would gladly give you to Nina. She is not responding to my signals. She must not be in the vicinity. I am tired. Daniella will watch over Madam Puzzle tonight. I will return you to Miss Puzzle henceforth.

>"*I return this to you*"
>"Oh. Thanks. *Yaaawn*"
>>
No. 174805 ID: 1ac39d

wait no i meant-!

oh, hi rachel. i was trying to say give us to your mom but i used the word 'her' and she got which of you girls i was talking about. want to figure out what nina said to her that made her throw a fit, need to get the situation stabilized before sleeping. cause during sleep is when short term memory is turned into long term so going to sleep angry will be REALLY bad for her.
>>
No. 174836 ID: 701a19

>>174781
[Upload sign language]
What was that about? Who made an inappropriate offer to who?
>>
No. 174851 ID: e44fad
File 127329499693.jpg - (16.23KB , 640x480 , 127319521574.jpg )
174851

>>174836
Hi... Gi-gaaaaah~! Owww. @_@

>>174805
Er... Well, Mum's staring at the fire and... well, I'm not sure it's a good idea to bother her.

Nina took her aside just now to discuss something and Mum told her she was sick. I don't know what they discussed, though.

I'm not sure if Mum's in any condition to talk to you. She seems oddly calm now that she's talked to Nina, though.
>>
No. 174854 ID: 701a19

>>174851
I could hazard a guess at what they spoke of, but it's not something you want to think about.
Not that it's bad, just that you wouldn't want to think about it.
>>
No. 174884 ID: 1ac39d

>>174854
could you enlighten the rest of us onto what you think it is? really seven, you need to tell the rest of us these plans you keep having cause otherwise one of us could screw it up by you not being here and us telling them to do something else
>>
No. 174889 ID: 701a19

>>174884
Crude forms of birth control. Judging by the response, Nina suggested scraping it out. Not very effective, but technically better than nothing.
It's not something bad, but it's certainly something Rachel doesn't want to think about. We really don't want her to dwell on what happened, since we need her to keep her emotions under control.

>>
No. 174894 ID: 1ac39d

>>174889
okay, thanks. makes sense.

well the key point is to make sure her memory of this day isn't remembered as worse then it really was. so if she is calm then she MAY be alright, but she could just look calm on the surface and be feeling horrible underneath. so maybe just tell her 'gion says falling asleep while feeling strong negative emotions will color your memories and make everything seem worse.'
>>
No. 174896 ID: 1ac39d

>>174894
obviously say it with more tact then that, but i'm not a professional at this.

oh, and add that you and us are open to anything she wants to say. she could just scream cursewords at us for an hour or something, may help her get out something bad.
>>
No. 174905 ID: 701a19

>>174896
Tonight you're going to want to snuggle up with her while she sleeps. A comforting presence will do her a lot of good.
Fair warning, she'll probably thrash around a bit and you'll need to gently get her to calm back down. Keep your nose to the side of her head so she can't headbash it.
>>
No. 174906 ID: e44fad
File 127330164366.jpg - (16.90KB , 640x480 , dye.jpg )
174906

>>174854
No, I'll ask her myself. I don't want to get worked up over a speculation that could be wrong.

>"Hey Mum?"
>"Yes, dear?"
>"What was that you and Nina talked about...?"
>"Oh, are these the herbs for the hair dye? I'd better get started on making some."
>"...did Nina say something to upset you?"
>"Oh, look at the time. You'd better get some sleep, honey. I'll be fine, I can do this by myself."
>"I... er..."

She's totally ignoring me...
>>
No. 174909 ID: 1ac39d

forget about that and say 'no, you need help with the back, you can't see it so you could miss some.'
>>
No. 174938 ID: 701a19

>>174906
Gah! No! Don't talk about it to her! She's not ready to think about it yet!
If you must know, then wait for Nina to come back and ask her!

You should spend some time hanging out on IRC, Selphie. Would be fun.
>>
No. 174969 ID: e44fad
File 127331926752.jpg - (16.91KB , 640x480 , 127330164366.jpg )
174969

>>174938
Well... why didn't you say so earlier! Anyway, it's too late now so I'm just going to run with what I've got.

