Lumen 2012/08/05(Sun)13:56 No. 439698 ID: d696db
File 134420017920.png - (156.59KB , 550x375 , v2_1b.png )

"Waaaaaaaaaaah!" a voice cries out, muted yet painfully loud in the dense fog.

Lumen 2012/08/05(Sun)13:57 No. 439699 ID: d696db
File 134420022154.png - (155.78KB , 550x375 , v2_1c.png )

Son of a- hm. Well if I chase him now, I should still be able to catch up while he's injured.

But my, it does sound like there's someone in desperate need of my help.

Hmm hmm hmm. Decisions, decisions.

Chapter1: http://www.tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/414896.html
Short Chapter1 recap in discussion thread: http://www.tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/57823.html

Now that multiple Valorkin have been unlocked, name will display the name of current character.

find the voice. if you get lucky you will still be able to find the deer later.

A responsible hunter would never leave wounded game like that. Whoever is practicing there shouting game over there can wait.

The deer can wait. Can the other guy?

>>439714
fuck that guy, he scared my deer.
get the deer, then figure out what the asshole wants.

i'd like one more vote to break the tie, but if not i'll flip a coin soon so i can update tonight.

>>439875
second'd

Find the guy who needs help that should take priority over a deer

welp that evens out the vote again. but >>440002 was first in after i said one more vote, so deer it is! hold on a sec.

I guess you should find the guy.

??? 2012/08/06(Mon)22:48 No. 440055 ID: d696db
File 134431849674.png - (141.03KB , 550x375 , v2_2.png )

Yeah, fuck that guy! He scared my deer. Besides, I've been tracking this fucker all day, and now that I've wounded it, I've got a duty to put it down.

Wonder why he ran this way… no foliage at all to hide behind. His blood trail couldn’t possible be more obvi-

Huh. That's odd, coulda sworn he was JUST in front of me.


Welp too late, looks like our friend here will just have to live with the consequences

live with the consequences

>>440055
Evil demon deer alert. Behind you.

you didn't find it suspicious that it was pure white? and it's behind you, magic super deer. also if something bad happens to this guy because you voted jerk route i will laugh and laugh and laugh

if you need a good reason not some sixth sense then:
you lost the deer, turn around and check out the yeller.

>>440079
karma is an acceptable pennance for being an ass. but realy, kill that deer.

Lumen 2012/08/07(Tue)19:56 No. 440319 ID: d696db
File 134439459417.gif - (323.07KB , 550x375 , v2_3a.gif )

> you didn't find it suspicious that it was pure white?
It's the Southern Swamp. EVERYTHING here is suspicious.

> Evil demon deer alert. Behind you.
I don't see anything… damnit, you guys are messing with me, aren't you.
Whatever though, I'll find him. Not to brag, but I'm a damn good tracker. I actually think I see a hoofprint way over -


*sniff sniff* Wait.
[animated]

Lumen 2012/08/07(Tue)19:57 No. 440323 ID: d696db
File 134439467257.gif - (205.34KB , 550x375 , v2_3b.gif )

WHY CAN'T ANIMALS HERE BE NORMAL


[animalated]

Lumen 2012/08/07(Tue)20:08 No. 440332 ID: d696db
File 134439529086.gif - (65.93KB , 550x375 , v2_3c.gif )

DIE!

[animated]


Whew, almost gave me a heart attack there. Being a Valorkin is a pretty sweet deal, I must say… lets me take a lot of risks that would kill a normal orc, such as hunting in the Essis (SS-southern swamp). I do try to avoid using my abilities, buut... it's not like a bit of extra strength every now and then is going to turn me into Kroma's crazy brother.

In any case, this freaky mutant head oughta fetch a good price in town. The Labs buy up this sort of thing like crazy. It really is in my best interest to head back to town, though, 'cause it'll be night soon, and I'm still convinced there are creatures out here that could kill a Valorkin.

I thought Valorkin couldn't die? You should check on that scream before heading back. It's not far.

>>440334
That might not mean they can't be dismembered.

yeah whatever screamed is a good next thing.

Find whatever screamed. Arm your crossbow though. It sounded very suspicious.

??? 2012/08/08(Wed)23:46 No. 440888 ID: d696db
File 134449481439.png - (77.00KB , 550x375 , v2_4a.png )

> I thought Valorkin couldn't die?
None of us have died yet. We're kind of a new breed, you see. Just kind of started showing up a couple decades ago. Kroma and her brother were the first to Awaken, back when they were kids. I've only been Awake to being a Valorkin for two - nah, has to be three years now. Kroma and I disagree on whether or not we're mortal - but I sure as hell don't want to be the first to find out.

