salf 2012/10/08(Mon)21:56 No. 461292 ID: f50094
File 134975860830.jpg - (36.63KB , 783x681 , #2 lost.jpg )

I do fear I am, quite possibly, very lost.

salf 2012/10/08(Mon)21:58 No. 461293 ID: f50094
File 134975871723.jpg - (56.71KB , 706x625 , #3 Map.jpg )

I was in Foxholm two days ago and I've been following this awful map, which makes a two day trek look like an hours walk.

I even had to eat the chicken I was planning to sell.

I suppose this is what I get for buying half price from an apprentice mapmaker.

turn back?

salf 2012/10/08(Mon)22:19 No. 461302 ID: f50094
File 134975998642.jpg - (26.45KB , 697x474 , #4 turn back.jpg )

No I've got no food left and two days of walking behind me, I must be close to by now.

The map is bad, but I can see the real forest so I can't be too far of track. Maybe I can find a hill or something, look around, I dunno.

The map may be bad, but the general direction must still be somewhat accurate. That being said where are you going?

salf 2012/10/08(Mon)22:29 No. 461307 ID: f50094
File 134976057336.jpg - (32.06KB , 971x664 , #5 stalker.jpg )

Bwesk, a rest stop and, uh, hiding place.

Someone may be following me.

First of all, cheer up!

Perhaps you should climb a tree to see if you can see anything promising.

>>461307
MIGHT be following? please, enlighten us on this regard.

schlick furiously

salf 2012/10/08(Mon)22:44 No. 461311 ID: f50094
File 134976147958.jpg - (28.10KB , 801x645 , #6 Up a tree.jpg )

>>461308 I climb the tree with ease, maybe my species are natural tree climbers, who knows?

Yeah it's never a good idea to be down, I should be more positive. It is a nice sunny day after all.

So, do you see anything from up there besides that bird?

Also why would someone follow you?

salf 2012/10/08(Mon)22:48 No. 461313 ID: f50094
File 134976173009.jpg - (31.04KB , 857x695 , #7 Nerves.jpg )

>>461309
Ah, yes, um. He sounded pretty intent.

But Therapists aren't natural trackers so hopefully he's lost me a while ago.

>>461313
Therapist..?
... where were you staying before your trips, and where do you live? Also, why are you so under dressed?

Well if your hungry that bird IS right there. Make a swipe at it. Also see anything?

salf 2012/10/08(Mon)23:14 No. 461320 ID: f50094
File 134976328908.jpg - (31.56KB , 1081x744 , #8 vision.jpg )

>>461318
It flew off when I turned to look at it, no chance there.

>>461316
I'm not under-dressed, I have both vital areas fully covered. Well mostly covered. I'm not cold.



Hmm... I don't see much...

Can you tell which way is north?

I spot potential food. Do you have a weapon?

salf 2012/10/08(Mon)23:28 No. 461323 ID: f50094
File 134976411068.jpg - (43.41KB , 935x786 , #9 Spotting.jpg )

>>461322
I've got a fairly heavy telescope.

Wait what is that? It's not moving and it's completely black.

>>461323
Use the telescope to get a good look at it.

I thought it was a deer, but if its completely black and not moving then maybe its something else.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)00:12 No. 461329 ID: f50094
File 134976677641.jpg - (29.75KB , 794x603 , telescope.jpg )

>>461326
Hold on, it's a little hard to balance in this tree...

Don't deny it. It even says so in the first post. Under-dressed!

Why are you concerned over female dress codes of cultures we haven't even been introduced to yet? Maybe its normal? And if not who cares people can dress how they like!

Shaming is a terrible thing.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)00:24 No. 461333 ID: f50094
File 134976744283.jpg - (48.88KB , 1036x856 , #11 Statue.jpg )

It's a statue I think...

Hey wait this was on the map! Yeah Oscar talked about it, he called it the doe.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)00:50 No. 461335 ID: f50094
File 134976900351.jpg - (41.18KB , 704x843 , #12 lies.jpg )

>>461331
I'm not under-dressed! I'm wearing half a top and a skirt.

>>461332
Yeah, people should be able to dress how they like, that therapist was clearly wrong.

Alright lets head to that landmark, keep an eye out for game trails \ fruit bearing plants. I bet your getting pretty hungry.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)01:46 No. 461351 ID: f50094
File 134977239427.jpg - (23.75KB , 626x576 , #fruits of labour.jpg )

>>461346
It's actually a much longer walk than it looked. En route to the statue you find a handful of berries and one discarded pear.

A discarded pear? This doesn't exactly seem like the most travelled route. Who is around to discard a pear. Oh well if its not too rotten eat it. Watch out for bugs \ worms if you care about that sorta thing... otherwise yum protein.

Can you tell edible berries from poisonous? If so nom on em if not. Save em for later.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)02:14 No. 461362 ID: f50094
File 134977405382.jpg - (39.80KB , 1018x750 , #14 The Doe.jpg )

>>461359
I put them both in my bag, if I start starving I'll risk it.

So this is the Doe. How impressive.

>>461362
What's that there, a mask or something?

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)02:38 No. 461364 ID: f50094
File 134977548154.jpg - (49.14KB , 995x763 , #15 mask.jpg )

>>461363
It's a wooden mask with two teeth and four eye holes. There's no markings on it or anything. What is it for?

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)02:47 No. 461366 ID: f50094
File 134977602519.jpg - (35.48KB , 840x646 , #15 chatty.jpg )

>Oh hello

he cool, someone else to talk to, wassup?

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)03:05 No. 461368 ID: f50094
File 134977714783.jpg - (44.96KB , 799x701 , fear.jpg )

>>461367
>Hey...

>>461368
Ask it HOLY SHIT WHY ARE YOU TALKING?!

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)03:17 No. 461371 ID: f50094
File 134977785650.jpg - (32.44KB , 723x675 , calmly talking.jpg )

>Thank you for not dropping me and running away, that means a lot to me you know.

>The last man who found me threw told me I was an evil spirit. I tried telling him I wasn't but he kept putting his fingers in his ears and singing hymns. Strange fellow.

>Anyway he took me out here one day and left me. I haven't seen anyone since.

>Sorry I haven't spoken to anyone for two months, I do hope I'm not bothering you.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)03:21 No. 461372 ID: f50094
File 134977809681.jpg - (22.31KB , 551x549 , #still calm.jpg )

>>461369

>Um... how are you talking?

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)03:38 No. 461373 ID: f50094
File 134977908602.jpg - (49.90KB , 1042x743 , very calm.jpg )

>Well you know, I was once summoned by a witch doctor, those men with the tendency to push bones through their faces. He used me to scare people but he got very upset one day when I realised that, being dead, I no longer needed to pause to take breaths while talking.

>I didn't want to upset the man but I very much wanted to persuade him to try talking out his problems instead of using me to, ahem, rough up people.

>He, er, got a little tired with me and locked my soul in this mask. I've sort of just been drifting around ever since.

>Gosh, I must say, well done on staying calm throughout all this, most people run away or try to break me, or set fire to me or something, never works, that old witch doctor knew what he was doing.

It's a bit disconcerting to have a conversation with a voodoo mask yes, but it would be rude to hurt or toss you without knowing you properly!

Wow, that mask talks a lot.

>>461373
Okay. Uh. Seems harmless enough. Ask him if he can do anything aside from talk.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)03:54 No. 461377 ID: f50094
File 134978009162.jpg - (35.63KB , 934x671 , still going.jpg )

>Have you had a good gander at this statue here? It's an interpretation of a doe, female deer if you didn't know, made by a man in Bwesk a rather long time ago. He found a huge black stone in the quarry and had it carted away here, just off the beaten track, and hammered it into this.

>Over the generations people started believing it was magic for some reason, that might be why that man left me here before. Perhaps he thought the good magic would purge the bad magic he perceived in me, never know do you?

>You're not the most talkative girl are you? That's a bit odd because I find, on the whole that women are the ones who talk the most out of any species. Oh yes, what species are you by the way? I've met quite a few in my time don't you know, but I've never seen one of you before, isn't that strange?

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)03:59 No. 461378 ID: f50094
File 134978034960.jpg - (24.68KB , 619x642 , shut up.jpg )

>>461376
God i hope so.

