>>3463915
“So, whatcha gonna do there! Are there gonna be big colosseum fights? Are you gonna do onna those big ‘jousty’ tournaments an’ stuff? Or the big champion fight things?”

“Uh, all in due time, miss…” the Prince says quickly. “However, it won’t be ready for, uh...a bit, you see…”

“Psh, yeah, duh! I know that!” She laughs off. “That’ll give us plenty of time to go capture the Destroyer! Speaking of, we should probably get going!”

“Wait a sec. How are you doing as far as supplies?” You don’t really think they’re threats, which is partially why you’re pointing this out at all. That doesn’t stop a groan or two which you’re pretty sure came from some of the lizards.

The other reason is Izumi looking at you like they’re poor lost puppies she wants to rescue. “Oh, we’re tough! We’ll live off the land! And just in case, I packed sandwiches and bread! They’ll last us for days! In fact, we ate before setting off, so we’ll be fine for at least the rest of the day!”

...ah. Tsk.

> “...well, y’know what? Good luck out there.”
> “It’s REALLY not safe out there, y’know. You sure you don’t want to wait until things settle down for good?”
> ...Why do you feel this odd sense of righteous indignation not from yourself?

>>3463916
> “...well, y’know what? Good luck out there.”

>>3463916
>> “...well, y’know what? Good luck out there.”

>>3463916
> “It’s REALLY not safe out there, y’know. You sure you don’t want to wait until things settle down for good?”

>>3463916
>“...well, y’know what? Good luck out there.”

>>3463916
> “It’s REALLY not safe out there, y’know. You sure you don’t want to wait until things settle down for good?”
They're simple-minded, but if we keep them around we might learn something.

>>3463916
>> ...Why do you feel this odd sense of righteous indignation not from yourself?

>>3463916
> “It’s REALLY not safe out there, y’know. You sure you don’t want to wait until things settle down for good?”

Draw, will flip for it in a couple more minutes.

>>3463916
>> “...well, y’know what? Good luck out there.”
> ...Why do you feel this odd sense of righteous indignation not from yourself?

Rolled 1 (1d2)

1: Yeaaaah bye.
>>3463934
>>3463940
>>3463955

2: Holdupaminute
>>3463953
>>3463957
>>3463984

>>3464017
Oh well. Wonder why Izumi didn't take more initiative.

>>3464017
Oh well, but I'm pretty sure we're missing out. We can always overwhelm them if they plan to try something.

>>3464024
>>3464017
Can I vote for this?

>>3464029
Never fear, they're too charmingly incompetent to vanish forever, they'll bumble back across us again, probably at Ravenholm. Chased by were-pumas or something

We should at least point then out to the Inn thise blackwebs recently opend.

>>3464243
That could be a good idea.

>>3464243
Ye, point them away from where we're going hopefully keep them out of harms way. Oh and hopefully away from anyone they might snitch to.

>>3464017
Yeeeeaahhh...kids they may be, but they ain’t your kids. Also incredibly stupid. Your kids are smarter than that. They’d laugh at these two. Maybe not bully them (Tami maybe), but they’d be at the bottom of the pecking order. “Mmm. Well, y’know what? Good luck out there. It’s dangerous.” You don’t miss the look Izumi gives you in response.

“Yeah, but we’re tough!” She crows. “Don’t worry, we’ll be back in time for the games! C’mon, Bechel!”

“Right! This is gonna be awesome!” He crows, and the two of them rear up like a cowgirl and her faithful steed, before starting to gallop away.

“Wait!” Izumi yells out, finally, causing the two to brake- and for Topi to nearly fly of Bechel. You were wondering if she was actually going to say anything or not, honestly. “At the very least try your way toward the...what village was it again?” She looks to you for clarification. “Where those other two were?” Wait, what does she- oh!”

“Oh, right. Guess that’d be a decent place to, uh…” wait, why did she want to direct them there?

“Have them develop a base of operations and, ah, look for clues? Yes.” Ah. You get the feeling that that’s not actually what she means, by her expression. The place is sleepy and dull, by what you recalled, but you didn’t exactly stay there. If she wanted to get them out of the way, though... right, that would be a good idea. Now, if you can recall where it is…

“...somewhere around here,” you point out after opening the map and searching a bit, to their wonder.

“Got it! We’ll investigate! C'mon, Bechel, let’s rumble!” Topi cheers, and then the two gallop away, with little more fanfare. Izumi frons, but says no more.

“Strange, they were.” Thorumin notes. “Although if nothing else a heartening example.”

“Of what?” Za-Leil asks. “Persistence?”

“Incompetence, my dear boy!” Thorumin chuckles. “I daresay we’d have little to fear from those two. Now then, shall we carry on?” You find it hard to find fault with his summation.

>Focus on getting to Ravenholm.
>Wonder if Zatzil or Lipsa know anything about those two…
>How IS Izumi holding up, actually?
>Other

>>3465759
>How IS Izumi holding up, actually?

>>3465759
>>How IS Izumi holding up, actually?

>>3465759
>>How IS Izumi holding up, actually?
That pair was funny, but if we'd kept them with us we'd then have to tie up people keeping them out out trouble. Sending them along was a good idea though.

>>3465759
>Wonder if Zatzil or Lipsa know anything about those two…

All green over here?

Writing.

>>3465759
>>3465776
>>3465799
>>3465808
Hm. All things considered, as you march on, Izumi’s been relatively quiet lately; mostly content, but otherwise… Well, that, and you should probably talk a bit more. “Hey.” She looks over idly. “Things holding okay with you?”

She blinks once, before sighing and smiling lightly. “I suppose they’re well enough. Although if I’m being honest, I was hoping you’d be willing to perhaps look after those two.” Ah. Before you can give your reasoning, however, she finishes for you, frowning at a thought. “Although, perhaps it wouldn’t have been the best idea, considering what we’re about to march into. Ah, I suppose I’m just wondering, is all.”

Huh. Not the answer you expected. “Wondering? About what?”

“Well...I’m just wondering what the situation will be, closer in. We’re being drained of our energy, little by little. It’s...a touch unnerving.” Understatement. But you can definitely understand it. “And aside from that, well...just all the little things. Back home, how things will turn out once we’re finished here. Nothing too important, though.”

“Well, it’s clearly important to you, so that’s good enough to worry about,” you say before you can really think about it. Although, in the space between her physically stopping in surprise and you looking back and shrugging, you’ve decided that you mean that.

The two of you spend the rest of the march alternately discussing various this and thats back home (occasionally in something of a codespeak, hidden meanings akin to thieves’ cant), although mentioning your mentoring of three children you decide is harmless enough, and even gets a nearby soldier or two going in surprise, and eventually gets them talking about their own children they’re hoping to see again (which inwardly makes you cringe, and you see a similar look on Izumi’s face as well).

The days and nights are hot and cold, respectively, regardless of the dark tint everything takes the closer you get to Ravenholm. It’s almost like you’re in a den of shadows by the time you see the city limits in the distance.

And the regular colored, yet clearly sizeable fire quite literally billowing up from it.

>Roll 3d100, best of three.

(Will be off for a couple hours as warned. Be back later.)

Rolled 1, 96, 52 = 149 (3d100)

>>3465923

Rolled 32, 11, 50 = 93 (3d100)

>>3465923
>eventually gets them talking about their own children they’re hoping to see again (which inwardly makes you cringe, and you see a similar look on Izumi’s face as well).
deathflags go!

Rolled 35, 62, 17 = 114 (3d100)

>>3465923

Rolled 48, 39, 55 = 142 (3d100)

>>3465923

Oh hey, the last thread is not archived yet.

Rolled 83, 98, 53 = 234 (3d100)

>>3465923

>>3466052
Archived it.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3431273/

Got bored, checked the Unofficial Item Checklist, saw we had gotten knives from the gangland hitman job (AKA the BLEACH IN SPAGHETTI job), and decided to write a weapon description for something Miranda will probably never use for it's intended purpose. Hope it's description is fun enough to add in.

>RCB Snap Switchblade
>Intimidation +1 (+2 against unarmed victims and decent people, -1 against hardened criminals, law enforcement, and anyone armed with anything bigger), Hothead +1

>Carried by muggers and lowlives throughout the world of Arleain, the Ribbel Craft Blades Snap earns it's name for the distinctive "Snap" it makes when it's blade locks in place. While the sound may be noticed by creatures and beings with above average hearing, the Snap's unfortunate association with muggers and youth gangs has given it a bit of an advantage when dealing with decent (and unarmed) folks, as well as it's small size for pocketing it after use. Against seasoned crooks and law enforcement, however, one should pack something heavier.

>>3465935
>>3465940
>>3465951
Back. Well, there's a plus there, the other two, not so much.

Writing.

>>3466296
>>3466514
Thanks, and I like it!

>>3466643
No problem, boss. Gonna try and write one out for another knife and the giant axe, as well as the new swords, whip, and buckler once I find out what enchantments they have. Possibly Ferrah's helmet too, if we can fix it.

>>3466643
Already you’re curious, and you’re far from alone. “What on earth could’ve caused this?”

“A number of things,” you shoot back. “MY question is if it was intentional, and are they still there?”

Almost as in preparation to answer your question, there’s a massive *bang* as something impacts the ground in the town, and you see a pair of dust plumes rise in the distance down below. “I’d wager yes,” you venture. “We charging in or you want me to check it out, first?”

“A scouting maneuver would be prudent,” Braun agrees.

“We have little time to tarry,” Thorumin objects. “Whatever’s going on down there, it’s clearly harmful. Generally I can appreciate a bit of investigation, but this seems like a rather urgent situation to me!”

> “I’ll take a peek and be back in a second. Always better to know exactly what we’re dealing with, in these times.”
> “We have enough force on our side to make whoever’s causing a ruckus down there cut it out. Your men are getting tired and hungry. Don’t want them to have to fight on an emptier stomach than necessary, right?”
> “Hylinde, feel like taking a peek down there and seeing what you can see? I’ll be ready and waiting just in case someone doesn’t feel good about a third-party.”
>Other

>>3466773
> “I’ll take a peek and be back in a second. Always better to know exactly what we’re dealing with, in these times.”

>>3466773
> “I’ll take a peek and be back in a second. Always better to know exactly what we’re dealing with, in these times.”

>>3466773
>> “I’ll take a peek and be back in a second. Always better to know exactly what we’re dealing with, in these times.”
Don't need a deep look, just long enough to get a rough understanding.

>>3466675
Did more things, including statting the Alban metal we got all the way back in #5. Hope it's okay.

