>>1072565
Do we also have an immediate weapon… to hand?

Eyyyyy..!

No, but glad you got that situated but maybe think about a weapon attachment for it as well. As for everything else how’s it looking outside? Any word since we returned on a dragon?

>>1072568
A proper handjob I must say :D

make sure to hand out some praise for the fine work.

>>1072562
>One can't lay siege with a dozen officers and no soldiers, after all.

Speaking of which, do we have any idea where we could procure a large amount of foddersoldiers?

Might want to check on the survivor that demon-Pendle savaged. She might be connected to a group that we could muster some troops from in return for saving her life.

I feel like we could do something with that, maybe get a bunch of different attachments to stick on the end of our arm. It'd be quite handy.

>>1072565
Good to see things are going comparatively well for the moment, ever since the paladin debacle things have felt a tad grim.

Speaking of armies and an unused forge, we need some progress on both fronts.

Did you get to keep that rapier from the red mesas or would forging you a worthy blade be a good first Vault Smithworks production?

Also we really need to find some more mannikins for the Monster Portal.

I know this is more fortress than dungeon at this point but the interdimensional creature-summoning gate seems a touch tragically underutilized for the purposes of bolstering our forces.

...you should have your wooden hand hollowed out and, like. Hide a dagger in it. Or something.

>>1072580
With no mannikins and no real way ro get more in numbers, the portal will remain underused.

At the beggining I believed the portal was gonna be the source of our footsoldiers but the more time passes the harder it is to get more monsters.

Makes you wonder how Red Fang managed.

Wasn't tossing mannikins into the portal not how they were intended to be used, but more a quick fix to get around the generating mana issue?

I think that was the case, but memory is Mustache's job, not the voices of the orb...
...You know, Mustache Malto? *gestures at Muschio*

>>1072589
Red Fang didn't have very many monsters either...

>>1072596
I mean, the issue with that would be actually finding all those different mana types from before, and frankly by this point it's probably easier to just recruit normal soldiers.
I suppose if we just stumble across a font of mana we could revisit that, maybe we could ask some of our growing list of experts about it. But I'm not exactly holding out for it.

Yeah, no, Muschio.

We're not thinking that every single member of your army needs their own room, but your **Officers** should have them.

Soon, Babrakus will be your HEAD craftsman, Tislomer your CHEIF Herbologist...

Your close few should reap the benefits of their loyalty.

>>1072565
Really hope the wooden hand is a temporary fix, after all Ona's magic has already shown that it can regenerate body pieces. Also she even said that, if requested, she could reduce Finnie's arm to a normal size. So transmutation and regeneration are in her repertoire, just saying.

Muschio 2023/09/18(Mon)14:18 No. 1072616 ID: 46e818
File 169507192590.png - (11.50KB , 800x600 , 1697.png )

Ah, hold that thought.

Ashedel has arrived. I'm glad she's back at the base with everything going on -- with Dompag away, she's the best muscle we've got.
Though Finesse is my second in command, Ashedel does manage something of a Quartermaster's role, looking after low operations and taking care of the crew's petty concerns.

Muschio 2023/09/18(Mon)14:21 No. 1072617 ID: 46e818
File 169507209912.png - (9.18KB , 800x600 , 1698.png )

>"Lord Muschio, so good to have you back. The new throne room suits you."

"Thank you."

>"Wes seems only somewhat effected by the venom. I've given him the morning off but he's eager to return to work at the new forge.
>Tislomer says Ona is recovering well, and while she'll be feeling the effects for some time, she'll be ready to work again by tomorrow."

"Good. We need to get this exorcism figured out and done with as soon as possible. But if it must wait for tomorrow, at least Pendle isn't going anywhere."

Better make double sure Pendle can't hurt himself. Specifically any tongue biting.
Since he's not particularly chatty anyways, a gag might be in order. It'd also go a long way in preventing him from goading a guard or conspiring with our other prisoner.

