>>337612
@Minci:
That's quite a lot of apparently non-magical gold!

... oh, and we should prrrrobably tell you that we're responsible for you and DD getting together.
... and for you surviving the first few days after you met DD.
... and we made this happen the night before we reunited you with DD.

1/2 Ears 2011/08/07(Sun)06:55 No. 337625 ID: c811c4
File 131272533027.png - (62.38KB , 800x529 , 638.png )

>>337624
>"If that's true... well, I wonder how it happened without all of you? Or if it was much different at all? I guess Duke never mentioned me before that night... either what you say is entirely true, or he just never mentioned me anyways. It's an awful lot to imagine!" Minci replies.

It's more her sharing my vision with herself, if I let her. Which of course I am. Technicalities anyway... let me just climb this mountain of dreams and hopes in the most casual manner.

KSHHHH

2/2 Ears 2011/08/07(Sun)06:57 No. 337626 ID: c811c4
File 131272543530.png - (61.94KB , 800x529 , 639.png )

Interesting fact. Jumping on a pile of loot is astonishingly painful! But, this is just a room, all of the walls look very solid. There's no magic items I can sense or see, it's just raw, extraordinary, unimaginable wealth. That's all.

aw, I guess we'll have to make do with just that~

You might want to take a gander in the vault itself. There must surely be a door or something to allow people to access the treasure without blowing down walls. If there's nothing (which would indicate the room was meant to be like a time capsule for its owner), or you think you blew up any sort of hidden door, then go ahead and start sorting through the treasure. This money could help everyone significantly in getting supplies and such. Not to mention getting a look at all the shinies will be fun!

Ears 2011/08/07(Sun)07:28 No. 337642 ID: c811c4
File 131272733815.png - (20.04KB , 800x600 , 640.png )

Alright, Minci got Duke off, somehow. We're leaving for now, bringing pocketfuls of gold with us. Just pocketfuls, that's all. I've sensed the earth around, and there's nothing else I can see. Maybe that anti magic bubble was the artifact, but that seems to fall short on expectations. Oh well. I guess we'll just have to make do with a mountain of riches.

Oh, and we're bringing the kobold too, apparently. If it's at all a help, we might bring the other bodies back with the gold.


>"Allow me, madam!" says Tom.

>"Hehe, thank you Duke. Aw, Ears, you don't need to look away. Truly bashful succubi usually don't go very far!"

"Th-that's... fine." Ears says.

>"Alright, everyone." Chee says. "It seems like everyone is alright over there, good!"

>"Clamp has been trying to get in touch with the harpies, and I think he'll get an audience soon enough." Chee continues. "Would you all like to help Shabin and Clamp negotiate, or focus on something else?"

as if those two headcases would pull it off on their own. of course we'll help them.

>>337625
He didn't say anything about you, but that's probably because we gave him cues that would let him know when we would have already found out about what would would have had done.

It also probably helps that Chee's response to the dream/vision/thing we were riding back in time started with "Wow, I was such a-". That kinda let DD know Chee wasn't about to hurt you.

>>337626
I wasn't aware that your people used gold. Of course, if they did then that much would destroy your local economy and render it basically worthless.

>>337642
...can't you earthform the tunnel to be a little less cramped now the AMF is down?

Ears 2011/08/07(Sun)08:24 No. 337660 ID: c811c4
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>>337653
You know, I could have, but the funniest thing happened.

5 minutes ago...

>"Oh, Ears! Could you make that tunnel just a little bigger for me?"

"Of co- errrr I think I left my magic on my.. over there.. I need to rest."

>"Aw. Okay then, we can keep on going then, I can make it through a lot easier this time with Duke's help!"

Send us over to Clamp and Shabin. We are probably better at diplomacy than them.

oh. ok then. to the negotiation table!

>>337660
Well you can widen it now to make it easier to move all of that delicious loot.

Oh, and yeah, lets go see what Shabin and Clamp is up to.

>>337660
>>337702

The 'delicious loot' should probably stay with the kobold tribe. They've been attacked for years because of rumors of ancient evils, treasure, and the like, and now there's finally some truth to it.

Though some of it should go to Tom, Minci, and Ears. As reparations for the impalement sacrifice.

1/2 Cheelop 2011/08/07(Sun)20:44 No. 337899 ID: c811c4
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"Hello, Shabin, Clamp! All of us are with you now, so we can hear you guys think."

>"Chee. Not sure what you want from the harpies, sending me out to have a tea party with 'em, but what I gotta complain about is how Winston got me in this getup. I look ridiculous." says Clamp.

