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/tg/ - Traditional Games


File: onetimeuselich.png (1.36 MB, 1129x1598)
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And from nothing, something.

Old bones creak as arcane forces ignite in your eye sockets. You don't even know why that happens, you don't see out them anymore. No, your awareness is more loose, more disembodied. You can, for example, see your phalanges twitch as your head slowly rises - seperate from your spine, which falls back onto the stone.

You make to swear, but all that comes out is a whispering hiss, and all you can think is how long it has been. Dust billows from your skull striking the cobbles, rolling along the steps, bouncing down the underground pyramid you had constructed in your name... what was that again? No, not important. Finally, you bounce all the way to the cave floor, jaw left behind somewhere on the steps. For the sake of the old gods, you're missing half yer damn teeth.

And your main body...

Half the ribs are just gone. A couple are broken. Dessicated remains of your lungs and black heart hang there, mummified because you were used to wearing a robe over it and showing them to heroes back when they weren't so wrinkled scared them shitless. Your arms and legs are missing whole bones, wired together with wooden replacements. The old, reliable staff is cracked, the precious gem in its head missing - but that doesn't matter, you can sense the old power within, thrumming softly. Ah, you think warmly. I can't wait...

And that's when you feel it - the thrumming, heavy heartbeat of the dungeon's core within the pyramid.

But first...

>Alert the minions to your awakening. Yeah! Somebody had to hang around, right? This here's prime dungeon real estate!
>Reassemble yourself. That is, put your goddamn head on, for fuck's sake. A lich should be presentable!
>Gather your power. Wait, how did I do that, again? Some chant, or something...
>>
>>39285326
>Reassemble ourselves.
>>
>>39285326
>>Alert the minions to your awakening. Yeah! Somebody had to hang around, right? This here's prime dungeon real estate!
>>Reassemble yourself. That is, put your goddamn head on, for fuck's sake. A lich should be presentable!
>>Gather your power. Wait, how did I do that, again? Some chant, or something...
We're good enough
>>
>>39285326
>Put yourself together, for God's sake.
>Oh, uh...for your sake, as it were. Immortality and infinite power and shit.
>>
>>39285326

>Reassemble yourself
>>
>>39285326
>Alert the minions to your awakening. Yeah! Somebody had to hang around, right? This here's prime dungeon real estate!
>>
>>39285349
>>39285477
>>39285425
>>39285572

Okay. Okay. You got this. You got it. You can...

Your skull shakes, then tips over to one side with a clack.

No, no! Just... lift the damn thing! LIFT IT, damnable...

Slowly, your skull rises, up the steps, uip the throne, over the staff, onto your neck, and connects to your neck with a loud snapping sound. The fires of cold arcane power ignite further, and you feel it race through your body again. Bones crack worryingly, metal heats, and you rise, staff clicking on the stone.

You pause, swaying slightly.

Name, name... what was your name... name...

What... was it again?
>>
>>39285757
Zizna the Unflappable. You truly don't give a fuck about anything.
>>
>>39285757
Steven Lichman.

Just kidding, it's
>Thanos, the Progenitor.
>>
>>39285757
Xianjivus the Glorious

There's a whole lot of middle names and a last name in there but if you couldn't figure out how to pronounce those in the time you've existed then no one will.
>>
>>39285757
Bob.
>>
>>39285757

Calderus Tartaros
>>
>>39285757
Gallus Flavius, The Breaker
>>
>>39285892
Throwing in with Bob.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d4)

>>39285954
>>39285892

...Bob?

Bob.

Bob, maybe...

Bob, the...
>>
>>39286018
Necromancer
>>
>>39286018
You snap your phalanges, a sound like a dicebox being smashed coming out. Right! Bob the Glorious! That was it. Your eyes flare, bright white rather than the faded blue.

Right! To business...

(typing...)
>>
>>39286042
Nono, Bob the Conjurer. Gotta throw people off before they get necromanced.
>>
>>39286065
Hmm, what about Bob the Druid then?
>>
>>39286172
We want them to think we are scary, not a fan of bestiality.
>>
>>39286247
Bob the Cleric?
Pedos are scary right?
>>
>>39286049
You sit back down and recall how this mess works.

