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File: Dragon Miranda MGFH 99.png (1.08 MB, 856x1048)
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A couple of kids trying to steal something right from under an official’s nose. You’re not sure who it belongs to, but you want to absolutely make sure that it has nothing to do with your goals. If it does?

Well, you’re not sure what you’re going to do, but it’ll probably be violent.

"Did you manage to get any information out of them about why they did it?" you ask as you continue on.

“Nothing concrete. Just malarky about needing to stop ‘them’ from escaping. Dunno what or who they’re talking about, but it’s not getting past us, if they’s in this prison. And if they aren’t, then it’s none of our business. Ain’t gonna be responsible for keeping somewhere else’s security up and running, y’know?”

“Right,” you mutter.

You end up walking past a number of rooms and at least two more pairs of guards before stopping at one simply labeled ‘9B- Records and Admissions’. Hm. Nonstandard organization, maybe. “Right, sooo. Just gonna, uh, step in here, let the boss know. You, uh...you can stay here, yeah? Got a lot that’s not supposed ta be seen in there by uh...y’know, civs…” he seems uncomfortable admitting that, you notice. Why, though, you have no clue.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20For%20Hire%20Quest
General Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/u/MGFHQHandler
MGFH Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H43OFoxE9QyMgIqBg_YdPO7IPn7_ES6iST7Xnv9Ou7Q/edit#gid=0
Character Details: http://pastebin.com/9J70gqM2
FAQ: http://pastebin.com/8unLWUjF
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MGFHandler
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/Q5Q1MR92
Discord: https://discord.gg/wkg6ejt
>>
>>4497628
Still, you’re not a fan of being shut out. They might have some kind of information that you could use. And not to mention considering how nervous he seems, you don’t think it’d be too hard to bully him into letting you in with him...although that might annoy his boss and cause issues. May want to avoid that to continue flying under the radar for as long as possible.

>Ask to be let in so you can hear what they have to say, maybe grill the boss yourself.
>Say nothing. You’ll find a method to get your information without him.
>Other
>>
>>4497629
>Ask to be let in so you can hear what they have to say, maybe grill the boss yourself.
>>
>>4497629
>Say nothing. You’ll find a method to get your information without him.
>Sneak in and eavesdrop with enchanced hearing.
Welcome back.
>>
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>>4497632
If the boss decides to grill us instead, then we could take advantage of our high (intimidation) stat.
>>
>>4497629
>>4497633
This. Play it safe for now.
>>
>>4497629
>Say nothing. You’ll find a method to get your information without him.
Its time to prepare our drill sergeant monologue
>>
>>4497639
Our current stats:
Intimidaton A
Humor E+
Otherworldly B
Hothead C
Plainness D-
Hope we'll see what (otherworldly) options look like.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>4497653
otherworldly just makes us look like an eldritch being on the higher(A and up) levels. we looked like pic related when we were training the magical girl squad
>>
>>4497660
Sorry, I meant what are the dialogue options look like, not our appearance.
>>
>>4497629
>>4497633
>>4497641
>>4497648
You decide to just keep quiet. Not that you’ll stay out there yourself, but...he doesn’t need to know that. No, instead you’ll just keep to yourself, leaning on the wall in apparent acquiescence.

He gives you a grateful look in return. “Thanks a ton. You, uh...you just sit tight. We’ll be back out to getcha, for sure.” With that, he disappears inside.

You’re gonna give him about 30 seconds or so before… ‘Gartoum?’ you mentally ask.

‘Let me guess. We’ll be listening in?’ You can practically hear the grin on his face.

‘Give it a few more seconds before we slide in.’ You confirm.

-------------------

It’s child’s play to slip under the door crack and into the room. ‘My my, a great number of files and shelves. So much paper and print. Drab, really. Ah, but the voices here may be worth some interest, for certain! Up you go, then!’

When you’re back in the light, you notice that you’re behind a large row of files; seems like the room is bigger than you thought. Not big enough to need to strain yourself to hear the tense conversation, however…

“-crazy. Can’t imagine the timing’s accidental. We get these weird kids trying to steal from Duke Alcore of all people, then this islander with a cloak asking after them? Chief, I think we’re gettin’ involved in some heavy international stuff.’

“Heavy or not, we got rules, kid,” comes a gruff response. “Can’t just let anyone walk free, no matter what might be going on. Not without the authority of the king hisself. Sure, Alcore might be a rotten egg, but that don’t give anyone the right to steal whenever they like. Can’t let jus’ anyone see ‘em, either.”

“But sir, if this girl is a member of what I THINK she’s a member of, we’re not gonna have much choice!” Huh? “The Makuvian Shadows are under special dispensation of the Empress; if we say no and hinder whatever investigation they might be undertaking, we could-”

“-she ain’t gonna do a thing,” the ‘chief’ counters. “An’ if she was a Shadow, she wouldn’t be out an’ about so blatant-like. She’d have sent someone else ta ask after the kids, some patsy that ain’t so obvious a Shadow. Boy, stop an’ use yer head for a bit. She’s likely either jus’ an islander what got curious or someone in the know. Tell me, how many questions she ask?” Oh. Smart man.

“Just...just the one about if we’d asked them much; wanted to know what we got outta them.” He timidly asks.

“Did you answer, boy?” he asks with exasperation.

You can hear the hesitation. “I- well, yeah. Not much, though! Just that-”

“Consider your pay docked for the next two weeks for information leaking.” The chief says, non-plussed. “You’re also on cleanup duty for the duration.”

(cont.)
>>
>>4497717
“W...wh-but!”

“Want it three?” Is the smooth reply. You hear nothing from the guard. “Good. Now, you’re gonna invite her in and offer her a talk with the kids. My guess is she’s a fixer of a sort, or mebbe tryin’ to continue their work. Might be a whole gang at this. So you’re gonna say that I got the message, an’ authorized a standard 10 minute visit. Heavy precautions, but call 'em standard. Got me?" A moment more of silence. "You listen in, log as much as you can at the desk. Don't matter if it sounds completely normal, you get it ALL down. Might well be able to use this as bait to catch the rest in the act if she's up to more trouble in their name or not, or mebbe stop a breakout attempt.”

Hmph. Well, that's not grand. You're going to have to...well, not like you couldn't knock them out now, but THAT'D be risky as all get-out, not to mention put a serious timer on your excursion. You could play the I Know You Know game, too...go along with it all peacefully, but you'd have to be very careful what and how you say.

"I'm gonna go write the authorization. Stay in for a bit longer, make it seem like it was a real hashing out."

>Slip back out, feign ignorance. You'll play their game up until you feel like breaking it.
>You don't need them to come with, thanks. You'll just...deal with them here.
>Other
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>>4497725
>Slip back out, feign ignorance. You'll play their game up until you feel like breaking it.
Gotta admit this chief's good, but he played the wrong hand - we aren't with the kids. And the logs are useless since we'll be long gone by the time it can bite us in the arse.
>>
>>4497725
>Slip back out, feign ignorance. You'll play their game up until you feel like breaking it.
>>
>>4497725
>Slip back out, feign ignorance. You'll play their game up until you feel like breaking it.

Well, at least now we know that we can use the makuvian shadows as a front.
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>>4497725
>Slip back out, feign ignorance. You'll play their game up until you feel like breaking it.

Leveling up bluffs and stealth. Are we multiclassing?
>>
>>4497725
>Slip back out, feign ignorance. You'll play their game up until you feel like breaking it.
>>
>>4497725
>>4497729
>>4497732
>>4497733
>>4497734
>>4497939
You might be able to play with them for a bit longer, if only to keep the ease of getting to the source of information intact. ‘Let’s get out of here,’ you state, and without a word you drop back down into the dark…

When he comes back out, you’re in the same position as you were before. He fixes you with a smile. “Good news! You’ve got, uh, ‘authorization’. So, come on and follow me!” He leads you towards the back, and you set about looking carefully around to map the place out mentally. Just in case.

It’s a pretty simple setup, if you’re being honest. Very much for general incarceration, mostly just rows of jail cells and some occasional offices for the officers on duty. You’re taken down a set of steps, into a more underground holding area...it’s a bit dirty and dripping, but not too nasty. It does seem to be sort of...refurbished, or adjusted, as it seems like there’s some sort of small aqueduct or ditch with running water in the middle of the hallway, a large one. At the foot of the stairs is a small room with a desk and some office supplies. Moving on, there’s a small bridge that connects the two sides, and there’s jail cells on either side. “Here we are. At the end of this hallway, you’ll find our...guests. You’ve been authorized to have some time to question them, but we ask you don’t try to free them, of course.” He chuckles slightly, as though it’s a joke, but you simply nod, and move on, not bothering to see his reaction.

(cont.)
>>
>>4497969
They’re all in separate cells, naturally. And there’s three of them. The first you see is a tanned young girl, brown-haired, green-eyed, and with tattered...you can’t remember what those things are called, the leggings that belly dancers wear. She at least has a full form blue top on, and judging from a few lighter spots around her wrists and neck, is used to wearing some sort of jewelry or specific garb. She seems to simply be sitting down on her cot, facing away from the cell door, knees to her chest; upon further inspection, it seems she’s asleep.

The second individual is a young man, in a brown cloak vaguely similar to yours, in that it covers his head and body. Beyond that, it’s hard to see anything of him besides his sandals and red hair. He’s relaxing on his cot on the ground, and raises an eyebrow when he sees you. “Who’re you? Never seen your like around here.”

“Huh? Someone there?” the voice furthest down asks. You move on to see them- the few steps taken reveal a rather...muscled figure. Yet he still seems young, despite his obvious six pack. He’s got black, spiky hair and he’s in a dirty white undershirt and simple pants. He seems just as confused as you are. “Whoa. Hey, what’s going on? Are you going to let us go?”

“I doubt it…” the cloaked boy mutters. Well, you're going to have to figure out how to approach this. You can't talk to them independently, which means that what you ask one will affect how you approach the others...

>Talk to the tanned girl first.
>Talk to the cloaked boy first.
>Talk to the muscular boy first.
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>>4497971
>Talk to the muscular boy first.
>>
>>4497971
>>4497998
Actually, let's try the girl first, she might let something slip from her sleepiness. If we go for someone else then she'll likely wake up and will prepare for questioning. The order in which we question the boys doesn't matter as much.
>Talk to the tanned girl first.
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>>4497971
We don't know who is strictly speaking involved, in this theft, or if the duke is regular shady or darkness shady, but a popular first step in divide and conquer can serve us well.
>Open Question, "Who got you all arrested?"
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>>4497971
>Open Question, "Who got you all arrested?"
>Talk to the tanned girl first.
>>
>>4497971
>Talk to the tanned girl first
>>
>>4497971
>Talk to the tanned girl first.
Alright, so what's the narrative we're going to spin here? Heavily imply that we're a Makuvian shadow and see what kind of information we can squeeze out of her?
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>>4497971
>Open Question, "Who got you all arrested?"
>>
>>4498353
Dunno how hot-headed/reckless these kids are yet so we have to choose our words. But I think just implying they involved themselves into something that's WAY out of their league is a safe bet.
>>
>>4497734
>Leveling up bluffs and stealth. Are we multiclassing?
We're working towards A rank, and for that we'd have to take harder solo jobs - so we need a well-rounded skill set.
>>
>>4499021
Or enough crutches to cover the areas in which we're lacking. Like how we've been using Gartoum in this mission.
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>>4499026
If I knew we would end up going stealth mode in the beginning of this mission, I should have voted to bring the invisibility plate. We would have been more stealthy in the fortress.
Oh well. Gart MVP.
>>
>>4499106
yeah... dunno why we didn't take the plate. maybe we just forgot.
>>
Hopefully your crunch will be over soon boss, because frankly most of us are tired of this glacial pace we're having.
>>
>>4499134
that sounds very entitled my dude
>>
Geez, talk about timing. But no, I feel similarly.

There is an end in sight, thank goodness. Before the month's out. This SHOULD be the last week, in fact. Keyword being 'should'.
>>
>>4499154
>>4499159
Sorry for being rood, just expressing concerns that's all.
And THANK YOU for some good news! Don't work yourself out too hard.
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>>4499120
We took:
>Operation Z1
>Revitalization Barrier
>Syn-Seither Pills (x2)
>Levitation Crystal
>Assault Crystal
I don't know what to expect from the revitalization barrier. Nura should be able to start making healing potions soon, which makes it somewhat redundant if it only has healing properties, but on the other hand - synth-seither pills turned out to be extremely effective, so the bar for the final product is kinda high.
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>>4499234
If it works, it can serve as a heal-bot for choke points (TF2 Dispenser comes to mind), so we don't have to stop shooting to recover. It can also heal multiple people at once.
We should look for wildlifes to convert/test the barrier in the near future.
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>>4499249
>so we don't have to stop shooting to recover. It can also heal multiple people at once.
i don't think we ever had the need to stop to lick our wounds. the closest thing to that that i remember was in the mafia world when we got directly shot and that only left a bruise.
>>
>>4499249
That's not how I interpreted it's effects. Nanomachines were mentioned in its description, I don't see how it has anything to do with area of effect.
>>
>>4499258
Just checked, it's in thread #45. The wound was more serious than that - Miranda was bleeding and started to limp a bit, had to stop and have our leg bandaged. There were other instances where Miranda got badly wounded (although half of them were in crossovers), same for our teammates. Although, yeah, holding chokepoints and tanking stuff is not what SES girls do, they hit and run and follow the principles of 'just don't get hit, lol'.
>>
>>4499263
>>4499274
I mean it's a barrier, how can a barrier NOT have an area of effect?
And like I've said, the barrier can provide some important action economy advantage should we need to hold a point.

>mfw we've been playing a glass cannon crew since the start
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>>4499293
I thought it's like a personal barrier
>>
>>4499293
>>4499297
Because it's based on crystal-tech, and none of R&B crystals had AoE.
>>
>>4499293
we aren't glass cannons though; well, at least miranda isn't.
>>
>>4499311
>>4499293
As long as no sharp objects are involved, our magical girls can take a lot of punishment + Miranda and Izumi can make shields, big and small. Jago is somewhat hardy, although he's not a military bot and his parts weren't exactly top tier stuff. Owlia almost always wears her power armor during missions, no idea if shoving a crystal in her brain made her more resilient or not. There was an option for Mono to develop a 'humming' technique that affects only her, maybe we can develop it so she could buff her protection.
>>
>>4497717
>The Makuvian Shadows are under special dispensation of the Empress;
>Local Rulership: King Jader (Alminia) / Empress Kitha (Yulin) / Lord and Lady Aurintine (Droga) / Queen Asha (Elerta) / King Crova (Balunda)
>Miranda is mistaken for an islander
I guess that Yulin is a maritime empire, might be wrong tho. What else do we know?

>Saberlane, place famous for its scholars and advanced magic
>4th Lockstone is in the desert
>the tanned girl has a belly-danced outfit
I tend to associate curved swords like sabers with the middle east, same with deserts and belly-dancing - so I guess we might visit Saberlane later, when we'll be looking for the fourth Lockstone.
>>
>>4500741
>I guess that Yulin is a maritime empire, might be wrong tho. What else do we know?
other than that, i don't think much else. Our safer bet right now should be to pull a trick from the hostage negotiators/fortune tellers and just ask leading questions that give us some leverage over them.
hmm, now that i think about it, we could have some extra psychological effect on them if we try to play nice with them. our high intimidation stats plus acting nice will probably scare them to no ends or make them think that something went really wrong.
>>
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>Pic related is Miranda
>>
Hello, folks. It has been a week. It continues to be a week.

Writing shortly.
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>>4502652
Shit boss, you doing fine? How's your current work?
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>>4502652
It's work, it's busy. I got off an hour ago. Mind, it's not horrid, just. Busy as shit.
>>
“I’m here because I want to know something,” you say without answering their prior question. “Who got you all arrested?” Time to test their loyalty.

The cloaked boy lets out a scoff. “The Duke, duh. We were just minding our own business, an-”

“Oh, so no one here screwed up?” you say easily. “You don’t seem stupid, so maybe he was just smarter?”

“Ha! Yeah right!” the kid complains. “He just got lucky with coming back when he did. Otherwise we’d have been long gone.” Interesting. Not even trying to deny it. But if none of them are willing to complain about each other, then that’ll make things a bit tougher. Fine, then. Moving on...let’s try the sleepy girl, first.

You approach her over the complaints of the cloaked boy- a simple pebble is enough to wake her up. “W-huh? Who’s there?” She turns around- her eyes are a rich caramel, and she seems...wide eyed. Guileless. “Who’re you? What’s going on here?”

“Hey, don’t you say anything to her!” the cloaked boy yells, which the buff kid agrees with. “She’s probably a spy!”

"Not a spy," you mutter. But you DO have to see what they are about, somehow... "I can see you've happened upon a sorry fate. But for that, I have questions."

>Decide on three questions.
>>
>>4502720
>Grab a book or a note from inside the cloak as if checking our notes

>What was your reason to try and steal from a powerfull duke?

>Do you have any idea of the importance of what you were taking? (Be vague try to gauge her wording)
>>
>>4502720
>Grab a book or a note from inside the cloak as if checking our notes
>"Who or what convinced you to do this? You are trying to stop something from escaping, but this is not an impulse decision from reading tall tales."
>"What are your connections with the Duke before this?"
>"Do you still have possession of the item you tried to steal?"
>>
>>4502729
>>4502720
Oh add to my questions: "Does she know on how much trouble she is for trying to steal from the duke?" (Basicaly guide and see if the possible idea of some unknow punishment would have her talk about what she and the group tried to do.)
>>
>>4502733
They go caught so i don't think that they have the item.
>>
>>4502720
>ask her name first. Who is she?
Then this >>4502729
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>>4502737
It's a bait question anon, we can read faces and moods. It can also point to where it is while being less blunt (we're being recorded)
>>
>>4502737
They also could have stashed it before they got arrested. I think that might've been mentioned in some regard before, though maybe I'm projecting.
>>
>>4502720
>>4502739
taking this
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>>4502745
Switching to >>4502733
I think this is more "full"
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>>4502739
I still think that using names can provide some useful psychological effect.
>>
>>4502755
>>4502720
Can just ask for her name too then, nothing too harmful.
>>
Locked. Writing.
>>
>>4502720
>>4502729
>>4502733
Hmm, maybe instead of pulling out a book we could scan them with FutureSight. This can also create implications that they got involved in something out of their league.
>>
>>4502763
Oh well, we can try it in the next round of questions
>>
>>4502763
If Miranda does anything to these chucklefucks they'll realize they're out of their league.
Unfortunately protags tend to not care about the odds. Hence being heroic.
>>
>>4502769
that doesn't matter right now though. driving up the creepy factor up to 11 until one of them breaks is the goal.
>>
>>4502769
Hence why I didn't want to resort to intimidation tactics. Last thing we want right now is more unpredictables.
>>
>>4502769
I don't think they're protags, just another group of adventurous little shits. But if they are - FutureSight scans can tell approximate mana levels and affinity and other interesting stuff that could come in handy in case we'll have to deal with them in the future.
>>
>>4502778
But being intimidating is all we can do. And what unpredictable stuff can they do inside their cages?
>>
>>4502720
>>4502729
>>4502734
>>4502739
You’re going to get something out of her, like it or not. And first thing's first. "What's your name?"