> Find whatever screamed. Arm your crossbow.
Fine, fine. Though it's probably nothing.

??? 2012/08/08(Wed)23:47 No. 440889 ID: d696db
File 134449485887.png - (120.03KB , 550x375 , v2_4b.png )

… oh.

As I pass into the clearing, I see a young Reptilian cradling the corpse of a dead toddler. The ground around them is littered with the remains of a carnivorous plant beast.

??? 2012/08/08(Wed)23:48 No. 440890 ID: d696db
File 134449491472.png - (49.93KB , 550x375 , v2_4c.png )

He looks up at me. "I was supposed to p-protect her. I- f-f-failed."

and now you see why you should help people in need. how long have they been dead? can you resuscitate them?

also, shame on you for letting random voices in your head tell you to hate people for petty things.

Yep, looks like you failed. Nothing to be done about it. Now why were you wandering around the Southern Swamp with a toddler? I guess it's a moot point now.

??? 2012/08/09(Thu)22:45 No. 441190 ID: d696db
File 134457750014.png - (43.94KB , 550x375 , v2_5a.png )

She's lost too much blood for resuscitation to do any good.

"Yep, looks like you failed. Nothing to be done about it. Now, I'm guessing from your little rock sword that you're a Stonespire?" He nods. "Is Half-tail still in that tribe?" Another nod. "Well boy, let’s get you home."

> And now you see why you should help people in need. Shame on you.
I- you- ...shut up. That's life - everybody dies. Besides, there's no guarantee I would have been in time even if I'd run straight here.


We make it to the tribe with minimal waterworks. Muko, the boy, tells me he was watching his sister while their mother was away, and the toddler wandered off while he was asleep. Obviously, he woke up too late.

Rouan 2012/08/09(Thu)22:47 No. 441191 ID: d696db
File 134457765685.png - (75.55KB , 550x375 , v2_5b.png )

Half-tail glares at me like the old enemies we are, but when he sees the toddler, grief clouds his features.

After a bit of waiting, he returns to tell me the rest of his bad news - their tribe is falling apart. Their magic sacred spear or whatever was stolen, leaving them unprotected from the Night Creatures. They've sent out a search party to the Essis… but it's unlikely they'll ever return.

"Ga'Rouan…" says Half-tail, "It pains me to say this. But we would owe you… a huge favor… if you could bring the spear back for us."

"Hey. Let me get this straight. You want me to head into the FAR southern swamp, alone, at night. WHILE the moon is almost full, mind you. I swear, I can't save you lot this time."

"If it had been my brother asking, you'd have said yes."

"Yeah, well, he's not here, is he."

"… Please."

"I'll think about it."

being on time isn't the point, it's the trying. ether do your best at all time and be confident that if you fail, it's because of something beyond your control. so go get the spear, not like you can fail at that.

You have us, you realize. That gives you more of an edge.

>>441195
HAHAHAHA

That's life. Everybody dies. You should still help people in need. You learned this just now, fighting the deer. Anyway you can't help the dead child, but you can help that village not have more unfortunate encounters if you get that spear back. Plus that will keep their dying wails from spooking the local game next time you're out on a hunt.

Also if you're going to obey us be, sure to put the words it does sound like there's someone in desperate need of my help in bold-face. That way our nonexistent ears won't mistake the sound for that of an animal, banshee or Luigi.

First, go cash in that head so you can buy some gear for heavy duty radioactive and/or cursed swamp exploration.

Rouan 2012/08/11(Sat)12:19 No. 441833 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134471274867.png - (42.58KB , 550x375 , v2_6a.png )

FINE, I fucked up. What do you want me to say?? I could wander the swamp until my feet bleed, looking for idiots to help. Would I be happy then? NO. Tried it once. Didn't end so well.

> First, go cash in that head so you can buy some gear for heavy duty radioactive and/or cursed swamp exploration.
It kills a couple hours to head back to Perina, but if I'm going to do this, I'm damned well going to do it right. Silver bolts, silver hatchet, a heavy duty lantern, and oxium flares. Oh and I bring some bits of the deer for food, lots of food. I get the feeling I'll be using a whole lot of abilities tonight, and rule one of being a Valorkin is keep your hunger down.

Rouan 2012/08/11(Sat)12:20 No. 441834 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134471284091.png - (35.09KB , 550x375 , v2_6b.png )

I return to the Stonespires to find the trail. It is now early night.

Muko, the boy from earlier, is waiting for me. "Ga'Rouan, sir, I want to come with you."

"Boy, do you have any idea how dangerous this is going to be?"

