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File 170831337590.png - (109.93KB , 500x750 , Aldequest Cover.png )
1083617 No. 1083617 ID: 6be2b4

First time doing a quest, bear with me if I mess up. :)
Expand all images
>>
No. 1083618 ID: d93edd
File 170831340886.png - (13.82KB , 500x500 , Page 1.png )
1083618

Branches and leaves rush by our protagonist, desperate to escape the thugs chasing them. With heaving breaths, their body crying out in pain from barely managing to escape earlier, despair begins to creep in as they find themselves face to face with an insurmountable obstacle, a massive cliff.
>>
No. 1083619 ID: b62b58
File 170831343081.png - (13.80KB , 500x500 , Page 2.png )
1083619

SPLASH
The dreaded sounds of the thugs boots behind them, and our protagonist turns to face them. Things can’t end here they thought to themselves, they can’t let them ruin the package!
>>
No. 1083620 ID: 027d85
File 170831345352.png - (12.42KB , 500x500 , Page 3.png )
1083620

An Okagou (left) and an Irxui (right) emerge through the forest line. The rain pitter-patters on their armor, and looking at the protagonist with hostility, they realize they have nowhere to go.
“End of the road, looks like.” The Okagou says with a dark chuckle.
“Another step and things’ll get worse for you than they already are.” The Iruxi growls.
They begin to slowly advance forward, clubs drawn.
>>
No. 1083621 ID: 8f3b85
File 170831347181.png - (13.04KB , 500x500 , Page 4.png )
1083621

Our protagonist looks for an escape, maybe they could escape back into the forest! Taking a look at the two thugs, they’d turn their head and begin rushing, only to have a club come down on their head.

“You little wretch!” The Okagou yells as he hits them.

The protagonist drops the package, panic claiming their every thought. They need to escape with it! Another blow smashes into them.
>>
No. 1083622 ID: a307f1
File 170831349544.png - (75.79KB , 500x500 , Page 5.png )
1083622

“Making us chase after you in this fucking rain!” The Iruxi viciously snarls.

A few more blows, and the protagonist lies crumpled upon the rainy forest floor. Before blacking out, they can feel one of the two pick them up.
>>
No. 1083623 ID: e2f484
File 170831352079.png - (54.55KB , 500x500 , Page 6.png )
1083623

“As things stand, they’ll surely die.”
>>
No. 1083624 ID: 2cf195
File 170831353896.png - (54.67KB , 500x500 , Page 7.png )
1083624

“Think you could do me a favor and help em’ out?”
>>
No. 1083625 ID: 462d8c

What do you expect us to do?
>>
No. 1083626 ID: 344e2f

>>1083624
Well who are you then?
>>
No. 1083627 ID: 5ebd37

Put us in coach
>>
No. 1083628 ID: 57a1b7
File 170831532896.png - (54.65KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 1.png )
1083628

>What do you expect us to do?

”I’ve got a bet with a friend of mine. Without getting into the details, I can impart your collective consciousness into their mind, and from there you can suggest to them and lend them your guidance and strengths! Your first objective is to get them to safety, no matter what.

”Of course, how you do that is up to all of you. Remember that they’re their own person though. I don’t really know how they’ll react to suddenly hearing a bunch of different voices in their head, and considering their recent injuries…”

”I’m sure you’ll do just fine!”
>>
No. 1083629 ID: eb0a9c

>>1083628
So basically, you want us to do our job.
Well, come on, go go go!
>>
No. 1083630 ID: e51896

I see you seen us guide others in need of guidance and would like us to help.

Sure, we got nothing else to do. Though I am curious... you did say guidance and strengths what strengths would that be? normally we just give advice.
>>
No. 1083632 ID: 462d8c

Alright, but you owes us some serious smooches after this
>>
No. 1083633 ID: eb0a9c

>>1083632
And sexy familiars. We want to get paid in contracts with sexy familiars. Among other things.
>>
No. 1083634 ID: 124485

>>1083628
Wouldn't us helping them be considered cheating or interfering with the bet you've got with your friend?
>>
No. 1083635 ID: e51896

>>1083634
maybe the bet concerns us, and not the protagonist
>>
No. 1083641 ID: b325e2
File 170832018241.png - (45.16KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 2.png )
1083641

>Well who are you then?

”Oh! I forgot to introduce myself! Sorry!”

”I go by a lot of different names, but I’m normally called The Whisper. Though if you think we can be friends, you could call me Solo. Either one works really. I’d love to talk more about myself, but I’ve kinda been disallowed from doing so.”

>Wouldn't us helping them be considered cheating or interfering with the bet you've got with your friend?

”Oh no, they’re aware of what I’m doing. This is part of the bet, and while I really can’t get into it too much, I’m hoping you’ll prove them wrong!”

>Put us in coach
>So basically, you want us to do our job.
>Well, come on, go go go!

”Right! I’m glad I could count on you all! Lemme tell you, I was worried you might say no! But before I send you in…”

>I see you seen us guide others in need of guidance and would like us to help.
>Sure, we got nothing else to do. Though I am curious... you did say guidance and strengths what strengths would that be? normally we just give advice.

[i]”The person I’m sending you to is… well a little lacking to say the least. Along with your guidance, you’ll bring along your strengths. But we need to determine your strengths.”

>>
No. 1083642 ID: b325e2
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1083642

”What do you think best describes you?”
>Choose your class.

1. Martial
Has an effective aptitude for martial combat.
Can effectively use any weapon and armor.
Increases strength and dexterity.
Cannot interact with the Weave normally.

2. Caster/Priest
Has a weak aptitude for martial combat.
Uses the Weave to cast spells very effectively.
Cannot effectively use weapons and armor. Armor inhibits casting prowess.
Increases mentals.
Interacts with the Weave easily.

3. Rogue
Has a decent aptitude for martial combat.
Can effectively use many weapons and light armor.
Increases dexterity.
Is effective at skills such as lockpicking, lying, sneaking, and skullduggery.
Can interact with the Weave to some degree.
Can cause great harm to unaware or otherwise occupied creatures.

4. Bard
Has a decent aptitude for martial combat.
Can effectively use some weapons and light armor.
Increase dexterity and mentals.
Can use the Weave to cast spells somewhat effectively while using an instrument.
Is effective at skills such as persuasion, performing, sneaking, and lying.
Can interact with the Weave normally while using an instrument, and is effective at using an instrument.
>>
No. 1083643 ID: b325e2
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1083643

”And do you have a particular talent?”
>Choose your talent.

1. Improved Initiative - Never surprised by sudden situations. Always act first.

2. Greater Strength - Strength category increases, cannot rise above great. (Below average, Average, Above Average, Great.)

3. Greater Dexterity - Dexterity category increases, cannot rise above great.

4. Greater Mentality - Mentality category increases, cannot rise above great.

5. Toughness - Pain does not affect capability.

6. Weapon Capability - Can effectively use any weapon.

7. Armor Capability - Can effectively use any armor.

8. Skilled - Choose two skills to be effective in.
Lockpicking, lying, sneaking, skullduggery, persuasion, performing.
>>
No. 1083644 ID: b325e2
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1083644

”And if you had a choice theoretically, what kind of person would you most like as your host?”
> Choose your sex.
Male or Female

1. Okagou - Wolf/Dogfolk
Cannot see in the dark.
Has a strong bite.
Has a strong sense of smell.
Above average strength.
Average dexterity.
Below average mentals.
Able to power through many conditions.

2. Amurrun - Catfolk
Cannot see in the dark.
Naturally lucky.
Has strong claws.
Average strength.
Above average dexterity.
Below average mentals.
Able to sprint very quickly and fall from great heights.

3.Tachidoki - Weaselfolk
Cannot see in the dark.
Has a bite that can latch onto things.
Has a strong sense of smell.
Average strength.
Average dexterity.
Average mentals.
Can fit into small spaces as if they were small.

4. Iruxi - Lizardfolk
Can see in the dark.
Has a strong bite and claws.
Slow regeneration.
Above average strength.
Below average dexterity.
Average mentals.
Can swim and climb easily.

5. Kobold - Kobold
Can see in the dark.
Immune to an element upon creation (Fire, Cold, Electricity, Acid, Sonic).
Can always interact with the Weave, and has natural magical abilities.
Once per day, they can fire a ray of energy, create a sound, and fire missiles of magical energy.
Below average strength.
Average dexterity.
Above average mentals.
Small sized.

6. Weski - Mousefolk (“That’s my current form! No wings though.”)
Cannot see in the dark.
Can use their tail as an extra appendage and for lockpicking.
Has enhanced hearing.
Below average strength.
Above average dexterity.
Above average mentals.
Small sized.
>>
No. 1083645 ID: b325e2
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1083645

>Alright, but you owes us some serious smooches after this
>And sexy familiars. We want to get paid in contracts with sexy familiars. Among other things.

”Ohh umm… I was told you all were kind of risque. Um… m-maybe? Are you sure you don't want a-anything else?”

Gotta head to bed, will resume tomorrow!
>>
No. 1083646 ID: 462d8c

I'm thinking... Caster with weapon capability, to make a spell-blade of sorts. And then perhaps a tachidoki lady.
>>
No. 1083647 ID: e51896

Bards are underated. lets be a bard.

increase dexterity so we can play our instrument better

Weski cause mice are cute, and good with dexterity and mentality like a bard

and im feeling male right now, tho wont oppose to female.
>>
No. 1083649 ID: 124485

Martial

Toughness

Female

Iruxi - Lizardfolk

Being able to see in the dark is helpful, along with having natural weapons like teeth and claws. Regeneration will also help a bit.

The class and the race combined should give us Great Strength, Average Dexterity, and Average Mentals.
>>
No. 1083652 ID: 273c18

Martial, Initiative, Female, Iruxi
>>
No. 1083653 ID: 184595

I agree that Weski bard is the way to go. Maximum dexterity and mentals right out of the gate.

I think we should play to the Bard's role as face and diplomat. If we get in a fight, we lose, but the point is to talk our way out of any fight before it starts. Great mentals should do wonders for that, and our profession gives us an excuse to rub elbows with anybody.

I say pick up Skullduggery and Lockpicking as backups, in case our talking falls through, and we need to play dirty, or we get thrown in a brig or something. We'll never be without our lockpick, after all; we should know how to use it.

I'd also lean towards a male character, if only to bring balance to the force.
>>
No. 1083654 ID: eb0a9c

Bard
Improved Dexterity
Female
Catfolk
>>
No. 1083655 ID: c36876

A Martial Female Kobold with Greater Strength and an immunity to Electricity!

The combined stats from the class and the talent will give us Above Average in all the categories of Strength, Dexterity, and Mentals!

Everyone will be caught off guard by a really strong Kobold because they'll underestimate her!
>>
No. 1083656 ID: 443b73

>>1083654
Agree
>>
No. 1083659 ID: 600c8d

>>1083653
This combo sounds like a fun time
>>
No. 1083662 ID: 5ebd37

>>1083653
Mouse bard sounds good
>>
No. 1083668 ID: c75e0b

>>1083653
I support this, but with a weaselfolk.

Instead of relying on stat bonuses, we get to latch onto things with our mouths (the irouxi will be first in line), solve puzzle with our sniffer, and be a big fuzzy noodle!
>>
No. 1083671 ID: 34e119

>>1083649
I like this one! Go for this!
>>
No. 1083672 ID: 1ab965

>>1083668
This, fuzzy noodle bard
>>
No. 1083732 ID: d56515
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1083732

”Wow! That’s a lot of responses! It’s kind of hard to get something definitive from this, so I’ll try to determine your strengths as best I can.”

Weighted Votes, Chosen Randomly:
>Sex
Female - 7 [Chosen]
Male - 6

>Race
Amurrun - 2
Iruxi - 3
Kobold - 1
Tachidoki - 3 [Chosen]
Weski - 4

>Class
Bard - 8 [Chosen]
Caster - 1
Rogue - 0
Martial - 4

>Talent
Greater Dexterity - 3 [Chosen]
Greater Strength - 1
Improved Initiative - 1
Skilled - 5
Toughness - 2
Weapon Capability - 1
>>
No. 1083733 ID: d56515
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1083733

”Seeing as you all liken yourselves to the bardic ways, you need to pick some spells! Remember, you can only cast these if you have an instrument available, and while normally bards can sing or act to cast their magic, those motions belong to our friend here. You’ll need a physical instrument to convey your will!”

>You are capable of detecting magic and creating very minor magical effects at will.

>Choose 4 spells to know.
Charm Creature:
Enchant a creature into liking you more, even if they really shouldn’t. While they will consider you a long-time friend, this does not change their relations with others.
Does not work on certain creatures, such as undead, constructs, or anything without a mind.
This spell automatically succeeds if the differential between mental categories is greater than or equal to two. If mental categories are the same, it is a 50% chance, and plus or minus 25% if within 1 category.
This spell requires verbal and somatic components, and requires the target to be close.
This spell lasts for one hour or until the user harms the target in any way.

Grease:
Cover an item or a large portion of the floor in slippery grease.
Automatically succeeds in tripping creatures or forcing a creature to drop their item if the differential between the user’s mental category and the creature's dexterity category is greater than two. If categories are the same, it is a 50% chance, and plus or minus 25% if within 1 category.
This spell requires verbal and somatic components, and requires the item or area to be close.

Magic Missile:
Launch forceful darts of energy at a target, always inflicting a level of pain.
This spell requires verbal and somatic components. It can target creatures as far away as mid-range and closer.
This spell fails against creatures that have the spell “Shield” active.

Suggestion:
Enchant a creature to do something the user suggests. The creature will spend their next turn doing this action. Actions that have hazardous or otherwise self-harming implications increase the target’s mental category by 2.
Does not work on certain creatures, such as undead, constructs, or anything without a mind.
This spell automatically succeeds if the differential between mental categories is greater than or equal to two. If mental categories are the same, it is a 50% chance, and plus or minus 25% if within 1 category.
This spell requires only verbal components, and requires the target to be close.

Hideous Laughter:
Enchant a creature to find something so absurdly funny, they can no longer act properly. The creature will spend a number of turns tripped and laughing on the ground equal to the difference in mental categories, with a minimum of 1.
Does not work on certain creatures, such as undead, constructs, or anything without a mind.
This spell automatically succeeds if the differential between mental categories is greater than or equal to two. If mental categories are the same, it is a 50% chance, and plus or minus 25% if within 1 category.
This spell requires verbal and somatic components, and requires the target to be close.

Vanish:
Turn a creature invisible for a number of turns equal to your mental category. This spell can target one’s self. Inflicting any form of harm removes the invisibility.
This spell requires verbal and somatic components, and requires the target to be touched.

Cure Light Wounds:
Heal two levels of pain from a touched creature. This spell can target one’s self.
Creatures that heal from negative energy instead take two levels of pain from this spell.
This spell requires verbal and somatic components, and requires the target to be touched.

Inflict Light Wounds:
Inflict two levels of pain to a touched creature. This spell can target one’s self.
Creatures that heal from negative energy instead heal two levels of pain from this spell.
This spell requires verbal and somatic components, and requires the target to be touched.

Rage
Enchant a creature to become furious. Their strength category increases by 2 (cannot rise above Superb), dexterity category is reduced by 1, and they can no longer cast spells.
This spell automatically succeeds if the differential between mental categories is greater than or equal to two. If mental categories are the same, it is a 50% chance, and plus or minus 25% if within 1 category.
This spell requires verbal and somatic components. It can target creatures as far away as mid-range and closer.

Ghost Sound
Create an illusory noise at a target destination. This noise can be as loud as four creatures per mental category level.
This spell requires verbal and somatic components, and requires the target area to be close.

Silent Image
Create an illusion of something. This illusion has no sound, smell, texture, or temperature. The illusion stays up for a minute per mental category. The user can move the illusion by focusing, making it appear animated as they envision in their mind or move to another destination.
This spell requires verbal and somatic components. It can target areas very far away.
>>
No. 1083734 ID: d56515
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1083734

”And hey, if you have any questions, throw em’ my way! I have to play by certain rules, so I can’t guarantee you’ll get an answer, but I’ll definitely answer what I can!”
>>
No. 1083745 ID: 462d8c

Grease, Vanish, Ghost sound, and Silent image

A lot of trickery without going into the ethics of mind control
>>
No. 1083753 ID: 5ebd37

>>1083745
seconded, trickery is the bard's purview.
>>
No. 1083754 ID: eb0a9c

>>1083733
Charm Creature
Suggestion
Vanish
Cure Light Wounds
>>
No. 1083757 ID: e51896

>>1083745
>>1083753

I'm with these two.

Ghost sound and Silent Image would make an excellent combo! think about it, we can create an illusion of a monster, or somebody, and then use ghost sound to make the illusion make sounds to make the illusion more believable. those are my top choices

vanish will also be good for the combo too if we want to stay hidden while casting the illusion and sound.

I'm fine with grease, tho suggestion is a good choice too if not grease. Using suggestion with the ghost ound and silent image could trick people into doing what we want easier. but honestly, I'll stick with grease.

Question: can we learn the other skills later?
>>
No. 1083759 ID: 184595

Yes, Ghost Sound and Silent Image. We can use these to enhance musical performances, as well.

Even though we got dexterity instead of mentals, I'm partial to Charm Person and Suggestion. This is another killer combo; if someone likes us more, they'll be more open to our Suggestions. It doesn't look like there are many spells that would combo with increased dexterity, either, so I think that sticking with a social manipulation theme is a reasonable play.
>>
No. 1083771 ID: 8f9bc4

I'd go with abilities that give the most opportunities for interesting things to happen. Killer combos have well, predictable results.

Charm Creature
Grease
Vanish
Ghost Sound
>>
No. 1083824 ID: 344e2f

>>1083759
This
>>
No. 1083827 ID: 443b73

Anything is fine as long as we have Cure Light Wounds. I got so much use out of this spell...
>>
No. 1083833 ID: 2f41db

>>1083745
Good selections.
Potential for combinations aplenty.

Im with this one talking sky mouse!

Hey, do you think grease is effective as a lube?
Aahaha.
Just messin with you whisper.

My mind is fully focused on helping our new best friend weasel out of trouble and offering sage counsel.
>>
No. 1083836 ID: 1ecc81

>>1083833
>My mind is fully focused on helping our new best friend weasel out of trouble and offering sage counsel.
Same thing, but also occasionally giving relationship advice to help her get a date!
>>
No. 1083895 ID: 0496af

>>1083733
Charm creature
Grease
Vanish
Cure light wounds

Omitted the mimicry spells cause it seems that it can be dismissed by there not being any smell
and cure wounds will let our weasel fix right up
>>
No. 1083899 ID: f7d131

>Spells
Charm creature, Grease, Inflict light wounds, and Vanish.

A sly character that likes defusing or weaseling out of situations, but can harm someone if push comes to shove.

>Questions
Why did you refer to this person in the gender neutral if you already knew them?
Are we... are we retroactively changing this fellow's identity with our choices?

What's the bet? What's the objective? What are the stakes?

Who did you make the bet with?

Are you God?

Why are you a metaphorical pidgeon? Is it because God likes them more than everyone else?

Why do clouds look so fluffy when they are actually just mist? Why can't I have an actual fluffy cloud? Why?!
>>
No. 1084005 ID: cf9629

>>1083734
>questions?
Are you free later? We'd love to take you out on a date some time. Maybe even get some smooches?~
>>
No. 1084012 ID: c058cf
File 170856225385.png - (9.06KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 4.png )
1084012

>Why are you a metaphorical pidgeon? Is it because God likes them more than everyone else?

”Yes! Though I wouldn’t have called myself a pigeon, my favorite form is the Weski. They’re so dang cute. But I also like Nimbulasa a lot too!”

>Hey, do you think grease is effective as a lube?
>Aahaha.
>Just messin with you whisper.

”Grease has a lot of uses! And you’re a pervert!”

>My mind is fully focused on helping our new best friend weasel out of trouble and offering sage counsel.

”But you also mean well, and I’m glad you're willing to help!”

>Are you free later? We'd love to take you out on a date some time. Maybe even get some smooches?~

”A-ah! U-um, It’ll probably be a bit before we meet again! But that sounds… lovely? I could try to schedule it in!”
>>
No. 1084013 ID: c058cf
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1084013

>Question: can we learn the other skills later?

”Yes! There might be ways to earn them as you explore with your host, and everytime I come and visit, I’ll offer you further benefits! Likewise, strange things are abound in the world. You never know what you might find!”

>Why did you refer to this person in the gender neutral if you already knew them?
>Are we... are we retroactively changing this fellow's identity with our choices?

”It’s… a bit complicated to explain that. I assure you, no one’s identity is being retroactively changed, more like… form fitted.”

>What's the bet? What's the objective? What are the stakes?

”I can’t give you any details about the bet. It might alter who wins after all. As for your objective, safety! Keep it alive. The stakes are a person’s life, but… there might be more once things settle down.”

>Who did you make the bet with?

”A friend of mine, which kind of leads into your other question.”

>Are you God?

”Sort of. My friend and I are a bit… how do I word this without sounding full of myself? A bit higher tier?”

>Why do clouds look so fluffy when they are actually just mist? Why can't I have an actual fluffy cloud? Why?!

”Oh this cloud is definitely mist. I’m kinda just floating along with it! Sorry!”

”Also it looks like you’ve picked your spells!”


Weighted Votes, Chosen Randomly:
Grease - 7 [Chosen]
Vanish - 8 [Chosen]
Ghost Sound - 6
Silent Image - 5 [Chosen]
Charm Creature - 5 [Chosen]
Suggestion - 2
Cure Light Wounds - 3
Inflict Light Wounds - 1

”Nice choices, no one’s gonna be able to draw a bead on you two! I’m sending you off now! Remember, no matter what anyone says, getting your host to safety is your main priority. Let’s see what you can do, good luck!“
>>
No. 1084014 ID: c058cf
File 170856225977.png - (148.61KB , 500x500 , Page 3 Set 4.png )
1084014

Let us see indeed…
>>
No. 1084015 ID: c058cf
File 170856226379.png - (59.26KB , 500x500 , Page 4 Set 4.png )
1084015

Confusion, Pain
What… agh… where…
>>
No. 1084016 ID: c058cf
File 170856226682.png - (71.40KB , 500x500 , Page 5 Set 4.png )
1084016

Confusion, Pain, Fear
Where am I…? What happened?
>>
No. 1084017 ID: c058cf
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1084017

Ah, I was wondering when you would wake up. Thought you’d get away, did you? Nicked some of our goods, though gods forbid asking why you stole only the box. Figure we’ll be finding out soon enough.

What? The box…

Confusion, Pain, SHIT! Where’s the box?!
The box!

Yes, yes. The box. The one with the stupid symbol on it. Don’t suppose you could tell us how to open it, could you?

I-I don’t remember…

Ah, that’s a classic. Here, this might help you remember.
>>
No. 1084018 ID: c058cf
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1084018

He’s… No no no no! PAIN!
AHHHHHHHHHhhhh!! AGHhh…! Hah… hah… ugh...

Remember anything?

NO! P-PLEASE, I DON’T REMEMBER! I DON’T REMEMBER ANYTHING!!
>>
No. 1084019 ID: c058cf
File 170856227517.png - (11.46KB , 500x500 , Page 8 Set 4.png )
1084019

Shame that is. That’s alright. We’ll let that simmer for a bit while I get a drink. I’ll be back though, and I’m wondering if some of my other tools’ll help jog your memory. Think you could remember before I return?

W-why…

Went out of your way to go and steal it didn’t you? Especially since we’re out in the middle of nowhere, how would you have even known we’d find it here? Must be something valuable inside. Don’t worry, we can keep at this for a while, I’ve plenty of healing on hand.

SLAM

misery...

I’m not sure what proper etiquette is for maintaining some form of character sheet and inventory, so I’ve made this google sheet for the moment. If there’s a better method, please let me know. Looking forward to running the quest!
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No. 1084020 ID: 1726cf

Might help if I link the damn thing. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J--jGpfxRs4Dr_MHsmfS662_oyL3BN8a1qVj0hPzwbA/edit?usp=sharing[/spoiler]
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No. 1084022 ID: 462d8c

Currently not a good way to keep character sheets on-site. Usually keeping a wiki entry up to date. A google doc works just fine

Well dang, we're not in a good position. Can you wiggle around at all? Able to cast spells? Cause grease might be able to help slip us out of the bindings

>no one’s identity is being retroactively changed, more like… form fitted.
The Whisper says trans rights
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No. 1084023 ID: 2f41db

>>1084019
Ah damn.
Ok.
Ok.
First things first.
Yes, you're hearing voices.

No, you havent suffered a psychotic episode though the day youre having i wouldnt blame you if you were.
No, were not one of the asshole with the knife's friends using magic to mess with you.

Think of us as... as...
Uh.
Non denominational guardian angels?

We want to help.
Unfortunately we can only offer advice and encouragement.
Think of it as many extra sets of eyes watching your back.

Say.
Whats your name?
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No. 1084026 ID: 7d6680
File 170856616871.png - (70.87KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 5.png )
1084026

>Well dang, we're not in a good position.

PANIC! WHERE IS THAT VOICE?!

W-What the fuck?! Who said that?! Help!

>First things first.
>Yes, you're hearing voices

Wariness! Wait… w-what?

>No, you havent suffered a psychotic episode though the day youre having i wouldnt blame you if you were.
>No, were not one of the asshole with the knife's friends using magic to mess with you.

I-I’m not thinking this?

>Think of us as... as...
>Uh.
>Non denominational guardian angels?

...

>We want to help.
>Unfortunately we can only offer advice and encouragement.
>Think of it as many extra sets of eyes watching your back.

O-ok…

>Say.
>Whats your name?

My name? Uhm… I… I can’t remember…

>Can you wiggle around at all? Able to cast spells? Cause grease might be able to help slip us out of the bindings

I uh… I don’t know if I can cast spells? I don’t think I’ve ever done that before. These
straps aren’t tied on too tightly though, I don’t think they’ve ever tied down a Tachidoki before. I can probably wiggle out.

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No. 1084030 ID: 273c18

>>1084026
Good, get started wiggling. Fortunately for you, we know some things about you, so we can help jog your memory. You are a Bard. You can cast spells with the help of an instrument. Your current spells are Grease, Vanish, Silent Image, Charm Creature.
You are female and have improved dexterity compared to others of your race.

My guess is that that box is important to the higher tier entity known as The Whisper, but currently our main objective is to keep you alive. We don't know anything about the box.
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No. 1084031 ID: 5ebd37

Can you get your head close enough to where the straps are attached to inspect them? Maybe you could pull them loose with your teeth.
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No. 1084032 ID: 443b73

Listen up Fun Noodle, you are getting out of here!
First get out of those bindings.
Second grab that sickle.
Then figure out how to cast spells, god told us you can do it. Try detect magic, it should require some kind of hand gesture and verbal chanting, maybe something musical. Once you get the hang of it we are ready to turn the tables on that sadistic fuck!
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No. 1084035 ID: 184595

You like music, right? Everyone likes music. We're in a frightening place, in a delicate situation, so we need to keep our nerves about us. Think about your favorite songs, and try to keep them in your head. Hum along to them a bit—if nothing else, it will keep the fear from getting to you too badly.
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No. 1084058 ID: 8f9bc4

You're so pretty! Hi! Hello!

Wiggle for your life! You can most assuredly cast spells. Cast Grease on the straps! You should slip right out!
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No. 1084061 ID: 8f9bc4

make a thread on /questdis/ if you could.
Ignore any suggestions we make at your convenience, up to the point that the hero doesn't even hear them. We won't be upset if you don't take them (to a point), and we can be so noisy here it disrupts the story. Check the >>/questdis/121761 quest advice thread as well as http://questden.org/wiki/Advice_for_Running_a_Quest and Good Luck!

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No. 1084064 ID: eb0a9c

>>1084026
...Ah. Well, we apologize, but...
It appears we're GFs.
You don't need to know what those are. What's important is that some of your memory data has been swapped with programs.

When we bumped into your head we knocked some memories around and put spellcasting in the hole.

You should be able to cast magic... though, I don't have any memories on the instructions for casting magic. Take a quick brainstorm; try to remember your family, your ambitions, your first kill or shag or killshag. If a random thought pops in your head instead, follow it and it should lead to the instruction manual.
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No. 1084069 ID: 2f41db

>>1084026
Well, im just gonna call you slinky until you remember.

So, you know you can get outta those bindings.
Good.
The suggestion to hum a favorite old song is a good one.
Keeps your mind calm, plus might help you remember something. You dont need a title for it, just start humming and seen where it leads you.
May jog something loose in the old memory.

When youre ready, wiggle free and we'll start thinking on the waymout of this place.
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No. 1084334 ID: 016291
File 170873883820.png - (12.37KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 6.png )
1084334

>Good, get started wiggling.
>Wiggle for your life!
>First get out of those bindings.
>Can you get your head close enough to where the straps are attached to inspect them? Maybe you could pull them loose with your teeth.
>When youre ready, wiggle free and we'll start thinking on the waymout of this place.

A-alright. I start to wiggle back and forth, and find it easier to slink back on myself and break free from the frontward strap. The other strap is a bit more tight though. With half my body free however, I lean around and gnaw through the backend strap. Eaugh… t-the cut on my side flares with pain as I turn to do so, and my head is killing me, but with some effort I’m free from the table.
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No. 1084335 ID: 016291
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1084335

>The suggestion to hum a favorite old song is a good one. Keeps your mind calm, plus might help you remember something. You dont need a title for it, just start humming and seen where it leads you. May jog something loose in the old memory.
>You like music, right? Everyone likes music. We're in a frightening place, in a delicate situation, so we need to keep our nerves about us. Think about your favorite songs, and try to keep them in your head. Hum along to them a bit—if nothing else, it will keep the fear from getting to you too badly.

I-if you say so…


“A-along the shore the cloud waves break…
The twin suns sink behind the lake,
The shadows lengthen in Carcosa~

Strange is the night where black stars rise,
And strange moons circle through the skies
But stranger still is lost Carcosa~

Songs that the Hyades shall sing,
Where flap the tatters of the King,
Must die unheard in dim Carcosa~

Song of my soul, my voice is dead;
Die thou, unsung, as tears unshed
Shall dry and die in lost Carcosa~”


Mhm… you were right... I feel way better now. Thank you.
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No. 1084336 ID: 016291
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1084336

>...Ah. Well, we apologize, but...
>It appears we're GFs.
Um… you’re right, I have no idea what a GF is. Girlfriends?

And that sounds bad? Good?

>You don't need to know what those are. What's important is that some of your memory data has been swapped with programs.
>When we bumped into your head we knocked some memories around and put spellcasting in the hole.
>You should be able to cast magic... though, I don't have any memories on the instructions for casting magic. Take a quick brainstorm; try to remember your family, your ambitions, your first kill or shag or killshag. If a random thought pops in your head instead, follow it and it should lead to the instruction manual.
>You can most assuredly cast spells.
>Then figure out how to cast spells, god told us you can do it. Try detect magic, it should require some kind of hand gesture and verbal chanting, maybe something musical. Once you get the hang of it we are ready to turn the tables on that sadistic fuck!

Right, remember something! That’ll help for sure. Ok……….. um………. I’m… having a hard time remembering anything. Like at all. I can’t remember my family, my name, my first shag and/or killshag. I don’t even know why I’m here, or…

>My guess is that that box is important to the higher tier entity known as The Whisper, but currently our main objective is to keep you alive. We don't know anything about the box.

A box! Yeah, it was really important! It… had something really important inside it, but… er, I’m sorry, I really can’t remember anything more besides that. I have no idea who the Whisper is, stupid name though.

As for casting magic, I could feel something when I was singing earlier, you’re right. I’ll try singing again.

Mhmm~ in the lake of black, rests the old one~

I’m trying to focus on casting something, it feels like I’m really close, but I’m missing something important. As if I need a medium or something to will it forward.

>Fortunately for you, we know some things about you, so we can help jog your memory. You are a Bard. You can cast spells with the help of an instrument. Your current spells are Grease, Vanish, Silent Image, Charm Creature.

A bard? Like one of those musical dandies? Weird. Oh! Yeah! An instrument, that’s what I’m missing!
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No. 1084337 ID: 016291
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1084337

>Second grab that sickle.

Sickle acquired. I take a look at my reflection in the blade. Sharp! Let me know if you need me to describe anything for you by the way. I don’t exactly know what you’re capable of seeing.
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No. 1084338 ID: 016291
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1084338

>Well, im just gonna call you slinky until you remember.
>Listen up Fun Noodle, you are getting out of here!

So like, can you call me something maybe a little less silly than that? And what should I call you all?
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No. 1084339 ID: 016291
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1084339

And once we figure that out… it’s time to teach these assholes a lesson.
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No. 1084342 ID: a82ba2

Discussion Thread: >>/questdis/141736
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No. 1084360 ID: 2f41db

>>1084338
Well slinky, we couuuld but then we'd miss the chance that you'll get mad at one point and blurt out your real name reflex.
You know, like "dammit voices, stop calling me that, my name is"

Oh, that was a lovely song by the by, i can see why you like it.

Say, talking music...
maybe your voice is your instrument.
Singing or humming as some way of aligning you mind and mana with your will.

Focus on an image of yourself, still tied up. Visualise it as you hum.
Worth a shot huh slinky?
If you can pull that off it'd be a good distraction when the asshole cones back.
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No. 1084361 ID: af7615

Would any instrument do? Like drumming on the table, or a saw harp, or blowing on a bottle? Maybe you could improvise something?

Also, I suspect that getting the heck out of dodge is probably a better option than retribution; I don't think we know how many enemies are in this place, do we? Though - I guess if we were able to kill our tormentor QUIETLY (or covered up with our own expected screaming), it might be longer before our absence was noticed.
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No. 1084362 ID: af7615

OR, duh, is your own stuff nearby? Your own instrument?
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No. 1084363 ID: eb0a9c

You know what a slinky is? Strange.
Because most worlds that still have kings in stone castles haven't learned how to precision-forge a thin strip of metal into a single-piece set of compressed rings.

The more you know about 'Tech', the more suspicious we're going to be about... outside interference to your world.

Okay, according to what the higher powers told us, you should have the "Grease" spell in your mind. I don't know how it works, but it makes for an easy trap.
Just cast the spell near the door, then grab the lit brazier and prepare to set whoever slips on the oil on fire.
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No. 1084365 ID: be9225

Whoa whoa whoa, before you can teach them a lesson, you gotta get dressed first. Go find that cloak of yours... unless... you are okay with being a nudist or theres no taboo on nudity in this world. Do you remember if there is or not?

And we probably dont have to teach them a lesson, we can just sneak out if we can without putting ourselves in danger., preferably with the box. We were told to help you survive, and survival is top priority.

If you think whisper is a stupid name, you can also call them solo instead

Just call us "the winds of direction" "winds" for short.

For your name, you look like an Amber to me.

So what are those drinks of the counter? Might want to take them, but dont drink them. Also, open the drawers, see whats inside
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No. 1084369 ID: 8f9bc4

> I can’t remember my family, my name, my etc

You can't... remember your family? Oh no! That won't do at all! There has to be something you can do to remember them. Family is important!

Right now you need to get to safety.

> like one of those musical dandies?

Aha, so you do remember something! OK OK focusing on safety yes.

> can you call me something maybe a little less silly than that? And what should I call you all?

Is not being called Slinky really your first priority here?? We can work on remembering your name later! A sickle's great for threshing wheat, but you're probably not a brawler if we accidentally made you be a bard. Sorry. No hiding place here. Peek out the door. Bards can sneakysneak a little, so less claw more pad, try not to make any noise. It'll probably work!
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No. 1084378 ID: 5ebd37

Well, lovely locks, you're deep in enemy territory, time for stealth. Did they bother to lock the door? It seems like they're underestimating you, but that won't last. Do you hear anyone in the hall?
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No. 1084466 ID: 15a025

Do you see anything else in the room that might be useful?
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No. 1084562 ID: 829081
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1084562

>Oh, that was a lovely song by the by, i can see why you like it.

Thanks! The lyrics just… kinda came to me.

>Whoa whoa whoa, before you can teach them a lesson, you gotta get dressed first. Go find that cloak of yours... unless... you are okay with being a nudist or theres no taboo on nudity in this world. Do you remember if there is or not?

Get dressed? Wait, wha- AHH! Where are my clothes!? C-can you all see me?! I-I’m not a nudist!
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No. 1084563 ID: 829081
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1084563

>Well slinky, we couuuld but then we'd miss the chance that you'll get mad at one point and blurt out your real name reflex. You know, like "dammit voices, stop calling me that, my name is"

I’m already past that point! I’m naked and a bunch of voices in my head keep calling me stupid names!

>You know what a slinky is? Strange. Because most worlds that still have kings in stone castles haven't learned how to precision-forge a thin strip of metal into a single-piece set of compressed rings.

I-I don’t know what you’re talking about? The name just sounds kind of mean! Y-you’re just calling me a slink and putting y at the end of it! What the heck do rings have to do with any of that?!

>For your name, you look like an Amber to me.
>Is not being called Slinky really your first priority here?? We can work on remembering your name later!

Aargh! Fine! Just call me whatever! But we are talking about this later!

>OR, duh, is your own stuff nearby? Your own instrument?

I-I don’t know if I had any stuff! I can’t remember anything substantial! You mentioned I had a cloak earlier? I don’t see anything like that in the room! Gods, I really wish I had something to wear…
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No. 1084564 ID: 829081
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1084564

>Say, talking music… maybe your voice is your instrument. Singing or humming as some way of aligning you mind and mana with your will.

>Focus on an image of yourself, still tied up. Visualise it as you hum. Worth a shot huh slinky? If you can pull that off it'd be a good distraction when the asshole cones back.

Deep breaths… magic is greater than clothes at the moment. Okay, I try singing and focusing on casting a spell, but I get the same feeling. It’s on the verge of release, I just need something… anything to play it through.

>Would any instrument do? Like drumming on the table, or a saw harp, or blowing on a bottle? Maybe you could improvise something?

Not a bad idea! I start tapping my claws on the table along with the rhythm of the song I’m humming and… I can feel something happening! My song thrums with intent and power, and while the casting is a little messy, it works! Look! It’s an illusion of me! I can feel a connection to it too, as if I can control its movements and where it is! I make it give me some finger guns, and then I focus on it being tied up on the table.

I-it was a bit draining though… I think I can only do that a few more times.
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No. 1084565 ID: 829081
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1084565

>Just call us "the winds of direction" "winds" for short.
Okay, winds, gotcha.

>Well, lovely locks, you're deep in enemy territory, time for stealth. Did they bother to lock the door? It seems like they're underestimating you, but that won't last. Do you hear anyone in the hall?
>No hiding place here. Peek out the door.

I move up to the door and listen for a moment. Hearing nothing, I try to open it as quietly as I can. It isn’t locked. Taking a look through, it’s pretty dark. It appears to be a hallway with some stairs leading up at the end to a double door, and some doors interspersed on the sides. The place looks pretty badly damaged, there’s a dirt cave in to my immediate left, cracks everywhere, and a gnarly root growing out of the wall towards the end of the hallway. I don’t smell any unfamiliar scents nearby.
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No. 1084566 ID: 829081
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1084566

>Try detect magic, it should require some kind of hand gesture and verbal chanting, maybe something musical.

>So what are those drinks of the counter?

I don’t know. They’re green and sealed with a crystalline topper. This seems like a good opportunity for detect magic!

W-woah. This is… really weird. Is this what the Weave is? The drinks are so different from everything around, I… focus my gaze on them, their threads and…

>MENTALITY CHECK: 3 > 2 = SUCCESS

...and they’re both Potions of Cure Light Wounds. They’ll heal the wounds of living creatures. I don’t have a bag, and one of my hands is holding the sickle, so I pick up one of the potions in my other hand and leave the other on the table. After taking a quick look around and not seeing anything else magical, I revert back to my normal sight.

Was I really someone capable of doing that before? I-I feel like I’d remember something as memorable as that. Hmm…
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No. 1084567 ID: 829081
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1084567

>Also, open the drawers, see whats inside

I jiggle the left drawer, and it opens without issue. Inside is a thread of string and a needle, a cloth sack, a few pieces of paper, a quill, some sealed ink, a small mirror, and…

>MENTALITY CHECK: 3 > 3 = FAILURE

...some kind of small bomb looking thing, but no clothes! I take all the items and put both of the potions inside the cloth sack, then strap it around myself. Getting there! Honestly… drinking one of those potions sounds like a good idea right now, my side and head are really hurting, but I want your opinion first.

I try jiggling the other drawer, but it seems to be locked. It feels like there’s something light inside, kinda like the paper from earlier.

>Do you see anything else in the room that might be useful?

The leather straps on the table could come in handy now that you mention it. I’ve already gnawed one through, so it looks a little weird with my illusion, and I can just change the illusion to have those straps. I use my sickle to cut them away and stuff them in my bag. Other than that though, I don’t see anything else in here of note.
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No. 1084568 ID: 829081
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1084568

>Okay, according to what the higher powers told us, you should have the "Grease" spell in your mind. I don't know how it works, but it makes for an easy trap. Just cast the spell near the door, then grab the lit brazier and prepare to set whoever slips on the oil on fire.

Er… I can do that winds… and I can’t see that failing to kill him, but that’s a dark way to go. I can only cast so many spells too. If you think this is the best method though… I’ll do what needs to be done.

>Also, I suspect that getting the heck out of dodge is probably a better option than retribution; I don't think we know how many enemies are in this place, do we? Though - I guess if we were able to kill our tormentor QUIETLY (or covered up with our own expected screaming), it might be longer before our absence was noticed.

Setting someone on fire is also probably going to be pretty loud. I might be able to mask their screams with my own performance… but… jeez. I don’t really want to kill anyone if I can help it… maybe beat up them up a bit.

>Right now you need to get to safety. A sickle's great for threshing wheat, but you're probably not a brawler if we accidentally made you be a bard. Sorry. Bards can sneakysneak a little, so less claw more pad, try not to make any noise. It'll probably work!

That’s what I should be thinking about, yeah. I need to escape this place with the box, and I’d rather not get into a direct fight if possible. I’m still naked, and I don’t know where I am or how many enemies I have. They probably don’t have the same qualms I have, considering t-that guy from before was going to try and torture me… I’m sorry for snapping at you earlier winds, but I really need your help. What should I do?
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No. 1084572 ID: 7c55ad

Based off of experience, double doors usually mean an exit/entrance to a building (this case, probably an exit), or an entrance to somewhere important like a throne room.

we'll save that double door for later when we find the package, anything cool we can find, and get you dressed.

as for what to do next, I think we looted the important stuff we can from this room. unless there's something under the bed, go into the next room, and put your ear against the doors. If you hear noises, don't go in and go in one with no noises as we don't want to get spotted.
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No. 1084573 ID: 273c18

>>1084566
Drink one of the potions, since you're injured and have limited carrying capacity. Use it or lose it, I say!

