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You've returned to Ligish, your forces decimated but nominally victorious. The other good news is that your old nursemaid Ettu married her Footman paramour, and Nakurtum didn't kill anyone during the ceremony.

After the wedding, you take the long way back to the pyramid to show off your new scorpion-length dress to some strangers. You return to find the Blood Priest completely reorganizing his workshop. He looks stressed. "She'll be back, I'm sure of it. This room is a weakness. And I have no time for a proper solution to the problem."

> "Are you talking about Ku-Aya? She got away, but she stopped killing people once the truce was official. So I guess she behaves herself."
> "Do you need help moving any of the stuff? Some of it looks heavy."
> "Yeah, whatever. I'm cursed now. Make me not cursed anymore."

Archives:http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Scorpion%20Girl%20Quest
Thread 11 (got mislabeled, please keep upvoting it so it survives the purge. Tags include "that guy" and "system") http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/29001446/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScorpGirlQuest
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List of Characters: http://pastebin.com/Fc2Z81um
Wiki: http://emlia.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=ScorpionGirlQuest.RecentChanges
>>
>>29372744
[x]help him move his stuff
[x]ask about curses
[x]hope he notices dress

It's reasonable to reorganize to prevent intruders. I mean, it doesn't HAVE to be the little girl, spies could happen at any time from anyone.
>>
Rolled 8

>>29372744
>> "Yeah, whatever. I'm cursed now. Make me not cursed anymore."
>>
>>29372744
Gosh, paranoia plus magic never makes for a good combination
>Whatever, I'm cursed now
Maybe even offer to help with security.
>>
>>29372744
> "Do you need help moving any of the stuff? Some of it looks heavy."
> "Yeah, whatever. I'm cursed now. Make me not cursed anymore."
>>
is the blood priest the right one to talk about for curse-related activity?

I sort of don't really know what MOST of the priests do.
>>
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>>29372744
You pick up the other end of a heavy table that the Blood Priest is dragging across the floor. He snaps at you a little. "Don't touch that! You'll scuff the finish with your chitin."
You do as he says. "Yeah, whatever. I'm cursed now. Make me not cursed anymore."
He sighs and leans on the table he's moving. "It's always something! Now, are you sure it's a curse? It's not just some goat you had that went bad?"
"I'm pretty sure," you answer. "The petty-wizards and the mystic guy from the delta even said so. How do you get rid of a curse?"
The Blood Priest looks you over for any visible signs of a curse. "It's complicated. Often breaking a curse will just discharge its potential all at once. We could extract it with some flesh or trick it into going into someone else, but those have their own risks. Go get the Gold Priest to identify it. That's all he's good for anyway. I want to know if it's something I can just break without killing you."

> Go straight to his quarters
> First go see Kullaa, your acolyte friend. Maybe she has more time for you.
> First go see Iltani. You wonder how she's been doing.
>>
>>29373212
>> First go see Kullaa, your acolyte friend. Maybe she has more time for you.
>>
>>29373212
thank the blood priest and wish him luck with moving.

then let's go straight to his quarters.

I miss the shit out of all our friends, and hope we will see them later. I want to check in on crazy girl and bloodgirl/Mr.Clicks dearly.
>>
>>29373269
>>29373289
well, maybe we can take a little detour to say hi to kullaa before talking to gold priest. Just a little one.
>>
Rolled 8

>>29373212
>> Go straight to his quarters
Lets be the hasty scorpion.
>>
>>29373212
>See Iltani
What the fuck is with Blood Priest?
Does he have infinite paranoia or something?
>>
>>29373383
hey, he gets stolen from a lot.
Like, so much that even hunzuu steals from him.
Delicious/cool looking bugs mostly.
>>
>>29373412
Maybe he should share his power so other people steal shit from him.
>>
>>29373212

> Straight to the Gold Priests quarters.
>>
>>29373482
are you missing a "don't" in there somewhere?

Anyway, I wonder if we've actually tried any bugs at any point. Clicks seems to like 'em.
>>
>>29373212

>See Kullaa, ask her to help blood priest finish moving in passing
> Check on Mr. Clicks
> Bring him with us to see the Gold Priest
>>
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>>29373212
The acolytes' little library is just down the hall from here, so you drop by to see if Kullaa is there. You find her squinting over another clay tablet in the dim torchlight. You wonder if squinting over clay tablets in the dim torchlight is what made her vision so bad in the first place.

Kullaa immediately recognizes your shape squeezing through the doorway. "Hunzuu! I heard you'd come back. I've been giving Mr. Clicks plenty of locusts while you were out. And I told him he was a good scorpion."

You laugh. "I thought you thought that was ridiculous!"

"Well, you'd know better than I how much scorpions can understand. I figured it was worth a try. Ooh, by the way, I created my first conjured limb last week. It was just practice, growing back a foot they'd sawed off a corpse, but I'm definitely on the right track!"

After briefly catching up with her, you go looking for the Gold Priest. You knock on his door, and when he answers you see that he's entertaining an attractive female guest. He looks surprised to see you. "Ahh! Oh, it's you. Welcome back, Hunzuu. I, uh, thought you were the slave I'd asked to bring us some wine."

> "Is now a bad time?"
> "I've got a curse. It's really bad, but we don't know what it is. I need your help right now. Your lady can watch if she wants."
>>
>>29373642
Give the lady the most threatening and deadly and hate filled stare ever.
Say we'll be back later, go to Iltani while we wait for Gold to get his groove on.
>>
>>29373642
like... HOW 'entertaining'?
If anything is going on in there to make us blush, slam the door and run away.

Otherwise, just awkwardly stammer out that you have a curse, and it's pretty important, but we'll be back before tonight.
>>
>>29373642
>> "Is now a bad time?"
>>
Rolled 11

>>29373642
correction
>> "I've got a curse. It's really bad, but we don't know what it is. I need your help. When would you be free to help me?
>>
now that my vote is in, I'm glad Kullaa is progressing well in her career. I'm also glad she kept up our strict regime of spoiling the fuck out of Mr. Clicks.
>>
>>29373642

> Is now a bad time? I've kind of been cursed.
>>
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>>29373688
They're fully dressed, but she doesn't look like she's there for a magic lesson, if you know what I mean. The Gold Priest may or may not have an enormous hickey on his neck.

You blush just a little. "I've got a curse. It's really bad, but we don't know what it is. I guess it can wait, though, I guess. I'll be back before tonight."

He nods with enthusiasm. "That sounds perfect! Just give me... what, an hour?" He looks back at the woman, who looks a little nonplussed. He corrects himself. "Two hours? Come on, I know I'm magic and all, but I don't think I can do three."

> Check on the Bronze Priest and Tabni-Ninsun in the meantime
> Check on Iltani in the meantime
> Just play with Mr. Clicks
>>
>>29373908
we probably have enough time to check on both tabni-ninsun and iltani. Priority on Tabni-ninsun.

We can't play with Mr. Clicks right now. Maybe at bedtime.
>>
>>29373908
>> Check on the Bronze Priest and Tabni-Ninsun in the meantime

She probably needs us right now
>>
>>29373908
Iltani.
Don't want to interrupt a girl with her sick dad, after all.
>>
>>29373974
I doubt he's even conscious
>>
>>29373908

> Check on Tabni-Ninsun. Things must be hard on her right now.
> Bring Mr. Clicks and attempt to cheer her up.
>>
>>29373974
>>29374016
I am unsure as to how polite it is or is not to drop in on a sick daughter and father.

