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You are standing in front of the Charter King's hotel, which you now know from the massive letters on the upper floors of the building to be named "The House Beyulo." The entrance is draped heavily with purple cloth, making the front door almost completely shrouded in darkness. A bugmin wearing a tuxedo is standing at attention under the large shroud.

>>1513217
Ask if we may see the Charter King

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>>1513232

The well-dressed bugmin directs his many eyes in your direction. His voice sounds like it was somehow created by rubbing lute strings together.

"Zhrrr, you have business with His Wealth-ee-ness?"

>>1513232
Seconded. Also hi again ^_^

Say that you have a delivery for his wealthiness, and that you'd like to see it to him post haste

>>1513244

Supporting.

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>>1513244

The bugmin chatters in an impressed tone.

"Of course, sir. The King has requested that anyone with a delivery for him be given a full night's stay to reward them for their efforts...on top of the bounty, of course."

His mouthparts click again.

"May I see your delivery, sir?"

>>1513255

Let's show him the goods. Be wary not to expose the fetish while extracting it from your coat.

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>>1513259

You reach into your coat pockets and carefully reveal the mysterious mesh sack.

The bugmin's antennae seem to stand up on end for a split second, but then relax.

"Ah, yes, yes, good. Very good."

You think you can see him salivate a little.

"Well sir, you've got several options as an official business partner of the Charter King. We can place you in a normal economy room, a larger executive room, or one of our coveted honeymoon suites."

>>1513272

Executive room sounds good, no extra charge from the economy room ?

Is the charter king home ? I'd like to deliver this directly to him.

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>>1513308

"I'm afraid the Charter King is a very busy man, he would need at least a day's time to schedule a proper meeting with you. That's why his constituents often take a night's stay at his hotel."

His mouthparts click-click again.

"So, that was the executive suite, correct?"

>>1513329
Yes, let's go for that.

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>>1513343

The chitinous concierge leads you through the darkened double doors into the lobby of the House of Beyulo. The walls and ceiling are covered with lovely mosaic designs, and the floor is dotted with many different decorative rugs. A large staircase leads up to the second floor. The bugmin gives you a room key.

"Your room number is 209, on the second floor. You are free to go there right away, as it is getting late. However, you are free to enjoy any of the hotel's other luxuries if you desire."

>>1513376
Thank the bugmin, then have a look around.

>>1513376

Let's check the room and then look for a tavern. We came here for adventures after all, not luxury.

Make sure no forrest stabbers or constabulary have infiltrated the Hotel.

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>>1513395

You make your way up the polished stairs towards the executive rooms. You unlock the door to your room and take a look inside.

The room has a very comfy-looking canopy bed with a fine wooden nightstand next to it. Several exquisite paintings hang on the walls. The room also has a connected bathroom and a walk-in closet.

Check the room carefully to find forgotten loot!

>>1513425

Open the drawers and take a closer look at the painting.

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>>1513425

Like the thrifty collector you are, you scour the room for any hidden goodies.

You find two small bars of soap, a wrapped mint, a small towel, and a Horned Order Book of Prayers.

>>1513437

The painting depicts a plainly-dressed working man with one foot on a wooden chest. A plaque on the bottom of the frame reads "Our Founder."

>>1513439

Take the wrapped mint and leave the hotel, not forgetting to lock the door on your way out. Try to find a tavern to meet new people.

Eat the mint, bath ourselves to look hella fly, get out there and meet some sweet honeys and moneys.

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>>1513444
>>1513446

You take some time to get yourself cleaned in the bathroom, which is much-needed after an active day such as this.

Once you're spic and span, you figure the best way to cap off this night is with some freshly-uncorked bottles of swill. You pocket the wrapped mint and lock your room's door, making your way back out onto the streets.

You can now see a few options for an evening drinking session, which are now starting to be filled up by the locals:

The Horse's Mouth

Crongur & Sons Malted Liquids

Asloheem's Sticky Stalls

>>1513474

Let's go to The Horse's Mouth.

>>1513499
Seconding.

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>>1513499

You walk closer to the Horse's Mouth tavern, its windows now lit up by firelight. Even a good distance away, you can hear a very rowdy bunch hooting and hollering within, as well as the sound of heavy tankards knocking onto wood in unison.

Should you go in as you are?

>>1514209
Make sure the fetish is concealed, then go in confidently.

Look through the window first! We need to see what we're getting into!

>>1514258
Good point, seconding.

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>>1514258

While you can't see everything that's going on inside, you can get a good look at the bartender and the bartended.

The longman bartender is cleaning a few glasses, as a whaleman and a norman are having a friendly conversation, from the looks of it.

>>1514370

Well, they don't seem outright aggressive. I would now go in and make my way to the bar.

Order a non-alcoholic drink, we needs to keeps our wits, and look for some sweet honeys or opportunities sweet moneys!

>>1514479
This, and strike up a conversation with the fellow we saw in the window to get some local gossip.

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>>1514396

You open the heavy wooden door to the bar, and you notice that the atmosphere seems friendly and gregarious. You don't get many glances as you take a seat at the bar.

The longman bartender, who has a nametag reading "Crullson," asks you if you'd like anything to drink.

>>1514479

You tell Crullson that you'd like something non-alcoholic. He tells you that this bar serves:

Wumpulus Milk

Virgin Morkwater

Sparkling Clemquart Cider

>>1515240
Sparkling Clemquart Cider

>>1515247

Indeed, the gentleman's choice. Seconding.

