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>>46604080
You look at Amy's pleading expression and sigh.

"Fine," you say at last, giving in. "If we live, /you/ get to tell Scribbles the story."

"YES!"

You and Nathan both wince. "We're still in hostile territory, Ames," you remind her.

"Sorry," the half-harpy murmurs.

"Let's just go get eaten?" Nathan suggests.

"I'm a bad influence on you, Nate."

The three of you creep ahead. You're grimly sure that you'll be detected first no matter what you do, so you light your half-used torch. The light casts Kat in sharp relief. The shadow flexes her fingers; she's eager for blood.

Whoever first invented shadows probably died surprised. And in agony.

"Amy," Nathan asks in a low voice as the three of you creep ahead, his expression puzzled. "How, exactly, has no one managed to kill the Priestess in a hundred and fifty years?"

"Usual tricks don't wok on her," Amy says simply.

"...Why not?"

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>>46604366
The tunnel opens up into a small domed cavern. Tool marks on the walls say that someone made this on purpose - maybe to store something? - and then later abandoned it. Now the floor is littered with old bones that creak and snap beneath your boots.

A metallic scrape gets your attention from above.

The Priestess is a praying mantis in name only. The insect is taller even than Miss silence, and its chitonous hide is studded with dark grey growths of iron. Its saw-toothed talons are fringed with the metal, sharpened to bright edges, and you can hear the iron-on-iron scrape of its mandibles.

"That's why," Amy says conversationally.

The three of you scatter just ahead of the Priestess dropping to the floor. You roll away from one scything claw, losing your hat in the process, and come up cussing in two languages.

"DAMNIT AMY!"

The half-harpy laughs wildly.

> What do you do?

>>46604486
Is there someway that the iron in it can't be heated up with a spell or we can cause it to rot away into rust?

>>46604522
It's quite possible that those iron growths amplify the natural resistance to magic displayed to an extent by all living things, yes.

>>46604546
KILL IT WITH FIRE!

>>46604486
We don't have the chickens right now, right? Wonderful.

This thing probably moves too fast for us to really give orders to the other two, and honestly they're probably better trained to handle it.

Bri should definitely hang back, she's got nowhere near enough armor to handle METAL MANTIS SCYTHES. Beyond that, I think we're going to have to put our faith in Slaying spells and other tricks that bypass metal and go for the organics.

>>46604486
Attempt to communicate. Praying mantis's can actually be quite friendly, thought that may just be because we normally have a size advantage.

Also, back out of its range, unless we have absurdly superhuman reflexes, we're not winning a game of dodge with this guy.

>>46604609
We explicitly came down here to kill it.

>>46604486
why not try to collapse the cave on top of the bug.

we could also try to have any use her demonic fire weapons to overwhelm the iron growths

>>46604676
> Demon weapons
> Against iron

That doesn't end how you think it's ending.

>>46604713
Now would be the time for bombs, gasses, and greasefire, plugged up by several layers of shield walls placed as the weapons are being thrown.

BUT NOPE, WE'RE DOING THIS THE HERO WAY

>>46604630
And? Plans can change. But if you really want to kill it, just blind it and break its legs and claws at the joints. Bugs are incredibly easy to blind.

Or we just hit it with a shit ton of cold, unless it somehow negate being cold blooded, all that iron will be a death sentence when chilled.

>>46604918
Don't you think Amy might be a bit pissed if we started trying to diplomance the thing we just promised we'd help her murdalize?

As much as I hate to say this, I'm gonna need some actual greentexted votes in here, folks. I mean, feel free to keep discussing if you like? But I don't wanna proceed based on my own loose interpretation of said discussion.

Plus honestly after sixty threads of getting to know Bri & her capabilities - and style - I wanna see how you folks handle it.

>>46605020
this is me >>46604577

we didn't bring ice nor grease. We have no bait, an enchanted sword, and a bottle full of ammo.

>Let Amy and Nate do their thing, while charging up an improvised slaying spell.
>If it comes charging for us, be prepared to dash inwards, shit bricks, and slam that spell straight to the face/chest.
>Maybe wedge the sword in its mandibles to slow it down from eating us.

>>46605020
Ergh, but we don't really have any abilities that work against artificial opponents all that well. That's part of why we let Nate go after the Wraithsteel Willy without us.

My best suggestions would be

>death-rust the iron
>use Kat to restrain it
>try to go after any fleshy bits
>serve as soft meaty distraction for the people who can actually fight the damn thing

>>46605089
>Stay back and do nothing, let the other two handle it.

The bird wanted this fight, she can have it. Our magic isn't going to really do much against iron, and again, in a contest of reflexes the mantis will win every time.

Aight, I'm gonna leave this one open overnight; it seems like it could use the time to cook and discuss. I'll call and write in the morning when I wake up.

Questions, comments, discussion, feedback, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

can we manipulate death directly into a target? like the eyes and what not?

>>46605551
Like, to injure someone? It'd be crude as hell but you can certainly make the attempt. Also recall that Bri can create and manipulate darkness and smother the senses. It isn't an illusion, precisely, so much as it is taking living senses and deadening them.

Bump before bed. Don't get us killed.

You know. Woundseekers feed on death and pain. I wonder if our bottle could be used to help Nate?

>>46606556
Maybe, but that's not too relevant right now when healing is useless in the face of GIANT METAL SCYTHES

>>46605719
This seems like a reasonable plan. Praying Mantis' have very keen eyesight, so depriving it of its sight will be a definite advantage. The problem will be whether or not being blinded makes it /more/ or /less/ dangerous, what with the sudden panic-induced thrashing and desperation.

Also, could rust or rot be used on its limbs and joints? Something to hinder its movement, slow it down and make it easier to dodge. Brianna should be looking to give Nate and Amy windows of opportunity, and keep them (and herself) safely away from those menacing metal limbs and mouth-parts.

>>46605719
I have to ask Vox, just what kind of beast are we looking at here? Obviously it's made of metal, and it is alive, but it's also not Wraithsteel or a typical elemental. It didn't come from any of the Chain-Holder's fucking with Lora's powers, since the Priestess has been around for almost two hundred years.

Maybe its magic gone wrong, or horribly right? [spoilers] PLEASE don't tell us she's actually a Fey with a taste for murderbird meat. [spoilers]

>>46604486
> Blind the Priestess with necromantic darkness
> Have Kat restraint one/both of its arms
> Rust the iron (claws first, then armor) if we get an opening to do so.

Hey guys, have you ever tried mixing iron and aluminium dust? Because thats totally how you make thermite. If only we were fighting this giant mantis in australia...

>>46607762
>> Blind the Priestess with necromantic darkness
>> Have Kat restraint one/both of its arms
>> Rust the iron (claws first, then armor) if we get an opening to do so.

Mostly agreed, but add:

>If time permits, have Kat physically attack the eyeballs

>>46604486

> Send some necromantic cold its way to slow it down first
> Then blind it
> Strike with the shadow—to kill if feasible, to restrain otherwise
> Then rust its metal bits out if we can

>>46607897
Seconding, but try to warn Amy not to use Shame or Blame. They're useless here.

Maybe now's the time to learn how good Soaring Song is in close combat?

>>46607779
Who says that's not a thing? The Secondborn probably have, and just haven't taught anyone else.

"You didn't ask specifically about that combination of elements. And you know we don't like iron."

Sworn secrets are funny like that.

>>46609040
The big problem is irl aluminium only became a viable metal after 1888, and backstory wise the world has barely broken to anything vaguely resembling the industrial age.

>>46609147
Viable for smelting and metalworking, sure, but half the work is creating a lump of fairly pure and consistent material to work with. If your end goal is powder, that's no longer a concern. You can slap it with any sort of shitty or inefficient refinement process you like and just run the resulting lump of aluminum-laced slag through a grinder, then sieve and shift out most of the metal.

I'm awake. Called, writing. The progression of suggestions is likely to be interrupted by changing battle conditions, as these things are in fights.

Yay, in time!

And my internet dropped. Stand by.

Still down and no signs of progress. Fucking fuck.

>>46609040
>>46609147
>>46609430
You /can/, but that doesn't mean anyone /has/. It's not a terribly in-demand line of innovation.