It really depends on how close he is to dead and how touching their current moment is.
>>
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>>29373908
You find Tabni-Ninsun in the Bronze Priest's chambers. He's asleep, though, and Tabni-Ninsun is eating sweets off a tray and gossiping with Dadanum.

Her eyes light up when she sees you. "Hunzuu!" She runs toward you for a hug, but then she realizes that you have Mr. Clicks hidden in your cupped hands, and she holds back. "Whoa, whoa... Careful with that bug of yours."

She sits back down and gives you the full report on the Bronze Priest. He's relatively stable, and they're trying to bleed the slag out of him a little at a time, with blood rituals three times a day to try to restore him after each bleeding.

> Convince Tabni-Ninsun that Mr. Clicks is a good little scorpion. Show how he'll crawl up your arm and freeze in place when you hiss at him. Roll 2d6.
> Just hold Mr. Clicks carefully and tell her about the naughtiness you saw going on with the Gold Priest.
> Stick to totally inoffensive conversation, like your education and your brave deeds in the battle
>>
>>29374311
be CAREFUL with that scorpion.
We tell Mr. Clicks he is good, but we remember he is naughty.
>Just hold Mr. Clicks carefully and tell her about the naughtiness you saw going on with the Gold Priest.

Though, be sure to tell her about the cool parts of the battle. Not the depressing ones.
>>
>>29374311
Just chat.
Instead of talking about the horrific war, why not talk about how things were when we were going away? And then the naughtiness of good old Gold.
>>
>>29374429
sounds good. Gossip and news!
>>
>>29374311

> Stick to totally inoffensive conversation.
> Put Mr. Clicks away and give her a hug.
>>
Rolled 2, 5 = 7

>>29374311
>> Convince Tabni-Ninsun that Mr. Clicks is a good little scorpion. Show how he'll crawl up your arm and freeze in place when you hiss at him. Roll 2d6.
>>
>>29374311
Get our gossip on! Hell, we need something lighthearted for a while.

>Talk about the Gold Priest
>>
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>>29374311
For a moment you consider talking about how you broke your way into Turtak's sewers and fought a giant crocodile, but then you remember that the Bronze Priest almost killed himself defending that opening. You just ask her about what went on while you were away.

"We were all right, I guess. Kind of boring. The feast of Enlil happened. I always thought that one was dumb, how the streets have to stay quiet all day. Mother and I were invited to the palace to drink with the people who were still there. I've been hanging out with Dadanum more, doing his hair and stuff..."

"And he lets you?"

Dadanum protests, "You said to stay with her! I was keeping her sane! It was a noble sacrifice!"

Tabni-Ninsun frowns at him. "You think I'm on the verge of insanity?! And that being my friend is a sacrifice?!"

>"I know she can be a little much sometimes, Dadanum. You don't have to stay around her anymore if you don't want to."
>"Forgive him, Tabni-Ninsun. He's not very smart."
>Change the subject. "Guess what? I just walked in on the Gold Priest getting his neck nibbled by a whore or something."
>>
>>29374721
laugh at your two friends and their silliness.
Then,
>Change the subject. "Guess what? I just walked in on the Gold Priest getting his neck nibbled by a lady"

I don't quite want to call an unknown lady a whore, but the rest is gold
>>
Rolled 6, 1 = 7

>>29374721
>>"Forgive him, Tabni-Ninsun. He's not very smart."
>>
>>29374721
>>"Forgive him, Tabni-Ninsun. He's not very smart."
>>
>>29374721
Gosh, she's not the little girl on the edge of insanity.
Change subject, talk about the Gold Priest.
>>
Rolled 2, 2 = 4

>>29374721

Not sure if we should inform the kids. If we are going to feed blackmail to anybody, it would probably be the Rain Priest.

> "And for my next trick: Come Mr. Clicks!"
>>
>>29374721
scold Dadanum a bit for being rude, then change the subject.
>>
>>29374832
I don't think this was blackmail so much as HOT GOSSIP
>>
>>29374721

> Tell them about the new prince on the block.
>>
>>29374876
oh shit there IS a new prince around isn't there!
He's good gossip!
And I want to meet him!

After we visit our prisoner. And get our curse looked at.
>>
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>>29374721
You suppose it's good that Tai-Ninsun is back to her usual, difficult self. You change the subject. "Guess what? I just walked in on the Gold Priest getting his neck nibbled by some lady."

That really gets Tabni-Ninsun's interest. "Ooohh! Who was it? Was she pretty?"
"I guess so. I didn't recognize her."
"But was she pretty? Or was she, you know, pretty-pretty."
"I...uh... she was just pretty."
Tabni-Ninsun throws her hair back. "Ugh. He can do better than just pretty. He's an idiot."
You remember something else to share. "You know, the Prince of Turtak is in town! To ensure Turtak's good behavior."
Tabni-Ninsun raises an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Is he pretty?"

> "He's kind of old. He looked really mad to be taken hostage, too."
> [lie] "I think he looks quite charming! And I hear that they're looking to seal the peace with a marriage, just as soon as they find the right girl.."
>>
>>29372744
Just want to let you guys know this thread has been misarchived as Monsterloli Vore Quest.
>>
>>29375168
>Matchmaking scorpion gonna matchmake

Try to make him sound brave, strong, and all that other good shit that makes bored noble girls excited.
>>
>>29375168
>> "He's kind of old. He looked really mad to be taken hostage, too."
>>
>>29375168
> "He's kind of old. He looked really mad to be taken hostage, too."
>>
>>29375168
tell him the truth, which is that he was sort of scraggly and grumpy about the whole affair. Not all glamorous like you expect a prince would be.

>>29375183
darn, I guess we'll have to start pre-emptively archiving.
>>
>>29375168
>> "He's kind of old. He looked really mad to be taken hostage, too."
>>
>>29375168

BTW, Anu, you never really described the prince in any detail to us that I can recall.

> "He's kind of old. He looked really mad to be taken hostage, too."
>>
>>29375202
I want to matchmake, but it doesn't work if she can just go find him and be all like "Hunzuu, your taste in men is awful".
>>
Rolled 1, 2 = 3

>>29375168
>> "He's kind of old. He looked really mad to be taken hostage, too."
>>
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"He's kind of old. He looked really mad to be taken hostage, too."
Tabni-Ninsun thinks that over. "Mad, huh? I guess I can't blame him. But I wonder if it was even his idea. You think their leader is anything like ours?"
"Could be..."

> Plan to go into the city with her some time soon, maybe shopping for more cloth.
> Tell her you'll try to introduce her to the king, or at least the "king"
> Explain that you have to keep training extra-hard, and you'll probably see her during your lessons and not much more.

>>29375276
He did look mad to be taken hostage. He was well-groomed, with one of those beards smoothed into curled locks that are so hard to pull off. He's not aged, but he's probably a little old for Tabni-Ninsun's tastes. Probably in his thirties.

