[Burichan] [Futaba] [Nice] [Pony]  -  [WT]  [Home] [Manage]
[Catalog View] :: [Graveyard] :: [Rules] :: [Quests] :: [Discussions] :: [Wiki]

[Return] [Entire Thread] [Last 50 posts] [Last 100 posts]
Posting mode: Reply
Name (optional)
Email (optional, will be displayed)
Subject    (optional, usually best left blank)
Message
File []
Password  (for deleting posts, automatically generated)
  • How to format text
  • Supported file types are: GIF, JPG, PNG, SWF
  • Maximum file size allowed is 10000 KB.
  • Images greater than 250x250 pixels will be thumbnailed.

File 143789411654.png - (12.27KB , 960x560 , kombat1.png )
658145 No. 658145 ID: f68a09

"Bruco Bandara in the name of the Tribe Leonial and for the honor of my betrothed I will defeat you singlehandedly! Your
Expand all images
>>
No. 658146 ID: f68a09
File 143789414052.png - (22.69KB , 960x560 , kombat2.png )
658146

"Stop talking," Bruco says.
>>
No. 658147 ID: f68a09
File 143789416086.png - (18.15KB , 960x560 , 3.png )
658147

"OoooOOOOoooooh," Andara gasps. "Strela! Your beau has been elbow dropped by the tyrant monkeyman!
That's like if your honor was elbow dropped!"

"You'll find an elbow drop is if you drop from the air with your elbow," Strela says. "That was a straight elbow."
"He was elbowed and he dropped!"
"And my honor," Strela continues, "needs none as reedy as Patifar to champion it."
>>
No. 658148 ID: f68a09
File 143789417917.png - (17.33KB , 960x560 , 4.png )
658148

She drops between the stakes into the fighting pit and lets her viper aspect knot itself up her shoulderblades.
"I'll defend it on my own."

Bruco pulls his hood off. His lips, green from smeared beetle-powder, curl into a grin.
"Thought Leonial girls didn't fight," he says. "Too busy weaving baskets and trimming their nose whiskers."
"And I thought monkey men smelled like shit and berry wine," Strela says. "So at least one of us is proven right today."

Bruco drags his ankle in a steep semicircle through the dust and feels the Boar aspect rush through his feet and into his core.
"Bandara women brawl as good as men," he says. "Ain't got compunctions about hitting a lady."
"It's not compunctions you need worry about, monkey man. It's contusions."
"C'mon, Princess."
>>
No. 658149 ID: f68a09
File 143789421486.png - (25.03KB , 960x560 , 4a.png )
658149

"Hold," the call comes from above, at the bamboo platform where the elders watch the pit.

"We do not recognize your fight, Bruco and Strela." Marlock, Leonial elder, extends his matted claw. "The bout has already been decided."
"Look at 'em," laughs Yarga, Bandara matriarch. "There's fire between them already. You can tell."

"Bruco has defeated Patifar, bridegroom of Strela," Marlock says. "The fight was fair and the victory decisive. Bruco will replace him and marry Strela in his stead."
>>
No. 658150 ID: f68a09
File 143789423722.png - (30.09KB , 960x560 , 5.png )
658150

"What," Bruco and Strela say.

Who do you control?
1]] Bruco
2]] Strela
>>
No. 658151 ID: ab7529

Strela.

>stop the fight, married already
Well if we're wed, we're going to fight like a married couple. You ain't stopping us.
>>
No. 658152 ID: 0fc976

Strela. Nice going, you mook.
>>
No. 658154 ID: bd8b82

bruco. say wut a few more times.
>>
No. 658156 ID: 55c682

Let's go with Strela.
>>
No. 658161 ID: 99cfa8

Bruco.

And definitely fight anyway.
>>
No. 658167 ID: 9ddf68

Strela
>>
No. 658232 ID: 2efcc3

Bruco!
>>
No. 658233 ID: bb78f2

>>658150
Strella
>>
No. 658236 ID: 29e7b9

Strela! This guy thinks a single elblow is going to earn us in marriage he's got another thing coming!
>>
No. 658245 ID: bd95dd

>>658236
yeah!! kick ass strela!
>>
No. 658268 ID: 2eeb65

To hell with that NTR-ing wench.

Be Bruco, elbow drop bitches and give no fucks.
>>
No. 658303 ID: 29f8bf

Bruco
>>
No. 658335 ID: f68a09
File 143795732501.png - (16.76KB , 960x560 , 6.png )
658335

Strela stares at her father, trying to decide if this is some kind of joke.

Married?

To a fat, smelly Bandara?

"Uh," Bruco says. "Her?"

"Her," Yarga says.
>>
No. 658336 ID: f68a09
File 143795733171.png - (16.77KB , 960x560 , 7.png )
658336

"Uh," Bruco says. "Hi."

1]] Father you can't be serious. To him?
2]] I refuse.
3]] I didn't say you could speak to me, monkey man.
4]] Yes, me. You got a problem?
5]] Hi.
6]] So this is insane, right? You think this is insane too?
7]] Kick him in the face.
8]] If I kill him can I have the other guy back?
9]] _________________
>>
No. 658338 ID: ab7529

6, 8
>>
No. 658339 ID: defceb

7
>>
No. 658340 ID: 0fc976

6 and 8. No use arguing with tradition to the elders.
>>
No. 658343 ID: 2eeb65

3, 7
>>
No. 658347 ID: fbc59e

3,7. If this monkey can block our kick then he shall earn our respect.
>>
No. 658349 ID: 9ddf68

6,8,7

in that order
>>
No. 658355 ID: f68a09
File 143796071872.png - (22.60KB , 960x560 , 8.png )
658355

"This is insane, right?" Strela narrows her eyes. "You think this is insane too?"

Bruco shrugs. "It's pretty insane."

"If I kill him do I get the other one back?" Strela asks.

"Hey--" Bruco says.

Strela aims a snap-kick at his face.
His arm swipes upward and slams her leg away. It's like kicking an iron bar.

"STRELA," her father hisses from the platform.
"WHAT, DAD? I DON'T WANT HIM."
"If you kill him you can't have the other one back," Marlock says.
"Ow." Bruco shakes his arm out, genuinely surprised at the shallow gash running down his forearm. "You kick hard for a kitty cat."

1]] Aim the next one at his gut.
2]] Scissor grab ad hurricanrana him into the ground.
3]] You move fast for a baboon.
4]] Fight me, Bruco.
5]] Fine. What now?
6]] ____________
>>
No. 658358 ID: ab7529

1, 3 and

6: So what does happen if I kill him?

I like the idea of continuing to hold a conversation with each of them as we're still trying to kick his ass.
>>
No. 658365 ID: bd8b82

3... then calm down and ask your father what is going on, for real.
>>
No. 658367 ID: f68a09
File 143796244002.png - (13.22KB , 960x560 , 9.png )
658367

"You're fast for a baboon."

Strela kicks off Bruco's forearm and uses the momentum to twist her other leg up and around into a hooking kick aimed straight for his gut.

"What if I kill him anyway?" she calls.

Bruco catches her foot and yanks hard to bring her down to earth.
"Then the tribes go to war and you're executed," Yarga calls.

1]] Fine. We're married. For now. Fine.
2]] And the fact that we are completely different species and don't love each other is totally not a concern?
3]] Bruco help me out here.
4]] I think I'd rather all that happen than marry him.
5]] Married or no I'm going to beat the shit out of him.
6]] He's stronger but you're quicker and longer. Plant your hands on the ground and donkey-kick him, preferably in the gonads.
7]] He's not expecting you to let yourself take a bruising but the ground isn't that hard. Absorb the fall then twist round on the ground and sweep his legs out from under him.
8]] ________________
>>
No. 658370 ID: ab7529

>"Then the tribes go to war and you're executed," Yarga calls.
Fiiiiiiiiine.

But 5 and 7.
>>
No. 658371 ID: 9ddf68

1,5,6
>>
No. 658375 ID: fbc59e

3, then 5-6
"Come on Bruco! You gotta have some way out of this monkey business!"
>>
No. 658376 ID: e114bc

>>658367
1,5,7.
>>
No. 658378 ID: 0fc976

Seven, then three. That's not an unreasonable expectation of the man you're trying to kick in the groin, right?
>>
No. 658387 ID: bb78f2

>>658367
8]] What if I kill my father then? The guy who demanded the marriage in the first place?
>>
No. 658388 ID: bb78f2

>>658387
Assuming Mardock is Stella's father.
>>
No. 658389 ID: f68a09
File 143796848580.png - (21.00KB , 960x560 , 10.png )
658389

Strela braces herself and hits the ground, rolling across her shoulder to keep it from dislocating. Like she guessed, Bruco wasn't expecting her to let herself take a hit.

She continues the motion into a quicksilver spin that catches his legs and brings him crashing to the ground.

"What if I kill you instead?" she says to her father, as Bruco cusses in the dirt.
"Aw come on am I really THAT BAD?"
Strela twists onto her padded toes. "Well you find a way out!"
"I can't!"

1]] Try harder!
2]] Then I guess we're getting married, asshole!
3]] If you snore I'm going to slit your throat in the night.
4]] Fine. Maybe you'll be an acceptable husband.
5]] Get on top of him and pin him.
6]] Use your legs to put him into a sleeper hold.
7]] Get up and kick him.
8]] ____________
>>
No. 658390 ID: 0fc976

7, 1, 2.
>>
No. 658391 ID: bd8b82

1 2
>>
No. 658392 ID: ab7529

>"I can't!"
You're not even looking for a way out.

6
>>
No. 658395 ID: bb78f2

>>658389
8]] I don't like being told who to fuck for life by bunch of controlling old geezers. Do you like being told who to marry? Stand up to your Mom! What kind of MAN are you?

I STILL haven't received an answer, MARLOCK. Don't think being your my DAD will save you from my WRAITH. A CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKE THEIR PARENT'S LIFE IF THEY DO A SHIT JOB. Congratulations, you've done a shit job.

This isn't even about you anymore, Bruco.
>>
No. 658411 ID: e114bc

>>658389
5. Ehehehhehe.
>>
No. 658416 ID: f90a77

>>658395
one negative vote for everything said here. we're clearly not going to get out of this by shitmouthing our parents during some kinda political fuckup here.
>>
No. 658420 ID: 99cfa8

>>658389
2, 5, 4. Make sure it's full of innuendo.
>>
No. 658421 ID: f68a09
File 143797583330.png - (22.38KB , 960x560 , 11.png )
658421

"You're not even looking for a way out!"
"Your plans so far have been 1 kill me or 2 kill your dad!" Bruco tries to stand up and Strela rolls over on top of him, locking her legs around his neck. "Should I be -ghak- trying to kill you? Is that what-- you--" His windpipe closes as Strela squeezes.
"Then I guess we're getting married, asshole!" she says.

His elbow comes crashing into her shin and she grits her teeth in pain. He winds up and strikes again. Which is going to break first, Strela wonders: her leg or his neck?

"HOLD, DAUGHTER." Marlock storms to the edge of the platform. "Do my eyes deceive me? Or is my flesh and blood truly dragging the Leonial Tribe name lower even than the mudsquatting Bandara?"

"You might wanna save it for the honeymoon, kids," Yarga laughs. "I'm surprised, Marlock. I like her."

Strela wrenches Bruco's head away from her hand as he bites down on her thumb. "You haven't given me an answer, Morlock!"

"I am struck dumb by my BLOOD betraying me!" Morlock runs his hands through his hair. Yarga and her mate are trying not to laugh. "For twenty years I have remained silent while you squandered your womanhood on combat, and I have bitten my tongue while you studied your profoundly dangerous magic and turned the pitchforks from my door when you turned the sky violet summoning spirits and I have allowed you to reach your twenty first birthday a maid! With no match! Abided your scoffing at all my suggestions when any father with his wits about him would have saddled you to the town drunk eons ago!"
>>
No. 658422 ID: f68a09
File 143797587107.png - (12.20KB , 960x560 , 12.png )
658422

"And now finally you are twenty-one and your marriage decision has been taken from you as is tribal law and STILL I have labored to find you an equal when it would be my right to marry you to a MULE! A warrior and a sorcerer and a leader of his people--"
"And a nice piece of ass," interjects Yarga.
"And you are strangling him with your thighs!"
Marlock stands at the edge of the platform and hurls his edict down. "To lead is to sacrifice, Strela! And I have asked no sacrifice of you until today! And TODAY, you will take your new husband and you will go with him into the jungles and cliffs and within 7 days you will find a dower worthy of both your stations, a gift to the new alliance of tribes that you and he have forged. And then you will return with it to us and the ceremony will be completed and he will be yours and you his. Or I forsake you and Tribe Leonial forsakes you as well and you leave this place with no husband, no family, no property, no future!"

"Bruco hon you're turning red as a radish," Yarga says.

1]] Choke Bruco all the way out.
2]] Fine. Banish me. I don't care!
3]] Then I'll take him to the Cartilage Plains and find some crypter's phylactery. Maybe he'll get turned into a frog and he'll be easier on the eyes.
4]] Then I'll take him to the Krongish Sunken Temple and find some ancient war machine to bring home. Maybe he'll be flayed by a cultist and it will fix his face.
5]] Then I'll take him to the Whisper City and steal some horror's servitor-imp. Maybe he'll be devoured by a cosmic maw and spat out as a deranged, jellified lemure and it will be A HUGE FUCKING IMPROVEMENT.
6]] Then I'll go kill a chief somewhere and bring back his head. Piece of piss.
7]] ____________________
>>
No. 658426 ID: ab7529

>And you are strangling him with your thighs!
8. If my husband to be can't stop me from strangling him, he doesn't deserve not to be strangled, father.

3
>>
No. 658427 ID: 0fc976

4 and 1. Conjure a magical floating middle finger if you can.
>>
No. 658433 ID: 9ddf68

4 then 1

then get a head start on him and start packing for the trip. If he hasn't woken by then tell someone else to tell him to catch up.
>>
No. 658434 ID: bb78f2

>>658421
I'm still going to kill you, Dad. Doesn't matter how this ends, me married to him or not. You've insulted me too much at this point. I don't care much for how this tribe does things, I think its time I change the ways around here. Say what you will about the Bandaras, smelly and dumb as they are, they at least respect their women enough not to scoff and feel ashamed when they're strong.

Yeah, I think I might marry this douche after all, kill you, adopt the ways they treat their women, and murder the way our culture treats our women. Yep, sounds good. And I'll kill any fool that stands in my way of doing that.

Bruco, wanna help me kill my Dad and take over my tribe? That can be the honeymoon main event!
>>
No. 658444 ID: f68a09
File 143798116010.png - (16.85KB , 960x560 , 13.png )
658444

"Then I'll take him to the Krongish Sunken Temple and find some ancient war machine to bring home." Strela catches Bruco's increasingly sluggish elbow and pins it to the ground. "Maybe he'll be flayed by a cultist and it will fix his face."
She rolls off of Bruco and stands up, wiping the dust from her shinguards. He is firmly unconscious.

"I haven't forgotten this, father." She stalks from the ring. The crowd watches her in silence. Andara's eyes are as big as dinner plates.
Marlock puts his head in his hands.

"Daddy issues," Yarga observes. "But we can work on that."
"I'll fetch a bucket of water for your champion, there," her mate says, climbing down from the platform.


Her workshop's loamy air soothes the pounding vein of anger behind Strela's eyes. She places her torch neatly in its sconce, and her secret hiding places turn gently out from the rough-hewn walls. Trinkets, gewgaws, and the occasional item of sincere power twinkle in the lowlight. A row of eyeballs blink woefully at her, their stalks wrapped around cold iron spikes and forbidding-looking instruments.

Girl's gotta have a hobby.

By her own design the workshop acts as a sort of lending library. Only two artifacts may leave it at any time or the consequences are explosively unfavorable.
She examines her collection for things that might be useful in the Sunken Temple.

1]] A trogolodyte skull; held in one's hand it eliminates the need for air.
2]] The Serpent Bow; spits arrows envenomed with a slowing poison.
3]] A pair of dried Minotid testicles (very dearly bought); the taste of one, powdered and ingested, sends one into a highly suggestible trance and doubles their physical strength. Comes as a set.
4]] A bottle of endless worms; as the name implies, summons endless worms. They escape the bottle at a rapid speed and are hungry. Their teeth can eat through stone. Breaking it would be a really bad idea.
5]] Lovedripped Spear; The ointment that oozes from the barbs of the spear causes a mad, temporary infatuation when touched. It only lasts a breath of a second if it drips off; for best results, puncture the skin.
6]] The Bone-Rule; instantly analyzes and reveals the cause of a cadaver's death when placed upon the forehead.
7]] Shepherdstick; A small, orbed wand, found in the large intestine of a ram. Can cause violent, debilitating sneezing once every hour.
8]] The Blinking Brothers; three severed eyeballs. Strela can recite an incantation to see through them, and she's gotten quite good at hiding them. The Brothers count as one.
>>
No. 658447 ID: e114bc

>>658444
1,4.

What would happen if you used both the testicles? You wouldn't be able to return them, so... can you change how your lab works with enough time?
>>
No. 658448 ID: 0fc976

Why not grab them all and rush out with a cool explosion behind you?

Failing that totally viable and rad option, 1 and 4. Anything with 'endless' in its name is ripe for nefarious exploitation. Does the skull work for two people if they hold hands?
>>
No. 658449 ID: a19cd5

>>658444
1 and 8 make for some pretty handy tactical stuff. Hide under a body of water, drop an eye here and there, bam.
>>
No. 658450 ID: 9ddf68

>Sunken Temple
so the place is under water then?
1) sounds like a must then and
4) since I don't feel like having to run around the temple for a damn key 3 floors down to unlock a broom closet.
>>
No. 658466 ID: 194d6e

>>658448
cool explosion is a must
1, 4
>>
No. 658471 ID: 9eacfc

1 and 3, if only because of the amusement you'll have when you tell Bruco what is only after he's taken it. by the way, it specifies the taste of one, powdered and ingested. But if it's powdered, you hardly need a whole one just for the taste, right?
>>
No. 658486 ID: 2eeb65

Wait. If an alliance between two tribes depends on this marriage, what would happen if our ex-fiance won? Something smells fishy
>>
No. 658488 ID: 2eeb65

As for artifacts, 1 & 8.
>>
No. 658498 ID: 88960e

1, 4
>>
No. 658509 ID: 2a7417

>>658450
Just a note, even if the place's name is misleading the oxygen apathy will also assist in cave-ins or even just to silence our breathing.
>>
No. 658513 ID: 6c8858

1 and 8.
Also damn, Strela, you've got some weird hobbies. Is this voodoo thing common among Leonials?
>>
No. 658514 ID: 0f4536

1 and 4

So about the marriage thing, would anything stop you from being nominally married and then ignoring it in practice (living separately, taking lovers, etc)?
>>
No. 658519 ID: 9eacfc

>>658486

I'm pretty sure this was all a set-up. Sounds like the tribes wanted to make an alliance, a marriage was needed, and Strela is the only girl the Bandaras would actually like.

Strela, if you're going to take the worm bottle, make sure to remember to take something soft and secure to wrap it up in.
>>
No. 658546 ID: 334db2

1,6
>>
No. 658626 ID: f68a09
File 143804120394.png - (12.61KB , 960x560 , 14.png )
658626

Strela retrieves the trogolodyte skull and carefully wraps the bottle of endless worms in furs to keep it from being jostled too much. No explosions. Her collection is important to her. Her leg twitches, the muscles aching where Bruco's elbow struck them. She purses her lips at the bruise spreading across it. He hits like a gorilla, she'll give him that.

From the doorway she hears the shunk of one of her spike traps going off.
"Hey." Bruco sidles past the barbs and through the narrow doorway into her workshop. "Nice spike traps."

Strela glares. He's up a lot earlier than she thought he'd be.
Bruco whistles. "Are those Minotid balls? Good stuff."

1]] What do you want, Bruco Bandara?
2]] We're going to Krong. Go get ready.
3]] You bruised me.
4]] Have a nice nap after I kicked your ass, monkey man?
5]] There's a space on my hooks for yours to join them.
6]] Get out, Bruco. I'll find you when I need to.
7]] So who the hell are you, anyway?
8]] They are. Know much about them? Father says you're a sorcerer too.
9]] Let's get something straight: You don't talk to me unless I permit you to.
10]] _____________________
>>
No. 658627 ID: ab7529

5, 8
>>
No. 658630 ID: e114bc

>>658626
4,7, then 2 once you're done talking.
>>
No. 658635 ID: 0fc976

5, 4, 8. Nice, friendly conversation.
>>
No. 658637 ID: 9ddf68

5 then 2
>>
No. 658676 ID: f68a09
File 143804950287.png - (22.42KB , 960x560 , 15.png )
658676

"There's space on my hooks for yours to join them," Strela says.
Bruco gives up a laugh which dies an uneasy death in his throat as he fails to decide whether it's a joke.
Strela touches the hook and lets them spin in the air. "You recongize them."
"Yes'm. Spiked a drink with one once. A minotid drank it. Different minotid. Ain't cruel enough to make a man drink his own gonads."
"You have a nice nap after I kicked your ass, monkey man?"
"You kicked my arm," he says. "I remember nothing about my ass, thank you."
"I won."
He nods. "Yep. I underestimated you."
"You won't make that mistake again."
"Here's hopin'."
"We're going to Krong." Strela strides past him, pushing her spikes back into place as she goes. "To find a stupid dower for this stupid marriage. Go get ready."
Bruco pivots loosely in place and strolls up the steps after her. "Ready as I gotta be."
"No accouterments?"
He shrugs, a dopey half-grin on his face. "Nope."
Strela shakes her head. "Father said you were a sorcerer."
"'Sright." Bruco affects a little bow. "Bruco of Bandara. One of the only two Bandara shamanics. Ritualist, sorcerer, and practitioner of the aspect of the Boar. And, uh, husband I guess. For now."

1]] "For now"?
2]] You sound unhappy about our betrothal, Bruco of Bandara.
3]] Your Boar sure didn't do much against my Viper. Will you make yourself useful?
4]] If we're ready then let's go. The sooner we're done with this the better.
5]] I suppose I should say my farewells to everyone before I go. In case you get me killed.
6]] There's more Bandara like you? I'm the only sorceress in Leonial. They're banned, usually.
7]] I was kidding. About cutting your balls off. I make jokes sometimes.
8]] You ever been to Krong? I've only read about it.
9]] ______________
>>
No. 658677 ID: 0fc976

1, 3, 6
>>
No. 658678 ID: ebcefd

1b]: For now? So you did find a way out of this marriage thing?
6]
>>
No. 658679 ID: d91db5

7, 6, 2
>>
No. 658683 ID: bb78f2

>>658676
7, 6, 1
8]] I suppose you found a loophole? Or I take it you will get a mistress? That is fine, we can't have children anyway. No doubt your mother wants grandchildren. This can be a simple business relationship, we'll find physicality elsewhere. Agreed?
>>
No. 658684 ID: bb78f2

>>658683
That 8 was supposed to be a 9, but I'm not opposed to 8 either.
>>
No. 658708 ID: e114bc

>>658676
1,3,6.

I don't wanna say 7, at least not right away. Let him wonder for a while.
>>
No. 658713 ID: 9ddf68

1
7
8
>>
No. 658720 ID: ab7529

1. - if he thinks there's a way out...?

6, 7.
>>
No. 658774 ID: f68a09
File 143806855619.png - (132.44KB , 960x560 , 16.png )
658774

Strela emerges from her workshop and pushes open the bamboo-lace gate of her father's estate, storming out into Village Square. The streets are mostly empty; the tribe is still gathered at the arena. "I take it you'll get a mistress. That a Bandara tradition? No doubt your mother wouldn't want a halfbreed child. So we'll find our physicality elsewhere. I can't imagine you'll care if I find a good, non-fat Leonial. Not when you're rutting every skirt in the jungle. Agreed?"

"Wow, you talk fast," Bruco says. "No that's not a Bandara tradition.
"And you keep magicians besides?" Strela asks. "You don't ban them? We ban them. Father says they're too dangerous."
"Yeah I saw your dad," Bruco says. "That makes sense. Guess we figure we keep enough trained sorcerers around, the stupid or nasty ones won't mess with the tribe."
"And that's you. A trained sorcerer."
"Yes'm. Me and my sister."

A bone-armored guard pokes his head from the turret. "Who goes?"
"Strela Leonial and guest," Strela says. "Open the damn door."
"Who's guest?"
"My husband. Talk to Marlock about it and open the door."

He scurries back beyond sight, and the stone arch shakes and raises. Strela ducks to go through as soon as it's high enough for her to move so as to spare the hoisters' arms, Bruco in tow. They pass the tent circle of his tribe, the air indolent with ripe berry and the smell of fresh-turned earth. Bruco waves at a passing gaggle of young Bandara kids, one of whom runs excitedly toward him, sees Strela, and runs back.

"You said 'for now'," Strela says. "I take it you've found a way out?"
"Yeah," Bruco says. "It'd be my second marriage in a row didn't work, though. Not good for me."
"What is it?"
"With the Bandaras if two newlyweds truly despise each other after they find their dower, they agree to take vows of silence toward one another and never speak again and the marriage don't happen," Bruco says. "Guess my people could strongarm your people into seeing this as a Bandara marriage with Bandara rules. It's kind of only for emergencies, though."
"This doesn't qualify?" Strela squints into the forest, trying to will a bear to come eat Bruco. "Is that what happened to your first wife?"
"Nope," Bruco says. "She died."

1]] Oh.
2]] Sorry.
3]] You led me into that one, jackass.
4]] How?
5]] I think I'd like to take that vow of silence instead, thank you.
6]] ______________

A]] Take the Switchbacks to Krong, high, precarious, and fretted by skysnakes.
B]] Take the Jungle Path to Krong, low, tangled, and lousy with cannibals.
C]] Take the cart road to Krong, out in the open where the highwaymen hunt.
D]] Incant a teleportation ritual to Krong, and attempt a deal with the dangerous and capricious spirits of travel who govern such things.
>>
No. 658776 ID: bd8b82

1, 2, BEAT, 3. "oh, sorry... wait, you jackass."

and you are both magical, take D
>>
No. 658777 ID: 194d6e

>>658776
this +5
>>
No. 658779 ID: e114bc

Also 4.
>>
No. 658786 ID: 99cfa8

"Oh, sorry... wait, you led me into that on purpose, jackass. That vow of silence is looking real good right now."
>>
No. 658788 ID: 82d576

3, 5, and D. We ain't got time for this crap. The sooner we get over this, the better.
>>
No. 658789 ID: f68a09
File 143807281306.png - (19.77KB , 960x560 , 17.png )
658789

"Oh." Strela pauses in her stormy momentum. "I'm sorry."
He shrugs.
"Wait..." Strela's eyes narrow. "You jackass. You led me right into that."
He grins and shrugs again. "She did. Just saying."
"I think I'll take that vow of silence." Strela pulls her Focus from her belt. "How?"
"Nothing exciting," he says. "Pox. What are you doing with that?"
"It's my Focus," Strela says. "You have a focus, yes?"
"Course." He rubs the clasp at his waist, and Strela sees the gleam of brass under his covering's fabric. "You casting something?"

"A teleport," Strela says. "We're sorcerers. We can do that."
"We got legs," Bruco says.
"Shut up."
>>
No. 658790 ID: f68a09
File 143807282012.png - (12.28KB , 960x560 , 18.png )
658790

Although Strela has to admit to herself: He's right.

The incantation of a ritual is not something to be taken lightly. There are a few steps:

The first is identifying the effect of the incantation you are trying to cast. It can be anything you can think of, provided you have the means to pay the price.

The second is gazing into your focus until you find in its reflection a spirit who can perform the task you're looking to do. Too weak and the spirit will fail. Too strong, and the price rises.

The third is bringing the spirit out, hearing the price it sets for the task you have given it, and haggling over the details. For small, mundane tasks it may be nothing more than the corpse of a cat, someone else's favorite dress, or a childhood memory, scrubbed from the mind forever. The stronger the spell the graver the price. Spirits can be reasoned with, but only for so long, and their patience is thinner than a mortal's, and thinner still when pulled to their realm.

And then you pay, or promise to pay, and the spirit does its work. Simple enough, yes?

The problem is: once you've summoned a spirit, it cannot leave the mortal realm until the deed is done and the price is paid, or it takes you with it to the spirit realm, forever. The same thing happens if you break a promise to repay its services. And that's not a place a mortal wants to be. Death is preferable.

If the cost of what you ask is too great, if it's something you can't pay, there is no polite decline. No putting the genie back in the bottle. Your only choice is to fight the spirit yourself, head-on, and banish it away. And if you've overshot and asked for more than you can afford the chances are the spirit you summoned is going to be a difficult fight.
And for this reason the use of an incantation is never, ever something to take lightly.

Strela can handle this, though.
She's teleported before. The prices are never so bad as to be unbearable.
She peers into the focus and shapes begin to take form:

1]] Summon an Avigation spirit; it will fly you at speed to your destination. Its price is usually something physical and important to you.
2]] Summon a Transmittance spirit; it will clap its hands (or other appendages) and you will appear whole and hearty in Krong. When it names its price it will try to trick you.
3]] Summon a Plicature spirit to fold the distance in such a way that you will arrive in Krong in five reality-bending steps. Its price will include the extraction of a promise.
4]] Actually Bruco is probably right. About the legs.
5]] ________________
>>
No. 658798 ID: defceb

Fuck it.

Summon all three and suplex them into submission.
>>
No. 658799 ID: bd8b82

2

but trick it back totally double team it when you get there and give it nothing but your foot up it's ass.
>>
No. 658800 ID: a19cd5

>>658790
4, meaningless risk is dumb.
>>
No. 658801 ID: e114bc

>>658790
4. I think any of the other ways would be less dangerous actually. Plus more time to get to know your husband, decide if you really want to take that vow of silence and likely never speak to a fellow sorcerer ever again.
>>
No. 658802 ID: 7aeb02

3. Plicature sounds the least dangerous.
>>
No. 658804 ID: fbc59e

Let's...4.
If he asks...We thought twice and figured we might as well give it a few days before attempting plan silent vow, after the direct contest.
>>
No. 658805 ID: 9ddf68

3?
>>
No. 658807 ID: 88960e

4. Fuck it. You're being impulsive. It's not as if we want to rush ahead to the wedding.
>>
No. 658810 ID: 7aeb02

>>658807
There's nothing wrong with being impulsive. Longer trips mean we have to spend more time with that insufferable monkey. And besides, we can't just backpedal now!
>>
No. 658811 ID: d91db5

4. You don't really have that much reason to hurry, do you?
>>
No. 658815 ID: 80b95c

4. Let's walk.
>>
No. 658828 ID: 2eeb65

A husband is an important thing, right? Can we promise them Bruco as payment?
>>
No. 658829 ID: 2a7417

4. Get to know your dear beloved husband during the walk. Were you trying to show off to him with a teleport?
>>
No. 658838 ID: bb78f2

4
5]] So, Bruco, don't take my attitude as hating you. This is who I am. Also, technically at this point, we haven't settled our match regarding my honor, so that's also a factor in my behavior right now. Fucking Dad. This whole thing would have been so much easier if they recognized our fight in the least.
Lets find something to punch on the way there.
>>
No. 658857 ID: 2b9324

>>658829
!
>>
No. 658866 ID: 2eeb65

>>658829
>Get to know your dear beloved husband
in the biblical sense
>>
No. 658887 ID: f68a09
File 143811255462.png - (8.42KB , 960x560 , 19.png )
658887

>>658829
>>658857
Why would she want to show off to a neanderthal like Bruco? She glances at him. He's watching her from beneath his heavy eyelids, his expression one of mellow bemusement. He hardly looks like he has enough going on upstairs to appreciate the intricacies of her ritualism anyway.
"See anything?" he asks.

She licks her left canine thoughtfully.
Then she stows the Focus away. "We're walking."

"Walking." Bruco tilts his head. "Gotcha."
"I'm giving it at least a few days before the silent vow idea," Strela says. "It's not as if I want to rush ahead to the wedding."
"No ma'am."
"Unless I can promise you as payment."
He chuckles and shakes his head.
"That was a joke by the way, Bruco. I do tell jokes. I was also kidding about cutting your balls off."
"That's a pleasure to hear, Miss Leonial."
>>
No. 658888 ID: f68a09
File 143811256652.png - (209.84KB , 960x560 , 20.png )
658888

"I suppose we should try and get to know one another," Strela says.
"Us being nuptial," Bruco says.
Strela threads her way through a curtain of low-hanging vines. "For now."
"For now."

A curious jungle owlet flaps onto a low branch and watches the sorcerers pass. Bruco whistles at it and it rustles up and hops a foot or so back, hooting.
Strela tries to think of something to say to her stranger husband.

"If you were any kind of bird," Bruco says, "What kind of bird you reckon would you be?"

1]] That one. It had about the reaction to you I did.
2]] Crow.
3]] Falcon.
4]] Peacock.
5]] Songbird.
6]] Bird of paradise.
7]] I wouldn't be a bird. I'd be a skysnake.
8]] A parrot that only knew how to say "Shut up, Bruco".
9]] I didn't mean childish questions, Bruco. I meant, like, who even are you?
10]] __________________

A]] Take the Switchbacks to Krong, high, precarious, and fretted by skysnakes.
B]] Take the Jungle Path to Krong, low, tangled, and lousy with cannibals.
C]] Take the cart road to Krong, out in the open where the highwaymen hunt.
D]] Let Bruco take the lead. He seems like he'd know the jungle.
>>
No. 658893 ID: 194d6e

>>658888
2 or 7
D
>>
No. 658894 ID: 9ddf68

7 and A
>>
No. 658896 ID: 2eeb65

1 and 9.

As for the second choice, A.
As great as it would be to choose B with the hope that the cannibals will eat Bruco, he seems to know his way around the jungle, and thus we might turn up to be the one eaten. C is too dangerous, highwaymen probably attack in large gangs, we could get outnumbered. And of course we're not letting Bruco take the lead in anything in this marriage.
>>
No. 658898 ID: 2a7417

3] Falcon KICK! Also 9.
A] Time to Falcon PAAAWNCH some flying sneks.
>>
No. 658902 ID: 0099e1

2 and D. You might get some insight into his personality by watching the route he takes. Plus we do not have anything to prove by always leading.
>>
No. 658908 ID: bb78f2

>>658888
2, D
So, Bruco, got any interesting anecdotes about being a sorcerer? My funnest stories always involve my work with the spirits or my artifact hunts. What have you sold to a spirit in the past?
>>
No. 658909 ID: 2b9324

7, and A or D
>>
No. 658912 ID: 93aa30

1, but actually 7.

And I'm totally with >>658896 here, Strela can't let the D happen. I'm not really worried much about C as they're both capable of holding their own in a fight, and possibly even obtaining some trophies from said highwaymen! Cannibals do worry me though.
So A or C.
>>
No. 658916 ID: f68a09
File 143811802891.png - (147.92KB , 960x560 , 21.png )
658916

"Crow," Strela says.
"Not exactly a charming bird," Bruco says.
"I know. Or a skysnake."
"Those ain't birds."
"I'm not a bird either, Bruco," Strela says. "I approve of their grace. And their toxicity."
"Skysnakes're creepy," Bruco says. "Make me uneasy."
"So I've chosen perfectly."
"Your words, Strel."
"Strela." Strela digs her claws into the cross-grained bark of a thick tree and starts to climb up to the lower canopy. "And I'm sorry to hear you don't like them because we're taking the switchbacks to Krong.

Bruco sighs and finds purchase below her. "Fantastic."

Brachiating and scampering through the canopy clears Strela's head, and she's very pleased to see she's better at it than Bruco, whose heaviness often forces him to find a different, slower route.

The sky is rolling into night by the time the switchbacks come into view. High, asperous teeth stabbing up haphazardly through the jungle carpet. The line opens on the other side to breezy plains and a straight shot to Krong.

Bruco hoists himself up to the branch she stands on. It rocks and groans under his burden.
"Getting dark," he says. "Wouldn't much like climbing the switchbacks sleepy and in the dark."

1]] Fine. We'll make camp.
2]] Fine. Go make your camp. I'm sleeping up here.
3]] Too bad. We keep moving. Those skysnakes you fear will be at roost and I'll be damned if I'm going to share a fire with you.
>>
No. 658917 ID: e114bc

>>658916
Climbing in the dark does sound like a bad idea.
2.
>>
No. 658919 ID: 2a7417

3) You know the skysnakes better than he does. We move during the night and make camp(s) later.
>>
No. 658921 ID: ab7529

1. No need to shoot ourselves in the foot, here.
>>
No. 658931 ID: 2b9324

>>658921
yeah, you can take a few lame skysnakes, can't you strela?
>>
No. 658933 ID: bb78f2

1
>>
No. 658945 ID: 93aa30

Yeah, okay, let's get some shut-eye. It's not much use to move the entire night, because when the dawn breaks the skysnakes will be up fresh from rest, and we'll be exhausted.
1.
>>
No. 658949 ID: f68a09
File 143812448725.png - (192.97KB , 960x560 , 22.png )
658949

"Fine," Strela says. "We'll make camp."

"Sounds good." Bruco shuts his eyes and extends his hand.
It trembles suddenly, and one of his knuckles cracks as he flexes his fingers in a complex arrangement of sigils.

A wrapped bedroll emerges from the air in front of him.
A cantrip.
Strela's only recently made forays into them, mostly for combat magic purposes.
The creation of a cantrip is similar to that of an incantation. It starts with a summoning of a spirit in both cases.

To acquire a cantrip, however, you have to trick or defeat the spirit into enslavement. Just beating it down would be simple enough but the larger spirits are too strong and the smaller too quick to escape. You need a dose of cunning. It takes serious talent; spirits are hard to deceive. But if you manage it, you bind it permanently to yourself, and gain the ability to use its magic whenever you want. Bruco must have fooled some lesser foliot to the Mortal realm and then shackled it to this minor dimensional spell.

"Portable hole." He unwraps the bedroll and pulls a canvas bag from it. Inside is a clutch of pears. He takes a bite out of one and offers another to Strela. "Only got the one bed," he says. "Big spoon or little spoon?"

1]] That's a joke, right?
2]] Big spoon.
3]] Little spoon.
4]] I'm sleeping over here in the fork drawer tonight, thanks.
5]] Impressive. How'd you get that cantrip?
6]] Give me the bedroll tonight. Leonials aren't used to sleeping in the dirt.
7]] I don't need your food, monkey man. I'm going to go hunt something and start a fire.
8]] So, Bruco. I have some questions about you and Tribe Bandara: ______________
>>
No. 658951 ID: bd8b82

5 and 2

don't want his 'little monkey' getting into any monkey business.
>>
No. 658953 ID: 0fc976

1, 4.
>>
No. 658954 ID: e114bc

1,4,5.

8: is it true they sit around in trees all day eating fruit?
>>
No. 658955 ID: 2b9324

5, 2. maybe ditch that impressive though.
>>
No. 658958 ID: bb78f2

>>658949
5, 2
>>
No. 658971 ID: f68a09
File 143813046020.png - (25.78KB , 960x560 , 23.png )
658971

"Big spoon."
His eyes widen. "Oh. I was kidding actually."
"What?" Strela pulls her skullcap off and stuffs it in her satchel. "You want me to sleep on the ground?"

"No no it's fine." Bruco unfolds the bedroll. "I just didn't think you'd, yknow. Want to share a bed."

"Don't go getting a single idea from this," Strela says, crawling into bed and rolling onto her stomach. "No monkey business."
"Hah." Bruco unclasps the brass stud from his beard and flicks it into his portable hole along with the rings from his dreadlocks. "No ma'am."

