>>1081762
Oh god, Finesse, was it always like this around here? Is that why you've been so sheepish this whole time?

>>1081762
Wait, I thought the big hand was like super hot for all the goblinos.

Flee!

>>1081762
Tell them that such quarreling is surely an affront to their god of love, especially in these troubled times.
Assert that the only way for them to remedy this is to immediately kiss and make up. Literally. And at length.

Finesse 2024/01/25(Thu)11:47 No. 1081840 ID: 46e818
File 170621204561.png - (9.79KB , 800x600 , 1971.png )

>"Yes perhaps we sh--"
"WE'RE LEAVING"

Time to go.

>>1081840
Hey, hey, Finesse. Take it easy. You left those weirdos a long time ago. Who cares about what they think about your appearance, right?
What counts is what Master Mischio thinks about you. And he holds you in high regard, and surely finds you charming.

Yeah, uh.
Let's just get out of here.
Things to do, y'know.

Make sure Tislomer brings her pants.

I see why she left.

Insane cockblock by the goblin on the right though, didn't give the poor guy a chance.

Muschio 2024/01/26(Fri)12:15 No. 1081900 ID: 46e818
File 170630014630.png - (18.94KB , 800x600 , 1972.png )

The apologetic girl, looking as flustered as anyone, leads us to the "shortcut" to the guardian's glade, a decorated wooden gate out of town braced by tall stone embankments.
It seems suitably ominous for a portal that is both sacred and forbidden to the locals.

Muschio 2024/01/26(Fri)12:17 No. 1081901 ID: 46e818
File 170630023075.png - (23.98KB , 800x600 , 1973.png )

Eager to put the town, the hostile locals, and the strange and desperate ceremony behind us, we quickly depart.
We find ourselves almost immediately back into the open forest, but there is at least a grass path to follow. Hopefully this will be only a short way further.

We're not far from town when Ashedel leans in to speak to me.

Muschio 2024/01/26(Fri)12:21 No. 1081902 ID: 46e818
File 170630049561.png - (11.48KB , 800x600 , 1974.png )

>"Muschio. As the military arm of this group, I need to know things stand, should such a situation arise again."
"How bad did it get back there?"
>"Bad."

She sighs, glancing between me and the deep woods, leaning to my ear as we walk.
>"If things had escalated, we surely wouldn't have been able to fight an entire village. Fleeing would be the only option. We could hope the javelineers and archers were too drunk to aim well, but if they had opened on us we would probably have faced serious injuries.

>If we encounter hostile forces ahead, I must know what my orders are. By accounts, they are likely to be humans, elves, even dwarves or voltos. Citizens of sovereign states whose deaths would cause... political incident, especially for a rising power.
>However, we have been told more than once they have made hostile inroads and the guardian may be in danger.
>If our goal, the guardian, is threatened, I need to know if I am permitted to use lethal force at my discretion."

It ultimately depends on which side of the board the characters are on. We're in the territories of the native tribes, so their safety takes priority over any invading elvenoids.
In short, kill unless we reach human/elven/whatever lands.

>>1081902
As a baseline, Ashedel should try to incapacitate (knock out) any hostile opponents rather than kill, given the choice. But if any of our envoys risk mortal wounds, she may use her own judgement to use as much force as she deems necessary.

Yes, if it's that bad you need automatic response.
The flipside of this is the party needs to be more careful about waltzing into the middle of things.
You need to spot these issues a mile out, not leave them for Ashedel to stress over with last second decisions.

>>1081902
I have faith in her discretion, no harm in voicing that we'd like to default to nonlethal measures where feasible, but Ashedel should be free to take lethal action if she deems it necessary.

These are to be our people and whatever political repercussions we might face are worth securing their prosperity.
And possibly gaining the favour of a god can't be a bad thing.

She is your knight and protector, and if she feels at her discretion that violence is necessary, then so be it. The life of a threatened guardian is more important than the lives of the ones killing them. But you're not going to approve of her killing before you've even encountered the hostile forces. A peaceful solution is almost always preferable, since lethal force can backfire on you badly. With the goblin javelineers, violence would only have caused them to throw their javelins harder: a peaceful solution was literally the only way out of that.

Better strategy might be to not boldly stride into a drunken orgy, but be a little more careful on approach, to avoid getting pinned down like that in the first place.

