2/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/17(Tue)19:46 No. 579069 ID: d470e9
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We offer to help Morgana with the giant bag of gold, but she gets pretty protective about it and insists on dragging it herself. Finally being able to indulge in a pace of relaxation and calmness is not something I will open my mouth unfavorably towards!

"Say, Muo, it's been a long trip, does this cave have an adequate supply of bed, cotting or other sleeping materials?"
>"Uh, we probably shouldn't sleep together here, Story."
"Oh, no no no, I merely mean to convey my need for sleep." And secretly, I must wonder about what reservations Muo has gained against affections here in her home. Far be it from me to pry!
>"Oh! Oh. Okay. Yeah. Uh... yeah. We don't, uh, have much around here, but I think there's a kobold section you might be interested in. Oh! There's also a lich. You're good with liches right? Do you want to visit him or her or it?"
"Would you say he or she or it is cordial to new, mortal visitors?"
>"I have no idea! It's kind of a similar place to your own caves, and now that I've seen Zirkala, maybe our lich does the same sort of threatening stuff but isn't actually so bad? I dunno I've never visited."

I have heard that the Lich King - of whom I still have not seen or heard from since keeping an eye on me throughout my time trials - does try to have coordination with the liches who have not obtained lich nobility in the kingdom of... lichdom.

>>579069
Let's do it! What's the worst thing that can happen from just asking a guard if you can visit?

Go see if there's anything interesting in the kobold area first. If not, pay the lich a visit.

Story Seeker 2014/06/17(Tue)20:58 No. 579075 ID: d470e9
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"Perhaps I will visit the kobold area first, if there is much of interest over there."
>"Uh... is your own village interesting?"
"I would say not to all but those who find interest in rudimentary living!"
>"I... what? Uh, it's about the same here."
"Then with no disrespect towards the lifestyles of my kobold brethren at home or at these caves, I will go straight to the lich!"

Well, perhaps disrespect will be placed soon, as a few kobolds looking far from friendly leap from around the corner before I can even think about asking for directions to the lich's hideaway.

>"Not so fast, guys! You guys reek, there's no hiding that. But that's not gonna hide the smell of gold. A lot of gold. I don't think you guys are from around here, so let me introduce you to the most common trade - your money for your life!"

"Are there a lot of people here like this?"
>"Aren't there a lot at your place?" Muo says. A surprisingly quick retort from her that I cannot argue with! I simply have not found many at my own place because I normally do not carry grand riches with me.

My weapons and basically everything appear to have been lost in whatever it was I was doing prior to this walk. A rather unfortunate scene in every regard, both for my ill-preparedness and for making my first memory of Muo's home getting robbed!

>>579075
Are you kidding you're not gonna get robbed. Morgana can scare them off with her illusions. Give her a good story to play along with. Like say, "Can't you see we're protected by a skilled group of ninjas?" or even go with "Are you seriously going to steal from a dragon?"

Uuuuuuuuuhhhhh...... no?

That guy in front has a knife, is he seriously using a knife for real melee combat? Just beat them up.

>>579077
The guy behind him has a sword. Granted, Story Seeker DOES have some combat training so he might win anyway, but... maybe we shouldn't do that. At least, not without Muo and Morgana helping. Muo IS a chaos mage and illusions ARE good for more than bluffing.

>You're good with liches right?
That really depends on the lich's personality.

And whether or not they object to what they'd likely see as another lich's minion poking around in their territory. If they have a problem with Zirkala, they may have a problem with you.

>being robbed
Bluff your ass off. Some fancy moves and halfway competent training will allow you to dance circles around these doofs in a fight. Especially if someone throws illusions or chaos magic into the mix.

>>579075
"Yeah, umm, that's dragon gold now. She just robbed me, straight up. So, yeah, so now it's YOUR gold or your life, probably. Good advice to follow. I'm afraid all I have to offer is love. Perhaps you're interested in a good time?"

If they want it so much then just give it to them.

Plop that bag of gold right on top of their heads. Get Muo to do it with you if it's too heavy and ignore Morgana's objections if you have to.

Alternatively, you could just do what you always do and whore your way through things. Put on some charm!

Bardic charm is good for a lot of situations but this one is more of an intimidation thing. All that time with Ralex will hopefully have payed off, cause you are probably really gonna end up in a fight here.

Call yourself the seeker. Brag about how you spar with fire demons (which is sorta true), and ask them if they honestly wanna attack the seeker, and his dragon friend. Remind them you were about to go see a lich they are obviously frightened senseless of.

1/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/18(Wed)18:05 No. 579200 ID: d470e9
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Making my first memory of Muo's home getting an attempted robbery, anyway.

"Perhaps you didn't overhear me a moment ago that I was going to be seeing the Lich? Or, are you really going to try to steal from a dragon?" I say, motioning at Morgana.
>"Whoawhoawhoa hold that thought, guy. What's with all the people wanting to see the Lich lately?"
"There are others seeking the Lich of these caverns?"
>"Y- well, just one overgrown lizard bugging our village, who - ah. Just in case you are the convoy of some dragon or the lich or whatever... let's get out of here, gang, I have a better idea."

A surprisingly low level of determination from these individuals! Neither physical aggression, questionable-placed charms, Morgana's illusions nor Muo's magic were required here, although I'm certain all would have had considerable success. From the sounds of it, I may see them once again, and hopefully under better circumstances.

2/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/18(Wed)18:05 No. 579201 ID: d470e9
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Muo leads us on to a fork in the traversable path.

>"Okay, Story, just keep going down here to get to the Lich."
"Perhaps I could ask for more, excuse my bluntness, useful directions?"
>"Oh, uh, just keep following the sense of dread. If you feel colder and colder and more afraid to continue, that means you're going in the right direction!"
"Ah, that is a help! Thank you very much. And where will you three be going?"
>"Home!" Morgana insists. "Thank you for the trip."
>"I, uh... it was really interesting and scary following you, Seeker!" Lachu says. "I, uh, I'm glad I went, but I think that's enough excitement for me for while. I don't want to be around any more liches. Uh, please be careful!"
"Alway- some- I'll live! It is I who should be telling Morgana to be careful."
>"Sh-shut up."
"And what will you be doing, Muo?"
>"I should prooooobably let people know I'm back! Come back up and go upwards to get to the slime pits, I'll be around."
"Perhaps there are similar directions up there?"
>"Yeah, uh, the more humid it is, the closer you are."

>>579201
Then let us be off. Onward, to adventuuuuure!

It might be a good idea to quickly zip back and ask Zirkala if she knows about this lich. The strange lizard person bothering the lich sounds promising, but still, no point of making Zirkala waste a resurrection on you if things don't go as planned. Things would get even messier if the lich took your soul for whatever reason and Zirkala had to go get it back.

>>579203
The strange lizard person might be Zirkala, if the law of conservation of detail holds. I think it's slightly more likely that it's a new NPC, but that's not a sure thing. Worth checking with Zirkala.

>>579205

What if it's Zirkala's evil twin?

If its her evil twin we totally have to seduce them.

>>579207
Then they're somewhat redundant and we're seducing them anyway.

1/5 Story Seeker 2014/06/18(Wed)21:22 No. 579262 ID: d470e9
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"Actually, I should check in with Zirkala about this!"
>"Hey, uh, Story...?" Lachu asks. "Since you can just go through the portal right back home, why are you in such a need to find a place to sleep here?"
"A fine question, Lachu, but the answer lies in my own wanderlust, my own need to see new sights and need more people, although perhaps most of all, it's simply that I did not quite think about that! Nevertheless, my mind is made and my body committed to meeting this new lich. After checking with Zirkala, as my acts of brashness should not be let out all the time."

2/5 Story Seeker 2014/06/18(Wed)21:22 No. 579263 ID: d470e9
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Perhaps because of my brisk, determined pace, or perhaps because of Miss Morgana's hissing at any strangers that approach her, our trip back home is uneventful as can be!

Lachu and I wish each other well, Morgana sets up her illusory dragon guard, and Muo excuses herself to let everyone at her home know that she's back, and that she'll be around the slime pits if I need her. With that, I run off to check in with Zirkala.

