On the way the caravan you were with was attacked by a group of cannibal bandits known as the Ghouls. You fight them off and pick up an addition to your group, The Mage. A young man raised by the Ghouls who loathed them, and broke free at the first chance he got. He was never given a name, and hasn't picked one that he liked.

White Tree has given you a very unpleasant reception, insults and rocks have been hurled at you. Thankfully, the head of the Conclave knew your Father, and has asked you to do a favor for him. Someone has stolen a telescope and gem from the Conclave, and he wants them back.

You have a lead, but need to wait for Tricia's 'friends' to return with information. Posy the innkeeper is staring you down over her ample...lanterns. After she gets over the shock of seeing you, she speaks.

"Ten gold for a room, and an extra five for dinner."

>>23646303
>Frederick sighs. "I don't want to have to take it. Just stop wearing it."

The Suptg archive cuts off after this point.

If anyone could repost the druid_tricia1.jpg pic that Slow Drawfag posted that would be nice.

>>23647837
one sec, will try and report the lost stuff

>>23646323
"My adoptive father passed this on to me. I find it galling that I should be forced to hide it like a thief stealing a string of pearls, but if it gets your people off my back for five minutes I'll do it gladly. Can we go now, or do you have any more harassment in store for me?" You say as you tuck Father's Medallion away.

"Where are you heading?" He asks.

"Soup Stone Inn." Tricia says.

He nods, and motions for his men. The crowd parts as the guards escort you through it. You're almost through it when the crone grabs a rock and throws it at the three of you.

>>23647908

It hits you right above the cheek. The guard keeps pushing you forward. The crone laughs and parts of the crowd pick it up. You hear taunts and laughter.

Tricia squeezes your hand. "I'm sorry." She says quietly. She's apologizing for all of the years of teasing.

File: 1363127298770.jpg-(79 KB, 541x900, 1363124368973.jpg)

79 KB JPG

>>23647922
"Doesn't this place have laws against assault?" The Mage says.

"And the Teachings say that all things are equal in His Light." Tricia says.

The guard with you sneers. "Yes. It says assault against [i] man [/i] is illegal, just as the Teachings say that all [i]people[/i] are equal. I don't see any violation."

He stops infront of a tavern with a large grey lump as the sign.

The three of you go inside. A woman walks up to your group. She's dressed in yellow, and has the biggest pair of...tankards that you've ever seen.

"What's all the racket outside?" She asks. "Is something going..." She stares at the three of you, her mouth open for a moment. Then she shakes her head. "Rooms are 10 gold a night, dinner is an extra five. Pay up front."

>>23647941
and thats all the story posts that where lost, we have 100 gold to our name.

>>23647725
can we all share a room? and is it 5 gold a person for dinner?

>>23648005
You can share a room, but the bed will only fit two. It is 5 gold per person for dinner.

The Mage looks at you two with a hopeful smile. "I'll pay you back. I promise. Please, I've always wanted to try potato again."

"Split it?" Tricia suggests.
*** <- Means that I'm done and open for replies.

>>23648317
agree to split it with Tricia

>>23647941
>>23648317
"alright, we will take dinner for the three of us for now"

is it near evening/nightfall? if so get a room, and the mage can sleep on the floor for tonight with some blankets unless we want to shell out for another room.

>>23648547
"Fine." You say.

"I'll take the extra coin." She says, handing Posy 13 gold. She looks at your face where the welt from the rock that hit you is. "It's the least I can do."

You hand over 12 gold and Posy is now all smiles. "Table's over by the fire. Tell me what you want now, and I'll tell you if I can make it."

"The biggest baked potato that you have!" The Mage says.

"Sure, you want anything with it?" Posy asks.

The Mage looks confused. "Like what?"

She shrugs. "Hog dripping, meat gravy, a piece of salt por-"

"No! No meat!" The Mage looks ill. "Just the potato."

"Oookay." She shakes her head.

"I'll have a bowl of berries mashed up and mixed with milk and lots of honey." Tricia says. "Oh and some water with a stick of sugar cane in it."

Posy stares for a moment. "You're serious."

"Yeah." Trica says completely straight faced. You know that's what she usually eats back home. Of course she finds way to add even more sugar to that unholy mixture.

Posy shakes her head. "Alright, what exactly do you...uh...eat?" She asks you, looking a little afraid of the answer, but trying to be polite about it.

>>23648742
It's just starting to be sunset.

Oh, and if anyone wants to draw the mage. Skinny guy with copper hair and pale skin (paler than the girls) it looks like he hasn't eaten well for a while. He wears cheap, patched up brown robes that are filthy near the bottom and his 'shoes' are leather wrappings. He has a snaked skin armband around his right wrist that has a large, nasty looking, iron chain coming off of it. The chain attaches to a large staff. It's as tall as he is, and is made of a dull grey metal in the shape of a tree branch. at the top cradled in it's 'branches' is a bronze orb.

>>23648742
I mean...we have most kinds of meat available, but...I mean...we don't serve it raw. Is that okay?" It's almost painful how 'polite' she's trying to be.
***

>>23648956
Actually, her being nice makes a nice change.

>>23648956
OOC: do we eat raw meat?
IC: A large rare steak

>>23648956
to ease her mind if we are fine with cooked meat.
"Cooked is good, I can eat raw meat... but it tastes aweful."

"Do you have any steak(medium well), or lamb stew?"

>>23649093
You can.

"A large rare steak." You say.

Posy sighs in thankful relief. "Oh, yes. That's no problem. I'll go. Uhh, get your food. Yes."

The table by the fire is nice enough, even though you don't use a chair. The other people there look like other adventurers, scars and swords. You think you see an elf and a dwarf, odd to see them so far out here, away from their lands. The groups just gawk at the three of you for a moment, but then slowly go back to their own business when it's obvious that you're similar enough to them. The bard remembers himself and starts playing again.

The food arrives, along with a bee. "Ah, we have our answer." He does a little strange dance on the table. Tricia takes out a map and then circles an area. It's about half a day away from White Tree, in a swamp. "That's where our thief is...maybe."

The Mage looks so happy, eating his plain potato. You see actual tears in his eyes.

>>23649337
After a little bit, you hear quiet laughing from one part of the room, and you see a man walking up to you three. He has a smile and confidence that's obviously bolstered by the mead Posy serves.

"Hello Ladies. I'm Isen, Isen the Audacious." He gives you a wink. "So, you're...unique. What's your name?"

>>23649422
"Buzz off." Tricia mutters into her cup.

"Another potato please!" The Mage yells.

Isen sits in the chair that you left unoccupied. "Where are you from?"
***

>>23649422
We should thank Posy for her politeness when we get the chance. As for Isen, make some polite conversation, see what he wants

>>23649467
agreed, but keep it to polite conversation, and dont really reveal anything about ourselves or the group.

>>23649467
>>23649561
Some actual words towards Isen would be preferred here.

>>23649618
"From a small village near here. Do you make it a habit of approaching every unusual group you see?"

>>23649456
I was just surrounded by a mob with pitchforks, so I'm really not in the mood for small-talk. If you have a reason to bother us, spit it out.

