Maybe it's her first name? Whatever, she's deposed AND brain-damaged, it doesn't matter.

Right, time to get a move on. Make a decision and get going.

>>673096
This is going to be a lllooooonnnnnggggggg fucking walk.

And should we still be calling ourselves Prince Malto? I mean we aren't a prince anymore and we're still kind of working on the whole bring everybody under our banner thing so we should get a more fitting title. How about we gust call ourselves LORD Malto until we we succeed and in enough goals to rise to the throne and title of Emperor Muchio Malto of the great Southern Empire! MAHAHAHAHAHAHA

can't really say I'm surprised.

Also judging from the sun what time of day would you say it is? I think you should start walking before it get's dark. I have no idea what lurks around these woods and don't really want to find out.

what position is the sun in Muschio? We can get a sense of direction then. It sets in the west so if we are in the wood here according this: >>620448
Then we need to start heading south east back home. We should get a move on too, I don't know what's in these woods but we aren't exactly equipped well to deal with anything that come seeking trouble (excluding the princess and her magic of course).

>>673136
Of course we should. Our father was king, so that makes us prince no matter how many people have opinions on the matter.

>>673199
Can you really be a prince to a kingdom that no longer exists? For now he is just Muschio Malto, "Boss" to his loyal servants, soon to be to be "your highness" to everyone.

Now might be a good time to start legging it home. We can continue this important conversation on the way.

>>673096
Uh. Weaver? I think you might have messed up the quote formation. As it is, it looks like little Miss Npoa is asking Muschio if he is the princess of something, with Muschio responding with a claim that he calls himself a princess just because it's something he can put in front of his name.
I know it's a little nitpicky, but I feel like this needs to be reformatted for the sake of the audience.

I will not be issuing bans for commenting on the update schedule...

THIS TIME.

>>673096
Forget it. We ask if she'll come with us, but we need to be home like yesterday.

Yeah, asking her if she'll join up with us or at least lend aid for a while seems like a good idea, since she's the only thing that's gone up against the Pretender without getting their shit fucked.

Well let's ask her if she wants to tag along and let's start to figure out a way of getting home.

Muschio 2015/11/15(Sun)18:55 No. 684225 ID: 6856a1
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"I had no idea you were royalty! What a serendipitous honor brings us together. From where do you hail?"
>"Huh?"
"What land are you the Princess of?"
>"Wait-- huh? You have to be a princess OF something?"

...

>"I just thought that was, you know, a thing you could put in front of your name."

Muschio 2015/11/15(Sun)18:58 No. 684226 ID: 6856a1
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"You can't just call yourself a Princess for no reason. I have the office an actual Prince, and it's an indignity to the title."

The sky is darkening. It will be twilight soon; night is not far off. We are not far from a small, asperous hill, upon whose face twin plumes of thin, wispy white smoke rise to the heavens.

>"Oh, where are you the Prince of?"
"I am the rightful North Piacevole."
>"What do you mean by 'rightful' Prince? Is that another title? Could I be a 'rightful' Princess?"

>>684226
well if nothing else they might have a map so we can let everyone back at base know where you are.

also does does she have a piece of us in her yet? If so we could talk to her for you if she's bothering you... hell seeing how absent minded she is something like us would probably be really helpful.

Muschio, you may want to check the Orb, I think it's damaged for reals.

So, first order of business: get your bearings. Right now, that means making it to the mountain before sunset so that you can see beyond the forest. We'll make a plan and then you can send us to the others for a quick status update, or whatever you want to do.

>>684227
I do think putting a piece into her is a good idea if she will join us. But before that, we do need to establish if she IS willing to join!

Muschio 2015/11/15(Sun)20:02 No. 684238 ID: 6856a1
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The sprite is somewhat vexatious, but her aptitude for sorcery is incontrovertible. I suppose she would make a powerful ally, but I do not possess the tools to draft her into our network of consciousness at this juncture.

"It means I'm supposed to be the Prince, but I was kicked out. Unjustly."
>"So you're NOT the Prince."
"I am. Rightfully."
>"But you don't own the kingdom."
"No, but-"
>"Okay, but if you don't own it, you're not the Prince."
"It's my-"
>"So if I'm not a Princess, you're not actually a Prince."

