>>29777329
>> Plan on going out to find him. You've been told roughly where he is.

>>29777329
>Plan on going out to find him. You've been told roughly where he is.
He's probably already forgotten why he's in hiding.

>>29777329
>Plan on going out to find him. You've been told roughly where he is.
It's the fastest way.

Also, we should tell the priests about our little grey orphan friend before we go. Because it's on our todolist.
A second also, let's add a backscratcher to our todo list because we cannot reach scorpion parts well.

>>29777329
> Wait for word to spread to the graybeard in hiding. Let him find you.
> Inform the priests of the grey kid in the orphanage.

Give some time for Iltani to interact with the fake king.

>>29777329
>wait for word to reach the graybeard
king is hunting is some bigass plains guys
I dunno that we wanna spend a lot of time searching for him
it's not even urgent that he comes back quickly anyway

>>29777329
> Wait for word to spread to the graybeard in hiding. Let him find you.
> Inform the priests of the grey kid in the orphanage.

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>>29777329

While the priests are all here, you tell them of your plans, while carefully avoiding any mention of the king's bad memory. You also let them know about Meluku, how the mystics from the City of Exiles immersed him in the brackish waters of the most ancient times and turned him into some kind of colorless, half-created magical person. The Blood Priest seems intrigued, but the others seem to agree with the king's decision to send him back where he came from. "Those exiles don't know nearly as much as they think they do," says the Gold Priest. "They probably just got some mud on him and didn't think to try to rub it off." However, the Gold Priest grudgingly agrees to give Meluku a looking-over if he's ever brought in.

Once the feast is over, it's getting late and you're so full that you think you ought to sleep it off before going on any adventures. You feed Mr. Clicks and tell him that he's a very good little scorpion.

> Go alone into the Eastern grasslands
> Bring friends (specify the ones you'd like to bring)

>>29777560
I really don't think it's a good idea to let Iltani interact with anyone.

>>29777617
huh.
I can't think of any friends we can bring without breaching that stupid promise we made to help keep the king's sickness secret.

>>29777661
this is a go alone vote, because I didn't actually specify.

>>29777617
>inb4 meluku goes full demi-fiend

>>29777617
> Go alone into the Eastern grasslands

Where, again?

>>29777807
the king is hiding somewhere in the east, next to some kind of horse-lake or lake-of-horses or something like that.

>>29777805
I'm sort of hoping he becomes a scorpion man.
Just a little.

>>29777617
Go alone.
The system won't collapse just because we're gone for a bit, right?

>>29777868
Don't tempt the fate

>>29777868
We should ask Ninlil to keep a lid on things while we're gone. Her and Narkutum are the closest thing we have to competent adults right now.

>>29777926
>just... make sure nobody stabs anyone else in the back. Or tries to assassinate anyone.
>It happens a lot.

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>>29777617
You decide to go alone to preserve the secrecy. Nakurtum offers to join you, saying it'll be fun, but you reluctantly tell her that she should stay here and start training Ninlil. You insist that Ninlil didn't mean it when she snapped at Nakurtum last time and will in no way tear her open and eat her flesh. You pack a few things into a bundle strapped to your scorpion back, pick up your shield and a new spear, and venture out into the east, past the city walls.

> Roll 2d6 to navigate
> Find a guide who doesn't know what he's looking for.

>

>>29777617
>Go alone into the Eastern grasslands

I have to wonder. Has anyone ever TOLD the king about his memory problem and asked HIM what he wants to do?

The court magicians are stumped and they won't turn to anyone else because they're afraid they'll exploit the kings weakness. But did they ever ask the king if he wants to take the risk?

We should ask him and find out what he wants to do.

Rolled 2, 1 = 3

> Roll 2d6 to navigate

Rolled 3, 5 = 8

>>29777982
fuck it. Let's do that on the way back.
The king not remembering shit is becoming more of a liability as time goes on.
>>29777967
Let's navigate.
We should -also- get a guide to take us to the horse lake, but we'll have to go on our own from there.

>>29777967
>find a guide

Rolled 6, 3 = 9

>>29777967
>Ask Nakurtum if she can give us basic directions before we leave. Roll 2d6 to navigate

Also, have Ninlil tell Nakurtum that she DOESN'T HAVE TO STAY AWAY FROM ME IF YOU DON'T WANT TO!

That should fix and accidental compulsion problems she might have caused.

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>>29777987
Anu takes the first roll doesn't he...

>>29778076
yeah.
Look, nobody ever taught us how to get around in the wilds.

It's all warfare and history and reading.

>>29777967
>Find a guide who doesn't know what he's looking for.

>>29778076
Thankfully, 2 people voted for a guide and 1 voted to ask for directions before we left. I think we'll be okay.

>>29778094
I suppose we should look into navigation, it's a useful skill to have.

>>29778137
yeah, it totally is.
Though, we'd usually have retainers for exactly this sort of thing.
I don't like secret ops.

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>>29777967
You do your best to navigate. You can use the sun to give you a rough idea which way is east, but you don't see any of the landmarks Nakurtum told you about between here and the Lake of Horses. Once the city and the river are out of sight, it's just a lot of tall grass and gentle hills in all directions.

Before you're about to makecamp, you come across something interesting - a gorge opened up in the earth, big enough for you to climb into. Some disturbed grass suggests that something climbed out of it and went north.

