The Lich rises!

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>>45759526
For a moment you almost do anyway. It'd been a hell of a fight, and you can feel it still singing through your veins - the exhiliration, the joy, of a hard battle against a worthy foe. But your lover's probably going to be nursing a headache for awhile and River needs tending to, so you content yourself with a savage grin and move as fast as you can to the unconscious elf.

River took a big hit, but nothing major seems to be broken, which is good. You set your pack down and mix a potion to force down her throat; she coughs, then groans as the healing hits her. Her eyes flutter open, bright and unfocused.

"Izmy sword stillonnafire?" she slurs, shaking her head violently.

You look; the bastard sword still flickers with sickly balefire. "Yeah," you confirm.

"Don' touch it. Don't even go near it," River tells you firmly. "I'll put it out when I'm seeing straight."

Fetch collects his brothers and goes to scrape together the remnants of the gorger while Amy groans and stretches her wings.

You can smell burning metal, which is probably not good. You stand - carefully - and look around. Some of the pipes downrange from the demon's cannon blast sizzle in places, where the molten metal from its shot are slowly eating through them.

Oh no.

> Scrape it off with your gloves
> Use a knife to get the burning metal off
> Pour water over it and pray the pipes hold
> Fuck it, let it happen
> Write-in?

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>>45759526
Lo and behold, Lord Vox, for I bring you... (drumroll please)
*ratatatatatatatatatatatatatatatata*
Your first fanfiction!
Written from the perspective of some random bloke I created, Plucky Young Stereotypical Protagonist (also known as PYSP) encounters the group and then sheganigans ensues.
Here is the link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NULh7L-RIQj07Ss_VtoovuAkWh2G_qfY61MkiO8GK80/edit?usp=sharing

P.S: People, feel free to comment and criticize, I did the gist of that in about 3 hours of non-stop typing.
P.P.S: You might have guessed I'm not English but French, so please just tell me if you see anything weird so that I can change it.
P.P.P.S: Just read the damn thing!!!

>>45759636
Do we have anything to cool that shit down?
Because otherwise, I fear pouring water on it is just going to weaken the pipe and make it explode...

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>>45759663
I might suggest you break up the wall of text, my friend.

Either with line breaks, as just demonstrated, or by indenting your paragraphs. Love seein' it, though; I'll give it a read here in a few!

>>45759704
Quenching oil would work, but Nate's not exactly carrying that around; it's a forging supply, not really an in-the-wild sort of tool. You could always try smothering it with something you think will take the heat but that might be hard to come by too.

>>45759723
Yeah, I was aware of that, but to be honest, I'm not really familiar with Google Document.
I was using Open Office to write it.
The problem is that there are line breaks, but there is no space between the "broken" line and the next one...
But yeah, I'll definitely do that.

>>45759736
Hmm... Can River use any type of power to extinguish the fire?
Otherwise:
>Pour water over it and pray the pipes hold

>>45759636
>write in
>Get help from the dwarfs if they are not too far away, otherwise
>Pour water on it

I'm taking some time to update the document while we get initial votes rolling.

>>45759636
If we have at least one (preferably 2-3) knives we're OK with, at best, having to reforge, then

>> Use a knife to get the burning metal off

Otherwise...what's in these pipes again?

>>45760253
They're part of the cooling system that keeps New Hell from killing its residents.

>>45760306
So...water? Some kind of oil? Something...more unpleasant?

Basically, what I'm trying to discern is whether the site of a pipe breach will become dangerous in itself, rather than it just causing broader problems.

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>>45760306
So no biggie then.

>>45759636
>> Use a knife to get the burning metal off
Fun fact, pouring water on red hot metal is, in general, NOT a good idea. It generally causes the metal (depending on the type) to become either really soft and flexible or very brittle. If Nate's a smith he should know that rather well.

I'm tempted to use the gloves but I think they only work on magic and not just hot metal. Though I might be wrong about that.

>>45759636
> Pour water over it and pray the pipes hold
Fuck up our gloves, fuck up a knife, or pour water on it and roll the dice? Those gloves are cool and the knife might come in handy...


Also welcome back vox, enjoy your break?

>>45759636
Sand if something like that is around. A knife otherwise.

Also, nice to have you back, Vox. I hope the break was enjoyable? Coffee stocks are replenished?

>>45760389
remember to greentext your votes.

>>45760389
Yeah, damn good idea that.
Retire my vote from
>>45759868
to this. Quenching the pipes is not the best idea.
So:
>>45760389
>Drop sand on it. No dust or gunpowder, don't want to go boom.

>>45759636
>Use a knife to get the burning metal off
If there is hot stuff going through that pipe, we better not be pouring water on it, we should know due to blacksmith.

>knife

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Called, writing. Document should be update, do let me know if I missed something.

>>45760885
Very nice, you did a great work!

>>45760885

I think you're missing a "Characters: Other" in between Carol and the Duchess.

>>45759636
>> Use a knife to get the burning metal off

>[Write-in]
character smokes blunt

>>45762150
No.

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>>45759636
You pull a dagger from your belt and begin carefully scraping the metal from the pipes with the tip. The thing's point is going to be ruined but if you can repair a knife anywhere, you dare say you can repair it in New Hell. Of greater concern is the damage to the pipes. You're not exactly a plumber, but you /are/ a smith, and without some repairs this damage - superficial to casual observation - could get a lot worse.

River sits up and snaps a few words in elvish at her blade. The balefire gutters, then dies.

"You alright?" you ask the elf.

"I'm fine," she reassures you. She stands, slowly, and offers a hand to Amy. The two of them brush themselves off while you gather up the fragments that Fetch thoughtfully collected and decide what you want to do next.

> Go back to the dwarves to report your success.
> Go poking around the Pit
> Try to seek Ordo the Orc
> Investigate the Steel Market
> Write-in?

>>45762414
> Go back to the dwarves to report your success.

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>>45762414
>Report the damaged fucking pipes

I play Space Station 13, I know just what sorts of merry hell can come of ruptured pipes.

>>45762414
>> Go back to the dwarves to report your success, and the damage to the pipes.

>>45762414
>Go back to the dwarves to report your success, and the damage to the pipes.

>>45762414
>[Write-in]
Character announces how much of a loser Useless Tripfag is

>>45762531
> Go back to the dwarves to report your success, and the damage to the pipes.>>45762889

>>45762889
>[Write-in]
No

Called, writing.

All future reference, I'll be Gainfully Employed between 6:30 PM EST and midnight tonight. I may update after that time, but once I go to work it'll be phone posting only, as usual.

>>45762414
>>Go back to the dwarves to report your success, and the damage to the pipes.

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>>45762414
"The pipes are damaged," you tell your companions. "Which is something we should tell the Black Anvils straight away. River, can you look over these remaining bits?"

River picks through the sack of leftover demon parts while the four of you walk, making curious noises while she does.

The Black Anvil sentries seem surprised to see you again, and admit you readily. The council, having not expected you to come back, has adjourned for the day - not that you need to worry. Opal is waiting to take your report.

"You've done us a great service," Opal notes, gratefully. "I've been given leave to extend our hospitality, should you want it.

River perks her head. "Zachary's back. I should go collect him, one moment..."

The elf slips out of the room, leaving you with Opal.

"What's to be done with the pipes?" you inquire.

"We'll send an armed escort in about an hour and work on repairing them. We'll need to alert our neighbors about it as well, which...you could potentially use that as an excuse to get into Pit territory? I'd be willing to write up the appropriate document..."

> Take her up on it
> Talk it over with your allies first
> Refuse; choose another course of action

>>45764363
> Take her up on it

>>45764363
> Talk it over with your allies first
Can't hurt to talk it over first

>>45764363
>> Talk it over with your allies first

>>45764363
>> Talk it over with your allies first
>> Refuse; choose another course of action
forgive me but I'm gettin some paranoia vibes here. I am almost always wrong on these things but I'm still gonna go with my gut.

Future sight messes with your conspiracy senses.

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Alright folks, I need to prep for Gainful Employment. I will endeavor to post when I get back, just after midnight.

As always, questions, comments, discussion, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating, and for your patience with my hiatus.

>>45764363
> Talk it over with your allies first

>>45764957
Dam that pic makes me want to hug Lora.

>>45764363
>Talk it over with River and Amy.
A group consensus is good, and that Imp might have some new info we can go on.