Hopefully it won't come to that. We'd prefer to not have casualties. Casualties make diplomacy harder. Lack of diplomacy leads to all out war. And while we are building an army, I guess I always thought of it more as a nation building, "Negotiate from a position of strength," kindof thing...?

However, if it really comes down to it, like, it makes or break the mission, "If you don't take the shot then someone on our side or the guardian is going to die," then I trust Ashe's discretion.
We said we're allies to these people, and we meant it. And we can't exactly build that nation if our leader or key figures are dead.

I just really hope Ashe doesn't misuse that trust.
I've read stories. No sniping the crazy-but-hot enchantress just as we were beginning to talk her down, okay?

>>1081902
Finding the Seer or guardian or whatever is our goal at the moment, but the safety of vital members of our organization has to be a higher priority, even if it endangers that mission, and that includes you Ashe.

Things getting so ugly back there should be a wake-up call, certainly, but it probably is more instructive on the need to not pick a fight than go looking for one right now.

>>1081902
If she has to act without any time for us to give orders... Then if our objective is in clear danger she is to take whatever action will absolutely ensure its safety with the least amount of force. If killing the threat is absolutely required to prevent failure then she can do that, yes.

Muschio 2024/01/27(Sat)13:10 No. 1081952 ID: 46e818
File 170638980231.png - (10.19KB , 800x600 , 1975.png )

"Discretion is our best asset right now. Diplomacy over violence. And if violence must be taken, I'd prefer a nonlethal approach.
However... if there is no time, or the urgency demands, I trust your personal discretion to use lethal force. If hesitation would cost the safety of our group or our target, then do what you must."
>"I understand. I will avoid it if at all possible, of course, but sometimes a moment is all it takes. I will be vigilant."
>"Hey, uh..."

Muschio 2024/01/27(Sat)13:11 No. 1081953 ID: 46e818
File 170638986718.png - (15.91KB , 800x600 , 1976.png )

>"...Does anyone know what time it is?"
"Let's see -- it was just past noon when we entered Ihnesh-Nayevh. Can't have been that long ago. Why?"

Muschio 2024/01/27(Sat)13:11 No. 1081954 ID: 46e818
File 170638989197.png - (32.40KB , 800x600 , 1977.png )

>"Because it's getting real dark, real fast, for early afternoon."

>>1081902
Boss tell her to act at her discretion, but prioritize in the following order:

- Survival
We flee/abscond before putting the party at risk.

- Stealth
We avoid confrontation, but if needed we use precision and hide the evidence. If possible, we make it look like an accident. We do not let ourselves be seeing and even less surrounded.

- Subversion and sabotage
If we NEED to eliminate several targets, we poison, arson or induce friendly fire. Best to not be seen at all.

- Strike to kill if target can be secured. If surrounded, we try diplomacy.

IF FUBAR
We run, carry any wounded or slow moving, and we run. No if or buts.


Also inform Dom and Geps to make their way to 'Bold town. And to stay put, in case we call for reinforcements. If one or all of us get imprisoned, we can plan escape with the shards.

>>1081954
Possibly magic, could just be the canopy of the trees, but given the circumstances i assume magic. Examine what’s around us. Are those just dead branches on the spruce/pine trees or is there any visible signs of corruption happening? Tisolmer is our resident forester and trapper, would she know if anything happening here is natural or not?

The sun must be sad because the guardian's not here!

Maybe the love god is depressed and sulking making it all dark?
Or maybe it's more demon bullshit corrupting the place.
In any case, observe and proceed carefully.

>>1081954
Quick tell Tis to sing for 'Mister Lollipop'

>>1081954
Uh oh, looks like rain.

In all seriousness, that "decorated wooden gate" may have led to somewhere not of this world. Be wary of...things...

>>1082008
Oh ffs we fell victim the ol' spooky door trick didn't we. Dang. Well I guess there's not going to be any retreat from here until we get the love god back.

Muschio 2024/01/28(Sun)12:12 No. 1082021 ID: 46e818
File 170647272232.png - (19.00KB , 800x600 , 1978.png )

"I don't suppose anyone thought to bring a light."
>"Hold on, I actually do have a small crystal torch."

Muschio 2024/01/28(Sun)12:12 No. 1082022 ID: 46e818
File 170647274164.gif - (33.14KB , 800x600 , 1979.gif )

>"Here, this should take just a moment."

[ANIMATED]

>>1082022
Boss! Something is watching you in the treeline to your right! Everyone circle up!

