Whatever you do, don't do anything that will get you associated with this man! The trouble you're in now is much less than what you might get into if his pursuers think you're with him.

>>301504
He's running, you're running, you can get past each others pursuers but they won't get through each other. Best thing to do is just get up and get running, perhaps a quick quip about enjoying the chase or something.

Ignore the jewels, it won't help matters to mess with them.

Hmm, a jewel thief wanted by Sperenze.... Well, they say your enemy's enemy is your friend, so let's greet our new friend by promptly getting the heck out of there. If you have time, you might want to scoop up some of the gems at your feet and throw them at the kobolds with the hope of distracting them with shinies. However, I think it's a bit too risky to attempt to flee through the group of guards(?) chasing this other guy and hoping they have no interest in you. Instead, hope for another alternative... see if there's a third path, or a house you can jump up onto that seems like it might support your weight.

Tell him to watch out for the lion, and then go your own way.

August. 2011/05/10(Tue)22:39 No. 303272 ID: 544dd4
File 130509237185.png - (301.83KB , 800x489 , 475.png )

"Hi."
"Oh, I say, watch out for the lion!"
"Bye."

August. 2011/05/10(Tue)22:40 No. 303273 ID: 544dd4
File 130509241111.png - (298.70KB , 800x489 , 476.png )

Yes, I think I should probably just mind my own buisness, just keep moving. Just ignore me, not important.

>>303275
Cue yakkity sax.

 

They're in hot pursuit of the thief, coast looks clear.

So yeah, it looks like the kobolds followed you in, and we can't see what's going on.

Try to exit? Maybe you can lead the kobolds into the place the other dudes are messing around in, and get them all tangled up with eachother.

August 2011/05/11(Wed)22:49 No. 303608 ID: 544dd4
File 130517939036.png - (83.71KB , 473x400 , 483.png )

Okay, I think we are done with that foolishness. Although, that 'is' a catchy tune... perhaps too catchy.

Dun dun da dun dun, da dun dun da dun dun da~" oooor somehting like that, anyhow.
Still kobolds have such short little legs it's a wonder they managed to keep up for so long. I felt I would collapse if they kept me running mu-
"So-"

August 2011/05/11(Wed)22:54 No. 303609 ID: 544dd4
File 130517966305.png - (141.39KB , 800x400 , 484.png )

"You tink dis looks like garnet, or spinel to hew?"

"Excuse me?"

"See, I'd guess a spinal buuuut hew see is not sure dey come in green. Ehh?"

>>303609
He's asking you to help him identify his purloined jewelry. Might as well give him some assistance there, he might be able to lend you a hand some other way.

>>303609
Well, you could test the hardness, but it's really hard without a variety of materials to narrow it down. Besides, even then they overlap a great deal. Call it an emerald and start sneaking out of there.

>>303272
>>303273
>>303274
>>303275
>>303283
>>303603
>>303604
>>303605
>>303606
Glorious, simply glorious.


Use your superior jewelry appraisal skills to help him out.

>>303609

We'd need a good microscope to know for sure, but a specific gravity test could tell between them too. Just eyeballing it is chancy.

he is asking an opinion not a perfect guess.

Ask who the fellow is. Where'd he get all those jewels?

Tell him to speak proper English (or whatever you call your language) and then blame all your problems on him. One of those "I had everything in hand until you brought down the entire house guard into the situation!" type things

>>303843
August is far too classy a fellow to act like that.

August 2011/05/14(Sat)11:06 No. 304205 ID: 544dd4
File 130539641938.png - (143.08KB , 800x400 , 485.png )

"Well, That could require a few tests, those minerals both cover a wide range of hues and I don't happen to wander around with a jeweler's lens on me at all times. However I was wonder where exactly you aqu-"

He merely chuckles carelessly and tosses the stone in the sack.
"Ahaaa well, should have really been expecting hew to be taking the question seriously ehh? Augoust de Sauterelle.~"

Hearing my name and family so familiarly roll of his tongue sends a cautious chill through me. I reach carefully for the Phoenix Egg and feel it pulse warmly in response beneath my fingertips.
"...and how is it you come to be so familiar with me when I cannot seem to recall our being introduced?"