Enjoy your brief hiatus Vox?

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>>45764957
Thanks Vox, best of luck with your Gainful Employment. May you gain many Monies!

Aside from this, since I'm not sure the thread is gonna open much longer I'm gonna repost the link to the fic.
I don't really like advertising myself, but I'm in dire need of feedback, both on the document and from here on 4chan.
So there it is:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NULh7L-RIQj07Ss_VtoovuAkWh2G_qfY61MkiO8GK80/edit?usp=sharing

Bump for the lich.

>>45764363
> Talk it over with your allies first

Three hours and change to call; votes and discussion still welcome.

>>45764363
>> Talk it over with your allies first

I don't see a serious problem with it, I just think we should

> Make sure to check over the document before we show it to the people in Pit territory.

I share the healthy paranoia of those recommending we check the document over, but I have a feeling it might piss the dwarves off if we're squinting at the fine print right in front of them.

>>45769562
If someone gets mad that you checked the fine print, you are dealing with the wrong people.

>>45768663
Woot its back!

Last customer finally left, the scum. Fifteen minute warning.

That was more than fifteen minutes. In any event, called, writing.

Vox, other than those mentioned through these threads, is there another place with your work available on it?

>>45759526
Yaaay the lich is back!

>>45772516
You're baiting for the kickstarter link, aren't you?

>>45772906
No, that has been mentioned, I am looking for any others that he might have

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>>45764363
You ponder it for a moment. "You said we've got about an hour?"

"More like thirty minutes, since taking the pipes down without giving them time to prepare isn't just rude, it's potentially fatal. We might not like those guys but we're not about to murder them like that."

"...Implying you'd murder them another way?" Amy asks, puzzled.

"There's a certain dignity to being gutted at swordpoint that you don't get frying to death while you claw in futile desperation at steel doors," Opal says solemnly. "So, yes. If we're going to kill people it'll be in a way that lets us sleep at night."

"Fair," Amy concedes. "Let's go talk to River, yeah?"

You, Amy, and Fetch go after the elf and find her chatting with Lark. The tobacco seller nods at you when you arrive.

"I'm afraid I need to borrow her," you tell him. "Head on in. Identify yourself /clearly/," you add.

Lark tips his hat and walks off, after giving River a winsome smile.

"They're offering to let us be their messengers to the Pit. Could be a way in," you tell River. "...But I'm worried. Our enemy potentially holds a lot of information, and I don't know how to evade her divinations."

"I...I could have some ideas on that," River muses. "But you won't like them."

"Demons?"

"Demons," she confirms.

"I mean," Amy interjects, "why not just...I don't know, announce a formal feud? She seems to want to fight you really bad, Nate. Maybe she'll let us past her men to do it."

"Doubt it," River objects. "What about her oath to the chain?"

"She's the /Traitor/, River," you point out.

"Can't be anything if you drop dead from breaking your chain oath."

> ...Okay, tell me more about these demons
> I'd rather keep getting stuff done down here and see how she reacts
> Dunno, Amy's plan has merit...

>>45773272
> ...Okay, tell me more about these demons

And now I remember why I hate trying to update after work.

>>45772516
Which work, my writing?

>>45773404
>>45773272
Sorry, that is supposed to be both

> ...Okay, tell me more about these demons

and

> Dunno, Amy's plan has merit...

I mean, why not do both things? Fuck fair play and shit if it lets us save our mom and all that. We can see what our options are with the Demons and have that be plan B if the Formal Feud doesn't work out or goes wonky.

Especially if we can have the demons work outside of Tasha's sight.

>>45773272
>> ...Okay, tell me more about these demons
>> I'd rather keep getting stuff done down here and see how she reacts
I'd rather we use Good Deeds as a cover to get some demony help.

Get them to stealth it up, and let Nate make an attempt at the hostages while the demons are ALREADY there, that kind of thing.

>>45773459
>>45773272
I could get behind seeing what the Demons can do for us before making any other plans, and in the meantime just kind of proceeding without any plan.

Maybe we should roll a die to see what actions we take while doing our good deeds, just to make it even more random!

I'm gonna push this whole seer thing. Still not sure if she can read our posts.

Alright folks, I'm crawling into bed. I'ma update in the morning; votes remain open until then.

Questions, comments, discussion, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

> ...Okay, tell me more about these demons

Just hearing her out in itself does not imply action. We can decide afterwards if we actually want to do this.

(Personally speaking, I'm generally in favour of
> I'd rather keep getting stuff done down here and see how she reacts
with the demons in our backhand, IF we can make them a surprise card. It's a good idea to have a backup plan.)

>>45774158

Or rather, not a backup plan, but more an additional option to resolve this with.

>>45773272
>...Okay, tell me more about these demons
let's put this as plan B and listen to it while we try and figure out plan A

>>45774158
>> ...Okay, tell me more about these demons
>Just hearing her out in itself does not imply action. We can decide afterwards if we actually want to do this.
>(Personally speaking, I'm generally in favour of
>> I'd rather keep getting stuff done down here and see how she reacts
>with the demons in our backhand, IF we can make them a surprise card. It's a good idea to have a backup plan.)

I like this plan.

I'm alive. Shower, morning shit, then writing. Gotta work between 2:15 and 8 or so.

>>45774158
Supporting.

Back, called, writing. That took longer than it ought to have; line was going out the damn door.

>>45773297
Yes, your writing

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>>45773272
"Okay, tell me about these demons in less than thirty minutes," you tell River. "This in to the Pit could be valuable. If they're working on something for deeper down in the Dungeon..."

River nods. "Yessir," she says formally, twinging instincts given to your by militia training. "As you know, divinations are not perfect. Your mother -"

"The Traitor," you correct, with a warning tone.

"Yessir," River answers, formally. "The Traitor is a powerful diviner, but her attention, potent as it is, is still limited. Chaos in the level could throw her off."

"...River, starting a riot amongst the people we're trying to protect sort of sounds like something Bri wouldn't like," Amy points out, a little hesitantly. "Like. A zombie army kind of plan?"

"I...yeah," River agrees, her face falling. "They can help in other ways. A demon as an additional agent to carry out our will gives her another thing to watch. Or if we can tap a sorcerer of some kind we can shroud ourselves in illusion, giving her the impression that someone else is assailing her interests. Or...I could possibly attempt to summon one that can cloak us from divinations.."

"Your hesitance inspires great confidence," you note, flatly.

"Robert knows a succubus he's worked with before, but the gentleman is tricky. And more than a little murderous."

You take a deep breath and sigh.

> Let's try...(choose one of the above options)
> No demons for now, River

>>45779066
This sounds like the kind of thing that can bite us in the ass /really/ hard.
>Let's try illusions.

It'll help if we have more folks on our side, so if we time it right, they can start up trouble throughout New Hell and drawing Natalia's attention to a dozen different spots.

Can we see about talking with Ordo the Orc? Or maybe see about introducing ourselves to the minotaur clan?

>>45779066

Not trying to multivote, but

>...is the succubus' name Miles?

If not,

> No demons for now, River

Alright folks, I need to get ready for work. I'll be back just after 8 PM EST.

Also, Gallows Humor updated. At long fucking last.

>>45779205
no anon, that was an /incubus/ not succubus

>>45779066
>illusions

>>45779066
>> No demons for now, River

Summoning demons shouldn't always be her first option.

>>45779494
It's easy for her to think of it first; she's been learning it lately.

Not implying that you're wrong, mind...

Guys, I have a plan, its a very awful plan that is straight out of zoolander but its still a plan. What if we summoned demons and disguised them as us, and then disguised ourselves as the demons. We have those demons go off and do something heroic or distracting or lewd while we go and assault the traitor!

So basically demonic Blackface

>>45779066
>> Let's try...(choose one of the above options)
>A demon as an additional agent
We get one more set of eyes and a divided attention of a seer.

>>45779606
Summoning Miles and a couple female incubi (Vox has stated that the Seducers are separated by role, not gender) to cause a ruckus in Natalia's work zone while we go a different route isn't a bad plan. But demon summoning shouldn't be Plan A. It shouldn't even be B, C, or D.

What would they want, in return for helping us? And what's stopping them from finding a loophole and causing trouble for us instead of the enemy? And then you get into the business of them being summoned by other Chain-Holders later on to spill the beans on our strengths and weaknesses.