He settles down into the bedroll on the opposite side, at a respectable distance, and draws the hide up over his stomach.
"Nice ears," he says.
"Shut up. Don't look at them." Strela tucks one into her hair. She's very self-conscious about the little tufts on the end of them. Too cutesy. "How'd you get that cantrip?"
"Dropped a ring down a well and summoned a spirit to find it again," Bruco says. "Into a little snare I'd paid some other one to keep invisible with a little extra to keep its mouth shut. Zoop."
"Not bad."
"Feel guilty about it," Bruco says. "Making the poor pisspot open holes for me all day. Mad useful, though."
"Why feel guilty? It's just a spirit."
"I guess."
"Is it true that the Bandaras just sit around all day eating fruit?"
"Naw. We drink a bunch too."
"Is that how you got so fat?"
He laughs his husky laugh. "Must be. Why're you so skinny? Spend too much time hacking up hairballs and reading old scrolls and such, not enough farming?"
"I am svelte," Strela says, "because such is the grace of Leonial. And what you call old scrolls and such I call proper sorcery."
"Don't know much about proper sorcery," Bruco says. "My sister taught me most of what I know about it. And her granny taught her. I just kinda picked it up to help out around the place."
"Inspiring."
"Well how 'bout you? Why do you do it?"

1]] To help my tribe.
2]] To make sure foreign sorcerers like you don't wipe us out.
3]] For power, of course. Why wouldn't I?
4]] I thought it might piss my father off.
5]] It's a hobby.
6]] It's an intriguing area of study. Nobody understands the spirits or the power. I'm going to be the first.
7]] _________________
>>
No. 658972 ID: ab7529

3, 6
>>
No. 658973 ID: fbc59e

Like I'm telling one of the sorcerers from another tribe that I wanted to keep my tribe safe from.
>>
No. 658978 ID: ae7f7e

5, 4
>>
No. 658988 ID: 0fc976

5, Dirt- er, I mean, 4.
>>
No. 659008 ID: 194d6e

456
>>
No. 659015 ID: bb78f2

>>658971
All of the above.
>>
No. 659025 ID: f68a09
File 143814079023.png - (12.58KB , 960x560 , 24.png )
659025

"I thought it'd piss my dad off."

"You really need to broadcast when you're serious better, Strela," Bruco says. "Maybe we oughta work out a signal."

"It's a hobby. An intriguing one."

"Dangerous for a hobby."

"I don't care," she says. "It's an intriguing area of study. Nobody understands the spirits or the power. I'm going to be the first. And it really would piss my dad off."

"I guess that's a goal I can support," Bruco says.
"You don't like my father?" Strela hisses.
"That's my cue to wish you a good night." Bruco turns over. "Night, Strela."
"Is it because he's Leonial? It's because he's Leonial, isn't it?"
"Good night, Strel."
"Strela."
"Sleep tight."

Strela harumphs. Bruco chuckles to himself again.

After about five minutes he starts to quietly snore.
"Come on," Strela whispers. "Bruco. Bruco hey."
He doesn't respond.
Strela thinks about shaking him. Then a screech frog calls out in the trees and a group of hooting birds, alerted by the noise, fire themselves from a bush about ten feet from her head.
Compared to all the din of the night time jungle Bruco's snoring isn't that loud, she guesses.

She lets it continue.

It's actually kind of soothing.
>>
No. 659026 ID: f68a09
File 143814084631.png - (13.19KB , 960x560 , 25.png )
659026

Strela watches her husband's back contract and expand with his breath. There's a little mole on his shoulderblade.

He's just so... wide.
It's weird.
Leonial men all make sure to keep hardly a scrap of fat on them, and their muscles are thin and ropy. Bruco is so profoundly big.
If only he was just a little skinnier.
She guesses it's not really fat that he is, really. But it's still disconcerting. He doesn't even have any ribs showing. Is he soft at all around the edges? Is it all hard muscle? It's certainly not skin and tendon and bone all over like Leonial guys.

He's close enough that in a moment of innocent, catlike curiosity, she almost kind of wants to touch him to find out.
Then she reminds herself that he probably has fleas, and anyway it could wake him up.
Or maybe not, since he's sawing logs so firmly.

Still better not to risk it.

She watches the mole rise and fall for a minute.
Then she falls asleep.
>>
No. 659027 ID: f68a09
File 143814085511.png - (25.81KB , 960x560 , 26.png )
659027

"AUGH Strela!"

A skysnake dives from a nearby bluff and curls toward Bruco. It bounces off a shimmering dome of force he throws up just in time and twists through the air.
Bruco jumps back and drops the dome. "Bird-You is kind of a bitch!"

1]] You're kind of a bitch, Bruco. Hit it!
2]] Just keep on deflecting. If it dies more'll smell it and come over.
3]] Keep it distracted. I'll get it.
4]] Grab its tail. We have to trap it.
5]] Don't be such a baby. Hey, little guy!
6]] Throw it a pear or something! Maybe it's hungry!
7]] Use a Technique: ____________
8]] ___________________
>>
No. 659029 ID: 26e769

7.

Use technique: Ultimate Razor-Sharp Kitty Twister Roundhouse Kick!
>>
No. 659030 ID: ab7529

5. Tame the snake.
>>
No. 659039 ID: 0fc976

Sort of 1 and 4: That snake is making you its bitch, Bruco. Grab it behind the head so it can't bite you!
>>
No. 659046 ID: 69aa21

5 and 3
>>
No. 659069 ID: f68a09
File 143815254231.png - (16.81KB , 960x560 , 27.png )
659069

"Just wait for it to go for you and get the head," Strela says.
"It's gross!"
"Grab it, you ninny!"
"Fuckin' worm thing!" Bruco throws up another shield and almost falls on his ass as the skysnake divebombs him again. Strela muffles a laugh. "This time. This time. Watch this."

The snake corrects its course, loops round, and whips toward Bruco. He plants himself, takes a deep breath, and snatches it out of the air about a foot from his face.

"YES." Bruco shakes the snake. "Take that. Aaaugh it's slippery."

1]] Good. Now can we get a move on?
2]] Nice one!
3]] Stun it or something!
4]] Throw it off a cliff so its death scent doesn't attract more of them!
5]] Tie its mouth shut or something!
6]] Snap its neck!
7]] Stick it in your portable hole!
8]] Let me see it!
9]] ___________
>>
No. 659071 ID: 0fc976

5, 7. Shoving living things in a bag of holding is a sorcerer-scientist's favorite thing to do.
>>
No. 659073 ID: ab7529

8
>>
No. 659074 ID: 69aa21

5 and 8
>>
No. 659125 ID: 7aeb02

If the skysnakes are indeed lured by their dead, we need to get rid of it. Snap its neck, grab by its tail, then swing it like a sling and throw it as far away as possible. Optionally, jam a stone down its throat to increase throwing distance.
>>
No. 659163 ID: 194d6e

8, maybe we can do smth useful with it
>>659125
also this
>>
No. 659168 ID: f68a09
File 143819707015.png - (105.44KB , 960x560 , 28.png )
659168

"Tie up its mouth!"
"Oh fuck it's gonna bite my fingers off"
"Be careful!" Strela cracks a smile as Bruco wrestles to loop a rope over the skysnake's head. "Here here let me see."

Bruco gladly gives the snake up to Strela.
With a few deft knots she ties the skysnake's mouth closed and lets out a length of rope as a tether.
"There! Skysnake caught."
Bruco scratches himself. "Why don't we just snap its neck?"
"I told you," Strela says. "I love these things. The smells this one lets off when it's pissed are gonna tell all the smaller ones to stay away."
"Just how big is this one?" Bruco asks. "In comparison."
"Medium."
"There's bigger ones?"
"Much bigger ones."
"Great."

"Come, Bruco," Strela says. "Come, Spuds. I'm naming it Spuds."
>>
No. 659169 ID: f68a09
File 143819709246.png - (59.14KB , 960x560 , 29.png )
659169

"There's a bridge up ahead. Keep up." Strela waves the tether at Bruco. Spuds thrashes bitterly. "I should have made one of these for you too."

"Spuds don't look happy about this situation," Bruco says.
Strela smirks. "He doesn't have to."

They walk further along the shaled path of the Switchbacks, blown into smoothtopped spikes by the endless winds. Spuds traces figure-eights in the clear sky above them.

"Right up here." Strela ventures out onto a high cliff face, the air whistling around her. "The bridge is--"

"What?"

"Not here anymore."

Two thick stone stakes shoved into the ground and a couple splintery boards are all that's left of the bridge that connects this peak with its neighbor. "It was here," Strela mutters.
"Was is the problem," Bruco says. "What do we do now, fearless leader?

1]] Now we climb. Down this one and up the other side.
2]] Now we venture off the path and find a different route. I'll figure it out.
3]] I don't know, Bruco. Got another fancy cantrip you want to show off at me?
4]] Got more rope? We could try to make some kind of tightrope.
5]] Now we do what sorcerers do and cast an incantation: ___________
6]] ________________
>>
No. 659172 ID: 9ddf68

3, 5, and if none of those work 2.

How much would it cost you to have a spirt only move the two (three?) of you across such a short distance?
>>
No. 659173 ID: 2a7417

5: I suggest a flyiiiing jump kick across the gap.
>>
No. 659175 ID: ab7529

>skysnakes are like Strela
>spuds, leashed, unhappy, doesn't have to like it
This metaphor got uncomfortable quick.

>what do
4 would work, as would 5. If we lack the tools though, we'd have to do 1.
>>
No. 659178 ID: 409b75

Can we cantrip ourselves into Bruco's storage space, then open the portal from there on the other side of the bridge?
If not, the "2, unless 3".

Sorry, I've been playing Portal Stories lately and it's conditioned me to seek out the most obscure and complicated solutions.
>>
No. 659181 ID: ab7529

Oh- can we use the skysnake to carry a line across for us? From there you can make a tightrope or a bridge.
>>
No. 659186 ID: 974a10

>>659181
This!
>>
No. 659229 ID: 8d9368

>>659169
Summon spirit. Beat spirit up until it agrees to become servant.
>>
No. 659230 ID: f68a09
File 143822673738.png - (11.88KB , 960x560 , 30a.png )
659230

>>659181
>>659186
This is a good idea.
People think sorcerers are all flash but the trick to infinite power is finding the way you can solve your problems with as little of it as possible. Using resources you already have on hand is one way of doing that.

Strela raises her focus and gazes at it. She finds what she's looking for.

She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and with the breath comes the Spirit, swirling into her heart.
The world melts away for a moment as Sorceress and Spirit exit their respective dimensions into the Liminal Space.
>>
No. 659231 ID: f68a09
File 143822674736.png - (16.37KB , 960x560 , 30.png )
659231

Sorceress.

Its voice fills her mind.

Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Name's Subordination.
What've you got for me today, eh?

"I need you to possess a skysnake to fly across a chasm with a rope," Strela says, "and tie it firm in place on the other side so my companion and I can cross it."

The Ape man? Who's he then?

"My husband."

Hah! Him? A Bandara with a Leonial?
My condolences, mistress Sorceress.
Right. Simple enough for a spirit like meself.
Let's talk price.

"Name it."

Two things, mistress Sorceress:

After I do what you want, tie your little knot, right, I want the skysnake's body as me own. Around time a hardworking spirit like meself had a sabbatical, I think. Why not a little tour of the mortal realms in a flapping lizard, I ask. No trying to catch me again, now. Safe passage out of the Switchbacks.

And, ah, let's see. A bit of blood. Not much. Just a cut across the arm. From you or the Bandara. I'll let you hash it out between you.

And those are my terms. More than fair, I'd say.
Do we have a deal, Sorceress?

[] Yes.
[] No.
[] Barter: _______________
>>
No. 659232 ID: bd8b82

slight barter. a promise not to use the skysnake to harm us beyond the bit of blood. such as leading other skysnakes to us.

other then that it looks good.
>>
No. 659233 ID: bb78f2

>>659231
Wait, the fact that he downplays the importance of the blood makes me think its what he mainly wants from this deal. That ISN'T the spirit trying to trick you, is he? Do you know what a spirit uses blood for? Have you done it in the past?

3] Droplets of blood from us both. We can't risk an infection in the forest or the hinderence from a cut across the arm. A small prick on the tips of our ring fingers. The body is fine, whatever.

... Don't we have technical ownership over this skysnake right now? Wouldn't that be bad for a spirit to possess? Like say it possessed the toy of a small girl, wouldn't the girl have ownership over the possessing spirit then?
Oh god, its name is subordination. If it's telling the truth, I think it's into BDSM and wants to be ordered around as a skysnake while being tied up.
>>
No. 659234 ID: ab7529

Are there rules about letting spirits be active and independent in the mortal realm? I'm not sure how bad letting it roam in the skysnake is.

I suppose if he's bound to the snake, with the specification that it can't jump to another host, and goes back when it gives up the snake or it dies, it can't do much harm.

I note these terms don't say we actually have to release the skysnake once he's in it, even if we owe him safe passage. Technically, we could keep it with us till we're out of the switchbacks, then kill it.

I'm tempted to debate the safe passage bit though, cause it can bite us in the ass if something harm it. We'll offer it safety from us, but it's responsible for itself otherwise.

Blood spent for sweat saved is more than fair.
>>
No. 659236 ID: 334db2

Is there any way this could bite you in the ass? what's the significance of the blood?

Make him promise not to undo the rope or undo you and yours, and he's got a deal.
>>
No. 659239 ID: e114bc

>>659231
3. When will the spirit return to us? It is phrasing this like a vacation, but we should establish some time frame.
>>
No. 659244 ID: 8d9368

>>659231
Wait, so he wants a permanent physical body and blood from one of us, and his powers are related to possession? This doesn't seem as if it's as small a price as he's trying to sell it as. It seems perfectly likely that he could use the blood against us, and we'd theoretically be setting the thing free indefinitely on the physical world???
>>
No. 659251 ID: f68a09
File 143823303268.png - (14.62KB , 960x560 , 31.png )
659251

>>659234
>Technically, we could keep it with us till we're out of the switchbacks, then kill it.
Technically, Strela realizes, she could.
This might be an opportunity for a cantrip.


"I need promises."
Name them.
A spirit is physically unable to break a promise.
"These are my terms:
No jumping to another host."
Done.

"No using the skysnake to hurt us. Leading the others back or anything."
Done.

"Safe passage from us, but you're responsible for yourself."
Ha.
Done.

"No undoing the rope or anything."
Mistress Sorceress! Cor, I'm hurt. Don't you trust me? Done.

He thinks I mean the tightrope, Strela thinks, but that also bars him from undoing his tether.

"No cut on the arm. Pinprick from the thumb, from both of us."
Fine, a pinprick. But from one of you, Mistress Sorceress.
The blood ain't the point. It's who draws it, see?

"No using the blood against us."
Done.

"When will you return to us?"
I won't, will I?
After I do what you ask our contract is finished and I get snakey.
We square, mistress?

"We are."

Brill. My power is yours.
>>
No. 659252 ID: f68a09
File 143823304314.png - (21.57KB , 960x560 , 32.png )
659252

Strela opens her eyes, now aglow with the Power.

"What's the word?" Bruco asks.

1]] Give me a knife. I need to give it some of my blood.
2]] I need blood, Bruco. From your thumb.
3]] _______________
>>
No. 659254 ID: ebcefd

1. Our deal to make, our blood to give.
>>
No. 659255 ID: 80b95c

Give him your blood. When you capture this guy to use him as a cantrip, it'll be more satisfying to be able to say that you've done all the work yourself.
>>
No. 659257 ID: ab7529

>The blood ain't the point. It's who draws it, see?
So either Strela draws blood from one of them, or Bruco draws blood from one of them. I'm trying to think if there's a loophole where a third person draws the blood.

Not sure if the snake would count, as it's not a person. If use it to injure us, that's the same as injuring yourself. I suppose we could get another spirit to do it, but that's another moving piece to go wrong, and if it acts on our behest, we might still be responsible.

Is it significant if one sorcerer pricks the other instead of pricking themselves?

I'm leaning to hold out our thumb and ask / order Bruco to stick it.
>>
No. 659270 ID: f68a09
File 143823525453.png - (19.20KB , 960x560 , 33.png )
659270

"Give me a knife, Bruco," Strela says. "I need to give it blood."
"You want me to draw it?"
"You have to hold the snake."
"Of course I have to hold the snake."

Strela's blood dribbles onto Spuds' twitching face.
Sorcerer blood glows, as a rule. Such is the power.

The skysnake's struggling slows, then stops.

Its eyes glow.
>>
No. 659271 ID: f68a09
File 143823526035.png - (56.96KB , 960x560 , 34.png )
659271

"Rope," Strela says. "Give it rope."
Bruco wipes his knife on his leg and cuts a length of rope with it, which he stuffs into the skysnake's mouth.

It flies across the chasm, two rope leads trailing behind it. One is tied to the stake on Strela's side; the other is in her hand, tied firmly still around its mouth.

With a series of graceful, precise aerial maneuvering, it ties the rope taut to a stake on the other side.
The tightrope is made and the Sorcerers' passage is secured.

1]] Let the spirit free.
2]] Keep your grip on it.
3]] Give it to Bruco to hold again. It can't harm you directly, but crossing a tightrope with a struggling spirit/snake hybrid is going to take fortitude.
4]] OK, Subordination; we'll escort you out the switchbacks now. So no harm comes to you.
5]] __________________
>>
No. 659273 ID: ab7529

3, for now. We cross. If the spirit makes a noise of protest- why, you're not afraid of being attached to one of us when we cross, are you? You're certain you tied a knot that will hold.

On the other said we spring 4.
>>
No. 659289 ID: bd8b82

2. if the method of binding it for a cantrip isn't too complex. it can't strugglw if you mention how it , the skysnake, whipping around could result harm. it only needs to think it could to mess with it's head.
>>
No. 659347 ID: f68a09
File 143828203326.png - (12.16KB , 960x560 , 35.png )
659347

Strela holds the line out to Bruco.

"Seriously?" he asks.
"I gave the blood. You hold the snake."
"Fuck it. Fine."

About halfway across the skysnake starts thrashing so badly that Bruco has to drop into a shimmy, clutching the rope in his arms and between his teeth.

"Thish ish bullshit," he says. The skysnake whips around and the tendons in his neck stand out as he keeps it in check. It loops and he falls down below the rope, squawking loudly.

Strela laughs. She can't help herself. Neither can Bruco. "Thish fucking shnake," he says. "Fucking Shpudsh."
"I don't think he likes you," Strela says. "What's the matter?" she cries up to the possessed snake. "You're not worried the rope won't hold, are you?"
It lashes furiously against its tether.
"You've got me doing shome wild shit, Shtrel," Bruco says. "If I were a shushpicioush man I'd shay you dishliked me or shomething."

1]] Strela.
2]] I need him. I'm making a cantrip out of him.
3]] I wouldn't be making you do all this if I didn't trust you to.
4]] What's wrong, Monkey Man? Can't handle it?
5]] It's funny making your life hard.
6]] I don't dislike you, Bruco.
7]] I have a strong distaste for the circumstances of our companionship.
8]] I can take a turn holding it.
9]] [To the skysnake] We're just escorting you safely out of the Switchbacks! Wouldn't want you to get hurt!
10]] [To the skysnake] Stop struggling! The contract was binding! No helping it now!
11]] ________________________
>>
No. 659349 ID: 0262b3

>>659347
6 & 7
>>
No. 659352 ID: bd8b82

4 6 7. you don't hate him, you just hate being forced to marry him.
>>
No. 659353 ID: 2a7417

1, 7, 5, 9.
>>
No. 659355 ID: 88960e

1 (absentmindedly), 6, 7

9, once we're on land. Those were the terms. Can't have you running off where it's not safe.

I wouldn't admit to 2 until it works. Don't be overconfident. (Plus, admitting to doing anything besides sticking rigouroudly to the terms might count as breaking the deal. Rule lawyer until he's good and caught).
>>
No. 659357 ID: cbc9e6

4, 7. And 1, you thick-skulled monkey.
>>
No. 659359 ID: 8d9368

While 2 is true, you probably shouldn't say it where the snake can hear it.
>>
No. 659379 ID: bb78f2

>>659347
6, 7
11]] I kinda respect you Bruco, only kinda though. To gain my full respect, we'll need to finish our fight sometime without the Elder's getting in the way.
>>
No. 659414 ID: e27669

>>659349
>>
No. 659469 ID: f68a09
File 143831783114.png - (73.40KB , 960x560 , 36.png )
659469

"Strela."
Strela hops off of the line and lands in a graceful dismount on the far peak.
"What's wrong, monkeyman?" she asks, as Bruco clumsily rolls onto the ground behind her. "Can't handle what I'm throwing at you?"
"Had worse," Bruco says. "Much worse. Just kind of wish-- nevermind."
"What?"
"Nevermind," he repeats, wrapping the rope a couple of rotations around his forearm.

"I don't dislike you, Bruco." Strela leaps gracefully across a low acreage of spiky rocks, eyes focused on the upcoming pillars she can get a foothold on, two ahead.
"You do a good impression," Bruco says, matching her movements with a precision belying his size.
"I have a strong distaste for the circumstances of our comradeship, however," Strela says.
"Course. I do too." Bruco holds off a little, sliding down a surface before he leaps, so that Strela can move ahead of him. "Don't have to take it out on me."

1]] I don't see anyone else I can take it out on.
2]] I'm not trying to take it out on you. I'm just frustrated.
3]] Shut up.
4]] Don't be a baby, Bruco.
5]] _________________
>>
No. 659471 ID: ab7529

5]. Sigh and apologize. You're not trying to be unfair to him, this situation is unfair enough as it is.

...also, you're having a hard time holding onto anger when you may have successfully tricked your way into a cantrip. The thrill of excitement over that pending victory is distracting you.
>>
No. 659476 ID: e114bc

>>659469
4.
>>
No. 659478 ID: bd8b82

2 then 1
>>
No. 659479 ID: bb78f2

>>659469
4
5]]If I was taking it out on you, Bruco, this situation would be much worse for you. This is simply what happens when you're my husband. You've saved my old Beau from my hellish demands, I'm sure he's praying for you in thanks as we speak.
>>
No. 659480 ID: 0fc976

1. Who went into the duel without knowing its conditions first?
>>
No. 659481 ID: ab7529

>>659480
*cough*. Technically Strela is guilty of the same mistake. We challenged him without asking or thinking of the stakes either, at first.
>>
No. 659482 ID: 0fc976

>>659481
Are you talking about jumping into the ring after the wimp got whomped? That had no effect on the outcome, and we wouldn't have had a say in the previous match.
>>
No. 659483 ID: ab7529

>>659482
It doesn't matter that it didn't affect the outcome of the previous match: Strela initiated a duel with him, without knowing what the consequences or stakes of said duel would be.
>>
No. 659484 ID: e114bc

>>659483
There were none.
>>
No. 659486 ID: f68a09
File 143832155498.png - (16.88KB , 960x560 , 37.png )
659486

"I'm not trying to be unfair, Bruco," Strela says. "But I don't see anyone else I can take it out on. I mean who jumped into that duel without knowing what was happening?"
"Both of us."
"You did it first."
"I guess." He sighs. Strela doesn't know how he has the breath for it. "Pisser, ain't it?"
"You could call it that."
"I mean that we missed any chance we coulda had at hitting it off."
"You'd put that chance at above zero."
"Sure," he says. "Don't know many sorcerers. Woulda been nice to be friends with one."
"Maybe once we get this sorted out we can compare notes or something," Strela says.
"No we can't." Bruco's expression is as flat as his voice. "Vow of silence."
"Oh. Right."

Two hour's silent hiking takes them to the end of the switchbacks.
As they drop down toward the foothills the skysnake's struggling grows ever more frenzied and desperate, as it begins to understand what's happening.

Strela takes the rope from Bruco and pulls it in. The snake tugs so hard she almost stumbles. Bruco puts a hand on her shoulder to keep her steady.

She seizes the snake by its neck and looks into the glowing eyes of what was once Spuds, as it flails and recoils.

"Thrsss." It tries to form words with its unfamiliarly forked tongue. "Thrsssst. Trssssted you."

1]] That was a mistake.
2]] Trust is a weakness.
3]] No you didn't, Subordination. Don't lie. You underestimated me.
4]] Cut off its head and drink its blood. That's the way to the Power.
5]] You can go this time. Learn from this.
6]] ________________
>>
No. 659487 ID: bd8b82

3
these spirits don't seem like the 'trust' kind of critters.
then 4. lets get this cantrip train arollen.
>>
No. 659488 ID: 0fc976

3, and four if that's how you gain a cantrip I guess? Shucks, I thought we really were escorting him out of the spires but it would be suicide to let an angry spirit go free at this point. Get in, Subordination.
>>
No. 659489 ID: ab7529

3.

Get yon cantrip. You're never gonna be the one to understand spirits if you're going to back down and feel bad when they try and guilt you. That's the only play he has left.
>>
No. 659490 ID: e114bc

>>659486
3.

6. ...I don't suppose you can get some information out of it in exchange for its freedom? You said you wanted to understand the Spirits. Here's one, at your mercy.
>>
No. 659499 ID: bb78f2

>>659486
3, it's that or...
6]]You're name is Subordination. You wanted this. This was too easy.
>>
No. 659500 ID: f68a09
File 143832405550.png - (18.30KB , 960x560 , 38.png )
659500

"No you didn't, Subordination," Strela says. "Don't lie. You underestimated me."

She tears the skysnake's head off and sucks blood from the stump.

Strela has learned a new cantrip: Rope Charmer!
Any rope touching Strela can be controlled by her as if it was a living serpent. Its top speed is 30 mph, and it ignores its own weight, moving in defiance of gravity.
Tying anything weighing more than ten pounds to the rope makes it wobble and struggle to move. Past 100 feet from Strela, the power fades.

Strela can maintain the rope's animation for about five seconds at a time, fast enough to tie a solid knot around an object or a limb. It takes concentration; if she's struck or jostled too badly it will fail.

"A cantrip," Bruco says. "That's what you were doing." He nods. "Nice one."
"Of course," Strela says. "Why do you think I had you drag the creature around?"
"I was wondering, actually," Bruco says. "So where to?"
>>
No. 659501 ID: f68a09
File 143832407425.png - (53.59KB , 960x560 , 39.png )
659501

1]] Tribe Predatus Territory. A good place to resupply before Krong. I've had correspondence with a Predatus sorceress. Not sure how much we can trust the rest of them, but they could be of help, if we can find them.

2]] Lumbertown. A Roadling establishment that supplies the wood for the Merchant Docks workshops. We'll bed down there for the night and tackle Krong in the morning.

3]] We're going to the Merchant Docks to charter a boat to take us to Krong. If we walk and then sail all night we should reach there by morning. That'd be the safest way.

4]] We're going along the Crags. It'll be cheaper than sailing. If we keep to the lower crags we'll avoid attention from the wreck-cults.

5]] Through the Ruins Forest. Fastest way. I've heard the rumors of necromancy and haunting in the area are highly exaggerated.

6]] ___________________
>>
No. 659505 ID: e114bc

>>659501
5!
>>
No. 659509 ID: 0fc976

1. Pen pal buddies!
>>
No. 659517 ID: bd8b82

5. you can just beat the ghosts into submission.
>>
No. 659522 ID: 88960e

1. Nothing wrong with more sorcery.
>>
No. 659531 ID: bb78f2

>>659501
1
>>
No. 659533 ID: 2eeb65

2
>>
No. 659565 ID: f524cb

2!
also, ask him what he thinks.
>>
No. 659570 ID: f68a09
File 143837855741.png - (31.26KB , 960x560 , 40.png )
659570

"I was thinking Tribe Predatus Territory," Strela says. "A good place to resupply before Krong. I've had correspondence with a Predatus sorceress. Not sure how much we can trust the rest of them, but they could be of help, if we can find them. What do you think?"

Bruco looks agape. "You're asking me?"
"Sure," Strela says.
"Well you've known what you're doing so far," Bruco says. "Tribe Predatus."

They walk a horse-churned path across the plains. The breezes carry the husks of grass too weak to find root.
At one point, mid-afternoon, they see a horseman trotting the opposite way. Its rider, a Merchant-Town hunter in a wide-brimmed hat, slows, intending a greeting, then sees that they're barefoot Tribals, and hurriedly turns from them.
"How do," Bruco says.

The rider doesn't respond as his colt trots past. Plains folk try to have as little to do with the jungle Tribes as they can, fearing deeply their inhospitable homes and deep-blood mysticism. He probably thinks they're a couple of dangerous sorcerers.
Of course he's right this time but it's still racist.

"You sing much, Strela?"
"Hmm?" Strela looks back at Bruco.
"You sing?" he repeats.
"I am capable of vocalizing melodically, yes."
"Know any road songs?"
"Do not start, Bruco Bandara."
"Whatever you say," he says.

A few miles later he starts whistling.
Strela glares at him and he raises an eyebrow, his tone fluting for a moment as he smiles involuntarily.
She thinks of telling him to stop, but at least he's not trying to talk now. And he's not half bad at holding a tune.
>>
No. 659571 ID: f68a09
File 143837859661.png - (365.33KB , 960x560 , 41.png )
659571

The Predatus Jungle eventually spreads itself across the horizon before them.

As they near Strela feels the mist rising from the fanned monocotic foliage, condensing on her skin.
The Predatus let their palms grow high, dark and tangled. All the better to keep their territory.

"Do we knock on a trunk or something?" Bruco asks.

1]] Enter the jungle, calling that you're looking for your friend the sorceress Markessa. Predatus have ears everywhere and they'll recognize the name.
2]] Move slow and quiet. It will be far safer to see them before they see you.
3]] Take to the treetops. You'll want to move quickly and see far.
4]] Cast an incantation: ____________
5]] ____________________________
>>
No. 659574 ID: 0fc976

3.
>>
No. 659575 ID: 8d9368

>>659571
The rope trick could be useful if we take a treetop route.
>>
No. 659577 ID: ab7529

2 doesn't seem like it will work. It's very hard to surprise or sneak up on anyone competent in their own environment.

3 Might synergize with the rope trick, but Bruco's whole Boar aspect depends on a connection to the ground. We're either putting half the group at a disadvantage, or splitting the party, going that route. Doesn't seem worth it, unless we're not far above him.

If there's a sorceress about, maybe the quickest route is to look for evidence of sorcery?
>>
No. 659614 ID: 2eeb65

5. Knock on a trunk.
>>
No. 659635 ID: f68a09
File 143840897958.png - (259.63KB , 960x560 , 42.png )
659635

Strela swings through the treeline, silent as penumbra. Between vines her rope wrrithes and snaps like a living thing.
Bruco tries his best to keep up.

It takes an hour's travel into and through the jungle to find signs of the Predatus.
A flash of blue cotton and Strela's secreted in a high alcove. She watches three avian figures wind their way through the mists. Two lead a third, struggling against its restraints.

1]] Greet the Predatus from the trees: _______________
2]] Trail them silently.
3]] Drop down in front of them and introduce yourself: _____________
4]] Use Rope Trick to immobilize the bigger one.
5]] Have Bruco introduce himself first and watch from your hiding place.
6]] Cast an incantation: _____________
7]] _____________________
>>
No. 659638 ID: bb78f2

>>659635
2]] I don't know if Predatus would be Avian or anything (Honestly, I was expecting Predators. THE Predators), so we should look out and observe who these people are and what they're doing.

If this is slave trafficking right here, I don't want to throw us right in front of a bunch of slavers.
>>
No. 659651 ID: 0fc976

2. Don't let the cat out of the bag.
>>
No. 659674 ID: 1ce468

2, then maybe 5 if you don't learn anything.
>>
No. 659676 ID: ab7529

We need a better look, here. We're in foreign territory here, and we don't know if we should be on the sides of the captors or the prisoner. Markessa is likely on the side of one or the other.
>>
No. 659710 ID: f68a09
File 143846529038.png - (83.97KB , 960x560 , 43.png )
659710

Strela follows silently and signals Bruco to do the same.

They drag their prisoner to the edge of the jungle and the skirt of their territory.
The big one pushes the tied one to his knees.

His companion unsheathes a falchion from his hip and rests it in his hand.

"The choice is yours," he says. "The Sword or the Heart."
"You're idiots," their prisoner says. "Blind idiots! It wasn't me! When I'm in the ground you'll see that!"
"Sword or heart, Shester?" The one with the sword taps it against his palm.

"Heart," Shester growls. "Throw dung scattershot over my reputation while I'm alive but let no man question how I die."
"Blade's sharp." The big one speaks, in a voice too high and gentle for his size. "Heart hurts. You sure?"
"Do your worst, sorcerer."
"All right." The big one raises his hand.

1]] Let them do their work, then follow them home.
2]] Call to them and ask what the issue is.
3]] Rope Trick the big one.
4]] Rope Trick the one with the sword.
5]] Drop down and free the prisoner.
6]] Cast an incantation: ______________
7]] ___________________
>>
No. 659711 ID: 409b75

1. Don't get tangled up in something you have no idea about. This man might be being executed for false accusations, or he might be not. Making a call now may and most certainly will backfire.
>>
No. 659713 ID: 0fc976

Incantation. Can a spirit divine for you what this man has done?
>>
No. 659714 ID: 80b95c

I get the feeling this one is innocent. Let's get wrapped up in something we don't understand, just for the fun of it. And hey! We might actually do good! Rope the leg out from under sword guy, signal Bruco to jump down and fist the other one in the head, you leap down on top of sword guy. Pin him so he can't get his sword into a useful position.
>>
No. 659715 ID: 80b95c

>>659714
Oh, and the big guy's apparently a sorcerer. Look out for that.
>>
No. 659716 ID: ab7529

Has Markessa mentioned a sorcerer in her correspondence? There can't be too many in one tribe. You might already know if the hooded guy is a friend or foe of hers, which informs your choices.

If we're still ignorant, I favor 2.
>>
No. 659734 ID: bb78f2

>>659710
1]] It seems this fellow is being executed through due process.
Whether he's truly Innocent or not, it isn't our place to make the judgement for another tribe. This prisoner has made peace with his death.
>>
No. 659738 ID: f68a09
File 143847860686.png - (150.22KB , 960x560 , 44.png )
659738

Strela watches.

The prisoner shudders, then shakes, then screams.

His heart rips itself out of his chest.
It trails a brilliant red blazon through the air and lands in the sorcerer's outstretched hand, where it spasms then goes still.

The prisoner's eyes glass over instantly and he falls forward into a growing pool of blood.

The sorcerer kneels, carefully wraps the heart in a bolt of blue cloth, then stands, nodding to the man with the falchion. They move on.

Strela secrets away after them, her mind reeling.
Using sorcery of that caliber on an execution? That's insane! Death magic is one of the most costly, dangerous schools there is. Spirits accept hardly any payment for life but life, the sorcerer's or someone else's. Years shorn off your natural lifespan or sapient sacrifice or signing away a loved one to an early grave.

Could it be a cantrip? Impossible. To defeat a spirit with that kind of power would be unthinkable. Who or what is that hooded behemoth?
She looks back at Bruco. His lips are pursed into a perfect line as he scampers across the high canopy. Likely he's thinking the same thing she is.
>>
No. 659739 ID: f68a09
File 143847866296.png - (290.86KB , 960x560 , 45.png )
659739

"Think it was him?" the sorcerer asks the swordsman, so quiet Strela can hardly hear him.

"No," the swordsman says. "Shester was a hellion but he wasn't capable of such a thing. He was innocent."
"But I have his heart."
"Well he didn't leave the Mark but he certainly murdered Brassock when he accused him," the swordsman says. "That warrants execution as much as anything."
"People will think he did it."
The swordsman puts a hand on the sorcerer's shoulder. "Let them. Better he scrawled it than a Sunken Cultist."
"His name's tarnished now."
"There will be time to polish it once we find out what happened. Quietly. Panic is our enemy."

They leave the forest into a clearing, with a high stone wall on its opposite. Strela hangs back out of sight in the treeline, raising a hand to stop Bruco.
Burrowed into the rock is a cave, propped up by sure-cut wooden struts. The two Predatus disappear inside.

1]] Step out into the clearing and present yourself. They're sure to have eyes around the entrance, and they'll hear you out before things get violent.
2]] Yell into the cave that you're here to speak to Markessa.
3]] Yell into the cave that you're here to help with this Mark thing.
4]] Climb the stone face and find a way inside. There has to be ventilation above.
5]] Sneak inside the main entrance.
6]] Cast an incantation:_________________
7]] _________________________
>>
No. 659741 ID: ab7529

I think 1 is the only real choice. This tribe is already upset about something if they executed, wrongly, one of their own. Any kind of subterfuge or sneaking will lead to being treated as enemies when discovered.
>>
No. 659742 ID: bb78f2

>>659739
7]] How do you normally contact our friend. I suggest trying that, if chaos is happening on the inside, make sure she's alive at least. You could figure out if its a good time to try this option or we can just back out of here and tackle one of our other options.
>>
No. 659823 ID: 2eeb65

>>659742
I second this suggestion. Better safe than sorry.
>>
No. 659863 ID: 0fc976

1. We came here to resupply, not to steal.
>>
No. 659866 ID: f68a09
File 143854366641.png - (13.79KB , 960x560 , 46.png )
659866

Strela drops from the treeline and lands gracefully on her feet. She looks back at Bruco. He gives her the thumbs-up.

Strela rolls her eyes and approaches the cave.

The heart-rending sorcerer emerges from the gloom, his massive arms tight at his sides. He's even bigger than Bruco.

"Why are you here, Leonial?" he asks, his high voice muffled a little by his canvas mask. The memory of his arm spattered with arterial blood murks through Strela's mind. She feels an aching tightness in her chest she dismisses as nerves.

1]] I'm a friend of the Sorceress Markessa, here on a visit.
2]] I'm investigating the Krongish temple. Thought I'd stop in here first.
3]] I overheard your execution. I want to help with whatever the problem is.
4]] I'm freshly married and hunting for a dower. Here to resupply.
5]] Sorry. I'm lost. This forest is scary. Can I come in?
6]] I come as an envoy of Leonial. Let me inside.
7]] My business is my own.
8]] How did you do that? The heart?
9]] ____________________
>>
No. 659867 ID: ab7529

Let's go with honesty, and not pushing our luck.

4, 1
>>
No. 659868 ID: 0fc976

1 & 4.
>>
No. 659872 ID: 8dbbcc

4, 2
>>
No. 659875 ID: 2eeb65

>>659866
>He's even bigger than Bruco
Offer him to elbow drop Bruco and become your new husband
>>
No. 659876 ID: 99cfa8

1, 2. You know, the truth, without getting into our personal lives.
>>
No. 659904 ID: bb78f2

>>659866
4, 1
>>
No. 660014 ID: f68a09
File 143858827698.png - (234.90KB , 960x560 , 47.png )
660014

"I'm freshly married and hunting for a dower," Strela says. "I'm a friend of the sorceress Markessa's. Thought I might drop in to say hello and resupply."

"Where is the husband?" the sorcerer asks.
Strela raises a finger and turns from him. "Come out, Bruco Bandara."

Bruco slides down a treebranch to the forest floor, not so much sticking the landing as rolling with it. He straightens up. "Hello!"

"Hmm." The sorcerer folds his arms. "You'll both come with me."

"Where are we going?" Strela raises her voice over the crash of a distant subterranean waterfall. It spins a wheel hooked up to a rickety network of cages and corkscrews that raise and lower, sometimes with a curious Predatus peering at the visitors between the bars.
"Keep going straight," the sorcerer says, pacing behind them.
"Not much other way we can go, is there?" Bruco says.
"Even so."
"Y'look strong," Bruco says. "How's a bird man do leg day?"
"My hind claw could unseam you top to toe," the sorcerer says.
Bruco scratches his chin. "Not what I was asking, friend, but good to know."
>>
No. 660015 ID: f68a09
File 143858832492.png - (21.16KB , 960x560 , 48.png )
660015

The sorcerer bows slightly to fit under a low span of rock. "Through there." He indicates a doorway. "Down the hall."
Strela likewise has to watch her head as she cautiously opens the door and pads down a cavernous hallway lit by pale blue fire.
She tilts open a door at the end to a small, warm workshop, where a bird woman works, muttering curses to herself as she fiddles with the stopper on a glass bottle.

