>>30019801
>>It's time to face myself.

>>30019801
>It's time to face myself.

>>30019801
>>I have to push them away!

>>30019801
>It's time to face myself.

>>30019801
>It's time to face myself.

>>30019883
>>30019878
>>30019846
>>30019827

You look up at Karl, then sit down.
"I need to... To think." you say, taking a deep breath. This time, instead of pushing them away, you let them come.

--- --- ---

"Now, we have this fine gift for the Appals." the big man says, holding an iron rod. "You have to help us, they don't want to see us. They don't trust us. But they'll trust you, I think." he smiles, a big one, full of teeth, and holds the rod out for you.

>Help the big man.
>Take the iron rod in.
>Give the Appals their gift.

>>30020115
>Help the big man.

>>30020115
>Give the Appals their gift
It'll be totally great for everyone!

>>30020115
>>Give the Appals their gift.

>>30020115
>>Give the Appals their gift.
Appals are nice, they deserve gifts!

>>30020115

This is not how it happened! I was not this gullible. I was not this weak! NO

>>30020115
>Give the Appals their gift.

>>30020187
>>30020156
>>30020222

You take the iron rod, holding it tightly in little hands. It's warm, and pulsing.

"Now, it's a gift, so don't open it until you get there." the big man in armor says. His eyes shine, and you nod slightly. Yeah, he's right. It's a gift. Wait to open it...

You shake your head to clear something out, then head down the lane, remembering his voice, clear and strident in your head. Yeah, he's right! The Appals deserve a gift, they're so nice! They made daddy those horseshoes and then shod them on for him. And they even made you a toy spear! You even carry it around when Mommy isn't looking.

You make it to the Appal mines, smiling as you approach.

>Hide the gift!
>Make sure they don't see it. It's supposed to be a surprise...
>The guards are so nice. They'll let me through if I smile at them!

>>30020240
We were like 4 years old, dude.

>>30020296
Hide the gift.
It's a surprise!

>>30020296
>>Make sure they don't see it. It's supposed to be a surprise...
>>The guards are so nice. They'll let me through if I smile at them!

>>30020296
>The guards are so nice. They'll let me through if I smile at them!

Full of teeth.

>>30020296
>Make sure they don't see it. It's supposed to be a surprise...
>The guards are so nice. They'll let me through if I smile at them!

>>30020296
>The guards are so nice. They'll let me through if I smile at them!

>>30020313

Trying to voice our inner torment, anon. The adult us screaming NO DON'T DO THIS WHY DID YOU DO THIS at her child self.

>>30020296
>>Make sure they don't see it. It's supposed to be a surprise...
>>The guards are so nice. They'll let me through if I smile at them!

>>30020352
>>30020324
>>30020365
>>30020327

"Hallo, mister Eyes." you say, waving at the guard posted. You can never remember the whole thing of his name, so you just call him eyes. "Can I come in?"

"Mmmn. We're doing some heavy work right now, Ann." he says. You like Appals. They're all as tall as you! You've hidden the rod under your dress, and you smile wide.

"I wanna play with Sunshine!" you say.

"...Alright, if you're careful. You know the way, right?"

"uhhuh! Thanks a lots!" you smile as you run down the tunnels. A left, a right, down and then forward, a right, then right ahead! A big door to the rooms for the Mine Captain.

You push it open, looking around.

"Ann! What are you doing in this deep?" the big Appal says. Behind him, his wife, Worms In Printing Wood, chops their meal.

>I gotchu a giftie! (Open it.)
>I have a present for you! (Open it.)
>I got a thingie. Lookies! (Open it.)

>>30020539
"The big man wanted to give you a gift!"

>>30020539
well looks like it isn't the drake
and seconding >>30020547

>>30020539
>I have a present for you! (Open it.)

>>30020539
>Worms In Printing Wood

Welp

>>30020539
>Worms In Printing Wood
>That Anon in the /qtg/ who suggested this exact name
>Paranoia_intensifies.gif

>>30020547
This.

>>30020547

>>30020547
>>30020539
Seconding this

>>30020539
>I have a present for you! (Open it.)

"They said you'd really like it."

>>30020539
>I got a thingie. Lookies! (Open it.)

Because this sounds like the best last words to hear.

>>30020580
>>30020576
explain?
>>30020547
Seconded.
>>30020539

>>30020724
Worms in Printing Wood
The demons were sent by Worm Wood.

>>30020724
suspect we're searching for is known as "Worm Wood"

>>30020724
Worms in Printing Wood, Worm Wood. Worm Wood is the name of the one who summoned the demons that tried to kill us and the Prince.

>>30020756
>>30020755
>>30020752
I got that part, but i figured there was a theory behind it, like maybe she was pregnant or the wife,chief,their kid survived, or all their souls ended up possessing a printing press.

>>30020547
"The big man wanted you to have a giftsies!" you say, pulling it out. "I just have to..."

