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>>48163681
The Unlucky Bastard's been busy these last few days, with newcomers wanting to sample surface cuisine and learn all manner of things. The folks from the Roost don't seem comfortable without a roof over their head, but they relax and prove surprisingly personable in the shared space.

Except some jackass decided to pick a fight. Well. Not 'some' jackass. Michael.

You're supposed to be off-duty, gods damn it.

Michael's first swing misses the lean human he directs it at, but the follow-up sinks into the newcomer's gut, doubling him over. You're about to stand up - neither of them know you're /here/ - when the Rooster pulls a gleaming knife, a feral expression in his eyes.

Behind him, a dark-haired young woman with a raven pendant moves faster than you would've thought possible. She slams the man's face into the counter of the bar and throws him to the ground before picking up and swinging her barstool in one smooth, clean motion. It breaks across Michael's shoulder - the same arm Nathan broke, not too long ago, which breaks /again/ from the impact. Michael cries out, sobbing while he clutches his arm.

"The /fuck/ were you /thinking/?" the girl says to the man on the ground, pointing at him. Her glare makes him stay down when he was starting to get back up.

> Let it happen
> Intervene

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>>48163681
>Intervene
He's baaaaaack!

>>48163803
>Intervene

>>48163803
>Intervene
vox :3

>>48163803
>> Let it happen
> Unless Michael looks in danger of getting himself /actually/killed

Let's see what she can do with him.

>intervene
Fuck Michael
Welcome back Vox

>>48163803
>> Intervene

IT'S BACK

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

>>48163803
> Let it happen
> Unless Michael looks in danger of getting himself /actually/killed

>>48163803
Let it happen.

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Thank you all for your patience during my hiatus; it was very nice to spend time with my son, and it also helped clear my head.

Take a repost of the map, as well as NEW WORLDBUILDING DOCUMENT: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WSc1IgYTqIsZOzE7YQ7bbDD5chVdlaW9n4e_Hc-wOF0/edit?usp=sharing

>>48163934
Please remember, as usual, to

> Greentext your votes

My friend.

>>48163803
>Intervene
>Knife pulling is a no, and this could very well get out of hand.

>>48163803
>> Intervene
even if its to provide local authority

Calling in ten.

Called, writing.

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>>48163803
You finish standing up. Michael's not going anywhere, but this needs a professional touch.

"Priestess, I didn't -" the man on the floor begins, only to get interrupted.

"Didn't what? Didn't think? I know! We're /embarrassingly good at that/. Pulling a knife in a fucking barfight? I oughta pin your hand to the floor with it and -"

You tap her on the shoulder, duck on instinct from the backhanded blow you know is coming, catch her other wrist, and offer the olive-skinned girl an easy smile. "Captain Miller, Glen Militia," you say by way of introduction. "You're fast."

"Thank you," she accepts. The moment you introduced yourself she stopped struggling; when you let her go, you are remarkably un-struck. "Briony of the Roost, acting priestess of the Raven."

"You speak for the Roosters?" you ask, mildly.

"...Depends," she answers coyly. "/Do/ I? If I do, I've got this handled and I thank you for, but do not need, your support. If I don't, I ain't taking the fall for it."

You raise your eyebrows.

She raises hers back.

"The town council might not like me making that decision," you say at last.

"If only they were here," the young priestess answers.

> Alright, have it your way
> No, these men are mine
> Suppose I say yes. What would you do?

>>48164506
>> Alright, have it your way

>>48164506
>> No, these men are mine

The Council may need to care about whom she speaks for when dealing with larger matters, but here and now, Miller's in charge.

>>48164506
>> Suppose I say yes. What would you do?

>>48164506

> Suppose I say yes. What would you do?

>>48164506
> Suppose I say yes. What would you do?

>>48164506
>Suppose I say yes. What would you do?
Funny thing, she actually 'disturbed the peace' more than either the Rooster or Michael at this point.
Michael doesn't seem to be able to learn, at all.

Aight, vote extended for real life stuff. This should be the first and only extension today, presuming things go according to plan.

I'm intending on following my previous/usual run schedule, which means running around my day job. I'm gonna be manning a gas station for the foreseeable future, which'll mean I have the chance to do Q&A from my phone but not exactly update. You'll be kept apprised.

>>48164506
> Alright, have it your way
This sounds like a great way to make all of this not our (Miller's) problem.

Thirty minutes or so to call. In a related story, my family cannot give directions for shit.

Home, called, writing. That's the very last interruption.

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>>48164506
You give her a thoughtful look, and you're getting increasingly glad you didn't try to hit her back. You've broken up a fight or two between Roosters and Glen's citizens and you're not sure there's been any malice in them. She certainly seems to think nothing worth commenting on happened.

Though her body language is odd. Almost...crow-like. Half the time when the human Roosters or the dwarf Roosters are talking to the harpy ones there's exchanges that seem to happen without words, or with this weird bare minimum of them.

You don't know what you're dealing with here. Maybe it's time you found out.

"Let's say, theoretically, that I say yes," you begin. "What is it you'd do?"

"Now, or overall?" she clarifies, cocking her head. You /know/ you've seen that. That's the look the crows give you when they're wondering if you'll give them part of a kill, or watching you do something interesting.

"Both," you answer.

Briony helpfully steps on the man on the ground, who groans at the weight on his chest. "This chucklefuck goes with you," she explains. "Because he knows what he did wrong, doesn't he?"

"Yes," the unfortunate groans.

"And peace is everyone's responsibility," Briony continues. "So he goes with you, because he's /very sorry/," she presses down with her boot, and you wince, "and would like to make amends for disrespecting Glen's hospitality. As for the other guy, I do believe he and I get some quality time. He attacked one of mine for stupid reasons. Sounds like someone with a sore need for the Lady's wisdom."

"Ff-fuck you," Michael croaks.

"You're in the way, can you hit him for me?" Briony asks.

"No," you answer flatly. "But I /can/ order him to comply. What about overall?"

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>>48166394
Briony looks at the innkeeper, who has been watching the conversation with the mild expression of a man who knows someone's paying for that barstool and it won't be him, then back to you. "This company good to talk politics?"

"It's a small town, Briony. If we couldn't trust the guy who provides the booze, we'd've lynched him."

"Point." Briony lifts her boot from the Rooster and offers him her hand, which he takes gratefully. He sheaths his knife with a sheepish look and takes a seat to wait, patiently. "So, here's the high and low of it - most of the migrants from the Roost are harpies. Humans have always been the strict minority, dwarves slightly less so, and everyone's clannish, and irritable, and used to living, ah, on our knives, as it were. You get by without wings in the Roost by being meaner, faster, and more ruthless than the things that /do/ have them, and that's not an easy thing to do or be. You with me so far?"

"I'm with you," you agree, nodding.

"Well, we can't live like that beneath the wild sky. This is a different place. A /good/ place. And my people, we wanna be part of that. So I'm here to translate. To help keep the peace. To speak for 'em when they don't know how to speak for themselves and advocate for them when they've done something out of fear or stupidity instead of malice. You let me do that, and I'll keep your peace from this side."

You fold your arms. "You're asking for first crack at lawbreakers."

"So deputize me."

That...could work, actually.

> Do it. The plan is sound and you could use an ally from the Roost
> Don't. Nobody gets special treatment in your town.

>>48166483
>> Do it. The plan is sound and you could use an ally from the Roost

>>48166483
>> Don't. Nobody gets special treatment in your town.

Yeah, take your fuckin' Roost Rapefugees somewhere else lady.

BUILD. A. WALL.

>>48166483
> Do it. The plan is sound and you could use an ally from the Roost

>>48166483
>> Do it. The plan is sound and you could use an ally from the Roost

>>48166483
I think "Do it" is the better choice, but Miller met Briony about 2 minutes ago and it seems like a bad idea to deputize a stranger on the spot... so

> Don't. Nobody gets special treatment in your town.

>>48166483
> Do it. The plan is sound and you could use an ally from the Roost
Bout time you got back Vox

>>48166483
>advocate for them when they've done something out of fear or stupidity instead of malice.

This really sounds to me like they'll be able to commit crimes and then not receive adequate justice for them because they had hard childhoods. I can't stand for that.

> Don't. Nobody gets special treatment in your town.

>>48166483
>> Do it. The plan is sound and you could use an ally from the Roost

Called, writing. Do forgive any odd typos, especially with slashes on; I'm acclimating to a new keyboard and its Enter key has a different shape.

