- Belarmina 2010/06/20(Sun)06:31 No. 196226 ID: becad2
File 127704070190.png - (47.91KB , 800x600 , r001-0007-127.png )

>you know you want that whip
In-deeeed, but this isn't about what I want right now.

>maths
That's 9 silvers of change. I'm not going to try to trade credit for raw silver with him, that's a little bit too much, don't you think?

>shopping list
"Actually, there's a few more things..."
Litto: "Well, why didn't ya say so already?"
"I.. am gonna need some rope, a full length of rope."

- Belarmina 2010/06/20(Sun)06:32 No. 196227 ID: becad2
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>torches/oil
Oh curses, I didn't made that lamp.

"... and ten torches or so."
Litto: "Mnh?"
"... pitons, a pickhammer, metal-tipped gloves... I'll cover the difference with this. Change in silver, please."

- Belarmina 2010/06/20(Sun)06:33 No. 196228 ID: becad2
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Litto: "Belarmina, what's the problem?"
"Eh..."
Litto: "Don't try, I know you too well. Whatever it is, if was something right you wouldn' be tremblin' in yer boots like y'are. What's eatin'ye inside, girl?"

Ow... dammit. I can't just lie to him!
And I'm sure he'd call the guards...

>>196228
You could tell him "I found out that the dungeon has been a buffer between us and a bunch of demons, and the dungeon is broken."

That's both true and cause for alarm.

>>196229
Well, it is true.

I mean, you could try to come up with something else, but I haven't got a clue as to what.

Tell him that you are thinking of going on a trip but you didn't want to tell him yet because of possible alarm. Just a short trip, get out and see the world for awhile.

- Belarmina 2010/06/20(Sun)09:55 No. 196266 ID: becad2
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"I.. um.. might be getting ready for a trip..."
Litto: "To that dungeon? A return one?"
"Um... well, it's not me who's going? ..."
Litto: "So you're sending someone else? By the Countess, Belarmina-- living years in this town have taught you naught? Now you'll be throwing innocent people's lives into that demon-infested deathtrap? I'm very very disappointed with ye."
"Uhmn...."

>>196266
"The dungeon has been keeping the demons away, but it's broken now. Somebody needs to fix it, and an adventurer I met awhile back wants to take a look at it.

First off, make him promise not to spread it around... and say something like this: "Someone else snuck down there earlier, discovered something really, really bad... and him going back might be the only thing that can save us. He's going to do it anyway, because he's an idiot... but I'm not going to let him jump in unprepared."

Just take a deep breath, Belarmina. You can do this. If need be, play the "Do you trust me?" card.

Convince him not to pry. You're a grown gal, able to handle your own problems. If he really needed to know what you're up to, you'd have told him already. Right now, all you need from him is some stuff and a low profile. Assure him you're not going to do anything dangerous.

All true, since you don't intend to accompany Player into the dungeon, right?

>>196267
a bit more complete, if you can. try to appeal to his hatred for adventurers.

"before player left he told me of a peculiar error in the dungeon's original servant. if i fix it and set the servants to help the dungeon dwelllers, the ratings will surely decrease because the servants will fight along instead of against us. also the dungeon would need silver desperadely, and they have items to trade for it. if we get monopoly from the dungeon golems, it could be a huge profit."

>>196277

Alternatively...

Lie Option 2:

As for sending anyone else down there in your place... No, of course you're not going to coach someone into that kind of a danger. That'd be silly, foolish, and stupid.

You've just been sitting on a summoning thingamajing that might do the trick, but it needs climbing gear, rope and a bunch of silver to function.

Explaining all your needs, basically.

>>196266
Tell him it's for a good reason. That demon Player brought back and the tales he told of a giant spider has gotten you spooked. You're trying to bring in a professional to take a look at it and you're hoping that the promise of this gear and a place to stay for the duration, food and some pay will be enough to bring in someone competent and honest.

- Belarmina 2010/06/20(Sun)12:51 No. 196338 ID: becad2
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"Manuelitto..."
Litto: "Don' 'Litto' me, just spill it already..."
"I can't... I don't want you in trouble..."
Litto: "Me mina..."

