Alright, considering all the other tricks this guy's pulled out it's still probably for the best that you keep your distance. Get the nearest gun and finish this guy off, then make sure that everyone is alright.

August 2013/04/06(Sat)11:29 No. 504247 ID: 88f964
File 136527297765.png - (319.63KB , 930x630 , 962.png )

He twitches and I kick the metal cup into his face, lunging for the shotgun whilst his tendrils curl towards the crystal blade.

August 2013/04/06(Sat)11:38 No. 504248 ID: 88f964
File 136527350833.png - (305.10KB , 930x630 , 963.png )

We hug the gully, snatching up the rifle as ribbons of flesh sorcery buzz overhead, brushing our ears. Back screams in pain... dust and fur clotting in the raw wound... keep moving... gain distance.

August 2013/04/06(Sat)11:51 No. 504253 ID: 88f964
File 136527427617.png - (187.44KB , 930x630 , 964.png )

We pull around for the shot just up the slope. Wyrdeyes recoils in fear, too tangled in himself to dodge or strike back.

"No! Pl-p-plea-"
"No. Too late."

Gesturing wildly, his plea devolves into unearthly chatter. I pull the trigger.

August 2013/04/06(Sat)12:48 No. 504259 ID: 88f964
File 136527770985.png - (196.05KB , 930x630 , 965.png )

*click*
...
*click*
...
*clickclicklclickclikc*

"Saintsnononophuknono!"
"AHAHAHAHHAHaaaaaHEEEEHAAAAAAHATOOLATELTOOLATETOOLATETOOLATE!"

He shrieks in glee, jerkily clawing his way forward while we fumble with the lever, frantically attempting to chamber a live round.

August 2013/04/07(Sun)15:11 No. 504438 ID: ca0ad7
File 136537266493.png - (261.75KB , 930x630 , 966.png )

Our fingers, 'just' too large for the human mechanisms feel searing powder and the snap of sprung components, a misfire and Wyrdeyes falls like a house of cards. Armored plate and bone cleft free from the spreading tears spiraling through his confused flesh.

He did not scream, or shout, or wail...

August 2013/04/07(Sun)15:14 No. 504441 ID: ca0ad7
File 136537288107.png - (243.05KB , 930x630 , 967.png )

…only sigh.

August 2013/04/07(Sun)15:16 No. 504442 ID: ca0ad7
File 136537296124.png - (259.68KB , 930x630 , 968.png )

"Quite the tale. The others. How did they fare?"

Weldendon's sprained an ankle and bruised his tail, but he should be well enough by week's end.

Kurtail is entirely okay, can't say as much for the man he assaulted. Broke several fingers and dislocated his knee, likely as not plans to press charges."

"Hahah! Outrageous! Oh these passions of youth, done for her as much to save you I'll warrant."

"Her oh you mean Miss Peroquette, eheh yes I -hmm suppose we cannot discount that. There were scattered fractures and stitches all around. One fellow slipping in and out of stupor last I heard. Oh, and most swear there was a shooter of whom they haven't been able to find a trace!"

August 2013/04/07(Sun)19:07 No. 504483 ID: ca0ad7
File 136538683485.png - (365.44KB , 930x630 , 969.png )

"Mmmmmm*smack*most unfortunate. Yes. Tell. They burnt the crater?"

August 2013/04/07(Sun)19:07 No. 504484 ID: ca0ad7
File 136538687370.png - (334.36KB , 930x630 , 970.png )

"Erhhh our recollection of anything till the medic's was just a bit fuzzy, fantastic... something about... a vehimen king, empowering, or something... erh... Yes.

Yes, fairly sure they ARE burning out the crater, could smell the smoke from quarantine. Mister Peroquette said they do that every few years anyhow, but he also said we should probably take our leave before the city asks us to, or the council demands our presence for a deeper inquiry into the whole matter."

August 2013/04/07(Sun)19:09 No. 504486 ID: ca0ad7
File 136538697049.png - (235.06KB , 930x630 , 971.png )

"Ahh well. Must be eager to conclude our transaction. Though I do hope you can take a moment more to share in some dinner before we settle to business. Your back will not trouble much I hope?

"Very stiff, but the pills numb it so I'll manage. Oh thank you m'am."