>"Don't complain, tough guy. At least yours almost fits. Try to smile once during this, would you?" says Shabin.

>"Same goes for you. Here comes the matriarch. I hope their greeting is a strangling contest."

"Please, Clamp! It would be a nice addition if we could get on the harpy's good side! Here she comes, be friendly!"

2/2 Cheelop 2011/08/07(Sun)20:44 No. 337900 ID: c811c4
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"Hello, mortal enemy. Normally I would simply kill you here. But because I am amused by this, I will hear you out, and then kill you."

>"Funny words, considering we asked an audience of her and she granted it," thinks Clamp.

We're here to check on how well they handled the zombie attack. Maybe we can lend them some magical assistance from our animal-folk allies if they need it to rebuild?

We are also here apparently because Chee wants to see if you can get along at all. This might be a good time to explain that you personally killed the traitorous gnoll that burned their nest way back when. I'm not sure if these harpies are at all affiliated with those prior ones though.

>>337900
Notify her that the one who burned their home was a traitor to your group, and you executed her personally. You are also an envoy of the tower, and have come to negotiate continued alliance. We can help with any damages from the invasion.

... Why Winston, why. Anyway the harpy seems to be grandstanding. Perhaps she is trying to make her tribe appear stronger than it currently is.

the reason the undead were able to rampage unchecked though both the orc and harpy lands was because we all stood apart. had the orcs, knolls and harppys had stood as one against the undead the undead could have been stopped before they caused so much damage. we can all remain at one each others throats, bleeding each other until we are too weak and divided to stand against the next great threat, or we can stand together and gain the power to stand against anything the world can throw at us. we propose an alliance, nothing complex. simply an agreement that if one of use is attacked the other will come to there aid.

Yeah, pretty much just offer to help them if they stop being assholes, ya know? Let bygones be bygones.

>>337900
Oh, and also give Shabin some cleric or paladin souls. She was showing signs of healability earlier, should be decent enough now. She can offer to treat their wounded.

Cheelop 2011/08/07(Sun)21:36 No. 337921 ID: c811c4
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>"We wanted to check on how you handled the zombies." Shabin says.

>"Hah! The little one is concerned? The harpies have done well! They passed through, but we handled them easily." the Matriarch says.

>"Judging from the damage we saw coming in to the forest and what were likely charred corpses, that seems unlikely at best," Shabin thinks.

>"Dunno if you guys are with the harpies some years back that had their nest burned, but that gnoll has been dealt with by me." Clamp says.

>"Ohhh! You say that, like it's the only affront gnolls have committed against us! You, for instance! There is a reason we call you Bloodmountain!" the Matriarch says.

>"Doesn't have to..." Clamp starts.

Come on, Clamp! Don't stutter now!

>"Doesn't have to... be that.. way. The undead ran across the jungle unchecked, 'cause everyone acted independently. We want.. propose.. an alliance. Just if one of us is attacked, the other well aid." Clamp says.

>"Hahah! I never thought I'd see the day. How weak you appear, now! What is in it for the harpies, to ally with mutts? More land, more treasure? Any offer at all, or have the mighty gnolls fallen so far?" asks the Matriarch.

>"Oh, Matriarch," Shabin speaks, "I happen to be able to heal, if you would like assistance with wo-"

>"Did you not listen, kobold? We easily took care of our problem, we need no help!" the Matriarch replies.

>"Augh! This is why I never went an' spoke with 'em! They're impossible to do anything with 'cept for killing! Just one little snapped neck. Right there. So easy, and years of problems go right down the river." Clamp thinks.

Claaamp!

>>337921
If they handled the zombies so easily, then they can prove it easily. Let's play hardball.

>>337921
Right. I think we should conquer these feathered bastards for their own good. Integration would be a somewhat longterm problem, but they're too proud and too stupid for self-rule. How difficult would it be to escape if you snapped the Matriarch's neck?

Tell them that while they need no help, they could benefit from help. Point out that they are a small group, and while killing them would be more trouble than it's worth for you, (as long as they continue to allow passage) there are others who might not feel the same. Mention that the zombies didn't actually care much about the harpies, they were just passing through.
Suggest that a mutually assured defense pact could be to their significant advantage, and point out that the Gnolls are allied with Chee, the kobolds, and the animal people, and are thus part of the most powerful force in this part of the world - one which could easily annihilate the harpies. Tell them that this offer is extended as a courtesy, as Chee could easily vassalize them by force.

