Suggestion 2019/09/06(Fri)06:31 No. 944458 ID: 4075a1
File 156777667272.png - (1.04MB , 1000x1000 , GD Panel 2.png )

We are the roe, the run of the red
fleshed fish spawning up the river to die.
We are the lichen, crawling
up logs long since ancient and rotten
and fallen on soil as deep as the sky.

Suggestion 2019/09/06(Fri)06:31 No. 944459 ID: 4075a1
File 156777670571.png - (1.33MB , 1000x1000 , GD Panel 3.png )

We are this, but much more. What is said
by a god becomes truth in the hour
of its speaking—but, after all, tallest falls
the one tree that can fall when calls
the beyond, power bridging to power.

Suggestion 2019/09/06(Fri)06:32 No. 944460 ID: 4075a1
File 156777675131.png - (1.13MB , 1000x1000 , GD Panel 4.png )

You climb the branch now; you run the red
river; you walk among those who cannot understand.
You take what is yours as soft clay in the hand,
and when, in the end, as we must, we strand
ourselves without fear on those limitless sands—

Suggestion 2019/09/06(Fri)06:33 No. 944461 ID: 4075a1
File 156777678612.png - (1.26MB , 1000x1000 , GD Panel 5.png )

we leave no pile of mullet, no leaf litter dead;
leave only the songs and the shapes that we’ve shed.

Maker Podea diSoci
Arrived - 1326 Departed - 4534

Artist: GraphyGraphie, https://twitter.com/GraphyGraphie (NSFW)
Sonnet by B. Baylor, used with permission.

Asher 2019/09/06(Fri)06:33 No. 944462 ID: 4075a1
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“This is a once in a lifetime shot, Asher. The bastard ain’t gonna die twice.”

Asher 2019/09/06(Fri)06:34 No. 944463 ID: 4075a1
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“Then go yourself and lemme get on in peace. I have to finish peeling before dinner.” Fingers gives a little snort.

“Kitchen’s Poles job and she’s skippin’ to see the execution too. Why do we gotta miss out?”

“You don’t! Just go without me. I told her I’d do this so I’m gonna.”

“Nah, see,” He waves my words away. “I found this perfect spot to watch from without no Tats or Lanks to get in the way. I just don’t got the muscles to get there, so I need your help. I’ll lend you a hand later, I promise! Ain’t I good for it?”

He is. And he ain’t gonna shut up about this if I don’t go. But Ma’am always says you should finish what you start, and I started peeling already.

Duty comes first.

Go with him and help him. The opportunity isn't to be wasted.

Also, take some of the stuff with you and peel it there.

Take some potatoes with you and skin between shows.

tell him to help you peel so you can get down faster.

Just go. You won't be able to finish peeling with him pestering you the entire time anyways.

Sometimes life ain't tidy. Especially with things that just happen once happen.

The potatoes will be here when you get back.
If there's no time to then you can just cut off the greens and let everyone eat some peel.

Go.

>>944466
Agree

>>944463
you definitely need to finish.
doesn't mean you have to finish now

>>944466
yeah, just take the sack with. Good exercise, and you can snack on the potato skins during the show

Sing the Peeling song. It is like the rawhide song, but minimally changed to be about potato peeling.

You have peeled your last potato. Get thee to the gallows!
If he can't see past the lanky fellows, that's not their problem. Has he tried using stilts?

>>944463
Stick to peeling, the fact that that brat doesn't understand the concept of duty (and functioning like an adult) is his problem

>>944463
Stick to peeling, the fact that that brat doesn't understand the concept of duty (and functioning like an adult) is his problem

Bring potatoes with; peel on the way.

>>944462
Also that was a very neat transition

>>944463
Tell him if he helps you finish peeling these before the execution you'll go.

Bring a sack of potatoes to peel with you

Take some and peel while you "watch" the show.

Asher 2019/09/10(Tue)20:09 No. 944787 ID: e5e15e
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“Fine. Lemme just ask if I can peel these while we watch.”

“You don’t gotta ask ‘em Asher, just skip out.” He says.

“I’ll meet you outside.”

Asher 2019/09/10(Tue)20:09 No. 944788 ID: e5e15e
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“Excuse me, sir? Is it okay if I-”

Asher 2019/09/10(Tue)20:10 No. 944789 ID: e5e15e
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“If you’re finished with the potatoes start washing the vegetables.”

“But-”

“I don’t care, Pole.”

“I’m not-”

“Go back to work.”

“Y-yes, sir.” It’ll be fine. Probably.

Asher 2019/09/10(Tue)20:11 No. 944790 ID: e5e15e
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“Do you know who’s doing the opening prayers?” I ask.

“Who do you think? Steel ain't never missed a chance to jack off Ol’ Nine Eyes all over a crowd.” I give Fingers a light slap to the back of the head.

“Don’t talk like that about her. You’ll get bad habits.” He’s rolling his eyes, I can tell. “I’m telling the truth. Say that in front of a stickler and you’ll be down another finger.”

“I get it, I get it.” He puts his diamond voice on, high and whiny. “Preceptor Braddiosium Steel, Steward of the Prophet and like a thousand other dumb things, will grace us with his presence today and speak to us the words of the Nameless. Happy?”

“Yeah, keep it up.” He snorts out a chuckle.

We walk in silence for a minute before he speaks up again.

“Hey, I know you don’t go to these things a lot. After you muscle a bit you ain’t gotta stick around.”

>>944790
That's right. Gotta go back and deliver the goods.

"You already disrupted my work, so I might as well watch what all the fuss is about."

"I told you I'd do this so I'm gonna."

"Just keep peeling potatoes while we're there - wait, we should get another bag to put the unpeeled ones in."

>>944790
You have potatoes to peel. You'll keep yourself occupied while he watches.

>>944789
Is he always like that? The chef, I mean. He seems pretty out of it.

>about her
>his presence
So this Steel person is a male, while the so-called Nine Eyes is a female? Or is it just that Steel is a female, but male in a public eye?

>Asher
Those runes on those guys... is that some sort of a disease? How long do they take to claim someone?

Hope that wherever we're going isn't too far as that bag of potatoes (is that really what this vegetable is called?) looks heavy. What do you know about these events?

Asher 2019/09/13(Fri)03:59 No. 944949 ID: 509e5e
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>Get another bag to put the unpeeled ones in.
There’s one in there with the potatoes.

>Is he always like that? The chef, I mean.
Don’t know, never met him before. Pole says he yells at her a lot, but she’s lazy so he probably has a reason to.

>Those runes on those guys... is that some sort of a disease?
Every tat I’ve ever seen has them, and they live longer than we do, so it ain’t that bad a sickness if it is.

>That bag of potatoes looks heavy.
It’s pretty light. Fingers could carry this and he’s weak for his age.

"I told you I'd do this so I'm gonna. None of our’s are getting hung, right?"

“Naw, just that murderer from a while back, a thumb or three, and the fat bastard. Won’t take too long. Now hurry up!”

Asher 2019/09/13(Fri)03:59 No. 944950 ID: 509e5e
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“Up here, Asher! One a’ the rockeaters told me they shut that tunnel up a few years ago. Leads right above the execution grounds.”

Asher 2019/09/13(Fri)04:00 No. 944951 ID: 509e5e
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“You wanted to move something this big why didn’t you call Junkyard? She could lift this thing out the way.”

“Junkyard woulda said no. You’re always a pushover, Asher. Gotta work on that, by the way.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I put the potatoes down and brace myself against the stone. After straining for a moment, it starts shifting. I use its own weight to help tip it and roll it out the way, revealing a pitch-black tunnel.

Asher 2019/09/13(Fri)04:01 No. 944952 ID: 509e5e
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“How’re we gonna get through this tunnel?” I ask. “It’s dark as hell.”

“Your head still workin’ Asher? I always gots what we need.” He replies.

The next second my shadow casts across the tunnel and I turn to see Fingers shining a huge lump of sunstone.

“Where’d you get so much?”

“Mongers love to charity us three-fingered kids, even if they don’t know it.” He cackles.

What does the rune on the rock mean? We might not want to use this path if it's marked as dangerous.

>pushover
Tell him that he should suck your dick also if he's so good at dealing with Mongers. Also, to stop stealing because he's only got so many fingers.

Carefully proceed through the tunnel.

>>944952
Let's get this over with. Proceed through the tunnel.

This guy seriously doesn't learn their lesson, huh? Well, you've already gone this far, into the tunnel you go.

Do not let this child tempt you down a path of darkness!
Break off a piece of sunstone for yourself.

>>944949
He's going to keep losing my fingers like this. Follow at a distance.

We follow, but aren’t letting him off easy: “You ought to cut that out before you find yourself cut down to two. Or did you sleep through class when those lessons were carved into you?” ... “Not a hard-ass, just worried. Honest work takes About the same effort when you break it down and isn’t liable to get you hurt if you mess up. I’m only looking out for you.”

"Three Fingers" is apparently a specific group. I doubt that there are many two or four fingers. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing for repeat offenders I wouldn't care to speculate.

There going to end up calling you finger instead if you keep stealing stuff. Take a little bit of the stone for yourself now and proceed into the tunnel.

Well, no excuse now. Proceed through yon tunnel so you can go watch people die for crimes they probably didn’t commit. Wholesome family fun.