>"Oh, Story Seeker. You're home early, and looking thin."
"Hello, Zirkala! I cannot help but notice that you think of this as my home now?"
>"You come and go as you please, sleep in my beds, and eat my food. If that is not what you consider home, then I would just love to see the place you do call home."
"Ah, no, when you put it like that, perhaps this is more my home now rather than before! But this is business, as well. I was planning on visiting Muo's home, and there is a lich there as well. I was wondering if you happened to know him or her or it?"
>"Let's see... yes. Assuming there haven't been any territory shifts, that's the domain of Lich Rulgath. He's an alright fellow. I'll craft you an image of my acceptance of you, and you'll merely have to show it to him and he'll let you inside."
"Thank you! By the way, apparently there is a lizard man who was seeking out Rulgath as well! Do you know of him?"
>"What is his name?"
"I do not know!"
>"What does he look like?"
"I do not know!"
>"Story Seeker, are you asking me if I know this lizard man, when all you know is he is a lizard man?"
"Hm, now that you put it like that..."
>"That is uncharacteristically rude of you, Story Seeker, to imply I have the remotest chance of knowing him simply because he is the same species as what I once was."
"I... am deeply ashamed of m-"
>"Use your head, Story Seeker, I'm messing with you. You've already told me more than just 'lizard man.' You told me he was seeking a lich, and that is more than enough. If his name is Kexluk, and he holds an offensively bright sword, then yes, I know of him. Let him join you. Treat him as an ally. Now I have a question for you. You arrive back in the time it would take to get there, and casually plan on going back. Have you discovered a portal?"
"That is correct! Muo, apparently forgetfully, formed a portal between our slime pits and her own slime pit home."

4/5 Story Seeker 2014/06/18(Wed)21:22 No. 579265 ID: d470e9
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>"How intriguing."

5/5 Story Seeker 2014/06/18(Wed)21:23 No. 579266 ID: d470e9
File 140315179657.png - (113.48KB , 800x800 , 7-10.png )

I always do have to wonder how her bone mouth moves like that.

>"Yes, well, you had best be off then, if you wish to meet these individuals. Oh, and do invite Kexluk into the Lich's home as well, I'm sure the two would like to meet each other. In the meanwhile, I'll assume Morgana is rubbing her scales over your riches."

>>579266
I bet she is. I'd kindof like to see that, actually.

Hmm, also you better keep up with your training come to think of it. Don't let your muscles go to waste! Uh, when you have some free time anyway. If we can peek in on Morgana then make our way to the portal we should.

So, let's see. Kexluk is... a paladin, possibly, given the "offensively bright sword", and Zirkala plans on having him and Story weaken Rulgath so Zirkala can port to his territory and take over.

Of course, that might not be the case, since she hasn't been interested in conquest before and he's an alright fellow in her book. She may just be thinking about possible vulnerability or studying the portal. And Kexluk might not even be a paladin. Nevertheless, any particular objections to possibly helping Zirkala expand her little empire, Story or other suggestions?

I don't have any. Let's meet this maybe-paladin.

I want to tour the other cave though! Meet the peeps! The ladies! The merchants! The food! The songs! The culture! The ladies!

Well she seems happy. Am guessing that portal magic is either not her specialty or she just has a interesting idea for its use later. Besides if she went and made one all the local magic users might notice. Either way if it keeps her entertained its worth it.

Normally the whole get the lizard man with the shiny sword to join you and then go visit the lich would sound suspicious. But honestly if Zirkala has some sort of crazy lich murdering plan who cares. Whatever happens will make a interesting story and that's what we care about.

Course I could be wrong about the whole nefarious lich murdering plan. Maybe they will end up in bed together.

Oh you should probably talk to Muo about your lost muscle mass. You worked hard for that and would be nice to not have your training have gone to waste. No idea if you can just go slime form and get more water or if you need to combine with Muo to get the mass back. But should look into it later.

As for your gold if it makes Morgana happy its worth the difficulty in withdrawing it. Just make sure you sneak a look at her while she is rolling around in the stuff. Should be cute.

>fakeout accusations of blatant racism
Pff. Well, someone had to call you on it sooner or later, considering how often you rely on stereotypes.

>I always do have to wonder how her bone mouth moves like that
It's part of her charm.

>I'll assume Morgana is rubbing her scales over your riches
Undoubtedly!

>Kexluk is... a paladin, possibly, given the "offensively bright sword"
Possibly. We'll play things by ear when we get back.

It's entirely possible you're being used as a pawn in some kind of crazy undead power play, but there's no way to be sure, so try not to think of it and hope everything works out. People always go easier on the unwitting pawns, right?

1/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/19(Thu)19:00 No. 579462 ID: d470e9
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>Hmm, also you better keep up with your training come to think of it. Don't let your muscles go to waste!
Too late! Even then, I believe being thinner is more becoming of myself, although Ralex is sure to be displeased if he ever sees all that work gone in the matter of days. If I am in need of beefing up immediately, I will attempt to regain my mass from Muo!

>Meet the peeps! The ladies! The merchants! The food! The songs! The culture! The ladies!
I plan on it! But I am amazingly exhausted, and wish to begin my tour of Muo's cave with a well earned rest.

I excuse myself from Zirkala's presence, and stop by Morgana's den. She appears to be sleeping, and I dare not wake her! I will go straight to meet this Kexluk, who may or may not be a paladin.

>Try not to think of it and hope everything works out.
A plan I can stand by.

2/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/19(Thu)19:01 No. 579463 ID: d470e9
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Upon returning, some stranger slimes approach me and inform me that a lizard was seeking me quite insistently. I am directed to the fork in the road between the Lich caverns and the slime pit entry, and so I head there.

>"Ah, hello! You must be Story Seeker?"
"That is correct! And you must be Kexluk?" Although there is no light coming from his sword, that may simply be because it is also sheathed.
>"Correct! Now, I heard that you had it in your mind to go visit a lich. Is that true, or is my source mistaken?"

Hm, he really does sound like me.

"Correct once again, it is my intention to visit the lich of this domain!"
>"Perhaps it is none of my business, but perhaps it is. What motivates you to visit this lich? Please, tell me your story, or have you not sought out your own?"

"I'm seeking it at the moment, and from that I draw my name. Story Seeker at your service. What's your interest in the lich?"

I am out gathering stories and lichs tend to have lots of them. Also simply visiting them tends to become its own interesting story. If someone has a strong enough attachment to life to go down the route of lichdom they tend to be interesting people.

As for my own story its rather confusing but the short version is that I am a bard in training and I traveled here to help a friend. While I am here I plan on seeing the sights and meeting the local "celebrities".

>Although there is no light coming from his sword, that may simply be because it is also sheathed.
You detect any magic?

>Please, tell me your story, or have you not sought out your own?
...wow. Someone literally, actually, just asked you to tell them your story of seeking out a story here.

I don't see how you can pass this opportunity up. Get your bard on, and get story telling. Tell him the grand and epic tale of your quest to find a story worth telling, and how you seek new experiences in pursuit of that goal. You're motivated to visit the lich, because, well, how could you not?

Follow up questions would obviously be what his interest is.

Start telling him your story. All the stories. Except those about the lich, not until you find out what his attitude towards liches (and the servants of liches) is.

Story Seeker 2014/06/19(Thu)23:27 No. 579536 ID: d470e9
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>Sense magic
Ah, yes, I do sense magic from the sword! I do have trouble getting accurate readings on the strength of magic, but I can confirm that there is, in fact, magic.

>Get your bard on, and get story telling.
I tell him the tales of my life thus far as a bard in training! Although I do leave out specific mentions of liches, and given that Zirkala has been immensely involved in my life thus far, this proves challenging. Nonetheless, I share as much as I do, and surprisingly, Kexluk doesn't interrupt me once! I must have spoken for 20 minutes straight.

"Now, staying true to my name, I wish to visit the lich! Although dangerous, this only will pay off in the form of an interesting tale. It's a simple interest, but such am I, a simple person! Now, may I ask why you are interested in meeting this Lich?"
>"I'm a proud man of my species, and make sure that my lizard brethren are treated right by the greater powers of the world. By the looks of things, the Lich doesn't abuse the living down here in the slighest, but I can never be too careful! So! I'd like to engage in friendly conversation with the Lich to settle my own cautions before I move on to more caverns. Of course, I don't wish to escalate things with my sheer presence, so perhaps if you were willing to meet the lich on your own accord, you would be willing to arrange a meeting between me and the lich? Ah, and I do dislike when my reputation precedes me. I much prefer to be regarded as a common lizardman, so please don't share my name. Call me... well, as a bard in training, I'm sure you can come up with your own name for me. I will be in your debt if you do these favors for me."

>>579536
That's in line with what Zirkala seemed to want us to do, so yeah! We can arrange a meeting. Actually, I missed Zirkala saying you should treat him as an ally. Perhaps we didn't need to leave her out of the stories.

Did he seem to enjoy your stories, by the way?

>encourages you to tell stories
>doesn't interrupt and waits patiently for the whole thing
This guys is earning major points, and fast.

>arrange a meeting for me
I see no reason not to agree.

Well, unless he's using us to set the lich up into a trap. But hey, if we want a good story, we need to do interesting things. And seeing how things play out with this guy is part of that.

>>579536
Sure, he seems alright. If the lich asks for a reason, any excuses you should avoid like wanting to give him money, magic items, or suchlike?