I would say to extinguish the light since it could attract unwanted attention, but we've apparently already had it.
Arm up, keep eyes in all directions and be prepared to fight at any moment.

Must have been your imagination.

Let's try to be more aware. If we can prevent ourselves from getting in situations like back at the village, we won't need to make decisions on lethal force. Now is a good time to start.

Something tall is watching us. No need to panic, that might be The Red One.

>>1082022
Well, don't let the lurking horror distract from how wonderfully resourceful Finesse is.

We got eyes on us, ready yourselves and proceed with caution.

I should like to point out if all the trees are roughly similar height from the ground to the lowest branches whatever we just saw is roughly twice the size of Ashedel. At least height anyway. And I dont know what would be worse, something twice as tall as her and THIN or something literally twice her size.

Muschio 2024/01/29(Mon)10:54 No. 1082097 ID: 46e818
File 170655444052.png - (29.43KB , 800x600 , 1980.png )

"We're not alone. Be alert, stay close. Let's move quickly."
>"Maybe it's Mr. Lollipop!"
"Maybe it is."

The dark of the forest is smothering.
The noise of branches crunching underfoot slowly gives way to the wet squelching of muck.

Muschio 2024/01/29(Mon)10:55 No. 1082098 ID: 46e818
File 170655455918.png - (34.29KB , 800x600 , 1981.png )

The trees part before us. The worn path turns to broken stone, then abruptly ends, disappearing into a sprawling mire.
Finesse's light glints against the oily surface.

Look closely at the stuff hanging from the trees. What is that? Vines? Bramble? Garland? Entrails?

Do we... have to wade through?

Toss a rock in to see if anything springs out. Maybe we can skip the part where our pants get soaked through -- seeing as we already skipped that back at the village, too.
If we have to press forward, find a stick or something so you can poke the bottom before each step forward. Not that I think you're likely to get a twisted ankle or anything, boss, but it'd be good to make sure we don't accidentally step into a trench or something. Y'know, seeing as how we can't actually see the bottom.

>>1082098
I get the impression that some manner of corruption has occurred here, Mr. Lollipop's altar may be desecrated.

The mire has an oily look to it? I don't think it would be wise to light any fires then. Approach with caution, try to stick to any path you can find.

>>1082098

Well, this hardly seems right.

Hey Tislomer, what do you remember about Mr. Lollipop? Is this his deal? Big spooky swamps in the middle of the forest? Lots of creepy darkness?

Stick close together and move carefully.
In the event of an encounter it will be difficult to escape through this. Don't want anybody getting left behind.

Don't move just yet.
This looks a lot like Mr. Lollipop's Do Not Disturb sign. But who can blame him when he's being hunted and he has such an important guest. We need to convince him we're not the enemies.
Hey Tislomer, remember any of those songs you used to sing? Start singing one of them and see if he changes things back.
Or humbly ask for passage for Tislomer and maybe Finesse, as they're not only locals but not races of man, and ask for you and Ashedel to be led out of the glade. You in particular shouldn't expect a warm welcome or even to be tolerated here.

>>1082098
If any of you knows Mr. Lollipop's songs, it would be a good time to sing them.

>>1082103
Fire is exactly what we need. Whip up some candy soup on the double!

>>1082098
By the way, what happened to the kobold child we saved once?
She also vomited lots of black stuff back then, so maybe it's related.

I feel like there was a short continuation what happened to her, but I can't find it.

>>1082125
It should be noted that certain things have been considered non-canon. Something did happen with that kobold girl in the sister quest, Knights Blades, but much of that is considered to no longer be canon.

Muschio 2024/01/30(Tue)11:20 No. 1082132 ID: 46e818
File 170664244996.png - (29.92KB , 800x600 , 1982.png )

There is something unsettling about this location, even beyond the unnatural darkness. Perhaps, as you say, it would be prudent to pause here.

"I have come to seek Scfarr-Uuragg!
I am Prince Muschio Malto, and on behalf of the people of these woods I implore you to return your divine protection to your faithful!"

There is no noise, no response from the darkness.

"I seek the Red One, the Seer, the guardian of these woods! Please, I entreat you, bestow your presence!"

Muschio 2024/01/30(Tue)11:21 No. 1082134 ID: 46e818
File 170664248525.png - (34.99KB , 800x600 , 1984.png )

"...Tislomer, if you would?"
>"MISTER LOLLIPOP! ARE YOU HERE?"

