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File 129651241151.gif - (6.29KB , 800x600 , OriQuest000.gif )
276830 No. 276830 ID: 6bf918

My name is Ori, and for these past twenty-three years I've wandered the land, offering my skills as a healer to any who would accept them. I walked through battlefields, the skies above me black with birds of carrion, I endured the scorching heat of plague pyres piled high with corpses, and I placed stillborns into tiny coffins, assembled hastily by grim-faced joiners. I've learned to treasure success and accept failure. I've learned when to persevere, and when to give up.
Expand all images
>>
No. 276831 ID: 6bf918
File 129651245619.gif - (25.61KB , 800x600 , OriQuest001.gif )
276831

Which brings me to my current problem.
>>
No. 276832 ID: 99433a

>>276831
Shimmy up that bitch. You can do it!
>>
No. 276835 ID: 0a7c41

What are you? A Kobold? An Anteater?

And yeah, shimmy up that tree. It ain't nothing.
>>
No. 276841 ID: 6bf918
File 129651352591.gif - (23.51KB , 800x600 , OriQuest003.gif )
276841

For a Kobold like myself it isn't a question of ability. My claws are well-suited to facilitate such a climb. I can climb that tree with little effort on my part.
>>
No. 276851 ID: 1854db

>>276841
So what's the problem? What's at the top?
>>
No. 276858 ID: 6bf918
File 129651525782.gif - (22.31KB , 800x600 , OriQuest002.gif )
276858

Up there is what took me most of today to find - leechvine.

A parasite, brazenly feeding off the juices of trees that have to strain their nutrition from the ground. However, its leaves are vital in the treatment of Black Fever, an outbreak of which threatens to wipe out a Kobold camp I've arrived at last evening.

And the problem is... Well...
>>
No. 276859 ID: 6bf918
File 129651529568.gif - (24.14KB , 800x600 , OriQuest004.gif )
276859

It's a really tall tree.
>>
No. 276871 ID: 1854db

Are you afraid of heights? GET UP THERE! You need that. You must have it. Go get it!
>>
No. 276888 ID: 6bf918
File 129652067699.gif - (25.09KB , 800x600 , OriQuest005.gif )
276888

>Are you afraid of heights?

I...



Yes.
>>
No. 276895 ID: 8d8786

Cut the tree down. Or bite it down like a beaver.
>>
No. 276898 ID: 1854db

>>276888
...check inventory.
>>
No. 276912 ID: 6bf918
File 129652455687.gif - (27.87KB , 800x600 , OriQuest010.gif )
276912

I currently carry:

- Herbs: a standard kit of dried herbs that I've developed over the years, in order to deal with the most common ailments I encounter. I can use it to prepare medicine against coughs, fevers, and infections, as well as a mild sedative and a purgative
- Mortal and pestle
- Harvesting knife
- Lunch: although it's dinnertime by now
- Reed pipes

My other belongings I left at the camp, as I felt no need to burden myself with camping gear and such.
>>
No. 276931 ID: 1854db

>>276912
If you're too scared to climb, how about giving yourself a very small amount of the sedative to calm your nerves?
>>
No. 276933 ID: 34470e

>>276912
What are the symptoms of Black Fever?
>>
No. 276949 ID: 6bf918
File 129653195875.gif - (15.09KB , 800x600 , OriQuest011.gif )
276949

>how about giving yourself a very small amount of the sedative to calm your nerves?

Not a bad idea. In small doses, hogroot acts as a mild euphoric as well. The race of Men often adds it to the weaker wines in order to bolster their "kick".

I should feel it taking effect very soon.


If you're worried I might have contracted Black Fever, know that it is a sickness that either kills you, or renders you immune to future exposure, and I've already suffered through it some ten years ago. Its symptoms are a burning fever coupled with chills, rapid weight loss, and black vomit and urine. Death or recovery usually happens a week after the first symptoms manifest.
>>
No. 276959 ID: d677cc

>>276949
Well, if you're unwilling to climb the tree yourself you're going to have to find someone who is willing, or you're not going to get that vine anytime soon.
>>
No. 276962 ID: 1854db

So hey are you good at climbing down trees too?
>>
No. 276975 ID: 6bf918
File 129653503144.gif - (25.19KB , 800x600 , OriQuest012.gif )
276975

>have to find someone who is willing, or you're not going to get that vine anytime soon.

I know. That's what I usually do in these situations. I claim a shoulder injury and have some spry youngling accompany me to do the work.

But this time there are too many sick, and too few healthy ones to care for them. I had to go alone.

Just give it a moment longer for the hogroot to take effect.

>So hey are you good at climbing down trees too?

And I might need a second dose now. Thanks.
>>
No. 276978 ID: 8d8786

Prepare for battle
>>
No. 276998 ID: 6bf918
File 129653810610.gif - (27.84KB , 800x600 , OriQuest013.gif )
276998

Yes, I suppose that's one way to look at it. As a battle against my own weakness. Enough stalling. At least three Kobolds will die tonight unless I can make the medicine.

The robe will hamper my movement. Off it goes.
>>
No. 277003 ID: 1854db

>>276998
No not that battle. Battle against the thing we saw in the bushes.
>>
No. 277037 ID: 6bf918
File 129654532383.gif - (26.60KB , 800x600 , OriQuest0014.gif )
277037

If there was anyone else here, I would sniff them out.

All I can smell is dead leaves and wet earth.
>>
No. 277039 ID: 815cd1

Well maybe that's what it smells like.

Or maybe it ran away. But the likelihood of that is probably pretty low.
>>
No. 277040 ID: 1854db

Check the bushes anyway.

...actually it may be behind the tree now. Grab your stuff ahead of time.
>>
No. 277045 ID: 6bf918
File 129654850966.gif - (30.09KB , 800x600 , OriQuest0015.gif )
277045

No. Enough delays. If I'm to climb the tree, then I'll climb the tree.

While the hogroot is still doing something.
>>
No. 277046 ID: 1854db

fiiiine.

What's with that scar on your back?
>>
No. 277047 ID: 6bf918
File 129654897725.gif - (17.42KB , 800x600 , OriQuest006.gif )
277047

A memento of my one, and hopefully only encounter with the race of Dwarves.

It looks worse than it is.
>>
No. 277051 ID: 6bf918
File 129654961893.gif - (28.93KB , 800x600 , OriQuest0016.gif )
277051

But anyway.
>>
No. 277130 ID: 6bf918
File 129658970987.gif - (26.09KB , 800x600 , OriQuest008.gif )
277130

NEVER.
AGAIN.
>>
No. 277133 ID: 99433a

>>277130
Victory! In reward, demand a fucking sammich. I can see your ribs.
>>
No. 277201 ID: 6bf918
File 129660038782.gif - (25.51KB , 800x600 , OriQuest017.gif )
277201

First I get what I came for. Normally I'd only take several leaves and leave the leechvine to continue growing but, as I said, this time there's an entire camp to treat.

I suppose I should eat something. But first I have to weight it against the possibility of throwing up due to vertigo on the way down.
>>
No. 277206 ID: 1854db

>>277201
You can eat later. Carefully climb down, but don't look down while doing so.
>>
No. 277227 ID: 6bf918
File 129660410710.gif - (19.84KB , 800x600 , OriQuest018.gif )
277227

You're right, I should just-


ffffffFFFFFFFT!
>>
No. 277229 ID: 1854db

Well, we did warn you.

Now attempt to not fall to your death.
>>
No. 277235 ID: 105294

>>277227
try to lean forward, hug the tree branch with all your spindly might.
>>
No. 277237 ID: 6bf918
File 129660588653.gif - (40.56KB , 800x600 , OriQuest019.gif )
277237

But where did th-

Ugh.
>>
No. 277238 ID: 6bf918
File 129660592531.gif - (61.81KB , 800x600 , OriQuest20.gif )
277238

Uuuuggggghhhh....
>>
No. 277248 ID: 815cd1

We warned you about bushes, bro.

We told you, dog.
>>
No. 277253 ID: 6bf918
File 129660780840.gif - (18.88KB , 800x600 , OriQuest021.gif )
277253

I shouldn't have done that.

>We warned you about bushes, bro.

Why didn't I smell anything then? Ah well, too late to wander about that now.

>try to lean forward, hug the tree branch with all your spindly might.

Yes. Fear is making my heart gallop, causing the blood to circulate faster, so whatever that dart was tipped with will be taking effect very quickly.

Aside from the self-induced vertigo, I feel fairly lucid. This probably rules out a sedative.
>>
No. 277254 ID: 46c430

Don't you have a purgative in that medicine bag of yours? Can you use that? ...Also, you should probably pull the dart out if you haven't already.
>>
No. 277278 ID: 6bf918
File 129661142453.gif - (18.90KB , 800x600 , OriQuest022.gif )
277278

Purgatives only help against ingested poisons. They won't do anything against substances already in the bloodstream.

The dart fell out when I lied down on the branch.

My limbs are going numb, starting with the fingers and toes. My heartbeat's slowing down and I'm starting to have trouble breathing. Most likely some form of paralytic then.
>>
No. 277281 ID: 46c430

Uh... Well, then, uh... Tie off your arm to slow how fast it spreads? ...Bugger. I have no idea. You don't have ANYTHING in that pouch of yours for this? A stimulant, anything?
>>
No. 277282 ID: 252e1b

>>277281

There's nothing he can do if he doesn't have a anticholinergic on him. Which is just fine with me, now we can get on the railroad line to adventure!
>>
No. 277285 ID: 6bf918
File 129661282944.gif - (18.90KB , 800x600 , OriQuest023.gif )
277285

I think I've just let go of the branch. I'll close my eyes before I completely lose muscle control, otherwise I may wake up blind.