Once there were many gods and goddesses. The God of Evil, Malor, was challenged by the others to create, rather than destroy the works of others.

His response was to seed the world with Dungeon Cores. Massive, organic things, beating organs caged in steel and iron and Malium, his dark metal, they live on hatred and create gold.

This gold draws monsters, usually goblinoid in nature, sometimes reptilian. These creatures built homes around the Cores, pledging allegiance to Malor, or whomever mastered the Core with human sacrifice.

Long ago, you bound this Core to yourself, and you feel it nagging at the back of your head for another sacrifice, a pure maiden. Each has their own preferences, of course. It whispers at you, soft intentions. And instantly you realize two things:

There are only a few goblins, orcs, and kobolds left in the dungeon, which is in serious disrepair. You don't even recall the entire layout... You know there's one hall into the massive pyramid throne, which leads to a main hall, but beyond that... Argh.

The second thing you realize is that this is the last Core on this plane. The resonant beating from your neighbors is gone, leaving your core's weak pulse seem even more pathetic.

What to do now...?

>Try to contact the Orcs
>Try to contact the Kobolds
>Try to contact the Goblins
>Scry the surface? How did that spell work again...?
>>
>>39286247
Bob the Mighty Warrior who Never Ever Casts Spells and isn't a Lich?
>>
>>39286286
Contact the Kobolds, they're probably the weakest and easiest to manage
>>
>>39286286
Contact the goblins, we need grunt workers to start repairing the dungeon up.
>>
>>39286286
>Try to contact the Kobolds
>>
>>39286434
>>39286334
Agree, Kobolds are reasonably disciplined workers.
>>
>>39286286
>Try to contact the Kobolds
>Mutter to yourself about your aching bones and arthritis, which is even worse when you don't have skin to cover yourself, damn flesh.
>>
>>39286334
They're also proficient at making traps. We can send them to check that the dungeon's traps are still properly functioning, and maybe install some new ones that are more 'modern'. Gotta keep up with the times, ya know.
>>
>>39286468
>>39286434
>>39286334
You reach out over the dungeon, into its depths, and find the Kobolds.
You blink, there's a lot more than you remember there, but an ancient mind snaps awake at your touch.

Soon enough, an elderly kobold, easily hundreds of years old, sits at the bottom of the pyramid. He's flanked by two younger ones, who are dressed in sensible leather armor, weilding short-spears and shields. Excellent. Just the sort of minions you'd expected.

"William-"

"Bob." you respond. "It's Bob. I'm sure of it."

The old kobold blinks and readjusts,
"Bob, the Glorious, ancient master of the Dungeon heart! We hear your call, and pledge ourselves to your might." he shakes as he speaks, long hair shaking, halo of split ends vibrating in the dim blue light below. "Would that you bless us with your damned power, and the cursed gold from the Core beneath your throne..."

Ah, right, that's where it was. Good. Hate to lose that. It's not like you could go anywhere in this state looking, mighty as you are your bones are cracked all to hell and it feels like a million teensy knives whenever you move. Thus your resolute stillness. "What is it you require of the, hmmm, the Split Claw Kobolds?"


Hm. What is the first priority, after all? What should be done first, before all else?

>Renovate the dungeon. Fix the broken halls, repair the old traps, spic and span it up.
>Recharge the Core with a sacrifice - capture a fine maiden. And yes, it has to be a damn maiden, otherwise it's practically worthless.
>Scout the surface and report on the politics of the area? How long has it been, damnation?
>Something else...
>>
>>39286835
>>Renovate the dungeon. Fix the broken halls, repair the old traps, spic and span it up.
>>
>>39286835
>Renovate the dungeon. Fix the broken halls, repair the old traps, spic and span it up.
>>
>>39286835
Scout, how are we going to capture a maiden or get supplies to renovate if we don't know a damn thing about the area?
>>
>>39286835
>Scout the surface and report on the politics of the area? How long has it been, damnation?
>>
>>39286835
>>Renovate the dungeon. Fix the broken halls, repair the old traps, spic and span it up.
>>
>>39286835
>Renovate the dungeon. Fix the broken halls, repair the old traps, spic and span it up.
We go to take a nap just one time, and you young'uns let this place get all messy.
>>
>>39287151
>>39286931
>>39286919
"I take one nap, and you young folks let this place get all messy and out of repair." you rumble, eyes turning green. "Repair and clean it. Then we shall see about cursed gold, and allowing you to partake of the riches I hold."

