Quest-Archive

[Burichan] [Futaba] [Nice] [Pony] - [WT] [Home] [Manage]

Quest-Archive

[Catalog View] :: [Graveyard] :: [Rules] :: [Quests] :: [Discussions] :: [Wiki]

[Return] [Entire Thread] [Last 50 posts] [Last 100 posts]

Posting mode: Reply

File 12768853176.jpg - (290.25KB , 850x1016 , Castiliathen Ray Golem.jpg )

GOLEM QUEST THREAD 6 Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2010/06/18(Fri)11:21 No. 195348 ID: 6164e0

[ First Thread http://www3.tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/83524.html ]
[ Second Thread http://www3.tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/142119.html ]
[ Third Thread http://www3.tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/156884.html ]
[ Fourth Thread http://www3.tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/177882.html ]
[ Fifth Thread http://www3.tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/186331.html ]
[ If fifth thread not yet archived: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/quest/res/186331.html ]

[ Discussion Thread http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/316616.html ]

WITH THE SUCCESSFUL ARRIVAL OF NEW ALLIES GATHERED FROM THE WESTERN ISLANDS, AND NEGOTIATIONS OPENED WITH CARKIANO THE BLUE KNIGHT TO THE SOUTH, MORDRE HAS EXPANDED HIS HOLDINGS IN THE STATE CONSIDERABLY SINCE ARRIVAL. BUT AS THINGS PROCEED APACE FOR THE SAPIENT SOUL GRAVE MASQUERADING AS A MAGE, TROUBLE BREWS, AND NEARS HIS DOMINION. LET’S TAKE A LOOK, SHALL WE?

………………………………………………PERSPECTIVE SHIFT………………………………………………

Within a towering spire whose very walls radiate a fell force, an eldritch energy that permeates everything within, two figures converse, as hundreds of shadow-cloaked individuals, all wearing identical vestments, stand silently at attention.

>”So none of your own old friends in the Mortal Coil know either?”
“Well, my network of contacts within the organization is not as capable as your own, we’ve already established that… but no, they know nothing of this. …How does Mordre know one of the Grand Elder Mages, to such an extent they would pay a personal visit?”
>”The situation is far more dire than it simply being one of the ruling council of the Mortal Coil that paid him a visit: Lenryt herself came to him…. And then he disappeared, completely out of the scope of where I can peer, before returning mere minutes later, bearing the signs of having been in a tremendous battle.”
“..Well, I know he wasn’t in the Warring states, I have a few spies in the Disciples of Domintus, and they have their hands in most wars about here, one way or another, an no one saw a Soul Grave like his.”
>”Likewise, he was not in the swamplands of the Froggrocks, nor did he go near the Morgren settlements.”
“So, not only do we not know where he went, there is also the matter of what Lenryt did when he returned.”
>”Indeed. She… gifted power to him.”
“So, is he one of her servants then?”
>”Unclear, but I find it unlikely: He would have had more frequent dealings than just this one event if such were the case… though that only leaves the option of being a mercenary in service to her, which is only marginally better.”
“Now Weinsho, it is not as bad as you make it out to be: If he’s an independent contractor, then his death between jobs would not anger her, so ultimately it means we must avoid attacking when he is currently pursuing some matter for her, and she wil not intervene.”
>”Perhaps you are right. …So, I recall you mentioning you would seek out Mordre to aggress him yourself: What happened to this plan?”
“It took more time than I anticipated to… excise proof of my presence from Duras. Honestly, it’s quite aggravating to work with bandits, they never keep their mouths shut. I had to kill damn near every last one in the whole of the Duran Forests, they had gossiped so… well, at least I got several hundred pounds of Blood Iron out of it… and I wonder what use I could put all that to… Oh, speaking of cleaning house, how DID Dulu reclaim his staff?”
>”It took some… persuasion, but he finally admitted that he brokered a deal with that caravan he attacked, abstaining from the fight in exchange for the return of his old weapon.”
“Ho? Even dead and housed in metal, that one’s got balls on him, to defy your orders.”
>”I intend to reward his betrayal appropriately-“
“Now hold on, think of it like this: With evidenced fair dealings, it makes it easier to set up one of those traps you are so fond of in the future… and since the caravan arrived, there is an extra wealth of metal WITHIN Mordre’s holdings. Should make my own venture rather more enjoyable. …That, and this ‘Bang Magnum’ individual is still an unknown: One of your Gaunt Nightmares apparently struck him squarely, and the blades passed through his flesh, yes? And this Bang managed to KICK said Gaunt to death… WITH ONE KICK. There is no guarantee Dulu actually could have won.”
>”I crafted Dulu’s new form to be an excellent weapon in all situations, I doubt he would have lost even had he been alone… but your other points are conceded. I shall merely chastise him, rather than punish him in a terminal manner.”
“My, how thoughtful of you. So… My turn, then.”
>”Indeed. Are you sure-“
“You know I am terrible at working with others in battle: My style is not exactly conducive to avoiding massive amounts of collateral damage, and beyond that: I fight alone, I always have, and you won’t change that. …Well, time to head out, then.”
>”….Then I wish you luck, Eisenhardt.”
“Don’t need it, never did. I’ll win this by my own strength, with my own hands, or not at all.”

………………………………………………PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: MORDRE………………………………………………

[DAYS 104-107]

The journey back to the Arcanoworks was, for once, uneventful. We briefly stopped in Trekel again, and the pepper pickler Blair was happy to offer us a dozen jars of his hellishly spiced food to bring with us on the way back: Bang and Oggroth alike stared each-other down when we acquired them, before opening on of the containers, and each hesitantly pulling forth a single pepper: After hardening their resolve as they glare at one another, they both consumed what they held, and made it nearly ten seconds of constantly reddening faces, staring each-other down, until they were forced to seek out beverages with great expediency, much to the bemusement of the residents of Trekel. We skirt by the north field of Trekel, to note the pall of monochromatic coloration is still inexorably spreading from the mound, and that a second tent has been erected, a total of some sixteen State mages and guards alike now monitoring the situation. They do not look to yet have an answer to this particular problem. As we made our way further north, I note that the roads between Trekel, Trepany, Glenston and Hashbranch have been completed, and that Hashbranch itself is finally close enough to completion that new residents are moving in, and returning the fields to crop-bearing status. It is also at this point that the persistent rains and fogs finally pass… for now.

