Your talks with the harpies went smashingly well. The food was good, Isen babbled diplomatically, and the queen was busy having fun flirting and feeling up Robin.

It turned out that, while food and acceptance were welcome additions to their lives, the thing the harpies wanted most of all was security. That there would be no rogue harpies, or monsters, or other threats to their lives. That was what living on Old One's mountain offered, and if you could match that, then the extra bonuses of food and other amenities would be enough to seal the deal.

Of course, at that moment, Robbie, one of the less-than-loyal servants of the Dramatae, arrived to tell you that the Dramatae and the 'Fallen Lightbringer,' whom you knew as Adahn, were going to be arriving at the shrine within the hour.

You quickly evacuated everyone, and grabbed the real treasures of the shrine. The Iron Books, the legacy of the Bear Tribe, and the best chance you're new world will have to better understand the monsters.

You managed to get the books and escape with them, mere minutes before the Dramatae came calling. Naturally, they were less than pleased to have been inconvenienced by you, again.

Back in the safety of Stone Hall, you managed to figure out how to decipher the Iron Books. Now it was a matter of translating them. Also, the consensus was that your moment is now. You've sapped enough power from the Dramatae, scattered their plans, and sent them back into their lairs. No more waiting for the next plot, and no more just dealing with any further Passions or puppets. Now you have a chance go on the offensive and hunt these bastards down.

But first we need to get Munmei flying.

File: 1367364301261.jpg-(12 KB, 293x214, hiimdaisy MGS3 Ops.jpg)

12 KB JPG

>>24555595
>and the queen was busy having fun flirting and feeling up Robin.
Who was freaking out. Seriously hilarious.
>Varying degrees of polite do not want

We should most definitely get those books transcribed before we resume our adventure though. We need copies spread out as backup in case they try to take the Iron Books from us in the future.
Robbie did say the three would come looking for them.
And evidence to the contrary we've seen would be meta atm.

we need to talk to a few people before we leave, but transcribing the books will take weeks if not months... and thats if we spend ALL our time at it. Its not only reading what they say its interpreting it, as I doubt most people will get the Leviathan dialect. They were also described as having the entire library within their pages... not a small job. For now we hang on to them until we can find scribes and those who are willing to help those scribes translate.

>>24555774
>we need to talk to a few people before we leave,
Who? And on what topic?

Oh and Isen, Jeremy, Rachel, and Quentin are willing to stay in Stone Hall and do the diplomatic stuff with Balles.

>>24555711
Silly Robin, he had the chance to be the King of the Skies and he blew it.

>>24555824
not Bronze Peaks?

>>24555824
Mainly Jeremy and some healers and whomever else about helping Mumei walk. We did promise after all and he is the lead surgeon of Bronze Peak.

As far as who to take with us, I kinda want to take Tara. We need a tank.

>>24555862
Right, my bad. I meant Bronze Peak.

>>24555873
we kinda are the tank

and yea, talk with Jeremy about reversing the damage the bindings did to Mumei's feet.

also, no starting on the transcribing until we get permission from the Beat Tribe, we dont want to piss off Old One.

>>24555873
Jeremy looks at the Princess' feet and shakes his head. "This is complicated. The bones are healthy, the skin's fine, the veins have matured. She has perfectly healthy feet, for a five year old." He shrugs. "This is common for her people?"

You translate. She replies. "Ever since an Empress did this to her daughter and called the mangled mess to be as beautiful as Heaven Lilies." She sighs. "I am sorry. I should not have asked for such a thing."

"Don't give up hope yet." Jeremy says. "There's some options." He checks the bones in her feet. "They did a very good job with this, which is actually not bad. If you don't want to use replacements or magic, there's something I can try." He frowns. "It's painful though. Very painful. I'd have to literally break your foot into pieces. I've done this technique to make people an inch or two taller, but I have no idea if this would work or not. You'd still need extensive muscle therapy."

>>24556053
"Any idea what options we have if we don't mind using magic to help? And while replacements might be a bit drastic, some kind of prosthetic might be an option, perhaps with Quentin or Mage's help? If I've learned anything from trying to do the impossible it's not ruling anything out without considering it. What's the best option?"

>>24555824
We need to talk to Ava/Lilly before we leave, since we might not be back this way.

And since we're planning on visiting the elves, too, we should talk to Robin. We may or may not visit them officially, but we're visiting their territory.

File: 1367366057999.jpg-(Spoiler Image, 227 KB, 800x575)

227 KB JPG

>>24555698
I think we should get her walking first. We should head down to the local smith and tailor, to get her sized up and an artifical over-foot created. Where should the weight be supported? Her heel is clear for weight support, but the toes are fucked. So we can put a bit of the support on the heel- full support there, though, is terribly damaging. So we need auxillary support, I suggest resting on the calves or ankles, strapped on tight.

Reference image spoilered because bound feet.

>>24555824
Oh, and we also need to talk to Paul about the Roc book.

>>24556053
"You said options. I assume there's more than this one? If we go with that option, what can be done about the pain? It sounds like a torturous procedure."

>>24556101
"Any idea what options we have if we don't mind using magic to help? And while replacements might be a bit drastic, some kind of prosthetic might be an option, perhaps with Quentin or Mage's help? If I've learned anything from trying to do the impossible it's not ruling anything out without considering it. What's the best option?"

"Personally?" Jeremy says. "I think using magic on people is crazy dangerous. Especially for something permanent. As for prosthetics..." He shrugs. "We could ry something, but the simplest solution would be just to," He mimes a chopping motion. "And give her pegs or a wooden facsimile as replacements. The result would be the same." He sighs. "That's the safest option that's the best option." He scratches his chin.

"Now hold on, Jeremy's given me a really really dumb idea, and I mean seriously dumb, not just 'we might die' but 'this really shouldn't be done at all.' Mage says. "I mean, this is worse than a Dawnchaser Plan."

"Quit stalling." Peri says.

"Alright, Ghoul Fleshshaping magic wouldn't work long term...but that's if I do it directly to the feet." He says. "But Princess Mumei's body has the feet of a five year old...what if I could jump start the growth process in her again? That's been done before by Ghouls. They made kids grow faster so they'd be more ready to fight sooner." Mage says. "If I could localize the effect, and focus...wait...no..." He shakes his head. "There's a catch. I can't fudge that with horse meat, or other animal meat. She'd need to consume one element that I can't replace for that spell to work."

"Human flesh." Mari says.

"Yeah." He shrugs. "Sorry, all my solutions come down to that, now that I think of it."

You translate a synopsis. The Princess shakes her head slowly. "I knew that Magic would demand a too high price. I will pass on that option." She smiles at you though. "Thank you still for all your efforts."

>>24556295
"Wait, that brings up an interesting point. Remember the other half of the task; we also have to find a way for her to fly. Would bird flesh be an option? If not for the feet, then for something that would allow flight?"

>>24556295
Alright, if magic is out you have Jeremy's methods which if it does work it will leave you able to walk but it will take time and it will be torturous. Or you can go with the prosthetic idea. Either using a brace and shoe sort of deal... or removing your feet and going with a direct replacement. Both require maintanence but with a little practive you will probably be walking after strengthening your legs.

>>24556358
I'm pretty sure flight was a metaphor.

>>24556295
"When we first met, you were able to heal yourself with flesh that was neither your own nor your own species. Why did that work then, yet this requires specifically a...donation...from a human? Would something derived from the Dragon Servant ritual work here?"

it involves maturing a human body part. Whereas healing can be from everything that lives.

>>24556396
>I'm pretty sure flight was a metaphor.
She said very explicitly that it wasn't.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/24516758/#p24518872
>"I want to fly. And that's not a metaphor. You do the impossible, you /are/ impossible, so I ask the impossible." She nods. "I want to walk, I want to dance, I want to run, and more than anything, I want to fly.