>RCB Outrider Survival Knife
>Intimidation +1, Hothead -2

>A well made product from Ribbel Craft Blades, the Outrider was originally intended to be included with the Havershanian Royal Air Force's pilot's survival kit, and was successful enough through testing that it was adopted by Havershan's other military branches. A fixed blade, single edge knife with a saw edge on the opposite side, it's hollow water-sealed handle can store a few water purification tablets, a compass, waterproof matches, and a sharpening tool, with enough room for a small note for top secret misson orders or final messages to loved ones to be stored in. Additional room can be made by removing the bespoke tools and their housing.

>Calamity Hound's Axe
>Intimidation +3, Plainness -2

>A large axe formerly wielded by a mercenary known as Rita, the Calamity Hound. Forged centuries ago alongside the power armor that Rita would wear, the axe would serve a ceremonial role as a badge of office for guardians of the leadership of the long dead civilization that created it. After that civilization faded, Rita and her sister Erin, on a ruin dive with the Lucchese crime family, would find and repair the power armors holding these axes, and would soon after start making their names among the families as savage, ruthless guns-for-hire. The axe itself might have some properties that can only be activated when used with the power armor, but for now, they remain a mystery.

>Tenimbaum Metal of Defense
>Otherworldly +1, Plainness -2

>>3466773
>How about we all head there at our respective speeds, and when your army arrives, they can either set up camp or bail us out

>>3466949
>Alban Metal
Auto-correct, not even once.

Hold on, did we miss out on our chance to recharge ourselves from condensers?

>>3467131
I think we're using them automatically to compensate for the mana drain

>>3466773
>>3466783
>>3466813
>>3466853
You try to assuage the rabbit’s worries. “I’ll just take a peek and be back in a second. Always better to know exactly what we’re dealing with, in these times.” Ideally, you wouldn’t be seen and would just be able to see what all the ruckus is without getting anyone on your case. He doesn’t say anything, but at this point, he doesn’t really need to, especially after you get a nod from both Braun and the Prince.

“Let me know if there’s something critical,” Izumi says. With that, you take a few hops, and quickly make your way down towards the city limits.

There’s little in the way of any guards- likely because everyone there is currently in a panic over the flames. Screams and crying erupts, and you have to admit, you find yourself curious what caused this, especially so close to Lord Kolm’s seat of power.

Suddenly, a loud clanging noise of metal on metal. “GRAAAH!”

A blur of a body goes flying past the area of the street you can see, and for a moment you have to brush off the surprise. Whatever’s around here is clearly a bruiser…

You slip around one of the buildings to keep out of sight of whatever might’ve done that as you hear footsteps, in order to get a look at the victim trying to haul themselves off the gravel. It’s a Weaver, clearly... but it’s dressed in strange, skintight garb from the waist up, coming to wrap around both their hands and head thickly. It’s a long, violet haired one, and while she doesn’t seem as large as Ferrah, she’s clearly sizeable in her own right. Nearby is a sword, dripping with a strange, black ichor, and- ah.

The big guy in the black armor. Yeah, that’s most likely the culprit. And more importantly...you’d bet motes to muffins that he’s this blood knight you’d been warned about. What was his name again...damnit, you’d heard one of them you’d heard them all and now all you can remember is ‘really strong evil knight’. That’s gonna bug you for a while.

“Your skills are lacking, vermin,” the warrior says with a deep, raspy voice. You can’t see his face- you’re looking at him from the back, and even then, he’s got a full helm on. “Poisons and duplicity can only go so far. As you can now see.”

“And who is to say that they have not worked?” Wow, her voice is far more...tinny, than the last two. “Even now you waste away, ignoring such due to your own pride.”

(cont.)

>>3467163
“My body is well-honed. No poisons can disrupt it. No lies can direct it.” He says this last bit with a growl. “You have made a foolish mistake, and fouled my honor as a warrior…” and suddenly his foot lifts, and brings it down on one of her legs with a sickening crunch as she yowls in pain. “...and so you shall pay in tribute of blood, O Poisoner Malis.”

...Well, damnit. That’s part of your secondary right there.

>Current Mana: 7,500/12,500 (Extra Mana Usage)

>Well...sucks, but no reason to get involved from a certain standpoint. You can convince Zatzil to part with her loot another way.
>This is annoying, but just to make sure...you might have to interject here. What can you say? You like money.
>Hm. Could you kill both? You might be able to kill both. Or at least kill one and cripple the other.
>Other

>>3467172
>Well...sucks, but no reason to get involved from a certain standpoint. You can convince Zatzil to part with her loot another way.

Does it matter who humiliates her, if we humiliate the knight afterwards?

>>3467172
>This is annoying, but just to make sure...you might have to interject here. What can you say? You like money.

>"Pardon me, you're Khaon, right? I need her alive, at least long enough for her to be humiliated in order to lose the respect of her clan, and thus humiliate Mistress Zai by association. I'm willing to negotiate for her, so long as she lives and is in my hands."

>>3467172
>Well...sucks, but no reason to get involved from a certain standpoint. You can convince Zatzil to part with her loot another way.

Eh i would rather go back and do the job the right way intead of getting in trouble for figthing two commanders

>>3467172
>>Hm. Could you kill both? You might be able to kill both. Or at least kill one and cripple the other.
Prioritize the secondary, but this guy will clearly be an issue after if not dealt with now. And he ought to be distracted and hopefully those poisons are doing something.

>>3467172
>Report to Izumi via murmur stone
>This is annoying, but just to make sure...you might have to interject here. What can you say? You like money.

>>3467199
Support, but we can do it from a position of power, such as a rooftop perch, be all batman villian-esque. before we land amongst them

>>3467172
>7,500/12,500
We only picked up 1,000 mana over several days, even with the condenser? That's... not good.

>>3467231
well we're sharing it with Izumi

>>3467243
She has her own condenser, the extra capacity+durability one.

>Handlers says we will need to watch our mana
>People want to go and face two of the enemy commanders

Well could be worst they could have a entire army supporting then.

>>3467172
>Well...sucks, but no reason to get involved from a certain standpoint. You can convince Zatzil to part with her loot another way.

Well, she did ask us to ge rid of them no matter what we did. Doing nothing perfectly falls under that clause.

>>3467172
>>This is annoying, but just to make sure...you might have to interject here. What can you say? You like money.
If we were going to extort her for the cash, we should have done it before we got halfway through doing what she wanted. I don't know why we didn't do it to begin with in exchange for saving her life, actually.

>>3467295
Right now it's a negotiation. We're not at our best, and neither is Khaom, and chances are he'll want to fight the being responsible for making the Blackweb reconsider their deal with Kolm at our best. This way we might be able to let us have her in exchange for fighting us after we get back to non-mana draining lands. Keyword is MIGHT, of course, but it's better than no chance at all.

If I might have your attention for a moment, the both of you?

Writing.

This is gonna be fun because after this we definitely won't have mana for a nebula buster. Hell, we might not even have mana to cast spells decently.

>>3467349
We rarely use more than 4000 per fight, even with x1.5 manacost upscale we have enough juice to kick their asses.

>>3467377
And we only got 1,000 mana back over multiple days, after using the condenser. We can not assume we're going to be able to regen any more, with an unknown about of combat remaining. We can't afford to burn 6,000 mana here like you're suggesting. We have to use Mana sparingly. Ideally we'll get through this with about 1,000 or so usage.

>>3467377
but remember that we get more exhausted with the less mana we have. We also recovered 1000 mana in...three days? We can't let our greed cost us our mission. we aren't lorelei(and we have admonished her for doing that).

>>3467397
Magi-wave, -blast, -beam and tether don't need mana at all, armor per bodypart would cost 375. I doubt that we'd burn through our reserves so fast. Plus we have manacrystals and guns.

>>3467412
It will be fine...hopefully.

>inb4 the blood knight tells us how to end up this spell so he can fight us in full strength.

>>3467417
And let's not forget about Gartoum and Izumi, they could back us up in this fight as well.

>>3467420
That would be nice, but i don't think he's that stupid.
>>3467422
Gartoun costs mana. How much i don't really know, abut i'm gonna say that around 3-5K mana per however long the ambush lasted.

>>3467349
That's what our gravity sword and manastone shotty are for.

>>3467436
He doesn't - we used 750 on Flare and then 4000 on two extra large Light Barriers that were mantained and moved for 20 minutes.

>>3467417
I'm hoping we can get away with less than 250, but knowing anons, we'll end up doing some finishing move for 2,000 mana for no reason. Don't forget those spell costs are increased. That 375 could be more like 500.

>>3467444
He's gotta cost something, he's too powerful otherwise. There'd be no reason to not constantly have him out, he's too useful.

>>3467436
>Gartoun costs mana
I think he uses his own mana for his abilities, not that he needs our mana to manafest.

>>3467456
Dude, I already adjusted mana prices - original cost for armor is 250.
As for price for using Gartoum - that would be some sort of contract or obligation.

>>3467444
I remember he costs mana to be summoned, but i think you are right in that he doesn't need mana after the initial payment.

>>3467438
the sword cost mana for its flashier abilities. You are right that we have the manastones, but they don't really help us when the enemies are in melee range.

>>3467490
The ring needs a bit of mana to call him, but it's not much - less than magiblast, which are technically free.

>>3467172
>>3467199
>>3467206
>>3467213
>>3467322
Ugh. You hate the idea of having to do this, but...well, money is money. And you like money. But if you’re going to intercede, then…

“Excuse me!” You’re going to do it from a position of strength, at least. It was a risk, trying to hop up to the rooftop before anything happened to her, but it seems he at the least enjoys watching her squirm for a bit- although from your angle you’re not sure if his next stomp was to be on her head or on another limb. Regardless, you’ve gotten their attention, at the least.

“What fresh foolishness is this…?” the crippled Weaver bemoans.

The big guy, on the other hand, seems to recognize...something about you, as his profile turns entirely to face yours, his stained armor almost vibrating. “Hohhhh…” You can just barely make out his eyes in the visor slit, promising a wealth of pain and- Khaon! That was his name, damn. Phew. Okay, made this a lot easier.

You clear your throat, trying to sound as formal and neutral as possible. “Pardon the interruption, but you're Khaon, right?”

“Who asks?” Comes the growling response, though you sense a malicious...playfulness? “I have no time for whelpings playing at hero.”

Sometimes, you curse your short stature. “Recently, apparently, I’ve been called the ‘Destroyer’, though I believe you might know me by another name.”