>>48166791
Advocate, not shield. She'd argue their case for them before Glen's law enforcement (the town council and militia) as someone who, theoretically, can understand both sides.

>>48166483
>> Don't. Nobody gets special treatment in your town.

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>>48166483
You rub your chin thoughtfully. "I've got a few conditions," you decide, at last "First thing, don't hit Michael again. I'm willing to pass this one off as breaking up the fight, but the thing is, while he speaks brute force? He isn't particularly eloquent in it. Kid's got no conception of actual strength."

"F-fuck you too," Michael snarls. You casually kick his barstool out from under him, without looking. He goes to the floor in a splayed heap.

"Sure," Briony agrees, her eyes sparkling with amusement from behind her glasses. "I've known adventurers like that. They don't last long."

"Preach it," you agree, wryly. "Second, I'm assigning my daughter to show you the ropes. She'll be your direct superior until you've proven you can hack it on your own."

"Fair," the dark-haired priestess agrees.

"And lastly, and this is more of a so-we're-clear, this is Glen, not the Roost. Town council and I have the final say, end of story."

"I speak strength just fine, Captain," Briony answers, her tone solemn.

"Then welcome to the militia, Deputy Briony."

You give the girl a firm handshake and watch her offer a hand for Michael. The boy refuses it, tries to stand twice, falls - cursing the whole way - twice, and finally pulls himself to his feet like a one-armed bear with a hangover.

"I feel so disgraced and put in my place," Briony says flatly "Truly, your childish snub eliminated the petty, malicious joy I got from watching you hurt yourself like an idiot."

"You think you're so smart," the boy growls.

"I know at least one god that does too. C'mon, Hatch, we're going to a healer."

"Hat - I HAVE A NAME!"

"Names are for adults," Briony replies, as she opens the door and holds it. "You get yours back when I believe you qualify."

"MILLER!"

"You heard the lady, Hatch," you answer. "Go see a healer."

* * * *

You are Brianna la Croix, necromancer, and you're waking back up in a soft bed, with Meadows's face staring down a you in stern disapproval.

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>>48167140
"You've been out for three days," the doctor tells you flatly. "What were you thinking?"

"Um. Some combination of 'ahhhh', 'die die die', 'why me?', sobbing, spiritual counsel, plotting, frustration, coffee addiction, and 'run, run away'?"

"I hate patients like you so much."

> "Where are Nathan and Amy?"
> "What's happened?"
> "Where's Emily and Hatchet?"

>>48167193
>> "What's happened?"

>>48167193
>> "What's happened?"

I legitimately forgot. What was the last thing that Bri did before hiatus?

>>48167193
>> "What's happened?"

>>48167222
Sent Emily and Hatchet out of the Sunless Sea before refusing Rachael Trust's demand that Bri become captain of the /Pallbearer/. Brianna escaped via book and knocked herself out on accident by running full-tilt into a shelf.

>>48167248
>via book
????

>>48167276
If you recall, you can get to the Atheneum by reading from a book written there while walking.

Called, writing.

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>>48167193
"What's happened?"

"I got saddled with an annoying necromancer bent on killing herself and setting a piss-poor example for my apprentice," Meadows retorts.

"Doc, I swear on my family name, I will kill myself right here in front of you," you warn.

"Fine," the elf relents. "The group sent to the Warehouse has returned. Significant damage was done to it in the interim. Your...sister..." the elf sounds more unsure than judgemental, "purchased some manner of curse from your lover so that she could study it. Currently, the Warehouse is taking stock and rebuilding."

"Any news from the Broken Jaw?" you ask.

<My queen, you are awake!>

"Nevermind," you say quickly. <Fetch, how're you talking to me? The distance ->

<Irrelevant, within Cannot Hold. We also discovered the reason for its sympathy-amplifying properties! You will be most amused.>

<I'll bite> you prompt. <Lay it on me.>

<Cannot Hold was not carved by mortal hands. The winds of the Broken Jaw sculpted it and its entrances.>

You pause. <...Are you telling me it's a giant stone with a hole in it?>

<Even so!>

You laugh, until it starts hurting, and then you keep laughing, though you wish you didn't. You cough and feel a welling of blood in your throat; Meadows offers you a bowl to spit into.

"You need rest, and long-term care," the doctor warns, sternly."

> What do you say?

>>48167748
>> What do you say?

Yeah you're right. I'll take a month to hang out with my son then we'll resume this quest where I left off.

>>48167782
D'ya wanna expand on that, anon? It ain't like I didn't provide sufficient warning.

>>48167748
>> What do you say?
How long doc? *then start hagling it down*

>>48167818
If I have to explain the joke then it's no longer funny.

>>48167748
>We still got to gather more info Doc', not resting till I have gotten more news.

>>48167748

"Yeah you're right, but can we tell everyone I'm awake at least?"

>>48167818
I BELIEVE it's a joke about how constantly we told you to get some goddamn sleep and not rely on coffee and spite to keep you awake and running. And your health problems (eg your tooth exploding) which ALSO didn't stop you from running.

>>48167748
>I'll take it as easy as I can, but we both know that no matter how hard I try, there's only so much "rest" to be had.

Called, writing shortly.

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"We can haggle over my -"

"/Haggle/?" the elf interrupts, in disbelief.

"Yes, /haggle/," you snap. "I can take things as easy as I an, but you and I both know I can only afford to lose so much time. You've seen what my enemies are capable of. I'm pushing them further and further into a corner, and if you don't think they're going to bite, more the fool you."

Meadows lets out a long breath through his nose, and then nods. "What is it you want done first?"

"Coffee. Then I'd like everyone informed that I'm awake."

"I'll be assigning Jewel as your minder," Meadows warns.

"Why?" you ask.

The elf leans over the bed to glare directly in your eyes. "To guilt you into staying in your bed," he says in a low murmur.

"You sick fuck."

"Healer," the elf retorts, before turning on his heels and leaving the room.

> Follow Meadows' advice (stay down until the end of the next arc)
> Compromise (stay down for the interlude)
> Disregard Meadows' advice

* * * *

"This, at least, I can do in bed."

A war council has been overdue for some time. Amy perches lightly at the head of your bed, with Nathan sitting at the foot. Silence, Brigette, Natalia, Victoria, and Jack - formerly known as the Debtor - sit in chairs arranged in a rough circle. Jack's friend Flitter is helping Jewel brew tea on the flameless heat provided for all of you.

Jack looks...uncomfortable. Much of his time has been spent in the Warehouse, helping them rebuild, but he won't look directly at Nathan or Amy, and the glances he gives to you are wary, like a beast at bay. He fidgets in his seat.

"River'll be along shortly," Silence promises. "Should we wait, or begin?"

> Wait; ask after someone (who?)
> Begin; ask for an overall status report
> Begin; ask about the Cornucopia
> Write-in?

>>48169757
>> Follow Meadows' advice (stay down until the end of the next arc)
> Begin; ask for an overall status report

>>48169757
> Follow Meadows' advice (stay down until the end of the next arc)

Only so we can crash ourselves all the harder next time, a good time to deal with Emily too.

> Begin; ask for an overall status report

>>48169757
>> Compromise (stay down for the interlude)
>> Begin; ask for an overall status report

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>>48169757

VOX RETURNS

>Compromise (stay down for the interlude)
>Begin; ask for an overall status report

>>48169757
>> Follow Meadows' advice (stay down until the end of the next arc)
> Begin; ask for an overall status report

>>48169757
>> Compromise (stay down for the interlude)

No way in fuck we're letting other people put themselves at risk (in our place / without us) for longer than absolutely required.

>Begin; ask for an overall status report

>>48169757
>>Compromise (stay down for the interlude)
>>Begin; ask for an overall status report
good god he returns, now i have a reason to be glued to my phone

>>48170034
>>48170210
I feel so loved.

Calling Shortly(tm).

Wait, isn't the next 'arc' "Bring Daughter's eyes to giant holey rock and use them+it to make head-explodey"?

>>48170340
Nah, that's gonna be part of the interlude.

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>>48170353
>>that's gonna be part of the interlude
>we now have word of lich that it's gonna work

Muahaha. My plan succeeded.

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Well I just found the perfect way for the Cook to intimidate people.