You twist it, like daddy with those jars, and light fills the room. A scream from Brightness In Dark Places, the Mine Captain, as he reaches out for it. You pull it away, opening it further. "I gotsa open-"

A searing line lances across your hand, leaving a line that bleeds - and peirces Brightness's chest. You reach out to him, then drop the rod as you try to hold him up.

He melts in your arms, screaming in pain as blood covers your front. You join him in his screams as more lances of light shoot out, hitting Worms in the arm and your best friend, Sunshine, in the head. You race out of the room, crying and screaming.

More lances of light punch through the Appals around you, and you can hear the screams from all over the mines. You slip on something - clothes in a pile of red smear, and fall in it, screaming as you smell the rot and feel the slime, scrabbling to your feet and trying to remember the way out.

Inevitably, you get lost, falling down, deeper into the mines, and you see the flow of strange fluids pool down lower, a pit of stinking, messy rot. You curl up and cry, weeping for hours.

... ... ...

"I found her, sire."

"I told you not to say that title, damnit." grumbles the big man. "Pick her up and take her home. Clean her, if you have to, but if I find out you hurt her..."

"Understood, sir!" the man salutes, then carries you out, depositing you on a carriage....

--- --- ---

And you wake up, staring at the ground. Your breaths are steady.

>I wasn't at fault.
>I don't need to grieve - I already did enough of that.
>It's up to me to make their deaths mean something.
>Writein

>>30020895
>>It's up to me to make their deaths mean something.

>>30020895
>It's up to me to make their deaths mean something.
And we'll do it by protecting the prince! Since he's in favor of equality!

>>30020895
>It's up to me to make their deaths mean something.

It's up to me to extract retribution.

Who was the man that gave me the weapon. And did Worms survive? Or is this a trick?

>>30020895
Oh.
He used Mind Control.
Karl, you know any big men of noble birth who are Sworn?

>>30020951
It was pretty obviously Michael's grandfather. Who's, you know, dead.

>>30020959
how do you know?

>>30020951
I thinks Worms in Printing Wood might be a red herring.

>>30020895
>>I don't need to grieve - I already did enough of that.
>>It's up to me to make their deaths mean something.

>>30020959
>Metagaming intensifies

>>30021011
still worth investigating

>>30020895
>It's up to me to make their deaths mean something.

They were kind to us and they did not deserve this, now their kindness has been twisted into revenge. But we're still here, we still remember them and what they were like, and their legacy should be one of acceptance not one of hate.

>>30021011

Yeah, I'm inclined to agree. Too obvious.

>>30021038
>>30021047
"Wood Worm is a powerful demonologist, a monster of an Appal, who is angry with the human empire and knows no morals." he says. "Or... He is a distant Dra, working to sabotage negotiations with the human empire, and drop them into war to see his love again!" he cackles.
>A monster of an Appal
This could be taken a few ways, but you'd think this would imply he's large, powerful, and such. OR maybe just twisted and disfigured. If it just means twisted and disfigured it could totally be Worms in Printing Wood, BUT Worms in Printing Wood was a name specifically suggested by an Anon in /qtg/ as a possibility. Thus, I must assume that post gave the QM the idea to toss a red herring at us, OR that post was made by the QM.

>>30021011
maybe. but we still need to look into it. No point disregarding a lead because its too obvious, we just need to also look into the dra option

>>30020931
>>30020934
>>30020951

You can't possibly bring them back. You can't apologize, you can't claim fault, even. And the man who did it, is dead. However, you can make their deaths have meaning. You can give proper respect. By protecting the Prince, by making sure it doesn't happen again, and by whatever strength you hold, making it sure that they are not merely forgotten.

>You have cleared a Personal Arc.
>>Perk Earned!
>>> Spear and Shield
>>> Staving Slam (Might) You can now, on some hits, knock people down automatically.

You hold your spear with more tenacity than before.

"Are you ready, Annelin?" he asks gently.

>I'm ready.
>There's something I need to ask you... (Write)
>Are you?
>Writein

>>30021081
What was the second double answer?

>>30021130
>>There's something I need to ask you... (Write)
Did you know of the old kings plan about this mine?
>>Are you

>>30021130

>I'm ready.

>>30021011
>>30021075
He is likely using the old name as a moniker.

Remember, Avalon said we never Wormwood before, so that rules out both DrakTeel and Worms-in-Wood

>>30021140
It was either a monster of an Appal or a Dra that wanted to see his lost love once again. Bunch of different meanings for the descriptions, but we're looking for either something that is or was an Appal, or something that is or was a Dra

>>30021130
>there's something I need to ask you...
Where you aware that this was being done at the time?

>>30021130
>Are you?

>>30021130
Starting to think that this quest is like Persona or something, compared to PGQ being a VN.

>>30021168

This.

>>30021179
thats a good point.