>>1084568
Not ambushing the guard is reasonable, we don't really need to do that. Bring your illusion with you, you can either use it as a distraction or as a way of hiding yourself. At some point we're probably going to have to use Vanish, but I don't know how long it'll last so we should make it count. It's awkward drumming on things to cast but it'll have to do... oh, can you take the drawer out completely? That way you can look at the drawer under it without pulling it out, and also use the drawer as a improvised portable drum.

I don't see anything else in the room besides the table and lamp. You could look under the table? The lamp seems too awkward to drag around as an improvised weapon. You could take one or two of the rocks from the rubble outside, throwing one could cause a momentary distraction.

Go listen at the doors outside, and peek through any you can't hear people behind.
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No. 1084575 ID: 2f41db

>>1084562
If it helps, you can imagine were all naked too.

I'll hold off on the slinky for a wee bit but i assure you theres nothing insulting hidden there. Promise i'll explain it at another, better time.

>>1084564
>>1084566
Excellent spellcraft.
You're a natural at this sli...n.
Uh.
Go you.

>>1084567
Ok.
You have a bag now. Good.
Can store your spare potion and the other things.
I trust your assessment of it and agree itd be worth using one. Lessen the pain and clear your head a little.

Looking at the other drawer, you dont have the tools to jimmy the lock and forcing it may be too noisey, but you could check if its a shared cavity.
If the other drawer comes all the way out, do so quietly, if not reach your hand in and feel if theres a partition between the two drawers.
May be able to either pull out the paper or flip whatever mechanisms keeping it locked.
Worth a quick look but not high priority.

Only other thing id suggest is when listening at the doors feel at the edges for a draught.
Could help tell you if its a room with a way out

We'll do our best to advise you in ways that will help avoid conflict.
Killing, even villain like your captors, is a hard thing to do and its not something we want to put you through if it can be avoided.
So, chin up lil' slin... sister.
You've taken the First steps on a short journey that leads to your freedom.
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No. 1084576 ID: 273c18

Ok *I'll* explain what a slinky is. It's like a really weak spring whose natural state is fully compressed, so that you can stretch it out a bit and it'll try to weakly spring back but you can't compress it at all. It has a sort of momentum-conserving property where you can shove it in a direction along a floor or especially a downward slope and it will appear to "walk" by repeatedly toppling over in an arch and drawing its back end forwards. It's also fun to move from hand to hand.

Long animals such as yourself are compared to them because of the arching shape slinkies make, and how long you can stretch them.
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No. 1084581 ID: 443b73

>dirt cave in to my immediate left
So this place is, at least partially, underground. There is dirt between the northern room and the torture chamber. The northern room must be slender than this hub area, maybe it's a corridor.
At this point it's a likely hypothesis that the torture chamber is acoustically isolated and the only place someone could hear your previous singing would be the hub. I'm more confident no one from the north heard you so check the south-west first.


>If it helps, you can imagine were all naked too.
No need to pretend, I am.
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No. 1084590 ID: 8f9bc4

> C-can you all see me?! I-I’m not a nudist!

Not a nudist... yet!

> Was I really someone capable of doing that before?

The Whisper told us that "no one’s identity is being retroactively changed, more like… form fitted" so... ...maybe?

> I’m sorry for snapping at you earlier winds, but I really need your help. What should I do?

You have 3 spells left before you need to rest, so use them sparingly! You need a hiding place, you need an instrument, and you need an exit. The box is important, but you need to keep yourself safe. You can always come back to retrieve it, more skilled and better prepared.

> drinking one of those potions sounds like a good idea right now, my side and head are really hurting, but I want your opinion first.

Our amazing magical powers can divine your basic health, and you're about halfway to the limit of your pain tolerance. It's your call, but if you take one potion, it won't be wasted. If you take two potions, you'll be at full health, but one of the potions will be half wasted.

I'm sure you'll heal with some lengthy bedrest once you're safe, but saving your potions won't do any good if you don't make it that far! I'd say drink one, and save the second.
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No. 1084771 ID: 2ea297
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1084771

>Drink one of the potions, since you're injured and have limited carrying capacity. Use it or lose it, I say!
>I'd say drink one, and save the second.

Aye aye! I pull the stopper off and start chugging. And wow! I wasn’t expecting it to be so tasty. It’s really sweet, like candy, and has some heavy lime flavor. There’s something else that really brings it together too, some magical sensation I can’t really figure out how to describe. I’ve never had anything like this before, so it’s kinda hard to describe it, but imagine a bunch of sharp popping feelings that tickle my mouth.

As I drink it, I can instantly feel the magic running its course. The cut along my flank disappears, along with the pain, and my head stops hurting so much. There are still some minor aches across my body, but I feel a ton better. I kinda wanna drink the other just to enjoy it, but you’re right, I should save it.

>If it helps, you can imagine were all naked too.
>No need to pretend, I am.
>Not a nudist... yet!

Whether fortunately or not, I have no frame of reference in which to imagine that. And I’m not a nudist… ever!

>Ok *I'll* explain what a slinky is. It's like a really weak spring whose natural state is fully compressed, so that you can stretch it out a bit and it'll try to weakly spring back but you can't compress it at all. It has a sort of momentum-conserving property where you can shove it in a direction along a floor or especially a downward slope and it will appear to "walk" by repeatedly toppling over in an arch and drawing its back end forwards. It's also fun to move from hand to hand.

>Long animals such as yourself are compared to them because of the arching shape slinkies make, and how long you can stretch them.

Huh. Well… I guess I am kinda stretchy, though I think if I toppled over I’d probably just fall on my butt. So it’s sort of like a weird spring toy? You all have some weird ideas, with your nudisms and your slinkies.
>>
No. 1084772 ID: 2ea297
File 170909428698.png - (11.26KB , 500x500 , Page 2 Set 8.png )
1084772

>oh, can you take the drawer out completely?

Yeah, surprisingly I can! And there’s no partition in between them! Big security flaw if you ask me. Quietly placing down the drawer, I take a look at the contents within the other drawer. There really wasn’t much inside besides a rolled up piece of paper. The parchment feels really durable though, way higher quality than the paper in the top drawer. Opening it up, I am greeted with a puff of dust. I bat it away and look at the scroll, there’s a poorly drawn face with some straight lines over it, and a buncha squiggles drawn all over. Talk about disappointment!

>also use the drawer as a improvised portable drum
I grab it by the handle and try to start carrying it with me, but it’s sort of heavy and awkward. Sorry, I’m gonna put it back where it belongs for now.
>>
No. 1084773 ID: 2ea297
File 170909428835.png - (15.09KB , 700x500 , Page 3 Set 8.png )
1084773

>Bring your illusion with you, you can either use it as a distraction or as a way of hiding yourself.
>Go listen at the doors outside, and peek through any you can't hear people behind.

Okey dokey! I step into the hallway and begin to shut the door to the torturer’s room before realizing I’m not going to be able to see without the light coming through the door, so I leave it a smidge open.

>You could take one or two of the rocks from the rubble outside, throwing one could cause a momentary distraction.

Honestly, I love collecting things, so alright! I pick up some of the rocks from the small cave-in into the bag. They’ll find their use, I’m sure!

>So this place is, at least partially, underground. There is dirt between the northern room and the torture chamber. The northern room must be slender than this hub area, maybe it's a corridor. At this point it's a likely hypothesis that the torture chamber is acoustically isolated and the only place someone could hear your previous singing would be the hub. I'm more confident no one from the north heard you so check the south-west first.
>Only other thing id suggest is when listening at the doors feel at the edges for a draught. Could help tell you if its a room with a way out
>we'll save that double door for later when we find the package, anything cool we can find, and get you dressed.

Right, good ideas all around. I’ll mark the doors for you all in my head, just to help with organizing. As I’m deciding which door to go through first, I feel a draught under door number 2. Maybe this’ll be easy!
>>
No. 1084774 ID: 2ea297
File 170909429190.png - (14.18KB , 500x500 , Page 4 Set 8.png )
1084774

Taking a listen at door 2, I hear something that surprises me. Rushing water! Taking a quick sniff, it’s a dull sort of gardeny scent. Peeking my head through the door, the sound of rushing water only gets louder. It’s a bit hard to see inside the room, but I can tell it's a wreck. There’s glints of broken glass on the floor, buckets strewn all about, and a broken cabinet.
>>
No. 1084775 ID: 2ea297
File 170909429307.png - (11.30KB , 500x500 , Page 5 Set 8.png )
1084775

Listening closely to door 3, I hear absolutely nothing. Quick sni- BLEAUGH! Ew! It smells really really bad in there! I have to stop myself from gagging! Ah… eaugh… ok, I steel myself, and reluctantly open the door. Yeah I can barely make out a kitchen…

I… don’t like this room. I’m gonna close the door. Hopefully you all got a good look, sorry.
>>
No. 1084776 ID: 2ea297
File 170909429591.png - (13.37KB , 700x500 , Page 6 Set 8.png )
1084776

Alright. Well with that out of the way, door 1! Same deal, listen, smell. I don’t hear anything, and honestly? I don’t smell much either. I take a peek through, and see what looks like a thin hallway with some prisoners' cells. There’s a really large cave in at the end, it looks like it’s blocking the way forward.
>>
No. 1084777 ID: 2ea297
File 170909429759.png - (14.88KB , 700x500 , Page 7 Set 8.png )
1084777

Lastly, I move up the stairs and listen at door four. I actually hear something this time, the murmuring of voices broken occasionally by a group's laughter, definitely more than two people. I lean into the door, trying to hear what could be being said, but I really can’t make anything out. Taking a sniff, I can smell that fucking asshole, the guy who cut me earlier. And then there’s… two other familiar scents? I don’t know why they’re familiar. Hmm, well there’s some other smells mixed together, but I can’t differentiate them. So at least four people in the other room, if not more.
>>
No. 1084778 ID: 2ea297
File 170909430041.png - (9.31KB , 500x500 , Page 8 Set 8.png )
1084778

Alright, I back away from the door without opening it. Some good information, but I didn’t see a way forward unless that water led somewhere, but it sounded like it was really ripping.

>We'll do our best to advise you in ways that will help avoid conflict. Killing, even villain like your captors, is a hard thing to do and its not something we want to put you through if it can be avoided.
>Not ambushing the guard is reasonable, we don't really need to do that.

T-thanks...

...I uh… ok, look. If at any point you believe it’s the best course of action to harm someone, don’t hesitate to give it. I’d rather get out of this alive and having killed than die because I didn’t take an opportunity I should have. Not that I’m saying it’s the immediate go-to, just… keep it as an option.

>You've taken the First steps on a short journey that leads to your freedom.

And with that grim message out of the way, veritably! Let us go forth and challenge the darkness!

>The box is important, but you need to keep yourself safe. You can always come back to retrieve it, more skilled and better prepared.

...Ah, right. Getting out of here is the number one goal.

(Discontent, paranoia. I-I can’t leave without that box.)
>>
No. 1084781 ID: 648392

Forgot to mention! If you could vote which room you'd like to explore, that would help me a lot!
>>
No. 1084791 ID: 273c18

I want to go into room 3, there's a sword in the back and a door. Maybe even a dumbwaiter; if you could get in there you might be able to reach another floor. However, the smell... well, leaving the door open for a bit could help. We could also look for something to cover your mouth/nose with.
Let's search room 2 to see if we can find something that works for that. It's also a potential escape route since it looks like there's a river behind that gate, but the gate might be locked.

There's shards on the floor, be careful. We might be able to use those for caltrops if they're sharp enough... There's a sign in the back? Can you read it?
>>
No. 1084792 ID: 7c55ad

things of note:
there is a harmonica in one of the prison cells! looks like we found you an instrument. most likely not your instrument before you got captured (assuming you had one before), but hey, harmonicas are a cool and underrated instruments, lets you play the blues, and easy to carry. we gotta get that asap so you can bard effectively. we might need to find a key howeverer, or something long enough to reach it and grab it towards you if you can't reach it with your arms... or maybe your noodley body can fit through the bars?

in the kitchen: there is another door, and a sword. If you don't want to stay in there long, focus on reaching for the sword, and inspect the other side of the door. If anything, the sword might be long enough to reach the harmonica and pull it towards you.
>>
No. 1084793 ID: 2f41db

Okay slinky.
Good scouting.
You have an impressive sense of smell.
Say...
Is it possible what youre smelling thats familiar in the occupied room are your clothes. And possibly the box?

The bad smelling room looks like an abandoned kitchen.
looks like a pantry in there but may be another room.
Theres also a scimitar on the wall above the suspected pantry.
Theres also two potential escape routes.
Theres a possible chimney and a dumb waiter
While i dont think youll want to take them without the box being found, itd be worth scouting.

In the prison chambers i think i spotted a skeleton.
Unfortunate guy may be holding a harmonica. Small and portable as instruments go.


Careful if you do go into the water room. Not sure but the floor looks strewn with debris.
While youre streaking, it could lead to cuts on your feet.

If im going to pick a first stop, id say room one.
Go see if you can reach the harmonica.
He'll be fine with you borrowing it.
Skeletons are surprisingly chill like that.
>>
No. 1084794 ID: 273c18

>>1084792
>harmonica
Oh that could be one, yeah. That should be our first priority, then. Changing my vote to door 1.
>>
No. 1084799 ID: 7c55ad

one last thing, when you go into the prison room, there a little bit of a opening that you can peek through one of the cells being blocked by the cave in. Maybe peek in and see if there's anything of interest in there too.

>Is it possible what youre smelling thats familiar in the occupied room are your clothes. And possibly the box?

That be nice. though consider it could instead be the Okagou and Iruki who knocked out our new friend out before taking her here. We might need to go in that room if we can't find clothing and the box anywhere else later.
>>
No. 1084804 ID: 7c55ad

Idea to reach the harmonica if you cant reach it:
use your sickle to hook and drag it to you
or
use your bag to try to drag it towards you
last resort if its even too far for your bag:
tie the sickle to one of the leather straps with the thread of string, and try to use that to drag the harmonica to you.
>>
No. 1084825 ID: 184595

We go to the dungeon.

Retrieving an instrument is indeed our top priority: we must ensure exercise of the full range of your powers. Once this is secured, see if the skeleton is guarding any other treasures in the cell that you might reach.
>>
No. 1084857 ID: 8f9bc4

Oh boy I didn't even see the harmonica! That's solid gold for you, right now! Get thee to the dungeon, and... what they said.

"Slinky" is an adjective btw, like stretchy, flexible or lithe. The spring toy was named after it, because it looks sort of slinky, when you wave it around.

> I-I can’t leave without that box.

If it's any comfort, these guys don't know how to open it. They didn't even know it was valuable until you uh, failed to steal it. You're not leaving. You're just... temporarily retreating to regroup, and then take the box.
>>
No. 1084866 ID: 5ebd37

Getting that harmonica is the priority. Use your bardly charm to get that skeleton to give it to you.
Room 2 seems to have a broken chair which could be turned into a makeshift torch.
>>
No. 1084868 ID: 7c55ad

we'll get that box, don't worry
>>
No. 1084901 ID: c75e0b

Door number two looks like most promising, or at least the least dangerous.

I like "Slinky" but you don't, so how about we call you... Tanna. It has a nice ring to it.
Could be Tanna Sybilant. Like with sybilant notes, which bards make; and also sneaky snakes, which weasels kind of are.

Speaking of names, does "Hastur" ring a bell?
>>
No. 1084909 ID: 7c55ad

>>1084901
I like how that name sounds
>>
No. 1084934 ID: 2f41db

>>1084901
Now, that IS a good nane.

You know what?
Use it.
Even after you remember your real one.
Bards change names like they change hats.
You could always use a spare.

I'll probably still call you slinky sometimes though.
You know, for funsies.
>>
No. 1084950 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1084934

Meh, sounds like the name of a high ranking cult member to me. Still holding hope that Slinky can find her birth name.
>>
No. 1084962 ID: 7c55ad

>>1084772
Oh wait! that poorly drawn picture of the face you picked up earlier, that's a drawing representing a human, and that's what all of us guiding you are, humans! Though humans actually have eyes above the nose, not a bimcj pf thick lines where the eyes should be. And most have hair on their head, This drawing is a bald human. Also, our noses aren't that big.

do you know what a human is in this world? though you guys do have different names for your species than what we call you guys in our world (Tachidokis are called weasles in our world) though it's only humans that are sapient, all other species are just wild in our world. With that in mind, humans might be called something different in your world. Did you recognize the species on the picture?

In any case, I wonder why it is there
>>
No. 1085029 ID: 2f41db

>>1084962
That is a good point.
Curious...
Worth keeping that paper till you can find out about this.

Keep it stashed safe tanna or slinky.
Keep it at the back of your mind.
Youve got a date with a boney feller and a harmonica to pilfer.
>>
No. 1085033 ID: 01c8e1
File 170934856582.png - (142.70KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 9.png )
1085033

>If it's any comfort, these guys don't know how to open it. They didn't even know it was valuable until you uh, failed to steal it. You're not leaving. You're just... temporarily retreating to regroup, and then take the box.
>we'll get that box, don't worry

O-oh, I didn’t… ah. I guess I can’t really hide my thoughts from you winds, can I.

I don’t know why, but I need that box. It’s still here, that Amurrun from before gave that away, but what if they leave with it as I escape, how am I going to find them? They could figure out how to open it, or something could happen to it! I can’t leave without it, and I know that sounds stupid, but I need to succeed or die trying. So… can you please help me make that happen?

>You have an impressive sense of smell. Say… Is it possible what youre smelling thats familiar in the occupied room are your clothes. And possibly the box?
>That be nice. though consider it could instead be the Okagou and Iruki who knocked out our new friend out before taking her here. We might need to go in that room if we can't find clothing and the box anywhere else later.

It's definitely not my clothes, it’d smell like me, and… it’s not the box. I’m not sure who brought me here, but if you say that I had two abductors, then that seems like a reasonable conclusion. I’m guessing that the final smell, the one I’m unfamiliar with, is another person if not more mixed together, but I can’t really determine that exactly. It definitely didn’t smell like food or something else I’d recognize.

>"Slinky" is an adjective btw, like stretchy, flexible or lithe. The spring toy was named after it, because it looks sort of slinky, when you wave it around.
>I like "Slinky" but you don't, so how about we call you... Tanna. It has a nice ring to it. Could be Tanna Sybilant. Like with sybilant notes, which bards make; and also sneaky snakes, which weasels kind of are.

It’s not that I hate Slinky, it just doesn’t seem like a real name? As you said, it’s more like an adjective, and you all have a toy named after it too. Tanna does sound nice though.

>I like how that name sounds
>Now, that IS a good nane. You know what? Use it. Even after you remember your real one. Bards change names like they change hats. You could always use a spare.

Well, I was gonna wait till we were out of this mess and if I still didn’t remember, but sure! I like the name a lot too. We can roll with it for now!

>Meh, sounds like the name of a high ranking cult member to me. Still holding hope that Slinky can find her birth name.

I really am too! For now though, I’d rather have a name, and we can always switch it later.

>I'll probably still call you slinky sometimes though. You know, for funsies.

Mental eye roll

>Speaking of names, does "Hastur" ring a bell?
>>
No. 1085034 ID: ced28d
File 170934858861.png - (37.24KB , 500x500 , Page 2 Set 9.png )
1085034

>>
No. 1085035 ID: ced28d
File 170934859237.png - (145.96KB , 500x500 , Page 3 Set 9.png )
1085035

Sorry, what name might ring a bell?

>>1084962

Oh, you’re all humans? I guess I have a frame of reference now. Yeah, I know what a human is, they’re fleshy n’ stuff, like dwarves, gnomes, and the rest of the non-fuzzies. If I knew where I was at, I could probably tell you if they were common around here.

>Worth keeping that paper till you can find out about this.

I did recognize that the face on there was a human too, it didn’t really occur to me whether that’d be significant to you all or not. Sorry!

>In the prison chambers i think i spotted a skeleton. Unfortunate guy may be holding a harmonica. Small and portable as instruments go.
>there is a harmonica in one of the prison cells!
>Oh boy I didn't even see the harmonica! That's solid gold for you, right now!
>Retrieving an instrument is indeed our top priority
>Get thee to the dungeon
>We go to the dungeon.

Ooh! A harmonica! In the dungeon? I’m on it! I make my way into the dungeon room and… ah, it’s really dark in here, I can’t see very well.

>Room 2 seems to have a broken chair which could be turned into a makeshift torch.

You’re right! Stepping into the water room, I grab one of the chair sticks and hold it over the torch in the torturer’s room for a bit. It won’t last very long since it’s a poorly made torch, but it’ll work for now.
>>
No. 1085036 ID: ced28d
File 170934859437.png - (14.80KB , 500x500 , Page 4 Set 9.png )
1085036

>He'll be fine with you borrowing it. Skeletons are surprisingly chill like that.

I see the harmonica next to Mr. Skeleton. He does seem pretty chill, just lying on the ground like that, he probably won’t mind if I borrow his harmonica for a bit.

>Go see if you can reach the harmonica.
>something long enough to reach it and grab it towards you if you can't reach it with your arms... or maybe your noodley body can fit through the bars?

I try reaching through with my arms, but it’s just a bit too far away. Likewise, it seems the bars were made for all shapes and sizes, I really can’t find a good purchase to get myself through with my, *ahem*, noodly body.

>Use your bardly charm to get that skeleton to give it to you.

Mr. Skeleton, might I humbly ask you to deliver your harmonica unto me? I promise to use it with the utmost care and reverence.
>>
No. 1085037 ID: ced28d
File 170934859780.png - (3.55KB , 500x500 , Page 5 Set 9.png )
1085037


(No)
>>
No. 1085038 ID: ced28d
File 170934860024.png - (8.44KB , 500x500 , Page 6 Set 9.png )
1085038

Fine, be that way.

>use your bag to try to drag it towards you
>DEXTERITY CHECK: 4 > 2 = SUCCESS

I take my stuff out of the bag really quick and sling it through the bars to try and drag the harmonica towards me. Taking care to make sure I don’t knock it away further accidentally, I successfully manage to get the bag propped up against it, and slowly drag it back.

And just like that, I have the harmonica! Behold! It’s a solid little metal instrument, albeit a little rusty. I give it a test fweet, and it gives a sweet and sonorous tone! Immediately, I can feel magic and intent well up just from that, this thing is a WAY better medium than tapping on the desk from before.

>Maybe peek in and see if there's anything of interest in there too.

There’s a bucket in the far left corner, and a bedroll slumped at the end. Besides that, I don’t see much more in this particular cell.
>>
No. 1085039 ID: ced28d
File 170934860215.png - (25.77KB , 500x500 , Page 7 Set 9.png )
1085039

>there a little bit of a opening that you can peek through one of the cells being blocked by the cave in. Maybe peek in and see if there's anything of interest in there too.

Sure, I can take a looksy. Ignoring the other cells for the moment, I climb the cave in and take a look into the cell.

Jeez, someone had a ba-
>>
No. 1085040 ID: ced28d
File 170934860563.png - (85.50KB , 500x500 , Page 8 Set 9.png )
1085040

Ģ̵̽̑E̸̺̮͆̽T̸̟̖͋ ̷̩͉͑͌̕T̸͓̊͑̚Ḩ̵̮̹͗̌̑Ě̴̱̍ ̷̺̝͓̀Ḃ̸̩̺̬͌͝O̶̟̩̐̌X̷̤͛̊
>>
No. 1085041 ID: ced28d
File 170934860827.png - (139.40KB , 500x500 , Page 9 Set 9.png )
1085041

AGH!!

CRASH! SLAM! BUMP!

AHH!!! Ah shit! Ahh! Hah… Hahh… Ahh… I will, I promise I will! I will! I WILL!

...Did… w-was…? I-I… what was that?! Winds, did you see that?!
>>
No. 1085044 ID: 0cf0d3

Yes, yes we did. I have no idea what that was, but considering you can hear us winds, that could be another more powerful wind, i could be wrong tho, im hypothesizing here. It did have some words from a language i dont recognize though. If we can get more letters, we can try to decode them later.

I think we should do what it said, So we dont get in trouble. Before we continue, sit down a bit, take some deep breaths, maybe play a tune from your harmonica to calm your nerves. You'll be okay.
>>
No. 1085046 ID: bd090d

Ah. Hmm. I was on board with you trying to get the box, given how set on it you were, but it DOES feel kinda potentially bad to have anything to do with...the kind of being whose vibes I'm getting, here. Though also maybe all the outcomes are bad, here. :/
>>
No. 1085053 ID: 273c18

>>1085034
Have you seen it?
>>1085040
Come child, and see the world in ruin
(It's a simple substitution cipher, and punctuation seems to be indicated by little lines coming off of the main upper one, but we only have comma and question mark here.)

>>1085041
Seems like there's another higher entity ordering you around.
Unfortunately you just made a lot of noise. Your captors will be here in moments. My advice is to cast Vanish on yourself, leave the Silent Image inside one of the locked cells fallen over "unconscious", and wait by the door for the the others to arrive. You can sneak out after they get here, and hopefully they'll have left the other door open so you can get through there without incident. Worst case scenario you can use Charm Person on the last guard at the entrance so you can retrieve the box and escape. You might even be able to convince the charmed guard to block the door behind you, giving you more time to escape?
>>
No. 1085057 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1085053

Yes, OK you have your instrument. Silent Image of your unconscious body in the locked cell so they can't reach it to see it's an illusion. Vanish and let them walk by you to struggle with it. Then go to the room your captors just left, where there should be an exit, or the box. Charm Person on the guard still waiting in the room. Pray that nothing else goes wrong, because that's all the magic you have left.

The best way to get the box is by escaping, then circling around once you're better supplied.
>>
No. 1085058 ID: 273c18

Well, another possible way of getting the box out would be to not run out the front door, but to retreat back to the river. Assuming we can get the keys from the guard.
>>
No. 1085060 ID: 5ebd37

>>1085057
Aye, time is of the essence now.
>>
No. 1085068 ID: 2f41db

>>1085041
That was not us.

Firstly, are you ok tanna?
If so, and only if you feel like it and can reach it, looked like there was a robe on the floor in that room.

Even if you dont wear it now, warmth for when youre outside and something if you have to get outta here before finding clothes
>>
No. 1085161 ID: 15a025

Illusion of yourself in the cell sounds like a good idea. They'll have to waste time unlocking the door to look further. Should buy you enough time to make a safe trip out of the room.
>>
No. 1085294 ID: 2ea297
File 170951440744.png - (17.00KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 10.png )
1085294

>Firstly, are you ok tanna?

Y-yeah. I… whatever that was just caught me off guard. I ended up tumbling down the cave-in and landing back on the floor of the dungeon. O-other than a little bruising, I didn’t hurt myself that bad.

>Yes, yes we did.
>That was not us.

O-okay, I’m glad you s-saw that too. If t-that wasn’t…

>that could be another more powerful wind, i could be wrong tho, im hypothesizing here.
>Seems like there's another higher entity ordering you around.

O-ordering me around? Another wind? I-I…

>Before we continue, sit down a bit, take some deep breaths, maybe play a tune from your harmonica to calm your nerves. You'll be okay.

R-right. I sit up and take my harmonica out of the bag. Putting it to my l-lips, I begin to pl-

CREAK~

Whatchaaaaa screamin’ for baby? Haven’t even started yet!
>>
No. 1085295 ID: 2ea297
File 170951441018.png - (106.12KB , 500x500 , Page 2 Set 10.png )
1085295

>Unfortunately you just made a lot of noise. Your captors will be here in moments.
>Aye, time is of the essence now.

Shit shit shit shit!

>My advice is to cast Vanish on yourself, leave the Silent Image inside one of the locked cells fallen over "unconscious", and wait by the door for the the others to arrive.
>Silent Image of your unconscious body in the locked cell so they can't reach it to see it's an illusion. Vanish and let them walk by you to struggle with it.
>Illusion of yourself in the cell sounds like a good idea.

Please work please work please work! I play a quick tune and turn myself invisible! At the same time, I mentally command my illusory double into the cell on my right. I can’t see myself anymore, so I guess I’m invisible?!

SLAM.

Huh…? *Hic* Was… that a harmonica?

CREAK…

The A-amurrun from before enters the dungeon and takes a look around. I move quietly along the side as he notices the torch and makes his way towards it. Bending down to investigate, h-he turns his head and notices my illusion in the prison.
>>
No. 1085296 ID: 2ea297
File 170951441340.png - (12.15KB , 500x500 , Page 3 Set 10.png )
1085296

What the… *hic* how the hell’dja get in there, you stupid bitch… hehehe.

>You can sneak out after they get here, and hopefully they'll have left the other door open so you can get through there without incident.
>They'll have to waste time unlocking the door to look further. Should buy you enough time to make a safe trip out of the room.

R-right, I start moving towards the door, he even left it open…

Hah… Ah… come on… *Hic* Wasn’t gonna hurt ya none too bad, just… waaanted to know how to open the box’is all. Can’t have ya’ gettin’ loose like this though… *hic*

!

>The best way to get the box is by escaping, then circling around once you're better supplied.
>Ah. Hmm. I was on board with you trying to get the box, given how set on it you were, but it DOES feel kinda potentially bad to have anything to do with...the kind of being whose vibes I'm getting, here.
>another possible way of getting the box
>retrieve the box and escape

...He’s… alone, and vulnerable, and in my way.

Quietly, I step behind him. Without any deliberation, I hover the sickle around his neck, all it’ll take is just a quick jerk... he’s still looking at the illusion like a moron. Won’t even have time to scream…

>SUGGESTION (Tanna’s current desire, Strong) - Start combat dealing to the Amurrun a fatal* wound that will silence**, deal 2 levels of pain, and gain surprise***.

* A wound that, if pain threshold is met, will kill the creature very quickly after combat is over.
** A silenced creature cannot speak, and is therefore unable to cast spells with verbal components.
*** A creature or group of creatures that have surprise have a free round to act.

Tanna’s invisibility will end at the final image of the next two sets of images or until she makes a hostile action against another creature.

>What do the winds suggest?
>>
No. 1085297 ID: eb0a9c

Make pretend sex noises. Trick him into thinking he's plowing you and can't feel his dick. Strangle him unconscious.

Try not to kill people that you have at your mercy. Ethics aside, every life has leverage and every death angers your enemy.
Besides, knowing you have emotional control over whether or not you murder someone makes your kills taste sweeter.
>>
No. 1085298 ID: 273c18

>>1085296
Erm... well, sure. Kill him. You only lured one of your captors here, so we can't achieve our objective(s) as easily as I expected. That leaves two, right? We'll have to ambush another one at some point, or just wait until they check on this one. Hopefully when one of them goes missing they'll be smart enough to go check in greater numbers, which will give us an opening to sneak past them.
>>
No. 1085299 ID: 2f41db

>>1085296
I would have said hold your blade tanna, as the first kill will complicate things,,
but this guy sounds every bit as bad as the other.

"Wasnt gonna hurt you too much"
His words.

To hell with him.

Hands steady, mind on the goal.
Just like cutting a thick plant stem.
Simple and quick.

Think about nothing else till the job is done.

When youre safe therell be time for ruminating.
>>
No. 1085324 ID: 443b73

I do prefer to kill them and search for the box without any enemy around to hear you hallucinating, but you will be losing your current stealth advantage.
Right now he is drunk and doesn't understand the illusion in front of him. If you don't kill him he will have to make sense of what is going on: "Why did she scream?" "Why is she unconscious?" "Did my hand passed through her?" "Is she a ghost?" "Did she disappear?" It's possible he will recognize the illusion, but if he doesn't his confusion could be an advantage for a peaceful escape. Reaching the wrong conclusion could lead all enemies into a wild goose chase while you remain invisible.
If you kill him you will be visible with two enemies between you and the exit and half of you daily spells spent.
I'm not entirely certain, but I think sparing him is the more advantageous choice.
>>
No. 1085340 ID: 5ebd37

Is this what you want Tanna? You seemed adverse to killing before, is someone else guiding your hand now?

>>1085324
In his drunk state he'll be distracted here for a while, and might even call over one of his buddies. This would be your best chance to slip into the other room without raising an alarm.
>>
No. 1085360 ID: 8f9bc4

Are you hungry or something? Just think about the smell in the kitchen. You can find something to eat when you get out of here. He'd take too long to eat, and it's a waste to leave all that meat to the rats.
>>
No. 1085386 ID: dd3fe0

Okay some of these wind voices are crazy crazy.

You have a violent streak. It'd be an effective way to deal with the threat, and someone possibly quite horrible. That said, this is a dramatic departure in your personality. Might this abrupt change be indicative of something nuanced and complex going on?
>>
No. 1085389 ID: 2f41db

>>1085296

I just realised this is the guy who tortured her.
Of course you want payback, but the other wind whispers have caught something I missed.

Be sure this is you that wants this.
Not that, uh, whatever the hell it was.
yellow wind.

Earlier, even in pain, you didnt want to kill.
After the, um, encounter back there youre understandably on the edge.
Take a quiet, slow breath and think.
If, after your take a moment, this desire not to kill is still true, then you have alternatives.

I dont know if you are strong enough to knock him out, but i'm pretty sure your nimble enough to trip him and push him into something solid if you have to.
Let gravity and inebriation do the heavy work.

Whatever you choose, we're with you.
>>
No. 1085402 ID: 3c9111

>>1085296
This guy's a non-threat for now, best to leave him be and keep the vanish advantage.
>>
No. 1085535 ID: 2e3504

>>1085296
Eh you need that asshole alive so he could tell why he needs the box...
>>
No. 1085631 ID: 360d03
File 170977267875.png - (15.27KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 11.png )
1085631

>Erm... well, sure. Kill him.
>Try not to kill people that you have at your mercy

I-I could really use a straight answer here winds…

>I just realised this is the guy who tortured her.
>Ethics aside, every life has leverage and every death angers your enemy.

You… how… the heck… fuck… *hic* seriously… how the fuck did you get in there… why aren’t… you answering…?

He begins to lean forward, I have to move the blade away from his throat. His face begins to squish against the bars. My hands start to shake.

>this guy sounds every bit as bad as the other. "Wasnt gonna hurt you too much" His words.

This bastard was going to torture me. Maybe even worse, and he’s in the w-way of getting the box. H-he deserves to die, why is this suddenly so hard!?

>You have a violent streak.

What? N-No, I-I don’t! This has to be done! I don’t actually want to do this!
>>
No. 1085632 ID: 360d03
File 170977268137.png - (16.10KB , 500x500 , Page 2 Set 11.png )
1085632

>Is this what you want Tanna? You seemed adverse to killing before, is someone else guiding your hand now?
>Earlier, even in pain, you didnt want to kill. After the, um, encounter back there youre understandably on the edge.
>That said, this is a dramatic departure in your personality. Might this abrupt change be indicative of something nuanced and complex going on?
>Take a quiet, slow breath and think.

I am… what? I’m in… control, I think? I want to do this… this is what I would always have done. I… hah… deep breaths… deep breath… thi-

Back at that village… you’re cute, ya know. *hic* Should’na told ya we found this place, and ya s-should’na followed us here, you dumb pretty thing. Buuuuut you did, hehehe… just to fuck stealing from us up… Haaaaaate having to carve girls like you up~ so if you could… just tell me how to open that fucking thing, I promise I won’t have too much fun.

>Make pretend sex noises. Trick him into thinking he's plowing you and can't feel his dick. Strangle him unconscious.
>Are you hungry or something? Just think about the smell in the kitchen. You can find something to eat when you get out of here. He'd take too long to eat, and it's a waste to leave all that meat to the rats.
>Okay some of these wind voices are crazy crazy.

Y-you… piece of shit… I could fucking k-kill you right now…

Can’t do shit babe… you can’t do nothing ‘hind those bars~ *hic* you’re just a stupid worthless biiiiitch~

F-fuck! FUCK YOU!! WHAT AM I DOING?! IT DOESN’T MATTER! NONE OF THIS DOES! HE DIES! I DIE! WE ALL FUCKING DIE AND NONE OF IT MATTERS! A STORY TOLD AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF TIMES, AND IT’S NEVER ANY DIFFERENT! AHHH!!!!
>>
No. 1085633 ID: 360d03
File 170977268327.png - (14.37KB , 500x500 , Page 3 Set 11.png )
1085633

Hahh… ah…. huh?
>>
No. 1085634 ID: 360d03
File 170977268655.png - (14.48KB , 500x500 , Page 4 Set 11.png )
1085634

What?
>>
No. 1085635 ID: 360d03
File 170977268887.png - (37.06KB , 500x500 , Page 5 Set 11.png )
1085635

Hello? W-who are you?
>>
No. 1085636 ID: 360d03
File 170977269188.png - (139.89KB , 500x500 , Page 6 Set 11.png )
1085636

What? What are you saying?
>>
No. 1085637 ID: 360d03
File 170977269355.png - (260.57KB , 500x500 , Page 7 Set 11.png )
1085637

...
>>
No. 1085638 ID: 360d03
File 170977269609.png - (102.31KB , 500x500 , Page 8 Set 11.png )
1085638

>>
No. 1085639 ID: 360d03
File 170977269847.png - (17.18KB , 500x500 , Page 9 Set 11.png )
1085639

Zzz
>>
No. 1085640 ID: b7c9db
File 170977270584.png - (15.03KB , 500x500 , Page 10 Set 11.png )
1085640

Zzzzzzzzz

>This guy's a non-threat for now, best to leave him be and keep the vanish advantage.
>Eh you need that asshole alive so he could tell why he needs the box...

He’s asleep.

>Whatever you choose, we're with you.

I don’t want to kill him.
>>
No. 1085647 ID: 2f41db

>>1085640

Okay.
Then that is a thing we shall avoid.

Sorry if i and the other winds added to your confusion there.
We tend to, um, think out loud
From your perspective at any rate.

Anyway.
Something odd happened there tanna.
Lets not dwell on it though.
I promise the winds will think about it, but you need to be in the moment.
At least until you are more safe.

You are a nimble sort.
Carefully disarming and robbing the drunken ass should be easy enough and, should it be still active,not break your vanish.

Afterwards, or as an alternative.
Could be time to explore another room.
>>
No. 1085649 ID: f286ce

>>1085640
Well that's awfully convenient. Find something Tie him up, then figure out you're next steps.
>>
No. 1085650 ID: 273c18

>>1085640
Well he's not in your way anymore, let's go. Even if the others come to check on him, they won't be alerted to your escape, because of your silent image in the cell. How long is that going to last, anyway...?

Go see if that door leading to the exit is open. If not, then let's check the waterway, maybe you can get the gate open there. Not to leave immediately, we shouldn't give up on the secondary objective yet.
>>
No. 1085651 ID: 443b73

>>1085649
Do you think we will be here for long enough for him to wake up? I hope not.

It may be better to not touch him. Let's hope the box won't be too hard to find.
>>
No. 1085665 ID: 7c55ad

(edited)

>>1085649
We don't have to find anything, We already got those two tough leather straps to tie him up with. if he's totally passed out, use one of the leather straps to tie him up against the prison bars. Make sure it's tight.

We can probably tie his mouth shut with the other leather strap so he doesn't alert anyone right away if he wakes up too.
>>
No. 1085666 ID: 273c18

>>1085636
A story told nigh infinite times
(The symbols are rotating and flipping now.)

>>1085637
It never changes. Their victories, their defeats. So utterly uninteresting. (the u and o symbols are very similar here due to the rotation, possibly not intentional? The circle in the background has runes on it, might be translatable. I'm having trouble matching the collection of runes to known runic languages, mostly due to that weird X/Z hybrid at the top. It doesn't match the runic text used in the Ultima games, that's for sure.)

>>1085638
These (winds) however, perhaps they were right
Perhaps this play will prove interesting.

(clockwise, starting from straight up.)

>>1085639
Let them guide you devoted little tanna.

>>1085640
Entertain me.
(spooky!)
>>
No. 1085670 ID: 8280e8

>>1085666
The runes in the circle on >>1085637
are the Armanen runes in alphabetical order, going clockwise starting from the top (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armanen_runes). Just noting it for future possible translations.

>>
No. 1085673 ID: f286ce

>>1085665
I like how you think. though I would like to interrogate him so we can get some answers from him.
>>
No. 1085674 ID: 273c18

>>1085670
(ah, thanks. I wish all the runic languages were on one page...)
>>
No. 1085676 ID: 25fde0

>>/questdis/141831
>>
No. 1085714 ID: 8f9bc4

You don't want to kill him, then don't. See if you can get out of here. Leave the illusion as long as you can, in case anyone comes to check on this guy. They should be less suspicious when they find him without his throat cut.
>>
No. 1085734 ID: b4111a

Dont forget to loot him before you leave. He might have keys for example, or something helpful.

Maybe you can wear his clothes? Though i dont think they fit you.
>>
No. 1085753 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1085734

She's on a very short time table here. It won't be long before she can't sustain the illusions, and she only has 1 spell after that.

Move quickly and get to freedom before they can see you again.
>>
No. 1085754 ID: 184595

We don't need to kill him now that he's passed out. We should definitely loot him, though—the booze should keep him out cold. We can plan next actions based on what we find on his person; the box remains an important target, so keep an eye out for anything relating to that.
>>
No. 1085982 ID: 385671
File 171005287440.png - (10.35KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 12.png )
1085982

Last set of images won’t count towards the Vanish timer. Vanish will expire at the final image of Set 13.

>Sorry if i and the other winds added to your confusion there. We tend to, um, think out loud. From your perspective at any rate.

It’s fine. Sorry for freaking out.

>It may be better to not touch him.

He seems pretty out of it, unnaturally so. He collapsed face first into the bars and fell asleep. This drunk in a few minutes? Either he can’t hold his drink at all, or it was something else. I don’t think moving him around is going to wake him up.

>Maybe you can wear his clothes? Though i dont think they fit you.

Tachidoki don’t really wear pants, and I try on his shirt, but it’s awkward to the point of being dangerous. I put it back on him to help avoid suspicion from any passerby.

>Well that's awfully convenient. Find something Tie him up, then figure out you're next steps.
>We don't have to find anything, We already got those two tough leather straps to tie him up with. if he's totally passed out, use one of the leather straps to tie him up against the prison bars. Make sure it's tight.
>We can probably tie his mouth shut with the other leather strap so he doesn't alert anyone right away if he wakes up too.

I adjust his body to sit against the bars, then use one of the leather straps to tie his arms behind the bars tight. Using the other leather strap, I open his mouth and wrap the other strap around it and the bars.
>>
No. 1085983 ID: 385671
File 171005287687.png - (17.60KB , 500x500 , Page 2 Set 12.png )
1085983

>Anyway. Something odd happened there tanna. Lets not dwell on it though. I promise the winds will think about it, but you need to be in the moment. At least until you are more safe.

Something odd? I’m uh… not really sure what you’re talking about, but I was kinda feeling a bit disoriented there. Things are starting to clear up though. You’re right, no use dwelling on whatever happened. Let’s get back to it!