>>579553
"He's seeking stories as well. In his own way, different from mine." Story Teller finds his stories through bardshippery, Kexluk through Combattery. If there are real words that mean what I'm trying to say, by all means let me know, I'm a word seeker, more words means better phrasing, better logic, better everything.

>>579536
Aww dude, this might be your first bro! I don't know how good your relationship is with Reed, but this guy is totes best friend material. The kind that you say "You son of a bitch" and do a manly handshake.

From what he's revealing alone, if it's true, I doubt he'd approve much of Zirkala's whole "scaring everyone in the caverns with what appear to be murders" or Morgana's extortion of money. I'm going to take a wild guess and assume Zirkala's trying to get Rulgath to kill Kexluk to take care of a nuisance

>>579597
>>579597
If that's the case, Story Seeker could ask he be allowed in during his own meeting, and use his charm to keep things calm. That sounds like a good idea, anyways, I wanna know what he has to say.

1/7 Story Seeker 2014/06/20(Fri)10:31 No. 579631 ID: d470e9
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>Did he seem to enjoy your stories, by the way?
I would certainly enjoy thinking so, but either he enjoyed my stories or he is one of the most polite individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting.

"Very well! I see no reason why I can't do this."
>"Excellent. Here, take this." He pulls out a torch from a backpack. "Liches do not see like you and I, and their caves are often pitch even for vision such as ours. This may be large for you, but you look like you can handle it. I will help you light it. The warmth will also do you well. I hope the lich has more reason to see you live than simple conversation."
"Thank you. Oh, and what reason shall I give the lich for your reason of stay?"
>"Ah, yes, in hopes that I will be able to enter and leave without escalation, I will, of course, give a greeting gift of gold and a few modest magical items in return for the opportunity to speak with the lich."
"Then that is what I will say!"

2/7 Story Seeker 2014/06/20(Fri)10:31 No. 579632 ID: d470e9
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I say that, although heading down is no easy task. A sense of fear soon becomes an enveloping blanket of dread as I begin to feel as though I am in a walking nightmare! Nonetheless, I light the torch and press onwards. Kexluk seemed to know about this darkness, as it starts pressing against the light of the torch itself! I can barely navigate forward.

3/7 Story Seeker 2014/06/20(Fri)10:31 No. 579633 ID: d470e9
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>"What is your business here, mortal?! Surely you aren't here to waste my time with trifling ordeals of the flesh, to have withstood my fear wards? Or perhaps you are such a pathetic beast that is incapable of higher thought such as fear, to which my wards were useless towards?"

6/7 Story Seeker 2014/06/20(Fri)10:32 No. 579636 ID: d470e9
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>"And this is... enchanted with Zirkala's ghost signature. Welcome to my halls, ....?"
"Thank, you sir!"
>"Yes, you're welcome, kobold....?"
"Hm?"
>"I am asking your name, kobold!"
"Ah! My name is Story Seeker, at your service. And am I correct in presuming your own name is Rulgath?"
>"Yes. Now, if you're at my service, please speak draconic. A kobold speaking the overworld tongue is... it offends me."

I am not a great fan of draconic, but if that is what the lich wishes for, then so be it.

"Very good. No good to arrive with no warning." The lack of apologies is one reason!
>"That's better. Why has Zirkala sent a messenger to me?"
"Not messenger. Here for visit. Gather stories. Trying to spend night in lich quarters."
>"Hahaha, I should not be surprised Zirkala let such a thing live. She enjoys the living far too much. But, very well, you may stay. I will have a servant attend to you. Is there anything else you need."
"Yes. Friend is at entrance. Wishes to have opportunity to speak to lich. Has gold and magic as gifts for time."
>"Hm... yes. If you are fine with Zirkala, I will grant you one guest such that you may have a living companion down here for the night."
"Will be back down shortly." No thank yous, either!

7/7 Story Seeker 2014/06/20(Fri)10:32 No. 579637 ID: d470e9
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I run back up to fetch Kexluk, who is waiting as patient as ever.

"A meeting has been arranged, if you would like to come down now?"
>"Of course. I must ask you first, though. Liches can be unpredictable forces, and cordial talk may swiftly segway into stealing souls at the slightest turn. If a fight were to break out between the lich and myself despite our wishes, would you take sides with me, the lich, or stay out of it?"

Hm, Zirkala gave me mixed messages for this! On one hand, she claimed Rulgath was alright, but she did also say to treat Kexluk as an ally.

"Well, I don't know either of you that well. I suppose it would depend on the circumstances. If it came to the lich trying his hand at soul-stealing, I'd side with you."

Geeze, I didn't notice how big this guy was before. He's huge! Way bigger than the lizard-folk back home.

>>579635
Pff. That emblem.

>draconic
Well, that makes being clever and pithy harder.

You may have to practice being glib in other tongues.

>If a fight were to break out between the lich and myself despite our wishes, would you take sides with me, the lich, or stay out of it?
Admittedly, I'm no powerful fighter, or great mage. Excluding a lucky situation, there's not much I could do to meaningfully take sides!

That said, if there were a conflict, my actions would likely be influenced by the circumstances. How a fight came to be could change how I see one or both of you.

(Saying "that depends on if you attack out of turn like a crazy paladin or not" without saying it).

>Hm, Zirkala gave me mixed messages for this! On one hand, she claimed Rulgath was alright, but she did also say to treat Kexluk as an ally.
Also, we don't know her intentions. She could have given you these instructions expecting it to cause an interesting (for you) and beneficial (for her) conflict. That doesn't tell us who she would have wanted out of the picture, though. (If there's a rift between her and Rulgath, he was awful quick to accept you on her voucher).

Honestly I would probably stay out of things if possible. While I can protect myself to a degree going up against a lich or a powerful paladin is not something I look forward to doing today.

On the other hand if the lich decides to try and murder you and steal your soul for fun I probably would lend you a hand. The same goes for if you are just here to collect lich skulls for your trophy room back home.

>>579649
No proof he's a paladin so far.

Tell him that Rulgath seemed like a pretty neat guy, although a bit defensive at first. As long as he's treated with respect, you doubt he'll attack.

>>579651
>>579649
Going against a powerful lich or a powerful knight. Otherwise, it sounds just fine.

>>579636

Huh, I thought you liked draconic. Isn't that why you asked Morgana to teach you?

Also, given Rulgath's attitude, I don't think he'd take well to some uppity lizard guy coming in and telling him how he should treat the cavern denizens. I'd advise staying out of it if possible, and maybe clarify to Rulgath beforehand that he's more of a casual acquaintance than a friend? Wouldn't want to be blamed (and get Zirkala blamed by extension) for an angry paladin attack. Also: seduce the lich (do we know its gender?). Do it. We need to collect more powerful friends.

>>579637
She didn't say to treat Rulgath as an ally. Tell him if Rulgath tries to kill him we will do what we can to stop it.

Also you may as well come out with it and tell him you're associated with Zirkala, who said Rulgath was alright.

I guess it would come down to who struck first.

For all rights and reasons you are an ally. For now. Probably wouldn't fare well against a lich though. But, well, hey, you don't do smart shit like stay out of trouble.

... Does it matter what you would do? You are a teeny tiny kobold bard and they are an undead lich and a powerful warrior who is also like, ten times your size god damn.

Oh well, tell Kexluk that he is right to fear your might but you will most likely stay neutral.

>>579637
You could help mediate. You might be able to help prevent the fight from happening at all.

Given the power difference, the most that could be hoped for is helping him escape.

.. damn, he's a big one though, isn't he? Even for a Lizardfolk

It would be terribly rude to accept the lich's hospitality and then side against my host after introducing the two of you. should a fight start I would ask him nicely if he would perhaps not do unmentionable things to you or your body.

Taking sides in such a battle might not be a good decision, as dying tends to stop story collecting.

Both of them seem pretty cool for now so it'd really depend on why the fight was happening in the first place. If he was just trying to escape from the lich i'd say help him out though.

>>579694
>>579725
Good point. Rather than saying it will depend on how it happened, say that all you can promise is you'll help stop the fight or help him get away. You might be capable of a lot, but that doesn't mean you want to get into fights.

this is familiar

im guessing the lizard and the lich are the same person

>>579068
"I don't think a fight is likely to break out but considering your cause is just I'd do my best to help you. That is, assuming whatever talk you two have does not change my opinion on either of you."

1/3 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)09:50 No. 579946 ID: d470e9
File 140345585818.png - (77.67KB , 800x800 , 7-21.png )

>Huh, I thought you liked draconic. Isn't that why you asked Morgana to teach you?
Ah, Morgana was teaching me proper draconic. Kobold-draconic is the draconic I am fluent in, and that is a butchered leftover of a dragon's tongue!