>>30021179
>said we never Wormwood before,
met Wormwood*
>>30021168
Seconding

>>30021190
>"There is a man on the inside, leaking knowledge to the proper people. Or... He has been tracking you since the beginning." he says, nodding as his tail brushes your leg on accident.

He meant this one anon.

>>30021179
It could be someone that Worms in Printing Wood knew. Someone who decided to make a monicker of her name.

>>30021130
"As ready as I can be Karl. More ready than I have been for a long time.

Did you know what was going to happen here? Are you ready to face this place?"

Hi Avalon, glad you're back.

>>30021241
Well, we know that Worm Wood is either a monstrous Appal or a Dra trying to manipulate the two kingdoms into a war.

WE SHOULD WRITE DRAK'TEEL ABOUT IT.

I never really got it how Apals look like, the first descriptions made it seem to me like a lizard race but that role is also filled by the Dra

>>30021293
Fuzzy Pangolins.

>>30021288
yes. yes we should. Guy just got promoted, could be so Worm Wood can keep an eye on him, especially if the inside guy answer was right

>>30021293
They're like Pangolins who occupy the same niche as Dwarves.

File: 1391556305042.png-(146 KB, 640x480, file.png)

146 KB PNG

>>30021293
i was thinking of hairy goblins, with jew noses..

>>30021293

Pangolin Jawas.

>>30021368
Same here.

>>30021333
We should also make sure our letters are not intercepted

>>30021378
We should mail them personally via an independent courier service rather than through anyone in the castle. Pay extra for secrecy if we have to.

>>30021333
MAXIMUM SHADOWRUNS
and actually makes sense. shit, Teel needs a letter. mebbe send it as a poem, so that he has to figure it out-we know it's a courtship thing so if it is the inside guy he probably won't think anything of it

>>30021378
write in milk between margins with an F in the left hand corner- he'll know if it's been tampered with since he'll see the milk writing and the f was a universal symbol for 'fire reveals the message' back in the day

>>30021450
>Tell him the truth.
yes

>>30021450
Yes

>>30021450
All of it.

>>30021450
>>Tell him the truth.
Not much else to do.

>>30021450
'Fess up. Let him know.

"Karl, did you know the plans for this mine?"

"Well, yes. He said he pulled out on it. Some natural disaster or divine intervention cleared it out."

"Karl..."

>There's some things you need to know about Dolan.
>There's something you should know about this mine.
>Leave him in the dark.

>>30021506
>There's something you should know about this mine.

>>30021506
>>There's some things you need to know about Dolan.
>>There's something you should know about this mine.

>>30021506
>>There's some things you need to know about Dolan.
>>There's something you should know about this mine.

>>30021506

"Karl... He lied to you. He engineered the destruction of the Appals that occupied the mine.

I know this because he used a child to deliver death to them. I was that child."

>>30021506
>There's some things you need to know about Dolan.
>There's something you should know about this mine.

>>30021548
"Karl... He lied to you. He engineered the destruction of the Appals that occupied the mine. I know this because he used a child to deliver death to them. I was that child."

You've never seen a man so... Suddenly broken.

"What?"

"He used a Sealed Lord keyed to Appals. He used some sort of magic to make me want to do it. And I'm almost certain he did the same to his wife to make her love him and not... Douglas."

Recognition shines in his eyes, and fury turns his cheeks tight. He's rooted to the spot, wildly furious. He seems to be on the precipice of a great emotional turmoil.

>Attempt to comfort him.
>Stay back.
>Say something (write)

>>30021506
>There's some things you need to know about Dolan.
>There's something you should know about this mine.

"He lied to you Karl. There was nothing natural about what happened, nor anything divine.

There was a little girl who played in these mines long ago, and wanted to be just as good with a spear as her best friend Sunshine when she grew up, who was told to deliver something to the Appals.

She was given a 'gift' for them that was fundamentally wrong, and should not have been. And when opened their souls were taken."

>>30021615
>>Attempt to comfort him.

>>30021615
Faith broken.
>Attempt to comfort him.

>>30021615
>Stay back.
"Karl?"

>>30021615
>Attempt to comfort him.

>Karl loses his faith in Humanity
>Loses his sworn powers
>Begins to age rapidly
>Drops dead and rots right before our very eyes.

>>30021615
>Attempt to comfort him.

"I'm sorry. The memories came over me and I had to tell you. I thought you had to - needed to know."

Try to embrace him.

>>30021697
He might lose his hope for humany, but will that cause him to lose his powers?

>>30021615
>Say something (write)

"What he did was not right. And he is gone, so we can no longer punish the guilty. And I'm sorry for placing this burden on you.

But Micheal is innocent, the sins of his forefathers are not his sins and he can make a brighter future. I came to this place once more in order to protect him from the past."

And see if we can give him a hug, or hold his hand.

>>30021752
Most likely. He's sworn to Humanity, not to Law.