Muschio 2024/01/30(Tue)11:24 No. 1082136 ID: 46e818
File 170664266098.png - (16.41KB , 800x600 , 1985.png )

"We're not alone. Be alert, stay close. Let's move quickly."
>"Maybe it's Mr. Lollipop!"
"Maybe it is."

The bright gleam of the midday forest is invigorating.
The noise of branches crunching underfoot slowly gives way to the soft brushing of rich wet grass.

Muschio 2024/01/30(Tue)11:26 No. 1082138 ID: 46e818
File 170664276488.png - (23.13KB , 800x600 , 1986.png )

The trees part before us. The worn path turns to smooth, circular step-stone, then ends, opening into a verdant, open glade.
Gentle billows of cool wind caress the shimmering grass.

Yo, uh.
Weird shit be happening. We just had a time warp and/or a dimension hop.
You were just in a dark evil version of this happy glade when Tislomer called out for Mr. Lollipop and then everything reverted back about a minute in time and to this happy version of the area.
This god is an actual god and very powerful. Manipulate time and fabric of reality powerful.
DO NOT PISS IT OFF.
Also, do not make Tislomer sad or angry or let her get hurt, the god seems to be responding to her. You might be too cynical and bitter for it to listen to you.

>>1082139
Yeeeaaahh... Better let Tislomer take the lead on this one.

Okay boss, cause for alarm. It seems some major perception fuckery is going on here.

Do not trust your eyes. Proceed very slowly and carefully.

So that's how all these kami converse to insane mortals without snapping.
They don't.
They just paper their mistakes over with time travel.

We got some resistance. Keep pushing forward and we'll keep you posted on alternate timelines.

deja vu
Well, having Tislomer doing the talking seems to have had a positive effect...

Perhaps the earlier change towards thorns and darkness was in response to the rather grim nature of our earlier conversation, and her unflappable cheer has reasserted a bright aspect to this place.

Maybe Mr. Lollipop just knows his own, I can't imagine there are many purer devotees than one that thinks of him as a childhood/lifetime friend


anyway, proceed carefully and watch out for any sensations that do not match the apparent visible reality.

>>1082138

Awww, they were just trying to keep us away because they probably thought we were bad guys.

Might be time to let Tislomer lead.

Did my brain just skip a beat...?
Boss, you think you could recap the last five seconds for us? Purely for our own benefit, I mean.
Uhhhh. I guess keep Tislomer up front and push forward. Is that a little home up there, just past the glade...?

Surely you must remember something changed. Look at Finesse, she's carrying that torch in bright daylight. It was just black as pitch a moment ago. It seems Mr. Lollipop doesn't have an eye for detail, despite his ability to rewrite time. Assuming it was him at all of course.

Ah. We are in a god's realm, indeed. Well, be polite.

Time to diplomatize harder than you ever diplomatize before.

Muschio 2024/01/31(Wed)12:11 No. 1082203 ID: 46e818
File 170673188068.png - (23.46KB , 800x600 , 1987.png )

The air around us crackles faintly with static electricity, and at the far end of the glade, an enormous, robed figure slowly lurches out from the strange hut.

>"YOU HAVE..."

Muschio 2024/01/31(Wed)12:12 No. 1082204 ID: 46e818
File 170673194609.gif - (76.88KB , 800x600 , 1988.gif )

>"A-RRIVED! ♪"

[ANIMATED]

...Oh god no.
Not Mrs. Bojack.

Oh God, it's getting homoerotic already.

Bend the knee. You are a prince, but you're in the presence of the divine, after all.
Ask Tislomer to introduce you and inquire if there's anything troubling Mr. Lollipop.

Give him the candy.

Also, I remind you:
Reality warping god;
DO NOT PISS IT OFF
No matter how annoyed you might be at it's... proclivities. But be honest and candid when you interact with them. Respectful, but no manipulative courtly bullshit. They can probably see right through you judging by the anomaly that just happened.

>>1082204
Well he seems fine. Greet him with respect, and bring up his strange absence. Did his worshippers offend him?

>>1082204
Oh no, I'm starting to think Tislomer might be important.

>>1082204
Uh. Okay then. Offer him the candy as a sign of good faith.

*heavy metal boss music soundtrack*

Prepare the candy, save one for Tils.
Be mindful of Health Bars showing up.

Oh no.

I love him.