>>29375183
There's been a lot of misarchiving lately. What a cunt.
>>
>>29375518
let's go into the city with her later.
This can double-up with another long term project I've wanted to do, asking the masons and quarrymen if we can help them cut and haul HUGE ROCKS. Mostly for strength training, also to get us a little pocket change to buy gifts and nice things.
>>
>>29375518
>> Plan to go into the city with her some time soon, maybe shopping for more cloth.
>>
Rolled 1, 4 = 5

>>29375518
>> Plan to go into the city with her some time soon, maybe shopping for more cloth.
GIRL NIGHT OUT!
>>
>>29375518
> Plan to go into the city with her some time soon, maybe shopping for more cloth.

Guess it's time to check on the other insane girl we keep around after we're done with her.
>>
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>>29375518
Tabni-Ninsun brushes her hair back and smiles, quite full of herself. "Well, I can do better than both of them! I'm not going to be used as some bargaining chip for my dad. I'm going to marry the perfect man. And if he doesn't exist, I'll have the Blood Priest make him for me." You notice that her comment makes Dadanum look a little uncomfortable and fidget with his cape.

You hold both hands flat to give Mr. Clicks some room to wander around. "Hey, Tabni-Ninsun, you want to go with me the next time I go out for cloth? I can get my slave to make something for both of us."
"Sure! My tailors are getting dull. Maybe I'll sell them."

> Go see Iltani
> You don't want her to see you while you're cursed. Just plan to go out to offer to rebuild Shamash's temple tomorrow, possibly with Ninlil.
>>
Rolled 6, 3 = 9

>>29375739
>> Go see Iltani
Bring her some meat or some honeycakes
>>
>>29375739
A much harder choice than it should be, given how light the issue is.

I don't think seeing iltani while cursed could hurt too much. She's probably not related to it at all, and if she is, well, we learned something.

Let's visit our Iltani now and just show up, unasked for, at the temple rebuilding tomorrow. Assuming we're not busy with curse shit. who knows how long the gold priest will take on that.
>>
>>29375739
>> Go see Iltani
Just keep our distance.
>>
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>>29375739
You take some honeycakes off of Tabni-Ninsun's tray and balance them on your claw. "Well, I've got some other stuff to do. You two take care, okay?"

"Come back soon! I have to make sure father doesn't, you know, choke on his own vomit or something, so I'll probably be here."

You return Mr. Clicks to his cage. He perks up and looks a you expectantly until you give him a locust, which he happily digs into. He's certainly a spoiled little scorpion.

Down in the dungeons, you hear lltani talking to herself even as you approach. "They're coming for me didn't forget about me! But what will they do? Now is when we have to make our stand, men!"

You round the corner and hold out your torch to see that Iltani has chipped many little pieces of brick off of the walls and arranged them into little formations. She looks up at you and frowns. "It's just you? Where are all the others?" Her hair has grown in enough to barely cover her scalp. Her eyes remain entirely black, and she has some small cuts along her arms and fingers.

> "I brought you some honeycakes!"
> "What did you do this time? They wouldn't have left you like this unless you'd attacked someone else as they were trying to feed you."
>>
Rolled 1, 3 = 4

>>29376046
>> "I brought you some honeycakes!"
>>
>>29376046
> "I brought you some honeycakes!"
Also, she is NOT looking okay here. We need to like, take her out for some fresh air or something. We should arrange for that.
>>
>>29376046
>> "I brought you some honeycakes!"
>>
Rolled 4, 4 = 8

>>29376127
>Also, she is NOT looking okay here. We need to like, take her out for some fresh air or something. We should arrange for that.
If we only we had a way to control her.

Maybe the village of mystic could help us.
>>
>>29376046
Yeah, she's starting to go slightly insane.

May want to get her a cell with sunlight.

>>29376162
We already do, by virtue of defeating her. Doesn't stop her from looking for loopholes, but...
>>
>>29376162
well, she seems to already do what we say. Kind of.
It's just we don't want to really test that.
>>
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>>29376046
"I brought you some honeycakes!" You pass them between the bars with your claw.

Iltani doesn't take them right away. She looks up at you and tilts her head. "Is it just you? It really seemed like there were more people down here. Are they hiding?"
You look around. "More people? No, it's just me. I'm back. I wanted to check whether you were all right."
She bends down and tries a honeycake. "Back from the war, it must be. They never told me about the war. Let me guess... You killed men and monsters, you dashed them to pieces, but you wouldn't place yoruself over them. You came within reach of breaking them, but the little girl in you relented and struck some silly compromise that left everyone unhappy. You could have been queen of two cities, but you chose to deny yourself."

> "That's... okay, that's pretty close."
> "I'm happy with the peace we made. I'm not just saying that."
> "What's so great about being a queen? That would just make my life even worse than it is already."
>>
>>29376046

> "I brought you some honeycakes! Also who is they? Is it anyone I should be aware of?"
>>
>>29376290
>But if I was to rule 2 cities, I wouldn't have any time for you~
>>
>>29376290
> "I'm happy with the peace we made. I don't know if other people are yet."
>"What's so great about being a queen?"
>>
Rolled 1, 1 = 2

>>29376290
>> "I'm happy with the peace we made. I'm not just saying that."
And we didn't just kill people, we also ate several monsters.
>>
>>29376290

> "If I were queen of two cities, I would want both of them to be as strong as possible. Only a mad man would fight for two hills of ashes."
>>
>>29376290
I killed their boss monster by throwing smaller monsters at it.
>What's so great about being a queen?
>>
>>29376356

Play the manipulative scorpion, even if it's a lie.
>>
>>29376290
>But if I was to rule 2 cities, I wouldn't have any time for you~
>Being queen is too much work. Nudge the person in front of you whenever you feel like getting what you want and let them deal with how many holes need to filled in the ground.
>>
well she DID get pretty close.
But then again, we achieved the objectives we set out to do.
1. stop all this war shit
2. kill that damn llamasu

Becoming queen wasn't really... a goal.
>>
>>29376290
>Why would I want to rule over two cities? They will both be destroyed by Pazuzu anyway.
>>
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>>29376290
"I'm happy with the peace we made. I'm not just saying that."
Iltani quickly consumes the honeycakes one after the other. "You think having strong friends will help you when Pazuzu comes. But it won't. I can still see him. Some days he'll be the only one I see. He has no patience for men. But great, strong, beautiful monsters... they may keep him entertained..."

> "You want to see people regularly? You want to go out and get some sun? Then you have to get your act together and stop idolizing Pazuzu. He's an asshole."
> "That's right. You're nothing compared to real monsters like me. But you still don't act like you understand. You still disobey me."
> "If Pazuzu likes monsters best, why does he only talk to you?"
> "What do you know about curses?"
> "I figured out a way to get some antivenom. It might help those black stains fade."
>>
>>29376630
>> "You want to see people regularly? You want to go out and get some sun? Then you have to get your act together and stop idolizing Pazuzu. He's an asshole."
>> "That's right. You're nothing compared to real monsters like me. But you still don't act like you understand. You still disobey me."
>> "If Pazuzu likes monsters best, why does he only talk to you?"
>> "I figured out a way to get some antivenom. It might help those black stains fade."

Everything. Except the curse bit.
>>
>>29376630
>> "What do you know about curses?"
>>
>>29376630
uhhh
>"If Pazuzu likes monsters best, why does he only talk to you?"
seems right.
also maybe
>You should stop idolizing Pazuzu, he's an asshole. Besides that, we have to fight him later.
>>
Rolled 3, 2 = 5

>>29376630
>> "If Pazuzu likes monsters best, why does he only talk to you?"