>>30021615
>>Stay back.
Brace for spiral nemesis.

>>30021615
"I'm sorry you had to learn about this, but it's all just clicked. This is the only way things make sense."

Paladin falling

>>30021708
>>30021671
>>30021649
>>30021697

"I'm sorry. The memories came over me and I had to tell you. I thought you had to - needed to know."

You hold him. He's shaking, and you feel something in him simmer deeply. "But Micheal is innocent, the sins of his forefathers are not his sins and he can make a brighter future. I came to this place once more in order to protect him from the past."

"Stand back." he says softly. "Stand back and look away."

You step away, looking to the horizon, as you hear him scream, with emotion and power, a single word: Law's name, long, drawn out, and full of anger.

-- -- --

It is the right of every Sworn made by a god to call upon them but one time, and speak to them as equals but once.

You have invoked that right, as Karl. You are tired. You are, in a way not shown by your face, very old. The people you have given yourself to, in truth and total, Have destroyed your trust, your feelings, and your morals, seemingly systematically.

You're done. You're finished with it. Law can go... what was the modern parlance? Law can go fuck himself.

There is a thundering noise, and the earth is nearly sundered as the sun spits out an ancient old man, ine white and golden robes. His face is one of sneering pride and his eyes are gimlets filled with clever, wicked malice. On his robes a set of scales untilted. In his hand, a long staff.

"Why have you called me, Child?"

>Writein

>>30021879
punch him in the motherfucking face
"Why?"

>>30021903
Let's not do anything that would get Karl smited. We're allowed to TALK with him as equals, nothing else.

>>30021879
"I cannot continue to serve these people which rule your ever stagnant kingdom, Law."

>>30021903
Let's not act as a child please?

>>30021879
What in the everloving fuck were you thinking?

>>30021879
"Have I always been blind or is your detestability a more sudden development?"

>>30021879
"To what extent is it appropriate to achieve civil stability? The death of one? A thousand? Genocide?"

>>30021879
"What is my place in this world?"

>>30021903
Nein. Ich vill not do!

>>30021938
Of course he's always been a monster. Law opposes change like a motherfucker.

>>30021879
"We're out of place, the world has changed while we have not, but at least I seem to be aware of this.

I have Sworn myself to Humanity, and know now that you are not friend to humanity, that preserving your order will in time destroy that which I am sworn to protect."

>>30021879

I want you to be true to your name. I want Law to mean what is Right, what is Just, what is True. I want answers. Why did you permit this despicable thing to take place?

"To what extent is it appropriate to achieve civil stability? The death of one? A thousand? Genocide?" you ask. "How far are you going to push me, Law? How far do you want me to bend?"

"You know these things are needed." he says calmly. "If the rebellion had been allowed to fester-"

"Then the damned army would have crushed them in an instant!" you say, nearly shouting. "For what purpose did you allow Dolan the throne? For what reason in that way?!"

"You cannot begin to comprehend what is needed."

"You're damn right I can't. Because it's incomprehensible. It's inane. You don't want stability, Law. You want power. You want stagnation. You want nothing - NOTHING - but your own greatness!"

"And what, you fool boy, will you do about it?"

>Renounce you as your once-strongest warrior. Now and forever. I was never sworn to you. I was sworn to Humanity, and it's clear you do not have their best interests at heart.
>Fight you. We are, in this moment, as equals. You don't deserve your place - I will take it from you!
>Ask you 'why'.
>Writein

>>30022100
>>Renounce you as your once-strongest warrior. Now and forever. I was never sworn to you. I was sworn to Humanity, and it's clear you do not have their best interests at heart.
Being a god sucks.

>>30022100
>>Fight you. We are, in this moment, as equals. You don't deserve your place - I will take it from you!

>>30022100
>Renounce you as your once-strongest warrior. Now and forever. I was never sworn to you. I was sworn to Humanity, and it's clear you do not have their best interests at heart.
I called it, a few threads back.
Fuckin' called it.

>>30022100
>Fight you. We are, in this moment, as equals. You don't deserve your place - I will take it from you!
This is so tempting...

>>30022100
>>Ask you 'why'.
Then do this.
>>Renounce you as your once-strongest warrior. Now and forever. I was never sworn to you. I was sworn to Humanity, and it's clear you do not have their best interests at heart.

>>30022100
>Renounce you as your once-strongest warrior. Now and forever. I was never sworn to you. I was sworn to Humanity, and it's clear you do not have their best interests at heart.

Fuck Law, he'd probably object to Micheal getting the throne because Micheal would be a good person, we fight for Humanity.

>>30022100

Going with >>30022093

>>30022100
>Renounce you as your once-strongest warrior. Now and forever. I was never sworn to you. I was sworn to Humanity, and it's clear you do not have their best interests at heart.

Look at the bright side, Karl, it means women will stop being scared of you.

>>30022154
>>30022148
>>30022135
Ask why first guys.