>>23649680
>>23649737
"From a small village near here. Do you make it a habit of approaching every unusual group you see? Now, I was just surrounded by a mob with pitchforks, so I'm really not in the mood for small-talk. If you have a reason to bother us, spit it out." You say.

"Wow. A sharp serpent's tongue as well." He smiles. "I'm just here to settle a bet I have with my friends over there." He laughs a little. "We were wondering...do you lay eggs or just lay?" He collapses into a fit of laughter.

Tricia looks like she's about two seconds from using her mace to cave this guy's head in.

>>23649788
Oh, that was ill-advised.

>>23649788
"I think it's time for you to leave."

>>23649788
"you've certainly earned your title. Leave us alone."

>>23649788
"Lamia eat their mates."

>>23649788
So is there going to be a second part, or should there have been a *** at the end?

>>23649892
... That's spiders. And if he's an adventure he mat well know we are bluffing.

>>23649907
>Bullshit
"Who would know better?"

>>23649859
"I think it's time for you to leave." You say.

"Okay, okay." Isen says. He looks at Tricia, and then at the Mage, wolfing down his third potato. "Ah, I get it...heh, that's kinda hot. Okay, sorry!" He walks away to his party. He says something and they all burst out into laughter.

Tricia goes bright red and pushes her berry mush away. "I'm not hungry anymore."

>>23649937
What they say? If they said anything... unpleasant you can always have a few of your friends visit them when the go to bed.

>>23649937
The Mage has taken a potato with him to the room. It's pretty simple, a bed, a chamber pot, a chest, and a bowl with water in it.

Tricia looks at the bed. Then at you. "Look...if you want the bed solo...that's fine with me." She blushes and looks away.

The Mage shrugs, he's obviously clueless and interested in his spud. "I'm okay with the floor. I've slept on worse."
***

>>23649987
"No, it's fine, take the bed... But I get the next one."

>>23649987
"I'm fine with sharing, it's not a big deal"

>>23650078
I see your plan.

>>23649987
It does neither of us any good to volunteer for sleeping on the floor, so if you're worried I'll try to coil around you in the night I can sleep outside the linens.

>>23649987
"We have known each other forever, I am fine with sharing the bed if you are."

"Lets find some blankets for the Mage to use though."

>>23650069
>>23650078
Combine these two.

"I don't mind sharing, though you can have the bed if it bothers you.

Though I get the next one"

>>23650124
>>23650069
"I don't mind sharing, though you can have the bed if it bothers you. Though I get the next one." You say.

Tricia looks heavily relieved. "Thanks. I...I think I need this one alone. I mean, not that I mind sleeping with you, I mean...not that...you know that we're just..." She shakes her head to stop her babbling. "Next time, the bed's yours. You got it, Snake."

"Let's give the Mage a blanket though."

"Okay."

"Really? Thanks!"

"You are far too excited and thankful to be sleeping on the floor with a blanket." Tricia says.

The Mage takes a blanket and settles down. You curl up upon yourself in the corner. You dream of hunting in the woods. This time, you aren't using your bow, and your scales are different, glistening and thick. The grass feels so cool against your stomach, and the only worries in your mind are those of hunger and the basic instinct to breed. It's a good dream, you've had it a few times before.

You wake to the Mage gently prodding you with his staff. "Come on, we've got a swamp to wade through." He says. You yawn and stretch out, a process that takes a while. The dream fades from your mind.

You wash up and get dressed in your armor. Tricia and the Mage are waiting for you downstairs. There's also a member of the City Guard waiting for you.

"I'm here to escort you out of the city." He says. He scowls and points at your chest. "I thought you were told that you couldn't wear that blasphemy."

You realize that you put on Father's Medallion, out of habit.
***

>>23650277
Have we been paid by the alchemist yet?

>>23650353
For the materials, yes. For returning the stolen telescope & gem, no.

>>23650277
"I've followed these teachings my entire life. But if you insist."

>>23650277
You may see it as blasphemy, but it reminds me that some men are still capable of compassion.

Now if you don't mind, I'm as eager to get away from you people as you are to see me go.

>>23650277
"Sorry if I've offended you by daring to bring light into dark places."

>>23650487
>>23650508
>>23650513
"I've been taught all my life to bring light into dark places. You may see it as blasphemy, but it reminds me that there are still people in the world who think the way my father did."

"Now if you don't mind, I'd like to get going."

>>23650487
"I've followed the Teachings my entire life. But if you insist." You say. "You may see it as blasphemy, but it reminds me that some men are still capable of compassion. Sorry if I've offended you by daring to bring light into dark places."

You put the Medallion away. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm as eager to get away from you people as you are to see me go."

The guard scowls at you, and leads you out of the Soup Stone. There's no mob waiting for you, but a small one forms as the three of you leave, once more led by your 'biggest fan' in White Tree.

"Wendy's already headed back to the Cross." Tricia says. "She gives us the best of luck."

With no ceremony, you are shown the gates of White Tree, which are slammed behind you a little more forcibly than they probably need to. The crowd lets out a cheer, now that you're gone.

"So," The Mage asks. "I got up first and checked the map, and compared it with a miner claims map. There's actually two entry sites to the same vein. One's newer...ish, but that's the front door. We can chance the other one, and hopefully it's still open, but that means trudging through a lot more swamp.
***
Dinner, will be back. CAPTCHA: rouges...heh, it's getting prophetic now.

>>23650688
as a snake person, we're probably fine with swamps. as an insectomancer, tricia is probably ok with all the mosquitos in the swamp. the mage is a ghoul and was happy to sleep on the floor, and was ecstatic about having a blanket. I think we should go with the swamp

>>23650688
go for the back route, we want to get the drop on them if at all possible.

>>23650722
>>23650913
"Long way." You say. "It can't be that bad in the swamp, we're better suited for it than most, anyway."

Roll 1d10

Rolled 9

>>23651168

>>23651202
You trudge through the swamp slowly, but surely.

"Explain to me why you can't control leeches?" Mage asks.

"Leeches are annelids, not insects." Tricia says.

"Anna-whats?"

"They're a type of worm. I don't do worms."

"But aren't worms insects too?"

"Look, I just DON'T okay?!"

"Ssh!" You say. You're in sight of the entrance to the copper mine. "There's someone there."

The three of you look. There's a guy in leather armor, sitting on a rock that's next to the entrance, that looks like an overly large covered well. He's got an ax in his belt, and stained leather armor. He's idly eating a piece of jerky as he's looking around.

"That's Ghoul Armor," Mage says. "And that's probably not beef jerky."

He hasn't spotted you three.
***

>>23651626
"Is he alone? can your insects see any others out here besides us, and the lone Ghoul?"

Rolled 3

>>23651866
"Is he alone? can your insects see any others out here besides us, and the lone Ghoul?"

"Give me a second."

>>23651909
"I asked a few mosquitoes, they don't see anyone...but they aren't the sharpest stingers in the hive."

>>23651925
Then an arrow in the gullet would be ideal.

>>23651909
"We should probably try and ambush him, the three of us should be able to overwhelm him, especially if we can catch him unaware."