"Yes, my lord! I shall set the youth to it at once, my lord!" he says, and you reach out in thought. What you see is a dissapointment: There's at least three dozen kobolds here. And perhaps a dozen capable fighters among them, two of those here with the old man. But... As a work force goes, it's a decent start.

The work is hurried and rushed, at first, until the old man organizing them realizes that a rushed renovation of an evil dungeon several centuries old is asking for injuries. At first, he is blessed multiple times with them - a broken bone here, in his nephew, a terrible chest gash for his son there. But a grin slides over your soul as the dirt, dust, and grime are swept away, trash pushed into pits and chasms or burned, and rubble is carted off to be appraised for reuse elsewhere.

By the time they're finished, the torches are lit properly, you're told they were able to salvage a few traps, and open a way into one of the old rooms - The Library.

Your heart, dessicated and useless, would have leapt at such a revelation, but you remain calm on your throne. Mostly because getting up would cause such pain you can't bear it yet.

The way to the surface, the person-way, has been mostly cleared, the last dozen feet of dirt hiding and blockading the whole mess rather effectively.

The kobolds are tired now, after weeks of work.

The library beckons, a set of human remains making for a nice set piece...

>Spellbook! I need my spellbook!
>First, let's make sure my old research equipment is alright.
>Wait, why is there another skeleton in there?
>Congratulate the kobolds and open the vault for them - You're also curious about your stores.
>>
>>39287594
>Spellbook! I need my spellbook!
>>
>>39287594
>Congratulate the kobolds and open the vault for them - You're also curious about your stores.
>>
>>39287594
>>Wait, why is there another skeleton in there?
>>
>>39287594
>Wait, why is there another skeleton in there?
A friend?
>>
>>39287594
>Wait, why is there another skeleton in there?
"Oi! Are you sleeping on the job?"
>>
>>39287594
>>Wait, why is there another skeleton in there?
Ah, my spare body.
>>
>>39287594
Priorities: Remember enough magic so we can rule through force if necessary
Check our vault ourselves to see if there's any gold left
>>
>>39287594
>>Wait, why is there another skeleton in there?
>>
>>39287594
Obviously the correct course is to give the kobolds just a sliver of a reward. Bit like a strip-tease, really.
>>
>>39287729
>>39287759
>>39287796
>>39287802
>>39287894

Another skeleton?

You poke around the body. It's... Hm. It's definitely human. Something lingers about it, an ancient fragment of a soul. That's fairly rare, considering how long it's been since the room was open. Books of various varieties surround the old skeleton, magecrafting books from beginner to advanced. A bag sits in the corner with some forgotten equipment, though it's rusted and dusty by now, too far gone to be of any detective use.

You could raise it as a minion, you think, but it might be better to raise it as a Champion, using that bit of soul for power to get something far better. It might even have some form of identity! No doubt it was some hapless adventurer, come here after your... Uh.

You can't remember why you were ever asleep. That's a curious question, really, and one to bear thinking on. But whatever events caused it, surely this fellow was around for the destruction of your dungeon. It was only your missing phylactery and the Core being underneath tons of magically reinforced stone that saved you, you suppose.

No such end for this person, whoever they were...

In short order, you've your books, reagents (such that didn't fossilize) and wizardly accoutrements.

Now... what to do...

>Review your available spells.
>Look into reviving the skeleton.
>Consider skeletonizing the non-kobolds for quick, reliable labor and minions.
>Something else...
>>
>>39288087
>>Consider skeletonizing the non-kobolds for quick, reliable labor and minions.
>>
>>39288087
No point in wasting reliable kobolds for very. . . one-tracked skeletons. Revive this new guy instead into a champion! Make him pay for probably helping to take you out!
>>
>>39288087
>Look into reviving the skeleton.
>>
>>39287594
>Review your available spells.
>Look into reviving the skeleton.
Damn lazy adventurers, lying around dead, doing nothing. I died once, that never stopped me!
>>
>>39288087
>>Look into reviving the skeleton.
Especially if it's in shape to do some walking around. Kobolds are fine for base defence, but for kidnapping maiden sacrifices we'll want something a bit more badass.

