Ration the mead. No getting drunk.

The miners system of justice could help us or hurt us. If they know about the prisoners trying to escape they might take action. Might be useful later but we don't know there culture so be careful.

For now get Daspotta's help figuring out a way to alert you if someone tries to sneak in while you sleep.

>miners have their own justice system
Yeah, so? If the guards aren't policing crimes that miners take against miners, then the miners need to do the policing. You'd need more details to know if the justice system is unfair or cruel, as the ex-prisoners might just be upset because they feel *any* sort of justice system will fuck them over. It's not completely unwarranted, of course, if they've lived on the wrong side of the law their entire lives without feeling like they were doing anything morally wrong, and we've seen that the nobles have a tight grip on the justice system on the surface.

>mead?
There's a lot of things we could potentially use it on. One thing that we could easily do is make it obvious you gave him the mead, like by accidentally spilling some on him (throw it to him with the stopper off, for instance) or by Daspotta letting it slip. This would lead the ex-prisoners to suspect him of conspiring with you, because his side of the argument down there is that they should tell you about the escape route so that you won't leave- this benefits you. If the other ex-prisoners turn against him, he might try running, and if he's ambitious he might try to reach Cheese by convincing you to leave with him.
Regardless, drink a little of it tonight. We can't be sure the mutant has earned the right to have it until we actually get some information out of him, either Roc Underpass or the escape route.

>>984132
Make sure she's not giving you her own food. She might be giving you extra from her own share of food to try and help you out. So we gotta make sure she doesn't starve herself for your sake.

And yeah, give her a sip of the mead.

>>984135
Depending on how much food he's given and how hard he works, Moss will probably end up gaining an even amount of muscle and fat.

Only drink a little and offer to share it with daspotta since she’s the one that got it in the first place.

That mead is actually worth a lot more if you leave it as-is, just because our purple "pal" desires it so badly.

He believes we'll just give it up after they tell us about the escape route.
However, we still require Cheese before we escape.
But, if we use the mead as a carrot just outside of his reach, he'll do exactly what we wish to get it, almost like a puppet.
We'd have to be careful, of course. If we ask too much or lord it over him, he may seek other ways to get it. But he's the first guy we have some sort of edge over, because his avarice is easy to predict. Therefore, we're able to use it.

Summarized, we are a questgiver. He does our quests, we give him mead.
If it works out perfectly, maybe buy him a keg of the stuff after we get out of this place.

>>984161
This, but half and half, or whatever works for both of you. What comes next is gonna suck no matter what we do. Might as well be people before that happens. At least start off the suck with a good taste in your mouth and a pleasant feeling in your belly, and in your head.

1/2 Moss 2020/12/22(Tue)12:16 No. 984174 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160866817531.png - (421.79KB , 800x800 , 1561.png )

"Just a sip." I mutter to myself, doing so and savoring it as best I can. Then I hand the skin to Daspotta.

>"Oh, good idea, sir, I'll hold onto it and keep it safe for you."
"Huh? No, I was offering a sip - but that is a good idea."

Daspotta studies it.

"The miners punishing miners... maybe it doesn't matter too much to us, but that does put a new light on why the ex-prisoners want to keep the handlers out of this."
>"They seem tight-knit, maybe the idea of an inner group doing such things to each other repulses them. It certainly makes me concerned."
"No, the prisoners in the dungeon beat the hell out of each other all the time for not fitting in. The difference, I think, is why the punishments are handed out. In the prison, it was for things like accepting their imprisonment, trying to get other prisoners to behave well in front of the guards, and things like that. Here, it sounds like it is the opposite. Punishments for not accepting imprisonment, misbehavior, and so on."

Daspotta takes her sip of mead.

2/2 Moss 2020/12/22(Tue)12:16 No. 984175 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160866818627.png - (398.06KB , 800x800 , 1562.png )

She has trouble swallowing it, and makes one long, drawn out cough as she carefully refastens the skin.

>"Thank you sir."
"Thank you, you're the one who managed to fetch it. Now, I'm still afraid of that mutant sneaking in here for the mead, and I need to think of how to prevent that. Maybe if he wants it that bad, he'll be willing to do a lot for it, but I suspect it'll be a lot of sneaking and strongarming first."
>"Would you like me to stay awake and watch over you as you sleep?"
"No, you need rest too."
>"I could fit it into the backpack, sir, then sleep with it. If they look on me as favorably as I think they do, they won't be so quick to search through my things or steal the mead out from underneath me."

I feel drowsy enough that if I want to do anything more tonight, I should do it fast. The mead was nice and that was a decent bit of food, so I'm about ready to flop back down on the bed and get ready for tomorrow.

>>984175
Hug Daspotta. Letting go optional and strongly discouraged.

>>984175
Head pat. Wish her good night. Get some rest.