Perhaps he has stolen from your family before?

Also, be wary. Criminal people arn't well known for being trustworthy.

August 2011/05/14(Sat)11:15 No. 304207 ID: 544dd4
File 130539690010.png - (172.86KB , 800x600 , 486.png )

"Ahah vell den, allow me more properly to introduce mienself. I am, Larcen de Scarlett, and I am the kind of man who is known, for knowing. In more ways than one perhaps, if you are catching our meaning?"

He shoot a familiar grin at me as he begins to descend the stairs.
>>303843
Lingua, we speak Lingia, albeit I can decipher a bit of English given the time and concentration, and he has an unmistakable Northcoast accent.

>>304207
"No, I don't know what you mean."

...Does that mean he is a mage?

>>304210
He means knowing in the Biblical sense, I believe. He's a gigolo thief

August 2011/05/14(Sat)11:25 No. 304216 ID: 544dd4
File 130539755516.png - (60.15KB , 444x400 , 487.png )

"L-larcen de Scarlett?"
>>304206
He may well have said he was Saint Williams of the Iron Fist. Larcen de Scarlett, a robber, highwayman, privateer, burglar without compare...

He has ventured ancient temples of serpent men from the farthest south, delved into the darkest ruins, fought goblin, fae, and tyrant alike. He sailed to seek the Throne of Sunset upon the farthest shattered shore, tricked Triscalion the Law from his treasure, then gave it away... sought the Grail Sanguine on the Ashwalk Crusade... and some say... he found it.

He legend was already long when my grandfather was short.

August 2011/05/14(Sat)11:31 No. 304220 ID: 544dd4
File 130539786578.png - (124.79KB , 800x600 , 488.png )

>>304213
...and he has been known to make off with softer treasures than the purest gold.

"Yes, is what I said. Now den, hew coming or just waiting to meet dat lion were speaking of?"

This doesn't make sense, somehow I remember him. His accent, his scent, something about him is too familiar for this.

>>304220
Clearly he was who the border guards were looking for when they asked you to say 'Transiktien'.
Strange though; what is a seemingly immortal thief and adventurer doing here?

>>304220
Probably because you HAVE met him before, and he's using something to mask his scent. Assuming it IS a him.
Lets play nice and assume the name isn't a lie made up by a street crook. Ask him how long it's been since his mentor retired. Couldn't be very long, since identifying valuables is a vital skill that would be developed VERY quickly - as is not getting caught.

"Interesting. How long has it been since you took up the mantle?
Oh, don't worry, I'll keep your name secret."

>>304220
Maybe you've seen him sometime when he was disguised for whatever reason. But who cares really? He seems like best kind of trouble to hang out with, so get going already. You can talk on the way about whatever known knowings he knows that you wish to know.

>>304220
Perhaps becoming a legend has made it so -everyone- knows him, at least once he's introduced himself. Perhaps magic in his name?

Or he could genuinely be the man he claims to b. That biostasis chamber we saw earlier hints that there was much better medical technology available once. He could have undergone a longevity treatment, mundane or magical. Or perhaps he uses the trick of just skipping over long periods of time in cryostasis and surfacing periodically to check on things.

A man does not become a living legend without reason; his may be paternalism toward your species.

August 2011/05/16(Mon)22:23 No. 304751 ID: 544dd4
File 130560981130.png - (156.44KB , 800x600 , 489.png )

>>304256 >>304235
Indeed, He could be immortal or even magical...
However...
>>304222
Given the evidence, that is exceedingly unlikely.

"Tell me then 'Sir Scarlett', has it been long since you took up the mantle? No fear, I'll keep the name a secret, but clean getaways and the analysis of treasure seems a skill one would pick up after... all those years hmmm?"

August 2011/05/16(Mon)22:29 No. 304753 ID: 544dd4
File 130561018511.png - (151.73KB , 685x357 , 490.png )

"Ahhhh Augoust~ Should have known could not be pulling wool over your eyes. H'was always good student at academy, so perceptive, always watching. Hew remember us yes? Hew remember-"

August 2011/05/16(Mon)22:37 No. 304756 ID: 544dd4
File 130561064365.png - (218.13KB , 685x357 , 491.png )

"-the day we met, hew almost had one of doz fits, attack panics? Yes? Was first day of academy, was afraid you might go all strange on us."