>>30022100
>Fight you. We are, in this moment, as equals. You don't deserve your place - I will take it from you!
Karl can be the god that humanity needs, the one it deserves!

>>30022100
>Ask you 'why'.
>Renounce you as your once-strongest warrior. Now and forever. I was never sworn to you. I was sworn to Humanity, and it's clear you do not have their best interests at heart.

>>30022093
>>30022100
This, can be used with renounce and why.

>>30022100
>Ask you 'why'.

And if he answer is not acceptable then we renounce his punk ass.

>>30022100
>>Ask you 'why'.
also, this

>>30022100
>Ask you 'why'.
then
Renounce you as your once-strongest warrior. Now and forever. I was never sworn to you. I was sworn to Humanity, and it's clear you do not have their best interests at heart.

>>30022207
Yea, supporting. It can even lead to a fight actually.

>>30022173
We could but the answer is obvious.

Law and Order doesn't mean good, moral and right, it just means law and order.

>>30022100
>ask why.
>renounce
Then
>fight

>>30022268
sounds like a good plan

>>30022268
This works for me

>>30022268
Except after we renounce him, Karl loses all his superpowers, and will then probably get disembowelled.

>>30022296
Yep.

>>30022296
Nah, if we renounce Law we'll remain a sworn but to Humanity instead of Law.

>>30022326
Karl was a cleric of Law before becoming a sworn, we aren't sure the extent to which Law fuels him.

>>30022100
>Fight you. We are, in this moment, as equals. You don't deserve your place - I will take it from you!

I think we should challenge him to a rock off.

>>30022446
I think we should challenge him to get our rocks off.

>>30022473
we should challenge him to rock Annelins world.

>>30022228
>>30022226
>>30022214
>>30022231
>>30022207
>>30022268
>>30022093

"I want you to be true to your name. I want Law to mean what is Right, what is Just, what is True. I want answers. Why did you permit this despicable thing to take place?"

He laughs.
"You think I care about what happens outside my purview?" he laughs. "Kings ARE the law, boy. Kings decide what I am! And it is because of them that I exist. I made humanity to hold my ideals, I made them desire laws, desire rulers, desire to be taken over. They WANT decisions out of their hands. They WANT to be freed from making their own way, to hand over their own responsibility." he laughs again, a wheezing, mocking laugh. "And I give them that. I make them feel safe, adored, and greater than the others."

"...Very well." you say, gathering your strength. "I renounce you as your once-strongest warrior. Now and forever. I was never sworn to you. I was sworn to Humanity, and it's clear you do not have their best interests at heart."

Nothing happens, and he laughs, then grasps at his hand, frowning at it.

His pinky nail is split painfully in half, blood running down his hand. "I loved you, once. I thought you as a father and a savior. Now I see I'm wrong."

Law shies away, holding his bleeding hand, and laughs.
"Very well. Take your humanity. Take your power. But know that I will never stand beside you, and you will never ascend to me in the heavens!"

"AS IF I CARE! That doesn't matter! The life after this... Bring what may come. But here and now... We are alive."

Law sneers, and vanishes.

--- --- ---

Karl falls to his knees, breathing heavily, then to his hands, openly weeping.

>Comfort him.
>Remain away.
>Writein

>>30022524
Saying
>To knock Annelin's socks off
Would've kept with the theme better.

>>30022535
>Comfort him.
Tell him he did the right thing.

>>30022535
>>Comfort him.

>>30022535
>Comfort him.

>>30022535
>Comfort him.

I don't think there's anything we can say to him right now.

Just give him a hug, run our hands through his hair to try and soothe him a bit, and don't say anything until he wants to talk.

>>30022535

>Console him. We've both lost something precious to us now. Precious illusions, precious lies we've told ourselves to keep going. We're free now.

>>30022535
>>Comfort him.

>>30022535
>Comfort him.

But for God's sake, don't tell him he did the right thing. Have a little tact.

>>30022535
>Comfort him.

>>30022601
This

>>30022615
>>30022605
>>30022601
>>30022591
>>30022582

You walk up beside him and hold him close, and he grips you tightly against him. As if he doesn't want you to leave. You can feel the loss in every gasping breath he takes and every tear he weeps, and you hold him and rest your head on his strong, wide shoulders. It takes time, but he finally slows his weeping while you run your fingers through his hair.

His neck has a deep scar upon it now, and he feels it. After a moment, he walks to the carriage, throwing on a red long jacket, drawing twin curved blades. In this moment, he is weak. Utterly weak. A man who stands on pillars of sand and mud, because he has to stand on something. He takes a deep breath, looking over at you as he walks to the mine's entrance.

"Shall we?"

You nod, following him.
"We should start near where the Lord was unleashed and look from there."

>You remember the way, right?

>>30022704
>>You remember the way, right?
As if you could forget.

>>30022704
Left, right, down, straight, right. Then we're there.