"...Lia," she mutters.

"Alright, Lia," you start. You're going to get something out of her, one way or another. You’re going to need something in the way of props, however. And fortunately, you’ve got plenty. Reaching into your bag, you grab a book from inside it- the titleless one. Doesn’t matter what’s in it, they won’t see. “What was your reason in the first place to try and steal from a powerful duke?” You say, looking at it as though checking something.

“W-what? What do you mean?” she asks, fearfully.

“Please answer the question,” you insist flatly. Complaints from the other two are shut out, mentally; you need to make her believe you can’t be rattled on this topic.

“I...um. We don’t usually steal, but, um, we had to!” she exclaims.

“Had to,” you repeat. “Why is that? Do you have any idea of the importance of what you were taking?” You don’t want to give away much of what you do or don’t know here- being vague generally means that she’s more likely to specify, mentioning details she thinks may be ‘obvious’ in this situation.

“If we don’t then the fairies-” she starts, before she pauses, catching herself. “...well, it won’t be good! We need the key to...well, do what keys do!”

“Unlock something?” you ask rhetorically. “Unlock what, then?”

“Ha! Nice try,” cloaked boy says. “Maybe you get us outta here, and we’ll answer more questions. For now though, we ain’t talkin’!" Hm. He’s a stuffy one.

>Insist on continuing with her.
>Switch a new person.
>Other
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>>4502814
>Insist on continuing with her.
She's struggling.
>>
I'm struggling, too. Tired and going to bed. Nearly fell asleep at my keyboard. Will post tomorrow.
>>
>>4502814
>Insist on continuing with her.
Night boss.
>>
>>4502814
>Insist on continuing with her.
Night, boss. Rest well.
>>
>>4502814
>>4502824
Adding
>Take out FutureSight and scan them
>>
>>4502819
Good Night, don't let the interstellar metallic goop merchants bite.
So they were stealing a key, sounds suspiciously close to the keystones we're collecting, but we've gotten jebaited before, could be his secret temple shortcut key or something.
>>
>>4502814
>>4502826
Hmmm, time to make a mother of bluffs.

>Take out FutureSight and scan them
>"A hint of truth then, you've involved yourselves into something that's far beyond your league - something that my group has also been tackling."
>"It's happening sooner than you think, and we're very much short on time. What your group and mine are trying to prevent will be only a sign of things to come, unless you cooperate. Do that, or be useless in these cells."

They're short on time themselves, part of the reasons why they tried to steal this key so recklessly. This will give them a kick to spill it out.
>>
>>4502860
I don't think we should spill out so much, the guards are taking notes as well.
>>
>>4502870
And pulling out the FutureSight is not alarming?
And let them record, this will only confirm their false narrative (being that this is an international incident in the making) + they'll believe that we're a Makuvian Shadow. At least that's what I'm leading myself into, can just scare them off into not revealing our info to snoopers on the way out.
>>
>>4502879
Pulling the futuresight just says that we're someone very powerful and reaffirms the idea that we're a Shadow or a spook from another kingdom. Implying that we have the same goal only would raise alarms in everyones head and probably falls under metagaming as well because miranda definitely doesnt know who these people are.
>>
>>4502888
I'm just saying it's a bluff/half-truth, and appearing to their goal will also make them easier to spill. That definitely doesn't fall into metagaming, it's a valid tactic. We need some kind of proverbial fire to light up their bums, they aren't talking deep otherwise.
And we'll be long gone by the time the logs can be spread anyhow.
>>
>>4502879
>>4502888
What he said. FutureSight is just some weird gizmo for them, not really alarming. The guard captain said that Makuvian Shadows are way more subtle - blatant mention of other groups and common goals would likely complicate things for everyone, including ourselves.
>>
>>4502900
We don't even know their motive, or if it's even related to Lockstones. There's no concrete evidence, yet anons have dubbed them protags.
>>
>>4502914
My guess is that they're trying to free a group of fairies from something dangerous and can potentially harm them?
>>
Hmm, what if the Duke is actually one of "historians". Gotta clarify that later.
>>
>>4502927
Oh wait, I have something now.
>Nothing concrete. Just malarky about needing to stop ‘them’ from escaping

Evil fairies?
>>4502932
We can seek audience with him if this goes nowhere.
>>
luck
>>
>>4502914
>>4502937
Oh guys, the shadow king has been having us collect the lockstones so that he can subvert their power to support himself more powerfully than he was before, what if these kids are collecting the keys to try and keep them away from the shadow king because they hilariously misunderstand?
>>
>>4502970
probably. the problem is that miranda doesn't know who these kids are and for all purposes they might have tried to steal something that isn't a lockstone.
>>
>>4503372
You know who these kids are?
>>
>>4503694
we also don't know who the kids are, but there is an anon or two that think that they are the group that we have read in the interludes.
>>
>>4502814
No, no, you're not going to let her off so easily. Not just now. "I think it'd be better if you let her decide what she wants to say, unless you're in the business of making all her decisions for her." You quickly turn to her. "Are you? Or can you think for yourself what's best for you?"

"I-I...I mean, it's important," she says warily. "For everyone, I think. It...it's not something everyone realizes is important, but it really is!"

"How important?" you press.

"Very!" the boy interrupts again. "Now lay off her and-"

"So how important?" you continue, ignoring the boy completely.

"I...really, really important. It's kind of...well...it'll help save the world...?" she hazards. "I... think? I know it sounds crazy, but maybe if we explain it better, people will understand!"

"Do tell," you insist.

"Or don't!" the cloaked boy rebuts. "Cause if you do, they're going to either think we're crazy, or try to get at them first! That's BAD, Lia!" She flinches a bit, but gulps.

"I...I'm sorry," she insists. Annoying, but...interesting. Is this girl related to your own job, or something else entirely? You're not sure, and you'd rather not accidentally out yourself over it. But then how can you ask them?

>(Intimidation) Press her harder. You may have to make her cry a bit, and maybe anger the other kids, but omelets, eggs, and all that.
>(Otherworldly) You know just enough that you should be able to creep her out with the right words...and get her to spill. Or freak out entirely. Either or.
>Other
>>
>>4504235
>(Intimidation) Press her harder. You may have to make her cry a bit, and maybe anger the other kids, but omelets, eggs, and all that.
I think this will ease the locals more into thinking us as a spook from another kingdom, instead of our true role.
>>
>>4504235
>(Otherworldly) You know just enough that you should be able to creep her out with the right words...and get her to spill. Or freak out entirely. Either or.
More Makuvian Shadow-like.
>>
>>4504235
>>(Otherworldly) You know just enough that you should be able to creep her out with the right words...and get her to spill. Or freak out entirely. Either or.
>>
>>4504235
>(Otherworldly) You know just enough that you should be able to creep her out with the right words...and get her to spill. Or freak out entirely. Either or.
>>
>>4504235
>(Otherworldly) You know just enough that you should be able to creep her out with the right words...and get her to spill. Or freak out entirely. Either or.
>>
>>4504235
>(Otherworldly) You know just enough that you should be able to creep her out with the right words...and get her to spill. Or freak out entirely. Either or.
Mind break time!
>>
Expect an all day run tomorrow. Just to kick things off right.
>>
>>4506738
The usual time (2PM PST) boss?
Also how are you doin'?
>>
>>4506740
Yup. And I'm doing peachy now.

Took a shot at cooking Pacific Rockfish. Came out well! Baked it.
>>
>>4506821
that sounds tasty
>>
>>4504235
>>(Intimidation) Press her harder. You may have to make her cry a bit, and maybe anger the other kids, but omelets, eggs, and all that.
>>
>>4504235
>>4504246
>>4504287
>>4504393
>>4504591
>>4504601
Well. If nothing else, she seems the easily worried sort. And that makes you think…. you phrase things right, and she might spill herself out of fear or mesmerization. Not quite intimidation outright, but the simple fear of the unknown is usually enough to get people talking. Someone’s own imagination can do wonders against them. “So. You’re aware that something’s changing. Do you really comprehend what the result of your actions may cause? Or are you simply rushing forward with little thought but your own envisioning of justice?” You hold your hand out in a questioning manner- while letting loose just the smallest flair of mana. The way she blinks makes you think she saw it, but isn’t certain.

Regardless, the complaints fall silent after you say that. “...w-what do you mean? Do...do you know what might happen? W-how?”

"Knowing won't help you. What matters is your actions regardless of your knowledge." That more than a big vague, but a small shiver goes through her briefly; a good enough start. "What that key unlocks is beyond your ken." At least, you think it is, if it has any remote relationship with your own task...

"B-but Ms. Fairy said-" Fairy? Oh boy. "-letting them go would help protect the world..."

"Protect can mean different things from different viewpoints," you insist. A fairy being involved is...concerning, but you might be able to make this work. "Someone can use their physical power to 'protect' someone else... and another someone can use darker means to 'protect' their own interests. A matter of perspective. You'd be wise to learn the difference."

"Wha...but then...why...?" She's getting confused, sure enough. Seems like she's not very skeptical.

From here, you’d be best served trying to steer her towards a direction in this case. The question, though, is what direction?

>Steer her and them in the direction of mistrust and doubt. "Has 'Ms. Fairy' ever kept anything from you? Something that she seems reluctant to talk about, or perhaps a subject came up that she was quick to change?"

>Insist that this is all none of their business and they should bow out. "Oftentimes, the best way to avoid being manipulated...is to not play the game at all. Defend yourselves and those close to you, that is all. Leave the rest to more experienced hands."

>Other; you can come up with something a bit more clever than this, even...
>>
>>4507809
>Steer her and them in the direction of mistrust and doubt. "Has 'Ms. Fairy' ever kept anything from you? Something that she seems reluctant to talk about, or perhaps a subject came up that she was quick to change?"
>>
>>4507809
>Other; you can come up with something a bit more clever than this, even...
Start scanning her with the futuresight and read out her bio.
>>
>>4507809
>>Steer her and them in the direction of mistrust and doubt. "Has 'Ms. Fairy' ever kept anything from you? Something that she seems reluctant to talk about, or perhaps a subject came up that she was quick to change?"
>Scan her with FutureSight
>>
>>4507816
what's the purpose of this? what are you trying to gain from doing that to her?
>>
Righto, I enjoy this place.

Though the whole endomagic thing makes me think.
Physical strain on the body? Sign me in.
Gimme all of those negative effects.
Micro fractures in them bones? Yes please.
Muscles overstrained? With pleasure.
Imagine training every muscle in your body, while also strengthening you skeleton, all while you just lie there doing nothing.
Granted, you'd probably be in a pretty bad world of hurt. But hey, free workout.
Don't forget your protein and stuff.

Yes, we should find a 'bonehurting juice' spell.

>>4507809
>Steer her and them in the direction of mistrust and doubt. "Has 'Ms. Fairy' ever kept anything from you? Something that she seems reluctant to talk about, or perhaps a subject came up that she was quick to change?"
> Perhaps you should read some more, with an open mind. There is naugh but one side to a story, often more than just the two.
>>
>>4507809
>>4507828
This and scan her I guess. But dunno if that would help anything.
>>
>>4507809
>Steer her and them in the direction of mistrust and doubt. "Has 'Ms. Fairy' ever kept anything from you? Something that she seems reluctant to talk about, or perhaps a subject came up that she was quick to change?"
>Start scanning her with the futuresight and read out her bio.
>>
>>4507822
There must be something special about these kids, if a fairy thinks that they can steal something important from the Duke's house ('duke' is the highest rank of nobility and sometimes can rival that of the royalty). And from what these kids said - they've almost managed to do it. We know from the catgirl we've met that entertainers can use Endomagic to boost their performance, and this girl has a belly-dancer outfit, so she might be much more capable that it seems.
>>
>>4507850
Did we ever use it to scan any person? Just recall having used it on objects of unknown nature, for the most part.
>>
>>4507828
Ya know, the more I read about it the more I think Endomancy can be a great tool for interrogations and the like. Need to ask around in that scholar town for more tips though.
>>
>>4507857
We've scanned ourselves and prima and got some stats about our physical strength and magical attunement. And we've scanned the Ivonium-poisoned bird-girl in the last mission.
>>
>>4507857
It can, in a sense. Just hasn't really been used often. I'm pretty sure you lot scanned at least someone once before. Although it can't read their past if it's not easily accessible on an internet analogue, in which case it otherwise basically does a dragnet for information. Otherwise it's just biological information and several best guesses using known data and cross-referencing.
>>
>>4507859
Also workout. Don't forget the workout.
Gotte get fukken ripped! Maybe.
Hey, magical girl channeling to enhance our physical abilities can only go so far.
>>
>>4507872
>Also workout. Don't forget the workout.
thisssss. 100% this. in 10 minutes and enough magic we can beat the shit out of your muscles like if you worked out for 2 hours. hell yeah!
>>
>>4507872
Oh! Oh! We've got a weights room from participating in the Roller-Derby! We're gonna be so ripped!
>>
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>>4507872
I'm not questioning the full extend of our magical capabilities, but no need for gym stuffs when you can replicate this with STR/INT minmaxing bs.
>>
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>>4507878
>>
But yeah, aside form bone hurting juice to assist in working out, there is a lot of practical application with endomagic, I imagine.
Getting rid of tension aswell, full body massage with a spell...
Getting some general warmup done...
Maybe I'm just thinking too simple on this, or too bound by regular old science, but hey, so long as it's fun.
>>
Sowing seeds of doubt, and showing that we know more than likely should.

Writing.
>>
>>4507864
>>4507857
#81
>something that’s just called ‘Scan’ which apparently breaks down whatever the camera’s pointed at to it’s constituent components and gives you a basic readout. Hell, you’ve even got a basic log on yourself, after testing it by turning the camera towards yourself and snapping a selfie, so to speak. Expected stats: name, age, classification (Magical Girl, natch), blah blah, but it also has a full 3D wireframe turntable of you, as well as a general blurb:

>Highly skilled in melee combat. Physical skills rated as {Superhuman} according to Intersection Average. Very High mana capacity. Mana affinity is Neutral. Mana usage style is {Omni}. Poor physical reach due to physical attributes.

>Prima, classification: Living Robot. Huh. Not ‘android’ or anything like that? Blah blah blah…

>Skilled in melee combat. Capable of remote program analysis and override. Physical skills rated as {Above Average Human} according to Intersection Average. Extremely Low Mana Capacity. Mana Affinity is Electric. Mana usage style is {Multiple: Calculative, Runic/Glyph, Medium/Object Dependant}. Poor physical reach due to physical attributes. Alternative construction possible. System interference and shutdown possible.

Well...either way, that’s interesting. And about your ever raucous piratebot...

>Skilled in melee combat. Physical Skills Rated as {Peak Human} according to Intersection Average. Extremely Low Mana Capacity. Mana Affinity is Earth/Ground. Mana usage style is {Multiple: Calculative, Runic/Glyph, Medium/Object Dependent}. Limited Ranged Capability. Alternative construction possible. System interference and shutdown possible.

Hope we can strap artificer mana reactors to minibots one day, to rectify the issue with 'Extremely Low Mana Capacity.
>>
>>4507899
amon its most combat focused applications, endomagic could be used to more or less permanently disable a specific body group by basically obliterating said muscle....we could use it as a very crude and painful way or body control, as a way to "debuff"enemies....i can't really imagine any other variant right now
>>
>>4507809
>>4507816
>>4507821
>>4507828
“Simple question,” you decide on. "Has 'Ms. Fairy' ever kept anything from you? Something that she seems reluctant to talk about, or perhaps a subject came up that she was quick to change?" The way she opens, then closes her mouth makes you suspect the answer is ‘yes’. “Consider such things next time you deign to show absolute faith. That faith may not be reciprocated. There are many ways to find things out about someone while giving little away yourself.” A bit on the nose, but there’s an easy way to distract her...if you’re careful.

As you pull out the FutureSight, you’re surprised to see it’s taken the form of a large book. With a gem in the middle of the cover. Fancy, and kinda funny. The pages are...stuck together? Oh, wait. Just a front- the pages you’re ‘open’ to is the screen. There we are. Holding it up to her, you input the commands for a scan, the position you’re in masking your hand movements to her. “For example, this tome tells me much about you…” Hopefully. She’s normal, it shouldn’t take too long to- oh thank goodness. You notice the light shines as well on the front, which causes her to let a small ‘eep’ of surprise.

Let’s see...height, weight, size, blah, blah, where’s the good- aha! “For example, I know that you are skilled in acrobatics and dancing. Your weapon of choice is a pole, as well.” Judging from the microfilaments of wood and thin calluses on her hands, at least. And with what’s next on the scan… “A reasonable choice for an individual who prefers not to fight directly if possible, but rather to heal and support.” More guesswork, really, considering her lack of blemishes and marrs on her skin.

“...what- how?” she finally gets up, and you can see her wide, surprised eyes. “How’d you know that? Who are you?”

“As I said,” you ignore her. “Actions, in this case, are more important than your sheer knowledge. My name is less important than the actions you will take from this point onward. For example...what will you do now?”

"Well...she told us her friends could help..." she admits. "if we unlocked them. They...they were locked away. They aren't fairies, though...I think." Oh?

"Then what are they?" you ask. She just shrugs.

>Inquire further about the theft.
>Talk to Cloak.
>Talk to the Muscled Kid.
>Other
>>
>>4508011
>>Inquire further about the theft.
>>
>>4508011
>Inquire further about the theft.
Might as well continue, she's dancing to us now.
>>
>>4508011
>Inquire further about the theft.
>>
>>4508011
>Inquire further about the theft.
>>
>>4508011
>Inquire further about the theft.
>>
>>4508011
>>4508016
>>4508017
>>4508019
>>4508026
>>4508046
“Hm. so you sought to steal something for no reason?” you inquire. “Are you just thieves being manipulated after all, then?”

“No way!” Cloak and Muscle Boy both say. She shakes her head in agreement. “Duke’s a jerk and he’s constantly trying to push folks to only buy stuff backed by him anyway!” Cloak agrees. “And anyone tries to argue, he usually just jails ‘em on false charges. It’s a mess; the nasty underbelly of the port no one wants to look at!”

Riveting, but he’s not the one you’re talking to right now. Instead, you refocus on Lia. “Is what he says accurate?” you ask. She nods. “Interesting. But it may well be irrelevant. How did you get in? Surely there was some level of defenses.”

“I...we didn’t do anything, it was...she distracted the guards.” Ah. No question as to who ‘she’ was.

“I can’t help but notice that ‘she’ isn’t present,” you note. “Escaped?”