"Markessa?" Strela asks.
"Who? Me?" She turns around. "Who are you? Trimond, who's this?"
The sorcerer puts a hand on Strela's back. Her heart flutters. "Good question."
"It's Strela. From the letters? You invited me once, so..." Strela shrugs her sinuous shoulders.
"Strela!" Markessa puts her glass bottle down and gives Strela a feathery hug. "Of course! Gosh you look just like how I imagined you!"
"Thanks," Strela says. "I think. You, uh..." She looks Markessa up and down, from her beaming beak to her jagged toes, and unavoidably across her shamelessly bared cleavage. "Don't. Really."

Markessa grins and sashays a hip out. "Thought I'd be a little more bookish? Preoccupied with potions as I am? Gosh Master Trimond can you please not loom."
"Apologies." The big sorcerer (Trimond) steps back and away from Strela.
"It's good to finally meet you face to face, Markessa."
"You too, Strel."
"Strel?" Bruco cranes his neck to look past Trimond's imposing form.
"What brings you to our neck of the woods?" Markessa asks.
"She calls you Strel?"
"And who is that?" Markessa's eyes fix on Bruco. They travel across his barrel chest and she pushes her hip out just a little more.

1]] That would be my husband.
2]] You like him? Take him.
3]] That's Bruco Bandara. My assistant.
4]] We're here to resupply. Got any food or water?
5]] We're here to resupply. Got anything that might help us in the Sunken Temple of Krong?
6]] We're here to stay the night before we move on and find a dower. Do you have some spare rooms?
7]] We heard about your troubles. A mark of some kind? Cultists? The execution of a man named Shester?
8]] Who's Trimond and how does he do that heart vacuum thing?
9]] What's that you're working on, Markie?
10]] _________________
>>
No. 660019 ID: e114bc

>>660015
1,5,9. 7,8.
>>
No. 660022 ID: ad936f

"That's Bruco Bandara. My *audible sigh* husband."
>>
No. 660038 ID: 2eeb65

>>660014
>"My hind claw could unseam you top to toe," the sorcerer says.
Definitely husband material here, Strela. Just sayin'.

>>660015
Do not ask 7 now. See if it's possible to get Trimond to leave us alone with Markessa. We can trust Markessa, but we don't know how Trimond will react if he learns about us eavesdropping on his not-quite-just execution.

Likewise with 8, it's not polite to ask about people indirectly. Either just ask him directly, or wait until he leaves.

For now, 1, 2, 9, then 5.
>>
No. 660057 ID: 88960e

2 (Joking, smile)

1 (neither of us had much choice in the matter).

5, 9, 10: Who's Trimond? I don't recall you mentioning a sorcerer.
>>
No. 660059 ID: 2a7417

2, 1, 5, 9. I'm curious about 8 as well.
>>
No. 660071 ID: 9bd7c7

1, but don't skimp on the details, give her the full story. Then inquire politely about 5 and 6. And 9. Maybe you two sorcerers could offer some small assistance to help pay for your visit.
>>
No. 660110 ID: f68a09
File 143863115493.png - (16.02KB , 960x560 , 49.png )
660110

"That's Bruco Bandara," Strela says. "My--" she sighs. "Husband."
"Ohhhh." Markessa's crest feathers droop a little.
"If you want him you can take him," Strela says.
"Nice, Strela," Bruco says.
"Hi, Bruco!" Markessa waves. "How's married life?"
"Hello." Bruco smiles warmly. "It's interesting."
"What are you working on, Markie?" Strela examines the table. There's a thick copper cable wound around Markessa's flask stand.
"I'm making a safe alternative to torches for the tunnelers," Markessa says. "These natural gas pockets here and there can sometimes-- oh, shit--"
A translucent streamer shoots from the flask in Markessa's hand. She snags it before it can escape. "Glow ghast." She wiggles it back into the jar, which Strela notes is filled with grey mist. "They have this tendency to phase through solid material unless you shock them so I'm working on a replicable incantation to get them to stay inside."
"Like a cantrip?"
She shakes her head. "Replicable incantation. An extended, mutually beneficial contract with a spirit."
"That sounds tough."
"Tough it is." Markessa sticks the flask back on its stand. A current travels through the cable and makes the ghast twitch and dance in the mist. "So how about you? What's the project?"
"Dower," Strela says. "Thought I'd look in the sunken temple of Krong."
"Ooooh. The temple." Markessa exchanges a glance with Trimond.
"That's right. Do you have any supplies I can use? I'd pay."
"Uh well." Markessa clears her throat. "I guess we have provisions and enchantments we can lend you but uhhh I might look elsewhere, Strel."
"Why's that?"
"The temple's not exactly safe right now."
"It's never safe. That's the point."
"Well it's especially unsafe," Markessa says.
"You're not going," Trimond says.

1]] Actually, I am.
2]] What is it? Those Sunken Cultists you were talking about in the forest, Trimond?
3]] I gather there's some kind of problem. I can help solve it.
4]] Trimond, can you excuse us?
5]] What if we organize a sortie? With you and Trimond with us I'm sure we could figure it out.
6]] If you say so.
7]] Fine. Provisions for the road, then? Not the temple? At all?
8]] _____________________
>>
No. 660114 ID: 2a7417

7, 4, 3 with Markessa. So, what depths have these cultists sunken to?
>>
No. 660118 ID: bb78f2

Okay, forget my last post(s), this one is the most grammatically correct and simple.
4]] Trimond, what were you told about looming? Did your mother never tell you that eavesdropping is rude?
>>
No. 660127 ID: ab7529

It sounds like there's more a clan reason for wanting you to avoid the place than a danger one. You're stepping on their toes, or in their problem.

7,4,3 seems reasonable. Maybe we'll back down, maybe we won't, but err on the side of caution inside another clan's home, and with a sorcerer capable of doing something he shouldn't be able to.

>Replicable incantation. An extended, mutually beneficial contract with a spirit.
Whups. Guess we missed our chance to shoot for that, what with screwing over Subordination. (Not that I can think of a way we could have made that long term and mutually beneficial).
>>
No. 660136 ID: 2eeb65

4. Trimond needs to leave and let grownups do the talking.
>>
No. 660215 ID: 91014f

3!
>>
No. 660405 ID: f68a09
File 143876265349.png - (21.43KB , 960x560 , 50.png )
660405

"Trimond." Strela turns to the sorcerer. "Can we actually have a moment, please?"
"Go on, Tri," Markessa says.
"They're not." Trimond leaves, his claws clicking against the floor.

"I gather there's some kind of problem," Strela says, when the clicks recede. "I can help."
"Listen, Strel," Markessa says. "I'm going to pretend we just had an argument here where I tried and failed to talk you out of going because I know I'm not going to be able to." She rummages through her desk. "So."

Strela is pleasantly surprised. "So?"

"So do you want the long version or the short version?"
"Short first."
"So the temple is infested with cultists," Markessa says. "And they've infiltrated the Jungle. Whether by subterfuge, incantation, or the conversion of some weak-minded tribesman. We keep finding these marks they leave. Glyphs. Wherever they're placed disease catches, food spoils, pets bite their owners..." She pulls a pair of small twigs out of her desk and holds them up. And they use these."
"What are these?"
"Springmatches," Markessa says. "Light it and inhale it and for about an hour you jump like you've got explosives in your shoes. We've spotted them thirty feet in the air with these things. Got this pair off a dead one."
"You're giving them to us?" Bruco says.
"It's probably how they navigate in the temple ruins," Markessa says. "If you're going in you shouldn't go unprepared."

1]] Damn, Markessa. Thank you.
2]] We'll be off right away. See if you can distract Trimond.
3]] Is there anything I can do to repay this?
4]] I think we'll set off in the morning, if you'll have us as guests for the night.
5]] So now that we're finally face to face do you want to hang out? And do sorceress stuff?
6]] So now that we're finally face to face you want to have a bout? Friendly, of course.
7]] Mind giving us a tour of the Predatus cave? It looked interesting.
8]] Do you have a fighting pit here? My husband and I have a duel to pick back up.
9]] There was this Predatus in the jungle with Trimond. He had a falchion and he seemed important. Who was he / Can I talk to him?
9]] _____________________
>>
No. 660414 ID: e114bc

>>660405
1,5,7.
9, ask about the heart thing because you know you wanna ask about the heart thing.
>>
No. 660437 ID: bb78f2

>>660405
1, 3, 9
So why the hell is Trimond giving us orders when he has no jurisdiction over other tribes? He can't actually believe he can control THE Strela, right? I love the idea of punching cultists, why would he stop me, is he a cultist too?
>>
No. 660438 ID: 88960e

1,3

9: Ask why T was so set on keeping you out of it. It's not like any of the tribes are fond of cultists.
>>
No. 660441 ID: 91014f

1, 3, 5, 9: why was trimond so hell-bent on keeping us out?
>>
No. 660446 ID: 2a7417

1, 3, 7, 4. Challenge Bruco to a jumprope contest later.
>>
No. 660465 ID: 2eeb65

1, 3, 6

Bonus points for saying 3 as seductively as possible
>>
No. 660586 ID: f68a09
File 143884000684.png - (22.91KB , 960x560 , 51.png )
660586

"Damn, Markessa," Strela says. "Thank you."
"Thank me when you're out on the other side with all your skin still on," Markessa says.
"Don't worry about that." Strela pockets the springmatches. "We're prepared. Is there anything I can do to repay you?"
Markessa shakes her head firmly. "No need."
"Do you need any help in your research? We have time to kill." Strela runs her finger across the dusty spine of a book on Markessa's desk. "We're finally face to face. Let's do sorcery stuff."
"Yes!" Bruco says. "Sorcery stuff!"

Bruco tilts his head back and bangs it lightly on Markessa's desk. He does it again. "This wasn't the kind of sorcery stuff I had in mind."

"That's because you don't know how to read." Strela turns to the next page of the sorcerer Arlesto's chronicle of incantations. "Could you have luck with this one?" She shows Markessa, who's unfolded a vellum scroll detailing the history of Lightning Sorcerers among the Acherontis Tribe. "Galvanism."

Markessa glances across the logs. "Too fond of trick-demands," she says. "Extra flashy ones they know you'll haggle over so they get leverage over the others. I'll keep that one in mind."

"I know how to read," Bruco says.
"So read." Strela slides a peerage across the desk to him.
Bruco slides it back. "I don't try and make science out of an art, thank you."
"Listen to yourself."
"Spirits ain't things you can study. They're quicksilver. You gotta feel it out."
"So you suggest we don't try? Just summon a lightning ifrit into Markessa's workshop?"
Bruco shrugs. "When you feel it you feel it. Ain't as hard as it seems."

"Admirable aestheticism." Markessa smiles a pretty smile at him.
"Thanks."

Strela rolls her eyes. "Boneheaded barbarism."
"The Bandara tribe had some of the very first sorcerers ever," Markessa says. "We can't dismiss what he's suggesting out of hand. Actually I'm happy to get a hold of someone taught in the Bandara tradition. You people hardly ever write anything down."
"Don't get too excited," Bruco says. "I was taught in my sister's tradition more than anything else. Lot of hitting me on the head with a treebranch."

"How did Trimond do it?" Strela flicks through the pages at a blur, watching winks and snatches of runes pass her eyes. "That heart thing he does."
"Oh, that." Markessa sits up. "It's actually what gave me the idea for my experiment. Trimond pays nothing for his heart trick. It's like a voluntary cantrip."
"Why not just replicate it?"
"Not likely," Markessa says. "He's never told anyone how to do it. But the legend has it that the spirit which does it has fallen in love with him."

1]] So we just make a spirit fall in love with you. How hard could that be?
2]] That's a hell of a legend.
3]] That is laughably impossible.
4]] This has been an elucidatory few hours but I think my husband is going to give himself a concussion on that desk. We ought to adjourn for now.
5]] So how about showing me around?
6]] Do you have a room for us?
7]] Do you have two rooms for us?
8]] Do you mind if I sleep over here? Bruco can find his own bed somewhere.
9]] It's getting late. We should start our way to the sunken temple. We'll reach it just before daybreak if we hurry.
10]] _________________
>>
No. 660588 ID: 0fc976

1, kind of 4/5: Maybe we really could smooth-talk a spirit into helping. For the sake of your desk, let's try some things the Bandara way. What's the safest/most expendable area of the caves to test in?
By the by, does Markessa have any cantrip(s) of her own? She doesn't need to say what they are.
>>
No. 660589 ID: e114bc

>>660586
2. 1(joking).

5, why not. Also 6.
>>
No. 660596 ID: ab7529

>voluntary cantrip
>in love with him
That... sort of makes sense. If there's no possible way he could afford to be paying for that, or have trapped the spirit doing it, the spirit must have to want to do it, for some reason of it's own. Could be love, but it could be other things as well.

2, and how so we experiment with that?

Stay the night. 6. (Or everyone crashes in one room).

10: Threesome
>>
No. 660634 ID: 1cebc8

2, 5, 7, 8,

10) Politely ask for her company because you know that A) She's cute, B) you'd rather sleep with her than with Bruco, and C) you're interested in how Predatus treat m@+!N6 7!+...
>>
No. 660650 ID: bb78f2

>>660586
10]] I wonder how their sex life is? Hopefully not too boring if that spirit is pulling hearts out at demand for him.
>>
No. 660666 ID: 80dc80

2, 4, 6.
>>
No. 660786 ID: f68a09
File 143892351201.png - (22.66KB , 960x560 , 52.png )
660786

Strela smirks. "That's one hell of a legend."
"Isn't it?" Markessa sighs. "Very romantic. If true. Which it isn't. But can you imagine."
"So we just find a spirit and make it fall in love with you," Strela says. "Easy enough."
"If you're gonna find me anyone, Strel baby, make him corporeal first and foremost," Markessa says.
"If we see any tomorrow that aren't trying to knit things out of our skin I will point them your way." Strela shuts her book and replaces it on Markessa's desk. "Well this has been an eludicatory few hours but I think Bruco and I had better find a room before he breaks your desk or his skull. You have one for us?"
"I do indeed." Markessa tilts the door out of her workshop open and effects a rustling bow-gesture toward it. "The Bridal Suite for you and the Boo."
Strela sticks her tongue out as she passes the avian sorceress. "Gag me with a spoon, Markie."
Bruco gives Markessa the thumbs up as he follows Strela out. "Night, Markessa."
"Night, Bruco Bandara! Sleep tight!"


"That," Bruco says, "is a small bed."
Strela folds her arms. "It is very small."
"Smaller than I expected."
"Mmm."
"For a bridal suite."
"I think that was a turn of phrase, Bruco."
"True." Bruco takes a step into the darkened bedroom. "So I'm on the floor, then?"

1]] You read my mind.
2]] Thank you.
3]] And give you something else to be a martyr about? I'm taking the floor.
4]] Just give me the sleeping bag. I'll use that.
5]] We can both fit. If we're gonna be married we might as well get used to it.
6]] Was I really that bad a bedmate last night? I'm not the one who snored.
7]] I don't mind. I found last night strangely comfortable, actually.
8]] __________________
>>
No. 660790 ID: d90668

5. This trip is supposed to be about giving this marriage thing a test run. Besides sharing a bed to avoid sleeping on the floor does not mean we have to start banging like rabbits.
>>
No. 660791 ID: ab7529

>I've got the floor
Joking: Don't be silly. Why, we've got extra-dimensional space for extra room, or if you find that stifling, I could always suspend you mid-air. (Crack rope trick).

...actually I'm kind of tempted to combine the rope trick and the sleeping bag to make a kick-ass hammock. Kitty makes her own bed.

Hang it next to the real bed. Slumber party, and you have a chance to talk before that whole vow of silence thing later.
>>
No. 660796 ID: 1cebc8

8) "Screw it, I'm going to snuggle Markessa in her sleep. Take the bed, you drooling howler."

Bruco will probably ask why you're so hostile when you're relaxed. Respond as follows:

"So let me get this straight: the only way I can get you to go to sleep, ever, is if I kick your face until your neck snaps? Because this one time, I woke up and discovered that the 'Super Mega Overlord Who Waits In The Awesomeness Dungeon of Darkness' that I dreamed of obliterating was in fact Floopsy my stuffed bat. I CRIED my heart out, but dad couldn't fix her because I grinded half of the calami into sharp sandy pieces."

Wait for a few seconds,

"Just saying."
>>
No. 660801 ID: cec8f6

In actuality, studies show that couples who sleep in separate beds (as in, actual sleeping) tend to have stronger relationships in the long run. The tradition of sleeping in one bed is only a legacy of times when a family could only afford one bed.

Anyway, say 7, but since he seems so uncomfortable, 4.
>>
No. 660802 ID: 41f864

>>660790
I second this.
>>
No. 660807 ID: e114bc

>>660786
6.
>>
No. 660809 ID: 99cfa8

>>660791
Kick-ass hammock seconded.
>>
No. 660813 ID: bb78f2

>>660791
Hammock time.
>>
No. 660814 ID: ad936f

>>660791
hammock is love, hammock is life.
>>
No. 660815 ID: f68a09
File 143893507494.png - (22.33KB , 960x560 , 53.png )
660815

"We can both fit, Bruco," Strela says. "If we're going to be married we might as well get used to it."
"You serious?" Bruco squints. "That's not rhetorical. I seriously don't have any idea."
"Was I really that bad a bedmate?" Strela asks.
"Well, no, but--"
"Because I wasn't the one snoring."
He laughs uncertainly. "Didn't know I snored."
"I found last night strangely comfortable." Strela sits on the bed. "I wouldn't be averse to sharing again."

"Huh." Bruco lies down next to her. "Well. Okay."
"Okay." Strela stretches her legs down the bed (her feet hang off the edge) and lets her head hit the cushion. It's nicely overstuffed.

She settles and her arm brushes Bruco's. They both instinctively pull away. It really is a smaller bed. His body is like a heater. All that muscle must give him a hell of a metabolism.

She feels his arm touch hers again. "Sorry," he mutters, and turns over on his side so she has more room to lie flat.
"'Sokay," she says. She closes her eyes.

She can't sleep. Maybe it's how hot it is in here. Fucking Bruco and his body heat. Should she take her clothes off? Obviously that's off the table. She shifts a little but there's really not a lot of space for her to move.

"I don't get you," Bruco says.
Strela opens her eyes again. "What?"
"I don't get you," Bruco repeats. "I don't understand you."
"Oh." Strela blinks.
"Sometimes you're a resourceful, powerful sorceress and I think y'know I wouldn't mind it," he says. "Getting to know you more. Might be nice, being with another child of the craft. And then sometimes you treat me like dirt. I don't get you."
"I told you I don't dislike you."
"That don't mean you like me."

1]] Well I don't. How could I?
2]] I like you fine, Bruco
3]] I'm sorry. I'm not in my element with this stuff.
4]] I don't even know you. I mean I guess I haven't particularly tried to, but still.
5]] I don't really get me either right now, Bruco.
6]] Well we come from two rival clans, we're forcibly betrothed, you elbow-slammed my fiancee... The odds weren't really in your favor.
7]] You have to prove yourself to me first.
8]] What would the fun be if you could just get me?
9]] __________________
>>
No. 660817 ID: cec8f6

6, 4, 3.

Also 9: "Most of when I've been mean to you was when I was still pissed off at my dad, and at the whole... situation. I guess that wasn't fair to you, so sorry about that."
>>
No. 660832 ID: e114bc

>>660815
I'm thinking a bit of 7. Plenty of time for him to get shit done when we're raiding the temple.
>>
No. 660833 ID: 99cfa8

>>660832
Well, yes, 7 is true, but we're not going to just tell him that. All he gets to hear is 1 and 4.
>>
No. 660837 ID: 1cebc8

1, 6, 7.
>>
No. 660838 ID: bb78f2

>>660815
4, 6, 8
9]] So did your father never joke to you to never get married after he gets weirded out by your Mom or what? Granted, hey, you didn't have a choice to get married, but still, we've heard other dad's joke to their sons. It's the joke that counts, not the actuality of the situation.
>>
No. 660839 ID: ad7bba

9. True.
>>
No. 660841 ID: 8a8a9c

3 4 5
>>
No. 660850 ID: f68a09
File 143897372640.png - (12.65KB , 960x560 , 54.png )
660850

"I don't even know you," Strela says. Bruco is still. "I mean I guess I haven't tried to."
"You haven't."
"But still." Strela is strangely unnerved. "We come from two rival clans, we're forcibly betrothed, you elbow-slammed my fiancee... The odds weren't really in your favor."
"True." Bruco turns more from her. "Thanks for clearing that up."
"We'll see," Strela says. "You have to prove yourself to me."

"Prove myself?" Bruco looks back at her. His normally sleepy eyes have a shocking coldness in them. "To you? You think that's what I'm trying to do? Few days I won't even have to talk to you."
Strela tries to come up with a rejoinder.
Bruco looks away and hunkers down on his half. "Good night, Strela."

Strela still can't sleep.
>>
No. 660851 ID: f68a09
File 143897374169.png - (185.27KB , 960x560 , 55.png )
660851

Strela wakes up alone. Markessa tells her Bruco's waiting at the cave entrance. They embrace and Strela promises to visit again soon.

She catches up to Bruco and they set off for the Sunken Temple.
He doesn't try to talk to her this time.
Well good, she decides. Peace and quiet for a change.

The sun has reached its peak and begun the slide down the other side by the time the temple comes into view.
A squat monolith rendered decrepit and ugly by time. It sticks out from the ground at a pronounced angle, sinking as it is into the swamp its builders must have thought they'd finally conquered.

A long time ago, she's read, the titanic spouts along its staircase fired massive arcs of water through the air at all hours of the day. The temple shone like a diamond, encased always in refracted rainbow.
Now the pipes stick out the vertebrae of an exposed spine, and dribble rivulets of dirty marshwater down the steps.
The only evidence of the place's former majesty is the steady waterfall coming down from the far end, out of a stone face's protruding jaw.

1]] Approach. Who cares about cultists? The two of you can take them.
2]] Swim through the marsh to remain unseen.
3]] Use the springmatches. Enter the temple from above.
4]] Creep up the stairs, hiding from sentries amid the pipes.
5]] Climb up the far side to the statue's mouth, cloaked perhaps by the waterfall.
6]] Cast an incantation: __________________
7]] ___________________________
>>
No. 660852 ID: bb78f2

>>660851
5]] sounds fun and is probably the scenic route
>>
No. 660860 ID: 67d07f

3. Traps are likely from every approach, probably best to use the cultist's route.
>>
No. 660886 ID: 1cebc8

4) Get ready for a fight, but get into position first.
>>
No. 660889 ID: 8a8a9c

>>660852
>>
No. 660890 ID: 5cadfc

3.
And apologize to Bruco, darn it! You don't need to drag baggage into a fight.
>>
No. 660994 ID: b6588d

5
>>
No. 660995 ID: 0e1575

>>660852

Fun is good. 5
>>
No. 661003 ID: f68a09
File 143902254602.png - (113.95KB , 560x960 , 56.png )
661003

They take the waterfall.

Strela is getting WET. Strela does not LIKE water.

Bruco is a lot better at aerobic climbing, it turns out. Strela considers using her rope trick to beat him up the rocks. Flashy? True. Unnecessary? For a given definition of the word, maybe.
She looks to the panorama behind her, blocked as it is by rushing water. Not much else to see other than Bruco's fat ass, though.
She glances up at it.
Well not so fat. But not small. About as big as her butt. Though if it's anything like his thighs it's all muscle. Strela's are more stemmy.
Wait, is his butt big or is her butt small? What if it's her butt? That's too small?
How does her butt compare to Bandara womens'? Not even a question. Their asses are huge. Bruco probably likes them like that. They'd make his look smaller.
What's wrong with hers? Bastard. Half of the tribe Leonial men have dreamed of this butt. He should be so fortunate as to be allowed to touch it!
Not that he ever will.
It's plenty big for a Leonial butt. She decides he's the problem.

"What's the plan when we get to the top?" The owner of the derriere speaks. Strela snaps out of it. "Just killing cultists from the word go?" His voice is a little heavy with the climb. The physical activity has jostled some levity back into him. "Not that I don't like that plan. Nothing wrong with that plan."

1]] Sounds like a plan.
2]] No no no. We sneak.
3]] We make for the top of the temple. Stands to reason they'd put what they value where only they can reach. Good place to find a dower.
4]] We oughta just go room by room and clear the whole cult out. No survivors.
5]] We find a place with good high ground and a good position, set up there, and let the cult dash itself against us trying to stop us.
6]] We should infiltrate the temple proper and find out more about those marks they've been leaving. If we can find some cultist sorcerer who's been making them, stopping him would be of value to the Predatus.
7]] We find a cultist and start breaking his bones until he leads us to what we want to find.
8]] We split up and cover more ground that way. Take a springmatch and meet me back at the waterfall mouth.
9]] Use that rope charm and cut ahead of him so you don't have to look up his ass anymore.
10]] Cast an incantation:_____________________
11]] ___________________________
>>
No. 661005 ID: e114bc

>>661003
10, can we coax a spirit into scouting for us? In return, if it sees anything it wants in there we can get it for them. Well, assuming it's not dowry material.

In general I'm thinking 5.
>>
No. 661015 ID: d90668

As fun as killing cultists sounds we had better play this smart. Stay stealthy until we get the lay of the land and see what they are up to.

So a bit of 2,3 and 6.
>>
No. 661028 ID: 1cebc8

2, 6, 11) We look for slaves. If they get tortured, we fight the cultists and torture / mutilate them until they're broken heaps of screaming madness (muffled, of course). That should decrease enemy morale and score us some dowries by freeing the slaves to their families.
>>
No. 661035 ID: b7a3d6

2, 3, 10: get a spirit to scout for us. we're sorcerers, damn it!
>>
No. 661036 ID: b7a3d6

2, 3, 10: get a spirit to scout for us. we're sorcerers, damn it!
>>
No. 661042 ID: bb78f2

>>661003
6
>>
No. 661044 ID: 71c504

Bruco and Strela are here to kill everyone in this apartment.
>>
No. 661086 ID: f83dc4

>>661003
Touch the butt.
>>
No. 661113 ID: cd7305
661113

Touch the butt!
>>
No. 661114 ID: bb78f2

Touch the butt!
>>
No. 661115 ID: 1d7ef6

touch the butt
>>
No. 661117 ID: 1d7ef6

Also 3, 5. Get on top of the temple and have an epic battle.
>>
No. 661248 ID: f68a09
File 143910777147.png - (13.26KB , 960x560 , 57.png )
661248

"No no no," Strela says. "We sneak. Then there's two targets. Top of the temple where they keep their valuables and its guts where we find out what's causing the mark and stop it."
"How'd you know they keep their valuables at the top?"
"The springmatches. Stands to reason."
"Mmm. Could be." Bruco swings himself higher. "Can't hurt to have a gameplan case we need to start fighting."
"You have one in mind?"
"Well Boar aspect is good for groups and awareness and I reckon you proved Viper does one-on-one better when you choked me out. So I keep 'em off you, you focus on whatever target you think has to die fast. Sound good? Set the flow and I'll make sure they don't knock you off it. We-- what the fuck?"

"My hand slipped," Strela says.
>>
No. 661249 ID: f68a09
File 143910778918.png - (105.16KB , 960x560 , 58.png )
661249

"Spirits in the fuckin' sky, Strela." Bruco hoists himself up the lip of the statue and bends down to help Strela up.
"We can't all have big monkey arms." Strela grabs his arm. "It was a slippery climb so I slipped. My hand slipped."
"Your hand just about slipped up my asshole, Leonial." He pulls her up to the stone mouth.
"That's disgusting, Bruco."
"I ever happen to mention to you something along the lines of not getting you?" He rolls up his pants a little and kneels down in the onrushing water.
>>
No. 661250 ID: f68a09
File 143910781518.png - (29.41KB , 960x560 , 59.png )
661250

"What are you doing?" Strela says.
"Little prayer for guidance." Bruco unslings his focus from his waist. "Gonna find us a spirit who can give us the skinny on the place."
"I was about to do that."
"Reckon it's my turn."

He holds up his focus. He clears his throat.

He gasps. His jaw works furiously, clenching and unclenching. A rictus leer spreads across his face.
Strela wonders if this is what she looks like when she incants. She's never seen anyone else do it.

Suddenly, and far too quickly, it seems to Strela, Bruco relaxes, then stands up.
"Hooah." He cracks his neck. "Got it."
"What price?"
"Wouldn't you like to know." Bruco points into the mouth of the statue. "Drain pipe leading up to a pump room. From there the roof. Way to something worthy, spirit says. Very shiny and gold. Just inside there's a ladder hatch leading way down. Down to a secret nobody but the cult-king knows. The powerful kinda secret. And the man who left that Mark for Markessa..." Bruco tilts his head. He nods. "Down those steps." He points at a set of stone steps leading down off the mouth across the outside of the statue's face.

1]] Then we go up. Shiny, worthy and gold sounds like just what we need.
2]] Powerful secret? Whatever it is I want it. Down the hatch.
3]] We have to kill that cult sorcerer. Take the steps.
4]] I would like to know, Bruco, and you're going to tell me.
5]] My hand seriously did just slip, so you know.
6]] _________________
>>
No. 661251 ID: e114bc

>>661250
I wanna do all the things. Right now though I think we gonna kill that cultist.
3. If we can kill him nice and quick and quiet we can go for the treasure and secret afterwards.

...or maybe we should go for the goods first? I'm not sure which is more likely to sound the alarm.
>>
No. 661253 ID: 1cebc8

4, 6, 3.

6) Ask Bruco if he thinks the spirit is stupid or crafty. It might be goading you into taking the most suicidal option.
>>
No. 661298 ID: 025022

first 1 than 2 than 3, and also 4
>>
No. 661307 ID: a19cd5

>>661249
6: compliment him on those firm buns
>>
No. 661318 ID: ddcf3c

powerful secret i want it i want it.
though, if they find us there we probably won't be able to assassinate the mark guy, it'll be hack and slash kick in the door dungeon crawl and that's only fun for the first few floors. also we don't really have a healer so that'll be tough.

hmm.. maybe assassinate first secret after? more likely to find him unguarded, but we'll less likely to get a dowry.
>>
No. 661334 ID: 585621

>>661250
Not exactly talking about the current situation, but if you two want to actually survive here (and make this marriage work), you two need to learn to be less mean to each other.

Maybe even get to actually know each other when you have free time.
>>
No. 661356 ID: f68a09
File 143915260732.png - (69.88KB , 960x560 , 60.png )
661356

They creep down the stairs, the spray from the waterfall light on their backs.

The steps wind their way across the black walls of the temple, down to a platform jutting from an ornate door. Bruco puts his hand out to slow Strela as they approach.
Standing on the platform, in shabby, dark clothing whose loose fibers dance in the breeze, are 3 men. One is only a few feet from Bruco and Strela. The other two stand at the edge of the platform, overlooking a precipitous drop.

"Missed it," one says.
"For fuck's sake." The one with a bow reaches to a quiver at his back and nocks another arrow. "Come on, you little bastard."

The one nearest them, sword slung at his back, laughs at his friends. "2 more shots and then you're cleaning the shitter tonight."

1]] ____________________
>>
No. 661357 ID: ab7529

>>661356
Snake out rope trick as a tripline, and shove them from behind. Right over the edge they go.
>>
No. 661360 ID: 3663d3

>>661357
sounds good, but needs backup plans. like, you should only be trying to ripe the far 2, the close 1 is too far from the edge.

bruco rushes whoever fails to go over if that happens. you take out the near guy with a powerful strike.
>>
No. 661366 ID: e114bc

>>661356
Take one of them for questioning, make sure you kill who you're looking to kill. For all we know the assassination target is one of these three. Unless Bruco got a description?
>>
No. 661374 ID: f68a09
File 143915921927.png - (21.94KB , 960x560 , 61.png )
661374

Strela snakes her rope charm out to the cultists' feet. It'll only hold slack for five seconds while she has control of it.
She looks to Bruco. He nods in comprehension. He points at the one without the bow.
"Go," she whispers.

They fly from hiding and slam hard into the cultists.

Both fall bodily off the temple, their screams echoing up past the platform.

Oh, right, the screams. Strela really hopes not too many people heard that.

"Interlopers!"
The one with the sword bares it and steps toward them.
"He the one?" Strela asks.
"Naw." Bruco shakes his head.

1]] Looks like it's two against one, then.
2]] I'll take him. Get inside and make sure nobody who heard that can do anything about it.
3]] You take him. I have to clean up from that scream.
4]] We should take him alive, Bruco. For questioning.
5]] Use a technique: _________________
6]] Cast an incantation: _____________
7]] __________________
>>
No. 661375 ID: 1730fb

2. Must have slipped our mind.
>>
No. 661382 ID: 3663d3

1, want your back cleared before moving forward.
>>
No. 661387 ID: e114bc

2. We know there's one out here, which means Viper. Could be more than one in there which means Bruco would be better.
>>
No. 661389 ID: 1cebc8

3) Move behind the cultist and down the stairs

7) But then double back and take him from behind.
>>
No. 661390 ID: f68a09
File 143916828202.png - (16.73KB , 960x560 , 62.png )
661390

"Get inside," Strela says. "Make sure anyone who heard that can do something about it. I got this one."

Bruco ducks a swing from the blade and slides through the door. The swordsman starts to turn to pursue him.

"Hey." Strela sways into a Viper stance. "I'm the problem."
"You're mine, Leonial," the cultist says.

Strela's power needs to recharge before she can use a technique.

1]] Lots of men trying to tell me whose I am lately.
2]] Come try and take me then, bitch.
3]] Stay defensive. Circle to try and get him on the ledge instead of you, and wait for an opening
4]] That sword's going to nullify your legs' reach advantage until you get it away from him. Focus your kicks on his arms.
5]] He's overestimating how scary he is. Run him down and get inside the arc of his swing.
6]] Don't let his weapon control the pace. Go low and sweep his feet out.
7]] You don't have time for this. Go all-out and just kill this fool.
8]] _________________
>>
No. 661391 ID: 1c2a1b

1, 4, kick him some more.
>>
No. 661392 ID: 1cebc8

1, 4,

8) And your LIFE is MINE

Begin torture sequence. Rip open his skin and then ask him about how many slaves his cult has taken. If he screams, knock him out and let the open air do your job.
>>
No. 661394 ID: bb78f2

>>661390
4
>>
No. 661395 ID: ab7529

>Oh, right, the screams
I figured there would be screaming, but decided not to care. This is cult-land, after all.

123
>>
No. 661415 ID: fbc59e

1,2, 6
piss this guy off so he comes for you, and then floor him!
>>
No. 661445 ID: f68a09
File 143919167931.png - (19.99KB , 960x560 , 63.png )
661445

"Lots of men telling me whose I am lately," Strela says. "Come and get me, then, bitch."
She snaps a kick toward the cultist's shoulder, trying to get the sword out of his hand, but he's too fast with his swipe and it's only by a quick rechambering her leg isn't slashed.

She circles briefly, eyes narrowed, then launches a heel at his forearm. Again the sword comes up; just in time she turns her leg to dissipate the swing against her shinguard. The reverberations go through her calf, jarring at her ankle.
The cultist pushes forward, getting inside the effective range of her legs and forcing her to take a step back toward the ledge. This isn't working.

She can feel the next technique welling up inside her. Should only be a few seconds.

1]] Don't let yourself be afraid of getting inside that sword's arc. Bait out a foolish cut, dodge it, and take advantage of the opening.
2]] Either vault up and over his head or dive and slide under him to switch sides with him entirely, putting him on the ledge. Risky but unpredictable and a momentum-changer.
3]] Catch the blade between your shins and twist it from his hand. You might take a cut across the leg from it but he sure won't see it coming.
4]] Just fall back, get defensive, and bide your time until your technique turns back on. Lull him into a false sense of superiority.
5]] ___________________________
>>
No. 661446 ID: e114bc

>>661445
1.
>>
No. 661449 ID: 1cebc8

5) Use the momentum from your kick to perform a spinning falling headbutt. Time your attack in rhythm with his counterattacks.
>>
No. 661459 ID: 3663d3

>>661445
4
>>
No. 661464 ID: 68f221

4. we dont have a healer yet, if we take a bleeding gash it'll slow us down. our entire Thing is fast attacks and sharp corners and things like that, we're a viper, we cant afford to be bogged down by an injury THIS early on.
>>
No. 661466 ID: 2a7417

4. Low risk-low recharge.
>>
No. 661471 ID: e1c429

4 and try to get away from the edge
>>
No. 661503 ID: f68a09
File 143924156750.png - (19.90KB , 960x560 , 64.png )
661503

Strela blinks the tension from her face. Her eyes dart to the swordsman's bicep. There: twitch, tightness, the preparation. She sees the trace of iron a split second before it flashes.

She lets the instinct coded down to her bone take over and twists out of the way.
And again.
Her heel digs into the ground and feels a sliver of open air at the very ledge of the platform, then she springs off to gracefully sidestep a thrust from the increasingly frustrated swordsman. Seems he's never had to deal with anyone who could go past his offense rather than through it.

She feels it. She's ready.

1]] Grab his arm and wrench him past you. Get back into a good position.
2]] Now. He's open. No need to reposition: strike!
3]] Time to get that sword out of his hands. A solid blow to the flat of the blade or the meat of his inner arms ought to do it.
4]] Use a technique: _________________
5]] _____________________
>>
No. 661504 ID: 2a7417

Jump over him as mentioned earlier and give him the ol' RISING TWIST.
>>
No. 661508 ID: e114bc

>>661503
1. If you're really good you can straight up throw him over the edge. RISING TWIST would definitely work to do that.
>>
No. 661512 ID: f68a09
File 143924482984.png - (16.11KB , 960x560 , 65.png )
661512

His frame lurches forward.
NOW!

Strela plants a hand on his shoulder and a foot on his chest, then kicks off of him and arcs a splitting handstand above his head.
"You fucked up!"
>>
No. 661513 ID: f68a09
File 143924486489.png - (107.32KB , 960x560 , 66.png )
661513

It's screaming to be free, surging up through her throat and her limbs.
She lets it go.
"RISING TWIST!!!"
She corkscrews into the air. Her foot smashes into his chest and lifts him bodily off his feet. His eyes go glassy as he flies off the platform. The sword clatters to the ground. A few seconds later, its owner follows suit, his body pulverizing against the jungle floor.

YEAH!

1]] Quick! Go help Bruco!
2]] Pick up that sword.
3]] Move inside quietly. No need to draw further attention.
4]] Cast an incantation: _________________
5]] _____________________
>>
No. 661516 ID: 3663d3

can you even use a sword for an advantage?

follow bruco in, he's a defender,you are the killer.
>>
No. 661518 ID: e114bc

>>661513
2,3. Wait can you even use swords?
>>
No. 661519 ID: ab7529

>Pick up sword
Are you even trained to or practiced with fighting with a sword? A weapon is good and all, but only if it's one you know how to use.

3, if Bruco appears to be in trouble, shift to 1.
>>
No. 661524 ID: 1a116a

1 and 2. Better to have it and not need it...
>>
No. 661532 ID: 1cebc8

2, 3. You can throw the sword or give it to one of the slaves.
>>
No. 661545 ID: 4cee34

1, 2. what fkin slaves tho?
>>
No. 661547 ID: 2f4b71

>>661513
>3]] Move inside quietly. No need to draw further attention.
With enough of a breather to queue up another technique.
>>
No. 661559 ID: f68a09
File 143925266198.png - (99.32KB , 960x560 , 67.png )
661559

Strela picks up the sword (she can use it fine, although she hasn't been trained too much) and pads into the temple, keeping low and quiet.
She hears the sound of fighting up ahead. Someone screams and she picks up the pace.