>>174909
>"You'll need help with the back, Mum."
>"No, I've got this... Just... go to bed. Please. I've got this, okay?"
>"I'll... sit up and wait with you."

Hey, Gion... I think... well, your advice is pretty good and all, but uhm... I'd like some time in my head to sort some of this out... You don't mind, do you? I mean... I just... need some time to spend with Mum.
>>
No. 174970 ID: 5d23b7

k.
Hand us off to danielle.
>>
No. 174977 ID: 1ac39d

yeah, last person to talk to tonight.
>>
No. 174981 ID: e44fad

>>174970
>>174977
All right...

>"Danielle, please take this."
>"Very well, Miss Puzzle..."
>"So, Mum..."
>>
No. 174982 ID: e44fad

[Danielle's mind is either very quiet, or simply blank.]
>>
No. 174984 ID: 1ac39d

well then, do you happen to know what Nina asked Ella? want to know since it made Ella yell and keeping a rape victim stable for the first few days is important.
>>
No. 174985 ID: e44fad

*Soft music plays*

>>174984
Ah? Oh. Hm. Nina? Madam Puzzle? Ah. Well.

Maybe she offered Madam Puzzle a position with the sisterhood?
>>
No. 174986 ID: 1ac39d

>>174985
were you just asleep? i highly doubt Ella would say:
>"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! GET AWAY FROM ME!"
to an offer to join your group.

sorry for asking questions you don't know the answer to.
>>
No. 174987 ID: e44fad

>>174986
I was awake, but... I just don't know how Madam Puzzle would act, given her current condition. She might have felt insulted?
>>
No. 174988 ID: 1ac39d

hmmm, guess only person we can ask are Nina and Ella. and i would much rather ask Nina but she seems to not want to talk right now.

*sigh* so, anything you want to talk about?
>>
No. 174992 ID: e44fad

Me? Talk about something? Uhm... The weather is fine this evening. I am watching Madam Puzzle?
>>
No. 174994 ID: d5c544

>>174992
Would you please ask Nina what she asked Ella?
Also your mind seems almost blank, while Nina's is constantly going over tactical information. Why is that?

Also do you know how to keep Ella from getting preggers from her rape?
>>
No. 174996 ID: 1ac39d

>>174994
you could have asked with a bit more tact. but yeah.
>>
No. 175121 ID: e44fad

>>174994
>>174996
Sure. I will when she returns.

Oh. Er. Well. See. I don't think a lot. I just do.

Isn't that up to Madam Puzzle?

*Soft music*
>>
No. 175124 ID: 1ac39d

where is that music coming from?
>>
No. 175131 ID: e44fad

>>175124
My head?
>>
No. 175141 ID: 1ac39d

huh, that means you think in music instead of words. would make practically immune to mind readers.
>>
No. 175146 ID: e44fad

>>175141
I never thought about it. I guess you're right?

*Dischord* The smell from Madam Puzzle's cooking pot really isn't very good.
>>
No. 175152 ID: 1ac39d

it probably tastes bad too, but it is also more then likely REALLY healthy. it's funny how that works. healthy things usually taste bad.
>>
No. 175194 ID: e44fad
File 127336594993.jpg - (11.50KB , 640x480 , Ends.jpg )
175194

>>175152
Healthy things taste bad?

*Shuffling noises*

>"So, Mum... are you... Hey?! What are you...?!"
>"Don't eat that!"

*DISCHORD!!!!!!*
>"PLeagh... ugh... yerrch..."
>"Uh... Daniella, that's hair dye."

*Clatter*

>"It's okay... it's mostly not poisonous."

*DISCHORD! Shuffling noises.*

>"Blearrrgh... Uggh.. aAaahhglllfrhh..."

[No, Daniella is not very smart. Not at all.]
>>
No. 175195 ID: 1ac39d

.... normally you don't just jump in and grab some, should ask the person cooking if you could have some. the good news is; doing something really silly probably cheered Ella up a little.
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