Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)06:22 No. 916037 ID: e63e6d
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>>916036

The four of you shuffle down the stairs and back into the corridor. Reno and Dana's fear is palpable, but you think lizards have poorer olfactory senses than you do? You remember hearing that somewhere. It can't be helped now.

There are sounds coming from down the corridor.

Get Reno to hide. Ambush and go for the silent takedown, either they're lizards or you're dressed as one.

Throne is leading the way. Suggest to Throne we look before we leap. If we attack and it turns out to be a guard who survived instead of a lizard, there could be problems especially since we are in disguise.

That said, I think we should stay stealthy and only attack if we are found out to not be lizards.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)08:34 No. 916042 ID: e63e6d
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>>916041

You tell Thorne to go check around the corner in a hushed voice, and she does. A tall lizard in a strange mask almost bumps into her. It sounds jovial. A dark light fills the corridor.

Is it done, brothers?

Behind the lizard are perhaps a dozen others.

Is what done?

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)08:40 No. 916044 ID: e63e6d
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>>916043

The lizards laugh.

You joke! And what a time for jokes! HAS THE SACRED THRONE BEEN CLEANSED OF ITS DEGENERATE MAMMALIAN USURPERS?

It's too risky to try and fight them with your charges so near, but this might be a leader of whatever this cult is, and leaders usually have vital information. Stay quiet and listen. See what their next move is.

Just nod

Okay, now that we know our voice fools them, tell them a lone warrior stands guard over their corpse-king. The throne is no more.

>>916047
I wouldn't say that. If we say that, he might tell us to get back up there and kill the gaurd. A simple nod should suffice.

>>916044
it is done. they all lie dead in a pool of their own blood.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)09:18 No. 916051 ID: e63e6d
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>>916046

You nod.

The lizard makes a strange sucking sound.

EXCELLENT! We will go and check the corpse, and if he is still alive, ensure our... Contact is rewarded. This is a great day for our people. Get to the kitchens, you lot! No longer will we suffer dry and dusty locusts! No longer will we drink the juice of succulents!

The lizard laughs and claps you on the shoulder, before marching toward the steps. The guards follow.

A resounding silence fills the hallway, punctuated by their echoing footsteps and Dana's quiet sniffling.

Get outta there before the snuffling is overheard!

>>916051
>Get to the kitchens, you lot!
Of course they would celebrate by eating your food.

>No longer will we suffer dry and dusty locusts! No longer will we drink the juice of succulents!
And if that’s what they’ve been eating the entire time, I don’t blame them for wanting to raid the kitchen.

Anyways, it’s time to go. Keep moving towards the secret exit in the armory.

if anyone asks about the sniffling, claim it is allergies.

But yeah, make it look like you are going to the kitchen, and when no one is looking, head for the secret exit.

>>916051
Keep going towards the armory.

When you get there, make sure you get armor and weapons before you leave.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)10:22 No. 916059 ID: e63e6d
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>>916054

The soldiers move on. You head to the armoury.

You should first peek in the armory in case someone's inside and see if they're friend or foe

>>916051
Well, they're in for a nasty surprise.
Keep moving. The sooner you escape, the sooner you can turn your thoughts to matters of revenge.

Also seems like Donna is shivering scared. Put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her and Whisper everything will be okay

>>916062
*dana

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)12:03 No. 916065 ID: e63e6d
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>>916062

You decide not to touch the frightened child hiding under a robe without warning.

>>916060
You check the armoury. Most of the good weapons and armour are gone, and some stuff is scattered around on the floor and tables. There is no obvious other door. There are no enemies nearby.

Thorne bars the door and pulls her cloak off.

>>916065
Alright good time to stop and get healed, then get some equipment your wards can use. Maybe upgrade some of your own since it's not like anyone else on your team is gonna use this shit.

>>916065
>There is no obvious door.
Duh! That's why it's called a secret passage!

Also, it requires magic to open it, so you're going to need the princess' help to find it.

Behind the map.
Good time to loot anything left not nailed down, maybe burn/grab any sensitive documents they overlooked. Get Reno a shield.

>>916051
It's clear that the revolutionaries have snapped from living in a hellhole with ^&*( to eat for generations. That doesn't excuse them from destroying their own infrastructure with terrorism and then blaming another race for continuing to starve, but something needs to be done about their justifiable grievances.

Note to the princesses that when they get back on the throne, they're to expand supply routes across the deserts.

... Kind of amazing they've survived on cooked locusts and plant juice, though. Maybe you'll teach your citizens their ways of survival when the survivors of your onslaught finally surrender.

>>916065
Grab the map, continue to bar the doors until you find the secret door.

ask the princess where the door is an get going.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)12:55 No. 916073 ID: e63e6d
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>>916068

You search for any sensitive documents. The only document of any kind you find are these EXTREMELY LEWD WOODCUTS, which you don't really have a way to burn.

>>916070
The desert lies to the south of the Kingdom! They rebelled, and have been eating locusts since. Serves them right.