> "You want to see people regularly? You want to go out and get some sun? Then you have to get your act together and stop idolizing Pazuzu. He's an asshole."
>>
>>29376630
Can't we just say everyth-
>>29376673
Yeah, go with that.
>>
>>29376630
> "You want to see people regularly? You want to go out and get some sun? Then you have to get your act together and stop idolizing Pazuzu. He's an asshole."
> "That's right. You're nothing compared to real monsters like me. But you still don't act like you understand. You still disobey me."
> "If Pazuzu likes monsters best, why does he only talk to you?"
> "I figured out a way to get some antivenom. It might help those black stains fade."

Welp. All of them look like good topics with Iltani. The curse business we will have it fixed soon too.
>>
I feel bad for anu because of all the [x]ALL THE OPTIONS votes.
More work, but damnit, all the options are good.
>>
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>>29376630
"If Pazuzu likes monsters best, why does he only talk to you?"
Iltani licks some honey off her ragged fingernail. "That's a very good question... Maybe he likes anyone who understands. But I can't even make you understand! I haven't been doing very well for him..."
You hiss at her. Maybe a display of power will get through to her. "That's right. You're nothing compared to real monsters like me. But you still don't act like you understand. You still disobey me."
"It's only because you don't understand! Your mind hasn't grown to match your mighty body. If you... oh, dear, you're going to take it the wrong way, aren't you? I... you don't have to think and feel the same way you did when you were weak. You never have to hurt again..."
You ave to admit that things have been hurting too much lately."Listen, you don't look like you're doing so well. You want to see people regularly? You want to go out and get some sun? Then you have to get your act together and stop idolizing Pazuzu. He's an asshole."
Iltani looks back at you with those black eyes. "I don't care about other people. I want to be part of the new age that's coming. The men who feed me will die soon, and they don't like being told that."

> "Let's try something different. I *will* take you outside some day soon, and you *will* behave or I *will* kill you."
> "You never make any sense. I think I'll tell them to just cut you open to see how you got so strong, then throw you out."
> "Stopping yourself from hurting doesn't fix the thing that hurt you. Is that how this started? Did someone hurt you?"
>>
>>29377221
> "Stopping yourself from hurting doesn't fix the thing that hurt you. Is that how this started? Did someone hurt you?"
for curiosity and then
> "Let's try something different. I *will* take you outside some day soon, and you *will* behave or I *will* kill you."
For actual plans after curiosity is settled, if nothing comes of it first.
>>
Rolled 4, 1 = 5

>>29377221
>> "Stopping yourself from hurting doesn't fix the thing that hurt you. Is that how this started? Did someone hurt you?"
>>
>>29377221
> "Let's try something different. I *will* take you outside some day soon, and you *will* behave or I *will* kill you."

Third option is tempting too.

I also suspect that she is right, in how to stop Pazuzu. Only by uniting everyone under a single ruler, will we have a chance against it. Or by opening the gates and freeing the other scorpions; remember, the promise is made.
>>
>>29377265

This!

> "Stopping yourself from hurting doesn't fix the thing that hurt you. Is that how this started? Did someone hurt you?"
> "Let's try something different. I *will* take you outside some day soon, and you *will* behave or I *will* kill you."
>>
>>29377221
> "Stopping yourself from hurting doesn't fix the thing that hurt you. Is that how this started? Did someone hurt you?"
>>
>>29377221

> "Stopping yourself from hurting doesn't fix the thing that hurt you. Is that how this started? Did someone hurt you?"
>>
>>29377221
>> "Let's try something different. I *will* take you outside some day soon, and you *will* behave or I *will* kill you."
>>
>>29377511

Let's listen to her first and then take her on a walk.
>>
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>>29377221
"Stopping yourself from hurting doesn't fix the thing that hurt you. Is that how this started? Did someone hurt you?" You reach part of a claw through the bars, forgetting for a moment how creepy it was when she used to try to touch you.

Iltani scratches her short hair and shakes her head, looking guilty. I shouldn't say that. My life wasn't so bad. I was free. We had enough to eat. I hurt them more than they hurt me. Maybe there's been a little Pazuzu in me the whole time."

You feel uncomfortable questioning her further about her life. "Let's try something different. I *will* take you outside some day soon, and you *will* behave or I *will* kill you."

She smiles and picks up one of the small shards of brick from the floor. "Maybe it's a start. Maybe you can learn to command, just by commanding one wretched prisoner. We can work our way out from there. I used to command. I had lots of little men like this one." She puts the shard of brick in your hand. "But I told them what they were, and that made them mad. I shouldn't have done that."

> Take her outside now.
> Wait until some time later, when you've alerted everyone to the danger
>>
> Take her outside now.
>>
>>29377608
Good. I'll be back for you.

> Wait until some time later, when you've alerted everyone to the danger

We'll get her washed and wearing a new, or at least clean, dress before we go out and have some training.
>>
>>29377608
> Take her outside now.

She is more open than the usual. This is the optimal time.
>>
>>29377608
> let's take her out
>>
>>29377608
Take her outside now. We're the goddamned hero of the war, and people should let it slide for a while. Honestly, if her trying to teach us to command makes her a little less insane, I'm all for trying to help.
>>
>>29377608
Can we get a precautionary collar or something?
Take her out the city with us while we go get some fresh meat?
>>
>>29377656
We can get her cleaned now, maybe she will like that
>>
>>29377608

> "We'll get you something presentable first. Now be good while I'm gone. I'll be back in an hour. If anyone comes to scrub you down before we go out, don't try to hurt them."
> Leave, tell the tailor he has a rush job, something simple and hard to run in.
> Alert people of the danger.
>>
>>29377715

Second the proposal for manacles, something that can hold her on to us. Getting free would mean taking her wrist, harming us, or breaking the chain. Make sure we get something heavy duty.
>>
>>29377608
>> Take her outside now.
>>
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>>29377608
You decide to wait until she's been cleaned and dressed in something better, maybe manacled as well, and until the guard is alerted. She has a pretty unmistakable look, and a lot of people would be upset to see her free. "Good. Tomorrow we make you presentable. I expect no arguments."
She simply nods and smiles at that, and reaches our to touch your claw before you go.

When you return to the Gold Priest, he's no longer indisposed but now covered in several love-bites. He's holding a clay cylinder marked with fancy writing. "All right, I found a small cursed item in the workshop. That should let me identify other curses. Just hold still..."

> "Be careful now." Roll 2d6.
> "Hold on! What is that thing? How'd it get cursed?"
>>
Rolled 2, 4 = 6

>>29378043
[x]Be careful
[x]What kind of curse finds other curses?
>>
>>29378043

...pretty sure that releasing her had more votes the entire time.
>>
>>29378071
seconding this. inquiring scorpions want to know.
>>
>>29378096
it's not the biggest of deals. We're probably going to release her earlier than we would have without the vote.
>>
Rolled 5, 5 = 10

>>29378043
Stay very, very still. We've heard enough about how bad this kind of magic gets, no need to tempt the fates.
>>
Rolled 5, 6 = 11

>>29378043
>> "Be careful now." Roll 2d6.
>>
>>29378137
>>29378144
you make me feel self-conscious about my own roll
>>
>>29378135

It kinda is, when valid votes are ignored or disconsidered for no apparent reason. It also is blatant railroading, and go against how Quests work.