>>So can you do anything magical... or something?

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)04:15 No. 461380 ID: f50094
File 134978130216.jpg - (30.32KB , 875x629 , nattering again.jpg )

>Oh yes I can do many interesting magical things, I can predict the weather for tomorrow with sublime accuracy, I can see perfectly in the dark and even see magical essences or other ghosts.

>But I'm sure my most impressive ability is that if I am placed on the body of a corpse or skeleton I can recount the last few moments of their life.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)04:22 No. 461381 ID: f50094
File 134978172338.jpg - (32.15KB , 886x582 , intresting.jpg )

>I can also vibrate

>But I'm sure my most impressive ability is that if I am placed on the body of a corpse or skeleton I can recount the last few moments of their life.

HE'S... A voodoo mask, able to tell a victom's final moments!

SHE'S... Actually I'm not sure what the hell she is!

TOGETHER THEY FIGHT CRIME!

Aw sweet weather predictions are always useful!

Ask the Mask tomorrows weather and what will happen if we put the mask on our face.

Also ask if the mask has a name or can we start calling him Woody.

>>461385

I thought this was supposed to be wholesome quest :O

If the mask knows about its ability to read the memories of the dead, that means its been on corpses. Do not masturbate with something that has been on corpses, I'm fairly certain that isn't healthy.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)04:52 No. 461388 ID: f50094
File 134978353850.jpg - (50.76KB , 1138x761 , facts.jpg )

> Sunny until noon and then slightly cloudy mistress

>Oh do not wear me mistress, I am a mask for the dead. Being worn by a living body such as yourself will make both of us feel very ill very quickly.

>My name is Geraldine Fellatio, but I would much prefer to be called Woody, my name has been, uh, the subject of ridicule for most of my life so I prefer nicknames. No need to tell me your name mistress, if you own me my bindings force me to refer to you by that title alone.

>>461388
I think we should take ownership of the mask. Useful, harmless, but kinda gabby? Worth it. If he serves us well enough perhaps one day we can work on getting him out of the mask. Does he want to leave the mask someday?

Also, let's get going. We should be quite close to Bwesk.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)05:14 No. 461391 ID: f50094
File 134978488504.jpg - (29.45KB , 791x723 , strange request.jpg )

>>461389
>Well mistress, you took possession of me when you first picked me up. I am yours until such a time when you choose to be rid of me, discard me, or If I don't see you for a year at which point the magic assumes you to be dead or missing.

>Oh no I very much enjoy being a mask, eternal life, always meeting new people and being immune to pain or damage, why it's all a man could ever want.

>>461387
>Er, I'm sorry mistress, I'm not sure what you mean by 'have you been washed recently? I'd like to think of myself as clean but I have been on the ground for a while... Um, is that satisfactory?

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)05:35 No. 461393 ID: f50094
File 134978612317.jpg - (32.35KB , 887x631 , bagged.jpg )

>>461389
Yeah I should get going, the Doe is on map right next to Bwesk so I ought to be able to be there fairly soon and without getting lost. I'll take Woody with me, he will have his... uses.

>No that's allright Woody

>Oh, well, good, oh-um, I'll just stay in this bad them shall I? Don't mind me.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)05:56 No. 461394 ID: f50094
File 134978736229.jpg - (36.73KB , 752x711 , final.jpg )

And walking along this new-found path our heroine walks briskly towards the little town of Bwesk.

What tantalising and, above all, utterly wholesome tales await her in the next, and much more action oriented, chapter of Wholesome quest?



Sorry to end it so soon, but it is 2am in the morning here and I am weak and need sleep. I will resume with the second chapter tomorrow first thing. Nothing else to do. Hope you enjoyed it.

>>461394
The great thing about TGChan is that threads are long-lived and don't fall to the bottom quickly. You don't have to run in sessions, and threads can go on as long as you like.

>>461396
Thanks for telling me, I'm new to this questing lark. I suppose that just means Chapter two will be running in the same thread.

I kinda missed it. I blame time zones. When does Wholesome continue?

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)19:51 No. 461516 ID: f50094
File 134983749688.jpg - (30.96KB , 773x619 , Result.jpg )

Finally, I've reached Bwesk, that took a lot longer than I expected.

So were you just planning on laying low here, or moving on to somewhere else?

>>461401

Some quests run chapters in separate threads. I daresay most. The single thread thing is mostly characteristic of Jukashi. You only actually have to worry when your thread gets so long it takes a long time to load and thumbnails start eating people's computer memory. (That's right. I'm talking to you, Jukashi.)

That said, a single "chapter" can last many days or even months, and doesn't just have to be completed in one single session. So make your threads however long you want.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)20:07 No. 461521 ID: f50094
File 134983847543.jpg - (27.57KB , 860x708 , arived.jpg )

>>461518
Well, mainly lay low I guess, but there has to be something worthwhile to do around here.

I think Oscar (the guy I bought the map from) wrote down some advice for me. It 'll be more useful than the map I hope.

Read note from Oscar!

Get to reading

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)20:25 No. 461526 ID: f50094
File 134983952419.jpg - (56.80KB , 858x758 , got to reading.jpg )

>>461524
>>461525
That settles it, I should have bought a real map.

He meant well at least.

So... why do you have (or at least have the attention of) a therapist? Been hearing voices?

So you came here in search of a job? Take a look around and see if you can find a mining company or something.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)20:52 No. 461539 ID: f50094
File 134984113069.jpg - (46.50KB , 1167x782 , confesion.jpg )

>>461527
The voices aren't the problem, they just wander around suggesting stuff, never harmful at all. After all I'm not forced to obey or anything. He kinda was more interested in my, uh, vices. He said I had an addiction and a, tendency towards dangerous masochism, whatever that is.

>>461533
I came here to hide from him, and I am not capable of manual labour or an honest days work. I hunt treasure. Can't do much else.

For perspective, what is the most recent treasure (of any significance) you have found?

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)21:19 No. 461554 ID: f50094
File 134984276336.jpg - (32.55KB , 1100x692 , ehhh.jpg )

>>461553
Recently I got a whole ruby, but my biggest thing was half the shell of a dragon egg, I sold it to a wizard for research.

Masochism is taking pleasure from being harmed or degraded in some manner. It can be safe if you find a partner who knows what they are doing. But it definately unsafe if they don't since it can be taken too far.

Anyway bandits have loot, thats pretty damn close to treasure.

Do you have any treasure with you now (or any treasure hunting tools for that matter)?

>>461539
You came here to hide from... your therapist?

Let's check out the market.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)21:53 No. 461565 ID: f50094
File 134984483750.jpg - (31.34KB , 1075x662 , sigh.jpg )

>>461558
No, the therapist confiscated them, he called them tools for enabling a self-harm life style. Wordy prick. I mainly use my incredibly flexible body to sneak around anyway.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)22:06 No. 461567 ID: f50094
File 134984557473.jpg - (27.06KB , 984x593 , woundering.jpg )

>>461556
Sounds like it falls under that sure...

But I don't exactly choose my partners...

>>461562
I should buy something probably, I wonder if they accept rubies as payment?

Well if they don't accept rubies then you could probably just sell it somewhere else so you could buy stuff. No big deal

>>461565
He confiscated your treasure hunting tools?

Um, how do you normally hunt for treasure?

Why don't you clip your maskbro Woody onto the front of your top, tell him not to speak in public unless it's an emergency and instead vibrate if he notices anything that might need your attention? Like magical stuff the shop owner might have missed or lingering ghosts.

This is a mining town so if you are lucky there might be a place that deals specifically in gemstones and the like, but hopefully rubies are not in frequent supply.

salf 2012/10/09(Tue)23:59 No. 461593 ID: f50094
File 134985236719.jpg - (46.25KB , 810x711 , how to hunt.jpg )

>>461581
Treasure hunting's pretty easy. As a general rule Bandits hold as much loot as they can in caves or camps, you just poke around near where people have been robbed and follow any tracks you might find. Big monsters always have hoards of treasure on them, rule of nature. Most caves have gems in them if you get deep enough and magic tends to lead to valuable things. Also if you find a chest they always have treasure in them.