>>916071
Reno says she doesn't know where the door is! In this room somewhere.

Describe woodcut. Save woodcut for later reference.

Okay two important questions: how long ago was their original rebellion, and how many of the deported CIVILIANS supported the revolutionaries when they were deported?

But for certain, neutralize the ones that are currently trying to kill you all.

>lewdcuts
Keep these. It's going to be a looong trip.

Take another look at those two statues. Try posing them in the same manner as the woodcuts.

My guess is behind that wall map or one of the flanking statues. Unless Thorne just found it right now.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)13:37 No. 916077 ID: e63e6d
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>>916076
The map is set into the wall. There's not really much behind it.

>>916075
Man, you don't know that! You're a cool warrior, not a history scholar. That all happened hundreds of years ago.

You stealthily add the LEWD WOODCUTS to your inventory.

Reno is already busy with the statues, it seems.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)13:39 No. 916078 ID: e63e6d
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>>916068

There are no worthwhile shields around; only giant tower shields made for bucks and oxen. You do find a SPIREBLADE'S ARMOUR, though!

You take the opportunity to clean yourself off.

Since you seem to be out of immediate danger, have Reno take a look at your arm finally.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)14:02 No. 916080 ID: e63e6d
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Looking good!

>>916079
Reno says she'd rather get out of danger. This is gonna take half an hour, at least.

>>916080
Well I guess they could start banging on the door. Is there anything Reno can wear for additional protection or is she already suited up? I can't tell if her clothing is decorative or protective.
Once that's settled, let's join the search for the hidden passage.

>>916077
Well one thing's for sure. If it's been hundreds of years, these aren't even the people who rebelled. Can't really judge them for that. Also can't explain this attack with that, so something else is going on.

>>916080
Okay, help find the way out, or you'll ruin your new clothes with your blood before you can enjoy them.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)14:31 No. 916084 ID: e63e6d
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>>916082

It's mostly decorative, and pretty light; but it's heavily enchanted. Most of the actual protecting is your job, though. Dana's clothes are just clothes. No special charms for a bastard.

Whatcha readin, boss?

Any clues there?

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)15:00 No. 916088 ID: e63e6d
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>>916085

Reno tells you not to call her "Boss".

"But yes, I do have... Something. It says that 'When night is at it's darkest and dawn seems an impossibility, blood from the royal line must fall on the lake at the center; look for the... the southward arrow and the westward pendant', I think. Or... some such."

She frowns at the writing.

"It's very old."

So they need royal blood at the centre of the lake at midnight and those last two things are to help find the right position?

Sure thing, chief.
The map is the key... try dabbing a bit of the princess's blood on the lake where the rightward statue's pendant and the overhead arrow's directions intersect. Hope it's pure enough for whatever enchantment this is.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)15:14 No. 916095 ID: e63e6d
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>>916092

Reno casually reminds you that your only duty on this earth is keeping all her blood inside her body.

Alright, southward arrow is the design above the map. 'westward pendant' could maybe-not-probably reference the bean-shaped lake with two rivers, making it look like a pendant, to the top left of the map; 'Lake at the center' is probably one of the two circles right smack central to the map, probably the top one. Have Reno interact with it and see if 'royal blood' is figurative and doesn't have to involve pricking any fingers.

kome 2019/01/03(Thu)15:15 No. 916097 ID: 094652
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Seems straightforward: douse the lamps, then use the princesses' blood to draw two lines, one from the bow and arrow and one from the pendant hanging on the statue on the right.

>bastard
...seriously? Who's Dana's mother then?

Can't bake an escape tunnel without breaking a few eggs.

>>916095
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPxY8lpYAUM
but we kind of need a genetic signature from you or Dana to activate the special magical lock to open the door specifically designed to keep YOU alive. Unless you want us to prick Dana's finger instead."

The blood part probably isn't literal. Just have her touch the appropriate spots on the map.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)15:52 No. 916101 ID: e63e6d
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>>916096

Reno humours you.

She asks if there are any other silly map-related things you want to try out.

Okay, we made a statue cry. That's progress.
...Did anything else happen? Is that a smear or a sleeve shadow?

Nope, it looks like that did the trick.

Check out the crying statue to the right.

Reno get back, the statue is weeping.

What's got Dana shook?

>>916101
Statue's eyes lit up. Check it out.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)16:03 No. 916107 ID: e63e6d
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>>916106

The statue's started weeping. Only the right statue; the left is still the same.

>>916105
You assume Dana's a little put off by her father's death, which she witnessed about an hour ago.

>>916097
Reno's mother died in childbirth; the identity of Dana's mother has always been cause for rumours, but you find that sort of thing tasteless. She's a good kid, and you love her like a little sister.

Poke the eyes?

>>916107
I thought she was staring at something particular, poor kid...

Now try moving the statue.

>>916107
This is when you tell Reno, "I told you so."

See if its arms move? Man, I hope it wasn't just a distress beacon.

Well, it did react when she touch it. I think she is part of the puzzle somehow.