We pass by Shellik, who notes that they are starting to grow somewhat concerned, as the trees about the ghost town of Berluut have continued to grow with wild abandon, and now stand more than a dozen feet higher than the foliage about them, and their branches have started to twist and turn in eye-straining shapes. We pass by it ourselves, and note the trees to have completely consumed the residences that once dwelled within them, the red moss now sporting cruelly hooked spikes wherever it grows… and the blackened pit absent of life over the buried dead of Berluut has transformed, now a semi-liquid, Bang remarking it quite similar to quicksand. Dame Valiria pales as we relate the story of Balboa’s transgressions here, and commends me for bringing justice to such a criminal as he. A positive note: Shellik’s roads through the woods south to Trepany, Glenston and Hashbranch are nearly complete, and even moving considerably slower (Dame Valiria is not the most swift of marchers), we make good time thanks to the new roads.

Finally, early in the day we emerge from the woods to see the Arcanoworks before us, and a nearby patrol, lead by Ellorika, makes it’s way over to us, escorting us to the now-open main gates. As our return is greeted with some fanfare, Arkus, Keddic, Derkin and Jojo coming to meet us, I am made aware of changes and events in the Arcanoworks:

--The wealth of canvas harvested from the shantytown that once existed about the outer walls of Kyogrock Arcanoworks has been stitched together into a massive, angled cover fitted about the central tower and running out to the walls about the Arcanoworks, redirecting water to pour out and away from the inside. I note a rather complicated pully system set up, allowing the cover to be retracted to the tower, where the canvas cover currently resides, bunched up about the central tower to let the sun shine down within the walls.
--The five fields within the Arcanoworks are growing at almost unbelievable speeds, massive amounts of produced tightly packed together: It would seem Gialgorra’s Proliferator has been most useful. …I cannot help but notice the start of trees growing in each corner of the five fields, though they are still far too small for me to identify what they are.
--The stables outside the gates to the Arcanoworks have been reworked, and no longer have the look of a temporary structure: Some hundred horse could easily be stored there, and I note an oversized space designed for Oggroth’s mount, Hairy Steak, likewise built in.
--Within the walls, an eleventh building has been erected, though currently it has no current use to be put to, still empty.
--Derkin reports that Ellorika, Ulzrick, Vespinto and the scouts sent with them returned after finding an outpost they believe to belong to Weinsho, after Ulzrick cautioned that he felt a fell gaze directing their way: Considering they had to flee from no less than two attacks by shadowmages on the way back, his estimation seemed quite accurate. In any event, the scouts returned, and one of Weinsho’s holdings has been identified, some four to five day’s hard travel to the north-east.
--Keddic and Jojo report on the progress of our troops: The lessons proceed apace, and after an initial glut of injuries that left Jojo and his apprentice Ulzrick quite taxed, things have stabilized, end Keddic feels confident he can render them at least capable of Word and World based combat magic soon, thanks partly to several tomes he found when paying a visit to Jezebel in her workshop within the central tower, in hat used to be a library of sorts.
--Jojo remarks that Ulzrick has been proving an excellent student, and he has become semi-capable of jumping into the dreams of others, though he still is inconsistent in this: But more importantly, he shows a great affinity for converting wounds into dreamstuff, and has proved vital in healing injuries accrued in training by the rest of the Arcanoworks personnel.
--Apparantly, Lord Donwick Dregas has been encouraging trade, and managed to render it more efficient, so that goods are more likely to go where they are needed most: All the villages that I have dealings with, as well as the Arcanoworks, have been prospering, to the extent my monetary reserves have grown in my absence considerably: I now have nearly 1,500 Marks to my name, even with the funds expended in the western islands.
--Derkin remarks that Ulzrick has managed to shed a large amount of his stamina-based frailties, that Ellorika is learning to lead with a calmer mindset, and that Vespinto is learning what it means to lead: Slowly but surely, the three are becoming more rounded individuals, and each has now gained experience in this field, both through the scouting run, and through leading patrols upon their return.
--Another hundred or so individuals have come seeking work under ‘Mage Mordre’, my good reputation drawing them, the new total of personnel some four hundred forty individuals, not counting the Premen.
--Lastly, the eight Premen I sent to Kyorto and then on to Mordreden have returned, bearing a bag laden with pounds of rubies, as well as news: Lorgk led the Drazken clan in annexing a local tribe, and their numbers have swelled as a result of the absorption, and that the mines continue to yield great returns. They also note that Lorgk and the rest of the now larger Drazken clan wish to see ‘Chieftain Mordre’ again, should the chance arise. From Kyorto, they carry word that the two mages were excellent gifts, and that having a whole, un-rotted body to work with, complete with souls, means she only needs one more mage skin (or encased mage) with World magic capabilities to finally gain freedom from her tower.

As I start to process this glut of information, Arkus and Keddic begin to speak on individual matters as I direct the others to return to their labors, and note Krump the shaman and Bokk the maker sidle on up.

--Arkus reports he has been using… documents as reference, and has come up with some less-intensive means to make ‘cheap’ hand-cannons, once we have enough metal: Likewise, he has identified the runes on the runed swords claimed from the battle against Balboa, Daobo and Dulu’s forces (though the one bearing lightning marks still eludes identification), and he notes them to be designed to draw blood onto the blade when the slice flesh: They seem designed to work in tandem with the blood togas and the blood cloak, to make refueling easier. He also notes he is getting close to the point that he could replicate the blood togas, provided he either learns some Blood magic or has a Blood mage assist him.
--Keddic takes a moment to thank me for the information about Aurockoth, conveyed through Jojo during our journey back, but notes that realistically, he is fully aware he could not face him now: He does mention he has been making great strides at building a new, more offensively-oriented style, that he terms ‘Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism,’ and he hopes to have the kinks ironed out shortly, so that he may demonstrate it to me.
--Bokk remarks that she has learned much of stonework and building more permanent fortifications, and with my blessing will return to Mordreden to spearhead the construction of more capable fortifications and buildings alike.
--Krump notes he has been laboring to learn the common tongue as swiftly as possible, as the wealth of knowledge contained in the tower and it’s tomes fascinates him, and he requests that he be allowed to stay: He hopes to bring knowledge of these differing methods of magic back when he finally returns.

