Things have been picking up speed since you returned to Stone Hall. Princess Mumei of the Phoenix Kingdom has warned you that Cai Wei Zhu was in no way the only Phoenix Empire spy present in the kingdom.

Worse, when you visited Bronze Peak, on the way to visit the dragon Old One, you learned that Jeremy Sandover did facial reconstruction surgery on a few people who looks like they were from the Empire, and sold instructions on how to do the surgery themselves.

Old One, enacting his vengeance upon those who would attempt to steal from him, and sent others to defile his home, extracted Tragedy and Comedy's souls via their heads, and trapped them within his horde of Gold Ore. Souls trapped in anything other than gemstones are put though such agony, that you can't even imagine.

You returned to Bronze Peak and picked up Ava, as well as Ryan's manifesto, and are heading back to Stone Hall. You're taking Ava with you for the purpose of her talking to Adahn.

Because it was requested, here's a timeline of the sped up events.

Timeline.
0 C.C. (Citadel Collapses within itself.

3 days later: Mab and the Fey Court take over First Wook

6 days later: White Tree accepts a few refugees and shuts its gates for an extended amount of time.

2 weeks after CC: Dawnchasers & Refugees arrive at River's Crossing. Cai Wei Zhu is discovered and caught.

4 weeks after CC: Dawnchasers arrive in Stone Hall

4 week 2 days: Dawnchasers talk to Old One

4 weeks 4 days CC: Dawnchasers return to Stone Hall, interrogate Adahn & Cai

3 months CC: Mer allow settlement within Coral Gate

4 months: Mari frees all but one of the souls Tragedy captured. Last soul is sane, and becomes a project for Inventor's Guild

Mage begins work with Sophie & Free Kingdom mage guild.

6 months: Isen declares Stone Hall, Bronze Peak, and Coral Gate to be a unified kingdom after finalization of the authority and membership of the Free Council. Tentative name for the new kingdom is the 'Free Kingdom.'

(cont)

>>25533784
6.5 months: Granny's first 'graduates' enter into society.

Ambrose and Gregory begin forming the Schola Nitor, and begin the Accurate History project.

White Tree & HIS announces that they are forming their own 'humans only' city state. HIS does not condemn the Free Kingdom, but its obvious that her opinion of it is poor, though she states that it's not because of the Monster presence, but rather that there's been less of an active effort to convert people to His Light and move them away from Monster faiths, the Silent God, and the Elven Elders.

Paladin Toll leaves in disgust and protest to join Stone Hall Paladins.

7 months: Mab has full control over Fey Court. First Wood now semi-police state, reopens itself to other settlers.

7.5 months: Jesse-May Prosper arrives in Stone Hall to discuss Phoenix Empire situation.

9 months: Peri and Mari are able to revitalize Mari's body & partially soul trap themselves.

Mage finalizes Source Apparatus to allow Sophie and other Free Kingdom mages to use magic again.

10 months: Dawnchasers receive message from Paladin Kincaid at Purple Sands.

So right now we're just about to leave Bronze Peak?

>>25533835
Yes, Ada's happy to go with you to see Adahn. She's actually done well for herself, she made enough money to buy her own house and her own shop and is training two other girls to cut hair and gossip.

Fuck yes lamia quest! Favorite time of the day.
>>25533835
Yeah, we're in bronze peak. I want to talk to the harpies perhaps.

>>25533883
>I want to talk to the harpies perhaps.
Would you like to visit the Queen, outside in her court/nest or do you want to find Paul?

>>25533935
I just recalled that the queen wanted to talk to us about the dramatae, and we bailed right out before doing that. We should probably tell her about it. So talking to queen on business basically. We'll say hello if paul's there.

>>25533935
Why not both? Paul is cool as hell and it would be cool to check up on the queen.

>>25533967
>cool as hell
He's kind of a dork, but he took like a million arrows to the face, so he's good in my books.

Also ever since we told him "don't ask a lady her measurements", I've been curious about how many belly segments we really did have.

>>25533993
I guess we can let him count this time. It would be nice to get some more body stats on us. All we know now is 20ft head to tail tip and 800lbs.

>>25534042
eh, I'll take it or leave it.

Going over this timeline, some things are kinda alarming. Like how city states are popping up left and right. Also, I don't know if we want to wait 10 months for that message.

I bet it'll be bad.

>>25534051
We just got that message. It's been 10 months since cit egged up.

>>25534082
oh, so that's a "modern day" and we're going to play through some bits of the "past" on the way there, like the adahn/eva thing, meeting jesse-may prosper, and whatever else echo mentioned? I got it now.

Also, since I'm remembering last thread, Ssen: Busily eat delicious meat products while everyone else tries to eat the fungus dish mage made.

>HIS has no paladins at her command.
Slide_Trombone.wav
Maybe we can economics them into submission, we've never tried that before.

>>25534112
We played through the past bits already in the last thread's infodump. Echo just posted a timeline because a number of us were confused in the timeskipping nature of it.

>>25534082
Not yet. You will. Problem is that there's a CRAZY amount of stuff that you need to do in the Free Kingdom to stabilize it, before you can blow a month's worth of travel on some place that's on the other side of the continent and blessedly/disturbingly quiet.

Paul is in the Manor Hall working with Balles. (Who isn't a dwarf, like you guys have assumed. Always thought I marked him as human...he is kinda short though.)

"Hello Miss Lamia that is named Paladin Ssen Patrick, you have arrived with your companions who are four in number." He nods. "I am currently discovering many useful colors that are helpful in cataloging." He gestures to little pieces of colored paper. "They are not like numbers but they have purpose."

>>25534161
look I think I have a working model of what's going on now, don't ruin that for me.
>>25534116
I'm concerned, because without breaking some doctrinal laws, the HIS cannot make paladins without paladins. Paladins cannot make paladins without the HIS. They both need the other to give blessings to the new recruit. We've got the makings for a millenia spanning religious schism here.

>>25534173
"Oh yes, there's all sorts of colors to use when sorting. Shades between them, too- sort of like decimals, in a way. How have you two been? I left a ferocious amount of paperwork last I was here, I hope you've been able to beat it down some."

>>25534173
(I see)
They are like numbers though, aren't they? Beyond the fact that they differ by what light they reflect and absorb, they are just as useful as any rune, be it number or symbol. In this context there is no real difference"

>>25534173
Also, since Balles, is here...

"Balles, I seem to recall you saying you had traveled to the Phoenix Empire once. Have you ever heard of the kingfishers?"

>>25534173
Didn't Balles wanted a word with us also? I seem to recall a non-urgent message or something.

>>25534306
Good thinking. Also I was considering asking paul about the harpy eggs, but he is probably the harpy least likely to have had eggs, so never mind.

"Oh yes, there's all sorts of colors to use when sorting. Shades between them, too- sort of like decimals, in a way. They are like numbers, in the end, aren't they? They are just as useful as any rune, be it number or symbol. In this context there is no real difference

"How have you two been? I left a ferocious amount of paperwork last I was here, I hope you've been able to beat it down some."

"There is still much work to be done. We are also experiencing trouble as there is much much less gold present now, so we much consider to change the money so that we can continue trade." Paul says.

"I'm leaning towards bronze, but there are issues with that." Balles says. "Don't worry, we'll have it settled soon. I just wanted to let you know so you could tell King Newgate that he needs to be aware of this upcoming change. Have him encourage people to spend more. Hoarded gold hurts us right now."

You nod. "Balles, I seem to recall you saying you had traveled to the Phoenix Empire once. Have you ever heard of the kingfishers?"

Balles frowns and looks up at you. "Where'd you hear THAT term?" He nods. "I've heard of them, once...supposedly they're...when one of the Sky Lords asks for something complex, he pays the Kingfisher. Then people stop asking questions." He shrugs. "That's all I know about them, and even that was hearsay at a tavern."

>>25534506
I captured one of their spies in my hometown.

>>25534506
"I'm asking because we've managed to capture one of the Kingfisher's operatives in River's Crossing, and if Mumei is right, we'll be hearing from him very soon. I'm just warning you that the Phoenix Empire seems to have eyes on this kingdom."

>>25534506
"Oh, my fine companion Peri here caught one of them snooping around my home town. Apparently we've got phoenix empire woes now, do be sure to be slightly more paranoid.
I'll make sure to relay the gold stuff to Isen- How much of a problem is this gold thing going to be? If it's less of a problem than a dragon and a clan of orcs, then it might be solvable. "

"I'm asking because we've managed to capture one of the Kingfisher's operatives in River's Crossing, and if Mumei is right, we'll be hearing from him very soon. I'm just warning you that the Phoenix Empire seems to have eyes on this kingdom." You say.

"Oh. That's...that's probably not good." He says. "Although, I suppose it depends on the Sky Lord that sent the Kingfisher."

