You finally had a chance to sit down and speak to Ava, the female Lightbringer. You told her the truth of what was happening, and how her life had been strung along and manipulated by the Dramatae. She accepted a little of it, not because she believed you, but out of a desire to be rid of all the fighting, death, and insanity that had enveloped her life. She went outside to try and talk Adhan into listening to you. Unfortunately, while you were talking to Ava, Peace was speaking to Adhan. When Ava confronted him, Peace used a little magic and Adhan's emotional state to make him stab Ava. Adhan escaped, but you were able to keep Ava from dying on the spot, unfortunately due to complications from the wound, Ava was still dying. You found a solution, use your blood on her and Old One, the Dragon, would magically boost the Leviathan poisons within. That would burn away the Dramatae's magic that altered her body, and restore her to her earlier healthier state. There was one catch, Ava didn't want to go back to being the person she was before. She said that she'd rather risk going through a teleport portal, back to Bronze Peak, so she could be helped by Cups. You honored her decision, despite your personal misgivings, and did so. Ava survived the trip, but when she recovered, her body had suffered irreparable damage, shearing her lifespan in half, and destroying any chance of children. Ava was distraught, but some counseling from you, and focusing on a future as a possible hairdresser, has given her a little hope.

Ah, what a wonderful day for lamias. Welcome back Echo.

>>24383384
Old One sent you away, disappointed that you would allow someone else's opinion to matter more than your own. The only way to become the Little Dragon again, and regain his respect will be to deliver unto him the heads to the Dramatae.

Helen, the vampire, responded well to the pig blood treatment, and her lucid testimony was enough to convince Balles that she was coerced into turning. She'll still be incarcerated, but there's hope for her to be eventually cured. She also was able to reconcile with Jeremy Sandover.

Jeremy, and Quentin had also discovered something disturbing. Stone Hall was broke. The economy was a sham, hiding a total ponzi scheme that relied on Jeremy's businesses to keep making money and Jeremy to keep giving out loans freely. The pair have tried to do their best to prevent the collapse. They've opened up a bank, and have begun to foreclose on places that do nothing but drain money, provide actual loans to the places that can produce for the city, and other basic economic patch jobs. Of course, since neither of them, nor Rachel, are experts with complex numbers or forensic accounting, the process is shaky at best.

That was when Tricia got a wonderfully stupid Dawnchaser Plan. Princess Mumei, back in Stone Hall, is a numbers wiz, also the sane harpies that live on Old One's mountain have mathematical talents, as well. (Plus the physical force to enforce the new economic reforms.) The plan is to bring the two groups together, then move the harpies to Bronze Peak, just as you did with the lizard people in Stone Hall.

It's a stupid, dangerous, complicated, crazy plan that upsets the status quo and will make countless people angry and drive the ones who don't want this change straight into the arms of Citadel.

So, naturally, you're all for it.

>>24383404
>also the sane harpies that live on Old One's mountain have mathematical talents, as well
Okay, before we start, are we actually sure of this?
I know Paul is like the Rain Man or some shit but Grace did say he was 'special'.

>>24383404
Okay, so, things on the agenda, in no particular order.

1. have awkward conversation about dragon servant ritual with group.

2. discuss terms with paul, give him time to talk to other harpies.

3. fetch mumei.

4. Talk to trevalon one last time, to say goodbye. Buy booze first, good/strong stuff.

5. talk to robin and get him to bring us to the elf queen

6. see if anyone still wants to go to stone hall on one of our triips there

7. set up teleportation networks if feasible?

and I'm out of ideas

>>24383516
I think we are not sure at all.

>>24383560
We should also try and do that talking to the old god thing Quentin told us about.
Walk into a deep dark mine tunnel and listen.

>>24383516
It was mentioned that all the Harpies were good with numbers. Paul's 'specialness' was more to do with the fact that he freaked out if he couldn't do maths all the time.

>>24383634
oh shit, yeah! we have a day or so of recovery time, we should do that at one point. Cite meditation.

>>24383516
I think we need to talk to some of the other Harpies before fully saying yes or no on this plan. Right now it's the best one we have but we just need to make we take the right steps in going about this. Thus talking to some of the ... leaders, I guess, of the Harpies to see how they act about all of this.

Oh should talk to the Balles about this too before doing anything really. Don't want to drop a ton Harpies on the poor dude with no warning.

>>24383560
These, and also meeting Lord Holting, a grain baron of Citadel, and one of the Bear Tribe, possibly the last.

>>24383560
So, your group is in Ted's place. You obviously have a to-do list. Let's make it the first to four becomes your top priority.

>>24383755
Well, I think we should get everyone's take on what they heard with the dragon. It's our first chance to actually discuss that, now that I think about it.

>>24383773
Agreed. Might as well get all the awkward Dark Peaks stuff out of the way.

>>24383755
We're not in a screaming rush, for once, so:
>>24383773
seconding this.
After that, harpies, and then Stone Hall for Mumei and anything else that needs doing on the way there or back.

>>24383773
Agreed.

"Now that we're not running around like a bunch of headless chicken ... so dragon, yeah, thoughts?"

Or something like that just to get the ball going.

>>24383815
>>24383811
>>24383773
>>24383822

"Now that we're not running around like a bunch of headless chicken...so the stuff we said under the influence of the Dragon Who Was Of Shadow, yeah, thoughts?"

Everyone just sort of sighs and looks to the side. No one's really too keen on bringing up this topic.

>>24383874
I actually meant the stuff the PHYSICAL dark peaks dragon told us, not the... shadow dark peaks dragon.

I can see how that might be confusing in retrospect.

>>24383874
"They may have been exaggerated by the Shadow but there were real underlying problems and they're not going to go away by themselves."

oops, ya we aren't exactly ready to discuss the deeply personall issues revealed there quite yet. and definately not in a group yet. Unless... you think we should hold Group Therapy Time

>>24383905
Okay, now I'm a little lost. Are you referring to all the stuff you were all screaming at each other at the peak after the harpies?

>>24383905
Actually it was clear to me. Thus why I said just dragon not who was of shadows. Blah. Okay.

Anyways ...

>>24383874
"So do we want to just ignore it or ... "

Kinda leave the question hanging ...

>>24383960
We're talking about when we talked to the 'Old One' not the super evil Not!Dragon

>>24383905
Yeah, likewise. I meant all the fascinating stuff we learnt from Old One. But we needed to get *this* conversation out of the way too, so we might as well.

>>24383874
"We went to Dark Peaks to learn from a Dragon; turns out we learned from two, though definitely not things we wanted to hear. But it wouldn't have hurt nearly as much if it wasn't true. Up there, we fought against it quickly and then ran, but most of the things we said aren't the kinds of things solved by fast interventions like that.

We don't have to talk about it right now, and we don't necessarily have to talk about it in a group, but we have to talk about it at some point, and soon, lest those kinds of resentments come up again the *next* time we encounter some mental-attacking reality-warping spirit."

>>24383960
no, I'm personally referring to the stuff the old one said.

Apparently both me and you are confused now.

>>24383989
sounds good

>>24383989
>lest those kinds of resentments come up again the *next* time we encounter some mental-attacking reality-warping spirit

And by the way, isn't that just the *best* reason to talk through personal issues? We lead interesting lives, don't we?

>>24383989
yeah, regardless of what I said, go with it and we can talk about the OTHER dragon after we talk about THIS dragon.

Dragon talk.

>>24384046
Sounds good. "Meanwhile, on a more pleasant though still awkward note, we learned rather a lot from Old One, didn't we? We got another big lead, though we already wanted to talk to Lord Holting about his relationship to Lady Glenn and why he's pay-asking people to stay quiet about her death. But beyond that, we learned some fascinating things about dragons, and half-dragons. Right Mage?

>>24383989
alternative text, if that's too long, and we want a segue into old one

"Okay, we don't have to talk about that dragon yet. We should talk about it soon, but at your own pace.

Now, as for the other dragon, the old one, thoughts, questions, opinions?"

>>24384046
Dragon Talk!

>>24384172
"Dragons?"

"Dragons! ...Dragons?"

"Dragons!"

>>24383989
"We went to Dark Peaks to learn from a Dragon; turns out we learned from two, though definitely not things we wanted to hear. But it wouldn't have hurt nearly as much if it wasn't true. Up there, we fought against it quickly and then ran, but most of the things we said aren't the kinds of things solved by fast interventions like that.

We don't have to talk about it right now, and we don't necessarily have to talk about it in a group, but we have to talk about it at some point, and soon, lest those kinds of resentments come up again the *next* time we encounter some mental-attacking reality-warping spirit."

The group chuckles. "Sooner than we'd like, probably." Mari says.