“Hmm...the one who destroyed Ferrah’s tribe. Drove her into the mud, as was always her fate for pretending at strength.” There’s an unmistakable smile in his voice at those words. “A shame it was not me. However...”

“Before you continue,” you interrupt, causing him to pause. “I need her alive, at least long enough for her to be humiliated in order to lose the respect of her clan, and thus humiliate Mistress Zai by association.”

“She humiliates herself by her failure at combat,” he points out idly. “Zai could do far better than her, were she not so disloyal herself.”

Curious. “Well, regardless, I'm willing to negotiate for her, so long as she lives and is in my hands."

There’s a brief silence. For a brief second, you hold out hope that maybe, just maybe he might be amenable to some sort of trade.

...And that’s when he starts laughing. Uproarously. Amidst the fire and flame and chaos, he laughs. “GAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Talk? Negotiation? Girl, you know well that those like you and I...we ‘negotiate’ in one way. One way only.”

(cont.)

>>3467490
>Manastone weapons for melee range
Flamebringer uses mana only if we use it as a flamethrower, just adding flames and using gravistone wouldn't cost nearly as much. There's also Red Eagle manastone metal whip, but Handler hasn't yet confirmed that we've picked it up.

You mean beating each other? Sure. If the spider is smart she will run if she isn't she will try to backstab us with her poisons while we fight Khaon.

>>3467631
His blade is massive, coarse. Either he’s piss poor at taking care of the thing, or it’s big and dangerous enough that he thinks he doesn’t need to. Not even a point; the ebony blade is curved at the end, almost more a saw than a sword. In a single slash he suddenly whirls around, slicing off at least three more of her legs off, blood pooling from them as she screeches in pain and immediately keels over to a side,. “Come. You wish to take this wretch’s life upon yourself? Then you must challenge me!”

Fantastic. Not that you’re very surprised at this. In a quick moment, you draw out your murmur stone and quickly whisper into it, your cloak hiding the majority of it. “Hylinde? This is Yvrace. I think I’ll be...delayed, for a bit. One of the bounty hunters. The knight one. He's...being persnickety.”

“Persnickety?" she snorts. "Well. Need any help?” she asks quickly.

"Mmmm...nah. He might take a bit to put down, but that's all." you decide. "That armor is probably enchanted. This fire is getting annoying, though," you grouse.

"We're on it!" she says easily. "Good luck!"

"Well!?" Khaon says heatedly. "Do you fear me enough to pray to whatever gods you have, or shall you face me, one to one, and be worthy of your accomplishments?!"

> "Hey, you asked for it." Draw your sword, and stick to melee. Your mana's iffy on the draw, so best not to risk it.
> "Fine. Threetwoonego." Magi-blast volley and hope to end it early before you need to break out anything bigger.
> "Well, I was, but now you've gone and put a timer on things. I hate that." You don't give a damn about him, it's the spider behind him you need to concern yourself with.
> Other

Going to wrap it up here for tonight. Will resume tomorrow!

So I've been playing MK11 a lot and in my head Khaon just has Noob Saibot's voice. Either that or Shao Khan's.

>>3467653
> "Hey, you asked for it." Draw your sword, and stick to melee. Your mana's iffy on the draw, so best not to risk it.

>>3467653
>"Well, I was, but now you've gone and put a timer on things. I hate that." You don't give a damn about him, it's the spider behind him you need to concern yourself with.

>>3467656
Hopefully we can finish him very stylish for everyone nearby.

>>3467653
> "Hey, you asked for it." Draw your missile launcher, fire off a rocket at his feet, then pull out our sword while the dust is hanging, and stick to melee. Your mana's iffy on the draw, so best not to risk it.
Actually...

Whichever choice we go with, call up Izumi and mention that Khaom's got Malis on the ropes, and if she thinks she can either finish her off in an ironic comeuppance or kidnap her and flip her, she's welcome to grab her while we distract the big guy.

>>3467631
>"Hey, you asked for it." Draw your sword, and stick to melee. Your mana's iffy on the draw, so best not to risk it.

>>3467656
Night boss. Hope you liked the other two weapon descriptions.

>>3467656
I hate to impose, but could you confirm if we have that manastone whip or not?>>3467640

>>3467704
I did!
>>3467723
I'm gonna say yes but also I'm wondering what you'd actually DO with it. Give it to one of the kids?

>>3467738
Well since the spider whip is so heavy that even we commented on it. Maybe Lori will benefit better of the manastone whip.

File: Spoiler Image (135 KB, 600x850)

135 KB JPG

>His blade is massive, coarse. Either he’s piss poor at taking care of the thing, or it’s big and dangerous enough that he thinks he doesn’t need to. Not even a point; the ebony blade is curved at the end, almost more a saw than a sword.

Hey i know that sword.

>>3467738
I'd go with either that (once they're able to handle bladed weapons), or put it as a community weapon for everyone. Honestly, the leftover melee weapons we got from the western job would be nice gifts for them. Harpsi gets the spear, Tami the whip, and Noran either the club or the gauntlets.

>>3467757
...those heels look painful to use.

>>3467766
Imagine how painfull it is to kick someone in the face with then.

>>3467738
Give it yo skylanders to study how to socket-in manastones into melee weapons, use as reference to when Lori decides to fill-in empty sockets for her Gauntlets. Thanks for confirming, gonna mark them green in the list.

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>>3467653
>>3467757

>His blade is massive, coarse. Either he’s piss poor at taking care of the thing, or it’s big and dangerous enough that he thinks he doesn’t need to.

Berserk quote?

> "Hey, you asked for it." Draw your sword, and stick to melee. Your mana's iffy on the draw, so best not to risk it.

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>>3467781

>Lori decides to fill-in empty sockets for her Gauntlets.
>pic related

>>3467786
Could be too. To bad that the thing is probably to big to fit in our bag of holding...

>>3467869
You know, we could do that to our gauntlets. We take away the gravity stone from the flamebringer(and maybe replace it with a pepper stone?) and add the rest of the stones to them. One gauntlet can focus on gravity powers, while the other has the rest of the stones.

>>3467869
One of the benefits of riding alongside an army is that we have a mobile place to store some loot. I'm sure we can scrounge up some room for a greatsawsword. And regardless if we can or can't, we still grab that ichor-covered sword Malis dropped. Gotta have some cool enchantment on that thing.

>>3467876
Gotta fiddle with the whip first in order to figure out how to properly add sockets so the stones work properly.

>>3467909
but we already know how to do that -we just pay a professional to do the job for us-. That's how we added the gravity stone to the flamebringer.

>>3467971
But that professional is not in the Intersection - we did it during the job.

I made one last item description for the pastebin, and since it's 4 AM where I'm at, I decided it should be Dr. Sullivan's Miraculous Dream Skin Cream, because of reasons that made sense at the time.

>Dr. Sullivan's Miraculous Dream Skin Cream!
>A topical cream developed by Mr. Silas H. Sullivan (Dermatology degree under review in six different cities), this product contains an unsafe mixture of lead and formaldehyde in an ox-marrow and bismuth paste that smells faintly of wildflowers alongside said formaldehyde's overwhelming scent. The only thing that's good about it is the lovely porcelain container it comes in. Frankly, you'd be better off rubbing charcoal and sand all over your face for your exfoliation needs.

I'm sorry, and goodnight.

>>3467993
but this is the intersection we're talking about. Gartoun was also impossible to open in his homeworld, yet it was a piece of cake on here. I'm not saying it will be cheap, but someone definitely can do it. Hell, our mad engineers could do it, but they are too swamped with projects at the moment.

>>3468006
>Gartoum was also impossible to open in his homeworld
This is definitely not true. If I remember correctly we didn't even bother with it at the time after learning that someone was inside the ring.
>our mad engineers could do it
Wonder if we can send them to the frontier world to trade with Cain for manuals. There were also interesting things like mana-sucking handcuffs and power-enhancing chems, plus getting more manastones would be nice.

>>3468045
Speaking of Gartoum, we should really hit the books on summoning we got back then in order to understand how to handle him properly.

>>3467653
>> "Hey, you asked for it." Draw your sword, and stick to melee. Your mana's iffy on the draw, so best not to risk it.

>>3468045
>If I remember correctly we didn't even bother with it at the time after learning that someone was inside the ring.
We really didn't have the time to check, the only one that might have known was the weird elf on the tent and we would probably have to trade something for whatever information he had.
I think the original idea was to wait for lichen's sister to call us back and then barter with the elf, but well, stuff happened.

>>3467653
>> "Hey, you asked for it." Draw your sword, and stick to melee. Your mana's iffy on the draw, so best not to risk it.

>>3467653
> "Fine. Threetwoonego." Magi-blast volley and hope to end it early before you need to break out anything bigger.

Back. Writing.

We're getting to use our actual sword this time.

Had to take someone to the hospital.Stayed there for a while. Deja Vu.

>>3470359
Oh shit, boss, they okay?

>>3470359
Honestly, no. She was vomiting blood, feverish, a lot of shit. I don't know what the prognosis is yet, but she was put on an IV and they'll be doing tests for a while. I'm on the contacts list and am keeping tabs on things (she has a closer friend that took over direct watchman duties).

>>3470401
Jesus. Sorry about bringing it up, that sounds scary as all get out...

>>3470359

You shrug, doing your best not to make it seem like you’re taking it too seriously. "Hey, you asked for it." Still, someone like this, you get the feeling that a halberd with nothing extra isn’t going to do much- for one, your range is nearly negated with this guy’s sheer reach and the size of his sword. So...best to play to your relative strengths.

If he notices the incongruity between the size of your blade and the size of your pack, he doesn’t show it as you draw the weapon free. Been a little bit since you’ve pulled this thing out, really. But it seems to suitably impress Khaon, as you see a subtle nod. “I look forward to seeing if these tall tales are worth my time…”

Right. You’ve never been one to waste time talking during a fight- which is why you simply respond by leaping off in a shot, landing in front of him with an impact strong enough to throw up loose stone; in the same second you swing, just inside your range in case he pulls something iffy or tries to dodge and counter.

He only barely gets the blade up in time to block, just managing to turn yours blade aside, though his attempted response is cut short by your followup swing, only just barely missing his chest armor as he attempts to gain control. From there on, it’s only grunts of exertion from him and of the scent and scene of burning to keep company.

His tactical abilities are what keep causing him to wind up with juuust enough time as you redirect your momentum and strike angle, each parried blow to avoid getting something cut, though he lacks a gap big enough to strike though. Honestly, you’re impressed that he’s managing to fend you off for a while. Impressed, and, well...annoyed.