Where are people getting the cold ideas from?

>>46613729
I think praying mantises are vulnerable to cold in real life. Not entirely sure if we can actually create necromantic cold, though.

AT FUCKING LAST.

WRITING. GOD. FUCK COMCAST.

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>>46604486
"Amy, mortal weapons!" you snap. You dash for your hat and scoop it up - you're going to need that here in a moment. "Miles's work won't help!"

"Like my /armor/?" Amy asks in disbelief.

"THIS IS THE FUTURE YOU FUCKING CHOSE, SHANKBIRD!"

Amy folds her wings in front of her body just as the Priestess lunges for her. Iron scrapes on wraithsteel with a piercing shriek that makes your jaw ache. Nathan lashes out with Verve in rapid succession; his first two hits ring off of the iron growths, but the third slices a clean line into the Priestess's chitonous hide, which leaks blood and elicits a scream from the insect.

"Kat, get in there," you snap. The shadow lunges while you toss your torch at the mantis's feet and plunge your hand into your hat. Swearing an incantation, you pull out a glob of darkness and hurl it at the creature's eyes, where it clings and roils.

"Get the wings!" Amy yells. "It can't escape without its wings!"

Nate lunges and catches the blunt side of a claw with his chest; the breath wooshes from his lungs as he's sent staggering back.

> Let it run
> Go for the wings with your sword-cane
> Use necromancy to shred the wings

>>46615249
>> Go for the wings with your sword-cane

We may be squishy, but we also have a cheat code.

>>46615249
>> Use necromancy to shred the wings
Our death bottle should be nice and full

>>46615249
> Use necromancy to shred the wings
Agreeing with >>46615395. We have plenty of energy, so why not use it?

>>46615249
>Use necromancy to shred the wings
Fuck it over, we trained in more necromancy things, if we try to go in we'll be slaughtered since we turned down Nate's sword lessons on how to sword better.

We could have been a Deathknight! Why didn't you go the route of deathknight with runes and magic death!!

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>>46615446

>>46615249
>Use necromancy to shred the wings

>>46615446
Maybe we can still do sword lessons sometime later.

>>46615249
>THIS IS THE FUTURE YOU FUCKING CHOSE

Ron Paul memes?

>>46615474
I can't tell if that route would have been the way to zombie armies and there would be disapproval or if that is approval because of how awesome that looked....

>>46615249
> Use necromancy to shred the wings
We are a necromancer. Let's necromance.

>>46615792
Well, focusing on using necromancy for combat seems like it would lead to zombie armies.

>>46615792
>>46615845
Neither, I just like the picture and death knights reminded me of it.

Calling in 10 or so.

>>46615558
>Maybe we can still do sword lessons sometime later.
He put up a strict rule: we CAN decide to sword lessons, but we MUST absolutely stick to them. Faffling out again would be very disrespectful to him and can you guarantee that anons will stick to training? I highly doubt.

Called, writing.

>>46613873
They've got a pretty shitty circulatory and metabolic system, once it gets below freezing they're enzymes kind of shut down.

>>46616210
Most insects (and arthropods) are like that.

>>46615446
Because of 2 things:
>we wanted minions
>everyone voted to chill with Caretaker
and EITHER of these would be enough to make consistent lessons with Nate impractical, which is why he stepped in to break it off.

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>>46615249
If this were a tale of valiant knights overcoming evil, you would be charging in with your sword right about now.

Instead it is your life, and you're pulling the cork on a whiskey jug.

You duck a blind swipe of the Priestess's claw. Amy is dancing with the thing, arms held in tight while she slashes and parries with her wings. The praying mantis buzzes angrily, the wings on its back whirring to life while it blocks and counter-attacks with remarkable surety for something that ought to be blind.

You withdraw a fistful of death and shape it. You know what rot looks like, what it /feels/ like. You should be able to just...create it...right?

The point is moot. Your spell shatters against the Priestess's wings like it was made of glass.

"Fuck you anyway," you growl. Jug in one hand, you duck in low and seize one of its legs. Death drains from the jug while you shape living bone.

The mantis's wings explode in a shower of fragments.

"Move!" Nathan yells, jolting you from your reverie. You leap back, just ahead of an enraged slash, and see the follow-up swipe parried by Verve. Kat is trying to get at the mantis, but she can't find purchase against its iron-studded hide.

Amy turns her shoulders, slashing at the ruins of the insect's back. Blood and viscera slather the floor in hot gobs, but when the Priestess turns to face her, Nathan catches it in the back with Verve and a hand axe.

Something there was needed for the Priestess to keep living. The mantis lets out a keening wail and topples foward, twitching in its death throes. Nathan pulls his second axe and buries it in the back of the creature's head, ending its suffering.

> Say nothing
> Amy, what the FUCK?
> Congratulate them on the kill
> Write-in?

Well today didn't go as planned thanks to /fucking Comcast/. I have to leave this vote open and go to work; I'll be back at just after midnight EST.

Questions, comments, discussion, feedback, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>46616922
>> Amy, what the FUCK?
>Then laugh

>>46616922
> Amy, what the FUCK?
> Congratulate them on the kill

>>46616922
>Get to work on our new iron studded friend. (Her name will be Rusty)

>>46616922
>Some regrets about not learning swordfighting
>MORE regrets about FIGHTING THIS FUCKING THING IN THE FIRST PLACE

you gonna explain what happened with the wings exploding? I don't recall wings classifying as bone; makes more sense to me if they just popped off from the sockets shaped to not hold wings anymore.

Rather anticlimactic, this.

>>46616922
> Well that just happened
> Amy, what the FUCK? but in a more bemused than angry tone.
>Then laugh fail to keep it from becoming hysterical

>>46617084
Bri exploded the structures that attach them and give them shape. The membrane is mostly intact and on the floor somewhere.

>>46617120
>The membrane is mostly intact and on the floor somewhere.
Trying to think of an interesting way to necromancy those into something good.

Do feel free to discuss the fate of the corpse. Direct animation is a bit of a bitch but doable; you can also take her to pieces for upgrades.

>>46617370
give the wings to the boar, and maybe some of the Iron for something else

>>46617370
Direct animation could be a good way of earning some respect when first meeting people in the roost. Direct and terrifying evidence of a noteworthy achievement.

>>46616922
>> Congratulate them on the kill

>>46616922
>> Congratulate them on the kill
>>46617617
I'm liking this idea, people will know we mean buisiness

>>46617617
Lets do this and then when we kill the spider blocking one of the exits we fuze them together

>>46617370
Let's rub Iron all over Silence

>>46617617
Supporting this; just imagine the looks on everyone's faces when we ride the Priestess into the negotiations.

>>46617617
And this is our Ambassador. If the negotiations break down, she will very honourably devour your spine.

Three and a half hours and change to call.

>>46617417
Those wings are not gonna produce flight in your boar.

>>46619783
How 'bout on one of the snakes?

>>46619921
You beautiful bastard.

>>46619921
Could work! They're constrictors, not that it'll matter if you enhance them with some justice.

>>46620164
HAHA TIME FOR ENVENOMED JUSTICE!

>>46620164
>>46620196

These snakes are big, right? Big enough to swallow an egg or hatchling whole?

Big enough for one to be the noble steed of a certain chivalrous cock?

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>>46619783
But New Hell can freeze...

>>46620349
Cocks riding snakes... The jokes, all the jokes

>>46619783
I'm more interested in the scythe arms for our boar. Making it not only great at charging, but able to shred whatever is around it ad it charges or when it stops.

Two and a half hours and change to call.

I unexpectedly got a call from a job I applied to about a year ago. I'm considering taking it on in addition to my current employment; if I do, the quest would need to move to scheduled runs, and I'd likely need a damn Twitter. I'll keep you updated.

>>46621083
Oh no, woe is us, you would have to do what every other QM on this fucking website does as opposed to being a maniac and running near constantly!

>>46621083

Woo! Congratulations and/or good luck!

>>46621234
It would cut into my other writing too.

>>46621083
Accept the job!!

>>46617120
ah, so more like the wings "rocketed" off rather than exploded.

>>46621083
>in addition
don't overload on caffeine, mister lich.