"Tricia, try and get some nasty insects spread around him"

"I will sneak a little closer to get a better bow shot, hit him with the insects as soon as the first arrow lets fly"

"Mage, throw some firepower at him after he becomes aware of us."

>>23652071
You take aim and let fly.

1d20 +3 for stationary target and surprise

Rolled 3 + 3

>>23652172
whelp damn, took to long typing i guess

Rolled 16 + 3

>>23652222
Well that's not okay.

Rolled 2

>>23652222
The arrow goes wide.
Tricia and Mage freeze in place.
The Ghoul looks around at the sound.

Rolled 2, 11 = 13

>>23652324
The Ghoul draws his ax and reaches for a bone horn at his feet.

"GET 'IM!" Tricia yells and a swarm of biting flies and mosquitoes swarm him.

Mage shoots a blue-tinged sphere of light at the Ghoul.

Rolled 15

>>23652324
Have Tricia distract him with some mosquitoes, quickly!

Rolled 11, 2 = 13

>>23652367
The Ghoul jumps clear from the cloud of insects, and right into the path of the sphere. He winces like he's been punched in the gut.

He's got the horn in his hand.

Your action.

Rolled 7

>>23652395
Sooth his heart with a cool island song.

>>23652395

Attempt to chop his arm off.

Rolled 12

>>23652395
Shoot his hand of course.

Rolled 7

>>23652395
Shoot him in the lungs.

Rolled 8

>>23652395
Bullrush him if he is close enough, we must be a couple hundred pounds of mostly muscle considering we can crush a ribcage with our tail.

if he is too far shoot an arrow at his throat.

Rolled 14, 20 = 34

>>23652455
The chop got there first.

You draw your sword and charge, the terrain gives you no difficulty.

1d20

Rolled 13

>>23652505
roll

>>23652528
...Dont know if good or bad...alst time it was a 16 on hit...

Rolled 5

>>23652505

>>23652528
(Finally remembered to delete the damn dice rolls.)

You hit, it's not quite solidly in the arm, but you do slice it a bit.

Rolled 20, 5 = 25

>>23652591
Tricia tries to bash her mace into his back and Mage fires another blast.

Rolled 3

>>23652605
Mage, trying not to hit you two, misses. Tricia's swing crunches hard into his back and there's an audible CRACK.

He lets out a choking sound and tries to swipe with his axe at you.

>>23652635
Total miss.

Your action. You are close enough to constrict him, or even bite him.

Rolled 20

>>23652648
CONSTRICT

Rolled 13

>>23652648
>>23652663
constrict AND bite

>>23652663
Well shit...

>>23652663
Your tail whips around him lighting fast, it's just like all those deer and boars you've caught in the woods back home. You squeeze for a moment. It may be against the Teachings but damn, do you love that sound of bones snapping and popping. Blood spouts out of the Ghoul's mouth and his head goes limp. You uncoil, and the thing that used to be a human body drops to the ground.

Mage stares bug eyed. Tricia whistles and makes a shivering motion.

"Watching you do that will never not be creepy. Awesome. But creepy."

>>23652713
Mage, looking a little green, turns away from the body, and you. He starts pushing the lid on the entrance. It slowly slides off to reveal a spiral staircase.

"Ladies first?" He asks as he gestures downwards.
***

>>23652750

"Lovely" Roll eyes. Proceed.

Rolled 16

>>23652750
"I don't do well with stairs."

>>23652750
I guess I should take the lead, in case I can't... you know, stop.

>>23652813
Well, this time you don't do too badly. You reach the bottom, and either there are still miners here, or someone's been here recently. There's no cobwebs and lit torches.

You head down the shaft. It leads to the upper entrance to a large circular room. In the center of the room there's a...device. You're not sure what it's for but it looks complicated and the telescope is part of it.

"Oh! Hey! Help!" A voice says. There's someone in a cage down on the ground. It's a woman dressed in black leather armor. She's waving at you through the bars. "Please tell me you aren't with those psychos!"

>>23652987
Try to keep it down, and try not to scream when you realize I'm a lamia.

>>23652987
"I don't know what that old witch is going to do, but please...you have to get me out of here!"

"How'd you get captured?" Mage asks.

"Bitch had three Ghouls jump me, and after I got her all the things she asked for too!" The woman shakes her head. "Should have known the gold was too good."
***

>>23653016

Who are you and what do you know about what's going on here?

>>23653016
looks like we found the thief.

"How many of them are there total? how well they armed? are there any spellcasters?"

>>23653068
>>23653084
"Who are you and what do you know about what's going on here?" You ask.

"I'm Persephone, call me Peri, all I know is that they're doing something complicated, and magical. Apparently they need me in a cage for it, which isn't a good fucking sign, from my perspective."

"So, you're the Conclave's thief." You say.

"Yes, yes. I stole this shit, I'm very very sorry. If you're from the Coins Guild, then you can bite me. I left because I didn't want to fuck the Keeper."

"Never mind that." You say. "How many of them are there total? How well they armed? Are there any spellcasters?"

"Five. Three Ghouls, the old woman, and this girl." She shakes her head. "The girl's sick, one of the Ghouls carts her around in a wheelbarrow. She doesn't talk either, makes moaning sounds. The old woman knew what she was doing when she put THAT thing together." Peri points at the apparatus. "I assume that means she either uses magic or was a Conclave Scholar."

There's a sound coming from the lower entrance.

"Fuck! They're back! Get me out before they get here!"

>>23653341
"We need to hide!" Mage says.

"I say smash that thing before they use it!" Tricia points at the Apparatus.
***

>>23653364
could our tail bend the bars enough for the thief to get out of the cage? or is it too sturdy for that?

>>23653434
You can always try.

>>23653503
What are the likely hiding spots? I'd suggest ambushing whoever comes in, and bending the bars or breaking the machine now would lose us the element of surprise. Though the mage should be ready to wreck the device first thing. Don't want them managing to do whatever it is they're trying to do while we're attacking them.

And it seems Tricia might or might not have any insect buddies, which leaves her mace.

>>23653503
damn, really wish we had asked the mage what else he could do besides blast things.

"Tricia, gather what insects you can and ambush them at the top of the stairs. Mage, back her up, but be ready to smash the... device if it looks like they might activate it somehow."

attempt to free the thief(rogue?) quietly if possible

I really want Ssen to be a paladin.

This will involve making Peri help us get the stuff back, and then apologizing to the alchemist.

Rolled 1

>>23653606
There's the upper entrance, that's pretty shadowed, but a distance away. There's some stacked barrels to the side, it's not the best hiding place, but it's closer to the Apparatus. If you REALLY want to risk it, but be the closest, you can hide behind Peri's cage.

As for Tricia...

Rolled 1

>>23653734
"There's no insects here!" She says. "I can call for some, but that'll take a bit."

>>23653652
Tricia and Mage head to the upper entrance and take positions. Tricia begins the ritual to call for some friends.

Just so you know, using your tail to open the cage will NOT be quiet. You're trying to forcibly warp metal, quickly.

>>23653803
screw it, ready the sword, and try to open the cage, have tricia bash from the side/behind whoever comes in first.

