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File 135675569875.png - (132.59KB , 700x700 , 4-258.png )
481004 No. 481004 ID: c4e5c2

Dawn of the First Day

>"Hello, Story Seeker."
"Good morning, Muo! Still remembering everything?"
>"Yep. Uh... Story Seeker?"
"Good! Now, although I will never tire of waking up next to a nice girl, I do not know if I look forward to the normal routine anymore. It has grown tedious. Now, to address the subject that causes you to state my name in such a questioning manner! I was hoping you or Tom would know, but alas, I myself do not know what that noise is that is coming from underneath our bed. In fact, I am more concerned with my inability to describe such an unearthly noise than I am of the noise itself!"
>"Let's... do something?"
Expand all images
>>
No. 481006 ID: 57a559

It's probably horrific timegoo buildup
Well go on, do something. Jump far off the bed and drop down low real quick. Be prepared to jump further and break into a run.
>>
No. 481007 ID: 886a4d

Might be some consequence of time jumping. An early warning before the Guy of Time comes knocking.
>>
No. 481009 ID: ec6d4c

1, 2, 3, each person ducks their head over opposite sides of the bed and catches whatever it is! (Be ready to come back up, quick, if necessary!)
>>
No. 481014 ID: 3707e7

Leap dynamically across the room while simultaneously whipping bedsheets into an impromptu toga, landing facing the bed to confront, or flee, whatever is underneath. Anything less would be unbardly.
>>
No. 481018 ID: d4ad1a

>>481014
Do this, but make sure that the toga fails completely to cover any part of you that could possibly be considered indecent.
>>
No. 481023 ID: 5a6fcf

Now now, it's the gentleman's duty to check under the bed, and - if there is only one sheet to cover - to let her cover herself at his expense.

Perhaps if you were not a gentleman you could employ clever teamwork shenanigans. You should spend one of these reruns as a lady; the experience would be invaluable to the bard's duties.

In any case, I do advise a leap to get a decent distance from the bed before checking.
>>
No. 481041 ID: c4e5c2
File 135677621991.png - (115.08KB , 700x700 , 4-259.png )
481041

"I will take a look!"

Thankfully, under the unlikely probability that Muo cares to cover herself, there are multiple covers. I leap off the bed, whipping a bedsheet around me to form a toga for instant dressing!
>>
No. 481042 ID: c4e5c2
File 135677624026.png - (141.11KB , 700x700 , 4-260.png )
481042

Or at least that was the plan. Although I am well practiced in putting on togas with haste, I may need more practice yet before I am able to put one in less than one and a half second while in mid-air!

Not remotely according to the pla-

>Make sure the toga fails completely to cover any part of you that could possibly be considered indecent
Judging by the draft, I perform with perfection!

>"Are... you alright?"
"Perfect, Muo! Give me just a moment to untangle myself, then I shall look under the bed! It appears that the noise has stopped, however."
>"Er, yeah, I already looked underneath. There's nothing there. I'm missing my necklace, though."
>>
No. 481043 ID: 943463

>>481042

Oh, you're just missing the GOD OF CHAOS. That's all.

This is bad.

Let's find it. Perhaps we could ask one of our several resident magicians for a little scrying?
>>
No. 481045 ID: 943463

>>481043
> Let's find it. Perhaps we could ask one of our several resident magicians for a little scrying?
(This assumes, of course, that it isn't just wrapped up in your toga. Tom getting tangled up with your nether regions would be disturbing too, but in an "unclean, unclean!" kind of way, rather than an "Oh god, chaos deity missing and presumed chaotic" kind of way.)
>>
No. 481054 ID: ec6d4c

Oh. Um. That's different. It's been there at the start of every loop before, right? The fact that something is interfering with the time loop is almost more worrying than that something is apparently interfering with a god.

I think we have to assume this is the time Lord's involvement. He's taken notice, and the first thing he did was to boot Tom out.

Getting enough MR to escape the loop is going to be tricky now though, if we can't use the spell bounce and water contamination to double down, though. Can Muo still access her chaos powers without access to it? Is she cut off just in terms of communication, or her chaos powers entirely?
>>
No. 481070 ID: 3707e7

I think this bed noise issue still merits investigation. Any sort of powder handy to spread around and find invisible snoring thieves? There another room below this one it could be coming from?
>>
No. 481126 ID: 943463

If you start finding signs of time lord intervention, then you can probably go another couple of loops at most before you seriously need to break out. So, while you still have the opportunity during one of the time loops, go get *all* of your gold from Zirkala, in small denominations, and cart it over to the drake (along with a guard), just to see the look on her face.

Also, in this loop, make sure you save your one-time hourglass for dangerous activities, so you get another shot at them.
>>
No. 481127 ID: e3aff6

As one of Tom's top (and only) followers, Muo could try praying to him. The result might be informative even if Tom isn't able to answer.
>>
No. 481129 ID: f2c20c

I'm pretty sure this is Tom messing with things, rather than something else. Expect shenanigans.
>>
No. 481156 ID: c4e5c2
File 135686128995.png - (155.22KB , 700x700 , 4-261.png )
481156

"Muo, are you not able to talk to Tom without it? Able to use some chaos magic?"
>"Oh, no, I can speak with him normally now as well as summon him like normal, the amulet is just for.... uh.... wait, why does he have me wear it still?... well anyway, let me see if I can't get him to tell me what's going on. Uh... no answer. That's not normal. Kinda scary actually. It feels like he's there, just not answering. It's not like him, he usually answers all the time no matter how much he says he's not supposed to."

While she does so, I take a look around through the bedsheets and floor, and there is no sign of the amulet! It's as though it vanished overnight.

That is, of course, before I notice that the bedroom wall appears to be dissolving, revealing the hallway behind it. That might be a smidgen more concerning.
>>
No. 481158 ID: 629257

...We might be getting a little interference from that Time Lord. I don't think the Chaos god would be allowed to interfere if he was.

If that isn't the reason then it's probably somehow worse... No sense worrying about it. We have a path so lets head down it.
>>
No. 481159 ID: f2c20c

>>481156
Oh fuck, run.
>>
No. 481160 ID: f2c20c

>>481159
Specifically, run to Zirkala, she's the most likely person to know what's going on!
>>
No. 481162 ID: bdb3f8

So remember to get your story ready here for the time cops. You are doing everything you can to fix the time loop, even the parts that don't look anything like fixing a time loop, like stealing underwear and practicing strange skills.
>>
No. 481165 ID: 943463

>>481156
Actively dissolving right now? How rapidly?

Got something handy to throw at it to see the effect? Does it just pass through, or does it vanish/dissolve?

Run, don't walk, to Zirkala and share memories. You need to find out *now* whether this represents an initial signs that you need to start breaking the time loop within the next few loops or whether you absolutely need to break it *this* loop.
>>
No. 481167 ID: c4e5c2
File 135686308679.png - (233.47KB , 700x700 , 4-262.png )
481167

>How rapidly?
Enough to cause emergency, but not so fast I can't outrun it! I toss a pillow through, and it just... goes on through, it doesn't explode in a feathery mess.

I proceed to powerwalk out of there, bringing Muo along! I find Zirkala heading on to the breakfast hall, or rather facing that direction. She is disconcertingly still.

"Zirkala?" No answer.
>>
No. 481169 ID: 32e092

Nudge her. Ask Muo where she found the suddenly once more evident amulet.
>>
No. 481170 ID: 629257

>>481167
Welp, time is frozen on top of everything else. You know what, just call out asking for the time lord. What can it hurt, at this point?
>>
No. 481172 ID: c59939

>>481167
Oh hey, amulet's back.
>>
No. 481173 ID: bf54a8

yeah "okay time god, if i took this too far just say so, no need to go all infinite time powers on me"
>>
No. 481174 ID: f2c20c

Go see if any of the people she summoned are here. I think we should verify we're in the past and this isn't a brief, dissolving vision of what happens after the artifact's magic goes off.
>>
No. 481178 ID: b33427

Alright, so it looks like time's frozen. That's not a good sign. Man, if this is the Time Lord rewriting reality to remove you from history, you're going to be so pissed off. You're supposed to get some warning and leeway to fix things before that happens, dang it!

Looks like Muo got her amulet back. Maybe she has a line to Tom again. Ask her to try asking Tom if this is a Time Lord doing this, or if the time magic is breaking down or screwing up somehow.
>>
No. 481186 ID: c4e5c2
File 135686475705.png - (102.67KB , 700x700 , 4-263.png )
481186

"Hey time lord, come on out!" No answer. Didn't hurt though! "But seriously I get the idea, you don't need to go all infinite time god on me if I took it too far! Hey Muo, the amulet's back!"
>"Oh! Tom, are you there? Is there a time lord doing this?"
"Close and close. Not quite Tom, and a time lord was doing this before I killed 'im! How ya doin'. I'm the real chaos god, not the stand in. Long story, don't like to talk about it. Looks like I got a new batch of followers huh, not bad."

I hear Ralex coming from the dining hall.
>"The fuck's going on, Zirkala?! My summon's fuckin' dissipating here!"
>>
No. 481189 ID: bf54a8

"oh, so tom got sick to his stomach and puked you back out?"
>>
No. 481192 ID: f2c20c

>>481186
I wish we knew if this was a bad thing or not! Him killing a time lord doesn't sound good though. Are gods allowed to do that if they want to?

Well, Ralex got summoned before we normally speak to Zirkala on the first day... go ask him how long he's been summoned. That should let us know for sure if time rewound or not.
>>
No. 481209 ID: c4e5c2
File 135686816757.png - (145.70KB , 700x700 , 4-264.png )
481209

I poke my head into the dining hall.
"Ralex! What's for breakfast?!"
>"THE FUCK'S WRONG WITH YOU?!"
"No, really, it's important! I need to know!"
>"It was going to be roasted lamb with toasted bread you fuck! Where's Zirkala?!"
"Back in the hall!"

Yeah, that's the beginning of the time loop, I'm not in the past, just on normal day 1! With apologies, I run back to Muo, with Ralex trying to follow behind.
>>
No. 481212 ID: c4e5c2
File 135686838239.png - (238.85KB , 700x700 , 4-265.png )
481212

"I'm back! So did Tom get sick and puke you back out?"
"Wow okay, Tom's been blabbing at least as much as I did! Apparently it's cool when he does it, but I break a few rules, and it's time for the divine banishment."
"Are you even allowed to kill time lords?"
Are you daft?! Of course not! Man, you've been messing around for a buncha cycles, and reality's been gettin' fragile. Wasn't too hard for me to use every bit of magic I got to just poke my way on through, and bam, outta Tom and outta banishment, gods and Tom's stomach be damned. You, slime, get out of this place and start messing around with whoever. Right now you're the only one in this fucked up region, so you get all my strength. Go and wreak havoc, have a field day and show me what you got.
>"Oh, uh... sorry Story, he is technically the... a? chaos god, so I have to do it I think?"

Seems like I walked into a whole lot of business that I don't know about! Or perhaps, it was the business that walked in on me. The ignorance of mine is practically painful!
>>
No. 481214 ID: f2c20c

>>481212
Well, we should probably take advantage of the chaos to gather as many of our ingredients as we can. Let's try to break the physical checkpoint this time around.

Also I don't remember Tom ever telling you about the old chaos god- maybe you should tell him your source.
>>
No. 481216 ID: 3707e7

Point out that you have both a talent for spreading chaos and a desire to walk away from situations relatively unharmed and see if he's recruiting?

Ask why Z's frozen too. Seems like a big deal

Running may also be a good move.
>>
No. 481217 ID: bf54a8

hmm... did muo swear to chaos, or to tom? also also, mention that this is exactly the kind of attitude that got him locked up in the first place.
>>
No. 481218 ID: 943463

Definitely find out why Zirkala appears frozen in time. Without her, we have no magic artifact, no money, no summons, no potion, and in general no obvious way to continue the time loop.
>>
No. 481221 ID: aaec57

Don't time lords regenerate or some shit?
>>
No. 481229 ID: 57a559

>>481212
Cool great
Hey old Chaos God, you don't give a single shit about rules. What if we seduce the time lord and kill him/her for the sake of chaos?
Do you have a name like Tom does? If not, he's Frank, unless he likes John better.
[Frank comes from Surprise Sex Quest, John from JohnQuest. John is more fitting considered how chaotic that quest was, but this quest is all about the sex, so Frank also works since we never got to name him until we were in the Chee universe getting laid all the time, and we named Tom Tom because he looked like Tom right?]
>>
No. 481233 ID: 57a559

>>481229
[However if we named him for Tom from Tom and Jerry, then this guy's name could also be Jerry, or Butch (full name is Butch Isacc Cat according to a Tom and Jerry wiki), Tom's rival local black cat I think. Who is an actual Tom cat.]
>>
No. 481248 ID: ec6d4c

Oh. Well. Seems like we need to break this time loop as soon as possible. If not sooner. And without Tom's or Zirkala's help, and the world we've spent all this time learning all mixed up to hell. With all the damage done, who knows how useful any of our knowledge from past loops will be!

>Time Lord Eaten
So... this timeloop has been partially disassembled? How does that work? Will reality keep unravelling? Has the damage been stopped in it's tracks? Will the walls and people and things be fixed by the start of the next loop? Will there be another loop? Any insight here, former and once again God dude?

>old not-Tom is burst free
I assume that means Tom is still out there somewhere? What happens when this whole time loop thing is resolved? Do you snap back inside automatically? Or has Tom been dethroned? Or will there be some epic divine battle for the throne of the chaos god?

>uh... sorry Story, he is technically the... a? chaos god, so I have to do it I think?
If you think so, Muo. Ultimately, in this kind of situation, I really do think it's your call. Unless the wording of your oath was very specific, you have to now choose to be loyal to the person or office you serve. Regrettably, either way you choose will probably have pretty serious consequences.

>>481233
Jerry works.
>>
No. 481253 ID: cf49fc

>>481248
Does anyone else remember what happened the LAST time Jerry the Chaos God was free? He fucked up his people so badly, ALL the gods united in punishing him. How are they going to react to him killing one of the people responsible for maintaining the fabric of time, AND breaking free? LAST TIME THEY GOT AN ENTIRE UNIVERSE KILLED!
>>
No. 481260 ID: 78c6ea

WHY did you KILL the time lord? We were going to reason with him. We were going to enlist his aid in getting out of this! We were going to stitch time back together with nothing but dental floss and duct tape!

And now we're all going to die because the only guy who could have kept this place from turning into a bubbling lump of time goo is dead. Great job you dick!
>>
No. 481265 ID: c4e5c2
File 135690674704.png - (175.47KB , 700x700 , 4-266.png )
481265

"So why's Zirkala frozen, why'd you kill the Time Lord, aren't Time Lords a little hard to kill or something, and how does any of this even work?"
>"Yeah, uh... no disrespect, CG, but you're kind of said to be a jerk. There's a reason you were banished, and it's not because you talked too much."

".... are you guys serious. I, the fearsome chaos god of lore pop out, and you just go treating me like some Q&A diety and my own follower has the gall to go all 'no disrespect but I've got no respect!' I bet Tom acts all buddy buddy with everyone. By the way the Lich is dead, I had to suck some energy outta someone."
>"Where is Tom?"
*HORF* "Here he is, back in normal mortal form. You, kobold, just... go have fun somewhere else, just don't get yourself killed. The walls here are comin' down a bit slower now so that's no problem, shouldn't really take down much more than this building by the end of the cycle, then it'll revert back to today."
>>
No. 481266 ID: 78c6ea

Holy crap mortal Tom. ALL IS FORGIVEN
>>
No. 481271 ID: ec6d4c

>.... are you guys serious. I, the fearsome chaos god of lore pop out and yadda yadda yadda
Story Teller has kind of made his whole career by refusing to pay fearsome authority figures their due respect!

And at the end of the day, it's really Muo's decision if she's a Chaos worshiper, or a disciple of Tom.

>Now what?
Well... obviously we can't break the cycle this loop, since Zirkala is dead, and we don't want that. Hopefully she'll be alive next loop, and killing her for power is a one off, not a constant.

I think we need to start planning to take down the once and former chaos god, here. Depower him, reinstate Tom, and free the time Lord he ate (and Zirkala's soul, possibly, if it stays trapped.) That should earn us some leverage, I think!

Ready to take down a god, SS? No idea how we're gonna do it, but we're totally gonna do it.

>just... go have fun somewhere else, just don't get yourself killed
Why, would it inconvenience your plans for a return if I were to die, CG? (Holding a gun to our own head, and presumably the continuation of the time loop, is a damn risky play, but it may be an option. I assume CG wants to build up as much power as he can looping before escaping to the real world, so the other gods don't just overpower him again).
>>
No. 481273 ID: ec6d4c

...actually, outright killing ourself to end the loop could be a workable emergency plan if Zirkala comes back in subsequent loops. Suddenly the other gods are free to step in before old CG gets too strong and Zirkala hopefully raises SS.
>>
No. 481275 ID: f2c20c

>>481265
Uh, hang on. One problem here.

How do we even make the FIRST checkpoint of magic resistance without Zirkala having summoned the witch? WE'RE FUCKED.

Unless, maybe, we can find another skilled alchemist who can make the same type of potion? That is our first task this cycle- find a replacement alchemist.
>>
No. 481276 ID: 57a559

>>481265
Zirkala comes back right at the next cycle right? Or whenever Jerry spits her out too I guess. She's already was technically dead, she just needs her spiritual energy back is all.
She's very essential to chaos, you know. Very fun.
You know, I'm a little worried. We might have to kill him again and have another kobold have a claim to the chaos god throne soon. Well, that's better, Story Seeker would make a better chaos god than Chee anyway.
>>
No. 481278 ID: ec6d4c

>Well, that's better, Story Seeker would make a better chaos god than Chee anyway.
...this is the best plan.
>>
No. 481283 ID: b33427

Ask Muo if she still wants to be a follower of the Chaos God, even if he's not Tom. 'Cause if she's going to renounce her following, better do it now before the Chaos God starts making demands of her.

Grab Tom and Muo and skedaddle. Get to your room to throw on your clothes, then run to wherever Zirkala keeps her magical items and gather up all the ones you were using last cycle, plus whatever items and cash the three of you can carry out. If you pass Ralex, stop and ask him if there's any way to keep him from de-summoning 'cause Zirkala is dead.

While you're running around, question Tom about what he can remember about how the gods know if time is being meddled with or reality is breaking down, and how the Time Lords are going to react to one of their own being killed. 'Cause if both groups know about the Chaos God coming back, this place is going to be ground zero of a shitstorm of divine proportions when all the Time Lords and this world's entire pantheon come down to smack not-Tom back into his cage.

...Also, the way the Chaos God said he got free, 'cause of reality getting fragile, that also brings up the possibility that other divinely imprisoned things could start pushing their way out of their cages. The old Chaos God is one of the biggies, so anything of his caliber might bust loose this cycle. Better ask Tom about other things like the old Chaos God that have been chained up.
>>
No. 481287 ID: c6f082

say... weren't there other gods and this... god god? wouldn't they have something against breaking reality or the pact they formed with tom/chee?
I'm kind of upset that the old one is there again... tom was all cool with him and his girlfriend...
...
where is minci?
>>
No. 481290 ID: 04b86a

Guys, guys, these concerns, while important, are overlooking the real problem: the old Chaos God causing trouble might blow any chance we have of bedding the archmage. The archboobs may be lost to us before we even began our attempt for them!
>>
No. 481294 ID: eb682d

Do we know of any of the other gods? Attempting to alert them about this somehow might be worth trying.
>>
No. 481300 ID: c6f082

>>481294
When I remember correctly, they can only notice themselves or get contacted by their chosen ones or by shrine.
But wouldn't breaking reality and a god-switch in this world kind of alarming them anyway?
Like, more as a call of a mortal?
Like last time?
>>
No. 481313 ID: c4e5c2
File 135691527208.png - (97.03KB , 700x700 , 4-267.png )
481313

"Muo, were you a follower of just any chaos god, or just Tom?"
>"Uh... not... really sure, actually! I mean, we didn't really hammer out the details, we didn't think this would happen. I told you about this guy, but that's all I know! I guess I'll wander around and just see what comes of it. I'll check in on you occasionally though!"
"Wow geez yeah okay just talk about it like you have a choice, girl! Come on. Hey, cat, remind me what your name is."
>"Uh... it's Duke."
"Cool, you don't remember anything. Alright slime, move your butt outta here or I'll move it for you!"

And with that, Muo waves and heads off. Didn't sound like I was invited. Hope she'll be alright!
>>
No. 481314 ID: c4e5c2
File 135691529115.png - (160.06KB , 700x700 , 4-268.png )
481314

>Get to your room to throw on your clothes, then to Zirkala's magic item champer
Unfortunately, my room appears to have its existence compromised. I do, however, know where the stash is hidden, and so grab much of my gold, and manage to find the time artifact in there as well. I guess Zirkala won't mind if I take more than I actually own just this once, so I bring some extremely valuable coins that total to 30,000 gold value!

"So.... Duke?"
>"Nah I'm just messin' around. I remember everything, call me Tom. Man, I forgot that I wasn't even green, used to be black and white."
"What.. nevermind. Wait! So, Muo told me you had a succubus consort. I am curious, what happened to her?"
>"Hell if I know! Maybe she's in limbo, maybe not existant, worst case is that ol jerkface has her."
"If you don't mind my saying, you sure don't seem worried!"
>"Nahhh the dude's pretty stupid, he'll probably do something that offs himself. Like make me! That ended him pretty well last time. Plus, you'd be surprised at how often these super catastrophes, heh, happen."
"And wait a second! Zirkala's dead apparently! Do you know if she'll be fine after this cycle?"
>"Oh yeah, after he messes around he probably won't care to kill Zirkala a second time, don't worry 'bout it. Even if I'm wrong, she'll be fine after some divine figures swoop down. It's no biggie, seriously."
"Well, we are talking about an ancient evil god that seems pretty bent on gaining power no matter how much he destroys everything! That sounds kind of important!"
>"Nope. Happens allll the time. I'm talking like constant 'whoops, continent just sunk, better fire the sea god' or 'whoops, ancient evil lichgodking just got a little ambitious and destroyed half the world!' Only difference here is that you might actually remember it happenening! Man, sucks to be a bard, no one'll believe you. But see, that's part of why we don't do much direct interference, we gotta save a lot of our energy to maximise the amount of take-backsies we have to pull off for the worl... man, he was right, I do yak too much. Anyway, old chaos god probly knows he's screwed in the back of his mind, so he's just in a hurry to have as much fun as he can before it comes crashing down on him, and I feel a little bad for him. Unless he's got Minci and does anything to her to get at me, but nothin' we can do about that right now."
"Not worried about Muo?"
>"Eh, worst case, she gets shown what woulda happened if she decided to get the chaos god's help, and I wasn't the one with the title! But seriously, don't you have something more mortal to worry about?"

>Bed the archboobs
"I think I do, Tom. I think I do."
>>
No. 481316 ID: c4e5c2
File 135691540988.png - (173.30KB , 700x700 , 4-269.png )
481316

Some time later, at the Auction House Commons
"So where do you think Muo is, Tom?"
>"Well, if I was a stupid chaos god, I'd probably be powering up the slimes into one big super slime to roll around the overworld and consume everything it rolls on."

"And next on our list! Kep flowers of pristine condition, perfect for potions or that perfect girl!"

"Oh, that's us! Hold on, we gotta pay attention."
"The opening bid is 200 gold, do we have a taker?!"
"Yes! 200 gold!"
"Excellent, do we have a competitor against this fine young kobold in a bedsheet?!"
>>
No. 481317 ID: c4e5c2
File 135691542424.png - (89.91KB , 700x700 , 4-270.png )
481317

>"2 thousand gold."
>>
No. 481323 ID: ec6d4c

>Man, I forgot that I wasn't even green, used to be black and white.
Damn, Tom's been knocked back to pre-zombie days even? Wow.

>Bed the archboobs
You know, if we can't do any potion shenanigans this loop, this is totally the best use of our time.

>"2 thousand gold."
Pff. Crush him. 10k.
>>
No. 481326 ID: 5f4e7d

Well this sounds like the makings of a macho "bid just to make the other guy lose in a ridiculous game of chicken that only ends in sadness" kind of thing. Meh, who cares? The money's going to reset next cycle anyway, and I really don't like this guy's face.
>>
No. 481329 ID: f2c20c

>>481323
Hang on let's not get too hasty. Let's JUST double his bid for now. 4 thousand.
>>
No. 481330 ID: aaec57

>>481329
Let's go for 5.
>>
No. 481331 ID: ec6d4c

Whatever. Just bid till we win. He's not going to have enough to outlast a dead lich's warchest.

Be nice if we had some left over to commission decent suit of clothes, though. A bedsheet toga really isn't gonna cut it with the archboobs, I think.
>>
No. 481332 ID: b33427

>>481330
Nah, lets be a dick; 2001 gold, and then one more gold than every one of his bids from now on.

Fun idea for the next cycle: Steal this guy's money so he can't bid. Or, even better, steal his money while he's bidding, so he gets beat up for non-payment.
>>
No. 481364 ID: b59bfb

>>481332
I love this idea.
>>
No. 481375 ID: 68bbc5

>>481332

Determine exactly how much money he has on his person, get him to bet all of it, then steal just a tiny amount, so he's a few coins short.
>>
No. 481377 ID: 177ef8

>>481332
Good idea
>>
No. 481381 ID: 943463

Keep your newly acquired skills in mind here. You're a bard, and you've learned some bardic magic. You're not a thief or a cutpurse; you're not likely to swipe this guy's money right out from under his nose. What you *can* do is work a crowd with your silver tongue.

Put on a show with this guy, and have *Tom* swipe the guy's money, together with whatever bardic magic you can throw to distract the guy and to ensneakify Tom. Annoy the *snot* out of your rival bidder. Upbid by small amounts to keep it going for a while. Make sure nobody else is in the running, and make sure Tom swipes most of the guy's gold; then, before the bidding gets too high, do a little open collusion: "I tire of this; I'll clearly top any bid you're willing to offer, and you'll do the same, so at the end of the day, this comes down to who has the bigger purse. So, let's get on with it; how much do you have on you?"
>>
No. 481382 ID: 943463

Remember where your loyalties lie; this is just an amusing diversion. Make sure, at the end of the day, that you can take advantage of your fleeting borrowed wealth to make the drake happy, too.
>>
No. 481401 ID: b53faa

>>481381
I like this plan, this plan is what we shall go with,
>>
No. 481405 ID: 943463

>>481401
And since we don't want to spend any more than we have to, make sure any bids he made above the amount on him are considered fraudulent, and you only have to pay one more gold than he actually has.
>>
No. 481419 ID: 521153

These plans all contain too many points of failure, are generally rather risky, and do not rely on skills that Story Seeker is actually all that good at.

I would prefer to just do what he did to us, multiply his bid by ten times. Bid twenty thousand gold.

My reasoning is that we are intending to repeat the loop, and so any amount that we do spend is meaningless. And if we somehow impossibly get broken out of the loop now, we still have ten thousand gold left and Zirkala is too dead to care about us taking and spending her money.

And you can say your bid in an extremely smug manner to get back at that smug jerk's smugness.
>>
No. 481423 ID: 943463

Remember what we're bidding for, though. And we still might need a fair chunk of this gold to make sure we can arrange to ride the time loop back without Zirkala's help.

On a related note, when you next see Zirkala among the unliving, you might have to explain your pilfering. I think Zirkala would easily understand, given the suddenly missing "un" in her death, but she might still get rather unpleasant about it when she finds out that you used it for such petty purposes.
>>
No. 481426 ID: ec6d4c

>>481382
I would think if we were going to woo the Drake, we should devote a whole loop to it. This time around, our goal is the archboobs. Splitting our resources seems silly, unless you think we have an honest shot at a threesome.

>>481423
Pff, Z will be cool with our borrowing. If anyone understands exploiting someone's horrible murder for their own gain in one loop, it's her.

Now, the old-new chaos god and the devoured time lord? That might get her concerned.
>>
No. 481461 ID: c4e5c2
File 135699586735.png - (95.94KB , 700x700 , 4-271.png )
481461

"How good are you at stealing, Tom?"
>"My talents of stealing got me killed!"
Well, I'm certainly hardly better. "2001 gold!" I yell to the auctioneer.
"A minimum increment of 100, please."
"2100!"
>"2200" the suitor goes.
"2300!"
>"2400!"
This continues for minutes.
"7,800!"
>"9,500 gold, that is the final offer, and do not tell me you have more, mangy kobold!"
"10,000 gold!"
"'bold, not to say we wouldn't love to make a swimming pool of gold because of some flower, but you're aware that we're gonna have a problem if you can't pay that much?"
I check my bag of gold just to make certain it wasn't stolen from me. "I'm certain!"
"And dare I bother asking if anyone will best this apparently noble born kobold in a bedsheet?"

>"Y.... you!!" suitor yells at me. "That flower is far more important than you could ever realize! What do I need to do to get that flower from you?!"
>>
No. 481463 ID: 886a4d

Defeat the old God of Chaos and resurrect the Lord of Time he killed.
>>
No. 481470 ID: 5f4e7d

Bring the Lich back to life, and seduce a dragon.
>>
No. 481484 ID: ec6d4c

Hmm. I don't think he's going to stand aside and let us woo the archboobs. He's totally gonna get in the way and muck things up.

We're going to have to see that he's indisposed or disabled somehow for the next few days if this plan is going to go forward.

>>481470
As much as I enjoy throwing flippant impossible tasks at him, it probably isn't a good idea to let loose the news of Zirkala's death. That could stir up events enough to mess up our attempts this loop (especially if a certain archmage wants to see if there's any useful magical loot available for the taking!).
>>
No. 481494 ID: 886a4d

Ah but the lich is undead. Bringing her to life can simply mean reversing the Lichification process,

Lichification is definately a word.
>>
No. 481502 ID: beeca1

>>481470
>>481463
These.
>>
No. 481504 ID: beeca1

Sans "bring the lich back to life".
>>
No. 481511 ID: d4ad1a

"Defeat the old god of chaos, resurrect the time lord he killed, seduce a dragon, and find the most perfect cherry blossom."
>>
No. 481527 ID: f2c20c

>>481461
Tell him he'll have to get you an extremely powerful potion of magic resistance, AND tell you how he was able to do so.
>>
No. 481569 ID: 87eafa

>>481527
Seems legit. Tell him you need it for a magic resist potion, and are willing to trade for another option if one presents itself.
>>
No. 481610 ID: cf49fc

>>481502
Heheheheh. MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHA these two.
>>
No. 481720 ID: c4e5c2
File 135708360581.png - (163.85KB , 700x700 , 4-272.png )
481720

"Seduce a dragon, defeat the old Chaos God and then resurrect the Time Lord he killed!"
>"... you toy with me, foolish kobold. You may have more change in your pocket, but enjoy this while you may. You will regret the day that you thought low of I, Prince Colis Niphalo of the Razing Tooth! Remember that name, kobold!"

His name.... it so easily passes in one ear and out the other!

>"Soooo what now?" Tom asks, once Prince... Suitor storms off and I pay for the flowers. "Shall I be your bodyguard, o' humiliator of princes?"
"... you can fight?"
>"Hahaha, no."
"Do you know any magic?"
>"Well duh, I... oh wait, mortal body, sucks, right. Nope, nothin'."
>>
No. 481723 ID: ec6d4c

>Prince Colis Niphalo of the Razing Tooth! Remember that name, kobold!
Prince Cnort. Got it.

We're definitely gonna need to get him out of the picture, or there's no way you're getting close to the archboobs. Pity Z's not gonna be able to summon those assassins this loop...

We certainly have enough gold to get the Drake to lend us an illusion. But archmage might be good enough to see through that, and princey is sure to oppose anyone courting her, no matter what they look like.

>Nope, nothin
...I don't suppose you could just eat him?
>>
No. 481724 ID: 57a559

You mean he hasn't any access to any magic he's learned in his mortal life and long unmortal life? He had decent (if not practically infinite) access to knowledge, so he's saying it's inapplicable now? He'd have to relearn everything, magic he's learned in his mortal life or any simple magicks he's learned after? I imagine he could do both godly and mortal things as a god.

Does he have any advice souls we could borrow?
>>
No. 481731 ID: dfa22a

>>481724
well, he died by bad luck during stealing, so I don't think he actually knew any magic before getting resurrected.
When I remember correctly, the list we got to choose from when his undead training started was all he could do afterwards...
>>
No. 481732 ID: c4e5c2
File 135708671002.png - (94.01KB , 700x700 , 4-273.png )
481732

"Really? I would have thought you would know huge amounts of magic."
>"Oh, sure, I know a billion magic, but my living body can't back it up! This body has no mana, man! I'm like the best swordsman in all the world, without a sword."
"Can't you just eat him?"
>"E...wh.. I think I agree with old jerkgod, you are daft! Look at my mouth, man! Look at it! I could barely suck on my own thumb! Wait, that gives me an idea. Maybe if there was a potion of mana, or some equipment to give mana, I could cast with that. Yeah, there's an idea, get some mana-flow going on, I can do some pretty fancy stuff then. Dunno. How much gold you willing to spare?"
"How much could you cast if I gave you 2000?"
>"Hell if I know, up to this point I've been able to treat every spell as a mana cost of nothing! Don't be such a penny pincher either. Hell, bet we could steal - er, lo... get more gold from Zirkala's place if we risk the whole "reality crumbling in there" deal. Oh, get me enough mana, I bet I could summon up some of Zirkala's summons. She probably has some stuff prepared and I can just finish up the ritual or something."
>>
No. 481733 ID: ec6d4c

>you are daft!
Joking, Tom. =D

>Mana potion
>hijack Z summons
Oh, I like that plan. Ralex is all the body guard we could ever need. Or we could have one of the assassins deal with Prince Cnort. And the potion mage could make more mana potions, making Tom self sustaining!

Only problem is finding a mana potion to buy initially. And I'd agree we shouldn't be afraid to spend- there have to be more valuables we can loot from the lich's home.
>>
No. 481734 ID: 57a559

We could also steal mana potions. There's also probably plenty of mana giving artifacts at Zirkala's, don't forget that.

So, why does your body not have mana again? I mean, shit, Story Seeker has many, he has to to learn and use what he's been taught. Does it have something to do with Tom's original race? The animal people have shit for mana? Maybe we could do a few lessons together sometime? When we have to pass the time of course. He's got to be a total pro at bedmagics.
>>
No. 481738 ID: b33427

...You're going to have to work on your delivery if Tom couldn't pick up that you were joking about eating Prince Uptight.

As long as you're nearby, go visit the kobold tailor and have her start work on some suitably fancy duds for when you go a wooin' the archboobs so they'll be ready when you head in. Something suitably froofy, like Prince Suitor was wearing. And tell the tailor to do her very best, and pay her well for it.

Better see about stashing those Kep flowers somewhere safe as well. Don't use your usual spots, since Prince Cnort may be tailing you. Are there businesses here that rent strongbox or vault space for valuables? Perhaps you could pay for the auction house to store them in their vault. And better check on how to keep them from wilting or anything like that.

Oh, and while you're here, get something to wear that's a bit more suitable for looting the lich's lair than a bedsheet toga. Just a pair of pants and a shirt would be enough.
>>
No. 481764 ID: f2c20c

>>481732
Summoning Rotfrost would be a very good idea, since we need her to make the magic resistance potion so we can enter the next cycle. We should try to do that. Let's jet.
>>
No. 481765 ID: ec6d4c

>>481764
Oh, dang, good point. Completely forgot about that- we don't make the potion we start the next loop with no memory!
>>
No. 481767 ID: 57a559

Hey, ask Tom another question.
Does this time shit make alternate timelines or is this all really just one big fat timeline that keeps getting overwritten again and again? I mean, from our perspective it feels like one but on a cosmological scale and for other people, well, it may be different.

I get that he might not be able to answer that, but it sounds like pretty useless information for a mortal to have. I mean look at him! He's mortal with all the godlike secrets ever and he's hardly able to make use of them!
>>
No. 481809 ID: c4e5c2
File 135712034091.png - (231.37KB , 700x700 , 4-274.png )
481809

>You're going to have to work on your delivery if Tom couldn't pick up that you were joking about eating Prince Uptight.
Duly noted! Sometimes I wonder if Tom simply doesn't know when something is a joke, all the same, despite being who he is.

"Let's go to Zirkala's place. I must continue the line of questioning, however, as even I had mana! Doesn't your species?"
>"Yeah, well, we were made as an experiment, and whoever made us didn't include mana as a guarantee! Some of us had it, some of us were just plain screwed."
"Perhaps we can have lessons, and you can teach me some! I have it on fine authority you know some good bedmagics."
>".... what authority?"
"Intuition!"
>".... not bad. Yeahhhhh maybe if we find a long stretch of time of doing nothing and I feel like being bored."

Deciding not to spend money so soon, we raid Zirkala's place! At least after I tell the tailor that I will pay her highly for her best suit of clothes and put the flowers in a Commons Bank and watch my back as I get out of there. Like oldgod said, the reality bending is slowing down in the lich's halls, although we still have to watch our step, lest we slip into what appears to be either the heavens, or a slightly lighted up abyss. Unfortunately I did not wish to wait for the tailor to make a shirt and pants before I came here. I'm sure Zirkala wouldn't mind me looting her place in a bedtoga any more than she would mind me looting her place at all.

>"Let's see... yeah okay there's decent mana regen, decent mana... stuff. Yeah probably better than whatever salvaged stuff they got in the commons. Man, I hate hand me down enchanted gear. They never synchronize it."
"Hmm? What might you mean by that?"
>"Nevermind!"
>>
No. 481810 ID: c4e5c2
File 135712035656.png - (284.49KB , 700x700 , 4-275.png )
481810

>"I'm ready to magic it up! You'll have to help me replace the mana juice in my mana hat! Seriously, why do people put the best enchanments on this stuff?"
"... I understand now, and I will!"
>"Problem is, is that I've stillgot like a mini-fraction of the mana I need to summon! It's not that the gear is weak, it's that Zirkala was, you know, wielding the mana of a powerful lich, and I'm, you know, me. Long story short, I can probably summon maybe about 3 people for a length of five days. Rotfrost, Ralex, Springfoot, Guntax or Potarana! Oh yeah and remember that these people did serve Zirkala, not you, and uh, I'm not sure if I'm going to have the usual "don't kill the summoner" pact attached. So, uh, choose wisely."
>>
No. 481813 ID: f2c20c

>>481810
Let's summon the ones most likely to be friendly, first. Like, Rotfrost and Potarana. Rotfrost is very likely to cooperate with us due to her premonition (plus we NEED her for making the potion), and Potarana seemed like a decent sort. Ralex might not agree with being summoned so let's not get him. The assassins seemed kinda loopy so who knows how they'd react?

I dunno if we really need more than Rotfrost and Potarana; Potarana would really only be here to maybe tutor us in magic some more or help us out with some magical aid that the lady dragon can't.
>>
No. 481814 ID: 5f4e7d

>>481813
Same ideas here. After all, Tom should probably have some mana left over after the summoning.
Just in case.
>>
No. 481830 ID: 943463

>>481810
Don't let that question about "synchronizing" enchanted gear drop; it seems like useful information, particularly in our current situation.

Also, "don't kill the summoner" wouldn't have helped us before when Zirkala summoned them. Either Zirkala had some kind of more sophisticated pact (entirely plausible), or the people she summoned genuinely didn't want us dead.

Would Tom feel more confident in the pacts if he only summoned two, rather than three? Tom said before that he just lacks power, not knowledge, so it doesn't make sense that he wouldn't be sure; it seems more likely that he just doesn't feel confident in the amount of power to put in, since he got used to having phenominal cosmic powers at his beck and call.

I'd second the choice of Rotfrost and Potarana; We know very little about the two assassins, and don't really need them anyway. Ralex nearly killed us even when Zirkala summoned him, and I don't think we'll have the time or energy for his training this loop; on top of that, we might not manage a physical loop this time around.
>>
No. 481835 ID: 15b5e6

>>481813
Agreed. Rotfrost is necessary, so no choice there. Potarana seems the most reasonable of the others.

...although that still leaves us with the problem of Cnort. Hopefully one of them can provide a magical solution?
>>
No. 481892 ID: b33427

Ask Tom if he could shorten their summon duration to a day or so, then resummon them every day. That way if one of them does go all kill happy on you, you two only have to dodge 'em for a day at most. That would let you summon a different one, and also swap one out for another if need be.

Summon Rotfrost first, since you're going to need her to make up the resistance potion and any other ones, but don't summon any more at the same time. Talk with her first, explain things, see if she's going to cooperate, and find out if she has that "dont' kill the summoner" pact attached, then continue on.

Of the rest, Potarana is the best choice, since Ralex would try to kill you at worst, and not obey at best, and the two assassins are rather loopy. You'll need her to do any magic that doesn't need Tom-level power, and perhaps Potarana could help Tom by instructing him in better mana management so he can stretch what he has farther.

As for the third, wait on it. See if you can deal with Prince Not-So-Charming without resorting to assassinating him with Springfoot or Guntax, but if it comes to that you've got them available. You might also need them for other sneaky things, such as stealth recon and such, but not right now.
>>
No. 481951 ID: 522afb

Damn, Tom. You better ease up on that swag or else you'll be smothered in bitches.

Anyway, I vote for Rotfrost, Potarana, Ralex. Rotfrost for obvious anti-magic reasons, Potarana because we might as well have some magical backing of our own, apart from Sir No-MP here. Ralex already saw us here, and with the current state of the castle, he should be good to convince, and maybe we could get him to help us somewhat. Besides, he's going to come up here to check things out anyway, though if he'll be able to make it before the time flips back is anyone's guess. He seems like a dutiful guy, if a bit short tempered.
>>
No. 481958 ID: ad199c

We saw Ralex already, and we shouldn't just summon people because we can. Who knows what we can do with that juice, don't waste it until we have a plan.

When we do, Rotfrost seems like a must. Her potions are the thing that is letting us break the loop, and give us a variety of useful abilities that'll be handy regardless of what we do.

And I hate to even suggest this, because if it sticks in Stories head Zirkala will eventually hear it, but maybe we should break the loop now, if we can manage it. Zirkala is going to tire of our particular brand of humor someday, and this is probably the only opportunity we will ever have to be free of her. Fix things and that happens (if we can manage it). I guess Muo will be Tom free too, and Tom will be somewhat permanently mortal.
>>
No. 481959 ID: 886a4d

>>481958
Nope. She is a powerful ally and potential friend \ love interest. Besides she doesn't own us. We agreed to do her favors in return for patronage and adventure. We get far more out of the deal then she does.
>>
No. 481961 ID: ad199c

Yeah, this is what you are missing.

She's a lich. Story is an insect to her. Eventually she's gonna get bored and turn him into an undead monstrosity or just disincorporate him.

If it weren't for the fact she reads his mind regularly I'd be advising Story to find an out every chance he gets.
>>
No. 481962 ID: 15b5e6

>>481959
Amen to that.

Anyways, we don't betray/murder allies for silly concerns like "long term survival" or "they're really a horrible monster" around here.

>>481961
I doubt, with us driving, Story is ever gonna get boring. And we're hardly an insect- we're currently taking measures that see to it she gets to survive! And keep all the research and whatsits she's been hiding in out head each loop.
>>
No. 481963 ID: e3aff6

>>481961
The drake has been on worse terms with her for longer, and has not yet been zombified or enslaved.
Even if you assume that lichdom prevents someone from liking a mortal in any real way (which would only fit the setting's evidence through a rather sizable web of conspiracy), she has no motive to turn a living minion into an undead one when she has few of the former and plenty of the latter. It isn't good overlord tactics to throw away minions on a whim or to give them all the same set of weaknesses.

Out of curiosity, does your paranoia in regards to powerful beings of dubious morality extend to wanting to flee or do away with Tom as well?
>>
No. 482047 ID: ad199c

Well, considering Tom would be in a very mortal state, I think it'd be a win on that front too.

Don't forget all of Zirkala's wealth would suddenly belong to story.
>>
No. 482055 ID: 997ce7

>>482047
You assume we would be able to maintain ownership of that wealth. The drake, the goblin queen, the lizardfolk, and every random adventurer will want a share and be better equipped to get a chunk than SS is to defend it.
>>
No. 482056 ID: 15b5e6

We've already blown a decent hunk of her physical resources, and the rest is being eaten by a time lord torn hole in reality.

Frankly, her cooperation and aid remains more valuable. And betraying her for material wealth is an even worse motive than self preservation. I mean, c'mon, it's not very badly to let a lady die for our own (highly debatable) benefit!
>>
No. 482117 ID: 943463
File 135727273071.png - (431B , 32x48 , Tellah_battle.png )
482117

Let's not betray an ally, here. On top of that, we've already started down the path of doing frivolous things this cycle on the assumption that we'd loop; the time we plan to break the loop, we need to decide that as early as possible and act accordingly. We also don't want the old chaos god wandering around causing chaos, nor do we want reality dissolving (even if it seems to have slowed down at the moment).

>>481951
>Sir No-MP
Nice.

On that note, we should get Tom to teach us more about whatever he did to *bounce* the spell back and forth with us.
>>
No. 482133 ID: c4e5c2
File 135728352639.png - (227.17KB , 700x700 , 4-276.png )
482133

>Betray Zirkala
I think that I like her too much! Plus, I do not believe that she ever was intending on stopping me from leaving her, should I wish to. Granted, I have never tested this, but I do not believe that I am trapped in servitude! I just hope the important thing to Zirkala is that in the end, I decide not to betray her.

"I believe you should ease up on that swag, Tom, lest you attract more ladies than you know what to do with!"
>"There's no such number! Already missing Minci though."
"Can you not just summon perhaps for a day's time, so that we can retain some of your mana?"
>"Not so easy! Zirkala's already done so much prepwork, that's the only reason why I can do this at all. I could save a bit by only doing it for one day, but then I won't be able to do it again at all the next day! Not worth it."
"In that case, Potarana and Rotfrost."
>"So be it! Prepare to restock my mana hat as I run low!"
"By the way, could you teach me how to do that bounce spell back and forth?"
>"Perhaps, when you tell me how you can make engineering understandable to small children!"
"Then perhaps explain to me why you make such funny faces?"
>"No reason."
>>
No. 482135 ID: c4e5c2
File 135728356556.png - (172.59KB , 700x700 , 4-277.png )
482135

It doesn't take Tom long, and he manages to summon them both at the same time somehow. It keeps me having to constantly keep the mana flowing, and soon Potarana and Rotfrost both show up. Conveniently, the world does not seem to be collapsing around this room as of yet!

>"What new mortals have summoned us?! Has Zirkala been teaching summoning to the living of all things?" Rotfrosts asks.
>"Inefficient, but she does like to have a few competent living subjects around. Where is Zirkala, animal, kobold?" continues Potarana.
>>
No. 482136 ID: 51f375

She's dead, actually. Well, deader than usual! Fortunately we are caught in a time loop though, as perhaps you can tell by the time lord damaged environment. So it shouldn't stick.

Rotfrost, I need to ask you to make your magic resistance lotion. My using it has been the only way we've been able to carry anything over through the loops.

Oh, and I'm story seeker, and this here is Tom, temporarily dethroned god of chaos. The old one broke out and ate Zirkala.
>>
No. 482137 ID: 68bbc5
File 135728411713.png - (596.53KB , 672x698 , 91416212.png )
482137

SHE'S DEAD!
GONE FOREVER!
DIED A HORRIBLE, PAINFUL DEATH!
>>
No. 482138 ID: b53faa

>>482136
>>482137
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to recall zirkala mentioning that Rotfrost here was a rival or something, correct?
Somehow, I really don't want to know what happens if she finds out zirkala's dead.

Why? Well, from what I remember of specifically-bound summons like rotfrosts, the summoned creature is only actually bound to the summoner's will if the original summner is still, well, ALIVE.
I am very likely wrong on this account, but it miiiight be a good idea to keep this in mind.
>>
No. 482140 ID: 51f375

>>482138
Well, if summoner binding logic kicks in, they should be forced to obey Tom, not Zirkala.

And I realize telling them she's dead might raise some problems, but I don't see how we would go about covering up her death for 5 days. Especially since they're both mages, and might have ways to check on things our cover up might not account for. Long term, I'd rather deal with a small kerfuffle now than a bigger one later.
>>
No. 482141 ID: c59939

Explain to Rotfrost that you are stuck in a time loop, and need a magic resistance potion to break it. Elaborate that this concerns her because currently, you have reached to point where stuff is starting to unravel, and the god of chaos just killed the timelord who might have been able to do something about it.

If she's super cheery about Zirkala being dead, and isn't convinced by the whole unraveling reality, also mention that the only way to make sure Zirkala stays dead, is to break your time loop right now, with the aforementioned magic resistance potion.
>>
No. 482147 ID: 04b86a

Actually, won't Zirkala be brought back to unlife when the gods undo the stuff the old Chaos God did? Her death being temporary no matter what should be enough to keep them from doing something extreme like killing Story Seeker to keep the time loop from reviving her.
>>
No. 482148 ID: 57a559

>>482135
Potarana, we've met before. Can you manage to read memories? Please do so of the last few weeks, it will save us some time. I apologize for any nasty memories in there.
>>
No. 482223 ID: c6ec33

"Hello Potarana, Rotfrost. You won't remember me, but we've actually met many times before - you see, we're caught in a time loop, and I am one of the only ones able to remember it. Normally, Zirkala is the one that summons you, but the old Chaos god - the one that came before Tom - has used the instability caused by the time loop to break free of his imprisonment temporarily in order to run around and have some fun. Because of that, Zirkala is dead in this timeline - the chaos god sucked the life force right out of her.

Since the old chaos god was, by all accounts, kind of a jerk, I've teamed up with what's left of Tom here in asking for your help surviving this loop. I think we can all agree that having a bored chaos god run amok is probably a bad idea when it comes to my health. As you can see from walking through what remains of Zirkala's home, the barriers between reality and... whatever that other space is are already breaking down."
>>
No. 482227 ID: c4e5c2
File 135732447584.png - (122.06KB , 700x700 , 4-278.png )
482227

"I am stuck in a time loop! I need a magic potion resistance to break it, or rather, to partially remember each loop so I can eventually break it. See, this loop, Zirkala is quite dead! The old god of chaos apparently sucked the life out of her, and Tom here is the dethroned god of chaos before.. after? him.... Uh... perhaps one of you has the ability to read my memory? That would make this far easier."
>"To a small extent. Let me see." Potarana says. "..... I don't see a lot, but what I do see is informative. And no, we are not bound to not kill you or Tom, but we currently have no reason to do so. We are not Ralex. Moving on. I doubt Zirkala is dead. She has made sure that we are not able to be summoned, ever, unless she is alive. It gives us summons incentive to keep her that way, as it's only through Zirkala that we're able to ever live. I find it unlikely that she has released us from private summoning. Rotfrost, begin working on a magic resistance potion broth. Story Seeker, you have seen Zirkala's shattered phylactery?"
>>
No. 482230 ID: d42c7a

>Story Seeker, you have seen Zirkala's shattered phylactery?
No, I don't believe I've seen that, shattered or otherwise. Unless she's concealed it as something unassuming! If it's hidden around here though, I don't know how safe it will stay with all the tears in reality.

It could also be she's still 'alive' inside the chaos god that ate her, even if she's separated from her body.
>>
No. 482231 ID: f2c20c

>>482227
Oh dur, of course, she's a LICH, not just a powerful undead mage. What a dumb thing to forget. I think we should feel dumb.

No, she never told us where the phylactery was. We probably needed to summon someone to find out where it is in the first place, I guess.
>>
No. 482233 ID: 57a559

We're not comfortable knowing where that is.
Once Zirkala reads we know what it is in the next, hopefully stabler loop, she may eventually plan to destroy us after the loop is broken, it's very probable unless she simply chooses to delete the memory if she can do that.
The top rule for being a lich is not let anyone survive who knows what your phylactery is or have them so under your control it's impossible and impractical to ever do anything with it.

And you know what they say, alliances change with the times. This nice relationship we have with her now may one day change, beyond simple entertainment, and Zirkala knows this too. We aren't comfortable with ever betraying her no, but goddamn, even letting it be possible now through knowing what her phylactery is, is like a big fat nono.
>>
No. 482257 ID: c4e5c2
File 135732934296.png - (148.46KB , 700x700 , 4-279.png )
482257

"Uh... I have not, but you know, I don't know if I'm comfortable knowing where the phylactery is!"
>"What makes you say that?" Potarana says, as Rotfrost slinks off to go to what is left of her alchemy lab.
"Well, while I do think that Zirkala is a fine lady, I simply don't know how troublesome it would be for her, to have little me knowing where such an important object is hidden away!"
>".... I see what you are saying. Not bad thinking. I do not know if it would be in my best interests to know that either. This place does appear to be being torn apart, however. Troublesome situation. I do not want her phylactery to be functioning, only to have it fall into one of these holes. If the time loop fails to return, then it would be disasterous. For me. And her. In any case, I do not think we would be able to find the phylactery in time."
>"I know!" Tom says. "In the library, behind the stone behind the book 'Brief Overview of Literature in Dark Elf Society.'
"Tom!"
>"I am not sure if I like this supposed chaos god." Potarana notes.
>"Hey!" says Tom. "It's better that I get back in my godhood, cause then I got better things than to share little interesting tidbits with you guys!"
>"All of the gods are immature."
>"Whoa blasphemy."
>>
No. 482261 ID: f2c20c

>>482257
Welp now we know where it is until she hides it in a new spot every first day from now on. Don't sweat it. Let's go retrieve it and keep it safe.
>>
No. 482262 ID: f2c20c

>>482261
Wait, actually, we should probably not find out what it LOOKS like, as Dirtbag implied. I mean, the location can be changed, but the object itself cannot. Allow one of these two (or Tom) to take care of it without you getting an eyeful of it.
>>
No. 482263 ID: 6e1234

>>482262
yeah i suggest we do this
>>
No. 482264 ID: d42c7a

...well, now that we know where it is, we might as well retrieve it before it falls through a hole in reality. Zirkala can worry about finding a new hiding place or erasing our memories later.

How does the phylactery work, anyways? Will be able to talk to her when we retrieve it?
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No. 482293 ID: c4e5c2
File 135733252390.png - (157.61KB , 700x700 , 4-280.png )
482293

"How does this phylactery work, Potarana? Will we be able to speak to Zirkala upon retrieving it?"
>"No, but she will be resurrected within a day if all goes well. And if things go even better, she won't kill us."
"Well, it is still salvageable! We simply have to refrain from knowing what it looks like, and she can hide it again easily!"
>"..."
"No, Tom! No!"
>"Okay, okay, but that's a bit of a tall order!" he claims. "I want something in return for not having any help removing the phylactery, and going through all the trouble of putting the mystery object in a bag and not telling you what it is! I need, uh... okay, Story Seeker, I want one of your scales, and then, say, a piece of hair from that Archmage. And lastly, but not leastly, some spending gold. Say, about 1000. No, 2,000. For reasons."
>>
No. 482295 ID: a9298b

Might as well. What's the worst that could happen?
>>
No. 482296 ID: f2c20c

>>482293
He's gonna make a potion, isn't he.

SIGH. Okay, agree to the terms. We can get the hair easily when we do our thing with her. That is, unless one of our two summoned magic-users wants to volunteer to get it, since they'll forget everything that happens in these five days anyway due to the time loop thing.
>>
No. 482300 ID: d42c7a

...Tom, you do realize you're technically not the god of chaos right now, right? You don't need to go around stirring it up.

But fine. He's the gold, and a scale, I'll get you hair when I can. (He's making a Mitzi summoning potion, isn't he).

...actually, this sort of helps us. We now have an actual reason to seduce the archboobs. One that could actually get us Potarana's help.
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No. 482301 ID: 76b151

Well we are fairly lustful and the Archboobs is the Archboobs. Sounds like a perfect recipe to summon a succubus. Throw in something from Tom and you could summon a succubus that technically doesn't exist. Since he isn't really supposed to exist either.
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No. 482302 ID: c31f72

Tom is an animal, right? Weren't all the animals servants of the god of chaos?
>>
No. 482309 ID: 57a559

>>482293
He's making a lust potion I think, or something.
Is he going to bone Zirkala?
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No. 482329 ID: c4e5c2
File 135733943537.png - (127.89KB , 700x700 , 4-281.png )
482329

"Alright, Tom! I find your terms to be agreeable, if unnerving."
>"Thanks!"

We wait for about an hour while Tom retrieves it, to which he comes back with it presumably tucked away in a cloth wrapping.