- Belarmina 2010/06/20(Sun)12:53 No. 196342 ID: becad2
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"Manuel, it's serious. The dungeon-- its broken. I don't know everything. But the only thing between us and a world of demons is a bunch of broken, semi-competent summons, and--"
Litto: "My -- why don't you just call those guards --"
"For what? To wait until Central X send a sorcerer to fix it? We gotta do something, Manuelitto. We, we can't just..."
Litto: "My, my, my..."

- Belarmina 2010/06/20(Sun)12:54 No. 196345 ID: becad2
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Litto: "Oh, Belamirna, are you listening to yourself? Our way of life ain't perfect, but -- we're not crawlers. With that Player boy out of town, who'll be the sod venturing that hole? Ol' Molotov? Niece?"

Cats help me, I can't breathe, but I can't-- I can't just--

Litto: "You have the heart in the right place, but you know all too well its suicide. Just bravery and a blade gets too many people killed inside those cat-cursed death traps. That's why there are the Guardians, that's why there are guards, and that's why we trust them with those dungeons. Who's gonna handle something fifty men can't?"

Its not 50 its something like 35 agh I-- I don't think I--.

It's about time you realized there was something wrong with blackmailing someone into risking life and limb for your own benefit. And treating him like trash at the same time.

>>196345
I think there's no other choice. You have to tell him Player is still here.

>>196345
Player will be fine in the dungeon. And it's his choice anyway, you're not forcing him to go down there.

Tell Manuel that it's not for any of the local ones. You have sent out a couple of notes to a few nearby places in the hopes of snagging a traveling adventurer somewhere.

Look, he obviously cares a great deal about your safety and the towns. First thing is you make him SWEAR not to tell a soul about what you are going to say to him next. Then explain everything... and I can guarantee he won't be comfortable with all that, so the next thing you do is invite him over for dinner. He can talk to Player himself.

If he refuses to promise, go ahead and avoid mentioning Player somehow. It's gonna be tough, though.

>>196352
>Player will be fine in the dungeon.
The last time, his arm almost got ripped out of its socket.

>And it's his choice anyway, you're not forcing him to go down there.
The entire reason she decided not to turn him in was to use him as a meat shield.

Hey, woah. Hold on, that shit got us thrown before, let's hold back on that.

Now. What about you? Why can't you go with Player? Is the fact that all of these people are in danger not cause enough to pick up arms? You said it yourself. You have too much talent doing what you're doing. You owe this town too much to let it die.

You can tell Manuel about Player. But consider helping him do it right and going yourself.

>>196382
Almost being the keyword there. He made it out just fine, covered in worm Ichor yes, but other than that perfectly fine.

And he does want to go back in. It's not exactly like he's being forced to be an adventurer. He made that choice himself.

>>196403
Hopefully, now that she's had someone else tell her how messed up it is, she's finally ready to listen to reason. In the state she's in right now, she's not likely to get anywhere trying to convince or deceive him.

Now, Belarmina, here's what you're going to do. You're going to tell him you have to go clear something up. Then you're going to leave and we'll clear things up.

Listen, you think Player is a pretty good guy, so that's one reason to keep him out of jail, right? Your second reason is that you need him in order to keep your home safe. So you can't risk him getting caught, not even if it means lying to Manuel.

Just tell him that you think you know how to find Player, and that you think it's the best option you have.

>>196417
Don't make excuses like that. Dungeoneering is deadly. Player wasn't fine during the first trip, he wasn't fine during the last trip, and he won't be fine during the next trip either. We all know Player is risking his life, and pretending otherwise isn't going to help anyone feel better.

I know it seems like I'm being hard on Belarmina, but... just look at her. She's barely coherent, and she's about to cry. She's not emotionally prepared to deal with this. This is for her own good as much as Player's.

>>196345
"Fifty men with swords trying to fix a broken machine is just going to make things worse.
The guards are great, and I love them all, but they wouldn't know where to start."

>>196501
Of course he's risking his life. But he's doing it because it's his choice. He knows of the risks and he still chose to do it. And not becasue someone is asking him to or forcing him, not for hopes of a reward from the people outside. He's doing it because that's what he has decided to do.

He knows the risks of his chosen profession and despite close brushes with death he seems quite determined to keep at it. It's his choice to risk his life. And short of turning him in to the guards and putting him in prison I don't think anyone is going to be able to keep him out of that dungeon.

