Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)17:29 No. 712787 ID: 8d2d5e
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But I can't honestly say a high-class get-together of posh orcs was one of them.

>"Please, come right in, help yourself to the hors' d'oeuvres! You must have traveled far -- and lucky us, that you'd end up at our humble little party."

>>712787
help yourself to some horse devours
shmooze a lil

Speak of travelling far, where are we?

Well, you're a prince.
This is your scene, man.
Get to it.

That poster in the back looks like a stylized Nedynvor.

Consume hors d'oeuvres, hide a few in your coat.

Ask what was up with the toothy dude in the robes. Go ahead and devour some whores.

Weaver 2016/03/31(Thu)17:47 No. 712796 ID: 8d2d5e
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I decide I may as well help myself to the proffered food. It's an impressive spread -- light snacks, juicy, herb-garnished roasts, and even sweets, both baked and boiled.

>"I do hope Pierre wasn't too rough with you. We told him to keep an eye out for stragglers tonight. The last few affairs have been so drab people have tried to sneak away -- fearing, perhaps, to catch their death of boredom!"

I smile politely back.
>"Oh, but please, forgive me. Where ARE my manners? I am Umberto Muda. And you are...?"

Bond. James Bond.

You think these Orcs would get decidedly non-posh if they learn we're the long lost/dead son of an overthrown & murdered royal family?

I say we risk it and just tell the truth.

"The last guest you would ever expect."

Muschio Malto, glad to make your acquaintance. May I ask the occasion? And, if I may, since we did travel quite far and feel quite turned around; where are we?

>>712792

Definitely reminds me of Ashedel.

These people live in a mountain with little to no outside contact. Introduce yourself as Muschio Malto.

I hope you still haven't forgotten the rules of formal court,

"No apologies necessary, I am Muschio Malto. I must say I am quite happy we have found you. Me and my companion have had quite a journey."

Or at least something along those lines, let's be polite and courteous. After we have wined and dined and enjoyed some conversation, let's ask Umberto where exactly we are and find a way of getting back home.

Shake the fellow's hand.
"Muschio Malto, pleased to make your acquaintance. I must admit I am at a slight disadvantage, what's the occasion for this fine get-together."

Perhaps it's a good idea to mention your status as Prince of North Piacevole. This crowd seems like it would appreciate royalty such as yourself.

50-50 chance these orcs either really love the malto family or have a huge vendetta so you'll probably either get a lot of help or get jumped and thrown in the dungeon if you mention your name what you wanna do

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)21:04 No. 712852 ID: 8d2d5e
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"Prince Muschio Malto."
>"Prince! Well! I'm terribly sorry -- I'm not familiar with the name -- but it is an honor and a privilege to meet you! Welcome to our humble celebration."

"Tell me, what's the occasion?"
>"Oh, well! Supposedly it's a celebration of our people's victory over the Elven invaders, but that's what they say every time. I think it's obvious they just wanted an excuse to throw another party, and well, here we all are, like clockwork."

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)21:19 No. 712855 ID: 8d2d5e
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"Th-"

>"HEY MUDA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING MONOPOLIZING OUR NEW GUEST?! I'M TRYING TO BE CORDIAL OVER HERE!!"
>"YOU CAN BE CORDIAL WITH MY TEETH IN YOUR FUCKING THROAT WINSTON!"
>"I'LL SCOOP YOUR HEART OUT WITH A MELON BALLER YOU WALLOWING SOW!"
>"YOU'D NEED YOUR PRECIOUS MANSERVANT TO DO IT FOR YOU, YOU IMPOTENT POSEUR!"

>>712855

Back away slowly.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)21:23 No. 712857 ID: 8d2d5e
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The two men throw themselves at each other and begin brawling on the floor.

Nobody seems to pay it any attention.

>>712857
Eat more horse devours. Look for someone who seems interesting.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen please! There's enough of me to go around!"

So, high class orcs, but still orcs.

Ask someone about Tela Cruz.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)21:33 No. 712862 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"Pardon me... Prince Malto?"

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)21:35 No. 712864 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"My name is Moira.
>Moira Mondegreen."

>"I can't say I ever expected a foreign dignitary to show up to one of my parties -- unannounced, I might add. I do respect your panache."

WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT STARE AT HER STONKING GREAT TITS

>>712864

"Well ma'am, I've had an evening of unannounced events."

Compliment her horns!
Say her veil is pretty!
Admire her dress!
THIS >>712865

>>712864
Stare at her stonking great tits.

Bow politely if you feel it is appropriate, greet her as you have the others around you. Also, if you are feeling ballsy, place a bet on one of the combatants brawling right now. Also ask the orcs if they know Arabella, we could gain favor with the orcish court.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)21:59 No. 712874 ID: 8d2d5e
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I am quite capable of not staring at a woman's bosom during a social gathering, no matter how ample it may be. This is not the first time I've encountered dresses so dangerously trimmed.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Mondegreen."
>"I assure you, the pleasure is mine."

>>712874
say hi to muda or winston, whichever one won.

>>712874
"To be frankly honest, I found my way here by mistake. I'm quite lost, could you tell me where we are?"

>>712874
Oh hi Winston.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)22:31 No. 712887 ID: 8d2d5e
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WHAM

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)22:31 No. 712888 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"So.

>Do you mind if we share a few words?"

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)22:37 No. 712890 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"I'll try not to take up too much of your time."

>>712887

Orcs grow teeth back pretty quickly, right?

>>712888

"You are a mighty strong lady."

Find yourself aroused by this violent, voluptuous woman.

I think it would be wise to acquiesce her request.

>>712890
Bye Winston.

Say she has proven her right to speak with you.

Yes. Yes she can have a few words with us.

>>712890
Muschio I am afraid you're not durable enough to participate in orcish politics.

"of course my lady"

"Certainly I don't mind. Forgive me if I seem a little hesitant: I was quite a younger man when last I attended a function like this one, and I can see that you may have a few traditions here that I'm not be fully familiar with."

How's your magic nerd holding up in this social situation? Are there high class orcs fighting for her attention too?

Okay, who the hell tried to uplift these mercenaries?

... Wait, where's Npoa?

>>712961
What is it with you and mercenaries?

I think like any other orc clan, their rule is based on might makes right.

You're probably looking at one of the stronger orcs here if she has the authority to throw these parties. Try not to get on her bad side.

Muschio 2016/04/03(Sun)13:02 No. 713594 ID: 8d2d5e
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Evidently Orcish high society is not quite what I'm familiar with. Then again, the parallels are not entirely foreign to me.