“She...she’ll help us. Somehow.” Lia persists. “I believe in her. We all do.” Hm. Well, the question is does it even matter to you?

“So, you don’t think she’ll just abandon you, take the key, and move on? I suppose that makes sense.” She’s a small thing, likely. She’d need hands to help her in whatever she’s doing.

Hm. Wonder how much longer you have until the guard gets annoyed. Well, doesn't matter too much.

>Any further questions?
>Move on. There's little else to extra from her.
>>
>>4508149
>"I may want to pay a visit to this Duke later, to figure out another side of this story and all. Any particular notes I should know about?"
>>
>>4508149
>>4508154
>ask more about the duke
>>
>>4508149
>Move on. There's little else to extra from her.
i want to freak them out more, but i don't really know what can we do.
>>
Great we acted sus, now we gotta silence the guard.
However we want to silence him, I was thinking we start saying completely ridiculous things to discredit his record keeping, like start talking about how much we hate standing guard, so we let in a small island girl and said she was a secret agent.
>>
>>4508149
this>>4508154

>>4508177
>acted sus, now we gotta silence the guard.
wuh? we told him we're an important investigator - we're investigating. the post said that the guard might get annoyed, not suspicious or worried.
>>
>>4508149
>>4508154
>>4508162
You sigh, pretending to thumb through your book yet again. "I may want to pay a visit to this Duke later, to figure out another side of this story and all. Any particular notes I should know about?" They seem surprised at that, with Cloaked Kid making a surprised sound, but. “Unless that’s all you know?”

She pauses, thinking. “I...don’t know if it’ll help much, but...well, the Duke has...guards. Special ones. They managed to catch up to us, and they’re the ones that arrested us. He calls them the Eagle Guard…they’re scary and strong.”

“How many?” you ask.

“Five, I think,” she admits. “I...there’s nothing else really I can think of.”

Hm. Well, that might have to do for now. Maybe you can- “Hey there! Your time’s about up, I’m afraid. Mind if we take you back up, then?” the guard suddenly asks. You’re not sure if it’s actually been as long as they claimed, but...well, might as well. You nod, and despite the complaints from Cloaked Boy, you take your leave.

Well...that was some information, but not a great deal, unfortunately. Enough to figure on something to do, though, at least. So that’s good. The question now is just what TO do, as you make your way towards the front of the building. Chances are investigating that Duke would be a good idea, but then again, you know that Little Miss Fairy should be by, and probably before too long...if you can corner her, then that’ll likely get you a whole host of information on what these kids are trying to do.

Alternately, you can likely let everything play out without messing with it- the guard should’ve been taking notes, so they know as well as you that something will be attempted, so...chances are you can make some ground without worrying about them, if indeed they’re worth worrying about.

>Begin your stakeout of the Duke.
>You'll hang around the area for now. You've got a Fairy to hunt.
>This whole thing might be wild goose, or at least incidental. Time to move on.
>Other
>>
>>4508251
>Begin your stakeout of the Duke.
>>
>>4508251
>Begin your stakeout of the Duke.
The Duke has a static location, the fairy does not.
>>
>>4508251
>Begin your stakeout of the Duke.
>>
>>4508251
>Begin your stakeout of the Duke.
>>
>>4508251
>You'll hang around the area for now. You've got a Fairy to hunt.
lets confirm the suspicions first by capturing the fairy, or at lest trying to gauge their power. we can talk with the duke later
>>
This'll be it for tonight. Running tomorrow!
>>
>>4508265
night boss, sleep well
>>
>>4508265
g'night
>>4508264
I'd be down to play it like moon knights except we're actually the bad guy. I think we're too interesting for these people to NOT seek us out to ask us more questions. Questions like "Who the heck are you?" or "What do you know about fairies?" for starters. So even if we don't stake out the fairy, we'll probably get a second shot at the theives.
>>
>>4508269
hmmm...this gives me an idea.
what if we play the part of the mysterious secret agent that helps them obtain the rest of the lockstones?
I mean, we know that the stones don't need to be returned to the shadow king to give him power, plus their meddling can help us get the other stones more easily or at least they will help us by being a handy distraction.
>>
>>4508273
They could be a sideplot, perhaps the fairies are locked away as well as the shadow king.
>>
>>4508251
>>4508258
Another thing about the duke - since he's a high-ranking noble, then he should know about where the Lockstone is and who's protecting it, plus we could learn what's Alminia's deal with their neighboring country or check if he can help us find the "historians".
>>
I said I would be running today but I got some unfortunate news, and I need to make sure my family's alright, soo...delaaaaay.
>>
>>4509804
It's fine, take your time.
>>
>>4509804
Family's important, take care of your home first.
>>
Gonna go ahead and update here for clarity's sake; my cousin has las 'Rona. This wouldn't be a cause for too much worry as he's a big healthy dude and feeling relatively okay.

What's concerning is that my aunt who lives nearby is immunocomp'd as she's undergoing chemo. I'm officially on call in case something goes south since I'm a night owl. This will be the case for several nights.
>>
>>4509862
Oh, jeez, sorry to hear the news, boss. Hope your cousin keeps being okay and your aunt stays safe and COVID free. And you as well, for that matter.
>>
Okay, I'll be able to do a full day run tomorrow. Posting tonight.
>>
>>4511003
Woohoo!
How's everything on your side?
>>
>>4508251
>>4508254
>>4508256
>>4508258
>>4508259
Thinking about it? Best you see what this Duke has to do with this all. Someone being that high up on the pecking order generally means they’re privy to a lot of insider info. Investigating him might yield dividends in regards to the location of the Lockstone. So, if nothing else, that’s a pretty decent reason to spend time on whatever this might be. Now, it shouldn’t be too difficult to see where he lives…

It takes you a bit, but you indeed manage to find his manor- and it IS a manor. Hidden away down a side path, nestled into the cliffside. A little private area all his own. At risk for rockslides, in your opinion, but whatever. It’s basically just one long stretch of alabaster brick pathway along the coast that leads to his house...well, normally. You can kind of see it from far out on the pier of the town itself. It’s enough angle that you can essentially observe his house from the top down if you wanted- and were willing to dig a little nook into the cliff to hang out in. You’ll make your decision come morning- chances are he’s already turned in for bed by now. No sense in skulking about when nothing’s happening and everyone’s off the street.

The issue ends up proving moot when, come morning, you see someone that can only be him as you’re looking out of the window mid-musing. He’s...tall. Thin. In a very well pressed three piece suit, perfectly coiffed goatee and mustache, and his hair is...thinning. Combover. He has thin, piercing eyes and frankly he looks like he’s constantly angry. Or disgusted. He certainly is at the innkeeper, who if looks could kill (for normal people, anyway), he’d be ashes. “It’s just shameful, really. Children like that trying to commit theft on an upstanding individual like myself is just disgusting. Really, they should be properly reprimanded and punished thoroughly for the besmirchment!”

(cont.)
>>
>>4511225
He’s got a follower with him, some portly fellow, but at least his clothes are well tailored; beige suit and pants, with a top hat. Far shorter, however, but with a similar combover and less glare. The both of them are further flanked by five rather ostentatious looking guardspeople- all decked out in gold and red armor, with large pauldrons and beaked helmets. These were the people those kids lost to, then?

“...and I’d be far more cautious of your tenants, were I you.” He’s got that ubiquitous nasally voice a lot of these types seem to have. “You should be fortunate that I’m only letting you off with a monetary punishment for having the gall to house these ruffians.” The lady, fierce looking, simply glowers in return. Guy must have some real power here, then. Well, administratively, at least. Personally you can’t get a whiff of any inlaid combat ability. Not from him, anyway. The guards DO seem like they’re stronger, a pungent odor about the lot of them obvious from even here. Not the most disgusting, but something to note, for sure. “Now. IF you’ll excuse me. I have rounds to make.” With that declaration, he’s off and about- and the both of them miss the double finger salute she gives them in response. Heh.

Well, you know what's going on with him- and that he's out and about. You DID say you were going to watch him, so...well, now's as good a time as any.

>Roll 2d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 7, 3 = 10 (2d20)

>>4511226
>>
Rolled 7, 16 = 23 (2d20)

>>4511226
>>
Rolled 7, 8 = 15 (2d20)

>>4511226
Don't fumble now.
>>
>>4511234
Welp, at least it's not a combat roll.
>>
>>4511228
>>4511232
>>4511234
777...
Jackpot?
>>
>>4511238
Boss, can we get an unusual event for this one?
>>
>>4511226
>>4511228
>>4511232
>>4511234
As you work to trail him, unfortunately, you find yourself constantly blocked and waylaid by various people, whether they’re tourists, traders, or otherwise. Whatever they are- they’re ALL too tall, and you have a rough time seeing through the throngs; oftentimes all you have to go is his rather reedy voice and the occasions where you manage to get close enough to him (or at least his guard) is good enough that you can take advantage of the little bubble his personage creates before people fill back into it. It’s...annoying, and the number of people talking means that it’s hard to make anything out whenever he speaks.

You can only barely manage to catch glimpses of him at times as he variously yells at, insults, snidely comments about, or pointedly ignores a number of people just passing by and impromptu petitioners both. Definitely has a swelled ego.

It’s as you’re trying to catch up, however, that you see something drop from his person as he tries to harangue a shopkeep with some sort of set of papers and wild gesticulating. A small...icon? Drops from his pocket, some sort of arrow shape. You don’t think he or his guard noticed, and no one seems in a rush to point it out otherwise- likely because they’re too terrified of him to notice anything so small. It doesn’t even make a sound as it hits stone, oddly enough.

You’re quick to snatch it up as it tumbles in your direction, then sneak off before the whole thing is noticed by any relevant parties. How it wasn’t, you have no clue, but...not questioning it!

As you slip out to an alleyway, you’re quick to check it out. It is indeed some sort of arrow...medal..icon? You aren’t sure, but it’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. You don’t think this is the key those kids were trying to steal, but...never know. There’s a division in the middle, too...ah.

It twists open- there’s a compartment in there, no less! And in it is a very, very small piece of paper. And on it? Three symbols. A sun, three wavy lines, and a...square with a small triangle in it. Strange. What’s it for, you wonder…

>Try to resume tailing him- you need more from him.
>Might be something in his manor. Maybe should pay it a visit while he's out...
>Try and pay those kids another visit. A bit more discreetly this time.
>Other
>>
>>4513322
>>Might be something in his manor. Maybe should pay it a visit while he's out...
Heist time.
>>
>>4513322
>>Might be something in his manor. Maybe should pay it a visit while he's out...
We found his Skyrim puzzle door password! The fool! He should have engraved it on an ornate claw made of some rare material!
>>
>>4513322
>Try to resume tailing him- you need more from him.
>>
>>4513322
>Might be something in his manor. Maybe should pay it a visit while he's out..
>>
>>4513322
>Might be something in his manor. Maybe should pay it a visit while he's out.
I'd like to talk to him face-to-face, but this works too.
>>
>too short to spy on people
I find this too cute.
>>
>>4513595
The short struggle is real.
Especially with shelves.
>>
>>4513322
>>4513337
>>4513358
>>4513477
>>4513495
That is, when you pay a visit to his manor. Likely he’s got something in there that he’s hiding, and you’re going to find out what. Slipping away from the throng, you have to admit a bit of satisfaction that you know EXACTLY how you’re going to get into his place. Just have to take a bit of a walk…

“Well, then,” you hear Gartoum say in your own head. “It seems like we’re doing a bit more skullduggery, hm? Seems to be a running theme here.” Yeah, you can’t say that’s not a recurring element. It’s not something that you’re opposed to- but part of you kind of wishes you could be recording this. You kinda want Lorelei to see if she could offer any pointers at the rate that you’re going…

At any rate, time to take a bit of a climb. You’ll approach from the cliffside and call for Gartoum to slip inside. After that…

----------

“My, he’s a rather showy one, hm?” ...is just a matter of locating the thing. This guy is...well, egotistical was right. Busts of himself, portraits, and one hell of a flashy bedroom. The shadows are just enough to slip through the windows, but now that you’re in...well, you’re not sure where you’re going at this point. Giving the door a little nudge, you’re vaguely surprised that it’s open, and that he doesn’t have any guards stationed there, oddly enough. You’re at the end of a hallway, and there’s a spiral staircase halfway down, opposite another door on the far end. Wonder if anyone else lives here? That’d be worrisome. For now, though...searching.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

Not gonna lie, I ran into writers block for this entry.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>4513691
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4513691
We can do with a little imperfection boss.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4513691
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4513691
>>
Writing.
>>
>>4513691
>>4513694
>>4513695
>>4513722
The Duke’s got a lot of meaningless but expensive looking knick-knacks in and around his bedroom, clearly. Stuff likely to just reaffirm his mental state of ‘I’m rich’. You can’t quite see anything outright useful here...though you do make sure to keep those symbols for it nearby and are on the lookout for them. You’d be surprised if there isn’t absolutely anyth- wait.

It’s behind his bed, of course, but...it’s an old cane. And its knob top has an engraving in the shape of a sun. The same type as on the picture, no less! Huh. So that’s one. Wonder if they’re all personal effects, or if they’re other things. Well, point is you managed to find at least one. So that’s a start. Now, as for where the others are…

Further checking of the room itself doesn’t reveal anything particularly interesting, so you’ll have to just go about checking things the old-fashioned way. Ideally, you’ll have time to give everything a once over before he comes back, but just in case…best to take a quick look at what’s on the top floor while you can.

The room nearest the bedroom is some sort of sitting room, full of old parchment and writings. There’s only two seats, and this room, interestingly, seems to have pictures of a king all over, as opposed to himself. There’s a globe and everything, otherwise. Typical. The next room after that seems to be some sort of...well, you’re not sure. Storage doesn’t quite describe it, but it’s also got a number of boxes in it as well. What makes you say it’s NOT storage is the chairs and table that seem to be there as well. Someone moving in, maybe? Or just temporary usage? Odd.

The furthest door...is another bedroom. This one’s smaller, it seems, and...well, if you didn’t know any better, you’d say it’s for a lady and her kid. A guy like THAT having a child? Pity on the poor thing, really. But there’s small wooden toys there, sculptures, a rocking horse, and a few dolls. No shelves or anything.

But, what to check first…?

>The sitting room.
>The makeshift storage.
>The child’s room.
>None of them; go downstairs and see what’s there.
>>
>>4513849
>The child’s room.
Fairy Kid’s gonna get himself some new clothes and a toy or book if he behaves himself.
>>
>>4513849
>The sitting room.
>Other
Have Gartoum take a peek at the makeshift storage room too.
>>
>>4513849
>The child’s room.
at least we'll be able to nab some things for fairy kid.
>>
>>4513849
This >>4513858
>>
>>4513849
+ >>4513858
>>
>>4513858
Supporting.
>>
Writing.
>>
>>4513873
I... I don't think he's that small of a kid, sounds like toddler baby stuff.
>>
>>4514075
there's only one way to find out!
>>
Run resumes in about an hour.
>>
>>4513849
>>4513858
>>4513865
>>4513866
>>4513872
The sitting room seems the most simple to go through at the moment- you’re not going to mess with the kid’s room. Not right now, anyway. As for the storage room? ‘Mind taking a look in there, see if anything sticks out?’ you question Gartoum.

‘I’ll give it a little once over, sure,’ he responds, and the two of you split to begin your investigation. You’re not a fan of having to sit and read through everything...but fortunately no one is here. And you have a FutureSight. You should be able to scan everything readable in minutes. And while it’s doing that, you can give a more manual look around to everything else in the search for a matching symbol or any clues to it otherwise.

The whole place is actually kind of dusty when you step in properly. Clearly largely gone unused. Wonder why.

>Roll 2d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 17, 4 = 21 (2d20)

>>4516260
>>
Rolled 5, 7 = 12 (2d20)

>>4516260
>>
Rolled 9, 4 = 13 (2d20)

>>4516260
>>
Rolled 19, 1 = 20 (2d20)

>>4516260
>>
Huh, so it was just a normal store room?
>>
>>4516260
'Unused', honestly, is putting it mildly. The place is musty, and a thin layer of dust is on most *everything* in here, from the pictures to the floor. Overall, it’s likely just for show and any practical usage has long been dismissed. At least, as far as you can tell…

...although that train of thought stops when you pass by the globe in the room. It’s...well, everything’s dusty about it like everything else- except for one notable area. Not on the globe itself, though, no. It’s NEXT to the globe that intrigues you, as there’s a small golden statue, that of a simple bird, and a space around it which is noticeably clean in comparison. So’s the statue itself, for that matter.

You can’t help but smile. Think you’ve cottoned on to something. Taking hold of the statue, you find that it comes up easily. Lifting it to look at its base, you’re rewarded by noticing the three wavy lines, just like in the picture, that make up its base. Excellent. That makes two. As for the third… ‘Anything?’

‘No, sadly,’ comes the report. ‘Just a bunch more little this and thats, dolls, fine wares, silks. Boring. No fascinating symbols or the like to be seen,’ he laments. Well, rats. That means…

>Time to check the kid’s room.
>Right, you’re headed downstairs.
>>
>>4516439
>Time to check the kid’s room.
Of course a guy like this still has a soft spot for his family.
>>
>>4516439
>Time to check the kid’s room.
By the way, does fairy boy even knows how to read?
>>
>>4516439
>Time to check the kid’s room.
>>
>>4516439
>>4516453
>>4516456
Might as well check the kid’s room just to be safe. You’re rejoined by Gartoum as you step inside, and overall it feels like this place is...well, opposite of the sitting room, but the same in a way. That room felt musty and unused and largely forgotten about, save for the one part. This room, on the other hand, feels...well kept is the best word you can come up with. There’s not a smidge of dust anywhere, and yet all the toys seem as though they’re just...laying there. Unkempt, yet still clean, as though their owner just stepped out for a bit. Well, to be fair, they might have. Although you hadn’t heard anything about the child since, but. Who knows.