And I'm sorry anon, but I hated Zoolander.

>>45779535
Robert really was an asshole when he was alive, wasn't he? Three cheers to mellowing out after death then.

By the way, I'd been meaning to ask before the hiatus; what's the deal with the Chosen? Are the champions of their particular god or gods? Are they heroes charged with a sacred quest? Does the position come with any perks or a health plan?

>>45779874
Once again, ordering them to go and throw a wild victory party as us would be relatively harmless Alcohol poisoning and STDs everywhere but would potentially give us a way to sneak in under the distraction.

Get the fuck out of here that was a great movie

>>45779959
Almost makes you wonder what robert has seen after death.

>>45779066
> Let's try illusion.

We're still going to need another sorcerer or wizard to make this work. We'll have to ask the Anvil clan who they know that could make this work., and whether they'd be willing to help us cause trouble at a certain time in the future to distract a certain seer.

I've got work tonight, but tomorrow I'm a free bird. What kind of doodle would everyone like to see?

I learned from the last time. Any fanservice or smut I do will be linked from Imgur. I'll also probably link to my gallery elsewhere so you guys don't have to dig through the archive.

>>45781734
Either Harry and Isoldt making noise or Amy making music with her wings.

>>45779066
> Let's try illusions.
>>45781734
Seconding Amy making music

>>45781734
>>45781734
How about Scribbles doing scribbly things?

Three and a half hours and change to call.

Bump for the lich.

>>45779066
>> Let's try...(choose one of the above options)
> Demon as an agent
But preferably not an imp, given their tendency to slip free of bindings.

Home, called, writing. Roads are absolute dog shit; got stuck on a hill for a good twenty minutes, unable to move foward.

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>>45779066
Mulling over the options takes a few minutes. Ordinarily you wouldn't notice - you spend a lot of time thinking to yourself on a normal day - but you're on a bit of a clock, and you're annoyed as hell (damnit...) that River's making you give this serious consideration.

"How sure are you that you can contain whatever you call?"

"...Mostly sure," River admits. "I can build a banishment into the deal, but I need to be in shouting distance for that."

You pinch the bridge of your nose and sigh. "This should not have come up this fast."

"Brigette used demons just fine," the elf points out.

"...I want you to ponder the context of that and tell me how it's supposed to be an argument in your favor."

"I - " River sighs, dejectedly. "I'm just trying to help, sir. I. I'm not sure why you asked me of all people to come. I thought maybe the demons were it. It's not like I'm as good with the dead people as sis..."

Your heart wrenches. The guilt is written across her face.

"...Get me an illusionist. Something you can contain. Fetch, Amy, we'll report to the Pit in the meantime. River, do we have a way to contact you if things go sideways?"

"Take Zachary. Zach?"

The imp flits to your shoulder and sits obediently. "Aid classification, summoner?"

"Family," River says, firmly.

"Yes, summoner."

"Alright. Stay safe, River." Amy and Fetch fall into line behind you as you move back to let Opal know that you'll take the job.

You have no idea why Brianna seems so weirded out when you and Amy do this for her. It's comfortable, having your trusted allies at your back. But, then, Bri seems allergic to having authority...

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>>45787627

Bump for the lich

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>>45788936
You're expecting to have to read fine print and legalese on this document but it turns out to be more like a letter.

"Gorger's dead. Pipes damaged in the battle, taking full responsibility. Cooling system in the section will be impacted while repairs take place."

The letter has a wax seal depicting an anvil - not surprising - pressed into it in place of a signature, and is entrusted to you personally.

"This won't get you into the Pit on its own," Opal warns. "You'll need to persuade them to let you in somehow. Smith looking into employers? Mapmaker? Whatever, but this document /needs/ to be given to them first."

"I understand," you tell her. She nods and gives you directions to the Pit.

The halls are quiet, except for the sounds of bellows and the fall of hammers, which grow louder as you approach the door that will lead you to the Pit. When you knock on it, an eyeslit draws back.

"Buisness?" the voice on the other side demands; the eyes you see are blue, and suspicious.

"Message from the Black Anvils," you tell him, offering the letter through the slot.

> Pose as a smith looking for work
> Present yourself as a cartographer
> Claim to be inspecting their work
> You don't need to break in right now
> Write-in?

>>45790597
>> Pose as a smith looking for work
Has the advantage that if anyone asks us questions about our cover, we can probably answer them.

>>45790597
Couldn't we go with "looking to commission a piece using gorger bits"? As an apprentice smith, part of the commission is watching the process to have more control over the request in exchange for more payment, so at least we get to go in. Possibly with the illusion demon.

>>45790597
>> Pose as a smith looking for work

We actually have smith training. This should work pretty well.

>>45790796
That'd work as a write-in, aye. Clever.

>>45790597
>>45790796
Sure, why not. I'll go with this.

>>45790597

I'll vote for this
>>45790796

>>45790597
>>45790796
>"looking to commission a piece using gorger bits"
clever, unexpected, and useful. Love it.

>>45790597
>>45790796
I can dig it.

Called, writing. Likely final update of the night.

Fuckin'. Oi. Speeding back up after five days off in a row from both this and Actual Gainful Employment bites. Days off from last week were at the end, this week at the start.

>>45792226
YESSS MOARR!! I demand more of your deliciouss wordsss!!

>>45792226
...uhh i think our lich overlord has passed out?

>"looking to commission a piece using gorger bits"

Let's indeed go with that. This should also afford us more command than a "mere" work-seeker.

>>45792860
I'm here, just writing very slowly.

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>>45790597
A hand takes the letter, and after a brief moment the man lets out a faint whistle. "Gorger's dead? Gods be praised, we can unbolt the fucking doors."

"Wouldn't get too hasty about that," Amy interjects. "Someone had to summon it."

"...Point," the voice on the other side of the door concedes.

"Speaking of, though," you interject. "We were the team that killed it and we're looking into getting the leftovers forged into something useful." Inspiration strikes you. "A buckler, perhaps?"

"A gorger buckler...I could see it," the man admits. "Come in."

At first you're wondering why they're not warning you about disarmament. Then you realize why - the Pit is huge, a cavernous chamber with broad open ground in the pit for which it's named, housing all manner of tools for the forging of tools and projects great and small. Dozens of workers and laborers - some of them minotaurs - move through the forging area, carrying loads, beating at steel, and working the bellows. You see massive armored plates being forged, as well as spear heads, arrowheads, and /cannon/. The shaping of the massive guns dominates a large part of the room.

> Inquire of your guide
> Stay quiet for now

>>45793616
> Stay quiet for now

>>45793616
>> Stay quiet for now

Okay. I'ma crawl into bed and die now. See ya'll in the morning.

> Inquire of your guide

Can't really say more than "That's confidential" at worst. This doesn't strike me as a "Everyone knows about this, why do you not? Are you an enemy?" sort of inquiry.
At best they're taking pride in their work and happily inform us.

>>45793616
>> Inquire of your guide

>>45793616
>Inquire of your guide
Who the heck needs firepower of that magnitude? (feign ignorance)

I'm up. Morning shit, then will call and write.

>>45793616
> Stay quiet for now

>>45793616
>Stay quite for now.
And if he asks, just tell him we heard some rumors from the Black Anvil clan.

Just how much do we have in Gorger bits? If we have enough, we could always get River a new sword to enchant with her necromancy, or maybe a spear.

Called, writing. That took far too long.

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>>45793616
You continue to observe the Pit while you're taken down into the main work floor - you stick close to your guide, mainly, in the interest of not getting run over by a cart of supplies. The human man stops to hand the letter off to someone else, along with a firm set of orders. A general call rings out - "Pipes are going down for repairs! Pipes are going down!"

The reaction is immediate and clearly practiced; projects are set aside and taken off of forges as they work to cool the flames. You hear the call of workers to superiors, looking for confirmation on this or that.

"Keep working on the plating, it doesn't need heat..."
"The Lush will just have to fucking wait, we're not frying for him!"
"Keep furnaces two and four up and running!"

"Why in the /fuck/ are my forges going down?" a voice calls from a catwalk above the pit itself. A man lands in front of you - you have no idea why his legs don't break like fucking glass - and thumps your chest hard. His hair is a rusty blonde color, his eyes hard and cold beneath an angry red scar on his forehead.