"Meanwhile, on a more pleasant though still awkward note, we learned rather a lot from Old One, didn't we? We got another big lead, though we already wanted to talk to Lord Holting about his relationship to Lady Glenn and why he's pay-asking people to stay quiet about her death. But beyond that, we learned some fascinating things about dragons, and half-dragons. Right Mage?"

"Yeah," Mage says. "Look I had no idea that was what was happening. I just needed to get anyone's flesh to override Uncle's punishment spell. You had a piece hanging off of you already so..." He shrugs.

"So...other than I got a lifespan boost and may end up growing scales in eighty years or so...does this really change anything?" Mage asks. "I mean, if there was some extra magic transferred...I could look into it. I guess. But I have no idea, what else there is."

>>24384231
"Well, we can test if it even worked. Think a quick clonk with your staff would trigger that pain feedback thing?"

>>24384255
>inb4 mage dies.

>>24384277
but the dragon said that it totally wasn't lethal. Unless like we ourselves were killed by them.

>>24384231
"I think we'll need to talk to Grace at some point about this. See if she can share her side of the deal with the Old One. Heck, we don't even know if it really took do we?"

>>24384231
"Well, there was the way your armband changed right afterward, too. Probably worth looking into, yeah. Because you needed more topics for research, right?

But we could try a little experiment right now. Here, whack me upside the head, or something."

And if something happens:

"Don't worry, Mage; I'll never think of you as a servant. You're still a brother."

>>24384296

Yeah. Unless his staff goes maginuclear on us, then he'll survive.

>>24384231
"Well you can test yourself if you want, though no guarantee you'll like the outcome. Just give me a mild punch or hit and we'll see!"

>>24384309
"Well, there was the way your armband changed right afterward, too. Probably worth looking into, yeah. Because you needed more topics for research, right?"

"Apparently, I'll have the time." Mage says.

"But, we could try a little experiment right now. Test if it even worked. Here, whack me upside the head, or something."

"You sure?" Mage says.

"Well, we need to talk to Grace at some point about this. See if she can share her side of the deal with the Old One. Heck, we don't even know if it really took do we? This will be our test."

Mage shrugs alright. He goes up to you, looks at his staff, shakes his head. Then he winds up and slaps you across the face.

It stings, like you'd expect.

"AH!" Mage's head snaps to the side and you see a red glowing patch of skin on his face. "Okay, that hurt."

"Don't worry, Mage; I'll never think of you as a servant. You're still a brother."

"A brother who can't fight back against his crazy sister." Mage grumbles. But he's smiling as he says it. "Though this bond is fascinating, you think it's blood related or are there empathic elements involved as well?"

>>24384424
>"A brother who can't fight back against his crazy sister." Mage grumbles. But he's smiling as he says it. "Though this bond is fascinating, you think it's blood related or are there empathic elements involved as well?"

Think very loudly at him: "I don't know, what do you think?" And try to feel extremely happy about it, in case words don't come through. Remember what Beacon's Light felt like.

(And if it doesn't work, be prepared to feel very silly. But how awesome would it be if it did, even a little?)

>>24384424
"Who knows? I mean, I didn't even know you when it was formed. The dragon book leads me to believe that there could be something emotional to do with it, but it was talking about a two-way version of what we did."

>>24384424
"Haven't a clue. Hopefully it won't do anything much."

> There were 'unforeseen blessings given upon those who had the tender heart and steel heart to go through it.' and it says what was done.

I believe it's ... maybe? But we really didn't know mage back then. So who knows. Dragons.

>>24384493
Maybe the emotional bond formed over time?

Regardless, there are more important things right now.

>>24384575
I'm surprised nobody has any thoughts on the subject. I imagine at least meri would be interested in an extended life.

Speaking of, peri and meri are next on our dragon debriefing. Did you guys understand what the dragon meant by "liche"? How's that going to work?

>>24384600
Same. I would have though Mari would be jumping down both Ssens and Mages about this topic.

Seemed like Mari did though an explanation of it would help.

>>24384470
/I don't know, what do you think?/ You think as you look at him.

"Ssen? Everything okay?" Mage asks, a little confused at the weird look you're giving him.

"Never mind." You say feeling very stupid. "But, who knows? I mean, I didn't even know you when it was formed. The dragon book leads me to believe that there could be something emotional to do with it, but it was talking about a two-way version of what we did. Hopefully it wont do anything much."

"Well, you still need to transcribe that book. Then I'll start to tinker with it." Mage says.

"Okay, I'm gonna jump ahead to my bit." Mari says. "I wont go into the heavy complicated technical stuff, but the short version is that if we do a partial soul jar that contains both of our memories, then the resonance between our minds, the body we're using and the soul will be evenly divided, and yet distinct enough from each other to prevent a convergence event that would cause the ego walls to break down between us, ensuring that our own personalities can remain stable, while inter-"

"We keep our mind, body, and soul split up in different places in even portions and it keeps us stable. So we'd be a hybrid body-snatcher/liche that's not either one. It's pretty technical and complicated, but Mari says she can do it."

"That's an amazing incorrect oversimplification!" Mari snaps.

"Their eyes were glazing over." Peri says.

Mari harumps. "Fine...any questions?"

>>24384424
Hypothesis: Mage desperately wanted to be more than just a Ghoul, more than a monster. Ssen wants to become a Paladin, and saw that as an ultimate goal to achieve, the epitome of being a good person, and not a monster; nobody puts a Paladin in a bag for being bad. So this Dragon Servant magic changed Mage into what he wanted to be, with some flavor taken from how Ssen thought of that.

>>24384600
ah yea, I am very curious of what Mari figured out from Old Ones suggestion.

>>24383560
dragon servant ritual aka making grey wardens

>>24384645
"Do you have what you need to do that, and what can we do to help? We don't want you going crazy. Or...more crazy."

>>24384645
"Where are you going to keep this jar so that it's safe? And do you need any help from any of us?"

>>24384645
"What do you need?

"How much help will any us be in this?

"And please do be careful."

>>24384664
I am 100% certain we should make the Serpentguard at some point.

>>24384645
"Well, I didn't catch most of that, but it sounds like you're not sacrificing any innocents to do it. Good enough. How hard will it be to set up the materials and procedure?"

>>24384645
Well, it's your souls and you can do what you like with them.

>>24384707
>Where are you going to keep this jar so that it's safe?
That's a really REALLY good question.

>>24384707
we should include this question. I mean... it's a jar, right?

>>24384664
>aka making grey wardens

...

Fucking hell. I had completely forgotten about that part in the game.

>>24384707

"Or are you going to make it out of something besides crystallized delicateness?"

>>24384746
I want to have an elite group of peacekeepers who are bonded to us and have been exposed to the perils of dark peaks without losing it. Long term goal.

>>24384744
>>24384777
A soul jar doesn't need to be a literal *jar*.

>>24384707
"Where are you going to keep this jar so that it's safe? And do you need any help from any of us?"

"I've got some ideas for that." Peri says. "There's plenty of old bolt holes that I know the Fey Court doesn't use any more."

"I say storing it in Jeremy's bank isn't a bad idea either."

"Also so...what do you need, and how much help will any of us be in this?"

"Keep an eye out for any gems or geodes. Uncut is better." Mari says. "Other than that, I'll need to set up an Apparatus. The device IS pretty illegal to make, since it's normally just used for making people into liches...but I think if we alter it the way I think it needs to be we can skirt by the law just enough." She says. "So, if we can liberate some focus stones, and a bunch of other Conclave stuff, we should be good."

"Alright, please do be careful." You say.

"Since when are WE associated with careful?" Peri says.

"I know what you mean. Don't worry, I wont do anything that I haven't tested and I'll make sure you're there to deal with things if they go sideways." She frowns. "Which they probably will, but that's why we have experimental rats."

>>24384793
but does Ssen know that?

>>24384777
"Can't you make it out of something besides crystallized delicateness?"

"Short version, no." Mari says. "Longer version goes into things like resonance, HEKA storage, and thaumatic harmonics. Gemstones are the best, but we don't need to go fancy. An ugly uncut gem I think would be more efficient than the usual stereotype of the ornate crystal."

>>24384855
"And much less likely to be swiped by a certain band of Elves."

>>24384855
"Got it. You've got first dibs on whatever large ugly gemstones we find."

Incidentally, that's three out of five Dawnchasers who currently have ways to extend their life nearly as much as Ssen's, and hopefully a fourth. Here's hoping we can make it five for five.

>>24384855

Can you armor it with something besides crystallized delicateness?

>>24384855
"...do I want to ask what HEKA stands for, or will this necessitate another wordy explanation?"