The girl smiles at me and steps back into the shadows where gentle harp music mingles with the breathing and movements of the others surely watching us.

A wave of whispers washes over my mind and I’m aware my own ‘assistants’ must have regained interest in watching me, their presence comforting in the darkness of the dragon’s tent.
"Good good, now. What did you tell the press?""

"The press?"

"Yes, this incident. All over the news, from the Sump Ponds of Reshyck to the Glass Gardens of the Diamond. Speculations. How much of it is you and yours. Don't tell me they didn't come knocking. Little respect for the wounded that lot.”

>>504486
We have some memory, still. It seems you got tazed by a man on a motorcycle. You were doing something with the Wyrdeyes' intact eye, I think, and he interrupted you. Do you still have it?

What DID you tell the press, anyway? I suspect it would be unwise to keep that from this man. He looks familiar... but I cannot place the face.

wait what... the fuck just happened? How long were we out?

anyways so it seems you finished off that one guy you has been doing his best to make sure your life was a living hell, well good for you, then after you offed him the real authority showed up and shot/tazzed you, then something happened, and then you left to come here and are now talking to the dragon or some kind of adviser of said dragon who has just told you that you are now in the spotlight of every news outlet that is big enough to have a name and will be hounding you and your friends to get a story, and unless I'm mistaken we still have yet to find that one prick that which is the reason we come out here in the first place. Did I get all of that right? It also seems we now have a time limit on finding that guy and since the media hasn't been beating down your door to get an interview with you it means they likely don't know it was you that was at the point of interest which means we still might have a chance to get this guy before he leaves town. Oh and since you're at the dragon's place now ask him if he has had any luck in finding that guy as it would really really suck to have gone though all of this crap only to get back home empty handed.

>He looks familiar... but I cannot place the face.
I am fairly certain that is because he is the dragon.

>Oh, and most swear there was a shooter of whom they haven't been able to find a trace!
Sounds more likely than not that Wierdeyes found a new body to slip away in. I suppose permanent death was too much to expect of him after the first time he returned from it.

Well first off, let me reiterate that we clearly 'lost time' insofar as us essentially hearing/seeing nothing between the time you killed the guy at the gun-range to right now at this dinner engagement, so it'd be nice if you filled us in with all that's happened, as completely as you can.

At this point you're almost certainly either celebrated or notorious, depending on how the local authorities see it. Either you were the one who ended a fae incursion, or you were the one who started it. I'm curious as to whether you were rewarded for your efforts, or curtly delivered a 'suggestion' that you and yours leave town soon. In either case, you're not very incognito anymore, so you'll probably need to make a move on your primary target quickly. Is this the reason for the dinner with the (maybe) dragon?

August 2013/04/23(Tue)20:03 No. 507494 ID: 441b60
File 136677260118.png - (169.09KB , 930x630 , 972.png )

>'lost time'
Only a day, more or less, anyhow it's late afternoon and you did not miss much aside from some tiresome surgery. We're missing most of my mane below the neck now. I'm beginning to suspect you gentlemen must influence people into not noticing the orb, as nobody removed you.

>Dragon
>Not-dragon?
Our host hasn't seen fit to confirm one way or the other; he was waiting within the appointed tent at the appointed time, judged it imprudent to pursue the issue. Likely theatrics, or showing off. Personally I would have imitated verhimen if I'd wanted to be so unsettling, or perhaps he likes exploiting the sense of authority humanity commands?

>>504514
>Wyrdeye's new host?
No, NO! I refuse to believe it, he was not true fae, we smelt it, tasted.. no worms to escape. I killed him. He is dead now.

"Alright, Sauterelle au Merbioulant?"
"Yes, I just,it was a passing weakness."
"Eat. Take strength in my courtesy."
"You are too kind, now, where was I?

August 2013/04/23(Tue)21:50 No. 507503 ID: 441b60
File 136677902602.png - (328.84KB , 756x516 , 973.png )

-ah, I do vaguely remember a man from the Post asking questions in Recovery. Told him we were ambushed and I killed some sort of enemy agent in the crater. It's a blur, people asking me the same things again and again and all I wanted to do was have a drink and rest."
"Your name?"
"My name? I.. can't remember I’d just had a LOT of stitches, but.. yes I imagine he asked..."

