You only glance up from your work for a moment, before your eyes go back to the task at hand. The sword gleaming in the afternoon sun as you run a stone across its edges. Just another weapon to slide onto your belt in preparation for today.

Your trio of axes, the two hand and the one massive, are already well honed and ready. Enough on their own, hopefully, but you aren't taking any chances.

Nor are any of the crew, whom all now sport their own full kit. Mail clinks softly in the motion from the sluggish waves, spear tips shine, wooden shields rest all across the sides of the vessel. By any account, a well armed force.

Even Grindstone now boasts a few more pieces of boiled leather and even a coat of mail. If he was as excited as the rest of the crew, however, his face certainly didn't convey such. Instead two beady, weathered eyes stare out over the sea, a hardened gaze only broken by repeated raises of his drinking horn.

Khepri had joined you on the deck some short while after you had first left the cabin. Her slinky, lithe form stretching out on the wood beside your laid out armament. She spins one of your own daggers easily on a finger, watching the blade as it turns.

You nearly ask her if she knows just how close you might be, before the fluttering sound of your ships harpies returning turns your attention away from the cat.

Thick, taloned claws snatch onto the topsail as the pair land.

“Land!” One of them squawks loudly, “Land!”

“Close now!” The other joins.

“Of course it is, damnable birds.” Grindstone spits again over the side.

Truth be told, for as valuable as the harpy crew could be at times, you would have trusted Grindstone's course plot in any situation. As he has said before, he could plot his way out of the underworld itself which is how he's still alive at such an advanced age. The more you get to know him, the less you're sure that's just a joke.

With the wind almost completely dead and a nearly slack tide, however, the going is slow. Even with several rows of oarsmen churning the water below, the largest of the Frost ships flounder sluggishly compared to the smallest vessels which are now streaming well ahead.

Grindstone's ship, despite the size, manages to nearly keep pace with the lightweight ships just in front. Either because of its design or the crew manning it, perhaps both, it too begins to leave the largest of the fleet behind.

You're hardly aware when Avael joins you on the deck, her head eclipsed by a plate heaped high with all manner of food. Blood sausages, hard crusted black bread, what must be half a wheel of cheese...

“Where it all goes is a mystery.” You marvel between strokes of the wetstone against the blade in your hand.

“Avael hungry, no helping it.” She frowns, before quickly looking away from your gaze as her tail swishes against the deck nervously. Where she chooses to sit is far enough to be out of your reach, and you can feel her blue eyes watching you attentively, as though you might leap at her at any moment.

Well you had more or less expected such after last night.

Putting such thoughts out of your mind, you keep to the task at hand right until the first Frost ship ahead lets out a long blast from a horn and all eyes turn toward it.

Your own keen gaze catches the break on the horizon that can only mean one thing.

“Land?” Avael raises her head from her breakfast, hunk of bread clutched in her teeth.

“Home.” Khepri murmurs, letting your dagger fall from her hand, the tip of the blade sinking into the deck beside you.

>>39053213
Ahhh yeah finally! Also that gif is awesome.

>>39053722
Its cute as fuck.

As the Frost fleet draws ever closer, more and more of the land comes into view. The first and most striking feature being the mouth of an impossibly massive river.

“It must be three, maybe four as wide as Blood Run.” A few of the crew marvel amongst themselves. Though even those estimates might be a bit shy of the true figure.

The next thing that becomes plainly apparent is the sheer size of the city beside that great torrent of water. A city unlike any you've ever seen, with no walls or mountain to stronghold within. Instead it simply sprawls across rolling hills on both sides of that immense river. A brown haze lingering just above the tallest of the gleaming white spires and pyramids that dot the scape.

Even Grindstone whistles under his breath, between pulls from a copper flask.

“I wasn't expecting it to be quite so big.” You note as you rise from the deck and slide the sword into a sheath at your belt, before retrieving your axes and securing those as well.

“Alestra,” Khepri says from beside you, “Jewel of the Lnie.”

As the oars bring you ever closer, more and more detail becomes visible. Namely the obvious crowd gathering in front of the city itself as more and more join the throng on the white sands of the beach.

“That's some welcoming party.” You reach for your own steel flask at your belt.

“The Temple and representatives from the Federated Associates of Trade. As I said, master, they will be waiting for you to offer gifts in an attempt to turn away your blades.” The silver haired catgirl herself looks quite on edge.

“Those don't look like representatives to me.” You point out the armed bands flanking either side of the congregation.

“No, master. To the north are the wolves, and to the south the rabbits. There to fall upon you, should need be.”

You grimace as you take in the size of both those mercenary hosts. Perhaps your own party of ships and crew would be well matched against one, but against both would be a sure way to the great halls of the frozen afterlife.

While you know next to nothing about the rabbits, if the wolves are anything like those from your lands, they are fierce and tireless warriors. Those in your own homeland can march an army nearly tirelessly and with daunting speed, maneuvering themselves to rip the throat out of an enemy with seemingly impossible swiftness.

Any way you cut it, you'd certainly prefer not to have to fight either group. Any battle, no matter how victorious, would certainly come at cost. And this far from your homeland, Frost crewman are an easily exhaustible resource.

With land looming in the near distance, you have a decision to make.

[ ] Leave the magic-dampening collar on Khepri. You don't know if you can fully trust her yet.

[ ] Switch the collar once again to Avael. The last thing you need right now is a firestorm.

[ ] Remove the collar from Khepri and hook it on your belt. If things do go to blades, you hope you can trust the two of them not to muck things up entirely.

[ ] Other?

>>39053948
>[ ] Switch the collar once again to Avael. The last thing you need right now is a firestorm.

>>39053213
Yo Papa this is the first time since you came back that my schedule has lined up with one of your live threads. I've been reading your stuff since the beginning. Wanted to say that it's awesome that you're back and congrats on gettin clean and gettin your 3d waifu. Looking forward to following whatever you write in the future.

>>39053948
>[ ] Switch the collar once again to Avael. The last thing you need right now is a firestorm.

I really don't trust our firefox yet. Maybe we'll take it off when we need to burn down parts of the city.

>>39053948
>[ ] Switch the collar once again to Avael. The last thing you need right now is a firestorm.

>>39053948
>[ ] Switch the collar once again to Avael. The last thing you need right now is a firestorm.

>>39053948
>[X] Switch the collar once again to Avael. The last thing you need right now is a firestorm.

>>39053948
[ ] Remove the collar from Khepri and hook it on your belt. If things do go to blades, you hope you can trust the two of them not to muck things up entirely.

We should rig up a system where we can quick detach the collar from Avael in case we need lots of things on fire very quickly

>>39054180
If I remember right its just a key to unlock it thus, making it any quicker to remove save magically would make it much easier for her to remove it. Would probably be better to get her to trust us or at least behave more heh

>>39053948
>[x] Switch the collar once again to Avael. The last thing you need right now is a firestorm.
For now. She's too good at collateral damage.

>>39053948
> Remove the collar
We might need a good firestorm of this turns to shit.

A decision made as much by her previous actions as anything else. Whether or not Khepri is someone you can fully trust as of yet, she at least doesn't seem capable of such wanton destruction as the little firefox and her incendiary tendencies.

“Khepri.” You motion for the girl and when she draws close enough, you quickly take hold of the large collar about her neck.

“Master?” She raises an eyebrow but you nevertheless press the key into the lock and remove the iron. The catgirl raises a hand to rub at her neck, still appearing somewhat confused.

Avael, now looking quite alarmed with her fluffy ears on high, watches with wide eyes.

“Why you take off cat?” She blurts after swallowing a length of sausage.

“Because this cat doesn't seem to have any bad habits. Unlike a certain someone.” You waggle the collar as you approach the fox, who now begins to shuffle backwards.

“Avael not do nothing! Haven't burned anything!” She shouts incredulously as you loom over her.

“Yeah you're on what? A twelve hour streak without starting any deck fires? Not an impressive record, now sit still.”

Avael attempts to duck your hand as you reach out to grasp her, but you're prepared for such. With a startled cry as one of her ears is snagged in your fingers, the little fox kicks at you to little effect.

The struggling little body isn't nearly enough to dissuade you as you snap the lock and secure the collar about her thin neck as her blue eyes glower at you. Clearly not happy about her renewed restraint, Avael finally pulls away when you release your grip. The little fox pouting visibly even as she bits into the cheese, avoiding your gaze entirely.

“Avael should have burned all stupid barbarian boats down...” She mutters angrily.

>>39054325
>“Avael should have burned all stupid barbarian boats down...” She mutters angrily.
Avael not helping dissuade stupid barbarian.

>>39054361
yet we keep putting the collar on her but she continues giving us reasons to do so

vicious cycle isn't it?

>>39054416
It really is but, we really can't afford her causing trouble right now and shes already shown to not like the cats.

“You'd just be in the ocean with the rest of us, and without anything to eat.” You remind her, but she chooses to ignore you, instead turning her back and focusing on the food in her hands.

Khepri tilts her head inquisitively and you shake off her question with a hand.

For now the first of the Frost ships are sliding onto the sand beach, their crews spilling out over the sides with arms in hand. Though all appear quite ready and even eager for a fight, their captains keep them at bay.

When your own prow finally touches the shore, you're the first to leap off the side. Quickly followed by Khepri who sails from the side of the ship with an easy grace. Avael isn't quite so fast about it as she clumsily attempts to lower herself down, hands clinging to the deck.

Either because of her weak grip strength, or because she refuses to release hold on a length of sausage rope and hunk of bread, the little fox slips from the side before crashing into the shallow water below. A moment later her head rises from the surf, sopping wet and sandy hair not disgusing her hard glare.

“The worst.” She bites as she raises the soaked bread, before tossing it aside.

Ignoring her, you push your way to the front of the gathering Frost force. Only a short ways away, the gathered group of cat people stare inquisitively past a row of shield-bearing cat soldiers in bronze helmets with lengthy thin spears.

“What do you think, Vetr? We could cut through this lot and be in the city before the afternoon's over.” One of the crew laughs, banging his hand axe against the boss of his shield.

“It may come to that, but let's not be too hasty for now.” You step past him until you're alone before the host of foreigners in front of you.

If your own forces are uneasy, that same sentiment is only more rampant amongst the cats. You can tell just by the way they stare at you in almost bewilderment. What a terrifying sight your people of furs and iron must appear.

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>>39054673
>What a terrifying sight your people of furs and iron must appear.
Well yeah. Pretty sure that's what most of Europe felt also.

A moment passes in silence, before a thin, young cat is pushed through the shield wall. The young man stumbles once in the sand before righting himself and brushing off his simple robes of white cloth.

His slitted green eyes watch you in obvious uncertainty and his entire form looks poised to flee, but he manages to keep his feet planted.

“Tashir, ahnoe valus?” He asks first.

When he's answered only by the hard eyes of an ever building force of Frost warriors, he quickly shouts a few words behind himself, through the wall of cats.

Again, however, he turns back toward you and this time bows low.

“Greetings, travelers. Greetings from the great city of Alestra, pillar of the Lnie. Home of the gods. You must be exhausted from your journey, and we offer these gifts in hope of new friendship.” Keeping his head lowered as he speaks, he gestures with one hand and several more young cat men in similar attire rush forward clutching large chests between them.