August 2011/05/16(Mon)23:10 No. 304761 ID: 544dd4
File 130561264380.png - (151.10KB , 685x357 , 492.png )

"Dessil Pasvert"
"No longer, now, Larcen de Scarlett.
"You were one of my roommates for years, but..."
"Come, must be leaving dis place. Had no further plans here did hew? Needing to get someting, perhaps know a way out?"

>>304761
Ask him if he has rope. If you both have rope... Combine!

>>304765
Then climb down the wall again.

You could try the front entrance. You'd be amazed at what you can get away with if you just look like you're supposed to be there.

Okay so you know this guy. Well WE don't, so do a quick mental rundown of all you know about him and your experienced together. It'll better help us help you in regard to him. Also, you'll clearly want to do a bit of catching up with him later to find out why he's impersonating a legendary criminal or whatever. But for the moment... >>304766
I'm not entirely sure, but I figure that the first 'wall' August climbed down was from the carrier's 'tower' down to the main deck, where they are now and where the kobolds seem to have erected a village. Getting down the side of the carrier to the actual ground, however, would be a much bigger 'cliff'... and pretty much impossible, meaning that they'll probably have to find some other way down. But, wait, aircraft carriers don't typically have tunnels running all the way to their bases, do they? Which means the Verhimen and kobolds must have made their own, internally or externally. Sadly we were unconscious on our way in, so we don't know... Ask your friend.

You don't need to damage the structural integrity of the vessel to have regular traffic. Scaffolding would work fine for normal traffic, and heavy loads could be moved using cranes. Nets hung over the sides could work for individuals.

This isn't really a dedicated aircraft carrier though, is it? I mean it doesn't have a launcher or much space for hangers. It's more like a late-period battleship with capacity for a couple of scout planes (probably for U-boat spotting duty). I wonder just how big the guns on this thing are?

August 2011/05/18(Wed)22:53 No. 305195 ID: 544dd4
File 130578441851.png - (193.35KB , 800x600 , 493.png )

Seems he doesn't have any rope with him. No matter, innumerable poorly lit passages, ducts and pipes lead up and down through the body of the warship-come-fortress. Significant scaffolding, and re-engineering has been done in so many ways over the years that I very truly doubt the vessel would hold together in water, much less float.

"-even listening to us?"
"Yes Dess-
"Larcen."
"-Larcen, yes. But you aren't planning on, killing anyone are you? Me and mine have dealings with them and-
"Vhat, now, here? Und tarnish good image? Is so hard playing bandit but hew try being volk hero, always cleaning our image, keeping a pulse on de peoples. De like a liddle blud, but not too much see? Styling for keeping de dagger wet und de blade dry ehh?"
"So those two guards?"
"Distract dem can you?"

>>305195
You still have those firecrackers, right? Tossing them somewhere to lure the guards away should work fine.

What exactly are they guarding? Do you even have to go this way? Regardless, a bit of truth might be the best distraction. They're not after you, right? So run up to them out of breath and tell them that you've seen the legendary thief Larcen making off with a bag of jewels and then point them off on a false trail.

>>305304
that's an INTAKE door. they are guarding from people coming down the hall to our location. meaning we are already behind them.

>>304761
Not only that, but I think he liiiiiikes you~

August 2011/05/20(Fri)22:32 No. 305617 ID: 544dd4
File 130595595514.png - (211.61KB , 677x600 , 494.png )

"-Yeah, we been 'lerted tah keep 'n eye out fer a fella matchen sucha description."
"Oi Kellos m' thinken we should ring this in eh?"
"I just saw him, if you hurry I'm sure-"
"Ain't getten no prizes fer seein things so we gotta ring it in, 'es a oily bastard sir n' w-

August 2011/05/20(Fri)22:36 No. 305620 ID: 544dd4
File 130595620121.png - (234.79KB , 677x600 , 495.png )

'Ouf! Mgghghurrhghmmmm'

"Treason!"

"Technically not treason, you see as I'm not actually a citizen and merely a visitor this falls under...

"Auggle! Be useful.

pull the switch on the wall to kill the lights.