>>48169757
>> Follow Meadows' advice (stay down until the end of the next arc)
>* * * *
>> Begin; ask for an overall status report

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>Spent all of July 5th checking the catalog over and over to see if DLQ was running
>Worried when I saw nothing
>It's back
FUCK YEAH

>>48170817
My apologies anon; I did announce the schedule change on /qtg/, which was forced due to circumstances in my Gainful Employment.

>>48169757
>> Follow Meadows' advice (stay down until the end of the next arc)
> Begin; ask for an overall status report

>>48169757
> Wait; ask after someone
Emily and Hatchet. Where are they? Is Hatchet still loyal? Is Emily still an emotional wreck?

>>48169757
> Compromise (stay down for the interlude)
> Begin; ask for an overall status report

There will be a temporary interruption while I Acquire Alcohol.

>>48171424
Scratch that, it just started storming like a motherfucker. Votes called, writing.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Aaand vote is 5/5. LET THE DIE BE CAST

1. Take advice
2. Compromise

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>>48169757
You eventually reach a compromise with Meadows, promising to stay down while preparations are made for the next assault. You also promise to consider asking River to handle the Daughter; necromancy is likely a poor idea in your current state.

"I have to get up out of this bed /sometimes/," you remind him. "If nothing else, there's a party goin' on upstairs where I'm the guest of honor."

Meadows snorts, then nods.

* * * *

"We should probably begin," you decide. "Silence, what's the state of the Dungeon?"

The fairy cocks an eyebrow, but shrugs, and leans forward. "The Warehouse is a hot mess. Lots of things that need containing, though less than you might think. The Lush's forces made off with quite a few artifacts. We believe they will have crossed the Broken Jaw and into the Sunless Sea."

You wince. "Couldn't be helped, I suppose," you grant.

"Glen, the Basement, and the Lichyard are absorbing the migrants from the Roost fairly well. I'm told that Briony has stepped up as some manner of community leader and taken on an apprentice who seems to hate her guts. Michael, I believe?"

Nathan chokes on his coffee.

"Henrietta had the idea of trading scrap for labor between the Warehouse and New Hell, so the Warehouse has some smiths to lend a hand. They're in need of raw material, which I'm providing at cost while I can. My territory isn't bottomless, though."

"Lean on the Mine bosses. Play whatever card you need to," you instruct.

"I can help with that," Jack interjects.

"Can you now?" you ask, pointedly. The man winces, as if struck, and looks away.

> The hell is your problem, Jack?
> ...Okay, that came out worng
> Wait for his answer

>>48171817
>Wait for his answer

Don't even blink.

>>48171817
>> ...Okay, that came out worng

i love how wrong is spelled wrong

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>>48171858
...Goddamnit. I'm adjusting to a new keyboard, bear with me.

>>48171873
no its funny so its ok

>>48171817
> ...Okay, that came out worng
> Wait for his answer
both work

>>48171817
>> ...Okay, that came out worng

>>48171817
Has Bri been told who and what Jack has done? I cant remember if the two have met or not before.

>>48172047
A report was given, yes. She's got Nate and Amy's perspective.

>>48171817
>> Wait for his answer

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Alright folks, thread archived just in case. I'm leaving this one open for the night and will be heading to bed shortly in the hopes of getting an early start tomorrow before I gotta be Gainfully Employed. Saturday is gonna see me being absent from 4:30 to 11 or so (PM), so keep that in mind.

As always, questions, comments, feedback, and criticisms are welcome and appreciated. I know it's been a little while so if folks want or need a recap, please, don't hesitate to ask. I know I need that sometimes.

Mind you, I read like a fucking freak so usually I just start whatever I'm reading back over from the beginning.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>48171817
>...Okay, that came out worng

>>48171817
> ...Okay, that came out worng

>>48171817
>smack him
I'LL GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO WINCE ABOUT, MOTHERFUCKER

>>48173241
>"What's wrong Jack?"
>"Wha-what?"
>"What!?"
>"What!"
>"SAY WHAT AGAIN! SAY WHAT AGAIN! I DARE YOU MOTHERFUCKER!"

HE LIVES! Praise the gods!

Woo!

>>48171817
>...Okay, that came out worng
Have a cup of coffee,, Bri, you're a bit cranky without it.

I'll update around noon or so. I'ma crawl back into bed.

YEA THE LICH IS BACK!
>>48171817
> Wait for his answer

>>48171817
>No seriously, I don't know J-.....I don't know anything about you.

>>48171817
> Wait for his answer

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>>48176552
>>48171817
I like this.

I'm up. Called, will write after coffee.

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>>48177535
THE COFEE LICH HAS RETURNED

Also, glad to see you back with more Dungeon Life, Vox. Shame I'm going to have to pass out in a bit, but what can you do?

>>48177535
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xos2MnVxe-c

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>>48171817
You take a steadying breath and accept the tea that Jewel hands you. She and Cherry are still hurt badly, but they've been taking Meadows' advice and are ambulatory, if not necessarily /well/. Jewel's able to be herself while she's awake, at least.

"That didn't come out how I meant it," you murmur, before taking a sip. It doesn't taste foul, exactly, but it has a harsh, medicinal taste to it. "I don't know you, Jack, or your role with the Chain-Bearers."

The man looks down at his boots and sighs. "Among other things, I was the one responsible for sealing the Roost and providing it with only enough food to survive. Among other things, my job during the initial takeover was to find where the various Floors were weak, and advise on how to bring them to heel. I still have that information on the Mine Bosses."

"And how would you know them better than me?" Silence challenges.

"I rifled through their dreams," Jack answers. "I -"

The door opens, and River steps inside. Her hand is lightly burned, and she shakes it repeatedly. "I think I found a new use for the bottle imp," she notes, wincing. "Or at least I hope I did. Did I miss anything?"

> Tell Jack to help Silence and move on to another topic (what?)
> Let Jack's topic drop

AND

> Get Henrietta in on this via bell
> Wait until it's time to talk about the nobles

>>48178777
>> Tell Jack to help Silence
>> Wait until it's time to talk about the nobles

>>48178777
>Tell Jack to help Silence and move on to another topic (what?) "
>"You have a bottle imp?!" assuming we know what it does? I'd imaging we have some basic knowledge on it.
>Tell them about the Pallbearer and the shit it wants from us.

>Wait until it's time to talk about the nobles

>>48178777
>"I rifled through their dreams,"

... I'm not entirely sure how that's supposed to work, but I find it slightly disturbing anyway.

... Also, Silence may be... upset, just a little, with Jack.

>Tell Jack to help Silence and move on to another topic (what?) "
>"You have a bottle imp?!" assuming we know what it does? I'd imaging we have some basic knowledge on it.
>Tell them about the Pallbearer and the shit it wants from us.

>Wait until it's time to talk about the nobles

That wet slapping sound is me getting buttfucked by Comcast. Bear with me.

>>48179238
I don't remember my lich lord being this lewd.

>>48179262
ITS A DOPPELGANGER!

Called, writing. Do lemme know if I'm not providing enough options; I'm still getting back into the swing.

Incidentally, I'm considering running another side story, possibly on Monday, and likely over on /qst/ simply because that's where I stuck the other one.

>>48179467
Neat.

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>>48178777
"Alright. Silence, if Jack says he can help, he oughta get the chance to. I want him alive and whole when I get him back."

The fairy nods, looking more peeved than offended.

"Bottle imp?" you ask River. "How'd you burn your hand?"

"They're related," your sister assures you. "It's minor, nothing I can't treat myself. Got a bit careless trying what I tried. I pried the jar open with Sleep and bound the imp to an anvil in New Hell. I...think...it's safely contained now. Demons /love/ forge-fire."

"Where'd you get that idea?" you ask, curiously.

"Ordo the Orc, actually. He felt the imp could assist in his forging, paid me for my trouble. Exorcism's on the house if it turns out we fucked up, but for once I'm pretty sure we didn't."

"Good thinking," Nate compliments.

River shrugs, but the elf grins nonetheless.

"On my end, the Broken Jaw has been cleansed and will be permitted to heal, but as a result of...events...Lora selected a Chosen."

"I thought only gods made Chosen?" Nathan asks.

You shake your head. "The privilege has been granted to angels before, though they don't exercise it often. Sorrow Choir, generally, since they're the ones that end up with cults. I imagine that Lora was given it as part of the deal that got her the Dungeon."

"The powers of a god," Amy muses, distantly. "They weren't kidding around, were they?"

"The woman's name is Emily," you continue. "Hatchet and I continued on to the Sunless Sea to inform her of John's fate and to extract her from harm. And that's where this gets weird."

