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File 169669541223.gif - (4.11MB , 1000x800 , falling-city-title-animation.gif )
1074204 No. 1074204 ID: 0b594e

Rumors abound of the city.
They say it just appeared one day.
They say no one has ever seen its top.
They say it is a place of mystic secrets and wild pleasures.

But before we can get to that...
256 posts omitted. Last 50 shown. Expand all images
>>
No. 1093907 ID: 2f41db

>>1093889
Yes.
Bunkrooms at first with a thought to repurpose them as we have the luxury to make more personal domiciles.
>>
No. 1093940 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1093889
>>1093907
Sounds like a plan.
>>
No. 1094319 ID: 5ebd37
File 172117130612.jpg - (0.97MB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_61 trade platform.jpg )
1094319

>more details on the power situation

Jormun: (Sorry if I made it sound too dire. Everything is stable, mostly, but I don't seem to have the control I should. I can't turn the panels off, and I can't turn more systems on that aren't already on. There is a small back up generator, but I'm not sure if it's even working. I'm kind of a mess inside.)

Courtesan Sillah: "It's okay dear, everyone is."

Jormun: (Really? That makes me feel a little better. thanks.)

> A platform, with storage beneath and bunkrooms beside

Lohmul: "Yes, a simple warehouse to start. With a flat roof for landing on, and hmm, ramps for cargo. Housing enough for everyone, even if its cramped for now, tucked on either side."

Sillah: "Like a hug."

Lohmul: "Ye- hrm. If you like." the mouzbold taps his jaw in thought "We should be able to manage it in a week. Will we have enough time, mister Jormun?"

Jormun: (That will be enough time before the fabricators get started, for sure. I'm excited to see what you guys make!)

Pitreh: "Good, let's get to work then. Are there any other immediate concerns before this meeting is adjourned?"
>>
No. 1094322 ID: 2f41db

>>1094319
Update on the progress of the hunters and the base camp?
I mean us sharing it with the council so theyre aware of the discoveries regarding the ambush predator and the lizarc domestication candidates to serve as hunting budfies.
>>
No. 1094323 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1094319
The first landing is going well. We've identified another intelligent species, how intelligent isn't clear but there's signs of social bonds and the capacity for recognizing other species as friends or allies. Could be either a candidate for domestication or uplifting. I assume uplifting is a thing that can be done with fleshcrafting, if something is near-capable of interaction and civilization but not quite.
Is that possibly how all the convergent species of kobold came about, actually? Maybe we'll have some lizardbolds floating around soon.
>>
No. 1094686 ID: 44c167
File 172187572490.jpg - (105.68KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_62 discussing anatomy.jpg )
1094686

>Update on the progress of the base camp
>candidate for domestication or uplifting

Murdoc: The hunter spreads a few rough charcoal sketches on the table. "We've set up a little palisade around our camp. But more importantly, we made some friends. Fast and smart, and we feel with just a little nudge they could become full on thinking people."

Martah: "What a coincidence, I've found a candidate for personhood too." The shaper thumps a wrapped bundle on the table, opening it to reveal a head with snaggle teeth and an exposed cranium. "While looking through some of the spare parts I saw that these red ones have quite developed brains."

Murdoc: "Ah! That's the one, the raptor things!"

Martah: "You've met them? And they're friendly? This will be easy then. Just a poke around the head, switch to an upright posture..."

Murdoc: "Whoa hey no no no! They look so cool the way they are. They'll need opposable thumbs sure, but don't just shove them into a koboid body shape."

Martah: "Koboid body plan is the standard for a reason. It's more efficient! You just want to ride one, don't you?"

Murdoc: "Yes, I do! They aren't so big, they would function just as well they way they are!"

An argument ensues with much heated words and shaken fists exchanged between the esteemed council members.