August 2013/04/23(Tue)21:59 No. 507506 ID: 441b60
File 136677954789.png - (263.16KB , 930x630 , 974.png )

"Yes. Not low profile; too messy, too fantastic, too public. Your prey is not stupid. Nervous. Took flight, packed, and ran."
"But you found him?"

My host gives me a broad, toothy grin while shifting the conversation away back to lighter fare. I note his surreptitiously drawing a sleek, silver light from under the table and setting it in his lap with the air of a practiced showman until he's satisfied the table has been cleared.

"Girls. Please. Show the lordling our prize."

He illuminates a nearby box and they obediently set to work unlatching the front.

August 2013/04/23(Tue)22:28 No. 507511 ID: 441b60
File 136678133691.png - (289.07KB , 930x630 , 975.png )

A bound and muzzled verhimen blinks at the light, snarling a little with each exhalation. He appears to match the picture, and the vague memories I have of the target.

"Eschrie du Moulont, in the flesh. That will be enough girls."

The ladies close the box again; followed by a loud thump and the creak of wood as his fury releases itself on the confines of his cramped cell.

"I say, not exactly what I expected, but it certainly saves the us trouble of binding him for transport. Shall I bring my men and just, come back tomorrow morning to pick him up or...?"
"Hand him over? Gratis? No. I think not. Certain others would 'pay' for him. SEC for one, they would put him in The Yard and make him break rocks for a few months. His family, even they would pay ransom for this troublemaker, regrettably he is only a fool, not an idiot."

>>507511
Balls. Paying for things sucks.

ok then if this is his game then he's using this because he wants something from you, as for what I'm not sure but i have a feeling that he is about to ask you anyway or is simply waiting for you to ask his price... if we're lucky it will simply be money. eh, how much money do we have on us anyway otherwise we might have to get creative in getting more.

I believe the deal was to "know all there is to know" about this guy. Has he decided to change that deal, hmm?

August 2013/04/24(Wed)17:32 No. 507594 ID: 441b60
File 136684996919.png - (468.36KB , 930x630 , 976.png )

"This is a breach of your word wrym!"

"You only request knowledge. Location. I foresee being unable to accurately predict, thus, restrict. Of course, we may now discuss anything you wish to know, of him. That I shall fulfill."
"You-"
>>507578
"Damn."
>>507546
" I need HIM, not the inform- Fine, you want to play extortionist? I've fifty Silver Tears in my purse. I'll buy him now and you can sleep on the money for all we care."

"You offer our tears? No! Not till I've heard any other bidders. Not unless you've a more interesting trade.

Something I'd be keen to learn, or possess. I hear the Sauterelle collect certain oddities, valuables, secrets. Lives are precious, what can you offer?"

He leans in and hisses below his breath
"...or will you repeat our last meeting? Strike back in your, condition?"

Arrogant beast, we cannot allow this reptile to grin and dangle our prize just out of reach; littering his speech in pregnant pauses like some melodramatic toad! Fifty is more than adequate for a second-rate criminal, this is personal, he wants us to squirm.

>>507594
He doesn't know how we did it. Hah. We could easily produce a repeat performance, as your physical condition has no bearing on our ability to warp his magic. Maybe you could taunt him into attacking your mind again, and we could reflect his power back onto him just as before. Or you could make a wager- instead of you attacking back, you could bet that you can outlast his power. We are capable of subtly dispersing a mental attack, which would win that bet.

Alternatively you could play this straight, and offer one of the unusual items we have acquired. What items do you have on you now? Did you keep Wyrdeyes' eye? Or you could share some knowledge about your magic.

so what is this guys interest in this crook? I mean he most likely didn't even know about his existence until we came here and he is most likely only holding him here because we deflected an unprovoked spell cast by this guy.

So he is either just really petty and can't stand losing even to something so small or he is doing this because we caught his curiosity and is try to learn more about us.

If it is the first that means we CAN buy that prick in the cage but we will probably get screwed over in price since he is just trying to make himself feel better about himself but if it is the latter then he doesn't give a damn weather or not we pay him he just wants to figure out how you (especially since you're from a race that is lousy at magic to begin with) overpowered a dragon. On that note you should probably keep our existence hidden from him as I don't really see any way of him knowing about us helping us at all.