"Do you know any?" Tricia asks.

Balles shakes his head. "You think they'd even want to be in the same room as a barbarian like me?"

"Any rumors or stuff then?" Mage asks.

"Nothing that would be helpful...I think. I mean, it was years ago, and Sky Lords tend to change quickly due to their natural predators." Balles says.

"Predators?" Lea asks.

"Other Sky Lords." Balles says.

>>25534683
"And if we defeat the first Sky Lord sent against us, will there be more after the Kingdom, as if we were a trophy?"

Let's see how HONARABURR the NotJapan Empire is.

>>25534683
"See, that's actually pretty useful information. These sky lords could play off of each other marvelously. I look forward to meeting one- if you were too barbarous for them, I'll cause a riot.
Speaking of, people have been calm here, yes? You might get a portion of the refugees we piled up in stone hall, and I'd hate for it to be the straw that broke the camel's back."

>>25534751
I'd like to see how HONORABURR they are, but you might be mistaken.

They could be not-china. In which case, fuck honor.

>>25534683
"I can only wonder why that fails to surprise me. Although you should consider yourself lucky you could even go there and come back in one piece, The spy we captured was terrified of me."

>>25534784
well, that's probably because we were, er, a lamia.

Also julian was threatening her eyes.

"See, that's actually pretty useful information. These sky lords could play off of each other marvelously. I look forward to meeting one- if you were too barbarous for them, I'll cause a riot.

"Although you should consider yourself lucky you could even go there and come back in one piece, The spy we captured was terrified of me." You say.

Balles nods. "They do have a thing about snakes. Every story they have about them paints them as wicked or savage or evil or a combination. Worse than any Shaper of Darkness we came up with."

"Well, that's not a new feeling." Peri says.

"So, people have been calm here, yes? You might get a portion of the refugees we piled up in Stone Hall, and I'd hate for it to be the straw that broke the camel's back." You say.

"The First Wood situation, yes?" He nods. "Julian sent a letter to me about it." He drums his fingers. "We'll need to screen them. Craftsmen, people with fungus knowledge, miners, and a few others are welcome and needed, but farmers or other occupations would be unhelpful." He nods. "That's the best I can offer."

>>25534912
"I'm well aware of just what they think of snakes, death by one is guaranteed reincarnation for them. Thank you for the information on whom you can accept, I'm sure some of the refugees fit the qualifications."

>>25534912
"I'm sure the farmers wouldn't be too enthusiastic about moving into a mountain either. Though now that First Wood has sort of opened up I guess we can see how many are willing to go back."

>>25534912
"Of course, do what is best for Bronze Peak.

"Would there be anything here that would need attending to or perhaps it be best I leave before a fire starts somewhere..."

>>25534912
"I'm some will take up that offer, but not many. Thanks for the assistance either way. We'll have to sort out some other place for them. Any more business you'd like to inform me of? This is a mostly social visit, but I do want to make sure I don't forget anything. I practically have paperwork of my own now- you should see the todo lists me and my friends have accumulated."

>>25534972
Believe what we're currently playing out happens a little over 4 weeks after CC. First Wood won't open up again for months.

>>25534999
>>25534972
yeah, I also believe that is true. The refugee problem will be an existant one for a while.

>>25534999
Can we just use the abbreviation ACC?

>>25535024
We could but I might start asking why we're talking about accuracy...

>>25534986
>>25534982
yeah, say hello, ask for status report, do some pleasantries, and LEAVE. That's how this should go.

If we hang around long enough for a fire to start, we've been here too long.

so, we're going to ask harpy queen about general living status next, and then skedadle to stone hall with ava in tow, right?

>>25535178
Yeah sounds about right. Maybe see if we can't bring a Harpy down with as Princess Mumei wanted to speak to one.

But that could wait... Eh.

>>25535239
oh, yeah, that's exactly the kind of thing we need to remember. Mumei wanted the harpies' help with her flying machine.

"I'm well aware of just what they think of snakes, death by one is guaranteed reincarnation for them. Thank you for the information on whom you can accept, I'm sure some of the refugees fit the qualifications. But, I'm sure the farmers wouldn't be too enthusiastic about moving into a mountain either. Thanks for the assistance, we trust you to do what is best for Bronze Peak.

We'll have to sort out some other place for them. Any more business you'd like to inform me of? This is a mostly social visit, but I do want to make sure I don't forget anything. I practically have paperwork of my own now- you should see the todo lists me and my friends have accumulated." You say.

Mage groans.

Balles shakes his head. "No, nothing that I shouldn't have my staff do or myself." He nods. "Thank you for the offer though, probably wont be long before I take you up on it."

"Paul," Mari asks. "Is it possible to see the queen?"

Paul tilts his head to the side. "She is nesting right now, so she would be wary of visitors. Still I think she would be welcome to see you, provided that you make it clear that you don't mean to eat any of her eggs."

Damn instincts...the thought of large, juicy, yolk and maybe boneless harpy tissue-filled, eggs is something that makes part of your mouth water and stomach rumble. But you keep it together for Paul's sake.

"She's nesting again?" Balles asks. "I thought that the second clutch hatched already."

"They did. This is the third." Paul says.

"Uhh, how many are we talking here, Paul?" Balles asks warily.

"The queen has made no comment." Paul says. "The harpies of the Dark Peaks are still corrupt and insane, and our numbers are still dramatically few."

"You gotta slow down though." Paul says. "It'll end REALLY badly if you get too many harpies flying around here."

Paul nods. "You'll have to address that to the Queen."

>>25535337
"Umm, Paul could take a request to your Queen.

Dear Harpy Queen, I Ssen Patrick, humbly requests a harpy volunteer to aid in Princess Mumei's flying machine.

Thank you."

>>25535337
>"You gotta slow down though." Paul says. "It'll end REALLY badly if you get too many harpies flying around here."

Paul nods. "You'll have to address that to the Queen."
Gonna assume the first "Paul" is Balles and that Paul hasn't become more Dana-like since we last saw him.

>>25535337
>hordes of harpies
Oh jeez we might have fudged up a little.
>paul talking to paul
I assume you mean balles.

"I guess you've given me some more things to talk to the queen about, then. One or two kids is exhausting enough, I don't envy her in a few months.
I'll be off then- do take care Balles, Paul. Things are, as always, changing."

then when you leave, pick up a big plate of eggs at a resturaunt, and THEN go see the queen.

>>25535337
Ssen: make a mental note to order a big omelet the next place you get something to eat.

>>25535337
"Don't worry, I'm not the type to go after someone's eggs. I'll just have a nice chat with her. see if I can assuage some issues. Good day, friends."

They had damn well better have chickens and eggs in bronze peak.

>>25535499
chicken omelet, extra large?

>>25535527
let's grab one after this queen business then. Hopefully none of our allies decide to notice and/or crack wise.

>>25535438
Right sorry, my bad.

"I guess you've given me some more things to talk to the queen about, then. One or two kids is exhausting enough, I don't envy her in a few months.

"I'll be off then- do take care Balles, Paul. Things are, as always, changing."

You buy a few eggs from a street heggler on your way outside of the mountain, just to curb your appetite and to keep you from thinking too much about the harpy eggs. Still, part of you feels like these little things are poor substitutes.

You exit the mountain interior and make your way along the path on the outside of the mountain, shortly you arrive at the harpy nests. The sound of cheeping and little baby cries/coos/wails fills the air as you see men and women fussing over small harpy children. There has to be at least two or three to every nest.

At the center of this, is the Queen's nest. A huge thing that curves up behind her as well. She's resting in a position that's comfortable to her, but looks awkward/painful to others. You can see another clutch of 10-15 eggs being warmed beneath her.

"Paladin Serpent," She says. "Welcome, you wish audience with me? Then please, come and speak,"

>>25535549
After these messages, we'll be right back

>>25535549
*try to keep from salivating*

Nobody else here have any ideas about what to say? All i can come up with was >>25535573

>>25535549
"Yes, a bit of social visit and a bit of business today it seems."

Lets start with nice stuff first, how the harpies are fairing under Bronze Peak. How she, herself, has been. If a Harpy (maybe two or three, not too many) are looking to get into world for a bit/willing to help Princess Mumei with her flying thing. Hmm... Can't think of anything else really.

Then onto the potential of too many Harpies being born at once. We need her to understand that if too many are being born too quickly it might cause chaos to Bronze Peaks ability to sustain itself. This includes the Harpies now. Right now, Bronze Peak and Stone Hall are kinda in a fragile state and pushing them too far might cause things to collapse in on itself. We just need her, hopefully, to understand and slow down. Not saying stop just keep it balance with the growth of the city.

That's my thoughts at least.