>>24556396
She specifically said that flight was not a metaphor.

>>24556396
>I'm pretty sure flight was a metaphor.
Despite her explicitly saying "that's not a metaphor"?

>>24556424
Can't hurt to ask, in case it gives him an idea.

>>24556358
>>24556295
I like it, but can the ending be "If not feet, then perhaps something else?"

I wonder if mumei would appreciate talons.

>>24556456
Seems like she might, as long as she can walk, run, and dance on them. And if the harpies can do that, she can too.

File: 1367367239389.jpg-(32 KB, 500x330, Anal_spurs.jpg)

32 KB JPG

>Idly looking up lizard claws because I didn't think they were retractable
>Some snakes have the vestigial remnants of hind legs which result in claws either side of the cloaca used for gripping during sex
...
We need to do the feral thing again, guys!

my guess is the claws came from our leviathan forebears, as they and the spines seems like an ideal posion vector.

hmm, I wonder if handgliders are a thing. it might be an idea to direct to our mad scientist.

>>24556518
Dragons have claws too. The barbs might have come from either side, but more likely the leviathans.

dragon claws are retractable?

>>24556399
"When we first met, you were able to heal yourself with flesh that was neither your own nor your own species. Why did that work then, yet this requires specifically a...donation...from a human? Would something derived from the Dragon Servant ritual work here?"

"Well that wasn't healing me. That was just me using different magic to override and fry another spell. I wasn't aware that I was actually doing a Dragon Servant ritual." He sighs and thinks. "I honestly have no idea. She's from the Phoenix Empire. There's a lot of little differences in physiology. Kinda of Peri has a few elfin traits that slightly alters her body as compared to y...Tr...L...uhh...Jeremy's."

"Alright, going back to that method you mentioned Jeremy, is there something for the pain?"

"Sure, medicine, poppy milk, blue-smoke. Plenty of options to dull pain."

>>24556358
>"Wait, that brings up an interesting point. Remember the other half of the task; we also have to find a way for her to fly. Would bird flesh be an option? If not for the feet, then perhaps, for something else?"

Mage looks at you for a while. He drums his fingers on his staff. "You are aware that what you're suggesting is direct fleshshaping. Ghoul magic 101, no back-door, no fiddling with it, but the explicit thing they used on themselves when they fought us. Okay?"

>>24556565
>Mage looks at you for a while. He drums his fingers on his staff. "You are aware that what you're suggesting is direct fleshshaping. Ghoul magic 101, no back-door, no fiddling with it, but the explicit thing they used on themselves when they fought us. Okay?"

"Intent is everything, Mage. I'm not saying the ends justify the means, but I can't see any magic as inherently wrong in all possible circumstances. The ghouls used it to fight and kill; we're using it to heal, after a fashion. If anything is a crime against nature, here, it's what was done to her feet originally."

>>24556565

Its not eating another sapient being, so it should be kosher.

>>24556565
the real question in that, is ghoul magic inherently evil, or just used for evil purposes most of the time.

I dont know if we should risk Mage casting without rerolls ready too, considering what happened the last few times he crit failed.

>>24556565
"Yeah, I know. Is there anything inherently wrong with that? The troll blood thing worked fine."

>>24556661
As he said, this is magic 101 for him, and he has more than enough time to prepare and practice.

>>24556637
"Intent is everything, Mage. I'm not saying the ends justify the means, but I can't see any magic as inherently wrong in all possible circumstances. The ghouls used it to fight and kill; we're using it to heal, after a fashion. If anything is a crime against nature, here, it's what was done to her feet originally." You say.

Mage nods. "Okay, just making sure you're aware." He sighs. "We'll need some hawks, not chickens. Chickens can't fly."

Have we read the potions section of the Leviathan book? They, with their deliciously twisted minds, might've thought of something we, with our measly half-twisted thought tubes, could not.

>>24556565
>>24556668
"I thought the main problem with the flesh shaping was that they liked to do it with... people flesh. Well, and the inherent weirdness of it."

>>24556694
translate for the Princess and make sure she is ok with Ghoul magic, or if it is completely taboo.

>>24556694
"Before we go that far, perhaps we should talk to Paul about reading the Roc book. If anything would have information about magical flight, that would. And if not, then we could ask him if he'd mind doing a little hawk hunting. I assume feathers wouldn't suffice?"

>>24556735
(It'd be particularly interesting if it turned out that the Roc book had some history intertwined with that of the Phoenix Empire. We'd be crazy not to read it first.)

>>24556735
I'd look at it the other way, why would a book by rocs have information on magical flight, they don't need it.

>>24556735
i agree

>>24556777

Well, it might be because they want to give humans a taste of freedom, too.

>>24556777
Healing, information about Roc descendants (like the Dragon book had), magic for friends, allies, and consorts...

File: 1367368350351.png-(3 KB, 48x48, temp.png)

3 KB PNG

>>24556654
>Its not eating another sapient being, so it should be kosher.

File: 1367368406050.png-(365 KB, 912x938, Sylph.png)

365 KB PNG

I think we should focus our efforts on making Princess Mumi a magical suit of battle armor.

That way she can walk, dance, fly (short distances), and crush her enemies! Possibly all in the same day or at the same time!

>>24556777
The same reason a Dragon wrote a book at all. Obviously the birds and trees shall sing tales of their greatness forevermore but thry want to share their greatness with their lessers.

>>24556727
The princess is okay with Ghoul magic, as long as it isn't human flesh. Again, birds eat other birds, so she's fine with that.

>>24556735
"Before we go that far, perhaps we should talk to Paul about reading the Roc book. If anything would have information about magical flight, that would. And if not, then we could ask him if he'd mind doing a little hawk hunting. I assume feathers wouldn't suffice?"

"Flesh, blood, and marrow." Mage says.

"Okay, we should also check out the Leviathan book too, see if they have any potions listed that might be helpful."

"Well, you're the only one who can read that."

"And I'll keep consulting with your inventor friend by post." Jeremy says. "Maybe we can come to a happy medium that leaves magic out of this."

Roll 1d20 for the Leviathan Book being of any use.

Is there like... another paladin we could consult about this? ethically? this is a grey zone, I'd love a second opinion.

Rolled 14

>>24556892

>>24556902
we are totally leviathan brained. At least a little.

Rolled 7

>>24556892
3.14

Rolled 16

its not another nat 20 but I think we nailed it.

>>24556901
Lea is probably the closest

>>24556901
Lea could offer a second opinion, hopefully tempered by what she later found out about troll blood after her initial reaction to it.

>>24556902
There's a concoction that might work. If you're understanding this right. They used it to regrow torn flippers. If it can stimulate regrowth of a tip that size. Then maybe this could work.

There's a catch though. Half of these ingredients are amazingly rare and expensive, a quarter of them are things like the secretions from one of the most fatal types of jellyfish known. And you have not even heard of this type of fish that they want you to get the eggs from.

>>24556983
hmm, perhaps the Mer could help with that, if we can find any non-feral ones.

>>24556983
well, it's another treatment option for mumei. Note, this one would require the founding of a trade empire to locate these things.

>>24556983
Mumei seems fairly affluent here, as does Isen who would probably be willing to help, so the rarity and unknown nature seems more immediately problematic than the expense.

Has anyone else heard of the fish in question? We could keep this as a backup plan, at least; it might work for the feet if the Roc book can't help there. And if we plan to visit the Mer, we might get some help from that department.

