Nalthar 2026/06/09(Tue)05:33 No. 1127851 ID: ce8213
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You start awake. You have no idea where you are but it's dark. In the gloom you can just make out bars and the glint of eyes watching you.

Check yourself. Are your injuries any better? Are you restrained?

Whisper a hello. Ask about where you are.

There is a possibility that this is a friend or an opponent. Offer it your tail and see how they will respond.

Seems you've been caught.

Nalthar 2026/06/14(Sun)02:28 No. 1128041 ID: ce8213
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The stranger doesn't move so you cautiously take stock of you're condition. It hurts to move, that you notice right away. Your back screams at you but you manage to sit yourself up against the cage bars. Your toes and tail all move as you command, so you suppose you're lucky.

Eyes adjusting to the darkness, you glance around. The cage you are in is rather spacious, for a rat. Thin vertical bars rise to a tapered peak. The room around is cluttered with several other cages, piled on top of boxes and battered human scale furniture. One side of the room is dominated by a dark curtain, pinpricks of light picking their way through the weave. Oddly enough the other walls depict moonlit landscapes, quiet towns and farms. Its like this room is meant to be perpetual night.

Your glare returns to the mouse in roughspun robes across from you. A short coughing fit prevents your first inquiry. He gathers up his hem and rises, padding quietly to your side. He holds out a waterskin to you and speaks in a soft voice. "Be at ease, my son. Your time in the wilderness has ended, for the good lord watches over you now."

The mouse's tail tip sways, drawing your eye, then flicking it towards something above the center of the room.

Nalthar 2026/06/14(Sun)02:28 No. 1128042 ID: ce8213
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Descending from the ceiling is a metal tube ending in the most ridiculous thing you've ever seen. A metal trumpet and curved glass are framed by tiny winged humans, of all things. The whole of it glitters golden even in the dim light.

Check your surroundings some more. Seems like you might be in some kind of Chapel or some kind of worship room in the house.

not a fully bad spot to be in... and who's this good lord?

This is a cult, gathere all information that you can. Just don't let that worshipping out of your sights. I don't trust him.

Nalthar 2026/06/19(Fri)01:55 No. 1128254 ID: ce8213
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Taking the proffered waterskin, you give your parched throat some relief. While you splutter and cough you take another look around.

The cages scattered about the space are of varying shapes and designs. They seem like they've been repurposed. They are also all empty, save for one. A rather small cage near yours holds a curled up shape surrounded by fluffy squirrel tail. Dis lies very still, the slight movement of her breathing the only indication she's alive.

Nalthar 2026/06/19(Fri)01:55 No. 1128255 ID: ce8213
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The mouse follows your gaze "Ah your companion? She's not- well, she's not injured. S-surren she just needs rest." He gives you a pat on the shoulder, faltering as you turn your sullen glare to him. "And just who is this... lord?" you growl, shoving the skin back in his hands.

The mouse's face breaks into a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "Why the lord God of course! I should introduce myself; I am the humble Brother Juan, friar of the Franciscan order. Allow me to bless you." The mouse lays a hand over your head and leans to whisper in your ear "Play along and you'll survive."

"Now" Brother Juan steps back "If you are asking after who's house you find yourself in, that would be King Pendle Cadvere of the principality of Malevento. He is eager to meet you, and formalize your surrender. If you feel up to it I could help you there." the friar (whatever that is) offers his hand.

>>1128255
Nothing to do but cooperate until you see a chance to do something. Especially with your wounded back. You need rest.

Ask him if the king can understand your language.

Prolong things as much as you can. Say you will need to rest and pray for the others that are not with you before making any decisions of surrender.

Nod in agreement, good thing that this cage priest didn't lose it completely.

1/4 Nalthar 2026/07/10(Fri)00:43 No. 1129157 ID: ce8213
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You allow the little mouse to pull you to your feet. You would try to delay but, if you really are being watched, you don't want to draw anymore ire than you already have. That voice last night sounded very angry, and not all that sane.

The pain is manageable, especially as you immediately put most of your weight on the shorter friar. He takes your burden without complaint, leading you to the cage door and creaking it open with a foot.