You take a step back, and he lets you get your space.

"Who the fuck are you, and why are you in my Pit?" the man demands. One hand rests on a rusty hatchet at his belt, which crawls with red runes in the tongue of demons.

> "I'm clearly a guest here, /sir/."
> "James Marsh. I killed the gorger for you."
> "Nathan Bookchild. The Black Anvils asked me to advise you of repairs."

>>45798863
>> "Nathan Bookchild. The Black Anvils asked me to advise you of repairs."

I'm feeling truthful today.

That's not to say it's a *good* idea...

>>45798863
>Can't you see? We're clearly here to overthrow the hierarchy, free the proleteriots, and institute communism.

>Or, alternatively, we're here on behalf of The Black Anvils to advise you of repairs, one of the two.

>>45798863
>> "Nathan Bookchild. The Black Anvils asked me to advise you of repairs."
There's minotaurs here. Let's not go around lying unless it's obviously gonna screw us over.

>>45798863
>"Marsh. James Marsh. I took care of your demon problem. Wanna get out of my face now?"
Just because he's a hero doesn't mean he has to take this guy's shit.

>>45799053
It's not like it would make much difference. The only one's who know our names, if not our faces, are the Chain-Holders themselves, not their lieutenants.

Although I would advise River to be subtle with the necromancy. /Everybody/ knows that the folks causing a ruckus in the top levels are led by a necromancer.

>>45799123
Hmm. True. What about a combination?
>"The name is Nathan Bookchild. Aspiring Hero. Lover of Birds and Bones, and your new best friend. The Gorger is dead. You're welcome."

>>45798863
>> "Nathan Bookchild. The Black Anvils asked me to advise you of repairs."

Given the demonic runes on his hatchet, this is probably a terrible idea.

>you have no idea why his legs don't break like fucking glass

Prosthetic legs? Feather Fall? Harpy magic? Or is he just that fucking badass?

>"The Lush will just have to fucking wait, we're not frying for him!"

Iiiiinteresting. So it's a project for the Lush. I'd assumed the plating was for the Pallbearer, but those giant cannons might be for the Lush. Cornucopia's next, isn't it? Makes sense for the drunk to be nearest to the arable land. More space for grapes and wheat. Among other things.

>>45799688
The spears and/or arrows could be for him, as could any number of other projects. Those snippets were meant to be many voices not necessarily replying to one another...which I could have communicated more clearly, admittedly.

Called, writing.

>>45799714
Oh, I got that they're separate projects. It's pretty clear that they're different conversations too. I just didn't elaborate much, and didn't phrase things very well.

>>45799688
>Given the demonic runes on his hatchet, this is probably a terrible idea.

Can you elaborate on your reasoning, Anon? I'm not following,

>>45799688
We ARE in New Hell, after all. Even if it's only a name, the entire level is dedicated to the art of creation. Demons summoned as aides and supervisors under strict oaths are likely commonplace. The Black Anvils didn't get jumpy when Zachary (River's Imp assistant) showed up.

>>45799714
I've certainly seen worse. Maybe just add some small descriptors to indicate where the voices are coming from, etc.

Are there druids or shamans in your magical world? The next level /is/ a land of verdant growth and natural abundance, after all.

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>>45798863
"Nathan Bookchild. The Black Anvils asked me to advise you of the repairs." You offer a gloved hand out, to shake, and the man's eyes flick down to it.

"Spellcatchers," he notes. "Adamant plating, even. Who's dick did you suck to get a pair of those?"

"My master made them for me," you reply, evenly. "They were a gift."

"Damn. You must swallow." The man's eyes flick to Amy as she takes an angry step forward. "Try it, pigeon. See how many holes you get filled with."

"This how you treat all potential customers?" you ask in a low tone; it's all you can do to keep a lock on your shadow right now.

"Don't patronize me in my own home, Bookchild. Name's Rustam, and you're gonna tread fucking lightly on my turf. New Hell's dead and done, and if you're smart you'll get what you're after and leave before Natalia finishes taking the place over. You got a commish?"

"We killed the gorger," you answer, evenly.

"Then you want Travis. He's that way." Rustam points, dismissively. "Get the fuck out of my sight."

You can feel your fist clench, and hear the icy cracking behind your eyes.

"Don't make me repeat myself, Bookchild," Rustam murmurs.

"C'mon Nate," Amy tells you, putting a hand on your shoulder. You nod, tersely, and move towards the general region that Rustam pointed out.

"I really hope we get to kill him," Amy mutters.

"You know, so do I," you murmur back.

> Actually discuss a commission
> Use this as an excuse to go wandering the Pit

>>45800435
>> Actually discuss a commission

Alright folks, I need to get ready for work. I'll be gone until at least midnight EST and I gotta get up early, so the next update may not be until tomorrow morning. I'll get in touch when I'm off work.

Questions, comments, discussion, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>45800435
> Actually discuss a commission

Gotta get that alibi set up. It's also probably a good chance to ask about Rustam's deal.

>New Hell's dead and done, and if you're smart you'll get what you're after and leave before Natalia finishes taking the place over.

Iiinteresting. Asshole or not, Rustam apparently does NOT like Natalia. You don't call something 'dead' either unless you're invested in it, either. Shot in the dark says that he used to be a bigshot, until Natalia moved in and started taking over. He was probably an asshole beforehand too, but having your ability to work on your projects die on the vine, your throne usurped, and your home taken over completely and warped into some one else's slave holding, does not do good things for your head.

>>45800358
>We ARE in New Hell

This... is actually a good point.

Thread's archived, incidentally.

>>45800435
> Actually discuss a commission

>>45800435
>Actually discuss a commission.
I /really/ want to hurt this guy now.

>>45801039
Maybe he'll have a workplace accident. or jump from a slightly too high catwalk. or hell trip and land on his face instead of his feet.

>>45800435
>Actually discuss a commission
Such a negative Nancy, would be fun to see him again if we manage to New Hell.

>>45800435
Can Amy's wings be used to eavesdrop?

Five hours and change to call.

>>45803366
... I'm having trouble even trying to figure out how you came to wonder that. What do you mean?

>>45803366

How high are you?

>>45803813
>>45804503
Use them like a giant eardrum to amplify . . .

Wait, sorry, I forgot where we were. IT'S FUCKING MAGIC BITCHES. We went with sound magic yo.

Three hours and change, in theory.

>>45804548
To be fair, that IS what i meant. The snake could amplify sound going outwards, but can it do so inwards now?

>>45804548
>>45805890
well theoretically it might work but unless we can direct it we'd be getting /everything/ amplified and not be able to filter any of it. And one way of directing being making a funnel shape with the wings probably isn't all that conspicuous as its a half harpy lady pointing her shiny metal wings in your direction.

>>45806826
and that's why I asked. Don't know how much practice at subtlety Amy's put into this, as it's rather outside her skillset.

One hour and change.

>>45807903
>One hour and change.
You always say that, and I always wait, but ain't nobody ever given me any money yet. What gives?

>>45808903
not that kind of change. Tzeentch change.

Finally home. And to be honest, I'm wiped as shit. I'm not gonna try to force an update like this; I'm gonna set my alarm, be up early for coffee, and update sometime between 7 AM and 8 AM if all goes well. Votes remain open.

Questions, comments, discussion, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>45809916
No problem lich. We've all been there.

By the way, how do you take your coffee? Sweetened with the stolen innocence of babes, and the shattered hopes of a nation?

>>45810088
Who would do that to innocent coffee?

>>45810891
I don't know, but whoever they are, they've earned a special place in Hell. One reserved for child molesters and people who talk in the theater.

>>45811712
I also enjoyed Firefly.

Bumping for the love of sweet coffee and sexy bones everywhere.

>>45811753
*sniff* I miss my Jane hat.

SPEAKING OF HATS! Brianna has a hat, but what about the other two proud members of Necrofowl Inc.?

>>45812439
Amy's got a head. Sir Nightfeather is probably proud to serve, as always.

Nate, on the other hand, is a hatless young lad. The hatlessness should be remedied, as he will not be respected otherwise. However, I'm not quite sure what kind of hat. A tricorn would fit the coat, but in combination with the leg he'd probably look to much like a pirate. An iron hat would be practical, but also make him look like a mook. A forage cap of some kind could work, if they're already popular. Failing that, maybe a leather one.