>>305620
Look out, incoming 'bold. Knocking out the lights would work well but be wary of that spear!

>>305620
That is a manly looking bold. Close your eyes, wait a few seconds for everyone to adjust, then turn them on again.

Even assuming the switch is the on/off for the lights, he'd be turning his back on the armed guard to flip it, unless he groped for it without looking. While I'm generally loath to take a direct approach, considering your proximity to the guard and his primary weapon being a spear, perhaps merely grabbing at it and grappling with him for a time will distract him enough for your friend to complete his SNEAK ATTACK and then help you finish yours.

Oh for heavens sake just punch the fools already.

Yeah, you look close enough to just grab his spear. I don't see any short sword or dagger on him, but he might have a dagger hidden somewhere, so keep an eye out for that.

August 2011/05/22(Sun)21:51 No. 306125 ID: 544dd4
File 130612631549.png - (275.64KB , 850x600 , 496.png )

For a moment, a dangerous moment I am caught in indecision. The guard shifts his attention between me and his entangled friend. If he were to go on the offensive, or reach the intercom, looks a 'lot' stronger than me, light-switch would grant me an advantage, hat shades my eyes, the helmet does not, but his spear grants him reach, does he have a dagger? But if, if I was to step and turn, no...

My tail it prehensile.

I multitask.

August 2011/05/22(Sun)22:05 No. 306129 ID: 544dd4
File 130612714112.png - (61.93KB , 850x600 , 497.png )

He attempts to wrest the spear back, away from my hand, I feel his thick, muscular tail lash at my face, seeking the neck to choke me. I am not strong enough to hold back his fist, but I hold onto the spear regardless, knowing the bladed end must stay pointed away.

I feel the guard's fingers go slack, his breath labored, and hear Dessil, whispering.

"No, no do not struggle, vhat profit is dis. None, just be relaxing... be sleeping... what harm can come, none. Vill not hurt hew hwe promise. Juzt a moment, no shame in slumbers, yes?"

August 2011/05/22(Sun)22:11 No. 306132 ID: 544dd4
File 130612751465.png - (314.26KB , 850x600 , 498.png )

Dessil instructs me to bind and gag the guards quickly, as they will not stay unconscious for long.

I wince as the lights snap on again, and hear a kind of muffled thud followed by the sound of another, smaller body hitting the floor.

"..and be tossing me sum small bit of rope for dis one yes? Also, hew have a horse, go get it, I'll take care of dem now, we'z gotta plan."

okay nice, tie em all up and let's blow this joint.

Sounds like a plan. Hand over the rope, and let's get to the stables.

...ask what the plan is though. Where should we meet up?

Suggestion 2011/05/23(Mon)11:35 No. 306230 ID: 0d7a83
File 130617570672.jpg - (46.55KB , 508x690 , zorro.jpg )

Whistle for your horse, then jump on it, Zorro style.

Since its not actually your horse (borrowed), it is probably not well trained enough to do fancy stuff like the whistle thing.

Can the horse fit in these hallways?

August 2011/05/24(Tue)22:48 No. 306570 ID: 544dd4
File 130630252252.png - (196.51KB , 711x444 , 499.png )

"Okay, I've got the... why are you?"
"Disguise, most important part of being clever, hew knowing de story how King Adejand outsmarts dragon using broken mop, butterknife, and damp sponge?"
"I... no. I don't."
"Course, making up a quick story is actual 'most' important part, but de right threads help too. Now hitch my bird to your pack, taking off dat hat und cape, annd we go."

August 2011/05/24(Tue)22:59 No. 306572 ID: 544dd4
File 130630313977.png - (268.54KB , 850x410 , 500.png )

"Well, fella's whater yew two types goin bout fer."
"Wer-"
"I was but thinking good sir, milady has ridden out to find bandits. Upon finishing such exertion, she may find herself in the need of relief of her burdens and aches. A task of succor I find myself obliged to return having been rendered in kind."
"I... what? Oh, oh yerh 'that' fella. Yeah. Damn boy yer whipped fast. Yeah, mmmm, she went erh out that way yonder."