If none of that works, let them be for now. It's likely advantageous to let them think on their situation apart from the immediate presence of diplomats.

Hmmmmm... seems like they haven't changed much, but if it is a show to try and get us to grovel, I think we should turn the tables.

Use some scrying to figure out their base numbers right now. With having to deal with them, Clamp may know how many were lost or are wounded. This can give us an advantage. Second, mention that while they went pass the harpies, they were stopped and defeated by you and your allies specifically a VERY POWERFUL MAGE. Telling them the numbers you lost can also help if you lost far less than them.

Use some intimidation, but use it in such a way that it backs you up, not make it look like you want to fight again. You want to prove to them that not only are you strong, but also smart ,you have many strong friends and there is a very good chance that this will likely be small compared to what the Lich King is going to pull.

tell them to drop the posturing. when the unread hit our walls we saw far to many fresh harpy zombies for them to have gotten of lightly. ask them if there pride is really worth risking the extinction of there people.

explain that we are not weak, we would just rather turn an enemy into an ally rather than a corpse. though if they don't want to enter into a defensive pact with someone they think to weak to contribute to there defense, invite them to send a few scouts over your land and see your strenght for themselves. then make sure that when the harpies go the check on us makes sure they get an eyeful, the animal people fixing the wall, while being guarded by large numbers of gnolls would probably be a good show of strength.

Clamp, calm down. We don't want you going berserk.

We could give them talent souls. That said I find it funny that our forces could likely wipe them out with no problem. (really we have them out gunned, if not out numbered.) If they continue this current trend of retarded warmongering, we might have to resort to a show of force.

Cheelop 2011/08/07(Sun)22:23 No. 337940 ID: c811c4
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>"Chee, scrying magic. You got any?" Clamp asks.

"It's not set up, sorry! I can see specific areas if I'm given warning, but it's hard to get a good estimate of how many harpies are around, because they may be highly spread out."

>"Only saw a dozen or so coming in. Possibly more hiding though." Shabin adds.

>"We're changin' the negotiation approach."

>"We've been real nice so far, playin' along like the zombies didn't completely overwhelm you. What you saw din't even think you were worth the time. They marched right on by for us, and we're the ones that crushed them. You show us your shoulder, and it's you against the world, missy. The gnolls, Chee, kobolds and animals are all together. Our deal here the best for you, too damn good in fact. If we wanted your kind, Chee could make you our vassals with nothin' but a word. In fact, ya know what, I'd love to see that happen. I din't come here cause I wanted to, I came here cause a' Chee. Ain't a bone in me that wants to call harpies allies. So here I am, ready to see your words about killin' me. See what happens if you do. I'd love to die right here, knowing Chee would hunt all of you down to the claws. How 'bout it, then? You gonna call yourself ally, or you gonna make me happy?" Clamp says.

>.... "We will think on this. Leave us, gnoll, before we change our minds."

>"Well, that could'a been worse. I can press her, but I'd bet it wouldn't get pretty."

>>337940
Right. Give a curt nod and leave.

>>337940
That was excellent Clamp, thank you.

Alright, I think we did well there. With that info, we can use scrying when we deal with the orcs to see their situation. We should have time to scry them, right?

Am going to guess that the orcs got hit harder. You know, because they can't fly.

Cheelop 2011/08/07(Sun)22:46 No. 337947 ID: c811c4
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NEARING 2 WEEKS LATER

Well, time is running out. Voxol's taught me a lot, and with him and Fraga's help, I now have lightning and water elements with good handling. Teleporting as well, I can teleport every moment or two to a nearby location, and know how to set up more permanent portals from one area of the world to another. It's expensive, but we still have that treasure we can decide on later.

As for scrying, I've sent constructs and used some of the treasures left in my tower to create scrying devices across the entire southern peninsula. With their orbs aligned in the tower much like the orb from my scrying hat, and with an undead construct keeping an eye on them, there's hardly an action that goes on by without me seeing. The harpies and orcs were certainly decimated, but not annihilated! I've left them alone, however. Neither one has contacted us so far, not even the harpies. They're simply discussing their options at great length.

Tae, Ears, Tom and Minci are with me, living in proximity of Voxol. Fraga of course is still with the kobold's, and everyone else is still at the tower.

I should be heading back to the tower, and keeping on eye on when the Lich King contacts me again. With that, is there anything else I should do, or any questions of the current situation I've forgotten?

don't hoard all that money, spend it! buy weaponry, mercenaries, magical trinkets... the time has almost come to fight the Bitch King.