Shut up, Tucker, nobody asked you.
>>
>>39288087
>Review your available spells.
>Look into reviving the skeleton.
>>
>>39288087
>Review your available spells.

>Something else...
Practice your malevolent laughter. You don't to fuck it up and end up with an evil giggle; doesn't project the right image.
>>
>>39288292
this
>>
>>39288129 here

VVV this VVV
>>39288292
>>
>>39288292
That is indeed a priority.
>>
>>39288292
>>39288319
>>39288355
>>39288372

>>39288134
>>39288177
>>39288151
Kinda long one. Working on it
>>
>>39288406

You move a spellbook to a lectern and begin reading. THere's a lot of damage to the book, but here's what you know so far:

>Hyperborea
>Makes things cold. Very cold. You can't find the area of its effect or the intensity anywhere, but you're sure it'll be at least handy for making enemies uncomfortable.

>Eldrict Bolt
>A blast of energies that causes wild mutation in what it strikes. You've no idea what mutations or how long they last, those pages are gone.

>Advanced Necromancy
>You know how to take souls out of some things and put them into other things, as well as disassembly and reassembly of souls and aspects. This has many, many uses, most of which are forgotten to the sands of time and yourself.

>Moderate Enchantment
>You know how to remove aspects from objects, infuse them with power, and place them in other objects or people. This has many uses, but you aren't as good at it as you are at Necromancy.

>Novice Geomancy
>You know how to reinforce, move, and shape worked and unworked earth. You're not very good at this, and it takes a lot of time.

You're sure you know other spells, but your spellbook is molded to bits. It's a wonder you remember this much. Well then - down to business.

In Necromancy, the important thing is infusing dead matter with living soul. Normally, for large-scale and quick and dirty stuff, the part of the soul you use is Persistence, the part that makes the body go and defend itself. More advanced constructs use more parts of the soul, for example, an exceptional warrior construct would use Persistence (which is almost always required) and, say, Skill "Swords", making for a good swordfighter. Of course, the closer to death you can get a soul, the better, and the more powerful the individual, the more aspects the soul will have, sometimes multiples of the same aspect.

You take a deep metaphorical breath. Ah, this is the good old days, back when you knew what you were doing!
(More...)
>>
>>39288636
>Eldrict Bolt
>A blast of energies that causes wild mutation in what it strikes. You've no idea what mutations or how long they last, those pages are gone.
>>
>>39288685
>missed comment
Duh
Anyway, this could be potentially useful if we tried it out a bit first to see what could happen. Imagine power-Kobolds or skeletons that can grow wood!
>>
>>39288708
Only after we build up a sizeable pool of minions. It's no use roughing up your minions if you only have a handful to begin with!
>>
>>39288636

You focus on the skeleton. You'd say this skeleton, in the condition it is in, could hold three aspects maximum. Two safely, so that's what you'll work with - and you have to put in Persistence first.

You check, and the soul indeed has that aspect along with:

>Heroism : Not necessarily good or evil. This soul aspect pertains to capability and bravery, showing a good deal of potential.
>Skill (Military weapons) : Exceptional skill with weaponry from military backgrounds, such as the longsword, the crossbow, and all armors. If it's usually wielded on the field of battle, this person could use it.
>Charm : This individual was known to have a silver tongue, an ability to win over others and guide them.