She jogs through scummmy, brackish puddles on the floor, past runny frescoes dripping with old piped water. Leering cuttlefish faces with mouthfuls of tentacles glare at her from the walls with jeweled eyes.

She rounds a corner and nearly runs into a cultist, staggering into the hallway from the next room.
Something's off about him and it takes her a second to realize his head has been twisted all the way around.
He collapses at her feet, stone dead.
>>
No. 661560 ID: f68a09
File 143925270308.png - (124.06KB , 960x560 , 68.png )
661560

Bruco is fighting two more in a foyer lit by a distant skylight. His feet are planted, and his movements are exact and calculated.
One man, unarmed, lashes out toward his face. Bruco catches his fist, wrenches his arm down, and in a swift motion snaps the bone at the elbow. The sound is jarringly loud.

The cultist behind him has two obsidian daggers, and while Bruco was mangling his friend's arm he's gotten dangerously close. It looks like he's coming up on Bruco's blind spot.

1]] Watch from the shadows. See what he does.
2]] "Bruco! Behind you!"
3]] Leap from the doorway and run the cultist through.
4]] Leap from the doorway and powerkick the cultist into a wall.
5]] Leap from the doorway and pin the cultist's arms behind him.
6]] Use a technique: _________________
7]] _________________________
>>
No. 661563 ID: 281aec

4, then bring your sword up so you can use it to fight anyone else nearby.
>>
No. 661564 ID: bb78f2

>>661560
4! POWAH KICKU
>>
No. 661565 ID: 0fc976

Projectile attack to the ambusher's throat.
>>
No. 661568 ID: fbc59e

4&7
"No one mistreats my hubby but me!"
>>
No. 661571 ID: 1cebc8

7) Use the corpse as a shield against the daggers, then charge straight into the cultist until you hit the wall, followed by a sword straight through both bodies.

Aim for the crotch.
>>
No. 661572 ID: 4cee34

>>661568
>>
No. 661574 ID: ab7529

4.

And then to Bruco, nonchalantly: hey.
>>
No. 661626 ID: f68a09
File 143926831688.png - (22.10KB , 960x560 , 69.png )
661626

Strela throws the sword aside and leaps from hiding, slamming her foot into the side of Knife cultist's head.

Bruco starts to turn to her but the cultist with the broken arm isn't gone yet. He takes a swing with his one good arm.

Bruco grits his teeth, takes the punch square in the chest and hardly flinches. He headbutts the cultist, hard, and as he droops down catches him by his one functioning arm.

He balls his left hand into a fist, then sticks the knucles of his pointer and pinky out, almost like he's throwing the horns.

"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
>>
No. 661628 ID: f68a09
File 143926844825.png - (31.73KB , 960x560 , 70.png )
661628

"TUSK!"

He punches hard and sharp into the cultist's chest, and his two outstretched fingers go through his sternum like it wasn't even there, both piercing straight through to his heart.
He goes instantly limp and Bruco lets him drop to the ground.

1]] Damn, Bruco.
2]] Yeah well none of your guys had weapons, so.
3]] You know without me that knife guy would have gotten the drop on you right there.
4]] What happened to staying quiet, Bruco?
5]] Crush the windpipe of the cultist at your feet so that you're even with him.
6]] Pry the gems from the eyes of these statues.
7]] Ask your spirit where to now. We have to move fast.
8]] _______________________
>>
No. 661630 ID: 0fc976

1, 5, he's not neutralized yet. So much for stealth.
6 too. If they were booby trapped, you wouldn't have to pry them out, probably. Not a dowry, but it'll buy something on the way back.
>>
No. 661635 ID: e114bc

>>661628
1.
8 ask the living one how many Cultists there are here, then 5 and 7.

Those gems are probably not dowry material, let's not spend any time on it.
>>
No. 661636 ID: 1cebc8

6, 8) Loot the obsidian daggers, those things don't decay easy.
>>
No. 661652 ID: e607cd

1 then 2.
not 6. Why would you take the time and risk more effective guards showing up? Unless they have some sort of magical importance beyond being pretty rocks, it's not like you are in need of petty cash here.
Grabbing the daggers and/or retrieving the sword may have some wisdom though.
>>
No. 661653 ID: ab7529

1, and then 5. The only cultist is a dead cultist.

(Although I see 5 as more efficacy than getting even. Why let a cultist keep breathing?).
>>
No. 661655 ID: a19cd5

>>661628
8: "bruco you just earned two hours of no shittalking."
>>
No. 661687 ID: 281aec

>>661655
This.

Can we start being more sane/kind to Bruco?
>>
No. 661688 ID: d90668

8. Apologize for interrupting his flow but you have not watched him fight enough to not be careful.

Also 5 because its a bad idea to not finish off a enemy.
>>
No. 661690 ID: 2a7417

>>661687
No, we gotta start on our nagging wife act now. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8: This cultist's windpipe reminds me of my dad. Somehow.
>>
No. 661692 ID: 1d7ef6

>>661655
>>661687
>>
No. 661700 ID: 16f2da

>>661688
>>
No. 661762 ID: f68a09
File 143934167656.png - (20.42KB , 960x560 , 71.png )
661762

"Damn, Bruco." Strela stomps the cultist's windpipe. He gurgles and dies. "You just earned two hours of no shit talking."
Bruco wipes his hand off on the cultist's overalls."Make it three."
"Two and a half."
"Sounds good." Bruco spits on his hand and offers it.
Strela grimaces. "Don't push your luck. Where to now? We have to move fast."
"Finding that sorcerer?" Bruco tilts his head again. "Wait--" He slides one foot out and hunkers back into his Boar aspect. "We don't gotta go anywhere."

"Damn it." Strela hears the onrushing steps echo into the foyer. "So much for stealth."

A burbling cry: "Spread out!"

Bruco and Strela are quickly surrounded. Six of them.

One of the number steps forward, clearly in control. A focus hangs at his waist, and the tip of a staff drags across the paved stones. "Sorcerers."
>>
No. 661763 ID: f68a09
File 143934168548.png - (18.60KB , 960x560 , 72.png )
661763

"I don't know why you're here," he says. His face matches the carvings. "I don't care to ask."
"You don't know who you're messing with, Shrimp boy," Strela hisses.
The sorcerer is unmoved. "Let's not waste words. Our purposes are at clear and direct odds. Make peace with the spirits and your tribal gods."

The behemoth at his side moves in front of him, silent as the tomb.
>>
No. 661765 ID: f68a09
File 143934175277.png - (22.41KB , 960x560 , 73.png )
661765

"Cute couple." Bruco is steady and firmly planted behind her. "Still going with the plan? Pick your target and take them fast. I got the rest."
"You can handle this many?"
"Hunh. These folks?" He grins a laconic grin. "You telling me you can't?"
"I'm not worried about me."
"Guess it's time to do that proving myself shit you were talking about, huh?"

1]] "I was actually meaning to apologize about that."
2]] "That's exactly what time it is."
3]] Take on the big one.
4]] Go for the sorcerer.
5]] Tackle the swordsman first.
6]] "I'm changing the plan: ______________"
7]] Use a technique: _____________________
8]] Cast an incantation: _________________
9]] _____________________
>>
No. 661766 ID: defceb

1, 4
>>
No. 661770 ID: ab7529

2, 1 as an afterthought. (Admitting you were being a dick but still want to see what he can do).

4. Going for the sorcerer means Bruco can use sorcery against the non-sorcerers attacking him without having to worry about it being countered or opposed.
>>
No. 661773 ID: 0fc976

1, that was stupid of "me" to say.
Rope trick the focus away from the sorcerer, destroy it.
>>
No. 661774 ID: 1cebc8

7) Boss fight! This is a good time to cast an incantation!

4

8) Summon violent kinetic spirit with synchronized voodoo ability. Have the spirit possess both of the daggers, and throw one at the boss while you butcher the thin air. Cue slaughter from the other dagger.

Spirit gets one body from these six losers.
>>
No. 661776 ID: 3663d3

ask what range bruco has on that camp gear cantrip, can he summon it on top of the sorcerer's head?
>>
No. 661815 ID: f68a09
File 143935603868.png - (26.86KB , 960x560 , 74.png )
661815

"I was meaning to apologize for that," Strela says. "If it means anything."

Bruco looks pleasantly surprised. "Y'know actually it does."
He bull-rushes the behemoth.

Strela spirals past him and coils into position in front of the sorcerer.

The cultist with the sword comes up from behind her and she almost flinches away from him but Bruco disentangles himself from the big one, slides past her, and cold-cocks the side of his face with his elbow. He staggers backward and Bruco catches the behemoth's arm as it comes to clothesline Strela in the spine.
"Quickly," he says, as he ducks and weaves out of the behemoth's crushing countergrip.

"Right." Strela loosens her shoulders.
The sorcerer spins his staff and plants it at his feet. He waits for her to make the first move.

>>661774
An incantation could work. She'd need to count on Bruco to keep her safe while she draws the spirit out, but if she rushes it would only take a second or two. During the negotiation itself time stops to allow for a conversation. Or maybe it all happens instantly. Strela's not sure.
She is sure that a corpse will not be enough, and she isn't the one who gets to set the terms.

>>661776
Strela isn't sure that's how it works. It seemed like more of a concentrated effort of drawing than an open-and-drop thing. And even if it was: What would dropping a sleeping bag on his head do for her?

1]] Circle him. Examine his stance.
2]] No time. Flying kick.
3]] Shift focus to one of his minions.
4]] Inch closer. See how near him you need to be to provoke something.
5]] Go for the staff.
6]] Without his focus he can't incant. Get it from him.
7]] Use a technique: ________________
8]] Cast an incantation: _____________
9]] ______________________
>>
No. 661817 ID: 1cebc8

3, 2, 9) Kick a minion at him to take the brunt of his counter-attack. Then advance and use the minion as a shield while you pummel them both into shattered bones.
>>
No. 661821 ID: ab7529

>incantation
In the middle of a battle, outnumbered, strikes me as the definition of a bad negotiating position. And any spirit we don't come to terms with us just makes the odds in this fight worse.

>what do
Attack him, and/or go 5, faking for the staff.

At the last minute, use rope trick to gnab his focus instead.
>>
No. 661823 ID: 3663d3

go in high, send the rope in low to grab the staff from under him.
>>
No. 661827 ID: bb78f2

>>661815
1
>>
No. 661828 ID: 0fc976

Go for the staff, attack the brute with it. Bruco needs some assistance.
>>
No. 661846 ID: 16f2da

>>661823
grab that focus!
>>
No. 661856 ID: f68a09
File 143940914211.png - (54.15KB , 960x560 , 75.png )
661856

Strela dives for the sorcerer. Her incoming kick disguises the ROPE CHARM going for the focus.

Neither stand up to the gust of ensorcelled flame that suddenly wreathes the air in front of him. Strela hastily lands and backsteps to avoid it but the sorcerer's caught the rope around the staff, and the fire streams its way across it toward her, cherry-lit from within by magic.

1]] Untangle the rope hastily from your arm to keep from being set alight.
2]] Yell to Bruco for his dagger and cut it away.
3]] Allow the rope around your arm to set fire; punch the sorcerer with your newly flaming arm.
4]] Wave the rope around; try to get the fire out.
5]] Cast an incantation: ____________________
6]] _____________________
>>
No. 661859 ID: 2a7417

Give a mighty +YANK+ with the rope, taking the staff away that way hopefully, and cast off both from your arm.
>>
No. 661871 ID: ab7529

Do we still have to be touching the rope to manipulate it for the duration that it's animate? Because I think the smart move now is to release our grip, and have the rope snap back and constrict around our opponent. Let him light himself on fire.

Depending on the exact contract he has with his fire-making spirit, he may not be able to turn it off if we turn it on him. ...or he'll instantly douse it, sparing himself, and our rope in the process. Burned enemy or conserved tool- it's win-win.

And then we obviously attack while he's tied up and/or on fire.

>Untangle the rope hastily
We don't have to be clumsy or struggle to do that- as long as the spirit under our control is animating the rope, if we want the rope untangled, it'll help untangle itself. It should be natural and easy to do.

The description for rope trick is that it lets us an animate a rope. Not this rope specifically. So even if we lose this rope to fire, we don't lose the cantrip / spirit, I think. We just have to find a new rope.
>>
No. 661872 ID: 99cfa8

>>661856
Get closer and rope trick the middle part around his neck. (Unless there's a cooldown on rope trick?) Then you can disentangle yourself easily with the trick while he's struggling with a flaming rope around him.
>>
No. 661927 ID: ab7529

>>661856
Okay, word of god says we need to keep touching the rope. Changing:

Dive past and around him as the rope wraps / constricts from his end. Release at the last minute as the fire reaches you and the cantrip times out. Maybe we can still turn the fire against him or force him to douse it before he gets burned.
>>
No. 661940 ID: 1cebc8

Use cantrip to untwirl the rope around your hand, then whip the rope, and then pull. The enemy should pull the rope first on reflex to nullify the wave, allowing you to disarm him by pulling back. If the rope rips from the burn, just crack it in his face.
>>
No. 662038 ID: 09ea9f

>>661856
the fuck is he doing. the rope is still in your control and is now on fire. with the end wrapped on the staff grab his staff hand, but that fucker. unwrap the rope at the last second to avoid getting set on fire.
>>
No. 662185 ID: defceb

3

Just Falcon Punch him.
>>
No. 662186 ID: f68a09
File 143952799427.png - (18.45KB , 960x560 , 76.png )
662186

Strela flash-uncoils the rope from the staff and snakes it toward the sorcerer's bare flesh.

When it touches, he evinces absolutely zero reaction. The flame doesn't hurt him.
Son of a bitch!
That maneuver took too much time. The fire's almost on her.
Her focus shifts to undoing the rope, and excuse her if even though she has command over it like a snake she's a little hasty about doing it before her fur gets sing--

OW

staff to the gut staff to the gut

fuck this squid man

OK well his magic is clearly a lot more potent but she feels by that hit that his physique is the tradeoff. If a bigger man than him had been behind that staff Strela's internal organs would probably have ruptured. As it is she's just completely winded.

1]] Let the momentum push you back from the sorcerer; a little more range means a little more time to recover.
2]] Wrap around that staff. Get it out of his hand!
3]] Well at least now that it's bashed your abdomen you have the opportunity to inside its range.
4]] He's open! Retaliate! Even though you feel like you might puke!
5]] Bruco! Little help here!
6]] ____________________
>>
No. 662188 ID: e114bc

>>662186
2 and 4! Grab the staff, yank it towards you to maybe put him off balance so you can smack his shit.
>>
No. 662189 ID: defceb

2,3,4

Bludgeon him to death with his own staff.
>>
No. 662190 ID: ab7529

Hmm. He fireproofed himself. Who would have expected a sorcerer or a cultist to take sensible precautions.

2. Nothing stops the dreaded limp cat draping themselves over something technique. There's no countering that.
>>
No. 662191 ID: 1cebc8

6) Scream

Let the chaos of a thousand festering ancestors enslaved to darkness and the tar of amputation pour from your diaphragm. Let the bacterial WASTE from generations of murder and blood and incest drift beside the hurricanes pouring from your pie hole. Let the sheer rage of your entire being rip apart the very fabric of space-time separating you and this condescending fire-whore.

2,3,4) And then grab his stick while he's stunned, flip your whole body over, and suffocate him with your thighs.
>>
No. 662251 ID: f68a09
File 143953966642.png - (30.13KB , 960x560 , 77.png )
662251

Strela wraps herself around the staff and tugs.

The sorcerer holds fast. She brings her heel down on his fingers then twists her leg up along the staff and stomps, wresting it free from him. He staggers backward then puts as much distance as he can between them.
Strela feels the power for another technique starting to gather, which means that it's gathering for him too. Maybe even faster since he's clearly such an accomplished cantrip caster.

Behind her, Bruco flips a cultist over his shoulder and shatters his nosebone. Before he can do any further damage his arm and attention are pulled away by another man, who lands a blow that almost makes Strela's eyes water but barely seems to nudge Bruco.

He's not getting that many substantial hits in. He's very outnumbered.

1]] Turn your attention from the sorcerer. Help Bruco.
2]] Flying kick that squidfaced asshole.
3]] Get in range of your kicks and the staff and start taking him apart. You have the firm reach advantage now.
4]] Rush him. You want to get in close and personal before he can start casting again.
5]] Throw the staff at him.
6]] Cast an incantation: _________________
5]] __________________
>>
No. 662253 ID: e114bc

>>662251
Bruco has only been in the fight for a little while, he'll be ok.

3.
>>
No. 662254 ID: 1cebc8

5) Do not discard the staff unless you break it in half.

7) Time to retreat, your opponent is well-prepared.

Except you just find a way to ambush them seconds later. Target the mooks first, the sorcerer will probably track you down but won't make it in time to save his mooks.
>>
No. 662267 ID: 73bcba

4. Take out that sorcerer asap then go to Bruco.
>>
No. 662312 ID: 88960e

>He's not getting that many substantial hits in. He's very outnumbered.
So long as he's keeping the crowd occupied without taking significant hits himself, he's winning. Especially since that leaves you free to act.

3. Be smart and methodical, and keep the pressure on.
>>
No. 662330 ID: 0fc976

Flying kick that squidfaced asshole.
>>
No. 662331 ID: fb536f

FINISH HIM
>>
No. 663194 ID: f68a09
File 143978683092.png - (66.87KB , 960x560 , 78.png )
663194

All right if his magic's not charged yet and he's as weak as she thinks he is it's time to see if Strela's reading this guy right.

She smacks the staff head-down on the ground and pole-vault split kicks toward him. If he has any tricks up his sleeve she's

OK no he didn't have any tricks up his sleeve

The sole of Strela's foot pancakes his face. He sprawls to the floor.

Her Technique is recharged. That means his probably is too.

1]] Stomp the hell out of him!
2]] Use his staff against him!
3]] Pull back! He's got that fire thing!
4]] He's floored! It's time for the killing blow!
5]] Use a technique: _________________
6]] Cast an incantation: _____________
7]] ____________________
>>
No. 663197 ID: e114bc

>>663194
4.
>>
No. 663198 ID: ab7529

5: Use trick drop to get him to waste his technique on not hitting you.

Then snap him out of it with another kick to the face and keep going till he's dead. At this range, you'll pummel him to death before he gets another technique charged.
>>
No. 663199 ID: 334db2

2. don't let up for an instant.
>>
No. 663215 ID: 1cebc8

1) Don't give him time to think! Jump up and down on his head and neck until something gives!
>>
No. 663331 ID: f68a09
File 143979886793.png - (71.14KB , 960x560 , 79.png )
663331

Strela sees the fire coming and TRICK DROPs into a dive toward the sorcerer.

His eyes deceive him: is she careening into the ground, covered in flames? Does he smell burning hair?

"No," Strela says. Her legs are wrapped tight around his chest.

She snaps his neck, then rolls off of him.
>>
No. 663333 ID: f68a09
File 143979892301.png - (22.15KB , 960x560 , 80.png )
663333

She looks up and her stomach drops for a second at the sight of Bruco in the middle of a veritable knot of men.

But even though they're pummeling and grabbing hold of every inch of him they can, she realizes, Bruco is maintaining a shocking amount of control over the brawl. The only hits landing on him are glancing off of his musculature. Every attack with any kind of strength or precision behind it is turned away, and the opening used to deliver a swift, decisive counter-blow with an elbow or a knee.

He's wearing them out, she realizes. Looking for mistakes.

Bruco ducks, breaking the grasp of the Behemoth behind him, and flips a cultist over by his arm, sending him crashing onto one of his friends. They both end up in a tangled heap a few feet from Strela.
He's staying so close to the swordsman there's no room for slashing; she watches him shoulder the man in the face then catch his pommel and clutch it close to his body, locking the blade in place.
He takes a step (bringing the hapless swordsman along) and plants his elbow in the face of a snakey cultist to his right.

The Behemoth catches him from behind again, trying to close a hand around his jaw. He leans forward then delivers a vicious rear headbutt to the sack-cloth face, then another, then another. The Behemoth staggers, finds his footing again, and tries to lift Bruco bodily into the air. Bruco's heel scuffs on the ground as he pushes for purchase.

1]] Quick: take out the two men on the ground so they're out of commission permanently.
2]] Go for the swordsman. Free up Bruco's right arm.
3]] Take out the snakeman. Bruco doesn't need any distractions.
4]] That Behemoth is your next target.
5]] Cast an incantation: ___________________
6]] ______________________
>>
No. 663339 ID: b88e47

Take out guy with blade.
>>
No. 663340 ID: e114bc

>>663333
4. We gotta keep taking out the big threats. This one you can out-range with kicks. The last sword user was a bit of an issue... then again we have access to a staff now. Maybe also a discarded sword somewhere.

1 is tempting too. I wonder if we could pull off both.
>>
No. 663369 ID: 1cebc8

1. Bruco can handle these three, you need to deal with the other two while you have the chance.
>>
No. 663376 ID: ce25e6

behemoth first tho
(apologies for the double post in case I cant delete the previous one because fuck this phone in every orifice it has)
>>
No. 663389 ID: ab7529

4. He's a big tough thing, and he was knocked out of Bruco's reach. If you stop him from getting back in the fight, that makes Bruco's life easier.

The problem with getting close to Bruco is you two aren't practiced in working in concert, and you run the risk of messing up that close control if you get in his way.

...is a dead sorcerer's focus useful or anything?
>>
No. 663464 ID: 44750d

Throw staff at swordsman's head. Thunk.
Do a running jump off of Bruco (pushing him back toward the ground) behind the behemoth and disable a leg.
>>
No. 663522 ID: f68a09
File 143987502228.png - (36.61KB , 960x560 , 81.png )
663522

Strela hurls the staff into the swordsman. He falls back away from Bruco's arm.

"BRUCO!" She sprints toward him, pointing up.
He wrenches himself free for a second, plants his leg, and bends his knee just enough to use as a springboard.

Strela puts her hands on her husband's shoulders and leaps up and over his head. Her foot comes down like a hatchet.
>>
No. 663523 ID: f68a09
File 143987510336.png - (19.72KB , 960x560 , 82.png )
663523

The Behemoth topples backward, Strela's heel at his throat. She rides his neck to the ground. His head hits with a sickening crack.

By all accounts he should be dead, or at the very least in no shape to fight.
Instead his massive paws seize her leg and try to twist it out of its socket.

1]] Keep pushing! Crush his neck!
2]] You have another foot! Stomp him until he stops moving!
3]] Knee him in the balls!
4]] "Bruco! Your boyfriend is still alive!"
5]] Fall backwards to grab the blade the swordsman dropped, then run him through.
6]] Cast an Incantation: _________________
7]] _____________________
>>
No. 663538 ID: e114bc

>>663523
4 is VERBOTEN. We said no shit-talking for 2 and a half hours.

I think you're dealing with a zombie here. 5, chop him up.
>>
No. 663544 ID: 0fc976

Roll with the twist, 2.
>>
No. 663546 ID: ab7529

3 won't work. He's already proved pretty resistant to pain at this point. (Plus, if he's all roided up, he might not have balls worth kicking, anyways).

I don't trust 1 to work fast enough. Even if we crush his airway, he'll probably keep fighting for the minute or so till he suffocates.

5 Might works.

....or how about we go 7 and just dump a selection carnivorous worms on him from our endless supply? Tough as he is, he's made of meat, and he's prone just waiting for us to pour death onto him.
>>
No. 663559 ID: e114bc

>>663546
>carnivorous worms
I like this idea. Gruesome, but effective.
>>
No. 663572 ID: 1cebc8

>>663546
Parasitic Worms + Zombie = Maggot-Infested Flesh-Eating Zombie

So no.

5) Aim for the limbs! Zombies can't crawl without moving body parts!
>>
No. 663595 ID: a19cd5

>>663572
the only downside here is ew gross
plus one for THE WUUUURMS
>>
No. 663665 ID: b88e47

Disengage, go after next target. Anyone on Bruco.
>>
No. 663676 ID: ac62d4

Pour the worms all over his body.
>>
No. 663682 ID: 2a7417

>>663523
Gah, I didn't mean disable *your* leg!
Oh yeah, do the WORRRRRRRMS.
>>
No. 664169 ID: af0578

2. Stomp! STOMP!! STOMP!!!
>>
No. 664171 ID: c18b2e

1. he'll break your leg
2. he's gonna get you off balance, not a good idea
3. his reaction would be delayed and you'd have a broken leg probably
4. that's gonna shift brucos attention, so that'd give the oponents an opening so no
5. probably the best one

go with 5
>>
No. 664194 ID: a6dc58

He seems like he might be immune to pain, no time to test it, so 5
>>
No. 664242 ID: 07d7c6

5 but cut one of his hands off. That'd teach him to mess with your legs!
>>
No. 664281 ID: f68a09
File 144014291830.png - (36.58KB , 960x560 , 83.png )
664281

Strela hastily rummages for her bottle of endless worms. The behemoth gives another wrench.

Behind her, Bruco gets the swordsman in a headlock, bends him brutally backward, and starts kneeing him repeatedly in the small of the back. By the third hit something has loudly broken at the base of his spine; Bruco doesn't stop until after the sixth.

Strela finds her bottle, uncorks it, and turns it bottoms-up over the prone behemoth.
A stream of snapping, purple worms tumbles from its mouth, landing on his chest and immediately starting to feed.

He emits a raspy, grunting scream and one of his hands lets go of her to claw at the place they've made contact. She pries at his other, and feels his grip weakening as the worms do their work. A sudden clutching jerk almost makes her drop the bottle. That would have been very bad.

Then the worms eat through his chestbone and into his heart, and his hand goes entirely slack. She pushes it off her leg.

"Fucking hell." Bruco drops his cultist, who crumples to the ground like a sack of potatoes. "That was something else."

1]] "That was wicked cool is what it was."
2]] "Impressed? Aroused?"
3]] "I had a tool to optimize the situation. I used it."
4]] "I didn't really have much of a choice. He would've broken my leg."
5]] "Says the guy who just snapped a man's spine in half."
6]] Kill the rest of them.
7]] Yell to the surviving cultists: "Your friends are dead. Your leaders are dead. The rest of you get running while you still have bones to take you."
8]] Cast an incantation: ___________________
9]] __________________
>>
No. 664282 ID: 3663d3

5 3 2
>>
No. 664310 ID: e9682e

2, 4
Aaa question the surviving cultists if there's any questions? Just no torture.
>>
No. 664311 ID: 88960e

3 all serious, beat, then grin and 1.

No to 5. He's still got that grace period of no shit talking.

Cap and put away the worms before you spill them where you don't want them, or someone makes you drop 'em.

Should we maybe try and take a cultist or two alive at the end to interrogate? Find out what they were doing to mess with the bird peeps, how, and why. (They have two sorcerers, dunno why they didn't just curbstomp these guys already).
>>
No. 664316 ID: 1cebc8

7 is AWESOME.

Be sure to spread a few worms like a maniac to scare them off. Make sure that the worms land where they can't feed.
>>
No. 664317 ID: ac62d4

>>664311
That's not shit-talking; it's professional respect.
>>
No. 664331 ID: 0fc976

1, grab a prisoner, 7.
>>
No. 664333 ID: e114bc

6, because if there are any more cultists they're going to try to get reinforcements, and that would be annoying.
>>
No. 664357 ID: a6dc58

3 1 7
>>
No. 664412 ID: f68a09
File 144022818211.png - (252.82KB , 960x560 , 84.png )
664412

"I had a tool to optimize the situation and I used it." Strela pushes the stopper back into the bottle. "And it was awesome."

She straightens up and announces: "The rest of you need to be gone by the time I turn around or you won't have the legs to take you anymore."

She turns around. Bruco's the only one left in the chamber.
"Very nice," he says.
"Are they getting friends?" Strela says. "Ask your spirit."

"Those are the only cultists here," Bruco says. "Spirit says not the only living things, though."
"What does it mean by that?" Strela bounces the staff against the floor a couple of times. The head is leatherbound and disturbingly organic. "Like bugs and rats?"
"Worse."
"How worse?"
He shrugs. "Won't say. Very cryptic. Spirits."
"Fuck them," Strela says.
"Like Trimond?"
"Unproven. And unlikely. Ask it where to go, then."

Bruco jerks his thumb toward a foreboding door on the far wall, draped across with angular stone tentacles. A spindly wicker stake, stuck in a patch of earth in the wall, has captured a fitful red witch-light in its compass. "That way to the secret. That way and down."

1]] "I've changed my mind about that if there's worse things than cultists or what have you in here."
2]] "I think we'll go up instead. Get that gold."
3]] "Well if that's the way that's the way."
4]] "I won't trust it. Let's look for an alternate route. This place is big enough."
5]] "Or I could just use my worm bottle again and we just tunnel straight through the floors until we find it. Whatever it is."
6]] ___________
>>
No. 664413 ID: e114bc

>>664412
5. Let's not take potentially guarded routes.

We did manage to kill the assassination target, right? I'm guessing it was the squidface.
>>
No. 664438 ID: fbc59e

3.
No reason to doubt our hubby's spellwork, that's for sure.
>>
No. 664439 ID: 1cebc8

Okay, you can't trust the spirits, you're close to multiple loot zones, and you just beat an entire squad of cultists. Suffice to say, you're doing great, so you need to play it safe for the endgame.

6) Now is the time to cast an incantation. Have multiple spirits possess some of the worms and then scout below to the secret zone.

2) Meanwhile, you and Bruco climb and get the gold.

Here are the terms of contract:

A) No possessing anything other than the worms that come from the jar.
B) Dig downwards and do not kill anything that is sentient.
C) FOR THE LOVE OF YOUR REALM, DO NOT @#$%ING TOUCH ANYTHING. The moment you detect magic, lead the worms AWAY from it, and keep digging until you either get too close or get too far. Self destruct all worms at least five seconds before the worms dig into something that will cause a reaction in anything magical.
D) Report back.
E) AND NO HARMING US OR ACTING WITH DIRECT INTENT TO HARM US.

Rewards:
25% of whatever we find at the top. That includes gold and animals. Your pick.

Consequences (of breaking contract):
You are now going to be STUCK inside something at the top. Permanently.
>>
No. 664441 ID: 334db2

Also take those swords. I'd like to keep any unidentified nonliving things at greater than arm's reach.
>>
No. 664444 ID: 0fc976

Five. Bonus points if you do so directly over the boss chamber. How much do you really trust this spirit, Bruco?
>>
No. 664445 ID: 3663d3

3, spirits are not liars, maybe with holding information, but wont lie.
>>
No. 664446 ID: c18b2e

3
>>
No. 664447 ID: ab7529

The problem with 5 is that while it's awesome, there's something alive down there. If we don't want it dead, pouring tons of worms down on it is bad.

So... 3, I suppose. Be on guard.

You should see if you can find a new piece of robe for the rope trick in the cultist's stuff before going down, since your last one burned up.

>>664439
>Mixing worms and spirits
Nope nope nope.
>>
No. 664535 ID: ef232b

Well, if these cultists are the kind of cultists I'm afraid they are, then it's more than likely they've summoned some kind of huge, horrifying whatsit to guard their best loot. So whatever's down there is probably being guarded by said big, nasty beasty.

Besides, that doorway just screams "Boss."
>>
No. 664557 ID: 2d5d20

3 or 4
>>
No. 664777 ID: f68a09
File 144040045603.png - (180.61KB , 960x560 , 86.png )
664777

"Well." Strela kicks an abandoned sword into the air and catches it. "If that's the way that's the way."

She strides toward the door, and pauses.
"That doorway screams big nasty beasty."
"Don't worry," Bruco says. "We see one I'll scream louder."
Strela huffs a half-laugh and takes a tentative step into the doorway downward. "Pussy."
Bruco follows. "Look who's talking."

The path winds down into the dripping guts of the temple. Squatting stone effigies of unpleasant, forgotten gods glare at them from the heavy gloom.

"Hey Strela." Bruco's voice makes her jump a little bit. "Pretty good up there."
"Hm?"
"The fight. With the worms and the kicking and all. I was impressed."

1]] Thank you, Bruco.
2]] Why? You already knew I could kick your ass.
3]] I was reckless. Almost got my leg broken and my arm burned off.
4]] You weren't so bad yourself.
5]] If you want I can teach you how to kill properly instead of getting tackled constantly.
6]] What happened to 'I don't have to prove myself to you', Mr. Five Cultists At Once?
7]] ___________________
>>
No. 664780 ID: 0fc976

3, 5 because we could learn from each other's techniques.
>>
No. 664781 ID: e114bc

>>664777
4,5.

Is it just me or does that statue have a squid face?
>>
No. 664782 ID: bb78f2

>>664777
1 but 2
>>
No. 664787 ID: 1cebc8

4, 7) Cut the chatter and focus on your surroundings.
>>
No. 664798 ID: 88960e

Soooo, no rope to grab? Too bad. That means we've got a cantrip we can't use. (Maybe ask Bruco if he has any more? I don't suppose...)

It's an honest compliment, so take it. But be hard on yourself, because you have to be.

1 then 3.

Then 4. You were impressed by the way he held off a ton of guys like that.
>>
No. 664800 ID: ac62d4

>>664798
Yup. Maybe add 5, if he seems open to the idea.
>>
No. 664804 ID: 1b9f86

3, 4. We should really try working together more. We'll probably live longer that way.
>>
No. 664815 ID: b88e47

Complement him on the control he had over the battle.
>>
No. 664839 ID: 0c870a

4,3,6
>>
No. 664905 ID: d90668

Ask him if he is made of rock or something. Because he certainly does not look the worse for wear after taking that many punches.
>>
No. 664919 ID: 2d5d20

3 and 5
>>
No. 664970 ID: f68a09
File 144049010992.png - (348.34KB , 960x560 , 87.png )
664970

"I was reckless." Strela scuffs her foot against the obsidian steps. "My arm was nearly burnt and my leg was nearly broken."
"Sure," Bruco says. "But they weren't."
"You weren't so bad yourself, Bruco Bandara," Strela says. "You showed a lot of control over that battle."
"Thanks."
"Maybe I'll show you how to kill properly instead of being constantly half-tackled sometime."
He laughs. "Maybe. Maybe I'll get you eating more and bulking up so you can dent someone without leaping across the room first."
"You got more rope, Bruco?"
"What happened to the other stuff?"
"It burnt up."
"Stuff ain't free, Strel. A. Strela."
He tosses her another coil. She has no idea where he got it until she remembers his cantrip.

As they descend, Strela's breathing slows and starts to strain. Is she tired? From going down stairs?
No: It's getting harder to breathe. The air is thicker; it smells ripe and acrid.

By the time they emerge from the dark steps into the cavern at the bottom of the Temple, neither of them have enough breath to speak for a few moments. Strela feels nauseous.
She looks out across the cavern to a lapping pool of dirty black water. Lining the wall behind her, she realizes, are dozens of scrawled runes, etched into the wall with a dry, flaking black material. Marks, she realizes. Curse marks like in Predatus.
A towering statue with a pair of spiny wings and a bowl clutched in its claws kneels at the water's edge.

Out in the middle of the black pond a large pale stone floats five or six feet above the surface, its faceted sides glowing a ragged will-o-whisp light across the water.

That must be the thing, then.
"What--" Strela takes a heavy breath. "What is it?"
Bruco leans against the side of the entrance. He shrugs helplessly. "Secret."

1]] _________________
>>
No. 664971 ID: 1cebc8

Okay, NOW it's time for an incantation.

Try to trap a relatively powerful spirit.
>>
No. 664973 ID: bb78f2

>>664970
"So... what do we do with the secret Brucie? O. Bruco."

I think I know why Trimond didn't want us going here if those are Predatus marks. He's got a cult connection.
>>
No. 664975 ID: e114bc

>>664970
The marks are fucking up the air...

Wait a minute you have that artifact that makes it so you don't have to breathe. Use it, go check out the pale stone. Tell Bruco to chill out back where the air isn't shit.
>>
No. 664988 ID: 986b1b

>>664970
What likes to live in dark, toxic water that has never seen the light of day? Probably best to use the rope trick to try to haul in the stone than enter the water.
>>
No. 664992 ID: 88960e
664992

>Stuff ain't free
Then I guess we owe him.

>what do
Take out the trogolodyte skull so the lack of air isn't an issue. Can you share it (hold hands over it)? If not, you might have to pass it back and forth to breath effectively.

Could we get a light in here? Does Bruco have a lantern or something stored? Failing that, an incantation, I suppose.
>>
No. 664997 ID: 19e658

Is there a way to sefely get rid of curse marks? If so we should do that.
Get a closer look at the glowing thing while avoiding getting too close to either the water or the statue.

>I think I know why Trimond didn't want us going here if those are Predatus marks. He's got a cult connection.
No, those marks were IN Predatus (the territory). And unless the spirit was lying to us, we already know who made the marks in Predatus (it was that sorcerer we just killed).
>>
No. 665000 ID: 2a7417

Take out troglodyte skull. You can share it for now, but when (not if) we get in a fight only one of you will be able to wield it effectively and you'll still be down one hand.
Examine 'statue' very, very carefully.
Pour worms into the lake, they'll bore a hole to drain it or eat whatever's hiding in there, possibly both.
>>
No. 665002 ID: 34c887

haul stone with rope, take out and share skull
>>
No. 665128 ID: f68a09
File 144057808092.png - (256.94KB , 960x560 , 88.png )
665128

Strela pulls out the troglodyte skull and hugs it to her chest. She gasps un-air into her lungs and it sustains her.
"Hold on back there, Bruco," she calls. He gives the thumbs up.

Strela climbs the statue and peers into its bowl.
The lip is stained with dark water. Sitting at the bottom is a rolled mesh net and two long-hafted harpoons.
Her hand smudges across a Mark that went unnoticed on the stone siding of the bowl. She reflexively pulls away and examines her palm. Dark, powdery muck. Looks like the ones on the walls are made of the same stuff.
>>
No. 665129 ID: f68a09
File 144057808924.png - (202.97KB , 960x560 , 89.png )
665129

"It's the water," Strela says, realizing it she says it. "This place is their ink pot."

She returns to the doorway and places Bruco's hand on the skull.
"Aaaaah." He inhales deeply through his nostrils. "Hits the spot."
They cross to the water's edge, both holding the skull between them.

Strela Rope Charms the length Bruco gave her. It snakes out across the water and wraps around the hovering stone.

Strela tugs it taut. "Help me pull," she says.
With their free hands they work together to bring the stone bobbing across the water.

As it passes it casts its light across a high cavern nestled in the wall to their right. Strela hadn't noticed it before. An abyssal deep red light bleeds out from it.

The stone reflects off a pair of wide, bulbous eyes, watching them from the cave.

"Yish," a voice sighs, with a melancholy heaviness to it. "Yish."

"Yish," echoes another, unseen, from the dark recesses of the opposite shore.
>>
No. 665131 ID: e114bc

>>665129
Uh.... hello?
>>
No. 665133 ID: a19cd5

that seems bad. we should maybe try to be quieter.
>>
No. 665138 ID: 1cebc8

"Uh... yosh?"

Start singing.
>>
No. 665156 ID: 2a7417

That was probably just a regular old echo... right? Pause your pulling for the present.
>>
No. 665159 ID: 88960e

Uh, yish to you too?

Two voices, one of you watch the direction each came from.
>>
No. 665177 ID: f68a09
File 144061679444.png - (205.13KB , 960x560 , 90.png )
665177

Strela stops pulling. Bruco gives another tug then follows suit.

"Yish?" Strela calls.

"Yish," the creature says, sounding on the verge of tears.

"Yish," its echo responds.
"Yish," agrees a third.

The cavern bristles suddenly with pale eyes.
A susurration of Yishes fills the air and bounces off the vaulted ceiling.

The eyes are getting larger. They're moving closer.
>>
No. 665179 ID: 2a7417

Got a light?
Retract rope immediately!
>>
No. 665191 ID: b81807

Abscond.
>>
No. 665194 ID: 57dfcc

>>665179
Yeah, let go of the rock. We might have a fight on our hands.