>>25535549
take a coil wherever the heck you sit in harpy villages(?)
"Yes, I'd like to check in with you on a few things. I take it you're settling well? Things look like they're *ahem* progressing along quite quickly. "
"Other than to ask how you and your people are doing, I have a piece of news, a request, and a concern to relay from various sources. News first: You know the group that caused our diplomatic dinner to be stopped short a ways back? No longer a problem, the leaders are dead and their forces are, quite literally, pulling back in on themselves. They'll no longer be quite so much of a threat, for the time being.
The request is of a more uplifting note- Mumei, one of the deligates you met before, is working on a contraption, and asks for the help of a harpy or two. We'll be heading back to stone hall soon, if you've got someone who would like to visit abroad and help with the flying machine.
And the concern, well, is concerning. It's clear you're starting large families and rebuilding your population, which is fine. I'd just like to check with you if this is a temporary state of affairs- continuing at this rate forever would be more than our collective hunters could bear. I'm sure you're well aware, since you have your hands in the books, but I find it's better to be a bit rude and ask questions now than to have misunderstanding later."

that took FOREVER to write for some reason!

>>25535705
Well, why are we here?

>>25535730
1. check how harpies are doing
2. give them threat update, highlights include dramatae being deeead
3. alleviate potential exponential harpy explosion concerns
4. NOT eating harpy eggs.

>>25535751
5. Resist looking like you're waiting for the perfect moment to snatch an egg and swallow it whole and how the queen doesn't notice your distended throat.

>>25535781
and hope*

I really shouldn't type fast and should also invest in thinking about proofreading

>>25535781
"An egg went missing? Mage, I thought I told you to get breakfast on the way here! Jeez, those former Ghouls just can't resist themselves."

Actually did we just buy fresh eggs and crack them open into our mouth or just eat them?

Or were they hardboiled or something?

>>25535781
>>25535790
I think it would be best if we got our mind off of eggs, for a time. Also the potential for egg poachers. And the potential for poached eggs.

>>25535840
we probably just ate them, regardless of if they were hard boiled or not. It's well within -human- ability to swallow whole eggs, we just don't like to do it.

>>25535853
And the potential for poached egg poacher with a side of poached poached egg
>>25535866
We don't like eating wolf slurpee. Eating things whole is just bad table manners.

>>25535884
>poached egg poacher with a side of poached poached egg
Damnit Ssen

>>25535899
>Ssen: Fail to restrain from salivating after considering all this egg stuff

>>25533793
>Paladin Toll leaves in disgust and protest to join Stone Hall Paladins.
God damn. Not so immovable object as I thought.

>Paul
>Gets shot with enough arrows to crash and burn but just walks it off
>1st retelling(s): He got shot with like a dozen arrows
>2nd retelling(s): He got shot with like a fifty arrows
>3rd retelling(s): He took like a million arrows to the face
How far is this going to go?

>>25535549
>You buy a few eggs from a street heggler on your way outside of the mountain, just to curb your appetite and to keep you from thinking too much about the harpy eggs. Still, part of you feels like these little things are poor substitutes.
>All the egg talk
>Lamia looking hungry.jpg


>>25535715
>Lets start with nice stuff first, how the harpies are fairing under Bronze Peak. How she, herself, has been.
Agreed with following it up with Mumei status etc.

Might want to consider tackling the thing with the Dramatae next up, the array and their ultimate death. (Seriously why did none of them try stopping time? I know it wouldn't have worked against us but the same might not be said for the rest of the party.)
Collapse of Citadel and then the impending food shortages.
Then we could bring up limiting population growth somewhat until the new Kingdom agricultural base recovers.

>>25535948
>(why did none of them try stopping time?)
Well, there WAS a flare of magic right when we said "Think fast!" to peace and shot her. She was probably about to do the time stop.
she just didn't think fast

>>25535723
feel free to break this up, it's not meant to be a continuous paragraph. it just is because 4chan haet tabbing.

Also the retellings of paul's grand heroism will go on and on throughout history. He shall be remembered as one of the greats.

>>25535994
Nat 20's are fun

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50 KB JPG

>>25536060
Sometimes, they can be. Though, I would have had comedy take the second blow for peace if I was running, but if I was running the game would be dead already so I'm gonna bow to echo's expertise.

>>25533793

Shit. Fuck fuck fuck

HIS is so Citadel, she's planting the seeds of a new Citadel. We may very well have to assassinate her.

File: 1371690198984.jpg-(50 KB, 439x598, Ohmy.jpg)

50 KB JPG

>>25535948
Closest I've got that doesn't require censoring.

>>25536154
We got an 18 on the finisher, no reason for it to not have hit

>>25536168
oh.
>>25533793
ooooooh. oh I see what's happening.
I think we should try, perhaps, some economics instead of assassination. Citadel doesn't work without magic backing it up, so 2.0 will cede to us pretty quickly. And then, when it does, the phoenix empire will assassinate HIS to keep us from having her. since I am getting good at predicting these things.

"Yes, a bit of social visit and a bit of business today it seems. I take it you're settling well? Things look like they're *ahem* progressing along quite quickly.

"Other than to ask how you and your people are doing, I have a piece of news, a request, and a concern to relay from various sources. News first: You know the group that caused our diplomatic dinner to be stopped short a ways back? No longer a problem, the leaders are dead and their forces are, quite literally, pulling back in on themselves. They'll no longer be quite so much of a threat, for the time being.

"The request is of a more uplifting note- Mumei, one of the deligates you met before, is working on a contraption, and asks for the help of a harpy or two. We'll be heading back to stone hall soon, if you've got someone who would like to visit abroad and help with the flying machine.

"And the concern, well, is concerning. It's clear you're starting large families and rebuilding your population, which is fine. I'd just like to check with you if this is a temporary state of affairs- continuing at this rate forever would be more than our collective hunters could bear. I'm sure you're well aware, since you have your hands in the books, but I find it's better to be a bit rude and ask questions now than to have misunderstanding later."

The Harpy Queen nods. "We welcome the news of the reduction of present threats to our stability. Also, we would be happy to assist in such endeavors. The skies are our joy, and if others wish to share in it, it would be the height of bad manners to refuse."

(cont)

>>25536198
No reason other than the reflex save of an evil elven time lich topped with a sprinkle of your standard GM fairy dust. Fortunately for us, nothing about this quest is standard.

>>25536168
I doubt it. If we had been the paladin and not been Clear, Citadel might have started making Lamia people.

That said, HIS is probably going to be a problem

>>25536233
She adjusts and looks off into space for a moment, then back to you. "As or the last statement, you are not...incorrect...in your assessment. We are approaching a threshold. You have to understand that we are unused to being in an environment where the surviving births are so high. Also, it is in our nature to breed quickly, as to ensure our dominance." She nods. "However, your assertion of the shifting variables has been noted, and upon analysis, I must agree that they change priorities. This will be the last clutch for the current time."

There's some cries and squaking between the harpies and the queen for a bit. Eventually, though it settles down.

"That was not a popular decision, but it was a statement that was inarguable due to logic and future considerations." She pauses. "We may have some violators of logic, will of course result in death and smashed eggs. Hopefully, repetition of current facts will prevail and prevent that from happening further." She nods. "Anything else you wish to converse about?"

Guys... Idea.

Harpies with musketoons and firebombs.

>>25536301
quiet sweet prince, your ideas are too pure for this world.
>>25536244
Remember how they wanted to send us to the boonies in the phoenix empire?

Imagine how that would have went. Shit would have gone down.

>>25536317
Keep in mind that Odette and such racism was not in keeping with Citadel's view of things.

Until we started actively and visibly working against what it wanted it seemed quite willing to integrate us and by extension Lamias into society.

>>25536367
Unfortunately for Citadel, it wanted to integrate us into a role as mindwiped, inbred pets.

And homey don't play that.

>>25536294
"I think that's the most of it. Sorry for being the bearer of unpleasant news, I hope the good helps ease it some. I hope you and your clan fare well, and any arguments over this are settled peacibly. We'll be making the trip to stone hall within a day or two- we'll happily take whoever wants to come with us there, so they can help on the flying project."

>>25536294
Nothing more unless you require any assistance that I can provide.

>>25536411

It seemed willing to integrate us as a paladin and person, not as a pet. The painting, exemplary of how Citadel saw us, had many problems, but it didn't cast us as a pet.

>>25536294
Do not offer to assist with the disposal of unwanted clutches.

>>25536434
Oh riiiiight. You're right i remember now. Oh well, fuck'im.

>>25536413
I feel like adding an invitation for some harpies to help repopulate Coral Gate, but with the upheaval and the numbers of refugees and things like that, we should let the population settle down and rebuild before more changes occur.

we should tell her that the phoenix empire has tuned its eyes on our kingdom.

"the flocks of mumie's homeland have turned there eyes to our kingdom, we know little of there intentions but they may be hostile."