>>984175
You can always put the empty carts in front of the hole. That way if the mutant tries to sneak in here, he’ll have to move them out of the way, which would end up making noise and waking you up.

>>984176
>>984177
Both of these.

Balance your rock hammer on a couple of about to fall over rocks across the entrance. Is not perfect but is best we can do.

Leave the mead with Daspotta and give her a hug.

>>984175
Hahaha, las't time we saw someone make that face while drinking alcohol was when Fen first tried wine.

Using the cart is a great idea, the hammer as well, it will make entering more complicated and more noisy for those who try to sneak in.

>Head pat, hugs
Maaaaaybeeeee? Do you have the guts, Moss?

>>984175
Apply head pats and tell Daspotta you love her. Platoniclly, of course.

>>984175
Her holding on the mead will likely be the safest option, but if they find out she’s smuggling for you (and likely already assume such), they may start to act less amicable. They hurt her, you kill them; think that’s something we all can agree on.
Probably shouldn’t hug her, or show much more affection. Yes, you’re both in a bad spot, but you cannot afford to get too attached in that way. Get out of here, figure things with your ex, and then maybe see how you feel.

Let Daspotta hold onto the mead for now and get to bed. You got another day of filling carts of gravel ahead of you.

1/8 Moss 2021/01/04(Mon)21:11 No. 984928 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160982346472.png - (305.99KB , 800x800 , 1563.png )

I move in for the headpat and the hug. It's too much and also too late to back out, so she gets an appreciative one-armed hug and shoulder pat. It feels nice, mentally. Physically, it feels exactly like pressing down on a mountain's back spikes looks like it would feel like.

"I don't want them to treat you worse if you smuggle things for me."
>"It's not smuggling, sir, it's protecting your own goods. It won't change their treatment."
"I'll trust you on that. Now get out of here and rest up."
>"Yes sir. Thank you for the mead sir, it tasted nice even if I'm unaccustomed to the burn it has."
"You're not the first." Fen made a similar face, now that I think about it.
>"Also sir I am obliged as your field marshal assistant to respectfully and obediently inform you that the field marshal is expected to maintain a certain level of distance in the relationship between himself and the assistant, for the assistant is meant to be expendable and the field marshal should not grow attached to a replaceable asset. With that said!" She cuts me off as soon as I begin to speak. "This is not a direct rule but more of a guideline for the behavior and professionalism that a field marshal is meant to show, and as your assistant, and also as your companion, I gladly welcome this affection and will gladly hug you back if you would like one, sir."

I take in a breath and she just keeps going.

>"But if this was not a hug and you just needed a bit of support after all that work then please disregard and immediately forget everything that just left my mouth please and thanks."
"Shush. This hug's for you, but you're getting out of here, so it's you who shouldn't be getting attached to me. So don't hug me."
>"Yes sir."

I have to force myself to lift my arm off of her instead of hugging her properly, and then she leaves.

2/8 Moss 2021/01/04(Mon)21:11 No. 984929 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160982347690.png - (399.06KB , 800x800 , 1564.png )

I balance a couple larger rocks precariously on each other, then my hammer on that. Then the mine carts in front of all that. If someone tries sneaking in, this'll make noise. Some noise. Maybe enough to wake me up. Or maybe not. It's all I got. I sprinkle some leftover gravel for added effect, and that's the best I can do. I need sleep. I'll leave the candle on just in case, it doesn't seem like the mine is lacking in wax.

I lay down.

5/8 Moss 2021/01/04(Mon)21:12 No. 984932 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160982354878.png - (382.80KB , 800x800 , 1567.png )

"Urgh."

Ow. My head. It's splitting. And my neck's crooked. I feel like I was thrown down a tunnel.

6/8 Moss 2021/01/04(Mon)21:12 No. 984933 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160982357054.png - (458.52KB , 800x800 , 1568.png )

>"Sir?!"

Something's rattling when I get up.

7/8 Moss 2021/01/04(Mon)21:13 No. 984934 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160982359353.png - (277.70KB , 1000x800 , 1569.png )

Oh.

Oh, those bastards.

>"Oh, thank goodness!"

8/8 Moss 2021/01/04(Mon)21:13 No. 984935 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160982360802.png - (397.84KB , 800x800 , 1570.png )

"Daspotta."
>"I'm so sorry. I couldn't stop them."
"... I slept like a rock, didn't I."
>"They... hit you with one, sir."
"It feels like they kicked me around while they were at it."

She keeps looking down.

"What happened?"
>"I was sleeping, sir, and I heard some banging. I got up, and was told it was just the blacksmith. I felt like it was in your direction, so I went up. I found them surrounding you on the ground. They stopped whatever they were doing, but they already had the chain on. They told me I could stay here." She chokes up before continuing. "They said I could stay here, but if they found the chains loosened or anything, they'd kill you. Then to pass along that you have to send 10 carts of rocks down today. That was about an hour ago. I got you back on the bed and washed your wound. They said the only hard hit they gave you was the rock, and that's all I saw. I've waited here since. I think it's nearing breakfast time now."