...I sure hope these little guys are like, something innocent and harmless the cultists were raising to sacrifice in an evil ritual, and not horrible monsters they were raising to do evil with.
>>
No. 665205 ID: e114bc

Maybe we should head to that cavern on the side. Makes a good choke point, there's only like one of the yish creatures there in case they're hostile, and we can also see where that light is coming from.
>>
No. 665370 ID: 2a90dc

Horrific guard monsters. Prepare for combat.
>>
No. 665683 ID: 76e54b

Oh, shit.

Reel that sucker in and run for it!
>>
No. 665906 ID: f68a09
File 144099840846.png - (121.09KB , 960x560 , 91.png )
665906

Strela and Bruco tug.

It's holding fast. The yish beasts are pulling on the other end.

The darkness undulates and detaches itself in clumps that slime down the rope, blinking pale lipid eyes at her.
"Yish," they say. "Yish."

1]] Attack.
2]] Drop the rope and run.
3]] Pull harder!
4]] Use a technique: ____________
5]] Cast an incantation: ____________
>>
No. 665907 ID: 0fc976

Drop rope. Shoot the shiny object with an obsidian dart.
>>
No. 665913 ID: e114bc

>>665906
This strikes me as interfering in a situation we don't understand.

Drop the rope. They started complaining when you started pulling, they're pulling back. The action of pulling is the problem here and we don't even know what the glowing thing is for.
>>
No. 665914 ID: 57dfcc

Don't run, but don't fight yet either. These things haven't started trying to kill you yet.
>>
No. 665945 ID: 99cfa8

Drop rope, back off, don't run.
>>
No. 665959 ID: 1cebc8

Run away, using the cantrip to pull the rope for you.
>>
No. 665970 ID: 2f4b71

>>665906
>5]] Cast an incantation: Light up the area
>>
No. 666008 ID: 2eeb65

Drop the rope.
>>
No. 666012 ID: f784b5

Drop rope and back off; run if they keep following.
>>
No. 666429 ID: f47974

Drop rope. Tactical retreat.
>>
No. 666713 ID: f51c0f

>>665914
so you're saying we should wait until they do? god tgchan is such a schmuck sometimes.

leave the pulling for now, that can wait for after we deal with these guys. move back into the corridor where only one can get through at a time, bruco should keep them at bay while strela- i'm thinking an incantation to communicate with them. if nothing else we could learn more about this secret. hopefully they'd know more about it than 'it's bright and it's ours so don't take it'.

hmmm.. while we're at it, if the communication will be through the spirit possessing one of them, we could use a similar trick as last time for a new cantrip. plans within plans.
>>
No. 667151 ID: f68a09
File 144135178031.png - (184.59KB , 960x560 , 92.png )
667151

Strela retracts the rope, takes Bruco's shoulder, and carefully pulls him back to the edge of the cave entrance.

The yish creatures follow them, matching their slow pace.

At the lip of the cavern, Bruco takes his hand off the skull experimentally. Satisfied with the amount of air he's given without it he curls his fingers into a fist and stands firm in front of the shadowy horde.

One crawls from the dark, its claws clicking across the rock, its movements hesitant and twitchy as it nears the dim light at the cave's entrance. "Yish," it sighs, and its voice is so tremulous Strela can picture its heart breaking.

"They ain't stopping." Bruco's whisper is thin from the effort of breath conservation. "Strela hon you got a plan?"

1]] Kill one in the front. The others will get the message.
2]] The plan is let's get the fuck out of here.
3]] If they follow us, we can take them all on in the hallway. One at a time.
4]] Keep them away from me. I'm casting an incantation: ______________
5]] "Hon"?
6]] Use a technique: _______________
7]] _______________
>>
No. 667167 ID: f51c0f

>>667151
i vote 4; do >>666713

also 5.
>>
No. 667172 ID: 0fc976

3, 4: Find out what that shiny rock does, and/or what the effects of taking it would be. This is starting to look like a setup, the heroes fight past some bad guys and get hoodwinked into entering the secret chamber and accomplishing what the bad guy could not.
>>
No. 667226 ID: 2eeb65

5, 3, 4: Communication.
>>
No. 667257 ID: 281aec

I don't think these guys are actually hostiles. We should figure out a way of communicating with them. Find a spirit who can help.
>>
No. 667386 ID: afb8ff

We have no idea what these things are capable of and they completely outnumber us. No loot is worth dying over.
Besides, we still have all that gold we can grab on the way out. That's more than enough to bring home.
>>
No. 667652 ID: f68a09
File 144151411071.png - (15.51KB , 960x560 , 93.png )
667652

Strela pulls the focus from its loop at her hip and holds it tight. She seeks for a brief moment.

Tribal girl.
I am Conversance.
It is well you call me.
What light cannot touch, the tongue can illumine.
I will help you.

I will give you the tongue of the yish creatures until you have left the Temple.
These things I demand in return:

You will not lie until the sun has set.
Before the sun sets you will prepare an avian sacrifice to me, spatchcocked and burnt on a grass pyre.
Tonight you will tell your mate a great secret; one you have kept from the world.

Aw, for the-- He's not my mate, Strela protests.

Whatever he is, he must know.

Are we agreed?
>>
No. 667654 ID: 0fc976

In the words of the Great Birth Day Skeleton, this contract is sealed!
>>
No. 667657 ID: e114bc

This sounds reasonable enough.
>>
No. 667663 ID: 57dfcc

>>667652
Idly grumping: and what would you have asked of someone who called on you for this favor without a mate?

>You will not lie until the sun has set.
Lie in my speech, or lie with my body?

(The first one does make negotiating with the Yish harder, but I don't want to invoke oath-breaking accidentally by lying down if we thought it was entirely verbal).

>Before the sun sets
What hour is it now? Do we actually have time to meet that demand, or is it a trap? (We might have to renegotiate the time, or see if it's flexible).

>Tonight you will tell your mate a great secret; one you have kept from the world.
That one's a sticking point. No negotiating him out of that one. A secret spoken for a secret tongue- that's the real price.

We aren't required to consummate for him to count as a mate to tell a secret to, right?

...what happens should he fall in battle here? Only one of you surviving this isn't an impossible outcome.

>other details
When we speak Yish, will we also still be able to chose to speak normally? It'll be inconvenient if we can speak to them, but not Bruco.

The tongue includes the ears, correct? It would be inconvenient if we could speak their words to them, but not understand theirs to us.
>>
No. 667697 ID: bb78f2

>>667652
Okay, first off, tell me what spatchcocked mean. I'm also going to need help FINDING such a bird.

Clarify lie, please. If it's verbal lying, I am haggling with you down to being able to lie if I believe I need to do so in order to save my life, or anothers. If its the physical act of lying down, if I'm tackled or taken by surprise or injured or simply fell down, I'm given time to get up if it's physically possible, if it's not possible for me to get up, I expect to be given some leniency. Also, if I forget, instead of hunting me down and killing me at first lie down, just give me a reminder and some time to get up then.

As for the secret, well, uh, I could also use help there because that's a lot of digging in my brain and memories. Do you have one in mind? It's the butt touching one, isn't it? Okay, fine, I will tell him I like his butt, there! Wait, does it have to be past sundown?
>>
No. 667698 ID: a19cd5

>>667697

Spatchcocked, Verb:

split open (a poultry or game bird) to prepare it for grilling.
>>
No. 667700 ID: e114bc

>>667652
>You will not lie until the sun has set.
On purpose, you mean. Accidental lying is okay, right? What about lying by omission?
>>
No. 667742 ID: e82e4a

>>667652
Honestly, the best option here is to not take any chances with the spirit. I mean, try to get as much information from it as you can (like how the spirit's rules work, because they are pretty vague).

And ask what the spirit considers a 'big secret'. Because depending on the situation you can just say something harmless such as "Hey, remember earlier today when we were climbing and my hand slipped and i ended up touching your butt? i actually did that on purpose", but avoid telling any secrets that could possibly put bruco against you (you don't want mr.largehuge trying to break your neck) or make him lose his respect for you (i mean, you two are actually getting along now, and having bruco as an ally is a very good thing). Maybe you can convince bruco to tell you a secret aswell, to make things even?

Mate or not, you really shouldn't be taking any chances with a spirit.
>>
No. 667748 ID: fbc59e

I like the idea of mixing the 'don't lie' and 'great secret' clauses.
Basically, we can't lie to Bruco or deny him an answer for a set period of time.
But alternatively, if that's not a thing we want to do...I like the Great Secret one.
>>
No. 667759 ID: bd0fbc

Yeah. >>667663
>>
No. 667836 ID: 281aec

How long do we have until sunset?
>>
No. 668061 ID: 52ad92

>>667652
We're pretty strapped for options, so sure.
What's the worst that could happen?
Jynx.
>>
No. 669283 ID: d135cd

It's not like we have many options.
Let's do it.
>>
No. 669710 ID: d78cc1
File 144229639598.png - (15.52KB , 960x560 , 94.png )
669710

You mean lying like fibbing. Not lying down.
I do.
Do lies of omission count?
Yes.
You must endeavor always to be truthful.
What if I lie by accident?
This is permitted.
What if he dies before I can tell him the secret?
So be it. Whisper it to his grave.
So I can just say something harmless, right? Like I actually did mean to touch his butt?
No. It must be something he does not know.
He doesn't know that
Yes he does.
You are unsubtle.
No he--

Regardless: this secret is not Great enough.
It must be a Great Secret.
What does that even mean?

You will know, Tribal Girl.
When you have told it.
Now take my gift and bear it through your lungs.
And bring light to the anteumbra.

Speak.
>>
No. 669711 ID: d78cc1
File 144229640614.png - (87.74KB , 960x560 , 95.png )
669711

"Yish," Strela breathes.
Don't come any closer.
The Yish beasts stop in their tracks, blinking in quivery surprise.
They're at the lip of the cave now. A jittering mass of them.

Bruco looks back. "You speak yish now?"

"Yish," the creature in front says.
The pale flesh speaks

"Yish," its comrades chorus.
List! List! The pale flesh speaks

does it understand

List!
what does it? What here?

List!

>>
No. 669712 ID: 0fc976

It seeks a treasure. It also senses some reluctance on your part on its course of action. It's getting very confused talking in third person.
>>
No. 669713 ID: e114bc

>>669711
Well, to be honest, you're searching. Exploring. Looking for a secret. Dunno what kind of secret it is. Also apologize for messing with their crystal thing, why is it important to them that it stays put?
>>
No. 669718 ID: a6f913

yeah, apologize for disturbing the crystal. tell them you're exploring.
>>
No. 669722 ID: a19cd5

>>669711
Yish
"We're looking for a war machine to annul an arrainged marriage I'm having honest doubts about actually going through with annulling."

That seems like a big enough thing to count with our contract AND keeps us from getting burned on the "lie by ommission" clause.

This is gonna go badly but it's better than DEMONS EATING OUR SOUL OH NOOOOOOO
>>
No. 669739 ID: 4be41f

what is this crystal to you?
what are these marks to you?
why do you live in ever-darkness?
>>
No. 669748 ID: c248a0

>>669711
Honestly, you should tell bruco your plan (when possible).

Also, ask him if he really knew that you did mean to touch his butt.
>>
No. 669749 ID: 6a9686

>>669739
yish
>>
No. 669754 ID: 37b8ce

We want to know the secret that is said to lie here
>>
No. 669756 ID: 1cebc8

Yish seductively at the nearest yishy.
>>
No. 669799 ID: 149da0

>You speak yish now?
Thumbs up. Yish.

>what does it? What here?
We came to this temple seeking dowry. The price of a union.

We came to this room seeking to know the secret we were told was here.
>>
No. 669823 ID: d78cc1
File 144237001946.png - (62.27KB , 960x560 , 96.png )
669823

"Yish," Strela says.
I am sorry for my intrusion. I'm here seeking secrets. A dower for my marriage. The price of union.

"Yish."
What is dower?

"Yish!"
What is marriage?
Does the pale flesh come for the sun

The pale flesh would take the sun away


"Yish," Strela protests.
I didn't know it would offend you. I've heard of a weapon somewhere in the temple. I'm here to bring it back to my tribe.

A very large, very old beast speaks.
"Yish," it says. "Yish."
You see the weapon leonial tribe woman. It is the stone

It turned in air before the rope; fibrous invasion; freezing our solar; it turned
it turned and turned the water to ink and it turned our selves to ink and now our insides are glutinous ink and our thoughts are ink.
It is the exposed vertebra of the world and the ink is its blood, I have been told
World Bone
Old magic. I was..........
I think I was
I think I did like you did magic once before the ink
Now all is ink
ink
but for the stone.
It is the only light that does not hurt us the sole glow in the
i n k

"Yish."
ink
The other creatures come closer. They seem agitated. The large one yishes again.
Not for you
Not the tribes
I was one I was prrrrre
datus. Awful secret. Awful secret
What will we surveil without it but the i n k
The World Bone must stay for your sake for our sake you must turn back tribe woman

>>
No. 669825 ID: a19cd5

>>669823
Tell bruco this shit, this seems pretty important.
>>
No. 669826 ID: e114bc

>>669823
Tell them you will not take it, then. You'd like your rope back though. What's the red glow?
>>
No. 669827 ID: 149da0

>>669823
Hmm. I don't really think a cursed stone that would turn our people to ink is an appropriate dower.

>dower
A price for a union! We said that.
>>
No. 669829 ID: 211d83

Yeah we can find another secret. This one seems a bit to cursed.

Let Bruco know what you learned and tell them you will leave them in peace.
>>
No. 669838 ID: bb78f2

>>669823
Yeah, lets not take this Bruco. If we do, we'll turn our tribes into ink people that hate all light but this stone. Plus, there's no way to talk these guys down, since this is there only form of any salvation down here.

I wonder if destroying it might actually free you guys.
You ink people ever think your dependency on this rock is what keeps you this way? It's something you all should consider.
>>
No. 669852 ID: 1cebc8

Request a few followers to come with you instead. You can turn away from the primordial stone if you can't handle it, but the Yish might help your people someday.
>>
No. 669853 ID: 26a4b1

Oh no, guess you guys can't get married today.
That's too bad, probably have to look elsewhere for a dowry.
>>
No. 669859 ID: 149da0

>>669853
Well, we could just loot the gold and stuff from the rest of the temple.
>>
No. 669861 ID: 0fc976

We won't find what we seek here. This weapon would be a curse upon our tribes. We will turn back.
Ask the Yish if there is anything we could do for them.
>>
No. 669866 ID: 0dd218

Got a bottle? With permission, maybe you can take some ink back with you, study it.
>>
No. 669916 ID: e1ea4d

i betcha the invocation price to unink them would be the stone itself.
>>
No. 671817 ID: d78cc1
File 144297740659.png - (207.88KB , 960x560 , 97.png )
671817

"Yish."
We won't take it, then. Just the rope.

Strela squints.
In the distant shore of the cave, a red glow.
"Yish?"
And tell us: What's that?

The creature's eyes widen.
"Yish."
Nothing.
"Yish."
I gave you your stone. I'm leaving empty-handed. You have to show me.

The yish beasts confer low and hissy with one another.
Then the leader stalks into the darkness, gesturing the sorcerers to follow.
Come with me.


They pick their way along a shallow, ink-stained crescent of shore between the water and the high walls.

The glow resolves and intensifies as they near it into a cave, yawning from below with a premonitory red.
She and Bruco hold tight to the skull.
Without it the air is proving as sluggish as lead. It's impossible to breathe.
>>
No. 671819 ID: d78cc1
File 144297742571.png - (267.63KB , 960x560 , 98.png )
671819

There runs, even further below the surface, a river of glowing red.
The yish beasts stay bunched in the darkness of the cavern. Only a few of them tremble out onto the cliff face where Bruco and Strela stand. This light hurts them.

Strela thinks at first it's magma, but there's no heat. If anything it's chilling her to the bone.

The way it congeals and flows: it looks like blood.

More of the hovering stones float over its surface, jittering occasionally in air. From the brilliant red cataract in the far end of the cavern to where they stand the ichor grows sluggish, pulpy and dark, especially under those stones.

"What the fuck are we looking at?" Bruco whispers.
>>
No. 671821 ID: 3663d3

i think it's the secret.
>>
No. 671824 ID: 211d83

The Yish mentioned something about that white stone being a world bone. Maybe this is the remains of some giant powerful being?

Honestly whatever it is I don't think we know enough about it to risk messing around with anything here. I would rather find a little secret to bring home from somewhere else. This place seems like bad news.
>>
No. 671826 ID: 40a95b

"Nothing good, I imagine. Let me ask our new friends here."
>>
No. 671830 ID: 37b8ce

Well, they called the stone a World Bone, so I guess that makes that World Blood!

Just try and tell me a gallon of that stuff doesn't sound like the best dower.

It probably has all kinds of weird and unpleasant side effects from being around it, though!
>>
No. 671839 ID: 2ccbb3

The obvious question is to ask if you can help clean up whatever is the source of this blood river and take the garbage parts. But in all seriousness, is there a titan bleeding out or something?
>>
No. 671842 ID: e114bc

>>671819
The Yish said that the Ink is world blood. The fuck is this red shit? Ask them. Do they even know?
>>
No. 671847 ID: bb78f2

>>671819
Ask a spirit if you want to know, right now I have a hard enough of a debt to pay today. Lets hurry up and find something to take maybe, then we got to get a bird to spatchcock and I got to start thinking of some weird ass great worthy secret to tell you at night. Lots to do before nightfall, plus you'll have to deal with YOUR debts too, especially if you make another deal asking what's up with this shit.
>>
No. 671850 ID: 149da0

>"What the fuck are we looking at?" Bruco whispers.
Assuming we can still chose to speak normally to him:

The Yish said the stone was a world bone. I think... these are bones. And blood. We're either looking at the corpse of some great dead thing... or a wound in the world.
>>
No. 671901 ID: 6995fb

>>671819
can we rope one of these stones? would they let us?
>>
No. 671937 ID: 6a3260

I see the spine, of the world~ Sparkle and shine, light the inside~

A question for the Yishies: They said they were told the stone was a vertebra of the world, but who told them?
>>
No. 672176 ID: d78cc1
File 144307173989.png - (66.21KB , 960x560 , 99.png )
672176

"Yish," Strela says.
What are these? What is this?
The leader rubs its spiny wrists. "Yish."
we know nothing
But someone told you these were World Bones. Where did you hear that?
ink. memories are ink

Strela shakes her head in exasperation. "Yish."
Fine. May I take one?
The leader nods, uncertainly.
Her rope snakes down and into the river, wrapping it around one of the stones.

"Pulling?" she asks Bruco.
"What?" He takes the end of the rope. "Sure. Sure."
He gives it an easy tug and Strela staggers a little with how strong he is. Lousy monkey muscles.

"That our dower?" he asks with trepidation. "I dunno."
"What don't you know?"
"It all feels kind of..." He shrugs. "Spooky. I dunno."

1]] This is it. It'll serve nicely.
2]] You're right. Maybe just a sample of the blood or the ink would do.
3]] You're right. We should find something else. That shiny thing your spirit mentioned, perhaps.
4]] This is the secret. I can't just let it stay buried.
5]] I didn't ask for your opinion, Bruco Bandara.
6]] ___________________
>>
No. 672178 ID: 0fc976

1, but we should get samples of the blood and/or ink as well. More as curiosities for research than as a dowry.
>>
No. 672179 ID: a19cd5

>>672176
3 AND 4, I am stupid conflicted on this and Bruco seems to have a pretty good instinct for situations like this
>>
No. 672180 ID: e114bc

>>672176
3, but also maybe 4. Take the world bone for personal research!

...on second thought the world bone might fuck up the world around it if you take it out and bring it somewhere else. Just like how that other one created Ink, right? You can always come back to do research here. A sample of the blood would do for personal research back home.

3+2.
>>
No. 672184 ID: 149da0

6: Non-answer, exposition:

They called them world bones. They claimed the one before turned them into the creatures they are today. How could we tell what any of these others are capable of?

I'm comfortable with expressing uncertainty, or conflicting desires, too. We're bound to honesty anyways. We're tempted and interested, but it's hard to be sure if this is something better let lie or not to be missed. (Plus, maybe we can draw him out into explaining himself more clearly).
>>
No. 672185 ID: 37b8ce

2, 3, and 4, though 4 isn't urgent. We can take our time researching it, maybe come back and study it some other time when we aren't on a mission for a dower.
>>
No. 672203 ID: bb78f2

>>672176
3 and 4
I really don't want our wedding guests made into ink people.
>>
No. 672204 ID: 2ccbb3

>>672176
6) Ask the Yish leader for a tour of their town. Maybe they have something valuable that is of no use or worth to them, like platinum.
>>
No. 672206 ID: b8c7da

>>672179
>>
No. 672261 ID: 0f858a

we should bring it back to your feathered friend to try and figure out what it does. take a sample from the 'blood' and from the 'ink' as well. no harm in going for the double with the shiny thing too.
>>
No. 672528 ID: d78cc1
File 144316364929.png - (67.40KB , 960x560 , 100.png )
672528

Strela sighs. "You're right."

Bruco is taken aback. "I am?"

Strela lets the rope go slack then pulls it back in. "I can't let this stay buried. Of course."
"Course you can't."
"But leaving them here to study strikes me as a better idea. Yish."
Thank you for showing me this."
The leader backs away toward the dark of the tunnel. "Yish."
[i]You thank too easily
You should not have seen this


Strela bottles a sample of the ink. It smells like rot and tar.
"Time was you woulda told me to shut the hell up about that rock." Bruco idles at the cave entrance.
Strela taps the stopper further in with her palm. "I suppose you've given me more reason to trust you between now and then. Your instincts, at least."

"You trust my instincts that the stuff there ain't gonna be enough for a dower?" Bruco nods at her bottle.
"What. This?" Strela holds the ink up. Bruco wrinkles his nose. "It's a never-before-recorded phenomenon of potentially astounding implications to the field of sorcery. Or alchemy at the very least."
"Sure," Bruco says. "But them non-sorcerers ain't gonna care about that."
"Simpletons." Strela scowls. "What will they care about?"
>>
No. 672529 ID: d78cc1
File 144316367797.png - (266.84KB , 960x560 , 101.png )
672529

"Shiny shit!!!!" Bruco sings as they emerge on the roof of the temple. "Awww, lookat you!"

He lays a palm on the statue's grim visage. "Gold. Snazzy. Bandaras'll love this."
Strela sniffs. "It might hold their attention."
"What's this thing?" Bruco plucks a sword from the statue's grip. "Awww there it goes. Sword too?" He tosses it up and down. "Bet there's something special about this. Now this is one of them classic, firebelly dowers. This is the kind of shit you fight cultists for."

1]] Your yokel-ness is showing, Bruco.
2]] We can only take the sword. No way to carry the big hunk of shiny metal.
3]] I suppose we'll need an incantation to bring the statue. Your turn to cast.
4]] The ink sample will be enough. Come on.
5]] Cast an incantation: ________________
6]] _________________
>>
No. 672530 ID: 149da0

Unless the statue will fit in his magic pouch, I say 3.
>>
No. 672531 ID: e114bc

>>672529
3. Maybe 1 too.
>>
No. 672534 ID: a6f913

3!!!!
>>
No. 672536 ID: 2ccbb3

If you're going to cast an incantation, be sure to get an analyst. If that statue is cursed then you're screwed.

Right now, those ruby eyes look delicious. Take only the eyes and report back about the statue to Markessa. Forge an alliance as your dowry.

Also, spend the rest of the day finding a spatchcocked bird.
>>
No. 672543 ID: bb78f2

>>672529
3] The families gets the statue's worth, we get the sword. It may be another valuable artifact to study.

Who knows, could be a healing sword. Something nifty and fun to play with.
>>
No. 672587 ID: 2a7417

You want to incant that thing back home, fine by me. We're not bringing it right back to the Leonid village center like some kind of Trojan Horrorshow, though. I'll take the sword. (Listen for faint whispers of "Headsss...")
>>
No. 672598 ID: 0f858a

>>672529
an incantation to haul the statue. don't forget we're passing through your bird friend for a hand in looking at the stone and ink. and don't forget to take the sword for a lookup as well.
>>
No. 672717 ID: 281aec

You should mention to Bruco that you're supposed to tell him a great secret. Also, as a sign of trust, tell him you can't lie, and ask him not to take advantage of that. Bruco is good people. He won't exploit that limitation to get more info.
>>
No. 673336 ID: d78cc1
File 144342084077.png - (14.01KB , 960x560 , 102.png )
673336

"I suppose we'll need an incantation to move this thing." Strela lightly taps the statue with her foot. "Your turn, Bruco."

"S'pose it is." Bruco hunkers down on his knees and pulls out his focus.
"Do you have to do it on the ground like that?" Strela asks.
"Nah." Bruco rubs his palm across his focus. "How I was taught, though. Makes it feel more secure, y'know."

He throws his head back and inhales deeply.
He freezes for a second.
Then he snorts.
Then laughs.
Then he straightens up again, shaking his head, and sticks his focus back on his belt. "All right, Strela Leonial."

He skids his heel across the ground and plants his foot hard and flat on the stone. "Spirit says it's time for a rematch."
Strela crosses her arms. "You and me?"
"Me an' you. For terms."
"What terms?"
"Whatever terms. Just terms, it says." He bends and unbends his knees. "Sprung it on you. You can pick."

1]] OK. If I win _________________ and if you win _______________.
2]] You name the terms, Bruco. It's your spirit.
3]] I forefit. We don't have time for this.
4]] ____________________
>>
No. 673338 ID: a19cd5

>>673336
1 is the clear option but I have no idea what to offer
>>
No. 673339 ID: 0fc976

If I win, you will catch a bird for me, and if you win, I'll dance The Monkey
>>
No. 673344 ID: a6f913

if you win, you have to tell me a Great Secret. if i win, i'll tell you a Great Secret. (we have to do it anyway, so ...)
>>
No. 673349 ID: bb78f2

>>673339
I'm GAME for this.
>>
No. 673356 ID: 281aec

>>673344
You play dirty, don't you? It's good. And if he gets suspicious while we're still telling the truth, well, guess we'll just have to reveal our play.
>>
No. 673373 ID: 2ccbb3

1) If I win, you stay tied up for one hour (while I tell you my great secret), and if you win, I'll tell you 20 different secrets (one of which is my great secret).

4) Also, find a safe place to duel, before you throw each other off the building.
>>
No. 673395 ID: 33a8d5

! >>673344
>>
No. 673403 ID: d853e8

>>673344
lies of omission count.

a better offer:
if i win you'll tell me a great secret. mentioning that you also have to tell him one is advisable but optional.
if you win you may call me strel.
>>
No. 673406 ID: fbc59e

I win, you tell me a secret.
You win, and I won't bug you about calling me Strel, Buky~
>>
No. 673411 ID: cab7d6

>>673344
We have to do that whether we win or lose, else we break the contract with that other spirit. Unless you're assuming we'll lose?
>>
No. 673416 ID: 88960e

>terms
Well we should both be able to walk afterwards, or the trip back will be inconvenient. Although I suppose we could always just drape the loser over the dower.

Split the terms. Friendly match, you're both deciding what you give up. If he wins, he can call you Stel. If you win... [Bruco fills in].

3 isn't worth considering, it's an insult to Bruco and might break terms with his spirit. And don't offer to let him win something you already have to give him, that's totally a lie of omission.
>>
No. 673598 ID: d78cc1
File 144350454875.png - (200.76KB , 960x560 , 103.png )
673598

"If I win, you have to tell me a great secret," Strela says. "I already have to tell you one. The Yish Spirit said."
"So then what's my motivation?"
"If you win--" Strela takes a deep breath. "You can call me Strel. Without argument."

Bruco grins. "Sounds good."
"What are we going until?"
"First blood, I think," Bruco says. "First blood or cry uncle."
"You think you can get me to cry uncle?"
"No ma'am." His ankle skids out a couple of inches as he fully plants himself. "Though I reckon I can make you bleed."

Strela lets her muscles liquesce into her Viper stance.

The two sorcerers face each other.

Bruco doesn't move a muscle.

1]] His back's to the ledge. Go fully aggro and press the advantage.
2]] He can't punish what he can't catch. Stay back and use your long kick range against him.
3]] Wait him out. He's gotta move eventually. Try to bait it out of him.
4]] Go for a sweep low. Test that stance of his.
5]] FLYING KICKU
6]] Use a technique: ________________
7]] Use an incantation: ______________
8]] _______________________
>>
No. 673603 ID: a6f913

flying kicku is the least strategically sound and the most fun. let's do it
>>
No. 673608 ID: 149da0

3 should work, eventually, since his whole style is about tanking. But it will be a damn boring fight with both of you daring the other to move first.

A rattlesnake kick or limblock might be effective against Bruco- he can't defend as well if he's down a sense or limb. We'd probably need to make an opening to use one, though.

...I'm tempted to just stand there and cast Sting to shoot him while he defends. Force him to move first. But that's one of our least impressive techniques, and then he's free to use any of his.

4's probably the smart move.
>>
No. 673616 ID: 0fc976

Do 4 followed by SPITTING COBRA.
>>
No. 673621 ID: 2ccbb3

8) Fondle self. Then grab the distracted Bruco and throw him onto the floor. Claw his arms.
>>
No. 673633 ID: d78cc1
File 144351042170.png - (48.32KB , 960x560 , 104.png )
673633

Strela goes for the sweep.

Bruco rears back. Uncharacteristic.

Strela's wrists snap and propel her palms into a complex motion of flurries against Bruco's overexposed midsection. A hiss rises through her throat as her tendons whip her through the memorized motions.

They resolve into a final, digging stab into his ribs.

"SPITTING COBRA!"

That did it; her magic's burrowed into his muscle. His attacks are naturally slowed!
>>
No. 673634 ID: d78cc1
File 144351045877.png - (126.83KB , 960x560 , 105.png )
673634

Bruco roars and brings his foot smashing back to the ground.

"TREMOR!"

The shocking blast wave of energy would be enough to knock Strela over if her center were up and stable.

As it is she's low, and has just enough time to realize he was expecting her to go that way all along before his Tremor boosts her sprawling into the air.

OK, so he's got some techniques too.

1]] Land safe! Limit the damage you take by rolling with the impact!
2]] Land fast! Skid on your kneepads and straighten quick. It might do a number on your joints but it'll nullify the knockdown and salvage some momentum.
3]] Land aggressive! Hit the ground with your palms and spring back at him! You might break your wrist or something and you're definitely not going to be pulling off more flurries like that this fight, but he'll get a faceful of foot!
4]] Forget the landing, brace for the followup! While you're still in the air. Bruco's not going to be content to just let you fly.
5]] __________________
>>
No. 673636 ID: a6f913

2!!! lets be balanced
>>
No. 673645 ID: 99cfa8

>>673634

Not 3, this fight's to first blood and that's like to end it. Kinda thinking 4, but make sure you have some kind of landing in the wings if he doesn't.
>>
No. 673679 ID: 88960e

I want to do 2, but skinning our knees would cost us first blood and the match.

4, I think. Remember he's slowed through, you might be able to counter or exploit his attack.
>>
No. 673681 ID: 2a7417

4, assuming he can get it to land before you hit the ground.
>>
No. 673691 ID: 281aec

Not 4. He probably doesn't know he's slowed, so he's expecting to be able to swat you out of the air and will be surprised when he can't. In fact, that slowness bought us a lot of leeway. Do the safe landing, he can't punish it. 1.
>>
No. 673713 ID: d853e8

land safe. a skinned knee is the single lamest way to lose.
>>
No. 673714 ID: 2ccbb3

1) Land safe. This isn't an arena match, it's a duel in the middle of cultist territory. If you weaken each other too far...
>>
No. 674140 ID: a107fd

>>673714
Already pretty much broke the cultists, but, yeah, no sense taking unnecessary risks when you still need to hike home.
>>
No. 674223 ID: ad63a0

>>673634
1, this isn't really that serious of a match, land safe and don't hurt yourself
>>
No. 674928 ID: d78cc1
File 144402595918.png - (17.99KB , 960x560 , 106.png )
674928

Strela transfers the shock along the meat, rolling and straightening to minimize injury.

Bruco swipes at the air she recently occupied, but his arms creak rather than spring into action.
He staggers and catches himself. He incredulously bends his bicep.

"Whadd the fugg?" His sluggish tongue trips over itself trying to get the words out.

1]] Take advantage!! FLYING KICK
2]] This is the ideal time to try and disrupt his balance. Sweep him.
3]] Cancel his footing more permanently by closing and grappling. You know from experience he'll go down to a choke hold.
4]] No risks. Stay at range and give him a flurry of feet, lightning-kick style.
5]] You want to bleed him, right? Swipe with your nails. Show that this kitty has claws.
6]] _______________
>>
No. 674931 ID: 0fc976

3) Close and grapple. He's slowed, but don't count him out yet.
>>
No. 674932 ID: e114bc

>>674928
5.
>>
No. 674938 ID: 2ccbb3

2) His muscles aren't working. End this with minimal injury.
>>
No. 674983 ID: 88960e

>>674928
2. Get him off his feet, mess up his stance.
>>
No. 674985 ID: 17b245

5.
Don't go for the sweep; his entire shtick is centered around stability and being slow won't make him less stable.
>>
No. 674992 ID: 3d43fb

1!
>>
No. 674994 ID: 2567f1

5. Just jab him once in the forehead or something.
>>
No. 675006 ID: 0938de

>>674994
This but maybe not in one of the only armored areas on his body.
>>
No. 675022 ID: 8dacbf

5!
Aim for the extremities!
It matters not from whence the blood flows, only that it flows!
>>
No. 675029 ID: a107fd

1 + 5. Make it clear you could've hit harder, but just give him a little scratch on the ear with your toe. First blood, fight's over, and if it leaves a scar, that's likely to be more embarrassing than dangerous.
>>
No. 675050 ID: 2f4b71

>>674928
>4]] No risks. Stay at range and give him a flurry of feet, lightning-kick style.
Closing is a bad idea. Bruco is a grappler. Even slowed, he still has the advantage in strength, and in skill up close.
>>
No. 675204 ID: d78cc1
File 144418669845.png - (49.47KB , 960x560 , 107.png )
675204

Strela launches a kick toward Bruco's face, claws first. Time to draw blood and end this while his muscles are slow.

As her foot rises to meet him, Bruco seems to realize that his movements have slowed but Gravity hasn't, and he does just about the only thing he can do to avoid her:
He drops like a sack of potatoes, shooting an arm out to steady his descent.

His leg hooks around Strela's as he falls.

1]] Leap away! He's trying to get you to the floor with him!
2]] Let yourself come down on top of him, talons first. You'll be able to draw blood before he can really pin you.
3]] He'll be stronger when he gets a grip, but for now your speed is better. Play into his grapple, get advantage early, and go for the submission hold.
4]] Knee him in the dick.
5]] ____________________
>>
No. 675206 ID: 5ad4a7

>>675204
2.
>>
No. 675208 ID: 2ccbb3

>>675204
5) TIME OUT, a ring-out COULD KILL YOU.

4) Let's do this.
>>
No. 675214 ID: 0fc976

4. Consult a witch-doctor if this draws blood.
>>
No. 675223 ID: 56400a

>>675204
2 while he's still slowed

>>675208
>>675214
4 kind of seems like a...dick move
I'll let myself out
>>
No. 675224 ID: bb78f2

2
>>
No. 675227 ID: d4c9ee

2.
>>
No. 675258 ID: 84cd4b

-one vote for option four. cmon, no dick kickin' tonight, save it for the kinky sex you'll be having in your late thirties to allieviate the boredom of your up-till-then completely vanilla sex lives.
>>
No. 675259 ID: 84cd4b

>>675258
minus-one, i mean
>>
No. 675260 ID: 5a25a4

2!
>>
No. 675277 ID: 88960e

2.

C'mon, Bruco. Last chance to pull something out and earn those nickname privileges.

>4
Haha, no.
>>
No. 675422 ID: d78cc1
File 144433215524.png - (20.74KB , 960x560 , 108.png )
675422

Strela lets herself be brought down, her talons out. She reckons she'll be able to--

His palm connects with her solar plexus and her lungs immediately empty.

DAMN but he's strong.
He rolls on top of her and her legs are pinned instantly to the ground.
It takes only one of his arms to hold both of hers in place. He's so heavy on her that she can't get her breath back.

"Gotcha," he says.
>>
No. 675423 ID: d78cc1
File 144433217642.png - (21.82KB , 960x560 , 109.png )
675423

A glowing rivulet of sorcerer blood runs down his chin and drops onto her neck.

"Fuck," he says.

1]] Suck it.
2]] If it's any consolation I'd be toast if this were a real fight.
3]] You going to buy me dinner first, big guy?
4]] Get the hell off of me.
5]] His grip's slackened. Kick him.
6]] _______________
>>
No. 675425 ID: bb78f2

>>675423
3
Not 2, if it was a real fight, he would be dead or unconscious already. We took to moves we made because we weren't fighting to kill.
>>
No. 675426 ID: fbc59e

3, maybe something like "nice fight but I win again." Then into 2.
>>
No. 675427 ID: 2cc0e9

3, with a shiteating grin.
>>
No. 675428 ID: 6c59f4

guys cmon
we cant do 2 because we cant lie :^)
>>
No. 675429 ID: cab7d6

Suck what? His blood? You're not a vampire, are you?
3 if the no-shit-talking hours are up.
Then 2.
>>
No. 675430 ID: b12e2c

3. or at least a drink or something.
>>
No. 675436 ID: 8aa7ad

"Gotcha first."
Then 3.
>>
No. 675438 ID: 2cc0e9

>>675428
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH
>>
No. 675439 ID: 2eeb65

6. KISS HIM YOU FOOL.
>>
No. 675442 ID: 05b739

>>675428
This is true, we cant say 2.
What we CAN say is "if its any consolation I dont think I could get out of this hold"
>>
No. 675443 ID: 19540d

>>675423
6. Grin, stick out tongue, catch a drop of glowing blood.
>>
No. 675545 ID: b6e4a1

>>675423
3 so you can be a snarky bitch without breaking the deal with the spirit and/or pissing bruco off, then 6 to explain to him how things will go down and maybe tell him about the whole "i am going to have to tell you a big secret to you because of the deal i made with the spirit, so i guess you telling me a secret would even things out between us two" if you haven't told him about the details of the deal yet, maybe telling him this will make him feel a bit more comfortable with telling you a secret. And an actual secret, not some silly stuff like "i have some bizarre phobia" or "i think you have a nice butt".

Or maybe you can kiss him just to mess up with him.
>>
No. 675547 ID: 2ccbb3

>>675423
4) Say this NONCHALANTLY.
6) While on the floor, give Bruco some information about your great secret(s) that will help him process it/them better.

Also, Bruco goes "fly-fishing" for the spatchcocked bird while you guard the giant expensive statue. Spend the rest of the day thinking about what your great secrets are so that you don't say a limited and unacceptable set.

Remember, the conditions for the spirit were as follows:
No lies UNTIL SUNSET. That means you can lie as much as you want all night long.
The spatchcocked bird has to be hunted down now or you're screwed. Ask the spirit how they want their flappy meal chemically treated.
Tonight, you're supposed to tell a great secret. BE SURE THAT THE SPIRIT PERSONALLY CONFIRMS THAT IT'S NIGHT ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT.
>>
No. 675548 ID: d78cc1
File 144437030541.png - (15.83KB , 960x560 , 110.png )
675548

"Buy me dinner first."
Strela sticks her tongue out and lets a drop of blood land on it. Not enough to steal any of his power or anything. "Let me up."

Bruco hoists himself to his feet and helps Strela up.
"Good fight," he says.
"I guess that's a secret from both of us," Strela says. "I have to do you one too sometime tonight. My spirit says."
"Guess that makes it more interesting." Bruco jerks his thumb at the statue. "My spirit says he can schlep that thing for us now."