"Well, I don't dare think that me taking sides would do much, as I'd be throwing myself between a Lich and a warrior 10 times my size!"
>"Haha, I am quite large. I ate quite well as a child."
"But, I will say that it much depends on why the fight took place! It may change my opinion of those involved. In any case, I would sooner attempt to quell any fighting."
>"Good answer, Story Seeker! That's fine enough for me. Let's go."

2/3 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)09:51 No. 579947 ID: d470e9
File 140345586821.png - (149.15KB , 800x800 , 7-22.png )

>"Kexlux?! This was a ruse to bring me to the entrance of my domain, Story Seeker?!"
"Ah, hold on! I do believe that this man wishes to speak, first and foremost! Perhaps now would be a good time he is perhaps more of an acquaintance I met a short time ago?"
>"FOOL! Talk? That is a Lich hunter, through and through, and worst of all, one of the few that are ever successful at it!"
>"Ah, but I do wish to talk, Rulgath! Please do not run and make me think that you won't reciprocate. After all, I do attempt to engage in cordial discussions with the Liches, and have let some go. Yet those who fight me immediately without that, well, I am still standing here before you, so you can imagine how that went for them!"
>"I have never heard, from any Lich, that you have visited them and then simply left when they spoke words that fit your sensibilities!"
>"Would they want to share that they're buddies with Kexlux, the Vortex of Light?"
>"Perhaps not, but I feel you have already decided that I have committed actions you call atrocities, and I will not bow my head and grovel for forgiveness, Kexlux!"

3/3 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)09:51 No. 579948 ID: d470e9
File 140345591541.png - (126.42KB , 800x800 , 7-23.png )

Kexlux pulls me up and puts me on his back.
>"Hang tight, there, Story Seeker, I don't believe Rulgath has you in his good books anymore. Rulgath! False apologies won't do you well, but I won't be asking for them! I merely want your confirmation, are you the one who 'vacated' the ghost village of Wind-sil?"
>"Yes. I am surprised even the paladins would have noticed those isolationists were gone."
>"And the plague that brought many surface dwellers above here to their sick beds?"
>"That was my own experiment. It proved a success. A simple debilitating agent that did not kill."
>"False! The plague itself may not have been lethal, but the weak subjects were preyed upon by those who could stand!"

>"Now, my calm friend, - or perhaps, acquaintance, - what are you feelings on the situation, and towards any hostilities I may show to such a remorseless creature?"

I would say find out more about his motivations first. Even if a person does something that could be considered "Evil" the reasons they have for doing so are often more important than the act itself sometimes.

Basically try not to judge a book by its cover.

>Now, my calm friend, - or perhaps, acquaintance, - what are you feelings on the situation, and towards any hostilities I may show to such a remorseless creature?
Well, for one thing, I wonder why my opinion is suddenly so important to you!

If you're asking me to judge Rulgath's actions, that's harder. Can you hold someone responsible for the unintended consequences of their actions? Or rather, for others taking advantage of those consequences? You're hunting down him, did you also go after those who preyed on the plague victims? The lack of remorse doesn't really surprise me, but I really don't know Rulgath well enough to say if he deserves a glowing sword treatment. He did treat me hospitably, for what it's worth.

If the issue is just the unintended deaths, maybe he could raise them as ghouls or something? It would take less effort and be less of a risk than the two of your fighting.

...although a battle between a lich and lich hunter would make a pretty good story. Assuming I'm still alive at the end to tell it.

>>579953
>...although a battle between a lich and lich hunter would make a pretty good story. Assuming I'm still alive at the end to tell it.
Hahah, very true! It still feels like Rulgath could redeem himself in his own ways, but if he makes no efforts to make even that little compromise, then it certainly sounds like Kexlux is in the right.

If those isolationists were a bunch of dicks, I might care less. But if there were kids there that suffered, yeah okay, pretty bad.
Though I also feel a little evil for forcing another into a sudden trial like this, myself, even if they were evil and guilty.
When liches do their evil thing, do you ever ask why? Is it mostly just simple curiosity?

I know we're not going to walk out of her alive if Rulgath is alive.

Huh. The fact that there isn't any apparent enmity between Zirkala and Rulgath might bode badly for Zirkala. Especially since Potorama's( or whatever her name is) book on Zirkala's past was implied to have at least a few distasteful deeds. Then again, so far, Zirkala's been shown to do mostly harmless/neutral/helpful things for the cave denizens (in the current timeline).

1/4 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)12:20 No. 579994 ID: d470e9
File 140346480186.png - (204.19KB , 800x800 , 7-24.png )

"It's a difficult judgement! Perhaps he had fair reasons? Rulgath, what were your motivations for doing all of that?"
>"Everything is an experiment, Story Seeker. Everything you or I do is. Because we want to know more, liches more than anyone. Kexluk! Know that that is one of Zirkala's own minions. If you used him, then it is Zirkala, perhaps, who is using you!"
"Zirkala is far more benign a lich than I ever would have thought a lich to be! I might even go so far to say she's a good person."
>"Hahaha! Whether or not she is good or bad is of little important to her. I'm going to have a talk with her about why having living minions is a poor decision, using this as an example. Now, kindly perish."

I'm sensing a whole lot of dread magic! I hold onto Kexlux for dear life. It looks like the lich is throwing the first punch after all.

2/4 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)12:20 No. 579995 ID: d470e9
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That dark mist gets blown away by what Zirkala rightly called an offensively bright sword.

>"My name is Kexlux the Vortex of Light! I am the one who took revenge on the righteous Paladin, Gronhammer the Brave, who knew me in an instant better than I did himself, allowed me to strike him down for my own petty vengeance! In his last moments, he showed me the reasons for his actions, and the atrocities of those who I was avenging. From that moment on, I took and perfected his blade, and have taken up his mission that he felt was better in my hands than his own!"

3/4 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)12:20 No. 579996 ID: d470e9
File 140346483447.png - (211.71KB , 800x800 , 7-26.png )

"This blade, his blade, is not a blade to strike you down, Rulgath, but rather to bind your soul and override your own phylactery! I cannot destroy your soul, Rulgath, but I can contain it and bring it to those who will seal it away for eternity! You'll have plenty of time for experimentation in the Paladin's lich prison!"

The lich lets out some sort of unearthly cry, and it seems to be working.

4/4 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)12:20 No. 579997 ID: d470e9
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>"Now, Story Seeker, Zirkala's minion, perhaps.... is it true? Are we merely acquaintances?"
"Ah... I admit, I may say certain things for self preservation when in the face of formidable danger! I cannot say it was my proudest moment. Now, I must ask, why is it that you held my own opinion in such regard to ask?"
>"Because I am looking for an ally of whom I can trust. There are some liches who can resist my vortex better than Rulgath, but finding a stalwart ally to call my friend has proved a more difficult challenge than any lich has ever presented. Furthermore, I was not entirely straight forward with you, and for that I apologize. I am more of an honorary Paladin, after all, and I do have shortcomings. However, it does appear that you were trustworthy, and did not outright warn Rulgath of my approach! In return, I will give you all my word that I will be entirely honest with you from here on! And I can expect a satisfactory answer, I believe, when I ask what is the relationship between you and Zirkala?"

"We're fuckbuddies"

We are friends and lovers. Our relationship is somewhat of a new one but I believe I have earned her trust. Hopefully things will grow with time.

Right now she has been helping me improve myself. My journey to become a great bard has been a interesting one so far.

>Furthermore, I was not entirely straight forward with you, and for that I apologize.
It's all right, I made an omission or two myself. And to be honest, I more half expected something like this. You did not exactly play your intentions close to your chest!

>when I ask what is the relationship between you and Zirkala?
Surprisingly friendly, I would have to say. And carnal, at times. I met her early in my adventures, for much the same reason as I risked this encounter. She's amused by my audacity, I think, and took a liking to me. Sometimes I've done tasks for her, although minion might be a strong word for it. I'd prefer to think of it as friends... with benefits... and a very clear notion who's on top.

Curiously she both provided me with a token to earn Rulgath's trust *flip the token for him to see*, and recommended I treat you as an ally. I've been trying to decide if she was setting one of you up for a fall, or if it simply entertained her to see how I'd handle the situation.

(If he comments on her putting your life at risk for her amusement)
She is a lich. And to be fair, I am essentially asking for it with my philosophy.

Complicated, more like friend than a minion. She has help me as a mentor and help me seek self improvement. And she seems to honestly care about people she likes up to a point. Oddly she wanted you to meet this Lich. Maybe she doesn't like having lich's around that cause trouble and attract lich hunters. She dose seem to like it when people get alone, like it makes her more comfortable. And even though she sets herself up as a thing to be dreaded, she is nice to anyone brave enough to talk to her as long as they are polite.