Princes don't OWN kingdoms; that's what kings do! They're just heirs.

Now, in the future, we might be able to get her into some sort of heiress position... she could become a proper princess! Perhaps that could be a bargaining tool.

Isn't logic amazing?

What IS a prince? Could you say that in front of your squad with a straight face? I think that you should focus on building an empire rather than worrying about the "rights" of deposed princes.

So how far are you from the mountain? We'd like an estimate.

Eh, Prince is passe. Lord sounds better. EMPEROR will sound even better, but we've got a ways before we're there.

Until then, accept the fact that your Prince title is as legitimate as hers (that is to say, not in the slightest), and focus on more important things like getting the hell out of these woods before everyone dies.

Check and see if the orb has any flaking pieces to give to the "princess."

Give us a rough estimate of how long it will take you to get to that mountain with the smoke. Bearing in mind however we don't know what is there are or even if there is a pathway up to what I assume is an encampment. If there is not a path up the mountain then after "Princess" Npoa has charged up her her magic, see if she can blink us up there.

just go with it, she has the mind of a child and once a child decides something it's a bitch and a half to get them to change there mind.

As I already said we should be emperor Malto of the great southern empire.

But we WILL own it.

If you adopted her would that make her a princess?

>>684447

It would be extremely royal.

The difference would be that Muschio was born as an heir to the former throne that was deposed, where technically the kingdom doesn't exist, had things gone as intended he WOULD be the prince hence "rightful" whereas our new friend here, for all we know, was likely never royalty or heir to any throne (unless there's a wacky plot twist coming up in the future somewhere) and thus could not make that claim.
Effectively, she's right in that neither are truly recognized as the true rulers, but Muschio's claims are backed up by context and history.

Reasoning with her on the subject seems pointless as telling her that may upset her while we need her, so you might as well play along with it. How easily can one of those hills or mountains be scaled? If it doesn't take too much relative time and effort, you could use one of them to gain a better view of your surroundings and hopefully spot a landmark you can use for orientation or direction.

Princes can still be Princes, even if they don't currently seat the throne. Just so long as they SHOULD be, they're still a prince.

Also, get to stepping, boss. This is basically the only landmark around, so we might as well go have a look at it.

Its not just a matter of the kingdom, its a matter of family. You are the son of a King and a Queen (barring shenanigans) and that makes you a prince.

.. Still, tell her its alright to continue calling herself 'princess' as long as she realizes that actual nobles are going to bug her about it forever. You know there are already other people out there that don't deserve the titles they hold, after all.

Muschio 2015/11/23(Mon)04:04 No. 685339 ID: 6856a1
File 144828024138.gif - (10.30KB , 800x600 , 1530.gif )

After a brief hike, we arrive at the foot of the stony hill. The sky grows darker as night sets in. The question now is whether to make base camp here, with our backs to the mountain, or to ascend and investigate the light, in hopes of finding hospice for the night.

Muschio 2015/11/23(Mon)04:13 No. 685340 ID: 6856a1
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"I don't suppose you're refreshed enough to blink us up there without the extra hike?"
>"What? Haven't you been LISTENING? That's not how it works. Even if I COULD blink us again, which I CAN'T, it's random. We could end up anywhere!"

Muschio 2015/11/23(Mon)04:18 No. 685342 ID: 6856a1
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>"I mean, what you're describing is, like, some kind of... TARGETED blink. Which is like-- pff. Hahahaha. You know? Like?? I don't think I have to explain why THAT wouldn't work."

I'm not a mage. You might have to explain it actually, magical theory isn't one of my specializations.

Why isn't a targetted blink possible? I can certainly imagine that precision would be more difficult or costly, but impossible I was not expecting.

why not invent a new spell? "i am here but i want to be there"

... If it's random, don't you have like a 95% chance of ending up in the sky or the ground?

How does she know the spell? What did she learn about it?

ask her to explain it while you set up camp. I can of want to see if she has the focus to explain magic theory to us and it will keep her from asking a 1000 questions. I also feel that we should camp tonight because the two of you have been running around a lot today and in the chance that whoever or whatever lives up there isn't friendly I'd rather have the two of you go at it fresh.