If I wake up - it's always possible the assailant misjudged the dose, and I'm underweight for my size.
>>
No. 278033 ID: 6bf918
File 129662449184.gif - (20.32KB , 800x600 , OriQuest024.gif )
278033

[Since this was such a short intro, I'll start Chapter 1 without starting another thread]
>>
No. 278052 ID: 6bf918
File 129662556319.gif - (18.92KB , 800x600 , OriQuest026.gif )
278052

Well...
>>
No. 278053 ID: 6bf918
File 129662558274.gif - (27.96KB , 800x600 , OriQuest025.gif )
278053

I'm awake.
>>
No. 278054 ID: d677cc

>>278053
You look exceptionally gaunt today.

Examine surroundings.
>>
No. 278064 ID: 252e1b

Well this is quite the pickle. At least they left you with your butt-flap thing.
>>
No. 278065 ID: 6bf918
File 129662657984.gif - (27.98KB , 800x600 , OriQuest027.gif )
278065

I'm quite obviously inside a cage. It's made entirely of wood, except for the lock on the door behind me, which is made of iron. There is some sort of tarp covering the cage, which blocks me from seing, hearing, or smelling anything beyond the bars. It appears to have a large dark stain on one side.

I'm severely emaciated and dehydrated, but otherwise appear unharmed.
>>
No. 278091 ID: 815cd1

Call out and see if anyone responds.

If not, reach through the bars and lift up/pull down the tarp on the side with the lock.
>>
No. 278093 ID: 676156

Those bars look very widely spaced. In fact, it looks like you can slip between them, no trouble at all. Try that.
>>
No. 278128 ID: 6bf918
File 129663830823.gif - (6.67KB , 800x600 , OriQuest028.gif )
278128

"Hello?"

As there is no response, I lift the tarp carefully, as currently any bright light could easily render me permanently blind.

Fortunately, the space outside the cage is just as dark. I sniff the air and nearly gag as my sense of smell is assaulted by a mixture of rotting meat and acrid animal droppings.
>>
No. 278129 ID: 6bf918
File 129663841734.gif - (21.88KB , 800x600 , OriQuest029.gif )
278129

What now?
>>
No. 278139 ID: 601343

Let's get these two dumb suggestions out of the way first.... any chance you can squeeze between the bars?
If not, check for a loose bar.

Oh, and try and be quiet, I have a feeling that your host has ill intentions towards you.
>>
No. 278150 ID: 6bf918
File 129664894650.gif - (27.27KB , 800x600 , OriQuest030.gif )
278150

I could. I suspect I could've done so even before my enforced fast. But why would I be put in a cage I can escape from?

Speaking of which, I'm not certain if I want to. No, before you say anything: I've been captured and sold into slavery twice already, and both times walked free again in less than six months. Whereas the only thing I know about being an escapee is that it entails a lot of pain upon being recaptured.
>>
No. 278156 ID: 34470e

>>278150
If you give out now, who will go around healing others? Who will cure a Kobold camp of Black Fever? And most of all, WHO WILL HEAR YOU BLOW YOUR REED PIPES? THINK IF THE PIPES, MAN!
>>
No. 278161 ID: 601343

>>278150

FUCK YES. DON'T GIVE UP MOTHERFUCKER, YOU HAVE TO PLAY THOSE PIPES (also healers gotta heal)
Give us the low down on this whole black fever thing? If it is a quick killer then you don't have time to smoke a bowl, press A mother fucker and get the hell out of this cage and on to adventure!
>>
No. 278216 ID: 6bf918
File 129666473135.gif - (16.74KB , 800x600 , OriQuest031.gif )
278216

THE CAMP IS LOST.

Or did you forget the part where I look like a cadaver? It would've taken at least two weeks for my body to deteriorate to this degree. Unless another healer happened upon them, they are DEAD.
>>
No. 278218 ID: 6bf918
File 129666492733.gif - (20.39KB , 800x600 , OriQuest032.gif )
278218

But you know what. FINE.

I'm hungry, and thirsty, and have no memory of the past two weeks, and whoever captured me obviously has no inclination to remedy that.

Ouch. Caught my hip bone one one of the bars.
>>
No. 278219 ID: 6bf918
File 129666499161.gif - (24.92KB , 800x600 , OriQuest033.gif )
278219

Verily, freedom has never tasted so sweet before this moment.
>>
No. 278272 ID: 105294

>>278219
someone's opening the door! Hide behind the cage
>>
No. 278279 ID: 6bf918
File 129667239350.gif - (28.89KB , 800x600 , OriQuest034.gif )
278279

Wha- GAH!


MY EYES!
>>
No. 278315 ID: d677cc

>>278279
Oh dear.

Try to let your eyes adjust; I don't think you're getting out of encountering this guy in one or another way.
>>
No. 278358 ID: 99433a

>>278279
Dive behind the box into the shadow.
>>
No. 278555 ID: 815cd1

>>278279
Someone looks incredibly happy for some reason.

But yeah. Adjust eyes to newfound brightness and see who/what your noble benefactor is.
>>
No. 278603 ID: 6bf918
File 129671868846.gif - (18.27KB , 800x600 , OriQuest035.gif )
278603

Blinded, I somehow manage to squeeze myself into the gap between my cage and the wall.

Heavy footsteps approach, and I have to grit my teeth in order not to retch as my nose picks up an odious mixture of body odor, alcohol, and vomit.

I tense up, fearing that I've been discovered, but then there's a loud thud and the box under me shudders. The footsteps recede, and I hear a quiet jingle of metal, then the door slams shut just as my eyes start getting used to the light.
>>
No. 278618 ID: 1854db

You're in a dwarf fort. Awesome.
>>
No. 278624 ID: 99433a

>>278603
Could you smell him? Or was he unscented like the ones before?
>>
No. 278644 ID: 6bf918
File 129672753012.gif - (20.39KB , 800x600 , OriQuest036.gif )
278644

>You're in a dwarf fort. Awesome.

If that is true, I will have to disagree most vehemently.

>Could you smell him? Or was he unscented like the ones before?

As I said, I smelled body odor, alcohol, vomi-
Oh shit, that was a dwarf, wasn't it.

When my eyes adjust to the darkness again, I peek around to confirm that there's no one else in the room, then stand up, ready to drop back down if the door opens again.
>>
No. 278663 ID: 2c071e

>>278644
Since these are dwarves, is it safe to assume they don't want you for slavery?
>>
No. 278768 ID: b9bd4f

>>278663
No, they probably want to stick you in some arena. You should probably look about the area to see if there is anything usable, and maybe find something to cover yourself up with.
>>
No. 278790 ID: 64eb2b

Hey, what happened to your back?
>>
No. 278869 ID: 252e1b

>>278790

Rash or infection it looks like
>>
No. 278887 ID: 64eb2b

>>278869
That doesn't seem to have been there a minute ago. Very strange.
>>
No. 278890 ID: 6bf918
File 129679868147.gif - (31.14KB , 800x600 , OriQuest37.gif )
278890

>That doesn't seem to have been there a minute ago.

It feels damp. And sticky.

A quick sniff of my hand identifies it as blood. The stain on my cage's tarp - the material is soaked through with blood.

It should go without saying that it isn't mine.
>>
No. 278982 ID: 105294

>>278890
Does that new box have any obvious ways to open it? It may give some context to this room's purpose.
>>
No. 279046 ID: 8fd943

>>278890
Look at the red box beside your cage ... looks bloody
>>
No. 279067 ID: 6bf918
File 129686062589.gif - (27.65KB , 800x600 , OriQuest038.gif )
279067

It appears that this box is actually another cage, except that it's made of metal, not wood. And this isn't blood - the tarp's been dyed a bright red color.

I get a distinct feeling that there's something alive inside.
>>
No. 279070 ID: 410904

Careful, could be anything in there.
>>
No. 279084 ID: c5628c

>>279070
....And there might be a pretty good reason why it's in a metal cage too.
>>
No. 279086 ID: da028b

>>279067
If it's something nasty all he has to do is find a sharp stick to poke it with until dinner is done. If it's another person, he gets an ally. Win/win! Don't stick your fingers in.
>>
No. 279244 ID: a6c9e6

>>279067
Do you smell something?
>>
No. 279280 ID: 6bf918
File 129692761522.gif - (508.58KB , 800x600 , OriQuest039.gif )
279280

[Animated]
>>
No. 279328 ID: 7d8cf7

>>279280

Ask it if it knows anything about this place, and search for a way to get it out or help it.
>>
No. 279356 ID: a6c9e6

>>279280
what happened to it's ear ... nvm it's time for your medical skills.
Offer some help, try to fix up what you can from outside the cage, then try to open it.
>>
No. 279477 ID: 815cd1

>>279280
Should probably greet it first before starting the interrogation.
>>
No. 279534 ID: 6bf918
File 129698763662.gif - (29.08KB , 800x600 , OriQuest040.gif )
279534

Not "it". She. A kobold like me, but hailing from the mountain tribes, if I were to judge by her features. But there's no missing the fact that her entire body is covered in scars and abrasions.

"Uh, hello there," I say, wincing when my voice rasps across my dry throat. I'll need to find something to drink very soon. "Are you wounded? I'm a healer, I could help." As I speak, I catch a whiff of a peculiar scent, a mixture of chemicals, powdered medicine and cleaning alcohol, that conjures up an image of an apothecary's shop, or a house of healing.

There’s no response, she doesn't even seem to notice me.

"Uh, can you hear me?” I try a bit louder. “Is there something wrong with your hand?”
“My fingers don’t work,” she says, still not looking at me. She seems slightly puzzled by the fact.
“Could I look at them? I’m a healer,” I repeat. “Maybe I can help.”

She doesn’t respond for a long time, and I open my mouth again to repeat the question, when she blinks and looks up at me.

“Alright.”
>>
No. 279537 ID: 6bf918
File 129698813357.gif - (25.83KB , 800x600 , OriQuest041.gif )
279537

She crawls forward and slips her hand between the bars, letting me examine it. The injury is… obvious, to say the least. A long, deep incision across the back of the hand, and eight shorter ones – but just as deep – across the top and bottom of the base of each digit. I would require a second examination in more favorable lighting conditions to confirm the hypothesis, but I believe these incisions to reach all the way to the bone, resulting in extensive damage to the muscle and tendons. This explains the lack of mobility the patient complained of.