August 2011/05/24(Tue)23:10 No. 306577 ID: 544dd4
File 130630382262.png - (406.27KB , 850x600 , 501.png )

We make our way out through the fields, gradually losing sight of the massive bulk of the fortress through low hills and fog, to finally make our way to a forest backpath. After a bit Dessil-erh- Larcen looks about, backtracking a bit carefully, and listening closely to the wind before mounting up and declaring his victory.

"Success!"
"Viva Excelsior"

Now, then, what now?
"Also, vhat vas dis ting about 'miladly' story, where hew getting dat kind of cleverness ehh?"

the best kind of lie, one that is entirely true.

Just wink at him and tell him obscurely that people are most likely to believe what they want to hear and what best fits their own personal paradigms. Best to make him think that you might be a better Larcen than even he is. And you wouldn't have a ridiculous accent either. Also, you still haven't given us a decent background history of what you know of this guy and your 'experiences' together.

"It was less and more than you might expect, and done only out of pure necessity I assure you. Of course if I had a mind to..."

Might be nothing, but it looks like there's something looking out of the bottom of that bush to your right.

> bottom of that bush to your right.
Looks like that may be the frog we were looking for.

August 2011/05/26(Thu)21:51 No. 307057 ID: 544dd4
File 130647187922.png - (379.72KB , 850x600 , 502.png )

"It was, well you see it was one of the best sort of lies."
"Hew mean?"
"Yes, that sort which are primarily true."
"Aaaah Augoust~ Hew must tell me, what is she looking like, smelling, tasting even? I knew hew would come into yerh own some day haha! Didn't presume doe dat hew would be getting a taste for dem lowlanden type girlies. Is very, down to earth, how hew say, primal an-
"It is... a bit more complicated than that I assure you."

August 2011/05/26(Thu)22:05 No. 307064 ID: 544dd4
File 130647274869.png - (353.00KB , 850x600 , 503.png )

"What are you doing over der anyhow, is starting to get damp und probably vill rain soon.
"Gotcha, Done! Nevermind me, just, had to get something."
"Ah, well, I see den. Hew still have dat old family crazyness anyhow. Anyhow, should probably be splitting up so are harder to find, buuut if hew want to am having a camp a ways from here. If you've nowhere to be, is sure de boyz vill not mind an extra fellow wiff de loot is bringing in tonight."

Hmmm, should we take him up on that offer? I could probably get home before night if I ride soon, might even beat the rain if I make it to the highlands, but it would be a good chance to catch up with an old friend.

We shared a room together for a few years at the Owensdale Academy for Young Gentlemen. He was the only son of a rather successful brewer from northcoast, he had to withdraw though the last two years due to financial problems at home. I think there were some Sea People raids followed by a nasty crop plague that year, was never clear on the details there.

He's right that splitting up would be the best option. Make plans to meet him at a later date instead.

urg, its tempting to go with him; who knows who he's got back at his camp, but it's risky. besides its not like you need a share of the loot. I think it would probably be better to decide on a date for a proper reunion, if his... schedule permits it.

>>307064
Well, you haven't found the flower yet. You could go with him and get one of them to find it... But it's smarter to split while the splittings good and look for the flower on the way.

>>307057
Scratch that, you have no idea what the flower actually looks like, do you? Go with him, get someone to grab a few samples of both, then hire them as an escort, maybe.

>>307064
If you delay, there may be trouble waiting on the border tomorrow.
However.. your friend is a roving, dashing rogue now. It could be a long time before you meet again.

Also, that's not one of those frogs that has hallucinogenic-laced skin or sprays poison blood from its eyes is it?

Then again considering the other fantastic creatures you've come across I suppose those could be safer options. It could be a baby gigantoad or something that grows to the size of a carriage.

>>307067
I'm going to second this.

I vote for going with him, or at least rendezvousing at his camp. It might be good to get some clout with the underworld, as it were, and your family may actually approve of your becoming something of a benefactor to a group of villains who are being a thorn in the side of their political rivals.