"My ma is out in that search party. Mister, I can help, I really can."

Can he even swing that sword?

he wants to make up for what happened.

>>441834
check if he knows how to use that weapon first. where did he get that, anyway? or at least ask him how he can be useful. but take him anyway, because i think he's adorable.

Rouan 2012/08/12(Sun)16:09 No. 442288 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134481294243.png - (70.62KB , 550x375 , v2_7a.png )

The sword is from his father, and he practices with it in his spare time. I toss a pinecone at him to check his skills, and he hits it mid-air.

"Well, boy, I guess you can come. But you'd best not make yourself trouble."

Rouan 2012/08/12(Sun)16:10 No. 442290 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134481303649.png - (46.86KB , 550x375 , v2_7b.png )

We find two sets of booted footprints - certainly our culprits.

They are deep and clear in the mud, until several minutes later where there are signs of a scuffle and the footprints split. The first set heads WEST. The second set heads SOUTH. A small building is visible to the EAST.

Time - 2200 (military time)
Visibility - Good.
All is quiet.

>>442290
Follow the one without blood. A fight most likely broke out over the stolen goods, and the victors kept the spoils.

I think I agree with that.

Rouan 2012/08/12(Sun)23:14 No. 442424 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134483845560.png - (60.78KB , 550x375 , v2_8.png )

The fog thickens.

The footprints had been travelling straight south, but now they veer to the SOUTHEAST. There are a few specters flitting around the trail of footprints. Specters themselves are not very dangerous, but they feed off fear and can attract geists. We notice some faint blue lights to the SOUTHWEST.

Time - 2230
Visibility - Moderate
A metallic rattling can be heard somewhere to the SOUTH.

I don't see why we shouldn't keep following the footprints. What do you think the lights are? Or the rattling?

yeah, keep on going. what's the worst that could happen?

Do you know of anything in this swamp that isn't nasty run into (aside from our objective or the search party)?

Rouan 2012/08/13(Mon)22:50 No. 442755 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134492341543.png - (74.07KB , 550x375 , v2_9.png )

> What do you think the lights are? Or the rattling?
Magical fires from a camp or will-o-wisps trying to lure us to our deaths. The rattling… it sounds like a chain.

> Do you know of anything in this swamp that isn't nasty run into?
There's supposed to be a kind witch somewhere and there's always loot from other people who've died here, but I see your point. All these alternate paths are probably bad news. I'll stick to the trail.

Reptilian footprints appear now, parallel to the booted ones. The rattling noise has been following us since we passed it, and seems to be gaining on us - we can try moving faster, at the risk of losing the trail, or turn and face the noise.

Time - 2245
Visibility - Poor
Specter activity - Medium
Metallic rattling to the NORTH.

well if it's not going to stop then turn and fight.

Rouan 2012/08/13(Mon)23:19 No. 442767 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134492515458.png - (112.61KB , 550x375 , v2_10.png )

I turn and draw my crossbow as a small form limps into view, the rattling noise caused by a length of chain it is dragging behind it.

It stops and sits before us, unconcerned by the crossbow pointed at it. "Hellooo there, sir." It says, "Ffforgive me if I friiiightened you, but, ahhh… help a fffellow out?"

It shakes its back leg, displaying the bright silvery trap it's caught in.

does it seem to be actual silver? if so then it's probably the only thing keeping it in a normal form rather then a horrible monster. ask it how something smart enough to talk got caught in a trap like that?

>>442767
If it's only harmed by silver, you have silver bolts. I wonder if it realizes this or just assumes you have iron tipped bolts. So... before we say anything, what is this thing? I'm tempted to say to remove the trap, simply because helping another thinking being is generally a good idea... but it would be nice to know what we're dealing with first.

I don't suppose this is the sort of extremely dangerous supernatural talking critter that is bound by specific rules such as not directly lying or such?

Point out that he has already been going rather fast for someone with a leg in a trap.

make it swear not to kill you before you free it.

>>443340
Or the boy.

Rouan 2012/08/15(Wed)01:00 No. 443385 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134501760870.png - (94.44KB , 550x375 , v2_11a.png )

I have no idea what it is. "How'd you end up caught like that?"

"It seems there's a careless paladin laying down aaangelsteel traps all over this swamp! Capable of binding deemonss and innocent swamp creatures alike."

"You one of those dangerous supernatural critters bound by some stupid rule like not lying or such? Swear you won't kill us."

"Ha ha! You've got me. I can't lie! And I proooomise not to kill you, khaha, either of you!"

"You'd be a whole lot more convincing if you weren't laughing."