1]] Good. Then we make for Predatus. We move fast we can get there before tomorrow's sun is up.
2]] Good. Then we take it a ways away from the temple and make camp for the night. We've earned ourselves a break.
3]] Good. Then we don't stop until this dower's delivered. Come on.
4]] Not so fast. I want my secret now.
5]] ________________
>>
No. 675549 ID: f56624

>>675548
2, let's not rush things
>>
No. 675557 ID: 211d83

2. Speed is good and with a spirit carrying the statue you can move fast. But fast is not always safe. You have a bunch of dangerous ground to cover and will be a prime target for anyone who notices the giant gold statue following you.

So get to safe ground so you can relax and plan the journey home. Plus you can get some secrets told.
>>
No. 675558 ID: bb78f2

5]] Good, now help me find a bird to spatchcock before sunset. Another part of the deal with the spirit. Don't want a spirit to eviscerate us before the good stuff happens. Also, I'll need to mediate for a while to actually figure out what a great secret is. I imagine you will too.
>>
No. 675559 ID: 2ccbb3

>>675558
Seconded.
>>
No. 675574 ID: 3d43fb

>>675548
2
>>
No. 675576 ID: cef543

Awesome. Help me find a bird to spatchock!
>>
No. 675578 ID: 88960e

2. 1 is a problem cause mister heartbreaker might be upset you visited the temple after all.
>>
No. 675590 ID: 2a7417

2. Need to fulfill Yishspeak's contract now.
>>
No. 675599 ID: d09128

>>675558
This sounds good.
>>
No. 675702 ID: baef2f

2 and 5, I second >>675558
>>
No. 675731 ID: 977149

>>675702
same
>>
No. 675981 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144458941323.png - (91.11KB , 960x540 , 111.png )
675981

The sorcerers head for a safe place to camp, outside the territorial morass of the sunken temple.
They get some sorcerous business out of the way on the journey.

"STING!"
>>
No. 675982 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144458945228.png - (159.27KB , 960x540 , 112.png )
675982

"That smells excellent."
Bruco slides down the barky trunk of his scout tree and lands heavily on the forest floor.

"It's for useful spirits," Strela says. "Not greedy monkeys."
"Spirits're the greedy ones," Bruco says. "Can't even spare a wing. Hey, big guy." He knocks on the statue. "Creepy bastard, isn't he."

"Not what I'd call aesthetic beauty." Strela turns the bird over. "But gold is gold."
"If we melt him down Imma make a new beard ring out of him," Bruco says. "With one of them eyes stuck to it."
"They're as big as my fist," Strela says. "Your face would fall off."

"I have a strong face. And you got tiny fists." Bruco dusts the bark from his calloused hands. "No sign of spooks in red. Spring not far off though and spirits know I could use a bath. Want to come with?"

1]] Sure.
2]] I'm fine.
3]] I'm not going to bathe with you, Bruco. I'll wait for you to come back and then go.
4]] I'm not going to bathe with you, Bruco. I'm going first. You can wait.
5]] Are you saying I need a bath, Bruco? Are you calling me stinky?
6]] Spring? Bath? Not very subtle, Bruco.
7]] Wait. I have to tell you a secret first.
8]] Wait. You need to tell me a secret first.
9]] __________________
>>
No. 675983 ID: 2ccbb3

>>675982
Your first priority is to ensure that you don't become enslaved because you forgot to speak one stupid sentence.

Step 1: Ask the spirit if it is now time to tell a great secret, AND if you can start lying.
Step 2: Chant each great secret and get the spirit's opinion. You will both agree on what amounts to a great secret and if the spirit tries to renege on the contract, then stuff them into the bird and get free Yish speak.
Step 3: Bruco bathes, you... "relieve tension" noisily on your own. Then swap roles.
Step 4: Plan your overall strategy. What do you intend to do after the dowry is sent? There's a lot on that list...
>>
No. 675987 ID: 848cec

wait, we have to swap secrets first, because spirits.
>>
No. 675990 ID: 90f3c0

1 then 7 and 8.

Swapping embarrassing secrets in the nude. The perfect plan.
>>
No. 675994 ID: 37b8ce

5
>>
No. 675995 ID: bb78f2

>>675982
5, 6
>>
No. 676005 ID: 0fc976

6, 7, 8, 3. The dinner rule still stands, Frisky.
>>
No. 676012 ID: ad936f

5, 7, 8. Don't assume anything bad, it could just be cultural differences.
>>
No. 676018 ID: 59ae77

>>675982
1
>>
No. 676021 ID: 2eeb65

5, then 1.
Be tsundere as fuck.
>>
No. 676023 ID: 211d83

9. Lets tell each other some secrets first to appease the spirits and then we can work on seducing each other over a bath.
>>
No. 676069 ID: cd9d7c

>>675982
1, then 7 and 8 after the bath.
>>
No. 676209 ID: 2d5d20

1 7 8
>>
No. 676218 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144471792238.png - (88.15KB , 960x560 , 113.png )
676218

"Are you saying I need a bath, Bruco?" Strela stretches her toes out to the fire. "Are you calling me stinky?"

"Stinky no," Bruco says. "Little sweaty, maybe."
"Bruco." Strela sniffs the air. "Hmm. Well maybe."
"You been killing a bunch of cultists all day. You're sweaty. And you still got bits of blood on your legs."

"Don't look at my legs." Strela folds them again. "Spring? Bath? Not very subtle, are you, Bruco?"

"If I meant something by it I'd say so," Bruco says. "I ain't a Leonial."
"What does that mean?"
"Means you're some sneaky folks." Bruco sits across the fire from her, grinning. "Always saying things you mean and things you don't and I don't see how I'm supposed to know the difference. Seems to me I oughta be the one looking out for you. Still got your fingerprints on my ass."

"Wait." Strela is eager to change the subject. "Before we go you owe me a secret, Bruco."
"Suppose so. And you me."
"You first."
"Alright." Bruco clicks his tongue. He exhales.

"First marriage I told you about."
"Hmm?"
"Was a he, not a she. Some Bandaras do both. I do both." He shrugs. "Didn't want to bother correcting you. Your turn."

>What's Strela's great secret?
>>
No. 676219 ID: 0fc976

Her first time making a contract, a spirit tricked her. Strela's elder sister paid the price.
>>
No. 676220 ID: f56624

"Bruco I have a penis"
>>
No. 676221 ID: f56624

>>676220
wait that can't be true she does all those split kicks. Shit.

Uh

"One time I split my pants open while doing a high kick in public. This is why I wear loose-fitting shorts now."
>>
No. 676228 ID: f56624

>>676222
0/10, go to your room.
>>
No. 676230 ID: f032e0

She is afraid that if she doesn't find a way to love you, Bruco, she will never find anyone better; and she will have only spirits for company, for ever.
>>
No. 676232 ID: 5ad4a7

>>676219
Spirits don't do tricks.

>>676218
How about how you had to steal most of your artifacts and books and stuff.

Or how you fucked up using one of them once and wound up burning all your notes.
>>
No. 676233 ID: 2ccbb3

"I steal from the graves of my family and put their ashes in a little jar. One day, I will summon as many fragments as I can from the spirit world and make them merge with my soul, giving me power akin to a - actually, do you know what that's called?"
>>
No. 676234 ID: 0fc976

>>676232
Then she broke the contract, her sister paid the price, etc. It's up for interpretation.
>>
No. 676242 ID: 53308c

"o same"

>>676233 no
>>
No. 676244 ID: 2eeb65

>>676220
This.

That would go in line with his confession.
>>
No. 676247 ID: af143f

"The strange way I act around you is mostly due to not not wanting to admit that I do actually like you. Seeing as I am angry about the forced marrage thing and still a bit racist."
>>
No. 676248 ID: f2461f

>>676233
This one.
>>
No. 676251 ID: 3663d3

she is afraid of her own feelings.
>>
No. 676252 ID: 82e9ab

I'm lonely.
>>
No. 676253 ID: ecdfe3

>>676218
"I'm really confused right now. At the same time i don't like this forced marriage, but at the same time i like you, in a romantic sense. I really have no idea if i should just go on with this quest to null the marriage, or just stay with you."
>>
No. 676254 ID: f36501

My father isn't actually my real father. That's why he wanted to get rid of me with this marriage.
>>
No. 676255 ID: 88960e

>>676219
>>676234
I say go with that one. You botched your first incantation and she paid for it.

You never admitted to your family. You think your father knows, but he's never spoken to you about it.
>>
No. 676256 ID: 2a7417

>>676232
Not true. See >>660586 about the lightning spirits.
>>
No. 676260 ID: a007b0

OHHHHHH >>676254
>>
No. 676261 ID: 2ccbb3

>>676254
AWESOME, voting for this.
>>
No. 676262 ID: f56624

>>676254
throwin in with this ye
>>
No. 676429 ID: 2f4b71

>>676254
Another vote for this. Spirits make bargains for individuals to hold up; having someone else fulfil the terms doesn't make sense.
>>
No. 676449 ID: 2eeb65

>>676254
>inb4 her real father is Bruco's dad
>>
No. 676717 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144497056537.png - (35.77KB , 960x560 , 114.png )
676717

"My father isn't my father," Strela says. "Not my real one. That's why he wants me married off. So he doesn't have to deal with me anymore."
"Damn." Bruco sits up. He puffs his cheeks up and exhales. "That's uh. Rough. Who's your real dad?"
"One secret," Strela says. "That's my contract fulfilled." She stands up. "Lead the way to this spring thing."

"Makes sense in hindsight," Bruco says. "Old Marlock's a little, uh... buttoned up to have his blood in your veins."
"What does buttoned up mean?"
"I mean all the Leonials I've ever met are kinda..." He waves his hand around. "Stuffy. You're on the wilder side. For a Leonial." Bruco's torch flits and flickers in the dark. "Could be he wants you gone. Could be he just wants what's best for you."
"And you're what's best for me"
"Well no. I don't know." He shrugs. "But you know how old people are. Maybe that's just what he thinks is best. In his old guy brain. Y'know Bandaras, whole tribe raises the kids. Parents are kinda the leaders on their kids, but it's a team effort."
"That's fine," Strela says. "If you're a Bandera."
"Y'know blood parents, they have to care for you," Bruco says. "It's in their code, like. Genetic and otherwise. If he made the choice to take you, maybe that's got to mean something. Even if he does have a stick up his ass."
"I don't want to talk about it," Strela says.
"Right." Bruco looks back at the path.

They continue through the dark.
>>
No. 676718 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144497058553.png - (311.10KB , 960x560 , 115.png )
676718

The spring catches the moonlight and glows cooly up at them.

Strela wades into the water up to her ankles. It's warm and fresh.
"Not bad." She wiggles her toes. "Do you--"

"LAST ONE IN'S A PLAINS GOAT"
An entirely naked Bruco bolts past her and leaps headlong into the water, generating an impressive splash.

Leonial Tradition dictates that betrothed will never look upon one another's fullness until the first night of marriage. Obviously Strela hasn't obeyed that rule, but she didn't see Patifar naked until three weeks into their courtship. And it was a really big deal.
This, and the accidental eyeful she just caught, reinforces once more to her that Bruco is no Leonial.

He resurfaces, sputtering. "Shit that's nice." He shakes the water out of his locks. "Gets all the cultblood right off ya."

He cocks his head at her expression. "You coming in?"

1]] "I'm good in the shallows, actually."
2]] "Put your clothes back on, Bruco."
3]] Wade in fully dressed. These could use a wash anyway.
4]] Strip to your underwear.
5]] Screw it. Take your clothes off.
6]] "I've changed my mind. I'll be back at camp."
7]] Surreptitiously get a better look.
8]] _______________
>>
No. 676719 ID: f56624

>>676718
5 all the way
this is a challenge we must win
>>
No. 676720 ID: 5ad4a7

>>676718
4. Tell him it's a culture thing.
>>
No. 676724 ID: 211d83

5 and 7. He is cute and you might as well get a good look at him while you have the chance.

Plus who cares if he sees you naked. Bet his eyes get a lot bigger than yours if he sees you naked.
>>
No. 676725 ID: f80256

>>676718
5, and try to outdo his leap. This is a competition, after all!
>>
No. 676728 ID: bb78f2

>>676718
Aren't you already married since the first fight? You've been using the word husband a lot since the fight, not really saying fiancee much.
5
>>
No. 676731 ID: 2ccbb3

4, stick to the edge and be weary of lake monsters.

Ask Conversance if all conditions have been met.
>>
No. 676744 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144497497409.png - (283.00KB , 960x560 , 116.png )
676744

Strela takes a deep breath, backs out of the water, and peels off all her clothes.

Bruco swims to the other side of the spring and settles back against the rocks. He watches with undisguised interest.

Strela takes a running start and leaps, easily clearing Bruco's distance by a decisive margin.

She splashes hard and comes up.
Bruco chuckles and slow-claps.

"Do you not want me looking?" he asks.
She wades up to him. "Are you?"
He grins and nods.
"You told me back at camp you didn't mean anything by it," Strela says.
"I didn't. Didn't figure you'd strip."
"You did." Strela raises her eyebrow. "Were you trying to show me up? Get all flower child Bandara on Stuffy Strela Leonial?"
He laughs. "I guess I was."
"For a Boar Stancer you're pretty easy to catch off guard, Bruco."

"Guess I am." He looks her up and down. "You're cute, Strela," he says, sounding almost surprised at himself. "Not even like cute for a Leonial. Just cute."

Strela tries to hide how pleased that made her.

"Wanna fuck?" Bruco asks.

Strela doesn't quite know how to respond to that.

"Don't feel like you gotta say yes," he says. "But I think you're pretty, and I think you think I'm not bad either, and I think we've been making a pretty good team. So I'm starting to think maybe being married to you wouldn't be all that bad. If I'm gonna be married to anyone might as well be another sorcerer who knows their way around a fight, right? And we can do that 'finding our physicality elsewhere' shit you were talking about the other day if we want to but now that I've had some time to get to know you I think you're all right. And if we're gonna decide whether or not to be hitched forever we might as well see if the sex is any good first, right?"

1]] Hm. Good point.
2]] I was hoping I wouldn't have to be the one to ask.
3]] Thank you but No.
4]] How dare you?
5]] You really think I like you like that?
6]] I don't think I've heard you talk that long since we met.
7]] ________________
>>
No. 676745 ID: f56624

>>676744
2, with a playful 4.

We touched his butt and liked it time to consummate
>>
No. 676747 ID: defceb

1, 6
>>
No. 676748 ID: 2ccbb3

7: WASH UP AND LEAVE.

Something's wrong, you need to get ready for a fight!
>>
No. 676752 ID: 395c9b

>>676748
This is a Brom quest, not Game of Thrones. You brought the wrong genre savvy.

7. Yeah. Yeah, okay, Bruco.
6.
Then continue 7: walk up to him and sit on his lap. I'm sure you guys can figure it out from there.
>>
No. 676753 ID: 3f9522

6,1,2.
>>
No. 676768 ID: 2fac7d
File 144498304580.png - (144.77KB , 960x560 , 117.png )
676768

"My ears are ringing," Strela says.
"Same," Bruco says. "That's what happens when it's good."
"Never happened to me before," Strela says. "What was that?"
"Doggy style. You've never done doggy style?"
"It's not a Leonial thing."
Bruco blinks. "Leonials are nuts."
"Bandaras are nuts."
"So," Bruco says. "At the bare minimum we know the sex is good."
"Is that how all Bandaras do it?"
"Doggy style or ringing ears?"
"Ears."
"Only this one." Bruco makes a series of complex gestures in the air. "Is that how all Leonials?"
"Only the ones who can stretch their feet above their heads."

"What if we, like, what if for the first few months we had half the week with each other and half the week on our own?" Bruco muses, as his portable hole's portal shimmers into view. "See whether we prefer living together or apart."
"Why bring this up now?"
"I've never seriously thought about being your husband till now," Bruco says. "But that was good."
"That was very good." Strela purrs.
"Did you just purr?"
"No. What? No."
"That's what that sounded like." Bruco plucks a pipe from magic storage. "Smoke?"

1]] Why not.
2]] Bandara bud? I think it would knock me on my ass.
3]] You're just assuming I'm marrying you now?
4]] You're just assuming I'm marrying you without knowing how good a kisser you are?
5]] That half-and-half plan sounds good.
6]] We're going to be husband and wife. That's kind of a round the clock thing.
7]] ____________________
>>
No. 676769 ID: 395c9b

1, 4, 5.
>>
No. 676770 ID: ddfdc0

1, 4, 6
>>
No. 676778 ID: d59120

>>676768
5, for a while. we'll see how it goes.
>>
No. 676781 ID: bc56cf

FOUR
>>
No. 676786 ID: 88960e

>>676768
1. Smoke now, worry about the future later.

7: Well, if you go both ways, at least I'd have someone to appreciate dude-butts with.
>>
No. 676790 ID: 2ccbb3

3, 7) WASH YOUR [[cat]] THOROUGHLY. Leave now and make sure that you haven't been ambushed.
>>
No. 676881 ID: f80256

>6]] We're going to be husband and wife. That's kind of a round the clock thing.
It's kind of like an incantation, isn't it? You don't get to argue the price. You either accept it or fight about it.
>>
No. 676972 ID: baef2f

5, 7: "Not that I wouldn't want to, but out in the wilderness like this I think at least one of us should have a clear head at all times. Maybe I can try some when we're behind sturdy walls"
>>
No. 677209 ID: 9c231b

Lets be difficult! 3,6
>>
No. 677434 ID: 99cfa8

2, 3->4
>>
No. 677778 ID: f56624

>>676770
>>
No. 677779 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144524048090.png - (294.91KB , 960x560 , 118.png )
677779

"We're going to be husband and wife, Bruco," Strela says. "That's kind of an around-the-clock thing. By design."

"Oh." Bruco rubs his beard. "True. I just thought maybe you wanted to ease into it."
"I'm more of a plunge kind of girl," Strela says. "It's kind of like an incantation, isn't it. You don't argue the price. You accept it or you fight about it."

Bruco's rubbing her leg. His hand is warm and very calloused. "So we're accepting it?"
"It's getting easier to accept."
Strela takes the pipe from him. "Speaking of..."

She takes a deep drag. She coughs.


"This stuff's kind of dry," Bruco says. "Might take a while to hit. You ever try this stuff before? Cause the first time is pretty major."

"Strela?"

"Strela?"

1]] i ahvent actually and your right
2]] bruco youre so sexy. youre sexy. i havnt told you that and youve told me im pretty and youre pretty too. i like your arms.
C]] bruco youre wrong about my dad i think. i dont think he loves me. i dont think anyone love s me.....
4]] bruco i think i could love you some day i really do. i dont love you yet but i think one day i might.
5]] bruco why did you give me this
6]] is my brain just goin g to be stuck like this forever
7]] bruco did you break my brain
eight]] bruco im really afraid of getting married. im not ready.
9]] cruco my hand. look at my hands. theyre huge...!
10]] bruco can we sleep together for real tonight i want you to hold me
11]] bruco bruco bruco i like your name.
12]] bruco tell me abiut your old husband. i want to know about you. i dont even know you but i want to.
13]] is this what bandanras do all day bruco? what is being a bandara like??? is it like this
14]] bruco do you like me? like really like me?
15]] bruco your goin g to have to watch the statue and shit i dont think im in the right mindselt for it
16]] bruco leTS DO SOME MAGIC!!!
17]] cast an incnatiation: ________________
18]] __________________!!!!!
>>
No. 677785 ID: f56624

>>677779
all of these are good but
5, 7, 9, 4, and then back to 9 seems like the best order to go in
>>
No. 677786 ID: 5ad4a7

>>677779
five six seven
TWELLLLLVE
>>
No. 677787 ID: defceb

6, eight, 9, 10, 15
>>
No. 677789 ID: 2a1897

16 16 16
wiggle all ropes
abuse portable holes
wiggle ropes at people through portable holes
>>
No. 677791 ID: 3bc92d

5, 7, 9, 13, eight, and finally 12
>>
No. 677792 ID: e38635

5, 7, 11, 10, TWELLLVEEE
>>
No. 677800 ID: 7b7ab3

5, 7, 6, 9, 15.

Way to go, Bandara.

YOU BROKE THE FUCKING CAT
>>
No. 677817 ID: a107fd

16, 18: put a sample of this pipeweed stuff on some big rock on the shore and see what a few of the Infinite Ravenous Worms think of it. Maybe it will help them mellow out and not be so infinitely ravenous all the time.
>>
No. 677839 ID: 88960e

2 9 10 11 13 14 16 18

[|¤}{©⊙°|}ω⊙°℃℉]§~£€®{¥}}¿<°℃«»«|°⊙}©{}>!!!!!11!!1!#%&$
>>
No. 677842 ID: 3548dc

>>677779
2 (replace 'arms' with butt), 10, 7.
>>
No. 677844 ID: 3a575e

5, 6, 7, 13, SIXTEEN
bruh this shits better than catnip
>>
No. 677877 ID: 2ccbb3

Go to your hovel. Bro-co, brus, brush, Brussel, you fulugug up. You're doing the res your ses.

*COUGH*

Basically, go to bed and pleasure yourself until the drugs wear off.
>>
No. 677892 ID: a6f913

5, 2, C, begin to weep
>>
No. 677899 ID: 395c9b

I still think the half-and-half plan was a good idea. Um, anyway, yeah, those are all good options. Go with whatever.
>>
No. 677913 ID: 3e5cad

5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16
>>
No. 677924 ID: 9bdd1a

All of them in quick succession!
1 5 13 14 2 C 7 9 11 15 10 eight 6 12 4 18 16 17
18: start laughing, then crying, then maybe throw up because ughhh

17: Go put centipedes in my dads house im mad at him. LOSTSS Of centipdesy
>>
No. 677926 ID: ca02eb

Bruco what happened to yourt face
>>
No. 677930 ID: 99cfa8

9, "but not as huge add your ears, they monsterers... sexy momsters", 2
>>
No. 677932 ID: bb78f2

>>677779
17]] Summon a Spirit to bro out with you.
Lets just tallllllk spirit
Smoke a bowl with me spirit
HANG OUT, SPIRIT
>>
No. 677982 ID: f36501

All of them. In any and every order.
>>
No. 677990 ID: d4940a

Every damn one of them in an incoherent ramble that never ends, ending with an incantation where you request the spirit guide you on a spirit journey.
>>
No. 677997 ID: 7b7ab3

Alternatively!

Say and do nothing. Continue to stare into infinity. Embrace higher consciousness.
>>
No. 678096 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144531223819.png - (8.68KB , 960x560 , 122.png )
678096

"brUUCO"
"Yeah?"
"whYYY did u getive me this????"
"I thought you'd done it before"
"did u break my brARIN???"
"Give it a second its fun"
"am i goiGN ot be stuck like thsi forever

is this what u want"

"Shhh I'm right here. Right here"
>>
No. 678097 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144531224505.png - (146.23KB , 960x560 , 121.png )
678097

"brucuo"
"Yea?"
"brucco"
"Yea?"
"BRUNKO"
Bruco is laughing.
"Yea?"
"BRUCO I LIKE YOur name/"
"Strela. Strellla"
"LOOK AT my hands. there huge. look at my cat hands."
"Mine are bigger."

They put their hands together.

"not as bgi as your ears. i like them....! your ears.!"
"I like yours"
"there . . . big
ure big. u have big arms....."
"Thanksss"
"its sexy. youre sexyyyyy bruco. i havent told u that but youre sexy and your arms are big and sexy. i wana touch them"
"OK"
>>
No. 678098 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144531225405.png - (143.99KB , 960x560 , 120.png )
678098

Strela is touching his arms.
"Strela why are you crying?"
"brugo i dont think youre right about my dad. i dont think he loves me.... i dont think anyone loves me.... can u rub my ears please..."
"OK"
Bruco rubs her ears.
"im afraid of being married"
"Me too"
"im not ready"
"Me neither"
"but i think maybe i could fall in love with you someday.... i dont yet but i think we could......."
"Do you?"
"i really wouldnt mind falling in love with u bruco. i wouldn't. i wouldn't. do you like me"
Bruco kisses her forehead. "Mmhm"
"i want can we to really sleep together tonight? and you hold me?"
"Mmmhm/"
>>
No. 678099 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144531228541.png - (231.19KB , 960x560 , 119.png )
678099

"and theN,,,, WE WILL PUT CENITRUPEDES IN MY DADS HOUSE"
"um,"
"LetS DO SOME MAGIC<"
"um,,,"
"is this what being a bandara is like!!!! is it like this!!!!" all the time"! i love it!!"
"only when we can get away with it"
"strellaaaa bandara!!!!"
"hmmmmmm dont know aobut that"
"i want to know about you. i dont even know about you but i want to. Tell me abot yourr husband. tell me about him."
"ummmm,,,,"
Bruco is hesitant.
"i dont know if iii can"

1]] y not
2]] cmoonnnnnnnn
3]] bruco were husband and wief. u must tell me..
4]] oh. ok
5]] im sorry
6]]] howd he idie?
7]] i wont be jealous i promis
8]] how long ago did hit happen?
9]] r u not over him
10]] im not ok with this hanging over us bruco
11]] u can trust me; please;
12]] _________________
>>
No. 678100 ID: a6f913

4, 5. just because we are off our furry little ass doesn't mean we can't be polite
>>
No. 678101 ID: 5ad4a7

>>678099
1.
>>
No. 678106 ID: 025c3c

145

??
>>
No. 678107 ID: 37b8ce

1 9 7
>>
No. 678108 ID: f56624

>>678106
>>
No. 678110 ID: 2ccbb3

2, 2, 2, 2, 11, 2, 5, 2
>>
No. 678116 ID: 945fb0

>>678106
>>678108
Thirding
>>
No. 678136 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144532235271.png - (63.65KB , 960x560 , 123.png )
678136

"y not"
"Im not... i dont knowww..... ready"
Bruco is rubbing her stomach. His hands are so big and rough and warm. "im sorry"

"no im sorry"

"Dont be"
Bruco holds her.
"im not sleepy," she says.
"youre about to b"
"ohhhhhhhh"
At some point before he got the sleeping bag out. Bless him.

She lies curled up in the shelter of his body. His arms are the thick quilt kind of heavy; the good meal in stomach kind of heavy. When he holds her in them the hyper-hallucinogenic world slows its mad acrobatics to a rocking, cradling calm.

His boner is on her butt, too, which is nice.

"will you do this when were married" she asks.
"what"
"hold me"
"of course. all the time."
"good."
>>
No. 678137 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144532237185.png - (258.29KB , 960x560 , 124.png )
678137

She dreams. It's a nightmare but she's used to it. It doesn't really scare her anymore.

Her mother and father are scream-fighting again.
It's animal, almost, the screams. The rage and despair in them has a whiff of luxuriousness, an exultant fullness of negative emotion. Strela imagines that in the middle of her cry her mother feels kind of free.

The whack of metal on flesh makes her jump although she shouldn't jump at it by now.
And here's her father in the door, smudgy face punctuated by pale streaks where the tears cut through.

"Don't touch her," her mother weeps, although he never once has. "Don't come out, Strela."

He stares at her as if she has the solution in her; some way to fix him. His jaw works for a second, then slackens. He drops his belt on the floor. The buckle clatters. "Clean it," he says.
>>
No. 678138 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144532238176.png - (344.07KB , 1100x700 , 125.png )
678138

The door closes and they're at it again.

Strela cleans her mother's blood from the buckle. She works her thumbs into the eyeholes.
She knows every nook and cranny of this belt. It's big and solid and there's wisps of her mother's hair caught in the teeth. She hates it like no six year old girl has ever hated anything, ever.

She stares at its vacancy. And keeps staring.
Her vision detaches itself from her consciousness and swirls into the buckle's eyes like water down a drain to the center of the world.

It travels down with a vertigo that makes her stomach pull and churn.

And then it comes back and it's pulled something with it.

And for the very first time (but not the last), her father's buckle is no longer vacant.
>>
No. 678139 ID: 5aeb2e
File 144532238939.png - (326.47KB , 960x560 , 126.png )
678139

Child.

I am Death.

I am very sorry you have discovered your aptitude this way. Your will is very strong to have come across the sorcerer's gift by accident.
I know it was not your intention to bring me forth. You do not even know what I am.

This will not save you from my consequence.

I am here because you have summoned me to kill your father.
But I must teach you that there is always a price. And the deed you ask of me has a dear price.

I will not take you; I can tell that you place no stake in yourself; and there is a Potential in you. I would not see it taken so soon and with such carelessness.

I am taking your mother away with me.
>>
No. 678140 ID: bb78f2

>>678139
Will you kill her too?
Or will you physically take her someplace?
What do you want with her? Why did you agree to this?
>>
No. 678141 ID: 2ccbb3

>>678137
Something feels wrong about this memory. It might be a revised version. Author: your six-year old self.

>>678138
Such power, and so little fuel to trigger your awakening.

>>678139
Revise the contract.

Let everyone you love die. In exchange, protect one entity from death for all eternity.

Prove that you can stand tall and either be or birth the one who will defy the absolute and WIN.
>>
No. 678146 ID: d65001

Perhaps this is what your mother would prefer.
>>
No. 678150 ID: 5ad4a7

>>678139
...the contract is not yet sealed.

There are other ways to kill a man. Decline.
>>
No. 678151 ID: bb78f2

>>678150
I think we're forced into this choice...

Honestly, if we're going to change the contract, but not allow ourselves or our mother to be killed, I think we should promise our first-born child once they are born, because it would probably work for him.

Now, we're going to hate ourselves later for it, but I don't really see any other choice. It's Mom, or first-born child down the line. That's usually how these choices are made.

We could offer our first husband too, maybe. I don't think offering everybody would work.

It's Mom, first child, or first husband. It's consistent with the timeline and Strella's character, it's what she would do, and would explain all our choices up from the beginning to the present of the quest. It really could only be someone important to her. One she'll love to trade for the death of someone she hates.
>>
No. 678155 ID: f56624

>>678141
no, let's not go full-lich please.
>>
No. 678156 ID: 0fc976

How? Where? Why? What's going on?
Don't take my mama

>>678150
You can't decline the contract once the spirit has been contacted. Only negotiate. Our prospects with the reaper are grim.
>>
No. 678167 ID: f56624

thats a terrible idea.
lets jyst try to ensure our mom reaches peace before death.
>>
No. 678168 ID: f56624
678168

re: firstborn voucher shenanigans
>>
No. 678170 ID: 5ad4a7

>>678156
Oh. In that case...

Can Death take her... later? Preferably when she's old?
>>
No. 678184 ID: 88960e

>>678139
That's not fair. The whole point of killing him is to seperate him from my mother. So she can be free of him. If you take them both, they're still together. He can still hurt her. That's not fulfilling what I asked for at all.

We know Stella has a father now, and was adopted. Either these are her birth parents in this flashback, and Death takes them both, leaving her orphaned, or that's step dad doing the beating and our arguing terms somehow screws things up so Death takes her mother while leaving him.
>>
No. 678217 ID: 3e5cad

>>678167
yeah, only accept if he'll allow your mom peace before and after she dies
>>
No. 678218 ID: 6055f3

>>678139
you will do no such thing. there must be a way out.
>>
No. 678222 ID: 37b8ce

Take someone else, please! Not mom
>>
No. 678226 ID: 9c5046

>>678184
!!!
>>
No. 678267 ID: 2a90fa

>>678184
This!

Only if you promise they won't be together anymore.
>>
No. 678306 ID: 9a0819

I'm six. You said you'd teach me about consequences, not punish me for hating my father. Help me understand this power before you leave. Teach me to understand the price
>>
No. 679136 ID: 12b34c
File 144573105719.png - (396.26KB , 960x560 , 127.png )
679136

You will be strong enough, one day, to bargain with spirits.
But not yet.
And not Me.

I am taking your mother away.
I will not tell you where.
I will tell you this:
>>678184
To die is not to join;
it is to sunder.

Now it is time to agree to my terms.
You must say yes; I must hear it; then I must do as you ask.

But you must say it first.
>>
No. 679137 ID: 36f185

>>679136
Agree.

Even if we resisted, I'm willing to be on mom dying at her dad's hands regardless.
>>
No. 679138 ID: 5ad4a7

>>679136
What happens if we wait? Say nothing, for hours?
>>
No. 679139 ID: 12b273

>>679136
Wait it out as long as you can. Stand there, staring at the spirit, saying nothing, until exhaustion and fatigue overcome you. At the last moment...

Yes.
>>
No. 679143 ID: fbc59e

If we say no...But then again...
there's no way this doesn't happen now does it? He's going to get rid of father. And we're going to lose momma...
>>
No. 679145 ID: 0fc976

I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I will have (when I grow up) is a very particular set of skills; skills I will acquire over a very long career. Skills that will make me a nightmare for spirits like you. If you let my mother go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you; I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you.
>>
No. 679176 ID: 2ccbb3

Ask the spirit if they will be your friend.

You intend to say "yes" at the same time that they do.
>>
No. 679273 ID: ad936f

>>679139
this
>>
No. 679397 ID: 12b34c
File 144583508994.png - (233.01KB , 960x560 , 128.png )
679397

Strela waits.

And waits.

She's not getting tired, or hungry, or thirsty; she's not blinking.
She realizes that time has stopped.

And still she waits.
Hours?
Days?
Weeks? In still time.
Until she feels herself fraying at the edges. And there's nothing left to do.
And she says:
"Yes."


They find her in the same spot, in the corner.
They tell her that her father is dead, horrifically dead, he's been torn to shreds, a person in shreds. They have no idea why. And her mother has disappeared; they have no idea to where.

Strela is curled into herself, staring at the belt.
Looking for what she saw in it, trying to see it again.
>>
No. 679398 ID: 12b34c
File 144583509739.png - (12.66KB , 960x560 , 129.png )
679398

And then she wakes up.
It's one of the brightest days she's ever seen.

Her husband's breath is regular and warm on her neck.

1]] Regret last night's transgressions.
2]] Mentally high-five yourself.
3]] Time to get up; you need to check back in with Markessa at Tribe Predatus.
4]] Time to get up; you need to get back to your tribe with all speed. Hopefully avoiding Trimond.
5]] Not quite time to get up; nobody could blame you for lying in Bruco's embrace for a while longer.
6]] _________________
>>
No. 679399 ID: f56624

2, 5
>>
No. 679402 ID: 0fc976

1, 4. Drop off dowry, unwittingly bring a curse upon your tribe, and double back to visit Markessa with news of the Yish. Yeah.
>>
No. 679403 ID: 2ccbb3

3, loan her some of your loot as a present. Those ruby eyes could buy you permanent residence with the Predatus. If anything goes wrong when presenting the dowry, you'll need a backup plan.
>>
No. 679404 ID: 12b273

2,5

...I wanna do 3, but is there a way we could do it without being seen? Heart dude will be pissed at us, but it would be nice to check in with birdgirlfriend.
>>
No. 679413 ID: 608903

>>679399
>>
No. 679415 ID: a88ca6

2, 5. Eventually, 3, though... maybe it would be better to call Markessa to come out and meet you? Can't cost too much to have a spirit pop over to someone and say "yo friend it's your friend, we got out the temple ok, got some stuff to talk about but don't wanna bother your buddies, would you come out and meet us at [place]?"
>>
No. 679439 ID: 395c9b

>>679415
This, but only if you can do it safely.
>>
No. 679471 ID: 37b8ce

1-2 mixed emotion. The first half was great but the night definitely turned embarrassing as hell after you took a hit of Bruco's stuff.
3. Time to get up and get mad that you got that vulnerable. Markie'd get it, and we could set up plans to look into the Yish and World Bones etc. for after we drop off the dowry.
>>
No. 679855 ID: 9892c9

>>679398
2, 5, then 3 after a while.

also i swear if that statue is missing
>>
No. 679865 ID: 2a7417

>>679855
It couldn't have just gotten up and walked away... Could it?

...Oh dear. 1 regret everything!
>>
No. 680115 ID: a107fd

5. Perfectly logical. You've got to stay put until you can distinguish between the grogginess of having just woken up and any aftereffects of the drug. Take a deep breath, reboot Tsun module.
>>
No. 680145 ID: 12b34c
File 144619243140.png - (12.69KB , 960x560 , 130.png )
680145

Strela beams to herself and burrows a little deeper into Bruco's embrace.
They banged! And it was fun!

A lot of fun, Strela reflects, as she fastens her focus to her belt. More fun than any Leonial she's ever been with. Maybe Bandaras aren't--
>>
No. 680146 ID: 12b34c
File 144619243741.png - (13.00KB , 960x560 , 131.png )
680146

Oh, right.
That Bandara pipeweed.
Strela barely remembers anything that happened after smoking it.
Bruco better not either or so help her.
>>
No. 680147 ID: 12b34c
File 144619245879.png - (264.53KB , 960x560 , 132.png )
680147

A few hours later the two of them stand hidden in the treeline, looking toward the foot of the stone plateau, at the entrance to Predatus territory.

"Reckon Trimond won't be too happy to see us," Bruco says.

1]] I'm not afraid of Trimond. I'm going down there.
2]] So we just leave everything out here and pretend we didn't go to the temple after all. I just want to pop in and see Markie.
3]] Maybe a spirit can get a message in to her to meet us out here somewhere and we won't have to worry about running into Mr. Heart Taker.
4]] You're right. Let's just go. I'll write Markessa instead.
5]] _________________
>>
No. 680150 ID: bb78f2

>>680147
1]
5] That asshole ISN'T the boss of either of us and he doesn't own the temple. He has no right to get mad at us, especially for killing a huge cultist threat. "They're not going," he says like a child. Fuck him and his idea of ordering complete strangers around.
>>
No. 680175 ID: 395c9b

>>680150
The fact that he acts like a child actually makes him incredibly dangerous, considering his power. I think we should be clandestine here, if we want to proceed at all. Have your friend come up and meet you.
>>
No. 680176 ID: 2a7417

4. Spirit mail could be intercepted by Trimond. Postpone the beatings and send her a letter from home. How exactly did that spirit agree to transport our loot, again?
>>
No. 680177 ID: 0867d4

>>680176

From what we know about spirit magic, I don't think intercepting spirit mail is possible. Or, at least, creating some sort of alarm, interception or prevention ward would require a long-term agreement with another spirit, which would be very expensive and probably not worth it just to prevent something that you probably want to be able to do yourself, i.e. send messages to people in your territory.

So I say 3. I'm less worried about Trimond and more about dragging treasure through an area where there might not be that many people who have an inclination towards respecting foreigners' property. Same against just leaving it here, and I don't want to split up the party.
>>
No. 680178 ID: 2a7417

>>680177
>a long term agreement with another spirit.
Exactly. Like the one he's dating. He's got an "inside man" on the spirit scene, and could detect our attempt at subterfuge. I wouldn't take the risk.
>>
No. 680193 ID: 80889e

1
>>
No. 680311 ID: a107fd

1, 5. Based on the surrounding conversation, Trimond's heart-ripping cantrip only works on murderers (possibly other serious criminals), so the spirit's cooperation probably has something to do with justice. Those cultists we wiped out yesterday were mortal enemies of the Predatus tribe. He should be grateful, and even if he's not, the heart trick won't work.

... unless knocking those first two off a cliff with no warning counts as murder. Or when I... say, Bruco, you've never killed anybody outside a stand-up fight, right? How about you go in first, explain what happened, see how they respond.
>>
No. 680352 ID: 12b34c
File 144631642243.png - (16.73KB , 960x560 , 133.png )
680352

"I'm not afraid of Trimond," Strela says. She drops out of her tree and for the second time marches across the clearing toward the cavern.

Just as before, Trimond is waiting for her.

"Out of the way, Trimond," Strela says.