>>24384901
Sadly unless Lea finds a way to meditate herself into immortality, I highly doubt she will have an extended lifespan barring Divine Intervention. Tricia's probably in the clear if she decides to stick with Ssen.

>>24384804
>There's plenty of old bolt holes that I know the Fey Court doesn't use any more

There are far better places to hide a soul jar. you could bury it in solid rock a kilometer underground in a randomly selected location - maybe teleport it in, if there's some way to do that blindly, or drill a hole and repair the hole afterward; the important thing would be not to leave any traces leading there, so it's just an anonymous cubic meter somewhere in the Earth's crust.

>>24384901
>>24384855
"Well, that's settled then. We'll find them as we can.

Honestly, I'm surprised you're not on me about that whole dragon lifespan thing. Guess I don't have to worry about you taking samples in my sleep, then?"

This last part is a joke, and not meant to be hurtful.

>>24384982
well, we COULD always just servant bond everyone.

>>24384984
That might not work for their purposes. They planned to extend past Mari's body too by looking for anyone else willing to hitch a ride. May have changed tho.

>>24385004
I don't think Lea would take it even if we offered it. Sadly.

>>24385004
yup, been thinking that as well... or do the entire bonding ritual instead, the 'mix of blood and tears' bit or whatever

>>24384982
Just because nobody *tried* the Dragon Servant ritual with non-Servants doesn't mean it won't work. And there are almost certainly other ways.

Assuming Lea doesn't have some objection to the idea of eternal life.

>>24385011
Given that this ritual is modified from the one that makes a Lich, it might already have life-extending properties.

>>24385019
I didn't mean it like that. Lea doesn't like 'unnatural' magic though. Remember how she NOPE'd out of the Ghoul Magic troll blood healing back at the Fell King battle?

>>24385052
And how she said the Light had given her this body and life, and such.

>>24385052
And then apologized about it when she learned that everyday healing potions use troll blood too.

Similarly, while she would abhor the idea of a lich, that doesn't make all forms of eternal life immoral. Surely she doesn't think Ssen's long life is unnatural?

I'm more concerned that she wouldn't want to live forever without going to the Light.

>>24385052
>>24385062
yeah. I doubt she'd accept.

But it's totally an option for our teammates. Heck, I'm debating whether or not it's our moral imperative to produce samples at as high a rate as possible for general population use. Everyone wants a longer life.

But then that would be a terrible life for ssen.

>>24385078
>Heck, I'm debating whether or not it's our moral imperative to produce samples at as high a rate as possible for general population use. Everyone wants a longer life.
>general population

No.

Wait ...

Hell no. We only give to those we trust the most and at this moment it's those we travel with.

General population ... you shitting me.

>>24385114
that's why I'm still debating it. Also hoping the secret doesn't get out, or that it gets out in a controlled manner.

I don't want people sneaking bits of us off while we sleep out of desperation.

>>24385149
Considering we tell no one but the people in this room any of this ... yeah the problem solves it self right there.

>>24384855
OK, we've talked to Mage, and Mari and Peri. We don't have much we need to talk to Lea about regarding Old One, and the conversation with Tricia should occur privately.

So: look to Tricia with a "we should talk later" look, and then suggest a trip back to Paul to talk about the harpies.

>>24385177
well, for the first 70 years. And then awkward questions start being asked.

>>24385149
I don't think just eating a bit of Ssen works, she has to willingly give them a bit of her flesh, not have it stolen/taken from her, else any ghoul that bit us would be bound to us.

>>24385181
yeah, paul next I think.

>>24385186
That don't get answered.

>>24384986
>>24384977
"...do I want to ask what HEKA stands for, or will this necessitate another wordy explanation?"

"Mana, energy, chi, just another designation of the energy magical actions produce." Mari says.

"Okay, well, that's settled then. We'll find those large ugly gemstones as we can.

"Honestly, I'm surprised you're not on me about that whole dragon lifespan thing. Guess I don't have to worry about you taking samples in my sleep, then?"

Everyone tries not to look at Lea. "I was given this life, and I accept it. When my time comes, I will accept it, and go on my Journey. I have nothing but respect for those who scramble and fight and do moral methods to extend their time here, but that's not me, and you know it." She says.

"So..." Tricia says. She sighs. "I guess that just leaves you and me, huh?"

As if on cue the others go decide to find other things to do, outside.

"I, uhh, I talked to Grace when you were talking to Old One. She's actually bonded with the dragon. But, it's not...you know...like us." She sighs. "It's not quite the same as what you did with Mage." She whispers to you what the biological process is. It's pretty close to what you and Tricia have been doing already, with a little more ritual involved. Also some blood needs to be swapped, but it would be the only scenario where it's non-fatal for Tricia.

"She says that there's no mystical mental stuff like in the stories of people 'proving their true love' just...a brief 'connection' between us...and that's that. She said that it can be a little traumatic though. It's hard to touch another person's mind. It's different than what Mari and Peri have. They're living in two different rooms, we'd be together, and...that can be difficult." She sighs and takes your hand. "I do want to do this with you...but..." She fidgets. "I want to make sure that it's what we want because we're together, and not what we want because we just want it." She shakes her head. "I'm babbling."

>>24385203
Great, now I have to go over every one of our ghoul fights to see if that actually happened and we didn't notice it.

>>24385218
poor lea.

If you meditate yourself into a mummy, we're going to build you the BEST temple. And we'll exaggerate the fuck out of your exploits. A little. Isen will help.

>>24385218
"It's okay, Trish. You're never just babbling. Anything you have to get off your chest, tell me. It's what I'm here for. As lover or Paladin, whichever you need. And you don't have to worry about all of it now, either. We have time to figure this all out."

>>24385218
>"She says that there's no mystical mental stuff like in the stories of people 'proving their true love' just...a brief 'connection' between us...and that's that. She said that it can be a little traumatic though. It's hard to touch another person's mind. It's different than what Mari and Peri have. They're living in two different rooms, we'd be together, and...that can be difficult." She sighs and takes your hand. "I do want to do this with you...but..." She fidgets. "I want to make sure that it's what we want because we're together, and not what we want because we just want it." She shakes her head. "I'm babbling."

"No, I understand. Wanting to do this to live forever would be a terrible reason. I remember before we ever knew about this that you said you wanted to be with me for the rest of your life, and I'd like that too. But this is something...more. And we don't have to do it right away, or at all if you don't want to.

But until you decide if you want to be with me for the rest of *my* life...I want to ask you again, more seriously this time: would you be with me for the rest of yours?"

>>24385218
"It's okay, I understand of course. There's no hurry after all, feel free to think on it as long as you want. I love you, and I'll continue to love you regardless of what you choose - I don't want you to feel pressured into this at all. That would make me feel far worse than not being bonded with you that way."

>>24385218
Something else important to say, probably before anything else: "I don't think it'd be a good idea for us to try any kind of potentially traumatic connection of minds until we talk about what happened up on Dark Peaks."

>>24385308
"It's okay, Trish. You're never just babbling. Anything you have to get off your chest, tell me. It's what I'm here for. As lover or Paladin, whichever you need. And you don't have to worry about all of it now, either. We have time to figure this all out."

"Heh, lucky us." Tricia says.

"Wanting to do this to live forever would be a terrible reason. I remember before we ever knew about this that you said you wanted to be with me for the rest of your life, and I'd like that too. But this is something...more. And we don't have to do it right away, or at all if you don't want to.

"But until you decide if you want to be with me for the rest of *my* life...I want to ask you again, more seriously this time: would you be with me for the rest of yours?"

Tricia looks at you. She sighs. "I'm...I'm already feeling it." She says. "My skin slightly itches some days, and things smell a little different." She sniffs. "I'm afraid. I've seen pictures of what wasp witches, crazy ones, look like after just 60 years...I don't know what kind of...thing...I'd be after 100 or 200." She sits next to you. "I know it's selfish, but...I want you a bit because I know you'll always be a monster...so you wont ever leave me because of that." She says. "I think that's why Dad moved to River's Crossing after I was born...he wanted your Father's support. I don't think he could stand raising a wasp witch, but then he's see you and your father...and he'd remember to love me again." She sighs and hugs you. "I don't want to be alone, so I stay with you because I know you'll never be really welcomed anywhere. So I know you'll always be here for me...I'm a terrible person."

>>24385218
That's okay. That is... a legitimate concern. And it doesn't have to be now.

I don't really know either. It's... you really are my only soft spot. Everybody has things they aren't sure about or don't know what they should do with. Usually they come to me about them, and that's okay. I chose to be that. I can shoulder all their burdens.

But then I look at you and all of my certainty and strength just crumbles. It's a good thing though. I think. To have moments where I see how weak I really am.

*hug*

So, as long as you don't mind being my one major weakness....