The wooden boxes are opened to reveal interiors full of all manner of copper and silver ornament, many studded with small yet brilliant gems. Along with a smattering of some strange, shimmering cloth, there are also troughs of shredded and whole spices. Yet more treasures within meant to entice you lie within.

A long, drawn out silence passes as not a one of your men makes any sort of motion. This clearly causes some manner of alarm amongst the ranks of cats, as a murmur of noise rises from the group.

Until the noise dies as a figure pushes his way forward through the crowd. Or rather, his litter bearers push their way through.

The creature resting atop the lavish palisade of shimmering cloth and bulging cushions is without a doubt the fattest thing you've ever seen. His immense rolls hanging off either side of a disgustingly enlarged stomach so large that were he not propped up, would have surely blocked out his face from your view.

“Insolent whelp, addressing our guests with such shameful fashion. Take him away.” He raises one fat finger and several soldiers move to pull the thin cat back into the throng.

“Forgive such sorry display, most honored guests.” The man speaks with a guttural, shaking voice, his hands moving with every word.

“We are merely in awe that any are able to cross the great wide salt to grace our shores with their presence. Such paltry trinkets as these must be insulting, I do apologize. This will surely be rectified shortly, if you would only give us a few moments to prepare a welcoming gift suited for such esteemed visitors such as yourselves. This one is known as Meetahns, but a humble merchant who is in your service.”

He attempts what you could only guess is maybe a sort of bow, which must be impossible considering his girth, which doesn't so much as rise from its resting place.

“I welcome you as a pillar of the Federated Associates of Trade. On our behalf I honor your visit and bless you as friends. It is our hope that this new friendship will be long and prosperous and in good faith we will grace you with gifts of gold and flesh as is only befitting those of your courageous might. Though if this one may be so bold as to inquire as to where it is you come from, and what has brought you to our great city?”

The obese cat man's eyes move from one end of the Frost host to the other, taking in the scale of the gathered and well armed force in front of him. You can tell the size of it makes him as uneasy as does its complete silence.

>talk/question/action?

>>39054868
>enlarged stomach so large that were he not propped up, would have surely blocked out his face from your view
A cat whose tats are too fat?

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>>39055127
You know... I just want to kill and raid. Is that wrong?

>>39055127

Alright, this isn't a vote lads. Is anyone totally against crushing them here and now before they pull us in for a Red Wedding style plot?

>>39055127
Honestly, I want to say "CHARRRGE"

But the smart action would probably be to accept their gifts, refuse their food, and murder them once they let us into their city.

>>39055186
That totally isn't wrong. In fact, that's what I'd like to do.

>>39055200
They've got a lot more experience in the betrayal part. We're Vikings. Winning in battle is almost a certainty. We play there game, victory won't even be half as certain.

>>39055194
I'm game if *ONLY* we consult our fat cat tats first.

>>39055186
>>39055194
>>39055200
Its been hinted we would lose a lot if not all our troops attacking them. Maybe we should ask for a bunch of their mercs to join us then to take us to their leader tell our troops to attack in some time while we take out the leaders.

>>39055200
>>39055194
>>39055127

Yeap. I can get behind asking our resident treachery expert about the fat merchants ploy before we do anything. Consider this a vote for that.

>>39055127
"We will speak with the lords of this place. Not with merchants. If their answers are not to our liking, we will speak again."

>>39055241
I'll second that, she has some experience in this. If she's trust them unconditionally, switch the collar from the fox to her for maximum firestorm

>>39055233
>Maybe we should ask for a bunch of their mercs to join us
My problem is these mercs are, you know good... then that's not going to work because their word is there life. When word gets out that they double cross the people they worked with then any merc life they had is done.

>>39055127
"Oh great and honorable Meetahns, I am Vetr of the Icemen. We have traveled long and far in search of trade and friendship. We were traveling up your majestic river when we were attacked by a great serpent, and seek a place to dock and make repairs."

>>39055301
I meant instead of gold and other junk given to us as gifts to instead give us their best fighters. Or we could take their offered gold and hire one of the merc factions to our side(I vote wolfs), thats been said in the past to be possible and would greatly weaken the defenses.

>>39055365
>Or we could take their offered gold and hire one of the merc factions to our side(I vote wolfs)
Which the City can offer five times the amount. That's not going to work.

>>39055423
Not after its taken they won't, promise them a nice deal after its taken over to protect it for us or even to join us in future conquests.

Instead of answering the fat man directly, you instead take several steps back before turning and coming alongside your own captured catgirl. Stopping beside her, you lean in to whisper into one of her ears, which don't even come up to your chin.

“Is this what you had told me of earlier, Khepri?”

“Yes, master. The FAT will give you these gifts as mere bribes in hopes to stay your steel. So long as you make no move to attack, they will not move first. They deem it far easier and less costly to simply pay you off than to potentially lose more through fighting.” The amber eyes of Khepri look up into your own.

“So I can take them at their word?”

“Oh no, master. You may take their gifts and hold your attack, but do not rest easy amongst them. They will wish you gone as quickly as possible, and were you to overstay your welcome and become too costly, they might indeed decide it best to turn on you.”

You nod, taking those words to heart. For now, you'll hold off an attack and wait for a more opportune moment to hopefully present itself.

Now turning back to the cat host, you raise your arms to your sides and nod your head with an easy, yet false smile.
“Friend Meehtans, I am Vetr, son of winter and champion of this exploration party.” You tilt your head slightly before resting both hands atop the long shaft of your massive axe, its head against the white sand.

“We have traveled far and through hostile waters, as I'm sure you know. We are seeking harbor to rest and replenish, and to make repairs to some of our ships. Our voyage has been quite wearisome and danger ridden, as I'm sure you can see.” You look over your shoulder to the massive head of the sea beast still gracing the prow of Grindstone's large ship.

You'd noticed many of the cats staring at the trophy and exchanging hushed words amongst each other, taking it as a sign they knew perhaps what the creature was.

“Friend Meehtans, I am Vetr, son of winter and champion of this exploration party.” You tilt your head slightly before resting both hands atop the long shaft of your massive axe, its head against the white sand.

“We have traveled far and through hostile waters, as I'm sure you know. We are seeking harbor to rest and replenish, and to make repairs to some of our ships. Our voyage has been quite wearisome and danger ridden, as I'm sure you can see.” You look over your shoulder to the massive head of the sea beast still gracing the prow of Grindstone's large ship.

You'd noticed many of the cats staring at the trophy and exchanging hushed words amongst each other, taking it as a sign they knew perhaps what the creature was.


“Indeed you must be exhausted, having bested such a creature of fable.” Meehtans acknowledges as he glances up slightly at the head of the beast.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must tell my friends that we have no port capable of berthing your largest of vessels, our own ships quite more humble and far less impressive river boats. We are not a people of the sea, as you might guess. This is no problem, however!” He claps his hands together.

“You are more than welcome to let your vessels remain here and we shall bring wood and supplies in plenty to aid you in your repairs, and refill your holds of sustenance to perhaps continue on? For this one doubts that our city, no matter how great, is the end of your voyage, no?” If he attempts to hide the hopeful tone in his voice, he does a poor job.

[ ] “Our journey is to see this one back to her home, so we will stay only long enough as need be before we carry on.” You smile as you pull Avael to stand beside you.

[ ] “Dear friends, our journey had not led us this way until we were violently accosted by one of your own...” Put your hand around Khepri's shoulder.

[ ] “Our journey is one of exploration, to fill in the blanks of our maps. We will stay only so long as required before continuing on.”

[ ] “We are not messengers of peace, but bringers of conquest. Prepare yourselves to meet your gods.”

[ ] “We have arrived here in search of wealth to carry back home. Perhaps we might seek to... Strengthen our friendship? It is known that you handsomely reward friends who guard your gates.”

[ ] Other?

>>39055859
>[ ] “We have arrived here in search of wealth to carry back home. Perhaps we might seek to... Strengthen our friendship? It is known that you handsomely reward friends who guard your gates.”

>>39055859
[ ] “We have arrived here in search of wealth to carry back home. Perhaps we might seek to... Strengthen our friendship? It is known that you handsomely reward friends who guard your gates.”

>>39055859
>[x] “We have arrived here in search of wealth to carry back home. Perhaps we might seek to... Strengthen our friendship? It is known that you handsomely reward friends who guard your gates.”

>>39055859
>[ ] “We have arrived here in search of wealth to carry back home. Perhaps we might seek to... Strengthen our friendship? It is known that you handsomely reward friends who guard your gates.”

>>39055859
>[ ] “Our journey is one of exploration, to fill in the blanks of our maps. We will stay only so long as required before continuing on.”

“We have arrived here in search of wealth to carry back home. Perhaps we might seek to... Strengthen our friendship? It is known that you handsomely reward friends who guard your gates.” You lean heavier on the massive axe in your grip.

At your words, a new murmur of voices rise from the crowd in front of you. Uneasy voices.

Even Meehtans appears a bit hesitant, glancing to either side of his own men, toward the two mercenary companies.

“It would appear our friends know more of our city and people than we had first thought. As you can see, we are quite well protected at the moment, however that isn't to say that such a... Bond... Couldn't be formed.”

The fat cat man scratches at his stomach absently in thought, and it's clear that he's only growing more uncomfortable by your presence every moment.

“Well, such matters can wait.” Again he claps his hands together loudly, “For now we will let you rest easy and all shall feast. Please make your camp here upon our shore if such is required. For now, though, feast!”

This time he repeatedly claps his hands together and several men around him begin to shout orders in a foreign tongue. Your own men suddenly look on edge, though no move to attack comes.

Instead the beach quickly becomes the start of a rather uneasy celebration as cats pour from the city bearing all manner of foodstuff and drink. Massive platters laden with strange, foreign fruits, and conical jugs full to the brim of what might perhaps be their own wine and beer.

“Not how I had thought it would go, Vetr. Ach.” Grindstone spits into the sand, “For a moment I had expected it to come to steel.”

The look you two exchange is more telling than any amount of words. The both of you knowing that no matter the formalities, battle is most certainly on the horizon in one fashion or another.

Despite this, the crews quickly disseminate into the crowd of cats as they greedily partake in the bounty laid before them. The more they eat and drink, the more at ease the cats seem to become. You don't make a point to inform them that any of these men were equally fierce warriors drunk as they were sober. Perhaps more so, even.

Several of the other captains privately raise concerns with you and Grindstone. Most of them wishing to press the attack now and sudden, to catch the city off-guard. Others express desire to rest easy, though they are outnumbered by those clamoring for a strike.

“If we attack now, we'll have enemies on both ends, and be far outnumbered. Patience.” You try to quell their fervor.

As afternoon turns to night, you make it a point to mingle through the celebrations. Snagging a hunk of meet here, or a cup of wine there. The entire time making sure to keep Avael and Khepri well by your side.

If any had questions as to your companions, they keep those to themselves. Though you are sure by some of the glances, that more than one know at least one of them.

“Avael does not like this.” The fennec makes her concerns known bluntly, “Too many cats. They will take Avael again!”