That art is bloody beautiful, and it seems like there’s a ton of lore behind everything. I’m impressed, and intrigued. Bravo.

>>944949
Statue's having a little leer at us, and looking pretty smug about it too.

>>944952
Does Fingers know why the tunnel was closed-off in the first place? We're not about to get caught in the middle of a cave-in, are we?

Asher 2019/09/17(Tue)03:56 No. 945222 ID: e5e15e
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>What does the rune on the rock mean?
No clue. The slissas slap these on any tunnel they touch and I can’t read ‘em. I mean, I can’t read anyway, but especially not this stuff.

>Break off a piece of sunstone.
Sunstone is hard to break, even with a pickaxe. I couldn’t do it with my bare hands, and I’d mess up the knife if I tried to use it.

I grab my bag and step inside first
“You’re gonna get caught one day and be one of the thumbs on the noose yourself.”

“I don’t need a lecture Asher, ‘cause I don’t get caught.” I glance back into the light of the sunstone and can just make out his hand going into his pocket.

“I’m not trying to be a hard-ass,” I say “I’m just worried. You need to learn to keep your head down, or if you can’t do that stand out in ways that aren’t gonna get you hurt if you mess up. I’m only looking out for you.”

He grumbles something under his breath and I don’t push it this time.

Asher 2019/09/17(Tue)03:57 No. 945223 ID: e5e15e
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I see a soft light ahead.

“This it?” I ask.

“Yeah, rockeaters said it was about halfway through this hole. I can already hear Steel.”

I set the bag down and take out the knife, leaning back against the cracked wall. “See him?”

“Yeah, he’s tied up. I’ll see ‘em die in a minute.” He pauses. “Hey, Asher. After he’s dead, what happens to ‘em?” He asks.

“They take the bodies outside to burn, I think.”

“Not that.”

“Oh. Well, I mean, it’s like the Preceptors say during sermon. Nine Eyes takes your spirit and brings you to her realm, and rewards us by our worldly deeds.” I grab a potato out of the bag and start peeling.

“And you believe that?”

I'll tell you once I meet her.

Or she meets us. Does there exist any evidence of Nine Eyes ever descending upon this world?

Let's enjoy the sights.

Are there other gods we should know about? We should maybe shop around to compare afterlife options before we have to claim one. Who knows when that might come up.

"Why do the gods never come to visit in person, even just to punish us for our misdeeds, no matter how many sacrifices and holy wars we perform in their name? I think something went horribly wrong a long time ago. Not like we can ever do anything about it though."

"What other options are there? If it's not Nine Eyes taking our spirits, then it's some other entity doing the same thing. All in all, just make sure you're doing what you can."

Now that you mention it... Does it just seem more likely that it is just an endless ocean of giant mosquitoes that drain out all your courage, determination, hope... everything that could keep you going, and then send the withered husk of your being out into the endless void to slowly disperse into a formless cloud of despair and uselessness? I mean, mosquitoes are everywhere, right? They gotta come from somewhere. Just makes sense...

Artist Credit: GraphyGraphie
I fucked up and forgot to credit the artist for this, GraphyGraphie. Totally my bad. It's fixed now but you can't credit too much so just in case people miss it their twitter is https://twitter.com/GraphyGraphie (NSFW).

>>945274
So then, you're doing all the writing and Graphie is doing purely art?

Essentially.

As long as the dead can't do anything in this world it doesn't matter what happens to them, as far as the living are concerned they are gonne.

"Only one way to find out, and I'm not ready for that yet."

Can you still feel your fingers? They'd know...

Just say, if I didn't and I was wrong. Well, not sure I'd want to find out what would happen.

Asher 2019/09/25(Wed)20:09 No. 945819 ID: e5e15e
File 156946737219.png - (1.25MB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 18.png )

>”We stepped on the path as seven, but reached its end as five. All of you have heard this phrase. I have said it on this stage many times. Yet I often wonder, do we know what it means? Have we learned its lesson?”



“I’ll tell you when I meet her and she makes me chief potato peeler.” I pop a skin into my mouth. “You just gotta do what you can, Fingers. Don’t worry too much about it.”

“That ain’t a answer. I’m askin' if you believe in those statues. It’s yes or no.”

You'd best start believing in those statues if they start moving.

"I believe there really was a divine message sung to our ancestors. Whatever the priests are saying right now? That isn't it.

Even if the words stayed the same, their meaning hasn't. Why the hell does five gods ascending in the past mean five people must be executed today?"

It doesn’t have much to do with normal life, so why bother believing or disbelieving? Leave that to the philosophers.

Simple answers are for simple minds. Are you simple minded?

Dunno, i’d like to believe but I’m having trouble without proof that any of it is real. It’s not like we see miracles just happen in front of us.

"Absolutely", in a sarcastic tone. "And you?"

Well... there was that time a couple year's back when Carn The Prude went Main Street Turning people inside-out for wolf-whistling at him. It was pretty convincing...

"That's the best answer you're getting. I never bothered with thinking about whether it was all real, 'cause there's only one way to find out for sure. And I'm fine not knowing until I finally kick it."

No.
They's too convenient.
They're the candle in the dark that paints our world in a flickering light, but when day comes we still only see the shadows.

I believe in the statues, but not in the guy at the podium.

>>945863
This

>>945849
That.

>>945863
this

Asher 2019/09/28(Sat)18:38 No. 946002 ID: e5e15e
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>”One of our envious Lords more important titles is Pedagogue. As Their children we must strive to exceed even Their lofty expectations of us. To take more than is given. To grow until we have no need to turn from the face of the Pedagogue and towards the face of the Executioner. I am getting ahead of myself, however. We must explore the lesson first.”



“I’ve never seen a miracle, but maybe Nine Eyes just decided we don’t need none. Going on and on about her like a diamond ain’t gonna do anyone no good, and they don’t say anything new anyway.” I shrug. “Why do you care if I believe in them statues anyway?”

“I don’t know. You wouldn’t lie, I guess. And if you believed in it than I could too.”

Well then I'll say this:
I'm not one to question the gods, I'm sure they watch over us somehow when we die... but that man down there, the Preceptor.
Look at his face.
That's not the face of an honest man.

The god's live in the scriptures and in the heart. Not in the mouths of those who look down on us.

Are you simply looking for a way to rationalize your faith in gods? Believe in them if you wish, or don't. The gods believe in you.

>>946002
Find your own belief. This one's mine.

If it keeps you out of trouble more, than the answer you seek is yes.

Well, there is the fact that you aren't sure if they exist, and the fact that you aren't sure if this is what they want. That means that they either won't, or can't, offer convincing guidance. If they won't, then they are presenting a test without providing the means of succeeding, and know that many will fail, and carry on regardless, which makes them... it's not fair, kind, nor helpful, they're not the sort of beings we want to associate with.

If they can't, wither because they don't exist or just don't have the means, then either they lack the means to provide what we need, or at least lack the means to give us a chance to get it, which is tragic, but we can only work with what we have. It doesn't matter that we can fly if we don't know how and nobody can show us.

There's a lot of things in life you have to figure out for yourself. Your faith is one of them.

"The priests would kill anyone who claims their faith in the gods comes from the actions of other mortals. That says a lot. Including shut the hell up and we'll talk about this out of earshot."

So, what else do you know about this Steel person?

kome, I’m actually pretty sure we’re out of earshot if anyone down below

Asher 2019/09/30(Mon)20:58 No. 946169 ID: e5e15e
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>”Seven tribes followed the Prophet here. Five tribes entered to stay. Toiler. Artisan. Martinet. Preceptor. Monger. The brothers and sisters that stand next to you. There is wisdom to be found in all of Their works, but to find the meaning behind this outcome we must ask ourselves: Why did two tribes not make it?”



“Fingers… I don’t know more than you about this stuff. If she’s around she’s around, with or without you or me worryin’ about her. I’m fine leavin’ and being left alone but… maybe you can find her for yourself? Keep yourself busy doing that instead of stealin’ if it bothers you this much.”

“Don’t bother me. Nothin’ bothers me. I just want to know if here is the best I got.” He flexes his three fingers. “If she’s real then she gotta want me down here for a reason. If she ain’t then I got born wrong. I coulda been dropped out of a momma where the sun shines and at least caught a glance at it before I die.”

You'll have plenty of time left to find the sun if you stop squandering it, you know. Go forth, and create opportunity!

We all want to know our purpose in this world. 'Cause we all want something better than we got, and not end up like those five, decorations on the end of a rope.

Maybe tomorrow some rich bozo will pop in and give you all the world's riches and a solid-gold ticket to the sunniest spot in the world. Is it worth hoping for? Sure, Doesn't cost a thing! Doesn't make sense to plan for it though. Best you can do is plan for what you know, hope for what you want, and brace for the rest. If you want it to all be worth something, or for some miracle to make everything good? Then sure, of course it'll happen, but don't plan for it, and brace for all the folk who you hate to have gotten there first and taken all the best spots for themselves. We can't know what's right, just what's the right choice given what we know, which is nothin' about the dead and everythin' about me not getting though all this peeling...

You try'na tell me you wanna run away to another world, fingers? You could do it, but what if you don't like what you find up there? You'll need to be prepared. More prepared than you've ever been. Supplies to get you by indefinitely, even if there's no people to steal from. Food, waterskins, huntin supplies, buildin tools.