>Try to angle things around to the fire. He’s gotta be baking in that tin can. And even if not, you can use it to your advantage.
>You need something blunter than a sword. Or at least some way to toss him around like a doll.
>You might need to throw out some magic, now. As much as you might not like it, it’s liable to make a real impact.
>Other

>>3470422
Kinda was. I only vaguely know the girl, and there was no one else in the house at the time.

>>3470424
>>Try to angle things around to the fire. He’s gotta be baking in that tin can. And even if not, you can use it to your advantage.
Swapping weapons will take time, and Mana is precious.

>>3470424
>Other
Activate the sword's abilities, such as the flame and the gravity stone to simply smash through any attempt to redirect or parry.

>>3470424
>Try to angle things around to the fire. He’s gotta be baking in that tin can. And even if not, you can use it to your advantage.

>>3470424
>Try to angle things around to the fire. He’s gotta be baking in that tin can. And even if not, you can use it to your advantage.

>>3470424
>Try to angle things around to the fire. He’s gotta be baking in that tin can. And even if not, you can use it to your advantage.

>>3470424
>>Try to angle things around to the fire. He’s gotta be baking in that tin can. And even if not, you can use it to your advantage.

> Keep an eye on the Weaver. She might strike us in the fray . . . or Khaon. Maybe we can give her an opportunity to strike at him.

Let's see if we can't move things around a bit.

Also roll 2d20 for events. Best of three.

Rolled 14, 11 = 25 (2d20)

>>3470514

Rolled 10, 4 = 14 (2d20)

>>3470514

Rolled 13, 16 = 29 (2d20)

>>3470514

Rolled 12, 6 = 18 (2d20)

>>3470514
Let's see for a bit.

>>3470424
>>3470431
>>3470462
>>3470466
>>3470481
>>3470497
>>3470517
>>3470534
>>3470520
Well, step one is to get him away from your secondary, and into a disadvantageous situation. Fortunately, there’s a lot of potential for that. Fire and all tends to be a disadvantage, usually. The trick here, though, is going to be getting him over there. You’re not short of strength, but still. Might take a bit of finesse.

Circling him is natural, and if he notices you giving ground intentionally, he doesn’t show it as he’s finally seen a moment to go on the attack, his blade screaming through the air as he swings for your head. Actually, you notice, he’s swinging a lot for your head. Like...a LOT. It’s hard to pin down, trying to keep from getting hit as you’re doing it, but you’re pretty sure- as you dodge another diagonal swing- that the last flurry all seemed focused on separating your head from your shoulders. Wonder why the obsession?

Still, you’re not telling him that- makes it easier to avoid, honestly. A few more clashing swings, and you let yourself fall back a bit more, the last swing essentially pushing you back a meter or two.

“Conserving your strength will help little.” Khaon says simply. “I do not tire like normal men.” Well, you weren’t actively TRYING to wear him out, but good to know. “Your skills so far have...disappointed. You hold back. Why? I have heard of your power. Do you think me so unworthy as to not show it?” He sounds oddly amused at this, instead of insulted. “Or…perhaps it is because your strength is volatile...a uncertainty. I hear tell you are capable of strange things...ancient things. To learn such so young... is a vast risk.” He HAS to be smiling now, although you’re annoyed that he’s gotten a bit closer to the mark than you’d like. Still, the fact that he’s marching forward and you’re inching backward...well, it’s the only reason you’re letting him yap on. Wonder if he even notices where he’s going. “Powerful. Incredibly so. But to channel such raw energy is to risk death. Do you dare now? You could perhaps strike me down, but at what cost?” You refuse to answer him- wouldn’t really help matters anyway. To that, he just laughs as the flames shape on either side of you. “Then...I will force that power from you. To see for myself.”

(cont.)

>>3470609
And then he charges again. This time, as the two of your blades meet, his and yours catch, and immediately he twists his shoulders- trying to wrench your sword out of your hand. You quickly twist back, and for a few moments his sawtooth blade and yours are caught in deadlock. It’s then you risk a glance behind him- and you can barely see a trail of ichorous, green blood leading towards the battle for a bit before darting off to the side, behind a building and out of your sight.

A sudden shudder, and a plume of dust raises up quickly some distance behind you, as a portion of a structure collapses and you hear shouts of alarm and the distant din of a mass of people and a strong, familiar voice sounding just over it...

>Try to get him into one of those burning buildings. A few hundred pounds of burning wood falling on him ought to end things.
>Try to corral him towards the fighting, through the flames. He’s not losing a step in this heat, so time to get him to reinforcements.
>If that’s Izumi rallying, you don’t want to trouble her or her group with him; probably best to stay here and try to end this quick.
>Other

>>3470614
>If that’s Izumi rallying, you don’t want to trouble her or her group with him; probably best to stay here and try to end this quick.
>Use gravistone to break his guard

>>3470614
>Try to get him into one of those burning buildings. A few hundred pounds of burning wood falling on him ought to end things.

>>3470614
>>If that’s Izumi rallying, you don’t want to trouble her or her group with him; probably best to stay here and try to end this quick.
Plus, I want that swordsaw.

>>3470614
>If that’s Izumi rallying, you don’t want to trouble her or her group with him; probably best to stay here and try to end this quick.
I want to show him just how much he bit off, and that the Prince got a very good deal for the amount he promised.
That, and I want to see the gravity stone slam and break his sword.

We can handle this.

Also our sword is cooler. Writing!

>>3470676
How much mana would it cost to add some flames to our sword? I'm not talking about using it as flamethrower, just enough to cover the blade.

>>3470719
That wouldn't be enough to do anything useful. And we're not exactly mana-efficient.

>>3470770
That doesn't answer my question.

>>3470774
>>3470719
Right now the mana cost for the flames is irrelevant because, well, it will cost mana. Right now we are in a position where using the skills that usually are free drains our pool. Turning the sword on adds nothing: it won't intimidate him and it will only help deplete our reserves faster. It would be better to use a real magiblast instead instead of just turning on the light show.

>>3470774
From what I recall, not that much, but we can put more mana into the blade to increase the heat of the flames, like what we did in Thread #62 against the Ice Knight summon in Fate/Stay Night world land.

>>3470719
About 150 at this point.

>>3470785
I'm asking it for future reference, otherwise I would've added it in my vote write-in.

>>3470789
Thanks, boss.

>>3470614
>>3470629
>>3470639
>>3470672
You can’t really risk letting him get to Izumi or a civilian; you’d be best off trying to end things here and now, you feel. If you don’t, he’s probably going to try something stupid. At least, that’s how you figure it’ll end up. Which means you’re going to have to turn on some juice, so to speak.

You channel your mana, sending a surge of it into your blade, and you immediately see the manastone inside it react, a brilliant purple sheen erupting from the pommel as the gravity it induces increases tenfold. Suddenly, a quick twist of your wrist, and with a heavy, spine-shaking THUD, his blade crashes to the ground, nearly sending him with it as he shouts in surprise and alarm. You swear the blade even bent.

There’s a moment of surprise, but only a moment as he attempts to release his hold, to get back to a fighting position, and you can even see one of his hands start to move behind him for some kind of emergency weapon, perhaps...

A moment, though, is a moment too long, and your own blade is kicked up- quite literally, you didn’t want to waste time building up momentum- and the sound of metal warping echoes throughout the area as your blade proves sharp enough to pierce, and the metal, gravitized, pulls downward and warps around it, cutting easier than any normal blade would be able to as you heave the blade up and through the helm.

The result is Khaon, the dread knight stumbling back in shock as his body sports a nice vertical slash straight down the middle, his helmet sliced open, making it a vicious parody of a cross with his visor. You’d have LOVED that shot to split him open, but sadly, you can tell by the fact that only the tip of your blade has collect blood that the cut was relatively shallow. Still, nearly being split sternum to skull has to hurt, and you can see the blood beginning to drip.

“You…” and now he’s panting, interestingly enough. So much for that stamina. “You are an impressive one. Most impressive...hah….hah...very rarely have I had to exude such effort. Very rare…” He almost seems to be wilting a bit before your very eyes...

It’s then that, to your surprise, he reaches up, removing his helmet. Underneath is a aging, bronzed face, yet still smiling with the excitement of the young and deranged. A thin, grey beard underlines his face, and he has most of his hair, although greying as well. The line of pink down his face, blood and sweat mixing, stains his skin to a notable degree, nearly looking like warpaint as he fixes you with hazel eyes. “I expect this will be either….hah...my last fight, or yours…though I do hope that-”

(cont.)

>>3470827
Suddenly, you’ve stopped paying attention mid-sentence as you hear something whistle from the air to your left. In the next second, to your surprise, something pierces his neck, causing him to yell out in shock as he stumbles to a knee. It’s plain to see once the object stops that it’s a stiletto; well-crafted and dripping with greenish-black sludge. The both of you turn quickly to see the culprit; the half-dead Blackweb Malis, quite literally hanging by a thread from the side of an as of yet unburned building, yet perilously close to the flames. The blood from her severed legs still flows, and one hangs at an awkward angle.

Her arm slumps from a throwing motion as she goes slack against the building, only her head continuing to stare at him in heated rage. “HURRY UP AND DIE, YOU SIMPLE-MINDED BASTARD!”

>Well, it’s not what you were hoping for, but you’ll take it. Time to confirm things and wrap it up.
>Y’know what, that’ll work enough. This guy STILL isn’t the point. Time to get your quarry and get out.
>Other

>>3470840
>Well, it’s not what you were hoping for, but you’ll take it. Time to confirm things and wrap it up.

>>3470840
>Well, it’s not what you were hoping for, but you’ll take it. Time to confirm things and wrap it up.

>>3470840
>>Well, it’s not what you were hoping for, but you’ll take it. Time to confirm things and wrap it up.
Grab her sword and that sawsword as well. We'll fix it with Ferrah's helmet.

>>3470840
>Y’know what, that’ll work enough. This guy STILL isn’t the point. Time to get your quarry and get out.

Wait a minute...why is she attacking her own ally and not us? I guess he did cut her legs so...

>>3470840
>Y’know what, that’ll work enough. This guy STILL isn’t the point. Time to get your quarry and get out.
We aren't getting paid to kill Khaon, well, we are, but we're also getting paid to humiliate a spider. Blue ballsing Khaon sounds funny.