"Weird by our standards?" Brigette asks.

"Weird by our standards," you confirm.

Silence whistles low.

"The /Pallbearer/ tried to make me her captain. Rachael Trust doesn't think she can restrain the ship, and she's seemingly abandoned her true captain. I don't know why, and all of the ideas I have about it are pretty ugly."

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>>48179998
"Does the ship know you're its enemy?" Amy asks, confused.

"Not exactly," you, Jack, Natalia, and Brigette say at the same time. You cock an eyebrow at the other three, and Brigette raises her hand slowly.

"I summoned it," the Poet admits. "Wasn't hard to find the ritual. Could get you a copy of the book I found it in, if you like. The /Pallbearer/ comes when called, if paid enough, but it won't quit a job for a new one."

"There goes that plan," you say with a sigh. "How are we on supplies? Do we need to assail the Cornucopia?"

"Difficult to say," Victoria answers. "If you wanted to ignore the Cornucopia we'd be on a clock. The Warehouse's stores can help, but only so much, and there are Floors that /cannot/ feed themselves."

"And, to be honest, I'm not okay with letting the Lush live," Brigette says quietly. "If I could set foot outside of this library I'd kill him myself. He should die in agony. He should die without dignity, and /suffer/."

"Back it down, Brige," you warn.

Victoria takes her lover's hand, and Brigette takes in a deep breath before nodding.

> Plan to assail the Cornucopia
> Plan to ignore the Cornucopia

AND

> Discuss the situation with Glen and the Roost
> Discuss the defense of the Roost and its connected levels
> Discuss the Cornucopia
> Discuss the remaining Chain-Bearers

>>48180081
>> Plan to assail the Cornucopia
>> Discuss the remaining Chain-Bearers

>>48180081
>> Plan to assail the Cornucopia
> Discuss the remaining Chain-Bearers

Aight, I got called in early to work, so I need to leave this open for votes and Q&A. I'm workin' the gas station, so as long as you don't mind phone typing I can field questions or comments.

Questions, comments, discussion, feedback, and criticisms are, as always, welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>48180081
>Plan to assail the Cornucopia
>Discuss the remaining Chain-Bearers
Brigette has a point, honestly. As I recall Lora's of the same opinion. Nigga needs to die dead.

>>48180081
> Plan to assail the Cornucopia
> Discuss the Cornucopia
We need that food under our flag.

At work now. Aside from the nobles and the Daughter, what is anon looking for in this interlude? Any characters you'd like to check in on? With Briv recovering it's a good time to bounce around.

>>48180859
Seeing Nate and Amy deal with stuff without bri should be fun.

Same with river. Maybe we could also catch up with hatchet.

>>48180081
>Plan to assail the Cornucopia
>Discuss the Cornucopia

We have people to take care of, and in the cold calculus of it we know we have a couple weeks at least until Pallbearer goes nuts, while the Giant can give us long-term issues in infrastructure if allowed too much lead time.

>>48180859
I'm curious about the Cook and Countess, actually.

>>48181234
The Duchess, you mean?

>>48181280
Yes, sorry. Was thinking of the Crimson Countess for some reason. Wrong universe (probably)

Four hours and change to call.

Three hours and change. Still fielding questions and discussion.

Slow night...

>>48180081
>Plan to assail the Cornucopia
>Discuss the Cornucopia

Hour and a half or so to call.

>>48180081
>> Plan to assail the Cornucopia
>> Discuss the Cornucopia

Deal with the giant holding the food hostage first. Then worry about more mundane stuff.

>>48180081
> Plan to assail the Cornucopia
> Discuss the situation with Glen and the Roost

If it's possible for us to discuss more then just one topic we should do that too

>>48180081
>Plan to assail the Cornucopia
>Discuss the remaining Chain-Bearers

Is it wise for us to focus on the Cornucopia before dealing with the Sunless Sea and the /Pallbearer/? That seems like the kind of problem we should deal with before it gets worse.

>>48185270
Cornucopia fucks over all floors.
/Pallbearer/ fucks over Sunless Sea only.

Needs of the many.

>>48185313
Point, I suppose.

On a side note, I can't wait to meet the Lush. He seems really interesting: we've been hearing that he's some terrible raping decadent, yet the only time we've seen him (from Jack's perspective) he was all polite and drinking tea and shit.

>>48185696
>all polite and drinking tea and shit

That'd be the 'decadent' part. And he came across to me like an utter slimeball in that scene.

>>48185696
>>48185719
Do feel free to expand on these viewpoints; it's always nice to know how one's villains are perceived.

I'll call when I make it home. Waiting on corporate to kill the lights.

>>48185719
>drinking tea is decadent
I'd believe you, if he hadn't been raising his pinkie and taking delicate sips.

Also, how was he a slimeball? He was going out of his way to help Jack with his level of the dungeon, lending him men and asking for nothing in return.

Lush seems more like a bro than an asshole.

>>48185844
Think about it in context and with what we know of him IC.

He's sitting there, neat as you please, drinking tea and acting like a gentleman, whilst willfully starving out thousands of people and raping an angel on an (apparently) nightly basis.

(And yes, Jack would've known about the starving and SHOULD have known about the rape.)

>>48185968
The Lush kinda reminds me of the stereotypical British colonialist who's polite with other whites, but treats the natives like dirt.

IDK, I've never liked this kind of archetype as a villain, mostly because my grandparents actually WERE British colonialists, and I know for a fact how much of that stereotype is bullshit.

>>48186123
>grandparents were colonialists

Jesus fuck how old are you?

>>48185785
I mean, I think the biggest thing about that scene is how normal he acted. Like, he's probably the one we imagine the worst in our mind as the evil fuckin' rapist but he just seemed like a dude who even had a sense of humor

>>48186246
well, "colonialists." They didn't colonize the actual land, but they did live in the colonial society.

>>48186321
Which, knowing how evil he is, just makes him even worse.

That he CAN act like that while still doing the shit he does.

>>48186246
considering that hong kong was technically a british colony until 1997 he could actually be underage&ban

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Called. Discussion vote is tied.

1. Cornucopia
2. Chain-Bearers

LET THE DIE BE CAST

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>>48180081
You take another sip of your tea - you'd punch a man in the face for some coffee - and gesture with the cup from your bed. "We're still going to go after the Cornucopia. For the people who depend on it. For the citizens that live there under the Lush's yoke. For Lora, and the wrongs done upon her. So we may as well discuss it. What do you all know?"

Jack leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "The Cornucopia's a marvel," he begins. "It's easily the widest floor, roughly circular and about twelve miles in diameter."

You whistle. "All farmland?"

"Essentially," Jack agrees. "The Cornucopia and the Sunless Sea are the primary food sources of the lower Floors. The Cornucopia has orchards, wheat fields, melons, vegetables - pick your poison, really. Plants grow and ripen faster there, and the growing season never ends. Sometimes, the denizens of the Dungeon refer to it as the Summerlands."

Jack pauses to gather his thoughts, then continues. "The Seedhouse is probably the most important individual structure. Various farms can be found throughout the Cornucopia as well. The Lush's forces control it all, but he holds court in the Theater, where the Cornucopia once held floor-wide meetings and put on plays, dances, and other entertainments. The things he does there..."

"He has become as I am," Natalia murmurs. "Woundseeker."

Nathan grimaces and looks, self-consciously, at his shadow. His mother has kept hers strictly restrained.

"It gets worse. The Lush has a pet."

"Define 'pet'," you ask carefully.

"An ancient taster demon, stretched thin and hungry, which he sustains with something he only calls his Drink. He's done something to his slaves that wrings out their misery, filling the kegs that sustain his demon. In exchange, it fights, kills, and spies for him. Worse, I traded him the material he needed to finish a magical spear of some kind. If I'm any guess, he's got the Earthsplitter."

"Let me guess," River interjects. "Kinetic?"

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>>48186697
"Got it in one," Jack answers glumly. "It'll be short on power, and he's not precisely a great smith. His demon's incorporeal, as all Tasters are, so it might not /work/ yet, but if he can get the damn thing charged, you're going to have a bad time."

"Talk to me about his troops," Nathan asks.

"You saw them. Disciplined, well-equipped, they'll throw pila and attack in formation. Terrain of the Cornucopia favors them greatly. Cavalry's those lizard-riders, move and fight in three dimensions. Their bites are filthy and will kill you well after you actually get bit."