>>23653906
You wrap yourself around the door of the cage.

"Holy shit! You aren't human!" Prei says, pushing herself to the back of the cage.

You squeeze and pull.

Roll 1d20 for your first attempt to open the cage.

Rolled 12

>>23654049
LET THE DICE GODS DECIDE
>capcha academy ARKPIMP

Rolled 112

>>23654049

SQUEEZING TIME

Rolled 9

>>23654126
*facepalm*

NOW ILL GET IT RIGHT

Rolled 1

>>23654049
Keep an arrow notched at where they might come from.

Rolled 11

>>23654157
And now I must punish myself.

File: 1363148305325.jpg-(16 KB, 409x189, NO.jpg)

16 KB JPG

>>23654157
.....

>>23654177
Let me help with that. *BLAM*

>>23654106
You hear a little give, but the door is holding steady.

You hear voices down the tunnel.

"-overly complicated." You hear a voice say. "You should just heal the child."

"I'm not paying you for your brains." You hear a voice snap. It sounds familiar, somehow. "You just be careful with my darling."

It sounds like they're still a ways away. If you want to keep trying, roll 1d20. You can still hide if you want.
***

Rolled 15

>>23654194
we stronk we brake dore

Rolled 5

>>23654194
ooh ooh i know, tell the thief to shout at them to cover the noise, and try again.

>>23654227
Think we should probably be able to break it with that, considering our probably considerable str bonus from constricting snake voodoo fuckery

File: 1363148840935.jpg-(65 KB, 364x402, FaceMcShooty.jpg)

65 KB JPG

>>23654188
THANK YOU!

>>23654227
There's a lot more give, but the door's still holding. It's obviously warping though, so maybe one more...maybe.

"Let me just get this clear, you must put the soul of the child into the mind of the thief, then you use magic that our people taught you to change the thief to look like the child, then YOU take over the soul of the new Thief/Child?"

"Yes."

"Tell me how does that make sense?!"

"Because I cannot place myself within a completely new body. It must have something that belongs to my blood or spirit."

"Then why don't you just put yourself within the child?"

"Because I don't want to be trapped within that husk she has, fool girl went and got herself poisoned. I told her not to eat any of that pie, but the little pig just couldn't obey. Just like her worthless parents."

"I will never understand you who live within walls."

This is your last chance to hide. If not, they're going to come in and see you, open cage or not.

Hide or 1d20.

Rolled 8

>>23654194
Try again! Not a fan of the idea of leaving anyone to cannibals.

Rolled 2

>>23654395
STROOOOOOOOOOOOONK

Rolled 5

>>23654395
Come on dice! Fuck!

Rolled 6

>>23654417
u not stronk bish

>>23654405
>>23654417
>>23654430
>>23654434
whelp, that thief isnt getting out just yet...

File: 1363149238269.png-(31 KB, 600x600, 50 points from gryfindor.png)

31 KB PNG

Rolled 6

>>23654434
I not

Rolled 68

>>23654395

RIP AND TEAR
YOU HAVE HUGE CAGE

>>23654405
8 + 15 + 12 = 35
You were aiming for 40.

Rolled 20

>>23654395
>>23654483

haha whoops thats not a d20
AHEM

File: 1363149354941.gif-(968 KB, 380x262, YESYESYESYESYESYES.gif)

968 KB GIF

>>23654498

>>23654489
Four people walk out of the tunnel into the room and stare. They see a lamia, wrapped around the cage door.

You see two Ghouls, a male and a female. One of them pushing a wheelbarrow with a girl sat inside it. Her eyes are vacant and she makes small groaning sounds as she breathes.

You also see the old crone who gave you all that grief back in White Tree.

Everyone is quite surprised.

Roll 1d10 for initiative.

Rolled 7

>>23654549
work..please?

Rolled 7

>>23654549

Rolled 9, 5, 10, 5, 5, 4 = 38

>>23654596
The others...

Rolled 1, 5, 1 = 7

>>23654652

>>23654652
>>23654666

WELP, it wasent too bad?

>>23654652
>>23654666
So we've got two people acting before us, and they both herp'd their derp.

Eh, could be worse.

Rolled 2

>>23654666
Order: Female Ghoul, Hag, Ssen, Tricia, Mage, Male Ghoul, Peri

The female ghoul screams, draws a blade, and charges you.

The hag lunges at the Apparatus and turns the damn thing on.

The Apparatus starts to hum.

>>23654750
The female ghoul misses.

>>23654763
Your action

>>23654750
Shout for the mage to destroy the apparatus as violently as possible to try and frag the hag with it, kill the ghoul we're in melee with.

Am I rolling now?

>>23654750
Constrict the nearest Ghoul, tell the mage to fuck the apparatus, ready our sword to parry blows as we go for the constrict.

Rolled 17

>>23654851
POP HEADS CONSTRICT GO

>>23654851
If the female ghoul missed on a charge we could go for some kind of epic maneuver or more simply go for a trip and then a coup de grace.

Rolled 2 + 1

>>23654852
>>23654881
"SHOOT THE MACHINE, MAGE!" You yell. You easily block the woman's blade with Father's sword, and you unwrap from the cage and around the Ghoul's legs, you squeeze at there's a crack and a scream from the woman.

Tricia's friends will show up next round.

Mage aims his staff and another magic missile blasts out of it to hit the machine.

The male ghoul pushes the wheelbarrow across the room, and it stops right next to the Apparatus. He draws his own sword.

Peri slams herself against the cage door.

Rolled 9

>>23655114
Tricia's friends will be a mass of non-flying beetles.

Rolled 19

>>23655135
The bolt of magic connect with the machine and sends off some sparks, but the thing is put together study, so no large effect.

>>23655135
are they dung beetles?

Rolled 6

>>23655145
The door to the cage gives some more, not enough to free her, but it's close.

The Ghoul you have constricted by the legs, hacks at you.

File: 1363151549966.jpg-(54 KB, 498x459, 22254_541459266169_3544180_n.jpg)

54 KB JPG

>>23655151
They better be, shit's going down.

Rolled 15

>>23655187
The armor you and Father made holds fast, hurts like hell though.

The hag pulls another lever on the Apparatus. "MONSTER!" She shrieks. "I should have had you killed in White Tree!"

Lights start to spark off of the Apparatus.

Your move, you have the Female Ghoul partially wrapped up, you can further constrict, or go for a bite, or whatever. Also you can give orders to the other two.
***

>>23655151
Eh, sure, why not.

>>23655284
We should be able to constrict and yell out so crush the bitch and tell Tricia and the mage to stop the hag

>>23655284
Mage, disrupt the machine! Peri, get the fuck out here!
Parry the blow, wrap the ghoul up further, turn her to jelly.

Rolled 6

>>23655345
Crush is automatic hit.

"Stop that bitch, now!" You yell, pointing at the Hag.

You slide your body around the Ghoul, this time you don't even let the head pop out. You squeeze, and there's that amazing crunch sound again. When you uncoil, the body is unrecognizable and your body is smeared with blood.

Tricia's small battalion of Dung Beetles arrive and she sends them to march against the old woman.