>>3470840
Well, it’s not what you were hoping for, but you’ll take it. Time to confirm things and wrap it up.
Looks like we might have to use Green Potion on Malis just to keep her alive

>>3470840
>>Well, it’s not what you were hoping for, but you’ll take it. Time to confirm things and wrap it up.

>>3470890
Na, we just gotta make it quick. And with mana so precious, it'd be a waste to spend it on someone we're going to kill shortly after anyway.

>>3470898
>>3470890
what do we have to do to malis? the same thing we did to ferrah?

>>3470865
Because we're known to let Blackweb who are willing to betray Zai live. That, and since we said we'd negotiate for her still alive, that might mean she gets to live a bit longer.

Speaking of betrayal, we've got to talk to her and Lipsa about making sure Zatzil figures out a new clan motivation behind her back, or at least set up a way for them to report back to the Veilspeakers if she doesn't, perhaps under threat that we'll be back if she doesn't get the Blackweb in order, or if she starts shit with the other races.

>>3470890
>Looks like we might have to use Green Potion on Malis just to keep her alive
Might as well, we never use those things after we finish the previous job.

>>3470840
>>Well, it’s not what you were hoping for, but you’ll take it. Time to confirm things and wrap it up.
No point in leaving things half done.
And no using consumables on people we're about to kill. Just tourniquets on the stumps, no need for fancy potions.

>>3470903
>“Before you continue,” you interrupt, causing him to pause. “I need her alive, at least long enough for her to be humiliated in order to lose the respect of her clan, and thus humiliate Mistress Zai by association.”

He's right there. No reason to not confirm it.

Writing.

>>3470840
>>3470849
>>3470852
>>3470855
>>3470898
>>3470925
You’re not really keen on looking a gift horse in the mouth, honestly. Before he can even retort, you quickly take your blade and charge forward- he has enough sense left in him to attempt to dodge what he clearly thinks will be a decapitation strike, but you strike where necessary- straight through the gut.

THEN you lop his head off, just to be sure, his face forever etched in shock and surprise. Guys who thought they were the shit tended to react that way, honestly. And speaking of hot…

That fire is getting lesser, you think, but it’s still an issue here, and it’s still spreading- in fact, it’s just about reached the house that Malis is perched on, clearly near fainting. She’s got an off smile on her face, however. Clearly glad to see him go before she did, and frankly you BOTH probably need to get out of here...if only so you could kill her on your own terms later, instead of the fire's.

It’s a quick matter to cut her away from her web and scoop her up- lighter than you’d expected, she is. Not a fan of the bleeding over you, though. She’s just lucid enough to gaze up at you with laughing eyes. “W-well...this is...rather ironic, no?”

That’s all she gets out before she passes out.

You’re gonna have to remember to come back for their swords.

(Stopping here for tonight!)

>>3471046
Thanks for running, boss.

>>3471046
Wasn't Khaon's sword already busted or did i read that wrong?

Good run Boss.

>>3471516
it's a little bent from what i'm reading. Not busted. Anyway will probably need someone ti look at it.

>>3471516
>>3471519
>Either he’s piss poor at taking care of the thing, or it’s big and dangerous enough that he thinks he doesn’t need to.
It was in a bad shape even before we fought.

>>3471560
Well it was shard enough to cut the weavers legs so. I guess we shouldn't be surprised for a battle seeker to not take care of his gear.

>>3471565
Eh, considering the potency of enchantments on his armor we might as well count it as a power-suit, so even if he wielded a sharpened piece of junk the result would've been the same.

Gotta admit, I'm curious why the infighting. I didn't think word had gotten out about us sparing people yet.

>>3471735
Competition for the target (us) ? I dunno though, it is odd.

>>3471735
their race as a whole is defined by being insular, opportunistic bastards. Everyone was more or less happy when they joined the dark lord, but now that the tables have turned, everyone is breaking apart and fulfilling their own agendas.

>>3471749
Probably. Also possibly Khoan was being a asshole and toom the oportunity to fight others to see who would be worth to hunt for Miranda.

I'm kinda surprised yet not that this is still alive. Anyway, I'm settled in (again), so eating, then writing for the evening.

>>3481356
Evening boss. Did more stuff for the pastebin, mainly the new weapons from this mission. Again, hope you like them, but there's no problem if you don't or would rather stat them yourself.

Ha-Tshi's Folly, Lady Ferrah's Whip
Intimidation +1, Otherworldly +2

Ha-Tshi was a Lizardkin Commander who was known for his unusually long tail, which he used in combat to both trip his foes and slash at them with the tri-bladed tail cap he wore into combat, which would eerily whistle as it was swung through the air, alongside powerful kicks and claw rakes. Leading his troops into battle in during the start of the war against the Blackweb in one of the early battles against Lord Kolm and his allies, the weaver known as Ferrah would kill him in a dual which he issued to give his allies time to escape. She later made this whip out of his skin and attach his tail cap to the end as a rather gruesome weapon. No doubt his family would want what remains of him to be returned to them, but they might be amenable to letting you keep his tail cap.

Mancleaver, Khaom's greatsword
Intimidation +2, Hothead +2 (Bonuses increase to +3 to each if wearing an intimidating helmet or cowl that hides the face, glowing eyes excluded)

A misshapen mass of metal in the vague shape of a sword, less forged from the metal then carved out of it, that Lord Kolm had gifted to Khaom, first and last of his Marauder Knights. Made from the darkiron pulled from the ground in Kolm's realm and given an enchantment that increases the victim's pain, it's edge is barely sharpened and notched like a saw; one could say that it tears and smashes through foes more than slices and cleaves. Khaom himself viewed it less then fondly, as if it was a reminder of poor decisions and regrets he carried with him, but with his tongue now forever stilled, who's to say what they were?

Venom-Tongue, Lady Malis's saber
Otherworldly +1, Hothead -2

Although made with better materials and techniques, Lady Malis's personal sword seems similar to other Blackweb forged blades: Made from refined darkiron, forged with a slight curve for better slicing, with a spiked pommel and a handle wrapped in alchemically treated Weaver silk. However, speaking the old Weaver runes of power hidden beneath the silk will envenom the blade with a potent poison that burns the nerves until either magical treatment is given or three days have passed. With enough practice, a wielder can learn to fling the poison off of the blade onto enemies, where it burns the skin and can blind foes if it gets into their eyes. It can envenom itself five times before needing to be fully immersed in a bath of poison. Different poisons can have different effects.

>>3481356
Anyway, how's the new place? Did the move go smoothly?

>>3481405
You're great for this.

>>3481409
And yeah, went smoothly enough. Had to buy some of my own furniture and my transit to work is longer, but on the whole it's literally more for less. More room space, more privacy, more everything, and total rent + utilities and all is LESS than baseline rent where I was before.

>>3481405
>Ha-Tshi's Folly
This one's a keeper for sure. We've already got a heavy melee weapon and light sword so something more exotic to add to the collection would be nice. Might make Zumi jelous too which is fun.
>>3481423
Sounds good, always had to pay more for less when getting moved on short notice

>>3481423
>You're great for this.

T-thanks, boss...

I've also statted the clockwork carbines Izumi has, as well as redid the Dream Skin Cream so that it could be used like equipment for a mission. Kept the description, though.

Unregistered Bonanno Clockwork Carbine
Plainness +2

An off-the-record, unlicenced clockwork firearm, probably made after working hours in a batch that got "mishandled" for a pretty decent fee. Clockwork weapons are comparable to semi-automatic firearms, but with a more complex firing system that renders them relatively jam-proof. This particular model is a short-barreled carbine similar to a pistol gripped M1 Carbine with a folding stock and glow sights, chambered in .30 carbine with 12 round box magazines. Clockwork firearms need special tools and a steady hand to clean and repair, so their popularity in the intersection is more niche, although some users swear by them.

Dr. Sullivan's Miraculous Dream Skin Cream!
Humor +2 (when applied in worlds more advanced then 1860's era technology), Otherworldly +2 (when applied in worlds less advanced then 1860's era technology)

A topical cream developed by Mr. Sullivan (Dermatology degree under review in six different cities), this product contains an unsafe mixture of lead and formaldehyde in an ox-marrow and bismuth paste that smells faintly of wildflowers alongside said formaldehyde's overwhelming scent. The only thing that's good about it is the lovely porcelain container it comes in. Frankly, you'd be better off rubbing charchol and sand all over your face for your exfoliation needs.

File: clockwork-carbine-examples.jpg (142 KB, 1200x675)

142 KB JPG

>>3481489
>forgot the picture for the carbine

Damnit...

>>3481507
I recognize those holders... what is that thing IRL, a cut down 30 carbine?

File: Patty_Hearst-_Hibernia_ba(...).jpg (12 KB, 288x365)

12 KB JPG

>>3481540
Yup. It's called the M1 Enforcer. Patty Hearst was pictured wielding one in that bank robbery she participated in back in the 70's.

File: thisisbasicallywhatihadinmind.jpg (329 KB, 869x869)

329 KB JPG

Last of the Blackweb weapons. Now I've got to figure out something for Carrang's sword and shield...

Winnower, Lady Ferrah's Sword
Intimidation +1, Hothead +2

A large curved hand-and-a-half sword made out of the same Darkiron that the Blackweb Weavers use, this was given to Madam Ferrah on the day of her ascension to Lady of War by her leader, Mistress Zai, as a symbol of her favor. Weilded by numerous other lieutendants of previous Blackweb Mistresses from the time of the Sundering of The First Words, this blade has seen many battles against many Blackweb foes. Enchanted many times over throughout it's long service, it is featured in a particular ritual done before important battles meant to whip Blackweb Harrowers into a screaming battle frenzy. It's loss is a terrible humiliation to the current Blackweb Mistress, and would be cause enough to place a bounty on the head of the one who took it.

>>3481489
>clockwork carbines
>more complex, less malfunctions
Why would that be? Reload independent of firing, same way mini guns are, due to the electric motor handling the chambering, extraction, etc? Maybe you have to wind a spring every so often or something.

>>3471046
You’re getting far less surprised looks than before when you drag Malis back (almost literally, she’s just too big to keep off the ground entirely), although you have to prevent a couple of the more vindictive Veilspeakers from trying to help her along, so to speak. Although they insist on keeping her under heavy lock and key, despite the fact that she’s half dead and passed out. Speaking of, however; that was the big thing that racked even you. Aside from some general questions, just what are you planning to do with her when she wakes up? In the end, as for her physical state:

>You’d decided to heal her as best you could, considering her missing limbs were neatly severed and you think your gauntlets could reattach them.
>You’d left her crippled, but healed- she’s going to die anyway, so no need to expend the mana, right?
>She’d been wrapped up; she won’t die, but she’ll be weak for a while- maybe she’ll be a bit more amenable to whatever your plans are with her with a bit of a carrot, rather than a stick.
>Other

>>3481743
>>She’d been wrapped up; she won’t die, but she’ll be weak for a while- maybe she’ll be a bit more amenable to whatever your plans are with her with a bit of a carrot, rather than a stick.
So spending mana on healing people we're going to kill in the near future.