The digits are the correct temperature and respond to stimuli – the patient confirms she can feel when I jab the tips of her fingers with a claw. This indicates no loss of blood circulation and lowers the risk of the patient developing gangrene – at least for the time being.

The wounds have been disinfected – there is a distinct smell of alcohol clinging to the hand – but otherwise left untreated; given their extent, stitches are highly recommended, with bandages being the absolute minimum. Scabbing has occurred and there is no further bleeding, but without bandaging the wounds can easily reopen due to movement, or chance contact with the environment, and remain susceptible to infection.

Final observation. The edges of the wounds are straight and clean, indicating a sharp object, most likely some form of blade, as the source of the injury, rather than an animal attack, or environmental damage, which would have resulted in a jagged, torn appearance. Furthermore, the incisions across the digits, while roughly parallel to one another, do not quite line up in a way that a single wound would. This leads me to believe that, barring the patient getting her hand caught in a complex piece of machinery – which should’ve resulted in visible crushing damage, in addition to the aforementioned injuries – each incision has been created individually.

Lastly, there is evidence of extensive scarring across the top of the patient’s forearm, with dozens of parallel cuts so close to one another, that there may be in fact be no unbroken skin left. However, these injuries are years, or perhaps decades old, and bear no relevance on the diagnosis.
>>
No. 279538 ID: 653ea0

Get to finding things that can help you. There is a BARREL, what appears to be a CHEST, and a tarp or tablecloth covering the COUNTER. Maybe there's cupboards under it? Oh, and there's keys up on that wall. Examine bucket to see if it's clean.
>>
No. 279542 ID: 3d7a30

what's the prognosis? Can you fix her hand?
>>
No. 279543 ID: f95558

>>279542
I dunno, that's some serious nerve and muscle damage.
>>
No. 279544 ID: 3d7a30

>>279543

Probably, but I thought it was worth asking anyway
>>
No. 279546 ID: ba59ac

>>279537
You guys forget a point.
Ask her what happened goddamnit . . .

If she's part of some experiment maybe they want to breed more lab rats and that's why you got brought there Ori.
>>
No. 279547 ID: 105294

>>279537
An unforgivable hobbling. She may have other injuries.. Check her head, injuries there may explain her slow reaction.

What kind of sick individual could do this to something even vaguely shaped like their own species?
>>
No. 279586 ID: f95558

>>279547
Dem dorfs, man. Dem dorfs.

>>279537
Ask the fellow kobold about the situation, any details at all should be good. Try to look in the BARREL or the BUCKET over towards your left over there.
>>
No. 279609 ID: 6bf918
File 129702091112.gif - (39.48KB , 800x600 , OriQuest042.gif )
279609

“Who did this to your hand? And why?”

Once again there is a delay before she answers. I’ll have to check her head for signs of injury once – if – I get her out of that cage.

“Dwarves did. Chained me up.”

My heart skips a beat. So it’s dwarves after all. I’d hoped that I was wrong.

Escape looks very attractive all of a sudden.

“Do you know where we are, or how to get out of here?”
“Inside a mountain,” comes the eventual reply. “No.”

Of course.

“Don’t move your hand unless you have to, and keep it off the floor. I’ll try and find something to bind it.”



“Alright.”
>>
No. 279611 ID: 6bf918
File 129702096663.gif - (20.46KB , 800x600 , OriQuest043.gif )
279611

The cage and the chest are both locked. Obtaining the keys hanging by the door would be the first logical step, however the hooks are just out of my reach.

The barrel is full of salted fish, packed with enough of the preservative, that even in my famished state I can’t bring myself to swallow anything beyond the first piece – not with my throat as parched as it is.

There is some water in the bucket! However, it’s only a few mouthfuls, and here is where my needs clash with those of my patient. On the off-chance that I find something with which to bind her hand, I will first need to clean the wounds, as she’s sure to have some dirt in them, regardless of how careful she might have been. Foregoing this procedure incurs a high risk of infection and illness. On the other hand, just walking around the room has left me weak and dizzy, and unless I assuage my hunger, I may collapse if I have to exert myself during the escape.

So, who comes first? Me, or the female kobold?
>>
No. 279613 ID: f95558

>>279611
You're a healer, Ori. Take care of the girl first, it's obvious she seems to be in worse shape than you are.
>>
No. 279614 ID: 3d7a30

yourself I'm afraid. It's best for both you and her if you act and think clearly. You can't do that if you're dehydrated.
>>
No. 279649 ID: d335c9

>>279611
As wounded as she may be ... she can't help you in this condition.
Eat, drink ... then try to get those keys.

You can try to climb the crossbar of the door to reach the keys or you pull yourself up the door handle.
Using the bucked could make that easier.

How long can she walk befor her wounds get infected in a dangerous way?
>>
No. 279652 ID: 813abd

Any way you could take just a sip or two of the water while leaving some for her?
>>
No. 279660 ID: 398af9

>>279611
You can't help her if you're too weak. Besides, the hand is probably salvageable.
>>
No. 279662 ID: 7d8cf7

>>279611

Drink some, but leave some for her too. Is there any way you can move something over the keys, like your former cage or that bucket?
>>
No. 279664 ID: 28e94e

>>279662
Take one sip, then eat some fish and get back to treating her.
>>
No. 279788 ID: 6bf918
File 129707193234.gif - (16.55KB , 800x600 , OriQuest044.gif )
279788

>>279662
>>279664
There isn't enough water in the bucket to divide it between the two of us. A single sip will only make my thirst worse, and what will be left won't be enough to properly clean the wound.

>>279542
>>279649
>>279660
First symptoms of infection could manifest anytime between two hours and two days from now, but they're a foregone conclusion without treatment.

As for the patient regaining the use of her hand: given the extent of the damage, there is little I could do, other than stitch up the wounds and hope that her body can heal back on its own. However, it's still a better chance than if she were to receive no treatment at all.
>>
No. 279792 ID: 1a693f

>>279788
This is a survival situation. Drink the water, eat. Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Whether you clean her hand or not does not impact the survival of you both, while having you in good enough shape does.
>>
No. 279794 ID: 6bf918
File 129707939417.gif - (15.94KB , 800x600 , OriQuest045.gif )
279794

>>279614
>>279649
>>279660
>>279792

This is the sensible decision. Her injuries are not immediately life-threatening, while I'm on the verge of collapse. Without my help, she's liable to lose that hand to infection. Furthermore, I need to be able to act and think clearly if we're to have any chance of escape. Yes, this is the right thing to do.

It doesn't make me feel any less guilty though.


By carefully portioning out the water inbetween bites, I manage to force down about half of the fish. I shouldn't eat too much at once anyway - let my stomach get used to the idea of having food in it again.
>>
No. 279927 ID: fcb18b

>>279794
now get those keys. Unless there is something else around that looks like you could examine it.

What is thing where the cages are standing on?
>>
No. 279930 ID: 653ea0

Now you can stand on the bucket.
>>
No. 280025 ID: 6bf918
File 129713873818.gif - (22.33KB , 800x600 , OriQuest047.gif )
280025

>What is thing where the cages are standing on?

I think it's another cage.

Standing on the bucket lets me reach the three keys hanging on the wall. Presumably - hopefully - they'll open something in this room. What should I try them on first?
>>
No. 280028 ID: 815cd1

Well obviously you should try them on your new female friend's cage first. Obviously.
>>
No. 280135 ID: db4051

>>280025
3 Keys 3 Cages ...
The middle key is new. It will fit in the females Cage. You can forget the other 2 if nothing is in the big cage.
>>
No. 280196 ID: 6bf918
File 129719462327.gif - (31.84KB , 800x600 , OriQuest048.gif )
280196

I use the middle key to open the metal cage.

"Let's go. We need to get out of here."



"Alright."

I help her climb down to the ground, to stop her from re-injuring the hand. I really need to find something to bind the wound.

I have two keys left.
>>
No. 280219 ID: 6bdd64

>>280196
USe the key you just used to cut some of that red cloth to bind the wound with.

Then check the big cage everything is on top of, but be careful. If its something loud or dangerous we don't want it alerting the dwarves. Then the exit door.
>>
No. 280465 ID: 815cd1

>>280219
Sounds like a good course of action to me.
>>
No. 280502 ID: 6bf918
File 129724201583.gif - (26.75KB , 800x600 , OriQuest049.gif )
280502

The tarps covering the cages are made of a thick, fairly stiff material. It would take a lot more than a key with no sharp edges to cut a piece off.

Maybe it's for the better. The material feels slightly greasy to the touch - I don't think these tarps have been washed even once since being made.


I peer into the large cage cautiously, but it proves to be empty, although the pieces of bone, rotten meat, and offal littering the floor indicate that it used to house some sort of large predator.

The larger of the two keys fits the lock, but with the way the cage is positioned, I wouldn't be able to open the door by more than a few inches before it hit the wooden wall. The bars are spaced wide enough apart that I could easily slip through if need be anyway.

I think I see something metallic towards the back of the cage.
>>
No. 280509 ID: 1854db

>>280502
Go on and get it, then.
>>
No. 280539 ID: 612e3c
File 129727132268.jpg - (22.19KB , 320x236 , monster8editub9.jpg )
280539

>>280502
Oh i really hope it's not what i think it is ._.

Are you sure it's nothing like a Zombie or something that disguises as dead?
>>
No. 280703 ID: 6bf918
File 129736159936.gif - (46.61KB , 800x600 , OriQuest050.gif )
280703

>>280539
Please, I'm pretty certain I can tell the difference between a cadaver and a... a...


...a lower jaw?