A) uplift and give the raptors standard humanoid bodies
B) uplift and keep their bodies the same but with better manipulative hands
C) or something crazier?
Also what should we call these things?
>>
No. 1094687 ID: 9f8647

A
>>
No. 1094689 ID: 273c18

>>1094686
B. But also, can't we just ask what they want?
>>
No. 1094690 ID: eb0a9c

Why the hell are you performing direct-contact biomancy on their immunocompromised brains with your dirt-covered bare hands?! You're going to give them literal brain-rot!
Ugh. (C) Taur-form if you're both so obsessed with contrasting postures.
Add udders.
>>
No. 1094691 ID: 1dfcfe

I mean, if we're uplifting them, we could ask them what they want
>>
No. 1094692 ID: 1dfcfe

I mean, if we're uplifting them, we could ask them what they want
>>
No. 1094698 ID: 2f41db

>>1094686
Open with b and when they achieve sufficient understanding, give them choice.

You guys really know how to make friends.
Structurally too.
>>
No. 1094699 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1094690
This is a dead one we had in our spare parts since back here >>1081392
I think germs are the least of its concerns.

>>1094686
B. and then ask what they want after you teach them your language.
Don't forget vocal chords capable of speaking your language!
>Name
Lizbolds will do, for now.
>>
No. 1095378 ID: 44c167
File 172292517917.jpg - (100.17KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_63 cheer up martah.jpg )
1095378

> Get your dirty hands outta that brain!

Martah: (Oh, don't worry, this is one that, eh, didn't survive our arrival. It's very dead. If you thought people's spirits didn't hang around their bodies long, they got nothing on animals. It's like they've got somewhere to be.)

> teach them your language.

Martah: (Hah, that's no problem. That was the secret to our trading success back in the old world. All robolds get a little extra bit on the brain that senses intent, so learning languages is a snap. I'll just copy that.)

> Open with basics and when they achieve sufficient understanding, give them choice.

Martah: "But that's so... easy. Where's the fun in that?"

Murdoc: "Would it make you feel better if I let you work on me too?"

Martah: "Sigh, yeah it would."
>>
No. 1095379 ID: 44c167
File 172292525164.jpg - (159.69KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_64 spa day.jpg )
1095379

Work progresses well. The crafters are happy to have something to work on. And there is only a minimum of broken bones from tossing logs down to the worksite a mile down.

The flesh shapers set up a makeshift workshop down at the camp. It's a simple set up. Curious lizards approach are lured in by the scent of the hunters' fresh kills. They are met by courtesans who usher them into the tents where a little spa has been set up. While the future lizzbolds are bathed and pampered shapers massage their scalps, gently driving magic in to run the animals' thoughts down new pathways. They also give each a pair of new thumbs, while they are reeling with the jump to sapience.

Once the lizzbolds have recovered they get to attend a sort of crash-course on being a person. Between their innate intelligence and the courtesan guild's skill at therapy, they are operating at the cognitive level of a child in only a few days.

Some of the newly lifted lizz go out with the hunter teams and spread the word (as it were) to other packs. By the time the weekend comes the camp is bustling with around sixty of the things.
>>
No. 1095380 ID: 44c167
File 172292528494.jpg - (53.39KB , 719x800 , fallingcity_65 new eyes for murdoc.jpg )
1095380

Meanwhile, Murdoc is getting an experimental new electro-sense organ from Martah. It can detect electrical impulses up to fifty feet away, and can operate just fine through flesh, though not very well through bone. The question is, where to put it.

Feel free to draw or just describe how it should be situated.
>>
No. 1095432 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1095380
Tail tip. Easy to snake it around corners or close to something without risking a more immediately valuable limb.
>>
No. 1095462 ID: eb0a9c

>>1095378
Ah. Poor bastard.

>>1095380
Nipples
>>
No. 1095467 ID: 462d8c
File 172300867372.png - (369.75KB , 719x800 , ratboldwhisk.png )
1095467

What about as the classic, and stylish, sensory organ of whiskers? Nice wiggly things to show off your new skill.
>>
No. 1095525 ID: 2f41db

>>1095467
Three words.
Star nosed mole.