You’re not a fan of having to rummage around a kid’s room like this, but. Well, hopefully you’ll find something of worth in here. If not, then it’ll be a bit more annoying…and the time you have to search ticks down bit by bit. You’ve never been a fan of being under the clock, but needs must.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>4516609
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>4516609
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>4516609
Our rolls are getting lower all the sudden.
>>
>>4516619
So basically nothing of note, boring.
>>
>>4516622
Glad I tripped that flag before anything important.
>>
>>4516622
>Miranda trips and breaks her neck, forcing sal to teleport her back to the intersection where she spends 3 months recovering from the fall. the end(of the mission).
>>
>>4516622
Oh boy, time to kill some fuckers and probably torch the place while we are at it.
>>
>>4518141
you can't have a successful recon mission without some good old war crimes along the way
>>
>>4516622
Thank goodness for no critical overrides eh?
>>
>>4518141
>>4518624
I though Miranda was supposed to be a professionall operator, not a blood-thirsty murder-hobo. There is some overlap, but come on.
>>
>>4518912
>I though Miranda was supposed to be a professionall operator, not a blood-thirsty murder-hobo
both of them overlap more times than what you'd expect
>>
>>4518915
yes, but not in this case
>the client has pointed out that he's not ready for war yet, so we better not start shit if it doesn't involve the Lockstones.
>the Duke could be involved with the 'historians', there are plenty of flags that suggest that he's a slimeball who's involved in a conspiracy or three.
>we've notified the authorities that we'll be visiting him >>4508251, the locals know where we were staying - so the errant knight from the last thread will notify his knightly order as well once he learns we're causing trouble.
>'Duke' is the highest rank of nobility, that's some high-profile shit we've got ourselves into for a side-mission.
>What are we even getting out of this side-mission?
torching the place and killing people left and right is amateur level shit, how does this overlap with 'professional operator'?
I know things got slow and boring because Handler is too busy IRL, but we'll get to the action part once we learn the location of the Lockstone, we don't need to escalate things too early.
>>
>>4519038
dude, its a joke, and said joke flew like three miles over your head
>>
>>4519152
You never know if someone's cracking jokes about nat 1's or if they're serious about it. Better make a fool out of myself and play it safe than have some jokesters mislead some inattentive players - wouldn't surprise me if someone forgot what we're supposed to be doing over the weeks of delays.
>>
Feeling better. Long run today. Starting in about 3 hours
>>
>>4516609
>>4516614
>>4516619
>>4516622
Nothing. You can’t find anything in this room. Pictures, carefully painted. Some childish drawings along with them. Some small hygiene products, and of course clothing. But nothing with any symbol or possible ulterior meaning, or any particular indicator that anything in this room is anything more than a simple child’s room.

You suppose that it’s not really unexpected- if he did have a kid, then it’s more than likely he’d do the best to keep anything related to any unsavory issues to himself. He likely wouldn’t risk it being near a child where it could be destroyed, misplaced, or otherwise. You only let out a small huff in annoyance. Maybe if you can-

-suddenly, a humming from nearby rips you from your thoughts; someone’s in the house! Coming up the stairs, no less...sounds feminine at first blush. You move to the small door and give it a small peek through- it’s a Wildling; young of age but in her adolescence, and clearly a worker of the manor, judging by her maid outfit. She holds a bucket, duster, and mop, not to mention a belt of small pouches, for other small tools...clearly doing cleaning rounds.

Well, that brings to mind some options, honestly. Could see if you couldn’t grill her for information- she might know a few things about the place. Or, honestly, you could just try to avoid her entirely and prevent any unnecessary contact.

>Try to question her. Sneak up and nab her from behind.
>Nah, avoid her as best you can. Wait until she's busy.
>Other
>>
>>4521799
>Nah, avoid her as best you can. Wait until she's busy.
>>
>>4521799
>Nah, avoid her as best you can. Wait until she's busy.
>>
Hm. Writing.
>>
>>4521799
>>4521808
>>4521830
No, better not. You’re not really in the market for risking it right now. Rather, you decide it better to wait; she’s not angling towards the kid’s room as it stands, which should give you a bit of a window to get out...now! She heads right for the master bedroom, and as soon as the door closes behind her, that’s when you carefully exit the room, take a glance over the railing, and, seeing that no one’s there, make a hop over. Your landing is fortunately light, and you can see there’s a number of more rooms on the bottom floor than the top- at least five. And even then there’s a hallway that leads to two more in the back. With the maid rummaging around up there, you’re not sure you’re going to have a great amount of time to check all of them; especially if the goal is to remain silent.

You can tell that at the least the room to your right leads to the kitchens, as it’s open a crack and there’s a good smell wafting out of it- presumably, the dining room wouldn’t be far behind that. That leaves four closed rooms for you to investigate, not including the kitchen and the foyer behind you. You have to be cautious, so…alright, let’s start with what’s right up here.

Okay, careful with opening, careful…

>The room to your upper-right seems to be some sort of study or workroom. Unlike the sitting room, there’s a single desk with a number of papers on it, a variety of small hanging scrolls with various writing on them, and a wall that’s an entire shelf of books. Further in the back is some device you’re uncertain of, but it takes up half the back wall.

>The room to your upper left is some sort of preparation room, you think; a larger room with a number of outfits, but also some strange platforms as well. If you didn’t know better you’d call it a modeling area, but it doesn’t quite have all the trimmings for that. There’s a desk for likely makeup and everything else as well.

>The room to your upper left is a small one; mostly for cleaning and a break room, apparently. Nothing much to say about it, honestly; a wash basin, window, and an area for cleaning and pressing clothes and other things. Aside from that, it’s a small room with little to say about it. There does seem to be a chest in the back half, though.

>The room to your far left is some sort of schoolroom, with two desks and a typical chalkboard. There doesn’t seem to be too much to it, though there’s sign of recent usage, considering the half-erased board and a few things left on the teacher’s desk. One of the desks also seems to be ajar.

>None of these- check the two rooms in the hallway.
>>
>>4521893
>The room to your upper-right seems to be some sort of study or workroom. Unlike the sitting room, there’s a single desk with a number of papers on it, a variety of small hanging scrolls with various writing on them, and a wall that’s an entire shelf of books. Further in the back is some device you’re uncertain of, but it takes up half the back wall.
>>
>>4521893
Study is a classic for hidden area and the thing could be a way to watch the mansion like a primitive security system.

>The room to your upper-right seems to be some sort of study or workroom. Unlike the sitting room, there’s a single desk with a number of papers on it, a variety of small hanging scrolls with various writing on them, and a wall that’s an entire shelf of books. Further in the back is some device you’re uncertain of, but it takes up half the back wall

Also if this guy is helping keeping the lockstone there is probably some document indicating ir.
>>
>>4521893
>>4521896
>>4521910
The room to your upper-right is likely your best bet- it’s got the most raw information in it, plus something you can’t identify. It’s easy to slip into, fortunately, and a quick skim through the papers and the machine on the back end- which to your eyes is starting to look more and more like some kind of printing or distillation machine- is proving worth investigation at the very least.

“Gartoum,” you decide. “Help me take a look through here. We need to be quick and don’t want the maid to get any ideas. You’ll help keep things in place.” He doesn’t respond, merely salutes and proceeds to slither to the shelves. Good, those would take forever for you, even with a scan. You can focus on the rest, now…

>Roll 2d20. Best of three.
>>
Rolled 19, 19 = 38 (2d20)

>>4521983
>>
...well then. Gonna leave it open for a bit more cause who knows? Might get that 20.
>>
Rolled 10, 17 = 27 (2d20)

>>4521983
i'm gonna roll anyway
>>
>>4521989
You dropped your nametag Handler
>>
So I did. Writing.
>>
Sorry for not voting earlier boss, you started way earlier compared to the usual time.
>>
Rolled 2, 13 = 15 (2d20)

>>4521983
>>
>>4521983
>>4521985
The papers that are on the desk are...well, you’re rather pleased. Seems like he was addressing the issue with the children before taking his little ‘walk’. Judging by this...he’s trying to have them jailed indefinitely for treason? Ouch, rough. Apparently the idea of stealing from a Duke is considered a crime against the crown here. Sucks for them. Well, then onto the next papers. Let’s see…

...ah. It’s a letter.

Specifically, a letter to a compatriot who is, apparently, the Royal Steward of the Castle. The letter starts out with general platitudes, but then goes into the theft, and states something very, very interesting.

‘In effect, these brats came close to depriving me of one of the keys meant to secure the gateway to the Alminian Lockstone, not that they knew of the importance of their target. Like as not they thought it to a safe of some kind, despite their ramblings. So do not fret, no one yet knows where it is precisely, save the King. It is fortunate we can at least track the object somewhat. They don’t even know that it moves.’ Moves?! Well, hell. ‘On that topic, I must redetermine soon its general location- last I am aware it was somewhere in the Greenwave Valley, though that was some time ago and it may have changed. I so despise stepping into that cold room, however...it is good that it is not necessary too often. Not to mention it is most complicated to access…’’

...well, well. THAT’S a good amount of information. You’re looking for any description of exactly WHERE the access point is, but sadly...nothing. Damnit. You know that it’s a cold room, at least, which means that there’s a way to locate it if you’re careful…

“Aha!” Gartoum says softly. “I’ve found a little something that may be of interest to you…” He slithers out, and what he drops into your hand is...a stamper? “Check the bottom?” Hm? It’s- oh. Well, then. The last symbol. A square with a small triangle in it. Okay, THAT one’s clever. “Now...what are we to do with these?”

Good question. You’ve got an idea, though. You’re going to have to do some searching around for it, though- and you’re still going to have to be quiet.

>Try the machine, see if there's anything about it.
>It's unlikely to be in the same room; try searching elsewhere on the first floor.
>Other
>>
>>4522078
>Try the machine, see if there's anything about it.
The corruption runs deep. A Duke and the Royal Steward are both in.
>>
>>4522078
>It's unlikely to be in the same room; try searching elsewhere on the first floor.
>>
>>4522078
>Try the machine, see if there's anything about it.
>>
>>4522078
>Try the machine, see if there's anything about it.
so in theory if we follow the duke (or force the information out of the king) we will eventually get to know where the lockstone is. that sounds easy enough. it just requires us to be patient.
>>
>>4522078
>Try the machine, see if there's anything about it.
>>
>>4522087
Humoring the king himself seems a bit risky, I say if we run out of options we can just have a direct talk with the Duke to see which side he's on.
>>
>>4522090
yeah, obtaining the information from the king is a last resort thing, but at least we know there is someone else that knows about the lockstone.
>>
>>4522090
i think the duke is one of the classic villain trying to steal our current boss for himself.

>>4522078
>Try the machine, see if there's anything about it.
>>
>>4522111
our current boss power*
>>
>>4522078
>>4522080
>>4522084
>>4522087
>>4522089
First stop, though, should be right across the room. This machine doesn’t seem like anything you can name immediately, which merits a touch of investigation. Could be what you’re looking for right there.

It’s got an open, conical top where a tube feeds into a chamber that then feeds into smaller tubes. In the main chamber is some sort of gem with a purple coloration, that doesn’t seem to be doing anything. The device has no buttons, but rather knobs with several number settings on it and a trio of levers. One of them says ‘drain’, another says ‘infuse’, and the last 'invert'. You’re not sure what it’s meant to drain from, or ‘infuse’, but it seems like the device might be for some kind of extraction and replacement process, if nothing else. Checking below the levers reveals some sort of meter. The 'Drain' one is half done. 'Infuse' is empty, and 'Invert' is full.

You’re not going to fiddle with it too much, but it certainly doesn’t seem like it has anything to do with the Lockstone, anyhow. Seems like it’s more of a tool for another reason. Although that does raise the question of just what the heck it’s doing in his office. He certainly doesn’t LOOK the part of any sort of researcher, even if looks are only skin-deep.

>Drain
>Invert
>Infuse
>None
>>
>>4522239
Man I hate puzzles.
>Drain
My guess is that this is an enchantment device for the gem, so the safe thing is to just drain it. Infuse and Invert can risk it combusting and make noises.
>>
>>4522239
>Infuse

Drain is probably drainning away from something or someone. Infuse Sounds like they are putting or infusing something with whatever it was drained. Maybe it's some type of potion? Maybe it's fairy juice
>>
>>4522245
It could be drainning from something else do remember that the kids were making mentions of wanting to release someone who were imprisioned?

Miranda did say it looks like a distelery.
>>
Or it could just be a water puzzel.
>>
>>4522239
Boss, is the jewel radiating mana?
>>
>>4522239
You think so. Faint as all get out, though.
>>
>>4522253
Meant for you.
>>
>>4522239
When in doubt...
>Scan it with FutureSight
Messing with unfamiliar devices during stealth is not a good idea.
>>
>>4522239
>Drain
uuuugh, i don't like doing this kind of puzzles through text
>>
>>4522256
Uh so it's either drainning the jewel or infusing it with whatever that the duke is drainning?
>>
>>4522239
>Drain
>Scan the device with FutureSight
>>
>>4522264
>>4522239
>>4522261
Yeah let's scan it too while juuuust slightly turning the Drain lever.
>>
>>4513322
>Three symbols. A sun, three wavy lines, and a...square with a small triangle in it. Strange. What’s it for, you wonder…
Not sure if it's related to the machine or another puzzle
>>
>It’s got an open, conical top where a tube feeds into a chamber that then feeds into smaller tubes. In the main chamber is some sort of gem with a purple coloration, that doesn’t seem to be doing anything
>The gem is faintly radiating mana.

Checked again.
Sooo do we nab the gem or not?
>>
>>4522276
free gem is free gem.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>4522276
Are you really asking if we should grab free loot?
>>
>>4522277
>>4522285
Just sayin' that it will lead the local police back to us. They already suspected that we're in cahoots with the kids and we did say we'd pay the Duke a visit. We'll be long gone by the time they can do something though.
>>
>>4522289
Except we already stole all three puzzle pieces.
>>4513849
>>4516439
>>4522078
>>
>>4522300
Drats, you're right. Gem's ours then.
>>
>>4522304
We could confront him, still not sure which side he's on. And the 'Fairy' that sent the kids to his mansion wants to get the Lockstone for herself, so we have a common enemy.
>>
>>4522312
OR we wait for him to go to the lockstone. the letter he was writing implied that he'd do that soon enough, so we just need to hold in this town for some days before he does the job for us and no one will suspect a thing.
>>
>>4522322
That's not possible now unfortunately. We already stole 3 of the clues and we're about to take the gem too, the local enforcers will be mobilize and they already have our face.
>>
>>4522322
We could, although we'd have to deal with multiple opposing sides: Almina's guards, Duke's forces, the 'Fairy', woudn't surprise me if Balunda would try something funny against their neighbor or some other foreigners decide to intervene.
>>
>>4522327
>>4522332
if we were wearing the cloak (and we are), they don't have our face. the cloak is designed to make our face as generic and unidentifiable as possible, but i guess both of you are right. time is tight mostly because of the imprisoned team.
>>
>>4522334
Wasn't the cloak only supposed to hide our aura/draconic features only?
>>
>>4522334
>>4522335
The Cloak only hides our demonic tidbits and dampens our intimidation, it still shows our face. That's why people can still identify us as a local islander.
>>
>>4522335
>>4522337
fair enough
>>
so, to refresh everyone's memory, a reminder about the prep work and the clothes we got for this mission.
>Electric/Fire Line unlocked: An improvement of Mana Tether, allowing you to send mild shocks or mana-made fire through the tether to impact whoever’s on the other side. It’s difficult to keep up, however, and for now should only be used in short bursts. Not to mention, the mana infused makes the tether more fragile than without it, and thus it can be snapped easier- for now.
>Cost: 200 per pulse.
We have a taser technique now - if we can reach someone with sticky mana, then we can zap them. And we already can use sticky mana to catch multiple people at once, so...

>Meditation Room Bonuses Applied- Temporary Mana Cost Reduction, Additional Suggested Dialogue Options Possible.

>Dragonbane Vest
>Not so much a traditional vest as it is sleeveless armor, this is said to be made from scales of a powerful drake that once ruled over a kingdom. It was only slain by tricking it into eating powerful poison, and its scales were fashioned into an intimidating protective vest. Said to be immune to fire...which would be fantastic if it didn't leave your arms unprotected.

>Chaser's Jeans
>These black jeans are made of a strange, but excellent fabric that allows for defensive capabilities akin to that of kevlar while still being airy and comfortable.

>Catfight Claws
>Raptorclaw Toe Shoes
>>
Late run, but a run will be had! Starting in about 30.
>>
>>4523499
Nice~
>>
>>4523497
We can't exactly shoot multiple strings of mana at multiple people, let alone hitting them can we? Would be rad otherwise though.
>>
>>4523504
We can shoot a single string from each hand, we did it back in the medieval mission to take out noisy drider sentries.
>>
>>4523504
>>4523505
Okay, just a couple, but still better than one at a time. Technically, 'multiple' means 'more than one'.
>>
>>4523504
#71, first two posts
>Mana tether them up and out to you! You think you got the hang of this by now.
You hardly think about it after you see their backs turn. You’ve gotten some decent practice with it by now, and they’re too preoccupied to fight back. A pair of mana threads snake out from your fingers- it’s not too hard to double up on them now that you’ve got the idea down. In under a second they’ve latched onto both, and they barely have time to flinch before you tug back, the elasticity flinging them up and over the miniature walls with ease with a pair of yelps as they land a few feet away from you in a tangled heap as the tethers break mid flight. Right, so...got it, but still need to work on that tensile strength. Good to know.
>>
>>4522239
>>4522245
>>4522262
>>4522264
>>4522271
After thinking about you, you eventually decide that, considering how little mana the gem has, the limited time you have, and in general the position you’re in, you’d probably be best in hitting drain and hoping for the best. Might as well hit the button, see what it does. You’re tempted to pull out the FutureSight to record the action, but...actually, no, no real reason not to.

The machine doesn’t seem to make any major noise aside from a slight hum, but that’s enough to worry you as you watch it do it’s work. If the maid hears too much, she’s going to get suspicious, and, well. Want to avoid that for obvious reasons.
It takes some time, a few minutes, but...once it’s finished, suddenly a small hatch you hadn’t noticed earlier opens below the gem, which it falls into, and a small clattering noise turns your attention to a small port that apparently ISN’T a port at the bottom of the machine. You lift the grate, and pick up the gem. It’s a simple, flat purple gem now, with little shine to it, and no mana at all. As for the device, the ‘Drain’ meter is a bit fuller, now. Not quite 3/4ths. And according to your FutureSight…

Blah blah blah, magical essence detected, hm hm hm reduced capacity...ah.

The device is about as you expected. It seems to be some kind of primitive version of a mana siphon, kind of like what Owlia’s trying to make. The gem used to have some sort of Earthen magic in it, but that's no longer the case. It DOES state that the gem is still 'receptive to mana infusion to a limited degree', which sounds interesting. Well, then...might be worth getting a scan of the device, although you KNOW that’ll take more than a few minutes to do. Could be helpful, but might not be worth it...

>Just move on, you've got a time limit here, and Owlia's smart enough to figure it out herself.
>Well...it'd help for the future. Let's risk it a bit and stay to scan the thing.
>Other
>>
>>4523584
>Well...it'd help for the future. Let's risk it a bit and stay to scan the thing.
we can shadowmeld ourselves if shit kicks the fan
>>
>>4523584
>Well...it'd help for the future. Let's risk it a bit and stay to scan the thing.
>Have Gartoum on overwatch
Our nerd will love this.
>>
>>4523584
>Well...it'd help for the future. Let's risk it a bit and stay to scan the thing.
>>
>>4523584
>Well...it'd help for the future. Let's risk it a bit and stay to scan the thing.
>>
>>4523584
>Well...it'd help for the future. Let's risk it a bit and stay to scan the thing.
>>
Writing.
>>
>>4523584
>>4523587
>>4523588
>>4523589
>>4523591
>>4523616
Eh, Owlia would love it. No reason to not do something for her. If the girl comes in, then you’ll have to think fast, but Gartoum should be able to handle the issue ably enough. So for that reason, you decide you go ahead and begin the scan. Initial prognosis...twenty minutes. Oy. Yeah, that’s going to be a worrisome 20 minutes.