"I've been thinking. Are you thinking of summoning your succubus consort?"
>"Yyyyyes. I'm sure Ralex wasn't going to have his summoning circle used anyway! I can just modify it a bit. It might work! Or not. Who knows."
"By the way! Were your kind subjects of the chaos god?"
>"That's racist! No, he just made a bunch of us to toy around with, but the only reason we, and so many things, are around is because of bored wizardry!"
"I see!"
>Potarana also happens to speak up, having her interest piqued by the mention of Ralex. "I noticed that Guntax and Springfoot are prepared as well. I do not care about Ralex, but I will summon those two myself if there are no objections."
>>
No. 482330 ID: f2c20c

>>482329
Well, sure, if she wants and doesn't think they'll kill her? We don't know much about them. They seemed kindof weird.
>>
No. 482333 ID: d42c7a

Yeah, we don't mind Tom. I certainly see why'd you want to get your girl here and out of whatever limbo she might be stuck in, and heck, she might even be useful (a second source of MR potions?). And it's not like we'd be able to control Ralex without Zirkala around anyways.

>I will summon those two myself if there are no objections.
If you're confident they'll be cooperative and stuff. We don't know them as well as you two, and weren't sure if they would behave themselves without Zirkala around or not.
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No. 482340 ID: c4e5c2
File 135734149842.png - (143.90KB , 700x700 , 4-282.png )
482340

"Very well, if you don't believe they will act badly upon learning of our predicament! They seemed, no offense, loopy."
>"They are, yes, that is no secret. But they do not go around maiming people for fun, so I do not believe this to be a problem."
"Then I think it is time for me to head to the tailors! I am hoping that she is done. Hopefully it is a decent fit!"
>"I can resize it if it isn't." Potarana offers. "Otherwise, I am going to get to work and will meet you in the commons. I will hold on to the phylactery, since things can still go bad for you in the commons even if you have grown accustomed to being there."
"Very well!"

Later, at the Tailor's...

"So... how is it?! I mean, it's kind of just a replacement for your other clothes you apparently lost. But this one has an actual gold trim! And the best fabric I've ever used! And it was all really expensive so I hope you meant it when you said you would pay a lot...
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No. 482343 ID: 76b151

Looking snazzy. Pay her its worth.
>>
No. 482345 ID: d42c7a

We have what, around 18k left, right? We can easily afford to overpay for the suit. And tip her in the process. A few thousand or something.

Don't give it all up though, we'll likely need some more cash to finish the wooing.
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No. 482346 ID: f2c20c

>>482340
Okay, give her uh

I don't know how much really fancy clothes cost around here. 50 gold? 100?
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No. 482348 ID: f2c20c

>>482346
...hang on where did she get the money to buy the materials if they were "really" expensive? Did she borrow money to pay for it? Who did she borrow money from and can we talk to them maybe about taking out loans ourselves?

Maybe we should just ask for a ballpark figure and double it.
>>
No. 482357 ID: f45872

How much money would it take to make her cry with joy? Let's give her a lot.
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No. 482362 ID: c4e5c2
File 135734389651.png - (91.39KB , 700x700 , 4-283.png )
482362

"Out of curiosity, how much did the materials cost, and where did you get that sort of money?"
>"Oh, uh, I guess around 500 which was stupid because that is so much, and out of the loan bank. Same bank I think you came from before coming to me for clothes! I'm hoping to pay it back before interest kicks in tomorrow..."
"I see, well, here is 1,500!"
>"Wha....? Really?!"
"Yes!"
>"YOU'RE BEST."

She hugs surprisingly tight!
>>
No. 482364 ID: f2c20c

>>482362
Well hug back. Ask her if she works out or something. Maybe she was a fighter before she came here?
>>
No. 482365 ID: d42c7a

Woot! Enjoy hugs.

Then let's meet Potarana. We'll have to figure out how we're handling Cnort so we have a clear path to woo the archboobs.
>>
No. 482367 ID: 7d1576

>>482362
daww...
it's always nice to spend a lot of gold found somewhere without doing much for it, right?^^

You need to find a job for exactly that!
>>
No. 482370 ID: 57a559

>>482362
social link level up!
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No. 482509 ID: c4e5c2
File 135736335755.png - (224.51KB , 700x700 , 4-284.png )
482509

After hugging back, and finally prying her off of me once I feel enough hugs have been given, I head back to Potarana in the outskirts of the naturally crumbling parts of Zirkala's lair. At this point, the others have been summoned.

"Hello, everyone."
>"Hello." Guntax says. The others simply wave, and Rotfrost is still in her alchemy lab I would assume. "Pota got us up to par."
"Well, I didn't have a plan for any of you or anything, not to insinuate that you are under my orders or such! However, I do have a certain jealous prince problem that may get in my way of my courting efforts towards the naga archmage. I don't suppose any of you have any ideas for this sort of scenario?"
>"Why don't you just kill him?" Springfoot asks.
"Uh, well, I was hoping for less extreme measures!"
>"It's not like we have anything better to do." Guntax says. They are quite casual about this sort of business! I will tell myself it is entirely because of the time loop, and that they are certainly not so quick to leap to that decision should it not have permanent effects.
>>
No. 482510 ID: 57a559

>>482509
This is an incapacitation job and about collecting intelligence, any plans or conspiracies about interfering with the soon-to-happen courting would be greatly appreciated. The intellegence will be vital for other loops as well. It would also be very satisfactory to find out if the prince's own desires are in fact lustful or the romance has other more powerful benefits than sex or love for him.

Knowledge of the posies is also pretty good, more than likely they're powerful reagents which is why the archmage likes them so much, I don't take her for a common flower lover.
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No. 482513 ID: be7fd9

Well whataya expect, SS. The assassins suggest assassination.

Now, killing him would be the quickest and most expedient solution to getting him out of the way. The problem is, he's a high ranking member of the naga establishment! Our attempts at wooing could very easily be disrupted if the nagas are up in arms because the prince has been assassinated. It could stir up all kinds of secondary problems we can't plan for.

It would create far fewer waves if he could just be incapacitated or humiliated in some way to take him out of the picture.
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No. 482539 ID: 6dc5a6

Just have the fellas take the prince bar hopping. Keeps him outta the picture and you might get info from the prince depending on his alcohol tolerance.
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No. 482558 ID: f2c20c

>>482509
How about they threaten his life? A death threat sent in a skilled manner might keep him out of our hair.
>>
No. 482566 ID: c33f8f

Guntax is good with a crossbow right? Just get him some darts or bolts covered with sleeping potion or hallucinogens and have him shoot the prince with them.

Also SS what are your thoughts about Springfoot? Too dangerous and loopy to try and charm? Or a challenge.
>>
No. 482671 ID: 522afb

>>482510
>>482513
I fully agree with these guys. We should extort, interrogate, or manipulate precious information out of the prince, and then get him out of the way through chicanery but not kill him (at least before day 7) because we don't need that extra trouble on our tails.
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No. 482691 ID: c4e5c2
File 135742565510.png - (116.09KB , 700x700 , 4-285.png )
482691

"Less killing! Just keeping him busy will do. Perhaps learn something about him, and his motives for going after the archmage? Perhaps use a sleeping dart or something if you must, but I insist there be no killing!"
>"Softy. Fine." Springfoot says.

>Is springfoot too dangerous and loopy to try and charm, or a challenge?
Most certainly a challenge! However, it is a challenge that I must delay for the time being, as I should not be distracted.

Speaking of which, I don't know if there is much else for me to do before heading off to the archmage's place, and how I should go about it. Sneak into her bedroom, perhaps, or try to simply go right through the front door and hope I'm allowed in!
>>
No. 482697 ID: be7fd9

>Springfoot wooing
I would think we'd want more information to aid an attempt before we make one. A challenge for future loops.

>Sneak in, or go right in?
Hmm. Well, there are likely guards either way. And more than likely, the prince has someone looking for you.

...the important thing, either way, is to make a big entrance. As we saw before, archboobs likes being flattered, and a big effort made on her behalf. (...uh, we really need to learn her name, ASAP though. Flowery titles will only get us so far).
>>
No. 482734 ID: f2c20c

>>482691
Nothing wrong with trying the front door at first.
>>
No. 482825 ID: c4e5c2
File 135743540694.png - (166.38KB , 700x700 , 4-286.png )
482825

I relax for the remainder of the day and into the night, visiting miss drake and Clunker and sleeping with them. I have not seen Muo, but I may check on her after finding out how well I manage the archmage. I have also brought with me one potion of speed, levitation and invisibility that I found in Zirkala's stash, before we moved it all out before the abyss holes get to them! Springfoot and Guntax say they'll make sure the prince stays out of my business, and so once once I get the kep flowers and head off.

>"Hello, kobold. What're you doing here?" the guard, upon my walking into plain view, asks in about the nicest manner as I could expect around here.
>>
No. 482832 ID: f2c20c

>>482825
Say that you've heard good things about their leader and you wished to meet her in person.
>>
No. 482842 ID: be7fd9

Why, you're here to see the archmage! You have a gift for her, in fact.
>>
No. 482908 ID: c6ec33

Time to turn on the charm!

Show her all the manners you can, and explain that you bring news of worrying magical happenings within the caverns. You seek council with the honorable naga archmage.

If she seems reluctant, impress upon her that it is quite important, and you would be honored if she would escort you to an audience with her.
>>
No. 482960 ID: b33427

>>482832
"Good" would probably be a bit of a stretch. How about saying you've heard some intriguing stories about their archmage, and you came to meet her in person. You even brought her a gift, and show the guard the kep flowers if she asks.

En route to the archmage, make sure to casually ask the escorting guard what the archmage's name is. Say you tried finding out before, but everyone just calls her the "naga archmage," "naga's archmage," or... ahem... "archboobs."
>>
No. 482974 ID: c4e5c2
File 135744530373.png - (124.43KB , 700x700 , 4-287.png )
482974

"Greetings, ma'am! I bring news of distressing magical happenings within the caverns. I have heard intriguing things about your archmage, and wish to discuss such matters with her! I must stress it is quite important. Nevertheless, I have brought a fine gift for her, and if you are reluctant, you are more than welcome to escort me. However, despite all the flattering things I have heard of her, I still do not know her name! May I ask what that might be?"
>"Selveera. And, uh... don't see why not. She's kind of in a foul mood, though. What gift? I need to see it before I allow some kobold to go tromping through."
"Kep flowers, ma'am!" I say, not wishing to sound suspicious.
>"Oh! Oh. Ohhhh. You're less... mangy than our, uh, honorable guest made you out to be."
"And what, may I ask, did he say of me?"
>"Welllll, I wasn't there, but I heard that the prince said his kep flowers were stolen by a mangy, small, wiry, foul tempered miscreant of a lowly kobold that seemed trustworthy at first. And that we're supposed to either kill or apprehend that kobold on sight, no questions asked."
"Ah, but I note that you are not pursuing me?"
>"Yeah, and you're not running. Well, okay... you're probably faster than me and I'm kind of alone out here. We weren't really expecting you to just, you know, show up here, and going to offer it as a gift no less... and a lot of us are out looking for you."
"Really? I didn't see so much as a single naga that stood out while in the commons?"
>"Hey, I didn't say we were taking it seriously. I mean, great prince of the overworld gets bested by a kobold? Kinda... lame. Really lame. Kinda funny."
>>
No. 482979 ID: 48f315

"I outbid him. It seems the "prince" is not as well-heeled as a prince should be. Has he proven he is legitimately a prince?"
>>
No. 482981 ID: be7fd9

Looks like we've already humiliated him to the point where no one is taking him seriously. Killing him would have just legitimized his crazy rumors!

Audacity wins out again.

Well, we have our entry. Thank the guard, we're glad we brought a little amusement to her day, at least.
>>
No. 482990 ID: 2802d9

'His ego was larger than his coin-purse, madam. And bruising the ego of a stuffy prince seemed like a worthy endeavor, especially if the Lady Selveera appreciates this flower as much as I believe she will. It would certainly be a shame if a fine gentlemen such as the Prince were to be allowed to run around seducing fine ladies, such as the archmage - and yourself, I might add - without challenge.
>>
No. 483026 ID: c4e5c2
File 135745500967.png - (130.13KB , 700x700 , 4-288.png )
483026

"His ego was larger than his purse, ma'am!"
>"You don't say?"
"Might I ask if he has, indeed, proven himself legitimately a prince?"
>"... I assume so. I mean, I'm just a guard, I'm not his escort. Naga princes do carry around a seal of nobility, though, so he probably has one of those. Guess it could be a forgery, but it's not like he's some bum."
"Well, I'm glad I have brought some amusement to you, with my bruising of his ego, to which I already find a worthy endeavor! Now, if you'll excuse me, I will go ahead and head to Miss Selveera's quarters if you would point me the way?"
>"Whoa, hold on, I said I can't stop you if you were running away. Didn't say I'd just let you through."
"Ah, but your orders were to kill or apprehend me, correct? So couldn't you simply 'apprehend' me and deliver me to the archmage herself?"
>"... if I get a tip for abandoning my post. You outbid him, so don't tell me you don't have money! Like anyone would blow their money on kep flowers."
"Certainly! How far would, say, 200 gold get me?"
>"There."

I did not bring it all on me, I should note! I have left all but 2,000, 1,800 now, in Potarana's care.
>>
No. 483028 ID: c4e5c2
File 135745508378.png - (136.06KB , 700x700 , 4-289.png )
483028

"What is your name by the way, miss?"
>"Nelin."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance!"
>"Er, thank you."

We share idle conversation as we enter the naga chambers, before the familiar Archmage quarters are within sight.

>"Archmage Silveena, I brought the kep flower kobold!"
>"Oh really? Bring him in, and I will pry the location of those flowers."

And now is my chance, now that it is on the spot, to think of an entry plan and speech!
>>
No. 483036 ID: be7fd9

>>483026
Smooth, SS. Charmed and tipped her. (Heh. She's a cutie).

>>483028
Go in strong, lay in the charm. We saw in the previous loop she responds well to profuse flattery.

Possibly make a (flirting) game of it, before gifting her the flowers? After all, you can hardly surrender the location of the flowers to the prince if you intend to give them to her!

...it's too late and I'm too braindead to come up with specific dialog and wordplay through. Hopefully someone else is feeling awake enough to be clever, or SS is up to it.
>>
No. 483103 ID: b33427

If Nelin is moving to open the door, quickly stop her and whisper to her to please wait a moment, you've got a plan. Pull out the kep flowers, leaving one in your inside pocket for possible alchemical use later. Put your arms behind your back as if your wrists are bound together, and hold the flowers such that they're out of sight from your front. Whisper to Nelin to hold your shoulder and lead you in like a prisoner, and if she doesn't mind, sticking close behind you so as to block the view of the kep flowers from that angle.

Once you're through the door, it's time to use all your charm and all those manners that Muo has been teaching you to their fullest. And, as always, keep that smile on your face.

Immediately introduce yourself to Archmage Silveena, giving as much of a bow as you can without showing the flowers, and say you'll gladly bring her the kep flowers right away if she answers one little question: What's her most favorite food ever, in the whole wide world? Whether she answers or not, kneel down on one knee, bring the flowers around with a flourish, and present them with both hands, saying that you only asked so you'd know what to bring for your next visit.

Assuming that goes well, lay on the flattery. Say that when you heard tell of Silveena, an archmage of such great power, wisdom and beauty, you knew you had to meet her. And when you heard that she loves kep flowers, you knew you had to acquire them as your gift to her, any way you could.
>>
No. 483107 ID: 57a559

>>483028
>>483036
Must make official list of who to woo
First one on it is cool mallcop naga

Anyway, be careful, she might disintegrate you without a single word. I hope you found the time artifact and have it on you. This can go nasty pretty fast, the archmage isn't your average woman. Neither have the other woman you've bedded or attempted to woo have been, but I feel that she's the one closest to being an actual danger to you. The most dangerous one was Zirkala followed by Rotfrost, but they're both chaotic enough to actually screw with you and humor you at the same time.

This woman is a legit, all serious business woman.
Also speaking of how dangerous Rotfrost was, how is your magically induced flaccid boner doing at the moment?
>>
No. 483119 ID: b33427

>>483103
Er... In light of the real chance of having a magical "prybar" applied to you mid-sentence if you say the wrong thing before presenting the flowers, drop the whole "little question" bit and just ask the question that was with it before you leave, if at all.

>>483107
Speaking of Rotfrost's chaotic libido "abstinence" potion; If it suddenly shifts "high," could it cause you to pop an awkward boner at a horribly inopportune and dangerous time such as this one? And do you get any feeling that it's going to shift or is shifting so that you can make a hasty exit?
>>
No. 483124 ID: f2c20c

Well, she will most likely be quite surprised at your appearance and the fact that you're giving her the flowers as a gift. Hmm. I say keep her surprised. Pretty much immediately present the flowers so that she has little time to get angry at you, and start layering on the charm and flirtation.
>>
No. 483147 ID: c4e5c2
File 135751920179.png - (184.30KB , 900x700 , 4-290.png )
483147

I ask Nelin to lead me in at my back, so that I might surprise the archmage.

>Status of the abstinence potion
Currently it is fair winds, but it could change at any time! An unfortunate ruse in my pants could occur at a time inopportune, or a failure therein at a time opportune! I have no control over such a thing, and so I will not lose more scales worrying about it.

>"So. Kobold. Do you want to do this the hard way or the easy way? Either way, you have no reason to smile."
"I must disagree, I have all the reason to smile, because I have been wishing to meet with you for quite some time, Archmage Silveena!"
>".... what."
"My name is Story Seeker! It's my pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance. I have come to give you the flowers myself!"
>"... so you were caught with them, and decided to pretend you were going to give them to me anyway?"
I blink, a small action betraying how fast my mind races trying to get out of this one! Before my vision so much as recovers from the blink, however, my new naga friend interjects.
>"Oh, no." Nelin starts. "I think he actually did. He came up to me asking to see you right off the bat, even showed me he had the flowers."
>".... I see." Silveena pauses for a time, as though weighing heavy options. "Never did like the oaf anyway. Always trying to sweet talk me, and I had to swallow every damn sugar grain. You don't match his description."
"So I have heard! As I told Miss Nelin, here, I simply outbid him, I must defend myself in that I did not perform petty thievery."
>"I highly doubt that man gave up as soon as you dropped a beggar's coin on the flower. Where did you get the money to afford this?"
>>
No. 483153 ID: 76b151

Hmm slight change of plans. Try being subtle with your flattery.
>>
No. 483154 ID: f2c20c

>>483147
By performing services for a powerful and beautiful mage like herself. You are far more useful and skilled than you might appear! On that subject, we should alert her of a rather troublesome magical phenomenon taking place in the cavern. She should avoid the lich's area, as it's dissolving into an abyss.
>>
No. 483159 ID: be7fd9

Oh. Hmm. So she doesn't like the over-flattery. She's just compelled to put up with it for some reason! I think there may be politics involved, here.

We'll have to shift gears then, and not play up the overly saccharine ham card like we were planning.

>>483154
I like the services to powerful individuals (I can be surprisingly useful!) bit. Not so much advertising the lich's cave is melting into a hole in reality.

I'd rather archboobs was concerned trying to wiggle her way out of whatever political squeeze prince charmless has her in, and dealing with us, rather than worrying about reality unraveling.
>>
No. 483187 ID: 943463

Don't play up the "services to powerful individuals" thing; you don't want her thinking you only care about *her* for her favor. You could choose to say that you got paid by a lich for your services, but don't paint it in terms that would make her draw a parallel to herself.

Alternatively, you could go for the crazy audacious approach, given your plans to loop back in time and undo all this except the memories: you could say that you *killed* an evil lich and decided to put the spoils towards more noble purposes. (You wouldn't, strictly speaking, be lying; if you hadn't perpetuated the time loop, the time lord wouldn't have been around for Tom to eat, and Zirkala wouldn't be dead.) On the one hand, that might impress Silveena, and get her to re-evaluate you; on the other hand, you'll probably end up stretching your storytelling skills to the limit to back up your story, especially if Silveena starts asking questions like "did you destroy the phylactery or should I expect a very angry lich in your future?".

Your call.

In any case, you already hinted to Nelin about the unraveling of reality in the lich's lair and used it as part of your reason to see Silveena, so you shouldn't try to hide that from Silveena now.

And it does sound like she doesn't particularly appreciate the prince's advances, so play it carefully and seek an approach more to her liking.
>>
No. 483192 ID: 57a559

>>483147
A few favors from a rich patron. There were also bets against SS from this patron, which we won.
We're nuts and enjoy challenges of any sort, and annoying smug men.
>"Never did like the oaf anyway. Always trying to sweet talk me, and I had to swallow every damn sugar grain. You don't match his description."
Just how did he get her naked last loop again? Those lines were straight up terrible, she must have been bored. Ask her if she's been bored lately, perhaps you'd like to perk her up a bit.

Ask her if Kep flowers are particularly useful for rituals or potions, we just knew that the prince wanted them for you and we wanted to show the smug prick up, and she doesn't seem to be the type into posies just because they're nice.
>>
No. 483194 ID: 00df0f

Just tell her you provide valuable services to the lich.
>>
No. 483196 ID: c31f72

Prostitution.
>>
No. 483212 ID: beeca1

Services rendered and wagers won.
>>
No. 483228 ID: c4e5c2
File 135753656972.png - (108.73KB , 700x700 , 4-291.png )
483228

>Prostitution
Although I am sure this is believable, I do not want to give that sort of impression!

".... for services rendered to one lich of nearby residence! I am far more useful than I may let on, if I may boast. I must further note, however, that although I gladly hand these kep flowers to you, I do not know why they are so valued!"
>"There's no reason. They have alchemical use, but the scent is particularly soothing, and they don't grow anywhere close by." She still eyes me carefully, as though not quite certain what she is seeing.
"Now, I could not help but hear you say you have had to put up with Prince Charmless for some time. May I assume this is the ugly head of politics?"
>"Yeah. If you caught on to that, you should also know that if you start blabbing about that to others, I'm not going to back you up on it."
"I would not expect you to throw away your standing so easily, Archmage Silveena! However, I must say that I, too, have no taste for the man. And so, if you require any help in wiggling out of this political party, then I would be doing two excellent things!"
>"Two?"
"Yes, having him eat his sizeable ego, but more importantly, assisting you!"
>"... I'm not going to outright decline your assistance, but how do I know you haven't been sent by the lich to learn more about me?"
>>
No. 483229 ID: 695191

>>483228
"I'm quite sure that if the lich had a mind to do spying, there are methods available to her that stand out far less than sending a kobold with flowers."

I almost want to say something about ghouls, but I don't think it'll help matters any. Our lich lady might not appreciate it either, time loops or no. Did she even have any ghouls among the lamia?
>>
No. 483230 ID: be7fd9

We're rather close to the scythe moon. The lich is rather more interested with spooky preparations to frighten the masses than conducting any kind of espionage.

I suppose all you really have is my word that I'm not a spy though. And the fact that if I were, it would have been rather foolish of me to admit my employer so readily. Please, allow me to assist you, and prove myself not a fool?

>>483229
>ghouls
If we're trying to pass ourself off as not a spy, casually spilling the secrets of others doesn't seem like helping our case.
>>
No. 483234 ID: 57a559

>>483228
Your off the lich's radar ma'am until she gets wind of something interesting related to you, which hasn't happened so far. Right now we're here of our own independence. So far her only interest as of now regards the flow of time, the stability of reality in certain pockets of this universe, and several divine inquisitions, all of which occupy her current time and have nothing to do with you.

Granted, we don't know that exactly, but we have determined it unlikely.
Not to mention she could do this other means of aquiring this information. A kobold is not the most efficient method to acquire information, might be the potentially funniest, but your a serious matter to attend to if you become a threat. If she was going to do anything regarding you, she would not be so kind to send a foolhardy gentlemen such as ourselves to learn everything.
>>
No. 483252 ID: c6ec33

"That's a very hard to refute question! What proof could I possibly give you? It is no secret that I do hope to learn more about you, as any man in their right mind should, but what you choose to share is quite up to you, my lady. When it comes to business, I am a free agent; I have also worked for the local dragon before, and I could easily be working for the goblin leader tomorrow. As you might expect, doing anything which would upset such esteemed clients would certainly reduce my lifespan by an unacceptable amount. You, yourself, are a powerful archmage, which is part of what brought me to you today, and I certainly do not expect to live long if I earn your ire. What I hope to grain from this meeting is a chance for you and I to discuss matters of mutual concern, and perhaps later, if you come to find me agreeable, I could provide some special... services... to you."

(It is far too fun to write my Story Seeker suggestions in the form of dialogue~)
>>
No. 483258 ID: b53faa

>>483228
"Because, m'lady: The lich is dead! Killed by the incarnate of the chaos god tom, right before my eyes! Her lair is also disintegrating, but I am not altogether certain that is related.
Also, do try not to spread it around that she's gone TOO much."

because why not be honest?
>>
No. 483261 ID: 4ede1b

>>483258
Given that she'll be alive-ish tommorow that's not particularly honest. Which also makes it possible for it to backfire very quickly
>>
No. 483265 ID: be7fd9

>>483258
Also, we don't want to stir things up too much. A major shift in the local power structure, deific rebellion, reality unraveling, etc. are all liable to be big distractions that could foil our efforts.
>>
No. 483271 ID: c4e5c2
File 135756718053.png - (66.33KB , 700x700 , 4-292.png )
483271

"That question is quite difficult to refute, milady! I have little proof to give, other than that if a lich were to attempt to learn of you, would she send a plain kobold off, simply to announce my employer at the first chance?"
>"You have been doing your absolute best to show me that you are not a 'plain kobold,' and it is unexpected. It seems like just the thing that lich would pull off."
"Touche! In any case, I merely have my word that I am acting on my own accord, here. I have also worked for the local dragon before, and who knows who I would serve next. There is one little bit of proof, however, as the Lich's halls are currently in disarray! She would be in no position to be concerned about you or the naga."
>"Is that so. Oh, what the hell, it wouldn't hurt to ask you a little favor. You'll not receive any help from me, though, understood?"
"Certainly! Given my usual clients, my lifespan may be reduced to an unacceptable level should I ever displease. And with your magical prowess, you need not be an exception to that!"
>"Alright. It's simple. Vague, but simple. Humiliate the prince. I don't care how, just don't kill him. Make him a laughing stock so that there isn't a soul around here that would expect me to humor him. If you somehow manage something, then maybe I'll... why are you here again?"
"What I hope to gain is a chance to know more about you, and perhaps the discussion of mutual concerns. Of course, the discussions of your own concerns is more than a welcome topic to start with."
>"You have yourself a deal, then. If you do a good job, then we'll... chat. That's it? That's all you want?"
>>
No. 483273 ID: f2c20c

>>483271
Welllll, there is one thing. If she happens to have any powerful magic-resist enchanted items of any type, we would be very interested in acquiring them.
>>
No. 483291 ID: 4f3868

Ask if the prince is well-trained in magic or fighting to see what we are up against.

>>483273
Along with that, we should also ask for a love potion so we can humiliate the prince by having him fall in love with a male goblin or something.
>>
No. 483295 ID: be7fd9

All right! Mission: humiliate the prince. We wanted to do that anyways.

>>483273
Nah. If we're trying to get into her pants (or lack thereof) I don't see how it helps to be asking after her bra. Besides, going after her artifact seems a good way to kick up her lich suspicions again.

>>483291
Cute. Between Rotfrost and Mitzi I'll bet we can whip up a tricky potion to douse him with.
>>
No. 483299 ID: 4a76c5

V-NECK SHIRTS


ARE FOR PANSIES
>>
No. 483310 ID: 57a559

Ask her for a bit of her hair. Several individuals around the caves make for wonderful reagents, and the leaders exceptionally more so. The Goblin Queen's hair makes for an excellent magic resistance potion amplifier if you have the right potion maker to make it, and our scales are excellent for virility potion. A local kobold tailor also has incredible innocence, making some of the most potent innocent tears you could possibly find. She isn't hard to make legitimately cry neither, insults bring tears of sadness to her easily but treating her very well also brings many tears and hugs of joy to her.
>>
No. 483320 ID: c6ec33

>>483271
"My Lady, I would gladly trade the humiliation of the prince for an evening in your fine company. But if you feel that my services are worth more than that, please consider it a small credit towards any future favors I may ask.

However, since I would not wish for you to come to harm before our next meeting, I shall give you a small preview of what I wish to talk of before you grant me a full audience. The old Chaos god - the one that existed before Tom - has broken free of his imprisonment and is currently out spreading. or planning to spread, as much chaos as possible through one of his servants in this area. I have been assured that this situation is temporary, and that the gods may rewind time to fix it, but that is no reason to let a beautiful lady such as yourself be endangered by a lack of foreknowledge and suitable defensive preparation."
>>
No. 483322 ID: be7fd9

>>483310
Could we perhaps frame the lock of hair request in a more lady's favor sense, and less of a magical reagent sense?

>>483320
Like the first part, but I'm not sure how explaining Tom and the old/new CG helps us.

I mean guys, aren't we trying to come across as not having an ulterior motive here? That's part of what she hates about the snake trying to charm her already.
>>
No. 483367 ID: 57a559

>>483322
>Could we perhaps frame the lock of hair request in a more lady's favor sense, and less of a magical reagent sense?
that's laying it on thick too early for this lady.
>>
No. 483372 ID: c4e5c2
File 135760288682.png - (122.03KB , 700x700 , 4-293.png )
483372

>V-neck shirts are for PANSIES
How easy it would be for me to woo the archmage, should I be a flower such as a pansy!

>Ask for a strong, magic-resist artifact
I may test my luck after I have proven myself!

"I don't suppose you would know how to make a love potion, would you?"
>"If I did, I would have made him fall if love with a slime by now. Remember what I said about no help."
"Of course, of course. Nonetheless, I would gladly trade the humiliation of a prince for nothing but an evening in your fine company! If you feel my services are worth more than that, then please consider it a small credit towards any future favors I may ask. If I were to ask of anything, it would be for a lock of your hair to remind me this meeting was not an idle fantasy of mine!"
>"... That's small enough, I will give you my comb. Was going to throw out the old thing anyway." She says, unenthused. Perhaps I did come on too strong after all, but not so forceful that it came off badly! "If you get caught, then as far as anyone is concerned, you stole it. I'll give you a proper lock if you succeed."
"Excellent. Also, if you do investigate the lich's halls, I may recommend to not go yourself, as things are... unstable, there. I must also ask if the prince is well versed in the ways of magic or fighting?"
>"He claims he is excellent in a fight. Princes are at least trained in self defense, so he's probably not a bumbling recruit at the least. I like your thinking, if you challenged him to a duel and he lost to a common kobold, that would do the trick."
"I will keep it in mind! Is there anything else you would like me to know, or shall I begin my task?"
>"Begin your task. Remember, this conversation never happened, I simply gave you mercy for giving up the kep flowers. You still act alone."
"Understood, milady, until next time, be well!"

With this, Tom will likely be able to perform his project with this, which I do suspect may be summoning his succubus consort, but I suppose it matters little if I'm wrong! For now, I should begin concocting my plans to humiliate the prince!
>>
No. 483374 ID: be7fd9

Alright then. Cash the hair in with Tom. Might as well keep up that bargain, and having Mitzi around may give us more options for potion plans.

Let's check in with our assassins stealthy guards and see what's already befallen the prince. Might help us decide how to shape our humiliation plot.
>>
No. 483376 ID: f2c20c

>>483372
About how good are you in a fight due to all the training under Ralex? Would you have a chance against a proficient fighter?
>>
No. 483385 ID: c4e5c2
File 135760568335.png - (123.46KB , 700x700 , 4-294.png )
483385

Some time later, at the lich outskirts.
>"Yes! Alright I'm going back in the halls and hope Ralex's summoning place isn't broken. Be back in a bit, thanks man!"
"Certainly. Good luck!"

>About how good are you in a fight due to all the training under Ralex? Would you have a chance against a proficient fighter?
Not confidently! Although if I did have a basic anti-magic potion from rotfrost, and perhaps some additional under the table potions, then I think I could manage! I do always have the time artifact in case things go bad.
>>
No. 483386 ID: c4e5c2
File 135760569944.png - (150.22KB , 700x700 , 4-295.png )
483386

It's another couple of hours, before Guntax and Springfoot come back.

>"Oh hey you're back. How'd your date go?"
"As good as I could hope! I do need info on the prince, it is my task to attempt to humiliate him."
>"Oh wow we were thinking of doing the same thing, the guy just was asking to be punched. So we already were concocting a plan."
"What did you do with him, by the way?"
>"Put him in a sack and messed around with him. Springfoot picked up some of Zirkala's drugs she wanted to try. Don't worry, safe stuff. He'll wake up maybe tomorrow morning and won't remember a thing about today. Learned quite a bit. Turns out he's not a prince, he's a spy. His haughty prince act isn't even a show, though, he really is that way. That's pretty big, I guess, not sure how to prove his not being royalty though. The seal he had is either the real thing, or a good fake. Uh... he doesn't back down from a challenge, but you knew that." Guntax explains.
>"He's trying to spark a war between the civilization he claims to be a prince of, and the naga here. Guess there was a naga tribe schism some decades ago, mostly forgotten, but some major faction of the other tribe is bitter for it. So they sent the spy here to try and get tensions going to make a war easier. The spy was drugged up and mumbled a lot, so he made about as much sense as we're making." Springfoot says. "He was originally after the princess, but one sight of the archmage's chest changed that. The archmage supposedly has enough sway in the politics to not matter, but he's a real lech."
>"We also figured out where he keeps his wealth. Very well funded spy. We could rob him blind and replace his gold with fool's gold." Guntax continues.
>"Also plant some evidence saying everything." Springfoot replies.
"I must say, I am pleased that we are likeminded! The help would be much appreciated."
>"It's not help." Springfoot says. "But you charming the archmage from right under him is a nice finishing touch to his shame, so we'll play along with that. We're more or less just amusing ourselves here."
>"Could plant evidence in there saying everything, and then some fake embarrassing stuff cause why not." Guntax adds.
>>
No. 483389 ID: 47d311

You have the best friends.

Go with their plan and just enjoy the show.
>>
No. 483392 ID: be7fd9

Hey, I like these two! They amuse themselves much the same way we do.

If we need a source of fools gold, does the drake dragon still have any left? We could just switch 'em.

The plan is pretty solid, although we need to iron out the theatrics. We need to manufacture the reveal of the fool's gold in public, and beat him up in public, if at all possible (we should see if we can get ourself some potions to help with that!).

We might want to remember to include foiling the naga spy in our final loop- be nice to prevent a war that might involve the local caves.

Aside: remember that kidnapping, drugging, and interrogating people for all their secrets is now an option we can consider in future loops.
>>
No. 483393 ID: 57a559

Yeah, okay, Springfoot definitely added to the woo list now. She probably fucks like a tiger with that name...
Actually might be rougher than your friend though that you're scared of banging... hmm.
>>
No. 483394 ID: 772c81

Am I the only one who feels bad for the drow?

I mean, throughout the timelines we've A. cockblocked him, B. outbid him in an auction, C. had him tied up and drugged in a sack, and D. will eventually steal his girl entirely
>>
No. 483395 ID: beeca1

>>483394
"his girl"?

He lied about his being a prince to try and get in her pan-- cloaca. He wants to start a war involving her civilization. Silveena hates him.

You do realize what a war involves, right? He wants to cause the death of thousands. No, I don't feel bad for him. Not even a little bit.
>>
No. 483396 ID: 772c81

>>483395
yes, but we didn't know ANY of this at the time.

You can retroactively feel good about it all you want, but I will feel bad about the actions we took with the knowledge we had.
>>
No. 483398 ID: b33427

Man, these two really know their stuff. Glad you have them on your side for this.

Alright, that right there would be enough, but who says you have to stop there? This "prince" deserves an "all of the above" humiliation; Challenge and defeat him, replace his money with fool's gold, and plant incriminating, and embarrassing, evidence. Dunno how exactly to go about the first and the last right now, but the fake money you can do right now. Going to have to think on that one.

First check if that pile of fool's gold you traded to Zirkala earlier is still around, then go talk with Rotfrost and Potarana if it'd be possible to use magic to form it so it'd look identical to a pile of real gold coins, and if they could do it. If so, then have Springfoot and Guntax, and maybe yourself if it'd speed things up, go get the spy's money. If there's not enough fool's gold on hand, pay the drake a visit to buy some more off her.

Also ask Rotfrost if she has anything long lasting or permanent on hand you could apply to the spy that'd be embarrassing or helpful for you later. Perhaps a lotion that manifests a nasty itchy rash about a day hence, that you could apply to him. If you can work up the nerve, apply it only to his genitals. That'll be a good distraction. Oh, and maybe she can make a version of the abstinence potion you took before, just without the chaos element.

Ask Guntax and Springfoot how they're going to handle "Prince Asshole" waking up tomorrow so he doesn't suspect he was drugged, kidnapped, and pumped for info?
>>
No. 483401 ID: be7fd9

>>483396
Why would we feel bad about it? It's perfectly in line with our usual pranking and chaos causing. And we were acting in a time loop, so the events would have un-happened anyways.

The only change is now that we know Cnort actually deserves it, and that there's a war on the line, is we may well consider working his downfall and humiliation into the final loop so it sticks.
>>
No. 483405 ID: 772c81

>>483401
I feel pretty bad about a lot of the shit we've been doing, actually.
>>
No. 483408 ID: beeca1

>>483405
Bedding a woman once does not make her "his," and since we haven't done that yet, we are guiltless.

He was a dick when he tried to outbid us.

Cockblocking him was rude but necessary, since we needed that bra, and I seriously doubt an archmage would leave her most powerful protective artifact unattended, even during sex. Cockblocking is hardly torture, anyway.

I don't "retroactively" feel good about it. There was never any real reason to feel very bad about it, if at all.


If you want to continue this, I suggest you do so in questdis. I post this here only to stop SS from feeling bad about himself because some guy thinks not everything he did was nice. I really am genuinely interested as to why specifically you feel we have done anything shameful, though.
>>
No. 483409 ID: 772c81

>>483408
ah shit, sorry for dicking up a quest with idle conversation.

And it's more just lingering guilt is all. I get it whenever there's a legitimate dick. Legitimate dicks means we'll pretty much have to ruin their life.
>>
No. 483415 ID: beeca1

>>483409
No, actually, that was valid. It concerned SS's behavior and should have been held in his head so as to affect his behavior if a change was deemed necessary, so it's relevant to the quest.

I suppose we could try to humiliate him without ruining his entire life, but the whole inciting a war thing almost objectively takes him from dick to complete asshole.
>>
No. 483417 ID: 772c81

>>483415
eh, whatever. Let's just put this guy's general wellbeing somewhere on the lower fifth of our list of priorities. You know, way, WAY under making sure that one kobold doesn't have bad stuff happen to it.
>>
No. 483428 ID: 57a559

>>483385
It's only now that I notice that Tom has lost his coloring!
No idea if this is significant! Be wary, you may have just handed Tom's shit to the old chaos god!
>>
No. 483447 ID: f2c20c

>>483428
His coloring going missing occasionally is confirmed to be an art error.
>>
No. 483471 ID: 57a559

>>483447
until it's not
How do you know that's not Jerry's plan? Fucking with the rules? Posting in spoilers. He can be in other quests you don't even know about, making the not-canon canon or into actual cannons, making the canon not-canon, posting suggestions in different IDs, taking all the forms imaginable. Maybe he's in IRC occasionally. He can post in Red text probably. He can even be you right now. Editing posts. Or maybe he could get the mods to edit posts for him simply because he asked nicely.
God of chaos man.
Always be paranoid.
>>
No. 483476 ID: d4ad1a

>>483471
CONSTANT VIGILANCE.
>>
No. 483482 ID: c4e5c2
File 135763130367.png - (165.47KB , 700x700 , 4-296.png )
483482

>Tom wasn't colored
No I'm pretty sure he was his usual color, and my memory wouldn't lie to me! I'll keep an eye out for such things, but I'm not worried.

"Alright, we'll do... everything! If I could beat him in a duel, then I could do that, while finding proof of his non-prince status! I believe I will be able to acquire a fine source of fool's gold. If you could take care of the gold from there, Guntax, while planting evidence?"
>"Sure. Looks like Tom is back with someone." Guntax says.
>"I can duel him." Springfoot says, just before I head to meet Tom. "I assume it doesn't have to be you."

"I'm back! Story Minci, Minci Story, other guys Minci, Minci other guys." Tom says, clearly in a good mood.
"We need to work on your introductions, dear."
"After this gets sorted out I'm going to go back to not NEEDING to make introductions!"
>>
No. 483484 ID: 57a559

Kiss the succubus' hand like a real gentlemen and see Tom's reaction.
And about your memory, if people can make and use reading and deleting memory spells, I'm sure they can do changing spells too. And we can't guarantee he won't do timelord-esqe shit and undo things and may as well change your memory or replace them. Gods do this all the time. When this loop is over, and the old chaos god is contained, they might rewrite previous loops and make him be in completely different places doing different things.

But for now it looks like we're safe. He summoned Minci as we thought he would. Too orderly for a true chaos god so far. And I don't think of any rewrites now. Get Tom's and Minci's hair though for sampling inhibitionlessness. We just got new mortal samples to try from, and you may need your super great resistance lotion now in the case of powerful interventions you haven't predicted yet. Loops may start sooner than expected now, time can be crunched or extended. Your perspective of reality is decaying at this very moment. You might even end up in a smaller pocket of a loop.
>>
No. 483486 ID: 943463

I hope that Tom didn't use *all* of the archmage's hair, because if you could get a single one of those hairs, you can run it by Rotfrost to evaluate it for use in a potion, without having to wait for a lock later.

As for humiliating the prince^Wspy, one item to add to the plan so far: what if you got yourself an illusion to look like him, and then proceded to enjoy yourself in as uninhibited a manner as possible? Thoroughly embarass him, and get him into a significant amount of trouble.
>>
No. 483487 ID: 943463

> Get Tom's and Minci's hair though for sampling inhibitionlessness.

Holy hell, Tom's hair has got to be off the chart. See if it blows Rotfrost's mind.
>>
No. 483490 ID: 57a559

>>483487
Well, actually, now that I think about it, we already asked before and maybe we shouldn't (granted we didn't take the offer because of not only him being a god and supposed to make as little of direct intervention as possible, but as the chaos god had chaotic properties which could have been bad for the potion). He kneels to to her gods to protect his own skin, even though this is the one being who has pretty much done it all when he was the Devourer and didn't fear a single thing in the world.

Perhaps if we can get the personna of the Devourer back, we can get that unhibitionlessness back. I'm sure this might require magic manipulation. Let's separate all of Tom's persona's. Pre-Dirk, Dirk, The Devourer, and Tom. Pre-Dirk's unhibitionlessness is unknown. Dirk has a bunch of habitions. The Devourer is the peak (unless pre-Dirk was a fucking monster of a thief). And Tom is between The Devourer and Dirk.
Wait this can't work unless Story is somehow aware of the Devourer state. Shit. Unless Tom thinks of using Devourer state of mind.
>>
No. 483520 ID: be7fd9

Hello, Minci. Continuing the introductions, I'm Story Seeker, and this is Guntax and Springfoot.

How were things, uh, wherever you were, with the whole deific overturning?

>Tom not chaotic enough, going for Minci too orderly
To be fair the whole god of chaos thing is a role he took on. It's a job, one he enjoys, has a certain innate talent for, and is pretty good at. But rescuing (or at least reuniting with) Minci is pretty much core to his personality. That trumps his chaotic impulses, by quite a bit.

>I assume it doesn't have to be you.
Sounds like Springfoot's taken a personal disliking to this guy- she wants to beat him up! And, no, it technically doesn't have to be Story. But it makes it a somewhat harder to woo the archmage if we're obviously outsourcing the work.

I don't suppose she'd be willing to wear an illusion? That and bardic magic voice throwing would let her pass as you. The drake would probably be more than happy to provide one if we're swapping out more of her fools gold for real gold.

What time is it now, anyways? Shouldn't Zirkala be respawning soon?
>>
No. 483557 ID: 695191

>>483490
>we already asked before and maybe we shouldn't
Fair enough, but that doesn't restrict us from trying out Mincis hair. Of course the demon thing might be as problematic as the chaos, but its still worth looking into. And anyway, his hair doesn't have to actually be used we can just measure its strength for shits and giggles.
>>
No. 483623 ID: f2c20c

>>483490
Well I dunno if Tom has any chaos in him right now. His hair might just be normal. Also last time we asked him he said he was rather inhibited. Now, hair from the old chaos god, THAT would be uninhibited!

Minci's might be worth checking. Speaking of her, I think her hands are too busy hugging Tom to kiss, as amusing as that might be. Also we probably shouldn't hit on Tom's consort, because he will not be mortal for much longer and he might not be amused by it.

Springfoot dueling the guy should work fine, as she's a kobold too and that is supposedly the defining trait we need. I think we should watch the fight when it happens.

Hrm. That leaves us free to pursue other matters. Can we investigate ways of acquiring poison resistance for the trip to the swamp?
>>
No. 483694 ID: c4e5c2
File 135769217398.png - (100.61KB , 700x700 , 4-297.png )
483694

>What time is it now, anyways? Shouldn't Zirkala be respawning soon?
According to my sources that be, she will be respawning tomorrow morning, approximately one day after her unexpected death!

I bow down to give Minci a kiss on the hand once Tom is free of us. From the corner of my eye, Tom appears to be completely indifferent! Too indifferent, perhaps.

"Minci, yes? I had figured Tom would summon you! That is Guntax and Springfoot, to further the introduction."
"Thank you, cutie. And I'm not surprised, my sweety can be pretty predictable."
"Geez I'm right here."
"Secondly, how were things in, well, wherever you were with the deific overturning?"
>"Oddly, there was nothing! I think time is in lockdown inside of the chaos god's pocket dimension, because one moment I was sleeping, the next I was being summoned after apparently a whole day passed."
"Odd indeed! Lastly, I must ask of you and Tom something! I am gathering fur and hair samples to have tested in potions. Would either of you be willing to spare some for experimentation?"
"Certainly. Mine is good for curatives and mana regeneration."
"Yep why not. Dunno what it's good for. Probably everything if you think on the bright side!"
"Speaking of which, for helping Tom summon me, I'll try to cure that chaotic impotence potion that's on you, if you would like?"
"Ah, you know of that?"
"I can sense it on you."
"I would be indebted for a cure!"
"Not at all, we'd be even, dear. Where did you get this potion?"
"Rotfrost gave it to me!"
"Then I'll check with her and see what I need to do to get you back to normal."
>>
No. 483698 ID: c4e5c2
File 135769226277.png - (79.78KB , 700x700 , 4-298.png )
483698

I move back to return to the discussion with Springfoot.

"As for you dueling, miss Springfoot? I would say that may make it hard for me to woo the archmage should I outsource my job, however, I would not deny your fist the pleasure of meeting his face! I will be able to work around it, I am sure, so long as there is still something that I personally do."
>"Good."
"The dragon nearby has an exceptional mastery of illusions, by the way. Perhaps we could still mitigate this if you would be willing to wear an illusion disguised as myself to duel with?"
>"Even better that I don't show my face, if the dragon actually would do that. That will be good, yes."
"Excellent! Then allow me to show you the way."
>>
No. 483700 ID: c4e5c2
File 135769238399.png - (103.96KB , 700x700 , 4-299.png )
483700

For the time, I forego the alchemy business. We head to Morgana's - or rather, once again, Miss Drake's - lair first, once I have acquired my full amount of gold from Potarana's guard.

>"Hello, Story Seeker... who's the kobold you brought with you? She can't hear me at the moment, I'm talking to her through my dragon illusion. I'll deal with it."
>"Heya buddy." Clunker adds.
"Hello, Miss Drake, Sir Clunker! It's a pleasure to see you once again. Miss Drake, I will introduce my friend in a moment, but I do have one question that has been on my mind. How much gold would you gain, if your fake gold suddenly turned into real gold?"
>"Oh, I don't know.... I guess around twenty thousand..."
>>
No. 483703 ID: be7fd9

>Too indifferent, perhaps.
Maybe he knows you're not a threat? These two have been together a while. That and his eyes seems prettymuch locked on her.

>>483700
Whoops. You let "Miss Drake" slip in front of Springfoot. Although, from her face, she seems to be looking up, impressed at the "dragon", so maybe she missed your slip up.

Make with trading real gold for fool's gold and Springfoot's you-lusion. We'll recoup losses when we swap the fool's gold with the spy's real stuff anyways.
>>
No. 483710 ID: f2c20c

>>483700
I'm guessing considering that you both called her a drake and said she had fake gold that Springfoot can't hear you either.

Hmm. You know, I think we should make humiliating Prince Spy part of our endgame loop plan. It accomplishes so many of our goals all at once, it's extremely efficient. We get in good with the archmage, get the Drake more real gold for her hoard, and give the two assassins something productive to do.

Also I find myself wondering if maybe we should summon Minci during the endgame loop so that she can team up with Rotfrost to maybe improve the magic resist potion process.

OOOH speaking of Minci we can get HER to make a love potion and humilate the prince with that too. What to make him fall in love with though?
>>
No. 483712 ID: be7fd9

>What to make him fall in love with though?
The giant slimeball we presume the other chaos god is working on.

Or that lizard jerk, I guess.
>>
No. 483714 ID: 997ce7

>>483712
Us. It's perfect.

Maximum humiliation, and we can wrap him around our pinkies.
>>
No. 483716 ID: d1efde

>>483710
>humiliating Prince Spy part of our endgame loop plan
Not a terrible idea. But, considering the attitudes of the naga towards PS in this loop compared to the last loop, I'm wondering if they're just really, really shallow. It would explain why Mount Bustmore dislikes the guy in this loop when she was totally willing to sleep with him in the last one.

Actually, now that I've given it more thought we should probably stop PS even if naga would be crappy allies in the long run. He is here to start a war after all.
>>
No. 483720 ID: 57a559

>>483712
a goat or other livestock around here
>>
No. 483722 ID: be7fd9

>>483714
...that's not perfect for us!

>>483716
She really might just have been sleeping with him for politics. Remember, even her sister though it was weird and out of character for her to fall for him!

But preventing a war, and keeping good relations with the drake (not ignoring her for 5 days) are both things we want in the final loop. Along with not getting anyone killed, being nice to the tailor, possibly stealing the archbra...

Unless Tom can get us a Majora's Mask ending, where we somehow reap the benefits of all the sidequests of different loops in one timeline.
>>
No. 483750 ID: b33427

Twenty thousand, eh? Tell Miss Drake you'll have to ask Springfoot, your associate here, how much is actually in the stash, but you're certain it'll be at least a good chunk of that amount.

However, you're going to have to act like you're talking with her dragon persona to do this deal, for the benefit of keeping Miss Drake's secret from Springfoot. Miss Drake'll have to relay what her dragon illusion is saying, and has said, and perhaps provide a floating marker to indicate where it's head and eyes are so you know where to look when addressing it.

Then explain to the "dragon," with all due deference, what you would ask of her if she would just name her price. This includes the top-level illusion of you placed on Springfoot, preferably one she could toggle on and off at will, and that you could throw your voice into, and the equivalent amount in fool's gold to the real gold paid. You might also need a high-level illusion placed on the fool's gold as well to mimic the real coins, if there isn't another way to form it into a proper counterfeit available.

In fact, you might want an invisibility spell placed over Springfoot as well, that she can transfer to you when she switches with the illusion of you. That way she could follow behind you into the duel and swaps with you when the banter is over and the match starts, and switches back at the end. It'll remove those strange spots where the illusionary "you" doesn't behave like you do.
>>
No. 483751 ID: 997ce7

>>483722
It actually is pretty good for us. It'll be funny, and it makes him easy to manipulate.
>>
No. 483763 ID: c4e5c2
File 135770742632.png - (115.96KB , 700x700 , 4-300.png )
483763

>You said 'miss drake'
I will need to work on this! Although perhaps miss Drake is doing something to my own communication?
"Springfoot, can you hear me?"
>"She can't. I'm speaking for you. It's complicated, so hurry it up or shoo her out!"

Since I will be obtaining some amount of wealth from the stash regardless, plus time loops and all that, I will dump all but a few hundred measly pocket change gold for her! I don't bother counting, since we're not after exact values of fake gold anyway.
"I will exchange you an equivalent amount of real gold value as though all your fake gold was real, then!
>"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh what where did you get all of this?! I don't care!"
"I only ask that Springfoot here receives the best illusion you can muster, to look, and perhaps if you can manage to feel, like me!"
>"Yesyesyes! It'll practically be as good as a polymorph! Really though it's hard to speak for my dragon and you right now so shoo her out or something!"
"I do have business to attend to, so I will be on my way, but I will be certain to visit you before long! Until then, enjoy the gold!
>"I will, thank you and you better! I'll leave the fool's gold out in the tunnel for you to pick up if you need multiple trips!"
>>
No. 483764 ID: c4e5c2
File 135770745735.png - (124.44KB , 700x700 , 4-301.png )
483764

On my way out, Springfoot gives me a weird look as we carry the load of fool's gold. There were some platinum coins in my original mix, for sake of being able to hold it all, but there is quite a lot of fake gold here!

>"You really like that dragon." she says.
>>
No. 483765 ID: f2c20c

She's YOUR dragon. This is a tribe of kobolds led by a dragon. That means something.

...wait, oh god, considering her prankster nature... what did she have you saying to her? You're gonna want to ask Clunker later.
>>
No. 483766 ID: 735f4f

Hmm sounds like whatever illusion she saw might have been a bit excessive. Maybe the drake has a crush on you. Find out what she saw.
>>
No. 483767 ID: be7fd9

Heeey... that missed selfcest opportunity we missed is back on the table. And since that's Springfoot, we could cross two entries off the list at once! No, bad thought! One romantic pursuit at a time...

She's a master Illusionist, and a prankster to rival Zirkala at that. What was I doing, from your perspective?

Oh, and hey, this illusion is strong enough that your illusion piercing potion effect doesn't see through it! The drake gave you a stronger illusion than she uses on herself. She must have been really happy with you all right! As a bonus, this means we probably don't have to worry about the archmage seeing through it.
>>
No. 483768 ID: 695191

>>483764
"Oh why, what did that look like outside the illusion?" Why not let him know? It isn't as if it'll matter.
>>
No. 483773 ID: 0e8a5a

"Why do you say that?"

Play it dumb, or a bit sarcastic. Just in case. I say we not oust our Drake, even if it won't matter in the longrun.

Remember, you're a gentleman and gentlemen dont see through dragon illusions and tell.
>>
No. 483800 ID: f4a8bb

>>483773

It could just be played off that, as we are "friends" with the Dragon, she sees it as a benefit for us to talk under the guise of illusion when company is present, so that we may converse without worrying about eavesdropping.
>>
No. 483803 ID: ec06d0

"Don't tell anybody but I think I might have a weakness for powerful women."
>>
No. 483867 ID: b33427

Ask this >>483773 first, and once you hear what Springfoot heard say that the dragon used an illusion as in >>483800, but that she has a bit of prankster streak in her, so whatever Springfoot heard "you" say isn't what you'd say.

>>483763
Hmmm... Perhaps in the next cycle Miss Drake would be just as elated if you paid one real gold per ten fool's gold, or per eight fool's gold, than a straight up one-to-one. Maybe use the same ratio from when Zirkala bought that fool's gold.
>>
No. 483985 ID: c4e5c2
File 135780576383.png - (121.85KB , 700x700 , 4-302.png )
483985

"Why do you say that?"
>"There is kissing a dragon's foot, then there is practically trying to eat it. Weirdo."

Well that answers that! I decide not to further that discussion, and so we come back without many words. I will attempt to woo such a challenge when I am not contesting against such illusory slander! I do prefer to woo when my effects will last as well, so this time loop may get in the way of that. I may convince myself that the archmage is a proper exception, since I am in more of a position to learn how she may be effectively woo'd when I am out! But now my mind is wandering. We arrive back at our little camp, and while Springfoot and Guntax go back to gather the remaining fake gold, I head into our little stash corner where we've been keeping valuables away from the abyss to drop my fake gold off.
>>
No. 483986 ID: c4e5c2
File 135780579811.png - (98.30KB , 700x700 , 4-303.png )
483986

>"Ah, Story Seeker. Hello."
"H-hello, Zirkala! I was not expecting you back so soon! And you snuck up on me. Quite a startle!" She begins reading my memories, and of course I do not deny her that.
>"Is that so. Hm. It seems as though your first reaction to my death was to loot my place. You remind me that you are indeed a kobold, if a polite one about it. I do not mind, of course, since I would rather see my wealth in your hands sooner than looters. Your memories relieve me, nevertheless."
>>
No. 483990 ID: 3707e7

1. Ask why she looks like that. Shouldn't she have come back in her regular skeletal form?

2. Assuming you get a satisfactory answer to that that doesn't suggest some sort of imposter, point out how you did make sure nothing happened to her phylactery.