>>337947
What happened to your 'brother'? Also, I think it could be very important to research ways to prevent the Lich King from yanking Tom out of you like the second lich was threatening. Or just directly stealing your souls.

Maybe we could go into the fight with Tom and the ability souls elsewhere entirely?

Hmmmm... do you think it's possible to imbue a high level of healing energy into something to cause an explosion? Like a healing bomb. It could be pretty useful for dealing with undead and healing our men as well.

Other than that, try to help out whomever you can that are willing. Didn't the humans get hit hard too?

>>337947
I think you should set up permanent portals everywhere. You might not win and there are few better legacies than a permanent transportation network. Roads are civilization.

1/3 Cheelop 2011/08/07(Sun)23:21 No. 337965 ID: c811c4
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Oh, yes! The other construct kobold. Well, if he had souls in him before, he doesn't anymore. It's possible that each time the Lich King tried, he would pull the souls back out again to put them in the next. So! It would be possible that the Lich King can rip them out of me, but I've practiced so much, I'm no longer nearly as defenseless as some time ago. I should be able to hold all the souls together, and if not... well, if he can overpower me with souls he can probably kill me anyways. Otherwise, there doesn't seem to be anything too special about him that I can find out.

2/3 Cheelop 2011/08/07(Sun)23:21 No. 337966 ID: c811c4
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And going into the fight without Tom's soul or anyone's... well, I can throw souls to other bodies, sure, but they're still linked through me. I just don't know how to permanently move souls to another person without needing my magical upkeep. I don't feel like there's someone else keeping me up though, so I should be entirely independent, in other words, I don't think the Lich King has a kill switch.

3/3 Cheelop 2011/08/07(Sun)23:22 No. 337967 ID: c811c4
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Over the days I have left most of the gold intact, but have flown some of it to my tower. Sending a few animals and Tae to the human lands, I've bought much armor, potions and supplies for us in case it turns into a large scale battle again. We're well supplied and armed, now. I'll imbue a lot of things with healing to make bombs, enough so that that kind of ammo is available to anyone.

And yes, the human's got hit hard, but I helped them on my way back from the northern lich to my southern tower. I have a bit of a reputation now, I think! So, I can set up teleporters around the world. That would be a good thing to leave behind if I do die, I think. Based on the amount of resources it takes to make that much magic through items though, it would take a good 25% of the gold stash. Simply arming everyone only took 5%.

Hmm. Do you think you can fiddle with the antimagic bubble so that you can cast spells in it but nobody else can? I imagine the Lich King would be able to overpower it, but it would at least hamper his efforts to kill you.

OHHH also we need some way to find his phylactery. Is there any way you can scry for it or recognize it on sight?

You know what, let's do some basic exploration of the uncharted lands with constructs. Maybe we can find some super-rad wizards there. Speaking of wizards, we could go traveling in the human lands and just find someone with a variety of magical schools learned and gain their ability by having them cast while we're in them.

>>337967
A gate network would be a good legacy if you die, and good infrastructure if you survive. Just as long as, assuming you do survive, you can retain control of it. It wouldn't do to give potential enemies an easy way to hit all the major civilization centers quickly.

sounds pretty good to me. the island's main mode of transportation, revolutionized by Cheelop the kobold! they'll think twice before being an asshole to your kind ever again.

I realized that you don't even know where the lich king's lair is, so all you could do is defend. are you sure your scrying golems couldn't find anything that might indicate his presence?

1/3 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)01:02 No. 337990 ID: c811c4
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>>337974
Of course, each teleporter will have controls to allow or disallow teleportations with any other teleporters it's already connected to.

Right. On my way back, I'll study the anti magic bubble. Minci knows more about this than I do though, and she says it should be possible to arrange it so it's attuned to my own self, and no one else. She also says that if this were the case, even the Lich King himself shouldn't be able to overpower it. Hopefully he doesn't have any tricks up his sleeve.

I don't know how I would get his phylactery. I might be able to sense a soul inside of an item, but that could be any lich's phylactery, or a trapped soul, or anything. I would still of course need to find such an item, first. As for finding the Lich King, I have no clue where he could be at, so I wouldn't know where to begin scrying.

Unfortunately, I don't really have time to visit all the human mages to get their skills. I already have a nice variety, anyways.

2/3 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)01:03 No. 337991 ID: c811c4
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I'm back at the tower, now. I've sent constructs over all of the uncharted regions, and hopefully there will be some interesting spots!