While animal physiology is not my area of expertise, the shape suggests it belonged to some large reptile. Or would have belonged to, if it hadn't been made entirely out of steel.
>>
No. 280710 ID: 3d7a30

could you work some of the teeth free? Maybe construct some kind of weapon?
>>
No. 280753 ID: 8d8786

Actually were you able to break the jawbone at its zenith you'd be able to construct two decent weapons. Jawbone axes are not all that uncommon
>>
No. 280771 ID: 3d7a30

>>280753

even if you can't it would make a decent man- or rather dwarf-trap
>>
No. 280776 ID: 1a693f

>>280710
>>280753
He's still starving to death. You really think he can take on a dwarf in this condition?
>>
No. 280816 ID: 30826f

>>280703
Do you think it's possible to replace a whole jaw bone like this?
I mean ... where would the muscles and tendons be attached ...
>>
No. 280856 ID: 6bf918
File 12974037117.gif - (47.23KB , 800x600 , OriQuest051.gif )
280856

I don't know what to think. The very notion of outfitting living beings with metal... parts, is medically absurd. Sure, there's prosthetics, like fake legs or arms, but they are simple constructions, allowing their owners only the necessary minimum of mobility. A jaw, with its hinge-like structure and capability for both vertical and horizontal displacement, would require a level of sophistication far beyond anything I've ever seen.

Not to mention the strength necessary to operate it with any degree of functionality. This is solid steel. I don't think I could lift one edge more than a couple inches off the ground, much less carry it, or break it apart.

However, one of the larger teeth does seem to be loose. It's fairly sharp. Maybe I could use it as a makeshift knife, or-



Oh no.
>>
No. 280858 ID: 1854db

>>280856
Take the loose tooth out. Carefully listen to see if your friend's in danger. If so we should try to observe unnoticed and check for an opening to use the tooth.
>>
No. 280897 ID: 3d7a30

I think it's fairly obvious from the light at the back of the cage that someone's opened the door and come in.

We should have brought the girlbold into the cage with us. We suck.

Peek round the edge of the tarp... if we're lucky then she's hiding. If we're unlucky, we might have to ambush a dwarf armed only with a metal tooth.
>>
No. 280932 ID: 749040

>>280856
you still got the keys ... so they can't get in the cage for now ...

I don't see that end well
>>
No. 281147 ID: 6bf918
File 129755285828.gif - (30.84KB , 800x600 , OriQuest052.gif )
281147

I hear the hollow scraping sound that wood maks when dragged across stone. The room is getting brighter by the moment, and my eyes can't adapt fast enough. I can't see her anywhere.
>>
No. 281149 ID: 917741

Close your eyes.
>>
No. 281759 ID: 6bf918
File 129780777019.gif - (28.60KB , 800x600 , OriQuest053.gif )
281759

Close my eyes? That helps with adapting sight to darkness, not to light. All I can do is wait, until my retinas contract sufficiently.

The noise stops - the wall is no longer being dragged open. This is good news, as the room isn't getting any brighter, but also bad news - whoever opened it will be entering at any moment.

Finally I can see well enough to have a look around - there she is! Huddled in a corner, shielding her face from the light.

I have mere moments - if that - to decide what to do.
>>
No. 281762 ID: 7d8cf7

I say run to the other end of the cage and pull her through the tarp - hopefully you'll be fast enough.
>>
No. 281765 ID: 3d7a30

>>281762

this.

If the dorf sees you then you'll both be inside the cage and hopefully he won't be able to get to you.
>>
No. 281770 ID: d8cf52

>>281765
he WILL be able to get them ... the question is ..
Why did he open the whole door ... he's probably going to bring something big in the room or get something big out of the room.

Worst case scenario ... he tries to put whatever lost its jaw back into the big cage and sees that the other 2 are empty and the keys are gone.
>>
No. 281909 ID: 3d7a30

>>281770

if it's missing a jaw at least it won't be able to bite anything hehe
>>
No. 282386 ID: 6bf918
File 129806836161.gif - (36.11KB , 800x600 , OriQuest054.gif )
282386

>>281762
Sensible plan.

I rush across the cage, kneel down and reach forward to grasp her and pull her inside. There's no time to be gentle, so I'll just have to hope that her han-
>>
No. 282387 ID: 6bf918
File 129806838397.gif - (69.35KB , 800x600 , OriQuest055.gif )
282387

Uh...



[animated]
>>
No. 282388 ID: 1a693f

>>282387
This is not ideal.
>>
No. 282389 ID: 1a693f

>>282387
Did she just fuck up your shoulder or was that blood from her hand? Either way, get back in the cage if you are not hearing bellows of dwarfish rage.
>>
No. 282400 ID: 7d8cf7

Get in that cage! I'm going to hope you didn't just get spotted by the person at the door.
>>
No. 282572 ID: 653ea0

She's something of a fighter, huh. Maybe that's why they they cut up her hands.
>>
No. 282574 ID: b49c07

>>282387
That can't be happening ... how can she be so strong? She looks worse then you.
>>
No. 282592 ID: 6fe041

>>282574
she has multiple cuts and one hand was fairly well mutilated, but she does not seem to be as emaciated as Ori is right now. Plus, females tend to cope better than males with malnourishment, at least at first.

Ori, beg her to hide.
>>
No. 282732 ID: 6bf918
File 129817658188.gif - (20.73KB , 800x600 , OriQuest056.gif )
282732

>beg her to hide

"Uh..." I realize I don't know what to call her. "We need to hide. We need to hide NOW. Could you please get off me and get into that cage?"

I notice her hand is bleeding.

"Alright," she says, calmly. It's as if she didn't just throw me out of the cage and pin me to the ground in the space of a-
>>
No. 282733 ID: 6bf918
File 129817660617.gif - (23.30KB , 800x600 , OriQuest057.gif )
282733

Too late.
>>
No. 282747 ID: 1854db

Get in the cage anyway.
>>
No. 282753 ID: 6bf918
File 129818121897.gif - (40.88KB , 800x600 , OriQuest058.gif )
282753

>Get in the cage anyway.
>>
No. 282754 ID: 6bf918
File 129818124817.gif - (44.02KB , 800x600 , OriQuest059.gif )
282754

Ohshityesrightaway
>>
No. 282769 ID: 72b443

i get it. her wound, her reflexes, it makes sense.

your patient is actualy a legendary wrestler gobling.

she most likely survived a lot of coliseum matches by wrestling and has becamed too dangerous to keep as a entertenaiment slave. she is set to be butchered, and you two now need to wrestle that dwarf to survive.

theres no much time before the butcher charges. its likely he doesnt know wrestling and his butcher knife isnt a ideal weapon as heavy and small as it is, but she cant charge him in a wounded hand. it looks like she used that hand to crush or rip throats, hence the move she made on you, and why she is now crippled.

quickly climb in the big cage. get one of the tarps and trhow at his head. she must then charge to disarm him, as that happens, we need you to actualy get the knife and lay the killing blow on the dwarf, with any luck, before anyone sees or hears it.

...his clothing shouldnt be clean enought to render into bandages, but the salt can be used to sterilize both the wound and the cloth. his blood can be drinked, you will need to somehow regain your strength to leave the fortress so try to collect in the bucket. offer her the remaining fish as well.
>>
No. 282815 ID: e0c60f

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF...........

ok ... i'd say GET IN THE CAGE then GET A STEEL TOOTH

And once the dwarf tries to grab/stab into the big cage, you climb up the cage on one side AND STAP HIS EYES
>>
No. 283891 ID: 6bf918
File 129851217744.gif - (48.39KB , 800x600 , OriQuest060.gif )
283891

The dwarf doesn't hurry to get to us, most likely realizing that we have nowhere to run. He's right, but it does give the two of us enough time to scramble into the cage, even with her moving as if she had all the time in the world.

>cunning battleplans

I'm no warrior! And the cage is right up against the wall on two sides. There's some space between the cage's door and the sliding wall, but the bars there are too tight to squeeze past.


...


It's been very quiet for a while now.
>>
No. 283893 ID: 7d8cf7

Might as well take a look since you'll die if you just wait here. Walk to the other end of the cage and stay as far away as possible from the outside while looking out.
>>
No. 283934 ID: 6bf918
File 129851983923.gif - (30.17KB , 800x600 , OriQuest061.gif )
283934

>>283893

...
>>
No. 283936 ID: d677cc

>>283934
Ooooookay that's not looking favorable in the slightest.

Uuuuhhhm. And you don't really have much besides the jawbone, do you.

I don't really have any clever ideas up my sleeve.
>>
No. 283941 ID: 7ce35e

>>283934
Looks like a standoff.
Talk to your prospective patient. Quietly, of course.
Ask her name.
Ask how she managed to toss you around like a doll.
>>
No. 283951 ID: 653ea0

He left the door wide open, so it isn't hopeless...
>>
No. 284025 ID: ce388e

>>283891
my soon to be gobling flavored biscuit, you really need to consider fighting for your life.

he will not quit. he is your worse nightmare in bearded form. you either fight him or you eat yourself before he eats you.
>>
No. 284033 ID: 48a767

>>283934
You are screw'd ... but you're also a doctor and you've seen more people die then any Warrior
you have to know a way to take him down.
That goo on the floor, can you identify it? maybe you can poison him.

He's either butcher or evil scientist ...
So if nothing works you can still promise him to mate with the female and give him fresh Kobolds
>>
No. 284045 ID: 7d8cf7

Maybe you could open the door even further through the side of your cage. Hopefully it doesn't take much to open it. Then at least you'd be getting somewhere, right?
>>
No. 284151 ID: dca54b

>>283934
Arm yourself with the loose tooth and tell your companion to get as far to the back of the cage as possible.

The dwarf will eventually lose his patience. Be on your toes. Wait for him to approach the cage, then strike as soon as you see his face.
>>
No. 284525 ID: 6bf918
File 129876654111.gif - (23.02KB , 800x600 , OriQuest062.gif )
284525

With the dwarf content to stand and wait, I can do little else than withdraw from his view.

“You’re bleeding. May I see your hand?”

“Alright.”

I reach for it cautiously, in case this sets her off again, but she doesn’t react when I take it. The cuts reopened during our brief scuffle, but the bleeding is fairly superficial. Of more concern are the pieces of dirt that have worked their way into the wounds.