So she may not be a quote unquote GOOD person, she dose seem to be fairly benign and is still capable of kindness. A person might have to earn it with her, but I have seen it. And most importantly to me, she has be a good friend even when she didn't have to be and I was an annoying little yapper.

>>579997
Oh my god don't tell him you're screwing Zirkala, that's KISSING AND TELLING. You are a gentleman, you don't do that.

Tell him you have acted as her servant on a few matters, and have gained some interesting stories because of it! In fact, you could tell him some of those stories. Make note however that you are under no compulsion to serve her- it is of your own free will. Reveal that Zirkala instructed you to treat him as an ally, but you've been kindof bad at that to be honest.

>>580018
"She's... Kind of like a mentor to me, but mostly just a friend. I've helped her out with a few things, and she's helped me out, too, but I definitely trust her with my life. Rulgath certainly came out to be an enemy when confronted, so I trust your decisions on how to handle him, and am willing to be your ally, but I must say: If you ever make yourself an enemy of Zirkala, you'll lose me as an ally."

Just be like, you helped her and your local dragon have a prank war against each other, and kinda ended up friends with both in the process.

Basically, make it short, but interesting enough that he'll have to ask for more details later.

>>580021
>>580020
A combination of these sounds good.

>Oh my god don't tell him you're screwing Zirkala, that's KISSING AND TELLING
Meh, we're a bard. And it makes her sound much more like a person. I doubt pally-bro is going to go spreading rumors about her love life, anyways.

Besides, what's the point of doing half the things we do if we don't tell someone the story?

>>580028
If I remember correctly, that particular story was modified to obscure the identities and locations of those involved.

1/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)15:06 No. 580048 ID: d470e9
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"We met when I stuck my nose in a friendly prank war between Zirkala and a dragon! Since then, she has been somewhat my mentor, but while I do do things for her, a minion has a strong word, as it is entirely of my own will. And visiting this Lich was my own idea, although she went along with it! She also told me to treat you as an ally, odd considering she did seem to think alright of Rulgath, but I must admit I did a questionable job of treating you as such."
>"Hm... what an interesting circumstance! I suppose perhaps you did omit information, but of course there will be no judgements for that. And if I go see Zirkala?"
"I believe she would be far more willing to talk than Rulgath was! Know that this time, however, if a fight breaks out, I am far more liable to join in on Zirkala's side. She is not just a friend, but I daresay we have enjoyed each others company quite intensely."
>"I will take your words about her to heart, Story Seeker! For now, let's leave this foul cavern."

2/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)15:06 No. 580049 ID: d470e9
File 140347479667.png - (102.64KB , 800x800 , 7-29.png )

We come back up to the sight of fleeing slimes and some kobolds.

>"Hold, native!" Kexluk yells. "What is going on?"
>"Undead! A horde of them! They came out of some portal!"
>"Are they killing?"
>"They're capturing everyone!"
>"Story Seeker, what is the meaning of this?"

>>580049
Uhhhh we may have told Zirkala there was a portal connecting both settlements. So, that's her undead army. She probably isn't going to do anything terrible to them- I bet she's just going to force them into one settlement and continue her policy of protection under the cover of fear.

No idea actually. I will go track down one of them and ask.

If I had to guess though I would say that Zirkala is evacuating the caverns in case you fared badly against Rulgath. Or it could be something else entirely.

...oh, if she knew Rulgath was gonna get his ass handed to him, then she would know there is no longer a lich in this cavern. Thus the forceful merging of settlements. It's not like those here would voluntarily move to another settlement with a lich in it.

>Story Seeker, what is the meaning of this?
I must admit I do not know. A chaos mage did establish a portal to my home caverns, though.

It's possible Zirkala intends to make some kind of a move on the power vacuum you've provided here, and is doing her best to tell the locals there's a new scary lich in town. She's used scare tactics to control her reputation before.

Would you permit me to investigate? If they are her creatures, it is possible I can learn something from them, or that they have orders pertaining to me.

>>580054
>>580055
>or that they have orders pertaining to me.
Requests pertaining to me.
"Might actually be better to go and talk to Zirkala directly, though if you can keep your sword sheathed until there's proof that she means harm to somebody, I would appreciate it. As I said, she is fond of pranks, and this may be just that."

>>580058
They're undead minions. They definitely are ordered around.

>>or that they have orders pertaining to me.
>Requests pertaining to me.
No. I meant the undead would have orders pertaining to SS, since she knows he's there. Not that they would have order to relay to SS.

>>580049
Well...
Zirkala gave me something to make Rulgath trust me.
Then she told me to treat you like an ally, bringing you to Rulgath. She apparently knew of you and I guess she trusted in your ability to seal Rulgath.
Which leads to a lichless territory connected with a portal to her quarters...
So I guess she is intimidating the people around here for the moment... As far as we know, she never kills meaningless for real.

"I may have informed her of a portal that is now connecting the two caves, and she may have instructed me to help you as part of what I suspected to be a power play. I suppose that this is merely her way of informing everyone that there is a new lich in town, and she'll be releasing everyone soon. Perhaps we should speak with her, though, just to be certain. I'm sure she must be expecting your visit at this point."

>>580060
Sorry, bit distracted, misunderstood and thought "pertaining to" was "for." Nevermind!
>>580061
Though it seems you understood my misunderstanding.
>>580063
This, as well as my bit about the sword.

1/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)16:00 No. 580065 ID: d470e9
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"I admit that I do not know! Perhaps she knows that Rulgath has fallen, and she is moving in. A chaos mage did, after all, create this portal."
>"Hmm... and she told you to be my ally? Your lich companion is forming a dubious image in my mind! Even if she is not killing those, she is spreading terror and dismay across the populace for what appears to be a vain power grab."
"Perhaps I could run back there and intercept her, and ask what she is doing? I don't believe she is causing turmoil with permanent consequences! It might just be a rather extreme prank."
>"Yes, I am in great need of knowledge. I will wait here and rescue the living that I can! She acted as soon as we defeated Rulgath, I suspect she either has eyes through you or all around us. In other words, she will know if I am coming, and may have the chance to prepare accordingly! I won't play her game, Story Seeker, so please confront her yourself, and return to me with the news. I will act accordingly from there!"

2/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)16:00 No. 580066 ID: d470e9
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I run past many undead, which seem to ignore me.

"Hello, Zirkala!" She's right on the other end of the portal, in my familiar slime pits.
>"Hello. You did well enough, Story Seeker. Please go back to Kexluk and inform him that it is my intention to spread my power throughout the cave and turn the living into my slaves. I will be slowly feeding off of their life force. Sort of like vampires, but with less blood."
"Ah...? You are aware that Kexluk will fight you? He is amazingly powerful!"
>"Yes, he's an unusual opponent, to be sure. He'll be well tested before he gets to me. Don't worry, I don't plan on killing him, but I am curious if he's stronger than Ralex. Many liches have fallen, but he is rather blind to his own weaknesses that he's slowly shown. Nothing has changed. Go back to him, and treat him as your ally."
"Zirkala, if I may be clear on your intentions, if Kexluk is to fight you, and I'm being his ally..."
>"Yes, you'll be fighting me. Don't worry, I also don't plan on killing you."

>>580066
Zirkala, can we have a threesome first before we battle? I think I can convicne him into it.

>>580066
Wait is that a dragon back there?

Hmm. Yes, let's go along with Zirkala's plan. It sounds like she wants to fight him to show him his weaknesses, so that he can become stronger. Or maybe it is just curiosity. However, to be safe, ask to establish a code phrase if something goes wrong and she wants you to stop him instead of help him, and tell him what she's really doing. Actually come to think of it, ask what Zirkala is really doing with the captives. Is it to make the settlement bigger, and stronger? To continue the objective of protecting it from "adventurers"?

Well this should be entertaining. I say do what she says and see what happens. The whole enslaving the living and harvesting there life force seems way out of character so she is playing around with him. She probably wants to test his power and character at the same time. That or she knows him from somewhere and this is a big crazy prank.

So play along and try to avoid getting hurt in the ensuing nonsense.

>>580068
Oh my god don't say this.

When Kexluk asks why we are helping him and not Zirkala, I think we should tell him that we find her stated goal to be quite objectionable, and wish to help him convince her to stop. With his sword, if need be.

It's entirely truthful, if not especially honest.

Did you have anything against Rulgath? If you had a reason to try set him up for a fall, I'm surprised he was willing to trust your voucher.

>inform him that it is my intention to spread my power throughout the cave and turn the living into my slaves. I will be slowly feeding off of their life force
...is that what you wish him to know you're doing, or what you're actually doing? It occurs to me there is a difference.