Hm. Looks like we're getting somewhere. See if putting Dana's hand on the lake activates the other statue. If not, douse the lights in the room, like the code said.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)16:42 No. 916117 ID: e63e6d
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>>916109

You and Thorne try to move the statue. It doesn't budge.

>>916117
Hmph. Maybe there's a second step we need to perform? Check the eyes of the statue that isn't crying.

>+5 Sexual Tension
Stop that, Eth. There are children present.

Analyze the statue's 'tears'. What color and viscosity?

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)16:53 No. 916121 ID: e63e6d
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>>916116

Thorne lifts Dana up to the lake. For a brief interval when nobody's touching it, the tears are gone; then they reappear, in exactly the same fashion.

>>916119
You can't reach easily. From what you can tell, there are no eyes; just flat stone, cast in shadow.

>>916120
It's autumn. You're in heat. You can't help it.

The tears are the same colour as the ambient light in the room; they don't seem to be liquid, more like... the darkness around them is shadow, and the tears are just regular light? They certainly don't give off any light of their own.

Okay, try holding her hand there while we douse the magical ambient lighting.

When the eyes are lit up, look where it's looking. There's no other writing on the statues?
What's near the lake? What's the lake's name?

Is that circular bit indicative of anything, like a city? Turn and see what the weeping statue is looking at?

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)17:02 No. 916125 ID: e63e6d
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>>916123

The eyes are blank. There is no other obvious writing.

What's on the pendant Reno is wearing?

>>916125
What's that just south of the lake?

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)17:10 No. 916128 ID: e63e6d
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>>916126

A very pretty opal. It doesn't seem relevant here. You admire her excellent taste in jewelry.

>>916127
The Capital, and the Spire, which you're currently in.

Only one statue is doing something because you followed the instructions on that stature.

Try reading the instructions on the other statute to see what the clue is to get it to also do something.

>>916129
I think that was the only statue to have instructions. Maybe try touching the crying face? Only other thing I can think of is if the light doesn't come from the statue, but from somewhere else, you should look for the light source.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)17:26 No. 916132 ID: e63e6d
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>>916129

The other statue has no writing!

Reno says that if you're quite done staring at her royal bosom, she's willing to let you prick her finger and try the blood thing. But only if you're sure it'll work, and if you go through with it, you'll owe her one.

Take the deal, offer suggestive rewards.

>>916101
The statue is weeping.

Sure, it's just a flesh wound.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)17:38 No. 916137 ID: e63e6d
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>>916134

You accept the deal in the most suggestive voice you can manage, and wink at your princess. CRITICAL HIT!

Reno blushes.

Get the smalest sharp thing you can find, like a pin or needle. Even a dagger will probably shed more than you need.

Just have her use her sharp teeth to draw a little blood.

Mouths aren't sanitary. Tip of a rapier or other pointy sword should work, so long as it's clean.

>>916143

It's the middle ages, disease is spread through miasma, let the girls have their fun

fang prick is obviously the only acceptable way to do this after you led with suggestion. go get em eth

>>916137
Are you sure you’re allowed to have sex with your princess?

Unless.....you’ve both done it before? Which would make sense, since you’ve both known each other for years.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)18:34 No. 916147 ID: e63e6d
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>>916145

You prick the Crown Princess' index finger in a horrendously lewd manner. Her finger tastes good. Thorne looks on in disapproval. Reno blushes.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)18:34 No. 916148 ID: e63e6d
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>>916147

Your heart has grown more PLAYFUL!

wipe it on the lake now

Promice to kiss it better once we're all out of here.

Hey, on the plus-side, if you're able to be this frisky then the blood-loss probably isn't too bad.

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)18:50 No. 916153 ID: e63e6d
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>>916152
Actually, you are feeling pretty lightheaded. It might be more serious than it feels. You promise Reno you'll kiss it better later, which earns you a brief snrk.

>>916149
Reno wipes her thumb on the lake.

>>916153
Did anything new happen?

>>916147
>Thorne looks on in disapproval.
Hey, you had your chance to do suggestive stuff and you didn’t do it! It’s your own fault that you missed out on a chance to flirt with the princess!

>>916148
Hooray for a stat boost in playful flirting!

>>916153
>Reno wipes her thumb on the lake.
And? Did anything?

>>916153
Dang. I was hoping that would be a secret passage or something. This ancient riddle could have been more helpful.

...What happens if somebody else puts their hands on it?

Deer 2019/01/03(Thu)19:11 No. 916159 ID: e63e6d
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>>916157

The room rumbles.

[ANIMATED]

>>916159

Thanks for reading the quest so far guys! It's been fun! I'll start a new thread tomorrow. Until then, I'd love to hear feedback at https://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/127013.html

Good night!

>>916159
And you said that there wasn’t anything behind the map. Looks like you were wrong about that!

>>916194
more like lying!
how can we trust you again, deer?

>>916194
Merely depicting what the character sees, babe.

>>916199
Trusting me may have been your first mistake