Well, there is much to think on and respond to. As I watch the Arcanoworks bustling with activity, I wonder…

What should I say or do?
What kind of orders or changes to orders should I give to any of my followers?
[I shall also need ONLY 3 d20 rolls, one per poster max.]

993 posts omitted. Last 50 shown. Expand all images

>>	6c667f.jpg Dawn Island 6c667f Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)14:13 No. 203226 ID: 6c667f >>203222 get a large anti magic crystal. infuse with souls , activate, viola anti-magic golem.

Glue 2010/07/04(Sun)15:06 No. 203246 ID: c4af24

>>203198
>>203170

Hmm time to put Dregas to work. Get him to talk with Vimes and company while you go have your serious discussion with Reinhardt.
(Dregas must feel so ignored aaah) Just tell Dregas to tell the visitors that Mordre can speak to them after attending to an important meeting that sprung up. Or he can come up with something to occupy them until Mordre is done.

>>	86745d.jpg Mystic Shining Belle 86745d Falcon 2010/07/04(Sun)15:54 No. 203274 ID: 86745d >>203246 Seconded.

Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)16:55 No. 203308 ID: 2aaaf1

>>203170

>UberBlootz Steel

Hmm, no doubt that access to the other colored steels will do wonders for our composition. But... perhaps we can do even more for the base components of the alloy we are forging. It is already a given that sometime in the future our forces will come to bear against Aurockoth, and we know from the Blue Knight and Keddic's experiences with the life golem that Aurockoth's control of blood is more than substantial; almost on the level of what Eisenhardt claims his final trump card to be. And thus I would suspect that Aurockoth's blood iron contains a rediculous amount of ambient magical energy as opposed to any other organic we've encountered so far, I'd even speculate that barring the Grand Elder Mages of the Mortal Coil, Aurockoth would happen to be the best blood magic manipulator on the surface of the planet. I also think I've derived WHY Aurockoth killed three members of Keddic's family. The Harksburton's pride themselves on being really awesome combat magic users, and being pioneers in the area of blood magic practitioners. I speculate that one of Aurockoth's abilities as a life golem, is to be able to integrate the physical and magical potential of a defeated enemy into himself. It makes sense for maximizing his strength to be a motive behind the killing, eating three blood magic experts will do that quite well I imagine. All we need now is a few magically charged sources other base materials such as carbon, and we could make something beyond a simple alloy.

>>	6c9d14.jpg Cherry Dancer 6c9d14 Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)17:04 No. 203315 ID: 6c9d14 >>203308 We need to find magic trees, and make them into magic charcoal, and then eat it

>>	6c667f.jpg Dawn Island 6c667f Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)17:05 No. 203317 ID: 6c667f >>203315 make the carbon in the steel more powerful as well? hell yeah! but none of the ones we got from Moss' place, probably like family to the thing.

>>	86745d.jpg Mystic Shining Belle 86745d Falcon 2010/07/04(Sun)17:08 No. 203319 ID: 86745d >>203315 Well wadaya know, we have a few of those growing right now :D

>>	9f4050.jpg Sweety Candy 9f4050 Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)17:29 No. 203330 ID: 9f4050 >>203319 no, me need other magic trees. not ones that may be intelligent and work for us with the right stimulus.

Shot!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/04(Sun)17:50 No. 203339 ID: e31d52

This is why we have minions, folks!
Speak with Reinheardt, but quickly command that Derkin prepare for visitors and see to it that he and Arkus recieve him, should you remain busy, and tell Vimes that you shall be with him within the hour.

Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)18:15 No. 203344 ID: 903f16

>>203315
Here's a thought to add to that one. So far we've added blood iron to the wootz steel alloy, blood iron being presumably being heavily tied to blood magic. If we add coal from the trees that Moss planted, which give off world magic, we would unknowingly be working towards a rather interesting alloy. It would have elements from each type of magical fuel source in it. Right now we're three sources shy of that though, but what's to stop up from adding word, will, and eventually soul magic into the mixture? I think if we found a way to do that we'd be able to create one of the most powerful metals known. At least, this is what I think Bob was wanting us to get at when he said find more ways to infuse it with magic beyond the blood from blood iron.

Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)18:34 No. 203348 ID: 37b673

>>203246
>Vimes meets nobility.
>Hahano.

Sorry, Vimes - or at least Discworld's Vimes - would not react the best. Sadly, I think Arkus is the best man for this job, pulled himself up by his bootstraps, a little snarky and willful - just tell him to not use the 'I kicked a guard in the groin' story. Derkin and Lord Dregas can see to getting the troops lined up and ready. Bark a quick order to our Premen to do the same. Not show uniforms, but get in formations.

And then yeah, lets go see what Reinheardt wants to talk about. Ask him where he wishes to speak, but try and be visible.

Note: Have we told The Brothers Paradox about Arkus knowing who we are or not?

And as for everyone clamoring to eat magic trees and everything, I want to suggest waiting. Not because they're not good ideas - many of them are - but because I would like Arkus, or our Think Tank, to look at us. Get an official opinion on what we changed about ourselves. And then, before ingesting any strange items, we should go back and discuss. We eat a battlefield to get this, I don't wanna mess it up.

Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)18:35 No. 203349 ID: 503c99
File 127829375229.jpg - (26.09KB , 223x310 , MtgForest.jpg )

About the world magic coming from the trees, maybe the energy is coming from everything growing in the area, the plants, vegetables, etc, and we are only able to tap them for energy because of the trees Moss planted

>>	d3dfb8.jpg Dark Harmony Soft d3dfb8 Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)18:47 No. 203352 ID: d3dfb8 >>203349 So world magic is just the power of all the life on the planet?