3. Get her input on what you're going to do about all the reality damage and chaos god and all that.
>>
No. 483998 ID: 04b86a

>>483986
Given that we assumed the old Chaos God meant he had killed her permanently and that none of her other servants were here, it was less looting and more claiming an inheritance. Ask Zirkala what how many more loops we have before a time lord erases us now that one has intervened.

I've been thinking, and I don't think we actually need to use the archbra in the potion in our final loop. The important part is reflecting the spell, and for that we could just as easily be wearing the bra while using a pair of stacked magic resistance potions, which means we won't have to piss of Selveera by stealing and destroying it.

And the next time we see Rotfrost or Minci we should ask how outclassed we are by Minci in terms of lust. As a matter of bardic pride, of course, we shouldn't need a stronger virility potion than what our scales can produce.
>>
No. 483999 ID: b33427

Well, when the chance to indulge a base instinct aligns with the best course of action, you'd be a right fool to let it pass, wouldn't you?

So how's your libido doing right now? Think you can turn around and talk to Zirkala without losing all focus? If not, then keep looking forward and ask her why she's in the form of her mortal body... and completely naked. Did her wardrobe fall into a void-hole? Is she a bit short on magic power right now and can't shift to her big lich form? Oh, that could be a bit of a problem if all the juice she stored up over the centuries is gone.

Get her opinion on how many more cycles you've got left. 'Cause with the Old Chaos God of Douchbaggery killing one of the Time Lords this cycle, you're guessing it's equal to or less than one.

>>483998
The problem with relying on Tom's back-and-forth with Silveena's spell ending with it landing in a pond and turning the water into strong magic resistance potion, is that it's based on chaos magic. It could easily turn out to not have any magic resistance attributes.
>>
No. 484001 ID: cf49fc

Honestly, I'm surprised they haven't deployed a Neutronium Obliterator to come and Obliterate Tim. SS, if you see any manshaped blocks of pure destruction, seduce it. It may be this world's only hope.
>>
No. 484008 ID: c4e5c2
File 135781470563.png - (74.31KB , 700x700 , 4-304.png )
484008

>So how's your libido doing right now? Think you can turn around and talk to Zirkala without losing all focus?
No! No, it is high enough at the time such that I do not feel like I should peek behind me without becoming a drooling buffoon.
"I cannot help, from the corner of my eye, that you are naked!"
>"Yes, and you are not turning around. What of it?"
"Well, I must wonder why you do not have clothes?"
>"You think phylacteries are for clothes? It is magic of regenerating flesh and soul, not fashion. Of course I'm naked."
"Well, if not that, then would you have not come back in your skeleton form?"
>"I will not say. It is likely that you can figure out more than I would ever say. Or perhaps not, if you know too little of phylacteries. We do keep its workings secret for good reasons, after all. And I intend on keeping it that way."
"Uh, well... do you know how many cycles I would have left?"
>"No. What I am wondering is where the Lich King is during this. I would imagine he would notice, since theoretically he was intending on watching you."
"Oh, yes! I have not seen him as I can only assume you are aware. So what would you say we should do about all of the chaos god's doing?"
>"Us, against an entity that was able to steal my power and kill me before I was so much aware of it? Hope Tom's lack of concern is not in vain. How are you, Story Seeker?"
>>
No. 484011 ID: 735f4f

Hmm that might be her true form then. We should ask Tom if the lich king got eaten as well. And let her know about our current plans. Also let her know we are not just making off with her stuff just because.
>>
No. 484014 ID: cf49fc

Since she knows so much about Time Loops, ask her what the standard Time Lord response to one of their own being murdered by emergent gods is.

Also, tell her how you feel about all this.
>>
No. 484016 ID: 695191

Between getting caught in conflicts between gods and being targeted by now dead time lords, I admit to being afraid for my continued, if not repeated, existence! At least it has proven interesting thus far. I would love to hear your thoughts and advice on acting at this quite unique point in time, my lady!
>>
No. 484017 ID: 57a559

Fine, if she's read the memories, she knows we'll be detoxed from Rotfrosts chaos lust and abstinence potion soon, so now everything will be a little more predictable in that regard. And that all our Archmage plans are going better than expected.

We just need to find a way to get better hairs than the goblin queen's. It'll be hard to find anything better than that bra for the artifact, so it's the hairs we have to worry about now. That or we'll need the bra, Queen's hair, and the Lich King's resistance boost to break the loop along with a little Chaos God Tom boost as well. That is if Chaos God Jerry doesn't butt in this loop and just decide to straight up break it to ruin everything.

We need defenses against him, to be honest. Even if divine intervention is inevitable, right now so much can be screwed and Jerry might actually be capable of pulling off a good permanent plot that could severely fuck the world past intervention.
>>
No. 484033 ID: be7fd9

>looting the place
Well, to be fair, we thought she was dead for this loop. And her stuff would have been swallowed by the abyss anyways! Besides, if we hadn't done the looting, we wouldn't have been able to hijack the summons, and we would have never found out her phylactery needed saving. And if we hadn't hijacked Rotfrost, all both of our memories would have been lost next loop! So really, it's all for the best.

All the same, sorry. Friends shouldn't have to loot friend's corpses.

>secret
Yes, we already decided to respect that. (Although we can probably guess that yes, lizard form was her true form, then).

>how are you?
Relieved to have you back! And not bad, all things considering. I've been pursuing the archmage this loop, and discovered she's key to preventing some kind of war.

>Us, against an unstoppably powerful entity?
Well, SS has pretty much based his entire career on not letting powerful entities cow him.
>>
No. 484037 ID: beeca1

I wonder if she's a lich anymore.
>>
No. 484072 ID: c6ec33

Sheesh, just answer her question first before doing anything else.

"It is a little embarrassing, but I must say that Rotfrost's chaotic libido potion is currently in one of its highest lust periods. You happen to be highly attractive *and* an excellent bed partner, so it is already quite hard to restrain myself. If I turn around, any self-control I still possess might evaporate, and I would rather not do so unless you are interested in humoring a very horny kobold for a while."
>>
No. 484077 ID: f2c20c

>>484037
Definitely. A phylactery ensures that you cannot be killed; it's not just a one-time resurrect. I suspect that after the resurrect occurs a Lich is drained, however, and must regenerate mana before using much magic. So she can't polymorph into her intimidating skeleton form just yet due to not having mana.

>>484008
Doing rather well all things told, though a bit nervous about apparently running out of cycles. We'll need to double our efforts into breaking it and stop focusing on training so much. Ask about investigating that gargoyle passage this loop. We'll have to schedule it around our date with the archmage, of course.
>>
No. 484132 ID: 772c81

I say we cut and run with this time loop shit next reset.

Stuff is getting PRETTY messed up.
>>
No. 484133 ID: be7fd9

>>484132
Aw, but here's all kinds of angles we have yet to exploit!

More practically, I think it's going to take more than one loop to set up a perfect run and break the cycle.
>>
No. 484137 ID: 772c81

>>484133
Yeah, but I'm afraid we're going to be inventing NEW angles if this time shit keeps tearing apart the universe.

We might have to re-do all of geometry!
>>
No. 484151 ID: b33427

Answer Zirkala's question as fast as you can: "You know my memories, so I'll just say that Rotfrost's "abstinence" potion has spiked up quite alarmingly. And as much as I'd like to give in to my libido right here and now, there's more important things to do right now than satisfying my horniness. ...That is, unless you think there isn't." (Please, please, please think there isn't.)

It is a bit odd that the Lich King hasn't shown up or even sent a message here since he first came around. Though, he might have met with Zirkala or communicated with her in those previous cycles and you never knew about it to pass on to the next cycles. He could even just be monitoring things. Come to think of it, how would he know about all this this cycle? He did put some kind of magic on you back, but what kind was it? A remote memory relay?

Zirkala probably should send a message along to the Lich King asking if his monitoring and study of this situation is going along alright. Also, we might need him come around to throw his magic resistance boost onto the pile when you try to bust out of the loop for good.

Perhaps mortal Tom could do his divine level magic resistance boost like he did before if he chugs down enough mana potions or otherwise gets a massive mana infusion. Going to have to remember to ask him about that later.

>>484137
The reality-rending only happened 'cause the Old Chaos God busted loose and killed a Time Lord. Next cycle the Time Lords are certainly going to come down in force and make sure he doesn't break out.
>>
No. 484160 ID: 735f4f

Tell her you are doing good and turn around.
>>
No. 484180 ID: 78c6ea

well, she says you looted her place because of your biology and upbringing, but you know she doesn't mean it. In reality you did so in order to be absolutely sure of beating this time loop, since you don't want to find out what happens if there is a reset after a time lord has been annihilated and a dead god reborn. You've used her resources and gold only for the most essential of reasons, so she shall have no qualm with you. Oh, except for the drake. Shit.
>>
No. 484298 ID: 943463

>>483985
> I do prefer to woo when my effects will last as well, so this time loop may get in the way of that.

You should absolutely try to woo Miss Drake when it matters, not just in the time loop. However, the time loop gives you an invaluable opportunity to *practice*.

>>484033
> Well, SS has pretty much based his entire career on not letting powerful entities cow him.

Yeah, a kobold and a lich going up against the chaos god would be almost as audacious as a kobold getting involved in the affairs of a lich and a drake. That said, I don't think we really *care* about getting involved in the chaos god's affairs quite yet.

>>484077
> I suspect that after the resurrect occurs a Lich is drained, however, and must regenerate mana before using much magic. So she can't polymorph into her intimidating skeleton form just yet due to not having mana.

Agreed. I think it's worth tossing out a guess about Zirkala's current state here. "If I were to hazard a guess, I wonder if it might take some time to build up magic levels after resurrecting oneself, and hiding a form that beautiful must take some powerful magic."
>>
No. 484321 ID: ad199c

She just read your memory and is thus aware of your inclement need. From the way she appeared naked and is touching you suggestively I'd think she probably is trying to either make you uncomfortable or is in the mood (maybe being reborn into a new body does that). Maybe being a little bold in this situation would be to your advantage.
>>
No. 484335 ID: 4c6fa5

Just explaining this because I think a lot of people are misunderstanding.
>"I cannot help, from the corner of my eye, that you are naked!"
>>"Yes, and you are not turning around. What of it?"
Zirkala is not asking anything about why Story Seeker isn't turning around. She's asking why SS cares that she's naked, which SS promptly answered.
Zirkala is most likely is aware of Story Seeker's current... libido. The real question is if she's teasing him or ignoring him!

Ask Zirkala what she thinks about how this loop is going to end/restart. Will Tom become the chaos god again? If not, what happens to him on the repeat?
>>
No. 484339 ID: be7fd9

>>484335
No, the CG isn't gonna pop back in the can when the loop restarts. The deity switch and time lord attack happened outside the loop. So the different god and initial abyss damage are a change in the initial conditions we're going to see each time.
>>
No. 484622 ID: 943463

There's always the blatant approach: "So, does defying death make you horny too, or is it just me?"
>>
No. 484947 ID: c4e5c2
File 135807433136.png - (91.72KB , 700x700 , 4-305.png )
484947

I may not be able to resist should I turn, but she simply moves up right behind me!

"I am doing quite well, thank you, and quite relieved you appear to be alright! However, Miss Zirkala, at the moment, I am at a rather high point of Rotfrost's abstinence-gone-awry potion! And I suppose it makes sense that you must gather mana, since it cannot possibly take a small amount of energy to store a form so beautiful, but this is quite taunting!"
>"Is that what you think about the phylactery. Very well. And yes, I suppose it is taunting."
"Then I must ask another question. Does defying death arouse you as well, or is it just me?"
>"The novelty of it has worn off. The warmth, however, I have always missed."
"Well, you do have me!"
>"Yes, I do have you, don't I."
"Are you alright, miss Zirkala?"
>"Yes. Each loop you take gives me almost another week of memories to absorb all at once. It is getting difficult. Yet more informative."
>>
No. 484948 ID: 735f4f

Any insights you can offer? We have been treating it like a game so far but things might be getting out of hand. Ask if we should work on breaking the cycle now or if she thinks its safe to keep experimenting.
>>
No. 484949 ID: f2c20c

>>484947
Difficult? Is she worried that she might become overloaded with the information at some later cycle? Does she think we should hurry up with ending the loops, too? Or is there another solution that might make it easier for her to digest the influx of information when she reads your memories? Thinking about it, it seemed like the first time she read your memories (and peeped in on your action with the goblins) she could control the rate at which she did so. She could fast-forward. Why can't she do that with these loops?

Since you seem to be unable to resist flirting with Zirkala right now, you could mention that it would be easier to share your warmth with her if you were naked too. And maybe having sex. On the other hand you should make sure that her resurrection hasn't left her in any vulnerable state of mind. You would not want to take advantage.
>>
No. 484954 ID: be7fd9

>getting difficult to absorb all the memories all at once
Maybe she could take two bites instead of trying to swallow the whole thing at once?

It shouldn't have much more of a chance to build, though. They've already sent one time lord after us- we only have so long to break the loop before something bad happens.
>>
No. 484975 ID: 695191

What happens if it gets too difficult? Maybe she could... I dunno, compress our memories into just the important bits for her to read?
>>
No. 484983 ID: ad199c

I just had a thought. You've been going cycle after cycle being this suave infiltrator. You've bedded the goblin queen, are in the midst of wooing the naga archmage, maybe she's getting a bit jealous?

Geeze, don't even try to deny it. You actually like Zirkala, remember. No need to save the kisses for the ladies you are using to meet your own ends.
>>
No. 485037 ID: 943463

>>484983
This. Don't dance around the question; ask Zirkala, outright, if it bothers her. Acknowlege that she once said she didn't care, but that was when you two barely knew each other, and you were merely somewhat more amusing than the average cannon fodder minion. She might blow it off as though she thinks you have an exaggerated sense of your own importance, but then again she might not.

And you should explicitly tell her that while the time loop provides a certain freedom from the consequences of random dalliances, or, say, bringing about zombie apocalypses (insert your most coy gesture here), there are far fewer and more precious relationships you're interested in "coming home to" outside of the loop. And Zirkala, with her memory-reading, is one of the few exceptions to the "consequence-free" environment. (While I don't think you'd want to give up on Miss Drake, and at least a strong friendship with Muo, I'd say the rest fall firmly under "take it or leave it" compared to Zirkala; don't say it to her with that little tact, but make your feelings crystal clear.)

In any case, if she *is* interested right now, do your absolute best to see if you can romance her into complete thought-free mode, at least for a time. In the past, she has seemed amused but not exactly impressed; put in an effort surpassing your successful fling with the goblin queen, and see if you can get her to think of nothing else for a time. Bardic magic, bedmagics, every piece of information you've learned about Zirkala and what she likes, the works; pull out all the stops here.


On an entirely unrelated note, the discussion of mana (ignoring the rather "neither confirm nor deny" response from Zirkala about it) provides an interesting idea for a way you could directly help Zirkala. Since you travel back in the loop relatively intact, both mentally and physically, is there some way she could use you as a "battery" of sorts, storing a pile of energy in you that she could retrieve in the next loop? Perhaps that would help offset the increasing effort to read a pile of memories? You might also ask if there's some training in mental discipline you could undergo to help organize your memories, along the lines of whatever she uses to store, filter, and retrieve her immortal memories without going insane, to make it easier for her to filter through your own memories (and more easily gloss over the things she won't care about, like days worth of lessons on things she either already knows or doesn't care about). While it would take time to learn it, perhaps Zirkala could help you pre-sort during one loop to reduce effort in the next one? Don't bring either of those up until after you've dealt with the more immediate question, though.
>>
No. 485041 ID: b33427

>>485037
This sounds alright, though Story Seeker is probably a little too distracted with his libido and naked Zirkala in close proximity to engage in a conversation like that without quickly losing verbal and mental coherence. Lets take care of that first so he can talk without turning into a drooling idiot.

Story Seeker, look up at Zirkala and suggest that the two of you retire to the nearest bed to warm her up by "burning off" the potion's effect, and then talk afterwards. That way you won't be fighting an uphill battle to think straight from your mind marinating in a pool of lust. Then you can "pull out all the stops," as >>485037 suggested.

...Hey, SS, I'm curious: Is Zirkala unusually short for lizard-folk? 'Cause she's only about a head taller than you, and while you're tall for a kobold, that's not much compared to lizard-men.
>>
No. 485042 ID: beeca1

>>485037
Yeah, this sounds good.
>>
No. 485043 ID: 943463

>>485041
Good call. Plus, she might be more inclined to give an honest answer afterward.
>>
No. 485088 ID: be7fd9

I'm all for fooling around with Zirkala if that's what she's up for, so long as we're not running the risk of missing out on the plan we put in action.

I mean, we really don't want to miss Cnort's humiliation, or the wooing (although it would be kind of hilarious if we never show up, and archboobs puts the moves on Springfoot while she's disguised as us).
>>
No. 485351 ID: 943463

>>485088
This is still the first day; even if Story Seeker spends the rest of this day with Zirkala, he'd still have time to work with Springfoot to humiliate Cnort, report back to Archmage Silveena and spend some time with her, and then arrange to throw himself back in time once more.
>>
No. 485857 ID: c4e5c2
File 135841963304.png - (95.18KB , 700x700 , 4-306.png )
485857

>Zirkala unusually short for lizard-folk?
Yes, she is quite short! Mixed with me being tall for a kobold, this mixture turns our size differences to be quite manageable.

"Zirkala, I believe you are aware that I have been moving about the caves, wooing just about any feminine company I can, but it has been some time now since I have spent time with you! I must ask if it bothers you?"
>"I have told you once before, you have become far too comfortable around me. In any case, I am not the jealous type. You may come and go as you please. If this changes, you will know."
"I still wish to assure you that while I may explore all of my options, there are not nearly so many relations that I would rather come home to at the end of the day! And, by what standards would you say I have become 'too comfortable' by?"
>"By standards of I am a lich, and you are alive."
"But you have not turned me into an undead minion, and seem to have hardly turned me into a minion at all! Could you blame me for becoming comfortable, so long as I remain valuable to you in some manner?"
>"... no. I suppose at this point, I cannot. I have spoiled you, Story Seeker."
"And, may I convince you to let me escort you to the nearest bed, where you might spoil me further, and I will show what I have learned these past weeks to spoil you as well?"
>"Not quite. I will spoil you further, yes, but we do not need a bed. My home being torn apart is not a good mood setter." Point taken!
>>
No. 485858 ID: c4e5c2
File 135841967498.png - (117.20KB , 700x700 , 4-307.png )
485858

2 hours later

As much as my enjoyment of the last two hours exceeds words, the potion does not care to be burned off! Zirkala wishes to, as she says, 'take a break' from my attentions and deal with something she did not elaborate on. So I will put off asking her more tactical and logistical questions later again! For now, I will simply have to deal with this unrelenting potion that has not gotten any better, and will go off to the alchemy lab before I forget about it entirely. Not as though it is easy, with this potion's effects.

"Hello Minci, Rotfrost!"
"Hey Story Seeker. Rotfrost is away right now. You're looking kinda tired!" Minci says.
"Yes, well, it is quite late in the day, after all!"
"Mmhmmm." she says without a pause, yet still manages to convey that she is aware of more! She does not pry, all the same. "I'm one step away from a cure. We have just about evvverything we need except for one ingredient. Rotfrost used a piece of Muo, and I need that to include in the antidote."
"Is that so! I think I will be able to manage that tomorrow or even tonight. Also, I was wondering something! Lately I have had use for potions of virility! Or maybe lust is a better word? Since, virility... well, nevermind! I have highly adequate scales for such a thing, but I am wondering if it would hold a candle to your own hair?"
"Hmmn.. no, I don't think so, sorry if it's a point of your pride, but that is my domain, dear!"
"Ah, I should not have doubted, but you did not seem to quite come across as that sort, if I may be so brash!"
"If you'd like to know, I believe that I make a terrible anti-inhibition potion. Until I get that piece of Muo though, I'm not doing much except making some mana potions for Tom and Zirkala. Is there anything you need or want from me before heading off? I won't need sleep tonight."
>>
No. 485869 ID: be7fd9

Well, logically actually, it would be silly of her to turn you into an undead minion before we've found a satisfiable conclusion to the time loop (since if this spell is being cast on you, then your death could break it). So that's something you don't have to worry about for a while.

That, and if she really wanted to turn you into a minion, it would be pretty simple to trap you in some kind of obligation or debt again. Killing and enslaving you almost seems unnecessary.

>Anything you want or need
Grk. ...must resist taking this blatant opportunity to make the obvious and very stupid request. (Stupid unrelenting potion).

No, we're good, I think. Thank you. We'll get back to you after we swipe some goo from Muo.
>>
No. 485878 ID: c31f72

Ask her for tips on wooing the naga Archboobs?
>>
No. 485881 ID: 3712d7

Yeah, let's see if we can score some tips to seducing or courting women, there isn't really a higher person you can learn from, considering she is a succubus.
>>
No. 485883 ID: 7003a8

>>485857
http://dndtools.eu/feats/book-of-vile-darkness--37/lichloved--1761/

Congrads!
>>
No. 485885 ID: 3712d7

>>485883

Well, at least SS won't have to worry about STD's.
>>
No. 485886 ID: be7fd9

>>485883
...wow, those resists are actually things that are directly applicable to the kinds of problems SS keeps running into. Sweet.

But wait, there's a prereq! And I'm sure we don't...

>serves an evil patron
>gains diplomacy bonus to evil creatures

...oh gods we totally already have that.
>>
No. 485892 ID: c6ec33

Indeed. You two are similar in a way. You wish to learn how to properly woo ladies of many different types - most currently, Archboobs and Doify - and could perhaps use some tips on doing so.

In addition, as a succubus, she probably has some interesting views on love and sex and morality. I think Story could learn a bit about what it means to settle down and 'love' someone when your instincts are to bed everything.

Also, you should apologize for a lack of concentration in advance, since Rotfrost's potion is doing everything in it's power to make you try to woo anything that moves. And she's quite a fine lady...
>>
No. 485893 ID: f2c20c

>>485858
We should also ask her if it would be feasible to summon her on later cycles, or if the summoning ritual requires something special that only Tom can get.

I suspect having her involved in the potion-making process will result in a stronger magic resist potion, so we might need her to break the time loop.
>>
No. 485902 ID: 78c6ea

>>485886

> The symbol is unquestionable in its perversity
>> sex alarm hex

hoboy
>>
No. 485945 ID: 997ce7

Yeah, Lichloved came up a whiles back. The symbol thing killed it.
>>
No. 485952 ID: f2c20c

Oh jeez we're forgetting something important here.

Ask her if she can make a love potion! For humiliating the prince-spy, of course.
>>
No. 485953 ID: 5d98c3

>>485883
Dear sweet merciful heavens, why?! WHY?! Oh well, seeing as you were planning on doing it anyway. GET IT? DOING IT?!

Ahem. Anywho, go find something else to doDAMMIT.
>>
No. 485955 ID: be7fd9

>ask her about seduction
Wait... couldn't that kind of come across as something of a racist and offensive thing to ask?

And SS has been getting by pretty well with his own techniques!
>>
No. 485962 ID: 3712d7

>>485955

She's a fucking succubus, she's a woman that is partner to the Chaos God, she's got more years under her belt than most of the world at this point, and she is cool about anything and everything as long as it isn't a complete dick move.

I sincerely doubt that she would find us asking her for advice on how to seduce or woo WOMEN, either as a succubus or as a woman, offensive.
>>
No. 485970 ID: c4e5c2
File 135847710917.png - (121.01KB , 700x700 , 4-308.png )
485970

>By repeatedly committing perverted sex acts with the undead, the character gains dread powers.
I certainly don't feel like I've gained dreadful power! If such a thing happened, it is certainly subtle.

"I don't suppose you know how to make a love potion, do you?"
"I sure know how, but the only times I've ever made them are when I've had access to the greatest alchemy labs in the known world. And the Lich here... well, it's excellent by most standards, but not quite that good! The only thing I could do is a Potion of Friendly Affection."
"Not a problem! Next, at the risk of making assumptions, I don't suppose you have any pointers for my mission of seducing the naga archmage?"
"Hun, normally 'be yourself' is an overly optimistic, simplified piece of advice. But, for you, I think you being yourself will be just fine. You'll do your best as long as you don't throw yourself off and try too hard." She ends her sentence with a little tap of her tail on my horn. Strange!
"Why thank you! Next, would it be feasible to summon you on later cycles, or is that a Tom-only sort of ritual?"
"It's a follower of Tom sort of ritual. Muo could, I bet, and if she plays her cards right, could summon me specifically rather than some other succubus."
"I will keep that in mind, thank you very much! Now, I am at a loss of concentration due to obvious potion influences, so I must apologize, and should be off before I ask something stupid!"
"Now why would you think you would ask something stupid, dear?"
>>
No. 485972 ID: 78c6ea

"Because I"

...you should be able to get at least two words out before you're motorboating those tits.
>>
No. 485975 ID: be7fd9

>She ends her sentence with a little tap of her tail on my horn
...please, oh please, let that be a succubus' blessing or charm or whatever. I'm sure whatever it does, it'll end up being awesome.

>why would you say anything stupid?
Because Tom is very lucky to have you, and I am an amorous fool! Good night, and thank you for the help.
>>
No. 485982 ID: 57a559

Because of the chaotic abstinence potion?
I thought we said that. You'll probably asking stupid questions to all ladies very soon, not of your own free will.
>>
No. 485985 ID: f2c20c

>>485970
Because she's got STONKING GREAT TITS and you're quite likely to hit on her and Tom probably won't like that.
>>
No. 485991 ID: 08005b

"Because my sex drive is overpowering everything else and I'm about to have a muscular impulse."
>>
No. 485992 ID: 5d98c3

>>485970
Be strong, SS. You must be faithful to your perverse, unholy relationship with your necromantic beloved.

Also, Tom is a giant, and he might squish you.
>>
No. 485994 ID: 707ed3

Bec ause Tom may not take kindly to others asking certain asks of you, despite how bedding a succbus who is also the chao god's lover would be one of your greatest accomplishments...

Aside from bedding a lich and wooing a 'dragon,' and soon to be bedding a naga, of course.
>>
No. 486007 ID: c4e5c2
File 135848395745.png - (119.37KB , 700x700 , 4-309.png )
486007

If Minci is performing any succubi magic on me with that tail, then she is also doing an excellent job of making me none the wiser!

"Because Tom is quite lucky to have you, and I imagine that he may have some, or many, mis-givings should this amorous fool ask anything more! So I must thank you for your help tonight and leave it at that before the potion makes me perform regrettable actions or speak crude words!"
>"Hun, I hope you don't think it would've ever worked out between Tom and me if he honestly tried to keep me to himself, or if I tried to keep him to myself. Let me tell you the obvious, and say that I'm a succubus. If you believe there is a question out there that could possibly be stupid to ask, then that's all the more I'd love to hear it."
>>
No. 486009 ID: be7fd9

Oh. Goodness. I'd crossed Minci's name off on the "To Do" list. Looks like she'll be getting checked off, regardless.
>>
No. 486010 ID: 695191

Later on when you have a better grasp of the power of magic, you would like to summon and learn bedmagics from her directly. None could possibly be better to teach us than her.

Also, if she could give us some bedmagic type boon that we can hold in reserve in case we need it that might prove invaluable. After all, it would be quite unfortunate to successfully woo the naga only suffer from the opposite end of the abstinence potion. A way to get around that before obtaining cure would be nice. Or anything else similar she could do could be useful.

Other than that, make simple reference to a difficulty of self control in her presence and a need to do other things and be off as soon as possible.
>>
No. 486011 ID: beeca1

>>486007
"Huh. I had thought that your relationship was your own business and that if you had been interested you'd have shown it. I apologize for the confusion.

Want to have sex?"
>>
No. 486015 ID: 57a559

You know, now I have an extra supider question to ask.
Who HAS Tom been with besides you? As a chaos god, well, that'd be an interesting story. Ever had a threesome?
>>
No. 486017 ID: 522afb

If we practice polyamory ourselves, why are we so freaked to see it in someone else? ...besides the point that Tom's a mate, of course. Bro Code reigns supreme. Regardless, we should totally ask what the grip strenght on that tail is.
>>
No. 486022 ID: b33427

Shudder amorously at the touch of her tail, and try not to lose complete focus from that rise in your trousers.

Summon what sense you have left in that lust-addled mind of yours, and tell Minci that with her clarification your question is not actually that stupid. Then ask if, after you come back with Muo's slime, and before you take the antidote, would she permit you to bed her in the most vigorous fashion that a kobold has ever bedded a succubus. Yes, you could go right now, but you might end up going, and going, and going, and you don't have time for that right now.

Then eject yourself from the room regardless of her answer, find a place to clear your head to the point your nether regions aren't pointing the way forward, and get to getting Muo's slime.
>>
No. 486043 ID: f2c20c

>>486007
Ask her if she and you were to get busy would you die or anything because you DO have some spare time to get busy.

Wait, do we have spare time? Do we have anything we were supposed to do tonight? Like, meet the archmage?

It seems kindof a waste to spend all this time fucking when we could be productive, by training or investigating ways to get through the swamp or training to fight the things in the swamp. So let's limit our time spent screwing the succubus to like, an hour.
>>
No. 486044 ID: f2c20c

>>486010
Hey, we could learn bedmagics from her right now! That would be a productive use of time!
>>
No. 486046 ID: be7fd9

>>486044
...asking her to teach you bedmagics is probably the funniest way we could proposition her, really.
>>
No. 486050 ID: 35edd4

>>486046
Yes. Do this.

"I want you to teach me magic. In bed."
>>
No. 486055 ID: c4e5c2
File 135849153479.png - (134.40KB , 700x700 , 4-310.png )
486055

"First of all, I have a few other questions of curiosity! Who has Tom been with besides you, if your relationship is not your own business after all?"
"Oh, it's not something I should go around sharing. And I'm afraid the list would go on far too long to keep your interest, anyway. Just know that we've both been around for centuries, and we've both taken advantage of our freedoms. I hope that does not change your views of us."
"It would be quite hypocritical if it did, miss Minci! Just how is the grip on that tail of yours?"
"Strong enough that I probably shouldn't demonstrate on you."
"I see! Last question, which may not be so stupid after all! I wish to ask you if you would be so kind as to teach me some bedmagics?"
"I would love to."
"But, I cannot do so right now! I would much prefer acting upon my own accord, not this potion. Plus, I do have much to do! I hope that offer stands before this cycle is over. Now, I must be off, I will be back before long!"

It was my intention to run off before I have a chance to change my mind, but I suddenly find myself unable to move! She froze me! A bad word to use, considering that it implies I might be cold in the least. As it is, I am boiling, and even find it hard to draw breath!

"I'll be here. It's cute how much you keep resisting the potion, even when I am more than willing to accomodate it. Good luck, Story Seeker."

She gives me an kiss, now, on the horn, and then I am able to move once more. But this position she has put me in... I cannot think of her as naive, so I must think of her as being able to match the reputation of a demonic temptress after all!
>>
No. 486056 ID: c4e5c2
File 135849156211.png - (133.12KB , 700x700 , 4-311.png )
486056

But I am a bard of immense will! I make it out of there with nothing more than a hasty goodbye back, and she lets me go. I run to Muo in the middle of the night perhaps more out of a hazy, desperate mind than out of sensible thoughts. Regardless, I find myself stumbling upon the slime's caverns while pretending that I did not just flee from what I did, to which I behold that there is far more activity than the usual scene of slimes flopping around lazily!
>>
No. 486057 ID: f2c20c

>>486056
We specifically need Muo's slime. Is she recognizable anywhere in that blob? Maybe you can just call out to her. Be ready to run though.

What's that on the left, just the river?
>>
No. 486060 ID: be7fd9

>>486055
Wow. Was not expecting you to resist that.

>>486056
Looks like Tom was right. Let's see if we can find Muo. And try to ignore the fact that in your current state, even that giant ball of slime is attractive.
>>
No. 486065 ID: 57a559

You know, I just thought of something, I think Jerry might try and eat us.
If he does try, well I have several vulgar ideas to get him to lose his appetite. Be on your toes Story Seeker, you're about to face your most dangerous challenge yet!

Now yell for Muo. Or ask the slime blob for her.
>>
No. 486068 ID: 772c81

I'm proud of you! Business before fun!

Just makes sure you get this business done fast enough that you have time for fun.
>>
No. 486069 ID: c4e5c2
File 135849353627.png - (114.69KB , 700x700 , 4-312.png )
486069

>What's that on the left, just the river?
Yes, just the river, and it is being swallowed up quite effectively, it would seem!

Now, I must find Muo! I might need to yell to find her, or perhaps I can -

>"Hey Story!" I am not proud to say that she scared me quite thoroughly. "Don't get too close, not-Tom won't appreciate getting discovered so soon.
"Oh, hello! I am surprised you are not down there with them, doing whatever it is they are doing!"
>"Noooo, not-Tom said I was too apathetic and not worthy of being a follower. So he just used me to hijack the other slimes and then cut off contact with me after some curse or another."
"A curse, you say?"
>"I do say."
"I mean, I wish to know what this curse is!"
>"Oh. I dunno. Maybe he was lying and just wanted to scare me."
>>
No. 486071 ID: be7fd9

Well, I suppose that's not so bad. I had worried you might be being mistreated! What have you been doing here then, just keeping an eye on things?

Then we can ask her for another hair glob sample.
>>
No. 486072 ID: 772c81

I wonder if she still counts as a chaos slime.

If not, she might not be viable any more.
>>
No. 486074 ID: b33427

Express relief that Not-Tom didn't apply a more serious form of punishment on Muo than he did. Though, getting stripped of something that she's had for centuries must be at least a little upsetting.

Don't look directly at Muo and turn away from her; Your will is already stretched thin, and the sight of her form might push you over the edge. So she doesn't think you're being rude, quickly say over your shoulder that the effect of Rotfrost's chaotic horniness potion is riding high on you right now, and you're afraid your control might snap if you look at her for more than a couple seconds. Also, for all you know, Not-Tom might have put a curse of irresistibility on Muo, just to mess with you.

Since you don't want to be seen seeing whatever Not-Tom is up to, suggest that the both of you vacate the area immediately and head to Zirkala's place, with you taking the lead so you don't end up looking at Muo's backside. That way Potarana, Zirkala, Minci, or maybe even Tom can check if Muo actually has a curse on her, and why kind it is.

On the way you can ask for a sample of her goo-hair, and tell her why you need it, and she can tell you what Not-Tom is up to. Is he just making the slimes suck up the river to make them bigger so he can get them to roll around as a slime-ball katamari, or is it something more?

When you get back, make sure that Minci checks that Muo's slime is still viable as a component of the antidote, now that she isn't actually a follower of the Chaos God.
>>
No. 486075 ID: 3d518e

>>486072
>>486074
You should try getting some slime from the newly-converted slimes, too, to be sure.
>>
No. 486076 ID: b33427

>>486075
A good idea, but it might not work if it's not Muo. Still, get some anyway, but have Muo do it; Not-Tom might do bad things to Story Seeker if he tries it. Not deadly things, but he probably wouldn't like it one bit, and it'll waste his time.

Muo can gather some of the slime that either fell off the slime-ball, or where it rubbed off on the ground. If there isn't any there, then maybe she can check downstream from where the slimes are drinking the river and see if any was washed off she could collect.
>>
No. 486077 ID: 06ee8f

>>486069
is it me or does she look a bit less than slime and more human?
>>
No. 486078 ID: c4e5c2
File 135849794228.png - (78.43KB , 700x700 , 4-313.png )
486078

"Not to be rude, Muo, but I must look away for the sake of my abstinence potion!"
>"Oh, that's too bad."
"How so?"
>"No reason."
"Anyway, I am glad you weren't simply mistreated by that one!"
>"Well he was really rude and definitely wasn't nice, but I'm okay."
"Anyway, I will lead us back, if you would be so kind as to follow me! I am in the need of a goo sample from you to cure this abstinence potion's effects."
>"Alright."
"So what is not-Tom up to?"
>"Making a big slime and then I dunno he probably didn't think that far ahead."
"Do you think you could get a sample of a slime just in case I need someone under the chaos influence?"
>"Noooo, he won't appreciate it if you or me goes."
"Very well, it is a small walk anyways, so not much time will be wasted if I have to come back!"
>>
No. 486080 ID: c4e5c2
File 135849800605.png - (121.64KB , 700x700 , 4-314.png )
486080

That went smoother than expected! Well, other than the possible curse.

"I am back, Minci! With Muo!"
"Hey again, Muo!"
>"Hello miss Succubus. Story told me about the sample, and that's fine, but I do apparently have a curse or something on me, and I'm not technically a chaos follower so I don't know if I'm viable."
"Not a problem! It's more you I'm after than a chaos element, so I can still make the cure. In fact, this just means the potion might not have any chaos element to it at all, which was a concern I was having. As for the curse... I'm sorry to say I can't cure it. All I know is that there is a curse, but I just have no idea what it is. It's beyond my capability, it's a strong one. It might be dormant until some time passes in which case it's harmless till then, but I can't say that for certain. I also can't say if it would affect the potion or not."
>>
No. 486081 ID: be7fd9

Um. Just a guess here... but I think the curse affected her intellect. Muo doesn't seem like herself. Lots of short sentences and simple diction. No questions, just responses. She didn't even pick up on you addressing Minci by name! (You'd think she'd react to meeting her after being a follower of Tom for who knows how long. Instead she just saw her as a succubus).

She was also obviously flirting with you, but there's not much need for a curse to encourage that.
>>
No. 486084 ID: c6ec33

A cursed potion, you say?

Nothing bad can come of this. DO IT.
>>
No. 486085 ID: f2c20c

>>486080
Muo seems to be acting different. I think she's got a lust curse on her, but it might be something else too.

Also I think we'd better get her diagnosed by someone before we use her goo. Don't fuck this up! Try Potarina first, then Zirkala (Zirkala might be busy or something).
>>
No. 486088 ID: 3d518e

>>486081
I didn't know Muo was known for her extraordinary intelligence.

Let's make the potion. Surely this curse can't be worse than the chaos abstinence potion, right? Riiiight?
>>
No. 486089 ID: 695191

>>486080
Nope nope NOPE. We do nothing until the curse is explained. Let's have Zirkala Rotfrost and Tom take a look at her. The Chaos god may have done something that can cause serious problems for us, for all we know she might have been cursed with the intent of something happening here or at the end of the loop.
>>
No. 486092 ID: b33427

...Oh, gods' dammit! So close to being rid of Rotfrost's potion's effect, and yet so far. After what happened the last time you knocked back a questionable potion, you're going to make sure things are right this time around. Urgh! You've gotta feel like you're going to explode by now.

Tell Minci to take a goo sample from Muo and wait for your go-ahead to make the antidote. You're going to quickly take Muo around to Potarana, Zirkala, and Tom to have them check her out. Get Tom's best guess on what Not-Tom might have put on her as well.

But if they don't have any idea what it is or how to get rid of it, you're just going to have to pass on the antidote for now. Head back to Minci, tell her that, and then engage in a personal hands-on experience of her master bedmagics until your libido isn't sky-high; You wouldn't be able to sleep anyway. Keep stamina potions on hand to chug to keep from passing out, and ask Muo if she'd join in with you two as well.
>>
No. 486100 ID: c59939

SS, right now, rotfrost's potion is beating you.

It's not only making you abstain from sex, it's training you to do so by yourself.

Stop it. stop holding back when having sex doesn't make things worse for you. Stay civil and charming and pleasant, that's your charm. But don't just abstain purely because you think you're too horny at the time.
>>
No. 486102 ID: b33427

>>486100
...Yanno, that's a good point. Here you've got Minci, a succubus who's all too happy to show you her master bedmagics with no consequences, and Muo, a slimegirl who'd almost certainly be alright in joining in with you two. You ought to be reveling in Rotfrost's potion taking an upswing when you can satisfy it in such a way! Grab this chance, and take it!

Put aside identifying curses, and making antidotes, and everything else; They can all wait until the morning. Tell Minci you'll take her bedmagic demonstrations now, ask Muo to join in, and lead them both to the nearest bedchamber. Oh, and ask Minci to bring whatever potions she thinks will keep you from being completely drained when you finally crash out.
>>
No. 486103 ID: f2c20c

>>486100
>>486102
Personally I think we should at least take care of business before we get to the business, if you know what I'm saying. Right now we've got shit to do.
>>
No. 486114 ID: 707ed3

No no no. We do the work we need to and leave time for beddings with succubi after we work.

We take Muo to our lovely lady lich to have her curse looked into. Who better to know what it is than the lich?
>>
No. 486115 ID: b33427

>>486103
>>486114
Alright, alright. In that case, he can take Muo's hand and run her around to everyone here that might be able to figure out what this curse is, and if they all basically say "I dunno" or that it'll take them awhile to check, then he can jump in the sack with Minci and Muo.
>>
No. 486130 ID: 440525

I am just loving this torture, so let's make that potion before your boner becomes noticeable.
>>
No. 486134 ID: be7fd9

No making cursed potions. See if anyone else can ID what's wrong with Muo. Then maybe we can take Minci up on her offer.

>>486100
I'm not so sure that's a bad thing. Crazy self control is certainly useful, in some ways. And he can always choose to give in, if her really wants to. I mean, c'mon, Zirkala just had her way with us!
>>
No. 486137 ID: 57a559

Well, is it possible for Minci to teach us how to make the potion for next loop? I'd think it'd be important anyway in case we can't get to the physical benchmark. This curse might prove far too inconvenient to have on us permanently, so if it is trouble we may just stop at the mental benchmark. Wait, can a curse follow someone mentally through time?

We can deal with standard chaos effects for next loop's potion. It'd be interesting to see the difference between the two effects anyway.
>>
No. 486151 ID: 695191

>>486137
If Rotfrosts little gag stuck with us despite loops, I don't see why the Chaos gods couldn't.

...Honestly, I suspect he'd planted some way to free himself long term. A spell on her to free him again next loop, or enact some terrible vengeance on Tom. Maybe even he himself is hiding in a corner of her mind, reading to sneak out later.

Too many maybes. Get everyone on this.
>>
No. 486154 ID: 3712d7

>>486151

You raise a good point, but I sincerely doubt that the old Chaos god is..well, smart. enough to do something like that.
>>
No. 486156 ID: 57a559

>>486151
Rotfrost's potion only stuck with us because the LichKing required us to make it through the loop with the physical benchmark passed (I have no idea why, it was just massively inconvenient at the time and I saw little gain for the Lich King, we passed it once before with Tom's help. It didn't prove anything new. And I know he wouldn't even so much as care about Rotfrost's prank, it was for some other reason. Memories can pass with Mental Timetravel, so it wasn't because of the memories he implanted either.)
>>
No. 486168 ID: 695191

>>486154
Impulsive doesn't preclude conniving. He knows as well as Tom did that he'd only get his fun for this one loop, him trying to pull something to get out of that is completely like him.

>>486156
Oh right, forgot about that bit. My point still stands though, especially since this curse is literally effecting her mind.
>>
No. 486184 ID: 57a559

>>486168
But is it affecting her conciousness? Is the curse on the brain, or the conciousness? Because in mental time travel, only the consciousness with its memories travels. If a curse afflicts a physical body part, even the brain, it won't pass. If it is inherently within the soul or mind, it may pass with mental timetravel.
>>
No. 486186 ID: be7fd9

>>486184
Yeah, that's an important consideration. If the curse is mental, intellectual and/or spiritual in nature, we can't count on using a non-physical loop to escape it after idiot testing it. In fact, if it's a mental thing, even using the hourglass to rewind might not work!

We shouldn't take the risk of spreading the curse.
>>
No. 486192 ID: 57a559

Hmm, question for Minci
If in the next loop we try and make the potion ourselves and we get a chaotic muo slime sample, could we get it purified of the chaos element in an Order ritual of some sort? Baptize it in a pure ordained order bath?
>>
No. 486203 ID: 78c6ea

>>486156

(The Lich King wants his ass pounded.)
>>
No. 486252 ID: c4e5c2
File 135856416892.png - (106.26KB , 700x700 , 4-315.png )
486252

>something about sex
This is a well constructed argument, and I have little choice but to follow it! I suppose I should make one last round to see if anyone can pinpoint Muo's virus.

>"Nope." Tom says.
>"I do not deal with casted curses." Rotfrost explains.
>"Too complex." says Potarana.
>"I cannot tell." Even Zirkala cannot pinpoint it!

"Muo, I am going to do something I should have done an hour ago, and learn some things from Minci. Things in bed. Good things. Would you like to join us?"
>"Yes."
"Really? You do know that I me-"
>"Yes."

Well then! That is all the encouragement that I need.
>>
No. 486253 ID: c4e5c2
File 135856418269.png - (101.77KB , 700x700 , 4-316.png )
486253

So I head off to Minci. Perhaps what I end up doing may or may not have been grabbing both girls and running to the nearest bed-like-object, but that is unimportant! I do learn a few things. Important things!

First of all, after some experimentations, we come to the realization that the lust spikes of the potions are not so random! They are completely proportional to how Muo was feeling. Informative, and this means it can be controlled! At least in a very dubious manner.

Secondly, succubi's are excellent bedmates, but this is hardly a surprise. Minci does, however, charge some mana gems using energy we spend! We don't realize this until later, and Minci apologizes profusely, saying it doesn't work nearly as well if we know it's happening. Nevertheless, we hardly mind getting more out of it than we already are! She even uses some to keep us, and me awake, so that I will not be too tired to get back to business come morning, sleep or no!

Thirdly, we find out what Muo's curse is!
>>
No. 486255 ID: c4e5c2
File 135856420505.png - (165.25KB , 700x700 , 4-317.png )
486255

>>
No. 486258 ID: 0f60d7

Welp.
>>
No. 486259 ID: 3712d7

Step 1: Find Old Chaos God.
Step 2: Turn him into a Eunuch.
>>
No. 486260 ID: 81723b

>>486255
Decide wether or not you deserved this for fooling around when you knew there was a curse.
>>
No. 486261 ID: ea047b

For the love of everything you hold dear. Don't smoosh into each other...
I suppose you should show Tom too I guess.
>>
No. 486262 ID: f2c20c

>>486255
Congrats on catching your first magical STD!

Now we need to find out how to cure it. Ask the ladies present first, then Zirkala, and finally the naga archmage.

Did we learn any bedmagic, at least?
>>
No. 486263 ID: c31f72

Well, atleast we can always use the time artifact to cure ourself.
>>
No. 486264 ID: be7fd9

Muo ✓
Minci
Slime / Succubus threesome. ✓

>curse
Ah, contagious slimeform. I wonder if it spreads via contact, or via sexings? Also important- are you now contagious as well? We may need to test.

At least it's a physical problem. That should mean so long as we don't make this a physical loop, it won't carry over. In fact, we could probably remove it now, by going back with the hourglass, if we wanted.

Being a slime will cause problems wooing the arch mage though. Pity. We'll have to hourglass undo it, or break the curse, or illusion or polymorph back to our usual self.
>>
No. 486268 ID: 76b151

Oh I figured out the old Jerry's plan. Hes gonan turn the entire world into slime.
>>
No. 486274 ID: b33427

...Well, you learned a valuable lesson today: Don't have sex with people that have unidentified curses on them. Too bad you had to learn it the hard way. Feel free to burst out in hysterical laughter at the situation and how rotten your luck is, though.

Check out what your new form can do (see if you can "flex" to form up into something more solid,) while asking Minci what she can tell about the curse now. Do you all have it now and can't have sexual relations without passing on a goo-ifying magical STD, or is Muo the only carrier? Now that the effect is known, does that mean it's possible to find out how to break the curse? Will this curse resist polymorph, illusion, or other spells like that?

You should probably console Muo that this isn't her fault, and apologize for your actions; You should have known better than to bring someone with an unknown curse into bed with you, especially with another partner. Give her a hug, partly to comfort her, and partly to see what it feels like when two slimes hug.

Oh, hey! There's also a small upside to this: You can take that antidote to Rotfrost's potion now, and if this curse is acting like an STD, it'd probably be for the best if you do take it.

This is going to wreck your plans for Silveena and Prince Spy if you remain in this form. Right now your options are to either find a way to break the curse, put on some other kind of magic to compensate for it (polymorph, illusion, or something else,) or use the hourglass to roll back to right before you asked Muo to join in and not ask her to join in. Put using the hourglass down as your last resort, and look into the first two for now. Just hope you don't end up going to the end of this cycle and having to use a resistance potion that brings your body back to the beginning.
>>
No. 486275 ID: be7fd9

>This is going to wreck your plans for Silveena and Prince Spy if you remain in this form.
As a possible consolation prize, if we don't deslime ourself, we could always just stand aside and let Silveena seduce Springfoot as Story Seeker after she humiliates the spy in a duel.

I mean, Springfoot would probably try to kill us, but it would be hilarious, and it would test if the method is sound for us to use in a future loop where SS isn't a slime.
>>
No. 486276 ID: 57a559

Hmm, you know we can undo everything, down to the last minute with the hourglass, start all the way back to the first minute of the loop. Get Muo's slime untainted with the curse, follow everything through to the letter again basically, and get back to this point cured without anything bad happening to us. Possibly. I ponder if not-Tom is going to like having his work all undone and promptly eat you instantaneously though.
>>
No. 486278 ID: 997ce7

>>486262
Second. Zirkala gave us that one which wore off if we had sex in one week, remember?
>>
No. 486279 ID: 5d98c3

>>486255
That was predictable. Oh well. We'd best make sure our magic resistance stays somewhat low. Otherwise this could get old fast. Like whenever you try to climb a sharp incline.
>>
No. 486280 ID: 997ce7

I wonder if the curse also made/makes Muo hornier than usual.
>>
No. 486281 ID: b33427

>>486276
Well, Not-Tom kinda didn't want Story Seeker to get himself killed, so he most likely wouldn't kill SS himself. Though he could do all manner of nasty non-fatal things to Story Seeker.

However, Tom knowing that Not-Tom is going to make a break for it, plus the Time Lords knowing what Not-Tom did, might mean they'll come down hard on Not-Tom and have enough power to keep him locked up this time. Unfortunately, if they do do that, it means the Time Lords will also be here to start the countdown on how many loops Story Seeker has left.

Also, Muo's slime at the start, while it doesn't have a curse on it, is still chaos infused so that could mess up the antidote.

All in all, I'd say if Story Seeker does use the hourglass he should roll all the way back to the beginning, but with preparations. Things like making sure that god-Tom will remember what mortal-Tom learned here and will be ready for Not-Tom.
>>
No. 486282 ID: 57a559

I would like to pop in a second time since I have an idea for a cure to this curse

You guys should all eat hummus. Well, Story Seeker only after he drinks the cure potion. Hummus might be bad for Minci, but ehhhhh, being human is better than being a slime. She can probably become a succubus again quickly with a few more concoctions of her own. Muo also shouldn't eat hummus. I honestly do not know how hummus would work on a kobold, a born kobold anyway.
>>
No. 486283 ID: b33427

Oh, there is one thing you should talk to Muo about, since you might be a goo-'bold for awhile: What things a slime should not do, for both their safety and the safety of others? Like, what things slimes should not eat or drink, and what actions would be dangerous to engage in with non-slimes. You already know slimes shouldn't drink too much water at once, and that they can be acidic, but what else is there. Do they have to avoid salt, like slugs? Stuff like that.
>>
No. 486286 ID: 78c6ea

That's a curse? Jerry fucked up again! Now you can make a giant slime ball to defeat his giant slime ball.
>>
No. 486291 ID: bf54a8

now SS can completely coat the ladies in goo instead of just their insides.
>>
No. 486292 ID: a35ac2

>>486283

While you're at it, ask what the story is withthat giant merged slmeball in the river? Is it controlled by committee? If you ended up with a bunch of like-minded slime-cursed folks could you all jump in and coordinate?

Meanwhile, on the small scale, being, temporarily, a slime, there's no reason you have to look like yourself now, is there? You might be able to disguise yourself as Muo, tell Not-Tom you've come around and want to become his follower again, and get in on the details of whatever it is he has planned.

Of course, this all assumes he HAS a plan so... any doors you've always wished you could squeeze under?
>>
No. 486296 ID: f2c20c

>>486282
This is not Corruption of Champions.
>>
No. 486301 ID: c79d9e

First thing: Submerge a hand in one of Minci's breasts and tell us how that feels. Like sticking your hand in cool jello or what?
Second: Taste Minci and tell us that.
Third: Taste self
Fourth: Locate dick. If one is not there, skip to step five.
Fifth: Tell us how the heck one pleasures a slime because they have no genitals. If they do, skip to step six
Six: GO TO ZIRKALA AND PLEAD FOR HELP
Seven: Castrate new chaos god
>>
No. 486311 ID: 656f39

Ok first look to your left, then your right, then realise how ridiculous you look and start laughing. There is no way this will not be the best story you have ever witnessed to date.

Also did the old abstinence potion curse wear off?
>>
No. 486418 ID: c4e5c2
File 135865734735.png - (123.45KB , 700x700 , 4-318.png )
486418

>Did we learn any bedmagic, at least?
The short answer is yes!

"Well, this is... a magical STD!"
"I'm not sure! It may have been triggered by ingestion of any kind, actually." Minci notes.
"In that case, I am quite glad that I figured it out this way, rather than simply drinking a potion! I suppose I should find a cure. Nevertheless, I suppose it won't harm anything to have that potion now anywy. Can you still make it, Minci?"
"Sure. I'll try to look into a cure for this, too, but no promises for a quick one."
"Excellent! Then Muo, is there anything I must avoid eating or drinking as a slime? Salt, perhaps, and is contacting other slimes bad?"
>"Salt is okay. Just about anything really, if it's bad, it'll feel really uncomfortable and you can spit most things out. And no, we can still hug and stuff, you have to specifically be trying to meld with another slime for that to happen."

>Can you become more solid?
Not particularly! It is difficult to make a form with legs! Something about having two limbs supporting me seems quite difficult as opposed to sitting on my waist.
>>
No. 486419 ID: c4e5c2
File 135865737648.png - (153.03KB , 700x700 , 4-319.png )
486419

>Of course, this all assumes he HAS a plan so... any doors you've always wished you could squeeze under?
Yes, but chances are they no longer exist!

>How do you even pleasure a slime?
It is a strange mystery, along with many other impossibilities the slimes move past merely by existing!

>Taste Minci
Sweet!
>Taste yourself
Like an odd fruit. Indescribable!

It is about morning, so I head to Zirkala, who thankfully is awake! I get her up to speed.

>It does not look bad on you, Story Seeker."
"Thank you, yet I find myself looking better as a solid! Might you have anything to help?"
>"Only an experiment. Does being a slime hurt your magical capability?"
"It does not seem to, no!"
>"Then I wish to see how it spreads. Stay here. I am getting Potarana."
>>
No. 486420 ID: c4e5c2
File 135865743483.png - (146.78KB , 700x700 , 4-320.png )
486420

>"The short answer is ingestion of some sort causes it after all, and it has made you a carrier as well. Potarana likely is as well. Mere skin contact does not appear to change, unless the compromising of my solidity is a delayed reaction. Now, I have nothing better to do anymore, and Springfoot's illusion will not last forever. Let's discuss your options."

Well, I do have my magical time artifact that seems to have a proper charge, so I will keep that as a last resort! However, if possible, I will not have to waste the rest of this cycle. There are options, and plenty of details I will worry about once deciding what my goal should be!

1: Continue attempting to woo the archmage. Somehow.
2: Make my own slime army and do battle against Not-Tom.
3: Ignore everything, continue practicing bedmagic with no abstinence potion in the way, and either wait around for a cure for the slime and/or use artifact at the end.
4. Something else!
>>
No. 486424 ID: 997ce7

>>486420
Hmm. Can you form pseudopods? Explicitly for the purposes of tentacle sex, of course.
>>
No. 486428 ID: 695191

Some ideas
>Use slime body in part of plot to embarrass fake prince.
>Blame slime curse on prince, perhaps continue to woo archmage?
>use slime body to steal Archbra. Again.

Also I wonder if there is any special considerations for using the artifact, seeing how it would put us before the death of a time lord maybe. Ask on that.
>>
No. 486429 ID: 81723b

>>486420
Horrid realization: How many time loops do you think we've 'failed' in, that we simply don't remember?
>>
No. 486430 ID: f2c20c

Wait, we could infect the prince! Just slip a little bit into his drink or something.