>>25536452
B-but they would just go to waste...

>>25536462
we can't invite them, since coral hall is still flooded. Besides, once SOME get out of the city with us, more will get the idea to get out of the city. Odette wasn't wrong about the principle.

>>25536470
>mumie
I can see some of the little snakes calling her that because they have trouble with the subtleties of the human tongue.

>>25536470
oh shit, I hadn't really considered. I figured she'd get the press release when we have some actual evidence.

>>25535337
>"The harpies of the Dark Peaks are still corrupt and insane, and our numbers are still dramatically few."
I wonder...
Long term planning idea, a campaign into the Dark peaks to bring the corrupted harpies still there into the light!
Beacon would be most useful in this and I'm wondering if Mage could help us set up another big anti corruption pulse like before. In the process of setting it up we'd need to use netting and archers to keep harpies off the device. Maybe some crossbows and/or ballistas rigged up as net launchers.
Once their numbers are thinned out enough the harpies from Bronze Peak could assist.

>>25536553
Yes, we purify and save them all...
>>25536301
Then send them off to die.

>>25536553
Time for purgin

"Just to inform you that, the flocks of mumie's homeland have turned there eyes to our kingdom, we know little of there intentions but they may be hostile.

"I think that's the most of it. Sorry for being the bearer of unpleasant news, I hope the good helps ease it some. I hope you and your clan fare well, and any arguments over this are settled peacibly. We'll be making the trip to stone hall within a day or two- we'll happily take whoever wants to come with us there, so they can help on the flying project." You say.

The Harpy queen nods in affirmation and then goes back to her nesting. "Thank you for the information, we will be aware and we will be on watch."

You head back to the entrance stables, and then wait for Ava to arrive.

She arrives right on the top of the hour and then she arrives in a nice simple dress. Her hair is still blue, and now cut in a different style.

"Hello, Ssen, Mage, Mari, Peri, Tricia." She smiles at you all, then frowns at Mage. "YOU haven't been washing with that soap solution that I gave you!"

>>25536624

Yeah, Mage, how ever will you attract a respectable lady with all of that rogueish, rugged hair going about like some sort of wounded lion?

>>25536624
Check if Mage happens to be wearing his favorite yellow boots. If so, "Geez 'Dagda', you can remember to wear your long-lost soulmate's favorite boots and not how to take care of your hair? How will you pick up all the ladies now?"

>>25536624
"Not been following your churgeons' orders? I guess you'll just have to put that on your list, huh mage?"
Turn to ava while mage is groaning
"Hello Ava, it's good to see you. I hope you don't mind, we might have one more for this trip, depending on if anyone wants to make a flying machine. So, How have you been? Business is booming, I hope?"

>>25536767
>>25536755
seconding these

>>25536710
>Yeah, Mage, how ever will you attract a respectable OLDER lady with all of that rogueish, rugged hair going about like some sort of wounded lion?
fixed

We've already briefed her on adahn, right? Good.

I'd hate to bring it up needlessly, it's a complicated subject with her.

Take every chance you have to give mage a good natured ribbing.

Because that's what we do.

>>25537091
For the next few centuries

>>25536767
"Not been following your churgeons' orders? I guess you'll just have to put that on your list, huh, Mage?" You say.

Mage flips you off.

"Still wearing those yellow boots though." Peri says.

"They fit and are watertight!" Mage snaps.

"Hello Ava, it's good to see you. I hope you don't mind, we might have one more for this trip, depending on if anyone wants to make a flying machine. So, How have you been? Business is booming, I hope?"

She nods with a smile. "Yep, even hired two girls to work for me."

After a moment, a young harpy boy hands you a message. Basically, the harpies are happy to go and help Mumei...after the latest clutch has hatched and the babies get past the first few phases.

"Mage," Tricia asks. "You freak out every time a woman gives advances towards you."

"No, I freak out when older women who can have me killed with a gesture makes advances, or when Sophie starts talking about kids." He says. "Neither are my type."

"Well, what is your type?" Peri says. "She asked, knowing she would regret this."

"Firm tits, firm ass, and won't be upset if she wakes up and I'm not there in the morning." Mage says.

"That's...really shallow." Tricia says.

"I'm 19, pushing on 20. I'm ALLOWED to be shallow! Give me a few years, and I'll be able to talk to Sophie, who is YOUNGER than I am, about relationships and stuff. You know that the old tragedies end with death and the old comedies end with marriage...that's NOT an unintentional parallel!" He snaps.

"Alright, alright. Enough." Lea says. "So Mage is a selfish male pig...at least he's aware of it."

"Thank you." Mage says.

"Not a compliment." She says.

Ava laughs and then sighs. "I never had this, even when we had the whole group. I'm envious." She pauses. "So...is Adahn...okay?"

>>25537126
"Have I told you I love you today Tricia? Because I still do. Also Adahn is okay for most measures of the word."

>>25537126
Well... is he?

>>25537126
"For certain values of okay."

>>25537190
"Well... he's still alive, if that's what you mean."

>>25537126
>"So...is Adahn...okay?"
Last I saw him, grouchy and moping because apparently I exist only to make sure that he cant be the big hero.
Also not happy I tried to talk his ear off rather than fight.

>>25537276
and I dodged his perfect swing

>>25537126
Shake your hand
"Eh, sorta. Physically okay, certainly, but I bet anyone would be pretty down in the dumps about now. Poor guy was in way too far over his head. But that doesn't mean we can't cheer him some! "

>>25537126
Do be sure to laugh at the group's shenanigans, before addressing ava. we're weak against comedy-type attacks.

>>25537190
"Have I told you I love you today Tricia? Because I still do. Also Adahn is okay for most measures of the word." You say. "He's alive, but still convinced that it's my fault that he's not a hero and the reason you don't love him."

She shakes her head. "Poor boy. I do want to know him better, I'd just like a day without fighting or sex."

"See? That's a mature relationship." Mari says.

"I'm plenty mature." Mage says. "I've never been dishonest with anyone I've been with! I tell them that I'm shallow and just in it for a momentary physical release and distraction from the terrifying reality that is my life!"

"Enough!" Lea says. "Keep talking like that Mage and I'll show you a terrifying present!"

"Too late!" Mage says.

You and Ava laugh at the Dawnchasers. "Well, hopefully, meeting you again would be helpful to cheering him up."

"Here's hoping." She says. "Shall we go?"

>>25537431
Her fault that he's not a hero........that he didn't an hero you mean

>>25537431
"Yep, we're off. We've got a quite nice wagon, even though we still can't think of a name for it. just stay away from the, er... flaming horse. ESPECIALLY don't try to get it to eat out of your hands."

>>25537431
Lets get going so Mage will talk less in fear of being thrown from a moving cart by Lea.

>>25537431
"We'll be off then, picking you up was our last business here. Oh, and don't worry Mage, your life isn't that terrifying. Why, you could settle down somewhere and raise a nice family! The horror!"

>>25537431
On the road again

>>25537526
I honestly dont think Mage can handle that anymore. He'd probably get bored after having Ssen telling him "I don't care how hard it sounds, do magic to it!" day after day prompting him to do crazy things no sane magus would ever attempt.

>>25537512
has that ever happened before?

I mean, our lightmare goes at something like modern highway speeds, so I imagine that's actually pretty painful.

>>25537713
Lightmare probably goes slower, as it still takes weeks to transverse what is essentially north america.

>>25537735
yeah okay, I may have exaggerated a little. We're still going comically fast in our rickety-ass wagon, is the point.
>>25537703
Mage has never really had a normal life. That's what makes him such a mysterious roving handsome lion loner tall handsome ladykiller.

"Yep, we're off. We've got a quite nice wagon, even though we still can't think of a name for it. just stay away from the, er... flaming horse. ESPECIALLY don't try to get it to eat out of your hands." You say.

"I thought it was just the Wagon." Mage says. "And once the Boat. And occasionally a confessional."

Ava shakes her head as she gets inside, carefully trying not to step on your tail. "So, what's the horse's name? Horse?"

"Lightmare." Lea says.

Ava barks out a laughter as you start down the road. "Names are not your strength, are they?"

"You have NO idea." Tricia says.

The road moves along.

"Huh." Lea says. She's taking a break from driving. Peri's on duty, and Lea's reading Ryan's manifesto. "This is actually a little insightful. I mean, after you get past the whole bit about bourgeois and proletariat...which he still mixes up. He goes on a tear about the faults of...well...pretty much every form of government possible. Even the one he supports." She clears her throat.