I think we should use the iron to make a full plate armor to Fetch. Or some iron claws in replacement for his natural ones.

The scythe arms for the Boar, although that will require some judicious muscle grafting and perhaps lower its capacity to trample with its front legs.

Wings for Bri, she's earned it. Make a bitchin' raiment out of it, that'll send the message to harpies.

If the leftover metal is at all special, Nate and Fetch could do with some magic res.


I am against raising the Mantis whole because the Maw will be cold as fuck, and I'm not too keen on controlling the instincts of a 100-year killer.

>>46622431
> Flying necromancer

Tell me more of this line of thought.

>>46622850
You tell me.

I didn't necessarily mean functional wings, but using the membrane to make an anti-magic cloak would be as best an upgrade for Bri's survival as we can manage.

And the wing motif is rather......appropriate, for the Roost. Both as an aesthetic, and as a trophy. It's also not overdone like skulls and stuff. She can wear the makeup/mascara, but wearing skull clothing would be redundant.

>>46622904
I don't think the wings are inherently antimagic, it's just the iron growths and force of life resisting things combined with inexperienced Bri.

>>46622904

>Dad?
>Yes son?
>Why does mama Bri have bug wings?
>Because mama Amy made us kill it, then mama Bri made a cloak out of it.
>Oh, okay!

>>46623148
This fucking family I swear.

>>46622983
This. That doesn't mean raiment is out of the question though.

Off work. Calling shortly. There'll be a vote for the mantis's final fate.

>>46623751
Fuck the flying aspect, that whole "anti-magic" thing is pretty awesome on its own. Personally, I would rather have our front line Hero wearing it as well while we continue to focus on support.

And seconding scythe arms for the Boar. We can graft them to the spine about midline so that they can swing forward to protect the head while charging or splay open to mow people down, or pin larger creatures while the boar gores the shit out of them with its tusks.

>>46623751
Could we turn the snakes into necromantic skeleton bombs? Their structure seems perfect for it and we could save on trying to make them durable or anything since we have so many. Curl them up and chuck them, or have them sneak into places and explode into poisonous corrupting death shrapnel.

>>46624730
>Curl them up and chuck them
I do believe these snakes are far larger than that.

you don't throw anacondas as much as...shove them.

>>46624711
What, like. Zergling style?

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>>46616922
"Amy, we need to talk about how you /never do this again/," you chide, in more disbelief than anything. "We could've /died/. I mean, great fight, clean kill, but holy..."

You shake your head and laugh, shakily. "Helluva fight. I...I don't think it was expecting sorcery...hahaha. That's it, isn't it? That's why it wasn't dead."

"Bri?" Amy asks, concerned.

You can't stop laughing. "No one ever cared enough to handle it! A hundred and fifty years of no fucks to give! FUCKING HILARIOUS!"

Amy flits to you and pulls you into a worried hug, her wings wrapping protectively around you while you laugh hysterically.

You hate this place so much.

"Bri?" Amy murmurs. "Bri, I'm sorry. Talk to me..."

"It's...it's okay," you manage. "This place is getting in my head. It's...it's /wrong/. It's not just the death, it's...it's everything. The fear, the betryals. The way you just /watch/ people die and do nothing. You don't...I..."

"Take your time, Bri," Amy whispers.

> There is no time. We need to move.
> Try a short explanation
> Take the time to talk it out

AND

> Keep the Priestess intact for reanimation
> Extract her usable parts and separate out the iron
> Extract her usable parts, but leave the iron in them

>>46623751
> Wing cloak for Nate

> Scythe arms for the boar

>>46625196
> Take the time to talk it out

> Extract her usable parts, but leave the iron in them

It's like, reality itself has PTSD here and it poisons everything and we're so glad she left.

>>46625197
We're not doin' formal voting on what we're making from the Priestess just yet. ATM it's reanimate vs. make stuff later.

>>46625225
> Make stuff later

That has my vote. If we extract the iron it becomes unusable with necromancy.

>>46625196
> There is no time. We need to move.

> Extract her usable parts, but leave the iron in them

>>46624786
Yes. At a size of an ultralisk.

>>46625196

> Take the time to talk it out

ALL THE PROPER COMMUNICATION. ALL THE TIME.

> Extract her usable parts, but leave the iron in them

I love the idea of keeping her intact, but we have enough minions already and she'd be more generally useful parted out.

Plus the others in the Roost are less likely to go "OH FUCK" and attack her on instinct if we're wearing her rather than having her animate corpse hang around. Same "look at how badass we are" effect, less chance of friendly fire.

>>46625196
> Take the time to talk it out
> Keep the Priestess intact for reanimation
Intimidate everyone, let them know we can back our words up

Okay. Fuck it. I was gonna call the vote and write but then I fell asleep sitting up at my desk and I need to be up in the morning anyway. Votes are open until I get back up.

Questions, comments, discussion, feedback, & criticisms are welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading & participating!

>>46625485
3 posts again today.

>>46625540
A good bit of that was Comcast's fault, though.

>>46625557
he didn't start writing until after the comcast issue was resolved.

>>46625576
Shit happens

>>46625837
often

>>46625540
Hey, let me just say, fuck you.

Vox being slow as shit is the only thing keeping me from killing myself for being a shitty writer.

>>46625196
> Take the time to talk it out

Talk as we work though, we can do two things at once for gods sake.

> Extract her usable parts, but leave the iron in them

Time to upgrade our shit! Boo-yah!

>>46624773
We will use Trebuchets.

>>46624786
And yes, pretty much. Defense, penetration on the charge, and turning into a stomping whirly twirly birdy of death.

>>46626068
It's the only thing that lets me get my votes in!

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>>46625386
This is the way to go, I think.
>Bitchin' cape or cloak for Brianna.
>Tough-as-nails hauberk for Nathan, to be worn under his greatcoat.

Maybe talk with Harry or some of the smiths from New Hell about magic protection?

>>46626219
I actually think the boar is better off without the arms. Instead, I say we preserve them for later use, to be grafted onto a giant spider or scorpion. Pic related.

>>46626068
I prefer quality over quantity anyway. Plus, life in general has a way of fucking with any set plans.

>>46626225
I'm stuck working while Vox runs, so I almost never get to vote or participate except early in the day or late at night (after he's already left, dammit).

>>46625196
>> Extract her usable parts, but leave the iron in them
I've made my case already

>>46625196
> Take the time to talk it out

AND

> Keep the Priestess intact for reanimation

>>46625196
whoops, forgot the other choice
>we'll talk in the shrine, more appropriate to explain there

>>46626306
Nah, man, then you're just left with legs all over the place. As well, I don't think the giant spider/scorpion will necessarily be heavy enough to counter-balance the arms, and are likely to have their own stuff going on.

Also, we already have the boar and it's not like stuff stays good forever. It complements the boars current capabilities quite nicely as well.

>>46625196
> Keep the Priestess intact for reanimation

We've been needing more powerful minions for a while, and the intimidation here and now could be very useful. Plus the broken jaw is only one floor, and she's bound to be useful before and after then anyway. Also it's a giant iron necromantic scyther.

>>46625196
> Take the time to talk it out
and
> Keep the Priestess intact for reanimation

>>46626527
That's also what reinforcement is for; a little bone-shaping here and there means we can have a lion-sized spider that can pull prey within reach of its very sharp fangs. And the boar is very tanky and works well as an undead battering ram. Minions to serve for offense and defense.
>Vim and Vigor are very quick and dexterous, but fragile.
>The necro-poultry are likewise quick on their feet, and can definitely be put to use with their poisonous quills, but are simply too small and breakable to handle heavy targets.
>Sir Fetch is an excellent fighter and skirmisher, but like the other undead chickens, he just doesn't have the raw muscle to serve as our vanguard.
>The Boar is VERY strong, and those dense bones can handle a prolonged fight. Once upgraded, he's going to be our meat shield, soaking up the damage that would otherwise wound or kill our precious and still very much alive party members.
>A large enough snake can work as an ambush hunter, darting in and out from cover to cripple or kill assailants occupied with other things. If it's smaller, like a viper, it can hide away inside Bri's coat to surprise attackers.
>A giant spider or scorpion can be intimidating AND practical. It can scale walls and ceilings, and not a whole lot of people would be willing to tango with an unliving creepy crawly that can bite through armor. Plus, if the silk can be retained, it has a means to ensnare or bind enemies without killing them.