>Don't forget to loot him before you leave.
>Carefully disarming and robbing the drunken ass should be easy enough and, should it be still active,not break your vanish.
>We should definitely loot him

His torch is better than my crummy makeshift one (which has since gone out), but I’m going to leave them both on the floor for now. They’d give away my position.

Quickly looting him, I take stock of everything else he has on him:

Dagger - Swiped and holstered on the sheath on the strap of my bag. Easily accessed!
Potion of Cure Light Wounds - A thin green vial, a quick Detect Magic proves it’s another one of those healing potions. Always good to have more!
Lock Picking Kit - A bunch of thin metal tools that I can only assume are for lockpicking. Not that I know the first thing about that.
Small Pouch Coins - He had 3 Gold, 5 Silver, 12 Copper pieces. Now I have that much.
Small Pouch of Chalk Powder - Kind of a weird thing to have, but maybe useful.


>MENTALITY CHECK: 3 - 1[Unfamiliar field] > 2 = FAILURE

Vial of Clear Liquid - It has a faded label of an acronym, D.S. Sealed with a cork stopper. No idea what this is, it isn’t magical.

As I’m stuffing the items into my bag, I notice something else magical in my pouch. The scroll from before. It’s a magic scroll. Gods I’m a dummy, I really should’ve thought to check that before.

>MENTALITY CHECK: 3 > 2 = SUCCESS

It’s a scroll of paralyzation. Only works on humanoid-esque things though, like me or our friend here. Wouldn’t work on say, a wild dog or butterfly.

There’s also the wine bottle on the ground. A bunch has spilled out, but I take the stopper from the potion I drank before and stick it on there. Kinda wanna drink it, but it’s probably not the best idea at the moment.
>>
No. 1085984 ID: 385671
File 171005287915.png - (80.88KB , 500x500 , Page 3 Set 12.png )
1085984

>Do you think we will be here for long enough for him to wake up? I hope not.
>I would like to interrogate him so we can get some answers from him.

Me either! Though, I guess I wouldn’t mind asking him some questions. He mentioned seeing me before in some village.

>Even if the others come to check on him, they won't be alerted to your escape, because of your silent image in the cell. How long is that going to last, anyway...?

I can feel my concentration on it waning. It’s got some time still, but not much, maybe a little more than a minute?

>Could be time to explore another room.
>See if you can get out of here. Leave the illusion as long as you can, in case anyone comes to check on this guy. They should be less suspicious when they find him without his throat cut.
>Even if the others come to check on him, they won't be alerted to your escape, because of your silent image in the cell. Go see if that door leading to the exit is open.

Sure! I’m kinda tired of this area. Stepping back into the main hallway, I walk up the stairs leading to the double door. It’s not open, but I’m kinda curious to hear if they’re still there. I lean up against it and take a quick list-
>>
No. 1085985 ID: 385671
File 171005288183.png - (144.12KB , 500x500 , Page 4 Set 12.png )
1085985

CREAK~

EEK! WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?!

Jacooob, you feeling alright? ………I’ll take that as a no, good.
>>
No. 1085986 ID: 7c55ad

Ready to do something risky?

As she exits, try and sneak right in before she closes the door. Then, try and find a place to hide in this room before your vanish runs out.

In due time, she will discover Jacob, alert the others, and then they'll go out and search for you, but the last thing they expect to look is the room that they just exited. In which case, you can quickly try to find the box in here while they are out bumbling around looking for you. I have a sneaking feeling it is in this room.
>>
No. 1085988 ID: 7c55ad

>Tachidoki don’t really wear pants

wait, are you sure you're not a nudist?
>>
No. 1085991 ID: dd3fe0

>>1085988

I expect, with their body type, that they are considered clothed if their upper body is clothed, in some sort of body stocking, sweater, long shirt, hoodie, vest, or similar. As long as they aren't, you know, lifting their tail and *presenting*, they should be considered reasonably modest. That said, there might be a sort of hygiene etiquette for them to carry their own cloth or a towel for sitting on, so the crotch doesn't touch public chairs and benches. And carefully cut clothing that carefully covers the lower body without getting in the way of movement might be a sign of wealth.
>>
No. 1085993 ID: 443b73

I'm not sure what position everything was left in the prison. Is your illusion still inside a locked cell? Is it in the same cell Jacob is tied to? This would make more sense, in a weird way, if this amurrun find him before the illusion disappear.

I agree with:
>>1085986
It's better to enter the room without touching the door in case there is someone on the other side.
>>
No. 1085995 ID: 147667

>>1085993
The illusion and "Jacob" are in the bottom right cell located in >>1084776
>>
No. 1085996 ID: 273c18

Sweet, now that we have that scroll we have a guaranteed path to victory. Use paralyze on one, charm person on the other. You won't have to kill anyone, you can grab the box and tell the charmed person to just sit still while you tie everyone up. Well, I guess we don't have enough binding materials... We may be able to do that if there's rope somewhere in this new room. If not, we need to figure out some other way of incapacitating everyone. If someone has a key to one of the cells you could lock them in... but then they'd eventually starve to death.

Are you okay with indirectly killing these people? They are very bad people.
>>
No. 1086002 ID: 2f41db

>>1085982
"Tachidoki dont wear pants."
Thats the kind of tjing a nudist would say slinky.

>>1085986
The winds blow true tanna.
Trust your light feet and sneak on in if you can.
>>
No. 1086006 ID: 273c18

Weren't you complaining about being naked before?
>>
No. 1086039 ID: 8f9bc4

I just realized the significance of the color of your eyes. Anyway, yes sneakysneak into the room! You have a plan after that even if your vanish wears off. The scroll of paralysis can take out one, and when the last one comes back, you can charm them to help you.
>>
No. 1086089 ID: 5ebd37

Need to act fast! Get ready with the harmonica. If the cat starts closing the door again you'll need to charm her. Stay hidden behind the other door and have her just stand there. When the other bandit comes over to see what she's doing hit them with the paralysis.
But if she goes to look for drunky you can slip in the room unseen and charm the other bandit after she walks away.
>>
No. 1086092 ID: b95b93

>>1085982
>He seems pretty out of it, unnaturally so.
>This drunk in a few minutes? Either he can’t hold his drink at all, or it was something else.
Probably really strong alcohol or someone spiked his drink.

>>1085985
>“Jacooob, you feeling alright? ………I’ll take that as a no, good.”
Judging from how happy she is of the other guy not feeling good, I think she could be responsible for drugging the other guy's drink.

>>1086002
>The winds blow true tanna.
You mean like a fart?
>>
No. 1086242 ID: 7c55ad

>>1086092
>The winds blow true tanna.
>You mean like a fart?

There you go, Tanna, whenever one of us winds teases you, like calls you "slinky", just call them a fart

(Slinky is a cute nickname tho, not gonna lie
>>
No. 1086266 ID: e9eb3d

Trip her and see if she lands on her feet, lol.
>>
No. 1086282 ID: c1b8eb
File 171029944349.png - (15.11KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 13.png )
1086282

>wait, are you sure you're not a nudist?
>"Tachidoki dont wear pants." Thats the kind of tjing a nudist would say slinky.

I. AM. NOT. A. NUDIST!!!!

>Weren't you complaining about being naked before?

I was, and I still am! Believe me, if not being able to move properly didn’t come with a chance of dying, I would wear his shirt, however awkward! But I can’t afford that right now, it’s way too dangerous.

>>1085991

This wind gets it. There’s specially fitted skirts, kilts, and pants my kind can don, but they’re pretty expensive and need to be tailor made. I’m not sure if I ever had anything like that, but ponchos, shawls, and robes with cuts around the tail and legs are what we normally wear. There’s a few other races like that, Weski (Mousefolk) and Usatokki (Rabbitfolk) are good examples.
>>
No. 1086283 ID: c1b8eb
File 171029944715.png - (255.93KB , 500x500 , Page 2 Set 13.png )
1086283

>Need to act fast!
>The winds blow true tanna.
>Ready to do something risky?

Whatcha have in mind?

>Trip her and see if she lands on her feet, lol.

That sounds like a good way to get myself killed! What does “lol” mean?

>As she exits, try and sneak right in before she closes the door. Then, try and find a place to hide in this room before your vanish runs out.
>if she goes to look for drunky you can slip in the room unseen
>Trust your light feet and sneak on in if you can.
>Anyway, yes sneakysneak into the room!

No time like the present. As she steps past and moves to the other side of the door…

>SNEAKING CHECK: 10[Roll] + 4[Dexterity] + 2[Effective] + 4[Invisible] > 8[Roll] + 3[Mentality] + 4[Proximity] = SUCCESS

...I take soft steps and manage to slip around to enter the next room. Doesn’t seem like she noticed me at all.

Gods I hope I’m not too la-

CREAK~

The door closes quietly behind me.
>>
No. 1086284 ID: c1b8eb
File 171029945060.png - (8.72KB , 500x500 , Page 3 Set 13.png )
1086284

>Are you okay with indirectly killing these people? They are very bad people.

I… no. I’m not. It scares the shit out of me. The idea of being responsible for someone’s death, direct or indirect. I wouldn’t mind locking them away for a time, but it’d eat away at me. I would really need to come back or free them in some way.

>Get ready with the harmonica.
>Sweet, now that we have that scroll we have a guaranteed path to victory. Use paralyze on one, charm person on the other.
>The scroll of paralysis can take out one, and when the last one comes back, you can charm them to help you.

Right, just a few seconds left on my Vanish. I position myself behind a pillar, and take out the scroll of paralyze and my harmonica. My heart begins to thump rapidly in my chest, but I take a deep breath to steel myself. First step, figure out where they are. Taking a quick sniff, I try to determine that… huh?
>>
No. 1086285 ID: c1b8eb
File 171029945362.png - (50.62KB , 1750x750 , Page 4 Set 13.png )
1086285

It doesn’t smell like anyone’s here. Just some lingering stenches. One belonging to that person I just passed, two familiar ones, Jacob’s, and another unidentified one (which may be a mix). Just to confirm, I peek around the side and see no one. Not a soul in this area besides me.

There’s a big rectangular hole above me, a bit to my left. Rain is quietly pattering away over there too, and some ropes are dangling from it. If it weren’t for it being so open up there, it’d be pitch black in here. The mixed moonlights from Lunayin and Io shining down are the only thing letting me see as it is. I can faintly smell grass and trees drifting from above.

...What is this place?
>>
No. 1086286 ID: c1b8eb
File 171029945989.png - (9.91KB , 500x500 , Page 5 Set 13.png )
1086286

>The winds blow true tanna.
>You mean like a fart?
>There you go, Tanna, whenever one of us winds teases you, like calls you "slinky", just call them a fart

Slinky and Farts. Huh.

>Probably really strong alcohol or someone spiked his drink.

You think the drink was spiked with something or really strong? It was strange how he came back completely hammered like that.

...I take the wine out of my bag and uncork it, then give it a quick sniff.

>MENTALITY CHECK: 3 + 1[Familiar Field] + 1[Scent] > 4 = SUCCESS

It’s… it’s definitely spiked. I… recognize it too. It’s Olo’tharr, a species of mushroom that grows in the realms below. It’s a powerful anesthetic used for medicines and poisons.

>Judging from how happy she is of the other guy not feeling good, I think she could be responsible for drugging the other guy's drink.

...
>>
No. 1086288 ID: 636e90

Forgot to mention! I'm no longer invisible!
>>
No. 1086289 ID: 273c18

>>1086286
Wow, this is excellent news. Based on the drugged wine, and what she just said about not being "too late", that one was an ally! So we only have to deal with one more of your captors... Can you still control your illusion at this range? Have them point towards the door you just came through, and do something that makes it clear they're an illusion, like standing halfway through the cell bars. Well, I guess it's possible she simply doesn't agree with torture. It's up to you if you want to reveal the deception. Wouldn't hurt to just leave the illusion where it is for now, since you at least want to find where your belongings went.

Speaking of which, it's time to sneak around and sniff around at all the doors to see if you can catch the scent of your stuff or the final captive. That rainy area looks like an elevator, by the way.
>>
No. 1086292 ID: eb0a9c

>>1086282
Ever heard of a razor? It's where you cut off all the fur getting in your way so you can wear stuff.

>>1086285
Oh no.
I think... I think this is a Ruin. A bad one.
In places like these, cults would destroy their followers' minds, turn them into disposable henchmen - or mind control them into giving up their entire family fortune.

>>1086286
Slather your scythe in this soup. Should make for a decent poison modifier.
>>
No. 1086296 ID: 7c55ad

Wonder if she's trying to rescue you, considering she said something like "i hope im not too late"

well, doesn't matter, we're doing good without her help if that is the case. that said, best not risk it, and not interact with her, we still have no idea if she's freind or foe for sure. If she sees jacob, she'll at least know we're safe if she's an ally, and know we're capable.

Lets do the same ol' thing, listen, smell, and check behind every door

afterwards, look through the table and inspect the giant broken statue.

maybe check under the chairs too and the giant lantern things.
>>
No. 1086310 ID: 5ebd37

Go through the things on the table, since that's closest to the door and we don't want to be there when she gets back. Hopefully the box is on there and we can get out of here fast.

Try not to look directly at the large sigil on the wall and under roof opening, as they match the one that shocked you in the buried cell.
>>
No. 1086311 ID: 7c55ad

Oh! forgot to mention

If you hear somebody coming, the perfect hiding spot would be behind the large broken remains of the shattered statue over there.
>>
No. 1086315 ID: 2f41db

>>1086286
We're full of wind.
You wanna call me a fart, slinky, go ahead.
Its a fine nickname. i wont sniff at it.

Oop.
Distraction time over.
Good sneaking.
Ok tanna, looks like a table of treasures ahead.
Something looks vaguely key shaped other stuff looks like jewelry, maybe.


This whole chamber has the look of a ruined temple, buried and long forgotten.
Hm.
Ropes...
The ropes present a future opportunity to escape without leaving them trapped.
When you leave, pull up both ropes.
Cut off enough that it hangs 15foot or so above the floor.
Eventually theyll figure out they can stack enough furniture, pews and things from around the place to reach it.
Tire them out, give you a good head start.



Regarding the spiked drink...
There's a chance the bandits are tryingbto cut and run on one of their number.
Maybe theyre all looking to cut thenotyers out.
The good part of this if it is the case, theyre divided.
The bad side is theyll be a little more alert, watching their own backs.
Worst possibility is they may be ready to move out sooner than we planned.
>>
No. 1086316 ID: 273c18

Oh right the table. Is that your stuff on the table?
>>
No. 1086323 ID: 443b73

Stay away from the altar and the painted wall. Check the table, loot anything valuable, then go hear if there is anyone behind the opposing double door.
Unfortunately we can no longer thrust in stealth alone, we need to act fast.


>>1086289
>that one was an ally!

Not necessarily. She could be unaware of our presence and assume we are with them. She could be one of them betraying her colleague. She could be from a rival faction with similar intentions. Let's not assume she is trustworthy.
>>
No. 1086328 ID: dd3fe0

Alright! Lemme explain 'LOL'. You know how spells like Whispering Wind or Sending have a '25 word or less' limit? Those are specific spells that transmit messages over distances. Consider a population that can send a spell like that to people they know, pretty much at will, except only once a minute or so. This would quickly go beyond the typical tactical, emergency response, criminal, economic, and espionage uses of those spells, and this group of people would quickly begin to use it for socializing and self expression. And then they'd develop a robust jargon to express complex concepts in as few words as possible, with lots of acronyms and compound words and shorthand and such.

Which is, indeed, what happened here. LOL stands for 'Laughing Out Loud'. It expresses the concept of, 'You just Sent me something so funny that I am actually laughing out loud.' The particular version of the spell in question was silent to outside observers, so 'someone standing and focusing on nothing and then randomly laughing out loud' is a notable event.

The subtext of that particular Wind was, 'I am intentionally giving you bad advice since I don't have any rapport with you and you aren't in my social in-group, and am laughing at you potentially suffering an amusingly dire fate'.

Unfortunately, not all of us are invested in your well-being. You seem particularly insightful, though, so just keep using your best judgment!
>>
No. 1086329 ID: dd3fe0

So, this happened a while back, but there's been some, uh, Eldritch things happening. Entirely separate from the memory loss, you experienced a 'cognitohazard'. Your cognition has been affected, as if you succumbed to one of the fancier sort of Charm spells that changes how a person thinks and doesn't let them know that their thoughts were messed with, even after the spell ends. I'm saying this cause things are relatively calm now, and if we have to direct you to work around something you are being forbidden from perceiving or remembering having perceived, I don't want it to be a surprise. A good rule of thumb for this crap is to keep an eye out for 'losing time'. I hope this message doesn't cause you too much angst!
>>
No. 1086342 ID: 8f9bc4

This place is a temple, with pews for worshippers to sit at. It's a temple dedicated to a very unpopular deity, since their statue in front was clearly very deliberately smashed to pieces. Desecrated temple is about all you need to know at this point, but it looks like the statue has a plaque which might contain the name of the thing they worshipped, if you're curious.

There are many doors from here. Hopefully the double doors across from you lead outside.
>>
No. 1086346 ID: e9eb3d

I don't have message length limit, I just said lol instead of guffawing normally because it sounds funny.

But oh, boy. This looks like the dilapidated ruins to a temple. A temple to something vile, judging from the basement cells.

Speaking of which, we might want to peek back into the room we came in, to see if that catfolk was trying to rescue us or so something a bit less selfless.
>>
No. 1086363 ID: dd3fe0

>>1086346

Message limit is the earlier reason for that kind of thing. But culture endures, even when the original reasons for it are no longer true.

Rofl. ;)
>>
No. 1086612 ID: 2e65ed
File 171072467236.png - (10.32KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 14.png )
1086612

>>1086328

Ohhhh okay. I was wondering if I was missing something there, it seemed like strange advice to give and maybe “lol” meant something more. Thanks for explaining that to me!

>I don't have message length limit, I just said lol instead of guffawing normally because it sounds funny.
>Message limit is the earlier reason for that kind of thing. But culture endures, even when the original reasons for it are no longer true.

I really wanna know more about where you’re from, it sounds like you all are capable of casting magic there. Maybe after things settle down, we can just talk for a bit? Assuming you don’t have to leave or anything.

>Rofl. ;)

Another acronym, right? Roaring out fast laughs? Naw, that sounds kinda dumb… is that a smiley face?

>I just realized the significance of the color of your eyes.

My eye color? They’re just gray, what’s so significant about that?

>>1086329

Err…. okay? I guess some weird things have been happening, with the buried cell, and my panic attack earlier, but eldritch? What does that even mean?

I don’t mean to seem antagonistic, I guess I’m just confused. But you all have steered me well so far, so it’s not like I don’t believe you. I’ll try to follow what you say, even if it seems a little weird at the time.

>I hope this message doesn't cause you too much angst!

You’re good! I think I’ve reached a threshold of angst where a message like that isn’t going to add much. Considering my lack of clothes, the people wanting to torture me, and the sudden multitude of voices in my head, it’d take a lot more than a friendly warning to pile on to that.
>>
No. 1086613 ID: 2e65ed
File 171072467506.png - (283.98KB , 500x500 , Page 2 Set 14.png )
1086613

>look through the table
>Go through the things on the table
>Ok tanna, looks like a table of treasures ahead.
>Is that your stuff on the table?
>Check the table, loot anything valuable

Speaking of clothes… guess what I smell! Upon the table are some purple-black robes with some gold trimming, completely drenched in my scent! This nudist streak comes to an end! Lemme put these on real quick.

...Well, they fit me perfectly, but they seem kind of... I guess I didn’t expect myself to wear something like this. Not that I’m complaining, this is so much better than being naked, and they’re pretty comfortable all things considered too. Ugh… I don’t wanna be the one to bring it up… but I look kind of culty don’t I? I’m gonna put down the hood.

Ah well. With newfound confidence, I notice that’s not the only thing on the table. There’s a bunch of other stuff too. I’ll organize it for you all and let you know what I take.

Sacrificial Looking Dagger - Scary curvy dagger. I don’t think I need another weapon at the moment, and it’d contribute to the cultist look, so I'm going to leave it on the table.
Pile of Coins - I freaking love money. Looks like 9 gold pieces, 14 silver, and 28 copper. Stuffed into the previous coin pouch. With that added, I have 12 Gold, 19 Silver, and 40 Copper.
Eye Symbol Amulets x3 - They look like they’re made of gold and silver. Worthless garbage besides that, better off melted. Leaving behind, starting to have too much stuff in my bag.
The Dark Truth and You (Book) - Leather bound book, not too large. Has another symbol of that eye on the cover. Garbage that I’m leaving behind.
Dictations of the Eye (Book) - Another culty looking book. Bigger than “The Dark Truth and You”, looks more like a bible. Probably makes for good tinder. Leaving behind.
Painting of the Eye - A faded painting, way too big to carry. More tinder.


>MENTALITY CHECK: 3 > 2 = SUCCESS

Scroll of Silence - A magic scroll of silence, will attach an aura of complete silence to an object or person, though a person has a chance to resist the effect. Useful for sneaking and preventing someone from casting spells that require speech! Stuffed in my bag.
Eye Key - A key with a stupid eye for a head. No idea what it’s for. Stuffed in my bag.


My pack is getting pretty full.
>>
No. 1086614 ID: 2e65ed
File 171072467836.png - (10.12KB , 500x500 , Page 3 Set 14.png )
1086614

>Hopefully the box is on there and we can get out of here fast.

Damn. Unfortunately, the box isn’t on the table of treasures. Eaugh… if I can climb those ropes, the exit’s right there too…

>I think... I think this is a Ruin. A bad one. In places like these, cults would destroy their followers' minds, turn them into disposable henchmen - or mind control them into giving up their entire family fortune.
>This whole chamber has the look of a ruined temple, buried and long forgotten.
>This place is a temple, with pews for worshippers to sit at. It's a temple dedicated to a very unpopular deity, since their statue in front was clearly very deliberately smashed to pieces. Desecrated temple is about all you need to know at this point.
>But oh, boy. This looks like the dilapidated ruins to a temple. A temple to something vile, judging from the basement cells.

I’ve been getting that feeling too. Weird ass underground temple devoted to some evil jerk god. I’m guessing the people who kidnapped me are looting the place?

>Try not to look directly at the large sigil on the wall and under roof opening, as they match the one that shocked you in the buried cell.

It’s a bit hard not too, and I got an “eyeful” of it with the painting just now accidentally. I don’t want to be afraid of some stupid symbol, so I’m going to observe it carefully and make sure I don’t scream if something happens.

...I look at the symbol on the wall behind the pews. Nothing happens. There’s something… familiar about this symbol. It’s a real piece of shit.

>That rainy area looks like an elevator, by the way.

I step up the stairs, and yeah, I see what you mean. There’s a lever in the center of the eye, and it looks like there’s indentations in the ground that separate this section of floor from the rest.

>The ropes present a future opportunity to escape without leaving them trapped.

That’s a really good idea, assuming the elevator just flat out doesn’t work. I’m sure they could figure stacking furniture up as you said.
>>
No. 1086615 ID: 2e65ed
File 171072468086.png - (14.55KB , 500x500 , Page 4 Set 14.png )
1086615

>Stay away from the altar and the painted wall.
>it looks like the statue has a plaque which might contain the name of the thing they worshipped, if you’re curious.

Fuck the altar. I wanna know the name of the Theotian I’m gonna spit on. Stepping past the elevator, I walk up to the ruined statue and read the plaque.

OMORFUL'HENZIO KHAKRANZEE

“We commit the evils the rainbow hued butterfly nor the stars of family, will not, all for the greatest good. Upon our deaths, with souls returned to the Weave, our minds are restored for the next life. In this one however, we sacrifice ourselves to steer fate and protect the dark truth.” - Khalaxis Chambers


P’too!

Garbage! Trash! Glad your worthless statue and temple are ruined, hope everyone here died and their next lives are remade as shit!
>>
No. 1086616 ID: 2e65ed
File 171072468357.png - (50.72KB , 1750x750 , Page 5 Set 14.png )
1086616

>Speaking of which, it's time to sneak around and sniff around at all the doors to see if you can catch the scent of your stuff or the final captive.
>Lets do the same ol' thing, listen, smell, and check behind every door.

Right. With that out of the way, I take a sniff. I can smell those two familiar individuals, along with the mixed scent, leading to door 3.
>>
No. 1086617 ID: 2e65ed
File 171072468572.png - (64.75KB , 750x500 , Page 6 Set 14.png )
1086617

I don’t hear anything when I press up door 3, but the scent is really strong at this door. Opening it carefully, I see a very dark hallway. There’s another new smell, different from the two familiar ones and the mix. The whole place smells of death as well. Two doors are open, soft orange light is pouring out of the double doors on the right. I can very faintly hear some voices.

There is nothing here Roderick.A harsh, reptilian sounding voice says.

Would you shut the fuck up. There’s gotta be something we’re missing.Someone barks back with a snarling undertone.

Maybe if you’d let us see it again. Thing looked like a puzzle. I could probably figure it out.Another person says snidely, a bit of a feminine squeak to their voice.

Over my dead body, you little bastard.

Maybe Jacob has figured out something from that thief?

Maybe, the guy’s living proof accidents happen.

Mina said she’d help him out. They know where we’re at. Stop talking and keep searching. We’re not leaving here till we figure out how to open this fucking thing.

You trust her boss? She… doesn’t seem as invested in opening it as we all are.

She tries something, we kill her. She leaves? Good riddance.

It would be a shame. Mina has been with us for a long time.

Doesn’t matter anymore… anyways, keep an eye out. I’ve been smelling something weird ‘round here for a while now. Don’t think we’re alone.

I back up from the door and close it quietly.
>>
No. 1086618 ID: 2e65ed
File 171072468798.png - (76.26KB , 750x500 , Page 7 Set 14.png )
1086618

Stepping back to door number 2, the door is already busted down. It smells like death here. There’s clutter, bones, and ash all over the floor, and deep gouge marks scraped along the walls. I think I see a fireplace a little bit into the room, to my left? I can’t see further, it’s too dark.
>>
No. 1086619 ID: 2e65ed
File 171072468980.png - (66.64KB , 500x500 , Page 8 Set 14.png )
1086619

Door number 4 leads to another mess, with more of those deep gouges. An old carpet covers the floor with debris all over. There’s an indentation in the wall with a hanging little bell. On the ground, there are more of those little bells, and some candles too. It’s too dark to see much further in.
>>
No. 1086620 ID: 2e65ed
File 171072469135.png - (50.95KB , 675x500 , Page 9 Set 14.png )
1086620

Door 5 is another really dark room, I think I can see the beginnings of a staircase leading up. I can smell that strange smell from door 3, though it’s faint here. The air feels lighter as well, sort of like a draft?
>>
No. 1086621 ID: 2e65ed
File 171072469304.png - (14.09KB , 500x500 , Page 10 Set 14.png )
1086621

>Based on the drugged wine, and what she just said about not being "too late", that one was an ally!
>Not necessarily. She could be unaware of our presence and assume we are with them. She could be one of them betraying her colleague. She could be from a rival faction with similar intentions. Let's not assume she is trustworthy.

I… hmm. I really don’t know anything about her, you’re right. But the way she was acting was really strange. I don’t really get why she’d drug that person. She was part of the scent group earlier, so the others know she’s here. Maybe she was the “Mina” they were talking about?

>Wonder if she's trying to rescue you, considering she said something like "i hope im not too late" well, doesn't matter, we're doing good without her help if that is the case. that said, best not risk it, and not interact with her, we still have no idea if she's freind or foe for sure. If she sees jacob, she'll at least know we're safe if she's an ally, and know we're capable.
>Regarding the spiked drink… There's a chance the bandits are tryingbto cut and run on one of their number.

If she just wanted to cut and run, there’s all the treasure on the table, and she could’ve just left, assuming she could climb the rope. I… kinda think she was trying to rescue me. Luckily, I’m a badass that’s capable of rescuing herself, but if I hadn’t been, where would I be now?

>Speaking of which, we might want to peek back into the room we came in, to see if that catfolk was trying to rescue us or so something a bit less selfless.

I’m not gonna do something risky like open the door yet, but… winds, I kinda wanna talk to her. Even if she is a rival to those thugs, the enemy of my enemy might be my friend. She could answer a bunch of questions I have, and it’d also be really nice to have someone else. But, I defer to you.

>SUGGESTION (Tanna’s current desire, Moderate) - Tanna wants to speak with the person who drugged Jacob.

>What do the winds suggest?
>>
No. 1086626 ID: 5ebd37

At least we know where the box is, and it sounds like they won't get it open soon.

Talking to the cat, if you confront her at a distance, you could cast charm person before she can attack you, if she turns out to not be a friend.
>>
No. 1086628 ID: dd3fe0

I'd suggest against talking to the other people in here until you are in some kind of dominant tactical position.

Also, yes, 'semicolon close parentheses' is a winking smile. And ROFL is 'Rolling On the Floor Laughing', generally used in a clear case of hyperbole, or at least exaggeration. The spells that were a Sending analog often sent text, which depending on the exact nature of the spell, could be displayed on a device designed for that purpose, or as a phantasm (that is, a nonphysical Illusion type hallucination that only the receiver could see. Far from only being useful for hostile applications, those sorts of illusions can be fantastically useful for peaceful consensual purposes, especially if you take out the 'force the subject to believe it's real' bits of the spells).

Anyway, 'Eldritch' is a cultural term, not really a precise category. It's more, 'any sort of magic or entity that is at once sufficiently alien, dangerously inimical to life, inimical to sanity, and which tends to follow far fewer knowable rules than the more understandable type of magic or more normal entities'.

Also, you might have been a horrible cultist sort of person, or you might have just been undercover infiltrating the horrible cult. Regardless, I'm glad your current incarnation has a moral and ethical center, though! If you do regain memories that say you were a jerk, you should commit to spending some time meditating and re-examining your previous perspective from your current moral stance. At least, to do that once you are away from all this danger!
>>
No. 1086636 ID: dd3fe0

Oh! A few things. Your eyes are a really beautiful yellow.

I would love to just relax and talk to you! Now that I think of it, I think we, or at least some of us, might be some vestiges of some lost incredibly magical and technologically capable fallen ancient empire. Do you know of any such group? That left behind impressive works of magic, technology, engineering, and the like, which no one today can replicate, and had some sort of cataclysm that ended their dominance?

Such a is a common story where I am from, at least, and there are many predictions for that sort of thing eventually happening. After all, my people's most famous modern sage said, 'I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones'.
>>
No. 1086638 ID: 2f41db

>>1086612
When we get outta this hole and youve put a couple of sunrises between you and it, we'll take over a corner of a comfy tavern and chat until they throw us out on the street.
Promise.

>>1086619
There looks like an alcove in there.
Maybe a pouch or something in the corner to your right. Lot of trip and noise hazards though.
May be low priority then.

>>1086613
Good call
Leave the dagger.
Its a bit much.
I mean, what is it with cultists and wavy knives?
No one but them ever seems to have one.
They keep everything quiet and secret, then head out and buy one of those.
Its like carrying a flag.

Anyway, good the robe is worth taking.
Nudism, begone!
Congratulations on breaking your streak.

>>1086621
Hmm.
Thinking about her earlier words, she might have been trying to stop the asshole doing something he or she would regret.
To you.
It doesnt necessarily mean shes on your side, but if you want to talk to her...

First sneak up and observe her actions.
See if you can gain an idea about her current goals.
Keep you harmonica handy.
Of all the people here shes the most valid target for charm as her current relationships here are strained and wont conflict too much with helping you.
If shes cooperative without it, all the better, but keep it ready if things start to go sour.

Say, slinky... You dont just want to talk to someone who isnt made of wind do you?
I... I'd understand if you did.
Only feel a little rejected.
>>
No. 1086639 ID: dd3fe0

>>1086638

Hey! Don't call her Slinky.

Her name is Amber.

Ohhhh... Now I get it! Her eyes are amber colored, not just yellow, we should've totally said that to her.

Also, is the kris or her dagger better at the mundane work of being a utility dagger in general? That should inform which of the two she keeps.
>>
No. 1086652 ID: 443b73

From their conversation it sound like the tug looking dudes are holding the box with them or keeping somewhere safe (meaning they got a key) because they don't trust their yet unknown member with it. In this case we should consider attacking them with our scrolls and spells, preferable luring them into traps so we don't have to deal with three enemies at once.

>Mina has been with us for a long time.
That doesn't bode well. We don't know why she is betraying them now, but if she infiltrated this group for a reason cooperating with her would require accommodating her goal, whatever it might be. Maybe our interests align, but let's not be at her mercy in case they don't.

>eldritch
In the original context the word seem to be synonymous to "ancient" or "elder", often accompanied by the adjective "odd". The word evolved to become equivalent to "lovecraftian" which is based on the style of the myth's namesake author.
A better way to think of this concept is that it's a sample of something fundamentally alien to your culture even though it's being around for your entire existence.
>>
No. 1086664 ID: 7c55ad

Might be fine to talk to her

that way, we can also explore the other two rooms we didn't before (like the smelly kitchen)
>>
No. 1086672 ID: 8f9bc4

You want to talk to her, so talk to her! We're only here to lend you our guidance and strengths, not make you do stuff. The Whisper wants you to get to safety, but all things considered, you're pretty safe at the moment. (That may change should those other two come back into this cathedral of idiots!)

Everyone here certainly died. No way to tell about their next lives. You don't seem to like cultists much. Bad experience? Wait shit never mind.
>>
No. 1086905 ID: 81dcf8
File 171114453496.png - (17.66KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 15.png )
1086905

>Can you still control your illusion at this range?

I forgot to mention this, but my connection with the illusion faded sometime during investigating all of the rooms. But yes, I could’ve controlled it during that time! Granted, I wouldn’t know where any walls were, so there was a good chance I’d accidentally send it into the void. Figured it was best to just leave it alone at the time.

>Hey! Don't call her Slinky. Her name is Amber.

I thought it was Tanna?

>Your eyes are a really beautiful yellow.
>Ohhhh... Now I get it! Her eyes are amber colored, not just yellow, we should've totally said that to her.

Uhhh… taking out the mirror, I look at my reflection. My eyes are gray? A mix of black and white? I saw them earlier when looking at my reflection in the sickle as well, definitely gray back then too. Most assuredly not yellow.
>>
No. 1086906 ID: 81dcf8
File 171114453618.png - (11.61KB , 500x500 , Page 2 Set 15.png )
1086906

>Anyway, good the robe is worth taking. Nudism, begone! Congratulations on breaking your streak.

Hah! I really did break the “streak”, didn’t I? Few more like those and I’ll be a bard in no time!

>Also, is the kris or her dagger better at the mundane work of being a utility dagger in general? That should inform which of the two she keeps.

The dagger is far and aways better at utility. Small, sharp, and throwable. Though, if I were in a fight, I think I’d want the kris.

>I mean, what is it with cultists and wavy knives?

Exactly! I’d replace the sickle with it and keep the dagger, but… I like the sickle. It feels right, while the kris feels like a spooky cult murder weapon.

>When we get outta this hole and youve put a couple of sunrises between you and it, we'll take over a corner of a comfy tavern and chat until they throw us out on the street.
>I would love to just relax and talk to you!

With all this coinage, I could probably buy out a place for a day and still have plenty left to be comfortable for a while. Getting kidnapped has been pretty lucrative. Once I get out of this alive, I have something to look forward to!

>Now that I think of it, I think we, or at least some of us, might be some vestiges of some lost incredibly magical and technologically capable fallen ancient empire. Do you know of any such group? That left behind impressive works of magic, technology, engineering, and the like, which no one today can replicate, and had some sort of cataclysm that ended their dominance?

Um… I’m trying to think of a group like that. Dragons at one point ruled the world, though that was thousands of years ago, before the Year of Destruction. It was the creation of the Weave that let “mortalkind” push back against them. Supposedly before that, dragons were the only ones capable of casting magic. I’m not an expert on this though, so I don’t really know all the details.

There was also the Year of Destruction. Again, not an expert, and I certainly wasn’t alive during the time either. To explain it basically, some super magic man shattered a continent and everyone got so shaken up by that that they set a point on the calendar where it’s “Before Year of Destruction” and “After Year of Destruction”. Maybe the magic man shattered the continent to end their dominance, like you said?

>Such a is a common story where I am from, at least, and there are many predictions for that sort of thing eventually happening. After all, my people's most famous modern sage said, 'I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones'.

War seems to be a constant, doesn’t it. I can faintly remember a conflict brewing between the Wrekuinao Dynasty and the Teobik Trust, two entities that have long since had bad blood with each other. Only reason they stopped fighting in the past was because of the aforementioned Y.O.D.
>>
No. 1086907 ID: 81dcf8
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1086907

>Anyway, 'Eldritch' is a cultural term, not really a precise category. It's more, 'any sort of magic or entity that is at once sufficiently alien, dangerously inimical to life, inimical to sanity, and which tends to follow far fewer knowable rules than the more understandable type of magic or more normal entities'.
>In the original context the word seem to be synonymous to "ancient" or "elder", often accompanied by the adjective "odd". The word evolved to become equivalent to "lovecraftian" which is based on the style of the myth's namesake author. A better way to think of this concept is that it's a sample of something fundamentally alien to your culture even though it's being around for your entire existence.

Jeez, that all sounds a bit above my paygrade. I feel like I’ve only recently gotten a grasp on magic as it is. Hopefully things don’t get too “eldritch”, I’d rather just get the box and leave, no more freaky stuff please. Speaking of the box though...

>At least we know where the box is, and it sounds like they won't get it open soon.
>From their conversation it sound like the tug looking dudes are holding the box with them or keeping somewhere safe (meaning they got a key) because they don't trust their yet unknown member with it. In this case we should consider attacking them with our scrolls and spells, preferable luring them into traps so we don't have to deal with three enemies at once.

Yeah, it sounded like they were keeping it on their person or somewhere safe, I'm guessing the former. They seemed oddly obsessive over opening it too, not that I’m a good judge of character for that, I’m oddly obsessive about possessing it. Still…

Casting spells at them, while it might work on the first person, is going to leave me open to the other two in the meantime. I’d rather find a way to separate them and lead them into traps as you said, but I’m not sure how to go about doing that. This main temple area is so open.


>Also, you might have been a horrible cultist sort of person, or you might have just been undercover infiltrating the horrible cult. Regardless, I'm glad your current incarnation has a moral and ethical center, though! If you do regain memories that say you were a jerk, you should commit to spending some time meditating and re-examining your previous perspective from your current moral stance. At least, to do that once you are away from all this danger!

These robes do seem to point toward cultism, huh. Maybe I was in a good cult? Or as you said, a super secret infiltrator? I really hope I wasn’t a bad person, but if I was, I don’t want to be anymore. That’s gotta count for something.

>Everyone here certainly died. No way to tell about their next lives. You don't seem to like cultists much. Bad experience? Wait shit never mind.

What would make you think… eh… I guess I was kinda being vitriolic towards the eye stuff. I genuinely couldn’t tell you why though, but even thinking about that symbol is making me mad. I don’t really feel one way or another towards the idea of a “cultist” though. Maybe some pre-amnesiac experience with it?
>>
No. 1086908 ID: 81dcf8
File 171114454104.png - (13.70KB , 500x500 , Page 4 Set 15.png )
1086908

>I'd suggest against talking to the other people in here until you are in some kind of dominant tactical position.

I get your point, but I don’t know how I’m going to get that position. If that group starts moving, I’m going to be in a bad spot with me in the middle like this.

>That doesn't bode well. We don't know why she is betraying them now, but if she infiltrated this group for a reason cooperating with her would require accommodating her goal, whatever it might be. Maybe our interests align, but let's not be at her mercy in case they don't.
>It doesnt necessarily mean shes on your side, but if you want to talk to her...

I don’t know her goals, but at the moment, she’s alone, sans Jacob. If she proves to be an enemy, dealing with her here would make future engagements easier. Three versus one rather than four.

>You want to talk to her, so talk to her!

Really though…you’re right. I do want to talk to her first, so that’s what I’m gonna do! I really hope she’s not an enemy though… she could answer so many questions, and maybe even be an ally. I’m not gonna let those hopes cloud my judgment though, I’ll do this carefully.


>See if you can gain an idea about her current goals. Keep you harmonica handy. Of all the people here shes the most valid target for charm as her current relationships here are strained and wont conflict too much with helping you.
>Talking to the cat, if you confront her at a distance, you could cast charm person before she can attack you, if she turns out to not be a friend.

I’ll make sure she can’t slip past me, observe her quietly if I can, and be prepared to charm her if anything even seems remotely off.


>Slather your scythe in this soup. Should make for a decent poison modifier.

Not a bad idea either. Oloth’arr toxins are pretty potent, but surprisingly non-lethal. There’s a good chance a cut will put someone under.

>Say, slinky... You dont just want to talk to someone who isnt made of wind do you? I... I'd understand if you did. Only feel a little rejected.

It’d be nice to have a verbal conversation with another person, just to make sure I’m not insane. Please don’t feel rejected though, no one could ever replace you winds! I just… want someone a little more physical, at least for the time being.
>>
No. 1086909 ID: 81dcf8
File 171114454415.png - (10.85KB , 500x500 , Page 5 Set 15.png )
1086909

Well… time to do it. Leaning up against the door, I sniff. It still smells like she’s somewhere in the hallway. Trying my hardest to listen, I hear a voice calling out.

Please come out! I promise I don’t want to hurt you, but something’s wrong with my friends… you need to leave while you still can!

I hear the kitchen door open, and even from here I can smell it. Makes me want to gag, but this seems as good an opportunity as any to observe her. Quietly pushing open the door…

CREAK~

>SNEAKING CHECK: 2[Roll] + 4[Dexterity] + 2[Effective] + 1[Proximity] > 1[Roll] + 3[Mentality] = SUCCESS

~CREAK

...I slip inside, and I don’t think she noticed me. The kitchen door, along with all the other doors, are open.
>>
No. 1086910 ID: 81dcf8
File 171114454727.png - (18.88KB , 500x500 , Page 6 Set 15.png )
1086910

Could she have gotten past me somehow…? Hey… are you i- AH! Wha-

THUMP!

HISS!

AHHH!!!

Suddenly, I hear a hideous sounding hiss and a scream. I move to the kitchen door to see what’s happening, but ugh… this horrible smell is making it hard to focus. Wiping the tears from my eyes, I peer around the side.

Wow! I can’t help but flinch away. That spider is the size of a dog! It’s poised itself on the countertop, and is bearing down on the Amurrun. She seems to be struggling with something? Kinda looks like she’s stuck in place. Her torch has fallen on the ground.
>>
No. 1086912 ID: b58445
File 171114461134.png - (15.19KB , 500x500 , Page 7 Set 15.png )
1086912

JACOB!! RODERICK!! I’M STUCK IN SOME WEBS!! SOMEONE HELP!!

Hold on!

The spider rears up, its fangs glistening in the torchlight with venom. A dark part of me considers whether it’d be easier to just let it happen, but I didn’t come down here to watch her die! Grabbing my sickle, I swing downwards next to her side. I feel something kind of springy give way to my sickle, just as the spider leaps towards her. With both of us rolling to opposite sides of the kitchen island, I turn around to face the monstrosity.