"Even though this puts me in the wretched role of the one who complains, but provides no solutions, to not point out the flaws is folly itself. Perhaps there are no great governments, as there can be no great leaders. All ideals shift, and all morals alter, sometimes for good, often for ill. A being without personal desire can be expected to hold fast to the ideas of law...but a being with no personal desires can never be the force of change needed to revitalize society to the better. It is not death of the body, or even the death entire physical universe that we must fear. Just decay of the spirit...and on that prevention, we may as well be trying to drain the sea with a spoon."

"Huh. Kinda sounds like Dagda's stuff." Mage says.

"Well, I suppose it's hardly an unknown philosophical issue." Lea shrugs. "Do you really think that it's possible for people to be 'better' as a race, without being forced or coerced?"

Mage shrugs.

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72 KB JPG

>>25537703

What, so he's the magical equivalent of Mordin? You realize how that ends, right?

>>25537803
Sounds a lot like Peace if you ask me.

>>25537803
"Well, let's give it a go and find out. We'll start by taking an editor to that thing for spelling, I've heard some things about that man's writing. I'm sure getting them to think about this stuff will yield a solution or two. Probably maybe. You know, unless it's one of those intractable eternal philosophical problems, but what're the chances of that?"

>>25537841
a long life of doing the impossible, and going out in a blaze of glory near the end of his natural life?

>>25537803

If it brings them happiness, people will do anything. We know this much.

>>25537951
>natural life
>dragon servant
mage wishes

>>25537994
haha, you WISH you just let your arm rot off!
>>25537803
"Honestly, it wouldn't be so bad for things to change every now and again. As long as folk don't kill each other whenever it happens."

>>25537803
"Possible? Yes. Likely? Ask in next century"

>>25538081
Ask me*

fuck fuckity fuck fuck

>>25538099
>>25538081
that's a pretty witty one, spelling error aside. Also lets ava know we're living a long time, which is a conversation starter.

>>25537803
"I think it's a matter of the cultural context. Presumably going from non-sapient to sapient would be "better", and Dagda had noted that was possible."

>>25538114
Every english teacher I've ever had was of the same opinion more or less.

Incidentally every English teacher I had was female, more or less.

>>25538169
The... opinion that you should ask them about society again in a century?

Are english teachers immortals?

"I think it's a matter of the cultural context. Presumably going from non-sapient to sapient would be "better", and Dagda had noted that was possible.

"Honestly, it wouldn't be so bad for things to change every now and again. As long as folk don't kill each other whenever it happens. So, possible? Yes. Likely? Ask me in next century" You say.

"So, let's give it a go and find out. We'll start by taking an editor to that thing for spelling, I've heard some things about that man's writing. I'm sure getting them to think about this stuff will yield a solution or two. Probably maybe. You know, unless it's one of those intractable eternal philosophical problems, but what're the chances of that?"

"This is a normal conversation with you guys?" Ava asks.

"Nah, sometimes we actually pull our heads OUT of our asses." Peri says.

(cont)

>>25538515
So about my wit.

>>25538613
- - - Elsewhere - - -
"And as far as I can tell," A scroll is passed across the table. "That's the current situation regarding the location known as Citadel." The Kingfisher says.

"It looks like an egg." The Sky Lord says. "This was drawn correctly?"

"Yes, my lord."

"The Songs of Fate have spoken of the Egg of Gods." The Sky Lord says. "This is a sign, Kingfisher."

"The Songs of Fate say many many things, and there are many many songs." Kingfisher says. "Also, they are quite vague in verse. Those who cannot be slain by a man often die by a woman's blade, immunity to swords doesn't count arrows, and other such tales are common."

"You doubt the songs of the Great Phoenix? Do you even believe in it Kingfisher?"

"Of course, I do my Lord." The Kingfisher says. "I believe in the Great Phoenix...there's nothing else in the world I hate more. Would it be in my power, I would grasp that bird in my claws and rip its neck out."

The Sky Lord chuckled. "I could have you killed for blasphemy, or Clipped."

(cont)

>>25538641
"Yes, my lord." The Kingfisher says. "But you won't."

"So, does the Emperor's child have any plans regarding the Egg of the Gods?"

"No, my lord." The Kingfisher sighs. "He just wishes to prove himself to his father, he thinks that conquering a land is as simple as moving your stones from one spot on the board to the other." The Kingfisher wrinkles his nose in disgust. "I despise games. The idea of rules is...ludicrous."

"Hmm, well that's fine. Can you secure this for me and my mystics?" The Sky Lord asks.

"Of course, if that is my Lord's wish. My Flock is ready." He says. "May I ask what you plan to do with the city once, you have it?"

"Solve a problem. Elegantly." The Sky Lord says with a smile. "Then, let his Perfection rule, while I sit back and watch my grandchildren's grandchildren grow in a better world."

The Kingfisher looked at Shinsotsu Kan Mon who had been kneeling next to him. She looked back at her master. Both of them had the same thought.

/May the Phoenix save us all from those who want to make everything 'better.'/
- - -

You arrive at Stone Hall. Ava stands up a little in the wagon. "Oh my, it's really looking beautiful...strange...but beautiful."

>>25538650
*look at what ava is gawking at*

>>25538650
"Well, it does have a wonderful view of the ocean. I could take or leave the smokestacks though, I think they make the place smell strange. The seafood makes up for it, I think."


>/May the Phoenix save us all from those who want to make everything 'better.'/

That is the truthiest thing I've heard all day. Have you SEEN all the crap we've started trying to fix things?

>>25538729
>assume she is gawking at the city
>it turns out she is looking at Isen's statue

"Well, it does have a wonderful view of the ocean. I could take or leave the smokestacks though, I think they make the place smell strange. The seafood makes up for it, I think." You say.

"I've never seen art like that before." She says.

She's pointing to a large pile of scrap metal. It's the junk yard/inspiration lab of the Inventor's Guild.

She gawks at the lizard men walking around, and she gasps when she sees an elf. (One of the non-fey court, you're not sure if he's a native or a refugee) She tilts her head to the side in confusion when she sees the mighty statue of your indescribable ruler.

"Who, exactly, is that?"

>>25538818
"Nobody important. Let's move on."

>>25538818
"Eh, long live the king? Lets move on."

>>25538818
According to him? The most important being in existance. Once you get around the ego though he isn't that bad. Still a lech though.

>>25538818
"Oh, that's just Itzak. He was the only heir to the throne we could find who didn't want to rule, so of course he's the only one not trapped inside of citadel. Not a bad king now though, if you forgive him his ego"

>>25538818
King Iztak, let's move on

>>25538818
"That is King Itzak, you can meet him later if you would like."

"He was the only heir to the throne that didnt want to become king, and one of only two that are not inside the Citadel Egg."

"Oh, that's just King Itzak. He was the only heir to the throne we could find who didn't want to rule, so of course he's the only one not trapped inside of Citadel. Not a bad king though, if you forgive him his ego...and lechery. So, yeah, long live the king, let's move on."

"Okay." Ava says. "Are we going straight to Adahn?" She says. She obviously looks more than a little nervous to see her ex-beau.

>>25538967
"If you want to, I'm not going to force you to go right away."

>>25538967

"Do you want to? The only way this will work is if you walk in there on your own. I can't force you."

>>25538967
"If you want. You can always put it off, but we as a group are predisposed to rushing into things with reckless abandon. It seems to work nicely!

Though, we could always pick up something on the way there. I don't know if he'd still like sugar sticks."

"Do you want to? The only way this will work is if you walk in there on your own. I'm not going to force you." You say.

"I don't know what to say to him. Or how to begin. What if he's still angry with me? Or what if he won't listen?" She asks. "Is...is he going to be hanged if I don't...what DO you want me to get him to do anyway?"

>>25539029
"I think we might actually get away without him being hanged here. We managed to get him, er, 'excused' from the leading an evil army thing, so all he really did wrong on the books was serving in that army, and stabbing you. You're alive and the army was dissolved and now our allies, so really it's just an aggrivated assault charge, and that may have had some magical control involved. So, no, he probably won't hang. Probably not even that long of a sentence. All I want you to do is maybe cheer him up a little. The guy's life was pretty much ruined, both of them, and I think you're one of the only good things that has happened to him."

>>25539112
Gonna second this

>>25539029

"Wrong question. What do YOU want to get him to do? What I wanted was for him not to be a pawn of the Dramatae and sack this city with an army of Mer. He's accomplished that handily, with a bit of help."

So, I was doing some thinking. Julian's comments when we left the grove, Peace's lack of creativity, and the idea of the Caligo Clarus bringing light to dark places makes me wonder where the Dramatae got the idea for the Lightbringer stories. Did someone at some point simply rip off something that actually happens? Once in a very long while, when times are especially bad, is there ever one person or a group of people that the Light invests himself in?

Is it possible that Peace's plans might have been foiled by the real thing?

I dunno, I'm just spitballing.

>>25539225
eh, something was behind the original lightbringer. It may or may not have simply been philosophy.