“So, uh, do you have a name?”

She frowns. I think this is the first time I saw her expression change.

“Kira… I think” she says eventually. Her frown deepens. “This hurts.”
“Yes, well, maybe next time you’ll think twice about sticking open wounds into dirt,” I continue cleaning off what I can. “At least it does hurt. It means your hand’s still alive.”
>>
No. 284526 ID: 6bf918
File 129876656092.gif - (24.20KB , 800x600 , OriQuest063.gif )
284526

“And be quiet,” I whisper. “There’s a dwarf right outside the cage, and he has a big cleaver.”
“A dwarf?”
“Yes. Look, the way you threw me earlier – it’s obvious that you know how to fight. I don’t suppose…”

I hesitate. Am I seriously considering asking her to fight an armed dwarf in her state? There have to be other options.

>>283951
Even if I managed to rush out before the dwarf reacted, I’d have no idea where I am, or where to go. There could be more dwarves just around the bend, for all I know.

And I don’t think Kira would be able to keep up. She’s getting that… vacant look again.

>>284025
Ugh. I just had to go and remember the dwarven dietary habits. More incentive to get out of here as fast as possible.

>>284033
I’d stand no chance in a protracted fight, but maybe if I could strike something vital… his eyes are too high for me to aim at reliably, his throat is protected by his beard, and the leather apron covers the organs. And I don’t think he’ll turn around for me to stab him in the kidneys.

The stains on the floor of the cage are offal and bits of rotted meat. They wouldn’t do anything to the dwarf unless ingested (and maybe not even then).

>>284045
That door – or wall – or wall-sized door, I don’t know, is MASSIVE. And even if I had the strength to pull it, there’s nothing to get a good grip on that I could reach from inside the cage.

>>284151
I don’t think we can afford to wait. He’s alone so far, but there’s no telling when someone else will wander past this room. Then one can continue to keep watch, while the other runs to fetch someone with a spear… no, whatever it is that I do, I have to do it fast.

But I still don’t think that Kira will be able to-

“Do you have a knife?”
>>
No. 284529 ID: 1a693f

>>284526
Give her the tooth. She seems to be your only hope right now.
>>
No. 284544 ID: b7ed58

kira is in frenzy?

stay back, dont watch and be ready to get the bucket and collect blood.
>>
No. 284554 ID: 5a73a5

>>284526
Tell her you have the tooth and ask her what she wants with it ...
There is still the option to talk with the dwarf
>>
No. 284610 ID: 1854db

Give her the tooth.
>>
No. 284611 ID: 464971

She can't handle the tooth!
>>
No. 284674 ID: 3d7a30

Did you see those eyes? Like twin marbles of madness. I don't think that dwarf is going to be amenable to reason.

Yeah, show her the tooth. Ask her what she intends to do with it.
>>
No. 284859 ID: 6bf918
File 129885787468.gif - (55.75KB , 800x600 , OriQuest064.gif )
284859

“All I have is this, uh, steel tooth. Why, what do-“

Kira snatches it from me so fast, she’s already halfway to the exit before I realize my hand’s empty.

“Wait! Don’t tell me you’re going to fight him.”

She pauses on the edge of the light streaming in through the opening.

“Fight? No,” she says in a flat voice. ”I will kill him.”
>>
No. 284860 ID: d677cc

>>284859
I don't think you can really talk her out of this.

Hopefully she'll be able to make good on this. Scary good fighters are definitely a plus to have on your side.
>>
No. 284865 ID: 75d7a9

okay, if you don't want her to die then make a distraction. so the dwarf looks at you and she can get a sneak attack.
>>
No. 284878 ID: dca54b

>>284865
This. It's not very likely you can stop her, so either stand aside and hope for the best, or find some way to help her keep you both alive.
>>
No. 284924 ID: 1854db

Let her do it if she's that confident. Being a distraction for her will probably help a lot.
>>
No. 285018 ID: 3d7a30

ask her if there's anything you can do to help
>>
No. 285030 ID: e19987

>>284859
OOOOH now i get it you got degraded to women :D

Srsly that girl has enough courage to take on 2 dwarfs.

Now be a good medic and assist your warrior princes in battle
>>
No. 285060 ID: 7ce35e

>>284859
You can help her. You can try to slip out the other end of the cage and distract the dwarf, and draw it closer. It may give her a greater chance of winning uninjured.
>>
No. 287847 ID: 000a99

Dead dwarf.
>>
No. 288412 ID: 6bf918
File 130016585814.jpg - (74.21KB , 800x600 , OriQuest065.jpg )
288412

>>284865
>>284924
>>285018
>>285030
>>285060

Very well, I will use all my experience regarding battles and warriors to assist her in the best way I know.

By STAYING OUT OF HER WAY.

[cutscene]

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about fighters, it’s that they absolutely hate it when noncombatants get underfoot. And given my luck, I’d be as likely to hinder her, as to help her. And it’s professional courtesy, really. Would I want her hanging off my elbow and making suggestions while I was digging out an arrowhead or treating a fever?

I’m sure she knows what she’s doing. Standing there calmly. Not moving Letting the dwarf wind up for a downward chop that will split her from collar to hip…
>>
No. 288414 ID: 6bf918
File 130016588191.jpg - (82.58KB , 800x600 , OriQuest066.jpg )
288414

…stepping aside at the last moment and jabbing upwards, into his wrist joint…
>>
No. 288415 ID: 6bf918
File 130016592333.jpg - (83.85KB , 800x600 , OriQuest067.jpg )
288415

…causing him to drop the cleaver, then ducking under a clumsy punch and gashing the side of his knee…
>>
No. 288416 ID: 6bf918
File 130016595383.jpg - (73.97KB , 800x600 , OriQuest068.jpg )
288416

…which results in the leg collapsing under him.

I suddenly realize where she should strike to guarantee a speedy death.

Instead she leaps onto the dwarf’s back, intent on sinking the tooth into the side of his neck…
>>
No. 288417 ID: 6bf918
File 130016598061.jpg - (81.87KB , 800x600 , OriQuest069.jpg )
288417

…and fails to hold on with her wounded hand, as the dwarf suddenly straightens up.
>>
No. 288418 ID: 6bf918
File 130016601145.jpg - (38.16KB , 800x600 , OriQuest070.jpg )
288418

Uh…

She’s not moving. She’s just lying there. And he’s picking up the cleaver again.

I… I don’t think that’s another fakeout.

[/cutscene]

I’ll have to do something, won’t I?
>>
No. 288420 ID: 8c73c8

rage mode. jump on it's back and don't let go. unless it swings the cleaver at you, then let go at the last second so he cleavers himself.
>>
No. 288422 ID: 07416a

>>288418
Tackle the wounded knee and start biting. Uncivil, unclean, but necessary.
>>
No. 288436 ID: 1854db

You realized where she should strike? Then go in there. Strike and end the fight.
>>
No. 288459 ID: 3d7a30

get out there. Grab the pipe. Throw the glowing embers of tobacco in his eyes. With luck it might even set his beard on fire.
>>
No. 288772 ID: 04a2b3
File 130031892194.jpg - (115.89KB , 721x566 , xena_la_guerriere_06.jpg )
288772

>>288418
If you can't get the cleaver and hit his bowels then you should just pic her up and run out.

he can't use his leg anymore so you should be faster. It also gives her the possibility to recover and start an ambush to finish him off.
>>
No. 288851 ID: db32cb

>>288436
she would aim at the back of his neck. he cant target from there.

i knew we would need you to do something. throw anything on him, call out for her, be ready for a hassle. >>288459 has a good idea but the pipe is too close to him, that could kill you. isnt there a bucket around? try using it as a makeshift shield.

we need him dead or we wont sneak out of the fortress. distract him until she wakes up.
>>
No. 289748 ID: 6bf918
File 130068931373.jpg - (87.32KB , 800x600 , OriQuest071.jpg )
289748

>>288772

Running sounds good.

By the time I dash across the room, the dwarf manages to stand up, but he has trouble putting his weight on the injured leg. I should already out of the room by the time he can turn arou-

>we need him dead or we wont sneak out of the fortress

...damn it.

>>288436

The femoral artery. It runs along the inside of the thigh. If - IF - I managed to cut it open, he'd lose consciousness from blood loss in less than a minute and die shortly afterward.

Kira is still unconscious, quite likely concussed. Do I pick her up and run, or do I take the tooth and fight?
>>
No. 289782 ID: 3d7a30

Get that tooth. Attack the dwarf. Grab Kira and drag her to safety while he's flailing around and dying.
>>
No. 289799 ID: 91f1d1

>>289748
Sadly I do not think you are strong enough to quickly drag her away given your emaciated state.

You may not even be strong enough to pierce your target's artery unless you put your whole body into it.

In the end, you must kill the dwarf for the greatest chance of both you and Kira to survive.
>>
No. 291514 ID: 6bf918
File 130134257424.jpg - (92.79KB , 800x600 , OriQuest072.jpg )
291514

I pry the tooth out of Kira's hand and take a deep breath.


"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"


I impact the side of the dwarf's torso and feel him begin to topple.

I have no idea what I'm doing.
>>
No. 291516 ID: 8c73c8

move arms so it doesn't land on them. and slash his legs open. then grab kira and run.
>>
No. 291585 ID: 3d7a30

go for that femoral artery
>>
No. 291589 ID: 1854db

First, let go of him with your left arm so that you spin around away from the cleaver. Then strike for the weak spot. Make him bleed. THEN GET AWAY FROM HIM!
>>
No. 291598 ID: 0a6f51

>>291514
dont worry you are doing fine-ish.

it seems you will both land at his pipe. we may have a fire hazard, but in any occasion, kill him ASAP and be ready for more dorfs to rush in. you shouldnt have screamed.
>>
No. 293300 ID: 6bf918
File 130178720681.jpg - (99.75KB , 800x600 , OriQuest073.jpg )
293300

>>291516
>>291589

I yank my arm away just before the dwarf hits the floor with a heavy thud. me landing on top of him.