Hopefully that maid is thorough, at the very least.

>Roll 1d20-2, best of three.

I legit thought I posted, REALLY sorry.
>>
Rolled 1 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4523724
Seriously boss? You don't have the thread on auto-update?
>>
Rolled 19 - 2 (1d20 - 2)

>>4523724
Aww crap, forgot how to roll this thing. There we go.
>>
>>4523725
NOW I do.
>>
Rolled 12 - 2 (1d20 - 2)

>>4523724
>>
Rolled 5 - 2 (1d20 - 2)

>>4523724
>>
>>4523729
To add to that, the reason I didn't have it on was because it usually didn't actually work for whatever reason.
>>
>>4523733
I suggest getting 4chan x, solved lots of problems for me.
>>
>>4523724
>>4523725
>>4523727
>>4523730
There’s a few noises that you worry about as the scan goes on, but blessedly, it seems like either it was quicker than expected, or the maid really is dedicated to her work, as although you can hear her humming at one point coming down the hall, she doesn’t seem to hear or otherwise notice anything particularly out of the ordinary.

Once you’re finished, you STILL have more to look for, however; whatever room it is that the Duke is hiding away. You’ve got all three objects, and they’re likely some sort of way to gain access into his room, but getting there might be a-

Suddenly, you hear a door open. One at a distance. “Hello! I’m back! Why isn’t anyone here to greet me?!” The voice is young, female, and snobbish, if you had to describe it...but that’s not good for you either, as you hear tiny footsteps. “Where’s my uncle?! I swear, if he went out again…” she trails off. “ANNAAAA!”

“Coming, young miss!” Another voice calls before more footsteps come your way- and stop far too soon. Great. If you had to guess, they’re probably close to right outside- even slithering along with Gartoum would be difficult, as there’s not many shadows to hide in out on the floor. Hopefully you can just wait here until they’re busy...but it might be a bit, it seems, as the young girl dresses the servant down for not being there right when she came in.

“T-terribly sorry, miss, but I was in the midst of cleaning! I’ve yet to do the study, the schoolhouse, all the back rooms…” she stammers out, and that gives you a frown. She hadn’t done this one yet, which means…

“Well, hurry it up! We don’t pay you to slack off!” the girl berates. "I'm waiting right here until you're done, and if you're not done fast, I'm telling uncle!"

"Yes, ma'am!" is the voice, and she scampers off...leaving you with an irate little girl standing right in your field of view if you took a single step out of that office.

Absolutely fantastic. You're going to have to think of something, and fast...

>Action!
>>
>>4523875
>Have Gartoum scare her off and dart out.
Pretty sure he'd love to dust off his spook skill.
>>
>>4523875
>Use the Shadow King's pin to summon a bug or two to scare them off so we could get to unexplored rooms undetected.
Imo, using Gartoum is overkill and I don't want him to run out of steam too early. Bugs are icky, yet not suspicious, which is good enough to scare a brat.
>>
>>4523970
besides, it's good practice before we have to use shadow summons in real combat.
>>
>>4523875
>>4523970
Sure we can do that, almost forgot about the bugs. Voting for this one.
>>
>>4523875
>>4523970
SMALL bugs specifically please, normal Beatle sizes.
>>
>>4523875
>Use the Shadow King's pin to summon a bug or two to scare them off so we could get to unexplored rooms undetected.
>>
>>4523970
+1
>>
>>4523875
>>4523970
>>4523991
>>4524037
>>4524465
>>4525739
Right, best bet here is to find some way to distract her. If you could just shoo her off for a few minutes, that’d really be all you need...question, though, is how? She’s a prissy sort, is your guess. So you’d have to find something that’d probably- oh. Wait! Duh.

You’ve got just the thing for her. Besides, you needed some practice with bringing forth bugs anyway. They won’t be anywhere near as big as the real deal later, but the smaller size could work to your advantage in this case, considering she likely won’t be able to identify them as unnaturally made very quickly. Now, if you just focus and draw it up...in miniature.

There’s a small puff of dark smoke after a moment, and you’re pleased to see a single, small, beetle-like creature sitting at your feet. Fantastic. Now, you just need to make MORE…

By the time you’re finished, you’ve got a pile of small beetles. Alright, now you just need to… ‘go’, you mentally whisper.

There’s a moment, and suddenly a piercing scream. “AAAAAAAAAHHHH! ANNNNNAAAAAAAAA!” And footsteps running away. Lovely.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>4527191
Hmm.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4527191
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4527191
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>4527191
>>
We could get addicted to this, scaring brats off their feet.
>>
>>4527191
>>4527192
>>4527196
>>4527197
There’s a moment, and suddenly a piercing scream. “AAAAAAAAAHHHH! ANNNNNAAAAAAAAA!” And footsteps running away. Lovely.

You don’t have a great deal of time regardless of her fright, but the way she panicked and ran away tells you that you’ve likely got a bit of time to work out what else you need to do. Peeking out, you can see that there’s no one nearby, anymore; where she disappeared off to, you aren’t sure...at least until you can hear complaining from behind the door to the upper left. That means that you’ve probably got more than a little time to find out where you’re going from here on in. The question, though, is where?

>Might as well try down the hall. That's some of the last rooms left...that you can immediately see, anyway.
>May be a good idea to get out of here. You've an idea of where it is, and can work things out from here with less risk.
>Other
>>
>>4527336
>May be a good idea to get out of here. You've an idea of where it is, and can work things out from here with less risk.

If we need to, we can always leave some of the bugs to act as our ears and eyes
>>
>>4527336
>Might as well try down the hall. That's some of the last rooms left...that you can immediately see, anyway.
We have time to check one more room or two. We're not going to go back to this place, might as well see what we can now.
>>
>>4527336
>Might as well try down the hall. That's some of the last rooms left...that you can immediately see, anyway.
>>
>>4527336
>Might as well try down the hall. That's some of the last rooms left...that you can immediately see, anyway.

I'm a sneaking dragon.
>>
>>4527336
>Might as well try down the hall. That's some of the last rooms left...that you can immediately see, anyway.
>>
>>4527336
>Might as well try down the hall. That's some of the last rooms left...that you can immediately see, anyway.

If the girl and the maid come back up the stairs, just have one of those beetles land on their hair or back or something like that.
>>
>>4527336
>>4527348
>>4527354
>>4527360
>>4527404
>>4527459
You don’t have a great deal of time regardless of her fright, but the way she panicked and ran away tells you that you’ve likely got a bit of time to work out what else you need to do. Peeking out, you can see that there’s no one nearby, anymore; where she disappeared off to, you aren’t sure...at least until you can hear complaining from behind the door to the upper left. That means that you’ve probably got more than a little time to find out where you’re going from here on in. The question, though, is where?

Down the hall is the most obvious answer- there’s a few rooms down that way that you haven’t investigated, and so you might as well. Ideally, you’ll be gone before they can settle themselves down, but if not, you’re going to have to think more about it as you march towards the doorway.

Opening it up carefully, the room opens up into what appears to be some sort of...well, another storage room. Only this one is far, far bigger and plainer, and with a number of shelves and crates that lay stacked against the wall and and little in the way of anything else asides from a single desk and chair with nothing on it.

It’s also a bit chilly. Much like what was said in that letter, which is a good sign. It’s likely around here somewhere…

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>4527536
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>4527536
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>4527536
>>
>>4527536
You have auto-update on this time, right boss?
>>
>>4527768
Yeah, I just got stuck. Posting shortly.
>>
>>4527536
>>4527541
>>4527543
>>4527549
There’s a lot of little things here. Various goods like carpets, silks, a few statues, some other things, really. But by and large it appears as though the majority of the contents of the cases are fine and high quality goods- likely for his whole ‘I’m rich and want everyone to know it’ thing he’s got going on. But nothing that’s notably...well, nothing that indicates any sort of method of entry or secret passageway.

It’s getting frustrating after several minutes of fruitless searching- you don’t want to tear off the top of every box here, not to mention it’s probably not in there anyway. The walls seem just as empty, though you can’t seem to tell if there is indeed a cold crack anywhere in the room. You’d assume it’s somewhere near the back, but…

Well, it doesn’t seem like there’s anything particular, unfortunately. Sighing in annoyance, you take a moment to breath, leaning against the wall and letting ideas run through your head. Maybe it’s the other room that-

*click*

Huh?

You lift yourself up and quickly spin around as part of the wall behind you seems to part apropos of nothing; what the hell did you hit?

You’re not sure, but what you’re looking at now...is some kind of new room. And inside of it is some sort of device; an orb. Wait, no...that’s not an orb. It’s some kind of globe? At least, that’s what it looks like for you. And in front of it...some kind of platform.

With three differently shaped holes with familiar indentions. Finally. The key, you

One slot, two slots, three…

Another click, and the globe glows brilliantly for a moment...before suddenly fading out with a wink. That is...all except for two spots. One red dot, and one blue dot.

‘Ahhhhh…’ Oh, you’d forgotten he could communicate with you, for a moment. ‘There it is. The blue dot! THAT is where it is located!’ You can see a name above the area, illuminated in the red:

Dreamstone Village

‘So...the stone now lies in such a place…I DO believe you know what to do. He mentioned a 'key’, did he not?' He says. He's not wrong.

The question now is...how to find that key?

>You'll have to try and come back; things are getting risky here.
>You've had luck so far...keep searching!
>Hm...wonder if those kids are up for a partnership.
>Other
>>
>>4527784
>You'll have to try and come back; things are getting risky here.
We stayed long enough, and going back to those kids is dangerous.
>>
>>4527784
I think part of the update got cut off a bit.

>Finally. The key, you

>You'll have to try and come back; things are getting risky here.
I kinda want to come back later to rob this guy and/or kill his elite guards. Have it seem like it was a burglary gone wrong or an assassination.
>>
>>4527784
>You'll have to try and come back; things are getting risky here.
Reminder that we still have a big haul of unscanned loot from the fortress raid.
>>
>>4527784
>You'll have to try and come back; things are getting risky here.
we should leave some beetles scattered through the mansion to listen if or when the duke leaves to keep the stone secure
>>
>>4527784
>You'll have to try and come back; things are getting risky here.
Well, we'll have to confront the Duke soon. Still no idea which side he's on.
>>
>>4527784
>You'll have to try and come back; things are getting risky here.

Time for a strategic retreat. We got a lot of info and were they intend to go. We probably need to come back later to get the key.
>>
>>4527784
>You'll have to try and come back; things are getting risky here.
>>
>>4527784
>You'll have to try and come back; things are getting risky here.
Playin it safe
>>
>>4527784
>>4527790
>>4527791
>>4527797
>>4527803
>>4527805
>>4527808
>>4527843
All things considered, it’s probably best for you to get out of here. You’ve got a name, and a location. Not to mention that there seems like there’s going to be more people coming in bit by bit if that little girl is any indication. Things are getting too hot here. You don’t know if you’ll come back, but either way, better to cut and run now rather than making things harder for yourself. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough.

You quickly decide that it’s best to leave the way you came; a quick call to Gartoum has you slithering up the walls, to the ceiling, and to the top floor, before slithering out of the window you arrived in. Before much longer, you’re at the cliff side, overlooking the ocean again. “Well...it took a bit, but I must say, that was enlightening,” Gartoum says cheerfully. You’re not going to disagree, but you do take the time to focus; those constructs are still there, you can sense, and it takes a willful thought to dismiss them. Kinda hurts a bit. But either way, now you know where the Lockstone is. The next thing is actually getting to it.

Getting back in later should be... well, you hope it's easier, unless you want to call it off, but that shouldn't cause too much issue. So now it's a matter of seeing if you can find any other information in the meantime...

>Roll 1d100

Late, but still running.
>>
Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>4530753
>>
Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>4530753
>>
Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>4530753
>>
Hm. A few neat tidbits...
>>
>>4530753
The rest of the day is basically you trying to figure out just what’s necessarily going to be the way to figure this guy out- but you’re surprised when you hear that there’s...rumors. About the Duke.

It seems like the Duke is...preparing for something. You aren’t sure what, but it seems that he’s been running around in a bit of a tizzy for the majority of the day. You’re not sure what, but some people are saying there’ll be a royal visit, while others state that he’s getting ready to make some sort of massive announcement. All that’s known is that he’s been engaging in more thorough than usual inspections of public shops and restaurants, and that he’s been corralling a great deal of soldiers to keep a closer eye than normal on things for the next few days.

You’re not sure if that’ll help you out much, though, but you spend the majority of the day keeping an ear open and trying to get as much information as possible otherwise. He’s commissioned a cake from one of the local patissiers, as well...hm.

It’s hard to keep an eye on him, however. He seems to be quite on the move, and with so many people in an uproar plus the usual gawkers, foot traffic is heavy. By the time the evening sets in, you start to wonder if it’ll die down during the night, even. You’d take to the rooftops if you weren’t confident you’d get spotted for being too-

Huh? Wait, there’s something on the top of one of the rooftops...something with a glow…

A fairy?

Almost as if to answer, the little ball of light suddenly floats, and takes off at speed in the Duke’s last direction.

No brainer whether to follow or not.

Fortunately, it doesn’t take long to trail the thing to what you can only guess is an outdoor deli...and there’s the Duke, haranguing some poor sap over a menu- looks like a chef himself. His patrol are gone for the moment, save one or two...but they’re clearly tired, and not on the keenest lookout; in fact, it seems they’re both enjoying a brief dinner sandwich. Thus, it’s only you that notices it dive into the coat pocket of the Duke- and come out with something shining yet small; you wouldn’t have noticed yourself if there wasn’t a faint glint coming off it due to the fairy’s shininess.

...well, then. Hello, Little Miss Fairy. No points for guessing what's next for her, you think.

>Hm. Well, appreciate the help, but you'll be taking that for yourself.
>Sit back and let whatever happens happen. You'll be there to take advantage.
>Other
>>
>>4530854
>Hm. Well, appreciate the help, but you'll be taking that for yourself.

Wonder if that is the key. Also i bet the duke is preparing a birthday party for the little girl we meet in his mansion.
>>
>>4530854
>Hm. Well, appreciate the help, but you'll be taking that for yourself.
Oh no no no, don't let others take over the initiative.
>>
Kinda of a bitch move from Mr. Fairy to go after the Key and leave the kids in the jail. But i guess the fate of the world is more important than some meddling kids.
>>
>>4530858
I think some sort of delegation is coming, if it was for his niece then why would he bother with public places.
>>
>>4530866
Fair point. Maybe it's his contact comming into town?
>>
>>4530854
>Hm. Well, appreciate the help, but you'll be taking that for yourself.

>>4530862
adventurers and wannabe heroes are a dime a dozen, so yeah, nothing of value was lost.
>>
Gimme.

Writing.
>>
If we catch Miss Little Fairy i hope we use end up in a cat and it's prey situation. You know the classic with a paw holding down the prey just to add the dragon, fairy dynamic.

Also to scare the fairy shitless.
>>
>>4530879
Hmmm
>>4530878
Can we make a box out of fairy-metal scraps that used to be the case for the golden crossbow?
>>
>>4530883
It's just scraps i think. I was also wondering if we could put her in a jar. But we might need to kill her. Mainly to keep our identoty and location a secret.
>>
>>4530883
We managed to destroy the box? How?
>>
>>4530896
It broke to pieces right when we unlocked it.
>>
>>4530906
Wait, we actually managed to unlock the thing? Huh. I honestly dont remember that

>>4530886
Didnt we need a fairy for some experiments?
>>
>>4530913
No? Unless you want to have the bird feed from the fairy magic. Besides that there is no other thing i can think we would need a living fairy.
>>
Just dump her inside our bag when we get a good grip on her. We can figure out what to do next in a less public place.
>>
>>4530922
Eh she is small enough just squash her and be done with it.
>>
>>4530922
>We put her in the bag
>we forget about her for like a week or so.
>she goes crazy due to the complete darkness and isolation
>???
>profit
>>
>>4530854
>>4530858
>>4530859
>>4530869

Well, whatever it is she has (and you’re reasonably certain of what it is), she’s trying to make her way along a familiar path...somewhat, at least. She’s higher than your path, and she’s likely to make a bit of a different turn once you get far enough. Dropping down towards the rocky path, you realize that she’s trying to go around the waterline without going too far out over the sea. Makes sense, you think.

After all, flying means you can get down the cliff face to the seaside much easier. Dreger's isn’t otherwise too easy to get to. Unfortunately for her, she’s not the only one with wings.

Which is why she barely manages a squeak when you, after making sure you were clear of any witnesses, allow yourself a single leap- and flap to quickly course correct- and dive down on the unsuspecting fairy, hand outstretched.
There’s a small rumble at your landing, but after making sure no one’s here, you turn your attention to the entrapped creature. Now that you’re closer to it, you can see a vibrant, solid blue body underneath all the glow. Female, looks like, and with some sort of fancy white and gold dress. A bit tacky to you, but- onto business. Specifically, the glittering, key-like object she’s got clutched to her chest as she stares up at you in shock. “N-no...a dragon!? Here?!”

...Oh, she could tell? Huh...well, either way, you reach for the object- but before anything else can be made of it, she closes her eyes, and her glow suddenly gets brighter…

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
File: faemetal case.png (22 KB, 1169x226)
22 KB
22 KB PNG
>>4530886
>>4530913
the post said it "fell apart". maybe we could put it back together
>>4530913
Hmmm, I don't think so. We do have a half-fairy hybrid who IS an experiment tho.
>>
>>4530930
Isn't the fairy hybrid boy still inside our bag?
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>4530931
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>4530931
>>
>>4530935
guess he'll have a roommate soon
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4530931

Oh sneaky fairy
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4530935
Yeah, but each item gets its own infinite plane of nothingness(plus air, apparently) and i'm assuming that we pull the fairy boy between time skips.

>>4530931
I hate rolling on the phone
>>
Silly fairy we are the one that blind people, not the other way around.
>>
She made an attempt.

I mean, she failed, but.

Writing.
>>
Love how competent our girl has been so far, ha! With a touch of luck.
>>
Welp we got the location AND the key. Guess this is a job well done now we just need to go to the place with the lockstone.
>>
>>4530931
>>4530936
>>4530937
>>4530941
...but that’s all it is, and you’ve seen this trick countless times before. It’s a simple task to both tighten your grip and look away as the flash ends, and you simply fix her with an unimpressed look as it dims down. It wasn’t even that wide, to be honest- you closing up on her had mitigated the radius of the flash to relatively nothing but your fist. Fortunately, she seems to recognize the problem at hand. “N-no...please...don’t eat me...I-I can’t die here…”

Ignoring her for the moment, you pluck the small object out of her grasp, despite her attempted struggles. From the looks of it...it’s some kind of greenish crystal object. Vaguely key like, if you had to guess. Flat head, prongs on the end, not quite as big as her. “No!” she yells. “We need that!”