“Just relax,” You sigh, placing a large hand between her ears and mussing her golden hair roughly, “Have some faith, eh?”

Your words appear to have little effect, as uncharacteristically the little fox eats little, quivering in her nervousness.

Khepri seems no less on edge herself, always keeping on hand resting easily on a long dagger hanging against a large hip. Her cold amber eyes sparking between anyone who comes close to you.

Even you can't help your grip around the long haft of your ancient axe. For as friendly as this celebration might at first appear, there is a palatable unease behind it all.

Fingers suddenly clutching against your left bicep alert you as Khepri tilts her head quickly to your right, and you turn about slowly. You want to appear relaxed and casual, to be sure, but also as someone best left unmolested.

Through the throng of Frosts and cats alike strides a hunched. yet dignified looking elderly catwoman. Her features nearly as sharp as her green eyes that perhaps had once been vibrant in their youth. To either side of her walk cats whom appear dressed unmistakably similar to Khepri. Shadows, if you had to guess.

Behind the old crone, however, treads a cat of impressive size. His stature almost a rival to your own, a true giant amongst his people. A mane of black striped orange hair spilling over wide shoulders and the large hooked blade resting there. Any way about him looks like trouble.

“Friend of yours?” You ask quietly through a smile and a sip from your silver cup.

“My mistress.”

“I thought as much.” You retort even as you place a hand on Avael's head and pull her to your side easily.

“Mhmmpf.” The little fox glowers, still obviously annoyed by the collar that she continues to tug at even as she eats a large roasted leg of some bird with the other hand.

The group stops just short of your own. You resting slightly against a barrel, sporting a small smile as you continue to drink.

“It would appear you've stumbled upon one of my shadows, traveler. You must be an impressive warrior indeed, to be standing here now. You can spill as many false words to those ignorant fat cats as you'd like. We both know you aren't here for any amicable reasons.” The old woman speaks from behind a thin white veil that only partially conceals her ancient visage.

“And you, shadow...” She turns to Khepri and simply stares the younger girl directly in the eyes.

No matter what she might now be, free or your own servant or what have you, Khepri shrinks back at the stare. Her ears flattening against her head and her eyes falling to stare at her feet.

As you push yourself back to standing, you can't help but smirk as you notice that you still stand a good few inches above the large cat behind the old crone. Even the largest of cats not enough to dwarf you.

>talk/question/action?

>>39056776

"Khepri. That is her name."

>>39056833
Well, I had a paragraph long thing all typed out but fuck it. This guy has me beat with five words. Supporting.

>>39056776
If you were so certain, there'd be no celebration would there? Of course unless more of your "shadows" came calling, but I sincerely doubt they'd do the job, or that you are willing to risk your destruction on a guess. Now Khepri is mine not yours, not anymore. I would appreciate if you didn't try to cow her with you visage ancient one.

>>39056776
"What of Khepri?"
Forgot to ask her what would happen if we killed her mistress. Would the other shadows merely give up or would they still attack us? If they'd give up we could end her right here right now.

>>39056833
Supporting, old bitch needs to chill.

>>39056776
>>39056833
That. And to her knowing about the impending kill, maim, burn... there's only one thing to say
>yes and?

>>39056776
"You have an interesting way of approaching guests. What do you honestly hope to accomplish?"

>>39056851
its a beautiful thing. in 5 words we immediately show the difference in our approach and philosophy.

>>39056833
Second

“Her name,” You continue, leaning now against your axe, “Khepri. And she's my shadow now.”

If the old woman thinks anything of that, her mask of a face doesn't make it known. Instead her green eyes stopping to focus on the little fox in front of you for a moment, before rising back to you.

“You have a funny way of welcoming guests, grandmother. We're just here to be friends.” You smile, but tap the haft of your axe with one finger all the same. The tension in the shoulders of that big cat behind the old woman is enough to let you know that he'll be on you in a second if you make a move.

“Now I assume you have some business with me or my companions here? Otherwise I doubt you would be here.” You wonder even as you snatch a fresh cup of beer from a passing cat girl. Only taking a moment to watch her barely covered ass as it slinks on past across the beach.

“Your bravado is wasted on me, barbarian. I have seen it all and more in my time. By now you know why I'm here, and I you. I don't know how you've come across these two, but I do know why you've brought them here. While the FAT might be known for their riches, the true power here lies in the Temple.” At her words, the crystals adorning the staff in her hand detach from the wood and begin to circle the haft.

You watch for a second, before raising an eyebrow.

“This one here has better magic tricks than that.” You prod Avael with an elbow.

“Oh I very much doubt that.”

And before your eyes, the sand beneath your feet begins to turn to a shimmering, gleaming blossom of gold that rises from below. You watch as a nugget of the metal easily the size of your own body stops to rest atop the ground.

“This is three times the bounty offered for that girl. More than enough to buy yourself anything you might desire. I suggest you take this offer, get on your ship, and leave these lands you have no understanding of.”

>>39057385

transmutation. No wonder this place is rich...

>>39057385
And that won't totally turn into lead a day later.

>>39057463
All that glitters is not gold

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>>39057385
She thinks we're in it for the paper. We're here for trinkets and bloodshed.

>>39057502
Not worried about that turning into something worthless. More afraid its a trap like a bomb or imbued with other shit.

If we do bring it with us as a pretense, we need to toss it overboard once we're away from the shore.

Doing your best to appear unimpressed, you tilt your head back to drain the last of your drink before finally looking down at the ore.

“Only three times? She must be worth a great deal to you. Unfortunately...” You brush one of Avael's ears as the foxgirl marvels with wide eyes at the massive chunk of gold, “She's worth more to me than that much.”

Though at the same time, you wonder what it is about Avael that would merit such reward. Sure she has a bit of magic, you've seen that much, but it seems like a far stretch from that to this.

“You'd be a fool to refuse this offer. One way or another, you will not have that girl for long. Nor one of my shadows.”

“If that's a threat, it's a poor one. Neither of them are for sale.”

The old woman nods slowly, before tapping the staff against the sand. The massive chunk of gold beginning to sink back down before it disappears entirely.

“Good trick, though.” You comment as you pull the pair behind you away from the crone.

Well enough away from that group now, you turn to Khepri.

“Just what was that?”

“Ah? That staff? The soul of the Lnie itself, a relic of impossible power. At least, that's all I really know about it...” Khepri still seems quite uneasy, “You've seen me pull my weapons from the shadows. That staff is similar, however it brings items forth from the light, instead of the darkness.”

“Lots of gold!” Avael quips, her eyes still wide.

“Yeah, I might just take her up on that offer. Could buy me a lot of new, unburnt ships.”

The little fox jolts in panic, her feet attempting to run but finding herself quite unable to pry from your grasp.

“Relax, it was a joke.”

“Bad joke!” The fox berates you with words and a weak kick to the shin, which only results in her face contorting in pain from her toe slamming into your armored boot.

>>39057799

Guys.

What if.

What if that staff can produce FOOOD.

Well jeez it's nice of them to just hand us the key to the city.
No need to fight through the enemy mercenaries when we can hold their religious leader and invaluable staff hostage.
How quickly you think we can cleave through the bodyguard? Can Khepri get the staff out of her hands and restrain her?

“If I turned on your mistress here and now, could I get hold of her and that stick before the real trouble starts?” You ask Khepri.

“Hmm...” She looks around hesitantly, “Best to not speak of such here, master. Shadows everywhere.”

“Everywhere?” You glance around the area, noting the shadows cast by everything and everyone. There could be a lot of them hiding around.

She simply nods.

You continue to wade through the uneasy celebrations, still doing your best to at least appear nonchalant as you snag drinks and such. If the crews are only pretending, they're doing a substantially better job of it than you.

More than one of them is already seated with a catgirl on their lap and a head-sized cup in hand. You can't blame them for letting loose a bit, it has been a rather long voyage.

For every one that appears in jubilation, however, Grindstone makes up for each in somberness. You not that he has yet to partake in any of the cat offerings, instead drinking only from his own flask as he gazes around in obvious caution.

“Have you made any headway, Vetr?”

“Not really. But I've learned a few things.”

“Ach, as have I.” He spits a glob of orange into the sand.

He quickly points out two separate, distinct bands of warriors. One of wolves, the other rabbits.

“Their leaders are somewhere in those throngs. I haven't inquired about turning cloak yet, but if you do I suggest you be cautious. These are some well seasoned warriors, Vetr.”

[ ] Attempt to speak to the leader of the Howling Horde, the wolf mercenaries.

[ ] Try your hand with the Death Thumpers, the nomadic rabbit mercs.

[ ] You still like your plan of attacking the Priestess directly, here and now while the moment seems ripe.

[ ] Other?

>be back in a few, haven't eaten all day and dinner just arrived

>>39058098
[ ] Try your hand with the Death Thumpers, the nomadic rabbit mercs.

>>39058098

I have a very important question that will affect my vote.

Are the Death Thumpers rabbit girls or just male war rabbits?

>>39058098
>[ ] Attempt to speak to the leader of the Howling Horde, the wolf mercenaries.

>>39058098
>[ ] Attempt to speak to the leader of the Howling Horde, the wolf mercenaries.

See what brings them here beyond a pay day. Might find more in common with them than the rabbits.

>>39058098
>[x] Attempt to speak to the leader of the Howling Horde, the wolf mercenaries.

>>39058098
>[ ] Attempt to speak to the leader of the Howling Horde, the wolf mercenaries.

>>39058147
I just assumed that there would be the one girl in whichever faction we chose.

Considering that we have memories of the previous lives and that we know that we know of the wolves in our homeland, do we know any rites of the wolves that might aid in our meeting with them?

Are there any rites that we can take advantage of? Like say battling with the Alpha Wolf for leadership of the pack?

>>39058098
>[x] Try your hand with the Death Thumpers, the nomadic rabbit mercs.

Pissing against tide because bunnygirl>wolfgirl

>>39058098
>[ ] You still like your plan of attacking the Priestess directly, here and now while the moment seems ripe.

>>39058226
Oh thats a good question.

>>39058231
>>39058200
>>39058147
We are vikings we will take their women regardless of the choice.

>>39058237
This seems too easy. Like they want us to try it. I can just see hundreds of shadows suddenly melting in from the... shadows, or the staff being just a prop to disguise that they're actually her innate powers.

>>39058361
Good point trying to attack her in a crowded party when she has assassins that can literally hide in shadows isn't a good idea.

Alright I'm back.

>>39058147
>male rabbits
I don't follow

>>39058875
dammit

>>39058875

Its all female? Now i want the war bunnies.

>>39059003
I want the war bunnies and the wolf mercs, the war bunnies as cheerleaders and the wolf mercs as bro's, both joining us as we go a'conquerin'

>>39059123
I'd be down for that.

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>>39059123

We should ask Grindstone to gather a party of the best looking frost males.

Send them the war bunnies' way.

>>39059123
Can we turn this city into our Dublin? A place to drop off all of our loot as we go raiding where it then gets transported home without us needing to interrupt our raiding?

Taking his caution to heart, you press on past Grindstone and toward the band of wolves gathered at the outskirts of the large and boisterous feast. While all appear to be eating and drinking, none seem at all festive.