>>291585

I push myself up. It takes a mere moment to find the right spot. I strike.

The bloodstain that begins to rapidly spread across his trousers tells me I succeeded. The dwarf is as good as dead. No technique or procedure I know could close the wound.
>>
No. 293302 ID: 6bf918
File 130178733207.jpg - (51.03KB , 800x600 , OriQuest074.jpg )
293302

>grab Kira and run

Right!

...

The dwarf... doesn't seem to acknowledge my diagnosis.
>>
No. 293304 ID: 8c73c8

dang it, stab him in the wrist.
>>
No. 293305 ID: 1854db

Yep, injure his hand. In fact I bet you could stab him in a very precise place to sever a tendon he needs to grip your hand. One of the thumb's muscles perhaps?
>>
No. 293307 ID: 51ef6f

careful, he will try to swing at you, altho he is in a really bad position.

if you can, stab his toe.
>>
No. 293309 ID: 51ef6f

>>293307
i blame booze.

i mean thumb
>>
No. 293438 ID: 3d7a30

You just need to make him let go. Go for the eyes or the genitals
>>
No. 298451 ID: 6bf918
File 130352980024.jpg - (86.26KB , 800x600 , OriQuest075.jpg )
298451

"Let go of my tail!"

I doubt the dwarf can understand what I'm saying.


The tooth makes for an adequate translator.
>>
No. 298452 ID: 6bf918
File 130352981644.jpg - (131.43KB , 1600x600 , OriQuest076.jpg )
298452

I leap back and the dwarf struggles into a sitting position. His movements are slower and his eyes are losing focus. Still, he continues trying to get up.
>>
No. 298455 ID: 1854db

He's gonna swing that cleaver. Step back.
>>
No. 298536 ID: 76b6f8

grab the girlbold and get the hell out of his way
>>
No. 298558 ID: e1ae24

you are done with battling. grab your recently adquired love interest and run like romeo and juliet should have done
>>
No. 299440 ID: 6bf918
File 130385944518.jpg - (146.71KB , 1600x600 , OriQuest077.jpg )
299440

>>298536

"We're leaving," I help Kira sit up. She seems lucid enough - hopefully the concussion was a mild one.
"The dwarf-"
"Will be dead of blood loss in moments."

>>298455

The dwarf chooses this moment to start crawling towards us.

"Let's go. Now."
>>
No. 299441 ID: 6bf918
File 130385957247.jpg - (74.15KB , 800x600 , OriQuest078.jpg )
299441

To my relief, she listens - but not before grabbing back the tooth from me. We exit the room into the bright light flooding the corridor.

Luckily, there doesn't seem to be anyone else around.
>>
No. 299457 ID: d83f11

>>299441
Get around a corner as soon as you can. Dwarves can be stubborn. He may try and hurl that cleaver at you in a last-ditch attempt.
>>
No. 299460 ID: 7d8cf7

What's that thing to your left?
>>
No. 299462 ID: 6446c4

ok so im guessing you two are fine enought to make a run for it

theres a lever about on your left. are there any signs to it?

the wires should lead to the water wheel works. that should however be underground unless they have a windmill farm. im guessing its best to not follow it.

how well do you see in absolute darkness?
>>
No. 299477 ID: 6bf918
File 130386534745.jpg - (83.16KB , 800x600 , OriQuest079.jpg )
299477

>>299460

...

I do believe it's a dwarven elevator. The platform appears to be parked on this level.

>>299457

Moving now. But where to next? There's a stairway just across the hall, leading both up and down. The hallway itself seems to end in a T-intersection some distance away. And, of course, there's the elevator.
>>
No. 299482 ID: 7d8cf7

Look in the elevator first to see if it tells you which floor you're on. Hopefully it will, but if it doesn't, don't try to escape using it.
>>
No. 299522 ID: 1854db

>>299477
The advantage of the elevator is you can peek over the door to see what's in the floor before opening the door.

So let's do that. Check the next level up.
>>
No. 299524 ID: 35a02e

>>299477
Riding the elevator might be risky, however, see if there's any signs of what floor you're on that we could understand. At the very least so we know if we should go up, or down..
>>
No. 299598 ID: 3d7a30

first things first. Close the door behind you. Then see what's in that cage next to you - the one with the tarpaulin over it
>>
No. 299946 ID: 6bf918
File 130402867395.jpg - (86.93KB , 800x600 , OriQuest080.jpg )
299946

>>299598

I don't think I have enough strength to make that huge door move, and I don't want to waste time trying.

>>299482
>>299524

"Wait here and yell if you see anyone, alright?"

"Alright."

Huh. This... this isn't quite what I expected to see.
>>
No. 299962 ID: 8c73c8

okay grab her, get it. and set it to the top.
>>
No. 300001 ID: 7d8cf7

I think we should search that cage in the hall before we do anything else.
>>
No. 300033 ID: 276edd

>>299962
The top is not necessarily the 'ground floor' since this fort could be built into the side of a mountain.

.. then again for that matter this could be the ground floor.

Closer look at the symbols?
>>
No. 300104 ID: 6bf918
File 130407523255.jpg - (93.40KB , 800x600 , OriQuest081.jpg )
300104

>The top is not necessarily the 'ground floor' since this fort could be built into the side of a mountain.

The state of my body suggests that I've spent two, perhaps three weeks unconscious. Assuming I was transported by wagon, or pack animal, I can think of three known dwarven strongholds that would be within reach of where I was captured. One of them is known to be a warren-like structure dug under the ruins of a human city, while the other two are in mountainous regions.

So... that isn't of any help with establishing a reference point for the elevator. Neither can I read dwarven script. I do, however, have some passing knowledge of their numbering system. Let's see here...

...

Either I'm reading it wrong, or this doesn't make any sense. There are a total of twenty-nine floors marked, but they're divided into three sequences. From top to bottom, they're marked 25 to 17, then 14 to 3, then 33 to 26.

It seems the elevator is currently on floor 10 of the second sequence.

I confess, I feel even more lost than before.
>>
No. 300105 ID: 07416a
File 130407565323.png - (11.41KB , 635x637 , elevator.png )
300105

>>300104
The higher levels are the top of a mountain. There are a number of levels which they didn't bother to connect to the elevator. The bottommost levels are probably magma forges or aquifer pumping stations. The number goes up again because they're negative numbers. Either go to the very top and hope there is an exit that way- probably easier, but you may not survive exposure on the way down the mountain, or go to 3, which probably has much higher security but is a much better exit.
>>
No. 300106 ID: 07416a

>>300105
Wait, shit. From 33 to 26? I thought it was the other way around... Hell, I dunno.
>>
No. 300110 ID: 1854db

>>300104
I think we'll have to experiment a little to know for sure what's going on, but it could be that the floor numbers don't correspond to height, exactly. They expanded up first, so they numbered up, but didn't connect all the floors to the elevator. Then they dug further down, and added in more floor numbers, but didn't want to use negative numbers so they just kept counting up.

Right now, we need food, I think. ...wait. Maybe we can eat the dwarf after he dies. Do you eat meat? If not I guess we'd want to find a storeroom. Ask your friend if she knows anything about the layout of the fortress, in that case.
>>
No. 300333 ID: 6bf918
File 130414112910.jpg - (66.14KB , 800x600 , OriQuest082.jpg )
300333

>Hell, I dunno.

I suppose I could ride a few floors this way, or that. I-I'll think about it. Let's just grab Kira, maybe check that cage out in the corridor-

...

There's one less kobold here than there was a minute ago.
>>
No. 300335 ID: 07416a

>>300333
...On one hand, her mental state makes her a definite liability. On the other hand you might need her fighting prowess. They sorta cancel each other out, so up to you: Do you feel responsible for her safety?
>>
No. 300401 ID: 3d7a30

maybe she's doing something horrible to the dwarf. Or maybe she's gone up those steps - better check and see.
>>
No. 300403 ID: 1854db

Check in the room, then the cage.
>>
No. 300467 ID: 6bf918
File 130419409149.jpg - (96.58KB , 800x600 , OriQuest083.jpg )
300467

>Do you feel responsible for her safety?

I’m the one who decided to include her in this escape attempt, and the one who coaxed her out of the cage. That I bear at least some responsibility for her is a foregone conclusion. I suppose the real ques-


...what in Mara’s name?
>>
No. 300481 ID: 1854db

She's adding on another kill to her tally. Also I guess she stabbed him in the eye.
>>
No. 300498 ID: 868a23

>>300467
eat the dorf
>>
No. 300508 ID: 7d8cf7

No, that was the one we just escaped from. Call out to her to ask what she's doing.
>>
No. 300509 ID: 3d7a30

ewww.

my guess is, she's eating the dwarf's eyes since they are an excellent source of moisture (or so it says in the SAS survival manual)
>>
No. 300550 ID: d833e0

>>300467
oh crap. those cuts on her forearm.. they're self inflicted.

They're her kill count.
>>
No. 300595 ID: 6bf918
File 130426842780.jpg - (104.27KB , 800x600 , OriQuest084.jpg )
300595

>eat the dwarf

I'm not that desperate.

>Call out to her

“Uh, Kira?”

She turns to look at me. Her expression is calm, but her eyes look unusually bright.

I realize I don’t really know what to say. Up until now, most of my experiences with people cradling corpses involved mothers with dead children, and there were always family or friends on hand to console the aggrieved.

>She's adding on another kill to her tally

Should I berate her for self-mutilation with a disease vector then?
>>
No. 300598 ID: 8c73c8

say that we need to keep open wounds to a minimum so we don't accidentally leave blood around, they could track us. and that you'll make sure to remember the count she needs to add for later.
>>
No. 300599 ID: 1854db

Ask her what she's doing with the corpse.

Also tell her if she wants to avoid catching diseases from her kills she should clean the tool before cutting herself with it, yeah.
>>
No. 300700 ID: 6bf918
File 130428855012.jpg - (104.68KB , 800x600 , OriQuest085.jpg )
300700

“If you’re going to, uh, mark yourself like that, at least clean the knife beforehand. Otherwise you risk infection, or catching whatever diseases he had.”