>"Welcome back, Master Chee. The tower is in good order, with a touch of your own on the walls instead of the more intimidating design of the previous lich."

"Thank you, Winston! Also, could you not have Clamp where fancy clothes? He seems to out of place with them, even if he was negotiating."

>"Certainly, certainly. My most humble apologies for pressuring him, Master Chee."

"No problem! You're a huge help, Winston."

>"You are too good for me. Before you get far, however, a most pressing message has come."

3/3 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)01:04 No. 337992 ID: c811c4
File 131279066372.png - (87.38KB , 600x600 , 652.png )

>"Chee, you are doing well, I hope. I trust that you are preparing for battle, just as I highly recommended you not do. I did not expect you to follow that, of course. In the eastern lands the humans call uncharted, just a few miles south of the communication statue you first talked to me at, there are two statues dedicated to old legends. That is where I would like to meet for our confrontation. My only request is that you come alone, as I too will be alone. There, we can resolve our affiliation of one another. Is this agreeable to you?"

>>337990
>attune antimagic bubble to self
Oh god do this do this DO THIS!

Can you imagine meeting the Lich King, getting a big speech about how everything up to this point was planned by him, so that he could kill you and take your raw power for his own use so that nobody could ever challenge his rule... then he can't use any magic at all? So awesome. Of course then he will probably be a sore loser and sic some big undead thing on us, but hey, we could also have some backup of our own, right?

Also, how's the mage soul healing? The one we used a chunk of?

I'm not entirely sure we should agree to a spot where he could've set up a shitload of traps. Why don't we suggest a different arena? How about the island we killed the second lich?

>>337992

say yes, take your anti-magic gizmo with you and go alone as promised.

>>337992
Heh. He thinks we're preparing for a war. That's hilarious.
I don't think it occurred to him that we would be setting things up so everything would be on track for a golden age of peace and enlightenment.
We need to be able to leave Tom with Minci so the lich king can't do anything to Tom. Minci can host him when his body gives out, and with all those souls they should eventually be able to resolve that problem on their own.
That means Minci will be your successor if needed, FYI. Might want to tell that to her and Tom.

>>337992
"Lich King, though I have no reason to trust you, your graciousness and amicability have surprised me. I agree to your terms, and will meet you at the said location. I've put this off for far too long, any ways. Is there anything you'd like to talk about before we disconnect for the moment? As you are my magical progenitor, I do feel some desire for familial small talk."

How'se this work?

Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)02:00 No. 338002 ID: c811c4
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Unfortunately, Tom is still, in actuality, linked inside of me. His soul is simply projected to the temporary body. I believe that the second Lich could only rip Tom out because I let Tom outside of me. If I don't do that, he, nor the Lich King, would have anything to grab onto. Also, I had a lot of trouble simply moving specifically Tom temporarily. At the moment, I can't seal him permanently inside of a body without my constant, active magic keeping him there. If I die, I'm pretty sure Tom will die with me, so Tom and Minci most likely can't be a successor until I figure out how to deal with Tom. If I can learn to resurrect Tom in a construct, though... succession would be a good thing to think about. I just don't have the time, right now.

There's not a reason why I can't keep projecting Tom's soul stay in his temporary body or with Minci, I can always pull him back if he's needed for some reason.

The mages's soul is repaired now as well, having rested for over a couple of weeks.

Minci says she's got the bubble's magic attuned to allow my own magic through, so that should be quite the trick, and technically I won't be breaking any deals since I'm still coming alone! I should suggest a different spot, though.

"How about the location of where the second Lich was destroyed?"

>"I insist. My actions may appear whimsical, but I am no liar. There are no traps or allies of mine in this location. It simply is a nostalgic spot, for me."

He says insist, but it sounded as heavy as a demand.

"...okay. You've been pretty nice, even though I don't have a reason to trust you. Is there anything you'd like to talk about? Since you made me... I'd like it very much if we could talk."

>"Small talk, made to get acquainted and personable with another. Yet these orbs are anything but personable. We will chat to length in person, when we meet. It is best if you are not confused, anyway. You should go, soon, as I expect you to be on time. Goodbye for now."

I guess that's settled, then. Anything I should bring other than the bubble?

your staffsword and some ninja stars.

>>338002
Just the assortment of ranged weaponry you usually carry, alongside... that protective amulet that Ears was using. You can never have too much defense, I say.

Plus I would say even though you're going alone, having skilled warriors on standby a few minutes' flight away could be useful. You know, in case we seal the Lich King in rock or something while he's in the antimagic bubble so that we can go find and destroy his phylactery, and he decides to bring help to break him out.