>>1515247
Sure why not

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>>1515247

Crullson does a quick nod and reaches below the counter, pulling out a neatly labeled bottle and a simple glass. He expertly turns the label to face you as the drink pours, not missing a single drop. He then finishes the performance with a fruity little umbrella.

Voila, a sparkling clemquart cider. Perhaps now you will try to make conversation with the other patrons?

A cider could be alcoholic, that's how kidneys get stolen, stick with the virgin mork water.

>>1515326
Yeah, try to get in on some of that whaleman-norman action

>>151533
Its k
Its sparkling

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>>1515339

You listen in on the conversation between the large whaleman and the simple norman. The norman speaks first.

"Dangerous place, the city's becomin'."

"Eero, lotsa foul business all about."

"Nary an un-tarnished badge amongst 'em."

"Blost'd constabs."

>>1515472
Friendly introduction
Has the constab always been a crooked lot or has something changed recently?
How do they feel about the king?

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>>1515487

You politely get the norman's attention, promptly introducing yourself and your status in this city.

"Eero! A traveler to our fair city! You've come at an opportune time!"

The norman gives you his and his friend's names, Bosh and Oqq'Hi Nd, respectively.

You ask about how long ago the constables adopted their sordid mannerisms.

"It's that Chief Eschelon," Bosh says. "First the bleak ol' dongrel crashes a whole slew a' convicts on the northern shores, then he says the constabs are 'much more needed' in the city instead a'dealin' with th'problem heeeee started! An'THEN he lets 'em all run about makin' falso chargos against the cityfolk!"

He chugs from his flagon, along with his blubbery pal.

You ask about the Charter King's opinion on the whole matter.

"King Lugo? Hates th'whole thing. All the bribes he's gotta give to avoid the dongin' beaur-o-cratic process cuts at 'im like a roofcat's foot!"

"Do you know of anyway a good upstanding citizen could earn some money, or where a mighty adventurer could find some honeys to suduce?"

>>1515568
the convicts have a leader? you know anything more about them?

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>>1515578

"Ooro, you oughta try one-a the local brothels, friend. Many honeys t'saduce, and work to be done if you're willing!"

Bosh's last statement is followed by an exaggerated grin and a few snickers from his companion.

>>1515742

D-do you know why cats have X instead of eyes ? Can they really see something or they use other senses ?

For all this kindness and information, let's buy them a round! A cheap round, but a round.

Also, we should take a couple drops of our "happy remedy" that the plague doctor sold us. See if it has a nice effect.

Let's save the happy juice for a desprate measure. Our new friends are anti-depressent enough!

Lets find those honeys. If anybody's got good gossip, it's the whores.

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>>1515840

You chuckle along with the two bar-goers, offering them another round before you take your leave.

"Much a-preesh, friend, but I've gotsa get home after this'un," says the norman.

Your delicious sparkling cider is only 3 nunks, leaving you with 22 remaining.

After a short search, you find a round building with a tented entrance, bearing a heart-shaped sign on the canopy engraved with an old-language symbol meaning "rats."

Do you feel confident in this building?

>>1516158
Peer at the man lurking round the corner.

Approach the lurker

>>1516377
Supporting

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>>1516377

Your eye catches a darkly-dressed individual standing to the side of the brothel. As you turn to face him, he nonchalantly looks turns to face away from you.

Goaded by suspicion, you cautiously walk up to the man, and you can now make out a few more things about his appearance. He is wearing a very wide-brimmed hat and a heavy cloak, both made of very dark cloth. Most strangely of all, he has a very small and featureless face.

>>1517144
"You expecting anyone?"

>>1517280
Seconding.

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>>1517280

He slightly turns his head.

"Mmm...yes."

His voice is deep and almost emotionless.

"Someone important to me."

He faces away again.

"You could say... an old friend."

He seems to be trying to ignore you.

Go inside and watch him from the window

>>1517325
Don't get caught up with Suspicious Sam. He'll attract constables. Politely end end conversation and go into the brothel while keeping an eye on Zoro.

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>>1517351

You head inside the brothel entrance, keeping track of the cloaked figure from the corner of your eye.

Once inside, the smell of incense begins to cloud your sinuses. Before you on a large padded chair sits a madam wearing a layered gown. There are several strings hanging by her sides with small charms tied to the ends. She politely waits for you to speak.

>>1517406
Ask her if she knows that guy outside.

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>>1517554

"Ah, he's back again."

The madam speaks in a weak but wizened fashion.

"That man is trying to catch a well-known thief who frequents this brothel. He's a detective hired by the nobility, you see."

The madam shifts in her seat a bit.

"Let me know if you catch him peeking in your window. I'll have Calro remove him."

Flirty introduction, kiss her hand.
Tell her I'm the king's guest, find out what her ladies have to offer. What's the line up like?

>>1517604
Ask more about the thief.

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>>1517613

You realize you may have approached this businesswoman in the wrong fashion. You remove your hat and kneel by her side, taking her small hand to give it a polite peck. In the process, you realize that the madam has a worm-like lower body. Also, her skin is somewhat clammy and covered in a thin mucus.

Avoiding a rude reaction, you thank the madam for her time and ask about getting some intimate company.

"My, a chivalrous one you are."

You detect a slight hint of sarcasm.

"We have a few options available currently. Could you tell me what it is you might be interested in? Something typical, something exotic, or something else?

"Any Catfolk? I've seen a lot in this town."

>>1517643
Ask her for the prostitute that has had the most use in recent memory.