>>24556983

Well. Her choice. Although I wonder what a 1 or a 20 would have been
> 1
> There is a concoction there
> a bazillion years of gathering later
> Whoops, page stuck together
> Potion of eternal pain

> 20
> "Mix the blood of a leviathan's ancestor with ant secretions"

>>24556983
>Leviathans using poison in a regrowth potion
Notevensurprised.png
Remove head from water, grab Mage, "So, what do you know about seafood? I found a rather interesting recipe that may solve our problem." give ingredient list

>>24557059
Half of what we use in medicine today would be considered a deadly poison in any other context, or in quantity in any context.

>>24557079
I wonder if Jeremy does Botox.

anyway we have a lot of options. Lets see what Mumei thinks of each.

(She'll probably give the ok to the Ghoul Magic to be able to fly.)

>>24557166
She already said she was fine with ghoul magic as long as it didn't involve human flesh (or presumably that of any other thinking being). And I doubt she'd oppose looking in the roc book; we need to look in it and find out what it says before we really have something to ask her.

>>24557129
He just implied that he has broken bones to help people become taller. I'd be shocked if he doesn't do a dozen far worse things.

>>24557026
Alright, so Paul's been able to read the Roc Book. There aren't chapters in this book. Rocs have a stream of consciousness narrative, like the way Paul talks, only they don't stop for months.

They start with their history and creation myths which then goes into telling about the Rocs themselves who they are and then their biology which then segues into the harpies which the rocs value more than the Dragons and they talk about their history with the other great monsters and then talking about their territory compared to theirs which then has to mention their food which goes into their eating rituals, which then swings into their other rituals, which goes into their language, which goes into their spells, then into their famous battles, which then swings back into their history. It circles around and around like this, different each time.

Rolled 7

>>24557236
Rolling to get something useful out of that disorganized mess.

>>24557236
>>24557258
It will take MONTHS of scribe work to organize this shit

thats... actually something real doctors do. In order to straightneed a poorly healed bone you rebreak them and position them properly

>>24557236
we probably want their spells, Rocs don't strike me as potion makers or natural healers.

>>24557275
yeah. It's something real doctors do.

I hope we can find some kind of... anasthetic. That's my main objective here.

>>24557236
Sounds like Paul will have an easier time getting wrapping his head around it than we will, but in any case, the most relevant information seems like Roc biology, the harpies, "other rituals", and spells.

>>24557275
Yeah, but it isn't something sensible doctors do for cosmetic purposes like height.

>>24557258
I really don't think a roll is needed here, and if there was one it'd be Paul rolling rather than us.

>>24557284
We can always just get her drugged up on poppyseed milk or blue smoke.

>>24557303
bound feet are hardly cosmetic though.

>>24557258
Roll 1d20 +1 because Paul's overly organized mind is better at figuring out this jumbled mess of words.

>>24557318

I just wanted an excuse to roll a die. Rolling is fun.

Rolled 18 + 1

>>24557236
Oh, and given that troll blood is apparently the standard ingredient in healing potions, perhaps the troll book might say something about healing. Likely somewhere under "Father's Tales", "Mother's Secrets", or "Songs".

>>24557345

Rolled 2 + 1

>>24557345

>>24557333
yes. hence why he pointed out the difference.

This is much more complex than what he is used to, and will most likely render her basically crippled. Slightly less crippled than now, but still crippled.

Rolled 7 + 1

>>24557345

Rolling

>>24557333
Granted, and it makes more sense as a treatment for that. Still crazy to do it for height.

>>24557349
I'd say Mother's Secrets would be the one to check first.

>>24557369

actually yes there are procedures to increase height for cosmetic practices, and people can and have paid for it... guess what? It involves breaking bones.

It was orniginally intended for people with dwarfism but you know how people are.

>>24557400
I don't think anything you just said contradicts it being crazy.

not much more crazy then getting any cosmetic surgery. Your doing it for looks or self-image reasons and thats hella important to some people.

File: 1367370413221.jpg-(81 KB, 410x594, robotprosthetic.jpg)

81 KB JPG

>>24557356

If the magic stuff doesn't pan out, how about a prosthetic like this? It could help Mumei along in learning how to walk, and the part that substitutes for a foot could be worn when Mumei does build up enough leg strength.

If there's magic that allows things to react to an attuned person's thoughts, then that could substitute for a sophisticated mechanical/robotic interface. The rest is just engineering and knowing how the human leg works.

>>24557464
might work! I have high hopes on a combination of bone breaking and flesh shaping though.

File: 1367370631110.jpg-(1.67 MB, 1397x2100, temp.jpg)

1.67 MB JPG

>>24557464
If she wants to run and dance, I think a curved-L metal leg with a bit of spring would make more sense. Something like this, but strapped to the back of the calf and resting a few inches below the foot since she already has a lower leg.

File: 1367370694289.jpg-(132 KB, 298x500, prison-mumei.jpg)

132 KB JPG

>>24557529
well, I've seen it done before.

>>24557542
Yeah, exactly.

>>24557349
You do have something. The rocs have more information of the Phoenix Empire than...well...anyone save for the Princess and they might have her beat too.

There's a few details on the process, a critique on the utility of clipping wings, a long long story about a bird with malformed wings that goes nowhere, and then a little quick mention on how one nest in the empire had one of the clipped wings and she was a rather sprightly chick who refused to be grounded so...more tangents and ramblings...oh...OH!

This wont help Mumei's feet, but if Paul is describing this right, this girl invented not only a type of prosthetic but one that worked with a glider. Paul's sketching out the design that the roc's describe in math terms. You get this to Barney, and maybe you can make something...although you don't have the same kind of reeds, woods, and 'paper' materials that this girl had.

Also this tale ends rather sadly. The girl was caught and left in a high iron cage and starves to death alone in the cold and the wind. Her machine destroyed and her family executed and home burned to the ground. Her entire history erased, save for the Roc's. The Emperor's chosen are the only ones allowed to fly, such is the Emperor's will. There ARE no exceptions.

>>24557584
"Oh ancient secrets, what would I do without you. Good work paul."

We really need a quick-access method for getting to barney.

>>24557584

Well, it's a good thing we aren't in the Empire then.

>>24557633
I was more thinking "Well, it's a good thing this empire is no doubt so very old and dead that he's sedimentary rock by now"

>>24557656
er, not "empire" but "emperor". miswording.

>>24557665
>>24557656
kind of doubt the following emperors rescinded this decree.

in which case the princess may need political asylum shortly.

>>24557584
Clearly we have a second continent to save someday.

OK, let's check the potentially relevant chapters of the troll book for potential information about healing (doubt it'll cover flight that doesn't involve trolls throwing things).

And we can ask Paul if he'd have any luck catching a hawk or similar raptor.

After that, we lay out some options for Mumei. The fleshshaping magic might still be her best short-term option for feet, and possibly her best option for flight, though in both cases we might want Mage to try the temporary approach first. The Leviathan healing potion seems like the best long-term option for her feet, but it'll require us to start tracking down some materials (what do the others know about that unknown fish?); I think we ought to visit the Mer anyway, though, and see if there are any non-monstrous Mer we could talk to. And the glider seems like the least invasive option for flight.

For completions sake, if you want to try the Troll Book, it's 1d20 -1 as Tara doesn't quite get the language.

Rolled 7

I think before we go ingredient hunting we should definately kill a few Dramatae. I want to slow down Peace's progress on any plans they can make drastically. We aren't yet ready to face her yet and I want the time to improve ourselves.

>>24557711

>>24557795
I want to kill comedy first. She's the one who throws those parties that involve cannibalism.

Which means I want to grill the elvish court about their long lost princess.

Rolled 16 + 1

>>24557786

Rolling

Rolled 20 + 1

>>24557786

Rolled 6 + 1

>>24557786
eh, sure. but it's probably "just chop the foot off and grow a new one! duh!"

>>24557823
I don't think redaeth was rolling for that; it wasn't linked.