> Go in
> Follow the tracks
> Keep going due east
> Dig a burrow

>>29778291
> Follow the tracks
oh!
A giant monster!
We're lost, let's follow it a bit. Maybe it is following the king's camp by means of scent or actually-knowing-navigation-skills.

We've still got our clay ball, right?

>>29778291
>Dig a burrow

>>29778291
>> Go in
Explore the mystery cave, we can always follow the tracks afterwards. Might as well try and get an idea of what it is.

>>29778329
>>29778346
>>29778348
huh, and we're usually so cohesive in votes, too.

>>29778291
>Go in
A short inspection of the cave. See if anything stands out. Followed by
>Follow the tracks

>>29778291
>Go in

who knows, there might be artifacts down there

>>29778291
>follow the tracks

>>29778291
>> Go in

Down the rabbit hole

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>>29778291
You crawl in, with no light sources but decent night vision as long as you don't get too far away from the setting sun. The gorge seems very fresh, with a lot of broken rocks hanging precariously out of damp earth. The hole is deep, and you end up sliding down as much as climbing. The bottom looks like a lot of cracked bedrock with black earth piled on it. Nothing artificial, nothing of value.

As you're poking around, a blight demon shakes itself loose from the wall and charges you. It's roughly wolf-shaped, with a horrible insectoid head of stony chitin with large jagged mandibles.

> Roll 4d6 to make short work of it.

Rolled 1, 2, 4, 3 = 10

>>29778603

Rolled 1, 5, 4, 6 = 16

>>29778603
Oh blight demons
You aren't supposed to be around this time of year
Go back to the earth. Literally. We're slamming you into a wile-coyote style hole in the ground.

Rolled 1, 2, 5, 2 = 10

>>29778603

Rolled 5, 5, 6, 2 = 18

>>29778603
>well, I am kind of hungry...

Rolled 6, 6, 3, 1 = 16

>>29778603
rolling

Rolled 4, 2, 5, 3 = 14

>>29778603
Well, we know what left the tracks now. We best chase it down before it does some damage.

>>29778627
>You aren't supposed to be around this time of year
It might be here as a side effect of magic use.

Not sure where we are in relation to the battle. It might be from that or from something else.

>>29778707
yeah, this is probably the "giant thing" from underground that we were warned about.

well, the thing at the end of the tracks at least.

>>29778730
Yeah, probably that. Best do our 'Guardian Monster' thing and chase it down.

Hopefully we'll catch and kill it before it reaches a village or something.

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>>29778603
You're pretty far from where the battle took place in Turtak. Blight demons shouldn't be popping up here just because of all the magic the armies were fielding against each other. Maybe someone else has been working too much rain magic or otherwise pissed off the land.

You seize the demon in your claws and slowly pull it apart as it snaps at you. The black, silty stuff inside it doesn't look like blood. It probably wouldn't taste good.

> Climb out and follow the tracks fast as you can.
> Did you remember to bring your clay ball? Roll Favor of the Gods, go back to town for it, or just go without it.

>>29778854
my biggest misgiving with that is getting super lost and wandering around for like a week while who knows what happens back home or at the king's camp.

>>29778870
> Climb out and follow the tracks fast as you can.
and
>favor of the gods roll for remembering clay ball
that's a what, 3d6?

>>29778904
Yes it is. Should've said.

Rolled 6, 5, 6 = 17

>>29778870
>> Did you remember to bring your clay ball? Roll Favor of the Gods, go back to town for it, or just go without it.

No choice to continue exploring?

Rolled 1, 2, 6 = 9

>>29778870
if no ball go on without
>climb out and follow tracks

Rolled 2, 5, 6 = 13

>>29778930
well, here's a roll then.
>>29778939
it's a hole in the ground, anon.

>>29778939
Favor of the dice gods, holy shit.

>>29778939

I should roll more often.

>>29778939
Can't deny that roll

Rolled 4, 2, 3 = 9

>>29778870
>Climb out and follow the tracks fast as you can.
>Roll Favor of the Gods

>>29778870
If we can do both then follow the trail as well.

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>>29778870
You panic for just a moment. Did you remember to bring the clay ball? As you unroll your bundle of stuff on the cracked rock, you discover to your relief that you did. Or maybe Nakurtum packed it for you.

You pursue the tracks as fast as you can until it starts to get too dark to see the disturbed grass easily, even with your improved night vision.

> Keep heading in this general direction, feeling your way with your claws. The path doesn't curve much anyway.

> Call it a night here.

>>29779184
Keep going.

>>29779184
>call it a night

>>29779184
>>29779184
> Keep heading in this general direction, feeling your way with your claws. The path doesn't curve much anyway.

>>29779184
>> Keep heading in this general direction, feeling your way with your claws. The path doesn't curve much anyway.

It saddens me that a great roll was spent on soemthing simple. We need them in the dangerous situations, dammnit!

>>29779184
let's just go a BIT further.

When we start getting sleepy, make a burrow. No use fighting tired.

>>29779184
>Keep heading in this general direction, feeling your way with your claws. The path doesn't curve much anyway.

Hunzu would feel shitty if people died because she stopped for a nap. Keep going.

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>>29779184
You press on even as night falls. As you carefully make your way forward, you hear thunderous footsteps ahead of you. A black shape, barely visible against the indigo sky, looms on the horizon. It is much, much bigger than you.

> Get its attention
> Be the stealthy scorpion. Roll 3d6.