>>30022704
A left, a right, down and then forward, a right, then right ahead! A big door to the rooms for the Mine Captain.

You push it open, looking around.

Rolled 88

>>30022704
rolling for more trauma

>>30022759
Did we just get another mutation?

Rolled 95

>>30022759
>>30022790
appal mutation when?

>>30022704
"Left, right, down, forward, right, open the door.

I couldn't forget, even if I wanted to."

>>30022819
>>30022759
wasted good rolls

>>30022738
"This way." you say, following old footsteps, recalling old times. Oddly, now, you remember running with Sunshine In Tree's Shadow, bright and happy, playfighting all the time. "I couldn't ever forget." you say with a gentle smile.

He nods as you slip deeper into the mines, finally reaching the door. Karl opens it with ease - you always remember having to put your full weight behind it. It's just as you left it. Even the place settings are the same. The knife trapped in the old wood in the kitchen.

>Check the kitchen.
>Check the bedrooms.
>Check the main room.
>Check the store room.

>Please select only one for now.

>>30022883
>>Check the bedrooms.

>>30022883

>Kitchen

>>30022883
>Check the kitchen.

The kitchen is where Worms in Printing Wood was, she was preparing a meal, so look there first.

>>30022883
>Kitchen

>>30022883
>>Check the bedrooms.
We don't know who woodworm is so maybe worm knew some one who did.

>>30022924
>>30022947
>>30022958

You look over the kitchen. Knife in the counter, rot in the icebox. You do find something interesting - the blade has blood on it. Or rather, it used to - you can tell where it was corroded from not being cleaned.

Karl checks the bedrooms, coming back with a book. It's old, but...

"Demonology. Someone here practiced." he says. "Or they were teaching someone." he adds. "There's notes in the margins of soul rituals. Something about reversing an extraction circle."

>>30023150
Well, this certainly lends more credence to it being an Appal behind this. We should probably bring it back with us and let Ja'al have a look at it. He'll probably get a lot more info out of it than we would.

>>30023150
Put all the evidence we find in a bag,

>>30023307
>>30023253
"We'll have Ja'al take a look at it." you say. "Put it in a bag. Anything about this off to you?"

"A few things... There's ruined clothes in a few places - but not any in the kitchen."

You blink. How'd you miss that? It's where she got hit...

"That is odd." you manage.

"We'll still have to investigate a few more rooms." he admits.

>Check the armory.
>Check the dining hall.
>Check the apartments.

>>30023379
>>Check the apartments.

>>30023379
Well, Worms only got hit in the arm as far as we can remember, and with her knowledge of Demonology and Souls she could've had some way to not die.

>Check the armory.

>>30023379
>Check the dining hall.

If there was a cult here, then they'd need to eat somewhere, right?

>>30023379
>>Check the armory.

>>30023379
>It's where she got hit...
>she
The fluffy tail god said that Worm Wood was a he.

So we have big problem.

>>30023459
>>30023450
well it seems people keep forgetting that woodworm isn't anyone we know, so that rulled her out a long time ago.

>>30023450
>>30023458

You decide to move to the armory.

"Something about all this..." you say. No weapons taken. Except one - a longstaff. "Something about all this doesn't add up."

"An Appal used a spell to survive it all. I don't know... Something like a Sealed Lord, even if you warded yourself... You just wouldn't be the same. You'd lose a lot of your memory, a lot of your shape." he goes on. "Anyone hit by one who lived probably wouldn't be in any shape to hurt you."

>...The day after, sure. But they've had some time.
>...You're right, this place is all out of leads.
>...So who else, then? How do we investigate the dra side?

>>30023815
>>...The day after, sure. But they've had some time.
>...So who else, then? How do we investigate the dra side?

>>30023815
>...The day after, sure. But they've had some time.
>...So who else, then? How do we investigate the dra side?

I think it might be time to team up with Teel soon and go stop terrorists

>>30023815
>...The day after, sure. But they've had some time.
>...So who else, then? How do we investigate the dra side?

>>30023815
>>...The day after, sure. But they've had some time.
>>...So who else, then? How do we investigate the dra side?
Also tell him the bit about wood worm being some one we didn't know.(wood could have been teaching some one.)

>>30023846
This.

>>30023815
>...The day after, sure. But they've had some time.

"They've had time, and they're probably very determined to get their revenge, it might be the only thing they have left from who they once were. There was someone in the kitchen when I came here, Worms In Printing Wood, they left behind nothing but a bloody knife, a book on demonology in the bedroom, and a staff that is no longer here.

Even if there is more to it than this, I think they're involved somehow."

>...So who else, then? How do we investigate the dra side?

>>30023930
>Also tell him the bit about wood worm being some one we didn't know.
I think that's OOC knowledge.

>>30023968
I was sure alvin would have told us.

>>30023846
this

>>30023815
>Longstaff

An Appal sized longstaff or a human sized longstaff?