Also, I really think that our boar will just look really silly with Mantis arms slapped on. We'd need a different base to attack the arms onto, if we /do/ want to go the full undead-chimera route.

>>46626779
Dude, your headcannon is significantly different than mine. Also, you still didn't have a plan for the arms.

The arms give the boar the offensive power to match it's tank, and it has the weight and the body mass to effectively wield said arms.

See >>46624711. Better protection and battering offense, it can either put the arms out like a spear to penetrate, or to block which will come in handy if we need it to carry anything or as a mount or evac wounded. It can spread the arms to mow down ranks of dudes at once. Or it can pin down larger creatures so they can't fight back while goring the shit out of them, or catch faster smaller creatures. Given the size of the Mantis and the Arms, it's the best choice.


We already have Vim and Vigor for all the jazz you want snakes for, and I honestly don't want to spread our necromantic life-force too thin trying to upgrade all of our creations. That's why I was thinking of using the snakes as cheap ass bone bombs.

And a giant spider or scorpion would be neat I guess, but unwieldy with the Mantis arms given their weight (something that isn't a concern with the boar) and once again we don't have one yet. Besides,

> It can scale walls and ceilings

Not if we strap a bunch of heavy ass limbs all over it.

> Take the time to talk it out

> Extract her usable parts, but leave the iron in them

Gentlemen, imagine: A giant constrictor snake with mantis wings, big enough to carry it, and scythe arms. It can strangle you while slashing away at you. Modes of movement include both slithering (low profile) and flying.

Hell, we could even add chainmail-/scale-like armor to it, since that's flexible enough to not be in the way.

Also, something mostly unrelated just occured to me: Didn't Bri have bone stilettos in her arms/palms? Or was that a potential application of bone shaping?

>>46627111
IIRC that is an application, but more desperate because it hurts like a bitch and fucks up your arms.

>>46627101
I'm kind of regretting posting this, because I think you guys are going full Zombie Army here. Also, because everyone wants to do THEIR neat-o gee whiz brand new thing instead of upgrading the stuff that we actually have (ending up with us having a bunch of minions that we'll be shit at multitasking due to the nature of /tg/).

But we would also have theme music for your suggestion.

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ug3FAmADsK0

Seriously though we went over for almost 4 threads why constrictors are kind of shit for minions. Was nobody else there for that?

>>46625196
>> Take the time to talk it out
> Extract her usable parts, but leave the iron in them

>>46626859
Not the other anon, and not /entirely/ against the idea of adding some bitchin' claws to our murderous swine, but we were discussing adding some armor to his frame. We might not have enough room to do both. The spider, for example, doesn't need claws to kill. Just add bone spurs to the ends of its legs. Stabbity tap dance!

Just saying to keep your options open, brosef.

>>46627101
So basically, a Thresher Maw? Huge, spits poison, has sharp talons, and can slither around? I'm not sure how powerful the wings would have to be to carry it, and we already have a lovely murderbird that can do that.

I've been playing some Mass Effect and looking at Warhammer art while lurking in the quest. Made for some weird combinations in my head.
>Lovely android with blade-wings specializing in techno-necromancy.

>>46627232
I'm not supporting ANY new minions until we get those witchbats.

>>46627232

You do make a compelling point. It might be more sensible to upgrade our existing minions, to keep our striking power concentrated.

However... the problem there is that we don't really have any minions suited for equipment like that. Vim/Vigor got no use for scythes/wings, Fetch is pretty much on the end of his upgrade plan already, the boar is not gonna be able to fly and scythes seem like they'd compromise its structure rather than enhance it.

Either way, this looks like we're gonna make something new with that stuff (whole or in parts). And having something that can fly seems like a good idea in the Roost.

(Hm, witchbats with scythe wings...)

>>46627430
Claws can double as shields like how the Mantis used them.

Really not sold on giant bugs for undead minions.

>>46627568
How the heck could the scythe arms impair the boar? That's not even a reason, just a baseless assertion.

>>46627568
You . . . You do know that the scythe arms and the wings are two different things right? And that it would be just silly to try and put something as large as the scythe arms on anything smaller than the boar. We need something like the boars spine to give enough leverage otherwise you just have a big claw that's too weak to do any actual damage. Just sits their all limp and useless. The boar has the frame to hang the musculature necessary to make the scythe arms in any way useful as well.

>>46627568
Compromise its structure? No, you misunderstand what I said above:

It would weaken trampling ability due to weight balance and redistribution of muscle mass on the front, but it will not make it easier to kill.

It would lock out a truly impregnable armor shell, but right now its vanilla and it doesn't matter.


Why in god's name would you think a bat would be able to lift a scythe arm, let alone use it? And why would you bother giving something that can already fly wings that have more muscles than the bat itself?

>>46625196
>take the time to talk it out... back at the Shrine.
There is an undead SOMETHING nearby. We need to get somewhere safe to rest and break down in hysterics.

>Keep the Priestess intact for reanimation
We can always change our mind later, but as it stand this thing will pair with Kat to be an unholy effective striker team... and we need it. If we can get it to keep the iron, it'll resist further magic and deal harshly with enemy demons (and demon-made equipment)

>>46627895
Oh, almost forgot. We need to stop with the chimera ideas for now. Our minions are enhanced versions of their base selves. We add armor or venom, not limbs. This is probably important, since those base forms evolved to work /right/ and likely take less effort from us.

>>46627914
Evolution does what works, not what is optimal. Trust me, it doesn't work "right".

And I'm all for chimeric enhancements. Muh armor and muh venom are useless.

I mean, if anything extra armor on the boar just gives us a slower minion that won't get weapons stuck in it, disarming anyone dumb enough to attack it.

But yeah, evolution is seriously not a good role model.

>>46625196
> Take the time to talk it out

> Extract her usable parts, but leave the iron in them

This reminds me of upgrades in MHQ.

>>46628372
Never seen it, but this is definitely going to be another 'Crescendo is a better name' thread. All these angry posts over spare parts /we can't even use right now because we have no minions with us/ and we still have to decide whether we want to gank the Diviner or the Lush first.

Priorities, gentleman.

>>46628372
Nah. MHQ upgrades are more fun.

>>46625196
>> Take the time to talk it out
>> Extract her usable parts, but leave the iron in them

>>46628396

In there defense, it totally was a better name, that said, nobody who isn't on the spectrum should give a shit about it anyway, as lets face it, its a footnote in the quest.

Also, we could've given her insect wings now.

>>46628672
>grafting improvised undead bits onto a living person
No. Noooooo. That is not even CLOSE to giving her the same level of flight as purpose-built wings. I'd bet she wouldn't even be able to glide with those, assuming she survives having a direct connection to necrotic energies.

>>46625196
>> Try a short explanation
>AND
>> Keep the Priestess intact for reanimation

This will be slightly more cumbersome in the short term, but will keep our options the most open for later when we have time to give some attention to the corpse.

>>46625196
>> Try a short explanation
>AND
>> Keep the Priestess intact for reanimation

I'm awake. Will call after coffee, chores.

I turned the job offer down; DLQ will proceed as usual.

>>46629665
If it's not too personal, can I ask why?

>>46629690
You know that whole published-author thing that just happened? I'd like to keep doing that and eventually make it my actual career. I've worked two jobs before; if I took it, I wouldn't have time to write.

>>46629746
Then you've got more stones than me. I'm glad the Kickstarter did well.

Were you guys going to shoot us emails for our mailing addresses, or am I just as stupid as I feel?

>>46629984
We should be. Let me poke the boss for a status update.

There we go. Home, called, tallying, writing.

I might have to call the next interlude ARTS & CRAFTS at this rate.

>>46630701
We should sit down with everyone and make macaroni art

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>>46625196
You take a shuddering breath to steady yourself. Amy squeezes softly; her eyes are worried, guilty. There's an apology in them that she can't quite say out loud.

You squeeze her back. "I'm...I'm okay, Ames. We need to dress the bug down. I'll...I'll explain while I work."