Rolled 3, 5, 4 = 12

> Be the stealthy scorpion. Roll 3d6.

Rolled 6, 2, 3 = 11

>>29779409
>Stealth

Rolled 3, 3, 3 = 9

>>29779409
>Be the stealthy scorpion. Roll 3d6.

We are silent predator!

Oh, wait! Make sure it is a Blight Demon or something dangerous before we jump on it. Don't want to attack a friendly monster like us!

>>29779433
Pretty good

Rolled 3, 5, 4 = 12

>>29779409
let's, uh, sneak up on it.

Scorpions can kill things way bigger than themselves, right?

Hopefully we can too.

>>29779409
>> Be the stealthy scorpion. Roll 3d6.

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>>29779409
You creep through the tall grass and try to keep your head down. Sure enough, it's a colossal blight demon, even bigger than the mole-woman you had to climb up some months ago. What's more, it has something on its back. People might be riding it. It's hard to tell in the dark.

> Yell at it
> Climb up its leg. Roll 4d6.
> Nip at its heels. Maybe it'll fall over Roll 4d6.

Rolled 6, 1, 3, 6 = 16

>>29779652
>> Climb up its leg. Roll 4d6.

Rolled 4, 6, 4, 3 = 17

>>29779652
> Climb up its leg. Roll 4d6.

Rolled 6, 3, 5, 1 = 15

>>29779652
>people riding a giant blight demon
Fuck.

Well, let's try to climb first, as it's the one with the least chance of hostile reaction.

Rolled 4, 6, 4, 6 = 20

>>29779652
>Sneak up and claw one of its feet off. Once it's crippled, it'll be easy.

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>>29779652
You cimb its huge leg covered in black fur absolutely matted with dirt and pebbles. aybe the people atop the creature haven't noticed you, but the creature sure has felt your claws and legs clutching onto it with all your weight. It lets out a thunderous bellowing sound and starts turning itself around and trying to shake you off. You're about halfway up its leg.

> Roll 4d6 to hold on
> Let yourself drop. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
> Use the clay ball.

Rolled 4, 2, 3, 2 = 11

>>29779915
> Roll 4d6 to hold on

Rolled 3, 6, 1, 1 = 11

>>29779915
>> Roll 4d6 to hold on

Rolled 2, 6, 1, 3 = 12

>>29779915
> Roll 4d6 to hold on
let's just go up top.

If we get to the part where people are, it will -have- to hold still. Or shake the people off.

Though, I readily admit this isn't our best of ideas.

Rolled 5, 2, 1, 5 = 13

>>29779915
>Roll 4d6 to hold on

Dig our claws into it. Cripple the beast.

Rolled 2, 1, 3, 5 = 11

>>29779915
>Roll 4d6 to hold on
Gotta follow the laws of the wild

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>>29779915
You hold on tight with your claws and snarl tenaciously. Its enormous head reaches around to snap at you. The people riding it must have noticed, too, because you see a javelin whiz past you.

> Let go with one claw to strike at its head when it gets close.
> Hold on with both claws and draw your spear.

Rolled 2, 3, 3, 2 = 10

>>29780209
>> Hold on with both claws and draw your spear.

>>29780209
okay, they notice us, no harm in yelling now.

ask them what the HELL they are doing with this giant ass blight demon.

Also
>Hold on with both claws and draw your spear.
I don't wanna fall.

>>29780209
I propose we get down, out of line of sight, and wrestle the creature first

>>29780209
Suplex the demon.

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>>29780243
>>29780273
I think the scale is a bit off for that.

>>29780209
>Hold on with both claws and draw your spear.

Stab it in the face with spear and tail!

Shout to the people, tell them to surrender.

>>29780316
That sounds like quitter talk to me, Anon.

>>29780239
This, why are we fighting a giant ass blight demon? Do we have good reason to? Lets try to talk

>>29780363
I support talking to the people (if they are people) and asking what the hell, but Blight Demons are the sort of thing you don't let wander free. The things are dangerous.

>>29780478
What about the people on it, and from what I've seen the Blight Demons are the Earth trying to protect itself.

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>>29780209
You strike with your spear and tail, but you fail to do any significant damage to its exoskeletal face. Fortunately, it's still enough to make it hold back from just taking a big bite out of you.

You call out to the riders. "HEY!" You hiss to help get their attention. "What are you people doing with a giant blight demon?!"

A voice calls back. "I could ask you the same thing! Get off, whatever you are!"

> Fair enough. Lower yourself.
> Was that guff? That sounded like guff. Keep climbing and end them. Roll 4d6.
> Use the clay ball

>>29780536
These things are a danger! Explain now, or you will die along with this beast!

>>29780536
I can barely hear you from here! And I'm -trying- to keep a giant rampaging blight demon from hurting anyone, what are -you- guys doing?

>>29780536
"I'm trying to stop this thing before it rampages through a village or something. Tell me what's going on and I might let it go."

>>29780536
>Ask for directions
"Well the thing is... I'm kind of lost. Do you guys have a map or something?"

>>29780536
>fair enough. Lower yourself

>>29780596
add this to our other demands/questions.

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>>29780536
You cling to the thing as you shout back to the riders. "Tell me what's going on! Who are you? What are you doing? Where are we, even?"

Another javelin nearly misses you. "We're heading for Ligish. Except now we're defending ourselves from something that's attacking us! We don't need to kill anyone who isn't asking for it! This is just a sign of our power!"