>>1082204
Oh, he looks fabulous.

Hey mushie. Long time lurker, first time talker. Have been floating around here with the other figments and fragments a lookng time.something just clicked though...
Youve got yourself a deity here, minor yeah, but still a creature of belief.
You approached with trepidation and oh boy did things get dark, but then your cute lil' minion shouts out for her mister lollipop and the world is different.
Maybe our guardian isnt just of belief, but shaped by it too.
First point then, tislomer:protect that innocence. She may not be nuanced in thought but her belief in what mister lollipop is clearly very well defined. That faith elicited a clear response.
It might be worth thinking about.
I mean, hey, it may not be a faith actualized entity but its worth considering the possibility. And its probably better dealing with a mint candy loving horse thing than whatever horror was gestating in that looming dark.

Thinking about it, if your new friend mister lollipop is shaped by faith, then his absence would be explained by encroachment of non believing entities and a wavering faith from the local tribes as misfortune erodes their belief

Muschio 2024/01/31(Wed)19:14 No. 1082237 ID: 46e818
File 170675726470.png - (21.54KB , 800x600 , 1989.png )

>"Mister Lollipop!"
>"Tislomer! What a delight to see you! And you brought friends!

>Well, Welcome to my glade! You know, I love so many things."

Muschio 2024/01/31(Wed)19:14 No. 1082238 ID: 46e818
File 170675729747.png - (8.28KB , 800x600 , 1990.png )

>"But one of the things I love most is having guests over."

>>1082238
"It's just his arm" i repeat to myself like a mantra.

>>1082238
Oh this is going to end so badly he is THIN and giant and HOT and we are going to die by literal snu-snu.

Yeah, definitely getting narcissistic vibes from this boi

Everyone prepare your opening statements

Well everything is going well then, you are expected and welcome guests.
Follow Tislomer's lead, a god has revealed themselves in good faith, best to return that faith for now.

Huh. So why was the glade so unwelcoming before? (He's a god of love so perhaps he could help with Sadie?) Finnie's gonna ask for help with Muschio too, would bet a lot of dosh.

>>1082262
My guess was as a creature of belief, hes shaped by faith. The group were approaching with trepidation, the locals are worried about encroachment and the humans and elves dont believe any of the "lesser" species "primitive" but sweet little tislomer has an ironcast faith in what he is. Her friend, mister lollipop. Even if his shadow/shillouete happens to look like he full mast happy to see you. Like, muschio meeting a dragon level of happy.

>>1082238
Amicable relations with the entity are of the utmost importance. Put your best front and let Tis and Finnie introduce you as the "Great friend" of the forest folk you are.

>>1082268
huh. Yeah, you know what that tracks actually. He's had a pretty okay track record up to this point so there's no reason to assume ill-intent of him, and it could prove dangerous to do so in either case.

Dude's just an eccentric god-twink.

The illusion could just be a safety measure, with no more meaning than an iron gate.
It shifted when called upon, not when anyone in the party started believing harder.

>>1082293
I'll say that the entity recognized Tis, recognized her as a friend/ally and is acting accordingly. About its nature, I'll lean more into a magical creature of the woods along the lines of a fairy like forest guardian.

>>1082294
Thinking on it the what mr lollipop is sits as less important than how mushie acts in the moment. For now at least.
Ask tislomer to introduce you and hope its something nice or self introduction showing respect and dropping in hints of your friendliness toward the forest peoples.
Maybe find a way to comment on his absence being felt by his wards.
Oh, and not commenting on how his shadow looks like hes got a massive stonk on.

Perhaps you guys are right and have no reason to be unsure or worried. Still, he said he likes guests though that was not on show before with the unsettling ambiance. Lollipop himself seems fine, however perhaps there is a corrupting influence, foreign or domestic though domestic would be worse... especially if there are multiple personalities in Lollipop.

>>1082308
Call me an old fashioned fool but the "guests" part is really important to me. We are being welcomed, and the laws of hospitality, such as they are in this place, need be observed. Thank the Red One for his welcome and don't do anything to violate the laws.

as the anon behind me stated, the law of hospitality is important here, and might allude that we’re dealing with something similar to fae. be careful about food, promises, and giving him your name.

>>1082315
Ooh. Good point about the name. Maybe can be sidestepped by being introduced.
Y'know mushie, shouldn't you think about getting yourself a herald? All the cool monarchs have one.