Also, let's continue trying to woo the archmage. We take care of the prince for her via our assorted OVERKILL of pranks, and we can claim that our new slime body is due to one of the pranks backfiring on us. Which is almost true!
>>
No. 486433 ID: 7b0ada

Do 1 and 2. At the same time.

>>486429
Doesn't really matter. Before we got the ability to pass on memory from loop to loop, they would have been pretty boringly similar. And besides, we know the number of loops gone by is enough for the time lords to have lost patience and taken action.
>>
No. 486436 ID: b33427

Go with 1 right now. You might be able to continue one mostly the way you have, but you need to ask some questions of Zirkala first. As for 2; Fighting Not-Tom's giant slime-ball doesn't actually require an opposing slime army. You just need to gather allies for the fight, and getting Silveena and the naga on your side with 1 (before stealing her bra) would go a long way in any fight. Every faction down here is going to end up having to fight the giant slime-ball anyway, but if you organize them together then won't get picked off one by one.

Anyway, on to wooing Silveena. Ask Zirkala if she has a way for you to remote control Springfoot's body, as if you were possessing it, but could release control to Springfoot. That way you can continue in the same fashion as you were before until Doify Miss Drake's illusion wears off. It might actually be better, since you don't have to swap out yourself for Springfoot for the duel with Prince Charmless.

As for the potential celebrations with Silveena in her bedchamber afterwards, well, this illusion should be at least as good as the goblin one that was put on before, so there shouldn't be any problems there. Once that's done get Springfoot is out of there, slip yourself in, and then you can spin a tale about how you used a chaos god artifact to win the duel, and it apparently had a delayed curse. Then you can ask Silveena for her help in fixing it.

However, if Zirkala doesn't have any body possession magics on hand, then you and Springfoot are going to have to make another trip to the "dragon" to get her illusion updated to your current form. It'll probably be even more embarrassing for Prince Witless to get trounced by not just a kobold, but a goo-'bold. You can probably engage in post-victory "celebrations" with Silveena as long as she doesn't ingest any part of you, which is something you likely know how to do. Or you could, you know, not have sexual relations and just talk for once. Then you can ask for her help in getting the curse off you as well.

>>486418
Uh... Yeah, now that you're a slime, you're going to have to work at remembering to keep your head, limbs, and various body parts pointed in the right directions. You might creep people out otherwise.

>>486419
...Is that a...? Yes, that's a smile on Zirkala's face. A small one. Isn't that the first one she's ever cracked in your presence? That makes your predicament just a little bit more worth the trouble. Maybe one day you'll make her genuinely laugh.

>>486430
Oh, how about infecting him during the duel, by coating Springfoot's blades with Story Seeker's goo. Though, him transforming then and there would have any judges calling foul for use of magic. Maybe Rotfrost can whip up a time-release suspension to encapsulate the goo, so it releases an hour or so after the duel.
>>
No. 486456 ID: a5478c

Infect the Prince!
>>
No. 486458 ID: 997ce7

>>486436
lich!Zirkala's smile is constant. It may even occasionally have been genuine, specifically when a prank was carried out or SS suffered some indignity.
>>
No. 486473 ID: a35ac2

>>486420

None of those goals would appear to be mutually exclusive, to be honest. Since the slime form thing is a novelty, it might be worth it to see if there's any perks you haven't thought of. Can you disguise yourself as a naga? Can you sprout some extra arms, or get some eyes in the back of your head? Get some sort of slime-mind-meld going with these two to establish some telepathic communication? Pick a fight with someone just to laugh as all their attacks slide right through you?

Past that, I suppose the important thing is to stay hydrated... although on that note, the giant slime ball blocking off/absorbing the river seems like it might cause some environmental problems that may be felt within the week, so if it's a matter of priorities, slime army may be the way to go.
>>
No. 486480 ID: b33427

>>486473
I don't think the giant slime-ball was drinking the whole of the river's flow, 'cause that is a whole damn lot of water. If it did that for only an hour, it would have filled a good part of the slime cavern, assuming it didn't pop. Story Seeker should ask Muo how much water that many slimes could absorb without diluting themselves to death, then multiply it to account for Not-Tom.

Oh, that does bring up a problem if there is a big fight with the giant chaos magic infused slime-ball: If it's killed, would it pop and release a whole mess of chaos magic loaded goo. Even bits cut off of it are going to be chaos infused. That flowing into the river or getting over nearby people would not be good. Perhaps finding another way to stop it would be prudent. Maybe a way that removes the chaos element or breaks Not-Tom's connection with it?

As for Story Seeker's hydration, he could carry a small keg of water for an emergency in his body now, if he wanted to. Actually, he should be testing what items he can and can't safely carry in himself. He might actually be able to carry more, and conceal it better than before, once he puts his shirt back on.
>>
No. 486518 ID: 47d311

Does not-tom reset when you go back in time? As resident chaos god, I don't think he will.

I'm not even sure what will happen to actual Tom.
>>
No. 486521 ID: a35ac2

Yes, Not Tom will apparently still be free whether things get reset or not. Gods existing outside the normal flow of time and all that. Ideally, some kind of resolution to that issue within the current loop is the way to go.

Meanwhile, other slimy abilities that warrant experimentation:

Can you split yourself into multiple mini-slimes, split up and work on multiple tasks, then merge back together later?

Or, abusing that from the opposite direction, merge with Minci (or any other potential magic tutors who sign up for this bit of weirdness down the road), read their mind, and save yourself a lot of magical studying? If not, you could still, presumably, carry more people back with you for the next time loop that way.
>>
No. 486550 ID: b33427

Another way Story Seeker could get the curse removed is by getting Tom his divine power back, one way or another. Dunno how to do that within this loop, though. But it does leave a way for SS to return to his old kobold self if he ends up having to break out of the time loop while the curse is still on him, or resists the magic to the point his body loops back.

>>486521
Uh... Better ask Muo about slime merging before doing anything like that. Story Seeker doesn't want to end up in a situation where both his mind and body merges with another slime, and he can't get back out. Or it might be that slimes can't do that, and just end up with one eating the other.
>>
No. 486551 ID: 7b0ada

Ooh! Turn Tom into a slime. His natural form doesn't have mana, right? But slimes do!
>>
No. 486552 ID: 997ce7

>>486551
Eh, I'm sure Minci's doing that for him right now.
>>
No. 486558 ID: b33427

>>486552
Oh! Better stop them before Tom gets slimed. We need Minci to test how far a cursed slime can go with sex acts before their partner gets the curse, so Story Seeker has an idea what he can safely do in bed. He'd test it with Zirkala, but she might not agree to the risk of being goo-ified. Though, in the case Tom's already been cursed, SS can still ask Zirkala to test with him.
>>
No. 486589 ID: 943463

While Zirkala is still around, can you try to turn yourself into a giant smiley face, just to see if you can make her laugh? Plus, it would give you some practice controlling your form.

Apart from that, I don't think it makes sense to try to work with Springfoot in your current state, just because you can't make yourself solid or leggy enough to be inconspicuous.

You could probably get an illusion from Miss Drake to make you look like yourself, if you want. If you decide to go that route, you might want to avoid sharing the details of how you got this way. "The Chaos God decided to curse me with sliminess" would be fine, but go easy on the details, for obvious reasons.

How much control do you have over your density and shape? Could you spread out into several times your current size? In particular, could you make yourself the size of a small dragon, or at least a drake? You could probably amuse Miss Drake that way, especially since she won't know it's you right away.
>>
No. 486864 ID: c4e5c2
File 135884657981.png - (151.73KB , 700x700 , 4-321.png )
486864

>Can you do _____?
No! My ability as a slime appears incredibly limited. While I can morph my body in slight ways, I can only do so in so limited a fashion that it merely looks that I for some terrible deformity.

>"Stop that, Story Seeker." Zirkala requests at my feeble attempts to morph.
"Very well! Zirkala, I am wondering if it is possible for me to take over Springfoots body or something of the sort, so that after she humiliates the Prince in combat, I may take over to humiliate him in everything else!"
>"I cannot do that. At least not to such a level. What I can do is give you a link to her mind, so that you can see what she sees, and you may tell her what to do or what to say."
"I... will keep that in mind! But there are a couple other things I wish to see, so I will be back shortly."
>>
No. 486865 ID: c4e5c2
File 135884659050.png - (127.42KB , 700x700 , 4-322.png )
486865

>Infect the prince
I will keep this in mind, as well, as a possibility past the duel!

>Experiment on Tom to see the extent of how far one can go before turning into a slime
>"Any ingestion! Any at all! If a tiny bit of slime gets in you, you become a slime! It feels funny and I'm glad it's temporary. No offense to Muo."
>"None taken." She replies.
"By the way, Minci! Is it possible to merge with another slime?"
>"Uh... well, yeah, that's what they're doing at the cavern."
"Right, but I mean, if I did it, would I be able to read minds or something?"
>"Oh, no, well, not unless the two slimes are really high powered, and not-Tom is making them that way. So maybe if you joined him you could get that, but right now if you tried to merge with Minci, it would just feel like a really intricate hug, but you wouldn't mix. I also don't think it's a good idea, it could be permanent!.... it's not permanent, but I mean, if it weren't for the whole time thing..."
"I understand!"
>>
No. 486871 ID: a35ac2

>"Oh, no, well, not unless the two slimes are really high powered, and not-Tom is making them that way..."

OK then. I'd say it's definitely a high priority to head over to slime land.

If there's some sort of free magical super-charging being handed out to any slime in the area, you may as well try and reap what benefit you can and then slip away before being tossed into the ball.

It's also worth trying to find out what, if anything, is the ultimate goal over there. Does Not Tom gain more power from just the total mass of his worshipers, or what? I suppose Tom might have some insight on that, and hey, did that plan to score him some mana reserves via transformation work out?
>>
No. 486893 ID: f2c20c

Normally Story can run really fast. Is that still the case?

Well, right now I want to find out when Springfoot is going to do the duel, then watch. From a distance so we don't get spotted.

If it's a couple hours out or something, then let's just train bardic magic for a while.
>>
No. 486986 ID: ae196a

Slime Tom has +6 in cuteness. Yeesh Tom you're already a babe magnet why are you trying to turn yourself in a babe gravity sinkhole?
>>
No. 487003 ID: b33427

Alright, time to work on taking down Prince Charmless. Get the mind-link with Springfoot and test it out while you teach her some of your basic mannerisms, just so she doesn't act completely out of character. The exclaiming sentiences that don't really need to, and smiling all the time in a confident manner (and not toothily, like she did earlier) would be a good start.

Then it's off to Miss Drake to get a strong invisibility spell and a strong illusion of your kobold self put on you so you can follow Springfoot, in case her illusion falters and you have to switch while she hides. Put your fancy shirt on and carry your fancy pants with you as well, just in case. Then it's time to head to the nagas and make the duel challenge to the Not-Prince.

>"If a tiny bit of slime gets in you, you become a slime!"
Well, this doesn't completely preclude Story Seeker from getting the arch-bra via bedding Silveena. It'd be hard, though, since he'd have to talk the bra off of her without any kissing or foreplay, then nab it and GTFO either right before any things happens or right as Silveena is transforming. Plus, this doesn't even take into account whether Silveena will want to have anything to do with Story Seeker in that way while he's a goo-'bold. We'll have get to that bridge first before we can figure out how to cross it.

>>486865
...Geez, Tom, you didn't even get to keep your arms. Man, that sucks. Express your condolences to Tom on his loss of limbs and ask if he'll remove the curse from you at the start of the next cycle for free, in case your body ends up going back this time.

>>486893
Yeah, better test how your slime form physical capabilities stack up to when you were a kobold, so you don't find yourself short when it matters. Not just how fast you can move, but how much you can carry and swing without deforming, climbing ability, resistance to damage, fire, falling, etc., and anything else you can think of that's important.
>>
No. 487010 ID: 943463

I'd say definitely use the hourglass before returning to Silveena.
>>
No. 487012 ID: b33427

>>487010
I thought we were holding the hourglass in reserve to possibly use near the end of the cycle, or if the situation is insurmountably dire. Things haven't gotten that bad yet, as far as I can tell. Still, Story Seeker should keep the hourglass on (or in, considering his new form) his body at all times this cycle.
>>
No. 487021 ID: eb682d

>>487003
>>487010
Actually, what if we try to spin it to Silveena that the fake prince put a curse on us after his defeat?
It wouldn't solve all our problems, but it's something.
>>
No. 487025 ID: b33427

>>487021
That could work, just as long as Story Seeker isn't seen by Silveena before Springfoot defeats the fake prince.

Oh, I just got an idea for further humiliating the Not-Prince. Remember what Rotfrost said to Story Seeker about taking a virility potion while under the (intended) effect of her abstinence potion: "You will be immensely frustrated, and left with no way to relieve that fire!" How about we give Prince Faker some of that "unquenchable fire." He he he. This'll be good.

Have Rotfrost make up another abstinence potion, this time without the chaos element. Then make a virility potion using either use Minci's goo-hair or, depending on whether or not we want to risk spreading the "slimer" curse all over the place, the hair of another very lustful person that'll be delivered later. Mix the two together, then figure out a way to get Prince Charmless to chug the whole thing; A drinking contest, perhaps?
>>
No. 487054 ID: ad199c

the dual potions idea is wonderful, but he needs to embarassed thoroughly. I dunno, how do these duels work? Maybe we could make a "frustrating need" poison and put it on springfoots blade.

Also, you totally deserve your current predicament seeker. You talk to Zirkala about how she's your real girl (sort of, in a half assed adolescent way), and then go screw a succubi.

You don't screw succubi. That's asking for your damn soul to get sucked out, this is a minor punishment.
>>
No. 487080 ID: 943463

>>487012
Of course, but waiting to see Silveena until after using the hourglass doesn't mean using it right away. Spend most of the cycle doing things you can usefully do as a slime, use the hourglass to go back to a point before you decided to engage in sticky activities, and *then* head over to Silveena.
>>
No. 487120 ID: a00410

>>487054
You know in the same way we also kinda asked if we should slow this down or stop. And she said that she was fine with our activites. Maybe because her libido is a memory. Problem is I think she may be a bit sweet on Story Seeker; and that might be a problem. This could be a very awkward emotional conflict for a creature that might be expected to be beyound shuch things as love or even affection. Look how she will so deeply confided some very vulnerable feelings, then turn around and haof warn us off and give us a push. Maybe the Lich king will not look at such afection as anything but a weakness the she needs to overcome. There has been one good thing out of this though. All this time with skin on her face has made her easier to read. And that makes me worry. I think she is botherd by more than the current crises. On a side note. She maybe be scrambling to recreate her bone body so this one doesn't rot.
>>
No. 487237 ID: c4e5c2
File 135900394342.png - (131.13KB , 700x700 , 4-323.png )
487237

>Also, you totally deserve your current predicament seeker. You talk to Zirkala about how she's your real girl (sort of, in a half assed adolescent way), and then go screw a succubi. You don't screw succubi. That's asking for your damn soul to get sucked out, this is a minor punishment.
I cannot bring myself to either disagree with these sentiments, nor regret my actions all the same!

>Normally Story can run really fast. Is that still the case?
Not as fast as I once was, although still fast for a slime!

>How about we give Prince Faker some of that "unquenchable fire."
I am not sure I would wish that upon anyone!

I express my condolences to Tom's lack of limbs, then move to Zirkala to set up the mind link with Springfoot.

"So, miss Springfoot, I think it would be best if I share my mannerisms with you, so you may best play the part of spy!"
>"Okay. How do you act?"
>>
No. 487239 ID: 7b0ada

...like a charming, womanizing smartass with little respect for power, authority, or danger I may be facing?
>>
No. 487247 ID: 57a559

>>487237
We always try to be polite and often have a dumb, naive, honest smile on our face. It rarely becomes anything else, only at major in conveniences, minor failings often end with a laugh instead.
A smug, happy-go-lucky, overly polite, laid back prick of a smart-alec, basically. Hard to hate though, amazingly. Just below the annoying threshold of over-confidence so that it's kind of cute. Is this truly us? No, but it is how we try to act in public. We also rarely get into fights, though that duel will be an exception. Most of our offense is either defensive running or pranking. This is of course not including things we do with our penis, which is our most offensive weapon.
>>
No. 487305 ID: 735f4f

I have dozens of voices telling me what to do all day. It makes my actions rather erratic.
>>
No. 487345 ID: 66ff59

I finish most sentences with exclamation marks for no reason!
>>
No. 487355 ID: c4e5c2
File 135904592987.png - (77.13KB , 700x700 , 4-324.png )
487355

"First of all, you need a good smile! You can make it dumb and naive looking, I won't feel bad!"
>"Like this?"
"That is a smile and so it is an improvement, but we will need to work on that! Secondly, I do rarely get in fights, obviously this duel will be the exception. Thirdly, I have many thoughts that bounce around my head, so this may make my actions erratic! Also, I tend to speak like I am adding an exclamation point to the end of most of my sentences."
>"... why?"
"And another thing, I do not worry about the 'whys'! Probably no reason at all, but suddenly I am quite self conscious of it!"
>"I don't know if I understand."
"As long as you're in the ballpark, I think you'll end up doing just fine. I also won't be offended if you act like a bit of a smartass!"
>>
No. 487356 ID: c4e5c2
File 135904597045.png - (154.01KB , 700x700 , 4-325.png )
487356

So my plan to date goes something like this! I believe I will do this soon, as should I wait too long, not-Tom may get in my way.

1. Springfoot duels the Prince. I assume it will go well!
2. While that is going on, Guntax replaces and plants gold and evidence.
3. I somehow get the prince to try and open his vault? This requires work, as while Guntax's deed may be done, it will not do any good if the Prince finds out on his own with no witnesses!
4. With the prince shamed and possibly shunned, I head to Silveena! This will most likely be as a slimebold, but hopefully it will not be too offputting for her. And I may claim that the prince cursed me! It certainly seems like something he would do. That, or I get Springfoot to continue acting as me! I am sure that the physical act of getting her bra will be far greater than me to make up for any acting shortcomings she may have.
>>
No. 487357 ID: 14bafe

The obvious method to make him open the vault is to make a wager on the outcome of the dual.
After all, you will know exactly how much he'll need to bet so as to force his hand when he loses.
>>
No. 487360 ID: f4f33e

Have Springfoor act as us while we tell her what to say through the mental link. This way there is no possibility of Silveena getting grossed out by us,
also there is so much room for mischief that it would be a shame to waste it. I just wonder how far is Springfoot ready to go to keep up the act.
>>
No. 487361 ID: 908c2d

Hmm. Three is the weakest link. We haven't set up a good reason for him to have to dip into his gold, and we haven't arranged for any witnesses to be around.

We have to somehow convince the prince spy that after we humiliate him, there's a way he could fix his problems. With money. Maybe... we have one of the assassins offer their services to him? We have to somehow arrange for the other nagas to catch him in the act, though (Selveera, her sister, Nelin? Preferably make it as public as possible).

Step 4- if we don't want to risk the slimebold approach (which might work?), we could always cover ourself with another illusion. Or poor springfoot will be forced to stand in, again.
>>
No. 487363 ID: 3d518e

Having Springfoot keep playing us for that act is highly, highly inappropriate.

Let's do it.
>>
No. 487371 ID: 66ff59

i think sex with a naga archmage is a possibility after we shame the prince. i'm not sure springfoot will be willing to go THAT far.
>>
No. 487386 ID: b53faa

>>487371
A thought occurs to me:
If we bed the Archmage, wouldn't the slime-naga war be urged on due to
you know
TURNING HER INTO A SLIME?
I think bedding the Archmage will unfortunately have to be left out of our plans, my friends.
I am pretty sure she is only going to believe the curse story so much, and if we turn her into the enemy then there is a very high chance of US getting blamed for the PRINCE's misdeeds.

Just a thought!
>>
No. 487390 ID: 908c2d

>>487371
Maximum hilarity will be had if Springfoot doesn't know what's going to happen until the archmage drags her off. (What? It's not a double standard. We've put SS in the exact same kind of disguise gone wrong situations).

>>487386
Meh, inconsequential. The regular naga slime war isn't happening this loop (because Muo isn't playing upidty Queen and having the slimes stand up for themselves). And presumably, Not-Tom's giant slimeball + contagious slime curse is gonna end this loop with the slimes going to katamari war with everyone anyways. And we already aren't playing to break the loop this cycle.
>>
No. 487400 ID: b6edd6

>Springfoot wooing the archmage / disguising self
Sadly, the archmage will almost certainly see through any illusions via the magic-resist item this entire affair was started over.
>>
No. 487402 ID: 735f4f

I would say that "accidentally" turning people into slimes is far to entertaining to miss out on. Also if we can pick up the archmage while a slime that's a nice achievement.
>>
No. 487451 ID: f2c20c

>>487400
There's that, and also I kinda doubt Springfoot would be able to seduce the archmage to begin with. She revealed to us that the only reason she was treating the Prince well was because of political pressure.
>>
No. 487454 ID: 908c2d

I don't think we have to worry about the archmage seeing through Springfoot's illusion. The drake was so happy with all the gold she cast one strong enough that SS can't see through it with his anti-illusion potion!
>>
No. 487465 ID: b33427

As a way to get witnesses to the not-prince's vault, make a very large bet with him on the outcome of the duel. That way when he loses, Springfoot-as-Story-Seeker can request that there be an escort with him to get the money, so he doesn't get any ideas about grabbing his cash and running out on the bet. Then Springfoot can ask that herself, Silveena, Nilen the guard, and a few other guards be in the escort.

Beforehand Guntax should hide the fake evidence such that it'll be out of view from the naga's position, but can be spotted by Springfoot from her lower vantage point when the fake gold is moved. Then she can go "what's that," and pull it out for all to see.
>>
No. 487686 ID: c4e5c2
File 135921763177.png - (151.87KB , 700x700 , 4-326.png )
487686

"Let's say... we have you bet a good sum of money on the duel! I am certain the prince will oblige."
>"That sounds believable."
"And then, perhaps you are willing to continue this, and attempt to get on the archmage's good side? Perhaps learn as much as you can about her, and if comfortable, then steal her bra?"
>"Y... wait. That's what this is all about? You wanted her bra? Why did you not just say so. Guntax or I could have taken the bra to begin with."
"No, no, there is more! I want to learn how to gain consent to her bra without stealing it! And to get on her good side in general! And humiliate the prince!"
>"... I guess. If you say so."
"Oh, and perhaps you may ask for Silveena herself, one guard named Nilen, and a few other guards on top to follow you and Prince to his vault?"
>"I will try to get someone, but not a whole entourage. It will look like I know something is wrong with his vault, and it will look like a blatant sting operation. I will attempt to get who I can without feeling forced about it."
"Very well! Nonetheless, I will ask guntax to at least plant the evidence a little lower down to make it convenient for you, not for him, to see."
>"That will be good. It should not be obvious sight anyway, so I will get Guntax to tell me where he put it."
>>
No. 487687 ID: c4e5c2
File 135921765195.png - (108.78KB , 700x700 , 4-327.png )
487687

Once we tell Guntax of the full plan and bid everyone else goodbye, we all head off. Guntax separates from us early on, saying he'll go on ahead and get in position. I lead Springfoot on through caverns that are now more or less familiar to me, and between that and a bit of luck, I spot Nelin guarding her normal post.
>>
No. 487691 ID: 908c2d

>wait. That's what this is all about? You wanted her bra?
Well, the first time, sure. Then we decided trying to woo her would be more fun. Then we found out about this prince/spy jerk and the war being set up...

Like I said, many plans, erratic.

Hmm. Actually, what if we got the bra in some loop, and then did the physical carry over? Would that get us a time-cloned bra? That could save us the trouble of having to steal from her in the last loop.

>Nelin
Hmm. She looks miffed about something. Too bad you can't just go up and talk to her- if we're planning on blaming your slimeyness on the prince and he hasn't been humiliated into doing it yet, you can't afford to be seen by any nagas.
>>
No. 487705 ID: b33427

Pull back out of Nelin's ear-shot and test the mind-link's capabilities by checking if Springfoot can pick up your mental speech's mood and inflection and mimic it decently by having her speak back what she's going to say to Nelin to you while you think it at her. Once you're satisfied she isn't going to be completely off, squeeze yourself into a crevice and send her out.

Nelin has a rather annoyed expression, so after greeting her, ask her what put it on her face; More prince problems, perhaps? That'll probably give an opening to segue into saying that that is what you're here for and tell her you're going to challenge the prince to a public duel. You just need to know the proper, official way to go about it so everyone will know the outcome.

>"You wanted her bra? Why did you not just say so. Guntax or I could have taken the bra to begin with."
...Uh. Ooops? Well, actually, if you had done that, then you wouldn't have found out about the prince being a spy and trying to start a naga war, so it was for the better. So chalk another one up for thinking with your libido first. Anyway, next cycle Guntax and Springfoot can nab the arch-bra before you've even met the archmage, that way you're not suspected in the theft. Then maybe the arch-bra could be used as the planted evidence against the not-prince.
>>
No. 487720 ID: 47d311

You know, there's merit in talking to the archmage about your curse yourself, considering she is an ARCHMAGE and knows a lot about MAGE things and can possibly help you cure your goopy STD.
>>
No. 487982 ID: c4e5c2
File 135930374258.png - (124.68KB , 700x700 , 4-328.png )
487982

>Test the mind link capabilities to see if Springfoot can pick up the mantal speech's mood and inflection
It appears to work, Springfoot claims, and so it is merely up to her to put up a proper act! She heads out to Nelin after I tell her to greet her and ask why she appears quite unhappy.

"HELLO." Springfoot says.
"Try to keep it as a 'Hello!' not a 'HELLO', please!" I say through our link.
>"Uh, hey again. Come to see Silveena again?"
"No. Why're you looking so unhappy? Prince problems?" It turns out it is difficult to tell her exactly what to say without making awkward silences between responses, but Springfoot seems to be doing alright!
>"You try guarding the same pile of rocks for hours on end and keep a happ.... geez, you probably could. No, the prince is off having lunch or brunch or something. I'd know because he likes to make sure everyone knows what he's doing."
"Well, I would like to see him, I have more business with the guy!"
>"Yeah why not, any excuse to get out of this place. Follow me."
"I'm gonna duel him."
>"If you think you can take him, sure. S'not like our duels are to the death, but pleeease do not give him another thing to gloat to us about."
"There is no way."

"I'll let you know if it gets too crowded to follow us." Springfoot tells me.
>>
No. 487983 ID: c4e5c2
File 135930376875.png - (79.75KB , 700x700 , 4-329.png )
487983

But my trip is interrupted immediately!

>"Hey. Hey you. You're not supposed to bere here."
>>
No. 487987 ID: 57a559

>>487983
Ask if he works for the prince first before giving him any lies.
Well, sir, as you can plainly see, I am supposed to be here. I have business with the naga, but I like having four eyeballs at a time and have split my mind using spells, making this part into a slime golem. Multiple perspectives are important to a duelist such as myself, I can never get backstabbed that way. If you HAD been listening to the conversation like I was, you can plainly see I have legit business here with the Naga's.

Go on ahead a little bit and see my real body, or my second body, I've forgotten again if I made another golem to switch to. I make a lot of golems for fun. It looks exactly like this one only not a slime anyway.
>>
No. 487995 ID: 908c2d

>>487983
Who's that? Doesn't look like a naga.

>You're not supposed to be here.
...are you? (If no) Well then, we can just not tell on one another, then.

Worst case? Forcefully slime that dude and leave him reeling.

Do slimes have a stealth mode? You can't just creep around as a puddle?
>>
No. 488004 ID: c4e5c2
File 135930829867.png - (65.92KB , 700x700 , 4-330.png )
488004

>You can't just creep around as a puddle?
No, I am still unable to change my form to anything past 'slightly disfigured from my norm'!

"Are you?"
>"Perhaps."
"Well, if you aren't, then we can just continue to not tell on each other."
>"And if I am?"
"Then I may have to...."

I can't 'slime' anyone either! I mean, I could tackle them and that would certainly act as sliming, but that isn't much for getting away! Overall, my abilities as a slime gives me constantly underwhelming sensations.

"...anyways, do you work for the prince?"
>"I don't work for royalty."
"Nevertheless, as you may have overheard, I do have business here with the Naga! I am a duelist, you see, yet I have made multiple golems with portions of my mind in each one. You may have seen the kobold just ahead? Perhaps that is my real body, perhaps it's another golem!"
>"So you are a powerful wizard? Only someone like that could split their mind and not be mentally gimped at the other end. What else can you do, o magician?"
>>
No. 488006 ID: e3aff6

What kind of magician reveals all his tricks?
>>
No. 488012 ID: 57a559

Do we look like a parlor trick magician to you, slimeball? This is actually a necromancy technique, anyway. You can do incredible and efficient things with souls. It's temporary, anyhow. Otherwise this slime golem would be a walking phylactery, we'll merge back in a few days ahead, or less, the timeframe is fairly unreliable. Also, our gift of gab went to this body, so I actually have to project a lot of our responses to my real or spare body. My memories are with my spare body too.

Okay, actually, yeah this technique has a few drawbacks and neither of us are fully here or there. You happy? We're a half-bit necromancer. We spent so much time on this one technique it's practically all we can do. Reminds us of someone who's only good at doing chaos magic but can't do jack else. And an illusion mage I know, and a sex mage I know... actually, this reminds me of a lot of mages for some reason.
>>
No. 488013 ID: 57a559

>>488012
consistency correction
Most of our memories went with the spare body.
>>
No. 488020 ID: 908c2d

>I can't 'slime' anyone either!
By "slime" I meant "forcibly turn him into a slime by sudden surprised forced injection". You're capable of that. It's a moot point though, as it appears this individual is already a slime.

>What else can you do, o magician?
Well, admittedly, I'm somewhat limited without my golem crafting materials and laboratory.
>>
No. 488023 ID: c4e5c2
File 135931186855.png - (66.48KB , 700x700 , 4-331.png )
488023

>By "slime" I meant "forcibly turn him into a slime by sudden surprised forced injection"
Oh, yes. I will keep this method in mind for non-slime individuals.

"I am no parlor magician!"
>"I never claimed you were."
"This is more of a necromancy technique anyway! It is temporary, and I will merge back in a few days more or less, the timefrom is unreliable. I am speaking too much, anyway! What sort of magician reveals all his tricks? Although I will say that perhaps this does have drawbacks, as neither of us are fully here or there mentally speaking, furthermore I am quite limited without my materials or laboratory! My gift of gab went to this body, for instance!"
>"Yes, you don't say. Spare me your life story now. You look like a slime that can't even morph. I wanna show you something, and I'll show you how to slip between cracks if you follow me. Even your future golem slimes will know how to do it, it's easy to pass on. It just isn't hard, but semi-competent slimes just say it is so they can feel good about themselves."
>>
No. 488025 ID: 908c2d

>show you how to slip through cracks
Well, that would be appreciated, thank you.

If we can sneak deeper into the naga caverns that way, there should be quite a show to be seen when the duel starts up.

(Note to self: you should have really asked Muo how to do slime stuff like creeping through cracks. Oh well).
>>
No. 488026 ID: 57a559

In exchange for what exactly? We help with our own personal interference on a task, we can't give you a golem body or enhancements. Which requires your lab, which you keep confidential.
>>
No. 488052 ID: c4e5c2
File 135931702840.png - (74.61KB , 700x700 , 4-332.png )
488052

"That would be appreciated! But what would you expect in return?"
>"Oh, not much, just you to pay attention is all. Follow me, it's just a couple minutes away."

I go ahead, and he gestures to a nearby crack in the wall.

"Are you following?" Springfoot asks.
"Not at the moment, but I will catch up!"

>"Okay, here's a crack that goes to where I want to take you. First, put your face in front."
"Like so?"
>"Yeah. Now focus on it. It's 99% concentration."
>>
No. 488053 ID: c4e5c2
File 135931705335.png - (88.21KB , 700x700 , 4-333.png )
488053

WHAM

>"Concentrated force, anyway."
>>
No. 488056 ID: c4e5c2
File 135931711128.png - (82.88KB , 700x700 , 4-334.png )
488056

After moderate amounts of discomfort and great amounts of continued smashing me into the wall, I come back out on the other side. Feeling a little lighter, like something was taken out of me.

>"Now just remember that from now on. So what's this thing you got here, hm?"
>>
No. 488058 ID: 57a559

>>488056
"A token from someone close to my heart."
Umm SS, maybe it's just me, but I'm getting a sense of Deja Vu here. I have no evidence to the contrary of course but do NOT let him break it. I mean, obviously don't let him break it in the first place, but not HIM especially. SO grab it out of his hands like the slippery little kobold you hard. Shit son, EAT IT. Just grab it with your mouth right out of his hands.
>>
No. 488060 ID: 908c2d

Oh for the love of, put anti-pickpocketing training on the list of things you need to do.
>>
No. 488063 ID: 78c6ea

Well it is admittedly easy to pass on... slimes sure are uncomplicated.
>>
No. 488071 ID: f4f33e

...you haven't seen a hourglass before? Do you live under a rock? Oh wait you do Hahahaha.
>>
No. 488136 ID: 735f4f

Seems fishy but explain what a hourglass is. Of course we are now on the other side of a wall we may not be able to get back through without help. This is all a horrible trap I know it.
>>
No. 488137 ID: 908c2d

It's an hourglass. Keeping track of time is important when you're juggling multiple bodies. You didn't mess it up did you? Oh, you did. Thanks a lot.
>>
No. 488199 ID: b33427

"...You don't know what an hourglass is?" When he inevitably says he knows what an hourglass is and asks why you had it on your person, say it's been enchanted to start flowing when it detects the magics holding this body together are starting to unravel and you need to get going.

Now, why did you come back here with a strange slime who's being awfully nosy, for a slime...? Weren't all the slimes around here absorbed in Not-Tom's giant goo-ball? Where'd this guy come from, anyway? This is all kinds of fishy.
>>
No. 488607 ID: c4e5c2
File 135949382770.png - (56.70KB , 700x700 , 4-335.png )
488607

>Now, why did you come back here with a strange slime who's being awfully nosy, for a slime...?
It seemed like the right thing to do at the time!

"Why, have you never seen an hourglass before? Do you live under a rock?"
>"Not really."
"Er... anyways, it tells time! I hope you aren't messing it up. A token from someone close to my heart!"
>"You don't say. Alright, here you go."

I snap it back up and eat it again.
>>
No. 488609 ID: c4e5c2
File 135949405166.png - (75.83KB , 700x700 , 4-336.png )
488609

"So what did you want to show me?"

>"Let's see... here we go." he reaches down under a rock and pulls out a book. "A book. "Trials of and from the Deathtrail Mage, Zirkala, of the Clawdust tribe, by Potarana."
>>
No. 488610 ID: 76b151

Oh a history lesson! Pity the source is slightly biased.
>>
No. 488611 ID: 908c2d

>book about Zirkala
>by Potarana
...that, I think I would be interested in.

Who are you, anyways? You obviously know something of me, if you knew I would want that book. And you somehow haven't gotten involved in the slime ball chaos back in the slime's portion of the caves.
>>
No. 488612 ID: 57a559

So, he knows Potarana. And Zirkala. Strange. and his eyeballs stranger. He concerns me.
He's also been transformed. He looks like another kobold like you. Somehow, I think he's related to the chaos god, somehow, or even any god, it's just that he's had a run in with the chaos god recently. He may even be a divine intervener by habit.
>>
No. 488614 ID: cdc7fd

..>I'd say don't read the book, but see if you can have or borrow it, bring it to Zirkala, and ask her if she minds. Digging into her past like that might be something she'd get pissed about when she reads your memory.
>>
No. 488615 ID: 76b151

Another point of suspicioun. He knows how to read. Its fairly rare for the common people of the cavern to do so.
>>
No. 488618 ID: 7528d7

Part of me believes it would be quite rude to dig into Zirkala's past like this.

The other part of me knows this guy isn't to be trusted, or taken lightly.

There is a third part that wants to read it, regardless of the consequences or that Zirkala is our friend, but it is soundly beaten by the other two for being dumb.
>>
No. 488619 ID: c4e5c2
File 135949610095.png - (57.08KB , 700x700 , 4-337.png )
488619

"I must ask who you are! You do not appear to be a normal denizen down here, knowing how to read, and not getting caught up with the other slimes. Plus, I am not certain I feel quite comfortable thumbing through Zirkala's past!"
>"I'm just a passersby. If you read nothing else, I'd recommend the section of chapter 3, part 2. From there you can decide. It won't take long, and if I'm not mistaken, you are not particularly busy at this precise moment. And there's no harm in at least perusing the table of contents, is there? We may or may not see each other again, now. Goodbye."

Before I can say another word, he leaves the book on the ground in front of me and starts seeping into the rock where he pulled the book out of.
>>
No. 488620 ID: 908c2d

>And there's no harm in at least perusing the table of contents, is there?
Doctor Who has taught me otherwise.

Let's just pocket (or whatever it is slimes do) the book for now. We can check with Potarana before we decide what to do, maybe. She wrote the damn thing.
>>
No. 488623 ID: 735f4f

Even if we don't read it she will find out eventually. I don't think there will be two much risk in reading a bit. We don't care if she was or is a horrible person really. Nothing we can do about it anyway. Just don't go giving out her secrets if you learn them
>>
No. 488625 ID: a35ac2

Flip through it while watching the duel, don't let it distract you too much though.
>>
No. 488627 ID: 57a559

not yet bro
>>
No. 488645 ID: f2c20c

>>488619
We have to catch up with the assassin first!
>>
No. 488649 ID: b6edd6

He seems quite determined to get us to open the book. We should have it checked for magical traps before opening it.
>>
No. 488656 ID: cdc7fd

>>488623
She'll find out what if Story doesn't read the book? That he didn't dig up her past and that his stated reason for not doing it was because he didn't feel comfortable about it?

I say store it for now and bring it up later to either Zirkala or Pot.
>>
No. 488693 ID: b33427

There's a pretty good chance there's stuff in there Zirkala would not want you knowing, and she might do bad things to you to keep you from either telling or even remembering. It could turn out bad enough that you'd have to forgo sharing your memories with her next cycle, and that would severely hamper you.

Do not look in it, or even open it. Pocket it for now. What you need to do is have someone else read it and tell you how important and how good or bad it is. Someone who won't remember once the cycle ends, which is everyone that isn't Muo, Tom, possibly Minci, and Not-Tom. Potarana would be a good choice, as long as Zirkala isn't around. You could just hold the book up to her and ask "how bad would it be for me if I read this? Especially chapter 3, part 2?"

>>488609
...Those eyes... Is it possible a slime could become a necromancer, or even a lich?

Oh! And take a look under that rock the mysterious slime went under. If there's nowhere to go, not even a crack, then that's another clue to what you're dealing with here.
>>
No. 488696 ID: 997ce7

Is that slime the chaos god or related in some way?
>>
No. 488697 ID: c59939

A mysterious slime, shows up out of nowhere and hands you an oddly appropriate book.

I would bet it's connected to the chaos god and should be left alone. At best it'll tell you about how she's done some horrible stuff, which you should know by now; at worst it's got freaky chaos magic that'll mess with your head.
>>
No. 488706 ID: b33427

>>488696
>>488697
Could be Not-Tom related, and this mysterious slime is his replacement for Muo, but it just seems too subtle for Not-Tom, especially in his current situation... That is, unless Not-Tom has actually been formulating a plan to get out for good while Story Seeker's been looping around, and this is part of it. Still doesn't fit him.

One thing Story Seeker should remember here is what the mysterious slime's eyes looked like. It's known that certain powerful entities can change their shape, but their eyes still give away their true nature. He can go back to Tom and ask what kind of entity has black eyes with white specks, kinda like the stars in a clear night sky.
>>
No. 488719 ID: b53faa

I say we hide the thing, then go straight to Zirkala about it's existence.
While she may be one of our greatest allies, she does have secrets and the fact that some of them may or may not be very important to our future may definitely be something we want to ask her about.

As such, we should do the following in sequence:
*hide the book
*Talk to potarana about the risks of reading said chapter
*If nothing of note comes of that, we go straight to the big Z and talk to her directly about it, but at the same time making sure she is aware that, while you are more than willing to forgive her for whatever it is she may have done through the course of her life, if whatever is in the book is something she doesn't want us knowing just yet we would be more than willing to give up the book.
>>
No. 488729 ID: f2c20c

I'm worried about it being something we actually should know without Zirkala finding out we know it. Her reading our memories every cycle makes keeping secrets from her VERY difficult if not impossible.

Of course, it's possible that this is Zirkala fucking with us. She just said she had spoiled us. This could even be a test to see just how loyal SS is to her.
>>
No. 488731 ID: f2c20c

...I just realized, SS knows where Zirkala's phylactery will be next cycle, assuming we don't immediately ask Zirkala to read his mind.

SS could destroy it. He is probably the only person that CAN. That means the mysterious slime person could be trying to feed us information via that book to convince us she needs to die. In fact, I think that may be the only reason for this to have happened. On the other hand, to kill a lich like that, you'd need to also destroy their current body after smashing the phylactery. Is there anyone that has a chance at doing that?

The only question at this point is... is the information in the book true or not?
>>
No. 488735 ID: 735f4f

Doesn't matter if its true or not. I don't think there is anything in there that we wouldn't be expecting. Only thing that matters to us is how she is now. But regardless its probably the best idea to ask permission before reading. If its a trap its one meant to make us run away from her next cycle most likely. Make us scared of the big bad lich so we cant interfere in local events.
>>
No. 488751 ID: 57a559

The Slime reminded me of Momo, actually, if anything. Could be related. Though Story Seeker wouldn't know anything about that.
Or this could very well be the Lich King's intervention. He's largely aware of SS's workings here, and due to SS closeness with Zirkala, might be bridging a gap or trying to penetrate a weakness somewhere. Or that was a minion of the Time Lord that was eaten. I guess we won't know for a while.

I highly suspect that anything that goes on in this room will be static for Zirkala's memory reading if someone doesn't want Zirkala to know how much we would come to know about her.
>>
No. 488754 ID: a00410

She dose like SS and spoils him partly out of that like. She doesn't seem the sort who betrays people. More the sort that crushes traitors. And she knows that you know were her phylactery will be. She also knows SS didn't take advantage of it. Lets try trusting her some more and not trusting oddly place slimes with mystic creepy eyes that ask odd uncomfortable questions. In particular book that they have no business having that they give us. NOTE: GIVE US in a setting were such things are rare handwritten and very valuable!!!

No I don't trust that slimy little slime at all. Zirkala may be shades of gray closer to black. But she is one of the closest friends you have.

On the other hand, she may be willing to spoil you for the sake of affection. She wont sacrifice all that she has for you. And this book might put that at risk.

Lich King's or Not Tom's machinations both seem likely here

I just noticed, my post tend to follow right after dirt bag's. Huh?
>>
No. 488830 ID: c4e5c2
File 135957651831.png - (145.10KB , 700x700 , 4-338.png )
488830

>SS knows where Zirkala's phylactery will be next cycle
Actually, I do not! Tom already knew, and retrieved it and hid the identity of the object itself so that I would not know such crucial information.

I take a look under the rock he slid down into. Nothing at all! In the interest of not getting the pages wet, I hide the book under a good rock that I'll get to later. I suppose I have a humiliation to catch up to instead of reading secrets that are not my business!

They are found having it out, the prince looking suitably huffy.

>"You dare make a mockery of me?! Your cockiness will be the end of you, kobold!"

"It is going well, Springfoot?"
"Yes. I have slapped him many times. He is getting madder, and this might take awhile. He just keeps talking. Should I say something?"
>>
No. 488831 ID: 8284c5

"Or perhaps yours of you, good sir!"
>>
No. 488832 ID: 908c2d

>Actually, I do not!
Until Zirkala reads your memory, and moves the hiding spot / rescues it from her dissolving lair, you know the phylactery should start the next loop "in the library, behind the stone behind the book 'Brief Overview of Literature in Dark Elf Society'."

So if you wanted to, yes you could avoid sharing memories with her and try going for it. It seems to be a very stupid idea, though. She's an ally and a friend, and you'd think there would at least be a trick to getting the compartment open, and probably a magic alarm.

>slapping
You mean he still hasn't accepted the duel?
>>
No. 488833 ID: c4e5c2
File 135957727163.png - (68.24KB , 700x700 , 4-339.png )
488833

>You know the phylactery should start the next loop "in the library, behind the stone behind the book 'Brief Overview of Literature in Dark Elf Society'."
Oh, yes. I was so close to successfully removing it from my memory!

"Has he accepted the duel?"
"Yes. I am still slapping him. Is that bad? I thought it would be humiliating."
"No, that's good! Say 'Or perhaps yours of you, good sir!'"
"Or perhaps you of yours, good sir!"

>"What?"
>>
No. 488835 ID: c59939

Tell him that his wit is as slow as his sword.
>>
No. 488837 ID: f1b3ee

If you want to be extra humiliating, disarm him of his rapier and spank him with the flat of the blade.
>>
No. 488840 ID: 57a559

>>488833
>>488835
Which by the way is compensating for something. Look at the way he holds it! Which is weird for a species that doesn't need clothes to keep their privacy.

Man can't even just put up his dukes like a real man. Has to impale people. We could probably slap him around with nothing but our own feet. He could too with tail whips, but then that'd only lower our defense.
>>
No. 488841 ID: c4e5c2
File 135957905025.png - (119.27KB , 700x700 , 4-340.png )
488841

"His wit is as slow as his sword!"
"His wit is as slow as his sword!"
"Er, no, I meant say that about him! Disarm his rapier, slap him with the butt of the blade!"
"Disarm--"
"Nonono I mean actually do it!"
"Oh. Okay."
>>
No. 488842 ID: c4e5c2
File 135957907077.png - (91.14KB , 700x700 , 4-341.png )
488842

WHAP
>"OW! Hand me my sword back, whelp, or I will curse you! I hope you enjoy being a frog!"
>>
No. 488843 ID: b53faa

For extra humiliation, give him tips on what not to do as you whup his ass
show that you are not only BETTER than him, but that you are gracious enough to TEACH HIM TO NOT SUCK

A two for one deal, with extra impact because MY GODS he is an amateur swordsman
>>
No. 488844 ID: 908c2d

>communication errors.
Perhaps we should just provide Springfoot with exact, correctly conjugated sentences in quotes when we want her to talk.

>curse, frog
I think it's time for Springfoot to just finish this fight.
>>
No. 488845 ID: 57a559

You can cut off his hand and give him back the sword with his hand on the handle. That might kill him from bloodloss though, which is forbidden. At this point, I'd insult his inability of being even slightly honorable, throwing off permanent effects like that willy nilly in a duel of physique. For shame.
Does he really want to embarrass himself like that?
We could defeat him as a frog he's so pathetic.
>>
No. 488847 ID: f1b3ee

Next time he opens his mouth, reach in and snatch his tongue. Pull just enough so that your hand isn't in danger of being clamped down on by his jaw.

Any curses he could try won't really work if he can't speak, assuming he isn't bluffing, and you get to make him look even sillier.

If you want to add injury to insult, threaten to cut out his tongue if he continues to insult you.
>>
No. 488855 ID: 772c81

Is it possible to just give him back his rapier, and then slap him repeatedly until he goes unconscious?

Can we do that now?

Is slapping a person until they are KOed a legitimate dueling technique?
>>
No. 488859 ID: a7b849

>>488842
give him his rapier back
orally. pommel first.
>>
No. 488860 ID: c4e5c2
File 135958255728.png - (115.14KB , 700x700 , 4-342.png )
488860

"Perhaps it is simply time to throw away his sword and slap him until he is unconcious!"
"Okay."
"Perhaps return his sword down his throat, pommel.... no, no, he must survive!"

>"Hey."
"Ahhh!" I was too focused on the duel!

Nelin stares at me, at Springfoot, then at me, before simply continuing to stare at me!
>>
No. 488863 ID: f1b3ee

You currently look like a slime, while there is another you kicking the shit out of the prince. You don't have to explain shit; as far as she knows you're a wizard.

Ask her if she thinks you should wrap things up or continue to play with him.
>>
No. 488864 ID: c4e5c2
File 135958314227.png - (101.86KB , 700x700 , 4-343.png )
488864

"Nelin! Do you think I should wrap things up or continue messing with the Prince?"
>"...... I don't know. I was hoping for more of an explanation. You or Story Seeker or whoever is over there has been toying with him for a good 10 minutes. Seems good enough to do... whatever you're trying to do."
>>
No. 488866 ID: f1b3ee

See to it that Springfoot wraps things up in a non-lethal manner. Then ask her what she wants you to explain, since things are going to be a bit lengthy if you try to sit down and explain away everything.

Ask her why she's so interested while you're at it. The best part about having two bodies is being able to bed two people.
>>
No. 488869 ID: c4e5c2
File 135958440023.png - (117.56KB , 700x700 , 4-344.png )
488869

>See to it that Springfoot wraps things up in a non-lethal manner.
It appears that she is doing so! I can hear the slaps from here. It sounds as though the only thing dying out there is an overinflated ego!

"And why might you be so interested?"
>".... there is a slime story seeker sneaking around while Professional Face Slapper Story Seeker over there exercises his talents on royalty. You think I'm not going to have a question, as amusing as that display over there is?"
"What would you want me to explain! A full explanation would be quite lengthy, after all! And my professional, non-slime self is about to finish!"
>"Okay, then how about we start with what happens then, after you beat him in a duel?"
>>
No. 488871 ID: f1b3ee

Well, you found out that the prince is not in fact a prince at all and that his fortune is naught but fools gold, so you bet a good deal of money on this duel. The beaten prince will have to open his vault to retrieve his 'money' and show everyone his fortune is a complete sham, adding the final insult to his injury.

Speaking of that we were hoping if she and a few other guards might accompany your professional slap fighter self, the prince, and the Archmage to the vault just as added insurance that the 'prince' reveals what his fortune is really made of.
>>
No. 488872 ID: 908c2d

>I was hoping for more of an explanation
Magic and trickery?

>What next?
Onwards with more humiliation!
>>
No. 488878 ID: c4e5c2
File 135958585972.png - (121.52KB , 700x700 , 4-345.png )
488878

"The prince is no prince at all! Why, I was hoping to have the prince beaten, and force him to open his vault. Then his fortune will be revealed to be a complete sham!"
>"Really? Cool. In fact, I'll go get the arch mage and make sure people are around to see this publicly. Hopefully your tip pulls through, kid."
"I was just about to suggest you get the Archmage as well! Also, kid?"
>"You are pretty short. Even shorter now without legs. No offense."
"None taken!"
>"Problem is is that it's gonna be hard for you to follow the prince to his vault smack in the middle of our place. Hell, even I caught you way out here. You wanna just hang back and hope your prince dethroning project goes over well? That or I can show the archmage, uh, you. It's not like she has anything against slimes."
>>
No. 488881 ID: f1b3ee

Sure, meet Silveena beforehand so she can acclimatize herself to your new slime self. She may even know a way to fix it; she's an archmage after all. However you'd rather not let the prince see both of you since you'd like to deal with the insufferable twat as little as possible, so you should probably stay behind while Professional Slap-fighter you escorts the prince to his vault for public shaming.
>>
No. 488884 ID: c4e5c2
File 135958705716.png - (153.42KB , 700x700 , 4-346.png )
488884

"Sure, I will meet with the Archmage! I would rather not let see the prince see both forms, though, you understand."
>"Makes sense."

Nelin fetches her and returns within minutes.

>".... this sure is something. Explain, slime... Story Seeker?" the Archmage says.

While I am sure I can trust Silveena's ears with the bulk of the information, perhaps there are some things I should keep privy, or shall I simply spill all the beans?"
>>
No. 488886 ID: 735f4f

I wouldn't mention "everything". Give her the general gist of the story. Random short term curse blah blah fake prince.
>>
No. 488887 ID: f1b3ee

Slime friend of yours worships the god of chaos and got some curse that turns other people into slimes. Prince is a fake and also a spy; fortune is actually fools gold, going to reveal it to everyone since you bet money on the duel. Professional Slap-Fighter's another friend of yours under a very strong illusion since you didn't want to fight the prince as a slime.

Speaking of being a slime, ask if she knows a way to fix this.
>>
No. 488891 ID: 57a559

Oh, this is the work of the chaos god, the old one, not the new one. In an attempt to deal with a curse of ours, which did get cured, we got cursed in a different way. Chaos god follower slime was a necessary ingredient for the cure, as it was an ingredient for the last curse as well. Well, now the older chaos god came back to power, abandoned it's slime follower and put a curse on it so that any ingestion will turn said person into a slime.

We're looking for another cure, a succubus alchemist is working on it along with another incredible alchemist we know, but well, hey, anything that might work at this point would be good.

Oh, and the old chaos god is making a big slime wad over in the slime territories, stay away from there. It's not... well it's not a good sight. You'll probably end up eaten by a giant slimeball.
>>
No. 488897 ID: beeca1

A story found you.

Then tell her about the prince stuff.
>>
No. 488920 ID: c4e5c2
File 135959055501.png - (110.72KB , 700x700 , 4-347.png )
488920

"First of all, I don't suppose you know of any way of curing slimeliness?"
>"Good, you weren't faking your kobold status all along. No. I take it this has something to do with the slime magic going on in their caverns?"
"No, but that is a concern!"
>"Right. I can try curing your slime state, but if nothing else I do know a polymorph spell that lasts for 30 minutes. So long as you are around me, you won't have to be a slime."
"I may take advantage of that! In the meanwhile, a slime friend of mine had a run in with a curse, inadvertently turning me into a slime! The prince is a fake and a spy, the fortune is a sham! Also, the old chaos god is in power."
>"I was following you until that last bit."
"It is, I have been told, beyond us all the same! I have a succubus ally who is attempting a permanent cure, but that involves my own concerns. I simply ask that you be there when the Prince has to pay up, as there is money on this duel and further shaming at stake!"
>"Yes, it sounds delightful so far. I will play along once 'you' finish slapping around the prince. Just wait here, I suppose. Is there anything else I should know?"
"No, I think it will become self explanatory! In fact, it somewhat counts on you acting as you would normally! The one beating up the prince does have a mental link with me, so that one can be used to send messages back to me if need be."
>>
No. 488923 ID: c4e5c2
File 135959066787.png - (92.81KB , 700x700 , 4-348.png )
488923

And so, I hang back as I ask Springfoot to relay what happens.
"And don't worry about witnesses, there will be plenty!"

>"Fine, fine, I give! No more slaps! No more!"
"And you'll pay your fees?"
>"Erg.... yes, fine."

"There are plenty of snickers. I think it went well."
>"I'll come escort you guys." Nelin says.
>"That won't... be necessary." the prince retorts.
>"Not really any reason for me not to, is there?"
>"If you insist, then fine, come along."
>>
No. 488924 ID: c4e5c2
File 135959067965.png - (86.39KB , 700x700 , 4-349.png )
488924

"Alright, I'm in his vault."

>"Alright. Here's the gold. All 8,000. Take it and go."
"......... this gold is fake?!"
>"What? You dare accuse me of that?!"
"It's completely worthless!"
>"Let me see that." Nelin asks. "Yeah, he's right! It's fake gold!"
>>
No. 488925 ID: c4e5c2
File 135959071270.png - (137.34KB , 700x700 , 4-350.png )
488925

"Show me where the real gold is!" "Good, guntax came through on the gold, and I see the documents." "What is this? Paper mone...? Hey, hey! What is this?!"
>"What is what?! Don't just rummage through my things!" yells the prince.
"Under what authority?! This thing says you're no prince, you're a spy!"
>"What?! Impossible! Silveena, don't tell me you'll just allow this slander to go on?!"
>>
No. 488926 ID: c4e5c2
File 135959075644.png - (127.90KB , 700x700 , 4-351.png )
488926

THOK

"Guards, take this worm to jail for questioning!" Silveena answers.

"Uh... I'm getting a telepathic message from the archmage for you to meet her in front of her room."
>>
No. 488927 ID: f1b3ee

Head to Silveena's room, hope for a heaping helping of naga archboobs.
>>
No. 488928 ID: 908c2d

(I love it how we can tell Springfoot is Springfoot because she wears StorySeeker's face differently).

Well, all in all that went as well as could be hoped. Hopefully things keep going well!

Thank Springfoot for her help, and let's go meet the mage.
>>
No. 488935 ID: c4e5c2
File 135959239637.png - (127.54KB , 700x700 , 4-352.png )
488935

"Excellent job, Springfoot! I will take over from here, thank you!"
"Alright. I'll be back at Zirkala's."

I am surprisingly unbothered as I enter my way through the naga area, and Silveena comes by before too long to take me into her room.