You could also use a wingman to keep you from gettin yourself killed, if you know what I mean...

I guess you have to change the world if you want to see the sun. Are you going to change the world from in this hole?

Ask him if he tried desecrating the Nine Eyes' shrines and statues yet.

Asher 2019/10/03(Thu)19:24 No. 946395 ID: e5e15e
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>”Wait. I know what you are thinking. They were deficient. They lacked the fortitude to survive the borderlands and make it to our new home. But that is incorrect. One by one each laprine is molded by The Sculptor, and our lost siblings are no exception. None that They make can be less than perfectly suited for the tasks They bestow, for are we not Their own image? Made to adapt and overcome!”



“You ain’t… messed with anything of hers, right?”

“No. I ain’t dumb Asher.”

“‘Cause…” I throw a thumb at the condemned.

“No shit.”

“If you wanna go outside one day there are toiler jobs that’ll put you up top. You got the time to impress the right guys if you-”

“Ain’t no good adult detail gonna take me missin’ two. I’m goin' to the mines.”

“...So what, you try'na tell me you wanna run away?” He doesn’t answer back.

Are you going to have to go and protect him?

Try prosthetics, and maybe gloves. Lying, cheating and stealing has got you this far, right?

What do you think you'll find up there?

Do you think the greater world more, or less disgusting than what's going on down there?

Gods. Look at them. At least two of them did nothing wrong this time.

The guy in the middle's gonna end up choking to death if he keeps squirming like that.

Oh shit you are gonna run away...
I ain’t gonna tell you not to but you better think long and hard about this.
Just think If it’s the right choice for you and what you need to do it right i guess.

Wow, look at the ears on her! Not too happy about how, uhh, tortured some of them look. Do they really need to rough them up on the way to the gallows?

Do you guys have anything tying you to your current lives here?

>>946395
All of these guys look pretty beat up. Except for that fat guy on the far right, he doesn’t look like he got beat up at all. Why is that?

Tell him to think twice before he does anything dangerous next time.

>>946395
The kid needs to take his mind off how sucky not having three fingers is. Start a guessing game 'bout what them five did wrong to end up on the gallows. I bet the fat one is a monger who did some thievery worse than Fingers would ever dream a doing. That one on the left looks defiant, like maybe she said something wrong but think its true. Like some sorta heretic. Maybe they're all heretics?

>>946560
Well for starters, which one is the one you specifically came here to see die?

You even got some kind of plan for that fingers?

Asher 2019/10/06(Sun)20:16 No. 946652 ID: e5e15e
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>”I say to look to ourselves instead. The five remaining tribes. Do we not make a perfect society? Strength, skill, integrity, intelligence, and... endurance. The answer to why the other two tribes fell to the wayside is because they were not needed. We united and have thrived for centuries because we balanced ourselves, expelling those who would unsteady us. Stability requires work! Sacrifice! Selflessness! They taught us this lesson... and that is why we find ourselves here today.”



“Do you think what's down here is less dangerous than outside?” I snap. “What do you even think you'll find up there? Do you think it’ll be better when there won’t be Ma’am or Junkyard around to protect you? You got plans to deal with the brutes and devils?”

He stares down at the stage. I’m not even sure if he’s still listening.

“You got friends down here, right? You want to leave us and everything else we know? Think this through, for once in your life.” I point below. “That fat bastard down there caught you once doing something stupid, you think you won’t get caught again and hung like the thumbs?”

“I wasn’t lyin’,” He whispers. “He didn’t catch me. I didn’t do nothin’ for him to catch.”

That's even worse, getting in trouble for what you didn't even do. You clearly want something better. But running away with nothing isn't how you get there.

>Strength, Skill, Integrity, Intelligence, and... endurance.
Ten internet points says the priests are controlling everyone by hoarding a monopoly in those other two remaining stats. Like charisma and wisdom.

>“He didn’t catch me. I didn’t do nothin’ for him to catch.”
"He doesn't need evidence or a working brain to take more than your limbs. Please stay far away from him period."

If he's dead set on leaving, maybe he can bring someone with him.
Do you have a reason to stay, yourself?

You done any thinkin about this?
Cuz if you want me to go along with this you best make a good damn argument for why you wanna go.
Curiosity aint good enough. I ain't gonna let you get yourself killed cuz you wasn't thinkin.

If you're gonna leave... you're gonna need to be prepared.

>down here is less dangerous than outside
I'm confused. What is "down here"? What is up and what is down?

Well lying or telling the truth, he's bad news fingers. Stay away from him if anything.

You even got survival skills? Know how to start a fire, find food and shelter on the go. Without stealing any of it? Not knocking you so much for it, but outside there might not be anyone or anything to steal from. You latching onto anything I'm saying here?

Asher 2019/10/16(Wed)04:16 No. 947228 ID: e5e15e
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>”Artisan Moon Fon. We welcomed you into our bosoms from the wastes almost twenty years ago, over my own objections. You healed us when we were sick and injured and we gave you succor and sustenance. Yet you betrayed us and stole the lives of three brave Martinets attempting to escape justice. Your face tells me they took some small manner of retribution. The rest of us take our recompense now.”



“I was still on kid detail, doing all that little stuff the adults and teens don’t got time for. Cleanin’ rooms in the fuckin’ Monger Manor with them ignorin’ me like they do everyone.”

Asher 2019/10/16(Wed)04:16 No. 947229 ID: e5e15e
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>”The three of you, criminals four times over, left your posts in the mine with stolen supplies and gold. Did you want to join the barbarians we saved Moon Fon from? Did you simply give in to your base laziness, shedding your yokes so your Toiler siblings had to carry more weight? It matters not. You have used up all your chances.”



“There was some yellin’ and Redkho comes bangin’ in, grabs my hand, and slams it on a table.”

Asher 2019/10/16(Wed)04:18 No. 947230 ID: e5e15e
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>”You did not care.”



“I don’t even think he meant to take two. Just had shit aim.”

Asher 2019/10/16(Wed)04:19 No. 947231 ID: e5e15e
File 157122474490.png - (942.61KB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 26.png )

>”You’ve nothing left.”



“I’m bleedin’ and holdin’ my stumps on the floor and get to hear him whine to a Diamond that he had ‘punished the thief’. Figured out he offered me up as a quick excuse once I wasn’t cryin’.”

Asher 2019/10/16(Wed)04:20 No. 947233 ID: e5e15e
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>”So you hang. Now. Finally. Monger Redkho.”



“...Why ain’t Steel droppin' him?” I hear a tinge of fear in his voice.

> Hanging
Yeah this is definitely a reign of terror. Even if they are guilty of mass theft of supplies, the least this smiling dickhead could do is let them speak before they're executed.

Poor kid didn't want to be a part of this.

> Is there anything you can do?
Well, you could shout and pretend to be snipers, so the forces will be further distracted. Other than that, leave.

either he's about to let him go as a show of mercy to make himself look better and subtly let everyone now their lives are in his hands or the more likely option of he's about to make an example out of the last guy... we should probably leave.

>>947233
Maybe a pardon o' sort? The powerful gotta show mercy every once a while. Not to mention, Redkho did seem sorta smug right up 'till the end there. Maybe he thought one was a-comin'.

... did you set Redkho up?

You'll want to stay low if he's let loose and they figged it all out. I can leave you the peels here when I head back with the 'taters so you got somethin' for chew. Got chores, but I'll come check on ya later, once I've seen if folks're up and lookin' for ya. Best I can do without puttin' my neck out there with that lot.

>>947235
If I got it right, we came specifically to watch this guy die, so no leaving.

>>947233
Do you think those guards are going to skewer him with their spears before they drop him?

>>947233
He might be too fat to fit through the hole when they drop him, so they have to execute him in a different way.

Or instead of dropping him, they're going to execute him differently to make an example out of him as a warning to all the rich people that're watching to let them know what'll happen to them if they fuck up.

If I'm understanding this correctly, from the first hanging they don't like citizens doing their own justice, so even if they were criminals she's still guilty of killing them. Then from the next hangings, it seems that there's a three-strikes rule, though all three strikes can happen in the same instance.

So when Redkho cut off Finger's fingers, that may have been a strike for him and Redkho's been on the edge of the law for a while now.

Either way, we just have to wait and see.

>>947251
Ambiguous wording, but I think the first one who got hung was the one 'attempting to escape justice' from having 'betrayed' the locals. The three 'Brave Martinets' who died fighting them were probably local enforcers of some kind, and not the ones doing the attempted escaping.

I think that panicking guy got set up too.
Smug justice is the worst justice.

Well Fingers, just be glad you didn't end up where Redkho is now.

Asher 2019/10/28(Mon)14:42 No. 948165 ID: e5e15e
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>“I notice none of your fellows deigned to attend, despite how unique this event is. It has been many years since one of your... prominence has needed to be punished. Before even my birth. My predecessor declared her punishment served after she survived being hung for over an hour. If you are half as hardy as she was I doubt they wanted to waste their valuable time waiting. Frankly, I agree.”



>Do you have a reason to stay, yourself?
Everyone I know is here, of course I want to stay.

“... did you set Redkho up?” I ask quietly.

“I didn’t have nothin’ to do with this.” He snaps back. He’s leaning forward and his nails are scraping on the rock.