As you get closer to the curtain and further away from the spy glass he whispers to you again. "You know what this place is like but I beg of you, do not scream. Do not insult the king. His subjects yes, but never him. He's going to give you a role. Don't contradict him" Juan pauses, his hand set to push the heavy fabric aside "and don't mention anything about the outside. Play along and you'll survive."

You shield your eyes at the gap in the curtain, stepping into the bright room beyond.

2/4 Nalthar 2026/07/10(Fri)00:43 No. 1129158 ID: ce8213
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Brother Juan lets you stand there for a minute to take it all in. An entire landscape stands before you, more green than you've seen in many months. If it wasn't for the massive human-scale door across the room you may have been fooled. As your eyes adjust it becomes clear that the sky and clouds, the rolling hills and mountains, are all paint on the walls.

You look around more as your guide leads you on through a strange garden path of minuscule trees and potted shrubs that smell of felt and glue. To your right stands what seems to be half a building, mouse-scale. Four stories of rooms tiered like a stack of boxes, all missing one wall and a ceiling.

High over the tree tops you see a slender stone tower, topped by glittering gold. A gilded cage sits at the lofty perch, surveying all below.

A soft squeal of metal catches your ear as you look up. Another spy glass is gently lowering itself near you. It slowly rotates to keep facing you as you pass by.

3/4 Nalthar 2026/07/10(Fri)00:44 No. 1129159 ID: ce8213
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Crossing the huge room you are lead around a row of hedges and get a look at another bizarre structure. You would say it was some kind of castle or palace, but it's strangely squat. Through the open double doors it doesn't seem to have a roof, and indeed the doorway doesn't even have a top.

Rats in shiny armor and colorful uniform flank the doors. Many of them dangle from wires, still as statues. Others stand on their own, and you hear the now familiar clicking of control mechanisms as they regard you with glowing eyes. The polearms they clutch look quite sharp.

4/4 Nalthar 2026/07/10(Fri)00:44 No. 1129160 ID: ce8213
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You stop just inside the hall, still leaning heavily on Brother Juan. The sides of the space are crowded with folk in gaudy costumes, all lace and ruffles. Mice, rats, shrews, even some weasels. Almost all of them are puppets, but not the decrepit kind you saw downstairs. These have neatly groomed fur and all their limbs. Aside from the wires, its their glassy dead eyes that give them away. In a distressingly synchronized move they all turn to look at you.

Its the ones that don't turn as quickly you notice more. Here and there you spot some you seem to still be living. A mouse maid cringing behind the line, clutching a broom. An ermine in a ridiculous floppy hat, tugging at his too tight ruff collar. A rat lady hiding behind her fan. You even get a glimpse of bright butterfly wings, away down near the end.

Also near the end you spot Lisel. She's standing next to the throne, still dressed in her familiar coat. As she sees you her face brightens, though not by much as she looks back at the throne's occupant.

Seated at the end of the hall is what must be the smallest fox you've ever seen. As it shifts haltingly on its wires to regard you, you realize with revulsion that its a kit. The body is draped in a rich red cloak lined with fur, a brocaded tunic, and topped with a jeweled crown. Light glints off its glass eyes as it leans forward. Its movements are stiff, with a slight shudder after each one as though its limbs are constantly locking into place. It gestures you forward with suprising articulation, and its jaw flaps but the voice you hear is tinny and comes from above you.

"Ah, the man who has given my troops such difficulty, brought to heel at last. Come, approach the throne and introduce yourself to the court good sir."

Overcome your complete and totally unjustified revulsion and bow before him!

>>1129160
Hmm, definitely a madman. Won't even show his true face to his captives. Likely the deer is the only one who's seen it...

Bow and introduce yourself, and state that in defeat you are obligated to serve. What does your new master wish of you?

We have to get the fuck ou out of this fucked up rat utopia! Play along but stay alert all the time. Never forget where your allies are and look for any openings or flaws in the security.

So we are part of a puppet show, let's perform our roles to the best of our ability. Do what is asked of you, and if you can come closer to your friend, talk with them, and find out what they learned about this cage.

I have not come to kneel before you but to formally challenge you for the thorn!