The results from releasing her right then and there could have been greatly benefficial to her disposition to Hunzuu.
>>
>>29378144

I find this relevant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4pStVNQc4M
>>
>>29378244
eh, I've played quests with much lower or more subtle vote/action control ratios, so I'm just going to assume it changed something important, from character disposition to what NPCs we find.

But that's enough side conversation from me.
>>
>>29378258
Did we ever get a listing of what all the priests do?

Because right now, they're all just scary men with spooky weird powers to me. And that's fine.
>>
>>29378362
sand magic is illusions, that also affect the mind of the person who cast them.

blood magic seems to be about creating and manipulating living matter. it seems to be literally powered by blood.

bronze magic seems to be about creating force, stuff like force fields and force bolts. but creates slag in the users body

rain magic seems to be weather control, but if you do it to much the land turns against you and calls up blight demons and other things.

I don't know much about gold magic, but it seems to deal mostly in affecting and analyzing other magic.
>>
>>29378476
yeah, so we're just going off of what we've seen so far then, I take it?
>>
>>29378497
yep. we really should get a run down of what magic can do, especially if we are going to be fighting things that can use it.
>>
>>29378557
well, I think we can get a rundown of what OUR guys can do. Though from knowing those weird river-men we met during the war, it's obvious magic can do a whole fuckton else that we don't even know about.
>>
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>>29378043
"What kind of curse finds other curses?" You ask.

The Blood Priest holds the cylinder out for you to see. "That's just the flaw of gold magic. You always need extra of whatever you're working with. You can't make something out of nothing; you can only make more of what you already have. You can identify things, but only if you have something else like it."
"All right." You hold still and try to be good.
Your vision blurs. The room seems to go dim. You hear his voice, very faintly. "Oh dear. I can see it now. As they died, someone decreed that everyone you killed would..." His voice fades away into nothing. There is a faint blue glow. Shadowy figures shamble toward you, some human-sized, others much larger.

> Roll 4d6 to pull yourself together before they reach you.
> Call out to the Bronze Priest. Maybe he's still here and can shake you out of it.


>>29378362
From what you've seen, this is what the different kinds of magic do:
Blood: making monsters, healing, creating, or altering life. Death curses.
Bronze: Heat, force blasts and shields, other powers with straightforward combat applications
Gold: Sympathetic magic and divination
Rain: Taking magic from the land. Regulating weather, talking to spirits of a place, calling up blight demons by accident or on purpose
Sand: Mirages and illusions
>>29378621
And yep, there do seem to be other kinds of magic. The brackish magic that turned Meluku gray is one of them.
>>
Rolled 1, 6, 2, 2 = 11

>>29378790
huh. So we have to kill everyone we've ever killed?

Or maybe that would make it worse since then we'd be fighting their ghost and their ghost's ghost.
Let's struggle against the ghost hands. We trained our physical condition just for this kind of thing.
>>
>>29378790
>Call out to the Bronze Priest. Maybe he's still here and can shake you out of it.
>>
Rolled 4, 2, 1, 5 = 12

>>29378790
>> Roll 4d6 to pull yourself together before they reach you.
>>
>>29378790
>call out
>>
Rolled 5, 2, 1, 1 = 9

>>29378790
>>
I wonder which type of "plagued by all those you have slain" this is

The rules vary widely.
>>
>>29378840
>>29378871
>>29378916
With these rolls I certainly hope we call out...
>>
>>29379141
they're MEDIOCRE. Calling out may be better for us.

Though, hopefully the priest is helping us regardless of if we call out, because we either just A. passed out or B. started rampaging
>>
>>29378790

> Call out to the Bronze Priest. Maybe he's still here and can shake you out of it.

Whatever happened to that rule for music for taking later rolls? Was that a one time thing.
>>
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Rolled 5, 5, 5 = 15

>>29378790
You push against the force holding you down. You lose your balance and fall to the floor. Fortunately, it's the floor you remember from when your vision started to go. The force wasn't that strong this time. Light returns to the room, and you see the Gold Priest backed up against a wall to try to keep out of the way of your thrashing, clutching the cursed cylinder. "Well! You look a little better now. Did you get all that? Whoever cursed you definitely wanted to make you pay for everyone you've killed. And with pretty strong magic. Most curses don't flare up like that just from being identified."

You dust off your nice dress as you right yourself. "Yeah, it was from a lammasu. They seem to be really good at magic. So what can we do about it?"

He sets down the cylinder on a table now that the danger of breaking it is gone. "Well, we could chance it and break the curse. Everyone you've killed between now and getting cursed would probably do... something, but then it would be over. We could take some flesh from you and try to trick the curse into leaving you with it. Or we could try to make some other poor sap pay for your sins."

> "I'll train a little longer, then I'll face those I've killed."
> "Those all sound awful. Take my flesh!
> "Well, we kill a lot of prisoners around here anyway. If we give one my curse before bleeding him dry, that's not much worse for him."
> "Let's do nothing. It could be a really long time before this thing activates on its own, right? I'll get really strong, maybe molt once or twice, and then handle it."
>>
>>29379141

The only way that will happen is if you vote for it.
>>
>>29379360
>> "Let's do nothing. It could be a really long time before this thing activates on its own, right? I'll get really strong, maybe molt once or twice, and then handle it."
>>
Rolled 1, 5, 5, 6 = 17

>>29379360
>> "Well, we kill a lot of prisoners around here anyway. If we give one my curse before bleeding him dry, that's not much worse for him."
>>
>>29379360
huh.
>How much flesh?
then
>I'll train a little longer, then face those I've killed!
>>
>>29379360

> "Well, we kill a lot of prisoners around here anyway. If we give one my curse before bleeding him dry, that's not much worse for him."
>>
>>29379420
this, we killed them once. we can do it again if we must.
>>
>>29379360
>>
>>29379456
yeah. Just re-kill some ghosts. Hopefully we can get them to fight us not all at once. Possibly by doing the classic run away then fight the fastest ones first plan.
>>
>>29379360
> "I'll train a little longer, then I'll face those I've killed."

If we try to hold off for a long time we'll face a veritable army.
>>
>>29379360
>> "Well, we kill a lot of prisoners around here anyway. If we give one my curse before bleeding him dry, that's not much worse for him."

Eh, they will die anyway.
>>
I hope we don't scrape it off on a prisoner, but I've already voted, so all I can do is say the guy will probably have a more shitty afterlife for it. And also will come after us later in the deadzone, possibly with a gaggle of friends we killed.
>>
>>29379662

I don't agree that this is really something a little girl would want to do. At the same time I see it as far too convenient an option to be ignored. It's too logical, and I don't think this particular method of making Hunzuu "battle her inner demons" is a good way to add depth to her character.
>>
>>29379723
well, I don't know about battling inner demons or whatever, but I was looking forward to either a sick ghostfight or THE SORROW.
Though we don't have any fake death pills, so that's going to be tricky.
>>
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Rolled 5, 3, 4 = 12

>>29379360
"How much flesh would be enough to take the curse out of me?"
"For a human, we usually take part of a leg. For you, and for a curse this strong, I'd want to err on the side of caution. We can probably grow it back afterward, whatever it is. Just like we put Nakurtum back together."

You think about it. "I'll train a little longer, then face those I've killed. In a way, I feel like I had this coming anyway."

The Gold Priest nods grimly. "Be careful when you do. You're the savior of the city, after all. We... well... we need you. Tell us when you're ready. And I suppose you'd do well not to kill anyone in the meantime."