>>3481743
>She’d been wrapped up; she won’t die, but she’ll be weak for a while- maybe she’ll be a bit more amenable to whatever your plans are with her with a bit of a carrot, rather than a stick.
Spending mana to heal your enemies, while being sapped. Haha no.

>>3481743
>She’d been wrapped up; she won’t die, but she’ll be weak for a while- maybe she’ll be a bit more amenable to whatever your plans are with her with a bit of a carrot, rather than a stick.

>>3481735
>Maybe you have to wind a spring every so often or something.

I kind of based it on how a cuckoo clock, having it be wound up every once in a while, and when something goes wrong, you bring it to someone who knows how to fix them.I'm basically pulling it out of my ass, if I'm being frank.

>>3481743
>She’d been wrapped up; she won’t die, but she’ll be weak for a while- maybe she’ll be a bit more amenable to whatever your plans are with her with a bit of a carrot, rather than a stick.
>Other
I'm fine with using the green potion on her, though. We typically just keep those around with us until they go bad anyway, so why not use one?

>>3481778
>I'm fine with using the green potion on her to reattach her legs, though.

Damnit twice over...

>>3481743
>She’d been wrapped up; she won’t die, but she’ll be weak for a while- maybe she’ll be a bit more amenable to whatever your plans are with her with a bit of a carrot, rather than a stick.

Yeah fuck it.

Writing.

>>3481743
>>3481758
>>3481767
>>3481776
>>3481778
>>3481865
You’re not going to waste valuable mana on this bug; you’d elected to get her cuts and stubbs cleaned and dressed, but that’s all she’s getting from you or anyone else for now. No one present seems like they oppose; by the end of it she looks halfway mummified, although still breathing.

“I doubt she’ll talk,” Braun admits as he grumbles over a handful of some juicy fruit. “Your tendency for bringing in quarry alive does you credit. However, her position in the current system is great. She’ll not bend to faint promises that may have her in a lesser position than she’s in now.”

You have to admit, he’s not entirely wrong. You STRONGLY doubt she’ll talk, but all things considered...well, a slim possibility is better than none, and it’s not like it was any trouble whatsoever. Besides, the goal of it wasn’t even FOR that. You just wanted to make sure she’d die in an embarrassing and public way. Dying in a fight surrounded by flames where no one was watching wouldn’t exactly do that. In order for that to be accomplished...you had to do it where people could SEE.

And that meant keeping her alive for now. The flames of Ravenholm are well on their way to dying out, now- whatever Izumi is doing seems to be working well, at least. No need to go back out to help them…

...but you DO have those swords to pick up.

It’s when you get back, however, that you notice a commotion- Zatzil has come out to take a looksee at the new arrival, as well as Lipsa; who seems to be about a single word from trying to maul Malis herself. Malis, for her part, is well and invalid; resting gently on her abdomen, wrapped in bandages and her arms and healthy legs bound to her. She's not intimidated though, from the looks of it; sending the both of them a glare that could kill if looks could. Zatzil seems both curious and trying desperately to resist gloating.

>Interrupt their little staredown. There’ll be no fighting here; they’re ALL prisoners.
>Wait for a bit. There’s clearly no love lost between them; something might come of it.
>Might be worth it to needle Malis about the situation at the moment and check her reaction. Or at least it’ll be funny.
>Other

>>3481943
>Might be worth it to needle Malis about the situation at the moment and check her reaction. Or at least it’ll be funny.

>>3481943
>Let Zatzil gloat while we have a little chat with Lipsa about Zatzil’s plans for the Blackweb.

>>3481943
>>Interrupt their little staredown. There’ll be no fighting here; they’re ALL prisoners.
Zatzil needs to be reminded of her status on occasion.

>>3481984
We should do it when we're alone, not when her subject and rival are watching.

Seems like there's a tie. 5 more minutes and I'll roll for it.

>>3481943
>Wait for a bit. There’s clearly no love lost between them; something might come of it.

>>3481943
>>Interrupt their little staredown. There’ll be no fighting here; they’re ALL prisoners.

"Yeah, can you not?"

Writing.

Passed out. Post tomorrow. Going back to bed.

>>3482509
Think we all did boss

>>3481943
>>3481984
>>3482032
Yeah, no. You’re not going to let anything break out, at least not right now. “Alright, ALL of you, knock it off!” You punctuate your sentence with planting Khaon’s blade in the ground. “Last I checked, you’re all prisoners in some way. Zatzil, you especially. Stop walking around like you own the place or else I’ll have to reconsider affairs.”

“Why, whatever do you mean?” Zatzil titters. “All I was about to do was detail the current situation so as to-” A *ping* shuts up her as you let fly a minute magiblast that grazes her cheek; the results shriek and cower tells you that the message has been received well, and the guards with her have to strain to keep her from scuttling off in a rush; even then, the lot of them walk faster. “You too,” you tell Lipsa. “You look like you’re about to pop a vein.”

She glares at you fiercely, but after only two seconds of meeting your eyes she swallows thickly and nods, following her new ‘boss’ back to the mobile cages. With that settled for the time being… now you can turn your attention to the matter at hand, much as she’s turning to face you.

“You…” her voice is ragged, tired, surprised. “What...do you want of me? If...if it is secrets...of the Blackweb you seek...then you’d best well cut me down...here and now.”

> “Actually, I’m mostly wondering why the sudden fight between you and Khaon. Mind shedding some light on that?”
> “Don’t really care about any Blackweb secrets. You’re here because I need to put on a show and you’re the star attraction.”
> As annoying and imperious as she is, Zatzil’s going to survive this and be running the Blackweb, and you won’t- unless you wise up.”
>Other

>>3484588
>As annoying and imperious as she is, Zatzil’s going to survive this and be running the Blackweb, and you won’t- unless you wise up.”
>Other: I assure you, your death, if you choose it, will be humiliating and devoid of any dignity, a public spectacle for all to see. Just want full disclosure before you make a choice.

>>3484588
>> As annoying and imperious as she is, Zatzil’s going to survive this and be running the Blackweb, and you won’t- unless you wise up.”
>"Frankly, this was the option for your clan to even continue surviving. The other option, which still is on the table if she fucks up, by the way, is genocide."
>"Which is why I have need of someone to make sure she can be nudged in a direction that won't see me come back to kill your people off. She's an idiot. Make use of that to find a new ideology behind the old writings, try not to piss off the other races and work with them, and not only will I never come back to kill the entire Blackweb clan, but you'll probably find a way to make yourself quite influential outside of the clan."

>>3484588
>"Hm? I thought the Blackweb had strong self preservationist instincts, yet all I'm hearing from them today is 'Kill me, oh please'."
> “Don’t really care about any Blackweb secrets. You’re here because I need to put on a show and you’re the star attraction.”

>>3484588
> “Actually, I’m mostly wondering why the sudden fight between you and Khaon. Mind shedding some light on that?”
No chuuni acting, we just need to get the info. The infighting could be presented as her blunder.

>>3484671
It's not chuuni if it's true AND helps us earn extra money.

It's only chuuni if it's just true.

>>3484588
> “Don’t really care about any Blackweb secrets. You’re here because I need to put on a show and you’re the star attraction.”

Seems we're giving her the opportunity for her lifetime.

Writing.

>>3484588
> As annoying and imperious as she is, Zatzil’s going to survive this and be running the Blackweb, and you won’t- unless you wise up.”

File: prettymuchthisbutusefulfo(...).jpg (84 KB, 1024x768)

84 KB JPG

Did a thing for Owlia's inventory. I've just imagined this being on her since the Artificer crossover.

Owlia's Magitech Gauntlet
Humor +1, Hothead -1

This curious bit of technology comes from a post-post apocalyptic world ravaged by a sentient disease/demonic corruption, where precursor technology had advanced to frigate class airships and railgun weaponry, and magic was converted into electricity and passed through wires rather then directly wired into tech. This useful throwback is a thick leather gauntlet outfitted with a crystalline battery connected to a holographic display screen, a forearm mounted keypad, a paired set of datalinks with a five foot long extendable cord for each, a defensive shield crystal, and miniature conductive electric stunpads on the knuckles. It can be used to read and translate data of all sorts, can be used to hack either wired or wirelessly into unprotected computers, and could even mount a variety of power tools if the battery life is improved.

>>3484588
>>3484622
>>3484624
>>3484698
“Funny how some of you are all for survival at any cost, but others are just like ‘okay, sure, kill me, whatever,” you note idly. “Weird, that. But anyway, that’s not what I’m about right now. I mean, it is, but really, just not literally this instant. I’m here, dealing with you, because...well, among other things, as annoying and imperious as she is, Zatzil’s going to survive this and be running the Blackweb, and you won’t- unless you wise up.”

She coughs out a laugh, raspy and sore. “Really? Zatzil? That...hedonistic idiot?” She coughs once again, shaking her head. “Doubtful. Even were she to make a play for power, she’d have no real support. She’d be dead within the week.”

“Maybe, but doubtful,” you point out. “Main reason being that no one likes any of you and wants most of the Blackweb dead. Which is being considered, believe me.”

“You have...no idea of...our numbers,” she rasps out.

“No,” you admit, “But I can utterly destroy your chain of command until Zatzil’s looking like the best choice possible- which is pretty much happening. Frankly, this was the best option for the Blackweb’s survival. Everyone else wants the clan eradicated otherwise, and all things considered, I think they’ve got the manpower to do it.”

“Do they? I wonder…” She growls. “Would you...be so bold in the face of Mistress Zai before she...she cleaves you into pieces? When she takes your still-beating heart and feasts upon it?”

“You’re assuming she’d get close enough to get the chance, AND that she’s strong enough to do it at all,” you point out. “She wouldn’t, and she’s not.” Not that you know that for absolute certain, but you’ve got more than a few ways of evening the playing field. “Especially because I don’t even need to kill her.” And now you need to bluff. “From what I’m aware, with two of your big three dead and gone, there’s a lot of tongues wagging. Some people are saying that Zai is losing it. And you like you are? Please. There’d be a lot of questions towards Zai, right?”