>>338002
>[Tom's] soul is simply projected to the temporary body. ... At the moment, I can't seal him permanently inside of a body without my constant, active magic keeping him there.

Um, how possible is it that this is what the Lich King is doing right now? As in, Tom is actually originating from him, and projected into you? Would you be able to detect the trail of magic?

OH OH CHEE

Bring something that's easily destroyed. We have a terrible terrible theory that I hope is not true but we'll need something like that if it is.

...um, is there any way to verify that your soul in there actually belongs to you? Y'know, just in case bitchyChee actually did defeat the Lich King, and decided to create a triple phylactery that would itself take out her rivals after figuring out how to take their souls out of their 'fenced-off areas'. I mean, the soul you think is yours is fenced off from Tom... We know that there's time magic involved, right? Maybe there's a failsafe that works via time magic, so that if you died while you were young and unpracticed, time would simply be reversed so you weren't in any danger.
That would explain why you were conveniently absent when your village got massacred.

It's a pity your 'brother' had his memories altered. I guess we might be able to get some useful information out of him anyway. Ask him what the sacrifices were all about, and what he remembers of you.

1/3 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)03:06 No. 338010 ID: c811c4
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>Staffsword
>Ninja stars
>Leave a few strong forces somewhat close by.
>An easily breakable glass bottle

>>338006
>"I think I could detect if he was doing something like that. It's possible he's hidden it somehow, but I have no idea how that would be possible! It's a stressful thought, but I don't think that's the case, as I imagine it would be harder to project Tom somewhere else if he wasn't truly within me. I think he did manage to seal Tom permanently. As for my own soul, well... I can only assume it's my real one, I couldn't imagine it's of.. my head hurts.

Alright! I've casted magic for a portal, it merely needs the physical components. I've left Minci directions on how to build them. They're not actually that complex in construction, it's merely the magic and plain resources that make them uncommon. With her coordination of it, she should be able to have it complete by the time I'm back.

My.. little brother, I guess, just says the sacrifices were because another me wanted bodies. He suddenly seems really shaken though, and only makes sense half the time. I've left him in the care of... oh, I'm really putting a lot of work on Minci.



That must be it. I'm a little early.

2/3 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)03:07 No. 338011 ID: c811c4
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This has to be the place. I'm a little early, but he should be coming around nightfall.

3/3 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)03:07 No. 338012 ID: c811c4
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Oh, and yes, I do have my bubble. I was able to flatten it, so I could conceal it underneath my clothes.

i don't like this one bit

but that's mostly because i'm bracing for mindfuck

>>338012
May as well get a little reading done while we're here. Also that cave looks fit for investigating.

Hmm. Did you ever give any thought to putting your soul in a phylactery? I guess there wouldn't be a lot of point to that since only your soul would be preserved, while all the other souls in you including Tom would disperse. Kindof odd that Tom didn't disperse when he died, actually... I mean, the Lich King grabbed him after he died, and I doubt he was right there when the paladins were fighting him, so he was probably dead for a while before he got conscripted. Does Tom's dead state count as a soul?

aye, read it. let's see what's so damned special about this place.

1/3 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)03:39 No. 338016 ID: c811c4
File 131279996047.png - (12.85KB , 600x600 , 657.png )

Tom's case is a bit special, I think. Apparently he became the devourer by getting hit by an unstable artifact designed to work with souls, so it's possible that even when he died from the paladin attack, his soul didn't leave the body as should happen. That's just a single possibility though, maybe the Lich King was just waiting for him to die? There's lots of possibilities, but no way to know.

Well, I may as well read these stones while I wait.

>Here lies Zizi.

>Kiki's brother, a draconic kobold, was buried here after dying peacefully of old age after a long life. It is a rare sight to see successful lich hunting without innate magic, however, with use of enchanted weaponry and sheer ingenuity, his life meant the end of a great deal of liches. His hunt ended as he grew older, fell in love and began to settle down into a loving family.

2/3 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)03:40 No. 338017 ID: c811c4
File 131280001469.png - (13.95KB , 600x600 , 658.png )

>>Here lies Kiki.

>Zizi's sister. Like Zizi, this kobold spent her life hunting down an equally impressive number of undead necromancers. Unlike Zizi, Kiki focused on necromancers, but her accomplishments were no less impressive as she wittled away their numbers with little magic and great determination. Unlike her brother, Kiki never settled down. She continued her battles after her brother retired, and a great deal of time had passed before age had caught up to her, in which a group of necromancers and their undead army had finally slain this hero. Together, these two serve as the draconic kobold's ambitions of glory, serving as proof that even a race reputed as weak can produce the greatest warriors.

