>>200318
Agreed.

Ridder, he has lived a harsh life. Fear and mistreatment have made him paranoid and bitter, and such emotions have led him to mistakes that he deeply regrets.
It is plainly obvious that he is confessing to you because he feels lost and alone, and is in need of direction. More than that, he is desperately seeking a moral compass to guide him. You need a cause to champion, he needs somebody who is clearheaded enough and strong enough in will to give him stability and guidance in the murky waters he trolls.

Aside from that, I think you need to tell him of the Knight Blades. Not, however, your parents' involvement. Yet.

>>200342
We of course have to tell him that 'we' were unaware of this and are wary of the Blades ourselves.

Our mother just telling us this is in fact part of the reason we have been practically an emotionally wrecked invalid for the past few days.

>>200344

This is a good point.

Actually Muschio's health is a concern. I'm not sure how much trauma we want to add.

>>200314

"You'll always be my best friend."

It might not be a good idea right now to let Muschio know that your family is partially responsible for the fall of his kingdom and the death of his family. Though he did just admit to being the great evil that you've been hunting, so it can be sharing and caring time. Either way, he isn't being hostile about this, and his actual actions are far less terrible than you previously thought.

...Shit.

You should probably clarify that it wasn't really a poison per se...no need to go into too many details though.

After all, if he received the poison meant for you...

(otherwise Finnie is in so much shit it's mind-boggling).

>>200314

If we are your decisions, Ridder, then I decide this:

Help him.

Help him because you are his friend, and he yours. Help him because you will remind him of his childhood, and the ideals that he held, the happiness he once had. Help him so that you can protect him from the world that will be his enemy, and so that you can protect the world from him. Help him because he will listen to you.

Help him because, no matter what evil he has done, it is a result only of your parents' deeds. They took his kingdom, and that debt passes to you to be repaid. The Knight Blades thought that they did good, no doubt; but you can see before you the result of their plans, the growth of a noble prince into a noble demon. The world may burn in blood for their folly, and your friend's hand soaked in it, if you can not repair the damage.

Help him, because in many ways, you are the only one who can.

And if he only does dark deeds for the necessity of his future throne? Then the more resources he has, the less often he will find such actions necessary.

>>200400
Mentioning that it was an aphrodisiac might lighten the mood. It might lighten the mood more than you know.

Ok now would be the time to realize YOU SENT THE FUCKING PALADIN BRIGADE AFTER HIM.

Yes. Let's lighten things up a bit. Tell of the aphrodisiac.. in fact. Why not? Does he knows the details of your wild, troubled and troubling sex life? Why not share with him?

I believe.... yes. You can admit to him the Blades exist. But... not right noooow. You might want to admit that are things unsaid.... but admit your family, well, mostly your dad apparently, is responsible by the downfall of the Malto house?

He'll end up declaring war on the blad--

SHIT. The paladins! You gotta tell him about the paladins! :O

So. He says he was GOING to set it on fire, and then ACCIDENTALLY set it on fire, so that makes it okay?

New plan: Arrest him and lock him up. Inform the paladin squad that you've taken care of the problem.

>>200425
he wasn't gonna set it on fire he was just gonna be a dick. He is a misguided soul, he just needs a nudge in the right direction.

Actually, he specifically said he did NOT intend to raze Iniziare Citta.

Don't tell him about the paladins until a solution/ verdict has been reached. If he joins you then tell him, if not, then don't.

>>200425
>He says he was GOING to set it on fire
He never said that.

We should tell him about the Knight Blades, and now would be a good time, cause if Muschio aims on reviving his kingdom and the Blades hear about this, they might come back. Plus it is a good way to reaffirm his trust in you, besides the sooner the problem is known, the sooner it is solved. But it is up to you if you wish to tell that your parents were involved.

>>200404
>>200343

I agree to this.

If we do tell him about the Knight Blades, we are not to mention our parents' involvement. I don't think Muschio will be so quick to forgive mom.

It's no secrets time. Each of you gets one of the rings, each of you hold on tight to the orb. If you live through the process, your minds will be one.

Ridder, I really think you need to reconcile with Muschio. He really needs guidance and you need to make up for your family's mistakes. And the first step along this path is HUG HIM WITH YOUR DICK

>>200446
Or we should at least wait until she isn't in the immediate vicinity before telling him.