Rouan 2012/08/15(Wed)01:01 No. 443387 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134501770305.png - (89.54KB , 550x375 , v2_11b.png )

"Oh but you'll have to excuse me. Where aaaaare my manners? The name's Cavinox. Or - if you'd prefer - just Missster Fox. It's been a while since I've had… commmpany, but I assure you, I really am quite harmless."

Hmm.

SEEMS LEGIT

i am really torn, on the one hand he SEEMS okay, but on the other he can talk, and has a name with too many consonents.

If he can't lie then he is in fact quite harmless. If he can lie then there's really nothing keeping him from mangling the two of you after being released.

I kinda doubt honestly that we would run into something not immediately hostile that also wants to kill us, so help him out... so long as you can verify somehow that this isn't a demon.

Woah, guys

I was being facetious there

This thing is named MISTER FOX

You do not want to let it out

It will kill you dead.

The only question that remains is are you FANTASTIC?

>>443393
point

>>443393
Uh... why? Just being named that doesn't mean a damn thing as far as I know.

Not worth the risk.

"Sorry, I can't trust you, you'll probably murder me. Good luck with the chains!"

Tell him we have an important task at the moment, but we might reconsider if he is still there when we get back.

Rouan 2012/08/16(Thu)12:38 No. 443879 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134514592669.png - (57.34KB , 550x375 , v2_12a.png )

"Cavinox sounds like a demon name. Too many consonants."

"Oh, oh - how about this. Caaavinox. CaaAAAaavinox. There. Does that sound better to you, orc? Hey, lizard boy. How about you?"

Muko and I look at each other. He shakes his head, and we turn to walk away.

"I hope this isn't a decision you'll come to regret, orc. Quite a lovely piece of demon-binding chain you're turning your back on on here! ALL yours if you set me ffffreee."

"Tell you what, Mr. Fox. We've got a very important task right now, but we'll reconsider if you're still here when we get back."

He falls silent and watches us until he disappears into the fog.

Rouan 2012/08/16(Thu)12:41 No. 443881 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134514611502.png - (77.46KB , 550x375 , v2_12b.png )

The specters are growing braver. A couple swings from Muko's sword is enough to dispel them, though, leaving me to focus on the trail.

The ground has been slowly sloping downward, and now it becomes saturated with water. The trail is almost impossible to follow, but I manage to notice that the boots suddenly change direction from southeast to SOUTHWEST. The reptilian prints continue SOUTHEAST.

Muko says we should follow the search party and make sure they're alright. I say we should grab the spear first so we can better defend ourselves and them.

Time - 2315
Visibility - Bad
Specter activity - High
All is quiet.

I am in favor of finding the search party first. If they split off that means they either found out something or were in some sort of trouble.

Yeah, if they moved away from the trail they must have some reason. Let's find out why.

Rouan 2012/08/17(Fri)01:29 No. 444164 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134519215923.png - (61.33KB , 550x375 , v2_13a.png )

We hurry after the search party first, and the prints look very fresh.

We reach them within minutes. A male Reptilian is tending to two wounded ones. I ask if there are any others - he says one, and she's trying to fend off a bogeyman!


"Mom!" Muko cries, running off in the direction the reptil points.

Rouan 2012/08/17(Fri)01:32 No. 444166 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134519235878.png - (75.74KB , 550x375 , v2_13b.png )

It looks like she's just fallen, and is reaching for her last javelin!

know anything about these things? would taking that chain from the fox have helpped with this? for now distract it.

>>444166
Fire! Aim somewhere lethal. Then rush it with the hatchet unless you can reload your crossbow really fast.

Rouan 2012/08/17(Fri)23:41 No. 444472 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134527209498.png - (137.86KB , 550x375 , v2_14.png )

Specters, geists, and bogeymen are all creatures of Doom. They are the embodiments of negative emotions, with Bogeymen being the most physical. Unlike demons, they are nonsentient.
No spot is lethal on a bogeyman! They dematerialize after taking enough damage. The chain probably would have helped.

> Shoot!
Good enough distraction. Let's figure out some fancy combo - we need to make this quick.

Inventory - bolts, hatchet, lantern, flares
Abilities - strength, fire, darkness

Then aim somewhere functional! Eyes are good.

If you already shot your bolt, reload once. Charge, shooting as you do, and take a hatchet to where those claws are coming from. Drop the crossbow to the side and grab a bolt when you are close enough to engage. He'll probably try to use his tongue to trap you somehow then, which you can subsequently stab with a bolt in your off hand. If he's not dead by then use the hatchet to break away taking as many claws as you can with you, then back up to reassess the situation. Assuming you have at least 3 bolts, that should be a good first move.