>>	503c99.jpg Orange Spice Climber 503c99 Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)18:49 No. 203355 ID: 503c99 Perhaps you never know

Falcon 2010/07/04(Sun)19:05 No. 203360 ID: 86745d

In any case, here is my prediction. Those trees are gonna grow up and make more world sprites, then they are going to band together and screw us over the cost of a building and unit injury before Moss actually gets to eat them. remember, they get more aggressive as their numbers increase.

If there were around 500 of them, then we would be screwed for quite a while.

>>	9f4050.jpg Sweety Candy 9f4050 Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)19:14 No. 203363 ID: 9f4050 >>203360 we just need to put moss on watch when they look near done. then he just hoovers them up.

>>	86745d.jpg Mystic Shining Belle 86745d Falcon 2010/07/04(Sun)19:38 No. 203366 ID: 86745d >>203363 But how do we know when they are near done? I can only hope that Moss knows and will start watching them like a hawk when the time comes.

Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)21:21 No. 203438 ID: 4af8c8

On the subject of modifying our alloy.
The souls we carry around are held in our furnace, right? We keep them there until we need a use of them.
But what if we tried to infuse them with our alloy? Like >>203344 said, maybe it will boost our soul magic when/if we get around acquiring it? Maybe it could make our hero souls even more "lively"?
Soul-Blootz Steel anyone?

>>	9f4050.jpg Sweety Candy 9f4050 Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)22:05 No. 203460 ID: 9f4050 >>203438 soul forged blootz with magic carbon? sounds yummy.

Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)22:17 No. 203464 ID: 2aaaf1

>>203438
Well Soul Graves are designed to be "auto-optimizing min-maxers" to put it bluntly. I don't think such a thing was ever possible to be employed in the function of a Soul Grave. Souls are a precious resource, and they are better spent fueling the actions of the Soul Grave rather than altering it's composition, because the amount of souls required would be overwhelming. Look at how black steel is made, hundreds of souls must be sacrificed to build up enough power to enchant the metal, I don't think it's as simple as telling the souls in our furnace "EMPOWER ME, SLAVES." unless we were using a pristine soul, and those are even rarer to come across, and such a power does not exist for non-sapient Soul Graves. If we could do it from the get-go, the ability would've manifested itself far earlier than this.

Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)22:25 No. 203468 ID: 4af8c8

>>203464
Hey, there haven't ever been Soul Graves completely saturated with blood iron. Maybe soul infusing works in conjunction with blood iron? You never know if you don't try.
Though as you said it will probably require tons of souls.

Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)22:28 No. 203469 ID: 2aaaf1

>>203464
And on that note: WHO IN THE HELL CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF SOULFIRE?

This has been bugging me since the beginning of the quest. The attack is useful, make no mistake, but it's just so terribly inefficient. Three souls may not seem like much to anyone, but it all adds up over time. The fire burns everything, including other souls which could serve a much better use in our furnace. In addition, every soul that is entered into our furnace is automatically converted into soulfire, and a month of exposure will snuff out one of our souls, this is TERRIBLE FOR US. Even if all our plans come to pass, we'll still have to deal with the everburning hunger of our furnace, or we cease functioning forever. A way to circumvent or remove such a burden must exist, and we must find it before it unmakes us completely.

Falcon 2010/07/04(Sun)23:05 No. 203486 ID: 86745d

>>203469
Circumvent it? Becoem a real boy and eat meat instead.

I believe soul graves were made like this to give better harmonization between them and their fuel source. People eat, soul graves eat. Soul graves are largely humanoid and humans are... human. So yea, to facilitate the efficient use of the souls, it would important to present as many areas of harmonization as possible. I think the reason they were made out of metal is that making them out of flesh would just be like making a person out of 3 people, a waste. Metal is also a much better container in terms of durability and the ability to house an ever-burning furnace without heating up your surroundings overmuch.

I could probably explain this better if I was fully awake.

>>	d3dfb8.jpg Dark Harmony Soft d3dfb8 Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)23:10 No. 203488 ID: d3dfb8 >>203469 ... Seriously? How about we worry about this when it becomes a problem. After saaayyy... 1000 years without conflict. I mean seriously, its 1 soul a month.

Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)23:30 No. 203496 ID: 2aaaf1

>>203488
It's ALWAYS going to be a problem from here on out, we just went through hundreds of souls on Eisenhardt alone and we only managed a stalemate of sorts. OUR ENEMIES WILL ONLY BECOME STRONGER FROM THIS POINT, we must either learn to stop relying on Inferno Golems, or find a way to fix our spell matrices. This isn't a problem that stopped once we became strong enough to tango with Domintus strikeforces, nor is it a problem that will dissapear when we become strong enough to hoover up entire capital cities. This is a problem we must deal with sooner rather than later, time is not our friend and it never has been. Recent victories have made us lax in our decisions, and it will be our undoing if we ignore this hunger.

Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)00:17 No. 203524 ID: 6c9d14

Nah, a soul a month? Shit, we could hang around a hospital in a major city and have that. If we're doing any spell matrix tinkering, we've got to somehow find a way to fix the "Need to eat mages to get magic" thing, so we can booklearn.

This will probably require pristine souls, all of them.

>>	86745d.jpg Mystic Shining Belle 86745d Falcon 2010/07/05(Mon)00:19 No. 203527 ID: 86745d >>203524 If we eat a mage who has an incredible affinity fr knowledge via books then I am sure we can go booklearn.

>>	4af8c8.jpg Green Feather Candy 4af8c8 Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)00:20 No. 203528 ID: 4af8c8 >>203496 I agree We are depleting our reserves way too fast. We need to be more fuel efficient.

Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)00:29 No. 203532 ID: d3dfb8

Our fuel efficiency/soulfire has nothing to do with the huge consumption of souls we've been doing.
The IG inverted functions are just extremely costly abilities.
We've been using said abilities rather liberally because we have a large amount of souls to play with and, frankly, we don't want our asses handed to us by someone who is insanely more powerful than us.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2010/07/05(Mon)00:30 No. 203533 ID: a76809

>>203208
>>203218
>>203246
>>203339
>>203348
"Derkin, Donwick... oh, and someone grab Arkus: I want you three to get the Arcanoworks ready, We have guests coming that I want well received, And the three named shall meet them."