Nah, fuck this. Time to figure out a plan to kill them. The good news is you can probably excuse a lot of noise under the pretense of the fuckload of rock you're expected to mine.

Well, they're vindictive that's for sure, but they also didn't think that through. They gave you a slave's collar, and you're in a room with the equipment to smash rocks into gravel. So if you wanted to ditch this group you could smash that chain with some work and go elsewhere, with that collar you wouldn't stand out as much.

That being said, you still need to get your heat tolerance up if you want to do stuff on your own. How confident are you in meeting or at least getting close to 10 carts of gravel, without wrecking yourself? You've got an entire day this time, but it's also triple the work.

Co-operation is no longer an option. Your assets (including your strength) will only be reduced by further association with these treacherous fuck-wits, until you've got nothing left and they kill you or leave you for dead. Immediately see about figuring out how to destroy the chain. If anyone tries to stop you, see how they do with a pickaxe through the skull.

>>984935
Moss, you sleep like a rock. An entire army could’ve marched through there and you wouldn’t have woken up!

Might as well check your things to see what they took. Ask Daspotta about the paper she’s holding.

Also try to find a way to screw them over and get them all killed.

>>984935
Your sword's gone too isn't it.

Well, they wanna play dirty? They're fucking idiots. Deal's off. Tell Daspotta she should secretly deliver a message to the wizard, informing her that the miners here are planning to escape. ...what's that she's got there, a map?
Hit your chain occasionally with your hammer as you smash rocks.

>>984944
>Hit your chain occasionally with your hammer as you smash rocks.
Wouldn’t it be easier to hit the rocks around the nail in the wall to loosen it? Then we can just pull the nail out of the wall.

Wow, screw those guys. Make plans to screw 'em over next chance you get.
Also, did Daspotta take her skirt back?

OH... Ok then. Ok. I am a little livid at the moment. Not the best situation tio camly assess the situation. But we must. They will pay. But not now.

Ok, i don't think breaking the chain will work, not fast enough to not caught attention. Besides even if we manage to get off, were do we go from there? We wont last long with all this heat, and it will only get worse. We need to gain some resiliance still. Perhaps we might have to play along, ultil we gain more information on were to go.

I have a feeling that playing nice the non-escapist might be good in the future. But not so much.

>>984935
They threatened you with my death!
THOSE LITTLE SHITS! That's supposed to be threat for me, but goddamnit I thought they somewhat cared about you enough to not tell shit like that to your face.

God why does that piss me off more than the chain.

Ehh, the chain is a chain. At least this one is physical instead of metaphysical. Oddly comforting, we can at least imagine finding a way to break it if necessary unlike the metaphorical one. Man, I bet Moss misses his marriage, now THAT was a metaphorical ball and chain we'd rather be attached to.

Not like this changes anything beyond the inconvenience. Way to slow you down, again... dumbasses.

...so do you reckon that sledgehammer would be enough to break the chain?
Either way, they’ve gone too far this time. Have Daspotta start asking about roc underpass while you make gravel and cooperate for now. Also see if she can figure out who has the key to your collar.

>>984945
Supporting this. Breaking rocks from around the chain should be the same as breaking rocks from anywhere else. Fuck it up.

The nail looks more like it's a weight. We can't fight properly while dragging that around. Although... Daspotta could carry it, and the chain is pretty long... If she follows close behind it might work out. Just gotta find out who's got the sword, and ambush them with the hammer to retrieve it, then go slaughtering the rest.

Wait, I just realized why this is happening!

The mutant from earlier must have managed to convince the others to tell us about their plan. And because all of them still don’t trust Moss, they chained him up to make sure he doesn’t run off to tell anyone about the plan!

Welp check your situation. Is your sword missing? What about the rest of your stuff?

We need to find it and work on turning the rock around your chain into gravel. Also we need to figure out where they got the neck chain and where it's key is at. The lock is long and big enough that Daspatta could probably hammer it off your neck while you laid down with it on a big rock. But it could be risky.

Daspatta could rat them out to the wizards but if ratting out is to be done it might be best to do it with the other miners.

>>984960
That makes a lot of sense.

But that doesn't change the fact that they added extra work on top of what we already had to do. The chain, I can understand that. Beating us in our sleep and giving us extra work, that's not gonna fly. We need to get away from them.

Y'all do seem to be forgetting that they'll kill Moss if they find his chain loosened, and I really don't think they'll care about a technicality like loosening the rock around it instead.

Just take your beats for now so Daspotta can get out of here, cause it's not like this really impedes you from smashing gravel anyway. If it does, then you complain.