Lots of tendrils but shorter, very prehensile. All on and sprouting from nose.
Can clench up like a weird fist if something starts agitating it.
>>
No. 1095562 ID: e25c20
File 172314637111.jpg - (127.45KB , 462x470 , poklon 13.jpg )
1095562

Well, the best organ for detecting electricity would be 4 antennas and they would work like the ones that the snail has. They can retract back inside the head, and pop out when needed to be used.
>>
No. 1095980 ID: 355e44
File 172393155239.jpg - (63.89KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_66 tentacles.jpg )
1095980

>Nipples!

Murdoc: "No way! I need those."

>Tail

Martah: "That's a good idea but..."

>Tentacles Tentacles Tentacles!

Martah: "Tentacles Tentacles Tentacles!"

Murdoc: nods "Hm, yes. Sensible."

Martah: "Just kidding, we'll do both!"

One flesh shaping later...

Martah: "So now the tip of your tail can split open to reveal the sensor, that way you can mute it when you don't need as much information. And the ones around your nose can retract as well. Effective range of around 30 feet. Oh, and you'll need some extra vitamins to keep them running smoothly."

Murdoc: "Wonderful! You're the best Martah." she traps Martah in a big hug and pets the shapers head, to which he blushes and squirms. "Nooo, don't praise me. Murdoc stoooop!"
>>
No. 1095981 ID: 355e44
File 172393157513.jpg - (52.15KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_67 seed of a city.jpg )
1095981

As the week nears the end so too does completion of the new structure. Tall columns of public housing rise up on the left of the landing platform, with enough room for all 300 bolds, even if it is rather cramped. To the right is a large workshop, which is doubling as crafter housing for the moment.

The warehouse under the platform is already starting to fill with craftpieces. But not, unfortunatly, with much food. The farming effort has been unsucessful, and the hunting can only bring in so much a day. The top hunters are called up to discuss a plan.

Pitreh: "Despite my best encouragement, Marten continues to have no experience as an actual farmer. So we're going to need local help to get more than just meat. To that end, we are going to send an expedition to try and find said locals. I've already asked some of the older lizzbolds, combined with what we've observed from up here it seems we have three options."

Option 1: The structure in the mountains. Lizzbolds said there had been people on that side of the forest, but this was years ago. There are lights up there at night, so a good chance it's occupied.

Option 2: The desert across the mountains. One of the lizz said they wandered through a pass in the mountain once, so at least we have a guide. We don't have a great angle, even from this high, but there do appear to be lights out there on some nights.

Option 3: The jungle to the south. As far as we can see to the south, the river leaves the valley and flows into a dense jungle. Some ways away along it's length we've spotted a persistent hazy area, could be sign of a city's hearthfires. The lizz consider this valley their territory, so none have ever journed as far as that.
>>
No. 1095982 ID: 273c18

>>1095981
Option 1. Confirmed people, which means at the very least they can direct us to where the farmers are.
>>
No. 1095986 ID: 2f41db

>>1095980
Out
Standing!

You now have the bestbparty trick ever.
You can pick your nose with your nose

>>1095981
Option 1 and 2 have confirmed people, or as close as were going to get.
The down side is both are environments where farmland and yeild is sparse.
Good lessons to be learned but scant resources for trade are likely.
That said, our capacity to gather meat for trade may tempt them.

Mountains.
Most dangers there are mitigated by our semi airborne hunters.
>>
No. 1095988 ID: 5c0432

>>1095981
Not great places for large scale farms, but there is likely horticulture with hardy root vegetables in a mountain settlement. Those sorts of things can be adapted into easy farm produce for the inexperienced.

Option 1.
>>
No. 1096003 ID: 56db77

>>1095981
Option one seems likely to work and even if their aren't locals there anymore we can probably learn something from any ruins
>>
No. 1096650 ID: 355e44
File 172491067657.jpg - (95.99KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_68 lets go on a hike.jpg )
1096650

Pitreh: "Mountain expedition is a go then. Murdoc, you're leading. Pick whoever you need, but we only can only spare enough food to feed six for a week's journey, plus some for the lizzbolds that will carry you there. Oh, and take some craftworks with you, maybe we'll get trading partners out of this."