She keeps looking at me in silence.

“What are you doing with the body anyway?” I ask eventually.
“Nothing.”
“Then why is it… like that?”
“It’s how he fell.”
“So why didn’t you-“ I sigh and give up. “Could you just get out from under him then? You’ll end up tracking blood everywhere, and that’ll make it easier to tell which way we’ve gone.”
“Alright.”

So I should check the cage in the hall before we leave. Anything else? It’s highly improbable we’ll ever see this place again.

At least I sincerely hope we won’t.
>>
No. 300766 ID: 3d7a30

yes, check the cage
>>
No. 300770 ID: 1854db

>>300700
Hmm, you said you needed something to bind the wound. Can you find any clean cloth on the dwarf or on the cloth draped over the cages?

Search the dwarf regardless. Is his cleaver too heavy to lift? Also, get that chest open with... whatever key opens it.
>>
No. 300965 ID: 6bf918
File 130435971728.jpg - (85.96KB , 800x600 , OriQuest086.jpg )
300965

>search the dwarf

I ask Kira to do it, while I check the cage. She responds to simple requests, and I'm acutely aware that it's only a matter of time before another dwarf wanders past this stretch of hallway.

>check the cage

I kneel down and lift the tarp slightly. A low sound comes from within, a long, quiet, hissing growl.

My eyes need time to readjust to darkness, but I don't need to see the creature to understand its message. Stay away.

Maybe it'd be wise to listen?
>>
No. 300966 ID: 07416a

>>300965
Wait till Kira is done, then open the cage and move to the other side.
>>
No. 300970 ID: 46a366

if its a animal, leave it be unless you think you can eat it.

try calling to it, say you are escaping. the more hands the merrierer.
>>
No. 300971 ID: 1854db

...a drake? That's quite a catch. You could release it for a distraction.

Go open the chest first.
>>
No. 301010 ID: 6bf918
File 130437437016.jpg - (117.39KB , 800x600 , OriQuest087.jpg )
301010

>...a drake?

A cavern drake at that, judging by its coloration. From what I know, dwarves are the only ones that know how to train them. You could buy a small estate for what a tame drake costs in a human city.

This one doesn't look very tame, though. I'll leave it alone for now.
>>
No. 301011 ID: 6bf918
File 130437473816.jpg - (150.26KB , 800x600 , OriQuest088.jpg )
301011

I head back into the room to see what Kira found. This is it.

The pouch has two straps in the rear for threading a belt through. It's empty now - all it contained was the key and the pipe implements.

There's also the tooth (which she's holding onto rather possessively) and the cleaver, which I can barely lift, much less swing around.
>>
No. 301012 ID: 1854db

What's in the flask? If it's water, ask if she's thirsty. If it's beer or something, hold onto it until we have something to bind her hand with, so we can clean it beforehand.

Definitely take all the keys, as well as the pipeweed and flint/steel. You could start a fire with that stuff. Put everything you can manage into the pouch, thread the belt through it, then sling it over your shoulder.

Also open the chest! One of these keys must fit it.
>>
No. 301038 ID: 653ea0

Belt+pouch, flint+steel, flask and gold key look good. I don't think it's worth the time testing the grey keys, you know what they're probably for.
>>
No. 301047 ID: 6bf918
File 130438396276.jpg - (142.85KB , 800x600 , OriQuest089.jpg )
301047

>What's in the flask?

Something that makes my sinuses scream for mercy the moment I pull out the stopper.

I put it back in immediately.


>Also open the chest! One of these keys must fit it.

The one the dwarf had doesn't. Neither does the large one. The other small gray one does, however.

The chest contains:

- a violently green sock
- a blue gemstone (cut)
- a steel-tipped crossbow bolt
- a roll of bandages
>>
No. 301048 ID: 1854db

>>301047
BANDAGES! You will want to clean her hand and bandage it.

The flask is some manner of drinkable alcohol. Think you can use it to clean her hand? The sock might make a good container, but it's a bit small. Using the beltpouch would be a better idea... The arrow might be a weapon in a pinch. We can't carry all this though.

If you do use the flask to clean her wound, warn her that it will hurt, a lot.
>>
No. 301049 ID: 28e94e

>>301047
If that gemstone isn't a counterfeit, then it should be many times harder than iron or stone. You can use it to cut metal in a pinch. Also take the bandages.
>>
No. 301052 ID: 46a366

pretty much its time to bind wounds. palm the gem to take later, maybe even hide it in the flask if you think you will need the flash.

give her the crossbow bolt. im sure she can weaponize it anyway.

and wear pouch like a man would.
>>
No. 301081 ID: 07416a

>>301047
With the relative sizes you can loop the belt over the shoulder and use the pouch as a backpack or messenger bag.
>>
No. 301153 ID: 3d7a30

great. Use the alcohol to disinfect Kira's wounds and then bind them. Then release the drake to go on its merry way and create all sorts of distraction while you sneak away.
>>
No. 301183 ID: 6bf918
File 130443424707.jpg - (84.42KB , 800x600 , OriQuest090.jpg )
301183

I'll... I'll get right on that.
>>
No. 301190 ID: 85c12f

>>301183
oh boy. subnutured much?

ill redo a old suggestion of mine, take it as needed:

you need sustance and water. drink the dwarf's blood and see what you can gut of him to eat.

as a serious suggestion. put the remainings of the dwarf for the drake to eat, and leave its cage open. when it finishes it should stir trouble up.
>>
No. 301191 ID: 1854db

>>301183
What's wrong?
>>
No. 301244 ID: 6bf918
File 130445625175.jpg - (56.39KB , 800x600 , OriQuest091.jpg )
301244

>What's wrong?

Nothing unexpected. I entered a fight, my body responded by giving me the necessary energy. Now there’s no more energy left to give, and in my condition this means no energy, period.

I need to sit down for a moment. Wait for my legs to stop shaking, and my vision to clear.

>treat Kira

Well, that, at least, I don’t need to stand up for. I'll just ca-

What is she doing now?
>>
No. 301245 ID: 1854db

Looks like... praying for the dead? Could be anything, really, considering her mental condition. Wait for her to stop whatever she's doing before you call her over.
>>
No. 301248 ID: 8c73c8

looks like dwarf meat it is.
>>
No. 301334 ID: 1db69d

>>301244
we may need to face the fact she has a serious case of Mary Sueitis.

her background page may have more that 3 sheets together. her father may be a ninja, naruto, a pirate, sephiroth, sonic, a demigod or all of the above at once while not necessarily the same being. she may or may not own a kingdom, wich was taken from her when she was imposed a exile by her mother that she hated for no apparent reason in a attempt to either redeem herself in the sight of her child or to take the kingdom from her. there may or may not be involved several romantic interests around the mary sue that inexplainabely likes her even tho they shouldnt even exist by the setting used or describe her has a horrible/ugly person, and whoever trheatens the mary sue may resemble villains out of textbooks, bullies from the author's real life or be related somehow to her romantic interest, wich will never fail to save her.

approach carefully as contact with mary sue may grant one or more of the following symptoms before becoming a mary sue yourself:

-strange increase in the use of colors in the character sheet

-appearance and complete mastery of absolutely unobtainable weapons, material, tecnology, body parts or gadgets

-cliches forming around you everywhere for no apparent reasons

-poor writing in any form, wich may include plot points appearing, becoming irrelevant or disappearing at her will.

and remember: only trained Exalted can handle mary sues. never engage her if not with the purpose to be defeated.

now its time to butcher a dwarf. and try to collect his blood for drinking.

i couldnt resist myself. ignore as pleased.
>>
No. 301401 ID: 653ea0

>>301334
I wish I could, but your post is huge. And stupid.
>>
No. 301521 ID: 6bf918
File 130455750565.jpg - (87.38KB , 800x600 , OriQuest092.jpg )
301521

>Wait for her to stop

By the time she’s done with her… thing, I don’t feel all that much better, but at least I can see straight. I call her over, telling her to bring the flask along.

“I found some bandages, so we can get your wounds covered up,” I explain. “However, we first have to clean them, and all we have for that, is alcohol strong enough to strip paint.”

“It’s going to hurt. A lot,” I continue, after she doesn’t respond. “So I’d appreciate you not stabbing me in retaliation. I’m doing this to prevent infection, alright?”
“Alright.”
“Good. Try not to breathe,” I pull out the stopper and soak a piece of bandage in the contents, half-expecting to see it dissolve. “The hand, please.”

She flinches when the alcohol comes in contact with exposed flesh, then holds still.

>>300110
Ask if she knows anything about the layout of the fortress

“I don’t suppose you know what’s the fastest way to the exit?” I try to distract her from the pain. “Or where we could find food and water and, preferably, no dwarves?”
“I don’t know.”
“Do you at least know where this place is? Under the plains, or in the mountains?”
“Yes,” she frowns, “mountains…”

That’s something, I suppose.
>>
No. 301522 ID: 07416a

Well, at least now you can feel better about drinking the water yourself.
>>
No. 301523 ID: 8c73c8

meaning this middle area would have the front door but you don't want the front door. ask about eating the dwarf. you need SOMETHING to eat or you may pass out.
>>
No. 301526 ID: 1854db

Bandage her hand. Ask how long she's been here. If she has any family. How old she is.

Then... reflect briefly that a man just died, and you were partly responsible for his death. You're a doctor, and you killed someone.
>>
No. 301622 ID: 8c73c8

>>301526
it was him or us. and he wouldn't listen to reason.
>>
No. 301714 ID: 3d7a30

>>301526

briefly reflect that a man just died, and realise it was an unavoidable act of self defence
>>
No. 301715 ID: 6bf918
File 130463756318.jpg - (86.30KB , 800x600 , OriQuest093.jpg )
301715

>>301523
For the last time, I will not engage in cannibalism. Not until my only other choice is gnawing off my own foot.