>>444472
Use of the flare alongside fire control might be visible for quite a distance, but if you're going for a lot of damage all at once I'd suggest chopping a limb off it with the hatchet via superstrength then throwing a flare in its mouth and activating fire control to explode it.

>>444479

I'd like to think evil bizarre body horror inducing side effects would mean he'd want to keep that super stuff as a last resort...

Rouan 2012/08/19(Sun)00:14 No. 445192 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134536046540.gif - (3.25MB , 550x375 , v2_15i.gif )

Muko keeps it busy while I reload. I drop the lantern on the ground after I light a flare from it - gonna need both hands for this.

I shoot as I begin charging, scoring another hit to its face. I let the crossbow drop and draw my hatchet, slashing at the predictable incoming arm. I use my strength to jump up high, shove the flare in its mouth, and hack off its arm before landing.

"Close your eyes!"
[animated]

make sure it's dead.

I think it vaporized. Which from the sound of it means it's dead. Better scan the area for more hostiles regardless. Then regroup at the wounded.

Are your eyes glowing now? You okay?

Rouan 2012/08/19(Sun)23:19 No. 445510 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134544356101.png - (75.59KB , 550x375 , v2_16.png )

> You okay?
I'm fine, I just need to FIND MORE THINGS TO KI- I mean… have a snack. Yeah.

> make sure it's dead.
Dead and dematerialized. Pff, these things aren't so tough.

> check for more hostiles
I saw a bunch of specters before the battle, but it looks like the explosion scared 'em off.


Muko and his mom Lsira have their predictably mushy reunion and then we head back to the wounded. Looks like everybody is going to be ok! Apparently they lost the trail back at the wet area and got ambushed by the bogeyman and some geists.

I'm gonna go after the spear now. If I go alone, I'll be much faster, but if I take the Reptilians with me, we'll be able to protect each other. Whaddaya think?

They already almost died without you. Better go together.

yeah they will probably get lost, again.

Rouan 2012/08/20(Mon)00:22 No. 445523 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134544736021.png - (84.56KB , 550x375 , v2_17.png )

Yeah stupid lizards. I wonder how they ever survived on their own.

We backtrack and follow the RIGHT trail, which eventually leads into what looks like a cave opening. Specters and geists crowd the entrance, but do not cross into the cave. I kinda want to go for the flashy (firey) and dramatic entrance, but I understand that subtlety could be useful here.

Time - 0000
Moaning sounds from geists in front of you

they are both attracted by the power of the spear and repelled by it.

>>445523
You also shouldn't be using powers against enemies that don't require them.

Let's just attack as a group. We can handle these things, right? Keep a good formation going. Pick off a few of the stronger ones with your crossbow before we close into melee range.

Rouan 2012/08/20(Mon)23:36 No. 445855 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134553101792.png - (88.33KB , 550x375 , v2_18a.png )

Muko apparently told his mom about his toddler sister on the way over here, and - well, I can't deal with this right now. I tell 'em to take a break while the other reptils and I kill the geists. We're slow but cautious and suffer no major injuries.

Time - 0015
All is quiet.

Rouan 2012/08/20(Mon)23:37 No. 445857 ID: 1c0dc0
File 134553107460.png - (139.89KB , 550x375 , v2_18B.png )

I motion for the others to follow me very quietly.
As I walk around a bend in the cave tunnel, I see an orc with a torch. He jumps up when he sees me.
"Oh thank Grexa," he cries, "You must be the emissary! You- you're late, you know. Where's the portal back to Grexis??"

"hate to break it to ya but the emissary is dead, wasn't me, looked like he just couldn't handle the swamp. gimme the spear and i wont have to rough you up."

>>445857
Hold him at crossbowpoint and ask him to explain exactly what he's doing here.

Rouan 2012/08/21(Tue)17:18 No. 446065 ID: beae82
File 134559471230.png - (57.08KB , 550x375 , v2_19a.png )

> "Hate to break it to ya, but the emissary is dead. Looked like he just couldn't handle the swamp. Now gimme the spear and I wont have to rough you up." I say with a crossbow to his face.

"What the-" says the orc, then glances over at the spear by the cave wall. I tell him don't even think about it, and grab the thing myself.

"You sure this is it?" I ask "It looks like it's been broken in half!"

"The idiot human broke it," the orc growls, "Still works." I can tell he's itching to fight me, but I've caught him without his weapon out.

Hmm, this doesn't seem like a simple thievery. The fact that he was working with a human at all shows how important this thing is… For while Perina is pretty much omniracial, Grexis is exclusively orc, goblin, and reptilian, and they hate all us 'Perinian orcs' as traitors.