Mage fires a fireball at the hag.

>>23655284
>this bitch calls us a monster

She owes me new sides.

Rolled 14

>>23655443
The hag holds up her hand, she has a short rod that looks like it's made out of red and black stone. The fireball hits a barrier, right before it impacts on the woman.

The male ghoul screams in rage and charges at you to avenge his fallen partner.

Rolled 14

>>23655499
This one is a hit. It's not too bad, your armor took most of it, but it cut through and drew blood. Hurts a bit.

Peri tries to shoulder the door again.

>>23655443
Advance on the male ghoul, sword ready to parry, go for another crush. Seems like our best way of dealing with problems at present.

Rolled 8

>>23655526
The door gives, but just a little. She's still trapped.

The hag points her wand at the approaching army of beetles and a gout of fire lances out from it.

Rolled 7

>>23655559
The fire is very effective. Tricia's army has been devastated. Tricia lets out a scream of rage from above.

The telescope part of the Apparatus spins around and shoots a beam of light at the girl int he wheelbarrow, the girl convulses and spasms. The light then is sucked back into the machine. The girl's body goes still.

Your move, you are within range to attempt constrict on Male Ghoul.

>>23655621
1d20 to attempt it.

Rolled 12

>>23655655
constrict, and send both the others at the hag

Rolled 11

>>23655621
Tell the mage to spring Peri. We can't let the machine get her!

Rolled 2

>>23655655
rollan

Rolled 4

>>23655682
You try to constrict, but the Ghoul manages to keep himself free.

Tricia has lost her temper and is charging the hag, swinging her mace at her head.

Rolled 14

>>23655721
Tricia misses wildly.

Earliest order wins, Mage shoots another fireball at the hag.

Rolled 15

>>23655771
THIS one breaks through the barrier and hits the old woman, she staggers back, patting out the flames on her body.

The Ghoul attacks you again.

Rolled 19

>>23655793
Another hit. This one hurts like hell, it got you below the armor. It's not as bad as the Gourmet's wound, but you feel the pain beyond the adrenaline.

Peri charges the door again.

Rolled 1

>>23655824
The door gives and Peri falls out of the cage, free.

The hag points her wand at Tricia and sprays another plume of flame.

Rolled 4

>>23655866
There's a crack and the wand misfires backwards blowing a mass of sparks into the old woman's face.

The Apparatus spins again and points at Peri. She scrambles to get out of the way of the beam of light.

>>23655927
>4
Son of a cunts.

>>23655927
The beam misses her head, arms, and chest. It hits her in the sternum and she collapses to the ground. "AH!" She shrieks. "I...I can't feel my legs!"

Your move, 1d20 to attempt to attack or constrict the Ghoul.

Rolled 16

>>23655969
rollan

>>23655988
MAN those ass fucking long, tongue-twister captcha....

Rolled 2

>>23655969
Go for a sword attack. Preferably in the upper chest or upper legs.

>>23655988
Anon, was that sword or constrict?

>>23655969
>misses her chest
>hits her sternum
Ummm... what? I don't mean to be a stickler on anatomy again, but your sternum is as close to a single "chest bone" as you can get.

>>23656053
constrict

Rolled 10

>>23655969
Shank the ghoul, save the thief.

Rolled 19

>>23656064
Fine, her waist. I must have confused the sternum with another body part. Apologies

>>23656073
>>23655988
You've got one of the bastard's legs now. You squeeze and now he's got a broken leg.

Tricia slams her mace into the hag's shoulder, she hits easily with the old woman dealing with the misfired wand.

Mage shoots another fireball at the hag.

>>23656113
big bada booom

>>23656113
That would be the hip, pelvis, os coxa, or innominate. Just for future reference.

>>23656145
Do we have any of those?

>>23656113
>that roll
Aaaand she's dead.

I only hope that damn machine doesn't zap Peri again while she's immobilized.

Rolled 20

>>23656113
The hag lets out a shriek as her head and hair is set on fire. She drops to the ground, thrashing.

The Ghoul tries to rip his leg free of your coils.

>>23656161
Oh fuck.
Does he pull so hard he rips his own leg off?
Please?

Rolled 9

>>23656161
we should stab as he tries to pull out his leg

>>23656153
Depends. Some snakes retain a modified pelvic girdle. I'd assume the snake portion of a naga/lamia would not retain the pelvic girdle, the human portion would have one, and the snake body would have snake-like thoracic vertebrae and ribs instead of typical caudal vertebrae.

Basically, it'd be like a tail with ribs.

Rolled 8

>>23656161
The ghoul breaks free. It looks like the diablere is kicking in too, his leg's better enough for him to stand on. Hurts like hell, but he can stand on it.

(Let's go with the pelvis) Peri's panicking, trying to move her legs. She's not having any progress.

The hag is on the ground, twitching and weeping in pain.

The Apparatus spins around again and shoots a new blue light at Peri. It hits. Suddenly Peri's legs start working again, and she scoots back against the wall, her eyes wide with fear. She's looking around, confusion clear on her face.

Your move. Constrict, or sword, both 1d20.

Rolled 11

>>23656205
(Okay, I will now officially defer all bio-questions to you. You're astounding in your knowledge.)

Rolled 7

>>23656223

Lets change, time to slice

Rolled 13

>>23656223
Constrict his face.

Rolled 13

>>23656223
swing

Rolled 14

>>23656223
"Peri, get in the game! Help me put this bastard in the ground! Mage, see if you can deactivate the apparatus"

Sword, play defensively

Rolled 2

>>23656246
You miss with Father's blade.

Tricia swings at the ghoul with her mace. The remaining dung beetles that she called are crawling onto the hag's face, finishing her off.

Rolled 18

>>23656292
She misses. Mage runs down and stares at the Apparatus.

"Uhh...uhh...oh screw it!" He smashes it with his staff.

Rolled 3

>>23656302
There's a crack and the lights stop dead. Mage looks surprised and pleased. "Well, good to see that wor-" There's a WHUMP and he's knocked to his feet as there's a small shockwave as the machine falls apart. "I'm good!"

The Ghoul snarls. "I'll devour you all!" He stabs at you again.

Rolled 12

>>23656330
Christ lets hit him,m this time. Sword btw

>>23656330
He misses.

Peri is in the corner. "What's happening? Where am I?" She shrieks...her voice sounds different. "What the fuck?! Who the hell are you?" She yells in the voice you heard when you came in.

Your move.

Rolled 14

>>23656360
Constrict face!

>>23656241
(I should be. I examine ancient human and zoological assemblages for a living.)
>>23656356
Eh, seems like we can't hit anything tonight.

>>23656360
PERI, GET IN HERE BEFORE I HACK OFF MY ARM BY ACCIDENT OR SOMETHING!

>>23656415
Yes, this is a rescue, remember?

>>23656366
You manage to wrap your tail around his eyes. You squeeze a little. There's no crack, but he screams in pain and scratches at you to get free.

Tricia stops his struggling by stabbing her dagger into his chest about six times. When he stops struggling, your efforts to crush his head are a bit easier. The decapitated body drops to the floor and you're flicking grey matter and skull pieces off the tip of your tail.