(My guess is that we can get info out of him/her/it)

>>1517643
Well, we are looking for adventure. Why not something exotic?

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>>1517668

"Didn't take you for the adventurous type. Let me show you a few of our performers."

She gently tugs one of the strings and you think you can hear a bell go off behind a shrouded door.

You can hear some muffled pattering before the shroud is pulled aside, revealing a scantily clad longwoman with straight blonde hair.

"This is Yulma. A longwoman, of course. Very experienced. Good stamina."

Think of the head! Maybe we should see everyone though?

>>1517773
Seconding. Might as well get the full parade, while we're here.

Show us more women
Maybe one with more arms, that seems really exotic

>>1517773
Seconding.

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>>1517773
>>1517790
>>1517798

"Of course, sir. Best to weight all of your options, hm? Take five, Yulma!"

Yulma does a quick curtsy and re-enters the shrouded door. The madam then pulls two strings at once.

The footsteps you hear now alternate between a slow lumbering stomp and a wet sucking noise.

The first girl who enters has rough brown skin, and her head has a pair of horns that look very close to branches.

"This is Woodlouse, a wudmin from the outer wildlands. Wudmin are typically not very tame, but she was domesticated at a young age."

Upon closer inspection, you realize Woodlouse's face is carved into her head.

After the madam finishes, the shroud opens again and a small creature with jagged teeth and a dress that barely hides a set of tentacles waddles in.

"And here is Vringel, a deepling. She was given to us as a gift from the Lake Authority. Surprisingly intelligent, fun-loving, likes to bite."

So far I'm for the deepling, but make sure they aren't holding out on us!

>>1517868
I go for the long neck.

>>1517868
I feel like we've gotten off track here. Mumble some excuse and do a runner back to the hotel.

There is no rails, only ladies to choose from.

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>>1517876

The madam claps twice and the two girls go back into the shrouded door.

"Well, we have one more option for someone who needs that little extra something."

She emphasizes the word "thing."

She opens a small hatch on the arm of her chair and pulls a small string beneath it.

What emerges from the door after that takes some time for you to process.

An incomplete skull now stands in the center of the room on two spindly, pale legs. Its body is totally hidden by ruffled hair, but you can see a long tongue hanging out of what you assume to be its mouth.

You make eye contact with the madam, and she is giving you a very wide-eyed smirk.

"This is...Shoe. I'm afraid we're not at liberty to say exactly WHAT she is, but I can assure you that anything you do with her will be unlike any experience you've had before."

Shoe's stare makes you feel like something is burrowing into your spine.

>>1517929
Let's go for the skull.

Either Shoe or Vringel. Which ever is cheaper.

>>1517929
NOPE. I think we're done here, this doesn't seem like the kind of adventure we were anticipating.

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>>1517944

The madam snaps her fingers and Shoe scampers into a hole in the wall.

"So, Vringel it is, then? She's about half the price as Shoe, and not nearly as much cleanup."

The madam writes something on a small notepad.

"If all is said and done, we can organize to have Vringel sent to your residence for a night of pleasantries, and you will owe 10 nunks in the morning, if you're satisfied."

Check if that creeper is out there still, lets have Calro remove him because we can

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>>1518083

After finalizing your contract with the madam, you step outside of the entrance tent. It's very late now, but the bazaar's streets are well-lit by torchlight.

You turn to your right to see a big lug stepping all over the faceless detective.

You think you should be getting back to your hotel room.

We are a noble adventurer! We can't let this detective get beaten senslessly! At least until we learn if they're evil or not. Investigate!

>>1518329
nah, that detective was a creeper and wasn't very good if he made himself so obvious

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>>1518329
>>1518377

Well, it seems you feel a bit conflicted about the whole ordeal.

>>1518320
Wait till the thug leaves, then help the detective and inquire again as to what he is doing.

That sounds good, but act if the detective is kidnapped.

>>1518469
HELP HIM. Why wouldn't we want the authorities to view us in a good light?

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>>1518471
>>1518529

You try to preserve your own life above all else and wait for the big lug to leave the detective alone.

After a few more disrespectful shoes to the back, the big lug lurches away, disappearing into the back entrance of the brothel. The detective lies in a crumpled and dirty mess on the ground.

You recall that he was waiting outside the brothel in an attempt to capture a well-known thief that frequents that particular establishment.

>>1518559
Help the detective up.

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>>1518568

You pick the battered detective up from the ground, dusting him off as he straightens up. He puts his wide-brimmed hat back on.

"Thank you," he says, not conveying any real emotion.

Well let's leave the creep and go meet our ladybfor the night.

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>>1518672

You and the detective don't exchange any more words. You make an awkward retreat back to the House Beyulo hotel. Just outside of your room waits the diminutive deepling prostitute, Vringel. She gives you a big toothy grin and waves a rouge tentacle.

let him know that if he needs a friend we are someone he can trust

>>1518705
go into the room
we have all night, make small talk.
what does she know about the thief?
anything on Chief Eschelon?
anyway to get in good with the convicts?

don't let her know why we'er here to see the king, hide the fetish

>>1518705
Ask what she recommends for the evening, also compliment on her smile; it's quite... exciting.

Compliment her and try to get more info on her people as we fade to black.

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>>1518759
>>1518751

You compliment the tiny concubine's posterity, opening the door for her as you plan what information you will divulge from her.

However, both of you are surprised to find that your room is already occupied by two convicts and a tall bugmin with a knife.