"Alright," she murmurs, opening her wings to let you get to work. She gives you a kiss on the cheek and lets you go.

You kneel next to the Priestess and reach for your grandfather's knife without thinking about it. Your fingers close on empty air. You close your eyes and take a deep breath; it went to a good home.

You draw one of your other knives and get to work.

"This place," you start, and then you stop. That's not where you want to begin this. "You remember me talking about my family? We serve communities. We advise, we observe, we help. Not just by being the someone, but by, y'know, caring."

"I remember," Amy agrees.

"We...I...am sensitive to how communities feel. Which I hope makes sense, considering. And this place...this place feels wrong. This isn't a community, it's a prison, and it digs its disease into the people that live here and makes them...worse." You sigh. "I hate that feeling. I've never been somewhere like this and it's horrifying."

The insect is surprisingly easy to take to pieces now that it's holding still. You remove her head - you'll need it to prove she's dead - as well as her scythes, her legs, and segments of her chitinous plating. Amy wraps it all in a bundle and throws it over her back to bring to the shrine.

"We'll make it better," Amy promises.

"We don't have time," you tell her, shaking your head. "...But we can throw our support behind someone who will."

> Go to the dwarves and tell them the good news
> You're in a killing mood already; hunt the draugs
> Interrogate John

* * * *

You are Brigette the Poet. This conversation is not pleasant.

"What do you mean, /no/?" you snap at Lora. "She's /hurt/. I can /help/."

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>>46631883
"I mean 'no'," the angel says flatly. "You don't know what you're asking."

"Teaching me to turn people into fucked-up flesh flowers was fine but 'heal' is the thing that's going to wreck the universe?" you snark. "No wonder this place is a shitshow."

You haven't had a drink since the last time you talked to Brianna.

You really need one.

"This can be a lesson or an argument, Brigette," Lora tells you. "Choose one."

> Fuck you, you're not my mother
> ...I just want to help Jewel. Please.
> I'm sorry. It's been...rough...lately.

>>46631883
> You're in a killing mood already; hunt the draugs

&^%(*&^*^ MURDER NOW!

> Deep breath. Pause.
> Another deep breath.
> *mumbled* ...Sorry.
> ...I just want to help Jewel. Please.

>>46631883
>> Interrogate John
>>46631920
>> I'm sorry. It's been...rough...lately.

>>46631883
> You're in a killing mood already; hunt the draugs
Killing spree
> I'm sorry. It's been...rough...lately.
I am interested in hearing Lora's explanation for this.

>>46629984
There's an update on the KS page that addresses this but the TL;DR is we'll send emails when things are closer to done. I just proofread the PDF of the guts of the book so, y'know. Soon(tm).

I need to go be Gainfully Employed until just after 8 PM EST. I'll see you all then and continue the run.

Questions, comments, discussion, feedback, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated. You folks have helped me improve, and I'm very grateful.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>46631883
>Interrogate John
>>46631920
>I'm sorry. It's been...rough...lately.

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>>46632018
>>46632009
Did someone say RAMPAGE?!

>>46631883
>> Go to the dwarves and tell them the good news
>>46631920
> ...I just want to help Jewel. Please.
> I'm sorry. It's been...rough...lately.

>>46631883
>Go to the dwarves and tell them the good news

>I want to help Jewel

>>46631920
>KILL
> Help Jewel

>>46631883
>Go to the dwarves and tell them the good news.
Also, see if they can make us some spiffy new clothes and armor out of the former-Priestess.

>>46631920
>...I just want to help Jewel. Please.

>>46631883
> Go to the dwarves and tell them the good news

>>46631920
> ...I just want to help Jewel. Please.

Four and a half hours and change to call. In a related story, my phone is now trained to say that.

Bump!

Three hours to call.

Questions and discussion remain welcome.

>>46631920
>> ...I just want to help Jewel. Please.

Hour and a half and change to call.

>>46631920
> You're in a killing mood already; hunt the draugs
In a weird way, I think this is the most diplomatic thing we can do here. The Roost respects killing. It respects strength. It respects people who get rid of problems. If we do that, we'll have more clout to throw behind whoever we end up supporting.

> Fuck you, you're not my mother
I dunno, this just feels like Brigette to me.

>>46631920
> Interrogate John

Killing shit because we're unhappy is the worst reason, and playing in to how the roost makes you a shitty person. Also, what with the whole death draining thing, the draugs might not really be all at fault here. I mean, a corpse eater is useful for funerals and such.

> I'm sorry. It's been...rough...lately.

Besides, we can always have an argument later.

>>46631883
>> Interrogate John
no arrogance

>>46631920
>...then what will help Jewel?

>>46631920
> Interrogate John

> Why can't it be a lesson and an argument?

>>46638889
This so much this!!

>>46637920
Except draug specifically need to consume living, sentient flesh.

If they were /only/ eating snakes and spiders and other troublesome pests or predators, the Harpies would probably welcome them.

>>46638889
Sounds like my family.

Off work a bit late. Gonna call in thirty or so, after I get some food.

Home. Called, writing, archiving thread.

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>>46631920
Lora isn't /indifferent/, just - just /patient/. She looks at you calmly, seemingly completely serious about having an argument if you want one.

But you don't, do you? That won't help anyone at all.

"Please," you murmur. "How can I help her? Why won't the Tongue work?"

"The Divine Tongue could work," Lora corrects. "On the lips of a more experienced speaker, with more focused will, it could work. But from what you tell me, your assassin is not alone."

"She's a healer's apprentice. She made that choice when she refused Seraphina's offer."

Lora looks like she's considering that, and then she nods. "Yes. You are correct. But the ghost complicates matters. Bound as it is to Jewel, your word will attempt to affect her unless you can speak it with /absolute certainty/. And I do not believe you capable of such certainty."

"...What if I think I am?"

"You do not want me to test you on this."

"She'll be /months/ recovering, Lora," you plead.

"So will you, if you fail."

> Insist
> Accept

>>46641180
>> Insist

Thread archived.

>>46629984
Are you still taking requests, my friend? I've a mind to secure a second quest banner so I can alternate when starting a new thread.

>>46641180
>Accept

honestly, if the concept of entropy tells you that in her personal opinion you're not ready for something, then you're proably not ready for it.

>>46641180
>Accept

Not worth risking Cherry.

I don't want to see what the Divine language would do in trying to 'heal' a possessing ghost.

>>46641180
>Accept
Months is not a big deal. She has time, more time than everyone else.

>>46641180
>> Accept

I don't think Brigette is dumb enough to think she knows better than Lora about the Divine Tongue...

>>46641180
>> Accept
But still complain.

You need a drink.

>>46641180
> Accept
... ghost puts it out of our hands. The risk/reward is too high.

>>46641180
>Insist
To play devil's advocate here, I feel like if we don't actual try this, then Bridgette is going to doubt herself and not be able to fully preform the next time stuff like this comes up.

Not only that, but I would think that healing a ghost would wind up either making her corporal or attempt to fuse their soul which might be neat.

>>46642097
>attempt to fuse their soul
>might be neat
found the wizard, it's about time we got a "no sense of right or wrong" opinion

>>46642097

I'ma say "that way lies zombie armies" and leave it there.

Called, writing shortly.

>>46642906
Zombie Armies - better than regular armies.

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>>46642953

>>46642976
When people say "bring a skeleton crew", this is NOT what they meant.

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>>46641180
Lora's gaze is steady, not challenging. She means it, but there's something else in her face - fear.

You sigh. "I...okay. I believe you."

There is a flap of mighty wings, and Lora bestows a soft kiss on your forehead. "I know you want to help," the angel murmurs. "You can help no one if you are dead. We're almost out of time."

Fuck it. If you don't ask now you might never ask. "Lora, do you have feelings for me?"

The angel freezes, her breath caught in her throat, and offers you the loudest silence you've ever heard.

"That's not awkward," you murmur.

"It's none of your concern."

"Like hell it -"

Your eyes snap open in the middle of you trying to stand indignantly, and the end result is that you fall out of your cot in a heap. Jewel is resting on your bed, and gives you a concerned look as you're picking yourself up, cursing and spitting.

