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File 131226998889.png - (46.36KB , 600x600 , 488.png )
335335 No. 335335 ID: c811c4

I'm awake! While asleep, Winston has found and brought me the book about properly changing phylacteries. It's complex, but it's the easier half. The difficult part... is breaking the barrier between Tom and the Lich. I guess if Tom sucked his soul though we wouldn't even need to change phylacteries. When I think about it, he wouldn't be able to resurrect with his soul trapped inside Tom. It increases my choice though, whether or not I want to have such a lich's soul.

I'll just have to keep looking for a way to break or bypass that barrier.
Expand all images
>>
No. 335336 ID: c811c4
File 131227000381.png - (19.08KB , 600x580 , 489.png )
335336

This is the layout. The Gnolls have come through, and I've sent a great amount of undead forces along the wall as well. So, it is manned by 200 Animal people, 300 gnolls and 200 undead. There are another 200 undead at my own base. In front of the wall are set traps, with very deep pits laced with stone pikes, while a simple network of tunnels makes for an easy retreat to the Tower, if it's needed.

The enemy Lich is marching his forces, and it will be awhile until he has enough for an attack. Since undead don't have trouble seeing in the dark, I imagine he'll push after sunset.

Ears and Tae are at the Animal front, while Shabin and Clamp are in the middle. The undead give me awareness at the eastern third, so in a sense, I'm there.

The undead, as well, march from all across the land. There will be more attacks as they reach this peninsula. Before the night falls, however, what should I do? Move my forces around to different locales or leave them be, and what should I do personally?
>>
No. 335337 ID: cd63e9

do you know if any of the harpy or orcs make it out? more sword arms would always be of use and flying scouts would be nice.
>>
No. 335338 ID: 00d3d5

>>335336
Send for Minci. She'll be able to help you with her illusions.
>>
No. 335340 ID: 1854db

I don't think we want that lich's soul. He's too crazy. We already have our bird lich boosting our necromancy, and honestly necromancy is not going to be our most powerful tool in the battles to come. So just break the barrier and get him out of you, into something else, which you then destroy.

If they're going to attack at night, then we should set up some kind of light magic at the battlefield. Also, I think you should spread your undead a little on the wall so you can keep tabs on more of the battle. Not very much though, just enough to get awareness.

Can you get a communication orb and call the succubus via that rune pattern we have from Tom's memories? An illusionist would be AWESOME in this battle.
>>
No. 335341 ID: 1854db

OH! OH! One thing we forgot. Are any of the water-dwelling races willing to speak with us? We could see if they'd help out in any way. Either the Naga or Sea Giants. Both would be great.
>>
No. 335342 ID: 71baf1

I think the forces should be put together. The animals are primarily mages, the gnolls warriors, and you can see through the undead. Makes sense for the entire wall to have some of each. If you have any flying undead, birds or the like, I say you have them scout ahead. If there's a large grouping of undead without any significant figure, like the Lich himself, you or a rading party should go in and hit them with some mass healing and then get out. Don't do this too much though, otherwise they'll probably plan an ambush. The lich should be able to see through his undead as well after all.
>>
No. 335343 ID: c811c4
File 131227126889.png - (18.09KB , 600x600 , 490.png )
335343

"Tom, do you know where Minci hid?"

>"Nope. I used to. Occasionally back in the good ol' days, I'd come visit her now and again and share some of my souls with her, but then I went and got defeated. She had to vacate when the paladins thought her hideaway was my base! I'm sure she made it out, but I haven't seen her since."

>Make Light on the battlefield
>Mix Gnolls, Undead and Animals
>Send messengers to Naga and Sea Giants
>Send several scouts outward

Will do! And yes, the communication rune pattern! I think I recall it. I'll get Winston on that right away.
>>
No. 335344 ID: 71baf1

Oh, another thing. We've got that Dragon, right? Well, we should hold back some of the better trained animals and gnolls who we don't knows names, and then use the Dragon to deliver them to any problem areas. A dedicated strike team for arising threats.
>>
No. 335345 ID: c811c4
File 131227174895.png - (8.40KB , 600x600 , 491.png )
335345

>>335344
Alright, I'll try and keep a strike team on alert with the dragon for any small, necessary operations.

>"Master Chee, the communication orb is set."
"Thanks, Winston!"

... "Hello, is anyone receiving this?"

...

>"Hello?"

That sounds like her!
>>
No. 335346 ID: cd63e9

tom anything you want to say to her?
>>
No. 335347 ID: 00d3d5

>>335345
"Minci? Duke's back! Sorta! Duke, let her hear your voice and explain!"
>>
No. 335348 ID: 1854db

>>335345
Oh jeez how are we gonna start this conversation without her hanging up on us?

Maybe you can just start by apologizing for being such a huge bitch in your previous life. Then lead into the fact that you've gotten a good connection with Derrick, and from his memories you got this code so you just wanted to call her and apologize, and to make sure she's alright. Then move on to the other reason for calling.
>>
No. 335349 ID: 171621

>>335348

Well first off, I'd imagine we'd let Tom out to explain to her first. She'd be much more willing to listen to Chee if she had Tom's approval first.
>>
No. 335350 ID: c811c4
File 131227272905.png - (19.98KB , 600x600 , 492.png )
335350

"Hey, Minci! Tom- I mean Duke- is back."

>"Chee? Oh, it's been awhile. Duke died, please Chee, we don't have anything more to do with one another."

Uh, Tom? Come out and talk?"

>"Ah man, this is a little awkward. Hey, Minci?"
>"DD?! How?"
>"Haha, long story. I'm not that dead. Anyways, these fine souls call me Tom, these days."
>"That's too good.. I'm sorry, DD, but Chee, how do I know you're not mimicking DD's voice? Last we saw you, you were trying to kill us!"
"I'm really sorry! I don't remember that! I mean, I saw it in a vision and I was kind of a - a- a bitch!"
>"You do sound different.. I'll try to trust you, in the slightest chance you are with duke. I'm hiding away in the tower's dungeon, at the lich's study. I know you're inside the tower, because of the communication device you're talking through."

I have to go through the dungeon, then? That'll take all day, and chances are the sun would set by the time I get out!
>>
No. 335351 ID: cd63e9

you should probably tell her your in a time sensitive situation. what with the massive undead army en route to murder everything and all.
>>
No. 335352 ID: 00d3d5

>>335350
"I'd love to, but the other non-king lich killed half the continent so he could throw an army at us. I'll try to get Tom to you, though.
Unless there's something only you two would know or something? That would be easiest."
>>
No. 335353 ID: 171621

>>335350

Eh, sight from the Undead at the frontline will keep you updated right? We'll just have to hurry then. :3

If there's any diplomatic stuff needed to be done, the use the butler skeleton to communicate with them from down there or something.

That is of course, if we can't persuade her to come to us.
>>
No. 335355 ID: 2b8edc

>>335350
Oh, the name of the uh the wombat thing
>>
No. 335356 ID: 1854db

Hmm. Well, you could:
1) Send a construct down. This probably won't accomplish anything.
2) Send us down with someone. We might be able to convince her since she'd recognize our presence or at least be able to tell that there are many souls in one person.
3) Go down yourself riding on a construct, reading the book and trying to concentrate on figuring out how to break the phylactery barrier. We'll probably get her out this way but it could make it harder to learn.
4) Convince her to come up on her own by proving you have Duke with you. He's got all sorts of private info so we could probably do this easily!

I'm leaning towards 4 for obvious reasons (it's very simple and easy)
>>
No. 335361 ID: 0bd0b0

Why do you have to go down there? Why can't she just come up?
>>
No. 335362 ID: c811c4
File 131227391579.png - (19.91KB , 600x600 , 493.png )
335362

>>335361
She doesn't trust me enough, and I simply can't blame her for that.

>Tell Minci something only Duke would know

Let's try it!
"Duke, is there something only you and Minci would know?"
>"Well, you did get that vision, so a lot is out, but... ah, wait! Hey, Minci, you remember that one time, after it had been at least a month since I visited, and then I suddenly popped in your hideout and....."
>>
No. 335363 ID: c811c4
File 131227393868.png - (12.55KB , 600x600 , 494.png )
335363

OH MY UNHOLY GOSH

>"Haha, it really is you, Duke! Only you would describe it like that! Alright, I'll come up myself!"

Wait, Lich's study? I may have to keep that in mind! Well, since I have the day free, what preparations should I do?"
>>
No. 335365 ID: 698cb2

Stupid Tom, saying stuff like that when we can't hear it...
Hey Chee, what did he say?
>>
No. 335367 ID: 1854db

>>335363
Thinking about it, there's not a lot more for us to do aside from deal with diplomacy and study how to make the lich mortal.

Oh, we could go and visit the troops personally, sending souls to notable units and having them practice a bit to get a boost of power. Only those gnolls we can trust though- those close to Clamp. I think all the animal people are pretty loyal at this point.

We maaaaay want to go down to the Lich's study today anyway. Or ask Minci to see if she can look for some good books on phylacteries or soul manipulation. We're trying to destroy one.
>>
No. 335368 ID: 171621

"Couldn't you have told her something else?! Something that didn't include things like...that?!"

Gently whack Tom upside the head for divulging such things for your delicate ears to hear.
>>
No. 335374 ID: c811c4
File 131227648674.png - (13.89KB , 600x600 , 495.png )
335374

>>335365
Noooo, I'm not going to say! Stuff like that shouldn't even be physically possible, magic and shapeshifting or not!

"Minci! I think I'm going to head down there to look at the Lich's study! Make yourself at home, I'm not sure if we'll cross paths. You're welcome to any part of the tower."
>"Alright, um, thank you Chee. But show me Duke sometime soon!"

It's certainly a long trek to the Lich's study. I wonder how long Minci's been hiding right underneath the Lich's nose? Or beak. The study isn't much, but it's absolutely packed with scrolls and tomes.

I can start perusing immediately, but if I get anywhere at all, the battle will start without me. On the other hand, the defenses set are still strong, and there's no saying if the lich will launch everything he has at me at the first attack.
>>
No. 335376 ID: 1854db

>>335374
We came down here, so we need to find something before we go back up. If not we'll have completely wasted the day. Start looking. Anything related to phylacteries or soul manipulation. We want the lich's soul out and destroyed somehow, or sent to the beyond. If we can't manage that, just sending the soul back to the lich (as if his phylactery was simply destroyed) would work fine.

Minci's helping out, and we know she is quite skilled at illusions. I think the defenses should hold.
>>
No. 335381 ID: 00d3d5

>>335374
Do a quick once-over to see if you can find out anything about those barriers.
If you do then bring it with you topside. If you don't find anything about that quickly then grab whatever looks interesting and head back up.
Every living being that dies while you're not there increases the enemy ranks. You HAVE to be there for the battle.
>>
No. 335382 ID: c811c4
File 131227932370.png - (15.50KB , 600x600 , 496.png )
335382

I'm staying down here. The tome's are definitely the lich's personal notes. They go on forever and ever, talking about minion upkeep, the various blueprints and room assignments of the tower.. he's very unorganized! I can spend hours here and find very little. But I'm wittling away at this, and I know that somewhere in here there might be something related to my case, more likely here than the library!

...

The sun is setting. I can't sense it through the undead, but animals and gnolls are starting to complain about the rancid smell, it won't be long. There's no sign of Orcs or Harpies. My messengers can't find any Naga or Sea Giants. I should be going up. I'll visit the Study again later, there just has to be something...
>>
No. 335383 ID: c811c4
File 131227941009.png - (16.90KB , 600x600 , 497.png )
335383

"It's nice to meet you Minci!"
>"Thank you! And DD, I'm so happy to see you too, we'll have to catch up! Winston has updated me on everything he knows while you were still down there, which includes how Duke is now inside of you. I hope it's not too awkward! Anyways, about the battle, I can either help with illusions on the front line, or stay here and use my old alchemy shop to make potions. Most of my potions are support, but spread out they can help a lot of individuals, with increased stamina in both physical exhaustion and sleepiness. This should especially help, if the battle is long and drawn out. Which is very likely, as it's a key part of sending undead troops against living troops!"

This is so awkward.

Support potions or illusions at the battle, that's the choice for Minci's task! Oh, and also, should I change her outfit, and if so, to what?
>>
No. 335385 ID: 00d3d5

>>335383
Potions. Putting her on the front line risks her, and keeping our people alive is vital for surviving a siege against the undead.
Ask if she can brew anything to increase and replenish magical stamina, since keeping you in mana would let you unleash game-changing artillery constantly - destroying their troops and healing yours at the same time is ideal for outlasting your enemy.

Oh, and if you see any Orcs or Harpies hit them with healing but don't assume they're on your side.

If she won't be distracting anybody with her looks then Minci can wear whatever she wants.
>>
No. 335386 ID: 252e1b

>>335383

The scraps she has on now don't serve any purpose, just take them off. She'll be fine naked.
>>
No. 335387 ID: a91cc6

I say potion duty.

Also hang in there Chee, just give her some robes or something.
>>
No. 335388 ID: 7a78a3

>>335386
That would improve morale. Do it.

And put her on potion duty.
>>
No. 335389 ID: 1854db

>>335383
Argh, we got NOTHING from that! Send down some noncombat constructs to gather up everything and bring it upstairs so that we don't have to waste time going back down there. Also have them ransack the place, to see if they can find anything hidden.

It sounds like illusions will help increase how efficient we are at killing the undead horde, and the potions will help us outlast them and keep the pace up. It just depends on how drawn out the battle is, I guess.

Thinking about it... We should have her on potion duty. It doesn't matter how efficient we are at killing the zombies if the fighting just keeps going and going, and we have to ensure that our living troops never fall. We can't replace them.

As for her outfit, have her wear that 'more modest' outfit she was wearing while she was going through the illusions way back when.
>>
No. 335390 ID: 1854db

Also, do not have a naked succubus around, I think that would cause Tom to spend all his time ogling. It would probably distract you too. And all the troops.
>>
No. 335391 ID: 45df4f

>>335388
>>335386
It seems stupid. I like stupid stuff though.

>>335390
It'll only distract for a short time, and then everyone will get used to it.
>>
No. 335392 ID: 07416a

>>335383
potionnssss
>>
No. 335393 ID: 489022

Ask her if she'd like something a bit more modest to wear, perhaps a cloak? Or a dress, if there are any? It should be up to her what she wears, as a succubus she might be more comfortable naked after all.

I cant remember, but have we already set up some sort of wards on the main battlefield (or where you believe most of the battles will be happening) that might raise those killed in action to fight for you?
If that's possible at all, you might look into it. Though it would be a good idea to ask your soldiers if it's ok.
>>
No. 335394 ID: b1153c

Can she make an illusion of a mosaic? Have her go naked but "wearing" a censorship mosaic.

(this is my fetish)
>>
No. 335396 ID: 5807dc

>>335394
Don't bother with that, just have her go naked, and put her on the front line with her illusions.
>>
No. 335398 ID: 1854db

Guys. Chee won't want to do this, and might disobey us, injuring herself.

Think of THAT.
>>
No. 335402 ID: 252e1b

>>335398
Hm. I thought she was asking advice instead of for further orders. Hmmmmm.
>>
No. 335404 ID: bf1af4

>>335403

Just daydream it or something. =/
>>
No. 335405 ID: 62b020

>>335402
Your advice stinks.

Have the succubus wear a women's business suit, and have her do potions.
>>
No. 335409 ID: 2563d4

>>335383
Support potions, and why would you take control of her clothing decisions?
>>
No. 335414 ID: 0bd0b0

>>335409
I agree, but >>335405 's idea is too awesome to ignore.
>>
No. 335420 ID: c2c011

>>335383
Support potions, and experiment to see if heal potions can be used as grenades against the undead. If it works then you want more of those.

Oh, and do a first strike against the undead horde. Send out a few fliers to airdrop things imbued with AOE heal over them. That should thin them out on the ground and force the other Lich to act before he's really prepared.
>>
No. 335421 ID: 1854db

>>335420
>first strike
Can you say... healing caltrops? Just enchant healing onto a bunch of rocks and put them into a bin. Then fly up above the forest and scatter them.
>>
No. 335423 ID: 698cb2

Chee, you should figure out how to animate zombies with healing magic, so they can kill other zombies by hugging them
>>
No. 335426 ID: 60a2ba

whatever she wears it must be purple
>>
No. 335427 ID: 8f3b24

Unrelated to the question at hand, we DO have some sort of defense along the shore, right? Or at least patrols keeping an eye there? Sea-dwelling races aside, the undead don't need to breathe so if the lich has made them durable enough to handle the tides then there's a chance he might get creative and have them pop up along the beaches and surround us behind our main line of defense, not to mention reach the tower immediately.

As for potions verses illusions, the undead are pretty brainless, aren't they? The illusions might not have as strong an effect on them as they would the lich. Keep Michi in the tower making potions and readying to use illusions should the battle require falling back to the tower.

Also, I believe some sort of armor might be prudent for the battle at hand. Michi has way too many vulnerable spots exposed. Remember what happened last time she faced someone with the powers of a lich?
>>
No. 335442 ID: 62b2f5

go potions
>>
No. 335444 ID: 698cb2

OOH OOH OOH, make her wear a skintight bodysuit coloured to make it look like she is naked!
>>
No. 335449 ID: 6a5a08

Potions
>>
No. 335453 ID: cd63e9

potion duty. we a fighting a siege against a large number of weak foes. being able to keep fighting for as long as possible would be very important.
>>
No. 335457 ID: c811c4
File 131230246947.png - (19.77KB , 600x600 , 498.png )
335457

>Send scouts along the shoreline
>Imbue rocks with healing
>Send constructs to bring up the contents of the Lich Study.
"Please make potions, Minci. I've got some things to do. I'm going to the front line."
"Alright!"

Um, well, I thought since if she would be seen it might be distracting, so I would have her wear something, but I guess that is a little controlling.
>Nearly every clothing opinion is different.
I'll decide later! Also, I really don't have any idea what a business suit looks like.

Zombies have been trying to assault. They're weak and the shambly sort, and they haven't even reached in range of offensive spells before the already existing traps kill them. There are a lot, though.
>>
No. 335458 ID: c811c4
File 131230251143.png - (15.20KB , 600x600 , 499.png )
335458

"Ears! How is it going?"
>"Real easy. They haven't even gotten close. We could stay here all night without lifting a finger."
"Oh, good! I was afraid I wasn't seeing well through the undead. I'm going to gather some rocks then, and imbue them so we have some good ammo to lau-"

KA-SHWOP

..."What was that noise?"
>"No idea."
"It sounded kind of like..."
>>
No. 335459 ID: c811c4
File 131230256418.png - (14.69KB , 600x600 , 500.png )
335459

I'm sensing tougher zombies coming in by air, but it seems weird how they're.. they're getting launched by catapults?!
>>
No. 335460 ID: 35e1a0

make a heal net like against the ninja thing and just swat them.
>>
No. 335461 ID: 35e1a0

oh, and then fly over it and fireball the pults.
>>
No. 335463 ID: cd63e9

this is bad. have your mages shape a roof over the wall. then see if you can locate and destroy the catapults.
>>
No. 335464 ID: 35e1a0

>>335463
spiked roof. uses their own speed to splat themselves.
>>
No. 335465 ID: 28e94e

>>335459
Shoot them down, then take out the enemy's catapults. Send a warning out to the others.
>>
No. 335469 ID: c2c011

>>335459
Heal net, then get some imbued heal knives and do a strafing run over their catapults.
>>
No. 335471 ID: bccf7b

>>335459
First rule: fire*.

We should scramble the rear guard to take down whatever makes it over the wall, but don't shift from defenses on it!

* keep it close to the friendly side of the wall so the catapults won't see it. We'll use it to crisp the zombies; it'll be safer than dealing with them directly on both sides. Just make sure they don't move too much after they light up.
>>
No. 335473 ID: c811c4
File 131230543328.png - (28.45KB , 600x600 , 501.png )
335473

A heal net is pretty hard to do over such a range! They're probably catapulting zombies across the entire peninsula.

"Ears! Get your earth mages to create a roof of spikes, it should at least ease the numbers we have to fight normally. I'm going on the offense."

The catapults are actually assembled inside the jungle, I have to go in to get a clear shot.
>>
No. 335475 ID: c811c4
File 131230558715.png - (40.85KB , 600x600 , 502.png )
335475

There's definitely a lot more undead deeper in, they're holding back, but I don't want to get cocky. I've taken 5 catapults down as I've moved east.
>"Chee! Are you so desperate already to show yourself in the front lines? Show me what you've got, or surrender!"
>>
No. 335476 ID: 35e1a0

hrmm. make an earth thing launch it into the air, use air magic to assist if needed. then while it's spinning wildly fly by and rip the necklace off then turn around and heal beam it.
>>
No. 335477 ID: c811c4
File 131230684013.png - (19.28KB , 600x600 , 503.png )
335477

>Launch it in the air, take its necklace.

>"What?! How did you know to take my protective necklace?! No matter, I'm tougher than that!"
>>
No. 335478 ID: c811c4
File 131230688946.png - (42.46KB , 600x600 , 504.png )
335478

>Heal.