> Keep talking. Maybe climb to a more comfortable spot and get a look at them.
> They're headed for Ligish? Kill their shit dead. Roll 4d6.

> Keep talking. Maybe climb to a more comfortable spot and get a look at them.

Rolled 6, 1, 1, 6 = 14

>>29780838
>Ligish
And to think, I was even considering letting you all live.

>>29780838
> Keep talking. Maybe climb to a more comfortable spot and get a look at them.
Get your shield up, too.

Ask 'em why they're going for Ligish. We don't want that place getting hurt.

>>29780838
>Keep talking. Maybe climb to a more comfortable spot and get a look at them.
Back up a second, who's attacking what now?

>>29780838
Can we poison the blight demon now and then start dealing with them?

>>29780838
>Keep talking
Headed for Ligish? Sign of their power? They plan to kill someone who's asking for it?

Keep asking questions. Their answers will determine how dead we make them.

>>29780838
>Keep talking. Maybe climb to a more comfortable spot and get a look at them.

>>29780943
It's a construct of earth and magic. I don't think poison will have and effect on it.

We can try I guess....

>>29781023
it has fur in this form, so it's worth a shot.

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>>29780838
You keep climbing until you're on the thing's back. You can see some dark human shapes sitting on blankets tied up into a makeshift saddle. One of the riders has glowing blue eyes. "Tell me more," you say. "Why do you need a sign of power? Who the hell did you plan on killing?"

Men start standing and brandishing spears and javelins. "We had to leave. They would have killed us. Someone set a monster loose in the city and made it look like we were at fault. So how can we come home? We come home with a monster so big that nobody will dare touch us! Hey, you're that girl they made into a scorpion, aren't you? They sent you to kill us, didn't they?!" The one with the blue eyes prepares to make the giant blight demon buck you off and kill you.

> "What? No!"
> "No, but that sounds like a good idea. Prepare to die!"

>>29781208
Waaaaait

the adventurers?
You guys are the -adventurers-?
I thought you all died!
Do you guys know nakurtum?
She's my combat trainer!

>>29781208
...
Nakurtum's friends?

> "What? No!"
I got lost and found your trail. I'd rather not kill anyone I don't have to.How'd you tame this monster? I'm sure the priests would let you come back in return for that information.

>>29781271
This and ask them about >>29781250

>>29781208
"Oh, you Adventurers then. I'm a friend of Nakurtum. Look, I have to tell you, that is a really stupid plan.

Showing up with a monster like this will just provoke everyone. You'll be killed before you have a chance to explain anything.

I'm not the only monster in Ligish you know. Even if you got away from me, the other monsters and all the schools would just kill you as soon as you reached the city.

Like I said, Nakurtum is my friend, so I don't realy want to kill you. Let's just talk about this."

>>29781373
This sounds good, hope you made it in time

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>>29781208
"Waaaait... You guys are Adventurers? I thought you were all dead! Do you know Nakurtum? She's my combat trainer!"

They hesitate and look at each other for a moment before nodding a little. One of them says, "Most of us are dead. I knew her, before she sold herself to the priests who put her back together. So you serve the priests, too. Do you do whatever they say, or can you still think for yourself?"

> "I think for myself, but you're not getting on my good side."
> "Look, Nakurtum is my friend. She's like a big sister to me. We're really getting off on the wrong foot here."

>>29781497
both of these are good.
I'm going with
> "Look, Nakurtum is my friend. She's like a big sister to me. We're really getting off on the wrong foot here."
Unless we can do the first one, and then this one.

>>29781497
> "Look, Nakurtum is my friend. She's like a big sister to me. We're really getting off on the wrong foot here."

>>29781531
this

I am deeply surprised these guys are controlling that thing, and I'm calling now that it's gonna go crazy sooner or later. Keep an eye on it throughout negotiations.

>>29781497
> "Look, Nakurtum is my friend. She's like a big sister to me. We're really getting off on the wrong foot here."

>>29781497
"Err, well mostly I'm the one that seems to keep them in line. They... Don't work well with others."

This >>29781373 Bad plan, get themselves killed, ect.

>>29781497
every time I see this picture I want more and more to swap out our spear for an axe.

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>>29781497
"Look, Nakurtum is my friend. She's like a big sister to me. We're really getting off on the wrong foot here."

"Then lower your spear. And your, er, claws. We'll do the same."

The blue-eyed one bends forward and speaks some strange words, trying to calm the enormous beast and get it to stop reaching for you with its jaws.

"If I may say so, going into Ligish with this thing would be a bad idea. They'll just take it as a threat and fight you immediately. And not just me. They have other monsters. Well, one other monster. They're working on more."

One man turns to the others. "You see! I told you we should just take this thing to a totally unprepared city and start anew there!'
This starts a disagreement. "And let them get away with taking what is ours?"
Another one adds, "Look, wherever we go, a sign of power is good if it's used well. We send a herald first so they know to expect the giant blight demon."

> "Well, I do think Nakurtum would like to see her old school come back. Go on and take it to Ligish, but warn everyone before riding this thing into view."
> "I don't believe you can make that thing behave perfectly forever. Put it back where you found it. I'll make sure you get what's left of your property back and nobody locks you up."
> "Would you guys like to help me on another mission I'm doing?"

>>29781836
>> "I don't believe you can make that thing behave perfectly forever. Put it back where you found it. I'll make sure you get what's left of your property back and nobody locks you up."
But be sure to mark down where you put it to rest.