You're expected to formalize a surrender, and your words might affect your companions well-being. You're too badly injured to do anything brash or defiant, and you don't want to become a puppet or half-living revenant so best to play along.

Might as well introduce yourself in a fitting and civilized manner. Tem'Rty, hunter of beasts that stave off hunger or threaten kin, scout of places dark and unknown.

Do not say anything about the outside, whether that it is winter, that you come from Gravel Pit (lest he send ravens to your home) or similar.

Admit your defeat and try to sound selfless, that you fought to ensure the safety and survival of others. Try to hide your pain /injuries, lest you be offered a gruesome surgery to 'fix' them.

>>1129214
Challenging a puppet to the throne would be suicidal. Even if the challenge was 'accepted' and they 'won'... They'd win the honor of becoming a corpse-puppet with kings garb.

Since this room seems to be much more well-lit than the others, are the mechanisms or systems that operate the puppets and wires more visible up above? Not to mention the source of the Tinny Voice or the strange glass orb that seems to be in most of these rooms.

1/2 Nalthar 2026/07/21(Tue)00:08 No. 1129641 ID: ce8213
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Brother Juan tries to ease you forward, but you wave him off. Deliberately you take a step forward, then another. It feels like your legs are fighting you for control but you won't let them win.

The crowd is hushed as you make slow progress past them. Some whisper amongst themselves. A bat with glowing eyes and a ridiculously puffy dress leans to murmur to her neighbor, a glow-eyed rat in shiny armor. His body jolts with a scoff, his look at you one of soft derision.

A quiet jingling draws your ear. The puppets around you have hung motionless, save to turn their unblinking faces to track you. Now a stoat scantily dressed in gauzes and coins twiddles her fingers in your direction. When you turn your head her way she tilts her's, giving you a slow wink with all the emotion of lantern's hatch closing.

Her behavior unsettles you, and you quickly look away. But even with your eyes fixed ahead, her unnatural movements replay in your mind. The faintest sizzle, followed a breath later by her snapping into a new position. Her expression as stiff as a mask. It fills you with revulsion. Pushing those thoughts aside you press on.

2/2 Nalthar 2026/07/21(Tue)00:14 No. 1129643 ID: ce8213
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Reaching the space before the throne, you stop. Haltingly, agonizingly, you do your best attempt at a bow. Your legs finally give out, dumping you in a heap. Your back feels like its on fire as you push off the floor.

Gentle hands help you to sit up. Lisel is by your side. With her assistance you get upright enough to look the puppet king in its dead eyes. "I am Temerity, hunter of these woods!" Not sure what else should be said you lapse silent as your words echo.

A high chuckle that's not quite a giggle sounds out, once again from somewhere above and behind you. "So humble! Good man you are more than that. The barbarian general who's hordes very nearly reached sight of our walls. A feat not equaled in over two hundred years!" The fox puppet gesticulates in an exaggerated way. He flings a hand out, pointing behind you. "Come! Stand and let us see that spirit."

With Lisel to lean on you manage to rise back to your feet. A harsh squealing draws your glare up. Another gilded spy glass descends from the ceiling, stopping just a few inches above the fox puppet.

"Yes, we see the fire of defiance in your eyes." the king's voice comes from the brass trumpet, tinny and hollow. "Theodoric! Great general of the Visigoth! We will show you the fruit of civilization and then. Yesss, and then you will bring your people to the fold. House Cadvere has a place for all! What say you?"

>>1129643
Say you will do what you must to save your people.

Oh boy, being named after a historical figure the mouse likely has zero context of. And on top of that, being named general and expected to betray the rest of the survivors to 'join' the mad king's little play.

Humor the king for now to see his 'wonders' but make no promise you can sway the people as a single mouse. Maybe ask some probing questions about your 'role'. Stuff like 'what brands us as barbarians within this house?', or 'what do you know of our ways or culture?'.

Also possibly cast derision at his troops since you're seemingly allowed to do so. 'Your words may ring true here, but your troops act unspeakably in the dark corners of House Cadvere where few can witness their crimes. They maim and strike without warning, offer no surrender, kidnap us like mere beasts or slay when convenient.' and the like.