...random, as in we could end up underground or in midair, or random as in we'll be safe, but you don't know where we'll end up?
Because pretty much literally anywhere wouod be closer to home than here. I'd be willing to chance it.

I think you should ascend to the light, you don't really have adequate camping supplies, and even if whoever's up there turns out to be hostile you'll probably make it out okay, heck they might even have stuff to steal.

Well... She said that We were lucky to end on land instead of sea...

So, instead of blink, is there any other way you know to Transport us magically to somewhere fast? If not, Any thoughts of our situation?

Also, Muschio, can you tell from here what or who could the inhabitants of that place be?

>>685342

Uh, COULD you explain why it wouldn't work? Because it'd really, really come in handy.

Let's use some of that princely charm and flattery, in the mean time try and hike your way up, try and find the safest route up if you can.

"Princess, you must understand I am not an experienced Mage like you are. The most talent for the magical arts I possess is in a simple fire trick, and even then it's not real magic. So please, why wouldn't a targeted blink work, because, and I hope I may be forgiven for my crassness, it seems rather foolish that a Mage who uses blink would have no idea of where he is going when he uses it."

Wait a minute. Okay I've been looking at our surroundings through this hike and one thing I have noticed is that the trees seem awfully bare for summer (I assume) it's almost as if they were... Burned. And... The smoke coming from this hill... Oh shit... Muschio, you, haven't read anything on Dragons have you!?

>>685342
We don't have time honestly, but please explain you mad little sprite.

>>685438
He's onto something, probably. I'm worried, so ask about dragons.

I think "when are we" is still a legitimate question. We should walk around for a while and gather information about this place, there is no quick way to return home anyway. The other guys will have to deal with it.

Actually, this give me an idea - she could blink herself and us to a random location, but can she do that to a third party?

What I'm getting at is if we find ourselves in the future fighting a better armed opponent like The Pretender again, could we just teleport him away with a good chance of dropping him into the middle of the ocean? I figure for our brooding mantis buddy there'll be some bullshit magical protection like last time, but for any other potential adversaries that are less well-protected from magic: can she make other people blink? If so, it could be a handy non-lethal indirectly lethal tool.

>>686219
And even if she HAS to teleport herself, we can still use Sprites as expandable ammo for teleport-killing!

Imagine, just sending a hundred sprites rushing against some Paladins. When a sprite touches a paladin - poof!

The sprites won't mind, they are very simple.

>>686369

Maybe. You are assuming all sprites have the same level of magical abilities as Princess Npoa. I would agree that many sprites are most likely simple minded and can make for good canon fodder, but remember the sprites that attacked the Commander Salamander's tower when Dom and Geppa were there? None of them were using magic and all of them were using swords to attack.

Have her explain anyways

Well, what can she do to assist us? (Hi, I'm new here! Suffer my noob self poorly!)

>>690367
Merry Christmas, bud, welcome the the entrapment that is Weaver update cycles

>>690374
Ah. Well, I'd assume Weaver's probably off now for Christmas or other holiday created stuff. Still, thanks!

Also, I'd think it best to go up the mountain and see what the light is. If there's something good there, go and see what it could be, and if it's not, try to head a little ways back down the mountain to rest, just far enough to not get spotted hopefully.

...It's been a month since last post...

...jeez, this is like Boxdog all over again...

I can probably guess why a "targeted blink" wouldn't work, but I'd like for her to humor us. Ask her why.

>>685342
An explanation would be helpful.
>>685378
Another form of quick magical transportation would be helpful, especially if the destination could be ascertained beforehand.

Muschio 2016/03/30(Wed)20:00 No. 712622 ID: 8d2d5e
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"Why don't you explain it to me like I'm stupid."

>"Okay.
>OH MY GOD IT'S SO SIMPLE WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU HOW ARE YOU NOT UNDERSTANDING THIS, DID YOU FALL OFF A PIER WHEN YOU WERE A KID??"

"...I meant explain it in simple terms."

>"Oh."

Take notes, everyone.