>Yes, you'll be fighting me. Don't worry, I also don't plan on killing you.
...I do hope you know what you are doing, here. I would rather not lose a friend here today. Or have to find a way to break you out of paladin jail.

Wish her good luck, see if she wishes you the same (that's what people do before a game, right?), tell her you won't hold back, and then be off.

Back to Kexluk, and deliver your message like a good bard. Admit you don't know if this is some elaborate game on her part, or if she's acting in earnest. Either way, you suppose, the two of you don't have a choice but to play your part.

I find hard to believe she's acting in earnest. In the time loop where we convinced her to attack and kill the nagas, the lich-king came down to law down the law the very next day (which didn't happen when he learned it didn't matter due to time-loop). There are serious consequences to aggression. And it doesn't fit with her previous tactics. She's up to something. Something crazy, but then again, that's who she is.

Now, advantages. She knows you very well, and everything you've learned from her, but you also know her, and her summons. There's a lot of useful intelligence you can provide Kexluk, if he'll trust you to work with him. You should probably brief him on the summons and their abilities, at least.

Oh, considering the plan involves us apparently betraying Zirkala, you should make it seem to Kexluk like Zirkala's life force draining plan was a shock to you. Act like you feel betrayed, deceived, whatever.

You might also want to tell Zirkala ahead of time that you told Kexluk you trusted her and would probably be on her side if they fought. Just so you can get your own story straight. Actually, won't Zirkala have to do some acting? If I remember correctly she had a lot of problems doing that before.

1/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)17:03 No. 580106 ID: d470e9
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>Ask Zirkala if there can be a threesome first
Somehow, I feel that it's more likely this could happen if Zirkala proves her... kind-of-benevolence to Kexluk, and no sooner!

"... is that a dragon?"
>"Only the animated bones of one."
"Should we establish a code phrase in case you wish to have me stop being his ally?"
>"No."
"And, might I ask what you're doing with the prisoners?"
>"I already told you. I'm going to suck their life forces."
"Well... hopefully I won't need to break you out of Paladin jail. Say, won't you have to do some acting? Is that something you are up for, Zirkala?"
>"Acting? Story Seeker, I have been making no deceptions to you. If you two have a problem with this, you'll have to stop me. Once you leave Muo's slime pits, you'll be my enemy."
".... well, Goodbye for now, Zirkala!"
>"Goodbye."

2/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)17:03 No. 580107 ID: d470e9
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I find Kexluk easily enough, given the sounds of battle.

>"Ho, Story Seeker!"
"Hello, Kexluk! Are you alright?"
>"Yes, I have more than enough mental energy to seal these pathetic cuts that have been inflicted on me! If this is all the power Zirkala can muster, I expect she must be rather frightened. Of course, given the lich nature, I highly doubt that it is."
"Good! I mean, good that you're alright. I believe that Zirkala is going rather.... far. I believe she's up to something, as some kind of game, but she claims that she's going to suck life force out of people, like vampires."
>"Treating them like cattle! You call her a good person?"
"Wellll, I was a little reluctant to say even that much, back then, but like I say! It has gone rather far. She has let me retreat, but I will assist you as I can!"
>"I do hope I can trust you, Story Seeker! Now, may I trust that like all kobolds I have met, you are well versed in the ways of lock picking?"
"Correct!"
>"Excellent! I have found what appears to be a formidable mage, but alas, she was captured and shackled with anti-magic binds before I could reach her! I believe she will be a valuable ally, but she was thrown into a cage of steel. It is not something that even I could pry with force! I will fight to the cage, but may I trust you to open the cage while I fend off the creatures of the night? With any luck, I will destroy enough undead that Zirkala will be forced to either retreat, or face me herself!"

You keep the enemies off of me and I will have that cage open quickly.

>>580107
Oh hey I bet it's Potarana. If I remember correctly, she wasn't... totally loyal to Zirkala. However, her being in a cage like that means we'd need some sort of explanation of how she even got in there. I mean normally she's just not summoned if she's not working for Zirkala on something. Caging her is unnecessary.

>With any luck, I will destroy enough undead that Zirkala will be forced to either retreat, or face me herself!
I think it would be more likely that she would set one or more or her summons against you before heading into battle herself. You're going to have to end up fighting Ralex, at least.

Give him a rundown on the summons you've met, and what you know of their capabilities, since there's a good chance he'll have to fight them.

>I have found what appears to be a formidable mage
I don't suppose she's a slime with an amulet, or a particularly well endowed naga?

>other stuff
Would any of your bard magic work as a useful buff for a warrior?

>>580111
Even if she's not totally loyal, she's a summon. And dead to boot- she doesn't get to walk around expect when summoned. She would have to follow orders, meaning unless she's been asked to switch sides too, it could be a trap.

Just get a description of the mage.

>She's actually going to drain them
Well there goes the threesome right out the window
Dammit
All well, just make sure to flirt with the mage as you pick her locks. Something about how maybe later, you can show her how to pick a lock when you're chained up yourself. If the paladin lives through this the threesome might be possible with the mage and him.
Just do your best Story Seeker, this can't be a great story without something risque in it, only a good one.

>>580113
Well if it is Potarana then we should skip it since it's a trap. Even if we have some faith in Zirkala she has explicitly told us to act as if we are her enemy.

...actually, we should probably tell Kexluk that Zirkala said he has weaknesses he is unaware of, and that she is confident she will win. If we really want to fight Zirkala, then Kexluk needs to be well informed.

Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)17:42 No. 580133 ID: d470e9
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>Would any of your bard magic work as a useful buff for a warrior?
... no, I don't believe so!

"Be careful, Zirkala probably won't show just because some of her animated bones are destroyed! She has powerful summons!" I say, as Kexluk puts me on his back
>"Oh? A lich with perpetual summons that are formidable?"
"Yes, including a fire elemental werewolf!" I offer a brief explanation of the other summons I'm aware of. "Furthermore, Zirkala said that there were weaknesses of yours that you were unaware of."
>"Forboding! If this is true, then this is a weakness of mine that I must confront. Even if I knew she was not bluffing, I would not turn tail at such a hint!"
"Say, could you offer me a description of the mage?"
>"Yes, she was of the lizard tribe, here! I do dare to say that I am jealous that you are the one to undo the lock! The lizardmen of the village have already spoke well of her, and would be in our debt if we rescued their mage. You don't think that Zirkala already believes that I would go rescuing that mage and has made a trap for me, do you It was scant moments ago."

Oh lordy what if it's another hot lizard chick?

SAVE THE BOOTY! But uh, don't forget the lessons you've learned. Do not allow a pretty face to distract you from the mission. Actually I wonder if that's one of his weaknesses.

A lizard mage you say? Well we had go better rescue her quickly then before the lich realizes whats up.

Try to keep from chuckling to hard if its Zirkala in disguise again.

...Zirkala can take the appearance of a living lizard, when she wishes it. It's possible we'll find the wrong lizard in the cage. I suppose the timing would be tight, but if she left through the portal immediately after I spoke with her, she could be here, setting a trap.

I suppose there's only one way to find out, though.

Hey, offer him the medal with her ghost signature. Can he use that with paladin powers in any way? Maybe so he can detect her presence easier, or attune his attacks or anything?

...What if the trapped lizard mage is Zirkala and she wants to bone Kexluk? That would explain his "weakness" and Zirkala's weird behavior. If so, go for the freaky 3-way.

You know what in the interest of fairness tell him that there is a small chance that this lizard mage might be Zirkala in disguise.

She said to treat him like a ally and not hold back against her so even if this is a big game lets help him the best we can.

1/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)19:00 No. 580164 ID: d470e9
File 140348883286.png - (101.75KB , 800x800 , 7-35.png )

"I should warn you, Zirkala can take the form of a lizard woman!"
>"Hm.. a good warning, but the lizardmen have acknowledged her with familiarity, and were you not just with Zirkala? Although it was moments ago, I am certain you were in the portal when this occurred!"
"I do not know!"
>"I will have to be on guard, but I will be able to tell whether or not a body is connected to a phylactery!"
"Say, would you like to take a look at the medallion? Rulgath said something about it having a ghost signature on it."
>"I doubt there is much I can do immediately with it, but I will take a look at it in time. For now, there is no time!"

2/2 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)19:01 No. 580165 ID: d470e9
File 140348891347.png - (203.88KB , 800x800 , 7-36.png )

Kexluk assaults the minions pulling the cage, and I run forward to see what I can do.

"Ah, this does appear to be Zirkala, Kexluk!"
>"Er, wh-what? My name is Nuzaffa! Are you here to rescue me!" the lady asks.
>"Story Seeker, I sense no evil presense nor phylactery link with this girl! Plus, you were still within the portal when I saw this girl. Are you certain?!"
"Well, I am certain that she at least looks the exact same, and dresses the exact same!"
>"Troublesome! But, we have already gotten this far, so if this is a trap, we have already fallen for it! Undo the cage, but keep those shackles on her, and we will carry her away from here! I sense a fiery object coming quickly!"