>MENTALITY CHECK: 3 + 1[Familiar Field] > 3 = SUCCESS

It’s a Thinweb Spider. Aptly named, their webs are very difficult to spot, but relatively easy to break. Their venom acts as an anticoagulant and can also induce severe hallucinations (and is an aphrodisiac if mixed with grounded blood berry). They’re very territorial and aggressive, and chase after prey should they escape their webs, following the victim’s blood trail.

SCREECH!!

Time for a fight…

INITIATIVE:

Tanna Sybilant - 4[Dexterity] + 8[Roll] - 1[Stench] = 11.4
Thinweb Spider - 3[Dexterity] + 8[Roll] = 11.3
Mina Haliasong - 3[Dexterity] + 6[Roll] = 9

COMBAT:

Characters can perform:
1 standard action, such as casting a spell, attacking, and things that generally take some amount of time.
1 move action, moving up to an amount of squares equal to their movement speed. For Tanna, this is 6. Each square represents 5 feet.
1 swift action, such as retrieving an item from one’s pack, or other such very quick things.

>>
No. 1086913 ID: 8f9bc4

Ignore the awful smell of broccoli, and save that kitty! Attaaaaack!
>>
No. 1086914 ID: 273c18

Nothing fancy. Just move adjacent and attack.
>>
No. 1086915 ID: 443b73

Was it necessary to run toward the spider? This thing can't open doors, pulling Mina back into the hub room would be enough to save her.
Do we even want to save her? She still consider the rest of the group her friends and want you to leave, so she may disagree with you getting that box.
Too late for such regrets...

If we could capture this erection spider alive it would be perfect for a trap. Unfortunately the scroll only work on humanoids and charm wouldn't change it's animosity toward Mina. Unless you know a way to lasso a giant spider the only option seem to be smashing it until it's too broken to be a threat.

By the way, there is a snake that also cause erection with it's poison around here. It's not as harmless as your gigantic spider: the poison is fatal and the pain is too excruciating to ever consider it an aphrodisiac.
>>
No. 1086916 ID: 2f41db

>>1086912
That thing is the size of a dog...
Brr.

Light on your feet slinky!
Focus on defense.
Watch out for other webs you mighta missed.

You have numbers advantage and that dagger in hand means kitty has claws.
Im hoping this kind of spider isnt smart enough to understand you so...

As a minor action:
Without looking at her, tell the cat "we can beat it together. I'll keep its attention, you hit its flank."

As a major action:
feint and defend.
Keep its attention on you, take a threatening posture but focus fully on defence.
Youre not feinting to give yourself an opening, but your comerade in arms.
She saw you help her.
i think you can rely on her.

A good feint is just a performance.
You can do this tanna.
>>
No. 1086922 ID: dd3fe0

As a swift/minor action, I'd suggest making sure you have a bladed weapon in both hands, so that if one of your arms gets entangled in spidersilk, you can cut it from the side rather than trying to pull on it (that stuff's tensile strength is crazy).

Also sorry for using a previously suggested name rather than your real one, my perception of time got a little wonky there.
>>
No. 1086927 ID: 5ebd37

Back away while barraging it with debris from the counter. This will give the cat the opportunity to hit it from the side.
Given its small size tackling it and stabbing a bunch should end this fight. It's the angle of approach that's the issue.
>>
No. 1087004 ID: 15a025

Move in, slice spider.
>>
No. 1087168 ID: 60a5a8
File 171142955907.png - (12.47KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 16.png )
1087168

>Was it necessary to run toward the spider? This thing can't open doors, pulling Mina back into the hub room would be enough to save her. Do we even want to save her? She still consider the rest of the group her friends and want you to leave, so she may disagree with you getting that box. Too late for such regrets...

It was the heat of the moment! Maybe I could’ve done something else, but the spider was mid leap when I cut her free! And I don’t regret what I’ve done! She tried to help me, so I’m going to help her! I’ll deal with the consequences later!

>erection spider

Gods damned intrusive thoughts! (Stop thinking it!)
>>
No. 1087169 ID: 60a5a8
File 171142956123.png - (18.96KB , 500x500 , Page 2 Set 16.png )
1087169

ROUND 1:

TANNA’S TURN

Swift Action & Move Action

>Without looking at her, tell the cat "we can beat it together. I'll keep its attention, you hit its flank." Watch out for other webs you mighta missed.
>Back away while barraging it with debris from the counter. This will give the cat the opportunity to hit it from the side. It's the angle of approach that's the issue.

Hey! I’m going to lure it this way! Attack it from behind!

Got it!

Taking a quick glance behind me to make sure I’m not stepping into any webs, I begin to toss random bullshit at the creature from the counter while pretending to be frightened (I am scared!). A rotten tomato hits the spider in the face.

>PERFORMANCE CHECK: 3[Mentality] + 2[Roll] + 2[Effective] - 1[Stench] > 1[Mentality] + 1[Roll] - 2[Nature] = SUCCESS

Apparently it didn’t like that very much, and it notices me back away while pretending to be scared. The spider starts to salivate, its predatory instincts beginning to take control. I have its full attention.

Standard Action

>Ignore the awful smell of broccoli, and save that kitty! Attaaaaack!
>Nothing fancy. Just move adjacent and attack.
>Unless you know a way to lasso a giant spider the only option seem to be smashing it until it's too broken to be a threat.
>Light on your feet slinky! Focus on defense. feint and defend. Keep its attention on you, take a threatening posture but focus fully on defence. Youre not feinting to give yourself an opening, but your comerade in arms.
>Move in, slice spider.

I’d move in, but as said above, the angle of approach is a bit poor, and I’d really like to not get bitten. I ready myself to fight defensively, waiting for the spider to come towards me. Once Mina is behind it, I’ll attack with my sickle.
>>
No. 1087170 ID: 60a5a8
File 171142956465.png - (19.28KB , 500x500 , Page 3 Set 16.png )
1087170

Thinweb Spider’s Turn

Move Action & Standard Action

The spider scuttles towards me before leaping up and attacking!

>THINWEB SPIDER’S ATTACK: 3[Dexterity] + 7[Roll] + 1[Size] > 5[Base] + 4[Dexterity] + 2[Fighting Defensively] = MISS

I just barely manage to bring up my sickle in time! Its fangs clamp down on the steel, its creepy legs trying to find purchase on my body so it can continue to bite. I jab it on the underside with my harmonica and shove it back to the ground.
>>
No. 1087171 ID: 60a5a8
File 171142956728.png - (19.69KB , 500x500 , Page 4 Set 16.png )
1087171

Mina Haliasong’s Turn

Move Action & Standard Action

Not even looking at the open door, Mina gets behind the spider. She stabs downwards, and I also take the opportunity to swing!

>TANNA’S ATTACK: 4[Dexterity] + 3[Roll] + 2[Flanking] - 1[Stench] - 2[Fighting Defensively] > 5[Base] + 3[Dexterity] + 1[Natural] + 1[Size] = MISS

>MINA’S ATTACK: 3[Dexterity] + 6[Roll] + 2[Flanking] > 5[Base] + 3[Dexterity] + 1[Natural] + 1[Size] = HIT
>MINA’S DAMAGE: 1[Dagger] + 1[Strength] = 2 PAIN & FATAL WOUND

Hiss!

Mina finds an opening and manages to drive her dagger into the spider’s abdomen, eliciting a pain screech from it. I try to slice at its head, but the smell is really getting to me. My defensive fighting also made it hard to strike properly, the best I got was a useless glancing blow on one of its legs.

The spider, with pained motions, turns to face Mina. It must not have liked the wound she dealt to it, evident as it roars its displeasure towards her.
>>
No. 1087172 ID: 60a5a8
File 171142956983.png - (15.91KB , 500x500 , Page 5 Set 16.png )
1087172

You okay?!

Yeah! Just finish it off!

That went well! The spider is pinned between the two of us, and it looks badly wounded itself! Whatcha think winds?!

END ROUND 1

>>/questdis/141925
>>
No. 1087177 ID: 5ebd37

Tackle, and then just stab stab stab. It can't do anything to you on its back.

The fact that Mina didn't just run off is a promising sign that she really is a friend. So lets wrap this up before anyone else hears the commotion.
>>
No. 1087179 ID: 2f41db

>>1087172
Take advantage of your speed and position.
It already looks injured but you gotta end it quickly.
It only needs to land one blow.
>>1087177
Agreed.
Mina bodes well by her deeds.
>>
No. 1087180 ID: eb0a9c

Stab their limbs to disable them. Try to take the spider alive, you can farm their venom.
>>
No. 1087182 ID: 273c18

It's already got a fatal wound. Restrain it somehow so it can't move or attack, and it'll die. Step on it? Sit on it? Or maybe just kick it away from you into that cubbyhole and let it cringe away in pain and suffering as it breathes its last.

Once the area is secure, you need to prepare to hide behind something I think; Mina yelled for help so help *might* be coming, and you don't want to be seen if that happens.
>>
No. 1087184 ID: 8f9bc4

backstab!
>>
No. 1087185 ID: 443b73

This is going well, but what would you do if she had run away?

Since you are facing it's back and your weapon is curved you might want to aim for the heart. This organ is a long tub directly under the back carapace following it's curvature like a spine in vertebrates, it start at the pedicel (the waist) and end a bit after half of the abdomen. So if you manage to penetrate the tip of your scythe in the top of it's abdomen it will be a guaranty fatal wound (although I don't know how long it will remain alive with a hole in it's heart).

After combat, please tell us what color Mina's eyes look from your perspective.
>>
No. 1087188 ID: 7c55ad

>erection spider

Spiderection

just stomp it.
>>
No. 1087400 ID: 35b67f
File 171175364410.png - (13.66KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 17.png )
1087400

>This is going well, but what would you do if she had run away?

I-I don’t know! What do you want me to say? I got a whole bunch of different voices in my head telling me to do different things and I’m trying my best!

...I am pretty lucky she didn’t end up doing that though. Ugh… you’re right. I just met this person, she could’ve easily left and trapped me in here with that thing. I won’t regret cutting her free though, consequences be damned. I couldn’t let what was going to happen happen.

>Spiderection

(Screams internally)
>>
No. 1087401 ID: 35b67f
File 171175364777.png - (18.74KB , 500x500 , Page 2 Set 17.png )
1087401

ROUND 2:

TANNA’S TURN

>Stab their limbs to disable them. Try to take the spider alive, you can farm their venom.
>Restrain it somehow so it can't move or attack.
>It only needs to land one blow.

Even though it looks like it can barely stand after Mina’s stabbing, a bite from this thing is seriously bad. We can consider whether to keep it alive after knocking it out, but I’m not going to try to soften the blow that ends up doing so. I can milk venom from it even if it’s dead.

Full-Round Action

>Since you are facing it's back and your weapon is curved you might want to aim for the heart. This organ is a long tub directly under the back carapace following it's curvature like a spine in vertebrates, it start at the pedicel (the waist) and end a bit after half of the abdomen. So if you manage to penetrate the tip of your scythe in the top of it's abdomen it will be a guaranty fatal wound (although I don't know how long it will remain alive with a hole in it's heart).

Y-you’re right. I’m remembering some details about spider anatomy from… something. Why am I remembering things like that?

>Tackle, and then just stab stab stab. It can't do anything to you on its back.
>Step on it? Sit on it?
>backstab!
>just stomp it.

...I raise my foot in an attempt to crush its abdomen and pin it.

>SKULLDUGGERY CHECK: 2[Strength] + 6[Roll] + 2[Flanking] - 1[Scent] > 5[Base] + 3[Dexterity] + 1[Strength] - 1[Size] - 2[Pain Threshold] = SUCCESS

Smashing down on its stab wound, I force the femurs flat, its legs spasming beneath. Being a spider, it can’t turn its head, but I can only assume those hisses are directed towards me. I raise my sickle and aim towards its waist, where the aorta should be located.

>TANNA’S ATTACK: 4[Dexterity] + 9[Roll] + 2[Flanking] + 1[Advice] + 1[Skullduggery] - 1[Stench] > 5[Base] + 3[Dexterity] + 1[Natural] + 1[Size] - 2[Pain Threshold] = CRITICAL THREAT
>TANNA’S CRITICAL CONFIRMATION: 4[Dexterity] + 7[Roll] + 2[Flanking] + 1[Advice] + 1[Skullduggery] - 1[Stench] > 5[Base] + 3[Dexterity] + 1[Natural] + 1[Size] - 2[Pain Threshold] = CRITICAL CONFIRMATION
>TANNA’S DAMAGE: 2*(1[Sickle] + 1[Strength] + 1[Advice]) = 6 PAIN & TERRIBLE WOUND CHANCE

>Oloth’arr on sickle is expended.

>THINWEB SPIDER TERRIBLE WOUND RESISTANCE: 26[Roll] - 10[Advice] > 50 = FAILURE

As I swing down, I hit my mark exactly. Wedging the tip in, I start to drag it backwards.

The blade sings the violent melody of death as it incises through the exoskeleton and dances upon its heart. Crimson spurts from the monster and stains the flaps of my cloak, fur, and foot. With a weak jolt, the creature pathetically begs for me to get off, its movements shaky and frail. My answer is to shove back down, eliciting another bit of spray as I put those pleas to rest.

Thinweb Spider falls unconscious with a Fatal wound, and will die at the end of the next update unless tended to.

Feel sorta bad for it.

END OF COMBAT
>>
No. 1087402 ID: 35b67f
File 171175365006.png - (18.43KB , 500x500 , Page 3 Set 17.png )
1087402

>So lets wrap this up before anyone else hears the commotion.
>Once the area is secure, you need to prepare to hide behind something I think; Mina yelled for help so help *might* be coming, and you don't want to be seen if that happens.

Taking a deep brea- ugh... s-stepping off the spider and around it, I look to the person who helped me fight this thing. She’s looking at me with concern.

You’re looking pretty rough. It didn’t bite you, did it?

N-no. C-can you…

I keel over and vomit. I-I have to get out of this fucking room… I can’t breath…

Oh goodness! You’re like Rod, he can’t stand smells like this either. Hold on, let's get you out here!

She offers me an arm, but I refuse it.

Y-your friends. Make s-sure they’re not on their way. I’ll go hide… c-call out if it’s clear.

Oh right… I did kinda scream for help just now. I’ll make sure they’re not on their way and call out ‘butterfly’ when it’s safe!

B-butterfly? Really?

What’s wrong with butterfly?

(I hate butterflies.)

N-nothing, sorry… let’s just go…
>>
No. 1087403 ID: 35b67f
File 171175365284.png - (13.72KB , 500x500 , Page 4 Set 17.png )
1087403

Mina makes haste to leave this abominable place, and I quickly follow suit. As soon as I’m out and that kitchen door is closed, I take another deep breath. Stale air has never been so wonderful.

Creak~

When she heads up the stairs and goes through the door, I head back into the torturer’s room.

>The fact that Mina didn't just run off is a promising sign that she really is a friend.
>Mina bodes well by her deeds.

She does. She’s had plenty of opportunities to screw me over and hasn’t. Dare I fall into the hope of thinking she means well?

...I really want to. My mind’s swimming with questions, and there’s definitely some things I’m going to bring up. Why their group kidnapped me, what they’re doing here, where is here, and why she’s defecting are some.

>After combat, please tell us what color Mina's eyes look from your perspective.

Ummm… I think they’re sort of a skyish light blue color, why? You all have been bringing up eye color a lot.

~Creak

Butterfly! I think they’re still checking out that weird room! You can come out!

Ooh, I’m actually really excited! If you don’t think about it too hard, this is going to be my first ever verbal conversation! Gods, I’m so jittery right now! Is that weird?

Ahh!!!! Alrighty… calm down Winds! Things could still go bad. I plan on meeting her in the hallway, assuming it’s not a trap. That a good idea? Am I missing anything? Just want to make sure this goes well.
>>
No. 1087405 ID: 8f9bc4

> Why am I remembering things like that?

My guess would be Bardic Insight. Bards are entertainers second, teachers and historians first! They learn all sorts of knowledge to pass on to the masses in the form of song.

But it could also just be that you're a spider herder and your old memories are coming back. Anything coming back to you about saddling up a giant 8 foot tall hairy beast, and riding it across the countryside?

>>1087403

At least you've escaped the room where they're cooking broccoli. It's interesting because we can see eye colors especially, and hers are significantly blue. Good to know you see it too.

> assuming it’s not a trap

If it's a trap, you're already backed into a corner. No escape from this room. Be wary but go meet her in the hallway. Look to your side to make sure nobody's waiting there to club you over the head.
>>
No. 1087411 ID: 273c18

>>1087403
We see that she has blue eyes as well. Hmm. You haven't looked in a mirror since you woke up here, have you?
Ask her what color your eyes are. Also, her name, what this place is exactly, why the others want the box so badly, and why she's helping you.
>>
No. 1087412 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1087411

She looked at her reflection when we asked earlier. Her eyes are gray.
>>
No. 1087414 ID: dd3fe0

>>1087412

Weird, I wonder what we're perceiving when we see them as yellow or amber. Maybe she should look in a mirror with a Detect Magic up?

... Or do you need a special mirror to do that usefully??
>>
No. 1087418 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1087414

Don't wonder. Dangerous to wonder.
>>
No. 1087420 ID: eb0a9c

>>1087403
Personally, I think botflies need to be population-controlled for the good of every other form of multicellular life. The botfly maggots burrow into the pores of other animals, the animals slowly die and devour some of the maggots in their mad death throes, it's a miserable cycle for everyone involved.

Be cautious. Just walk up carefully and make sure to look through every doorway.
>>
No. 1087437 ID: 2f41db

>>1087401
Im not gonna tell you not to feel bad for it, but it could have hurt either of you severely.
You did well here tanna.
>>1087402
...slinky.
You know i cant let that one go.
I gotta know...
Why do you hate butterflies?

>>1087403
Calming breath.
Center yourself.
You are tanna,
a bard,
talking to people is the easiest part of your job.
Ive never heard of an antisocial bard.
Though, I suppose if there was one, they wouldnt get out much... ignore that!
Itll all come back to you.
Just like those snippets of lore are.

So.
I think her motivation was to stop her friend doing something horrible that he'd regret.
That might have been what motivated her to try to find him. She said sonething about "before its too late" earlier.
Her other companions may be behaving... oddly by the sound of it too.

She seems ok.
Just to be sure sniff and listen before stepping into sight.
She may think theyre further away than they actually are too.
>>
No. 1087476 ID: dd3fe0

>>1087420

Botfliss are not butterflies!!
>>
No. 1087477 ID: 443b73

Maybe you should feel less excitement and more righteous indignation, she is an accomplice to your kidnappers. Jacob began your torture section stabbing you with a knife, when he returned drunk he declared his intention of raping you. Mina owns you a long explanation if she want you to trust her, not the other way around.
We probable don't need to remind you the main points you should ask, but beside the important things like what are they doing here and what they wanted with you, also ask what their group did originally and what is her relationship with the other members. (Is Jacob her brother? Partner? Just speculating here...)

>Spiderection
Don't worry, spiders don't have penises to get erect. The only rock hard dick this spider will show you will be from the guy you use it's poison on.
By the way, do you know where the genitalia of spiders is located? It's not exactly where you would expect: instead of near the excrete exit hole it's in the middle of the abdomen next to the nose.

>Thinweb Spider falls unconscious with a Fatal wound, and will die at the end of the next update unless tended to.
The efficiency of those healing potions must be amazing if it's even a possible to cure the equivalent to have your chest open and your heart bisected.
I don't see how we can make this angry invertebrate cooperate with us at this point, so just let it die.
Ask Mina to collect the poison or to drag the body out of the smelly room if she can't.
>>
No. 1087488 ID: 15a025

She's seems like she means well. Their has already been a numerous amount of times here she could have harmed or lead harm your way here.
>>
No. 1087489 ID: 443b73

I forgot to congratulate your victory: That was an amazing finishing move. Brutal and methodical!
You also risked your life for someone you didn't knew you could trust and got the best outcome possible. No negative consequences beside the bad smell and some blood in your fur, well done.

Thank Mina for not betraying your trust when you were vulnerable. ...twice: attacking the spider and (hopefully) not calling her friends to capture you.
>>
No. 1087492 ID: 7c55ad

Might want to tell him what you did to Jacob and where he is
>>
No. 1088180 ID: 11c37a
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1088180

>Maybe you should feel less excitement and more righteous indignation, she is an accomplice to your kidnappers. Jacob began your torture section stabbing you with a knife, when he returned drunk he declared his intention of raping you. Mina owns you a long explanation if she want you to trust her, not the other way around.

Well when you put it that way, it does make me a bit angry! She is a part of all this! There better be a really good reason why she’s with them!

>She seems ok.
>She's seems like she means well. Their has already been a numerous amount of times here she could have harmed or lead harm your way here.

It’s kind of hard to stay mad though, considering that. She really hasn’t done anything at all to indicate she was out to hurt me, except maybe being involved in my kidnapping.

I’ll think I’ll keep myself tempered when I go to speak to her. Question why she’s with them, but not in a hostile way.

>Im not gonna tell you not to feel bad for it, but it could have hurt either of you severely. You did well here tanna.
>I forgot to congratulate your victory: That was an amazing finishing move. Brutal and methodical!

Aw, thanks! I’m not sure I could’ve fought as I did without all of your advice, if I’m being honest. Between the smell and the fear, I found myself relying on you all to help make judgment calls. I’ll try not to jump in like I did for the future, but Mina was going to get really hurt if I didn’t move right away.

>It's interesting because we can see eye colors especially, and hers are significantly blue. Good to know you see it too.
>We see that she has blue eyes as well. Hmm. You haven't looked in a mirror since you woke up here, have you? Ask her what color your eyes are.
>She looked at her reflection when we asked earlier. Her eyes are gray.

As far as I can tell, my eyes were gray when I looked in the mirror, and it isn’t like I can’t see colors. Mina’s were blue for sure. If you say you see something else though, I trust you mean it. I’ll try to sneak in a way to get her to comment on my eye color, or just flat out ask her.

>Weird, I wonder what we're perceiving when we see them as yellow or amber. Maybe she should look in a mirror with a Detect Magic up? ... Or do you need a special mirror to do that usefully??

I’ll do that later, I gotta meet up with Mina first though. As for needing a special mirror, I’m not really sure. I’m kind of rediscovering(?) the intricacies of the Weave. Assuming that the surface of a mirror is also a part of the Weave, it might not be able to reflect properly.
>>
No. 1088181 ID: 11c37a
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1088181

>The efficiency of those healing potions must be amazing if it's even a possible to cure the equivalent to have your chest open and your heart bisected. I don't see how we can make this angry invertebrate cooperate with us at this point, so just let it die. Ask Mina to collect the poison or to drag the body out of the smelly room if she can't.

It’s still alive? I really thought cutting it along the heart just killed it. I don’t really see the benefit in using a potion to keep it alive, I can probably get a good bit of venom out of its corpse still.

Also yeah. From my brief stint into looking at the Weave of the spell in the potion, I think healing magic in general targets the deadliest wounds first, getting the creature into a state where they won’t continue to die. Curing a bisected heart seems pretty crazy though, but if it just focused on suturing the slice, I could see it working?

>But it could also just be that you're a spider herder and your old memories are coming back. Anything coming back to you about saddling up a giant 8 foot tall hairy beast, and riding it across the countryside?
>Don't worry, spiders don't have penises to get erect. The only rock hard dick this spider will show you will be from the guy you use it's poison on. By the way, do you know where the genitalia of spiders is located? It's not exactly where you would expect: instead of near the excrete exit hole it's in the middle of the abdomen next to the nose.

It’s really fuzzy, but I’m starting to remember that. Based on that spider’s pedipalps and size, it was likely a female Thinweb. A male of that species would have been about half the size of the monster we fought. Spiders are weird. As far as being a spider rider? I guess there could be worse things. Despite being weird, spiders are still pretty cool.

>Personally, I think botflies need to be population-controlled for the good of every other form of multicellular life.

Same, except with butterflies.

>...slinky. You know i cant let that one go. I gotta know… Why do you hate butterflies?

They’re annoying, and stupid! And always getting in the way a-and… this is how I felt about the eye… why do I hate them? They’re… my enemy I think? I don’t know? I should know…
>>
No. 1088182 ID: 11c37a
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1088182

>Don't wonder. Dangerous to wonder.
>>
No. 1088183 ID: 11c37a
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1088183

M-my head… w-what’s going on…?

S-sorry. It sort of hurts… I don’t want to think about it at the moment…

Hello? Oh the Fae’s be willing, please don’t hide again…
>>
No. 1088184 ID: 11c37a
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1088184

>Just to be sure sniff and listen before stepping into sight. She may think theyre further away than they actually are too.

R-right… right. I shouldn’t keep her waiting. I don’t smell anything out of the ordinary, just the faint stench of that kitchen, stale air, and her. Pushing the door open, I see her walking down the stairs with a torch in hand. She sees me and lets out a sigh of relief. Giving a friendly wave, there is a vibrant smile on her face.Hey there!

>Calming breath. Center yourself.

I’m calm. I’m cool. I’ve been practicing for this moment since I was born. Peeking my head out, I utter my most confident greeting.H-hi.

Fuck.

>If it's a trap, you're already backed into a corner. No escape from this room. Be wary but go meet her in the hallway. Look to your side to make sure nobody's waiting there to club you over the head.
>Be cautious. Just walk up carefully and make sure to look through every doorway.

I take cautious looks at both sides of the door, and once satisfied no one is going to club me in the head, push outwards. Stepping into the hallway to meet her, I make eye contact, then break it while pointing at the other doors.Do you mind if I check the doors?

Still smiling, she gives me a thumbs up. I start checking each door, making sure it’s safe. She watches me and doesn’t say a word, opting to wait patiently. I… feel sort of awkward doing this.S-sorry… just making sure.

She waves a hand as she goes to sit down on the stairs.No worries, you’ve been through a lot. Whenever you’re ready.

I check the final room, the one Jacob should be in. He’s still tied up against the cell. No new smells, no one lurking, I’m pretty sure this isn’t a trap. I look at her and return the smile.

>Thank Mina for not betraying your trust when you were vulnerable. ...twice: attacking the spider and (hopefully) not calling her friends to capture you.
>her name

She’s helped me, and I’ve helped her. Focusing on that, I breath in and start the conversation.Thanks for fighting that spider with me, and not selling me out. I think you poisoned your friend’s wine too? My name’s Tanna Sybilant.

That’s a pretty name, nice to meet you! I’m Mina Haliasong. I should be thanking you actually, I couldn’t have left you to fight that thing alone. I’d probably have been spider chow if you hadn’t cut me free.

She takes a more passive posture, appearing very apologetic with one hand gripping an elbow.And yeah, I did. I’m so sorry I didn’t stop him earlier. I… really didn’t think he’d actually hurt you. As soon as I found out, I used the poison you hit us with earlier and spiked his drink. I’m glad you didn’t use the other poisons you had in your bag, we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation.

Other poisons in my bag? The Oloth’arr was mine?

>what is her relationship with the other members. (Is Jacob her brother? Partner? Just speculating here...)

I narrow my eyes at her.Are they your friends? They don’t seem like the type of people you’d associate with, no offense. That guy cut me, and was going to do some other awful things to me.
>>
No. 1088185 ID: 11c37a
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1088185

Mina shakes her head, her smile appearing more melancholic as she looks down.I… don’t really know how to say this without seeming like I’m defending his actions. What he did to you is inexcusable, but something’s wrong with him. He’d never normally do what he did. Whoever this Jacob is, they aren’t my friend, none of the others are. We used to laugh and joke, but ever since we found that box, they’ve become really mean. It’s been nothing but veiled threats and paranoia whenever we interact.

Crossing my arms, I ask her,What do you mean? They’re not normally like this?

No… they’re not. We’re not bad people, I promise. We pass by villages and towns and do jobs, usually things people don’t wanna risk their lives for for money. Clearing out the occasional well that gets infested, beat up some bandits, exploring places, that sort of stuff. We’ve done a lot of good together.

Taking a moment to gather herself, she continues,What they had planned for you… they’ve never done anything that sadistic to another person before. And that’s what brought them together for the first time in a while, about how they were going to hurt you. They aren’t the same people who helped save a farmer’s daughter from slavers for no pay, or volunteered to help rebuild a town after it was burnt to the ground. I swear to you, they’re some of the nicest individuals I know.

Sorry if I don’t see it that way, especially after being kidnapped and brought to this awful place.

She seems confused when I say that.Kidnapped you? Not that this excuses their actions, but you made them pretty mad when you came here trying to steal that stupid box.”`

Now it’s my turn to be confused.What? No… that doesn’t make any sense?

And now it’s her turn to cross her arms.How does it not? You schmoozed on Jacob back at the Habs, and the knucklehead told you where we were going. We’ve been at these ruins for a few days now. I'm not sure when you followed us, but you poisoned our food earlier in the night and nearly made off with only the box for some reason. Roderick and Vax powered through it though and chased you down. I tried to tell them it wasn’t worth it, really I was hoping you’d escape. You know the rest, kind of a stretch to call it kidnapping after everything you did.

I came here? I tried to steal the box from them? They found the box in this place? I’m the aggressor? While I’m thinking about all of that, she continues,I’m not going to try and convince you they’re good people after what you’ve been through, but something has a hold on them, and I need to figure out what that is before they hurt someone else or themselves. I think it has something to do with the box. You need to leave while you still have the chance.If you could tell me what’s so important about it, that might help me figure out what’s going on.

Can I be honest with you really quick?I need to break this assumption she has of me, that I remember everything.

She tilts her head for a moment before giving a nod.I think I have amnesia. When I woke up, I was bound to a table and tortured by your friend because I didn’t answer him right away on how to open the box. I had no idea why. I was confused, hurt, scared, and naked.

I wonder if I should tell her about you guys, but I’m going to elect to hide that for the moment.

>Might want to tell him what you did to Jacob and where he is

I ended up breaking free, and snuck past you when you came down to check on your friend, Jacob.” You’re right, Winds. I should make sure she knows he’s safe.You saw him right, in the room there?

Gratitude is apparent on her face as she smiles brightly at me.Yes, I did. If I knew you had broken free, I wouldn’t have poisoned him like that. Really, thank you so much for not killing him. I just didn’t want anyone getting hurt.
>>
No. 1088186 ID: 11c37a
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1088186

A little bit of puzzlement gets mixed into her expression however....How did you even end up getting by me? One moment you were in the cell, and then the next you were gone.

Was a bit more of a hard decision than I would’ve liked it to have been, in regards to not killing Jacob. No need for her to know about that though.No problem. And… magic? I slipped past you invisibly when you came in through the door, and I had an illusion of myself in the cell.

She softly smacks her head.Oh duh, I should’ve realized that was an illusion. You’re a caster as well? Why didn’t you use magic when Rod and Vax were chasing you? They told us it was just a ‘not so nice word’ run through the forest, until they cornered you at a cliff wall.

That’s a good question? I give a weak shrug.I… don’t know? I might have discovered how to cast just recently.

Can you prestidigitate?

I look at her blankly, having no idea what she’s talking about. She gives a little laugh before reaching for the amulet around her neck and unclasping it. Holding it out, she begins to incant. I take a closer look at the amulet and see it’s a… i-it’s a rainbow hued butterfly! Threads of Weave begin to circle around her! She’s going to cast something on me! I reach for my sickl-Ta-da!

I feel a little tingle, and then there’s a little splash near my feet. The spider blood staining my robes and fur has somehow been washed off.Wha-

She clasps the amulet back around her neck while giving off an innocent chuckle.Just a small magic trick, you can do all sorts of things with prestidigitate. You wanna try making some lights?
>>
No. 1088187 ID: 11c37a
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1088187

She notices I had started to reach for my sickle. Waving her hands apologetically, she says,O-oh, sorry! I should’ve said I was going to cast a spell. I really didn’t mean to scare you, I wasn’t thinking.

I shake my head, what is wrong with me? I retract my hand from my weapon.No, it’s… my fault. Still a little jumpy. Prestidigitate? I can make lights with that?

With an enthusiastic nod, she says,Yeah! They’re pretty dim though, but they can be useful in an emergency. A beastkin’s eyes only need a little light to see in the dark.

Grabbing my harmonica, I play a quick tune in an attempt to make some lights. It’s surprisingly easy, and once I finish, I have some very dim magical lights in my hand. She gives a soft clap as she says,Nice job! You really are a mage, and a rare one too. I’ve never met a bardic caster before. I’ve heard they interact with the Weave using sound, and it seems those rumors are true! Super strange… but also really cool!

I hadn’t really thought of that.Is how I cast rare? I need the harmonica and a melody, but I’m not exactly sure what I’m doing when I do it. It just kinda works. Is it the same with your amulet?

Mina’s eyes light up, I must’ve hit a subject she likes.Oh, it’s absolutely rare! I studied magic quite a bit while I was… when I was young. And out of all the forms of casting, bardic casting basically has no replicable methodology or research put into it. The people who write the books really have no idea how it works!

Mina holds up her amulet to me, I try to look past it as she says,As for me though, I do need this amulet to incant. I might not look it, but I’m actually a priest of Cassilda, one of the three Fate Weavers. As long as I have some symbol of hers and a strong enough belief, she sort of pre-packages the magic for me, and I release it as I see fit. There’s other ways to cast magic though. There are people who spend their whole life learning how to physically manipulate it, and for others it might be in their blood and it comes innately.

I smile as she’s explaining, and while I’d love to learn more, I nudge my head towards the door. She seems to realize what I mean.Oh my bad, I’m getting sidetracked. You were saying your memory is faulty?

Very much so. I don’t know where we are, who I am, or what you all were doing. I’m still pretty confused, and a bit scared, but the one thing I remember is that I need that box, it’s extremely important. I was hoping to ask you some questions, fill some of those holes in my memory, and then steal it back. Do you think you could help me?
>>
No. 1088188 ID: 11c37a
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1088188

All the optimism she had just a moment ago evaporates, only to be replaced with frustration. Mina locks eye contact with me, a withering intensity that puts a dent in my confidence.Why? It’s just a stupid box. Not that I wouldn’t mind if you could actually steal it, but what is actually so important about it?

>You are tanna, a bard, talking to people is the easiest part of your job.

I am a bard! I’m just gonna use my bardly ways to convince her why it’s important! And the reason is…! Err… it’s… uhh… well if I say it loud enough, surely it will work!There’s something inside it that’s really important!?

>PERSUASION CHECK: 3[Mentality] + 4[Roll] + 2[Effective] - 5[Argument] > 8[DC] = FAILURE

T-that didn’t come out right! She gives me a tired look, and it destroys my conviction.Tanna, I don’t want to be a jerk about this, but you have to realize how weak that sounds. Please stop dancing around the question.

W-what do I say? I flounder a little bit, rubbing the back of my head....I-I don’t remember. It just is…

The intensity in her gaze dies down, only to be replaced with disappointment.You don’t remember? You say you’re confused and scared, but you still want to try and steal it? Y-you’re just as obsessed over it as they are, aren’t you?

I-I fucked it up. I can’t keep her gaze, and when I look away, she pinches the bridge of her muzzle and sighs....Look, I’m sorry. But I didn’t poison Jacob to try and save your life, just so you could throw it away. If we had time, I’d sit down and play twenty questions with you, but something is deeply wrong with my friends. I really need to emphasize this because you’re not getting it. They will torture and kill you if you get caught. Really, I shouldn’t have even kept you as I have, I… I-I’ve been selfish.

She shakes her head and clutches that (worthless) amulet of hers again. While she’s looking at it, I hear her sniffle.I-if you don’t know the reason why it’s so important, then you’re only going to make things harder for me if you stick around. Y-you saw the ropes leading out, right? Do you think you can climb those? I’ll go distract them, make sure you can escape, and then you cut the ropes so they can’t chase you again. P-please… I don’t want them to hurt you, can you just leave?

Is what I’m doing stupid? …N-no. No! I need the box! That’s always been a constant, even during my amnesia! It has to be important! I’m losing this battle though, and I don’t know what she’s going to do if I refuse to leave. Should I try a different argument, charm her, maybe lie and say I’ll leave? (kill her?) W-winds, what should I…

...Jeez, what’s going on with her? She’s trying really hard not to cry. You’re the one crushing my hopes! Why do you get to cry?!
>>
No. 1088194 ID: 7c55ad

How about a negotiation. Tell her that you'll help her get her friends back to normal, and in return, you'll take the box, and get it far away from here somewhere safe so that they don't get obsessed with the box again, and nobody else obsesses over it again.

to further the argument, tell her while you don't remember what's in the box, there could be a possibility that whatever is inside could be really dangerous if they open it, and might be the reason why you needed it. So taking it and making sure it doesn't end up in the wrong hands while making sure it doesn't open might be why you needed to steal it. You're also worried that she might become obsessed with it if she takes it for herself to save her friends, ending up like them.

Also, ask if any of her friends had voices in their head recently (kind of like you did) maybe perhaps their unnatural actions could be that same reason as yours, they're hearing other voices telling them to do stuff.

also, consider: maybe perhaps it wasn't butterflies you hated, but Cassilda and her followers, considering the butterfly is a symbol of her's. Would make sense if you were indeed a cultist in a religion that might be against Cassilda.
>>
No. 1088195 ID: 8e6882

Tell her that the box itself is a cognitohazard, that her friends won't get better until the box is gone. Also tell her that you overheard her friends saying if Mina betrays them, they would kill her, and they don't care if she leaves. Also consider the pros and cons of traveling with the icky butterfly woman.
>>
No. 1088199 ID: 8f9bc4

Tell her that amnesia might have been the luckiest thing to happen to you, because you don't think you could have ever been friends with her otherwise. All you can remember is the butterfly was your enemy. She should know who sent you, therefore. Whoever is the enemy of Cassilda, possibly of the three Fates.
>>
No. 1088204 ID: 2f41db

>>1088188
Tanna.
Theres something i've been wondering how to talk to you about for a while now.
You trust us, right?
That we're here to help you.

Im gonna assume you nodded.
So, whatever I and the other winds say, listen first.
Even if you feel an emotional reaction.
Listen.

That box...
There is something very wrong with it.

Every person who has been in contact with it has been altered.
Mina's friends have developed an obsessive compulsion to possess it and open it.
They have had all their restraint eroded in pursuit of that goal.

You were hit with a near total amnesia.
Despite this, some vestigial obsession remains.
You have reacted with anger and fear at the thought of losing it. Recovering it remains the crux of your actions.
When someone looked like they were between you and the box, you were on the edge of killing them but held back. Much to your own relief.

Mina is unaffected.
Perhaps because she has a patron entity warding what makes her, well, herself.

I dont know what what box is but you have to see the influence it has.
It looks like it grabs on to...to parts of the person.
Takes the parts that might say "no" and question why theyre doing these things and Twists them to focus only on it and opening it.

I think thats why you can resist it when you dig deep tanna.
You've been rendered down to your essential self.
Theres no memories and motivations for it to latch on to and twist so you can slip free of its grip when it tries.
When it tries to influence you to do something, you can ask "why?"
And when no answer comes,that reveals the emptiness of its power.

I... I dont know for sure if the box did something to your memories.
Maybe it was something else.
...or maybe it eats memories and minds, leaving only thoughts of the box.
Maybe thats why some eyes are yellow and some are blue to us.

Theres still so much we dont know for sure tanna, but there are some things we do know and i hope you know them too.
Those things being that;

We are here to help you.
The box changes those who come into contact with it.
Whatever it did to you, whatever influence it wrought over your deeds, at your core you are a good person.

You dont have to remember everything about yourself to know your heart slinky.
Listen hard to it.
>>
No. 1088212 ID: 443b73

>Cassilda
Singer
Spear war
Mussum

There some assumptions we can make that serve as arguments for why it would be better for her if you take the box with you:

Mina seem unaffected by the mind altering effects her friends succumbed to. You felt compelled toward violence you didn't want to commit when exposed to the symbols in this ruin. The same repulsion you felt toward the religious symbols in this temple you also feel toward her god's symbol. We can assume her connection to a god as a priestess protected her from what is likely the influence of another god.
Using your reactions as a reference I would speculate you had a connection to a god in conflict with both her god and the entity associated with this temple. Alternatively you are compelled by this temple the same way those adventurers are but your personal convictions didn't crumble yet.
Either way it's safe to assume the adventurers will only get worse as long as they remain in contact with the box and this temple. If those effects are reversible Mina best bet would be taking them to a temple of her goddess and pray for the protection she received to be extended to them. If they continue on their current trajectory it's only a matter of time before they turn against this priestess who insist in interfering with their new priorities.

At this point you got to decide if your desire for the box is a genuine sense of urgency from a partially forgotten reason or if you are falling for the same trap those adventurers did.
If all of this is the will of a sinister entity you should abandon the box and this temple. Since she doesn't believe they can be separated from the box it's better for Mina to give up on her friends. Take her far away because something terrible will happen here when they get what they want.
If we assume you had a way to prevent the imminent disaster having the box with you may not mean you would replace them as agents of an eldritch god. Normally I would consider this rationality flimsy, but in your case you received us and bardic magic from a hamster god, so there may be a reason why what you are doing is important. Maybe our rodent in the sky will give us a clue once we get out of this temple's influence.

Anyway, argue as much as you can. At the end you and Mina either agree on what to do or become enemies.
>>
No. 1088233 ID: 5ebd37

That box is bad news, obtaining it might well be sacrificing yourself. But if you leave it Mina's friends will likely be lost to it.

Describe to Mina the compulsions you've felt around the box and eye symbols. If she want's to save her friends she'll let you get that box far away. Divide and conquer, use tricks and drugs to incapacitate them. No one need die tonight.
>>
No. 1088241 ID: 273c18

>>1088181
Shattered into
infinite pieces,

>>1088182
Cassilda
plays
a
part
in
every
story.


>>1088188
Okay there's two possibilities here.
1, the box is a relatively mundane yet cursed item which causes obsession, she's immune because she's a priest and is being protected by her diety.
2, the box is an artifact with a corruptive aura due to the being it's attuned to, and you have been given a mission from that being to retrieve it.
There's one way to know for sure. Draw the weird symbol you saw in that room, the one with three curls. Ask her if that's the symbol on the box. It's a symbol of a powerful being, either eldritch or godly, so if it's on the box we know for sure that it is important somehow.

Tell her that based on the information you know, her friends will not get better so long as they're near the box. You want to take it away from them, isn't that good enough for her? That will help them, and you resist the effects of the box enough to not want to kill them over it. The details don't matter, she needs to save her friends which means she needs your help. Tell her that you have the resources to disable two of them, that should be enough to get the box away from them with her help.
>>
No. 1088242 ID: 273c18

(hmm, trying to find a list of cantrips, and... isn't Suggestion a 2nd level spell? what edition are we playing here? is it 3.5, 5e, or pathfinder? weird, Ghost Sound should be a cantrip...)
>>
No. 1088244 ID: dd3fe0

Alright. So there's a few things to unpack here.