You whistle. "This is gonna be hell."

"Probably," Jack admits. "I've got some ins, still. I can try to gather more information, advise on a plan in...a week, or so? In the meantime, I suggest inserting with Silence's help."

"You see," the fairy drawls. "When a man and a woman -"

"/Silence/," you chide. "Jewel is /right here/."

"I remember sex," Jewel says mildly.

"Cherry is /right here/."

"You got us there," the young healer grants.

We will return to the war council after this interruption.

* * * *

> You are Henrietta, Duchess of Starfall
> You are Sir Fetch the Nightfeather
> You are Amy the Dungeonbreaker

>>48186763
> You are Henrietta, Duchess of Starfall
Cooks and politics.

>>48186697
>the Lush is so decadent, he's become a woundseeker
Okay, NOW I'm afraid.

>>48186763
> You are Sir Fetch the Nightfeather
Lets see how things are doing in some of the lower levers.

Also, I don't remember. Have we used the sympathetic magic to kill the Daughter yet, or is that still on our to-do list?

>>48186763
>> You are Henrietta, Duchess of Starfall

>>48186763
>You are Sir Fetch the Nightfeather
good bird

>>48186763
>You are Henrietta, Duchess of Starfall
Ah, tough choices, we meet again. Kinda worried about Fetch now.

>>48186763
>> You are Henrietta, Duchess of Starfall

I'm running a game tonight; vote will be extended on an order of hours, but I /will/ update before I go to bed.

>>48186763
>you are the crocodile/alligator from forever ago

>>48187787
You mean Kells?

A realy obscure person would be if we switched perspectives to the one guard who really didn't like Bri when she got thrown into the dungeon.

>>48186763
> You are Henrietta, Duchess of Starfall

>>48187828
I really hope we can find a way to get Kells to the Sunless Sea when we get to it. See if he'd be up to unliving his glory days for a bit?

>>48188048
You think Kells would be OK with pulling a William Turner and becoming captain of the /Pallbearer/?
More importantly, could he do it as a croc skeleton?

>>48188191
No he left behind his life of piracy to become a better man. I don't think Brianna is gonna leave the Pallbearer "alive" if she can help it anyways.

Called, writing shortly.

>>48188666
great to see you again vox!

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>>48186763
You are Her Grace Henrietta, Duchess of Starfall, and you have been busy. Arranging to gather the nobles of the kingdom was a task in itself; wrangling the merchants to cater to the event was somehow harder, though you got it done with, you note, budget to spare. Your father's lessons in the matter have served you well.

You've become welcome in Glen, if a little nervously, a little distantly. People don't bow to you here, but you can see them think about it /really hard/ when you approach. Truth be told, though, you're not sure you want them to. Glen's always had an independent turn of mind, and you won't be the ruler to take that from them if you can help it.

Currently, you are observing harpies.

Technically you are eating a meal in the shade of a tree, just outside Glen's orphanage, because the idea of educated goblins fascinates you, and you can hear them at their lessons. But the harpies are something else entirely. Many of them walk slowly, awkwardly, along the ground, in small groups, and almost all stay beneath the shelter of trees or buildings. The few brave ones who dare out 'neath the naked sky don't fly too high - the highest you've seen is perched atop the bell tower attached to the warehouse - and return frequently to the ground.

"Whoever heard of birds too scare to fly?" the cook asks, in naked disbelief.

> Dunno. Let's find out!
> Chide him
> Agree with him
> Do something else (what?)

>>48188973
>Chide him
>They've not had this much lack of ceiling in their entire life.
>That said, they are steadily moving forward and can use all the support they can get.

>>48188973
>> Agree with him

He's the cook

Aight, I'm crawling into bed after game session. I'll update tomorrow as much as I can before work, and again after. Votes remain open.

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

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>48188973
> Dunno. Let's find out!

Also, reminder that Cavalry is only as good as their mounts. Also that you can bury undead minions and have them burst out of the ground in the middle of said cavalry. And that our Boar is specced out for both Trampling Charges AND Close Combat Rip and Tear.

Also that Cavalry loses a lot of it's effectiveness without having the charge itself.

Anyways, regarding the weakness of the Legions, Cavalry is probably their biggest one. Mounted horse archers tend to be able to strike and fade and slowly shred their formations, leaving them vulnerable to a charge with lances.

You know, shit we don't have. Maybe the Duchess could help with that? Regardless, I think maybe we could do another assassination mission. Or lay a trap for his spying demon, and counter that first.

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>>48188973
> Dunno, let's find out!

Feels right for the inquisitive Duchess to be personable with these new migrants. If anything it'll be a learning experience.

Also, oh look DLQ is back. Happy day.

>>48188973
> Dunno. Let's find out!

Bumping for lich.

>>48189056
Supporting.
>Lightly chide him, but then try to talk to some of the harpies.

>>48188973
> Dunno. Let's find out!

>>48188973
> Dunno. Let's find out!

This is rather interesting!

I'm also fairly amused at the idea of these vicious harpies just waddling around looking vaguely lost and unsettled, like some kind of strange duck.

I'm up. Will call and write shortly.

Called, writing.

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>>48188973
You stand, wolfing down the last of your meal since no one but the cook is here to see you being unrefined about it, and swallow to make room for your eager grin.

"/We/ have /just now/ heard of birds too scared to fly," you inform him. "Let's go learn more."

"Your Grace -"

"You can argue or follow, but you can't do both."

"Joseph is going to kill us both," your faithful servant points out, but he falls into line as you approach a small knot of harpies grouped beneath a wide tree, just down the way. You offer a hand out with a pleasant smile.

"Henrietta," you introduce. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

They stare. You blink and smile, hoping they'll get the idea.

There is a rustle, from the branches above, and a male voice issues from them: "You shake it, you sunstruck dolts."

The three scatter, running as fast as their awkward gaits will carry them, and you look up at the new arrival. The male harpy is handsome, in a roguish way, and has a patch over one eye. He sighs.

"Hunting Talon," he introduces. "You must be the Duchess I've heard so much about."

"Why did they run?" the cook asks, warily.

"Probably because, less than two weeks ago, I was rather vigorously attempting to kill them. They still /annoy/ me."

He cocks his head, waiting for you to speak.

You are...

> Annoyed. You had that handled. Who does he think he is?
> Curious. You wanted to talk to a harpy, here's a harpy.
> Wary. You've known your share of charming murderers. You /employ/ a few.

>>48193104
>Wary. You've known your share of charming murderers. You /employ/ a few.

>>48193104
>> Wary. You've known your share of charming murderers. You /employ/ a few.

>>48193104
>Wary. You've known your share of charming murderers. You /employ/ a few.

>>48193104
>> Curious. You wanted to talk to a harpy, here's a harpy.
Yeah, he's a murderer, but it seems all harpies are. Well, and so. If he is up for a polite interrogation, then let's talk.

>>48193104
>Wary. You've known your share of charming murderers. You /employ/ a few.

>>48193104
>Unimpressed. Cook's a far better charming murderer than this guy.

>>48193104
>> Curious. You wanted to talk to a harpy, here's a harpy.

>>48193104
> Curious. You wanted to talk to a harpy, here's a harpy.

Cook's here to protect us, so we're fairly safe, but there's no reason to charge into danger. Curious, but not crazy.

>>48193104
>> Curious. You wanted to talk to a harpy, here's a harpy.

We're fairly safe out here, barring deus ex Chain Bearer. Beyond that, what we're interested in is learning, and at least this particular jerk is willing to talk to us.

>>48193104

> Curious. You wanted to talk to a harpy, here's a harpy.

Something about curiosity and cats come to mind, but all I can think about is how brightly determined Henrietta's face probably looks about now.

>>48193816
"...but satisfaction brought it back."

>>48193877
"bullshit. that was /necromancy/."

>>48194083
Who's saying that they can't overlap?

>>48194112
if satisfaction and necromancy ever overlap, it always ends in necrophilia.

I'm likely gonna have to leave this one open. You've my apologies; work's situation's been hectic, and the house is acclimating to a new person living in it. I'll update this either tonight or tomorrow morning, or possibly both. In the meantime, we're open for questions.

>>48194147
Have you never worked with your hands? Felt the satisfaction of a job well done? Of your skills having bettered or saved a life?

>>48193104
> Wary. You've known your share of charming murderers. You /employ/ a few.