I must say, if that really is Zirkala, she's putting on an exceptional performance.

If it is we at least tried our best to warn him. And remember for all of his paladin powers some lichs are stronger than others. Zirkala seems to be one of the smarter ones and could have tons of trick up her sleeve he might not be able to detect.

Plus if its not her we get to rescue a cute girl so win win.

If its a fiery object its probably your personal gym trainer coming to fight so let him know what to expect.

...maybe she's a relative? (Suddenly wishing we'd read about her past) Or Zirkala dressed her up? (Are those your clothes, miss?) Does your own detect magic ping anything? Is she a mage, and are those actually anti-magic cuffs?

Well, save her or fight her, you need that cage open. And really, you're not one to leave a lady in a cage, no matter who she be.

>I must say, if that really is Zirkala, she's putting on an exceptional performance.
...which would be pretty out of character.

>I sense a fiery object coming quickly!
Ralex, I expect.

>>580172

I mean, Zirkala has shown herself relatively capable of at least some acting, by that time she impersonated a magical supply shop owner to seduce SS.

As suspicious as this is, if she is who she says she is it'd be kind of a dick move to leave her locked up. I suspect this may have something to do with Kexluk's unknown weakness though.

>>580174
...that's true. I think she has some sort of charm ability or illusion magic that lets her come across as a good actor in person, but when she was controlling the ghoul she couldn't do it and had to rely on her real acting skills.

>>580165
Well, I suppose it's possible that Zirkala modeled her lizardwoman polymorph appearance off of this lady. Or maybe Zirkala was a relative of hers before her lichification. Or maybe you're not good at telling lizardwomen apart, and that's a common style of clothing for lizardwomen?

But we should trust in a Paladin's senses... unless this is one of the weaknesses Zirkala spoke of? That those senses could be fooled? Also, Zirkala wanted to see if he was stronger than Ralex... Being present for the fight against Ralex makes sense.

...just do what he says. Uncage her. If that really is Zirkala we'll have to ask how she pulled this off, because it seems nearly impossible.

1/3 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)20:09 No. 580187 ID: d470e9
File 140349294659.png - (147.23KB , 800x800 , 7-37.png )

"Excuse my suspicion, miss, but the lich in question is a tricky one. Are those your own clothes?"
>"Ah, yes?"
"And, allow me to feel those shackles for just a moment... Thank you!" Yes, these seem like legitimate spell blockers. "That's likely Ralex, Kuxlek! He can spit molten fluids, so do be careful."
>"I expect it won't be an easy fight, if he is not bound by dark magic! While I would have liked to trust our mage to back me up, I'm afraid I will take the risk to fight this werewolf alone. Take her around the corner, Story Seeker, and keep her safe!"

I'm not going to complain about hiding from Ralex. There are many possibilities and unlikelyhoods about this Zirkala's physical form business, but

>"C-can you get these shackles off of me, please?"
"It pains me to say that at the moment, we cannot trust anyone so freely right now!" Ah, she runs rather provacatively, and acts rather dainty! I would not have even thought Zirkala to go this far to be convincing.

In fact, I've never seen a lizard woman act quite this way to begin with. Or, for that matter, any girl ever.

2/3 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)20:09 No. 580188 ID: d470e9
File 140349295366.png - (183.22KB , 800x800 , 7-38.png )

The fight between those two goes on for a full minute. Ralex's undead form leaves him able to withstand what normally would be several mortal wounds. Kexluk also receives dire wounds throughout the process, but is able to heal them near immediately! The battle is an attrition between Ralex's body holding, and Kuxlek's own healing stamina. The latter proves best, as Kexluk manages to bisect Ralex.

>"You... cheap son of a bitch."
>"Story Seeker, come out! I sense a great evil presence drawing closer!" Kexluk says.

3/3 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)20:09 No. 580189 ID: d470e9
File 140349296972.png - (134.22KB , 800x800 , 7-39.png )

>"Kexluk, you're.... a little smaller than I imagined, actually. But you did defeat Ralex, so I'm not disappointed."
>"Zirkala! Story Seeker has told me much about you."

>>580187
>Or, for that matter, any girl ever.
Noblewomen tend to train their daughters to be like that. Maybe she's of noble descent.
>>580189
And now he's saying Zirkala has arrived, so free her from her shackles!

She might be acting that way because Zirkala got her acting lessons from trashy romance novels. Honestly I do not doubt that she could pull off being in two places at once either. Its not hard to make a construct that looks like you and jam a bunch of dark magic into it.

Also Zirkala showing up in person this quickly is also suspicious.

So if Kexluk gives you the go ahead consider letting her go. If you do keep the shackles so you can bop her with them if need be. And if you decide to leave her locked up then support him with your own magic as best you can.

Do you have a mirror (or a spell that works like one)? See if the mage recognizers her own face, or if she's under some kind of spell that makes her look like Zirkala.

...wait. It's also possible she put a spell on us to mess with what we see. And you already handed the coin over, so it's not that affecting you.

...I suppose you could close your eyes, and see if she feels like Zirkala? You should be rather well acquainted with that, by this point. Although this idea does make me feel kind of skeevy.

>In fact, I've never seen a lizard woman act quite this way to begin with. Or, for that matter, any girl ever.
So... a guy pretending to be a girl, and doing a bad job of it?

I wouldn't remove the shackles. Except... Kexluk would totally have freed the mage, if he was alone. Is his hidden weakness that she sent you to provide a false warning?

>>580189
Ask him if he wants you to unshackle the mage now that Zirkala is actually here. Bizarre... I wonder if that's a duplicate body? To allow him to "imprison" her so she can assume a new identity?

>>580200
>spell on Story Seeker to mess with his perceptions
That would explain why the lizard mage's appearance matches Zirkala but she doesn't act like her at all. Zirkala would have easily known that there was a lizardwoman mage in this place that could help Kexluk, and put the spell on SS so that the mage wouldn't be able to help against Ralex. That way Zirkala would know if he was stronger or not.

Yeah the more I think of it the more likely this is, rather than the mage being Zirkala and the "lich" being a decoy, both somehow able to foil Kexluk's perceptions.

>>580201
Look, if it is her, she said she had no intentions of killing Kexlax, so I doubt a failure is going to do anything but teach him a lesson and give him a chance to return at a later date. Best case scenario, it is an act and she compliments him for his strengths and points out his weaknesses, and then offers a foursome with her doppelganger.

AHAHA I figured it out! She's a MAN, baby! The polymorph spell is standardized. Zirkala just used the same spell, that's why she looks the same. So the mage is a dude who wants to be a girl.

Story Seeker, cast Detect Gender on the mage.

It occurs to me that if we can determine it's safe to release the mage, the shackles suddenly become a sneaky weapon to use against Zirkala.

>>580205
We actually do know detect gender, don't we? That could work. I suppose it's possible the villagers didn't mention the gender of their mage, and Kexluk could have just filled in when he saw her?

1/9 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)21:35 No. 580209 ID: d470e9
File 140349813789.png - (114.07KB , 800x800 , 7-40.png )

>A guy pretending to be a girl, and doing a bad job of it?
I am not sure any guy would take to this so naturally!

Unfortunately, I do not have any reflective surface to see if her reflection is true. Ah, the shackles!

"Miss, do you recognize yourself in your reflection?"
>"...yes?" It appears true for me as well.

I do hold her by the forearm as I lead her forward, however, and her skin... it seems like Zirkala, but it could just as well be that is how lizard girl skin feels!

Ah, Zirkala begins a spell.

>"Not so fast, Zirkala! I am..." Kexluk starts his speech once again, and the light vortex is starting to take form! This doesn't look so good.

>Detect Gender
Aha, the useful spell!

Gender unknown.

Ahhhhhhhh....

2/9 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)21:35 No. 580210 ID: d470e9
File 140349815693.png - (282.55KB , 800x800 , 7-41.png )

But something I hadn't seen before occurs, in which Zirkala destabilized the magic, but unfortunately, this causes an explosion that seems to harm her body.

Zirkala hisses, and starts running away.

>"Come, Story Seeker, she's on the run! There is no shortcoming to my sword's magic, another one will do her in!"

Well, I'm in for the ride at this point. I've exhausted what I could think of doing regarding this mage, but nothing yields anything saying that this mage is Zirkala or one of her minions! I can't exactle pick the lock while we run forward, though, so I'll just have to do it when we sit still up above.

3/9 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)21:36 No. 580211 ID: d470e9
File 140349818070.png - (167.06KB , 800x800 , 7-42.png )

Zirkala runs back to the portal zone, which appears completely abandoned.