We'll put some guards around here, and wake it up next time we need a giant monster. Much less chance of it rampaging that way, yeah?

>>29781836
Meddling with magic won't end well with you.
I'd leave this thing where it was buried.
"I don't believe you can make that thing behave perfectly forever. Put it back where you found it. I'll make sure you get what's left of your property back and nobody locks you up."

>>29781888
this

>>29781888
Sounds good

>>29781836
>> "Would you guys like to help me on another mission I'm doing?"
You would gain a lot of standing if you helped return the king to his throne.

Second choice:
> "Well, I do think Nakurtum would like to see her old school come back. Go on and take it to Ligish, but warn everyone before riding this thing into view."

>>29781836
>"Well, I do think Nakurtum would like to see her old school come back.

Go on and take it to Ligish, but warn everyone before riding this thing into view.

The Priests and the Royal Court would LOVE the secret to controlling these things. You could sell that information and do well for yourselves.

They would be happy to hear you out about the giant maggot-thing. Even if you couldn't prove it wasn't your fault, this thing could still get you off."

>>29781836
>Groovy. Just park this thing outside the city and I'll tell them to send someone out.

>>29781949
let's also get them to help us bring the king back.

We ride home on this thing with the king, herald its arrival ourself, the adventurers and king return home, we then take the monster out to where they found it, after everyone knows the adventurers did this cool thing, and put it back in the ground for later.

Good combination plan?
I'm not opposed to the adventurers having it, but I'd much prefer it being sealed until needed.

>>29782031
Guy you replied to here: I'm rather hoping that the thing dies or times out or whatever in the time it takes us to rescue the king. But that works too. I don't think it's safe to keep around, at any rate.

>>29782031
If we're fine keeping Iltani in the city, I don't see why this thing would be a problem.

>>29782075
my secret motivation to keeping it in the ground is so we can be all BIG BLIGHT: IT'S SHOWTIME and then rise into the air on its head as it climbs out of the earth.

>>29782075
Now I want to see Iltani fight it solo...
That would be beautiful.

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>>29781836
>"I don't believe you can make that thing behave perfectly forever. Put it back where you found it. I'll make sure you get what's left of your property back and nobody locks you up."

The Blue-eyed one frowns and looks back at you. "I didn't think you'd understand. I'm afraid I can't take you at your word that we'd be safe returning to the city without this thing. At the very least, we have to show them that we can control it for a little while before sending it away. So I'll ask you, for Nakurtum's sake, let's just go our separate ways."

> "Fine. Just be safe, and don't do anything really stupid."
> "Nobody can be trusted with this thing. Don't make me have to fight it."
> Ask for directions
> Ask for a ride to the lake

>>29782148
You realize we would need to build a massive underground tunnel network for that to work, right?

>>29782204
Just remember to send a herald.
> Ask for directions
Also warn them that if we find any damage to the city, we will personally tear their spines out.

>>29782204
>> "Fine. Just be safe, and don't do anything really stupid. And be sure to put it back right after you show it off"
> Ask for a ride to the lake
Giving the king a ride would be a good way to show off.
I hope he has at least one advisor to keep him in his not-memory-loss act.

>>29782204
>"Fine. Just be safe, and don't do anything really stupid."

"Remember to send word ahead. If you just storm up to the city gates they'll probably think it's an attack -we've had a few monster attacks lately- and kill you before you can get a word in."

Also
> Ask for directions to the lake

>>29782204
>at least let me give the guards a heads-up before you bring it into the city

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>>29782204
"Fine, as long as you don't just show up at the gates without warning. May I ask one more thing of you, though? Could you please give me a ride to the lake of horses? I think I got a little lost."

"Well, our supplies are a little short..."

"Pleeease? Nakurtum would make you do it if you were here. She'd hit you and stuff until you did it. She's very protective of me..."

"Heh. I never knew her to be so soft about anybody. Fine. Couldn't hurt to do a favor for the city's greatest monster, even if she's soon to be second-greatest."

The blue-eyed magician turns the hulking blight demon around and keeps it marching as the other men start sleeping in shifts. By morning, after some fitful, shallow sleep, you see the lake far in the distance, with some tiny specks that might be an encampment on its banks.

> "That's as far as I need to go. Thank you!"
> "Let's show them this thing. They'll like it."

>>29782432
>"Let's show them this thing. They'll like it."
What's the worst that could happen?

>>29782432
> "That's as far as I need to go. Thank you!"
Best not freak out everyone.

>>29782432
>As far as I need to go, thank you!

>>29782432
>"That's as far as I need to go. Thank you!"

Let's not tempt fate by introducing this thing to the king.

>>29782432
whichever answer we choose, give them a
"be SURE nothing bad happens at the city. Run if you have to. I swear I'll be so peeved if people get hurt."

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>>29782432
"That's as far as I need to go. Thank you!"

The Adventurers doubt that their knotted rope has enough of a strong anchor to lower you down with, so they just make the monster sit and have you slide off its body. You wish them well and go to investigate the camp by the lake. Far off in the distance, you appear to have scared away some shaggy wild horses.

The first person you see is the king himself, with a short growth of beard, gutting a small fish with a knife on a large stone. Of course, the very sight of you makes him wide-eyed with terror, and he turns and screams to raise the alarm.