"You certainly have my attention, Miss Mondegreen."

>"Prince Muschio, I had heard rumors the Malto line had resurfaced. I'm pleased to see the rumors were true. Your father was a great man, and these lands lost a great ruler when he was dethroned."

>>713594
Damn, how do we feel about dad again? We like him, right?

"I miss him dearly. He was a wonderful father to myself and to our people."

Well I'm glad to know she thinks so fondly of your father. But what are her opinions about the Czar? And has she by any chance met with the pretender yet? She seems like one who could be on his list.

Ask Mondegreen about the current troubles in her nation. Is there anything you can do to help? Maybe mobilize a few legions, hire some engineers, build farmland and a means to control the local smoke?

Seriously, what's with the volcano effect?

Muschio 2016/04/03(Sun)16:21 No. 713654 ID: 8d2d5e
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"Thank you. I miss him dearly. Did you know my father?"

>"Not personally. But many know his legacy. Inroads to peace and prosperity are not easily ignored. It's rare the leader that leads wolves to become shepherds, war being as profitable as it is."

>"I won't waste your time, Prince, as I'm sure yours, like mine, is quite valuable.
>I would like to propose a partnership."
She turns, beckoning me away from the party hall.
>"Come with me, Prince. Let us continue somewhere private."

Follow her, but let's be cautious here. I'm sure you're well aware that the dealings that go on in the back rooms of high society parties are every bit as dangerous as what you'd find in the seediest taverns, if not moreso.

Impending serious business at a party, knock back that goblet boss, and follow her.

Grab Npoa

and a few appetizers.

>>713654

Follow Miss Mondegreen. Pay attention to your surroundings in case a quick get-away is required.

>>713654
Keep the sprite by you, just incase you need some magic back up

This could be interesting, so far the only orc we know is Bella, I'm interested to see if their is some connection. Let's put on our diplomacy faces here. Follow Miss Mondegreen and see about what kind of partnership she has in mind.

(Why do I get the feeling the deal she will propose is she will aid us to regain our kingdom and beat the Czar if we marry her?)

There's always the possibility this is a trap, but if it is you're already neck deep in it, so there's no use worrying about it now. Take a big gulp of the ol' liquid courage and follow her.

Be prepared for a sudden bed.

Muschio 2016/04/03(Sun)22:30 No. 713779 ID: 8d2d5e
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"Of course. Let me grab my friend--"

>"Privately, if you please, Prince.
>I would like to keep this exchange between you and me until we have something more solid between us."

"I'm not sure that's a necessary precaution."
>"Prince, I did not get to where I am by being careless."

See if you can at least catch what Npoa is doing at a glance before following Mondegreen.

Muschio, I think sex might be part of the negotiations.

Yeah whatever, let's just skip to the part where she fucks and/or kil us, or (god forbid) actually talks buisness.

Muschio 2016/04/03(Sun)22:43 No. 713783 ID: 8d2d5e
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Very well. I acquiesce and leave Npoa behind.

"Erisol! I must attend to business for a minute. Will you be all right?"
>"I'm fine! You go on!
>So anyway, there I was, still trying to tell him how magic works, when all of a sudden the biggest ogre you ever saw comes out of the forest..."

Npoa pls

>>713783

Npoa is cute! CUTE!

Ready yourself for possible sexy times.

I believe it is safe to claim we're about to have a serious discussion...then be seduced. IN that order. So bring your A Game to the discussion, then be wary when she starts seduction. You MAY not want to go for it. What is the Orc stance on sex again? If you bed her, does that make you her husband? Because if it does, then we're fucked in the BAD way.

Muschio 2016/04/04(Mon)00:00 No. 713801 ID: 8d2d5e
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Miss Mondegreen leads me into a darkened room, perhaps a study, decorated with lavishly painted portraits and festooned in ornate trim.

>"I understand your trepidation. But believe me, Prince. If I wanted to kill you to further my own power, I wouldn't do it in private."

>"I'd have done it in front of everyone. So they knew it was me."

Yeah that thought had occurred to you as well.

>>713801
...Yes? From what we've seen of her society, that seems like it would be rather obvious. Also, that painter was seriously understating it in the cleavage department.

Thank you for your understanding, Miss Mondegreen. Since the losses my family suffered, I have had to learn to be... cautious. Though, at the same time, I had hoped my attempts to regain my family's holdings and stature had been subtle enough that there was yet little to gain from violence against myself from one such as you. It would earn the favor of my father's enemies, of course, but I would have assumed that any of your people would care little for them, given their... backwards attitudes.

Stand up straight man! Let's see some of that princely valor at work!

"Quite so, I would do the same but I doubt you have brought me back only to enjoy my company? Why have you brought me back here?"

>>713801

Brace for Snu Snu :3

Ask about her family. That painting she has, is that her daughter or her 20 years ago?

The important matter is that all the potential farmland areas around the mountain, which could easily be conquered by a small military and held due to geographical and technological factors, are now acres of ash-choked garbage disposal grounds. If that isn't an actual volcano then what the hell are they generating?

>>713846
Sorry to double post but something just occurred to me. Especially at your idea kome,

Remember Arabella? I always thought that it was an oddly regal name for an Orc... and if that is her daughter in the painting...
Well some food for thought anyway

It is best to make sure we're not about to be accidentally sucked into a royal consummation by some bullsh*t Orc law.

>>713924
Oh and can we turn on some lights? I hate not being able to see things to warn about.

>>713803
Perhaps it's as >>713846 says, and that that orc in the picture is from a time long gone.

>>713801
Acquire as to the purpose for this meeting.
I very much doubt that the title would have been so blunt and straightforward that we're actually just going to fuck the Orc and that will be it.
I suspect that the outcome of this expedition will not be related in any way to a sexual rendezvous.

>>713937
Who knows, maybe they are related and Arabella sent word back about her "adventures"

Don't ask people if they know each other or are related just because they're orcs, that's racist!

>>713940
>Racist
>Says the one assuming that orcs are a race of man
wow dude that's so speciesist, like have some respect for orckind

>>713941

Haven't you ever heard of half-orcs, buddy? If you can reliably produce viable hybrid offspring then you're the same species dude, that's science facts.

>>713942
>horses and mules are the same species
>lions and tigers are the same species
>Chachalaca and grouse are the same species
???

>viable
never has a half-orc been proven to be fertile

Muschio 2016/04/04(Mon)23:29 No. 713979 ID: 8d2d5e
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She paces the room. I straighten myself up to look presentable.
"Miss Mondegreen, if I believed there was even a chance you might make an attempt on my life, I wouldn't have followed you back here."