Either the lich isn't taking me seriously, or tonight's attack was simply getting rid of what he thought was his trash.
>>
No. 335483 ID: c811c4
File 131230910525.png - (11.81KB , 600x600 , 505.png )
335483

It doesn't take long for me to burn the remainder of the catapults, and the attack dies down along with the moon. My healing wards in the harpy territory are still active, but they've learned the routes of weakest effect.
Tonight's losses were a few replaceable undead, 6 gnolls, and 3 animals from zombies that got through the roof. Morale is decent, all things considered.

>"Welcome back, Chee! It's taken awhile, but I've got the alchemy shop back in order. Tomorrow night, I'll either be able to have potions for mana, or for physical stamina, whichever you think will be a problem."
"Good! Please wear something."

I still haven't lit up our wall with protective torches. Should I prepare the torches, or try to look through the Lich's Tomes again, before going to bed for the day? And which potion, should we have strong mages or fighters?
>>
No. 335486 ID: e18bb5

mana
>>
No. 335487 ID: 07416a

>>335483
Uhm. You have zombies to do the bulk of the physical combat, so the gnolls and such can rest in shifts. Mana.
>>
No. 335488 ID: c2c011

>>335483
Get something that will allow you to stay awake. Then fix up the torches and read the books.
>>
No. 335489 ID: 07416a

>>335488
and ASK HER ADVICE ON WHICH BOOKS ARE WORTHWHILE. She spent all that time down there, she should know.
>>
No. 335491 ID: 35e1a0

hmmm... they should still not be getting into melee range. mages.
>>
No. 335492 ID: 1854db

We got more gnoll losses than mage losses. So buff our fighters.
>>
No. 335497 ID: 6a5a08

Mana
Have her wear some mage robes so she doesn't distract people
Research
>>
No. 335501 ID: cd63e9

mana. if they breach the wall for long enofgh for stamina to become an issue we have already lost. might want to consider rotating your troops so they each get some rest. also what was that thing you ripped off the undeads neck?
>>
No. 335507 ID: 35e1a0

hmm, yes, is it anti-heal or just defense? if defense then give it to the troops.
>>
No. 335512 ID: 6a5a08

>>335501
Probably anti-heal shield like the one emobird's construct had.
>>
No. 335529 ID: c811c4
File 131231462429.png - (9.21KB , 600x600 , 506.png )
335529

>>335501
It seems to be an anti magic pendant. I'll give it to either Ears or Clamp I think, because they likely are the most major targets.

>Mana Potion

"Could I get a quick little something to stay awake?"
>"I don't have the right equipment set up for a Waking Potion, but I do have a few herbs that'll keep you up for the time. I'll mix it up for you!"
"Thank you. Also, do you know what tomes could be helpful?"
>"I'm sorry, I mostly hid away in there because, for whatever reason, the Lich actually never went into his own study. I know some of the books and tomes though, and can help narrow it down for what you're looking for.
"That's good! Also, I'm going to get some clothes of some kind for you to wear."
>"Oh. Alright, then."

Good, I have more time, like this.
>>
No. 335532 ID: c811c4
File 131231467999.png - (8.41KB , 600x600 , 507.png )
335532

I've got the torches lit, now. I've sent constructs to go back to the wall and deliver them. Night won't touch our walls, anymore.

The Naga and Sea Giants are dead ends, I never could find any. So are the paladins of the dwarven homelands, as they're still fighting their battles in their own land, and I doubt they can afford to send any help my way even if they wanted to.

With the extra time and Minci's help, long after I finished the torches, I finally found a tome that seems to be entirely about me. Specifically, the lich's effort to have his soul escape from me. This must be the right book! But, it is large, and if I tried to read it now, the sun will set before I'm finished.
>>
No. 335538 ID: 07416a

>>335532
Send out all the souls you can to every defender unless you discover, say, a scholar soul or something. Then read read read. This is our best chance to short-circuit this war.

Speaking of souls, DD said that he gave her quite a few. Did she eat them or use them?..
>>
No. 335549 ID: 1854db

>>335532
Skip to the end. Or halfway through. If he wrote it as an experiment log then most of the book will be dead ends.

As for the succubus, just put her in a t-shirt and skirt.
>>
No. 335556 ID: b6ca92

>>335532
Hey Chee, next time we go onto the front lines remember to let Tom out a little. Every soul-powered construct the lich throws at us will be more fuel for our own fires of war!

Although I wonder if eating the souls of clumsy and stupid people effect you negatively...
>>
No. 335562 ID: 35e1a0

>>335556
ah, but tom can see if they have any skills while they are in his mouth. so if they are useless then they just go in his belly, if they are useful then they go to the skill-drive.
>>
No. 335584 ID: 698cb2

>>335556
Eating the ninja earlier didn't seem to affect her throwing abilities any
>>
No. 335600 ID: 1854db

>>335584
That was because the body was inferior.
>>
No. 335601 ID: c811c4
File 131231872848.png - (41.94KB , 600x600 , 508.png )
335601

>>335538
It.. I don't know, I didn't really want to know. But she doesn't seem like the kind of person that would fully eat them. And, I've already given all my talent based souls to the major fighters and mages! I'm just keeping you guys with me, until further notice.

The sun has set. The attack is more of the same, just more zombies. There have been virtually no souls, out there. They are starting to set the jungle on fire, though.

But I found a lead, skipping ahead to around the middle of the book, written by the lich here.

>That accursed barrier! It's impermeable! I've researched and researched, years spent trying to figure this out, and it always leads to the same thing. That barrier is formed similarly to how Chee could, theoretically, send souls to another person from any distance. How is that? I have deducted that if she gets emotionally attached to someone, her soul and her target forms a bond, a bridge of sorts, between both souls that transcends distance. Using that bridge, she is able to guide the souls to their target. This magic, and this barrier, is formed entirely based off such emotions. I've no idea how the Lich King was able to use such to recreate the bridge in the form of a barrier within Chee, but it is done.

>To create the barrier, one must understand the emotion formed in becoming emotionally close to someone. To destroy it, one must understand the emotion formed in crushing that bond, either through a simple killing, or a more elaborate form of betrayal that must break the friendship beyond repair, or something of that sort. I can't do that personally, I have detached myself from friendships, thinking they were too weak! And how could I get Chee to knowingly, understandingly, kill, betray or otherwise throw away a close friend of hers, and then break the barrier with her newfound emotion? Why would the Lich King form such a bond off of love, anyway?! He must enjoy mocking the emotion, as there must be a bridge for hating someone as well. Perhaps I can use that for personal experiments, but it is utterly irrelevant to this scenario. And breaking it this way is impossible for myself, and so I must find another way.

There are dozens and dozens of entries past this, trying to find another way. He never found one.

This is my only lead? Complete betrayal? That's not a lead at all!
>>
No. 335603 ID: 00d3d5

>>335532
HEY! TOM! You know how normally we're against you eating souls unless we say it's ok?
Go ahead and eat the souls of any enemies you want. Eat all of them.
>>
No. 335604 ID: 698cb2

>>335600
Huh, I must have missed that, thought he was either a clumsy idiot or delusional.
>>
No. 335606 ID: 35e1a0

there is another way. fall in love yourself and use your own love to form a drill in your mental landscape.
>>
No. 335607 ID: 00d3d5

>>335601
The paladin loved you, and you slit his throat and fed him to Tom.
Grab that feeling. Harness it. Channel it into the barrier. That will hopefully weaken it.
>>
No. 335608 ID: 1854db

>>335601
...that's... not acceptable. We can't do that.

There is something else though. You said you gained the ability to send souls to people you weren't close to emotionally. Could you reverse that method in a similar way?
>>
No. 335609 ID: 1854db

...or, we could ask the succubus for advice on this front. She made LOVE potions, surely she can make a potion to force you to experience this emotion.
>>
No. 335629 ID: c811c4
File 131231998726.png - (40.25KB , 600x600 , 509.png )
335629

>>335606
Even if I could love myself, I'd have to betray myself then, following the book. I mean, I wouldn't hurt else, but.. well, I'd horribly cripple myself at best, by the book.

>>335607
Ohh, I felt.. feel bad about that, but I didn't love him back. It was one way. The entry seems to imply I would have had to love him, back.

>>335608
I'm not sure what you mean. The barrier on Tom is based off the ability to lets me send souls from any distance, but not sending souls to just anyone.

>>335609
That might work. But if she made a love potion and used it on me for someone or something, would I be able to kill or break them?
>>
No. 335637 ID: 1854db

>>335629
Sounds like we need a love potion again. We'll give you and an animal a minor dose so that you fall in love with eachother. Then we'll force you to kill it.

This is going to really suck, Chee. I'm not gonna lie. You'll probably resist and injure yourself.
>>
No. 335650 ID: 00d3d5

>>335629
You need to love them back for it to break the barrier, but if we're just out to weaken the barrier then lesser emotions should help. The ideal would be a death of a thousand papercuts, but that might not be possible.

If that doesn't help, well... You and ears take love potion, spend some time enjoying it, then you use your healing magic to keep him alive while you torture him far beyond the point where he should have died from his wounds. Keep at it until you can break the barrier, then have Tom eat the souls of both the lich and Ears. Don't let Ears die OR find out why you're doing this at any point."
>>
No. 335657 ID: 1854db

I'd like to point out that I was suggesting a non-intelligent animal. Like a cat or something.
>>
No. 335660 ID: cd63e9

just out of curiosity, what would happen if tom tried to eat the litch? would it just do nothing or would something interesting happen? as for how to experiences the loss of a friend, try looking up your old home.
>>
No. 335669 ID: c811c4
File 131232344060.png - (12.11KB , 600x600 , 510.png )
335669

>>335660
I don't think it would do much, because I already have a lich soul for skill. And, I don't really remember anyone very well for my old home.

>>335650
I would sooner die!

I go to Minci. And I explain everything. I don't know of an alternative, with this.
"So, Minci... is there any way I could use a love potion like this?"
>"I can make another, but... this sort of misuse is why I stopped making them in general."
"Please, to stop this. Just an animal. Something small. Then I can..."
>"The greater good? Fine, then. Is this what you want to do, really?"

It isn't, of course, but I don't know of an alternative.
>>
No. 335672 ID: 2ad8b0

the alternative is risking a ton of people dying just for your own sake. do this, and the minions of the lich across the land will just drop dead. think of the lives you could save.

I personally consider not trying this to be evil.
>>
No. 335673 ID: eba49f

Hrm... What if you tried sending Tom to the lich, to eat the lich from the inside?
>>
No. 335675 ID: 1854db

>>335669
Hmm. Well, there are three avenues we could explore a little more.
1) OVERLOAD the barrier with MORE love?
2) Ask more about the lich's activities. Minci said he didn't go down to the study- but that's odd, to be honest. He made all these notes and never found a way to move the phylactery according to the book, but when you met him he said that he was going to resurrect you in order to filter out the souls. That doesn't really match the current evidence you have. I guess you could look into resurrection too but that would make you weak.
3) Experience the emotion vicariously through perusing memories like we've done before, or having someone else ruin a friendship instead of you.
>>
No. 335676 ID: cd63e9

what about looking up Fraga? the litch knew where his settlement was and its in the area his undead have overrun.
>>
No. 335677 ID: c2c011

>>335669
Harsh times makes for harsh demands on a leader. If you can get Tom to nom the Lich's soul then he will be mortal again. Still incredibly powerful and all that, but if you killed him then he would be down for good.
>>
No. 335680 ID: 44766a

... The lich's soul is inside Chee. Tom won't be able to do much.
>>
No. 335681 ID: 6a5a08

It's this or betray one of our friends. This is how it has to be.
>>
No. 335682 ID: 28e94e

>>335675
This.
>>
No. 335683 ID: 35e1a0

hmmm, yes, perhaps you have the soul of a betrayer in there? would help. and who knows, this could be what the lich king wants. and i am pretty sure that you still need to destroy the lich's physical body before they can be stopped. even with the phylactery gone. so doing it now wont stop the army.
>>
No. 335687 ID: 00d3d5

>>335669
"No. I'm horrified by it and I know I'm never going to be able to live it down. I'd rather die, and I can't think of anything I want to do more than not this.
If you can think of anything else to neutralize the Lich's soul then for the love of everything please tell me, and if I can find some less terrible way to do this then I'll do that instead, but I need these potions brewed so that I can do it if I can't find a better way before we run out of time."

Living through a vision of betrayal WOULD be better if it worked... HEY! TOM! Any souls there with memories that fit our needs? Couldja make Chee live through those?
>>
No. 335689 ID: c811c4
File 131232567275.png - (8.12KB , 600x600 , 511.png )
335689

"No, no, I really don't want to do this. I need an alternative."

>>335673
The point of the barrier is to prevent Tom from doing exactly that, his soul is protected.

>>335672
Unfortunately, destroying the soul, in a lich's case... I think that just makes him mortal. But given the emotion needed, I would really have to send my friends all in, regardless of risk. It may be the most, uh, gallant option?

>>335676
Oh! I could send you guys to Fraga. Except I have no idea what that would accomplish, other than to check on him.

>>335669
The first option... wow. I don't know. It's possible.
"Hey, Minci! This book doesn't quite match. It seemed he did find a way to get his soul out of me by resurrecting me."
>"How odd. You know, I'm not sure why the Lich didn't go down into that study. It was a bit of a walk, but he could have moved the tomes up like you have. It just never occurred to me to think about it, so long as he stayed away, I was fine."
And lastly, experiencing thr emotion through someone else could work if it happened, but I have no idea how to invoke these memories! Tom doesn't know, either. And just having someone else betray someone else I don't think would work.

But, trying to overload it...

"Minci... what if I tried to gather as much love as I could possibly get, and try to overload the barrier?"
>"Well! I have no idea if it would work, but I would certainly be happier about making potions for that! But, I've never tried using two potions on the same person before, and to overload such a thing, it sounds like it would need several potions, all with different people."

Well, it's unpredictable, but it may be worth a risk! I've already done so much harm, even if I don't mean to.

Should I drink up multiple love potions to try it?
>>
No. 335690 ID: eba49f

>>335683
You know... Something that would be worth trying would be to get access to past!Chee's memories. She has probably betrayed plenty of people in her day.
>>
No. 335692 ID: 6a5a08

Or what if we reversed the polarity on the Love potion and made a HATE POTION. We can temporarily turn Chee into Superbitch, and pierce the love barrier with her unrelenting hatred.
>>
No. 335693 ID: c2c011

>>335692
Hate potion sounds like a better thing.
>>
No. 335695 ID: c811c4
File 131232611343.png - (9.44KB , 600x600 , 512.png )
335695

>>335692
Oh my gosh.

That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. It could work.

I want to try this. Do you guys want to try this? It might work. I mean, it's not a stretch to think that the entire barrier is based on my ability to love and feel close to someone.
>>
No. 335696 ID: c2c011

>>335695
Fuck yeah, lets do this. HATE!!!!
>>
No. 335697 ID: 1854db

>>335695
Let's go for it. Make sure it's a really small dose though.
>>
No. 335699 ID: cd63e9

if you try it make sure to restrain yourself beforehand and only take enough for a few minutes. also can we talk to Minci for a second?
>>
No. 335702 ID: 6a5a08

1. Make sure you're restrained.
2. Make sure the target of your hatred is the lich. That way, even if you do turn psychobitch, you're psychobitch against the guy you were against anyways.
3. SCIENCE UP IN HERE
>>
No. 335712 ID: c811c4
File 131232739748.png - (10.33KB , 600x600 , 513.png )
335712

"Minciii! Hate potion?"
>".....what?"
"If you tie me up and make sure it's a small dose, a hate potion! It might negate the whole system!"
>"Hun, why would you ever, why would anyone, anyone, want to take one of those? Ohhh, I could, if it means you don't have to abuse a love potion, but... ahhhh! Fine! I can make one since it's the same idea as a love potion, but the subtle differences between love and hate might make it unpredictable! I mean, it would definitely work, but I don't know how strong, and for how long. And I don't think I can target specifically the lich, knowing nothing of him or having any physical part of him. It would just be a general purpose hate. But if that's what you think is best, then I'll do it, and restraining may be a good idea... still, I don't like it!"
"Better than murdering small animals I love and betraying my friends!"
>"But.. a hate potion.. I'll do it, if it's one step closer to getting DD out."
>>
No. 335714 ID: c2c011

>>335712
It's one step closer to everyone sort of surviving. So lets throw some Science at the wall and see what sticks.
>>
No. 335715 ID: 1854db

>>335712
Yeah, this seems like a reasonable risk. We could try a small dose on something harmless to see how long it lasts, too. Experiment before using it on yourself.
>>
No. 335716 ID: eba49f

>>335715
Seconding this.
>>
No. 335719 ID: c811c4
File 131232791428.png - (10.04KB , 600x600 , 514.png )
335719

"We should experiment first, and see how a small dose works on something harmless!"
>"I'm very sorry, dear. There isn't really a predictable dose for a single individual, everyone is different. It just amplifies the tendency to love, or in this case hate. So a potent love potion would do wonders for someone who can love and little for someone else, further complicated by an individuals resistance to change. Normally I would think that a hate potion would do little for you, but given our past... but more than that, this barrier sounds strong. If the hate potion were to be strong enough to break it down, I don't think we can do much with a "small" dose."

Oh. She does have a point, there.
>>
No. 335722 ID: 87c8e0

everyone will be your Kismesis. DO IT.
>>
No. 335723 ID: 35e1a0

tell tom you will need his help. he must limit any powers that could let you escape as much as he can. then get tied to a rack or something. and then need you to drink it with your eyes closed while thinking about the lich.
>>
No. 335724 ID: 6a5a08

Safety? Screw your safety. This is Science, we don't have time to second guess! It's now or never people!

And if it goes wrong? We just cancel it out with an equal strength love potion. Presto chango, normal Chee! It's magic, not rocket science. What could possibly go wrong?
>>
No. 335727 ID: 698cb2

>>335724
It might make Chee love to hate?
>>
No. 335728 ID: cd63e9

hey can we talk to minci directly for a bit? if we talk to her directly we can probably find out whats possible a bit faster.
minci is a skilled illusionist. she could probably create a convincing image of someone chee likes getting killed. it would only have to fool chee for a little bit.
>>
No. 335730 ID: 8f3b24

Generalized hate seems a bit risky. You could wind up hating everyone and try to hurt them. Maybe you need to narrow the focus of hate to someone willing to be the target with orders for everyone to ignore anything related to your sudden hatred towards that person or wanting to hurt them, as well as to stop you should you break free of your restraints. Or if you can hate an object like, say, a rock, then all the better. Heck, you could hate a zombie if it required something humanoid.
>>
No. 335731 ID: 07416a

>>335719
Yes Chee, please send us to Minci.
>>
No. 335738 ID: c811c4
File 131232892301.png - (9.35KB , 600x600 , 515.png )
335738

>Restrain Chee
>Minci: Receive Souls

>"Okay! I'm going to send advice souls to you, Minci. They'll talk to you, but it seems like the hate potion is okay, so give it to me anytime!"

Oh! I feel like I'm being watched. This must be the advice souls?

Is there anything I should do, besides giving her the hate potion?
>>
No. 335741 ID: 1854db

Oh! You know what you can do? Cast a few illusions. Then Chee will get some of that magical skill.

...unless you think it might be a better idea to wait until after the hate potion's worn off. Speaking of which, you should probably just straight up run away once it's applied.
>>
No. 335742 ID: 6a5a08

Make an illusion of her being in an empty white room. She'll have nowhere to focus the hate but at the barrier and lich.
>>
No. 335744 ID: 07416a

>>335738
The person Chee is closest to is Shabin. Make an illusion of Shabin after you give Chee the hate potion. That should fuel the required emotions without anyone real getting hurt.

Oh, and I love your dress.
>>
No. 335747 ID: 87c8e0

tell me, don't those things give you back aches?
>>
No. 335748 ID: 1854db

>>335744
>illusion of Shabin

Hey, that gives me an idea. I wonder if the emotional trigger would work if we had her kill an illusory Shabin?
>>
No. 335753 ID: c2c011

>>335738
Get out of her line of sight. A conflict between her and DD would be a problematic thing if she were to hate you with all of her fiery passion and tried to make you suffer.
>>
No. 335758 ID: cd63e9

um actually we might have an alternative. that's what we wanted to talk to you about. would it be possible for you to use your illusion magic to trick chee into thinking that one of her friends had been killed in battle?
>>
No. 335760 ID: a6fd40

>>335748

clever voice is clever.
>>
No. 335763 ID: 00d3d5

>>335758
I think it would be more effective to use a solid illusion of Shabin to give Chee the potion, then locking 'Shabin' in with her so Chee will kill 'her'.
Once the potion wears off Chee will see what she's done and get hit with the emotions she needs.
>>
No. 335764 ID: c811c4
File 131233136566.png - (8.64KB , 600x600 , 516.png )
335764

Nice to meet you all!

>>335744
Thank you!

>>335747
Nothing that a stronger back can't fix!