- Belarmina 2010/06/21(Mon)07:33 No. 196741 ID: becad2
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Butbut-- he's right-- dammit, what the fuck I doing?? This is fucking scary! I never killed anyone-- came pretty close-- how some people can-- what if... what... I can't... I shouldn't...

Litto: "Come on, me pretty mina. Let's set this aside, eh? I'll treat somethin' today, what about a good green broth, eh? It'll help ye clear your ideas."
"Greenie isn't gone...."

- Belarmina 2010/06/21(Mon)07:35 No. 196743 ID: becad2
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But.... Greenie doesn't trusts the guards. Why wouldn't he? .... I know they're good. Why am I doing this?

Litto: "Eh?"
"I mean I can find'im... it's... he isn't far,-- he can't..."
Litto: "Belarmina..."
"I know. I know. just... let me do this, Mannelitto. Trust me."
...

- Belarmina 2010/06/21(Mon)07:36 No. 196744 ID: becad2
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"Manuel Badalo, I swear to you I'm not putting anyone in harm's way. I'm not going to. Not ... you know-- not someone--"
Litto: "I know, lass. I know whatcha mean."
"I'm sure I can find Player again. He isn't-- he can't be far... And... He's going to need those things. Please..."

- Belarmina 2010/06/21(Mon)07:39 No. 196745 ID: becad2
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Litto: "I'll go get those torches..."
"Thank you..."
Litto: "And just you know... the guards want'im. If I see'im around, I'll have ta turn him in."
"I know.... thank you..."
Litto: "After all these years, I just wish you could trust me, Belarmina."
"I know..."

This feels awful. It feel awful to.. hide this, to not tell the truth, to just send him back, to... why me? Why not me?

>>196745
Because what's right and what's necessary are often unpleasant.
Somebody needs to go in; the guards couldn't go into the dungeon even if they wanted to, the townspeople aren't fighters, and sending for help would take weeks. That leaves Player, and I think you've seen enough of him to know that he's going to do whatever it takes to save innocent lives, even if it's something he hates; like sucker-punching a guard.
The problem with this is that he's more eager than cautious, and that worries me. If you harbor any interest in him, then tell him before he leaves. Having a reason to come back would make a huge difference.

>>196745
You're trying to save everyone, to do the best thing. Would it be that we could, all of us, always live in truth and honesty I think many of us would. But usually the world forces our hand and leaves us with no perfect option, and we have to decide between the things we care about.

You'd offend the people you love to save them, you'd make them hate you if it meant letting them live safely and happily. And this isn't even going to come to that, so don't worry.

At least he knows Player is probably going to be involved and around, and will only turn him in if he sees him. That's not... completely different than the truth. You can break the rest of it to him after everything is settled, however it goes. He'll understand I'm sure. Maybe he'll even like the kid by then.

>>196745
It's you because you were there. Simple as that. And honestly Player will get back into that dungeon no matter what. He's got his mind set on it. Atleast this way you can make his chances of survival better.

>>196745
Why you? Because you're trying to do the right thing. Often times, the world in general doesn't like it when people want to do the right thing as opposed to what's easy.

We try to get them to get off their asses and do it anyway. We're the ones that told Player to smack Clash with a shovel to get back inside the dungeon, after all. Because he needed, needs, to go back in and try to fix it.

Why not you? An interesting question. You're probably one of the nicest people, if not the nicest person, in this town. You just want to help people. And that's what you're doing. You're helping one guy potentially save the entire town.

One last thing. You have to help us help him. Y'see, we help him by being there, giving him advice. We see everything from, well a separate viewpoint. Like a third person standing off to the side. When Player's in the dungeon, we see most of whatever room he's in and can warn him before stuff happens.

So, as fun as it might seem to experiment on us, you have to give us to him before he leaves. Which, and I hate to mention this, he may have already done. He thinks he can do it himself, to an extent. He's an adventurer. They're dumb sometimes.

Puh... you don't ask the easiest questions.

Look, don't feel too bad, or be too concerned. Player's a big-boy level four fighter. He doesn't view things the same way you do, having lived in this dungeonville and having seen people walk in---but not out---on a regular basis. If he did, he wouldn't be a crawler, and he wouldn't be set on going back in there.