>>1518799
take out that gun and start backing away quickly with my lady friend.
shout and make noise as i make my way back down the hall.
maybe Vringel has some ability that can help

>>1518806
Agreed, get her to safety (or an area to run away safely) and keep that gun trained on these ruffians. Maybe one of them will be too stupid to know what a gun is and give an impromptu demonstration for his friends.

>>1518806
This

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>>1518806
>>1518812

You whip out your Festerbool 1399 Revolver, fully loaded and ready to fire. The two convicts and the bugmin stop in their tracks, but the bugmin keeps his knife trained on you. You begin to back into the hallway, taking quick glances to look for anyone who can help, but you can't spot a single soul.

You try to shield Vringel from harm, who is baring her many sharp teeth and snarling instinctively.

Also we should ask what they're doing here. They'll probably tell us, bu incase they don't.

tell him to drop the knife

>>1518849
"Easy now boys, we don't anything bad happening now do we? Drop the knife and skedaddle; I have a full evening planned and I don't want to spend it cleaning the carpets."

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>>1518853

The bugmin twirls the dagger in his segmented fingers.

"Kssss, nothin' strangerrrr. Jus' got losssst on th'way t'the bathhhhroom!"

His pedipalps rub together to make a cackling noise.

"Why don'cha put down the pea-shooter? Let's 'ave a friendlyyyy chat."

>>1518937
how about you put that letter opener down and tell me what you're doing in here

keep backing away

"No thanks, I like my personal space."

>>1518937
Take a step back and cock the hammer on the revolver, mantis are fast bastards. Reveal the fetish as well.

Lower, but keep up the gun. And ask bugmin to drop the knife. Ask them who they are and what they're doing here. Check on our ladyfriend.

>>1518937
Any moves and one o' them pretty luminescent peepers of yours is gonna get turned into jelly.

Now get out.

Keep moving backwards... almost there.

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>>1518946

You confidently reach into your coat pocket and pull out the Fetish of Glunjorr. The tall bugmin suddenly stops weaving around in place and his antennae stand up on end. Both of his convict companions also take a step back.

The bugmin is no longer holding the knife in an offensive fashion.

"Okay, friend, I can see I've bitten off a bit much..."

>>1518962

The bugmin and his pals all dive out of the 2nd story window and you hear a cushioned crash afterwards. You assume there was a canopy or a pile of garbage to break their falls.

How is Vringel doing?
Go see if the tuxedo bugmin is still around, I have some strong words for him

>>1518992
Check on vringel, and ask her not to say anything about the fetish. Check around to see if anything might have been tampered with in the room.

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>>1519005

You notice that Vringel is no longer by your side. Relaxing your firing arm and turning to face the hallway, you see Vringel looking up at you with a wide and blood-covered smile. You also notice a snail trail of blood spatters leading down the hall to a dead convict.

Vringel slowly closes her eyes and perks up. You think she's proud of you.

>>1519038
get the manager, we need a different room

>>1519038
Give her a smile in return, partly out of being impressed and partly to hide ones nervousness of seeing she murdered someone with that stunning smile.

We need to check the body, but make sure to put away the gun and not touch it too much. We don't want any mix ups.

Maybe shout to room service about the blood, but now it's time for sexy-squid.

>>1519055
I know right? What a dame!

See if we can upgrade to the honeymoon sweet, for the break-in, and our new honey. Also, check to see if we still have the mesh sack of delivery.

>>1519038
Throw the corpse out the window the convicts jumped out of. As a warning.

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>>1519054

You try to calm down and give Vringel a congratulatory smile in return. Both of you walk over to the bled-out convict. Searching his body, you only find a crude dagger, a vial with a skull symbol on it, and a folded note.

Written on stained canvas, the note has a crude drawing of yourself, as well as what appears to be a mesh sack. Above them both is the phrase "bring it to the cliffs."

>>1519089
i suspect that tuxedo bugmin
you know anything about the cliffs?

>>1519089
Ask vringel if she knows anything about the cliffs, don't talk to room service as they're probably in cahoots with the bugmin.

>>1519100
Seconding. (Assuming we are asking Vringel)
But also check what is in our bag.

whats in the vial?

>>1519089
Double check on the safety of the Mesh, keep the note for evidence, and make sure you stay wary of any edibles. That poison bottle is disconcerting. And by the gods, is there anyone who can clean this up and get us a new room key? The state of help these days, I swear.

>>1519113
We should take the poison bottle too.

>>1519121
True, true, never know when you need a bottle of unidentified death.

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>>1519100
>>1519108
>>1519110

Being that Vringel is not only a local, but also a semi-aquatic creature, you figure she might know something about the geography of the surrounding area. You ask her about any cliffs nearby, and you realize that you haven't actually heard her speak up to this point.

"Sshhhrrah!" she gurgles, while making a pondering gesture.

"Cliffsh real closhe! Harrrrbor! Biiiig harrrrbor!" She stretches out her arm-tentacles to accentuate her point.

>>1519113
>>1519121

You pocket the skullular bottle and double-check your belongings. The mesh sack is still safe in your possession, as well as your ammunition, a powdered antidepressant, and a wrapped mint. You make a mental note to not mix any of them up.

>>1519142
we should try and get a different room, near the top

>>1519142
"Fancy a bit of walk then my dear? A walk through the Harbor is quite calming to the nerves. Or perhaps, you would rather retire for the night?"

Should we go after the bastards and catch them off guard? Or kick our feet back and relax?