Instead you're greeted by cold, calculating eyes and hard stares the closer you get.

“Some business with us?” One wolf asks as several others form a half circle about you.

“You the leader?” You inquire of the first one.

“Me?” He looks incredulously at you, “Nah. But what makes you think he would want to talk to some runt like you?”

Despite his words, he's no taller or larger than yourself. And his tattered armor of bronze and copper tipped spear appear far less choice an armament comparatively. If the wolves of these lands are esteemed smiths, this one doesn't bear the work to show it.

“I'll leave that up to him, what I have to say isn't for the likes of you.”

The wolf group pauses, looking amongst each other.

“He's got a pair.” One notes.

“Aye, that he does.” The new voice pushes past the small group and toward you. This wolf, far older than the others, has hair that has gone almost as white as the snows of your home. He's missing his left eye, and when he smiles you see at least half of his teeth.

But it isn't an easy smile, nor at all friendly.

Adorning that weathered visage is far more impressive armor than the other gathered wolves. A sable black cloak adorning finely crafted, if worn steel plates. He has a sword hanging at either hip and a large war horn slung across his chest.

“So far as a leader is concerned, pup, I'm as close as you'll find. I only keep the sergeants from mauling each other whenever they see fit.”

Though he says as much, you can tell just by looking at him that he's the real one in charge. If not from his ornate armor, then from just the way he carries himself.

“Suppose you want to try to cut us on in to some deal, eh?” The wolf leader grunts, “Suppose you think you can get us to turn about and bite the hand that keeps us so well fed. Suppose you think you've something better to offer us, eh?” The aging commander wastes no time in getting to a point.

As you open your mouth to speak, however, he interrupts you.

“Nah nah. I've heard and seen it all before, pup. There isn't a thing amongst your ships worth more to me than what these prancing fucking cats offer. Well, 'cept one.” His gaze turns to Avael and you know in an instant he's well aware of what she's worth to someone at least.

“Fox isn't on the table.” You swiftly push that aside.

“Nah? Well then what the fuck are you coming to me for?”

>talk/question/action/offer/other?

>>39059310

Papa-N, what rites do the wolves observe? Do they have any pre-battle rites? Can we do it with them like share a drink with them?

>>39059310
"I came to see what goes for 'strength' in these lands. Care to have a match?"
Whoop his ass then bargain.

>>39059310

"A lot of loyalty. For a hired sword."

>>39059366
>>39059310
Supporting.

Also, let's talk general strategy guys. Do we really need to take out FAT? FAT is fine. In fact, they can become awesome trade partners. We only have beef and serious concerns about the Mistress and her Shadows. Anyone up for brokering an alliance with FAT to rub out their rivals?

>>39059366
Second

>>39059403

Are they even rivals? They seem to be in an easy alliance.

>>39059371
Tell me about the priestess
Why does she wield the staff?

>>39059403
any alliance with the FAT would be rather tenuous as they are shady businessmen, but as long as we take out the temple we can deal with them and be 'partners' in business to some degree

and if not then we can feed the fat cat his fat tats

>>39059310
You're a big wolf.

>>39059310
Came to see how the wolves of this land compare to the wolves of my homeland. Besides I care not for the city, the temple on the other hand? Well I imagine FAt would not miss overly much and that the loot in it would be worth more than even Avael considering the mistress dangled a clump of gold three times the fox's worth in front of me to elave.

>>39059371
>>39059424
>>39059452

The Frost Rises.

“Seems like a lot of loyalty. For a hired sword.” You snort dismissively.

“Perhaps he's just wondering why someone would spurn a man expecting him to throw his contract to the wind.” Another wolf speaks up, this one far younger looking, though his face hidden behind a copper helmet.

“Hey, maybe this one's willing to talk, eh? Who are you?” You turn toward the new wolf thinking perhaps you can help them change the hierarchy around here.

“This one? It doesn't matter who we are. What matters is our plan. Nobody cared who I was until I put on this helmet.” His voice seems muffled by the metal, making him a bit difficult to hear over the raucous party behind you.

“Yeah? If I cut that off, would you die?” You rest your chin on the long haft of your axe.

“It would be extremely painful...”

“You're a big wolf.”

“...For you.”

“Hah. Was refusing me a part of your plan?” You smirk.

“Of courshe! The FAT refused our offer for a better contract, so we'd like to find out what you know.” The wolf extends his arms out to his sides.

“Well congratulations, you've refused me too. What's the next step of your master plan?”

“Crashing this feast,” The wolf glowers excitedly, “With no survivors!”

The moment almost continues before the big old wolf from before pounds his fist on the younger one's helmet, sending him reeling back into the ranks of the other wolves.

“Dunno what all that was about. But unless you've got something better, we're done here.” The old one grits what few teeth he has left as he fingers the swords at his sides.

>>39059721
papa please, im dying here.

>>39059721
....

>>39059721
haha oh papa

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>>39059721
This is why you'll always be the best Papa. Always.

>>39059721

We need to keep this wolf. I don't care if the rest all dies. This one lives and joins our gang. We shall call him Banewolf.

Racking your brain you try to come up with something, anything to keep the conversation going. You'd much prefer not to have to deal with either of these mercenary groups if you can help it. Worse yet, there is the possibility of being refused by both and then quite outnumbered were you to nevertheless press an attack.

“Perhaps we can come to a blood arrangement, then?” You ask, harkening back to what little you know of the wolf customs from your homeland.

There, at least, a pact could be formed by a blood rite. Two groups, even at ends, joining to at minimum forbid bloodshed between the two. If not always an outright alliance, at least an agreement to the cessation of hostilities.

The old wolf raises an eyebrow, clearly not following your line of thought.

“The only blood arrangement I'm at all interested in right now is yours on this sand if you keep squackin, pup.”

Clearly the wolves here are a different culture entirely from those back home.

>talk/question/action
Alternatively:
[ ] Challenge to single combat

[ ] Throw in the towel and try your luck with the Death Thumpers

>>39059918
>Seduce wolf

>>39059918
Can we create distrust between the two mercenary groups?

"Well, it was nice talking to you, I'll try my luck with the rabbits and see if they like to fight against you." or smth. I 'unno....

>>39059918

I guess talking will do nothing then and i'm not inclined to fight him right now.

This guy, hes mercenarial and he at least offers some direction for the pact.

Offer to share a drink with him from our flask, some of our ice cider or wine.

Then:
>[ ] Throw in the towel and try your luck with the Death Thumpers

>>39059918
>[ ] recruit banewulf

>>39059918
>>39060010
this

>>39060010
>>39060022
>>39060025
>>39059918
Supporting the recruitment of Banewolf. He's a riot.

>>39059918
>[x] Throw in the towel and try your luck with the Death Thumpers
I want some Rabbit with my cat and fox.

>>39059918
"If you're content on sitting around taking it easy, like a weakling, then maybe some of these others might be interested in adventure, wealth, and the thrill glorious battle. Or am I mistaken and its those rabbits who are the strongest here?"

Recruit all we can, put the seed doubt in the leader

Before we leave we should hint at what kind of treasures and riches the Temple is hoarding, and how we'd be much more generous in distributing and sharing it if we were friends with the Wolves, whereas the FAT and the Temple want to keep it to themselves and not give the Wolves their share or loot and power.

>>39060139
>>39059918
This'll work for a single combat challenge I suppose.

>>39060139
I can get behind this

“Alright,” You relent, “I see this isn't getting us anywhere. How about you, at least?” You point to the wolf in the copper helmet.

“You at least seemed excited. Want to tag along? Anyone else interested in some real riches and not whatever petty scraps the cats toss you? I'll tell you, they have much more than they've let on. Maybe the rabbits will prove less cowardly.”

The wolf looks curiously between you and the rest of his kind. Slowly, however, he starts to follow after you as you depart the Howling Horde's ranks. But he follows alone, despite your antagonizing words.

“Time to go mobile!” He exclaims almost cheerfully as he finally steps to fall in stride beside you.

Well you weren't able to convince the rest of the wolves to join you, at least not yet, getting one out of the deal is better than none you suppose.

Grindstone peers curiously at you from behind a large clay goblet as he sits nearby some of his own crew, who have taken to playing a game lovingly known as “thumbs” because in the course of a night of it, more than one is usually lost.

“Ach.” The old captain spits, “No luck, then?”

“Not really. They didn't seem too keen on cutting a contract just like that.”

“Expected as much. Hard to get hired work after the first time you turn on your employers.” The old captain grunts, drains his cup, and this time joins you on your walk.

Back again through the business of the now torchlit feast, you manage to keep Avael moving forward despite her insistence on snagging something from nearly every platter that passes nearby. For as little as she insists she despises cats, she doesn't seem to mind eating their food.

Grindstone is the one who leads you along to where the Death Thumpers rest, camped out on the side opposite the wolves. Where the cats had more or less come to almost intermingling with the wolves, you note that they instead keep a hefty berth of distance from the rabbits.

banewolf's a funny enough joke but I can't really get behind the idea of it being a consistent character without it getting annoying fast

>>39060317
Have faith in papa.

If you had thought the initial greeting of the wolves as rather cold, this hostility is something else entirely. The closer you get to the rabbits, the more eyes seem to turn to glare in your direction. Bright eyes, illuminated in the light from the smoldering torches many carry. Eyes that you can tell don't trust you for a second.

A point emphasized by the spears that rise off the ground the nearer you draw. Long, wicked and bent things, those spears. Tipped in chipped rock or points of fire hardened char mostly, with only a few glints of metal between them all.

In fact the more you begin to see of the rabbits themselves, the more frigid and savage they seem to appear. Where the wolves had garbed themselves in armor, the rabbits remain quite uncovered save for strips of leather and hide. Much of what isn't covered by the light attire is instead coated in paint of a deep ocean blue or a brilliant scarlet.

And every face glowering at you, under long, thin ears, a woman's.

“They all girls?” You ask Khepri as you continue to close the distance to the group.

“Yes, master. As far as I know.”

You aren't sure if that will make this easier or substantially more difficult. Though as a rank rises to level taut short bows with nasty black arrows quivering, you err on difficult.

“Easy there,” You hold up your hands, having slung the great axe across your back, “I'm not looking for a fight.”

If they understood your words, they make no hint to it. Instead more rise to their feet, some lowering their spears while others begin to lightly spin slings at their sides.

While they don't appear heavily armed or armored, this much at least would be enough to cut you down were they all to attack as a whole.

“You can talk at them all you wish, they do not speak such words as these.”

You turn toward the new voice from your right as she steps out of the blatantly hostile force. Shorter than some others, this one, but no less imposing looking. Her small stature still outwardly strong with heavy hips and powerful legs beneath her. She carries a single long shaft with a heavy mace head of some green rock atop it. And she carries it in such a way that tells you she's no stranger to using it.

Her skin is a shade or two darker than Avael's own tan, matching her long brown ears that fold over toward the tips. You can't help but notice how the necklace of leather wrapped bright rocks sinks low enough to dip into a bosom that, while perhaps not a rival for Khepri, is hefty nevertheless.

But it's the fierceness of her green eyes that takes most of your attention. Well seasoned, battle hardened, call them what you will. Those were the eyes of someone who had seen much and more in their young life.