I would suggest postponing any concrete decisions until we've taken him up on his offer of visiting his own place of residence (at some admittedly vague future date)... but if we are going to bring up the Knight Blades, particularly any involvement on our family's part, it would probably be an even worse decision to do so whilst surrounded by more of his followers than our own. This is a precarious matter to be sure.

This is distressing. I know how important your old friendship is to you, and I want to believe he is still a good man, but there is little room for doubt. It is terribly clear that Muschio is no longer the man you knew and loved. He has become hateful and cruel in these past years, and though there may have been some necessity to it, I can scarcely imagine what he stood to gain in Iniziare Citta.

This is all the more reason why you must remain close to him now. Corrupt he may be, but he has shown that his connection with you has not faded from his heart. If you repair your relationship, you could help steer him back to the path of good. And if not, we may have to imprison him, for his own good and the world's.

ℜidder 2010/06/29(Tue)08:52 No. 200785 ID: 950529
File 127782675165.jpg - (103.69KB , 800x600 , 01-08.jpg )

"True strength is not found in a perfect decision. Rather, true strength is the ability to reflect and admit one made a mistake. We must all find in ourselves the ability to learn and redeem ourselves, and as such learn to forgive another. True strength, my son, is to show weakness."
Suddenly the words of my father rang through my head.
I find myself kneeling at my beloved friend and lords feet, my eyes cast down, my posture rigid and confident, an open hand on my side despite the blade being absent, and a determined fist on the floor.
I represent a foundation on which the prince can rely. I will guide him through these dark times and let him find himself again.

"My loyalty is equally unwavering, my lord."

A silence follows.
I can feel his surprise.

ℜidder 2010/06/29(Tue)08:54 No. 200787 ID: 950529
File 127782684773.jpg - (128.83KB , 800x600 , 01-09.jpg )

But just then his thin cold fingers meet my shoulder.
"Stand up."
His other hand takes mine, gripping it firmly.
"I no longer hold the title for you to look up to. Please bow to me no more. I wish to work with you as equals, my beloved friend."

Give him a hug instead then. Or a brohug/handshake.

Ridder and Muschio need to jump up into the air and slam hug each other in mid-air while the camera pans around.

I sure hope you know what you're doing.

You better realize what you're getting into. Be ready to accept the consequences.

Ask him one more thing.

Ask him if more people are going to have to die.

>>200798
No.
Ask who else is going to have to die.

Muschio: Say "Heh heh. Hehehahahah. HAAAA HAHAHAHAHAHA! BWAAAAHAHAHAHA!"

Continue for several minutes.

Ridder, you need to brofist Muschio and then lean back. This will show that you are now truly bros.

Remember Ridder, if you wish to be a good influence then you must retain your own opinions, your own will. Do not let your ideals become compromised or subsumed by those of friends.

It is good then in that respect that Muschio wishes to treat us as an equal.

Take a step closer and put your arms around him. Show that you trust him to be close to you, and you're willing to be there when he needs you.

>>200787
Brohug time, right now. It's okay to cry.

Ahem..? Ridder? PALADINS!

>>200878
In due time. With all Riddler's been through, he deserves to enjoy a moment of tenderness when he has the chance.

ℜidder 2010/06/29(Tue)16:37 No. 200936 ID: 950529
File 127785466077.jpg - (150.24KB , 800x600 , 01-10.jpg )

You're right! I can't stand it any more!
I have to show him my affection!
He resists but I hold him tight until he resists no more.

>>200936
WOAH! what the hell?!

wut....

>>200936
Don't forget the tongue.

Suggestion 2010/06/29(Tue)16:49 No. 200945 ID: a594b9
File 127785538721.jpg - (15.88KB , 450x338 , Cogsgrove.jpg )

>>200936
Hey! Cut it out.

Sticks 2010/06/29(Tue)16:50 No. 200947 ID: 950529
File 127785544889.jpg - (138.43KB , 800x600 , 01-11.jpg )

Fu fu fu fu~
That's totally what should happen next~

>>200947
Stiiiiiiiiicks!

>>200947
Stiiiiiiiiiiicks!

>>200947
AHahahahahha oh wow STEEEXXX you crazy little catgirl... this is twice you've got me.

>>200947
STEEEEEEEX

Spirit2 2010/06/29(Tue)16:54 No. 200955 ID: f58d30
File 127785566192.jpg - (23.21KB , 450x338 , 600107-oh_steex.jpg )

>>200947
Oh Sticks, you devious kitten!

....

*inhaaaaaale*

sssSSSSTTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEXXXXX!!!