Seconded

>>1519166
we'er being charged for the night with her anyway. I wouldn't go out at night, we dont know this place

>>1519173
Right Right, it would be foolhardy. Let's show this little lass a good time!

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>>1519173
>>1519185

After a long day of shopping and turmoil and this and that, you're fed up with pursuing your responsibilities. You're paying for an exotic and many-legged prostitute, and by the whim of Gillogronjarosh, you're going to enjoy it!

You carry your soggy strumpet over the threshold and into your executive room, and bar the doors and windows.

>>1519209
we get undressed i guess, do our parts even match up?

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>>1519220
I suggest asking our toothy temptress what she recommends. Get a taste of Deepling culture if you catch my drift.

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>>1519220
>>1519226

You begin to slowly disrobe as you make small talk with Vringel. You try not to do anything too violently, you don't want to scare the little munchkin.

However, your body is suddenly pinned against the bed by her leg tentacles. She gives you a silly look as she starts to remove your shirt with her lithe little tendrils while sitting on top of your lap.

You realize she's a lot more experienced with this than you are.

>>1519243
im down for anything

>>1519243
Might as well let her take the lead on this one then.

Of course when the opportunity presents itself, we should should show our "appreciation" for her help with taking down that convict. It would be a shame if we appeared ungrateful.

Also let's make sure she doesn't make off with our stuff in the middle of the night. I'd hate to have our heart broken finding out she was involved in all this.

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You are awoken by sunlight peeking below the canopy of the bed. Your entire body feels like it's magnetically sealed to the bed. You feel a tiny sinuous body next to yours.

You take your first breath of morning air as you stretch as much as you can without disturbing your partner. You think back to last night...

My god.

Order breakfast for you both, like a true gentleman.

>>1519296
what happened to that mess outside?

>>1519296
>Adorable
>Not afraid to fight
>Or eat someones face
>Works wonders with those tentacles

Man if we actually got to know this lass, we'd have half a mind to take her away from all this.

Also, let's enjoy this for a bit longer before we get down t finding out about this whole robbery business.

>>1519303
dont fall in love with prostitutes

>>1519296
Get dressed and pay the ho.

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You stir in bed a bit, rotating so you can get a better look at your special friend. However, you are completely caught off guard by a large man in a fine coat standing right by the nightstand.

>>1519316
Dive for your gun.

>>1519316
"please tell me you're not hear to rob/murder/beat seven types of slime out of me. I've had enough of that in one day to last me a lifetime."

>>1519316
Good morning, your... majesty?

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>>1519325

"Oh-ho-ho-HO!"

The man releases the heartiest guffaw you've ever heard.

"You MUST be a foreigner if you don't recognize the grrreat King Lugo!" He does a superfluously prideful pose.

"Don't rightly understand how you can leave a corpse with a trail o' blood leadin' right to yer door and NOT expect a rude awakenin', friend."

He chuckles to himself a bit more, but then assumes a professional tone.

"Not to worry, though, I've had my palsies take care of the convict's cadaver. No need to get the constabs involved, eh?" He winks.

"Now, the only thing I've gotsa figure out is exactly WHY you have an executive room key when your name isn't even on the daily roster."

>>1519342
a bugmin in a tuxedo gave me
you don't want to know about the body?

"I've got a delivery for you."

>>1519345
seconded,
also im really enjoying this OP, keep it up

>>1519345
>>1519363
Seconding.

>>1519342
"My apologies for the state of myself in our first meeting, your lordship, but it seems my delivery to you is one that your bugmin wanted to keep off your records, whether that is for your own impunity from constables or his own deniability for a robbery gone well is for you to determine.

But to the matter at hand, I have been tasked to ensure safe delivery of the package in question if it please your majesty."

Where is the bag right now? Let's check on it.

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>>1520030

King Lugo shifts his eyebrows a bit and respectfully helps himself to the contents of your coat, which you tossed to the side before last night's festivities. He pulls out the mysterious mesh sack.

"Ah, this again. That chartermaster's always sendin' some randy instead of using a proper courier service."

He tucks the delivery into his coat.

"And my concierge will certainly be given some 'necessary discipline,' if y'understand."

He turns to you and your bedmate and smirks a bit.

"I can see you've been enjoyin' the local flavor, eh lad?"

>>1520665
"Oh yes majesty," we smile wistfully "very, very much. Is there anything else you require, or will that be all?"

"Oh and before we forget, thank you for getting the... Mess, cleaned up... h-heh..heh.." *Sheepish cough*

>>1520665
"You got any work for me your majesty? One that we let me see the best sights of the locale? "

>>1520665
>>1520830
We all have our virtues and vices, and I am no exception. If your majesty is pleased with my success, consider directly employing my services for any matters, particularly those of a sensitive nature.

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>>1520772

"Ah, it seems you've been through enough, lad. And here..."

He pulls out a rather heavy-looking sack.

"For yer troubles!"

He tosses the sack into your lap, and you can hear a large number of tiny particles brushing against each other inside of it.

"And hey, lemme cover that charge for ya, too."

He pulls out a much smaller sack and hands it to Vringel, who chirps with enthusiasm.

"Once again, apologies for the intrusions."

He does a regal about-face and walks out of the room, gently shutting the door behind him.

>>1520970
Check the bag.

>>1520970
Did we get breakfast yet? Lets go back to the Horse's Mouth and get some news.
First we need to find the bank and ask about a safe deposit box

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>>1521061

You pull the drawstring and open the bag. After carefully counting its contents, you find it contains exactly 200 nunks.