I had a grappling hook and some lock picks before the therapist took them away, but I always used stealth to nick little things. I can't fight at all but I can run away fast and I'm small enough to squeeze through gaps most can't get through.

>>461585
That might work.

Right then, first task is to sell a ruby or two, and buy some new treasure hunting supplies.

Why did you start seeing the therapist anyway? Did something bad happen to you?

salf 2012/10/10(Wed)00:33 No. 461601 ID: f50094
File 134985439025.jpg - (69.21KB , 1173x825 , magic bra.jpg )

>>461585
I don't have any way of clipping him on, so this will have to do. He'll have two of his eyes uncovered, that's enough to see anything right?

>Will do mistress... golly

>>461601
People are kinda staring. Maybe you can have him partially sticking out of your bag instead?

salf 2012/10/10(Wed)01:50 No. 461608 ID: f50094
File 134985903385.jpg - (35.96KB , 903x653 , Snug.jpg )

>>461607
But he's so snug.

>>461601
Er... Yeah. That's going to draw attention. Plus, Woody might have a bad history around here, or his previous owner could spot you.

If you're gonna have him out in Bwesk, you're gonna need to disguise him. Flip him upside down, paint him a different color, and stick some extra bits on. That should do it.

Get some string, tie it to him, and hang him off your neck, facing behind you. That way you have someone always watching your back. Oh! Could you make it so he's on the back of your head? Then you'd have the next best thing to having eyes in the back of your head.

Actually go ahead and keep him there, he'd make for an interesting conversation piece if anyone asks.

Can't we just steal new treasure hunting supplies?

Cant we just acquire said supplies in a completely unconscpicious manner?

He seems a bit obvious even if you hide him, its a mask afterall, and not some kind of sloth thing. Wouldnt it stick out? Why not be "obvious" and draw suspicious from yourself that way.

Well how long is it since someone else met Woody?
Ask around if there is a jeweler or trader around who deals in gems. I'm guessing you probably want some pocket money and some food. Perhaps another animal to keep as emergency food supply.

salf 2012/10/10(Wed)02:56 No. 461622 ID: f50094
File 134986297703.jpg - (48.65KB , 1056x775 , guile.jpg )

>>461609
Good point, I don't want Woody's old owner screaming witchcraft, but I'm not sure if I can get painting supplies in a mining and fishing village. Having him stick out of my handbag may present the same problem until I have a disguise for him, I'll keep him hidden for now.

>>461612
True, but I'm not sure I want to risk a zealot yelling me out of town.

>>461614
I'd rather not steal when I have money, well rubies. I'll steal if I've got no other options.

>>461621
Two months, and I would like another plump chicken to chew on.

salf 2012/10/10(Wed)04:17 No. 461627 ID: f50094
File 134986784761.jpg - (28.02KB , 923x610 , Shops.jpg )

>>461621
Oh, actually I think I saw a Jewellers when I walked in, hopefully they haven't dug up too many rubies in the quarry as of late.

>Hello?

salf 2012/10/10(Wed)04:20 No. 461628 ID: f50094
File 134986803804.jpg - (30.42KB , 846x672 , Customer.jpg )

>>Good morning, what can I do for you?

No one in? Don't let them trick you!

Ask for a value estimate on that treasure ruby gem. If it seems legit ask if he'd be willing to make you an offer. Try to lean over and show a glimpse of cleavage just in case sex appeal makes him more pliable.

Also explain that you are an experienced adventurer. Is there anything going on in town or does this shop need any assistance with some odd job or the like?

salf 2012/10/10(Wed)04:57 No. 461632 ID: f50094
File 134987023334.jpg - (44.16KB , 911x701 , Cleavage.jpg )

>>461630
Genius. I lean over far more than necessary and ask for him to appraise the ruby. He looks at little flustered but calmly views the gem and give me nice offer. The money's enough for some new treasure hunting equipment and a weeks worth of food.

I also mention my previous adventuring experience and ask if any jobs of my calibre are available.

salf 2012/10/10(Wed)05:42 No. 461635 ID: f50094
File 134987296535.jpg - (43.81KB , 1093x824 , three paths.jpg )

>Well recently people have been getting ambushed on the roads a little north of here, bandits have been jumping coaches and hiding all their stolen goods in a cave on the the big island. The Watch found out where they were hiding when one of the local lads went exploring and happened upon the cave. We would do something about it Madam, but the truth is, no one has been brave enough. The bandits are trolls you see. There's not a man living in Bwesk who can fight a troll.

>Also there's talk of a huge monster in the big forest west of here, they say it's a Snouter that grew almost as big as a house. That peeked your interest eh, even I know that monsters hoard treasure. Ah, but, I'd definitely stay away from that one Madam, it hasn't killed anyone but the, uh, monster has, a um... taste, for women.

>Oh, and recently; some of the miners have been finding very strange tunnels in the mines. They say they hear singing down them Madam, but miners are always prone to hearing strange things when underground. They just want stories to scare the other folk. The singing may be fictitious but the tunnels are, indeed, real. Might be something down there for an intrepid adventurer such as your self Madam.

Lets take care of the troll bandits first, it will help the community and probably get us some kind of reputation as a local hero.

First we should sell the ruby and go shopping.

With no fighting skills, I'd rather avoid the bandits. And going underground would require purchasing additional gear and has its own risks. Pitfalls and the like. The Snouter actually sounds like the safest option.

What does a Snouter look like anyway?

Troll bandits sound good. A creature that hasn't killed, and therefore could not have eaten anyone, but is confirmed to have a taste for women may not lead to the most wholesome consequences should we fail. Inform the gentleman that we are indeed 'no man' and we will handle these bandits post-haste.

Tunnels seem appealing. You have a mask that can see in the dark and all that. Huge advantage!

No deaths? Sounds like you can work off some tension with the monster without loss of life if it does capture you. However probably best to try hard to avoid it though.

This is worse than I thought. Your therapist is right! Your unhealthy mascochistic tentancies are going to get you killed one of these days! If I didn't know any better I'd say you were one of those heroes!

There's another wrinkle with the troll bandits: almost all the loot you'd collect would have once belonged to people in the town you'd be trying to sell it 'back' to. That might not work out so well.

>>461635
Sell the ruby, visit the tunnels. It's probably just dwarves down there, but it can't hurt to take a look.

I say go for the tunnels. You said yourself that fighting wasn't your thing, which would throw out fighting a monster almost immediately; and while you could get the treasure from the trolls, profiting off of someone else's misfortune without solving the problem just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

salf 2012/10/10(Wed)21:27 No. 461794 ID: f50094
File 134992964318.jpg - (47.48KB , 927x661 , Ruminating.jpg )

>>461642 >>461739
I can't fight the bandits true, but trolls aren't that brightest of creatures. I might be able to sneak around the cave quietly enough to find something of value and get out safely, but if all I'm doing is stealing stolen goods that wouldn't feel right. Especially considering it would probably cause more banditry. On the other hand, if I found a way to clear out the trolls I'm sure the town would thankfully lavish me with a cut of the loot, well something of value at least, free lodgings wouldn't go amiss. I think I should save them for last or until I find a sure fire way of getting rid of them.

>>461642 >>461671
The Snouter does sound tempting. They live in burrows and scratch up all the trees on the edge of their territory, finding it won't be hard and then all I have to do is hide in until it leaves it's burrow to go foraging or something. I could run in and grab what ever I wanted and flee before it came back. Of course if I let it catch me... which would be by, uh, accident, obviously, definitely wouldn't want that to happen, no, not at all. Ahem.

>>461649
The tunnels may be the smart choice, Woody can warn me of pitfalls if I hold him out in front of me. Probably isn't as much treasure compared with the other two options but if, perchance, a nice fat haul of gems awaits the first person to go exploring I don't want to be the second one down there. Yes, I'll do the tunnels first, start small and work up.

>>461719
I've sold the ruby, got a hefty bag of coins for it. This guy seems to have a decent grasp of local affairs, do I want to ask him anything else before I get going? Maybe even get a little more detail on the tunnels or bandits and such.

>>461794
Um, as for the Snouter, if it's almost as big as a house then unless his particulars are very small relative to his body you probably DO NOT want to get caught by it. Death by snoo snoo is not what you want, surely?