“If he's let loose you need to stay far away from him.” I catch what that might sound like. “And I don’t mean leavin’. Running away ain’t gonna do you no good. You ain’t got any survival skills I know of, and if there’s no one out there to steal from you’ll starve in a week. I ain't gonna let you get yourself killed cuz you wasn't thinkin.”

What's his punishment going to be? Stockades? You could get your own justice here, Fingers.

The speaker seeks a puppet. If you aren't ready to strike out on your own, there's no time like the present to prepare. Whether you take care of Redkho yourself before leaving is up to you.

Ah, so his kind are physically difficult to hang? Fun. If it does look like he's going to get released here, however...

Okay, first of all, get ready to preemptively cover your buddy's mouth if he even gives a hint of an imminent outburst, and shush into his ear so he doesn't get the wrong idea. If he's insistent on getting his own justice: "If you're serious about this, I'd like to be there to make sure you do it right. I'm not letting my friend get sent onto that platform."

However, I doubt it will come to that; that guy's smile disappeared the moment the preacher started hinting at no hanging. He could probably handle a hanging, after all, and I think he's right to not be liking the new direction this is going.

Asher 2019/10/30(Wed)17:07 No. 948435 ID: e5e15e
File 157248044238.png - (1.04MB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 29.png )

>“The mistake you made is thinking power in the hands of others can protect you. I failed to teach you this and that regret shall lay on both our souls.”

Asher 2019/10/30(Wed)17:07 No. 948436 ID: e5e15e
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>”Monger Redkho, you are guilty of abusing your station to bring heretical materials into the sanctuary that is our home, Silverlock. I take solace in the fact that we were able to catch you before you distributed said filth. Worse than the other crimes we have punished today, you tried to plant a seed of rot within our very souls. There can be no mercy for this!”



Finger’s body tenses even more and he’s so focused on the stage I step closer to make sure he doesn’t fall out of the crack.

Asher 2019/10/30(Wed)17:08 No. 948437 ID: e5e15e
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>“My friends. My comrades! I know the struggles you face. The chains of duty weigh each of us down with separate burdens.”

Asher 2019/10/30(Wed)17:09 No. 948438 ID: e5e15e
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>”But the name of The Sculptor was not given to Them in jest! We were made, each of us, for the tasks we are given. We can rise to them together! We must excel, hand in hand! For They have given us only two options!”

Asher 2019/10/30(Wed)17:10 No. 948439 ID: e5e15e
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>”Die!”

Asher 2019/10/30(Wed)17:12 No. 948442 ID: e5e15e
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>”Or thrive with Them!”

Asher 2019/10/30(Wed)17:13 No. 948443 ID: e5e15e
File 157248079432.png - (711.20KB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 35.png )

>“Choose.”

There you go, Fingers. Your justice. Now get any thoughts of blood out of your head and let's get back to the potatoes.

Oof looks like the preacher man got religion in Finger's show. Hard to even stay mad at this guy when his judge is wearing that shit-eating grin.

"It seems not everyone can find a third option to that question. That doesn't mean it's impossible, though. By the way, did I ever mention you kinda look like [INSERT ONE-EYED GOD'S NAME HERE]?"

Stay vigilant on keeping him from crying out, whether in victory or outrage (if there's another last-minute twist).

Personally, I would see if there is a market for other gods. You know. Just thinking out loud.

Well, Hell. Given a choice like that, you kinda wanna rebel out of sheer spite.

This man is not being judged for theft or betrayal or indirect mass murder. The priest refuses to judge his inner circle for any real crime as he refuses to judge himself. This man is being punished for trying to spread ideas and give hope to others for once in his godforsaken life. If the priest truly had faith in his religion, he'd welcome the rot and enjoy curing it (with more hangings, of course) as a fun past-time.

And that's the reason for this spectacle; using cruelty as punishment to teach others the consequences of thinking one is above the law is bad enough, but somewhat understandable. Outright claiming that any simple reading material is worse than starving people to death, that the only alternative to unquestioning 'unity' is death? He doesn't want his faith to be the superior faith. He wants his faith to be the ONLY faith.

Stop this madness. Or at least try. Hide behind cover and begin screaming. Without the noose around his neck, Redkho will have enough time to escape. He'll likely be gunned down in the chase. But that will plant the right seed in these people: occasionally, the mouth of God has a stutter.

I think our show's over Fingers. Let's get heading back else they find an encore.

>>948445
Quite.

Asher 2019/11/05(Tue)11:50 No. 948772 ID: e5e15e
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>By the way, did I ever mention you kinda look like [INSERT ONE-EYED GOD'S NAME HERE]?
>I would see if there is a market for other gods.
I’ve never heard of any god but Nine Eyes. If there are some they ain’t in Silverlock.

Tension leaks out of Fingers when Redkho’s head comes off, but not nearly enough of it. Steel is still talking but it’s all stuff I’ve heard before and I tune it out.

“Show’s over. You feelin’ better now?” I ask.

“Yeah.”

“Ready to head back?”

“Not yet. Go on ahead, Asher. ”

“I can’t leave until you do, I gotta close the entrance back up.” I pick up the last potato and finish peeling it.

“Just leave a crack open for me to slip through and I’ll be fine. I wanna be alone for a bit. Anyway Junkyard told me she wanted to see you, like, an hour ago.” He says.

“What? You couldn’t have told me that earlier?” He gives a half-hearted shrug.

After I drop these potatoes off I was going to go back to my regular work detail, trash collecting with Mash, but if Junkyard wants to see me it’s probably important. But then again Mash can be real… touchy about schedules, and doesn’t like it when people are late, which I might already be. Or I could stay a little bit longer and try to get through to Fingers again, but I got no idea what he needs me to say. I think it’s best Ma’am hears what Fingers has been talking about, sooner rather than later. He might need more help than I can give.

If you're already late, go meet Junkyard.

Make Fingers help you carry the potatoes back. You only brought one lightstone, and your hands are full. Plenty of places to be alone that aren't prone to cavein.

Don't make Fingers do anything. Go talk to Junkyard after delivering the potatoes, tell Mash you're late since Junkyard needed to speak with you. It's half-true!

Go do the thing with Junkyard. If your boss gives you trouble for not sticking to schedule, she can pay for it.

Fingers is clearly in no headspace to recall anything. Assume that anything you don't do yourself will not be done.

Make a compromise with Fingers. You don't mind leaving him be for a bit, but this isn't exactly a good place to be alone. What's he going to do if someone else comes by and moves the rock shut on him?

Asher 2019/11/13(Wed)16:48 No. 949448 ID: e5e15e
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I pick up the bag and drop it in Finger’s arms. I ain’t gonna leave him to stew in the dark at least. He cusses me out, but walks. We don’t really speak on the way back but his expression is softer by the time I’ve rolled the rock back into place. I tell him to go tell Mash I’ll be late and head to drop off Pole’s potatoes. I’ll talk to Ma’am about him later. She’ll know what to do.

Asher 2019/11/13(Wed)16:48 No. 949449 ID: e5e15e
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I’m hoping, if I’m sneaky enough, I can drop these things off and not have to deal with the chef again.

Asher 2019/11/13(Wed)16:49 No. 949450 ID: e5e15e
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...Ah shit.

Asher 2019/11/13(Wed)16:51 No. 949454 ID: e5e15e
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Well, Pole’s pissed.

Asher 2019/11/13(Wed)16:53 No. 949455 ID: e5e15e
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I head straight over to the quarry Junkyard has been working in the last few weeks and spot her doing all the hard work like normal.

Sometimes I look at tats or sticklers struggling to pick stuff up and I wonder how they can live being so weak. Junkyards gotta think that all the time about the rest of us lankies.

Asher 2019/11/13(Wed)16:53 No. 949456 ID: e5e15e
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“Where’ve you been?” She grunts. “I sent Fingers to find you an hour ago and that boy ain’t slow, outta everything else he is. Was he fuckin’ around playing or some shit?”

He wanted to go see the old bastard Red get hung. He was too fat for it and they had to bring out the meat cleaver.

>>949458
Yes. Say this.

>>949456
Some shit and he wanted you along for it - the hangings. Didn't mention the meeting until after. You get the impression he's troubled, our boy Fingers. You'll talk to Ma'am about it later, see what she thinks - if there's aught anyone can do for him.

Anyway, thanks to that detour you're liable to have pissed off both Pole and Mash before the day is done. What can you do for her, lest you make it three?

Tell her they finally whacked Redkho, but they used the execution as a sham to show that nobles don't follow the same rules as commoners, and that nobles trying to help commoners makes them even more guilty than commoners.

So yeah, what do we need to do today?

Fuckin' around? Sure. He thought it important though. He'll take whatever you wanna dish out at him well enough.

What's up?

He was hanging around the executions. Thankfully not on the other end of it.

I don't think Fingers would want you to tell her where he was. Or you for that matter.

Tell her that you were busy training so that you could be as strong as her someday. Or something like that. An excuse mixed with some flattering.

Asher 2019/11/19(Tue)19:43 No. 949949 ID: e5e15e
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“Redkho was getting hung. He only told me after it was done.”

“So he did exactly what I told him not to and went to the execution.” I nod and Junkyard clicks her tongue.

“I think he needs to talk to Ma’am about it. He started sayin’ some uh-” I cut myself off. “He’s got some troubles.”