So! You still have to worry about Eldritch Shit and things actively messing with your head.

:(

That's just something to accept right now, and work around. To start, you should NOTICE when you get a sudden headache.

When you get a sudden headache, your first thought should be, 'aw shit, did I lose some time?' and then figure out if you have a memory gap.

Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Induced memory gaps can be adaptive and protective, especially if you are interacting with cognitohazards (mind altering charm/compulsion effects). It takes a lesser cognitohazard to fight a greater one, perhaps? Like bad tasting medicine with some side effects.

Also, if you were anti-butterfly, if butterflies were cosmically seen as the opposing faction, we have another bit of circumstantial evidence that you were a bad person. Gods and Goddesses and other powerful beings often use straightforward aesthetic choices as part of their symbolism, due to how easy the message is to impart to their followers. Usually, though not always, there's an intentional push to make 'colorful and beautiful and bright' to symbolize good and 'sharp and dark with pointed parts' to symbolize evil. Also, poison use is often evil-coded by these sorts of beings, despite the difference between medicine and poison often being just dosage, and poison often being one of the least harmful/painful ways to incapacitate someone (anesthetics, anyone?).

So you might have been following something that preferred symbolism of the natural predators to butterflies -- do you feel any kinship with any of these animals: bats, wasps, smaller predatory birds (like orioles), spiders, shrews, lizards, or monkeys? Ask her what gods (and their symbols) were directly opposed to hers, or oppose the one with the butterfly symbol. See if something seems familiar.

Anyway, it definitely looks like after interacting with the box, you and others may have gotten your all's morality inverted. You may want to mention that you think some aspect of interacting with the box can cause this effect, because you have clues that you weren't a nice person.

Now, a few things can cause morality to invert. The exact right type of traumatic brain injury, for one thing. But that happening to a bunch of people seems implausible. Instead, I'm noticing a pattern-match here to something from my culture. If you exist in a reality where active gods enforce or bicker over a cosmically-enforced morality system (in the sense of moral categorization, not in the sense of forcing moral or immoral behavior), than an item that shifts someone to their 'opposite alignment' might be magically easier than it would otherwise be, if the mind is prone to follow specific particular patterns due to the brain interacting with ever-present energies of things like good, evil, law, or chaos (or whatever).

Personally, I think such moral alignment systems are absolute bullshit and any scenario where gods play games with the lives of mortals without extreme extenuating circumstances is inherently immoral anyway, regardless if you are 'good' coded or not in these systems.

After all, you can totally follow an 'evil' god (or other powerful weird entity) and be a moral person, and here's how:

1.) You are appeasing an inherently destructive entity so it doesn't cause undue harm

2.) The entity symbolizes healthy forms of destruction and change and growth, and you are following that aspect of them. This (or some other important thing) might even be specifically required for reality itself to continue to function (see previous statement of possible 'extreme extenuating circumstances').

3.) You follow the entity inasmuch as they represent the concept of 'loyal opposition'; that is, while still working towards the overall thriving of a multitude of individuals and groups and systems, they and you are tasked with opposing the immediate concerns of some good-coded subgroup, like the opposition in a trial, or a team red in a military training context, or the minority party in a republic, or similar.

You may have previously taken an oath to follow an 'evil' entity, whatever is opposed to these butterflies, and it might still be binding you. Do you think you have?

As far as the box, perhaps ask about oaths that are binding? Is there a type that has a compulsion or mental reminder aspect to it, like that will still work if someone has a new bout of amnesia or has their mind taken over or has their morality changed?

Here's a hypothetical: You both do a mutually binding vow beneath the *pantheon* (especially if there's an inclusive term for both the 'good' and 'evil' set of gods, use THAT), that as both of you agree that the box is incredibly dangerous and you will, within the limits of any preexisting oaths each of you may have, and regardless of your current moral stance at any given time, work to get the box to a situation where it's potential for harm is minimized, and to conduct yourselves honorably in the act getting it to such a situation. There is to be no secret 'Ahahahaha, I am taking it to my evil church now, do-gooder!' betrayals; any such double-crossing shall be instead conducted with decorum, style and a sense of sportsmanship.

The idea here being that, if either of you suddenly turns hideously evil, you wish to still be bound to at least be evil with STYLE and a behavioral code of some sort. This is especially true if you are ideologically and religiously opposed and obligated to act at cross purposes at some point. In other words, this is less a peace treaty and more a convention on how to oppose each other in a sane way. And ideally, you can do something so you both are cosmically forced to adhere to that standard, even if one of you forget the oath or is in a state of mind where honor is devalued.

Is such a thing possible?
>>
No. 1088247 ID: 8894ef

>>1088242
It's a sort of weird mix I'm making up as I'm going along. It's mostly based on Pathfinder.
>>
No. 1088254 ID: 5be886

>>1088242

For a first level spell, the main way of doing it isn't to use Charm Person or whatever. Those are poor at long term stuff (the person generally realizes after the fact; only some entities that can cast variant versions of the spell are exempt from this). Instead, you use spells on yourself that are generally divination spells to improve your own skill, with names like True Skill or Wieldskill or Guidance or Knack. Some of them are even cantrips. Bards have a few, Wizards some others, Clerics some others.
>>
No. 1088911 ID: dd3fe0

Also, based on some pattern matching of what I've been able to determine, if you are or were especially religious or religiously empowered, or straddle the line between divine and arcane magic, you might be a variant of the 'standard' magical bard powerset called, variously, a 'cantor' or a 'faith singer'.
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No. 1088954 ID: 710216
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1088954

>That's just something to accept right now, and work around. To start, you should NOTICE when you get a sudden headache. When you get a sudden headache, your first thought should be, 'aw shit, did I lose some time?' and then figure out if you have a memory gap.

I’ll try to keep a better eye on that, they seem to be happening enough to warrant it. The latest one might have had a minor gap, Mina seemed like she thought I was hiding.

>also, consider: maybe perhaps it wasn't butterflies you hated, but Cassilda and her followers, considering the butterfly is a symbol of her's. Would make sense if you were indeed a cultist in a religion that might be against Cassilda.
>All you can remember is the butterfly was your enemy
>You may have previously taken an oath to follow an 'evil' entity, whatever is opposed to these butterflies, and it might still be binding you. Do you think you have?

It seems very possible, doesn’t it? The name Cassilda is evoking that same hatred as that Omorful’henzio name from earlier, the eye symbol, and butterflies. Have I taken a vow like that? I… hope not. If it means anything, I don’t feel bound? I just want the box.

>Tanna. Theres something i've been wondering how to talk to you about for a while now. You trust us, right? That we're here to help you. Im gonna assume you nodded. So, whatever I and the other winds say, listen first.

Mental nod.

>the box itself is a cognitohazard
>That box… There is something very wrong with it.
>That box is bad news

>Every person who has been in contact with it has been altered. Mina's friends have developed an obsessive compulsion to possess it and open it. They have had all their restraint eroded in pursuit of that goal.
>You were hit with a near total amnesia. Despite this, some vestigial obsession remains. You have reacted with anger and fear at the thought of losing it. Recovering it remains the crux of your actions. When someone looked like they were between you and the box, you were on the edge of killing them but held back. Much to your own relief.
>I dont know what what box is but you have to see the influence it has. It looks like it grabs on to...to parts of the person. Takes the parts that might say "no" and question why theyre doing these things and Twists them to focus only on it and opening it.

...B-but the fear and anger is justified though, I can’t afford to lose it. Likewise, I can’t afford to not be focused on it. I don’t know why exactly, but I feel that way for some reason. It isn’t the box that’s causing that though, I’m certain. It’s my choice.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Keep going.

>the box is a relatively mundane yet cursed item which causes obsession
>the box is an artifact with a corruptive aura due to the being it's attuned to
>Also, if you were anti-butterfly, if butterflies were cosmically seen as the opposing faction, we have another bit of circumstantial evidence that you were a bad person
>Anyway, it definitely looks like after interacting with the box, you and others may have gotten your all's morality inverted. you have clues that you weren't a nice person.

No, I can’t just listen to that. Reverses morality? Do you all think I wasn’t a good person? Maybe there’s been… some signs, but the box hasn’t changed me. I… I’m the same person before my amnesia. I have to be…

>At this point you got to decide if your desire for the box is a genuine sense of urgency from a partially forgotten reason or if you are falling for the same trap those adventurers did.

It is urgent! I’m not falling for some trap! I just… my fucking memories. Things would be so much easier if I could just remember why! I am NOT being influenced though, there has to be a good reason! I’m doing what I’m doing because it’s my choice to do so. It. is. genuine!

>When it tries to influence you to do something, you can ask "why?"
>If all of this is the will of a sinister entity you should abandon the box and this temple.

I AM NOT FOLLOWING SOMETHING’S FUCKING WILL! MY CHOICES ARE MY OWN!! SHUT UP!
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No. 1088955 ID: 710216
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1088955

>Even if you feel an emotional reaction. Listen.

I-I’m not. Am I…?

Tanna… Are you ok?

If these choices are my own, then I-I… was going to kill Jacob to get the box. I considered lying, charming, or killing Mina just a moment ago, because she might get in my way. I don’t even know why I want it, I just do. Any sane person would just leave…

Tanna?

...You all are right, it has been influencing me. It’s not even some convenient excuse to explain why I was willing to lie, steal, and kill. I’d rather feel that way having not been controlled. But I haven’t… I haven’t been making my own choices. Why couldn’t I see that?! Even still, knowing what it's done to me, the urge is still there to get it!
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No. 1088956 ID: 710216
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1088956

>at your core you are a good person. You dont have to remember everything about yourself to know your heart slinky. Listen hard to it.
>there could be a possibility that whatever is inside could be really dangerous if they open it, and might be the reason why you needed it.

Gods damn it all! No more! I’m changing things, starting now! I probably was a bad person, but I don’t want to continue being one! And I haven’t had a good reason for what I’ve been doing, but I’m going to have one now! Fuck the box! I don’t want it hurting anyone else, and whatever inside it is dangerous! You think you can control me?! FUCK YOU! You wanna be opened so bad?! I will NEVER let that happen!

>If we assume you had a way to prevent the imminent disaster having the box with you may not mean you would replace them as agents of an eldritch god.

I’m not sure what I looked like to Mina while I was fighting with myself, but I’m focused now! I’m not stumbling in the dark anymore, I have a real reason for what I’m doing. With confidence, I say to her,Mina, I can’t remember why the box was important, but that doesn’t matter anymore. What’s inside it, and what it’s capable of is seriously bad.

>How about a negotiation. Tell her that you'll help her get her friends back to normal, and in return, you'll take the box, and get it far away from here somewhere safe so that they don't get obsessed with the box again, and nobody else obsesses over it again.
>her friends won't get better until the box is gone. Also tell her that you overheard her friends saying if Mina betrays them, they would kill her, and they don't care if she leaves.
>If they continue on their current trajectory it's only a matter of time before they turn against this priestess who insist in interfering with their new priorities.

I pause, giving her a chance to say something, but she’s hanging on my every word. So I continue.It has the power to alter people’s reasoning and bend them to its will. Your friends are under its influence, you’re not safe either. When I passed by you, I overheard a conversation of theirs where they said they didn’t care if you left, and that if you betrayed them, they’d kill you. The box is destroying their sense of selves.With that statement, the tears start to flow, but she continues to give me her abject attention.

>Also consider the pros and cons of traveling with the icky butterfly woman.
>But if you leave it Mina's friends will likely be lost to it.
>The details don't matter, she needs to save her friends which means she needs your help. Tell her that you have the resources to disable two of them, that should be enough to get the box away from them with her help.

I’m not going to let vague feelings from the past affect my decisions now. She’s a good person and will be useful to have around, even if butterflies suck.We just met, right? But I’ve proven I’m capable, and so have you. You don’t want me getting hurt? I don’t want you to get hurt either, you don’t deserve that.

Letting that permeate for a moment, I present my offer.The box wants to be opened, your friends are evidence of that. When I got a hold of it, I tried to escape with it. I didn’t join them. For some reason, I might be resistant to its effects. At some point, something bad is going to happen to your friends or you, whether in the pursuit of trying to open that box, or after. We HAVE to get it away from them. Seeing as how you and I can cast magic, we might be able to pacify them. From there, I can take it far away, and your friends will get better. What do you think?

>PERSUASION CHECK: 3[Mentality] + 6[Roll] + 2[Effective] + 3[Argument] > 8[DC] = SUCCESS
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No. 1088957 ID: 710216
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1088957

The question hangs in the air, the only sounds being the rushing of water, Jacob’s snoring, and the crackle of the torch. Mina looks once more at her amulet before clutching it tightly. With a weak laugh she says, You make it sound so bad. I-I guess it is that dire though, isn’t it?Taking a deep breath, she looks back at me.You’re right… something bad is going to happen if nothing is done, and maybe us meeting like this is a blessing in disguise. Cassilda weaves fate in mysterious ways… and you’re the thread I should follow.

>Tell her that amnesia might have been the luckiest thing to happen to you, because you don't think you could have ever been friends with her otherwise. All you can remember is the butterfly was your enemy. She should know who sent you, therefore. Whoever is the enemy of Cassilda, possibly of the three Fates.

Well, if I’m going to tell her how I feel about who she worships, I might as well try to make light of it.Gods I hope not, I think I hate Cassilda. Not sure I could’ve considered working with you if I didn’t have amnesia.

The serious mood quickly dissolves as she goes wide-eyed with shock.Wha- how can you hate Cassilda?!

>You felt compelled toward violence you didn't want to commit when exposed to the symbols in this ruin. The same repulsion you felt toward the religious symbols in this temple you also feel toward her god's symbol.
>Describe to Mina the compulsions you've felt around the box and eye symbols
>So you might have been following something that preferred symbolism of the natural predators to butterflies -- do you feel any kinship with any of these animals: bats, wasps, smaller predatory birds (like orioles), spiders, shrews, lizards, or monkeys? Ask her what gods (and their symbols) were directly opposed to hers, or oppose the one with the butterfly symbol.

I don’t really feel anything towards any of those animals, besides maybe spiders. But even then, it’s more of a ‘spiders are cool’ feeling. Not a, ‘I RESPECT SPIDERS’ feeling. I mean, I just killed one just a few moments ago and only felt a little bad for it. Really though, that was just because it was an animal looking for a meal.

I give her a lackadaisical shrug as I go to sit down next to her.I dunno! I’ve been feeling a lotta things lately and not knowing why. If it makes you feel any better, I didn’t much care for the symbol in this temple either. I think I was a bit of a hateful person before? I’m trying to get over them, but y’know, they’re feelings. They’re kinda hard to control.

She crosses her arms and gives me a stern look while saying,Are they going to be a problem?

I wave my hands back, trying to appear non-threatening.No! No, they won’t. I… don’t really want to be the person I might have been. I just figured I’d let you know, wouldn’t want it to be a surprise. Kinda leads into what I asked earlier. Do you mind if I ask you some questions?

Visibly relaxing, her gaze turns slightly sympathetic as she nods.Does Cassilda have any natural enemies? Opposing sects? Maybe a Theotian that worships spiders? I kinda like spiders.

She puts a hand on her chin.I can’t think of any Theotian that worships spiders. There’s a few demi-gods, Lolth is a good example. Considering you’re not a Drow though, that’d be kind of weird. Your robes aren’t her colors either. How does the name make you feel?

Nothing really.

Giving a slight shrug, she says,Well… there’s Doko? He’s a major Theotian that hates Cassilda worshippers specifically, but again, your colors don’t match. His symbol is a mask with a knife. Anything?

I shake my head. No feelings towards this Doko at all, nor the symbol.
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No. 1088958 ID: 710216
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1088958

She eyes me a little weirdly.Let’s try a different angle. Does the name Yis mean anything to you?

I-it does actually. That same revulsion…Uh… yeah actually. Who’s that?

Another one of the three Fate Weavers. Their symbol is the three stars conjoined by the Threads of Fate. Omorful’henzio Khakranzee is the third, the Theotian this temple is dedicated to.

>Draw the weird symbol you saw in that room, the one with three curls. Ask her if that's the symbol on the box. It's a symbol of a powerful being, either eldritch or godly, so if it's on the box we know for sure that it is important somehow.

Hmm… it’s sounding like I was an enemy of the fates. Strange. Ah well… ummm, I’m not sure what room you mean. You don’t mean the main hall right? No, you’re talking about one with three curls.

Yeah… I think I know what you’re talking about. The triple curly symbol, I can picture it in my mind pretty easily. Maybe it’s the symbol of the Theotian I used to follow, or maybe it’s just some more eldritch shit. I don’t remember seeing it anywhere in particular though. It’s weird, even though I have to be suspicious of myself… that symbol feels comfortable.Do you mind if I show you something, and can you promise you won’t freak out immediately in case it ends up being some huge revelation?

Another strange look from her. I can’t help it, alright, I having trouble remembering things!Ssssurrreeeeee.

I end up drawing the symbol on the floor using prestidigitation. Damn, I’m cool. As I go to sit back down again, she observes it. Apparently not coming to any conclusions, she sighs as she says,Sorry, no huge revelation here. It is the same symbol that’s on the box though! As far as I know, it doesn’t belong to a major Theotian. I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about the main pantheon too. Maybe it’s some demi-god or archfey’s symbol? You could just be remembering it from when you stole it earlier.
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No. 1088959 ID: 710216
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1088959

>Ask her what color your eyes are.

Oh yeah! Watch this, I’m about to bard it up.Hey, your eyes are a super pretty blue by the way!

She looks up from the symbol and into my eyes, a hand going behind her head.Oh! Uh… thanks? Yours are pretty too!Giving me an awkward smile, she goes back to looking at the symbol, trying to decipher something from it.

Uh…S-sorry. Can I… see them again? They’re just really blue, while mine are so…

She looks back up once more, suspicion wrought on her face.What are you trying to do?That suspicion gives way to realization, she figured it out!Are you hitting on me? Tanna, I’m flattered, but I don’t really think this is the ti-

For fucks sake.My eyes. What color are my eyes?

Oh. They’re a lightish gray. Does this have to do with your memory? You could’ve just asked.

That wasn’t the point! I’m supposed to be good at this!Ugh… kind of. I was trying to find out in a cool, bardly way but you RUINED it.

She gives me a really strange look and giggles.I wonder if you were a weirdo before you got amnesia or after.

I roll my eyes at her. I gotta figure out how to get better at this bard thing. Anyways, there’s your answer, Winds. Mina sees them as gray too. I’ll check them with Detect Magic and the mirror when I get a chance.
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No. 1088960 ID: 710216
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1088960

>what this place is exactly

As the symbol begins to fade away, I ask her,Hey so, what is this place anyways?

Going back to being serious, Mina says,I think it’s a hidden temple to Omorful’henzio Khakranzee. We stumbled across it after finishing a job to kill a chupacabra. It was using the ruins above as a nest to terrorize some farmers near Felicol. After a quick look and finding some treasure, we all decided to return back to town and offload some of it before returning and exploring some more.

>Also, ask if any of her friends had voices in their head recently (kind of like you did) maybe perhaps their unnatural actions could be that same reason as yours, they're hearing other voices telling them to do stuff.
>Mina is unaffected. Perhaps because she has a patron entity warding what makes her, well, herself.
>Mina seem unaffected by the mind altering effects her friends succumbed to.
>You may want to mention that you think some aspect of interacting with the box can cause this effect

I’ll word it in a way as to not reveal you all.So about your friends, can you describe when they started acting unnaturally? Was it immediately after interacting with the box? Any signs, voices in their head, something that seemed off? And any considerations as to why you might be unaffected?

As if reliving a bad memory, she looks away, one arm crossed and holding her elbow again.It all kinda started here. We found this weird room in the temple. A ritual chamber of some sort, I wasn’t sure of its purpose, but there were some remnants of really powerful magic in there, and considering how old this place is...

She pauses to let that sink in. This place looks like it’s been abandoned for a while, but I don’t really know enough about the Weave to wonder why that might be significant.The Weave was a bit too advanced for me. I didn’t really know what it was used for, but the symbol of the Eye was carved into the ground.There were a bunch of skeletons in the tattered regalia of Omorful’henzio scattered all about the chamber. The box was in the center of the Eye. The skeletons all… looked like they all died brutally. Some had their skull smashed against the wall with their fragments embedded in the stone, others had deep cuts found gouged along the bones in their arms, and others worse still.

She pauses to look at her amulet. Helping to break out of some stupor, she continues.It freaked all of us out… except for Roderick. He just went to the box and picked it up. I tried to warn him not to touch it, but he ignored me. After he picked it up… the way he looked at us, it was terrifying. His eyes had nothing but hateful violence in them. Everyone got defensive, but whatever bloodlust existed just then vanished as quickly as it had appeared. I tried to detect if he was charmed or anything like that, but… everything looked fine. Besides the powerful remnants in the room, the box itself and Roderick were normal when it came to the Weave.

She looks back at me, fear creeping into her eyes.After that, Roderick asked the others to take a look, to see that it was safe. E-everyone else touched it, I kind of wanted to as well, but… when it was my turn, they wouldn’t let me. Said it wasn’t necessary anymore. Ever since then… all they’ve wanted to do is figure out how to open it.

Her tears start to well up again.It was subtle at first, their obsession and their attitudes, but as time went on they got worse. The look that Rod had when he first picked it up, it’s all I see anymore when I talk to any of them now. They call me h-horrible things, throw out veiled threats, and keep trying to get me to leave. …I j-just want my friends back.

She sniffles and hugs herself while looking down and to the side, avoiding my gaze. She’s softly shaking as well.S-sorry. I just n-need a moment.

She stands up and moves into the prison room with Jacob. Well, while I debate that in my head, it sounds like she never touched it. Maybe that could be why she’s unaffected? If that’s the case, I wonder why they wouldn’t let her? Maybe it’s as you all said, and it had something to do with her patron?

>Ask Mina to collect the poison or to drag the body out of the smelly room if she can't.
>Here's a hypothetical: You both do a mutually binding vow beneath the *pantheon* (especially if there's an inclusive term for both the 'good' and 'evil' set of gods, use THAT), that as both of you agree that the box is incredibly dangerous and you will, within the limits of any preexisting oaths each of you may have, and regardless of your current moral stance at any given time, work to get the box to a situation where it's potential for harm is minimized, and to conduct yourselves honorably in the act getting it to such a situation.
>Is such a thing possible?

I’ll ask her once Mina gets a hold of herself. Would feel a little insensitive to do so now. I feel kinda bad sitting here while she’s hurting like that, but if I’m being honest, I don’t really know what to do.

>Ive never heard of an antisocial bard. Though, I suppose if there was one, they wouldnt get out much... ignore that!

I’m starting to think more and more that’s what I actually am. This whole ‘talking to people’ schtick is kinda hard. I don’t think I’m doing a bad job per say, but you all are definitely saving my ass. Thanks again for everything.

>Also, based on some pattern matching of what I've been able to determine, if you are or were especially religious or religiously empowered, or straddle the line between divine and arcane magic, you might be a variant of the 'standard' magical bard powerset called, variously, a 'cantor' or a 'faith singer'.

Do you classify things like that in your world, Winds? That seems very… mechanical? I guess we call our spells specific names though… so maybe I just forgot that’s how things are supposed to be.

Well whatever. Is there anything you think I forgot, or something I should ask? We’ve been here for a bit, we should probably figure out a plan and get moving before her friends start to get suspicious.
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No. 1088967 ID: dd3fe0

>Do you classify things like that in your world, Winds?

Honestly, there's a lot of people that are really, really against such niche classifications. Or were, if we're remnants of something, I guess?

But there are totally some groups obsessed with pigeonholing EVERY single possible category and pattern of supernatural anything (or, well, anything notable I guess), and the stuff they come up with CAN be useful. If a bit exhausting!
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No. 1088978 ID: 2f41db

>>1088960
You fought it off.
Proud of you, slinky.

Maybe you were more of a lore bard than a people bard.
Teller of tales, knower of things.
Its entirely possible that your hate of fate weaving gods isnt born of opposing faith and dogma, but a personal hate of beings trying to control you.
Your cult themed outfit and gear could well have been a disguise.
So many unknowns...
So.
Lets focus on the knowns.

You have a friend now.
Shared goals and both highly motivated.
You werent alone, but her help is far more substantial than ours.
She needs help too though...
Place a hand on her shoulder and tell her
"you must have been feeling so alone. Me too. Were not facing this alone anymore. Neither are your friends. Were here for them too even if they dont know it right now."
Or something like that.

we also now know we winds are seeing the yellow eyes.
Two possibilities,
The yellow we see indicates us.
Or
The yellow eyes we see may be a...
a...
trace of the influence of the box and its entity?
I making a guess here.
If its the latter, this means we can warn you when the influence is or has been on someone.
Thats a mystery for another time.

The box then...
Getting it away from them isnt guaranteed to break its hold, but at least it will stop the opening efforts
I have a horrible feeling if they open the box whatever happens to them will be far worse.

Lets see if mina can share what she knows of the layout of the place in the parts of the ruin we couldnt reach.
Share with her the idea of getting the box out of here so they cant hurt themselves further, pulling the ropes up behind you both and seeing if putting some distance between them and it breaks the hold.

For that matter, it might be worth checking jacob.
See if he seems clear after his nap.
See if the two of you can spy any magical strings latched on to his mind with a detect spell.
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No. 1088984 ID: dd3fe0

>>1088978

Agreed, she did good for keeping her moral center! And hooray for cooperation!
>>
No. 1088988 ID: a671e8

Whatever past you believed you have a patron god: The Whisper or Solo. Please refrain from defaming someone who want your well being and is nice enough to accept a date with one fellow wind.

Some of us may judge and debate morality, but I want to clarify something: My priorities have nothing to do with being good or bad. The main objective is your safety followed by your self interest.
If you chose to assume that your desire for the box is the result of manipulation I will once again mention the option of leaving, preferable with Mina. Why should you sacrifice yourself to the influence of the box for people you don't even know? Travel to the next city and whatever consequences result of this hopefully won't reach you.

Assuming you still won't abandon this problem:

First ask about her remaining friends. What each one of them is capable of. Is there really three of them like we believe? Why is the one we haven't seen yet less trusted by the lizard and the dog?

Mina being attacked by a spider in the smelly room give her the opportunity to question them if sound from here can be heard where they are and if they didn't care that she was in danger.

For the deception we should use half trues. She could ask their help rescuing Jacob from the spider, this way we would separate them since Rod have difficulty dealing with the smell.
>>
No. 1089004 ID: 273c18

>>1088960
Ah. So, the reason she was spared is that she didn't touch the box, and the influence didn't want her to do that at all. Maybe something inconvenient would happen if she touched it? Well, that's up to her in the end-- if she wants to risk falling under its influence by touching it on the bet that touching it will allow her patron to do something about the problem.

...wait, something doesn't add up here. If only touching the box causes it to take you over, then... why would you infiltrate the party in the first place? I think you were indeed sent by someone or something. Also, when you saw that Weaver symbol in the cell you were ordered by the unknown entity associated with the box, and you PROMISED to get it. You can't break your word to an entity that powerful, so you have to get the box no matter what. Thankfully you weren't ordered to do anything specific afterwards, so... we have a good amount of wiggle room here.

It's also worth noting that you were ordered to GET the box. Not open it. Also, the ruffians aren't letting you get it. Which means there are two separate influences here. The symbol being on the box *could* mean that the unknown entity ordering you around helped make the box but isn't responsible for its effects? Like, maybe the ritual the cultists here did corrupted the box? Or they used the provided box to contain something evil but unrelated to your boss? All questions we have no way of answering right now unfortunately. Unless we receive orders to the contrary I think our best bet is to take the box somewhere it can be examined safely. Somewhere that isn't Weaver-associated.

Once your new friend has calmed down you need to come up with a basic plan of engagement. How can you two use your resources to nonlethally take down the others and retrieve the box?
>>
No. 1089025 ID: dd3fe0

Better start making plans for how to transport the box without physically touching it, I suppose. And how to get it out of this place without touching it. You all have rope?
>>
No. 1089028 ID: 8f9bc4

Getting the box seems like less and less of a good idea. You don't even know where you're supposed to deliver this box anymore. It's safer on the floor of this abandoned temple than in your hands, where you could be taking it in the completely wrong direction.

My suggestion would be:
1) hide the box
2) convince Mina's friends you've taken it
3) run like heck

They'll follow you, and if you can evade them (this time), then they won't go back looking for the box. You can find out who wants you to get it, then go back, get the box, and deliver it to them.

Cassilda seems like an annoyance at worst, but Omorful’henzio Khakranzee... his followers did what the butterfly's weren't willing to do. Did they take the box, kill everyone who touched it, then kill themselves, to leave it stranded without anyone to influence? (Then from whence came Roderick, influenced by it before even touching it?) Omorful’henzio Khakranzee might be trouble.
>>
No. 1089030 ID: 579a27

>>1089028

I don't think leaving a dangerous and attractive artifact in the kind of place that attracts desperate ruin delvers, looters, and robbers is a good idea for keeping it out of people's hands, yea? There has to be SOME sort of reasonably trustworthy institution for handling dangerous things like this somewhere, right??
>>
No. 1089290 ID: 15a025

Give Mina another moment to compose herself, then probably get a move on before you're found.
>>
No. 1089799 ID: 7625c4
File 171418157323.png - (16.87KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 20.png )
1089799

>You fought it off. Proud of you, slinky.
>Agreed, she did good for keeping her moral center! And hooray for cooperation!

Ah… heh, thanks. I’m glad I’m doing this for an actual reason now, but… I dunno if I really fought it off, it feels more like I’m working within its bounds.

>If you chose to assume that your desire for the box is the result of manipulation I will once again mention the option of leaving, preferable with Mina.
>Getting the box seems like less and less of a good idea.

I get what some of the Winds are saying. Even now I’m being manipulated, and I know going after the box still is a bad idea. But the desire to get it is insanely strong, nearly all of my thoughts are related to it. I’m honestly afraid if I leave it here, I’ll go insane.

>Also, when you saw that Weaver symbol in the cell you were ordered by the unknown entity associated with the box, and you PROMISED to get it. You can't break your word to an entity that powerful, so you have to get the box no matter what.
>I don't think leaving a dangerous and attractive artifact in the kind of place that attracts desperate ruin delvers, looters, and robbers is a good idea for keeping it out of people's hands, yea?

There’s also these two points. The monster in the suit I saw in that vision promised it would kill me if I didn’t get the box. I don’t want to test whether it can actually do that.

Likewise, tricking Mina’s friends into thinking we have it probably won’t work, especially if they have the box on their person. If we can somehow get it away from them though we can maybe try something, but I don’t know how I’ll react to leaving it behind.

>You have a friend now. Shared goals and both highly motivated.

I don’t think Mina is going to abandon her friends to the box either, she seems pretty devoted to them. If I left, it’d be the same as leaving her to die. She’s my first friend, I can’t do that! I want to help her!

I think… I’m chained to this road, Winds. It’s hard to even consider leaving when there’s not a majority saying I should… I can’t muster any desire to abandon it like that.

I hate the box now, but it has its claws in me, so I might as well make the best of it. It’s for everyone’s safety that I take it. In some sick way, that includes my own. I’ll need your help in the path ahead Winds, I won’t be able to trust myself.
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No. 1089800 ID: 7625c4
File 171418157536.png - (231.22KB , 500x500 , Page 2 Set 20.png )
1089800

>Give Mina another moment to compose herself, then probably get a move on before you're found.

Well with that depressing realization, I find a moment to myself. I can do some things in the meantime, such as checking my mirror with Detect Magic.

It seems to work, although I’m not seeing anything odd. Lemme know if you see things differently, Winds.

>Two possibilities, The yellow we see indicates us. Or The yellow eyes we see may be a... a… trace of the influence of the box and its entity? I making a guess here.

I really hope it’s not the latter. Maybe… you could try doing something, if you think the color indicates you all that is. I don’t know what it is you could try… but anything’s worth a shot. I’d really like the peace of mind knowing that this weird eye color you all see is actually just you instead of some malevolent force.

>Cassilda seems like an annoyance at worst, but Omorful’henzio Khakranzee... his followers did what the butterfly's weren't willing to do. Did they take the box, kill everyone who touched it, then kill themselves, to leave it stranded without anyone to influence? (Then from whence came Roderick, influenced by it before even touching it?) Omorful’henzio Khakranzee might be trouble.

Maybe I should ask Mina about her faith’s relation to the Eye. The way she portrayed the cultist’s deaths sounded like some of them may have killed themselves, while others were killed by something else. It feels like something went wrong… I can think of a few better places to leave something stranded, such as the center of a volcano. No doubt that Omorful’henzio is troublesome, what kind of fucked up do you have to be to build a hidden underground temple like this?

>in the kitchen: there is another door, and a sword.
>Theres also a scimitar on the wall above the suspected pantry.
>Ask Mina to collect the poison or to drag the body out of the smelly room if she can't.

I’m going to go grab that Scimitar and drag the spider’s body out really quick. Cutting my way through a few more webs and holding my breath, I bring the spider out into the main hallway. The Scimitar is a little high up, but I manage to knock it loose with the rocks in my bag. I pick it up and give it a test swing, it cuts through the air pretty nicely!

Scimitar - Though it has a bit of rust on the edge, it’s an agile and deadly weapon. Can use dexterity to determine attacking. I’m proficient with this!

I really like my sickle. It just feels good and familiar. But I’ll use the scimitar for now, it’s a way more effective weapon.

>looks like a pantry in there but may be another room.

I’m a little curious about the door in the back of the kitchen, so I try to open it. While the handle doesn’t seem to be locked, the door won’t open.

>STRENGTH CHECK: 2 > 2 = FAILURE

So I try slamming into it! Other than some clutter falling over on the other side, and bruising my shoulder a little, not much changes. Stay closed then, I bet there’s nothing cool behind you anyways.

I take about a minute to milk the spider of its venom, and at the end of it I have a Potion Bottle of Thinweb Venom.

Potion Bottle of Thinweb Venom - Milked from a Thinweb Spider and stored in a potion bottle. Guaranteed to leave behind a bleeding wound and possibly induce some hallucinations.
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No. 1089801 ID: 7625c4
File 171418157806.png - (15.32KB , 500x500 , Page 3 Set 20.png )
1089801

I’ve given Mina some time, hopefully she’s doing better. Peeking my head through the prison door, I see her sitting across the other side from Jacob, looking at her amulet. He’s still bound to the prison door and asleep while she’s looking rough. I give her a friendly wave.

Noticing me, she gets up slowly and makes her way over....Hey Tanna.

You ok?

She looks back at Jacob before shaking her head.No… not really. But I’ll get over it. Let’s figure out what we’re going to do.

>She needs help too though… Place a hand on her shoulder and tell her "you must have been feeling so alone. Me too. Were not facing this alone anymore. Neither are your friends. Were here for them too even if they dont know it right now." Or something like that.

She does look like she needs some help. I don’t think I’m very good at this, but I’ll give it a shot. Putting a hand on her shoulder, I say,Hey, these past few days must’ve been pretty awful, I can’t imagine how alone you’ve felt.

She locks her gaze onto mine, and something inside it seems to break. Shaking her head, she suddenly pulls me in. Ahhhh okaaaay, I wasn’t expecting that you strange butterfly person. Her tears begin to stream down my robes.I-I’m so stupid, Tanna.

She clutches me hard, crying hard into my shoulder. I uhh…. I embrace her back, going with the flow here.Hey… don’t say that about yourself. You’re not alone anymore. We’ll find a way to help them.

She’s shaking really hard, her sobbing getting mixed into her words.I d-didn’t know wha-what to do. They’re just so aw-awful now! It started off with them shunning me, t-then the name calling! An-and now… they take turns h-hitting me… I l-lied when I said I didn’t think they’d hurt you… I-I’m just a stupid worthless coward…

Her friends were beating her? What? I take a sharp breath, and I can feel the corners of my vision blacken.Why didn’t you just leave? Weren’t they trying to get you to?

For a while, she just sobs into my shoulder. Seems like she was really holding this in. Just sitting there like that for some time, she finally calms down enough to talk. With a dull weariness in the undertones of her voice she says,I love them, Tanna… they’re my family. I couldn’t leave. They were mean, but it was mostly to me. I was so afraid that if I wasn’t around to be their punching bag, they’d end up killing each other. So I just endured it, just hoping Cassilda would answer my prayers.

I knew she was going to say something like that. My chest feels really tight, and I find myself crying a bit as well. I can’t help but deeply loathe Mina’s friends, even if they’re just as much under the influence of the box as I am. This is about her though, so I hold that bit in and tightly hug her back.Y-you are not alone anymore, alright? A-and you’re not a coward, you did try to do something. We’re going to stop this, ok? We’ll figure something out.

She gives off a weak laugh, and we hold the hug for a while longer. When it feels right, she softly pulls away and smiles at me, looking a lot better.I didn’t think Cassilda would send an amnesiatic thief as an answer to my prayers, but she’s a bit of a wildcard. I’m sure we will. …Thanks, Tanna. Sorry for dropping all of that on you. You doing alright yourself?
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No. 1089802 ID: 7625c4
File 171418158033.png - (13.06KB , 500x500 , Page 4 Set 20.png )
1089802

More weird emotions that I don’t know the reason for. This amnesia garbage is exhausting. I hate having this uncomfortable feeling that any odd thing can make me feel that way. Butterflies, symbols, abuse…

Whatever, wiping my eyes and calming myself down, I say,I’m alright, something about that resonated with me. Couldn’t tell you why though.

She gives me a pitiable expression.I can’t imagine what that must feel like, hopefully you get your memories back.

I’m starting to wonder if I want them back myself.Hopefully… We’ve been here for a bit, you think your friends are going to come by?

Shaking her head, she says,It’s possible… but Roderick thinks there’s something really important in that ritual room. He’s spent hours in there before, and I don’t know why or what he’s looking for. I’m not sure whether the others know either.

>Whatever past you believed you have a patron god: The Whisper or Solo. Please refrain from defaming someone who want your well being

I don’t really feel anything when I hear of Solo or The Whisper, unlike the names Cassilda and Omorful’henzio. I don’t think I was being that rude either, but who calls themselves, ‘The Whisper’? I’m just saying.

>and is nice enough to accept a date with one fellow wind.

O-oh. You’re going on a date with them? (How does that even work?) Uh… my bad, I didn’t mean to be insulting! I hope you have a good time!

Apparently they’re my patron though? Are they the reason you’re with me, Winds? I wonder who they are. Mina seems pretty good with deities, maybe she knows.Hey, one last quick question. This name keeps popping up in my head. They’re called, ‘The Whisper’, or Solo. Does that sound familiar at all?

Surprisingly, she shakes her head.Sorry, I haven’t got a clue. That’s a pretty cool name though.

>Lets see if mina can share what she knows of the layout of the place in the parts of the ruin we couldnt reach.

I-It is not a cool name! …Bah. It’s time to get things rolling. Good idea Winds, let’s start off with figuring out what this place looks like. I take out a piece of paper and the ink from my pack and offer it to her.No problem, that’s still good information. We should start planning what we’re going to do. Could you draw a map of this place?

Taking the supplies, she places the paper against a wall and starts to draw out a map.Sure! I haven’t explored everything, been spending most of my time out in the camp, but I know the general layout.

>Once your new friend has calmed down you need to come up with a basic plan of engagement. How can you two use your resources to nonlethally take down the others and retrieve the box?

While she’s drawing, I ask,If we’re going to take down your friends without killing them, what are you capable of?

Refusing to look away from her drawing, she begins to list out her capabilities.I’ll be the first to admit I’m not very good at hitting things with sharp metal sticks, but I can cast spells! I like to think I'm a pretty decent healer, and I’ve got a few different incantations memorized for the day. I can usually cast around six times a day before getting tired.

With a small pause, she continues,...I spent one earlier healing myself with Cure Light Wounds earlier today, so probably five. The other spells I have memorized are Hideous Laughter, Sanctuary, Bless, …and Protection from Evil. I also have a scroll of Cause Fear and some potions of healing.

Why’d she pause on Protection from Evil?What was the last spell you said you had memorized?

Handing me the finished drawing, she says,Protection from Evil. It was my last hope before you came along. I was going to try to cast it on one of them to see if maybe it would help. One of its benefits is that it has a dispelling effect on ‘evil’. They told me they’d… really hurt me if they saw me casting a spell on them when I wasn’t ordered to, and I wasn’t even sure if they were under an effect like that in the first place, so I’ve been a bit hesitant to try. Since Jacob’s here and tied up though, I was thinking about casting it on him. We’d have to wake him up though to see if it’d work.
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No. 1089803 ID: 7625c4
File 171418158153.png - (30.25KB , 1000x1000 , Page 5 Set 20.png )
1089803

I look at the drawing of the map. Eaugh… well it’s functional at least, though Mina is certainly no artist. I give her a sarcastic look. She sticks her tongue out at me and shrugs.

>First ask about her remaining friends. What each one of them is capable of. Is there really three of them like we believe? Why is the one we haven't seen yet less trusted by the lizard and the dog?

Another good question, though lizard and dog is a bit reductive. Putting the map away in my bag, I ask her,So your friends, can you describe them?

Gesturing towards to the tied up Amurrun, she begins to list everyone out,Jacob, Roderick, Vax, and Evel’yee. Jacob is our street’s guy, has connections everywhere, and knows how to land a nasty hit. Seeing as how he’s tied up here though, we won’t have to deal with him.

Roderick is our leader, he’s a big Okagou. He carries a really big sword and destroys whatever is in our way. I don’t think either one of us could take a hit from him. Don’t think he’s just a meathead though, he’s smart.

Vax is another big guy, an Iruxi. He’s also tough, and he can hit pretty hard, but he prefers playing things defensively with his shield. He may seem gruff, but he’s super nice. I knew things were seriously wrong when he started joining in the name calling. He still hasn’t hurt me physically despite everyone else joining in.

Lastly is Evel’yee. She’s a pretty quick-witted Weski, and a superb archer, able to split an arrow from some twenty marks distance. She’s got a ton of utility packed as well. Stuff like smoke bombs, choking powder, fluorescent paint arrows, and more. She’s probably the one that hit us with something unexpected.

Sounds like we won’t have to deal with any one throwing spells at us at least.When I passed them earlier, it sounded like they didn’t trust Evel’yee very much.

Mina gives a weak chuckle at that.She’s our newest member, and has been with us for about four months now. Roderick was always getting mad at her, she’s got a bit of a mouth. What she said wasn’t too bad usually, and she was getting better. Well… until all this.

>Share with her the idea of getting the box out of here so they cant hurt themselves further, pulling the ropes up behind you both and seeing if putting some distance between them and it breaks the hold.
>Better start making plans for how to transport the box without physically touching it, I suppose. And how to get it out of this place without touching it. You all have rope?