"Well..." Mage says as he grabs the telescope and the focus gem. "Want to call this a win?"

>>23656448
Um, Peri, are you alright?

>>23656448
More or less, but I can't help but think two hits from that thing can't be good for our thief.

>>23656448
"We lost Peri. Remember what the old woman said." Come down to our lowest stature. "What's your name sweety?"

>>23656448
"I think so. Peri, are you good? "
Inspect the remains of the gear.

>>23656448
Tricia reaches into one of her shirt pockets and takes out one of her green worms. "You're hurt. Hold still. This wont take long."

Peri slowly gets up from the ground. She looks at the three of you and shrieks, she cowers. "Please, don't hurt me! I'm sorry about the pie!"
***

>>23656493
"I think so" You nod at Mage. "Peri?" You ask.

"Yeah...yeah. Thanks for the rescue." Peri says, stopping her freakout. "Tell that brat to stop screaming, please!"

>>23656493
>>23656483

Aw, crap. I think Peri got mind-switched with the child in the wheelbarrow over there.

In which case, we'd better go over to that child over there and see if we can't do anything about that poison.

>>23656493
Oh, shit, Peri's been possessed by the soul of that child.

>>23656515
>>23656529

Looks like I spoke too soon; in either case, we may want to investigate to see if the child's physical body can still be saved. I doubt that Peri or the child is going to want to stay in the same body for very long.

>>23656541
Tricia's silkworms are getting better at this, also since you don't have a part of you missing, it's quicker. Tricia takes her worms back.

"Wait...why am I over there?" Peri asks. She looks down at her body and starts to hyperventilate. Then she stops and puts her hands over her ears. "For fucks' sake, wrap your tail around that girl's mouth. She's giving me a headache!"

>>23656575
What good is that? We broke the thing that did it.
>>23656515
I... think you might have come away from that with something "extra" inside your head.

>>23656515
Bad news Peri: Your body is now double occupancy. Check on kid's body to see if it still lives.

>>23656605
Bad news, I think that girl IS your headache.

>>23656575
Mage looks at the body of the child. He takes her pulse, and looks in her eyes. He looks at you and shakes his head. "Crippled by a poison, then a shock to the system. It's just flesh now."

"Well, maybe it's not too late to reverse it, a good jolt could..." Tricia looks around at the exploded Apparatus, parts of it are embedded in the wall and a few other crystals have cracked. "Oh."
***

>>23656605
"Uh, Peri? That was your mouth talking... It looks like the girl is sharing your body with you, now."

>>23656664
Yeeaaahhh... the plan was to break it BEFORE it zapped Peri. I still say it was good to stop it though, because it sounds like this wasn't all it was intended to do.

Could have been worse.

>>23656674
"Uh, Peri? That was your mouth talking... It looks like the girl is sharing your body with you, now."

"What?" "What?"

"Hang on," Mari grabs a piece of metal from the Apparatus that's still intact and is reflective. She holds it up for Peri to see. "What's your name, honey?"

"Mari."

Peri blinks. She looks up at the three of you. "Oh fuck."

"Language!" Mari snaps.
***

>>23656751
Well, she'll fit right in with us.

A wasp witch, a lamia, and a vegan ghoul.

>>23656605
"Peri, I need you to stay very calm. That device zapped the little girl's mind into you. I am going to try to help you sort this out, ok?"

>>23656751
Well, for the time being living arrangements should be made. This "Mari" is the guest, so Peri still gets to control her body. Really, she should just be glad to be out of her crippled body and out of pain.

At some later point we might be able to figure out how to split her into a new body, but until then they'll have to manage. They might as well start cooperating now.

>>23656751
"Well, good news is that I will try to hel you get sorted again. Bad news is that I have no idea how to do this"

>>23656751
Might as well start Mage looking around the room for manuscripts.

>>23656811
>>23656866
>>23656921
"Peri, I need you to stay very calm. That device zapped the little girl's mind into you. I am going to try to help you sort this out, ok? I will try to help you get sorted again. Bad news is that I have no idea how to do this." You sigh. "Mage, do you see anything?"

Mage and Tricia poke around for a while. "Nothing." Mage says.

"Grandma kept her books at home. Would those help?" Mari asks.

"It's a start, and we have to go back to White Tree anyway. Maybe the Overseer can help." Tricia says.

The walk back through the swamp lets you learn more about both women. Peri is 22, Mari is 14. Peri's an ex-cracksman for the Coins Guild. Mari's studying to be a Conclave member, and got picked for early placement. Peri worked for Lady Glenn for a month. Lady Glenn is Mari's creepy grandmother. Mari got sick when she snuck a strawberry off of a pie that she was told not to eat. She remembers hearing that her mother and father were sick too. Also, it looks like Mari is smarter than Peri.

She knows more about lamias than you do. She can recite nesting habits, dietary preferences, the fourteen differences between Lamias and Nagas, just off the top of her head.

She also knows about the old Occuli order. She mentions it in passing, when she sees Father's Medallion.

The guard waiting at the White Tree gate is unhappy to see that you've returned. "You go straight to the Conclave. Got it?" He sneers at you.

>>23657097
"No need to be a prick about it." Peri snaps.

"Language." Mari says.

"Ssh!" Peri snaps.

"Also, you know the rule." He points at Father's Medallion.
***

Rolled 9

>>23657118
give the guard a glare and flick of the tongue, but put the amulet away.

>>23657118
One of these days you're going to feel like an absolute ass for this. When that day comes, go with the feeling.

>>23657194
The guard gives you a smug smile as he opens the gates and the guards start to lead you through the streets.

"Why are your bringing that?" Tricia asks Mage. "It's creepy."

"It's Mari's body. We can't just leave it in the swamp." He replies as you head towards the Conclave. "It's not that creepy."

"You're just walking around with a 13 year old girl's body in a sack." Tricia says. "That's the definition of creepy."

Overseer Trivalon is more than pleased when you return with his items. He pays the three of you 50 gold each.

He's even more intrigued by your story. Soon Peri/Mari, and Mari's body, are taken to be examined by the scholars.

The Overseer sighs. "The good news is that the child's body isn't completely dead. We can preserve it until you find a way to separate the pair. The bad news is that, I can't get you access to the Glenn estate, it will take time for the old witch's death to be confirmed by the City Council. Since there are no more 'living' Glenns in White Tree, it goes to her relatives. Anyway, I doubt you'd find anything there. Lady Glenn didn't live in White Tree for very long. This was just where she kept her...spare parts apparently. She lived in Purple Sands." He smiles. "Which actually may solve another problem of yours. The Mages' Guild is there, so is the First Medic of the Cups Guild. I thought they might be able to free your friend's shackle, now they might be able to help the young ladies as well." He hands you two thick envelopes. "Letters of introduction, and I sent message ahead so there are...fewer difficulties."

"Thanks." Mage said.

"Think nothing of it." Overseer Trivalon says. "Just promise me to return here and tell me how it turned out. These stories make me feel young, and they're much more interesting than the same old retelling of a Lightbringer's Saga."

"You're going to Purple Sands?" Peri says as she enters the room. "They'll be able to fix me there?"