>>24557815

>>24557694
She asked us to personally kill her if she was ever going to be sent back to the Empire so I don't think that's going to be a problem.

>>24557834
ah, forgot about that bit.

>>24557815

Huh? I put a minus sign in. Why did it do a plus?

>>24557843

I don't think that the dice know how to subtract.

oops, sorry about that

>>24557843
you gotta do dice 1d20+-1 like so

its a bit silly hah

Rolled 20 - 1

>>24557843
/tg/ dice cant math.

I think adding spaces between the - works though, lets try

Rolled 8 - 1

bleh

Rolled 19 - 21

>>24557877
Interesting; I wonder if /tg/ dice do negatives?

>>24557897
...oh, right, it doesn't actually do the addition (or subtraction)

>>24557877

...

CIITAAADEEEELLL!!!

>>24557815
scratch that earlier one, wrong linked post.

Well, the good news is that there's clear stuff in there about regeneration, and more importantly, bone setting, and the biology of creatures in such detail that it's actually really disturbing.

Bad news is that it's not about humans. Still, Jeremy might find this stuff useful, Lesser Troll feet are close-ish to human feet, so maybe it'll help a bit with that option.

(Lesser Trolls are the trolls you're familiar with existing and have seen pictures of. The Original Trolls...are NOT those trolls.)

>>24557913
It's kinda why it's pointless to do the modifiers when rolling.

>>24557921
Awesome, it'd be good to make Jeremy's option more reliable and likely to produce a good result. Anything about potions, healing, or magic in the troll book?

>>24557897
>>24557913
it does with multiple dice

but lets stop wasting rolls, as you can see /tg/ dice love taunting us with 19s and 20s on test rolls

>>24557921
ahh, that must be where the troll blood comes from.

>>24557921
> Original trolls

Monstrous iton-encased titans with a vast empire carved literally out of iron on the backs of magically enthralled slaves?

>>24557921
"Good work tara- see if you can copy down that information about feet for jeremy. Even if we don't use it personally, it could help a lot of people."

Is this a breech of our word to the dragon? Copying a teensy bit of the book?

>>24557967
>it does with multiple dice
Yeah but the way we use multiple dice doesn't work with us. (most of the time at least)

>>24557978
nope. they're the mountains.

>>24557978

Replace each 'iron' with 'regenerating meat' and you're set.

>>24557993
Only the Book of Dragons is "his".

>>24557993
We made him a promise about his book, the one about dragons. And in any case, we aren't producing a transcription for general use, we're extracting an excerpt for one friend to use, much like Tara must have done for us.

>>24557993
But we aren't copying the dragon book. The dragon's agreement has no bearing on the Troll, Roc, and Leviathan books.

We still need to get our hair done by our lightbringer friend, guys.

We have to take mage too. Fashion declares we must.

>>24558066
Old One specifically told us to ask the Bear Tribe's descendant if we are allowed to copy any of the books.

We could probably convince him to let us make copies anyway if we sell it as showing the majesty of the dragons to the lesser races.

>>24558099
We'll have plenty of chance to convince him after we ask Holting. Let's do that first. Right now we don't have a strong reason to share it beyond our immediate trusted circle.

>>24557993
"Good work Tara- see if you can copy down that information about feet, and everything else, for Jeremy. Even if we don't use it personally, it could help a lot of people."

Tara hugs you, again you are thankful for your flexible spine.

Princess Mumei looks over all of the information. All of the options. All of the pitches. She looks at you...and she just collapses in on herself. Crying.

She all but throws you and your notes out of her carriage and locks the door.

"That was...odd." Mage says, a little surprised.

>>24558141

" Hopefully those were tears of joy."

>>24558141
"Odd, but understandable. Decisions of great import and the welfare of a people are being thrust onto her. It'll take some time for her to deal with it."

>>24558141

Hopefully she's just overwhelmed that we're doing all this for her, and kicked us out so we wouldn't see her crying too much.

>>24558141
She's probably not used to being treated as anything other than a tool.

>>24558141
"Hopefully she was just overwhelmed by all of this, It is a lot to take in at once especially with her new responsibilities to the harpies."

>>24558141
I think she expected me to forget about her. Leave her behind after getting what I wanted. It was how she has always been treated. A tool, a bargaining chip, useful until not needed. To have her wishes, her dreams be told they could be a reality might have overwhelmed her.

Give her time.

>>24558141
Definitely overwhelming; we really didn't need to throw it all at her at once. When she asked us to do the impossible, I don't think she thought much about the path from here to there. She might need a friendly ear later, but for now I think we should leave her in peace for a bit. Let's go talk to Ava/Lilly; anything else we need to do here in Bronze Peak besides that?

>>24558187
"Hopefully those were tears of joy."

"I will never understand women." Mage says.

"Don't try." Peri/Mari say.

"Anyway," You say pushing yourself up and dusting your scales off. "Come one Mage, we have one more stop together."

"Someone else to fix?" Mage says.

"Yes, you and your hair."

Mage twitches and tries to scream over the hot towel Ava has over his face, but the former-lightbringer's grip on his head is startlingly tight as she rinses his hair. "Now, I'm thinking of making it spiky and green, he is your little brother right? So, I'm thinking of something that says that, clearly." She says, smiling at you. "Or do you have other ideas?"

"ging to kll bth f ou!" Mage gurgles from beneath the towel.

>>24558256
I think she was overwhelmed in a good way though. She asks for the impossible and we immediately start calling in favors and translating the long-forgotten texts of primordial beings.

>>24558345
"Mmmm, tempting. But no, that'd be funny for about an hour and then he'd be stuck with it. Let's go with something handsome and dignified. We're looking for 'young but wise beyond his years' here; we want the outside to look like the inside, right?"

>>24558345
Nah, just give him a nice haircut. He has someone to impress.

>>24558345
"I forgot how much you liked you wild hairstyles. We're more subdued- I'd just like something that matches my natural red, and I ASSUME he'd like his natural color as well. But please, do something about the bowlcut. Go for handsome. It'll help next time we visit stone hall."

>>24558345
"I don't know about spiky but green hair? Definitely.

"Ah joking aside, something a bit neat and clean for a hair cut if you could."

What does she mean spikes match us? Are we spikey?

>>24558443
The green is to match us. The spikes are probably a residual effect from being a JRPG love interest for so long.

>>24558402
>>24558395
Putting these together:
"Tempting...but no. I forgot how much you liked wild hairstyles; I think we'd both like to stick with our natural colors here. We mostly came to do something about that bowl cut of his; he's more handsome than that, and there's someone back in Stone Hall who might appreciate him looking like it. Let's go with something dignified, more of a 'young but wise beyond his years' look. We want the outside to match the inside, after all."

>>24558499
we also came to get our own hair back to its rightful sheen. We saw that it's growing back the right color, so we can safely re-dye to red.

>>24558511
Right: "I think we'd both like to..."

>>24558525
oh, adoy.

As much as I'd like to crack a jone about Mage starting to look more like our little brother in a hundred years or so, he hasn't come to terms with his future scaliness so it'd be rather dickish.

"Tempting...but no. I forgot how much you liked wild hairstyles; I think we'd both like to stick with our natural colors here.

"We mostly came to do something about that bowl cut of his; he's more handsome than that, and there's someone back in Stone Hall who might appreciate him looking like it. Let's go with something dignified, more of a 'young but wise beyond his years' look. We want the outside to match the inside, after all." You say smiling.

"Got it." Ava says. "Thank you so much for helping me with this position. They're so nice here." She says as she lets Mage dry and puts the last coating of dye in your hair. "You'll look great in a ponytail." She says, as she had to undo your braids and cut away at a lot of damaged, and still white, hair. "Plus with the way your hair grows, you'll be back to your long braid in no time. I'm jealous."