It just so happens we do have some rope! Though we’ll have to get it from the main hall. We can probably drag the box out of here with that if we need to.So… once we incapacitate your friends, we’ll have the box. We should be able to get out of here by climbing the ropes or through the hatch. Once we’re out, we can pull the ropes up and block the hatch. Hopefully, once we’re far enough away, it removes the box’s influence on them.

Her smile starts to grow wider when I say that, her ears and tail are sticking straight up.I like the sound of that! We just need to figure out how to pacify them. You got any ideas?

Easier said than done, there’s a lot of new stuff to process. Maybe there’s a better way to go about things considering all this new information?Gimme a little bit to think of a plan…

>Here's a hypothetical: You both do a mutually binding vow beneath the *pantheon* (especially if there's an inclusive term for both the 'good' and 'evil' set of gods, use THAT), that as both of you agree that the box is incredibly dangerous and you will, within the limits of any preexisting oaths each of you may have, and regardless of your current moral stance at any given time, work to get the box to a situation where it's potential for harm is minimized, and to conduct yourselves honorably in the act getting it to such a situation.

Oh, thanks for reminding me, Winds.Before that Mina, is there some sort of vow we could make, just in case either one of us falls under the box's influence? Some sort of magic that would bind us in some way? I’m not… very familiar with how that might work.

She puts a hand on her chin while shaking her head softly.The Theotians tend to not get directly involved with mortals like that, their wills are instead interpreted and carried out by their faithful. It has something to do with a centuries old philosophy. It’s actually pretty rare when someone is granted the ability to cast in a Theotian’s name. I’m sure there are spells that can create the sort of effect you're talking about, I think Geas might be one, but I’ve only been a priest of Cassilda for a bit. I’m hardly capable of something like that.

Really? It feels like I’ve been pretty directly involved with. Hells, aren’t you all some sort of divine intervention?
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No. 1089804 ID: 7625c4
File 171418158425.png - (281.70KB , 500x500 , Page 6 Set 20.png )
1089804

>See if the two of you can spy any magical strings latched on to his mind with a detect spell.

I’m curious about that too. I let Mina know I want to examine him really quickly, and she agrees. Playing a quick diddy, I cast Detect Magic.

I’m still not used to this view. It’s hard to tell if something is strange or not with all these weird rainbow colored threads and stuff, but I think the detection itself is supposed to help me identify things. Looking at Jacob, I assume Mina was right. As far as I can tell, nothing looks terribly out of place with him.

>Mina being attacked by a spider in the smelly room give her the opportunity to question them if sound from here can be heard where they are and if they didn't care that she was in danger. For the deception we should use half trues. She could ask their help rescuing Jacob from the spider, this way we would separate them since Rod have difficulty dealing with the smell.

That’s not a bad idea, the group still probably considers Mina neutral. Maybe we could have her lure one of them away and surprise them. They all seem to be competent fighters, but with the two of us we should be able to overpower one, especially with all of our tricks. Maybe the archer? Mina’s other spells seem pretty useful for an engagement if things come to that. Her Hideous Laughter in particular would be good at disabling some of them for a time. I still have that Paralysis scroll as well, and my own reservoir of casting.

Do you have any other ideas though? Should we wake Jacob up and test Mina’s protection spell on him? I’m curious to hear what you all have to say!

The reference document has been updated with all spells that have been listed so far.

>>/questdis/141925
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No. 1089821 ID: 2f41db

>>1089800
Im at a loss over what we could too.
Maybe if enough of us make noise at the same time when you're looking in the mirror we might see a flicker or pulse.
>>1089802
Goid thinking mina.
its worth trying.
Maybe keep him gagged.
Try to get him to open his eyes first.
We can see if theyre like yours.
If not, by process of elimination the yellow eyes are us.

>>1089804
Oh.
Okay.
That's, um.
Well.
The influence is definitely on him.
And it is strong compared to the vestiges we could see on you.
It also means we'll be able to see if minas spell works.

If it does, youll be better set against the others with another ally and one who sounds like a bit of a scoundrel.
Maybe practiced with the use of a blackjack.
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No. 1089825 ID: 2f41db

>>1089801
By the way.
Im glad you did that.

It may have felt awkward and hurt a bit too, but being able to let go of that... that weight even if only for a moment will bolster her resolve.
Lift despair long enough for her to start seeing hope again.
Thats pretty important.
Despair locks your thoughts on a single path with one end.
Seeing only the inevitable
hope sees many roads and destinations.
It beholds the possible.
So, yeah.
As important as healing any physical wound in some respects.
Good work tanna.
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No. 1089831 ID: dd3fe0

>>1089800
>>1089804

Okay... Let me tell you what we see when you did the two detect magics. I don't personally have training in Arcana, so I will be relying on you to interpret what I'm seeing. Maybe some others can explain this look better? First! The mirror. You are outlined in sort of rainbow hues, as is the lines of the mirror itself. Your eyes are bright yellow. There are what seems to be wisps or steam or something pointing from your eyes and off and to the side. Behind your head there are two ovalish, yellow, rune-looking things that are mostly obstructed by your head being in the way.

The unconscious prisoner: again, things are a psychedelic rainbow sort of look. He's crowned by an ovaloid halo in yellow, with yellow bands encircling him from behind and around his shoulders. The text 'Open the Box' is repeated, in yellow, several times.


Let me guess, under a Detect Magic, yellow is how you all categorize the school of magic that affects the mind?
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No. 1089832 ID: a671e8

You forgot to describe what you saw in the mirror. To us your eyes were even crazier yellow and there was a message behind you.

Since you didn't react, does this mean you can't see the written messages around Jacob? I haven't even considered the weird messages you saw earlier were only visible to us.
While I think it's better to ignore most of the things messing with your head, Jacob's influence is so one note and predictable that I doubt thinking about it will cause new problems: he is ordered to open the box.

>You’re going on a date with them?
Not me, the Yellow Honey Water fellow.
>How does that even work?
I have no idea. The proposal mentioned "smooches", so it wouldn't be just talking.

They sound like though cookies... this will be difficult.

First we need to secure a place to leave the incapacitated enemies. They outnumber us so we can't afford to let them rescue each other.
The prison is good if we can lock the cell and if they don't have their own keys. It's also reasonable if we risk they never looking, but with Jacob snoring loudly I don't like the chances.
The other option is to leave them after the place we plan our ambush, so they would need to get past us to get to them. If the smelly room if the ambush place Jacob will sleep tied to the blocked door, if we plan to ambush in the hub room any of the surrounding rooms are fine.

Evel’yee sound like she will be much easier to deal while she is unaware, so we should target her first. She is also the only one we have a chance to physically overpower so we have alternatives to spells.
I'm not sure, but I think a well timed combination of Hideous Laughter and unarmed grab could be enough.

As for using Protection from Evil on Jacob: I think it's a waste. If it work he will still be drugged with sleeping medicine, so he would be an ineffective ally. Save for a more conscious prisoner or for an emergency untested gamble.
>>
No. 1089835 ID: 8f9bc4

Oof, a lot to unpack.

> what kind of fucked up do you have to be to build a hidden underground temple like this?

Judging from the state of decay of the priests, a hidden underground temple worked pretty well for hiding a box like this! That's why it'll be safer here than in your possession while you try to learn what to do with it. But uh...

> I’m honestly afraid if I leave it here, I’ll go insane.

You feel it more than we do. If you feel that merely moving in the opposite direction of the box is enough to drive you mad, then that's not an option.

> I think Geas might be one, but I’ve only been a priest of Cassilda for a bit. I’m hardly capable of something like that.

Someone sure was, since you seem to have a Geas on you, Tanna. It's very similar to being enthralled by an artifact though, so not sure. If you have a Geas you're kinda screwed since you can't remember the wording, so even if you take the box, you could accidentally violate some clause in it you don't remember.

> I didn’t think Cassilda would send an amnesiatic thief as an answer to my prayers,

Cassilda did not send you, Tanna.

> who calls themselves, ‘The Whisper’?

Someone who doesn't want to be very memorable, that's for sure.

> I-It is not a cool name!

Yeah he's a dork. His bumbling put us in your head maybe gave you amnesia even, and all he told us is you need to get to safety.

>>1089821

We saw his eyes already. They're not yellow.

>>1089831

Yellow is the color of... someone.

Strange that we can see the yellow threads only when you cast detect magic Tanna, but you can't see them. If they're not magic, Mina's "Protection from Evil" spell actually might help after all.

So with Mina's friends the choice is
1) Evade
2) Heal
3) Kill

(Mina won't like that third one.)

Protection from Evil on Jacob is yeah... bit of a waste. Vax is probably the best target for that. Evel'yee might be too naturally evil, and Roderick has something in him besides just the box's compulsion. He might be complicit, and no spell can protect him from himself.

OK you need an ambush regardless. We have cells, we have paralytic venom and incapacitating spells, and a wickedly sharp awesome scimitar (repeat: Mina will not like that option.) Hm...
>>
No. 1089846 ID: 2f41db

>>1089835
You're right.
They're not.

You hear that tanna? The yellow eyes have got to be us.

Oh.well, thats got implications.
Ingore that, slinky.
Focus on the job at hand.
Capturing one hostile alive for the protection test.
The other wind was right.
Jacob is already debilitated whoevers side hes on.
>>
No. 1089858 ID: dd3fe0

>>1089846

Eh, it could just be an indicator of activity on the channel we use to communicate
>>
No. 1089885 ID: 15a025

>>1089804
Are you hearing or reading his thoughts with that spell? Looks like all they're hearing or thinking about is "OPEN THE BOX"
>>
No. 1090064 ID: 273c18

I wonder if saying the name of the item is a bad idea?

Luring someone away from the others would be a good opening gambit. If we can disarm them before the others arrive to help them that's a big advantage since we have several casts of disabling spells/scrolls and a 2v2 is basically an instant win (so long as they fail their saving throws).
Once they're disabled you can rush in, grab the cursed item, and then we barricade the door of whatever room combat took place in. That'll buy enough time to escape. The only real issue after escaping is, how will she rescue the others? Maybe she can go to a church for help and bring some clerics or mercs along for the return trip to more easily overpower them if they're still affected? In the meantime you'll have to take the cursed item somewhere where it can be properly sealed away. I expect once you have the container again it will start influencing you to try to open it, but we should be able to fight its influence enough to prevent that.

If Protection from Evil works to block the influence then we have the option of leaving the thing behind...
>>
No. 1090315 ID: d80e0d
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1090315

>>1089825

I’ll admit, at first I did it at your behest Winds. I didn’t really want to at all, but I figured it’d make her more effective. I’m not so sure how I feel now though. Kind of good I guess? I’m glad I ended up doing that too.

>You hear that tanna? The yellow eyes have got to be us.
>Eh, it could just be an indicator of activity on the channel we use to communicate

Well… that’s good! Maybe it’s not a hundred percent confirmed, but if all it is is a representation of you all, that’s better than it being something bad!

>Im at a loss over what we could too. Maybe if enough of us make noise at the same time when you're looking in the mirror we might see a flicker or pulse.

Let’s chalk that up on things we can try later to a list. Once we’re out of this pit, we’ll have plenty of time to give 'em a shot.

>Judging from the state of decay of the priests, a hidden underground temple worked pretty well for hiding a box like this! That's why it'll be safer here than in your possession while you try to learn what to do with it. But uh… You feel it more than we do. If you feel that merely moving in the opposite direction of the box is enough to drive you mad, then that's not an option.

Yeah… I’m sorry Winds. I know you all want to protect me and I’m being obstinate about not leaving, but it really is that bad. Trying to even think of leaving it behind does something weird to my head.

>I wonder if saying the name of the item is a bad idea?

Are you talking about the box, Winds? I’m not sure what else you’d be referring to if not. I have no idea what its name is, but I can’t imagine how you all saying it could harm us.

>Cassilda did not send you, Tanna.

Damn right she didn’t. I’m here because I want/need/am being forced to be here! …Bleh, that sounds stupid. I just don’t want to admit that maybe I was probably sent here by something. Frustrating to even think about

>Yeah he's a dork. His bumbling put us in your head maybe gave you amnesia even, and all he told us is you need to get to safety.
*snrk*
Well… I can’t be too mad at him if he’s the reason you all are in my head, even if he might’ve given me amnesia. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help. At least he probably didn’t send me here. …I wonder why he wanted you all to help me, it can’t just be because he cares.

>Someone sure was, since you seem to have a Geas on you, Tanna. It's very similar to being enthralled by an artifact though, so not sure. If you have a Geas you're kinda screwed since you can't remember the wording, so even if you take the box, you could accidentally violate some clause in it you don't remember.

That sucks! Wouldn’t a Geas be detectable though? I should have seen something when I examined myself, if that is the case. Artifact sure is a scary way of describing the box…

>You forgot to describe what you saw in the mirror.

Speaking of examining myself, sorry again. I didn’t really see anything worth talking about. You all saw what I saw, right?

>Okay... Let me tell you what we see when you did the two detect magics.
>I don't personally have training in Arcana, so I will be relying on you to interpret what I'm seeing.
>First! The mirror. You are outlined in sort of rainbow hues, as is the lines of the mirror itself.
>The unconscious prisoner: again, things are a psychedelic rainbow sort of look.

Yeah, I figured that’s what you all saw. The rainbow colored threads are the Weave, but I’m in the same boat as you are. I’m not sure what they mean. There are some patterns to things, such as Jacob’s clothing having a bit of a spiral shape, and the space around him was far less dense with Weave than he physically was. Same with me. There was also a dense outline that gave us shapes.

>Your eyes are bright yellow. There are what seems to be wisps or steam or something pointing from your eyes and off and to the side. Behind your head there are two ovalish, yellow, rune-looking things that are mostly obstructed by your head being in the way.
>He's crowned by an ovaloid halo in yellow, with yellow bands encircling him from behind and around his shoulders. The text 'Open the Box' is repeated, in yellow, several times.
>To us your eyes were even crazier yellow and there was a message behind you.
>Are you hearing or reading his thoughts with that spell? Looks like all they're hearing or thinking about is "OPEN THE BOX"

Huh? Wait, what? I don’t think… no, I definitely didn’t see anything like that. My eyes were just a rainbowy mess of threads, and I definitely didn’t see any rune looking things behind Jacob or I.

>Since you didn't react, does this mean you can't see the written messages around Jacob? I haven't even considered the weird messages you saw earlier were only visible to us.

Yeah… you got the right of it. That has to be what’s going on. I promise you if I saw something like that, I’d have brought it up. Besides my eye color, you all can see things I can’t.

>The influence is definitely on him. And it is strong compared to the vestiges we could see on you.

Well… at least it’s confirmed that something has a grip on Jacob. Why can’t Mina or I see that, but you all can?

As for the messages behind us, I’ll get a good view for you all. Telling Mina I might’ve seen something strange, I ask her to hold the mirror behind me, and I take a look. Feigning ignorance still, I look behind Jacob as well. I still don’t see anything in either case… so I chalk it up to her as me mistaking something. Hopefully it helps you all though?
>>
No. 1090319 ID: 9048b0
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1090319

>Let me guess, under a Detect Magic, yellow is how you all categorize the school of magic that affects the mind?

I really don’t know. Magic is still new to me. My new friend however…Hey Mina, are certain colors in the Weave associated with certain schools of magic?

Her eyes light up when she gets another chance to talk about magic.Sometimes, different colors have certain attributes. Heat tends to have a red and orange Weave, so those tend to be pretty popular colors for Evocation. The spell, Fireball, is a good example. To cast one, you need to craft a small but highly condensed bead of those two colors and send it somewhere to explode outwardly. I’m leaving out a ton of steps and simplifying it a lot, but that’s the general concept.

What about spells that affect the mind? Are they yellow? Can you read a person’s thoughts if they’re under an effect like that?

With a smile, she happily continues to over explain.Enchantments. Basically you supplant certain ideas in the mind of your target. A Charm Creature creates false positive emotions made out of Weave. The color for that can be whatever though, you’re creating vague feelings and suppressing the target's desire to question them. Sometimes, certain spells have certain colors. Rage for example is primarily red.

As far as I know, you can’t read the thoughts of a creature using Detect Magic, even if their mind is being altered. You can determine the effect of the alteration, and what it might be doing to them, but thoughts are odd. Some people think they’re another system of magic entirely…

Pausing for a breath, Mina begins to hold aloft her hand. Using her amulet, she begins to conjure magic strands of yellow Weave to demonstrate.As for your other question. The color yellow, when it comes to the Weave, is a strange one. Many consider it ‘divine’, as divine casting primarily uses yellow Weave to create its effects. Even the three moon gods; Lunayin, Io, and Charon; deliver to their clerics a combination of yellow Weave and their associated colors.

Well, that was an expla-It tends to integrate into other colored Weave once the divine effect is delivered though, becoming other rainbow colored threads. You can see this happening as I hold the spell. Because of that, it’s very uncommon to see naturally, just slightly less rare than white. Of course, it’s still Weave like any other, and can be interacted with as much as any other color.

I wait as she stops, but it seems like she’s finished for real this time.Thanks for the explanation. You sure have a lot to say about magic.

With a cheeky grin, she saysAnytime! Learning about the Weave is a hobby of mine.

>Strange that we can see the yellow threads only when you cast detect magic Tanna, but you can't see them. If they're not magic, Mina's "Protection from Evil" spell actually might help after all.

I still don’t know why you Winds can see something that Mina and I can’t. Her explanation would have me believe I should be able to see what you’re all talking about. You can only see all that stuff when I’m using Detect Magic too, right? I would think that whatever you’re seeing is magical in some way just because of that, but I really don’t know.

Still so many unknowns though, as you all said before. I need to stop fretting over them, time to focus on what needs to be done.
>>
No. 1090322 ID: 49cec7
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1090322

>As for using Protection from Evil on Jacob: I think it's a waste. If it work he will still be drugged with sleeping medicine, so he would be an ineffective ally. Save for a more conscious prisoner or for an emergency untested gamble.
>Protection from Evil on Jacob is yeah... bit of a waste.
>Jacob is already debilitated whoevers side hes on.

So, figuring out our next course of action, it sounds like Jacob isn’t worth using Protection from Evil on just yet.

>So with Mina's friends the choice is
>1) Evade
>2) Heal
>3) Kill

Evasion isn’t feasible if they have the box, which they probably do. Killing is… I don’t think I’m ever going to convince Mina to follow a plan involving that, and I don’t really want to kill them either. That leaves healing, and if that fails, incapacitating.

>Focus on the job at hand. Capturing one hostile alive for the protection test.
>Evel’yee sound like she will be much easier to deal while she is unaware, so we should target her first. She is also the only one we have a chance to physically overpower so we have alternatives to spells.
>Vax is probably the best target for that. Evel'yee might be too naturally evil, and Roderick has something in him besides just the box's compulsion. He might be complicit, and no spell can protect him from himself.

>OK you need an ambush regardless. We have cells, we have paralytic venom and incapacitating spells, and a wickedly sharp awesome scimitar (repeat: Mina will not like that option.) Hm…
>Luring someone away from the others would be a good opening gambit.

This scimitar is pretty fucking sweet… Hopefully we can remove whatever’s affecting them with Mina’s spell then. And it seems like an ambush is the plan, either getting Evel’yee or Vax alone. Speaking of venom...

Earlier Mina, you said I brought some poisons… do you still have any of those?

She purses her lips and nods slowly.Ah… shoot, I forgot about that. Yes, I still have the rest of your Oloth’arr, you can have it back. Evel’yee claimed the other two vials though. ‘Wevekil’ and ‘Eclipse’. Wevekil is really dangerous Tanna… I can’t imagine what the other one is.

>MENTALITY CHECK [Wevekil]: 3 + 1[Familiar Field] > 2 = SUCCESS
>MENTALITY CHECK [Eclipse]: 3 + 1[Familiar Field] > 3 = SUCCESS

Yeah… they are dangerous. Wevekil, otherwise known as Magebane, is a Weavetoxin. Made from the blood of some certain monsters, like Dweomercats and Beholders. It makes a person very nauseous and disrupts their ability to associate with the Weave. It’s a popular poison used in assassinations and militaries, as it can severely cripple spellcasters, but you can also use it to treat Weave related curses and disease. It can be fatal if used in large doses.

The other poison, Eclipse, is extremely lethal. It’s a magical poison that, once introduced to your system, you either die immediately or survive. The poison manifests your most primal fear in your mind and stops your heart. It has a very high mortality rate. It’s extremely difficult and dangerous to make, requiring powerful magic and condensed Aforcolsius from the continent of Mortl’krak.

What was I doing with those…? As I’m pondering that, Mina hands me what was once my vial of Oloth’arr. Another non-lethal tool in our kit.Thanks… and you’re right, Eclipse is horrible. We can’t let Evel’yee strike us with that. As for what I had them… I couldn’t tell you why. I really wish I didn’t.

Vial of Oloth’arr - A non-lethal poison that can put people under. Requires the target to ingest it, or introducing it to their blood stream.

This prison would be a good place to store them… if we can figure out how to open the cells. I wonder if that key from earlier…

I take it out and try it on one of the cell doors. Agh… nope, this key isn’t for these doors.We never did find the key for those. Maybe you have a secret lockpicking skill?

Worth a shot. Taking out Jacob’s lockpicking set, I try to shimmy the lock. I quickly find out I have no idea what I’m doing. I shake my head towards Mina.Well… maybe we can wake Jacob up and see if the spell works?

I don’t think it’s a good idea. Even if it did work, he’d be too drowsy from Oloth’arr to be useful. We should save your spells for someone more conscious and as a last resort.

That makes sense. If it doesn’t, we can probably trap someone like Evel’yee in the torturer’s room if we bar the door with something heavy.

Not a bad idea, I think with that in mind, I’ve got a plan.

Mina seems to get a lot more serious, and all of her attention is waiting on what I’ve got to say next.Evel’yee is a serious danger. Along with those poisons, she’s the one that could surprise us with her gear. I want you to lure her down here, tell the group Jacob needs help with the prisoner, that he thinks he’s close to breaking me. That should hopefully appeal to her darker side. Can you do that?

A spark of fear crosses her eyes, but she holds fast and nods.I-I can. Just lead her through the main hall and down this hallway?

Gods, I hope she can do this. Nodding towards her, I say,I know this is hard for you, but if all goes well we’ll take her out quick and safe. I’ll be lying in wait in the prison room. She’s small, right? Even if our spells fail, we’re both twice her size. We should be able to overpower her. This tiny hallway should make shooting us difficult too. Try to walk behind her if you can.

Clasping her amulet, she takes a deep breath and nods back. Determination fills her eyes.Alright. Are we ready?

>Jacob snoring loudly

I pull out the scroll of Silence.Not yet. She’s a Weski, so she’s probably got extremely sharp hearing. I’m gonna silence Jacob’s snoring with this scroll. Should make him impossible to hear.

She looks at me with a bit of surprise.That’s actually… I forgot about that. Good catch!

She narrows her eyes all of sudden though.You took that scroll from the table, right? We should probably put the coins you stole back. Don’t want her noticing they’re gone when we walk past.

Ughh… that is a good point. But my money… ahh… it’s only for a little bit. I reluctantly hand it back.

With all that done, I bid Mina good luck. As she begins to make her way towards her friends, I do some cleaning up. Starting off, I move the spider’s corpse into the prison, and clean up the blood with Prestidigitation. Then I close all the doors in the hallway besides the prisoner’s door. Once it looks like nothing’s been tampered with, I begin to cast Silence around Jacob. I’ll make sure to give myself a little room near the exit, just so I can hear them enter.

As the spell finishes… it becomes super quiet. Along with the darkness, it’s… very dissociative. Feels like I could get lost here forever… agh, focus! I leave the silenced zone and post myself up beside the door, waiting for things to begin.
>>
No. 1090325 ID: ee67d7
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1090325

It’s about a two minute wait until I start to hear some voices.

That must be Evel’yee. She has that same feminine squeak that I heard earlier.Figures that moron would need some help. Not sure why a little bitch like you even wanted to get involved, isn’t your whole schtick being a healer? You’re pretty much useless at everything else. Why haven’t you left yet?

I hear a weak laugh.I… guess I wanted to be helpful.

CREAK~

The door opens and I can smell…Mina. We are being serious. It will be sad to see you go, but you are not being helpful. You should really leave.

~CREAK

That’s not a part of the plan. Why is Vax here as well? As they close the door behind them, torchlight streams into the hallway. Peering through the crack in the door, I see Mina shivering behind the two of them.S-sorry… I can’t… leave you behind…

Taking point, Evel’yee venomously says to Mina,Dunno how you haven’t figured this out yet dumbass, but no one, not even this scaled shit-for-brains idiot, wants you here.

Vax emits a deep and low growl before saying,I often think about how easy it would be to break you in half you little piece of sewer trash.

Still walking forward, she looks at Vax and twirls her hand at him.Yeah yeah, big fucking words. Scariest part of all that was you believing you’re capable of thought in the first place. Anyways, where in the hells is Jacob?

Mina points towards the torturer’s room.H-he’s over there. Might’ve fallen asleep, you k-know how he is.

The three of them continue to walk towards the door…Huh… the fuck is he being so quiet for? Jacob? You in there asshole? …I’m not hearing ‘nuthin.

Vax draws his sword slowly, though it seems more a precautionary measure.Strange. This room is noise dampening last I remember, but still…Raising his voice, he calls out,Jacob? Are you ok? Surely you are not so foolish as to fall asleep with your prisoner nearby?

After waiting for a moment, Evel’yee motions the other two back.I’ll check the door, gimme a sec.

>2v2 is basically an instant win

Gods I hope you all are right… things are suddenly a lot scarier. Mina is clutching her amulet, and I notice her take a glance my way. I mouth the word ‘wait’ to her. How should we go about this, Winds?
>>
No. 1090332 ID: 273c18

>>1090319
Hmm, strange. Detect magic is allowing us to see the "divine" threads, but not you, which means the magic is hiding itself from mortal eyes, I suppose?

>>1090322
Poisons are common tools for Rogues and other spy-like professions... Oh, since you have the sleeping drug now we can use it to put everyone to sleep if Protection vs Evil doesn't work!
>>1090325
Oh you cast Silence, which means we've only got one spell left... We could try Charm Person on Vax? He's the nicest so he should be most vulnerable to it. Scroll of Paralysis is the other option, which we would want to use on the archer. If you start the fight by using the scroll on Evel’yee, then Vax will be on you and you can just defend until Mina hits him with a disable... but you could use charm person and then duck behind the door so that Evel’yee can't attack immediately, and she would be hindered by Vax anyway.

I dunno if it really matters what we use on whom so long as you don't get shot.
>>
No. 1090333 ID: d406ed

>>1090332
Scrolls don't count for spells cast in a day, Tanna still has two spells left.
>>
No. 1090338 ID: a671e8

>>1090332
Charm Creature only affect their perception of Tanna, not Mina. She need to be alone to use it effectively.
It might be useful on Evel’yee. If Vax is really slow on the uptake he will take longer to realize Tanna betray them, so altering the perception of the person who would notice first could delay any aggression toward Mina. (I say that but I'm not sure it's the right move.)

I believe Grease will be very effective against Vax. Less so on Evel’yee, even so it would still be an extra challenge. It's an area of effect, so could you aim at the two without affecting Mina? (That sound like a reasonable first move.)

One thing we need to consider is the sound you need to make when casting your own spells. It might be better to begin with a scroll to avoid detection.
For this I would suggest Scroll of Paralyze on Vax. If she doesn't escape in time Evel’yee can be subdue with brute force or Charm Creature if we fail to catch her. In case this work without a hitch Mina can try Protection from Evil on Vax after Evel’yee is defeated and before the paralyses worn off. (This is my preferred plan.)
>>
No. 1090341 ID: dd3fe0

Trying to think of leaving does something weird to your head due to the blatantly visible compulsion to 'Get The Box' that we see on you. At least that's a workable compulsion, LOTS of room for interpretation there! It doesn't say to directly touch the box, it doesn't say what to do with the box once you 'get it', it leaves the specifics of what it means to 'get' open to interpretation, it doesn't have anything to say about what precautions you take, whether you can share with others that you are under a mind affecting compulsion, etc. etc. It's also way weaker than Jacob's compulsions to open the box. Oh! Fun factoid, in my language, the word 'Geas' looks like it is pronounced 'Gee-us' but is actually pronounced "Gesh".

Anyway, there's a BUNCH of types of mental compulsions out there, and not all of them are a full-on Geas, so let's not assume specific and detailed features about the nature of a compulsion based on anything other than what we can actually observe (ie, like how we can observe yours has less of a push than Jacob's).

Hmmm. If we are super unanimous on encouraging you to do something and a lot of us are pushing it, you might find that tricky to resist. I personally promise not to abuse that, and to call out bad actors, preventing harmful consensus scenarios.

Wow, old you knew her poisons! Pity there aren't more nonlethal poisons here, that is really a quite effective use-case, you know, having a debilitating effect, something fundamentally different than the sort of thing one can also achieve with a sword in someone's gut.

Grease is also a useful combat spell. The Paralsis bit is useful too. How confident are you in turning a final lethal blow into a nonlethal one? Like if you think you are getting a last good hit in, you pommel strike instead of edge strike and knock them out? How about coating the edge of a sickle or scimitar with that nonlethal poison and dealing enough damage with the edge to cut and, then knocking them out with the pommel once they're woozy?
>>
No. 1090343 ID: 8f9bc4

> Wouldn’t a Geas be detectable though?

Heck if I know! Might be a good thing to inquire about. Maybe there's a kind of god-magic outside the weave?

> Artifact sure is a scary way of describing the box…

Oh the box probably isn't an artifact. But what's in the box? Does it terrify you what could be in that box, making people kill to release it? Yeah, artifacts are terrifying.

> I definitely didn’t see anything like that.

Then it's a good thing Whisper sent us, because we're detecting Geas-like effects where even seeing the Weave falls short. Oddly, he didn't send us for that purpose. He just sent us because you were going to die, and he wanted to save your life for some wager of his.

> it really is that bad.

Don't worry Tanna, we're going to get the box, and we're going to get you safe. Whatever you have to do, we'll deal with it as it comes.

>>1090322

> What was I doing with those…?

Crippling spellcasters, and killing people, obviously! The real question is why? And why such rare poisons? Scimitars are much cheaper at murder.

>>1090325

> That’s not a part of the plan. Why is Vax here as well?

Uh oh...

OK you have a "double surprise" here, where you can get a surprise attack, and they'll expect Mina to back them up. Then she can get off a surprise attack, which as a healer isn't ideal, but it's still an advantage. Evel’yee should be disabled top priority, as she has your deadly poisons, and some of her own, and knows how to use them.

Vax - tough, surprise doesn't work
Evel'yee - agile, can't target without surprise

So Charm Creature on Evel'yee, which might help avoid combat in the first place, or at least delay it. You're a bard! Who would ever want to hurt you?

Vax might attack you then, but Evel'yee should get in the way. She won't use lethal force because uh, that's not how charm works.

Mina can cast Hideous Laughter on Vax from behind, and you should be able to tie him up, then. That shouldn't break the charm on Evel'yee since you can explain that you're just restraining him so he can't hurt you. If she breaks it though, Mina can attack her (ineffectively) to give you a chance to clock Evel'yee on the back on the head. Tie her up, then flee! Watch out for the grease!

If the charm holds, then tell Evel'yee you need her help, and go with her to confront Roderick, who's carrying the box.
>>
No. 1090344 ID: 8f9bc4

OH AND STAND OUTSIDE OF THE EFFECT OF THE SILENCE SPELL WHEN CASTING YOU ARE A BARD
>>
No. 1090363 ID: 2f41db

>>1090325
Agreed with the other winds.

Evalee is the prime target.
Im torn on paralysing her or charm.
If charm, then presuming it takes tell her "help me take down the lizard and we can open the box together."
Charm works best when the requests you make still essentially align with the demeanour and aims of the target. If the idea fits smoothly with them, itll slide right in. If its against their nature, itll be jarring and maybe resisted.
They have a fractious relationship, its a goal she'd approve of and you can then get her to lead the way, giving you a chance to backstrike her with the debilitating poison.

Maybe cast through the crack in the door, if that puts you out of the silence zone.
Buy some seconds of confusion to get the jump on the lizardman.

The good news is if it comes to violence you are well equipped to heal your and their injuries, all the same thats the last and least favorable option.
>>
No. 1090486 ID: fd4a07

>>1090363

Casting through doors might not work due to limits of the Weave, there's various reasons why murderholes and arrowslits and the like might need to be a minimum size for the aperture for magic to be cast through them. Something to ask about later.
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No. 1090964 ID: daff89
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1090964

>Crippling spellcasters, and killing people, obviously!

;A;
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No. 1090965 ID: 5c6431
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1090965

>Poisons are common tools for Rogues and other spy-like professions...
>The real question is why? And why such rare poisons?

Y-yeah. Maybe I was a spy or something. I wasn’t good at lockpicking though… okay, maybe I was an alchemist instead? Or someone who sold medicine maybe? You said it before, the only difference between medicine and poison is the dosage…

>Don't worry Tanna, we're going to get the box, and we're going to get you safe. Whatever you have to do, we'll deal with it as it comes.

Ah, you’re right, Winds. I told myself earlier I’m not gonna care about what I might’ve been. Gotta deal with the problems as they come now! And thanks… I don’t know how many times I can say that, but I really do appreciate you more than you can know.

>Wow, old you knew her poisons!

Yeah… it sure seems that way. I’m not gonna wish I didn’t, but I really hope I didn’t use all that knowledge as a killer before my amnesia.

>Hmm, strange. Detect magic is allowing us to see the "divine" threads, but not you, which means the magic is hiding itself from mortal eyes, I suppose?

I guess so? It seems to at least be the case so far at least. Have there been any other yellow things you all have seen that I might not have? Something to ask Mina about I suppose.

>Anyway, there's a BUNCH of types of mental compulsions out there, and not all of them are a full-on Geas, so let's not assume specific and detailed features about the nature of a compulsion based on anything other than what we can actually observe
>it's a good thing Whisper sent us, because we're detecting Geas-like effects where even seeing the Weave falls short. Oddly, he didn't send us for that purpose. He just sent us because you were going to die, and he wanted to save your life for some wager of his.

I was going to die… and I’m just part of some wager. I guess… meh? I’m glad I’m not dead, even if it’s for a shitty reason. As for the ‘Geas not Geas’, I can definitely feel it. As I said before, even thinking of abandoning the box does something to me that feels like I just cannot afford to do that. Not even being able to see it sucks, how am I going to get rid of this?
The reason isn’t… well okay it’s a bit crummy.
>Might be a good thing to inquire about. Maybe there's a kind of god-magic outside the weave?
Not too far off!
God magic?! I’m just compelled to get a box, eaugh…! Add another thing to ask Mina. Should probably compile a list at this point and go through it when we’re out of here.

>Trying to think of leaving does something weird to your head due to the blatantly visible compulsion to 'Get The Box' that we see on you. At least that's a workable compulsion, LOTS of room for interpretation there!
>Oh the box probably isn't an artifact. But what's in the box? Does it terrify you what could be in that box, making people kill to release it? Yeah, artifacts are terrifying.

Yes, it does scare me! If I didn’t have to “get” it, then I’d find it a lot less so… but that thing that’s ‘MAKING PEOPLE KILL TO RELEASE IT’ is going to be in my immediate path soon. You’re right though, “get” is a pretty loose term. I have some room to work around how I do that, but it’s still got me a shiverin’!

>Hmmm. If we are super unanimous on encouraging you to do something and a lot of us are pushing it, you might find that tricky to resist. I personally promise not to abuse that, and to call out bad actors, preventing harmful consensus scenarios.

Huh… I guess I haven’t really thought of you all like that. You made it clear from the start, you’re here to offer advice and suggestions. But… ah, no, I’m not going to question that. I trust you, Winds. You aren’t here to make my decisions for me, and I appreciate you promising not going to abuse that.

>One thing we need to consider is the sound you need to make when casting your own spells. It might be better to begin with a scroll to avoid detection.

I can’t really interact with the Weave without an instrument. I’m super reliant on one, even when it comes to activating a scroll, so noise is going to be made either way. There’s something about the music and my manipulation of the Weave that comes naturally when I play.

>How confident are you in turning a final lethal blow into a nonlethal one? Like if you think you are getting a last good hit in, you pommel strike instead of edge strike and knock them out?

I’m fairly confident I could do that, though I’d have to swing with that intent in mind. Might make it a bit harder to land a proper blow, you’re meant to hit people with the edge of swords, y’know. But if I do end up hitting someone, I’ll try to keep my attacks safe.

>Oh, since you have the sleeping drug now we can use it to put everyone to sleep if Protection vs Evil doesn't work!
>How about coating the edge of a sickle or scimitar with that nonlethal poison and dealing enough damage with the edge to cut and, then knocking them out with the pommel once they're woozy?

With this amount of Oloth’arr, I can probably get two uses if I can introduce it to them through ingestion. Otherwise, if I plan on poisoning them through injury, I’d have to use the whole vial to ensure a good cut gets enough in. I wish I could hold it, but my hands are full, and I need my mouth to use my harmonica. I’ll leave it in my bag for now.
>>
No. 1090969 ID: e93cf1
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1090969

>OK you have a "double surprise" here, where you can get a surprise attack, and they'll expect Mina to back them up. Then she can get off a surprise attack, which as a healer isn't ideal, but it's still an advantage.
>OH AND STAND OUTSIDE OF THE EFFECT OF THE SILENCE SPELL WHEN CASTING YOU ARE A BARD
>Maybe cast through the crack in the door, if that puts you out of the silence zone.

I know I know! I’m not a doofus, I made sure to give myself some space.

As I prepare myself, Evel’yee kneels at the door and begins combing it over. Looking towards Mina, I mouth the words, “Go with it”. Then, I start things off with an eerie fweet of my harmonica.

INITIATIVE:

Evel’yee Trèswillow - 4[Dexterity] + 8[Roll] = 12
Mina Haliasong - 3[Dexterity] + 7[Roll] = 10.3 Surprise
Vax - 2[Dexterity] + 9[Roll] = 10.2
Tanna Sybilant - 4[Dexterity] + 3[Roll] = 7 Surprise

ROUND 1:

Evel’yee Trèswillow’s Turn

Evel’yee turns her head curiously towards the door I’m hiding behind as soon as I start playing my instrument.What’s that noise…? Ah shit!

Surprised, she starts to reach for her bow, but she’s completely caught off guard.

Mina Haliasong’s Turn

Mina grips her amulet, seemingly waiting for what I’m going to do. That frail look she had before is replaced with hard determination now, her gaze drilling daggers into Vax’s back.

Vax’s Turn

Ah…? Fool that I am…He’s oddly calm about being caught out, but I’ll take it. Vax gets into a defensive position, but there’s no chance he’ll be able to react before I get my spell off.

Tanna Sybilant’s Turn

Swift Action & Standard Action

>Maybe cast through the crack in the door, if that puts you out of the silence zone.
>Casting through doors might not work due to limits of the Weave, there's various reasons why murderholes and arrowslits and the like might need to be a minimum size for the aperture for magic to be cast through them.

I’m not sure how it would work either. I’m pretty confident I ‘could’ do it, but I don’t want to bung it up by being overly cautious. Besides, I’m a godsdamned bard, no more hiding. It’s time to bust this shit wide open!

>We could try Charm Person on Vax?
>It might be useful on Evel’yee.
>Evel’yee should be disabled top priority, as she has your deadly poisons, and some of her own, and knows how to use them.
>So Charm Creature on Evel'yee, which might help avoid combat in the first place, or at least delay it. You're a bard! Who would ever want to hurt you?
>Evalee is the prime target.

She definitely won’t want to be hurting me after this. Flinging open the door, the eerie note I had been playing before turns into something far more bouncy. Ending with a harmonic flourish, I attune myself with the Weave and hit Evel’yee with the spell, Charm Creature.

>CHARM CREATURE: 3[Evel’yee] vs. 3[Tanna] ~ 21[Roll] <= 50 = SUCCESS

I can feel my incantation grip Evel’yee’s mind and alter her perception of me. There was nothing but vicious aggression before, but the spell forces her to look at me in a different light. Now, all she can do is gawk at me confusedly and say,Wha- Fuckin’... you were our prisoner… but that doesn’t make any sense…

Evel’yee? …And she believes me the idiot. Mina, the prisoner…Vax turns around just in time to see his ‘ally’ throw her torch to the side and cast a spell on him.

Sorry Vax, but Iguana stop you all from hurting yourselves.Mina’s magic is released and a swirl of yellow Weave rushes into the Iruxi.

>HIDEOUS LAUGHTER: 2[Vax] vs. 3[Mina] ~ 75[Roll] <= 75 = SUCCESS

Holy moly that joke was bad. Can’t help but chuckle a little. As for Vax though, he falls to his knees, barely able to contain himself from erupting into laughter. Beneath that guffaw is angry betrayal.Heeahe…! Mina! What are you doing?! Ho ho hoo, hee hee!!!

Vax has fallen prone.

Vax, can’t take it anymore. He hits the ground and starts ROFLing.

END ROUND 1
>>
No. 1090970 ID: b8477b
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1090970

ROUND 2:

Evel’yee Trèswillow’s Turn

Swift Action & Move Action & Standard Action

Mina! I always knew you’d turn coat!Evel’yee finally finishes drawing her bow. She posts up closer to me since I’m her very good friend, then aims her weapon at Mina.

Wait, wait! Don’t shoot!Just as Evel’yee is about to release, she jolts. Giving me a questioning look, she comes to a rest with her string drawn.

Still trained on Mina, she says,There better be a damn good reason for this, Mina. You’re lucky my friend’s vouching for you.

Mina Haliasong’s Turn

Swift Action & Standard Action

Hey, c-calm down Eve, Vax was planning something bad. Tanna can explain. Right, Tanna?Gesturing towards me, there’s a pleading look in her eyes. Then she begins to non-threateningly placate Evel'yee with one hand, while the other is still clasped around her amulet. She appears ready to cast another spell should things go awry. Evel’yee looks up at me expectantly.

Vax’s Turn

HAHAHA!! DON’T LISTEN TO HER EVEL’YEE!! MINA!! YOU!!! IGUANA! HAHAHAHA!!! I TOO AM A REPTILIAN!! IT IS THE FUNNIEST SHIT I HAVE EVER HEARD!!!Is he gonna be alright?

Hideous Laughter will end at the beginning of Vax’s next turn, and he will be able to act.
>>
No. 1090971 ID: 43c3d3
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1090971

Tanna Sybilant’s Intermission

Well, this is chaotic, but it’s in our favor. I know I’m ‘fighting’ for my life here, but it’s kind of fun, in a high on life kind of way. I can feel my heart thumping hard with exhilaration and fear simultaneously.

>Mina can cast Hideous Laughter on Vax from behind, and you should be able to tie him up, then.

Funnily enough, that’s what ended up happening. As for tying him up though… I don’t have anything to do that with actually!