>>24385478
Give her a snake pout. "Well, us 'Monsters' have to stick together, right?" kiss her cheek lightly before continuing, "It's not all about how we look, but who we are and what we choose to be. You'll still be Tricia no matter what."

I wonder how much that is Citadel's influence... the way it effects 'monsters' makes me suspicious

>>24385478
You know I will NEVER care about how you look. I'm always going to love you, no matter who or what you are or become. And either we all get killed trying to stop Citadel, or we have decades to find a way to keep your mind YOURS.

And if it comes down to it, I'll fight for you as hard as I fought for Helen. Harder, even. And I know that it's a terrible thing to even think about, but if there really is nothing I or anyone can do to save you...

...I'll be the one to do it, when the time comes.

>>24385478
"Tricia, I'll be here for you, no matter what happens. And if we have to pull a miracle to make sure you can keep your mind, or whatever you want, well, we have no shortage of crazy plans. But no matter what, you'll still be Tricia. I understand where you're coming from, not because I'm a monster, but because I know what it's like to look like one on the outside and not be one on the inside. We've run into far too many people the other way around, fair to look upon and monstrous on the inside. You don't have it in you to be a monster on the inside, Tricia. And don't you ever think for a moment that you could."

>>24385571
I like the beginning of this, but the end is just *wrong*; she never even suggested she wanted something like *that*, and we don't want to imply that we'd think she would.

>>24385478
"Oh Tricia. We all don't want to be alone."

>>24385556
"Well, us 'Monsters' have to stick together, right?" You kiss her on the cheek.

"You know I will NEVER care about how you look. I'm always going to love you, no matter who or what you are or become. And either we all get killed trying to stop Citadel, or we have decades to find a way to keep your mind YOURS.

"And if it comes down to it, I'll fight for you as hard as I fought for Helen. Harder, even.

"You know...you really are my only soft spot. Everybody has things they aren't sure about or don't know what they should do with. Usually they come to me about them, and that's okay. I chose to be that. I can shoulder all their burdens.

"But then I look at you and all of my certainty and strength just crumbles. It's a good thing though. I think. To have moments where I see how weak I really am.

"Anyway, even if we have to pull a miracle to make sure you can keep your mind, or whatever you want, well, we have no shortage of crazy plans. But no matter what, you'll still be Tricia. I understand where you're coming from, not because I'm a monster, but because I know what it's like to look like one on the outside and not be one on the inside. We've run into far too many people the other way around, fair to look upon and monstrous on the inside. You don't have it in you to be a monster on the inside, Tricia. And don't you ever think for a moment that you could."

Tricia just looks at you for a long while and nods. You two hold each other for a while. "I want to go dancing again. Later." She says. "Without anyone getting shot. Then, we can talk about being stuck with each other for the rest of eternity."

>>24385478
"That doesn't make you a terrible person at all. It only makes you human. I was born a Lamia, and regardless of what I face, I am used to it by now. I never have to worry about things getting worse, and it was hard at times, but it's not so much, now. And I always knew I was a person worthy of life, in control of myself regardless of what others feared. The only time I wasn't, it felt like hell.

You don't have that luxury of knowing that things are never going to get worse. You don't have the comfort of knowing that you'll be you, no matter what. Being scared isn't just understandable, it's necessary - everyone would be terrified in your situation. I won't tell you not to feel bad about it, but I assure you I understand, and I don't feel slighted at all.

If you want, I'll do everything in my power to help you find out more about wasp witches, at least find out what actually happens, and if there's anything that can be done to prevent it."

>>24385713
>>24385721
Aww, I was too late.

>>24385713
"It's a date. And I'd very much like the not-getting-shot part as well. Though you were a nice sight to wake up to afterward."

OK, we've got another mission: learning everything we can on Wasp Witches, especially what happens when they get older and why. Hopefully it'll turn out to be much like why most Lamia act like monsters, and she doesn't necessarily have to turn out the same way if she doesn't want to.

Meanwhile, head hand-in-hand to find the others again, and figure out who is going back to Old One's foyer to meet with Paul. Sounds like three people can use the circle at once, so Ssen, Tricia, and Quentin?

>>24385713
"Sounds like a date. I still haven't taken you on a proper one - last time we had no real time to prepare, and the location was hardly ideal at the time."

>>24385713
"I'd love to dance. I hope you don't blame me if I bring clang along, though.

Just in case."

(Question: When will we, if at all, go to the Fey Court?)

>>24385848
(after we get this city sorted out. And maybe a vacation day or two in stone hall, I really hope.

Really hope.)

>>24385777
"It's a date. And I'd very much like the not-getting-shot part as well. We'll have to take Clang along, as protection. Though you were a nice sight to wake up to afterward."

You walk outside, hand in had, to see the others poking about all of Ted's abandoned taxidermy pets.

"Some of these things are pretty nice." Mage says. "Take them back to the Lighthouse."

"They're tacky." Mari says. "Also, I don't like sleeping with something like this staring at me."

"Plus I don't think Ssen would like having a stuffed Lamia around to...oh, hey." Peri says. "So, next on the agenda?"

>>24385865
"Well, I was thinking." Lea says. "We need Mumei, but we also need the harpies. I know it's probably not the best idea in the world, but one or two of us could go to Stone Hall and get her, wont take but two days with Lightmare. In the mean time, the others go get the harpies to come to the table."

>>24385865
"How bout we ask paul if he and his friends would be interested in such a plan? It would take a while for him to spread the word and ask around. We should have quentin or sandover for that one. Maybe both. I don't know if we could bring those two into the dragon's parlor though."

>>24385841
I think Tricia is going to fall in love with Clang too, the moment Clang blocks something from killing her.

>>24385848
>>24385865
Right now we have an economy to save, so we need to start talking to harpies and then bringing Mumei here. And there's plenty we might want to do while in Stone Hall, not least of which a visit with Isen and Tara.

>>24385885
"I really don't think splitting up between cities would be a good idea; we hit enough danger on the road between Stone Hall and here *before* we had three mask-wearing Dramatae actively out for our blood.

The teleport circle can carry three people safely, right? How about Tricia and I escort Quentin to visit Paul, explain the situation, and get his friends to help? I'm hoping that won't take too long. Everyone else should probably go with Jeremy to visit Balles, and tell him about the new he's about to have. Then we can meet up afterward and head to Stone Hall together."

>>24385885
I really hate the idea of spiting the party.

>>24385896
Yeah we would need to either bring Paul or whoever Paul says is okay to bring to Bronze Peak to speak with them.

>>24385915
>Everyone else should probably go with Jeremy to visit Balles, and tell him about the new he's about to have

new citizens he's about to have, I meant to say.

>>24385885
This is a much harder decision than it sounds. It would make things more effecient here, but... I'd really like to check in on stone hall.

Maybe the person could bring that teleportation ring?

"I think I'll ask ted about how teleporting works before we send someone off. If we're lucky, we can cut the trip to and fro in half."

>>24385926
>"I think I'll ask ted about how teleporting works before we send someone off. If we're lucky, we can cut the trip to and fro in half."

Can't hurt to ask, but I have the rather strong feeling that setting up a teleportation network between cities would be far too easy to actually happen to us.

>>24385934
yes. far too easy.

It would probably have terrible consequences. My plan B is a message-tower system.

>>24385896
>I don't know if we could bring those two into the dragon's parlor though.

We don't even know if *we're* welcome back either. But just in case Old One would take offense, we should probably go talk to Paul first ourselves, and ask him to come back and visit Quentin, sure.

>>24385915
>I escort Quentin to visit Paul
>taking Quentin to the dragons lair
No no no. Bad idea. We bring Paul or who ever wants to represent the Harpies to Bronze Peak.

>>24385947
Or something derived from the Whisper Flutes.

>>24385950
we just go and TALK to paul for now. he can't come back yet since he is injured.

We arrange the actual talks in three or four days once we have mumei and paul has recovered some.

>>24385950
Yeah, agreed. He could sense those in his lair, and we're not even sure if *we're* welcome at the moment. So yeah, let's bring Paul here.

>>24385967
No idea how fast he'll recover, but if he hasn't yet, then fair enough; we'll give him a heads-up, talk to him about what it'll take to get the sane harpies to help, and plan for some future diplomacy once we have Mumei around. This seems like a really good idea in any case, since Mumei might have more idea of how to relate to birdfolk.

>>24385915
"I really don't think splitting up between cities would be a good idea; we hit enough danger on the road between Stone Hall and here *before* we had three mask-wearing Dramatae actively out for our blood.