>"Good. You're perceptive. Well so am I."
She turns to me.
>"I can arrange transport home for you in the morning. You must be tired. After all, Tela Cruz is a very long way from here."

Don't let on about the blink. Tell her it would be most agreeable to have transportation back home, but it's not Tela Cruz.

Wait, how does she even know we came from Tela Cruz? Npoa, maybe? There are a lot of sprites there, so maybe she assumes that because Npoa is a Sprite we came from there? Inquire further.

>>713979
How much does she really know? And how does she know it, being so far away?

>>713979

"Well... this just raises further questions."

Muschio 2016/04/05(Tue)13:46 No. 714037 ID: 8d2d5e
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"I don't believe I mentioned Tela Cruz."

>"You didn't have to. I had a pretty firm suspicion, but I think you've just confirmed it.
>Prince, you've made a powerful enemy in the Czar. Your journey home won't be easy. Let an old woman do you a favor."
She reaches out, deliberately making physical contact.

>"Of course, I didn't call you back here just to offer you a ride home. I'd like to propose a partnership. I'm sure you would appreciate access to my impressive assets, and in return, you can give me something no Orc can."

Details first. What can she offer, and what does she expect?

>>714037
Would you mind being more specific? Let's write out an agreement on paper if this is going to be an alliance.

>>714037
I'd like to access her assets if you know what I mean. :y

But yeah, ask her for clarification, we'll probably agree to whatever it is, but she could stand to stop being so needlessly vague.

Give her the dick

Harbard Grim 2016/04/05(Tue)14:40 No. 714052 ID: e0c8b5

"What do you you propose?"

Muschio 2016/04/05(Tue)14:53 No. 714053 ID: 8d2d5e
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"You have my attention."
>"So I noticed."
"What sort of partnership do you intend?"

She puts her sizeable arm around my shoulder. I can't tell if she's pressing down on purpose, but I do my best not to buckle.
>"I offer information, my little Prince.
>A woman of my stature does not get to where she is without making powerful friends along the way. And I hope to add you to that list."
"Go on."
>"I know everyone worth knowing. I'm connected, and anyone to whom I'm not connected, my connections are connected. It's my business to be stay informed. And I suspect for an up-and-coming, ambitious young man such as yourself, information could be a very valuable asset. You're smart, you're willing, and I can tell you're not afraid of a challenge. But as yet, you lack the intel, the clout, for a political push. You need a friend, Prince."

She smirks toothily, fluttering her thick eyelashes.
>"You need me."

>>714053

"Sounds good... but what would you require in return?"

>you need me
Careful, Muschio. Don't let her play herself up too much. She hasn't named any names, nor has she said how you are supposed to get this information while you are not here.

"I consider my allies to be my dearest and greatest advantages, Miss Mondegreen, and I would be most honored and fortunate to count you among their number, I'm certain. Rest assured I would be willing to go to the greatest lengths to prove worthy of having your sizeable assets at hand, saving only, of course, any that would do harm to those with whom I have already exchanged loyalties."

"If you would forgive a young fugitive prince who has learned some caution, however... you have demonstrated your knowledge of me and my past most amply, and you seem knowledgeable, but I still can't help but wonder how much you know that I would make use of. Perhaps you could give a small... sample, of something I would like to know? As demonstration of what the future might bring."

>>714063

This sounds good

>>714053
And how would I know you wouldn't sell my secrets off to the highest bidder as well?

"And what would you ask for in return?"

This is looking to be quite the stroke of good luck, intel is one of our weaker points. But be wary, I have the feeling that there's some sort of catch.

Muschio 2016/04/05(Tue)18:39 No. 714074 ID: 8d2d5e
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"How do I know you won't just sell my own information to the highest bidder?"

>"Little Prince, you're more valuable to me alive. You have something I want -- and I don't see that changing."

"A tempting offer. So what do you seek in return?"

>"The same thing everyone who deals in information seeks, my little Prince.
>Power."

>"You are no King yet, Malto. But with your ambition, one day, it may be so.
>And should that day come, I want a piece of that pie.
>You're building a Kingdom. And I want to get in early."

>>714074
Crusader Kings has trained us for this. Give her a barony or a place on your royal council or something

The ambition is burning through her eyeballs, but she's playing it simple: invest early.

You'll want her support to keep most of your allies alive, she might become a problem but probably less so then Tela Cruz.

Ask her how she intends to forge this alliance.

If she says sex then tell her about Arabella.

>>714077

This sounds reasonable.

"I see. Of course, there are several noble houses in the kingdom I intend to reclaim; traitors to my father, who profited by our downfall. When I retake the throne, it will be a matter of practicality for them to be removed from power, and a harsh lesson about the value of loyalty taught, in the process. There will be quite the power vacuum, and a need to fill that void with people who are... experienced, and wise."

... Say, Muschio, have you ever heard of crossbreed children between orcs and your own kind? I had a brief thought that maybe she was going to ask you to promise to marry someone. If there was no possibility of producing an heir, of course, that would be impossible.

Muschio 2016/04/05(Tue)19:17 No. 714086 ID: 8d2d5e
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"I see. In the wake of my ascension, I imagine there will be a power vacuum, and many positions for wise and powerful allies to occupy. A barony, perhaps?"

>"Let's not put anything to paper just yet. We can decide on the specifics down the line. Besides, it pays to be cautious. If the Czar kills you, it wouldn't do for him to know I was feeding you information.
>I have my fingers in a lot of pies.
>For now, our partnership will be unofficial. But I expect mutual aid should be a simple enough trade, for now. You can call on me if you need, and I suspect you may hear from me, from time to time."

Muschio 2016/04/05(Tue)19:26 No. 714088 ID: 8d2d5e
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"Forgive me, but I must ask: Why play such a long game? You're not guaranteed anything, should I fail."

>"Because this is an opportunity."

She turns away, breathing deeply.
>"Your father made great progress for our people, and many others. One day, we hoped to be seen by the humans and elves and all the others as just as strong, just as worthy of rule. That we would hold the land, not be driven from it.

>My little Prince, I am a very big fish in a very small pond. I hold sway here, but this court is far removed from the seats of true power in the land. There has never been an Orc in the high court of men."

What a noble goal. Let's make it happen.

Muschio 2016/04/05(Tue)19:31 No. 714091 ID: 8d2d5e
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She whirls, gesturing.
>"Well, I intend to be the first.

>And with a Malto back on the throne, that's a possibility again.

>You open the gates to us lesser races, get me a spot at the front of the line, and I'll see that my friends and my connections become yours."