What sort of bolds should Murdoc fill the five available slots with?
Hunters: bolds skilled at hunting and wilderness survival, as well as combat.
Shapers: magic users able to shape living flesh to their design.
Crafters: those with the drive to create shape and form out of whatever material is at hand.
Scriveners: bolds who craft runes and make a deeper study of fundamental magic forces than shapers do.
Traders: the negotiators and planners of the tribe.
Courtesans: there to soothe tensions and keep everyone going.
"Farmers": bolds with nothing better to do so they might as well study the local fauna or something.

Also will you spirits be coming with, or stay here and keep planning the town?
>>
No. 1096651 ID: 273c18

>>1096650
Murdoc is a hunter...
One hunter, one shaper. Two fighters and a combat medic will handle any threats. Take a Scrivener so if there's any magical weirdness up there they can handle it. Additionally, let's take a trader for obvious reasons, and... I dunno, maybe another hunter, or a courtesan, or a crafter. Would both traders and crafters have an eye for valuable materials?
>>
No. 1096660 ID: f40f33

>>1096650
1 Hunter
1 Shaper
1 Scrivener
1 Trader
Keep the last lizbold free of a rider, in case we need to haul something back, or bring back a foreign diplomat. The extra food will give us a little more wiggle room as well, at least another day of thin rationing before we run out.
>>
No. 1096680 ID: 2f41db

>>1096650
Agreed on the hunter, shaper and trader.
Perhaps a farmer too.
If our goal is to find sustainable food sources or learn farming techniques, someone who knows flora would be important.
A deficated mount for carrying goods to and returning with samples
>>
No. 1096721 ID: eb0a9c

Shaper + Courtesan: Can mold the social expert into the neighbors' deepest desires for long-lasting first impressions
2 Hunters: One to scout and one to guard.
Trader: They'll discuss basic trade routes. Make sure they don't scam the locals, we have a Titan and won't need to worry about being screwed over for a long time.
>>
No. 1097330 ID: 355e44
File 172618984396.jpg - (169.87KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_69 the expedition prepares.jpg )
1097330

The team assembles down on the field.

Murdoc is, of course, leading and will also be bringing her considerable scoutcraft skills to the table. She will be riding Gnapper.

The other hunter will be Burgo. As the only cappybolda he brings a good intimidation factor. He also has been getting on well with the lizzbolds. He will be riding Croosh.

Martah is our shaper, due to his skill but also because he and Murdoc are childhood friends. It's nepotism! He will be riding Tippitoe.

Donvan is NOT coming, because despite also being Murdoc and Martah's childhood friend he would be unbearable to spend a week in close quarters with. Instead we will be bringing Lantil as rune scrivener. She will be riding Jitter.

Mirrak is our most senior trader, and we should put our best foot forward. She will ride Leerin.

And to round things out is courtesan Hilgar. They used to be a hunter and still maintain some of those skills, so they'll be able to fill dual roles. They will be riding Hazard.

Also extra lizzbold Grina in case we need to carry something back and because they really really want to come.
>>
No. 1097331 ID: 355e44
File 172618988780.jpg - (174.75KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_70 forest routes.jpg )
1097331

The expedition sets out at a good pace. Lizzbolds are sprinters, but they can manage long distance as long as it's not too hurried.

The lizzbolds offer a choice of routes:

A) follow the stream; faster but more likely to encounter large predators.
B) through the forest; moderate pace but safer and easier hunting.
C) deep forest; slow but nothing larger than a lizzbold will show up due to undergrowth
>>
No. 1097334 ID: 273c18

Oh we have a choice of risk. Well, I'm not totally sure about our party strength, to be honest. Do you feel confident about fighting predators? We could do A. If it's iffy then B is fine.
>>
No. 1097345 ID: c87b4d

Leaning towards B as the middle ground, but I guess it depends on just how much there is to worry about running into, for A.
>>
No. 1097346 ID: 393cc5

>>1097331
B. With good hunting we can save more of our food supplies for the climb.
>>
No. 1097544 ID: 355e44
File 172672189007.jpg - (146.62KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_71 footprint puzzle.jpg )
1097544

The robolds are persuaded to temper their exuberance and take it safe. The lizzbolds race through ferns and thickets with sure feet and high spirits.