But do they really? You doubt it. And now to make sure she’s not going to-

‘WAIT.’ Whoa. You have to stop yourself from flinching at your client’s sudden interruption. ‘Mmmm...this key. It has a...familiar essence. Yesss...the Lockstone…’ ...that wasn’t exactly unexpected. What is he- ‘I have kept an ear to your discussions and ruminations. And it is clear that these...little brats intend to do something in regards to my ascension. However...this may prove useful to us.’ Usefu- oh, no. ‘Let the little one be...for now. We shall take this key, but should they continue on their sojourn...hmhmhmhm…’

Hoboy, he’s going to overcomplicate things with this, you just know it.

>Let her go with a warning.
>Just say you need this, and be gone.
>Say nothing.
>Other
>>
>>4530963
>Say nothing.
>"Useful to us how?"
>>
>>4530963
>Other: "As you command."
>Let her go with a warning.
>>
>little one

Confirmed that Shadow King is a dark fairy?
>>
>>4530963
>"Useful to us how?"
>Let her go with a warning.
>>
>>4530963
>Let her go with a warning.
>"the queen will be glad to have this back in her hands"
>>
>>4530963
this>>4530966
>>
But why?

Last one for the night.
>>
File: images (61).jpg (25 KB, 631x486)
25 KB
25 KB JPG
>>4530980
Hey Handler can we get a whiff on the little fairy? Just because i want her to understand that now a dragon "knows how she smells".
>>
>>4530963
>>4530966
>>4530975
>>4530972
>>4530970
>>4530967
You sigh, deciding that trying to debate the topic isn’t worth the headaches, instead merely loosening your grasp a bit. You’re not letting her go just yet. ‘Useful to us how?’ You mentally respond. You kind of don’t want to hear the answer, but…as the fairy peeks up at you, looking confused, you figure you’re going to get one regardless.

‘It is likely they are also pursuing the Lockstone. Quite possibly, they are pursuing multiple.’ Duh. ‘And if such is the case...they merely hasten their own destruction. They shall be able to point me directly to the Lockstones- or, quite possibly inadvertently deliver them directly. Tis merely a matter of taking them,’ he says confidently. You STILL think it’s overcomplicating things. ‘And you worry about possible defensive measures, do you not?’ he notes. ‘This shall provide a rather convenient bypass.’ Hm. Well, there IS that possibility, but still...you’re not a fan of it. But, he’s the one calling the shots, so…whatever.

Before you let her go, though...you DO want to check something. Leaning in a bit closer, causing her to squeak and struggle, you idly give her a bit of a sniff.

...she doesn’t smell that bad. A bit stinky, but...she should’ve been able to do something more than what she did, right? Maybe she’s tired? Well, you won’t argue the matter.

“Don’t get in my way,” you warn. “Letting you go won’t happen again.” With that, you let her go, and she seems shocked, to say the least.

Shaking her head, she actually dares to flit forwards a bit. “H-huh? You’re not going to…”

Yeah, no. You decide it’s better to say nothing else, instead leaping off and making sure that she doesn’t follow you. Whatever she or they plan on doing, you’re not letting them do it with the key. ‘Excellent. Now...onwards to Dreamstone Village!’ Right. You've got a Lockstone to pick up.

By the time you hear the commotion started in the village about some breakout, you're already in the sky courtesy of Gargles, who you'll really have to treat for putting up with all this.
>>
>>4531001
Those kids escaped? That's fast.
Thanks for the late run boss!
>>
>>4531001
That was fun. Thanks for running handler
>>
MEANWHILE, ELSEWHERE...


>There ya are, ya drongo! Time ta pay the pipah!

>Hm? Who are these insignificant databytes? And who is this next to you?

>What, you don't remember me? Your little band kicked me out of the city! And then LIED about why!

>...Look, I cannot expend my absolutely incredibly musical mind on unworthy pursuits such as remembering names or faces of irrelevant beings. I'm afraid if you want to speak to me properly, you'll have to purchase the proper tickets...

>I am sorry, but we are under a vitally important mission! The issues facing this city are paramount, and your tendency to misuse the resources at hand speak ill of your-

>See, that right there. That statement of ignoring what is most important- that is to say, my music- speaks as to what little you are capable of processing in those infinitesimally small craniums of yours.

>...wha? Okay, I KNOW that was an insult! ...I think.

>It was, Miss Blayze.

>Aye, t'was.

>Thought so! So cut it out! Your music's got no soul anyway! No depth! What are you even about? What message!?

>What is the ‘message’ of my music? That you would even allow such a line of questioning to enter that vapid, empty spiral you call a head shows just how incapable you are of higher thinking. But I shall humor you. My music’s message is simple: me. My brilliance and space share a rather important commonality, that is, infinity. Long after the final star has blinked out of existence, my musical genius shall endure. Not even the heat death of the universe can compare to the incomparable endurance of DJ Zetasonic! On that note, this interview is over. You may take your leave. If you’re having trouble finding the exit, which I’m sure you are, it’s the door marked G-E-T O-U-T.

>Okay, enough! Your days of playing around and partying over the poor are OVER! You wanna talk about music? We're gonna forcibly rock your non-existent socks off! Vedo! Tesi! LET'S JAM!

>...Imbeciles. Then let me educate you on the difference between a mathematical wonder like myself and inconsequential datapoints like you...
>>
>>4531012
I assume this is Lori and the two bots on a job.
>>
>>4531013
Yup the "t'was" made me think of Jago
>>
Will run tomorrow. Not sure if I want to start a new thread for it or wait until after.

Thread 100, hoo boy.
>>
>>4531896
Any plans to do something special for it? A character Q&A?
>>
>>4531899
I might. I'm open to suggestions!
>>
>>4531896
We came a long way. Here's to a long run!
>>
>>4531902
How about a temporal POV switch to Izumi, to see how she's doing on her saving the world job hmm?
>>
>>4531902
Well, I wouldn't mind the in-character Q&A. I'd also would like to finally have an easy mission with our understudies...
>>
>>4531902
a character's Q&A would be cool
>>
>>4531902
congrats on 100 thread Handler.
>>
>>4531902
I'll back this >>4531907, curious about what you had prepared for the Knights' contract.
>>
>>4531902
I'd rather a comedic slice-of-life side episode, like Miranda trying to teach Cylica how to cook. This >>4531907 is fine too. A normal Q&A is too boring imo.
>>
>>4531902
I support the in-character Q&A
Both fun, and informative!
Though finishing our Ranking mission would be a good finish to thread 100
... What was the criteria for ranking up again?
>>
>>4532070
More B-rank solo missions and some public service (HQ tasks). Also get on better terms with Sal.
>>
>>4532042
>Miranda trying to teach Cylica how to cook
The mental image alone is enough. Please consider this Handler!
>>
File: 100th thread celebration.jpg (113 KB, 1200x1200)
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Handler, not many QMs even manage to get their quest to go on for 100 or more threads. Be proud of your dedication and work on this quest.
I'm really sorry for the QUALITY picture.
I had trouble drawing this on my phone and too busy to get to my computer haha
>>
>>4533075
You can pay back by doing a group pic next time, maybe new year's eve? Glad to have you with us G.
>>
>>4533075
That's a pretty Quality picture as far as I am concerned, looks good even at full resolution.
>>
>>4533075
Wow. I'm honestly really touched.

Anywho, run begins shortly!
>>
>>4534738
oh boy here we go killin' again
unless its Q&A
>>
>>4531001

You’re not sure how long it takes, but you recall the general area of Dreamstone Village; in a valley, just as advertised, and it shouldn’t be more than...you estimate about an hour or so’s flight. Which is good; you don’t want to waste much time. Getting the Lockstone at this point shouldn’t be too much harder. You’re going to have to deal with some legwork regardless, but all in all, it shouldn’t be too difficult if it’s just a village...well, knock on wood.

Of course, the question here now is, how to make an entrance…

‘Were it me in my full glory, I would make my darkness known to all and sundry! Send forth my hordes to raze that pathetic village to the ground, and find and take what is mine by forceful right!’ Of course he would. ‘However, whilst my power is enough now for some score of minions, it is clear you are of a more subtle art…’ Was he half grumbling? You don’t think so, but… ‘Approach however you deem fit, so long as the stone is MINE come the end!’

>Well, you have two out of five. Maybe the halfway point should be celebrated, huh? Make a splash- and score some brownie points with the client.

>Not going to change up the playbook now- it's been serving you well, so far. Trod in on foot and put on your acting face again for now!

>Other.
>>
>>4534854
>Not going to change up the playbook now- it's been serving you well, so far. Trod in on foot and put on your acting face again for now!
Not gonna give up our initiative.
>>
>>4534854
>Well, you have two out of five. Maybe the halfway point should be celebrated, huh? Make a splash- and score some brownie points with the client.

let make it grand entrance
>>
>>4534858
Trying to sneak around when the kids from the other town already managed to escape is kinda giving up the initiative.
>>
>>4534854
>Not going to change up the playbook now- it's been serving you well, so far. Trod in on foot and put on your acting face again for now!
Multiple factions are involved with this particular Lockstone, no need to escalate things so quickly. We can torch and terrorize the place on our way out.
>>
>>4534854
>Not going to change up the playbook now- it's been serving you well, so far. Trod in on foot and put on your acting face again for now!
Let's make it steady.
>>
>>4534854
>Not going to change up the playbook now- it's been serving you well, so far. Trod in on foot and put on your acting face again for now!
>>
>>4534869
Wanna give the bugs some time to shine too, since they're are not that effective without some prepwork.
>>
>>4534854
>Well, you have two out of five. Maybe the halfway point should be celebrated, huh? Make a splash- and score some brownie points with the client.
At this point I think enough people know there's peril afoot that making the general public aware wont cause any extra problems. We got both the places we jacked the keystones from who know there's a powerful individual breaking their stuff, and one of them knows we're a scary dragongirl. The ranger corps are spooked, a patrolling knight + fairy was spooked, and a fairy got super spooked and thinks we're weird for not eating her.
The client clearly wants fire and brimstone, so, let's make the client happy, he's paying for a narrative. At least he's not asking us to eat a fairy or something to prove we're a dragon.
>>
As per usual, then! Writing!
>>
>>4534881
The way I see it, if we go loud now then whatever agents of the Duke, the Fairy or foreigners are here, they'll rush to defend the Lockstone and might join forces. And if we sneak in, prep up and steal the lockstone under everyone's noses, they'll try to take it for themeselves and will likely get at each other's throats.
>>
>>4534854
>>4534858
>>4534869
>>4534872
>>4534876
Right, well. No reason to not stick to what works! “Get ready to put us down at the usual distance, Gargles. We don’t want these village-folk freaking out too much.” A screech answers you in affirmative. Your bird just pecks at you. You might have to stow him away for this again. Kinda a shame. The fairy-kid’s been hanging out in nothing for a while, too. Maybe a bit of air would do him good. Well, after you get done with this, at least. Not before, that’d just be crazy.

The path to the valley, upon him setting you down, is...well, it’s fairly mild, honestly. Not a lot of forest, mostly plains and gentle hills, and you can see the valley in the distance. In fact, you think you can see a few dots on the horizon as well...the village, you’d wager. There’s even a small, worn pathway, it seems. There’s enough foot or wheel traffic for a path to the village? Mildly interesting, you suppose, but at least it gives you honest direction.

Along the way, you notice more than a few beasts and monsters that seem to be along the path. Small fox-like creatures and some spiky shell-like beasts. Neither bother to try and attack you; in fact, upon seeing you, they appear to flee into the underbrush or try to stay far away from you. The only creature that dared to try to attack you was a large (relative to everything else) raptor-like beast, and you barely bothered to interact with it- it took a single, clumsy snap at your head before you’d grabbed it by the throat, crushed through the windpipe you’d held, and tossed it away.

(cont.)
>>
>>4535058
After a bit of walking, it’s early afternoon as you begin to see the village in a much clearer light. It’s set just at the bottom of a slope into the valley; not so deep as to be hazardous to get to, but off the beaten path just enough to discourage anyone without a purpose. There're several small huts and houses you can see dotted around the area, as well as a windmill further in the distance on a small rise, spinning gently. Breaking up the scenery a bit is a single large tree near the center of the village. The faint dots of people going about their daily lives moves about, and as you approach you can smell the faint scent of a fresh stew wafting out of someone’s home. The sight of a few children come into clearer view, the youths playing with fake, tiny wooden swords, no doubt pretending to be great heroes and knights. A pair of men, rugged and hardy, are laughing about something in the distance, one leading a horse on, likely to their stable. It’s nonetheless a quiet place, with nowhere you’d call an inn, offhand, and-

*thump, thump, thump* The sound’s getting closer, and you turn your head idly to see someone- a small, tubby youth in a yellow tunic chasing a small wooden ball, which is rolling your way. “Get it, get it!” A gangly, brown haired child yells behind him- but they both stop as the ball nears you, and the tubby boy looks up at you with a fearful expression on his face. "Ah..."

>Ignore the kid. You need to find someone who can answer a few specific questions, and you doubt he knows anything important.
>Hm. Maybe you can spare a moment. At least give him the ball back- as well as a positive impression of you.
>Just tell him to watch where he’s playing from here on. Wouldn’t do to have an accident, would it?
>Other
>>
>>4535059
>Hm. Maybe you can spare a moment. At least give him the ball back- as well as a positive impression of you.

As far as i know kids are easier to scare as well as easier to interrogate
>>
>Miranda just casualy crushed that raptor windpipe

kek, that was brutal.
>>
>>4535059
>Hm. Maybe you can spare a moment. At least give him the ball back- as well as a positive impression of you.
>>
>>4535059
>Hm. Maybe you can spare a moment. At least give him the ball back- as well as a positive impression of you.
Thinking again, maybe we should try our luck with kids. They're easy to push in and they're truthful, most of the time.
>>
>>4535075
The kid is also fat which usualy in medieval setting means he is either the son of a merchant or someone who has the means to keep his family well feed.
>>
>>4535059
>Hm. Maybe you can spare a moment. At least give him the ball back- as well as a positive impression of you.
>>
>>4535059
>Hm. Maybe you can spare a moment. At least give him the ball back- as well as a positive impression of you.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>4535059
>>4535065
>>4535073
>>4535075
>>4535097
>>4535107

Hm. Kid’s not worth yelling at- just trying to play, really. He seems surprised when you pick the ball up, giving it a bit of scrutiny. It’s honestly well-made. Smooth, no pockmarks. Sturdy, too, but also light enough to not cause a ton of damage if thrown hard. A skilled carpenter made this. Or at least one with a lot of time on their hands. You give the boy a glance, and he seems to flinch slightly. He opens his mouth to try and say something- likely ask for his ball back- but before he can you toss it up into the air. Not too hard, just very slightly… enough for it to make a good bounce when you juggle it off your knee once, twice, three times.

Then off the back of your heel, back up around, a quick spin, off the other heel…

...by now the kid’s looking on in awe. Good. You tap it twice more off the side of your feet, once more off the knee and finally give it a small kick back towards him- he manages to catch it in his surprise. “Whoooooaaa,” the two of the gawk. “How did you do that?” the bigger one asks. “Can you teach us?” Ah, children. Easily impressed. But! Now that you’ve gotten their attention properly, maybe you can ask them one or two things.

> “Actually, I was wondering if you knew where I might be able to find the leader of this town.” If there’s a mayor or elder or something like that, that’ll be your best bet.”
> “I won’t be here long. I’m an explorer, of sorts. And I was wondering if you’ve ever heard of any interesting stories around here.”
> “Perhaps, but not until I find somewhere to stay for the night. If you know anyone willing, that’d be excellent.” And afford you a base to do some eavesdropping.
>Other
>>
>>4535246
>“Perhaps, but I won’t be here long. I’m an explorer, of sorts. And I was wondering if you’ve ever heard of any interesting stories around here.”
>>
>>4535246
> “I won’t be here long. I’m an explorer, of sorts. And I was wondering if you’ve ever heard of any interesting stories around here.”
Tomboy knows how to handle herself around a soccer ball. Color me surprised.
>>
>>4535246
> “Perhaps, but I won’t be here long. I’m an explorer, of sorts. And I was wondering if you’ve ever heard of any interesting stories around here.”
>>
>>4535246
>“Perhaps, but I won’t be here long. I’m an explorer, of sorts. And I was wondering if you’ve ever heard of any interesting stories around here.”
>>
>>4535246
> “Perhaps, but not until I find somewhere to stay for the night. If you know anyone willing, that’d be excellent.” And afford you a base to do some eavesdropping.
>>
>>4535246
> “Perhaps, but not until I find somewhere to stay for the night. If you know anyone willing, that’d be excellent.” And afford you a base to do some eavesdropping.
>>
>>4535246
>> “Perhaps, but not until I find somewhere to stay for the night. If you know anyone willing, that’d be excellent.” And afford you a base to do some eavesdropping.
If the thing is moving around, someone is doing the moving, either they'll be in town, or they wont be; if they are, it's probably the only visitor this dinky village has had in months, and worthy gossip.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>4535303
It could be a automated system, like a airship or maybe a floating island.
>>
>>4535246
>>4535259
>>4535267
>>4535269
>>4535283
You grant them a small laugh; best to make sure you stay seeming affable. “Perhaps, but I won’t be here long. I’m an explorer, of sorts, you see…”

“Oh, like an adventurer?” the kid interrupts. He’s got a look about him like you’re suddenly the coolest girl ever. “Do you travel 'round the world an' stuff?”

“Basically,” you affirm. You have to admit, it’s fascinating that ‘adventurer’ is even a valid occupation- this place seemed a bit too high-tech to bother with that. But, whatever. “And I was wondering if you’ve ever heard of any interesting stories around here. Would be nice if there was anything to check out while I took a bit of a rest...”

They look at each other, a bit befuddled. “Uhhh…” they sit there thinking for a minute, and you can feel your patience dropping a touch. These kids don’t know anything, so that means you’re going to have to- “Oh! My grampa always says! Uh, there’s a cave near the other end of the village, and- and we’re not s’posed to ever go near it ‘cause it’s dangerous.”

“Yeah, his grampa knows a buncha stuff!” the smaller kid affirms. “He’s always tellin’ stories an’ stuff. He used ta go around places like you!”

“He wasn’t an adventurer, though,” the chubby kid huffs lightly and pouts. “Iunno what he did, ‘cause he likes to keep it a missery. But WHATEVER it was, I bet it was cool!” Cute how he brightened up just that fast. But dismissing that, it’s something interesting. So, this kid’s grandfather might know a few things, huh? Might be worth talking to him, then. The question facing you now, though, is how to- "D'ya wanna meet him? He's prolly at the windmill right now. We're not s'pose to go there without an adult, either. You'll prolly get yelled at, too since kids aren't s'pose to go 'round there." Ah. Well, that helps with that. Well,-

"Wait, no he's not!" the other kid mentions. "'Member? He said he was gonna help clean out the caves on the other side 'cause a lotta Grumbats were gettin' loose and messin' up crops and junk."