> Show yourself to the people handling him. They'll know.
> "Surely you didn't forget about me. It's me, Hunzuu! We're good friends."

>>29782652
>Surely you didn't forget about me. It's me, Hunzuu! We're friends."

>>29782652
>> "Surely you didn't forget about me. It's me, Hunzuu! We're good friends."
OMG he HAS A BEARD.
This trip into the wilderness has made an actual man of him.

>>29782652
>Show yourself to the people handling him. They'll know.

Also, say hi and reassure him we're friendly. Remind him of his friend the Lady Scorpion.

>>29782652
>Show yourself to the people handling him. They'll know.

>>29782652
> "Surely you didn't forget about me. It's me, Hunzuu! We're good friends."

It will be funny because then his servants will confirm it and he'll be all "Oh."

>>29782698
shit, you're right!

>>29782432
>> "Let's show them this thing. They'll like it."

Hopefully it will be killed before going to the city.

>>29782652

> Show yourself to the people handling him. They'll know.
> "Mr. King. So wonderful to see you again. Remember me, [insert adviser here] introduced us."

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>>29782652
"Surely you didn't forget about me. It's me, Hunzuu! We're good friends."

He doesn't think he believes you, but he lacks the ability to call out out on it. He keeps his small bronze knife in hand and slowly backs away. "Yes! Er, or course. Welcome, Hunzuu. I mean, we just weren't ready to receive you. As you can see, I'm in no condition to hold court. I'm just going to clean up a bit, and have my men do the same. Wait riiight here.."

He comes back with asmall handfu of servants and Charioteers, the ones who know his secret best and are usually in charge of helping him fake his way through day-to-day business. He looks extremely surprised to have heard from them that you really are a friend. He has a look in his light brown eyes of deep existential doubt. "Yes, well! Sorry for the delay, Hunzuu. Is there some pressing news from the city that brought you to interrupt our hunting trip? Something that can't wait another day or two?" Of course. He thinks he's only on a three-day trip.

> Just tell him that you removed an impostor who was posing as him and it's time to come home.
> Ask for some private time with him
> Ask for some private time with his guards.

>>29782798
This

>>29782889
>Ask for some private time with his guards.

>>29782889
> Just tell him that you removed an impostor who was posing as him and it's time to come home.
"Your body double started believing the sand magic we used, so we need the real king to come back to clear things up."

>>29782889
>Yes, an a man impersonating you was captured by the priests and jailed recently. Your advisors thought it would be best if you returned immediately, given the situation.

>>29782889

> Ask for some private time with him.
> We need to talk to him about how his inability to remember anything is really hurting the city.
> The time has come for him to seriously consider letting the Priests know
> They might be able to treat him, but this secrecy is damning the kingdom.

>>29782889
>Ask for some private time with his guards
Fill them in. Also, the king seeing us interacting with others should reassure him a bit.

> Ask for some private time with him
We need to talk to him about his problem. If we don't do something about it. It's only a matter of time before the weak crown fucks everything up again. We only just managed to fix things last time. It won't last.

We need to ask if he's willing to seek outside help for healing. It's a risk but if we do nothing, nothing will be fixed.

>>29782889

> Talk to him alone
> Explain the imposter
> Explain that he has been out here for months

>>29783067
we DO need to talk to him about this.
All this hubbub about doubles and war leaders has almost cost him the crown -already-.

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>>29782889
"Yes, an a man impersonating you was captured by the priests and jailed recently. Your advisors thought it would be best if you returned immediately, given the situation."

The king nods and looks serious. The beard helps him look the kingly part, thought he's wearing hardly any regalia aside from a gold chain. "Yes, that's important enough to call off this hunting trip early, I'd say. And did you help catch this impostor?"

You blush blue just a little. "Well... I helped..."

"You are a good and loyal servant of the city, Hunzuu. And, well, I know little of your people, but by human standards you're very beautiful. Now come on, men. Start packing up all the animals! The city needs us."

> Lead him off alone to talk about his problem.
> Talk about his problem openly. His men know, too, so why not?
> Just help him pack. Maybe let him ride home on your back. No hurry in talking to him about his problem; he'll just forget it anyway.

>>29783067

Sand priest might be able to do the job. Since her magic has to do with perception and belief, and the fixating pull of the magic can overwrite otherwise normal brain function, we might be able to use it to hard wire the king's failing memory.

Basically, the illusion will reassert what he already knows when he might otherwise forget, like getting all of the knowledge continuously pumped back into his brain.

>>29783140
>blush EVEN DEEPER
>Talk about his problem openly. His men know, too, so why not?

oh jeez he thinks we're pretty.

>>29783140
>Help pack

>>29783140

> Lead him off alone to talk about his problem.

This is his decision, not the men's or anybody else's. We'll fill them in after, at his consideration.

>>29783174
>so why not
maybe they same reason you don't laugh at people in wheelchairs

>>29783140
>Lead him off alone to talk about his problem.
We really do need to help him with this.

>>29783140
Tell him we need to talk about his problem. Ask if he's more comfortable speaking in the company of his friends or if he would like privacy.

Also, compliment the beard. Tell him is looks kingly!

>>29783203
well, I'm not opposed to talking to him alone either. He'll just, you know, forget, requiring us to talk in front of the men later.

>>29783140
>Just help him pack. Maybe let him ride home on your back. No hurry in talking to him about his problem; he'll just forget it anyway.