Rouan 2012/08/21(Tue)17:19 No. 446066 ID: beae82
File 134559476469.png - (146.46KB , 550x375 , v2_19b.png )

Uh oh, that would be the portal. I've got maybe 30 seconds before it's fully open.

There should be enough time to get the kid to run in and grab the spear while you keep your crossbow aimed at the armored guy and edge towards the door.

>>446066

You have the spear. You've got 30 seconds. Just shoot the guy in the groin to wipe that smirk off his face and run.

Oh right, you already have the spear.

>>446066
Shoot him somewhere nonlethal but crippling, then let's have the lizards grab him and his stuff. We make our way back to base while trying to cover our tracks so whoever's on the other side of that portal can't send shit after us.

May as well recover the broken haft of the spear we passed up and go interrogate the human, whose tracks are obviously the bloody ones.

OR we could kill this orc and just go interrogate the human.

While we're on the way back we can talk to Mr. Fox and get the lizards' opinion on him. I'd say we should definitely let him out if they think it's safe.

Rouan 2012/08/21(Tue)23:15 No. 446194 ID: beae82
File 134561614931.png - (130.12KB , 550x375 , v2_20a.png )

> Just shoot the guy in the groin to wipe that smirk off his face
His armor covers up his groin area! This criminal mastermind has truly thought of everything. I shoot him in the knee instead because you know what why the fuck not.

Rouan 2012/08/21(Tue)23:16 No. 446195 ID: beae82
File 134561620793.png - (83.32KB , 550x375 , v2_20b.png )

> Let's have the lizards grab him and his stuff. We make our way back to base while trying to cover our tracks so whoever's on the other side of that portal can't send shit after us.
Removing all traces of this guy will buy us time, and with the injured reptils that's exactly what we need. If we're careful they might not even know we were here - I don't think they could see through the portal since it was so dark in the cave.

Rouan 2012/08/21(Tue)23:17 No. 446196 ID: beae82
File 134561627246.png - (91.47KB , 550x375 , v2_20c.png )

We make it back to Mr. Fox without incident, but baldy the orc here sure is squirmy.

The fox grins up at us expectantly. "Oh look! You've brought frieeeeends."

I ask the Reptilians what they think. They're not sure, but they don't think he could hurt us while we have the spear.

>>446196
Alright, take it off him. Have him agree not to harm your party in general, though.

yeah the no hurting promise needs to expand to the reptils, otherwise go for it.

Rouan 2012/08/22(Wed)21:19 No. 446454 ID: beae82
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finally got my tablet's driver working, so… new style i guess?? idk, i'm just experimenting

Mr. Fox sweeeaaars not to hurt any of us, and I remove the trap. As soon as the metal leaves his flesh, the fox disappears into a cloud of black specks. A moment later the specks reform into a human about my height.

"My myyy," says the new orc, chuckling at our reactions. "It's almost as if you expected me to transform into some horrible monnnnster and eat you all aliiiive." He chuckles harder and sweeps into a low bow before me. He transforms again, this time into a Reptilian, and waves to the others. He looks at us all with that huge grin of his and shrugs, noticeably eyeing the spear. "Be seeing youuuu," he whispers as his form disintegrates into the black specks and whooshes away into the darkness.

Welp, that was weird. I inspect the trap and chain - it's very light for being made of metal, but seems very strong.

Rouan 2012/08/22(Wed)21:21 No. 446455 ID: beae82
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We make it back to the blood trail and pick up the other half of the spear. We're out of the dangerous part of the Essis, so I see if we can get some more information out of baldy.

"Hmm," I say, "Must have made you real angry that the human tried to take such a powerful artifact from you. I'm sure it even-"

He snorts. "Don't bother, I don't know nothin' bout what it does. I'as only in it for the coin."

He might be lying, but then again, his story is plausible. I get the feeling the human is long gone by now, either in the physical or spiritual sense. It probably won't do any good to follow his trail, although he may have dropped something along his path. What should we do? I'm kind of in favor of just dropping this whole ordeal and heading back to the village.

Keep the trap. You can leave it set in case any of those...whatever he was come sneaking up on your camp. But I don't see any reason to follow the human's trail at this point. You want to get the spear to the lizardy people so they'll stop interrupting your hunting with moral dilemmas.

Yep. We got what we came for and also a prisoner.

Follow it in the hope of getting a few clues.

So far I think this expedition's gone fairly well!

Or maybe very badly, depending on if Mr. Fox just ran off to the settlement to cause carnage while the spear's not there.