"Perhaps." Trivalon says

>>23657392
"Sounds like someone was planning on something like this. As for Peri/Mari, I think she should stay with us."

>>23657392
Guess you're coming with us, right Peri/Mari?

>>23657392
"Then I'm going with you." Peri says. "I don't want this brat in my head any longer than she has to be."

"Oh, I always wanted to see Purple Sands." Mari says. "They say the sunsets last for hours, and cause the sand dunes to sparkle like diamonds."

"It's up to you," Trivalon says, looking at you. "She's a thief...an outcast thief at that, not to mention she's also just a 13 year old girl."

"Oh, hey." Mage says. "This is yours Mari. It was in the wheelbarrow, you were in."

"My Medallion!" Mari says, smiling as she takes it. "His Light saved me, He sent you three!" She frowns when she looks at it. "Oh, it's damaged."

"Must have been in the explosion." Peri says.

You look, the nine pointed star is there, but the circle around the edge has been burnt black, and a small clear crystal has been embedded in the center.

"So, it's your call, Snake." Tricia says. "We taking the two of them?"

>>23657470
Might as well take them so the mages can take a look at her when we get there.

>>23657470
The girl was innocent. We should help her,, at least.

>>23657470
"sure, they kind of fit our ragtag group,and we already sound like the start of a 'walk into a bar' joke so they might as well tag along."

>>23657491
"Might as well take them, so the mages can take a look at her when we get there." You say.

"Excellent. There's a Grand Coach heading there tomorrow." Trivalon says.

"Those are expensive." Tricia says.

Trivalon waves his hand. "I'll cite it as Conclave business, you'll ride free."

"Great...can you pay for our night at the Soup Stone too?" Mage asks.

Trivalon winces. "Posy...doesn't take credit from the Conclave after the chicken incident. Here." He gets some coins out from his drawer and hands you them. "That should be enough for dinner and two rooms." It is.

"Alright, do you have any other questions for me Ssen? Oh, I got a message from your friend Wendy. She got back to River's Crossing fine, and everyone's well and wishes you the best."

"Heh," Peri smirks. "You better kiss that place goodbye. You know what happens to hometowns in Lightbringer stories."

"Don't say things like that!" Mari snaps as she puts on her Medallion.

>>23657570
Don't worry, everyone says that.

They're just stories, and besides, do I LOOK like a Lightbringer?

Archived the thread.

>>23657607
Dude, Lightbringers are chosen.

>>23657665
done for the night? if not you can refresh the archive by resubmitting it for archive after your posts.

>>23657607
>>23657607
"Don't worry, everyone says that. They're just stories, and besides, do I LOOK like a Lightbringer?" You say.

Tricia sorts with laughter.

The four of you are 'escorted' to the Soup Stone. Posy is still a little started at seeing a lamia slither into her inn.

"Oh...you again. Four of you now..." She shakes her head. "You know the rates, what're you having for dinner?"

Nah, just a little paranoid. I've got more in me.

>>23657701
I like the sound of lamb stew.

In fact, if I could have anything right now, that'd be it. Lamb stew and sodabread.

>>23657701
>>23657719
Sure, if they have lamb.

This inn's a nice place, we should remember it when we pass on back through eventually.

>>23657719
"Lamb stew and soda bread." You say.

"Ooh, I could go for lamb stew...with honey." Tricia says.

"Do you have beets? Could I get them steamed?" Mage asks.

"It's been a fuck of a day," Peri says. "Just give me a tall-"

"Glass of honey milk, please! Thank you very much Miss Posy." Mari says with a smile.

"You got it." Posy says as she collects your money and heads to the kitchen.

"You are going to pay for this, you little piece of shit." Peri growls.

"Language, and liquor is bad for you." Mari says.

"Kill me now." Peri groans as you all sit down at your table.

"Hey!" A voice says. "Look who's back!" You all turn. It's Isen the Audacious and his friends. He raises a glass towards you. "Ladies, so you got one more. She the same as you are, Red?" He says, wagging his eyebrows at Tricia.

Tricia goes red and sinks into her seat.
***

>>23657837
"You know, I have to envy you, Isen. I only had my lamia father and my adoptive father. It must be so nice to be the son of a thousand fathers, like you."

"In case you're as slow as you seem, I just called your mother a whore."

Oh, Peri's description: She's a little taller than Tricia, but not as tall as Mage. She's black, with paige-boy cut black hair. She dresses in dark leathers, a pouch belt around her waist, she keeps two short swords on her back in an X-sheath. She also wears matching boots, and gloves. She has hazel eyes, and a harsh angular face with a sharp chin.

When she's Mari, her eyes turn blue and her features soften a little. Mari also forces Peri to wear her Medallion.

>>23657906
We've never been one to respond to rudeness.

>>23657906
... Really?

>>23657837
Aren't we used to having insult battles with Buzz?

"Wow. I didn't know the girls here were so cold that you have to flirt with witches and monsters."

>>23657837
oh boy, does Tricia have the hots for us?

wisper to Trisia
"Are any of those mosquitoes nearby? I think you should consider introducing them to Mr Audacious if we see him outside the inn."

>>23657972
is probably closer to how our ssen usually responds

>>23657701
damn your a machine, its been 10 or so hours running. paranoia is good when it comes to archives.

just please dont burn yourself out like 90% of questwriters, i like your writing and would hate to see it disappear due to burnout.

>>23657947
>>23657954
This jackass has been harassing us and our friends two nights in a row.

Fuck him.

>>23657985
Bedbugs. Bedbugs everywhere. Bedbugs and lice and chiggers and ticks and fleas.

>>23657906
"You know, I have to envy you, Isen. I only had my lamia father and my adoptive father. It must be so nice to be the son of a thousand fathers, like you." You turn back around and sip your mead. "In case you're as slow as you seem, I just called your mother a whore." You say over your shoulder.

Peri/Mari smirk.

You look at Tricia.
"Wow. I didn't know the girls here were so cold that the boys here have to flirt with witches and monsters."

Tricia smiles and it looks like she relaxes a little. "Nah, the only cold blooded one in town is you Snake. Although," She swallows a deep swig of mead. "I think you make them feel inadequate. After all, no one's got a bigger snake in their pants than you."

Your table laughs.

"Well, Tricia would give them so help, but remember." Mage wiggles his pinky finger. "She doesn't deal with tiny worms."

More laughter, even some from other tables, and the four/five of you clink glasses. Out of the corner of your eye you see Isen frowning, upset at being upstaged.

>>23658021
no, we dont want to give Posy's inn a bad name for having insects everywhere,especially since she has been nice and civil with us.

if we use bugs on em its gota be outside the inn.

>>23658026
"You gotta relax kiddo." Peri says to Tricia.

"Yes, stick and stones can break my bones, words can never hurt me, but the chunk of pumice I slip into your soap will rip your skin raw." Mari says.

"Damn, you have a dark side kid." Peri said. "Maybe we can get along."

"So," Mage asks, tucking into another beet with absolute delight. "What's our sleeping arrangement going to be?"