But he is. To him, this is an adventure, a chance to become something and do something great, perhaps even noble, and earn his keep. Knowing there's demons down there planning Host knows what... he's not the kind of person to leave well enough alone, whether or not he's right to.

Foolish? Reckless? Yes, yes, but I can admire the drive, and I certainly wish to direct it towards doing good, rather than towards getting into more trouble with the guards. I respect his decision to be a crawler, it's not for everyone for sure, and it doesn't end well for everyone either, but by and large it's his right to make that decision.

If it helps, as long as we're with him, we'll watch over him, do our best in that regard, though 'our best' can be variable. But I'm damn sure we were a big help when he faced Charlotte, f'example. With us on his side, he'll succeed where others could fail, count on it.

This whole situation isn't pleasant for anyone. We all want to protect the people of the town, but instead of listening and supporting each other, we just yell and get in each other's way.

But in spite of that, we know what we need to do. Player's a good person; he's going to save the town, even if it means putting his life at risk, and we're going to help him.

Now, I think you owe him an apology.

- Belarmina 2010/06/22(Tue)04:33 No. 197106 ID: becad2
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... I know what you mean... at least I think I know... it's just... I don't really know what to think, specially now that Litto made me think about it. This whole thing, this isn't entirely right... but maybe, necessary... I guess that's what bothers me...

.... you're helpful with rationalizing things.

>before he leaves, may have already
Now, that's stupid. I have all of his things with me-- I understand going into that place without rope and hooks, but he wouldn't be dumb enough to do it without basics like lights and weapons, right?

>apology
Maybe I do...

- Belarmina 2010/06/22(Tue)04:40 No. 197111 ID: becad2
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Litto: "Ropes, potatoes, change in silver. Is there anything else?"
"Nope. Gracias, me'Litto."
Litto: "Fare well, Belarmina. Good luck finding yer help."
"I'll see you around."

Trade: 37ft of Chain and 1 Cure Potion for Climbing Kit, 50ft of Rope, 10 Torches and 9 silver.

- Belarmina 2010/06/22(Tue)04:42 No. 197113 ID: becad2
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What's done is done, I guess.

Hmn, Greenie can't see me in this state. He has more important things to worry about.

Come on, prettygirl. It's time to put your best smile, walk in there, and think about st

>>197106
This isn't rationalizing, Bella. If nobody goes in there to solve the problem then everybody dies. The only other option would be evacuating the town, and if you can pull that off then for cats sake go do it.

If you want to feel better about it, then be completely honest with player about your feelings, your fears, and all that sort of stuff. Believe me, it will do wonders.

>>197113
You are hopeless. Acting like a person who actually cares instead of a self-assured bully is exactly what you need to do.

Player doesn't have much respect for authority figures because he thinks they care more about rules or their own power than what's really important. You need to show him that you really care. Tell him about how you feel. Apologize for how you acted before. Tell him you respect him for risking his life for the town's sake.

If there's a solution to your problem with him, this is it. Not only that, but he deserves to be treated that way. So go do that and don't let your pride get in the way.

Why do you even have a dish, anyways?

Sorry, it wasn't fair to insult you like that. I'm just frustrated because of how you and Player treated each other. I want you to get along, and I know it's possible, but you always seem to do something that gets in the way. That's what irritates me.

Whoa, we got cut off there for a minute. Something about your satellite dish causing interference.

What's the satellite dish for, anyway?

Alright, so, what is this st- something that you were thinking about?

why so meta?

she is showering. everyone forget the last pic. lets not derail this to the fact she keeps toys in her bathroom for her entertenaiment.

but we have to take something serious here, miss Q. you shouldnt take responsibility if you cant follow trhu.

you literally cornered player relentlessly but you could not face manuel for the sake of the city? you have much to learn about RIGHTEOUS FURY. i would suggest to forgive player. even if this suceeds he will have to face a lot more of caring eyes that only manuel.

you two timing guardian angel. who dared you to be a paladin shopkeeper/inventor?

>>197115
>>197197
>>197202
>>197211

>Questers who were unable to catch on to the "cue timeskip" hint.
>Questers who are going to have to wait for the next update.

In before back with Player.

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