>>45812439
What about a broad-brimmed hat?

I'm up. Morning shit, coffee, then will call and write.

> Actually discuss a commission

Looking legit and getting something nice out of it.

(Not a hat, though. Iunno what would work for Nate.)

Called, writing. I'll be gainfully Employed between 11:15 AM & 5:45 PM or so.

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>>45800435
"Which one's Travis?" Amy asks.

"Likely the large gentleman in the leather apron who seems angry at his forge going cold," Fetch muses.

"I'm with the knight on this one," Nathan notes. "That's a man whose projects just got disturbed."

It's hard not to feel at least some sympathy. From the looks of things he was forced to interrupt his work at a delicate point, which would be why he's throwing all of it into the scrap metal bucket. That's frustrating as all hell, and don't you know it.

Travis is tall and broad and reminds you a bit of Harry, except clean-shaven and a bit darker of skin.

Well, that and Harry wouldn't be caught dead using this kind of language. Travis is swearing in more langauges than you /speak/.

You clear your throat, getting his attention. Travis looks you up and down, then folds his arms. "Merc?"

"You could say that," you agree. "I've got some demon bone and demonic steel on hand and was thinking of getting something made."

Travis is interested in spite of himself; his eyes light up, and he gestures thoughtfully. "Can I see it?"

You open the sack containing what's left of the gorger, and Travis nods thoughtfully. "I'm gonna bet this is from the gorger that's been haunting the place. The fragmentation's pretty distinctive. You worked with this kind of thing before?"

"Not really," you admit. "Does it matter what kind of demon it came from?"

"Oh yes," Travis answers. "It's no wraithsteel, but it does make the material more receptive to certain enchantments. So I suppose the question here is, do you wanna work with those inclinations?"

You give the smith half a smile. "Sure."

"Then let's start simple. Weapon, or something defensive?"

> Weapon (for whom?)
> Buckler
> Talisman
> Bracers

>>45815277
>> Buckler
It will help protect at least one of our limbs.

>>45815277
> Buckler
or
> Bracers
either is cool

>>45815277
I don't suppose we have the measurements for the boar?

Alright folks, I'll be back around 6 PM or so. I may attempt to take a nap when I get home just to even my keel a bit; I'll let you know what's going on when I'm done with work.

Questions, comments, discussion, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

I should do more worldbuilding soon...

>>45815277
I'd vote for either
>> Weapon (River)
as she's currently the only one without a specialty weapon I believe.

or
>> Bracers
as it will protect BOTH our arms so we are less likely to lose them. Bri did state we weren't allowed to lose any and 2 thingies are better than 1 thingies right? Besides, I don't think Nate's swordplay is shield oriented anyway. He seems more gung-ho and all /HO LA SONS OF SORROW/-ish.

so where'll all the armorpig anons? it's been more than a day since I suggested to use the gorger parts for a commission, but I thought they'd have said something by now about that.

>>45815277
>> Buckler

At a guess, I'd say we could have it do something like "eat" projectiles.

>>45815453
River can wreath her blade in balefire. I don't think she'll need a speciality weapon.

And you can fight pretty offensively with a buckler. In fact, it is kind of a tendency with sword and buckler. Stuff like having thebuckler close to enemy, getting his weapon out of the way with it and then striking with the sword.

Mind you, I'm not against the idea of bracers (altough we'd have to make sure that they fit together with the gauntlets). I'm only against wasting the material on the boar.

>>45815277
>Buckler
Would be nice if it could 'eat' attacks.

I already voted but if we go with a buckler won't our hands be full and kinda nullify our ability to use our super antimagic gloves? Or would the buckler be strapped to our arm with a free hand?

>>45815277
>> Buckler

>>45816572

Bucklers are intended to be strapped to the arm, so as not to hinder the use of both hands. That's sort of their thing—and why they're called "bucklers."

>>45815277
>Buckler AND a hat.
We are now Kung Lao folks.

>>45816705
Bucklers are, far as I know, called buckler from german "buckel", meaning hunchback, because of their spheric form.
And I know /nobody/ using a buckler strapped on. You use them offensively, and far forward, kinda more in your enemies face than close to your body. Strapping them on would make them rather useless, especially since with a strapped on shield you can only block close to your body, whereas you have to wield a buckler farther away to cover anything despite its small sice.

>>45816803
Alright, apparently I lied. Name's coming from the french bouclier, 'shield', from Old French bocle, boucle 'boss'.

The parts about fighting with it still apply, though.

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>>45816705
Yeah, like the other anon said, this is not true. As far as I know, it's just a D&Dism. Bucklers are held in the hand. Pic related.

So now that we know the buckler is held in the hand, is it worth it to give up the use of our spell gloves?

>>45817259
I'd still say yes. One of the advantages of bucklers over larger shields is that their small size makes them easy to carry. So we should be able to switch between the buckler and the open hand pretty easily depending on what enemy we're fighting.

I'll admit, however, that the interference with the spellcatchers does make this a less clear-cut decision, to my mind.

>>45817366
We can always drop the sword, in a pinch. Not like we'll lose it.

It's definitely not just a D&Dism. I've seen a lot of serious reenactors (proper SCA types) wearing bucklers strapped to their arms.

Doesn't mean that's the *only* way for a buckler to be used, but it does indicate that it can be used that way if one wants.

>>45817648
You have a citation for anyone doing that in actual history? Because all the SCA-types I've heard talk about bucklers say that's total bullcrap and not how bucklers were used at all. Bucklers don't even have the appropriate straps. You are perhaps thinking of a targe or something similar?

>>45817970

....


...That's not impossible. They weren't exactly labeled.

Two hours and change. Work is kicking my ass.

>>45815277
>Buckler

He better get a fucking buckler, idiot can't afford to lose many more limbs.

>>45815277
> Buckler
So is there just not enough material for a proper shield?

>>45815277
>Talisman
We could use some defense, and Bri still needs to get her minion game on. Don't want something in the hands as has been mentioned. But I would prefer bracers over a targe, if it came to that.

>>45815277
> Talisman
I guess I'm going to be the odd one out and vote talisman. It'd more easily shared between characters - no skill requirement like a buckler or a specific weapon

Off work. Thirty minute warning barring real life issues.

I may have been thinking targe when I said buckler; meant "small shield, strapped to arm."

Fuck I'm exhausted.

> Talisman

Something that can be worn discreetly and by anyone if need be. The other items seem very much Nate-specific. Probably also makes it easier for the "Gorger" part to manifest on.

(A Talisman that can be held in your hand to actively attract and devour bullets mayhaps?)

>>45822636
Meh, either works. I'm more curious what kind of perks or enchantments it might have. I hope it's not weak against iron because its made from demon parts.

Okay, so the good news is that I'm home. The bad news is that I still feel like eight shades of shit and I can't go to sleep or I'll fuck my sleep schedule over, so what I'ma do at this point is field Q&A, have a beer and some coffee and a headache pill, and attempt to update when I don't feel like my skin is attached to my skull with nails.

>>45824670

So what kinds of things do people generally make out of gorger bits?

>>45825910
fancy dinnerware?

>>45825999

I dunno, you probably don't want your fork eating your food before you get the chance...

>>45825910
Depends on the bits. Gorger flesh and blood is sometimes used to create grim but effective sustainable rations, which replenish for as long as the enchantment lasts. Other items made from harder materials - steel, bone, teeth - are receptive to enchantments that draw in energy and convert it to something else, typically harmlessly dispersed light as it's the least dangerous to the user. They're also sometimes used to generate suction for various reasons, most typically for insane retired adventurers who want to say that their plumbing is POWERED BY DEMONS.

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>>45826113
>say that their plumbing is POWERED BY DEMONS.

>>45826113
necromatic energies kind of have a problem with living things, right? What happens if you try to grow vegetables on a walking necro-construct?

>>45826807
Generally you get dead seeds or diseased, sickly plants.

Called, writing. Thank you for your patience. This may be the only update for the night so I can turn in and get some actual rest.

Fuck it, can't do it. I'm gonna crawl into bed and die, votes are re-opened. To clarify, shield will be strapped to the arm if it's still winning in the morning.

Sorry folks.

>>45815277
>> Buckler

Where's that fanfic from the other thread?