“Perhaps not, but it would appear you do. Might your lovely self be the leader here?”

“Spare me of your wiles, seafarer. We have no leader here. We as a people do not bow and scrape for what is ours, but kill instead.”

>talk/question/action?

>>39060668

"Excellent. I find a kindred spirit then.

However then I am forced to ask why, do you submit to the fat cat tats."

>>39060668
"It would seem that much our people have in common. Tell me why do you serve these pompous oafs?"

>>39060668
>>39060700
this except the tats, they are the fat cats, but the fat cat tats are ours

>>39060700
This minus the tats

>>39060317
If he fights and is comes up time to time to grow as a character, then it's fine, methinks...

>>39060668
>We as a people do not bow and scrape for what is ours, but kill instead.
That sounds familiar. You guys wouldn't happen to be big followers of Khorne? Big dude, red armor, loves blood and skulls? No? Shame.

Keep what you kill? Good philosophy.

>>39060700
Pretty much this.

“Ah, then your people and mine would appear to have something in common. But if I may be so bold, why then do you prostrate yourselves for these cats? Why not just leave that to the wolves?”

The girl stares at you hard, her eyes appearing as though able to see right through you as they scan up and down every inch of your form. You note how they linger at your chest, your beard, but mostly at your weapons.

“You're mistaken, foreigner. The cats pay us well for our services. Quite different.”

“Is it?” You arch an eyebrow before continuing to approach. While the other rabbits draw back into even more poised, defensive positions, this one remains defiantly where she stands.

“Even we have to eat.” She scowls, and when she sets the head of her mace in front of her, you take that as a hint that you've come close enough.

Looking around at the other rabbits, you note that they don't at all appear to be going hungry, at least. Most are just as powerful as the one who actually speaks this trade language, some perhaps even more so. Some, you note, carry similar maces to the green one currently resting in front of your path.

“Well none of you look too skinny. They feed you well, then?”

“Better than you could.” The girl replies without missing a beat, keeping her stoney gaze firmly on you now.

“You sound pretty sure of that.”

“Sure enough.”

If you had hoped she might begin to open up and warm to conversation, you find yourself sorely mistaken as several moments of silence tick on by.

>talk/question/action/offer?

>>39060971
Well... this is a problem. Wolves want fennec, bunnies don't give a damn as long as they have food.

You know what this calls for?

RAID THE GRANARIES!

>>39060971
So who pays you exactly? the FAT or the temple?

>>39060971
"Feed your bodies maybe, what of your spirit? Are you content to just sit around being handed your food till fat and lazy?"

>>39060971
And once again we run into the issue of nothing good to offer in return. And before anyone gets cute with 'we can promise them things!' That's nothing but hot air and you know it. Nothing beats what's being handed to you here now.

>>39061086
You can live without full 'spirit.' You'll die with an empty stomach.

>>39061126
blah blah, living on your knees not really living etc...

Welp, I guess its time we look into scouting the city and planning our attack or assassinations of their leaders.

>>39060971

Soften our gaze abit.

"Well I commiserate. Our people suffer from famine. Our expedition? To find ways to feed our people.

Hence why this looks like a nice prize. The farmlands will do much to bring food home."

>>39061178
well we can't carry out the former and can't survive the latter without at least one of these merc groups helping out, they are literally their army, and one we CANNOT stand against on even ground

>>39060971
>>39061196
this, worth a shot

>>39061126
Hey, they might be warriors who want to live like warriors instead of being inferior race of guards for the cats?

I'm stumped.

"You wanna live forever"?

>>39061197
Well both of them are grouped up in separate groups with their leaders but still together, take off the collar and start out with a firestorm wipe out one group.

>>39061221
>spoken flatly "I want to live with a full stomach."

>>39060971
>>39061196
worth a shot

>>39060971
we have something far greater to offer:
an unlimited supply of viking dong

“And you're... Content with that? To just laze around here growing fat on the drippings while in truth earning little and less but whatever scraps are thrown your way? Seems to me you'd be after a bit more instead.” You press, hoping that she'll at least be goaded into talking more. All you really need is some sort of wedge to drive home to separate this group enough to bring them to your fold.

If anything, she appears less bemused and more annoyed.

“Just what would you know about these lands, foreigner? This is a bleak place, a hungry place. Once you leave this river, only starvation awaits.” She spits on the sand beneath her feet and you both watch as the speck quickly evaporates away in the desert heat.

“About starvation, I know plenty. Why else do you think we would have braved those ravenous seas if not for a dire need? It's need that brought us here. And those farms these cats keep will do much and more to alleviate some of that, but if I understand correctly, there is plenty enough to pass around.”

She continues to study your face as the slight breeze rustles her long ears.

“So that's what you would offer? What we already have? That seems a rather pitiful bounty for what I assume you want.”

You feign offense, holding a hand to your chest.

“What you already have? No. But what dangles there, just out of your reach?” You look toward the city proper, with its towering pillars and massive pyramids, “Alone, neither of us can snatch that up. You know it, I know it. Together? Together is a different story.”

If you'd thought this might catch her interest, her face certainly doesn't let on to such.

“We are not scrapers of the dirt. These farms mean nothing to us so long as there is no one to sow them.”

At this you smile, cool and easy.

“Ah, well. My people happen to be excellent farmers if need be. But I was thinking less along the lines of exterminating the cats and more toward a simple... Change in leadership?”

“Leadership?” She blinks.

“More willing to do business our way.” You affirm.

“I see. I'm assuming you plan to make slaves of them, then? Forgive me if I don't attempt to persuade my people to be next in line.” She appears as though she intends to leave, so you stop her quickly with words, as you think reaching out might result in you losing more than just your hand. There are still plenty of arrows pointed your direction.

“You've got that a bit wrong. My people don't keep slaves, and we believe in fair spoils all around. Or did you think we had planned on taking it all for ourselves? If that were the case, why would I be here right now?”

The rabbit girl turns back toward you, curiosity visible on her otherwise blank expression.

“Take what is yours, reap the benefits of our continued friendship after. Free yourselves to do as you like, rather than sit here and waste away in this desert heat.”

“And the wolves?” She asks, clearly still not entirely taken by your proposition.

[ ] “You let me worry about the wolves, we'll let you be the first into the city proper.”

[ ] “We take them together and they won't even know what hit them.”

[ ] “Leave them to do what they will, I doubt they'll bare their fangs if they see us both working together.”

[ ] Other?

>>39061692
>[X] “Leave them to do what they will, I doubt they'll bare their fangs if they see us both working together. and if they do, we take them together.”

>>39061692
>[ ] “We take them together and they won't even know what hit them.”
Leave little to risk. I'm not willing to turn our back on them and race to the best spoils is always good fun.

Besides the dead don't fight back... Unless there's a necromancer. In which case that's just fucking cheating.

>>39061692
>if we hit the cats fast enough, we can negotiate with the wolves for a new contract without any serious fighting

>>39061692
>[ ] Other?
What about them indeed, I notice you and your sisters in arms don't camp as close to the cats as the wolves, do they not make for pleasant company?

>>39061692
[ ] “Leave them to do what they will, I doubt they'll bare their fangs if they see us both working together.”

"That old wolf looks like he has a good head on his shoulders. Will he advise his boys to spend themselves senselessly? I very much doubt so but if they really wish to do so, i doubt they could stand up to our combined forces.

In any case, i might send an envoy to them. That all they need to reap rewards would be to hold fast and not react, and for a share of the riches, to join us in attack. That all they need to profit would be to hold fast."

>that tweet
Har har har

>Papa-N @HereticalLoveQ 1m1 minute ago
>Effective from next thread and beyond I will be moving my quests over to reddit. I hope you'll bear with me during this transitional process
Haha, very funny.

I realised we forgot an angle of conversation with the Wolves we forgot to ask them about dismissing abilities that if we offered to share with them the techniques and know-how of the Wolves back home they might have been more willing to aid us

>>39061822
Nah, man, It's true.

We've talked about this for some while now, and figured that the reddit voting system would be really good for deciding what to do, and everyone would be a tripfag so no samefagging. It's a dream come true. Trust me, I'm an expert in this.

>>39061822
Welp fuck, its only 10:30pm March 31ist. I gotta take it as truth.

>>39061953
>Trust me, I'm an expert in this.
Now I've got the melody from "Trust me I'm an engineer!" stuck in my head

>>39062005
it's 1:30am where Papa is

>>39061834
we can always talk about it later, we haven't declared war yet

>>39062005
>Implying he's dirty West Coast scum
He's probably a Central Timer.

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>>39061953

>>39062034
EST master race

“The wolves? What about the wolves? When they see us both smashing through the cats together, I doubt they'll find much drive to fight. My people are only outnumbered so long as your own remain opposite. Together we have more than enough in number to easily carry the day.”

The girl continues to just stare at you, but you can see things working out in her head.

“Speaking of the cats, I did take notice that you seem to keep quite more separate than the wolves do. There a reason for that? Seems like it should be the opposite, if anything.”

She pauses at this new question, averting her eyes to Khepri instead.

“They consider us a bit... Wild.”

You wait for further elaboration, but none comes.

“You did say you have no set leader, so how do we go about convincing the rest of your people to follow this plan instead of simply turning on me and mine?” You look around to the still hostile faces of the gathered rabbit warriors.
“That? That much is simple.” She easily hefts the giant mace to rest on her shoulder, “If they see me strike first, they won't be far behind. And in the heat of combat, they won't think too hard about it.”

You can't help but smirk a bit at her words.

“Did you just call your own people a bit dumb?”

“Ah?” She seems to notice her mistake, “Well... We aren't all the smartest.”

You almost comment that you notice that, considering how relatively simple it had been to turn her to your cause. She hadn't even suspected that much in the way of treachery either. Whether or not you'd call her people stupid, you would at least say they're not much for guile.

“But they'll follow you? You're sure?”

“Hmm?” She seems to suddenly notice you again, “Well I am a shaman. If they see me strike at something, they won't be far behind.”

>>39062055
You best not be a New Yorker.

>>39062118
Worse, he's from Florida

>>39062118
>>39062138
florida/michigan.
midwest motherfucker

>>39062118
If I was from NY I have multiple guns that would land me in some deep shit.

>>39062138
I only go there to fish. I'm a MI native.

>>39062196
Best west.

With the rabbits as on your side as you can expect from them, you now need to finalize the last of your plan. This you think on while you turn from the group and begin to walk back to the feast.

Only now you hear one more set of footsteps from behind you.

When you give the girl an inquisitive look, she give you a half lidded glance with a fresh stalk of long grass stuck in the corner of her mouth and her large mace hanging over both shoulders.

“Well obviously if this were some ploy by the cats to test our loyalty, I'll at least smash your face in before they kill me. For now you can just call me Balad.”

>talk/question/action/attack planning?

>>39062219
Ask about the strength/specialty of the wolves. As their erstwhile comrades, they ought to know how to counter them best.

>>39062242
We should ask the same from our new strategist in chief, too.

>>39062219
MIDWEST BEST WEST
greetings from toronto/K-town

>>39062261
What is his name, anyway? We can't go on calling him Banewolf or he will forever be a joke. Jensen had amazing stuff going on with him and he was kind of a joke character.