>>30023815
>...The day after, sure. But they've had some time

>>30023492
When did we figure that out?

>>30024097
When alvin was with the demon.

>>30024124
Didn't we only learn that Woodworm knew the Appals by name?

Just so you know: You only knew her name, you didn't know her personally.

>>30024208
Well theres your answer.
>>30024210

>>30024210
bollocks

>>30024210
but woodworm was described as a 'he'

>>30023935
"They've had time, and they're probably very determined to get their revenge, it might be the only thing they have left from who they once were. There was someone in the kitchen when I came here, Worms In Printing Wood, they left behind nothing but a bloody knife, a book on demonology in the bedroom, and a staff that is no longer here. Even if there is more to it than this, I think they're involved somehow."

"I think you might be onto something." Karl states. "I want to check out the apartments." he says. "You should head to the carriage. We should return to the kingdom and see if anything has happened. And to test a hypothesis of mine."

>Okay.
>What hypothesis?
>Writein

>>30024298
And demons get confused.

>>30024298
They also were exposed to a Sealed Lord and didn't die, their body and mind was warped, lots of possible changes.

>>30024307
>What hypothesis?

>>30024307
>Other
Go with Karl to check out the apartments

DON'T SPLIT THE PARTY

>>30024307
>>What hypothesis?

>>30024307
>What hypothesis?

Don't split the party, stay with Karl until we leave.

And we might want to check the dining hall before we leave as well, just in case there's something else.

>>30024307
>Go with Karl
"Call me paranoid, but splitting up in a spooky cave system seems a bad idea."

>>30024307
"Are you sure we should be splitting the party?"

>Should we be splitting up?

>>30024298
The hypothetical Dra was a he. The theoretical Appal didn't have a stated gender.

>>30024410
>>30024391
>>30024357
>>30024354
"What hypothesis?"

"That they are targeting you /and/ the kingdom, not just you /or/ the kingdom. If I'm right, no attacks will occur until we get back either way."

You nod.
"Sure we should split the party?"

"I'm sure." he remarks, but allows you to follow him anyway. What he finds isn't really noteworthy, and both of you are dissapointed as you return to the carriage, evidence in hand.

>Return to the kingdom.
>Talk to Karl (write)
>Writein

>>30025143
>>Return to the kingdom.
>>Talk to Karl (write)
Ask him if its possible that the two things he clown told us are actually true to a degree..

>>30025143
>>Return to the kingdom.

>>30025143
>>Return to the kingdom.
ask about his thought on the lies/truths Coyo told us

>>30025214
This

>>30025143
>Return to the kingdom.
>Talk to Karl (write)
Were there no demon attacks before I arrived?

>>30025214
>>30025282
You sigh, heading out.
"Does Coyo ever lie?" you ask, "Just, outright?"

"No. Never. Not unless it's part of a game. Never lies, never cheats."

"...Any demon attacks before I got here?"

"...A few. One on Dolan. Almost got the bastard." he grumbles.

"Tell me about it?"

"A Seducer." he says. "Name of... Douglas, I think. Got shoved into a temple. Claimed he'd have vengeance or something. Probably a demon of that poor guard."

You sigh.
"We... might have let him go."

He stares at you, then whips the horses into speed.
"Please let me be wrong. Please, please, please."

>About what?
>What do you mean?
>I'm not sure I understand.
>You mean about Monica?

>>30025770
>>I'm not sure I understand.
>>You mean about Monica?

>>30025770
>>About what?
>>What do you mean?
>>I'm not sure I understand.
>>You mean about Monica?
all of these seem acceptable

>>30025770
These responses are a little samey. All of the above, I guess.

>>30025770
>>About what?
>>What do you mean?

>>30025812
>>30025807
>>30026155

"I'm not sure I understamd, what do you mean?" you ask. "That feeling towards Monica?"

"Yeah." he says. "Something tells me she's got a rider. Or worse. Someone stole her face."

"What does that mean?"

"When a demon eats a person's soul," he says, "They can transform into that person, with memories and shape intact. The old person is dead, long gone - but it's a perfect act."

>What should we do?
>Is Micheal in danger?
>Any way to get back faster?
>Try not to panic...

>>30026239
>>Any way to get back faster?
>>Try not to panic...

>>30026239
>>Is Micheal in danger?
>What should we do?
>>Any way to get back faster?

>>30026239
>>What should we do?
>>Is Micheal in danger?
>>Any way to get back faster?
>>Try not to panic...

>>30026239
>Any way to get back faster?
>Try not to panic...

>>30026239
>Is there anyway to send a message ahead?
We have bird boy back at base, it might be useful if he was made aware of the situation.

>>30026239
>>Is Micheal in danger?
>>Any way to get back faster?

>>30026239
>Try not to panic...

"Is there any way to tell for sure if they're a Demon or if they have a rider?"