>>984935
Threatening Daspotta, even with "we'll kill you if she helps you", is absolutely unacceptable. It's time to kill them all.

Oh hey they betrayed you. Exactly what you should have expected.

If you still have your sword then its time to save up your strength, get daspotta to sneak you a meal, and then kill them all at the first oppertunity.

Time for you and Daspotta to get your hands Red.

>>984935
Damn, for all your paranoia... this was a silly way to get caught. Laugh, despite the headache.

Tell her this might help, actually. Yes, actually. When you get out of this chain, at least you not having a collar isn't a point of suspicion any longer - only her lack will be. Not much to do about the diamond on your forehead except to keep it mussed up, of course, but... well, if you did needed an essential piece of disguise to keep staying down here, here it is. And you're not dead, so hey. That's something.

Tell Daspotta she did nothing wrong and if the group's still okay with her presence, so much the better - she should keep playing nice with the good ones and avoid upsetting the assholes. She should definitely keep on helping out with the escape plan. These guys are some right assholes (took your stuff, blade and mead and all, right?), but they're clearly not gonna say no to a free lunch and it's still the best shot she's got.

Ask Daspotta what she's carrying. A map?

Also, consider. How many rock loads can you produce without being so exhausted you fall flat on your face? If you don't feel you can make 10 - especially given the headache - ask Daspotta to ask one of the others to come help you. Not much you can pay back with right now, but if you straight up fail, people go hungry. Besides, gives you an opportunity to chat with some of these mooks.

Lastly, they might've spiked that chain into the rock face, but... couldn't you just chip it free over time, or ruin the chain itself? If you're making gravel you'll have all the necessary tools. You could even do some preliminary work on it. Just chip away a bit here and there.

Not that you'll do so right away.

...oh, if we're trying to escape, the best way would be the break the LOCK. One or two good hits will break it, I'd bet, though you'd have to lay down and put the lock on a rock or something so it has a surface to apply force to when Daspotta hits it with the hammer. Might want to protect your face with something since the rock will probably break and pelt you with shards.

You're going to take your blinding anger out on the rock holding your chain down and then think about what to do next. Send her to get your sword and badge, if they nicked that from your hiding spot, she can get you some food.

My angry bits say kill them all, my REALLY REALLY angry bits say leave them to their awful fate. Unfortunately, I think you'll probably have to retrieve your stolen property, which means you'll have to do them- and the gene pool- a favor.

You know, we're so far down shit creek without a paddle I'm seriously considering talking to the wizard. She might work for Gahki, but probably isn't as desperately beholden to him as everyone else down here as to betray you immediately. Also 'Roc Underpass' sounds like something a wizard would know about. She said she was going to exploratory camp 270 next, maybe we could catch her on her way there. She also mentioned she was investigating something, which means she might be working against Gahki after all, or maybe even directly for Apanya herself.

First we have to toe-tag some morons, and before that we need to break that chain out of the wall.

1/4 Moss 2021/01/05(Tue)17:36 No. 985036 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160989697195.png - (438.96KB , 1200x800 , 1571.png )

...
...
... I'm not as mad as I thought I'd be. I thought I'd be furious. Nothing like the morning after hard labor, and a throbbing skull, to keep the temper in check.

"Did you take your skirt, Daspotta?"
>"I did, sir, I made you a new one."
"So you did. Thank you."
>"I'm glad you're taking this so calmly, sir."
"Don't give me too much credit. I'm still thinking about murder. And they threatened you with my death?"
>"No, sir. They just wanted me to pass on the message, I'm certain the threat was for you alone, I didn't feel threatened, not personally."
"Good." I look to where my sword is. Was. "They took my sword, didn't they?"
>"I'm sorry to report, yes, they did."

Maybe I'm a little mad.

>"I managed to keep your badge, Cheese's knife, and your mead."
"Better than nothing, plus whatever you've got there. A map?"
>"Yes, sir. They let me borrow it to show you, but they'll be letting you keep it after they escape, since it's not something they can bring with them."

She lays it out and points at it.

2/4 Moss 2021/01/05(Tue)17:36 No. 985037 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160989698182.png - (335.05KB , 800x800 , 1572.png )

>"This is where we are, Camp 270. They told me that a goldyard noble comes through here for secret deals with Lord Gahki, and that goldyard nobles tend to be accompanied by attendants that are always to remain as invisible as they can and never speak up. Which is true, in my experience! Behak's going to have us, mostly me, make uniforms that match their look for us. And then, over here - " She trails a finger along a path - "is a river that they row down. They're going to dig a tiny tunnel to the river in secret, and then blend in with a few assistants, until the noble is let back out. There are more details than that, but I think it could work. They want me because I can sew clothes well, and also teach them things like manners and behaviors that would sell their role as a noble servant."
"Are you safe to tell me that?"
>"Yes sir, with you locked in place, they said it was okay to tell you the plan."
"They're also idiots, and I should've seen this coming. I'm sure they're just going to keep doing shit like this to me, so I've got half a mind to go right to the wizard and tell them about the escape plan, just to see them fail at it."
>"The wizard might recognize us, sir. I would recommend going to the handlers, since they would be against the whole thing and know what to do about it. Oh, this might not be relevant right now, sir, but I'd like to show you something."