Very obvious betrayal plot here - back away.

Look at the ambition in those eyes! That sincerity! How could you possibly deny such pure emotion? She is somewhat like you in that way. You can use that passion and that drive. She's clearly quite competent, surely you could make use of a subordinate such as this? Yes, she would make a most vigorous underling indeed.

>>714092
Not really. The continent might be forced to accept an orcish baroness, but she knows as well as we do that an orc queen would be unseated in an instant.

>>714091
"This sounds reasonable. Some way of assuring absolute loyalty is required though, I'm a bit wary of betrayal entering my life again."

>>714091

Let's keep her at arm's length for now.

If she wants the front of the line then she'll have to show the other factions that she REALLY wants it. You need an army NOW, and if she shows up to the warzone, bashes in a thousand heads, and lets her army take on the other 99,000 mooks, every other faction leader will realize a serious need to step aside or risk skull fractures.

Equal rights does not mean giving more money to the breadwinners is unfair. But you're not sure what it means. Stay sharp, she's reeling you in.

>>714092

Nonsense. She has nothing to benefit from a betrayal at this point. All we need is to become a strong and capable ruler who cares for those who show him their loyalty... and who crushes those who would dare think to insult his friends, allies or subjects. Just as we have been planning to be, all along. It is a balance that will need to be played, keeping one's subjects happy while not letting any of them become powerful enough to think they can take the throne, but it is one we'll have to play anyway. And we know that this women is no friend of the usurper.

To be honest, we have as yet only a few candidates to join our side in positions of leadership, once we become king. A cunning woman with subtle connections and powerful warriors at her command will surely be a boon. Besides... if she does end up being less than trustworthy, we may need a more... disposable ally at some point. Someone who can do the dirtier deeds and take the blame.

Only if she shows lack of proper loyalty, of course.

Muschio, tell her that you intend to have none but your closest friends at your side when you become king. Only a few of those will be suitable for leadership - in fact, you may have some work convincing them - and none yet have shown the same... admirable ambition she has displayed. You look forward to becoming friends with her.

You know, she hasn't said exactly what sort of information she has to sell. How do we know she's worth the promise of royalty?

...then again I guess it's her job to demonstrate her usefulness. If all we're giving her is a promise of some sort of land in the end, we can simply say that her given position will depend on how useful she really is.

Her ambition does show a great willingness to help our cause. It may be good to look into this further. But how do we know we can trust her? Ambition we can admire, but loyalty and trust must be earned.

>>714105

You could say that that's why we're leaving the exact reward she's getting open for later. The more helpful she is, the greater a reward she'll reap.

Muschio 2016/04/05(Tue)21:01 No. 714121 ID: 8d2d5e
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"You understand, Miss Mondegreen, that ambition is a double-edged thing to find in one's allies."
>"You're worried I have plans for the throne myself. Well, you should be. It's only reasonable to be suspect, especially after your family was unseated.
>Prince, your presence on the throne is all that would keep the world tolerating any authority I could seek. By the time the world is ready for an Orc at the top, I will be long-dead. I'm ambitious, but not unrealistic. I need you to be the public face; your death would be my own downfall. So our fates are tied."

"Trust is not easily given in this day."
>"Then it's fortunate you don't have to trust me much yet. By the time you take the throne, I hope I will have proved the strength of our partnership. Until then, you're more than welcome to keep me at arm's length."

"And how do I know your information and connections are even worth the investment?"

Muschio 2016/04/05(Tue)21:11 No. 714124 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"Let's try observation, first.

>You're missing your hand, evidently by misadventure or combat -- I'll take the latter -- so you're not averse to fighting. But it's a crippling wound, so you're obviously not as good at it as you should be. It's fresh, and dressed, but not fully tended, which means you haven't had the time to truly rest -- so whoever gave it to you is still alive.
>Your arrival was clearly unplanned, and your small entourage suggests urgency. You risked entry to the nearest sign of civilization without preparation, so you're fleeing, rather than pursuing. Given your friend is a sprite, I'd guessed, quite accurately it seems, that you're fresh from Tela Cruz.
>Which means you've made an enemy of Czar Bomba, and since he's not a swordfighter, it was one of his mercenaries who took your hand.
>And since we're not on the way from Tela Cruz to anyplace at all, you've come here quite by mistake, probably magic, and will need to return home at first light."

She pauses, looking me over.

>"I think I have that right."

"Well miss, you are incredibly perceptive and intelligent. We shall be in touch should the need arise. Shall we head back out to the party?"

>>714089
That's certainly a respectable goal

>>714124
Well if royalty doesn't work out I think she could have a nice, cozy spot as an investigator. That was INSANELY good.

"3.5/4, half wrong on the wound; Npoa fended the assassin off at Tela Cruz, but I had to amputate the hand because of the curse he gave me weeks ago. You're saying you can smell my weeks-old necrolysis and it's still as fresh as regular flesh? Weird.

In any case, don't sell me out. The Czar has LOST his marbles, and if he wins he'll set off that ritual he's been obsessing over."

>>714124
She's good. Let's be friends.

Muschio 2016/04/05(Tue)21:33 No. 714148 ID: 8d2d5e
File 145991719635.gif - (8.48KB , 800x600 , 1570.gif )

There may indeed be something to her.

"I admit, I'm impressed.
However, you're wrong about the hand. It was magic that took it from me, not a blade."
>"I see. Then that means it was the Pretender's doing. I don't imagine you'd still be standing if it was the Czar's magic that hit you."

She straightens up, putting her hands on her enormous hips.

>"Well, how about a free taste, then? As a show of good faith. Before we move on to further business.
>If you've got one question that needs immediate answering, one bit of intelligence that needs filling, I'll have your answer -- if not now, then soon.
>Have you anything to ask?"

>>714148
"Know anyone capable of getting me a new hand?"

>>714148
...what about the thing they're trying to get? Ask why the Czar wants it.

>>714152

Yeah, this seems like the most pressing question.

>>714148
Who killed my parents and why?

>>714148
What is...anti-magic? And how can I beat it?

She could be a very powerful ally. And having a friendship with another race will work now and in the long run.

>>714155
It was the revolutionaries, they did it because they were mad about taxes and our father's kind treatment of non-Volto. They may have been assisted by the knight's blades, but Muschio doesn't know about that.

>>714152 is our most immediate concern, but >>714151 would be nice to know as well.

I think we need to find out the Czar's objective, and the relevance of the trinket to that objective.
The Czar himself still wrongly assumes we've figured it out and are denying the plan's fruition on purpose.