“I’ll box his ears in, then we’ll see what kinda trouble he’s in then.” She snarls.

“Maybe don’t do that until I talk to Ma’am?” Junkyard gives a grunt that means she’ll do what I asked but doesn’t want to say it out loud.

“What did you need me for, anyway?” I ask

She glances around before answering. “I’ll tell you later. Just go up there and tell the roc- Ikthiss I’m done for the day.”

“Your shift done?”

“I do four times the work of anyone else, so I say I’m done. Just go make sure she doesn’t write me up or anything for ‘skipping work’.”

“We could go talk to her together. She’s not as bad as you think if you say the right things.” I say.

“If I have to see her smug fucking face one more time today I’m gonna to put my fist through it. Just say I got sick or something. She’ll believe you and she’s too lazy to check. I’ll meet you outside.”

Asher 2019/11/19(Tue)19:44 No. 949950 ID: e5e15e
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“Ikthiss Silverlock, can we-”

“‘Of Silverlock’, Asher. I’m not literally this dumb mountain. Are you even on my crew today? Whatever, they’re whining in hole three so go help those dorks out.”

“I-”

“I swear every other day there’s some sermon or barbaric ritual of yours that takes up half the day and a third of my workers. No idea how they expect me to get anything done. What was it this time?”

“Th-”

“Wait, no. I don’t care. Just get down there and pick up the slack.”

She’s usually pretty lenient but she’s not in a good mood today. Leaving work without permission is a really bad charge if she decides to submit it, and when she’s like this she’ll probably do it. I can make up a lie, but if she does check it’ll blow up in our faces. I could say we’re going to the execution but I don’t know when it’ll end and if her workers come back and we’re not with them we could still get in trouble. Telling the truth might satisfy her, but since I still don’t know where Junkyard wants to take me it’ll sound really weak. Worst case scenario I can call in a favor but that’s… only if absolutely nothing else works.

>>949950
If she's in a bad mood she'll probably check. Tell truth, say something like Longyard wants you for something important. Offer favor if that doesn't work.
Maybe you can soften her up by asking her what's gotten her grumpy? Anything you can help with?

She's not even aware if you're in her crew or not. Say you're going to the execution and if you don't come back with the others she probably won't notice.

>>949950
Belive me, I would love to but [Insert a Scary Crew Boss's name here] is in the same boat as you. Everyone is. He's got me by the nose to bring back Junkyard and says he'll [Insert most insane nonlethal punishment you've heard of happening] if I come back empty handed.

Throw Junkyard's immediate coworkers under the buss.

Those are people you CAN deal with and do favors to to make up for the inconvenience later (and they can't hang you on a dime). And stay as technically true as you can when saying what you and Junkyard are doing, as well as try to avoid upsetting Ikthiss too much further. Even if she discovers you mislead her, as long as her own impatience can be construed to be at fault at least you won't have directly lied to an authority or skipped work and earned a bad charge.

Sketch a bow or whatever you do to be respectful. Make it seem like you're sweating and uncomfortable at being put so on the spot (to be fair, you probably are).

"Ikthiss of Silverlock, I'm very very sorry, but today I am only here as a messenger and have other errands besides."

Junkyard's messenger, mind you, but it sounds official enough. And you sure seem to have your plate full today.

"Some issue has come up and Junkyard will be going to take care of it. I was not told what it was about, unfortunately, so I do not know how long she'll be kept."

Let Ikthiss assume what the issue is, which is actually whatever Junkyard wanted to do, and as Junky told you jack all about it you know nothing about it.

"You would know best how to plan for absences, but perhaps you could move a few of those working with Junkyard to hole three? She's at least done the work of several today, so that could balance the shortfall a little more evenly."

Give her the backup solution she needs before she has to spend time and energy thinking one of her own up or investigating your claims - and she might just be more inclined to grab your idea as the easiest way out of this situation. She does seem rather impatient presently.

One more thing. You should probably not tell many people about the hangings (+beheading) if it's not common knowledge yet. It pegs you as having been at and witnessed them, and if you weren't supposed to that's a tad bad... isn't it?

Tell her that she seems to be in a bad mood unhappy and ask if she wants to talk about it. Depending on what it is, you could offer to help her with it. Basically, if you can talk her into giving you a task that would require you to leave, you'd be solving all your problems.

Asher 2019/11/29(Fri)18:55 No. 950558 ID: e5e15e
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>Maybe you can soften her up by asking her what's gotten her grumpy?
Only if I want to listen to her complain for an hour.

>Throw Junkyard's immediate coworkers under the bus.
That’s also not a great idea. Even if I say I’ll make it up to them having bad blood with someone you’re lifting rocks with is a good way to get crushed.

“Ikthiss of Silverlock, I'm very very sorry, but I’m only here as a messenger and have other errands.” I blurt out before she can cut me off again. I get off the ladder and circle around her rock to get away from the edge.

“Then what’s the message?”

“Not for you, it’s for Junkyard. Sh-”

“Uggggghhh. Her?” Ikthiss flops over and puts on an ill-fitting gruff voice. “The hole isn’t big enough Ikthiss, we should have more safety ropes Ikthiss, blah blah blah. I don’t know how you stand hanging out with her.”

“She’s not as bad as you-” I start.

“Well go tell her and take a message from me too. ‘Get some dirt on your claws and stop goofing off!’”

“I actually already told her the message. She’s not going to be working the rest of the day.” She cranes her head up.

“The hell do you mean she’s not working? Who’s going to be taking my best worker when I’m already low on them?!” She yells.

Asher 2019/11/29(Fri)18:56 No. 950559 ID: e5e15e
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“It’s… well, you know, I mean…” I make sure not to meet her gaze but I can hear the sneer in her voice.

“It’s Thysin isn’t it, suck-up. Wants to boost his numbers when everyone’s low. And If I complain he’ll just go whine to dad. Ugggghhh.” She waves me off. “Just go, I gotta think of how to get him back for this.”

“But-” I begin, knowing she’ll interrupt me.

“I said go, Asher. And if you see Thysin spit in his eye for me.” I scurry away.

Asher 2019/11/29(Fri)18:56 No. 950560 ID: e5e15e
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“I think you’re clear.” I tell Junkyard. “She thinks Thysin grabbed you and she’ll never think different even if he tells her to her face.”

“Finally, the rock she calls a brain comes in handy. Let’s hurry up, it’s only a few minutes away but they’ve already been waiting too long.“

“Who’s waiting?” I ask.

“Diamond. One of their personal sticklers was looking for you and found me instead. They want to see you.”

What would someone need you for? No offense, but why you and not some other lanky?

>Diamond. One of their personal sticklers was looking for you and found me instead. They want to see you.
why?

Any idea why someone wants to see you?

>>950560
What's so special about me?

This sounds like bad news. But if they needed you, why did Junkyard have to escape work for it?

What would someone with a name like Diamond want with you? Who are they even?

They get off work just to back you up?

"why me?"

Uh. Why are you coming along then?

Asher 2019/12/04(Wed)14:29 No. 950906 ID: 470289
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I freeze up. A preceptor? “What! Why me?”

“Don’t know, but this is an opportunity. If a diamond wants you for something, that’s an in.”

“B-but, I ain’t done nothin’! Do you think I’m in trouble?”

“Hey, calm down.” She says as she puts a hand on my shoulder. “This could be a good thing. Besides, I’m not about to let you go into a room full of diamonds or sticklers alone. I’ll be right behind you.”

“W-which diamond is it?”

Junkyard shrugs. “Stickler was real cagey about that. One of the younger ones, I figure. Maybe Copper or Zinc. Actually, your bethel is with Brass, right? Probably him.” Bethel is the weekly service everyone attends to learn about Nine Eyes, taught by the preceptors. “If we get a good roll of the dice we could turn this into a permanent spot on farming detail up top for you, me, and Mash. Seeing the sun everyday and not slumming it in holes for Ikthiss would be pretty nice, right?”

“You think it’ll work out like that?” I ask.

“We’ll make sure it does. Now come on.”

Asher 2019/12/04(Wed)14:30 No. 950907 ID: 470289
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“There he is.” Junkyard says after leading me down an out of the way alley.

Is that… Narko? It’s been years since I’ve seen him. I was hoping for decades. He’s a show-off and liked rubbing m- people’s faces in the dirt last I saw him.

Asher 2019/12/04(Wed)14:30 No. 950908 ID: 470289
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“‘Bout time, lank. Thought your orders dropped out of your fucking head. Now fuck off.” He turns his head towards me. “You’re Asher? Get your ass down the hole. You got a fucking meeting.” He says ‘meeting’ like ‘execution’.

“I’m staying with her.” Junkyard states as she crosses her arms.

He arches an eyebrow and I fight down an instinctive flinch. That was always my warning before I lost a tooth or got a new black eye. And now he has a knife and spear! Sometimes if I stroked his ego I could head it off, but it didn’t always work.

Junkyard is more stubborn than any toiler has a right to be. She’ll push to stay with me if I don’t tell her I’ll be fine. And if Narko is here I want her to stay. Maybe if I ask in the right way? It’s been years, he has to have mellowed out. But... I don’t want her to get hurt.

Since you're stuttering so much from nervousness, maybe say that you have a speech impediment and need Junkyard to help you with your words.
Not far from the truth that you need her here so you doesn't freak out.