>tell her "help me take down the lizard and we can open the box together."
>They have a fractious relationship, its a goal she'd approve of and you can then get her to lead the way, giving you a chance to backstrike her with the debilitating poison.

That’s what I’m thinking as well. I might be able to talk Evel’yee down and even convince her to even turn against Vax. She might have something to tie him up too, supposedly she has a bunch of gear. Is there anything else I should mention or do, Winds?
>>
No. 1090976 ID: eb0a9c

>>1090965
Oh does he, now?

>>1090971
Intentionally stab the sword away from Evel'yee, into the bow so you can slice the string. Just to catch her off-guard, sultrily scream the following words:
[Censored to prevent vomiting]
>>
No. 1090981 ID: 273c18

>>1090971
Hmm, what to say? We have to appeal to both the box obsession and her normal personality I think. Tell her you're going to open the box, and you need Mina's help to do it, but Vax is going to get in the way because he's too weak for what needs to be done. Tell her to help you drug him so he falls asleep. After Vax is unconscious then tell her you need her to take the drug too.
>>
No. 1090982 ID: 5ebd37

Tell her Jacob got drunk and spilled the beans; he and Vax were going to take the box for themselves after they got the answer out of you. So lets knock him out and get back to the box before the other guy steals it.
>>
No. 1090995 ID: 2f41db

Well done tanna.

>>1090976
May be possible to just move the bow aside with a finger tip while saying.
"I need your attention on me friend.i have to explain something."
Gentle movements and suggestions that fly parallel to their normal behaviours keep the charm from breaking.

>>1090981
Drugging vax is a sound idea, though have to take into account any physiological resistances he may have.

I doubt shed take the drug.
Shes a trained poisoner too.
Enough so that she may interpret it as a hostile act.

Maybe...

>>1090982
Yes.
Phrase it that he said they were cutting the females out of the deal.
Implicates all active hostiles.

Hmm.
What if we spun the tale that they planned to drug the women and leave them down here.
Let her examine the bottle that jacob drank from if its at hand. As evidence.
Tell her they were using small, accumulating dosage so she wouldnt pick up on it.
...but we may have an effective antidote.

That way she may trust her "friend" enougn to take what we offer her..

Should she smell the presence of the drug in the "medicine", tanna could tell her yes, its present but neutralised by the counteracting agent in the recipe. That she will feel a slight drowsiness then a headache as her body purges the toxin.
>>
No. 1091002 ID: a671e8

It look like Evel’yee can be rely upon for the next hour. Good job convincing her to tolerate Mina betrayal. Good thing she wasn't very loyal to her actual friends to begin with.

>>1090976
>...stab the sword away from Evel'yee, into the bow so you can slice the string.
The spell will end if you harm her, so don't confront her unnecessarily or try to sabotage her bow. The last thing we want is an accidental hit during an altercation.
Persuasion seem very effective in her current state, but if for some reason you still want to disable her after the combat is over just hug her. She is tiny and weak and won't oppose a friendly hug from behind, once you get a good grip she shouldn't be able to escape.

>>1090981
>Tell her you're going to open the box, and you need Mina's help to do it, but Vax is going to get in the way...
That should cover the main points well enough during combat.

>Tell her to help you drug him so he falls asleep
This idea is too dependent on her turning completely against Vax. It would be better than having her try to kill him, but she could refuse to attack him at all.

>>1090982
Save more elaborate explanations for later.

>>1090995
>Phrase it that he said they were cutting the females out of the deal.
You have no idea if Evel'yee have this kind of disposition or if it would be a believable behavior from Jacob. She did turn against Mina as all the others, so I wouldn't bet on any loyalty to her gender.

>it’s kind of fun
It is. You persuaded one of them to become your ally and magically charmed another inverting what to them looked like a three against one. Turning your enemies resources against them is very satisfying.

Next turn Evel'yee will act first, so we will get to see how much she is siding with us.
After that is Mina. She still have four casts left, so she may try the Protection from Evil or stall him for another round. She didn't mention having rope with her, but she could have something to try to immobilize Vax before he recover. She could also distance herself to avoid his retaliation.
If unimpeded Vax will probable try to attack either Mina or Tanna, Evel'yee is unlikely target for now. He knows what Mina can do and would want to recover Evel'yee, so it would make sense for him to focus on Tanna, although it would be a mistake in judgment because that would guaranty Evel'yee would turn against him. If he understand Evel'yee specific condition he may try to use Mina as a hostage and reason with Evel'yee.

Lastly is Tanna turn.
If the conflict is not resolved but is going in your favor just attack him. I doubt a few cuts would be enough to kill him and we can heal him after.
If the situation develop for the worse you may need to use the Scroll of Paralyze. Charm would work well but it would be difficult to persuade Vax to forgive Mina, although not impossible since she didn't hurt him.
>>
No. 1091003 ID: 2f41db

>>1091002
>cut out the females.
Its less a call to gender solidarity and more a swift way of saying everyone down here but me mina and you have turned on you.
Any way of conveying that isolation is equally good.
Just conscious of time available during whats still potentially a combat situation.
>>
No. 1091192 ID: 8f9bc4

Vax has been enchanted to steal the box, and you arrived just in time to stop him. You just want to tie him up, while you figure out how to dispel the enchantment.
>>
No. 1091767 ID: 471de7
File 171666862987.png - (25.07KB , 750x500 , Page 1 Set 23.png )
1091767

>Just to catch her off-guard, sultrily scream the following words: [Censored to prevent vomiting]
You all make me transcribe some weird stuff sometimes.
Y-you can’t just tell me to scream something sultrily and not tell me what to say! Errr…Oh… can I explain alright~ …have I got something to tell you!~

Both Mina and Evel’yee look at me.What…?

Why… why’d you say it like that?

AHHAHAH!!!

>May be possible to just move the bow aside with a finger tip while saying. "I need your attention on me friend.i have to explain something."
>Tell her you're going to open the box, and you need Mina's help to do it, but Vax is going to get in the way because he's too weak for what needs to be done.
>That should cover the main points well enough during combat.
>Tell her Jacob got drunk and spilled the beans; he and Vax were going to take the box for themselves after they got the answer out of you. So lets knock him out and get back to the box before the other guy steals it.
>Phrase it that he said they were cutting the females out of the deal. Implicates all active hostiles.
>Any way of conveying that isolation is equally good.

Free Action

Well, that sure made me feel stupid as the hells. The momentary confusion seems to have worked though, as I have Evel’yee’s full attention. Slowly and softly moving her weapon out of Mina’s direction, I push past my embarrassment and explain,During my interrogation, Jacob said he was going to steal the box with Vax and Roderick. They were planning on cutting you out of everything and leaving us dead down here. Mina realized this and helped free me. We’re gonna take the box and open it ourselves.

>Tell her to help you drug him so he falls asleep.
>Drugging vax is a sound idea, though have to take into account any physiological resistances he may have.
>Vax has been enchanted to steal the box, and you arrived just in time to stop him. You just want to tie him up, while you figure out how to dispel the enchantment.

There’s probably some weird enchantment stuff going on, but I’ll explain more later! We need to deal with him now, can you help us drug him?

>PERSUASION/LYING CHECK: 13(3[Mentality] + 3[Roll] + 2[Charmed] + 2[Effective] + 3[Argument]) > 12[DC] = SUCCESS

Evel’yee’s whiskers scrunch as she evaluates all that. Coming to a conclusion, she exasperatedly says,Those two-timing backstabbing mother fucking… I should’ve… agh!! Fine! Fine! You’re one of the few I can trust. What do you need me to do?

Ahah, Evel’yee!! It is the most obvious deception! *cough* haha!!Underneath that laugh is a menacing growl, he’s starting to break free from the spell.

Swift Action & Move Action & Standard Action

I move up to Vax and swap my Harmonica for the Oloth’arr. He’s thrashing about a lot, it’s not going to be easy to make him swallow the poison.Hold him down! I need him to drink this!With that, I prepare to force-feed Vax the Oloth’arr once Mina and Evel’yee have tried to pin him, and failing that, deliver it to him via an injury.

END ROUND 2
>>
No. 1091768 ID: 471de7
File 171666863173.png - (54.97KB , 1000x500 , Page 2 Set 23.png )
1091768

Evel’yee Trèswillow’s Turn

Swift Action & Move Action & Standard Action

Putting away her bow and drawing a dagger, Evel’yee shuffles up to Vax and prepares to try and pin him.Why don’t we just cut his throat and be done with it?! Princess here could probably patch him up afterwards!

Mina Haliasong’s Turn

Swift Action & Move Action & Standard Action

Mina also moves to Vax while drawing her dagger, but her focus seems to be on Evel’yee.No! We could seriously hurt him that way!

They both pounce on Vax, attempting to force him to lie still.Okay?! And he can seriously hurt us!

>EVEL’YEE GRAPPLE CHECK: 6(2[Strength] + 2[Roll] + 2[Assistance] + 1[Combat Modifier] - 1[Size]) > 8(5[Base] + 4[Strength] + 1[Combat Modifier] - 2[Prone]) = FAILURE

>MINA GRAPPLE CHECK: 8(2[Strength] + 4[Roll] + 2[Assistance]) > 8(5[Base] + 4[Strength] + 1[Combat Modifier] - 2[Prone]) = FAILURE

This can work-

Hahgrrr!!

Eeeek!

Vax, with devastating strength, manages to throw both Mina and Evel’yee away from himself. The Iruxi lets out a few rough wheezes, but there is no mirth. Vicious rage dances in his eyes. I can’t risk making him drink it like this, I’m going to try to cut him instead.

I pop the cork of the Oloth’arr and slather the blade with all of it.

>TANNA’S ATTACK: 9(4[Dexterity] + 3[Roll] + 2[Flanking]) > 10(5[Base] + 3[Breastplate] + 1[Shield] 2[Dexterity] + 1[Natural] - 2[Prone]) = MISS

With strained effort, Vax brings up his sword and narrowly deflects my blow. The sound of steel scraping against steel rings within the hall.

Just fucking hit him! He’s too strong to mess around with!Evel’yee yells out. I can’t help but agree, we’re starting to lose control.

Hah… It is not a bad idea. Despite being a lie, perhaps I should kill you two and steal it for myself… Forgive me Mina, you were likely coerced. Join me or I will slay you as well.Vax says threateningly.
>>
No. 1091769 ID: 471de7
File 171666863387.png - (24.47KB , 500x500 , Page 3 Set 23.png )
1091769

Vax’s Turn

Movement Action

Despite being surrounded by the three of us, Vax confidently begins to stand up. It’s as if he’s challenging us to bring him down. His gaze is directed towards me, murderous intent terribly apparent.

>If the conflict is not resolved but is going in your favor just attack him. I doubt a few cuts would be enough to kill him and we can heal him after.

There’s a clear opportunity to attack as Vax rises. Evel’yee lunges forward as well, her blade flashing in the torchlight. It seems Mina is going to hold back as she clutches her dagger with fearful eyes. I hope she isn’t actually considering his offer.

>EVEL’YEE’S ATTACK OF OPPORTUNITY: 15(4[Dexterity] + 7[Roll] + 1[Combat Modifier] + 1[Size] + 2[Flanking]) > 10(5[Base] + 3[Breastplate] + 1[Shield] + 2[Dexterity] + 1[Natural] - 2[Prone]) = SUCCESS

>EVEL’YEE’S DAMAGE: 1[Dagger] + 1[Strength] = 2 PAIN

>TANNA’S ATTACK OF OPPORTUNITY: 15(4[Dexterity] + 9[Roll] + 2[Flanking]) > 10(5[Base] + 3[Breastplate] + 1[Shield] + 2[Dexterity] + 1[Natural] - 2[Prone]) = SUCCESS

>TANNA’S DAMAGE: 2[Scimitar] + 1[Strength] = 3 PAIN & FATAL WOUND

>VAX FORTITUDE VS. OLOTH’ARR POISON: 10[Roll] + 4[Strength] > 10[DC] = SUCCESS, SECONDARY EFFECT

Oloth’arr on scimitar is expended.

Yes! I managed to strike Vax along his sternum, the edge of my scimitar slicked with his blood. At the same time, Evel’yee manages to shove her dagger into the slit between his pauldron and rerebrace. The poison should’ve definitely got in, he should be falling down any second… w-why is he still getting up?

Godsdammit Vax! Just die already!Evel’yee screeches out before Vax swipes at her with his shield, throwing her away.

The Iruxi is no longer laughing as he reaches his full height.

Standard Action

Standing powerfully despite his injuries, Vax growls the words,Admirable wounds, but I have been through worse. You however…Vax leans forward and lets out a ferocious roar. I fall back and bring up my scimitar to defend myself, my eyes widening as he swings his sword at me!

>VAX’S ATTACK: 12(4[Strength] + 9[Roll] + 1[Combat Modifier] - 2[Drowsy]) > 9(5[Base] + 4[Dexterity]) = SUCCESS

>VAX’S DAMAGE: 2[Longsword] + 2[Strength] = 4 PAIN & FATAL WOUND

...seem a bit new to this. Let me introduce you to the cruel teacher that is death.
>>
No. 1091770 ID: 471de7
File 171666863535.png - (65.60KB , 500x500 , Page 4 Set 23.png )
1091770

Tanna! Run child! Get out of here!

I hear someone call my name from a place that’s far too bright, telling me to run. It’s so cold… despite the flames licking my fur. The shadows that are creeping in all around me are so comfortable… it’d be easy to just lie down… and let things happen… but I don’t want to die yet… not like this… not again. Things were so different this time…
Huh? Why is… how is she remembering something separate?
>>
No. 1091771 ID: 471de7
File 171666863862.png - (23.93KB , 700x500 , Page 5 Set 23.png )
1091771

Tanna Sybilant’s Intermission

H-help…

Tanna is disabled* for reaching her maximum pain threshold. Any more and she will fall unconscious.

Tanna is in danger! The Winds may choose to use 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓲𝓪𝓵 energy to dramatically enhance her next action or spell. This action may only be performed once per day.

* A disabled creature can only perform either a standard action or a movement action per turn in addition to their swift action.
>>
No. 1091775 ID: a671e8

If in his current condition he can just ignore the sleeping poison I don't know what nonlethal attack will work.
Since Tanna want to be a pacifist I guess it's time for the Scroll of Paralyze. Possible with the 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓲𝓪𝓵 thing to guaranty results, if that's how it works.

Another option is to drink the Potion of Cure Light Wounds and trust our allies for another round.


I get that the way Evel’yee came to your side defensively was very reassuring and flattering, bud did you had to say it like that? Might as well commit: the plan to seduce Evel’yee is on. You have one hour to make her fall for you while doing other things. Good luck.
>>
No. 1091785 ID: 2f41db

>>1091769
Look ou-
>>1091770
Shit!
Stay with us tanna, we'll figure out someth-
>>1091775
-ing.
Like this, yes.
Perfect.
Paralyse the sod with that scroll and we'll throw all our primordial oomph into it.
Healing potion after if you can, if not get mina to help keep you upright till you can.

Stay strong, stand firm.
Almost there.
Just hold it together a little longer.
>>
No. 1091787 ID: 8f9bc4

Frikkin one shotted! Why didn't we pick fighter!

Vax is a terrible teacher. No one ever learns anything from death! Where did he get his teaching certification!

Primordial energy... not much choice now. We are going up against Roderick with nothing left. Scroll of Paralysis. You can do this, Tanna. It's the only way to keep him alive, your new "friend" is gonna be murderous after that. Best hope Mina can take care of your wounds; she's sure to recognize the cure potion if she finds it.

Paralysis 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓲𝓪𝓵. This better not be permanent...
>>
No. 1091796 ID: 15a025

another vote for Paralysis 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓲𝓪𝓵.
>>
No. 1092679 ID: 5489a9
File 171790031470.png - (16.93KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 24.png )
1092679

>Since Tanna want to be a pacifist I guess it's time for the Scroll of Paralyze. Possible with the 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓲𝓪𝓵 thing to guaranty results, if that's how it works.
>Paralyse the sod with that scroll and we'll throw all our primordial oomph into it.
>Paralysis 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓲𝓪𝓵. This better not be permanent…
>another vote for Paralysis 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓲𝓪𝓵.

Tanna Sybilant’s Turn

I don’t… know what p-primordial is. B-but I can try… to paralyze Vax.

Swift Action

I need my harmonica… and the scroll. Agh… f-focus… I let go of my scimitar… it makes a noisy clattering sound as it hits the ground.

Standard Action

Shakily, I get the items out of my bag. Then, I put the harmonica to my lips and hold the scroll out… preparing to cast the spell.

Here is another lesson!

>VAX’S ATTACK OF OPPORTUNITY: 6(4[Strength] + 3[Roll] + 1[Combat Modifier] - 2[Drowsy]) > 7(5[Base] + 4[Dexterity] - 2[Pain]) = MISS

>Vax is a terrible teacher. No one ever learns anything from death! Where did he get his teaching certification!

Waah!! Shit!! I hate his lessons! His sword just narrowly misses my throat as I fall backwards! The blood seeping from the gash on my chest smears the floor… things are getting dark…

Get away from her!

Tanna! Run! We’ll cover you!

V-vax raises his sword again, but Evel’yee and Mina prevent him from advancing… k-keeping him from killing me as I get back up.

This is my chance… I put the harmonica to my lips, and start to play.
>>
No. 1092680 ID: 5489a9
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1092680

W-what’s going on…?
Been waiting to do this!
>>
No. 1092681 ID: 5489a9
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1092681

This… isn’t the Weave. No, this is something raw… a force millenniums old and devastatingly powerful. Some sort of rhythm bouncing within that’s been carried across an unfathomable distance… ceaselessly deafening and impossibly quiet at the same time.
>>
No. 1092682 ID: 5489a9
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1092682

As I play my song, the once confident Vax can only stare in awe. The power being exuded pushes my allies back, Evel’yee is forced against the door of the torturer’s room and Mina hits the wall to my left with a heavy thump. Vax holds his shield up as he braces himself against this unstoppable force, but he misunderstands. I don’t want him going anywhere. In fact, I don’t want him to ever be able to move again…

>This better not be permanent...

…unless I say so. Ending the song, I issue my command.

𝓑𝓔 𝓢𝓣𝓘𝓛𝓛!!
𝓑𝓔 𝓢𝓣𝓘𝓛𝓛!!
>>
No. 1092684 ID: 5489a9
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1092684

>VAX’S WILL -S PRIMORDIAL PARALYSIS: 4(2[Vax’s M-ntality] + 10[Roll] - 3[Tanna’s Me-ta-i-y] - 5[Prim-rdial Em-ow--m-nt]) > 5[D-] = F--L-RE

EN- -- C-----
>>
No. 1092685 ID: 854d40
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1092685

------ T----! W-k- --!

W-at th- f-c- w-- -h-t M-na?!

I’- be-ng jostl-d by Mina… -id… I bla-k out? Whe-e’s…I-is Vax…?

Yes! Yes, he’s-

Whatever in the almighty hells you just did, he’s a statue now. Glad I chose you two.As I look towards Evel’yee, I see what she means. Vax is still stuck in that pose, holding his shield up against… whatever I just did.

As I’m lying on the ground, I realize that the cut Vax gave me is no longer bleeding. It still hurts really badly, but as I start to push myself up, Mina offers me a green bottle of healing goodness and a helping hand.

>Healing potion after if you can, if not get mina to help keep you upright till you can.
>It's the only way to keep him alive, your new "friend" is gonna be murderous after that.

I take the drink that Mina’s offering me and down it. There’s still a dull ache in my chest, but it doesn’t feel like I’m dying anymore, which is leagues better than before. Taking her hand, she helps me back onto my feet.

Evel’yee seems more focused on me rather than Vax, though who knows what she’s going to want to do to him soon. He’s definitely still alive…

>I get that the way Evel’yee came to your side defensively was very reassuring and flattering, bud did you had to say it like that? Might as well commit: the plan to seduce Evel’yee is on. You have one hour to make her fall for you while doing other things. Good luck.

I didn’t know what to say! You just told me to do it, so I did my best! As for seducing Evel’yee? Er… I don’t know how. The charm still has plenty of time left, is seducing her really how I deal with this little firecracker? I can try giving it a shot I guess.

Once I’m upright, the dreaded question gets asked.S-sooo… what was that Tanna? What did you just do? And to Vax? I took a look already… he doesn’t seem to have any spell effects on him.Despite trying to sound casual about it, her voice is laden with trepidation.

What did I just do, Winds? Whatever you all gave me, it let me conjure… something that felt incredibly old. An ancient, powerful force, unbidden to the Weave. I’m certain I’ve cursed Vax… I think I made it so he’s permanently paralyzed, unless I choose to release him.
>>
No. 1092688 ID: dd3fe0

Hoo boy. That was Eldritch of some sort or other. We, uh, helped. We could describe what we perceived (we perceived a TON of stuff during all of that), but most of the particulars are the sort of thing that is a 'write it down and puzzle through it when there is time' sort of thing. Don't worry, we'll remember. Now, you have to use your own real skills to make Evel’yee not actually care that you used mind affecting magic on her, when she comes out of it and realizes what you did in an hour.

You know there are people that willingly prefer to be under such Charm and similar 'hostile' mind affecting effects for long periods of time? It's totally a thing. There are some weird lifestyles out there!
>>
No. 1092690 ID: c5529d

Oh hey, your eyes are no longer yellow from our perspective. I think I get it now. You are able to use whatever that power was once per day, and I think the yellow you had in your eyes lets us know when your charged up and ready to use that power... that is, if we really want to use that again? seems dubious.
>>
No. 1092691 ID: 273c18

((dear god Vax rolled so many 10s))

>>1092685
We don't see the yellow in your eyes anymore... I don't think we'll be able to do that again for a while, something tells me the yellow was an indicator of our power. Good thing we found out what the side effects are in a situation where you wouldn't die from passing out for a bit!

That was "primordial" magic, by the way. Hmm. Tell them you used a very powerful curse, but one you can end whenever you like, so no need to worry.

>seduce Evel’yee?
Uhm, that seems like kindof an awful thing to do while she's under your influence. I know the charm is a weak influence but still.
Once everyone's ready to go, we need to come up with a plan of taking out the final target(s), nonlethally. Look through Vax's stuff to see if he's got anything that will help. If Evel'yee wants some revenge tell her she can strip him down and put him in an embarrassing pose, but otherwise you want him alive and intact. Say you might need a sacrifice or something for whatever's in the box.
Is the scroll of paralyze expended?
>>
No. 1092693 ID: eb0a9c

Divine favor. You only get that once a day, so don't depend on it.
>>
No. 1092694 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1092685

OK so... you're out of spells, you're at death's door, whatever power was vested in us is gone, one of your two allies is going to kill you once the charm wears off, and Roderick has the box.

Your eyes are... very pretty!
>>
No. 1092697 ID: a671e8

Keep the explanation vague. You still don't know the details, speculations could include incorrect assumptions and it may not be desirable for one of your two allies to understand your limitations. Tell her that it's still a form of magic, even if it's not in the same category, and it's durable but not permanent.

Now that you are less colorful and we got a moment of respire let's assess the situation. Inspect yourself, your allies and the prisoners with the magical detection specifically so we can look for anything that you can't see yourself. We shall compare observations.
Once that's done we can consider testing Mina's Protection from Evil. There are a few considerations to be discussed, so don't do it before talking with your allies. One of those considerations is the best candidate: there are pros and cons for each.

While I recommend not letting them know any of yours specific weakness, sharing your emotional vulnerability could help making them less worried about you being dangerous to them. You were scared, with good reason since you almost died, and you should let them know that the experience shook you and that you are grateful for their help.
Emphasis on their appreciation, that's important for moral. Explain how you thought you were alone is happy to have the support of others.

Next is Evel’yee. We need to know what we are dealing with and maybe work on some kind of emotional connection that isn't a temporary compulsion. What we want to understand is her motivations and the way she deal with problems. Those questions should be presented sparsely in the middle of a pleasant conversation, not an interview.
Wanting to know her better should be a sufficient explanation for the the conversation. You know how to butter someone up, don't you? Pay attention to what she say, show interest in the things she seem to enjoy and make follow up questions to keep her talking. If those attitudes don't come genuinely to you or you don't care pretend you do.
Also given sparsely in the middle of the conversation should be the compliments: tell her she is pretty, that her eyes are beautiful and her fur color is cute.

Combining the second and fourth topics:
You will need to explain to Evel’yee your theory about everyone here (with the possible exception of Mina), including yourself, being under the influence of a mental compulsion magic with a similar nature to what you did to Vax. Mina's spell should be harmless even if it doesn't work, so maybe the idea of being the test subject will be acceptable to Evel’yee.
Don't mention it have something to do with the box. If she realize I suspect she will be less cooperative.

Hopefully Mina will tolerate your weirdness with Evel’yee. You will only be able to explain your rational to her if you are absolutely certain Evel’yee can't hear.
>>
No. 1092699 ID: 2f41db

>>1092685
...
Thank goodness your ok.
Had me worried for a moment there slinky.

Theyre right uou know.
Your eyes are grey to us now.

Hmm.
A quick question.
Help with something ive been pondering...
Do you still feel the need to retrive yhe box as strongly as before?
Think on it a moment as you recover.

As to their question of what you did.
I presume the scroll is consumed?
If so thats good cover.
Pass off blame.
Say there was something weird about it but you didnt have a choice seeing as youre so low on resources.
May have interacted with your own magics.

Im not sure you could seduce anyone in a way thatd take in the time you have left on the charm.
Nothing against your wiles tanna, but even under charm she strikes me as the sort to prioritise goals over love.

>>1092697
Hm.
Yes.
Take stock of yourself and your resources while you revover.

Building an emotional bond of a non romantic sort is a good idea.
Explaining and using the protection too...
But im not sure itd be a good idea to mention a strange influence when weve just displayed one infront of her.
May raise her suspicions.

Perhaps using the example of what happened with your magic and alluding to the very clear strangeness of this place you could be vague about potential magical threats.
Then argue that as casters you and mina are trained to offer some resistance so youd like mina to use a protective spell on your best armed group member to for safety.

Im hoping it works, but still thinking on contingencies if it doesnt.
>>
No. 1093194 ID: 2727e8
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1093194

>OK so... you're out of spells, you're at death's door, whatever power was vested in us is gone, one of your two allies is going to kill you once the charm wears off, and Roderick has the box.

Yeaaaahhh, woooooo!!! I’d say this is the worst day of my life, but I can’t even be sure about that. At this moment though, everything does suck!

>Oh hey, your eyes are no longer yellow from our perspective.
>We don't see the yellow in your eyes anymore...
>Your eyes are grey to us now.
>Your eyes are... very pretty!

Th-thanks… but why do you all see my eyes as gray now?

>I think I get it now. You are able to use whatever that power was once per day, and I think the yellow you had in your eyes lets us know when your charged up and ready to use that power... that is, if we really want to use that again? seems dubious.
>I don't think we'll be able to do that again for a while, something tells me the yellow was an indicator of our power.
>That was Eldritch of some sort or other.
>That was "primordial" magic, by the way.
>Divine favor. You only get that once a day, so don't depend on it.

So… the color you all saw in my eyes, that was the primordial thingy? And since they’re gray now… that makes sense.

Wait… t-that wasn’t a once in a lifetime deal? You all really think I’ll be able to do it again tomorrow? That’s terrifying. I felt like I could’ve so much more with that power… thoughts were racing through my head when I was deciding Vax’s fate. I know I could’ve entombed him in the earth, or broken all the bones in his body. The original spell was more like a loose guideline at that point. Depending on something that powerful seems dangerous.

Judging by Mina and Evel’yee’s reactions to it, they seem to agree. I wonder what I looked like to them, I couldn’t really see anything past all the colors.

>Inspect yourself
>Take stock of yourself and your resources while you revover.
>Is the scroll of paralyze expended?

Yeah… I need to gather myself. Okay. Starting off… I did use the scroll during that exchange. The magic within was expended and the paper destroyed. After waking up and drinking that potion, I’m feeling alright, if a little dull.

The cut along my chest had been knitted over when I woke up, so Mina must have expended a spell on healing me while I was unconscious. Assuming I’ve kept track of things properly, she should be able to cast three more spells. As for my own reservoir, I’m feeling very drained. I think I’ve got one good incantation left.
>>
No. 1093195 ID: 2727e8
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1093195

>You know there are people that willingly prefer to be under such Charm and similar 'hostile' mind affecting effects for long periods of time? It's totally a thing. There are some weird lifestyles out there!

Huh… y’know, as someone who has something affecting their mind, I don’t think that’s my jam. I guess I could see that sort of side to things depending... just letting go and letting it happen. But that ain’t for me!

>A quick question. Help with something ive been pondering… Do you still feel the need to retrive yhe box as strongly as before?

Yeah, I still do. Whatever happened doesn’t seem tied to that compulsion, that damn box is still an awful itch that needs to be scratched. At least there’s only one person left that’s in my way, and I have two potential friends. I just need to… assuage whatever doubts they have.

>As to their question of what you did. I presume the scroll is consumed? If so thats good cover. Pass off blame. Say there was something weird about it but you didnt have a choice seeing as youre so low on resources. May have interacted with your own magics.

You okay, Tanna?Ah. I might’ve spent a little too long conversing with you all in my head. Mina and Evel’yee are giving me odd looks.

S-sorry, I’m a bit dazed, was just trying to understand what happened. I think the scroll had a Paralysis spell on it, but it must’ve been supercharged or something. I have no idea otherwise…Other than that it was something “primordial”.

>LYING CHECK AGAINST MINA: 9(3[Mentality] + 6[Roll] + 2[Effective] + 1[Argument] - 3[Magical Knowledge]) > 9[DC] = FAILURE
>LYING CHECK AGAINST EVEL’YEE: 14(3[Mentality] + 6[Roll] + 2[Effective] + 2[Charmed] + 1[Argument] + 2[Magical Knowledge]) > 9[DC] = SUCCESS

Mina seems confused as she says,That’s… the Weave shouldn’t work that way… is there anything you might be forge-

Seemingly unconvinced, my mind races for an explanation before Evel’yee raises her voice.For fucks…She seems to catch herself before shouting though, and taking a breath, more calmly says,Mina, we’ll worry about it later, she just got gutted and was scared. There’s been some weird shit in this place, wouldn’t be surprised if that scroll was just another bit of it.

I feel kinda bad for ganging up on her like this, but I really don’t want to discuss the details. I look at her apologetically and say nothing more.

With that, she seems to relent with a sigh. Looking back at Evel’yee and then to me though, there’s a look in her eyes that says this isn’t over.

Breaking the silence,Well, what’re we doing about this backstabbing scaley piece of shit? My votes to kill him before he breaks out,Evel’yee says with a bit too much enthusiasm.

>Tell them you used a very powerful curse, but one you can end whenever you like, so no need to worry.

A fearful look crosses Mina’s face as she suddenly stiffens. Gods, this mouse is giving me whiplash. With a calm but firm tone, I say,No, we’re not killing him Evel’yee. Whatever freak magic happened a moment ago gave me the feeling that I laid a curse on Vax. I’m confident he won’t be able to break free… unless I release him.

What… like forever? You got him just like that?Huh. Yeah, I guess I do. At least, it felt that way when I cast the ‘spell’. I give her a nod.

Well knock on wood.the Weski says. Spinning her dagger and sheathing it she continues,Still think we oughta do something to the bastard.

>Look through Vax's stuff to see if he's got anything that will help. If Evel'yee wants some revenge tell her she can strip him down and put him in an embarrassing pose, but otherwise you want him alive and intact.

Hah, I like that idea, Winds. Honestly, I want some revenge too.Well… we could put him in a humiliating pose with Jacob. Strip him of any useful gear, so that if he does somehow break free, he doesn’t have anything on hand. He can still hear and see everything too, so hopefully that makes the revenge a little sweeter.

Evel’yee gives off a devious little smile at that, and surprisingly, so does Mina.Oh, is that so? Hehe… sorry Vax, but I quite like that idea myself. Would make up for the past few days. We’ll get Tanna to let you go when we’re far away.

A lotta people would consider this worse than dying. Sure, I’m down.

With that, the three of us sidle up to Vax. A strange camaraderie is formed as Mina and I hook him under the shoulders while Evel’yee lifts his legs from behind. This is silly, but I feel a little lighter. It’s nice to do something other than fight and scheme.
>>
No. 1093196 ID: 2727e8
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1093196

As we move Vax into the jail room and begin putting him in a… pose with Jacob, Evel’yee quietly says,Hey Mina, sorry for being a thin furred little shit towards you as of late. I shoulda seen through their lies earlier, but something got into me.

Hey, don’t worry about it Eve. What do you mean about something getting into you?

Ah… you’ve been a friend, right? I don’t know why I forgot that, but I swear, whenever I was around Roderick and them, I couldn’t help but think bad of you. I… really shouldn’t have done the things I did, but I thought you were against us, we all did. Turns out you were always on my side.

Mina sniffles and her voice cracks slightly as she says,That’s… y-yes, I am on your side. I can’t tell you how much it means to hear you say that, these past few days I’ve felt so… alone.

I get what you mean. Thought the crew were friends, but shit’s been so chilly. Felt good to at least agree with them on something, but I shouldn’t have done that to you. I’m really fucking sorry about… everything.

Shaking her head, Mina clenches her fists.It’s… not ok. I’m sorry myself Eve, but I’m going to need some time. You said some awful stuff, and did some… even awfuler things. Even now, everything is still sort of broken.Releasing some sort of darkness as she opens her hands again, she’ll take a deep breath and say.But we’ll fix it, alright? With everyone. Don’t give up on our friends just yet.

With a wide eyed expression, Evel’yee will bite her lip and look away after she’s unable to find her voice. She seems genuinely conflicted, some inner turmoil seemingly eating away at her, and once Mina resumes her work on Vax, she gives soft grunt before also doing so.

>You will need to explain to Evel’yee your theory about everyone here (with the possible exception of Mina), including yourself, being under the influence of a mental compulsion magic with a similar nature to what you did to Vax. Mina's spell should be harmless even if it doesn't work, so maybe the idea of being the test subject will be acceptable to Evel’yee. Don't mention it have something to do with the box. If she realize I suspect she will be less cooperative.
>Perhaps using the example of what happened with your magic and alluding to the very clear strangeness of this place you could be vague about potential magical threats. Then argue that as casters you and mina are trained to offer some resistance so youd like mina to use a protective spell on your best armed group member to for safety.

This seems like an alright moment to segue into that conversation.So, there might actually be something to those dark thoughts of yours, Evel'yee. This place is messed up. I think there might be some weird effect that’s altering people’s perceptions of things.

Hmm, yeah? Different from the charm you put on me, right?

I freeze in shock, and I can hear Mina gasp. As I turn towards Evel’yee expecting anger, I instead see a warm look and friendly smile still. She genuinely isn’t mad about this revelation.How did you… are you not angry?

Ain’t my first rodeo, Tanna. I know fuck all about the Weave, but anyone could’ve told you cast a spell on me earlier. Combined with the weird questions I suddenly couldn’t answer, it’s not hard to figure it out. But it’s fine. You’re my friend, and I trust my friends. I’m sure you had a good reason.

Hahaaaa… wow… enchantments sure are something. Works for now I suppose.Well… yes. Far different from the charm I put on you. It might even have to do with my spike of power earlier, although far more subtle. We were wondering if Mina could try a protection spell on you.

Actually… do you mind if I have a private word with Tanna, Evel’yee?

With a wave of her hand, Evel’yee says,Go for it, I’ll gather his shit in the meantime. What do ya’ think Jacob, you gonna enjoy waking on Vax’s lap?

I give a small laugh and nod towards Mina. I’ll be long gone when he does, but I wish I could see his face when he wakes up.
>>
No. 1093198 ID: e436f0
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1093198

Motioning me to follow her, Mina takes me into the torturer’s room and closes the door.Hey, so how confident are you that you’re not evil?

What kind of question is that?I feel like I’ve been going out of my way to not be an asshole, why? Do you think I seem evil?

No, you don’t. It’s just… not that simple. Good and evil is sort of an accumulated energy in the Weave. It’s something that can take an actual form, such as devils and angels, and can rarely become so dense within mortals that they register as such under specialized detection spells. When it gets that far along, it can take a very long time to overcome that accumulated energy in the cases where a person does seek redemption or descends into wickedness. Just because you seem well natured now doesn’t mean that whatever residual karma you may have had isn’t still there.

Okay, but where is she going with this?How is that determined exactly, what is good and evil? And why does this matter?

People don’t exactly know how or why it gets distributed, but it usually takes context and intent into account. Some actions are obviously evil, while others are obviously good, and that will gets generated into a type of energy that accumulates within a person’s soul. It’s actually fairly extraordinary for a standard mortal to register as “good” or “evil” though, most people go through life in-between these axi, and we’re not even getting into the whole “law” and “chaos” element of it either. As for why I’m bringing this up, I wanted to ask the question because you can’t really remember your past, which seems a little suspect, and you currently have a charm on Evel’yee. This protection spell could break that if… well if you’re ‘evil’.

Oh… dang. That’s actually a very valid concern.Huh… I gotta think about that for a second.

What should I say to that, Winds? Given all the little clues about my past self… I’m actually not confident about whether I’m ‘evil’ or not in Mina’s context. There’s a chance her Protection from Evil spell could break Evel’yee free of my Charm Creature. There’s still so much to go over, such as potentially befriending Evel’yee, coming up with a plan, getting you all a look at them via Detect Magic, and looking through Vax’s gear. I plan on doing all that, but this is a bit of a critical juncture.
>>
No. 1093199 ID: dd3fe0

Let her know you have major concerns about your pre-amnesia self possibly being an evil cultist poisoner sort of person. There's evidence to that effect.
>>
No. 1093215 ID: 273c18

>>1093196
Oh interesting. The Charm seems to have overridden the cruelty aspect of the box compulsion. My guess is that it's a similar spell effect, but weaker. Or maybe the box itself exudes a sort of cruelty aura, separate from the compulsion? (like a shift in alignment...)

>>1093198
I think you're Neutral. Yes, your gear implies your occupation was dark, but your personality doesn't match. Also, remember your actions before the amnesia-- you were friendly, then stole the box and didn't try to fight or use your poisons. You certainly could have poisoned the party in secret if you had wanted to, that would have enabled you to steal the box without being followed. Yet you didn't, so the evil karma you got was limited.
>>
No. 1093219 ID: fdd932

I don't know about evil, but I bet you were dutiful. You stole the box under great risk for a reason. It's possible you were already under the influence of your mind compulsion, but since your command is slightly different from the others who touched the box it might precede contact with it.

A strong point against past you being evil is how you went out of your way to keep your enemies alive. You went armed with deadly poisons but only used non-lethal methods. That by itself strongly suggest you were not evil. You went prepared to kill them if necessary but apparently miscalculated that it wouldn't be, so you took extra risks (presumably for the sake of morality) that lead you to failure.

While you are alone with Mina explain that you don't want Evel'yee to know things she can use against you if she turns, so you would like Mina to forgive your vagueness and go with the flow. You will explain everything once you got the opportunity.
Also ask is she think it's weird that you are enjoying Evel'yee friendliness, even though she is charmed.
>>
No. 1093222 ID: 8f9bc4

Well, you were under a magical compulsion to slit a guy's throat, and it would have been completely reasonable to kill and eat him, even if you weren't, then you just sorta decided not to, because you didn't wanna. You don't have a violent streak, remember? Good and evil can be measured by your propensity for performing acts that others consider good or evil. You made friends with a butterfly worshipper, and you really care about that friendship. Evil people don't do that. Your charm was cast to save Evel'yee, not to exploit her in any malicious way. You might be a follower of an evil god, or an evil organization, but there is no way in heck your weave is evil. You are terrible at being evil.
>>
No. 1093223 ID: 2f41db

>>1093198
Dammit.
That is a valid concern.

Need to think a moment...

>>1093222

...or maybe not.
This wind is onto something.
All correct.

When stripped down to your core you were faced with a choice.
A person who tortured you, preparing to do worse was infront of you and impeding your escape.
They were without remorse.
Many voices spoke in favor of his death.
I was one of them.
You felt the urge to, but chose differently.
And you were right.

You offered mercy at personal risk over very justified and rational violence.
Whatever you were before, that is the nature of your heart.
So, whatever answers come regarding residual karmic energies, remember that.

As to the concern, if she cannot tell then its probably best to hold off on the protection for now.
You can explain to her that blank slate as you were you chose mercy, and you would expect that stripped to the core as you were if you were carrying an evil karmic load, youd have been nudged towards a darker act.

By the way, when i say stripped, i dont mean your brief stint as a nudist.
Its more metaphorical slinky.
I mean, you were starkers, but thats just a coincidence.
>>
No. 1093227 ID: f33aee

Guys, she's saying evilness is sticky. It doesn't go away immediately. There is a delay! If the previous self was really evil, for purposes of magical interactions, the current person may interact with the Weave as an evil person, REGARDLESS OF HOW THEY NOW THINK, FEEL OR ACT. For at least a little while as the reset eventually propagates! This is a dramatically relevant and appropriate concern!
>>
No. 1093234 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1093227

Alright, so we know she was kind of bad at being evil before, (probably sent b/c she was disposable), but any connection to her evil cult might stick as a lingering evil according to the Weave. So it's safe to cast the protection spell, she just has to discard all cult paraphernalia, lethal toxins, robes, sacrificial dagger, etc.
>>
No. 1093235 ID: 2f41db

>>1093227
So the karmic load is a stain that can progressively be cleaned rather than a weight that has momentum?
Yeah.
That makes sense.
Hell, it could be both.
Harder to turn away from and clense yourself if you do.

It seems the weave is a tricky thing to define precisely as metaphors are one of the only ways to convey it amongst practitioners, compounded by it seeming to be a realm of metaphor and sympathetic magics.
>>
No. 1093238 ID: c5529d

>she just has to discard all cult paraphernalia, lethal toxins, robes, sacrificial dagger, etc.

Dang, guess you gotta be a nudist again, Tanna.
>>
No. 1093240 ID: f33aee

>>1093234

Does it more readily stick to items, people, people's metaphysical parts, their brains, magical items, what? What's the decay rate, and what causes it to vary? We don't know if separating from creepy items would be helpful.
>>
No. 1093241 ID: 273c18

What? Karma doesn't stick to items, guys.
>>
No. 1093242 ID: 8f9bc4

It's about her latent emotional attachment to them. You can never be too careful!
>>
No. 1093243 ID: dd3fe0

You all might want to stop perving so openly over sapient mustelid people? One can take pleasure in the smile and happiness of this individual who is a PERSON not an object to sexually objectify! And also not creepily try to get her to take her clothes off out of fear! Yes I *know* whatever half-existence some of us have kind of is REALLY FRUSTRATING on lots of levels, but this isn't the way! When things are safe, after we have lots of long conversations that aren't life and death like we promised to have, we can ASK her permission to live vicariously through her --and respect her stated wishes in response!-- like DECENT, MORAL VESTIGE WINDS THINGS!
>>
No. 1093255 ID: 2f41db

Weve done the nudist thing anyway.
Very liberating but kinda chilly.