Question 1, what does the Czar want, and how am I involved.

Question 2, How does one beat anti magic, or how might I acquire knowledge of defeating it.

Question 3, How would you propose retaking my home of Inizare Cita?

And finally question 4, can you do anything for my hand (or lack thereof?)

>>714148
How do I beat Czar?

Ask her if she thinks she can handle your gigantic Malto schlong.

Take off your pants and strike a sexy pose too.

For the immediate concern: "How can I divert the Czar from assaulting my allies near his lands, until I can deal with him permanently?"

Alternately: "What would the Czar want with a bone amulet about this size and shape?" [outline it with your finger]

The answer to the latter question may also answer the former, with thought, or it may not.

I second the motion to inquire further about the amulet. If there's one crucial bit of information we need, it's that.

What can you tell me of the Czar and his Pretender?

I swear to god, weaver.
>Erisol Npoa
>piNE aerosol
PINE. AEROSOL.
I GUESS JUST DON'T MIX HER WITH BLEACH??

>>714515
I think you mean Hcaelb.

>>714148

Ask her if she knows of any weaknesses the Pretender might have, or perhaps if she knows any weaknesses his sprite armies have that you could exploit. One will help take a powerful foe off the board, one will more immediately help protect our people. It's up to you what you ask, boss, but I recommend something that we can use in combat.

On another note entirely, if you feel confident in our ability to beat the Pretender and the Czar's forces, you could ask her if she knows of anywhere we could refine our skill with the sword- even minor, long-term improvements there would be valuable. Your track record for fights to serious injuries hasn't exactly been stellar, boss.

>>714148
who the hell are you?
she knows much more of we than we of her

act with trepidation, Muschio

Muschio 2016/04/11(Mon)12:21 No. 715841 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146040249670.gif - (7.60KB , 800x600 , 1571.gif )

You're right. I should remain focused on my goals, and right now, surviving the Czar is my biggest goal.

"Czar Anolei Bomba. He was tight-lipped about the particulars of his goal. What does he want, and how am I involved?"

>"Well, I know something about that. Word is he's searching for some kind of old artifact -- deeply magical, enough that he needed a city full of sprites for some reason or another."

"I know of the artifact he's seeking, but not its function or power."

>"That much, I'm afraid, I don't know. I can only assume it will further his power somehow. He's put a lot of effort into finding it."
She stops, considering for a moment.
>"I may not know, myself, but before you leave tomorrow, I'll put you in touch with a scholar friend of mine. Background in relics. Hopefully he'll be able to dig up something more definitive on this artifact."

>>715841
Possibly describe to her what the emblem looks like; maybe she might recognize it on description alone?

>>715841
I think it's time we do the sex. You know, to consummate the alliance.

Time for bed.

>>715855
NO.

Just play one game of the latest Tabletop Warzone Simulators, Army ratings 2500 Versus 1500 plus 20-turn win artifact.

Shake hands and thank her for her assistance. let's view her as an equal for now. Also express gratitude for her generous hospitality.

>>715841
Do we return to the festivities?
I want to see the pompous orcs in a full-out brawl

>>715841
hows about we familiarize ourselves since we're gonna be long friends now? y'know...

Let's check up on Ten Npoa. We don't want her spreading too much fairy tales about our feats, do we?

I'm also now curious as to how old Moira is. I'm sure you know a way to indirectly inquire about that? How many heirs she has, perhaps? Come to think of it, how long do orcs live compared to voltos?

Muschio 2016/04/29(Fri)04:48 No. 719746 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146193049715.gif - (6.41KB , 800x600 , 1572.gif )

"Well! Thank you very much for your help. I'll be in touch. I think I shall return to the festivities for the remainder of the night."

>"NOT so fast.
>We have an agreement. And to honor it, I've done something for you.
>Now you have to do something for me."

THE ABSOLUTE MADMAN

I must admit, I expected you to hold that chit over my head for longer than that before cashing it in.

What would you ask of me?

>>719746

it's sex right
she wants dick

Pardon me, madam, but you just said "a free taste", "as a show of good faith", prior to me asking that question, AFTER which we would "move on to further business". It was hardly even a minute ago. Of course I wish to show good faith in return, as well as going on to said further business, but it's hardly good faith if you're telling me I now owe a debt for something you presented as a gift.

>>719754
>inb4 she tells us to use that silver tongue of ours for something other than worming our way out of responsibilities

Hmm. It's either sex or she has some task for us. My guess is that she wants to go get someone or something. So it is either Bella (her daughter my guess) or someone else. The third option is she wants us to kill someone that is threatening her own power.

"A bargain made that shall be honored, but what would you request of me at _this_ time? My recent escapades have left me with few possessions upon me from which a suitable barter could be made."

"A free taste? A show of good faith? I think not."

Leave.

Do what? The monkey? I've only got one hand and a raving nutcase, if it's information you want just ask already.

>>719746

"Well that didn't take very long. What do you want?"

>>719746
"You've been very helpful and frankly - you are quite dangerous and there's very little that you couldn't physically force me into doing."

"No need for that, of course! I'd be happy to help a lovely - and helpful - lady."

Muschio 2016/04/30(Sat)03:47 No. 719928 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146201326004.gif - (15.96KB , 800x600 , 1573.gif )

"Pardon me for noticing, Miss Mondegreen, but you did just say you were offering a token as a show of good faith -- explicitly not made in exchange. By your own words I owe you nothing."

>"Very astute. You're right, of course.
>Which is why what I'm about to propose is to our mutual benefit, and should entice you regardless of our new relation."

I'm not sure I like that smile.
>"There's someone I'd like you to meet. A very influential figure around here. The most influential, in fact. My hopes are such that you may be able to help me, and we will both ingratiate ourselves with our venerable host. In so doing our power and influence will grow, you will make yet another powerful ally, and I, for one, will finally stake my claim in this little mountainhome.
>Everyone wins, more connections are fostered, and power is shared all around.

>...Besides, if you want a ride home tomorrow morning, you'll need this meeting regardless."

>>719928
eh
why not, sure
what we doin then?

>>719928

oh man we're about to meet some crazy orc pagan god i bet some weird ritual shit is gonna go on

let's do it

>>719928
Let's make this happen. Is this some kind of huge dragon or whatever?

Maybe her "host" isn't all that happy with Miss Mondegreen claim. It seems she expect you to negotiate for her, or even trick this creature into abandon their home.
On the bright side we are possible about to be introduce to a powerful future member of a little gang.