>>1072617
Our best shot is Ona. She may not be able to perform the exorcism but if she is able to talk we may set about gathering materials or otherwise needed for it

Ask how Ridder is doing.

With our new mining ability, in addition to being able to make new rooms (perhaps people having personal rooms to live 'above their shops', as it were, would be good?), I wonder if we should consider some exports. Whether or not there are more valuable ores around, there is a use for stone, and if we're extracting it anyway, some people might pay for a supply of bricks and blocks... or perhaps they could be put to use creating buildings and defenses outside, since secrecy is not much of a protection any more?

>>1072617
Call Ashedel "cutie snooty"

"Thank you for the update, cutie snootie."

We should go see Ona, both to see how she's doing first-hand and to ask her what she needs to perform the exorcism when she's well, assuming she's able.

>>1072616
How is Dompag's group going anyway? Any news from them?

On today's agenda, we need a means of quickly recruiting an army.
* Our best source is obviously the Orcs. Their nobility is doing well for themselves, have moderate-high combat experience, and are well-defended even if they send a significant portion of their forces. I just wonder how the hell the nobles direct their commoners...
* Recruiting further from the cutebolds and goblins might be a bust, seeing as you've gotten multiple individuals... incapacitated. I don't know how well Riddler can recruit them or how long he can keep them from learning about little ol' city-burning you and your... (must...not...say...it...) but whatever the case they need to keep adequate defenses. If the Czar decides he can strike a pincer through their lands they'll be slaughtered.
* And finally, the insect kingdom, who... well. They'll be willing to rally their forces by your side, but their security is compromised. We can count on them but not as our vassals; that way leads to further amputations followed by death.

I propose we send a squad to further explore the world and recruit from towns and cities that haven't seen the Czar. It's time to Bait the Flag:
* Find some way to mimic whatever signals the trinket is giving off. We'll need a decoy that drives the Czar mad with predatory hunt-lust.
* Travel to different cities, fake trinket in tow, and give an honest attempt to recruit forces.
* While they laugh in our faces the dishonest signal will bring the Czar's forces to try and steal the mcguffin they need from you, convincing the potential recruits of the danger they face.

Ask her how well the wedding preparations are going with Sir Ridder.
Speaking of Ridder, do you think we can get him to subtly encourage the paladins of racism to investigate the Czar? Lets try to get those two fighting each other.

Muschio 2023/09/19(Tue)12:54 No. 1072711 ID: 46e818
File 169515329787.png - (9.04KB , 800x600 , 1699.png )

"And what news, cutie snooty?"
what

>"Excuse me?"

"I said what news have you brought, Ashedel? Were you able to gather any intel before your mission was called off?"

>"Actually, yes. You may recall the nearby Timore Woodlands seemed to be in something of an uproar."

Muschio 2023/09/19(Tue)13:00 No. 1072712 ID: 46e818
File 169515364261.png - (8.82KB , 800x600 , 1700.png )

>"Several of the largest goblin and kobold tribes are already discussing unification after hostile encroachment from nearby humans and elves, whose activities have grown more violent.

>On top of that, it seems that many of the locals revere some kind of sacred animal, a horse that roams the woods. And that holy creature has gone missing, perhaps abducted. They're ready to go to war.

>Lord Prince Muschio, I believe this is a great opportunity. If we act wisely, we may be able to unite the forest tribes under our banner. They already hold us in high regard after killing Red Fang. Promise them protection, drive the invaders from their homeland, and perhaps even discover what became of their sacred horse, and they may pledge loyalty to us."

Investigating this holy horse seems like a logical move, something Lord Muschio should take charge of himself to prove his worthiness to the locals. Ashedel for the additional muscle, plus Finesse and one of the Kobolds for their local knowledge would make a good party. We should recall Dompag and Geppa before we leave, though, the Vault would be dangerously unprotected if Muschio and Ashedel left without them present.

WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO VERITY THEY MUST PAY

>>1072712
Promise them protection but such allegiances must come at a cost. If we offered to train them as soldiers who could we put in charge of training? This way if need be we can have the debt be we can call upon them to fight for us.

If that horse vomits blood, bug out.
But yeah, let's go hunt a unicorn!

>>1072712
Finding the horse seems something we can do. Driving away humans and elves though? Do we have the forces to do that, and would we be able to weather the political fallout?
Maybe we can negotiate with them, or otherwise convince them to stay out of kobold/goblin occupied lands... oh! We have some political sway, we can use that. Once we recover the holy horse we can tell the humanoids that we have taken over those lands and draw official borders they're not allowed to cross. We don't have to drive them away, exactly, just keep them from going where they're not supposed to be.

An excellent side quest while we wait for info on our demon. Let's find that horse!
Leave Snootie as the primary guard, without Dompag here we're a bit light on defenses. Take Finnie and a 'bold for the knowledge about the locality.

>>1072712

Finding the horse takes priority, after all if we try to outright face the humans and elves, we may face larger numbers than what we're prepared for. On the other hand, if we focus in finding the horse with a task force. Even if the creature is being captive, we can play it as a commando stealth rescue.

We also can leverage our good standing with the 'Blins and the 'Bolds, so they can lend us their shamans/priests or the likes to helps us with Pendle. And we can promise to assist them in return.

That sounds like a capital idea. I agree that we shouldn't leave the base undefended, though. Best not spread ourselves too thin before we have the army to spread.
But taking one of our cutie snooty cutebolds with us also sounds like a great idea! Tislomer is the more sociable of the two, so if she doesn't have any objections, I vote we bring her with. She can help act as an envoy.

Well, we might have to delay things until the base situation stabilizes a bit. We need to find out if Ona needs anything to exorcise the demon, for instance, and we can't take Tislomer on a trip when she's got a patient.

>>1072712
Let them know we already stopped a murderer who was stalking the forest. Just... leave out that it was our murderer

Muschio 2023/09/20(Wed)14:33 No. 1072794 ID: 46e818
File 169524558651.png - (8.79KB , 800x600 , 1701.png )

Yes, all good points: We should approach this diplomatically so as not to start any wars between ourselves and the kingdoms of men, we should bring Tislomer as envoy (since she's a native), and we should act quickly while we can capitalize on this.
Also need to figure out if we're going to link the Mesas and Salamander Tower to our comms network at some point. I could send a Denling with a shard, but it would be precious cargo to lose, and they've been intercepted before.

"I should like to set out as soon as possible. However, given we are on heightened alert, it would be unwise to leave the Vault so understaffed again."

>"Then if I may, Lord Prince, perhaps we should recall Geppa and Dompag. They can be home by this evening, and you can set out in the morning and have enough officers both at home and accompanying you."

Would YOU like to accompany us?
We may see your fiancee on the way.

Between the Czar aggro'ing on us and our dragon ride, it should be fairly safe to recall our officers from the tower.

Our thoughts exactly.

>>1072795
Actually this does bring up a point, how are we doing in relations with Ridder's group? Should we coordinate something with them?

Nah, leave those two patrolling the tower. We need to keep our communication network up while our opponent has an OP assassin captain ready to strike.

Volunteers only, should increase morale.

We should recall them, but in a silly and convoluted way.

Bring em home, give them a shard, send em BACK, implant Commander Salamander, then come home again and stay home. This sends a shard south with far greater security, and by the time they finish all that travel hopefully we'll be done with Horse Quest. If they happen to see an army marching during any of that, they book it.

I think bringing our key allies into the network is safe, but we absolutely need to either send the shards like they're gold. Who knows what magical bullshit could pollute our connection if it was intercepted, or, god forbid, tapped.

That all sounds great. I know we like to be in constant busy mode, but we can take a night off to enjoy our new base and be off by tomorrow.