Ask the dude how many troll bandits there are, and where generally they're setting up ambushes. We wouldn't want to run into them accidentally. Also ask for the location of the tunnels.

Ask the guy how receptive the miners would be to being hired to guide you down to the tunnels, if you're there to investigate for them. Also ask if they'd loan or rent you some of their gear. Impact helmets, rope, hammer and climbing pins, safety lanterns (the kind designed to not ignite gas pockets), and that kind of thing. Perhaps they even have goggles enchanted with dark-vision you could use.

When you go to get supplies, don't forget to pick up a long length of strong twine to tie Woody to you, for when you're down in the tunnels.

And once you do this job for the miners, maybe you'll get access to mining explosives to make a trap for the snouter.

we are going to ride the snouter into the bandit caves wearing only a voodoo mask and some god coins

salf 2012/10/11(Thu)00:42 No. 461822 ID: f50094
File 134994137384.jpg - (36.65KB , 832x703 , Sizes.jpg )

>>461802
W-well the he said it never killed anyone, so all of the women must have survived. It can't really be a big as a house, you know how people are prone to hyperbole.

I bet it's just a reasonably big one, like, cow sized or something. Yeah, that's fine, must be that big. Surely.

>>461822
I'd vote for the Snouter first, I guess.

salf 2012/10/11(Thu)01:23 No. 461827 ID: f50094
File 134994381183.jpg - (34.97KB , 1081x724 , Nice guy.jpg )

Anyway I ask the jeweller about the bandits and the mine.

>>461802
>Oh you've got no chance of running into those bandits any where near town. The only place they've attacked is up on the north road near the bridge onto the big island. Not many people use the road but I suppose, for a criminal, it's better to steal a little in a remote place like this than it is to rob anyone on the King's roads and get chased down by patrolling knights. I wish we had some knights Madam, I'm sure they wouldn't be afraid of bunch of no good trolls.

>>461805
>Naturally the miners would be happy to lead you down the mines, they're just as curious as to what's down in the new tunnels as anyone Madam. Maybe even more so, since it is right next to their tunnels after all. I'm sure they'd loan you any equipment you needed, they don't want anyone getting stuck down their mine, they'd have to dig you out you see.

>You'll find the mine near the quarry Madam, can't miss that, up the road and turn right until you see the men with the helmets and pickaxes.

>Will that be all Madam? I'm supposed to be finishing the diamonds you see. Not to say that it hasn't been nice talking to you Madam, but, ah, I am still at work.

I think that's about it.

You could ask him if he has any personal tasks that could benefit from the help of a fine adventuress such as yourself. But other than that, nothing that I can think of.

The Snouter has my vote, but tunnels if not that. Basically, avoid the bandits for now.

I really like this quest OP, keep it up!

salf 2012/10/11(Thu)05:34 No. 461834 ID: f50094
File 134995887909.jpg - (57.56KB , 1298x852 , One or the other.jpg )

>>461830
I'd rather be treasure hunting than doing odd jobs, I've got money and some hunting spots so I don't really see the need. Anyway he just politely asked if he could get back to work, he's been so nice I should let him be for now.

The Snouter will still be an option after the caves, I vaguely recall someone telling me they are territorial so he'll stay put until I'm done. No I want first call on whatever is hidden in the tunnels. Mr Definitely-not-as-Big-as-a-House is next. Definitely next.

I'll buy some equipment then head off to the mine, it's about noon I reckon so I guess the mine will be open. Do mines close? It's not like it's any darker underground at night, eh, anyway, to the market.

salf 2012/10/11(Thu)06:02 No. 461836 ID: f50094
File 134996052241.jpg - (46.82KB , 1128x792 , Twine and rope.jpg )

>>461805
I bought some strong twine for Woody, for when we get underground, and some good thick rope because that's always useful. The Jeweller said the miners would be happy to loan me any proper mining equipment so don't think I need anything else right now. As far as journeying into the tunnels goes I think I'm set.

I can always come back to the market but for now I'll make my way towards the quarry.

Buy extra rations and water, in case you get trapped, or you end up down there longer than expected. Oh, and buy a basic lockpick set and the parts for a basic trap disarming kit, if they're available. You might end up in ancient ruins, which means locked doors and chests, and traps.

Head around to the mine head and let them know your intentions and see what gear they have. You may have to wait around for shift change to head down with the next group of miners, though, so if that's the case, get something to eat while you're waiting.

Aw I was going to suggest inviting the jeweller out for dinner when you return with gems and gold...

From the miners I guess ask for a lamp, some backup light, a hat or helmet and a pick axe. Maybe some pitons or whatever if you need to climb. Ask what they usually mine for. Ask woody if there is some way to mark your path. Like leaving magical pebbles he can see or something.

salf 2012/10/11(Thu)06:37 No. 461841 ID: f50094
File 134996266603.jpg - (49.73KB , 1064x781 , AWKward.jpg )

>>461837
Oh I did buy some food, I ate the chicken but kept the gummy bread wrapped up and saved it in my bag for later. I didn't want to eat the whole chicken right away, but the lady I bought it from got a bit upset when I bit it's head off and started making a bit of, what I'd call, an unnecessary fuss. I kinda swallowed the whole thing just so she'd stop screaming. Honestly it was just a bit of blood, got very riled up over nothing in my opinion.

I don't think there is such a thing as a basic trap disarming kit but if I ever see one in the future I'll be sure to buy it. To be honest they don't sell lock picks either, You just by some screw drivers from a tinker and then ask for a small bent bit of iron to twist in the locks. It works on the big clunky locks but I'm not practised enough in lock picking to pick the small fiddly ones anyway.

I'll be off to the mine now, I think I ought to get away from the chicken lady in any case.

Don't feel bad, I think the way you ate that chicken is pretty cool. She must just be overly sensitive.

Note to self - Don't eat live chickens in public without warning? Some people are just too squeamish...

Let's see what the miners say and what they have to offer a young attractive adventurer like yourself

Wow! You can eat an entire chicken in one go. That's impressive, if a little bit gluttonous. Have to remember that if you ever come across a chicken eating contest. Uh, your stomach feeling alright after that?

...Er, you still have your top on, right? You didn't lose it in that kerfuffle with the chicken, did you?

Anyway. Head on over to the miners and make your introductions.

You didn't pluck the feathers? Well uh, hope you enjoy coughing up featherballs.

salf 2012/10/11(Thu)19:56 No. 462028 ID: f50094
File 135001058928.jpg - (132.47KB , 1209x725 , Minesite.jpg )

>>461842
Very overly sensitive.

>>461851
I can open my mouth really wide, but, yeah, it's not the greatest experience to swallow most of a chicken. And I do still have my top on thank you.

Right, I see a bunch of miners hanging around, I'll talk to the one reading the maps, he looks important.

Well, time to introduce yourself. Say hello, and tell him you're here to investigate the noises. Since he's a professional miner, he'll know what safety equipment you'll need.

>>462028
Hey, there's someone over there with horns. I can't tell from here, is he the same unknown species as you?

salf 2012/10/11(Thu)20:26 No. 462044 ID: f50094
File 135001241939.jpg - (106.08KB , 950x855 , ello\'miss.jpg )

>>462038
The niddle eating the sandwich? Those are his ears, he's the same species as the Jeweller. I can't see anyone with horns further up unless you mean the human guy holding the pickaxe.

>>462035
I tell him why I'm here but before I can ask about mining equipment he cuts me off.

>Goodness Lass, ya' sayin' that ya' want ta poke around them strange little tunnels? Well blow me down we've been hopin' summ'un like you'd come along quick sharp once word got around. Right then Lass, you stay here an' I'll be back smoothly like, with the big man, he'll want to meet you an' no mistake.

>>462044
Sounds good!

I guess just wait for the "big man" to show.

salf 2012/10/11(Thu)20:43 No. 462049 ID: f50094
File 135001342680.jpg - (54.07KB , 604x440 , unsure.jpg )

That weird looking man just shouted nonsense at me and ran off, I'm so confused, what did he say? Did I do something wrong?

>>462047
Oh did you understand him? I'll uh, wait until be comes back.