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>The very garb adorning her healthy figure is enough to belay at least part of her intentions here. The chocolate brown leather armor strapped tight about her; from the knee length boots to the chestpiece perhaps tailored specifically to accent her impressive bosom, has been boiled hard to toughen it. Though there is one long knife in her right hand, you see at least half a dozen more of various sizes in sheathes and scabbards all about her.

I somehow think I've deviated slightly from my own description.

>>39062219
"Fair enough"
Then head back and talk to Grindstone to go over strategy, also gonna need to know what the town's defenses are like and any info we can get outa her about the wolves and that temple.

>>39062289
Uh...I'm not complaining. No problems here boss.

>>39062219

"Wont the cats actually suspect a thing even more if you're following me around everywhere?

We'd have to keep up the deception my dear Balad."

Pull her close, around her waist and grab two flagons of ice cider.

>>39062289
A bit boss.

>>39062219
Do we want to try and take out the Temple bitch if she's still around first?

Also CAPTCHA now has a dancing robot. I hope it stays.

>>39062289
just fluff it that she can pull an outfit or two from the shadows

>>39062289
hah. just a little, she looks more slavey in that picture though while the description portrays her as an assassin. I say go half and half, tho either cat is fine too.

Getting a lot better at drawing I see.

>>39062316
time to play with fireeee

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>>39062279
You still have snow up there? It fucking snowed here this morning. Enough to cover my truck up a bit, even, but it all melted quick.

>>39062331
Perfect, cheesecake bikini armor from the underworld is now canon secondary costume.

>>39062335
I'm keeping at it. This was my second concept idea for her, changed the name even. Didn't really like it so I redid her some again. Originally she was going to be way different.

“Well, Balad, forgive me but if they see you just striding on alongside me like this, won't they become just a bit suspicious?”

She raises an eyebrow, clearly not taking your meaning.

“Act a bit friendlier. This is supposed to be a celebration, play the part.” You carefully, ever so carefully, extend out an arm and pull her by the waist toward you. The moment your fingers touch her skin the girl lets out an uncharacteristic high noise.

“This is what you call a bit friendlier?” She clearly now doesn't seem to trust your reasoning.

“Just believe me for now. And you should look a bit more intoxicated... Well your face is red enough, just keep that up. Just take this.” You push a flagon of something into her hand and she nearly drops it but manages to keep a grip.
Now you turn your attention toward the wolf who has for the most part been silent since first joining you. He continues to walk along in that same silence, making no motion to partake in any drinks no matter how many are offered up.

“And you. What can I call you from now on? “Wolf” seems a bit distant.”

The copper helmet turns toward you, only his eyes visible through it.

“Vetr? I'm Pavelov.” He hooks his thumbs in his weapons belt to pull it up a bit higher.

>>39062509
>I'm Pavelov.
goddamnit Papa

>>39062509
>“Vetr? I'm Pavelov.” He hooks his thumbs in his weapons belt to pull it up a bit higher.
Yess keep it subtle makes its so much better.

>>39062544
>>39062547
Am I missing something?

>>39062547
Well its better than banewolf.

Also the wolves are now slavs and im ok with this.

>>39062621
>Also the wolves are now slavs

and they're in a desert realm, away from cold areas. time to remove kebab.

>>39062611
>>39062621
Its been a while since I watched Dark knight rises. I just meant him hooking his thumbs in his belt could be considered a reference but it wasn't so blatant about it.

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>>39062696

“Right. Well, Pavelov, you certainly know the wolves better than I. If it does come to blades between us, what can we expect? Any hidden surprises? Anything I should know about?”

The wolf behind the mask narrows his eyes as he studies you.

“We wolves are a tough people. Every one of the Horde will be no easy mark for any one of your own men. It would be best if they decided holding to their contract isn't worth their lives. The faster you strike, the less inclined they will be to join the fray.”

You brush the foam from a fresh drink out of your mustache with the back of your left hand as you listen. A task made somewhat difficult by the close proximity of all three girls. When Avael slows to snatch at a long skewer of meat, you nearly trip over her.

“As far as hidden surprises, we grow stronger under the gaze of a full moon...” He looks up at the cloudy, dark sky above, “So now isn't the time for fear... That comes later.”

“Well hopefully the clouds hold, then. For now we need to decide when to strike...”

[ ] Now, while the iron is hot and the feast is in full swing. There won't be any visible battle lines with all of your men spread through the party, but the rabbits should come sweeping in as soon as Balad joins the fray.

[ ] Wait until the last of the party dies and strike in the dead of the night, when hopefully resistance will be even less sober. Hopefully.

[ ] No sense in attacking just yet. Perhaps more time will lull the cats into a false sense of security.

[ ] Perhaps you can stave the bloodshed and simply negotiate your own terms with the cats.

[ ] Other

>>39062747
>[ ] Now, while the iron is hot and the feast is in full swing. There won't be any visible battle lines with all of your men spread through the party, but the rabbits should come sweeping in as soon as Balad joins the fray.

>>39062747
[ ] Other
Ask grindstones opinion

>>39062747
>Now, while the iron is hot and the feast is in full swing. There won't be any visible battle lines with all of your men spread through the party, but the rabbits should come sweeping in as soon as Balad joins the fray.

We can cut through the cats no problem but we should form up before we go for the wolves.

>>39062783
>>39062747
I'd like to agree to Grindstones opinion and if he suggests

[ ] Wait until the last of the party dies and strike in the dead of the night, when hopefully resistance will be even less sober. Hopefully.

I'll go for it.

>>39062747
>[ ] Now, while the iron is hot and the feast is in full swing. There won't be any visible battle lines with all of your men spread through the party, but the rabbits should come sweeping in as soon as Balad joins the fray.
No time like the present. Hopefully we can cut a bloody line to the temple person thing. The one with the nice staff. I want the staff.

>>39062789

I actually feel that one is a trap option because at night the shadows are everywhere and we could get into some serious trouble with that.

What I would like to do is to have Vertr start singing an ancient pre battle frost song. As we start singing, our fellows will realise that something is coming up and will be able to reposition themselves closer to each other so that when battle is joined they will not be caught unaware and it's not like the cats or wolves will recognise what song we're actually singing anyways

>>39062747
>>39062830
Oh shit this, its fucking genius!

>>39062830
thats a good point, I'll change my vote in >>39062789 to asking Grindstone and then starting singing, make the cats and wolves think we're being merry

>>39062830
Yes! Do this.

>>39062830
If we do attack now/tonight, we should totally do this

>>39062830

Our Sigint is impenetratable at this point kek.

We start singing, other frosts start singing, all the frosts are singing and laughing together, the cats laughing, thankful that we appear to be friendly for now and then the last word leaves our mouths and the viking go full Khorne on their asses.

so, kill, rape, pillage, no burning, and target grandma first? also, we have to tell our biggest-eared mascot we'll let her go collarless if she'll help get rid of grandma. i think she'll allow it, what with not being hunted anymore

>>39062953

oh yes, we must totally remove the collar on our little fox.

>>39062953
no rape, but yeah, that's the plan

>>39062984
>No rape

You realize we are vikings yes?

>>39062992
for us, maybe not. for the 500 vikings? ima thinking they will go wild. Assuming the wolves back off two minutes in like they hopefully should, it'll be shadow ninjas versus viking pirates. ninjas vs pirates. Goddamn, its like its 2004 again

>>39062992

Its not rape if we have them choose between the head of an axe or a viking's little head.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJvDgW8qvWY

We viking now.

>>39062992
sue, but we don't do slaves neither. so we may be vikings, but we ain't sons of bitches

>>39063068
We actually do do slaves I thought, I seem to recall our people having thralls.

>>39063084

Only for a year as a bondsman. Then they must be freed. Whats more they do have some rights and cannot be illtreated.

>>39063092
A slave by any other name is still a slave anon.

>>39063099
Not him but, one has rights and the other doesn't pretty simple.

>>39063084
Slaves don't have any rights. If you kill a thrall unlawfully, you gotta pay a weregild. Helps cut down on the needless cruelty.

>>39063099
Yeah well, I'd rather be a Byzantine slave than an Ottoman slave. Both are a shit sandwich, but one is less so.

>>39063099
Not really, you can't call having equal rights and employment slavery, sure you might be able to argue its indentured servitude for a contracted amount of time, but its not slavery

“Well no matter what I think, I'd like your opinion, cap.” You honestly ask the aged old Grindstone. His advice is always something you take to heart, as he is quite wise to the ways of the world, no matter how he might dismiss that if told.

“You know my thoughts already, Vetr. Why leave something for later, when it can be done now?” He smiles even as his bony fingers wrap themselves around the ragged grip of his sword.

“Now, then?”

“Now.”

Your own lips creep to match his smile and the both of you turn to face the group of FAT cats you're already approaching.

So you begin to sing, softly at first but growing ever louder, an ancient Frost song that is perhaps the best known throughout the lands of your people. A favorite of the most base of tavern bards and the singers of high lords alike. A song of war.

“She lives on my rock. She likes the ice cock. But she doesn't know who I am. And she doesn't give a damn about me.”

At this point, other Frosts begin to look up from their drinks and general revelry, and their voices begin to add to your own.

“Cause I'm just a raiding dirtbag, baby. Yeah I'm just a raiding dirtbag baby. Kick it with Shield Maidens maybe with me.”

“And oh how she rocks, in that chainmail while she walks.” At this point you've already hefted your axe to a high ready and Frosts all around you toss aside their cups to instead draw their steel.

The cats are now in clear alarm as they begin to shout amongst themselves. Their group of spearmen hastily attempt to form up to protect their FAT overlords from the approaching Frosts who are now bellowing the song at the tops of their voices.

“Cause I'm just a raiding dirtbag, baby!” The first of the Frosts meet with the panicked cats and it is a rout almost instantaneously. The rank of spears and shields quickly being cut aside by the substantially larger and stronger Frosts now in hard pursuit.

>>39063117
See, I think there's a misunderstanding here. Thralls are the lowest category of slave here. The higher levels are much better, but life as a thrall is super variable on the master. Now, it doesn't pay as much to be a total dick when you live in Winter's salty taint as it does to live in the sunny South, but there's still some douchebags.

>>39063138
>“She lives on my rock. She likes the ice cock. But she doesn't know who I am. And she doesn't give a damn about me.”
pfffftthahahahahaha god fucking damnit Papa my sides hurt

>>39063138
I knew this was gonna be good, damn it feels good to finally be in it!

>>39063138

>this whole song

it hurts to breath.

>>39063138
please tell me the vikings don't have man-love thursdays
(though I guess that'd explain why they're so annoyed that the MC is getting laid by a woman)

>>39063212
They were annoyed because while they were up all night breaking their backs fixing the boat that Avael burnt up we were in bed fucking two ladies.

>>39063230
and that there weren't more fat cat tats to go around for them

>>39063230

also, and this is important:

we were at it all night. in an unsoundproofed room.

Every other frost on the boat was blueballed.

>>39063138

Papa!

Please tell me we remembered to remove that magic sealing collar from smallest waifu.