You pick up a chair you'd upended during your brief struggle. "Thank you. I hope you and your lady had a good time."

> Talk to Nakurtum. She's killed a lot of people; maybe she can sympathize.
> Talk to Ninlil. Maybe she'll help you rebuild the temple of Shamash.
> Talk to the Rain Priest. See if he knows what that mystic was talking about on the march home.
>>
> Talk to Nakurtum. She's killed a lot of people; maybe she can sympathize.
>>
Rolled 1, 3, 3, 3 = 10

>>29379896
>> Talk to Nakurtum. She's killed a lot of people; maybe she can sympathize.
>>
>>29379896
>> Talk to Ninlil. Maybe she'll help you rebuild the temple of Shamash.

FAVOR OF THE GODS

Also, I have a feeling that the more we wait for this curse, the worse it will become. Is it only the people Hunzuu has killed up to the moment the lammasu died, or will it include those she killed after the curse? Because if it's the later, we better give it to someone else.
>>
>>29379896
>Talk to Nakurtum. She's killed a lot of people; maybe she can sympathize.
>>
>>29379896
>talk to ninlil

It's a bit counter-intuitive, but putting together the building will be good training, which we should get on right away.
>>
>>29379896
nakurtum
>>
if we talk to nakurtum, let's ask her how that red arm is.
I don't really want one.
>>
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Rolled 4, 1, 5 = 10

>>29379896
You decide to talk to Nakurtum, who's busy digging through the vaults looking for replacement armor. When she crept into the city, she took off her armor in the sewers and left it there. She picks up pieces one at a time and tosses them aside. "No... no... How does this manage to be too small for me? Who was it even made for, a little boy? Oh, Hi there, Zuu." She's the only one around here who calls you that. "You okay, kiddo?"

> "I have to kill some ghosts or something. We need to do some serious training over the next few days."
> "I just wanted to talk. Did you ever... uh... feel bad about the people you've killed?"
>>
>>29380159
>> "I have to kill some ghosts or something. We need to do some serious training over the next few days."
>>
>>29380159
>> "I have to kill some ghosts or something. We need to do some serious training over the next few days."

I wonder why the QM keep the dice on...
>>
>>29380159
lead with
> "I just wanted to talk. Did you ever... uh... feel bad about the people you've killed?"

Drop that we need to kill some ghosts and train hard after getting the conversation started.

Maybe offer to bend armor into shape for her, unknowning the difficulties of armoring
>>
Rolled 5, 4, 1, 2 = 12

>>29380159
>let us train, for soon I shall have to vanquish those I already have vanquished.
>>
>>29380229
Sounds good
>>
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Rolled 3, 3, 6 = 12

>>29380159
"I have to kill some ghosts or something. We need to do some serious training over the next few days."
Nakurtum has to keep herself from laughing. "A monster's work is never done, huh? And I thought adventurers had weird lives. Sure thing, kid! I'll try to make it fun. I don't know how to fight ghosts, and I didn't even know that was a thing, but I figure we'll balance strength training with teaching you to do something useful with your human arms while your claws go to work. Four arms are better than two.

> Decide how many days to train before facing the curse
> Focus completely on physical training during this time
> Balance your training with other kinds of learning, like you usually do
>>
>>29380461
sorry friends, we need to do a purely physical montage to fight ghosts.

Let's spend a week or two training. This includes, most likely, training with iltani the mad. For practice fighting human sized superstrong things.
>>
>>29380461
>> Decide how many days to train before facing the curse
7 days
> Focus completely on physical training during this time
Physical conditioning, fighting and weapon training.

Training against multiple opponents would be useful.
>>
> Decide how many days to train before facing the curse
5
a full work week sounds reasonable.

> Focus completely on physical training during this time
Ya, I think we can be forgiven for slacking on our lessons.
>>
>>29380461
>A few months
>Balance training
>>
>>29380548
>>29380556
ok, so from someone who kinda knows what they're talking about
1: Only a few days of practice/training don't do shit
2: Full time physical training will wreck your body
>>
>>29380594
we're literally magic. We've already seen lots of improvement.
>>
>>29380461

It depends, really. Can we have a chorus of bards following us around in the streets with the Rocky theme playing?

> If not, we train for however many days fit into Zuu's religious training to be considered holy or auspicious.
> Secondary: Learn a bit about the foreign culture, possibly seeking out the prince of their country. Their might be a way to pacify the restless dead of that country that is particular to that region.
>>
>>29380594
We are literally a monster created by magic, fighting is in our blood.
>>
>>29380594
so, what, a month? A few months?

I don't want to take so long that we have to add any more giant monsters to the "ghost kill" list
>>
we should still ask her how she copes with blood on her hands. the attack is likely going to be at least partially psychological in nature, if we don't make peace with the whole mass death thing it will make it harder to deal with that aspect of the attack
>>
>>29380667
well, people may be right in that it'll work because magic

but as long as we don't kill anything big for a couple months we should be fine

humans really don't threaten us
>>
>>29380461

We need strategy, not physical training in order to protect ourselves here.

> Study historical precedent for killing lamasu
> Study religious texts on appeasing the restless dead
> Study generalized strategy for combating small armies as one person.
>>
>>29380837
this might be wise, actually.
How do you kill ghosts?
>>
Hey Anu, some ass is still archiving incorrectly, you may just want to use foolz.
>>
>>29380461

You know what, fuck it:

> Send a message to Turtak
> The actions of one of their men, post-humus, is threatening to break this fragile peace between our two great nations
> They will deploy a lammasu, or a wing judging by the fact that the one we took down was likely their strongest.
> They will repair the damage that the other lammasu did.
> Then we can get back to the actual story and bury this unnecessary detour.
>>
>>29380975

We should have kept going and razed Tartuk instead of a shitty compromise. Ligish had severe losses and now this damn curse.
>>
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>>29380461
You nod. "That makes sense. I really haven't gotten any good with weapons yet. There's something else I wanted to ash you, Nakurtum. Have you ever felt... you know... bad about the people you've killed?"

Nakurtum stops digging around for armor and gives you a long, tight hug. "Aww... Zuu, I know this must be really hard for you.There's really nothing I can say that will undo everything you've had to see and do, but I guess sharing might help. I'd already gotten in some fights when I was your age. But my first kill was at fifteen. The Adventurers had agreed to let me come along on a mission. It was a kidnapping. Adventurers get hired for a lot of stuff like that. I never knew why we needed to take that woman. Maybe it was for no good reason at all. She had guards. They heard us climbing the walls. I fell onto one and started stabbing and stabbing. He looked me in the eye as he bled out. I... well, I told him I was sorry. He was only my age. Everyone after that has just gotten easier and easier."

> The average seems to be about a month, so let's go with that.
> Please divide 10 points among the following to represent your schedule:
> Strength training
> Weapons training
> History & warcraft
> Etiquette and elocution
> Religion
> Helping Ninlil rebuild the temple (counts for some strength training, but not as much because you have to wait for orders before hauling something)

>>29380975
Turtak has already agreed to pay to repair the temple. It was part of their terms of surrender. So they'll be sending gold and possibly stone and laborers.