You can't tell how many were in the bag that King Lugo gave to Vringel, but it's definitely much more than 10.

>>1521066
I second this, can't be too careful with foreign money. And make sure we get a "Full" Breakfast, not sure when we'll get another chance for a meal today.

>>1521140
Oh and we should offer Vringel some as well unless she needs to report back in. And in that case we bid her a fond farewell.

>>1521286
Nah, I say we part ways. She has been compensated well. I like her, but I don't trust her. I still want to save the sewercat if we want some company.

Also, I'd like to leave town. This place has seen too much of us. Let's find a map of the region.

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>>1521140
>>1521286

You get dressed and turn to Vringel, who is still flashing you a wide smile. You ask her if she's at all peckish.

"Ksssh! Yes yes! Mood for food!"

She giggles and swirls around with her arms outstretched.

>>1513211
You ran wizard quest, didn't you? Fucking hell, I thought your style was familiar. Took me a while.

>>1521461
We clap our hands in delight. "Lovely! Never a good idea to go about in the morning without nourishment especially after a.... Activity filled day."

We pause for a moment, our enthusiasm for exotic dishes curbed by a simple question.

"Speaking of which where do we get our chow anyhow?

>>1521499

Oh crap, I'm surprised anyone remembers that.

>>1521524
>it's been a whole year
f-fuck

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>>1521578

I may continue WQ someday. I still feel bad about leaving it like I did. Anyway...

>>1521522

"Oo-oo!" Vringel chirps, suddenly jumping up and clinging to your back with her many appendages. She begins pushing you towards the door.

Once outside of the hotel and among the early morning streets of the bazaar, Vringel points you towards what appears to be a large restaurant. A large, rounded sign on the roof reads "Meat is the Only Cure."

>>1521642
That's a message we can get behind. Let's go for that.

>>1521642
eat at the resteraunt

>>1521642
A grin creeps over our features

"Now this, this is my kind of place."

We step in to the establishment with confidence and excitement. What better way to round the Adventurers Spectrum, if we did not risk our very inner workings over gastrointestinal thrills!

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>>1521662
>>1521680
>>1521694

You enter the restaurant and take a seat. It's not very busy yet, you only see a few other people enjoying a hearty breakfast. You are served a menu by the waiter promptly, and take a look at the entrees for today.

Oxnode Steak

Folded Dongrel Lungs

Songbull Sausage

>>1521876
Ask Vringel if she has any recommendations.

>>1521876
Oooooh Dongrel Lungs sound tasty, or possibly the Sausage... Hmmmm...

Lungs.

Definitely the Lungs.

"And you Vringel?"

>>1521897
seconding. Else just have lungs.

You have to have sausage for breakfast.

>>1521876
Oh snap! These guys got folded dongrel lungs? Shoot, get you in on them! Just flash seared, and seasoned up spicy, senpai.

Also, we need something to drink, does vringrel want us to order for her?

Is this set in New Crobuzon?

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>>1521918
>>1521922
>>1521938

You figure that the folded dongrel lungs look the most appetizing. You order a large plate of them with "the works," as they say.

Vringel orders on her own, taking a look at the back of the menu. She carefully reads aloud.

"Fresh-lee...boy-uld...hag-gis." She looks proud of herself.

After a few minutes of waiting and gnawing at the table, the waitress comes out with two plates. On yours, a beautifully folded dongrel lung sits, browned to perfection, with many different sides. Some of them you don't even recognize.

Vringel receives her haggis, freshly wrapped and steaming hot. It's almost as big as her head.

>>1522072
Nice napkin detail, OP.

We feast, I guess. Ask vringel about the surrounding regions. There's more adventure in a foreign land to be had.

>>1522121
Seconding.

>>1522121
Yes, yes do tell. It's weird, wonderful world and I think we all want experience it.

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>>1522121

As you dine in, you start to make conversation with Vringel. You ask her about the surrounding area.

"Mm!" grunts Vringel, who has already taken half of her haggis into her mouth. She speaks to you through a mouthful of various meats.

"Due west, mountains!" She shovels some haggis filling into her maw.

"Due north, rivers!" She takes nibbles of the spent haggis casing.

"Due south, harbor!" She begins to lick the plate.

You feel as though she's memorized each of those phrases.

>>1522186
"People ask you that often?"

>>1522186
>Mountains

Oh baby, who wants to go on a adventure hike? I know I do.

We ask more about the mountains if possible.

By the way, after the meal, we should make sure we haven't pissed the Madam off by keeping the lass out too long.

You know in case she's following us for A. More goodies, A.k.a inadvertent Sugar Daddy or B. She genuinely enjoys our company

Mountain adventure!

>>1522278
>B. She genuinely enjoys our company
This is fairly unlikely, her being a prostitute and all. Pretending to enjoy our company is her job.

>>1522278
Don't fall for prostitutes. She can leave now. If you like her that much you can tell her to come back tonight.

We gotta head to a bank

>>1522341
>>1522303
That's what I'm saying, A being the most likely case, we gotta shake her before we get ourselves into trouble.

>>1522341
Screw the bank. Nothing bad ever comes from carrying all of your money on you at all times.

Pay for food. Give vringel a fond farewell. And let's go on a mountain or river adventure (possibly with a 20 ft sewercat sidekick).

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>>1522278
>>1522341
>>1522368

You make a plan of action, hoping to leave the city to explore the surrounding countryside, possibly stopping to get some supplies beforehand. Before that, though, it's time you do the responsible thing and part ways with your toothy temptress.