So, folks. I've been giving thought to a quest after DLQ and I find myself caught between two ideas. The first is that Changeling: the Lost quest I've been wanting to run - that, indeed, DLQ was meant as practice for!

The other would be set in DLQ's universe after a significant advancement in time, placing you in a changed world, at the cusp of momentous events.

Either way, such a quest likely won't start for a few months after DLQ ends, to give me time to prepare and/or cycle down, but I'm wondering on anon's thoughts on the matter.

>>48194492
>DLQ's universe after a significant advancement in time, placing you in a changed world, at the cusp of momentous events.
I am scared, yet curious.

>>48194492
>The other would be set in DLQ's universe after a significant advancement in time, placing you in a changed world, at the cusp of momentous events.
That would be my preference, but it's your game, my friend.

>>48194492
Just to be contrary,
>Changeling: The Lost

I wanna know what spawned this here monster of a quest as "practice", and what other ideas are cooking in that head.

>>48194492
>The first is that Changeling: the Lost quest I've been wanting to run - that, indeed, DLQ was meant as practice for!
Well, if that was the plan, I'd say to go with this.
Plus, it's generally quite interesting, and I assume by that time DLQ will be close to a hundred threads, if not more.

>>48194492
The other would be set in DLQ's universe after a significant advancement in time, placing you in a changed world, at the cusp of momentous events.

I really think that, given the way things are going here, we'll have a rather large effect on the world in the end. Being able to see some of the later effects of Bri's stubborn determination to be a good person, and the follow up effects from the way she brought people together... Even if the the next DLQ doesn't even take place in the Dungeon, it should still promise to be very interesting.

You've managed to create an interesting and compelling world, after all.

>>48194492
>set in DLQ's universe after a significant advancement in time
You know people will prefer this, but it's your quest run what you want.

>>48194492
Would our MC be chosen similarly to DLQ for either/both of those?
Would you do a similar or different "party system" to DLQ, where we have 3 main cast plus in-depth side characters?
What would the tone be like? More serious, or less so?

>>48194858
Honestly, part of the thing is I was worried about not getting Changeling's setting right, especially the small-town feel of Freeholds. I also wanted practice handling votes and write-ins, writing romance and combat, and an idea on if I could trust anon with certain character creation options, like Beasts and Spring courtiers.

So I figured, why not cut my teeth on a setting of my own? That'd stop me from fucking up an established setting!

It was only later that I learned that most QMs seem to go the opposite direction with that line of thought.

>>48195548
>opposite direction

As in, they'd rather fuck up an established setting by handing Anon the wheel rather than their own pretty little playground?

>>48195561
I wouldn't say it that way, no. Just that they're more comfortable in a setting they know and feel nervous presenting one they made whole-cloth. It's not like I'm winning any prizes for confidence here either.

>>48195398
Similarly, yes, though Changeling is looking at up to thirty-six potential MCs. For either, I'm looking at experimenting with no perspective swaps at all, as was suggested to me in ages past.

As for tone...

Well.

One of those /is/ a horror setting.

>>48195613
>thirty-six potential MCs

36 completely unique and separate MCs? Or 36 total permutations of a few basic character archetypes?

>>48195589
Matter of perspective, I suppose.

>>48195672
Six faction options, one character of each Seeming for each faction as the final round of choices, each different from the others by Kith, Contract, and skill set. While characters of a particular Seeming have commonalities - hence being the same Seeming at all - there's a lot of breadth in each.

I've spent far too much of my life on Changeling: the Lost.

>>48195741
Vox, have I ever told you that you're a huge nerd?

>>48195798
No, but I already knew.

Five hours and change to call.

>>48193441
seconding

>>48193104
> Curious. You wanted to talk to a harpy, here's a harpy.

>>48193104
> Curious. You wanted to talk to a harpy, here's a harpy.
> Wary. You've known your share of charming murderers. You /employ/ a few.
A bit of both.

Four hours and change.

>>48194492
>The first is that Changeling: the Lost quest I've been wanting to run - that, indeed, DLQ was meant as practice for!

I'm interested in seeing you run this. I'd like to see what you do with someone else's material.

Either way, I can guarantee I'll be there. You run a quality quest.

>>48194492
I'd prefer the DLQ world idea, but you do you man.

>>48194492
>The first is that Changeling: the Lost quest I've been wanting to run
Stopped reading there. I want to see what quest Vox wants to run, not the quest I want Vox to run

>>48198223
I'm blushing.

>>48198466
Some of us might even follow you to hell and back!

>>48198466
We appreciate ya Vox. Thanks for all the fun times this last year. Keep being awesome.

>>48198466
Just don't have where we fuck anything that moves.
Emperor knows how every quest where we can shapeshift we fuck anything that moves.

Thirty minutes and change to call.

Home, called, writing.

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>>48193104
You're curious. Most of the harpies you've seen or met have been wary, even skittish, often speaking only in the bird noises that seem so common to them. They've spoken to other Roosters, at times, traded for favors or for food, but they stiffen and walk softly around the natives of Glen, as if they might break something if they weren't careful enough.

Hunting Talon doesn't seem to have that problem.

"My cook's expressed curiosity about your people," you tell him, with a welcoming smile.

"You mean he's wondering why we're clucking about the place like whipped chickens," Hunting Talon drawls.

"You're not wrong," the cook admits, earning himself an elbow jab from you.

"I...look. I like to think that I am a clever man. I like to think that I am a brave man. I know for a fact that nothing is holding that sky up because nothing needs to hold the sky up. It's just /up/. 'Up' is its state of being. But I look at all that 'up' and it's dizzying. It's just...vast, and everything up here is different. The quality of the air, the prey, the customs, the..." he shrugs. "The /everything/. It's been a hell of a shock. If we didn't have Briony around, I think we might just go back underground, where things make sense."

The cook snorts. "Birds that prefer the underground. That's amazing."

"Humans that have their own governments. That's amazing," Talon drawls back.

Cooke bristles.

> Gentlemen, please, you're both pretty
> Let it happen
> Scold Cooke
> Scold Talon

>>48202039
>> Gentlemen, please, you're both pretty

Pfff

>>48202039
> Gentlemen, please, you're both pretty
Although if you really want to go let me set up a betting station.

>>48202039
>> Gentlemen, please, you're both pretty
So, what can Henrietta do to expedite the assimilation process for the harpies?

>>48202039
> Let it happen
You know, the harpies should hang out in the forest more. The trees will block out the scary-looking... sky, and all the regular birds flying around will convince them its safe to fly.

Be back in an hour or so.

>>48202039
>> Let it happen
No need to belittle what is a sacred part of men's socializing.

>>48202039
> Let it happen

Sometimes you need to let boys be boys

>>48202039
> Gentlemen, please, you're both pretty

>>48202039
> Gentlemen, please, you're both pretty
Pretty sure it should lose a r there.

>>48202039
> Gentlemen, please, you're both pretty

There is no better option.

Called, writing.

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>>48202039
"Enough," you command, firmly. "You're both handsome, kiss and be done with it."

Absolute. Silence.

Talon drops from the tree and offers a hand to Cooke; he shakes, firmly, and you can see both relax visibly.

"Truth be told, Henrietta, I won't be here long," Talon admits. "The moment I get over my fear, I'm out. I am unwelcome here."

"Why should that be?" you ask, curiously.

"I did not migrate. I was exiled. I was to rule the Roost, Henrietta." Talon sighs, letting the air out through his nose. "I was to do, and be, a lot of things. But what I actually was was angry, and shortsighted, and stupid. I threw away my future and my love, and now I am here, beneath the wild sky where I don't belong, amongst those who know me for a traitor. Your peace is all that keeps me alive, and I know it. So I will remove myself from it before I cause a problem."

"That's remarkably wise for someone who just admitted to being a dumbass," Cooke answers, thoughtfully. "...Do you have objections to employment?"

"Depends on the employment," Talon answers, a curious look in his eye.

"Let's start small," you suggest. "How can I best help your people?"

"...Okay. Run this past Briony too, but..."

* * * *

> Discuss the Chain-Bearers
> Discuss the Sunless Sea
> Discuss the nobles

>>48203965
> Discuss the nobles

>>48203965
>Discuss the Chain-Bearers

Who were the nobles again?

>>48204050
The ones Henrietta is gathering, in the hopes of funding a passage from the surface to the Roost. It'd be the first new entrance to the Dungeon in over a century. It's also Bri's debut as the first legalized necromancer in Starfall.