Now: Which of these to place in my new Champion? They will always be loyal to me, inerringly, and the addition of the second aspect will bring some intellect, the amount dependent on the aspect.
>>
>>39288735
>Skill (Military Weapons)

He's already brave, in that he does whatever the fuck we tell him to, and we want a champion, not a diplomat.
>>
>>39288735
>Skill (Military weapons)
Better to have a competent underling to start with
>>
>>39288735
>Heroism : Not necessarily good or evil. This soul aspect pertains to capability and bravery, showing a good deal of potential.
>>
>>>39288636
Normally I'd be all over charm. Make a great storyteller, companion, and seduce adventurers with the possibility of treasures when you send in a small horde of monsters to menace a local town! Buuuut we need heroism more than that at this early beginning stage.
>>
>>39288735
>Heroism : Not necessarily good or evil. This soul aspect pertains to capability and bravery, showing a good deal of potential.
>Skill (Military weapons) : Exceptional skill with weaponry from military backgrounds, such as the longsword, the crossbow, and all armors. If it's usually wielded on the field of battle, this person could use it.
>>
>>39288735
>Charm
We throw a cloak on him, and have him stand in the darkest corner of a nearby tavern, telling tales of the great evil that has been awoken.

Of course, once we realize that the world's become a grimdark dystopia, he turns into the comic relief.
>>
Hey, while I'm not replying (I feel shy about doing so), I just wanted to let OP know that I'm absolutely loving this. I saw it in the WQT yesterday and have been looking forward to it ever since.

Thanks for delivering!
>>
>>39288818
>>39288814
>>39288799

>>39288761
>>39288763
>>39288818


Remember, you can only have one of those listed, since the other slot is set to Persistence. It's a tie, though. NEXT VOTE DECIDES.
>>
>>39288735
>>39288996
Charm.
>>
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476 KB
476 KB PNG
>>39289029
I'm not really sure that, uh...
>>
>>39288996

If uh, >>39289029
doesn't count, then Skill
>>
>>39289029
That brings Charm's votes up to 2, which ties it to the other two in the best of counts for it.

We're still undecided.
>>
>>39289116
The anon corrected for military skill
>>
>>39289111
There we go. Skill it is, writing.
>>
Heroism... to die for us
>>
>>39289431
>die
Heheheheheheheh
>>
>>39289462
Wellll..... Yeah ^^
>>
>>39289147
You bring the skeleton before your actual body, soul dragged with it. Yes, yes... You need it there for this. You need it before you. It raises in the air, and you stand with a roaring groan. Your minions take this as an announcement, which you decide to play up.

"Friends. Allies. Employees." you begin, walking painfully around the floating skeleton as you slowly infuse it with power. It won't be as strong as you, even physically. But it will be strong. The bones knit themselves, whiten to a sheen as the soul bits make their prescence known. "This month I woke, in a crumbling vestige of my former might. I woke with nothing, and now, I have an army!" you roar. This is met with excitement. "And today, thanks to your continued efforts, I have a general!" you roar as the soul snaps into place, its eye sockets igniting with wild red power, jaw fusing shut as it extends slightly, long parallel holes looking like a knight's visor. The bony growths continue over its eyes, as well, lending it a menacing, unnatural appearance. It casts about for a weapon as it descends the stairs, grasping a spear offered to it, then...

"If he is to be your champion, then he should wear your mark." the elderly kobold muses, handing it a cloak.

A skull bisected with a staff, the eyesockets of the skull filled with two stylized flames that fan out wide like stylized wings.

"What is the name of your champion, lord?" the kobold asks, but before you can speak, the champion does for you, clasping the long cloak over the unarmed shoulder. It covers that arm and his side.

"My name is Artem." it states, cold, efficient, and slightly angry.

>Do you have any words for your newborn champion?
>>
>>39289539
Well, that's embarrasing.
>>
>>39289492
>Is about to become undead
>Is already dead
Its what you said that got a chuckle out of me.
>>
>>39289572
well the give his unlife for our greater well-being
>>
>>39289539
"Find others who I will raise to follow you!"

(After all, what good is a general without an army?)
>>
>>39289539
>"Well, chin up, eh?"
Keep it simple.
>>
>>39289620
>>39289769
I'd go with these guys.
>>
>>39289806
>>39289769
>>39289620
"Keep your chin up, and find others who I will raise to follow you, Artem." you say, "For now, keep guard and... Train the kobolds into a decent fighting force." you say, thoughtful. "Stay ready in case I need you."

About thirty kobolds, one skeletal champion, most of the dungeon buried, and my spellbook missing most of its pages. Where to go from here...