"The teleport circle can carry three people safely, right? How about Tricia and I escort Quentin to visit Paul, explain the situation, and get his friends to help? I'm hoping that won't take too long. Everyone else should probably go with Jeremy to visit Balles, and tell him about the new he's about to have. Then we can meet up afterward and head to Stone Hall together."

"We need a way to better communicate." Lea says.

"Mage, I thought you were working on Whisper Flutes."

"We need a special wood." Mage says. "Blue Apple Oak. Doesn't grow around here, super rare, you know the deal with these things. When we find one, then we're somewhere."

"HOW long is our to-do list?" Peri asks.

"Long enough." Mari sighs. "We sure taking Quentin up there is a good idea?"

>>24386006
>"Long enough." Mari sighs. "We sure taking Quentin up there is a good idea?"

"Probably not, come to think of it. I'm not even sure Old One wants *us* back, after what happened with Helen. Dragons, or Little Dragons, don't get to offer choices to lesser beings, apparently. Let's limit the risk, and go visit Paul ourselves before bringing an unknown person into Old One's foyer.

So, who wants to come visit Paul, and who wants to talk to Balles?"

>>24386006
"Better to bring Paul here I think, I dont think Old One would appreciate a human showing up in his lair."

>>24386006
"You're right, let's just talk to Paul and set something up." You say. "Then get Mumei and come back here. Then the talks, then either the Fey Court or Holting, and by then we'll probably have another massive fire to deal with."

"Or six." Tricia says.

"Okay, so...we going right now?" Peri looks over your shoulder to Ted's house where the Teleport Circle is.

>>24386006
"Mage, remind me. We're getting you a nice, thick journal for you to record all these crazy request we have for you, and so you can work at them at your own pace."

>>24386038
"Yeah, sooner we get Paul in talking to his people the better."

Also : >>24386047

>>24386038
"Unless someone can think of a really good reason why we shouldn't. Otherwise, let's go. Who wants to go see Balles, and who wants to visit Paul?"

>>24386047
I like this.

>>24386047
"Mage, remind me. We're getting you a nice, thick journal for you to record all these crazy request we have for you, and so you can work at them at your own pace."

"I'll get one from Ambrose when we go back to the lighthouse." He says.

"Well, unless someone can think of a really good reason why we shouldn't. Otherwise, let's go. Who wants to go see Balles, and who wants to visit Paul? Also, we should be careful. I'm not even sure Old One wants *us* back, after what happened with Ava. Dragons, or Little Dragons, don't get to offer choices to lesser beings, apparently. Let's limit the risk, and go visit Paul ourselves before bringing an unknown person into Old One's foyer."

Tricia squeezes your hand. "You know I'm with you."

Mage sighs and raises his hand. "They may talk to me cause I'm a servant."

Peri/Mari and Lea both nod. "We'll got alk to Balles, also make Jeremy and Quentin aware that's it's happening so soon."

"Sounds like we have a set up for our latest Dawnchaser Plan." Tricia says. "Shall we?"

Yes, lets

>>24386133
Grab Tricia on one arm, Mage on the other, step into the teleport circle, and hope our luck continues to live up to the insanity of our plans.up.

>>24386133
Is there any response to "shall we?"

other than "surely."?

>>24386181
You, Mage, and Tricia all link arms and go into the circle. A tap from Mage's staff, and the usual slightly unpleasant shifting, and you're back in the grand hall.

Grace walks up to you blinking. "You were told by Old One to not return until you claimed the heads of the thieves. Please, go back, or we will forcibly remove you."

>>24386239
"...I am sorry, Grace. It was not my intention to disturb Old One; we merely wished to talk to Paul, and I didn't know any other way to get a message to you other than waiting for the next time one of you came to town. And we really didn't have time to wait. Is there some way we could talk to Paul without violating Old One's wishes?"

>>24386239
I don't think Grace understands just how little we fuck around. (We don't fuck around)

>>24386239
"We wished to speak with paul. If that is still an intrusion, then we apologize and will leave your abode immediately."

Can't just break into people's houses if they ask you to leave.

>>24386274
Yeah, I was kinda hoping they'd think of visiting the circle and not stepping out as kinda like standing on the threshold and knocking.

Clearly Mage needs to invent a teleport-circle doorbell.

>>24386274
"We wished to speak with Paul, and I didn't know any other way to get a message to you other than waiting for the next time one of you came to town. And we really didn't have time to wait. Is there some way we could talk to Paul without violating Old One's wishes? If that is still an intrusion, then we apologize and will leave your abode immediately."

Grace lowers the carving knife. "Oh, well." She shrugs. "Paul is sleeping off the battle up there." She points up at the top of a pillar where you see Paul sleeping in a little nest. She turns away from you and walks back to the area where she and Ted are working on something.

>>24386309
"Thank you, Grace. Your vigilance does you credit."

Then knock gently on the pillar, and see if Paul starts counting himself awake.

>>24386309

Is there a ladder or something that allows non-winged people access to the pillar? Given how Paul was injured in the skirmish against the latest Passion, I doubt that he was in much condition to wing it up there.

>>24386333
>>24386309
We might have to climb up there. We can do vertical pillars a lot better than our friends.

Also, I am curious as to what grace is working on, but too polite to check.

>>24386309
Let's not make Paul move. Let's spiral crawl up the pillar and try to wake him gently by calling his name. No snake-like looming over his nest though. That would scare the poor dear.

>>24386354
>>24386345
>sleeping bird
>snake looming over him
>HEY WAKE UP I HAVE A JOB FOR YOU
>bird panics and falls right off the pillar

Oh ho, that slaps me on knee

>>24386345
Yeah, we can almost certainly crawl up there easiest, but...

>>24386367
This. Past promises not to eat him won't immediately come to mind when waking up with a snake looming.

>>24386367
That's why we softly call his name from below.

>>24386381
I say we go with the crawl-up-gently-trying-to-wake-him strategy.

Maybe knock as we go.

>>24386367
"Paul wake up, it's breakfast time!"
>scaredshitlessharpy.gif

>>24386396
>>24386392
>>24386381
but WHATEVER we do...

make sure to thank grace first.

>>24386333
"Thank you, Grace. Your vigilance does you credit."

You spiral your way up the pillar until you just reach Paul's level, you tap him on the shoulder. He opens his eyes and looks at you.

"You are the lamia that was here before." He says. "Hello. I am very tired and wounded still from being shot with five crossbow bolts and plummeting to the ground painfully, and would wish to sleep."

>>24386418
"Yes, I remember that. You did spectacularly out there in the battle, so I'll try to be brief.

Once you are better, I might have a job for you and those like you, involving making sure the count of things are accurate and true. Also a chance to meet people, and be less alone. I hope you are interested, and I've given you more to look forward to as you recover.

Get better soon."

>>24386418
>"-I am very tired and wounded still from being shot with five crossbow bolts and plummeting to the ground painfully, and would wish to sleep."
Well when he says it like that I feel bad. Let's apologize, then ask him what we need to and offer to do something nice for him in Bronze Peak. Maybe set up a nice warm, cushy nest up above a smithy or a big restaurant with warm updrafts and nice smells. Dude's been through a lot of shit for us.

>>24386418
"I am sorry to wake you, Paul. You were very strong in that battle, and you deserve some rest. We won't stay long.

When you're feeling better, I'd like to talk to you. We could use your help, and that of the other harpies who can think and reason as you do. The economy in Bronze Peak is collapsing, and some of my friends are trying to help, but they need a lot more help from people who are good at counting and very strong. People like you, Paul.

Would you be willing to help, and do you think the other harpies might be? Give it some thought.

We need to go to Stone Hall and back, to bring someone else to Bronze Peak to help. When we get back, could we arrange a meeting with you and with some representative of the harpies who could speak for them?"

>>24386480
>Let's apologize, then ask him what we need to and offer to do something nice for him in Bronze Peak. Maybe set up a nice warm, cushy nest up above a smithy or a big restaurant with warm updrafts and nice smells

That does sound nice.

>>24386506
that sounds nice... for a lamia maybe.

Harpies seem to be colder weather creatures. Maybe somewhere cooler, with a breeze.

>>24386506
Above a smithy, he could count the ringing of hammer blows to calm himself or lull himself to sleep.

>>24386527
Sure, whatever sounds most appealing to Paul. But it wouldn't surprise me if the harpies don't so much enjoy cold as live with it because that's where they have to live. Not like they could just take up residence in Bronze Peak, before.

>>24386474
"Yes, I remember that. You did spectacularly out there in the battle, so I'll try to be brief.

"When you're feeling better, I'd like to talk to you. We could use your help, and that of the other harpies who can think and reason as you do. The economy in Bronze Peak is collapsing, and some of my friends are trying to help, but they need a lot more help from people who are good at counting and very strong. People like you, Paul.