>>301522
However, water remains a primary concern. I need it to keep Kira’s wounds clean, and I need it for myself – far more than I need food, I suspect.

>>301526
I’d say she’s a couple years older than me – about forty, or so.

“Any idea how long you’ve been a prisoner here?”
“I don’t know. Long.”

Not an unexpected answer. Even a healthy person could easily lose track of time in captivity.

“Any family out there? Or in here, I suppose,” I add. “Should we check every cage we run into for your husband?”
“No husband… I… I don’t know.”
“Let’s just focus on finding an exit then. And done,” I tie off the bandage on her arm. I still have half of the original roll left. “Keep this away from dirt, fluids, or anything at all, really, alright?”
“Alright.”
“And now we really have to get going."

So the plan is to gather up everything useful I can carry, release the drake, hope it decides not to maul me, and take the elevator. Am I missing something?

> You're a doctor, and you killed someone.
>it was him or us

It was him, or my patient.
>>
No. 301716 ID: 868a23

>>301715
well in that case wonder around endlessly till you stumble upon a food stockpile or something
>>
No. 301717 ID: 07416a

>>301715
He was intending to butcher and eat you both. That implies that the kitchen may be somewhere on this level.

...Hmm. If you let the drake loose and it ate the corpse, that could disguise the fact that you yourself are loose.
>>
No. 301725 ID: 8c73c8

>>301717
good point, also means that the drake was on the butcher list. just unlock the darke cage but don't open it. then look around for the food stocks, be on the lookout for more dwarves.
>>
No. 301731 ID: 07416a

>>301715
Are drakes hunters only or are they opportunistic scavengers?
>>
No. 301733 ID: 1854db

>>301715
Optimally you would unlock the door to the drake's cage, open it, and then hide in one of the other cages until it's left. Following it at a far enough distance so you can hear when it encounters a dwarf may work out...

Another option is to unlock and open the cage, then get to the elevator and leave, going your separate ways.
>>
No. 301888 ID: 6bf918
File 130471946698.jpg - (117.91KB , 800x600 , OriQuest094.jpg )
301888

>>301012
>Put everything you can manage into the pouch, thread the belt through it, then sling it over your shoulder

It’s a bit of a struggle, mostly because of the flask, but a traveler like me does eventually pick up a thing or two about efficient packing. Even so, I’ll have to carry the bolt around in my hand for now.

I also discarded the used keys, the cleaver, the pipe, and the sock.
>>
No. 301889 ID: 6bf918
File 130471952411.jpg - (123.75KB , 800x600 , OriQuest095.jpg )
301889

The drake isn’t acting any friendlier the second time around. If anything, its hissing is louder.

>Are drakes hunters only or are they opportunistic scavengers?
>If you let the drake loose and it ate the corpse

I don’t think they’d turn their nose up at a free meal, but they’re also about the size of a cat. I doubt this one could manage an entire dwarf just on its own.

>unlock and open the cage, then get to the elevator and leave

Huh. Looks like this cage is held closed with a sliding bolt instead of a lock. I was sure that the last key wa-

SHIT!
>>
No. 301890 ID: 6bf918
File 130471955707.jpg - (70.40KB , 800x600 , OriQuest096.jpg )
301890

“Kira, stay there. Don’t move.”
“Alri-“
“And keep quiet!”
>>
No. 301909 ID: 1854db

He was just hauling a block. Also watch out that the drake doesn't bite you through the cage now.
>>
No. 301930 ID: 8c73c8

yeah, looked like he was hualing a block.
>>
No. 301969 ID: 6bf918
File 130472652161.jpg - (70.68KB , 800x600 , OriQuest097.jpg )
301969

Wait, I think there's more.
>>
No. 301970 ID: 6bf918
File 130472656804.jpg - (70.80KB , 800x600 , OriQuest098.jpg )
301970

>>
No. 301973 ID: 07416a

>>301970
Um.
>>
No. 301974 ID: 8c73c8

must be working on a mega project. this is good, they will be distracted.
>>
No. 301989 ID: 1854db

...okay let's forget the drake. Just go to the elevator again, and hit floor 3.
>>
No. 302138 ID: 61ba96

the good news is: they are focused in a single point on the fort, and we are likely to make a quick retreat sucessfuly.

the bad news is: either the arena is under repair because of forgotten beasts or theres a demon pit open.
>>
No. 302177 ID: 6e44d2

>>302138
Oh god! Demon pits are too much fun for us to handle!
>>
No. 302369 ID: 6bf918
File 130481508608.jpg - (83.32KB , 800x600 , OriQuest099.jpg )
302369

>let's forget the drake

Maybe this is the wiser choice. If it did decide to pounce me in plain view of those dwarves...

I grab Kira and we make for the elevator.
>>
No. 302373 ID: 6bf918
File 130481525831.jpg - (93.22KB , 800x600 , OriQuest100.jpg )
302373

I don't think anyone noticed us. Damn, they're still going - there must really be something major going on. Hopefully this mean far less dwarves elsewhere in the fortress.


So...


Up?

Or down?
>>
No. 302374 ID: 1854db

If it's a mountain the exit is probably near the base of the mountain. So go to floor 3.
>>
No. 302376 ID: 07416a

>>302374
Yes.
>>
No. 302425 ID: f0e3ae

wait, before leaving... try talking to the drake. They are supposed to be sentient and like kobolds. If it doesn't respond then leave, but if it does then you might make a very awesome ally.

Also, maybe check a few nearby rooms, releasing more prisoners, and show your friend where the femoral artery is on the dwarf corpse, as well as a few other good spots to slash.
>>
No. 302427 ID: 1854db

>>302425
You're thinking of dragons. Not drakes.
>>
No. 302434 ID: 8c73c8

think we should go top floor, in a mountain it's the smallest, and work our way down.
>>
No. 302534 ID: f0e3ae

>>302427
Depending on story, drakes are either baby dragons or their non sentient cousins.
>>
No. 302589 ID: 2563d4

>>302374
Yup yup. Up is especially good if they have opened the glowing pit. :V
>>
No. 304918 ID: 6bf918
File 130567909069.jpg - (63.05KB , 800x600 , OriQuest101.jpg )
304918

>talk to the drake

I did mention the need to train them, didn’t I? They’re certainly very clever, as well as stubborn, mean-spirited, and vengeful to the point where one would almost need a developed brain to explain those qualities… but nevertheless, they lack true sapience.

Besides,

>check a few nearby rooms

I am not risking another trip out into the hall. There’s still dwarves crossing the intersection, and in order to reach the other rooms, I’d not only be moving closer to them, I’d also have to abandon the cover the cage gave us on the way to the elevator.

>go to floor 3
>Yes

Alright, I’ll…



…realize that my arm isn’t quite long enough to reach the switch.
>>
No. 304922 ID: 1854db

Lift Kira up and instruct her to use her good hand to move the lever to the right position.

She'll have to stow the knife to do this.
>>
No. 304923 ID: 07416a

>>304918
Hop. Hop like your life depends on it. PS, it does. If you have to go back and find something to stand upon... Release the drake!
>>
No. 304929 ID: b84932

Poke it with whatever object you have that is best suited for poking.
>>
No. 304932 ID: 2563d4

>>304918
Get your ladyfriend to give you a boost, since you're the brains of this operation and probably best trusted with simple mechanisms.
>>
No. 304933 ID: 6bf918
File 130568349299.jpg - (101.60KB , 800x600 , OriQuest102.jpg )
304933

>>304923

I... probably should've thought of that myself.


Rrrrgh.


It's stuck. I can feel the switch dip slightly under my weight, but it's like there's something blocking it from moving further.
>>
No. 304934 ID: 35e1a0

ah, the lever is a brake then, not a engage switch. grab it.
>>
No. 304948 ID: 88bbef

>>304934
wait, this would take us down?

anyway once you sort things UP, have kira help you pull the brake.
>>
No. 305018 ID: 6bf918
File 130573483664.jpg - (64.52KB , 800x600 , OriQuest103.jpg )
305018

>the lever is a brake then
>lift Kira up

She's only about half my weight, but my legs are already starting to shake.

"...no, no. First press these bent pieces of metal against the lever, then lean down on it."
"Alright."

Fortunately, she finally understands what I'm asking. The lever gives under her weight, there's a loud clang and the entire elevator shudders violently, dropping down an inch.

The only reason I don't fall over is that I tightly grip Kira's legs, and she keeps hold of the lever.

>wait, this would take us down?

...isn't that the idea? To go to down to floor 3 and hope it's near enough the base of the mountain that we'll find our way to an exit from there?

I'm confused now. Should I go UP, to floor 25 of the first sequence? DOWN to floor 3 of the second sequence? Even further DOWN, to one of the floors of the third sequence?

It's best if I made up my mind quickly, because if the answer is UP, I'll need Kira to throw the switch, and I really don't think I can hold her up much longer.
>>
No. 305022 ID: b8e86f

>>305018
Descend, for now.
Stay keen for scents and sensations that may tell you if you're going the right way.

Changes in the air pressure, and the smell of the air mainly.

Unless these dwarves breathe their own recycled farts they have some way of getting air deep into their home. Possibly a way that could be traced to the surface.
>>
No. 305023 ID: 3d7a30

down to floor 3
>>
No. 305132 ID: 1854db

Down to floor 3, as we have no idea exactly how far up we are or what floors have exits.
>>
No. 305300 ID: 6bf918
File 130584293071.jpg - (103.84KB , 800x600 , OriQuest104.jpg )
305300

>>305022
>>305023
>>305132

Down it is.
>>
No. 305302 ID: 6bf918
File 130584297307.jpg - (59.36KB , 800x600 , OriQuest105.jpg )
305302

Hopefully it won't prove to have been a mistake.
>>
No. 305370 ID: 0d7a83

>>305302
naaah it'll be fine.
>>
No. 305372 ID: 1800cf

>>305370
thank you.

i just realized this may be the main shaft linking to the magma forges way below ground level.
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