Now for what to do try and haggle a bit, point out how a dragon with all of it's riches doesn't really need the money and you don't feel like playing games. Maybe see if he won't go for a magic trinkets you have around you (not us of course) or offer some of your spell knowledge (like your pre-existing rune thing you came up with last night). If all else fails just call him out and ask what he really wants from you and see where that goes.

You might argue that he's already learned something valuable... that just because he's a dragon doesn't mean he can overpower the will of someone like you. Then again, this is probably a power-play like >>507609 suggests, so such arguments would likely do little to help, and would likely harm. This is punishment, basically, for wounding his pride. So suck it up and do some groveling... maybe you can get away with losing less than you otherwise would be required to sacrifice.

Or you could propose a game or challenge. Since this IS being sprung on you suddenly after all. You win, you get the captive. He wins, he gets... whatever.

August 2013/05/05(Sun)15:23 No. 508882 ID: be474e
File 136779261319.png - (175.98KB , 930x630 , 977.png )

>>507604
>We could easily produce a repeat performance, as your physical condition has no bearing on our ability to warp his magic.

Tempting, it really is, but such contest may grant the opportunity he needs to probe our limits and discover HOW we've done that. If anyone were qualified to recognize and covet a magical space jewel it 'would' be a dragon.

>So he is either just really petty or...

"So, let us just clear this up, you do not actually CARE about that fellow; a single thief of a nest of thieves? It's not about the money either because your kind can just take a nap and wake up richer by investments.

Why not just tell me what you want from us, and we'll see if it is possible? "

"What I, want? Oh. I want many, many, things. A stronghold. People. Lands. A home. Even among us; there are the high, and the low."

August 2013/05/05(Sun)18:06 No. 508900 ID: be474e
File 136780239860.png - (207.76KB , 930x630 , 978.png )

"You think we can help you with those 'requirements' do you?"

"Not 'you' specifically. You were, promising though. A noble, a prince, inheritor. We could both gain. My fires to scorch a foe unknown. Your kingdom to serve a dreaming home."

"So you're a snare, laying out out lures of wisdom and wealth, offering to lighten the 'heavy' burden of our own rule."

"Exaggerations. No, I merely suggest. Forge connections, lines and webs yes. The web is stronger than disparate lines and minds. Appeal to the mind, though the mind may remain free."

"What about those who fall prey to your 'appeals'?"

"Better to serve me, than our foes. You see?"

August 2013/05/05(Sun)18:08 No. 508902 ID: be474e
File 136780250785.png - (189.22KB , 930x630 , 979.png )

"Only if I assume you're taking our best interests to heart."
"Friendship, devotion, trust, love. Things taken on faith.

>You might argue that he's already learned something valuable... that just because he's a dragon doesn't mean he can overpower the will of someone like you.
"Still shouldn't be such a surprise that I resisted. I was trained up as a scholar, a doubter. You cannot simply expect to simply overawe everyone who walks in here. Especially not Verhimen, we who refuse to fall to enchantments so easily as Man, Goblin, Beast and ‘Bold."

"Believe. I know this. Few will hear my words as eagerly as I hope.

However, NONE fling them back on me.
Mimicking. Reflecting. Mocking.
I am no fool. You CANNOT… do what you did."

August 2013/05/05(Sun)18:25 No. 508913 ID: be474e
File 136780352994.png - (393.49KB , 930x630 , 980.png )

Perhaps it’s indicated we’re more equals than you assumed, or it perhaps it’s just a little trick you don’t know about yet, the unknown is a unsettling thing isn’t it?

Though I fear I cannot grant enlightenment about that today, I will offer you something else you may find of interest. You spoke truthfully in saying we Sauterelles have a fondness for the 'trinkets’ we find. So you must understand how it breaks my heart to be parted from any of them. Still, I did bring one to offer to such a, discerning customer as yourself; in exchange for the prisoner of course."

I don't think we should let him simply chose from what I have, he'd better recognize it's value than I would and could easily cheat us. I have the the platinum bladed Wand (the one I think woke up that slime beast), the archaotech Linespinner we purchased back home and lastly, the artifact Whistle Lucidia found in Sirus’ study. I still haven’t confirmed what either of the magical devices ‘do’ yet, we never even tried the whistle.