She's working with a barber surgeon who took on Ava in exchange for his loan to Jeremy. They mostly let her cut hair and gossip while they do the 'real' work, and she cleans up. They have no idea why there's now so many women coming in now.

"So," Ava says as she starts to work on clipping Mage's hair as yours soaks. "You said that there were some important things we needed to talk about?"

>>24558606
actually, he'll probably look like the older brother

>>24558630
how best do we breach the issue of the "fallen lightbringer" tip we got from the comedy relieve?

Anyone have good gentle words?

>>24558630

It can wait until you no longer have sharp things near Mage.

*after*

We think the Dramatae are going to set up Adhan as the new Shaper of Darkness, and burn down another town for a second set of lightbringers.

>>24558670
we might want to wait to broach that until she is done clipping mages hair, to avoid any bald patch accidents from the shock.

>>24558630
Look around a bit to make sure that nobody is listening too closely to our conversation. And
>>24558715
this, at least for the points of major surprise in the following.

"We just had the Dramatae come after us fairly directly up at the Bear Shrine, and it's pretty clear that they're no longer above collateral damage. They're gearing up for a major conflict to feed Citadel, and I don't think Adahn is playing the role of the Lightbringer anymore; I...I think they have him playing the nemesis the Lightbringer dies to destroy." Bitterly: "All to spice up the story.

"We're about to head back in the direction of Citadel, and I'm not sure we'll be back this way before this is all over. I promised you that you'd have a chance to make a life for yourself, here or wherever you wanted. And I still hold to that. But I didn't want to leave without offering you the chance to come along.

From the memories you showed me from the last time you saw him, Peace lied to him, and said you didn't love him anymore. There might still be a chance to snap Adahn out of it and save him in this life rather than the next. If there is, I think you're part of that."

>>24558630
"Well, there's not much we can do about it, but you had probably already gathered by now that Adahn is in some serious trouble. I've interrogated a few of those working for the dramata, and they were talking about using some "fallen lightbringer" as the next villain in their play. They're going to burn another town to make the next hero, too. I couldn't in good conscience keep you in the dark about this, especially since we're going to be running off soon to deal with it all and you won't have time to ask after that."

>>24558762
"Well, there's not much we can do about it, but you had probably already gathered by now that Adahn is in some serious trouble." You say. "You may want to put down the scissors at the moment."

"Please?" Mage says.

Ava does so.

"We just had the Dramatae come after us fairly directly up at the Bear Shrine, and it's pretty clear that they're no longer above collateral damage. They're gearing up for a major conflict to feed Citadel, and I don't think Adahn is playing the role of the Lightbringer anymore; I...I think they have him playing the nemesis the Lightbringer dies to destroy." You scowl and shake your head. "All to spice up the story.

"We're about to head back in the direction of Citadel, and I'm not sure we'll be back this way before this is all over. I promised you that you'd have a chance to make a life for yourself, here or wherever you wanted. And I still hold to that. But I didn't want to leave without offering you the chance to come along."

Ava shrugs, she doesn't say anything and turns away from your face.

"They're going to burn another town to make the next hero, too. I couldn't in good conscience keep you in the dark about this, especially since we're going to be running off soon to deal with it all and you won't have time to ask after that.

From the memories you showed me from the last time you saw him, Peace lied to him, and said you didn't love him anymore. There might still be a chance to snap Adahn out of it and save him in this life rather than the next. If there is, I think you're part of that."

Ava shakes her head. "The magic that they gave me, doesn't work anymore. I can't wield anything more than these." She holds up her scissors. "Also...you know, I think Adhan and I...liked it, a little. We were not only just free, we were the most important people in the Kingdom." She sighs and shakes her head. "I'm sorry. I won't take you back down that road again."

(cont)

>>24558910
She sighs. "I don't want to go back into combat. But please, try to capture him and send for me, and I'll get the fastest horse I can and I'll come see him." She looks at you, like a child trying to appease a parent with an apology. "Is, that okay?"

>>24558925
If it can be done, I will do it.

>>24558925
thats fine. and we'll do our best. In fact I have new tools for exactly that!

>>24558925
"I don't know how possible it will be but I will do all I can."

>>24558910
>>24558925
"Completely okay, and we'll do what we can to keep him safe. I'm not going to try to talk you into going; you have every right to settle down, and it seems like a sensible thing to do to get out of that storybook.

Do you have anything we could use, or any memory we could remind him of, to help bring him back to himself?"

And after that:

"We'll be leaving from the main gate at first light tomorrow, if you change your mind. If not, hopefully the next time we see each other it'll be in a world free of Citadel's stories."

>>24558925
"It's completely okay. You're making a good life for yourself here, and I'd hate to take that from you. I was simply obligated to ask.

I'm getting really good at capturing people these days, hopefully Adahn is still as slow with a sword as I remember."

We need to check in on the goat shrine before we leave.

It holds mysteries and secrets unknown to lesser men.

>>24559036
It holds...goats, and the secrets of raising them.

>>24559111
I could go for a goat.

At some point we have to explain to our friends that we're basically never full, as per the feral revelation. Or maybe we shouldn't, it would just make questions of feeding lamias harder.

>>24559181
Oh, that reminds me! We need to go collect the bounty on the Glass Assassins.

>>24559013
"It's completely okay. You're making a good life for yourself here, and I'd hate to take that from you. I was simply obligated to ask.

Do you have anything we could use, or any memory we could remind him of, to help bring him back to himself?"

She pauses to think, then she snaps her fingers. "Barley sugar sticks."

"What? Those things that shopkeepers give to six year olds to keep them quiet?" Mage says. "They taste like paste."

"Yeah. Adhan loves them." She shrugs. "That's...actually the only thing I know about him that wasn't based around the lie."

She finishes Mage's hair, and it actually looks fairly decent for once. Still that edge of 'lived in a cave until he was 19' is still present, but now it's more of a selling feature than a detriment.

Lea comes in the door. "Robin and the other two are missing." She says.

"So?" Mage says. "Robin split before the Queen could try to show him her plumage."

"He left before we paid him his money." Lea says.

>>24559191

Don't we also have some paperwork regarding Helen to fill out for Balles?

>>24559210
"What, you mean you can't find him? Vamoosed entirely?

What kind of crazy coinsman lays low before we can give them their share?"

>>24559210
the only reason they would do that is if they either found something worth more... or trouble found them.

Any ideas on where they disapeared to?

Pay Ava for her time and work and lets move out!

>>24559210
>"He left before we paid him his money." Lea says.

"Wow. That's just unnatural; either he's *really* that bothered by feathers, or something really serious came up.

Any sign of him at the Traveller's? Or did the folks at the gate see him leave? Not that he couldn't leave unnoticed, but he may or may not have had reason to."

>>24559214
yes. We do have some paperwork to do.

It is now we discover that Ssen has no idea how to do paperwork.

>>24559210
"And yet, I feel we may pay dearly for all of this nonsense."

>>24559214
We also ought to begin laying the groundwork for the Schola Clarus.

>>24559247
"What, you mean you can't find him? Vamoosed entirely?" You say as you hand Ava a few coins.

"What kind of crazy coinsman lays low before we can give them their share?" You ask.

Lea shrugs. "I went to Coins to give them their letters of mark for the Glass Assassin job." She holds up the sealed letters. "But their quarters at
Coins are empty."

"Wow. That's just unnatural; either he's *really* that bothered by feathers, or something really serious came up.

Any sign of him at the Traveller's? Or did the folks at the gate see him leave? Not that he couldn't leave unnoticed, but he may or may not have had reason to." You say.

"I sent Peri to ask around at Traveller's, and Tara's asking at the gate and Isen's at the manor." She says. "I suppose that they could have taken off silently."