>>200950
>>200951
>>200952
>>200953
Sure is hivemind in here

>>200947
Oh u.

Amazing how friends will stick by eachother no matter what kind of mistakes they make, right? Wait... how much of their conversation did you hear?

>>200947
Finesse thinks you're crazy right now, explain to her what you're thinking of.

>>200959
in great detail. And finish.

>>200958
Damn... you're right! For how long they've been there?

Suggestion 2010/06/29(Tue)17:00 No. 200967 ID: 2eac65
File 127785603718.jpg - (29.55KB , 700x655 , nuckelavee.jpg )

>>200947
You interrupted an emotional moment.

You have no respect for real connections.

>>200967
she hasn't interrupted she's not in the room.

>>200970
She interrupted it for us.

>>200947
Sticks, one of these days, you'll see something some extremely horrifying Yaoi and you'll no longer troll us like that. Just you wait... Just you wait...

So... Does Sticks have the ring now or was the force of her yaoi-ing so big it just broke through the fourth wall?

>>201100

I don't even think boku no sexual harrassment would horrify steex.

>>201820
Two. Naked. Old. Doobies.

>>201824
she'd love it

>>200947
ಠ_ಠ You'd better keep such things to yourself. You'd better.

>>201818
She has the ring on one of her FAT CAT FINGERS.

>>201865
Oh crap... she can still hear us?

>>202257
Quick, everyone switch to talking in wingdings!

ℜidder 2010/07/04(Sun)09:32 No. 203084 ID: 950529
File 127826116347.jpg - (85.71KB , 800x600 , 01-12.jpg )

Little more was said after that. I believe both of our minds and hearts were too full to discuss anything else.
If I had known this was coming I would have also anticipated it as the highlight of the visit.

Our followers mingled pleasantly, promises were made upon leaving and the chained Grey Fang was taken to a brighter future.

Now I sit in my room, pondering the aftermath.

Perhaps if my mother had not told me about the Knight Blades I would feel more disturbed, but now I can only say I am relieved.
It is the first time that knowing not everything is flawless has calmed me down.
Have I grown stronger? Or more flexible?
I suppose it matters not.
Right now, my main concern is how I present this abrupt end to our mission to my followers and how I can still fulfil their expectations of me.

>>203084
Ridder: Squawk like an imbecile and shit on your desk.

>>203084
End? This isn't even close to the end.
The kingdom, such as it is, is in shambles. There is plenty of work to be done, and you're in a very good position to do it.
Did you start this quest to fight the evil in the cave? No! You started it in order to reestablish order and justice in the land.
You still have bandits and slavers to fight, and there are plenty of cities run by the corrupt, with the worst of those having betrayed the Malto family for coin.

No, your work is far from over. It's just beginning.

>>203090
This.

>>203090
That sounds like a plan.

>>203084
You must present this new information to the rest of the crew in the form of a play. Sticks can play the part of Muschio because she already knows.

And then, there are the Knight's blades to consider...what should happen if you or your friend Muschio's plans come close to fruition?

Will the two of you be 'trimmed out' from their precious "garden"?

>>203090

I see no way other than this

Man up and admit it was all a giant, embarrassing misunderstanding.

Patiently await the arrival of Knight Blades for you to fight. Squawk like an imbecile and shit on your desk to help pass the time.

>>203110
(OFFTOPIC OH MY GOD TEST WHERE ARE YOU WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IRC MISSES YOU WE THOUGHT YOU DIED WHEN YOU NEVER CAME BACK FROM THE VET)

Ridder I honestly think you should tell them it's been a misunderstanding and you're going to fold into Muschio's army now. If they are good soldiers they will follow you.

Do not neglect to mention that this whole evil and the boss thing may be a false reading from timotei who may or may not be entirely sane, and it could be residue from the fact that Red Fang used to live in the Vault which Muschio now lives. When you guys went there, Red Fang had only just been killed and his aura could've still been all over that mountain.

Also, shit on your desk and squawk like an imbecile.

shit like an imbecile and squawk on your desk, but seriously.. um.. I'm mostly curious to see how this latest encounter with your gnoll friend tied up in the basement will go..

>>203084
End? Perhaps for some, but I don't think it is the end for your little band. T'lear, for example, came to you as an embassy and may wish to go home afterwards, but the others were not here to make war. Terva follows you because he looks to your leadership. Sticks follows you because she likes you. Iesgip and Nakraska have followed you since you hired them, and honestly, I think they appreciate the work and security you provide them. Grek and Petal as well. Ritari follows you because, well, can you think of a mother abandoning their child?