>"I don't know how you managed to pull off everything you just did, but I just don't care. Not just do I have an excuse not to listen to that schmuck anymore, there's more than enough reason not to. So I just have one question. Was that evidence planted, or is he honestly a spy?"
>>
No. 488936 ID: 68bbc5

Well that went well. Plus we got a polymorph to allow us to fully enjoy miss archboobs.

The only problem I can see now would be the whole turning-people-into-slimes thing.
I think her being a slime would swiftly make this loop much more complicated.
>>
No. 488939 ID: bdb3f8

"Both. The evidence I was actually able to put together was gathered via a mind-reading ability possessed by one of my associates, but without something physical to incriminate him, it would have simply been my word against his, and left you in no position to do anything about it. I hope you will forgive the deception."
>>
No. 488943 ID: 57a559

>>488935
He is, and it was also planted. We have connections, things got moved around for some convenience. We mean that information probably would have been in an even more secure location that we'd have to jump through hoops to find, so we just put it a little bit more in front for us all to see, but not too in front.

We love it when we get to do what we do. Barding, setting things up, and getting into a little information brokering, suffering any and all consequences from screwups and turning them to an advantage or making them irrelevant at all. Being turned into a slime is hardly the worst thing that has happened to us, but that's a bit boring. The chaos god should get more creative, I suppose that's why a new one came into power, well other than how direct the old one was with fucking shit up.
>>
No. 488948 ID: f1b3ee

He's a spy from a faction still bitter over the naga tribe schism sent to stir things up and provoke an excuse for them to gain support to wage war and conquer the lands owned by you and your tribe. This information was gathered by my friend who bested the spy and one of his associates. The faction the spy serves is smart enough not to leave a trace of their involvement and to use someone whose easily manipulated and does not ask questions so as to remain anonymous even in the event of his capture.

The documentation had to be created for there to be physical evidence. If you would like further evidence, feel free to read his mind yourself.
>>
No. 488951 ID: 908c2d

>Was that evidence planted, or is he honestly a spy?
Yes, and yes. I discovered he was a spy, but I didn't have admissible proof, so I planted some. I'm sure the interrogation will confirm.
>>
No. 488955 ID: c4e5c2
File 135959501814.png - (74.39KB , 700x700 , 4-353.png )
488955

"Yes and yes! I had woefully little proof, and so planted that much. I hope you do not mind the deception!"
>"Mind? Me, mind? It makes sense that he is a spy, although one with a convincing amount of material sum to back up his nobility claims. No, silly kobold, I do not mind, I just hope that that forgery passes through rigorous inspection. If so, I am more than happy to pretend it is the real thing. If you say the stuff inside is true, then I'm even more inclined to believe it against his word. I am still wary of you, but your word has become more valuable than his. Nonetheless... thank you."
"Not a problem! In any case, I got to do what I do enjoy doing during all of this, in many respects!"

During this exchange, she casts some magic, and I feel to my old self again!

>".... clothes. Just use my bedsheets." she says, tossing them over. "Now, you wanted my company? You have it, you've earned it. You've earned more than that, if you care to take advantage, as well."
>>
No. 488957 ID: f2c20c

How about we spend some time with her and talk, and see where things go from there? Work up to the 'taking advantage' bit. Share some stories! Discuss magic! Ask her about the surface! Maybe get advice for dealing with swamp creatures.
>>
No. 488959 ID: 908c2d

>re-kobold-ed
Um. What happened to the book and the hourglass that we had swallowed as a slime? (And it would be rather embarrassing for someone to steal that from you a third time).

>Hope the evidence holds up
I'm sure once the guards are done interrogating him, they'll have the real stuff anyways.

>You've earned more than that, if you care to take advantage, as well
If we took advantage of that, we wouldn't really need the clothes, now would we. =D

>>488957
I kind of agree with this approach. Let's hang out and try and charm her a while before we jump into bed.
>>
No. 488960 ID: 4c2072

Wouldn't messing around turn the archmage into a slime or did she just fix that? Kind of ambiguous if she polymorphed you or cured you.
>>
No. 488963 ID: a35ac2

I would warn her it's transferable so far as you know, and bear in mind that you're only "back to normal" for half an hour here.

On which note, depending how careless you were being, it's possible you've internalized a book and hourglass, but unless they're lodged in your lungs or something, that should work itself out.

Past that, she's a responsible adult who can make her own decisions and knows more about this magic stuff than you do, so you're absolved of any future guilt if she ends up becoming a slime somehow.

Don't forget what you originally came here for though.
>>
No. 488964 ID: 47d311

The Archmage might know a bit about the time shenanigans going on. You could try asking her if she has anything that might help rectify the situation.

If you decide to tell her about the time shenanigans, be sure to playfully rib her about how you saw her sleep with the 'prince' in one cycle because he bought those flowers at an auction and wooed her with them.
>>
No. 488965 ID: 908c2d

>>488964
...okay, the one thing we should absolutely not tell her about is the time cycles. And we especially shouldn't let on how we used said time cycles to play and abuse her! Geeze.

>>488960
She either temporary cured us of being able to spread it (we're a lot harder to ingest, now) or even if we infect her, it's no biggie, as she can just fix herself the way she fixed us.
>>
No. 488969 ID: c4e5c2
File 135959748273.png - (56.77KB , 700x700 , 4-354.png )
488969

>What happened to the book and the hourglass that we had swallowed as a slime?
The book I hid under a rock, as I did not want to get it wet! The hourglass...
is providing no small amount of discomfort in my stomach!

"Before we continue, I forgot to do something regarding my slime form! Would it be too much trouble to let me change back, then change me back into a kobold?"
>"No, that is fine."
"Thank you!" And so it happens, and I take the hourglass out. I do not expect Silveena to commit thievery, so I simply leave it to the side.

"Now then, if I took advantage so soon, I wouldn't need the clothes, would I? I am in no rush, milady, plus, I believe this curse may turn you into a slime should things go too far!"
>"....... I meant you deserved more than my company, such as monetary funds, magical or mundane supplies, a bodyguard, that sort of stuff."
>>
No. 488971 ID: f2c20c

>>488969
Apologize for the misunderstanding, and say that you are in the market for magic-resistance items. The stronger the better, and that you hear she has an especially strong one of some sort!
>>
No. 488979 ID: 908c2d

Ahem. Forgive me for reading innuendo where there was none.
>>
No. 488982 ID: 47d311

Ask her if she is sure. You have been practicing bed-magic for quite some time.
>>
No. 488993 ID: 57a559

I want to be extremely blunt with her, as dangerous as that would be
In the event of time travel, how would you prove your previous trustworthiness in another timeline? Your assistance, should that happen, would be very useful in that case. You're afraid if your ever caught in a time loop, you might not be able to do this over and over again. Is there a passphrase for such cases? I imagine mages that are aware of time magicks make one, or should anyway.

You've come across interesting intel and may need to deal with a time lord soon. It'd be good to know of any time systems any ally has in place. You've gotten a few already, names, dates, etc.
>>
No. 488995 ID: 68bbc5

>>488993
Yes on a way of proving trustworthiness in the future.
No on the telling her about the time-loop.
>>
No. 489030 ID: b33427

Apologize to Silveena for jumping to that conclusion when she said what she said. Say that from now on you'll try to keep your bardic attitude from dragging your mind into the gutter when you're around her.

You could ask Silveena for a magic-resisting item of the utmost strength, but her arch-bra might be more than she's willing to part with. Besides, Springfoot said she and Guntax could steal it away, so don't even bother asking; They can nab it later, nearer to the end of this cycle.

Instead, ask Silveena to provide her skills, facilities and materials to help Minci work on a way to get rid of the curse that's on you and a few others, or at least figure out a way to keep it from spreading. That way you could work around it by getting a permanent (or better, toggle-able) polymorph or strong illusion of your old self put on yourself until it's cured for good. Oh, and she can use the not-prince as a test subject, which will be rather gratifying.
>>
No. 489089 ID: c4e5c2
File 135964403207.png - (90.68KB , 700x700 , 4-355.png )
489089

>Magic resistance gear
Given the immense value her bra has, I do not think I will stretch the limits of her hospitality by including that in my requests!

"Forgive my mind being in the gutter! I will attempt to keep my bardic attitude in check. Now, there are two things that have come to mind that I may ask for! For one thing, possible help with the cure. Perhaps ingredients and facilities of which my alchemist allies may use? Perhaps a prince to experiment on?"
>"Consider it done."
"Secondly, a manner to, uhhh, recall these events!"
>"What do you mean?"
"Uh... well, say one of us forgets what has happened here! The other may want to have a way to remind the other?"
>"Why would either of us forget? If you forget, I'll just remind you."
"Perhaps, but if you forget? It would be a far greater challenge for you to believe one such as me!"
>"This is a strange line of questioning."
"And I profusely apologize for the uncomfortable topic, it is certainly not one I wished to have! Yet it remains important to me."
>"Hm... I suppose it's true that even if I tell you very personal stuff, and I just 'happened to forget', I'd probably think you were a crazy stalker. Oh, there is one thing though. I do have a small amount of memory gems. You say a password, and you can inject memories into them to be shared. I could tell you a password to one of them. If I forget for whatever reason, and you come with that password, I'm sure if anything I would demand you inject your memories into it to find out why you had the password. That, or I'll just give you the gem. Would either help?"
>>
No. 489090 ID: e15bdc

We can't bring the gem back in time, so the first option seems good.
>>
No. 489091 ID: 57a559

>>489089
I seriously want to ask in the case of time travel, just to see her reaction to such a hypothetical. In fact, travel to a point before this event.
It's just a hypothetical guys. A realistic hypothetical. She's a mage, she knows it's possible and may humor the question. Just humor it.
>>
No. 489092 ID: 57a559

>>489091
Also holy crap she's got bigger tits than the succubus, I just haven't seen it before
Resist the urge to Brrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrr
brrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrr
brrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrr
>>
No. 489093 ID: 908c2d

The gem seems very useful. If you know the password, you can upload your own memories for anyone to read?

If we had that, we could chose to give anyone, in any loop, information of what had happened before! And we wouldn't have the problem we have with Zirkala where memory sharing spills everything. (Well, it's not so much a problem with her, as it would be with anyone else).

Get da gem.

>>489091
Still not sure we should be sharing time travel secrets. Although, if we brought it up, she'd probably pretty quickly assume that's how we were able to be in two places at once.
>>
No. 489094 ID: c4e5c2
File 135964651131.png - (81.36KB , 700x700 , 4-356.png )
489094

>Resist the urge
Given the hoops Zirkala has had me jump through, this will be a trivial task!

"A password would be good!"
>"Fine. But first, you want to tell me why I'd forget?"
"... it just so happens I am stuck in a time loop, you see! Every so often I fall back, and must live the same few days over again!" I explain with a bit more detail so there is little question.
>"Is that so. Then how many times have you done this?"
"Why, this is the first, otherwise I would have simply used the password!"
>"I'd still ask you to do what you did, or something to that effect."
"And I will! But that is what will change, I will already know the password, assuming you are willing to tell me?"
>"....yes. Silverfish Sundry is the phrase. Just promise me that if you do get out, you'll do this prince humiliation on your way out."
"Of course! I have been working on my way out, you see, and it does require an immense amount of magic resistance."
>"Hm.... I tell you what. I do have one object that is unparalleled in its resistance, if that's what you need. If you get my the kep flowers and humiliate the prince like you have here, I'll give it to you. I'll give it to you now, too, and each cycle you continue doing so."
"I am impressed that you believe me!"
>"Think of my answers as if I did believe you, this is what I would say."
>>
No. 489095 ID: 908c2d

All right! We have a stable plan to get ahold of the bra, befriend the archmage, and stop a war. Write that down in your Bomber's notebook- we'll be using that in future loops. Although we should iron out the kinks with Springfoot's taunting, next time. Wooing will have to be something we'll get to too.

Hmm. Now what, though? It's only day two, right? What else are we doing with this loop?

I guess the next thing is to investigate the mysterious book and that strange slime. Talk to Potarana first, I think. She wrote the dang thing, she'd probably know why someone is trying to get you to read it.
>>
No. 489096 ID: 57a559

Let's try to score with Potarana in the process, she's already been cursed. and bedtalk is the easiest way to get people's secrets.
>>
No. 489102 ID: c4e5c2
File 135964865041.png - (71.67KB , 700x700 , 4-357.png )
489102

>Talk to Potarana
Yes! I will do this... later. For now, I enjoy my reward of Silveena's company! The tension to not leap onto her chest is high, but nothing comes of it, and so we simply have a fine conversation. Once the ice is broken and business is out of the way, she can be surprisingly sweet! Stories are shared and company is had, before I give a hug goodbye. It is a good time, but eventually I will hope to enter her bed and bosom! Again, with more action than just a hug. And ask about their size, perhaps, but now my bardic mind is dancing the gutter's line. She thanks me once again, and I move my way to future business.
>>
No. 489103 ID: c4e5c2
File 135964866719.png - (109.54KB , 700x700 , 4-358.png )
489103

As the second day enters early evening, I fetch the book and run to Potarana. She is thankfully alone at the moment, although I am a slime again once I reach Zirkala's territory.

"Greetings, Potarana!"
>"Hello. Things went well, I take i- what is that."
"This is a book! It has your name on it."
>"Where did you get this?"
"A slime gave it to me!"
>"A slime... there were only 3 copies of this book. One was destroyed, and one is in Zirkala's library, but in far worse shape. This looks to be the original copy, which was stolen from me back when I was alive."
>>
No. 489106 ID: 908c2d

>but eventually I will hope to enter her bed and bosom!
Amen to that.

>book
Well, actually, I'm pretty sure he wasn't an ordinary slime. But whoever he was, he seemed intent on getting me to read it. Any idea why that would be? Is it every deep, dark secret on Zirkala or something?

...uh, writing this isn't what got you killed or anything, was it?
>>
No. 489108 ID: 57a559

He had weird eyes. Like ash and snow. Kept them closed and hidden often though. We got pushed through a hole as a slime lesson which lead to a little cave only accessable by slimes, near the naga complex.
And he pointed out a chapter.
Should we not read it? We can't hide the information we'll learn from Zirkala, though I doubt it's actually anything legitimately bad for us to know. I mean, Potarana's alive after all! Bound, but alive!

But we suspect it's a trap of sorts, or a manipulation. An enemy of Zirkala's that's aware of the loop and her connections, even recent ones like ourselves.
>>
No. 489116 ID: c4e5c2
File 135965312478.png - (77.50KB , 700x700 , 4-359.png )
489116

"Not just any normal slime! Eyes like ash and snow, possibly sparkly. Uh, this writing you didn't isn't what got you killed, was it?"
>"It may have been a contributing factor. There is some author bias against Zirkala at the time, though it does not apply so much now. I wrote it as Zirkala's enemy, after all."
"Does it comprise of deep dark secret's of Zirkala's?"
>"Most of it is just a regular biography, except for one section. Hm. Troublesome.""
"Perhaps we should simply not read it? Or me, rather, since I imagine you are already aware of what is inside?"
>"I imagine that most of the damage is done just by holding a copy of the book. Zirkala will not know that you did not read it."
"Can't she just read my memories to see that I didn't?"
>"........"
"It's how to block memories, isn't it?"
>"Yes. How to splice your own memories so that Zirkala can't read them, or to create fake memories. The fact that you have the book means that as far as Zirkala can tell, you did read it and that you spliced in yourself deciding not to. Even if ignorance is what you honestly chose, Zirkala could not know that for certain anymore. Ironically, to Zirkala's idea of your honesty, you would have to eliminate memories of this book altogether."
>>
No. 489118 ID: 76b151

Hah!

Someone wants us to learn secrecy. I wonder why.
>>
No. 489122 ID: 57a559

But now that you've told me how to do it, if I don't block you telling me that, that would be too stupid of a move just leave that in there even if we did read the book for reals and hid it. Since that would be the smartest move. Which means the stupidest move is, again, the best one! I may be comfortable around her, but I also fear her enough to not read this book! It's the most logical choice! To ignore your advice and leave all the memories alone and not read the book, but know I can block the memories and leave that knowledge in if I do!
But then she'll not be sure if you made a stupid plan that made sense enough to try and get this past her, or just made a plan stupid plan and followed 100%. So she might kill you to be safe. Ah well, she was probably going to kill you a bit after the loop anyway for one reason or another. It might be just more efficient to kill us after taking our memories, take Rotfrost's potion herself, hope she doesn't get eaten by the chaos god next time and give back our memories sans the slime, the book, and the wizard.
>>
No. 489125 ID: 908c2d

Oh goddamnit, it's Corruptor and the notes all over again. Stupid trust breaking objects out of nowhere.

Hmm. It is a trap, then. Someone doesn't want Zirkala trusting us anymore!

Even using the book to forget about the book is problematic. We have an opponent now who is evidently aware we are using memory reading to navigate the time loop. If we forget his attempt to interfere with you, he's free attempt something else with impunity.

We do have some things to fall back on, however. I mean, we've established a pattern of trying to be careful about this kind of thing. We sent Tom for the phylactery, after all (which can be corroborated by Tom's memories, Potarana's memories, and Zirkala's own). Doesn't it make sense we'd do the same thing again?

>Troll logic
While Zirkala can never be sure we didn't read the book, we can make it seem fairly illogical that we did. After all, upon learning all this, the smart thing to do would be to use the book to hide all this information from her.

So by not using the book... we're putting ourselves at risk and hoping she trusts us when it would be a lot safer to do otherwise. Which would be a very dumb move if we were actually doing anything against her. But a good move if we actually did trust her!

That... or we could offer Zirkala the hourglass. She could go back, or send someone else back, to make sure we never get the book. We can't do it, since well, then we'd still remember.

Let's not repeat Corruptor. Let's trust her.
>>
No. 489127 ID: b53faa

...
>Open save menu
>Save to slot 2
>>
No. 489130 ID: 695191

But... surely the lessons taught by the book cannot be learned in so short a time! It's only the second day after all... but that's only enough for her to, at best, believe us this time around. When she is reading our memories on later loops that won't work nearly so well, since the whole thing could be fabricated. What we could do is go to her now, give her the book and ask her to erase our memory of the event entirely, or at least block it from her future readings.

There is another route... we openly read this book and gain it's ability, Zirkala will no longer can trust our memories absolutely but we try to earn what trust we can from her all the same. There is another advantage: we can simplify our memories so that they are easier for her to read. She was complaining of the large memory load last time around.

Ask Potarina what's special about chapter 3, part 2. I'm a bit worried about opening it to that point, ourselves.

>>489125
>we could offer Zirkala the hourglass
I didn't think it worked for anyone but us? Due to being the looped individual in question.
>>
No. 489131 ID: 908c2d

Another point: we can't erase our own memory of the book because then we'll be screwed if the slime arranged for Zirkala to find out we had the book some other way. (Then she'll have proof we're deceiving her, instead of only a suspicion). And if he's trying to mess with us, he totally will. The only path of action is to go to her.

>Ask Potarina what's special about chapter 3, part 2./
Gotta be the bit about memory editing.
>>
No. 489141 ID: c4e5c2
File 135966029067.png - (136.64KB , 700x700 , 4-360.png )
489141

>"So what are you going to do?" Potarana asks.
"I.... don't know. Is chapter 3, part 2 about this memory editting?"
>"Yes."
"Hm... I think I will continue not using the book! Besides, it is not as though I have time to learn how to do such a thing!"
>"It takes a few minutes. It is a very simple spell that even you can do at your level. Then again, it is possible Zirkala has managed to change her methods around so much to avoid it. It is moot, all the same, and your choice does not matter to me."

In fact, I take the book to Zirkala!

>"Hello again, Story Seeker. Springfoot told me about how the naga events went. I see you came into possession with a special little thing."
"Yes. I do not know what else to do, and I am quite trusting of you! I have not so much as opened the front cover, although have been informed, nevertheless, that there is memory editting within."
>"Yes. How did you receive this book?"
"A slime, with shiny eyes of snow and ash!"
>"Possibly from not-Tom, then. Perhaps he was attempting to sew distrust between you and me?"
"It has occurred to me that that is a possibility, yes!"
>"Right. Other than the memory bit, all that is in there is Potarana's old views on me. The words on the front may as well be 'Dear Zirkala, you are a bitch. Sincerely, Potarana.' All that is to be gleaned within that book is that I might not, in fact, have been an infallible saint of shining morality. I trust that that knowledge is not blowing your fragile mind away?"
>>
No. 489143 ID: f1b3ee

You have seen her in bed. You are well aware she is no saint.
>>
No. 489144 ID: 14bafe

"All that matters to me is how you are now, and you have been nothing but good to me, Zirkala."
>>
No. 489146 ID: 908c2d

>I trust that that knowledge is not blowing your fragile mind away?
No offense, but no, not particularly.

>Perhaps he was attempting to sew distrust between you and me?
Someone was, I think. I don't see what else the purpose would be.
>>
No. 489149 ID: f4f33e

>I trust that that knowledge is not blowing your fragile mind away?

Can you mold your head bigger so it seems its about to explode, then grab your head and scream "MY BRAIN!"
>>
No. 489156 ID: 695191

Not in the least!

I do fear however, that he may have succeeded by some measure - for even if you trust me now, what happens when another loop begins and these implausible memories are accompanied by knowing of the means to falsify them? Could you protect this knowledge from your future past self, or is some other action warranted?
>>
No. 489170 ID: 57a559

>>489141
Was Potarana a teenage girl when she wrote this? Did you go to the same school? We're you the popular one that wore makeup and short skirts that looked fantastic on you, while she was a freckled, pimpled little thing that wore nothing but turtlenecks?

Honestly, she should be proud wearing the turtleneck, those look hot on women, especially cat burglars. Really brings the figure out, surprisingly, compared to other sweaters. Now if she wore Long turtlenecks and literally nothing else -meow
>>
No. 489192 ID: c4e5c2
File 135967862754.png - (85.77KB , 700x700 , 4-361.png )
489192

"Miss Zirkala, I have seen you in bed, I am aware you are no saint!"
>".... heh."
"In any case, I care more for how you are now, and you have been nothing but good to me! I fear though that in future loops, you may realize I have had access to fabricating memories? Perhaps this slime has succeeded, just a little, in sewing distrust?"
>"No, if that was his goal, it has failed. So what if you have? Potarana is very much alive, as you can see, regardless of her capability of doing such a thing. You have also brought the book to me, something you would not have needed to do. If you doing so was a ploy to get even more additional trust from me, then it is an excellent ploy, though I do not think it is. Now, you have done much, and if the cycles return to normal before long, then Tom will be able to reflect the archmage's spell enough time to gain enough multiples to your magic resist potion such that you may break the loop. I do not think you are particularly far, as far as one can tell without concrete numbers. What would you plan on doing, for the remainder of this loop?"
>>
No. 489197 ID: f2c20c

>>489192
For the reflection, we still need powerful poison resistance. Perhaps it is time we looked into the preparations required to venture into the swamp?

Oh. Since we're on the topic of memory editing, I would like to bring up the Drake. She and Zirkala are in a prank war and sortof rivals. If we are to continue to be the Drake's confidant as well as Zirkala's servant, we're going to need to shield the Drake's private conversations from Zirkala. Besides, for us to be of any assistance in the prank war, we'd need to be able to hide the plans of the pranks! So, get advance permission from Zirkala to censor our conversations with the Drake, and learn the spell to do so.
>>
No. 489198 ID: 78c6ea

...schlick furiously?
>>
No. 489201 ID: c59939

>>489192
Just learn magic in general. The prank war thing isn't so big a deal that you need to learn how to shield your memories just for that,and it's not like she has a 24/7 awareness of your actions.

Just focus on becoming a better bard. Train bard magics, learn music, and maybe try to become a good enough fighter that you can take down the fake prince by yourself.
>>
No. 489203 ID: 908c2d

Well, we can't break this loop, or even do a physically carry over, since we don't want to be a slime.

>>489197
What did we want to do in the swamp again?

And suddenly changing our mind about the memory editing seems silly.

>What do?
Well... we still have to try and figure out what to do about not Tom. And we've still got a whole list of people left to woo.
>>
No. 489205 ID: 695191

Wooing is a bit problematic in this form... it would be nice to have some way of shape shifting out of it as needed.

But really, we aren't going to be making a habit of getting a slime form, so whatever we do for the rest of this loop should take advantage of that. Might be fun to stealthily, indiscriminately slimify everyone in the various villages, although I can't imagine what use that would be for us.

By the way, you should ask about that whole "reality getting fragile" thing that let not-Tom get out to begin with, is there anything else she can think of that we should be wary of changing on us in this or later loops? Because it's almost certain to get worse.
>>
No. 489207 ID: b53faa

It occurs to me that slime-form may or masy not carry over regardless due to chaos energies or whatevs
nothing to add other than that, just don't be shocked if we awaken as a slime again next loop.
>>
No. 489208 ID: f2c20c

>>489203
>suddenly changing our mind about memory editing
Since when did we make up our mind to not use the spell at all? I believe all that was decided was to hand the book over to Zirkala instead of removing the memory of it, not to swear off learning memory editing.

C'mon. Think about it. If we ever get close enough to the Drake to bed her, she will NOT want Zirkala to know. A drake screwing a kobold? That's some primo blackmail material.

As for the swamp, in order to get a poison resistance effect strong enough to survive the strongest bounced spell, we have to go find a poisonous reagent from the swamp.
>>
No. 489209 ID: 908c2d

The drake doesn't have to know that Zirkala's going to know. :V

Memory editing seems an unnecessary complication on top of everything else. Besides, any blackmail (or embarrassment, etc) is useless / pointless inside a timeloop, since the events un-happen. And once we get out of the timeloop, we don't need to share memories with Zirkala constantly. It's a non-issue.
>>
No. 489241 ID: b33427

Go on an expedition to that swamp or bog Rotfrost mentioned a few cycles ago to get the supremely poisonous reagent for the anti-poison potion. It won't be needed this loop, but knowing exactly where it is and how to get it will save a lot of time when you finally execute the plan to break out of the time loops. In fact, getting the poison while you're a slime might actually be for the best. Aren't slimes innately poison resistant or immune to certain poisons? If so, that'll come in handy while you're handling poisonous plants and animals.

Just in case you need to be your old kobold self, ask Zirkala if she has anything that'd polymorph you back, as well as asking Rotfrost if she can make something like a Potion of Polymorph: Kobold. Even something like a modified stoneskin spell that'd act like a kobold-you shaped mold for your slime form could be useful.

Actually, thinking on getting your curse removed, you don't have to have Minci or Silveena working on that. You can just use the hourglass later in this cycle to go back and just not get it. Or just let the cycle run out when you only have enough resistance to send your mind back. And even if you somehow got your body sent back, Tom can just remove the curse, either for free or by Muo cashing in a divine favor. So you'd only benefit this cycle if they actually succeeded before the end of this cycle.

Considering that, perhaps it would be for the best if they worked on some kind of counter to the threat of Not-Tom's giant chaos-slime. 'Cause that has the potential to screw everything up for you later in this cycle by devouring everyone and everything down in the caverns. That'd leave you without a way to make the magic resistance potion if Rotfrost or the ingredients are eaten. In light of that, you may want to get a magic resistance potion that's strong enough to send your mind back made up right away and keep it on yourself, just in case things go sour.
>>
No. 489296 ID: c4e5c2
File 135973283962.png - (152.41KB , 700x700 , 4-362.png )
489296

>A drake screwing a kobold? That's some primo blackmail material.
I... think that the blackmail in there is less that miss Morgana is screwing a kobold, and more that she is a drake, not a dragon!

"Might you have anything that could polymorph me back, Zirkala?"
>"Not at the moment, no." she seems somewhat agitated by this!

I bid farewell to Zirkala, and move to have a quick chat with Muo.

"Hey, Muo! Are slimes resistant to poison?"
>"Oh, yes. Not immune, but resistant. Well, maybe high level slimes are immune, but you... you know, newborn slime basically."
"Then I think I will make an expedition to that swamp for some anti poison ingredients!"
>"What for?"
"To gather poison reagents!
>"What for?"
"So that Rotfrost, or maybe Minci, can make me an anti poison potion!"
>"What for?"
"With that, Silveena's magic ball of concentrated poison will harm me less! With any luck, that will let Tom bounce it back and forth between me more."
>"What for? Oh, right, because it turns into anti magic, so... okay. Wait, I thought you made peace with miss Silveena? Or should I still get uppity on the last cycle and repeat all that stuff? Yeah okay that sounds like a good idea. Are you going to bring anyone with you to the swamp?"
>>
No. 489299 ID: 908c2d

Muo, don't poke the infinite void of unreality dissolving the world around us. :V

>she seems somewhat agitated by this!
Probably annoyed Silveena could manage it and she can't.

>Wait, I thought you made peace with miss Silveena? Or should I still get uppity on the last cycle and repeat all that stuff?
Well, actually, if we befriend Silveena again in the last cycle, we can just get her to cooperate. Ask her to do the spell bouncy thing with us.

And we kind of do need to do the antimagic bounce stacking since there's no other way we can get enough MR in one loop to break the cycle.

The bigger problem is finding a way to avoid not-Tom's interference (since he won't want us to break the loop). The other problem is we kind of need Tom reinstated to stop the world from dissolving, and so we can actually properly bounce-magnify, right?

>bringing anyone?
You doing anything?
>>
No. 489300 ID: 695191

>>489296
Silveena knows about the loop, we'll just ask her to cast the spell later. Besides, we're using the hourglass this cycle, right? This is more of a trial run so we know if the poison resistance works and what to get.

Who to bring? Anyone who's become slimey and can be bothered to do so. Ideally we'd bring Rotfrost herself, so ask her first.
>>
No. 489312 ID: c4e5c2
File 135974104787.png - (182.05KB , 700x700 , 4-363.png )
489312

"Are you doing anything? Besides poking the infinite void of dissolving unreality?"
>"Nnnnnnnnn....I can be. It's not actually that dangerous, I can pull my finger back out again. I mean it might be a problem if I dive in, but I'm not going that far."
"Would you like to accompany me?"
>"Okay."
>>
No. 489314 ID: c4e5c2
File 135974111117.png - (111.16KB , 700x700 , 4-364.png )
489314

Rotfrost declines coming, saying distance between herself and Zirkala is bad for summons, at least distances to this level. She will also try, alongside Minci, to find some sort of Polymorph: Kobold recipe as a workaround should it be convenient. So I stop off to Zirkala, next!

>Ask anyone who has become slimey
I suppose if Potarana can't go far from Zirkala either, than I will ask Tom or Minci, assuming I cannot think of any reason why they should stay here! Since this slime mess is temporary, perhaps Minci can afford to do other things.

"Hello! Muo and myself have decided to head to that one swamp place to get poison reagents."
>"Very well. Don't touch anything except, what was it... 'the most vile, poisonous creature you can find.' Don't touch anything except that. Use your hourglass if you have to, don't get yourself killed."
"Of course!"
>"I will give you a map."
"By the way, would it be possible for you to cast polymorph on me at any time, to change to a kobold?"
>"... not as things are, no." She sounds agitated!
>>
No. 489315 ID: 695191

>>489314
Er... make a comment to the effect that you've got slime on the brain, and apologize for repeating yourself. We certainly aren't telling you to say that...
>>
No. 489316 ID: 908c2d

>polymorph
...wait, why did you ask that again? You already asked the last time, and we didn't press you to ask again.

Is something messing with you (trying to get you to annoy Zirkala?) or are you just being careless and forgetful? (not a good thing, considering all you need to keep in your head with this time loop nonsense).
>>
No. 489317 ID: f1b3ee

You could probably just ask the archmage to throw her poison magic ball at you if you need to get hit in the face by it a few times.
>>
No. 489321 ID: c4e5c2
File 135974317653.png - (121.03KB , 700x700 , 4-365.png )
489321

>...wait, why did you ask that again?
Slime on the brain! I seem to have gotten forgetful.

>Not a good thing, considering all you need to keep in your head with this time loop nonsense.
I would blame exactly this on the occasional mind-gaffe!

"Er, yes, I've got some slime on the brain! Apologies for any repeating myself. My ideas are bouncing around in my head!"
>"Right." Zirkala replies.

I slide on over to Tom.

"Hello, Tom! Would you like to come with Muo and myself to a bog that is known to have some of the most poisonous things around?"
>"Not really. Not at all. No."
"And you, Minci? I think in light of things, perhaps we don't need to stress too much about finding a cure!"
>"I think I'll try to find one anyway, just in case one of us gets stuck with a physical pass through the loop somehow. It's a good experiment anyways, I don't really get to test curses made like this very often."
>>
No. 489322 ID: c4e5c2
File 135974323772.png - (116.61KB , 700x700 , 4-366.png )
489322

So Muo and I start rolling our way out. Halfway out of the caves, that weird slime comes!

>"Hello."
"Greetings, again!"
>"Did you read the book at all?"
"No!"
>"Not even a little?"
"No!"
>"Not even chapter 3, part 2?"
"No! I must say, it seems that you may have been merely attempting to sew distrust between Zirkala and myself."
>"Hm? Oh, not at all. Well, I won't deny that such a thing was closely related, but that wasn't the point. Or rather, that is a bit off of the point. You see, I just wanted whatever trust you had in her not to be misinformed. That if you are to have trust in her, it is trsust tempered from various view points, including unsavory ones. But! You've got such blinding trust in her that you won't even satiate curiosity of a book. If you won't even do that, I doubt there is much point in talking ill of her. That is all. Where are you going, anyways?"
>>
No. 489324 ID: 35edd4

>>489322
"What business is that of yours?"
>>
No. 489326 ID: 76b151

It is not that I'm unaware that she has done foul misdeeds in the past. She IS a lich after all. It's that she has treated me well and has not harmed me in any real way. Indeed she has treated me very well indeed. I would not be standing here without her support and help.

As far as where we go I must ask why the interest in me? I am but a lowly slime who looks like a kobold.
>>
No. 489327 ID: 908c2d

>Blind trust
Honestly, I felt making sure some silly memory editing thing didn't come between us was more important than sating my own curiosity about her past misdeeds. It's not as if I'm unaware what's she capable of, though.

Who are you though, to be so interested in making sure my trust is well placed?
>>
No. 489329 ID: 695191

>>489322
Honestly, I'd assumed great and terrible and greatly terrible things of her already. It's not so much trust, as acceptance!

Anyways, looking into ingredients to resist anti-poison magics. Are you knowledgeable in such things?
>>
No. 489330 ID: 3853e3

>>489322
It's also interesting how he made the book staying in such a good state...
I don't think a book in the possession of a slime or confined in moist regions fares that well..
>>
No. 489333 ID: c4e5c2
File 135974563860.png - (86.09KB , 700x700 , 4-367.png )
489333

"I was already under the impression that she has done great, terrible, and greatly terrible deeds in the past! Perhaps it isn't trust so much as acceptance. And what sort of business do you have with me?"
>"Curiosity."
"I am creating an anti poison potion! Do you know about such things?"
>"Not enough to help. It looks like I was mistaken about you and Zirkala. Nevermind all of that."
"You must have taken exceptional care of the book! It looked completely new."
>"I try. Now, if you don't mind, I would like the book back if you won't be using it."
>>
No. 489334 ID: 57a559

>>489333
You assume I would have it? Zirkala read my memories soon after I returned and confiscated it, after asking Potarana what it was about anyway. You want the book back, I'm afraid you're going to have to steal it back yourself, Snow Eyes. I thank you for what you did, and I apologize for the inconvenience it has brought you to get it back, but I will not die or risk my connections for your cause, in all respect of course.
>>
No. 489335 ID: 908c2d

>Now, if you don't mind, I would like the book back
Well, I don't mind, but the book is currently in Zirkala's hands, and she might.
>>
No. 489336 ID: c59939

"Sorry, don't have it, maybe if you can get it from me earlier."
>>
No. 489341 ID: 35edd4

Point out that it was stolen in the first place, and is properly Potarana's property. Even if you did still have it, it's not yours to give.
>>
No. 489342 ID: c4e5c2
File 135974929081.png - (114.71KB , 700x700 , 4-368.png )
489342

"I am afraid I don't have it anymore! You will either have to steal it from Zirkala herself, or get it from me earlier! In any case, it is Potarana's property."
>"In a sense, yes. Very well."

With that, he slinks off without another word.
>>
No. 489343 ID: c4e5c2
File 135974931623.png - (130.59KB , 700x700 , 4-369.png )
489343

Muo and I shrug off the weirdness of the weird slime, and make a day's travel. It turns out that the sky is big after all! Soon, and rather unintentionally at that, we end up making the trip through the cover of night. One of these days I will catch up on my sleep. The bog is at the other side of a small little mountain range, said to be where a lot of nasty substances come to collect! And the water in there does appear to be foul.

>"Is that a house on the edge of the cliffside?"
"It would appear to be!"
>>
No. 489345 ID: 908c2d

>Catch up on sleep
We can just spend a loop sleeping, if need be.

>cliff house
Pity you're at the bottom. If you wanted to investigate, it looks like the ladder comes down from the top of the cliff.
>>
No. 489346 ID: beeca1

I note he was careful not to open his eyes.

Hm.
>>
No. 489349 ID: c4e5c2
File 135975281904.png - (152.31KB , 700x700 , 4-370.png )
489349

"But the entrance appears to start at the top of the cliff, so there's little else to do but enter the bog and hope for the best!"

We do. Smells weird!

"Muo, uh, I would not recommend eating or drinking anything around here! is the water poisonous?"
>"Oh, yes, very. Don't worry, normally when I do this I just get Tom to cure mmmmmmeee... ohhhh. Oh."
>>
No. 489350 ID: 76b151

.... Tom is no longer a god. Looks like Mitzi is going to have another thing to work on. Ask her if we need to head back now.
>>
No. 489351 ID: f1b3ee

As a slime can't you just isolate that poison and oust it from your body like most anything else?

If not, it looks like we will have to traipse through the poison swamp just a little bit faster than planned.
>>
No. 489352 ID: 57a559

Good thing we're in a loop!
I shouldn't have thought that, shouldn't I have?
>>
No. 489354 ID: 908c2d

Oh, goodness. Muo's got Worthing syndrome. She has no sense of caution or self preservation because she's used to a god stepping in to save her all the time.

Well. How bad is Muo off now? Slimes are supposed to be partially poison resistant, and she's hardly a baby- she's likely been exposed to nasty stuff before. So is she all right? If she is, we can continue on, so long as you keep an eye on her. If she's bad off, we could always hourglass to save her...
>>
No. 489376 ID: f2c20c

>>489342
Interesting.

I think that is a Time Lord, and wanted you to learn the memory-editing spell so that he could speak to you about the nature of time without revealing such secrets to Zirkala. I wonder if Zirkala and the Lich King are doing time-related stuff they aren't supposed to?

Next loop, we should learn it, assuming he approaches us again.

>>489349
Well, shoot. Ask her if she's in trouble. We may need to get to that house pronto and hope that whoever lives there has some antidotes.
>>
No. 489378 ID: eb682d

>>489296
>>489314
>she seems agitated by this

Perhaps this has something to do with why she's not a spooky scary skeleton yet?
Also it just occurred to me that Mr. Mystery Slime
has the same horn pattern as Zirkala in addition to apparently having some sort of history with her/interest in her doings.
>>
No. 489379 ID: 695191

>>489376
That's... plausible, actually. He'd have done better just to tell us as much though. We can just ask him when we see him next.
>>
No. 489381 ID: c4e5c2
File 135976334752.png - (132.01KB , 700x700 , 4-371.png )
489381

"Are you doing alright, Muo? Should we hurry this up, or shall I use the artifact?"
>"Uhhhh... well it's pretty strong but I don't think it's lethally strong! It's a paralysis. I don't think I can move but I feel numb, and tingly, and all around funny." her speech slurs to match, as the sentence goes on!"
"Can you, I don't know, isolate where the poison is and spit it out?"
>"Uh... Tom could. For me."
>>
No. 489382 ID: f1b3ee

Try to move her off the bridge so if the paralysis causes her to discorporate she doesn't slip through the slats and into the poison water.
>>
No. 489383 ID: f2c20c

>>489381
Paralysis? Get her off that bridge before she falls into the water! Say, is there a path up the cliff on the right, there?

...can slimes even grab eachother?
>>
No. 489384 ID: 908c2d

I agree the first priority is to move her so she can't fall off the bridge.

Then we evaluate if we can treat her, or if it's going to wear off or not. (Do we have any fresh water we could give her? Dilute out the poison?)
>>
No. 489385 ID: c4e5c2
File 135976467680.png - (128.84KB , 700x700 , 4-372.png )
489385

"Uhhh better get you away from falling in the water. Can I even grab you?"
>"Apppparently? I mean yeah, and it's safe too just as long as you don't eat me. Or anything."
"Right! There was a house, perhaps I could find a trail leading up. Do you know if there was some freshwater around we could use to dilute?"
>"III dunnooooo."

I suppose I could find a trail up to the top of the cliff, although it would certainly take awhile while carrying Muo!
>>
No. 489386 ID: 78c6ea

Be unsettlingly turned on by this situation.
>>
No. 489387 ID: f1b3ee

You sir are a bard-to-be and you have a lady in distress. It is your sworn duty to ensure the lady's safety.

Besides you can't just leave her. Your libidos used to be intertwined; it would be like leaving behind an important part of yourself.
>>
No. 489390 ID: c4e5c2
File 135976631465.png - (156.54KB , 700x700 , 4-373.png )
489390

>Help Muo
Like I would abandon her! That was never an option.

"Don't worry, Muo, we'll get you to that house so that you can work out the para...ly...sis."
>"Hello." the new person, coming out of the poison water, speaks. Sentient, apparently! "It isn't often I get to eat slime. Would you mind drinking some of the water first? It makes it much easier for everyone."

>Be unsettlingly turned on by this situation.
Any chance of that has been made all the more difficult!
>>
No. 489391 ID: f1b3ee

Ask the serpent man if he could please refrain from doing so, as your friend here is very sick and you have come to gather ingredients to cure her.

Also if the serpent man eats you, he will turn into a slime due to your curse. You're pretty positive he doesn't want that. It is in both of your best interests to go your separate ways.
>>
No. 489393 ID: 997ce7

"I wouldn't recommend that. We recently found out she's cursed after we... ah... entertained ourselves. Made me into a slime. It'll make you into a slime, too."
>>
No. 489394 ID: bdb3f8

five bucks says this dork is the most poisonous creature in the swamp.
>>
No. 489395 ID: f2c20c

>>489390
Stab it with your sword- with the slime on it the snake will also be a slime in short order. Or maybe you can just lob a glob into its mouth.

Use the curse as a weapon!
>>
No. 489396 ID: 695191

Heh... hehehe... sure sure, give him a little bite. Put a nice glob of your cursed goo down his throat, see how he likes it.
>>
No. 489397 ID: 04b86a

Tell him our kobold-like appearance is because we were turned into a slime by a cursed placed on Muo by the chaos god, and that ingestion of any of our slime will quickly change the ingestor! He is welcome to sample a portion of our slime before eating us if he desires proof, although we wouldn't recommend it.

In fact, in exchange for not forcefully infecting him, we would like to know what the most poisonous thing in the swamp is.
>>
No. 489399 ID: 908c2d

Explaining the curse seems the best response. I mean, you were a kobold before!

If he eats us, he'll turn to slime. The the water will paralyze him. Then whatever comes along to eat him will turn to slime. And so on, until the swamp water is depopulated of nasties, or something catches on.

If he doesn't believe us, we'll happily give him a taste.

Bardic intimidation roll go.
>>
No. 489406 ID: b33427

>>489399
How about spinning the curse into the reason you're here. Say that you two came here to get ingredients on behalf of a group searching for a cure to a virulantly infectious slime curse. That if they don't find a cure soon, it'll get loose and soon every creature around here will be a cursed slime. And that means Mr. Serpent here won't have anything to eat without turning into a slime and dying from the poison water. So it'd be in his best interest to help you gather what you came for.

And if he doesn't believe you, then he can bring some other creature over here and you'll force feed it a bit of your slime to show him.
>>
No. 489408 ID: c4e5c2
File 135976827395.png - (107.20KB , 700x700 , 4-374.png )
489408

"I must ask that you refraid, dear serpent, as my friend is quite sick and I have to cure her!"
>"Wh... I said I was going to eat you, you fool! That means it doesn't matter how sick either of you are! In fact, she was fine until she drank water, which is what I was waiting for! Sheesh! Er... sorry. But that was silly of you to say!"
"Nevertheless, we are both cursed, in that anyone who ingests either of us will become a slime!"
>"Oh, oh, yes, now the excuses come. Tell me, did you also ingest snakeweed before coming, so that anyone who eats you will also be poisoned? Do you have a King's Curse like the 3rd to last, which apparently gives a terrible case of indigestion?"
"If you don't believe me, then I will give you a bite, to test!"
>"Oh, oh, that's new. Alright. Take off a chunk of yourself. Or her. Toss it in."

I do so, and she makes a show of swallowing it.

>"Yes. Yes. That's good."
"Uh...."
>"Oh, my, you were telling the truth? Or you believed you were? About slime? Please. I swim in paralysis water of the most potent sort. You think I could be poisoned? I'm dripping with the stuff. Now it's on you. Go ahead. Just let it seep innnn errrr..."
>>
No. 489409 ID: c4e5c2
File 135976830925.png - (121.31KB , 700x700 , 4-375.png )
489409

>"..... oh! That is strong. I guess I am not so good with magic curses! But I'm still a poison serpent. The most potent poison serpent. In fact, this is a life changing event, it is, but I think I could get used to it! I bet I could hold a whole bunch of paralysis water in me now. Yes. It feels good. Go ahead, kobold slime. Have some of me."
"You say you are a poison serpent! Could you tell me what the most poisonous thing in the swamp is?"
>"Yes. It is me. I am the most poisonous. It used to be my scales, but now I guess it is just... my slime scales? Yes. It will soon be you, too. Because you'll be part of me, once I digest you. Go on. Just let some of that water from me seep into you."
>>
No. 489411 ID: f2c20c

>>489409
We are completely trapped.

Break the hourglass, and go back to before you entered the swamp. Let's avoid the swamp until we're prepared to kill this serpent, and play it safe for the rest of this cycle.
>>
No. 489413 ID: 6d69a5

Token "Seduce it" coming through!
>>
No. 489414 ID: 695191

Yeah we're boned. Back to day one, now!
>>
No. 489417 ID: 04b86a

► Ⓐ ▼ ► Ⓐ ▼
Get the fuck into the past where something isn't trying to eat you?
Yes / No
>>
No. 489418 ID: 997ce7

Make a token effort at humping it.

Then go back to the past.
>>
No. 489420 ID: 908c2d

Welp. Hourglass time. We were completely unprepared for this thing.

I wonder if it's worth even coming after this thing in the future, or not. Do we need the anti-poison potion?

Not sure how far we want to go back. Probably sometime after Zirkala respawned, but before we got ourself infected with slime secks? As least it gives us a second chance to practice the naga run. And not mess up our lines with Springfoot, and maybe be smoother with Silveena.
>>
No. 489421 ID: 695191

Well I suppose we could offer sexual favors before our demise, at least it might buy us time and possibly more freedom to move and break the hourglass.
>>
No. 489423 ID: 908c2d

If we were completely insane, instead of running into the past or attempting to seduce it, we could attempt to slime merge and take control of the gestalt. Stubborn, unrelenting cheerful tenacity and cleverness is kind of SS's thing. It might work.
>>
No. 489424 ID: 656f39

Offer to buy his scales/slime/poison/whatever. Offer to pay him in fish.
>>
No. 489425 ID: b33427

Dammit! No way out of this one! Break the hourglass while you still can!

Go back to near the beginning of the cycle, just after Not-Tom has left with Muo. That way Tom will still be out of Not-Tom, just in case Not-Tom remembers this, since he's technically a god. It's tempting to roll all the way back, in the hopes that the Time Lords, from their position outside of time, will know what Not-Tom is about to do, gang up on him, and stuff him back in his box, but if they don't then you might end up stuck without Tom to summon the others.

And next time come prepared! You didn't even bring vials, for god's sake! What were you going to collect the highly poisonous stuff with? Your bare hands?
>>
No. 489426 ID: 47d311

I hope this snake realizes that as a SLIME you do not have ORGANS with which to CONSUME LIVING TISSUE.

Tell this slime snake to stop being silly.
>>
No. 489430 ID: c4e5c2
File 135977039272.png - (119.63KB , 700x700 , 4-376.png )
489430

>Do we need the anti-poison potion?
Possibly not, although it certainly makes it easy!

>What were you going to collect the highly poisonous stuff with? Your bare hands?
.... I guess so. But it does not matter how badly I planned to gather it, since it appears I am not even getting that far!

I make one final, lewd effort to hump the serpent as it starts coiling around me, before breaking the hourglass! Unfortunately I just end up making the motions against poor Muo, who is unfortunately mashed between me and the serpant. So I merely make things look entirely inappropriate instead of silly!

"I should ask you to stop being so silly, dear serpent!"
>"What? Why would you ask me that, when.... what ARE you doing?" it asks.
>"What'RE you doiNG?" Muo also asks, albiet in a far more clumsy and muffled fashion.

Oh well, I am returning to an old time! But, at what time will I return to?
>>
No. 489431 ID: 908c2d

>when go?
After happy times with Zirkala, before the threesome with Muo and Minci.

This time when we go to see Muo, we can tell her what her curse is, and explain to her very exactly why she needs to learn to be careful without Tom! Drum it in.
>>
No. 489434 ID: b33427

Roll back to the very beginning of this cycle. That way you can nab a sample of Muo's un-cursed slime while Not-Tom is busy breaking out. Use a vase or other container from your bedroom to collect it, and keep it hidden so Not-Tom doesn't know to curse it as well. You'll also be able to make a more dignified exit from the bed than what you did before.
>>
No. 489436 ID: c31f72

Head back to before the first day, because fuck these time shenanigans.
>>
No. 489439 ID: f2c20c

Dammit SS, would you quit being dumb in front of the snake.

Well, we could go check out that house on the cliff, which would mean returning to JUST before entering the swamp, or we could return to before we even went aboveground, which would save us a few hours of travel time and avoid any inherent dangers in the house. Who knows, there could be an evil witch or something in there.

...let's return to before we left the underground. Actually, let's return... tooooo... When we still had the book. I want to at least read about Zirkala's past, even if I can't convince the masses to learn the memory-editing spell.
>>
No. 489443 ID: b33427

>>489431
>>489439
Why pass up an opportunity to go all the way back and snag some of Muo's slime before she was cursed? Then he can be rid of the effect of Rotfrost's abstinence potion without becoming a slime.

Plus, he'd be able to handle the fake prince more effectively and efficiently. Like, for example, juicing Tom up with mana right away so he can summon Guntax and Springfoot, then have them mug the Not-Prince while he's on the way to the auction, leaving SS the only bidder for the kep flowers.

It's pretty likely SS will still be offered the book by some mysterious stranger, even if he isn't a slime. Then he can read it, learn the memory altering spell, and hear out whatever the stranger has to say that he doesn't want shared with Zirkala.
>>
No. 489445 ID: f2c20c

>>489443
Well, A- I don't want to have to redo all that.
B- having a cure for this sort of thing already figured out could be handy in the future. It's magical research, man.
>>
No. 489449 ID: b33427

>>489445
Uh. What "sort of thing" are you talking about curing? Story Seeker's curse? Rotfrost's abstinence potion? The poison serpent's poison? If it's that last one, it better be a sure thing, 'cause SS is going to be fresh out of time rewinds.
>>
No. 489451 ID: 908c2d

>Why pass up an opportunity to go all the way back and snag some of Muo's slime before she was cursed? Then he can be rid of the effect of Rotfrost's abstinence potion without becoming a slime.
Well, this:
>Well, A- I don't want to have to redo all that.
And because not-Tom won't suffer memory loss from the rewind. He'd probably just curse Muo on the spot if we tried it, just to spite us.

Besides, breaking the abstinence potion is really among the least of our problems.

Also, I've got no interest in reading the book, or learning memory magic, despite your interest. That's a slippery, incredibly annoying road to travel, even worse than time travel. Once we know memory editing we'll never be able to trust our own memories again.
>>
No. 489467 ID: b33427

>>489451
...Dangit. Not-Tom probably would have divine extra-temporal memory, even in his weakened state. Even getting a slime sample from Muo while Not-Tom is distracted breaking out and hiding it wouldn't work, 'cause Not-Tom could just curse all of Muo's slime, no matter if it's attached to her or not. He might even be a bigger jerk and not cough up Tom, which would screw everything up. Yeah, better come back later.

Instead of rolling all the way back to the beginning of the cycle, roll back to before the bed-magics session with Muo and Minci, tell Muo what her curse is, and engage bed-magics training with Minci. Afterwards Story Seeker can get a cure for the effects of Rotfrost's abstinence potion made using Muo's cursed slime and keep a vial of it on himself, just in case he ends up in a situation where being a slime would be the best option, or his libido is about to become completely uncontrollable.

And as far as memory magic is concerned, the very fact that it exists means that Story Seeker can't trust his memories. Who knows if Zirkala did some editing while she was in SS's mind. Heck, anyone else could have edited his memories and he'd never know, if they did the job right. So knowing how to hide some memories from being detected would actually be a defensive measure, since whoever is poking around in there has to find the memories to mess with them. Plus, it gets that mysterious slime to spill whatever he wanted to say.
>>
No. 489479 ID: 32096c

Wait wait wait. Are you seriously freaking out about a CONSTRICTOR snake while in slime form? Can't you just go limp and slip free?

Barring that, you could try that whole merging thing. I mean, you'd be basically insane for the rest of the loop, but with you and Muo pursuing the same goes, it'd be 2 against 1 for all votes to control the resulting giant slime-kobold-snake-slime body, right? Could work out.
>>
No. 489480 ID: 14bafe

>>489479
We're actually worried about the fact that it is made of poison, and slimes apparently drink via osmosis, I think.
>>
No. 489481 ID: b33427

>>489479
Too late, man; The hourglass has already been broken. We're going back for sure now.

Merging wouldn't have worked, anyway. Muo said that only the strongest of slimes, or those buffed like what Not-Tom did to the ones in the giant slime-ball, can merge like that without eating one or the other. And even if Muo and Story Seeker were that powerful, they'd have to do it faster than the poison slime serpent could engulf and digest them.

Oh, and now that the serpent is a slime, it doesn't even have to constrict Muo and Story Seeker to death before swallowing them; It just has to reform around them and they're stuck inside, ready to be digested.
>>
No. 489485 ID: ec06d0

>>489451
>And because not-Tom won't suffer memory loss from the rewind. He'd probably just curse Muo on the spot if we tried it, just to spite us.
Just because something might fail isn't a good enough reason not to try it.
>Besides, breaking the abstinence potion is really among the least of our problems.
If we had fixed the abstinence potion we wouldn't be in the current mess we're in and forced to waste the hourglass.
>Also, I've got no interest in reading the book, or learning memory magic, despite your interest. That's a slippery, incredibly annoying road to travel, even worse than time travel. Once we know memory editing we'll never be able to trust our own memories again.
If you follow your own logic then we could've already known memory editing and used it but erased our memories of it, worrying about something that can't be proven is a waste of time.
>>
No. 489486 ID: 908c2d

>Just because something might fail isn't a good enough reason not to try it.
No, but when the odds of success are low enough, and for little gain...

>If you follow your own logic then we could've already known memory editing and used it but erased our memories of it, worrying about something that can't be proven is a waste of time.
As things are now, knowing that memory editing exists, we might have a problem. The moment we know we know it, we enter unending paranoia mode.

...and worrying about something that can't be proven is anything but a waste of time in a Lago quest. :V
>>
No. 489495 ID: ad199c

I'm all for going back to the beginning of the loop. The plan to have the prince robbed on his way to the market is genius, and a further embarrassment. Getting to read the memory spell book is a big deal too. I don't know why we don't want to read about Zirkala, we know practically nothing about her. If we don't learn something about her we'll at least learn something about Potarana.

We at least have to go back to before the threesome, but I think back to the very start is best.
>>
No. 489503 ID: b33427

>>489495
I think I'm going to change my vote back to going back to the very beginning, nabbing a sample of Muo's slime while Not-Tom is distracted breaking out again. Not-Tom will still remember the part of the cycle from before the hourglass was used, but since Story Seeker wasn't working against his plans, and he probably wasn't paying close attention to stuff outside those plans, Not-Tom doesn't have much of a reason to screw SS over. He might even be okay with the time rewind, since he'd also get another go around to improve his plans. All together, I think it'd work out for the best.

Oh, and there's also a possibility that Not-Tom could be blocked from getting out if Story Seeker rewinds all the way to the beginning of the cycle, because Tom, the Time Lords, and the other gods also have extra-temporal memories. They'll all know he's going to try and break out, and gang up on him. Especially the Time Lords, since he killed one of their own.