>Let us capture a maiden, using Artem.
>Let us reward the kobolds and look at the vault.
>Let us expand the dungeon.
>Something else?
>>
>>39290066

We should reward the kobolds for sticking around all this time.
>>
>>39290066
Reward the kobolds.
>>
>>39290066
>>Let us capture a maiden, using Artem.
Once life has returned to the heart. Then they will get their payment.
>>
>>39290066
>Let us capture a maiden, using Artem.
>>
>>39290066
>reward the kobolds
>>
>>39290066
>Let us expand the dungeon.
>>
>>39290066
>reward the kobolds

They've done good for us, but keep the promise of more there.
>>
>>39290066
>Let us reward the kobolds and look at the vault.
What do we have, and if anything went missing during our nap
>>
>>39290066
>>Let us reward the kobolds and look at the vault.
>>
>>39287941
I repeat my earlier sentiments.
>>
"With that said, I shall reward you as best I can." you state, to the rest of the kobolds. With a wave of your hand, the stairs near the floor split in half, sliding out then apart - and gold spills free, coins rattling out with a soft sound like a hushing in a theatre. You blink at the gold, then peer into the chamber of the heart, which thuds quietly - weakly - against its cage.

You select a coin from the pile, turning it in your bony hand.
"Two. You each get two." you say, "Then grab a broom and push it inside again." you grumble, mumbling about inconveniences as you make your way back upstairs and sit on your throne.

What now, what now...

>Scry the surface?
>Watch kobold training?
>Attempt to converse with the Core?
>Something else?
>>
>>39290567
>>Scry the surface?
look for maidens
>>Attempt to converse with the Core?
>>
>>39290567

> Converse with the core.

"Hello. It's been a while..."
>>
>>39290567
Converse, THEN scry.
>>
>>39290567
>Srcy the surface

Pray we find few adventurers

>converse with core

"it's not like I missed you, o-or anything
>>
>Attempt to converse with the Core?

"Anything interesting happen during my nap?"
>>
>>39290621
>>39290633
>>39290643
>>39290672

You close your mind to outside distractions, listgening to the beating pulse of the Dungeon itself.

:Alone.: it repeats. :Alone, weak, defenseless. Alone. Alone.:

You frown, listening more, but that's all you get for now. Well, part of that you can rectify as you scry the surface, which is an old spell.

Your dungeon sits with an entrance under an old mine. The mine is under no scrutiny, and remains unused. A small memorial sits outside it, a sword of stone that rests on a pedestal of iron.

To the south is a small town that has some minor defenses and little communication with the outside world. It boasts a population of maybe a couple hundred people.

To the west is deep forest, dark and filled with wildlife. You file away the area for bone procurement - animal bones can be very useful to a lich like yourself. Not only do bones lead to more complex skeletons, but they have good enchanting aspects, like Death. A properly made bone sword is horrifying to see in use.

To the north is more forest and a mountain range. This you mentally mark as well - there's likely some minerals in there, if you've the wherewithal to dig in.

Finally, to the east, the mountains curve southwards, but don't make the full turn, meaning you have a very defensible position.

The question burns in your mind: Now what?
>>
>>39291122
this is silly
>>
>>39291122
Scout the town

See the defenses and if we can control them
>>
>>39291122
1. Acquire maiden
2. Sacrifice her to the Core
3. Profit!
>>
>>39291122

Scout the town. Have the kobolds see if they can steal some human children.

They still count if they were grown from when they were little right?
>>
>>39291122
summon some goblin to scout the town for maidens, also track down some orcs for later use
>>
>>39291192
Easier to hire the town folks to act as a buffer zone i guess
>>
>>39291192
That's probably a bad idea, keeping things around for a while usually leads to attachment.

This needs to be a good ol' clean sacrifice to the evil artifact.

Scry to see if there are any outlying farmsteads where we can prey on the peasantry.
>>
>>39291226

Orcs will come as our dungeon heart grows in power.
>>
>>39291122
>>39291279
This, with the added bonus of "If there's any children sitting about and playing unattended you lure them to their lair and then make them horrifying child zombies
>>
>>39291390

> dungeon heart.

Derp.
>>
>>39291390
Core man

Are trying to bait EA lawyers!!