I really hope he is wrong. We didn't get to see much of Monica before she got ate if he isn't. Oh well.

>>30026274
This

>>30026239
Make sure to ask these >>30026298
>>30026312 two questions. They're both pretty important to our situation.

>>30026255
>>30026289
>>30026310
>>30026312

You push your panic away.
"Can we get back any faster?"

"We can't." he says. "Unless..." he pauses in thought, jumping onto the roof. "I haven't done this in years, and it might be a terrible idea."

"What?"

"I'll carry you and run."

"Faster than a carriage?"

A red-green glow covers him as he stands there.
"Faster than a carriage. Might not be entirely safe - I could run empty, or hurt myself..."

"Is there any way to tell for sure?"

"...No." he admits. "Not unless you've a demonologist on hand."

"...We do."

"Good." he holds out his hand. "You're the guard. Is this worth me trying to Run?" he asks.

>Yes.
>No.

>>30026466
>>Yes.

>>30026466
>>Yes.

>>30026466
>>Yes.

>>30026466
>>Yes.

May as well...

>>30026466
>>Yes.
Dougy seemed pretty pissed

>>30026466
>Yes.
...and thank you Karl.

File: 1391571245291.jpg-(111 KB, 605x984, page2captainamerica.jpg)

111 KB JPG

Damn, Karl. I'm getting character development whiplash over here

>>30027095
His crotch is off, but i can't tell why.

>>30027196
The bulge isn't bigger than Pete's head.

>>30027196
It's too smooth, there's no vague outline.

>>30027196
Its shaped like a ken doll.

You grasp his hand tightly, and he lifts you up, leaping in a huge bound from the carriage. When he lands, he speeds along, moving much faster than the carriage. You close your eyes tightly, and then, after what feels like an hour, you fall from his grasp.

You can see Central, and Karl is motionless on the ground.

>Writein

>>30027348
Check his pulse and breathing. Make sure he's alright.

Then pick him up, sling him over our shoulder, and head back to the castle.

>>30027387
this

>>30027348
seconding >>30027387

>>30027348
Run to Central.

Karl's a tough kiddy.

>>30027387
Do it.

>>30027387
This sounds nice

>>30027348
Feed him one of those potions he gave us before we left.

>>30027387
We also have fancy shmancy healing potions/bandages, I think.

>>30027619
True, we should have those on us, but we only have three of the super healing potions and if he's just tired then I don't think we should use one, and patches and salves don't really do much for exhaustion.

If he's alive and breathing well he probably just needs to rest and recover his energy.

>>30027387
You check his pulse. He's weak, very weak. You pick him up, lifting him and carrying him to town. By the time you get there, you're leaning on the gate, feeling woozy.

"Ma'am? Are you alright?" asks a gate guard.

"C-castle..." you manage, before falling flat on your face.

... ... ...

You gasp awake in your bed, groaning.

"You're awake." Micheal says gently. "Thank goodness."

>Hug him.
>Ask questions (write)
>Writein

>>30027841
"Michael, he okay?!?!!??!?!"

>>30027841
>Hug him.
>Writein
"Thank god you're not dead!"
>Ask questions (write)
"Where's Monica?"

>>30027841
>>Hug him.
>>Ask questions (write)
"We've got a situation. Get Ja'al, we need to detain Monica and check if she's a demon."

>>30027895
Seconding this.

>>30027857
...He's the one talking to us.

>>30027907
WOW I READ THAT AS KARL

I AM FUCKIN RETARDED

>>30027895
We should also ask if Karl is okay.

>>30027841
Hug him. Ruffle his hair.

"It's good to be back Micheal, I missed you.

Is Karl okay?

We've learned a fair bit. And there's some things Ja'al should look at, but we need to be sure we're somewhere private before we talk about it."

>>30027841
"Mike, are you? Is everything okay?"

I appear to be running out of steam here. Sorry for doing this again - I think I might want to take a few days off.

>>30028856
so, feel like taking a break for the night?

>>30028856
Thats fine with me. I would rather you run less often than burn out entirely.

>>30028865
Until about the 8th, I think.

>>30028992
I've waited longer for less.
Go for it.

>>30028992
Feel free, I'll see you then.

You've been running this without a break for a while, if you need some fresh air then go for it.

>>30028992
sounds good. Get some rest and we'll see you in a few days.

'night

>>30028992
all good boss, take a break, get some rest, we don't want you burning yourself out.

>>30028856
TAKE A BREAK, MAN.

>>30029014
>>30029282
>>30029342
>>30029012
It's when my stamps come in, and when I go shopping, so I should be running on more than popcorn and broken dreams.

>>30029427
You take care Avalon, I wouldn't mind at all if you wanted to slow things down thread wise, your pace at a thread a day has been amazing, but I don't think its healthy to keep up, either way, we'll be here when you get back, just keep us updated on twitter.

>>30029427
Take care, Avy!