And something was behind us. It may or may not have been just a lightning bolt.

"I think we might actually get away without him being hanged here. We managed to get him, er, 'excused' from the leading an evil army thing, so all he really did wrong on the books was serving in that army, and stabbing you. You're alive and the army was dissolved and now our allies, so really it's just an aggrivated assault charge, and that may have had some magical control involved. So, no, he probably won't hang. Probably not even that long of a sentence.

"But, that's the wrong question. What do YOU want to get him to do? What I wanted was for him not to be a pawn of the Dramatae and sack this city with an army of Mer. He's accomplished that handily, with a bit of help.

"I'm hoping that maybe you can cheer him up a little. The guy's life was pretty much ruined, both of them, and I think you're one of the only good things that has happened to him." You say.

"Thank you." She says. She's still got Lea's Medallion and is fiddling with it. She takes a deep breath. "He's still going to be behind the bars, right?"

"Yes," Peri says. "And I don't want you getting close to them. Let's make sure he isn't going to do anything stupid before we let you near him. Okay?"

She nods. "Miss Lea, could you come with me?" She asks. Then she turns to you. "I...I don't think I should be there with you, he might think that you're controlling me or forcing me or something."

>>25539292
"It's okay, my track record with prisoners is terrible anyways. They've all thought i was evil or that I wanted to eat them. Or both"

>>25539292
Heh. "Understandable. I do wish you luck. If you have need me I won't be far away."

>>25539292

"You would not be the first to have that impression. Lea, they're all yours."

Then listen in from behind the doorframe. We have GOT to hear this.

>>25539292
"Excellent point, that was one of the lies they told him. I will wait outside while you talk with him."

>>25539292
"Haha, yeah, he really doesn't like me does he? I'm sure I'll find some other way to busy myself while you two are talking. Should I stay in the area, or do you want me entirely out of your hair?"

We could visit one of our friends. Or talk to one of our prisoners.

>>25539374
We can give them some privacy

>>25539389
We do need to talk to Peri's friend

"Understandable. I do wish you luck. If you have need me I won't be far away. My track record with prisoners is terrible anyways. They've all thought I was evil or that I wanted to eat them. Or both." You say.

Ava nods, and Lea puts a hand on her shoulder. You arrive at the prison and the pair go inside.

"We could try and see if we can get anything else from the spy." Peri says.

>>25539454
"Shouldn't we get in touch with your friend first?"

>>25539292
Give them privacy and find a warm rock cause this might take a while.

>>25539494
"Also find Uncle"

>>25539454
"Lets. I just wonder if she'll talk to me at all considering how terrified she is of me."

>>25539494
>>25539454
isn't that much later in the timeline? we'd have to do it ourselves. to which I say

"I'm not opposed to having a conversation with her, but I'm not really sure how much we could wring out. I still don't know why she did that poison stunt."

Let's bring some tea. This will be less of an "interrogation" and more of a "We were quite angry last time, because you cost us our vacation days, but we're still reasonable. Do you have any more to tell us?"

>>25539494
>7.5 months: Jesse-May Prosper arrives in Stone Hall to discuss Phoenix Empire situation.

That's a ways down the line.

>>25539576
Oh it is.

Like 6 months

I'm still getting confused, just disregard my posts Echo

Has Julian been playing Sentinel on Sideway's cell this whole year?

Thats some dedication.

"Shouldn't we get in touch with your friend first?" You ask.

"Jesse-May will be working with Maxine for a while, if I know her." Peri says.

"Alright, I'm not opposed to having a conversation with her, but I'm not really sure how much we could wring out. I still don't know why she did that poison stunt. I just wonder if she'll talk to me at all considering how terrified she is of me.

"Maybe we should bring some tea. This will be less of an "interrogation" and more of a "We were quite angry last time, because you cost us our vacation days, but we're still reasonable. Do you have any more to tell us?" You say.

Peri nods. "I'll bring it. You shouldn't be anywhere near anything that she eats or drinks."

Peri and you go into the jail. Peri gets a cup of tea and walks up to the cell with Cai in it. "Hello." She says. "I brought you some tea." She takes a clear drink with the tea and then places it on the ground behind the bars and steps back. "You know Lady Paladin Ssen Patrick." She gestures you to come in.

Cai's still very very scared of you, you can tell now by her tense stance and how there's stress wrinkles in her face. But she's been trained very well, and when she isn't afraid of being slice to death by a piece of paper, she's able to look more composed.

"Hello." She says, she takes a sip of the tea. "Oranges?"

Peri nods and gestures for you to go ahead.

>>25539851
er, is she offering US an orange, or does the tea taste of oranges?

>>25539895
Tea

>>25539851
"So are you willing to reveal anything more of what we previously spoke of?"

>>25539913
Take a sip of a tea

Does this setting have any easy boardgames we can bring to the table?

>>25539895
The tea.

>>25539851
"We're wondering if you can tell us more of why you're here. Possibly more of Kingfisher and... why you tried to poison us."

>>25539970
The PE has tiles and that other game

>>25539851
"Probably, people like to add all sorts of twists to their plant-juice. Never liked it much myself.

You know, I was furious back when we caught you. There was the betrayal of trust, which was annoying, and the poisoning which struck far too close to home. Worst of all, though, was finding a phoenix empire agent meant we had a whole world of work- all my vacation days, gone!

I've calmed down some, though, so I figured I'd give another go asking you why you did those things, what the message you sent was, things like that. Try to see if I can at least get you to lie about it, instead of just clamming up. I'll start with the poisoning- isn't that a bit high profile of a thing to do for someone trying to be covert?"

You take a sip of a tea.

"So are you willing to reveal anything more of what we previously spoke of?" You ask.

She just sips her tea as she sits on her bed.

>Does this setting have any easy boardgames we can bring to the table?
Boardgames aren't the Citadel's forte, card games are the dominant form of entertainment. That and Mud pluckin'. There's a bunch in the Phoenix Empire.

>>25539970
We should totally license the Invento's Guild to make "Lamia Quest, The Boardgame"!

"Now YOU can recreate the Destiny-punching action in your very own cottage! Can you out-Dawnchase the Dawnchasers' plans? Visit your local guild hall to pick up the new "Claws of the Phoenix" expansion pack!"

Playing a board game featuring our adventures with a spy that we captured would probably be in poor taste, though.

>>25540105
"I do wish you would speak with us freely. It would be simply easier for all because truthfully I dread getting my Uncle involved, again.

"I'm sure the paper trick was only the tip of the iceberg."

>>25539851
"{First off, I'd like to apologize for my behavior when we captured and questioned you last time. I was rather upset at the thought my flock could be in danger and overreacted. I hope we can be more civil this time}"

>>25540105
I think our leviathan brain is going to love tiles. Just a thought.

Also we're gonna eventually be the oldest old lady by a matter of attrition.

>>25540141
what's worse is when they beat us at it.

Rolled 20

>>25540208
Seconding

>>25540222
>beating the lamia
>at boardgames
The only winning move is not to play

"You know, I was furious back when we caught you. There was the betrayal of trust, which was annoying, and the poisoning which struck far too close to home. Worst of all, though, was finding a Phoenix Empire agent meant we had a whole world of work- all my vacation days, gone!

"I've calmed down some, though, so I figured I'd give another go asking you why you did those things, what the message you sent was, things like that. Try to see if I can at least get you to lie about it, instead of just clamming up. I'll start with the poisoning- isn't that a bit high profile of a thing to do for someone trying to be covert?" You ask.

She shifts and looks uncomfortable.

"You panicked." Peri says. "I know the type, amateur young agent in the field, a high level target walks right in front of you, and you can't help but panic. Sloppy execution though, you had to know that lamias are immune to poisons." She sniffs. "Unless your trainer was an idiot."

You see her hands clench around the tea cup. Peri hit a nerve.

"Yes, we of the Fey Court have heard of the Kingflyer." She shrugs. "He's decent, I suppose. Play a little noble game here, do a little blackmail there, skilled for the basics."

>>25540280
It turns out lamia aren't actually all that good at board games, but they're great at arguing until you don't know the rules any more

>>25540328
and knowing all the things the rules don't disallow.

And then there are the weird board games, which they are unmatched at.

Rolled 2

>>25540310
"Kingfisher, not Kingflyer"

>>25540310
"Peri-"

>>25540310

I'm going to assume that mispronunciation was intentional (to push her buttons; she clearly respects and admires her boss), so let's keep it up.

>>25540401
That's the point, Peri is purposefully trying to piss off Cai by not even getting the name right. Anger is a good way of making people open up.

>>25540310
I think peri is going for something here, trying to goad her into giving away info. So let's give her an artificial premise to keep talking on.