Okay, I think I saw Shabin around earlier actually so I can try out the illusion! Just Chee and Shabin. The ropes won't get in the way of her casting, if she actually does kill Shabin. With that, I'm giving Chee the potion. Hopefully this works, either with the hate potion or killing the illusion of Shabin!
>>
No. 335766 ID: c811c4
File 131233145942.png - (8.84KB , 600x600 , 517.png )
335766

I don't want to be around though! I'd rather not have... that Chee around, again.
>>
No. 335767 ID: c811c4
File 131233158068.png - (13.16KB , 600x600 , 518.png )
335767

CRASH

>"Where are you going, whore? The moment you casted that illusion, I had your skill. You can't trick me with such things, now. Untie me. I know you'll do it, all I had to do was put on a cute little face, ask 'pleeeeease', and had you willing to both make a love potion you know I would abuse, and then make a hate potion. Anything for dear ol' Duke, who's screaming at me quite nicely, if helplessly. In fact I bet you'd crush your own ethics if anyone asked nicely, you weak tramp. You untie me, and I might reciprocate with passiveness. You don't, and I'll show you just how damn good your hate potion turned out.
>>
No. 335768 ID: 35e1a0

wow. maybe back up a little more.
>>
No. 335770 ID: 359541

Alrighty. Looks like Chee is a bit irrational. Back up a little more, wait for Chee to calm down. If suddenly Chee is free, get the fuck off and let us handle the calming.
>>
No. 335772 ID: 647cc3

Oh crap.

Don't do it Minci!
>>
No. 335773 ID: 698cb2

Huh, I didn't know Chee knew the word whore. You learn something new every day
>>
No. 335774 ID: 00d3d5

>>335767
Act as if she just REALLY hurt your feelings and you ACTUALLY believed what she said, then run off. Tell DD you'll free him from her somehow.
Just... Ah... Run quick, ok?
>>
No. 335778 ID: 1854db

If you switch us back to her, we can MAKE her stop.
>>
No. 335783 ID: cd63e9

you know i just realized something. chee was not a nice person while she was alive. its possible shes going to have a stronger reaction to the hate potion. that said, distance would probably be nice right now.
>>
No. 335784 ID: 02af4b

by the way, Minci, I think we neglected to inform you that the new Chee is actually quite a bit more dangerous than the old Chee. so yeah, the voices telling you to back off are smart voices.
>>
No. 335785 ID: 07416a

>>335767
Run. Just run. Do you know where Chee stashed that anti-magic pendant? Go get it.
>>
No. 335786 ID: eba49f

Well at least it didn't seem to turn Chee the smart kind of evil. (She's still quite dangerous, of course.)

You know, that potion would make an exceptionally good weapon against anyone who is working with a group. (I suppose the ethics of using it are rather convoluted, though.)
>>
No. 335788 ID: eba49f

I just realized that we may have forgotten to confiscate all of her throwing knives beforehand...
>>
No. 335790 ID: c811c4
File 131233582207.png - (9.53KB , 600x600 , 519.png )
335790

>>335774
She did hurt my feelings! I can't run, the only door out of here is blocked, now! The door only opens in!

Okay, calm down, calm down...

RIP

Not calm! Not calm!

>"You had your chance."

I.. I don't know how to send the souls back! I mean, I feel like I can offer them back to Chee, but it's like she's blocking all of you from going!
>>
No. 335791 ID: c811c4
File 131233584763.png - (14.31KB , 600x600 , 520.png )
335791

"Ung--!"

>"So, what am I going to do with you? What have you done for me? Mana potions? I don't see any yet. Fiddling around with books? I can do that too. You've just strutted around and made Tom look like a slobbering dolt. I could kill you. And I want to. But you constantly let yourself do whatever anyone asks of you, and I can tell it's hurt you in the past. And yet you still keep on doing it, hoping it'll finally do you some good! And now in your hope to spread love, you actually have accomplished more for my cause by spreading nothing but hate!"
>>
No. 335792 ID: c811c4
File 131233587151.png - (9.00KB , 600x600 , 521.png )
335792

>"Yeah, I'll let you have your miserable excuse of an existence, if just to get Tom to shut up. Go power up your mana potions with your sobs. I'm going to handle the Lich, because as it is, I'm the only one around here that's worth enough of a damn to do anything about him! You can keep the souls or pass them around to one of my 'friends', I don't care! You're all on your own, now. Thanks for the illusion crash course, bitch."
>>
No. 335795 ID: 644ca1

>>335792
Don't cry, it's just the hate potion talking.
>>
No. 335797 ID: 1854db

SIGH. Hopefully that won't last too long, because she's gonna get herself killed.

I'm sorry, Minci. You know she doesn't really mean that stuff, right? You've been a great help, and we wouldn't be able to do anything against the lich without you. If you can get those potions ready that would be great... just don't punish yourself over this.

If you're willing you could send us to Shabin or Fraga. Personally I want to know how Fraga's doing. Shabin is probably fine, although... Wait, maybe we should go to Shabin briefly to warn her that Chee is a potion-fueled hate machine right now and she should ignore what she says.
>>
No. 335801 ID: 698cb2

Yeah, totally saw this coming
>>
No. 335802 ID: 6a5a08

Brew up a Love Potion to cancel the Hate Potion.
>>
No. 335803 ID: 4d8510

...Jegus, what a bitchsaurus. this shit better not last too much longer, because if she remains in bitchcakes flip-the-fuck-out mode much longer, we're all fucked, souls and all.

stay the fuck out of her way. make lots of potions. including one love potion.
>>
No. 335807 ID: c811c4
File 131233714689.png - (7.62KB , 600x600 , 522.png )
335807

I... th-thank you, everyone. I'll be okay. I just, I just need some time to think. I'll still make the mana potions. The hate potion should wear off, but in case it doesn't, I'll have a spare love potion.

Ohh... you should check on someone else, I need to be alone. I'm sorry.

Select:
-Shabin
-Fraga
-Ears
-Tae
-Clamp

>>
No. 335809 ID: 35e1a0

*hugs*
clamp.
>>
No. 335811 ID: eba49f

>But you constantly let yourself do whatever anyone asks of you, and I can tell it's hurt you in the past. And yet you still keep on doing it, hoping it'll finally do you some good!

...I get the impression she isn't talking about Mince with that one.
>>
No. 335812 ID: 1854db

>>335807
Hmmm... How about Clamp first since he's most likely with Shabin and they are ALSO the most likely to try to attack Chee for what she's saying now... AND we can boost his power this way. If we have any of the ability souls, that is... Chee might've taken them all for herself.
>>
No. 335817 ID: 2eac65

This whole mess could have been avoided if we had gotten Cheelop to focus her love/hate on the enemy lich.

Let's go with Clamp.
>>
No. 335818 ID: 00d3d5

>>335807
If it's any consolation, the gut-wrenching guilt Chee will feel after this SHOULD work, so keep behaving like she really hurt you even after you've gotten over it back to normal. At least until the barrier is down.

I'm sorry. We'll... We'll make this up to you, somehow.
>>
No. 335822 ID: 1aa477

Select: -Clamp -Clamp -Clamp -Clamp -Clamp

what a silly question... I choose Clamp.
>>
No. 335826 ID: 28e94e

>>335807
Is this a serious Question? Clamp, obviously.
>>
No. 335844 ID: 9c538a

Damn, if Chee had killed you that might have been enough remorse to destroy the barrier. Oh well it was a good try. If it's any consolation, you actually did intend to give her a "crash course in illusion spells."

I want to switch to Chee now so we can help her hate more. ~_~ But I know many voices are namby pamby, so she's probably smart in blocking us out.
>>
No. 335899 ID: c811c4
File 131235870346.png - (45.99KB , 600x600 , 523.png )
335899

That nostalgic feelin'. You guys came just in time. The zombie's're stronger, this time 'round. But that ain't the problem. Problem is, somethin' just came out of the ocean.
>>
No. 335900 ID: c811c4
File 131235872291.png - (65.26KB , 600x600 , 524.png )
335900

An' it's pretty big.
>>
No. 335901 ID: 35e1a0

can you tell if it's a zombie or a regular sea giant?
>>
No. 335903 ID: 9c538a

>>335901

>> regular
>> sea giant
>>
No. 335904 ID: c811c4
File 131236009824.png - (35.70KB , 600x600 , 525.png )
335904

If the smell's any indication, that thing is deader than a rabbit in a goblin camp.
>>
No. 335905 ID: 35e1a0

well then, fight it piece by piece until it's all beaten. start with a leg.
>>
No. 335907 ID: c811c4
File 131236189927.png - (8.19KB , 600x600 , 526.png )
335907

Fight it? Hah! You guys've done me well in the past, so what the heck!
>>
No. 335908 ID: c811c4
File 131236191317.png - (18.59KB , 600x600 , 527.png )
335908

It's flesh is like cuttin' through butter- er, th'hecks that? It's healing right as I cut it though? Ain't ever easy, is it.
>>
No. 335910 ID: 35e1a0

get to it's back and climb up to it's head. zombies are usually weak to having their brains pierced. don't ask me why they just are.
>>
No. 335913 ID: c811c4
File 131236231525.png - (5.84KB , 600x600 , 528.png )
335913

>" Fun fact, I learned how to hear you guys all the time, even if you're not with me. And hey, an undead sea giant. I bet Clamp could really use a little healing imbuement! You'd like that, yeah?"

"Yeah, I could use that right 'bout now!"

>"Yep. Always leaning on me. Souls. Souls. Souls. Always needing my souls. You know what? I've had it. You guys prove your worth to me. Show me you can fight without constantly going oh Chee give this person that soul no wait go give that other person a different soul' and I might just lift my pinky for you."
>>
No. 335914 ID: 35e1a0

it's like you forgot that thing you thought was a dream involving past clamp. when we made him tribe chief. but fine. we'll have clamp kill this sea giant himself.
>>
No. 335915 ID: cd63e9

hey at least he's not a litch.
>>
No. 335916 ID: 1854db

>>335908
I'd say to impale its head and just leave the sword in so it can't regenerate but it looks like you'd never be able to reach it.

Back off and list off our available forces and terrain nearby. Speaking of forces, how's Shabin doing? Oh, and Chee is currently affected by a Hate Potion we brewed up in order to help her disable the lich's phylactery which is INSIDE HER. So she's going to be hard to deal with for a while. We don't know for how long.

>>335913
Chee, you remember we helped Clamp fight in the past without any ability souls. If you want another demonstration I guess we can provide one.

Also where are you? Are you trying to find the lich? Don't kill yourself or anything by being reckless. I'm sure you hate yourself just as much as you hate everyone else right now but you have friends that will miss you if you die. Oh, and we have to kill the Lich King too, so you have to survive past this battle.
>>
No. 335919 ID: 71baf1

Oh hey, Chee, remember how you suck at everything if not for your souls, because you have no memory of doing shit? And how Clamp is strong as fuck and good in a fight even without souls?

I mean, sure, the souls are part of who you are, but only because you were killed and remade that way with someone else's power. And of course, before you were killed, you had to crib power off the Lich King. None of it was yours. And when he denied it to you when you needed it most? Not only couldn't you do anything, you didn't even try. But when Clamp is being denied power? He's going to damn best to kick ass and take names anyway.

You know, considering what you said to Minci, i think I understand how the hate potion is working. People hate most the qualities they wish they had, and the ones they have that they wish they didn't. Because hate of others is rooted in hate of one's self. You see someone wanting for power, unable to do something solely through their own ability, and you see your reliance on souls. You see Minci's figure, and you're reminded of your genderless state, a poor replica of your true body. And it burns.
>>
No. 335920 ID: 68b56a

Hey, hey Clamp!
Once we're done with this sea giant, let your guys know that Chee is having her... time of the month or something and is being a bitch.
Y'know, as a warning. She'll be back to normal soon enough.
>>
No. 335921 ID: cd63e9

oh clamp you should probably know that due to a magical mishap chee is kinda psychotic right now. It should wear off soon. we'll fill you in on the details when your not fighting a sea giant.
>>
No. 335922 ID: 1854db

...actually. Chee, we might not need any talent souls at all for this. Don't we have a strike team for this exact situation?
>>
No. 335924 ID: c811c4
File 131236503395.png - (7.85KB , 600x600 , 528.png )
335924

>"Forgot? What I remember is Clamp getting nearly killed by some scrawny dick. That was his world. He's in mine now. Liches, Liches, and Lich Kings. Undead sea giant? Don't make me laugh! If he's going to have anything to do with me, he's going to stand toe to toe with my enemies! And where am I? I'm off flying to the enemy lich, of course, while all my weakling allies are fooling around with those forces."

>"Show me, Clamp. Show me you're more than just some gnoll chief. Show me some strength of your own!"

>>335919
>"Clamp is almost strong because of his muscles, I'm stronger because of my souls, because the lich king made me strong. There's no difference, the power is mine, now! Also fuck you!

>>335922
Consider this a test for Clamp! That strike team can prove themselves for something threatening, unlike a sea giant!

So that's a hate potion, huh? So be it, Clamp ain't going to go down from some rotting husk! An' to answer that question, Shabin's doin fine, fightin' back at the safer battles.
>>
No. 335925 ID: c811c4
File 131236505627.png - (51.06KB , 600x600 , 529.png )
335925

Thing is slow as hell, but my mobility ain't doing me any favors climbin' up on 'im! Hey, is that... there's some necro on 'is back!
>>
No. 335926 ID: c811c4
File 131236507678.png - (18.54KB , 600x600 , 530.png )
335926

Damnit, it got hold a' me!
>>
No. 335927 ID: c811c4
File 131236620504.png - (15.44KB , 600x600 , 531.png )
335927

Yeah, ain't as limber as I used to be. Ain't down, but my right arm's messed up. Feels like it's rottin' right off the bone. If there's any miraculous idea's, let's hear 'em.

>"Oh, gosh. Is this the same gnoll I remember? The memories must shine a very flattering light!"

Gettin' lectured by a kobold, of all things.
>>
No. 335928 ID: 71baf1

By that logic if you give Clamp souls, and he becomes strong, it's then his strength. It's nice how you latched onto claiming something was yours though, instead of confronting the fact that everything you're saying is horrible about others is, in essence, your own situation. And the fact that you really do hate yourself for it.

But even your claim that it's your power is a lie and you know it. Do you really think the Lich King who denied you the power he granted once didn't put in a safety measure to do it again? You're still just using his power. Hell, your claim that you were made strong is a lie too. Tom was made strong, you were just made to harness his power. Your entire existence is based upon borrowing power from others. The souls'. Tom's. The Lich King's. None of it is yours.

It's so kind of you to give Clamp the chance to rise above what you are though. To be a person, not a parasite.
>>
No. 335942 ID: c811c4
File 131237278708.png - (33.81KB , 600x600 , 532.png )
335942

>>335928
Yeah. Let's do this our way, no help required!

No way I'm gonna get told by some vindictive kobold! Just gotta knock it off balance!
>>
No. 335943 ID: c811c4
File 131237279642.png - (8.10KB , 600x600 , 533.png )
335943

>>
No. 335944 ID: c811c4
File 131237280624.png - (16.93KB , 600x600 , 534.png )
335944

>>
No. 335945 ID: c811c4
File 131237282199.png - (9.13KB , 600x600 , 535.png )
335945

CRUNCH
Just like old times. I'm goin' back to fix up my other arm and let 'em know about Chee.
>>
No. 335946 ID: c811c4
File 131237286569.png - (5.74KB , 600x600 , 536.png )
335946

... enough of Clamp! I'm shutting you guys down for a day. Who do you want to go to, for tomorrow night, before I finally get to the Lich?
>>
No. 335948 ID: 71baf1

Lets go with Tae. Who was capable even before you showed up, not relying on the souls of others to survive. Unlike you. Who's quite eager to add another Lich's soul to borrow power from.
>>
No. 335949 ID: c2c011

>>335946
Lets see if we can get Shabin to go berserk in an amusing fashion.
>>
No. 335950 ID: eba49f

Chee,
I leave you alone for a few hours and you go flying off to fight the lich in person? What the hell? I thought the entire reason you used that potion was to open a door directly to the lich's soul.
>>
No. 335951 ID: d6e201

you know what i think?

that the hate potion reversed your feelings.

and you are now in love with the lich. that is why you are so butthurt with your friends instead of going for a man that you already hated.

and soon you will pierce that barrier and have undead babies with him.

or admit the plan failed and kill your last link with the living and become everything you hated, a boneless, soul scattered, lone lich.
>>
No. 335962 ID: 8f3b24

I don't think sniping at Chee while she is under the effects of a hate potion is a good idea. Aside from giving her more to feel guilty over later, it just fuels the hatred all the more and makes her less inclined to listen to us, no matter how useful we might be. I'm sure we can all agree that no matter what we think of her feelings for us right now, we are here to assist her and whoever else we get sent to. I'm sure even as much as she hates everything right now she can see the wisdom in managing the tools she has on hand for her ends.

To that end, I must ask what your strategy is for attacking the lich on your own, Chee. I'm certain you must have a plan in mind already, but you must also be well aware that your judgment is somewhat impaired by a potion at the moment, while the lich has no such restriction. While we are a collection of voices that run the gambit of different moods and impulses, we have brought up strategies that have been useful in the past. Let us offer our assistance and you, naturally, should simply snatch whichever idea you find to be the most effective given the situation. You can be sure that the lich is using everything available to try and put the screws to you again. You should do the same. We're one of your tools, Chee. Use us.
>>
No. 335975 ID: e3f578

>>335946
I am curious how Fraga is working through this mess, but Ears may prove to be a strategic necessity at the moment. I find no reason why you have to shut us down for the day.
Clamp is a very determined fighter and morale figure for Gnolls and Shabin. Very nice for us, gives us power over the Gnolls where we'd have none otherwise. You know, to answer your questions earlier about his usefulness and stuff.
On top of everything, you ARE technically a general here and your skills are best lined for support. Skills buffs with souls, healing, mages usually do work best as the supporting offense, especially mages working as a general. There's much efficiency at stake. An entire day out of battle is pointless.

Many of the individual's you can send us to are your political connections throughout the region, assisting you gaining influence and better chances against one lich who's wasting life that could be put to better use simply to get at you and a complete hooligan of a lich king. They are all useful in their ways.
>>
No. 335991 ID: 63c45f

Shabin.
>>
No. 335995 ID: c958bf

Throwing in my vote for Shabin as well.

Also, as a parting shot, Chee? You don't hate any of the people that you're lashing out at. You're spreading the hatred around to distract from what you really hate; yourself. You hate that you're so weak that your primary use in battle is as support despite being the one in charge, you hate that you're so indecisive to need advice souls at all.

But most of all, you hate that all of this, every last little bit of it, is your fault.

This was a very bad idea. You know it, we know it; even if it works, who will we hurt or alienate in the process?
>>
No. 336005 ID: aa66a4

>>335946
You're a bitch.

That's really all there is to it.
>>
No. 336006 ID: 698cb2

I vote you send us to a sandwich, 'cuz I haven't eaten since I died
>>
No. 336008 ID: 00d3d5

>>335946
Man, hate makes you STUPID!
You went and ASKED all these people to help you out, and now you're all 'oh these people need to prove they're worth my help in fighting my battles for me'.

That's somehow MORE stupid than knowing you're under a mind-altering effect that makes you feel shitty and deciding not to cure it.

Did you at least tear down that barrier, or was this a complete waste of time?

Send us to Tom. We need to talk about how you've suddenly become a drooling idiot.
>>
No. 336009 ID: 6e44d2

>>336008
Yeah, seriously, I thought this was a hate potion, not an idiot potion. You could at least pretend to like your allies. That's what intelligent assholes do.
>>
No. 336011 ID: 2563d4

(Jesus christ look at all the hurr.)
Check on Ears.
>>
No. 336012 ID: bccf7b

Oh, hey! CheeQuest is back to its regularly scheduled antics. I wonder how everythi---

Sweet mother of shit did we just give the most volatile ball of magic in the universe an "Angry Bitch" potion?

>>
No. 336014 ID: 28e94e

>>336008
Seven what are you doing oh god she is going to kill everybody
>>336012
BLAME SEVEN
>>
No. 336015 ID: 6a5a08

>>336014
I suggested the Hate Potion, not Seven.
>>
No. 336049 ID: c811c4
File 131240181007.png - (5.21KB , 600x600 , 537.png )
336049

Sure are a lot of WORDS that aren't NAMES going around. You guys don't get it at all! I'm not going to the lich to go have tea. I hate him. I hate a lot of things. Yes, hate potion, no, don't care. The lich has squirmed his way to my #1 hate spot. Call me an idiot? More like it's all clearer. Of course he wouldn't come down here himself, the only thing I'd accomplish staying south is fighting the world while he sits on his throne all day. So while he thinks I do the same, I'm going to him.

Oh, and I'm skipping the day because unless you want to watch Shabin sleep for 8 hours, there's no point in keeping all of you on. Now, off to Shabin.
>>
No. 336051 ID: c811c4
File 131240194221.png - (184.86KB , 600x600 , 538.png )
336051

Hey, it's been awhile. As you can see, the forest is now on fire. They're getting ready to attack, and by the looks of it, a lot of them are going to come.
>>
No. 336052 ID: 359541

Hi.

By the way Chee hates everything now and is in mid-transit to the other lich.

Before you ask, the hate is (hopefully) only temporary, we just don't know how LONG.
>>
No. 336056 ID: 4721eb

...and? are you going to do something about it?
>>
No. 336057 ID: c2c011

>>336051
Yo Shabin, ever get an urge to just go completely fucking berserk and rip apart everything in your way? If so, then the zombie horde is an excellent target for your rage.
>>
No. 336065 ID: 1854db

>>336051
Well, with the forest on fire at least they'll be on fire when they go through it. How are the troops doing?
>>
No. 336073 ID: c811c4
File 131240428581.png - (12.64KB , 600x600 , 539.png )
336073

Yeah, Clamp mentioned that. After he took on a Sea Giant. Alone. Like a crazy gnoll, made crazier because he actually won. Even if he did lose an arm. I bet Chee could replace missing limbs, it's all too bad she's off on vacation after dragging us here.