As Derkin and Dregas alike, both within earshot, start shouting orders, I see several Arcanoworks personnel ducking into the central tower, shortly re-emerging with Arkus in the lead, once more dispensing commands to those about him, listening carefully to what the sentries atop the walls say of those nearing us. As the Arcanoworks explodes into activity, readying itself to receive these incoming guests, I move to intercept Reinhardt, sidling up alongside him as we his path takes him away from the bustle of activity. He glances my way, and begins speaking of his own accord shortly enough.

"..'Tis a strange thing indeed, to meet one's one descendant: Eisenhardt is my great-great-great-great-grandson, Did thou know this?"

"I cannot say I did. And how did the meeting go?"

"As thou said, he was most amenable to mine secret, Caring not for my lack of flesh or original form: Indeed, he briefly mentioned the one you spoke of, This Dulu, being off to the north on some venture or other. But... it was strange indeed, speaking with him.... And I would not have done it differently if given the chance. With Lohengram destroyed, I feared my line gone... But Eisenhardt is hale and hardy, with two children of his own, The oldest of which has made him a grandfather: My family line still persists, and... it pleases me, to learn this.

For a time, this is all Reinhardt does, regaling me with the tales of Lyrhardt and Borohardt, children of Eisenhardt, and Lyrhardt's own children, Einhardt and Zweihardt. Borohardt took up magery, and is part of the Mortal Coil, a capable Kinetomancer that according to his last missives to his father is trying to branch into Tractomancy, while Lyrhardt largely abandoned her career as a mage after her life was saved by a simple farmer, and raises her two children, teaching them what she knew of Aeromancy and Pomumancy whilst living a simple life. Reinhardt is particularly proud of learning that Zweihardt has taken up service as a page to a knight, learning the ways of swordsmanship, riding, and the behavior expected of such a station. It is more than somewhat discordant, to hear the previously terse and suspicious Reinhardt open up to me so, and I find the information pleasing, beyond it's direct tactical benefits in giving me more insight into a self-described foe. Finally he seems to realize how forthright he is being with me, and abruptly excuses himself, claiming he must check upon his mount, and exits the Arcanoworks-just as Vimes leads his own troop in.

Vimes inclines his head at Reinhardt, immediately displaying his recognition of Reinhardt's position as a Paradox Knight, before continuing in at the head of his group, some eighty strong, to be met by Derkin, Dregas and Arkus. I observe their exchange from a distance, nearly on the opposite side of the Arcanoworks interior, cursing the fact I must take a measured pace so as to avoid looking like a charging weapon of war and inspiring all manner of misunderstanding. Arkus is the first to speak.

[Ar]"Ah, greetings, and welcome to Kyogrock Arcanoworks, I am Arkus-"
[Dr]"I am Lord Donwick Dregas-"
[De]"Derkin."
[Ar]"So, what brings you to the Arcanoworks today?"
[Vi]"Uh-huh. Two things: Your leader, master, whatever, stopped by... Quinton's Keep, looking for a meeting, and I'm here to follow up on that.... as well as some reports that reached the keep just before my departure, about a metal golem and a few individuals being involved in an altercation on the Eastern side of the state, with the Disciples of Domintus..... you said you are a lord?"
[Dr]"Indeed, I happen to-"
[Vi]"Never much cared for lords, heads stuck up their own arses and convinced it's alright to play with the common-folk.... and you."
[De]"Me?"
[Vi]"I got my eye on you, don't think I don't."
[De]"But why would you be suspicious of me?"
[Vi]"As if your overly practiced and too-easy response to my attention weren't reason enough, my gut tells me your a criminal, simple as that."
[Ca]"No, captain, please, we are here for diplomatic reasons, no need to be antagonistic-"
[Vi]"Quiet, Carrot. Unless you can point to a single time my gut's been wrong... oh wait, you can't."
[Ar]"Well, if you aren't paying attention to your orders, are your previously presented reasons for being here still applicable?"
[Vi]"What?"
[No]"I think wot the lad's trying to say is, if we aren't payin' any heed to our orders, see, then was the reason-reasons, that is, we gave, 'pon arrivin' an' all, truthful like?"
[Vi]"Thank you Nobby... and I am somewhat worried you grasped that and I did not. Well, Arkus, yes, they are, else-wise I wouldn't have said them, not a fan of deceit: None of my lads in the Watch are."
[An]"Ahem."
[Vi]"...Right, lads AND LASSES in the Watch, happy Angua?"
[No]"Here now, who's this? That the bloke we're supposed to see?"

At this last remark from the misshapen form I assume must be a Life Golem, the one named Nobby redirects all attention to my approaching form as conversation dies out....

What should I say or do?

Falcon 2010/07/05(Mon)01:16 No. 203552 ID: 86745d

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-

I effing knew it!!! I was going to say something eairler but I din't have conclusive evidence, only hunches.

WENSHIO HAS FOUND OUT ABOUT OUR ESCAPADES IN THE NORTH AND HAS SENT DULU TO GET SOME REVENGE.

WE NEED TO GET BACK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

We gotta wrap this shit up in a few hours tops and get goin. Oggroth, Keddic and Bang should have little trouble keeping pace but the rest of them are going to have to catch up.

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-
I will never forgive this man if all we find is a bloody mess on a mountain.

Falcon 2010/07/05(Mon)01:19 No. 203553 ID: 86745d

In other news, give them the proper greeting.
I am the mage Mordre, blah blah and all that. Invite them in to rest and converse in comfort.

I do not recall what we wanted to talk to this guy about, so i will leave it to the persons so inclined until I remember.

>>	ad584c.jpg Coconut Bubbles ad584c Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)01:31 No. 203556 ID: ad584c >>203552 ... how did you piece that together? if you want a pristine you need to explain how you reached that conclusion.

Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)01:31 No. 203557 ID: d3dfb8

As you are taking the last few steps stumble a little bit, but recover.
In Illia's voice:
"Oops; sorry I haven't got quite got the hang of this.
Hello I am Illia," Give an awkward curtsy, "Master Mordre is eating at the moment. I will go fetch him for you.
OOOOOOOOOO~ who is this precious little thing!" Move over to Nobby, "You must be one of those life golems! Master Mordre is always talking about golems~ Oh no, I forgot! I'll be right back him! Just a second!"
Freeze for a minute, then back in Mage Mordre's voice.
"Illia what have I told you about using my soul grave? Sigh. Oh well, what's done is done. Ah you must be Vimes. Please allow me introduce myself, I am a man of wealth and taste. I've been around for a long, long year, stole many a man's soul and faith. I am Mage Mordre, pleased to make your acquaintance. Please be welcome and enjoy the comforts of my humble abode. Atleast, one of them anyway."
Hamming it up yo. Who wouldn't want to see a soul grave curtsy?
>>203553
Honestly I have no idea why we want to talk to him. He's some guy from something called Discworld which I have never heard of before.
I'm sure someone else will remember.

Shot!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/05(Mon)01:34 No. 203558 ID: e31d52

>>203552
Agreed. We should send our FASTEST runner immediatly, then excuse ourselves. Shit is getting real.

Greet Vimes with a nod as you approach.
"Indeed I am the one you seek: Mage Mordre. I am most happy to make your acquantance, my good man. First of all, I'd like to point out that Dregas, I assure you, is not in the slightest overly egotistical to his birthright. He has been humbled greatly recently, and I took him in out of kindness. As for Derkin, his current actions and those within my prescence lead me to believe he a man of his word. I applaud your forthrightness, however. Not many speak in such a way after hearing about my... Er, after knowing about my golem. At any rate, I'd offer a handshake, but, aha, I fear that shall have to wait.
"My main reason in calling you here is part of my overarching goal here in the State: I wish to unite the various forces fighting against lawlessness so we may more effectively destroy these unsavory folks. A union of like-minded individuals that wish to bring the State back to its former glory. And, hearing your exemplary record and your way of doing things, I'd like you to help me in this endeavor. I won't be in charge of you, of course... that falls on the shoulders of proper authorities. Rather, I feel we should seek out those who wish to fight the lawlessness and grant them assisstance, authority, and an offer for help. You see, my apprentice here has thought of a rather ingenious yet simple communication system. A pair of matching staffs with a ruby apeice, and when both are in the ground, they will both light. The idea is to make multiple sets, one for, say, the Blue Knight's outpost, one for Quinton, one for Trepany, and so on, and then set up a ring of their mates here, such that all they need to do in case of an emergency is plant their staff in the ground. Then woosh" motion with your hand, "Off we go. Ah. I ramble.... Have you any questions, Mister Vimes?"

Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)01:37 No. 203561 ID: d3dfb8

>>203556
Dulu has gone north.
Dulu is half Premen.
Therefore Dulu knows that our 'alchemics' are premen warriors.
Therefore Weinsho knows that our 'alchemics' are premen warriors.
Therefore Weinsho knows we have ties to the premen in the mountains to the north.
Therefore Weinsho sent his foremost expert on premen north to find our guys. Namely, Dulu.
If we want to rematch Dulu we need to head back up to the premen lands, which we were going to do anyway. When we do head up we should be prepared to face Dulu and possibly other Weinsho minions.

>>	530bdf.jpg Dark Spirit Brush 530bdf Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)01:44 No. 203562 ID: 530bdf >>203561 well luckily he still has to find the right village, he may be tireless but finding which one we are tied to will be hard.

Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)01:58 No. 203566 ID: 4af8c8

>>203552
Now lets phrase it in such a way we might get Moment of Inspiration.

....

Nevermind, I'll try my hand on this:

Dulu.
Dulu the Golem Slayer. One of the very few people who could hold his ground against us in one-on-one battle. We have run into him several times, managed to kill him but only to find that he his soul has been transported into a highly effective small tomb body. After so many interactions we have developed a sort of mutual respect (as far as two mortal foes can). Besides, Dulus disposition towards us must have surely increased after we held our word and gave back his staff (which I believe holds family/sentimental value as combat value to him) with no tricks or strings attached.
But no matter how much he likes us, he must do as Weishiro tell him as the mage has a literal hold of his soul. Surely Weishiro has noticed that Dulu recovered his staff and must have questioned him about the circumstances surrounding that recovery.

Unlike Dulu, Weishiro is not an honorable person, he often resolves to deceits, traps and backstabbing (as we have learned of him from various sources). So it should not come as surprise if he tries to hurt us indirectly. He has already attacked our caravan once instead of challenging us directly.
We have never hidden the fact that we employ Premen warriors and since Dulu has Premen ancestry it is hard to believe that they don't know where their lands are. Since we have been sending trade caravans between our tribe in the north and Arcaneworks that task is even easier. Dulu just needs to follow them.

When Weishiro discovers Drazken Clan it will give him perfect opportunity for disrupting our operations and revenge (as it is quite similar to how we stood in his way)

These would have been just speculations if not for the fact that Eisenhardt revealed that Dulu is doing something in the North. Since Dulu and us have rather good relations (as enemies go) I believe Weishiro is reluctant to send him against us, lest we try to talk him out again or even convert him to our cause, so he decides to hit us indirectly.

Also, this may be the reason why Logrk has asked us to come back to visit the clan again. He probably phrased it as "the clan wants to see the metal chieftain" because he didn't want to be seen weak and reliant in our eyes.

Also, since we have talked a bit about trying to put Dulu on our side. I believe that would be possible when we set Kyorto free. As far as I remember, she's very competent soul mage and would be able to sever the ties between Dulu and Weishiro. If we do that, Dulu can have his freedom again and choose for himself.

Thought? Additions? Anything I might have gotten wrong?

Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)02:12 No. 203567 ID: 4af8c8
File 127832114733.jpg - (15.55KB , 300x360 , Samuel_Vimes.jpg )

>I do not recall what we wanted to talk to this guy about, so i will leave it to the persons so inclined until I remember.

>Honestly I have no idea why we want to talk to him. He's some guy from something called Discworld which I have never heard of before. I'm sure someone else will remember.

They do not know who Samuel Vimes is!!!
If we were in the same room I would have thrown some books at you (from Guards series).
You must educate yourself!

http://wiki.lspace.org/wiki/Samuel_Vimes

>>	0a8e03.jpg Green Chanting Bee 0a8e03 Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)05:16 No. 203598 ID: 0a8e03 >>203561 >>203566 small problem with this, dulu is a bit pissed off and anoyed at the archmage so theres a decent chance he would not tell him.