...Huh. I just realized that the mysterious slime's eyes here >>488609 and the void hole here >>489312 are kinda similar. Perhaps he came out of one of the holes?
>>
No. 489508 ID: b33427

>>489503
Oh, forgot something: By going back, we can work it so we conserve our money (mostly by not giving Miss Drake 20,000 gold for that fools gold,) and increase it greatly by stealing the fake prince's purse, and the contents of his vault. Then we can use that money to buy really good gear and supplies to go after the poison serpent, and hire mercenaries to back us up. Heck, we could fund an entire expedition force to take the poison serpent down, butcher it for alchemical reagents, then haul them back to sell and make a tidy profit on top of everything else.
>>
No. 489522 ID: f2c20c

>>489503
They're similar because HE'S A TIME LORD. He wanted SS to read the book and know how to rewrite memories because he most likely wanted to talk to SS about time stuff, and needed to know if he was truly loyal to Zirkala. Zirkala IS dangerous, you know. She might even be dangerous to SS.

At least we know that she can't use polymorphic magic for a considerable time after regenerating. Or maybe any magic at all. The process is likely draining on her soul. I mean, she hasn't summoned the big fire gnoll yet has she?

SS probably should've read the book simply just for the opportunity to learn more stories.
>>
No. 489532 ID: b33427

>>489522
Well, of course he's a Time Lord, or something close to one.... And now that I think about it, I think we've made a big mistake. We almost certainly won't get another chance to get the book from him and read it if we go back to before he handed it over, since Story Seeker's already made his attitude towards Zirkala clear to the mysterious slime/Time Lord. Everything else can be done other ways and with second chances, but that one was for keeps...

Alright, because there won't ever be another chance at this, I'm changing my suggestion (again) to rewinding back to the moment that Story Seeker retrieved the book after he left Silveena's company. He can read enough to do the memory magic, hide that he read it, then hide the book again. Later he can slip out after going to bed, read the rest of it, then return and hide his memories before going to sleep.

I have a feeling that whatever that mysterious slime tells Story Seeker is going to be vital to either getting out of the loops, or keeping the secrets of dangerous time magic from falling into the wrong hands. I just don't think they'll be Zirkala's hands. It's probably the Lich King that's up to something. Either way, we have to know.
>>
No. 489533 ID: 76b151

>>489532
I think I'm gonna agree with this.
>>
No. 489537 ID: c4e5c2
File 135980307730.png - (59.11KB , 700x700 , 4-377.png )
489537

>Too late, and slimes drink via osmosis
Well, uh, I actually appear to have control about whether or not I ingest the water. Normally I've been unable to prevent water from coming into my system, but this water is thick!

And I haven't broken the hourglass yet. While I hardly have a fine grasp over my form beyond slight malformation, that is enough to squeeze tight within myself, and so I am able to break the hourglass so long as it is inside me at all!

I suppose what I am saying is that I don't actually have to break the hourglass as of yet!

>Can't you just go limp and slip free?
That doesn't quite appear to work, as the slime form of the constrictor does manage to squeeze us thoroughly enough to not allow breaking free. Nevertheless, so long as all the serpent is doing is squeezing us, we'll --

shlorp

Okay she just squeezed hard enough to shove us straight through her. Time to break the hourglass!
>>
No. 489538 ID: c4e5c2
File 135980309181.png - (82.80KB , 700x700 , 4-378.png )
489538

I am returning to the point after keeping Silveena company, to retrieve the book that I left under a rock at the time!

It's gone!

So are my clothes!

And my slime!

And the hourglass!
>>
No. 489539 ID: 76b151

I think we might want to find Muo and Tom. See if they are changed as well. The Time Lord might have fixed things when you did that temporal jump. And made sure to include his book. You did tell him to get it earlier after all.

First though before you go check the hole he disapeared into the first time if you can.
>>
No. 489543 ID: c59939

Find clothes, then try to find out what's different.
>>
No. 489544 ID: f2c20c

>>489532
Hiding the book won't work. The next time she reads our memories she'll see that we had the book before the rewind, so she'll know we had the book again the second time around. To keep Zirkala from suspecting anything... ah damn. The simple act of rewinding to get the book in our hands again will give her cause for suspicion. We would effectively be stealing the book from her.

Of concern is also the thing the Lich King did to us. It likely would be able to tell how much we're rewinding. So we can't just go back, get the book, read it in some spare time then repeat history up to another more appropriate rewind point.

I know. We can rewind back to just before we give it to Zirkala, quickly read the memory-edit spell, wipe the memory of learning it, and tell her that the slime wants it back and we can save her the trouble of it getting stolen by just bringing it to him. We can read the rest of it on the way there, probably. I'm torn on whether or not to ask Zirkala's permission to read it for story material, and if to read it anyway if she tells us not to.
>>
No. 489545 ID: 76b151

>>489544
a bit late
>>
No. 489557 ID: f2c20c

>>489538
Oh well NEVERMIND

Looks like we're in the middle of a Time Paradox! Hrm. Zirkala's gonna be disappointed in us. Also apparently the Time Lord is a practical joker.

Time to go streaking! Let's return to our bedroom and just catch up on sleep.
>>
No. 489564 ID: 6336b0

Why is everyone making these elaborate plans to learn memory-alteration and then hide it, when we could just learn memory-alteration so we can mess around with those memory gems the naga had, or mess around with whatever the heck that slime guy wanted, or for any other reason.

I just don't see what's wrong with being honest about learning memory-alteration is all, what with Zirkala even admitting that she doesn't really care.
>>
No. 489565 ID: 76b151

You know what we could do. Approach Zircala, ask if she would be willing to teach us the memory alteration spell. Explain our reason: The Time Lord might want us too as we have a bit of evidence that the slime we were approached by DID manage to mess with time. And see what she says. No need for elaborate plans, just honesty and trust.
>>
No. 489571 ID: 695191

Huh. Well the book isn't that important itself - it's rather that time is so screwy now. And there is probably a good reason for that. Speak up and ask talk to the Time Lord out loud, right now. He's most likely involved here.
>>
No. 489572 ID: 908c2d

>Went back to right after Silveena
Wait.

You mean everyone was so concerned with checking out the stupid unnecessary memory editing that we didn't go back far enough to avoid the slime cures!?

Fail.

Anyways, it's kind of obvious our slime friend was aware of the loops, and possibly had time powers. Why would you expect the book to be there?

Let's get out of here, and see what else is messed up.
>>
No. 489581 ID: c4e5c2
File 135981946590.png - (114.96KB , 700x700 , 4-379.png )
489581

>Check the hole the slime/suspected time lord jumped through
It's as plain as ever! I ask out loud if he is around, but there is no response.

I run back, and Potarana is the first one I see.

"Hello, Potarana!"
>"Where are your pants?"
"I left them in my room! I was just on my way. By the way, have you seen a book called 'Trials of and from the Deathtrail Mage, Zirkala, of the Clawdust Tribe?"
>"Yes. I wrote it."
"Do you have a copy?"
>"Zirkala has the original. You will have to ask her permission to read it. I doubt she will give it to you. Where did you hear of the book?"
"No place! Say, what happened to the copies?"
>"Copies? There was only the original and one copy. The copy was destroyed. Zirkala kept the original."

It seems that the time lord has been messing with the past! Or perhaps returning it to normal, if this is where he got the book in the first place?

>"Ah, welcome back, Story Seeker. You have been having fun with Silveena, I see."
"Hello, not-in-the-flesh Zirkala! That is actually not the reason for my current draftiness! Where have I been these last couple of days?"
>"You've been borrowing Springfoot and Guntax since they've got nothing better to be doing. Something about humiliating the prince and spending all your money on flowers. Time related convolutions getting to your memory?"
"Yes. Where are Tom and Minci?"
>"Muo is off with the slimes as usual last I checked. Minci, since you might not be aware, is trying to figure out some kind of slime curse that apparently existed at some point in time. I am allowing her to borrow my alchemy lab in exchange for sharing recipes with Rotfrost."
>>
No. 489582 ID: 908c2d

Confirmed. Slime dude is a Time Lord or something.

We also now know why he took your artifact. He messed with it! That's why you lost your clothes and stuff.

Oh well. What do want to do with the remained of this loop? It can't be anything terribly dangerous, since we've lost our fallback. Should we go talk to Muo, maybe? Maybe we could explain to her that she has to be a little more cautious without Tom around before she gets herself killed again (an account of the death she almost had might help).
>>
No. 489584 ID: 908c2d

...or you lost your clothes because you were naked as a slime, last time. Only now the slime curse never happened. So your clothes should be wherever yo ditched them before hooking up with Muo and Minci.
>>
No. 489586 ID: c4e5c2
File 135982165482.png - (143.31KB , 700x700 , 4-380.png )
489586

I run off to Muo to see how she is after getting my clothes in my room, to see if she has learned any lessons! Since apparently the slime curse never was, this makes me wonder why I had no clothes, since I should have had clothes as a regular kobold!

"Hello, Muo."
>"Hey, there you are, Story. Things seem back to normal, if you didn't know."
>"Yeah there was a whole divine meeting and everything." Tom says. "You weren't invited."
"I figured not! Do you remember what happened in the bog?"
>"Yeah, but nothing about the last couple days of what happened regularly! I guess we just sort of acted like we normally would have, then our normal selves leapt in without a clue?"
>"You weren't missing much." Tom adds.
"Well, Muo, I hope you realize that you should be careful, since Tom might not always be around!"
>"But... he will be. I mean, he wasn't then, but those were special circumstances that don't matter anymore."
>"Yeah. Told you things would come back to normal anyway!"
"What happened to not-Tom?"
>"BANISHED FOREVER sort of like he already was so really nothing at all. But yeah, so what if you two would've died in the bog? It would've been reverted anyway because things were not as they were supposed to be. Things wouldn't be reverted if you two went now and jumped in a poison stomach, but Muo would have me! So long as she had deitic credits to spend." Tom says.
"But see, Muo, what if you had no deitic points?"
>"Uhhhhh... okay I guess I'll be careful if I run out." she answers.
>>
No. 489588 ID: 908c2d

Thank you, Muo.

Well. Okay then. I guess we're home free. Didn't expect not-Tom to be cleaned up that quickly.

So... now what? We've met a time Lord. Does Tom have idea how much leeway we have to break the loop? Should we be trying to get out this time, or do we still have room to faff around a little?
>>
No. 489589 ID: 1bcd66

Did your alternative self get lots of sleep? Since everything seems to be in order, now might be a good time to just relax and possibly go hang out with the Drake and Clunker
>>
No. 489590 ID: 908c2d

Oh, and now that the curse never happened, Minci can use a hunk of Muo to make you the potion antidote. Uh, assuming that hasn't already happened in this new timeline.
>>
No. 489595 ID: eb682d

Are we still in the time loop? They didn't fix that too, did they?
>>
No. 489596 ID: 57a559

>>489586
Ask Tom if he knows who the slime is, he doesn't have to give us details, we understand about the god hush hush thing, just anything he CAN share would be a great help, even if it is just to the extent "Yes, I do know who the slime is"
>>
No. 489606 ID: 695191

Ask about the hourglass, that thing is kinda important for us when we try out risky things. Also inquire as to the general state of the fabric of reality.
>>
No. 489607 ID: c4e5c2
File 135983019288.png - (93.53KB , 700x700 , 4-381.png )
489607

"Tom, do you happen to know who that slime was?"
>"The time lord I mean I don't know any time lords that were hiding out as a slime to investigate not-me."
"I see! I don't suppose I have time to faff about?"
>"Dunno. I mean it's only been like 7 cycles or something so you're probably cool for a bit."
"I take it I am still in the time loop, then! Later part of day 2, if I am not mistaken. How is the state of reality?"
>"Back to working order, aside from your time loop deal. That's still in place!"

>Making a potion antidote
It seems that it has! I will be sure to thank Minci once again, as well as myself for not forgetting about that.

"Have you seen the hourglass, Tom?"
>"Uh I think I saw that on the Time Lord. You might have to steal it back! I can teach you how to summon him, if you want. It only comes at a terrible cost of nothing at all!"
"Nothing at all?"
>"Nothing at all. He'll be at your beck and call. How about it?"
>>
No. 489609 ID: bdb3f8

This is gonna be one of those really stupid "summonings" where you just do something completely mundane that happens to reliably get his attention, isn't it?
>>
No. 489610 ID: 528e81
File 135983090618.png - (80.99KB , 770x1038 , stupid_sexy_flanders_by_thefightingmongooses-d36om.png )
489610

Nothin' at all... Nothin' at all... Nothin' at all...

Don't do it, Story.
>>
No. 489611 ID: 57a559

Nothing at all means your buttox in a tight suit. He probably wants you to dance in front of a lot of straight men in a tight suit and somehow make it look good.

That's chaos for you. Practice on your friend Reed.
>>
No. 489613 ID: c4e5c2
File 135983134907.png - (118.00KB , 700x700 , 4-382.png )
489613

"Are you just going to do something mundane to get his attention?"
>".... well, not really, I mean, sort... if people were made out of buzz, you would be the terror warlord that mothers tell tales of to scare their children! Geez, this is probably the real reason why gods don't talk to random people."
"Uh... I think I would pass, anyway, Tom, if I may be honest!"
>"Wha?! What do you mean 'you'd pass'? I am literally offering you a way to summon someone who has time at their beck and call! There are no strings attached! No way it would backstab you, the responsibility would be on me! There are no papers, contracts, or promises that you'd even owe me a casual favor, and you'd pass?! What is wrong with you?!"
>>
No. 489614 ID: 695191

Yeah sure, besides we have some time questions of not-insignificant consequence. Mostly about how much we can get away with and not break everything again.
>>
No. 489618 ID: c6ec33

Tell him he's cute when he's flustered.

But yeah, sure, why not learn it? Might be useful at least for the time being (hurr), until you're out of the loop.
>>
No. 489619 ID: 560c86

To be fair Tom, you're the chaos god.
>>
No. 489620 ID: 528e81

Oh hey it's Not-Tom. Fuck.
>>
No. 489621 ID: 908c2d

I suppose I am being uncharacteristically cautious. He did seem to want something with me before, maybe he'll have something to say if I see him again. At least I can apologize for snubbing his book help.

Or he'll unravel the time loop and kill me. Whatever!
>>
No. 489624 ID: 5d98c3

>>489613
IT'S THE OTHER GUY, UR-TOM'S STILL HERE AND HE'S TRYING TO ERASE YOU FROM HISTORY! GET ZIRKALA!
>>
No. 489625 ID: 57a559

>>489613
The events that take place here could have consequences for futurue loops, our interaction with the slime has already cost us the time artifact.

What if this summoning might cost us our very cock somewhere down the line. I don't mean you doing it, Tom, I mean the TIMELORD. He's a timelord, he'd have to be destroyed once unsummoned to reduce any risk. Because once he's unsummoned, he could come back and interfere with the summoning, or anything we could gain from summoning him in the first place.

He's a timelord Tom, I'm sorry but I think he's more dangerous than ALL the gods combined, even with their own time altering capabilities. There are some consequences you won't undo should something HAPPEN. (They have Chee's parents dead and the entire kobold village she were staying with at the beginning die simply so Chee could live with Shabin and be generally unaltered instead of having Chee's parents live at the mine her entire life and grow up with her. SS can't know that, but I feel like he could logically come up with the concern naturally anyway).

I just got a little more existential, how do we know when we break the loop we're bringing THAT timeline with us too? The timelord still has plans to accomplish in his little loop shit he created, if anything, when we break past we're breaking past all of the Time Lord's loops he wanted to run too which could mean up to MILLIONS of loops bypassed if the Time Lord is a patient man, ones without Story Seeker. We're going to go through ALL the loops ever once we break. Like, imagine if Time was paused for two people. The two did several things as time was paused, but one eventually leaves the paused state. Now we got one person that can screw with the other previously paused person as much as he possibly wants because the person who left is paused too! It's only when second person finally leaves the paused state does time truly go on, which from the second person's perspective, could be an eternity, and everything the second person did in the meantime the first person left will happen too. I mean, why exactly are WE the only ones that get to do all this loop nonsense anyway? Who sent the initial warning back? Was that SS from a real loop before? If so, how did he ever come to know about it besides Rotfrost's warning? I don't take it that failing in the loop before was enough to make SS as concerned as we saw him that morning, I don't even think he knew he was in a loop at that time.
>>
No. 489627 ID: c4e5c2
File 135983400664.png - (138.64KB , 700x700 , 4-383.png )
489627

>It's Not-Tom
No, this is not not-tom! Not-tom has a pinkish glow out of his eyes. Unless that is easily modified!

"Fine, Tom, I'll learn it! I still think it's a bad idea, but you sound like you're hardly giving me a choice."
>"Excellent, the spell is-"
>"NO." some rocks fly off to the side
>"Whaaat?"
>"Tom, you were actually about to teach him the spell!"
>"Nooooooooo."
>"Don't even try to deny it! That's why I came, you incompetent oaf! Because you did!"
>"Noooooooooooooooo."
>"You were there! You remember it happening! This happened, in your eyes, about 20 seconds ago!"
>"You can't prove it to anyone around here!"
>>
No. 489628 ID: c4e5c2
File 135983402303.gif - (79.57KB , 700x700 , 4-384.gif )
489628

>"See man, I got him to come! Heh, he looks even sillier than his slime form. Clever, eh? Eh? Eh? Eh?"
>>
No. 489629 ID: 47d311

It is nice to see the time lord is using his power to remain centuries ahead in the fashion department.
>>
No. 489630 ID: 76b151

... hah! He pranked the Time Lord. Ask if you could get the hourglass back. It really is nice to have a little bit of a safety-net. Also ask about how much leeway we have in this loop? We have been working on a way to break it after all.

Also asking about what caused it in the first place would be a good idea.
>>
No. 489644 ID: 528e81

Nice! Greet the time lord. We've got plenty to discuss.
>>
No. 489645 ID: c4e5c2
File 135983592307.png - (122.33KB , 700x700 , 4-384.png )
489645

>I have half a mind, Tom, to show up about 30 minutes prior to this to not pre-empt this 'summonining me' business, since you apparently care about people's memories. Not like I can change this 'bold's memory much, him being the center of this bubble does make his experiences happen differently, much like how he doesn't remember anything for the first couple of days this cycle since using the artifact."
"Since you're here, sir Time Lord, how much leeway do I have in this loop?"
>"Oh, what the hell. A couple months, tops, but we'd appreciate it if you didn't game the system. Not like most of us would blame you, so consider it a firm request."
"Might I also get the hourglass back?"
>"Sure. Thanks for your unvolunteered lending it. I required it for its real power. What you use it for is just the tip."
"Oh? What can it really do?"
>"You don't want to know."
"Something terrible?"
>"No no no, nothing like that. But has the current convolutions of your loop experience confused you thus far?"
"Uh... well, there are many questions and seeming holes about it, yes!"
>"Yes. What this artifact can do makes everything to you so far seem like a child's arithmetic. In fact, it was silly of me to say anything about it."

>>
No. 489646 ID: c4e5c2
File 135983593761.png - (121.69KB , 700x700 , 4-385.png )
489646

>"--for your unvolunteered lending of the time artifact or whatever I was saying. Here you are."
>>
No. 489647 ID: 6d69a5

Ask if he knows what caused the time loop in the first place.

Also ask if it's against the rules or anything like that to (Within reason!) abuse the fuck out of the final loop for the best situation when we break it, so we don't wake up to a war brewing or anything like that.
>>
No. 489648 ID: 1b2709

huh, he seems pretty generous! If he's willing to help us out with this mess then let's ask a few questions:
a) Is our current plan for breaking the loop a good idea or should we be trying something else?
b) WHY are we in this loop to begin with? And how many times have we already gone through?
>>
No. 489649 ID: 76b151

Oooooh I think the hourglass lets you 'witness' time revisions as long as you hold it.

Don't let on that you know.
>>
No. 489650 ID: 908c2d

Well, I don't think we could possibly keep this going for months. We're already starting to run out of people to woo. Don't worry, we'll break out long before that. We're pretty sure we've got a way to do that, now.

>Ask if he knows what caused the time loop in the first place.
Yah, that's probably important.

And thank him for trying to look out for us before, even if we blew him off for suspicion of him trying to mess with us.
>>
No. 489652 ID: c4e5c2
File 135983727526.png - (87.72KB , 700x700 , 4-386.png )
489652

"What caused the time loop in the first place?"
>"Just some old time mages who didn't know what they were doing experimented with trying to manifest and farm time loops themselves, and made some loose ends dormant in Zirkala's now home. You just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when one of those loose ends went active. Don't fret about it, it goes away on its own once the time loop here is fixed up."
"And is it against the rules or something like that, to, within reason, abuse the final loop I'm in to get a good outcome?"
>"Oh, no. Consider it a reward for properly getting out yourself so that we don't have to lift our fingers and worry about things like 'changing the flow of time' that we have to worry about these days."
"How many loops have I been in thus far?"
>"I believe you're up to... 9. Your first couple, of course, came and went without you being aware, but eventually one of my colleagues caught wind and threw a little resistance your way to get things moving."
"Annnd is what I am planning so far working, or should I be trying something else?"
>"All I'll say on that note is that I don't feel a need to rework your work from what I've seen."
"Ah, and thank you for looking out for me prior, even if I did suspect you heavily of simply attempting to mess with me!"
>"Why thank you for being appreciative. I don't blame you for that, obviously I was hardly being entirely open with you."
>>
No. 489655 ID: 695191

So what did that old chaos god do last loop? Or what was he trying to do? I suppose the slime curse was just his sense of humor, but that giant slimeball was just odd. The whole business about weakening reality and killing time lords was worrisome as well.
>>
No. 489659 ID: 57a559

>>489652
Screw it, admit that you have a little more resistance now to even his own time and space shenanigans. It's hard to remember everything but now you think your starting remember things he's undone fairly recently. And by remember we mean shit he's actually undoing recently, not small loops he's undone a bunch ago, like maybe he's repeated this conversation 20 times. We think we can remember the last one. And probably more after that. He's going to have to be more careful around us now. And we'd appreciate that, because we don't want to piss him off more in the future by revealing this fact accidentally after he's undone things far more important. Actually, it could have been loops ago we're remembering, and only that loop, so who knows, but just a heads up, please be wary around us, we don't want to experience the full brunt of his power if he grows extra paranoid.

I mean, he'll be destroying us for actions that were his own fault then. And that's hardly fair!
>>
No. 489661 ID: 908c2d

Hmm. If it's only been that few loops, and I was on the right track to breaking the loop, what was with one of your colleges trying to dissolve reality and getting eaten by not-Tom? Or was all that abyss stuff really his doing.
>>
No. 489665 ID: 57a559

You should also ask to bring Zirkala in the looping, so you don't have to give her your memories everytime. I mean, do you have any idea how annoying it is to remind her every week's first morning that you only had sex a few loops after the bet was done?

I swear there's going to be a memory in there that she will destroy us for! We didn't waste his efforts to learn the blocking technique on purpose, we like being on Zirkala's good side for legit reasons. Maybe one loop we do something without her knowledge that she won't like at all, but she won't read our memory for that if she has her own memories to remember, and when she reads them again it probably won't be all the way back then when we did thing she didn't like.
That conversation never happened at all. We don't want to remember it. We don't even want to learn that spell to remove the memory to do that. Please remove it. And remove it harder than you did last time please. We can't afford to have that memory in our system.

>>
No. 489666 ID: 57a559

And to finish off my joke
Are you a woman? The cloak hides a lot! And your eyes are both pointy and curvy! Your deliciously androgynous
>>
No. 489671 ID: c4e5c2
File 135983988957.png - (138.59KB , 700x700 , 4-387.png )
489671

"So what was not-Tom doing last loop?"
>"Applying his pants to his head. I don't particularly know past 'see how far he can get'."
"And all that reality bending, was that his doing?"
>"Yes, applied when he escaped his bonds."
"And that time lord he was killing?"
>"That was me. He caught me off guard, but I still managed to revert to a time when I wasn't being killed."
"Well, I think that satiates my questioning! I will admit that I do recall some of your doings or undoings you may have been doing?"
>"Like so?"
"Yes, like that! And for all I know, you've done this 20 times without me realizing!"
>"As it should be. Remembering anything at all will go away as well. I will be off, then. Normally I wipe people's memories, but in your case that will be more difficult than normal for reasons I don't care to explain, and frankly, if you go tell other people about this, it will mesh in nicely with peasant's bored tales of their adventures with bands of roving wibberwokkers."
"I don't suppose you would be willing to bring in Zirkala to this looping?"
>"Absolutely not! The mere mention is my cue to leave. If things go well, and Tom does not abuse his power to do so, we will never see each other again. Ta-ta."
"Goodbye!"

He poofs out without another word. I suppose it's back to business as usual, then!

>"Man I forgot what we were even doing here again."
"I was gonna be queen of the slimes and then demand people ask nicely for water."
>"I swear, Muo, there has got to be more to it than that."
>"Soooooo do you want to go back to the Bog?" Muo asks. "Then again, I guess Miss Silveena might start not liking us again, but that still means we have 3 days. And we might not need the poison resistance I guess."
>>
No. 489674 ID: 695191

>>489671
We need to find another option to drawing ms Silveenas ire. The poison spellcasting is an easy fix, we can just ask her to do so. The need for water is going to require diplomacy and possibly engineering.

She is already aware of the time loop so we can pretty much go to her openly about the problems to discuss them. At least... I think so? This loop was odd, we should double check that end of things.
>>
No. 489678 ID: 908c2d

I'm not sure if we need the poison resistance or not. Although, now that Muo is re-Tom-ed, we can probably humiliate the snake instead of being eaten by it. Or check out the cliff house for fun.

>What now?
Weeeeell... we do still have a bunch of people to woo.

Story Seeker's "To Do" List

*Sili
*The Dragon "Miss Drake" (Doify) hates that name Morgana have to name her
*The Lich Zirkala ✓✓
*Gobo Girl (does a distraction kiss count? Half check?)
*Gotz (I... came far too close to pulling that off than I am comfortable with).
*Gobo girls(s?) ✓ but I blacked out!
*Lizard magic shop keeper actually Zirkala
*The Drow, Alia and Rika (threesome?) don't actually exist
*Tailor
*Muo ✓
*Clunker
*That lizard jerk
*Tattoos lizard
*Woodcutter ghoul
*Ralex
*Timeclone selfcest?
*Rotfrost ✓*
*Springfoot
*Xixlin
*Gobo Queen "Nax" Ka'xi ✓
*Naga Archmage (aka the archboobs) Selveera
*Potarana
*Naga Mage's Sister (threesome?)
*Naga guard, Nelin
*Mitzi
*Slime / Sucubus threeseome! ✓
*Swamp snake?
>>
No. 489680 ID: 57a559

>>489671
We could also just asking nicely for Silveena and Tom to do that anyway if we get on her good side. Without the whole dumb war thing.
>>
No. 489681 ID: 57a559

>>489678
ex-nay the tailor
Nope nope nope nope nope not someone that innocent
>>
No. 489683 ID: c31f72

>>489678
The tailor is not on Story Seeker's "to do" list. That'd just be wrong.
>>
No. 489684 ID: 53688c

>>489681
ESPECIALLY someone that innocent
>>
No. 489703 ID: ec06d0

>>489683
>>489681
Come on you prudes, you know she needs a good firm noserub.
>>
No. 489731 ID: 66ff59

>>489684
uncomfortable boner engaged for some reason!
>>
No. 489736 ID: 78c6ea

>>489703

I bet she noserubs like a tiger in bed.
>>
No. 489766 ID: f2c20c

>>489671
Well, we need to do SOME sort of spell-bouncing. We could ask miss Silveena about that...

If we go back to the bog we need some sort of plan to handle the snake. The hourglass is depleted now, isn't it? We won't have a contingency plan for if we fail in combat against her.

Hey, how did Minci get summoned in this timeline? Also, I am really confused about what happened with Silveena- did we arrive there naked? I mean, if we left our clothes back in the bedroom, what were we wearing when we spoke to Silveena? ALSO oh god, won't Zirkala read our mind next cycle and find out about the reverted time loop and what the hourglass does and aaaaaaaall sorts of weirdness that just happened?
>>
No. 489776 ID: b33427

Instead of Muo going around demanding that folks ask nicely for water, she'll go around offering the slimes' service to haul water for a very small fee; One much lower than paying their own people to haul it. Throw in a free week long trial period, so they can see if they like it. This way, if the naga take the deal, the water going to them can be tampered with later on, perhaps with Tom putting Not-Tom's slime curse on it. That'll get the naga up in arms and Silveena into a fight with Muo. And if they don't take the water deal, then Muo could instead demand that they pay a very small fee to access the river through the slimes' cavern. That should also get them equally riled up.

What Story Seeker should do is go around and ask what his other self was doing for the first two days of this cycle, just to check for anything important or for inconsistencies that might cause problems. Silveena, Nelin, Minci, Zirkala, Springfoot, and "Miss Drake" should all be visited and questioned. It'll also give Story Seeker a chance to talk to them about other matters as well.

For Silveena, in addition to the questions, Story Seeker could also bring Muo along so she can tell her about the new water service the slimes are offering, and he can play the part of salesman to sell it to Silveena. He can also ask if she has any scales from the poison serpent that he could have. Silveena might have them, to make protection potions for her fellow naga against her poison spells, or to be used directly as poisons.

For Zirkala, Story Seeker should share his memory, tell of everything that happened, and ask if she could stop trying to study how the hourglass works, or any of these time magics, 'cause she could get edited, removed, or replaced by the Time Lords if she does the wrong thing. Heck, even the Lich King could, if he's trying something. Story Seeker wouldn't like it if anything like that happened to her.

For Minci, Story Seeker should ask how she came to be here, when it's assumed Ralex was already summoned and there wasn't any more summoning stuff setup to summon her. Then he could ask about potions to help with dealing with the poison serpent.

For "Miss Drake," Story Seeker can just say he's going to call her "Morganna" from now on, just so she has a proper name in his eyes. Whether or not she uses that name herself is up to her.
>>
No. 489779 ID: 908c2d

>not the tailor!
Aw c'mon, they got to get together at some point. How else do you think Punylocks happens? :V
>>
No. 489785 ID: b33427

>>489776
Now, the way I see it, the way to getting enough magic resistance to break the time loop is going to require stacking the effects of the magic resistance potion from one cycle to the next. That means we're going to need to find out if a potion made with the goblin queen's hair will last long enough for that. And to do that, we'll have to get enough resistance to send Story Seeker's back to the beginning of the next cycle. And to do that we're going to have to Tom-bounce Silveena's poison magic back and forth and have it hit Story Seeker once it's at max power. And to do that we need some part of the poison serpent to make the poison resistance potion; Doesn't matter what part.

So. It looks like we're going to have to the Poison Bog, or send someone or some group to do it. Maybe Silveena would be willing to send a group of naga, or come herself, or lend him one of the naga mages, or maybe just Nelin (she'd probably jump at the chance to get away from guard duty) and some useful gear and supplies.

Actually, we might not even have to fight or kill the poison serpent; We could make a deal with it. It said it rarely gets to eat slimes, so how about we offer it one in exchange for some of its scales. Not a real slime, of course. It'll be a tied up pig or some other animal, with a strong illusion of a paralyzed slime put on it it by Doify Morganna, in a barrel with hidden air holes. Bring that to the poison serpent, pop the lid to show the "slime," make the deal, and go home.

Oh, and because the poison serpent is, yanno, a snake, it might have shed recently. Getting that shed skin instead of scales would be even better.
>>
No. 489787 ID: b53faa

>>489779
I am adding my vote to the "bed he tailor" movement.
However, we have to treat them with respect. Adorable dates are going to be a necessity, and if she ain't cool with it we let her be.
>>
No. 489790 ID: c4e5c2
File 135986294051.png - (93.75KB , 700x700 , 4-388.png )
489790

"Tom did you summon Minci this time?"
>"Huh? Yeah. She really wanted to figure out that curse, and said she was so close, so I pulled her out."

>What were you wearing when we spoke to Silveena?"
No idea! Perhaps I shall go and find out. Although it is late, in fact, I think I will sleep here!

"By the way, Muo, perhaps instead of demanding people ask nicely, you offer water trips for a fee?"
>"Oh yeah, you mentioned that. I forgot. I'll try that sometime. Somecycle. I think Tom wanted me to mess around with the goblins this cycle first, but next cycle."
>>
No. 489791 ID: c4e5c2
File 135986298380.png - (139.08KB , 700x700 , 4-389.png )
489791

The next morning, I request a meeting with Silveena. I am escorted to her room and told to wait, to which she comes. It seems that whatever I did, I did succeed in making her comfortable around me!

>"Back already?"
"Yes. Have I mentioned the time cycles?"
>"You did, yes?"
"Yes, well, I am wondering if you would be willing to fire a spell at me!"
>"What kind of spell?"
"Uh... perhaps a magic resistance spell?"
>"Possibly, but I specialize in poison magic. Which would make less sense to fire at you, unless you wanted to die."
"Well... maybe! I don't suppose you know about any serpents in the bog about half a day's travel from here?"
>"Poison serpents? There are a few. About how big?"
"The face about... such and such big!"
>"That size? I doubt you'd see one. They are rare, if not extinct."
"Oh? Hunted?"
>"Yes, and they are not very... competent. They don't actually kill. They are almost pacifists. They feed off life energy, as they're magical beasts. Yet their innards are fragile, so their prey, in short, has to be absolutely immobilized and very much alive. Supposedly, they don't even force people to drink the bogwater, they just give empty threats with fates worse than getting eaten in hopes that the prey does not treat them as pacifists. If they do manage to eat a creature, which must be sentient, then they simply feed off of them until the poison would wear off, and then regurgitate them before they start flailing."
"And the prey... do they live?"
>"Almost always, they're just tired after the whole ordeal. Anyways, their specific form of nourishment mixed with their valuables scales has made them highly rare. Captive ones don't make good scales, either, and most of their scales are needed at once to live, so they have generally just been killed and harvested for every valued scale at once. It's been too long since I had any. I would pay a thousand gold for each scale."
"Informative! By the way, this may sound strange, but I assure you it was time shenanigans messing with my perceived order of events. Could you briefly summarize what I did while here yesterday?"

She informs me much the same, very little changed between my first cycle, and what happened prior! The only difference is that I was not a slime, so there was no attempt made to have Springfoot talk to the archmage after dueling the prince.

>"Then we talked, and we shared company as promised. Then we shared more than that."
"As in, offers of body guards, or monetary rewards, or...?"
>"There were those as well, which you said you would keep in mind, but I am talking about what happened under the bedsheets. Which you apparently do not remember."

Apparently I could check her from the list! Or could, if not for completely missing out in actuality!
>>
No. 489792 ID: c59939

I wonder if you could use one of those memory gems of hers to get the memories your body should have of the past few days but which you clearly lack?
>>
No. 489793 ID: 908c2d

Ooch! Dang. A second amnesia check.

>Pacifist snake, empty threats, fragile innards, can't eat anything unless it can be paralyzed
...so when we made her a slime we really made her much stronger, actually.

>Specialize in poison magic
Well, still works actually. We know how your venom bolt spell reacts if mixed with chaos magic- you can make antimagic water!
>>
No. 489794 ID: f2c20c

>>489791
Ask what you did right. Tell her the last cycle for you, it seemed like you were a bit too forward and put her off so you decided to take things slow instead. Don't press the issue if she tells you you'll need to figure it out for yourself.

Also ask what exactly you were wearing at the start, since your clothes were missing afterwards and you were completely naked.
>>
No. 489795 ID: 695191

Bah! You didn't forget, it simply didn't happen from your perspective because you were a slime thing. Tell her as much.
>And no, don't mark her from the list.

So uh... explain the time loop in more detail, including how she had been integral to the loop. And the need to find a better way.
>>
No. 489797 ID: c59939

>>489794
The difference was probably the whole "Not afflicted with a contagious slime curse at the time" thing. That might have been a slight turn off the first time.

I doubt SS acted much different beyond that.
>>
No. 489800 ID: 57a559

>>489791
"Oh dear, that is what I get for using time artifacts. Cursed Time Lords, changing things for the better while I get no memory of it, the bastards. Well, ma'am, please tell me my auto-pilot self performed adequately. If not, I will be more than willing to serve you once more, with no disappointment this time around. You'll have to forgive me, I had just come into conciousness right after our meeting while manually starting a short loop. Before the loop, I was cursed into a slime and we abstained due to the curse. Or I was much more charming this loop, I'm unsure. That make me sad."
>>
No. 489802 ID: c4e5c2
File 135986516877.png - (102.36KB , 700x700 , 4-390.png )
489802

"I don't suppose I could use a memory gem to remember last night?"
>"You remember that, but not the rest, huh?"
"I assure you, I would trade certain memories for others in the blink of an eye!"
>"Heh. Anyways, no, not unless you actually remember them. They aren't good for retrieving memories that are already lost, only for storing them for others or for years down the line when they eventually get lost."
"A shame! In any case, in my perspective, certain bedly activities were lost on me! I don't suppose you would amuse me with another round."
>"No. I'm still sore. Come back later, that's not a no forever."
"Very well! Now, then, I do have more to say regarding the loop, if you would care?"
>"Yes, perhaps even using a memory gem to show me what you do remember."

So I explain in more detail, and how she has been a bit of an integral part of the cycles so far! I also use a memory gem to show her some of the highlights of this cycle as I am familiar with it. I am sure to pay mind to this conversation, as I expect I will use this as a baseline for future memory gem usage in the coming cycles.

"And lastly! What was I wearing at the end of yesterday?"
>"Nothing. You had clothes, but someone walked in on us. I don't care to use a memory gem for that memory, needless to say, I did not handle myself well, and this may have contributed to your immediate panic. Which involved running out, completely naked, of our territory. I then had Nelin deliver your clothes back to the Lich's place. Supposedly there were some undead skeletons that she was able to leave the clothes with."
"Other than that, may I ask what I did right?"
>"No, because I would like to see if you act differently even if you are going to act as though it is your first time with me. Nonetheless, there's a reason why I am welcoming you to come back to a second go. Plus, you didn't act much different from what I recall versus what you recall, you were just a slime in your memory's case."
>>
No. 489803 ID: f2c20c

>>489802
Ah, alrighty then. Thank her for her time, then.

Shall we go talk to the serpent who actually ISN'T going to kill us when she eats us? Or should we sleep first? It is likely getting a bit late.
>>
No. 489806 ID: 695191

Alright, now let's talk about where the future of this cycle is going. How many of the old ones ended with the spell loop and the magic resist, and that we'll likely need to take fuller advantage of that effect to get out of this.

Also, in lieu of hanky-panky just ask for a nice kiss. That's more than you had experienced, but not so much that she'd mind.
>>
No. 489809 ID: 908c2d

Well, thank her for indulging us with this silly time stuff.

>Come back later, that's not a no forever.
Woot. We can stop in later in this loop, maybe. Or we can always try again properly in the next one.

>Investigate snake?
Well... we have the artifact, again. So long as don't don't drink the water, or get close enough for her to knock us in or something (I'm not sure I trust that she's actually a pacifist) we should be fine. We kind of need a plan to get some scales though, first.
>>
No. 489810 ID: b33427

Before you go, ask Silveena if only the scales of the poison serpent are worthwhile as a reagent, and if they'd regrow if the serpent is healed by either magic or potion. Perhaps you could get some scales if you bring a way to regrow them, or don't even need to get the scales if you could get a syringe-full of the serpent's blood or something else that'd regenerate.

Give Silveena a passionate kiss on the way out, remarking that you'll be back in a day or so to try your darnedest to outdo your forgotten self.

What you do from this point on depends on whether or not the poison serpent will have to be killed or subdued to get a part of it or not. If not, then you might be able to make a deal by gathering some volunteer slimes and offering them to the serpent.

Also, look into ways to get to the poison bog and back faster. Maybe Rotfrost can cook up a "turbo" potion for you. Oh, and here's an idea: See if the slimes could interlock to form a "hamster ball" around you, so only you have to be speedy to get them all to the bog.
>>
No. 489826 ID: c4e5c2
File 135986961052.png - (103.84KB , 700x700 , 4-391.png )
489826

"Are only the scales of the serpent valuable?"
>"The poison also is."
"And do they regrow, or does the serpent have to be killed?"
>"They can regrow, but you'd only be able to take so many at once."
"You'll have to forgive me, but since last time I was cursed as a slime and this time I have no recollection, I have little to go off of. So I must, ask, for this visit... kiss?"
>"Help yourself."
"Thank you, Miss Silveena, for amusing my time cycle talk! Well then, I will be off! I may wish to speak more of this cycle later, but for now, I think things are in as decent order as they've ever been!"
>"Just Silveena. Don't worry about it, it's more interesting than the usual topics I have to hear about." Goodbye."

>Artifact
I had forgotten to check, but it does in fact feel charged up this cycle! Nice of the time lord to leave the battery charged.

>Late in the day
I got some sleep, it is quite early in the third day!
>>
No. 489828 ID: c4e5c2
File 135986966998.png - (100.36KB , 700x700 , 4-392.png )
489828

And back to Muo!

"Hello again, Muo!"
>"Good morning again."
"I was thinking, the Bog is quite a long trip! Would it be possible for slimes to gather together and make a giant hollow ball to which I may run down hills and otherwise make the trip fast?"
>"That.... I... no, no, Story, I don't think that will work very well when you actually try it I've tried it it doesn't work.."

Too bad! I share the newly learned details of the serpent with Muo.

"And so I would also ask, would any slimes around here be willing to offer themselves for a bit of safe poison serpent nourishment in the hopes that we may convince her to spare some scales?"
>"Uhhhhhhhhhhh well since we're in a time cycle, that's probably the best time to test out if it's a horrible idea! So, yes. Some are willing."
"Are you sure? I mean, you didn't actually ask any..."
>"Oh, no, I'm sure some are willing, if you want to try that."
>>
No. 489829 ID: f2c20c

>>489828
Well alright, let's give it a shot!
>>
No. 489831 ID: 908c2d

Wait, what, the plan is to feed slimes to her? Not to woo her right out of her scales? What's wrong with us?
>>
No. 489833 ID: 78c6ea

>>489681

I love how of all the potential and past beings you are to and have wooed on the list, the only one everyone actually objects to is also the only fellow kobold.
>>
No. 489834 ID: 997ce7

>>489833
Untrue. There's that kobold chick who calls SS Yapper and thinks broken horns are sexy.
>>
No. 489836 ID: 695191

>>489831
Well she is clearly hungry, so why not treat her to a dinner first?
>>
No. 489838 ID: b33427

Yeah, that sounds like the plan. Go for it.

Though, before leaving, visit Rotfrost and Minci to pick up some proper collection gear, such as heavy gloves, vials, ladles, jars, etc., some poison resistance potions, if they have them, and ask if they'd also want you to collect some of the paralysis water from the bog, since that bog water could be useful. Oh, and ask for some pick-me-up potions for the slimes; They're going to need them after the serpent drains them.

>>489831
Call it a dinner date, with the slimes as the dinner. Story Seeker will have time to chat the serpent up while waiting for the slimes to come back out. He can ask who lives in that house on the cliff side while he's there as well. ...Actually, do we even know if the serpent is female... Uh, better find that beforehand.

>>489833
Not true; Sili's another 'bold, the same kind as Story Seeker and from the same village, so she'd be fair game. That is, if she didn't think Story Seeker was such a wimp.
>>
No. 489840 ID: 908c2d

>>489834
That's Sili. Springfoot's also there, as is Story Seeker. So all told there are four 'bolds on the list. :V
>>
No. 489842 ID: 78c6ea

>>489840

Sorry, my bad.

Wait, Story Seeker is on the list?
>>
No. 489847 ID: 908c2d

>>489842
Yup. Timeclone selfcest. :V

I mean, c'mon, he was naked, and in our bed! That's closer than we've gotten with a lot of people on the list. Dunno how we'd ever gonna actually check that one off though...

It's compiled in order that SS would have written it in- as he first encountered people, and/or they first became a possibiliy (Clunker, for instance, is after Muo because he didn't get written in until after the smile incident).
>>
No. 489848 ID: b33427

>>489842
Yep. "Timeclone selfcest," though Springfoot with the top-quality Story Seeker illusion on her might count as well. Double points if the illusion wears off halfway through.
>>
No. 489871 ID: 695191

But SS hasn't shown any signs of being gay, at all! So clearly if he is going to sleep with himself, it needs to be a genderswapped version.
>>
No. 489876 ID: 997ce7

>>489871
Having sex with a clone of any type is like having sex with elves: automatically not gay.

What it actually is is open to debate, but it's definitely not gay.
>>
No. 489877 ID: 695191

>>489871
>>489876
Well... at the very least let's make it a threesome with a girl in the middle. Muo would do well for that, I think.
>>
No. 489897 ID: 66ff59

>>489826
we need to remember, should we bed the archboobs again this cycle, to use the hourglass to right before we started and have another go
>>
No. 489898 ID: b33427

>>489897
Why only go back such a short time? Roll all the way back to the beginning and get the first time with her all over again, as well as the second. And, as a bonus, get to screw over the fake prince in an even more effective and efficient manner. It's win-win all over the place.
>>
No. 489901 ID: f2c20c

I don't want to use the hourglass unless we need to.
>>
No. 489907 ID: 66ff59

>>489901
why? because it'd be hilarious
>>
No. 489911 ID: c4e5c2
File 135990690359.png - (161.32KB , 700x700 , 4-393.png )
489911

I inform Muo that this sounds like a sound plan! I stop off at Zirkala's place to pick up basic supplies for collection. Jars, vials, gloves and so forth! Muo gathers a few slimes, and we walk and roll our way to the bog. I think much about checking myself off the list, but no good ideas on how to manage that come to mind! Perhaps I can experiment more with this hourglass to see if I revert back without taking over my old self again, and make a clone instead.

Upon entering the bog, Muo has one of the slimes drink the water, which does not seem to get an immediate result. However, upon having the second one drink, the poison serpent shows up!

>"Why hello there. It's a whole band of slimes and a kobold. It's been too long. Would the rest of you care for a drink as well?" she says, flicking a bit of water at us.
>>
No. 489917 ID: c59939

>>489911
Tell her that you're actually here to make a deal with her. That you'd like to help her have a reliable source of food in exchange for some scales. Make it clear that it's not your intent to harm her, and only would want what she can afford to give.
>>
No. 489918 ID: 57a559

>>489911
You know I just thought of something
Silveena said these things were pacifists, but if we weren't a slime next time I think she would have at least crushed our bones if not strangle us to death.

I think this snake is different.
Oh well, too late now! It's funny how these things come when it's too late. Or you could simply ask the snake the truth of her inner workings.
>>
No. 489919 ID: 908c2d

...wait, why did we get this close? I'm really not sure I buy this thing being a pacifist. It was more than happy to slime-nom us by force, last time.
>>
No. 489920 ID: b33427

Thank her for the offer of the paralytic water, but you'll pass. Say that you've come here on behalf of the slimes to strike a deal with her; A regular source of food in the form of slime life force in exchange for her paralytic poison and occasionally a very small number of her scales. You just need to confirm from her that the "absorption" will not be fatal or crippling to the slimes before getting into details on how many slimes to scales and such.

If she's reluctant, try pointing out that trading her poison and scales this way will help alleviate the demand for them and reduce the chance of armed yahoos showing up to try and kill her for her parts.
>>
No. 489928 ID: c4e5c2
File 135991315874.png - (117.99KB , 700x700 , 4-394.png )
489928

>Crushed our bones/strangles us to death
Although I cannot vouch for sure, and being a slime certainly helped, I don't think she was squeezing that tight! I imagine that even if she did so now, I would merely have to place some more effort on breathing, but certainly nothing so gruesome.

"Hello, miss Serpent! I must pass on the water. I have come for a deal." I make sure that she does not splash water into my mouth, but she makes no effort to do so while I speak.
>"Here we go - wait, you came for a deal, it's not just a deal you made up right now?"
"Correct! We have slimes here, who are perfectly willing to uh, be eaten, but we wish to have some of your scales, and perhaps some of your tooth poison! Only enough that you can afford to give."
>"Oh. Oh. That's complicated. That's a deal. I, uh... I can't."
"Why not?"
>"I already made a deal with the people on the cliff house."
"Ah, so you already have a source of food?"
>"Yes. I do want more. I always want more. But I can't sacrifice more scales. I already can't afford to move around too much, because these scales protect me from the water, so I get numb in places where scales are missing."
"Is that so! Might I be able to speak with these individuals?"
>"Uh... one is in me. Right now. But I don't want to spit him out yet. I will in a few hours, and those guys will pick him up and you can talk to them, then. Or, you know, you could just go up to them. On the cliff. I can show you the trail. I don't really like them, but we do have a deal. I dunno. Actually, maybe you could put those slimes in my mouth right now and those other guys would be willing to take a break and not gather scales for a bit, so you can have my next batch. Right now. Yeah, I bet that would be fine with them. Just go ahead, other slimes, drink some water and I'll do the rest of the work."
>>
No. 489930 ID: 695191

Ugh, why is nothing ever simple? Well let's go to negotiate, see if we have friends or foes to make.
>>
No. 489931 ID: cf7b8e

Does she have to live in the poison water?
If you think about it, all the scale hunters are rather stupid like that story of the goose laying golden eggs.
>>
No. 489933 ID: 997ce7

If not the scales, how about just the poison?
>>
No. 489934 ID: 908c2d

Hmm. I don't think if we feed her any slimes that the other guys are going to be willing to give up their batch of scales.

I say we offer her some slimes (but not Muo!) in exchange for information, and silence. Then we go steal some scales for ourself (or... woo them away from whoever has them in that house).

If the other people question the slimes at all, they should just pretend like they're unsuspecting chumps the snake tricked, and not part of a deal.
>>
No. 489938 ID: 695191

>>489933
Oh that is good too, let's collect some of that poison (venom?) before anything else.
>>
No. 489945 ID: c4e5c2
File 135991817538.png - (113.80KB , 700x700 , 4-395.png )
489945

I lean in to whisper to her.

"How about... I give you two slimes now, for some of your fang poison and your silence on this! As far as anyone would be concerned, you trapped the two slimes on your own."
>"Suuuuure. Except I want more!"
"I will be glad to make more deals later, but for now, this is all! Also... do you actually need to live in the poison water?"
>"Yes."
"Very well! I will come back soon."
>"I'm counting on it."

We leave the two immobilized slimes with her, I fill up a couple vials of her poison, and the slimes and I start hiking up the hill to the top.

"It would appear this is the spot! The ladder should head down, unfortunately, it does not lend itself well to sneaky entrances, and there is a good chance we will be spotted if there is a lookout. I do not see anyway to check out many, if any, people are inside either!
>>
No. 489949 ID: 78c6ea

I bet they wouldn't expect if you jumped down.
>>
No. 489954 ID: 908c2d

>>489949
I expect that would kill us. We aren't a slime anymore.

SS should just head down, for a charm offense. It's always worked before.
>>
No. 489959 ID: 3853e3

>>489945

Well, I would say, regarding this >>489343
They already noticed you talking to the serpent and then heading up when they had a lookout...
>>
No. 490012 ID: c4e5c2
File 135993183543.png - (116.01KB , 700x700 , 4-396.png )
490012

>I bet they wouldn't expect if you jumped down.
I would bet the same!

>We aren't a slime anymore
Hm, yes, suddenly I am wishing that I could change between the two options! If I were like Muo, simply leaping down would be quite a viable option.

"Muo, could you do me a favor?"
>"Mmmhm?"
"I will lean you over the house, and then drop you! You can survive long falls, correct?"
>"Yep. Uh, I'm not really sure why you have to carry me, though..."
"It is not exactly every day that I get to drop friends from great heights!"
>>
No. 490014 ID: c4e5c2
File 135993185366.png - (145.90KB , 953x522 , 4-397.png )
490014

CRASH

>"OI WAT AN AMBUSH"
>>
No. 490015 ID: c4e5c2
File 135993186603.png - (155.50KB , 953x522 , 4-398.png )
490015

"Hello, Miss! I a-"

>"A WHOLE GROUP OF 'EM AMBUSHERS!"

TWANGCLUNK
>>
No. 490016 ID: c4e5c2
File 135993189898.png - (148.31KB , 953x522 , 4-399.png )
490016

>"GAHHHDAMNIT"

Fwoosh!
>>
No. 490018 ID: 5d98c3

>>490016
Quick, throw Muo at the fire to smother it. Also, try to convince the redneck cliff dweller that we aren't ambushers.
>>
No. 490019 ID: 47d311

If you have the means, putting the fire out would be a nice peace gesture.
>>
No. 490020 ID: 3853e3

Ok... we surprised him/her...
Why did we need to surprise this one anyway? Couldn't we just shouted down that we are friendly and wanted to talk? Or are we fighting here?
>>
No. 490024 ID: f2c20c

>>490016
She's disabled! Go restrain her!
>>
No. 490025 ID: 908c2d

Oh, goblins! You've got experience with those!

Muo should use chaos magic to put out the fire with some kind of non-flammable but nonetheless amusingly inappropriate fluid, while SS heads down and uses absurd bardic diplomacy on the goblinette (while politely extracting her head from that pot).
>>
No. 490033 ID: 695191

A goblin! With a sizable posterior! Oh let's do get on her good side sooner than later. Have Muo put out the flames while you chat up the momentarily disabled gobbo.
>>
No. 490079 ID: f2c20c

Oh, and while you're going over to the goblin and she can't see, pocket a few scales.
>>
No. 490095 ID: c4e5c2
File 135994082671.png - (165.30KB , 953x522 , 4-400.png )
490095

"Muo, put out the flames! Miss goblin, I would merely like to ch-"

I attempt to take the pot off her head even as she flails about, to which I am successful! And she goes to punch me in the face, which she, too, is successful in her endeavors!
>>
No. 490096 ID: c4e5c2
File 135994084289.png - (150.02KB , 953x522 , 4-401.png )
490096

By the time I recover, she runs down through the trap door! I think I surprised her too well.

Muo takes some initiative and takes a bunch of the scales that they just had hanging around, while I move to yell down the trap door to the goblin.

"Miss, I merely want to talk!"
>"Yeh?! Yer gonna be talkin' at the end of my damn sword once I... fuckin' hell it's up there! Once I find a goddamn sword, yer gonna regret ambushin' us!"

>"Are you alright, Story?" Muo asks.
"Certainly! I suppose I cannot blame her for the hostilities, but a surprise seemed like a good idea at the time. Who knows, perhaps crossbow is her reaction to mild mannered speaking as well!"
>"Alright. Are you ready to go?"
"Hm?"
>"Well, I got a buncha scales, and that's why we came, right?"
>>
No. 490097 ID: f2c20c

Hrm.

Yeah, may as well. Next cycle we can try a different approach.
>>
No. 490099 ID: 695191

...Burglary is not how we want to accomplish this as a rule, but it will do for now! We'll try more peaceful methods on future loops.

Take the sword and crossbow along, to discourage pursuit of a violent nature.
>>
No. 490103 ID: 908c2d

Ooh! Sticky fingers!

Well... we were going to try something trickier, but brazen theft does have it's advantages. Maybe we can try something else next time.

Block the trap door with something so the gobo can't come after you while you get away. :V
>>
No. 490104 ID: b33427

Hey, don't be so hasty to leave. You've got a good opportunity here to rummage around and find out stuff you could use in your next attempt.

If you jam the trapdoor shut with the crossbow, and move the beds on top of it, she'll be trapped down there. And since the only way out of the house is through this room and up the ladder, she won't be able to get down to the poison serpent any time soon, so that'll give you time to wait for her to cough up the slimes. Uh, just be on the lookout in case she tries to climb up the exterior of the house to get at you.

Grab the sword and use it as a lever to pry open that chest and proceed to rummage. Keep the sword, since a big slicy thing can come in handy, even if it's not to slice others.
>>
No. 490115 ID: c4e5c2
File 135994403621.png - (147.72KB , 953x522 , 4-401.png )
490115

>Loot more
Well, since it is too late to take another route, I may as well fully go this route!

"Okay, Muo, but next time I will still attempt to chat! Let's open this chest, block the trap door and make our escape."
>"Okayy."
>"EY LET ME OUT!"

I suppose I will grab the weapons as well, although Muo was able to pick the lock as though she had the key! Lets see... 10 vials of unidentified substances! A bag of leaves, and pouches of stuff that I am apprehensive about opening in light of where much of these materials came from.
>>
No. 490116 ID: f2c20c

>>490115
Don't forget that there was another person in the snake. They could be returning soon, so get up that ladder!
>>
No. 490118 ID: 47d311

Tell her that you'll let her out when she calms down and is ready to have a rational conversation.