"If there is no other means of getting home without this persons help, so be it then. I shall meet with them tomorrow morning."

Well Boss if it's going to happen either way we might as well do so to our benefit.

"Very well, is there anything I should know concerning this individual and our meeting?"

The obvious guess would be the local giant dragon that's fueling the volcano, but that's too stereotypical.

... Twenty Questions?

Oh shit, we're gonna have to fuck a dragon.

tell Lil'Mush not to let you down.

Whatever it is, kill it and graft it's hand onto your stump. It can only make you stronger. Or give you a blood infection.

>>719928
Onward yung bull!

Muschio 2016/05/15(Sun)19:41 No. 723551 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146336651244.gif - (8.10KB , 800x600 , 1574.gif )

"Very well. It seems my only option regardless."

She claps her hands loudly and nods, turning to the door.

"Who exactly are we going to see?"

>"Our Dragon, obviously."

... UGH.

Get some elemental armor first.

Yes, I saw your entrance hall. I was wondering as to their name or history, in case I'd heard of them before.

>>723551
Cool!

>>723551
Fortune favors the bold tonight, it would seem.

"Well that explains the dimensions of the entrance hall... Lead on, there's no sense waiting."
So have we dealt with dragons before? if not, it might be worth checking to see if there's no arbitrary etiquette in place we'd be in danger of hilariously breaching.

...so what did we miss?

>>723581
Whoa, what happend to you?

blood is still dripping, meaning she hasn't run out yet, medic!

Ona are you shitfaced again?

HERE LIES ONA

SHE NEVER SCORED

>>723588
Blood also drips because of gravity, sometimes. If it's just a constant drip, her pulse's stopped and she's dead. If it's in spurts, her heart's still beating.

>>723587
Are you okay? Can you move?

>>723587

ona better be just fucked up and not dying or i'm gonna be so mad

Crap! She's bleeding from her head!

... Is the room on fire?

>>723606
Come on, get it together. You can do it!

>>723606

wake up ona

Ona 2016/05/15(Sun)20:53 No. 723610 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146337077934.gif - (9.73KB , 800x600 , 1578.gif )

heyyyyyyyyyy

ha ha

what are you doing

FINALLY

Ona, this is important: IS THE ROOM ON FIRE?

>>723610
Trying to help you, you don't look well. Are you hurt?

>>723610

bitch get up

Why is the room covered in blood...

>>723610
Ona why is everything red? What is that dripping on the wall behind you?

The boss? He got in trouble, escaped with a random teleport, trying hard to get back here quick. As for us, right now we're talking to you. Are you ok?

Come on, Ona, you'd know better than us. You're a doctor, right? You deal in... medicine...

ona are you high

Ona 2016/05/15(Sun)21:04 No. 723622 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146337145105.gif - (14.70KB , 800x600 , 1579.gif )

oh no
it's not on fire

it's just reaaallyy warm ha ha

emmy said it's not a sauna but what does she know
she's made of fire

apparently that means she can't drink either

the wine lasts longer when you don't gotta share it anyway

Ona she is totally right, it's not a sauna.

Unless you have steam. You need to get some water so you can throw some on there now and then. Saunas also have a strict towels and/or swimsuits dress code. You are really being shockingly lax here, Ona.

so why are you drinking next to the furnace then? Also what's happen since we've been gone?

>>723622
You look dehydrated, get some water Ona

>>723622
Oh you're just buzzed. That's a relief, we thought you were in danger. What lead you in this situation?

be careful it doesnt become one of those sex things, Ona

Ona 2016/05/15(Sun)21:11 No. 723632 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146337188338.gif - (14.56KB , 800x600 , 1581.gif )

they found another dead girl

>>723631
And hung over. Try to get some water, Ona. It'll likely help the headache.

>>723632
Oh.... Is that why you're drinking?

>>723632
Are the wounds the same?

ah... so we still have to watch out for... that. Sorry to hear that kid.

Ona 2016/05/15(Sun)21:36 No. 723646 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146337336813.gif - (14.69KB , 800x600 , 1582.gif )

Same as last time.

Wounds around the face, breasts, legs. Clean cuts.
I guess the good news is all the really vile stuff is postmortem. There's poison in them. Special kind. Easy to miss. Tizzy helped me spot it. She's the one who found the body.
Only the lightest bruising around the wrists.

Whoever this guy is, he hits them with that first. They fall asleep fast, then they don't wake up. He waits until they're dead to start cutting. So at least they don't feel anything.

What the fuck.
What kind of a person would do this.

>>723646
Surgeon, duh. Wait, do you know what a surgeon is?

My guess is, someone's taking samples to breed or construct his custom-made sex slave. If he's using bioengineering technology, he could cut the flesh open (haphazardly since the target is dead), and take out choice pieces that can be grown in specialized chemical tanks.

My guess is that he only takes a small sample because he can't carry the bodies with him for some reason but also doesn't want anyone to realize that he's actually taking souvenirs from his kills.

>>723646
The murders started when the army men came. Have any of them been wandering off?

Huh. Are you sure there's no kind of magic that would involve things like that? If he's knocking them out first before going to town like that, there has to be a purpose besides sadism. Maybe some sort of demon or spirit or something that demands blood be let in specific ways from specific body parts?

Honestly our list of enemies is pretty high. It could be someone working with the czar or it could be someone else entirely. I doubt it's the pretender, he just kills, he doesn't maim and torture. Are any of the fangs still active? I can see one of them doing this.

As for you Ona get out of the heat, it may be warm in the forge but we need you at your best, go sleep it off.

>>723646
A sick, twisted, awful person who will get what they deserve.
Can you move? You're not hurt, are you?

Wait, access to poison, and clean cuts... do the army men have medical staff on hand? We might be looking for a mad doctor.

Haha, ironic, huh? A good witch doctor trying to find an evil medical doctor.

>>723646
We can help. We WILL help. But first you must tell us; what did we miss? Anything that happened since Muschio left.
The big man is fine, btw. We are not sure about Dompag.

>>723646
perhaps a mad cultist, a deviant, some surgery-addicted doctor? who knows.
sometimes people are just sick of the mind.

no matter the motive, it's still wrong and needs to be stopped, that's all that matters... anything we can do?

Oh shit. I just had a thought.
The chapter name hints that we will probably have sex with someone.
The orc lady was a distraction. We will have to fuck the DRAGON.

....umm, you didn't hear anything, Ona, right? Great. Just crawl towards your bedroom.

>>723788
I doubt it. My friend, let me let you in on a little secret, all of
Divequests chapter names are named after songs. So more than likely it was a song that fit what was going on at the time.