>>462049
Hmm? Was that a different language or did you just not understand it through his accent? Basically, he said they've been looking forward to someone coming forward to check out the tunnels and he'll go get the guy in charge here.

He said "My goodness, young lady! You want to explore the tunnels I mine in, by way of poking them perhaps? They are very strange tunnels. Amazing! We have been hoping someone like you would come, once we started telling people there was a problem. Everything seems about right, young lady. You stay here and wait, and I shall return with a man who while not actually big I refer to as big in a metaphorical sense because he holds some authority over me."

>>462049
Er, yeah. That particular accent just kinda... happens, if you grow a beard like that when you're a miner. Spontaneous dorfiness, I think it's called. Bad enough in some places that they need full time translators to talk to the merchants.

Anyway. Just sit tight, and he'll bring around the boss to talk to ya.

salf 2012/10/11(Thu)21:19 No. 462054 ID: f50094
File 135001557406.jpg - (97.49KB , 852x649 , The bigman.jpg )

>>462050
I'm sure he was trying to speak Common, at least I'm pretty sure it wasn't another language.

>>462051
Thank god, I was getting nervous.

Oh look he's coming back, and he's bringing another man with him.

>So you're blue lady who who wants to snoop around our mystic tunnels, very nice to meet you I'm Mr Swing, owner of these mines. Dear oh dear have we been waiting for you a long time.

>>462054
Ask what you can try to do.

Have his workers been having problems aside from the appearance of strange tunnels and singing?

salf 2012/10/11(Thu)21:50 No. 462059 ID: f50094
File 135001743354.jpg - (94.21KB , 877x653 , Handshakes.jpg )

He radiates cheerful enthusiasm. Also he hasn't let go of my hand.

>You've been waiting for me?

>Goodness me, yes Miss, indeed we have. All the boys were very excited when I told them; someone has finally come along to explore the singing tunnels that have been popping up. Ever so glad you made it Miss all of them, we've been waiting six weeks Miss, that's when the tunnels first turned up.

>>462056
Problems Miss? A cave-in at least once a month like clockwork but that's been happening since long before I owned the place. No Miss the boys are just curious, we have quotas to fill and mines to dig so we haven't the time nor inclination to go tunnelling open whole caverns just to see what's there. That's a four week job Miss, can't go wasting a whole month's wages on a singing hole can we?

>>462059
It sounds like they really really want your help. Bring up your pay. Don't do this work for free.

OK he's obviously hiding something. A lot of things. Oh what the hell, that'll just make it more fun!

Cool. They're just curious about it and really want someone to poke around for them. That's perfect! Ask him if you can borrow some cave-going equipment because you don't have any of your own.

salf 2012/10/11(Thu)23:18 No. 462076 ID: f50094
File 135002273587.jpg - (98.99KB , 878x644 , shake it up.jpg )

>>462061
I'm not sure you can fake this level of keenness, my hand is going numb.

>>462060
>Oh standard adventurer's fee Miss, whatever you can fit in you're pockets when we're not looking. And I'm sure the boys can have a whip round if you don't find anything, just as a thank you for helping us sate our curiosity so to speak. I mean it Miss, another week and I think the work crews would have been digging on their days off just to see what was down there.

>>462069
>Don't you worry I'll be kitting you up myself Miss, couldn't live with myself if you got stuck down my own mine because I was to stingy to help you.

>>462055
>Come with me Miss, I'll show you some gear and then take you down to where to first tunnel appeared. That's as good a starting place as any Miss and no mistake.

Okay, we'll want to clarify a few things. First, he said that the tunnels suddenly started springing up. Does that mean singing started coming from existing tunnels, or there were suddenly new tunnels where there were none before?

Second, have the workers around those tunnels shown any strange behavior or conditions? Because hypnotic music is quite popular among some supernatural beasties.

Well he has strong hands...
Guess that's just how things work in these parts. Very nice of them. Adventuring has its perks.
Go along to get your kit. Ask what they normally mine for here.

salf 2012/10/12(Fri)00:57 No. 462091 ID: f50094
File 135002865949.jpg - (65.50KB , 531x416 , My hand smarts.jpg )

>>462078
>We actually have two veins Miss, one long one of coal and a some steams of iron.

>>462077
>Yes the tunnels just turn up, one day we have nice neat walls and the next we have a tunnel humming tunes all day and annoying the workers. It's been giving us no end of ear ache Miss. No real strange behaviour, but Brian in shaft four has taken to slinging his fishing hook down the tunnels. He says he wants to catch sirens Miss. We've told him Brian, sirens live out at sea and sing at boats to sink them but he doesn't listen.

salf 2012/10/12(Fri)01:19 No. 462094 ID: f50094
File 135002994474.jpg - (76.04KB , 841x529 , Take your PICK.jpg )

Ok, Mr Swing has left me here to take grab whatever I want to take with me in the tunnels. He's got to sort out a mine shaft quickly before he shows me to the tunnel I'll be going down.

I can see a bunch of stuff but what do I take with me? If you think of anything I'll rummage around for it, it might be hidden in a crate or something.

A lamp, spare fuel for the lamp, pickaxe, more rope, chalk to mark your way, and a helmet. Pitons if you know how to use them, though I doubt it. Maybe some charcoal and paper to try to make a map. Definitely no explosives.

That. Especially the helmet. You will bump your head in narrow tunnels. maybe some gloves for your girly hands.

Maybe something you can use as earplugs if the singing turns out to be annoying or not very good.

Oh, well, just take everything you can carry and if we find something cool down the line you'll just drop some crap to make room for it.

salf 2012/10/12(Fri)05:06 No. 462132 ID: f50094
File 135004360457.jpg - (80.49KB , 816x536 , My hands are huge.jpg )

>>462102
I don't have girly hands, I have huge broad hands. Well, ok, maybe that's girly in my species but compared to niddles and humans my hands are brutishly masculine. Great, now I'm getting all self conscious about my hands, thanks a lot. Regardless I don't need gloves, my skin's very thick.

>>462100
The lamp and spare fuel are in my bag along with rope and and chalk. I don't know what pitons are or how to use them so they'll be staying behind. I will take the pickaxe but I'm not digging anywhere unless I see something very expensive.

Also, um , none of the helmets fit, it's the horns. Wow, now I feel really self conscious.

Your hands and horns are lovely, don't worry about it.

That's just about everything you need. Maybe grab a sack for loot. A looting sack. Your bag is looking somewhat full.

To adventure!

That guy was pretty suspicious. Maybe you should speak to one of the others guys. You know, ask for their opinion on these singing tunnels.

salf 2012/10/12(Fri)05:46 No. 462135 ID: f50094
File 135004600633.jpg - (49.13KB , 495x376 , horns.jpg )

>>462133
Hmmm...

salf 2012/10/12(Fri)05:56 No. 462139 ID: f50094
File 135004660281.jpg - (61.00KB , 440x471 , Don\'t shout.jpg )

>>462133
What? Oh, right, looting sacks, good idea. I'll grab one, sure.

salf 2012/10/12(Fri)06:59 No. 462147 ID: f50094
File 135005037793.jpg - (83.07KB , 833x521 , Mr Swing\'s back.jpg )

>>462134
I will if I get the chance. No real person can be that aggressively cheerful.

Oh look he's back.

>Are you done? Great, let's get going, the boy's are all on break so they can watch. Don't want to keep the whole mine on standstill for too long now do we?

Man, he is /really/ suspicious. It is absurd how suspiciously he acts. Oh well, some people are just like that. Caution him that it wont be a very good show, just you going in a tunnel and probably not coming back out for some hours. His enthusiasm is appreciated though. Even if it is a bit... creepy.

Don't say that last bit.

Are you very new to this adventuring and tunnel exploring? Maybe this is just how things are done in this culture.

Ask what there is to watch. You're just walking into a dark hole... Well maybe you could make a ceremony out of it. Ask if you can ride his shoulders on the way to the entrance. You know for the miners morale.

Try and find a gas mask, or something similar. And some goggles.

Also, perhaps some padding for your elbows and knees, and/or heavy boots.

It occurs to me that if you don't use the pickaxe it will just slow you down. Put it back.