She rolls the scroll to the side, and points to... this.

3/4 Moss 2021/01/05(Tue)17:36 No. 985038 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160989699209.png - (105.85KB , 800x800 , 1573.png )

>"This is the only Roc Underpass I could find on the map, sir. I hate to say this sir, especially now, but Cheese must have been talking about this place."

I'm a little more mad, now.

4/4 Moss 2021/01/05(Tue)17:36 No. 985039 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160989701467.png - (309.78KB , 800x800 , 1574.png )

"I'm going to take this information, ignore it, and re-learn it later."
>"I understand, sir."

I take a deep breath.

"Okay. There's no reason to panic. I can break out anytime with these tools. This chain is thick, but the hammer is thicker. Even better, you can smash this lock. If your aim is good."
>"Er - I'm sure you can get free, sir, and I would help you, you know that, but! I first should mention that they talked about all the things they'd do if you tried escaping, and if I may speculate, I think they were hoping you'd try! It might not be easy."
"They must've knocked the fear out of me last night, because I just don't care. They can go play at being the new dungeon guards with me as their personal slave."
>"Um, yes sir. If you want to abandon the escape, sir, I'll help you of course, but if you give me the chance, I think I can prevent them from escalating any farther. And if I can't, then the moment they block your food or lay a hand on you or anything, then I'll pick up your sword for you myself if I have to. Is 10 carts of gravel too much, sir? I can argue to reduce it."
"I did 6 carts just last night, and now I have all day. 10's not a problem, even if the bastards are making it this much harder. Not even the chain is the problem on its own. It's tomorrow when they decide I can work with a few whip marks, and the day after when they think I don't need all my toes, and the day after - you get the idea. What makes you think you can stop them from going farther than a chain?"
>"They told us the plan, sir, and they need us more than they let on. I'll even try and convince them to unchain you, because I don't like seeing you like this. But, sir... you spoke with such conviction last night, I want to be sure that if you abandon the escape plan, it's not out of rash judgement."

I think. I try to calm down and think. I'm still willing to go through a lot of shit to get Daspotta out of here. If Daspotta's right and she can get them to stop fucking around with me, then I can deal with getting chained to a wall as the worst thing to happen.

I can either give Daspotta the chance to keep them from escalating this more, or I don't, and immediately break out. Either way, I wait. I'm sure if they expect me to retaliate, they expect it this morning, so I'll wait until later today when they're more likely to have a lower guard.

Daspotta's still standing a little close to me, like she's supposed to do something but isn't sure what.

Break out. Having Daspotta stand up for you will only make you look more weak in their eyes.

Also it puts you in a very passive position having to rely on the kindness of nasty criminals.

Does the escape route, by any chance, lead to the general direction to Erja Nokol? because that would greatly affect my decision to stick with the plan. And even if it doesn't, i don't really like the idea of going on our own, we can at least make sure you can get out this way. If you can convice them to STOP fucking around and let me "help" them, then yes, i'll stick to the plan. But that means no more hitting me and no more trying to steal my shit. If they can't stick to this two simple requests, we are gone. You don't tell them the last part, obviously.

So you'd have to escape to get to where Cheese expects us?

I hate to say it, but where you are might actually be best. Especially for Daspotta. Though if you somehow persuade your group to allow you to escape with them, that would be ideal, as you'd be able to travel to where you have to go.

>>985039
Yeah, I trust Daspotta, let her deescalate.

Honestly, they really should know better than to fuck with their meal ticket's ability to provide meals, they shouldn't NEED Despotta to remind them that. The chain is also really conspicuous compared to the other prisoners' now that I think of it, would be good to get it off with permission. Can't have us being noticed.

If you're going to break out, wait until most of them are asleep and kill them then. Daspotta can tell you when their guard is down.

Moss 2021/01/05(Tue)19:39 No. 985053 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160990439162.png - (267.01KB , 800x800 , 1575.png )

I lean back and think on some of the finer details before telling Daspotta anything.

The map shows where the river is, and judging by the elevation, it flows towards Erja Nokol. I don't know where the noble would end up during the escape, but it doesn't matter. It ends on the surface, and Daspotta alone would report my situation to the field marshal office while I continue crawling down here. Even if I went with the prisoners and escaped the mines, I'd have to figure out an all new route to Roc Underpass.

"Remind me when the escape happens?"
>"They expect a couple of weeks, sir, but can only say it is absolutely within the next month."