I'm unwilling to let him know bout my personal research, it's too telling, and it's mine!

Oh, I also brought my dirk and pistol, just in case we need to stop playing nice.

>>508913
Let's not attack the dragon. There is some truth to what he says.

Personally I cannot think of much use for the linespinner. It takes a lot of idle time to make enough line to use for anything, and that's time you would probably rather spend studying magic. It is a tool best used to develop high tech devices and construction projects. Let's offer it to him.

The wand and whistle are both Sirus' property, technically, aren't they? The wand may be dangerous but it could also be powerful if we can use it properly. The whistle is too much of an unknown to offer.

>>508913
The linespinner has some potential to be useful in the future. Keep it.

The whistle is a complete unknown. It may turn out to be very powerful. Keep it.

The wand nearly killed you last time you used it. I think it would make an excellent gift.

well truth be told the only thing you really own is the linespiner which sounds like it could be very useful if you ever plan to dabble in the technical side of things, or ever plan on trying to make some kind of construct. So unless you plan to do any of these things I think we should offer this up.

However the only thing we have that is magic that and is at least somewhat powerful is the wand and I have a good feeling that the wand would please our friend here so I feel that if you do want to go with something surefire to try and bribe this guy into giving us the prisoner that would be the way to go, we can just tell Sirus that the elves broke into his place trying to find him and that may have been one of the few things taken or something along those lines.

As for the whistle, well like you said we haven't a clue to what it does so I think we should at least get an idea of what it can do before we try and barter with it.

So in short if you want to give him something try the linespinner if you don't want to give away Sirus' property. If you don't care about that then offer the dragon the wand.

I've never liked the Linespinner. Seriously it's my vote for what gets sacrificed on the altar of this fellow's ego.

I reviewed the slime incident ( >>/questarch/325303 ), and while the wand was involved with the creature, the creature itself seems to have sprung from a nearby box in response to the wand's use rather than directly from the wand. In other words, the slime seems to have been a side effect of testing the wand interacting with a room full of magic junk rather than a trap or such on the wand itself.

The linespinner seems like it could be useful, but I am not sure how much more useful it would be than just coming prepared with regular rope. (Extra strength cord is useful, but the thinness makes it seems like it would be a bit hard to use.) We should offer that instead of the wand if we can.

We should definably not offer the whistle. It seems significant that the whistle was in his spare coat pocket rather than in one of the many piles of miscellaneous items.

August 2013/06/09(Sun)20:51 No. 515798 ID: 440b7f
File 137083627939.png - (167.27KB , 930x630 , 981.png )

I hand over the Linespinner.

"An old artifact which produces a very strong thread with only a crank of the handle."

He takes the device, turning it over in his hands as he inspects it. We can almost detect some hint of disappointment in his voice as he continues his assessment.

"Ah. Unexpected, from you I thought... nevermind. Shall soon know its worth. Dothos, here. Look at this. What you think of it?"

With a idle gesture he motions a human Dragon Thane from the shadows. The blond man blinks in the light, but moves to obey his lord, examining the linespinner with great interest.

August 2013/06/09(Sun)20:58 No. 515802 ID: 440b7f
File 137083672074.png - (446.53KB , 930x630 , 982.png )

Observing samples of the thread produced, the man becomes visibly excited and whispers into his master's ear. I catch the outlines of words like 'tensile' and 'production’ whilst Gallugerrone's countenance shifts from disappointment through wonderment to a sly smile, the air growing perceptibly warmer as it does...

August 2013/06/09(Sun)20:59 No. 515803 ID: 440b7f
File 137083676735.png - (394.83KB , 846x439 , 983.png )

"...from there we counter a sweeping advance with grenades from cover while flanking. Friendly cover fire is sporadic in an inferior force so one must remain moving. Low profile unless specifically elevating...

August 2013/06/09(Sun)21:00 No. 515805 ID: 440b7f
File 137083680676.png - (405.32KB , 843x424 , 984.png )

"Oh, you're back, are we successful milord?"
"Did the dragon try to have you for dinner? Are his teeth huge and chompy? Does he keep piles of virgins and gold and deathly rowbits in there? Why couldn't we come? Are the Thanes really tough?"