Emba 2010/07/05(Mon)05:23 No. 203599 ID: f4e4f9

Once standard introductions are out of the way:

"I imagine you're curious as to why I wanted to speak with you? Not much of a mystery, that, really. I happened to hear that you had been in pursuit of an individual, a certain mage to the North, which happens to be one of my goals as well. Assuming we're after the same person, I would very much like to know what you've discovered about his forces and capabilities and current activities that I am not unaware of.

Beyond that, however, I'm a little surprised you made it here so quickly. I'd heard you were a bit gruff and not one prone to making last-minute housecalls. No offense intended, mind you."

>>	f4e4f9.jpg Morning Drifter f4e4f9 Emba 2010/07/05(Mon)05:24 No. 203600 ID: f4e4f9 >>203598 True, but that seems to be a somewhat recent development. I would not personally wish to risk that.

Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)05:43 No. 203606 ID: 37b673

>>203558
This! Very good, slight ham, good introduction. It might be a good idea to, well, tell him that we might have pressing business up north with agents of the mage he might have been looking for. Apologize if we're...brief with him, we shouldn't use 'short' around Cheery, and that our mind is more focused on the problem of this Agent then the greeting we should be giving.

Also, this is Vimes we're half-lying to. This makes me panicy.

>>203557
...Illia hitting on Nobby...Yeah, I'm gonna die laughing.

Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)05:57 No. 203608 ID: 37b673

OIh yes, Regarding the Dulu Problem: Unless these leaps in logic earn us a Pristine Soul, we have no idea why Dulu is up in the mountains. We could catch him on some soul finding sojourn with him trying to find his place. We don't really know yet, however we shouldn't linger too long. We should leave before the end of the day.

Falcon 2010/07/05(Mon)07:17 No. 203622 ID: 86745d

Ok, most of what has been said follows my train of thought, the rest of the stuff I can't really refer to because i do not remember in which chapter I read them and they were just a few lines each time.

Dulu is somewhat pissed off at Wenshio yes, but If the man who gave you life asks you a question you have to tell him the truth. Dulu already lied to him once and he said that he would punish him, it is not a stretch that he would implement a spell that would stop him from doing so again.
We know that Wenshio is trying to attack thing that mean anything to us in revenge and we also know that he knows little about us, so he would go after any lead he has with sufficient force.
Beyond that,Dulu doesn't like us very much either so there would be no reason for him to hold back the knowledge beyond a desire to protect his fellow Premen, and that ain't happening.
As for how long it takes to track us, all he would have to do is ask anybody about a metal man then he would instantly be pointed to the Drasken (or the Magic eater guy, we know so little about him). Then boom, run in and rape.
Dulu was likely more than a match for any Preman before his death and now with his recreation, I doubt that anyone could even put a scratch on him. Not underestimating my bro Lorgk here but yea, we were match evenly last time and our upgraded form was having trouble with Dulu. Not looking good.

>>	86745d.jpg Mystic Shining Belle 86745d Falcon 2010/07/05(Mon)07:20 No. 203625 ID: 86745d >>203567 TL;DR. summary required.

Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)07:27 No. 203630 ID: 4af8c8

>>203557

WAIT! Don't do that!
Why its a nice HAM, it will jeopardize the mechanism we are supposed to be using for controlling the golem. We are already adapting Eisenhardts theory that we use partial souls possession. There's no way that our maids can do that.

One of the rules of lying is that you have to tell the SAME lie to everyone without modifying it each time.

>>	e31d52.jpg Evening Dancer e31d52 How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/07/05(Mon)09:56 No. 203660 ID: e31d52 >>203625 In the Discworld, he's one of the best police officers in the world. At one point he managed to defeat an elder god with the POWER OF LAW.

>>	6c9d14.jpg Cherry Dancer 6c9d14 Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)11:11 No. 203673 ID: 6c9d14 >>203630 While I like eventually having one of the maids use the golem, maybe cover for us while we're in the can or walking an elephant, I don't believe now is the time for such ham.

GOLEM QUEST THREAD 6 COMPLETE Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2010/07/05(Mon)11:15 No. 203674 ID: a76809

>>203552
[And if you had posted your theories complete with a prediction earlier, you could have gained another Pristine Soul. As is, you would have to predict even further, since between the information from an earlier elsewhere (That Weinsho had an idea of how to target Mordre's holdings, and really hurt him) segment and this recent bit of data from Eisenhardt (That Dulu is going north into the mountains where the yeti and Premen live), as well as Dulu's own familial history, you now have enough data that this deduction is no longer great enough to earn one a more ind-depth analysis/prediction combo is now required for this particular possible Pristine Soul.]

>>203561
>>203566
>>203608
[No Pristine Soul]
I nearly stumble as my mind races through several bits of data, realizing that Dulu's presence to the north is likely linked to Lorgk's request for my return. If Dulu is to the north, it seems highly likely Weinsho has some inkling of the origins of the Premen traveling with me (unsurprising, given Dulu himself is/was a half-Premen). While this would mean that when I do travel north, I may have the chance to face Dulu in combat again, I am leery of what I may find. After all, attacking the Premen to the north would largely mirror how I disrupted his and Eisenhardt's plans to the west in Duras, and I know Weinsho has no compunctions against indirect damages such as these. Considering how potent Dulu has become, I am more than passing concerned for those living at Mordreden. I shall have to make my way north soon.... and also consider that Kyorto, as evidenced to have come competence in Soul Magic, might be able to undo whatever bindings may be in place on Dulu, enforcing his service to Weinsho, should such exist. I did not agree to having his staff returned to him simply to honor the deal Keddic struck, but also because there is a chance his power could be turned to serve my own ends, if certain circumstances were met.