Muschio 2023/09/21(Thu)13:20 No. 1072863 ID: 46e818
File 169532761926.png - (11.80KB , 800x600 , 1702.png )

"Could we recall them, then send them back with a shard?"

>"Well certainly, but assuming time to rest, they'd be back sometime late tomorrow, which means you'd have to leave two days from now instead of one. Which isn't necessarily a problem, but the situation in the woodlands could turn at any moment."

I notice Finesse has approached the throne as well.

>"Don't think of it as time off, master. There's plenty for all of us to do around the Vault. Wes, the kobolds and I all have our crafts to work on, Ona has rest to catch up on, and I'm sure Ashdel has plenty on her plate as well. It can still be a productive day if we stay in."

What if we have Dompag or Geppa remove their shard and give it to Coriander?
That way there's no need for a return trip and they can merely get a new shard when they return to base.

Also, ask Finesse if she's working on a new hand for you. Would be a good idea to tell her to manufacture multiple backups whenever she has free time just in case you lose it again.

>>1072864
I like this plan. As long as they're near each other it doesn't really matter if one is missing a shard, and it'll just be until they make it back home anyway.

I know I literally just said we could take the night off, but I'm also not comfortable sitting on this plan with the kobolds longer than neccesary. These situations tend to be a powderkeg.
Ask D&G to pass along one of their shards, doesn't really matter whose, and then they'll come home.

>>1072864
This is a good plan.

Even if it wouldn't work and we have to do the return/back/return again daisychain I suggested, I think we should go on Horse Quest immediately anyway. We can leave Ash as the guard for the time being while we're off.

This plan will still take awhile before everyone's back, so we could use that little bit of downtime to do some more planning.

Might be a good time to plot out future dungeon layouts. Ask your officers if they have any requests or need for new types of rooms. Beyond expanding existing rooms and officers' quarters we could really use a library, armory and most of all an infirmary. Perhaps a room dedicated to magic usage and research, as well, should it be needed for whoever our magic expert will be.

>>1072864
Smart move.

I vote we get started on the Horse. We don't have an estimated time frame before something bad happens to the equine quest, and we don't have anything serious to work on right now.

>>1072881
don't post images in a quest thread if you're not the author, please, unless it's asked for

>>1072863

We need to build an elevator to the top of our mountain keep and set a proper platform for Ash to take off.

Ash is the fastest, the one with the top movement range and an excellent fighter to boot. She could get to the tower and back in the same time it takes Geps and Dom just to come back from there.

So let's send her with the shard and at the same time tell our agents in the tower to come back. If anything happens, then let them rendezvous half way and reassess.

A king does need a horse...

Muschio 2023/09/22(Fri)12:48 No. 1072899 ID: 46e818
File 169541211199.png - (11.77KB , 800x600 , 1703.png )

What!
That's brilliant!

I'll just have Dompag and Geppa drop off one of their shards, then fit them with a new one when they're home! No need for two trips and we can still set out in the morning.
Ah, what would I do without you? You, by which I technically mean me.

GEPPA 2023/09/22(Fri)12:52 No. 1072904 ID: 46e818
File 169541235831.png - (9.64KB , 800x600 , 1704.png )

huh oh hi
yeah we're still here just sitting

huh
oh
yeah i can take my crystal thing out no problem, i didn't even get a cool one
i asked for a red one and she was like 'there are no red ones' so someone else musta got it first

>"Everything okay?"
"Yeah I'm just talking to my crystal"
>"You don't have to talk out loud when you do that."
"Don't tell me how to do it big brother"

GEPPA 2023/09/22(Fri)12:52 No. 1072905 ID: 46e818
File 169541236324.png - (9.85KB , 800x600 , 1705.png )

"They want me to give it to someone where so I'm just gonna bite it out real quick"
>"Don't do that. I'm sure there's a medic here."
"Don't tell me how to do it."

>"Anyway, did they say who we're supposed to give it to?"