>>336057
Yeah, let me just go take my Rage Potion! Except I don't have any.

>>336065
I hear we lost about 20 gnolls and animals, each. Not crippling, but most people have lost a friend by now.

Really, I've been near useless! Just half a step above the non-fighter animals huddling together in their town. Kobold's aren't made for hand to hand combat, the earth mages around here make mining worthless, and the rest of the mages have handled traps more massive than my knowledge about them. I'm out of my league, here.
>>
No. 336079 ID: c2c011

>>336073
Oh you don't need a rage potion, you should already be almost ready to pop. Just need the right trigger, like maybe some emotional trauma or something. I'm sure there will be something that gets you going properly at some point.
>>
No. 336080 ID: e3f578

Yeah Chee dude channel some of the hate into Shabin
It'll be hilarious watching her go berserk and kill everything. I can only hope part of the Gnoll essence used in her potion was from Clamp so I can see her able to take a hit like a champ he can.
>>
No. 336092 ID: 15eb91

you need to organize traps

the undead will come while on fire

now its the time to dig trenches and put more fuel on the flames
>>
No. 336093 ID: 1854db

>>336073
Ech. Well. You can be our voice, then. I agree combat may be unwise. I'd like to keep you around.

Also, considering this is likely our final night in defense, retreating to the tower might work in our favor. We could use choke points. Condense the troops and focus our magic, etc.
>>
No. 336108 ID: c811c4
File 131240765772.png - (9.09KB , 600x600 , 540.png )
336108

"Hey Ears. Think it's a good idea to move back to the tower?"
>"Given Chee's undead aren't really doing much at ALL anymore, yeah, I was thinking the same. We're spread too thin on the wall now, and may as well make use of the escape tunnels. I'll get us moving."
>>
No. 336109 ID: c811c4
File 131240771078.png - (4.37KB , 600x330 , 541.png )
336109

>"Hey, that's a good idea! I only know a little of Minci's magic of messing around with emotions. But! Combined with Shabin already being a natural at the whole bitch thing, and having a case of some gnollbane, I can get her over the edge easily! That should be interesting, and get her to do something."
>>
No. 336110 ID: c811c4
File 131240774927.png - (18.32KB , 600x600 , 542.png )
336110

What just happened. Where am I, and why am I so pissed off.
>>
No. 336112 ID: c2c011

>>336110
You appear to be in some sort of tunnel with an ear that you ripped off someone. I'm guessing you finally snapped and went totally berserk. Survey your surroundings to figure out how much stuff you killed.
>>
No. 336114 ID: 1854db

>>336110
Oh god is that Ears' ear?! Where the hell are you? Are those the enemy constructs or are those Chee's? I think we should find our troops and regroup immediately.
>>
No. 336115 ID: 07416a

>>336110
That was wonderful timing. Thank Chee for being an enormous bitch when high on our ill-considered rage potion. Check to see what you killed. Hopefully it's enemies.
>>
No. 336117 ID: 4721eb

are those enemies? because if they are, you better make good use of your rip&tear mode.
>>
No. 336118 ID: 1854db

...with all the shit Chee's done I hope the hate potion doesn't wear off until the lich is dead.

Because this will break her.
>>
No. 336122 ID: 2ec0d8

>>336110
Did Clamp ever tell you about how he had a touch of that Gnoll disease thing that made him go super-raged? And then he'd fight shit to death and wake up all "Where the shit am I?"

You just did that because Chee's a bitch and one of the other souls is a moron for suggesting things to her. Look in your hand and lick your lips.
>>
No. 336123 ID: 2ec0d8

>>336109
Good job destroying one of your very few somewhat competent war-leaders, Chee.
Way to go.
>>
No. 336128 ID: c811c4
File 131241094066.png - (13.99KB , 600x600 , 453.png )
336128

This is Chee's doing!? Hate potion or not, I'm going to beat the everloving crap out of her if she ever comes back! Yeah, Clamp's told me about it. I generally haven't gotten it too bad, stuff like this isn't normal for me.

These definitely aren't Chee's constructs. In fact, these aren't even the escape tunnels! I feel a draft coming from the right, but the tunnel curves upward to the left. Which way should I go?
>>
No. 336129 ID: c2c011

>>336128
Follow the trail of enemies and keep kicking ass. So, left I guess.
>>
No. 336131 ID: 1854db

Are you any good with weapons? That one just dropped a sword.

Go to the draft- that'll give you a good idea of where you are, which will tell us if you want to go the other direction.
>>
No. 336132 ID: 1854db

...and Shabin, please... it was our fault. We suggested it, and she's mentally compromised. Would you hate someone if they did something bad while under the effects of a love potion? This is the same thing. I don't care if you beat the crap out of her, so long as you forgive her afterwards.
>>
No. 336134 ID: 1854db

...oh wait a minute. I know what's going on.

These guys made a tunnel of their own. Go in the direction that they're going.
>>
No. 336136 ID: e3f578

Did not guess she would take me seriously since she hasn't at all really for anyone
Or that she could do it
Or that the rage would work
And that maybe something cool would happen
I shouldn't do science anymore or joke about it

God I hope this works out. They may have been digging underneath the town, though, making their own tunnels and you found them in a rage induced state. If that's true... well maybe something cool DID happen, or is about to happen. If so, come on let's keep killing shit. Something looks important around here.
>>
No. 336138 ID: 46193f

Shabin, please, tell us whose ear that is. Is Ears nearby? or at least his body?
>>
No. 336159 ID: 6a5a08

If you made that tunnel in your rage... holy shit, remind us never to get you pissed off at us. Wouldn't be surprised if you could punch abstract ideas.
>>
No. 336161 ID: bccf7b

>>336128
Ears -- err... Ear, now -- might want his other one back.

>>336015
You have been a very bad headvoice. Go sit in the corner!

>>
No. 336175 ID: 2563d4

>>336128
Ancient wisdom: Go Left.
>>
No. 336178 ID: be1d1c

go left. and keep the ear.
>>
No. 336217 ID: c811c4
File 131242719419.png - (15.02KB , 600x600 , 454.png )
336217

Yeah, I don't know anyone else with an ear like this. Definitely Ear's. I don't see him around, though.

chomp

What the heck is with these skeletons?
>>
No. 336219 ID: c811c4
File 131242723435.png - (18.93KB , 600x600 , 455.png )
336219

They're so weak, suddenly.
>>
No. 336220 ID: c811c4
File 131242726128.png - (13.63KB , 600x600 , 456.png )
336220

I'm going up the slope to the left, it happens to be the way they were going it seems. It's daytime? Looks like this was a tunnel that was made to burrow underneath. And I'm hearing fighting inside the tower. Looks like they didn't slow down after the sun rose. On the other hand, I hear activity coming on the outside of the tower walls.
>>
No. 336222 ID: 35e1a0

check outside.
>>
No. 336223 ID: 1854db

>>336220
Look outside.
>>
No. 336224 ID: 073206

Find living people, obtain status report.
>>
No. 336225 ID: 07416a

>>336223
Shabin, you were infusing your punches with healing before. Can you still do that?
>>
No. 336228 ID: c811c4
File 131242883440.png - (35.55KB , 600x600 , 457.png )
336228

>>336225
I can heal-punch a bit, but it's no strong magic.

Outside, is some catapult that is out of use, and some odd eggs in a slight depression.

Oh, and some undead. About 50 of them. They just noticed me, that is something worth mentioning. I'm thinking I should run. In fact, I'm pretty darn confident I should have been running about 5 seconds ago.
>>
No. 336232 ID: 9e5451

nah, bottleneck 'em and punch them all dead. re-dead. unless they have ranged weapons. then run.
>>
No. 336233 ID: 35e1a0

yeah murder them all and sabotage the catapult.
>>
No. 336235 ID: 3c84d9

>>336233
Catapult's already broken.
>>
No. 336236 ID: 07416a

>>336228
Nooope. Those eggs gotta go. NOW.
>>
No. 336237 ID: 1854db

I think you're the one that sabotaged that, and the eggs were what was being fired by it. So let's go find someone else and get a report.
>>
No. 336238 ID: 00d3d5

>>336228
Sadly, we need to help out in the tower more than we need to kill these things.

Even sadder is that when the hate potion wears off anything you do to punish Chee will only reduce her suffering.
>>
No. 336242 ID: 35e1a0

dammit, the pult is simply not in use, it is NOT broken.
>>
No. 336245 ID: 1854db

>>336242
'out of use' != 'not in use'
>>
No. 336250 ID: c811c4
File 131243097557.png - (14.83KB , 600x600 , 458.png )
336250

Sorry for the confusion. I mean the catapult isn't in use. Nothing visibly wrong with it, though it could be broken for all I know. These undead sure are weaker than I remember.

That pissed off feeling isn't going away. In fact, it's starting to get worse. Just looking at these damn bones is making my heart feel like it's trying to burst out of my chest!
>>
No. 336251 ID: 00d3d5

>>336250
SMITE AND BASH! SMITE AND BASH!
>>
No. 336252 ID: 35e1a0

need to smash all the eggs then back off and cool down. don't want to take ear's other ear.
>>
No. 336253 ID: 1854db

I think you can take them. Buuuuut you might want to retreat anyway, since we don't know how safe it is for you to be like this. I mean, you could be ripping your muscles to shreds by using this super strength.

Try throwing something heavy at the eggs, or the big skeleton.
>>
No. 336259 ID: 07416a

>>336250
Throw a skellington at an egg.
>>
No. 336260 ID: 28e94e

>>336250
...Shabin, are you aware that you've had Gnoll Blight since you were born? Clamp has similar symptoms.
>>
No. 336264 ID: 06c1c9

THAT SKELETON IS HUGE! THAT MEANS IT HAS HUGE GUT- wait no it doesn't. it had huge guts? that's something, right?

anyway, PUNCH AND, uhh, PUNCH SOME MORE! PUNCH AND PUNCH!
>>
No. 336271 ID: c811c4
File 131243334756.png - (29.27KB , 600x600 , 459.png )
336271

>>336251
You got it!

>Smash Eggs
>Throw something heavy at eggs.
>Huge Skeleton

I SEE WHERE THIS IS GOING.

"Give me your skull, you big boned freak!"
>>
No. 336273 ID: c811c4
File 131243339158.png - (10.01KB , 600x600 , 460.png )
336273

AHHHHHH
>>
No. 336275 ID: c811c4
File 131243344195.png - (64.98KB , 600x600 , 461.png )
336275

BWOOSH
>>
No. 336276 ID: 1854db

>>336275
I thought so! Are you okay? Get inside before more explosions happen!
>>
No. 336278 ID: 06c1c9

now that the danger is averted, you should probably try to calm the fuck down before you tear something.
>>
No. 336296 ID: 9c538a

Well great Shabin Chee's in love with you. Sort of. That's why he's helping you, in a way that stresses your body to death. I hope he's good and traumatized after this. The hate potion is fascinating in its effect, in fact, because it seems to have not only switched to the opposite emotion, but also switched its scope and application. You see, instead of Chee falling in love with the first thing he sees (you), Chee seems to have fallen in hate not with you, but with everyone except for you. Us, Clamp, that slutty succubus, the lich king, basically he now hates everyone except you. Isn't that interesting?
>>
No. 336309 ID: c811c4
File 131243701684.png - (12.30KB , 600x600 , 462.png )
336309

>>336296
Her voice wasn't exactly lovey dovey before I blacked out. If that's Chee's love, I feel sorry for the sap that falls for her.

>Go back to tower

>"Yeah, I think I saw the person start coming in the tower, it was just this w-"

>"Shabin! Uh uh uh uhm... how are...."
>>
No. 336310 ID: c811c4
File 131243702730.png - (7.07KB , 600x600 , 463.png )
336310

"Sorry 'bout your ear. I'm going to pass out."
>>
No. 336312 ID: c811c4
File 131243713767.png - (11.29KB , 600x600 , 464.png )
336312

What the hell?! Even Shabin wasn't utterly useless! I didn't even intend for that rage to help her, at least she ripped off Ears' ear! His name is now Ear, yes. It's obvious they don't need me, so Ear can fight the incoming necrobold without you guys! At least the good news is that I can wrench my hands around the Lich soul now, that barrier is good as gone.

What the heck is with lich's and making their towers so dreary, anyway?! My gosh it could not possible be more grey if I was colorblind.

Now, what should I put the lich's soul in? Something demeaning and humiliating. Easily breakable, of course. Oh, and right now I'm... underground. His base is in a mountain. I don't know what this room is. Just.. no fucking clue what this room is supposed to be about. Nor any other room. It's just one big mash of unplanned, room after room of non descript purpose. Room after room of nothing but execratable gray!
>>
No. 336317 ID: b6ca92

>>336312
Chee, I no you're high on hate potion right now, but you forgot the most important principle of being Chee.

Namely, that every soul you come in contact with is to be devoured by Tom for safekeeping and security.
Put him in a jar or something and he'll make it out eventually. We want this fucker put down permanently.

Oh, by the way, how'd you pull it off? Did the hole 'drill through the barrier with a drill made of hate' idea work?
>>
No. 336318 ID: ccf646

>>336312

I'd tell you to take a piss in that urn over there and store the lich's soul in it, but you don't have a pisshole. oh well. just... look at some more rooms with stuff in them.
>>
No. 336320 ID: 00d3d5

>>336312
A roll of toilet paper.

Honestly, I'm surprised you aren't going to have Tom eat this guy so you can absorb his skill. He's clearly the more competent of the two.

So, Chee, any idea when that "Stupid hate bitch" potion is going to wear off? I'm going through the List Of Things To Not Do When I Become An Evil Overlord, and you're breaking rules right and left.

OH! TURN INTO A SNAKE! I'M SURE THAT WILL BE HELPFUL! No, really! Snakes can't shoot themselves in the feet!

Hey, Tom? How are you holding up?
>>
No. 336322 ID: b6ca92

>>336312
Heh, Chee used the word 'gosh' sincerely. Looks like the hate potion is already wearing off a little.
Also Chee, have you ever considered that maybe, lacking the photo receptors in their eyes, Liches and other undead ARE colorblind?
>>
No. 336326 ID: 1854db

I don't think we should suck souls willy-nilly. I really don't think we want this lich's soul in particular, either- he seemed to be a bit crazy.

Put him in a painting. Then burn it.
>>
No. 336327 ID: 07416a

>>336312
I thought you were hateful, not STUPID. Put his soul in something? God, just eat him. Then you can start on the REAL source of your problems... Lich King.
>>
No. 336329 ID: 1854db

Guys. I'll remind you of the reason we don't want him in us.

He's crazy, and every ability soul in chee affects her in some manner. Am I wrong, Tom? They affect her personality, right? Maybe you should clear things up a bit, unless Chee has you under strict orders to keep quiet...
>>
No. 336332 ID: b6ca92

>>336329
They don't have to, no. Tom can eat souls and put them in his 'stomach', which is basically a little room inside of him which he siphons power from.
Just like when he ate that one city and paired up everyone with someone they hated.
>>
No. 336333 ID: c811c4
File 131243932349.png - (8.69KB , 600x600 , 465.png )
336333

>>336317
Yeah, the hate drill whatever was a close enough guess! The barrier is based on my love. And ability to love. Something like that. Love and friendship is what keeps Tom from the lich.
>>
No. 336334 ID: b6ca92

>>336312
Hey, we know it's stupid to put him in something, but you want to make hinms suffere, so here's a compromise.


Ask Tom to take his time eating him, to rip him to shreds and chew really thoroughly. Make sure you watch the spectacle.
>>
No. 336335 ID: c811c4
File 131243934872.png - (14.08KB , 600x600 , 466.png )
336335

So the slut did something right, and let me fuck that barrier right up!
>>
No. 336337 ID: c811c4
File 131243943538.png - (10.67KB , 600x600 , 467.png )
336337

Of course I'm going to break whatever I put him in! I don't want that god damn lich in me! Tom isn't touching this one, I'm sending him straight to hell! Yes! His soul will be inside toilet paper! I'LL SNAP HIS NECK OFF BY STRANGLING HIM WITH HIS OWN PHYALCTERY. I bet his neck's that weak anyway! Except there's no toilet paper. I'll use a scrap of his precious paintings.

Liches? Lacking photoreceptors in their eyes? They don't even have eyes! Yet that doesn't stop them from seeing things, so why not see color while their unwarranted existence continues?!

Back to business! I've been looking for this lich for ages! I'm trying to sneak around because he couldn't have possible sent everyone to the tower! He's not that retarded! But how am I supposed to get the attention of a lich or otherwise find him?
>>
No. 336338 ID: b6ca92

>>336337
Oh, that's easy.
Heal Pulse.
The whole tower.
One nice little shock wave strong enough to phase through the stone too. 360 degrees of anti-lich fury.
>>
No. 336339 ID: 07416a

>>336337
Fondle his soul. Twist it into a knot. He'll find you. Prepare.
>>
No. 336341 ID: 1854db

>>336337
Well I would guess that when you destroy the new phylactery he will know.

Also, you could cast an illusion of yourself somewhere obvious to draw attention. Like, you could have it standing right in front of... wherever you are, and calling out a challenge.
>>
No. 336342 ID: b6ca92

>>336337
Alternatively, consider the fact the lich might have left already. Not likely, but possible.

I know! Let Tom out and tell him to act like a blood-hound, using the 'smell' of the Lich's soul to track his spirit within his Lich body.
>>
No. 336344 ID: ccf646

ask him to show up. real nicely.
>>
No. 336349 ID: c811c4
File 131244097190.png - (7.54KB , 600x600 , 469.png )
336349

You're right, I think destroying his phylactery, a fragile little piece of paper, would get his attention!

Heh. This feels kind of nice. I was hoping to shred it right in his face! Hit it home, that his fate is mine and I won't spare an ounce of mercy. Maybe I'll keep it for now...
>>
No. 336351 ID: 07416a

>>336349
Just eat it.
>>
No. 336352 ID: c811c4
File 131244116980.png - (8.08KB , 600x600 , 470.png )
336352

Oh, I just can't resist!

shrk
>>
No. 336354 ID: b6ca92

>>336349
NO Chee.
Break it now.
BREAK IT.
REND IT WITH YOUR TEETH.
CLEANSE IT IN HOLY FIRE.
YOU HAVE A PALADIN SOUL IN YOU. USE IT.
LET THE LIGHT OF JUSTICE UNDO HIM.
>>
No. 336355 ID: 1854db

>>336352
Did it work? Is his soul dispersed? I was never sure what 'destroyed' means in reference to phylacteries. I mean, things wear down over time no matter what, so what's the tipping point as far as damage is concerned? Do phylacteries always repair themselves? Loads of questions, really.
>>
No. 336359 ID: b6ca92

>>336352
Oh, I couldn't resist either.
http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/349066.html#350904
>>
No. 336360 ID: c811c4
File 131244192972.png - (13.12KB , 600x600 , 471.png )
336360

The ability of the phylactery varies on the power of the lich. Strong liches can put them into near unwearable, magical items that last as long as the ages.

This paper was not one of those items. The lich's soul is dispersed.

>"What has transpi- Chee?! You... you actually destroyed my soul in my own base?! How cocky can a kobold get?! I am mortal now, but still stronger than you. Any last words, before I recruit your broken body into my ranks?"
>>
No. 336362 ID: b6ca92
File 131244209519.jpg - (39.19KB , 855x855 , al-pacino-say-hello-3424-117_zoom.jpg )
336362

>>336360
Sure.

"SAY HELLO TO MY LEETLE FRIEND!"
Then let Tom chomp him, assuming that works.
If nothing else, it should disable him like the dwarf long enough to do something humorous.
>>
No. 336363 ID: 07416a

>>336360
Remember that fireball trick? Heal.
>>
No. 336364 ID: 6f1d54

>>336360
"Yes. Tom? DINNERTIME!"
>>
No. 336365 ID: e3f578

>>336360
Imbue your entire body with healing magic and tackle the bastard. Remember to imbue you, not heal you.
>>
No. 336366 ID: 1854db

>>336360
Oh, it's a human.

I would say to hit him with a healray right now but he MIGHT have enough anti-healing wards to block it. I'm not really sure. You could try an earth spike first.

For defense, start saying something suitable while setting up an illusion of yourself continuing to talk while you relocate under a shroud of some other illusion that isn't quite invisibility. If he doesn't move it should work fine.

Or just go with whatever plan you came up with already. You did make a plan for what to do when you found him, right?

As for something cocky to say, I would suggest ranting about how everything you hate about him and everyone else you've had to deal with these past few weeks.
>>
No. 336367 ID: 1854db

>>336364
Tom can't eat physical things. Only souls, and this lich's soul is dispersed.
>>
No. 336368 ID: 1854db

>>336365
Currently Chee's enchantments are very powerful but easily dispelled. Imbuing stuff won't work at all.
>>
No. 336373 ID: 4b359b

>>336368

unless she imbues healing into a fireball.

