1/4 Nalthar 2025/03/04(Tue)11:12 No. 1104506 ID: 6c233e
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In the Gravel Pit Nest, the hearth burns low. Rats gnaw on bits of root, less for nourishment than to just fill time. The young pups huddle around old Fortitude. They've heard his stories a million times already, but its better than thinking on the cold and empty store rooms.

"But the Fox could not bear to eat the Rabbit, for now he could recognize the fear in his eyes. The Rabbit was grateful to be spared, and offered up the leaves he had gathered, but the Fox could not eat them. And so they went before the Witch once more."

2/4 Nalthar 2025/03/04(Tue)11:13 No. 1104508 ID: 6c233e
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"Please" cried the Fox "I am so hungry, but I cannot eat my friend!"

The Witch saw how the Fox had suffered, and she wept. Her tears rained down into her roots and where each tear fell there formed a bud, which grew and grew until they burst open. Out came the first fungal beasts.

"These beasts neither think nor feel. They will only feed on rot and spread their spores. Take as many as you wish and eat your fill. In return, I only ask that those who eat of my brood henceforth spurn the meat of their fellows. Renounce the ways of beasts and live as goodly folk."

3/4 Nalthar 2025/03/04(Tue)11:15 No. 1104510 ID: 6c233e
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"Do not become like those who live beyond the forest. Those who kill and take for mere pleasure. Theirs is the way of ruin."

4/4 Nalthar 2025/03/04(Tue)11:16 No. 1104511 ID: 6c233e
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The sun's pale rays herald the dawn, holes in the shed wall and tent canvas perfectly aligning to bring a beam right to your eye. You stir and peer blearily into the stuffy dimness of the tent. Moving to rise, you find a small and warm body seems to have nestled under your cloak. Their soft breathing says they yet sleep.

You are Tem'rty, young hunter of the Gravel Pit Nest. The nest's store rooms are near empty, by the end of the week there will be nothing. You were sent with one desperate mission; return with food, or not at all.

It is the morning of your second day in House Cadvere.

Chop-chop, time is of the essence no room for lollygagging your family needs the food rent or the grim reaper going to evict them from life. Get up and start looking for solutions or you will become the problem. Also cool world building story that was told.

We can claim to renounce consumption, but the truth is our mere existence prostrates before it. Your bodies consume every day. You will never know if the mushroom you roasted had a soul, nor will you know if the gravel beneath your feet feels the yoke of your oppression. You will never be absolutely sure if the people under your wing or stomping on you with your boot are individual entities and not machines pretending to wear the skin of a soul. And so you must fight for those you best believe are 'real'.

Embrace the violence. Enjoy its splendor. But do not love it. It will never love you.

Time to scavenge.

let's check if those weapons are done being forged

Is the body other than our own? That bears investigation first and foremost, I should think. Otherwise, yes, we must be out and about, to see what the camp's business is.

How could we return with food? Would we take from our new friends, the ones we risk our lives with, and steal away in the night to head for home with a stuffed pack?

boy, i sure am glad fungal beasts neither think nor feel! hey, has anyone ever tried domesticating them? we've got bigger things on the list, right now, but filing that away for later — what if we could bring back not just food, but a way to guarantee food for generations? pay a little more attention to the fungi, maybe, next time we run into them.

anyway, lift that cloak and peek at who's snuggling.

1/2 Nalthar 2025/03/11(Tue)23:26 No. 1104834 ID: 6c233e
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You suspect you know who it is, but gently lift your cloak to peek anyway. Lisel rests upon your chest, soft breaths fluttering her whiskers. With her eyes hidden behind her thick goggles It's impossible to tell if she's actually asleep. Still, you don't want to wake her so you rest a while.

Lost in thought, your mind ranges over ways out of your horrible predicament. You think about fungos. This house seems to have a fair number of them, which makes sense. It must be the only warm place for miles and it's full of rotting things. If it wasn't also a death trap run by a madman your problems would be over.

You consider weather you could sneak some fungos home with you. Everyone you've talked to has said leaving is impossible, but you have your doubts. You are very sneaky. Fungos are not, however, so that plan will need some work. A pity, fungos are rather passive once captured, so just tying them together you could lead a whole pack home.

Fungal beast domestication isn't often done. The ones that lack nasty mutations keep well enough. The mice here even have a few feeding on the impromptu midden. But fungos in captivity never seem to get any larger, nor to breed, so capturing one is more a method of keeping it fresh for later.

The sounds of activity are picking up in the camp, so it seems like time to get up. There is a lot to do today and you need to get your new equipment from the shrews. You huff, your chest rising and falling sharply. Lisel stirs "Mmm, morning already?"

2/2 Nalthar 2025/03/11(Tue)23:27 No. 1104835 ID: 6c233e
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"It seemed you were working late. Did you discover anything?" you inquire as the two of you get up and stretch.