As far as we know the first body was found by Hookdon's forces, assuming there weren't more victims we just didn't knew about the local murders started a small time before they arrive. We can assume the responsible is either an outsider we know nothing about, or one of us.
It's easy to accuse one faceless men in the middle of an army, and to be fair at this point it could be anyone, but what if this wolf in sheep's clothing is closer than we think? Not long before the first victim be found our gang got two new additions: mister Heebie-jeebies and Pendle.
I know you are not a fan of Wes, and we don't know much about him, but I'm not convinced he have the necessary skills and time between his work and his new girlfriend. On the other hand, what if our bug friend isn't as squeamish as he claim to be? Mister know all is probable familiar with poisons from his political background, is capable of planing and conceal incriminating evidences, and probable have sharp appendices on his exoskeleton.
Now, it would be very stupid for someone with an orb fragment to try to do this kind of crime knowing we can see their actions at random, so unless one of them are abusing the plot mechanics you can discard everything I just said.
On a side note my narrative sense is telling me Ona will get close to the killer, closer than she want to.

>>723898
my plot senses are going "wowjust give her a heart attack then ay"

nah though, it'd be wise to invest in a stunning weapon of some description if you can.

>>723646
Well, I don't think we can solve a mystery off of this information alone, but let's analyze what we already know:

Clean cuts: rules out a clawed animal attack. Attacker used a bladed weapon.

Mutilations made post mortem: The murders are being done for ritualistic/recreational purposes, not for hunting or sustenance. Another thing to consider may be that they are being done for attention. Considering how close they are to the compound, it may be that they're being used as bait. If you plan to investigate further, come with backup.

Presence of poison: Infer on the delivery method, was it found inside the cuts, was there a syringe mark, or was it perhaps ingested? All of which imply that the murderer is an assassin or apothecary of some sort, but did the victim die of organ failure from the poison first? Poisoned blades would imply a brutal assassination where the poison is meant to finish what the blades did not, but if it was the poison that killed them before the cutting started then it could mean that the killer showed some relative mercy with a relatively less brutal death, and puts more suspicion on the mutilations being for show.

Victim: was this woman like the last? The previous woman had all her personal belongings, which rules out a robbery, and was alone traveler, which suggests that if it was by an assassin that it was not done because of her status or political power.

Location: Is the new body closer or farther away than the last? If farther away, it could be that they are trying to get you to go deeper into the woods, like a trail of breadcrumbs made of corpses.

If you plan to investigate, I suggest that you request some soldiers to retrieve the body for you and have Dompag or whoever's keeping the door to keep a close eye on the soldiers who leave it there at the door. This whole thing is showing signs of being bait, possibly to lure you and other members of Muschio's compound out and away from the lair or to distract certain defenses, which is why I would not suggest sending Dompag or one of our own to retrieve the body. Considering that the Czar employs a formidable and experienced assassin, this would be a likely response to the troop reinforcements and tightened security.

I sense that this is a trap. Get somebody else to retrieve the body if possible. Considering how unhelpful the soldiers have been with this, you shouldn't hold your breath on it. If you can't get them to do it, see if any of the remaining Denlings are still around. If so, ask if they can retrieve the body. If nothing works, perhaps it is just best to let it rot in the woods.

>>723646
can you give a report or do you need to sober up first?

Wait, Another?
Who was the first?

>>724379
check previous threads

Ona 2016/05/23(Mon)00:12 No. 725454 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146398757114.gif - (14.64KB , 800x600 , 1583.gif )

Yeah. Yeah, I'm up.

What's to report. Tislomer, Ashedel, and Finesse all got home safely. No sign of an attack or a siege yet. Dompag and Geppa are still holding at Salamander Tower, fortifying or whatever. Czar's men and his masked friend haven't made themselves known.
I know with everything looming I shouldn't be drinking but hell with it. I drank anyway.
Easier to not worry about how we might die before morning.

Ona 2016/05/23(Mon)00:22 No. 725455 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146398812030.gif - (15.15KB , 800x600 , 1584.gif )

Tislomer found the body. She wasn't happy about it. But she's hard to keep down. Babs got her mind off it and she bounced back quick.
Finesse has been stoic and in command. She's pretty good at keeping things together.
Ashedel's been tending to everyone, and keeping us on alert. With Dompag gone she's our muscle, in case the humans outside can't keep us safe. She's a good officer.

Wes didn't seem phased by any of this. I don't know where he is right now. Not here, anyway.

Pendle, though... God.
Poor guy's in pieces.

And Emmy? Where is she at? How is pendle holding up? We'll go talk to him in a minute and make sure he is okay.

>>725454
>>725455

drink some water and get your head in the game you fine shortstack the story arc is advancing and that means you need to be alert

>>725455
Hmm... This makes me suspect Wes... And Pendle.

Let's start with visiting the kobolds.

It occurs to me that Muschio is negotiating for a ride back home

on a freaking DRAGON.

We're going to need some kind of landing pad. Adding an aerial base might give the Vault an advantage.

I suggest a tower and a landing airstrip, something that can house a few griffons.

>>725469

you've really outdone yourself this time Kome

>>725464

Why would our own goons be serial killers?

You know, Wes and Pendle didn't had shards when the first victim died and knew we would be busy with the boss when the second occurred. If it is one of our guys those two got a window of opportunity.
I suppose if we were talking with Pendle I would be pointing out a certain witch that may or may not have ritualistic reasons to do this, more free time than most around here and experience on keeping things hidden from us. The only problem would be this voluntary investigation would be calling attention for crimes that would otherwise goes unnoticed, making you a very unlikely suspect.

>>725464
Both of their reactions are perfectly reasonable.
Pendle is a sheltered aristocrat with a background in history, lore and strategics. A wimp.
As for Wes, he's covered wars, you know.

>>725455
prolly won't be the last corpse the man has to see
what were you gonna do next?

Looks like things are really starting to heat up aren't they? Well, this murder mystery business isn't really our priority right now, so it's best not to dwell on it. Better to focus on the possible impending deaths of you and all of your coworkers! Ask around, see if there's anything you can do to help fortify.

>>725455
Why were you drinking in the forge room? Alcohol is flammable.
That seems just a little irresponsible.

Besides, I took it that you would look for a more "burning herb" type of stress-relief

>>726137

Wine isn't very flammable unless that's some crazy-ass wine

Something I haven't heard anyone suggest is the possibility of a connection between the two victims themselves. (Other than the fact that they are both female and have been cut cleanly, postmortem after being poisoned)

Do the girls share visual similarities?
Age?
Race?