Put the pickax back; They're really only good for imprecisely breaking up big rocks. Anything in the rock that's obviously valuable, and small enough for you to carry, will need precision to get out. You'll need a hammer and stone chisel for that, so ask Mr. Suspiciously-Cheerful where those are, so you don't waste more time.

Oh, and when you go into the singing tunnel, have the miners tie the longest rope they have around your waist, and the other end to a solid object; Possibly a winch, if they have one that's bolted down. This is in case something nabs you when you go in.

salf 2012/10/12(Fri)20:06 No. 462315 ID: f50094
File 135009756685.jpg - (123.58KB , 952x729 , Swing and Miss.jpg )

>>462148
Yeah, I'm not sure anything I say is going to persuade him. He's like a tidal wave of good natured enthusiasm. Also he's not listening to me.

>>462167
But I don't want to ride on his shoulders.

>>462224
He's already dragged me out of the tool shed. If all the miners are coming to watch maybe I could just ask to borrow a pair or something. This is so strange.

>>462315
Could you carry that stuff in a less awkward fashion?

>>462322
Yeah, maybe one of the miners would loan you a belt, so you could hang it from your waist. You'd stick it in the waistband of your mini-skirt thing, but that'd just end up exposing your nethers to the world.

salf 2012/10/12(Fri)21:36 No. 462340 ID: f50094
File 135010299605.jpg - (83.35KB , 778x568 , Crowded.jpg )

>Well boys we're in luck today, this kind lady has offered to explore the new tunnels we have all been racking out brains over for the last six weeks. Hopefully she can get to the bottom of this mysterious singing that's been bothering us for so long.

They nod approvingly, some clap.

>I must thank you again Miss, any last requests before you boldly dive in?

Yeah. If you don't make it back, you'd like someone to mail your therapist a letter saying he was right. Oh, and a belt or holster or something to hang this pickax from.

After that, lean down to crawl into the hole (inadvertently giving all the miners a good view of your ass.) Think you could hang that lantern from your horns to keep your hands free?

>>462347

You'd like someone to mail a letter if you don't return. Its contents are of the utmost secrecy. (It's a letter saying to your therapist he was right, but don't tell them that!)

salf 2012/10/12(Fri)22:26 No. 462354 ID: f50094
File 135010599459.jpg - (77.36KB , 569x640 , good to go.jpg )

>>462351
I'm not mailing shit to my therapist, he's a judgemental prick.

>>462310
They don't have any gas masks, but one of the miners said that it's unlikely that there are any gas pockets anyway. He explained why but I didn't understand it, lots of mining jargon and long words.

The pickaxe won't even fit down the hole. A human pulled a hammer and chisel out of his big leather mining belt and handed them to me. Then Mr Swing asked for two volunteers to stay behind and hold the other end of the massive rope he had brought out of the tool shed. If I want out of the tunnels, I yank twice on the rope and the guys on the other end pull me to safety.

Ok, I'm going in.

salf 2012/10/12(Fri)22:59 No. 462356 ID: f50094
File 135010797821.jpg - (87.74KB , 956x796 , I\'m in.jpg )

They cheered as I went in and applauded a little. Then they all went real quiet and started whispering. It was a bit creepy.

It's a little cramped in here, I'll crawl until I reach a junction or on opening I suppose.

Stop and listen for any noises.

I hope they didn't go silent because you flashed them real good.

You got natural dark-vision or something? 'Cause you forgot to pull out the lantern and put it ahead of you. You also forgot to put your bag where you could pull out Woody as well.

>>462356
Yep, they're hiding something. Either that or your skirt got pulled off on the way in. Best keep your tail low, just in case.

>>462356

Secure your top lest it get pulled off and make this quest unwholesome.

salf 2012/10/13(Sat)00:22 No. 462365 ID: f50094
File 135011293239.jpg - (77.08KB , 858x716 , This went well.jpg )

>>462347
>>462358
...Oh...

>>462362
Y'know, after that, I wouldn't be surprised.

Quick, ask him to pass you the condom!

>>462365
Well they just saw your underwear, big deal. Keep crawling, now. You need to find the caves so you can get the lantern in action.

>>462367

For some reason I very much doubt that she is wearing undergarments.

salf 2012/10/13(Sat)01:17 No. 462371 ID: f50094
File 135011627406.jpg - (79.93KB , 881x676 , Woody.jpg )

>>462366
What? What condom?

>>462357
I don't hear anything yet, I'll be sure to pay attention.

>>462359
I thought I'd wait until I had room, pushing a lantern in front of me in a cave this narrow wouldn't be worthwhile. I do run the risk of missing something though, I'll pull out Woody, he can sort of scout ahead.

>I'll alert you if I see anything valuable, or dangerous Mistress.

>>462371

Listen a bit. Can you hear any singing?

Squeeze further forward, so your rear isn't on display for the miners anymore. Hope your hips don't get stuck in a narrow bit.

salf 2012/10/13(Sat)02:21 No. 462380 ID: f50094
File 135012006730.jpg - (87.40KB , 1051x612 , Light up.jpg )

>>462370
...

>>462374
My hips get through no problem, I'm as surprised as you are. I've come out into a little cave. There's plenty of room now so I'll turn on my lantern.

>>462372
I think I hear a faint humming sound. It's not singing but it could be a voice, I really can't tell.

There's a few exits here, what should I do?

>>462380
The best thing to do would be to avoid going up or down until you feel you have comfortably explored the current level you are on. Adding a 3rd dimension right away doesn't help when you are trying to get the lay of an area.

>>462384
Yep, stick to this level. Going up or down in these tight tunnels will be hard.

Now would be a good time to get out that chalk and start marking. Put an arrow on each side of the exit, pointing to it, and an "X" on each side of the tunnel entrance you choose, to mark that you went in that way. Break the chalk in two and keep the extra piece in your bag, in case you lose the first piece somehow.

Just go straight forward for now.

salf 2012/10/13(Sat)03:40 No. 462394 ID: f50094
File 135012485886.jpg - (79.18KB , 1048x594 , Straight ahead.jpg )

>>462386
Two arrows on the exit and one cross above the tunnel I'm going down.

>>462384
>>462391
Makes sense, I'll only explore tunnels on my level for now.

...Huh. That upward tunnel entrance is a kinda lewd shape. Ah, well. Onwards and downwards!

Explore! Anything interesting in view?

Nothing much to see here I guess. Keep going with your ears open.

salf 2012/10/13(Sat)21:01 No. 462673 ID: f50094
File 135018730081.jpg - (88.22KB , 1140x681 , second cave.jpg )

>>462396
What an unwholesome thought. But, uh, yeah it does doesn't it.

>>462405
I'm in a second cave, a lot bigger than the first by the looks of it. There's another tunnel below me, very steep, but it's nothing I can't handle. There's more cave ahead of me, I'll stick to this level like you suggested.

>>462419
I hear the humming more clearly now. Oh, and water, there's water dripping down above me.

Water is good! You won't die of dehydration if you get stuck in here. Unless it's poisonous, that is. Look up to see where it's coming from.

Can you follow the humming to its source? If you can't tell what direction it's coming from, just look for the rooms in which it's louder.

Mark your entrance tunnel with the chalk. Don't bother with the water; You aren't thirsty yet, right?

Try tying your rope to Woody and lowering him down the tunnel so he can check if the humming is louder that way. It'll save you a trip if it isn't.

>>462673
That is the first bit of color I've ever seen. Maybe it's special water? Try drinking a bit.

Yeah, the voices in your head can also see, for however you want to interpret that.

>>462685
this strikes me as a good idea for some reason.

salf 2012/10/13(Sat)23:46 No. 462741 ID: f50094
File 135019718845.jpg - (80.41KB , 1114x671 , Drop down.jpg )

>>462689
Sometimes you notice things I don't, so I guessed that already. You must see what I see but focus differently? I don't know. Weird.

>>462685
>>462725
Tastes strange. Not like a magical kind of strange just, cave water strange.

>>462678
>>462680
I'm not too thirsty yet no. The humming is more clear but it could be coming from further ahead or down below I can't tell. I'll try lowering Woody into the tunnel.

>Sounds just about as clear Mistress. Not much of a difference to be honest, sorry to disappoint.