Its like blood in the water
>>
>>39291122
Kobolds mine stuff right? Maybe we'd get lucky and they'd dig too greedily and too deep, and then we'd really be in business.
>>
>>39291531
Nah, yer thinkin' dwarves. Kobolds do that thing where they pick up everything shiny, possibly some light shanking on the side.
>>
>>39291590
Dwarves aren't the only things that mine stuff and live underground. They're just the only "good" race that does so. I mean fuck, Kobolds are named after spirits what live in mines.
>>
You signal to your kobolds, thoughtful.

"Alright." you say, "The core demands sacrifice. Not yours," you add hastily, "But a maiden. A literal maiden, alright? None of these damned bimbos who have had a round of the town, get my meaning?" you ask. "In a pinch, men will do as well, but we don't like talking about that. Something about proper decorum?" you grumble. "...back in the day it didn't even matter but..." you shake your head. "Check for places where a snatch-up's likely to go unchecked - lonely farmer's daughters, for 'zample." you say, leaning back. "If you see a target of opportunity, grab her and come back. Otherwise, report back with your findings."

The kobolds salute and move out, and you relax a little. Artem looks ready to stab anything that moves as he trains the kobolds, who are clumsy at best and a danger to each other at worst. A whole day, and they've improved only a little, though a few seem promising.

And that's when the kobolds return with a burlap sack that wriggles with angry cries within.

You walk down the steps, grinning, and open the bag - only to get your finger bit off and spat into your eye socket, a discomforting sensation as you gaze on the fiery woman brought before you. Her eyes are a sharp red, her hair dark, but her features remind you of dwarves, the same pleasant stockiness the race is known for. But while her whole hourglass form is scrunched down, somewhat, she's still human size.

This one has a special fire.

"Get orfa me, you nasty lizzerds, 'er I tear yer damned arms orf and beatcher wif 'em!" she riles, kicking at you in the bag.

Her soul is rather vibrant, if untapped. Hm...

>Welp! Get her on the pedestal, someone got a knife?
>If only I could have her on my side...
>Mock her, maybe string her up for amusement. Embarass her a bit. She did bite off your finger, after all.
>Or perhaps something else...
>>
>>39291668
>Embarass her. Can't let her sully your reputation when it's only just started!
>Get her on the pedestal, maybe have Artym shank her with a rib-knife.
>>
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>>39291668
>Or perhaps something else...

See pic above
>>
>>39291668
A vibrant souls means a vibrant core, right?

See if we can't calm her down, a hard knock on the head ought to do it. She probably doesn't need to be awake for the sacrifice.
>>
>>39291668
>>Welp! Get her on the pedestal, someone got a knife?
We only have one waifu, and that is the Core.
>>
>>39291668
>Welp! Get her on the pedestal, someone got a knife?

Vibrant is nice, but if we want someone on our team, we don't want someone with so much attitude. Vibrant often means vital, though, and vital is good if we're feeding that soul to something else...
>>
>>39291668

Quantity, not quality.

SOULS FOR THE SOUL GOD.
>>
>>39291668
>Something else
Try to get some information out of her, like what that sword monument is about, who is ruling the land, etc.

Then cut her open.
>>
>>39291750
Changing my vote

>>39291842
To this.

Can sacrifice after conversation is had. Perhaps tea is in order?
>>
>>39291842
No, no no.

If we're going to feed her to the Core, then it's just silly to try to pump her for information.

Either sacrifice her, or try to hire her. Not both. We can get a hireling for info.
>>
>>39291939
Convenience factor. She's here. There's no good reason not to.
>>
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>>39291923
Pardon me, sir, but it seems you've mistaken my vote for your own.
fuck right off of it.
>>
>>39291939
I'm not proposing to hire her, just get her to talk a little, maybe some torture. Then definitely sacrifice her. The core may retain the information regardless, but where's the harm in some some conversation?
>>
>>39291991
There are very good reasons not to.