It's a long time to wait when I'm supposed to meet someone, but on the other hand, Cheese didn't give me an appointment time, and she can't possibly have expected me to make it there quickly. These gates that border the mines of the Turtle and Erja Nokol must be heavily guarded.

>>985053
I trust Daspotta, but I don't trust the worthless losers in this mine. They clearly deserved to be trapped in this hell hole forever.

She told you to run and hide. Hiding is kindof pointless in this situation unless you do it for a while, to let the heat die down. If they're actively searching for you, it will be near impossible to travel all the way the fuck over to Roc Underpass. Look at the map closer- there are landmarks called "gates" in the way. How did SHE even get through those? Her mutant contacts here must really be dedicated.

If this situation is really stable, Daspotta keeps them from escalating, and they let you go when the escape happens, this is actually fine. All you have to do is keep your work pace going, and I guess give up the mead so that mutant doesn't cause you any more trouble.
...actually, if you give up the mead to the mutant, maybe he can help you plan for a way to get to Roc Underpass? Now that you know where it is, he can't really demand anything further from you over it; that was the most important information you needed and you can in theory just head towards it and find more mutants along the way to help. Especially with the collar working to disguise you.

You can also use this as an excuse to train. A couple of weeks of hard labor will also get you some more muscle mass and endurance. I wonder if any of the prisoners here know how to swordfight? Maybe you can convince them to help you polish up your sword skills using some spare sticks lying around.
The more they support *your* end goal, the less they have to worry about you running off and betraying them, after all. Maybe with Daspotta's help you can develop a working relationship with them.

>>985056
I like the idea of trying to convince them to go with them, given our destination, but i don't expect more than that. I doubt that they even know any fencing.

We would be lucky if they even agree with you tagging along.

Trust in Daspotta. Worst case you can break out later.

There is one additional thing to consider here: these are prisoners that used to hate prison life so much they punished other prisoners for behaving well. Will they punish YOU for behaving well?

If the mutant's sure he really wants the wine again, consider this: Decking him the face with one hand, and actually giving it to him with the other. Explain that his gang's sense of "compromise" is rubbing off on you.

Either way, stay and let her do her thing.

How exactly was Cheese expecting you to get out of here to meet her over there?

They need us, which means we might have the leeway to negotiate using Daspotta as our negotiator And bargaining chip. Their plan relies on her talents and knowledge so hopefully we can figure something out.

Break the chain and then stay anyway, just to prove the point.

>let you keep the mead
Okay, so not complete assholes.

Give Daspotta a chance.

If she does escape, you'll give her loose orders to report in, stay alive and train herself further as an assistant while waiting for your return, so it'll be the truth - and she can stick around the palace at least for a time, assuming they'll put her up. Hrm. Maybe a contingency - if she doesn't hear from you in a few months, she's to attempt to relocate you, rather than wait for you to be declared dead in absentia. Of course, she's free to interpret those orders as she'd like - going through information brokers like you did with Cheese, dropping by a tavern every month listening to rumors until she grows fat and old, whatever. Her call.

If she can get scrap paper at some point, you could write a letter with those orders, as well as summarizing whatever details you want to share with Warlord Krix. Your investigation has gotten... significantly sidetracked, but there's clearly enough going on here that would be of interest to a Gold's field Marshal, even if it'll bring you out of jurisdiction.

>map
...like, all these empire-stretching tunnels seem like an issue. Perhaps a known one, but still. News to you. There's digging going on under other nobles' land, for one. You'd think they'd mind their stuff being mined. Also, the security risk of it all. Also, Cheese implying Gahki being so old he's a bag of bones kept 'alive' through necromancy. And there apparently being a direct connection to Erja Nokol through the network of mines. Gahki and necromancers. Do they work together? Trade?

Say, does Daspotta have any clue as to the Goldyard noble's identity, by the way? Their presence at least indicates that Gahki isn't afraid of certain people ratting him - and all of this - out. Possibly the ability to do secret business this way is more valuable. Possibly they're part of a conspiracy.

Heck, this place might not just be the product of Gahki's. Maybe it's lots of nobles working in conjunction. Mutants and intelligent animals like the Crows contributing. A giant underbelly of the above. An Under-Empire, of sorts.

No wonder they're reliant on undead. Keeping people fed and watered must be a logistical nightmare.

No wonder Gahki did not want you to leave. If you do report this in, he's under some serious blackmail pressure, at the very least.

We can trust Daspotta. The prisoners will escalate until you are dead.

nobles' servants are going to have intricate outfits, and expect instant and accurate obedience with flawless etiquette. Hand signals are not uncommon. They may not notice different people there, but nobles tend to have very refined senses for being offended.

And we haven't even talked hygiene. Stink alone will probably throw the plan.