Alright, that rules out going that way for now.

Ask Woody to estimate how far down to the bottom it is, then haul him back up. Continue onward into this cavern.

Best not drink any more cave water unless you have a good reason to. You might get some nasty gut illness or something from it, and a case of the runs is the last thing you want while spelunking.

To be fair the cave water is most likely perfectly sterile, just highly mineralized. aka funny tasting and not especially good to drink. Thanks for trying though. We're still new at this.

Thank Masky with a big hug.

Just keep going forward.

>>462741
Try humming something yourself. Or shouting, maybe. Test the acoustics out on this cave.

salf 2012/10/14(Sun)02:27 No. 462767 ID: f50094
File 135020686673.jpg - (97.59KB , 816x783 , Hugs.jpg )

>>462747
Two and a half meters of rope down, I asked Woody to tell me when he hit bottom for a more accurate measurement than: looks a bit far.

>>462757
Nice to have a friend I can put in my pocket.

>Golly.

salf 2012/10/14(Sun)03:08 No. 462769 ID: f50094
File 135020930109.jpg - (79.84KB , 853x604 , Eels.jpg )

>>462760

salf 2012/10/14(Sun)03:09 No. 462770 ID: f50094
File 135020934115.jpg - (94.84KB , 716x684 , Screaming.jpg )

>>462766
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Tunnel Shark!

Oh god. Are you okay? Get away from that thing! Get to a tunnel it can't get through!

Try to tell if that's the thing making the humming noises, while slowly backing away, and putting the hole in the floor between you and it. If you're lucky, it's too big to fit through that opening.

If it can get through that opening, and starts coming for your, dash back, and dive into the way you came in.

I think I know what made these holes. Watch out for that things babies.

leave.
like now
like yesterday
leave run hide flee

Keep the light between you and that thing. It might be blinded.

Its a Quorray Eel. I thought those things only lived in Ghastly Gorge.

Hey, a new critter. Maybe it's friendly.

Put some distance between you and it. If it's a nice monster, it'll understand. If not, leaving is something you need to do sooner rather than later.

Also, if threatened, shout something like "Giant cave monster!" Information is key; there have been a lot of problems which could have been avoided by well-chosen panicked shouting.

Remember your training, run around in circles, wave your arms, and keep yelling.

Say hi.

"When in danger or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout." --Robert A. Heinlein, "The Cat Who Walks Through Walls"

salf 2012/10/14(Sun)22:48 No. 463143 ID: f50094
File 135028010554.jpg - (84.14KB , 1076x639 , Heart\'s a thumping.jpg )

>>462779
I did. I think I can hear my heart smacking my chest, I can certainly feel it. Usually I'm quite good at keeping calm but, god, that thing came out of nowhere.

>>462772
It didn't follow me at all, I don't think it even moved.

I may have, just possibly, overreacted.

You should probably shout down the entrance that you saw a huge creature but are okay. Maybe ask if they have a brighter lantern?

Yeah, you may have overreacted, but better safe than sorry when dealing with a critter who's head is taller than you are.

Lay down next to the entrance and rest until your heart stops feeling like it's going to leap out of your chest.

Shout up the entrance that you're okay; You were just startled by some honkin' huge critter. Describe it to the miners to see if they have ever seen or heard of something like it.

>>463148
Yeah, ask if they have a brighter lantern, and failing that, a reflector for your lantern to direct the light forward.

>>463143
Peek back in. If darkness conceals it, ask your mask buddy if it's still there and if it moved at all.

Possibly yell through the tunnel that you're still okay.

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)00:05 No. 463163 ID: f50094
File 135028471794.jpg - (84.59KB , 1157x687 , Lots of shouting.jpg )

>>463151
Ok, I feel better now.

I yelled down the tunnel. The miners said that there are eels in the river nearby but not much larger than a meter. They tried to nonchalantly ask exactly how big it was, I told them it was about four times the size of the exit tunnel. I think that cheered them up.

>>463148
Apparently the lanterns come in two sizes, this size and slightly smaller, shame. They did send down a reflector however.

Where now? Back to check on the Eel or should I try exploring somewhere else?

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)00:14 No. 463164 ID: f50094
File 135028528584.jpg - (67.63KB , 1205x718 , Caution.jpg )

>>463159
I'll do that now, I didn't hear anything but I am not taking any chances with that monster.

>All clear Mistress, the Eel has not moved at all.

Good. Very good. I hope it stays that way.

Ask Woody if it's moving in any way, shape, or form. Like, eye and mouth movement. It may be a fake or illusion of some sort.

Stick the reflector on the lantern, place it on the ground at the entrance, and point it towards the giant eel to illuminate it and the cavern. Creep towards it around the edge, picking up a pebble on the way. Once you're close enough, lob it at the eel and see if it responds.

>>463164
I think we should just go into other tunnels before messing with the eel. Try the one closest to the entrance for now. The one that goes slightly up.

Also uh yeah, your skirt falls forwards when you go down on your hands and knees.

>>463164

Your terror is adorable, by the way.

>>463167
...Er, yeah, that skirt does lose a lot of coverage when you aren't standing up. Which in your profession, happens more often than with most people.

Maybe put "get tailored shorts" on the mental to-do list for after you're done with this job. At least buy some underwear, 'k?

Until then, try and keep your tail down as much as you can when in positions like that.

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)02:04 No. 463176 ID: f50094
File 135029189248.jpg - (78.95KB , 737x927 , Focus please.jpg )

>>463168
>>463172
That is highly irrelevant. Please focus.

My terror is not remotely adorable and I do, for your information, own pants. I just don't like wearing them that's all. It's my tail ok, c-certainly no other reason, gosh you people, don't you have anything better to do. Jeeze.

>>463176
You say it's irrelevant but you won't be thinking that if this comes back to figuratively and literally bite you in the ass.

>>463176
Gosh. Okay.

You're getting closer to the down hole if you wanna go in that one instead. It was at least as close as this passage to the humming... Or you could go examine the eel a bit closer...

>>463176
Alright, alright; You like the feel of the breeze on your skin (or is it scales?) That's fine. Just gotta remember in the future to make sure nobody is behind you when you bend down or are crawling about.

Okay, now... What were you doing? ...Ah, yes. You were going to sneek over and throw pebbles at that giant eel.

>>463176
You like to leave nothing to the imagination. Got it.

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)03:07 No. 463192 ID: f50094
File 135029562562.jpg - (74.60KB , 681x923 , Grumpy.jpg )

>>463186
>>463181
Hmmff...

>>463184
>>463185
I'm gunna' throw rocks at that eel now.

>>463192
Pebbles. Don't piss it off! Much!

Let's hope it's just a piece of art or something then.

Something to keep in mind, here: even if the eel can't get out the entrance tunnel, you can't get through it in a hurry. You have to crawl.

I'm assuming (since it lives in this tunnel,) that the eel can fit through most of the tunnels, just not the entrance. It might be able to get to you before you get out, and if it does, you'll be rather helpless.

...just have another escape route in mind, okay?

Stay at least partially in the tunnel while throwing the rocks, and prepare to make a quick escape if it suddenly moves. We don't know whether or not it's hostile, or how fast it moves.

Try not to hit it in the eye.

>>463271
Alternatively hit it right in the eye it's not like he's going anywhere.

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)22:48 No. 463415 ID: f50094
File 135036652902.jpg - (67.66KB , 811x555 , Tossin\' rocks.jpg )

>>463267
Don't worry, I am not going any nearer to that thing than I have to.

>>463255
The new lantern reflector gadget lights up the eel from all the way over here. Here being the entrance cavern where one of my feet is firmly planted in the exit tunnel.

>>463197
>>463271
Noted. Throwing now.

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)22:53 No. 463416 ID: f50094
File 135036680911.jpg - (67.92KB , 812x579 , Trying again.jpg )

CLACK tink

>>463416
Come on you are never gonna hit it throwing like a little girl throw that rock like you mean it!

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)23:03 No. 463421 ID: f50094
File 135036742517.jpg - (68.20KB , 812x579 , And again.jpg )

>>463417
I'm getting there, no need to rush.

Ok, right, this time for sure.