"Preliminary findings are inconclusive." she replies with a shrug. "The fluid left in the mechanical heart has become fully inert. It seems to be a highly complex salt, but I need to run more tests.

I also analyzed that red dust. looks like a powerful psychoactive drug, but you already knew that. I have a few substances try binding it to, might be able to make a fluid version, maybe even a aerosol. In its particle form it would be difficult to use without breathing it in ourselves. Of course it is yet to be seen how it would affect our enemies. Will need to study it further."

She turns to you with a coy grin "Buuuut if you can't get enough of my company I could always come with you today. I took the nozzle on the acid thrower apart and oiled every piece, so there won't be any accidents like yesterday." She rubs at the patchy fur on her muzzle. "Guaranteed."

>fungos are passive once captured
Hmmmmm... if we can capture the horribly hallucinogenic one, then perhaps we could harvest a sizable amount of its dust? Should be reasonably simple now that we know how it works- just don't breathe it. Filtered masks, or even holding your breath could work.
That said, we're not sure how we can use it yet. If we could find any vulnerability in the human's usual routine... something they're likely to inhale perhaps? (a cigar or snuff?) Of course, just using it on the puppets could be useful. Afflict a group and they might turn on eachother instead of fighting us.

>should she come along?
By all means, you'd welcome her company.

Yes, we believe in Lisel's abilities and the promise of her technology, so we 'd be glad to have her along on the day's mission; but she's been getting more and more touchy-feely since yesterday, which is concerning. We should show her her space, as tactfully as we can; we're on a mission for our home, and can't afford to get tangled up in any messy relationships.

I am against her tagging along with us all the time, I get that she is a field researcher but we don't have time for her to reach a breakthrough. I suggest you go with somebody much more capable in a fight or just go alone.

1/6 Nalthar 2025/03/21(Fri)15:58 No. 1105164 ID: 6c233e
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"That would be most agreeable." you say, "Despite the accident your assistance was appreciated. And too, you have more experience in house raiding than I, which is to say, any at all. You would know better than I what materials are worth taking."

Lisel shrugs on her heavy coat, preening at the praise. She sobers up as you continue "However, you've been rather forward haven't you? I heard the mice that live out of the woods can be rather informal, but aren't you moving a bit too fast?"

"Ah, no no. You-" she sighs "I apologize. I've been on the road so long, and you're the first real gentleman I've met in some time. I'm afraid I have overstepped."

Now it is your turn to be flustered by praise, no one has ever called you a gentleman before. "Ahem, well yes, er, it's just I have to focus on my mission. My family is counting on me."

"I understand." Lisel looks up at you "Perhaps, come the spring, we'll see where we stand." strapping on her bulky acid tank she moves to the tent flap. "For now, lets get to work."

2/6 Nalthar 2025/03/21(Fri)15:58 No. 1105165 ID: 6c233e
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The two of you are met at the flap of the larger tent by Surrep. "Did one of you go telling about what we're planning?" she hisses. At your confused expressions she shakes her head "We have several uninvited guests. If Afton finds out what we intend, well I don't know what he'll do. Bar us from the shed most like. That can't happen, we need the shrew's forge." She runs a paw over her face irritably. "Come in, everyone else is ready."

Inside the tent it is rather crowded. Every rat is here arranged around the tent wall, seven in total. As if on trial, the center is occupied by a variety of animals. There is the sorrowful bat, who has armed herself with a simple needle spear. Jasper is here, knifes strapped to his waist and a cocky grin on his face. He is accompanied by a pair of equally rough looking mice. Surprisingly the three beetles are also here, along with a strange insect swathed in silks.

Pestuous nods to acknowledge your entrance, then turns back to the assembled. "So we are all here, and then some. Now I know what my family intends. We are going to search the basement for coal, and any material for weapons, that we may vanquish the rot in this house. Do you all intend the same?"

3/6 Nalthar 2025/03/21(Fri)16:00 No. 1105176 ID: 6c233e
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Jasper steps forward. "Me n' the lads, well we've been mighty curious what might be down there ourselves. It's just, safer in numbers and all that. So iffen ye let us accompany you, all the safer for everyone. We won't slow ye down, we've all survived many a year o' house raidin. Right boys?"

"Aye" says the gruff one. "Hrmm" says the tuff one.

4/6 Nalthar 2025/03/21(Fri)16:00 No. 1105177 ID: 6c233e
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The bat steps forward next. She looks fiercely around the room "Those monsters took my family. My mother. None of you have put her body to rest. I will." As the words leave her she seems to slump "Yet my sister needs me. My best bet of coming back alive is with you. So I beg you let me accompany. You know a bat's ears are keen. I can help."

5/6 Nalthar 2025/03/21(Fri)16:01 No. 1105178 ID: 6c233e
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A silken robed insect steps forward from between her beetle guards, moth wings flashing as she raises a hand dramatically. "Chi chi" she squeaks "I have seen, chi chi. What you do here today will lead us to lady Icktechi, chi chi. My guard will accompany you. They do not speak, but they will follow, chi chi. Together we will return the lady, and restore this blessed wood, chi chi."