As easy as it is to walk away it is not a good idea to kill someone, especially since we don't know if even people who die start again at the beginning of the time loop
>>
No. 490120 ID: 695191

Check the windows for anyone coming near, consider other exits than the one you came in for utmost expedience and avoidance of trouble.
>>
No. 490121 ID: b6edd6

>>490118
People who are not us were confirmed to come back next loop when Zirkala killed all the naga that one time.
>>
No. 490127 ID: 908c2d

We don't need to kill her. She has no idea who we are or who to find us, her friends are going to be snake drained, and we have the time loop.

Grab a sword, the vials and let's go before any of her friends show up.

We'll leave the other slimes to sneak around and retrieve the ones who got eaten when they're released.
>>
No. 490129 ID: 57a559

Good Haul! You are also good at being a kobold now!
>>
No. 490132 ID: b33427

Well, may as well take some of this stuff. Rotfrost can identify it later. Have Muo take the vials, since those can be carried safely inside her. If she has no room, take some of the scales from her. Actually, take some scales anyway, just in case you two get separated. You take the bag of leaves and as many of the pouches as you can pocket; Use the collection gear you brought to handle and store them. You two can hand some of the stuff of to the other slimes once you get up the cliff.

Grab the sword and get up the ladder out of here. Get down the path to the poison serpent as fast as you can, to get to her before she coughs up the other goblin. You want to be there to restrain him while he's weakened so you can interrogate him. You want to know who they sell the scales on to, just in case one of their buyers is back in the Commons. That'll simplify things if you could just buy, steal, or con the scales close to home. Also ask if they're on a quota, and what kind of trouble they'd get in for not meeting it.

Once you're done interrogating, feed him some of the paralytic poison and ask the poison serpent to eat him, then spit him out in a couple of hours, and without killing him. You just want enough of a head start to get away.
>>
No. 490135 ID: c4e5c2
File 135994722145.png - (102.78KB , 700x700 , 4-402.png )
490135

"Let's get out, I do hope we aren't seen!"
>"My slime buddies don't see anything." Muo says, apparently able to tell.

The trip up to the top is uneventful, and we start heading down.

>"Sooo, I guess we should go back to pick up my other slimebuddies."
"I guess so! Perhaps we can interrogate whoever else is inside the serpent."
>"Yeah, uh, how are we convince the serpent to spit them out? She didn't seem like the sort to just give them up. Or whoever's inside. Unless you did want to abandon the slimes. I mean, it's no big deal, I guess, since all of us will come back as long as you survive."
>"Are you suuuure about that?" one of the slime asks in the back.
>"Yes, it's happened before probably."
"You can certainly be morally dubious at times, Muo!" I say, readjusting my belt of many stolen goods.
>>
No. 490136 ID: f2c20c

It has happened before- Zirkala killed all the naga in one cycle, remember?

While we're talking to the serpent again, ask how people breathe when they're in her. Considering she's a magical creature, does she like, provide them with air through magical means or something?

Let's not worry too much about the slimes- they can make their way back to the cave after the serpent's done eating, I expect.
>>
No. 490137 ID: 695191

>>490135
Ah whatever, we really don't have much to worry about in terms of a few slimes being hurt or lost when we loop again.

...However, leaving slimes behind can be a different kind of risk, in case they are caught and interrogated. Its a slim danger, but having someone coming after SS for vengeance isn't something we should be casual about.

Regardless let's make the effort to leave none behind.
>>
No. 490138 ID: 908c2d

Eh, even if the slimes would be fine, it would kind of be a jerk move to leave them stuck out in the swamp a few days. Let's see if we can pick them up.

Maybe send the slime buddies ahead to the caves with the stuff for Rotfrost to check out?

>poison scales
Possible idea: use them in a potion to boost SS's poison resistance, and use them as spell reagent's to boost the Archmage's poison blast. Meaning the initial spell before we bounce is stronger, and we can bounce longer!
>>
No. 490145 ID: b33427

Better interrogate the guy, just in case it reveals something that'd make this all go much easier next cycle. However, keep the other two slimes out of sight. That way he only knows as much about you two as his partner does.

When you get to the poison serpent, tell her that you're going to stick around until she'd normally let the guy in her loose so you can interrogate him without her appearing to collude with you. She's going to have to let him loose anyway so he can eventually recover and let his partner loose. You'll force him to drink paralysis poison and dump him out of sight when you're done with him, so he can recover once you're long gone.

She should keep the slimes in her and "release" once she's done with them in secret and where the other two slimes can collect them. You're still going to do a slimes-for-stuff deal, but it's going to be fewer slimes for just her paralysis venom, and it'll be secret and under cover of night, until you figure out a way to deal with two she's made a deal with before without killing them.

...Hmmm. Muo's attitude is a little odd. ...Hey, does her Tom pendant look off to you? Darker than usual? Like when Not-Tom was loose? Try and sneak a peek to get a better idea, but don't bring it up, just in case Not-Tom is pulling something.
>>
No. 490152 ID: c4e5c2
File 135995282434.png - (131.33KB , 700x700 , 4-403.png )
490152

"Perhaps we should send our slime buddies here ahead to go ahead and deliver the goods?"
>"Uh... I don't think Rotfrost needs that long, so it probably doesn't matter. And, uh, these guys are nice and sweet and very loyal, buuuuuuuuut I really don't think that makes them reliable even if they try their best."

>Muo is being weird, amulet is darker. Sneak a peak at the amulet
No, I think this is just a side of Muo I do not see often! It is the same amulet as well, and I suppose it was just a trick of the light that made it appear darker before.
>>
No. 490153 ID: c4e5c2
File 135995284553.png - (91.62KB , 700x700 , 4-404.png )
490153

>"You're back." the serpent says, coming to us.
"Yes! First, a question. How do people breathe while in you?"
>"Oh, they don't need to at all. It becomes completely unnecessary."
"Is that so! Nextly, I would like to speak with the deal maker you said was currently in you."
>"I don't want to spit him out."
"Not necessarily now! But you were going to spit him out in awhile, were you not?"
>"Yes. And the others will also be around to pick him up. Or did you make peace with them so that that isn't a problem? It isn't a problem for me. I hope you're not going to ask for your other slimes back."
>>
No. 490154 ID: f2c20c

>>490153
Well we trapped one in the house. If there was more than one in there then they're both trapped. If there's someone else doing hunting or something... we might be able to ambush them.

Let's wait around and watch from out of sight to see what happens.
>>
No. 490157 ID: 908c2d

Well... they probably won't be happy to see us, actually.

When would we have to come back for the slimes? We don't mind if you're not done with them yet, but it would be nice to know when.
>>
No. 490161 ID: b33427

Uh... You probably should have asked this earlier, but can those inside her hear what's going on near her? Or at least hear what she's saying? They likely don't, since she talked openly, but just ask to be sure before continuing.

Oh, and ask her what her name is, if she has one. Not asking that earlier was an impolite oversight on your part you wish to rectify before going farther.

Once that's cleared up, say that it's pretty certain there won't be making any peace with them, since Muo fell through their roof, the two of you trapped one of them on the other side of a trapdoor, and then you stole most of their inventory.

So if she would share what she knows about them, starting with how many there are, what and who they are, and their schedules, you'd appreciate that. That'd be enough without having to speak to the guy directly. You wouldn't be able to interrogate him anyway if there's more of them than that gal you trapped behind the trapdoor.

You're not going to ask for the slimes back right away, but you don't expect her to keep a hold of them forever. The two other slimes will stick around to help them back home after they're expelled. You'll still do the deal with her, just with only a single slime every night in exchange for her poison and silence about all this. That should be enough to at least keep her quiet until you're long gone.
>>
No. 490167 ID: 8404b1

Someone, put that snake on our "To Do" list, please.
>>
No. 490168 ID: 908c2d

>>490167
No worries, she's already there.
>>
No. 490169 ID: 695191

All that is important is that the others don't get any information about us from her or the slimes, and that when the slimes are released they aren't anywhere near the others or known to be there. They just need to get home.
>>
No. 490212 ID: c4e5c2
File 135999366704.png - (86.61KB , 700x700 , 4-405.png )
490212

"By the way, what is your name, miss serpent?"
>"Alessi."
"Well then, Alessi, I must say that the other group will most assuredly not like my being around! Perhaps you could answer me a few questions about them? How many are there?"
>"Uh... give me another slime and I'll talk."
"And you'll spit the three of them out at the same time and let them go when you are done?"
>"Yes."
"Very well! The other slime can stick around to help them back to the caves. Oh, and can the ones in your stomach hear us speak?"
>"Noooo. And, there are 6. A, uh, 2 goblins, a gnoll, two kobolds and a funny bird thing. That I've seen. I dunno. It's a whole operation they have going here, and I don't think they like other people trying to get it on their turf!"
"Do they have schedules?"
>"The gnoll and kobolds just go around foraging all day for stuff. I think the bird guy is sorta their manager but he hunts on the other side of the mountain. Then the goblins usually stay at their home. But they all take shifts being eaten, and the goblins on double shifts since they don't seem to do much else. Right now it's a goblin."
"I suspect that they sell their goods at another place! Do you know where?"
>"Uh... not really, but I think three of them usually go once every couple of weeks to the west, but not always. I, uh, know where some of their gold stashes are... no, no, forget I said anything, they know that I've seen them bury gold, so they'll know I squealed if it's dug up. And we can't have that! But they are rich."
>"Was there even any gold in their house, Story?" Muo asks.
"Not on the top floor! Perhaps their basement was reminiscent of a dragon's hoard! Although as I have said, I am not sure if common burglary is a path I wish to take."
>>
No. 490222 ID: 908c2d

I'm not sure we need any more gold this loop (and next time we go for scales I'd like to try something trickier). Unless we want to ruin what seems to be a perfectly legitimate vore-fetish and poison scale collecting business. Or we want to try and woo the drake by showering her in shinnies.

I think we're just about done here, unless we want to spy. We can head back, have Rotfrost evaluate the scales and other junk, and see what good the scales are to Selveera (I still like the idea of using them to boost her poison magic and our resistance to supercharge the bounce trick. Though... not ready to break free just yet).
>>
No. 490226 ID: 695191

We have little need of gold, only these items. Even then we may have far more than enough. Future loops may need nothing more than a simple purchase of a handful of scales from them.
>>
No. 490264 ID: c4e5c2
File 136000810926.png - (152.64KB , 700x700 , 4-406.png )
490264

I thank Alessi for her assistance passing on further gold looting, leave the details and evacuation plan for the slimes to the slimes, and Muo and I make the walk back to our place.

End of day 3

"Hello, Rotfrost, Minci!"
"Hey, hun."
"How is your curse study going?"
"Well! I just figured it out a couple of hours ago. And how did your bog trip go?"
"Excellent! Perhaps you two could have a look at these things? And is there a way to use these scales to enhance a poison spell?"
>"Authentic scales of the poison serpent! This will greatly allow for a fantastic resistance to poison." Rotfrost explains. "But I do not know any manner of poison magic boon."
"I do. I'll show you, Rotfrost, then Zirkala can use that memory to pass your memory to Story's future cycles. From what I've learned, I think that with your current magic resistance potion mixed in with Silveena's spell hitting you after Tom does his bouncing and modification to it, you will almost certainly have enough magic resistance to break through the cycles."
"Do you know what the market value on these might be?"
>"Such things frivolously change depending on region, time and client! Each scale, of which there are 14, could go for as much as a thousand gold apiece! Each vial of poison could be 400 gold each, of which it seems that you have 5 including that which you stole. Everything else, perhaps, may be 4,000 gold in total." claims Rotfrost.

I still have plenty of time to dedicate to training and practicing the various arts I have taken up, but there might still be refining to be had!

Gaining the goblin queen's hair is all but confirmed. Silveena's bra might be difficult to do if I wish to continue having good relations with her, but I believe that simply spending gold to purchase Zirkala's enchanted alternative may be close enough since it sounds like the Silveena-Tom spell will launch my resistance over the edge and then some. Foregoing that, however, will most certainly require the retrieval of a couple of scales! That could certainly stand to be optimized, if just something so simple as purchasing some scales from them. Perhaps other things can be optimized as well that I am forgetting about, although I am getting ahead of myself! I still have 2 days of this cycle to kill, nevermind that my artifact is, in fact, charged.
>>
No. 490267 ID: 66ff59

hey, we shouldn't rush to end the cycles!
we should take advantage of them still, after all the time lord said we have plenty of time left.

we should add to the list of things we should train with magic training with the archboobs. both bonding and magic training in one time slot! a bargain!
>>
No. 490270 ID: c59939

Spend remaining two pre-hourglass days learning magic. You can currently do what, make sound louder? Get back to your studies.
>>
No. 490271 ID: 908c2d

Hmm. The scales are only 1000 a pop? We could pretty easily buy what we needed next time, instead of stealing them. Assuming we don't find a way to charm the scale harvesters out of them.

>Silveera's bra
Maybe we could use a physical carry over one loop to time-clone an extra for ourself? (Obtain bra, equip bra, physical carry over, start next loop with an extra bra from nowhere!).

Regardless, I think befriending her, stopping the spy promoted war, and hopefully bedding her (and not forgetting!) is worth more than stealing the bra.

In fact, we might stop back and try to score again before this loop is over. She did leave us an open invitation...

>Perhaps other things can be optimized as well!
Well, we could smooth out the kinks in the stop the naga spy plan. And test the bouncing when Silveena's cooperating instead of hostile. And then we still have the improved slime / water distribution plan.

We also want to do a physical carry over this time, so we don't lose Minci curing Rotfrost's lust/abstinence chaos potion!

Also, we need to figure out what we want to include in the final loop! (The one people remember). Is should probably include the naga plan, making the drake happy / naming her, Tailor patronage, maybe Gobbo Queen seduction? An improved slime / water situation? It's gonna take a little work to get the timing down of cramming everything in there!

Also... *cough* we still have quite a few people to try to woo. We could devote a few cycles to going after a few of them.
>>
No. 490283 ID: c4e5c2
File 136001379530.png - (79.02KB , 700x700 , 4-407.png )
490283

I proceed to take advantage of Silveena's offer to come back. Twice! But otherwise, I merely study my magic to one day have it be useful on a repeatable basis.

And now, I must opt to use my artifact again, assuming I do not simply waste its charge. The question then, is do I return all the way back to the beginning of the cycle, merely to where I had entered the bog, or somewhere else entirely?
>>
No. 490289 ID: 695191

>>490283
Let's go to the beginning. We shouldn't be taking risks on these last chance cycles so we'll do a regular mental loop with maxed out training. With some effort to get the scales with less fuss.

After that, we'll shoot for getting everything good done in one loop.
>>
No. 490291 ID: f2c20c

>>490283
I don't want to use the hourglass for something like this. For all we know, rewinding using it is worse for the fabric of time than the normal loop. Then again, it might be completely harmless compared to the normal loop. That might've been a good thing to ask the Time Lord.

Anyway, we could use the hourglass to try approaching the scale-gatherers in a different way, if we're really gonna rewind. We could offer to get them a better price on their scales, like 800 or so- we'd be selling them to Silveena for 1000 each. We can use the profit to keep our hands on a scale or two, and possibly just... profit.

I don't really like the idea of spending 10k to buy Zirkala's artifact. Didn't Silveena say she'd give us hers?

I also want to fiddle with the resistance until we can hit the physical checkpoint but not break the cycles. We still need to get our training with Ralex in proper!
>>
No. 490299 ID: 908c2d

>I don't really like the idea of spending 10k to buy Zirkala's artifact. Didn't Silveena say she'd give us hers?
The problem is, if we use the bra in the potion, we can't use it in the bouncing to get the poison turned antimagic water spell. And without bouncing (and stacking on scale bonuses) we can't get enough MR to clear.

>hit the physical checkpoint but not break the cycles. We still need to get our training with Ralex in proper!
We also need to use a physical checkpoint to get Minci's potion cure to stick.

Let's go back to the beginning. We need a way to get the flowers without stealing all of Zirkala's money (since not-Tom won't be killing her again) and we need to practice out the kinks in the befriend Silveena and overthrow the spy plan.

How much money do we have to our name again? If we're bankrupting ourself for Zirkala's MR item, we might need to plan a may to earn more. Or we could try seducing some of the gobo Queen's MR items to use, instead.
>>
No. 490305 ID: c59939

Oh, warp back to day one, have the fake princes money replaced with doify's fools gold (as well as the planted evidence), and 'lose' to him in the auction while still showing you have a good bit of money.

BAM. Naga situation streamlined.
>>
No. 490309 ID: 908c2d

>>490305
Oh, I kind of like that!

Although the timing is kind of tight, when did the auction happen? We might not have time to get all the pieces in place. (Kind of a pity if Springfoot doesn't get to beat him up, too).
>>
No. 490322 ID: c4e5c2
File 136002195379.png - (101.05KB , 700x700 , 4-408.png )
490322

>I also want to fiddle with the resistance until we can hit the physical checkpoint but not break the cycles.
If I am not mistaken, a particularly strong potion of resistance was able to do just that!

I head back to the beginning of the cycle!

>"Good morning, Story."
"Hello, Muo! Feeling fine?"
>"Yes. No not-Tom or anything!"
"Excellent."

>How much money do you have in your name?
10,200 gold!
Zirkala's best magical resistance item costed me 15,000 as well, although Zirkala was willing to place me in debt for that, so it does not hurt my immediate spending cash for the short term! Alternatively, getting a magical item from the goblin queen may be a factor, but that is only if I give up gaining the bra.

>Replace prince's money with fake gold immediately, lose in Kep auction
This might do the trick! It will certainly take care of two issues at once, namely if this farce is to be publicized properly.

>Getting Silveena's bra
I don't believe that I properly asked, as I did not want to strain relations! Then again, it would have saved time, as it is quite an involved process to replicate the circumstances required to ask her of her bra with any chance of success! Nevertheless, I suppose I could stand to practice the prince humiliation along with the immediate gold replacement.
>>
No. 490323 ID: c4e5c2
File 136002198336.png - (93.70KB , 700x700 , 4-409.png )
490323

I spend all 5 days of the cycle, this time, safely in Zirkala's halls due to not having a safety fallback. How strange it feels, to hustle and bustle so much, only to spend 5 days straight letting the world go along while I plant myself in this chair!
>>
No. 490324 ID: c4e5c2
File 136002200051.png - (21.41KB , 643x348 , 4-410.png )
490324

Dawn of the first day, a new cycle begins.

I decide to see how goldswapping the prince early fares!

The answer is well! After exchanging 10,000 fake gold pieces for 3,000 real gold of my own, Guntax, immediately summoned by Zirkala, was able to swap out the gold carried by the prince. The prince then had to deal with 'winning' an auction for 2,000 gold, and the Kep flowers went to me for a mere 1,000 gold.

I then go ahead to Nelin later the first day to have an initial chat with Silveena to offer my help. The rest of the day is spent spending time with Clunker and Morgana.

At the second day, I proceed to have Springfoot, illusioned, duel the prince and have Guntax plant the rest of the evidence. All of that goes as planned, sealing the prince's poor state!
>>
No. 490325 ID: c4e5c2
File 136002202663.png - (130.50KB , 700x700 , 4-411.png )
490325

Once again I am invited into Silveena's chamber.

"Hello, Silveena! Before we continue, I must be honest with you. Yesterday's meeting was not our first! I must ask to use one of your memory gems."
>"How do you know of them?"
"As I have said, this is not our first meeting?"
>"That is a tall claim. Do you know the password for a gem?"
"Silverfish Sundry."
>"... stay here, I will get the gem. You have explaining to do."
>>
No. 490326 ID: c4e5c2
File 136002208514.png - (90.02KB , 700x700 , 4-412.png )
490326

She reads the gem, and I give her a moment to soak up that information.

>"Things went... farther than I expected. Well... welcome back, I suppose, Story Seeker."
"Thank you! Now, there is one thing I must ask regarding these time cycles that you have just learned about once again. I require the best possible magic resistance available! And I cannot help but know that your bra, if I may be so crude to mention, is an excellent source."
>"... yes. I suppose you might borrow it, as funny as it would look."
"Ah, but that is the troubling part! You see, it apparently must be placed inside of a potion..."
>"You want to disenchant it?!"
"Well... yes!"
>"I am beyond fortunate to have an item of this level of power. It is far more than I could reasonably hope for, and, Story Seeker, I am saying that as an archmage. It has saved me several times, and I expect that it will continue doing so for as long as I ever fight spell users and magical beasts. And you want to boil it down to a single use?..... I won't doom you to an eternity in a time cycle or whatever might come of it, but so long as there is any chance of an alternative, I am not willing to give that up."
>>
No. 490328 ID: 78c6ea

You have no choice Story Seeker. You must wear the bra.
>>
No. 490334 ID: c59939

>>490326
Explain that in previous time loops, you discovered something that created an anti magic effect through a combination of her poison magic, and chaos magic, and that that may be enough to break the loop.

Say that you would try this first, but worry that breaking the time loop would require both that and the bra.
>>
No. 490338 ID: 695191

"This is a repeating loop, of which I have at least another half dozen turns with. Put simply nothing we do here now will matter! But it is also true that there are multiple ways to do this, disenchantment is simply the simplest. "

"But nevermind that, there are more complicated methods involving poison magic and chaos gods. Previously that was discovered in a conflict over slimes and water, but with that being another thing to ultimately avoid we should try it under controlled conditions. I still need to acquire materials to boost that effect, however."
>>
No. 490341 ID: 908c2d

Actually, we don't need to disenchant it. It's not strong enough on its own to make a potion to escape that way!

We want to make the potion with something else, and then have her bounce a poison spell between us and the bra until diverting it into water. With a little chaos, this produces MR water. And if we boost both SS's poison res, and Silveena's spell with scales, it should be plenty strong.

The problem is going to be getting a different MR item for the potion, and obtaining the scales.
>>
No. 490343 ID: f2c20c

>>490326
Very well. We have an alternative- let's see what the goblin queen wants for her item. We could also try seeing if the goblin queen knows about that little scale-harvesting operation on the surface. Maybe telling her about it will have her take it over and result in a better situation for the serpent?
>>
No. 490344 ID: f2c20c

>>490322
>If I am not mistaken, a particularly strong potion of resistance was able to do just that!

Are you sure? I remember the only time we managed it was when Tom gave us a chaos boost.
>>
No. 490347 ID: 04b86a

>>490326
How did she come by that, anyway? Did she find it and use magic or potions on herself to make it properly fit, or was it a custom enchantment?

>disenchant it
Well, if most of the resistance will be coming from the poison spell we can probably wear it. I don't think that would interfere with it getting anti-magic properties, anyway. Someone also mentioned trying to bring it back with us with a physical rewind, and while I doubt that would work if we were simply holding or wearing it having it inside our body, say, in an acid-proof bag and eaten, might. (we'll need some shape-shifting magic for that)

>If I am not mistaken, a particularly strong potion of resistance was able to do just that!
Two potions of resistance and the Lich King adding on another enchantment on top of that!

>Spent five days straight hiding in Zirkala's halls
The caves aren't that dangerous, Story. You could have at least worked on getting the Tailor to cry tears of joy.
>>
No. 490349 ID: 57a559

>>490322
You don't take debt to next cycles thanks to the repeating loop SS!
>>490326
mi'lady, do you have any ideas on finding an even more powerful otem then? How did you acquire the bra? Maybe we can enchant an even better one?
>>
No. 490353 ID: 57a559

>>490349
>You don't take debt to next cycles thanks to the repeating loop SS!
I forgot to clarify that I thought that Zirkala didn't care how much you used that object as long as you didn't take it to the final loop. She just kept track of the bets that she made against you and compensated you for winning them. Otherwise, she don't give no fucks, right?
>>
No. 490359 ID: c4e5c2
File 136002607339.png - (94.66KB , 700x700 , 4-413.png )
490359

>I remember the only time we managed it was when Tom gave us a chaos boost.
>Also, Lich King boost
... I forgot about the whole line of Tailor's tears and repeat double potions and all of that! I will need to test making potions then to see what gets me where to stabilize a physical potion loop.

>Zirkala didn't care about using her magic item as long as it wasn't taken to the final loop
Ah... my memory is coming back, yet is still alarmingly weak.

>Put the bra in an acid proof bag, eat the bag, and hope a physical-preservation loop carries it back
I... might try this. With shapeshifting magic.

>You have no choice Story Seeker. You must wear the bra.
I don't know if this will work! It has not even been mentioned to me to simply wear magic resistant gear, and I question if it has any effect, or if it absolutely must be resistance that is either through ingested means or through getting directly boosted through magic spells.

"In previous time loops, I did discover something that created an antimagic effect through a combination of your poison magic, some chaos magic, and all that may be close enough to break the loop! I would try this first, but I would worry that it still may require the bra."
>"You explained, through the gem, that there are plenty of loops to go. You can try that first, and if that fails, I expect there will be another chance. If it fails, then I will be more allowing to give you my bra, just show the memories. The gem I gave only allows for authentic memories, so I will still trust it."
"Very well! Disenchantment was only the simplest, but I will go through the more complex means to avoid this. I do require materials, but I do have methods to gain that, as well!"
>"It sounds like we have this partially settled, then."
"However, Miss Silveena, I must share another memory. As I have just remembered that in a previous cycle, you claimed that you would give me the bra, and any subsequent loop in which I shamed the prince, as I have!"
>"I... erk... what was I thinking?! Unbelievable... why did I do that?"
"Do not worry, I will still seek alternatives! I understand the bra is important to you, so I will work to avoid having to destroy it." I say, to which she nods rather solemnly. "Although I must ask, how did you come by that bra? And I must ask, was it custom fit, or did you, ehem, make yourself fit?"
>"It was in a wizard's tower. We had it out for each other, and I came out the victor. It was probably one of my greatest achievements, although I was not alone. Nevertheless, he seemed to have a perverted sense of humor and made such a powerful item to be something like an oversized bra. I did not want to chance destroying it by moving the enchantment to a better fit, so I changed myself to fit, as its full effect requires a full bosom. I will add that the wizard was rather insane. Stupid insane."
"I think I would like to hear this tale!"
>"Alright."

And so she weaves the tale for me! The wizard had been wronged by the naga in many years past when the naga, prior to settling in these caves, looted some of the wizard's possessions. The wizard would attempt to get even, as would the naga in return for that getting even, it is a classis dilemma. Eventually Silveena and a few other mages went through the trapped halls of the wizard's tower and had a duel at the top! Silveena skips a lot of details during this, but the story is there. This is also how she became the archmage.

>"And that's the story about how it became worth lugging a huge chest around all day."
"Thank you, miss Silveena! It does credit to my name, and I understand even more why you are reluctant to part with it, even after you know you have said otherwise. I don't suppose that there is another item of magical resistance you may have?"
>"Not near as strong, but there is one. I will absolutely give that to you, at least, for this cycle, if you want to see how well it works."
"Thank you! Now there are other items of which I do need as well, so I believe I must receive that item, bid you farewell, and be off."
>"Already? Perhaps we are well accustomed in your eyes, but to me, all I have done is share a story that I am both greatly proud and mildly embarrased about. Would you not stay and show me how accurate your past memories of me are?"
>>
No. 490360 ID: f2c20c

>>490359
Oh, very well! We have time to spare, after all. So far even on our busiest cycle we had two extra days. I expect she wants us, again, not to immediately go for sex. So let's have some more chats about various things before doing anything serious.
>>
No. 490362 ID: 695191

Hell to the yes.
>>
No. 490366 ID: 908c2d

Sure, spend some time with her. Then we got other things to mess with.
>>
No. 490373 ID: b33427

Ah, sure. Why not? You've got time, and you'll both enjoy it. No rush here. Take your time, get her in the best mood you can before the "main event," and use your skill and knowledge of bed-magics to their fullest effect. Oh, and you can try out that bra snatching technique you worked on for a bit a few cycles ago on the real deal. That might be amusing.

Once you're done, take the magic resistance item she's offering, with your thanks, and go get it appraised by Rotfrost. You can ask about stacking potion effects with enchanted item effects then, and whether or not the enchanted item effect will be the right one.
>>
No. 490375 ID: c4e5c2
File 136002842070.png - (69.77KB , 700x700 , 4-414.png )
490375

"After a brief session of introspection, miss Silveena, I would love to spend some more time with you!"

And has it happens, it is true that she was not immediately leaning to bedside manners, but such activities to appear to be a subject written upon the unwritten agenda!
>>
No. 490376 ID: c4e5c2
File 136002846336.png - (105.66KB , 700x700 , 4-415.png )
490376

I cannot say that through all the repetitions that these loops hold for me, that these parts get old!

It goes excellent, up until someone bursts through the entry!"

>"Silveena?!"
>"Dad?! Get out!"
>"What in the high world are you doing with a k-kobold?!"
"Excuse me, if I may int-"
>The intruder, apparently Silveena's father, begins casting a spell! "FEAR."
>>
No. 490377 ID: c4e5c2
File 136002847507.png - (77.80KB , 700x700 , 4-416.png )
490377

Well.

That was a particularly intense session of abject, magically induced terror. I could not even control myself as I ran as though my life and then some depended on me running faster!

Worth it, of course.
>>
No. 490378 ID: 908c2d

Well. Note to self, make sure he's preoccupied or you go get some MR first next time. I wonder where he was last cycle? Maybe he's only around on day one?

Time to grab a spare pair of clothes and work on something else for a while.
>>
No. 490379 ID: 57a559

I bet her dad has good shit tucked away somewhere
>>
No. 490380 ID: f2c20c

History repeats itself! Next time we should be more prepared. I don't suppose we've learned any useful bardic spells yet?

Well, we know where our clothes will end up. Let's go get 'em. Oh! And a question for Minci, or... maybe Zirkala this time- can we REPRODUCE the curse, for the serpent? She seemed to like being a slime, so maybe we should do that for her.
>>
No. 490383 ID: 908c2d

>can we REPRODUCE the curse, for the serpent? She seemed to like being a slime, so maybe we should do that for her.
...that's not a bad idea. We could use that for wooing her, or in exchange for scales slime to use as reagents! We'd have to try and make a non-contagious version, though.

Oh, also:

>The gem I gave only allows for authentic memories, so I will still trust it.
That means using memory editing and the gem to tell anyone any lie we wanted backed up by fake memories was never actually an option. Good to know.
>>
No. 490386 ID: 5d98c3

Let's go loot her Dad's stuff! Time travel lets us do whatever we want to, with no consequences, except when Tom finds it funny.

On second thought, let's not try it and go back to powerleveling as a bard.
>>
No. 490388 ID: 695191

Being able to rebuff her fathers magic on future loops would get us bad props from her and maybe some respect from the old bugger.

But lets focus more on not being interrupted in the first place, in the future.
>>
No. 490392 ID: b33427

D'oh! Totally forgot that Silveena said last cycle that someone barged in on you two mid-coitus and you ran off without your stuff. Well, next cycle you can either ask to borrow that weaker magic resistance item Silveen mentioned and wear it while you two are together, hang Silveena's bra from your horns, or, just to mess with Silveena's dad even more, wear her bra as a bandoleer while you two are going at it. Oh, and afterwards, suggest that she get a proper door, with a sturdy lock.

For now, curl your tail around to cover your indecency, and head back to Nelin's guard post. If she's still there, then you can ask her to get your stuff back from Silveena, along with the weaker magic resistance item so you can get it appraised. If she isn't there, then she's already taking your stuff back to Zirkala's, so head there to fetch it before coming back to get the resistance item.

>>490380
Eh, making the serpent a slime would actually make her too dangerous, as it would likely take away the reason she spits out folks before they die, her "tender innards." And even if it doesn't make her innards less weak, she can still soak up the paralytic poison water and continually apply it to those trapped in her. She would suck all the life out of them if she could, judging by what she said about being so hungry.
>>
No. 490402 ID: c4e5c2
File 136003225051.png - (131.90KB , 700x700 , 4-417.png )
490402

>I don't suppose we've learned any useful bardic spells yet?
I can modify and dampen sounds to a modest degree! Most others require more magic finesse to reliably perform. I am working on it!

>Next cycle
Well, last cycle I visited Silveena after apparently being barged in on! Therefore, it must smooth itself out somehow. Nevertheless, I will see about getting magic resistance prior to the first Silveena special meeting, or inquire about a way of avoiding it altogether!

I will trust Silveena has my clothes delivered to Zirkala as seemed to happen last cycle, so I move back to Zirkala's lair, once I get my bearings and realize where I am.

>"Hey, buddy. Missing something?"
>"Oh shut up." the skeleton in the back says. "You're not even wearing pants."
>"Yeah okay, don't let me have any fun or anything while standing here. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth having my sentience if I just stand here for what could be literally a mill-"
>"Message."
>"Right. Bold. Your clothes are in your room."
"I suppose I have been out for quite some time if my clothes have arrived back here!"
>"Uh, yeah, you left earlier this morning."
"Not quite what I meant, but I shall not bore you with the details!"
>"Good, I don't really want to know."
>>
No. 490405 ID: c4e5c2
File 136003229091.png - (105.27KB , 700x700 , 4-418.png )
490405

Now fully clothed, I meet with Zirkala.

"Hello, Zirkala! Things went expectedly well, as I am sure Springfoot informed you. I am wondering, however, if the slime curse is reproduceable?"
>"As a matter of fact, it is. Funny you should mention that. It seems that Minci's notes from before have been placed through time and were placed in my cupboard. I have been reading them. Yes, it is reproduceable, with no small amount of effort. More interestingly, however, she left you specifically a note. I will hand it to you."

"Hey! As you know, I was studying our slime curse, but I focused on you, using some of Muo's bits and your scales. I nabbed one while you weren't looking, I couldn't resist. Anyway, I designed a little tailor made spell that will only work for you, by you. You'll be able to turn yourself into a slime. It takes a little concentration, and once you stop, you'll change back into a kobold, so it's not like the curse where you had no choice. You won't be able to change back into a slime for another hour after changing back into a kobold, but it should still have some use if you find yourself in a situation where being a slime is handy. So! Don't worry about the details of casting it, it's an easy innate ability, and I have it sorted out. If you like the sound of that, there's instructions on the back for how to summon me once, and I'll grant the ability. -Love, Minci <3'
>>
No. 490408 ID: 908c2d

>castable once per hour slime form
Awesome! Whenever you need to slip through cracks, survive big falls, need to avoid being bludgeoned or stabbed... lots of uses!

We should definitely do that. What do we need to gather to do the summoning?
>>
No. 490411 ID: 04b86a

>>490405
Excellent! That happens to give us a very easy way of placing items into our stomach, even if we have to leave it there for an hour before we can remove it.
>>
No. 490413 ID: beeca1

Will it be contagious and will you split into mini-yous if hit with a slashing weapon?
>>
No. 490414 ID: beeca1

Oh, and Zirkala also wondered how she got those archboobs, no? Might want to tell her that story. And then tell her about how her dad showed up, blueballed you, and cast fear on you.

I'm sure the latter will amuse her, and possibly the former as well.
>>
No. 490417 ID: c59939

>>>490414
Good Idea: Tell Zirkala the humorous story about how the bra and how you need to fill it out to get the full effect.

Bad idea: Bringing up your sexcapades. Zirkala doesn't care, it's not her business, and it reflects badly on the idea of her sleeping with you; because it makes it seem like you tell every goddamn woman you meet your entire range of sexual experiences.
>>
No. 490420 ID: 06ee8f

>>490414
a bit rude to kiss and tell like that, unless you can weave it into an interesting tale people would enjoy hearing rather than it sounding like you're boasting. Doubt Zirkala would appreciate it so much if you started telling people intimate details about her to other people.
>>
No. 490424 ID: b33427

Way to go, Minci! That sounds like a great ability. You'll have to remember to give her a big hug and thanks when you see her next.

Take a look at the summoning instructions, then tell Zirkala your idea that items placed inside yourself might travel back with you to the beginning of the next cycle, if you have enough magic resistance, of course. If you're a slime, then you can place the (tightly folded and tied up) archbra inside yourself, go back, and either change back into a slime right away, or experience some rather intense stomach discomfort for up to an hour and then change. The prospect of being able to duplicate high powered and rare magic items should be enough to convince her to provide the resources to summon Minci and get you fixed up with this innate ability.

Oh, and also tell Zirkala about how Silveena got the archbra, and that to work at full power it needs to be filled to capacity with boobies.
>>
No. 490426 ID: 370c40

How much Draconic have we learned, anyways?
>>
No. 490429 ID: 697800

One of the things we MUST do on the final loop is spend one of our left over days (if we have any) hanging with Doify / Miss Drake / Morganna.
>>
No. 490435 ID: 32096c

Handy spell. Memorize it the first lull you get in your schedule.
>>
No. 490438 ID: b33427

>>490429
How about we also figure out something for her to do to fill her days with. She needs a hobby. Something that she can do without breaking her dragon illusion. How about reading and collecting books? She can use her illusions and earth magic to hide a small library both under the dragon illusion and under the floor of her lair.

We could also convince her that many other dragons use their wealth to create webs of secret political and business dealings and investments, thereby making even more gold over time, and securing their position in the world beyond just their personal strength. And with her illusion magic, it should be much easier to keep her actions hidden. Then we could bring up a perfect starter investment; The kobold tailor. Imagine the tears of joy the tailor will shed when she's offered enough money to build a first-class tailor shop from a silent investor.
>>
No. 490444 ID: c4e5c2
File 136003782592.png - (140.05KB , 700x700 , 4-419.png )
490444

>What do you need for the casting
Uh... nothing! It says it asks for Zirkala's help in the summoning circle, but apparently is just a disposeable summon technique that simply requires mana. Again, inquiring for Zirkala's help there.

>How much Draconic have we learned, anyways?
Draconic? I already kn- oh wait real Draconic. Too little! I will place a slightly better focus on my draconic studies. Although I only know the butchered form, it is still a form nonetheless, so I am able to learn it with due haste.

>Tell the story of Archboobs
I will spare the intimate details of our relations, but I do tell Zirkala the answer to her queries regarding that chest!

>"That sounds silly. It is as silly as how she looks with that front load, so I will believe it. I would do the same, if what she said is true about requiring to fill the bra."
"Well, I imagine they do make for fine pillows against possibly blunt damage!"
>".... that is possibly the stupidest thing you have ever said to me, Story Seeker."
>"... well, I will assume otherwise, then! Now, I must ask for assistance in summoning Minci, if you do not mind? I intend on testing something with it, in which case it might be possibly to duplicate rare, magical artifacts!"
>"You have my attention. I will help summon Minci. I doubt she would appreciate it if I did not, regardless, and it would be quite rude of me to deny her when she has taught Rotfrost and myself no small measure of alchemy."
>>
No. 490445 ID: c4e5c2
File 136003803788.png - (146.04KB , 700x700 , 4-420.png )
490445

A short time later, Zirkala draws out the summoning circle and brings Minci back.

"Hey, there you are! I knew I'd see you again."
"Certainly! I would go out of my way to see you again, even if not just for this ability you said you had!
"Yep! Here you go." she pokes me with her tail again, but this time the effect is immediate! I now sense that I can cast that spell as need be.
"Uh... will it be contagious as it was before, while a slime?
"You know, I bet that you may be able to replicate because of the a side effect of the spells source, but only if you power up your slime self to uncover that to properly control it! Sorry, I can't give you anything concrete for intentionally making yourself contagious. Still, there's plenty of room to improve and find out, because you're still as weak as we were when we changed. You won't be able to move around like water right away, or other fancy stuff better slimes can do."
"So no splitting into a lot of mini me's when struck with a blade?"
>"Nope, that's probably even fancier. So don't do that!"
>>
No. 490447 ID: 57a559

>>490444
>".... that is possibly the stupidest thing you have ever said to me, Story Seeker."
Actions are louder than words, and we have performed stupider in front of you. So nope!
>>490445
Cool, great, now let's see here. We should get a slightly weaker artifact than the archbra and hair from the goblin queen soon then, so we can take the archbra back with us and get two total for that loop. Then we do it again next time around and get the third one, and so on and so on.

These next few loops are going to get repetitive and fast, Story. I'm unsure if it's worth it. And to get the goblin queen's hair, we're going to have to use a memory gem I'm sure. And explain how we'll never be able to pull off what we did that night without the abstinence potion which may dissapoint the queen... hmm, Minci, I don't suppose she has a sensual endurance potion recipe on her?
>>
No. 490448 ID: 908c2d

All right! So if we collect the archbra this time, we can try using slime form and a physical carry over to duplicate it (ultimately, we'll need to clone to twice for the final loop- one for the potion, and one to give to Zirkala).

If item cloning works, we can also duplicate something expensive to solve our gold problems for a long time, and possibly to make miss drake very happy.

I guess now we need to work on getting enough MR to do a physical carry over without Tom's boost.
>>
No. 490450 ID: beeca1

>>490448
I suddenly want to see a skeleton wearing the archbra. I wonder how lich!Zirkala would deal with the "have to fill out the bra for it to work" thing.

Also we should try and see if we can wear it on our butt.
>>
No. 490453 ID: 908c2d

Oh, new training option!

If we need to master our slime form to gain new tricks and abilities, can Muo train us to be a better slime?
>>
No. 490454 ID: b33427

Ask Minci if she could stay long enough for another round of bed-magic instruction; You're eager to test what your slime form can do there. Well, if she can leave the summoning circle, that is... Though, you could bring the bed here... Or just use the floor... Uh, that is, if Zirkala isn't here. That'd be awkward, to say the least.

Any which way that goes, you ought to test putting the archbra into yourself as a slime before the end of the cycle. The most important thing to find out is if it'll end up in your stomach when you shift back, and if so, if it'll fit in there. Folding it as much as possible, and sealing it in water and acid proof material beforehand would be a good idea. Also, best do this test with good healers on standby, in case it ends up somewhere bad or doesn't fit.

We also need to get some tears of the innocent, to try stacking the resistance potion next cycle. If that works, we'd only have to use the lesser magic resistance items to make potions, plus Tom's ping-pong-ing, to get out of the time loops.
>>
No. 490455 ID: beeca1

>>490454
>Zirkala

Skeletal threesomes, anyone?
>>
No. 490457 ID: f2c20c

>>490445
If we do successfully get good enough to turn someone else into a slime, would they be contagious?

Let's not spend a bunch of time screwing ladies when it doesn't further our goals. We get enough of that during our real plans! For instance, we could go talk to the goblin queen next. We'd want to make a lust potion ahead of time though, since it was necessary last time to impress her enough to want to help us.
>>
No. 490460 ID: c4e5c2
File 136004159233.png - (34.52KB , 1032x396 , 4-421.png )
490460

>Actions are louder than words, and we have performed stupider in front of you. So nope!
A witty response that, unfortunately, I have lost the window of opportunity to say!

"Minci, I may be requiring a particularly lengthy night of activities! I am wondering, do you happen to have some kind of sensual endurance potion?"
"Such as a virility potion without the frustration? Easy, easy, I'll go ahead and brew you up one and leave you directions on how to make it. It's simple, especially since you have access to your own scales, which will still be a good ingredient. It'll let you stay active to wear anyone out, provided they aren't under the same effects."
"Thank you! Afterwards, would it be too much to ask to practice my bedmagics and make sure that I am properly able to cast my slime form before you leave?"
"Of course, we'll do a thorough test."

>Use a memory gem with the Goblin Queen
Well, she did say that simply knowing her name may be enough to get in good, but just in case, having a memory gem I'm sure can only help in case there are any doubts!

After confidently knowing I can cast this new spell, I give the tailor enough to make her cry tears of joy so that I may apply two potions! I then retrieve a memory gem from Silveena along with a decent magic resistance item, who does not care to talk about what happened mere hours before, but with much to do, I will not press her for the time being.

I then move to the goblin queen, who automatically and authentically seems to be amicable as soon as I say her name! She is glad to give me a lock of her hair, and all she asks in return is a demonstration to how I got on her good side. Which takes most of the night. But every once in awhile, I can deal with no night's sleep!

The next morning, I realize that I still have the artifact's charge, and that I would need to do all this over again should I return to the beginning! I spend the rest of the cycle training.
>>
No. 490461 ID: c4e5c2
File 136004161349.png - (29.15KB , 1032x396 , 4-422.png )
490461

I then revert, perhaps rather wastefully, to after I have gotten the potion's reagents! I would have to do all that again, and as I have thought, these cycles will get quite repetitive and wearisome. I spend my free time training under Ralex since I intend on performing a physical loop this time around.

Not just that, but Ralex uses my slime ability as an excuse to punch me more! Normally this would be a bad thing, but Muo is around and helps me train my slime capabilities while simultaneously learning combat! Or at least learning not dying!

Rotfrost makes the potions and gives them to me. And finally, I make the trip to Silveena to ask to borrow the archbra for an experiment.
>>
No. 490462 ID: c4e5c2
File 136004180696.png - (130.71KB , 700x700 , 4-423.png )
490462

We make our greetings and a bit of small chitchat before I begin the questions.

"Now, I must ask, about your father..."
>"Erg. He means well, but is far too overprotective."
"Ah, yes, I know the type!"
>"Don't worry about it. Er... well, don't worry about it once you get past the initial point. He just didn't realize you were the one who outted the prince, and thought I was just sleeping with a common kobold. He has always been meaning to apologize, but is a workaholic and just can't make time for anyone. Except when it comes in to walking in on me, apparently."
"That is relieving, most of it anyway! Now, I am meaning to test something involving your archbra..." I continue on, making the droll explanation of my plans to duplicate it. "If all goes well, then when I soon revert back to the beginning of the cycle, the bra will come back with me, and it will be duplicated!"
>"And you're sure it won't destroy it forever by some accident?"
"I cannot imagine so!"
>"... alright. We all know I owe you at least as much. Good luck."
>>
No. 490463 ID: c4e5c2
File 136004182197.png - (120.33KB , 700x700 , 4-424.png )
490463

.... success! And better yet, my slime form also carried through, thus helping my stomach not explode with a bra far too large! And it only hurts to have this much inside me at once considerably!

>Put the bra on your butt
Either it would not fit and be a pointless maneuver, or it would fit and make me self conscious until the end of time!
>>
No. 490464 ID: 57a559

Quickly!
Get it out!
>>
No. 490465 ID: 908c2d

>>Put the bra on your butt
Oh come on, SS. Your butt isn't that awesome.

>Success
Sweet! Now we need to collect another one. So in the final loop you have 2 archras- one for potion making, and a spare to give, sell and/or trade to Zirkala.

Now, if we can find something suitably expensive to duplicate too, you won't have to worry about money anymore either. What's the most concentrated piece of wealth in the caverns?

>And it only hurts to have this much inside me at once considerably!
Might as well take it out, then. And give Muo there a test fit for luls.
>>
No. 490467 ID: 695191

>>490463
Neat. Could you carry some scales in a similar manner? Also let's look into minimizing how much room the bra takes up. Folding it up a bit more, at least.
>>
No. 490468 ID: f2c20c

>>490463
I hope we didn't just tear the fabric of time and space a new one. Give Muo a celebratory hug.

So. Please note clearly what sort of potions we used that cycle to hit the physical checkpoint, and exactly how much farther we have to go to break it completely. Can we get a rough estimate now as to what we need to do to break it? We didn't do any bouncing, did we?

Of note is, boosting the archmage's poison spell probably won't help any. Because of the way the bouncing works, the initial strength of the spell doesn't matter- Tom will just boost it until it breaks whatever resistance we have already. In other words, our initial resistance during the bouncing is what determines how strong the final boost is, not the initial spell's strength. So, what we should do is, drink both potions to get our resistance as high as it can go without taking the archmage's bra. She HAS TO wear the bra during the bouncing, because she needs to have HIGHER magic resistance than us in order for our resistance to fail before hers.
>>
No. 490469 ID: f2c20c

>>490467
>carrying scales

Oh my god, we could steal ALL the scales in the cycle before we break it, carry them into the next one, sell them all to Silveena and/or Zirkala, and come out a very rich kobold indeed.
>>
No. 490470 ID: 908c2d

Oh. One thing. We do have to check that multiples of the same object existing is something that's allowed to happen. We'll have to make sure Silveena's archbra didn't spontaneously disappear.
>>
No. 490471 ID: b33427

Sweet! Now get it out of there before you tempt fate too much. Present it to Zirkala while still in slime form, just to see her reaction before she reads your memories.

Now, before you consider this a total success, you're going to have to find out if, by some time magic shenanigans or something, the archbra can only exist in one place at a time. That would mean when you popped back to the beginning of the cycle, the archbra on Silveena's chest immediately popped out of existence, or popped into you.

>>490468
Silveena doesn't actually have to have higher resistance than Story Seeker, since Tom knows when to stop bouncing the magic before it breaks through her resistance. In fact, Silveena's resistance would have to be slightly higher than Story Seeker's, since the final bounce has to be stronger than his combined magic resistance from the potions in order to get through and hit him. That could be a problem if their combined resistance is too high, but not high enough to break out of the loops.

>>490469
We don't even have to steal them. We could just buy just enough that they could all safely fit in the cups of the archbra, then take them back 'round to the beginning of the cycle, use what we need, and sell the rest. Besides, stealing all of them would likely put Alessi, the poison serpent, in danger from her "minders" taking too many scales.
>>
No. 490473 ID: c4e5c2
File 136004409521.png - (115.68KB , 700x700 , 4-425.png )
490473

>>490468
>Boosting the archmage poison spell won't make much difference
This is probably true, so I will simply use the scales for the poison resist potion!

>Take it out
The bra is taken out!

>Estimated resistance
With the queen's hair in both potions, zirkala's magic item in one and one bracelet that the archmage gave in the other, I was able to get about 2/5 of the magic resistance required!

> Could you carry some scales in a similar manner?
I should assume so!

>"Is that..."
"It is!"
>"And it works and everything?"
"Well, I haven't exactly tested it, as to get its effect, it needs to be filled out, apparently!"
>"Oh, er, here, I'll try it out."
fomp
>"...oh, yeah, I guess I see why it is a big deal for magic resistance. I sorta just thought you were going after it because it's a really big bra."
"That does not hurt!"
>"So... are you just going to be waking up with more and more bras?"
"Well, as long as I can hold enough! If it works like that. I must see if Silveena still has her bra, before calling this a success! Perhaps scales, as well."
>"Oh, yeah. Were you going to want to go to the bog this time?"
>>
No. 490475 ID: 908c2d

>>490473
...Muo's new archboobs ate Tom! XD

>I must see if Silveena still has her bra!
Yup.

>Were you going to want to go to the bog this time?
We could, I guess. Now that we have slimeform, you and Muo could jump in, grab as many scales as you want, and then leave. Good for using in potions, and to sell any extras for gold.
>>
No. 490477 ID: 57a559

>>490475
>They ate Tom!
I wonder if our boy is going brrrr brrrr brrrr down there
>>490473
Maybe we'll go down to the bog this time, I think we should do a training run along with seeing if the bra actually replicated, use the artifact, come back around now then do everything important. Because if we use the artifact after doing important item gathering, that's less time to train if we want to keep the important items and event reactions for most of the cycle.
>>
No. 490478 ID: c59939

Speedrun the prince humiliation again, and study bardmagics in the resting times.

Then when the time comes, find out if Silveena still has her own archbra, while meeting her again.

Also, try to see her dad sometime between humiliating the fake and bedding Silveena. So he knows you're not some joe shmoe bold
>>
No. 490480 ID: c4e5c2
File 136004646878.png - (100.53KB , 700x700 , 4-426.png )
490480

"Absolutely! I am still leaning to not burglarizing them, but that still remains an option should everything else fail. I think regardless, this duplication is already a success to some measure, even if it turns out to not quite be a proper duplication! There will certainly be a use anyway.."

After we get out of bed and Muo regains her balance, so to speak, we give each other a celebratory hug.
>>
No. 490482 ID: c4e5c2
File 136004651964.png - (87.94KB , 700x700 , 4-427.png )
490482

We then move out to the hallway, where I know Zirkala happens to be passing through at the time.

>"Ah, Story Seeker, breakfast is... you are holding a bra. And appear to be a slime. I wish I was surprised."
"But not just any bra!"
>"Yes, I am attempting to remember where I have seen that before... yes. I remember. There is the surprise. Thank you for granting my wish. Now, explain."
"I was busy last night!"
>"Yes, I gathered as much. If there is no grand story to tell, I will simply read your memories then."
"There is a particularly grand story, but it is also a long one!"
>"Right........ There. That explains that and then some. Let's hope you don't tear apart the fabric of reality better than the old chaos god could ever hope to do."
"I will hope to humiliate the prince again, if you would not mind?"
>"I'll make the preparations."

>Train, then use the artifact and do important stuff
While this would be most effective should everything go right, if things go wrong and I do not have an artifact charge, then things will go all the way wrong!
>>
No. 490485 ID: c4e5c2
File 136004678894.png - (108.49KB , 700x700 , 4-428.png )
490485

So I spend much of the first day training with my free time as per usual, while also spending the hours required to shame the prince. This is becoming the most tedious of all my repeated tasks! The next day, after another successful run of it, I get Silveena to introduce me to her father first. He thanks me quite profusely for what I've done, but the meeting itself is quick and eventless, as Silveena does not seem to like being in his presence for too long.

Once we are alone in her room, I finally get to make the inquiry I've been after, after showing her the memory gem in great detail to get her up to speed.

"I must ask, do you have your archmage's bra?"
>"I do. It looks like your experiment worked after all."

Excellent! Now I imagine is as good a time as any to go to the bog again. If I am to speak, however, perhaps I should decide how to go about it, either simply moving down the ladder and calling out to the goblin inside, or a whole different approach altogether? This is assuming I do not take the simple route and just pay them for a couple of scales.
>>
No. 490486 ID: f2c20c

>>490483
I think this time around we should try to join their operation, or at least find out what they're like and how they treat the serpent. An information gathering mission, in other words.

Also Silveena will probably want some company again. Don't let her down. We're ahead of the game in this particular event- you won't get interrupted if things go in the way they will probably go!
>>
No. 490492 ID: 695191

>>490485
The simple route may lead to a better one, lets try it out. Meet them, talk with them, try to conduct a trade and also lay the charm on top of that. Because that was a rather fine gobbo posterior we saw.

>This is becoming the most tedious of all my repeated tasks!
Then... let's not do it anymore. We get our roguish allies to wear us as an illusion again, and take care of that entire end of things.
>>
No. 490493 ID: 04b86a

>artifact
I want to point out that how long it is before we have to break free of the loop is the amount of time we spend within it, not the number of cycles we undergo. So the least wasteful way to use the artifact while still playing it safe is to spend the first day or two doing all of the important things, and then go through and repeat what's left while using the time for fun and training. I suppose we can also use some of the pre-artifact time for loop optimization research like with getting scales with minimal time or fuss.
>>
No. 490494 ID: 908c2d

Let's try the simple route, it should probably work. If all else fails, you can always just turn slime and recreate Muo's crash entrance and theft.

>Then... let's not do it anymore. We get our roguish allies to wear us as an illusion again, and take care of that entire end of things.
And once we've collected enough bras, we can actually just not bother with befriending Silveera / ousting the spy until we're ready to break the loop.

>>490493
Huh. Does the time we spend from the artifact count towards our deadline? I had thought it didn't.
>>
No. 490498 ID: f2c20c

>>490494
I don't think we ever found out if the artifact gave us free time or not. If it does, then we have about a month and a half left, now- 6 cycles. If it doesn't, then we have about a week less than that- 5 cycles.

I think we should try to break the cycles soon, if we're going to continue using the artifact for training. Within the next two cycles, probably. So, this cycle we duplicate another bra. Next cycle we duplicate a mess of scales. The cycle after that, we use one duplicated bra to make one half of the stacked potion, and get bounce-reinforced. Then we hold the scales (and possibly the second duped bra) within us while the break possibly-happens, and sell them afterwards. In that manner, we won't have to worry about losing the bra or the scales if we fail to break the cycles.

Oh, and let's make sure to include Morgana in the last cycle. OHHHH. That reminds me. THIS cycle, let's discuss intimacy with her. Like, ask her if she's attracted to SS at all. Play it up as a lustful kobold's wish to please his leader, even if there is a selfish desire behind it as well.
>>
No. 490503 ID: 04b86a

>>490494
>Huh. Does the time we spend from the artifact count towards our deadline? I had thought it didn't.
I suppose it hasn't been outright stated, but it was implied at least. Zirkala said we were generating a bubble of temporal instability, and the Time Lord said we have a couple months left as opposed to a dozen cycles. I'm going to assume he meant cycles left, since otherwise we'd already be out of time, so I think we have about 42 days left.