>>39063252
>was
Well I hope a bunch of them were getting unblueballed with some cat tats tonight before we started singing.

You see the litter as its bearers attempt to flee. Meehtans bellowing at them in a foreign tongue, likely hounding them to go faster. However with his disgusting girth, there simply isn't any speed to be had. When his bearers see they're next in the sights of the quickly approaching Frosts, they ditch their master and flee themselves.

The immense body goes tumbling from the litter, where it is pounced upon by several Frosts with swords rising and falling, each time growing more red.

“Oh, yeah, dirtbag, no, she doesn't know what she's missin'” You continue even as you put your full weight into a swing. The head of your axe cleaving right through the bronze shield and the cat behind it, before you wrench the blade clear.

“Oh, yeah, dirtbag, no, she doesn't know what she's missin'” The voices continue. Even Grindstone as he almost effortlessly parries aside a spearthrust before spinning around it to sink his hand axe into the head of the cat wielding the wooden haft.

If there was one way to describe the scene, it might be pure chaos. Or perhaps a massacre. What cat soldiers there had been are being quickly and easily dispatched.

Balad herself joins the fray when she leaps out past you, spinning in the air once and bringing her massive mace down hard into a fleeing cat. A massive quake of sand rises in a ring about the crumpled corpse from the sheer impact. At that single strike, a loud cry bursts from your right, where the rest of the Death Thumpers begin to charge.

Were there any question of Khepri's true loyalties, any doubt is instantly dismissed as she pushes you aside a moment before a black blade cuts through the air where you had stood only a moment before. The shadow balks as it looks down to one of Khepri's own daggers imbedded in its stomach, before she rips the weapon out and kicks the corpse over.

>>39063247
>>39063252
Yeah needless to say we owe em a bit I think.

>>39063272
THIS

WE NEED TO TAKE THE COLLAR OFF AVAEL

The song continues on, but its lyrics broken as the Frosts fail to keep the rhythm. Some, you note, simply hum the general tone of it as they are either too drunk or battle enraged to keep with the words as they swing their iron.

As a shadow leaps from the darkness at you, you swiftly turn about to cut him cleanly through from neck to ass. The two pieces collapsing in the sand beside you. Sand now running red and slick.

“The wolves are coming!” You hear the cry and turn. Certainly you can see them now, already in rank as they move to intercept the tide of Frosts.

You nearly shout to order a halt and turn, before something else catches your attention.

“Did someone start a fire?” Balad scrunches her nose.

“Yes!”

You turn toward that voice and see Pavelov as he lifts a screaming, squirming Avael above his head while tugging at her tail.
Wait, why is her collar off? You reach down to your chest and find the key missing.

“The fire rises!”

“Let go Avael! Stop! Put downnn.... Keeeee!!!” She howls in frustration, unable to worm her way out or free her tail. Or rather, tails.

The circlet of fire turns to a blazing blue above her head and the color sweeps through her tails to match as her eyes appear only blazing orbs in her skull.

In wordless fury, fire rips forth from her small form, arcing toward the approaching wolves. Whatever their shields might have done for a flurry of arrows, they are less than worthless against the blaze as the wooden ones catch fire instantly while the metal ones begin to melt.

>>39063360

....oh my.

Banewolf a best.

>>39063360
Ha!

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>>39063360
BASED PAVELOV!

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>>39063360
>“The fire rises!”

>>39063360
Pavelov, what are you doing? How are you doing this?

>>39063411
Calm down, Doctor! Now's not the time for fear. That comes later.

As though a massive, writhing serpeant, the fire sweeps through a massive swath of the wolf force. The very ground seeming to catch fire as black glass creeps outward across the sand. What wolves had been standing there are quickly blackened to mere ash.

Such a sight that for a moment, both the frosts and the wolves pause. The next sees the wolf forces quickly spinning about and heading right the other direction. They may have come for a fight, to be sure, but they hadn't come for THAT.

It's only when Avael finally collapses limp that the blaze begins to subside. The fennec now appearing quite asleep as Pavelov joins you at your side.

“I won't ask how you got that off of her, but ask me next time.” You wince.

Though if you had thought that alone would end the fight, you find yourself mistaken.

“Master!” Khepri hisses in warning, and you're instantly aware of the shadows as they flit across the ground.

You call out to the rest of the Frosts and each stops their pursuit of the fleeing FAT members to turn on the new assailants. And what a force they are.

In and out of the shadows they leap, almost gracefully. You grimace as one long blade, the sort you had seen Khepri pull out once inside your ship, cleaves a distracted Frost through the middle. More Frosts shout in a growing panic as they struggle to even engage the strange attackers.

Even you find it a struggle as more begin to turn their attention toward you. Several times you're cut as you whirl in attempts to block or strike back.

Roaring in frustration as another comes spinning out of the shadows to your left, you turn your body and deliver a hard fist to the cat's face and feel the skull give way.

“Ice, brothers! Freeze this place!” You call out, already letting your magic well up and start to chill the hot desert.

However Khepri gets your attention enough to turn toward yet another new danger. The large black and orange striped cat you'd seen behind the temple mistress earlier. He isn't attacking, but rather wading through the battle, right in your direction, even as he chants a string of words you don't understand.

“No! Don't let him fi...!” Your own shadow never gets to finish those words herself before a wave of darkness sweeps across the frozen red sand. Had you not slammed your axe down into the ground to brace yourself, it would have knocked you off your feet as it does to most of the other Frosts.

The ring of shadow is pulled back in only a moment later, again sweeping the feet of those not prepared. The darkness gathering around the lone cat who stretches out his arms, raising his eyes toward the dark sky above.

His scream turns to a deeper, bellowing roar as the fangs in his maw begin to grow along with the rest of him. As more of the dark forms swirling about him sink into his flesh, his body bulks outward and upward. Ten feet tall. Twenty. Only when you can guess he's towering some thirty feet above you does the growth subside, and eyes of blazing white gleam from an otherwise jet black body.

“That's a big cat...” Pavelov grimaces through clenched jaws.

Oh yeah, you can clearly see that much.

[ ] Good thing you've got an axe for him.

[ ] Someone wake the fox up and feed her something, quick!

[ ] No time like the present to see how skilled Balad is.

[ ] Heart of Winter

[ ] Let Grindstone handle this one maybe?

[ ] Other

>>39063536

I think we kind of dodged a bullet here.

Imagine if we did this at night, we would have not seen the shadows moving and be caught totally unaware.

>>39063573
>[ ] Heart of Winter

Well, uh, we probably want to slow him down so the normies can give us a hand too, right?

>>39063573
>[ ] Good thing you've got an axe for him.
>[ ] Heart of Winter

FROST PRIDE

WORLD WIDE

>>39063573
>[X] Heart of Winter and Someone wake the fox up and feed her something, quick!

>>39063573
>[ ] Good thing you've got an axe for him.

>>39063573
Cats hate cold. Freeze kitty.

>>39063573
[ ] Good thing you've got an axe for him.
[ ] Heart of Winter

Freeze him, chop his ankle tendons, like we're a lumberjack and he's a remarkably feline tree.

[ ] Someone wake the fox up and feed her something, quick!

>>39063616

Cats dont hate cold...

CATS HATE WATER.

>>39063573
Only one answer to Banewolf.

"For you." heart o of winter.

>>39063573
>[ ] Good thing you've got an axe for him.
>[ ] Someone wake the fox up and feed her something, quick!
>[ ] No time like the present to see how skilled Balad is.
>[ ] Heart of Winter
>[ ] Let Grindstone handle this one maybe?

ALL THE THINGS!

KILL IT WITH FIRE, AXES, WATER, ICE, ALCOHOL, EVERYTHING!

“For you, maybe.” You grimace, pulling yourself upright with the haft of your axe as a strange sensation clutches at your chest. Though it seems as if it should feel wrong, alien, somehow it is entirely familiar.

You still fight it, but only at first. Blinking several times as visions flood, of long fields of golden wheat, of your own small hands outstretched but safe inside large, familiar ones as they pull you along.

The world around you seems to slow, already dark out and growing only darker. The sounds of battle and panicked cries fading in your ears, replaced with a dull serenity and the single sound of a slowing heartbeat.

Though you can see Khepri and even Grindstone shouting at you in panic, you lower your head as you let this new feeling blanket you entirely.

Thus you're only vaguely aware as the sea behind you swells out to rush around your feet, as its waves begin to freeze about your body.

You turn your gaze slowly up to look at the massive, rampaging shadow of a cat as he swings a massive cudgel down at fleeing Frosts. The impacts of the weapon against the ground shaking the sand violently.

But all of this you see as if watching through a window, like seeing down into the depths of still waters from the ice covering a lake.

It doesn't even seem quite real as you feel yourself being lifted into the air as ice piles itself around you, as though the glacier itself had come to entomb you once again. You only close your eyes and embrace the cold...

Grindtone watches in wordless awe as Vetr is consumed entirely in the rising spike of ice that only continues to jut toward the heavens. Taller, taller, TALLER it grows! Until it towers above even the massive black cat, whom even pauses to take notice.

With great, booming cracks the ice is split and reformed as the figure only continues to take shape. Vague, at first, but more and more it comes to resemble something out of pure fable. An impossibility, the old captain thinks, but he knows even as old as they may be, his eyes don't deceive him.

Massive hands of pure ice, hued with blue and swirls of red sand split out from the forming arms. Each enormous finger closing to form huge fists.

An ice giant.

The old captain lowers his own blade as he watches the transformation begin to slow. Until with a deafening split, a wide crag of a mouth opens from the ice and lets out a howl of winter wind.

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>>39063762
Awesome

>>39063762
This is some ultraman shit.

>>39063762


AHAHAHAHA.

Get fucked.

“Get in the ice robot, Shinji!” Gendo bellows down from his perch atop some of the scaffolding hung about the massive form.

“I don't want to! I can't, father!” The small boy screams, eyes closed and fists clamped so tight his nails dig into his palms.

“You must! Just get in the fucking robot!”

“I wont! I wont!” Shinji shakes his head violently.

“I see. Stop the process, start up the sync for the first child. If you can't do this, she will have to.”

From the left, a gurney is swiftly wheeled out. The fox laying limp atop the cushion groans as it slows to a stop in front of the massive face of the Icevangelion.

“Please no bully Avael.” The fennec groans, “Avael just wants to eat...”

Shinji's eyes almost water at the sight. It scares him, somehow. A deep fear, all the way to his core. Of ice.

“You're going to make her do it? There's no way she can like this! Father please!”

Gendo simply pushes his glasses higher on his face, and turns away.

“Stop running away, Shinji! You mustn't run away!” Misato pleads.

>>39063835
pffthahahahaha

>>39063835
God damn it...

>>39063835
papa pls.


ahaha

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>>39063835
Love you so goddamn much.

>>39063835
fuck i lost my sides thanks.

>>39063835
hahaha

Its come to my attention that I do not have enough reaction faces for your threads.

>>39063835
Couldn't wait for the next quest, you had to ram something in here, didn't you?

The entirety of the Frost crew stop now, to stare up at the massive beast of ice that had seemingly risen from nowhere to tower over the battlefield. None having ever seen anything like it. Nothing even close.