August 2011/05/29(Sun)23:23 No. 307784 ID: 544dd4
File 130673663575.png - (297.65KB , 642x519 , 504.png )

"Mmm I should probably be headed home, my family likely didn't expect me out so long nor far. Perhaps we could arrange a later, safer meeting? Besides, if I try and cross the boarder tomorrow, there could be trouble. Women trouble."
"Ahahaha dat's mah Auguost! Hew and me, like brothers yes? Me, I am de big brother, and hew, hew are like little brother never had. Yes, yes we must surely meet later. Perhaps go out on de town, two fine scary sexy fellows like us, I wiff dese rugged good looks and muscle tone, hew wiff dose fine features and clever tricks, make all da ladies scream and tremble we will!"

We walk a bit further along the common path, say our goodbyes and take our separate ways.

August 2011/05/29(Sun)23:31 No. 307787 ID: 544dd4
File 130673709821.png - (197.14KB , 748x425 , 505.png )

The rain begins to drizzle over the lowlands for the rest of the afternoon like a gravy boat held by a harrowed kobold, which is to say, it intermittently dumps heavy droplets all over the landscape at the slightest provocation or excuse.

The worst bit was perhaps the ascent from the bottom of the quarry as strange gusts of wind through the rocks made slow going. Listening for the sounds of sliding stone over the eerie moaning music of cavern mouths in the breeze.

August 2011/05/29(Sun)23:36 No. 307791 ID: 544dd4
File 130673737208.png - (64.93KB , 850x600 , 506.png )

In the uplands the precipitation eventually drops off, or perhaps it had already passed, leaving behind the smell of damp grass and sounds of crickets in the dusk. I make Merbouillant just at nightfall, damp, uncomfortable, and thoroughly exhausted.

The quarry likely radiates heat at a faster rate than the surrounding terrain. That, coupled with the shape of the quarry, would create a low-pressure area with a good channel for high pressure to flow into.

It's like a big wind catcher.

August 2011/05/29(Sun)23:54 No. 307794 ID: 544dd4
File 130673845132.png - (174.59KB , 850x600 , 507.png )

I rouse Baldrekgus from the couch, surrounded by a small nest of biscuit papers and the random odds and ends he is wont to collect in his goings about and set him to setting me a bath.

"I don't know if... I can take every week being so interesting. Hahh hah ha see? my hand's are shaking so at the thought of all of it, I had to fumble for a solid minute just to work my belt. I dug up a magic space rock, chased by a lion, engaged in fisticuffs on an aeroplane, danced with a prospective cosanginous mate and childhood friend, entertained the Fae, was assaulted by one of said faries in a twisted dream maze, 'killed' him, with a magic! ransacked my mentor's artifact stash and library, went shopping, snuck out of town, assumed a disguise as a minstrel, fought creepers, preformed emergency medicine, killed a mess of creepers, with MAGIC! went mad for a bit, woke up naked in a rival noblewoman's bath, technically slept with her, impersonated a dragon, tricked a knight bartered with a kobold, discovered a 'dirty little secret' ran from a knight, into a female fertility cult, snuck out of that, ran into an old school buddy, who's now a legendary burglar and helped him pull of an escape!

It's only been.... four days... Saints! I need a bath. I've never done anything like any of this mess before. It all feels so strange..."

August 2011/05/29(Sun)23:55 No. 307796 ID: 544dd4
File 130673855036.png - (123.06KB , 850x600 , 508.png )

"So very... very strange..."

>>307796
Err... You sure you can handle this? 'cause what you called the most exciting four days of your life we call a long weekend.

>>307796

Aren't you glad you met us?

>>307796
Don't fear the strangeness, fear getting used to it. But not too much because you probably will have to at some point.

is another of our powers. make your life much more amazing.

>>307825
That's an interesting point actually. While I can't confirm that it's caused by us most of the people who carry us find themselves getting into exceptional circumstances quite often.

On the flip side though, they also find themselves gaining strength, power and allies at an accelerated rate.

Its sort of a 'high risk, high gain' thing. Don't worry about it to much though; we have a good track record for keeping our carriers alive.

We ought to write a song about August.

Brave, brave, August de Sauterelle
Knew how to give his enemies hell
He flew on a plane
Down to the plains
And retrieved a retarded magic ball

Someone come up with the chorus

So... got any unresolved issues?

>>308443
Bravo!

>>308473
>*illuminate scene*
Might not want that. If I may attract your attention to the lower left corner...

Is this an amazing dream?