Man we sure were an asshole to Mister Fox. I guess if we ever need his help, he is completely justified in doing it the most dickish way possible and we got no right to complain.

oops forgot to proofread. should say:
A moment later the specks reform into an orc about my height.
not a large mistake but yeah

Rouan 2012/08/23(Thu)22:16 No. 446821 ID: beae82
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Back at the village, I give the spear to the old chief. He hands it to his son Half-tail, who's apparently supposed to do some power ritual. He walks over to an altar surrounded by stone spikes, and the reptils all form a circle around it.

Half-tail speaks something in this ancient language nobody understands and raises the repaired spear high over his head. Green energy crackles around the spear and leaps to his hands. He focuses for a moment and then stabs the spear upward, causing a new stone spike to erupt from the earth. The Reptilians all cheer.

Rouan 2012/08/23(Thu)22:17 No. 446823 ID: beae82
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"Wish I knew it could do that," says the tied-up orc beside me. He said his name is Devzek but I'm going to keep calling him baldy.

"So… what're ya gonna do with me now?" baldy asks. I grunt. "I,uhh… I got a family, you know."

"So do the reptils you were stealing from." I cross my arms, not taking my eyes off Half-tail and the altar.

>>446823
Get him to tell you EVERYTHING.

>>446832
Gossip about boys and have a pillow fight.

Well first we want us to tell him how he stole the spear, so we can avoid a repeat.

After he tells us the rest of the stuff, we should ask what the reptils think should be done with him. It's their spear, after all.

(no update today/tomorrow)

or today derp

Rouan 2012/08/27(Mon)23:07 No. 448636 ID: 05ee9e
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> Well first we want us to tell him how he stole the spear, so we can avoid a repeat.
He says the human had some gloves on that stopped the spear's alarm/trap from going off.

I decide to let the Reptils deal with him - it was their spear, after all. But… I do mention that I'd rather not have any more deaths. The Reptils oblige and cut off his thumb before sending him on his merry way back to Grexis. He'll live, but his thieving days are over.

Rouan 2012/08/27(Mon)23:08 No. 448637 ID: 05ee9e
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Half-tail comes and sits down beside me, wearing some kind of ridiculous costume. "Here. This was his. I know he would have wanted you to have it." He hands me a necklace with a big fang on the end.

"I-"

"And don't you DARE thank me. I still hate your guts."

"Hmm." we sit in silence for a moment. "You know that little kid that died?" Half-tail nods. "I think I could have saved her, but I… made some bad decisions."

He sighs. "Some things never change, Rouan. But know that even with her death, casualties were much, much lower than I'd expected. Now, cheer the fuck up, we're having a party, on account of us all still existing." He punches me in the arm, harder than would be considered friendly, but I can tell he's trying to be nice.

Aw, hell. I really don't want to go celebrate now. But it would probably be an insult to just sneak away...

You could always just sit around and be a stick in the mud.

they got any mind altering substances? those should help get the part juices flowing.

Rouan 2012/08/28(Tue)23:16 No. 449040 ID: 947979
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It takes a lot to get a Valorkin body intoxicated - but damn, this tribal shit is strong.


They all want me to tell the story of how I braved the Swamp. Feels good to be the hero for once...

--- 2012/08/28(Tue)23:16 No. 449042 ID: 947979
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You feel a shift

Joanna 2012/08/28(Tue)23:19 No. 449043 ID: 947979
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VOICES!! Oh my goddess, I thought you guys were gone for good. YOU'LL NEVER GUESS WHAT! It turns out I have these really awesome Shamanic fire powers that I never knew I had before and I've been playing with them a lot and Mikael says they must be really really rare and they're SO COOL.

I wish I could talk more now but I really need to pay attention to this meeting -- General Sterling says that we're basically at war with Grexis now. Grexan forces have stepped up the aggression while I was underground, and they are now actively attacking all airships that go near the city. The General also mentioned a secret mission that he'll tell me about after the meeting. Apparently it's so secret, that even some of the Perinian High Council isn't supposed to know about it.

If you have any questions for me I can answer them now, otherwise I'll just wait until the super secret meeting starts!

have you talked about them river lizard people?

Woah calm your tits lady. What were you again?

So, did anyone die down there? Did destroying that loci stop the rampaging mindless hordes, or do you still have to kill that mage?
>>449066
I think we may have forgotten what you look like though.

Joanna 2012/08/29(Wed)22:03 No. 449462 ID: 668682
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> So, did anyone die down there?
Nope! It was actually pretty boring after the big battle. I healed up quickly and just kind of relaxed for the rest of the time.