>>48204093
Aight, thanks.

>>48203965
> Discuss the Chain-Bearers
then
> Discuss the nobles

>>48204093
We should totally have Sir Fetch be the herald, introducing his brave Queen, her mates, and their many achievements to the rest of the crowd.

>>48203965
>Discuss the nobles.
While I worry about the Sunless Sea, there really isn't anything we can do about it. All of the party members are worn out, and being back in Glen doesn't mean they're resting on their laurels.

Plus, I doubt anyone would blame Bri for not wanting to sign on to lead a ghost ship of the damned. The job doesn't even come with a dental plan, let alone retirement.

>>48203965
> Discuss the nobles

Okay, I need to crawl into bed. Votes remain open.

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

Thank you all for reading and participating!

> Discuss the nobles

>>48203965
> Gossip about the nobles

Sunrise morning bump.

>>48203965
>Discuss the Nobles

This isn't something we often get a crack at.

>>48204193
>calling ourselves queen when we're not one
>in a medeival-fantasy society
Literally treason; don't do this.

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>>48204193
>>48206121
His Brave and Honorable Mistress, of course. We absolutely must do this bit of showing off. Even if it doesn't impress or bring them around no one will forget it. It will be something to discuss at every social gathering for months to come.

BONUS: Invite the Minotaur king and queen of the labyrinth clan. Have them as diplomatic guests and let them espouse our deeds and virtues. Now THAT is going to turn heads. We need to make the most extravagant and smashing impression we possibly can, with only a speech from the Littlest Duchess the nobles aren't going to give a shit and there's no fucking way anyone will raise their hand and say "yeah sure let's break both law and tradition and legitimize a pariah, practitioner of the foulest magic in the known world".

I hope Henrietta has the foresight to know she needs to stack all cards in her favor.

>>48206393
Vox, how many people can we feasibly send for, to vouch for Brianna's character? Assuming that Henrietta is aware of them and think that they could be of help and that Bri/the party feels that they have the time to spare.

We have Nathan, River and Amy, Captain Marsh and Miller, Talon and Razor Feather (I imagine that they have good words for how she handled the roost, especially the meeting). Isoldt? Ms Slaughter perhaps, and is there a feasible way for Kells to speak? Larry and Diving Shadow, Victoria since Brigette can't leave, someone from The Lichyard town. What would happen if River summoned Miles? I mean how would a gathering of nobles react to demonology or the fact a demon would speak on someone's behalf?

Trying to cover as much as possible, unless my fellow players and Henrietta herself don't mind half-assing this in favor of speed.

Will call and write in a bit, just woke up.

>>48207653
Remind me again please why we aren't getting military help from the Duchy? I mean, there's a straight up world ending event going on in the Dungeon here. At least a couple trained officers to help our militia forces would be fantastic.

>>48207691
A couple reasons:
>Henrietta has up-top bullshit politics to deal with that might require military shit
>>She'd also have to be able to justify sending people into the Forbidden Shithole or risk massive resistance from her commanders and the nobility let alone the common soldiers
>People in the dungeon probably wouldn't react well to up-top 'invaders'
>most of the chainholders have so far been handled fairly well by a small specialist team; the Baron's the only one we needed an army for

>>48207927
> At least a couple trained officers to help our militia forces would be fantastic.

I mean, pretty sure she could send in 10 - 20 guys to help out, or a couple of specialty troops. Combat Engineers, or Commandos, or even just some shock troops. Like 50 men tops. She could call them "cultural advisors" sent to help the people of the Dungeon be informed about surface life and culture so they can integrate better if they move there.

Keep in mind that the Dungeon is still pretty damn small compared to an actual country.

>>48207927
Is this the Word of Vox?

>>48207988
The problem is that the Dungeon is so uniquely unlike the outside world that the outsiders wouldn't actually be able to offer a terrible amount of training beyond the Basic Shit. They could certainly provide some help with training, but their benefit would likely be at-least-partly counterbalanced by the Dungeonites' suspicion-of-to-outright-hostility-towards outsiders and the factvthat there'd basically need to be a different team of trainers for each Dungeon level.

The Engineers and other such personnel would probably be recieved better if nothing else, and the training or assistance they give could be more easily applied more universally and to non-military matters.

>>48208002

Nnnnnnnope. Just outside observation from someone who's been here since thread three. No intention of speaking with any actual authority.

>>48208189
I've been here since thread one, muh dick.

And I have to say, don't toss shit out like that then because that will confuse new readers.

Especially when the Dungeon Denizens suspicion and hostility towards outsiders is one of the things we're trying to fix. I mean, that's the whole point of the Harpies being out here for one thing.

Also

> Forgetting that Lakehallow does a large amount of trade with Glen, and that it's one of the major sources of our forces as well as a repository for our refugees

> Forgetting that the Dungeon Denizens are no strangers to even stranger alliances than with "the surface world".

I don't find your points very convincing. I mean, I can't see us getting an Army sent in, but having trained officers to discuss tactics - specifically tactics to be used AGAINST the forces of the Lush - or commando teams, or shock troops to aid a charge etc. would be any more fragmenting to our forces than the cluster fuck from all over the dungeon we currently have.

>>48207927
Those are all things we can try to do something about IC while we play as Henrietta, not Word of God reasons to shoot down ideas.

>>48208302
If it gets brought up IC around Bri & co then we really ought to explore the possibility of petitioning Henrietta for experienced tacticians and engineers.
What if the Duchy has a penal legion or something? Maybe we can take some prisoners out for some fresh air if we need a higher body count, I mean that is already what the dungeon is used for.

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>>48206884
There's quite a few you could spare for an evening of politics, though some are better ideas than others. River and Isoldt, for instance, are pretty high on the list of people who should maybe not be there. You'll have the chance to plan this out a bit, and decide who you wanna bring and how.

In general, demons and those that summon them are not popular.

>>48207691
The biggest reason is you haven't asked, and Henrietta's hesitant to suggest it. The second-biggest reason is most of these men straight-up won't go down there. The Dungeon is terrifying to the general populace; it's the hole where you're pushed to /die/. This >>48207988 is feasible, but it'll be a hard dance to dance.

I'm gonna get coffee and breakfast. Feel free to continue discussing.

>>48208302
>one of the things we're trying to fix

And it hasn't been fixed YET, is my point. We still have to boil the frog a bit, get the Dungeonites used to proper interaction with outsiders, before we can really have any situation where having an outsider say "I know how to fight in the lands you grew up in better than you do" won't be met with dismissal or anger.

Commando teams and/or trainers specifically for the Lush would absolutely probably be helpful, but they aren't the GENERAL assistance against the word-ending event that the intital comment indicated.

As for the fragmentation bit, I'll say that everyone there is at least currently from the Dungeon. Adding outsiders to that would be like throwing American Marines into a SRF/VKS/VMFRF joint operation; they SHOULD be able to work toghether, but there's going to be friction and suspicion on both sides.

>>48208551
>The second-biggest reason is most of these men straight-up won't go down there. The Dungeon is terrifying to the general populace; it's the hole where you're pushed to /die/

Plus there's this, which I mentioned here:
>>48207927
>>She'd also have to be able to justify sending people into the Forbidden Shithole or risk massive resistance from her commanders and the nobility let alone the common soldiers

>>48208622
We ought to come up with a way to entice volunteers. Promotions? Gold? Forming a special vanguard and spelunking unit might attract daredevils and the adventurous sort.
I want to imagine that being the first commander to wage a successful war in an unknown frontier is very compelling to ambitious men, think of the glory!

Called, writing.

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>>48203965
You take out the bell you were given - Jack looks surprised that you have one - and ring it. You hear an answering ring from Silence's, but the fairy stills the clapper with her fingers. In moments, you hear faint background sounds, and both Slaughter and Henrietta's voices calling a curious greeting.

"It's Bri," you tell them, by way of pointless explanation. "Can you get someplace quiet? I'd like to discuss the, ah. Upcoming social arrangements."

After a long moment, the background noise cuts down significantly. "My apologies," Henrietta offers. "I've been meeting some of my new subjects. These Roosters are /fascinating/."

"...That name sucks," Amy opines.

"They picked it," the Duchess protests.

"Well duh. We suck too." You reach up and cuff Amy upside the back of the head. "I mean. At. Naming," the half-harpy corrects, lamely.

"If I don't get to do it, you don't get to do it," you tell her firmly. "How are folks getting on up there?"