For now, gather everyone together and explain what is happening. You clearly won't be going after Muschio, at least not now, and they all deserve to know why. However, they have banded around your leadership and values, not around killing some guy in a cave. Certainly offer to transport anyone home who wishes to go, but the rest of you still have work you can do.

Who hired the Fangs? What are the Knight Blades doing now? The land still has its own problems, and as long as you wish to continue, there will be issues that request a calm mind and steady sword.

It may not be the quest of today, but there is little reason to think that you will not be needed tomorrow.

>>203084
>and how I can still fulfil their expectations of me.
Well, lets see... The elf, goblin, gnoll, cat-halfling and kobolds will come with you regardless of mission. They follow you because of who you are, not because of what you do. I think only the bug might feel that his services are no longer needed.

Θ][Σ 2010/07/04(Sun)10:33 No. 203140 ID: f21281
File 127826479115.jpg - (8.79KB , 150x150 , 2009-02-27-professor_farnsworth-150x150.jpg )

>>203084
"Good news, everyone! We're going to war, with everyone!"

>>203140
Changing my vote to this.

>>203140
this

>>203084
Well it's a little awkward that our mission has ended and we don't really have anything to show for it, aside from having gained yet another rung in the chain of command.

You should also consider that your expressed interest in Ashadel will likely cause yet more tension at the base. Sticks for instance is likely to leave if the truly thinks she has no hope of winning you.

This will give us an important chance to show Terva how a Knight is to honor their lord however. Should he still wish to learn the path of chivalry.

>>203140
So many kinds of this.

Remember Grek only joined you as an UP YOURS to Finesse.

>>203159
Grek won't leave Petal, though.

>>203159
The joining of forces might spur her to even more intense rivalry. If Muschio and Ridder are equals on the the same path it would provide motive to show Muschio's team up in a tech race.

>>203140

This man is obviously a genius of some kind!

>>203084

Ridder, Muschio wants you not as a vassal, but as an ally. He said, himself, that you would make a fine King. I think that is part of his wish for you.

You can continue as you were before. Accumulate allies, seek out injustice, do battle with evil. You can go beyond it: lay claim to lands that other rulers do not. Extend your protection to their inhabitants, be fair and noble to those above whom you stand. Become a power in this realm. Begin the path to being a king. You can do it. It needs to be done. You can do what you've already been trying to do. All you need tell your followers is that now, you are allied with Muschio and his people. You may have lost "The Boss" as a convenient focus, but villainy still exists in this world.

Perhaps with the land divided between the two of you (and your allies, of course), perhaps you can bring back the same peace that Muschio's father brought, and pacify the needs of the Knight Blades for diversity, at the same time. And if you can't stand to be king... well, you would still be counted a lord, under Muschio, and you would still hold responsibility for your lands and your people. That's all you need to do.

Did you tell Muschio about the paladins, by the way?

>>203084
...you did warn him about the Paladins coming to hunt down and KILL the "Big Boss" right? 'cause in any case it's going to be a problem. Can we perhaps delay or speak with them?

End of Chapter 24 - The End ℜidder 2010/07/12(Mon)07:17 No. 206790 ID: 950529
File 127894427096.png - (88.91KB , 700x700 , c13-2.png )

You're right. Though my mission has not come to an end, I can now safely rest responsibility in the prince's capable hands.
I will clear this up with my companions. They are good folk, and I am sure they will understand.

Thank you for your advice, voices. I can finally lay my mind to rest.

Farewell.

>>206790
Wait.... what? ô-ò

>>206832
It's over so Reaver can leave and Weaver can go back to never updating.

>>206790
...A little abrupt perhaps, but good show on finishing what you started. It's been fun.

I guess DiveQuest still (sorta) being around makes an epilogue here unfeasable. But in the same way Ridder and friends can still show up there too. This is... kinda weird actually. A wide open closure.

Well you found out how to serve the Malto line and also you 'defeated' the growing evil.

I suppose we can call it a victory.

>>206846
awwwww man... and here we are not knowing who was Ridder's choice for a mate =(


I still say STEEEEEEX!!

He kinda just proposed to Ashedel so I think it'll be her.

Ends Knight Blades proper in order to fold the characters into DiveQuest (which I guess will inherit the plot surrounding the Knight Blades themselves).

>>206790
Farewell, good friend...