(cont)

>>3484955
To your private glee, she grits her teeth, but doesn’t refute anything you say. “Any who’d rise against her would be a fool looking to die- and most Blackweb are no fools.”

Debatable. “But they ARE ambitious. Do you really think Zai would- hell, CAN still hold respect when defeat’s about to be snatched from the jaws of victory? Maybe try their luck with someone who WON’T send them to mass graves, hm?”

“So you think that preening Zatzil will suddenly bring us prosperity, is that it?” Huh. She’s got a bit more color in her cheeks, at least, even if she is panting heavily.

“She’ll keep you from dying out when I leave. Which is why I have need of someone to make sure she can be nudged in a direction that won't see me come back to kill your people off. Get me?”

“...you speak of grand treachery,” she murmurs. “To openly side against the Mistress.” No inflection. Interesting.

You shrug. “Isn’t that right up your alley? Look, it’s like you said. Zatzil’s an idiot. So how about you think about making use of that?”

“And how would you expect THAT?” she growls.

“Frankly, I’d suggest you try to find a new ideology behind the old writings, and try not to piss off the other races and work with them so that this doesn’t happen again.” Seems obvious, to you.

But clearly not to others, as Malis balks. “And surrender our right as rulers? As the firstborn?”

“Depends on how you look at it,” you mention casually. “You do that, and not only will I never come back to kill the entire Blackweb clan, but you'll probably find a way to make yourself quite influential OUTSIDE of it. You can’t tell me you wouldn’t want to be in a position of power over humans, bearkin, and everyone else- and have them WELCOME it." You’re fortunate that not many are here at the moment, though what they might say about your little sales pitch, you don’t know.

“Bah. You...speak interesting words, I’ll...not deny that.” Her breathing is coming harder now. “But I’ll not be easily...swayed. To back such a grand...act...will take convincing.”

“And how to do that?” you ask easily.

“I’ll...not stand in your way. ...Nor hers.” she breathes. “But should Kolm truly fall...then your words will ring true...even Zai will face a reckoning. Should she be considered unfit, then I’ll...see about throwing my...support...behind someone more...amenable as Mistress.” She gives a deep sigh, and you get the feeling that she's done talking for now, if only for health reasons.

Great. Another mouth to tolerate. Fine, you were gonna do it anyway. As you consider the idea, however, a shrill noise, like metal tearing, sounds from the city, near where the last remenants of the fire still burn.

>Roll 1d20, best of 3.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>3484957

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3484957
Here goes...

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3484957

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>3484957
We just aren't getting taken seriously by our opposition. It's not good for business.

18. Pretty good! Writing.

>>3485012
What kind of a sales pitch does Sal give to prospective clients? Any promo videos or presentations of past contracts and testimonials from satisfied customers? I imagine that he tailors each to fit the client, talking up genocides and massacres to villains and quick resolutions with minimal casualties (if the Minimal Collateral Damage Rider is purchased) to good guys.

>>3485031
More or less. As he likes to bill Miranda and co. as problem solvers, he'll play up the part of their portfolio he figures the client will like, although he doesn't do anything that might reveal undue information. He prefers to appear in whatever form he thinks might make the target more amiable to hiring (so 'old man', 'mysterious cloaked stranger', 'wandering mage', 'talking spirit animal', so forth), and usually shows up saying something along the lines of 'so I understand you have a problem...well, I have a solution.'

Generally, he prefers to appear before people that are desperate as opposed to some other Deal Makers, who might prefer potential clients that have a lot of pride or perhaps paranoia of discovery.

>>3485012
I've got a question about payment made with valuable items. From what you've said, art objects and items with unique abilities can be turned into motes by the higher ups, right? Can the opposite be true? Like, if someone needed that Super Scanner thingamabob from our ride-along with Owlia and Cylica to the Flower Power team's world, could it be brought back from the mote conversion (for an appropriate price, of course), or would they have to look at other options. And if mote conversion is a one way street, are there Deal-Makers out there that specializes in keeping weird knick-knacks and gizmos around to sell them on a markup if and or when someone needs it?

>>3485061
One-way street.

Sort of. That's part of what Io's Potpourri does, you just never went there.

>>3484957
>>3484985
>>3484995
>>3485001
>>3485002
Not long after that, as a number of soldiers (plus Prince) wonder just what’s going on down there, you get a call. “Yvrace?”

“Yeah? What was that noise just now?” you ask.

“Oh, nothing I can’t handle!” she says quickly. “A summoned shadow demon, pretty big, seen it befo- whoop! Just a moment!” There’s a brief yell and the sound of some mana being fired, something exploding, and a roar of pain you can just barely hear from here. “Sent all the men away, I should be able to deal with it in not too long! Make sure they’re all safe, will you?”

“...right. If you’re sure. Good hunting.” You hang up, and it’s not long after that that Prince walks up.

“Should we be preparing? You don’t look worried,” he notes. You shake your head, explaining Izumi’s words, and he breathes a bit of a sigh of relief. “Good. We’ll need all the men we can get. Kolm’s tower and fortress is not too far to the northwest of here- two days strong ride normally. He’s likely soon to have realized we’re here, but once we move through, that’ll be our final push. We’ll strike at his fortress, and we’ll end his mad campaign in one swift blow!” His hair seems to glow a bit at that proclamation, but…

>You had questions. (What?)
>You weren’t going to mention it.
>Other

Calling it for tonight.

>>3485080
>You had questions. (What?)
Is he alright? Will he be alright? We can only protect him attacks from Kolm, not if he trades his life away to the Wild for power to defeat the dark lord; that’s what he hired us for.
And having a client die on our watch looks bad, no matter the reason.

>>3485080
>You weren’t going to mention it.

>>3485080
>>You weren’t going to mention it.

>>3485080
>>You had questions. (What?)
You know, I've never been given the full story behind this Kolm guy. Was he just some lord that dabbled too deep in shadow summoning, or is he older then that, some sort of elder being that was presumed dead for ages, or what?
>Also, should I worry about those last four lieutenants of his, or do you think they've gone off somewhere else to regroup after his downfall?

>>3485080
>You had questions
>"It's two month late, but: who is this Kolm guy after all?"
>"Anything interesting about their siege general and dark scion?"
>"I don't think we've ever encountered the Trio."

>>3485080
Oh, and don't forget to use mana crystals before moving out.

>>3485080
>You weren’t going to mention it.

>>3485093
This guy gets it

>>3485093
Slow your roll there anon. We have no reason to think a bit of glowing means anything. He's got that boost from the Wilds, remember?

>>3485124
I though the trio was the group of summoners we blew up by firing a rocket down the cave.

>>3485400
There were no indications of these elven ritualists being the Blade Lords. Dunno how you came to this conclusion.

>>3485080
What >>3485107 says
Wonder if his princiness is going to have to martyr himself to fix the world. Better not affect our payout.

>>3485593
>>3485107
Technically, the King would still pay us the same amount since keeping the Prince alive was not a part of contract in any way. Are you guys actually looking for a roundabout way to recruit him?

>>3485080
Supporting >>3485107 & >>3485124


>>3485620
Quoted wrong anon aheheh

>>3485435
True. I guess once i saw they were elfs that were doing ritual magic i just assumed because the trio was either said or guessed to be magic users.

>>3485622
>>3485620

True but i bet the king would be VERY happy that his son, who he has showed to have some care, would still be alive after fascing the army of darkness.

I'm basicaly thinking of Lord of the Rings and how the Ruling Steward of Minas Tirith, Denethor, god depressed and killed himself when his last son died.

Also the king looked to be very frail amd there is a possibility of him dying while we do the campaing so keeping the prince alive might be of our interest.

>>3485636
Didn't Denethor think that the end was nigh at the time anyway? My memory is patchy.
Technically the client is the Human Kingdom Royalty. I'm sure there are removed relatives in King's lineage to find a new successor to the throne, and if not then we'll just have to talk with an appointed regent instead. Besides, chances of extra reward for primary objective are slim - being acknowledged for going above and beyond the call of duty is hard when your sale pitch is being an allmighty miracle-worker.

>>3485620
He isn't a magical girl so no go. There were more viable candidates that were passed over in previous jobs anyway. Plus like some anons said, we have a good number of employees already.

>>3485620
>Are you guys actually looking for a roundabout way to recruit him?

Frankly, I’d rather recruit either Lipsa for her ranged abilities and her previous experience as a bounty hunter, or Carrang for her burgeoning precognitive abilities. The prince seems too much like an idealist to become a mercenary, and he’s part of the power structure that we’re working for.

>>3485080
>>3485093
>>3485107
>>3485124
>>3485593
>>3485622
“Hold on a second,” you quickly state. “Before we go all-in, I’ve been wondering about a few things?”

He seems to shake himself out of his proclamation, looking at you curiously. “Oh? By all means, ask.”

Right, well. Here goes. “Okay, first off. I’ve never been given the full story behind this Kolm guy. Was he just some lord that dabbled too deep in shadow summoning, or is he older than that, like, some sort of elder being that was presumed dead for ages, or what?”

“Oh?” The Prince looks surprised at that, before frowning in thought. “Hm. A bit of an oversight perhaps. I was certain you were aware of the history...” When you shake your head, he shrugs. “Very well. Truth be told, your summation is accurate. Lord Kolm... the kingdom had just finished expanding its borders when he came into his lordship, and he initially seemed to be one of the better lords of our lands. He was a bit eccentric, true, but held that everyone had value. He was placed out here to manage and hold together the two portions of our lands. We’d noticed that he was getting more and more erratic and more obsessed with death as the years went on, but we, sadly, ignored it as his usual oddity. He’d been looking into darker rituals, as it stands...and when we tried to confront him…”

“Everything went south. Makes enough sense.” Heard enough backstories, you can start to guess. “Also, should I worry about those last four lieutenants of his, or do you think they've gone off somewhere else to regroup after his downfall?”

He nods. “A good question. That mysterious trio of his...I wouldn’t be surprised if they ran off, considering they seem to be averse to combat. Jugen is a mystery; it’s true we haven’t seen him, although I’m counting my blessings for that. Canaa is probably waiting for us in Lord Kolm’s keep. She was always closer to him than anyone else, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she decided it was better to stay close to home.”

Makes sense. Before you can speak anything else about it, though, your stone rumbles again. As soon as you answer it, Izumi’s voice comes out of it. “Got it! You and the Prince might want to show up, though. It left something behind. Some sort of...I think it’s some kind of portal? Circle of shadow sitting on the ground, at least.”