Muschio 2016/03/30(Wed)20:08 No. 712625 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"Well, I mean, I dunno. It's hard to explain without getting into the guts of magic. But like, okay? Okay. So. A blink is like a teleport, right? Except it's not. A teleport is a thing to a place. It's sorta like a "THIS, HERE". Right? Everyone knows that. But a blink isn't a teleport. It can't be targeted because of what it is. A blink is just a "NOT", okay? Like all it does is say "not this, not here". Like, anything else than what it is. So a teleport, you're like writing a sentence in a book. You're saying who and where. But a blink is like ERASING a sentence. Like just now, the book said "us, in Tela Cruz". And then I erased it. Now it's not.

>Get it?"

I think that'll do for my magic lessons for the day.

Makes sense. If magic alters reality, then she altered it so that you weren't in Tela Cruz anymore, but didn't specify where. You were essentially "nowhere" for the briefest of instants. Reality then went "wait, where are you then?!?" and put you somewhere arbitrary.

Let's move on. Go check out the light!

Yeah, let's head to the light.

So she can blink anywhere in the world. Now the question is: Can she target the blink on someone else from a distance or does she have to blink herself along with anybody else in contact with her at that time?

Muschio 2016/03/30(Wed)20:33 No. 712633 ID: 8d2d5e
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I suppose her explanation will do for now.

The hike up the mountain's face won't be too difficult -- after about a half hour I estimate we'll reach the road by shortcut, whereupon travel will become doubly expeditious. We'll arrive at the mouth of the cave within the hour.

I take this time to reflect on what I know of these mountainhomes.

It was said that some short decades ago they were inhabited by Dwarves, but a great upheaval pushed them south. Last I heard, it was the domain of Orcs, who had settled into the carved spaces as though they had been born to. I do recall around the time of my exile there was a campaign by the Elves of the Shimmerwood to push the Orcs out, but whether that came to be, or what success it met, I suppose I never learned.

If the mountainhomes are settled by Elves, I should have a fairly easy time of it. Elves are arrogant and self-serving, but agreeable enough to the other races of Men.
If it is still occupied by Orcs, I imagine I should still handle myself serviceably. The last few months have proved quite adequately that I can handle the so-called "monstrous" races with aplomb.

I should be able to secure passage out in the morning, in either case.

Why do I get the feeling it's not going to be any of those races

Muschio 2016/03/30(Wed)20:55 No. 712642 ID: 8d2d5e
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I admit the only thing that worries me is the smoke.

Dragons. Surely not?
Dragons are powerful and reclusive creatures, but the mountainhomes have in ages past been plagued by dragon attack. Rumor stood that one of the great caves on this range was once the roost of one of the greatest dragons that ever lived.

I have never met a dragon, nor met any men who have. My understanding is that they range in intellect as well as temperament. But intruding uninvited to a dragon's domain would be a foolish move to even the most peaceable sorts.

The odds of a dragon roosting here, now, are -- well, such a thought is nearly preposterous. Yet still, I should anticipate that possibility, as far less likely things have come to pass in the few short years since I left my home.
Whatever calls this place its home now, I hope to be prepared.

Well, if we encounter anything too dangerous, we can always blink again, right? What's the cooldown on that?

What are the odds that both the orks and the elves are still fighting after all of this time? That might make things a bit more difficult but you have some good experience on walking through war zones.

In any case, that much smoke is not normal for any non-industrial town. Proceed.

It would be too much to hope it's an agreeable but reclusive fire mage looking for work. Oh well, there's not much for it other than to proceed with caution.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)11:56 No. 712696 ID: 8d2d5e
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We reach the entrance of the cave.
It's... breathtaking.

The enormous space the cave's mouth opens into is no raw cavern, but an opulent, colossal antechamber of carved, pale stone. Titanic columns, paved walkways, and ancient, soot-stained tapestries decorate a hall lit with standing basket-torches and flickering braziers. An array of open stone doorways flank the great hall, and at the terminus, a towering portal of feverish scale, seeping dark smoke from its cracks.

I confess, this staggering scene is not what I had anticipated.

Let's get a move on then, proceed with caution and make sure Npoa is ready for fight should there be one.

Oh damn, maybe this was a Giant Kings hall or something? Take a look around, maybe check out the giant door, but be careful, I suspect we are not alone. The sconces are lit so someone must have been through here recently.