"Brigette, are you alright?" she asks, her voice all worry. Worry! Multiple bones broken, damage everywhere in her body, she can still barely breath after Seraphina choked and drowned her, and she's worried about /you/.

"Nothing. Yes. No. Urgh!" You throw your hands in the air and make an exasperated noise. "Coffee! I'll be back, okay?"

"I'll be here," Jewel jokes, wanly.

You stalk into one of the common kitchen areas. With the staff returned, the heated stones used for cooking are more in evidence. They treat you warily, though some of the braver ones talk to you at times. The Caretaker encourages them to be kind to you. His acceptance of your new role bothers you, on some level. You wronged him, and it's like he doesn't even /care/.

There's a pot of coffee on. There's also a bottle of rum, left on the counter by someone who clearly believes in things like drinking from cups.

You swallow, hard.

> Coffee
> Rum
> Nope out and go anywhere else

We're going back to Brianna after this vote.

>>46643245
>> Apple juice

It's how my Grandpa got sober

>>46643245
>DRINK, DRINK, DRINK
Hangon, wrong quest.

>Nope out
>get warm milk

>>46643311
> Hangon, wrong quest.

I would like to know more.

>>46643245
>Irish it up.

Normally coffee, cream, and whiskey, but rum and milk will do

>>46643245
>>46643305
>Apple juice

>>46643332
Wanting Lora to be a drunkard again....

Anon.....

>>46643391
Brigette, my friend. Lora is the angel.

>>46643402
Right right, sorry about that. I was going to say Bri but that's Brianna's nickname then I guess I fucked up the rest.

>>46643245
>> Rum
Pick it up. Set it back down. Pick it up and hold it. Then chuck it and scream. Follow it up by.
>> Nope out and go anywhere else

>>46643245
>Coffee
Promise to change !

>>46643319
If they said something about flasks I'd be certain for Blorp's Hyperdimension Dwarf Fortress quest, but Iduno maybe some other quests also drink a lot.

>>46643245
> Coffee

>>46643245
> Nope out and go anywhere else

>>46643245
>Coffee
Change is a bitch, but addiction is the abusive parent.

>>46643245
>Nope out and go anywhere else
I feel like we should practise our use of the Divine Tongue a bit more, now that I think about it, is the reason why mortal's can't use the Divine Tongue due to the God's being worried that mortals will learn how to tongue them with their own words?

Would that explain why Lora has a crush on our book nerd here?

After all since she's been using the tongue all up and down Lora's domain that would mean that Bridget's been tonguing Lora all for about what ten years now? No wonder the girl/entropy representation is crushing hard. That no good librarian has been leading her on!

>>46644229
I choked on my water.

In all honesty, the big reason is the same reason the gods /themselves/ don't do it a lot. The Divine Tongue speaks /truth/ and doesn't care what it has to break, warp, twist, or replace to make its syllables true. Its potential power is staggering. It was instrumental in singing the world from the void so that it could be forged by the gods and helped describe the laws upon which creation operates. Its skilled use makes the speaker the closest thing to a god a mortal or angel can possibly get. Its /unskilled/ use could cause pain and devastation on a massive scale.

Normally, attempting to learn the Divine Tongue runs into the forbiddance laid upon it, which zaps the shit out of you until you stop being an idiot. This forbiddance was never established in the Dungeon and was instead replaced by the various books that contain words in the Tongue being off-limits to mortals. When Brigette joined with Richard, they subverted that law and gained access to the knowledge.

Lora intends on correcting the flaw in her defenses the moment she's free, but in the meantime, Brigette has what no member of the Firstborn ever had before: a teacher in the language of gods.

>>46644301
Always glad to get a laughor near choking to death experiance

That being said would that mean then that when Gods ever get into it and debate they would wind up doing what Dragons do in Skyrim but shouting out concepts and truth at one another until one side gives up by the conviction behind it?

Or is this more along the lines of God A says x will be true and it will be so, while God B wanting to subvert X would say that X will only occur when Y situation will happen.

Basically since everything that is spoken in the Divine Tongue is /TRUTH/ unaltered and solid, would attempting to disprove those things lead to a Dogma scenairo? Where if you prove God wrong you literally undo EVERYTHING God ever decreed and made into being? Simply becuase you proved the word of God wrong?

>>46644366
There can always be a new truth. Conflicts in the Tongue are exercises in will, subervsion, and cunning - and they have massive collateral damage.

The power of the Divine Tongue has motivated quite a bit of what is now the status quo. It lead to the invention of what is now known as the demonic language, motivates the laws and agreements that bind the five Gods of Creation, is the source of their choice to conflict with one another through proxies and bets, and was a major factor in the death of the Nameless God and the forging of the terrible Spear whose fragments are entombed in the Lichyard.

Remember, this is the language that described Lora into being, not just as the vital force of entropy but as a thinking and feeling being with a personality. It's major shit, and without a very clear sense of will and purpose, it will run away from you, as words do, and describe things you did not intend.

Called, writing. Final update of the night.

>>46643402
..Could we get Lora drunk? I mean, what could go wrong!

>>46644496
Now I want to know if there are any 'mistakes' living in the Dungeon. They'd have some real reasons to want to get back at the Gods.

>>46641241
I am indeed; life's just been getting in the way of my drawing time, that's why you haven't seen me in a while.

Working night shift all the time sucks serious balls, and I'm hoping to get a new job during the day. With luck, in the next month.

>>46644732
> ..Could we get Lora drunk?

Yes

> Now I want to know if there are any 'mistakes' living in the Dungeon. They'd have some real reasons to want to get back at the Gods.

Lemme quote the first thread at you real quick.

> There is no other name for it, though academics snap and snarl at the inaccuracy of it. The Dungeon is ancient, and vast, and ever-changing. It spans miles beneath the earth, in labyrinths and caverns, with rivers, cities, and would-be nations within its depths. Ever since humanoids discovered the Dungeon they have used it as a dumping ground for the things they would prefer to forget, but that is not all it is; ancient things move down in the dark, and its secrets - and opportunities - draw thieves, academics, sorcerers, and glory hounds alike. If one is brave, lucky, and vigilant, one can make one's entire life from the Dungeon.

> I am indeed; life's just been getting in the way of my drawing time, that's why you haven't seen me in a while.

No worries, my friend. I've apprecaited the work you've done thus far - it's nice having images on hand, and your work's fun.

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>>46643245
Your eyes linger on the bottle. You cross the room, heart in your throat, and closer your fingers around the neck of the glass. You lift it, then set it back down.

In the end, you put it back in the cupboard where it belongs and leave the room as fast as you dare.

Finding Victoria's fairly easy. You give your lover a tight hug from behind and nestle into her steadying presence. She lays a knowing hand on yours and strokes your hair.

"How did it go with Lora?" she asks you, quietly.

"She said I wasn't ready to learn it," you murmur. "...And I think she's in love with me."

"I bet the sex would be killer."

"/Vic/!"

"La petit morte?"

"Damnit, Vic!"

* * * *

You are Brianna la Croix, journeyman necromancer, and it's been an up-and-down kind of day. Now you need to interrogate a dead man.

Amy is currently being berated in alternating lorshan and bird sounds by Diving Shadow, first for being stupid enough to tangle with the Priestess, and second for not telling you and Nathan beforehand. Your lover looks like a schoolgirl caught with her hand in the cookie jar. You, on the other hand, have dragged John's limp corpse into the main room and tied him up thoroughly. You have Nathan on hand in case he wakes up hungry and angry, which seems a lot more likely than you want it to be.

"You sure you want to do this now?" Nathan asks, not in doubt, but as an offer.

"I need to /do/ something," you tell him. "Stay steady. I'll let you know if I need something violent done."

You release your sorcery's grip on John. The draug snaps to in a frenzy of snarls and thrashing, like a mad dog; you hold a hand up to keep Nathan from attacking immediately.

"John!" you snap, forcefully. The sound of his name makes the undead pause, and he looks at you with a confused look that eventually sharpens into focus.

"Hungry?" you murmur.

"Like the tax-man for sorrow," he croaks.