Huh?

(cont.)

>>3487137
You’re quick to inform the Prince, and the both of you make your way down as fast as possible to Izumi, passing by the marching soldiers on the way. Sure enough, she’s waiting in front of what looks like a way-too-perfect circle of inky darkness on the ground, smoky tendrils of darkness rising from it slightly. “See what I mean?” She gestures to it. “Not sure what this is. Not quite like, well...before. Still think it’s a portal, however.”

“I couldn’t guess,” the Prince admits. “Perhaps it’s best ignored.”

> “Want one of us to test it out?” It’s a risk, but...dangers of the job, and all.
> “Probably the better call.” No need to fret about it at this stage of things.
> “Well, anyone got anything they don’t mind losing?” You’re already getting thin on mana, so.
> Other

>>3487140
>Other
>Examine it with FutureSight

>>3487140
>*Miranda picks up the old adventurers standby, the ten foot long pole and attempts to poke the circle*
Seriously, though, check it with the FutureSight.

>>3487140
> “Well, anyone got anything they don’t mind losing?” You’re already getting thin on mana, so.
FutureSight doesn't know everything.

>>3487169
>the ten foot long pole
Do we have one of those? We should get one of those. It'll fit in the bag, and makes for a great party trick.

>>3487140
By the way, did Izumi get her own FutureSight from Sal or not? If yes, then we should tell her to use it more often.

>>3487140
>> “Want one of us to test it out?” It’s a risk, but...dangers of the job, and all.

>>3487175
>FutureSight doesn't know everything.
It should know at least something, all three provided options look like red flags.

Well. Worth a shot.

Writing.

To bad that Gart spends mana otherwise we could pull him. He should probably know what this is.

Or it could be one of those empower points but it uses darkness. We should stick our halberd in it.

>>3487360
>Gart spends mana
[citation needed]

>>3487140
>>3487164
>>3487169
Hm. Giving it all a lookaround, it’s probably too risky to just throw something or someone in. Who knows what might come of it.

...actually! Hm. Would it work?

...eh, worth a shot. So out comes the FutureSight- in book form now. It’s a bit odd to have to hold the thing up, and although Prince gives you a curious look, he says nothing as you fake having to write in it for a bit; although when you try to turn away so as to keep the results from showing up at random, that’s when he has to ask. “Pardon, but what kind of enchantment might that tome have?”

“One that’s unique to me,” you say idly as you await the results of the scan. Fortunately, it doesn’t take too long.

>Spatial distortion detected. Distortion Endpoint World Coordinates: 210.78, 148.33. Current World Coordinates: 180.44, 125.22.

Huh. So it IS a portal. And if the coordinates are anywhere near accurate, then considering Kolm’s place is supposed to be in the northwest, then that SHOULD get you real near. Nea-

>WARNING: Spatial Distortion is Unstable; risk of unintended distortion collapse due to matter transference is high.

Oh. Less neat. “It’s a portal, all right. But it looks like it might be a one way trip, and for very few…” you hazard aloud. Certainly not enough to get an entire army through.

“Hm. I see.” The Prince seems relatively deep in thought. “We have little time to ponder the matter...but ponder we must. I’ll have to call a meeting, and we’ll discuss it as soon as we can. Fortunately, it seems as though much of Ravenholm was evacuated or fled due to the fire...we might be able to hide out here for a moment or two if we keep quiet; our numbers and proximity won’t give us much time, but…”

“Fair enough,” you decide. “So we’re heading back?”

He nods. “For now.”

As you do, however, you’re approached by a soldier that’s starting to look familiar… “The turncoat wants you, Miss Yvrace. Again.”

Really? What now?

When you approach her, she seems oddly serious for once. “So...I hear that you might be trying to get Lady Malis to see things my way. That true?”

Hm. This is a change of pace. “Why?”

“Do you really think she’ll be docile?” She stands up from her reclining position, looking you straight in the eyes. “Truthfully, now.”

> “With her as crippled as she is, I don’t think she’s going to rock the boat much.”
> “She’ll be docile enough for you to do whatever. She’s more loyal to Zai than most I’ve met...but that’s still not much.”
> “So long as you don’t hand over the clan on a silver platter, she’ll deal with it.”
> Other.

>>3487460
>> “She’ll be docile enough for you to do whatever. She’s more loyal to Zai than most I’ve met...but that’s still not much.”

>>3487460
> “She’ll be docile enough for you to do whatever. She’s more loyal to Zai than most I’ve met...but that’s still not much.”
"She requires proof of my abilities to fully commit, of course. I intend to show her Kolm's head as my claim."

>>3487460
>“She’ll be docile enough for you to do whatever. She’s more loyal to Zai than most I’ve met...but that’s still not much.”
>"Any bright ideas on how to adjust Blackweb philosophy? Please, do tell."
>"I don't need to remind you about my reward for letting you live, do I?."

>>3487460
> “She’ll be docile enough for you to do whatever. She’s more loyal to Zai than most I’ve met...but that’s still not much.”
>Besides, if she's going to try and overthrow you, then she'll be assembling ALL your enemies from within together. Much easier to let someone else do all the hard work.

It'll be fiiiiine.

Writing!

>>3487460
>>3487477
>>3487490
>>3487504
>>3487566
You resist the urge to scoff. “She’ll be docile enough for you to do whatever. She’s more loyal to Zai than most I’ve met...but that’s still not much.” You can’t say for certain if she’ll ever try anything against Zatzil, but that’s really less of the point. Right now, she’s not in any shape to do anything, even if she wanted. "She wants proof of my abilities to fully commit, of course. So I intend to show her Kolm's head as my claim." You were going to do it anyway, sooo...

Zatzil, for her part, doesn’t speak. Instead, she gives you a long look. Almost nervous, even. Actually, no, that’s entirely nervous. Her face doesn’t say anything, but the jittering of her limbs does.

After a minute“So, any ideas on how you're going to-”

“North.” Hm?

“Head north. From here. It’s two days’ ride. You’ll run directly into the valley’s opening. Walk until you see a large stone on your left; it’s shaped like a crescent moon, spots and all. Three times your size, not easy to miss. Just beyond it, you’ll find a crevasse, just wide enough for one Weaver. Go down it, it’ll open up into a large underground area. My little hideaway is to the east of there, down a small cavern system. There’s an exit tunnel in the opposite direction that’ll put you back near the cavern opening as well. You get there, and you can take your fill of whatever you like.” She doesn’t elaborate, or give you any particular warnings, just waves once and sits back down.

>Suddenly you feel the need to go on a quick sojourn.
>Good to know, but you’ll have to hold off on that until at least you know Kolm’s dead.
>Other

>>3487639
>Good to know, but you’ll have to hold off on that until at least you know Kolm’s dead.

>>3487639
>Good to know, but you’ll have to hold off on that until at least you know Kolm’s dead.
Job comes first. And this time, tell Sal to fucking let us pick up our secondary pay before warping us out of the world.

>>3487639
>Good to know, but you’ll have to hold off on that until at least you know Kolm’s dead.
>"If you need an idea for a new philosophy, I'd be willing to extol the virtues of capitalism. Open trade with the other races, commit to increasing silk production and silk based products, offer services like that inn idea those two Blackweb I mentioned are starting, and use whatever capitol you gain to invest in other businesses."

Gonna put a pin in that.

Writing.

>>3487639
>Suddenly you feel the need to go on a quick sojourn.

>>3487706
Sal had better not fuck us out of this extra pay by warping us out as soon as the main job is over.

>>3487725
Usually we call him up for pickup through our mental link before we leave, he doesn't just warp us out.

>>3487639
>>3487648
>>3487654
>>3487674
“Alright, then. Soon as Kolm’s dead, I’ll see to collecting that,” you decide. As good news as this is, the primary comes first. “That said, Sal, you DID hear that, right?”

“Yes, yes, I hearrrrrrrrrd. I don’t think that’ll be muuuuuuch of a problem. Just don’t go lollygagging aroooooooound, hm? There’s something verrrrrrrrrry important that you need to be here for once you’re done.”

Huh. That’s abnormal. Sal actually sounded distracted, for once. Hm. Well...you’re going to have to worry about that later. For now...you’ve got a meeting to get to.

“I don’t like it,” is the first word out of Thorumin’s mouth as the Prince explains things later that night. “Sounds too risky. Who knows what Kolm has in store, if what the girl says is accurate. Going there with a weakened force would be suicide.”

“I am not so sure,” Za-Leil interjects. “Depending on location, we may strike unexpectedly. Cut out the heart without the body’s knowledge.”

“And if it IS expectedly?” the Rabbitkin leader shoots back. “We’d be walking into a trap. No, better to siege them as originally planned.”

“Honestly, they’re both good points, but I’m tempted to side with Za-Leil,” Braun offers. “It’s a situation where the fewer of us to travel, the faster we can move. A smaller assaulting force has a bit more flexibility in close quarters matters. I’ve little doubt we’ll have to assault the man inside of doors.”

“You will,” Norima says resolutely. “We have seen what the Veil has to offer. And although it is...limited, we know where he is hiding. He resides near the very bottom of his tower. In our speaking, we have seen that there is the most likely place for the final battle to happen.”

“Have you anything else you’ve seen, perhaps?” The Prince asks kindly.

“Many, many spots of light winking out. Of shadow turning upon shadow,” she responds as she glances at you briefly. “Very unusual. I worry about our soldiers, however. We have also seen that they may suffer regardless of if we go one way or another...”

“Troubling…” Braun grumbles.

(cont.)

>>3487803
She nods. “Quite. It is for that reason I would suggest remaining with them, and marching as one.”

The Prince sighs. “Seems that we’re divided again...hm. I would think to attempt to strike him quickly and without mercy. If it IS a trap, I am prepared to sell my life to the cause if need be. You all have proven fine and capable leaders, and I would trust you to continue the Alliance in the days beyond should such come to pass.” Before you can bring up how you’d rather not that happen, he quickly interrupts, looking at you and Izumi. “My father would, of course, see you paid as promised, make no mistake.”

“I think I can safely say we would rather you not die!” Izumi says heatedly. “You don’t need to martyr yourself!”

> “Which is why we’re going to keep going as is. We’ll restock, march, turn his place into rubble, and end it that way.”
> “That’s why we’re going with them, duh. Quickest and easiest way to end this.”
> “If you want to be stupid about it, you might as well just let us go and take care of it ourselves.”
> Other