>>29783305

There is a point in that. Thing is, we need to talk to him here, where pretty much no one else can stand in our way. Having him write a letter and seal it so that we can show it to him when the time is right would probably be a good idea.

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>>29783140
While the rest of the men are unpacking, you follow the king to the shore. He seems to have forgotten about the fish he was cleaning, but he knows enough to wash the filth off his hands.

"Your Majesty," you say, "I know you didn't remember me when you first saw me."

"Not true!" the king says defensively. "I just... didn't expect to see you, really!"

"Your advisors have told me all about you. Ever since you were hurt, you can't hold on to new memories. Do you remember anything from yesterday? Or the day before?"

"Of course. Yesterday we went out on this trip."

"Then why do you have a month's worth of beard? Not that I'm complaining. It looks good on you. Very kingly." He does look rather handsome in it. Though he's about five years older than you and rather slender, he almost looks like his father, in the right light.

He looks worried. "Now that you mention it... things do seem to be a little bit foggy lately..." He sighs. "I'll just have to do my best for my people and hope it gets better."

You hold a hand out to him. "Hold on. Would you let the Great Priests try to fix your problem? Your own court wizards have tried and failed."

"Sure, why not? They're my loyal subjects. The priesthood and the fighting schools have all been getting along well, right?"

> "Well, not exactly..."
> "Can I get this in writing so I can prove it to you later?"
> "I know you won't remember this, but it means a lot to me that you think I'm pretty. I've been working really hard to come off as less monstrous."

>>29783457
>> "Can I get this in writing so I can prove it to you later?"
>> "I know you won't remember this, but it means a lot to me that you think I'm pretty. I've been working really hard to come off as less monstrous."

>>29783457
>"Can I get this in writing so I can prove it to you later?"
>"I know you won't remember this, but it means a lot to me that you think I'm pretty. I've been working really hard to come off as less monstrous."

>>29783457
> "Well, not exactly..."
All the various groups don't trust one another, is why you haven't been taken by them already.

>>29783457
> "Well, not exactly..."
Even despite my efforts, there is still much tension in the city.

>>29783457
>"Well, not exactly..."
After explaining the political mess and power struggles as best we can...
> "Can I get this in writing so I can prove it to you later?"

>>29783457

> "The city has lost a lot of people lately. Many guild heads died in a recent military exercise."
> "However, as a city, I think that we are drawing closer together."
> "What we lack now is a center, and that's why this city needs you now."
> "I know you won't remember this conversation by the time we get back, so could you right a letter to yourself? I don't think you would believe me otherwise."

>>29783578
It might be easier to explain the situation after we get him fixed.

>>29783457

> Explain enough of the present situation to give him a primer on why it is essential that we get him fixed
> Dead guild masters and all that
> Tell him we marched to war
> Ask him to write (and possible seal) a letter to himself
> Immediately talk with the Sand Priest
> She likes having bargaining chips and lording over secrets.
> This is perfect for her, and gives us brownie points
> Ask Papa Blood Priest if her magic alone isn't good enough
> Last ditch call all the priests
> By their powers combined...

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>>29783457
"The city has lost a lot of people lately. Many guild heads died in a recent military exercise. However, as a city, I think that we are drawing closer together. What we lack now is a center, and that's why this city needs you now. I know you won't remember this conversation by the time we get back, so could you right a letter to yourself? I don't think you would believe me otherwise."

The king looks around the encampment. "I didn't bring any ink, and we can't wait for clay to dry. I'll tell the men to remind me later. We'll collect every magician who is both powerful and trustworthy and choose one of their ideas for helping me."

"All right. And... I know you won't remember this, but it means a lot to me that you think I'm pretty. I've been working really hard to come off as less monstrous."

He smiles warmly. "Well... a king has to be courteous. You look quite young, but you do have a pleasing face. It looks well-bred. Are you a princess of your people?"

> "Why, yes, I'm the highest-ranking scorpion-person alive." It's technically true!
> Sigh and tell him the whole truth.

>>29783736
>"Why, yes, I'm the highest-ranking scorpion-person alive." It's technically true!

>>29783736
>Sigh and tell him the whole truth.
"Actually I started off as a human. The priests weren't sure if the ritual would work, so they used orphans at first. Figured no one would miss me if it went wrong."

>>29783736
both of these are good, again. I'm going to go with
> Sigh and tell him the whole truth.
though we can lead off with the other one as a joke.

>>29783736

> "I'm afraid not. I was born in Ligish, but not into silks and crowns."
> "I was born poor, orphaned young, and given this body by the priests somewhat against my will."
> "You know what, though? I can't say I regret it."
> "It's allowed me to protect this city and everything I love within it."
> "Now they call me the Savior of Ligish."
> "And I guess if you want to get technical about it, I am the highest ranked scorpion person alive."

>>29783736
>> "Why, yes, I'm the highest-ranking scorpion-person alive." It's technically true!

>>29783876

> "Life's funny like that, huh?"
> "Also, if you can't write it down, I'd suggest talking to your men about this."
> "They will bare the message for you, and you'll remember them for certain."

>>29783736

Let's incorporate the lie with the truthfulness. I hope it isn't a tie breaker that's pushed us all the way back to page 4.

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>>29783736
As pretty as this has been making you feel, you grudgingly admit that you were a human orphan of no importance transformed into an antediluvian monster. But now they call you Savior of the City, and you've been trying to live up to that.