>"Ah! I can't cast?!" Kexluk says.
>"Correct. I have silenced both of us. An advanced form."
>"Yes, I realize this! It is far powerful, but at the same time, it does not let any magic seep from your own body, either. So you wish to fight using physical powers? Unfortunately, your minion was strong, Zirkala, so I'm afraid I cannot give you a good fight! However... Story Seeker, bring her close! You made one mistake, Zirkala!"

4/9 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)21:36 No. 580212 ID: d470e9
File 140349819514.png - (162.13KB , 800x800 , 7-43.png )

>"Miss, of whom I would love to know your name after this! My sword is light as a feather, and it simply needs magic injected, and it will steal the Lich's soul! I ask of you, take my blade and deal with this lich that assaulted your homeland!"

Good, you're clear. Stop being his ally. Do nothing.

That sounds like Zirkala speaking, so... I guess that's it, then.

5/9 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)21:36 No. 580213 ID: d470e9
File 140349820649.png - (100.25KB , 800x800 , 7-44.png )

>"Ah... " Zirkala starts.

6/9 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)21:37 No. 580214 ID: d470e9
File 140349822997.png - (131.05KB , 800x800 , 7-45.png )

The doppleganger runs through the portal.

>"... you really do instantly trust any lizard girl with a big rack."

7/9 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)21:37 No. 580215 ID: d470e9
File 140349824240.png - (138.83KB , 800x800 , 7-46.png )

Zirkala releases her partnered silence, and shifts earth over the portal. While it may not take long to free the portal for access, it will be enough for Zirkala to get away.

>"That girl... she really was... you warned me, Story Seeker, and I didn't listen. Girls... I can't help but think them of as innocent and pure. So much so that the mere sight of them... your Zirkala. That is her form? And yet, she performed such a backhanded trick. She played me for a fool! That mage, she must have been living, and yet I sensed no altercations on her, no illusions, no black magic, no nothing! Story Seeker, what unfathomably powerful lich have you been under! Zirkala!"

8/9 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)21:37 No. 580216 ID: d470e9
File 140349827411.png - (63.05KB , 800x800 , 7-47.png )

>"Yes?"


>"Er... Zirkala!" Kexluk continues.
>"You're a good guy. You were right about Rulgath. He stepped out of line awhile back, we just prefer paladins kick liches asses rather than other liches. You can have your sword back."
>"What?"
>"You can have your sword back. Well, in a bit, I want to study it. But I'll return it to you with Rulgath still inside, and you can seal him away if you want."
>"What game is this, Zirkala? Do you wish to humiliate me, more?"
>"No, but I do want to talk with you. If you hadn't noticed, I pulled my undead out of this cavern and back into my own. If you don't come back to chat, I'm going to enslave the whole cavern. For real, this time."

9/9 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)21:38 No. 580217 ID: d470e9
File 140349828497.png - (139.34KB , 800x800 , 7-48.png )

In a stuper, Kexluk comes with us. I admit, I'm rather jarred, mself! Zirkala sets us down by the fireplace. There's a long silence before Zirkala breaks it.

>"Welcome to my lair, Kexluk. Story Seeker, you did well, and did everything you were told to do. Kexluk, I told Story Seeker to act as your ally through everything, right up until you tossed your sword away. And Story Seeker, that was a test, although not one to pass or fail. Simply to see what kind of actions you would take under certain criteria. I'm not disappointed in either of you."

Seems like the time for a threesome is now. What better way to convince him that Zirkala should be trusted?

Sooo... Any lessons to be spoken or are we to just stew in what happened on our own?

Yay +1 not disappointed points acquired! Maybe someday you will manage to impress her.

As for Kexluk tell him that you hope he does not feel to bad about all of this. You did your best to help him and hope you can be friends. Now you just wait until there is a good spot in the conversation to bring up a three way and your day is set!

>>580217
Tell her you're very glad to not disappoint her, and you're also very glad that she wasn't going to enslave the settlement. You're also glad she didn't get seriously hurt, though you didn't think that was particularly likely either. Ask, however, how she managed to plant that... construct or whatever it was ahead of time.

>I'm not disappointed in either of you.
I'm somewhat disappointed in myself! If I'd been a little quicker thinking, I could have actually beat you at your game! If I'd jumped and caught the sword, or snatched it from your decoy, I could have fed it with bard magic. It's not much, but with the two of you silenced...

A pity he didn't realize he had another option to throw the sword too, or that I didn't know how the weapon worked till the last minute.

Although then I supposed Kexluk wouldn't have learned a lesson and I'd be left in the awkward position of trying to convince him to let you go.

...I think Kexluk needs a crash course in how to see women as who they are, and not idealized innocents. Sounds like a job for a certain bard. (And if this is a real serious case, we may need to break out the gender changing spells).

1/4 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)22:18 No. 580224 ID: d470e9
File 140350068321.png - (57.64KB , 800x800 , 7-49.png )

"Perhaps you could share any lessons to be taught, Zirkala, or should we simply stew in what just happened?"
>"A little reflection is always good. But, I think the main lesson for Kexluk is already taught. As for you... did you learn anything?
"Ah... not quite!"
>"I didn't think so. There wasn't much to learn, after all. It was an examination, not a lesson.
"But! I do have questions. For one thing, you healed your face quite fast."
>"Yes, I had a spare. Face."
"You know, I almost thought of grabbing the sword and defeating you myself, the moment I saw!"
>"Ah, yes, that voice in your head may have made you hesitate. It could have been anyone, you know. I would have been honestly surprised. Not mad, of course, as it was entirely justifiable."
"I'm not sure I could have convinced Kexluk to release you! I'm sure there are limits to even my own charm, if I may boast so openly."
>"Distrusting a voice in your head was an option I prepared for, don't worry about me."
"Well, okay then! And, Zirkala, you seem to speak favorably to Kexluk! Do I dare say that you may have taken a liking to him?"
>"Oh, absolutely. At first I thought he was only powerful because of his sword, but that was only so for liches. Against Ralex, he was able to win simply using it as a normal blade."
"I hope you don't feel too bad about this, Kexluk?"
>"It... I don't know if I have it in my to thank Zirkala for this, but it is a lesson I won't forget. Only my pride is hurt, now."
>"You aren't really a paladin. They train for years to hammer in their righteous dogma, and getting handed a sword isn't much of an approval. Think of yourself.... ah, yes, I'll call you Kexluk, the White Knight."
>"... I would rather be known as Kexluk."
>"So be it. I am going to make you an offer, Kexluk, but I want you well rested to consider it. So rest tonight."
>"That I will thank you for."
>"Story Seeker, did you have any more questions for me?"
"Yes, two! First, I only recall one bed for resting, and I too am tired! And I think you may be tired too, after all of this."
>"Story Seeker, are you asking us two if... ah, of course you are. If Kexluk isn't too beaten up about my form, then that is what we will do. Your second question?"
"Your doppelganger. I'm sure Kexluk would wonder, too! It evaded all detection."
>"Oh, yes. She is still around, but she will be leaving soon. Go around the corner, she'll explain how she pulled it off."

2/4 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)22:18 No. 580225 ID: d470e9
File 140350069313.png - (72.95KB , 800x800 , 7-50.png )

"Ah, excuse me, miss! Might I receive an explanation as to who you are, and how you look like Zirkala?"

3/4 Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)22:18 No. 580226 ID: d470e9
File 140350070745.png - (131.97KB , 800x800 , 7-51.png )

poof

4/4 Chapter 7 END Story Seeker 2014/06/22(Sun)22:18 No. 580227 ID: d470e9
File 140350072728.png - (93.73KB , 800x800 , 7-52.png )

>"Hey SS, Lich King here in case you forgot. I still got my eyes on you! Don't you ever forget that, little buddy."

pffffthahahahahahahaah

Huh. So the lich king doesn't have a gender? Or the lich king is so old that whatever species 'he' was predates male and female, or used some other model? Interesting.

That or he's just a strong enough a mage to block or mess with your scan.

>>580230
Or he's a skeleton and the spell doesn't care about what you identify as so much as what you're packing downstairs.

>This amazing adventure ends with a threesome between a lich, a powerful paladin's apprentice, and a bard

This is the stuff of LEGENDS Story Seeker.
LEGENDARY!
You will go down in history, as another name of course for believe-ability, but whatever name you have for yourself in your stories will go down in history. Years from now, when another bard is telling your story, he will have been talking about you. For generations to come. This is the story that will never die. Shit, even if another bard steals your story before you manage to tell it, who even cares? They're still talking about you.

>>580231
Or the lich king was once, in life, an artificially created genderless kobold of incredible magic power. That happens sometimes, apparently.