> Shield of whatever type

If we do make a shield, should it go to Nate or to River? River's trained to fight in armor, which she has 0% of right now.

>>45834019
Nate needs it crazy bad. Fighting with just a sword is dangerous.

>>45834711
Honestly, since Verve can fight on its own, we should get Nate some ranged weaponry while we're here.

I mean, they gotta have some stuff we can trade for.

>>45834770
He has a crossbow and Verve isn't as strong as when Nate wields her.

>>45834818
But he could have bolts that continue to eat away at and sap the enemies strength/hp after hitting them.

Risk management yo. Verve just keeps them back while he weakens them.

I wonder if we can capitalize on Nathan's natural dark-vision? Maybe a spell engraved on the inside (facing Nate) of the shield that creates a smog or cloud of darkness. And a blade on the edge of the buckler that can be used to slice and slash, and when blood is spilled with that blade, it's absorbed into the demon bits and the stolen life force is used to recharge the spell.

Or maybe a displacement effect that makes it harder for enemies to focus on Nate, or rather /forces/ their attention on the buckler rather than Verve. Like a magical design of a fanged demonic maw that seems to draw in the light like a cavernous void.

>>45830550
I can relate. I threw out my back this morning, but I still had to go to work with this shit. /Dear god, kill me now./

>>45835264
You mean a shield that devours light, since smoke is a particulate and not just darkness.

And if you look right at it you can go blind as it eats your sight.

>>45835829
Oh holy shit, its like Athena's Aegis, made from the head of Medusa.

I'm up. morning shit, coffee, then writing.

>>45834865
Blowing unique materials on consumables is never a good move. If a gorgerbone crossbow can impart that sort of effect to ordinary bolts, I'm all for it, but just making bolts directly would be a waste. Nobody would ever vote to use them, for fear we'd need them later.

Called, writing. It's been a weird few days. I maybe should have started this back up on a day I didn't have to work.

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>>45815277
You mull the possibilities. "Shield?" you propose, at last. "I'd need to keep my hands free, mind."

Travis raises an eyebrow, until you show him your gloves. The smith lets out a low whistle. "I can see why. I can get you settled, yeah. Which leaves us to discuss the matter of payment."

"Figured," you agree. "Plus you can't start until the forges are hot again."

"That too," Travis agrees. "I'll work for the unused scraps...and a favor."

"What kind of favor?" you ask, suspicious.

"I left some things in the Steel Market before the Traitor's forces took the place over. I'd like those things back. No, wait," Travis holds a hand up to silence your objection. "I'll do my end up front. You'll have your shield to protect you, and all I'll have is your word."

You bite your lip to keep from protesting that your word is your bond. "...It wouldn't just be myself I'm risking with that."

"I understand," the smith notes. "But that's my price."

> Agree
> Refuse

AND

> Stay near Travis while you wait (send Amy to eavesdrop)
> Explore the Pit while you wait (keep Amy near Travis)
> Have Fetch explore the Pit

I'm being Friendship Kidnapped so the next update may be delayed.

>>45839112
>Agree
no promises on 100% mint condition, though. Stray bullets and all that.

>Stay near Travis while you wait (send Amy to eavesdrop)
> Have Fetch explore the Pit

Definitely delayed.

Slow day so far...

>>45839112
> Agree
> Stay near Travis while you wait (send Amy to eavesdrop)

>Agree
>Stay near Travis while you wait (send Amy to eavesdrop)
Can't think of a better course.

>>45839112
> Agree
> Stay near Travis while you wait (send Amy to eavesdrop)

Maybe we can learn something on both ends?

>>45839112
>>45839154

HOLY SHIT VOX IM CAUGHT UP.

I spent about three week perusing your quest while I work (I work for a delivery company so I'd read in my downtime), and I'm finally live!

Love your quest dude. Excited that now I'll be able to contribute.

>>45839112

> Agree

> Have Fetch explore the Pit

>>45839112
>"What sort of things?"
Hopefully he isn't asking us to go and recover his 300lb toolset or something.

Rolled 5750 (1d9999)

>>45839112
>> Agree
>> Have Fetch explore the Pit

>>45839112
>Agree.
I'm sure Amy and River understand, and we're trying to free New Hell anyway, so we have to loosen the Traitor's power base before we go to fight her. Once that's done, River can find an illusionist and perform her summoning (I still vote for Miles and a couple female incubi; succubi are sorcerers, and we're a party of fighters) so we can confuse Natalia and make her visions a weakness instead of a strength.

>>45839112
>>45840903
Oops. Forgot the second half of the vote.
>Have Sir Fetch and his brothers explore the Pit.

I'm sure that they're small and quiet enough to remain unnoticed, and anything curious that Fetch finds can be shared with Nate, Amy and River as well as being relayed to Brianna through her link (for example, what exactly is being built here in New Hell for the other Chain-Holders).

Hey Vox, is River thinking about a creating a familiar? The next level is a verdant garden (or at least it's /supposed/ to be, we have no idea what The Lush has done with it), so there'll be plenty of opportunities for catching and minionization of little critters.

Bumpin'.

Heading home. Will update then.

>>45838128
You can recover arrows and arrowheads irl.

>>45839112
>> Agree

>> Add a "plus expenses" clause in case we suffer extensively in getting his shit back.

> Have Fetch explore the Pit

>>45843190
Sometimes. Still have to find 'em, which is hard if they don't land where intended.

I return! Called, writing. I must say, mildly surprised that you've chosen to (at least temporarily) spare the Pit; I figured its cooperation with Natalia would get it on the hit list.

>>45840257
Welcome to the quest, my friend! Always glad to see a new reader. Did anything in particular stand out as good? Bad? Do you have a favorite character or scene?

>>45840990
> Hey Vox, is River thinking about a creating a familiar? The next level is a verdant garden (or at least it's /supposed/ to be, we have no idea what The Lush has done with it), so there'll be plenty of opportunities for catching and minionization of little critters.

She's pondering it, but wants to give it serious consideration. With Fetch on hand to learn about and from, River's treating creating a familiar as a decision with great gravity, not because of its potential utility - Fetch, after all, is useful as hell - but because she's not sure what part of herself will be expressed and if she's ready to confront her inner demons in that way.

>>45843308
This.

>>45844185
Lark/River romance pastebin when Vox?

>>45844185
>Anything stand out as good?
Aside from your stamina, I'd say your ability to subtly impy ambience through your descriptions of the Dungeon environments. For instance the oppressive heat of New Hell feels real to me, and trust me, living on the Gulf Coast, I'm familiar with oppressive heat.

>Favorite Character
Hm. Aside from BEST KNIGHT, and the main 3 characters, I really like River and Silence. I like your take on Fae, and I enjoy seeing River's character growth from afar. I also REALLY like the Caretaker and hope to see more with him in it.

Don't really care for Cherry, honestly

>favorite scene
Hard one. I actually liked the scenes with the Rose Cultists in the Lichyard, as well as the conversations with the ancestors on that floor as well.

>>45844185
What about a shadow? She could always get her own demon shade to follow her around. Though..yeah, same problem as Brianna. She can't risk upgrading it without having the proper discipline and control to restrain it.

I actually think River getting a familiar would open us up to a side of her we haven't seen. Like that little girl who used to sing beneath the trees and dream of grand adventures.

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>>45839112
You sigh, then nod, at last. "You've got a deal, though if this ends up rough you can bet your ass that I'll expect you to cover expenses."

"We'll handle that when we get there," Travis agrees. "I can't start yet anyway, though I can get the plans drawn up..."

The smith moves to get parchment and a charcoal pencil, and Amy steps closer to you in the meantime.

"This on the level?" she asks.

"I'll keep my word," you confirm. "Think you can mingle?"

"Definitely," the half-harpy says with a grin. "It's weird to be around this much flame and not be afraid for my wings. Thanks, again, for...for these."

Amy's metal wings pull you into a warm hug, and you feel the pleasant heat rise in your cheeks. "It was my privilege."

"It was selfless and awesome, Nate," Amy corrects.

"Yes ma'am."

"Have fun," she advises, before letting you go and bouncing away. "Heroes..."

Travis clears his throat behind you, significantly. "Shall we?"

Measurements are taken, plans laid out, and work begun on the parts of the shield that won't require the forges up and running. Despite the situation you're in, you're actually excited. You haven't seen a master work with demonic materials before - it should prove educational.