"You know, we've not talked much about the court's opinions on such things. I'd be glad to hear all about it"

>>25540222
"She made a fair move. Hissing about it won't help you."

"It's not wise to upset a lamia."

"Nobody cares if you upset a spy, if you get my meaning."

"Yeah, but spies don't crush your ribcages when they lose. Lamias are known to do that."

"...I suggest a new strategy, Cai. Let the Lamia win."

I was going to have Mage be Ssen's opponent, because why not pile on another humiliation for him, but upsetting a Ghoul would probably also be a poor move.

>>25540310
"I've thought about the name Kingfisher a bit, and I have to say I'm not as impressed as I was when I first heard it. Your people might respect the bird for eating snakes, but it is a very small bird and I am a very large snake with a lot of poison and *pop spikes* I am really hard to swallow*

Rolled 12

>>25540499
But Ssen doesn't want to be let win. She wants to win or lose on her own merits.

>>25540328
>>25540328
>>25540362

Must basic boardgames

"Its a game where you make words out of tiles!"

"Its a game where you pull wood planks from a tower one by one until it falls over!"

"Its a game where you put stones in a box until they make a row!"


Do we know Old Maid or Go fish?

We should follow up Peri's goading too

Kingflapper
Kingflayer
Kingflower
Kingflower
Kingfiller
Kingfoobler
Kingfoodle

with our leviathan brain, we could go on for decades!

Rolled 8

>>25540533
>with our leviathan brain, we could go on for decades!

Let's not and say we did.

>>25540533
King farmer
King flipper
Lord soarer
Liege diver

>>25540614
Why say when we can do

>>25540310
"Not to mention the iron fillings traps in the woods, remember that peri? Stuck out like a sore thumb."

>>25540682
this

Rolled 11

Hey, Echo, what would have happened if, way back in the first thread, we had decided to investigate the other lamia?

"You know, we've not talked much about the court's opinions on such things. I'd be glad to hear all about it." You say.

Peri shrugs. "His work is good, not on our level of course. I mean, we infiltrated the City of Heaven, and stymied an army of over a million for years. Kingflyer is amateur hour compared to a cagey elf." She shrugs. "But, you know how it is, elves are just...well...I don't want to be THAT elf...but this time, I think it's warranted." She nods. "We're better spies than humans, plain and simple. All Kingflyer did was get a spy into River's Crossing...whopee. No offense Ssen, but your town isn't exactly the most impressive fortress of secrets to breach."

>>25540682
"Not to mention the iron fillings traps in the woods, remember that Peri? Stuck out like a sore thumb." You say.

Peri nods. "Yes, well you can't beat an elf for being a proper spy in the forest, but Kingflyer did a decent job training her." She shrugs. "But, I'm honestly not impr-"

"SHUT. Your. Filthy. Degenerate. Mouth!" Cai snarls. "You don't know the slightest thing about being a proper spy! You're nothing. Sub-human offshoots running around in the forests playing with mud farmers! We've had agents inside Citadel for a year! Purple Sands and White Tree too, and no one EVER had an idea! And it's KingFISHER! KingFISHER you pointy eared FREAK! He's the greatest spymaster ever hatched on this planet and you...you will...oh...shit." She winces as she realizes what she just said. {You fucking BITCH! I will chop out your tongue and leave it for the vultures!} She shrieks as she chucks her tea cup at Peri.

>>25540784
We woulda had a snake waifu instead of a bug waifu.

>>25540784
It would have become a monster vs. civilization based quest.

>>25540796
"Well now that's just racist."

>>25540796
chuckle his at her

Rolled 7

>>25540796
can we quick-quick snatch the cup?

The liquid is probably a wash, but no need for peri to get a cup to the face too.

"No cause for all that, from what I hear that was good stuff. What a terrible waste."

>>25540850
hiss

>>25540796
{"Now now, Cai Wei Zhe if you're going to curse and threaten, have the decency to do it in a language she can understand. I'm the one who speaks "Food" around here, remember?"}

>>25540796
"{Tsk tsk. You're becoming raucous little hatchling. Loud birds that cannot sing get found by serpents}"
I think we should try a bit of bad cop worse cop again

>>25540796
Laugh. Laugh and laugh.

"Thank you for your help little bird"
Laugh some more.

>>25540898
>>25540880
I don't really want to go fullscary here. Maybe a bit, but we're trying to be mostly polite. It's a different tack.

>>25540796
"Now, now. No need for that. I guess we should call it a day for now, Peri? Or perhaps you, Sideways, would like to tell us more about your 'Greatest spymaster' ever? Truthfully I wish to know more about him from someone that's worked for him. Hmm... what say you?"

>>25540930
something like this would be good. I want to know more.

Tell me the legends of your spymaster.

>>25540796

"I'm sorry, I don't think I can hear you very well. I think your Citadel must be slipping up. Yeesh, this Kingflayer dude must've skipped a few lessons."

Your hand snaps out and catches the cup.

"No cause for all that. I mean, that's just racist, and from what I hear that was good stuff. What a terrible waste." You say.

"Like I said," Peri says. "Amateur."

{The Empire will end you. All of you, and they'll stake your corpses to these cliffs an let the crows pick you to pieces.} She snarls. {No wonder Shinsotsu gave up on you all! Monsters and degenerates, liars, and...and...SNAKES!}

>>25540919
Yeah, agreed. Hold off on that. If she clams up again we can use it to remind her why it would be better to talk over not.

We should laugh at this whole debacle to diffuse the mad.

then go with this

>>25540930

>>25540963
I'll repeat this:
>>25540930
Still fits oddly enough.

>>25540963
{Shinsotsu? Now what an interesting name that is. Sing a little more little bird"}

>>25541005
Shinsotsu I believe is the god bird thing. Maybe.

>>25540990
append a question to Shinsotsu too

>>25540963
Take it from an expert, it's not snakes like me you should be worried about. It's the ones that look human that are the most dangerous.

>>25541018
Or maybe a Sky Lords? Ah hell just ask.

>>25541018
Google leads me to believe it either refers to a recent graduate or sincerity.

>>25538641
>"Also, they are quite vague in verse. Those who cannot be slain by a man often die by a woman's blade, immunity to swords doesn't count arrows, and other such tales are common."
OH JESUS

WE'RE THE CHOSEN ONE

OUR KILLING OF PEACE WAS PROPHESIZED

>>25540963
"You know, if you don't want to talk about your mission, we can always talk about something else. Your spymaster. Shinsotsu. The tea. I'm all ears."

"And I hope those things about the empire coming for us were just out of anger- I do so try for peace in these situations. Doesn't work out nearly often enough."

"Now, now. No need for that. I guess we should call it a day for now, Peri? Or perhaps you, Sideways, would like to tell us more about your 'Greatest spymaster' ever? Truthfully I wish to know more about him from someone that's worked for him. Also, Shinsotsu? Now what an interesting name that is." You say.

She sniffs. {I have nothing to say about her. Kingfisher says we are to honor her, and she honors Kingfisher. She has realized that Empire is the Proper way of things, clipped her old ways and name, and her song is now ours.}

>>25541063
Lower the Shadowruns down and hold off the caps, please.

>>25541063
oh god oh no why did you notice that now it's TRUE PANIC

>>25541063

Also that "Protection from Swords" doesn't cover spears.

>>25541005
No, don't ask for info. Just agitate her more. She's not willingly giving us info, she's slipping because she's irritated.

>>25541078
>{I have nothing to say about her. Kingfisher says we are to honor her, and she honors Kingfisher. She has realized that Empire is the Proper way of things, clipped her old ways and name, and her song is now ours.}

ITS ISEN'S OLDER SISTER HOLY SHIT.

what was her name again?

>>25541078
{"And just what is this song? The next time I am here will be with my Uncle or even worse, company. Worse for you at least"}

>>25541078
"Oh come on, you bring up an interesting name with a long story that has nothing to do with out investigation, and you don't want to distract us with it? You could easily take scads of our time with this, if you're a good storyteller."

>>25541118
Oh fuck.
>>25541078
{"Let me guess, she is formerly of the royal family here? Iztak's sister right?"}

>>25541118
Shinsotsu and kanmon are Romanji again

>>25541179
We're getting her to slip info to us, not slipping info to her!

>>25541130
{And just what is this song? The next time I am here will be with my Uncle or even worse, company. Worse for you at least.} You say.

She smiles. {Go ahead. Hurt me, kill me, gain the wrath of my master and see what happens when you're the Kingfisher's prey.}

>>25541218
{Who do you think that company is going to be? I plan on having a chat with your master. You make him out to be so interesting, it would be great if we could all sit down and talk.}

>>25541192
The former means recent graduate or honesty, the latter means summons or barrier or gateway.
>>25541218
{"Do you think us so crude as to hurt or kill you? Don't be so naive. I do plan to meet your master though, and we will see just how much he lives up to his name"

>>25541118
I dont think so man. I'm thinking either the PE's harnessed (weaker?) version of citadel that was spoken of before or a dragon. Old One said that the other Dragons went off to Phoenix Empire.