HADOKEN
>>
No. 336374 ID: b6ca92

>>336373
Then followed or preceded by a SHORYUKEN!
Then include GET OVER HERE and end it with a FALCON PUNCH!
>>
No. 336376 ID: 0bd0b0

>>336374
Nope.
>>
No. 336377 ID: 00d3d5

>>336360
Say "Yes. I prepared explosive runes this morning." while you drop the ceiling on his head.

I'm amused how your mindless hate made you decide to not eat the soul of a more powerful mage. You are really, really stupid right now.
>>
No. 336378 ID: 1854db

>>336377
Look at before she drank it. She didn't want to do it then either.

We have the soul of a powerful necromancer already, and a shitton of other mages to power that magic.
>>
No. 336379 ID: c811c4
File 131244504993.png - (101.76KB , 600x600 , 472.png )
336379

I doubt Tom can do much. Maybe eat the soul before it fully evaporates, but I doubt that, even for someone who's designed to do nothing but eat souls. Healing magic is my forte! I'll wait for earth magic if that this sack of lich actually puts up a fight.

>Create illusion to scurry out of the way.
>Heal ball!

>"A heal? That's it? Where are the intricate anti heal shield runes? The complex jitter of the ball's place in the fabric of reality to fool me? Just a novice's attempt at healing? You could have all of the raw power in five worlds, it would do you no good with such simplicity. And a simple illusion, at that? This is insulting. You come to me, so sure of yourself, and you don't think I've taken illusory precautions in my own base?!"

Damned slut was utterly useless, in the end!
>>
No. 336380 ID: c811c4
File 131244509853.png - (11.74KB , 600x600 , 473.png )
336380

>"As I thought. You can't even block a spell of instant decay. You are tougher than you look having survived it, if barely. Did you even see it coming? You didn't, did you?"

...G-god damn!
>>
No. 336381 ID: c14a02

wear some healing on your skin.
>>
No. 336382 ID: 1854db

>>336380
Create a heal bubble around yourself and keep it active. Then start pummeling him with earth.

This is really all we can do at this point, unless... you want to slice him up with ninja powers and that swordstaff.
>>
No. 336383 ID: b6ca92

>>336380
Maybe we should run.
We kinda figured this would happen.
Still, as he said:
>all of the raw power in five worlds
Time to put that to use.
Open up that well of souls and see if you can't keep up a heal bubble on and around your person. YOu dont know how to counter necromancy, but you can surely deal with it.
If I didn't think his ward could handle it, I would say full power heal-bomb, but that's probably not going to happen.

Oh wait, didn't you pick up that anti-magic pendant from that one undead captain? Maybe it could be useful.
>>
No. 336384 ID: 00d3d5

>>336379
Oh, no.
Fuck no.
This right here? You rushing off into battle unprepared like a damned idiot? That's ALL you. Don't you even THINK that's anybody else's fault.

Shit, you just used a healing spell on somebody whose forces are protected from that. Why do you think I told you to just drop the ceiling on him?
Of course, you would have been prepared for this if you had Tom eat his soul. After all, getting his knowledge was almost the entire reason why you should have let Tom eat it.

You are the most incompetent person you've ever encountered.

Now stop listening to your own idiotic ideas and do what we say.

Heal yourself, drop the tower on him, and flee.
>>
No. 336385 ID: 9c538a

You fucked up Chi. You fucked up.
>>
No. 336388 ID: aa66a4

>>336384

Everything being said here? Truth.

Suggestions? Sorta not the right thing. Drop the ceiling on him, but not the whole thing. Then seal the stone. THEN TURN IT INTO LAVA.

Who says we can't?

PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE A HUNDRED+SOULS IN THEM FUELING THEIR MAGIC.
>>
No. 336389 ID: aa66a4

>>336380
"Hey lich guy: The floor is now lava."

MAKE IT SO.

Also fly because lava
>>
No. 336390 ID: c811c4
File 131244693419.png - (51.22KB , 600x600 , 474.png )
336390

I... already gave the pendant to Ears. God damnit, that bastard! Whatever! I can't make the floor lava! Maybe fire, but the tower's coming down after I heal!

"As though I can't just heal myself, Lich!"

>"I took the opportunity of sharing my anti healing shield with you."
>>
No. 336393 ID: c811c4
File 131244704093.png - (25.51KB , 600x600 , 475.png )
336393

Can't.. drop the entire tower on him at once, I'd crush myself too. I have to get out of here!

>"Running? At least you have the creativity to use earth! It is no matter, I will catch up. At this rate, it would take you three hours to waddle to the exit. In the meanwhile, I will relieve you of your enchantment you have put on yourself."
>>
No. 336394 ID: b6ca92

>>336390
OH WHAT THE SHIT.
>>
No. 336395 ID: c811c4
File 131244709236.png - (10.35KB , 600x600 , 476.png )
336395

>"Interesting. It was an enchantment of emotions? Hate? What point was there in amplifying your hate? It is gone now, anyways. I am curious of it, I must admit. I have never seen such stable magic of this sort before. Clearly not your own work."
>>
No. 336396 ID: aa66a4

>>336395
TURN. THE. TOWER. INTO. LAVA.
>>
No. 336398 ID: b6ca92

>>336395
SHROUD YOURSELF IN TOM.
>>
No. 336399 ID: 2256da

CRY AND GIVE HIM THE CUTEBOLD EYES GODDAMNIT
>>
No. 336400 ID: d1948c

Uh oh, Nice Chee's back.

HEY UH CHEE, UM DON'T THINK ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENED EARLIER, PLEASE.
>>
No. 336401 ID: 1854db

>>336395
Chee. You're back. I have no idea what to do now. Please tell me you have an idea of your own. We've used every avenue of attack I can think of except direct physical confrontation and fireballs. You're physically crippled and he will probably block a simple fireball as easily as he blocks all your other magic.

I guess we can talk to him. Make a deal. He spares your life and you tell him who enchanted you. That could work for the moment, and possibly even buy you some time, but we still need to figure out how to kill him.
>>
No. 336402 ID: b6ca92

>>336390
Wait a second.
Anti healing shield.
It's on the outside.
Your magic is on the inside.
DO THE MATH.
LET HEALING FLOW FROM YOUR HEART THROUGH YOUR BODY.
LET LIFE SEEP OUT OF YOUR PORES.
Remember the paladin's regeneration? DO THAT.
>>
No. 336403 ID: 00d3d5

>>336395
Make Tom eat his soul if it's not gone yet
"You mean you really don't know? Ask the lich king."
Shape the stone into a bubble around you and move it out through the walls carrying you along with it. Shifting holes into the walls and rolling out through them would probably be faster than moving by shifting the floor around it.
Bring the entire tower down, Chee. You can use your stone bubble to deflect the debris. Once you're outside turn the tower into lava from the top down.

After that try to overload the anti-healing ward, since it has to have SOME limit, right?
>>
No. 336405 ID: b6ca92

>>336403
Can't soul eat. His soul is already gone, what we face now is a magical construct that houses his 'mind'. Tam can't do anything to that. Once the construct is destroyed, the mind dies with it.
>>
No. 336406 ID: c811c4
File 131244840791.png - (17.35KB , 600x600 , 477.png )
336406

>>336400
I can't help it! But I need to live! I need to make it up to everyone!

An anti magic shield can't have infinite charge, so it should be possible to just heal my way through it, but...

>>336402
Yeah, yeah! Except I don't really know how, but maybe if I use the soul's power directly from inside me, or Tom!
"Tom, can I use the soul inside me?!"
>"You know, since you've got a handle on souls, I think I can regurgitate a piece of a soul without making myself unstable! You'll damage the soul a bit, and it'll be necessary to let it heal. You already have healing down pat as far as raw power goes, though! And the effect of me spitting it back up should be pretty explosive, you'd definitely be at full health!But only if you promise to apologize to Minci!"
"Of course!!"

How about it? Lose some of the soul for healing me, or try and slowly break down the anti magic shield?
>>
No. 336408 ID: c811c4
File 131244889273.png - (129.10KB , 600x600 , 478.png )
336408

As for now... with everyone's practice at magic the last several days, I think I really can melt the stone!

>>336403
I use earth magic, yeah, and move much faster out of here while I bring the tower down!
>>
No. 336409 ID: 582363

Your boyfriend would want to sacrifice himself for you, I'm sure. :3
>>
No. 336410 ID: 76cb08

>>336406

only if it's not a permanent loss in ability... you'll need all the healing you can get to deal with King. well, unless you'll die otherwise. don't die, m'kay?

anyway, you'll need to get out of his sights before he hits you with something fierce again... he said that the anti-illusion wards were from the base, so he won't have that if the tower falls, I think. I hope.

you can try to use air and earth magic to fill the entire place with dust fog to obscure his vision, but that's also a desperate plan at best. I'm not even sure if liches see like that, what with the lack of eyes and all.

man, this was so damn poorly thought out. it's like you took a huge dump on your own chest, Chee. couldn't you at least have brought a construct or two with you? actually, check to see if there are any nearby, maybe one can take the lich by surprise.
>>
No. 336411 ID: b6ca92

>>336408
>I think I really can melt the stone!
Did Chee just make lava?
Or was that her melting her way through the tower?
>>
No. 336412 ID: aa66a4

>>336408
Remember: This probably won't kill him, it WILL delay him - and he is incredibly vulnerable without a soul.
>>
No. 336413 ID: 1854db

>>336406
Lose some of the soul. It will heal and we'll have you back in physical shape. Then you can ninja it up. Though... Will you be able to use it at all afterwards until it heals? Oh well, if you can't you can rely on your non-boosted healing, which is strong enough for healing yourself.

I would suggest you try to slowly break down the magic shield afterwards as well. It might be connected to the lich's, and if we break it then we can nail him with a heal.

Regardless of what you do, we should gain some distance from him by manipulating earth. He can surely see through invisibility but ninja tricks work on EVERYONE.
>>
No. 336415 ID: aa66a4

Oh, by the way, since lava is just melty rock, use your earth magic to pluck it from the area and toss it at him.
>>
No. 336416 ID: 1854db

...Tom, can we pull off that soul-piece trick with other magic besides healing?
>>
No. 336417 ID: aa66a4

>>336416
Because that would be badass.
>>
No. 336419 ID: b6ca92

>>336417
>>336416
I would say yes.
What did you have in mind? Paladin holy beams? Lich insta-decay? Mage pyroclasm?
>>
No. 336421 ID: c811c4
File 131245190709.png - (9.70KB , 600x600 , 479.png )
336421

I'm out!
If I were to lose the soul's power, I wouldn't be able to heal quite as powerfully, but I think the worst part is is that I wouldn't be able to teach anyone else healing nearly as well.
I.. can barely stay conscious! I feel so sick! I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry! I don't think I'll ever forgive myself!

>>336411
Both! Melting through the tower made the lava.

>>336416
>"I don't see why not! It essentially just released the magic bound to the soul in an explosive fit."

Oh, gosh, this was so dumb! I know it, now! I was so furious with everything, I didn't think clearly at all! I brought a dragon with me to fly me over, but nothing else! It's settled a ways away, I'm bringing it over now.

Anyways, I'm going to spend a bit of time breaking through the antiheal shield! There's not much more distance I can cover until the dragon gets here.

... and done, just have to-
>>
No. 336422 ID: c811c4
File 131245191820.png - (13.03KB , 600x600 , 480.png )
336422

Whoa!
>>
No. 336423 ID: c811c4
File 131245195467.png - (17.34KB , 600x600 , 481.png )
336423

>"Do you know why I am a major contender to the Lich King? It is because I am extremely difficult to kill. To date, I wanted to see what the Lich King saw in such a kobold. Admittedly, you have done irreperable harm. Nevertheless, with the power the Lich King gave you, I do not see anything spectacular about you! I had doubts to the Lich King being a bored fool that has gone crazy with immortality, but no longer. Prepare to die!"
>>
No. 336425 ID: 1854db

>>336423
Have tom do that soul piece trick with one of the many mages you have. GIANT FUCKING FIRE BLAST. And that won't cripple you, either, since your mage souls are fairly redundant. This would also let us find out how long it takes for the soul to heal.

If he still lives after that, you have that anti-undead healing spell you made yourself. I think that's more complicated than a 'novice's attempt at healing' right?

Then there's the physical approach. Now that you can move again, you could use the swordcane and ninja skills to slice him up.
>>
No. 336426 ID: 4514b7

...that's not a human.

can you do sandomancy? I'm thinking something along the lines of The Mummy with a sprinkle of Gaara.
>>
No. 336427 ID: c811c4
File 131245386367.png - (9.58KB , 600x600 , 482.png )
336427

Everything else seems to be getting negated or overpowered! I'll try to get Tom to throw a soul!
>"Here goes!"

>"The devourer? I have done my research, and will rip him straight o-"
>>
No. 336428 ID: c811c4
File 131245387959.png - (14.76KB , 600x600 , 483.png )
336428

!!
>>
No. 336429 ID: c811c4
File 131245389825.png - (20.24KB , 600x600 , 484.png )
336429

>"Lich kill confirmed, Chee! Let's go back, and get you apologizing to Minci and everyone!"

I still feel sick. I don't know if I can do this, and look everyone in the eye anymore.
>>
No. 336430 ID: c811c4
File 131245394034.png - (3.97KB , 600x600 , paused.png )
336430

>>
No. 336432 ID: 0bd0b0

Well, that was easier than expected.
>>
No. 336433 ID: 05301a

Don't worry, you can do it, it's really not your fault. :<
>>
No. 336434 ID: 1854db

>>336429
Aww... Well, a word of warning. Shabin is going to beat the crap out of you. And we don't know exactly how negatively you affected the battle by doing what you did while under the effects of the potion. We don't even know how many people died after you left.

OH GOD you should send us to Fraga right now so we can find out how they did. I hope the traps they had set was enough to handle the zombies.
>>
No. 336436 ID: 1854db

Also, I'd like to note: We can probably still try to call Tili's rune number.

Aaaaaaand I just realized that the necrobold is still at large. Maybe we should check on Ears first. Our talent souls would affect him most strongly, I wager, so he has the best chance of standing up to enemy necromancers in a direct confrontation.

An alternative is to switch to Minci but she doesn't have any offensive capability that we know of. If our presence boosts her illusions strongly enough she might be able to do some tricky things that would let someone else deal the killing blow though.

There is, I suppose, the possibility that with the lich dead, the necrobold will stop attacking us. No way to tell really.
>>
No. 336437 ID: 00d3d5

>>336429
You will.

On the way back stop in at towns along your path and destroy any lingering lich forces that are causing trouble.

See if you can reanimate an intact corpse and send Tom over to possess it. That would be a better apology to Minci than words, even if it's temporary.

Actually... What if you visited the paladins while Tom and the evil souls were with somebody else? They might be able to teach you how to regrow limbs or resurrect the dead if that's something they can do. They'd also be able to help you fight the lich king.
>>
No. 336438 ID: 1854db

>>336437
We can't send Tom to anyone.
>>
No. 336445 ID: 28e94e

>>336429
Be prepared to heal the shit out of Clamp and Ears. Ears is now Ear and Clamp lost an arm.
>>
No. 336452 ID: 4bfb65

Guys
Guys
What if

What if the necrobold is the Lich King?
>>
No. 336454 ID: b6ca92

>>336452
Mebbe, but probably not. We already got a nice look at ol' Lichy, and I'd say necrobold is just a servant or something.
>>
No. 336455 ID: 6a5a08

So, apparently souls are unstable nuclear reactors, and when we shoot them they have a meltdown. Neat.
>>
No. 336456 ID: 35e1a0

yeah, just fix everyone up and accept any punishments they think up.
>>
No. 336457 ID: b6ca92

>>336402
>>336406
>>336427
It makes me giddy to realize that for once, it was my suggestion that saved the day.
>>
No. 336462 ID: bccf7b

>>336454
inb4 Mudy Quest


So! Chee! I think it's time to get back, fix everyone, apologize through teary eyes like you're trying to make a river, and then make a big huge "Friendship Cake" because you're really sorry and you actually love everyone.


... I want cake, now.
>>
No. 336483 ID: 1854db

>>336454
We never saw the Lich King. Only a communication device he had set up.
>>
No. 336492 ID: 6a5a08

Winston is the lich king
>>
No. 336494 ID: a10ed4

>>336492

always the goddamn butler.
>>
No. 336516 ID: cd63e9

>>336505
that's a communication device. like the messenger birds chee uses.
>>
No. 336523 ID: c811c4
File 131250024025.png - (26.99KB , 600x600 , 485.png )
336523

I think the paladins would be a good idea. I've gotten so strong, even if it's not my own power, that I doubt the paladins could kill me easily if they try to. But I should practice with sending Tom to someone else, before I go over there. I like the idea about having him possess a construct, temporarily! I think that would be a very nice apology to Minci. Anyways, I'll see about sending Tom off while I check on human towns.

As for Clamps and Ears, I can regrow their limbs, but I feel I owe them more than just giving them back what they should already have.
And Shabin as well. She may not have lost anything, but I still gave her trouble with yanking off Ears'...

And then there's the Lich King. I'm worried he does have a way to cut my power! Or at least involving Tom and souls. The power I've gotten off training with souls should be mine.

Anyways, I've been asked a couple times to check up on Fraga, and now's a good time!
>>
No. 336524 ID: c811c4
File 131250033817.png - (35.75KB , 600x600 , 486.png )
336524

>>
No. 336525 ID: 44766a

Hi, Fraga!
>>
No. 336526 ID: c2c011

>>336524
'Sup dude?
>>
No. 336528 ID: 1854db

>>336524
This is our first time talking to you.

We've been sent by Chee. How'd you guys handle the zombies?
>>
No. 336530 ID: c811c4
File 131250094985.png - (35.81KB , 600x600 , 487.png )
336530

>"Oh, right! Fraga, I don't think you've had my souls before. These are the advice souls that... you're really behind!"

"No idea what's going on, dude, but I think I understand."

"Nice to meet you, champs. I'm doin' pretty well all things considered. We've been pretty afraid of another dwarf attack, but that never came. Did get a few zombies though, but it wasn't but a thing. Chop had himself a field day, really. Our cave is well an' good. Anything you guys needed, or just checkin up?"
>>
No. 336531 ID: a6ab09

>>336524
the other side of your face better not be nothing but bones bro, or I be disappoint
>>
No. 336532 ID: c2c011

>>336530
Oh you know, just thinking we could hang a bit and maybe chill some. You know kick back and have a few cold ones, or well, you can have them and we can watch since we can't really drink.
>>
No. 336534 ID: 698cb2

Hmm, maybe I should have asked Chee to send us into a keg instead of a sandwich...
>>
No. 336537 ID: 1854db

>>336530
We're mostly just checking up, but if you could cast a few spells of various types of magic it'd help Chee learn more stuff.

Basically anything you've got aside from fireballs, healing, geomancy, aeromancy, and illusions.
>>
No. 336542 ID: 2256da

Oh man Fraga you should have seen it, we gave Chee a really potent hate potion. Its alot funnier now that we don't have to worry about her murdering everyone.
>>
No. 336543 ID: c811c4
File 131250235814.png - (7.86KB , 600x600 , 588.png )
336543

Heh, I don't actually need to talk outloud, do I.

>>336531
Nah man, no wacky surprises here. My face is pretty excellent.
>>
No. 336544 ID: c811c4
File 131250241278.png - (8.13KB , 600x600 , 589.png )
336544

Beer's a luxury around here, but I'm sure the headmaster won't mind. He doesn't appear in public too much anymore, what with the missin' beard. Oh yeah, you still got that, Chee?

>"Oh, yes! I forgot to take it out from under my hat!"

Yeah, he's still pretty pissed at me over that one. Do me a favor sometime and bring that thing back, and I'd be way peachy.

Sorry though, I don't have much 'sides healing and fireballs. That's my schtick, really. Didn't know Chee could get helped like that though. Any kinda magic you'd like me to practice? I may as well go and branch out, see the wide world of magic an' all.
>>
No. 336546 ID: 698cb2

Go nuts man, it'll make you stronger too
>>
No. 336547 ID: 1854db

>>336544
Hmm. Well, we don't have any scrying or conjuration abilities yet. You could just branch out into more evocation elements too. Like lightning. Throwing lightning is pretty badass, and has some clever applications that some of the crazy inventors in here can use.

I think scrying would be pretty vital though. OOH or teleportation if you can manage that. It could be a bit too advanced though...
>>
No. 336549 ID: 2eac65

>>336543
Yes, it is indeed a most excellent face.

>>336544
Since you live underground, earth magic should be a big help for you.
>>
No. 336550 ID: 2256da

Maybe you should just concentrate on being the most chill dude ever. Then you can just walk up to the Lich King and be like "Hey dude, be chill man" and the Lich King will be like "sure thing bro."
>>
No. 336557 ID: 07416a

>>336544
Earth magic, most def.
>>
No. 336558 ID: b50cc2

practice something water-related. we'll have all the elements. all of them.
>>
No. 336561 ID: b6ca92

>>336544
Hey Fraga, can you think of a way you could get us in contact with the Headmaster? I know he's seclusive, but if there was any way to make him sympathetic his magics would be damn useful.
No offense to you.
>>
No. 336562 ID: da9a02

Practice ALL THE MAGIC!
And Chee, have a bird send the headmaster his beard, please.
>>
No. 336565 ID: 00d3d5

>>336544
Practice earth and wind magic, since both of those are incredibly useful when you live underground. Fire's a solid third.
SO! Chee has killed both of the liches that caused you problems, and has secured the southern peninsula. If you want to make a tunnel link between her place and yours you'll be able to get some trade going, and with a nice smooth tunnel we could set you guys up with a high-speed rail line that could make the trip in a few hours.