“Cap, what in the nine worlds is that!?” One of the Frosts shouts at Grindstone, though the old captain just shakes his head in response, his eyes not leaving the immenseness before him.

As the ice giant screams again, a blast of frozen air whirls outward and quickly coats everything in its path in a thick layer of snow.

The form of the black cat, seeking to strike down this new foe, attacks first. Though even its giant club seems paltry in comparison.

Despite being a strong blow, the giant seems entirely unphased. Instead of shirking from the hit, it raises one of its own huge arms on high and slams it into the ground near the cat creature.

A flurry of ice chunks and frozen snow explode outwards from the impact, sending even the huge black cat sprawling away from the force of it. The ice giant screams again, now turning its head toward the cat as it again tries to lash out uselessly.

This time the fist finds its mark, and with an almost sickening crunch the cat is crushed flat almost instantly. Grindstone sees a few jets of dark blood squirt out from either side of the fist and can't stop his grimace.

“Grindstone, what do we do!?” More of his panicked crew add their voices as they flock toward him, all signs of battle now long gone.

“Ach.” The old captain spits, shaking his head, “Hel's cunt if I know. Follow the Vetr, but stay toward his back!”

He raises his own sword again in emphasis and begins to lead the gathered crew as they follow behind the massive ice beast. They have to slide down into its huge footfalls and climb back out the other side.

>>39063950

Cats are totally fucked now

surrender if you know whats good for you

>>39063950
I bet the Wolves are extremely happy that they decided to back out of this fight while they were ahead.

So follow it they do.

The ice giant lurches forward on all fours, its fists leaving huge craters as they crush wooden structure and large pyramid alike. Stones of white crumbling away uselessly when met by such enormity.

It's then that Avael seems to perk up, her half lidded, tired eyes rising until she blinks several times upon seeing the immensity there. Several more blinks and her blue eyes widen in obvious panic.

“What you do!?” She screams in what little of the trade tongue she's picked up from her time with the crew.

“Nothing! It just happened! It was all so sudden...” Khepri glances in distress from the fox back to the beast the only keeps lumbering through the city.

“Feed, now!” In obvious distress she whirls her head around in search.

“What?” Khepri looks at the small fox as she finally thrashes her way out of the grip of Pavelov, crashing to the frozen ground below.

“Nowwww!!!” The fox's shrill voice pierces through the cold air.

Without even thinking about it, the silver haired cat searches quickly through the destruction, coming up with a handful of sandy bread and a few small roasted critters that look dubiously like rats. Despite the rather disgusting fare offered up at her, Avael rips into the food with a voraciousness unlike any of the crew had seen from her before.

Even through every huge bite and painful looking swallow, her eyes never leave the giant.

“Stupid barbarian not know what he play with!” The fennec growls between ripping off hunks of the gritty bread.

Oh geez, what did we do.

>>39064031
WE DO C-C-C-C-C-COCAINE
i wish i wasnt on my phone and could post a Dr Rockso reaction, but alas

>>39064019
i like to believe vetr looks like ether ragnar or rollo for vikings.

I hope theres enough of the city left to capture and we didn't destroy too much.

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>>39064031
Something awesome

>>39064064
we're more interested in the fields than the city

To that, Khepri has no response. Partially because most of those words she doesn't understand, partially because she can't turn away from the terror above her city.

Again the giant pushes itself to standing upright, this time raising both fists as it looms over the largest of the city's pyramids.

“The temple!” Is all Khepri manages to get out, before both huge appendages come crashing down into he structure. A blast of huge white chunks flies out from the impact and the city itself shudders. Again and again the giant brings down its hands, more and more of the temple being crushed away.

Now, though, the small figure of the fox sprints quickly on through the ranks of Frosts following behind their changed demigod. She darts aside and ducks away as some attempt to scoop her up, not out of malice but of confusion.

She still has part of one of the char grilled animals in her teeth by the time she arrives at one of the huge legs of the beast. Only pausing a moment to get the timing right, she leaps upward with surprising ability, her fingers seeming to find purchase as she clutches hard.

When that leg sets down again, she begins to quickly scale the huge limb. Grindstone and the rest slow to a stop as they watch her climb.

“What is she doing? How could she hope to stop that... Thing?” Balad watches with gritted teeth.

If anyone has an answer, they don't offer it.

“Dumb. Idiot. Foolish...” Avael continues to mutter even as she chews and climbs all at once. Leaping aside once to avoid a huge chunk of falling ice that breaks off from the main body.

Though the food is little and she still feels weak, it will have to be enough. If it isn't, she doesn't know what will happen next. Not to this city or to her captor. As little as she likes her present state, she prefers it to the alternatives she can think up. At least this one doesn't seem keen on selling her off.

>>39064074
sauce?

>>39064085
Symbonic or something reverse shows, I don't actually know I never watched the show.

>>39064085
symbonic titan it was a good show but it only got one season

Finally perched atop the enormous back of the ice beast, she finally stops climbing and barely manages to cling on as the huge form crashes both its fists down into the city yet again.

With a final swallow, she lets the rest of the meat fall aside so she can focus on her task at hand.

“Mmph...” She narrows her eyes as she plants her right hand against the frozen body, and lets her power flow.

Though her tails of flame flicker even as her stomach growls angrily in protest, she presses on. Knowing that she won't get a second attempt at this.

Further and further she begins to bore into the ice, until her entire form sinks in. Yet still she presses ever forward as the steam rises around her. Even against her own impressive fire, the frigid cold bites at her skin.

For several long minutes of being tossed and shaken violently inside the form of the creature, she wonders if she will ever even be able to find him. But before the last of her hope and flame can dwindle away, she spots a flash of black hair within.

With renewed fervor she burrows, until at last she can wrap a thin arm around the broad chest there.

Clinging on with all the strength her miniscule form has, she holds tight even as the magic crackles around her, the very air energized and sparking.

The next moment she is tossed outward from the hole she had made, violently spinning through the air, her eyes clutched tight as she graps her hands together and does her best to just hold on.

Though her magic cushions the impact somewhat, Avael still winches in pain from the impact as she and Vetr crash through the thatch roof of a home and smash into the packed clay floor below...

>>39064153
>Vetr crash through the thatch roof of a home and smash into the packed clay floor below...
Ouch...

“Stupid...”

You wince, eyes still closed, now and suddenly very aware of an aching body which blissfully still seems at least somewhat numb. Though the pain pushes against that as the cold starts to fade.

“Dumb...”

You attempt to turn your head away weakly, now vaguely aware of two things repeatedly hitting both of your cheeks in unison.

“Idiot...”

The almost chant continues until at last you manage to at last pry one eye open, blinking it slowly once to clear the haze. The bright and very perturbed eyes of Avael stare down at you as she continues to slap you on both cheeks.

Grunting as both of your lids are now peeled open, you stare up from the lap of the small fennec as she scowls harshly at you.

“This thing that you did?” She shakes her head quickly and repeatedly, “Do not do this thing again.”

“Never again.” She slaps your cheeks again.

“Never. Again.” Another slap.

“Never again!” WHACK!

“Never...”

“Alright. Alright!” You quickly raise a hand to push aside her arms from delivering another slap, before you let yourself sink right back down to laying there on her legs.

Every part of you feels absolutely and entirely drained. More tired than you had ever been, each of your muscles burning in angry protest. A painful, banging headache is either a part of that, or due to Avael's repeated blows to your face. Either way, all you want at this very moment is a jug of something strong and about a week of sleep.

“Dumb stupid barbarian. Make too much work for Avael, understand!?” She delivers a light blow to your abdomen, before her forehead falls to rest against your chest. The moment might have been silent, if not for the growling of her stomach.

>>39064204
>if not for the growling of her stomach.
Shes like some kind of bottomless pit man!

>>39064204
>to at last pry one eye open
to at least pry one open

Anyways I figure that's a good place to leave it for the night. Didn't realize how late it has gotten and I think the rum is actually gone now.

>>39064204

Next time we always feed the fennec.

>>39064204
>if not for the growling of her stomach

It's going to take all the fields just to feed her. Good lord.

>>39064217
Thanks for the thread boss.

>>39064217
thanks for running Papa you magnificent bastard

>>39064217
thanks for the running any idea when you going to run again.

>>39064217
You've been running for 11 hours dude, good fucking thread. Next thread we need to relax and enjoy some good food and our fluffy tail+fat cat tats.

Whens the next thread?

>>39064217
>rum is actually gone now.
and i'd just finished off my appleton. great alcoholics drink alike, or something. damn good thread

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>>39064217
Thanks for the thread bro. I'll start on archive.

>>39053722
Is just a storyboard. The actual animation is taking forever because I don't actually know how to animate. This is going to take months...

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>>39064217
You're a real hero Papa N, don't let anyone tell you different

>>39064264

well, hopefully you finish up before Avael dies.

>>39064272
The quest finishes before this is done.

>>39064264
you can create gif's fairly easily in photoshop just by making a couple frames, lots of tutorials online, and it doesn't need to be 24.9fps, hell you could have 2-3 frames for each 'section'

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>>39063882
It was bound to happen sooner or later.

>>39064238
>>39064228
I'm not quite sure yet. But I've finally gotten over that killer cold for the most part, still have a runny nose but I can deal with that. Have a fuck ton of work to do this week as I made a few drunken promises I'm now regretting wholeheartedly. Maybe I can shirk it off but I don't know yet.

Easter night, maybe? Depends on what we're doing for that, I guess. Would probably be a late start so who knows.

I actually miss my HLQ schedule. Life was simpler back then.

>>39064264
The hype is real. What are you attempting to do it in? The storyboard is really nice as is.

>>39064272
Well that's next thread so somehow I doubt it.

>>39064291
>Well that's next thread so somehow I doubt it.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

>>39064285
I know the technical aspects of doing an animation on photoshop. It's the actual art of animating and drawing that is going to take months.

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>The Frost Giant rises

>>39064291
>Well that's next thread so somehow I doubt it.
Don't you fucking dare.

>>39064260
>>39064291
Archive up. Also no bully Avael!

>>39064264
Still awesome that its getting done.

>>39064291
>Well that's next thread so somehow I doubt it.
No Papa, bad Papa.

There are funny April Fools jokes and then there are not funny cruel ones.

>>39064291
>Well that's next thread so somehow I doubt it.
Oi, what would your own catgirl think? No bully Avael.

>>39064291

How badly is Frost Giant Summon gonna fuck over trying to control or rule the city?

Did the old hag die in her pyramid?

>>39064301
I can only imagine. I draw slow as shit and still can't quite get coloring down in PS but I want to at least attempt to color >>39062289 once I finish it.

>>39064338
>>39064332
>>39064328
>>39064326
>>39064299
Funny enough I can't remember ever killing off a friendly party member that didn't then come back to life.

>>39064350
Dude don't joke about our fluffy tails, we take them seriously and sensually, just like how we're going to reward Avael next thread

>>39064348
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWOQ5JRiMCA

>>39064361
>reward
Bully

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>>39064361

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>>39064367
Is it wrong to love these so much? Because if it is, I don't want to be right.

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>>39064364

We will bully her. With food.