>>25541192
I thought phoenix empire was china not japan

しんそつ かんもん

シンソツ カンモン


someone go through the archives fff

>>25541218
{"Little chick, you have no idea what sort of things believed me to be their prey."}

>>25541258
I wrote this with the intention to carry the full weight of "We're going to talk to your parents about this" to a schoolchild.

I hope I got that across.

>>25541218
You mean the Kingfooler?, Kingflasher?, Kingfouler?, Kingfondler?, King Feedle-dee-dee, Kingflumpher?. Come on which is it again?

>>25541298
It's notasia

>>25541118
Man really turn down the panic levels. For gods sake, paranoia isn't going help us with as little info as we have. Making wild guesses does nothing. So wait until we get some more intel.

>>25541218
"Oh, I've no intention of THAT, little bird. But you should know that civility is a two-way street, and as I've said before, you started off by trying to poison MY flock."

>>25541314

Kingflayer.

Also known as the Philithid, if you want to use the technical term.

>>25541363
But it fits?

> She
> recently traveled to PE
> clipping old wings is euphemism for shedding old self

Although... if Peace body-hiked or something I could see it being here via some level of PLOT too.

I'm gonna stick to my theory of it being the visiting newgate until we talk to Isen about this though

>>25541218
"Let's see now...The list of things that made the mistake of thinking me their pray have included a trio of incredibly powerful necromancers responsible for making citadel nigh impregnable, Citadel itself, the land spirit that subjugated YOUR land long before its current paradigm came into play, several literal armies, a fallen lightbringer, and a ball of reanimated corpses that DEFINITELY WAS A MONSTER"

{Who do you think that company is going to be? I plan on having a chat with your master. You make him out to be so interesting, it would be great if we could all sit down and talk.} You say.

{The only time that you will see my master is when he's won, and when you are at his feet at his mercy.} She chuckles. {Even the Sky Lords fear my master.}

{You mean the Kingfooler?, Kingflasher?, Kingfouler?, Kingfondler?, King Feedle-dee-dee, Kingflumpher? Come on which is it again?} You say.

She bangs the bars. {You are an arrogant creature, and you think that you can say anything because we are afraid of you. My master, KING-FISHER, has no such fear of creatures like you or her.} She points at Peri. {They said that the Ettins couldn't be fooled, that they were savage violent beasts, but he got them to bow before him. He fears them not, and he won't fear you.}

>>25541284
>The former means new graduate or honesty, the latter means summons or barrier or gateway.

And the last name of the royal family?

>>25541218
{No matter how impressive you find the hunter, there will always be one deadlier still. The kingfisher may kill some snakes, but even he may one day find the fangs of a great serpent in his own neck.}

{I will not kill you, nor will I allow you to be harmed if I can manage. But while you are stuck here, ponder this: I am the serpent who shakes the world as she passes, who shatters thousand-year-old plots with a single well-placed arrow, who defies the spirits of the very land, against whom even Fate itself crumbles. And you, along with your master, are trying my patience.}

>>25541455
{They also said Citadel could not be stopped. Lo and behold, I stopped it. Sounds like the Kingflipper and I have a lot in common.}

>>25541455
New
Gate

oh you echo

>>25541455
"Actually, now that you mention it, I would be quite glad if he didn't fear me. It's rare I can meet someone as an equal like that, look them in the eye when they try to kill me. It'd be a real shame if he refused my invitations to talk, though. How else are we to form a rapport?"

>>25541477
nah. Too braggy, I don't like bragging.

>>25541455
{"No matter his name, I very much doubt he will live up to it. For he will find me much more of a mouthful than anyone else he's faced and *unsheath spines" quite impossible to swallow"}

>>25541455
"That be a nice change of pace. So many people end fearing me based on hear say or after seeing me in action. Now, I truly hope we can speak in.... ah, peaceful fashion. "

>>25541539
Fair enough. I was going for bragging, because I think if she knew what we are capable of she might be more cooperative.

Clear communication and all that.

{No matter his name, I very much doubt he will live up to it. For he will find me much more of a mouthful than anyone else he's faced and...} You unsheath your spines. Huh, they look a bit longer and feel a bit studier, must be cause you've still keep then sheathed and let them develop. Either way, Cai instantly jumps back and presses her self against the far wall of her cell. {...quite impossible to swallow.} You say with a smile and a long flick of your tongue.

Peri taps you on the shoulder and she nods. "We're done for now."

>>25541616
"Okay"

>>25541455
Thanks for including what I posted, Echo. I based it off Y2J and Fandango during WWE mandrama.

Rolled 17

>>25541455
Lots of people didn't fear me. Most of them are dead, only some by my hand.

>>25541616
"Nah, I want to spend another ten minutes shouting about how large my metaphorical cock is."

>>25541616
"I'll leave, but I want her to shake my hand first."

>>25541616
"Ah, it seems to be that time again. It wasn't pleasant chat with you. Do try to some rest. I'm sure we'll be doing this again very soon."

>>25541616
"Yeah, I think we are. Nice talking with you, Cai. Hopefully I'll get in contact with your kingfisher soon. I hope my jests weren't too much for you- peri here can attest to my sense of humor."

>>25541720
WAS a pleasant chat. Fuck me.

Rolled 14

>>25541616
"see you later Cai."

When we are out of the cell, "I think next time I'll offer her a chance to fly. Once we've figured out the flying machine.

>>25541687
I doubt she'd touch us with a 10ft pole

>>25541616
"It was nice talking, Cai. I'll see to it you're sent up something good to eat- I don't know what prison food is like, but I can't imagine it's better than occuli food."

>>25541439
Stop making the same mistake she is. We're going to be returning her to the Kingfisher so lets not go feeding her information.

"Okay" The two of you walk away.

"That scared thing at the end was an act." Peri says when you're out of earshot. "Her face wasn't as stressed as it was when she first saw you. She knew the spines were coming, we weren't going to get anything more if we let her even have the slightest bit of emotional control.

"Anyway, we learned plenty. She has a crazy amount of obedience to Kingfisher, which means the others do as well. That's something that can work both ways if we can spin it right. Also, we know that they have an ex-pat from our kingdom with them, and that they're on the continent. In the south with the Ettins. Old One mentioned them."

>>25541770
No counter intelligence?

>>25541791
"..Who under His Light taught you Phoenician?"

>>25541791
"Its Isen's sister. We need to talk to him about it."

>>25541791
"I do hope there is something we can do about that emotional control. The scary snake card isn't going to work much longer"

>>25541791
"You know, I had always pegged ettins as being a cold weather kind of deal. Thank goodness I'm wrong, I'd hate to have to go way out north.

Let's not forget the spies she mentioned- think there was much truth to that? I haven't much idea how to catch them, if there is. Well, other than giving everyone in town a good whiff, which I'm going to put somewhere around plan D or F."

>>25541791
"Shinotsu. One word. That's how they discern foreigners to locals, least as far as names go. So whoever this Shinotsu is, they're not from the Empire."

Rolled 15

>>25540826
That would have made father's ghost sad, wouldn't it have?

>>25541791
We might want to get the Leviathan to Coral's Gate to protect it but I don't think the mer would like it. The Leviathan was the same ship that didn't leave two stones atop each other the last time it came. But if it went well and had mer patrols in case of swiming Pheonix infiltrators, any attackers on Coral Gate would be bombarded by the ship.

>>25541914
Isn't that a bit too meta

Like we can divine by the way she said her words the person was a turned person from another place so

> Didn't Isen have a sister in PE?

but that one seems like a stretch

>>25541989
There is enough information we've been given in character to suggest the sister is the person in question.

We're a Lamia, that sorta twist in thinking comes natural to us.

>>25541843
"..Who under His Light taught you Phoenician?" You ask.

"Heh, I don't." Peri says.

"But I do!" Mari says. "Fourth year in the Conclave."

"Huh. You know, I had always pegged ettins as being a cold weather kind of deal. Thank goodness I'm wrong, I'd hate to have to go way out north.

Let's not forget the spies she mentioned- think there was much truth to that? I haven't much idea how to catch them, if there is. Well, other than giving everyone in town a good whiff, which I'm going to put somewhere around plan D or F."

"Well, that's White Tree and Purple Sands. Hate to say it, but those are low priorities compared to the crap that we have to do now." Peri says.

>>25541850
"I do hope there is something we can do about that emotional control. The scary snake card isn't going to work much longer." You say.

"That's when we bring in Julian for a bit...or we wait until Jesse-May gets here." She says. "You and Lea might not want to be here when they do talk to her though."