> Did destroying that loci stop the rampaging mindless hordes, or do you still have to kill that mage? 
It cut them down to a tenth of what they were, and it's given our forces a huge break! But, killing the mage is still a priority.

> have you talked about them river lizard people?
About what?

:: Joanna doesn't have knowledge of anything you saw since she blacked out. You can choose to explain everything, omit something, or say nothing. ::

Joanna 2012/08/29(Wed)22:04 No. 449463 ID: 668682
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All of the council members leave except for three of the most important. The General stands and begins to pace. "Ready to start when you are." he says to me.

You remember! They were the ones who gave you that tip about the mage in the first place. One of them tried to drown you, you stabbed one, then their leader came up and talked to you...
Riiiight, you use a spear, shield and dagger.

>>449476
oops, thought you meant the swamp lizard people.

in that case,

"Yeah - and I told them everything the mutant lizard guy told me. Chancellor Ward says she's wary of trusting them, but that the information they gave me fits with what our spies have found."

Joanna, let me get something very very important out of the way right now. You are not to use your power over fire except in emergencies. It comes with a cost- your MIND. Overuse of that power, as well as your other powers- of increased strength and the Dark- will corrupt you over time. Keeping food on hand helps prevent this, but it is still dangerous.

(basically, explain everything)

Joanna 2012/08/30(Thu)23:42 No. 449913 ID: 032042
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> explain everything
Wow that's… too bad. But it sounds like I'll be fine if I just don't use my powers! Hey, that's great to hear there's more people like me! Maybe I'll be able to meet them soon. But - ahh, the others are all waiting on me, better get this started.

As soon as we begin, Vabok starts rambling about geologic events and seismic indicators… after a minute, General Sterling cuts in. "What Vabok here means to say," he says, "Is that there may be a dragon living in Mt Eldor."

"A big red one!" Vabok slams his fist down on the table.

Joanna 2012/08/30(Thu)23:43 No. 449914 ID: 032042
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"We're sending you and your squad on a diplomatic mission." says Chancellor Ward. "You are to convince the dragon to breathe fire at the Grexis Royal Quarters for a reward of gold, or, failing that, get it to fly over Perina where we will have a force waiting to kill it."

"If the Grexans find out about the dragon," Vabok explains, "they could easily modify their blood-curse to get it to attack US."

"This isn't a mission to take lightly," warns the General, "But we were impressed with your initiative with the Locus. If we can take out the Grexan leaders, this war will be over before it's started. What do you say?"

>>449914
Sounds like an awesome plan. Dragons love gold, right? We should get some of that to use as a bargaining chip.

Actually, it would probably help with the dragon if we told him about the mind control effects. I suspect he wouldn't like the thought of humanoids magically controlling him.

Joanna 2012/09/01(Sat)00:05 No. 450273 ID: 660703
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"I'll do it!"

"That's... it?" the General asks, "You don't have any questions?" he and the Chancellor share a look.

"NOPE, I mean, it sounds like an awesome plan. Hey, I might even be able to tell the dragon that the Grexans are trying to control it! That should piss it off..."

"Very well. In case things get ugly, though, we want to make sure you're ready. There will be a few days to prepare..."

---
Each party member has received TWO training units. A unit can be used to create a new combat skill (1), raise a skill in the green zone by 2, or raise a skill in the yellow zone by 1. One training unit may be traded for Basic Knowledge: Language [Draconic]. The other's skills will auto-assign unless specified.

How do we raise skills in red?

>>450276
They can be raised by training from a legendary teacher or from being used in combat.
Skill max is 10; however it is possible for a character to have one skill at 11 (legendary).

let's take a dot in spear, and if we can, learn some DODGE!

--- 2012/09/03(Mon)21:57 No. 451561 ID: 0d7c9f
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Training units will be assigned as shown - Joanna will learn Dodge, Mikael will learn Lightning Bolt, and Murdon will learn Dagger.

With that, Joanna and crew begin preparations for their dangerous diplomatic mission.

--- 2012/09/03(Mon)21:58 No. 451562 ID: 0d7c9f
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It is foolish to wake a sleeping dragon, yet it is worse still to do nothing and feel its wrath. The land of Perina, throughout its history, has not known the presence of a dragon. What these fools expect to find, then, is a dragon that has slumbered since before the city began.

But the dragon does not sleep.


She waits.


END VALORQUEST, CHAPTER 2


Ch3 will begin shortly! Preferably tomorrow, but I'm feeling a little uninspired, so it may be a few days.

Don't forget to visit the discussion thread to leave any comments/advice!
http://www.tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/57823.html