... you guys don't know what a rail line is, do you. Well, it's basically a pair of long rails that guide self-propelled carts between two different points at a high rate of speed. If you make the tunnels then we'll help you get everything else working.
>>
No. 336567 ID: 1854db

...guys I thought Fraga was asking for suggestions on new spells to learn so that Chee could learn them from him later.
>>
No. 336569 ID: cd63e9

i'd like to point out chee has earth magic. right now pretty much any magic your practice you'll pick up at least the basics of in a few hours, and whatever you learn so will chee. what we really need is telportation. chee can use us to scry but she still has limited mobility.
>>
No. 336570 ID: c811c4
File 131250467954.png - (9.52KB , 600x600 , 590.png )
336570

>>336565
Man, that sounds like dwarf antics to me.

>>336561
>"Oh, that wouldn't work! I mean, not right away. I would need to get close to the headmaster, to send him souls and learn from him directly."

For spells mentioned... lightning, huh? That I can learn. Teleportation could be a go too, if the headmaster was willing to teach.

Which he's not. I need that beard to appease his flabby yet foreboding wrath. As for earth magic, that'd be first class right there. I'll practice some of that, if Chee wouldn't mind throwin' me a soul.

>"Sure! Nice to know you're doing well, Fraga! I'll send a messenger with the beard. I've got to go, there's something coming up to me fast!"
>>
No. 336571 ID: c811c4
File 131250474579.png - (24.77KB , 600x600 , 591.png )
336571

>"Well, fake-Chee, you've done it. I was hoping you could have slain him using more conventional means, but I can only hope for so much. At least you are able to keep yourself intact now, when you feel strong emotions. Raw power is what I sought in you, not intricate waves of applied knowledge. And for that, you have excelled. No doubt you are seeking me! But there is no need, I now look forward to seeing you, more than you could know! When would you like to meet?"
>>
No. 336572 ID: 1854db

>>336571
I don't think we should approach the lich king without the intricate waves of applied knowledge he's referring to.
How about next year?

He probably won't agree to that. Maybe a month would work.
>>
No. 336574 ID: b6ca92

>>336572
>>336571
Agreed. We do indeed need more time. I mean, despite his affable personality we still intend to kill him, so trust isn't exactly in surplus here.
We need time to become a proper mage. Right now we are a glass cannon, we need time to fix the 'glass' part and become more skilled and precise in our abilities. It would be ideal if we were able to snipe him from miles away with a heal beam, or something.
>>
No. 336575 ID: e3f578

>>336571
Whenever you're done fixing up shit that the lich broke in the world and redeem yourself to improve your internal composition. Which could take up to a few months to a year, unfortunately.

Let's be polite, the Lich King is a jester and very affable for a horrific villain of incredible power, let's keep it that way for the time being. In all honesty, he isn't really that horrible for the world, his main sin is sloth and fucking around with both you and the liches. I mean he is a big threat, but I think we should understand his motives/goals first before making any big moves.
>>
No. 336581 ID: c811c4
File 131250685894.png - (35.35KB , 600x600 , 592.png )
336581

"Uh.. how about a month? I want to fix the damage the lich has caused."
>"How about a compromise, between your ideal time and my own. Two weeks. I suggest you spend it more settling any affairs you have, than attempting to prepare for a battle."
>>
No. 336582 ID: 180ec2

>>336575
Yeah, so far the lich king doesn't seem to be all that terrible. He may very well be the lesser of many evils, and killing him or otherwise removing him from power might create a power vacuum and lead to a worse being rising to power. We definitely need to learn of his goals, practices, and ambitions, first.
>>
No. 336585 ID: 1854db

He plans to kill you and take Tom's souls, I think. It might be wisest to enter battle with him after sending Tom away. Which means you won't be getting any boosts.

Haggle more! Say three weeks. Tell him you couldn't possibly make it up to everyone for inadvertently triggering the zombie apocalypse in just two weeks.
>>
No. 336586 ID: 00d3d5

>>336581
He wants you to be full of raw power, so lets instead make plans using lateral thinking.

Bring back the first lich you killed, and have HIM prepare for the fight while you rally the paladins and other forces to prepare for a proper assault.

Oh! Idea! Lets move you into a new body and mask your real location, then send THIS body to the fight loaded with explosive souls! Make him think you killed yourself in an attempt to kill him!

So, we need to explain the basics of steam engines to the animals so they can get mage-powered high speed rail engines ready for when the Kobolds get a tunnel to your land finished. We're going to make the coalition you formed from the dregs of society into an economic powerhouse that the humans and dwarves will HAVE to respect.
>>
No. 336596 ID: cd63e9

the problem is we don't know where his phylactery is. even if we beat him he would come back. though showing up and being able to dust his ass would be nice. because he is almost certainly going to try and kill you.
>>
No. 336598 ID: eba49f

Wait... LK can move souls from one phylactery to another.

If he can do that with his soul than we are going to have to be very sneaky to catch it.
>>
No. 336605 ID: e3f578

Guys, I'm kinda scared he could be listening in on our advice, like he planted a bug in here or something.

Lich King are you there, bro? Can you hear us? Hellllllooooooooooo?
>>
No. 336630 ID: 9f4cea

>>336605

probably a given.
>>
No. 336641 ID: c811c4
File 131251933526.png - (70.28KB , 600x600 , 593.png )
336641

"Three weeks!"
>"Very well."

I don't think I can move my own body. I mean, I can reconstruct others, but the whole system of my own would be way too dangerous to mess with!

Also, I don't think I can explain what a steam engine is to animals. Because I don't know what a steam engine is. A tunnel is nice, though. And, I wish it could work, but I don't have any evidence to being able to guide the paladins to the Lich King. At least, no evidence that wouldn't make me seem as evil.

Still, being able to pass Tom out of my body is a start.

I have a lot of work to do! I'll start working on preparations after I fix up my friends and help out the human lands. It should be around a week...
>>
No. 336642 ID: c811c4
File 131251936094.png - (1.10KB , 600x600 , 594.png )
336642

7 days later.
>>
No. 336644 ID: c811c4
File 131251938130.png - (10.90KB , 600x600 , 595.png )
336644

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
>>
No. 336645 ID: c811c4
File 131251942153.png - (11.34KB , 600x600 , 596.png )
336645

"I'm sorr-!"

BOMF
>>
No. 336647 ID: c811c4
File 131251948855.png - (11.04KB , 600x600 , 597.png )
336647

Fraga's begun learning lightning magic and teleportation. He, and a few other of the kobold mages, are practicing earth magic by making a tunnel to our tower as well when he's not learning new things. Soon, I'll approach the paladins for training, if they allow me. I have to get to work though, there's a lot to do for the next two weeks.

But I think that's almost all I can do for setting things in order, I just have to give Minci an apology now! I've done nothing but make her cry! I've spent much of my free time in the past week working on the apology.

Knock! Knock!
>>
No. 336649 ID: c811c4
File 131251952130.png - (10.91KB , 600x600 , 598.png )
336649

I hope she likes it, even if it's temporary!
>>
No. 336651 ID: 0604cc

Oh my god my heart just exploded out of my chest from this moment of daawwwww





Here it is: <3
>>
No. 336667 ID: 00d3d5

>>336641
Your evidence can come in the form of two liches being dead. You can provide the body for one, and for the other you can tell them where to find the remains of the other.
Just tell them that the lich king wants to eat you since you just killed the both liches vying for his position within a week, and you want to be absolutely sure he doesn't succeed.
>>
No. 336678 ID: e4bbed

situation report, soldier. what are our losses?
>>
No. 336695 ID: aa66a4

>>336667
The only problem is that evil fights evil all the time. It doesn't make it less evil. We'd need real, honest proof of goodly goodness.
>>
No. 336700 ID: cd63e9

if we could put the souls inside us out for a brief period that would be useful. for example if we could manifest the paladin soul we have we might be able to get him to vouch for us.
>>
No. 336702 ID: 1854db

>>336700
Considering Tom drained the memories of the dragon when he had him for a few moments, I suspect that if we put anyone's soul in a construct they would have no memory of life, and thus would not be able to vouch for us.

Right now we don't have anyone that can vouch for Chee's goodness aside from Tae, since everyone else is of a race that would not be considered... well, civilized. Sending her to talk to the dwarves might work? How is Tae, anyway? I imagine she survived the defense of the tower?

ALSO! We never followed up on that rumor of there being a relic of great power in the kobold fort. It was even hinted at having some purpose when we spoke to the necrobold- speaking of which, what happened to him?
>>
No. 336704 ID: 00d3d5

>>336695
Not really. If we can make Chee not detect as evil then that'd be enough to convince them she's not evil. If we can't then they're unlikely to talk with her anyway.
The problem then is credibility, which can be established by proving she killed a lich or two.
>>
No. 336742 ID: 7d8ca9

>>336704

Speaking of killing a Lich or two and dragons, that's the same kind of proof Vox wanted before he was willing to actually help us, why not get back to him on that now that both of them are dead?
>>
No. 336827 ID: c811c4
File 131256110059.png - (7.57KB , 600x600 , 599.png )
336827

Our losses... about 50 animals and 60 gnolls, in the end. One out of every four or five people... but given the events, the animals feel they're lucky to be alive. Clamp, along with the majority of gnolls, believe they would have faced far worse losses, if not completely being wiped out, if they held their own location. The mood is still ragged, of course. I don't know how the Orcs or Harpies did, but I was told that there were zombies of them, so it probably wasn't very good.

I'm told not to worry about the losses.. because I managed to take out the Lich so early, I may have saved at least as many lives as I would have if I stuck around.

But I got lucky. So, so lucky. So I still feel horrible because of it.
>>
No. 336828 ID: c811c4
File 131256116199.png - (11.00KB , 600x600 , 600.png )
336828

The problem with proof for slaying the liches is that the lich corpses are just bones, now. I doubt the paladins knew what the Lich's looked like, so to them, the lich's remains just look like a couple of skeletons. All I can hope is that I can pull out the most evil things, such as Tom - no offense to him! - and they accept me for all I am.

Bringing Tae is a good idea though, that should definitely help! Yes, she survived the tower, and was lucky enough to not get directly involved with my... hate.
>>
No. 336829 ID: c811c4
File 131256119912.png - (14.96KB , 600x600 , 601.png )
336829

As for the necrobold, well... Ears fought him. Both of them had very good defensive pendants, and couldn't do much to each other. Once Necrobold realized his Lich had been slain, he fled. I've completely forgotten about that relic that was rumored to be underneath the kobold caves! I still have no idea, of course, if they's just an old rumor or if there is anything. Perhaps it's worth investigating? Or maybe I should go to Vox? He's likely willing to believe that I've killed the Lich's, with even lacking evidence! Or I can go straight to the dwarves.

On second thought, it's very possible I could split our team up. I doubt there's any force that could or would attack our tower as things are, so perhaps to cover the lack of time, I can send people off elsewhere?

I should keep things settled around base along with repairing damages, so I should keep most of the standard forces around. So, for the strongest people... oh, and Tom is a special case, it takes some concentration to hold him inside his constructed body, but he can do his magic while inside of it! And I've gotten his skills. I can increase speed, open locks and... shapeshift. I can shapeshift, now.

Shabin, Clamp, Ears, Tae, Fraga, Minci and Tom/Duke. Where should I send everyone, if anywhere?
>>
No. 336830 ID: c2c011

>>336829
Well you can tell the Gnolls to scout out the territory that used to belong to the Harpies and Orcs, if they're all dead then yay, free territory!

Then I think you should go and see if you can't find that artifact thingy with the kobolds. Could be good to have.
>>
No. 336842 ID: 6a5a08

I figure if there's an artifact there's a dungeon, so a party will need to be sent to recover it. For the party to find the artifact I suggest:
1. Duke, for Shapeshifting and Open Lock.
2. Minci, for dealing with illusions.
3. Ears, for Earth and Wind Magic.

Fraga continues his training, and is at the Kobold Cave if the party needs backup to hurry in and rescue them.

Clamp and the gnolls should go scout out the orcs and harpies, see who survived.

You and Tae stop by Vox's cave to update him, and then go to the Paladins.

Shabin can either go with either you or Clamp, depending on how she feels about you at the moment.

Winston can take charge of the repairs and such in the tower.
>>
No. 336853 ID: 679e7a

Do not assume that the lich will keep his word. If he gave you three weeks to prepare, be as ready as you can be in two. If you're going to do anything that would lower your defenses, do it now, while he's (hopefully) making his own preparations!
>>
No. 336855 ID: e3f578

Since you can shapeshift and you aren't really THE Chee, but a construct of her, why not change yourself to a default form that better reflects yourself? Even if you like being just a kobold, maybe add some spikes or make yourself a bit fluffier.

For the paladins you can even be human to better ensure civilities.
>>
No. 336861 ID: cee335

>>336842
>>336830

>Clamp
>harpies

>nope.jpg

the construct birds are better suited for that job.

get some of that delicious shielding magic from Ears.
>>
No. 336867 ID: 9c538a

So uh... why are we fighting the lich king again? I think we should convince him to settle this over a nice plate of cookies. He told you not to prepare for battle. Maybe he just wants to meet you in person?

>>336586

Forgive me if I seem rude, but that sounds very hard to draw.
>>
No. 336869 ID: c811c4
File 131257190210.png - (35.85KB , 600x600 , 602.png )
336869

>Ears, Minci, Tom and possibly Fraga to Kobold Cave
>Clamp and Shabin to Harpy territory
>Tae and Chee to Voxol

If harpies are trouble only because of clamp, it won't do to try to ally with them! So, I'm going to send Clamp. If they set aside their differences, then good! If not... well, they're probably not doing well anyway. Clamp should be fine, anyway. We had an agreement to let the gnolls pass through. I don't think we said that deal would go away! I hope.

>>336867
I'm fighting the Lich King because he ruined my life! I think. Yes, he set those two liches on me, and probably killed me in the process of his experiment, and.. well, that's enough! Wait. Did he kill me? I don't know anymore, not since I was around when Tom wasn't Tom! I'm not sure where my memories of my childhood fit in, then... I can't think about this right now.
>>
No. 336870 ID: c811c4
File 131257192216.png - (35.78KB , 600x600 , 603.png )
336870

I've reached Voxol. I'm not sure if he'll still accept. I mean, his amnesia left him not even remembering who the liches were!

>"Welcome back, Chee. Have you come to ask for my favor?"

"Oh, no, but thank you! I've killed the two liches! You said, before your memories were lost, that you might help me if I slew them."

>"Again, outrageous claims. And again, either you are far stronger than you let on, or like no liar I have ever met. If this is what I said, then so be it. What would you have of me?"
>>
No. 336871 ID: 1e3433

>>336869
Regardless of whatever life you possessed before surely it wasn't as meaningful as the one you have now, I mean you are a powerful & important person. If the Lich King had let you be you would have in all probability have died some meaningless death by now and been forgotten, the world completely unaffected by your existence, but now your name will be whispered around campfires and said on stages for generations to come and what of your accomplishments? Could the little bold you were before have hoped to accomplished a fraction of them in her wildest dreams?
>>
No. 336874 ID: 6a5a08

Ask what sort of magic he would be able to teach.
>>
No. 336876 ID: 00d3d5

>>336869
Sure you can!
You are fighting the lich king because he does horrible things to innocent people and wants to use your power to make things even worse.
>>
No. 336881 ID: 1854db

Magic lessons could be good. Also, he said he knew what the Devourer was, but had no memory of the last 5 years. Doesn't this mean the Devourer was born at least 5 years ago? You died 1 year ago! What the hell? I think we should try to figure out exactly what the timeline of your existence is.
>>
No. 336885 ID: c811c4
File 131257940919.png - (26.89KB , 600x600 , 604.png )
336885

"What kind of magic can you teach me, Voxol?"

>>336871
Having people sing and talk about me isn't important! I wouldn't have amounted to anything beforehand, but that's alright. I just wanted to live for a decent number of years, with family and friends.

That's all... that's all I wanted.

I'm definitely going to kill the Lich King!

>>336881
Yes, I'm confused, too! But I won't find anything here, since Voxol didn't even remember me.

>"For what reason did you suddenly become sad? I will teach you magic, if that is your wish. As you know, I am an illusionist. I also have a solid grasp on elemental magic."
"Like ice?"
>"Ice and its liquid and gaseous forms, as well."

Well, since it took a couple of days to get here, I have 12 days left. It will take a lot of time to learn fancy magic, but that could be valuable, since it was such a problem with the last lich. On the other hand, it wouldn't take much time at all to copy Voxol's raw power at his magic.
>>
No. 336889 ID: 1854db

>>336885
We could do both.
>>
No. 336899 ID: cd63e9

we have more raw power than we know what to do with. we should learn finesse from Voxol. we should also see if we can find some way to get our healing magic though that damn anti healing shield.

also as to why we should kill the litch king, he's a crazy jack ass. we don't know much about him but everything we do know he did was either pointlessly cruel or insane.
>>
No. 336901 ID: 2eac65

What we need to learn is how to fight against a wizard. Thus, we should focus on all the odd technical tricks that can be done with magic. Keep in mind that the Lich King is most likely familiar with most of them, so we'll need to think several steps ahead of him.
>>
No. 336903 ID: c2c011

>>336885
Learn everything Voxol is willing to teach, especially ask him if he can teach you good defensive magic. Oh, and work on reflexively casting speed at the start of engagements to give yourself better reaction times.
>>
No. 336914 ID: c2aa2b

OH!
You can shapeshift now! Do you think you can fly well? Perhaps you could get flying lessons/tips from him as well.
>>
No. 336920 ID: 6a5a08

I'd say defensive spells are good. If that's not his specialty, Ice Magic would round off the teams elementalism fairly well.

Flying lessons might also be useful, as previously stated, assuming knowledge of flight does not come with winged forms.
>>
No. 336922 ID: 2256da

These are some pretty shody reasons to kill a dude. To keep things in perspective, those two liches you killed where the Lich King's idea of a way to amuse himself.

I'm putting a vote for the talking it over with cookies and milk idea.
>>
No. 336923 ID: cd63e9

point, I think we should gear up for a fight but we should at least try diplomacy. sides unless we know where his phylactery is we can't kill him.
>>
No. 336972 ID: c811c4
File 131259603329.png - (33.39KB , 600x600 , 605.png )
336972

Well, yes. I would definitely get the raw power, either way! It's just a matter of should I learn things like magical counters and having my enchantments less easily removed. Which is a good idea, so I'll spend some extra days around here, learning what he can teach. Also getting the hang of flying and shapeshifting. I'll consider talking to the Lich King, but unless he's got amazing reasons, we'll probably fight!

I'll pass all of you to the others now! I've gotten the hang of splitting voices among those in reasonable proximity, so Minci, Tom and Ears will all be able to hear you. As well as me. You guys will still technically be with me, but... well, we'll all be connected!

"Alright, Voxol, please teach me all that you can!"

>Very well.
>>
No. 336973 ID: c811c4
File 131259607471.png - (22.67KB , 1500x500 , 606.png )
336973

>"Man, I'm such a third wheel. I feel like the guy clinging to the legs of people on their honey moon, I- wait." Ears says.

Hello, everyone!

>"Aw, Ears, it's not like that! This is a search for an artifact that might not exist!" Minci says.

>"Arg, new Chee stuff, again with the timing! Whatever. If there's an artifact down here at all, it's up ahead. There's an anti magic bubble of a pretty good size that starts a foot in front of me." Ears says.

>"And illusions! Not massive ones that span across rooms, but they're definitely there, further ahead." Minci says.

>"What about the anti magic bubble?" Ears says.

>"That just affects new magic. Pre existing enchantments won't go away. It's probably only possible to remove it inside, near its center." Minci says.

>"Right. The tunnel shortens, as you can see. It's wide enough left and right to crawl decently, and just high enough for two of us to go through." Ears says.

>"Ayep." Tom adds.
>>
No. 336975 ID: e3f578

Tom's probably already thinking this ahead of us but he could totally just turn into a tiny kitten and ride along adorably in Minci's bust. Or scout ahead by elongating his head and neck, whatever works.
>>
No. 336977 ID: 28e94e

>>336973
Acquire shovel/pick, use it to widen the tunnel.
>>
No. 336979 ID: 35e1a0

well ears, tom, let's go.
>>
No. 336980 ID: 1854db

>>336973
And you can't widen the tunnel with earth magic because of the antimagic bubble?

Well, if Duke's new body gets injured or destroyed he'll just get pulled back to Chee, so him being first would be best if you can't detect the traps at all. Illusions generally mean traps. Now, if we can experiment a little to see exactly what the antimagic bubble affects, we can determine what to do here. If it negates all attempts at using magic, and renders mundane everyone that goes into it, we're in trouble. Then Derrick won't be able to shapeshift, and Ears won't be able to use any earth-moving stuff.

I see a few options here. We could attempt to just dig around it via earth magic, widen the gap by getting some miners in here, or have Tom shapeshift into a form that can sortof... feel around in there without risking losing anything important. I'm rather partial to trying to widen it with earth magic first, if that's possible at all.