If this karmic toxic waste clings to tanna then we deal with it and adapt.
I know thats not who she is.
It may not be who she was either.
Participation certainly causes it, but even proximity to negatively karmic actions may have a corruptive property.

I still hew to the idea that what she was is significantly less important than what she now is, but magical stank of evil doesnt care about philosophy so...

Just cause were advising holding off on the protection spell now doesnt mean we think you're a bad person slinky, only you may have got a bit of karmic shmutz on you from forgotten events.
>>
No. 1093261 ID: c5529d

another thing to think about, what will Protection from Evil to to us winds? I think we're good winds, if a little weird, but I'm wondering if we came to Tanna through good, neutral, or evil means.
>>
No. 1093264 ID: eb0a9c

>>1093198
Well, there's this dumb theory floating around the multiverse called 'The Shwartz'. Some kind of cosmic energy entangling all things.
But really, I think Sif Lord Kree explained it best; social networking turned into a psychic monster-god.
You help others, they think good thoughts about you in turn. You hurt others, they start to hate your guts. Them having feelings - empathy, or hatred - for beings that could be miles, lightyears, or even entire alternate dimensions apart, builds up a psychic network of interests and fears that weaves into itself. Enough power, and it can rewrite reality.
In short, ya done made a lot of people hate you for some reason. But maybe they don't know the full story, or what drove you to perform such acts. Maybe you just need to build up a legacy of good with a foundation of 'misunderstood baddyness'.
The fact that you've been cosmically chosen despite your bad karma shows your story probably isn't cut-and-dry.
>>
No. 1093270 ID: 2f41db

>>1093261
Honestly, ive been wondering for a while too.

One of the reasons I asked if the impulse to find the box had diminished after we tapped our reserves is for a time now ive been concerned we are a component of the compulsion or a contingency of it.

Im only mentioning it openly as by now shes probably trying to ignore us what with the other stuff happening, general mental noise from us winds and nudity discussions.

Suffice to say, even if we are, what counts for tanna counts for us.
Where we came from is less important than what we do now were here.
And we're here to get her to safety.
>>
No. 1093277 ID: a671e8

>whenever I was around Roderick and them, I couldn’t help but think bad of you.

That's very interesting. Presumable she is still under the same mental compulsion about the box Jacob is, meaning her altered behavior towards Mina was a different influence that was disturbed by her change of allegiance. This and the way he put them all in contact with the box intentionally seem to point toward Roderick being the source of the phenomenon.
A counterargument is the similarity between their aggression and the murderous impulse Tanna felt towards Jacob. This hypothesis fail to explain why Evel’yee feel less animosity. Either unrelated violence is a side effect of the simple mental order or Tanna's case was also a different influence.


>most people go through life in-between these axi

That kind of surprise me, I would expect most people to be on the good side. The demands for recognition must be hard on the good side or maybe the population of this world is a bit dysfunctional.


>What should I say to that, Winds?

All we know is that past you came prepared to kill all of them but chose not to.
It's still a risk to use the spell on Evel’yee. We have to consider if Jacob or Vax are better candidates.


>>1093243
A lot of assumptions there. Those arguments were mostly utilitarian. And don't give Tanna weird ideas about us.


>>1093261
That's a concerning thought. If we got an alignment we could potentially be silenced by the appropriate "protect from" spell.
>>
No. 1093282 ID: 8f9bc4

Why yes, I concur that BWOOH BWOBWOOH BWO BWOBWOBWOOH
(trombone noises)
>>
No. 1093286 ID: 15a025

Might be best to hold off on casting protect from evil for now.
>>
No. 1093287 ID: 273c18

I guess she could just test it on the third guy.
>>
No. 1094220 ID: c2b3ce
File 172089057468.png - (32.93KB , 500x500 , Page 1 Set 26.png )
1094220

>Alright, so we know she was kind of bad at being evil before, (probably sent b/c she was disposable), but any connection to her evil cult might stick as a lingering evil according to the Weave. So it's safe to cast the protection spell, she just has to discard all cult paraphernalia, lethal toxins, robes, sacrificial dagger, etc.
>Dang, guess you gotta be a nudist again, Tanna.

Disposable?! Come on! If I was part of an evil cult, I would not be disposable! You say some hurtful things sometimes, Winds! And I refuse to take off my clothes, I am not a nudist!

Bleh… you really think my paraphernalia might contribute to this karma? I wasn’t really getting that impression, but…Can things change one’s ‘alignment’, Mina? My robes for instance. Let’s HYPOTHETICALLY say they were the regalia of an evil god.

In general, no. Any old set of clothes or robes aren’t going to make you any more evil than you might already be. That isn’t to say material items can’t be imbued with this karmic energy however. As an example, armor or weapons stained with the blood of countless innocents could become objects of great evil power. If any ol’ person were to pick an item like that up, that evil would malign onto them. I don’t think you have anything like that though, items like that are incredibly rare and tend to make their presence known.

>Does it more readily stick to items, people, people's metaphysical parts, their brains, magical items, what?

So items can retain this karma, but not nearly as well as people?

You got it, and that has to do with the soul that resides within creatures. Souls accept ‘good’ and ‘evil’ a lot more readily than physical Weave does. When an item becomes so seeped with good or evil that it would register under a detection spell, you can usually feel it. As for why items typically don’t exude this energy, objects don’t have intent. Therefore, to gain such energies, they need a person to wield them. Even then, when a person wielding an item commits evil or good, most of the energy goes to the person, and whatever residual that passes through the object doesn’t stick very well.

>Karma doesn't stick to items, guys.
>What's the decay rate, and what causes it to vary? We don't know if separating from creepy items would be helpful.

Seems like it can, albeit rarely. I don’t think I have to worry about that aspect of the karmic system, but those are good questions.So when a person does good or bad, is it permanent or does it decay? And can it vary?

We’re getting into more advanced topics that have to do with the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation, but good and evil tends to ‘decay’ within most souls,Mina says with exaggerated quotation mark fingers.Souls seem to prefer being clean. Given enough time, a soul will naturally push the karmic energy out, leading a person back to neutrality. That’s why most people go through their lives without hitting the high spectrums of good or evil.

Taking a quick breath, Mina will continue.However, karmic energy works similarly to how water attracts more water. A soul heavily stained with evil will find it incredibly hard to redeem themselves, and vice versa. Evil repels good, and attracts more evil, and every selfish little action becomes far more difficult to wipe away. And as for varying?

Reaching for her amulet, Mina will say,Some actions, such as worship, are considered far more good or evil than others. Practicing a good or evil Theotian’s ideologies in their name is a good way to fill your soul with certain energies quickly. I’ve only been practicing for a little over a year now, but I'd be surprised if I didn’t show up as good.

>Let her know you have major concerns about your pre-amnesia self possibly being an evil cultist poisoner sort of person. There's evidence to that effect.

That last point has suddenly got me a bit more worried.So… I was probably… a worshiper of some evil god.

What did you say? I didn’t catch that.

A worshiper of some evil god that made poisons that probably killed people!

Ah… well hey, it’s fine Tanna, people have their reasons. If it means anything, you seem like a good person to me. It’s just unfortunate that the circumstances make this matter, and some actions are disproportionately more ‘evil’ than others.Mina says consolingly.You helped me out of a dark place and seem to have a knack for making decisions, so I’ll go with whatever you choose. What do you think?
>>
No. 1094221 ID: 94cec2
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1094221

TW: Self-Loathing and Suicidal Thoughts

>I think you're Neutral. Yes, your gear implies your occupation was dark, but your personality doesn't match. Also, remember your actions before the amnesia-- you were friendly, then stole the box and didn't try to fight or use your poisons. You certainly could have poisoned the party in secret if you had wanted to, that would have enabled you to steal the box without being followed. Yet you didn't, so the evil karma you got was limited.
>A strong point against past you being evil is how you went out of your way to keep your enemies alive. You went armed with deadly poisons but only used non-lethal methods. That by itself strongly suggest you were not evil. You went prepared to kill them if necessary but apparently miscalculated that it wouldn't be, so you took extra risks (presumably for the sake of morality) that lead you to failure.

I think so too! Why wouldn’t I have just killed them and gotten the box that way. I must’ve had some moral objections because I’m not actually bad!

>Well, you were under a magical compulsion to slit a guy's throat, and it would have been completely reasonable to kill and eat him, even if you weren't, then you just sorta decided not to, because you didn't wanna. You don't have a violent streak, remember? Good and evil can be measured by your propensity for performing acts that others consider good or evil.

And killing Jacob would have been completely fair! He had hurt me and implied worse. Whatever influence the box had on me too was definitely egging me on, but I managed to stop myself with you all’s help.

>You made friends with a butterfly worshipper, and you really care about that friendship. Evil people don't do that. Your charm was cast to save Evel'yee, not to exploit her in any malicious way. You might be a follower of an evil god, or an evil organization, but there is no way in heck your weave is evil. You are terrible at being evil.
>When stripped down to your core you were faced with a choice. A person who tortured you, preparing to do worse was infront of you and impeding your escape.They were without remorse. Many voices spoke in favor of his death. I was one of them. You felt the urge to, but chose differently. And you were right.

I saved Mina too. I don’t think I did that for purely altruistic means, but I could’ve just let her die. And despite being a filthy Cassildanite, I’d rather she not get hurt. I dunno if I can say I didn’t cast the charm to not exploit Evel’yee, Mina and I are lying to her about are intentions for the box, but that’s as far I want to abuse this falsified trust she’s giving me.

>Guys, she's saying evilness is sticky. It doesn't go away immediately. There is a delay! If the previous self was really evil, for purposes of magical interactions, the current person may interact with the Weave as an evil person, REGARDLESS OF HOW THEY NOW THINK, FEEL OR ACT. For at least a little while as the reset eventually propagates! This is a dramatically relevant and appropriate concern!

Ah… ugh, that’s still true. I wish I could remember… I even admitted to myself earlier that I was probably a bad person, and that I wasn’t going to care anymore. But I can’t do that, not when it matters like this. Even if I’m being good now, whatever evils I may have committed don’t just disappear, at least in the way Mina’s explaining it.

>Well, there's this dumb theory floating around the multiverse called 'The Shwartz'. Some kind of cosmic energy entangling all things. But really, I think Sif Lord Kree explained it best; social networking turned into a psychic monster-god.
I hate it when my Shwartz gets twisted with other magic systems.
I don’t… who the heck is Sif Lord Kree. What?

>You help others, they think good thoughts about you in turn. You hurt others, they start to hate your guts. Them having feelings - empathy, or hatred - for beings that could be miles, lightyears, or even entire alternate dimensions apart, builds up a psychic network of interests and fears that weaves into itself. Enough power, and it can rewrite reality.
Depends on the world really. It seems like the owner’s made it very personal here.
I… uh… hmm. There’s something about all that… it feels familiar.

>In short, ya done made a lot of people hate you for some reason. But maybe they don't know the full story, or what drove you to perform such acts. Maybe you just need to build up a legacy of good with a foundation of 'misunderstood baddyness'.
She really has. Few know the whole story, least of all the actors. I was even made not to know everything. But I do know that no amount of goodwill will clear her soul.
And that too… I… I remember that. I did make a lot of people hate me… Those of the Eye. They did… something to me. Something terrible, I don’t really remember what exactly… but it made me hate them back. Why? What did I do to earn their hate?

>The fact that you've been cosmically chosen despite your bad karma shows your story probably isn't cut-and-dry.
She’ll likely never be forgiven. It’s very petty.
It feels more like cosmically marked… something I’ll never escape from. It hurts… to even think about.

>If this karmic toxic waste clings to tanna then we deal with it and adapt. I know thats not who she is. It may not be who she was either. Participation certainly causes it, but even proximity to negatively karmic actions may have a corruptive property. I still hew to the idea that what she was is significantly less important than what she now is, but magical stank of evil doesnt care about philosophy so…
>Might be best to hold off on casting protect from evil for now.

...

>Just cause were advising holding off on the protection spell now doesnt mean we think you're a bad person slinky, only you may have got a bit of karmic shmutz on you from forgotten events.

Tanna? Hello?

...
>>
No. 1094222 ID: c40947
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1094222

>Why yes, I concur that BWOOH BWOBWOOH BWO BWOBWOBWOOH (trombone noises)

AHH!!! HOW ARE YOU DOING THAT?!

Tanna?!Mina exclaims, surprised by my sudden reaction.

...What’s going on?! Why do you keep doing… what… are you crying?Mina says. She isn’t wrong, the fur around my eyes is dampened.

Y-yeah… I mean no. Sorry.I stammer out unconvincingly. Wiping my eyes and shaking my head I say,W-what’s your recommendation?

I already know the answer, why am I even bothering.Er, well… if you think you were worshiping an evil deity, then I’d really recommend not. Things are precarious right now, and… I really don’t want to risk breaking the charm on Evel’yee. Not yet. Gosh… I don’t know how we’re going to deal with her.

>It's still a risk to use the spell on Evel’yee.

Whatever. Shove the feelings down, breath, eye contact, keep calm, and deal with it later.Makes sense then. We should save your spells, it isn’t worth the risk to use them on her right now.

>seduce Evel’yee? Uhm, that seems like kindof an awful thing to do while she's under your influence. I know the charm is a weak influence but still.
>We need to know what we are dealing with and maybe work on some kind of emotional connection that isn't a temporary compulsion
>Building an emotional bond of a non romantic sort is a good idea.
>Also ask is she think it's weird that you are enjoying Evel'yee friendliness, even though she is charmed.

Speaking of dealing with Evel’yee, what’s her deal? Even though she knows she’s charmed, she isn’t really questioning our ‘friendship’. And beyond even that, she seems… abnormally nice? Like throwing herself in harm’s way nice. I want to try and build a rapport with her so when the spell ends she doesn’t get as mad. Is that weird?

It’s not weird to want to make friends, though maybe trying to do so while she’s like this is… morally questionable. Given the circumstances though… ah, I’m about to share something that I don’t have the right to, so please please please don’t abuse this.Mina says with trepidation. Looking a bit guilty, she continues,Evel’yee has really bad trust issues. Even before coming here, she was a very difficult person to anyone she didn’t consider a friend. Rude, cold, distant.

Mina lets that hang before moving forward.We picked her up from some… unfortunate circumstance, and for the few months she’s been with us, we’ve tried our best to make her feel welcome. It took a long time, but she eventually opened up to Roderick and I. Once you get to know her, she really is a sweet and beautiful person that values her friendships like treasure. Perhaps even recklessly so.

So basically, my charm’s temporarily skipped those months of effort, huh.

Mina puffs out her cheeks and nods before letting the air out.She’s gone through some terrible stuff… everything that’s happened here is just another bullet on that list. I was thinking we could knock her out and cause her as little pain as possible, but we got her to turn on Vax. If we leave her here with them, they won’t take too kindly to that.

Ugh, I don’t regret saving Mina or charming Evel’yee, but I wish it didn’t come with all this annoying baggage.Alright. She cares about the box, so as long as we keep up the façade that we want to open it, hopefully she’ll continue to play along even after the charm ends. For now, I’m going to genuinely try to be her friend. It helps that she considers you her friend without the charm, and she seemed genuinely sad about how she treated you. We can make this work.

Mina lips will form a soft smile as she says,Thanks Tanna, I appreciate everything you’re doing.

>While you are alone with Mina explain that you don't want Evel'yee to know things she can use against you if she turns, so you would like Mina to forgive your vagueness and go with the flow. You will explain everything once you got the opportunity.

You’re right, Winds. I’ve probably done some odd things from her perspective.No problem. Hey, really quickly? I know I’ve had some strange moments, but I’ve got to ask for your trust. It’s partly because of the amnesia messing with me, but there’s also been some other things that I’ve kept hidden because I don’t want Evel’yee to use them on us, just in case she turns. I promise to explain once we get a good opportunity to do so.

I guess that’s fair. But did you really not know anything about what happened back there with Vax? I felt like I would’ve sensed something that powerful on you earlier.

She’s making it pretty obvious she’s testing me here.It… wasn’t the scroll, alright? But a proper explanation would take way too long. For now, can you just drop it?

Okay, fine, fine.After an awkward pause, she’ll clap her hands together and say,Well, I guess we should head back and see what horrors Evel’yee’s inflicted on Vax and Jacob?

Hah, I snicker a bit and nod. The two of us begin to head back into the jail room to do just that.
>>
No. 1094223 ID: 12779a
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1094223

However, as we enter the hallway, something happens that makes me pause. That weird smell from earlier… >>1086617Wait.

Mina stops in her place, suddenly alert. She doesn’t say anything.

>SNEAKING CHECK AGAINST TANNA: 14(6[Roll] + 4[Dexterity] + 2[Size] + 2[Effective]) > 14(10[Roll] + 3[Mentality] + 1[Scent]) = FAILURE
>SNEAKING CHECK AGAINST MINA: 14(6[Roll] + 4[Dexterity] + 2[Size] + 2[Effective]) > 9(6[Roll] + 3[Mentality]) = SUCCESS

Following the smell, I barely spot a strangely patterned rat scurrying away into the cave-in besides the torturer’s room door. I let out of a sigh of relief.Just a rat. Sorry for the scare.

Oh, you saw it? That creepy thing’s been skulking around here for a while now. Knowing there was a spider the whole time, I’m surprised it never got eaten.

It’s been here for a while?Are you sure it isn’t some weird magic rat or monster? It had a really strange coat.

Mina gives a shrug.It could be… but even if it was, it hasn’t done anything besides run away whenever we see it. I’d love to check, but the dang thing’s so sneaky. It’s definitely given me a few scares.

Weird. Why is this place so weird? I hate it here.
>>
No. 1094224 ID: 2926d6
File 172089060947.png - (28.54KB , 500x500 , Page 5 Set 26.png )
1094224

Ah well, not much to be done about the strange rat. Opening the door to the jail room I see an organized placement of gear on the floor, and a dressed down Vax with Jacob sitting on his lap. Both of them are in their skivvies and provocatively posed in a moment of passion with each other.

Mina doubles over, tears in her eyes from laughing.Goodness, ahaha! I have to say Vax, you look good! You’ll have to share Jacob though!

Going completely unsaid, I can feel intense embarrassment and anger radiating from Vax. We’re definitely poking a bear. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Mina begins to cast a spell, I think it’s Prestidigitation?

Giving Vax a few thumps on the back, Evel’yee says,Doesn’t he? Who knew this dumbass could feel such passion. Maybe we should wake Jacob up, see what he thinks.

As much fun as that sounds, it’s probably best for him to stay asleep for now.Evel’yee pouts at me, but I’m still wondering…Say, Mina, why’d you cast Prestidigitate just now?

Oh, it’s just a small magic trick. I’m copying the Weave arrangement. If we stop by a town, I might be able to find someone to transcribe it onto some parchment. I’d like to have something physical to remember this by.Oh wow, you can do that? I’m going to have to remember that for myself.

As Evel’yee smooshes their faces together, I realize that I’m going to have to be the voice of responsibility.Alright alright, that’s enough teasing. There’s a few things we need to do. Did Vax have anything useful, Evel’yee?

Ain’t sure… but probably! Have a look!Evel’yee says as she begins to list out his gear.

Longsword - A well made sharp piece of steel attached to a hit, it’s a deadly weapon that can be held with two-hands to increase deadliness.
Coin Pouch - Formerly Vax’s money, but seeing how he is, he won’t be needing them anymore. In total there’s 9 gold and 12 silver pieces. Easy split. (Taking 3 gold and 4 silver.)
Flame Resin - A sticky resin that ignites extremely easily and burns for some time. Some have taken to slathering it upon their blades, and it’s actually quite effective. (Taking)
Vax’s Diary - I get that he’s a backstabber and he tried to kill us, but there are boundaries. (Taking)
Breastplate - A set of metal armor that is both protective and somewhat agile. It’s fairly heavy though, and takes some training to use properly.
Spiked Steel Shield - A circular steel shield that takes training to use properly. Has a spike in the center you can ram people with.
Potion of CLW - You know em’, you love em’. (Taking)
Pouch of Chalk - If we’re having trouble climbing the ropes out of here or you need to create an eye irritant.
Chakram x2 - Sharp circular disks that you can throw to inflict some serious damage. (Taking)
Rope, 50ft. - A long and pretty heavy coil of rope. (Taking)
Backpack - Where Vax kept all of his stuff. It can hold a lot. (Taking)


There is some neat stuff in here. The backpack will help with carrying some of it. I’m definitely taking those chakrams, and the rope could prove useful too. I also take his diary under the judging gaze of Mina and Evel’yee. It goes unsaid, it isn’t exactly a great thing to do, but they won’t stop me.

Well, with all of that out of the way, I look towards my new ally.Good stuff, thanks for doing that Evel’yee. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to have a conversation with you.

I’ll move Vax into a better position and refresh his bandages in the meantime, shouldn’t leave him like this. You can get hurt if you stay in an uncomfortable position for too long!
>>
No. 1094225 ID: c469cb
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1094225

Letting her know that’s good with some head movement, I pull Evel’yee into the hallway.So, what’s up? What happened to Mina casting a spell on me?

>What we want to understand is her motivations and the way she deal with problems. Those questions should be presented sparsely in the middle of a pleasant conversation, not an interview. Wanting to know her better should be a sufficient explanation for the the conversation. You know how to butter someone up, don't you? Pay attention to what she say, show interest in the things she seem to enjoy and make follow up questions to keep her talking. If those attitudes don't come genuinely to you or you don't care pretend you do. Also given sparsely in the middle of the conversation should be the compliments

Time for my second post-amnesiac conversation with another person. I’ll do my best, Winds!Ah, figured it wasn’t necessary. We might need her spells. As for why I brought you to the side, just want to talk. Get to know you a little better.

Leaning against the wall, she’ll say,Well, okay. Guess I should introduce myself, name’s Evel’yee.

Tanna, nice to formally know your name. How do you feel about… being charmed?

Eh! I thought about it a bit, but it doesn’t mean much. Might even prefer it? Past few days have sucked, and this is the first time I’ve felt happy in a while.

Yeah, I’ve heard things weren’t great from Mina. Y’know, my short time here has been pretty awful too, but I’m glad to have met you two.

Likewise, glad to meet you too! You helped me realize how stupid I was being. If I had known Mina was looking to open the box too… I’ve been such a piece of shit. I don’t know what I was thinking…

What were you thinking?

She hugs herself and looks towards the floor as she says,A lotta bad things. Dumb shit like, ‘she’s just pretending to care’, ‘I’m going to get betrayed again’, and ‘every mistake she made was on purpose’. Stupid blinding thoughts that were hiding everyone else's knives on my neck.

Hey, we’ll get the box and get out of here, alright?Evel’yee nods without looking towards me. Why is she so down? Well, this worked before so… I’ll try again? Moving up to her, I start to lean down to hug her and… she suddenly jerks away defensively!

H-hey, back off! The fuck are you doing?!

Oh sorry! I thought that… well, it just seemed like you were feeling down.

There’s a wild look in her eye and her fur bristles. I start to worry that I might have broken the charm, but she must’ve realized my intentions as she starts to calm down. As if she’s shaking something bad off, she apologetically says,Agh… it’s no problem. Shouldn’t have gotten so aggressive. All the same, I’d rather not.

Of course, I made a mistake. Won’t happen again.What did I do wrong there Winds? Attempting to move past that, I say,So Evel’yee, when the charm ends, what are you going to think?

I dunno Tanna? Am I going to think something different?

I don’t think trying to keep a lie up like this is going to work out in the long run, so I’m going to try a different angle.It’s possible. I want you to know beforehand that I want to get the box from Roderick and escape this place, but also that I truly and genuinely want to be your friend. Can you please remember that when the charm does end?

A flash of suspicion dances across her eyes as she looks at me for what feels like for way too long, but it breaks away as she gives me a smile and nods.I can do that. I promise that if my perception does change, I’ll hear you out. Thanks for being honest with me.

Can only hope she follows through on that promise.So, getting the box. Anything you know that might help us do that? Got a plan or preference on how?

Putting a hand on her chin, she says,Well… he’s been pretty shifty lately, probably because he was planning on cutting Mina and I out. He’s convinced there’s something in that gods damned ritual room, even though we’ve combed the place thoroughly. Personally, I don’t think anything’s in there, and that he’s biding his time for something.

As for a plan? I’d prefer to just stroll up and beat his shit in, though we’d have to be careful about how we did it. If you thought Vax’s little slice from before hurt, Roderick’s will destroy you.

He wields a big ol’ sword and has some armor on, right? Nothing else special?

He’s experienced and knows how to use that sword of his, don’t underestimate him. But yes, besides that, he plays it pretty straight. He’s no caster like you or Mina. Speaking of spells, what are you capable of casting?

Charm Creature, Invisibility, Silent Image, and Grease.

Oh you can grease things? Roderick’s good, but he’s old. His reflexes aren’t that good, so that’d probably be pretty effective against him. Might even be able to cast it on his sword? Hell, if you really wanted to, could grease the floor under him, and I could light it with one of my arrows. I also got the Eclipse poison you brought.

Mina doesn’t want to kill him, so we’re not going to light him on fire or poison him, but using Grease on his sword is a good idea! Also, about those poisons… can I have them back?

Only if you tell me where you got em!

Haha! I can’t! Because I don’t know!

Giving me a skeptical look, Evel’yee asks,How do you not know?

This is going to sound stupid, but please believe me, it’s the truth. I don’t remember where I got them.

You weren’t kidding, that does sound pretty stupid. Damn. I was hoping to get a supply of this sick ass death poison. This sort of shit goes for premiums on some markets. Ah well,She says with a shrug. Tossing the poisons my way, I stuff them into my bag.You’ll tell me if you do remember, right?

Absolutely not.Yeah, for sure. Well, thanks for the talk Evel’yee. Let’s meet back up with Mina and figure out what we’re going to do.

Vial of Wevekil - A Weavetoxin that is very crippling. While a dose this size isn’t lethal, it can make a person very nauseous. Its main use is crippling spellcasters, making it extremely difficult to cast spells for a time. Can be introduced via ingestion or injury.

Vial of Eclipse - A very lethal magical poison that visualizes a person’s most primal fear and attempts to kill them of fright. The target either survives the scare or dies immediately. Must be introduced via injury.
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No. 1094226 ID: c469cb
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1094226

>Inspect yourself, your allies and the prisoners with the magical detection specifically so we can look for anything that you can't see yourself. We shall compare observations.

Right, before I forget.You all mind if I take a sweep with Detect Magic?

Go for it!

I go through and get a good look at everyone, making sure to look behind them as well. I’ll organize a list for you all based on what I see.

Me: Gray eyes, nothing behind me, completely normal looking.
Mina: Light Blue eyes, nothing behind her, completely normal looking.
Evel’yee: Dark Green eyes, nothing behind her, has a charm on her (from me).
Vax: Green eyes, nothing behind him, completely normal looking.
Jacob: Dark Blue eyes, nothing behind him, completely normal looking.

>Im only mentioning it openly as by now shes probably trying to ignore us what with the other stuff happening, general mental noise from us winds and nudity discussions.

It’s actually really hard for me to ignore stuff. I can kind of ‘hear’ everything you all say. As I’m doing things, sometimes certain messages get louder. Those trombones really surprised me earlier, I didn’t know you could actually make sounds like that. Scared the shit out of me, but I was having some thoughts that were making me feel terrible, so thanks for breaking me out of that.

As an example of something quiet though, I do hear the discussion about things that might potentially silence the Winds. It sort of felt as though it was a conversation amongst you all, so I didn’t really respond. Sorry if I don’t get to everything.

>>1093243

O-oh. I didn’t… do some of you think of me like that? I really thought the arguments were utilitarian as one of you said, but if not and you’re actually lusting over me, why? Not trying to be mean or dismissive or anything like that, but aren’t you all humans? I appreciate you all finding me attractive, but I personally don’t find humans so, and I think most beastfolk would think similarly. I had figured the feeling would be mutual for you all as well.

Ah! And also, yes, once things are safe, I really am looking forward to those long conversations!

>Where we came from is less important than what we do now were here. And we're here to get her to safety.

And I want you to know that I will never stop saying thank you for this. If I might impose once more… what do you think about everything, Winds? Should I read Vax’s diary and tarnish my soul forever? And what about my current plan to deal with Roderick? The idea is to go in there and beat him up with Mina and Evel’yee after greasing his sword. It’s dumb, but we can probably get away with brute forcing it. Got any other ideas?
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No. 1094231 ID: dd3fe0

Regarding humans finding you attractive... Yes. Unambiguously, so. Human instincts are to, by default, appreciate 'mildly exotic healthy adult humans of the appropriate gender', but that instinct is suuuuper easy to enhance to places that -- well, let's just say that humans are randy, and have a LOT of variety in how, when, where, and why they get titillated. Is it any wonder we find you attractive, when you share the *exact same body language* as humans? Also as Winds some of us may not have had much interaction with anyone at all, depending on our circumstances.

AND outside of the sex stuff, your personality is very attractive as well, your demeanor is very kind, and your story of choosing to be a good person from a probably evil start is very compelling as well, and I personally felt really bad when we made you cry!

Also, I'm sure others will describe some of the magic compulsion stuff, but as many of you all have huuuge compulsions to open the box, you should maybe generally broach the subject of how to safely open the box with appropriate precautions? And what those precautions might look like? You know, do some divinations, different sorts of careful inspections, opening it from a distance with some sort of apparatus, not open it in a place of power of something horrible, have some magical fields set up to contain whatever bad things might be in there, do it at a place where you can react appropriately to whatever might happen, etc. etc. etc.
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No. 1094232 ID: a671e8

First of, the detection:
Your command seem to be the same as before and Mina doesn't have any command. Evel’yee, Jacob and Vax have the same command we saw on Jacob earlier. Evel’yee also have a small white command that I presume it's the same you mentioned: "trust" and "friend". Vax have an enormous white command: "BE STILL".
The eyes seem to be like you described except when distorted by the application of the multicolored effect of detection. Your eyes are still not yellow.
The rat (not Evel’yee) had red eyes. If you can, try detection on it sometime.

Since our influence is white it's safe to say the yellow command on you is not our fault.

>she eventually opened up to Roderick and I.
But not Vax or Jacob...

>what horrors Evel’yee’s inflicted on Vax and Jacob
That's way beyond what I was expecting...

>You’ll have to share Jacob though!
What does she mean? Is Mina in a relationship with Jacob? Is she implying an open relation?

Personally I prefer a Longsword, but if you feel more comfortable with the Scimitar it makes no difference.
I'm surprise the shield need training. Sure you would be better if you knew the proper way to use it, but it seem to me it should still be very effective if you just hold it between you and the danger.

We should take a quick look at the diary, specially the latest entries. Vax had a better relation with Roderick than Evel’yee recently so he may know more about the current plan than her.
Maybe offer the girls if they want to read with you, but since they are his friend it could be a potentially awkward experience. Better to read alone, but if you feel too guilty read next to Vax explaining your rational to show some amount of respect.

I would prefer to use grease on the floor than the sword. Roderick may have a backup weapon or be a dangerous puncher, but falling will waste his time regardless. The only problem will be for you, the current melee combatant of the trio.

>Got any other ideas?
Not much... our options are very limited.
The most effective way would be a charm spell, but the relation with Mina and Evel’yee make this more complicated to pull off if successful. You would need to go alone and later bring the two, even so some persuasion would be necessary.
We could prepare a trap in a corridor using the grease in a corridor and waiting as bait. This could be safer with a sanctuary spell.
Ask Mina and Evel’yee what they have to disable him. Even if we can face him in combat we better have something beside hoping he doesn't die if we beat him unconscious. From what I've seen so far the best option seem to be hideous laughter or cause fear followed immediately with a coordinated binding using the rope.

>I can kind of ‘hear’ everything you all say.
No you can't. We talk to each other much more than what you hear.

>I do hear the discussion about things that might potentially silence the Winds. It sort of felt as though it was a conversation amongst you all, so I didn’t really respond
Please share your opinion on the topic. Would you like to get rid of us?

>I am not a nudist!
Yes you are, and so is Evel’yee. You are the pantless duo.

>aren’t you all humans?
Don't make such assumption.
Why would you presume we can speak for each other in the first place?

>I think most beastfolk would think similarly.
I have my doubts about that claim.

>I appreciate you all finding me attractive
Not that I want to diminish your ego, pretty girl, but you are assuming too much with the word "all". You don't know if everyone agree with Spirit Candy.

>I really am looking forward to those long conversations!
Sure, we can have our weird disembodied date. We can talk a lot more about biology trivia, since it seem to be a common interest. I hope yours isn't limited to spiders.
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No. 1094237 ID: c5529d

>>1094232
Worth noting: the white command that says "trust" and "friend" on Evel’yee is pretty blurry, maybe vanishing. I think the charm is wearing off soonish. Worrysome cause she still has the command open the box on her.

Also, the three that has the command "Open the Box" is written multiple times on them, like a lot. The command placed on you only says "GET THE BOX" not multiple times, but they are pretty big letters. (Not as big as the BE STILL command that we placed on Vax.) All of them, including the command on you all have the same symbol you saw. The BE STILL command has a different symbol and is white and gray instead of yellow like the others

and yeah, that rat had red eyes. Though I do know that some rats naturally have red eyes. Still, with all this eldritch stuff going on, it's best to be better safe than sorry

That gives me a thought, if BE STILL and the friend command was able to override those box commands, what if we can find a way to charm yourself so that those commands don't force you to open the box if it comes to it?

But yeah, whatever is compelling you to get the box is confirmed evil. Mina might be the best bet to get rid of the box so you don't get compelled to open it, unless the box influences her if she touches it. Though her friends didn't seem to want her to touch it for some reason, so she's probably our best bet.
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No. 1094239 ID: 2f41db

>>1094225
Daww.
She IS cute.

Though, maybe has personal space issues given how she reacted to that attempted hugging.
Stick to encouraging friendliness in smile and thumbs up form for now.
She seems like a good friend to have-
>>1094224
Uh. Well. Dont get drunk with her unless you want to wake up with lewd shapes shaved into your fur.
But she seems fun.

>>1094226
Hm.
The compulsin on you shares a shape with that on the others who are box foxused, but its subdued in your case.
Less omnipresent.
Im still thinking whatever hit you with amnesia blunted the effect of the compulsion on you.
Theres less for the compulsion to latch on to, perhaps.
Bah, im getting lost in the theory again.
.
Normally I wouldnt say read a journal, but this time...
Read it surrepticiously from the most recent entry backwards.
You arent fishing for saucy gossip or embarrassing revelations.
Youre looking for any clues regarding events prior to their arrival here. See if theres any mention of someone like your good self in there. Also see if he wrote down anything after the compulsion hit. I doubt it but, worth checking.
Make it clear to the others if they notice you reading, its to see if theres anything you can use againt the last.

As to him,
Greasy sword or floor beneath his feet. Hes a veteran and a wiley sounding one by evelees words.
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No. 1094242 ID: 273c18

>>1094221
>They did… something to me
I can see more words behind you, there is a sort of curse on you. Something that's making you feel like nothing you do matters and you are doomed to die. Maybe an implied time loop? Maybe it's forced you to experience all timelines or something like that... oh. That sounds awful. Put into a false time loop where your Fate is also cursed into irrelevance, so you can't use knowledge gained between loops to make an impact on events? That's like getting trapped in Limbo. Well, it seems like Whisper decided you've suffered enough. We're an outside influence which means we have our own Fate, which means WE are relevant and are dragging you along with us because we share the same body.
Hmm, some of these words relate to the box. "Box is the answer"? "Box will kill him"? Could just be lingering compulsions, but I wonder if some of these words relate to your memories of earlier lives. Is "him" referring to Roderick?

>>1094223
A strange rat? That's probably someone's Familiar, or maybe even someone who's polymorphed. We could try to set a trap for it, I guess, but I think in either case they'd be too smart to fall for it.

>>1094225
>What did I do wrong there Winds?
She looked like she was feeling down because she was thinking about her trauma. Approaching someone in that state without warning is a bad idea. Next time, ask. Though, there might not be a next time, unless we have to loop.

>>1094226
Everyone has their own sexual tastes, and in humans those tastes can include nonhuman races-- even nonhumanoid ones.
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No. 1094243 ID: 2f41db

>>1094226
Its a good thing you dont respond to everything.
The amount we talk you spend you whole life tuned out, blank eyed and drooling while trying to keep up.

Our numbers and diversity of thought is our strength.
Many minds coming up with a variety of solutions.
Many eyes watching your back.
...
..
Admittedly, some are staring at your arse, but i assure you slinky, even the horny ones are helping.
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No. 1094244 ID: 273c18

Oh, and yeah if you can grease Roderick's sword then... wait, shouldn't he have a backup weapon? Greasing the floor is a more standard technique and would be much better if he's got a dagger or something.
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No. 1094246 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1094222

Sorry, I was going to go on a lengthy diatribe, but I inadvertently started channeling the power of Peanuts.

>>1094226

Great... so there's a second kind of magic only we can see. Be sure to let us know any time you're detecting magic. Interestingly, the geas on you to get the box is the same as the geas on the other two, except for them it's to open the box. So whatever you're feeling about the box, that's kind of how they feel right now. You should tell Mina that, so she knows it really is some sort of hidden spell, not anything she did to make her friends hate her.

I really hope your geas doesn't require you to touch the box. You might have been set up, so that once you get the box, the second geas will hit you and you'll have to open it. More likely you're protected, so that... whoever sent you could get you to fetch the box without opening it. But try to be safe and wrap it in cloth, or something, instead of touching it.

Oh I'm so sorry for calling you disposable. I meant that I feared the ones who sent you thought you were disposable, not that you actualy were.

> what about my current plan to deal with Roderick?

If you grease his sword, be sure to grease the hilt. If you grease the blade, he'll just set it on fire and now you're fighting Roderick with a flaming sword.

don't metaphorically grease his sword that is literal not a metaphor

> Should I read Vax’s diary

The more dignity you give Vax, the better. He's having a hard enough time, though thankfully his geas was uh... replaced, so he's not itching to open the box anymore. Leave his diary alone.

> if not and you’re actually lusting over me, why?

I'm surprised you didn't know, it's like the main characteristic of human beings. We'll get horny at anything! Creatures like us are basically constantly in estrus. In life, I was a bit past my prime though, and even humans aren't as lustful beyond the age that they have children, so my motivation wasn't lust per se.

I just think you're a beautiful creature, and it's a shame you have to cover yourself with a robe. I hope you can feel better about it, because in my opinion, the more you can show off that gorgeous fur, the better. I bet the hobs were head over heels for you before the whole amnesia thing. By all means wear clothing to protect yourself and look your best, but I'll tell you right now that you'll never have a bigger smile on your face, when you know people who love your whole body, and don't make you hide it away.
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No. 1094255 ID: eb0a9c

>>1094221
Ugh, there's a higher spirit debasing themselves by bullying your subconscious. HEY ASSHOLE, CUT IT OUT! She's got enough on her plate!

>>1094223
That's totally a magical spy, catch it!

>>1094226
We have an unhealthy obsession with disproportionately large sexual organs, but you don't have those.
But maybe it's your disproportionately large anime-style eyes. Those two traits are usually linked together for artistic purposes, you see.
So at the end of the day, you have one major magical compulsion, to obtain the box, but none of it involves opening the box. Meanwhile, everyone else is obsessed with opening the box by magnitudes more, but there is no compulsion to actually get the box.
Hm. I think there's a solution here. Can you create a long-term mental curse that deludes the target into believing they are holding the box? That way, their compulsion will make them open the box, but it won't push them to look for anything else, like the actual box.
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No. 1094257 ID: dd3fe0

>>1094255

Oh, by the way, 'anime-style' is an art style, one of may, that has overly large eyes on the face, useful for showing expressions on certain styles of rapidly drawn visual art. Now, since it is probably highly unlikely that your eyes are any shape OTHER than spheres that actually fit in your skull AND which also leave room for your brain and nasal cavity and such, I figure this is merely one of the many ways our perception of you and those around you is distorted; not to be *wrong* but rather to emphasize certain realities to our perception.

Though you probably DO have eyes that we would perceive as adorable regardless; undistorted non-sapient mustelids do, after all. And I would contradict the previous Wind; while it is true that art that is distorted in one way is often distorted in others, one does not imply or cause the other! Art is made for a specific context and a specific audience, and those factors matter MUCH more than a bit of correlation to one style or another.

My guess? The entity that brought us here wanted us to be able to read emotions on faces that might look a bit odd to some of us, like those of us NOT familiar with all of your all's species.
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No. 1094281 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1094257
I don't think the art style of the artist is plot relevant to the quest. Her eyes aren't that much larger than a feral ferret's anyway.
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No. 1094303 ID: dd3fe0

>>1094281

Well it was mentioned so I responded. It could be a thing that exists in setting, or it could be a thing that doesn't. Who can say? The author is free to ignore both if it doesn't make sense or fit their worldbuilding, as always!
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No. 1095230 ID: 44fb38
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1095230

>Ugh, there's a higher spirit debasing themselves by bullying your subconscious. HEY ASSHOLE, CUT IT OUT! She's got enough on her plate!
Eep! I’m not bullying her, those are her own thoughts! How did you even notice me?!
What are you talking about, Winds? Was someone else responsible… no I… I don’t know why I felt that way exactly, but those feelings belong to me. I’m sure of it. Even thinking about that hate and being cosmically marked… feels like reopening a very old and deep wound.

...

>I can see more words behind you, there is a sort of curse on you. Something that's making you feel like nothing you do matters and you are doomed to die. Maybe an implied time loop? Maybe it's forced you to experience all timelines or something like that... oh. That sounds awful. Put into a false time loop where your Fate is also cursed into irrelevance, so you can't use knowledge gained between loops to make an impact on events? That's like getting trapped in Limbo.

Fate… it was… something about Fate. I can’t… I can’t escape it, my Fate. That’s why… I think that’s why I hate the Eye, the Stars, and the Butterfly more than the rest of the pantheon. They’re the three Fate weavers. They were helping to keep me trapped.

>We're an outside influence which means we have our own Fate, which means WE are relevant and are dragging you along with us because we share the same body.
Wow, nice! Ah! Sorry, I shouldn't speak anymore.
I think… when I was dying earlier Winds, I was so scared. Not of death itself, well… dying is scary obviously, but I was way more scared about losing you all. That even your simple guidance… it’s causing huge waves of change, and things would go back to being the same, whatever that means.

>Hmm, some of these words relate to the box. "Box is the answer"? "Box will kill him"? Could just be lingering compulsions, but I wonder if some of these words relate to your memories of earlier lives. Is "him" referring to Roderick?

I don’t know. I can’t trust myself when it comes to my feelings towards the box… but these vague thoughts of mine, it’s just further validation that I was never leaving this place without it. And as for Roderick? Well, I’ll have to go and find out.
>>