I don't see this plan going anywhere, and Daspotta might actually be in danger for attempting it. These guys are seriously desperate, or incredibly ignorant, which is worse. We should skip over the escape and try to find cheese when things calm down and you have some stamina.

We don't have to ratfuck these guys instantly, if you can get anything out of this, but it isn't worth any harm done to keep this up.

1/7 Moss 2021/01/06(Wed)20:00 No. 985132 ID: 5fc3a0
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"I'll give you the chance. The day things get worse, I leave."
>"Thank you sir, I'll get them to stop interfering with your help and get them to behave better."
"Hmph, the thought of them behaving..."

.... It just occurs to me they don't like behaving. They punished fellow prisoners for behaving. If I behave, will that ironically make it worse? Or are they hypocritical? I have another idea.

"One more thing. They can have an outlet to hit me. Tell them to gather some sticks and gather their bravery, and spar with me."
>"Are you sure that's wise, sir?"
"If I were wise, I would've ran away the second I stumbled on a barbarian's dragoncloth. But I need to gather my bravery, too, and take a few hits to avoid taking a few stabbings later. I've been hiding from fights for awhile now, and I need some confidence back. I doubt these guys are that good in a fight, but they've got enthusiasm and dirty tricks, something that goes a long way. And I doubt I can avoid fights forever if I go to Erja Nokol, which I want to do just to ask Cheese how the hell she expected me to get there."

2/7 Moss 2021/01/06(Wed)20:00 No. 985133 ID: 5fc3a0
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"Now, I've got a half dozen concerns about how successful this escape route is going to be. I don't see any better alternatives, but that doesn't mean I want to send you to die. Intricate servant outfits, hand signals, etiquette, and good hygiene aren't things I've seen in miners here."
>"I can sew, I know a lot of standard hand signals, etiquette, and the river we're going to is clean so we'll definitely dip into that on our way. There's other details, and it's a risk, I know, but apparently they've been studying the noble for a couple months now along with how the servants act and look. I know they seem desperate and a little illogical, but they seem to be smarter about this."
"Then I definitely shouldn't try to go with them, because they just seem to get a case of stupidity in my presence. I'll give you written orders for when you get out. Sir.. who was the guy at the field marshal office?"
>"Sir Guhn."
"Yeah, him. He seemed happy to leave the position filled so long as I wasn't proven dead, so they won't execute you. If you don't hear from me after a couple months... well, you'd know what to do better than I do. Just live well."

She steps forward and hugs me.

>"I'm sorry for my unprofessionalism, sir. Just promise me you'll do your best to survive down here and escape."

I can't be cold to her. I hug back.

>"Yeah, I promise."

3/7 Moss 2021/01/06(Wed)20:00 No. 985134 ID: 5fc3a0
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The hug lingers for awhile. I look at the map. I should memorize it in case I don't get it.

I'm in no hurry to break the hug, anyways. I have all day to make gravel.

4/7 Fen 2021/01/06(Wed)20:01 No. 985135 ID: 5fc3a0
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>"This is the Tunnel of Stubs. Better known as Route 23. It connects one of our wizard's checkpoints with the Mausoleum. We've known about it for some time, and have plugged it up. The enemy has recently tried to breach it. I took no chances, because we cannot afford such a breach. Heavy troops were sent directly through the necromile to attack the enemy's exposed back and disrupt them while the situation stabilized. The diversion troops were successful, but at the cost of being surrounded. Now, they are attempting to flee either to the wizard's checkpoint or back to our footholds in the mausoleum to recover. The best route they have to escape is to get to Inhralalop."

Sir Zall looks around at us with a skeptical eye.

5/7 Fen 2021/01/06(Wed)20:02 No. 985136 ID: 5fc3a0
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>"Better known as the 'skeletorium', within the Mausoleum. And the enemy knows this is my troop's best route, so they are now besieging it to prevent an escape. I want as many to get out as possible, or make it as costly to the undead as possible. Go and report to the skeletorium's helm knight. You can expect to either reinforce it and hold, or push into Route 23 to save any besieged diversion troops, but it will be at the helm's discretion. The situation is chaotic, and every minute counts. I have spent much of the last few weeks training many of you, at the cost of time spent operating our assaults. For many of you, this will be your chance to prove you were worth the sacrificed time. Grab your things, grab your pawns, and go. I expect everyone out of this base in 15 minutes."

It's the last audible word in his speech, but we all know there's a last unspoken line, 'be considered a traitor if I see you around here after 15 minutes.'

6/7 Fen 2021/01/06(Wed)20:02 No. 985137 ID: 5fc3a0
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rolled 16 = 16

---

I don't need that long. I'm fully equipped, and my pawn, as reluctant as I am to call him that, knows the way to the skeletorium. Along with me, the rest of my squad is either going there, or already is there.