On another topic, I just realized that back on the first day last cycle we definitely should have still had the Dandy-ZirkalaCollar and Ralex-Archbra potions from the last time we did a physical loop in effect, which makes me wonder just how strong her father is!
>>
No. 490505 ID: 04b86a

Oh, one more thing: before we use the artifact this cycle we should do the poison spell reflection with just one of the potions to see what other stuff we should get potions to counteract, hopefully with any dangerous extras being weak enough to not kill us or leave us unable to use the hourglass before the next loop.
>>
No. 490516 ID: b33427

Tell Silveena that you're going to be going to the poison bog with plans to make a deal for poison serpent scales. She told you before that she's looking to buy them for a thousand a pop, so if she gives you the cash, you'll get some for her as well. You'll even haggle them down to below a thousand. Though, you would like an escort so can say you're there on behalf of the cavern nagas and they'll think twice about jumping you for the gold. Nelin and maybe one other guard would do.

However, you have an additional deal you'd like to make to the folks at the poison bog, but it requires the agreement of the slimes and the nagas. You're thinking that the naga could extend their protection to the slimes from the other denizens of the caves in exchange for a steady stream of them going to the poison bog to be temporarily eaten by the poison serpent, and maybe to work as water haulers. For that the folks at the poison bog will send scales and other poison bog stuff back to the naga. That way Alessi the poison serpent gets fed more, feels better, and possibly grows scales back faster, the bog gatherers don't have to feed themselves to the serpent as often, and maybe get more scales, the naga get rare reagents to use and sell, and the slimes don't have to worry about being attacked. It sounds like a good deal to you, but if the naga or the slimes don't agree to it, then the naga could send their own people to be "lollipops" for the poison serpent instead.

Now that Silveena's dad isn't going to barge in, you can finally finish your first time with her before taking off. By now you should know exactly how to please her greatly.

Before you leave for the bog, also ask Zirkala and Rotfrost how many scales and other things they want from the poison bog, and get the cash to cover that. Oh, and don't forget to bring Muo and some slimes along as well, as something to give Alessi the serpent if the deal goes through.

When you get to the bog, stand out in the open and use your bardic magic to shout up to the cliff house to get their attention and tell them you're here to make a deal. What happens next is up to them.

As for the rest of the cycles, it'd be best if you change your physical training from fighting with Ralex to slime training with Muo, and focus on increasing how much you can fit inside yourself, so you can time-duplicate more at once. You can stop once you can hold two archbras, unfolded and with the insides of their cups facing each other, without harming yourself. That'll leave space inside the cups for all sorts of loot.

If slime training is taking too long to get to that level of internal inventory space, you might have to resort to other means to make everything fit. Easiest would be to make your slime form bigger, by magic, potion, or just eating and drinking a lot as a slime. Morganna certainly has enough extra food to help with that last option. If your kobold form happens to pack on some extra weight in the process, you can simply work that flab off after breaking out of the time loop. It'll be a small price to pay for all the loot you get.

It's quite possible you could stack up three, four, or more archbras by nesting them, but more than four sounds like it'd be tempting fate. An archbra would be quite a nice present for Zirkala (and for you, since she'll undoubtedly take measures to fill out that archbra for maximum effectiveness.) If you get up to four, that'd be a nice item for yourself, even if you don't have the figure to use it at full power. Maybe the kobold tailor could add fabric around it so it looks like an ordinary backpack and you could wear it that way.
>>
No. 490521 ID: 32096c

Might be worth getting yourself polymorphed to fit, donning the bra, and practicing a dry run volleying relatively safe spell around... if you can somehow introduce Silveena to Tom and get them to agree to it. Best case scenario it saves you a lot of repeated effort time-cloning bras and having an increasingly uncomfortable time smuggling them inside your body (just the one was pretty hard to manage if I recall). Worst case scenario you everyone involved gets to appreciate some physical comedy and practice their juggling!
>>
No. 490545 ID: c4e5c2
File 136008211990.png - (96.73KB , 700x700 , 4-429.png )
490545

"Excellent! Then, later today, I will be headed to the bog, to purchase some poison serpent scales. Would you care to purchase any? I expect the price might be 1,000."
>"I would, as a matter of fact. 10. I will give you the platinum coins for the equivalent, just be careful. That is more gold than most denizens down here would see in their lifetime."
"Of course. Perhaps you would be willing to give me a couple of bodyguards as well?"
>"Sure. I'll send Nelin and my sister, if that is acceptable."
"Certainly."

I then spend the next couple of hours giving Silveena company time. It is getting a bit late enough such that I would only arrive to the bog at night, plus, in order to recreate similar events, I would have to leave tomorrow morning, so this gives me time for preparations and training today.
>>
No. 490546 ID: c4e5c2
File 136008215394.png - (123.63KB , 700x700 , 4-430.png )
490546

Zirkala also cared for a couple of scales, and so I am up to 12,000 borrowed gold for 12 scales, plus a couple of scales with my own remaining 5,200 gold.

I meet Nelin and Silveena's sister, who introduces herself as Moska. She seems like the quiet sort, but that is quite fine with me!

Muo brings 8 slimes, this time, which she says is still just a small number of total slimes still at the cavern.

We reach the bog midday, where I, the two bodyguards and Muo lean over the edge of the cliffside. The other slimes will hang back and stay out of sight.

"Hey, down there! I'd like to make a deal!" I yell to the house.
>"WAT"
"I said..." I employ what little magic I'm capable of to shout louder. "I would like to make a deal!"
>"GET DOWN HERE, palms open, no weapons, jus' stan' on the roof an' talk! You alone?"
"Not quite!"
>"Only you come down 'ere! Alone an' unarmed!"
>>
No. 490547 ID: 908c2d

Well, let's try and do this friendly-like. If anything goes wrong, we can always shift to slime form to prevent being stabbed.
>>
No. 490548 ID: c6ec33

Take a small amount of moola with you (a few thousand), and leave the rest with Moska and Muo.
>>
No. 490549 ID: c4e5c2
File 136008446286.png - (140.10KB , 953x522 , 4-431.png )
490549

"Alright!"

I climb down with a few thousand, leaving the rest with the others, and it seems that there was a secret roof panel that I never saw my first time through. I will make a note of it!

>"Al'ight, let's hear ya. What kinda deal were you lookin' to make, little bold? Don' make any sudden moves, an' anyone comes down that ladder an' I'll poke ya."
"I might be willing to make intricate deals with some discussion, but for my opening offer, I would like, simply put, to purchase some of the scales from the bog's poison serpent!"
>"'ey wat, wat gives ya th' idea we got anything like that."
"Well, for one thing, they're in the basket right there."
>"... yeh but ya din't know that comin' down, did ya!"
"Is it a secret that you sell poison scales?"
>"YEH IT'S A SECRET. Ya think we want people realizin' there's a damn gold mine ov'r here?"
"But then, how do you sell them at all?"
>"We move fuckin' far and k... th'fuck am I talkin to you about our deal for! Yeh fine if you already know I should poke ya anyway, but I'm feelin' sweet. How much're ya willin' ta buy?"
"I am in the market for 14 scales!"
>"14 ain't a small number! We charge 1,500 gold apiece fer that much. How much ya even got on ya?"
>>
No. 490552 ID: 908c2d

Remember to shift to slime form as soon as / if she fires. It'll put a hole in your clothes, but at least you won't be dead.

>How much ya even got on ya?
Well, I left it with the others, in case you [i]did[/] feel like just poking me. *Cheeky grin*

>1500
Either we miss guessed the price, or she raised it so she's getting something for herself, making a side deal.

I would say the price doesn't matter (if we carry the scales over to the next loop, we're essentially getting them for free) except we actually can't afford 14 at that price. Unless we barter her down (or resort to thievery) we'd have to settle for less.
>>
No. 490553 ID: 57a559

>>490549
My valuables are with my bodyguards, it would be foolish of me to bring money down here for you to rob with. And it's foolish to reveal my bank, beyond the fact that it is enough.

How about 700 hundred a scale? You surely can't sell them in bulk enough, not to mention the transport of which must be expensive. By coming here at your convenience and buying them here and now I must have saved you plenty of profit.

We're haggling here Story Seeker, convince them 1000 is the best price they can get from you, so we got to start low.

If there's any further questions on what you exactly do, such as gaining that much amount of cash and the question of how you figured out about the scales, simply say that you are an information broker, a good one. There's good trade in information and plenty of it. Sorry to say, but apparently word is going around about your business somehow. A few of your agents have brought it to you, from their own sources, sorry to say that we don't know who their leak is... yet anyway.
>>
No. 490554 ID: 695191

Man. There was less robbery going on last time we were here.

>>490552
>that line
Oh yes, seconded.

Offer just as much as you have total for that 14 and for keeping their location secret, no negotiation. Threaten to walk right back out if she doesn't agree.
>>
No. 490559 ID: c4e5c2
File 136008832621.png - (137.82KB , 953x522 , 4-432.png )
490559

"I left it with the others, just in case you did feel like just poking me!"
>"Yeh okay, but I ain't gonna give any scales when yer gold is someplace else!"
"I imagine that selling them in bulk is difficult, plus, not to mention the transport! It costs time and effort, especially if you somehow keep the source hidden. I imagine it would be worth your time for 700 gold apiece!"
>"... that ain't even half my askin' price! Guess ya got a point 'bout the bulk and alla that, so 1300 gold!"
"I tell you what, I'll purchase all 14 scales for 16,000 gold, and my silence on your operation here!"
>"... how much's that per scale? You tryin' to fuck me?"

My grin only gets cheekier!

>"Ya know what I fuckin' mean ya hot blooded bold! Eesh."
"Miss, I am certainly not trying to figuratively do any such thing! It is still a generous margin more than 1,000 per scale."
>"Hrm... still sounds like yer throwin' in blackmail in yer little equation here. Really should poke ya."
"Ah, but then my companions above might not be so keen on keeping quiet!"
>"... ya little fucker. Alright fine, ya got yourself a deal. Just bring down that gold an' lemme see it. No weapons and you alone, same stuff."
>>
No. 490560 ID: 908c2d

Maaaan. Making it so difficult to just buy from her. We should have seduced her ahead of time. Or slime-crashed the roof. Or maybe snuck in through the trap door.

Oh well. Have the nagas toss the purse down to you. Continue being brazenly unafraid of her weapon, and being cheeky. There's a good chance she may try to just rob you or shoot you, so be ready to shift to slime form at the drop of a hat.
>>
No. 490563 ID: c59939

Next time it might be better to catch the eaten people being spit out.
>>
No. 490564 ID: c4e5c2
File 136009157390.png - (153.37KB , 953x522 , 4-433.png )
490564

>There's a good chance she may try to just rob you or shoot you, so be ready to shift to slime form at the drop of a hat.
I am also prepared to immediately use my slime power to crush the artifact!

I yell upwards to Muo to toss the gold down, to which the goblin hits the roof panel switch and watches carefully as I go and get it.

"Alright, here is the gold!" I say, coming back down and tossing the bag of coins at her.
>"OI be careful! I'm holdin' a damn weapon here!"
"Of course! Perhaps you would put it down once looking at the gold? It is not quite ideal to perform business while at bowpoint!"
>"... 'ey, it's the real deal." She pauses, and for a brief instant I almost wonder if she will backstab the deal, but she eyes me closely and puts the crossbow down. "Jus' keep some distance. Alright, 14 scales, there ya go." she says, putting them in a bag and tossing them back to me. Troublesome, but a success!
>>
No. 490566 ID: 908c2d

Success! Flirt and depart.

>I am also prepared to immediately use my slime power to crush the artifact!
Might not be necessary. Would a crossbow bolt even hurt a slime? Kinda hard to put a lethal hole in a pile of goo without vital organs.
>>
No. 490567 ID: 8b9215

Count scales and if appropriate number, thank her.
>>
No. 490568 ID: 8b9215

Oh, don't forget to flirt a bit somehow. You quest is to bang everyone in the universe afterall.
>>
No. 490569 ID: 695191

Nice. Hit on her some more, now that she knows you aren't full of it. Also imply future, more beneficial business dealings. But don't make them sound dependent on one other!

Oh and ask her name. Try to chat a bit about the business maybe.
>>
No. 490577 ID: e15bdc

>>490568
>Your quest is to bang everyone in the universe after all.
I don't think Story Seeker ever acknowledged this being an especially major part of his goals. Are you sure you're not getting this quest confused with a certain other quest?
>>
No. 490578 ID: b53faa

I have just realized that in going about all of these rather trite and, form a storytelling standpoint, moderately uninteresting ventures, we have inadvertently lost track of our initial goal.
That is to say, finding and creating stories.

I say on our next loop, instead of bothering with the usual monotonous tasks, we just let loose and cause some interesting events.

I suggest a concert-orgy hybrid, preferrably in the goblin areas. We set things up, then prepare for the wildest night of our lives up to that point.

Who's with me on this?
>>
No. 490580 ID: 695191

>>490577
To be fair, that's an unstated secondary goal of just about every quest.
>>
No. 490591 ID: c4e5c2
File 136009654034.png - (149.98KB , 953x522 , 4-434.png )
490591

>Would a crossbow bolt even hurt a slime? Kinda hard to put a lethal hole in a pile of goo without vital organs.
A lowly slime is less than impressive! Then again, I have sustained considerably punches from Ralex, so it is certainly possible. Not something I will test, if I may help it!

"Now, if you would be willing to spare this kobold a bit of time, I think that there are future dealings we could sort out!"
>"Yeh? Ain't sure I'm in the best place ta do it. Ain't exactly the commander, after all."
"I disagree, you appear to be quite reasonable!"
>"Beh, yer just flatterin' me. S'true, though."
"First, might I know your name?"
>"Kaxu."
"Mine is Story Seeker. Now, I understand all of you occasionally take turns getting eaten by the serpent?"
>"Oy, how th'fuck do ya know that?"
"I deal in information, but as I've said, I will be silent, so it does not matter too much! But how would you feel about feeding it slimes, instead? That way the rest of you will be free to hunt other parts of the bog."
>"Fuck 'at, it's nasty as hell in th' serpent, but I ain't got any other business here. I ain't touchin' anything in that bog, all I do is guard the house an' take serpent shifts an' get paid fer it. If I start acceptin' slimes, then where's that leave me? Th'others'll just phase me out. Fuck 'at. We got a system goin' here and it works."
"Very well, it is not my intention to leave you off in a worse position than you're in! I hear it's actually tough work, considering you come out of the serpent quite exhausted."
>"Fuckin' right. Can' barely fuckin' walk. Still gotta keep guard."
"Surely they don't mind if you take a break now and again?"
>"Yeah and what happen's if some poachers come and break in' eh, or come down' the valley? Who'll see 'em comin?"
"Well, in this case, my bodyguards would!"
>"Oh... yeh. What're you sayin' to me anyway?"
"That perhaps you deserve some rest, and as thanks for your excellent deal, I will have my bodyguards keep watch so that we may make use of these beds just sitting here!"
>"Yer tryin' to get my guard down, aren't.... wait, th' fuck do ya mean 'we'."
>>
No. 490593 ID: c4e5c2
File 136009661403.png - (103.19KB , 700x700 , 4-435.png )
490593

About an hour later

>"Geez, how long does he take to buy a few scales?" Nelin asks.
>"Uh, he's probably trying to discuss complicated plans or something. Something like that." Muo answers. "Oh, there he is. How did it go, Story?"
"Good and then some! I have the scales, if even if I had to delve into my own pocket. Under the circumstances, it does not matter too much!"

>Goals, bedding people and seeking stories
It is true, the latter goal has been slowing down, as I have been performing rote motions for the cycle many times now! Even the former goal, which I will say is a fine companion goal to seeking stories, has had much of its thunder removed. I cannot feel like updating my list is validated, if it does not happen in the final loop and is effectively undone! In fact, the reason I first set out to the Drake and then Lich was entirely to find or make stories that are true! Anyone can make up fantastical tales! Even if I were to create many stories within this time loop, do they even count if all but the final one is completely undone outside of Muo and myself? I can and will certainly make the final loop as eventful as I can, but everything else may feel too hollow. I am content to go through rote motions of endless training, knowing that once I do escape this loop with an optimal outcome, I will be in a far better position to make fantastically true stories. Ones that aren't a tragedy for me, of course.
>>
No. 490596 ID: 695191

>>490593
We just have to make sure the final loops is fucking glorious. Consider these tales a rough draft.
>>
No. 490598 ID: 908c2d

Wow. Got her in bed pretty fast. You're getting better at this, SS.

>Tired of Stories no one else will remember
Fair enough, SS! No new hijinks, just training and preparations for getting the final loop perfect.

We need to test to see if we can carry over our scales and two archbras this loop. That's all we really need to break out. Everything else is training and preparation.

>Things to train until we get bored of training
Being useful as a slime, Ralex, magic, music, story telling, draconic, bedmagic.

>Things to do in the final loop
*Warn Zirkala that this is the final loop, so she has whatever she's doing for the scythe moon ready
*Buy clothes from Tailor
*Streamlined Naga plan- humiliate at action, befriend Silveena.
*Gobo Queen
*Get the drake some gold, name her, and spend some time with her
*working slime / water scheme

The only things we haven't worked out how to do yet are improve the slime's situation, and possibly how to have enough gold to afford making the Drake and Tailor happy. (But that could be fixed by an easy duping of something valuable, even a few platinum).
>>
No. 490599 ID: dadd6f

>>490593
Well, aren't you forgetting something?
The final loop may be the thing that is actually happening in the end, but as you can get wisdom, abilities and now even items during former abilities, they would be at least partially proof for what happened in former cicles. e.g. suddenly knowing the names of almost everyone within this region... Also there are the memory gems... so, add your lich- and naga-friend to the list of witnesses...
>>
No. 490604 ID: f2c20c

>>490593
We still haven't gone to investigate that gargoyle passage.

Let's do that. ADVENTURE!
>>
No. 490609 ID: c4e5c2
File 136010054962.png - (56.19KB , 995x673 , 4-436.png )
490609

>Consider these tales a rough draft.
Hm, yes, this is a fine way to think about it! Nevertheless, making new stories at this point that I will not have proper time in the final loop to employ will, I believe, be a hollow effort.

>Items, physical changes, and memory gems as proof of events
And... I do suppose so! Yet it still rubs me the wrong way, and perhaps I do look forward to making stories in different circumstances rather than the ever predictable state things have been going in.

In any case, I thank everyone for their efforts even if it was not, in the end, required to have so many slimes or bodyguards, and arrive back in time to sleep until the beginning of the third day.

>We still haven't gone to investigate that gargoyle passage.
.... I completely forgot about that! Thay may just be a good idea, if I feel it is worth it even if I may not need any more illusion enhancement reagents. Still, I will train for the rest of this cycle, as I would like to test one more physical loop to see about item duplication.

So it is business as usual! Mental training for the remaining three days, then use the artifact back to the end of day 2. Perhaps time spent with the artifact counts to total time I can spend in these loops, but it might not add on, so I figure I can only benefit! I'm sure the time lord will come back if I overstep my bounds.

I then spend the rest of the three days training my slime self to fit a larger sum of objects within myself, and Muo does say that if I engorge myself on water beforehand, this should help. A brief experimentation does reveal that filling myself with water and changing back to a kobold does not, thankfully, give me any layers of flab.

So, I explain the situation to Silveena and fetch her bra for a new experiment, proceed to fit all 14 scales into my body at the wish of Silveena and Zirkala, fit both bras in myself, and... well, that is about all I have room for, but Zirkala adds a tiny bit more, saying she'd like to duplicate a couple valuable gemstones worth many thousand gold pieces.
>>
No. 490610 ID: c4e5c2
File 136010060353.png - (149.29KB , 700x700 , 4-437.png )
490610

Cycle 9(?), Dawn of Day One

It is a.... partial success? Only one bra has followed me back, but all the scales and gemstones Zirkala sent are here as well.
>>
No. 490611 ID: 697800

I'm willing to bet that it has to do with a Timelord intervention.

Sorta a "Hey, we'll give you some leeway to do all you want until you break the loop, but we aren't going to let you completely fuck everything."
>>
No. 490612 ID: 57a559

>>490610
I bet the Time Lord or gods stepped in and poofed the extra copy away, I mean, three copies in one universe might be a little awful for reality. Or the Time Lord thieved it for himself. Or you ate it.
Might have to ask Tom if it's possible he can tell us what went wrong.
>>
No. 490614 ID: 908c2d

Well, all right. No triple bras. That means we can only have two- one for Zirkala and one for Silveena. We'll have to use something else as the base for the potion. Either the lesser stuff from Silveena, the Gobbo Queen, or Zirkala. At least money shouldn't be a problem with a haul of gems.

I think the only things we have left to do before going for escape (aside from training till you're sick of it) are checking out the gargoyle caves, and working out a working plan to improve the slime / water situation. If we do those this loop, we're prepared to make the final run, I think.
>>
No. 490617 ID: 32096c

>>490614
>No triple bras. That means we can only have two- one for Zirkala and one for Silveena. We'll have to use something else as the base for the potion.

Still worth testing if, with just the two, it's possible to get the whole volley'd amplified spell going on between two people wearing them. Adding the potion in on top of that might do the trick on breaking the loop.
>>
No. 490620 ID: 32096c

Take pride in your priorities, then start the usual groundhog day routine?
>>
No. 490621 ID: c4e5c2
File 136010255534.png - (119.51KB , 700x700 , 4-438.png )
490621

"Muo, could you ask Tom what is wrong?"
>"Yeah, uh... these items are supposed to be unique, so only one can be copied at once. I mean, apparently it's a bit flawed since you can bring one back at one end, but something about when copies are detected is kind of iffy. So you can probably duplicate one of each item once, but that's it."

I suppose I will still befriend Silveena this loop, to make sure that I can properly act as a negotiator between the slimes and the naga.

"So, Muo, I was thinking of going down where Zirkala said there were gargoyles!"
>"Aren't they dangerous?"
"Uh... probably?"
>"Are you sure? I mean, you've gotten a lot of training, but it's still just been a few weeks, and those guys are made of rock. You'd kinda need magic to defeat them. I hear they don't like negotiating either, so you would have a tough time with words. I take it you don't have much magic?"
"I have been training! I suppose I could yell at them loud."
>"Is that all you've learned?"
"Not quite! I have gotten the hang of something else. Behold!"

I spit out the gems, change back into a kobold, leap off the bed and get my clothes on myself before hitting the floor!

>"Oooh, impressive. I don't think that will help with gargoyles. At all."
"Probably not! I can do the same thing in reverse though!"
>"That... might help more, but not by much."
>>
No. 490622 ID: c59939

Make sure whether that means that there can only be one duplicate, or if things can only be brought back in time once.
>>
No. 490623 ID: 695191

>>490618
How does one fight gargoyles? Sounds like we need some sort of magic to get past their physical attributes. But beyond that we need to get back to training our fighting too. We've been putting most of our time into magics and various shenanigans.

Well for now go see Zirkala with all of our temporal loot. Maybe put off letting her read our memories for a few extra moments, just for the fun of it. Ask her to guess how it happened first.
>>
No. 490624 ID: c31f72

What would happen if we duplicate Zirkala's phylactory?
Would we have two sexy lizard lichs?
>>
No. 490629 ID: 908c2d

>Magic dressing / undressing
Well, we're not quite up to escape:bedroom yet, but that will certainly help!

>Gargoyles?
Maybe we could use the invisibility potion again? I'm not sure we want to train until we can actually take them down with battle magic. Getting to that point will take forever. (Although if we wanted to just blow them up, we do know several spellcasters).

Figuring out the slime thing, and maybe streamlining / figuring out the drake route might be better uses of our time (we've only done that like once or twice, right? And we want to work it into the final loop).

>>490624
...I'm fairly sure Zirkala isn't going to want to let us test that. If it doesn't work right, we could kill her. Permanently. If it does work right, she could suddenly have two souls. Which could have all kinds of potentially disastrous consequences.

>Just remembered...
Do we need to make sure we have enough money left over in the last loop to pay for Muo's journey? I can't remember where we stand with that.
>>
No. 490637 ID: c4e5c2
File 136010657692.png - (117.27KB , 700x700 , 4-439.png )
490637

"It does seem like it would be rather difficult for me to accomplish! And simply caving in or bringing in Potarana or whoever to nuke them would hardly make for an interesting story. Hm. Oh, another question for Tom, does that mean items can only be brought back once, or that they can only be one duplicate?"
>"Only one duplicate."
"Also, how much money did you need to get back to your home again, Muo?"
>"Uhhhhhh actually only 2,000."
"Oh. That will be quite easy, I think!"
>"You just spat out like ten times that much and left it oozing around on the bed, plus an irreplaceable magic resistance... so yeah 2000 seems kinda tiny."
>>
No. 490638 ID: c4e5c2
File 136010658816.png - (96.72KB , 700x700 , 4-440.png )
490638

I move to the hall in time for the usual early morning routing.

>"Explain how you have come into possession of these things. My gems I expect you rooted around for, but these other items..." Zirkala says once again, inevitably.
"Perhaps you would care to guess as to how I came across?"
>"I would not care." she says, placing her hand on my head to get the memories out. Oh, well!
"Informative, though I am sure you are hearing the same things."
>"Yes. A thought occurred to me, however! What if we duplicated your phylactery."
"Only if you spend a cycle not duplicating an item you duplicated once to see if it returns to normal, in other words, to make sure you can retract the experiment. A single one of those gems perhaps, and if nothing bad happens to it, then dupe it again after the end of next cycle along with my phylactery. While you are at it, fit Muo inside yourself and see what happens when you come back. I will consider the ramifications and benefits of having two of myself wander around."
>>
No. 490639 ID: dcee26

Oh my goodness I don't think we should start moving into the possibility of having multiple clones of individuals. xD On the other hand if Tom's logic holds true then in theory each individual can have 1 extra "life" excluding SS himself.
>>
No. 490640 ID: 908c2d

>fit Muo inside yourself
Hmm. How do we do that without merging SS and Muo into one slime? I mean, merging them for a loop might be an amusing experiment (and open up new wooing possibilities?), but if we carry that around a physical loop, wouldn't it be permanent?

...maybe we could freeze her first? (Assuming you can freeze and defrost slimes safely). Then cram the Muo-sicle inside SS.

I don't suppose anyone has a shrinking spell? That would make swallowing Muo a little easier.
>>
No. 490644 ID: c59939

Mention the idea off hand to muo, but unless she's like, lets try it, just forget about time smuggling people.
>>
No. 490651 ID: c4e5c2
File 136011092848.png - (114.78KB , 700x700 , 4-441.png )
490651

The normal morning routine is given before I head back to Muo, who is once again preparing to head to the slimes.

"Muo! How would you feel about me smuggling you back in time and seeing if two of you happens?"
>"Uhhhhh...." Muo utters.
"Say no more! I was already iffy on it, to be frank. That is a can of worms that I just do not feel needs opening! By the way, did you ever try that watery delivery system for money?"
>"Uh... yeah. The naga didn't really go for it."
"Hm! Well, I will have a talk with Silveena this cycle."
>>
No. 490653 ID: c4e5c2
File 136011118405.png - (125.28KB , 700x700 , 4-442.png )
490653

At least, after the artifact use! For the first five days, I... well, I train mental things! I pull myself back with the artifact, and then go through the motions to befriend Silveena and so forth, since I can do so confidently without needing the artifact as a fallback.

I end up in Silveena's quarters once again, and wait till after spending quality time with her.

"Now, there is one thing I would like to discuss! It is about these slimes."
>"Yes. They have been demanding 'pleases' to gain access to the water."
"But, miss Silveena, is that so bad?"
>"There is plenty of water, and we need it as much as they do. Them setting up their home next to the river does not mean they have any more right to the water than we do. Saying 'please' might sound small, but it is as good as saying that the slimes do in fact have ownership of the water source. Plus, who is to say that they will not inch their demands to less negligible offerings?"
"I suppose you have no interest in the prospect of paying the slimes a small nominal fee to deliver the water to you?"
>"That would be more reasonable, but we still have no reason for that. We have a surplus of naga labor. Just a little, but enough that we would simply be paying the slimes gold so that a few of us would just sit around all day with nothing to do. And... you sound concerned about the slimes, so let me elaborate. We leave the slimes alone and expect them to do the same, and it has been that way for a long time. 'We' in that case being everyone in the caves but the slimes themselves. If we, just the Naga, start making deals with the slimes and they prove worth the trouble, then the goblins, lizardmen and perhaps even kobolds will try to make deals with them too. Slimes aren't good at deals. They'd get the short end of the stick every way. In the long run, if it's the slimes you're concerned about, it would be best for them to just sit still and hope they don't get noticed."
>>
No. 490657 ID: 695191

So... if there is an arrangement to be made it can't rely on the actions of the slimes themselves. Even if they could manage it with Muo that won't hold when she leaves. It needs to be mutually beneficial, lasting and give the naga something to do while giving the slimes little responsibility.

The best situation would look something like this: The slimes home has or can be used to create some resource the nagas value. In return for a portion of water and protection the nagas can use the land and send workers to get this resource. Perhaps the slimes can assist the effort in some significant manner. This causes no long term harm to the slimes or their home and secures their safety long term.

Now then, does or can such a thing exist?
>>
No. 490662 ID: 908c2d

Huh. Lasting, stable changes to the social order are tricky. Who knew?

I guess we need to evaluate if the slime situation really needs improving (the 'bold might be worse, actually. Aren't you guys kind of the bottom of the cave, kidnapped or enslaved as soon as you get good at anything?). And if so, what can we do that would be lasting and stable?
>>
No. 490664 ID: f2c20c

>>490653
You know, considering that Muo is going to leave, the slimes will be mostly defenseless afterwards. If they make trouble like this, then... yeah. If they want more respect they're gonna have to approach it from a different angle. One that won't get them in trouble- claiming ownership of the water basically makes them a target.

Maybe... they could have water runs from other camps done in a more formal fashion, and have the slime territory's borders more secure? They would still not be making claim over the water, but their land would be more 'theirs'.
>>
No. 490671 ID: b33427

She's totally right, you know. Slimes aren't known for their smarts or forethought, and are known to be easily duped and swayed. Even Muo, who's something of an exception, is still rather ditzy. As soon as she left, any deal the slimes made would soon fall apart, and probably leave them in a worse position.

...In the end, do the slimes even need or want protection? Or, for that matter, anything else? They didn't appear to have anyone or anything really threatening them, and they seemed to be content lazing about in their cavern. They are rather simple and innocent, and to try and foist things on them to "improve" their lot seems like it'd just backfire. Perhaps it'd be for the best if they just stayed out of the way of everyone, and everyone just generally ignored them.

Before going any further on the slime front, head down to the slime cavern and ask them what troubles they have, and what they'd like to have. If they don't have a care or need in the world, then your job here is done. You can ask Muo to stop requesting water gatherers say "please," 'cause it'll just cause long term trouble for these slimes.

Though, if the slimes do want to be helpful, perhaps they could improve the water the various groups down here gather somehow, and if they want it. How well do slimes work as water purifiers, removing dirt, poisons, and other undesirable elements?

Oh, and just for the hell of it, when you go to the bog, bring along as many slimes as you can, just so you can see how many Alessi the poison serpent can eat at once. At the least it'll make her all kinds of happy, and if you decide to steal the scales, dropping a load of slimes through their roof would make for a good distraction.
>>
No. 490672 ID: 57a559

>>490653
Well, there's a new slime in town actually. She isn't your ordinary slime. She's from a foreign continent, which may mean that slimes are more noticable, stubborn, or powerful there, and she is also a loyal subject of the new chaos god. Who has helped me in the past loops before. Due to all the friendships I have with you all, I'm just trying to minimize conflict. We just want to please all our friends. I know the slime girl, thanks to her allegiance to the chaos god she can't really back down either. In fact, it's less the slimes are running things and more the chaos god.

Just giving you a heads up. If she's got an order god's backing, it may be a pretty good looking fight and story, but Silveena's poison magic has always ruined the water source each loop where they fought. Combat with poison magic near the water source has always lead to a bad outcome. So not only or we trying to stop our friends from fighting, we're trying to stop everyone's water source from being poisoned as well. The chaos god, who in previous loops has helped us before with giving us resistance aid, but it always seem to have come to that cost, and all of Silveena's poison spells were magnified out of control to the point that led to the poisoning of the water source. And slime is aware of the time loop problem as well thanks to the divine intervention, she knows exactly what to do every single time.

Explaining this may lead to alienating Silveena, so, I suppose it is a last resort explanation.
>>
No. 490676 ID: 908c2d

>...In the end, do the slimes even need or want protection? Or, for that matter, anything else?
I think the whole thing that prompted this is some of the creatures who pass by the slimes on their way for water treat them like dirt. Maybe we should be looking for antics to pull on the actual offenders instead of trying to change the whole system?

>>490672
I don't think that battle actually poisoned the water supply. It just blessed it with antimagic properties, due to chaos. Now, imbuing the cavern's water supply with powerful antimagic might have consequences, but I believe it's supposed to be temporary, and it's nothing compared to poison.
>>
No. 490680 ID: 57a559

>>490676
We could lie about that aspect you know?
>>
No. 490685 ID: 908c2d

>>490680
That wouldn't work if she asked us to memory gem it. :V
>>
No. 490687 ID: f2c20c

>>490671
We don't even need to get more scales now. We have an assload of them, for free. We couldn't haggle her down to make a profit off of buying scales from her so really the only reason to go to the goblin is to have sex with her, and for chrissakes we're getting laid enough already! Well, we could just outright steal her entire supply but I dunno how many more scales we can fit inside SS's slime body.

Hey, here's an idea for finding new things to do- let's walk around on day 5 and ask people about interesting events that happened within the past 4 days.
>>
No. 490692 ID: c4e5c2
File 136011744484.png - (58.82KB , 700x700 , 4-443.png )
490692

>Aren't you guys kind of the bottom of the cave, kidnapped or enslaved as soon as you get good at anything?
Why, yes we are! We aren't looked down as much as the slimes might be, but we are right in that unhappy medium of being looked down on, but not looked down on enough to ignore entirely. As for what can be done about that, I do not know!

"Hm... you raise some fair points! I will have a talk with them."
>"Alright."
"Did the land they are on have any sort of resource that perhaps they could help with?"
>"No, anything like that has been mined out. It is only valuable because of the water."
"Do they have land that is considered theres?"
>"We might walk over it sometimes, but yes, some of the back caverns have no reason to be explored by us, so they do have land to themselves."
"Also, I will admit that the new slime, from lands far off, has started running things, and she is a follower of the chaos god!"
>"... that explains a lot. Chaos followers tend to be exceptionally strong."
"Yes, but I am good friends with her, and so will still have a chat, but it is as much the chaos god running the show as anything. Nonetheless, I will hope for the best! Farewell until next time."
>"Good luck, and please do have a chat with them to see how they would feel about lying low, thank you."
>>
No. 490693 ID: c4e5c2
File 136011747082.png - (130.77KB , 700x700 , 4-444.png )
490693

So I wish Silveena goodbye, and run to Muo!

"Hello, Muo!"
>"Hey story."
"I had a chat with Silveena. You know, I am uncertain if deals are a good idea! People around here would be quick to take advantage of the slimes if they prove useful. And Silveena claims that it is not exactly your water anymore than anyone elses?"
>"Uh... I'm not sure we're that bad! Let me see... hey, Jo, did the slimes actually have a claim on water here?"
>"Well, we lived here, so... uh... I guess?" Jo says.
"Does not sound quite like it!"
>"I... guess not?"
"And were you slimes wanting to help out other races for gold or labor or such things?"
>"Uh, well our queen might, so I might!"
"Before your queen came along?"
>"Uh... no."
>"Okayyyy, uh... " Muo thinks. "Tom?"
"Wha? Oh, man, that's like all you've been doing to stir things up around here!"
>"Yeahhhhh, but that'll make it suck for these guys!"
"Muo, Chaos! We may as well get something out of these five days. You'll get chaos deity special points!"
Muo goes and just flicks Tom's amulet!
"Oh fine! Hmph. Real disappointing."
"I'll just free all the lizardman prisoners, put aphrodesiacs in the goblin's water supply and uncover some noble's skeleton in the closet in the naga territory that'll actually make a fuss. Will that be good?"
".... yes, Muo, that will do, I suppose. Better get practicing so you can do it right on the last loop!"
"Although, this is because some people who come for water treat slimes like dirt, right?"
>"Yeah. I guess it isn't too bad from what I hear though."
"Perhaps in your antics, you could also throw in relatiation on the personal offenders?"
>"I guess so, but then they might retaliate if they know it's because of their slime treatment. And if they don't know it's because of that, then they'll still treat these guys bad." continues Muo.
"Oh, another idea! How good are slimes at filtering out bad stuff like dirt or whatever from water? For a fee, the slimes could purify water!"
>"Pretty good, although it feels really nasty if we just soak up all the dirt ourselves. But the water here is clean anyway, so I dunno if people would be interested in our services for that."

Hm. Lasting, stable changes to the social order are tricky to pull off. Who knew!
>>
No. 490703 ID: 908c2d

Alright. So... is there anything else we need to practice so we can work it into the final loop? If there's not, I guess we just train till SS gets bored and then go for the perfect run.

>Current list of things to do in the final loop
*Start the loop with carried over bra, scales, gems
*Warn Zirkala that this is the final loop, so she has whatever she's doing for the scythe moon ready
*Buy clothes from Tailor
*Streamlined Naga plan- humiliate at auction, befriend (and bedfriend) Silveena.
*Gobo Queen
*Get the drake some gold, name her, and spend some time with her
*Muo raises some chaos
*Use a non-bra MR item (from Zirkala, Silveena or Ka'xi) to make the potion
*Spell bouncing to stack MR to break the loop.

...anything else we need to work in?
>>
No. 490712 ID: 32096c

Internalize Muo, or some other volunteer for the trip back? Tom's amulet might be a good bet actually! It's small, which is a plus, and I don't think it IS Tom, it'd just be an object he's linked to. So, it'd be a decent dry run for the phylactery thing, plus hey, you can talk to Tom without Muo handy.
>>
No. 490714 ID: c59939

Suggest that she could really go nuts on the Hobgoblins or Gnolls, if she wants to mess with people who aren't quite close enough to really mess with the slimes.
>>
No. 490715 ID: f2c20c

No cloning people. I do not want to open that can of worms.

How much gold do we need to give the tailor to make tears of joy, anyway?

OH. Dude. We need to get to know Sili better! We could also train under her some more.
>>
No. 490716 ID: b33427

Give Muo a hug before you go, just 'cause she's an alright gal.

Alright, what to do next? You don't actually need to go to the bog, since you have the scales. Only reason to go there would be to do something to help Alessi the poison serpent in her situation, but you have no idea what that would be. There might be something with turning her into a slime so she can leave on her own, but that sounds like it'd easily backfire with her being more aggressive with her new form and sucking all the life out of folks. That idea is moot anyway unless you figure out how to do that with your slime form.

So now you have an extra day open. What to do with it? How about visiting Morganna and bouncing ideas off of her on what she could do to fill her days with other than eating and sleeping. After that, ask her about how she really feels about you. Is she interested in you and just doesn't know how to act about it?

>"Aphrodesiacs in the goblin's water supply"
Considering how much booze the goblins drink in lieu of water, suggest that Muo put it into their alcohol as well. Oh, and ask if she could do it right before you visit the goblin queen; You'd like what will happen to transpire while you're with her. Remember to pack a couple bottles of that potion Minci gave you the recipe for. It'll be quite a story if you out-last an entire town full of horny goblins and emerge triumphant.

Hey, how long did the magic resistance potion made with the goblin queens' hair last? 'Cause if it was longer than the length of the cycle, then you might be able to break out of the loop while keeping the duplicated archbra. Just make a potion using the archbra and tears the previous cycle, do a physical loop-back, make a potion with a lesser item and the tears on the final loop to stack with it, then do Tom's magic ping-pong manuver to possibly break out.
>>
No. 490719 ID: 997ce7

>>490715
Let's clone Tom.
>>
No. 490720 ID: c59939

Don't suggest trying to clone tom. That just sounds like a way to get your time looping privileges immediately removed.
>>
No. 490721 ID: 908c2d

>>490719
It's just an avatar amulet. I doubt it means anything to clone it- Tom could probably make more anytime her wanted.
>>
No. 490725 ID: c59939

I'm just saying, best possible result of trying to time clone the amulet is either A) The amulet isn't at all actually tied to tom, and is clones like any item, or B) The Amulet is a part of him, and like him is completely unaffected by time shenanigans. In both cases, testing with the amulet is completely useless as a preface for the already bad idea of trying to time clone Zirkala or her phylactery.
>>
No. 490736 ID: b33427

I'm thinking that trying to duplicate Zirkala's phylactery and soul is just the kind of thing that'll bring a Time Lord down to smack Story Seeker upside the head and say "no, you idiot," before retconning it away. And that's if it actually works. Could be, since souls are meant to be even more unique than stuff like the archbra, the duplicate phylactery will be empty. Or, even worse, Zirkala's soul pops out of her hidden phylactery, and into the duplicated one, severing the connection to her current body. That'd screw things right up.

Instead of that, how about asking Zirkala if she could make up a test phylactery or something like it such as a soul jar, and stick the soul of a test subject into it. One of the skeleton guards, a slime, or even a literal lab rat if it doesn't have to be a "big" soul. Then Story Seeker time-duplicates that instead, and Zirkala checks if the soul duplicated. It'd be mostly to satisfy her curiosity, since duplicating liches would have Time Lords saying "cut that shit out."
>>
No. 490739 ID: 35edd4

A thought: Before the final reset, we should slime-ambush through the roof of the swamp-dwellers and steal all of their scales, then duplicate those. They won't remember the offense and we'll have more highly valuable scales.
>>
No. 490745 ID: c4e5c2
File 136012830809.png - (108.99KB , 700x700 , 4-445.png )
490745

>"Hm?"
"You are an alright girl, Muo. Also, the goblins drink more booze than water, I believe, so do spike that as well."
>"Oh, uh, thank you."
"Think you could do it right before I visit the goblin queen?"
>"Sure."
"There are also hobgoblins beyond the goblins, and gnolls meandering around the surface."
>"I'll take a look, then."

>Hey, how long did the magic resistance potion made with the goblin queens' hair last?
Less than the length of the cycle, unfortunately. Still, I will attempt to break the cycle without destroying the archbra.

>We need to get to know Sili better!
Yes, I could stand to improve relations with her! Plus, although she can be rough, her training is still with far more finess and, shall I say, actual tutilage in regards to fighting.
>>
No. 490746 ID: c4e5c2
File 136012833091.png - (69.83KB , 736x437 , 4-446.png )
490746

I spend the remaining time for a physical loop training mostly under Sili and more slime related practices with Muo.

If what the time lord said about having a couple months remaining is true, then I should break the cycle by the end of cycle 12! However, not wishing to game the system, I will plan on breaking it at the end of 11, and if something goes wrong and I fail, then I will remedy it and fix it up on the end of 12.

I wake up on cycle 10, with the duped items still on my body as intended. I believe I can hold quite a bit once the final loop is over, but I have what I need, so Zirkala will simply stuff me as full as I can get on the final loop with her best value-to-volume ratio items. She says that while most of this loot will simply be to add to the value and reagents of her halls, she will give me a couple items to sell that will certainly send me well into the riches. I decide fully against duplicating people, as I am sure that would perpetuate time issues far more than a few additional gems in the world!

So Muo practices her own rounds of chaos sewing while I train mentally, then use the artifact for physical training once again.

During this, I also chat with Sili and Morgana to see what makes them tick, and how to best improve relations with them on the final loop. And lastly, I introduce Tom and Silveena to each other to make sure they are both willing to bounce the spell back and forth for maximum magic resistance. Unsurprisingly, they are!

And lastly, I spend one day going to the bog, and slime-ambushing all of their scales and loot. Dubious ethics, but it will be reset anyway, and I will have many scales!

With this, I believe I am prepared for loop 11, the final loop!
>>
No. 490747 ID: c4e5c2
File 136012836101.png - (59.15KB , 1400x472 , 4-447.png )
490747

To which I have planned out to some mild degree and outlined. There will be plenty of Morgana and Sili time given, assuming I am not forgetting anything!

Much of the Morgana time will be dedicated to attempting to get her to be more active in the future, which I am confident I can manage.

I am also including the walk to the bog to attempt another deal from the goblin to see if I have better luck and that is most certainly the only reason! I cannot think of anything better to do. The last cycle seems optimized enough that I have a surprising deal of free time if I am not forgetting much!

I will also be planning on duplicating and using both Zirkala's resistance amulate and Silveena's resistance bracelet, as I believe those have been the greated magic resistance items that are not the bra.

>>490703
This seems to be comprehensive and accounted for, if I am not forgetting anything else!
>>
No. 490753 ID: c59939

If you succeed, day 6 will be a day off anyway, could you use day 5 to train bard magics and bed magics?

Also, remember that while you expect to be done this loop, to store stuff like you're still going to be stuck in it.
>>
No. 490755 ID: 908c2d

That seems... pretty complete. Kinda surprising we have so much free time on the last day, but that gives us a little leeway if anything goes wrong. As does the time artifact, if we need it.

Let's get on it, then.
>>
No. 490757 ID: f2c20c

>>490747
This seems good. Keep the wiggle room on the last day.

...hang on a second, did you ever have the hourglass inside your slime body while duplicating the other stuff? I suspect it might be quite immune to duplication, but we shouldn't try to do it if not. Duplicating a time-related artifact via time loop exploitation sounds VERY bad.
>>
No. 490765 ID: 14bafe

Couldn't we brew a magic resist potion with a duplicated Bra and bring the resultant potion through to the next cycle? Then we'd have an extra bra AND the resultant magic resistance potion at the same time.
>>
No. 490766 ID: c4e5c2
File 136013261608.png - (116.27KB , 700x700 , 4-448.png )
490766

>Could you use day 5 to train bard magics and bed magics?
I think that my thoughts are greatly underestimating how incredibly tired I am of practicing magic for days at a time! I have not had a day off in... months, in actuality!

>Did you ever have the hourglass inside your slime body while duplicating the other stuff
I did not!
>If not, don't
Won't!

I wake up, and Muo and I shoot out of bed. Perhaps faster than intended or even necessary considering our level of spare time, but I cannot afford to be too slow, I must get this right!
>>
No. 490767 ID: c4e5c2
File 136013264149.png - (84.52KB , 700x700 , fc-2.png )
490767

First, the meeting with Zirkala!
"Hello Zirkala good morning read my memories!"
>"What is the hurry- ah. I will summon Guntax and Springfoot first, then, and you may carry on. Remember to come back when you're done so that I can cram you with my best value to volume ratio items."

Once she summons the others, I go over the plans that I am sure they will be as good as ever to perform.
>>
No. 490768 ID: c4e5c2
File 136013266444.png - (116.31KB , 700x700 , 4-450.png )
490768

Before the auction, I start talking with Morgana, purchasing her fake gold, naming her Morgana permanently this time, and proceeding to spend time with her. Plus, I offer ideas for her activity!

It seems that she is heavily motivated by things that dragons apparently do. I do not know if I agree with the source of motivation, but it works! Once I convince her that dragons can fly and run fast, and hoard books as much as gold, she seems motivated all the same to do more than just sit around all day and eat. Clunker, maybe not so much, but he seems quite happy as is.

I purchase the kep flowers during the late morning or early afternoon, and spend more time with Morgana afterwards as well.

"Now, I must ask a personal question! How do you feel about me, miss Morgana?"
>"You're nice."
"Even if I am a kobold?"
>"Oh whatever, and I'm a drake, we're not dragons."
"I see. I think I may wish to continue this discussion in private, if you don't mind!"
>"Uh, okay. Clunker, go wait somewhere else."

Clunker makes a funny little ch-k ch-k noise at me as he passes.
>>
No. 490769 ID: c4e5c2
File 136013268924.png - (129.08KB , 700x700 , 4-451.png )
490769

After a checkmark is made, I purchase tailor clothes and give her great funds that lead to her tears, and then the initial Silveena meeting.

Then it is Sili training! She does not have any miraculous bonding methods such as the drake. She simply requires enough time for me to grow on her, and training with her seems to gain the best results, so that is precisely what I do!
>>
No. 490770 ID: c4e5c2
File 136013271548.png - (114.79KB , 700x700 , 4-452.png )
490770

I get a good night's rest in preparation for tomorrow, to which I shame the prince once again and spend time with Silveena, also letting her know this is the final loop.
>>
No. 490771 ID: c4e5c2
File 136013278294.png - (77.42KB , 700x700 , 4-453.png )
490771

And to finish off in celebration of one of the more potentially dangerous parts of the loop save for the last, I head to the goblin queen! Which leads to spending time with her, which immediately is intercepted with Muo's spiked surprise which I am loathe to call an interruption!

The remainder of the night is not suitable for retelling to most or any audiences, nevermind any no-kiss-and-tell policy! A shame, since I will remember every moment in considerable detail. But alas, the only recounting of this tale will be in the form of funny, knowing glances between Muo and myself.

Needless to say, I do not get any sleep.
>>
No. 490772 ID: c4e5c2
File 136013292698.png - (100.00KB , 700x700 , 4-454.png )
490772

On day 3, I go to the bog! It is a nice walk and I happen to enjoy my goblin negotiations that take place there. And wouldn't I know it, the luck was not any better or worse, and I merely spend a few hours with the goblin that did not end in any scale purchases! Too bad.

Upon my return, I reintroduce Silveena to Tom, and plan everything out for the resistance bouncing. Then, I get around to handing Rotfrost the reagents required to make the potions, and spend the rest of the day with Morgana and Sili.
>>
No. 490773 ID: 32096c

Have you still not tested if wearing a bunch of magic-bouncing gear works as well for your purposes as drinking them in powdered form? Seems to me you've got spare copies of everything. Or you can just wear/drink everything you can find when it's potential looping time I suppose.

Also, have you been putting in any slime training? Maybe pigging out some, see if you can't increase your total mass and get more internal storage space thusly?

If you're able to find the time lord nosing around somewhere, you could probably get some extra tips too.
>>
No. 490774 ID: c4e5c2
File 136013318482.png - (183.90KB , 700x700 , 4-455.png )
490774

And on the last day... I relax! For the first time in what feels like ages, I take a day off. At least for the first part, but eventually the night catches up, and Silveena and Tom meet me in the slime caverns. There I take the poison and magic resistance potion, and wear a few pieces of magic resistance gear on top for reflection purposes. With Silveena wearing her bra, she launches her best missile at me. Tom bounces it back and forth before a good number of times before....

"Tom! You knocked it in the water!"
>"Uh, yeah! We never decided to change that, did we?!"
".... well, whatever, as long as it isn't poisoned! In any case, I feel pretty good about this! I am also still quite tired, so I should walk ba... Muo, are you wearing the duplicated naga bra?!"
>"I, uh, yeah... wait, you just noticed?"
"... I admit that is currently an enormous source of bewilderment for me right now, but I do have butterflies in my stomach over all this other business coming to a close! Plus, I would have expected you to ask me before taking it."
>"Well you were busy with naming Morgana, so..."
"You've been wearing the bra almost the whole cycle?! No matter, Muo, you didn't lose it, and that is what is important here, second only to your safety! Which I can't help but assume it makes a terrible stealth device, further making me wonder if your safety was not in even more peril! Nevermind, in fact, I will ask you the tale of your exploits another day! That day being... tomorrow!"

With that, I walk back to bed with Muo, though not before performing the last couple of preparations.
>>
No. 490775 ID: c4e5c2
File 136013323303.png - (109.80KB , 700x700 , 4-456.png )
490775

Cycle Resisted! Dawn of a New Day

"Muo!"
>"It worked!"
"It woHORR-"
>>
No. 490777 ID: c4e5c2
File 136013325988.png - (144.66KB , 700x700 , 4-457.png )
490777

"HORK"

Not my most flattering finish!
>>
No. 490778 ID: e15bdc

>>490777
Subject field related.
>>
No. 490782 ID: b33427

But a final finish, nonetheless! ...Well, almost. Just gotta make sure nothing went wonky.

Find Zirkala, dump all that loot, the hourglass, and the archbra on her (and hope she goes about fitting her flesh form to it and wears it all the time,) and query her to make sure that no time shenanigans happened. With that out of the way, climb back into bed with Muo, cuddle up and sleep in; You two have earned it.

Later on don't forget to get the story of Muo's exploits from her. You're quite interested in how she pulled them off while sporting the archbra and archboobs to match. How you missed that she had those when you two were with the goblins, you will never know.

...Oh, wait! Before you went to bed you forgot to warn Morganna that the river water has strong magic resistance properties on it now! Better get word to her before she's found out. Could Zirkala send one of her skeletons to deliver a note for you?
>>
No. 490783 ID: f2c20c

>>490777
DEM VALUABLES.

Alright. Time to cash in your loot and count your money. Then, we go SHOPPING. Possibly by asking Zirkala if she's got anything that would fit us that we could buy.

Magic resistance is handy, actually- maybe we should just buy and wear that bracer.
>>
No. 490785 ID: c59939

Take today off. Today is 'Zirkala terrorizes the town' day. Lay low, have weird kinky slimebold sex or something.

Go do things a different day.
>>
No. 490786 ID: 04b86a

Find Zirkala and tell her she needs to check your memories. Just to mess with her.
>>
No. 490787 ID: c4e5c2
File 136013603941.png - (122.97KB , 700x700 , 4-458.png )
490787

>Buy the bracer
The bracer was duplicated, so I do believe it is as good as mine!

>"Wait, Story, how did you duplicate all of that after resisting the cycle?"
"I... hm. Perhaps getting stuffed like that was pointless after all!"

>"It was a precaution in case the resistance failed." Zirkala says. "Hence, some of those items are not duplicated, but simply made wet. The ones that were duplicated 6 days ago should still be duplicated. I am surprised time lords did not slap them out of you at the last moment. Most items in there are doubles, however, and so we are richer than we were before by no insignificant marger. Or in your case, a few magnitudes richer. Now, most of those items can't be sold for any reasonable price around here. To get a fine price, you would need to travel to lands with high spenders. Those who have tens of thousands of gold to blow on things like oversized gems are not particularly common around here. There is of course some gold in there, but your payment lies however much you can get for various luxury items. Assuming you play your cards right, and are not robbed, you will be the richest kobold I have met. Something to think about, but not today. Today, I am going to be busy."
"Oh, with what?... ah, right, the scythe moon?"
>"Yes, I am glad you have not gotten too absent minded over these time cycles, Story Seeker. Still, it is good that you are going to be indoors all of today, as you need rest. I am going to go terrorize our neighbors, but perhaps I will spare the ghouls, however, and simply have undead chariots perform spooky theatrics through the streets and simply call it a warning. Maybe have Ralex juggle fireballs. In light of our new loot and the new knowledge you have brought me, I am finding it difficult to take this scythe moon superstition seriously. Even more difficulty than I had already, mind you."
"Ah, right! Well, I will certainly stay in, I think, as I wish for one of Muo's tales. Oh, could you send a skeleton or something to miss Morgana, that is, the drake, letting her know the river is full of antimagic?"
>"Very well. You stay in and rest with Muo, and sleep and count the loot or whatever it is a sometimes slime kobold and chaos slime do alone in a room full of treasure. I have a small army of undead out there this morning that are all waiting on me, so I will be off. Good day, Story Seeker."
"Goodbye for now, Zirkala!"
>>
No. 490788 ID: f2c20c

>>490787
Zirkala's eyes are red, only in this update.

DUN DUN DUNNNNNN.
>>
No. 490789 ID: 772c81

Work on getting the scythe moon turned into a party night some decades down the line.

Think day of the dead mixed with mardi gras.
>>
No. 490791 ID: b6edd6

>>490788
Well today is the designated day ominousness.
>>
No. 490794 ID: 78c6ea

And as Zirkala terrorizes the night seeking new victims and committing terrible crimes against nature, Story Seeker settles down for a long winter's nap, and is just drifting off to sleep when he discovers that there is a reason he was trapped in that time loop, and despite having surpassed its magic, that reason is still there.
>>
No. 490798 ID: 47d311

You should have glorious success sex on top of the pile of loot.
>>
No. 490801 ID: b53faa

>>490798
Seconding this.
>>
No. 490809 ID: 908c2d

>>490768
*Morgana ✓
Whoo! Angry dragon sex. Bout time!

>>490798
But Muo's not the drake! XD

Whatever. You deserve a day off in bed, at this point, SS. Enjoy it.
>>
No. 490824 ID: a00410

>>490787
Zirkala has feet! We have never seen any concreat proof of them on her bony form before. We should she if she will be up for victory sex in a few days. Also maybe not now but we should test the waters with a friendly hug. Skelly or not at soon.
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