"Then there are no others like you," he says. "I'm sorry. It must be very lonely."

The king tells his men to remind him to summon the Great Priests and the best Petty-Wizards to help him when they get home. Some of them protest and call the Great Priests schemers and madmen, but the king does something he hasn't been able to do for a little while - he pulls rank on them.

> Help carry some of the party's gear in place of the pack animals
> Just walk with them back to the city
> You can also ask anything else you want of the king or his retainers

>>29784165

To be clear, I am advocating telling him the truth and adding the technical truth as a joke at the end.

> Just walk with them back to the city

>>29784180
I don't mind helping carry some of their stuff, but they seem to have it in hand.
Let's
>Just walk with them back to the city
Hopefully nothing is on fire.
Fingers crossed.
Adventurer's guild I am talking to you.

>>29784180
Tell his retainers to gather the king's advisers as soon as we get back.
We should discuss.

>>29784180

> Ask that they honor his words.
> "The priests gave me this body in order to protect the city and everything within."
> "That includes the king, and I won't be forsaking my duties anytime soon."
> "I will keep this city safe, even from itself if need be."
> Carry enough gear to lighten their loads and then double time it back to Ligish.
> Make sure we can drop our cargo in a pinch if defense is needed.

>>29784180

> Load up enough tackle to ensure that their mounts can move at full speed.
> Adjust so that it can be dropped in a hurry

We need to get back to the city as fast as possible. With luck, we can overtake the lumbering giant (who they probably aren't pushing so fast for fear of it going ape shit on them).

I know the foreshadowing is pretty heavy here with this thing, and that bugs me. Giant blight demon and clay balls and all of that.

>>29784487
I am just so certain it's going to go wack and we're going to have to fight it.

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>>29784180
You stay with the party, occasionally reminding the king who you are. He remains courteous, at least when he's not terrified. As the city walls of Ligish come into view, you also see the familiar shape of the giant blight demon. Many people are crowded around the gate facing it. Some FOotmen are demanding that the Adventurers turn themselves in as punishment for the maggot attack, some commoners are calling the blight demon a bad omen that will poison the land, and Nakurtum is just sitting on a hay cart, waiting for you. The king's party goes around to use another gate as they plan their reaction to the beast. You take a moment to give Nakurtum a big clawhug.

"Did you see this, kiddo? I knew some of them were alive! I just knew it! Maybe if I'd gone out looking for them they wouldn't have gotten into this stupid mess."

"So you think it's going to go wrong?"

"Oh, definitely. When it does, you kill the big monster and I'll knock these guys flat for being so careless. Won't be the first time."

> Well, though there's no immediate danger, maybe you'd better use the clay ball now because the guy said to.
> Just brag about how the king said you were pretty

>>29784501
The way I see it, the only difference between this demon and the one we're keeping in the dungeon is that this one isn't a sexual deviant that keeps trying to touch us.

>>29784636
let's just hold that clay ball until the thing goes crazy.
the SECOND it does, we use it and go bugfuck on the monster.
> Just brag about how the king said you were pretty

>>29784664
the difference is we can power this one down like a giant robot, I assume. Which means we don't need to bullshit around with imprisonment and all that, just keep it in like a shed.

>>29784636
The king called us pretty :3

>>29784708
I know~

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>>29784636
You just make sure to have the clay ball on you in the future. You're not sure when you'll need it, but you think you'll know when the time comes. "Hey, Nakurtum! Guess what? The king said I was pretty!"

Nakurtum laughs and rolls her eyes. "Well, good for you, kid! I don't get it, but if it makes you happy. There's worse things in life than not being pretty. And I don't think he'll ever marry you or anything. He needs sons, and I, uh, I dunno how that would work."

You brush your hair back. "Doesn't matter. I'll find a boy who doesn't care about that kind of thing. Or who knows? Maybe another scorpion will come along."

Nakurtum is trying to process this aspiration of yours. "If you do, and he gives you any crap, save him for me. I'll tear him apart and give you his heart."

> I've got to break here. Sorry it's a little shorter than normal.
> If it hasn't been archived yet, I'll do that now.

>>29784636
>I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, this once.
>Overall, this is still a long way from being the dumbest thing anyone in this city has done.

>>29784695
Nothing like being a giant monster riding another, gianter monsters.

>>29784854
Night Anu, good thread

>>29784854
thanks for the session, anu!
Now I -really- need to go and take a long stretch, I've been glued to the computer since I woke up.

Also, Nakurtum, you're a great mother/older sister figure. I don't doubt you'd go right after our giant scorpion-ex.

>>29784967
So Hunzuu confirmed for hetero?

>>29785011
That's how I'm voting. She's too young still, though.

>>29784870
this thing -is- pretty big aint it?
Bigger than we'll be, even, after we get all grown up. I think.

>>29785184
Relative sizes are this thing>mole woman>full-grown dead scorpion lady>us.

>>29785325
yes. mostly.
A full grown scorpion -might- be equivalent to the mole, I am unsure.

>>29784854

Prepare to nuke the blight demon. It seems far too likely that this has something to do with Pazuzu.

>>29785704
I am just hoping that our grey skinned friend doesn't explode into pazuzus with his "could be anything" magic crap going on.

>>29785798
Oh, fuck. Multiple Pazuzus. Prepare your anus. Or whatever scorpions have.

>>29785872
well, it's just my paranoid fear. Probably won't ever happen maybe most likely.