With the lizzbold's knowledge of the forest the party is able to avoid the more dangerous creatures, and fend off the more annoying ones. They even manage to bag a few small gliding salamanders, when a flock drops out of the canopy and divebombs them. By midday they rest in a clearing around halfway through the forest.

Murdoc takes a pair of lizzbolds to try and get in a bit of hunting. In a patch of dirt by the clearing are some fresh tracks.

Gnapper says:
A: A flock of little snappers. Taste okay but they're so tricky.
B: Ooh, spinies! Very tasty, but they sting.
C: Those things! They like to hide, but they taste good.
D: A big stomper, too big for lizzbolds to hunt alone. I wonder how they taste?
>>
No. 1097545 ID: 273c18

>>1097544
D! How do they taste?
>>
No. 1097550 ID: cb3eae

>>1097544
C. Once we catch one, maybe Martah can use their vocal cords to make some calls and draw more out of hiding.
>>
No. 1097557 ID: 2f41db

>>1097544
Spineys.
They may be easier to deal with for our more adept hunters.
The spines may be harvestable and have utility.
Plus, itd be a nice reward for our new lizbold buddies.
>>
No. 1097943 ID: 355e44
File 172750191553.jpg - (114.21KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_72 spinies.jpg )
1097943

Murdoc: "They all sound fun, so lets go for the tastiest!"

Following the scent from the trail of paw prints leads to a glade where several spiny things are rooting around. When they see the bolds they hiss and waggle their tendrils. Gnapper and Grina peek around Murdoc. "Ah, they always taunt us!" Gnapper whines.
>>
No. 1097946 ID: 273c18

>>1097943
Can't sting a spear!
>>
No. 1097983 ID: 0276a0

>>1097943
Witness the almighty power of kobold engineering! (Sharp sticks)
>>
No. 1098307 ID: 355e44
File 172825253862.jpg - (93.39KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_73 victorious spoils.jpg )
1098307

Murdoc: (Well I don't have a spear, but how about mini spears?) She draws her shortbow and expertly pins a spiny to the tree. *Thunk*

Gnapper: "Woah!"

Murdoc: *Thunk Thunk*

Grina: "Wa wa wa wa wa!"

Murdoc: *ThunkThunkThunk*

Gnapper and Grina: "Ahhh so coool!"
>>
No. 1098308 ID: 355e44
File 172825262492.jpg - (60.08KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_74 camping time.jpg )
1098308

Taking some hooks and twine from her hunting pack, Murdoc strings up the several brace of spinies. Holding them at arms length so there's no stinging, the hunting party returns. Everyone is dutifully impressed with Murdoc's hunting prowess, and the lizzbolds are ecstatic about having spinies for supper.

With the prospect of tasty treats ahead the party makes good time and almost reaches the edge of the woods when night falls. Settling down around the campfire, everyone gets a delicious spiny fillet and handful of greens. Hilgar brings out their harmonica for some pleasant tunes.

There's just one thing to decide before turning in for the night...
>>
No. 1098309 ID: 355e44
File 172825265461.jpg - (73.36KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_75 a buncha nematocysts.jpg )
1098309

What're we gonna do with all these nematocysts?
>>
No. 1098311 ID: 273c18

>>1098309
Tempting to stick them onto someone... might have to make something to cover them most of the time to prevent accidental stingings. Or the augmented person stinging themselves, unless you can configure the nematocysts to be self-safe on the new body?

Would such a short-ranged stinging defense even be useful though? Maybe it could be a deterrent against predators at least.
>>
No. 1098316 ID: 931854

Maybe you could attach them to arrows? Not sure stinging would be worse than being arrowed. Does the venom have any side effects, like paralysis or confusion? If you can reverse engineer immunity, perhaps you could attach them to stationary things e.g. bags or chests to prevent thievery? Not sure how long they last without a host.
>>
No. 1098320 ID: d602b3

>>1098309
Wild animals often go for vital places like the throat or ankles. These could make a good deterrant for our lizzbolds who have a rather large neck target zone.
If they become a problem during downtime, maybe they can be retractable like a frilled lizard.
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