3/3 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)03:40 No. 338018 ID: c811c4
File 131280003136.png - (56.93KB , 600x600 , 659.png )

That's odd. I wonder why the Lich King would bring me to someplace like this? I have a bit of time before nightfall. Should I explore the cave, or wait?

>>338018
Well, you're a lich hunter now, aren't you? Perhaps he plans to kill you here, as a statement that even the strongest kobold lich hunters cannot stand up to the Lich King.

Yes, let's check out the cave.

time to play CAVE EXPLORER

1/4 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)04:48 No. 338031 ID: c811c4
File 131280411021.png - (75.16KB , 900x600 , 660.png )

It's.. more statues. These look like monuments, not tombs. Oh, gosh! That's me?

2/4 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)04:49 No. 338032 ID: c811c4
File 131280414170.png - (30.66KB , 282x557 , 661.png )

>Dedicated to Doron the Silver

>Founder of the Silver Cross, this paladin only saw fit to vanquish foes of great caliber and evil. Even amongst questionable races as the draconic kobold, he became friends with all but the most evil of beings. And even of great undead monstrostities, Doron never felt hate or resentment, only a wish that he could have turned them to do well. Always a welcome sight, Doron was a paladin that always preferred doing well by nurturing the good in beings over crushing the evil of beings. Yet he knew when one must fight, and so he lived a long while in these lands, where the greatest undead power rises. He lived a long life, as he slowly shifted his battle from the front lines to organizing was is often considered the greatest paladin guild in known history.

3/4 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)04:49 No. 338033 ID: c811c4
File 131280417250.png - (6.76KB , 248x548 , 662.png )

>Dedicated to Su

>Incredibly modest, this cleric never felt the need for titles and always insisted on simple 'Su'. This woman was not great of physical strength, but had unimaginable healing powers. Unlike the elongated process of magical healing, Su could, without exaggeration, completely renew a person from even mortal wounds and missing limbs in a simple, yet illuminating flash. It was with this great power that she was able to slay the innumerable undead that stalk these canyons as though they were helpless fodder. It was when her loved one was killed and raised as a zombie, that she swore to come to these lands and fight. Eventually her life led her elsewhere, but with her great healing no doubt came an extraordinarily long life.

4/4 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)04:51 No. 338035 ID: c811c4
File 131280427505.png - (3.56KB , 206x561 , 663.png )

>Dedicated to Chee the Relentless
>Behind the exterior of a weak, mammalian kobold was a determination that trumped all others. Like the draconic kobolds of lore, Chee barely had the capacity for magic. And yet, with weak trinkets and weapons, she would charge liches as though she were a fearless warlord. Many thought her as insane, as it was never clear why she hated liches so. Yet despite any misgivings, it was inarguable that her strange devotion powered her assault, leading to surprising successes for one such as herself. Eventually she would go missing, presumably having finally met her match. Despite her relatively unimpressive record compared to other heroes recorded, she inspired many with her unbending will that transcended strength.

There's no date on these markers at all. and after some searching, I haven't found anything. I don't want to rough this place up with earth magic, that would just be... wrong.

>"Chee! I have arrived. Come out, and let me see you."

walk out of the cave LIKE A BOSS.

Pop the Chee statue outside, in case he's gonna trap us, or just to troll him.

>>338035
Walk out and say hello in the same casual tone you would use if you were inviting him in for tea, then ask him why he chose this place.

Su must be our healer soul.

Also I'm glad to see that bitchyChee did manage to kill some liches. Hmm. Maybe you really are her. I was probably worrying over nothing.

Let's go out and have a nice little chat with the Lich King before we kill him. Like, for instance, what is his name?

>>338036

this. because you are a boss.

1/3 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)06:07 No. 338053 ID: c811c4
File 131280882777.png - (114.63KB , 411x541 , 664.png )

>Walk out like a boss
>Casual Tone
>Not going to desecrate own statue

>"Hello, Lich King, I- I-"

>Yes, this place is significant to who you once were. Or at least, whom you were modelled off of. No doubt you have questions, I'm sure. As I told Minci, I did not intend on becoming a lich."