>>950908
Raise a hand; interrupt, and then softly apologize to Narko. You weren't late on purpose and it wasn't Junkyard's fault either, multiple errands and obligations is just the toiler life. You're missing schedule right now just to be here.

Seem a little worn and tired as you say it. Add a dash of trepidation, on account of the maybe someone's getting stabbed up thing, and an ounce of backbone, to show you're not quite the easily bullied girl you once were.

Then brighten up a little. Smile wryly, begrudgingly, as you assess his clothes and gear. Say he on the other hand seems to have come a fair ways ahead in life. He probably still wants to go further though, and being a very dutiful sort, would insist on you going alone.

But here's the thing.

Junkyard's one of the strongest and most dependable people you know. Whatever task this meeting is for, you'd probably need someone's help with it anyway - not much work for lone lankeys - and there's no-one you'd rather have with you than her. By allowing you to bring her along, Narko's boss gets two for the price of one, which should at least make up for the delay a little.

>Symbol on Narko's arm
What is that symbol? A Stickler thing?

>>950910
Actually he'd get five for the price of one, since Junkyard's worth like four of you.

>If Narko appears to continue considering beating/stabbing Junk
Say work detail bosses would get real furious if she got sent on involuntary sick leave given how good for their qoutas she is.

>>950908
>and now he has a knife and spear!
That means he's trusted with those. He's not gonna stab Junkyard for wanting to escort you.

Ask if it's against the rules, or his orders. If it is, there's nothing you can do about it and you'll need to get Junkyard to back down. If it's not against the rules, then request that she escort you.

>with her
What. Asher is female? Oh. Yeah. Of course she is, ha ha... I totally knew that... anyway!

Tell Narko that Junkyard is your wife and that Nine Eyes teachings give you the right to prevent being separated from your spouse.

>>950918
Making something up about a religion sounds pretty blasphemous. We might end up in line to get hung at the next execution!

>>950925
But what if it's true?

You're totally not a CRPG protagonist and you don't need a wingman to act for support skills that will help you negotiate a better outcome, its fiiine, go through.

>>950940 +1! It is very not fine. It is dangerous to go alone; take a Junkyard.
I'm hoping that the others make their roll on diplomacy, but if a fight breaks out, help Junker. Go for the full-body headbutt-charge. They never expect someone's forehead to hit them at a full sprint!

>>950934
It’s not.

>>950952
Please quote the part of the story that supports your claim.

>>950955
Where in the story does it support your claim?

Tell this Nark she is coming with you, and if he cares enough to protest he can care enough to explain why he held you up when you're already running late!

Asher 2019/12/12(Thu)19:05 No. 951509 ID: 470289
File 157620630584.png - (959.66KB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 54.png )

>Tell Narko that Junkyard is your wife.
What’s a wife?

>What is that symbol on his arm?
The armband means he works directly for a diamond. The color and shapes tell you which, and the spears are his rank. Blue and round is Preceptor Tin, I think? It looks kind of off, but maybe she commissioned a new version. I wish Junkyard would pay more attention to stuff like this. Tin isn’t a diamond to worry about. If I knew I was being called by her I wouldn’t have freaked out as much as I did.

“This guy your bodyguard or something? You the fucking diamond of the lankies?” He chuckles. “Should I be bowing or scraping the ground?”

“I-” Junkyard starts but Narko just ignores her.

“Wait, no. I fucking get it. You saw me, broad shoulders, amazing hair, and you got all hot in your pants and wanted to spend some more time with me? Sorry to break it to you, but you ain’t my type.”

“I’m really sorry we’re late, sir, I was trying to finish up some other work and lost track of time.” I say as I step between them. “But, it’s not against your orders for Junkyard to come along, right? Whatever the Preceptor wants from me I’m sure she can help. She’s a lot stronger than me and it might make up for us being a little late?”

“You’re a she too? I really can’t tell you fucking lankies apart. Still not my type but I know some sticklers who like slumming. Hell, I can get three as a consolation prize.” He gives his slimy smile. It hasn’t changed a bit.

“Ha, very funny sir! So, is it okay for her to go with me? Two toilers for one?” I ask.

Asher 2019/12/12(Thu)19:05 No. 951510 ID: 470289
File 157620633538.png - (845.14KB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 55.png )

“Whatever, just get in the fucking hole and don’t trip over your gangly fucking feet.” He waves us along and we crouch in front of the tunnel.

“Yes, right away Narko!” I say as Junkyard starts to crawl.

Asher 2019/12/12(Thu)19:06 No. 951511 ID: 470289
File 157620637036.png - (0.97MB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 56.png )

We climb in silence. It takes almost fifteen minutes before I hear the whispers of a conversation and another minute before a deep accented voice booms from above. “I assume that the scraping I’m hearing is the guest you promised, madkin?”

The tunnel widens out and Junkyard moves to the side as I crawl up.

Asher 2019/12/12(Thu)19:07 No. 951512 ID: 470289
File 157620644456.png - (1.01MB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 57.png )

I feel my blood run cold. I barely even register the big eared man behind her. That’s not Preceptor Tin, or any other random diamond. That’s Preceptor Silver, the most important Diamond in Silverlock.

“Toiler Asher and… friend. Are you going to lay there or greet the ambassador properly?” Her voice is crisp, clear, and I can’t help but hear annoyed.

I can’t screw this up, whatever this is.

You heard the lady, greet her properly

>>951512
Show some fucking RESPECT. Introduce yourself since you weren't introduced.
Then speak when spoken to, let them take the lead, be an obedient Toiler.
Junkyard will most likely have the good sense to stay quiet. She should not have come, but she'll be good moral support?

Who IS that back there?

Apologize, say you thought prostrating yourself was the proper greeting.

Spare a brief moment to think of how Junkyard will act. Intercede if it indicates terminal disaster.

What's a proper greeting? Stand up and do a bow, I guess. Say some niceties, like you're honoured to meet them and thanks for asking for your presence.

>What's a wife?
Well, you see, when one lanky loves another lanky very much... You know what, never mind.

Greet them and apologize. Blame Narko for your delay,
"Had your sticker been better at signifying the importance of this event, you would not have waited as long as you had."

Also, say something deep,
"Our destinies intertwine. Is this the will of Nine Eyes?"

>>951512
Introduce yourself and Junkyard to the ambassador, and a simple "I apologise for the delay" to Preceptor Silver. No excuses, no explanations, just greeting > apology > shut up.

>>951512
You know what to do.

Asher 2019/12/20(Fri)17:54 No. 951946 ID: 470289
File 157689327304.png - (1.16MB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 58.png )

I scramble out of the hole and bow like Ma’am showed me years ago. Junkyard follows my lead, staying thankfully quiet.

“It’s an honor to meet you, sir. I am Toiler Asher and this is Toiler Junkyard. We apologize for our delay.”

“Dhalkin! It has been quite a while since I’ve seen your kind. And delay? We only just arrived,” He sounds even stranger than he looks. All his words sound rough? He says his r’s strangely and I’m not sure if I could understand him if he spoke quickly. “I am Ambassador Risken. I found I could not stomach more of that oafs preaching after that grisly display at your, ah, lord’s statue and Illari-, Iyarri-, Ms. Silver kindly led me to this most interesting place.”

He pauses like he expects me to say something, but silence has never got me in trouble before.

“...Well, yes. Madkin! You were telling me of these curios from your, ah, religion?”

Asher 2019/12/20(Fri)17:55 No. 951947 ID: 470289
File 157689332262.png - (1.53MB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 59.png )

Silver turns from us and gestures to the room. “You misunderstand, Ambassador Riksen. Most of what is held in this room isn’t religious in nature. Rather, it’s artifacts we have mined over our long years in the mountain and historical pieces from our exodus centuries ago.”

“Ah, I just assumed. Of course you have more cultu- more to offer. It’s just you’re all so keen on your, ah, god. So many eyes, always watching. Why, she’s everywhere and I don’t believe I have even caught her name yet!”

I barely hear a small sigh come from Silver and I know exactly what she’s going to say. “They have no name, and I shall not presume to give them one. They are male and female, both and neither. A hero and a villain, yet also the narrator. Father and Mother of our race yet also our child. They-,” She cuts herself off. “Ambassador you did not come here to hear rote speeches of the Preceptors. I am the secular leader of Silverlock, not its ministerial leader. Let us discuss the reality in front of us.”

“Ah, you appreciate frankness?” Riksen pauses in front of a box and looks inside. “Then to be frank, your dhal-, ah, toilers indicate that Silverlock is impossible for civilized societies to deal with. Why, simply humoring you is risky.”

Asher 2019/12/20(Fri)17:55 No. 951948 ID: 470289
File 157689334550.png - (1.00MB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 60.png )

“I see.” Silver turns and looks into my eyes. “Toiler Asher. Toiler Junkayard. Inform Ambassador Riksen of your place in our society. Tell him if you are slaves.”

No more a slave than a wheel is to a cart.

We have a purpose, so we do our purpose. We're strong, so we do strong things. Doing anything more would just be silly.

To determine if one is a slave they must first elaborate on what they would define as a slave.

>>951948
Define a slave. Because in the grand scheme of things, seems like we're easily replaceable and unappreciated.

>>951948
A slave has no choice but to obey(under threat of violence usually), has no choice in how they live, and owns nothing as they are treated as an object themselves. Is this true of you? It doesn't appear to be.