>>712696

Are those smaller doors along the side? If so, whatever huge thing lives here has small servants, who must be the ones lighting the incense. Also, employ your royal tapestry appreciation skills. Is that a whale tail that one of them is depicting?

As for what to do... announce your presence? This place seems lived-in. Can't be a rude guest.

Is that a mural above the giant door? Can we get a closer look at that?

Th- those dwarves, man...

Check the little door to your right.

>>712696

it's a cult shrine place

gonna meet a bunch of dudes in hoods

betting 50$ it's cjopaze

What device in on those banners and is it a familiar one?
If they or the decorations above the great door are unhelpful, we may want to check one of the passageways more to our scale.

>>712696
>no light
>tonnes of smoke
>not well kept
Well, that rules out elves at least. Maybe orcs, as well. Here's hoping for both of our sakes that this is merely the work of dwarves, and not something infinitely more powerful.
Just kidding, I want this to be a dragon or a balrog so badly

>>712712
>implying pitch black
Correction: I meant no magical lighting or even more proper light fixtures other than the occasional basket torch.

Also, is that regular wood that is being burnt, or can you detect some incense?

Wait, all that smoke comes from braziers and other ritual lights?

Careful, make sure it isn't too smoky before you proceed. You don't have gas mask technology so you'll have to make due with some sturdy bandanas.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)14:53 No. 712729 ID: 8d2d5e
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The scale of this room is overwhelming. The "tiny" doors that run the sides of the hall are more than large enough for myself.

I peer through the nearest passage, which appears lit.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)14:54 No. 712731 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"Well, well. What have we here?"

well, introduce yourself and explain your predicament.

Just a simultaneously fortunate and unfortunate volto man and sprite woman looking to find their bearings after a little magical mishap. Random teleportation, you know the sort of thing, I'm sure. We saw the smoke coming from the mountain and thought, that looks like an important place with a good view that might give us a clue where we are.

So, um... you couldn't tell us where we are, could you, sir and/or madam?

Introduce yourself as humbly as you can.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)16:01 No. 712748 ID: 8d2d5e
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"It's a funny story, really. You see, my companion and I were in Tela Cruz and ended up here quite by mistake when--"

>"Save your story. You'll need your breath."
The figure drags me through the adjacent hall, towards the lit chamber beyond.
Npoa follows.

>"They'll be happy for some fresh meat."

Hope you like robes Muschio.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)16:25 No. 712753 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"My friends... your attention!"
The robed figure shouts to the lighted room beyond.
>"It seems we're not alone."

>"Two uninvited guests have deigned to join tonight's... festivities."

Npoa, prepare a blink...

Muschio, give him your left arm, get ready to grab his neck with your right.

This could be bad.

Is it a sex cult? Tell me it's just a sex cult.

Maybe it's just...a theme party! Nobody likes people crashing their theme parties.

oh wait i just realized that the name of this chapter is "We're Not Alone" which is what the robed dude just said. shite.

A sex cult would be good, a cult of cannibals would not however. Be ready for a fight if necessary, Npoa get ready for some more magical games!

>>712753
>The teeth

IT'S A CULT OF NINO!

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)16:52 No. 712773 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"Oh, simply marvelous! And here things were just starting to quiet down."

It... appears to be orcs after all?

>>712773
Oh hey, high society. You're finally in your element!

*sigh*
Ask the robed guy what sort of party this is. Also ask him why he is in robes. And why he acted so curtly towards you.

This still doesn't sit well with me, we're never this lucky. Perhaps they are actually cannibals? Just of a more aristocratic sort. Be on your guard.

Muschio 2016/03/31(Thu)17:06 No. 712779 ID: 8d2d5e
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>"Gracious! A party crasher, at our own little party! And a traveler too, from the look of it! We don't see many Volto in these parts. Well, please, please! Come in!
>To be completely honest, this whole affair was becoming PAINFULLY pedestrian. I do hope you've brought stories!"

Well this is a nice weird way to start 2016.

Now, are these "Incompetent" nobles or "Decadent" nobles? Blink out if they're the latter.

Next thread wastes no time starting up:

http://www.tgchan.org/kusaba/quest/res/712785.html