Also keep in mind we're not pressed for time here. If you can think of a potion or something that would help here, we have time to make it, Minci.
>>
No. 336981 ID: 6a5a08

Tom first, Ears follow.
Minci might have trouble crawling without scraping up her breasts. No offense to your breasts, of course.
>>
No. 337002 ID: c811c4
File 131260169676.png - (21.25KB , 1500x500 , 607.png )
337002

>"Chances are, whatever's inside has a full sphere bubble around what's important, so there's no way to dig around it. Shovels. We aren't stressed for short term time, but it looks like it goes on for a long time. It would take weeks to widen the whole thing with shovels, even by mere inches. The rock is tough." Ears says.

>"Go on ahead without me, we haven't seen anything dangerous so far, so I'll just wait! I don't think I could crawl through well at all, and I might just get myself stuck. I'll go back and see if they have ingredients for true seeing potions. If I'm back in under five minutes, the answer is probably no!" Minci says.

>"My amazingly tiny form at least maintains itself while inside." Tom says.
>>
No. 337004 ID: c811c4
File 131260177415.png - (15.48KB , 1000x600 , 608.png )
337004

>"Welp." Tom adds again. "That shapeshifting is just as concentration intensive as I remember! The little guys didn't care much for taller traffic either, from the looks of these tiny little cute doors. And that's coming from someone who's an ant compared to regular size! Oh, I'd suggest being real careful about coming in here, unless you're a zombie too!"

>"That... is a problem. Is that... clawing, coming from the door by the cracked hole? It sounds like scraping with chains." Ears states.
>>
No. 337006 ID: 28e94e

>>337004
The corpses may indicate that the black door is booby trapped, and the scraping sounds suggest that there's hostiles behind the big door. Head through the small door.
>>
No. 337007 ID: 35e1a0

just pat the ground in front of you.
>>
No. 337011 ID: 07416a

>>337004
At least the bones aren't scattered. Nothing is eating the corpses. Tom, I recommend you exit and reenter in another form. Maybe a long, thin, armored weasel with big nasty fuckoff claws.
>>
No. 337022 ID: c811c4
File 131260353437.png - (15.52KB , 1000x600 , 609.png )
337022

>>337011
>"Oh yeah I'd love to leave and come back that would be fantastic but as you can see I'm busy with these spikes' mating rituals. Solid spikes, too!" Tom says.

>Ears starts moving. "Slowly, slowly... one hand at a..."
>>
No. 337023 ID: c811c4
File 131260354868.png - (16.51KB , 1000x600 , 610.png )
337023

SCHLUNK

>"Aha! Another solid spike! Yep, illusions covering the traps alright!" Tom deduces.

Oh gosh! That must really hurt!
>>
No. 337025 ID: 35e1a0

ow, how the fuck are you suppose to get past this at all?
>>
No. 337026 ID: cd63e9

hey tom, (should we keep calling you tom?) could you shape shift off the spikes? also, ears maybe you should stay behind. this place is a death trap and without magic you are very fragile.
>>
No. 337035 ID: 2256da

So those rock spikes or iron spikes? Maybe retreat and go find some tool to break the spikes, like sledge hammer or maul-axe. Have Tom trip the spikes, then break them.
>>
No. 337038 ID: 0199a3

Oh, geez, now we have to find a way to get his hand off of the spike. Tom (or would you rather we call you Duke?), turn yourself into a slime, that worked well enough at spike defense last time.
>>
No. 337039 ID: 1854db

...wait a second. Chee, you can see them, right? Can you cast a spell that will let you see through illusions?
>>
No. 337062 ID: c811c4
File 131260667173.png - (17.70KB , 1000x600 , 611.png )
337062

>"Nope, I can't do a new shapeshift while inside the bubble! And please, call me Tom, you guys. Duke is more of a pet name, these days." Tom says.
>"And I'd have to rip my hand bad to-"

Creaaak

>"Neat! The sacrifices got stuck as planned! Hold on you two, I'm coming!" The kobold says.
>>
No. 337065 ID: c811c4
File 131260671294.png - (13.01KB , 600x600 , 612.png )
337065

I'm sorry, I can't cast from my range or through other people!

>"I got a potion! I can't find a Kobold willing to go down there, it's extremely forbidden to them, they confirmed! I may need to try fitting in there myself." Minci says.
>>
No. 337066 ID: c811c4
File 131260678599.png - (17.57KB , 1000x600 , 613.png )
337066

>"HRRRNNNG!" The kobold is moving very slowly! It can barely drag the ball across the rough floor.

>"That's pretty pathetic, kid!" Tom says.

>"Shut up!" the kobold shouts.
>>
No. 337074 ID: 1854db

>>337066
Tell him if he does anything to you two he'll be pissing off the second most powerful being in this world. Chee.
>>
No. 337078 ID: 1854db

>>337065
And Chee, I meant, cast it on yourself and then look at where they are via the connection. Tom did a similar thing back when he had the potion active traveling with Minci. I guess it's a bit of a non-issue now though.
>>
No. 337080 ID: 35e1a0

>>337078
oh yeah, would let you look through their eyes and see where the illusions are.
>>
No. 337081 ID: 2eac65

What exactly are you being sacrificed to?
>>
No. 337085 ID: 3dceb6

Minci, just grab a kobold that looks like it might be able to beat a tiny one up and take him with you. Theyre not heavy or anything.
>>
No. 337086 ID: 3dceb6

Tom, as soon as the kobold releases you, shapeshift into something bigger than it and threaten him.
>>
No. 337093 ID: 07416a

>>337066
Tom, tear yourself off. Your body can be repaired. You need to protect Ears.
>>
No. 337097 ID: c811c4
File 131260999859.png - (28.56KB , 1000x600 , 614.png )
337097

>"Hey, lil' bold, if you sacrifice us, you'll anger the second most powerful being in this world, Chee!" Tom says."

>"Big sis wouldn't get mad! She likes sacrifices! And don't talk bad about her, she's the most powerful by far!" the kobold says.

What?! No I don't!

>"Chee says she doesn't. Also pretty sure she doesn't have a sister, come to think. Also, I guess that preempts the next question of what we're getting sacrificed to, huh?" Tom says.

>"She only talks to me! I'm going to bring her back! I want her back! I want her back!" the kobold cries.

Minci! Can you do that trick to share vision? I think if you do that I can see any illusions!"

>"Right! I'll do that for you! Also I'm not going to just grab a poor kobold and drag him with me!" Minci says.

Illusion's are revealed.

>"Well, that's good for when she comes, but we're still stuck, and my hand is still bleeding a lot.." Ears says.

>"Nope, can't rip myself off!" says Tom.
>>
No. 337100 ID: 2256da

Hey tom, when it gets close enough, strangle the shit out of him, he looks scrawny enough. But make sure to play helpless, so you can get in range.

Ears, you probably are going to have to rip your hand through the pole. Throw your entire weight against it, and make sure you dont cover anymore spikes.

If either of you gets the chance, toss the kobold or "big sis" onto a trap. Just pray big sis isn't an abominable horror.
>>
No. 337101 ID: 1854db

>>337097
Ask him if he has Chee's bones. Those were missing from her body in the birdlich's tower.
>>
No. 337105 ID: 35e1a0

oh, sacrifices to bring back the dead. makes sense. anyway, ears, need to just rip it off and then crawl back out of the bubble heal and then come back. the clear path is crawl north to the wall then past the hole.
>>
No. 337106 ID: 00d3d5

>>337097
"Look, we're minions of Chee. She sent us here to get something important, and I guess that means you?
And yea, she's the second most powerful. The lich king messed her up pretty bad and took the lead. I dunno who you're talking to, but it ain't Chee. Probably the lich king impersonating her.
Hey, ears? Couldja cut me offa here?"
>>
No. 337125 ID: c811c4
File 131261465184.png - (28.67KB , 1000x600 , 615.png )
337125

>Ears yanks his hand off! "GAHHH!!"

>"Hey, 'bold. We're minions of Chee, she sent us here to get something important. Possibly you. And yeah, she's the second most powerful, she got messed up by the Lich King. I don't know who you're talking to, but it isn't Chee. Could be the Lich King, I dunno. Ears, get me off of here, if you're free."

>"Pain!" Ears shouts.

>"Chee hasn't talked to me in years! I haven't seen her in years! She's definitely the most powerful! She went off to fight the Lich King! If you're her minions, she succeeded and would have come back for me!" the kobold says.

I guess my skeleton isn't there.

>"Oh, just get over here so I can strangle ya!" Tom says.

>"Nuh uh! I'm staying right here and going to start throwing my knives at you till you stop resisting!" the kobold exclaims.
>>
No. 337127 ID: c811c4
File 131261478194.png - (14.76KB , 600x600 , 616.png )
337127

>"You were supposed to play helpless, Duke! Ohh, I'm almost there. I can throw a little heal when I reach you both, so please don't get hurt anymore!" Minci says.
>>
No. 337131 ID: 00d3d5

>>337125
"Yea, plans changed.
The lich king got the drop on her. Power doesn't mean much if you get blindsided.
She's not quite as strong as him right now, but she's going to be fighting him anyway in like a week.
What, are you upset because she didn't come for you herself? Suck it up!"
>>
No. 337134 ID: 1854db

Ears and Tom: Tell him he doesn't need to do that, you'll stop resisting. Really. I don't want you guys to get knives stuck in you. Well, actually... Tom could 'catch' a knife and Ears could throw it back. But, I'd rather not outright kill someone who claims to be Chee's brother. If you're good enough at throwing you could aim to disable.

Ears: Hide behind Tom just in case, but... stay low to the floor and not too close to Tom. There are some spikes set to come out of the wall to your right, and a spiked ball in the ceiling near Tom.

Also ask how you could prove that you're minions of Chee. Tell him that Chee probably died fighting the lich king, then got her memory wiped. You could mention that you know her full name is Cheelop.
>>
No. 337138 ID: e3f578

>>337125
Minci, think you can make an illusion of Chee near Duke and Ears as a proxy so she can talk to this 'bold directly? You know, basically tell her to please fuck off with the sacrificing we have far too much important shit to do for a tiny, secluded kobold of old relations to start meddling because she's a lonely, bitchy shit like her sister from before she died and came back? Nooooooot in those words and maybe Chee has her own words to use that she can tell you sooooooo, you know, whatever.
>>
No. 337155 ID: cd63e9

oh hell, I think she knew chee when chee was alive. this might be something chee was cooking up to kill the litch king with. try explaining to her that the litch king did something to chee a year ago and she lost her memory.
>>
No. 337168 ID: c811c4
File 131262122956.png - (32.96KB , 1200x600 , 617.png )
337168

>"Hey hey kobold! We'll quit moving. Chee lost her memories right around a year ago. Lich King did something, but what that something is, I have no idea! She's going to fight him in a couple weeks now. You're way too upset over this, you know? Toughen up a bit! Any way we can prove we're Cheelop's minions?" Tom says.

>"You don't know what you're talking about! Bring Chee here, and I'll believe you!" the kobold says.

>Minci has arrived!
>I can't cast healing or create an illusion because of the bubble, but both would be an incredible help! First, I have to take down the anti magic bubble. Chances are very high it's in this area. The smaller door is a trap, so it should be in one of the two others. For a bubble this size, I simply can't imagine it's small enough to fit in that small crack in the wall, usually these things need some air to breathe, so to speak. I don't think that kobold is strong enough, even to stop me. I'm also athletic enough to avoid the traps, at least the closer ones, since I can see them. The question is... do I look for the bubble device through the mid sized door that the kobold came through, or through the large black door at the opposite end of me? And what do I do about the kobold? I can't just leave him here with Duke and Ears.
>>
No. 337169 ID: e3f578

Tell her she's too fucking busy learning right now dammit and that she's here in spirit with advice souls guiding her and giving her a point of goddamn view. Even then, it's not really fucking Chee because Chee died and has no fucking memories you stupid brat

Minci just punt the little bitch if you can get past the traps an she doesn't comply. Then try the biggest door because it's technically the left-most door, which is the rule.
>>
No. 337172 ID: 1854db

>>337168
Considering this guy is here to act as a guard of sorts, and there's spikes in front of the black door, I'd say that the thing to turn off the antimagic bubble is in the door he came out of.

You could handle this guy by restraining him then guiding Ears through the traps. Ears can take his knives away and keep him in good behavior with that. Did you get a healing potion or... what? Ears could use something to stop the bleeding, at least.
>>
No. 337173 ID: 00d3d5

>>337168
"She's busy making some dragon teach her some kinda secret magic. She sent us BECAUSE she couldn't come herself.
Seriously, the lich king got the drop on her and put her flesh in one box, her bones in another, and her soul in a third. It's taken her a long time to get back on her feet, and it took killing the two other liches vying for the crown to draw the lich king out of hiding."

Minci: Can you rip Tom out of there? I know it'll be tough for you, but it's not like he can die or anything.

Chee: Can you send some of us to your sibling? That would fix it.
>>
No. 337178 ID: 3dceb6

Just make sure Ears doesnt stand up at all. Those spikes in the wall will get him.
>>
No. 337180 ID: 2bc452

walk right past that kobold.
>>
No. 337181 ID: ecb8ff

Can you knock the kobold out? Just hold your fists together/grab a skeleton's bone and whack 'em on the head.
>>
No. 337183 ID: 2563d4

>>337181
Mmm. It's not like it's going to be very capable of dodging.
>>
No. 337232 ID: 6a5a08

Minci: Knock out Kobold.
Ears: Retreat.
Fraga: Rendezvous with Ears and heal his hand.
Tom: Can you use Devourer tentacles to push yourself off of the spikes?
>>
No. 337245 ID: c7e2a1

>>337232
Don't let your Devourer self out, its too risky.

Just turn into a slime instead and ooze out of the spikes.
>>
No. 337254 ID: 6a5a08

>>337245
He just said he can't shapeshift. Anti-magic bubble.
>>
No. 337269 ID: 71a27a

then the devourer shouldnt be able to pop out

cant we just "trhow" chee to him? im sure it will at least buy time

ask him more stuff. why chee left him behind, why is he still in chains and how come noone can cast magic around here?
>>
No. 337285 ID: 35e1a0

the far black door. use a bone from the skeleton to undo the latch.
>>
No. 337289 ID: cd63e9

you can't leave the small weak hostile kobold near your disabled friends, just punch it out. i mean because of that chain it can barley move!
>>
No. 337295 ID: c7e2a1

Here's the plan!
Ears and Tom distract the kobold while Minci destroys that magic bubble. The kobold is tiny, so it should be easy enough to just swat away with a hand if it bothers them. Once the bubble's down, Tom goes slime to get off the spikes unharmed while Ears knocks out the kobold.

You guy's ain't leaving without that magic item and that tiny kobold.
>>
No. 337328 ID: 6a5a08

>>337295
Apparently it has throwing knives. While Tom is a zombie, it could be a threat to the disabled Ears.
>>
No. 337427 ID: c811c4
File 131268935553.png - (16.30KB , 600x600 , 618.png )
337427

I can't send you all to.. this person that says he's my sibling. I need to feel close or be in range, and I can't cast or throw souls through others.

>Avoid traps
>>
No. 337428 ID: c811c4
File 131268936604.png - (11.90KB , 600x600 , 619.png )
337428

>>
No. 337429 ID: c811c4
File 131268938826.png - (8.48KB , 491x600 , 620.png )
337429

>Knock out kobold

whap

>"Ow!..."

....
>>
No. 337430 ID: c811c4
File 131268941842.png - (3.96KB , 600x319 , 621.png )
337430

slump

>"That.. knocked him out? Well, that was easy. Anything else, before I move on?" asks Minci.
>>
No. 337431 ID: 698cb2

Good looks, personality and ninja skills? Minci, you are awesome
>>
No. 337432 ID: 1854db

>>337430
Nice moves! Confiscate his weapons and hand them to Ears so he can defend himself if the little guy is faking it. Then let's go see what's going on in the door this guy came out of.

Is the potion you have one of truesight, or what?
>>
No. 337438 ID: 60a2ba

>>337430
I think the kobold is faking! But save everyone here anyway. Chee, remember this place so you can come here later for information!
>>
No. 337439 ID: 00d3d5

>>337430
Yea. I think this kobold is why Chee was so pissed before.
The Lich King did something, and moving them is prrrobably going to cause something really bad to happen.

This is totally a trap.
>>
No. 337444 ID: cd63e9

make sure he's out. he might be faking.
>>
No. 337447 ID: 35e1a0

use the bones of the dead bold's to disarm the trap in front of the big door, then open it.
>>
No. 337452 ID: bccf7b

>>337430
Give him another good hit to make sure, but not TOO hard. For all we know, Chee actually had a family (but considering their manners, no wonder she was such a bitch!).

I'd say if you don't mind wasting the magical mojo to do it after downing that spell-thing and healing Ears, you should change around some of their illusions. Let's see how much THEY like traps!
>>
No. 337458 ID: 1d204e

Pin her down with his giant ball thing so we can come back for him later for interrogation purposes...if you're willing.
>>
No. 337460 ID: 7ef948

man, don't abuse the unconscious. get into his room.
>>
No. 337470 ID: c811c4
File 131269661933.png - (14.94KB , 389x600 , 622.png )
337470

He's had a stack of throwing knives on his back! I'll just give those to Duke and Ears so they can defend themselves.

Ears' bleeding has stopped enough, and I can't get Tom off of those spikes right now. In which case, moving on!

It's a narrow vote in favor of the black door, so with a bone-

FWOOSH

Oh! A fire trap!
>>
No. 337471 ID: c811c4
File 131269662811.png - (52.09KB , 800x529 , 623.png )
337471

Fire doesn't affect me now, so oh well! This next room is... certainly something.
>>
No. 337476 ID: 7ef948

Minci, what do your illusionist eyes see?
>>
No. 337477 ID: 1854db

>>337471
...well, we found Chee's bones, I bet. Those coffins... oh god. Has Chee gone through 4 construct bodies before this one? I'd say open the first one if we're opening anything. Might not want to open anything.

Can you tell if the antimagic bubble creation thing is in this room? If not, maybe we shouldn't touch anything at all just yet. I want to play it safe here, at least until we can use healing magic.
>>
No. 337481 ID: c811c4
File 131269776946.png - (10.82KB , 600x600 , 624.png )
337481

>>337476
"Absolutely nothing! The room should be completely clear of any tricks. Well, illusionist tricks, of course.

"And yes, the antimagic bubble goes for an impressive range, covering the entire length of the tunnel, which was pretty long! At least I think it was. Time to open coffin number 1."

"Ahh! Wh-what is thi... and a note?"

>Attempt #1. Merging the souls with the body has had an interesting effect on the skeletal structure. This should easily be corrected, with hindsight telling me where the spell went awry. Considering the sheer nature of this act, and accomplishing what was technically my goal, I consider this a resounding breakthrough! This subject will be conserved, for study and novelty.
>>
No. 337483 ID: 1854db

>>337481
Uh.

Chee, do you want us to open the other coffins? Up to you.
>>
No. 337484 ID: 7ef948

check the platform hanging off the ceiling.
>>
No. 337485 ID: 35e1a0

yeah, these seem like failed bodies.
>>
No. 337488 ID: 00d3d5

>>337481
This looks like the Lich King's work.
Open the others and read the notes!
>>
No. 337490 ID: c811c4
File 131269941937.png - (8.18KB , 900x300 , 625.png )
337490

>>337484
The ceiling shelf just contains some kobold bones and a sack of... well, it's squishy. I don't wish to get a closer look!

"Chee, do you want to keep going?"
>"Yes, please..."

>Attempt #2: The body has held, but the intellect... the memory appeared to be on par with a goldfish and the intelligence of, well... maybe the intellect was correct, but it will not do. I feel that the body was able to accumulate the souls, but her soul itself could not take the additional company.

>Attempt #3: Another breakthrough, and almost a full success! However, the flesh did not hold steady through necromantic means. I do not know what went wrong. I have sent the flesh to a subordinate for study.

>Attempt #4: Complete Success! Both body and soul has taken to the additional souls, and nothing has gone wrong. Memories have been implanted, and now this one thinks he's Chee's little brother. I will keep him around for careful study to make sure no adverse affects awaken in time, but I am ready to create a new Chee. I need new flesh and bones that are perfectly compatible. Such things are difficult to come by, but it will be done.
>>
No. 337491 ID: 1854db

...that other kobold... is ANOTHER MULTI-SOULED POWERHOUSE?! Get back to the room quick, he is very dangerous!

Also I guess that #2 body might work to resurrect Chee later.
>>
No. 337492 ID: 35e1a0

i see.. the little bold is a proto-chee. gather the bits from the shelf, any of them the anti-magic?
>>
No. 337494 ID: 44766a

... Wat? This might be a problem. Well, I guess he could technically be Chee's brother, because of similar construction methods. Also Chee, your childhood memories are probably implanted. At least you are not actually BitchChee, that we saw in Duke's memory/dream.
>>
No. 337498 ID: 00d3d5

>>337490
This isn't far from what I was expecting. I thought Chee's 'brother' would actually be her brother, but this fits in too.
Lets gather everything here and move it back to the tower for study, but first lets turn off that anti-magic field so we can heal Ears and have him widen the tunnel.
Do this while Chee's 'brother' is unconscious, and turn the anti-magic field back on when you're done.