"Something like... all of those things I'm sure. We managed to arrange a suitable trade."
"Really, what sort of terms?"
"Something I had in my pocket for our target, no hunting nor seizure required."

Weldendon seems impressed if slightly wary while Kurtail look at me dubiously
"What really? What did you have in your pocket?"
*sigh* "Oh some toy, I wasn't really using it anyhow. It's not really important I suppose. Come on, let's collect our prize and get off this damn mountain."

August 2013/06/09(Sun)21:01 No. 515807 ID: 440b7f
File 137083690769.png - (375.95KB , 930x630 , 985.png )

Gathering our goods we bid farewell to Peroquette and Company. I take a few more painkillers for my back as Kurtail babbles cheerily in the background and Ser Weldendon listens dutifully to some pedantry of Sorrel Peroquette's. Clouds race across the sky as the shadows lengthen; it will likely be dark by the time we can find a train to that backwater cove whatever... I'll need to check my notes for the name again... but that isn't what bothers me.

Larcen has not returned since he went out two nights ago. I'm nervous to leave him here in the city without news; he seemed disappointed when I didn't join him then, but knowing the sort of trouble he's likely to get into and the security crackdown I don't know if it would be safe to contact him, if I even knew how to contact him.

Suspect I might also be missing a purse of coin… wonder if he'd know anything about that.

August 2013/06/09(Sun)21:02 No. 515808 ID: 440b7f
File 137083696201.png - (370.58KB , 832x629 , 986.png )

I brood over these thoughts, vacillating between staying another night or not when a scruffy lowlander youth in a patched pair of overalls scurries up to me, distinctly out of place in such a well off part of town.

"Yew Master August?"
"Wha- oh, yes, yes I am."
"Gotta letter fer yah, gotta scale fer it?"
I reach into my coat and show him the steel piece, stamped from my family's own mint. Sadly one of the few coins the old family is still permitted to produce. He presses a lilac scented letter into my hand with Dessi-no, Larcen's handwriting scrawled on it.

I toss the piece aside and turn my attention to the envelope.

August 2013/06/09(Sun)21:05 No. 515811 ID: 440b7f
File 137083713946.png - (100.98KB , 495x630 , 987.png )

'Sorry I am late. Crazy bizy rite now & ned litle mor times too do buisnesseses. Done worry, will cach up with u, make it worthe the trubble.

,Dessil'

August 2013/06/09(Sun)21:07 No. 515815 ID: 440b7f
File 137083726641.png - (116.06KB , 492x627 , 988.png )

Wouldn't think we both went to the same school would you? Still, I got a secondary tuition, he was pulled out and... apparently became some sort of actor/thief paramour.

I've really got to clarify with him how exactly that works.. people have got to see through that nonsense more often that not, right?

Oh, hey. There's a picture: ‘Rember! You optd outof this.~' but who are they and why-?

August 2013/06/09(Sun)21:08 No. 515816 ID: 440b7f
File 137083733175.png - (92.80KB , 414x628 , 989.png )

Oh!

Oh I see she... they… well that's... uhuhmmm.

August 2013/06/09(Sun)21:11 No. 515819 ID: 440b7f
File 137083746757.png - (318.64KB , 930x630 , 990.png )

Just, put that away for now.

Now then, I do not believe we've forgotten anything, yes? Are you gentlemen ready to go find out what sort of trouble my master has gotten himself into?

>>515819
Quite!

lets go for it

seeing how hectic things have been lately I start to get a little antsy if someone hasn't made an attempt on our life after a few days... makes me think they're saving it up for something big.

About as ready as we can be considering how we don't have the time or resources to procure a rocket-propelled steamship.
Actually there is one thing. Would it be feasible to quickly get backups of the flares (assuming those are what are used) to call on that airspace policing agreement mentioned on the map?
There is a non-trivial chance that we will need mote than one airship on our side before this trip is over, and time would be of the essence in such a scenario.

>>515819
>ready to go find out what sort of trouble my master has gotten himself into?

No one is ready for the sort of trouble your master gets into.
You ought to know that from experience!