If you ARE slaves, then you can at least say you are treated well, and have some flexibility in how you work. It's not like you get beaten for working slowly, and you weren't too badly reprimanded for the potato thing.

Yes, master! I mean, no master!

(Were a restaurant busboy and a quarry worker really the most enfranchised Toilers they could think of?)

"If I were to stop and think about it, then I am indeed a slave in some ways, yet not in others. Either way, I don't think I would find myself complaining; my life certainly is not without purpose."

Wait, are we actually slaves?

Oh man. They probably wanted you early so that they could coach you on giving a reply.

>>951948
What she wants is an answer that spells out no. What this ambassador needs is a rational answer that can bypass his apparent distaste of the way your whole god-damned society operates. Silver would not be humoring this rude man if she didn’t see a need for it, so this must be done right if you are to curry favor with her. Defend her position while appealing to his brand of logic.

>>951950
I like this, but for the end and that it sounds a bit like a rote answer. Elaborate to show you thought this through and aren’t giving a coached reply. For one, your strength being the reason for your labors isn’t an answer when they have you peeling potatoes.

«For what it’s worth, sir, I don’t think we are. But it’s also true that we are given many tasks that seem slave-like in their nature, not all of them strength-based, so that may not be enough for you. Perhaps an example of the freedom we do have will be better.

A slave obeys, and cannot do as they like, yes? Well, today I skipped work to witness the executions. While this might upset people - and wouldn’t you be upset to have a coworker skip out on you? - no harm will come to me for doing so; unlike those at the gallows. Typically the ‘reward’ for such an action, if found out, as I have just been by admitting to it, would be to be written up and shittier tasks assigned later on. Few want shit duties all the time, so shirking from assigned tasks is discouraged. If a sufficiently good excuse is given the citation may fall through. Sometimes the matter is just let go. It depends on our current coworkers or taskmaster, on mood and disposition, whether quotas are being met or not. Some keep a grudge for missed quotas longer, but that’s mainly because they’ve got a rock up their butt, uh, pardon my language. There is always some leeway to have, we are flawed, after all, and the better coordinators of our labors recognize this. Of course, we cannot be skipping out all the time either. If someone is being troublesome in that regard, we will usually stage an intervention before things come to a head and the other castes get involved, if they aren’t already.»

Straighten up a little.

«As for our ‘barbarism’, I happen to know at least one of the men killed today truly was a liar and a thief who also had done another grave harm. You must have a system for dealing with such men yourself, or anyone could get away with anything all the time and I know that is not right or good. Perhaps the biggest difference is that you do not put it on display like we do?»

Stealing Fingers’ fingers counts as thievery, right?

>>951948
The first words we say are "No, we're not slaves." Anything else is justification, which is fine, but the important part is not angering the silver. Anyways, I don't think we're slaves because we can move around and do our job as we think is best. In fact, we've been spending a bunch of time running around for _important_ reasons to talk to people. Also I'm pretty sure no one owns us, I think that's a pretty important detail for being a slave. (Maybe Ma'am owns us?) Not really sure what our kind do outside of Silverlock (or whatever you call this place). Anyways, we don't get beat if we're accidentally late for work, if that's what this new guy is worried about. We're better off than those baddies that got hanged earlier.

Tell her either answer would only comfort the visitor on his position. "Yes" would confirm and "no" would sound ordered.

"It depends. I heard the rumors; is it still Hell out there?"

We should consider this as an opportunity. If we can get on Riksen's good side, we may be able to leave this place.

Simply say that you don't know what that word means. Or that you were not taught anything about this subject. However, that you do wish to learn more about it if that would please the Ambassador.

By saying it like this, you're presenting yourself "to be taught what it's like to not being a slave".

Asher 2019/12/24(Tue)22:25 No. 952157 ID: 470289
File 157725512720.png - (686.54KB , 1000x1000 , GD Update 61.png )

“Yes, Mistress Silver! I mean, no Mistress Silver we aren’t!” I say.

>They probably wanted you early so that they could coach you on giving a reply.
I really hope this isn’t true because that means I’ve already messed up real bad.

>Wait, are we actually slaves?
Of course not, everyone in Silverlock works hard. Well, every laprine at least. We just have different jobs.

>Straighten up a little.
I can’t too much or I’ll be looking down at them and I don’t think they’d like that.

>If we can get on Riksen's good side, we may be able to leave this place.
I don’t want to leave! But being in the good graces of someone the Silver listens to can’t hurt.

“Sir, toilers are really important to Silverlock! We’re like the wheels on the cart. Everyone of us is bless-” Wait, if I say we’re blessed then doesn’t that make him not blessed? I’m so distracted making sure I speak proper I almost insulted him! “We're strong, so we do strong things. That’s our purpose, sir. Doing anything different wouldn’t make sense. I don’t know how people from, uh… outside describe slaves, but we’re not owned by anyone!” Junkyard nods in agreement.

I don’t think I should admit I went to the execution and was in a place I shouldn’t have been. It could end up getting Fingers in actual trouble and I don’t want to risk that.

Riksen is so focused on the box I don’t think he heard me until he says, “I would describe a slave as ‘one who in the complete power of another’. Though that would, ah, put us all in the same boat, wouldn’t it?” He chuckles.

>>952157
Heh, that's referring to Nine Eyes, right?

>“I would describe a slave as ‘one who in the complete power of another’. Though that would, ah, put us all in the same boat, wouldn’t it?”
Nut the Preceptor into this. Gambit by feigning intellectual fanaticism:
"I don't know, sir, but all of us, especially the Diamonds, would eagerly agree to be the slaves of God if it meant we could bask in the Nine-Eyed Radiance! Isn't that why we do what we do, Preceptor Silver? Isn't it?"

"Is that what your chained sigil relates to?"

>>952157
I don't know what the Ambassador is talking about, so let's ask him. What do you mean? Who are we all slaves of? God?

>All of us in the same boat
"I... okay? (What's a boat?)"

Bite your lip, then go for a different tack. Try to calm down somewhat. Steady your nerves.

"Sorry for being so flustered, sir. I got no idea how important this talk is and the thought that I am influencing it is... very daunting. I may mess up my thoughts here, so please don't let what I say be load-bearing."

Disclaimer out of the way, forge on.

"So you want us to... change tribe? I'm not sure it'd end well. I move giant boulders, sir Ambassador sir. I'm not a pot-smith and it'd take years off of my duties to make me one. Ain't like any Martinet, Monger or Artisan can take over those duties just lickety-split either; you'd need a hell of a lot more laprines (and rope) to do what we do, and probably at greater risk. It'd be inefficient as hell and that's my professional opinion. If you don't trust me, go ask the slissas, they'll happily chew you out over it. Uh. Maybe not do that."

Rub a furrowed brow in exasperation over how hard this is, then get an idea.

"Just... look."

Lift a heavy crate and hand it off to Junkyard. Then another. Continue until surprise shows or reasonable (for Junkyard) carry limit is reached. Then gently set them all down again. Talk while you work.

"This is why we're important. Asking Silverlock it change that overnight probably ain't gonna give you what you want and ain't gonna give us Toilers much better, cuz' we'd just be wasting our biggest asset. Maybe there's uses for us that haven't been considered yet, but asking we change things just because you don't like how things look on the surface is... honestly probably doing us a disservice and I don't see how Silverlock as a whole benefits.

Does that make sense?"

Take a deep breath. Glance surreptitiously at Preceptor Silver to gauge her reaction.

Do you try to imply we are slaves to our god?

Jeeze, just calm down and think before you speak. Rambling isnt going to help anything.

"Are you implying that I'm a slave and don't know it? ... Are you implying that you're a slave? I wouldn't mind broadening my perspective with some examples, so please do explain yourself."

Asher 2020/01/22(Wed)18:17 No. 954131 ID: 509e5e
File 157974584531.png - (1.15MB , 1000x1000 , 62.png )

“Sorry? I’m not sure I understand, sir. Are you saying we’re all-”

“The Ambassador is saying that everyone has their place, Toiler Asher. In Silverlock and beyond.” Preceptor Silver interrupts.

“Ah, yes. Apologies.” Ambassador Riksen seems focused on digging through the crate. “I’m getting more and more daft as I age. They’ll be taking my chain of office any day now, ha ha. Forget I said anything. Continue, Mr. Asher.”

Asher 2020/01/22(Wed)18:17 No. 954132 ID: 509e5e
File 157974587501.png - (913.74KB , 1000x1000 , 63.png )

“Y-yes sir. Um… we can’t change our tribe. I’m not a smith and I’m not suited to become one It ain- isn’t like any martinet, monger or artisan can take over. You'd need a hell of a lot more laprines to do what we do, and it’d be more dangerous too. I mean…” I get an idea. I point to the Nine Eyes statue in the corner. “Junkyard, can you show him what I mean?”