Peri/Mari shrugs. "As long as I get a bed. I don't mind sharing."

Mage nods as well. "You know me, I'm happy for anything that isn't dirt and flayed human skin blankets."

Tricia doesn't say anything, but gives you a look.

>>23658074
"I promised you the bed, didn't I?" She says quietly.
***

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>>23658074
Sssssss!

What are we gonna do on the bed?

*rattle*

>>23658074
"alright Peri/Meri and Mage... we really have to figure out a name for you... can take one room, Me and Tricia will take the other."

>>23658088
"I dont mind sharing it with you, then noone has to sleep on the floor."

Well, do we mind sharing?

And what were we sleeping on last night? Was it so bad?

>>23658088
I never said you couldn't have one side.

So long as you promise to stay on your side I'll try to stay on mine, though I can't promise a coil or two won't go errant.

Can we even fit both of us on one bed? Hell, can we fit US on a bed? We're like 14' long.

>>23658113
we didnt mind last time, but gave the choice to Tricia.

and we slept on our tail last time, but we are a lamia so it was probably quite comforable for us.

>>23658144
not straight out but we can just coil our tail up next to us, or let part hang off the end of the bed.

>>23658173
Part of me hangs of every bed I've ever slept in.

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>>23658191

>>23658103
"Alright Peri/Meri and Mage... we really have to figure out a name for you."

"You don't have a name?"

"I'm actually starting to like Mage."

"I don't like the idea of sleeping next to a grown man." Mari says.

Peri groans.

"Give me a blanket and I'm fine." Mage says. "Maybe a pillow too."

"Done." Peri says. "Ugh, I'm not going to be able to have any fun, am I? Sex with a thirteen year old watching?" She shivers and looks disgusted with herself.

"Yeah, you two can take one room. Me and Tricia will take the other." You look at Tricia. "I dont mind sharing it with you, then noone has to sleep on the floor."

Tricia nods and finishes her mead in one long drink.

You and Tricia are sleeping back to 'back.' You can feel Tricia being very tense against you. Her breathing is very shallow and she's trying hard to not to move much. You don't think she's closed her eyes.

You know, you can't remember her ever really touching your lower half. Hell, other than Father no one did. There's no way you can get to sleep like this. Maybe you should just slide off and sleep on the floor, curled up within yourself, again.
***

>>23658215
I can still sleep on the floor you know.

>>23658215
Do you mind if I move to the floor? It's just... uncomfortable with my tail hanging off, and I wouldn't be able to get it up here without it smothering you or pushing you off.

Go with whatever's most comfortable then.

Maybe get yourself a pillow or blanket or something if you're going to be on the floor again. Though I do suggest waiting a bit for her to get to sleep, so you can reposition a bit. If that would help.

>>23658215
give her a mildly concerned look and ask if she is ok, you noticed she seemed nervous.

>>23658215
"Relax, you're making ME feel tense."

>>23658215
"Tricia?" "Thank you." She'll know what we mean.

>>23658215
Tricia? Are you alright?

>>23658257
Maybe just throw a bight over her ankles.

>>23658198
I've always liked that picture...

File: 1363165993742.jpg-(78 KB, 514x700, arbok.jpg)

78 KB JPG

>>23658091
Oh you know what we are gonna do.

>>23658255
"Do you mind if I move to the floor? It's just... uncomfortable with my tail hanging off, and I wouldn't be able to get it up here without it smothering you or pushing you off." You say.

She makes a non-comittal sound, and you slowly start to slide off. You pause when you feel a hand on your shoulder.

A hand that's slightly shaking lifts up the part of your tail that's hanging off the bed and lays it on top of her legs. There's another long pause, a deep breath, and then you feel Tricia's back against your scales. It feels warmer than you thought it would be. You hear her exhale, and her body relaxes. After a moment, you can hear her breathing and buzzing softly as she sleeps.

Soon you drift off as well.

"Has there been a change?" The one wearing the Peaceful Face mask asks. "I thought we were sure with Jubilee."

They are walking through the remains of a Ghoul camp along a mountain pass. It's been destroyed, and what looks like a ritual has been disrupted.

"We were, things are fine." The one in the Rage Mask says. "This is...a setback, but we will recover."

"It is Our Fifth." The one in the Comedy Mask says. "There is something...different."

"Different?" The Tragedy Mask asks. "They risk what IS?"

Comedy waves their hand. "It is unimportant. Our Fifth has it out of the way, and nothing has been done that will change what HAS and what IS."

"We will destroy it if it does interfere." Rage says. "Nothing 'new' can stop what IS. There is no such thing as 'new.' There is only our Rule, and how things ARE."

"So, we continue." Tragedy says.

"Agreed." The other three masked figures say. They do not see the mountain path where the boy from Jubilee, his sword just tasting blood for the first time, is running away with the girl he rescued from a Ghoul sacrifice.

A shift and it's the man in the Mask with the neutral expression and the Changing Pattern. He holds up the purple sphere and looks at it. It's changed. Now it's just a lump of rock.

>>23658365
...wait we actually have a snake tongue.

Oh God. Tricia you are not ready.

>>23658385
Are we not the main characters?

Because I would be fine with that.

resubmitted the archive up to this point, literally dozing at the keyboard.Gnight and hope to see more of this excellent writing at a later date Echo

>>23658385
The man actually seems...pleased by the change. He tosses the rock aside. It's unimportant now. In his other hand he's still holding the bronze ring made of smaller bronze spheres. There's also music...a waltz.

A shift. Another tight hug. You wrap around back.

"Very, very, proud." Father says. "But the hard part isn't here yet. I'm with you, always."

A shift, and morning light through the window slowly wakes you up.

You hear Tricia groan, and you both realize that she has her arms wrapped around your stomach and your tail is curled around her legs.

With a start you both jump up, stumble a little as you untangle, and blushing beet red, Tricia excuses herself to go to the washroom.

The memories of the dream fade, save for Father and the image of that ring.

You wash up, and come down to see the other two members of your party talking over bowls of millet.

"Good morning Ssen." Mage says. "Turns out Peri's been to Purple Sands. She says there's this arena we should check out."

"Could be a way to earn a lot of gold, really quick." She says. "You interested?"

Tricia comes down and sits across the table from you. She smiles at you that kind of plastered smile that says 'Never talk about that, please.'

"You hoo, His Light to Ssen." Peri says. "You want in on my arena scam or not?"

>>23658414
At some point he'll meet us on a side-quest.

>>23658442
Depends entirely on what it entails

>>23658442
Scam? Sorry, count me out. I really need to be careful about the law. My kind isn't tolerated even when we DO behave.

>>23658442
You may have noticed, but I'm not very good at non-lethal.

>>23658442
Blush furiously. "Um! what? scam?"

>>23658442
If someone wants to re-archive this for that last bit, I'd be eternally appreciative. I'm gonna go pass out for a bit. Then I'm coming back tomorrow, at 9-10ish PST. Very happy you're all enjoying this. I DO plan to keep this going for as long as I am able. I have a story arc in mind.

To those who can draw, if you do characters or scenes, I'll reciprocate with requests and edits, or my first born. Whatever works for you.

Night.