He shakes his head.
"What happened at the temple, Leonial?"
>>
No. 680356 ID: 0fc976

We defeated a cult and stopped their evil plans, then avoided the temptation to meddle in supernatural affairs beyond our control.
Then we nicked a statue and ran.
>>
No. 680357 ID: bb78f2

Since when is that your business, Trimond? You a fellow cultist worried about your friends? I'd only answer your question if the tribes agreed Temple was Predatus territory before today, which it was not. It's currently open territory. So back off, and let me see my friend, unless you're the official gatekeeper, in which case, give me the paperwork that allows me past you without fuss, which I know exists because trade is important to all tribes, and it prevents gatekeeper's personal feelings from preventing trade or social visits.
>>
No. 680358 ID: 2ccbb3

"You wouldn't believe me, so let's not waste time arguing. I'm here to discuss things with Markessa, can we please talk to her?"
>>
No. 680362 ID: 698a77

Your typical Rout-n-Loot. Killed a bunch of psycho cultists and took a bigass golden statue.

Pretty standard, really.
>>
No. 680372 ID: d3c0e8

"I got some tail and I need to brag to Markeesa."
>>
No. 680376 ID: 12b273

>>680352
We murdered a bunch of people, we peered at some creepy stuff beyond mortal comprehension, looted a giant gold statue, and we fucked.

You know, perfectly normal honeymoon stuff.
>>
No. 680381 ID: f36501

No loot mentioning.

Not his business, not here to see him.
>>
No. 680459 ID: 2d5d20

"That's between me and Markessa. I would appreciate if you let me pass."
>>
No. 680476 ID: 5ad4a7

Do not deliberately antagonize the heart-yank sorcerer.
>>
No. 680585 ID: 0fc976

>>680476
Seconding. Accidentally antagonize the heart-yanking sorcerer.
>>
No. 680594 ID: d03b5f

On my way to tell Markie about that, actually.

You can come along.
>>
No. 680851 ID: a107fd

Get snarky. "Why would anything have happened? Last time we talked you seemed to be pretty sure it was literally impossible for me and my husband to even go there, let alone destroy the entire cult. Now, unless you're saying this border's closed because Predatus and Leonial are at war or something, I'd like to step inside and talk to Markessa."
>>
No. 680893 ID: f26df0

The cultist who left the marks is dead.
>>
No. 703769 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145596161918.png - (12.06KB , 960x560 , 134.png )
703769

"That's between me and Markessa," Strela says. "And I'd appreciate it if you let me pass."

"Question, sorceress."
Trimond's hand raises. For a second its arc points it directly at Strela's chest and she feels a twinge of fear in her heart.
Then it goes to his shoulder, and he scratches his neck.

"Did you spare any of them?"

A]] Yes.
B]] No.
C]] I told you it was none of your business.
>>
No. 703770 ID: bb78f2

I'm fine with telling him this, but I'm actually unsure if we were thorough, there's always a chance someone slipped out or that a fatal injury proved otherwise. We did not hold back.

It's obvious someone he cares about was one of the cultists, as rude as he was earlier, I don't think we should disrespect that emotion. If we should disrespect anything, it was that he was foolish to think that simply telling strangers what to do so bluntly would prevent what would happen. It would have been better if he told us what was up, and asked us to spare whoever he cared about.
>>
No. 703771 ID: 2a2f8a

>>703770
Just a reminder that you spared a bunch of cultists
>>
No. 703773 ID: bb78f2

>>703771
Oh, whew, I'm shitty at reskimming.
That's an A then

If he gets disappointed about that, or suspicious, say that, hey leaderships been broken and the cultists were not our primary goal anyway.

But if he still sounds sad, you can still say that if anyone he DID care about was a cultist and was killed, he should have been upfront, pride be damned. We're not assholes, if he had asked us to spare somebody, we would have. Well, save that it would have been the only option to save our necks of course, but that's to be expected.
>>
No. 703779 ID: d82123

>>703769
More than we're proud to admit to. Why?
>>
No. 703780 ID: 7b7ab3

IT RETURNS
There's a big difference between "Spared them" and "Little bastards ran faster than we could kill them." But yes, some survived. Unfortunately.
>>
No. 703787 ID: c4546c

Why does he ask? We do want these people gone, right? Evil cultists and everything? Is there something we don't know?
>>
No. 703794 ID: 438189

I'm hesitant to answer.
Why does he want to know?
How do we know he won't try to kill us?
>>
No. 703796 ID: 2ccbb3

"Yes. Is there something we should be concerned about?"
>>
No. 703802 ID: f6442a

Yeah. We weren't going to find our dowry in their chest cavities, after all.
>>
No. 703815 ID: 502e6f

Yes. Why do you ask?
>>
No. 703817 ID: 02422f

C.
>>
No. 703835 ID: 2ca9f3

You know, that move of his needs a name. I'm gonna go with "Heartbreaker."
Anyway, yes. There were survivors. Good news, though! They're leaderless, demoralized, and scattered, thereby greatly reducing their threat. You're welcome.
>>
No. 703875 ID: f5e25e

C, hold for suspense, A.
>>
No. 703915 ID: 24496b

Define "spare."
>>
No. 703945 ID: 5a8855

>>703769
Answer B. But say something like "We killed as many cultists as we could, but one or two might have escaped. I doubt that they will be a threat as big as they were before."
>>
No. 704175 ID: 7b930d

>>703769
If you let me tell Markessa, then you can just ask her.
>>
No. 704229 ID: 36f185

>>703875
This is perfect, yes please.

Maybe don't insult the cultists? I don't think he wants them dead, OR us complaining about not killing them.
>>
No. 704462 ID: d95d14

Aside, bird man! Our business is with fair Markessa!
>>
No. 704501 ID: a3a5d7

You didn't scour the place from top to bottom, but you sure did off any of them that came at you, and they didn't seem shy about trying that.
>>
No. 704651 ID: 78d04e

>>703875
>>704229
I'mma third this.
>>
No. 704979 ID: 970153

You know you could just listen while we tell Markessa, right?
>>
No. 705344 ID: 38685c

>>703769
We spared none of one kind and all of the other. If you want to know more, we want to talk to Markessa.
>>
No. 705345 ID: 38685c

>>705344
Oh wait nevermind we did spare some.
>>
No. 705422 ID: 02422f

Apparently, the correct answer is "I'm so unconcerned over whether or not we spared any, I don't even really remember."
>>
No. 705833 ID: 89e5eb

>>703835
>>
No. 705838 ID: d16746

From what he said earlier when he took that guy's heart, and the "twinge of fear" there and similar earlier, I'm suspecting this guy has some sort of crime/guilt-sensing ability in addition to or as a sub-ability of the heart thing.
>>
No. 706089 ID: a107fd

We went to the ruins and killed all the cultists that tried to stop us. There were also one or two who hadn't noticed me yet when I shoved them off a cliff. None of them tried to surrender, if that's what you mean, but I guess some might have escaped.
>>
No. 708230 ID: 80bbc7
File 145766517052.png - (16.03KB , 960x560 , 135.png )
708230

"I did," Strela says. "One or two."

Trimond relaxes instantly. "Oh. Good."
He turns from the entrance and steps aside. "You can come in."
"What-- how is that what you cared about. Why do you care."
"Because when the survivors tell the rest of them, they'll know whose Tribe did it," Trimond says. "I was making sure."

He's leaving quick; Strela doesn't have much time to say something to him before she'll have to follow him.

A]] Is that supposed to scare me?
B]] Rest of them? What do you mean the rest of them?
C]] Wait: how many cultists are there, anyway?
D]] Who exactly did I just kill?
E]] Wait, Trimond: do you know anything about this statue we've brought back?
F]] What would you have done if I hadn't spared any?
G]] Shrug disdainfully and go find Markessa.
H]] ______________
>>
No. 708233 ID: 5ad4a7

>>708230
>they'll know whose Tribe did it
Uh oh.

C.
>>
No. 708234 ID: 2ccbb3

> Cultist Nation
Oh dear @#$%.

C
>>
No. 708237 ID: f6442a

Give him the D.
>>
No. 708242 ID: 34dbe0

B and F!
>>
No. 708245 ID: b6fe0c

C, D
>>
No. 708257 ID: 7b7ab3

>>708230
Trimond, you fucker.
C.
>>
No. 708309 ID: 38685c

>>708230
C
I FEEL AS IF IMPORTANT INFORMATION WAS LEFT OUT
>>
No. 708641 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145783465004.png - (21.48KB , 960x560 , 136.png )
708641

"Wait," Strela says. "How many cultists are there?"
"Something you should have asked yourself earlier," Trimond says.
"Trimond," Strela hisses. "I fucking swear."

"I don't know either." Trimond pauses his exit for a moment. "But from what I've gathered they outnumber the Predatus, and the Bandara, and the Leonial."
"Outnumber us... individually," Strela says. "Right?"

Trimond shakes his head.
"You've done Predatus a service," he says, "And we won't forget it. If there is a reckoning, I'll ensure we stand with you."
He starts walking again.
"But I am grateful that it will be at your doorstep," he says. "Not ours."

He vanishes into the cave entrance.

"Well." Bruco lopes up from the treeline. He searches for the right words. "Yikes."
Strela sideeyes him. "Yikes?"
"Yikes."
Strela sighs out the deep foreboding that's settled in her gut. "Come on," she says. "Let's go see Markie."

Bruco looks down. "You're holding my hand."
"You're my husband."

"Oh. Yeah." Bruco lets her lead him into Predatus' cave.
>>
No. 708643 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145783465309.png - (17.32KB , 960x560 , 137.png )
708643

"Come on. Fuck. Fuck! Fucker!"
Markessa's voice echoes up from her workshop as Bruco and Strela descend.
There is the melodious shattering of broken glass.

They enter Markessa's lab to find the sorceress sitting dispiritedly on the ground as her latest glow ghast twists and writhes in front of her. The broken flask it occupied is in pieces on the floor.
"God dammit," Markessa says. "Oh! Strela!"
She surreptitiously adjusts her boob as she pulls herself to her feet. "How was the Temple? Did you-- you two look like you've seen a ghost."
"Close," Strela says. "It was your friend Trimond again."
Markessa grimaces. "Oooh."

A]] It's nothing. He just tried to scare me is all. Didn't work.
B]] We may have made a huge mistake, Markie.
C]] I think I just accidentally started a war.
D]] If you see Trimond again tell him he shouldn't drag your tribe into my tribe's mess.
E]] I have a big statue made of gold that I want you to look at.
F]] We found something in the Temple. This weird liquid I want you to look at.
G]] Are you willing to come on a field trip? There's something under the Temple I want you to see.
H]] ___________
>>
No. 708647 ID: 34dbe0

C, H -> neutrally explain what trimond told you. markessa might have advice.
>>
No. 708650 ID: f6442a

C, D, E, F. The first thing we want to show you is probably not dangerous, but it wouldn't hurt to check for booby traps. The second thing is definitely dangerous, and possibly contagious. Handle with caution.
>>
No. 708651 ID: 5ad4a7

>>708643
C,E,F.

E is mostly to show off: "look at my PHAT LEWT"
>>
No. 708656 ID: 2ccbb3

>>708643
C, E, F

"How do we warn our tribes in time? Even if we bring the hoard of treasure we stole they wouldn't believe anything else."
>>
No. 708672 ID: 02422f

>>708643
That's kind of hot.

>C, F
Offhanded comment, and get her tinkering. She's good with this stuff.

>G
Haha, no way are we going back down there. Nope.

>H
Threesome?
>>
No. 708678 ID: 40cf56

B, C, E, F
>>
No. 708757 ID: cbd7dc

C, E, F.
>>
No. 708775 ID: daab4f

C, E, F.

But tone C back a little, that you MIGHT have accidentally a war.

I mean, it's not that big a deal. You were obviously two sorcerers far from home messing with what you shouldn't, and those cultists would have be huge dicks and giant idiots to spend all their valuable time and resources going all the way over to mess with a bunch of tribals in their own territories just because two weirdos messed with them. It's not like cultists don't have other important shit to do, so it's not like they're all going to suddenly up and lay siege.

Just, you know, some of them. You'll probably just get a few packs coming to mess with you, about the same way they were messing with the Predatus. Maybe they'll want that statue or the sword that was with it.

Oh, yeah. Get that sword identified along with the statue.
>>
No. 708951 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145791263454.png - (15.58KB , 960x560 , 139.png )
708951

"We may have just started a war," Strela says.
"Ooooh," Markessa repeats.
"May," Bruco says. "It's not like they're just gonna up and start laying siege on whole tribes just cause of us."
He blinks.
"Right?"
"Rrright," Markessa says.
"Probably not," Strela says. "Ohh and we've brought you some things."
"Things?" Markessa's talon goes to her beak. "What kind of things?"
"Spooky magicky things," Strela says.
"Eeeeee!" Markessa's beak clicks excitedly.

The statue, it turns out, is just a big giant solid gold statue. Unmagical, yes. Made entirely of gold, also yes.
More than enough for a dower.

Markessa doesn't know the first thing about enchanted weaponry; she has "a feeling" about the sword. "Like-- it's like-- recondite. You know?"
"Mmm," Strela says.
"What's recondite mean," Bruco says.
"Creepy," Markessa says.
Bruco holds the sword still in its scabbard, looking it over. "Yeah. I feel that." He bounces it in his palm. "Makes my arm feel kind of-- tense."
His fingers tighten on the hilt.
"Babe," Strela says. "Put the sword down."
"Mm. Yeah." Bruco drops it back on Markessa's desk. "Magic in there. Not the cool kind."
>>
No. 708952 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145791264258.png - (73.68KB , 960x560 , 138.png )
708952

"And, ah, where," Markessa says, watching the vial of black liquid bubble, "did you get that?"
"A giant red river," Strela says. "Under the temple."

"K. Uh." Markessa clears her throat. "Cause that's definitely blood."
"What?"
"Blood. Beastfolk blood."

Bruco lets out a lowtone, foreboding whistle.
Strela feels fairly sick to her stomach.

A]] Can we leave this with you and let you study it? We have to be getting back for the ceremony.
B]] Spend the rest of the day and evening at Predatus, while Markessa examines the bloodvial.
C]] We need somewhere to stow that sword far away from any of our tribes. I don't feel good about taking it with us.
D]] Trimond might know more. I want to try again with getting some answers from him.
E]] I think it's time to pay that temple another visit.
F]] So we killed the guys who have been leaving those marks around, too. Who do we talk to about payment for that?
G]] ____________
>>
No. 708958 ID: 99a64d

Just blood? Did they have an entire river of just regular ass blood? Why? How?
>>
No. 708961 ID: 34dbe0

C - ask if she's better equipped to keep that thing stowed safely than we are. (she probably is.) don't bother prodding her about payment, we've already got the big fuckin statue.

also B, since we have plenty of time before we have to get back with the dower.
>>
No. 708962 ID: 2ccbb3

E. Screw your dowry, these cultists will go to WAR and your tribes will be wiped out if they follow you and your giant golden statue. Hunker down here and prepare for war. But scout a few more expeditions to the temples while the area is still cleaned out.
>>
No. 708963 ID: 02422f

>Cause that's definitely blood.
>Blood. Beastfolk blood.
Didn't the Yish say it was blood of the world? So the world is a beastfolk?

B. Let's look into this blood. Nobody drink it, yet.

>C
Naaaaah. The evil sword is fine.
>>
No. 708971 ID: f1a512

C and B.
The sword is bad news and is potentially possessed. It's gotta go.
Stick around and be research buddies. Maybe send a message back home, though.
>>
No. 708982 ID: f6442a

B, D, keep the sword. What could go wrong? Ahahahahahah.
>>
No. 709041 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145793245944.png - (22.04KB , 960x560 , 140.png )
709041

"Can we stay here for the night and help out?" Strela asks.
"For sure." Markessa clears a sheaf of papers off her spare chair. "Honestly I don't realllly want to be alone with this stuff."
"'S just blood." Bruco wafts the smell over to his nostrils. "Dealt with a lot of blood."
"I know, but... eugh." Markessa delicately places a stopper over the vial. "There's a reason you both crack heads and all I do is books and ghost worms."
"An entire river?" Strela has to sit down. She feels woozy. "Of blood? How? And why'd it turn black?"
"How and why," Markessa says, "are two very good questions. It's obviously magical."
"Obviously," Strela says. "The marks that were being left around here and making people sick. This stuff was the ink."
"Well of all places to bring it," Markessa says, "you've come to the right place." She cracks her scaly knuckles. "Finally I get to be useful for a change."
"Those glow ghast lights seem useful," Bruco says.
"Bruco Bandara you are the sweetest thing." Markessa winks at him. "But this is a lot more exciting. You two just leave it to me. I'll figure this stuff out."


"I cannot. Figure. This stuff. Out." Markessa rhythmically thwumps her face against her parchment. Strela closes her book (A Survey of the Corsair Ichors) rubs her eyes, and yawns. It's hard to tell how much time has passed down here.
"It's OK," she says. "The source is so far away. It can't be easy."
"But this is what I do." Markessa glumly spins a cork around on the table.
"Maybe this is what Tomorrow Markessa should be doing." Bruco slides his book (Akko! The One Who Laughs at Death!, which has nothing to do with what they're researching) back into place on Markessa's shelf. "Y'oughta sleep."
"Are you guys OK with spending the night here again?" Markessa asks.
"Should be fine," Bruco says. "We got, what. Three days left to get this stuff back."
"Only we still only have the one room for you," Markessa says.
"Oh," Strela says. "Well."


Strela nudges Bruco's elbow. "Bed's still tiny."
"That it is." Bruco nudges back. "So."

A]] So rock paper scissors for the floor, obviously.
B]] So. Again?
C]] Can we be gentler this time? Like how lovers do it?
D]] So you think that just because of that time in the spring you get free access now, huh?
E]] Can we talk first? About what's going on with us?
F]] I don't know. I'm not really in the mood.
G]] That last one was just a test drive. Save it for the wedding day, stud.
H]] So got any more of that pipeweed?
I]] ________________
>>
No. 709045 ID: 34dbe0

E. H after you've had a chat, if things go well.
>>
No. 709050 ID: f1a512

>>709045
Yeh.
>>
No. 709051 ID: 2ccbb3

MARKESSA OR BUST

Terms stated.
>>
No. 709052 ID: f6442a

A. Sounds obvious.
>>
No. 709057 ID: 38685c

>>709041
E. Fondness is growing and smanging should not be used as a way to gloss over relationship problems.
>>
No. 709065 ID: fac1d0

>>709045
perfect, A+ plan, 10/10.
>>
No. 709067 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145793508293.png - (65.98KB , 960x560 , 141.png )
709067

"Can we talk?" Strela asks. "About what's going on with us?"

"Mhm." Bruco sits cross-legged on the bed and peels off his arm bracer. "This thing kinda chafes."
"Why do you wear it?"
"Sister gave it to me. She makes all kindsa great looking stuff now but this was her first. Every time we were sparring she'd always hit my shoulder just right" he taps his shoulder "there and somehow it screwed my holds up. Every time."
He chuckles. "She said Bruc if you're gonna have an arm like a-- uh--" He pauses. "Well, an arm like a Leonial, Imma have to make sure nobody else knows it." He tosses his armband off the bed onto the floor. "Guess I'm just sentimental."

He pats the sheet in front of him and Strela sits opposite him, long legs hanging off the side of the bed.

"So what's up?" Bruco says.

A]] _____________
>>
No. 709068 ID: 9fd26b

bruco i think... i think i don't hate you. eventually we're going to have to go back and face our tribes. the question is... do we go through with the marriage?
>>
No. 709069 ID: f6442a

Hit him in said shoulder. Gotcha!
Sidestepping emotional discourse with jocularity, hoooo
>>
No. 709070 ID: 38685c

>>709067
Relationships are weird and hard and you kinda really want this to work after all, also if this marriage doesn't work out both of your clans might be wiped out by hordes of cultists, which is a lot more than most people have to worry about on their honeymoons. Is this a honeymoon?
>>
No. 709071 ID: 2ccbb3

"The things I plan to learn, the enemies I will fight - even the grandmasters of martial arts would run away screaming. This isn't something you can fight with fists and magic alone. For all your strength, your muscles are slaves to your beliefs and memories and a line of reason

and whatever the cultists are worshipping can rip all that apart. Are you SURE you want to do this? I'd rather you tried fighting every tribe in the continent at the same time."
>>
No. 709072 ID: 34dbe0

what's up with you? by that i mean how are you feeling all of this. because, to be honest - and we're woman enough to be honest - we're feeling pretty good.

you're a fine warrior, bruco, and you'll be a fine husband. just wanna make sure we're all on the same page before we turn this dowry in.

also, i meant to touch your butt when we were climbing that waterfall.
>>
No. 709076 ID: f1a512

>>709072
Yeh.
>>
No. 709105 ID: a76b7e

Well Brucs, um. This thing about, you know, the maybe cultist vendetta. First, it was kind of my call back there to let some cultists go, so it's kinda my fault and uh, sorry about that. I mean an apology doesn't quite cut it but I hope it's a start.

Second, the marriage. Now don't think I suddenly started not liking you again because I do like you, a lot. I'd say by this point we're at least friends. And I could see us getting closer still. I mean, we already have, but you know what I mean. So, I'm not coming over all self-sacrificial or anything, but this marriage is probably going to become... maybe kind of a necessary thing, in addition to it maybe-increasingly-probably being something we'd like. I know the marriage was mostly my dad trying to deal with my shit, but it also sort of had a bearing on how well our tribes get along? So if it didn't work out it'd be that much harder to deal with what's going to be a, uh. Situation. With these cultists. Maybe. It'd be best if our tribes were ready to work together on it.

Also my tribe doesn't like sorcerers much to begin with and when they find out I got them in trouble with a big bunch of weirdos they might kick me out could I live with you
>>
No. 709124 ID: f56624

>>709067
bruco you wanna stay married after all?

keep it short and simple.
>>
No. 709280 ID: 80bbc7
File 145800173599.png - (20.72KB , 960x560 , 142.png )
709280

"What's up with you?" Strela asks. "Like how do you feel about all of this?"
"You first," Bruco says.
"I asked you," Strela says.
"Yeah but I ain't sure if this is a good things talk or a bad things talk," Bruco says. "So you go first."

"OK well first," Strela says, "it was my call to let those cultists go. And I'm sorry. I don't know if an apology cuts it but there you go."
Bruco shrugs. "Not like I thought it was a bad idea or anything. And it'll be fine. We whooped their asses, we'll whoop whatever other asses we need to."

Strela wishes she had his confidence.

"And, um, the second thing," she says, "is maybe we should stay married after all."
Bruco folds his hands in his lap. "Y'reckon?"
"I think, um, I think that you're a fine warrior." Strela bites her lip. "And you'd be a fine husband. And this marriage is probably very necessary to keep our tribes united against whatever happens next, and I'm not even sure if I'll have a place to stay once Marlock finds out what I did, and I um, I like you."
Bruco nods.
"And I think we're at least friends now, and maybe we can be more, and I think we should be. Be married still, I mean." Strela sits back. "So that's me. OK."
"OK," Bruco says.
"OK so now you," Strela says.

"Well," Bruco says, and then he thinks.

"Bruco?"
Strela is kind of afraid.

"Well," Bruco says. "Yeah."
Strela feels a physical spike of lightness in her chest, like someone just picked her up.
"We ain't exactly what either of us probably had in mind," Bruco says. "And maybe we ain't exactly each others' first choices. But--"
He thinks some more.
"Actually I think there's no one else I'd really want to pick more than you," he says. "Come to think of it."
Strela feels a stupidly genuine smile come across her face.
"We're probably gonna fight," Bruco says. "Cause Bandaras are all slobs,"
"Well and Leonials are all high-strung," Strela says.
"Right," Bruco says. "But yknow it's-- I've been thinking about this-- love is like finding a warm cave, right?"
Strela snorts. "What? Ew."
"No. C'mon." Bruco whacks her knee. "If you just fall in love really quick it's like finding a cave in the middle of a rainstorm. But yknow if you don't have a cave you can build a cabin if you work together. Y'see?"
"Mhm." Strela's biting her lip again.
"See I think that the dirty little secret," Bruco says, "Is if you work at it a little you can fall in love with anyone."
"You really think that?"
"Well if they're cute as you are I do," Bruco says. "Maybe not fall in love. Climb up to love. And it ain't ever that easy a climb but yeah. I want to. We should."

"Oh spirits," Strela says. "That reminds me. I need to tell you that I totally meant to touch your butt when we were climbing the temple."
"Uhh." Bruco blinks. "I knew that."
"No you didn't."
"I did."
"Well I'm just confirming it!"
Bruco's teasing her now. "Didn't need confirmation. Though if you wanna confirm everything was OK with my prostate while you were up there."
"That is GROSS, Bruco."
"Cause talk about finding a warm cave," Bruco says.
"Bruco!!!"

A]] Shut up about your butt already!
B]] Shut up and kiss me!
C]] Shut up and take your clothes off!
D]] Shut up and get that crazy pipe out!
E]] Shut up so we can figure out what we do tomorrow about this blood bullshit!
F]] _________________
>>
No. 709281 ID: f6442a

B, stay in school kids don't do drugs (this time)
>>
No. 709282 ID: 02422f

B.

Maybe E in the afterglow.
>>
No. 709283 ID: f6708c

BBBBBBBBBB
>>
No. 709284 ID: 6a476f

>>709281
>>
No. 709285 ID: fac1d0

A then B!
>>
No. 709318 ID: 2f93b5

A, E, then maybe B after another minute
>>
No. 709322 ID: 0d1efc
File 145801110879.png - (11.46KB , 960x560 , 31HdK0S.png )
709322

"Shut up," Strela says, "and kiss me."

He leans forward. He puts a hand on the small of her back. It's big and warm and strong.
She stares into his big, sleepy eyes and sees her reflection in them.

"Nope," Bruco says. He flops back on the bed.
"Nope?" Strela's ears stand up. "Whaddya mean 'nope'?"

"Gotta save something for the wedding," Bruco says.

A]] You cheeky freaking monkey. Screw the wedding. Get over here.
B]] Fair enough.
C]] Come on. I don't want to marry a terrible kisser, do I?
D]] OK but we can still screw again, right?
>>
No. 709323 ID: 5ad4a7

>>709322
B, tbh
>>
No. 709324 ID: 34dbe0

B! it's rude to rush stuff like this. do ask about that pipeweed tho
>>
No. 709325 ID: 1d0b6d

>>709322
B and D. HIS D.
>>
No. 709326 ID: f6708c

B, but give him a raspberry for your trouble.
>>
No. 709335 ID: f6442a

C, tease him back.
>>
No. 709379 ID: cbd7dc

A, and whack him with a pillow.
>>
No. 709391 ID: 32d627

B!
>>
No. 709593 ID: 02422f

>>709322
Tell him he's terrible, but B.
>>
No. 709825 ID: 80bbc7
File 145818269718.png - (15.47KB , 960x560 , one jundred and forty 4.png )
709825

"Aaah, you bastard."
Strela throws a pillow at him. He catches it.
"What about that pipe, though?"
"What about it?"
"I wanna try it again," Strela says. "Now that I know what it does and you're not fucking blindsiding me again."
"Sure thing." Bruco cracks the knuckle on his middle finger with his thumb, then flashes out a complicated string of traced glyphs.

The pipe slides into reality. Bruco plucks it from space and hands it to Strela. He catches a match that drops out after it and strikes it across the bedpost. Strela dutifully holds the pipe to her lips as Bruco lowers the match into it. "OK," he says. "Inhale."

Strela breathes deeply, then breathes deeply again.
"OK," Bruco says. "Pass it."
"Waht," Strela says. She takes another hit.
"hey puff then pass," Bruco says.

"heeeee hehehehehehehe," strela says
"ill just" bruco takes it out of her hand. he smokes it
"do u want to go look at our stachu" strela says. "do u want to smoke outside"
"Its Cold out," bruco says
"No its not"
"ooh." bruco smokes "what if we fall off the fucking catwalks on the wayy out"
"ooh." strela smokes "hey. brugo. catwalks"
she walsk like a cat. brucos laughing so hard he cant breathe. strelastares at him
"hahahahaha" strela says
"what"
"my HUSBAND.......... is a MONKEY"
bruco claughs which is cough laughs
"i have a cute monkey husband<" strela says
"shhhhh" bruco says
"whyyyy" strela says
"shhHHhhhh" bruco gives her the pipe again
"shhhhhhhh" strela imitates him
shes giggling so uch she cant hi t the thing right "bruco babooco"
"strela uh." bruco rolls back thn sits up again. "uhhhh"
"strela PANTERA" strela gives hmi the pipe
"stringy" bruco says
"bulko" strela says
"bulko and stringy"
"beepo and screepo"
strelas laughing so hard shes going to break a rib
"brunk and stingus"
"beely bo steely"

A]] bonko and stronko
B]] brinky and stinky
C]] the ol branky stank
D]] bumpy and scrumpy
E]] bertrand and siri
F]] peepo and streap
G]] boppy and sloppy
H]] monkey person and cat person
I]] BUNCHY STUNCKY
J]] ____________
>>
No. 709829 ID: f6442a

Breeki and Strelok
>>
No. 709830 ID: 32d627

the ol branky stanky forever
>>
No. 709833 ID: 1862a8

Boppy and sloppy, for sure.
>>
No. 709834 ID: e34813

>>709829
Yes.
>>
No. 709835 ID: 34dbe0

brunky and stunky are getting funky
>>
No. 709837 ID: aa2305

Booby and stretch.
>>
No. 709841 ID: 7b7ab3

They bop people on the head.
They have sloppy makeouts.
Therefore, G.
>>
No. 709842 ID: cbd7dc

Beelzebub and Skeeter.
>>
No. 709868 ID: cbfd73

>>709835
im losing my goddamn shit
scrungus and bungus
>>
No. 709877 ID: d346d4

Beef Sirloin.
>>
No. 709968 ID: 0dc9cf

Breakfast and steakfast
>>
No. 710004 ID: 25d300

Bronson and Sterling.
Beavis and Sylvester.
Brody and Shoemaker.
Bojangles Silverspade.
>>
No. 710009 ID: 80bbc7
File 145826561086.png - (70.52KB , 960x560 , 145.png )
710009

"breakfast and steakfast!!"
"bronson and sterling!"
"breeki and strelok!"
"boppy and sloppy!!!"
"booby and stretch!"
"brunky and stunky!"
"THE OL BRANKY STANKY"
"beelzebub and skeety"
"Beef Sirloin!!"
"BEEF SIRLOIN"
"bojangles spangles"



What are these two stoned sorcerers going to do tomorrow when they shake this off?
A]] Keep working with Markessa to try and crack the code
B]] Return to the Sunken Temple to face the mystery head-on again
C]] Make their way home to be fully wed, with a promise to return
D]] Track down Trimond and demand answers about the river of blood
E]] Perform some kind of incantation to help their research efforts: _____________
F]] _________________
>>
No. 710010 ID: 32d627

C!
>>
No. 710012 ID: bb78f2

>>710009
E]] Ask Markeesa how best a spirit may help before the incantation, I don't actually know which part of the research she's having trouble with.
>>
No. 710014 ID: e623c3

A! With a little D in that they'll ask why aren't they asking Trimond to help with this too, isn't he a sorcerer as well? Maybe he has some insight.
>>
No. 710015 ID: 02422f

A.

F: Threesome.
>>
No. 710022 ID: d346d4

C.
The sooner the tribes are joined, the safer they'll be. Also, we have a dowry to deliver and news for the chieftains.
>>
No. 710023 ID: f6442a

D. That vial of blood is up to something, I know it.
>>
No. 710082 ID: 577eb9

>>710014
>>
No. 710084 ID: 7b7ab3

C, though asking if she could use some help before they leave would be polite.
>>
No. 710097 ID: 2d5d20

C
>>
No. 710124 ID: 430103

We have 2 days worth of travel to get back home or so.
We can spend at least part of tommorow learning more about the blood/ helping markessa with her sorcery.
>>
No. 710159 ID: cbd7dc

F! Threesome! It's the perfect plan.
>>
No. 710215 ID: 38685c

Getting married and leaving a mess behind you is bad manners. Marry victorious or die! A
>>
No. 710285 ID: 0f1773

>>710215
>>710159
>>
No. 710292 ID: 99a64d

C

I have a feeling that this is going to take more than a couple of days to figure out, and we really need to get married on time.
>>
No. 710736 ID: 0dc9cf

C. We got a time limit, here.
>>
No. 711075 ID: 80bbc7
File 145878415340.png - (537.40KB , 960x560 , 146.png )
711075

"Hope Markessa don't mind us rushing off on her." Bruco catches the vine Strela's swung over to him and swings across to her branch.

"She knows where to reach me when she needs me," Strela says. "We're in pretty constant contact. And maybe if a certain big dumb monkey wasn't holding our first kiss hostage until the wedding ceremony I wouldn't be in such a hurry to get home."
"I don't know any big dumb monkeys," Bruco says. "I'm more a big dumb ape."

"Wait." Strela puts a hand on his chest, which almost sends him off the branch. He cartwheels his arms to rebalance. "Sorry. Shut up. You hear that?"
"Hear what?"

Strela puts a finger to her lips as she uncoils her swinging rope.


"That motherfucker," Strela whispers.
They've backtracked a ways, staying as quiet as possible, and who's following them (shouldering a heavy-looking sack as he goes) but fucking Trimond again.
"I'm really over this guy," Bruco whispers.

A]] WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU WANT, TRIMOND?
B]] Hello, Trimond. Why are you following us?
C]] We have the drop on him and he hasn't tracked us to here. If we move fast we can disable him.
D]] Just cut back another way, keeping stealthy. We'll lose him.
E]]
>>
No. 711076 ID: 34dbe0

B, no use overcomplicating things.
>>
No. 711077 ID: 32d627

C, let's take care of this carefully
>>
No. 711078 ID: f6442a

C. He's looking more emo than usual today.
>>
No. 711081 ID: 430103

B Let's not make an enemy where we don't need to. We've already an army of cultists after our tribes.
>>
No. 711082 ID: f56624

>>711075
A: the urge to spook him is too strong.
>>
No. 711084 ID: 99a64d

C, Fuck this guy.
>>
No. 711087 ID: 02422f

B. C is the worst idea. No fights with the heart ripper.
>>
No. 711088 ID: 90f3c0

B. You shouldn't attack people when you don't even know what they want.
>>
No. 711093 ID: 7b7ab3

B.
I am 100% done with this particular pigeon.
What the fuck does he want this time?
>>
No. 711113 ID: 38685c

>>711075
A!
>>
No. 711180 ID: 47924c

>>711076
>>
No. 711183 ID: a266da

>>711087
I'd rather catch him by surprise than give him a chance tp rip our heart.
>>
No. 711189 ID: 2c4dc5

B.

Seriously what do you waaannt from us, damn.
>>
No. 711259 ID: 6180de

>>711093
>>711189
These.
Bird boy is on my last nerve.
>>
No. 711327 ID: 80bbc7
File 145887205275.png - (12.82KB , 960x560 , 147.png )
711327

"Hi, Trimond!"
Strela puts on an air of strained cheer.
"Why are you following us this time, my guy?"

She enjoys Trimond's little jolt of shock before he turns around.
"Strela," he says. "Bruco."
"Yep." Bruco sits, his legs dangling off the branch. "Sure have seen a lotta you lately, Trimond."

"I saw what you gave Markessa," Trimond says. "And I asked her to stop her research. You're looking into things you're going to regret looking into."
"This again." Strela folds her arms. "Look if you're going to rip my heart out you might as well get it over with."
"I'm not going to rip your heart out," Trimond says. He lets his bag down into the underbrush. "I'm going to tell you exactly what you found. If you're interested. I can show you."

1]] Not interested in whatever you're selling, Trimond.
2]] What, seriously? Okay.
>>
No. 711328 ID: 5ad4a7

2. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
>>
No. 711333 ID: 595d54

>>711327
"Are 'tell' and 'show' synonymous, and in either case what temporary and permanent consequences will there be when I learn?"
>>
No. 711339 ID: 32d627

2, can't really pass this up. be on your toes tho
>>
No. 711341 ID: 02422f

>>711327
So I'll regret looking into it, but it's okay if you tell us exactly anyways? That doesn't make much sense.

>I'm going to tell you exactly what you found. If you're interested. I can show you.
How about instead of show and tell we start with just tell.
>>
No. 711342 ID: a52cfe

2.
Every time we bump into this guy he just seems to get creepier and creepier.
What horrible, terrifying, generally unpleasant thing is he going to show/tell us this time?
>>
No. 711344 ID: 38685c

>>711328
Because it's full of bees.
2 check the bag like the cat you are.
>>
No. 711345 ID: 99a64d

Curiosity killed the cat.

...but cats have nine lives and this is important, 2
>>
No. 711395 ID: 8ce2b4
711395

My guy, my dude, my good sir
2
>>
No. 711401 ID: f6442a

2. Finally he's stopped being all cryptic.
>>
No. 711416 ID: 6eb9b8

>>711327
Fine Trimond. Show us. Even though you know it won't stop us.
>>
No. 711549 ID: 3f9dc0

>>711345
For the record, the full saying is curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought her back
>>
No. 712353 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145932066133.png - (441.63KB , 960x560 , 148.png )
712353

"Seriously?" Strela looks at Bruco. "Okay. If you're gonna stop being all cryptic."

"I am."
Trimond pulls the rope on his bag.

It unfolds itself open into a wide canvas which pegs itself to thin air.
It yawns inwardly. A growing stain of unreality spreads its way across the canvas.

A flicker of red blooms into a cloud which swirls outward until it occupies the entire space, which has grown large as a doorway.

"Follow me," Trimond says.
He steps into the red haze, which ripples slightly at his passage, and is gone.

The portal percolates.
Bruco and Strela stare at it.

A]] OK now that he's gone through the hell portal let's fucking book it.
B]] You first.
C]] Well. Come on, I guess.
D]] What if we pull on the rope again? Do you think we can trap him?
>>
No. 712355 ID: f56624

>>712353
c, there's no point in being huge cowards NOW.
>>
No. 712356 ID: 34dbe0

ehhhhhhhh. lets be adventurous. C
>>
No. 712358 ID: bc7b9a

Well, let's C what we'll C.
>>
No. 712359 ID: 2634c0

Wait a minute.
How do we know Trimond's not a part of this cult?
This could be some sort of trap!
We should definitely not go through that portal.
It has "death" written all over it!
>>
No. 712360 ID: 595d54

>>712359
He hasn't acted like one and he could've killed us anytime he liked. C.
>>
No. 712366 ID: 38685c

>>712353
C for curiousity because you're a cat
>>
No. 712376 ID: 2f4b71

>>712353
Going through the hell-portal after the hear-ripping-out guy is a really dumb idea.
Last one in's a rotten egg!
>>
No. 712393 ID: 3d2d5f

>>712353
Well this is totally a trap, isn't it.

Go up to the edge, peer in, don't enter yet. After studying it, maybe C.

Also, have the breathing rock ready.
>>
No. 712402 ID: 2a7417

Ladies first. *Gesture for Bruco to go ahead*
>>
No. 712452 ID: 78826c

C Is for cat! :3
>>
No. 712501 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145937581961.png - (445.14KB , 960x560 , 149.png )
712501

"Ladies first," Strela says.
"I can--" Bruco sees Strela is bowing him through first. "Oh. Nice, Strela."

He takes a deep breath and steps through the portal.
Strela follows him.

Dry heat blasts her hair flat onto her forehead as she emerges on the other side.
The ground is crumbly and hot. Strela realizes it's ash.

There's a great pressure on her chest.
A deep sound like thunder peals across the discrepant rolls of ash and pumice, pushing out then whooshing back in on itself as if they stand in a cavern so massive its upper limits are invisible behind a gore-red haze.

"I tried to spare you from this."
Trimond's voice hangs dry and immobile in the mottled air.
>>
No. 712502 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145937583639.png - (468.70KB , 960x560 , 150.png )
712502

In the transmontane distance, so massive as to be seen from their vantage point, a gargantuan bone-white monolith cleaves up into the sky.
Each buffeting gust of volcanic air pulls from it a dustcloud of the same pale, angular stones Strela and Bruco saw in the sunken temple. They fall like flickering snow to the ground below, some landing on darkened earth and some splashing into forking rivers of bright red which spread from the monolith's base and spiderweb into the dark.