"Would you be willing to help, and do you think the other harpies might be? Give it some thought.

"We need to go to Stone Hall and back, to bring someone else to Bronze Peak to help. When we get back, could we arrange a meeting with you and with some representative of the harpies who could speak for them?"

Paul pauses for a moment. "I will inform my brothers who are attendants to the Harpy Queen. She will agree to the talks A good place to meet would be the old forgotten Bear Shrine, because there are few people there and few harpies so that one side does not feel overwhelmed by the other."

Paul pauses. "You must be sure to offer much available food. We have been starving here for a while because there is little game, and the insane harpies take all the rest."

>>24386556
Yeah, but I'm saying maybe... put him a few stories above the bakery. Not right above. Hew some houses into the roof of the city dome.

>>24386572
After these messages...we'll be right back!

>>24386572
"Well, then I'll have to ask what you folks like to eat, so I can secure a supply. I know I'm partial to a lot of meat, myself."

>>24386593
okay. see you in an hour or so then?

>>24386600
This. We don't want to insult them by bringing the wrong thing.

>>24386611
"What do you MEAN all you brought was 500 tons of birdseed?

"I don't care how many flavors of birdseed there are!"

probably meat, lots of meat. Rocs and dragons are NOT known for vegatarism

>>24386643
>All the yelling makes Paul start counting all the different colored seeds.

>>24386674
Question:

Where will the meat come from in our new monstrous-heavy demographic scheme? For near carnivores, we have lizardmen, harpies, nagas, lamias...

>>24386678
goats and boars my friend. goats and boars

>>24386678
Soylent Green.
.
.
I dunno, not like they aren't able to hunt if given the chance.

>>24386709
but game has been scarce, and goats are well known for annihilating grazing ground when overused.

>>24386725
>>24386709
if boars and hunting are legitimate sources of food, we need to develop a game commission for sensible usage of wildlife. This involves curtailing "wild" harpy hunting in areas to allow population to regenerate.

basically moving food from the mouths of wild to domestic harpies.

>>24386744
alternatively, we could come up with some more economic meat or fish stock.

>>24386600
"Well, then I'll have to ask what you folks like to eat, so I can secure a supply. I know I'm partial to a lot of meat, myself."

"We like meat, lots of red meat. Boars, goats, cow. We also can eat other smaller birds, and fish. Fish is liked by shore cliff harpies more, but they are very very tasty. I had fish once, and the Harpy Queen had octopus once and has insisted that we find her one, but they are very difficult to find in the mountains."

>>24387277
"It just so happens that I'm going to a coastal city soon. I'll be sure to bring back fish and octopus.

>>24387277
"Well, I think that's all do-able. I know stone hall has fish, at least, and red meat is pretty frequent too. I'm not promising yet, but chances are good on a stable food supply. Might all be salted and preserved, though."

>>24387277
Hmmm. Stone Hall has a fair bit of fishing industry; we might be able to pick up some fish and some more exotic seafood while we're there.

"Thank you, Paul. We'll leave you to rest. We'll be heading to Stone Hall next, and we'll be gone for a few days. When we get back, how can we get in contact with you to coordinate the meeting at the Bear Shrine?"

>>24387336
we can put the extra lizardman labor into fishing. they're semiacquatic.

>>24387277
Well if I recall Stone Hall had pretty good fishing going for them. Maybe we can grab somethings for them there.

"Thank you, Paul. I'll keep that in mind. Would there be anything else I should know? Maybe something I shouldn't bring?"

After that; thank him again and head out.

>>24387347

That might also relieve some pressure from disgruntled people being displaced from farming. Hell, if the fishermen are real pragmatic, they might even welcome the idea of aquatic workers that could make fishing a lot easier.

>>24387351
>"Thank you, Paul. I'll keep that in mind. Would there be anything else I should know? Maybe something I shouldn't bring?"

Good thinking. More generally, any major etiquette mistakes we should avoid making?

>>24387375
>fishmen
you mean lizardmen.

we'd have to be careful about not overfishing too.

>>24387393

Yes, I did. Unless there are other hitherto-unseen fishmen in Stonehall that everyone is perfectly OK with and saw no point in drawing them into conflict.

>>24387404
maybe we can figure out some kind of stable fish farming method?

Dragon and Troll... to rule the land. The Naga
Dragon and Leviathan... to rule the seas. The Lamia
Dragon and Roc... to rule the skies. The Harpy

Its all so clear now! They wanted intermediataries to rule through them. And instead they got the Beautiful Ones... a disapointment

>>24387391
I think we can get run down of that kind of stuff when we get back. Food stuff though needs prep time.

>>24387491
speaking of, didn't Ssen really enjoy that seafood place? We should try dive fishing next time we're at the coast.

>>24387330
"Well, I think that's all do-able. It just so happens that I'm going to a coastal city soon. I'll be sure to bring back fish and octopus. I know stone hall has fish, at least, and red meat is pretty frequent too. I'm not promising yet, but chances are good on a stable food supply. Might all be salted and preserved, though."

Paul shrugs. "Food is food. We've been eating twigs and carrion. We can survive on very little, because we are harpies, but we are still very hungry. You must make sure that the food is not just there to be taken, or else there are those that will take it. The Queen must bow. That is important. Otherwise the harpies will just take, we will not take from a force that makes a Queen bow, for that means that the Queen has seen a threat and does not wish to fight because she knows that they will lose."

"Thank you, Paul. We'll leave you to rest. We'll be heading to Stone Hall next, and we'll be gone for a few days. When we get back, how can we get in contact with you to coordinate the meeting at the Bear Shrine?"

"You should light a fire and put in witherwood in it. It will make white smoke that smells of bleeding flesh. That will be the signal and a very pleasant way to start the meeting on pleasant terms, because the speakers will be hungry and will agree to you if they can get food."

>>24387491
And the second time around they humped a few horses, getting centaurs?

>>24387561
... nah, thats how they got Nightmare

>>24387523
"Rest well, friend. You deserve it."

Then climb back down, thank Grace profusely, and leave through the teleport circle.

>>24387561
>hump animals
>produce ruling race
Dragons, Rocs, and Trolls must all be Dawnchasers too.

>>24387614
that's about right. we can brief our friends after we get back.

>>24387614
>>24387523

>Queen must bow

So we must probably make her decide that this union is a good idea, and also show that we can kick her ass into next week should she ever decide to try to break it?

Sounds about par-for-the-course as far as diplomacy goes.

>>24387710
it's gonna be tough. I would say we should bluster with troops, but it's going to be a neutral diplomatic situation I hope.

>>24387614
"Rest well, friend. You deserve it." You say. You slighter back. "Thank you very much, Grace."

She vaguely waves at you over her shoulder. "Do not return until you can face Old One once more, or I will maim you for the insult." She says calmly.

The teleport circle is as stomach churning as usual but delivers you back to Ted's place.

"You know," Tricia says. "We should make sure that it's not dangerous in the long term to keep using those things."

"Oh, it is." Mage says. "But considering our lives, the long term effects of these things should be the least of our worries, and if we have as long term as we THINK we do, then it still doesn't matter because we should be able to weather them fine...but expect a year or two down the line with a small case of di-"

"Don't. Just, Don't." Tricia says.

Peri/Mari and Lea are waiting for you outside Occuli HQ. "So, Balles in on board...I think."

"What happened?"

"Well, he's now officially buried in as much paperwork as Paladin Avery has, if not more." Peri says. "So then we come in, and tell him the whole scenario. Turns out that Jeremy and Quentin hadn't told him the extent of how broke Bronze Peak is."

"Then we swung out with the harpy solution." Mari says. "He just stared at us with a thousand-yard gaze for a while, and now he's making new forms to fill out."

Lea shrugs. "I believe that the man is expecting us to do the heavy lifting, and we just hand him the paperwork to fill out at the end." She sighs. "He's officially over his head...so again, we're two for two in causing perfect Paladin order to shatter into a thousand pieces."

>>24387827
"AND we've given a dragon a poor opinion of ourselves. We've got a lot of work ahead of us, don't we?

Though, at least we have a lead. The harpies would be willing to trade, and listen to diplomacy, if we brought them food and made their queen bow. We should ensure the seafood industry and a trade route with stone hall."

>>24387827
"Di-what? Damn it I want to know."

>>24387827
>"Oh, it is." Mage says. "But considering our lives, the long term effects of these things should be the least of our worries, and if we have as long term as we THINK we do, then it still doesn't matter because we should be able to weather them fine...but expect a year or two down the line with a small case of di-"

I can imagine a few ways for that sentence to end, none of them good.