7/7 Fen 2021/01/06(Wed)20:04 No. 985138 ID: 5fc3a0
File 160999226297.png - (58.97KB , 1200x800 , 1582.png )

Including Aira. Kylia's operation was successful, although she tells us that Aira scared the hell out of her for awhile at the end. Aira seems fine now, and the experience was like Kylia said it would be. It assisted us both in hiding our passive mana. Aira especially so. She is nearly impossible for me to detect.

Hug Aira.

>>985139
Save the huggings for later. Now is the time for murder.

Get Kylia to reroll you for better stats.

>>985141
Also make sure your pawn gets killed so you can reroll that for another waifu you will neglect.

Gonna gonna kill some undead
Gonna gonna kill some undead
Gonna gonna kill some undead

Fucking finally. LETS DO IT!

Salute your boss and get your butt in gear so we can save some knights.

>>985138
Salute and move. Double time it.
Inventory check please.

>>985138
Time to go save Valsano. Hopefully he’s still alive so that you can save him.

>>985139
Hugs are for winners and we haven't won yet. Let's fucking go, i want to see Valsano's face when we save his imperial ass.

Looks like Aira will be an even more impressinve assassin asfter all. I never saw her as teh confrontational one, always using underhand methods. This will be of great use in the future.

How do you see yourself performing now Fen? Feel any diference?

How's your own mana hiding now, Fen? Feel ready to re-murder some undead?

>>985138
Hooh. One out of ten chance. Guess Aira got a LOT closer to it than you if she learned to hide her mana well and fast. You're both definitely on the 'worth it' survivor's bias side of things.

Good that it worked out - and especially good for her, considering her stated goal of survival. If there's nothing to grab, time to get moving - or help whoever's with you get moving.

... who's your new pawn, by the way?

And did you get any letters of note of late?

Oh, and one requirement for further personalized training was that you sneak up and touch Zall's spine. Did everyone manage? Or, well, anyone?

Well, what are you waiting for then? If you're fully equipped and know the way, just "Yes sir" and go!

>>985139
I think there was plenty of hugging when they woke up. Now is not the time.
Let's head to the bone zone.

...And remember to keep out of the tall grass.

>>985138
The heavy armor will help against poisoned arrows and darts, at least! Let's head out and hunt for the Helm Knight, then we can resume slaughtering the Undead to get that Title.

Actually before you go, ask after the "pink artifact" you recovered down there. That construct is nearly indistinguishable from actual Lily. Which suggests at least two theories:

(1) It's reading your off your soul somehow to perfectly recreate your greatest desire.
(2) They have enough information about the wife of a protective Mithril Noble to create a near-perfect replica.

If it's (1), it should be falling apart if you've been keeping up with your stealth. You would like to know.

If it's (2), then that suggests the backing of someone pretty influential on the noble chain. If it's not said Mythril himself... This theater of war could be a lot less limited than you think. If you can spare the time, a quick patrol of the other entrances could be prudent. But I doubt your superior would appreciate a detour from his orders, much less respond to your inquiry.

Either way, the mission takes priority.

>>985197
I think it was (1) but a one-time read.

>>985197
>(1) It's reading your off your soul somehow to perfectly recreate your greatest desire.
It was already explained that it’s the opposite of Fen’s greatest desire.

It’s his greatest fear. Which is basically Lily, but she doesn’t love Fen.

Okay, but she doesn't do it all the time, right? Like, the bit that scared Kylia wasn't actually her dying and coming back as undead, right?
What about yourself? Are you happy with your progress? And what about your pawn?
Anyway, better double-time it, but try to move as a group.

Speaking of Lily I feel like Fen should send her a letter next time he has a chance. The secret is basically out at this point, not much point in holding back.

Well, for starters, what news has Fen received about construct Lily? Or about lady Cassa's miraculous recovery?

>send a letter to Lily
>construct Lily
>Lady Cassa's miraculous recovery
None of these are important to our current objective and checking up on any of them would take longer than 15 minutes.

We can worry about those things later. Right now, let's focus on our current mission.

Tell Aira “You really had me worried for a second” while you touch her shoulder.

>>985202
My mistake. I should learn to read better.

I will say that it was an ineffective way to scare/demoralize Fen, on the battlefield. I was thinking her creator isn't a proper necromancer. She might practice it, but she's better specced in mana constructs.

>>985201
You're most likely right, as much as it looks like a subtle "please stay away from my fiance". As much as I'd like for this quest to end in a guilt-free punch to his face, this isn't enough to pin a conspiracy on someone as high up as "benevolent tyrant" Stup, if it even IS him. But I am talking too far off-mission.

>>985255
Agreed. Just prepare for anything. Or anyone.

Do final check to make sure you have everything you need. Then get ready kill some undead.

Although we are very capable of stealthing ourselves, it might be better to rely on Aira for sticking to shadows now, now that she got so close to death where you can't even detect her.