"Our world is a living thing," Trimond says, "and this is killing it. It's been killing it for the past 50,000 years. The river you found beneath the temple is a vein of the world, and its blood is our blood. The white stones you found are poison. Over time they will chill and blacken the world in the same way the half-living creatures who guard it have been, and then it will die.

"Spirits," someone whispers. Strela realizes it's her.

"As we are its flesh the spirits are its soul," Trimond says. "Which is rising and breaking apart as the body expires. In its effort to cling to life the Spirits cling to the scraps of the body that have a particularly bright spark of life left within them. These are the sorcerers. And under the deals they parley with us, hidden beyond mortal understanding in the realm of the meta-metaphysical, is a concentrated, desperate effort to stop whatever this is."

"What is it?" Bruco asks.

"An arrowhead," Trimond says. "A venom-tipped arrowhead. Shot into the world from some adversary beyond the firmament. This is one of many. The first one that hit millennia ago began the process, but it has taken too long, and so every 2000 years or so we're struck with a new one.
"This is the newest, and the last. There's no need for another. We have 500 years left at the outside before death comes. The last living things on the surface will be gone a decade after that, if they are unlucky enough to last.

"The spirits are losing hope. Twenty years ago, they concluded that their efforts were not working, and so they broke their final law and attempted the unthinkable.
"They began to appoint archsorcerers. Men and women like me."
>>
No. 712503 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145937590124.png - (593.82KB , 960x560 , 151.png )
712503

Strela tears her gaze from the monolith and looks at Trimond.
He's removed his hood. There's nothing underneath.

"The sacrifice empties us," he says. "I am skin, cloth, and magic now. If my order finds a cure for this we will cease to be. I don't eat, sleep, or feel. I am never happy, sad, or, though it may have seemed it by my brusqueness toward you, angry. Please understand I just wanted to keep you from having to face this. I am sorry I failed.
"My role as Predatus sorcerer is simply to keep appearances. The only ones who know of this are the 6 archsorcerers on the planet, and now you.

"Go home, Bruco and Strela. Marry, have children,, and attend to your mortal problems, and do everything you can to forget what you have seen. Nothing either of you can do will help me. The power required to prevent what has begun comes at a cost neither of you should pay. If we succeed, it will be with magic stronger than any mortal can supply. And if we fail, the consequences will come long after you and your children and even your grandchildren have passed on."

A]] Thank you for showing us this, Trimond. Goodbye.
B]] Fuck you for showing us this, Trimond. Goodbye.
C]] I can't accept that. There has to be something we can do to help.
D]] How do you become an archsorcerer?
E]] __________________
>>
No. 712506 ID: 2a7417

C, A, and while we have you here, D.
>>
No. 712509 ID: 5ad4a7

>>712503
...if the spirits' deals are to stop this, then I wonder... is your mother one of the six ashsorcerers now? Tell him her name, ask if it sounds familiar.

Also C. Like fuck are you just going to go back home and act like nothing happened, after seeing the world literally bleed before your eyes.

...I wonder how the Yish factor into this. The "bones of the world" look similar to the arrowhead.
>>
No. 712510 ID: 430103

...
A.
This was beyond our abilities to deal with, pure and simple.
>>
No. 712519 ID: 595d54

Have you tried calling or bargaining with Death? This seems his specialty.
>>
No. 712520 ID: e32d80

C,
>>
No. 712524 ID: bc7b9a

C, then E:

Perhaps this is the means the spirits have come up with, to try and stop this. But, sorcerers as you are, you know spirits are neither all-knowing nor necessarily wise. And, though tales like to tell of those whose spirits outpaced the limits of their flesh and blood, you know that far more often the spirit is weak or foolish, particularly while the body fails. There may be some other way to stop this. Some medicine from outside, some secret knowledge, that the spirits may not even have been capable of imagining. There are things mortals can't comprehend, but there are things spirits can't, as well.

You will go home, and you will marry. But you will also search, and question, and fight and strive, and if that proves insufficient in the time you have, you will pass it on to successors, and them to theirs. And maybe you will fail, but you will die knowing that you tried, and that while you did so you managed to live, really live, while it was still possible to do so.

Then A.
>>
No. 712527 ID: 02422f

>C]] I can't accept that. There has to be something we can do to help.
You know, besides letting the spirits hollow us out.

Sorcerers still need their tribes to support them. And even if you're an arch-sorcerer, you've got to be a way the rest of humanity can help.
>>
No. 712533 ID: 8aa7ad

Definitely C.
You can't just show us something like this and expect us to walk away and forget.
Besides it looks like you're going to need all the help you can get.
>>
No. 712570 ID: 1cebc8

C, E. You're a sorceress. You weren't happy with your stupid little life in your stupid little world that you now realize has been dying. You might as well help, if only to do something lasting.
>>
No. 712713 ID: 171c6c

>>712503
C.
>>
No. 712762 ID: 99a64d

>The power required to prevent what has begun comes at a cost neither of you should pay. If we succeed, it will be with magic stronger than any mortal can supply.
Hmm... I think he's right. Anyone weaker than an archsorcerer is useless to them and if they wanted us as one he would've already tried to recruit us. I think the best course of action is to just learn to live with this knowledge, it's not like you were planning on living to 500 anyway.

That said, ask both C and D, more information is always good, and at being able to at least do something should help our conscience.
>>
No. 712836 ID: 7cb2ad

Just A. We have a happy ending waiting for us.

Maybe E. Asking if he's going to go clear out those Yosh spirits.
>>
No. 712875 ID: 59a537

C, E)
Raw power isn't everything. Knowledge matters for any task, and if the spirits knew everything there was to know about these weapons we would be having a quite different conversation. Why not have mortal mages see if they can figure out anything about it?

(For instance, someone told the Yishlings that the white stones were World Bones, and we still don't know who. It might have just been some cultist, but it is still a possible lead.)
>>
No. 712895 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145949049579.png - (795.66KB , 960x560 , 152.png )
712895

"I can't accept this."
Strela inhales. The air smells like sulfur and deconstitution.
"There has to be something we can do to help. Without turning into one of you."
"Generations of sorcerers and spirits drove themselves mad trying to find one," Trimond says. "The greatest minds of thaumaturgy, sorcery, and science. This was their solution. This is the next step in the evolution of solving the Problem. A flood of magical possibility and a purgation of everything that is, besides the quest. We speak with and through the Spirits. Your mind and body and power are underequipped. You can obsess and pine and waste your time on that which you will never understand, or you can forget this and live your life. Or."

He folds his arms. "Seven is a powerful arcane number, Strela Leonial. Once I stood where you--"

Bruco pushes Trimond hard in the chest.
More out of surprise than weakness, Trimond takes a step back.
"Stay the fuck away from my wife, Birdman."

He is angrier than Strela has ever seen him. "Bruco?"

"He's been trying to recruit you," Bruco says. "This whole time. Why else would he be showing us this? He knew we couldn't just go back home."
"She wanted the truth," Trimond says. "This is the truth."
"You have no idea what we can accomplish," Bruco says. "Without surrendering and doing whatever thing you did to yourself. She doesn't need you."
"It's pretty to think so," Trimond says.
"I didn't deal with skysnakes and cultists and yishbeasts and find the only person who has made me feel anything close to what I felt for Mosi to lose her now," Bruco says. "Not to you."
"That's not your decision to make, Bandara."

A]] He's right, Bruco. I don't want to live my life knowing what I could have accomplished as an archsorceress.
B]] He's right, Trimond. It's never going to be worth it. And you don't know who you're talking to.
C]] I just need to ask for it? That's all?
D]] I don't need defending, Bruco. Don't speak for me.
E]] I'm sorry for my husband, Trimond. But I think we're leaving now.
F]] This isn't our problem. It's yours. I already have a happy ending.
G]] _________________
>>
No. 712896 ID: 15c085

B. Totally B. Trimond has no idea what Bruco and Strela are capable of.
>>
No. 712898 ID: 34dbe0

trimond's right - it's not bruco's decision, it's yours. and your decision is to stand by your husband.

thank you, trimond. we're leaving. we'll look into this with our own time, and our own power, and we'll let you know if we find anything interesting. until then, we'd thank you to leave us be.
>>
No. 712900 ID: bb78f2

G) Can't we and the spirits just fly to another planet? I know we're kind of like "This is our home, we will not abandon it" and that it's a matter of pride, but it sounds like maybe survival should overtake pride at this point in the game.

Hell, why don't you try and find the bastards that did this and fight back as a last stand, if not as a means to try and cure it. Take one of these arrowheads to their world and poison it, observe and see if they have made their own antidote, then steal it.

The issue here is that your response to this crisis is that of a natural plague, but it's a war. Find this adversary.

You're NOT thinking outside the box Trimond. Come on. And you can ONLY do that when your have emotions and all that shit. You can't FIX this with archsorcery because you sacrifice all your creativity and shit for that power. You've made yourselves weaker, not stronger.
>>
No. 712901 ID: 2a2f8a

>>712900
Nobody here knows what a planet is, if it even exists in this universe.
There's only the World.
>>
No. 712902 ID: 7b7ab3

You're right, Trimond. It's not his decision to make.
It's theirs.
They choose to stick together.
They'll accomplish incredible things together.
They may even save the world together.
So suck it, birdbrain.
>>
No. 712903 ID: 5ad4a7

>>712895
B.

>>712901
Maybe that's what we should be doing, then. Finding that out. Researching where the arrows come from, seeing if we can find a way to leave the World behind. Maybe even seek out the Enemy and exact revenge.
>>
No. 712910 ID: b1d719

>>712898
>>
No. 712914 ID: cbd7dc

Can we become an archsorceress on our deathbed, after we've lived a long, happy life?
>>
No. 712937 ID: f6442a

B.

Finding another world doesn't have to be our objective. With the power of the spirits, surely we could create a sealed 'seed' of life on The World as a last resort, and send it far away from here. A generational ship that doesn't devolve into a tribal society, because it's already there.
>>
No. 712938 ID: 3d2d5f

>>712895
G: If I decide I want to become a pseudo immortal fighting the death of the world for hundreds of years, it's not as if waiting a few years or a few decades will mean that fight isn't there. (Or maybe it will, and I will be glad).

I just found something worth feeling for. It's selfish, but I can't give that up, yet.

Maybe someday I'll choose going to you instead of a reunion with Death. In the meantime I'll support you, we'll keep your secrets if you insist. But not that. Not now.
>>
No. 712944 ID: f5e25e

B. Arch-sorcerers come from mortals, so even if we can't personally become one, why can't we at least be a recruiting agent of some kind? Isn't it twice as good to have two arch-sorcerers? And if they don't feel pain or emotion, why can't we just kidnap and brainwash random criminals and force them to be arch-sorcerers? There seriously has to be something we can do on that side of things. Also >>712914
>>
No. 712950 ID: c66656

Trimond is probably right, the chances we'll be able to accomplish on our own what the world's most powerful sorcerers couldn't within our mortal lifetimes is exceedingly low. But you know what? This isn't our problem or our responsibility. Make no mistake, going with Trimond is the moral thing to do, but we have no obligation to save the world. They can find someone else to be their seventh.
>>
No. 712951 ID: f36501

>>712902
This.

Bring it on, weird ass world killing shit.

(Worst comes to worst, we go through with it TOGETHER.)
>>
No. 712956 ID: 1cebc8

G. Bruco, there isn't much left to live for. But Trimond, I don't think I'm worthy yet.

... If I catch Death, do you think they would have an answer?
>>
No. 713058 ID: 02422f

>>712956
Considering Death is one of the spirits, who collectively haven't been able to solve the problem, no, I doubt it has the answer.
>>
No. 713206 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145957544087.png - (493.47KB , 960x560 , 153.png )
713206

"You're right." Strela touches Bruco's shoulder. "It's mine. And my decision is to stand with my husband. Something like this is never going to be worth it, Trimond."
"It's the only way to make a difference," Trimond says. "Any difference lasting beyond five centuries."
"You don't know that," Strela says. "We'll look into it with our time and our power, and if there's anything we find, I'll let you know. Until then I think it's best if we don't see each other again." She turns from the archsorcerer and locates the sackcloth exit. "Thank you for showing us this but we're leaving now."


"It's always going to be here, Strela Leonial." Trimond stands at the precipice of the vortex, watching with an eyeless presence as Bruco and Strela reemerge into the morning light. "And so will we, until it's over. And you can always join us."
"Goodbye, Trimond."
"Remember, sorceress." He backs into the portal again. "All you do is wish it."
>>
No. 713207 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145957544944.png - (155.71KB , 960x560 , 154.png )
713207

"THAT was a funky way to end things," Strela says, as they depart Predatus territory.

"Wasn't exactly a picker-upper," Bruco says.
"I can't believe you hit the heart taker," Strela says. "I'm surprised he didn't squawk. That was really something."

"Guess I'd just had it with his--" Bruco's voice fractures and breaks. "Bullshit. Aw, fuck."
He sniffs.
"Bruco?" Strela looks back. "Are you crying?"
"No." Bruco blinks desperately. "Fuck. I guess. Shit."
He leans on a tree and pushes on the bridge of his nose. Tears slip silently down his face. "Guess the apocalypse gives a body the right, right?"
He tries to laugh but it's more like a cough. Strela has no idea what to do. Bruco sniffs again. She is very uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry for talking over you," Bruco says. "I shouldn't of-- I'm-- I was so fucking scared of losing you." He takes a deep breath. "Oof. Yikes. Sorry."
He's still crying.

A]] _____________
>>
No. 713210 ID: b7f847

Oh my god.
Comfort your husband, you stupid cat.
>>
No. 713211 ID: f6442a

I wasn't- I wasn't gonna do anything that would split us up at this point. Why mess with what we've got goin', right?
>>
No. 713212 ID: 7b7ab3

Hugs. Kisses. Holding. Gentle words. Now.
>>
No. 713213 ID: 196d3c

YOU HUG THAT MONKEY SO HARD AND YOU DO NOT LET GO UNTIL HE STOPS CRYING
>>
No. 713214 ID: 34dbe0

give him a hug.

you DO want to speak for yourself in situations like this, and you're glad he recognizes that, but you're not mad at him for what happened in there.

nobody's losing anybody. you stared Literal Death in the face when you were six years old - you're better equipped to deal with the end of the world than most people, i'd say. it's gonna take more than a measly little apocalypse to take you from your man.
>>
No. 713215 ID: 211d83

>>713214

You know death might be just the guy to chat with about the end of the world later.

But for now go give him a hug.
>>
No. 713221 ID: 1862a8

Hey, heeeey now. He spoke for himself, it was legit. And hot.
>>
No. 713251 ID: 770c55

>>713214
!!!!!!
>>
No. 713252 ID: 2f4b71

>>712895
>the only person who has made me feel anything close to what I felt for Mosi
We should probably ask about Mosi.
>>
No. 713254 ID: 5f078b

>>713252
One assumes that was his last marriage.
>>
No. 713272 ID: 401f23

GIVE HIM A HUG AND A LIL KISS ON THE NOSIE
>>
No. 713288 ID: 02422f

>>713207
Hold him.

>I'm sorry for talking over you
If I didn't trust you enough to talk over me from time to time I wouldn't be marrying you. Part of that is fighting each others battles, right?
>>
No. 713379 ID: 2b8587

>>713207
Hug him, and tell him that things are going to be fine. Say something about you not seeing him crying as a sign of weakness, but as a sign of how strong the bond between you two has grown.

Then hug him more and comfort mr. nice butt.
>>
No. 713775 ID: 2a2f8a

Hey Y'all!!!
updates for all my stuff are on hold for a while as I've lost my tablet pen and don't have the money to get a replacement one.
Next paycheck it's Priority One.

>>
No. 713777 ID: 7b7ab3

>>713775
Roger that. Good lucK, Brom.
>>
No. 714173 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145992119059.png - (468.60KB , 960x560 , 155.png )
714173

"Well." Strela clears her throat. "I'm not mad. I'm glad you recognized it, anyway. And it was, uh."
Bruco takes a deep, shaky breath.
Strela gives up.

She crosses to the tree and holds him.
He slides down the trunk and scoots over. She lays her head on his chest.

Eventually the sniffling stops and his breath levels out.
Strela thinks of getting up then but this is too nice.
They just lie there in the dappled sun for a while. Maybe a half hour. The sun is warm. So's Bruco.

It's Bruco who finally says something.
"So what now?"

A]] _____________
>>
No. 714175 ID: 5ad4a7

Go home, get married, start trying to find out where the arrows are coming from so you can go there and kick the asses of every motherfucker in sight.
>>
No. 714179 ID: 7b7ab3

"Well, how about we head home, get married, have a bitchin' honeymoon, then take a little vacation? I'm thinking for the next decade or so."
>>
No. 714180 ID: 38685c

>>714173
50 babies. ALL SORCERERS. Also uh there's that whole maybe cult war thing.
>>
No. 714187 ID: a42f68

>>714173
well, the wedding comes first. we're on a time limit. after that, I'm thinking going back here to help with the research maybe? find out more about the cult before the war maybe? there's still plenty of time before the apocalypse, it's not like our questlife ends as soon as we're married.
>>
No. 714192 ID: f873b3

>>713775
Can we like send you money or a new pen or something? It's in our own best interests, after all.
>>
No. 714207 ID: 2a7417

Today, the marriage, tomorrow, the World.
>>
No. 714245 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145997659570.png - (176.93KB , 960x560 , 156.png )
714245

It's Bruco and Strela's wedding day.

Their dower sits in the wide courtyard between Leonial's fortress and the Bandara retinue's tent city.
>>
No. 714246 ID: 2a2f8a
File 145997661921.png - (83.54KB , 960x560 , 157.png )
714246

In her room, in the Leonial pavilion, Strela is painting herself in preparation.

There's a delicate knock at her door.
"Who is it?" she calls.
"Your father." The door cracks a little and Strela sees a sliver of Marlock. "May I come in?"
"Fine." Strela refocuses on her makeup. "Hello, Marlock."
"Hello, Strela." Marlock slips into the room. After Bruco's heavy tread it's a little unsettling she can't hear his footsteps.

Strela looks at him in her mirror. He's sheepish, uncertain.

"You look very presentable," he says.
"Presentable." Strela retouches her eyelid. "Thanks."
"Beautiful. I apologize. The dower--" Marlock clasps his hands behind his back. "Well. An excellent recovery."

Strela dips her fingertip in her bowl of water and watches the paint blossom out.

"I am not your father by blood," Marlock says. "And perhaps there have been times-- well, certainly there have been times-- that I could have-- I suppose affection was never a powerful thing between us, was it, Strela."
"I suppose not," Strela says.
"But if you will permit me-- and perhaps I am out of turn by saying this-- but, ah." His voice quavers a little.
Strela turns round in her chair.

"I am proud of you, Strela," Marlock says. "I am sure your mother would have been proud of you as well. You have become a very splendid young woman. And a splendid sorceress. In spite of my every foolish old effort." He inclines his face away from hers. "And I'm sorry. That it must be this way."

A]] You are out of turn saying that. What do you have to be proud of?
B]] Thank you, Marlock.
C]] Thank you, Marlock. For everything you've done for me.
D]] He'll be an all right husband. There's enough raw material to fashion something acceptable.
E]] I actually like him. A lot.
F]] There's something I have to tell you before the wedding, Marlock. About the cult.
G]] There's something I have to tell you before the wedding, Marlock. We found something beneath the temple. Something very bad.
H]] __________________
>>
No. 714248 ID: 2a7417

C. It all led up this, for better or worse. And F. Speaking of worse...
Enjoy the wedding while it lasts, as it may be the only thing that carries us through the days to come.
>>
No. 714249 ID: 1cebc8

F, H) Bring all the guards and quadruple security, increase the patrol areas to key areas that were found during warfare. If the cultists plan on ruining your wedding day, they'll do it with artillery.
>>
No. 714250 ID: 8e8223

C, E. And H, a variant on F and G: "There's something I have to tell you, Marlock. Something we discovered, on our journey. Bad news, and at least some harder times to come. Part of it you need to know for sure, and perhaps you would want to know the rest as well, but that other part is... very much sorcerer's business, about which you can do little, and perhaps you'd prefer not to know. And perhaps you'd prefer to wait until after the wedding. I would like this to be a happy occasion, for as many people as it can be."
>>
No. 714263 ID: 5ad4a7

Gosh guys what's with the C votes? What happened to bitchy Strela? Now I want to vote for A just to compensate.
>>
No. 714265 ID: bb29bd

C

Guys can we maybe wait until after the wedding to talk about our screw-ups?
>>
No. 714266 ID: 9f0151

B.
>>
No. 714267 ID: 2a7417

>>714263
>What happened to bitchy Strela?
She went on a journey with a smelly ape man, caused a war, found a river of blood, talked to a ghost, and learned about the apocalypse.
>>
No. 714273 ID: f36501

A and F.
>>
No. 714275 ID: 90f3c0

B, E

Not F or G. Save the fate of the world stuff for a more appropriate time, just enjoy your wedding day.
>>
No. 714288 ID: 7b7ab3

C, E
In retrospect he's done alright by Strela, and Bruco turned out to be a righteous dude.
So it's cool for the most part.
Just enjoy the wedding and worry about cults and the apocalypse tomorrow.
>>
No. 714300 ID: 99a64d

Just B, it worked out in the end... kinda, but this tradition is still stupid, and it's not as if he did anything to be proud of. No need to bitch at him, but there's also no need to boost his ego either. A decision with a higher chance of going wrong than going right is still a bad decision even if it works out in the end.
>>
No. 714326 ID: f6442a

C, E. Man, what an ugly statue. Hard to believe this is the face that launched a thousand cultists.
>>
No. 714331 ID: 34dbe0

H -> i'm proud of myself, too.

then E, then a variation of F - ask about security for the ceremony. if he asks why, mention that there are cultists still out there, and there's a less than zero percent change that they'll choose today for a visit. better safe than sorry, and the last thing we want right now is a game of thrones bit.
>>
No. 714342 ID: 02422f

>>714246
C, E.

And call him Father, not Marlock, this time.
>>
No. 714401 ID: 1862a8

B, E. We're not thankful for everything he's done, but for this moment of vulnerable honesty? Admitting he's made mistakes? That Strela's badass? Thanks, dad.

Don't mention shitty stuff.
>>
No. 714439 ID: 2a2f8a
File 146001350395.png - (11.66KB , 960x560 , 158.png )
714439

"I actually like him, I think," Strela says. "So."
"Ah. You-- The Bandara?" Marlock is genuinely shocked. "Well. That is-- gratifying to hear. Your first meeting was inauspicious."
"Things got better. Thank you, Marlock." A new and clumsy word combination on her tongue. "For everything you've done for me, I guess."

Marlock presses his lips together into a thin line. "I-- yes. You are welcome."
There's more Strela wants to say, not just the stuff about the cult. The rift between them starts to hurt in a way it rarely does.

"Well," Marlock says. "I hope you'll have more obedience to your husband than your father." He titters a little.
There goes that moment.
Strela joins him, lacking the energy to snap at him.
"I will speak to my son-in-law now," Marlock says. "The Bandara chiefess would like a moment of your time."
"She can come in," Strela says.
"She doesn't tend to look for permission," Marlock says. "I will see you at the Wedding. I'll be the one clapping."
He hovers in the doorway. "That was a joke."
"Thank you, Marlock."

"Strela Leonial." Yarga sways into the room. "You've gotten some of that Bandara good-good, haven't you."
Strela was not expecting that for an entrance. "What?"
"I knew there was fire," Yarga says. "Didn't I say that? I did."
"Did Bruco tell you--"
"Bruco didn't need to tell me anything, kid," Yarga says. "Knew as soon as you came in. There's a way a woman moves around a man who gives her good dick. So! You like each other." She looks Strela up and down. "Good hips, for a Leonial. Good muscle. And Bruco says you're not at all the icy shrew I pegged you for, it turned out."
"He--"
"You gonna be giving me grandkids soon?"
Strela just kind of stutters.
"Just kiddin. Don't feel rushed. Though I gotta admit I'm curious what they'll look like. Hope they have your eyebrows, eh? Is there-- ha." Yarga's found the wine. "Mind if I uncork this?" She uncorks it. "Anyway I just thought I should check if you have any questions about Bandara matrimonial life. Or about your husband in particular. Did you know he was scared of fish when he was a kid? Fish. So were you two thinking of staying with either of the tribes or just striking out on your own for a while? With the grandkids? Again kiddin. But curious. Do you want some of your own wine?"

A]] This is all wholly inappropriate in many ways, Chieftess Yarga.
B]] Bruco can stay with the Leonials.
C]] I was actually thinking of leaving with Tribe Bandara when this is over.
D]] We'll be traveling by ourselves for a while.
E]] Actually it's in both tribes' best interest if they stay in the same neighborhood for a while. There was a problem with a cult.
F]] Do not respond to the whole grandkids line of questioning.
G]] Respond to the whole grandkids line of questioning: _____________
H]] I do have some questions about the Bandaras, actually: ______________
I]] I do have some questions about Bruco, actually: _____________
J]] ___________________
>>
No. 714443 ID: 5ad4a7

>>714439
F.
A.
Don't commit to any traveling stuff. Heck, say you haven't decided where to go, you'll decide after the wedding.

H, ask if they usually kick as much ass as Bruco.
>>
No. 714448 ID: 624438

>>714439
e. mama bandara seems the type to appreciate directness.
>>
No. 714449 ID: 624438

>>714439
e. mama bandara seems the type to appreciate directness.
>>
No. 714450 ID: f873b3

I feel like while bringing up the apocalypse can wait, or perhaps never be mentioned, the cult situation should be brought up ASAP, so people have as much time to prepare as possible.
>>
No. 714452 ID: bb78f2

E
G) You convince Bruco to carry the children to term for me, and I'll consider it. Can you imagine me pregnant? I can hear Bruco's spine shivering from the thought from here. And I think Marlock just shat his loincloth.
>>
No. 714463 ID: f461c5

>>714452
This.
>>
No. 714468 ID: f36501

>>714452
Yes
>>
No. 714473 ID: 1862a8

H/I: What's Bruco's sister like?
>>
No. 714486 ID: 2a7417

Answer FE, iron maiden.
>>
No. 714495 ID: 99a64d

F, E, J we would like some wine thank you.
I like this woman already. She does whatever the fuck she wants, and I respect that.
>>
No. 714549 ID: 9f0151

>>714473
+J!
>>
No. 714592 ID: 1862a8

Oh, I have another one for I: why Bruco? Why force him into the marriage? It's kind of fucked up, if you think about it.
>>
No. 714949 ID: 2a2f8a
File 146016913111.png - (16.03KB , 960x560 , 159.png )
714949

"I'd love some of my own wine." Strela passes Yarga a glass. "And if you can convince Bruco to carry the kid to term for me I'd consider it."
Yarga snorts as she pours. "He might if he could. He's smitten." She passes the glass back. "Oh I shouldn't a told you that. You're blushing."
"No I'm not." Strela covers her face. "I drank some before you came in."
"This is gonna be so cute," Yarga says. "I'm gonna need a handkerchief."
"So I do have a question," Strela says. "What's his sister like?"
"Oh, spirits." Yarga chuckles. "His sister. You let me worry about his sister."
Strela swallows her wine. That's a little foreboding. "And also why Bruco? Why him and not another Bandara?"
"Your answer to that question's more interesting than mine," Yarga says. "I oughta be asking you."

A]] You said it yourself: he's a good lay.
B]] My dad made me. But it's not bad.
C]] He's a powerful sorcerer and so am I. We could help each other.
D]] I love him.
E]] I think I'll love him some day.
F]] I don't know.
G]] But why a widower? He told me about his old husband.
H]] But why to a Leonial? Why do the clans want this?
I]] But why me? What is it about me that made you want me in the family?

(this one was more or less tied so vote on it here again:)
1]] Tell Yarga about the cult.
2]] Don't tell Yarga about the cult.
3]] IMPLY that you MAY have pissed SOME people off and it's PROBABLY a good idea to stick together for now.
4]] Tell Yarga everything; apocalypse and all.
>>
No. 714952 ID: 34dbe0

B, D, 3
>>
No. 714957 ID: bb78f2

4]] DROP the load. The BIG load.
J]] He works with me. He's an equal, and that's tough to find here. Even my old Lional Beau was lacking in that category. That one was a good boytoy at least, so if Bruco's sis is looking for an exotic one, can't find a better Lional.
>>
No. 714958 ID: 5ad4a7

>>714949
B, C, E.

3]] IMPLY that you MAY have pissed SOME people off and it's PROBABLY a good idea to stick together for now.

I mean we got the statue from somewhere.
>>
No. 714959 ID: f6442a

E, H, 3. You know how adventuring can be sometimes, the temple owners aren't very enthused by murderhobos coming to rob their stuff.
>>
No. 714983 ID: 1cebc8

B, C.

4. She can take it. Hell, I'm thinking she'll be ecstatic about the epic fantasy heroine fulfillment.
>>
No. 715003 ID: 7b7ab3

D. Simple.
1. The apocalypse is a distant problem. The potential war with a hostile nation is pressing.
>>
No. 715030 ID: d43cbc

ABDHI 3
>>
No. 715147 ID: f873b3

B, E, possibly H/I.

3, but willing to give the whole 1 if she wants to know. In fact, yeah, 1. It's kindof important, in the immediate future?
>>
No. 715149 ID: 99a64d

B 3
>>
No. 715156 ID: 9f0151

D H 3
>>
No. 715160 ID: 0a94cb

G, 3 (then 1 when she bullies it out of you).
>>
No. 715286 ID: 02422f

Modified D: I think I love him.

And C (you have something in common).

3.
>>
No. 715631 ID: f36501

f h i 3
>>
No. 715787 ID: 2a2f8a
File 146036067267.png - (12.75KB , 960x560 , 160.png )
715787

"My dad made me do it," Strela says.
"I was there for that part," Yarga says. "That whole setup."
"Why did you do it anyway?" Strela asks. "Why a Leonial?"
"It was y'alls idea," Yarga says. "Tribe Felicites had a parcel of land got abandoned when they moved out to the water and it was smack dab between the two of us. Think Marlock was itchy to make sure there weren't any tribal war over it. And he had a hellion little daughter kicking around the place, he told us. A Leonial Sorceress, which we didn't think was a thing. Made sense to kick our own sorcerer over."
"Why?"
"He was the only one who could stand a chance against you, is why." Yarga chuckles. "Anyone else we reckoned you'd turn into a toad or somesuch. He told you about Bandara annulment, right?"
"He did," Strela says. "But it won't be necessary. I think I love him."
"Love?"
"I don't know. I think."
"Hot damn. A Bandara and a Leonial."
"Don't tell Bruco."
"Don't you trust me, baby?"
"You told me about him. Why wouldn't you tell him about me?"
"You just tell him yourself soon, kid," Yarga says. "
"Well hot damn." Yarga holds out her bottle of wine. "Here's to love."
Strela clinks glasses. "To love."

"And listen about the alliance thing." Strela clears her throat. "I don't know what you've all worked out, but you might want to stay around in the area. For a while. We may have pissed a few people off."
Yarga takes a swig. "Cultists want their gold back?"
"Maybe."
"Figured they might. What do we care?" She winks. "Got two sorcerers in our corner. And the power of loooove. You're gonna have to do something about it after the honeymoon, I suspect. Between all the hanky-panky."
Bandaras have a funny way of approaching potential crisis.

The wedding ceremony:
A]] will be held in Leonial tradition; at dusk, by torchlight, slow, beatific, and romantic.
B]] will be held in Bandara tradition; starting early then going all night, with wild partying and drinking.
C]] will be something completely different, as befits an unorthodox marriage: ________________
>>
No. 715788 ID: 35151f

>>715787
C all the way
I suggest an elaborate ceremony culminating in kicking each other in the genitals as some sort of metaphor about sharing each other's pain going into the future

Alternatively, just go with the bandara ceremony to get one last fuck you in on dade
>>
No. 715791 ID: 5ad4a7

>>715787
C. Dusk, torchlight, romantic, but not quite as slow as usual, and PARTY afterwards.
>>
No. 715801 ID: 8111b6

>>715787
C. Start early, with a mostly Leonial style ceremony, but a Bandara afterparty. Anything you'd like to guarantee is a must. Also, maybe you two could consider tossing in something incorporating your sorcerous natures.
>>
No. 715802 ID: 9f0151

AYYYYYY >>715791
>>
No. 715812 ID: 2a7417

C) Start with seemingly traditional Leonial marriage rites, then after the vows start the party.
>>
No. 715831 ID: bb78f2

Our own sorcerer? You have two. You could have gay married me to his sister. Which, in a weird alternate universe, I'm sure you have. Bruca and Strela are married. Wait, no, Lionals would have hated that. Dum dum Lionals.
Also in a weird alternate universe are
Bruco and Strelo are married.
Bruca and Strelo are married.

>>715791
YO! C this one.
>>
No. 715833 ID: 2c4dc5

C - Slightly more amped up than usual Leonial wedding to to start, finish the vows and kick off the party with a massive sacred wedding bong rip
>>
No. 716172 ID: 2a2f8a
File 146052525789.png - (61.04KB , 960x560 , 161.png )
716172

"OooooOOooooh," Andara coos. "How tragic this all is."

The moon is rising on the wedding feast, and as torches begin to flicker one after another into life the Leonial harpist on the hilltop sings full-throated into the night. Bandara and Leonial kids alike are climbing across the stage scaffolding and the stooped golden statue.

"My heart is breaking for you, Strela," Andara says. "The finest flower of Tribe Leonial, plucked by the rough hands of a Bandara! Tossed over his shoulder and taken off to some grotto to be ravaged!"

"I sincerely hope so."
Strela pops a grape into her mouth and chews. "You want my advice, Andara? Go out after the ceremony and find yourself a Monkey for the night."
Andara's eyes grow so wide as to threaten to drop from her skull.

The final lilting chords of harp drop away into the still air.
In its place comes a drumbeat: muted, but getting louder.

"That's my cue." Strela lowers her mask onto her face. "I'll see you when I see you, Andara."
>>
No. 716173 ID: 2a2f8a
File 146052528233.png - (63.58KB , 960x560 , 162.png )
716173

The crowd parts around her as she climbs to the top of the hill.

She stands on the stage.
It's warm up here.
>>
No. 716174 ID: 2a2f8a
File 146052533013.png - (81.06KB , 960x560 , 163.png )
716174

Bruco hoists himself up onto the stage opposite her.
Her heart does a backflip. He's been with the Bandaras all day. This is the first time she's seen him since they got back.

He holds out a hand.
>>
No. 716175 ID: 2a2f8a
File 146052536541.png - (124.19KB , 960x560 , 164.png )
716175

Tribal weddings have no spoken vows.

Everything anyone needs to know about the two of you, and how your lives together will be, they find it out in how you dance.
So Bruco and Strela dance.

The drums drop out as they make contact. The two of them are the ones who decide the pace. It's not easy.

His Boar aspect steadies his feet. He moves with the same certainty and economy as his fighting. His feet beat out a steady rhythm on the stage.

She slithers and slides around him, padding a Viper tangent to his Boar beat. His hands catch her, twist her, and almost drop her off-balance.
They've never danced together. Neither of them are quite sure how to approach it. They're at a distance. The crowd has sucked all the motion from the air in a collective held breath.

But when you've fought with someone, and twice, and when you've slept with them too, you get better at reading them.
And slowly they start to find their footing together. Bruco becomes more light; Strela's steps gain a conviction. They move closer and closer together. Their dancing becomes perfect.
The drums start up again, quiet at first, then catching up and weaving through their dance.
They get bolder and faster. The drums speed up with them.

They're close enough to kiss if they didn't have their masks. Strela wants to taste him desperately.
The drums reach a crashing apex.
Bruco and Strela are dancing their asses off.

With a final thunderous tattoo the drums cease.
In the sudden drop of silence that follows Bruco catches Strela's shoulder and spins her into his arms.
She lets him pull her close.
>>
No. 716176 ID: 2a2f8a
File 146052537608.png - (20.37KB , 960x560 , 165.png )
716176

She takes off his mask. He's beautiful.

He takes off her mask. The sudden exposure to the air makes her realize her face is wet and her makeup is running.
She's crying. She has never cried since the night her mother went away.
It feels amazing.

"Ready?" whispers Bruco.

A]] Yes.
B]] No.
C]] No, but let's do this anyway.
D]] I love you.
E]] Kiss him.
F]] _______________
>>
No. 716178 ID: 5ad4a7

>>716176
A.
>>
No. 716179 ID: 35151f

>>716176
all of the above, clearly
>>
No. 716180 ID: e4873e

C AND E
>>
No. 716182 ID: 1ccf98

D and E! It's meant to be!
>>
No. 716183 ID: 7b7ab3

A, D, E.
This is so sweet and romantic I think I'm gonna die.
>>
No. 716185 ID: 0a94cb

F. I LOEV U BRUNKO
>>
No. 716186 ID: 1cebc8

F) Something's wrong!

End the ceremony fast and prepare for an assault!
>>
No. 716188 ID: 2a2f8a

>>716186
Kome I just want to say

as we wind this quest down

that your suggestions have meant the world to me and I think you're the best suggester on the site
>>
No. 716189 ID: 99a64d

>>716188
Is he a troll? Is he a madman? No. He is kome, and he is perfect.
>>
No. 716191 ID: 99a64d

KISS DE BOY!
>>
No. 716194 ID: 34dbe0

C AND E...............
>>
No. 716195 ID: 74a1bb

>>716176
d+e
>>
No. 716208 ID: f873b3

A or C, and presumably E.


>>716188
And if nothing else, Kome is the only suggester whose suggestions I have ever been able to guess, "Oh, that's XYZ talking" without reading their name.

>>
No. 716223 ID: 2a7417

A.

Commence Shrek-like musical medley.
>>
No. 716228 ID: dabcb7

>>716176
A, D, E. in this order.
>>
No. 716255 ID: 9f0151

>>716194
>>
No. 716261 ID: c5b5f4

Fuck a spoken vow, tell him C with E.

Smooch him so good he understands.
>>
No. 716269 ID: 2a2f8a
File 146057375729.png - (96.70KB , 960x560 , 166.png )
716269

"Yes," Strela says.

"I love you, Bruco."
"I love you, Strela."

They kiss.
The crowd goes nuts.
The drums slam back up.
Bruco and Strela are still kissing.

And they're going to have to face down a cult together soon but they're still kisssing.
And Marlock is looking very uncomfortable now but they're still kissing.
And the world is ending but they're still kissing.

And with all the storm clouds in their future, and with me strongly considering some kind of continuation once I wrap up Static on the Wire, and with the full awareness that it's a dumb and archaic way to end a story, I should really know better than to finish with "And they live happily ever after".
>>
No. 716270 ID: 2a2f8a
File 146057376288.png - (230.68KB , 960x560 , 167.png )
716270

But they do.
>>
No. 716272 ID: 395c9b

Aaaahhhh!
>>
No. 716274 ID: 5727e3

10/10 ending
>>
No. 716275 ID: 99a64d

100/100
>>
No. 716277 ID: e3a778

*RIPS MY SSHIRT OFF* YYYYEEEESSSSSS
>>
No. 716280 ID: 7b7ab3

*RAUCOUS APPLAUSE*
Congratulations, Brom! You've done it again!
That was absolutely outstanding!
>>
No. 716281 ID: 9f0151

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
>>
No. 716283 ID: cab7d6

Save progress.
>>
No. 716313 ID: 63e06c

>>716270
fucking beautiful/10
>>
No. 716321 ID: 59a537

Wooo!
[Return] [Entire Thread] [Last 50 posts] [Last 100 posts]

Delete post []
Password