>>203553
>>203558
>>203599
I make my way closer, moving to extend a metal hand to shake Vime's own of flesh, but stop as I feel the singular attention of nearly every single member of Vime's 'Watch' focus on me-and the one named Carrot's soul seems to well with force, a hand drifting towards his simple, unadorned sword.... which I cannot decipher through my senses, it's alloy eluding identification, it's magnetic field so thoroughly 'owned' I can only nominally perceive it. I halt some ten feet distant and begin my introductions, trying to ignore the sense of danger I feel to better stay within my present persona.

"Well, greetings... captain Vimes, yes? Indeed, I am the one you seek: Mage Mordre-"

"You from a noble house?"
"Personally? No-"

"Then why do you have a Soul Grave?"
"...My late wife was rather adept at managing finances, Which coupled with more than a fair share of luck, to-"

"So not a noble, then?"
"Why no, not at all. And if I may get through introductions.."

I do not know if it is my attempt at sounding reproachful (or my attempts to shift the metal in my face and posture alike to suit such a mood), or my staunch denial of being a noble, but Vime's antagonistic approach seems to mellow out, and he inclines his head at me to continue. I simulate the noise of someone clearing his throat, and continue in my greeting.

"Well, I am most happy to make your acquaintance, I have heard good things about your group, From the few mentions made by others in the State. First of all, I'd like to point out that Dregas, I assure you, Is not in the slightest overly egotistical to his birthright. He has had more than his fair share of loss recently, And I took him in out of both consideration and respect for his talents, Not out of some wish to see one with a Noble title exalted. As for Derkin, his current actions and those within my presence alike, They lead me to believe he a man of his word, and he has worked diligently, For as long as I have known him. I applaud your forthrightness, however. Not many speak in such a way after hearing about my... Er, after knowing about or seeing my golem here. At any rate, I'd offer a handshake, but, aha, I fear that shall have to wait."

At my words, several of Vime's Watchmen (including several of the golems, interestingly enough) begin muttering amongst themselves, considering my words, until Vimes looks at the tall and rather burly one titled Carrot, who turns back toward the group, and bellows a simple command to keep silent, which is promptly followed in the ringing wake of his resounding cry... the lad must have lungs of steel, to shout so. Noting my gaze locked on several of the stone golems that spoke, Vimes starts speaking, somewhat faster than he had before.

"Sorry, get to chatting a bit on their own-ah, see you're eyeballing the golems, don't pay it any mind, just enchantments so they mimic human behavior, works well as a distraction in combat, but doesn't come with an off switch-I am interested in you words, please continue-and can you verify, was it you who participated in fending off the Domintus forces to the east?"

"I suppose so, if they have not returned, as I left shortly after that exchange: Though to be fair, my own contribution in that battle was to fell a giant Alchemic, And stop a few clay siege golems, but beyond that little but support: 'Twas Oggroth, Ugrokk, Keddic and Bang who shined, slaying Abaeloth. NOW... My main reason in calling you here is part of my overarching goal here in the State: I wish to unite the various forces fighting against lawlessness in the area, So we may more effectively expel or defeat these unsavory folks, Those praying upon the common citizens and taking advantage of the weakened State. A union of like-minded individuals that wish to bring the State back to its former glory. And, hearing your exemplary record and your way of doing things, I'd like you to help me in this endeavor. I won't be in charge of you, of course... That falls on the shoulders of proper authorities. Rather, I feel we should seek out those who wish to fight the lack of order, And grant them assistance, authority, and an offer for help. I happened to hear that you had been in pursuit of an individual, A certain mage to the North, which happens to be one of my goals as well. Assuming we're after the same person, I would very much like to know, That which you've discovered about his forces and capabilities, As well as his current activities that I may not be aware of."

"This mage, that I may or may not be seeking, what do YOU know of him?"

"Well, the one I think of is responsible, either directly or indirectly, For the troubles near Trekel with that Core Being, and the near miss as well-"

"Near miss?"

"Both the North AND the South farming fields were taken over, Being readied for fell rituals: Thankfully, one attempt was stopped before it could... Get out of hand, but the other, as you must be aware, was very much so a success."

"...Mage to the north, responsible for the Core Being... okay, lets say that if we are thinking of the same person-not sayin' we are, but if, IF we are, I'll take your own views under consideration, as it's my understanding that mages very frequently need to be faced with either overwhelming force or other mages to be dropped...continue, please."

"Beyond that, however, I'm a little surprised you made it here so quickly. I'd heard you were a bit gruff and not one prone to making last-minute house-calls. No offense intended, mind you. Have you any questions, Mister Vimes?"

"Plenty of questions: Why you have a knight of the Order of Harmonious Discord here, how you know about this mage, what specifics you may have that you are willing to share, an explanation as to why you keep leaving the Arcanoworks when Lord Brigadier General Quinton ceded it to YOUR command, how you showed up within minutes of a Domintus attack on the opposite side of the state-and why there is a man floating over your walls there."

I look up at his last question, to see Eisenhardt, his magnetic fields fluxing about his form far more fluidly, tiny glowing spheres of Blood Iron orbiting his form, as a manic grin paints his face.

"SO, MORDRE, YOU TOOK MY LEGS, AND GAVE THEM BACK!!
WHAT SAY YOU TO ROUND TWO, RIGHT NOW, I'M SURE AS HELL READY!!!"

"...I'm also curious what the story is behind that."

As I contemplate how to answer or handle this situation and Vimes oddly calm final question, Bang pops atop a nearby structure, his face lit with glee, and shouts out his own blurb while dynamically lifting a hand to point at Eisenhardt as his scarf flutters viciously about his form.

"I FUCKING LOVE THIS GUY!!"

Hm.

Ah.....

[GOLEM QUEST ARC 6 COMPLETE: IRON-HEARTED EISENHARDT]
[GOLEM QUEST ARC 7 INCOMING: TROUBLES ON THE HOME-FRONTS]

[Return] [Entire Thread] [Last 50 posts] [Last 100 posts]

Delete post [File Only]
Password

Name	(optional)
Email	(optional, will be displayed)
Subject	(optional, usually best left blank)
Message
File	[Spoiler Image]
Password	(for deleting posts, automatically generated)

How to format text Supported file types are: GIF, JPG, PNG, SWF Maximum file size allowed is 10000 KB. Images greater than 250x250 pixels will be thumbnailed.