>>1072905
Commander Coriander

>>1072906
This. Tell Commander big boobs it's her choice who at the tower gets it. And tell Dompag to explain to her how they work.
We're doing this so you guys don't have to hang out there all the time and can come back home. We'll see if we can get you a new shard that's red once you get back.

make sure to stick the shard into her boob

Coriander would be ideal, but we can let her know the arrangement we have with Mondegreen and she can decide if she wants to keep the shard herself or with a trusted subordinate. I don't think Arabella would mind too much.

commander coriander. MAKE SURE TO EXPLAIN WHAT THE SHARD IS AND ASK FOR CONSENT BEFORE PUTTING IT IN. no stabbing missy >:(

Captain Lizardtits of course.

Make sure it's fully explained first please. No surprises.

I am willing to surprise Commander Lizardtits if we specifically stick it in her boob.

I think Geppa knows better than to stab a friend without permission.

GEPPA 2023/09/23(Sat)11:31 No. 1072968 ID: 46e818
File 169549386107.png - (11.30KB , 800x600 , 1706.png )

okay got it
"Hey lady big boobs"
>"We're sticking with that name, are we?"
"boss says you gotta make someone take my crystal out of my hand and then put it in one of you"
>"Excuse me?"
"My big bro will explain it, just call someone who can use a knife."

GEPPA 2023/09/23(Sat)11:34 No. 1072969 ID: 46e818
File 169549406142.png - (8.76KB , 800x600 , 1707.png )

"the crystal thingy's in here right now but if you put it in you or someone they can talk to the boss from far away in secret, you just gotta pick who"
>"I'll... discuss it with your brother, then. Dompag?"
>"Yeah, I'll fill you in real quick."
"YEAH he will he's talking about his dick"
>"NO I AM NOT"
"Oh yeah do you wanna have sex with my brother, he's real good at it"
>"GEPPA. We talked about this."
"I don't mean I had sex with him, that'd be weird."
>"Would you please excuse us for a moment."
okay I'll send you back now, see you at home i guess

>>1072969
Switch to dompag?

>>1072969

Dompag seems a bit more... emotionally equipped to communicate, so yeah, try to switch to him.

Bye Geppa, you're the best.

>>1072969
You're a great wingsis Geps, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

You totally deserve, like, a cookie or something after this, Geppa. Anyway, yeah better send us back and see if we can't get more in motion.

Let's switch to Finesse or Tislomer.

I am completely fine with the events that are unfolding.

Wes 2023/09/24(Sun)12:21 No. 1073097 ID: 46e818
File 169558326759.png - (11.98KB , 800x600 , 1709.png )

>"Thanks again."
"Anyone would've done it."
>"I think a lot of people would've just run away."
"N-nn-nnot with someone in danger."


>"...You don't have to stay with me, you know."
"I know. I just... I f-feel a little rresponsible."

Wes 2023/09/24(Sun)12:24 No. 1073098 ID: 46e818
File 169558345499.png - (11.24KB , 800x600 , 1710.png )

>"What, because you came from the same court?"
"You w--w-w-were in t-trouble and nob-b- nobody nnoticed until it was almost t-t--t-t-too l-late."

>"You can't be expected to babysit everyone in the Vault."

>"...I'm sorry I thought you were a creep."
"I get it. I know what I l-look like."
>"I thought I was better than judging people at a glance. Thanks again. Really."
"Y-you don't need to keep th-thanking me."
>"And you don't need to stay with me."

How are you guys doing?

Also, since you're a big damn hero now, got any accommodation requests? Specific food, drink, room furnishings, etc?

>>1073098
Sorry to intrude, inaccuracy and all that.

Good to see you both though, pretty harrowing stuff there and we're glad you made it out the other side.

One cannot identify a creep at first glance, for they must first be observed creeping before they can be considered a creep. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

I wouldn't know, we're all creeps here.
We're going out, do you want anything?