2/3 Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)06:10 No. 338056 ID: c811c4
File 131280902341.png - (55.20KB , 600x600 , 665.png )

>"It was no accident, but rather so I could keep on exerting my will. And yet, I cannot accomplish my goals as a Lich. My ambition has only grown, and the forces I wish to take down cannot be fought by a Lich. I require a living body. Yet for a resurrection, I need a perfect body to match my own. Not just that, but I need immense power, the power of all the mages, all the clerics and all the paladins. Once I complete your purpose, I will be able to complete my own."

CheeQuest - Part 7 : End Cheelop 2011/08/08(Mon)06:10 No. 338057 ID: c811c4
File 131280904956.png - (69.93KB , 600x600 , 666.png )

>"I once hunted petty liches, and yet even weak ones could fight me, no matter how hard I tried. And in one fateful event, I became what I hated, just for a chance to kill more. I have rose to become King. But why stop there? There are very gods out there that are mighty, yet seldom alleviate the strife of their very followers, let alone kobolds. Instead, they curse and meddle with living beings who they think give them the slightest insult based off their arbitrary ideals, like petty school children drunk on power. Most mortals cannot see this, but I have."

>"I'm going to kill them, Chee-construct. I'm going to kill all of the gods, so that I can put an end to the endless abuse of this power, and let mortals live their lives without the invisible puppet strings of the gods interfering."

>"And to do it, Chee... I must take my new body, with all of the power and souls that have been attached."

Say yes.

>>338057
Chee, you are better than her. You are smarter, stronger, kinder. She wishes to cast down the gods? She is no different. Where was she when we asked her to alleviate the suffering of the millions the second lich killed?

She's just another petty godlet with delusions of grandeur.

>>338057
WELP.

I guess my worries weren't unfounded after all. Also... I think maybe you should drop the name Chee. That is not who you are anymore. How about Lop? She uses the first half of the name, so you use the second half. Just like you are her second life.
Now, time to give her a good tongue-lashing.

Does she not realize what she did to you? To the world due to her inaction? We came to her for help when the second lich was turning half the world into zombies! She did nothing! She is a true lich, absorbed by her own ambition to spit in the face of the gods. Well, guess what, missy. We're not your tool.

We can decide whether or not to shove her soul in the bottle and smash it after we're done yelling at her and she responds.

>>338057
"So you became what you hated, and now you think causing more suffering is the way to fix the world? Why did you start hating liches in the first place? What did they do that could possibly be worse than standing idly by while half the world is harvested as fodder for battle?
Look at what you have done, fake Chee, look me in the eye, and tell me you've really been making the best use of your abilities to help the world.
My plans to defeat the gods are already well underway, and it reduces suffering from the start. I will inflict upon them the greatest injury and insult they could ever face; to be ignored.

You lost your way, and for that I pity you. If there is any part of you left that wishes to do what's best for the world, then take solace that I will make the best use of your abilities."

>>338057
Cool, that's actually a pretty admirable goal. Provided that the Lich King can keep from meddling herself. Anyway, you have to ask how she plans to bring that about and what will happen to you if she succeds.

we should probably ask for more background information. how she became a litch, and why she hates the gods.

>>338057
"King, have you researched what would happen if you killed the gods? It would be terrible if it was your actions that destroyed the world."

>>338061
yeah totally, "lol i'll let almost everyone die just to prove a point instead of HELPING PEOPLE"

basically, accuse her of becoming that which she hates.

Or just shiv her in the kidney while she's in mid-monologue.

>>338112
That's silly, liches don't have kidneys, or even any sort of weak spot that you can do massive critical damage to.

>>338105

Yeah, this whole killing the gods plan might have a few holes in it.

I'm not seeing the problem here. Surely these two very powerful and skilled necromancers can whip up some new bodies for Chee and Tom's souls to occupy? We can afford to give up the skill souls too, Chee only wanted a simple life anyway.

>>338145
Request this of the lich, please.

>>338145
The main issue with our Chee is that she doesn't actually have a soul of her own. At least, not as far as we can tell. I guess it could be one of the souls inside Tom, not separated like the one that our Chee thinks is hers. (It's actually this lich's. our Chee is STILL A PHYLACTERY!)

>>338116
I would suggest using a healing knife, but right now I just want to see if we can knife a god to death.

>>338173
>knife a god to death.
That would be fun.

>>338161
Chee's soul is there. Or rather, the "original" that was templated to become Chee. Tom has said as much.

Our major concerns should be as >>338145 had said: ensuring our continued existence and that of our friends.

... this is, of course, assuming that this necrobold is even what it is telling us it is. This was kind of expected to be revealed, but you never know. Ultimately, I have a feeling that we would be best acting together.