If there is a pattern, then it might be possible to predict who the next victim might be, or possibly even find the murderer themselves.

>>726711
That is a great point, did the women share any similarities? What was their race even? I'm assuming human but that is only because we haven't actually seen the corpses yet. But if we can find some similarities between the victims aside from their injuries, we can maybe prevent another killing.

>>726743
I'm not saying Officer Hyde is racist, but it's somewhat unlikely that he would refer to a non human simply as "a young woman". She probable is either human or elf for her race be considered normal enough in his culture to the point it doesn't even need to be mentioned.

Were they both hookers?

Cuz if they were, then that's ok and none of you are in any danger, since hooker killers rarely target anything else, and we don't have any hookers in our team.

Right?

Where was this body found cause this could give us an idea on the killers location and point of orign. Also i agree with 726711 any similarties?

>>727138
oh hey pendle
whatup my boy

Going for the [Staring Contest] world record, eh?

You're SAFE, Pendle. Calm DOWN. What can you tell us about the second corpse?

>>727138

How ya doing, Pendle?

Pendle 2016/05/31(Tue)23:38 No. 727142 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146476312942.gif - (8.62KB , 800x600 , 1586.gif )

Oh.

Hello.

>>727142
Are you okay?

Rough time of it bud? Let's just take a deep breath maybe get a glass of water. We have a few questions and we need everyone to be sober and sane enough to answer.

Firstly, where was this body located? And secondly did it share any similarities with the first victim other than the modus oparandi of our killer?

>>727142
It looks like you're dealing with serious trauma.

Would you like help?

Pendle, get some water and a pastry. Speaking of which, do you have any pastry recipes to share?

We're trying to figure this out. It's possible that the killer was trying to take samples of his victims' flesh and brains, but we don't have enough information.

>>727149
Oh, gee, traumatize the guy some more, why don't you?

Why are you so affected by this? Sure it suck that serial killer exist, but it have very little to do with us. We don't match the victims and don't know them, we aren't responsible for local crime fighting and doing voluntary isn't our bigger concern right now, and on top of that we live in a fortification surrounded by soldiers. You are safe where you are and isn't failing any responsibility.

>>727153
Come on, pastries aren't THAT bad

wow we are jackasses

>>727142

Talk to us, Pendle. What's bothering you?

Pendle 2016/06/01(Wed)23:11 No. 727331 ID: 8d2d5e
File 146484789928.gif - (8.63KB , 800x600 , 1587.gif )

Yes. Of course yes right good everything's fine hello.
Hello good afternoon. I'm fine. It's all fine. A psychotic murderer is about and stalking around our home and an army of magical sprites may descend on us at any moment to turn us to electric ash and I can't stop thinking about the smell of death but everything is fine it's fine chin up Pendle old fellow look on the bright side no need to fear.

At least you have a literal army to protect you.

The murderer is targeting women, and there's a large group of armed men outside to protect you, and there's traps inside. If you're that worried, why not help shore up some of the defenses?

If you're worried, then DO something. Is there anything you can do to fortify the Vault? How about fortifications for our local army? You're the smart guy, Pendle, so start thinking.

Relax, we have a strong force outside to defend you with reinforcements moments away and we'll deal with the murderer so you can just stay inside and relax.
Once the Odds are up and running again you can have them build you, Wes and Ona rooms and then have Babs furnish them. A little project to take your and their minds off things.

Fear is what gives us courage, Pendle. But we need you to help us. So try and calm down, and collect yourself. Can you do anything to help arm the people outside? Or in the vault? Your are a great metallurgist so we'll need you and Wes to help, your job is to collect and find as much usable ore as possible for Wes and Emmy to make into weapons. Collect yourself, steel yourself (pun intended), we have a war to fight and a murderer to bring to justice.

Of course there many reasons to be afraid, but you can't let fear paralyze you. We are surrounded by danger, that is why everyone in this operation need to be more threatening than our enemies. That includes you.
So let's talk about what made you so scary. Elaborate on what the problem is, what you want to happen and how we can make that happen. Maybe once we decide to do something about you will feel less afraid.

On an unrelated note I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to show anger toward us. I was afraid you could be the type to hide discontentment behind polite flattery.

>>727331
While true, these are not immediate issues. Fretting over the worst is just going to cause a cycle of worry, it's a potent paralytic. You need to take action so as to give yourself a distraction.

We're here to talk to if you need it, but you might be better served walking the halls and getting some interaction with your comrades.

>>727416
I concur, nothing quite eases the mind as well as talking to others.

Hey, by chance do you happen to know anything about dragons? Muschio is about to have to negotiate with one.

Look mate, murders are tragic, but tragic stuff happens all the time, in fact, dozens of people are probably being murdered at this very moment. But you really can't have a mental breakdown at every bad thing that happens in the world, you have to save it for the things that directly affect you. Like the magical army coming to murder you. Sitting around here freaking out won't help anyone, least of all you. Aren't you a strategist or something? Shouldn't you be making plans? Or is that still our job? It's fine to be afraid or unsettled, it is not fine to sit around grasping the back of your head and making yourself feel worse about stuff you have no control over or else could be actively working on at this very moment.

Get drugs to cope from Ona

>>728934

psychedelics are not good for a time like this
look at the poor guy, he'd be locked in a cerebral, catatonic state for some potentially very important hours

Accept your fear. It is real and it is happening. Accept it, open yourself up to it, and let it flow through you. It's all through you, and once you accept it, you can divide out that common denominator, and experience yourself as though there were no fear at all, letting it merely happen in the background of your mind.

Don't you worry pendle, old buddy, old pal. The prince might be returning with some help quite soon, some dragon-shaped help.

>>727331

Look, Pendle, here's the thing. If you let the stress get to you, the worst might happen. If you try to keep it out of your mind, focus on your work, and get shit the fuck done, I promise you, PROMISE YOU, that this will end okay. We haven't steered these people wrong yet, and we've been doing this a while. So- get up, get going. I'd say stiff upper lip, but I don't think that's exactly optional for you. Keep calm and carry on, okay pal?

There is an army outside chill dawg

>>727331
Tell us Pendle - was it you?

Come on Pendle. It probably been, what, two seconds for you, but for us it feels like two months. Speak your mind.

Better yet, live, become animate, just don't sit there and die.

>>727331
Pendle, my bug brother. You need to go find Ona and see if she'll let you dip into her stash. Of drugs.

its chill, tgweaver wont abandon us...

I think Wes has been somewhat suspicious all this time. We need to take a look at him.