>>1073098
Wes I think you're being a little annoying, take the hint and give her some space.

>>1073098
The guy has been in wars, he knows what death is. guess he just could not let it happen, specially since it was within he's grasp to prevent it.

Yeah dude she's intellectually recognized you're not a creep but it'll probably still take her a while to process that into being totally comfortable around you, sorry. Take a break. Ask her if she wants anything fetched.

Suggestion 2023/09/24(Sun)18:16 No. 1073133 ID: 3f3d5c
File 169560460286.jpg - (157.00KB , 520x800 , d3dp8l4-86845306-99d2-4e50-be12-c6a2ae014a0f.jpg )

Hey, Wes. So, like.
I don't know how often we'll pop in like this? Technically it could just be whenever, but at the same time we're juggling a lot over here. It kindof depends on the situation.

So, just in case it's awhile before the next one, or even if it's not, I just want to say:
Thanks.
You really came through for us.
You really came through for everyone.

Now go ahead and give that girl some space, okay? She's probably feeling really puny right now.

The heart says "now kiss," but the mind says give her some space. Maybe see if you can bring her a book or something while she recovers.

>>1073098
Take the hint, let her rest. You might want to go check on the forge.

>>1073098
You're a good man wes. A real good man.

Wes 2023/09/25(Mon)14:40 No. 1073210 ID: 46e818
File 169567800926.gif - (32.21KB , 800x600 , 1711.gif )

"I'm s-s-sorry. I think I m-mmissed the hint. I'll let you r-rest."

[Animated]

Wes 2023/09/25(Mon)14:41 No. 1073211 ID: 46e818
File 169567810768.png - (11.06KB , 800x600 , 1712.png )

>"Sorry. I didn't mean it like that. Wasn't trying to tell you to fuck off. I just...
>I guess I feel like I've already asked too much of you.

>We're basically strangers and you already saved my life. Making you keep me company on top of that feels... selfish."

Come now, Ona. Weren't you making antidotes to save someone else's life? You were. Not because someone asked you to save them. Not because you were doing someone a favor, but because it was the right thing to do. It's what makes you one of the good guys.

The only thing different here is that you're on the other end of that exchange.

(You can tell her that, Wes)

>>1073212
A solid answer. This.

just leave the room you don't need this drama

>>1073212
This, indeed we do good without looking at who.

It sounds like she feels a little guilty over being saved and being cared for. Let her know that you she isn't being any sort of burden to you.

(Steamy hand-holding action.)

Do you know by any chance why the last name "Smith" is so common?

Well you see in wars, in the loser side, almost all able body men die or are executed. But the smiths, you see, they are useful. After all, swords, armor and forks still need to be forged.

So in "interesting" times, smiths tend to spend their days in front of a roaring fire with the occasional knocking announcing a new management. And the short drop and a sudden stop of all acquaintances from the previous one.

Strike. Temper. Draw.
Day in, day out.
Strike. Temper. Draw.

But sometimes a smith may find himself in the field, and he may find himself called to action. To do the right thing.

Curious, the life of a Smith.

"You're not MAKING me anything. I did what I did because it was the right thing to do."

"And because I care about you." And now some SMOKIN' hug action.

>>1073211
It is, but...
So?
Selfishness isn't an inherently bad thing, it depends on circumstance. There are times when you need to be selfish, it's how you ensure the things you need are taken care of.

I'd say surviving and recovering from a near-death experience, definitively falls within acceptable circumstances for selfishness

Sometimes, you need to be a burden, too, and there's no shame in that, either. Society, as a concept, exists for that specific purpose: to lighten the weight of hardship both collectively, and from those it weighs on most.

What's the point of having friends, or just decent people, if they won't help you move a couch every now and again?

Well if you want to keep her company then tell her that. It's not selfish if you're doing it of your own free will.

>>1073211
Come on Ona, give us a big chunky toothed smile.