>>29380955
How does foolz work?
>>
>>29381043
Archives everything
Here's a link to your quest on there
https://archive.foolz.us/tg/search/username/Anu/type/op/
>>
>>29381043
foolz automatically archives every thread. as long as you know the thread number, you can find it.
>>
>>29381043

> Strength training
3
> Weapons training
4
> Helping Ninlil rebuild the temple (counts for some strength training, but not as much because you have to wait for orders before hauling something)
3
>>
>>29381043
3 weapons
2 warcraft
2 religion (ghost-specific, fighting and appeasing)
3 helping ninlil (with rocky music playing)
>>
>>29381043
>> Strength training
2 points
> Weapons training
4 points
>> History & warcraft
2 points
> Helping Ninlil rebuild the temple
2 points
>>
>>29381043
> Strength training 4
> Weapons training
> History & warcraft 3
> Etiquette and elocution
> Religion
> Helping Ninlil rebuild the temple 3

Because FAVOR OF THE GODS and we need to rank up our War stats for when the truce finally ends.
>>
>>29381043
>>29381103
sounds good.
>>
>>29381043
4 str
1 weapons
2 hist/warcraft
1 e&e
1 religion
1 help with temple

no literacy, are we literate?
>>
>>29381140
You're not fully literate yet; you can only recognize a few of the most basic ideographs. You may keep up your literacy training during this month if you want. I think I only excluded it because it didn't seem like it would help when dealing with ghosts.
>>
>>29381220
fair enough.
>>
>>29381124
I -do- want to get a bit of favor of the gods in there. I'm gad most people agree on temple rebuild.
>>
>>29381043

> Weapons Training 2
> History and Warcraft 2
> Religion 2 (pump the prince for info on the ways of his people as regard the afterlife)

> Helping Ninlil rebuild the temple 4
>>
>>29381043

> Religion 5
> Etiquette and Elocution 5

"Friends, romans, terribly vengeful ghosts of the Turtakians, lend me your ears!"

We will talk them back into their graves!
>>
>>29381043

I think you miss my point about Turtak sending Lammasu. Turtak has Lammasu who specialize in magic. Specifically, at least one or two probably specialize in curses. I was suggesting that we ask the Turtakians for aid in combating the curse under the grounds that one of their soldiers is trying to kill us from beyond the grave.
>>
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>>29381043
You decide to divide your time this month as follows:
> Strength training: 3
> Weapons training: 4
> Helping Ninlil rebuild the temple: 3

You spend the first few days exclusively with Nakurtum as she adapts all the spear and shield drills she knows for use by someone of your height. You practice using a long spear in one hand, two hands, even in your claws, though it feels awkward and makes Nakurtum laugh. Some days you practice carrying big stone slabs back and forth, throwing bricks, burrowing as fast as you can, or going on endurance runs. Once Nakurtum even tries riding you again. You go to bed tired each night, and you're careful to avoid the call of the underworld in your dreams. Not until you're ready.

Working on the craft of building again really puts Ninlil in high spirits. Surrounded by her friends and family, she speaks to you little, and the humans treat you with a coolness that might come from respect, fear, or both. Still, you have a lot of fun hauling stone and brick, grinding mortar, and rolling heavy loads around on a series of logs. You try your best to give Shamash and Aya an even better house than they had before.

In the ruins, you find that carved panel that gave you pause before - the image of Shamash attended by two scorpions. You make sure it is given a place of honor.

Before long, the day you've set to face your curse has drawn near. The Sand Priest comments that it's odd that the man he disguised as the king has not paid the Great Priests another visit.

>Your Weaponry has gone up from 0 to 1.
>Your Favor of the Gods has gone up from 2 to 3.

> Try to arrange for a meeting with the captive prince of Turtak
> Before you do that, check on the status of the real king and the fake king.
>>
>>29381707
>> Before you do that, check on the status of the real king and the fake king.
>>
>>29381707

Ah, hell, fake king might have gone full retard.

> We should probably check on the real king and then check on the prince (who is probably near the palace anyway).
>>
>>29381707
>>29381707
fake king/real king status check
>>
>>29381707
I swear if the king died of mysterious circumstances, AGAIN, I'll just be so peeved
>>
>>29381707
I would sort of like to meet the prince, but I guess I'm outvoted
>>
>>29381911

Meh, there is plenty of times where OP lets us have our cake and eat it too. There isn't anything stopping us from hunting down the prince after this.
>>
>>29381997
it's more of a determining when we eat one of a number of cakes, and if it's before or after the next crisis, whenever that may be.

But yes. Kings time.
>>
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>>29381707
You nod to the Sand Priest. "That sounds like trouble. I was thinking of going back to the palace soon anyway. I'll make sure he hasn't gotten too attached to his disguise."

The Sand Priest laughs in that exaggerated sinister way he does. "I can't say I blame him! It's a tempting thing to be a hero. But you would know all about that, wouldn't you, Hunzuu?"

You change into your nicest dress and make your way to the palace. You notice that people hardly ever flee in terror from you anymore, nor to they swarm you with their pleas and requests. As before, the watchmen open the gates for you immediately. They don't even go through that moment of frightened hesitation that they had last time.

Servants offer you spiced wine and stuffed grape leaves, then direct you to a small chamber where the king, or possibly the "king" is looking over a pile of scrolls, tablets, and clay tokens with a small crowd of men looking over his shoulder. Among them is Gemet, the new commander of the Footmen. All greet you with respect, nodding their heads and pausing their business.

The king stands. "Lady Scorpion! I am pleased to receive you. We were just going over the city's budget. Terribly dull, I fear. But we can explain it to you, or provide you some more suitable entertainment."

In the back of the room, you recognize another familiar face - a gray-bearded man, one of the original king's three handlers. He gives you a serious look and silently gestures toward the opposite door, then walks out that door.

> Make an excuse to leave, then go find him
> Try to explain indirectly through innuendo what you want to know from the "king."
> Outright accuse him of being an impostor. Claim to have proof.
>>
> Make an excuse to leave, then go find him
>>
>>29382173
> Make an excuse to leave, then go find him
Attempt to be interested in finances for a while, visibly get bored, and excuse yourself to go wander.
>>
>>29382173
seconding >>29382241
>>
>>29382173

Yo, Anu. Not to poke fun, but weren't we scheduled to have a recreational walk with a certain loli some time ago (as in 28-30 days ago). I refuse to believe that Hunzuu forgot about that.
>>
>>29382173
>> Make an excuse to leave, then go find him
>>
>>29382317
ah fuck, yeah, we should maybe get a scene of that in at some point.
>>
>>29382173

> "That sounds great. You'll have to pardon me for a moment, though. I have to... find the little scorpion's latrine."
>>
>>29382317

You know when a certain someone mentioned that we should use Lammasu to bury the subplot with the curse so that we could get back to the real story.

Putting aside the gates of the underworld, this is what I meant. Iltani is one of the more interesting characters in this story and we were finally getting a bit of character development on her.
>>
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>>29382173
You pretend to be interested in accounting for a few moments. The "king" starts to explain the significance of the clay tokens. "This is how contracts used to be kept, under the old system. You don't see much of it anymore. These horse-looking things represent horses. And these goat-looking things represent talents of silver. It's not a very good system." The men all chuckle at that.

You decide that now is the time to excuse yourself. "I, um... I've got to go get another drink. Don't mind me; just keep going."