6/6 Nalthar 2025/03/21(Fri)16:01 No. 1105179 ID: 6c233e
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"So we're all on the same page, more or less." Pestuous says "The plan remains the same; form teams of three to scout the underfloor. Find a way into the basement, look around, then return to the library to report. Stealth is our best defense on this mission, only fight if necessary."

"There is an uneven number of folk here, one group will need to be four." Surrep mutters.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Who will you bring with you and Lisel, Tem'rty? (up to two)

A) Jasper
A2) one of his associates

B) the bat

C) a beetle

D) Surrep
D2) a rat you don't know very well
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

surrep and the bat!!!

Bat and a beetle

B,C

We haven't seen any bats yet but the thralls. This will be a good opportunity to learn more about them and their position in the house.

And I'm kind of curious about the silk moth, too. The beetle won't be able to tell us anything while we're working, but it could be an in with the moth later.

So far, only Tem'rty, Lisel, and the Shale Ledge mice are part of the conspiracy, right? So the if there's been a leak, one of them would have to be the suspect. People knew we'd be going for coal, right? The shrews need it. It's probably not related to a leak, but we'd best stay frosty.

Is it possible to have a beetle and another beetle? I just find the idea of Tem'rty trying to have small talk with not one but two silent beetles hilarious.
Wishes aside, the bat and the beetle would be my vote.
We gotta take at least one beetle.

D2 If we don't know them well this mission will be a perfect option to change that. We need to learn what others can do, the bat is most likely a capable fighter and the beetle, honestly I don't know what the fuck is up with that bug. So my suggestion is to go with those you know nothing about so no bat and no beetle.

1/3 Nalthar 2025/04/09(Wed)18:07 No. 1106041 ID: 6c233e
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It would be nice to have someone with good hearing in the dark tunnels. "The bat?" you ask Lisel "She sounds a bit young, but she's got spirit." The chemist nods. "I'll follow your lead." The two of you approach the willowy bat.

"Excuse me, but would you care to join us miss..." "Sorrel" the bat says, her voice hoarse. "Yes I, know I haven't been pulling my weight, but I assure you, I am a hunter. I'll do whatever it takes to help you bring that monster down."

"Can you keep that fire in check?" you ask "We aren't going after him directly, yet." She looks you in the eye, her stare unnerving. "I still have family to protect. That will stay my hand until the time is ripe."

You nod "I have kin depending on me too. We will do this deed and make it back, for them. For family!" you offer your hand. Sorrel grasps it, surprising strength in her thin arms. "For family."

2/3 Nalthar 2025/04/09(Wed)18:08 No. 1106042 ID: 6c233e
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The other rats are milling about, forming their teams. You are about to go ask Surrep if she would also join you, when that creepy moth intercepts you.

"I have seen you, Temerity of Gravel PIt. Darkness below you and light above, but you will find the way, chi chi." She sweeps a hand behind her to indicate one of the hulking beetles "Kh'khechil will ward your path." Without waiting for a reply she sweeps off to accost some other poor soul.

Left with the silent beetle, you consider him. Though his blank-eyed stare unnerves you, you cannot deny it would be good to have some muscle on this expedition. "So you don't speak?" you ask. Kh'khechil nods. "But you won't get in the way? You'll follow our lead?" Another nod. "Well alright then."

3/3 Nalthar 2025/04/09(Wed)18:09 No. 1106043 ID: 6c233e
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Pestuous has everyone gather around, and sets a sketch of the house on the floor. "Now we have much ground to cover, so you'll each investigate different areas."

"The obvious ways down, the stairs in the servant's quarters and the kitchen dumbwaiter, are guarded and exposed. If you look there be sure you avoid notice."

"There might be some holes under the dining room, as that room seems to be abandoned and infested with fungal beasts."

"Lastly, I have heard from one of the mice that there is a large hole somewhere under the entrance hall. Unfortunately they cannot say where exactly, as their friend fell into it, and let out such terrified screams that they fled in blind panic. Said friend was never seen again, so exercise caution."

"As for the rest of the rooms, there could be holes beneath them, we don't know. That is what we will find out. Call out where you intend to search, so that there is no overlap."

>>1106043
Our bat helper can use sonar, right? What about flying? She might be able to get an idea of what's down there without exposing herself to much risk, which will then allow us to plan a full scouting run down there, if it's not suicidal. ...we need some way of getting out again, at the least. Presumably Sorrel can't carry a passenger, so we'll need a rope and some way of anchoring it.

I think this is a good plan. We can look in the grand lobby with Sorrel for the known hole. Maybe we'll be able to identify how to make it useful for raiders in the future.

Maybe we should try the kitchen now that we have a bat who can see in the dark and use sonar.

Search for the known hole in the lobby.

>>1106045
Oh I forgot to say that this was a vote for the entrance hall hole.