You both step outside so you can escort her back to the rat-house, but you realize all too late that the entrance has been surrounded by constables.

They politely wait for you to speak.

>>1522341
Right, right. Bank, we need to protect our moolah.

Then mountain adventure!

>>1522403
"Morning Constables, I've heard so much about you. Is there a problem?"

If they do anything that seems "arrestish" or possibly "exorting like"

RUN.

>>1522403
"Can I help you, officers?"

>>1522403
Ask the constables if there is a emergency.

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>>1522427
>>1522429
>>1522430

The constable with the most badges on his chest speaks first.

"Yes sir, I'm afraid that your presence is much needed. If you could just come with us nice an' quietly, all of this'll be over soon."

You can see him and the other constabs fiddling with devices that seem to be intended for binding a person's arms.

>>1522475
"I AM A SOVEREIGN CITIZEN, AM I BEING DETAINED?"

Also, run, roody poo.

>>1522490
Seconding, run for it.

Would this be a fetish flashing time? Let's ask them why for sure, though.

>>1522475
Bribe them everything but 20 nunks.

>>1522510
That sounds like a good way to get tackled and handcuffed. I say we err on the side of caution.

>>1522507
Throw vringel at the police as a distraction.

These are corrupt coppers. Throw them a couple nunks and they'll look the other way.

>>1522507
Run boys, if they want cash they're not gonna settle for pocket change. Make sure Vringels with us, there's no way she has enough on her to make them do a 1-80.

>>1522515
Honestly, more like this, but save 50 nunks for ourselves instead.

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>>1522490
>>1522507

You instinctively grab Vringel and make a break for it, the constables give chase as they whip out large wooden truncheons.

You think quickly as you barrel down the crowded street. You need a way out, a plan of action. You remember what Vringel said...

Due west, mountains.

Due north, rivers.

Due south, harbor.

>>1522565
>>1522563
Oops, too late now. That's what I get for shouting libertarian memes like an autist. We go to the mountains and lose them asap. We'll get caught in a harbor and the river is too risky.

Should we drop off our ladyfriend at the brothel or bring her along?

>>1522565
Lose them in the harbor.

>>1522592
You see that sass she threw at the constables? Leaving her behind would be a death sentence or as an eloquent gentlemen so fittingly orated this morning: they'd beat seven kinds of slime out of her before she has a chance to even stand. She can leave or betray us later, but now she's along for a ride.

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>>1522586

You settle on the mountains. Rough terrain such as that would be the wrong place to be for a city-slicking copper.

You round a corner, heading towards the center of town, the spherical memorial. However, a constable with his truncheon drawn is attempting to block your path.

>>1522594
Not the harbors, that's too close to their abode. I say the River, the mountains probably are crawling with Convicts.

>>1522687
We got momentum, and he's got tiny legs

HIP CHECK

Send him tumbling like the tin can he is!

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>>1522712

You brace yourself for a scuffle, but the constab swings his truncheon far too early to connect, and you use the opportunity to elbow him hard enough to knock him off his feet. The constab tumbles to the ground and you continue to run. Vringel gives you a burbly cheer.

You begin to head down the western road from the center of town. Ahead, you can see a residential street, a stairway leading up to a tall building, and an alleyway, all which seem to lead in the proper direction.

>>1522742
We alleyway now.

>>1522742
>"Best stick to the alleyways."

Well better to follow a locals advice, obviously there's going to be people there who hate the Constables much more than we do. Not to mention clanging metal armor makes it hard to ambush in an alley.

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>>1522754
>>1522810

You begin to weave through a number of alleyways, doing your best to keep a western direction. You think you've lost the constables for now, but there's no doubt that they're still searching for you in the surrounding streets.

You eventually come to a canal. The lower part of the canal is filled with water, but there is a pathway on the bank that is wide enough to walk on, as well as a ramp leading down.

Across the canal is a dead end, save for a wooden door and a darkened window. You don't know what kind of building they lead into.

Go down! We need to expand the harem and find sewercat!

>>1522868
go down the ramp and look for a way to get into the sewer

"This might be your only chance to bail, Vringel. Shall I drop you off here, or do you want to risk heading to the brothel? I don't plan on kidnapping you."

>>1522868
Darkened windows and doors to unknown buildings lead to disaster.

Follow the canals. Keep an eye out to see if we can contact Mull Flu. This might be her territory.

>>1522868
Go on and knock politely.

Please, please, PLEASE don't be a room full of Constables.

>>1522891
Oh shit, what am I talking about, Mull Flu would be a godsend right now.
>>1522889
Yeah, implied kidnapping could crimp our public image somewhat.

>>1522891
Don't the canals lead outside?

>>1522916
they lead to the outside from the inside, we'll just go the inside direction

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>>1522884

The canal's walkway is narrow, but it is not slippery and quite solid. You carefully make your way through the tight waterway.

You remember your titanic sewercat friend, Mull Flu. You try to see any entrances to a sewer, but any you can find are either very tiny or heavily barred over.

You follow the canal until it ends, and it ends at a very high waterfall. A steep 100-foot drop appears to lead outside of the city, to a large body of water below. You can see several streams sprouting out of it and stretching towards the horizon.

However, you don't see any safe way to make your way down.

>>1522948
Go back and cross over to the other side of the canal to check the house.

>>1522948
go back to the wooden door, hold up the fetish and give the door a knock

>>1522948
Well that's unfortunate. Can we pull ourselves up onto that ledge to our right and walk around the city?