Mostly that heroes tend to show up about the time we get to this point. Stalling doesn't help our case.
>>
>>39292010

Outrageous.
>>
>>39291991
Increased chance of escape and other nuisance?
>>
>>39292016
I don't *blame* you for wanting to talk to the NPC, but it's not a good idea.
>>
>>39291668
>>Welp! Get her on the pedestal, someone got a knife?
Let's add some fire into this cold core.
>>
>>39292028
>>39292021
>>39292049

Doesn't Bob the Glorious get to gloat a little? Our ego must be pretty fragile right now, what with our power being severely reduced and all.

Any problems she causes will probably be handled easily by Artem. Probably.
>>
>>39292010
Oh shit, sorry. This was me >>39291801
I've had a few drinks. My bad.
>>
>>39292086
Let's leave gloating to the vampires. We are above such petty concerns.
>>
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>>39292086
Pic related why this won't go well
>>
>>39292066
We're going to end up with a backtalking core, aren't we?
>>
>>39292134
I like to think of it as motivation.

O how we shall prove the core wrong on so many levels.
>>
>>39291668
>Welp! Get her on the pedestal, someone got a knife?
>>
>>39291668
>>Welp! Get her on the pedestal, someone got a knife?
>>
>>39291668
>>Welp! Get her on the pedestal, someone got a knife?
Fucking /tg/ and their inability to kill women.
>>
"TAKE HER TO THE PEDESTAL!" you roar, delighting in the fun of it, "And where's my knife?" you add, a wiggly blade placed in your waiting hand as she's carried up the stairs, struggling and swearing mightily.

"Yew'll regret this, yew damned bony bastard!"

"I rather doubt I'll even remember it." you say simply, shrugging.

You miss the first time, leading to some condescending mocking from the woman, but eventually Artem snatches the blade from your hands and carves her open with ease. From her ribs, you extract the heart - still beating, the victim still alive thanks to the power of the pedestal you prefer. She's screaming, now, an unending symphony of despair, sadness, and rage, as you hold the heart aloft.

"I swear this soul to Malor!" you roar, and there is an instant reaction. The pyramid glows, red light dominating the scene, as the blood from the carnage rises and surrounds the heart and soul of the woman. The red sphere dries instantly, and you step back, and let the shrinking stone of soul drop into the receptacle you provided.

Only then does the woman die, as the walls of the chamber shudder softly. You begin the laugh madly as the lair regenerates, great columns rising around you, hallways opening and expanding the dungeon, a rallying cry rising from the assorted demihumans that called the ruin home.

There was a new boss in town.

That boss is Glorious.

Not sure if ending here. Thoughts?
>>
>>39292492
Quality stuff
>>
>>39292492

Needs more sacrifice.
>>
>>39292492
Good shit! Are you going to continue? Do you have an update twitter?
>>
>>39292492
Fuck yeah, we hardcore Lichin' now niggas. You can continue if you want, I ain't gonna leave.
>>
>>39292492
More is wanted.
>>
>>39292492
>Thoughts?
Enjoying this, would like to see more.
>>
>>39292492
I like this quite a lot.
>>
>>39292519
Last time I tried I was rejected, but I can go again.

>>39292519
I shall. Not sure how long I can keep up this quality, but damn if I won't try. However, I think I'm done for the day - can someone archive?


One question in specific: How do you like the Necromancy? Too crunchy? Too soft? Just right?
>>
>>39292492
>>39292519
Yes give us an update twitter because this was great.
>>
>>39292547
>How do you like the Necromancy?
So far right, but we haven't seen enough to decide yet
>>
>>39292547
So far I'm liking the necromancy. Waiting to see other parts of it before I can add more.
>>
>>39292547
I love your writing style and I wouldn't mind a slight dip in quality. There hasn't been enough to judge, but I like what I've seen so far.
>>
>>39292548
https://twitter.com/OldLichQM

Thar ye go.
>>
>>39292547
Seems good so far.

I assume that since we sacrificed this lady's heart, there's nothing left to animate her body? Can we at least use her bones for magical items as mentioned earlier?
>>
>>39292734
TY much! I'm following RIGHT THIS INSTANT
>>
>>39292770
Her bones can be used to house a soul, should you find one. Soul's gone, though.
>>
>>39292809
From where does one procure souls?
>>
>>39293022
From living things, obviously, or from dead things that linger on.
>>
>>39293035
Is there a limited numbe rof souls or do they spawn each time something is born?



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