Asher 2020/01/22(Wed)18:20 No. 954135 ID: 509e5e
File 157974603290.png - (1.26MB , 1000x1000 , 66.png )

“Well, that certainly is some-”

Asher 2020/01/22(Wed)18:22 No. 954137 ID: 509e5e
File 157974617568.png - (1.27MB , 1000x1000 , 68.png )

“Ms. Silver, I am convinced. Thank you for alleviating my concerns. I believe we may be able to work out a mutually beneficial arrangement.“

Asher 2020/01/22(Wed)18:23 No. 954138 ID: 509e5e
File 157974620742.png - (1.12MB , 1000x1000 , 69.png )

Junkyard and I slip out of both the preceptor and ambassadors awareness as they start talking about… trade? I’m not sure if it’s still important for me to pay attention to this. Junkyard stands next to me and after a few minutes, when we’re sure we’ve been forgotten about, she leans over to whisper. “How did you know the sticklers name? Have you met him before?”

>>951947
Riksin or Silver? Silver told us Riksin's name and it's just good to know the diamonds..

Yes, and I was hoping that it was for the last time.

>>954134
The statue's eye moved...

>>954138
Tell her you have history with the jerk. He's always been pushing you around even before he was a guard.

Tell her he was your ex in high school. Those were the days...

Ask Junkyard if she wants to make out or something to pass the time.

>>954134
That's some hella arm proportions there.

>>954137
oh no he found the dildo collection.

>>954138
See if you can work out a way for Junkyard to teach him a lesson without either of you getting in trouble.

Asher 2020/01/30(Thu)18:10 No. 955026 ID: 509e5e
File 158043665697.png - (1.12MB , 1000x1000 , 70.png )

>The statue's eye moved…
Nine Eyes statues always look like they’re watching you. It’s the one thing they all have in common.

“When I was a kid, before we met. I just stopped seeing him around and was hoping I never would again. He used to push me around.”

Junkyard scowls and her eyes flit towards the preceptor in case they suddenly care about us again. “He didn’t recognize you?”

“I don’t think so.” I whisper. “He knew me before I got named Asher.”

Junkyard shifts the statue slightly on her back. I’m not sure if she’s still holding it out of respect or if she just forgot to put it down. “You want me to lean on him a bit?”

“It’s not worth it.” I sigh. “We’d get in trouble. I just need to learn how to avoid him again.”

Asher 2020/01/30(Thu)18:13 No. 955028 ID: 509e5e
File 158043680918.png - (1.25MB , 1000x1000 , 71.png )

“Ah, this was quite refreshing. Preliminary discussions often have much more tiptoeing around our desires.” Riksen sticks his hand out expectantly. “I expect this will be an extremely lucrative partnership.”

“Yes.” Silver raises an eyebrow at his hand and lets the silence stretch.

“Ah, handshakes are not... common here, I gather.” He doesn’t drop his smile.

“You gather correctly.” Preceptor Silver states. “Aonaz will escort you back to your chambers. We can work out time for more formal tours and discussions later.”

Asher 2020/01/30(Thu)18:14 No. 955029 ID: 509e5e
File 158043688178.png - (1.34MB , 1000x1000 , 72.png )

Riksen glances back at us as he leaves and gives a different, smaller smile than the one he’s had so far, and is then swallowed into the darkness of the tunnel. Preceptor Silver gives a small gesture as she sits and one of the sticklers glides over to start pouring her a drink. I’m not sure why she hasn’t dismissed us yet, but she seems to be fine taking her time. After a sip of her drink she finally addresses us again.

“You paid little attention to our discussion. No interest in politics, Toiler Asher?” Before I can answer she continues. “Answer truthfully. Do you have many… friends.” She says ‘friends’ like it’s a foriegn word.

No, not many would miss me if I suddenly disappeared off the face of the earth, why do you ask?

>>955029
Yeah, you got a few.

We have friends, yes. Have to work together to get the job done right, right?

We've spent the entire day easing tensions and trading favors.

"I suppose so. You just gotta know how to handle some people"

Politics isn't really something that would normally concern a Toiler, other than anything major that would affect our day to day activities right?

"We don't know each other very well, but I would consider you a friend, Mistress Silver."

"But of course. Wouldn't it be unusual for anyone not to?"

(And yes, this was phrased explicitly as a plausibly deniable personal poke at Silver. Whether that poke ends up being a prod or a stab remains to be seen.)

Sure. Everyone has a few friends.

Asher 2020/02/05(Wed)20:02 No. 955560 ID: 509e5e
File 158096172955.png - (1.25MB , 1000x1000 , 73.png )

>Politics isn't really something that would normally concern a Toiler, other than anything major that would affect our day to day activities right?
Who matters a lot more than what. Some bosses you avoid no matter what and some you can deal with. You learn which is which and do your best. Preceptor Silver is definitely one to avoid, if only to not get caught in her web.

“I… guess so. Doesn’t everyone?” I answer. “I mean, we have to work together a lot so we’re all kinda, sorry, kind of friends.”

“Good. Tomorrow is your bethel. You will befriend Preceptor Caevaexerin Brass. Martinet Narko will supervise you. His word is mine. Martinet Narko, make sure one of the slissas comes to fill in that tunnel before you return.” She takes a sip from her glass. “You are excused.”

Asher 2020/02/05(Wed)20:02 No. 955561 ID: 509e5e
File 158096176429.png - (1.15MB , 1000x1000 , 74.png )

I don’t blurt out ‘What?’ or protest. You don’t do that with diamonds. Instead I focus on the blessing that getting out of this room will be, and can figure out what the hell I was just ordered to do later. I turn and walk towards the hole we climbed out of as Junkyard sets the Nine Eyes statue down with a thump and follows me.

Asher 2020/02/05(Wed)20:03 No. 955562 ID: 509e5e
File 158096180818.png - (1.00MB , 1000x1000 , 75.png )

Except she doesn’t follow me.

“Put us on farming detail. There’s three of us, and we want to be put on it permanently.” Junkyard says. “...Please.”

I stupidly forgot that Junkyard’s dumb fucking brain is broken and if you turn your back on her for a second she starts mouthing off!

pull her tail and tell her to come on

>>955562
I mean, she said please. Still, try to drag her out of the room because there's like a 90% chance Silver's gonna ignore her. If Silver actually responds and starts asking Junkyard questions then I guess it's time to give HER moral support.

Junkyard might be too strong to pull away, so we'll have to resort to verbal damage control.

>>955564
If Silver ignores us then we've got to convince Junkyard that her request was heard and that we should leave now. Otherwise, try to be Junkyards mouthpiece might be the safest option.

"Junkyard, please stop begging the nice Silver to kill you."

>>955566
Something of a point here. Let's try to retrieve junkyard, but shouldn't make a scene. Let's just try to urge her to follow.

Go to her and silently pull her hand with more and more strength until she moves.

"Junkyard, with all due respect, I think the Preceptor suddenly changing my work assignment would disrupt my new task more than help it. Let's go before you say anything else foolish." You're both brick shithouse toilers; just pick her up and carry her out.

Junkyard we're going to get put into the ground permanently if we don't get going.

Make an effort to pull her back because you have to, but you want it, right? And it'd be easy for a Silver, right? A girl's gotta dream, and this is a dream come true.

Asher 2020/02/17(Mon)18:39 No. 956604 ID: 470289
File 158199359407.png - (969.49KB , 1000x1000 , 76.png )

"Junkyard, please stop begging the preceptor to kill you." I spit out, hushed. I could grab her and throw her down the hole, but I’m not sure if that’d be even worse. Every preceptor gets offended by different things, so I can’t guess! “With all due respect, that’s not necessary Preceptor Silver. We’re sorry we spoke out of turn.”

Asher 2020/02/17(Mon)18:40 No. 956607 ID: 470289
File 158199363546.png - (966.07KB , 1000x1000 , 77.png )

“No, a reward will ensure your full effort.” She says after a moment of thought. “If you perform satisfactorily I will place you two and another Toiler in any work detail you desire. Likewise, there shall now be consequences for failure. Disappoint and you’ll be assigned to the mines. Now, you are dismissed.”

Asher 2020/02/17(Mon)18:41 No. 956608 ID: 470289
File 158199367870.png - (1.04MB , 1000x1000 , 78.png )

“Yes, thank you very much Preceptor Silver! That is very fair and generous.” I start dragging Junkyard away and whisper. “Let's go before you say anything else stupid."

Asher 2020/02/17(Mon)18:41 No. 956609 ID: 470289
File 158199371504.png - (1.07MB , 1000x1000 , 79.png )

Junkyard and I are as quiet on the way down the tunnel as we were on the way up, ignoring the snickers Narko starts spewing once we’re out of earshot of the Silver. But now, instead of a formless blob of dread in my gut I know exactly what to feel anxious about.

I don’t know much of anything about Preceptor Brass. I see him every week but I’ve never had anything like an actual conversation with him. He preaches, we listen. He leaves toilers who fall asleep from overwork alone as long as they don’t snore, and that’s the best thing about him. He’s as toothless as you could hope a diamond would be.

Junkyard always pulls shit like this! She doesn’t think things through, she’s just confident things will work out because she’s tough. But she’s not the one who has to lift us up this time!

>This is a dream come true.
Is it? I just feel sick.

We crawl out of the tunnel and Narko finally seems mostly laughed out.

“Never thought I would see that. A diamond pimping out a lanky to her ward. So what’s your plan then? Seduce him with your...” He looks me over and snorts. “Winning personality?”

Why yes, actually.

>>956609
Tell him if he has some weird ideas about what friendship means.

This is a mission you will take seriously. Have an actual conversation with him, for starters. Find out who he is underneath the preaching.