> Lea shrugs. "I believe that the man is expecting us to do the heavy lifting, and we just hand him the paperwork to fill out at the end." She sighs. "He's officially over his head...so again, we're two for two in causing perfect Paladin order to shatter into a thousand pieces."

And one for one with imperfect Paladin order, but let's not talk about that.

>>24387827
"Well then, I think we have a trip to Stone Hall to plan. Do you think we should bring Quentin with us, to help explain the situation, if he can manage to be away from here for a few days?"

And also, before we leave, we might want to wander over to the Traveller's and ask for Lysander Bottom.

>>24387951
Actually, I think we *need* to bring Quentin, and tell him to bring some gold, since he and Jeremy should be putting up the funds to finance this diplomacy. Octopus probably isn't cheap.

>>24387951
>Lysander Bottom
>Lies and Her Bottom
OR
>Lies and Slander Bought 'Em
I feel like there is some secret there but I can't figure it out.

>>24387968
jeremy could come too. One or the other. Maybe the sister whose name escapes me, if she has executive power like the other two.

>>24387968
Quentin doesn't have any gold. He's a broke artist. Jeremy's the one who has money. Or at least IOUs.

>>24387951
>none of them good
Well "a small case of diarrhoea" is good. Comparatively.

>>24388063
They're in business together now.

>>24387951
"Well then, I think we have a trip to Stone Hall to plan. Do you think we should bring Quentin with us, to help explain the situation, if he can manage to be away from here for a few days?"

Quentin's reply: "Oh for the love of the Silent One, YES! PLEASE get me OUT of here!" He sags. "I hate dealing with this, all these numbers and numbers that hide numbers...and Jeremy keeps throwing me at anyone who's unhappy with us." He shakes his head. "And Rachel's no help at ALL, just because we're doing a bit better, she expects me to stop being an artist and devote my life to this?!" He puts the last of the ledgers into the wagon with disgust. "If I don't get out of here, I'm going to jump down a mine shaft."

What kind of a note are you leaving for 'Lysander?'

>>24388079
Yeah, but the business hasn't actually made any money yet. Because people don't have any to pay them.

poor guy. yes lets take Quentin with us. He can at least explain the basics and bring the money we need.

>>24388156
"Quentin, do you and Jeremy have any spare funds from your partnership to help finance the alliance with the harpies? Because it's going to take a lot of clams."

As for "Lysander", I'd just like to catch him while he's still in Bronze Peak, talk to him a bit about the tiny bit of additional information we have on fae history, and figure out some way to get in touch later for a meeting and parley with the elves.

>>24388156
Hmmm, wait a minute. It sounds like Quentin really *doesn't* want to stay and do this, then. Do he and Rachel perhaps want to *stay* in Stone Hall? Because we could help him there. Or does he feel like he has to get the rebuilding effort off the ground first?

>>24388516
That can wait until rebuilding has really begun, I think he is just overwhelmed with paperwork right now

>>24388261
"Quentin, do you and Jeremy have any spare funds from your partnership to help finance the alliance with the harpies? Because it's going to take a lot of clams."

Quentin sighs. "Technically, we actually do have a lot of money, unfortunately it's all...according to Jeremy...'Finance Money' which means that we're rich...but we have no gold." He sighs. "We do have partial ownership of the mines, and the forges, and nearly every other business here. Which we're trying to avoid," Quentin shakes his head. "Would Stone Hall take ore?"

Lea shrugs. "Maybe, but I have a question, what's the mayor of this place doing?"

"He left for Citadel two days ago." Quentin says. "One morning his place is cleaned out and he's gone. Bastard has CRAZY debt."

"Lovely, do you have ANY gold on hand?"

Quentin sighs and then looks up. "Actually, yes. I still have what you all paid me for the work on Beacon and your shield."

"Marvelous, get that." Lea says.

"I'll be right back." You say, as you go to Travellers as the others put together the wagon and Quentin's goods.

You stop at the bar and look at the tavern keeper. "I have a message for Lysander Bottom?"

"What's the message?" A dour voice says. You turn around and see an elf in casual black clothing, silver earrings, black lipstick, black eye shadow, and an infinitely bored expression. "I'm Jessie. I work for Robin...you're that Lamia who's horse we stole and gave back." She looks you up and down. "What does it feel like when you're crushing a person to death? Do they have a death rattle or a death wheeze?"

.... dear gods its a goth.

>>24388594
>"What's the message?" A dour voice says. You turn around and see an elf in casual black clothing, silver earrings, black lipstick, black eye shadow, and an infinitely bored expression. "I'm Jessie. I work for Robin...you're that Lamia who's horse we stole and gave back." She looks you up and down. "What does it feel like when you're crushing a person to death? Do they have a death rattle or a death wheeze?"

"Wow, you're just a master of bad first impressions, aren't you?" (Ignore the question otherwise.)

"Just tell him that we're interested in setting up a meeting with him and the fae in the future, and we have some previously unknown historical information about the Fae that he might find useful, possibly regarding Thistlebottom. How can we contact him in the future, and perhaps set up a meeting?"

>>24388594
"I'm not usually listening very hard at that point."

>>24388594
"no, actually they tend to lose the air from their lungs way before the- nevermind.

I just wanted to ask you guys if there was any way to easily get in contact with you other than this place, as we'll be out in stone hall for a few days securing seafood futures."

>>24388594
Not sure what our planned message is but I'll speak to her question.
"I wouldn't know, it's not something I particularly take my time with nor do I do it outside of the loud chaos that is battle. It's crunchy though." awkward_Lamia_grin.gif

>>24388698
I sorta like this one more than my own

>>24388698
oh, we're just following up with them, checking if we can keep in touch, and making their job of spying on us WAY easier.

Don't want them to have to go out of their way and get caught trying to spy on us or anything.

>>24388594
As funny as some of the responses are, I feel like we shouldn't stoop to describing how it feels to kill someone. Unless we want to interpret it another way, and describe how terrible it feels to have to take a life.

>>24388594
"Like a big hug. It would be pleasant if it weren't for all the screaming. But as the lungs empty the chest only compresses more, so the screaming is usually brief. After that it's usually a silent death as the internal organs rupture and what's left of the lungs fill with fluid. No rattle, no wheeze."

Then give her the message.

>>24388772
I feel like it's more awkwardssen than stooping, myself.

>>24388788
I dunno, maybe I should have made it more... visceral? More horrifying? Because a cold and factual description of static crush trauma is bad enough for most people.

>>24388698
"I wouldn't know, it's not something I particularly take my time with nor do I do it outside of the loud chaos that is battle. They tend to lose the air from their lungs as the chest compresses more, so the screaming is usually brei-nevermind.

"You're just a master of bad first impressions, aren't you?

"I just wanted to ask you guys if there was any way to easily get in contact with you other than this place, as we'll be out in stone hall for a few days securing seafood futures.

"We're still interested in setting up a meeting with him and the fae in the future, and we have some previously unknown historical information about the Fae that he might find useful, possibly regarding Thistlebottom. How can we contact him in the future, and perhaps set up a meeting?"

"Thistleblossom...I think." She shrugs. "Alright. I think we've still got some things to acquire here, and since all the chaos over the new bank and foreclosing, it's kind of paradise for us." She gets a dreamy smile. "You know there's been three suicides? I wonder how it felt..." She sighs. "Anyway, thanks for the information. I'll let the boss know. If you're coming back here in less than a week, we shouldn't have a problem. Busy time for people who need document to go missing or be destroyed, you know."

>>24388879
"Yeah, we should be back here within a week. If nothing goes horribly wrong. So, scratch that, I have no idea when we'll be back."

Trying not to go full Paladin disapproval on his rather worshipful attitude towards death.

>>24388879
hmm, that turned out a bit disjointed.

Don't be afraid to discard bits that don't work echo. I put out a lot of middling dialogue just to provide alternatives, on the off chance I'm witty.

>>24388788
>>24388833
"Like a big hug. It would be pleasant if it weren't for all the screaming. But as the lungs empty the chest only compresses more, and it the lungs can't refill, so the screaming is usually brief. As more pressure is applied bones start to reach the maximum amount of "give" that they've got and either dislocate or break. Usually the ribs break along the midshaft or break away from the sternum. All that bone normally lacerates arteries or internal organs. If it doesn't the pressure usually causes embolisms and burst blood vessels, which floods what is left of the lungs."

"The worst part is that all this happens so quickly that barring a sudden spike in pressure around the brain, the victim remains conscious for most of the experience."

>>24388918
It's a her.

It's the necrophilic girlfriend of that one elf that wanted to kill us at the start, and suggested trying to capture us with a dreaded bag.

>>24388918
She's the necrophiliac one. Remember the conversation about 'cold bodies'?