Oh, and check to see if he's anatomically correct. Since Chee is not he shouldn't be either.
>>
No. 337521 ID: c811c4
File 131270285409.png - (52.82KB , 800x529 , 626.png )
337521

I'm not all that squeamish, so I'll take a look through the bag... eugh, it is kobold remains.. wait, something feels weird underneath.

Ah! It was hidden underneath just a bit of kobold stuffs! A jelly like bubble is what this anti magic bubble is made out of. Huh!

Well, that settles that. This kind isn't easily breakable, but I can suppress it by casting magic directly into it, knowing what I know about these things.

Alright, if the little one is dangerous, I'll go back! But he didn't even look like he tried to defend himself.
>>
No. 337522 ID: c811c4
File 131270287878.png - (34.87KB , 1200x600 , 627.png )
337522

The kobold is still unconscious. I guess it was really weak after all.

"Ears, heal yourself! We can go at any time. Is there anything else, before we try to pull Duke off and leave?"
>>
No. 337524 ID: 1854db

He might be weak physically, but he probably still has ability souls in him. Don't underestimate him. We should go in the other room, and see what his living quarters are like.
>>
No. 337527 ID: 7ef948

we got here to get some sort of artifact, no? check every nook and cranny. that crack, the room the kobold came from, everything. share your vision so the Tom and Ears won't get mangled. uh, even more.

and we should take brobold with us when we leave.
>>
No. 337530 ID: 736d01

Exploration is clearly the right thing to do here.
>>
No. 337531 ID: 1854db

>>337527
Well I suppose technically the kobold is a powerful magical artifact. He's full of souls.
>>
No. 337532 ID: c811c4
File 131270397278.png - (9.34KB , 600x600 , 628.png )
337532

>Go into the room which the kobold came out of.

It's a plain living room, no doubt where he sleeps and... maybe eats, if he ever does. That glowing statue is what stands out. Should I touch it?
>>
No. 337533 ID: 00d3d5

>>337522
Check out the last room.
We want to take the failed experiments with us so we can find out more about what Chee actually IS.
>>
No. 337534 ID: c55244

We should bring him back then, He can be useful and he shows a liking for Chee, a little polishing will be needed but this is too good to pass up.

Once we find the artifact, we should bring him to Chee.
>>
No. 337535 ID: 35e1a0

no, that looks a LOT like the communication device of the lich king. is probably what the bold thinks is the whispers of chee.
>>
No. 337536 ID: 1854db

>>337532
Absolutely not. That looks like the thing the Lich King was using to communicate, so it could be very dangerous. We should bring the archwizard here to carefully figure out what it is without activating it.

...this couldn't be the Lich King's phylactery, could it?
>>
No. 337537 ID: 736d01

We need a way to find out what it is before we do anything with it
>>
No. 337542 ID: 7ef948

talk with it.
>>
No. 337554 ID: c811c4
File 131270845134.png - (12.20KB , 600x600 , 629.png )
337554

>"That does look like a communicator for the Lich King, Minci, but there's no saying if it can do anything else!" Chee says.

"Got it, I'm going to leave it alone."

Wait- it's eyes just sparkled a bit.

>".... smart move. No, contact wouldn't have killed you or anything like that, so don't feel too relieved. I simply can sap your magic. And this communicator is so old, it could use the power up. Not to say you'd enjoy it if I wanted to spend some of your own mana, heh! But enough on that. Minci, why did you come here?"

"Y-you know me?"

>"No, there are an innumerable of names in the universe, and I just happened to decide to guess and just happened to get it right. Come now Minci, I'll conclude that was simple surprise, because I know you're not genuinely ditzy. Answer for an answer, now."
>>
No. 337555 ID: 00d3d5

>>337554
"Figuring out what had the kobolds around here so scared, and apparently finding out more about how little I know about what Chee is. At the moment, that also includes wondering why you decided to do all this in the first place."
>>
No. 337557 ID: 1854db

>>337554
I think he's offering to answer your question in return for you answering his.

I don't think you came here just because we asked, did you? And I don't think you have any personal issues with the Lich King, or any real reason to be loyal to Chee beyond Tom. So, why are you helping us, exactly? I'm just gonna go with 'to help Tom' right now.

The Lich King is probably going to play on that loyalty, and offer to take Tom away from Chee and give him a permanent body in exchange for your loyalty, or something. You know, of course, that Chee would do that after defeating the Lich King anyway.
>>
No. 337559 ID: 7ef948

'cause Chee asked you to?
>>
No. 337560 ID: 0bd0b0

>>337559
This. Also have him answer exactly why he wants to see Chee.
>>
No. 337562 ID: e3f578

>>337554
Sweet, yeah, answer his question. Maybe you can get another one, like his occupation before he became the lich king or a lich of any kind. Judging from his attitude, he may have been a bard or jester. Seems kinda useless, but whatever. Small details might end up mattering in the end.
>>
No. 337563 ID: c811c4
File 131271076439.png - (11.76KB , 447x600 , 631.png )
337563

>>337557
I'm sure he considered his own answer a "Yes," and simply wanted an answer back. It was an empty headed response of mine, I know.

I help Chee because I believe her, and she says she'll get Duke into a permanent, hopefully immortal, body when she can after she kills the Lich King. So you're right, it is to help Duke, and helping Chee is helping him.

The Lich King... well, he did bring Duke back, but it was all for his own goals, so I have more reason to trust Chee, as there wasn't any benefit to giving Duke a temporary body. If she really needed my help, she honestly could force it out of me. In other words, there's no reason to question my loyalty to Chee over the Lich King!

"Chee asked me to. She wants to know what had the kobolds around here so scared and forbidden to come down, and also to find out more about Chee. This includes a wondering why you did all of this in the first place, and want to see Chee."

>"Ah, so you are... fake-Chee's ally. That's no surprise, of course. You ask, in the form of a statement, why did I do this, why do I want to see Chee? You are against me, you can't expect me to answer. That can only help your cause. As for the other question, I brought many exotic creatures and undead deep within these caves to ward off unwanted visitors from my experimental area. Since you are here, I imagine I have abandoned the region for too long and the creatures have succumbed to time without care, and it is simply the legends that prevent the kobolds from coming."
>>
No. 337565 ID: 1854db

>>337563
Ah, he just confirmed that he doesn't actually keep tabs on Chee at all times. That's good to know.

He's still talking to us... maybe we can get more info out of him. Now, I would assume that he knew who you were because of the fight between you, Tom, and bitchyChee. Tom used your name a couple times there, and Chee heard your voice. This guy has quite the memory... not surprising for someone so dedicated to the magical arts. What else can we ask him, without revealing anything of importance?

I suppose we could ask him why he became a lich in the first place.
>>
No. 337566 ID: 00d3d5

>>337563
"You say 'fake-Chee' as if that meant something. Chee is real; she simply isn't the one you wish her to be.
Your non-answer does you more harm than an answer would have. If you meant something other than harm you would have said your goals, as having us looking for an amicable solution would have served you better.

To the point, then; what is it you want?"
>>
No. 337572 ID: e3f578

>>337566
I suppose we could get into that conversation and shit about the name. It's not like we have to through fakeChee in front of everything. So she's a different person or individual then the person where the name originated from. She's a Chee individually like how all Johns in the world are individual. You don't call the nephew of John "fakeJohn" now, do we? No, fool, we call him John or Jon, because fuck this whole fake nonsense.

Now, seriously, ask him something trivial of the past like my question. Something he can't possibly think will bite him in the ass, except when we find information about him and it somehow leads to figuring out where his soul is simply based on the fact that figuring shit out from occupation and tracing stuff from that.
>>
No. 337583 ID: c811c4
File 131271429630.png - (13.47KB , 600x600 , 632.png )
337583

"Continuing on, then, Chee isn't fake, she's a real being! Just because she isn't the one you want doesn't merit calling her that. It's not like she isn't her own individual! What is it you want, anyway?"

>"Bah, if it gets your panties out of their twist, if you're even wearing anything of the sort, I'll call her Chee. And 'what I want' would fall into "

"Thank you. By the way, what was your profession before becoming a lich? Why did you become a lich?"

>"My profession was being alive. If you must know, I did not care to become a lich, it was either that or get fired from my profession. It just so happened I was very good at being a lich."

...

>"If you have nothing else to ask, feel free to leave. This device was not meant for small talk."

He sounds a little impatient. Should I ask him anything about the artifact?
>>
No. 337589 ID: 1854db

>>337583
Eh. Why not. Just say that there were rumors about a powerful artifact down here and you couldn't find anything.
>>
No. 337590 ID: e3f578

>>337583
No, not really. Could be an ace up our sleeve when we do find it. And it could be that the artifacts were these corpses. I'd hate to waste another question because Chee rightfully might have one of her own or sound like we're wasting this guy's time but I do have one more.
Was advice soul perspective time travel an accidental by-product of the Chee experiment or an intention? Or is it a misconception made by me and other souls that agree that's what's happening because holy fuck this guy might be the only guy that knows about that and we might get another weirdass dream like with Clamp and Duke. By the way, in case you didn't already know, we're Duke's same old advice souls that went back in time and got him to mention that back then and probably changed the timeline to keep you alive... probably, just so you know. I think there are weird metaphysics behind what we can and can't change.
>>
No. 337595 ID: 1854db

Hmm. I just noticed something. All the walls in here are smooth except for the far one in the coffin room. Maybe there's a secret passage? Not covered by an illusion or anything. Now that the antimagic is gone we can use earth magic to check.
>>
No. 337604 ID: c2c011

>>337583
Ask him why he decided to create Chee in the first place.
>>
No. 337605 ID: 07416a

>>337583
To be fair, we already have acquired a priceless magical artifact. When you're done with him- or he's done with you- bring the orb out to the kobolds. Then have Ears start brute-force stone-shaping the traps away and look for hidden passages. Search every inch and cranny and make NEW inches and crannies to search.
>>
No. 337609 ID: c811c4
File 131272313932.png - (15.44KB , 600x600 , 633.png )
337609

>>337595
Noted! I'll get Ears to check it out after this.

I get the feeling he's not going to answer much about Chee.

"The souls seem to be getting memories, and possibly changing the past. Do you know anything about this?"

>"Some call me overambitious, and in ways they are right. I will not get into how my spell has worked, as this power should be mine alone. I will say, however, that magic that deals in time may go unstable, now and again. The past, as such, is changeable, although the magic is weak enough that it will not be changed in ways that will rewrite nearly the entirety of history as we know it. Some say that the flap of a butterfly's wing can bring tidal waves. True as it might be, one would do well to assume that most flaps are, regardless, utterly inconsequential. The magic of time under Chee falls somewhere in the middle ground. That is enough amusement, you may go."
>>
No. 337610 ID: c811c4
File 131272317993.png - (54.47KB , 800x529 , 634.png )
337610

>Take Ears to break the wall.

We clogged the fire trap, so that Ears can get through.

"Alright, Ears! You should be able to break down this wall. And Tom, we'll come back for you later!"
>"S'no prob, Minci! I'm not goin' anywhere."
>>
No. 337612 ID: c811c4
File 131272321293.png - (62.13KB , 800x529 , 635.png )
337612

>"Alright, here goes." Ears says.

SMASH
... I think we found the vault.
>>
No. 337614 ID: 37fbaf

sweet. time to arm the army.
>>
No. 337618 ID: e3f578

Don't touch the gold! It could be cursed or something. Inspect it first!
>>
No. 337620 ID: c811c4
File 131272403209.png - (58.93KB , 800x529 , 636.png )
337620

"I'm going to help Duke out, Ears! See if it's cursed or something! Inspect, inspect!"
>"Uh... okay then."
>>
No. 337621 ID: c811c4
File 131272405985.png - (58.39KB , 800x529 , 637.png )
337621

Inspecting it, inspecting it...

Yep, it's gold alright. Not sensing any magic from it.
>>
No. 337622 ID: e3f578

Alright, let's climb that mound into the vault and see if there's anything interesting ahead. Then stop and share your vision with Minci so you can see traps if there IS anything ahead.
>>
No. 337624 ID: 00d3d5

>>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.
>>
No. 337625 ID: c811c4
File 131272533027.png - (62.38KB , 800x529 , 638.png )
337625

>>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
>>
No. 337626 ID: c811c4
File 131272543530.png - (61.94KB , 800x529 , 639.png )
337626

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.
>>
No. 337637 ID: f188f3

aw, I guess we'll have to make do with just that~
>>
No. 337641 ID: 8f3b24

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!
>>
No. 337642 ID: c811c4
File 131272733815.png - (20.04KB , 800x600 , 640.png )
337642

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?"
>>
No. 337643 ID: f188f3

as if those two headcases would pull it off on their own. of course we'll help them.
>>
No. 337644 ID: 00d3d5

>>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.
>>
No. 337653 ID: 2563d4

>>337642
...can't you earthform the tunnel to be a little less cramped now the AMF is down?
>>
No. 337660 ID: c811c4
File 131273065216.png - (13.28KB , 600x600 , 641.png )
337660

>>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!"
>>
No. 337662 ID: 44766a

Send us over to Clamp and Shabin. We are probably better at diplomacy than them.
>>
No. 337664 ID: 35e1a0

oh. ok then. to the negotiation table!
>>
No. 337702 ID: c2c011

>>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.
>>
No. 337726 ID: 185cff

>>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.
>>
No. 337770 ID: 2256da

Though some of it should go to Tom, Minci, and Ears. As reparations for the impalement sacrifice.
>>
No. 337899 ID: c811c4
File 131277504030.png - (11.83KB , 600x600 , 642.png )
337899

"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!"
>>
No. 337900 ID: c811c4
File 131277507187.png - (8.47KB , 420x565 , 643.png )
337900

"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.
>>
No. 337901 ID: 1854db

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.
>>
No. 337907 ID: 6a5a08

>>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.
>>
No. 337909 ID: 44766a

... Why Winston, why. Anyway the harpy seems to be grandstanding. Perhaps she is trying to make her tribe appear stronger than it currently is.
>>
No. 337914 ID: cd63e9

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.
>>
No. 337917 ID: 07416a

Yeah, pretty much just offer to help them if they stop being assholes, ya know? Let bygones be bygones.
>>
No. 337918 ID: 07416a

>>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.
>>
No. 337921 ID: c811c4
File 131277821282.png - (12.21KB , 600x600 , 644.png )
337921

>"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!
>>
No. 337923 ID: 1854db

>>337921
If they handled the zombies so easily, then they can prove it easily. Let's play hardball.
>>
No. 337926 ID: 07416a

>>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?
>>
No. 337927 ID: f5fe2f

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.
>>
No. 337928 ID: a820bb

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.
>>
No. 337931 ID: cd63e9

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.
>>
No. 337933 ID: 44766a

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.
>>
No. 337940 ID: c811c4
File 131278102994.png - (11.16KB , 600x600 , 645.png )
337940

>"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."
>>
No. 337941 ID: 1854db

>>337940
Right. Give a curt nod and leave.
>>
No. 337944 ID: 07416a

>>337940
That was excellent Clamp, thank you.
>>
No. 337945 ID: a820bb

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?
>>
No. 337946 ID: 44766a

Am going to guess that the orcs got hit harder. You know, because they can't fly.
>>
No. 337947 ID: c811c4
File 131278239765.png - (5.78KB , 391x467 , 646.png )
337947

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?
>>
No. 337950 ID: 2b7ddd

don't hoard all that money, spend it! buy weaponry, mercenaries, magical trinkets... the time has almost come to fight the Bitch King.
>>
No. 337951 ID: 1854db

>>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?
>>
No. 337954 ID: a820bb

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?
>>
No. 337957 ID: 07416a

>>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.
>>
No. 337965 ID: c811c4
File 131278448856.png - (4.62KB , 600x600 , 647.png )
337965

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.
>>
No. 337966 ID: c811c4
File 131278450227.png - (11.86KB , 600x600 , 648.png )
337966

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.
>>
No. 337967 ID: c811c4
File 131278454946.png - (268.41KB , 1000x750 , 649.png )
337967

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%.
>>
No. 337971 ID: 1854db

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?
>>
No. 337973 ID: 1854db

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.
>>
No. 337974 ID: f5fe2f

>>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.
>>
No. 337975 ID: 2b7ddd

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?
>>
No. 337990 ID: c811c4
File 131279056698.png - (129.10KB , 600x600 , 650.png )
337990

>>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.
>>
No. 337991 ID: c811c4
File 131279058137.png - (48.89KB , 440x530 , 651.png )
337991

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."
>>
No. 337992 ID: c811c4
File 131279066372.png - (87.38KB , 600x600 , 652.png )
337992

>"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?"
>>
No. 337994 ID: 1854db

>>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?
>>
No. 337995 ID: 020e43

>>337992

say yes, take your anti-magic gizmo with you and go alone as promised.
>>
No. 337996 ID: 00d3d5

>>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.
>>
No. 337997 ID: b6ca92

>>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?
>>
No. 338002 ID: c811c4
File 131279402574.png - (38.45KB , 600x374 , 653.png )
338002

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?
>>
No. 338004 ID: 069c9a

your staffsword and some ninja stars.
>>
No. 338005 ID: 1854db

>>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.
>>
No. 338006 ID: 1854db

>>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?
>>
No. 338008 ID: 1854db

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.
>>
No. 338010 ID: c811c4
File 131279798340.png - (9.37KB , 600x600 , 654.png )
338010

>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.
>>
No. 338011 ID: c811c4
File 131279802269.png - (203.77KB , 600x600 , 655.png )
338011

This has to be the place. I'm a little early, but he should be coming around nightfall.
>>
No. 338012 ID: c811c4
File 131279807341.png - (73.25KB , 600x600 , 656.png )
338012

Oh, and yes, I do have my bubble. I was able to flatten it, so I could conceal it underneath my clothes.
>>
No. 338013 ID: 950f61

i don't like this one bit

but that's mostly because i'm bracing for mindfuck
>>
No. 338014 ID: 1854db

>>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?
>>
No. 338015 ID: 8a609d

aye, read it. let's see what's so damned special about this place.
>>
No. 338016 ID: c811c4
File 131279996047.png - (12.85KB , 600x600 , 657.png )
338016

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.
>>
No. 338017 ID: c811c4
File 131280001469.png - (13.95KB , 600x600 , 658.png )
338017

>>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.
>>
No. 338018 ID: c811c4
File 131280003136.png - (56.93KB , 600x600 , 659.png )
338018

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?
>>
No. 338020 ID: 1854db

>>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.
>>
No. 338021 ID: 5e51d3

time to play CAVE EXPLORER
>>
No. 338031 ID: c811c4
File 131280411021.png - (75.16KB , 900x600 , 660.png )
338031

It's.. more statues. These look like monuments, not tombs. Oh, gosh! That's me?
>>
No. 338032 ID: c811c4
File 131280414170.png - (30.66KB , 282x557 , 661.png )
338032

>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.
>>
No. 338033 ID: c811c4
File 131280417250.png - (6.76KB , 248x548 , 662.png )
338033

>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.
>>
No. 338035 ID: c811c4
File 131280427505.png - (3.56KB , 206x561 , 663.png )
338035

>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."
>>
No. 338036 ID: 35e1a0

walk out of the cave LIKE A BOSS.
>>
No. 338037 ID: c79a38

Pop the Chee statue outside, in case he's gonna trap us, or just to troll him.
>>
No. 338039 ID: 00d3d5

>>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.
>>
No. 338040 ID: 1854db

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?
>>
No. 338041 ID: 5e51d3

>>338036

this. because you are a boss.
>>
No. 338053 ID: c811c4
File 131280882777.png - (114.63KB , 411x541 , 664.png )
338053

>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."
>>
No. 338056 ID: c811c4
File 131280902341.png - (55.20KB , 600x600 , 665.png )
338056

>"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."
>>
No. 338057 ID: c811c4
File 131280904956.png - (69.93KB , 600x600 , 666.png )
338057

>"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."
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No. 338058 ID: 3bad4c

Say yes.
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No. 338060 ID: 07416a

>>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.
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No. 338061 ID: 1854db

>>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.
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No. 338062 ID: 00d3d5

>>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."
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No. 338069 ID: c2c011

>>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.
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No. 338087 ID: cd63e9

we should probably ask for more background information. how she became a litch, and why she hates the gods.
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No. 338105 ID: b6ca92

>>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."
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No. 338107 ID: 35e1a0

>>338061
yeah totally, "lol i'll let almost everyone die just to prove a point instead of HELPING PEOPLE"
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No. 338108 ID: 35e1a0

basically, accuse her of becoming that which she hates.
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No. 338112 ID: 2256da

Or just shiv her in the kidney while she's in mid-monologue.
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No. 338116 ID: c2c011

>>338112
That's silly, liches don't have kidneys, or even any sort of weak spot that you can do massive critical damage to.
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No. 338130 ID: 0604cc

>>338105

Yeah, this whole killing the gods plan might have a few holes in it.
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No. 338145 ID: a337cd

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.
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No. 338152 ID: d7bd9a

>>338145
Request this of the lich, please.
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No. 338161 ID: 1854db

>>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!)
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No. 338173 ID: 2256da

>>338116
I would suggest using a healing knife, but right now I just want to see if we can knife a god to death.
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No. 338435 ID: b6ca92

>>338173
>knife a god to death.
That would be fun.
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No. 338460 ID: bccf7b

>>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.
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