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>>46645033
You shift on your heels and get a cigarette from the wooden box that holds them. You offer it out to John - the draug leans forward to take it in his lips - and light it. He flinches from the flame of your clockwork lighter, but lets it happen. His first breath is a visible relief.

"You told me that you were looking for a version of this where you keep existing," you tell him. "Give me a good reason."

"...I, too, am a victim of life?"

"Not gonna fly. Draugs are scourges on the living. I know it, you know it."

He sighs. "It was worth a try. And my information on its own isn't enough, is it?"

You shake your head. "What you know will aid me in avenging you on your killer. That's payment enough."

"Aye, that it is." John sighs smoke through his nose. "...What is it you want?"

> Nothing; John must content himself with revenge
> Nothing; tell him you'll give him time to sort his affairs before destroying him
> His oath of fealty, sworn in this sacred place. Good service for good lordship
> Write-in?

>>46645033
Ah French, a beautiful Romance language designed for casual fucking.

>>46645085
>There are a lot more of you than I can handle alone; would you be willing to help us put the others to rest?
>In the meantime, you'll have to sate yourself with snake or spider meat. Violate this agreement on pain of immediate destruction.
>If you aren't comfortable with this, you'll tell me everything you know about the other Draug, the vampires, the Broken Jaw, and the Diviner. Then, I send you home to the Sunless Lands.

We're going to need an extra pair of hands (Diving Shadow's help has been appreciated, but she's better suited to fighting out in the open air, not the tunnels), and if we begin talks with other murders to side against Razor Feathers', then his testimony will have value.

And now I really need to go the fuck to sleep. Votes remain open.

Questions, comments, feedback, discussion, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

> Apple juice
> Nope out and go anywhere else

Now's as good a time as any to continue not being an addict.

>>46644496
> death of the Nameless God
> Lora, vital force of entropy and death, made by the gods

Nowaitaminutehere.

Ffs, too late again for voting! D:

Let's try that again!

...

...shit, I don't like any of those options, and I don't have a write-in at hand either. I'll be back.

>>46645085
I'm leaning towards this: >>46645156
We need John with us for a while at least, but does snek meat even count?

>>46645394
It's worth a shot. I don't know if it's a matter of their manner of death before reanimation (starvation and cannibalism), or if its magical in nature (these draugs were human, so human flesh is required to sustain them).

Vox will probably clarify later in the morning when he calls the vote.

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>>46644790
Okay lich, this is just a rough sketch. I'm hoping to really hammer this into shape tomorrow morning after work. Tried using some references, but I'm not sure how well that worked. Still using MS Paint, but I'm hoping it doesn't look like absolute trash.

I've also got a couple ideas for future banners based on the new arcs/levels/characters, like one for the Roost with splashes of blood and feathers, or one for New Hell made of molten iron in a forge.

The lettering is going to /hopefully/ resemble smoke trailing off from her cigarette. I'm also still terrible with color, so..yeah. Need to head back to bed and get some rest before another night of soul-crushing fun.

>>46646035
>one for the Roost with splashes of blood and feathers
I'm hype for that one. A mantis silhouette at the bottom with glowing eyes and colored scythes?

Black, pristine feathers falling from above, contrasted by the bloodied harpy feathers for the rest of the banner?

>>46646086
Kinda, yeah. Have each of them stand out, but have recurring elements, like cigarette smoke, bones, blood or chains.
>Basement: A bottle of wine, some roses, a saber, chains and a skull.
>Lichyard: Quest title engraved on a gravestone with a zombie clawing at the stone. Maybe some gold coins and a splash of blood.
>Atheneum: Quest title is emblazoned on the spine of several books.
>Mine: Quest title is spelled out in bullets and broken chains, with blood pooled underneath.
>New Hell: Quest title is an abstract illusion, being formed by the perspective of an interior of a smithy (the U in Dungeon being formed by a shield, for example).

>>46643319
Yup, HDFQ. Was waiting for a proper stopping point to mention it.

>>46646147
>Lichyard
make the claw grasp the coins instead, while a spear has impaled through the gravestone

>Mine
just post the /k/ cube
I mean, that sounds alright, yeah.

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>>46645033
>"I bet the sex would be killer."
>"/Vic/!"
>"La petit morte?"
>"Damnit, Vic!"
This girl is to die for.

>>46646486
Well, she does have a killer body.

>>46645085
>> His oath of fealty, sworn in this sacred place. Good service for good lordship

>>46645085
>His oath of fealty, sworn in this sacred place. Good service for good lordship

>>46645085
>> Nothing; tell him you'll give him time to sort his affairs before destroying him

>>46645085
>> Nothing; tell him you'll give him time to sort his affairs before destroying him
If he can come up with a reason we shouldn't destroy him, some assurance that his continued existence will be anything but a blight on the world, we should be open to it. But it's not our responsibility to figure that out for him.

>>46645085
>Nothing; tell him you'll give him time to sort his affairs before destroying him

>>46645085
> offer to let him get his affairs in order before sending him to the sunless land

> Or to let you try to experiment on him to end his hunger/change him into something else by petitioning Lora

We god God on our side, yo.

>>46645085
>> Nothing; tell him you'll give him time to sort his affairs before destroying him

> Ask him if he holds some sway with the other draugs

Otherwise

> Nothing; tell him you'll give him time to sort his affairs before destroying him

You got nothing to offer to us and we got nothing for you beyond a small mercy.

I'm awake! Votes are still open; I need to take care of some minor but vital Real Life Shit.

>>46646035
>>46646147
Wee phone posting.

Banner's lookin' good! And sweet zombie fucking Jesus, a banner for every level? You /sure/?

Home, called, writing. Thank you for your patience.

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>>46645085
You shake your head quietly. "There's nothing I want, John. But I'm not cruel. I'd like to give you time to set your affairs in order before I guide you to the Sunless Lands. The gods will be kind to you."

"They shouldn't be," the draug says flatly. "...Define 'affairs'."

"Goodbyes, if there are any to say," you murmur. "And, should you choose, I'll take you with me into the Broken Jaw. You can watch your killer die. Maybe even get a piece of her."

"...I'm scared to die, necromancer."

"Everyone is," you tell him softly. "And for what little it's worth, I am sorry it's ending like this for you. But you died once already, and your home is beyond the Veil. You'll be given every respect."

"You have a deal."

> Ask about the Smokers first
> Ask about the Broken Jaw
> Ask if he has anyone left to say goodbye to
> Write-in?

> Ask if he has anyone left to say goodbye to

Let's be cordial about this.

>>46650700
>> Ask if he has anyone left to say goodbye to

>>46650700
>Ask if he has anyone left to say goodbye to

>>46650700
>Ask if he has anyone left to say goodbye to, be gentle and compassionate. Then get to the matter of the Smokers.

We need to know the Smokers numbers, equipment, and especially that damned healer.

We'll get to the Broken Jaw /eventually/. John's not the only person we can ask about it. We'll probably have an opportunity to either research it in the Atheneum or interrogate one of the Diviner's henchman.

>>46649447
It's not /that/ big of a thing. If all goes well, I'll have a new and stable schedule during the day that will allow me the free time to /actually do the fucking things I need or want to do/.

Also, critique? I genuinely want to know what you and fellow anon's like and dislike about my art and the new banner.

>>46646035
Bri's chin, nose, lips and ear feel..off. I'm not particularly adept at faces. I have LIFE to deal with, but I'll be getting to it tomorrow.

>>46650700
>> Ask if he has anyone left to say goodbye to

>>46651203
I'll agree that the lips and chin feel a bit off. The cigarette, too, is a bit...blunt?

>>46651251
I always pictured the smokes to look more similar to a shorter, thinner, Cuban cigar.

>>46651306
That's about what I was thinking too, but I'm afraid I'm actually not all that familiar with tobacco terminology. My ex was the smoker, not me, and she stuck to Pall Malls and the like. I need to hit up some friends of mine and talk smokes for an hour or three...

>>46651203

I'll have a closer look with art critique in the morning.
Where'd you like it? In this thread?

Called, writing shortly.