"Without giving us details on where to send their money?" Mage asks. "I don't want to say it, but I know you're thinking it."

well, let me inspect their quarters. Maybe I can pick something up, that you missed.

I'd hate to let 25 skilled men go to the headsman in this economy. Ask balles if there's any kind of work-release program for criminals.

>>24559399
Good thinking.

>>24559366
"Yeah. Coins might have done something to them for going against Citadel."
If searching their quarters fails:
"Well, we've got two options. We could hang onto their money and set it aside, in the hopes that we might run into them on the road. Or we could leave it with someone here that we trust, like Balles or Jeremy, and leave word for Robin about it."

>>24559366
"It would just be nice if we could go five minutes without something going horribly wrong."

I wonder if the fey court came a calling for them...

>>24559366
"Well! The question is this. WHO'S STOLEN MY THIEF?"

>>24559490
Possible, but last we heard they were still more or less in the Fey Court's good books and doing jobs for them. They might have headed that way, though, if they left of their own volition.

>>24559399
"Well, let me inspect their quarters. Maybe I can pick something up, that you missed." You say.

"Alright." Lea sighs.

"Also, Mage...remind me to have Isen talk to Balles about seeing what we can do for the Glass Assassins." You say as you head to Coins. "I'd hate to let 25 skilled men go to the headsman in this economy."

"So glad I got this." Mage mutters as he takes out a small notebook and a piece of fine charcoal. He takes a note. "Don't know why I ever think I can have free time. Even when I'm dead, I'm sure His Light will have a list of little things I can do for him." He mutters. He's smiling as he says it, though. "Sorry, Lea."

Lea sighs. "At least try to make your blasphemy honestly funny Mage." She gives him a smile. "Otherwise I will have to hit you."

"And again, I value the merit of living in caves, chewing on the femur of an unlucky fisherman." Mage says.

Robin's room in Coins looks like all the other high-ranking member's rooms. Too gaudy by half, and filled with tacky pieces of kitsch and books that no one in their right mind would read. The room is clean. You don't see any packs or satchels, or personal items. There's been signs of people living here, who cleaned up after themselves. It does honestly look like whomever was staying here just left. No suspiciousness at all.

Roll 1d20

Rolled 4

>>24559586

Rolled 20

>>24559586

Rolled 7

>>24559586

Rolled 2

>>24559586
Ssen, what do your lamia eyes see?

>>24559602
>>24559604
All of my hate.

>>24559614
>>24559602
"Not much. Snakes don't really have the best eyes for this kind of shit. In fact, many are near blind."

>>24559586
then if our eyes don't see anything... lets try our tongue. See what scent says instead.

>>24559586
>"So glad I got this." Mage mutters as he takes out a small notebook and a piece of fine charcoal. He takes a note. "Don't know why I ever think I can have free time. Even when I'm dead, I'm sure His Light will have a list of little things I can do for him." He mutters. He's smiling as he says it, though. "Sorry, Lea."

"I think His Light gives much to do in this life to those capable of it, which is why your list is so long."

>>24559614
No lamia eyes, only anime eyes here.
[...]

>>24559602
You don't spot anything weird. Robin and co. must have just pulled a runner, putting getting away from the Queen over getting their payment.

Rolled 19

>>24559635
Should have used the tongue.

>>24559675
Lea's prolly got better eyes, could we have her take a look too?
Not fishing for more rolls, not at all.

>>24559697
Worth trying taste and smell if we haven't already, but I think we're probably going to need to move on.

>>24559435
"Well, we've got two options. We could hang onto their money and set it aside, in the hopes that we might run into them on the road. Or we could leave it with someone here that we trust, like Balles or Jeremy, and leave word for Robin about it."

>>24559675
i will laugh hard if that is what actually happened instead of them getting kidnapped by maskfaces/Fae/whoever else we pissed off.

time to move on, perhaps he will turn up later, especially seeing as we owe him money, and probably a bonus.

well /tg/ dice are rarely kind to us.

>>24559721
Okay, you go full tongue search.

Roll 1d20

Rolled 3

>>24559746

Rolled 5

>>24559746

Rolled 5

>>24559746
mmm

Rolled 18

>>24559746

Dammit.

>>24559755
Bit tongue? Bit tongue.

damn dice

We are so bad at this.

>>24559746
Man, I just came out of a game where I got critted twice, and rolled a natural 1 four times in a row. Now I come home to this. Shit sucks.

>>24559746
>full tongue search

Lamia airport security just got better.

oh /tg/ dice...

a bunch of fail rolls, with a 18-20 thrown in there just to give us hope that our NEXT roll wont be another 1-5

>>24559798
>why are we so bad at this

This entire room smells like him. I don't know what we were supposed to smell other than chocolate-piney-elven deliciousness.

God elves smell delicious.

>>24559755
OW! Damnit! You bit your tongue.

Lea and Mage chuckle, you shoot them a dirty look. They are unapologetic.

Lea sighs. "Alright, so they just took off I guess." She shrugs. "Sorry. I freaked out."

>>24559835
"You're too optimistic. They were just captured by somebody who's really good at their job."

>>24559835
you're probably right Lea... but I'm a paladin, not a trained investigator. We'd need someone who knows how to search a room properly.

>>24559835
"No, with the life we live with I would have freaked out too.

"Just hope they're not in any kind of trouble."

>>24559834
...There's chocolate elves in this quest? Have I been blind this whole time? ;_;

>>24559835
"I would have freaked out too, considering the tactics of our enemies."

"Hopefully they just booked it and forgot about the reward in the haste to get away from the feathers. If they did I expect they will show up again for the money, and probably a hefty bonus."

>>24559896
earlier, when describing scents of things following us, echo described them as "not like the chocolatey-piney smell of robin and his goons"

which means elves smell like that.

I bet Isen smells delicious too. Royals and all that.

>>24559896
Peri's a chocolate half-elf. Close enough.

They've been mind controlled and are now THAT band of mercenaries now that we've removed he previous such group.

>>24559835
"They probably are playing some kind of spy game. There's no doubt some kind of hidden clue in the back of a matchbook to go to a bar to talk to an informant... Oh well! I don't know how to play spygames. Let's go."

File: 1367378238349.jpg-(99 KB, 500x612, LamiaToothbrush.jpg)

99 KB JPG

>>24559921
Lets not fixate too much on how delicious things smell, seems like it'd lead to trouble.

File: 1367378340272.jpg-(78 KB, 514x700, 1364944727977.jpg)

78 KB JPG

>>24560033
>lamia tounge

Someones going to get a new fetish out of this.

>>24560033
Delicious trouble.

>>24559920
"I would have freaked out too, considering the tactics of our enemies.

"Hopefully they just booked it and forgot about the reward in the haste to get away from the feathers. If they did I expect they will show up again for the money, and probably a hefty bonus." You say, sighing. "That or they're probably playing some kind of spy game. There's no doubt some kind of hidden clue in the back of a matchbook to go to a bar to talk to an informant. Oh well! I don't know how to play spy games. Let's go."

Lea nods.

You hook up with the others at the Manor. Balles just tries to keep from collapsing from stress. His jail has never ever been this full. The paperwork, or by His Light, the paperwork. His world of perfect order has ended. However, Paladin Balles still stands as tall and as rigid as he can. The oak tree breaks, the reed bends, but Balles' is an iron rod and refuses to budge.

He's open to the idea of making the Glass Assassins into a work crew.

"So, his Lordship is staying here to help the transition and new...immigrants...to our city." Balles says. "And I understand that your business here is concluded. And you are leaving? Soon?"