>>24388879
"You know, I can't say I approve of all that destroying of documents. Oh well, I'll have new accountants in here in a week to undo whatever you do now."

>>24388918
"You know, I can't say I approve of all that destroying of documents. Oh well, I'll have new accountants in here in a week to undo whatever you do now."

She shrugs. "Just don't ask us to steal them back, or to give you our client list. Robin has his professional image, and you haven't saved his life again, so...yeah."

"Anyway, we should be back here within a week. If nothing goes horribly wrong. So, scratch that, I have no idea when we'll be back."

"Okay." She says. "I have to go, Ryan's trying to rewrite his manifesto again, and he can't spell for shit."

These are Robin's 'best' people...hoo boy.

You go back outside, to find that the others and Quentin have the wagon hitched up to Nightmare and are ready and raring to go.

"I cannot wait to see Stone Hall again." Tricia says as you get in, and Lea gets Lightmare moving. "The sun, the ocean, no more fungal lights, no more stupid mountains, and no evil spirits slowly melting your brain."

"Evil what now...oh never mind." Quentin says. "The less I hear of your lives, the happier I am."

"Ssen, can I take some time to see Sophie when we arrive?" Mage asks. "I mean, before we go running off to the next crazy as hell thing we do?"

>>24389145
"Absolutely. We have to arrange an improved fishing economy while we're there, as well as putting out whatever fires Isen's seen fit to sit back and enjoy. And maybe, if we're all very lucky and there's a small miracle, we can have another day off."

>>24389145
"I don't see why not.

"We'll be there for a few days I imagine.

"Just don't let her brother catch you in the act."

Okay maybe the last part was too much. Eh.

>>24389145
oh, echo, do we know when trevalon is being executed?

I'd like to talk to him once more before then. Goodbye drink and all.

>>24389145
"Sure, It will probably take us a few days to get everything ready."

>>24389145
"Of course. You still have to give her the staff you found, right?"
OH BOY THE IMPLICATIONS

>>24389289
Seconding this, if only because it's funny to see Mage blush.

>>24389202
And this, because what's a trip without a Dawnchaser plan?

>>24389359
I hope "A Dawnchaser Plan" becomes a saying for a really, really, really bad idea in the future. Like, a common proverb for people around the countryside to say.

>>24389235
>oh, echo, do we know when trevalon is being executed?
It's been put on the back burner, what with everything else going insane. He's locked up tighter than Helen is though, so he isn't going anywhere.

>>24389202
"I don't see why not. We have to arrange an improved fishing economy while we're there, as well as putting out whatever fires Isen's seen fit to sit back and enjoy. And maybe, if we're all very lucky and there's a small miracle, we can have another day off."

"Thanks."

"No problem, you still have that gift to give her, right? Just don't let her brother catch you." You say.

"He really needs to relax." Mage says.

"He's working with Isen." Lea says.

"I'm dead."

Roll 1d20 for the day and a half trip to Stone Hall.

>>24389289
Give her the Staff.

>>24389407
dice 1d20

Rolled 20

>>24389407

Rolled 15

>>24389407
>>24389437

HORRY SHET

Rolled 14

>>24389407

/TG/ DICE, WE OFFER YOU THIS POST AS SACRIFICE FOR GOOD FORTUNE!

Rolled 9

>>24389407
what harm could a simple die roll do?

Rolled 14

>>24389425
Okay.. Maybe a few too many shots tonight.

>>24389437
For one brief moment I was happy...and then I remembered about travel rolls.

Now I'm very afraid.

>>24389448
Yeah. We're fucked.

>>24389437
>>24389448
oh yeah, travel rolls! I forgot!

We find a CORRUPTED DRAGON! roll initiative!

>>24389448
... Dear mother of god Old One is coming to kill us.

>>24389437
oh no...

>>24389468
>>24389473
nonono

Ssen got dysentary! lose 5 days!

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54 KB JPG

>>24389473
OH YEAH!

>>24389437
You are shaken awake by Lea when you're resting for the night. "We have a problem." She says.

"What problem?" Tricia asks.

"Four Passions." Lea says. "Also they might have set a fire in the woods, so we're pretty much trapped. They have a magic user with them. Mage and Peri are keeping them busy with covering fire, but we're going to roast alive unless we take these bastards out, and get out of here.

"Can't we just jump into the wagon and run off with Lightmare?"

"See that thing that looks like a wagon wheel that's been blow to pieces?"

"Oh...great."

"Yes, so please, uncoil from each other, get your weapons and FIGHT damn it!"

"In our night clothes?"

"We asked them if they'd wait for us to get properly dressed, but they're kind of impatient to see us dead!"

>>24389597
son of a bitch, 4 Passions?!

To Arms!

>>24389597
grab clang'n'beacon. if they're in covering fire, and we're in nightclothes, that means we can sneak right up and shank them.

>>24389597
Grab Clang and Beacon, and haul tail.

>>24389597
"How rude of them."
Let's do this shit.

>>24389597

Clang & Beacon their faces off

"Can't even use their masks..."

Show up, and ask them if they could've sent in any /other/ dramatae to face us.

Rolled 6, 5, 8, 9, 9, 2, 8, 8 = 55

>>24389642
"How rude of them." You say as you grab Clang and Beacon, and Tricia gets her sickle. (She always has her hat.) "To arms!"

"DIE! DEFILER OF PARADISE!" The Passions charge.

Roll 1d10 for initiative. (Quentin is hiding under the overturned wagon, he's not a factor in this fight.)

Rolled 5

>>24389678

Rolled 8

>>24389678

>>24389678
"Surrender or die!"

Also stab someone.

In whichever order, really.

Rolled 6

>>24389678

Really hoping those first four rolls are for us.

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751 KB GIF

>>24389597
>Four Passions

>>24389710
I wonder what happens when they try to drain each other's life.

Rolled 6, 3, 20, 14, 9 = 52

>>24389689
Lea jumps into the fray, she's trying to get to the passion with a scepter of red marble stone, but a Passion with a sword gets in her way, she replies with a kick.

The Passion with the blade replies with an attack.

Mari shoots at the magic user.

The Passion with a bow shoots at you.

The Mage begins to chant and his staff starts to glow.

Tricia whips off her hat and starts to chant in return.

>>24389830

I hope that 20 was for Mari

>>24389860
I think it was.

>>24389860
It is.

>>24389830
Mari's bolt nails the mage right in the throat. He gags in pain and the scepter loses his glow.

Tricia's hat just glows a little.

Your turn.

>>24389883
There's two with swords, one with a bow, and the magic user.

>>24389883
We had bad luck with bows last time. Let's take out the bow-user first, with a wrap.

>>24389883
Stab some shit with Beacon. Whichever Passion is closest. Let's get some charges.

>>24389883
>>24389902
Help kill the mage.

Double strike. If we're in range.

>>24389883
were we hit by that bow shot? was it CLANG'd?

Either way, let's go after the bowman, as I don't want to get in the middle of a wizard duel. I'm feeling feisty, who wants to try a wrap?

>>24389883
stab and tailwhip the bow passion

>>24389883
Impale Archer with Beacon. We don't trust archers after what they did to Paul.

>>24389902
Do we recognize anything about any of the four of them, by the way?

>>24389934
we have a LOT of bad experiences with archers.

The ghouls.

The ball.

Paul.

>>24389952
I'm sure we will once we unmask 'em.

Rolled 5

>>24389934
>>24389933
>>24389921
Okay, you'll have to try and get past the other swordsman who's running interference.

Roll 1d20

>>24389967
There are advantages to knowing ahead of time.

For instance, I don't suppose any of them are the butcher and his family from the Stone Hall Trail?

>>24390004
can we shoot the archer and tailwhip a swordsman then?

Rolled 1

>>24390004

Rolled 16

>>24390004

Rolled 11

>>24390004

>>24390015
good job, /tg/ dice.

>>24390015
Yeah this is great start ...

>>24389883
Second this.
>>24389883
Impale Archer with Beacon. We don't trust archers after what they did to Paul

>>24390015
Where's my you_died.gif at ...

>>24390015
Nope you can't get by him. You have to face the swordsman first.

Your action?

>>24390070
Double strike one of the swordsman.

>>24390070
stab the swordsman first, then. Also, maybe tell them to surrender.

They won't, but it's a good habit to make.

>>24390070
Wrap the swordsman, in the hopes of taking him out in one action.

>>24390070
wrap swordsman and bow shot the archer?

>>24390095
>They attack us first
>Ask them to surrender

Nah. If someone lives after the end of this. Then maybe ask. Not before.

>>24390101
there's not enough opponents for beacon charge to be viable here, so it's a chance to use our natural weapons. Wrapping is as good as stabbing here.