Follow the canal in the opposite direction.

>>1522948
Knock knock canal people, you have visitors!

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>>1522971

You're not discouraged for a second. You turn around and get ready to check the house. However, your encouragement fizzles very quickly when you see a constable with a pistol drawn.

"Wrong move, traveler," he excitedly whispers. "I suggest you put your hands behind your head, as well as your...thing, there."

>>1523056
As we gently and slowly put Vringel down, we whip around and throw the poison vial in the Constables face.

DEAR GOD IT'S THE ONLY THING WE CAN DO.

I don't want to be locked up by these lunatics!

Do you guys have any ideas we can't get caught by these jokers.

>>1523056
are anymore coming?
if this is the only one cooperate so we can get close to him and create a distraction so Vringel can attack

>>1523056
"What's that behind you?"
While he turns to look draw your pistol, but don't shoot.

Jump! The water leads somewhere, and based on our friends aquatic appearance, she should be fine.

>>1523130
Wouldn't we hit the water like a brick though?

Sweet lordy loo if it comes to that what choice do we have?

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>>1523075

Your mind is racing. You formulate a last-ditch plan to distract the constable, and plan to shield Vringel with your body. No need to get her involved in this.

As you start to move yourself into position, the tension and silence are both shattered by a powdery explosion coming from the canal wall, sending the constable flying with his limbs flayed and broken.

As you open your eyes and the dust clears, you make out a large green fist.

Mull Flu! The harem continues! Hide the fetish.

>>1523161
Take his pistol.

>>1523161
MULLL!!!!

stop worrying, everything is okay

>>1523161
Wait, was Mull green? We may have just stumbled into more trouble. Be cautious until we can confirm.

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>>1523201

Out of the large hole in the canal wall steps Mull Flu, covered with shattered bricks and wall-dust. She looks at you and Vringel.

"You have been making friends." She looks at the unconscious constable. "Dangerous friends."

She checks her balance for a second and starts cradling her left arm. She may have injured it from breaking down the wall.

>>1523953
Yeah, Mull is green

>>1523987
Thank Mull first, give her a hug, too.
Ask about and examine arm.

Explain situation, she should know what's going on, but we should try to get to the mountains.

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>>1524010

You give Mull Flu a heartfelt greeting, checking her arm as you explain what's happened to you since your last meeting.

"The above ground must be a busy place." She looks up at the tall buildings surrounding you. After examining her hand, you find that it's not a serious injury, but she definitely shouldn't use it like she just did.

You explain your plan to escape to the mountains. Mull looks out at the horizon leading away from the city and seems awestruck. "Ooo...good idea..."

Vringel seems perplexed that you aren't terrified.

>>1524010
Seconding, also thank profusely while checking her arm. See if we can find something to make a jumbo splint for her.

>>1524074
Smiling at Vringel we simply state "Not to worry, she is a friend!"

We the direct the smile up to Mull herself

"And perhaps a new travelling companion? Honestly dear, you should take a break from these stuffy sewers."

Grimacing over the state of her arm we add

"Or at least long enough to let us treat this."

Did we take that scumbag's pistol?
We cant stay in the open, drag him underground and search him

>>1524097
Seconding.

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>>1524097
>>1524084

You drag the constable's body inside the hole made by Mull, snatching up his pistol in the process. It's a simpler build than your revolver, a single-shot Sculchadder. It could still be useful, however. You also find 10 bullets for said pistol on the constab's person.

Vringel cranes her head to look at Mull Flu and holds her arms out. "Kit-ty!"

Mull looks down at the diminutive deepling. "What are you called?" she says gently.

"Vrrrrringel!" the smaller one chirps. She seems very excited to speak to someone so large.

"I am called Mull Flu. How long have you been friends with Seymour?"

"Due west, mountains!" says Vringel.

>>1524097
Take his clothes too, pretend to be a constables, set up a distraction in Elsewhere and while others are distracted Vringel and Mull escape. Meet up outside the city.

>>1524106
Meanwhile, any constable who gets in our way is going to face the wrath of Seymour "AKIMBO" Butz!

Though it be hard to AKIMBO with one being a single shot.


Alternatively, we could ask Mull the fastest safest way to the Mountains.

>>1524119
Actually, asking Mull might not be the worst idea.

>>1524124
>>1524119
Seconding, also does the Sculchadder take the same ammo as the Festerbool?

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>>1524119

Mull Flu ponders for a bit. She looks back towards the canal.

"The fastest way...would be down." She turns back to you. "The safest...might be the main tunnel." She tries to draw it out for you with her claw. "It leads almost to ground level, outside of the city. However, the exit is heavily barred over." She slumps over a bit. "Though, both of you could fit through the gaps."

>>1524520
Is there an alchemist in town? We might be able to buy something to eat through the bars if we disguise ourselves as a constable.

I can't leave Mull behind. Not after what she has done for us.

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>>1524560

You decide it's time to go on a stealth mission. You put on the constable's coat, helmet, and badges. You also learn that the constable's name was "Kintsy," from the engraved shield-shaped badge.

You tell Mull Flu and Vringel to stay put, which it doesn't seem they'll have a problem doing. The last order of business is exactly what you should do with the actual Kintsy's unconscious body.

>>1524520
"Would you be able to fit through the fastest way?"


If not I quite enjoy this>>1524560
Idea. And speaking perhaps, the skull vial has some acidic properties. I suggest we do a quick test.

>>1524616
Off the waterfall with him. Let's go and find an alchemist after trying >>1524620