"Nuh-uh, he said he was gonna do that tomorrow!" the other boy argues back. Oy, you can see this is about to be an arguement.

>Thank them for their time and take your leave. You'll try the caverns first.
>Thank them for the time and leave. You'll take a look at the windmill first.
>Get them to stop, and ask if either would house you overnight. You'll wait.
>Other
>>
>>4536419
>Thank them for their time and take your leave. You'll try the caverns first.
We have everything and someone to dig more info from, time to storm this one.
>>
>>4536419
>>Thank them for their time and take your leave. You'll try the caverns first.
If he's not here, we can test the Revitalization Barrier and use Shadow King's medallion to corrupt and take control of these Grumbats.
>>
>>4536419
>Thank them for their time and take your leave. You'll try the caverns first.
Eh, if he's not there then at least we can scout.
>>
File: corruption.png (31 KB, 1582x195)
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>>4536429
>reminder that we can convert beasts to our side
>>
>>4536419
>Thank them for their time and take your leave. You'll try the caverns first.
>>
To yonder caverns! Writing!
>>
>>4536419
>>4536426
>>4536429
>>4536432
>>4536438
“Hey, don’t worry,” you insist. “Thanks for helping me out, seriously. I’ll go ahead and get going now, alright?”

“Okay, don’t forget to say hi later!” the tubby kid says as you walk off. You’ve at least gotten some leads on where to head now- and the caverns could be a decent bet. If nothing else, you might be able to see what’s around there and maybe run that Revitalization Chamber through its paces. Who knows.

As you walk through the village, you can’t help but notice that you do get a couple of stares, a few hushed whispers. Guess you can’t really blame them. One girl, wearing a simple sundress and with long blue hair watches you with something close to awe on her face; you turn slightly to meet her eyes properly, and she only lasts for about a second before turning away in what you’re uncertain is fear, embarrassment, or both.

Still, it eventually fades as you do nothing in particular, and make your way to the far end of the village. It seems like it gets a bit more even as you begin to hit the outskirts (not like it took you very long), and you can see a small river carving out a small line next to the more vertical cliffs. The windmill is still gently spinning as well. You also notice a small signpost with three arrows. One leading back where you came from saying ‘Dreamstone Village’, one to your left saying ‘Old Mill Road’, and one to your right saying ‘Glowmoon Caverns’. You’d guess that’s the direction you’re headed. Underneath all of them is a smaller post with a warning- ‘Monsters Ahead!’ and a small drawing of a beast head. Oh dear, whatever shall you do?
Moving on.

The trail wanders alongside the river, and you have to admit, the journey is peaceable. Again, the few beasts nearby don’t seem to want to bother with you, and these are mere pests like overgrown beetles and a few bat-like creatures with large bellies and distended mouths- you have to wonder if these are the ‘Grumbats’ mentioned earlier. There ARE a good number of them, and you have to admit you can see why they’d be called an issue…

After walking down a few natural made steps, a few leaps across unfortunate gaps in the road, and one instance of clearing what looked like a few rocks from a rockslide out of your path, you arrive at the entrance to the caverns. At first, they seem to be any old caverns, sure…

But once you step in, you can see how they got their name. Glowing lichen and mushrooms abound here, giving everything a light bluish white hue, much like the moon. Makes sense enough. Now, if the old man is here, it’s just a matter of finding him.

Heading down the slight incline, you take a quick drop over the edge of the pathway onto the main floor of the cavern. Time to explore.

>Roll 2d20.
>>
Rolled 4, 2 = 6 (2d20)

>>4536486
JESUS TAKE THE WHEEEL
>>
Rolled 18, 19 = 37 (2d20)

>>4536486
>>
Rolled 15, 1 = 16 (2d20)

>>4536486
Little miss commander is too good at this.
>>
Rolled 13, 18 = 31 (2d20)

>>4536486
>>
Indeed, she's good at it. Writing!
>>
>>4536486
>>4536488
>>4536489
>>4536492
The area doesn’t seem overly dangerous, fortunately. There ARE a lot of these bat things, to be sure, but not quite what you’d call a ‘swarm’. Just a lot of them. A few try to dive at you every now and again, but a few pointed fingers and minor magiblasts dissuade them whenever you run into a new batch. There’s the occasional rock...dog thing, but they’re also minor and prone to being very kickable the way they roll at you. You’re pretty sure there’s a joke in there somewhere, but whatever.

Before too long, you stumble across something that piques your interest- not an old man, but something that might indicate his presence- a small smoking pipe. A quick feel tells you it’s warm; he was by here, and recently, too. Can’t be far. Let’s see...a split path ahead, one going up, the other down. Now, if you can- aha. Footprints. Perfect. Down it is. Guess the old man isn’t a fan of heights.

The caverns aren’t too winding, at least. Seems like there was some attempt at excavation here in the past, judging by the occasional minecart and tracks. Seems that it might’ve been abandoned quickly, too. You notice there’s a few tools left behind as well, such as picks, and several minecarts have small gems or ore in them. Useless to you, for the most part. You continue on, making sure to avoid any accidental pitfalls. Nothing too dangerous, really. Anyone with halfway decent awareness would be fine getting through here, you don’t know why it’s considered that dangerous...

A bit further on in, you’re facing a three-way split, when you feel a small rumble, and quickly turn to the ceiling. A few pebbles fall, but nothing major. Wonder what fell? A distant shout surprises you a bit, and it has a bit of an echo...seems like it’s down the hallway to the left. Thataway, then.

(cont.)
>>
>>4536539
When you get there, you’re...honestly surprised. The old man is there...and he’s handing what looks like a massive, oversized Grumbat (if that IS those things) its ass. He’s got on little else but a vest (showing off his abs, and boy this old guy’s shredded), a pair of loose pants tied with a belt, and old moccasins. He’s got no top hair to speak of, bald as a bean, but a rather fluffy and impressive, if stark white mustache. And he just slammed the thing in the head with his cane. It’s at least twice as big as he is, maybe bigger. Damn thing looks like it could swallow him whole, but at this rate it’s looking like it’s going to be stuck with liquid foods for a while- if it survives. It spits a glob of...some kind of acid at him? But it splashes against some sort of magic shield he has up, rendering it useless. “Hoooooo...hwaaaaa!” He shouts, and a large fireball erupts from his hand as he thrusts it forwards, slamming into the beast and sending it tumbling back end over end, though it’s not down. The old man breathes hard after that one, and you can see his breathing is a bit deep...he's winded, if nothing else.

>Not like he needs it, but...could do with a good first impression. Why not intercede on his behalf?
>Nah, the old man's got this. Sit back, watch, and take notes, just in case...
>Other
>>
>>4536489
Found it!!!
>>
>>4536542
>Not like he needs it, but...could do with a good first impression. Why not intercede on his behalf?
Veteran's respect to one another.
>>
>>4536542
>Not like he needs it, but...could do with a good first impression. Why not intercede on his behalf?
>>
>>4536542
>Nah, the old man's got this. Sit back, watch, and take notes, just in case...

Let him tire himself against the monster it will make easy to fight him if he tries to not reveal were the lockstone is.
>>
>>4536542
>Not like he needs it, but...could do with a good first impression. Why not intercede on his behalf?
I feel this might fit the grandpa's description to a T
>>
>>4536542
>Not like he needs it, but...could do with a good first impression. Why not intercede on his behalf?
Well, could earn enough points to have him take us to the stone.
>>
>>4536542
>Not like he needs it, but...could do with a good first impression. Why not intercede on his behalf?
>>
Writing!
>>
>>4536542
>>4536546
>>4536548
>>4536553
>>4536561
>>4536562
Well, he doesn’t exactly look like he needs it yet, but...well, why not give a good first impression? Not to mention, he looks like he’s seen combat well before, and he’s likely cottoned on to your presence even if he’s not looking your way. But, you’re not going to just throw anything out there all of a sudden. Not with someone watching you like this. So...maybe it’s best to stick to basics. You have a sword- well, several swords, honestly- could use one of those. Or just stick to your fists. Nothing wrong with those. Then again, simple Magi-Blasts shouldn’t be TOO amiss, should they? You maybe could brush it off as light magic or something...

You can see him gearing up for another strike when the creature rights itself, its distended belly blacked and charred, but far from busted. It suddenly gives a warble and flies up, to the top of the ceiling…whatever you’re doing, now’s probably the time to do it before it comes back down- and by the look on its face, it WILL be coming back down.

>Pull out your sword and get into it!
>Flamebringer
>Rapier
>Morph-Blade
>Stick with Magiblasts. They’re quick, strong enough, and ranged.
>Punching is always fun. And in this case, it’ll likely be plenty effective.
>Other
>>
>>4536606
>Other
Time for that Dragon-Headed Arbalist we stole.
>>
>>4536606
>Stick with Magiblasts. They’re quick, strong enough, and ranged.
He'll never suspect someone with light magic!
>>
>>4536606
>Morph-Blade
>>
>>4536606
Switching to >>4536610
Let's try to fool him
>>
>>4536606
>Stick with Magiblasts. They’re quick, strong enough, and ranged.
It's a bat. That means it flies. We can't melee it without high leaps, which will draw eyes.
>>
>>4536606
>Stick with Magiblasts. They’re quick, strong enough, and ranged.

We are just a frail mage girl with light magic sir!!! We swearsiess
>>
>>4536606
>Punching is always fun. And in this case, it’ll likely be plenty effective.
punch punch PUNCH
>>
Sticking with That ol' Bla- uh, white magic.

Writing!
>>
Did handler fell asleep?
>>
>>4536606
>>4536610
>>4536613
>>4536620
>>4536626
You’re not going to risk anything that says you’re more physically able than you actually are; at least, not right now. Best option, you think, is to go for the usual...and in this case…

Two magi-blasts fire off, impacting the creature and sending it careening off course, nearly slamming it into the wall. The old man only has a moment of surprise before you run in closer to get a better shot at the thing. “So what’s a young lass like you doing in here?” he asks. Like you thought, he’s not showing any surprise as to the fact that you’re here- likely knew you were soon as you came out of the tunnel. “And one skilled in magic, no less…”

“We’ll talk later,” you say as you toss your hands up as the creature returns, clearly preparing to dive. “For now, we should take this thing out.” You have to both leap out of the way as the creature spits more acid at you both, but you’re too agile for it to hit.

“Right. Then be careful, and follow my lead, miss!” Not that you really need to listen, but better off letting him take charge. The creature screeches, and then makes a strafing dive towards the old man. It’s missed, but it was a close thing, and a stray blast from you isn’t met with more than a flinch and a screech. Before long, it flies up again, much to the man’s annoyance. However, that doesn’t last too long as his wizened eyes light up, and turn to you.

“Ready, and hit him again with those light bursts when I say now!” Oh, he’s got a plan?

(cont.)
>>
>>4536754
Indeed, though, when the creature dives… “Now!” And you let loose two more; they impact flush, neatly slowing the creature down as it tumbles towards you, and with a mighty yell, the old man flings his cane like a javelin, now glowing a heated orange- a massive *CRACK* erupts as it impacts solidly on the creature- if that thing’s made of wood, it’s some impressive wood. Nonetheless, the creature goes from a semi-controlled dive to a freefall, and it slams into the ground with serious impact. You both are forced to jump out of the way as it skids towards, then past you, slamming into the wall with finality.

A moment passes. Two, three...and then to your honest surprise, the creature seems to shimmer...and then explode in a puff of dust and strange mana. “Hum...just as I thought,” the old man grumbles. “Corrupted.” You look at him in questioning, and he understands. “Creatures corrupted by shadow magic don’t die like others. The dark magic fuels them... changes them. Eventually, it becomes them.” He shakes his head. “Likely this and some others were the cause of all the spawning Grumbats. With their matriarch vanquished, there shouldn’t be so many- at least for a time. Now then…” and he finally turns to you after picking up his cane. “If you don’t mind my asking again, what brings a young lady like yourself to these caverns? Naught to be found here but...well, old mining tools, perhaps a few stray gems, but...well, that’d be quite the trip for a few old stones, hohoho.” He doesn’t seem to suspect you of anything, merely curious, and his demeanor seems to have lightened up now that the danger’s past. "Especially considering your apparent light magic...quite the feat, quite the feat."

>"I'm a traveler. I've heard that this region has fascinating tales, and was curious. I also heard there was an infestation that was plaguing the village, and so sought to help out." Simple enough to claim.
>"I'm something of a treasure hunter. I heard rumors that these caverns held a great treasure in them. Is that true?" A bit of a lie, but you can at least see what he says about it.
>Other
>>
>>4536757
>"I'm a traveling scholar. I've heard that this region has fascinating tales, and was curious. I also heard there was an infestation that was plaguing the village, and so sought to help out." Simple enough to claim.
Let's keep pretending to be a wandering scholar. Shadow-corrupted creatures are a relevant topic for light-mages like us.
>>
>>4536757
>>4536766
Sounds good, innocent enough.
A good call to assist, really. He already knew of our presence.

>Naught to be found here but...well, old mining tools, perhaps a few stray gems, but...well, that’d be quite the trip for a few old stones, hohoho.
He knows there is something in this cavern.
>>
>>4536757
>"I'm a traveler. I've heard that this region has fascinating tales, and was curious. I also heard there was an infestation that was plaguing the village, and so sought to help out." Simple enough to claim.

Going with this because i don't think Randa has enough knowledge to pass as a scholar

>>4536771
Still wondering how the Lockstone ended here, wasn't it suppose to move around?
>>
>>4536757
Maybe add in.
>"I notice the excavation effort on the way, but it was abandoned. Was that also related to this corruption?"

>>4536774
It moves around alright, but at an interval. Seems we're fast enough to catch it between the process, else we'd have been punished for turtling.
>>
>>4536757
>"I'm a traveler. I've heard that this region has fascinating tales, and was curious. I also heard there was an infestation that was plaguing the village, and so sought to help out." Simple enough to claim.
So..the lockstone passively corrupted the beasts? Well, at least we're on the right path

>>4536774
That doesnt mean that the lockstone has to be constantly moving.
>>
One more for the night.

If possible, I want to resume tomorrow early. Like, around 10 AM-12 PM PST.
>>
>>4536757
>"I'm a traveling scholar. I've heard that this region has fascinating tales, and was curious. I also heard there was an infestation that was plaguing the village, and so sought to help out." Simple enough to claim.
Can blame the lack of knowledge on our age and inexperience.
>>
>>4536787
Damn boss, you're on a marathon. Love it.
>>
>>4536757
>>4536766
>>4536771
>>4536774
>>4536785
>>4536788
"I'm a traveling scholar,” you offer. You’re not sure if your voice will help or hurt the situation, but hopefully your tone puts forth your seriousness. “I've heard that this region has fascinating tales, and was curious. Once I arrived, however, I also heard there was an infestation that was plaguing the village, and so I sought to help out. I have to say, however...I wasn’t expecting someone quite like you." Mostly true. “You seemed quite capable of handling yourself for an old man.” A bit risky to throw such a line out, but you don’t want him to cotton on to your maturity right now.

“Hohoho! Old, perhaps, but weak? Not quite yet.” He boasts, before letting out a deep breath. “Although, I won’t deny that your assistance was welcome. I’d noticed you when you came in, but...not much time I could spare to talk. So, you have my thanks. Ah, but where are my manners? I am Torvald, young miss. And if I might have your name?”

“Iva.” Part of you doesn’t want to keep reusing names, but better to keep one straight than slip up and forget how many you’ve given yourself. “Good to meet you.” You take his offered hand; it’s a more gentle one than you kind of expected.

“Likewise. Well then, perhaps we should get out of here while the getting’s good, hm? Besides, if it’s stories you want, I daresay I’ve got a few!” Hm. Well, this place isn’t going anywhere. Hopefully, the Lockstone isn’t, either, but regardless, just asking him about it won’t get you anywhere good unless you wanted to blow things right now. Heck, you know it’s in the village, and this is the most likely place, but there’s nothing pointing you for certain here. You might have to sneak out of here later, but for now...well, you can stay awhile and listen to the old man, you suppose.

He doesn't waste much time as you exit the caverns; telling you the story of when he encountered a mighty beast 'in the snowcapped mountains not too much north of here, during the winter months'. Just like his grandson mentioned, he's not very forthcoming with his past, but frankly you can wager he was someone of reasonable strength. He smells kind of like an apple left in the sun too long to you. Ex-soldier, off the top of your head, although if that's the case, you're surprised he didn't tell his grandson THAT. Seems like something to be proud of.

As you make the walk back towards the village, you have to figure...he's probably going to talk mostly about himself unless you steer the conversation a bit. Question is, how?

>Nudge him towards tales about artifacts and area history. See what he has to say.
>Ask him if there's any local legends about dragons or fairies here. They're mysterious, and fascinating!
>See if he knows anything about old history. Maybe he can point you towards someone even more knowledgeable...
>Other
>>
>>4536830
>Ask him if there's any local legends about dragons or fairies here. They're mysterious, and fascinating!
Feel like asking about artifacts might be too on the nose, plus we can find the Lockstone by ourselves.
>>
>>4536830
>Ask him if there's any local legends about dragons or fairies here. They're mysterious, and fascinating!
Seems safe.
>>
>>4536833
Also we can retell these stories to the fairy-boy.
>>
>>4536830
>Ask him if there's any local legends about dragons or fairies here. They're mysterious, and fascinating!
>>
>>4536830
>Ask him if there's any local legends about dragons or fairies here. They're mysterious, and fascinating!
>>
>>4536830
>Ask him if there's any local legends about dragons or fairies here. They're mysterious, and fascinating!
*plot twist* he's also a follower of the shadow king. that would be neat
>>
>>4536830
>Ask him if there's any local legends about dragons or fairies here. They're mysterious, and fascinating!
>>
>>4536833
>>4536838
>>4536906
>>4536948
>>4537037
>>4537070
It might be a bit...obvious, to ask him about artifacts and whatnot. If he’s as well-traveled as he claims, it might be best to avoid any direct hinting at the Lockstones. On the other hand, there’s a few things you might be able to get answered otherwise…

After you make your way back into the village, you find that there’s a few interested onlookers, but they say little aside from greetings to the old man. Torvald waves back, but rarely diverts from his story. In short order you find yourself in front of a small, one-story house, with a small chimney. “And here we are, this here’s my place. Care to come inside for a bit of tea?”

“That’d be appreciated, thank you,” you concede. As you enter, you decide to go ahead and ask. “I’m curious. You seem to have a lot of knowledge thanks to your travels. Have you ever heard any local legends? I hear fairies are...very curious subjects, and are talked about more than usual in this land.”