> You are River la Croix, finishing your summoning
> You are Amy the Dungeonbreaker, mingling in the Pit
> You are Nathan Bookchild, a few hours later

>>45846266
>> You are River la Croix, finishing your summoning

>>45846266
> You are Brianna la Croix, and you have made entirely more healing potions than you'd ever need for when the others return. You need a hobby.

or

> You are Amy the Dungeonbreaker, mingling in the Pit

>>45846266
>> You are Amy the Dungeonbreaker, mingling in the Pit

>>45846266
>You are River la Croix, finishing your summoning.
It would prove interesting to see how these things work.

>>45846266
> You are River la Croix, finishing your summoning

>>45846266
> You are River la Croix, finishing your summoning

Making coffee, will call the vote shortly.

Called, writing.

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>>45846266
You are River la Croix, and Robert is not being helpful.

<You're absolutely certain that this is the right choice of demon?> you ask him, for the fifth time. The circle is prepared and marked with faint lines of your own blood - your hand, beneath its bandages, twinges - and all is made ready to open a path between Hell and the Iron Lands, but you cannot help but think you're being played.

<It's the name I'll give you, girl> Robert chides. <You've chosen to walk this path. You've chosen to argue in favor of using this power. Now you need to learn if you can handle it. Do not think that I failed to notice your choice to invoke the balefire.>

<I had good reasons!> you protest.

<Yes> Robert agrees. <But you did it. You have been a talented student, River. You have been dedicated, eager, and dutiful, and I am mindful of these things. But you have also been learning at a more intense pace than most apprentices, without the time given to them to breathe and live their own lives. Your talent for sacrifice concerns me.>

You let out a worried breath, then nod. <I. I can see that. I'm spending the coin of my life pretty freely...>

<And often those who learn swiftly reach beyond their grasp> Robert adds. <You think I am testing you? I /am/. I am testing your control and your conviction. I am testing your willingness to not be the person dragged before me on trial. I am testing how you handle the burden of power and what it means to you. You take well to the powers of death and destruction...and yet, curiously, your interest in demonic sorceries is almost entirely creative.>

<I've always been good at killing> you murmur, sadly. <I. I'll work on the other stuff more. I haven't /ignored/ it, it's just ->

<Harder. I know - I was the same way. Let the summoning commence, River la Croix.>

You take a deep breath and set your offering in the center of the circle - a small wooden statuette, depicting a nude woman in ecstasy.

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>>45850091
There are many methods to summon demons, some easier than others. Many are held to be heretical rituals, blasphemous to the gods, but you aren't so sure about that one.

The way scholars looking into the matter keep turning up dead is a bit of a clue.

The method you've chosen is favored by demonologists for giving breathing room. At the end of the incantation, the demon will be constrained to the circle for six minutes while you negotiate and, hopefully, bind it in oaths. If you can't, you can banish it while it's trapped. Of course, many demons take that time to distract their summoners, or seduce them into overstepping the time limit, leading to dead or compromised sorcerers and at least six days of a loose demon before it gets dragged back to Hell.

That's not going to be you. You're smarter than that, and better taught, and...and...

And you're not going to let Brianna and Robert down, so /there/.

The last of the incantation crosses your lips, along with a name - Darshan. The pathway opens, calling up the demon you named.

Darshan is a tall, tiger-headed man in formal robes, broad of shoulder and muscular. He regards you for a moment, and you're glad of the hood that conceals your face because you're pretty sure you're blushing in irritation at the scrutiny.

Then he transforms into a comely elf, with coppery hair and an intrigued expression.

"Who is this, that calls upon the Sultan of Lights?" the demon purrs.

"My name is River la Croix, Darshan," you answer, curtly. The demon lurches as his name forces him back into his true form.

> "Let me make something clear..."
> "There's no need for games."
> "Do you remember a Robert la Croix?"

>>45850711
>> "Let me make something clear..."

We have six minutes. Let's not waste 'em.

>>45850711
> "There's no need for games."
> "Do you remember a Robert la Croix?"

>>45850711
>> "Let me make something clear..."

He wants to drag us into his games, and he'll play them either way, but he'll also try to negotiate his side at the same time because these demons usually don't want to be in hell.

>>45850711
Damn I love Rakshasa and can't for the life of me explain why.

>>45850711
> "Let me make something clear..."

>>45850711
>"Let me make something clear..."
Don't mention Robert, and as little time as we have, play along with the game. We need to earn SOME respect before dropping Robert's name.

>>45850711
>> "Let me make something clear..."

>>45850711
> Reverse seduction.

Start stripping each time you ask a question. But do it intentionally really badly so that it bothers the demon at just how bad we are.

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>>45852100
...Wat.

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>>45852100

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>>45852100

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>>45852100

>>45850711

> "Let me make something clear..."

Gonna be honest, I'm having trouble focusing and I don't have more coffee. I'm probably gonna turn in early tonight; votes will be called in the morning.

As always, questions, comments, feedback, discussion, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>45852885
So, on a scale of one to ten, how badly would >>45852100's plan go?

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>>45853000
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Kt_8m1pJejjjANeNdv5x5kNuWjemRlOMgTOUKc0RGzk/edit?usp=sharing

> Rakshasa
Sorcerous, shapeshifting demons known for their tendency to tempt and betray mortals with promises of political power or forbidden knowledge. Rakshasa are predators with a strong sexual streak and prefer to seduce their prey before eating it alive. Holy symbols force a rakshasa into its true form, as will their name.

>>45853074
How does a ghost get tired?

>>45853074
Why the hell didn't we have a Holy symbol set up for this? Seems like that should be standard equipment for Raksacks

>>45853248
That one I can likely answer and get mostly right.

It takes energy to pierce the veil and act upon the living world in any meaningful manner. If a ghost overexerts it gets ""tired"". for the weaker of them that might just come by manifesting too long.

>>45853638
She's using his name for that.

>>45850711
>> "Do you remember a Robert la Croix?"

>>45850711
>"There's no need for games."
We can play twenty questions with the deceitful demon later. First we make it swear to do no harm, both direct and indirect, to ourselves and the people of New Hell. Then we can figure out what kind of illusory mischief we want him to cook up for Natalia's unavoidable viewing pleasure.

If he want's to know /where/ we got his true name from, we can re-introduce him to Robert. And it's not like the overgrown fuzzball should be surprised; Robert /is/ a la Croix.

So, any ideas on what kind of illusions to create? I'm stumped (although to be fair, it is /way/ past my bed time).

Also, would the Rakshasa be pleased at all (and maybe a bit more cooperative) to know that Amy freed one of his cousins from a cruel binding? At the very least it would let him know we aren't assholes who wound bind him or force him to scrub the floors of an abbey for a century.

> "Let me make something clear..."

Straight to the point, the clock is ticking.

Also, it suddenly occurs to me how WEIRD it is to summon a sentient being at basically random. Like, being a demon, one morning you eat breakfast and suddenly boom. Summoning circle. 50 years of floor scrubbing. See ya. Back to eating breakfast.

Do demons even have fixed homes/houses if they can disappear for a hundred years at a time? What does it even look like to be to be effectively immortal? Isn't Hell gonna get pretty full pretty quickly? (Or do demons not reproduce?)

The mind; she boggles.

>>45853074
Hey Vox, just popping up to see if you've had the time to read the fic I posted. Take your time, it's not gonna go away.

>>45850711
>"There's no need for games."

>>45850711
>"Let me make something clear..."
I do not want to pet this kitty.

>>45850711
>> "Let me make something clear..."

Take a firm line, right from the start. Do /not/ mess around where rakshasa are concerned.

I'm awake. Morning Shit, coffee, writing.

>>45857587
...Man, can you imagine how many succubi get summoned nude and dripping with fluids of dubious provenance because they were /busy/ when they got called?

Morning shit done, coffee acquired, writing.

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>>45850711
You dig out one of your cigarettes and light it, as much for the image of casual disregard as for the fact that you're quietly stressing the fuck out.

"Let me make something clear," you tell Darshan, flatly. "I am not some callow apprentice, to get caught in her fantasies or seduced into your stomach."

"Spoken like a callow apprentice," the rakshasa drawls.

You snap a pair of words in elvish, and the circle flares with silver light that makes Darshan recoil and hiss in agony.