>>46651203
I don't think the features feel "off" in a general sense, but I do feel like the chin and jaw seem like those of a more physically powerful woman. This is actually a pattern I've noticed in your art. People seem to have a lot of mass to them. Not like they're fat, but like they're /strong/. It works for some characters, especially Lora. I'm not so sure about it in someone like Bri, who certainly isn't a wimp, but also isn't a hardened warrior or anything.

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>>46650700
You take out and light a cigarette of your own. "No one made it out of the Jaw alive, did they?" you ask, softly.

"The damn vampires did," John mutters.

"They don't count. Do you...who is left, for you to offer closure to?" you ask, gently.

"I had a sweetheart, in Port Atrium," John tells you. "I was an ice miner, made my living bringing ice from the Jaw to the Sunless Sea for people in the Port. Atrium's right at the bottom of the Drop that leads from the Jaw, can't miss it. Her name's Emily. She makes glass..."

"I'm sorry," you murmur.

"You can untie me. I've got a grip on myself."

You nod to Nathan, who unties the draug. You stand and offer him a hand up. John's grip is frozen, as the rest of his body is, but he seems steady.

The door opens, admitting Hunting Talon. There's a moment of awkward quiet, in which the sound of Amy still being lectured floats into the room, before the harpy turns his attention to you.

"Razor Feathers wants to speak to you," he tells you. "She doesn't want to fight. My murder can escort you."

> Accept
> Decline
> Emergency war meeting

>>46653093
> Accept

>>46653093
> Emergency war meeting

>>46653093
>> Accept

This is obviously a Trap but hey

>>46653093
>> Accept
> But be prepared for a trap.

We should at least *hope* it's for real.

>>46653093
>> Accept
BUT
"She can meet us here."

Called, writing shortly. We're kinda perilously close to bump limit here but I have to be to work by 6:15 so...I guess we'll see.

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>>46653093
"Alright," you agree. "Lemme get Amy. Someone give John his stuff back."

"You're taking that /thing/ with you?" Hunting Talon asks.

"Hey," John protests. "Her hat isn't /that/ tacky."

You stare at the two of them. "At this rate I'm going to kill you both and throw you over the altar. Yes, John's coming with me. He's chosen to aid me and I'm responsible for him as a result."

"...Fine."

Getting everyone and their equipment around is a matter of about five minutes. Amy carries Nathan; Diving Shadow has you in one talon and John in the other, her grip surprisingly gentle. Hunting Talon's murder forms an honor guard as the five of you ascend.

Razor Feathers and her murder await on a broad, flat outcropping of stone that is likely the source of the Perch's name. You're hit by a feeling of concentrated death, coming from the man standing next to her - an older human, with gray in his hair and lines on his face, whose belt is filled with hatchets.

There is no rage in his eyes - just murderous, callous indifference.

Diving Shadow sets you down, and you take a step forward. "Razor Feathers?"

"La Croix," the harpy woman answers, with a nod of her head.

"We're here to talk."

"I know." Razor Feathers stretches her wings, languidly. "Kill them. Spare the cripple, Talon wants her alive."

You throw yourself flat to avoid the first swooping harpy, roll away from the second, and kip to your feet with rage pounding in your chest.

Amy's scream of rage pierces the battlefield: "TRAITOR!"

> Run
> Fight
> Jump

>>46654386
>Run&Jump
>but blast her with one of those bone-exploding wands first
>ideally in slow motion while jumping and flipping her the bird with the other hand

>>46654386
>The question here is, can we manipulate his bones in such way as to turn him inside out?

>And then roll for intimidate?

>>46654386
>> Fight
Rot talons wings as our first move

>>46654386
>> Run

Oh wow, didn't see that coming.

>>46654386
> Run

>>46654449
Admittedly, we really should have.

>>46654386
>fight

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>46654386
> Jump

>Free Your mind

We have to realize, this world is a simulation, we are all trapped inside of it.

>>46654386
>> Fight

Kill Razor Feathers and the Hatchet Man, and I bet her murder would fall in line pretty fast.

And we have John to help/be cannon fodder for us this time, too.

>>46654524
You know, if we enable amys mom to do it she gets full control of the roost right?

>>46654486
I was trying to use sarcasm, doesn't translate well over text.

And now, Gainful Employment. If the thread drops, it drops; I'll make a new one when I get home. Otherwise, I'll call the vote and write just after midnight EST.

Questions, comments, discussion, feedback, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>46654524
I think we can let Diving Shadow and Amy can handle Razor Feathers, we just need to blind the Hatchet Man and anyone else in range. John can take a bite out of his jugular and take the hits from those hatchets that'd kill a normal man.

If we can to pinpoint rotting, we can cripple or kill any other harpies that come at us. Nathan? Just tell him to unshackle that shadow of his and go to fucking town.

>>46654583
Maybe, but I doubt she wants anything to do with control of the Roost.

Hunting-Talon is definitely not going to be in charge, since he was willing to trade our lives for Amy's.

>>46654672
I work tonight, but I've got tomorrow, so more doodles!

>>46655147
I think I might need to rephrase this; Hunting-Talon has proven himself untrustworthy by selling Brianna and Nathan out, even if it was to protect Amy.

Probably do the same thing if I were in his place, but then again, I'm not a Hero.

>>46654386
We dont actually die when killed, kinda want to point that out.

>>46654386
> Fight

Target the hatchet man. How are we for minions? Do we have Vim and Vigor with us?

> Shout out to Talon that if he doesn't want Amy to kill him then he still has a chance to help us.

Reminder that we were told that height = power and jumping just paints a target on our back. It was spelled out how bad an idea that would be.

>>46655414
But Nathan, Amy, and Diving Shadow (and John) do, and we lose at least a day when we die. We'd be much more able to help them if we stayed alive, and they'd likely be captured or killed if we do die.

They might also completely forget our existence, considering what happened last time, though I doubt Vox'd be quite enough of a gigantic twat to erase all of our relationships now.

>>46655147
Don't forget we have Kat with us!

Also, calling hatchet man for being a vampire. Or from Bunraku.

>>46655586
Nigger, it's like you don't want death to still be a punishment.

ALL WAIFUS DIE IF WE GO DOWN

>>46654386
>Fight
Release the wrath of the Ancestors on these assholes. Show them that crossing a La Croix has dire consequences.

>>46654386
>> Fight
Kill Hatchet Man, de-wing Razor Feathers, de-wing Talon

Actually, thats a good idea, we have them retreat and suicidally take on the murder harpy.

>>46655619
Never said I'd be opposed to it (I wouldn't LIKE it, but I wouldn't drop the quest over it), just that Vox strikes me as the kind of GM who wouldn't punish us like that unless we did something supremely idiotic.

>>46655586
>>46656147
The penalty for death was established before I ever started the quest and has not changed. A look at earlier threads may hint at it.

Four hours and change.

>>46654386
>> Fight
Let's summon something, because we are VERY outnumbered by murderbirds

>>46654386
>Fight
>Remark that you know it is a trap, just you know a very obvious one.
>"Only reason I accept is because I don't wanna climb all the way up here to kill you"
Maximum snark

>>46654386
>> Fight

If we don't, someone else besides us is less likely to survive; and there's low chances of running from a good ambush.

'sides, if we win, the Roost is OURS. High reward.

>>46655889
Jesus, going hard right out of the gate huh.

So, do you guys roll for shit in this quest, or is it just "gotcha" DM Dickery shit like this all the time? What's next, is Vox going to kill off our family to give us a tragic back story?

>>>/lit/ is where stories go.

That being said, it is a pretty good story. Group fiction can be pretty fun.

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>>46657227
Here's your (you), you can leave now.

>>46657227
Er...about that whats next point anon...

>>46657142
Outnumbered and outmaneuvered, I reckon that this is the sort of situation where we pull our ace out rather than risking losing an ally. Also Bri is fuckin' pissed.

>>46657330
Oh Jesus. Yeah, reading through the pastebins now. It's . . .

Well, I guess Zeonquest went well. Kind of video-game with how there's a power-up creature to kill and get material from every level, kinda seems like it's happening a lot truth be told.

And hey! No perma-death! Fantastic, you can do retarded shit like walk into traps and save-scum your way past them.

I think this quest could be improved is what I'm saying, but hey I'm not the only person on /tg/ so you guys do what you do, I can't stop you from having fun.