In a sunlit hallway, you find the grey-bearded advisor. He speaks in a hushed, worried tone. "Things have gone badly. You may be the only one left with knowledge of the truth and the power to set things right..."

> That's as far as this story will get for the night. I'm going to break soon.

>>29382317
Ahh! Hunzuu didn't forget about that, but I did. It's been one of those nights. I'll flash back to that briefly. Iltani actually behaves for that, showing up i a fresh dress as you manacle her and take her out of her cell. The Blood Priest insists on keeping a full guard detail and a group of bronze acolytes with her. She keeps quiet, staying very close to you and often giving the guards or bystanders an evil look with her inhumanly black eyes.

> Take her out on the terrace
> Dare to take her into the city
>>
>>29382482
>> Take her out on the terrace
>>
>>29382482
>false king is entirely taking over
Aw fuck. There was like a 70% chance of this happening old guys, you shouldn't be so surprised.

also, let's
>take her onto the terrace
because I am cautious, while simultaneously wanting her to not be stuck in a cell going crazier and crazier.
>>
>>29382482
>terrace for now
city if she's good
>>
>>29382482

> Take her out on the terrace, and have a small meal set up.
> Wave off the guards
> Getting her to eat would be a good idea

Wonder if Hunzuu brought Mr. Clicks for moral support?
>>
>>29382592
We really need to teach that thing a few tricks. In private. Not in public, until the trick is mastered. Also probably after the ghost thing.
>>
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>>29382482
You know that Iltani has enemies in the city. Many assume she's already dead and would be very angry to learn otherwise. You try just taking her out on the terrace as the sun starts turning pink on the horizon. Small twinkling fires are starting to become visible in the city below.

Iltani looks out at the city. At least you think she does. Sometimes it's hard to tell which way she's looking. She doesn't say anything for an uncomfortably long time. FInally, she breas the silence. "There they all are. All those tiny little people. Living until something kills them. What do they say, do you think? I know they chatter all through the day, but about what? What's to say when you're just a nobody?"
You shrug. "I used to be a nobody. You did too, maybe. And it was a lot easier to get along with people then than it is now."
Iltani squints directly at the setting sun. "Do you wish you were still a nobody? After all you've achieved, would you still trade it all away for your old human body and your old begging bowl?"

> If there were somebody else able to do this job for me, absolutely.
> No. Hard as it is, I'm the savior of the city. I'm Hunzuu the Merciful. And that feels pretty good.

>>29382632
Mr. Clicks is not a thing. He's your beloved pet and a very good boy. You're not sure whether he can improve every single awkward social encounter, though. You suppose it couldn't hurt. Unless he stings them and literally hurts them.
>>
>>29382736
>Nope, it's tuff, but I am a hero now.
>>
>>29382736
We should have Mr clicks sit on our head from now on also
>No. Hard as it is, I'm the savior of the city. I'm Hunzuu the Merciful. And that feels pretty good.
>>
> No. Hard as it is, I'm the savior of the city. I'm Hunzuu the Merciful. And that feels pretty good.
>>
>>29382736
No, I wouldn't inflict the curse of this existence upon anyone else.
>>
>>29382736
>"There are no nobodies in this world. I hope you will understand it someday."
>>
>>29382736
Maybe. If I hadn't promised I would protect the city.
>>
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>>29381707
Cant wait for this ghost fight we're training for. Should be good once we get to it.
>>
>>29382736
"if it was just about me? I don't know, maybe. But its not about me. I've done allot to help this city and its people, and that feels better than anything I've ever experienced."
>>
>>29382858
we should try to take them in the underworld.
We might be able to get some reinforcements from scorpions. Maybe.
>>
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>>29382736
"No. Hard as it is, I'm the savior of the city. I'm Hunzuu the Merciful. And that feels pretty good."

That makes Iltani smile. "Hunzuu the Merciful. Someone called you that, and you kept it. It feels good, doesn't it? Picking up a title. That's you coming into the place you deserve. Maybe you're not completely hopeless."

You look back at her. "And maybe neither are you."

> You may add anything else you wanted to include in your little outing, or we can call it a night here. Thanks for following, as always!
>>
>>29382901
Oh yes that would be glorious
>"Welcome to underworld, filled to brim with flesheaters, idiots!"
>>
>>29382973
nite!
Thanks for running!
>>
>>29382973
Mention that we could totally cure that poison
>>
>>29383031
>>29382973
oh yeah, mention we are trying to find a way to cure it.
Just as soon as we figure out how to get the antidote OUT of our blood and INTO hers.
>>
>>29382973

> Give crazy some claw hugs.
>>
>>29382973
Thanks for running!
>>29383002
Well, it only might work. I mean, all sorts of things could go wrong.
>>
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>>29382973
>>29383031

You touch a spot on Iltani's shoulder where a black vein shows through her skin. "You know, I think I have a way to make a cure for venom. It might help make you look normal again."

Iltani grins at you. "But it's your signature on me! I remember when you gave it to me. You were very fierce. It's like I have a piece of that fierceness with me now."

"Look, I'm surprised you haven't gone blind from it. If I give you an antivenom, I expect you to take it."

She smirks and leans on you like she use to back at the Footmen's barracks. "As the Lady Scorpion commands."

You notice that the guards you dismissed are peeking around the corner of the terrace, waiting to take her back into custody. You sigh. "Well, we'd better go back in and get you fed. Come on now." You give her light, wary clawhugs and lead her back into the pyramid. The sun behind you casts long shadows ahead of you until the awaiting guards shut the doors behind you.

>Okay, that'll be it. Good night!
>>
>>29383237
Thanks for running
>>
>>29383237
well, she didn't freak out at all. True to her word.

Now I feel less bad about letting her out at other times. It's fine to be crazy, so long as you aren't hurting our guys.
>>
>>29383237

Some day combat loli will be our copilot, but until then, I can be patient.

Thanks for running.
>>
>>29383343

You have to admit, it would have been pretty funny if Hunzuu would have actually forgotten.
>>
>>29383564
maybe just a little.
>>29383343
>co pilot
I don't think we actually need one of those. Maybe a javelin chucker.
>>
>>29383616

That's what I mean. However, what better place to launch javelins than the back of a giant, pissed off scorpion woman?
>>
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>>29383673
>>29383616
I'm hoping we get big enough to be a walking venue for a javelin party.
>>
>>29383673
fair enough. Yeah, a rider may give us a hand. Extra grapple.
>>29383702
I also hope for that, now. Shit would be awesome, though it would severely reduce our crazy climbing powers.
>>
>>29383715

This would presumably only come about if Hunzuu reached the size of Anu's last pic. I don't think anything would slow her climb speed at that size.
>>
>>29383750
well, it'd make us all topheavy and likely to flip if we scaled at 90 degrees.

Though, we are totally gonna get that big, probably. Given how our head barely reaches up to the human part on the adult ones in the underworld.
>>
>>29383750
But all the guys would fall off
>>
>>29383781
yeah, that too.
>>
>>29383781

Which is why we need to employ only suitably crazy badasses to watch our backs. Alternately, we use lots of glue and ropes.
>>
>>29383779
>Hunzuu grows that big
>starts talking in fake deep voice from time to time just for laughs
HNNNGH
>>
>>29385325
>fake big voice
Of course we will, anon. Of course we will.

>doing fake big voice to impress some people
>butterfly flies by
>girlish sneeze
>awkward pause, clear throat, resume fake speaking


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