"Enough! Enough!" the demon pleads, and you murmur the counterspell that removes the painful light.

"We can do this like respectful equals, or we can do this like a summoner and her slave. Pick."

"You've had a good teacher, apprentice," the rakshasa compliments, genuine despite the pain in his voice. "What is it you wish of the Sultan of Lights?"

"My compatriots and I have need of skillful and cunning illusions. I'm informed that you're a master of the craft," you compliment back. "I would treat with you for those services."

"For what length of time?" Darshan asks, formally.

"One lunar week, beginning at the agreement of the contract," you reply, quickly.

"One lunar month," the demon haggles back.

You quirk an eyebrow. "You want to serve for /longer/, O Sultan? Seems demeaning for royalty."

"I can smell the scent of war and betrayal," the rakshasa growls, eagerly. "Something terrible is in the making, here and within the Dungeon, and I want to see it."

You fold your arms across your chest. "And you think you can get that in my service?"

"I know I can," the cat demon purrs. "You know the ways of my kind. I am a predator, and I must be fed. And if I must be fed, I may as well be used in battle."

"Thus handily giving you the opportunity to run loose," you say coolly.

"That," the demon says haughtily, "is up to you. Not confident in your ability to identify your friends from your foes, apprentice?"

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>>45863027
You exhale smoke from your nose, as you've seen Brianna do when she's frustrated, and find that it honestly does make you feel a bit better.

"Or we could do this like adults, and leave the option to banish you open if you can't behave," you note.

"Only if I may also leave if I'm being mistreated," Darshan shoots back.

"Agreeable." Your ears twitch, moving your hood slightly. "Which brings us to payment."

"A night in your bed," the rakshasa says immediately.

"Try again," you retort. "That never ends well, and in any event I'm more than a little done with cheap, meaningless sex."

"Excuse me," Darshan protests. "I am /expensive/ meaningless sex."

"Granted," you agree, to move the negotiations forward. "Clock's ticking, demon."

"...Forge for me, or have forged for me, an item of power to aid in my spellcraft and powers of deception, given freely to me to be mine own."

> Seal the deal
> Counter-offer
> Banish the demon and try a different one
> Decide against using a demon after all and let Nate know you canceled when he gets back

>>45863144

> Seal the deal

I imagine we'll be owed some favors after all this is over, so getting him his item shouldn't be too difficult.

>>45863144
>> Seal the deal
>> Counter-offer

Sort of a blend of the two:

> Fair enough, but the specifics of the item, including who forges it, are up to me and the smith to determine.

Ideally, we can come up with an item that will aid his spellcraft and powers of deception (thus fulfilling the bargain) while doing something to channel them to productive ends. Some sort of condition on its use, maybe.

>>45863144
>Counter-offer
>Can we give him such an item, but make its power limited in some way to make to prevent innocent victims?
I am not very good at deal making, how would he feel about those hellish cigars?
>>45863335
Also seems good.

>>45863144
>Make sure that you won't be screwed over somehow by finicky clauses in the contract
>Seal the deal
I'm not opposed to the deal, but I want to make sure that Darshan won't screw us over.

>>45853074
>Rakshasa are predators with a strong sexual streak and prefer to seduce their prey before eating it alive
according to this here, I'm not really liking this guy wanting to stay for /longer/.

>>45863144
>> Banish the demon and try a different one
So I gotta ask, is this an 'acceptable' practice like channel surfing and nobody cares, or is it like a horrible offense to do this kinda thing?

Oh, and whichever route we chose to go could we name drop Robert?

>>45863144
Rakshasa aren't a fucking joke, are they?

Also, supporting this; >>45863335
Because we are NOT giving the One Ring to the snarky cat demon.

>>45850091
Just a tidbit to keep in mind from Robert
><And often those who learn swiftly reach beyond their grasp> Robert adds. <You think I am testing you? I /am/. I am testing your control and your conviction. I am testing your willingness to not be the person dragged before me on trial. I am testing how you handle the burden of power and what it means to you. You take well to the powers of death and destruction...and yet, curiously, your interest in demonic sorceries is almost entirely creative.>

>>45863335
> Supporting this

Called, writing.

Keep in mind, this might be a trap. If he can influence us with his illusions /without/ us being aware of it, he could break loose or any other number of very horrible things.

Okay, off to gainful employment. DON'T GET ANY OF US KILLED!

>>45864699
Which is our responsibility to define

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>>45863144
You mull it over quickly - the clock ticking is as much a threat for you as it is for him, after all.

"My offer," you begin, formally. You take the cigarette from your mouth so that you can speak more clearly. "You, Darshan, shall serve me for a period not to exceed one lunar month, or until dismissed, or until you resign for reasons of neglectful or cruel treatment, beginning at the conclusion of this deal. You will do battle with my enemies, protect my friends and family, and weave illusions and sorceries at my command, to the best of your ability to do so, and otherwise protect and promote my interests to the extent that you are able. You will avoid the mortal crimes of rape and molestation during your service, even against my enemies. In exchange I will see to your care and feeding during your service and have forged for you an item of power that will aid and enhance your powers of sorcery and deception, in proportion with your courtesy and usefulness during this service and to specifications determined by myself, the smith, and our available materials."

Darshan growls at your addendum, but you can see him thinking it over.

"Do we have a deal?" you ask. "Thirty seconds, Darshan."

"I, Darshan, the Sultan of Lights, accept your offer, summoner," the demon says quickly, offering his hand out. You clasp it firmly and feel the oath seal; it surges through the circle and undoes the binding as the oath-bond settles in to permit the rakshasa's presence in this world.

"For all future reference, altering my perceptions or that of my friends, loved ones, or allies without my explicit request is not in my interest," you note. "I'm an honest girl."

"Noted," Darshan purrs. "How shall I address you, summoner?"

"Miss River works," you answer, wryly.

>>45865198
Were all going to die

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>>45865198
"One more question, Miss River - how did you find my name? I know you to be an apprentice - I can smell it on your soul, the lightest dustings of infernal sorcery and necromancy. You feel like one who has plunged her arm into the darkness, and yet you display cunning and concern. None of the wanton cruelty I'm used to seeing from those who dare to summon one such as myself, no requests for secret knowledge or exaltation in the eyes of your peers."

You pull back your hood, gently, and flick the butt of your cigarette away. "Do you smoke?"

Darshan transforms, once more, into the form of a comely elf man in tough traveling clothes. "At times."

You hand the rakshasa a cigarette and light a new one of your own. "My past is my business, and will only be yours if - /if/ - we become friends, rather than business associates. But my master is Robert la Croix."

You chuckle as you watch the blood drain from the shapeshifting demon's face and witness the expression of terror in his eyes.

<You've done well> Robert compliments.

<Thank you, master> you answer, pleased with yourself.

"Now, excuse me while I tell my imp the news..."

* * * *

You are Nathan Bookchild, and the forges are finally hot again. The all-clear from the Black Anvils had been met with cheering from the Pit, followed by an immediate stoking of the fires. Travis works to shape your shield, the demonic metal responding almost eagerly to the forge-fire.

"I hadn't expected this to be so quick," you note.

"Demonic steel /wants/ to be forged," Travis explains. "It lives to be shaped, to be used and useful. It's part of why it's such a pleasure to work with."

"Intriguing," you note, meaning it.

"Sir," Zachary notes, from your shoulder. "Miss River reports that she has been successful and awaits your pleasure while she gets to know her newest partner."

"...Define partner," you say slowly.

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>>45865352
"Business partner, in an arrangement of mutual agreement and benefit," Zachary tells you, primly.

You let out a relieved sigh. "Excellent. We'll meet up with her shortly - can you relay a message back?"

"Gladly," the imp answers, politely.

"Please inform her that we'll return within the hour, and that we have an oath to fulfill at the Steel Market. She should make preparations consistent with stealth and, potentially, a fighting retreat."

Zachary folds his tiny wings and begins murmuring to himself.

"Do you care to name your shield?" Travis asks, carving faint runes into its rim.

> Name it (What?)
> Let Travis name it

AND

> Go get Amy immediately
> Let her come back to you

>>45865430
>> Let Travis name it
we don't know much about the shield, so...
>> Let her come back to you

>>45865430
Adapt, that's what the gorge did and sounds useful. If not then I like the sound of Consume
>Let her come back to you