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)23:11 No. 463423 ID: f50094
File 135036789463.jpg - (68.63KB , 806x577 , Getting there.jpg )

CLACK tink



...this is not my strong point...

>>463421
You could probably get a liiitle close without too much risk. Unless those were just test throws.

okay quick throwing lesson.
fist stand up. stand with your throwing arm facing away from where you are throwing, then step forward with the foot opposite of the throwing arm and and get your whole body into the throw, don't just throw with your arm.

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)23:17 No. 463428 ID: f50094
File 135036824082.jpg - (69.56KB , 818x601 , You may pitty her if you so chose.jpg )

CLACK tink

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)23:21 No. 463429 ID: f50094
File 135036850848.jpg - (69.43KB , 818x601 , Sad.jpg )

>>463425
I can do this guys, I can do this.

CLACK tink

>>463427
Didn't work. that one was clearly your fault and did not count.

Throw rocks into its eyes.

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)23:30 No. 463431 ID: f50094
File 135036900672.jpg - (69.47KB , 810x582 , Unrestrained joy.jpg )

squelch


YES

That thing is big, fat, and especially stupid. It does not seem to react to any stimulus.

>squelch

Oh no. Looks like it's not an artful statue then. Keep your escape route firmly in mind.

>>463431
what did you do? WHAT DID YOU DO!?

salf 2012/10/15(Mon)23:53 No. 463436 ID: f50094
File 135037041363.jpg - (66.17KB , 812x566 , Gurgle.jpg )

>Gggggunngggggnnggg

>>463432
Big, fat and very very slow. Y'know it's a lot less frightening once you realise that it's got the reaction times of a brick wall.

>>463436
Alright, let's leave it alone now. It can't even talk, and it's not moving out of its hole either. Go down that passage!

>>463437
No don't just walk away! Try talking to it. Maybe it got stuck down here and needs some help?

If it can talk, it'll say something. For now, keep pelting it in the eyes.

>>463436

Get a little closer and throw a bigger rock.

Oh wow. You've found a fish vein. The miners can now mine for fish.

yeah, that hole seems really dangerous, since your rope doesn't reach the bottom. Go to the Top Tunnel.

>>463448
Sure it does. It's 2.5 meters to the bottom. That's like 8 feet. No problem.

salf 2012/10/16(Tue)01:58 No. 463451 ID: f50094
File 135037788001.jpg - (55.54KB , 568x445 , Chat to the eel.jpg )

>>463444
>>463445
I don't think eels are particularly renowned for their powers of speech, but it is giant, and therefore possibly magical so who knows. I'm sure it will speak up If I throw more rocks at it. I'm not sure I look forward to the conversation if it does though.

>>463446
Only a little closer. I don't want to have any part of me bitten off.

>>463451
It's not like you have anything to lose by trying to talk to it.

>>463451
You really should be looking for gems and shit rather than messing with a giant eel that might be the only thing between you and several thousand gallons of water.

I'm saying he's plugging a hole in the ocean.

salf 2012/10/16(Tue)02:21 No. 463455 ID: f50094
File 135037927727.jpg - (66.62KB , 824x567 , Thud.jpg )

>>463452
>Hello? Sorry for throwing rocks at you. Um, any chance you understand me?

Nope, it can't speak. I, uh, threw the rock just encase. Looks like it can barely feel. It may have only noticed the first rock because it hit it's eyeball, eyeballs are universally squishy. I heard even rock golems wince when you bounce something of their eyes.

>>463453
Yeah I should get back to exploring. Am I going down the steep tunnel or back and up the lewdly shaped one?

>>463455
This area is closer to the humming, so let's go down the steep tunnel. You're sure you can climb back out, right?

Down the steep one for now, provided you can definitely come back up. We'll probably check the other one for treasure later though.

Yeah, enough playing with the giant eel creature for now. Head down the tunnel in this cave, and don't forget to mark it. Is there a solid place to anchor your rope?

Ask Woody if he knows anything about magical giant eels, or tunnels appearing out of nowhere. For that matter, ask him why he isn't blathering personal commentary; You thought he was the type to talk.

You know, there's a pretty good chance there's spatial displacement magic going on here. These caverns and tunnels might end up connecting anywhere, so if you do find an exit to the outside, don't take it. They have a nasty habit of closing up as soon as adventurers pass through.

Go up, it's further from the eel. If the eel moves forwards and lies on the steep downwards tunnel then you will be stuck there.

>>463455

Looks like this is one of those Weird Puzzle Shit things where you need a specific item to make it go away.

>>463455
Is this thing even alive? Maybe this isn't what it appears to be..

Suggestion 2012/10/16(Tue)23:36 No. 463937 ID: f50094
File 135045576277.jpg - (66.85KB , 992x652 , Away from eels.jpg )

>>463457
>>463456
I'm confident I can climb out, the walls are dry and full of handholds. It'll be a struggle but not dangerous.

>>463499
Now that is a scary prospect, I do not like the thought being suck in a dark cave under a giant eel. On the other hand it hasn't moved yet and might be stuck. I'll risk it.

>>463469
I can push the rope under one of the bigger rocks. I yanked on it to test it a few times and it stuck firm. I'm not sure why Woody's being so quiet, I was curious, but I didn't want to ask in case he stopped.

>Oh there's nothing magical in the king's rivers Mistress. The old witch doctor told me that ages ago. He said that these two wizards had had a magical spat of sorts and the victor blew the losers tower into the river. The building to made to contain all his spells so no one knew what he was working on, secretive fellow that one, so the stones of the tower suck magic out of the river, so to speak.

>The Eel itself is possibly magical Mistress but, uh, I do admit that I know very little about water creatures. It could have grown in the tunnels I suppose. Only if, of course, the tunnels were created by magic, or dug by something magical, for instance an Ogg. If so then it could have been affected by a haywire spell.

>You know Marvin's Law Of Great Collapse Mistress? Quite impressive for a non-wizard. Yes Mistress if you see an exit from the tunnels that is suspect, that is to say looks like it exits at a point very unlike the entrance, leaving via that tunnel will twang the magic. Twanging being the term for interacting with spell or charm so that reality catches on and removes it. Mages of all sorts go on and on about twanging Mistress, it's a tool of the trade in a way.

>>463937
Lower the lantern down first, so you can see what you're descending into. Plus maybe we can get a look around before you go down and see things you can't.

>>463937
What's the Law of Great Collapse?

>>463947
The magic law of tunnels closing up as soon as aventurers pass through them.

Woody is answering the questions Ring asks, which are the questions >>463469 asked.

salf 2012/10/17(Wed)01:27 No. 463961 ID: f50094
File 135046247948.jpg - (70.19KB , 917x700 , Eel slime.jpg )

>>463938
Nothing but tunnel. I asked Woody as well but he couldn't see anything but rocks.

The humming's getting a lot louder. Whatever's causing it has to be coming from the cavern above me but I can't get up there. The tunnel basically bends straight up and it's covered in what, I am going to assume, can only be eel slime.

There's no way I'm getting up here right now, I should explore elsewhere. There has to be another way in. Come to think of it the eel is probably blocking one if the entrances. Not that I want to try and move it, unless it turns out to be the only thing I can do.

Ew. Okay, last entrance! Enter the lewd tunnel.

salf 2012/10/17(Wed)03:48 No. 463986 ID: f50094
File 135047090121.jpg - (80.31KB , 1067x714 , Upper caves.jpg )

>>463962
Gladly, may I never need smell eel juice again.


The rope made the climb back up easy. The eel still hasn't moved if you were wondering.

The lewd tunnel only goes up about a meter, I must be just above the eel's cavern. I think this was part of the mine a long time ago. It looks like it caved in when someone was working. Poor guy.

Rummage through his remains to see if you can find anything useful/valuable. Grave robbing is a time honoured tradition amongst adventurers.

Then give us a look out over the water, assuming the cave does not extend further to the right.

The miners would no doubt be interested in getting his mining equipment back and knowing who he is. Might not be able to search him but I bet what's left of that pick axe would be worth grabbing.

Woody did say that he can recount the last moments of a corpse's life. Test it out.

Oooh totally. Put Woody on that skull!

Also that had better not be a pool of snot to the left there.