"Basement's settled in just fine," Slaughter interjects. "Though watching harpies learn to fish has got to be the greatest thing I've ever seen in my life. They look so fierce and regal diving, and then they hit the water and, just, nope. Like an angry, soaked pillow."

You, Amy, Jewel, and Victoria giggle at the same time. High-fives are passed down the chain from the bird-girl to Brigette's lover.

"We're working on things up here. There's been...adjustments...that have to be made," Ettie tells you, diplomatically. "Briony and Hunting Talon have been of great help."

Reeaaaallly now.

"The ball is to be ten days from now," Henrietta warns. "Glen's being remarkably helpful. It seems you've made important friends here."

You're glad that it's hard for others to tell when you're blushing. "What all do we want to accomplish here?" you ask.

"I'd like to get your project funded. I'd also like to introduce /you/," the Duchess adds. "...If you're up for it."

> I am
> Not really. I'm not at my best...
> Write-in?

>>48210675
>Long as you don't expect me to waltz the night away, I'll manage.

It's a ball, not a fight. Barring the sudden introduction of angry paladins anyway. Or an assassination attempt from the Chain Bearers.

This reply's a bit snarky, but it kind of communicates that we're not great right now, but we can manage presentable at least.

>>48210675
>> I am, not at my best but I should manage a ball

>>48210675
>Write-in?
>"That would be a good idea, I cannot promise that I can attend though, there is still so much work to be done, I am also not in the best shape myself..."
[Angry Jewel stare]

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>>48163681
HOLY SHIT I GOT ONE!

>>48210675
>"I mean. At. Naming,"

Soaring Song is a shining example of that

>>48210675
> I am, but I'm not quite at 100%

>>48210675
>Sure, why the hell not? Plus, it means I get to see Amy in that dress again.

Run's gonna be slow(er) today, as I am out of the house. Ye be warned.

>>48210675
>I am
>well, by then I will be, mostly

We all know that if we wait for a better occasion we're just going to get fucked up some other way the night before. We're as good as we can reasonably expect, and first impressions are important. Better a bit ragged looking than an absentee.

>>48210675
>My doctor is prepared to kill me if it makes me more receptive and agreeable to his treatment, which means yes I'll definitely be at the ball.

Called, writing.

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>>48210675
"I'm not at a hundred percent, but I can do it."

You can feel Jewel's offended healer stare, just to the side of you.

"Just, y'know, don't expect me to waltz the night away," you add.

"Bri, I'm young, unwed, and rule a prosperous duchy. I will be the one expected to waltz," Henrietta says wryly. "I believe that I can handle acquiring the funds and workers for the dig if you can persuade a few people to come speak at the ball. I can ask Briony and Hunting Talon myself, but can you think of any others who might be -"

"Diving Shadow, the Reverend, and Aria for sure," you interrupt immediately. "Probably Jack too, for the trade end of it."

"Why /me/?" the former Debtor protests.

"/Which/ level of the Dungeon did you take charge of?" you ask, pointedly.

"Ha ha, you're competent," Flitter teases.

"Damnit, no I'm not - /fuck/," Jack swears, as he realizes he's been had.

Silence gives the man a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.

"Your life sounds more fun than mine," Ettie comments.

"You have /no/ idea," you drawl.

"Once I handle that, I can signal someone to have you arrive. How do you want that handled?" Henrietta asks.

> Get an announcement and introduction; let the Duchess ease them into the idea
> Have Fetch be your herald. You need to be able to stand on your own
> Be in the party the entire time; let them get to know you as a person before you drop that on them
> Write-in?

>>48213393
>> Have Fetch be your herald. You need to be able to stand on your own
while not the best of choices it needs to happen

>>48213393
> Be in the party the entire time; let them get to know you as a person before you drop that on them

Observe, gather intel on who Bri and crew will have to be dealing with. It'll make the proper introduction all the more impactful when we've already talked with everyone.

>>48213393
> Have Fetch be your herald. You need to be able to stand on your own
> Be in the party the entire time; let them get to know you as a person before you drop that on them

Whynotboth.jpg

Let us mingle for a bit before Fetch struts in, grandstands a bit, then comes over and settles on our head. Maybe wear our full formal outfit (with skeleton makeup) so we can see which of the nobles has half a brain and can figure it out on their own.

>>48213393
> Be in the party the entire time; let them get to know you as a person before you drop that on them

Gonna be driving home, will call and update in an hour or so, maybe a bit more depending on what I need to do when I actually arrive. Thank you for your patience; I needed out of the house.

>>48213393
I like this

>>48213921

Idea

>>48213921
Maybe more formal and not so in the nose, but
>both sounds good.

>>48213921
>>48213393
Seconding this guy.

>>48208622
> It's hard so let's not bother

Damn son, we can offer men Glory and Honour. At the least we have a Chosen of Troth, that should draw some people down.

We should be at least TRYING to get allies.

> The biggest reason is you haven't asked, and Henrietta's hesitant to suggest it.

Look at that, reason number one is we haven't even tried.

Stop being a nigger-bitch and make a modicum of effort.

> The original statement wasn't precise enough!

Which is why I made clarifying statements, I don't see why you're trying to argue that one.

> At least a couple trained officers to help our militia forces would be fantastic.

I still say this would be the best solution. Nobody among our rank is a general or even a military officer with experience regarding straight up war. We have nobody with any idea how to use combined arms to fight a cavalry/phalanx combo and since I don't want to metagame I would REALLY LIKE TO GET AN EXPERT.

And ultimately, the Duchess can ORDER someone to at least talk to us to give us some options while we try to round up some volunteers to search for glory, honour, and gold in the dungeon. We can even use the mystery of the Dungeon to play it up, talking about profit to be made from trade - even things like growing specialty fruits year round. Not like this niggers have fridges or shit. Cash Crops motherfucker, that's where the money is at.

Or you could be a pouty bitch saying "No, that's impossible, let's not even try because muh headcanon says that's not in the game".

>>48213393
Seconding >>48213921

>>48216134
>We should be at least TRYING to get allies.

Absolutely. I never said we should never do it (and I sincerely apologize if I came across as such), just that trying to drag soldiers down into the Dungeon isn't a good idea quite yet.

>I still say this would be the best solution

It certainly would be, I'm just pointing out the potential problems in the same way you're pointing out the potential benefits.

>the Duchess can ORDER someone to at least talk to us to give us some options

Not sure what you mean by 'options' here, but part of my earlier point was that Ettie forcing ANYONE to go into the Dungeon, while likely within her power, would be a Bad Idea at this juncture due simply to a large portion of the Dungeonites not being used to the idea of interacting with outsiders (YET) and certainly not used to taking orders from them, and the outsiders not being used to the Dungeon not being 'that big hole we send our worst criminals to die in'. Let alone that being known as a ruler who'll force her loyal soldiers into horrifying conditions won't exactly be very good for her future rulership.

>while we try to round up some volunteers to search for glory, honour, and gold in the dungeon. We can even use the mystery of the Dungeon to play it up, talking about profit to be made from trade - even things like growing specialty fruits year round. Not like this niggers have fridges or shit. Cash Crops motherfucker, that's where the money is at.

I wholeheartedly agree with you here, but merchants and adventurers aren't the military assistance that was posited in the first post.

>Or you could be a pouty bitch saying "No, that's impossible, let's not even try because muh headcanon says that's not in the game".

You certainly could. Good thing neither of us has been.

>>48216134
Damn son, calm down. People can point things out without disagreeing with what actions you want to take.

Home. Will call and write Soon(tm). Still open for discussion.

>>48213393
>"Why /me/?" the former Debtor protests.
>"/Which/ level of the Dungeon did you take charge of?" you ask, pointedly.
I don't get it. How does ruling the Warehouse mean that Jack has to go to the party?

Called, writing. Let's kill this thread.

>>48219281
Jack handled the level that makes and breaks its bones on trading goods and services. He has experience in the field.

>>48219281
>for the trade end of it

So who else thinks Azrael's manipulating us into stopping Dick from stopping the end of the world?

>>48219331
it could be either/or on that one.

I mean, if he is, he's done a terrible PR job about it, and should be stopped regardless.

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>>48219331

>>48219331
Well I see where you're coming from but to be a bit meta, it "can't" be true since vox has or forward the idea of making another quest set in the far future of this world. I dunno what the twist is going to be, but I doubt it's that