You can almost hear the 'Please?' that came next. It's obvious that the mere idea of you and the Dawnchasers LEAVING is an idea that obviously fills him with glee. You are chaos incarnate, and the poor man needs some time to catch up.

File: 1367378631781.jpg-(Spoiler Image, 344 KB, 800x600)

344 KB JPG

>>24560033
>>24560065
The question remains, how long is too long?

>>24560152
After these messages, we'll be right back.

Yes, we'll be leaving. Ask Balles if he can send someone who is well versed in such things over the [Robin's Alias]'s room to check things over. As the coins representative him disapearing could be nothing... or it could be foul play.

>>24560204
When you can't do it yourself, delegate!

>>24560152
"Well, I suppose I could stick around a little longer to help smooth things out and do some paperwork if you insist. Otherwise, I'll be off to the winds tomorrow, if plans go according to, well, er, plan."

>>24560152
"Yes, but first I'm fairly certain there's some paperwork I need to parse through, the situation with Helen. I suppose you'll want a report filed out on the glass Assassins as well."

>>24560033
Probably wise. Nobody needs to know about it at the moment.

MAYBE inform them before we go talk to the lamia tribe, but otherwise, yeah.

>>24560157
Since Ssen can apparently swallow wolves whole, I wouldn't doubt if her tongue was actually quite long.

>>24560152
"Isen will be here for a little while longer to oversee the transition, though he has obligations back in Stone Hall that he'll have to return to before long. Likely no more than a week. But I'm sure that whoever he appoints will do a fine job. And we'll be doing what we can elsewhere to make sure that they and you have the chance.

But yes, we'll be on our way shortly. Our apologies for increasing for increasing your paperwork; unfortunately, sometimes things do get worse before they get better. I do look forward to seeing the future glory of Bronze Peak reborn, though; I have no doubt you'll manage it."

Quentin and Rachel said they'll stay for now, so I think we've got everything in order.

>>24560204
Balles has enough on his plate, and both of the likely causes of his disappearance (coins or scampering on his own) seem like things he shouldn't be looking into.

We might want to check with the main gate, though, and ask them if any delegations of Fey have come through (perhaps looking for Robin).

>>24560326
yep, we've got most everything down. Except for the secret cult of all man's wisdom in the goat shrine we keep missing.

Though, we could offer to do paperwork for Balles. Watch him flounder for any reason to do the paperwork and get us out of here.

>>24560620

I say we just leave if we haven't got much to do.

File: 1367381340885.png-(50 KB, 1300x700, Map.png)

50 KB PNG

Hmm I wonder where exactly the mer are. If they're on the Citadel side coast, it will be a long journey and the Dramatae may already have the upper hand. If it's on the Stone Hall side, we could get the Leviathan to take us there, stopping or at least delaying any bombardment and giving us artillery just in case.

>>24560948
Well, we do have a lot to get done in general; eg. planning the Schola Clarus, possibly giving Mage a hand with some of the many things he's got on his plate as a show of good faith, or talking to each of our comrades about some of the heavy shit that got laid down when The Dragon who was an Asshole of Shadows took hold of us back at the peaks.

>>24560988
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/24516758/#p24521326
> "Also, they're going to try and start with the Mer in the ruins of Coral Gate. They're nearly all feral there."

So we know there are some in Coral Gate, wherever that is.

>>24561073
the most I want to do is get the caligo sholarus going. Which means we need an income. Which means we need to find those inventors to get the rights for barney to use.

How do we find the inventors? We have money. How do we turn money into found inventors?

>>24561073
We have a long journey south and west ahead of us to have that conversation with our friends.

>>24560988
I'm thinking we should head south through Stone Hall, then turn west past River's Crossing to White Tree, then southwest towards First Wood.

>>24561137
sounds about right. Anyone remember where the fey court was? I'd still like to talk to them.

>>24561123
Printing press. Harpies. Suddenly raining fliers informing all inventors, scholars, and artisans of the mutual opportunity awaiting them at the light house of Stone Hall. As for the detachments of (mostly Red) Occuli who'll be escorting these fruitful minds, I doubt it'd be hard to find volunteers, especially with some help from Uncle in choosing/encouraging the finest candidates among his men.

>>24561193
That's a fair idea, but perhaps normal, old-fationed post distribution of fliers would work.

Because we only have 30 harpies.

>>24561448
And soon, the Mumei Express.
>The mail always comes on time when delivered by the Duchess of Daily Delivery,
>The Princess of Punctuality,
>Mail Maiden Mumei!

>>24561550
PS because Ornithopter-piloting magical girl with the power to do her own taxes without breaking a sweat.

"Yes, but first I'm fairly certain there's some paperwork I need to parse through, the situation with Helen. I suppose you'll want a report filed out on the Glass Assassins as well.

"Isen will be here for a little while longer to oversee the transition, though he has obligations back in Stone Hall that he'll have to return to before long. Likely no more than a week. But I'm sure that whoever he appoints will do a fine job. And we'll be doing what we can elsewhere to make sure that they and you have the chance.

"But yes, we'll be on our way shortly. Our apologies for increasing for increasing your paperwork; unfortunately, sometimes things do get worse before they get better. I do look forward to seeing the future glory of Bronze Peak reborn, though; I have no doubt you'll manage it."

Balles relaxes as he hands you the paperwork and a quill to sign it. "I actually am looking forward to it too." He sighs. "There's a different feel in the air these days. It used to be that all I had to do was turn around and I would have found that a year had gone by. Now, now I wake up and every day seems like a year." He chuckles as he hands you the last piece of paper. This one isn't for you to sign. It's two groups of names.

One of the lists is dramatically shorter than the other. It's still a long list, but for every one name on the short list, there's three on the other.

The short list has Uncle Julian, Paladin Avery, Paladin Balles, Father Uriah, Elegantine Tray (Her Illuminated Self), Prince Itzak Newgate, all names you recognize.

But there are some you don't. A lot of Paladins, and a few notable names: Princess Karen Newgate, Father Vincent Qualm, Overseer Ferris Dell, and so on.

The long list goes on and on though, and you see Paladin Odette and Overseer Trivalon's name on this list.

"I exchanged quite a few letters and favors to make this." He says. "Keep this close." He frowns as he looks at you. "They say we're causing the end of a Golden Age, destroying paradise."

>>24561715

Allies against enemies? Or people who know of the Dramatae?

>>24561715
Just stare at the long list for a bit. Then: "May I never speak ill of paperwork again. This is a wonder and a horror to behold. And some of the names on the short list are a particular comfort. Thank you, Paladin Balles."

>>24561715
"The accusation is half right. We're bringing about the end of a -Gilded- age."

What is better freedom to choose our own path? Or a paradise under a sometimes benevolent master whose only price is the lives few slaves every once and a while?

Thank you for the list Paladin Balles

>>24561715
"There might be some truth to that. Though really, it was destroying itself. Bronze peak's loan fiasco is a prime example of that."

>>24561715
HIS is on our side? I figured she would be Citadelized as hell.

>>24561715
"Interesting times no matter where I go. I'm very sorry for all the bother Paladin Balles. Someday, I'll come to a town without uncovering half a dozen myriad darknesses bubbling up within."

>>24561856
yeah, this.

It's hardly our fault that the country is run apparently on loan schemes, assassinations, and blood sacrifice. If they were so important to the running of the country, why are they so illegal?

>>24561791
"There might be some truth to that. Though really, it was a gilded age at best, destroying itself at worst. Bronze Peak's loan fiasco is a prime example of that." You sigh as you look at the list. If a person can be judged by looking at his enemies, then at least you have quantity on your side. "May I never speak ill of paperwork again. This is a wonder and a horror to behold. And some of the names on the short list are a particular comfort. Thank you, Paladin Balles."