“Oho, that they are, that they are.” He says as he nods, puttering about his small home as he fixes up a kettle. “It’s fascinating how the fairies have lived among us so long, and yet we know so little about them. Part of their charm, many say. In fact, some folk say that the Elder Fairies were the ones ta make the mountain ranges nearby! Amazing, don’t you think?” You have to nod. If just one of them did, in fact, that speaks to their influence...and the fact that it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to cross one. “We’re rather thankful to them, truly.”

“Quite. I’ve heard word that there might have been another species that was even older than them, though…” you toss out. “Have you heard of the dragons?”

To that, he hums. “Well, now, that’s a rare sentence...not many folk what know about the dragons. Or, at least not many what know of ‘em beyond myth and story and fanciful tales.”

“So you know about them?” you press.

He nods solemnly. “After a fashion, yes. The old masters of the land, some say. Deadly, dangerous. Not a ton known about them, but little good, from what I’ve heard. Dark rumor goes, in fact, that this valley was made in a great battle with an Elder Fairy and a dragon. But few believe it. Me, on the other hand?” He chuckles lowly. “Well, you see a set of bones that’re too large, too...abnormal, to be from anything living? You start to wonder if those tall tales have anything to ‘em. Especially when-” A hissing interrupts him, and he checks back to the kettle. “Ah. Tea’s almost done. A good blend, will go down well with a snack.” Hm. Not returning to the subject, is he?

>Press more about the subject of dragons. What happened to him?
>Inquire more about the shadow and corruption. Just to gauge him, and see what's known.
>Take the meal quietly; not much else you can really get out of him without being suspect.
>Other
>>
>>4537358
>Press more about the subject of dragons. What happened to him?
>>
>>4537358
>Press more about the subject of dragons. What happened to him?
Curiosity.
>>
>>4537358
>Press more about the subject of dragons. What happened to him?
>>
Writing!
>>
>>4537358
>>4537380
>>4537384
>>4537396
You at least allow him to sit down and enjoy some of the tea before you make the push. “So. You saw the bones of a dragon, did you?” You take a sip as you let the intention stew. “When did it happen? What occurred back there?”

“Agh...it’s not an excellent story, lass.” he insists. There’s little bite to it, though. “Just...old regrets and worries.”

“And yet it’s something that affects you even to this day,” you point out. “So why not let it out a bit? I AM a traveler, after all. It’s not like anyone else here will know.”

“Mm...you’re a wise one, for your age.” He notes idly. “Speak properly, too. Quite the life you must’ve lived...”

“Maybe. But you’re avoiding the topic,” you accuse. “Was it really so bad?”

A pause...and he sighs. “Young one, it was...well...quite possibly the event that changed my life.” He leans back, eyes closed in remembrance. “T’was when I was a deal younger, of course. I was a bit of a hothead, determined. Knew I was destined for great things. Back in the day, I...well, I won’t bother you with the details, but one day, I got an assignment, let’s call it, to investigate a newly discovered set of caverns. An earthquake had revealed them, y’see... It was supposed to be an easy job, since no one had been in there before. Me and some friends of mine would be the first, and get a nice payday out of it, too. Nothing major. We were confident that nothing would happen.”

“But something did,” you surmised.

“Yes. We were beset by...strange creatures. Things we’d never seen before. We were ignorant of the shadow and the corruption at the time, so we were all baffled. Hurting, at times. But we persevered. Deeper and deeper we went. Until...there it was.” He shakes his head solemnly. “Massive, it was. Skull and bones, and of a kind we’d never seen before. And much of its head awash in a strange, black ichor. Just being near it made our heads hurt something fierce. We knew we needed to get out of there...but then...something shuddered. And stirred. There was a red glow- a terrible red glow…and next thing I knew, they were on the ground.” He shivers, and you can only imagine just what he was facing down. “...I ran. Spirits forgive me, I fled without a thought for my allies, my friends...I fled and didn’t look back.” Almost at once he seems to be much older, his posture slumped, his creases much more pronounced. “It’s haunted me for years. But what else could I have done? A creature like that?” He shakes his head. “Would’ve killed all of us. I-I don’t know what else I should’ve done…” All at once, he looks exhausted, and you suppose you can't blame him.


>What do you say to that?
>>
>>4537465
>"My condolences, didn't mean to bring up bad memories."
>"If I'm to be blunt, you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened."
>"The creature, do you think it's still out there?"
>>
>>4537465
>"My condolences, didn't mean to bring up bad memories."
>"If I'm to be blunt, you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened."
>>
>>4537465
>>4537480
Going with this
>>
>>4537465
This:>>4537480
Maybe once our client gets powered up he can go after it and add that creature to his army
>>
>>4537465
>>4537480
>>4537490
>>4537492
>>4537551

Well. Not entirely what you expected, but there’s still some interesting information in there anyway. Still, best to get this guy back on stable ground. "My condolences. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories."

He sighs again. “No, no...to be honest, those memories have been plaguing me for ages. Whether in the front or the back of my mind.”

"Still,” you insists. “If I'm to be blunt, you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened. It was happenstance, and wanting to protect your own life shouldn’t be shameful.”

“I’m aware, oh let me assure you!” He almost sounds angry- if not at you, then at himself at the least. “I’ve thought this over and over until I feel my mind itself is worn on the subject. And yet it can’t leave. I doubt it ever will.”

"Then perhaps it’s a matter of closure,” you hazard. “That creature, do you think it's still out there?"

“Oh, I’m rather confident it is,” he says grimly. “Such a creation, which now I know is animated by shadow magic? I wouldn’t be surprised if in fact it only grew stronger in the time since I saw it.” Blinking once, he snaps his head up to look at you. “Now, don’t you go thinking of being a hero. I know you may have light magic at your disposal, but that...that thing was something else. Something beyond the norm. I would hesitate to think that even light magic would do much against it.” He sighs. “Look here, perhaps you’re considering staying in our village overnight? My son’s house is large; and he’s a kind boy. He’ll likely take you for the night in if you mention my name. Managed to make something of himself as a trader, as well; he’ll have food for you, no doubt.”

"My thanks," you offer. You're not sure what else to say about his issues, but the idea that there's a shadow...skeleton...dragon thing waiting somewhere nearby is interesting. If THAT thing could be brought under control, then that'd be a hell of a unit to use for your plans. However, that's in the future. For the time being, you're...

>Perhaps going to investigate the Old Mill Road. It's only late afternoon, after all. Might as well.
>Going to see what else is around this sleepy little village. Perhaps there's more details to find out.
>Return to the Glowmoon Caverns. Maybe investigate the area more.
>Other
>>
>>4537713
>Perhaps going to investigate the Old Mill Road. It's only late afternoon, after all. Might as well.
>>
>>4537713
>Perhaps going to investigate the Old Mill Road. It's only late afternoon, after all. Might as well.
Eeeh, can't finish it today. But we'll have to act tomorrow, since the Duke and others should have sent people to this village by now.
>>
>>4537713
>Perhaps going to investigate the Old Mill Road. It's only late afternoon, after all. Might as well.
>>
>>4537713
>Perhaps going to investigate the Old Mill Road. It's only late afternoon, after all. Might as well.
>>
>>4537713
>Perhaps going to investigate the Old Mill Road. It's only late afternoon, after all. Might as well.
>>
OH, we should ask the shadow king if he has any knowledge of that dragon shadow and if there is a way that we can subdue it to our will if its a rogue agent
>>
>>4537726
I have a risky plan in mind:
>stay for the night
>when the whole village is sleeping, we sneak out via Gartoum's shadow meld/shadowporting
>After getting to the Glowmoon cavern, we get Gartoum to cover our six while we explore the caves
>get the lockstone and quickly shadowport back to bed
>wake up and leave as an innocent scholar
Although this has the risk of night guards and the old man going back to the caverns.
>>
Back, apologies.
>>
>>4537821
That depends on whether or not the stone is in the cavern. Unless we get some hard info from today's investigations, we'll have to do some blind spelunking.
And there's that shadow undead dragon lurking too, so that's one boss fight waiting.
>>4537824
No problemo boss, keep trucking.
>>
>>4537821
we should explore a bit more. although the caverns are a nice guess, we should get more information before going for the stone.
>>
>>4537832
>>4537835
In that case, we can just have Gart go scout around again while we check on the old mill
>>
>>4537713
>>4537721
>>4537726
>>4537729
>>4537739
>>4537743
... investigating the Old Mill Road. It's only late afternoon, after all. Might as well. You bid him a farewell after agreeing to and mentioning that you’d like to take a look around a bit more, which he understands. So the walk is...fairly nonchalant. Seems like people get used to things quickly...or maybe seeing you with Torvald eased some worries. Regardless, you’re not going to cause any trouble here...yet.

The Old Mill Road, as you might’ve guessed, seems to be rather overgrown, and a bit...rustic. The path isn’t nearly as well kept as the other one, and aside from a dilapidated sign saying ‘Mill’ and pointing ahead, there’s little signs of life on it. There’s a mass of...rather enlarged rats as well. Although that might not be the best description of them considering the horns on their heads and stubby tails.

There’s a lot more trees on this path, too. You’re kind of surprised, really, but maybe this just was a strange spot. The elevation is getting lower, at least. Maybe there’s some water running below here or something. It’s getting wider, too. Maybe this is just a quick way out of the valley? Wonder why they don’t use it, if that’s the case…?

Indeed, before much longer, you can see the aforementioned Mill. Seems rather run down, too. The windmill itself seems busted, there’s a small house area on the side that isn’t looking much better, and even a cabin not far from it that’s half-destroyed, along with some boxes sitting nearby.

>Roll 1d20+5, best of three.
>>
Rolled 2 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4537914
Here goes.
>>
Rolled 20 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4537914
>>
Rolled 12 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4537914
>>
>>4537919
Holy smokes.
Did we just find the stone laying down there?
>>
>>4537832
The bat has being in the caves long enough to be fully corrupted and the caves work as a natural maze. Looks like the perfect place to hide the stone
>>
>>4537922
We definetly found something.
>>
...Yeah, you found something for sure.

Writing.
>>
>>4537941
oh boy!!!
>>
>>4537914
>>4537918
>>4537919
>>4537921
The first thing you notice is that the crates aren’t rotten or even too dusty. As you trot up to them, you’re surprised to find that they’re actually relatively recent. You’re not sure when they were left here, but judging by the sparse stray foliage on them, they couldn’t have been here more than a couple of days, if that. You decide to take the risk of opening them…

...lanterns. A few simple swords, bows, and other weapons. Packs. It wouldn’t make sense for most, but for you, it’s obvious. These are supplies for some sort of journey. But what journey…?
You quickly take a look around. The destroyed cabin at first appears to hold nothing in it, either...the place looks bombed out, practically. However, you notice a small steel hatch, covered with grass, leaves and vines. Fresher ones, too- not much in the way of dead and crackling. Brushing it off, you notice that the hatch is well-kept, and locked tight. You attempt to reach for it- and are repelled by a small barrier that stings your fingers! Huh. Fancy that. Well, fine, you’ll get back to THAT in a bit. For now...you turn your attention to the other thing you noticed.

That is, upon getting closer to the mill, you realize that it’s actually padlocked. With chains, strapped into an X shape, no less. The manner of barring means that no one can easily get in, unless they had the key. And they’re relatively new, too. No signs of rust or the sort. A quick test tells you the padlock is magicked, too, and sends a bit of a zap that has you shaking your hand in mild pain.

Someone REALLY doesn’t want this place opened up. Wonder what's inside? Maybe a stone of a certain Locking purpose? Or maybe something else, even?

>You'll come back here tonight. You want plenty of time to work, and you know at least Torvald is expecting you to show up at his son's house.
>Well, well. Whatever they're hiding, you want. Time to do a bit of breaking and entering. No time like the present, after all!
>Wonder if you can't just get someone to spill about the area. Might save you some trial and error before you try anything.
>Other
>>
>>4538024
>You'll come back here tonight. You want plenty of time to work, and you know at least Torvald is expecting you to show up at his son's house.
Got some time to prepare our shadow minions, repair the turret, scan the loot from the fortress and test some experimental stuff.
>>
>>4538024
>You'll come back here tonight. You want plenty of time to work, and you know at least Torvald is expecting you to show up at his son's house.
>>
>>4538024
>You'll come back here tonight. You want plenty of time to work, and you know at least Torvald is expecting you to show up at his son's house.
>>
>>4538024
>>4538028
>leave some shadow bugs in the area for now
>>
>>4538024
>>4538028
>>4538032
Basically this. Let's test if we can sense through the bugs.

Our loot from the raid in case anyone forgot.
+ Anga Totem. Still don't know what it does.
+ Drogan Military Uniform Jacket (Large).
+ Flintlock Pistol.
+ Drogan Officer Armor and Helmet. Helm's enchanted.
+ Bucklers x4
+ Bracers. There's something special about them, more info needed.
+ Wind Gem. A strange pockmarked, spherical, anti-grav, wind-producing orb/gem.
+ Faemetal box's scraps.
+ Prototype Golden Crossbow with some of it's bolts. Seems to be the "biggest" item that we snatched.
+ Whatever junk on the table that we looted too during our drug-fueled rampage
+ Razorbladed Shield.
.
Along with the fairy kid and Pecker.
>>
>>4538024
>>4538028
>>4538032
+
It's high time we scan our haul. Do it somewhere without eyes though
>>
Page 10. I'll give you guys the opportunity to scan and whatnot, and then start a new thread- with an in-character Q&A and maaaybe other things.
>>
>>4538630
Yay!!!
>>
>>4538024
>>4538028
>>4538029
>>4538031
>>4538032
>>4538033
Shaking your head, you decide that you'll come back here tonight. You want plenty of time to work, and you know at least Torvald is expecting you to show up at his son's house. Would be rude to not show up. But, you’re not going to forget. Still...you’ll at least leave a little something- if only for a bit of defense.

A few smaller shadow bugs; no bigger than cockroaches are scattered around the area; you’re not sure how well you’ll be able to sense them if they’re disturbed, or even if they aren’t, but they’ll ideally give you a bit of a heads-up as to whether they’re displaced or not, at the least. Maybe your boss…? Well, you’ll figure that out in due time.

As you return to the village, you realize that you need to actually find out WHERE Torvald’s son’s house is. As you muse on that, you’re greeted by a few horses passing by- they seem to grow agitated as well, forcing the reins-holders to struggle to bring them in. You have to admit, you’re curious as to all the wanton animal fear. It’ll be annoying if everything suddenly freaks out at the sight of you. Might have to keep that in mind as well. But all the same. “I apologize for the suddenness, but would you happen to know where the son of Torvald stays?”

He’s too busy to question why, and instead simply gives a few hurried direction as his horse gets more and more antsy- only calming down after you’ve started walking away. Hopefully that doesn’t come off as too suspicious...

Torvald’s son, a man who indeed gives off an air of a merchant, with a nice hat, fine vest and threads, and a charming smile, invites you in after you mention his father. His wife, a lovely young red-haired lady, greets you as well, as does, to no one’s surprised, the chubby kid from earlier. He’s pretty excited that you met his grandfather, and that he might get to learn more ‘cool ball tricks’, explaining to his family how he met you earlier. Having gotten the okay from two family members seems to seal the deal for your welcome, and they state that dinner will be ready before too long, it’ll just be a bit more.

That’s fine with you, as you take your leave for a bit more as well, if only to find a quiet place to sit down and analyze everything you’ve gotten so far. Fortunately, the place is still well one with nature, and it’s not too difficult to find almost a literal crevasse next to the natural valley wall not too far from the nearest house. With evening encroaching, it seems like everyone’s wrapping things up for the day, meaning no attention being paid to you. Good. Now, let’s see…

(cont.)
>>
>>4538775
>Anga Totem.
>Mana signatures consistent with high-grade fire magic found. Dormant state, requires mana infusion to trigger.

>Drogan Military Uniform Jacket (Large).
>Mana-resistant fiber identified. Estimated reduced magic efficiency: 20%.

>Flintlock Pistol
>No major unusual differences noticed from common Flintlock pistols.

>Drogan Officer Armor and Helmet.
>Helmet expelling mana-signatures of high-grade magic. Estimated reduced magic efficiency: 10%. Mana-resistant fiber identified. Estimated reduced magic efficiency" 30%.

>Bucklers x4
>Magical defensive measures inlaid consistent with minor mana barrier.

>Bracers.
>Mana signature suggests strength increase spell inlaid within object. Temporary.

>Wind Gem.
>Object produces wind-based spells without input at regular intervals. Increased mana give may increase the output force.

>Faemetal Scraps
>Alloy estimated to disperse pure mana signatures and destabilize mana coherency. Anti-magic properties.

>Golden Crossbow w/Bolts
>Device utilizes high-grade mana-firing mechanism. Estimated increase of power, range, and stability of projectiles fired by exceptional amounts. Bolts analyzed to be ‘shelled’ in second casing. Primary bolts contain mana-depletion alloy (‘Faemetal’). Construction estimated to release primary shell upon firing to allow firing mechanism to succeed.

>Heavy Weighted Sphere.
>Estimated 20 kg. Contains traces of Faemetal.

>Forceps

>Pliers

>Vial of Liquidized Faemetal Alloy

Hm. Aside from that last one, doesn’t seem like much anything else is of worth. Medical tools.

>Razorbladed Shield.
>System holds a mechanism to retract or display bladed edges depending on trigger. No mana signature.

Well...that's that. Except for two more things...

"And again I am brought to the light...but for whatever reason? Meaninglessness." Yeah, hi to you, too.

"Just give me a moment. Want to make sure of something," you say as you hold the device up to him...

WARNING: HEAVY MANA SIGNATURES DETECTED
>Creature analyzed to be chimeric in nature; mana-based being/life signature detected, organic auxiliary systems detected. Physical structure estimated to be fragile forgoing magical reinforcement. Organic systems redundant; standard physical execution methods not advisable. Output estimated to be highly volatile, high-yield. Estimated Mana Capacity: 15,000.

Huh. Well fancy that. Thank goodness he's so depressed. Now, what about your pecking little friend...

>Mana-based Construct. Mana Absorption and storage capable. Estimated total capacity 10,000. Mana discharge capable. Semi-independent intelligence. Construct state is malleable; transformation state likely. Estimated triggers: Reaching Mana Storage Capacity; Mana Signature Majority. (Fire, Ice, etc.)

Huh. That's kinda cute. You can't exactly see the thing on top of your head, but another peck assure you it's present.

Later, you're on your way back to the house, wonder what it might change into...
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Right, that's that. Thread #100 coming up!
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>>4538797
>"And again I am brought to the light...but for whatever reason? Meaninglessness." Yeah, hi to you, too.
fairy boy reminds me of a depressed version of fishl.
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>>4538871
>>4538871
>>4538871
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>>4538831
Nice to see you included Pecker in the image as well



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