He smiles and shrugs. "I should have ran you out of town the moment you arrived." He extends his hand. "May His Light be with you, Paladin Serpent."

>>24561890
OK. Time to do as we promised; this town isn't big enough for the both of us, so we'll leave him to fixing that.

To the south, past Stone Hall.

Also, where *is* Coral Gate?

>>24561947
we should... maybe see if mumei is done crying?

>>24561890
"You as well, friend. May you never have a boring day so long as you live."

Then this: >>24561965

>>24561715
"Citadel is no paradise. It's even worse than Hell, in fact. In Hell there are sinners and the wicked: no innocent bystanders. Citadel, on the other hand, thrives on the slaughter of innocents."

"Thank you for this."

>>24561995

Let's not say this. Let's not make Ssen sound like the lunatics who attacked her because it rained.

>>24561947
>Also, where *is* Coral Gate?
Draw a line from First Wood to the East coast. That's about where the ruins of Coral Gate are.

>>24561890
"And also with you, Paladin Balles."

>>24562012
Hmmm. Well, we're going to pass close to that next on our way from Stone Hall to River's Crossing; how far out of our way would it be to drop by?

>>24561965
Good point, since she isn't coming with us; let's drop by before we leave.

>>24562011
Plus, Hell is kind of a Judeo-Christian thing. The Light and his Teachings and the Darkness are somewhat distinct from those.
Sort of like what you'd get if you conflated God and Heaven or the Devil and Hell into one thing.

File: 1367385143497.png-(50 KB, 1300x700, Now_with_lost_city.png)

50 KB PNG

>>24562012
I updated my journal

>>24562110
Awesome. Could you fix the name of River's Crossing, as well?

>>24562033
"And also with you, Paladin Balles."

Isen, Tara, and the Princess, see you off outside. The Princess hugs you, she cries when she does it. Tara helps her back into her carriage.

"She's leaning towards the surgical, but I've put money out on finding that potion stuff you told us about." Isen says. He sighs. "She's...I think that this was the straw that broke her dam, or something." Isen shrugs. "She's just freaking out that she'll be free. Like free free."

"Don't you have to marry her?" Tricia says.

"Eventually." Isen shrugs. "She's in no hurry. I'm in no hurry. Don't you even dare think about it, Paladin Serpent or Tara and I will kill you." He smiles. "But, now I have to be all princely and crap." He rolls his eyes. "Eh, whatever. Oh, I'm thinking about making Rachel the new Mayor. Sound good?"

>>24562171
as long as she gets a few assisstants to help her out she should do well. Especially if she can ride herd on the rest of the city as well as she does Quentin and Jeremy.

File: 1367385682346.png-(50 KB, 1300x700, Now_with_lost_city2.png)

50 KB PNG

>>24562143
Yes I can.

>>24562171
"Sounds good to me, we already know she can keep Jeremy and Quintin in line, and we all know how stubborn the pair of them are. She should make a fine Mayor."

>>24562171
> Don't you even dare think about it, Paladin Serpent or Tara and I will kill you.

"I'm not nearly drunk enough to try that."

> Oh, I'm thinking about making Rachel the new Mayor. Sound good?

"Perfect."

>>24562265

And if she can keep those two in line, she handle anyone.

>>24562171
"You'd best make sure she's all right with it. I've fought a myriad of darknesses and none of them can intimidate quite as well as that woman when she's angry."

>>24562171
"Rachel sounds like a perfect reccomendation. Her natural talent for yelling people into shape would do well there."

>>24562273
> Don't you even dare think about it, Paladin Serpent or Tara and I will kill you.

Followup: "But call me when 'eventually' rolls around, or if you two ever end up tying the knot. I'd be honored to do it sober when you're willing."

>>24562171
It helps that Rachel already knows what Citadel feels like and has overcome it. That'll make it that much harder for it to influence her again, I think.

>>24562273
"Don't worry, I'm not nearly drunk enough to try that." You say. "As for Rachel, sounds perfect. We already know she can keep Jeremy and Quintin in line, and we all know how stubborn the pair of them are. She should make a fine Mayor.

"However, you'd best make sure she's all right with it. I've fought a myriad of darknesses and none of them can intimidate quite as well as that woman when she's angry."

Isen nods. "Oh, I believe that." He says.

"Hey, Isen." Tricia asks. She's been looking at the list. "Who's Karen Newgate?"

"How'd you learn of HER? Ughhhh. She's my big sister, eighth in line for the throne. Kind of a total raging bitch. Please tell me she's still in the Phoenix Empire." Isen says. There's a look of absolute fear and loathing on his face.

"I think I like her already." Peri says.

"Bye, have fun, and kick ass and we'll have have a nice party on the beach soon!" Tara says as she gives each of you one of her hugs.

"Good fortune, my Beautiful Nightmares." Isen says with a wink. "How's about a nice full goodbye kiss, with a little lamia tongue for luck?"

"I'm actually not even offended anymore." Tricia says as she heads back to the wagon.

he does grow on you.

Like a bad, reaccuring fungus.

>>24562377
I assume that we're not the only ones with a copy of the list? Hopefully Balles shares it with Isen.

>>24562377
You know what, he's been asking for like three months now and we might die before we return.

I'm tempted to say just go for it. Because we need at least one real kiss with a boy.

>>24562431
no

>>24562431
but nah, Tricia would be unhappy. I guess kiss on the cheek is the most we should do.

>>24562431
I'd be more tempted to drip out a pile of the black venom, grin big at him, and say "sure, pucker up". Then leave while he's stumbling backward.

>>24562442
hence why I couched it in terms of being tempted to say, instead of saying it.

I don't want it to be taken up as a vote or anything.

>>24562377
A nice venom-dripping grin?

>>24562449
This is acceptable. Especially since Isen hasn't seen the black venom trick before. Black venom grin is also a scary idea.

>>24562469
Should keep it in mind if we ever have to play the Monster for intimidation's sake.

>>24562449
this is Isen, he might just go for it.

File: 1367386684949.jpg-(16 KB, 310x240, kiss mark_medium.jpg)

16 KB JPG

We could give him one of these, I realize.

>>24562488
And then we switch out the Black for Clear.

>>24562543
eh. that's getting a bit messy now, since it's not localized to the mouth. Think of poor armor!

>>24562377
"You know Isen, you're actually very charming."

Then whatever scary smile or cheek kiss thing the rest of you decide on

"I hope I can see you all again later. I wouldn't miss that beach party of tara's for the world."

>>24562567
We can secrete it anywhere we want, just like the other venoms, can't we?

>>24562605
If we could, the utility of it just shot up a lot from my previous expectations.

>>24562543
We're not trying to hurt him. If he decides he's audacious enough to go near lamia venom for a kiss, we won't even have to bother slapping him unconscious; the venom will do that for us.

More hoping he just backs off, though.

>>24562469
>>24562459
>>24562449
You let a little bit of the black, just a couple of drops from each fang pool before you open your mouth and flick your tongue out. Your tongue, fangs, and teeth are black and little drops are just forming on your fangs. "Sssssure, pucker up." You say, drawing out your usual hiss just for dramatic effect. Any sane man would back up.

But this is Isen the Audacious.

"Kinky!" He says, and then his face swoops in and before you know it, you're getting a full bore kiss, and stupid stupid instincts. Your traitorous tongue responds for a few seconds before you pull it back in, and then Isen breaks off.

"Wow...Tricia's a lucky girl...be good to each...uhhh...tonge's gaon namb...oh...crap..." He shrugs. "Worth it!" He says, before he collapses in a slightly twitching heap.

Tara looks concerned. "He's not going to die, is he?"

>>24562676
poke him with beacon's blunt end.

Maybe?

>>24562676
"Someday. Hopefully a very long way off. Please take care Tara."